Marvelous Maritime Musicians

Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher are one of Canada’s National Music Treasures were the words Chair of Sunshine Club Entertainment Committee and Emcee, Don Harfield used to describe these world-renowned Prince Edward Island musicians at their February 24’s concert at the Senior Citizen Sunshine Club of Vegreville Centre.

Passion for what musicians do never passes by unnoticed as the instant a person heard Richard’s performance they knew he had fun playing the fiddle and Gordon was a great-hearted performer who accompanied him on guitar. As well, Gordon was also the featured vocalist and Richard sang along to a few tunes too.

The audience was treated to music from the East Coast, originals, and traditional where each one carried a different flavor.

Richard and Gordon dived in with an energetic performance of Jigs in E Minor which was as sensational as the powerful waves of the ocean.

World Renowned PEI Musicians, Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher perform.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

They went on to perform Red Hair Girl which was a softer tune Gordon sang about Anne of Green Gables and the scenery of meadow fields where dreams were calling.

A few tunes after this, they performed, Sonny’s Dream which is a great Canadian classic that these musicians said the audience must sing along to.

The afternoon took a serious spin when they dedicated Care Bear Forever to a female soldier who passed away and always put people before competition, even when she was competing in the Olympics.

Several tunes later, the audience discovered that a long love story lurked in Richard’s past as his fiancée; Faye Williams said Richard and she broke up 20 years ago because she felt committed to her work and couldn’t travel on Richard’s tour, now, she is self-employed and they got back together in September 2017. Richard said Faye is his soul mate. Faye mentioned Richard is her best friend, and she just loves him unconditionally. They can now travel together on the music tours and wherever Richard is, feels like home to Faye. They are also proud of their son, Michael.

So, Richard performed and dedicated the song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ which he enticed the audience to sing along to.

(Left-to-right) President of Sunshine Club-Dwayne Hlady, PEI Musicians-Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood along with Emcee and Chair of Sunshine Club Entertainment Committee, Don Harfield.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Throughout the afternoon, Richard and Gordon encouraged the audience to participate in their musical pieces. They performed many more songs where each one was met by an appreciative audience and the finale was followed by a standing ovation.

The audience offered their impressions. Anna Tomyn said Richard and Gordon are world renowned musicians for a good reason because they are the best!

PEI Musician, Richard Wood with his fiancée; Faye Williams.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

Joanne Huculak thought they were so awesome. Her goal in life is to play the fiddle as well as they do but she can’t seem to find anyone to teach her how to do this yet.

Everything was taken care of at this concert, as food and refreshments were available at a modest cost from the Sunshine Club Kitchen Café.