Take Good Care

Thursday night, the Garrison turned into a romper room with head-liner Fred Penner, a well-known children's entertainer. But before the room full of 20-somethings got to experience Fred Penner's Place live, Inlet Sound played a few tunes.

Originally from Montreal and now settled in Toronto, this 5 member band played a mix of pop and folk. With plinking pianos, a small 8-string electric mandolin, and a violin, there was a rural feel to their music. Accompanied by the soaring vocals of violinist Steven Gore and the sweet harmonies of drummer Kate MacClean, Michael Wexler crafted songs with clever and evocative lyrics. They dedicated their closing song, a cover of Bittersweet Symphony, to Fred Penner.

After their set, something unusual took place at the Garrison. People were actually crowding up right against the stage. To cheers, Fred Penner came on with his back-up vocal, daughter Hailey, and his friend John on the trumpet. Although he joked "Pay attention!" (an homage to Scar from The Lion King) throughout the show to the noisy crowd, he had everyone in his palm: clapping, singing along, engaging in silly hand gestures.

With every song, he told a little anecdote about its inspiration: Proud came about from his daughter's first no-training-wheels ride; Celebrate Being was a tribute to his Down sister and other special needs people; and Filling The Void came from a Vancouver songwriter's workshop. Though he specialized in children's song such as Happy Feet, Take Good Care of Each Other, House is a House For Me, and Sandwiches, he also led the happy crowd with more "grown-up" songs such as This Little Light of Mine and his take on a Hank Williams-style hurtin' song. He embellished his big hit The Cat Came Back with segues to other songs (Hit The Road, "Cat") and a Careless Whisper sax solo.

Everyone was grinning ear-to-ear including Michael, Kate, and Inlet Sound bassist Curtis Murphy, as they accompanied Fred for about the last 3rd of his set. It was the most abashedly fun I've had in a while. Despite the late hour and drinking, no one treated the evening with ironic amusement or snark. As for Fred Penner himself, he was always upbeat and charming, although there was a gentle dig at Toronto's buffoon mayor Rob Ford. For his encore, he did have a serious moment. Referencing the current strife in Israel/Palestine, he ended the night singing with the crowd to Bob Dylan's Blowin In The Wind.