Jammin' in the Cabin

Valdy & Graham Came to Pinecroft...What a Day !!!!

2011-07-05T16:32:00.004-04:00

Saturday July 2, 2011 is a day to remember for Pinecroft. Valdy & Graham Wardrop entertained a capacity crowd with world class musical performances. Valdy has visited Pinecroft, jammed in the cabin and stayed several times at the Bed and Breakfast , but this was the first time he performed in a concert format. The crowd was not disappointed!

The day began with a lively set by the Jammin'in the Cabin Gang who performed several new songs to an enthusiastic response. The spectator crowds spilled over from in front of the stage onto the driveway and parking areas. Although the day was warm there was a steady breeze and shade from tents and trees. Fresh strawberries and cream were a big draw at the BBQ to go along with Mark's expertly cooked burgers and hotdogs.

After a brief intermission Valdy took to the stage and along with his good friend Graham Wardrop who hails from New Zealand, they spent nearly two hours telling stories in song and dazzling with vocals and instrumentals.

The day could not have been better .....and Valdy has agreed to make a Pinecroft stop an Annual Event...

It was a pleasure and an honour for all of us to meet and get to know Graham and to experience his amazing guitar playing....it would be perfect if he too could return to Pinecroft on one of his sojurns from New Zealand.....All in All a marvelous day!!

Saturday June 18, 2011

2011-06-16T22:12:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder that this Saturday is Our First Fund Raiser for the Season and is for Serenity House Hospice in St.Thomas

It looks like a fun day for all...come out and enjoy a great afternoon with the lively tunes from the Jammin' in the Cabin

See you there !!

Valdy & Graham Wardrop

2011-05-06T13:45:00.004-04:00

Renowned folk singer Valdy will be giving a concert at Pinecroft on Saturday, July 2, 2011. He is touring with New Zealand guitarist and guitar-maker Graham Wardrop. The Jammin' in the Cabin gang will also be playing at the show.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate; call 519-773-3435 for advance tickets. Show is outside rain or shine. Please bring a lawnchair.

Update and performance My Bar and Grill Feb. 20, 2011, Tillsonburg

2011-02-17T17:54:00.003-05:00

February will see The Jammin' Gang performing at My Bar & Grill in Tillsonburg, a matinee on Feb. 20, 2011 from 1 p.m. until 4ish--hope to see you there!

In January, the Jammers were very well received at the London Food and Wine Show, performing live in the 'Elgin' area of the exhibition. They were surrounded by booths showing off our wonderful homegrown Elgin foods, wine and other local businesses of note. (Some vendors from the East Coast commented that they felt 'right at home'.) We truly do live in a special county.

The Jammin' New Year actually began at the Old Town Hall...they were joined by a couple of surprise jammers too:

Cheers!

Benefit for Blue House Effect

2010-11-07T21:15:00.002-05:00

Last night, Riverbend Golf Course, Jammers singing their hearts out for Blue House Effect. (Not visible in this view, Shelley on keyboard, Brian on drums.)

Blue House Effect is a London charity; every penny raised goes towards a village in the Dominican, where even the basics of food, shelter, and education were lacking. http://www.bhecanada.ca/

the International Plowing Match, Sept/10

2010-11-07T20:59:00.003-05:00

The Jammers played several shows at the International Plowing Match, held just outside St. Thomas, ON, this year. What a week!

Here's a short video snip, this one from the Mutual Stage. (Many thanks go to Connie for being the videographer)

The Wedding

2010-08-10T08:59:00.002-04:00

Well, sorry there was no Jam Saturday the 8th, but wow there was a wedding! Our Daughter Sarah and Aaron Thomas were married on the Jammin Stage and then there was a phenomenal reception on our yard in a beautifully decorated tent....Here is the wedding party on the Dam by the pond.....

Dixie Flyers Saturday August 14th

2010-08-10T08:43:00.002-04:00

This Saturday is the last in our summer series ...The Dixie Flyers will be performing on the Jammin Stage. The Jammin Cabin Gang will perform at 1 followed by the Flyers..
Tickets are just $20.00 plus HST available at Pinecroft or at the door. Event is held at 8048 Rogers Rd S..parking available...refreshments on site.
Please Remember No smoking, No pets, No Alcohol, No Coolers...Event is outside and will go Rain or Shine ...bring a lawnchair

Hope to see you Saturday

Just a Reminder!!

2010-07-26T20:18:00.002-04:00

Remember Pinecroft will be closed Saturday August 7th for our daughter's wedding and there will be no jam session that day. The Jammin will resume Sunday August 8th at 1 pm.... hope to see you then

Final Concert in Summer Series

2010-07-26T20:10:00.004-04:00

The Dixie Flyers come to Pinecroft Saturday August 14th...since 1974 they have been entertaining audiences with their unique Canadian Bluegrass. Don't miss the opportunity to see them on the Jammin' stage. Tickets are just $20.00 plus HST in advance at Pinecroft or at the door.

Terry Sumsion Sunday July 25th 2010

2010-07-26T19:30:00.005-04:00

The weather cleared and oh what a beautiful day!! The sky was blue, there was a slight breeze and the sun shone down on us. The Terry Sumsion Trio came to Pinecroft and the crowd loved it! Terry played to an appreciative audience of old friends, diehard fans and newfound friends. His performance included a collection of old and new tunes and his performance was polished and professional. He impressed everyone with his honesty and sincerity and mixed the afternoon with solemn songs and upbeat shenanigans.
The Jammin in the Cabin gang began the afternoon with their repertoire of Bluegrass ,folk and country and gained some new fans with their enthusiasm and talent. The audience was appreciative and enthusiastic, but they had come to see Terry and they left no doubt in our minds that we will have to have him return in 2011.

It really was a great afternoon and after over four hours of music on the Jammin stage, the day came to a close. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped to make Sunday our most successful concert to date!

Photo courtesy of Don Durkee

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR AUGUST 7TH

2010-07-20T08:45:00.002-04:00

August 7th will be a very special day at Pinecroft . Our daughter Sarah is getting married and we will be welcoming Aaron Thomas into our family.

PINECROFT WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE DAY AS THE WEDDING IS ON SITE AND A PRIVATE AFFAIR.

THE JAMMING SESSION FOR THE 7TH WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED, BUT WILL RESUME SUNDAY AUGUST 8TH .

Thank You !!

Terry Sumsion Comes to Pinecroft

2010-07-20T08:36:00.002-04:00

This Sunday July 25th, The Terry Sumsion Trio will be performing at Pinecroft. This will be the second in our summer series of music. Terry's appearance will be followed up with The Dixie Flyers Saturday August 14th.

Sunday, the Jammin in the Cabin Gang will perform at 1 pm. Terry will follow with 2 sets and the afternoon should wind down about 5 pm.

Refreshments will be available both in the tearoom at Pinecroft and at the stage location. We will be barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers and have water, cold drinks and coffee available.

Please remember No Smoking , No pets, No coolers , No Alcohol.

Event is Outside and will go Rain or Shine.....please bring a lawn chair.

Parking is available at both 8122 and 8048 Rogers Rd S.

We are looking forward to a great day with outstanding entertainment...Please Join us !!

Voting for 'Jammin' For Elgin'

2010-06-16T08:35:00.003-04:00

The 'Jammin' in the Cabin Gang' has made a submission to the county's 'Elgin's Got Talent' online exhibition.

The submitted video can be seen here.

However, if you wish to vote, it's best to click here and scroll down to 'Jammin' for Elgin' (make a checkmark there, then scroll to the end and click 'done'). And thank you! You may vote as often as you like!

Jammin' For Sudan Monday May 24,2010

2010-05-28T19:37:00.000-04:00

It was a perfect day! The sun finally shone down on us and the stage was literally set for a great afternoon. We were not deterred by the cancellation of the fundraiser on Saturday and the faithful supporters came out Monday to support a worthy cause. Jammin' for Sudan raised just over $500 for the Art & Music Program for the Children in Aweill Southern Sudan ; a project administered by CASS with the support and expertise of Denise Pelley and Lucy Ogletree.

The Jammin' in the Cabin Gang and friends performed a lively set of their country/folk/bluegrass tunes and then the crowd was entertained by the sweet melodies of Don Durkee on Saxophone and Tom Starks on the electric organ. All was just a prelude to the stunning vocals of Jazz performer Denise Pelley who wowed the audience with her amazing voice! Denise was accompanied on stage by Tom Starks and Don Durkee who joined them for a special rendition of Route 66.

The afternoon included complimentary fruit,cheese,crackers and beverages and a fabulous amount of donations to a fundraising raffle. Congratulations to all who went home with a beautiful gift!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the day a success and for anyone who missed Denise you can see her again at Pinecroft Saturday June 26th 1-5 pm. Tickets are available by calling 519-773-3435 and are $20.00

Remember Next Fundraising Event:Ho-Down for Hospice Saturday June 19th

It's Official ...Rain Date Monday May 24th

2010-05-22T10:09:00.002-04:00

The Weatherman has not co-operated. The Jammin for Sudan Denise Pelley Fundraiser will go Monday May 24th at 2 pm....please remember tickets are $10.00....bring a lawnchair..no pets, coolers or alcohol!

Next Event!! Ho-Down for Hospice!! Pinecroft and The Jammin Cabin are pleased to assist in a Fund-Raiser for Serenity House Hospice in St.Thomas.... please see poster for all information ..hope to see you then!!

Rain date!!

2010-05-21T21:30:00.002-04:00

Saturday May 22 is to be our first fundraiser of the season for the Children of South Sudan as reported in an earlier blog.... the weatherman does not apear to want to co-operate. In case of rain we will be postponing until Monday May 24th ....please call Pinecroft at 519-773-3435 to confirm
event for Monday if Saturday is inclement. Sorry for the confusion but alas the weather is truly out of our hands! Same place, same time...... Thanks!

Sarah and Aaron are Getting Married!

2010-05-18T08:35:00.002-04:00

Sarah and Aaron are getting married this August and are hosting a Stag and Doe at which the Jammin in the Cabin Gang will be performing.
We invite all Jammin fans to come out Saturday evening June 5th to the Aylmer Curling Club. Live Music will be from 8 pm - 10pm featuring the Jammin inthe Cabin Gang and friends. In addition there will be games , food , drinks , dancing and door prizes...cost is $8.00 in advance ( tickets available at Pinecroft) $10.00 at the door.
Hope to see you there!

Summer"s Back!!

2010-05-17T22:31:00.003-04:00

Sunday May 16th saw the Jammers out on the Stage! The day was bright, breezy and warm and the spectators enthusiastic. It was a perfect day to return to the stage!

As the music drifted over the pond so did the geese, mallards, blue heron and a circling hawk...it was as if all were giving their approval.

It was great to sit in a lawn chair and soak up the sun to the catchy tunes of the Jammers once again. Here's hoping that the summer will be a tad drier than last year!

The first Fundraiser of the season is upon us this Saturday with Jammin for Sudan from 2-4pm May 22nd with Jazz Performer Denise Pelley accompanied by Tom Starks and Don Durkee. The Cabin Jammers will also perform. Tickets are $10.00...please remember to bring a lawn chair...no coolers, alcohol or pets...Thank you.... All proceeds go to support the Art and Music Program for the Children in Aweill South Sudan

Lakeside Dance May 14, 2010

2010-05-17T21:49:00.004-04:00

On Friday May 14th The Jammin in the Cabin Gang played at Danceland at the Lakeside Resort north of Thamesford Ontario. The evening was a great success. New songs were introduced and it was obvious that the practice sessions had paid off! The Jammers played three full sets and were relieved by Cabin Jammers Brian Abbey, Jim White and Jim's wife Denise.
People were dancing, clapping and singing along....the enthusiasm of the performers caught on and everyone had a grand time....hopefully they can repeat next year and Larry Edwards will invite them again to entertain at their fundraiser.

Upcoming Events updated

2010-04-01T21:20:00.004-04:00

Jammin' for Spring was another sellout crowd and a super night of great food and good company.

The 'Gang' is looking forward to getting outside again this Easter weekend, sounds like wonderful weather!

The upcoming events sidebar is updated--there's quite a few there!

Jammin' for Spring

2010-02-28T08:22:00.002-05:00

'Jammin' for Spring'
hosted by the Jammin' in the Cabin Gang, at Pinecroft

Saturday, March 27/10

Dinner starts approx. 6:30 p.m., live music to follow

Tickets $30 (must be purchased in advance)
cash bar

contact: Paul Smith 519-773-5535
Mark Minor 519-773-3358

Valentine's Day Jammin' Celebration

2010-02-15T16:23:00.003-05:00

Spontaneous start to the Valentine's Day Jammin' dinner from Tom & Mark. A tune we want to hear a lot of over the next couple of weeks...everyone helped out with this one!

2010-02-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

The Jammin' in the Cabin Gang are hosting a Valentine's Celebration at Pinecroft

An Evening of Music with the Gang

Menu:
Butterfly pork chop, potatoes, vegetable, roll, dessert, coffee or tea
Cash bar

at 6:30, Saturday, Feb. 13/10
Pinecroft, 8122 Rogers Road South, just outside of Aylmer

Tickets $30 (must be purchased in advance)
Available from Paul, 519-773-5535 or Mark, 519-773-3358

Revisiting Summer

2009-10-23T10:49:00.002-04:00

Reviewing videos from the summer--these two are from a wonderful day in September (a soundcheck for a gig the next day). Great memories of good times in good company, music and sunshine days.

The weather will likely prevent any more stage jamms, but the Jammin' Cabin is nice and cosy and full of music on Saturdays and Sundays; it will help us get our music 'fix' through the winter months. Enjoy!

'Lifeline' is an original tune written by Mike Brunelle (lead singer, following clip).
(His CDs (original tunes) are available at the Green Frog tearoom/gift shop at Pinecroft.)

(There's also been a small painting done of some of the Jammin' crew, onstage in September (see it at 'a visit to my studio' blog --scroll down).

Sunday October 4th , 2009

2009-10-05T19:26:00.000-04:00

The Jammin for Sudan Encore Presentation with Denise Pelley was held Sunday and despite the ominous rain forecast , the weather held and a diehard group of music enthusiasts came out for a great day of Jammin! The event kicked off with a performance by Michael Brunelle of original tunes and then Denise backed up by Jammin Cabin musicians Doug Summers, Phil Brunelle and Adam Austin wowed the spectators with her incredible voice. Kerri Manning had a tough act to follow and she too impressed the crowd with Denise commenting how much she enjoyed her smokey voice. Then it was Doug Summers and Jayson Youcke who performed a number of original tunes and although Paul and Brenda encouraged someone to join them ...they were the only ones dancing to Foundation of Love with a perfect fall backdrop of beautiful colours and a placid pond! The Jammin Cabin gang completed the day, but not before Denise once again sang Amazing Grace acapello to finish off another great day. The silent auction and receipts raised over $700 for the Sudan project...well done!

With fall fast approching this may have been the last day on the stage....it will be a sad time for all when we are done outside for the season.....Remember the Jammin will continue every week in the cabin and everyone is welcome.

Sunday September 20, 2009

2009-09-21T20:36:00.001-04:00

Sunday was a bright , clear beautiful September day. The Jammin Cabin gang gathered to jamm on the stage and were greeted by a parade of antique cars from a car club in Windsor. The sunlight danced on the polished metal as they reflected the love and attention that their owners bestow on them ...what an awesome sight!
Many visitors took advantage of the great weather to pull up a chair and enjoy the music.

Fundraiser Saturday Evening September 12, 2009

2009-09-15T21:46:00.000-04:00

Fundraiser Saturday Evening September 12th ,2009

Saturday Evening was an enchanting night under a perfect September sky. Musicians, friends, neighbours and new acquaintances gathered for a barbecue and concert to raise money for equipment for the Jammin Cabin Gang. The food was delicious, the music great and the company spectacular.

The Jammin Cabin Gang were joined by Lindsay French on bass guitar and Jim White who also supplied the sound equipment. The evening was complete with a performance by Pam Brooks , now a regular on the cabin stage. Everyone worked together to make the evening a success.

Count me in on the next event was heard many times throughout the evening.....music to the ears of the Jammers!!

Michael Brunelle added a special moment to the celebrations when he performed a song that he had written and composed about Pinecroft for Paul and Brenda and presented them with a photo collage of Paul's guitar and the stage as well as a parchment copy of the lyrics. A thoughtful meaningful gesture that will be treasured for years to come. The evening closed out as some of the crowd rose to their feet and danced under the stars to Mike singing Dance, Dance, Dance.

It was a truly magical evening...one of many in the years to come as we celebrate the joy of music, friends and life together .

The Jammin beat goes on and is only getting better

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success!!

Denise Pelley Encore Performance, Jammin' for Sudan

2009-09-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

Jammin' in the Cabin -- fundraiser for sound equipment

2009-09-07T16:26:00.000-04:00

................................................................
Live Music ~ Rib Barbeque ~
Prize Table ~ Cash bar

Saturday, September 12th, 2:00 til 9:00 p.m.

Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Event is outside; please dress accordingly and bring a lawn chair.

Tickets $20.00 each. Buy tickets from any Jammin' Crew member, or at Pinecroft.
Call to reserve tickets, or for further information--Paul/Brenda Smith at 519-773-5535.

Must confirm or contact by Friday, September 11th.
Quantity of tickets is limited and they are selling quickly.

Music in the afternoon, 2:00 til 4:00 p.m.; donations gratefully accepted.
Music after 4:00 p.m. is a private function, by ticket only.

8048 Rogers Road South, Aylmer, ON. One mile west of Aylmer, 1.5 miles south of Hwy 3.

Jammin' in the Cabin begins

2009-09-07T15:43:00.000-04:00

jam
a musical session where musicians gather and play without extensive preparation or predefined arrangements; improvisation

Just through the pines from the Green Frog tearooom, near the potting studio, is the 'Jammin' Cabin'.

Musicians from the area congregate here most Saturdays and Sundays, to 'jam'. Memorable music has been made, usually of the bluegrass/folk genre but one might hear anything. One also never knows who might turn up at the Cabin. Valdy has jammed here, and makes a point of staying at Selma's B & B across the pond.

On nice days the Jammin' 'crew' wanted to get outside, so in spring they got together and built an outdoor stage by the pond.

It was found that visitors to the tearoom often wandered down the pond to listen, so chairs were set out for them to use.

This has evolved into a wonderful and relaxed spot for events to be held, which often wind up at sunset with jamming continuing around the campfire.

One such event was Pinecroft's 61st anniversary.

August saw renowned jazz singer Denise Pelley in a spectacular performance, a fundraiser for the Sudan, backed up by musicians associated with the Cabin. (This was so well received that there will be an 'encore' event with her in October. See 'events'.)

History of Pinecroft

2009-09-07T14:30:00.000-04:00

Pinecroft is an Aylmer landmark, a third generation working pottery studio, but much more. Envisioned in the 1920's, a 64 acre pine forest was planted, and a 2 acre pond was dredged with horses, to provide a tranquil place 'where creativity flowed and the arts would flourish to nourish the spirit'.

Since then, the thriving pottery business has added the Green Frog tearoom (known for its fresh baked bread and homemade country soups and lunches); a gift shop with pottery and other unique items; and other cabins including a B & B (Selma's Cabin) and a massage therapy/reflexology cabin.

(photos by G. Westman)

Judy Minor (visual artist from Aylmer):

"The atmosphere at Pinecroft puts me at great ease as soon as I arrive--I think it starts with the sound of the breeze sighing in the pines, the sun sparkling on the pond, the homey cabins. and then the pine scent mingling with the aroma of the just-baked bread from the kitchen. The food is local, fresh, and well-prepared. (Try the asparagus pie, the crepes, or the chicken and dumplings!) It's the sort of spot to enjoy lingering and soaking up the tranquility."

("Not sure if you believe that there is such a thing as 'creative spirit'; I certainly feel the presence of it at Pinecroft. Perhaps it's a kinship with generations past, in this place, who knew the simple dignity of working with the hands and the great joy of producing something which delights the senses." JM)