Daytripping Spring 2023

Lake Huron
MI
ONTARIO
NY
Our 2nd section ends travelling from the “Stone Town” ST. MARYS, to EXETER
Moving Forward Through Music
Story and Photo by Jim Ryan, Mitchell
www.jryantunes.com
No need to remind you how strange
the past three years have been; most
of us experienced some degree of
trepidation related to our health, social
and/or economic circumstances and
genuine concern for the well being of
those we care deeply about. In particular
we missed the routine, day to day contact
we enjoy with the world around us. I am
optimistic most of that is behind us.
Music has always provided the
inspiration and salvation for me. During
the pandemic I took on two significant
music recording projects, one celebrating
the original songs of an old friend of mine
who is no longer with us. I was able to
share those recordings with his brother
who had never heard any of his (rather
wonderful) songs. The other was more of
a family archive as I created a book and
CD of the songs I first learned on guitar
between 1965 and 1970; I am at the
young end of a large and musical family
and now find that the next generation
wants to learn the songs that were so
important to our family.
If you are anything like me, isolation
may have encouraged you to address
a number of tasks you never had been
able to find the time for. As a result, my
workbench is mostly cleared; fences
have been built, walls painted, closets
cleaned and much donated that will be
of greater use to others.
So, what’s my next project? I expect
there are a number of guitars (mandolins,
basses etc) tucked under beds, leaning in
closets or resting in the alternating heat
and cold of attics throughout our region.
Generally speaking, musical instruments
deteriorate when they are left unplayed
for years or decades. I am excited at the
prospect of bringing these instruments
back to life and making sure their voice
is heard again. Equally exciting is the
opportunity to hear the story of the
person to whom an instrument was
important, what music they preferred,
how they came to start and eventually
stop playing. The guitars I have where
I know the story of the original owner
have both moved me to write specific
songs and to perform the favourite songs
of that person on the instrument while
telling their story.
I’ve been asked by some of my aging
musical friends how they could best part
with instruments they no longer need.
I believe in the importance of getting
young people engaged in music as
early as possible and know as a retired
educator that supporting music programs
in any possible way is a good thing. I still
have the necessary contacts in a number
of schools in the region and know where
guitar courses are offered. Often there
will be students who show great promise
but will not have the resources to get
their own good instrument to learn on.
I can help with that.
Simply put, if you have an instrument
that is no longer being used and would
like to have me clean and repair it as
necessary and make sure it gets played,
I would welcome your call or email.
I am happy to drive to you anywhere
in Southwestern Ontario. I have been
asked, “Isn’t his going to cost you a lot of
money?” Certainly driving anywhere is
expensive these days and buying guitars
to donate isn’t very sustainable. I expect
people will be willing to donate a student
grade guitar and I am willing to offer a fair
price for more professional instruments.
I may invite some corporate assistance
for strings, etc. if I get lots of calls (like
25+); up to a dozen I can handle out of
my own pocket. If I have to enlist more
specialized repairs, I may have to barter
to address the cost. The goal would be
to get these guitars singing again, meet
great people and share interesting stories
and, at best, break even doing it.
You can call me: Jim Ryan, 519-348-
0303 or email jryantunes@gmail.com
In more than 50 years of guitar
playing I have learned to do a number
of repairs and also know those skilled
enough to take on the more challenging
and expensive tasks. I have even been
learning about fixing old amplifiers so
electric guitars and amps from the 50’s
and 60’s are also welcome. Thank you for
thinking about being part of this project;
my wife just noticed a facebook post
regarding a young person from Ukraine
who had to leave his guitar behind and is
now settled in our area. By the time you
read this, the project may already have
its first happy beneficiary.
Publisher’s note: I’d like to add that I
know Jim Ryan and you can trust that he
speaks from the heart.
A MODERN QUILT SHOP
• Quilting Supplies + Classes
• Kitchen Items
• Local Artisan Products
including Pottery
& Stained Glass
301 MAIN ST., EXETER
226-735-3676
info@thequiltkitchen.ca
www.thequiltkitchen.ca
JUNE 17-30
I'm sorry,
did I roll my eyes
out loud?
SW Ontario
T OUR
Find all the best
Antique Shops on page 72.
Spring 2023 Chuck Norris is the only weapon allowed through airport security.
Page 47