There is nothing that conjures up the idea of peace like breathing in fresh air, listening to great music, eating delicious food and sharing that experience with 100 plus strangers.  For the past nine years Michael Pickett and his wife Louise have hosted an annual Concert for Peach at their home in Crystal Beach and yes they have had a hundred plus people invade their back yard to raise money earmarked for the environment. 

The Pickett’s annual Concert for Peace is held every September, usually Labour Day Weekend and the proceeds from all the ticket sales go to the environmental group EcoJustice.  Eco Justice is a not-for-profit environmental law organization.  Formerly the Sierra Legal Defence Fund, the group funds and enables people to expose lawbreakers and governments to keep clean water, preserve natural spaces and prevent global warming.

If you’ve never heard Michael Pickett, you need to.  Michael is a singer/songwriter/harmonica/electric and acoustic guitar player that toured regularly throughout Canada and the US from the 70’s to the 90’s.  Michael’s accomplishments are many including a two time Juno Nominee, Canadian Indie Music Associations Blues Album of the Year, and several Maple Blues Awards during the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

When the Pickett’s moved to Crystal Beach from the GTA back in the mid 2000’s an intended Housewarming Party morphed into a concert/gathering and therefore the Concert for Peace was born.

This year’s event held September 3^rd had a few hurdles to jump including rain and some unexpected dips in temperature, however, the heavens smiled down on a worthy cause and the sun peaked out just prior to the start of the show. 

This year’s musical menu featured performer’s  - Michael Pickett, Steve Payne, a blues/folk storyteller and multi-instrumentalist from the UK, Kalimbas at Work, a world music ensemble, and The Mike Branton Band.

I managed to be present for three of the four acts and can honestly say it’s some of the best entertainment I’ve ever had the pleasure to see in someone’s backyard - ever.  Dinner consists of a couple of main courses – pasta and curry, vegan and non-vegan and attendee’s bring the salads and desserts.  Being a bit of a potluck the dessert table was quite spectacular this year.  The running time for the show is 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (a long day) with the four acts peppered throughout.

The show opened with a solid set from Michael, who apparently didn’t think he put in his best performance, but for the newbie it was stellar.  Michael’s passion is easy to see and his virtuosity on the harmonica is quite mesmerizing. Following Michael, Steven Payne and his special guest took to the stage. Steve is a story teller with a roots-blues edge and entertained the group throughout the afternoon.  Much later in the evening as the mosquitoes were honing in on their own buffet, Kalimbas at Work delivered a more upbeat performance with lively African rhythms that made everyone just want to get up and dance.  Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the Mike Branton band due to a previous commitment and the show was running a bit late, which can sometimes happen and fortunately no one seemed to mind. Branton is a Blues artist based out of Oakville and can be caught performing in the peninsula on occasion.

I would be remiss if I didn’t give a special shout out to Louise Pickett, the “hostess with the mostest” who greets everyone at the show with a smile and a hug extending the feeling of good will.  Louise is in the background for most of the show, organizing the buffet and getting everyone settled.  Her hard work does not go unnoticed as she is greeted warmly by everyone.

The Concert for Peace is celebrating their 10^th anniversary next Labour Day weekend and Louise promises it will be the best one yet.  Mark that on your calendar, I am!!

Make sure to pack your Concert for Peace survival kit  – lawn chair, blanket, beer, wine or coolers and bug spray, The Pickett’s have the rest covered.

By Jenifer Cass