On Sept. 6th, 2025 the Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate presented a special pre-2025-26 season concert with not 1, not 2 but 4 local bands! The enthusiastic audience included C-K Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councilors John Wright and Moréna McDonald.
Opening the show was the Kenny and Joel Acoustic Show, with Joel Morningstar and Kenny Phelps. This was a country music performance featuring originals and songs made famous by musicians such as Johnny Cash. With 2 guitars and a box drum, they sang several songs including their original “Drinking with the Boys” and an early Rod Stewart “I Wish I Knew Then All I Know Now”. They were very well received and after a short break to rearrange the instruments, Two From Tuesday took to the stage. Husband and wife Jordon and Angela Ginty, with Jordon on guitar, displayed their truly wonderful harmonic voices. They sang their own “This Town” as well as well-known melodies including “Killing Me Softly”, “Don’t Let Me Down” and Ringo Starr’s “With a Little Help From My Friends”. Once again, a very much appreciated performance.
A short intermission then brought Deep Southwest. Husband and wife Pat and Marg Whalen performed their own music wiith Pat playing guitar, they sang a variety of songs that they play on their own TV show based in Chatham! They were very interactive with the audience, energetic and have powerful voices. “Daughter” told what they would say to the daughter they won’t ever have. Other songs included “Hopscotch” and “We Don’t Write for Nashville” Another example of the wonderful talent in Chatham-Kent.
Last to display their skills were Jay Allen and Craig Pierce, with Jay on guitar and Craig on fiddle. Again, great voices and musical skills. Including songs written by Jay, such as “The Fall”, written around the kitchen table during COVID, “She’s My Angel”, as well as an revision of a classic that came out as “If You’re Going to Play in Highgate” they were a fine way to end the evening.
All in all, a fun night with lots of wonderful music.
Kenny and Joel Acoustic Show,
Kenny Phelps and Joel Morningstar
Two From Tuesday
Angela and Jordon Ginty
Deep Southwest
Marg and Pat Whalen
Jay Allen
Craig Pierce and Jay Allen