The Mary Webb Centre for the Arts in Highgate on April 11, 2026 had a full house for a truly wonderful concert by the Great Lake Swimmers. They were on part of their Caught Light tour across Canada and stopped at the MWC to dazzle the audience with very amazing music. Tony Dekker on guitar and vocals, Ida Nilsen on keyboard and Marshall Bureau on drums and vibraphone showed us what skill they all have.
On their first song “Still” Tony sang and played guitar and harmonica with Ida providing backup vocals while Marshall played the vibraphone which is similar to a zylaphone. Marshall bought it in 1949 in the US and had to completely repair it to the sound it has now. Tony and Ida provided beautiful music. They continued to play songs from the new album and several of their previous albums. “One More Dance Around the Sun” is an outstanding song that featured all three singing with Ida on her key board which allows her to play bass, since the band does not have a bass player. “Caught Light” told the story about a small sky diving club from where Tony grew up. The final song of the first set was “Your Rocky Spine” that had the audience singing along which was lots of fun.
Tony started the second set himself singing two songs, one of them “Talking in Your Sleep” on his guitar and harmonica. “Endless Detours” had all three back onstage singing this great song. “Changing Colours” was from the 3rd album from 2007 followed by “Moving Pictures, Silent Films” from their first album had Marshall again wowing the audience with the vibraphone. The audience then joined in singing on the slow version, according to Tony, of “Pulling on a Line”. After an extended standing ovation, Tony and Ida came back on the stage to finish the show with an acapella.
Ida had just joined the band for this concert, but has played with them for many years. In two weeks the band is going to Europe for a tour with going to Western Canada and the US between now and then.
