Bill Monahan
There are no record stores in Meaford, but there are local artists who are creating recordings. As with local authors, some of them sell their works on the internet, others of course will sell them at gigs.
But there are two locations in town where, if you are looking for music by a local artist you like, they just might have it. Admittedly they are unlikely places to look for music.
Out on Highway 26 heading toward Owen Sound, you’ll pass the Garlic Hut outlet for the produce of Sunrise Organics. Owned by Joyce and Mark Grahlman, they sell their organically grown produce as it comes in from the fields, specializing in several varieties of garlic (including one called “music”) and onions so “sweet “you can eat them like an apple”. On the counter where you pay, you’ll see a collection of CDs. They are the product of local artists.
Mark explains that they support the arts in Meaford just as they support all individual endeavours that collectively make this town great. When it comes to music they make a point of buying it themselves before they sell it, rather than on consignment, as an extra measure of support for local talent.
Their support of local music is understandable given that, along with edible produce, they have provided the town with one of its most outstanding musicians, in the form of their son, Jayden Grahlman. Given their predilection for natural produce it’s probably safe to say that Jayden is not the result of genetic modification but you might wonder about that when you hear the quality of his talent.
Alongside recordings that Jayden has been involved with, including E.T. Rhino, The Downright and the soundtrack from The Portrait, they also sell the work of Drew McIvor and The McKenzie Blues Band.
The Garlic Hut is open Wednesdays through Sundays in the afternoons, lunchtime to suppertime. It’s the end of the season and they will only be open as long as the produce holds out, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for local music once they close up in the fall.
Luckily there is one other outlet where you can find local music for purchase, although it features just two artists at the moment. One is Meaford’s favourite troubadour, Allan Johnson, who can be seen at least once a year performing his anthem-like “Meet Me In Meaford” at the Scarecrow Family Festival. His recordings are displayed alongside those of internationally known soundtrack composer, Toronto-born Steven Vitale. Recordings by these artists can be found on the counter of The Source/Stuff To Read on Sykes in the downtown core.
Local musicians take note. As the local music scene builds and you are looking for a place to offer your recorded work to your fans, these are two local merchants who will help make that happen.
For more Meaford Music news, check out the new Meaford Live Music website: www.meafordlivemusic.com.
