Being on the road is part of the life of an entertainer. I love to sleep in my own bed at night, so I try to keep most of the shows within a 3 hour radius of my home town, Ottawa. Sometimes, when I’m on tour, I go further afield.
This week has been March Break, when the kids are out of school for a week. Libraries and day camps love to have entertainment as part of their special week activities. My first show of the week was another repeat customer. The library in Rockland is usually about 40 minutes away, however, the early show meant that I had to contend with the morning rush-hour to get across the city. Allowing enough time to get to a show is really important. That means taking into account construction, accidents on the highway and winter weather conditions. It’s all part of the game.
On the Road in Northern Quebec
The furthest I ever drove to a show was 14 hours, one way. It was on an Indian reserve on the shores of James Bay, in northern Quebec. That was the furthest north I’d ever travelled, but I was disappointed when I looked at a map and realized that it was only about a third of the way north. Someday, I may visit the territories.
Accidents Do Happen
Leaving early for a show is always a good idea. Once on the way to Pembroke, my truck’s alternator decided it didn’t want to work anymore. I wondered if I’d be able to make it to the show on time as I gently glided onto the gravel. Fortunately, I had CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). When they asked where I’d like my pick-up truck to be town, I replied, I’d like to go to my show. The flatbed tow truck arrived and myself, my assistant and the tow truck driver piled into his cab and proceeded to Pembroke. He unloaded the truck at the door of the venue and we were able to start the show only 10 minutes late. The following day the truck was repaired and we were back home.
Snowstorms in Canada
After a Christmas show in Toronto, myself and my assistant were heading back home. As luck would have it, a large snowstorm blew in off Lake Ontario. What normally would take four and a half hours, eventually took about 7. My approach is not to rush and arrive safely.
The Sites You’ll See
One aspect of travelling to shows is the benefit of visiting communities that I would never usually see. It is also great to dine at some of the local restaurants. I’d make a point of not going to a franchise, in order to support the independent business owners. Whenever I’d perform in Perth, Ontario, I’d always go to the Sunshine Bakery. When they were open, they had the best soup and sandwiches. I’d also indulge in a pastry, for which they were famous.
Open Road
Next month, I’m on a tour of Newfoundland and Labrador. I’m performing at 6 theatres with another magician, who is a friend of mine. I’ve never been out east, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the sites while on tour. Once we fly out, most of the travelling will be in a rental and I’m sure the scenery and sites are going to be amazing. Being an entertainer, brings a lot of joy to others and it also brings a lot of joy to me. Being able to visit different parts of the world is an amazing benefit!