Recording: Anne Bourne

Artist: Anne Bourne

Song: Piano Improvisation for R.G.

Recorded at The Church of St. Andrew by-the-lake, Toronto Island ("Gathering of Rontumnal Happiness"), October 24, 2021.

Anne Bourne - Piano Improvisation for R.G.

On an unexpectedly bright and warm fall day, family and friends from many overlapping worlds gathered to celebrate the life of Ron Gaskin. Hot toddies and pumpkin pie in hand, it felt especially appropriate to gather at a place R.G. loved so well and worked to fill with music so frequently. Stories were told, poems were read, songs were sung. Word on the street is that there will be a larger celebration of the whole Rough Idea — Ron Gaskin's musical legacy — coming up in a season or two, so stay tuned.

This meditation closed out the performance part of the afternoon, a gentle energy bridge reminding all those present to keep sharing the love and affection that flowed to R.G., in his final days and in the years before that. Memories live on, and communities stay stong in celebrating their essential binding forces.

photo by Joe Sorbara.