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Dave Babbitt

Dave Babbitt

Fort McMurray Today

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WALLACEBURG ARTS: Recognizing someone who ‘lives’ music

There are many fine musicians amongst us in our little hamlet of Wallaceburg but there are a few that, to me, are standouts.

17.12.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: You either love Christmas music, or you don’t

I’m not sure if I was simply oblivious to it in my younger years or not, but I’m now painfully aware of just how divided our world is.

05.12.2024 5

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Catching the Glenn Miller Orchestra

I consider myself the luckiest guy alive when I get together with my musical compatriots in the Brass Factory Big Band.    Last week, 15 of us...

19.11.2024 9

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: What ever happened to Oktoberfest?

Here we are in early November and I’m wondering, “What ever happened to Oktoberfest?”   When I was in university, Oktoberfest was hugely...

08.11.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Preparing for the Christmas music season

Anyone involved in the types of music that I am, is already heavily ensconced in the busiest time of the year, Christmas.   I often think of the...

22.10.2024 6

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: YouTuber calls out musicians who use pitch correction

The world of pop music disappoints me more and more each day.   As an admitted YouTube-a-holic, one of my favourite channels is titled Wings of...

11.10.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Rockin’ in the music room

As the students and teachers headed back to school last week, I was waxing nostalgic, just a little bit mind you.   As I begin my tenth year...

05.09.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Wallaceburg Concert Band’s October performance will be a gamble

To quote the late, great, Kenny Rogers, “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to...

22.08.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Admiring the vocal harmonies of Jersey Boys

A few weeks ago, I convinced Clare that we should travel to the Huron Country Playhouse to catch Drayton Entertainment’s presentation of Jersey...

08.08.2024 8

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Jeanne Gordon venue a gem that must be saved

This may very well be the easiest column I’ve ever composed because I’m angry and angry people rant.   In case you don’t know me, know my...

11.07.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

Wallaceburg Arts: The importance of physical media

Streaming services trade ownership for easier access to music and movies I’m a big consumer of YouTube videos. YouTube has replaced television for...

02.07.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Wallaceburg big band planning return

When a well-known musician is interviewed, an inevitable question that will arise will be, “Who are your influences?”   I’m not a famous...

13.06.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Not all innovations are progress

I like to think of myself as “progressive” and attempt not to live in the past.   The root word “progress” suggests “moving...

07.06.2024 6

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Concert band catches ear of former Tonight Show host

I’ve a few topics to touch on this week.   The arts column of last week was written by my column mate Dan White but attributed to me. Amongst...

23.05.2024 20

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: A few reasons to celebrate

Chatham-Kent Arts and Culture Network officials grateful for long-term funding This week, let’s talk celebration! At the municipal council...

09.05.2024 20

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: The giant talent living amongst us

Ever since the incredibly devastating downturn of the economy in the early 2000s and the subsequent loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs, I’ve...

02.05.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: A problem only a real theatre would solve

There are many topics for me to write about other than the Wallaceburg Concert Band, but having just completed a concert on April 13, I have...

18.04.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: What’s in a few letters?

If I were to tell you that Dave Babbitt, B.P.E., B.Ed., designed the Lord Selkirk Bridge, would you put your family in the car and drive across it?  ...

09.04.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Finding a way to bring back instrumental education

This week, I hope to provide some hope and make you smile.    This is not about the Wallaceburg Concert Band, but it starts there.   We...

22.03.2024 7

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: An awakening of the arts in the ‘Burg

The arts world is awakening here in the ‘Burg.   No words are necessary to describe how devastating COVID-19 was to every organization,...

08.02.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Does the Big Band sound still have an audience?

Are there any Big Band fans left out there?   I trust everyone noticed that I capitalized the words Big Band because it is a title, but it is...

25.01.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Plans forming to preserve local music history

We all know people that have a seemingly photographic memory, yet recalling an event or a person does not in itself, make a memory of historical...

11.01.2024 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Christmas music that moves you

“Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.”   There are many great quotes associated with music, but that is one of my...

20.12.2023 10

Sarnia Observer

Dave Babbitt

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