FALL RIVER: The look on Dave Gunning’s face as he walked out in front of the crowd at St. John’s United Church in Fall River recently said it all.
It showed how happy he was that some form of normalcy was returning, and he was about to perform before a live audience. Those in the crowd in Fall River required Proof of Vaccination and ID’s to get in.
The concert at the United Church came about through Jim Gunn, an old friend of his who happens to be a choir member at SJUC. It was a near sell-out for the show, with approximately 150 people in attendance.
“He was the principal of my high school when I was in junior high,” said Gunning after the more than two-hour show. “He reached out to me and booked the show.”
Normally, St John’s United Fall River relies heavily on revenue from fundraising events such as the Strawberry Supper and Turkey à la King Bazaar.
COVID has disrupted those events but the church and programs are still running and so they needed to find alternate ways to pay the bills.
Gunning performed well-known songs and those that weren’t quite well-known, as well as interacting with the crowd telling stories and jokes, especially making a point to make fun of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He spoke about what the past two years of not being able to perform before full audiences due to COVID-19.
“It all feels special now,” he said. “I’m not taking it for granted, that’s for sure and thrilled to be here tonight. What a great spot to play.”
Gunning talked about why he had to mix up his show—he has so many songs about dead guys.
“I need to make people laugh,” he said. “Some artists enjoy telling the stories and laughter is I think a big part of my shows. I love seeing the audiences laugh and have fun and it makes me feel good/
“It makes me less nervous myself if the audience is laughing.”
Well, if that is the case, he had no reason for nerves in Fall River because his show had the crowd laughing and chuckling many times.
Now the church turns its focus to ticket sales for a concert featuring Doris Mason. She will be performing as a trio with Clare Mason-Grieves and James Logan on December 5 beginning at 3pm. Tickets now available on Eventbrite.
Talented Fall River guitarist Vladimir Sitnikov and special guests will also be taking the SJUC stage early 2022 – date to be confirmed.
