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Tough times don’t last, tough people do: Kissel

Joyce Walter writes about various topics
ReflectiveMoments_JoyceWalter
Reflective Moments by Joyce Walter

Thirteen years ago Brett Kissel went on stage at a Western Canada Fairs convention to showcase his talent before entertainment buyers from fairs and exhibitions throughout the Western provinces.

At the end of the performance, Kissel received a standing ovation and graciously signed autographs for dozens of new fans who stood in line to meet this young man who had come to the convention in the company of his parents from their ranch at Flat Lake, Alta.

Prior to the showcase the young country music singer was nervously walking back and forth in the hotel foyer, humming and politely ignoring anyone who tried to engage him in conversation. Later that evening he apologized for not visiting prior to his performance and asked if I thought he might get a few bookings for the next fair season. I assured him he would likely receive several contracts to sign before the weekend ended. He shook my hand and thanked me for the opportunity.

Those of us at that convention knew deep in our hearts that Brett Kissel would go far in the music business. He has not disappointed and his achievements since that showcase have gained him many headlines and awards.

Kissel most recently performed in Moose Jaw as part of the Brad Paisley concert at Mosaic Place, and prior to that at the Cultural Centre as a guest of Freddie and Sheila Pelletier.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled hundreds of concerts throughout North America, Kissel has been busy playing drive-in concerts first in Edmonton and then Regina and on June 27 will move his show to Saskatoon. He is performing to raise money to support food banks that are currently seeing higher demand for provision of food.

Congratulations to Brett Kissel for his humanitarian efforts and for recognizing that as he says in his song: “tough times don’t last, tough people do.”

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On another musical note, anyone who attended dances at Temple Gardens would have likely heard and enjoyed the music of Barry Allen (Rasmussen) who graced that stage many times over the years. He passed away in April at the age of 74 in Edmonton. He was best known for the song, Love Drops ,released in 1966. 

At a book launch for R. Harlan Smith in 2018, Barry recalled the days when he and his bands played Temple Gardens and expressed his regret that the dance hall had been torn down. He remembered the late Trudi Temple who he said ran a tight ship. Condolences to his family.

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And some good news from the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club — there will be fireworks in Moose Jaw for Canada Day. That is something to celebrate indeed. Thanks Kinsmen Club members for planning to start July with a bang.
 
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.  

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