As Annual Salmon Barbeque organiser Joyce Babula noted July 11, the salmon at this  year’s annual community salmon feast was particularly good, thanks in part to Hub City Fisheries, Gordon McDonald, and the Boultons.

But the lineup of musicians who entertained the crowd added a spice of their own to the dinner, and came in a range of experience and ages.

Darlene and Bruce Yuile started off the evening with Darlene on guitar and vocals, and Bruce on ukulele. The Yuiles were followed by Aileen Adam, Steve Elder, and Ken Capon, who were themselves followed by Kevin Dent.

In introducing a set showcasing Morris Dancers, emcee Geoffrey Montgomery-Swan said such dancers are common in England and usually perform outside of a pub – which he said is “handy”. Dancer Jood Heather explained that the Morris Dance tradition comes out of rural England.

Seven year old Samantha Montgomery-Swan performed next, and with a great deal of panache, as did well-known Gabriolan Penny Sidor who was days away from celebrating her 60th birthday.

Ian Perry on vocals and guitar, and Sadie Gambrill on vocals came next. According to performance organiser Tsiporah Grignon both are 11 years of age, and the very skilled Perry “has been playing guitar only 2.5 years!!!”.

Gabriolans Bruce Mason (banjo) and Star Bredt (guitar) followed with a set that included a tribute piece for Gabriolan Kelly Berthelot, who died much too young after a riding accident.

Salmon master Graham Sheehan also paid tribute to Alan Brown who recently passed away, and who has been a regular at the salmon barbeque pit, and in Gabriolans’ hearts for many years. Sheehan noted that Brown’s son Simon was at the pit this year to make sure the tradition continues.

A tribute to Latin-music musician Jenna Flor was also made, as a song she recorded before her death was played.

Paul Gellman did a number of pieces on piano and then guitar, followed by Dreamyth (Jood and Richard Heather, Andrea Georgiev, and Jeremy McDonald).

St. Pollinger (Shawn Pollinger, Juan Cerano and Tand Tony Gradanti) finished off the evening with some original music.

Sound technicians Harvey and Jerome worked the mix and the volume dials.

As previously reported, the annual barbeque is organised by the Gabriola Island Community Hall Association board, with the help of many Gabriolans. For years the barbeque has provided a means of paying for the hall’s insurance and upkeep.

The hall may be booked through its new website at: www.gabriolacommunityhall.com.