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When I was a boy I really liked a girl named Jennifer. I pined for her in that curious way that 10 year olds do. I strolled the streets of our prairie town of Swift Current in the hopes that wandering by her house would produce a chance encounter. Sometimes I would see her jumping on a pogo stick. I never knew anyone who had a pogo stick. My friends and I built a rudimentary tree house in a field near her house (I stepped on a nail in an old board once and had to get a tetanus shot) and she’d stop by every once in a while. I’m pretty sure that we and our friends were too young to “date” or anything like that. I just thought she was beautiful.
Or at least, that’s how I remember it. I have a notoriously terrible memory for all things and if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that wistful longing and imagined romance are rarely crystal clear.
More recently I fell instantly in love with a beguiling redhead. Early winter of 2010 was a tumultuous time for a newly-single and thoroughly broke young me but meeting this young lady was a life-changing revelation. A few hours of engrossing conversation left me determined to see her again; she was romantically tied to someone a province away at the time but I couldn’t have cared less. What was, unbeknownst to me, a mutual attraction eventually became irresistible to both of us; now we’re married and have a goddamn kid. Who would’ve seen that coming?
There are all kinds of unrequited love that can lead people all kinds of places. Lovelorn Reginans will have a chance this Friday to check out a proper noun version at The Artesian: The Unrequited Love, a brand-new big band put together by local chanteuse extraordinaire and SSA favourite Belle Plaine. The group is a who’s-who of her favourite pals and players, building on her stellar regular backing band by adding members of The Lazy MKs, the Pile O’Bones Brass Band, and The Lonesome Weekends.
The all-star roster was assembled for a Saturday night show in Swift Current but Hankewich was compelled to throw together a special Friday show in Regina as well.
“I am quite cynical about Valentine’s Day,” Plaine, the stage moniker of Melanie Hankewich is quoted in in a terrific cover story in the latest issue of prairie dog magazine. “I want to provide a place where the dejected, the sad and the lonely can go to have fun.
“We all feel heartache and it’s such a rough holiday to go through because it’s such a farce. And if you don’t fit the mold of what the day is, then you’re left out. So I wanted to have something where you can come, have fun and shake your fists at Valentine’s Day,” she continued, adding, “I resent any holiday that tells me to feel a certain way.”
Hence the name of the band, I suppose.
Regardless of your marital status Hankewich and her band are a dynamic and delightful group of performers. Her predilection for telling stories during her sets showcases a great sense of humour and self-deprecation and I can only imagine this particular event will provide bountiful opportunities for chuckle-inducing tales. Oh, and then there’s the part where Hankewich is an incredibly-talented singer and songwriter and one of Regina’s strongest musical products at present. Add to that the fact that she’s recording the show for a live album and you’ve got a chance to literally be a part of recorded history and it all adds up to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
In short, check out this show! You may not find your future partner there but you might find your next musical love.
The doors of The Artesian (and, more importantly for those looking to drown their single sorrows or take the edge off before scanning the crowd for fellow singles, the lounge) opens at 7 pm with the show set to start at 8. Check out The Artesian’s web site for more info and tickets.
