Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And Monique in her woollies, and George in his vest,
Had just settled down for a holiday rest.

When out of the blue there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair knowing what was the matter.
The new year upon us I flew like a flash,
To get prepared for Patchwork’s next music bash.

I’d sent out my emails and checked the list twice.
If we have 30 or 40 or more it’d be nice….
For the musicians depend on our interest to thrive,
And to pay for their gas on many a long drive.

Ria Mae was close by, Stephen Fearing was too;
But Alan Gerber and Irish had some driving to do.
And Cindy and Andrea – aka Scarlett Jane,
The miles they put on their van is insane!

We’ll hit 50 shows before spring crocuses appear,
Welcoming musicians from far and from near.
From California, Winnipeg, Toronto now,
To Halifax, and Stewiacke and even Port Howe.

The chairs all arranged, our goal of a stage met,
My blueberry white chocolate coffee cake set.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a series of cars, each with eight hungry ears.

With a stream of arrivals, so steady and slick,
I knew in a moment: a late gift from St Nick!
More rapid than eagles these listeners they came,
For good reason, for music, I’ll list them by name!

“Christina Martin! Dale Murray!” a new cd in hand!
“Then Carleton! With Breagh!” both from my birth land!
“To Irish and Steven!” Slowcoaster aside!
“Then Jenny! and Jeffery!” Oh what a ride!”

And Patchwork, you know, like a patchwork quilt,
Describes our famille and the home that we’ve built:
Five persons, four surnames, two languages spoke,
Ties to 4 different countries, a multi-coloured cloak.

And we all love live music and the chaos and din,
With a house full of music, friends, neighbours and kin.
With a toast to the evening having heard music so fine,
We happily tidy and drink leftover wine.

As music lovers know, house concerts are best,
For enjoying live music, we beat all the rest.
So join us at Patchwork for each show this year.
With a line up like ours it’s a gift for the ear.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, great music tonight!”