A Visit (to Patchwork) from St. Nicholas (2013)

 ‘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.                                                           Our next show upon us I flew like a flash,                                                                                     To get ready for Patchwork’s next music bash.

I’d sent out my emails, posters and tweets.                                                                                   If we have 30 or 40 or more it’d be sweet….                                                                             For musicians need audiences to do their thing,                                                                             To come to our living room to play and to sing.

New artists this year?  Why there were a few!                                                                       With all the requests I get what to do? what to do?                                                                     Three Sheet were a blast!  Jeffery Straker – what a find!                                                       His song ‘Slings & Arrows’ is still stuck in my mind.

We’ve got more new artists set to appear.                                                                                  On George’s new stage where view lines stay clear.                                                                     Paper Beat Scissors.  Asif Ilyas. And Ian Janes.                                                                       The breadth of musical talent in Halifax is insane!

Case in point: Stephen Fearing, your muse tonight.                                                                 This alternative to shopping is a pure delight.                                                                             When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,                                                                            A series of cars for this last show of the year.                                             

With a stream of arrivals, so steady and slick,                                                                                 I knew in a moment: a gift from St Nick!                                                                                More rapid than eagles these listeners they came,                                                                        For good reason, for music, no two shows the same!

54 shows since we began in ’08,                                                                                                       All the new friends we have made have been great.                                                                 120 followers on twitter this year.                                                                                           That’s 100 more than George has, ya hear?

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 four 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!“