Rocking Gambier Island

Jan DeGrass Photo

Dancing Queens: The Abba look alike group Abba Cadabra performs at Commotion by the Ocean on Saturday, July 17 on Gambier Island.

They’ve been rocking Gambier Island since the year 2000 — as the slogan goes on the T-shirt. This 10th year was no exception.

Commotion by the Ocean is a community event of music and good times held on the grounds that surround the Gambier community centre. Last Saturday (July 17), island residents turned out in force and were joined by hundreds of visitors who travelled on the little passenger ferry, the Stormaway, by water taxi or in their own boats to be part of the commotion. More than 1,000 people danced, quaffed cold ones, dined on pulled pork and slaw, and danced some more throughout the sunny afternoon and early evening.

What’s the attraction? Where else can you dance to Mamma Mia led by a band, Abba Cadabra, who mimics the famous Abba in every way from their gold lamé jackets down to their platform shoes? Where else can you hear the island’s famous resident, Bobby Bruce, perform his classic Nearly Neil act featuring the songs of Neil Diamond? Cracklin’ Rosie never sounded so good.

Where else can you hear the island’s accomplished musician Caley Honeywell wail some jazz and funk tunes on her sax? And where else can you have your smokies served to you at an outdoor café by a famous artist like Gloria Massé? Or hear songs with lyrics about local residents, except from the Gambier Band?

The local band pokes fun at all things Coastal, like ferries, summer residents and “people crazy enough to live on a secluded island,” said one of Commotion’s organizers, Andy Harper. He and wife Kathleen Harper, Jim and Caley Honeywell, plus Bill Baines and Jon Williams form the nucleus of the band that backed up many of the other acts on Saturday.

One of Commotion by the Ocean’s most outstanding characteristics is its appeal to all. Usually when an event is attended by all ages you might find little kids and seniors, but you won’t find teenagers. They would rather be caught dead than at an event their parents attend. Not so here. Teens sold snacks at the “tuck shop” and T-shirts at the souvenir counter. They — and their parents — rocked to a youthful band, the Hot Moonbeams. Later, the lads from the Moonbeams danced to the music of their parents, to the sounds of Abba and Neil Diamond. Generations mingled.

But there are signs that the commotion might be stilled. Harper had previously indicated that this might be the last one. On the afternoon of the event he seemed more optimistic — with hopes that the gate sales would cover the bands’ fees and that any remaining funds would be put towards local projects — particularly the community centre fund and towards the organization ANAVETS (Army, Navy, & Air Force Veterans in Canada).

They were 10 good years, he said, but Commotion’s 11th is still uncertain.

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