By David F. Rooney
What could have been a quiet evening in the Last Drop turned into a music festival Wednesday as three three bands, all taught by Morgan Toutant of Mountain Music, performed and amazing concert for family and friends.
“You won’t believe how good they really are until you hear them,” MC Steve Smith, himself an accomplished performer, told members of the audience.
Toutant was very proud of the kids who have working together as bands since last December.
“We started out teaching just guitar and vocals but we now have a piano, drums and just about every other instrument covered except horns and viola,” he said in an interview.
The kids he teaches are enthusiastic and are fast learners, too. They especially like the free jam sessions he stages at Mountain Music, which is located in the Chabot & Levesque building in the Big Eddy.
“Our next project is an all-girl band of kids under the age of 18,” Toutant said.
Toutant is an enthusiastic musician who originally hails from Saskatchewan.
“I moved here five years ago and decided I’d do anything to stay here,” he said. “I delivered pizzas for Zala’s and used the Bingo Hall one day a week to teach music.”
Not that long ago he was offered the space in the Chabot & Levesque building and just keeps on moving towards a future he believes is strongly supported by other members of the community.
There are many people who donate money so that worthy kids can learn to play instruments and others who offer “musical donations to help kids who can’t afford an instrument,” Toutant said. “I think kids deserve a shot at the things they’d like to try in life.”
Well said. Now, here are some photos of the kids Toutant is so proud of:
