It’s nice once in a while to wind down from the big production shows to take in a stripped down performance with just a musician, their guitar and their stories. Last week’s intimate and acoustic presentation at Algonquin College featured Sean McCann, Pat Maloney and Ken Yates doing just that.

The trio spent about 2 hours taking turns playing songs and telling stories to a small, but eager crowd, at Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. I have to say, again, this 700 seat theatre (expandable to 835 if floor seats are removed) is one of my favourite live music venues in Ottawa and it’s far too underused. It may not be the largest venue in the city but it makes for an incredibly intimate show.

Sean McCann photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Sean McCann photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Sean McCann, of course a member of the world famous Canadian group Great Big Sea, shared stories of the booze fueled struggles he had with GBS frontman Alan Doyle…a man he still calls friend all struggles aside. Now sober, McCann recounts moments that led to the split of the popular group and sang songs that came out of those moments and out of his recovery. It wasn’t all dark and melancholy, there were some love songs and several sing along songs as well. Now an Ottawa resident, having moved to Ottawa recently from the East Coast McCann simply says, of the Great Big Sea situation, that the guys need to get their acts together (himself included). So perhaps a reunion is not completely out of the question…hey if the Eagles can do it and Guns N’ Roses can do it, certainly Great Big Sea can do it.

Pat Maloney photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Pat Maloney – photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Pat Maloney was clearly the comedian of the night. He always seemed to have the last word and managed to get a few jabs in at each of the other two performers every chance he got (there were many). His songs were fun and after a verse or two the urge to sing along was very hard to resist, like the song “Right Here” which I’ve had a tough time getting out of my head since Monday night!

Ken Yates photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Ken Yates photo by Sisk Photo for Sound Check Entertainment

Ken Yates played the strong silent type who sat quietly on his stool while the others took jabs at him throughout the night, but when it was his turn at the mic he shifted into storyteller mode. I love hearing the stories that inspired songs but I’ve never heard a story much like the one behind Ken’s song “Madeline’s Table“. The song was inspired by a house concert that he performed once where he literally sat at a person’s dining room table and only the host was present, the story told by Ken has a much creepier tone to it but it sure does make for a fun song.

The small crowd was engaged enough with the three performers that they actually extended their sets by a song each because they were having so much fun. The night was capped off by the trio performing a rousing rendition of “You Are My Sunshine” together.

The Algonquin College Students Association hosts the free Intimate and Acoustic session once a month, in the summer time it actually moves to the roof top patio adding a bit of extra ambiance to the show. Watch for full details as soon as the next show is announced, you can also find more information at the Algonquin SA website. If you’re looking for a break to just wind down and listen to some great music I couldn’t recommend this event more…oh and it’s worth mentioning that it’s free.