PETERB O RO UG H ’ S BEST K E PT S ECRE T
THE SLAB
H ouse concerts are nothing new, they
Al Black and Phil Connor
have been around for many years. It’s a concert, with professional musicians, in an intimate setting of song and conversation. Phil Connor does exactly this in his garage, or as it’s known – The SLAB. The experience is a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with patrons of Americana music coming together to listen, enjoy each other ’s company, and have a wonderful evening. Phil says ‘I like to call it Canadiana music (laughs). It’s mixture of folk, rock and rhythm and blues.’ The musicians tell stories and the listeners get to know the people behind the music.
Weber Brothers
Photo: SLAB Productions
Joey Landreth & Rick Fines
Photo SLAB Productions
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Phil is a humble, intelligent, well-spoken man. In his appreciation for musicians and their talent, he has been hosting concerts featuring local musicians since November 2016. Some of the musicians who have performed at The SLAB are Rick Fines, Cris Cuddy, Pat Temple, Al Lerman, Emily Burgess, Kayla Howran, and The Weber Brothers. ‘The whole objective of this is to support local artists’ says Phil. ‘It’s the 40th anniversary of the $100 gig (Phil jokes, tongue in cheek). But when a musician performs at The SLAB, it’s $30 a person times 34-35 people. The musicians can make 5-8 times more (at The SLAB) than they make at a bar.’ And for this service Phil takes no honorarium. All the money raised goes directly to the musicians. So what does Phil get out of
by Karen Irvine
it? Phil says, ‘I sit in the corner and get to listen to great music’ (he laughs). ‘I’ve consumed music from the UK and the States, and now I’m consuming it directly from the town that I live in. And I think that’s a better way to consume music.’ ‘I’ve always been a big music fan. Always. The first musician I met in town was Al Black. And gradually I got to know a lot of musicians. I just want to pay back and one of the ways I can pay back is by doing this.’ Phil says ‘I try to keep a low profile. I always refer to myself as SLAB Productions. I never use my name. I do this purposely such that others around me get the spotlight. I work better below the surface. I use my knowledge and experience to impact those around me ... all with the best intentions. No hidden agenda, no politics. I simply work with and associate myself with people I admire. Possibly with folks that exhibit traits and behaviour that I aspire to.’ The SLAB also does a set of concerts called the Visiting Artist Series. They have had Morgan Davis, Tim Williams and Joey Landreth, to mention a few. ‘I’m a huge Landreth fan. That was purely selfish’ (laughs), says Phil. Al Black, a local musician, was also present when I met Phil. He is one of five people on the Board of Directors with the Peterborough Music Benevolent Association (PMBA). Al explains, ‘Phil Marshall was a local musician who would do benefits. His widow asked if we would create a Board to raise money (by donation and raffles)’. The money raised from
