Inspiration was not hard to find during the May long weekend.

It started out with a lazy Friday evening at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada. Part of the Vintage Hotel group, this spot was exceptional on every level. It was the type of hotel where the staff had already taken care of what you needed, before you even realized you needed it.

Traveling with loads of musical equipment, I have always found, is a real litmus test for service. Only a handful of hotels have matched the Prince of Wales’ in going above and beyond to accommodate the unique needs of their guests.

And, of course, every inch of the hotel itself is a testament to craftsmanship, artistry and great care.

Dinner Friday evening had us stumble upon a restaurant called The Epicurean. If you’re ever in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I suggest having a visit. Very fresh. Elegant without being pretentious. Simple without being boring. Creative yet familiar.

Saturday’s performance was a short trip over to the White Oaks Resort & Conference Centre. In bi-polar contrast to Friday, White Oaks was buzzing with hundreds of guests, members from the renowned racquet club, and people preparing for three weddings on-site.

I was warmly greeting by Josie Pagnucco from White Oaks who helped navigate me through this massive venue. The ceremony was in the outside garden. With the U-shaped hotel surrounding it, this spot was stunning both visually and sonically. When you’re able to place the BOSE system well away from the audience, you can turn it up to take full advantage of the reflections off the buildings. It was true 360-degree sound. Needless to say, I had a hard time packing up to move to the cocktail hour location.

Carolyn and Marcus had a really unique musical flair and a very musical family. Bringing together flavours of Canadiana and the Caribbean, major cue highlights included Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Stir it Up.’

It was a great afternoon in grand style.

Sunday’s performance was in high contrast, moving to the unparalleled elegance and intimacy of Toronto’s Auberge du Pommier. An Oliver & Bonacini venue, everything was impeccable. Much like the Friday before, Eoin Cullen and his staff had taken care of what I needed, before I realized I needed it.

Aya & Kyle are a wonderful couple with an extremely gracious family. I met them in the fall when they were in town from New York City. While we certainly enjoyed going through song selections, I think we actually spent more time talking about NYC. My wife and I were heading down for our first visit a few weeks later. Our trip was phenomenal, thanks in no small part to their advice.

Their wedding was what I would call the perfect intimate occasion. Everyone was extremely kind and gracious; and Auberge provides a amazing combination of warmth and grandeur. You feel as comfortable as if you were in your living room, but your living room is a fine drawing room in Paris. In this setting, Aya and Kyle’s major cues Landslide and Fake Plastic Trees were incredibly poignant.

As I said, as far as performance weekends go, they don’t get much better.

Jake Dudas
Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter

2014 Wedding & Corporate Event Performance Schedule

06.21.14 – Private Residence – Pigeon Lake, ON
02.01.14 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON

2013 Wedding & Corporate Event Performance Schedule

01.26.13 – Locks Salon & Spa Event – Peterborough, ON
04.07.13 – Aria – Peterborough, ON
05.09.13 – Systagenix Event – Toronto, ON
05.11.13 – Casa Loma – Toronto, ON
05.18.13 – White Oaks Resort & Spa – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
05.19.13 – Auberge du Pommier – Toronto, ON
05.23.13 – SSFC Private Event – Peterborough, ON
06.01.13 – Jamie Kennedy @ The Gardiner Museum – Toronto, ON
06.06.13 – Trent University – President’s Dinner – Peterborough, ON
06.08.13 – Graydon Hall Manor – Toronto, ON
06.15.13 – Greyhawk Golf Course – Ottawa, ON
06.29.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
07.05.13 – Evergreen Brickworks – Toronto, ON
07.06.13 – Willow Springs Winery – Stoufville, ON
07.13.13 – Wildfire Golf Club – Member Event – Stoney Lake, ON
07.20.13 – Holland Marsh Wineries – Newmarket, ON
07.26.13 – Parkwood Estates/Deer Creek Golf – Ajax, ON
08.04.13 – Inn on the Twenty – Jordan, ON
08.11.13 – Atlantis Pavillion – Toronto, ON
08.17.13 – Oakview Terrace – Toronto, ON
08.24.13 – Private Residence – Woodstock, ON
09.07.13 – Rosewater Room – Toronto, ON
09.14.13 – Greystone Golf Club – Milton, ON
09.21.13 – Bala Bay Inn – Muskoka, ON
10.04.13 – Royal Ashburn Golf Club – Ashburn, ON
10.19.13 – Marriott Kingston – Kingston, ON

2013 Public Event Performance Schedule

02.14.13 – McKeck’s – Haliburton, ON
02.16.13 – Irwin Inn – Stoney Lake, ON
03.31.13 – Viamede Resort – Stoney Lake, ON
04.04.13 – Parkhill on Hunter – Peterborough, ON
05.12.13 – Viamede Resort – Stoney Lake, ON