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Larry Berrio’s performance satisfies hometown fans

As Christmas draws closer and we frantically work on finishing our “to-do” lists, it is important to remember to slow down once in a while and enjoy the little moments, like meeting friends for coffee and conversation, joining a group for a picture-t
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Larry Berrio gives a highly energetic performance full of showmanship, said Northern Life blogger Janet Young. Photo by Janet Young.
As Christmas draws closer and we frantically work on finishing our “to-do” lists, it is important to remember to slow down once in a while and enjoy the little moments, like meeting friends for coffee and conversation, joining a group for a picture-taking outing or taking in some local entertainment.

These are some of my favourite activities, which I like to indulge in as often as I can.

By combining my favourite activities, I get to practise photography techniques while enjoying the action, and my zoom lens actually allows me to get a closer view than I would with my middle-aged eyes alone.

Once, I was taken aback when a woman said to me, “You never get to have any fun, you’re always taking pictures,” to which I replied, “Taking pictures IS my fun!”

I will admit, if I find myself at a function that doesn’t allow photography, I feel a bit pouty.

I have a new friend, named Linda and she likes country music — a lot. Which is why I ended up at Cousin Vinny’s on Dec. 15, where local country music star, Larry Berrio, was performing.

I have recently begun videotaping musicians with my SLR and thought it would be a great event at which to practise, and besides, I wanted to see him perform.

I was familiar with who Larry Berrio was, but had never seen him perform. I was pleasantly surprised as he sang some hits from his new album; Rock town, Hay, Hay, Hay and Boomerang.

His songs are fast, fun and far from the “old country” my parents used to listen to. In fact, he plays his well-worn guitar so fast, I had trouble getting my shutter fast enough to capture his moving fingers!

Larry Berrio gives a highly energetic performance full of showmanship. It’s evident he is comfortable and enjoys singing as well as playing his guitar and harmonica and his talent is undeniable. He has this voice; it’s hard to describe it perfectly. It’s deep. It’s manly. And it’s definitely country!

In addition to his original songs, he sang some popular favourites such as, Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash and Boots or Hearts by the Tragically Hip as fans filled the dance floor.

Watching Larry perform in his hometown, surrounded by his friends, family and fans felt a bit like what I imagine being in Berrio’s living room would feel like. I say this because of the way he interacts with his audience. He’s very personable. Before the show, I watched as he circulated the room, speaking with everyone, shaking hands, hugging and posing happily for photo ops.

Patrons were encouraged to bring cans of coffee for the local food bank and by the end of the evening, a huge pile of cans had accumulated.

Linda introduced me to Chris Vitiello, owner of Cousin Vinny’s. He said he has owned the restaurant/bar for three years. Vitiello told me that along with buying the restaurant/bar, he also bought “the stigma.”

If you remember, on Father’s Day 2009, a drunk driver drove away from the former Cranky Joe’s Restaurant and killed three local teens. Vitiello hopes to prevent another tragedy like this from occurring and has implemented strategies with this goal in mind.

Free non-alcoholic beverage are offered to non-drinkers and designated drivers. You get a red wristband if you are not drinking and a yellow one if you are. The night of Larry Berrio’s show, a shuttle service was offered to patrons to ensure a safe ride home.

Larry Berrio has a website, www.larryberrio.com, where you can read more about who he is, listen to his music and purchase his latest album, RPM, which was recorded in Nashville.

On his website, I discovered he and Gil Grand will be performing on a Caribbean cruise from Feb. 24 to March 3, 2013. If you’re looking for a Christmas present that would make a country fan happy, I think this would be a great idea!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.

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