I am writing today with a heavy heart, a little shocked, and more than a little concerned, and very saddened by yesterday’s tragic events at the Big Valley jamboree close to Edmonton.
I’ve played that stage many times, and that festival many times over the years. Alberta is my home province. So many things go through my mind. An event that is supposed to be joyful turns tragic brings sorrow. Mother Nature’s wrath is unpredictable and unforgiving at times. God only knows why these things happen, but they do.
It brings many emotions and feelings for me. The fans, how many of them go to a festival to hear music, to have an experience that brings them a good feeling, and wind up in a hospital.
The artists, staff, security, crew members…all there to help bring that joyful experience. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved.
The stage collapsed in harsh winds, and rain, fell on top of many people, injuring many, some critically, and killing one. I never think something like this can happen, but it brings many past instances to my mind where it could have. Just two weeks ago, I had a promoter threaten to ” tear up the check right now” if we didn’t go on stage , directly following intense rain, wind, and lightning. We tried to dry out the stage, but could have been electrocuted because everything was so wet.
I look for the lessons to us all in times like these. The term ” the show must go on” should never apply when it puts lives in danger. I know that the weather had forced everyone to shut things down, and try to evacuate the premises in Alberta yesterday, and I am relieved to hear that in this case, there were efforts made to be safe, although the intense strength of the winds came on too suddenly to predict what was about to happen..
I got a call from Nashville directly following the events of yesterday, even before it hit the news, and immediately began frantically calling friends who I knew might have been there. It hits me very close to home for many, many reasons.
I will go on stage tonight, and sing for those who were involved in yesterday’s tragedy….
My heart goes out to everyone involved….
-Terri
GOD BLESS YOU TERRI, I always thought I liked and admired you, now I KNOW I do!
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