Journal staff
A local singer-songwriter whose online performances became a welcome fixture in hundreds of homes through the pandemic is celebrating a new milestone this month.
Joan Spalding’s 50-year music career will be honoured at the Wyoming Legion on Saturday, Oct. 22, with an evening of music, dancing, stories and special guests.
The Mooretown-raised musician performed via Facebook Live from her home in Plympton-Wyoming, every day for more than two years, in an effort to provide the joy of music during trying times.
“People would tell me how much my music helped them, so I guess I didn’t want to let them down at all,” she told The Journal at the time. “It was in my heart to do it.”
Over the decades, Spalding — a self-taught musician who also plays double-reed harmonica, banjo and mandolin — has given her time at nursing and long-term care homes, played countless shows, fairs and dances across the province and became a fan favourite at local venues, while earning numerous honours, including, most recently, the Paul Harris Fellowship Award — the Rotary Club of Sarnia’s highest honour.
“She did 736 consecutive days of facebook shows,” said daughter, Crystal Baker. “She received wonderful comments from followers all over the world of the impact she’s made on their lives during COVID-19, or other medical, trying times.
“We’re so proud of her.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Celebrating 50 years of music with Joan Spalding
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22; doors open at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Wyoming Legion
DETAILS: Admission is $5 with proceeds going to St. Joseph’s Hospice
