I think that funk is fun, but I wasn’t expecting to actually recognize any of the songs (beyond maybe a James Brown tribute or two), but I have to say that I was familiar with 80% of their song list that night.  GUtGD played a number of songs that I wouldn’t with an awesome bass line, a beefy horns section, and really great percussion.  Combine great music with another one of chef Steve’s great buffet dinners, and I was left a happy customer.

I love that moving to Mayne Island hasn’t led to having nowhere to go/nothing to do.  Aside from all of the parties with friends during the summer (and there’s a fair amount), events like this make living on Mayne a really great place to be.  My sister and nieces are in town from Alberta, and they had a great time too.  While there’s the inconvenience of not being able to find sugar after 5:00 PM (my wife was baking for the farmer’s market one night and ran out), I’m still a firm believer that the benefits vastly outweigh the drawbacks.

What a great night!  Thanks again Peter and Leslie, and of course Get Up to Get Down for a really fun time.

Mufaro Marimba @ the Wild Fennel

Question: what do you do on a Sunday night on Mayne Island?

Answer: go watch a live Marimba Band and eat delicious food (slight disclaimer: doesn’t happen EVERY Sunday).

For the second year in a row, we went to see Mufaro live at the Wild Fennel.  It’s a really great time, the music is amazing, and the kids love it because they get to dance and play various instruments that the band brings with them to shows.  Instead of running their usual menu, the Wild Fennel offers up a buffet of chef Steve’s (always) delicious food.

I’m far from being a Marimba aficionado, but you just can’t help but love listening to Mufaro play.  Their music is so energetic and upbeat that if the food doesn’t put a smile on your face, the music is sure to.

On the menu last night: ribs, tuna, vegetarian lasagna, pasta salad, tossed salad, and a raspberry chocolate cake that co-owner Peter undoubtedly had a hand in making.  I hope Mufaro is back again next year; seeing them is definitely a tradition I’m willing to repeat.  If they do return, book your seats early, the event always sells out.