For a collage of the Transparencies click on the picture above --
taken at
Lakehead University Christian Fellowship's
Church in the Pub, Sunday, March 12, 2000.
Youtube Video of "Jesus Reigns Forever" from this event.
Listen to The Transparencies!
--especially if you like Hockey Night in Canada!
The Pillow-Fighting Champ of Dorion Bible Camp, The Christian Beaver, Mayfly Mush, THE Day in the Life of a Mayfly, Your Clothes, They Need A-Changin', I Will Put My Faith in You, Medley of Monty Songs in D (various), and The Camp Song (Parks, Mouland, Claman).
Review: "I like your self-deprecating humour." - Charles Snell. (I was actually trying to deprecate Shroom!)
"New" Old Vids Uploaded
Complete Concert in Redwood Church Basement: Dec. 9/95
Christmas Medley at Dorion Bible Camp Staff Party: Dec. 27/97
FW Baptist Program at the John Howard Society
May 14, 2011
Robin, Darren and I sang A Certain Love (Lost Dogs), Heart of Gold (Young), Built For Glory (Lost Dogs), Blessing in Disguise (Lost Dogs), 40 (U2), Reasonable Service (Lost Dogs) and How Great Is Your Love (Mark Altrogge).
Richard sucks while Darren Foulds.
In an attempt to honour the 60th birthday of Neil Young (who wrote songs about being old while he was still young) the Transparencies performed:
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Old Man Video Heart of Gold Video The Needle and the Damage Done Video Rocking in the Free World Video Helpless Video Robin also sang solo "We Only Ever Meet in Church" by M. J. Hibbett. Video The Transparencies closed the evening with Pete Seeger's "If I Had a Hammer (I'd Steal His Pants)". Video |
Review: "Not as good as the recent Lenny Kravitz concert, but better than Bob Dylan's" - A dark-haired woman who looked a lot like Erin (nee Harbron) James.
Transparencies' Rejoinder: "That's our sound man!"
The Transparencies did not actually perform together. However, Robin did sing two songs by M. J. Hibbett: "Born With the Century" and "Easily Impressed".
Shroom led the "Oi, Harbron!" part from the crowd, and I joined in. So I suppose The Transparencies did perform together. We were also joined by Mike (who is not a Moron).
Richard sang three sets solo, though the first was really just a sound check as people gathered:
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Bird on a Wire (Cohen) Before Dawn (Pepper) It Is Well With My Soul Let It Rain (Clapton/Bramlett) Love Minus Zero/No Limit (Dylan) Jesus on the Shore (Terry S. Taylor) These Thousand Hills (Jacob's Trouble) Be Thou My Vision [He was also suddenly asked by Jenn Foulds to sing "Acadia Dry".] Beatles Songs:
She's a Woman [Not a Pheasant] That was actually a secret message "She's a woman for no one fixing a hole while my guitar gently weeps: Eleanor Rigby." Review: "I enjoyed your playing." - Wendy the alto angel |
Review (on blackboard): Thanks for the program. - Rianna
* approximately
As part of the "Saturday Night Life" program run several times a month in First Baptist's basement, the Transparencies sang three songs by The Lost Dogs and "Amazing Grace". Darren was drafted last minute to be the before-you-get-to-eat Preacher and praught about hard times. Through listening to his sermon, it is certain that many learned much about suffering.
Songs performed:
"A Certain Love", "Built for Glory; Made to Last", "Blessing in Disguise" and "Amazing Grace".
See Richard's Blog for more info
Review:
"I could understand your words better than that Stephen Bell last week.” Winston Sheil (Shroom's father-in-law).
See below for another Transparencies vid from 1996.
The Transparencies Perform at Northwood Park Church's "Stained" Coffee House.
Sunday, March 5/06
Songs Performed: Stompin' Tom's "The Hockey Song", Spinal Tap's "Gimme Some Money", Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" and Bruce Cockburn's "Tie Me at the Crossroads When I Die".
Richard and Gord Ellis Jr. performed Dylan's "I Shall Be Released", "Love in Vain" and "Forever Young".
Richard also accompanied Sylvia Griffiths on U2's "One Step Closer" and the Cowboy Junkies' "Misguided Angel".
Due to Shroom's inconsiderately leaving Thunder Bay to go to school, get married and work, the Transparencies ceased performing until he decided (considerately) to stop studying, stay married, but return to Thunder Bay to work and play the drums.
The Transparencies entertained c. 50 people at the
Dorion Bible Camp and Conference
Centre Informational Dinner held at the Slovak Legion. (About 175
people were present).
It was at this event that The Transparencies realized that all the members
of the current lineup are Dorion
Bible Camp Eagle Campers. In fact, Tom is the first Eagle Camper.
And so it was decided that he could, in fact, be considered a real Transparency,
despite his lack of a hockey jersey.
Songs performed:
Review:
Thank you:
The Transparencies (excluding Robin & Tom and with Doug Anderson sitting in -- okay, Richard
and Shroom plus Doug) provided music for the recessional at The Shoppers Drug Mart Walk For
the Cure "in support of" Juvenile Diabetes. The post-Walk BBQ was just about over when they
took the stage and so I suppose the tired walkers were eager to get home for their Sunday
afternoon naps. Yeah, that must be it. However, four people did remain until the end (the sound man,
Julie the MC, the guy who took
the picture and his baby in a stroller). Oh well, it doesn't matter, as long as lots of
money was raised for Juvenile Diabetes.
Songs performed:
"Nobody Talks (During Coach's Corner)" (by RP),
"I'm Too Old for the NHL" (also by RP), "Wayne Gretzky Rocks" (by the Pursuit of Happiness),
"The Hockey Monkey" (by the Zambonis) and "The Hockey Song" (Martian lyrics) by Stompin' Tom
Connors. Fortunately, Mr. Connors is coming to town soon to sing the correct lyrics.
Thank you, Doug, for helping out on bass.
Review:
The Transparencies (including Tom) led the music as part of a Worship
Evening for youth held in the basement of the
Northwood Park Church of
Christ. The youth group of Thunder Bay Free Methodist church attended
along with their leaders and the guest speaker was Keith Adams of Westmount
Gospel Chapel (and "Manager of Operations" of
Dorion Bible Camp and Conference Centre.
Richard relied upon his
Dorion Bible Camp
repetoire for the songs and Tom, Shroom and Robin followed along
admirably, even when Richard was attempting to do the actions and play
guitar at the same time.
The highlight of the evening for Tom, Shroom and Robin was their tour of
the "dirt room". Oooo! Scarey!
Review:
Tom was wearing a German Football shirt, but Richard, Shroom and Robin all
showed up at the February LU Outpost Open Mike Night wearing hockey jerseys.
For lack of a better name (although "The Crosscheckers" had been suggested)
they were introduced as "The Hockey Band". Another possibility had been
"The Buttenders". Somehow a theme managed subtly to emerge through all of
this.
Songs performed: "Hockey Tonight" (by ?),
"Nobody Talks (During
Coach's Corner)" (by RP), "I'm Too Old for the NHL" (also by RP),
"Wayne Gretzky Rocks" (by the Pursuit of Happiness), "I Wanna Drive the
Zamboni" (by the Gear Daddys), "The Hockey Monkey" (by the Zambonis) and
"The Hockey Song" by Stompin' Tom Connors.
Did you spot the theme? (Hint: it involves a monkey.)
Review:
Thanks go to Troy for being our entire media corps, fan and roadie.
Songs performed:
"Nobody Talks", "I'm Too Old for the NHL",
"Oxen and Wheelbarrows",
"Laughter Heard Through the Wall", "Wayne Gretzky
Rocks" (by The Pursuit of Happiness),
"'69-'74", "You're in Love with the
Telephone", "I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan", "Peter Hart", "In Heaven There'll Only
be Bagpipes", "Wayfaring Stranger", "Don't Be Afraid", "Underneath This Tree",
"Integrity/Agnus Dei", (Stompin' Tom's)"The Hockey Song", "I Want to Drive
the Zamboni" (by the Gear Daddys), "The Hockey Monkey" (by the Zambonies).
Review: "That was nice." -- Some guy.
Total Profit:
As part of
Lakehead University Christian
Fellowship's Christ Awareness Week (CAW), the Transparencies (and Tom
Dreyer) performed before a "crowd" of pregnant women and engaged couples at
the Great Northwest Coffee Co. (Ltd).
Songs performed: (The order may be slightly inaccurate.)
"I Shall Be Released" (conversational version) by Bob
Dylan", "Wayfaring Stranger" by Anon. (performed in a wide
variety of keys), "Wings to Fly" by Plankeye,
"Laughter Heard Through the Wall",
"Love Makes Me Barf" (dedicated to
Mike Shaw and Ellie Tornblom--bleahh!), "Hockey Tonight", "Cajun Moon" by J.J. Cale,
"Salome" and
"Mayfly Mush" with guest refrain by sometime Transparency,
Chris Minor.
Second Even More Spontaneous Set (with Tom on keys):
"The True and Terrible Ballad of Evil Ed Gooch" (deadicated to Erin and
all the other Jameses), "Pride (in the Name of Duff)", "Knocking on Heaven's
Door", "Micah 6:8" and "Peter Hart" (older brother of Melissa Joan).
Review:
So, is Tom a Transparency or not?
I suppose that, if he is, I'll have to add him to the collage above.
For those of you who are keeping score: yes, Robin, Shroom and Richard
("the Ridge") did
play at this event, with Tom Dreyer
sitting in on acoustic guitar, but not
really as the Transparencies. Until the last minute they were "King Jimmy
and the 1611's" but they were creatively announced as
Darren, Robin, Richard and Tom.
Songs performed: "Wings to Fly" by Plankeye, "I Shall Be Released"
(laid-back, chatty version) by Bob Dylan, "Cajun Moon" by J.J. Cale,
"Wayfaring Stranger" by Trad. and "Pride (in the Name of Doug)" approximately
by U2.
Backstage Insight: During the last run-through just before heading
to the gig, Richard asked Shroom to take a deep breath just before starting
"Pride" in order to help him set a relaxed playable tempo. This was mainly
due to the Ridge's anxiety over having to mimic the Edge's repeated
lick in the instrumental break. In the performance Shroom did indeed take a
deep breath before starting -- which gave him the energy necessary to play it
faster than ever!!
Reviews:
Robin, Shroom and Richard were whelmed with polite applause at Westmount Gospel
Chapel after performing their original Christmas medley: "Me and My Drum". Because there
were no requests to the contrary, a Nirvana-influenced version of "Bears" followed. Becky Wright
was featured as "bringer of snacks".
Review:"I like the part where Richard was eating -- 'cause he stopped playing guitar."
-- Ann Onymus
Note: The photo was actually taken at the gig listed next. I just wanted to experiment with my
new photo software.
Okay, they didn't exactly rush the stage, but the three or four children
who seemed fascinated by Shroom's bongo playing did come and lie on the
floor in front of the stage in rapt attention. And yes they were awake.
As part of the (pre-scheduled) Open Mike section of 2000/2001's first
"Tunes for Toonies" coffeehouse (entitled "Music in Motion"), The
Transparencies (Darren, Richard and Robin) performed "Salome", "Underneath
This Tree" and "Peter Hart".
The turnout for this event was quite good, possibly as a result of the
"Centre Stage" segment on the local news that evening in which footage of
the evening's featured performers, Nathan Caswell, "Jim 'n' I" and Blue Grass
Fever, was shown, along with a brief clip of Richard singing "You're In Love
With the Telephone".
Review (from "Centre Stage"): "Richard has...an interesting lyric."
-- Sherry Caswell of "Jim 'n' I"
Lineup: Robin Harbron (bass), Darren Foulds (bongos), Lance Schibler
(electric guitar), Richard Pepper (acoustic guitar), Erin James
(nacho chips).
Songs performed: Micah 6:8, Underneath This Tree, Integrity,
The Seven
Answers of Sunday School.
Review: "Mmm, nachos!" -- Pastor Dave Kimball
Lineup: Robin Harbron (bass), Darren Foulds (drums), Lance Schibler (guitar),
Richard Pepper (guitar).
Songs performed:
Matthew Sweet's "Sick of Myself" and Richard's "Underneath This Tree",
"Laughter Heard Through the Wall" and "Jesus Reigns Forever".
Youtube Video of "Jesus Reigns Forever"
Review: "Fabulous"--"The Mike Formerly Associated with Morons"
Review:
Lineup: Robin Harbron (bass), Lance Schibler (drums),
Richard Pepper (guitar).
Songs performed:
Performed: Medley of Commercial Cheesey Christmas Songs
Line-up:
2013 Version with Shawn Minor
Performed: "Ska Bears"
Line-up:
Performing the
Dorion Bible Camp Song (Alternative Version) for their 50th Anniversary, Aug. 1996
Performed: "Seated & Acoustic Bears"
Line-up ("The Pseudo-Transparencies"):
Performed: "REALLY BAD Bears"
Line-up:
Oxen and Wheelbarrows, Gospel Garbage and
I Believe.
Performed: "I Can't Sing (Worth Beans)" and "Awesome Bears"
Line-up:
Review: "That was awesome." - Paula the Videographer
Guitar Trek,
Intermission
The Bridal School Blues,
Performed: "Comprehensible Bears"
Line-up:
Performed: "Slayer Bears"
Line-up:
Performed: "Don't Care Bears"
Line-up:
Performed: "Elvis Bears"
Line-up:
Performed: "Original (or Incomprehensible) Bears"
Line-up:
In the
summer of 1995
Darren "Shroom" Foulds
Soon performance pieces were added, such as "The 90's Camp Song",
"Attakattanoova" (featuring Chris Minor), "Little Cabin in the Woods" and numerous versions of a song about
bears (also in the woods). In order to raise the artistic level of the band,
Mike Hurlbert of "Mike and the Moronz" was added on keyboards and those red-and-blue
Tupperware ball-toys. However, Mike said Richard wasn't a Moron and so, by way of thanks,
Richard released Mike from The Transparencies.
The next stage was the underground Christian music scene (i.e. playing in church
basement coffeehouses). Venues include Redwood Alliance, First Baptist,
Lakehead Baptist
More recent gigs (at Lakehead University Open Mike Nights, "Tunes for Toonies" Coffeehouses,
The Great Northwest Coffee Co., Thunder Bay's Winter Carnival and
Dorion Bible Camp events)
have seen the addition of Tom Dreyer -- only recently and grudgingly acknowledged as a member
(because he doesn't own a hockey jersey).
In hopes of being discovered by Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, The Transparencies play Richard's
song
"Nobody Talks (During Coach's Corner)" as often (and as loudly) as possible.
No word has arrived yet from Ron or Don (or their lawyers). [Actually Don sent this postcard.]
(First Baptist Church)
Dec. 10
The Transparencies Rock the Slovak
at The
Dorion Bible Camp Info. Dinner
Thursday, March 21, 2002
"I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan" and "
Laughter Heard Through the Wall/Agnus Dei".
Song not performed:
"Nobody Talks
(During Coach's Corner)".
"You're too loud."--Some anon. person, probably old and probably not an
Eagle Camper
Diane Wolframe and The Sunday Night Choir for use of your
sound system.
at The Shoppers Walk For the Cure
Sunday, June 3, 2001
"Those were some good hockey songs."--Some guy
The Transparencies (Including Tom) Lead Worship
Friday, March 9, 2001
"Aww! We didn't do the Hippo Song!"--Chelsea Parkinson
"The Hockey Band" Members Harmonize
at the LU Outpost's Open Mike Night
"Nice set. Those were classic songs. I liked it."--Unidentified male fan.
"Yoo hoo! Darren!!"--Unidentified female fan.
Shroom and Richard Busk at the
Northern Lights Winter Carnival
$7.35 -- Richard
$7.36 -- Shroom (1 cent gas money; he drove.)
Tom and the Transparencies Perform at
LUCF's CAWffee House
at the Great Northwest Coffee Co.
(Following "Ed Gooch"), "I've thrown others out of here for less."
Coffee Shop owner.
The Transparencies Do Not Perform at
the Lakehead University Outpost Open Mike Night
"Aaaaaaaargh!" The Ridge
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!" The Edge
"Robin was my camp counsellor." Derek the video guy in a long conversation with Heather
while standing near the camera's mike.
The Transparencies Perform at
the
Dorion Bible Camp Staff Party
"Tunes for Toonies" Coffee House.
Bongo Fans Rush the Stage!
Fans Come From Calgary to Listen!
RP alone:
Pillowfighting Champ of
Dorion Bible Camp,
The True and Terrible Ballad of Evil Ed Gooch, (Mass exodus of most of audience),
'69 - '74.
Transparencies rejoin RP:
Laughter Heard Through the Wall, (Nacho break), Peter Hart.
Sunday, March 12, 2000: LUCF's
Church in the Pub
April 2, 1999: The Transparencies Perform at Victorious Nations Church's "Youth Explosion". TO DO
Sun., Nov. 22, 1998: LUCF Church in the Pub TO DO
Sat., Dec. 27, 1997: Dorion Bible Camp Staff Party in the old Redwood Alliance Church basement
Shawn Minor - Guitar & vocals
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar & vocals
Mike Hurlbert - Accordion & vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass & vocals
Darren Foulds - Drums & vocals
Thomas Armstrong - Barely audible sax during "Silver Bells"
Erin Harbron - Snack Girl
Oct., 1996: Dorion Bible Camp Thanksgiving Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Snare & lead vocals
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar & vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass & vocals
Junior Week 1996: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Richard Pepper - Guitar & vocals
Renny Maki - Bass
Mike Hurlbert - Accordion
David Ciccarelli - Drums
Teens Camp 1996: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Chris? Minor - Snare
Erin Harbron - Snacks
Sat. Mar. 9, 1996: The Transparencies Performed at First Baptist's Talent Show.
December 28, 1995: Dorion Bible Camp Staff Party @ Central E. Free
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Shawn Minor - Snare
Dec. 9, 1995: The Transparencies Performed at Redwood Park Alliance Young Adult's Coffee House.Church.
Helping God (Out),
Oxen and Wheelbarrows,
Gospel Garbage,
A (Relatively) True Story,
Fast Forward,
This Song,
The Gossip Song,
In Heaven There'll Only Bae Bagpipes,
Love Makes Me Barf,
Bears in the Woods (Foulds),
I Can't Sing (Worth Beans),
The Boring Testimony Blues (RP solo),
God Hates (RP solo),
The Christian Beaver (RP solo),
Little One (RP solo),
Integrity (RP solo),
'69 - '74 (RP solo),
Psalm 92,
I Believe,
Praise Medley (I Believe in Jesus, Lord You Are More Precious, He Is Lord, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night), and
Benediction.
Thanksgiving Camp 1995: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Shawn Minor - Snare
Hi-Teens Camp 1995: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Shawn Minor - Snare
Intermediate 2 Camp 1995: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Shawn Minor - Snare
Intermediate 1 Camp 1995: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Richard Pepper - Electric guitar
Shawn Minor - Snare
Thanksgiving Camp 1994: Dorion Bible Camp Variety Night
Darren Foulds - Guitar & lead vocals
Robin Harbron - Bass
Mike Hurlbert - Accordion
Richard Pepper - Video Camera
(If by "true" you mean "spurious" and by "history" you mean "something you
might read on the Net")
snuck a snare drum into the chapel of
Dorion Bible Camp.
He started hitting it approximately in time to the guitar
Richard Pepper was strumming
approximately in tune with the worship songs the campers were trying to sing.
Robin Harbron also brought along
his flashy new five string bass. The campers were very impressed:
"It's green!" Shawn Minor provided additional guitar to fill in the gaps
when Richard forgot the chords. Eventually Shroom added more pieces
to his kit, including some of "those shiny round drums".
Completing the team as "overhead girl" and camera operator
(usually focusing on the bass player) was Carla (eventually
Harbron) Judson.
Musical Interests/Influences (as evidenced by my vinyl collection):
| Gilbert and Sullivan | The Beatles | Christmas Music |
Handel's "Messiah" | | Bob Dylan |
| 70's/80's "Contemporary Christian Music" |
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