The Cat Came Back…to Belleville

(My interview with FRED PENNER)

The Empire TheatrE—BELLEVILLE, ONTario

(03/01/20)

Only weeks before the cacophony of the Covid19 world pandemic began, I arranged an opportunity to speak with a favourite among musical creators in the whole of my life: The truly kind, remarkable, venerable Fred Penner. Below, are the series of images I was privileged to create with him that day, along with a video short-interview, published on the official Loyalist Photojournalism Vimeo page. I have also included a short caption story written as a companion piece to this project, and one of my final college semester assignments, titled: “The Notable Canadian”.

To this day, I could not have ever imagined choosing a more suitable subject, much less having the honour of him agreeing to meet with me. Thank you, Sir. — Jonathan Keith Matthie.

“The Notable Canadian”

Fred Penner, notable children's music artist, 'gentle giant', and winner of both the Order of Canada and Manitoba, performed a matinee shown on Sunday March 1, 2020 for a large audience at the Empire Theatre on 321 Front Street.

Nostalgic fans of the CBC musical television show Fred Penners' Place—which ran throughout the mid 80's to early 90's—were delighted to be able to share a modern experience with their own kids during Penner's "The Cat Came Back" 40th anniversary tour. The tour began in Regina in mid-February and completes its run on April 5 in North Vancouver, commemorating the resilient feline that became the launching pad for Fred's much-lauded musical journey.

Much like that cat who always came back, Penner's four-decade career, both on the road and in the studio, show no signs of slowing down, as he hopes to record another album soon after the tour, continuing his life's commitment of bringing the power song and the values of humanity to a new generation.

The joy felt in the theatre was evidenced through the palpable energy of the crowd during classic songs like 'Happy Feet' and 'Trans Canadian Super-Continental'.