Da Bys
The recitation has long been a staple form of amusement in Newfoundland and Labrador culture. Whether to deliver a story in a memorable fashion, delight listeners at a kitchen party, pass the time in a fishing stage, or to “say your piece” at a community concert, we have always been very adept at using the spoken word as entertainment. From Stage to Stage have been working to keep the form alive by putting their observations and experiences into recitation form.
Whether being sentimental for days gone by, making light of everyday occurrences, paying tribute to those who have gone before, or by simply making us laugh ourselves silly, these fellows are enjoying keeping the tradition going.
In 2013, Dave Paddon, Dave Penney, Harry Ingram, and Hubert Furey came together to take a chance - hoping that people would be interested in seeing a full theatre show of recitations. Their expectations were exceeded when the show became a sold out success. Since then it has become an annual event, spawning their very successful self-titled CD in 2014. That same year they added an annual Holiday show which led to a Christmas album in 2016.
Individual accolades have followed as well. Several of their pieces have become popular on local radio with tracks like Dave Penny’s “Johnny Chrome” and Harry Ingram’s “The New School Marm” in regular rotation on local radio. Dave Paddon has published several of his individual pieces including the children’s book “Ralph, Flying Hound”, while Hubert Furey has published a collection of his stories entitled “As the Old Folks Would Say” through Flanker Press.
Dave Penny
Dave Penny has been playing the accordion and fiddle for twenty years, performing at various venues and festivals around the province. In 2006 he started writing comic songs and recitations and recorded an album in 2008 called Stories and Strangers, which includes both original and traditional songs and tunes from Newfoundland and Labrador.
Clever turns of phrase a distinct spin on the unique Newfoundland sense of humour have helped Dave develop a style that's all his own. Dave has recently released his second solo project "All turned Around". which has earned him A 2017 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination as Traditional Singer of the Year.
Hubert Furey
Hubert Furey composes and recites original recitations, drawing much of his material from the life and culture of the old-time Newfoundland outport.
Since the first public performance of “Raisin Bread” in 2006, he has gone on to perform in many venues throughout Newfoundland including the St. John's story-telling festival, “Trails,Tales and Tunes”, the Arts and Culture Centre, and The Rooms.
He is the winner of three tall-tale contests and his CD "As The Old Folks Would Say" has received acclaim across North America, Australia and the UK.
Dave Paddon
Dave Paddon , originally from Northwest River, Labrador, recentlt retired from a long career as a commercial airline pilot.
Dave began writing recitations in 2007 after moving back to to his home province following 20 years away "up in Canada". He has two solo albums to his credit and his recitation "Ralph: Flying Hound" has been published as a children's book."
Dave performs at various pubs in St.John's and can also be seen at festivals and fundraisers throughout the year.
Harry Ingram
Harry Ingram was born and raised in Arnold's Cove, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland.
Recitations were a core element of Harry’s upbringing. He primarily performs his own original material which tends to focus on the funny side of everyday life - a perfect combination of the sentimental and hilarious.. Harry also places great importance on keeping alive the works of those who have gone before him such as Leo O'Brien, John Joe English and Baxter Wareham .
