The rock-steady summer concert lineup continued at Base31 on the Civic Holiday long weekend with a stopover by Canadian music icon Tom Cochrane. The rocker played all his big international hits with some added local flair — like calling up Milford’s Miss Emily to help out on the high notes of Life Is A Highway, Sinking Like A Sunset and other songs, including an encore featuring Lunatic Fringe and Boy Inside The Man.

It was all Miss Emily could do to keep up with Mr. Cochrane, who offered the 750 or so in the Drill Hall a lively and energetic show that belied the veteran rocker’s years. Meanwhile, our County chanteuse told the Gazette that the music business has its challenges — and its wins. Her experience with Mr. Cochrane on stage at Base31 in her hometown definitely was the latter.

“Ultimately this happened because someone else decided to share their win with me and I’m forever grateful for that.”

The Anthem

One is always hard pressed to hear Mr. Cochrane’s road trip anthem — likely the best travelling song ever composed — and not crank the volume. Miss Emily said she can remember rocking out to the 1991 international hit at elementary school dances at Cherry Valley Town Hall and signing along on shopping trips with family friend Sharon Lockwood.

Never in her wildest dreams as a student at Athol-South Marysburgh school could she have imagined one day being onstage inside the former Drill Hall at the old Camp Picton, belting out Life Is A Highway with Tom Cochrane.

For both the opportunity and the stage, she’s forever thankful.

“Base31 is this amazing space which provides so many exciting live music spaces while celebrating the art, food and culture of our PEC community,” she said. “It has been a treat to sing on two of their stages this season and I’m thrilled this fun moment for me happened in my hometown among so many people I know.”

No Stranger to the County

Mr. Cochrane said it was wonderful to play a show in Picton. No stranger to Prince Edward County, he has visited Outlet and Sandbanks a number of times and stays at a music producer friend’s cottage at Salmon Point.

At one moment, catching his breath, Mr. Cochrane offered some insight into a number of songs, including the heartfelt inspiration behind Avenue A. His hockey hit Big League featured a new final verse dedicated to the memory of the players lost in the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy.

But he also noted that where the songs came from really isn’t the point at this stage of his decorated career.

“It’s the fans, you people out here tonight that breathe new life into my music every time you hear it and, for that, I thank you.”