Music is the voice of the soul was the phrase used to honour Innisfil resident and musician, Patty McLaughlin, whose musical contributions and efforts have touched many lives over nearly two decades.
McLaughlin has organized song circles and performances at the library, park and farmers' market in her work to bring music to the community.
The staff at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library engraved the phrase on a wood keepsake and presented it to her this past Friday when friends, town councillors, and community members gathered to celebrate her.
“She needs to be recognized for what she’s doing in this community,” said friend and event organizer, Patti Bentley.
Bentley organized the celebration to coincide with McLaughlin’s 64th birthday, which was less than one week prior to the event. Bentley said she met McLaughlin in 2004 when she and about 120 other guests attended a concert at McLaughlin’s house.
On Sept. 29, Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler presented a certificate to McLaughlin to honour her for her contributions and dedication to the town. Coun. Jennifer Richardson presented a certificate on behalf of Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard.
McLaughlin has been involved in bringing people together through song circles since she founded the first one in Aurora in June, 18 years ago.
“I love song circles. Open Mics have a place… but (in) a song circle, everyone gets to take part." said McLaughlin, as dozens of people sat in the song circle and played their instruments.
“It’s like a team sport and we’re all playing on the same team, you know what I mean? And there’s no competition… It’s wonderful,” she said. “It was always my vision to start something that was all-inclusive.”
“You meet a lot of people, and they said they’re making friends,” Bentley said of the song circle participants. “It’s a place where they can feel comfortable.”
“It doesn’t matter the age, how they play — she welcomes everybody,” Bentley said.
A singer, songwriter, and musician whose favourite instrument is the guitar, McLaughlin used to sing songs with her brother.
“My mom always sang and my dad was a good listener,” she said with a laugh.
McLaughlin writes songs whenever she can.
“Even if my hands give out as I get older from playing guitar, as long as I can still speak, I’ll be singing,” McLaughlin said with a smile.
Music enthusiasts are invited to join the Friday Morning Song Circle, which meets every week from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lakeshore branch of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library located at 967 Innisfil Beach Road.
