How did I not know Smokey Robinson had been a vice-president of Motown Records way back when? Not only do we share a surname, but I spent an afternoon at the Motown Museum in the Brewster-Douglass housing projects after running the Detroit Free Press Marathon many years ago.

Berry Gordy was the founder of the Motown Records and its subsidiaries, and is certainly a prime example of what one man can accomplish. The Brewster-Douglass projects was just one of the lower-income housing areas in Detroit, but it produced so many superstars: think of Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, the Commodores, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles — this barely starts the list.

I will ramble to the Ironwood Cider House on Lakeshore Road on Aug. 12 — just last week. Obviously, the Shaw Festival is the headliner here in our precious Niagara, but there are so many other diverse entertainment options available for us to enjoy.

Part of Music Niagara’s Pops Series, that evening the Undercovers featured the music of Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson.

How did Kenny Rogers elbow his way into this show? Beats me, but I have never really been a music guy. The closest I got to music was at Laura Secord Secondary School in St. Catharines, where both of my children were very involved in many of the wonderful programs headed up by David Sisler. Band, the musicals, choir, and more.

The Undercovers entertained us with their rich harmonies and signature style, but the value added was the education. So many facts provided in their soulful storytelling.

I thought I had been fairly aware of what was going on in the world of music, but now I know I knew next to nothing. Unlike my NOTL pal Ed Barisa, the enthusiastic vice-chair of Music Niagara.

He has shared with me that he had been a “roadie” for a couple of his teenage years in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, just south of Montreal. This gave him a lifelong love of the world of music.

This week’s Ramblings is definitely rambling, but I am going to continue with a Music Niagara theme. The Pops Series opened this year with Quartetto Gelato. Always unpredictable, and an evening of vibrant rhythms and a variety of musical surprises.

And let me repeat: the talent. I had no idea we had such a talented oboe player in our midst. Colin Maier is the production manager of Music Niagara, and “in his spare time,” incredibly talented on this double-reed woodwind instrument. Yes, he plays the notes, but with such intensity and passion. And a sartorially creative raconteur to boot. When introducing Quartetto Gelato’s songs, he deftly slipped in so many interesting historical tidbits. Value added, which we appreciate.

And methinks we went an entire evening without a mention of Elvis, John Denver, Bing Crosby or Neil Diamond. I don’t really know what I am talking about, so I will ramble in another direction.

Music Niagara’s assistant production manager is Loris Isabettini, with so much to do during Music Niagara’s 2026 season. Some nineteen varied shows, and proving his talents, “you hardly know he is there.”

Imagine our surprise when Colin Maier invited him on stage to entertain us. Loris is larger than life, and this fall will be defending his PhD thesis at the University of Windsor. I think this means he will be adding to the world’s body of knowledge, and has been discovering new facts. In his case, his subject is argumentative studies. Who knew?

What stage presence, and he enthralled us singing “In the Jailhouse Now” by the Soggy Bottom Boys. Of course. What a hidden talent, singing the words so naturally and with all the moves.

So this has been a wandering Ross’s Ramblings. I have tried to emphasize how much is going on culturally in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Get out and enjoy. Learn.

And, I get fatigued when government leaders tell us their party “is providing” this many millions of dollars for whatever project or initiative. It’s not their money. That money comes from the taxpayers. Are they attempting to deceive us?

Music Niagara receives some funding and grants from various government bodies. So, from taxpayers.

Money well spent, with hard working, talented and passionate people.

You will meet vibrant Music Niagara volunteers like Judith Tsaros and Dianne Hall.

Resolve to get out more.