Don Mcleod and I just became friends one day. It was natural and instantaneous.

It all started on a busy weekend day at Edie Hats.  I looked across the crowded store, saw a guy in a really cool jacket with a Union Jack across the front and blurted enthusiastically (as I often do), “Nice jacket!”
He looked back and said “Nice hats!”

And that was it.

Since then we have collaborated together and supported each others’ creative projects in ways that seem to just happen spontaneously – exactly like our first encounter.

We both love music and we’re involved in the industry and the artists who work in it.  Edie Hats is famous for both organized and impromptu in-store performances and photo shoots.  Don is a well-known, respected musician and song writer.

We both mentor young people.  Edie Hats has been a long-time supporter the children’s programs at Al Mozaico Dance Academy.  Don is one of the founders of S.A.S.S. (The School Alliance of Student Songwriters).  We both believe passionately in nurturing and encouraging talented young people.

One day when I had been working way too hard and needed a creative break, he invited me along to see him in action, recording the music of an exceptionally talented young artist, Ali Milner.  I was there in a minute and got a much-needed creative “fix”, hanging out at Armoury Studios in Vancouver, watching magic happen.

A couple of weeks later I had the pleasure of seeing the kids at S.A.S.S. perform their songs.  It is unbelievably inspiring to see the potential and talent of these wonderful kids.  Don works alongside David Blair like a supportive “parental bird” gently pushing them out of the nest and encouraging them to write and perform.

Knowing Don has enriched and encouraged me in so many ways.  What began as a random connection between us sparked at Edie Hats has become a collaborative, creative, lasting friendship for which I am very grateful.

The results have been wonderful!

Tags: Al Mozaico Flamenco, Ali Milner, AMFDA, Armoury Studios, David Blair, don mcleod, Edie Hats, Edie Orenstein, Events at Edie Hats, Flamenco, sass, School Alliance of Student Songwriters