Memphis Stewsday

Long-time host of popular open mike night moves on

For the past three years, artist Stew Jones has been coercing or cajoling Tuesday night patrons of the Drake Devonshire to take a turn at the mike, whether to read from a book, tell a story or sing a few songs. Some nights there are surprises, as when musicians Jim Cuddy or Torquil Campbell or Lowest of the Low frontman Ron Hawkins just happen to be in the restaurant. But typically, the night is filled with local talent— amateur musicians, young and not so young, enjoying a few minutes to show off their craft. The Memphis Tuesday night was a carryover from the Drake’s Toronto location, brought to Wellington by then-innkeeper Chris Loane. It proved to be a very popular draw, giving Wellington and area residents an opportunity to enjoy some quality music on a Tuesday night. “It was a welcoming spot, it was a little bit of a hub of activity for Wellington,” says Jones. “We really wanted the Memphis Tuesday to be apart, away from tourism. It was something that we needed the village to come out to, to give them a little bit of a connection, or social night. Three years later, we still had mostly our local friends and musicians coming out.”

Juno award winner Sarah Harmer takes a turn at the mike.

Jones and his wife, Rebecca Hunt, moved to Wellington in 2012. They settled on Wellington in part because of Hunt’s connection with the County’s wine and culinary scene, but also because they were both from the Kingston area and had spent considerable time here. Jones had an established career as an artist in Toronto, with a large portfolio and representation in a number of galleries. He expected to continue painting while in the County, but as with many newcomers found that his time was taken up with many other things, one of them being the host of Memphis Tuesday after Loane left the Drake Devonshire. “Chris said you gotta keep Memphis Tuesdays going,” says Jones. “I was here from the start, and Trevor Norris was playing. We were all in our 40s, having an opportunity to play our guitar, so it was perfect. It was always a dream of mine, funny enough, to do a Tuesday night open-mike somewhere.”

However, after three years Jones felt it was time to devote more attention to his painting, as well as his work with Midtown Brewing. “I came here looking to retire and just be a painter, and ended up with six jobs,” he says. “I’m slowly trying to quit those jobs, to just focus on my painting, some commercial work and the brewery.” He does not know who will be stepping in as the new host, but County radio’s Craig Foster will be filling that role in the near term.

Jones’s connection with the Kingston music scene resulted in a special guest on his final night as host. Juno award winner Sarah Harmer stepped up to the mike and dedicated a song to Jones. The cover of her award-winning album, I’m a Mountain, was designed by Jones, and they have remained friends over the years since then. Although stepping down as host, Jones will not be putting away his guitar. “I’ll be back on the stage here,” he promises.