Last weekend, my dad and I decided to go on a dad-and-daughter date. It’s not often we get this kind of one-on-one time, but I truly cherish it when we do. My dad is one of the best people out there—funny, kind, and a little bit of a legend in his own right. He’s always joked that I’m “the son he never had” because I love fishing with him, and I’m always eager to learn from him. We’re not really the “toss the football around” type—we’re more the “plan the snacks and watch the hockey game” kind of people.
Growing up, my dad constantly quizzed me on music. “Who’s the artist?” he’d ask. “What album? What year?” Bonus points if I could name all three. Thanks to him, Ozzy Osbourne, AC/DC, The Tragically Hip, and Fleetwood Mac are all in my regular rotation. Music has always been a love language in our family—and something that keeps my dad and me bonded to this day.
One of our favorite things to do is find a new artist, share them with each other, and then dissect the album like we’re running a secret music review club. We’re kind of music crazy—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Lately, I’ve made a real effort to support my community, and music always has a special pull on my heart. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra has really caught my attention over the past few years, as they’re truly an incredible group bringing world-class performances to Northern Ontario. For over 60 seasons they’ve been enhancing the North with live symphonic music. They currently include 31 full-time musicians and present a wide range of repertoire—from pop music, children’s concerts, the classics, Canadian compositions, and touring across Northwestern Ontario. And a fun fact: they are the only fully professional orchestra between Toronto and Winnipeg – that’s truly remarkable when you really think about it!
Their most recent show? The Music of James Bond.
Okay, listen up. If that doesn’t have you hook, line, and sunk right there, I don’t know what will. You can’t go anywhere without recognizing that iconic Bond theme. There’s something about it—the swagger, the drama, the unmistakable sound that says, “Martini. Shaken, not stirred.”
Jeff Christmas, the conductor, and the entire orchestra put on a show that I can only describe in one word: remarkable. I was blown away. And, to my surprise (and mild relief), my dad—who sometimes does the classic “dad move” of just resting his eyes for a minute—was absolutely glued to the performance.
Statistically, symphonies across Canada have struggled in recent years. But the good news? They’re making a comeback. They’re showing us they can be approachable, exciting, and fun—a night out that’s every bit as lively as a concert or hockey game. The musicians’ energy was contagious and hearing that music fill the room was electric.
To know that we have something like the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra right here in our community is such a gift. And having a night out with my dad—my music buddy, my fishing pal, my forever quizmaster—is something I’ll always cherish.
So, take this as your sign: check out their upcoming lineup, grab your loved ones (bonus points if they air-guitar to Fleetwood Mac), and make a night of it. Supporting local music, your community, and sharing a night with someone you love? That’s a win across the board.
Because any night spent with my rad dad—especially one filled with music—is one I’ll never forget.
