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Monica Knott - Bass / Vocals
Dear Gentle Reader, The following is a synopsis of Monica's musical biography. Monica spent her formative years in Quebec where she learned to sing Solfège with her class with one of the many teaching Sisters. She met, though I blush in telling you this gentle reader, Gordon Lightfoot in her favourite blue pajamas (of course she was 5 at the time, so we will give her some allowance). A move to Saint Boniface during her early teen years opened her ears to the wonderful forms of music in this world. She participated in a bunch of singing activities from belonging to a number of folksy groups (in official and other languages), Central American protest groups (Grupo Despertar), psychedelic bands (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent), children's music performers and even, yes gentle reader you must know this, lounge singing. Having graduated from high school a bit early and needing a break from University for a bit, she lived in a commune in Edmonton for a brief period. Here, she learned about living off the grid in 40 below weather, cooking with wood, growing herbs and making candles. She also had a brief European tour where she participated in a variety of odd jobs, including waiting in small bars in Nice and Cannes, where she was provided a uniform of an apron. Some days were a bit nippy and no one really noticed her face, but tips were good and she moved on.
Then a move to Hamilton (for all the wrong reasons), introduced her to the fabulous music scene in Hamilton. She fortuitously met Peter LLoyd following brief stints with a couple of Hamilton bands (who also remain nameless to protect the innocent). The first time she heard Sinister Dude Ranch play was at a very loud and stupid show with the Dik Van Dykes she knew the world could be a better place. Who knew this would be the beginning of something very beautiful and noisy? Pete invited Monica to sing a song (Crimson and Clover to be precise and as an aside, dear reader, where she met her beloved husband Joe-though neither of them knew this at the time) with Sinister Dude Ranch and there was no turning back. Pete, Phil Higham, Marc H., Sarah Hodson (formerly of Dik Van Dike fame), and Terry Shindler went into rock and roll history with such lowbrow hits as "Larry, Larry, Larry", "Farm on a Hill" (it's standing still) and any of the many 'he done me wrong songs' that Monica likes to write (it must be the lounge singer trying to break free). When Phil moved away to B.C. to get away from the noise, Dave Gould joined up. Then it was Terry's turn to move away so it was clear that it was it was time to burn the Ranch down. I Love My Shih-Tzu emerged from the ashes with Mile Johnson formerly of the Dik Van Dykes. You can see, dear reader, how the world is truly a small and incestuous place. It was Dave's turn to get away from the noise, but not before introducing us to our beloved Crackers. They continued with the new roster including Pete (Second Best) Murphy from the coolest band "Wet Spots" in Hamilton. But then it was, Alas, time to put the dog down… But, because they were having so much fun, they decided to keep going. Pete, Crackers, Monica and a new-old pal Dave Heaton started making some musical noise. Monica, under the brave tutelage of a number of kind friends began to learn to play the base guitar. She may not be as good a Geddy Lee or Flea but can create hearing impairments with the best of them. In her spare time Monica is a Speech Language Pathologist (and a believer of ear protection at shows-it can cut up to 30 deciBels), sings with Opera Hamilton, even having had the opportunity to sing with Pavarotti on stage (of course, he didn't show up, fearful that someone might be wearing purple), sings in various and sundry performances and recitals, paints wild and unreadable abstract art, makes breakable pottery has a bunch of beloved pets and the rest is subject to change without notice.

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