Spread the word–celebrate the memory of Sherri Wood this summer at a music festival held in her honor. Call it Sherri Woodstock.
That was one idea pitched today at services for Wood, who died last Monday after a brave battle with brain cancer. She was not yet 29 years old.
Wood wrote concert listings and covered breakout bands in the GTA for three years in the Toronto Sun. A glance through the messages posted at the Sun’s tribute page shows how much Sherri meant to even casual acquaintances who only knew her as Toronto’s super cool indie music messenger.
“Sherri Woodstock” needs a venue, bands, promotion, a driving force. Knowing Sherri and her daily lust for tea, the whole things should be sponsored by Starbucks. The hope would be that a music festival could help raise money for brain cancer research. It would also be a wonderful way of celebrating her warmth and embracing spirit.
If you are involved in the Toronto music scene and would like to offer suggestions and advice on the best way to push this all forward, please leave a comment here or reach me at [email protected].
There were suggestions at the “after wake” at a west end pub today that Three Dog Night, an early ’70s band Sherri never heard of (and the rest of us at The Sun grew up with), should headline. Stranger things have happened.
Music played a role in today’s private service for Sherri at the Turner & Porter funeral home in Toronto’s west end. Her family sent her off in style today to the strains of Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” “Leavin’ On A Jet Plane” was sung earlier, as was “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Who knew Wood was such a folkie, but apparently these were the tunes she rocked out to in her final weeks at St. Michael’s palliative care unit, part of a guitar therapy routine she always enjoyed. As much as her memory dimmed in those final weeks, the “Puff” lyrics never left her head.
A few of us stood and watched as the family said their goodbyes out the front door in the rain. As the hearse pulled away, it was followed down the street by a big white “Mobile Repair” truck. Seemed about right, I thought, given Wood’s history of car trouble.
Remember: Sherri Woodstock. Pass it on, make it happen.
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4 Comments
Great idea, Bill. The show needs a really cool name to light a fire under people’s asses. Get them nice lads from Coldplay to headline. Speaking of them, I’m surprised none of their songs were played during the funeral.
Let’s make it happen, indeed. One of the most touching moments from today’s service was that one of her nurses from St. Mike’s, who had known her for only a short time, was compelled to sing and play so beautifully in honour. Sherri had this effect on people. That is her legacy. Let’s make it a lasting one.
Bish
I heard the shocking news of Sherri Woods death from a friend last night. Since then I have been thinking of all the good times that we had together. Sherri and I met in grade 2 and were best friends for years. Her Grandmother owned a house in a field near my apartment in mississauga and we played in that field daily. We used to bring our barbie dolls and sit in the shade dressing them in different outfits. I will never forget the time we went to high park with her mom and her friends or coworkers and we asked her if we could go and climb this large hill. Debbie while answering another adult said “yes”, we ran up the hill thinking she said yes to us. Once we got to the top, I must of lost my balance(was a long time ago so I dont remember). I tumbled down the hill missing all the trees and landing at the bottom before going into passing traffic. Sherri was screaming and crying as she ran down after me. She was always a caring friend. We were inseperable. We even had shirts that said “Dont worry be happy” and matching shorts that we wore. I am sure that she will sadly missed by her family and friends. My condolences are sent to the family. Donna Strathearn, Mississauga
Donna, you gave me the only laugh in my week. I remember that day so clearly when you and Sherri climbed up this HUGE hill without us knowing. And boy, did you go for a tumble. We had to take you to the hospital to check you out. You had tons of scraps but no broken bones. Then I had to phone your Mom and tell her what happened. Sherri, said not to be afraid becuase your mom was super.
So funny! xoxo