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Sunday evening, 25 friends joined us at City Fire in Sumter Landing for dinner, and entertainment. We have done this many times, both in Sumter and Brownwood, but this was to be a different experience. We all came out to see for the first time, the Eddie Coffey Band from Newfoundland, Canada.

Eddie Coffey is a musician, a songwriter and a storyteller from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Eddie's songs tell of life in the Maritimes, and of events that have had an impact on him. His stories are all true. Eddie's presentation ranges from sensitive to joyful and humorous and he never fails to touch the hearts of his audience. Known as one of the hottest bands from Newfoundland, Eddie and Rhonda generate energy and excitement.

The music at City Fire-Sumter is always loud and it is difficult to talk, but we know that. We noticed Eddie lowered the volume, but the acoustics have never been great for conversation. A small group to the side of the staging area complained. After one hour of our enjoying Newfoundland tales, Irish jigs and waltzes on the accordion and guitar, the band was told by management to stop! In the middle of a song! “Stop, now, or I will pull the plug!” Rhonda announced they were done for the evening, as their music was too loud.

The music was to play until 10 pm. Canadians were upset, as they were expecting others to show up later in the evening to enjoy this new to The Villages entertainment. We were there finishing our meals, and expecting to continue enjoying the music and dance. The manager from City Fire showed up, while customers were confused, annoyed, and embarrassed. The entertainers were humiliated and hurt, and still acted professionally, apologizing to everyone. The manager asked them to set up again, and continue to play, insinuating that they would look bad if they did not. By this time, feelings were hurt, and emotions were high, and folks were leaving.

The next morning we questioned, “did we really experience that last night?” Eddie and Rhonda were hired to entertain for the evening at City Fire, Sumter. In their 40 plus years of entertaining, they have never been told to STOP…right now! Customers spent plenty of money for their meals, while enjoying great entertainment. This has been my first, and I hope only, experience of an establishment not fitting into The Friendliest Home Town atmosphere. I only hope other establishments or the town squares, will open the way for the Eddie Coffey Band to be welcome in The Villages with their unique musical entertainment….and no, I am not a Canadian!