After bandmate Koady Chaisson passed away, The East Pointers find comfort in music

"Before Koad passed away it was like the best we've ever seen him - mentally and physically," says The East Pointers' Tim Chaisson. In January of 2022, his cousin and fellow member of The East Pointers Koady Chaisson passed away from a previously unknown health condition. As a driving force in the band, and as a friend and as family, his loss weighs heavily. But Koady's spirit is still felt significantly in their music and in their community.
In this episode of Following Folk, band members Tim Chaisson and Jake Charron beautifully speak of their friend and band mate, discuss about how mental health and working through difficult times has always been a foundational part of the band, and swim in freezing cold water - something Koady liked to do.
Tim and Jake also work on a new version of their song "Stronger Than You Know" which was written with Koady and also appears on their Juno-nominated album House of Dreams, featuring tracks recorded with Koady before he passed away - including a banjo track heard in this episode. The episode culminates with a performance of the song for their community in Charlottetown.
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[@joannemcauley564]

Such a BEAUTIFUL tribute to Koady. He was the inspiration but Tim and Jake, you are the GLUE keeping the tunes alive. He was one special musician for sure and we were so blessed to share life with him. His music will NEVER be forgotten, HE will never be forgotten. Big Hugs all around.

[@robertcampbell1220]

What a great tribute to Koady

[@ZDubbed]

I never took lessons from Koady but just from seeing him around at fiddle camp you could tell just how warm of a person he was. I think he inspired people to be better in a way

[@willwright8554]

A loving tribute to an inspirational being. Thank you!

[@karigunderson5284]

Incredible talent and compassion for music from eastern Canada. This is so well done and a wonderful tribute to Koady.

[@brucemacnaughton8386]

Thank you, Tim, Jake and CBC for this tribute. Beautifully done.

[@davidlawrence5823]

Very very well done.

[@bryanllewis]

Found East Pointers through Wintergreen on Under the Vines. Koady's banjo is precisely what drew me to the song and the band's sound. So tragic but a great tribute to him. RIP.

[@kellykiley]

This tribute is beautiful. God gave Koady an amazing talent that he was able to share and I thank him for that The East Pointers music is wonderful.

[@marymargaret3073]

Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@manikp]

Beautiful documentary

[@WmRob]

Our dad passed away 1992 from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). His was undiagnosed as well and probably exacerbated by extreme stress. I was diagnosed in 2018 after a heart attack in 2017 and had surgery in late 2018. My cardiologist told me that it was a condition that was being diagnosed more and more and very dangerous. I strongly suggest having a check-up, regardless of your age or physical condition.

[@nancygerein2068]

Fabulous piece. Love everything about TEP. Miss Koady so much. They inspired my move from BC to NB and I spend time every summer amongst the East Point of PEI.

[@pelicanpen]

A beautiful tribute. Thank you for this.

[@thelatenightnomad]

Beautiful piece on a beautiful group. I just saw The Eastpointers over here in Aus. Great to see hundreds of east coast people dance to the east coast tunes. Great work to carry on.

[@rogerolsen981]

My condolences to you and your family Tim.
It was great to meet you, your wife and Fox in Maketu at the Cottage.
Hope your family has all the blessings one needs in this life to overcome all life challenges.
From us in NZ

[@user-yh3xm3zo9l]

Ye very nice tribute,, u can see in them lads sad eyes,,, how awfull suffering the loss was to them,,, as it is,, his passion and dedication in music was frightening ,,a brilliant musician,,,, maybe the best,,, gone way way to soon,,, but I always fire his jigs n reels up,,, and i always will I’d say,,, so sorry I never got to hear him live, would of loved that,, god rest u boy, from a true fan ❤️☘️🇮🇪👏👏👏

[@danielstephens9748]

So sad too here of his passing. I got to know them when they toured Tasmania several times. They did some voice over promos for a radio show I do in Launceston...as well as recording in one of our studios...

[@meccanised]

Vale Koady. Lovely sentiment.

[@edwardmort3523]

Nice!

[@1blastman]

6 Hearts will be playing at the New Orleans Jazzfest on Thursday, May 4 at 12:35 - 1:35 at the Cultural Exchange Pavillion and then again on the Fai-Do-Do Stage at 4:15 to 5:35 pm. I saw the East Pointers back the last time they were at Jazzfest and they blew me away. This will be just as good if not way better. If you're at the Fairgrounds on May 4, DON"T MISS THESE FOLKS!!
This is a beautiful tribute, If you are at the Fairgrounds May 4, come celebrate Koady's life through the music of 6 Hearts. You'll be better for it.

[@terri898]

❤