The Pickett Line
The Pickett Line is a legacy of the CBC lockout in 2005. Over a drink with Stan Pickett and Andrew Lang at The Ship Pub, Francesca Swann commented on the boredom of walking the picket line. Stan Pickett responded by suggesting that she might be relieved of her picket duties if she joined his Pickett line. Francesca was not relieved of her picket duties, but since then, with their unusual and interesting instrumental combination of accordion (Pickett), cello (Swann), and mandocello (Lang), they have discovered a neglected musical niche in the local traditional music scene. Now, Pickett duty consists of regular rehearsal sessions over tea and cranberry loaf as this trio of St. John's musicians tailor their tunes and songs to their unique sound.