Same Latitude As Rome is a musical collective of award winning songwriters and musicians based in Essex County - geographically, the same latitude as Rome, hence the name of the band! The members include Peter Boyer, Chris Martin, Jeff Meloche, Tim Logsdon, Anneke McCabe and Besnik Yzeiri. The group performs mostly as a duo, trio and quartet of Peter, Chris, Tim and Jeff and occasionally Besnik and records as a full band. SLAR has released 3 CDs in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

A song from their 1st CD, "Easy Street" received an Honourable Mention in the 2007 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest, the 2nd CD was nominated for a 2008 Ontario Independent Music Award for best Folk album, and the song "Faerie Queen" from the 3rd CD received a songwriting award from the 2009 UK Songwriting Contest as a semi finalist from over 6000 entries. SLAR's current songwriting project is entitled "Songs of 1812" and commemorates the War of 1812 in songs and stories. The band will be performing "Songs of 1812" throughout the bicentennial of 2012.

The artwork featured in the background of this website is provided courtesy of Peter Rindlisbacher. Rindlisbacher is an acclaimed maritime artist with a passion for 1812 history. He has given Peter Boyer permission to use his work, and it is truly an honor to be able to feature Rindlisbacher's work on this site. Peter Rindlisbacher can be contacted at rindli@xplornet.com.

UPCOMING GIG! Sunday, July 31, two shows at 1PM and 3PM at Fort Malden, Military Heritage Days Festival!

Same Latitude As Rome is a musical collective of award winning songwriters and musicians based in Essex County - geographically, the same latitude as Rome, hence the name of the band! The members include Peter Boyer, Chris Martin, Jeff Meloche, Tim Logsdon, Anneke McCabe and Besnik Yzeiri. The group performs mostly as a duo, trio and quartet of Peter, Chris, Tim and Jeff and occasionally Besnik and records as a full band. SLAR has released 3 CDs in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

A song from their 1st CD, "Easy Street" received an Honourable Mention in the 2007 Great Lakes Songwriting Contest, the 2nd CD was nominated for a 2008 Ontario Independent Music Award for best Folk album, and the song "Faerie Queen" from the 3rd CD received a songwriting award from the 2009 UK Songwriting Contest as a semi finalist from over 6000 entries. SLAR's current songwriting project is entitled "Songs of 1812" and commemorates the War of 1812 in songs and stories. The band will be performing "Songs of 1812" throughout the bicentennial of 2012.

Peter is an award winning songwriter who has performed his songs on radio, television, and at live venues across Canada. He wrote original music for Dan Aykroyd's play "Tom Paine" that was performed at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. His current song catalogue receives regular air play on local radio stations CBC, CJAM and CHYR. One of his current songs, "V8 Cars", recently received air play on the U.S. NPR show "Car Talk" and has been placed in a soon to be released documentary film about the auto industry.

Peter's songs are topical, gritty and narrative based and frequently describe Canadian historical events and characters. The songwriting genre is folk, and encompasses roots, rock, blues and country elements.

Chris is a Windsor native who was introduced to playing bass at an early age, and found music to be his calling in life. Unlike many bass players who begin their musical careers playing other instruments, Chris is a dedicated and experienced bass player - a specialist in all things bass, both acoustic and all styles of electric bass! Chris has played in many Windsor rock bands and is a well known and highly sought after local musician. His current major musical project is the well known heavy rock band "Lodown" - where his consummate playing anchors one of the heaviest rhythm sections in his Windsor hometown.

Jeff is a trained musician, having studied percussion at Wayne State University early in his career. After playing in numerous local bands, life on the road beckoned and Jeff became a touring musician for almost 10 years before returning to his home town and settling down in a non musical career and enjoying the benefits of a more stable life with a home and family. Jeff brings a wealth of experience to his drumming from his years of professional experience, and a rock solid style that speaks for itself in the recording studio.

Besnik is an extremely accomplished and talented musician. He started playing the violin at the early age of 4 and received a classical musical education and training in Europe. Besnik currently performs as a violinist and viola player with the Windsor Symphony. Along with being an outstanding symphony musician, Besnik has the skill to play all styles and genres of music including rock, jazz, blues and folk and is an improvisational wizard when playing unscored music. His dynamic and expressive playing in small combos really showcases his superb talent and mastery of his instrument.

Tim Logsdon is a consummate mandolin player who specializes in Celtic music and has performed with numerous Celtic groups in the Windsor/Detroit area, including the Scottish group "Strathmore". His other current project is the "Logsdon Family Band", where he shares the stage with his talented children who play violins and guitar, performing a vast repertoire of Irish music and contemporary songs. Tim's total mastery of the mandolin and his improvisational skills bring a spontaneous and creative edge to SLAR during live performances. The distinctive sound of his mandolin can be heard on SLAR's "Songs of 1812" recordings.

Anneke is a trained musician who plays keyboards and sings harmony. Anneke is well known in Windsor for her rock band "Anneke's Star" which dominated the Windsor music scene in the mid 1990's. Anneke's Star released 6 CDs during that time, and earned recognition as Windsor's "best rock band". Anneke is a gifted songwriter as well as a multi talented musician who arranges, conducts choirs, and plays keyboards, drums, guitar, trumpet and bass. Her role with SLAR has been primarily in the recording studio; however she will be performing with the band throughout 2012 for "Songs of 1812" shows.

Dan is a retired veterinarian and educator living in Windsor, Ontario. He has a lifelong interest in Canadian history with special emphasis on the War of 1812, as well being an avid birder and canoeist. Dan met Peter Boyer in the autumn of 2010 when Peter was beginning the song-writing project for the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Their first collaboration was with Dan’s lyrics for "Caldwell's Rangers", and this was soon followed by more songs such as "The Capture of the Cuyahoga Packet" and "Nous Sommes Canadiens". Dan also lectures and leads tours about the War of 1812 on the Detroit Frontier.

Sunday, July 31, two shows at 1 pm and 3 pm, Fort Malden, Military Heritage Days Festival

2011

Thursday, March 10, Ciacairo Club, Windsor, 9-5pm, Board of Education Young Author's Conference
Friday, February 11, FM Lounge, Windsor, 10 pm
Saturday, January 29, 1st Annual SAC Songwriter's Festival, Whitby, Performance Schedule TBA

2010

Saturday, January 8, House Concert at Robbie's, Leamington, 8 pm
Friday, January 7, Windsor Folk Acoustic Stage Concert, MacKenzie Hall, 8 p
Sunday, December 19, SAC Windsor Regional Writer's Group, The Mill, 7 pm
Saturday, December 4, FM Lounge, Windsor, FunnelFest, 8 pm
Sunday, November 28, SAC Windsor Regional Writer's Group, The Mill, 7 pm
Saturday, November 6, Taloola Cafe, Windsor, @9pm
Friday, November 5, Windsor Folk, MacKenzie Hall, 8 pm
November 3, London Music Club, Winterfolk Showcase @8pm
Sunday, Oct 26 The Mill, Windsor, @7pm
Sunday, Oct 24 The Mill, Windsor, @7pm
Wednesday October 27, The Central, Toronto, @9pm
Friday, October 29, The Last Friday Coffee House, Gallery Restaurant, Leamington, @ 7pm
October 2 - 10pm - 11pm; FM Lounge, Film, Art and Music (FAM) Festival, Windsor
September 25 - 1:30 - 2:30; Ruthven Apple Festival, Ruthven, Ontario
September 26 - 7 pm - 10 pm; Songwriter's Association of Canada, The Mill, Windsor
September 11 - 1:15 - 2:15 pm, Old Sandwich Town Festival, Windsor
September 15 - War of 1812 Bicentennial Regional Coordinator's Meeting, Gordon House, Amherstburg
July 2 - 7 pm - 8 pm; Colasnti's Tropical Gardens - Leamington Tornado Relief Benefit
July 4 - 2pm - 3 pm; Leamington Art at the Marina
July 23 - 8pm - 9pm; Discovery Fest, Kingsville, Main Stage
July 24 - 2pm - 5 pm ; Explore the Shore - Erie Shores Winery Pavillion, Essex County
July 29 - 6pm - 7pm; Biscuits and Gravy, Windsor, Alzheimers Society Dinner Benefit
July 1, 2010 Thursday TBA Canada Day, Marina Park Leamington, ON
May 29, 2010 Saturday 7:30 PM T P N Festival Gala, Hugh's Room Toronto, ON
May 28, 2010 Friday 9:30 PM T P N Festival, Moonshine Cafe Oakville, ON
May 27, 2010 Thursday TBA Tin Pan North Festival Toronto, ON
May 26, 2010 Wednesday TBA Tin Pan North Festival Toronto, ON
May 8, 2010 Saturday 8 PM Nazery Church Black Historical Museum Windsor, ON
May 7, 2010 Friday 8 PM Mackenzie Hall (Windsor Folk) Windsor, ON
May 1, 2010 Saturday 9:30PM Taloola's Cafe Windsor, ON
Apr 16, 2010 Friday 9 PM Milk Windsor, ON
Mar 27, 2010 Saturday 8 PM Green Bean Cafe Windsor, ON
Feb 6, 2010 Saturday TBA House Concert Leamington, ON


2009

Dec 4, 2009 Friday Windsor Folk Windsor, ON
Nov 29 ,2009 Sunday 7 PM Tecumseh Roadhouse Tecumseh Ontario
Nov 22 2009 Sunday 10 PM The FM Lounge Windsor, Ontario
Nov 7, 2009 Saturday The Mill Windsor, ON
Oct 25, 2009 Sunday The Phog Windsor, ON
Oct 16, 2009 Friday The Phog Windsor, ON
Oct 4, 2009 Sunday 7:00 PM Maxwell's Music House Kitchener, ON
Oct 3, 2009 Saturday Coach and Horses Windsor, ON
Sept 26, 2009 Saturday 8:30 PM Taloola's Cafe Windsor, ON
Sept 11, 2009 Friday 8:00 PM Mackenzie Hall Windsor, ON
June 25, 2009 Thursday 10:00 PM The Phog Windsor, ON
June 21, 2009 Sunday TBA Memphis Smoke Detroit, MI
June 6, 2009 Saturday 8:00 PM Cottam Street Dance Cottam, ON
May 23, 2009 Saturday 9:00 PM Tin Pan Ten Festival Toronto, ON
May 22, 2009 Friday 9:00 PM Tin Pan Ten Festival Toronto, ON
May 21, 2009 Thursday 9:00 PM Tin Pan Ten Festival Toronto, ON
May 2, 2009 Saturday TBA Taloola's Cafe Windsor, ON
Apr 3, 2009 Friday 8:00 PM MacKenzie Hall Windsor, ON
Mar 28, 2009 Saturday 9:00 PM Graffiti's Toronto, ON
Mar 6, 2009 Friday 8:00 PM Windsor Folk, MacKenzie Hall Windsor, ON
Jan 30, 2009 Friday 9:00 PM Cafe Morenos Windsor, ON
Jan 25, 2009 Sunday 7:00 PM The Phog - Songwriter's Assoc. Windsor, ON
Jan 10, 2009 Saturday 8:30 PM Taloola's Cafe Windsor, ON
Dec 5, 2008 Friday 8:00 PM Windsor Folk, MacKenzie Hall Windsor, ON
Nov 27, 2008 Thursday 9:00 PM The Groove Kitchen Cambridge, ON
Oct 3, 2008 Friday 8:00 PM Windsor Folk, MacKenzie Hall Windsor, ON
Sep 14, 2008 Sunday 8:00 PM The Room FAM Festival Windsor, ON
Sep 6, 2008 Saturday 8:00 PM Taloola's Cafe Windsor, ON
Sep 5, 2008 Friday 8:00 PM Windsor Folk Windsor, ON
Jul 25, 2008 Friday 9:00 PM The Groove Kitchen Cambridge, ON
Mar 30, 2008 Sunday 8:00 PM Memphis Smoke Detroit, MI
Mar 27, 2008 Thursday 9:00 PM Casa's Windsor, ON

1. When the call to war came on the 18th of June
Muskets were loaded and colours festooned
Cannons were fired and terror rained down
On July the 12th Yankees took Sandwich Town

2. We wanted to fight, for better or worse
We were just green recruits from the famed 41st
Instead we stood watch, with the Fort's northern guard
At a bridge across the River Canard

3. The Ohio Militia invaders were strong
With 300 men, they couldn't go wrong
When the first of them rode into sight
We started to fire, and we stood fast to fight

4. Some say we were drunk, crazy or fools
Retreat was the order, we disobeyed rules
John Dean was captured, the enemy surprised
Young Hancock was shot, right 'tween the eyes

5. 'Twas bad luck for us, our first taste of war
On that fatal day, on the Canard shore
When the shooting died down, I never stirred
But made my escape, and ne'er spoke a word

6. My burden was heavy, my grip tight on the helve
I fought many times throughout 1812
With Tecumseh at Detroit and Brock on the Heights
Here's to them all, who stood fast to fight

7. Now gather 'round boys, what can you do?
Keep your hands on your muskets, your aim sharp and true
We'll stand together, on this northern shore
'Til the Yankees are beaten and trespass no more

The Story Behind the Song
After the declaration of war by the US June 18, 1812, the Americans began firing cannon across the Detroit River on Sandwichtown. The terrified residents mostly fled the town, and the military in the area withdrew to the safety of Fort Malden. The northern guard for the fort stood watch at the River Canard, about 5 miles from the fort. With the arrival of three hundred Ohio militiamen, the order was for the guard to retreat to the fort. A few soldiers apparently did not hear the order, and engaged the enemy. Some accounts attribute the failure to obey the order to retreat as due to the drunkenness of a few young recruits standing watch for days on end with nothing to do. One combatant was killed and one was captured. But after encountering this resistance, the Ohio militia did not proceed to attack the fort. The "skirmish" was the first land battle of the War of 1812.

By Dan Loncke and Peter Boyer

1. On the banks of the Detroit for the last 100 years
Our ancestors prospered through hardship and tears
They cleared the land for wheat, corn and pear trees
The windmills they built turned in the breeze

Chorus:
Mon pays c'est moi; ma famille et la terre!
We live in peace in this land so fair
We're not British or French or American
In our hearts and our souls, nous sommes Canadiens

2. With 2000 armed men, the U.S. declared war
Hull crossed from Detroit and invaded our shore
Brock and Tecumseh soon sent them back
But just a year later, we were under attack

3. With cannons & muskets, the call was to arms
We joined the militia, and left families and farms
For King and for Country we fought a war
While we lost all we owned and worked our lives for

4. The invaders were ruthless and broke down our doors
They burned the harvest and plundered our stores
Armies are robbers with worthless receipts
They left our children with nothing to eat

5. So, American soldiers, take leave of this place
Give us peace to live in God's grace
Under blue skies, we'll harvest our crops
For we're weary of war and pray that it stops

6. We'll mourn for our land and all who have died
Ne'er forget friends and family on the opposite side
May the cannons lie still and hearts beat in all men
And may we all live in peace, and prosper again

The Story Behind the Song
The civilian population of Essex County was of French origin, and it was among the oldest settlements in North America. The British defeated the French at the Battle of Quebec, and introduced British military and administration to the area, but it was still predominantly French and Catholic. Farming was successful, the residents were well off and their existence was highly civilized with schools, churches and the rule of law. Separated from the French in Lower Canada (Quebec) these residents were the first to see themselves as ÒCanadiensÓ, foreshadowing the eventual emergence of Canada following the War of 1812. These residents suffered greatly during the War of 1812 because of the frequent American raids and depradations during the American occupancy after ProcterÕs retreat. They were greatly impoverished by their losses, and many faced long winters without food because of the burning and theft of crops and livestock by the American military.

By Peter Boyer and Dan Loncke

1. When the Lake Erie fleet suffered defeat
The British were put on the run
They made their stand, east of the Grand
At the heights of Burlington

2. Against the meek, defenseless and weak
From Detroit in 1814
Duncan McArthur's 700 rode hard
Laying waste wherever they'd been

Chorus:
The thunder of hooves
The crack of the guns
Their torches lit up the sky
We thanked God for our lives
And prayed to survive
When McArthur's Raiders rode by
When McArthur's Raiders rode by

3. Kentucky Raiders, and ruthless traitors
From Baldoon together they rode
Through Moraviantown, they burned Oxford down
Leaving grief and misery untold

4. Heavy rain poured one night at Brant's Ford
Defenders held the far side
So McArthur turned back, Malcolm's Mills to attack
And to plunder and terrorize

Chorus

5. Instrumental Break

6. McArthur, your name stands forever in shame
That time and memory won't fade
Despite the pain, the loyal remained
And to the War, no difference you made.

Chorus

Chorus:
Hold your fire, hold your line
Don't be afraid
Pack the charge, light the load
Fire the carronade

1. In the year of 1812, America did dare
To resist his Majesty, and war declared
Fighting men made ready everywhere
To conquer Canada, they prepared

2. To make war, the U.S. was not averse
After British blockades seized their trade and commerce
And by impressment, the Admiralty coerced
Yankee ships with British sailors, who did desert

3. Settlers brought conflict to the old Northwest
Tecumseh sought alliance to prevent conquest
He said "With the Redcoat's guns, the Yankees shall be repressed"
So he joined the British cause and loyalty professed

4. Militiamen take heed, what you're fighting for
It's the noble and the brave pay the price of war
Though both sides stared down the cannon's bore
Today we live in peace and fight no more

The Story Behind the Song
The War of 1812 was a war between the US and Britain, with Canada caught in the middle as a convenient piece of British territory for the Americans to attack. Although many Canadians held the belief that American aspirations were to conquer Canada, most historians cite three major factors as the reason for the war: (1) Economic; because of British naval blockades related to the Napoleonic War in Europe, which impinged on American trade, (2) Impressment; whereby American ships were boarded on the high seas by British vessels and American sailors suspected as British Navy deserters were arrested, and, (3) Settlement Conflicts between Americans and Indians in the Northwest Frontier Ð the Americans objected to the British trade with the Indians which gave them guns and supplies that were being used to resist American settlement.

By Dan Loncke and Peter Boyer

1. 'Twas a schooner from Ohio, boys, that brought Brock to fame
The Cuyahoga Packet was that vessel's name
She carried Yankee plans of war, for General Hull's command
All his baggage, instruments, and his regimental band

2. Hull's Northwest Army was 2000 strong
North to Fort Detroit, their march was hard and long
The Cuyahoga was dispatched, to carry their supplies
The War was just declared, and she was right before our eyes

Chorus:
Cuyahoga, Cuyahoga, a sight to behold
Flying Stars and Stripes, a treasure more than gold
No loss of life, no cannon fire, we took her close to shore
Cuyahoga, Cuyahoga, our first prize of War

3. Rolette called out, a Yankee ship, sailing in plain sight
Let's have a go, and see me boys, if she has some fight
If there's no fight, I'll guarantee, at least we'll have some fun
I'd wager no one's told them, the war has just begun

4. The boarding crew was just a few, able and seafaring
We set out to take her and show the Yanks our daring
Just our bateaux, a musket and each man to an oar
A single shot across her deck, by Bois Blanc's shore

5. No resistance did they offer, and surrendered to the man
His Majesty now owned the boat, and Hull's invasion plan
We ordered the Americans to play God Save the King
And those on shore gave a roar, and all began to sing

6. General Hull decried our daring as an unjust attack
He pleaded for the British to give his schooner back
Our reply, Sir, your loss, was easily foreseen
And your ship is now in service of the Provincial Marine

The Story Behind the Song
The Cuyahoga Packet was a small American supply ship that was contracted by US General Hull to deliver his supplies and personal belongings to Fort Detroit while he marched with an Army of 2000 men through the Ohio wilderness from Urbana. The Cuyahoga was unaware that the war had been declared, and when she sailed into proximity of Fort Malden she was seized by the local Provincial Marine as a prize of war. The ship yielded a treasure trove of military intelligence for the British, as it contained HullÕs military orders for the war among his personal papers. The great General Brock a few weeks later used this knowledge to his advantage, enabling him to force the surrender of Fort Detroit from Hull even though the British were vastly outnumbered and out gunned.

By Dan Loncke and Peter Boyer

The word it went out, to all the young men
William Caldwell would fight the Yankees again
So I left the farm and dangers denied
And joined his brave rangers to fight for our side

Chorus:
We wore green like the forest and it's not a boast
Its valour and courage, that enemies fear most
Canada's defense and victory avowed
We're Caldwell's Rangers, of that we are proud

With Potawatomi and Wyandot our Indian allies
Our greatest weapon was that of surprise
With tomahawks and muskets, we waged a war
Against American invaders who came to our shore

We fought on the Thames, during Procter's retreat
Against 3000 Yankees, we suffered defeat
Moraviantown burned, and our Shawnee allies
Lost their great chief, in the battle he died

They burned down our churches, our homes and our barns
They stole all the cattle and looted the farms
We fought them at Longwood's and Lundy's as well
Truth to be told, we'd have fought them in hell

Now in fair Malden, we've laid down our arms
And returned to our wives, children and farms
And today here in Bullock's, it's whiskey we pour
And remember our heroes and winning the war

The Story Behind the Song
William Caldwell was a strong British patriot who fought against the Americans in the American Revolutionary War with Britain. At the outbreak of the War of 1812, Caldwell was given command of a group of between 40 and 50 volunteers from the Canadian militia, called Caldwell's Rangers (or the Western Rangers). He fought at the Battle of the Thames and the Battle of Longwoods, among many other actions. After the war, he resettled in Canada in the Amherstburg area. BullockÕs Tavern still exists in Amherstburg, and today is called ÒCaldwellÕs GrantÓ. CaldwellÕs Rangers are still active in the Essex County area, and volunteers participate in reenactments and other 1812 events and celebrations. They are distinguished by their dark green uniforms.

1. BARCLAY (British):
I'm Robert Barclay and all a man can be
From a boy who was drawn to the sea
I grew up standing watch for the Royal Navy
My ship mates were my family

PERRY (American):
I'm Oliver Perry; a true American
I grew up on Rhode Island, a captain's son
I've fought at sea, and I know how it's done
Lake Erie was mine to be won

Chorus:
When the sprays in your face
It's Lake Erie you taste
The winds in your sails and you're free
The cannons are primed and the gunners are timed
To bring on their cruel accuracy
For their cruel accuracy

2. BARCLAY:
To blockade the Yankees, was my command
With luck, they slipped through the sand
On September the 10th, we made our stand
Their sails could be seen from dry land

PERRY:
The British long guns pounded us fair
Splinters and death hung in the air
The Lawrence laid low, defeat everywhere
But the day was not lost, I did swear

3. BARCLAY:
The advantage was theirs so we stayed out of range
At first, we led the exchange
With a shift in the wind, our fortune changed
With barrage from their carronades

PERRY:
We met the enemy and he is ours
Two ships, two brigs, a schooner and sloop
Royal Navy defeat never glorious before
As our victory that day in the war