THUNDER BAY – An intimate evening of local music is coming your way on May 28.
The online concert, featuring the music of some of the city’s most beloved artists, is a benefit in support of Roots to Harvest.
Among those who recorded songs for the show are Clay Breiland, Jean-Paul De Roover, Ian Gill, Elle Kay, Luke Warm and the Cold Ones, Morning Light Acoustic, Jamie Smith and Anna Torontow with Mood Indigo.
It was a no-brainer, De Roover said.
“It was really lovely to be asked to participate in this project, not only because I get to be in good company with so many talented musicians, but also because Roots to Harvest has been doing so much good work in our community, now more than ever,” he said.
Tickets are $10, with proceeds going to musicians and to Algoma House, a local live-music venue. Donations during the online show will go to Roots to Harvest.
De Roover said it’s a great chance for musicians, who have been sidelined during the COVID-19 pandemic, to reach fans and possibly even a new audience.
He said he’s been doing live-streaming events already, but many local musicians don’t have that luxury. Having the help and the talent of Algoma House’s Chad Kirvan has really helped pull the event – which was prerecorded – off.
It’s a great idea, he said.
“Having a curated event like this is even more special because people that come to watch the show can see a sampling of what Thunder Bay offers musically,” De Roover said.
“It helps to satisfy the needs of those that miss live music, while also informing those that may not have had the means, ability or time to make their way downtown late on a Friday night to where our scene was thriving until recently.”
The event was hatched by Nancy Saunders, a long-time Roots to Harvest volunteer.
It was a chance for the music community to come together and provide a place where the entire community can feel like everyone is in it together.
“Thunder Bay is an incredible community and while we are isolating and feeling disconnected right now, we can all participate in this concert and know that we are experiencing something together while separated in our own homes. Many local artists have lost the opportunity to bring their talents to their fans, and this will support them and let a broad audience enjoy their music,” Saunders said.
“Donations to Roots to Harvest throughout the live event will help them continue supporting members of our community who have been impacted by COVID-19. It was a natural fit to work with Chad Kirvan from Algoma House to host the online event, and we’re happy he jumped right in.”
Roots to Harvest has had to suspend much of its community programming during the pandemic, but has since shifted to help distribute weekly food packages to families that relied on school food programs.
Kirvan said it’s win-win for everyone.
“The recent pandemic had left us heartbroken over many cancelled shows, so when Roots to Harvest asked us to participate in this amazing fund raiser, we were more than thrilled. For us Rootstock is so much more than an outstanding event for a great cause, it’s our chance to reconnect and give back to the community that we love and miss,” he said.
Visit Roots to Harvest Eventbrite to purchase tickets.
The two-hour show begins at 8 p.m. next Thursday.
