O Canada concert – a resounding success for BGC Kawarthas Foundation

Music and Canadian pride reverberated off the walls of the Flato Academy Theatre on Sunday, May 25th in the first Annual O Canada Celebration of Canadian Music, produced by BGC Kawarthas Foundation.

The concert featured a cast of talented artists, all with a connection to the Kawarthas, who shared a favourite Canadian cover song, as well as their own material, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, many dressed in red and white to reflect their love of Canada. At the end of the show all the artists joined on stage in what some in the audience called, “a Kawartha version of Band Aid” (the famous collaboration of artists from the UK and Ireland to raise money for famine relief).

“Not only did this event raise much needed funds for BGC Kawarthas, it brought the community together to celebrate the talent and generosity of our Canadian musicians.  It was my honour to be a part of this special night,” said Erica Ehm, who hosted the event, in a press release.

The concert raised over $12,000 for the music and arts programs at BGC Kawarthas, and so it was fitting that the audience favourite act was Mis-Hap, a youth punk band formed by Theo Ward, Donny Ferguson and Roman Shackleton who first met in a music program at the Club.

The show also featured Tyler Kyte and Nick Rose of Dwayne Gretzky, Russell deCarle of Prairie Oyster, Melissa Payne, Cale Crowe, Cassie Noble, Warren Frank as Gamekeeper, and The Strumbellas.  A few other artists joined them on stage as well.

“The event surpassed our expectations,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director. “We had a vision to do something fun and patriotic that would highlight some of the amazing talent from our community. From the moment the house lights came down, the audience showed their enthusiastic support for the idea. Many of the artists said they’ve never found a more appreciative crowd. It was fantastic.”

Sponsors of the event helped reduce the risk of trying something new.  BGC Kawarthas Foundation thanks: MSI, Russell West Optometry, Mackey Funeral Home, Matty G Digital, Celebrations, Kawartha Home Hardware Group. Thanks also to the volunteers behind stage and at the Academy Theatre.

“The audience and artists had a final message for us on Sunday – do it again next year!  And so, we will,” adds Amy Terrill.