Musicians are uniting in May for a concert celebrating Canada while supporting a local charity for children and youth.
BGC Kawarthas is inviting residents of the Kawarthas to gather at FLATO Academy Theatre in Lindsay on May 25 and celebrate civic pride together with prominent names of the local music scene, including headliners The Strumbellas.
“Canadian pride and identity have never been stronger than they are today,” BGC Kawarthas stated in a media release. “In the midst of international tension, Canadians across the country are taking action to buy and support Canadian products and to protect what makes us unique. For many, Canadian culture is one of the things that sets us apart — our songs and stories express what’s distinct about living in this country.”
Called “O Canada”, the concert is intended to be a way to celebrate the country’s distinctive culture, compassion, and perseverance.
“We’re excited to do something different — it just seems like the right time to celebrate some of the greatest Canadian hits of all time,” said BGC Kawarthas executive director Amy Terrill.
“We want to bring the community together to celebrate our cultural uniqueness at a time when many people are feeling anxious,” Terrill told kawarthaNOW. “Our line-up features artists with a strong connection to the Kawarthas.”
VIDEO: “Spirits” by The Strumbellas at Peterborough Musicfest (2022)
That includes the Juno award-winning band The Strumbellas, best known for their 2016 hit “Spirits”. Four of the band’s members — chief songwriter and former lead singer Simon Ward (Jimmy Chauveau is now the lead singer), lead guitarist Jon Hembrey, bassist Darryl James, and drummer Jeremy Drury — hail from Lindsay. The Strumbellas last performed at the Academy Theatre on December 19.
Other performers in the line-up include Tyler Kyte and Nick Rose (members of Dwayne Gretzky), Russell deCarle (former frontman of Prairie Oyster), Melissa Payne, Cassie Noble, Cale Crowe, Gamekeeper, and local youth punk band Mis-Hap, with a house band featuring Frazer Turk, D’Arcy Mason, Graeme Morrison, and Andy McNeilly.
“We’ve asked each of them to share with the audience a song — or a dance — that represents something Canadian to them, as well as to share something original,” Terrill says. “For us, it’s an opportunity to showcase these artists as well as to celebrate the songs and stories that knit us together.”
The concert’s host is another Canadian icon, former Much Music VJ Erica Ehm, who has a home at Pleasant Point on Sturgeon Lake in Kawartha Lakes.
The show begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 at FLATO Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay). Tickets are $62, including fees, and are available at www.flatoacademytheatre.com.
Proceeds from the concert will go to the BGC Kawarthas Foundation in support of BGC Kawarthas music programs, which offer children and youth various opportunities to learn instruments, sing, compose, and record songs, and more.
“A sell-out show will allow us to support the music programs at BGC Kawarthas, which help children and youth build confidence and skills, and access all the proven benefits of music,” Terrill said.
Concert sponsors include Marquis Snow & Ice, Russell West Optometry, Mackey Funeral Home, Matty G Digital, and Celebrations. Additional sponsorships are available by emailing Heather McCullough at hmcullough@bgckawarthas.com.
BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys and Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) is a registered non-profit charitable organization that serves 4,000 children and youth throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough annually. Established in 1970, it provides summer camps, before and after school programs, early learning, licensed childcare, child and youth counselling, infant development, music, sports, and recreation and adventure programs.
