When we first invited young musicians to play at a benefit for a mission trip to Honduras I had pictured a small coffee house style evening with local youth providing entertainment. The immediate and enthusiastic response – along with requests from several bands to play – we realized we would need more time and a larger venue. This event was not the kind of open stage where you sign up when you arrive. We put a call out for performers ahead of time and gave everyone who wanted to play a spot in the line-up.
The result? Seven hours of youth talent at the Elora Centre for the Arts including full bands and solo acts, original compositions along with cover tunes. The response made me realize what an appetite there is to play music in this community. The musicians gave their time and made the event a success – and yet they kept thanking us for the opportunity to play!
While some of them have created opportunities for themselves to play (The Boo Radley Project , Don’t Doubt Courage , many are looking for places to play and collaborate and grow as performers. I heard performers I expect to hear about again (Emma Phillips, Kayla McTaggart) and many who have obviously dedicated themselves to their music.
Congratulations to Liam Grier for his role as organizer and MC.
Thanks to the following stellar line-up for making the event so memorable:
Calhoun Breit (aka Kid Wonka)
Chloe Smith & Amy Soucie
Anders Gatten
17 Excuses
Emma Phillips
Kayla McTaggart
David Pile
Lisa Arnold
Don’t Doubt Courage
Arlin Otto
Chronicle
The Boo Radley Project
Diamonds to Dust
[Music for Honduras, April 28, 2012, Elora Centre for the Arts – photos: Timothy Grier]
