A collaborative effort between area musicians and the Capitol Centre will see the final summer concert tomorrow.
Viewers can see Maple Hill Project’s concert on the Capitol Centre’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th. The concert is free to enjoy, but viewers are invited to donate, with all donations split equally between the performing artists and the Capitol Centre.
Donate here.
“We lost many bookings as most events have been cancelled," said Mark Robinson of Maple Hill Project. " We have a very devoted group of people who come out to all our gigs and have been following everything we have put online. To be able to perform a virtual concert for them from the Capitol Centre stage will be fun.”
Individually, the members of the Maple Hill Project have a long history of making music in North Bay.
Pat O'Kane started playing at The Lion's Heart pub in the mid '80s. Mark Robinson was inspired by Pat and began playing there and other venues like Churchill's, Perry's and Casey's.
In 1991, they teamed up to form the duo Guys Without Ties. They have been regulars in the North Bay scene since then.
Robin Bilan is known for his mastery of the keyboards. He has been a vital part of bands like Syntax Error, Blackwater, Beyond Country, Checkerboard, Transit, The Hit Men and That '70s Group. In 2010 he teamed up with Mark to form Two Day's Notice.
Rob Aultman is a great guitar and mandolin player. He was a regular guest of Guys Without Ties and added a lot with his soaring harmonies.
Doug Herbrand was a hidden gem. His amazing tenor voice and guitar playing were under-appreciated until now.
In 2013, these five came together for the first time at a house party on Maple Hill Road in Powassan. Their musical chemistry with tight vocal harmonies was quickly apparent. They couldn't get enough, so in February of 2014 The Maple Hill Project was born.
It has been a labour of love ever since.
See their video "I will wait for you."
