Months without revenue has taken a toll on performing arts centres and performing artists alike.
So in an effort to generate revenue, and share it with local musicians, the Capitol Centre has introduced a new Shared-Benefit Summer Concert series on Facebook.
"We've worked hard to showcase local musicians in our online concerts since the shutdown began," Caroline Parnell-Barry, Marketing Director, told BayToday. "Since we need to start generating revenue, as do local musicians, we thought it best to move
forward together in a partnership that benefits us both.
"We provide the venue and tech support for pre-recording concerts for online presentation, and the artists provide the music. Together we will equally share whatever donation support comes from that concert."
These concerts take place on the Capitol Centre's Facebook page every Thursday at 7 p.m. during July and August.
Tomorrow's concert features NorthFacing Folk.
NorthFacing Folk is Verdon Vaillancourt and Ken Hull.
The two have been active in the music industry in North Bay for many years. Sometime around 2012 or 2013, a chance conversation led to the idea of seeing how a duo would work out and they haven't looked back since. NorthFacing Folk plays a wide variety of folk and roots of all sorts, with a primary focus and passion for Canadian songs.
“These pandemic times have been really hard on musicians, as it has with so many of us all," says Verdon Vaillancourt, of NorthFacing Folk. "It’s not just the loss of income, but music and performance are as much a part of who we are, as what we do.
"Normally this is our busiest and most enjoyable time of the year. There have been so few opportunities to express this part of who we are, this performance will be especially enjoyable. Ken and I are really looking forward to this upcoming concert at the Capitol Centre!,” he says.
“The North Facing Folk concert premieres on the Capitol Centre’s Facebook page tomorrow, July 16.
The concert is free to enjoy, but donations are welcome with all proceeds being split equally between NorthFacing Folk musicians and the Capitol Centre.”