CANMORE – Canmore’s artsPlace will be rockin’ all summer long with its newly announced online concert lineup.
Every Thursday from June 4 to Aug. 6, the community arts hub is hosting 10 online concerts featuring bands, solo performances and children's concerts through a video stream at artsplacecanmore.com.
“We’re really committed to not only connecting our community to local music and bringing the arts and culture to our community, but also supporting our creative community,” said artsPlace spokesperson Paula Krupa.
“Obviously this time is not easy for them with all events cancelled. We cared deeply about supporting them and feel having the opportunity to be able to pay them and employ them in this time is really important, so we’re really happy to be working with so many talented people in the valley.”
The pre-recorded concert series kicks off Thursday (June 4) at 7 p.m., with Bradley Bischoff (vocals, guitar) and Scott Duncan (fiddle), two-thirds of The Wardens taking the stage.
In front of an empty hall, Bischoff and Duncan made the experience feel as live as possible, despite being accustomed to cheering fans and big crowds.
“It allows you to stay sharp and stay on your game and also challenges you to create that interaction with an audience that’s online," said Bischoff. "That's a bit of a challenge, but in my mind you have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit.”
The duo played the western folk style of The Wardens, solo material and covers during the 50-minute set.
Bischoff added he’d encourage any musician or entertainer to take up an opportunity to perform online if it comes by.
“It certainly was different, but I really appreciated the opportunity to share my songs and stories, so I really want to thank artsPlace and Jeremy [Elbourne] for setting that all up,” Bischoff said.
The artsPlace concert series includes Kerry Hinter of the Northern Quarter, June 11 at 7 p.m.; a children's concert with Heather Jean Jordan, June 18 at noon; fingerstyle guitarist Kyle Pullan, June 25 at 7 p.m.; Mister Bird Gareth Bruce, July 2 at 7 p.m.; Adam Boeker, July 9 at 7 p.m.; Northern Quarter, July 16 at 7 p.m.; a children's concert from the Grizzly Bear Shakedown, July 23 at noon; Mike Petroff, July 30 at 7 p.m.; and Heather Jean Jordan, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.
