After receiving fines for hosting an outdoor concert, Monty Greig hopes residents will still decide to support their local musicians once live music events return.
On June 19, Greig received two fines totalling $1,500 when he and his band, Monty and the Crew, performed a neighbourhood concert outside his Leacock Avenue home on the city's east side.
“I was trying to do something good,” Greig said about the performance, which saw around 90 residents of all ages, with some dancing to the music in the middle of the street.
Since then, Greig mentions he has received a mixture of responses online, including some from other musicians within the industry.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed by the fact that I had so much support, especially from brothers and sisters within the music industry, it was fantastic,” he said about the feedback.
Some have even tried to offer Greig money to help pay off the fines, including two children who dropped off some money at his door on Sunday. However, he isn't collecting any money for the fines and is not encouraging people to donate.
“I’ve had neighbours come up to me with money, but I won’t take it,” he said.
When it comes to the fines, Greig is still planning to fight them and has already submitted the paperwork and tickets to do so. However, it may be awhile before he sees a date set for his case.
“I’ve been told I won’t hear anything for at least a year, it’s pretty backed up.”
Looking back, Greig said he has no regrets for hosting the event, but is concerned about the potential adverse effects this could have on people's interests in live music and other performances. In terms of his band, Monty and the Crew, they do have two more performances in the future.
“When you’re able to and allowed to, that you go and support other artists, and the arts in general, because it really needs people’s help,” he said.
“Mine was a special kind of situation, but you are still allowed to go out and see live entertainment in certain forms.”
