An afternoon music series that kicked off this weekend is allowing the music lovers of Guelph to take in a live performance and be home for dinner.
Now in its second year, Weekend Music is a 10-week series of daytime concerts aimed at people who love music but, for one reason or another, cannot attend nighttime shows, said Sam Jewell, events coordinator for Downtown Guelph Business Association (DGBA).
“We had this idea that there were people in a few demographics that love live music but don’t go out and see these bands that come on stage at 10 o’clock in the evening anymore, so we had the idea of having these artists perform in the afternoon,” said Jewell.
The performances are family friendly and admission is pay-what-you-can.
Shows are organized over ten weekends between Jan. 6 and Mar. 11 — during mostly cold winter months.
A special musical improv for kids is organized for Family Day.
The music series was successful in its first year, said Jewell, and the DGBA is continuing to grow the event.
“Last year, being the first year was a big risk. We needed a lot of support and trust from people and we did it — people showed up,” said Jewell.
On the weekend, Saturdae Jones (aka D’Eve Archer) played a 3 p.m. Saturday show at eBar and A Bunch of Broadway Babies led a show tune singalong at Van Gogh’s Ear on Sunday.
Weekend Music was devised by the DGBA as a way to attract more people to downtown businesses.
“It worked. People came, they spent money in the venues, which is part of our mandate to boost the local economy,” said Jewell.
Weekend Music receives funding from the regional tourism board, as well as the DGBA, and Jewell said it was important to make sure everyone involved benefits.
“Everyone, from the tech people, the promoters, the artists — all get paid. It all goes back into the local music industry,” said Jewell.
That’s important for local promoters, like Nick Wever, who is representing three acts during the music series, including Saturdae Jones.
Wever said it’s nice to see new venues come into play to support musical acts in Guelph.
“Maybe people will experience something they might not have before because a lot of these performers usually play mostly at night,” said Wever.
Music Weekends is a collaboration between the Downtown Guelph Business Association, Hillside Inside, CFRU, Kazoo Fest, Silence, Kaleidoscope Music and Gain Music.
For more information, dates and times visit the Music Weekends Facebook page.
