COCHRANE— Going on a "world tour" of Cochrane, Kirby Sewell and The Pauls will be visiting communities to play bluesy tunes in celebration of Canada Day.
The Rotary Club of Cochrane will be hosting the Canada Day Lifting Spirits Mobile Concert on Wednesday (July 1).
Rotarian Michael Bopp said the group was looking for a way to bring the community together safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained the Rotary Club was inspired to host the travelling concert as a way to “lift peoples spirits” during this incredibly challenging and uncertain time.
“One of the issues that has been hidden all along in this crisis is the mental health issues,” Bopp said. “There’s been a spike in addictions, suicide, violence, depression you name it.”
It will take strategic focus to help the community heal, he said, and the Rotary Club wanted to take action to aid in the process.
Music venues are beginning to reopen, he said, but for many in the community, it has been more than three months since they were able to watch live music. The mobile concert will bring live music to communities and allow people to feel safe enjoying catchy tunes outside.
The Rotary Canada Day Lifting Spirits Mobile Concert will feature Kirby Sewell and The Pauls singing the music of Paul Simon and Paul McCartney. The band brings fun, bluesy music that is accessible to any age, Bopp said.
“It’s little mini-concerts,” Bopp said, explaining how the band will be on the back of a flatbed trailer that will act as a stage. “It’s to put smiles on people’s faces."
Bopp said he is hoping to see people come out, maintain social distancing and have a good time listening to great music. He added that guests can bring food donations for the Food Bank if they choose.
The concert kicks off at the Bethany Care Centre parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 6:45, followed by outside Evergreen manor at 300 Ross Avenue from 7:15 p.m. to 7:30, outside #50 Grand Avenue Residence from 8 p.m. to 8:15, behind the Rodeo Grounds opposite 73 Glenbrook Crescent from 8:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and finishes the night off at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre parking lot from 9:15 p.m. to 10.
The mobile concert will be followed by a drive-in movie hosted by the Young Professional Rotary Club of Cochrane at the sports centre parking lot.
The second installment of “Movie Under the Stars” will feature the classic movie Back to the Future, said Young Professional Rotary Club of Cochrane head representative Ryan Baum.
“I think everyone will enjoy it, we’re excited to show it,” Baum said. “Normally that’s one based on the age of it you’ve only seen inside your own home-— Now you get to see it on the big screen.”
The drive-in is one of many exciting things people will be able to do to celebrate Canada Day in Cochrane.
“We think it’s going to be a full packed day of things to do in Cochrane,” Baum said.
The Young Rotarians learned a lot from the first drive-in and he said the next one will be bigger and better.
The drive-in is adapting to the reduced COVID-19 public health measures, Baum said, and they are hopeful to increase the number of people who can attend. He added that food trucks may also be in attendance.
“There will be a lot more variation on how you can watch it this time,” he said. “You can maybe even get some lawn chairs outside if the weather holds.”
"Movie Under the Stars" will remain a free ticketed event and serve as a fundraiser for the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. To date through partnerships and donations have been able to raise more than $30,000 for the Food Bank.
“We’re excited we think it’s going to be a great event,” Baum said. “This next portion is just going to help provide more and more for the Food Bank.”
For those that are unable to make it to “Movie Under the Stars,” they will be able to catch fireworks at Mitford Park on Canada Day. The area will be closed for parking but most Cochranites will be able to see the fireworks from their homes.
