MERA is kicking off summer with a bang 7:00 pm Friday June 28 with a triple bill evening concert featuring James Keelaghan, Tripod (Kathryn Briggs, Terry Tufts & Beth Tufts) and the Long Sault Trio. This is a fundraiser for MERA. We are deeply grateful to these artists for contributing their talents in order to make this special event possible. Because there has been a strong demand for tickets the concert will be held “down the road” in the lovely Knox Presbyterian Church, 5664 McDonald’s Corners Road in McDonald’s Corners. Come to enjoy an evening of great live music and support MERA’s mission to offer programs that enrich our community.
James Keelaghan is an internationally recognized singer songwriter, a Juno award winner (and three-time Juno nominee), and a Canadian Folk Music Award winner. His deep catalogue includes timeless originals like Fires of Calais, Cold Missouri Waters, Jenny Bryce, Hillcrest Mine, and Kiri’s Piano. His masterful story-telling, over the course of nine recordings, has been part of the bedrock of his success along with his ability to make an immediate connection with audiences in a live setting, an ear for a memorable melody, and harmonies that make those melodies glisten.
Terry Tufts, Kathryn Briggs and their daughter Beth are known collectively as TRIPOD. Terry Tufts is a much sought-after guitarist, singer and songwriter. He has shared the stage with a host of this continent’s finest musicians. Kathryn Briggs is a well-respected pianist, teacher, composer and performer, having toured Canada from coast to coast to coast both on her own behalf and as an accompanist for artists such as David Francey and Laura Smith. Beth, still in her teens, has a natural talent and presence that will surprise and delight you.
The Long Sault Trio and have been playing their blend of Folk with hints of Blues, Jazz and Trad for nearly 20 years now. Musicians Linda Marie Grenier, Victor Maltby and David Tilson backup their three part harmonies with an assortment of violin, guitar, saxophone, mandolin & harmonica. As performing songwriters they offer an engaging mix of their own heartfelt material along with some favourites that they have collected along the way.
With a lineup this deep we expect to sell out quickly. Tickets are available for $25.00 at Tickets Please. You can purchase tickets online at www.ticketsplease.ca, by phone 613-485-6434 or at the Visitor Centre, Matheson House Museum, 11 Gore St. E., Perth, ON K7H 1N9.
One of MERA’s prime mandates is to foster and promote community involvement through the arts. Sadly, these activities can only produce a fraction of the money required to operate the facility. Membership fees and regular fundraising events do generate significant amounts but still leaves many thousands of dollars short of what is required every year. Contributions to the MERA Supporter Program and special events such as this benefit concert are required if we are to maintain the level of activity that MERA presently supports. This is a unique opportunity for the arts to support MERA in a substantial way.
This fundraiser for MERA was initially suggested to us by Terry & Kathryn following their concert last February. Once James Keelaghan and the Long Sault Trio threw their hats into the ring we knew we had to make it happen. Their generous participation is a wonderful validation of the community spirit that MERA strives to nurture.
