A vibrant resurgence of live music is taking place on Friday nights in Burk’s Falls, presented by two unlikely avid local music supporters.
On the second Friday of every month, Patty Crozier hosts the Blackbird Showcase at the revitalized Pub at 198 Ontario Street. The showcase features two local songwriters sharing the stage with the goal of introducing audiences to original music from an astonishing blend of talented writers from Muskoka, the Almaguin Highlands and North Bay. The pay-what-you-can event offers an opportunity to hear intimate and often rousing live versions of songs most people may only have heard on local radio.
Patty Crozier, a Sundridge singer-songwriter herself, conceived the idea as a focus on song and the writers from the area, as a way of getting the usual busy crowds at the pub familiarized with the abundance of first-class performers that ply their trade throughout Ontario but do not get a chance to frequent Burk’s Falls.
Patty explains her vision in three parts, “first, to support struggling artists and give them a space to play originals and have their music heard. Second, to let everyone hear great music, especially if they can’t afford it with the pay-what-you-can ticket cost. People who can always toss money in, and people who can’t don’t. But we all get to enjoy it! Third, I love live music!”.
The Pub in Burk’s Falls, which reopened under new ownership in 2023, is a classic local eatery with ample portions of typical pub fare, reasonably priced food and drink, and entertainment of all types, from DJs to an assortment of live bands. The atmosphere is friendly, with a pool table and comfortable seating throughout. With its pillars and old stone walls, ambient lighting, and lively banter, the Pub has become popular with patrons of all ages.
The Blackbird Showcase draws an audience interested in listening to singer-songwriters, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response each of the shows has received since its inception in October 2023. Crozier has a gift for bringing together acts that normally would not share a stage, such as Angie Nussey and Jeff Stamp or Alison Boyer with Michael Lopez. The contrasting acts provide listeners with a wide variety of styles and song interpretations.
In May, the Blackbird Showcase will acquaint listeners with Alex Kaye Black and Carter Pharoah, a surprising and exciting bill for a late spring evening. The show starts at 8 pm. Information is available through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/patty.crozier.10
Every third Friday, Jamie Oppenheimer, also a prolific singer-songwriter, hosts the Third Friday Coffee House at the Burk’s Falls Legion Branch 405, 9 Mary Street. The event typically has five to six acts on the bill, drawn from a variety of amateurs to seasoned professionals. The show starts at 7 pm, with a packed, lively capacity audience in attendance. The music can easily flow from bluegrass and classic country to rock and roll and jazz – a rather stunning display of musicianship.
Originally designed by the late Bob Gray and his partner, Peter Hall, as a venue for fundraising for the Burk’s Falls Country Jamboree, the Third Friday Coffee House began almost a decade ago but was suspended during the pandemic and Bob Gray’s illness. Oppenheimer, along with partners Sean Cotton and Bill Stewart – both renowned, seasoned, world-class performers, resurrected the event in 2022. Jamie Oppenheimer had closely associated with Gray and Hall during their tenures as showrunners and took up the project with Gray’s blessing.
Bob Gray was a much-beloved songwriter and bluegrass enthusiast throughout his life, and the Third Friday Coffee House was inspired in response to his passion for music in general. Gray was a genial, affable gentleman who delighted in promoting the local music scene and encouraging players to bring their gifts into the public spotlight. His contribution will forever be treasured. Promotions for the Coffee House continue to be dedicated to his legacy.
The legend continues in its current iteration, and Jamie Oppenheimer and Sean Cotton carry on the tradition, much to the delight of local supporters and patrons. (https://www.facebook.com/3rdFridayCoffeeHouse).
Riverbowl, a fashionable and highly popular bowling and billiards venue at 310 Ontario St., also offers live music Saturday night, in their comfortable, remodeled pub, with the more customary three to four sets of entertainment per night from an assortment of local and touring musicians. Riverbowl has been steadfast in their support of live music since the new owners repurposed the bowling alley as a favourite family activity centre. http://riverbowl.ca/
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