Above: Singer Tim Chesterton performs a Canadian folk song as fellow performers Laura Bachynski (left) and Jessica Heine (right) watch. – Stephen Dafoe Photo
story and video by Stephen Dafoe
About 50 music lovers grabbed their lawn chairs, blankets, and non-perishable food items for the third and final installment of Music in the Park Thursday night.
The event was started by Sturgeon County residents Jan and Jim Baker this summer. Although the July 23 first event was cancelled and rescheduled due to a sudden storm, Music in the Park grew steadily over the three events held under the clock tower on the St. Jean Baptiste Church grounds. The sessions offered locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a free evening of music while helping out the Morinville Food Bank with food and cash donations.
Co-organizer Jan Baker and Canadiana singer/songwriter John Spearn performed the first 90-minute concert July 30. Rob Heath and Bill Wortman, owner/operator of the Northern Lights Folk Club, were the Aug. 6 performers. Thursday night’s event featured a trio of talent, including Jessica Heine, Laura Bachynski, and Tim Chesterton.
The Bakers tossed the Music in the Park idea around for a few years before securing space from the St. Jean Baptiste Church Parish this summer. Both said they were pleased with the response and the turnout to the events.
“It’s been a bit of a process because being an outdoor event we are weather dependent,” said Jim Baker. “We’ve provided some great music for the community.”
The three events brought in $500 and 300 pounds of food for the local food bank.
The Bakers realize none of it would have been possible without the support of the musicians who provided their time.
“The music community itself is very generous with their time and their talents,” Baker said. “Basically, with a performance like we have tonight and previously, they just want to showcase their music. It’s really nice to perform it in front of an audience. When we have a setting like this in Morinville, this park setting, it’s just necessary to utilize it in a public setting. I think everybody wins.”
VIDEO COVERAGE
Tonight was the final Morinville Music in the Park event in aid of the food bank. Here is a little bit of Tim Chesterton playing and an interview with organizers Jan and Jim Baker. We'll have photos and story in our Wednesday edition next week.
Posted by MorinvilleNews.com on Thursday, 20 August 2015
It was a wonderful event. Chilly weather but oh so warm reception. Happy to be a part of it all. Thanks, Jim and Jan !