Three-time Vancouver Island Music Award-winner Ryan McMahon and his manager/wife Cathleen support songwriters — from Vancouver Island’s own Gerry Barnum to Montreal’s Jeremy Fisher and Ottawa’s Craig Cardiff — by opening up their Ladysmith home.
McMahon is continuing the concerts at his home in support of songwriters across Canada in 2013, starting with a weekend of great music April 6 and 7.
Gerry Barnum will be the first to join the growing list of musicians who are visiting the living room theatre and giving Ladysmith residents an incredibly intimate live music experience.
Barnum is a roots and blues artist and has been working on his craft since 1983. Although the two songwriters differ a bit in age, one thing McMahon and Barnum do have in common is that they have both played as an opening act for renowned songwriter Valdy.
In recent years, the Ladysmith community has benefited from the talents of Barnum, who has played Concerts in the Park in support of the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association. Barnum is always happy to do what he can to support the Vancouver Island community programs, and the McMahons are delighted to be able to return the favour for the local musician and give him a night of support from Ladysmith residents who can see themselves as patrons of the arts.
Local butcher Paul Bouma of Bouma Meats has been a supporter of the concerts in the past by providing some of his cuts and shop offerings, from oysters and prosciutto to his well-known sausages, for the appetizer during intermission.
“Our guests are encouraged to add to the appetizer table, but the main attraction is the hot meat appey, for sure,” states Cathleen. “The theme for the April weekend is a collection of mini burgers, from turkey and lamb to beef and chicken and everything in between. I’m going to try to make one that tastes like a holiday dinner in one bite!”
On the second night, Sunday, April 7, the McMahons will welcome Jeremy Fisher, who is originally from Vancouver Island but relocated to Montreal a few years back.
His songs have been featured in the movie The Big Year, starring Steve Martin and Jack Black. It is a movie about birding, which is a favourite pastime of the McMahon children.
The word is that more great artists like Shaun Verreault, Rich Hope and a return from Craig Cardiff may be in the works in the months to come.
You can check out upcoming shows on Facebook or on the Mission Management Group website.
Tickets to the Song Shelter are available through Uforik Computers on First Avenue, by phone at 250-245-4440, by text at 250-668-3338 or through e-mail at info@mmgrp.ca. The Song Shelter is located on Short Close, just off of Cloke Road, behind the Ladysmith Community Health Centre.
— Submitted