Local music fans will soon have an opportunity to see live performances at the Sundre Arts Centre.
Although the organizing committee behind the annual Sundre Music Series had yet to make arrangements for every show for the upcoming year as of last week, one artist has been booked.
“Right now, we have one concert confirmed,” said Ryan Sande, who is among the four members of the committee that also includes his wife Corynn Sande, Nick Vanderzwan and Cindy Orr.
Sol James, from Winnipeg, will be performing her blend of soul and blues music, complemented by a full band on Saturday, Sept. 14, with tickets expected to be available next week, said Sande.
The annual music series does not have a set number of shows, but has in the past been fortunate enough to get responses from artists’ agents with enough advanced notice to establish a complete line-up of concerts for the fall and spring with season tickets available prior to September, said Sande.
But sometimes, when the committee is unable to confirm bookings so far in advance, shows are scheduled one or two at a time, with the spring concerts finalized at a later date, he said.
“We’re always looking for artists that fit well in the Sundre scene,” he said, adding the committee, which is under the umbrella of the Sundre and District Allied Arts Society, coordinates with agents to make arrangements.
“From there, we see what’s available and what we can afford.”
Some past headliners have featured the talent of popular bands including Big Sugar, 54-40 and The Trews acoustic.
“I’m in the middle of communicating with agents for other shows,” said Corynn, whose role largely revolves around coordinating and scheduling concerts.
“I try to take on the bulk of the bookings.”
Not having the entire series lined up before the fall allows for more flexibility, she said, adding The Trews’ concert a couple years back ended up materializing mid-season.
“That wasn’t part of the original scheduled series,” she said.
“The artists and musicians don’t work on our schedule. It’s nice to be able to stay open like that.”
Sundre, she said, is incredibly fortunate to be able to offer a venue such as the arts centre, whether for dance, fine arts and drama, or music.
“It’s quite special,” she said, adding performance stages of such quality are not that common in many small communities.
Plus, “there’s quite a population in this area that is passionate about that. That’s pretty unique about Sundre too.”
The community’s thirst for live music drives the committee, and Corynn praised her colleagues’ contributions.
“Cindy is the organizational genius,” said Corynn, adding Orr acts as a liaison with the artists and also books accommodations.
“Nick’s the fixer of everything at the arts centre — he makes sure everything is running.”
Ryan plays an important role in helping set up the sound, with some assistance from Brian Bailey and Jason Bird, members of Peak Theatre Players, she said.
“There’s a lot that goes into it,” she said, adding the effort is always worth it.
Regardless of whether a concert only has 50 people come out or the show is a complete sell out crowd of 150, “every audience is so appreciative and respectful. I always feel a sense of pride in the community when a crowd gives a standing ovation or stomps the ground. That’s how appreciative our audiences are — I love it.”
She described Sol James as a “powerhouse of a singer” as well as an amazing performer. Having previously seen Sol on the stage in person at a previous show in Sundre, Corynn said the artist at the time played as part of another band, but will this time be playing her own music complemented by backup musicians.
“That’s going to be a huge show for Sundre.”