For the last three years, Dennis McKernan has hosted 12 Home Routes concerts in his Olds home and has never been disappointed with the talent that has made its way into his living room.
“I've yet to see a B-grade act, somebody who wasn't absolutely first-rate,” McKernan said. “So the one thing they have in common is they're all very accomplished musicians.”
On Sept. 27, McKernan will host the first act of the 2014-15 Home Routes concert series, starting with Holly Arntzen and Kevin Wright, a pair of musicians from B.C.
Home Routes is a non-profit arts group that organizes a series of concerts across the country in people's homes. As a host, McKernan has offered his house as a venue and fed performers — some of them Juno Award winners — while they stayed with him.
Arntzen has been a musician for more than 30 years, with a folk and jazz background.
Wright has rock, jazz and native music influences and has more than 20 years of experience.
Both are heavily involved with the environmental movement, specifically protecting salmon fisheries in B.C., McKernan said.
Tickets cost $20 each and all the money goes to the performers.
McKernan said he started hosting shows because of what he saw as a lack of quality, affordable entertainment.
However, things have changed over the years, he said.
“Five years ago, if you wanted live music, you had to go to Red Deer or Calgary. There was nothing in Olds; nothing. Now, you have your choice,” he said.
“There are fabulous opportunities in Olds for live music. Tracks Pub is carrying more and more live music and it's higher and higher quality live music. They support local musicians, which is really nice to see.”
Many of these acts, McKernan said, have played much larger music festivals. But through Home Routes, people have the chance to meet the performers in an intimate setting.
“So you're going to a concert but it's very, very comfortable because you can bring your own bottle of wine, your own snacks,” he said. “You're sitting, having a glass of wine and you're 20 feet from just a first-class musician.”
“I think that Olds is pretty lucky to have this here and we certainly feel lucky to have them here.”
The following is a list of musicians scheduled to perform in Olds: Betse Ellis, Oct. 26; Russ Kelly, Nov. 5; Kim Beggs, Feb. 11; Steve Cormier, March 12; and Tanglecove, April 15.
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"I've yet to see a B-grade act, somebody who wasn't absolutely first-rate. The one thing they have in common is they're all very accomplished musicians." Olds Home Routes concert host Dennis McKernann
