Musician’s pop-up show at Boyle Street spreads the love
Britain’s Turner uses ‘whatever kind of small platform I have’ to give of himself
Ahead of his Tuesday evening show at the Winspear Centre, British musician Frank Turner wanted to spread kindness and help Edmonton celebrate its first Be More Kind Day — inspired by Turner’s new album.
It was a spur-of-the-moment idea from Arcadia Bar owner Darren McGeown, a big fan of Turner, who asked him via social media to play at Boyle Street Community Services as part of a larger kindness initiative.
“His newest album means a lot to me and to see someone backing up what they preach is pretty awesome,” McGeown said of Turner right before he played several songs for the Boyle Street community.
Turner said the goal of his Be More Kind album released in May is to spread the idea of looking out for each other and was quick to jump at the invitation to perform for that cause.
“It’s just me trying to use whatever kind of small platform I have in life to spread the word about something more than just the fact that I have a record for sale,” Turner said.
McGeown said his restaurant on 124 Street has had a constant relationship with Boyle Street and this was a good opportunity to team up with them and highlight their needs heading into colder weather.
“We’re totally overwhelmed by this amazing gesture,” Boyle Street spokesman Elliott Tanti said. “(For Turner) to come here and be a part of our community and engage with it is not something you see every day.”
The community service is currently looking for winter garments, particularly socks and gloves, to ensure people in need are best equipped to combat harsh winter temperatures.
Officially proclaimed Be More Kind Day by Mayor Don Iveson, McGeown said he hopes this initiative will continue to grow.
“If we’re all kind to each other, it’s going to be contagious,” he said.