Show on Friday
N.L. musicians Matthew Byrne, Sherman Downey in Summerside for a concert on March 9.
It’s the 10th anniversary of Small Halls Inc.
And to celebrate the organization is planning a new musical event.
Well known for the stellar musical lineup that it brings to P.E.I. each June, during the P.E.I. Mutual Festival of Small Halls, Small Halls Inc. is offering the Winter Island Tour.
It’s a six-part concert series featuring award-winning musicians Matthew Byrne and Sherman Downey. Described as storytellers with “dynamic stage chemistry”, these solo performers first teamed up for a run of small, intimate shows around Newfoundland during their off season.
And Debbie Atkinson can’t wait for the music to begin.
“I’m feeling very excited and optimistic that we can fill the venues and gather for a lovely cozy evening with Matthew and Sherman,” says Atkinson, event manager, Small Halls Inc., of the tour that kicked off at the Copper Bottom Brewery in Montague on March 8.
From there the duo goes to St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Summerside on March 9 and then Moth Lane Brewing Co. in Ellerslie on March 10. On Sunday, March 11, they will be in the York Point Community Centre. And then it’s on to the Beaconsfield’s Carriage House on March 13 and finally St. John’s Anglican Church in Crapaud on March 15. Atkinson hopes the concerts will attract people from on and off the Island.
“We have lots of people who come to the Island specifically for Festival of Small Halls each year. And we have some people who come year after year after year.”
For instance, there’s an older couple from Maine who comes every single year.
“And we’ve become good friends and have lots of memories.”
Now with the Winter Island Tour, she’s hoping to make even more memories.
“This show happens in Newfoundland every year. And when we saw it we thought, ‘if it’s going on in Newfoundland, wouldn’t it be fun to bring it to P.E.I.’ So that’s what we’re doing.”
Tickets are $20 plus tax and are on sale at www.wintertour.com.