1,000 musicians to rock Firemen’s Park
250 guitarists; 250 bassists; 250 drummers and 250 singers and 3 chords
Paul Lemire has no illusions about musical greatness, despite owning 13 guitars and loving to play.
But along with about 1,000 other amateur musicians, he’ll get a chance to play guitar hero for a day when 10 times as many guitarists, bassists, drummers and singers as a typical symphony orchestra has in its membership gather at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls to belt out some of the most popular rock songs, in July.
Lemire, a lifelong Niagara
Falls resident, whose day job is running a marketing company, is co-organizer of the Day of 1,000 Musicians event planned for the park on Saturday, July 21 (rain date Sunday, July 22).
It’s modelled after a similar event in Italy for which 1,000 musicians and singers gathered to belt out tunes.
Lemire, whose company is a major sponsor of the event and who is organizing it with longtime friend and Niagara Falls resident John Fillion, who worked for decades in the music industry, has a vested interest.
“I play, but I’m not a pro, by any means,” he said. “It’s something I love, but I wouldn't go onstage.”
The Day of 1,000 Musicians is an excuse for him to perform before what’s expected to be large crowds of spectators at the free event.
“This gives me a chance to get out there and play with a lot of other people,” he said.
Lemire got the idea to host the event, which will raise funds for local charities, after seeing a video of the event in Italy. The slick, professionally produced video shows the performers all using headphones and belting out a hit by the Foo Fighters.
The Niagara Falls event, relying mostly on sponsors, will be a lower-budget show, running from kickoff at noon to closing ceremonies from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. But Lemire said spectators will be wowed as 250 guitarists, 250 bass players, 250 drummers and 250 singers — all arranged in rows — perform six songs under the guidance of head conductor Roger McLaughlin on a platform, and secondary conductors on the ground, starting at about 6 p.m.
“I think this is going to be fantastic,” he said. “It’s awe-inspiring. It will blow your mind.
“It’s crazy to see that many people playing at one time.”
The Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen’s Association, which owns and maintains the park on Mountain Road at Dorchester Road, has installed buried power lines for the hundreds of guitar amplifiers needed. The service group got behind the idea after Lemire brought the idea to association member Paul Brockwell.
“They’ve been great,” said Lemire. “They’ve been behind us 100 per cent. The city has been behind us 100 per cent, too.”
Parking at the park is limited, so Lemire said local residents are asked to have someone drop them off and pick them up. The city will also run shuttle buses from the Gale Centre, he said.
Although admission to the show is free, organizers are encouraging people to bring nonperishable food items for the Project SHARE food bank. People will also be able to buy a limited number of commemorative Tshirts.
For musicians, it’s free or $10 to get a T-shirt.
Any proceeds raised will go to music therapy programs in Niagara and to Music Gives, which provides kids who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity, a chance to take music lessons.
The event will also feature performances by local kid and teen bands, ZZ Top cover band FanZZango, a feature band yet to be announced, and food trucks, vendors and refreshments.
“I wanted to do something positive for the city,” said Lemire. “It’s a family affair.”
Lemire said that professional musicians are welcome, but the event is open to amateurs, regardless of how talented they are, because the songs are simple, three-chord ones.
“Even eight-year-old kids will be playing,” he said. “Any level of expertise can play these songs.”
At least 350 musicians from as far away as Ottawa have already registered. Registration can be done at www.dayof1000musicians.com.
Volunteers are being sought to help on the day of the event, and with tear down and cleanup. Volunteers and those interested in sponsorship can contact Lemire at 905-353-7560 or Fillion at 905-988-3348.