Day of 1,000 Musicians aims to reach its mark
Goal is to have a good time and make money for charitable causes, organizer says
It might not be an actual Day of 1,000 Musicians, but it’ll still be large enough to rock Firemen’s Park Saturday.
Organizers for the huge musical event say about 700 guitarists, bassists, drummers, singers and brass musicians have so far signed up to play six songs, starting at 6 p.m. They’re hoping for plenty of last minute additions to bring it to an actual 1,000.
Musicians can register at www.dayof1000musicians.com.
“They can walk in if they want,” says co-organizer Paul Lemire of local ad agency VideoSign Inc., who’s running the event with John Fillion of Rev Publishing. “Our goal is to have a good time and make money for charity. If we don’t hit a thousand (musicians), we’re not going to be disappointed.
“We’d like to reach our goal, but even marching 700 onto the field is going to be something to see.”
The throng will perform a mostly Canadian set: Tom Cochrane’s “Big League,” Bryan Adams’ “Summer of 69,” Neil
Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” 54-40’s “Nice to Luv
You,” Chiliwack’s “Fly at Night” and AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock and Roll).”
It anchors a day of music which begins shortly after noon and features The Basement Rockers, MESH and FanZZango. Feature band Rose Cora Perry and The Truth Untold performs at 7 p.m.
Former MuchMusic VJ Kim Clarke Champniss and Giant FM’s Pat Porter will split MC duties.
The event was inspired by 1,000 musicians gathering in Cesana, Italy, three years ago to perform the Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” in an attempt to lure the band to do a concert in their town (it worked). When he saw the video, Lemire figured it would fly in Niagara Falls as well.
“It’s happening, no matter what!”
Food trucks, beer and wine will also be available on site.
While the event is free, there will be a $5 fee to park at Firemen’s Park. Visitors can opt for a shuttle to the park from the Gale Centre.
In addition to Project SHARE, the event will raise funds for Major Progressions Music Therapy and the Music Gives Movement.
In the event of rain, the event will be pushed to Sunday.