Rock on Locke just got better
Church ready to rock on with community-building musical events
THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN the Evangelist has had the nickname “The Rock on Locke” for many years. You could search out all sorts of theological inspirations behind the nickname — “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), for example — but its origin probably has to do with that three-metre-tall slab-of-limestone sign that sprouts out from the corner of Locke and Charlton announcing the church’s presence.
But this week, with the installation of a $20,000-plus stage, lighting and sound system in the church’s sanctuary, the nickname is taking on a whole new meaning. Rock on Locke, as in popular, secular music.
The 160-seat Anglican church has been hosting concerts for several years, as have many others city churches. It is home to the increasingly popular Hammer Baroque series and was a classical venue for last year’s
Juno festival.
The new sound system — complete with a 32-track mixing board and removable red oak stage — is ramping things up to a new level. A chamber ensemble of Boris Brott’s National Academy Orchestra is performing two concerts there this week (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, 9:30 p.m.).
And on Friday night, the St. John sanctuary will provide centre stage for a record release party, featuring four contemporary pop acts plus craft beer tall boys and wine. Yup, you heard it right. #BoozeinthePews.
OK, let’s not let things get out of hand here. This isn’t going to be your wild rock ’n’ roll debauch. It’ll be respectful and delicate, perhaps even a little highbrow … with tall boys.
The performing bands: Twin Within, a local eight-piece art-pop ensemble; a folk-rock string/flute band called Coszmos Quartet, featuring Brad Germain of the Dinner Belles; Toronto singer-songwriter Luka; and respected Hamilton cellist Kirk Starkey, who is releasing a new instrumental CD called “Songs of Sudbury.”
The musical church upgrade is the brainchild of parishioner Steven McKay, who happens to be one of the two lead singers of Twin Within, and Rev. David Anderson, the church’s rector for 10 years.
Anderson doesn’t see the concerts — and he is hoping to host many more similar ones — as a way of bringing in money to the church or adding members to the flock (such things would be side benefits).
He sees the concerts as a way of building community, something he considers one of his church’s primary vocations.
Anderson is aware the Locke Street area is home to a large number of the city’s musicians. He wants to provide them with a place to play and be heard, maybe even earn some money.
Rentals are relatively inexpensive and the congregation is willing to provide volunteers to help put on a show.
The mixing board, sound and light system are part of the deal. Money earned by the church from the shows will go back into further enhancing the concert experience.
“Here’s a chance to connect with the neighbourhood and the people who live here,” says Anderson. “We saw this opportunity to work with musicians and audiences as a perfect fit in terms of building community and participating in the common good. It’s a chance to do something beautiful in people’s lives and we want to be part of it.”
McKay has a diverse background, having played drums in the rock band Bruce Peninsula and worked as production manager for Toronto’s elite Tafelmusik baroque orchestra.
He’s also a mortgage broker for the Personal Mortgage Group, which has its offices a block-anda-half away from the church and provided $10,000 to help finance the building’s sound upgrade (another $10,000 came from the Diocese of Niagara).
McKay, who grew up singing in the St. John choir, got the idea to stage concerts at St. John after performing with Bruce Peninsula in Toronto’s St. George the Martyr Anglican Church, which hosts regular jazz and rock shows under the name, the Music Gallery.
With the agreement of Anderson, McKay has been gradually increasing the number of concerts at the church over the last two years, bringing in fellow musicians like baroque guitarist/vocalist Bud Roach and Tafelmusik.
Originally, McKay saw the concerts as a way to bring in funding to the church. But now, he like Anderson, sees it as a way to support the community.
“This place is for somebody who wants to play to 150 people and wants them to listen,” says McKay.