NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE'S LIVE MUSIC SHOW
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After months of online performances raising over $100,000 for local charities, and providing an inclusive online space for connection and positivity for more than 12,000 members during the height of the pandemic, the Barrie’s Live Music Show has successfully been able to safely transform from having local musicians streaming live from their homes, to actually performing live on stage, all while continuing the support of community causes.
“We’re so happy to be able to help another community group that formed because of the pandemic, just like how we started,” said Jake Mathias, founder and creator of Barrie’s Live Music Show. “We need to help each other, and what better way than with music! Businesses and people working together to help one another is what this is all about.”
“When the pandemic took a strong hold in late March of 2020, I saw a community come together through music like I have never experienced,” said Jorden Mathias, co-founder of Barrie’s Live Music Show. “As a person with mental health and addiction history, I don't like to consider how things could have gone for me. Barrie’s Live Music Show has become a safe haven for myself personally.”
July 30 marked the group’s first live concert fundraiser at Meridian Place in support of Youth Haven; which consisted of the local musicians who have been frequent players, such as Kat Chabot, Madison Mueller and Lloyd Sison on the Facebook group throughout the pandemic taking to the streets to safely busk as shoppers enjoyed Open Air Dunlop. Full bands such as The Mathias Project, Bewitched and Megan Ann and her band also graced the Meridian Stage (Wildfire-Peacock Stage) throughout the day providing entertainment to those enjoying Barrie’s beautiful downtown.
Barrie’s Live Music Show will be hosting their second live in-person concert fundraiser this Tuesday, August 17 starting at 5 p.m. at local venue Taco Alley in support of local not-for-profit Barrie Families Unite. More than 10 musical acts will be taking the outdoor stage and singing their hearts out for you to enjoy, while taking in the amazing sights of the outdoor venue and delicious food and drinks. All COVID requirements are in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Tickets are only $15+HST with proceeds donated to help open Barrie Families Unite next facility to operate out of.
“Barrie Families Unite is very excited and grateful to Barrie’s Live Music Show for organizing this fundraiser on Aug. 17,” said Nikki Glahn. “As a newly formed not-for-profit, Barrie Families Unite provides food, clothing, medical aids/devices and infant needs to low-income families in our community. We do this at no charge to our clients. Our clients are struggling to decide how much of their hydro bill they can afford to pay to keep it turned on and still afford food for their kids. It’s a large population of people that we are helping serve and this fundraiser will help make life a little bit brighter for so many. Please come out and support this FUNdraiser at Taco Alley. Great food, great music, great cause!”
If you are looking for an online community that focuses on helping others, and tuning out the fear by turning up the music- to help get you through these challenging times – please join Barrie’s Live Music Show on Facebook. Whether you are a musician or a music lover, all are welcome to listen or play as the group is a judgment-free zone for all ages. Monetary donations, and used guitar and bass donations provided this month will be going to Guitars To Kids.
Thank you to all the supporters, and the many administrators and musicians who have kept the music alive and well. Although the pandemic has devastated the entertainment and arts industry, the Barrie music scene is now even more united than before and is ready to rock!
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