Saints, McCoy Go for the Heart at Mavricks Party Dec. 2

The excitement is building in the heart of the city; the bands are tuning up, and the stage is almost set for the event of the year – the KICX 106 FM Radio for Cardiology Christmas Party featuring The River Town Saints, with Dani Strong, and the Rob Watts Band… and, just announced Wednesday, special guest Jason McCoy.

The concert, being held Saturday night, Dec. 2 at Mavricks Music Hall, is aimed at funding advanced cardiac care throughout Simcoe County, and much of the muscle behind the show is wielded by Impact Live and its head honcho, John Derlis, the “quarterback”, as he expresses it, of happenings like this.

“We are in the niche of need, in relation to cardiac care in this area. Impact Live loves to give back to the community, so, every cent after expenses goes to fund heart research.”

There have been numerous R4C events in the last little while, amassing a total of $50,000 for such a worthy cause, Derlis declares.

According to KICX Promotions Director Trina Duncan, “the choice of Mavricks comes from a great working relationship between the bar, John and KICX. Ultimately John does the legwork (with input from us at KICX about which headliners we can promote best). As the promoter, he books the acts and then donates a portion of proceeds to R4C.”

But Derlis is quick to share the credit with Mavricks owner Al Quigley, who he says helps “support the costs, and hosts a number of these events. We’re extremely grateful.”  

Musically, the Saints – marching in from Arnprior – boast such hits as A Little Bit Goes a Long Way, and more recently, Bonfire. They copped best single honours last year at the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards with Cherry Bomb.

The passionate Strong has been called an artist of “incredible depth and charm” and “unparalleled stage presence.” Watts and his band have made their presence felt playing various spots around Barrie, and opening for the Saints, the Road Hammers, Strong and Bobby Wills.

Getting McCoy, a multiple CCMA winner himself, is just icing on the cake for Derlis and R4C. Jason’s speaking voice is heard every morning alongside KICX hosts Jack Latimer and Carey Moran.

The list of hits from Jason and the Road Hammers is too long to mention in one short column, but it includes Mud, Get on Down the Road, I’ve Been Everywhere, She’s Good for Me, I’d Still Have Everything, and the latest, Your Love is the Drug

Says Duncan of this assembly of talent, “one of the best things about working in country music is seeing it live and when you can combine that with supporting a great cause, you have a winning combination.

“For anyone who hasn't had a chance to see the River Town Saints live, they need to come to this show. These guys put on a high-energy, fun show and never disappoint!

“Being able to add amazing local talent with Dani Strong and Rob Watts Band gives us a chance to help showcase a couple of incredible up and coming artists. We plan on having a few fun Christmas themed twists to the night and hope that everyone comes out to support R4C.”

Duncan plays it coy, however, when asked for what’s new on the horizon for R4Cs in 2018. “You'll have to stay tuned on that one.”

Tickets are going fast for the Radio for Cardiology Christmas Concert party, set for Saturday, Dec. 2, at Mavricks Music Hall, 46 Dunlop Street West in Barrie. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show at 9. For more, click here.