Downtown merchants giving local young people an opportunity and giving music and entertainment to the people of Ottawa and surrounding towns. I like this!
Square Sounds: New event will bring rock 'n' roll outdoors in Ottawa
Julie Johnson has had it on her mind for three decades.
Despite the time differences, both are looking forward to seeing Rock on the Block kick off Friday, May 4, on the Jackson Street stage just south of Washington Square.
"I wanted any (live music) opportunities for local kids. In this area, there isn't a lot of that available," said Smith, a rural Utica resident, Rock the Block organizer and member of hard-rocking band Vagrant Life.
Free Rock the Block concerts will run from 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays — May 4, 11 and 25. Six bands will participate in an effort to bring rock 'n' roll to people not old enough to listen in bars and clubs.
"I'd like people to see we're trying our best to be family-friendly and attract a good turnout," Smith said.
Smith and his bandmates brought the idea for Rock on the Block to the Ottawa Downtown Merchants.
"Their idea was to take a month and have a group of bands play on Friday nights outdoors," said DeWayne Cronkright, Ottawa Downtown Merchants president and owner of Jeremiah Joe Coffee. "All of the planning and organizing has been done by the members of Vagrant Life, including getting sound and lights from Fifth Dimension of Princeton and the stage from Event Specialties of Utica.
"The hope is to give the young folks and adults a great music show in the great outdoors of downtown Ottawa."
Julie Johnson, Ottawa Visitors Centers executive director, said she tried to organize a downtown music fest when she graduated from college about 30 years ago. She's delighted Rock on the Block is taking root.
"We need to support the youth music movement in the area," she said. "Our visitor demographic supports this type of musical offering. The outdoor setting coupled with the morel mushroom fest is a great combination for that Friday night."
With the help of Facebook, Smith helped recruit different kinds of bands to fill out the schedule. Jam/blues bands Afternoon Moon and Moonlight Drive will play the first Friday; Vagrant Life will close the schedule May 25.
"They all see like they're pretty excited," Smith said. "(And) we're excited about playing in front of the younger people and giving them the opportunity to hear us."
1 comment:
Great way to bring people to downtown Ottawa. And while those young people are there they could purchase a few drinks from the many downtown bars in Ottawa. Nice idea to promote the downtown Ottawa bars!
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