Haliburton County Folk Society’s Barrie Martin says churches have ideal acoustics and are great venues for live music.
Highlands’ churches often host concerts presented by organizations such as the Highlands Opera Studio, HCFS, choir groups, and the churches themselves.
Martin added there have been memorable concerts in the Maple Lake United Church, Lakeside Baptist, St. George’s and Irondale churches.
The Highland Hills United Church in Minden is no exception, he added, as the folk society has presented many concerts there over the years.
“The wonderful sound qualities, wood and stained-glass beauty, the spirit of place, and soft seats make it the perfect venue,” Martin said.
The church will again be full of harmonies April 20 with a performance by Leverage for Mountains. They are a trio from Gatineau, Quebec, who will be opened by special guests, The Salt Cellars.
Leverage For Mountains is Nick Loyer, Jay Trépanier and Jay Flynn. The indie/ folk trio is quickly gaining popularity with their rich acoustic sound and powerful vocal harmonies.
Flynn said the show was initially planned to be part of their tour last February but they had to postpone it to April for him to be able to be present for the birth of his baby girl. “Sue Shikaze from the Haliburton County Folk Society has been a real sport to accommodate the postponement and we couldn’t be more thrilled to perform Saturday,” Flynn said.
Loyer added it’s their first visit to Minden but they hope it won’t be their last.
“We feel pretty excited to meet new people. We know the Haliburton County Folk Society has been working really hard to push this show and want to give them a great night of live music.”
He said he thinks the audience will love the story-telling, harmonies and deep and thoughtful lyrics.
“This is a show for the people to feel at home with us in their living-room. A nice, cozy, evening with the LFM family.”
Martin said Elly Tose of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society said, “Leverage for Mountains were a delight to host as part of our concert series. Finely crafted threepart harmony, seamlessly blended with instrumental skills, superb songwriting, and witty banter, had our audience laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. Their music can absolutely leverage mountains.”
Just before the pandemic, Don Bird, former artistic director of the Summerfolk Music and Dance Festival (Owen Sound) said, “these guys stunned the Folk Music Ontario conference. A ‘must-see’ Gatineau band that should be at every festival next year.”
Martin said several members of the HCFS attended that conference and “wholeheartedly agree with Don Bird.” He said artistic director, Sue Shikaze, has worked hard to get them to come to the Highlands.
The Salt Cellars are an independent duo from the south side of Algonquin Park. They are a product of their many influences and blend the sounds of Folk, Americana, Blues, Jazz and Pop to create a sound uniquely their own. “People love their tight harmonies, writing styles, skilled musicianship and energy,” Martin said.
Tickets are available at haliburtonfolk.com The show is presented by the HCFS, a them to come to the Highlands. The Salt Cellars are an independent duo from the south side of Algonquin Park. They are a product of their many influences and blend the sounds of Folk, Americana, Blues, Jazz and Pop to create a sound uniquely their own. “People love their tight harmonies, writing styles, skilled musicianship and energy,” Martin said.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Tickets are $40, $35 for folk society members and students, $45 at the door. Children and youth 18 & under are free.
Children 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be obtained online to reserve a ticket for children and youth.
