By Robert Reid
Supporters of the Boathouse are anxiously waiting its reopening this month.
The doors of the live music venue and restaurant have been shut for more than a year. Extensive renovations have transformed the Victoria Park landmark.
Acoustic music buffs will be pleased that a series devoted to the genre will be launched Wednesday with a concert by Juno-nominated and favourite son Craig Cardiff.
The series, which will go under the name of Folk, Roots, Brews, is the brainchild of Richard Garvey. The series unfold Wednesdays, with a short hiatus over the holiday season.
Garvey is a Kitchener-based singer/songwriter with a half dozen self-produced albums to his credit. He also is a reluctant music impresario when he isn’t performing more than 100 shows a year.
“(Presenting shows) wasn’t something I saw myself doing, but it does complement performing,” he acknowledged.
Garvey has been presenting concerts at the downtown Kitchener bistro Café Pyrus for nearly four years.
“I’ve always been interested in creating community through music,” he said.
Called Folk, Roots, Stew, the initiative became a popular showcase for acoustic performers.
“It has gone really well,” Garvey confirmed, adding that the owners of the Boathouse contacted him through word of mouth.
“We picked a night and discussed goals and then I began contacting artists.”
The series will be hosted by Garvey who will play a few songs and generally “make the artists feel at home.”
The artists will be a blend of local, regional and national talent. Many of the concerts will feature multiple performers.
“I want to give local artists a professional stage on which to work and provide a platform for artists to share and exchange ideas.”
Garvey’s artistic goal is twofold.
“It’s all about talent development and audience development.”
The music will start at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m., and end at midnight. Admission will range between $6 and $10, with special shows, such as the Cardiff launching, ranging from $15 to $20.
Information is available online at www.richardgarvey.ca/folkrootsbrew