Ron Sexsmith to perform free concert in Haliburton
By Jerelyn Craden, Special to the Echo
It all started with Bill Campbell’s desire to give back to the community. The owner of Curry Chevrolet in Haliburton is having his long-time friend and Juno award-winning singer-songwriter, Ron Sexsmith and his band, perform an admission-free concert at the dealership. All of the donations will go to the Haliburton and Minden food banks.
“We’ve raised money for the community before,” Campbell said, “$500 in a very short amount of time, from a car wash. And, we put on an Easter egg hunt with goodies and prizes. Three hundred people showed up. Now, for Appreciation Day, Ron will perform for many people who wouldn’t get a chance to see him otherwise. “
On Saturday, July 18, all cottagers, residents and visitors to the Haliburton Highlands are invited to enjoy a full afternoon of free activities for kids, a classic car and Corvette show, world-class concert performed by Sexsmith and his band plus special guest artists, and free food and beverages, prizes and giveaways.
Sexsmith, a native of St. Catharines and recipient of Juno’s Songwriter of the Year award for his self-penned, Whatever It Takes, is just back from a European tour of the Netherlands and Germany.
According to Wikipedia, his famous admirers (many who have covered his pop-folk songs), include Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Rod Stewart, Leonard Cohen, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Paul McCartney, k.d. lang, Sheryl Crow, and Emmylou Harris.
Sexsmith’s recently released album, Carousel One, is his most upbeat music to date. “I didn’t realize until we were putting the songs together for Carousel One that this would be more outgoing, there’s a lot more humour. I mean, there’s even a smiling picture on the cover, which I’ve never had before,” Sexsmith is quoted as saying on his website.
Leading up to Sexsmith’s concert at 5 p.m., will be free kids’ activities from noon to 3 p.m.: bouncy castles, popcorn, balloons, face painting and crafts, along with free lunch.
Then, from 3 to 5 p.m., there will be a classic car show for owners and enthusiasts alike.
Recently awarded a Corvette franchise, Curry will display a 2015 model as part of the show.
All owners of classic cars and Corvettes are invited to participate by simply showing up with their vehicle at the dealership in Haliburton at 2 p.m. Plus, they will receive free food, the live concert with headliner Ron Sexsmith and his band, and a chance to win prizes for various categories.
Campbell gave credit to his wife, Julie, for inspiring the idea, Mike Hamilton for suggesting a classic car show, to Cheryl Smith for the kids’ activities, to Steve at Todd’s Independent for providing free food and beverages, to Dave Allen at Canoe FM for his creative input, “and for hooking me up with the Haliburton Lions Club,” and to Canoe FM for co-sponsoring the event.
Come rain or shine, this free Curry Chevrolet Appreciation Day event will take place at 5065 County Road 21, Haliburton.
In case of heavy rain the venue might change, so make sure to check the most current information on Curry Chevrolet’s Facebook page or website www.currychevrolet.ca, or by calling Canoe FM at 705-457-1009. And for your comfort, remember to bring a lawn chair.
Donations will be gratefully accepted for the Minden and Haliburton food banks.