BOTR’s New “COVID Fighter” Fall Series

BOTR’s New “COVID Fighter” Fall Series - theHumm September 2020

By — James Doran

Blues on the Rideau at The Cove in Westport had to cancel the last three shows of their 2019/20 Season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like everyone, we were hoping things would be back to semi-normal by now and the 2020/21 Series would be able to proceed. Sadly that hasn’t happened yet. Given the safety protocol measures still in effect, there was no way we could return with the traditional format – full electric bands, 100+ capacity, buffet dinners, packed dance floor etc.

So it was either cancel the season or get creative and adjust so we can continue to bring some of Canada’s best blues, soul and R&B artists into the comfortable, intimate setting of The Cove, combine it with a great meal, and donate proceeds from the shows to help local charities (who are hurting more than ever due to the pandemic) — and do it with safety as our first consideration for all concerned. Here’s what we’ve come up with:

The Fall Series will run once a month in September, October & November, with two shows per engagement. Depending on how these shows go, we will consider continuing with a Winter (January, February, March) and Spring (April, May, June) Series.

The Series will feature duos and trios playing great “sit-and-listen” blues. Full COVID safety protocol will be top priority at all times. There will be a 50-person capacity with 6-foot distancing between tables and 12-foot distancing between the artists and the nearest audience member. All staff will be wearing masks. Everyone entering The Cove will be required to wear masks when circulating in the room (but they can be removed at the tables). Hand sanitizer will be everywhere and all will be encouraged to use it regularly throughout the night, not just on entering and leaving the building. Use of bathrooms will be restricted to one person at a time. Instead of a buffet, plated meals will be brought to the tables by Cove staff. All surfaces will be sanitized regularly. We believe that if everyone follows these measures we can all safely enjoy a night out of great live music!

Of course everything depends on the COVID-19 situation. If it worsens and indoor gatherings are banned again then the Series will be postponed. On the other hand, if things improve and full capacity gatherings with no social distancing required are allowed again, we may return to full band shows. However, given the current situation, we don’t see that happening anytime soon.

Performances will include a delicious full course meal, the show, and door prizes with proceeds going to support different local charities — all for only $70 per person (plus HST). To date, the BOTR at The Cove Series has raised over $74,000 for Westport charities.

Advance reservations are required for all shows, and we encourage everyone to book ahead to avoid disappointment — especially with the reduced seating capacity. Call The Cove at 273–3636 to book your spot! Well-priced accommodation is available at The Cove and nearby B&Bs for those who want to stay overnight.

Added Bonus

For all those who would love to attend but can’t, the shows will be broadcast live on the BOTR YouTube channel with high quality HD video and Sound Board audio. Broadcasts will be 90 minutes in length from 8–9:30pm for the evening shows (2–3:30pm for Rick & Suzie’s September 18 matinée). Donations (call it a Virtual Cover Charge) for these shows will be gratefully accepted and split evenly between the artists, The Cove and Choose The Blues Productions. We encourage you to visit the channel and subscribe in advance for quick access.

Fall Line-up

On September 18, catch Rick Fines rickfines.ca and Suzie Vinnick suzievinnick.com for a Lunch & Show (1–4pm) or Dinner & Show (7–10pm). Two of Canada’s finest award-winning roots/blues singer-songwriters and guitarists will make beautiful music together. Either one of them is worth the price of admission but together they have a special added magic. This is their sixth visit to BOTR and they’ve sold out every time. Proceeds will go to the Westport Library.

On October 23 and 24, the Samantha Martin Trio samanthamartinmusic.com will travel from Toronto to play some great blues, soul and R&B. A dynamic performer with an incredible voice, Samantha won a 2019 Juno Award and is a multiple Maple Blues Award nominee. She has played BOTR twice over the past two years with her dynamite band Delta Sugar and sold out both times. For this show she will be featured on vocals and acoustic guitar, backed by her great guitarist and keyboardist from Delta Sugar. Proceeds will go to the Ruby Gland Foundation.

November 13 and 14 brings Ottawa’s HOROJO Trio to Westport facebook.com/horojotrio . Ottawa’s best soul, rockin’ rhythm & blues trio features Jamie Holmes on drums, Jeff Rogers on keyboards and vocals, and JW-Jones on guitar and vocals. They just won the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis last January, beating out over 250 bands from around the world — and JW also won for Best Guitarist — an incredible double honour! Proceeds go to the Westport Food Bank.

For those who have never attended a BOTR show at The Cove, the venue offers a friendly and intimate setting in a beautiful 140-year-old country inn in one of the most scenic small towns in Ontario. It’s located on the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal Waterway at 2 Bedford Street downtown, overlooking the lake.

For more information, please visit bluesontherideau.ca and coveinn.com .

Lynn Melbourne — A Gift for People - theHumm September 2020

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

Re-gifting is frowned on in some circles, but when your gift is a talent for capturing the character, the strength and the internal beauty that people wear on their faces, sharing that gift becomes an act of kindness, empathy and generosity. When tragedy struck in March at Almonte Country Haven, a long-term care home with 82 residents, local portrait artist Lynn Melbourne used her talent to reach out to the devastated residents, their families and their caretakers.

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BOTR’s New “COVID Fighter” Fall Series - theHumm September 2020