Westben is Back with Live Music in Wide Open Countryside Opening June 25
by Donna Bennett
It feels incredible to be just a few days away from opening the doors of Westben for live concerts again. Incredible to see the dedication of the production team getting The Barn, Willow Hill, The Campfire, the grounds, General Store, Milk Shed, new artist cabins, and everything in between cleaned, trimmed, organized, stocked, and ready to go. It was incredible to see the new volunteers at the recent volunteer orientation, their excitement, and anticipation, and I can’t wait to see the rest of the volunteers this summer – their smiles, joy, and dedication. Our incredible and beautiful wide-open countryside on the Westben farm is ready to welcome you the public to share music in nature once again.
Are you ready? One of the joys of Westben is the beauty of the farm, the meadow, the pond, and the wide-open spaces. It offers choices to match your comfort level with attending public events again. While enjoying concerts in The Barn the doors will be open on three sides with the new ceiling fans keeping the gentle breezes moving for your comfort and safety.
Enjoy Jazz with Michael Kaeshammer, OKAN, Carol Welsman, and Barbra Lica with the Toronto Pop Orchestra, comedy with Mary Walsh, and classical with Ofra Harnoy, Canadian Brass, Karina Gauvin, or broadway with ABBA Mia! If a late-night concert with moonlight, coyote howls, and frogs singing excites you then join Westben’s Artistic Director Brian Finley on July 9 for a 10 pm program of Chopin and some of his new piano compositions.
Celebrating Pride we welcome the Queer Songbook Orchestra from Montreal performing pop and original compositions. If being completely outdoors is more comfortable for you then join us for a Willow Hill concert. We have reshaped the amphitheater for a smoother, gentler grade and the new grass is growing beautifully. Bring your own lawn chair, hat and sunscreen, perhaps order a Westben picnic and you are ready to go to see William Prince, Friends on the Hill, Eve Parker Finley, Natalie MacMaster, and Joel Plaskett. We even have a family concert of ABBA Mia on Willow Hill. Come sing, dance, and dress up as your favourite ABBA character. Remember that Youth Tickets are only $5.
For smaller, more intimate settings, join us at the Sunday night Campfire Concerts. There will be singer-songwriters Suzie Ungerleider and Julian Taylor, spoken word artist Sarah Lewis, and local musician and sculptor David Maracle. Hosts around the campfire are Ken Tizzard and Dave Mowat. Enjoy delicious baked brie and smores cooked on the campfire by Green Moxie’s Nikki Fotheringham (included in the ticket price) and chat with the artists after the campfire concert.
But first, join us on Saturday, June 25 at 7 pm for a celebration concert of the 5th Annual Performer-Composer Residency participants. This is a concert of world premieres from creative musicians from 14 countries around the world. It will be a hybrid concert with live performances in The Barn and some works brought by digitally on a large screen.
Are you ready for Music in Nature? Remember that there are many ways to experience Westben. Ask us about volunteering, at concerts or behind the scenes. Join the sustainability committee or simply ask us about purchasing a ticket to the amazing Westben Experience.
- PURCHASING TICKETS-
PHONE | 705-653-5508 or toll-free at 1-877-883-5777
ONLINE | Visit tickets.westben.ca/TheatreManager
IN-PERSON | The West Schoolhouse, 6788 County Road 30, Campbellford - Monday to Friday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm