Moose Mountain Lions Club member and open mic night organizer Tami Dovell of Kenosee Lake is
looking forward to Kenosee's second annual open mic night on Oct. 25, and says last year's fundraising event was "overwhelming."
"Last year, the first one was held to raise money for the Lions Club and to bring together community and music. This year, as a Lions member, it's still a way to bring community and music together," says Dovell. "It's an open mic, so anybody can get up there and feel good. That's what I love about it."
"We had so many people last year-both the talent and people coming through the door. There are so many musically-talented people-all of the hidden talent that people don't know about in the community, until they come out to an event like this."
Dovell says she was inspired by open mic events she attended at Forget's Happy Nun Cafe. "My husband, Chris Byrne, plays guitar and sings," she says. "He's from Newfoundland and it's part of the culture there to get together and play music together. After going to Forget, I thought an event like this here at Kenosee might bring people together, musically, whether they're onstage or in the audience, enjoying the performances."
Although the Moose Mountain Lions Club is a relatively new chapter, Dovell says that the group has already sucessfully raised enough money to buy two playground structures for the Kenosee Lake community.
"Funds raised at this year's open mic will go towards a fund for a new Kenosee Lake firehall," she says. "The Moose Mountain Lions Club is a new chapter, two years old. It's a great group of people who are involved in the community. We do a lot of things, a clean-up day, for example. And people are welcome to volunteer alongside us, even if they're not a member."
Dovell says this year's open mic night will once again be "a great evening. We're happy with the hall, we have a cash bar, and we'll be selling appetizer plates, as well. All ages can attend, including minors. People can come that night to book a table or a slot on stage or they can arrange their evening in advance, by calling me, if they prefer."
"Last year, we had a full stage and a great show that included fiddles, guitar and vocals, acapella singers, piano, and more. Ben Dubois from Kennedy hosted the event last year, and he also sings and plays guitar. I'm grateful he's coming back this year, as he's the perfect host."
"People came out to play, that in some cases, we had no idea that they played music or even had a desire to do so."
"It'll be a surprising, entertaining evening, and I encourage everyone to come out."
The Moose Mountain Lions Open Mic will be held Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Kenosee Lake Rec Hall. Tickets are $10 at the door. To book a table or a slot on stage, or for more information, please contact Tami Dovell at: (306)-575-8975.
