Chris Scerri loves live music. His one reservation when he moved to Meaford a couple of years ago was whether he would find enough of it to satisfy his appetite. For years, living in Port Credit, he and his wife Marissa would go out practically every night to see great live bands at the local watering holes. In 2014, Chris sold his share of his business to his partner and he and Marissa came to Georgian Bay, attracted by the sparkling waters and fresh-air lifestyle. Marissa became an avid community volunteer in a myriad of roles and Chris immediately began to seek out musicians. A gifted vocalist, he made a point of discovering local talents that he could not only enjoy listening to but also perform with.
As it happens Meaford provides fertile ground for budding talent. The local high school has a music program that is inspired under the guidance of Patrick Delaney. Since 2008 he has added a dimension to encouraging young talent with the production of GBSS Idol. Several elimination rounds culminate in a big show at Meaford Hall in which all competitors take part. It’s just as exciting for the audience as for the performers, with a high level of musicality and showmanship. Older talents have been nurtured for more than a decade at the legendary Wednesday night jams at Ted’s Range Road Diner. But with a plethora of great performers, Chris found a lack of venues in town to allow them to stretch their wings and build an audience.
The Opera House at Meaford Hall has built a reputation for great concerts. Over the years they’ve presented the finest of Canadian talents, ranging from Serena Ryder to Peter Appleyard. Out in the country there is the annual Electric Eclectics Festival which specializes in pushing creative boundaries. For the last four years, the Meaford Stomp has showcased local artists, and John Brownlow hosts the Epping Festival which does the same. But Chris wanted more.
Last Canada Day he saw live bands performing in the parking lot beside Meaford Hall. He hadn’t realized that the roof of Kiwanis Midas Mart was once a stage. Ross Kentner, General Manager of Bayshore Broadcasting, remembers when it was the focus of town on a weekend. “There was a ball diamond,” he says, “and hundreds and hundreds of people would come out to the games. Every Sunday night there would be a concert on that same stage, with the Meaford Citizens’ Band, and visiting bands would come from places like Kitchener and Preston and all around.”
Chris wanted to see that happen again, twenty-first century style. “The Rotary Pavilion at the harbour is a beautiful venue,” he said, “but wouldn’t it be great to get something happening right in the town centre again, something to make the businesses more viable, and make people driving by on the highway want to stop in town?”
When he approached Meaford’s town staff and the BIA his ideas were enthusiastically received. They agreed to partner with him to promote a series of concerts this summer right there in the old Market Square. “Friday night seemed best,” Chris said, “so that we don’t compete with Ted’s on Wednesdays or the Sunday night concerts at the harbour,” or with the Tuesday night open stage that Chris himself hosts right across the street at the Leeky Canoe.
Plans are still coming together but he has the template laid out. The series will kick off as the climax of Canada Day festivities on July 1st with Juno award winner Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm featuring vocals by Gracie. This follows a day-long schedule of bands booked by local musician Johnny Roy. Subsequent dates to be organized by Chris will be July 22nd, Aug. 12th, and Sept. 2nd. While he intends to book headliners to guarantee an amazing show, Chris wants to give the opportunity of the warm-up slots to local young performers like those who participated in GBSS Idol. “This is history repeating itself,” says Ross Keltner, who as a boy played in the Meaford Citizens’ Band, led by local jeweller, Jim Irvin, “We thought we were being taught music but we were being taught manners and manhood.”
Providing exposure for local talent is a passion for Chris. When he heard that The Leaky Canoe on Sykes Street was going to start featuring music on Saturday nights, he approached owners Sean and Michelle Crooks about the idea of hosting an Open Mic night on Tuesdays. In just a few months, the event has proven to be a great success, due in part to Chris’ imaginative approach. Despite being a compelling singer, he doesn’t feel very comfortable on guitar, but he knows a lot of good guitar players. So each week he invites a different local guitar hero to join him. These guests, including impressive talents like David J. Russell, Jayden Grahlman and Pete Devlin, have had a great impact on the musical quality. Chris doesn’t rehearse a lot with them in advance and the resulting performance has a loose jamming feel. “I think that sets the tone,” says Chris, “When people see that we are essentially jamming, they feel more comfortable about coming up and giving it a try.” Along with some regulars, he attracts new performers every week, from pros that blow the audience away to young budding stars whose innocent enthusiasm charms the audience. On May 24th, he’ll be introducing a theme night to coincide with Bob Dylan’s birthday, when local musicians will offer up their renditions of songs from the iconic songwriter’s catalogue.
It promises to be a summer of music in Meaford. Sunday afternoon sees a brunch and open mic event at The Barn, out on the highway, which has a magical quality due partly to the special atmosphere, partly the great food, and mostly the family audience which includes babies and dogs but is totally respectful of every performer young and old. Meaford Hall will be hosting its Terrace Thursdays again this year, when they team up a local artist with a local restaurant (Chris will be the feature there on August 4th, with a catered meal from Amici). And the Sunday series down at the harbour will be happening again courtesy of the Friends of The Library. Chris and Marissa will be happy, able to enjoy live music almost every night right in town.
