Tara Jeffrey There’s just something about Sarnia’s grassroots jazz and blues festival that has people wanting more.
Tara Jeffrey
There’s just something about Sarnia’s grassroots jazz and blues festival that has people wanting more.
“From the crowds, to the volunteers, they keep coming back, year after year,” said Connie Ellis of the Sarnia Organ Donor Awareness Group, the organization staging its 13th annual flagship fundraiser – Jazz & Blues in the Village – next month.
“Once you’ve been here, you see how well organized it is, and just how much fun everyone has.”
The two-day music festival at Sarnia’s McGibbon Park kicks off Friday, Sept. 16 with live music featuring The Michael Schatte Band and Paul James Band.
Saturday afternoon performers include The Betty’s and Sarnia’s Robb Sharp & Lit’l Chicago, followed by Yasgurs Farm and The Johnny Max Band in the evening.
Friday night’s opening ceremonies will include a special tribute to the late Donna Stewart, a longtime SODA member, instrumental in the event’s success over the years, who passed away earlier this summer.
Food and drink vendors include ReRuns and Hari’s Famous Spring Rolls, Maya’s Village Bakery, along with wine bar, beer tent, and the event’s signature Hurricane Hut.
Launched in 1984, SODA is a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of organ and tissue donation through community education. Funds raised help support families in Sarnia-Lambton, where the donor registration rate has climbed to nearly 50% in recent years. The provincial average is 30%.
“We help people financially and emotionally — from gas cards to paying mortgages and electric bills,” said Ellis, pointing to a small but dedicated board of about 10 people. “We’ve had good success with this event… it’s taken SODA from an unknown charity to now — people knowing who we are and what we do.”
For more information on Jazz & Blues in the Village, including a new promotional video for the event, visit www.jazzinthevillage.com.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: The 13th annual Jazz & Blues in the Village
WHEN: Sept. 16 & 17 Opening ceremonies 7 p.m. Friday (gates open at 6 p.m.); live music from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday afternoon (1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.); Saturday evening 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
WHERE: McGibbon Park (Outside the Lochiel Kiwanis Centre), Sarnia
DETAILS: For artist bios and ticket info, visit www.jazzinthevillage.com
