Powell River has a long tradition of valuing and supporting music. Declining CD sales, higher travel costs, increased competition and fewer venues willing to pay for live music have left many creative composers and musicians scrambling to pursue their profession. Performers are touring less and less due largely to increased travel costs and declining fees.

Two exciting options exist in Powell River that allow us to present some of these talented individuals and small groups to local audiences – house concerts and an intimate concert venue, The Cranberry Hall. Here performers and audience to meet and interact in a warm, friendly environment.

When we moved to Powell River, we heard about others presenting house concerts, but usually after they were over! A number of performers mentioned that the high cost of bringing a vehicle on the ferry and then playing to a disappointingly small audiences. Because we are fortunate to have a large home with extra bedrooms, a professional sound equipment and lots of experience, it seemed reasonable that we begin to present house concerts ourselves.  We contacted the Winnipeg-based Home Routes organization, who schedule circuits of house concerts throughout the country. Our suggestion was that we tie into an existing Vancouver Island circuit and have performers walk on the ferry, saving costs.  We meet, host and feed them,, promote the event, and provide a bed.  Promotion helps ensure the artists have a reasonably-sized audience (and revenue). Home Routes selects the performers, and since we began we have consistently had a number of excellent artists, including a number of award winners, all of whom have been gracious and generous with their performances. Having live music in the home is a wonderful thing.

Beginning in 2014, I decided to start presenting concerts at the Cranberry Hall.  Audiences have been building, resulting in sold out events. I plan to continue as long as performers want to come, and we are able to present excellent shows. It’s a great thing to live in a community like Powell River, bring affordable music to our friends and neighbours, and support our community and the artists.

In 2018 we expanded our concerts to include Texada Island and have been successfully promoting performances there since September.

Pat