Promising attendees a “unique experience,” the Midland area's Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre hosts its second annual musical interlude next week.
Called Music in the Marsh, the special event takes place Saturday, Sept. 14 from 7-9 p.m.
“It is a fundraising event where all proceeds of the event will help support the operations of the Wye Marsh,” Friends of Wye Marsh board member Susan Molenda tells Village Media, pointing out the non-profit organization relies fully on public support to maintain operations.
“All funds raised support trail maintenance, conservation projects and environmental education programs at Wye Marsh, It's a wonderful two hours in the marsh.”
With the sun setting at around 7:30 p.m. nowadays, Molenda says the event is truly magical as attendees walk through candlelit paths to listen to three artists situated throughout the marsh.
“The artists perform simultaneously so you can seamlessly walk between them and listen to each one over the two-hour time period,” Molenda explains, pointing out seating is provided in each area with a few food vendors on site selling light snacks and mocktails.
Molenda says the organization is grateful to its sponsors since they have helped to pay for three “incredible” artists.
Husband and wife team Suzie McNeil and Andrew MacTaggart combine vocals and guitar stylings. MacTaggart has played for Steven Tyler, Tomi Swick and is the guitarist for country music star Tim Hicks while McNeil has more than 10 top 20 hits in Canada and has been singing with Aerosmith over the past three years.
Marshall Dane, meanwhile, was born into a family of musicians and his upbringing as a preacher’s son has influenced his music with “depth and soul rarely seen.”
Dane has earned five nominations for male artist of the year at the Country Music Association of Ontario and graced the stage of renowned music festivals. He's also performed with Alan Jackson, Blue Rodeo and Eric Church.
Rounding out the musical talent is B. Knox, who was born in St John’s and whose connection to both the east coast and now Georgian Bay is apparent in his songwriting and phrasing, “shaped and smoothed like ocean stones.”
Knox has received critical acclaim from Americana UK, Folk Radio UK, RnR Magazine, Alt CountryNL and a short listing at the CCMA’s and International Songwriting Competition.
This marks the event’s second year with 200 tickets sold last year and Molenda's hoping for sales in the 250-range this time around.
“We will have three areas designated for these music artists,” she says, noting Dane will be in the pavilion adjacent to the parking lot, MacTaggart and McNeil playing inside the centre’s display hall and Knox situated at the facility’s swan landing.
“Weather forecast for Saturday the 14th is currently looking great,” Molenda says, “22 degrees and sunny. Bring some bug spray though.”
Molenda says they’ve seen good ticket sales so far with volunteers eager to jump back in because of their great experience last year.
“We still have a ways to go on our ticket sales though so we are trying to get the word out,” she says. “Of course, everyone always loves the marsh and feels great about supporting it.
“This is such a unique experience. Getting to wander through candlelit trails and enjoy music from four amazing musical artists is such a treat. Rarely do people get to be in the marsh at night and get to feel nature at dusk Last year, our attendees called it 'magical'."
Tickets are available at the Wye Marsh or on Eventbrite for $30.00 (includes tax and service fees).
For more information on the Wye Marsh, and its environmental education programs and stewardship initiatives, call 705-526-7809 or click here.
