NEWS RELEASE
GATHERING SPARKS AND TANNIS SLIMMON IN CONCERT
************************
Local musicians Tannis Slimmon and Gathering Sparks join forces on November 12th for an uplifting concert to raise funds for Chalmers Community Services Centre (CCSC).
Chalmers Community Services Centre (CCSC) offers a warm and welcoming space where guests can receive food and personal support within an environment of dignity and respect. Funds raised from the concert will support their ongoing work to provide a caring community response to food insecurity in Guelph. Concert attendees are invited to bring an optional food item contribution to CCSC's food pantry.
Harcourt Memorial United Church works closely with CCSC, and is hosting the concert in their visually and acoustically beautiful sanctuary on Dean Avenue. This reflects Harcourt's dual interests in supporting Chalmers to address food insecurity in Guelph and providing a community space for musical and artistic performances.
GATHERING SPARKS is the graceful collision of Jane Lewis and Eve Goldberg—musical friends who bonded over finely tuned harmonies and the craft of songwriting. Their inclusive approach embraces folk, pop, blues and gospel influences tastefully played on acoustic guitar, piano, accordion, and ukulele. They were nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, and won the 2019 Folk Music Ontario "Songs From the Heart” award. Gathering Sparks will be joined by special guest Cheryl Prashker on percussion. You will come to listen, and walk away singing!
TANNIS SLIMMON is a critically acclaimed Canadian musician who has been singing, songwriting, recording, and touring locally, nationally and internationally for over 35 years. In 2008 she was honoured with the Contemporary Vocalist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for her album Lucky Blue. Tannis will be joined by her talented partner/producer/co-writer/multi-instrumentalist Lewis Melville, a veteran of the Canadian independent music scene, and a seasoned international musical pilgrim.
“We wanted to support CCSC’s important work around food security in Guelph,” says Gathering Sparks member Jane Lewis. “Food prices have increased dramatically, and many people are struggling with housing costs. People are dealing with choices they shouldn’t have to make around food and other basic needs. We hope the concert will bring attention to this issue and raise some funds for the CCSC program.” Tannis Slimmon adds, “We also wanted to address financial disparity in the community by offering tickets to the show on a sliding scale. Those who can afford it can spend more on a ticket.”
As of 2021, one in seven Guelph residents reported living in a food insecure household. Since the beginning of the pandemic, CCSC has seen an exponential increase in food pantry use as costs have risen for food, hygiene products, and basic household necessities.
GATHERING SPARKS AND TANNIS SLIMMON IN CONCERT
In support of Chalmers Community Services Centre
Sunday, November 12 at 2:30 pm (2 pm doors)
Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave, Guelph
Tickets: $15 General/$25 Supporter/$35 Patron/By Donation at the Door
www.tinyurl.com/November12Benefit
************************
