Youth artists, musicians take over Cultural Centre for Aurora Unplugged

May 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Emerging musicians, spoken word artists and other performers are set to show the community what they’re made of at the inaugural Aurora Unplugged.

Taking over the Aurora Cultural Centre this Friday from 7 – 9 p.m., the Aurora Unplugged Coffeehouse is the brainchild of Joey Ferguson and Jane Taylor of the Cultural Centre to give youth a venue to make their own.

With the date firmed up, and the venue a given, Mr. Ferguson reached out to local high schools with the opportunity and received a tremendous reception. At press time, they expect singers, solo musicians, groups representing genres from indie folk to modern pop, to country, to everything in between, bringing together new songs, cover songs, spoken word, and even a splash of comedy.

“It is knowing that there is a want for them to perform, that there is an audience out there for them where people will listen, to [encourage] them to continue working on their craft and to try and excel as a performer,” says Mr. Ferguson when asked what he wants the youth performers to take away from this inaugural event. “Hopefully they will meet other artists they might be able to collaborate with and even if this is not what you want to do with your life, it is a great thing to continue and there are people who want to listen if you want to perform.

“One of the comments we have had a bit at the Centre is there is great music that goes on here, but not a lot of local. The idea is this is how we can bring in these local talents, give them a place to perform in an intimate setting and, who knows, perhaps be able to create larger shows out of that as well.”

Tickets for Friday evening’s coffeehouse are $4, which includes refreshments.

“There are tonnes of performers and definitely something for every music fan,” says Mr. Ferguson. “If anyone is at home on Friday night and not sure what to do, this is cheaper than going to the movies and they will definitely have a great show.”