BLUES ON THE RIDEAU AT THE COVE INN, WESTPORT ONTARIO ANNOUNCES NEW “COVID FIGHTER” FALL 2020 SERIES
BOTR @ The Cove had to cancel the last 3 shows of the 2019/20 Season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like everyone we were hoping things would be back to semi-normal by now and the 2020/21 Series would be able to proceed. Sadly that hasn’t happened yet. Given the COVID-19 Safety Protocol measures still in effect there was no way we could return with the traditional format – i.e. full electric bands, 100+ person capacity, buffet dinners, packed dance floor, etc
So – it was cancel the Season or get creative and adjust so we can continue to bring in some of Canada’s best Blues, Soul and R&B artists into the comfortable, intimate setting of The Cove, combine in with a great meal and donate proceeds from the shows to help local charities (who are hurting more than ever due to the pandemic) – and do it with SAFETY FIRST for all concerned. Here’s what we’ve come up with:
The Fall Series is a 3 Engagement – 2 Shows per Engagement – Series running once a month in September, October & November. Depending on how these shows go we will consider continuing with a Winter (January, February, March) and Spring (April, May, June) Series.
The Series will feature Duos & Trios playing great “sit-and-listen” Blues. Full COVID safety protocol will be TOP PRIORITY at all times. 50 person capacity (half the normal) with 6’ distancing between tables. 12” distancing between the artists and the nearest audience member. All staff will be wearing masks. Everyone entering The Cove will be required to wear masks and when circulating in the room (but they can be removed at the tables). Hand sanitizer will be everywhere and all will be encouraged to use it regularly throughout the night, not just on entering and leaving the building. Use of bathrooms will be restricted to one person at a time. Plated meals will be brought to the tables by Cove staff instead of a buffet. All surfaces will be sanitized regularly. We believe that if everyone follows these safety measures we can all safely enjoy a night out of great LIVE music!
Of course everything depends on the COVID-19 situation. If it worsens and indoor gatherings are banned again then the Series will be postponed. On the other hand if things improve and full capacity gatherings with no social distancing required are allowed again we may return to full band shows. However, given the current situation, we don’t see than happening anytime soon.
Performances will include a delicious full course meal, the show and Door Prizes with proceeds going to support different local charities – all for only $70 pp (plus HST).
Note: To date the BOTR @ The Cove Series has raised over $74K for local Westport charities.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required for all Shows and we encourage everyone to book ahead to avoid disappointment – especially with the reduced seating capacity.
CALL THE COVE at 613-273-3636
Well-priced accommodation is available at The Cove and nearby B&B’s for those who want to stay overnight.
ADDED BONUS!
For all those who would love to attend but can’t the shows will be broadcast LIVE on the BOTR YouTube CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwljdQBzal87XBJLg9sW-CQ with high quality HD video and Sound Board audio. Broadcasts will be 90 minutes in length from 8 pm to 9:30 pm ET for the evening shows (2 to 3:30 pm for Rick & Suzie’s September 18th Matinee. DONATIONS (call it a Virtual Cover Charge) for these Shows will be GRATEFULLY APPRECIATED and split evenly between the artists, The Cove and Choose The Blues Productions. We encourage you to visit the channel and SUBSCRIBE in advance for quick access.
September 18 – RICK FINES & SUZIE VINNICK (Peterborough & Niagara ON)
www.rickfines.ca www.suzievinnick.com
* Lunch & Show 1-4 pm
* Dinner & Show 7-10 pm
Two of Canada’s finest Roots/Blues singer-songwriter/guitarists. Beautiful harmonies. Either one of them is worth the price of admission but together they have a special added magic. Both have been nominated for Juno Awards and won multiple Maple Blues Awards and International Songwriting Awards. This is their 6th visit to BOTR and they’ve Sold Out every time.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFIuk0X_UEs&list=PLxDvzbQdEhC1y3MaM-JLcr3_iMxOAUAuG
PROCEEDS TO THE WESTPORT LIBRARY
For those who have never attended a BOTR show at The Cove – the venue offers a friendly and intimate setting in a beautiful 140 year-old country Inn in one of the most scenic small towns in Ontario. Located on the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal Waterway. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa, 1 hour from Kingston, 3.5 hours from Toronto and 3 from Montreal. Located at 2 Bedford St downtown overlooking the lake.
Contact
James Doran, Producer of the Blues On The Rideau Series 613-574-0086
Seamus Cowan, Manager, The Cove Inn, Westport Ontario 613-273-3636
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