A summer evening of live country music will soon help support a half-dozen community organizations in the Argyle area.
The Argyle Skating Club is organizing the inaugural Argyle Rocks fundraising concert featuring Tennessee-based country artist Tennessee Jet on June 19 at Willow Grove Orchard in Argyle.
The outdoor event is designed as a community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting several volunteer-run clubs and organizations that play a key role in local recreation, heritage and community life.
Beneficiaries include the Argyle Skating Club, Argyle Curling Club, Argyle Memorial Community Centre, Settlers, Rails & Trails Museum, Brant-Argyle Legion Branch 222 and the Brant-Argyle School parent advisory council.
Argyle Skating Club president Meghan Hennig said the concert is an opportunity to bring the community together while raising funds for organizations that rely heavily on volunteers and fundraising efforts.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with local musicians performing beginning at 8 p.m. Tennessee Jet will take the stage at 9:30 p.m.
General admission tickets are available online through the Zeffy non-profit fundraising platform, which organizers selected because ticket proceeds go directly toward the fundraising effort.
The event is scheduled to proceed rain or shine, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Bar service and food sales will also be available, with additional proceeds supporting the participating organizations.
For Tennessee Jet, performing at an event that supports local organizations and youth programs made the opportunity especially appealing.
“It’s great playing a show that supports a great cause,” he said. “Music should inspire people and bring them together. I grew up playing sports and I know what it means to a kid when communities support youth athletics.”
The Oklahoma-born singer-songwriter has built a reputation for blending country, Southern rock and Americana influences. He describes his sound as a mix of influences ranging from country and folk to grunge, incorporating instruments such as fiddle, pedal steel guitar and banjo.
“We are a trio with a lot of musical influences,” he said. “We mix it up quite a bit and try to keep people guessing.”
Despite touring extensively across North America, Jet said smaller community events often create a unique connection between performers and audiences.
“Smaller, more intimate events like this are often a special and more personal experience,” he said. “With all that’s going on in the world these days it’s easy to feel disconnected and shows like this can help people block out the static and experience life together in a smaller setting.”
The concert will also mark a milestone for the artist and his band.
“It’ll be the first time we’ve ever played in Canada and we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It’ll be a high-energy family-friendly show.”
The concert became possible through the support of Standard Limestone Quarries, which sponsored Tennessee Jet’s appearance and provided local organizers with an opportunity to host the event as a fundraiser.
Merle Balsillie, co-owner of Standard Limestone Quarries, said the company was pleased to help bring the artist to Argyle while supporting the community fundraising effort.
“It’s pretty cool to be a part of Tennessee Jet’s first Canadian show,” said Balsillie. “It is very rewarding to see the people of Argyle work together to raise money for all their community groups.”
Organizers hope the concert will not only generate financial support for local groups but also create a memorable community gathering for residents and visitors alike. The event will be held at Willow Grove Orchard in Argyle on June 19. Tickets are available online in advance for $40, with all attendees required to be 18 years of age or older. Identification will be required at the gate.
