ASSINIBOIA - Rockglen is enjoying a surge of musical talent and performances at the New Horizon Drop-In Center. During the last six months, they have held two hour open-mic shows every third Thursday of the month. Recently, an especially emotion show was held on October 19.
Four local singer/songwriters, Ashanti Fraser, Marie Lerminiaux, Gina Stewart and Carolyn McDonald (Popescul), performed their own compositions for the first hour to a full house of over 60 enthusiastic and supportive guests. The second hour was a musical dedication to the loss of beloved local cowboy, Leary Mulvena.
A rancher by trade, friend by default and a kind soul and soft heart by nature, Leary was also a walking encyclopedia of country, folk and Americana music with a talent for poetry. A plethora of Leary’s favorite songs were dedicated and performed by 11 musicians: Carolyn McDonald (Popescul), Greg Dandeneau, Marty Harden, Sue Rayner, Marie Lerminiaux, Ashanti Fraser, Sarah Fleury, Tyler Remoue, Gina Stewart and emerging new drummer, Flint McGonigal, running way past closing time, including one of Leary Mulvena’s favorite witty and hilarious poems written and shared by ‘bar room poet’, Doyle Knoss.
Rockglen’s open mic provides many opportunities for the small town surrounded by picturesque views of rolling hills, endless fields and vast skies. Run by volunteers, it provides a fun evening out for the whole family, an opportunity for musicians to play to a live audience and the $2 cover charge helps to raise money to support the Drop-In Center. Coffee and baking at half time, all by donation, isn’t too hard to take either.
Local residents who would like to join in on the fun as a musician, can email rockglendropinmusic@gmail.com to book a time slot. For those who would like to watch the local talent, doors open at 7 p.m. with the show running 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., every third Thursday of the month.
