Generosity makes concert series sing

Have you ever hosted a party and no one showed? I mean, you've invited everyone and even five minutes before it all goes down the place is empty and you're wondering if they got the memo.

It was kind of like that for a moment Friday evening in Centre Square as the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society started its Summer Concert Series.

The group has a neat idea to raise awareness of the fact they're trying to site and build a new public library in the Kentville; hold a series of Friday night concerts to let people know the project is alive and the opportunity is there for anyone to connect if they feel so inclined.

I'm on the FOKL Board and have played a minor role in getting this series off the ground. Others have been much more instrumental, including K-Rock's Darrin Harvey, Kentville's community development officer Tiffaney Connell and many dedicated volunteers who comprise the FOKL's PR Committee.

These folks know how to pull an event together. I have no clue other than to pick up a phone, send an e-mail and ask politely if anyone is interested in donating their time to help support our efforts.

What's amazing is the response we've received. We've gotten in touch with myriad entertainers, performers and musicians from the area and not a single one has said they're too busy to donate an hour of their time to help us spread the word. It's incredible! We've talked to folks like the Hupman Brothers, Scott and Ryan, who opened the series with a ridiculously impressive show June 19, and others who have agreed to give generously of their time to promote libraries and literacy.

Still, I'm always apprehensive when the moment comes. We have huge entertainment booked, but will people show? Not having organized this kind of thing before, it's a niggling question.

At 6:50 p.m. Friday, my disquiet grew. Centre Square was rather bare. The Hupmans were revved up, local media was there, a handful of Friends were good to go and a group of women were front and centre in those snuggly deck chairs waiting for the show to begin.

Scott and Ryan opened their set and all of a sudden good things started to happen. The handful soon became a clutch of people that swelled eventually to a decent crowd. Toes tapped, bodies swayed. It was beautiful! We had thrown a party and you came, and I'm grateful for that.

The Friends have been working very hard to raise awareness of the new library project. They're passionate, committed and interested in sharing their enthusiasm. The Summer Concert Series is about that and a lot more, including festivity and fun.

Some great shows are lined up and we've been blessed by the generosity of local entertainers who have a genuine interest in the project. And rest easy; I won't sing and I can't dance, but I'll join my Friends and do my best to be as gracious a host as possible, even if you arrive fashionably late.