Alderney Landing is gearing up for its first full-capacity concert since pre-COVID times, and it’s being put on in support of the healthcare workers who took care of Nova Scotia during the worst of the pandemic.
The staff at Alderney can’t imagine what the last two years has been like for health workers and first responders, said Bea MacGregor, Executive Director with Alderney Landing.
“We are with deep gratitude and appreciation for their work,” She said in an interview. “And since there is an opportunity to have a free concert, who else is more deserving?”
Of 8000 tickets that were available, 2000 were set aside for health workers and first responders, who will have a private entrance and viewing area as part of the show.
Alderney staff began planning the concert after finding an application for federal funding was successful, with the stipulation that the concert is free.
MacGregor says people should be sure to head down to Alderney early to catch local openers, Jody Upshaw and DeeDee Austin.
“They’re quite brilliant…They really are extremely talented; they’re local and that’s what this show is all about – promoting local.”
The last time April Wine played the Alderney stage was 2005; many of the same staff are working on this years’ event, MacGregor said
A bar will be open for the event, which MacGregor hopes will bring in some extra money to support Alderney Landing.
“We’ve had Journey, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Rihanna at Alderney Landing, some big stars, but bar none, April Wine produced the largest beer sales of them all.”
Since the event was free, Alderney Landing did ask for voluntary donations to support its free family programming. They raised $7000 in donations, which will be funneled back into the Fire and Water Cultural Festival taking place on Sept. 9-10.
The group has hosted about 300 events through the COVID-19 pandemic. That number would typically be about 600 events annually, MacGregor said.
There will be a fireworks display at 10 p.m. to close out the night.
“We expect a good show and we hope that people have fun and drive safely,” MacGregor said.
Tickets were available at the Alderney Landing box office, starting in early August, but MacGregor said they were snatched up in less than two days.
Doors open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27.
