The day that live rock music returned to Barriere was memorable.
After over a year of event shutdowns across the country due to COVID-19 Barriere has been no different. The bandshell in Fadear Park remains silently waiting for Friday Night Music In The Park to return, there are no dances, no cowboy concerts, no jam sessions.
As health regulations finally started to open up a little for outdoor gatherings Charlie Kibble (Kibbles and Beats Entertainment) could wait no longer.
“Ever been to a concert in a ball diamond,” asked Kibble on social media earlier this month, “Me neither, but I think it’s a great idea!”
Then Kibble put the wheels in motion, and thanks to help from Rob Fitzgerald (Fitzy), and sponsors, 93.1 The Bear Radio, the Feller family and Interior Plumbing and Heating the event became a reality, and The Carbons band was hired. Kibble said the show was earmarked to be a fundraiser for the Barriere Skateboard Park.
However, as the big day drew closer so did the Sparks Lake wildfire which caused Barriere and surrounding communities to be put onto an evacuation alert Aug. 16.
Kibble says The Carbons were amazing to work with and waited on hold until the alert was lifted on Aug. 20, just one day before the event. Once it was a go, the band arrived with their own bus which quickly converted into a mobile stage, complete with a sound system, stage lights, and even a roof stage.
“Okay everyone, we are good to go for tonight!”posted Kibble on social media, “Let’s put our worries away for a day, come out and visit your friends and neighbours and enjoy some live music. COVID is still a thing! Use hand sanitizer, maintain your distance, and bring a lawn chair!”
Upwards of 200 people of all ages showed up on Saturday, Aug. 21, for Barriere’s first concert in over a year. Barriere’s own Michelle Rutschke opened the show, while at the same time the community’s very first Art Battle took place.
“Four artists were given 30 minutes to create their own masterpiece in front of the live crowd, with the audience voting via applause,” reported Kibble, “It was close, but after several rounds of applause Tobias Vyseri was declared the winner.”
The Carbons then took over the show and rocked for a good hour before performing an encore, and then sticking around to chat and sell merchandise.
The Carbons ‘Rock the Diamond’ show was an undeniable success.
“The band was blown away by our town and mentioned on all their social media posts how this was one of their favourite shows of the year,” said Kibble.
“It felt like a music festival…who would have thought this little town north of Kamloops could be so fun!,” posted The Carbons, “Would you just look at that sky! After a long month of smoke we finally got some rain and we had one of the most beautiful nights of the summer.”
Admission to the event was by donation and there was a concession on site. Between donations, and the concession, an amazing $2,300 was raised for the Barriere Skateboard Park.
“I want to thank Dustin Doherty and his crew from the Skateboard Park for helping out, as well as Nicolette Schriber for organizing the Art Battle. Michelle Rutschke for opening up. Rob Fitzgerald for emceeing the event and all his promotional help. And especially 93.1 The Bear, and the Feller family and Interior Plumbing and Heating for sponsoring this event,” said Kibble,.
“Barriere you did yourself proud – it was a great evening.”
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