HAMILTON – When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and local music venues closed, musicians and artists were left without stages to perform on because no crowds were allowed to gather.
The Westdale Theatre has partnered with Cable 14 (connected online thanks to Clearcable) to present Live From The Westdale to give artists a platform.
The community channel co-owned by local cable companies Cogeco and Rogers, Cable 14 has been showcasing the talent of Hamilton for 50 years, bringing the voices of countless musicians and artists from the region to the airwaves.
Live From The Westdale is a series of television specials recorded live at The Westdale this summer that will air on Cable 14 beginning Monday, September 14, at 8:30 pm. Local musician, educator, and television personality Amy Furyk hosts the specials that will feature Caroline Wiles, Mike McCurlie, Bob Doidge, Robin Benedict, and Jim Italiano.
“Not only are we able to give these artists a stage, but we can also get the message out that we are a not-for-profit concert and arts venue that needs help to weather the storm of the pandemic. Cable 14 has been an exceptional resource to the community for decades, and we are thankful for their support and are so proud of the incredible special their exceptional team has produced,” said Neal Miller, the theatre’s director of marketing and development, in the press release.
“Cable 14 truly is The Hamilton Network and this fall, and we are rolling out a number of new programs that bring Hamilton home to Hamiltonians. Having the opportunity to work not only with the amazing team from The Westdale, but with such wonderful local artists in producing Live From The Westdale has resulted in high-quality, high-value local television programming that we know our viewers will love,” added Bill Custers, senior manager, broadcast for Cable 14, in the release.
The series features all original music written and performed by Hamilton region musicians and kicks off with Caroline Wiles, who performs with the trio McCurlie, Doidge and Wiles.
