Getting back to gigging

The Empire Theatre. Photo by Bob House

Photo by Tammy Tischbein

Andy Forgie: entertainer, singer, guitarist, Belleville, Ontario

How has the pandemic affected you?

What I have missed most is my weekly visits, performing musical therapy at various nursing homes throughout Belleville & region.” And, my regular solo shows at local pubs and wineries.

What has brought you joy during this time?

The responses and correspondence from those that I have touched, or inspired with my music has absolutely filled my heart!

andyforgie.com

Matt Smith:Guitarist, vocalist, mandolinist, Belleville, Ontario

What has brought you joy during this time? Where do you find inspiration?

I find it pleasurable to think that nature has had a brief break from human impact. Although I love entertaining, and know I have been lucky to have the opportunities that I have had in life, this has been an artistically freeing period.

As restrictions begin to ease, what are you looking forward to?

I am excited to see how music culture will look as we relax restrictions, and look forward to any changes.

All in all, I am grateful to have music and family in my life, and [ed note: after 31 years as a professional musician!] to feel that I still continue on a path of learning!

FB: smithpickins

Tim Hunt:Singer, songwriter, live entertainer, producer, recording artist Belleville, Ontario

How has the pandemic affected you?

As most working musicians, I have lost gig opportunities but have found many ways to stay creative and busy in my studio and working with Tim Campbell producing live streams from Keynote Studios in Belleville. I spend so much time in my studio now and that has kept me going and my creativity is off the charts!

How has this experience affected your perception of the importance of art and artists?

I truly believe this time we are living through is giving rise to organic grassroots music. People are playing and singing all over the internet and people are watching. I think people are realizing like never before how critical all arts are: they feed our souls, lift our spirits, fill us with joy, hope and purpose! The arts have saved many from despair throughout this pandemic.

FB: timhuntsolitaryman