Maritime artists turn to online performances to stay in touch with their fans

Like quarantined Italians singing from their balconies, Maritimers have created a way of connecting with others during this period of social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

East Coast musicians are reaching into the living rooms of their friends and neighbours and entertaining them by going live on their Facebook pages.

On Prince Edward Island, Moe Gorman, played by Rob MacDonald, and The Guild have launched Moe’s Island Jamboree.

“I start out by reciting a poem or singing one of my songs or telling you what’s on my mind that day, then I turn it over to you. And that’s where you come in,” says Gorman, on a video on The Guild’s Facebook page.

He’s calling on people to send in a video of themselves doing something “entertaining".

“We’re looking for people to sing songs. We’re looking for people to recite poetry, short stories and jokes – but try to keep it clean, though, because it’s a family-friendly sort of thing.”

In the first instalment, on Wednesday, Gorman welcomed Marianne Fitzpatrick who sang VFD, a jazz number by Michelle Shocked, while she cooked supper over a hot stove.

“I promised Rob that I would provide some entertainment during this apocalyptic event. I’m just going to sing silly songs because I seem to remember them better than other songs.”

In real life, MacDonald is the writer in residence and creative guru at The Guild, says executive director Alanna Jankov.

“For him to spearhead this fantastic, creative idea, engaging the public at The Guild, has been a breath of fresh air, especially during these uncharted times.”

P.E.I. musician Todd MacLean is entering uncharted waters with Quarantunes Isolation Concerts this week, featuring in-home shows Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., on Facebook Live. Check out the Quarantunes isolation concerts page.

“It’s totally dream style, an ‘if you build it, they will come' kind of thing,” says MacLean, who wears many hats in P.E.I.'s music scene, including saxophone player, teacher, piano player, singer, solo artist and group performer.

The series kicked off on Friday night with Rachel Beck in concert. Today it’s Andrew and Nikki Waite at 8 p.m. Then on Saturday, March 28, Nick Doneff will take the stage in his home for the series at 8 p.m.

The goal of Quarantunes is to create an online space where Islanders and music fans abroad can unite together virtually to enjoy live performances by local artists, at designated and reliable times each weekend, during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MacLean will act as an emcee, introducing each artist and directing the audience to a live video done by that person.

“I’m trying to make a show that people can actually attend, even though it’s online. It’s going to be an intimate, engaging experience; like being in someone’s living room.”

Learn more

• Moe’s Island Jamboree: To submit a video, send an email to Rob MacDonald at [email protected]. He’ll apply with a link where you can easily share the video file with him. Check out the latest video
• Christopher Cross Music at Home
• Cory Gallant
• Todd MacLean music series: Go to Quarantunes Isolation Concerts Facebook page.
• April 1 concert - Go to Ashley MacIsaac's Facebook page.

The members of the Pitre family from Christopher Cross are well versed in the online concert concept. They have formed a social media group, Christopher Cross Music at Home.

Members of this group can request the entertainer of their choice to record a song and load it to the page. It’s left up to the singer to decide whether to participate.

The new page went live Monday morning and in fewer than 24 hours it already had more than 1,100 members.

“You turn on social media, and it was so scary for people,” Kelly Pitre said in explaining why she and her husband, Malcolm, decided to start up a new page. “Things were happening, and people needed a good distraction, I guess.”

In the same spirit, Cory Gallant is holding a Live From His Living Room to Yours concert today at 9 p.m.

“I will tell stories and play the exact lineup of songs we do on tours but with my acoustic guitar,” says the award-winning country singer-songwriter.

Music lovers can check it out on the Cory Gallant Music Facebook page.

“There will be a place to make a donation, but there is no obligation to give money. I know these are hard times for everyone, so if this at least (can provide) some happiness on a Saturday night, that's the main goal.”

Ashley MacIsaac wants to bring his fans happiness after his own concerts were postponed.

On April 1, the Cape Breton fiddler and his friends, George Canyon and comedian Bette MacDonald, are putting on a quarantine ceilidh for “Canadians stuck in their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic".

“People can’t come out to see our shows, so we’re going to bring it to (their) living rooms,” states MacIsaac on his Facebook page, adding the start time and other details will be announced soon.

“The first digital festival is April 1. If it goes sideways, then I'll have to say, ‘April Fools’.”

-With files from Eric McCarthy