March 2009
Mineral Capital Concerts – Going and Growing

In response to rumours regarding the fate of the summer concerts in Millennium Park, a group of five people refused to accept defeat and met in late January to brainstorm. This group has since been meeting regularly and working diligently to ensure that the summer concerts continue. “We see these concerts as a way to showcase our local talent, bring in recognized artists to the Bancroft area, as well as provide a free entertainment experience for area residents & tourists” says chair, Larry Haight, a member of the Bancroft Business Improvement Area.

Following the successful model of the Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights, this group is seeking support for the ‘Mineral Capital Concerts’ from the local business community.

The new sponsorship and advertising concept provides unique promotional opportunities for area businesses to benefit from. Different levels of sponsorship and advertising allow businesses of various sizes to participate. One Season Sponsor will be provided with top billing on all advertising including posters, rack cards, and signage in the park, along with other sponsorship benefits.

Secondary sponsors will also be included on all advertising and enjoy some sponsorship benefits. All sponsors will receive a plaque of appreciation at the opening concert. Information packages will be distributed soon throughout the whole North Hastings area. For more information about sponsorship and advertising, please contact the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce.

The line-up of entertainers for the season is currently under construction. A variety of genres is being pursued, including, but not limited to: Blues, Country, Rock, Celtic, Aboriginal, and Folk. In other words, there is something for everyone. Of the ten concerts, eight will showcase local artists, and two will feature well-known performers from outside the area.

The opening concert on Wednesday, June 17th features the well-known Delta Blues group, the Rick Fines Blues Band. Look for some familiar names like Mirabilia, Neon Blue, and Generations, along with some great surprises on stage. Concerts are scheduled for 7:00 to 9:00 pm each Wednesday evening from June 17th through to August 26th, excluding Canada Day. This year will also see some new additions to the event such as the availability of lawn chairs to rent for the evening.

The Mineral Capital Concerts committee consists of Kim Crawford; Bancroft and District Chamber of Commerce, Melanie Wright; Community Futures Development Corporation, Linda Bast; Town of Bancroft, Parks and Recreation, and Larry Haight; Bancroft Business Improvement Area. Deborah Tate Haight, former Administrator for the Peterborough Summer Festival of Lights, is also consulting with the organization.

With the support of our business community, and partnering with the Town of Bancroft Parks and Recreation, the Bancroft Business Improvement Area, the Bancroft and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Futures Development Corporation, the Mineral Capital Concerts look forward to a fantastic season in 2009, and many more to follow in the years to come!