Parents, students and music lovers of all ages packed themselves into in the Charlotte Street Art Centre last weekend. The small auditorium was filled to the brim for the CD release of Melange, A Fredericton Collection.
Melange features musicians from around Fredericton who have put together a compilation CD to showcase local talent.
“It gives exposure to people who might not have bought your whole album,” said Jaclyn Reinhart, a singer/ songwriter who has been playing in the Maritimes for nearly 10 years. She has played venues such as the Capital, Dooryard Festival in Woodstock and has been on stages like the ECMA’s music week in Moncton in 2012.
“Now they can get connected with something that you do. And I love playing for kids, they’re so appreciative and they love it so much.”
The CD release was a way for the community to give back to its local schools. All of the generous donations were put towards the music programs in the anglophone west school district, which includes the local elementary schools in the Fredericton Area.
Melange was not the only CD available at the release. Most of the artists featured on Melange had their own solo albums available for sale.
Performing at the release was a few local artists including Reinhart and Sissy and the Hobos, who happened to only have one hobo, but still managed to charm the crowd with their guitar and banjo combo. There were also performances from Priestman Street School choir, who did a medley of songs from the ’60s including “Born to be Wild”, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”.
Other acts included the extremely well received, Rebecca and Sam Tinsley from Oromocto High School who played guitar and saxophone for an appreciative crowd.
“It’s great to see acts like this come out and do something positive for the community,” said Matt O’Dell, a Fredericton resident who enjoyed the show. “I’ve had the chance to see a lot of these guys before, but never all at once, it’s just great.”
Melange is now selling downtown at Isaac’s Way restaurant and Picaroons Brewtique for $15. You can also contact Krista Lea Touesnard the creator of the event, who may have copies while supplies last.
