By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The Mainsheet in downtown Lion’s Head is quickly becoming a go-to-place for live music, a place to meet, to connect, to share ideas and to make friends.
On June 1, the intimate space on the ground floor of the white-clad building at 66 Main Street (former Greig’s Fabric Store) was transformed into a lively entertainment venue filled with Gen Ys and Zs, as the younger generation came out to enjoy an evening out in a pub-style setting with live music.
Sasha of Tractor Beam and his opening act Caden Lear filled the room with lively music, accompanied at times by an enthusiastic audience joining in for the chorus.
Live Music venue attractive to musicians
The organizers are passionate about creating a great experience for both the musicians and patrons. The Mainsheet is becoming recognized within the music scene as having a great atmosphere and generous patrons. Concert tickets are typically $10 – $20 with additional donations from concert goers; the goal being to adequately compensate their guest musicians for their work.
Board member Ryan Matheson says he has sufficient interest from musicians that they could host music events daily. However, the organizers are keen to support those semi-professionals, trying to make a living from their music and willing to put a certain amount of energy into these efforts.
Artist Residency Program
The Mainsheet has recently launched an Artist Residency Program. Musicians are offered a place to stay for 3-4 nights on the Peninsula. At the end of their stay they are required to perform at an event. Another requirement is that they write music inspired by their stay on the Bruce.
Sasha of Tractor Beam has been staying in Lion’s Head as part of the residency program. Describing his music as freak folk, he has been performing for about 2 years as a potential career musician. During his stay, he worked on his second album and was inspired to develop the structure for seven songs. Sasha performed at the June 1 concert.
Expanding social events for the younger generation
Board member Emily Martin says that though there’s lots of wonderful events locally, there was a lack of programming focused on a younger demographic.
For those returning young professionals hoping to build a life on their home turf, and for newcomers, The Mainsheet aims to be an entertainment space for the younger crowd to enjoy fun events, to find opportunities to cross paths with each other and enjoy a social outing.
In a nautical sense, “the Mainsheet’ is the central spot on a boat”, says Ryan Matheson, thus the inspiration for the name for this venue.
The Mainsheet is currently in discussion with Eat Local Grey Bruce to become the Lion’s Head pick-up location. Matheson hopes on the assigned pick-up day, there can be a pop-up food market as well.
The venue is also licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in partnership with Tagwerk Brewery. Due to the nature of the liquor licence, the space is still open to all ages, including children.
A Diverse Space and Mainstreet Storefront
While a main goal is to host live music events, offering an experience similar that could be found in the larger cities, this Non-profit group had to diversify their offerings to cover costs.
Matheson says this community space has hosted NP Co Work space, book clubs, sailing courses, children’s art classes, songwriting circles, trivia nights, Euchre tournaments, movie nights and pop-up stores.
The Mainsheet is actively seeking rentals for the space. As with many of the events previously hosted, this rental space is available for activities catering to any age group.
Martin says there is great potential for persons looking for a main street storefront space for a pop-up venture. It is an ideal location for a business venture wishing to test out the local and tourist market this summer.
The Organizers are open to any suggestions from community members of all ages.
Volunteer Opportunities
The current Board members of The Mainsheet are Ryan Matheson, Emily Martin, and Nina Bailey-Dick, with support from Karla Trudgeon, all volunteers.
They are looking for volunteers willing to help out as Bartenders, with Social Media and for developing grant proposals. They are looking for places to billet the musicians taking part in the Musicians Residency Program. And for suggestions on potential events.
Upcoming Events
– June 14, 7:30 p.m. Trivia night
– June 16, 8 p.m. Songwriter showcase with Rob Ritchie and friends
– July 10, 7 p.m. Halfway North drop-in Pub night and live music
– July 15, 8 p.m. Live music with Burs (Toronto)
For further inquiries, please email: themainsheetevents@gmail.com
To see a list of scheduled events, please check Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/66Mainstreet/ or instagram.
