How the Music Barn Came to Be
THIS OLD BARN:
For over 150 years a barn in Middle Sackville has continued to decay over time, turning into a shadow of its once useful state. Recently Brian Doncaster decided to attempt to reverse the effect time has had on the barn and renovate the structure, hoping to host the first of what he intends to be many country bluegrass concerts in Sackville.
Doncaster had grown fond of the property and last fall he decided to purchase the land after knowing the previous owners. "It was attractive to me." he said of the property, which includes the massive barn. Doncaster admits he didn't initially intend to use the barn as a concert venue, but rather had the idea come to him after following his daughter to various bluegrass concerts. "My daughter is a very good fiddle player, and has played all over the Maritimes," he explained. "We followed our daughter to music events where they play all the time and I thought there's nothing in Sackville that really holds this country bluegrass music".
Doncaster says he realized after purchasing the property that the barn might be put to better use than storage space. After seeing how many of those concerts were held in outdoor venues Doncaster saw his barn in a whole new light. It's a nice big barn," he had said to himself, "why don't we just clean it up a bit, and change it into a spot to play music." Doncaster relayed his idea to local friends and acquaintances, and as the idea spread support began to grow from the town. Renovations to the old barn began in February as Doncaster and local volunteers started laying down new flooring and repairing walls, as well as, constructing a big enough stage to support bands. The barn will also feature indoor seating, plumbing, and eventually a canteen will be built inside.
"The interest that I've gotten and the people calling is just phenomenal", he said. "There's a great following to this music."
Thanks to the overwhelming interest into both the barn's concert venue and the bluegrass music in general, Doncaster said he intends to hold several concerts this summer. The opening of "the Music Barn" will be held on Saturday, July 14, with 10 hours of country bluegrass entertainment including music from Harry Haynes, the Fiddling Landry's, Wally Scoville and Pic n Grin. Proceeds will be donated to help purchase a new Thermal Imaging Camera.
By: Chris LeBlanc, Sackville Tribune Post
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
You are listening to Kyle Legere from the CD "Out of the Blue".
