Rockin’ the Big House takes over Kingston Penitentiary on Sept. 14, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE: For immediate release

Rockin’ the Big House takes over Kingston Penitentiary on Sept. 14, 2019

Historic concert brings all-star musical lineup together in support of United Way KFL&A

KINGSTON, ON. / Sept. 3, 2019 – visitkingston.ca presents ROCKIN’ THE BIG HOUSE, in support of United Way of KFL&A, the first-ever public concert to be held on the grounds of the oldest penitentiary in Canada, Kingston Penitentiary (1835-2013).

This Historic Concert, on Saturday September 14, 2019, will bring some of the finest Canadian talent together featuring the Headstones, The Trews, The Pursuit of Happiness and Kasador with very special guest Tom Cochrane and special appearances by members of The Tragically Hip: Paul Langlois, Rob Baker and Gord Sinclair. Paul Langlois will also be master of ceremonies for the evening.

The event has been in the works for the past year and follows the success of United Way KFL&A’s annual Fare for Friends fundraiser that wrapped up after 25 successful years in 2018. All of the artists have generously donated their time and talent to the event.  Tickets for the rain or shine, 19+ show sold out in minutes this past May.

“The excitement was there right from the start,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way KFL&A. “We knew with a limited number of tickets that they would go quickly. We were happy to see that so many of the tickets went to local residents. This event is very local, with the bands all having a Kingston connection.  We are offering local food and beverage vendors and have over a hundred community volunteers to make it all possible. The show will benefit local programs through the United Way.”

The event is made possible through partnerships with the City of Kingston, St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Correctional Service of Canada as well as presenting sponsor Visitkingston.ca, lead sponsors Otter Creek Farms and Spearhead Brewing Co., platinum sponsors Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers and J.E. Agnew Food Services Inc., and gold sponsor Sousa Ready Mix Inc. Over 100 volunteers will also be helping out at the show to make sure it runs smoothly.

Guests at the show will enjoy food options from specialty food trucks and restaurants and beverages from local wineries and breweries. Spearhead Brewing Co., a local craft brewery, is generously donating all beer and proceeds from beer sales to the United Way. The event is also working to be more sustainable with no single-use plastics. Each attendee will receive a stainless steel mug, thanks to a sponsorship from Secura Financial, that they can use throughout the event. Guests are also encouraged to bring an empty reusable water bottle that can be filled at the Utilities Kingston water truck and the City of Kingston’s recycling truck, OSKAR, will also be on site.

The committee, co-chaired by long-time United Way volunteers and supporters Pat Murphy, Joanne Langlois and Chris Murphy, has been hard at work putting together a concert in a historic venue and while there have been challenges, they are confident that it will be a great event.

“We are creating a whole new brand of event and that has been very exciting to see come together. We hope this event can continue in years to come,” said Langlois. “I’m really looking forward to seeing the first band take the stage. I can’t wait to feel the energy and enjoy the moment and know that we did it all and we did it for a great cause.”

Doors for the show will open at 4:30 p.m. with performances beginning just after 6 p.m. and ending by 11 p.m.

Schedule of performances:

Kasador

TPOH

The Trews

Tom Cochrane and Friends

Headstones

Ensure that you arrive ahead of time if there is a band you don’t want to miss.

For more information about the event visit www.rockinthebighouse.ca

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Media Contacts through United Way of KFL&A:

• For media credentials for the event: Mandy Pasch marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca 613-542-2674, ext. 1204
• Band members may be available for interviews upon request
• President & CEO, United Way of KFL&A: Bhavana Varma

About United Way of KFL&A

United Way of KFL&A works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community, bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community, where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. Visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca for more information.

For more information about the bands, sponsors and the event, visit www.rockinthebighouse.ca