Leader Arts Council holds free concert in the park
By Joan Janzen
LEADER - Families gathered around the gazebo at Millennium Gardens in Leader on Thursday evening, July 17th, for a free concert sponsored by Leader’s Arts Council. Local artist Berk Jodoin and his band kicked off their Sad Songs Tour and started the evening by introducing the opening performance by Owen Nelson.
The Leader Arts Council sponsored a free outdoor concert on Thursday evening, July 17th featuring local artist Berk Jodoin (left), Kurt Kopp on drums and Aspen Beveridge, bass. PHOTO BY SHEILA COCHRANE
You just never know who will show up for food and an outdoor concert at Leader, like this man and his unique pet. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Owen Nelson (front) who opened for Leader’s outdoor concert, joined in the audience’s applause for Berk Jodoin and his band. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Berk Jodoin’s son ‘Little Berk’ accompanied his dad in a touching song dedicated to Berk’s daughters. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Berk, a masterful storyteller, shared Owen’s story, which began five years ago when Berk was giving him online guitar lessons. “A few years later, I couldn’t believe how good he was,” Berk said. “Soon I’m going to open for him; he’s that good.”
The 23-year-old lived in Leader until he was Grade 4 and is the grandson of residents, Vern and Joanne Schneider. He shared a memory of being in the Kindersley music festival and crying his eyes out on stage when he was just eight years old. Now he is performing his own songs and heading off to university in Halifax this fall.
Following Owen’s performance, Berk on guitar, Aspen Beveridge on bass and Kurtis Kopps on the drums came on stage. Every song told a story, including one that Berk wrote about Terry Fox, whom he described as a true Canadian hero.
Berk’s songs touch hearts in secret places. “I’ve been told I write too many sad songs, but my motto is hurting is healing,” he explained. “Eleven years ago, I quit drinking. It was no fun, but it got better.”
The proud father invited his young son ‘Little Berk’ on stage, who Berk described as a “better version of myself”. Together, they performed “Maybe it Will Be Better By the Morning,” an apology that Berk wrote to his daughters.
The lyrics of Berk’s song entitled “Rich Man” included dreams of becoming rich. However, Berk reminded his listeners that the community has already made us rich. Part of that rich heritage included Orville Zubot, a musician from Mendham, who taught Berk how to play guitar, as well as another individual in the audience who inspired him to become a songwriter.
The evening concluded with Owen joining Berk and his band for a final song. Berk thanked the Leader Arts Council and the Town of Leader, who helped sponsor the evening. The Arts Council was on hand selling season tickets, and Custom Catering was selling food and cupcakes.