Sarnia Speaks is becoming Sarnia Sings, at least for one night.
The popular grassroots initiative that creates a dialogue about some important topics has been educating and enlightening residents since 2016. Now founder Danielle Catton is organizing its most ambitious event to date.
“I'm an ideas girl, so I have these big picture, awesome ideas, and then I'll commit to them,” says Catton.
“But there was a point when at the beginning of this, when the gears were turning and the poster came out and all that stuff, and I thought, ‘oh my God, I've never planned a musical show before, what am I doing?’ But luckily, we have 10 other incredible talented people, and talented skilled performers, some of which have stepped forward to really help me make this a reality. This is a team effort for sure.”
Teamwork makes the dream work for this event, which is running Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre. Music and Mental Health just happens to take part on World Mental Health Day and is a fundraising event for St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
A portion of the proceeds from the tickets sold here will go towards the group which has held an important place in Sarnia Speaks history.
“When we started Sarnia Speaks back in 2016, St. Clair Child and Youth Services was literally there supporting us from day one. They actually gave us a grant…of $1,000 to help us do events,” explains Catton.
Now Catton works for the organization and gets to see every day the great work they do and wanted an opportunity to give back to those who helped make Sarnia Speaks a reality in the early days.
With 11 people (including Catton) performing a variety of songs from Broadway hits, to ballads, to pop songs, the show will weave together how music has influenced or helped on their mental health journey with stories from each performer.
“The ultimate message that we want at the end of the day when people leave is to feel inspired and that they can reach out or that they can confide in a friend or that they can even offer assistance to somebody else that might be going through it,” Catton tells The Journal.
The show is for all ages, with Catton explaining that for younger audience members it is rated PG.
“There's going to be something for everyone. Some songs that people will want to sing along to, and then probably some that they might cry to. It’ll be a very therapeutic journey, I think, for everybody who comes.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Sarnia Speaks presents Music and Mental Health
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Imperial Theatre
TICKETS: $20 in advance, $30 at the door.
HOSTED BY: Sarnia Speaks