A fundraising concert to assist the displaced residents from the recent fire at the Empire Hotel will take place this Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Algonquin Theatre starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, tax included, and a large crowd is expected to show support for this worthy cause.

Besides the actual show, there will be a number of opportunities for the community to give, including a radio pledge-a-thon and silent auction.

The pledge-a-thon will begin at 6 a.m. on Thursday morning and go until noon on 105.5 Moose FM. Musicians performing at the evening concert will be dropping in throughout the morning to share their music, and Empire residents will share some of their stories as well. Call 789-4461 and make a donation.

During the morning two exciting donations will be raffled off. The first is a Muskoka Getaway Weekend at Delta Grandview Resort, valued at $600. The package includes two nights’ accommodation in a luxury one-bedroom suite and use of the pool, hot tub and recreation facilities as well as seasonal activities. The second donation is a gourmet dinner for four, cooked in your home and generously donated by Chef Mackenzie Taylor from My Chef In Muskoka. This private dining experience is valued at $400 and is sure to create a night to remember.

The silent auction portion of the event will take place in Partners Hall throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday. Members of the Huntsville Art Society will be displaying dozens of donated works of art there. From original paintings to cards to prints, there will be something for every taste, and it will all be offered in silent auction format. Even if you can’t attend the show, drop in and place a bid. Final bidding will be done at the intermission of the show, with winners announced shortly thereafter. What a great way to purchase a unique Christmas gift while supporting this worthy cause. The artists have donated their work, so it is up to you to turn it into cash for the Empire residents.

Also donated has been pottery from Eric Lindgren, coffee from Seven Main, a travel bag from Survivorman Les Stroud and Ballet Jorgen Nutcracker tickets.

The music at the evening show will be representative of the many styles that were showcased in the Empire over the years, whether most recently at the Hideaway Pub or going back a few years at JT’s Tavern.

In recent years singer/songwriter Linda McLean and her husband Andy had been developing a strong following with their Muskoka Song Night series, featuring talented local performers and seasoned stars from out of town. Likewise, Doug Banwell, who was also a resident of the Empire, led the Muskoka Jazz Guys in a jazz jam every Thursday night at the Hideaway.

Both these performers feature prominently in Thursday’s program and have helped plan the evening. Joining Linda and Andy for the songwriters’ set will be Jeff Nicholson and Wyatt Williamson, local muralist-come-crooner Gerry Lantaigne and Ruth Cassie. The Muskoka Jazz Guys, featuring Banwell on sax, Jamie Bestwick on bass, Tim Sullivan on piano and Richard Jackson on drums, will provide a four-song mini set. Opening both halves of the concert will be the Woodshed Improv Collective, who performed regularly at the Hideaway.

The second half of the show will feature some of the area’s finest musicians, Bill Stewart and Jo-Ann Robert, followed by local band Cabin Fever, which will perform some songs and then act as backup for Tina Turley and Tobin Spring. There will be a grand finale number where a number of the artists will join in on an audience favourite.

TV Cogeco will be broadcasting the concert live, but don’t let that stop you from dropping in and enjoying the concert in person.

While the day and evening promise to provide a lot of great moments, we should not forget the reason for the concert in the first place and the ongoing need that has been created by this unfortunate disaster. Once again, the people of Huntsville have an opportunity to show what a caring group they are.