Despite social distancing advisories due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Okotoks residents will have a chance to enjoy some live music this weekend.

This Sunday from 1pm-3pm, the first Okotoks Music Drive will see local musicians take to their driveways to perform mini-concerts for passersby, all while raising money for the Okotoks Food bank.

Okotoks residents Jessica DeCoste and Andrea Siqueira organized the event, which was originally scheduled for Victoria Day, but was postponed due to concerns over the weather.

Luckily, despite a mostly rainy week, forecasts are predicting sunny skies and a high of +20 for Sunday.

DeCoste says she took inspiration from musicians in her home province of Nova Scotia, who have been holding mini-concerts from their garages, front lawns, and driveways.

After inquiring on local Facebook groups as to whether or not similar events were being held in town, DeCoste began attempting organizing driveway concerts within the Cimarron area, which soon evolved to become the Okotoks Music Drive.

"It morphed into sort of a big social distancing concert at the field at St. Mary's right beside where I live, and then I heard from Andrea. She gave me a call the next morning and said 'I think I have an idea that might be better.' So we basically went with the idea of the mini concerts in driveways but all through Okotoks, and to benefit the food bank."

She says the driveway format provides plenty of space between performers and spectators, with residents able to keep their distance from one another on nearby sidewalks or by watching from their vehicles.

Siqueira and DeCoste got in touch with the Town of Okotoks, who gave them the go-ahead, and even expressed interest in a second event in June.

DeCoste says music has always brought people together, and can still do so even during this time.

"The only social atmosphere we have right now is through Zoom conferences. With music, everybody can understand the language of music. We can get out and enjoy some dancing or maybe having a quick little boogie to a song or genre of music that a lot of people might enjoy."

Donations to the Okotoks Food Bank are also encouraged, either via donation boxes near the performers or through the Facebook donation page.

For more information, click here for the event page or here to access the Facebook group.

 

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email news@okotoksonline.com