TRURO, N.S. — Archway Counselling Association is celebrating its annual fundraising banquet next week with Bluegrass legends The Spinney Brothers.
Archway is aiming to raise $30,000 from its Feb. 6 banquet to fund its affordable counselling services, plus the running of the Slate Youth Centre on Prince St. This event is the first gig the Spinney Brothers will play after reuniting, have previously stepped away from live music in 2017.
“We’re honoured to be their first concert after their reunion,” said Brian Schrock, Archway’s executive director. “They’re fantastic musicians and entertainers and that in and of itself is a great thing to witness.”
The Spinney Brothers hail from the Annapolis Valley and are known as Canada’s international bluegrass band.
They feature Allan Spinney on guitar and vocals and Rick Spinney on banjo. Joining the brothers are their long-time bandmates, Gary Dalrymple on mandolin and Terry Mumford on bass.
The Spinney Brothers have released 12 albums and notched up four number-one hits, as well as recognition at the Canadian Bluegrass Music Awards. Live performances include stages at Nashville’s Station Inn, MerleFest, the Ralph Stanley’s Hills of Home Festival and Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Festival, among others.
“We were always so grateful for all the opportunities that came our way, and for all the faith countless people put in us; the promoters, DJs and of course, the fans,” said Allan and Rick Spinney in a Jan. 20 release. Traditional bluegrass music is in our blood, and we are so excited to have the opportunity to get out once again and perform”.”
Archway’s banquet is one of two major fundraisers held each year, the other being its Golf Classic 18-hole tournament, coming up this June.
The fundraising banquet and concert will be held at the Best Western Glengarry at 150 Willow St. in Truro. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. on Feb. 6.
Tickets for are $45 for individuals and $340 for a table of eight. They can be purchased from Archway’s offices at 883 Prince St. People can call their office at 902-893-3991 for more information.