Intimate outdoor concert upcoming with Jim Cuddy

July 7, 2022 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Juno-awarding-winning musician Jim Cuddy will be taking to the stage locally later this month for the 17th Anniversary Jim Cuddy Jamboree.

The intimate outdoor concert will take place at Lyric Pond in Honeywood on July 24 with the proceeds raised from the event going towards Dufferin Community Foundation (DCF).

“We feel honored to be the recipients of the Jim Cuddy Jamboree this year. Not only are we big fans of the event, but we’re big fans of Jim Cuddy and his music. For the proceeds to be going to the Dufferin Community Foundation is a real privilege for us,” said Michele Fisher, executive director for DCF.

Started in 2005, the Jim Cuddy Jamboree has served as more than just an annual concert with the intensely local event holding a long history of helping raise funds for environmental and community-based initiatives.

“Over the past 17 years of producing the Jamboree, the proceeds have supported the protection of prime agricultural land by opposing the Mega Quarry, talented performing artists for the Town Square in Creemore, repairing off-roader damage in the new Pine River Nature Reserve, among other important initiatives,” said Bill Duron, who hosts the Jamboree with his wife Melody on their country property. “We also take pleasure in providing a venue for 350 friends and neighbours to gather in celebration of the good fortune of living on or near the Niagara Escarpment.”

For Jim Cuddy, the performance is made meaningful by the work it has supported.

“It has been my pleasure for the past number of years to wrangle some musicians to play a tented jamboree at the country home of Bill and Melody Duron. The funds raised have fended off many encroachments on the health and beauty of the local landscape. They have also provided trails and a performing square for up-and-coming musicians,” said Cuddy.

“All the musicians who have performed are proud of the good work done in the Dufferin County community.”

The proceeds from this year’s concert will be going towards two of the Dufferin County Foundation’s permanent funds – the Environment Fund and the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund.

“These were chosen by Jim Cuddy because they’re two things that he obviously believes in deeply,” said Fisher.

The income earned every year from the two permanent funds will be used to provide grants to help local environment initiatives and promote arts and culture.

Fisher said the Dufferin Community Foundation expects to be allocating grants from the Environment Fund starting next year and for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund by 2024.

The line-up for the 17th anniversary jamboree includes Cuddy, Colin Cripps, Anne Lindsay, Joel Anderson, and Devin Cuddy with special guest Andy Maize, Josh Finlayson and Jessy Bell Smith form the Skydiggers.

The event will serve appetizers and craft beverages by Creemore Springs and Spy Cider House, and local wines from Windrush Estate Winery sponsored by relator Suzanne Lawrence. After a buffet dinner catered by Thornbury’s Culinary Designs, guest will hunker down for an evening of music.

Tickets are on sale with a limited number available. Tickets are $225 for adults (19+), $75 for youth (aged 12-18), $25 for kids (aged 6-11) and free for kids five and under.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Dufferin Community Foundation website.