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the show must go on

Local band’s St. Paddy’s Day show won’t be stopped (sort of) by COVID-19

Mar 14, 2020 | 11:55 AM

A popular local entertainment act is keeping the music alive this coming week, despite a big show of theirs being cancelled due to COVID-19.

St. James’ Gate was supposed to play not only Saturday in Lacombe, but also on St. Patrick’s Day at Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer.

One of SJG’s lead singers, Dwayne Marsden, says he and his bandmates have decided that instead of leaving fans with nothing to do on Tuesday night besides Netflix and stressing over coronavirus, they’re going to take their scheduled show to the internet.

“We just want to try and get peoples’ minds off of what’s happening out there for a couple hours,” he says. “There are a lot of people who go out for St. Paddy’s day, Irish or not, and for us celebrating 20 years and not having a show on St. Paddy’s which has become a tradition, we can’t let this stop us. With technology, we’re able to do it.”

The concert is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. and will stream LIVE on the band’s Facebook page from Marsden’s basement.

“The style of music we play is different from the style you usually hear in Alberta,” Marsden adds. “It’s upbeat and it’s a good time. Music does a lot of good for a lot of people.”

Both the Bo’s and Lacombe Memorial Centre gigs will be rescheduled. Bo’s will remain open for regular business Tuesday, but will be limiting capacity as per the recommendations of the provincial government.