By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

embracing the music

Downtown Red Deer the site of upcoming Save the Stages event

Sep 5, 2020 | 1:02 PM

Several central Alberta breweries and downtown Red Deer business owners are banding together and setting the stage for a boost to the city’s core.

On Sept. 18, at the Ross Street Stage, a Save Our Stages event will feature live music and offer what organizers say has been sorely missed in the downtown.

The Ross Street Stage — not to be confused with the Ross Street Patio — will be an outdoor venue adjacent to said patio, which is set up each spring to give area pubs, restaurants and other businesses some added foot traffic and a lively atmosphere.

The live entertainment starts at 7 p.m., with event organizer Josh Hauta describing it as a special night to showcase original music from local musicians and the positive impact they have on the downtown community.

“We don’t want see these venues die,” says Hauta. “There’s a lot of good people behind them, and a lot of good people who play at them, and we want to keep them going as best we can.”

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The official social media hashtag for the event is #SaveOurStagesRD, he adds.

Hauta says The Velvet Olive, Taco Loft, Tribe, and Occam’s Razor were all able to add supplemental seating to their venues as the allure of live music has been tremendously fruitful for their cause.

He believes there is no question the Ross Street Stage has been a game changer for all the businesses downtown; not to mention the musical acts, comedians, and other artists desperate for a platform who have been able to find an audience there in a safe and supportive manner.

The community has embraced the stage, he says.

In addition to the aforementioned venues, four local breweries are also in on the action, including Sawback, Blindman, Red Hart, and Field & Forge Brewing. Hot Shoe Studio will be providing videography for the event and footage for the musicians to use for personal use after the event.

If weather is uncooperative, an alternate date of Sept. 25 has been established. All public health guidelines will be followed.

Another Save the Stages event is happening Sept. 22 at Bo’s Bar and Stage.