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Northumberland News
February 7, 2008
by Jennifer O'Meara
PORT HOPE - When the Roesch's house is rocking, feel free to come knocking.
Scott and Sharon Roesch have opened their home to folk musicians and music lovers, hosting folk concerts out of their Port Hope house for the past two years.
They used to be part of a house concert series when they lived in Sault Ste. Marie. Since moving to Northumberland, they got involved with the Shelter Valley Folk Festival. They decided they wanted to keep folk music coming to the area through the winter, so the house concerts run from October to April.
"I think in the folk community house concerts are pretty well known," said Mr. Roesch. "It gives the artist a chance to perform for a smaller audience."
The house concerts feature a range of artists, from local Aengus Finnan to B.C.'s The Gruff, which are on a cross-Canada tour and are scheduled to hit Port Hope on Feb. 28. Formed five years ago in Victoria's busking scene, The Gruff started with traditional Irish pub tunes and from there developed original songs that range from old-time to country and from bluegrass to rock 'n roll.
"There's tons and tons of artists around that just don't get air play," said Mr. Roesch. "They're amazingly talented and you just never hear them on the radio."
Tickets to a Roesch house concert cost from $5 to $20 and the living room holds around 30 people. The concerts run once a month. There is usually a pot luck meal with the performer before the concert. The house setting creates an intimate venue that has been generating interest from the public.
"It's gone over really well. We almost sell out all of our shows," said Mr. Roesch.
All the proceeds from ticket sales go to the musician, according to Mr. Roesch. The couple is not profiting from hosting the concert series. The artists also bring CDs and merchandise to sell.
To check out upcoming Roesch house concerts visit www.vupx.com/rhc. Tickets are ordered in advance by calling Scott or Sharon at 905-885-3730.
