Oars and Encores coming July 26 to PAC
A night of music and honouring local rowing legends will be held Friday, July 26 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre as the countdown continues towards the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23, and Under 19 Championships (Mega Worlds) to be held Aug. 18-25 in St. Catharines.
Oars & Encore: A Celebration of Niagara’s Rowing Community will feature a concert by acclaimed Canadian musician Steven Page and a recognition ceremony honouring key champions in Niagara’s rowing community.
It is the second time in the last three months that Page, a Juno-award winner and former Barenaked Ladies band member, has performed at the PAC.
Presale tickets are available now by signing up for updates on the Steven Page website. Tickets will be available to the general public starting Friday, May 3. All tickets will be available for purchase at https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp and range to $75 from $60.
“The PAC is no stranger to hosting big names, but there is a unique excitement in partnering on this event as it brings the community together around celebrating our youth and our connection to the sport of rowing in St. Catharines,” says Kathleen Ross, the centre’s director of operations. “We believe that organizations coming together and sharing expertise and resources to support local programs enhances our region and our position as a destination for future events on a national stage.”
The recognition ceremony will be held prior to the concert, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Being recognized are: Jim Hyman, a builder with the Niagara Falls Rowing Club; Barb Little, a volunteer with St. Catharines Rowing Alumni; Rhiannon Zahorchak, a coach with the Notre Dame Rowing Club; Mike Purcer, a builder with the Brock Rowing Club; Don Baker, Jr., a volunteer with the Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation; Susan Hazell, a volunteer with Ridley College; Garry Roscoe, a volunteer with the Henley Island Helpers; Don McSween, a volunteer with the Ridley Graduate Boat Club; Helen Taylor, a builder with the South Niagara Rowing Club; and, Jim Minards (posthumously), a builder with the St. Catharines Rowing Club.
Platinum concert tickets, which include the recognition ceremony, will be available for $150. Proceeds from the event will help fund the world championships.
The Mega Worlds are thrilled to host the event.
“This event not only highlights the exceptional talent and dedication within our rowing community but also provides an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate our shared passion for this sport,” said Bill Schenck, the chair of the world championships.
Row Ontario CEO Andrew Backer described the evening as a fitting way to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of individuals in the Niagara rowing community.
“There have been many amazing contributors to the sport of rowing from the Niagara region over the years, and this group of club champions are very deserving of this recognition,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see all these Niagara-area clubs and organizations represented at the Oars & Encore Celebration and we’re looking forward to seeing them all honoured on July 26. And it goes without saying we’re very excited to see the rowing world come to St. Catharines for the World Championships in August.”
Community partners for the event are Brock University, Ridley College, Canadian Rowing Foundation, Cooper Wealth and Sullivan Mahoney.
For more information about the event, visit https://stcrowing2024.com/en/.
The Mega Worlds is expected to host 2,500 athletes from more than 80 countries and is made possible by funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, including the Ontario Culture and Attractions Fund, and the City of St. Catharines.
