Raise the Hammer

As a way to bring some fun to their community and raise funds for a good cause, a group of Hamilton neighbours has organized a concert series, featuring some of Canada's foremost musical artists.

The "Live on Locke" series - so named for the street where the concerts will be performed - includes performances by Steven Page, Ron Sexsmith, Holly Cole and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings. There will be one show each month, starting in September.

"Our neighbourhood Locke Street community is one of the most vibrant and dynamic in Hamilton, and we're looking to add to that - to encourage people to be entertained and have some fun," says committee chair Jim Fyshe, chair of the Locke Street South Merchants Association and a lawyer with offices on the street. "Bringing such talented musicians to perform here will also showcase our fabulous neighbourhood to people from across the province who we expect will attend the series."

The Live on Locke volunteer committee includes business owners, an accountant, retired school teacher, talent manager, and even a musician, Tom Wilson, who's a member of the band Blackie & the Rodeo Kings and who lives in the neighbourhood.

"These artists have played much bigger venues across North America and around the world, but they're looking forward to being part of our neighbourhood celebration and helping support a worthwhile cause," Wilson says. "Locke will be hoppin'."

The concerts will be held at the Melrose United Church and will benefit the organization An Instrument for Every Child.

Among the businesses and individuals sponsoring the event are The Hamilton Spectator and local radio stations Y108 and Vinyl 95.3, which will be providing extensive promotion of the series. Other sponsors include First Ontario Credit Union and Ward 1 Counsellor Brian McHattie.

The concert dates are Steven Page on September 21, Ron Sexsmith on October 19, Holly Cole on November 2 and Blackie & the Rodeo Kings on December 7. The performances all begin at 7:30 p.m., and ticket price is $150 for the series.

Melrose United Church is located at the corner of Locke Street South and Homewood Avenue.

For more information about the concert series and to purchase tickets, visit www.liveonlocke.com