Having begun his concert promoting career from his home in Sandy Cove, Peter Swanek moved to Gravenhurst, but his concerts are now back and going strong in Alcona.
As Peters’ Players, Swanek hosted 60 concerts in house and numerous others at various venues over the past six years. His move to Gravenhurst last November was motivated by the desire to open an official 150-seat theatre to house his concerts.
The blues, funk, jazz, soul music have all been staples of his show series. Now he has created a monthly series at Alcona Lions Hall, and has plans to add a circuit of several venues throughout the county. He also incorporated an entertaining cruise series this past summer, which included evenings on Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe and Lake Muskoka.
The idea to bring back the music to Alcona was born out of Swanek’s desire and passion to keep the fun going. The experience has been much like starting at square one, he noted.
“I’ve been simmering the whole summer, trying to get my house theatre started out,” he noted, adding that while waiting for permits he decided to get busy.
Swanek was drawn to the Alcona Lions Hall because of its capacity to accommodate 100 patrons. Shows will run monthly from September through June. This season’s first concert on Oct. 27, highlighted the Texas Blues of Andrew “Jr Boy” Jones and was a great success. The next installment takes place this Sunday (Nov. 18), with Garret Mason of Nova Scotia with his funkabilly-blues-soul vibe.
The creation of a concert circuit throughout Simcoe County will allow Swanek to bring the biggest and best of touring talent to the town. He was delighted to discover how supportive the community and area has been of his dedication to put this kind of entertainment on the map.
He recently began approaching potential sponsors with the opportunity to get on board. The sponsorship package includes two tickets to the show, link to Peter’s Players website, e-mail distribution to 900, ads on 100 posters and 1,000 flyers and several other items. Immediately, 10 sponsors stepped up. A major sponsor has now also come on board, further drawing attention to the calibre of concerts Swanek is promoting locally.
With permits in place and an official liquor licence, Swanek expects his permanent home concert theatre in Gravenhurst will open in April.
But shows in Alcona will continue to be on Swanek’s concert circuit. Coming up on Dec. 4: R&B, soul and blues belter, Shakura S’Aida; Jan. 12 will showcase the rockin-blues of David Rotundo and Feb.1 hosts Magic Slim and the Teardrops and their sound of Chicago blues.
For more information visit: www.petersplayers.com
