The key to a successful fundraising event

On September 17, Lisgar O'Connor performed at the Environment Canada / Parks Canada / Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency BBQ fundraiser for the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC, or Campagne de charité en milieu de travail du gouvernement du Canada, CCMTGC).

To have a successful fundraiser here is what you need ...

1. A good cause

2. A nice venue

3. Dedicated employees

4. Actually, you need a lot of dedicated employees!!!

5. Volunteers

6. Sponsors

7. And more sponsors!

Burgs and dogs were supplied by Les Aliments M & M in Gatineau. Dia and Andrea, Human Resources Consultants with Personnel Force, were gracious enough to pose with Bill and Sly. Personnel Force provided some of the prizes for the draws.

8. Music!

9. Amplification and technical support

Jim of Martin Sound and Lighting Inc. provided 3,000 watts of power and sound equipment so the organizers, speakers and Lisgar O'Connor could be heard by all in attendance.

10. And of course, a good organizer!

Caroline was the mastermind behind this event. She made sure the complex logistics (venue, food, equipment, volunteers, publicity, guest speakers, music, prizes, shuttles, etc.) were all in place to make this event a success. She has a special place in our hearts because she says: "When I go out, it's the kind of laid-back music Lisgar O'Connor plays that I like to listen to". Thank you Caroline for inviting us!

A gig is a gig is a gig

Last Saturday, Lisgar O'Connor were scheduled to play at Daniel O'Connell's Irish Pub in Westboro. While waiting for Bill, Sly logged in to Stickam to visit our good friend TskFred, a great musician in the Netherlands.

Besides being a great musician (you can check it out at http://www.stickam.com/tskfred), Fred is also a great entertainer whose Stickam room is always well attended by music lovers who are not afraid to get on cam to express their appreciation.

He is also very keen to give an opportunity for other musicians to perform in his live room when they show up: "I have friends who come and play a few songs now and then. I like that kind of musical interaction; we can learn from each other and be inspired by each other".

That's exactly what he did with Lisgar O'Connor. As soon as Bill arrived, Fred opened his stage and let us play a few songs that were, to say the least, very well received by the people in attendance. Here are some comments that were coming through the chat:

"I know one thing, you guys are good: better than my English", said Kejomi.
"You need to hire Fred as a dancer", said Soldier_Blue.
"Claaaaaaap for Sly and Bill", said Marina1988.
"Now I can go to sleep contented", said Sunnyenshine.

Soon, it was time to go and perform another show for another live audience in Westboro, Ontario, Canada, and Bill and Sly reluctantly left that friendly Stickam room in virtual Holland.

When they arrived at Daniel O'Connell's however, they found out a mistake had been made: Mustang Tony had double-booked the evening and A Quick Smoke were getting ready to play. Sly and Bill decided to stay and enjoy their fine rendition of Southern Rock-inspired music. Once in awhile, it's nice to be the audience...