Those behind the ) are adapting to changing protocols and celebrating the opening of concert venues after a long pandemic dry spell.
Due to increased COVID-19 risk with singing, performances have been hard hit by pandemic restrictions.
But this Friday, the association presents "Change is Good: A Night of Local Talent," at St. John the Divine Anglican Church.
The in-person evening of performances will feature local youth, Lucy Gill and Zora Jajic, opening for Cowgirl Lovebrand — Samantha Sinanan and Antti Makitalo with guests Lucy Gill and Veronica McPhee; local youths Grant and Thea Boguski opening for Little City Big Sound — Liesl Petersen, Brian Marchant, Mathew Bergeron, and Chad Hooper.
Artists will perform a variety of folk, pop, and modern covers and original tunes woven around the theme of change.
How apropos is that?
"Part of it was, as we were planning, 'Oh, what if it changes? Or this or that.' And things have changed so much for us, right," said Veronica McPhee, on behalf of HSPAA, explaining the night's theme.
Musicians have had to adapt with bigger bands like Bluesberry Jam Showband members morphing into Cowgirl Lovebrand and Little City Big Sound.
"That is kind of interesting too, because it is a change that these musicians have had to do to keep themselves creative and energized and they have formed these new groups and then the songs that they have picked will circle around the theme of the change," McPhee said.
Autumn itself is a time of change, too, of course.
Other changes are more specific to the association.
"One thing that Howe Sound Performing Arts is adapting with is we have decided to mentor more youth performers," McPhee added.
The association traditionally has put on the Howe Sound Music Festival, the adjudicated music festival for students. It was the only event that was produced by the association last year, in fact.
"We are looking to incorporate that more into our local’s concerts, so this [upcoming event is] an example of that."
Another new "change" for HSPAA is to donate a portion of the proceeds to local causes. For this concert, that cause is the St. John's Roof Fund.
McPhee said after a long time away from live performances, she is excited for 麻豆社国产to reconnect through music.
"The arts really do help humanize us and help connect us to one another," she said. "It is nice to get back there and connect again with people."
Proof of vaccination is required, and attendees inside the venue must wear masks.
Tickets are $20 and are available online at .
