Nourishing North Bay

North Bay has been my home for twenty-five years—save one where I spent most of my days kicking around Belfast, Northern Ireland—and its influence on me has been great. There is an indelible hometown spirit in all of us, though so few of us recognize it, and it's best manifested in the way townies support other townies.

Saturday evening, I co-hosted a charity concert called "Nourish: North Bay" with good friend and confidante Chris Curry (with whom NOTHING would be possible). We had a massive success on our hands--we saw 170 North Bayites pass through our doors to enjoy music by Josh Dimmel, Cole Fournier, Dave White, Matt Amond, Killing Caparosa, Cody Allen and local dynamos Yer Blues. We were fortunate enough to raise $375 plus more than a half-dozen crates of non-perishables.

Normally, I write didactics or hope to spurn authority. Today, I'd like to oblige my better manners and do some thank-yous:

VERITASSE CAFE: Without a venue, we'd be out on the street, busking for scraps. Thanks for the shelter, the warmth, the sound and the fury!

CHRIS CURRY: Sir, there are no words. At least... none I can express. You're quickly becoming my better half in all respects, and the world should recognize the greatness of your Chris Curry eyes. Also, you're a badass organizer. Cool as a cucumber.

JES ROY: Thank you for putting up with my often scatterbrained instructions. Jes, your graphics work literally put the Nourish concept on the map, so you have my unwavering love!

THE MUSICIANS: Dear Matt Murphy--you missed a hell of a show. Your peers, Josh, Cole, Dave, Matt Amond, Killing Caparosa, Cody Allen and Yer Blues (especially Yer Blues) set the scene on fire. No musicians mean no nourishing, right?

NORTH BAY NOURISHERS! Thanks of the highest order for everybody who paid admission, donated extra, dropped off food and just anybody who gave us the slightest thought. Amid the clutter stands JENNY POTTER from the North Bay Nugget, who was kind enough to give us a page three story about the concert, which you can read below...

Duo hopes to put music's power to work for community

Posted By JENNY POTTER, THE NUGGET

Posted 7 hours ago

Brett Greene wanted to do something different for his birthday this year.

After years of receiving gifts, he wanted to mark his 25th birthday by giving back to the community.

Saturday night, Greene hosted Nourish North Bay, a benefit concert that brought in $350 and many boxes of food for the North Bay Food Bank.

With help from musician friend Chris Curry, Greene recruited seven mostly acoustic acts -- including Cody Allen, Josh Dimmel and Yer Blues -- to play Veritasse Coffee Bar.

Greene said he chose the food bank because it's always in need between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Greene was surprised with the event's success and hopes the nourishment doesn't stop there.

We want to nourish education, culture and the arts community in North Bay," he said, adding the plan is to make it a bi-monthly event.

It's an opportunity to see live music where there isn't that pressure to drink," Greene said.

Curry said he was surprised so many musicians jumped at the opportunity to perform without any compensation and said they plan to build the event by adding other artists.

We really want to bring the arts community together," he said, to nourish the culture and sense of community here."