A group of music loving locals are helping the community tackle two important social problems with a weekly evening of rock.
The headliners of the new event, unofficially dubbed "An Acoustic Unplugged Jam Session with Billy and Jimmy," are the guitarists and musical duo of Billy Lane and Jimmy Piche. The two are regulars at the Grizzly Bar & Grrrill, and along with the pub's owner John Dancy and his wife Jeannie, they have started a jam session, held every Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m., where pretty much anybody can get up on stage and rock the crowd.
"Me and Jimmy get up and play the guitar and sing as professionally as we can," said Lane, who is well accustomed to the stage from a former life as a performer. "It's all acoustic. Last time a guy brought a bongo drum. Another girl brought a fiddle."
On top of providing live, free music to after-work patrons, the organizers are also raising money for two crucial community organizations in the process. All proceeds from their hot dog sales during the event are given to the Squamish Food Bank or the Howe Sound Women's Centre Society.
Owner of the Grizzly Bar & Grrrill, John Dancy, said they hoped to raise at least $500 a month through the event for both causes.
"Canada Day was our first one and it was really well received. We really struck a chord in the community," Dancy said.
"It was really my wife's idea. Our Friday night crowd likes the acoustic performances, so we give a venue for the harmonica players and acoustic performers can come and show off their stuff. We want everybody to feel welcome and each week we'll get some people in who have a real passion for music."
The event isn't as raucous as some other live sessions held at the Grizzly, but Lane said they are just as entertaining. And while the majority of the samplings are of the classic-rock variety, he said as long as it's good and they know it, they'll play it.
Tara Franz, executive director at the Howe Sound Women's Centre Society hasn't been out to check out a session yet, but stressed any contribution is appreciated.
"Donations are crucial to what we do. Our drop in centre has no government funding at all," Franz said. "$500 a month would be a huge contribution, especially when you think of it over the course of a few months."
Donations are accepted at the bar, and anyone who wants to climb up on stage should talk to Billy Lane, John Dancy or Jeannie Dancy at the Grizzly Bar & Grrrill in the Sea to Sky Hotel.
