The African Nova Scotia Music Association is teaming up with the Town of New Glasgow to present the third annual Viola Desmond Heritage Concert.
The concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow and will feature artists such as Jacques Tynes, Donald and Brayon, Owen O’Sound Lee, Juanita Peters and more with the ANSMA Praise Team and Charla Williams as MC.
“This is year three for us and each year it gets little better,” said organizer Lou Gannon.
There are several reasons that the concert is held each year, but one of the most important for Gannon is to keep Viola Desmond legacy alive. Desmond is famous for taking a stand by sitting in the white only section of the Roseland Theatre during a time of segregation. She was arrested for her stand and forced to pay a fine. Gannon believes it’s particularly important for the younger generation to know about her and the fight she made for equality.
Another reason for the concert is to highlight the musical talent within the African Nova Scotian community. While many names in the lineup are well known in Atlantic Canada, Gannon said they try to include some younger up and coming musicians as well.
“We use that as a showcase to allow some of our young people to share the stage.”
Gannon hopes to see a good turnout at the event from throughout the region and said all are welcome.
“Buy a ticket and come learn and have some fun,” he said.
Tickets are available at the Glasgow Square Theatre box office. Cost is $29/person.
