CORNER BROOK — George Cammie is bringing back 40 Plus Country nights.
The “young 72” Corner Brook man hopes the once-a-month dances will fill a need by giving people in the 40 plus age group somewhere to go and enjoy some good music and some good company.
The first dance will be held this Friday at Hotel Corner Brook’s Seaport Lounge. Cammie said people who attend will get to listen to and dance to some ’60s rock, country, old time rock ‘n’ roll and the odd jiggs and reel.
“People my age and around that age group, we find it very hard to find things with that type of music to dance to,” said Cammie.
He said most other places cater to younger people and those in the 40-plus set wonder why there isn’t something for them.
“What I want to do is fill that need,” said Cammie.
“I’m not a dancer myself, but I know what people are looking for.”
That’s because Cammie was once quite involved in the local music scene and played mandolin and guitar for a few local bands.
And he has experience with organizing these types of events, including a similar venture in 2008.
He said the first dance then went over really well.
“It was jammed. It was unreal.”
However, Cammie soon left to head to Alberta to work and while the events continued for a bit, they soon fell apart. He stayed in Alberta for a year and since he’s been home said people have been after him to organize more dances.
And recently he decided to give it try.
“I like a challenge and I like helping people out. And I know that it’ll make people feel good if they can get a night out.”
Cammie said he started out by looking for the right musicians for the dances and he thinks he’s found them in two men from the Stephenville area, Lloyd Swyers and Francie Downey. Cammie had heard the pair play before and most recently caught up with them while they played at Colemans.
“I liked what they did and I decided to ask them if they would be interested in doing it,” said Cammie. “They’re into the same type of music that those people are looking for.’
Cammie said right now the plan is hold the dances on the last Friday of every month.
The dances will run from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Admission at the door will go to cover the cost of the band and there will be some prizes. Cammie said it’s possible there might even be a few special guests.
