Skip to content

Andrew Allen set to rock Nakusp

Nakusp mother Kimberly Macaulay doesn’t normally work as a concert promoter but that didn’t stop her from organizing a musical performance

Trisha Shanks

Arrow Lakes News

Nakusp mother Kimberly Macaulay doesn’t normally work as a concert promoter but that didn’t stop her from organizing what could be Nakusp’s biggest musical performance of the year. She and top-ten recording artist Andrew Allen both grew up in Vernon and were friends with some of the same people, so she decided to approach him about an idea she had for a fundraiser.

Her husband, RCMP officer Mark MacAulay is involved in hockey at the Naksup Arena, so Kimberly had some ideas about what the arena and auditorium building needed in the way of improvements. Her goal is to raise enough funds to purchase some new items for the building, starting with a divider to separate pick-up hockey from public skating.

“A lot of people are concerned about safety,” Macaulay says. She adds, “More heaters, for spectators inside the rink too. Families moving here are attracted to the fact that there is minor hockey. Big selling factor.”

Macaulay figures that these improvements will help tremendously. The auditorium and its sound system are due for an upgrade as well.

“The sound system is in need of replacement. Andrew has to bring speakers and equipment. The building needs a new roof. There is a lot of stuff that the arena could use.”

Although there have been recent grumblings about charges for hourly rental, the village is donating the time for Andrew’s concert, in light of the fact they are the recipient of the funds raised. After Macaulay pays artist fees, the costs of the bar and other expenses, any proceeds will go toward improvements. She needs to sell 200 tickets and estimates sales are about halfway there.

Ticket buyers can expect a fun night. Nakusp’s very own local talent Mitchell Zorn will be opening and then Andrew Allen goes on at 8:30 p.m. for what Macaulay is calling the “Nakusp Christmas Dance Party.” Allen is holding an earlier show for those under 19, because the evening event is licensed and will have a cash bar. Minor hockey will be operating the concession.

For ticket purchase, contact Kimberly Macaulay directly at (250) 265 7366, on Facebook at Kimber Fraser-Macaulay, or email kimberly_macaulay@hotmail.com.

 

Andrew Allen has had two chart-topping hits since his first release in 2009. He followed up “I Wanna Be Your Christmas” with “Loving You Tonight” in 2010 and then, “I Want You” in 2011. Although he might not yet be a household name, his songs are catchy, upbeat and familiar. Tour dates in December include Nakusp, Vancouver and Calgary. Allen has toured with some very big names, including the Barenaked Ladies, One Republic and Train.