Fredericton music promoter Eddie Young has six shows coming up including a four-date touring songwriter’s circle featuring Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox, Blaire Webber and special guests.
Matt Carter
The year 2020 needs no introduction. It never will. It’s been the elephant in the room for 364 days now. But despite the enormous list of challenges we’ve all faced these past nine months or more, there has always been a little good to be found. It has just been a little harder to see.
For Fredericton-based music promoter and artist manager Eddie Young, 2020 brought much of his regular activity to a halt. No weekly shows, no tours to book and no festivals to organise.
“I really found that I struggled with lack of live shows,” said Young. “I’m not sure if it was just that I was so busy with them before COVID or if it was something more than that. I have always had a strong emotional experience with music, listening or seeing. Music has got me through some crappy times and has always been there for me.”
If this year will be remembered as the year that gave us the “virtual concert”, it may also be remembered as the year that enhanced our collective appreciation for experiencing music live and in-person, and for all that those experiences bring us beyond simply seeing a band on stage.
“We have the live streams happening all the time now, which is great to support the artists and venues, but I do not get out of it what I love about a live show,” said Young. “I don’t get that human connection from streaming performances that I do from being there.
“Over the last few years I have learned a lot about myself, what connects with me and what doesn’t. The biggest thing for me is the human connection, the stories and just being surrounded by friends and like minded folks,” he said.
While some may argue a life in music can be the most unhealthy decision one could make with tight schedules and even tighter budgets guiding decisions in just about every possible direction, for Young, the whole process is a form of medicine and therapy. Through his own company, Roots and Soul Music Promotions, booking shows and helping artists achieve their goals is what helps Young find balance and purpose outside of his immediate friends and family.
“I haven’t been one to talk about my mental health until recently, but I think it is important for me and also so other people struggling know I’m there with them,” said Young. “I really enjoy setting up shows and tours and helping the artists as much as I can. I need to always be working on something.”
Aiming to start the new year off with some sense of normalcy, Young’s calendar currently has six events planned, including a four date touring songwriter’s circle featuring Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox, Blaire Webber and a hometown guest on each of the tour’s stops.
Full details on all upcoming shows below.
Upcoming Performances:
Open Mic with Headliner Richie Young | Dec. 30 | The Cap | View Event
An Evening with Dapper Dan & The Drive In Classics | Jan. 9 | Grimross Brewing | View Event
Songwriter Circle Tour w/ Brent Mason, Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox and Blaire Webber | Jan. 14 | Five and Dime, Saint John | View Event
Songwriter Circle Tour w/ Aaron Crain, Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox and Blaire Webber | Jan. 15 | The Oak Tree, Perth | View Event
Songwriter Circle Tour w/ Josh Bravener, Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox and Blaire Webber | Jan. 16 | The Cap | View Event
Songwriter Circle Tour w/ Wade Hallihan, Colin Fowlie, Kylie Fox and Blaire Webber + Jessii The Artist | Jan. 22 | Kinsmen Club, Miramichi | View Event
Delerious Monks+Stinking Rich | Jan. 23 | Grimross Brewing | View Event
