DICK VAN TRIGT - Founder |
Opry Niagara got started in 1993 at The Moose Lodge in Niagara Falls, ON. There was a guy, named Dick Van Trigt, who had the idea of setting up a music workshop, where musicians would come to practice and learn. He had three musician friends to help him get started and the first night 18 people showed up. This idea evolved into open mic sessions where singers would take turns to sing their songs and other musicians play back-up. There was only one draw-back at the Moose and that was that these sessions took place on the second floor, which meant dragging heavy equipment up and down the stairs every week. It was then decided to look for another venue. We moved to Chippawa Legion in 1997. By this time we had gained quite a following and the Legion was packed to overflowing every week. |
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It was during this time that it became necessary to get
more organized as a club and Opry Niagara was born, complete with
President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer.
It soon became clear that Opry Niagara had outgrown Chippawa Legion and it was time to move again. After a long search, the Polish Community Centre was found. In March 2004 it was time to move once more. Opry Niagara is now located at the German Village, 6854 Garner Road. In 1999 steps were undertaken to officially register our name - Opry Niagara Classic Country Music Association - and our purpose, which is to promote country music and to encourage people to become involved in country music. Over the years Opry Niagara has donated money towards music scholarships for students attending schools in Niagara Falls as well as a considerable amount of money to local charities and churches. Some of our funds are spent on the acquisition, replacement and repair of equipment, so that the Opry members and guests can keep playing and singing the music that Opry members and visitors enjoy listening and dancing to. The President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer and Secretary are volunteers and voted in by the membership. All the people who make Wednesday night happen each and every week, such as the musicians, the door person, ticket sellers and sound manager are all volunteers without whom Opry Niagara would not exist. Admission is $3 per person. Free admission for members. Presently membership is $20/year. Everyone is welcome to join. You don't have to be an entertainer/musician/singer to be a member of Opry Niagara. Opry Niagara Classic Country Music Association Location: The German Village, 6854 Garner Road, Niagara Falls, ON Mailing Address: 6105 McLeod Rd. #202 Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3E7 Tel. 905-357-5296 • Email: opryniagara@gmail.com For more info on the German Village please visit their website at www.germanvillage.ca
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