Play Yarmouth In Tune With Cat

Play Yarmouth has kicked off two months of live musical performances to the delight of an international audience. The two to three hour concerts, featuring local musicians, coincide with the arrival of the new Cat ferry service from Bar Harbor, Maine at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily through July and August.

The concerts are the result of a partnership between the private sector, community groups, provincial and federal governments. The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification provided $12,500 under the Community Music Program and International Years of Music. Another $16,500 was invested by Human Resources Development Canada, with an additional $6 thousand funding coming from Yarmouth Development Corporation (YDC), $7,500 from the Western NS Persons with Disabilities and $15 thousand from the private sector.

The performances will provide international exposure for more than 24 local musicians and groups. They will also create opportunities for local business.

Dave Whiting, YDC general manager, said the performances are building on an established record of success. "Play Yarmouth is looking forward to the summer of 98 season. Last year's efforts were well received by visitors and residents alike and this year promises to be just as good," he said.

"The organizers of the project are especially grateful to the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada for their financial support. Without their assistance this season would not have been possible."

Play Yarmouth was initiated by the YDC in 1997. It is now registered as a separate society, but continues to be administered by the corporation.