Paige Seburn
Special to The Lake Report/Niagara Now

When Shane Carty and David Adams first dreamed up the idea of showcasing the hidden musical talents of the Shaw ensemble, they didn’t anticipate the overwhelming response. 

“Last year, it was a huge hit. It was unlike anything people had gotten used to around here,” said Carty, who’s an actor with the Shaw Festival.

Now an annual tradition, the Autumn in the Air concert, which includes a silent auction, is set to return to St. Mark’s Church on Sept. 16. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite for $35.

“It’s always nice to offer an audience something a little bit new — something a little bit different from what they’re used to,” he said. 

It will be an evening of classical music performed by actors, prop makers, wardrobe staff, and so on — many stepping into the spotlight for talents they rarely showcase in their day-to-day roles, he said.

Carty will be co-hosting the event with Shaw ensemble member Jade Repeta and credits Adams with bringing the idea to life.

“David is a great classical singer, and he’s a great actor. Last year, he thought, wouldn’t it be nice to see all of these very talented people doing something that they don’t often get to do, even though they’re all excellent at it?” said Carty.

The silent auction offers a diverse array of items. Carty said that this year’s auction will include not only physical items but also a variety of experience-based opportunities — a shift from last year, which mostly focused on material items like artwork.

St. Mark’s Church, with its rich acoustics and historic charm, sets the perfect backdrop for this show, said Carty. 

The church’s intimate setting allows the classical pieces to resonate beautifully, he said, which enhances the experience. 

“We’re not using any amplification or any microphones. It’s a purely acoustic concert,” said Carty. “Which, virtually, is the way all of this music was meant to be heard.” 

Proceeds will go to the Boxill/Doherty Fund, which provides financial aid to artists facing hardships or emergencies, a common struggle in the often unpredictable world of the arts, Carty said.

This fund has supported Niagara’s artistic community since the late 1970s, and raised roughly $5,000 last year doing this concert.

You can participate in the auction even if you’re not attending the concert. Donations to the Boxill/Doherty Fund are also welcome.

Carty encourages everyone not to miss out on an evening of extraordinary music while supporting a great cause.