Musicians Patrick McManus and Beau Dixon are reuniting for a special Mother’s Day gig at Oast House in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Running from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 11, the show will feature a fusion of genres and fun for everyone — with no cover charge.
“I bring the soul and the funk and the reggae and (McManus) brings the folk. Together we just rock out,” Dixon told The Lake Report.
The two musicians met at the Shaw Festival back in 2012 where McManus was a regular actor and Dixon worked as an apprentice musical director.
“After the shows we’d have a barbecue, share songs and just play music together — that’s where our friendship really blossomed,” Dixon said.
Dixon now lives in Peterborough but tries to play with McManus whenever he is around NOTL.
“I jump at any opportunity because he’s a very in-demand musician,” McManus said.
McManus is returning to live music in Niagara since pre-COVID days, with his first few gigs being at the Irish Harp Pub just before Christmas.
“The show at the Harp kind of reignited the spark,” he said.
“I decided to sort of keep my foot in the door again.”
Together, McManus and Dixon will deliver a setlist blending Canadian singer-songwriters like Fred Eaglesmith, Willie P. Bennett, and Ron Sexsmith with soulful classics from artists such as Sam Cooke, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder.
“Bring your kids, bring your mom, or bring your kid’s mom,” McManus said.
There may be a few surprise musical guests as well, he added.
“We’re keeping that top secret for now, just be just because we got to line up people’s schedules and all sorts of stuff, but we’re hoping to have some friends join us,” McManus said.
With weather permitting, the show will be held on the Harvest Stage, and in case of rain, will be in the Hay Loft.
