First Concert for Odenak a Success

By Guest Blogger, Al Uhryniw

There was a barely audible buzz from the amplifiers inside the sanctuary of Barrhaven United Church on Friday night March 14. A series of chords from the keyboard sounded like the opening of a hymn. Then a catchy riff. That signalled the rest of the Retrosonics to bring in their parts.

‘Walk of Life,” a song written by Mark Knopfler, and recorded by his band Dire Straits, kicked off the first of a series of concerts for the Multifaith Housing Initiative’s latest development at LeBreton Flats. 

Knopfler’s song is about a busker playing hits from the 1950s in the subway.  He was cruising through life, realizing the good with the bad. For many, the walk of life is not very pleasant with mostly negative results, especially when you are unhoused.

The Barrhaven United Church committee took on the challenge with this concert series to fundraise for Odenak at LeBreton Flats, MHI's newest affordable housing development. The first concert was designed to be simple: featuring The Retrosonics, a local band with a dedicated following, performing one set of classic rock and another of Celtic music. The evening also included a presentation highlighting the importance and necessity of these fundraising concerts.  

Sahada Alolo from MHI remarked, “what a joy it was to see people having fun on a Friday night!” And what fun they had. The last song was “The Parting Glass ,“ a very old Scottish tune that is also popular in Ireland. The song offers guests a tribute to friendship and wishes for all safe travels. When the house lights were turned on, and a successful event was over, it was time for all to go home and think about what a great evening it was.

Dancing, singing and making the first concert of Odenak a success. Just over $5,000 was raised. Money that will enable more people to enjoy their “Walk of Life.”