Duane Hicks
While the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is all about fishing for some, for others, their enjoyment lies with the nighttime entertainment under the big tent down at the Sorting Gap Marina.
And while those who came out to socialize had a good time, on average there were fewer of them that at last year’s bass tournament.
“For the most part, our numbers were down from last year, which is to be expected,” said Adam Armit, nighttime entertainment director for the FFCBC.
“It’s a mill town during a recession, and to top it off the mill was shut down [last] week, as well,” he added.
“If it wasn’t for the economy, I believe our numbers would have been much better.”
Armit said he’s not had the chance to go over all the attendance figures yet, but was aware of some of the highlights.
For example, the MuchMusic Video Dance Party last Tuesday was the best-attended one held yet at the FFCBC. As well, Saturday—the night of the “Bon Journey” concert—once again was the best attended night of the week.
“I believe our numbers for Saturday were double [last year], which is terrific,” Armit remarked.
“‘Bon Journey’ was our best-attended act this year, which I knew would happen just because of the fact it’s a Saturday as opposed to a Thursday with Kim Mitchell.”
To recap the past week, the nighttime entertainment got underway last Tuesday with the MuchMusic Video Dance Party. Comedian Big Daddy Taz then returned to the FFCBC the following night.
On Thursday, Kim Mitchell, with Thunder Bay-based blues rockers, “Money Honey,” as the opening act, rocked the big tent.
On Friday, Damian the Hypnotist performed a free show under the big tent, followed by the “AC/DC” tribute band, “Whole Lotta Angus.”
“Bon Journey,” a popular “Bon Jovi”/“Journey” tribute band “Bon Journey,” closed out the nighttime entertainment Saturday night.
“All the acts were amazing, and I’m very happy with all my decisions to have them play,” said Armit.
“It was a really good experience working with Kim Mitchell, as well as adding that to my roster.
“‘Money Honey’ really impressed a lot of people and it was great to work with them again,” he added.
“Damian the Hypnotist put on a terrific show, and it is my hope to work with him again in the future,” Armit continued.
“‘Whole Lotta Angus’ put on a great show and impressed a lot of people, as did “Bon Journey” for the second time.
“I can’t really say I had a favourite,” Armit admitted. “I enjoyed the show they all put on and working with all of them.
“They all made my job a little easier by all being great guys to work with.”
When asked if there was anything he felt could have been done differently this year, Armit replied that everything went to plan for the most part.
“There are always things that can change,” he stressed. “Some can be changed and some can’t.
“Since I have been with the FFCBC, I believe I have made some changes for the better and every year you find something that can be improved upon.
“Off the top of my head, I can’t really think of anything that is major to change, but I think the thing I would like to see change would be the structure of the schedule—what acts play on what day,” Armit remarked.
“But, all in all, this year went off very smoothly and I can’t say that I would have changed anything.
“Everything was very smooth and operated great,” he stressed.
Armit said the board of directors all work very hard to make sure the FFCBC is a success each year, adding they’ll review this year’s event to see if any changes to nighttime entertainment are necessary and, if so, work together to make those changes.
“We also are open to the public’s suggestions of what they deem sensible to be changed,” he added.
