London singer-songwriter Patrick James Clark will perform Friday at 7 p.m. for the London Arts Council’s London Arts Live Online in partnership with the London Free Press.
This wasn’t exactly what Patrick James Clark thought he’d be doing these days.
Clark, who graduated last year from Western University’s music program, will take time away from his post-graduate studies in music licencing and creative writing to perform Friday for the London Arts Council’s London Arts Live Online initiative to raise funds for financial relief for artists in partnership with The London Free Press.
Clark performs online at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by singer-songwriter Charles Burnetts of Londomble. The afternoon session features fine artist Gabriella Solti at 1 p.m. and singer-songwriter Joseph Kennedy at 2 p.m.
“The big concern for artists is always trying to find enough work, but I’ve never had to worry about all the clubs and venues closing down at the same time,” said Clark, who has been building a solid following since he hit the music scene five years ago.
“I don’t have any source of income right now. It’s certainly an odd time to be a freelancer. But I’ll work on my studies, do some writing with friends and keep working on my craft.”
Clark said he’ll be doing a selection of covers and originals during his set.
“I thought it would be fun to give people a little variety, maybe something you can dance to or sing along with while making dinner or doing the dishes,” said Clark.
“Tunes people will recognize, uplifting stuff.”
Meanwhile, artist Gabriella Solti, a Hungarian-Canadian visual artist with degrees from Western University and B.C.’s Emily Carr University of Art and Design whose work includes drawing, print-making, book art, participatory projects and accessible technology, will make pop-up cards with people.
“I will also demonstrate how they can be combined into a pop-up books. People need to have only scissors, a pen, pencil or marker, and several sheets of regular office paper,” said Solti.
Solti is “incredibly grateful” to be participating.
“It is much-needed support for artists and also an excellent opportunity for the public to mobilize their creativity and take their mind off of the whirlwinds of daily events and current uncertainty,” said Solti.
“Everyone needs to take care of their wellbeing, now more than ever, and making art, learning something new in a creative way is one of the best ways to take care of oneself.”
