Twillingate production company giving artists a digital stage

TWILLINGATE, N.L. — Denver Gidge enjoys sitting and talking with his grandmother in Twillingate. Lately, those conversations have turned to a new venture.

Gidge is a part of the 618 Entertainment group and the work they’re doing at the town's old United Church.

The church has been part of the community since 1868 and is connected to most of the residents there.

It's now officially known as the Twillingate Performing Arts Centre, but alsol as the Gate, and Gidge, along with Mike Sixonate and Mike Jenkins, have been busy preparing the space for a series of digital concert series they’re planning.

They’ve moved pews out of the centre of the building, done electrical fixes and performed other tasks in order to have it ready for their opening stream on June 19.

The show, which will feature D’Arcy Broderick and Ronnie Power, is sponsored by local businesses like Split Rock Brewing Co., the Anchor Inn, Annie’s Restaurant, the Captain’s Pub and Twillingate and Beyond.

“This has the potential to be something cool,” said Gidge. “We’re all excited and it is a cool little thing to be a part of.”

Since the pandemic closed performing venues in the province, artists have taken to the Internet to play shows via various streaming services.

Some of the quality of those streams has been great and some of it hasn’t, so giving artists quality digital space is at the forefront of the Twillingate venture. Eventually, when it is safe to do so, the group would like to promote live shows at the Gate as well.

“It is going to be a full production,” said Sixonate.

Those involved with 618 Entertainment want to give artists from across the province the chance to play inside the church, using the historic structure as a backdrop, while giving fans a top-notch digital experience.

Power has played in Twillingate before and is looking forward to performing at the Gate. He also believes it could have a real future as a performance venue in the future,

This might be something that can continue further," he said.

The show is being streamed on 618 Entertainment’s Facebook page and people are being encouraged to pay what they can, although a $20 donation has been suggested. The money will be used to pay the performers and help with renovations to the Gate.

Those who prepay at least $20 will get entered into a Staycation contest with a prize offering of a future private concert, accommodations, gas, food and beverages.

Since 618 Entertainment announced they would be taking over the historic space in early June, the group has spent over a hundred hours making sure things look and sound just right at the Gate.

Sometimes, Sixonate will catch himself looking around the church and up at its organ.

“It's pretty cool. To think we’re doing something new age and technical in such an old and historic building, it's pretty humbling to be a part of,” said Sixonate.

Nicholas Mercer is a local journalism initiative reporter for central Newfoundland for Saltwire Network.