In an effort to construct a turf field in the city, the Airdrie Turf Field Project will bring Calgary Dueling Pianos to the Town and Country Centre March 23 for what organizers anticipate will be a high-energy fundraiser. Chris Glass, president of Airdrie Turf Field Project, described the dueling piano show as “incredibly raucous,” with the two pianists taking requests from the audience and alternating between themselves, performing the songs as the audience sings and dances along. “Even if you’re not interested in the cause, this is going to be an entertaining evening where you’re going to get your money’s worth,” he said. Airdrie Turf Field Project hopes to raise between $30,000 and $40,000 through the fundraiser, which would be used to cover startup costs – paying for presentation materials and funding feasibility studies, according to Glass. He added the need for a turf field in Airdrie is significant, as it would allow the community to attract high-level competitions. “A lot of the smaller cities in Alberta have these fields, and they’re able to not only have a safe atmosphere for the kids to play field sports on, but they also have a situation where they can get provincial, national and international events to be held in their city,” he said. As an example, Glass said, Airdrie isn’t currently eligible to host Alberta’s high school provincial football tournament – which rotates through participating communities – because one of the requirements is a turf field. “If we were able to get this turf field, not only would we have the usage and the safety side of things, which is needed, [but] we’d be able to qualify for this event, which would bring in 1,500 athletes to our city in the middle of November, where we really don’t have a lot going on as far as tourism,” he said. Doors for the fundraiser will open at 6 p.m., with the dueling pianists starting their set at 7 p.m. The musicians will play for around three hours, Glass said, with a break for a live and silent auction. After the pianos finish, a DJ will play music until the end of the event. Food and beer will also be available from Main Street Beer and Barbecue and Fitzsimmons Brewery. According to Glass, the organization hopes to “make a good splash” with its first fundraiser, in order to raise awareness about its cause. “I’ve been a part of a lot of fundraisers in the city, I’ve organized a lot of them,” he said. “A lot of times, you’re relying on people who support your cause to go through a night of, you know, socializing and having a good time and having fun, but there’s no real marquee draw.” Glass said his team felt the dueling pianos would create a draw – and based on how quickly tickets have sold, he feels he was right. As of March 7, 47 tickets remained of the 400 spots. Tickets will be on sale until March 16, but Glass anticipates they’ll be gone before then. “We’re pretty close to a sell-out,” he said. “I would be surprised if we didn’t sell it out, so we’re pretty excited.” Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca at a cost of $30.
