By Jennifer Cronin
Well-known for its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, delicious home cooked food and specialty teas, Infinitea is a hive of musical activity.
Opened 4.5 years ago, to diners and those looking for a place to relax with friends, Infinitea also became recognized as the place that gave local musicians the opportunity to play to a live audience. Every Friday night since its opening, beginning at 8:00 p.m. musicians take to the floor to entertain the audience. Infinitea owner, Stephanie Fleming has worked hard to ensure that, since opening, not a Friday has passed where there was no music. According to Fleming, one of the things that sets her venue apart is the music delivery.
In a market where deejay delivery of music is popular, Infinitea has managed to carve out a place in the market that allows individual singer songwriters, duos, and small groups to play in an intimate setting. With no stage, performers are on the same level as the audience which can be less intimidating for an up and coming musician, while giving the audience a more personal experience. In this win-win environment, the music is heard, rather than being just background music. This sets Infinitea apart.
Fleming believes that music should be accessible to anyone. To this end, there is a mandolin and piano at Infinitea that anyone can come and play. Now however, she has taken this one step further. Inspired by her friend, Mark Ferris, who passed away on April 20, 2016, Fleming is launching a program which will allow those that would like to play music, the opportunity to do so.
Ferris was an accidental resident of Fernie. Travelling through town about eight years ago, he stopped in Fernie and never left. He would often be seen riding his bike through town with his guitar on his back and his piccolo tucked in his belt. Fleming remembers him as being “the most enthusiastic musician.” Anywhere there was live music is where you would find Ferris. If he was not joining in and playing his music, he would be “dancing like nobody was watching.”
“He loved music, and it is that passion that Infinitea hopes to continue,” Fleming said.
A month after Ferris passed, a memorial jam night was held in his honour at Infinitea. During this event a teapot was passed around for donations, with the money to be used to purchase guitars that would be available at no charge for anyone wanting to play. A total of approximately $800 was raised. With the help of Just Music in Cranbrook, Fleming was able to purchase three guitars in varying sizes, plus strings, picks, and instruction books.
To commemorate the first anniversary of Ferris’ passing, Infinitea is launching a guitar-lending program that will make music accessible to everyone.
Fleming sees borrowing a guitar as a good alternative to buying one for anyone who wants to see if they like playing, as well as an option for travelling musicians who may come to Fernie without their instruments. The guitars are available on loan to any person of any age.
To borrow one of the guitars, simply complete the form that can be found on The Arts Station website at theartsstation.com and print it off, or pick up the form at Infinitea. Once completed, take it to Infinitea. Present your identification and a credit card for security. Once this is done, take the form to The Arts Station to pick up your guitar. Youth must be accompanied by an adult to borrow the instruments.
Fleming believes it is one thing to have access, and yet another to get experience. Infinitea is partnering with local musicians, Rob Boland, Tim Ketchum, Rick Miller and Zack Barrett to offer affordable skills workshops that will run through June and July, in which students can learn a variety of guitar skills, including accompaniment, chords, and freestyle skills. Register for one, or all of the workshops at Infinitea.
With increased accessibility to instruments and the fostering of those wanting to learn to play, Infinitea is paying tribute to the memory of Mark Ferris.
“Mark built his life in Fernie and music was such a part of it. Had this program been around when Mark came to town he would have been the first [to take part],” Fleming said.