There’s something special about people who make a community feel more alive. People who quietly create spaces for connection, joy, and creativity. Recently, I attended a concert that Kevin Levacque organized, someone who’s been doing exactly that in Okotoks: bringing world-class live music right into our living rooms, barns, and community spaces.
What started as a personal passion has turned into a heartfelt mission. And after hearing his story, it’s easy to see why.
From Timmins to the Oil Patch… to Concert Hosting
Kevin moved to Alberta 25 years ago from Timmins, Ontario in search of work, eventually landing in seismic exploration in the oil patch. Now semi-retired, he’s spending more time on the things that bring him joy, especially live music and the community that gathers around it.
His home is often buzzing with the sound of his grandkids playing on a little drum set, a keyboard, and a ukulele. Music has become part of his home life as much as it is part of his social life.
Falling in Love With Live Music
He attends roughly 50 small concerts each year, focusing on intimate house concerts where the connection between performer and audience feels electric and personal.
“When I see a musician I like, I ask them to perform for us,” he says with a smile, as if it’s the most natural feeling in the world.
He speaks fondly of places like Cornerstone Music Cafe and Tribal Connections. Both have become gateways for discovering talented Canadian musicians.
Hosting the First Concert… and the Next… and the Next
After attending so many house concerts, he finally decided to host one of his own. Then another, then many more. Things grew quickly.
- First house concert: 25 guests with Amelie Paterson
- Second house concert: 45 guests with Calum Graham
- First large venue: Crystal Shores Beach House with Martin Kerr – and it sold out!
Before long, he discovered the Sheppard Family Park Red Barn, a larger venue that now allows him to host even more people. He has four concerts scheduled between now and April, part of the concert season which he runs from September to April each year. His concerts are dry and non-alcoholic refreshments and snacks are provided. The November 30th concert is already sold out!
What drives him is simple:
“I love bringing like-minded, happy people together. People are always grateful. And I love putting money into the pockets of the musicians.”
Supporting Local and Touring Musicians
He hosts a mix of Alberta artists and touring acts. He discovers musicians through his Facebook feed, through other concerts he attends, and through word of mouth. Genre doesn’t matter, quality does.
“My next four concerts are all different genres—blues, R&B with country, folk rock, indie folk, country rock, even pop. What matters is that they’re top notch.”
He speaks passionately about Alberta’s vibrant music scene.
“Musicians touring through Alberta say it’s the strongest music scene in Canada. CKUA radio is a big reason for that—they’ve been promoting live music and new artists for 98 years. Albertans should be proud of CKUA.”
He relies on CKUA’s events calendar, listens regularly, and supports them wholeheartedly.
Why Live Music Matters
Ask him why he puts in the hours, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“Live music makes people happy. It takes a person’s mind off their problems, even just for a few hours. It’s good for the brain.”
He keeps his concerts affordable, and 100% of proceeds go to the musicians (minus venue and equipment rentals). He also credits Long & McQuade for their affordable rental rates, which help keep costs down.
With big-ticket concerts becoming more expensive, he believes smaller, intimate live shows will only continue to rise in popularity. Musicians love house concerts because they attract a true listening audience.
“If more people hosted house concerts, the entire scene would grow. It doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Want to Get Involved? Here’s How.
If you want to support musicians or simply experience live music more often, he recommends:
- Check the CKUA events calendar regularly
- Join his Facebook group: “Okotoks Live Concerts”
- Email him directly for details on upcoming shows
He also encourages people to keep an eye on rising talents such as:
Cas Jade, Wheels, Toni Vere, Leanne Lightfoot Trio, Second Hand Dream Car (he’s hosting lead singer Dana Wylie on Feb 1), Meera Sylvain, Tommy Charles, Morgan Kleiber (planned for next fall), Kate Reid, Lonni Robley, and Amelia Paquette.
A Community Brought Together by Music
As we wrapped up, he said something that stayed with me:
“I really look forward to concerts. People do too. It makes a person feel good.”
In a town like ours, where connection truly matters, people like him, who quietly build spaces for joy, discovery, and community, make all the difference.
Live music doesn’t just entertain.
It brings people together.
It strengthens community.
And thanks to people like him, it’s alive and thriving in Okotoks.
Colin and Amanda
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