Two performances by four artists over six days are scheduled at the Dream Cafe from Oct. 23 to 24 and Oct. 31 to Nov.3, 2016, in an effort to provide the popular venue with some much needed funding.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

The COVID-19 nightmare is finally coming to an end for the Dream Cafe, as the beloved Penticton concert venue is about to host its first live concern since March 2020.

Canadian hillbilly rockers Cousin Harley will be playing the venue on Sept. 11, but with limited seating and so much pent-up demand, all 40 tickets sold out just two hours after going on sale.

“They’re a Dream Cafe favourite,” said artistic director Hazel Bennett. “But that’s pretty fast.”

Bennett called Cousin Harley an excellent band whose lead guitarist is one of Canada’s best.

COVID-19 is still causing challenges for the venue however. Capacity restrictions make it very difficult for the Dream Cafe to turn a profit by hosting shows but the venue will be presenting 20 shows in the next six months thanks to a grant from FACTOR, the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records. There will be about three shows per month.

The past 18 months have been financially challenging for the venue, but thanks to a generous landlady and rent subsidies from the federal government, it was able to survive through COVID-19 restrictions.

After taking such a long break, Bennett said opening night will be staffed by “a very limited team.” She’s nervous about the Sept. 11 show but is excited to finally be able to enjoy live music again.

She’s not able to say which other artists will be performing over the next six month and 19 shows – but she did say some great ones were coming.

Tickets to subsequent shows are likely to move fast, so to be among the first to hear about the announcements, sign up for the Dream Cafe’s mailing list on their website.

READ MORE: Big names performing to save Penticton's Dream Cafe

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