Open Door – music hot spot!

A decade ago friends Marysia Czarski and Sharon Ross shared a desire to showcase independent musicians while providing a “hand up” for families in need. What resulted was the Open Door Festival of Music, an amazing night of music with all the proceeds benefiting the Red Door Family Shelter.

The first Open Door show was at the good old 360 on Queen St and featured then-local indie treats — now big-name performers — Martina Sorbara (of Dragonette) and Tegan and Sara.

Every year since then, Czarski and Ross have continued this tradition. The Open Door’s stage has hosted the likes of Serena Ryder, Jill Barber and Melissa Ferrick and has introduced TO audiences to such gems as Dala and Chris Pureka — all while raising more than $40,000 for the Red Door Shelter.

This year the Open Door returns to the Mod Club on Nov 24 with CanCon heavyweights Madison Violet, Kinnie Starr and Ron Sexsmith.

Madison Violet video

Kinnie Starr video

Ron Sexsmith video

Co-producer Sharon Ross reveals, “Throughout the years, the intention of the benefit has always stayed the same. We have always wanted to help support local, independent musicians, rising stars and talent beyond the horizon while raising funds for the Red Door Shelter. By way of the Open Door benefit, we have been able to provide others with an opportunity to do something good for others. It has been a win-win situation. We have all been ‘paying it forward’ and sharing a great night of music and karma.”

If you’d like to share in a night of great music and good karma the price tag is $20 and all the information is on Open Door’s official site.