Cornwall & SDG will be well-represented at the upcoming Lyrics and Lemonade fundraiser, taking place in Montreal’s West Island where local singers Abby Laine (14) and Layla Osman (11) will be performing on Labour Day weekend.
Abby Laine, best known for her country flare, is an up-and-coming local artist who will be singing two songs at the event. Abby is well known to local audiences, having competed in many talent shows and singing competitions across the region, over the past few years. In May, her single ‘Wild Mustang’ hit #1 on the Indie Top 50 Country Charts. Best know for her Dolly Parton covers, one of the songs she is performing will be a tribute to the late legend who passed away last week. This will be Abby’s first live performance outside of Eastern Ontario.
Layla Osman is a South Glengarry hidden gem who has been busking outside of local convenience stores since she was eight years old. She will be showcasing her talent and performing a Blondie song on the main stage. Layla takes the stage around 1pm with Abby Laine opening the second half of the show at 2pm.
“The opportunity to sing on a stage this big, in Montreal, is really exciting and knowing it’s for a good cause is even better” explained Abby. “Getting to sing as kids helping other kids makes it very special” added Layla.
The event was started by the Cohen family 11 years ago, when Steve and his wife Valerie Stuckey helped their first-born daughter Lianne set up a lemonade stand in their front yard. She was just six years old and her sister, Meghan, was three. The following year, the family added musical performances to the day and over the years the fundraiser grew so big that it was eventually moved from their yard to Northview Park to accommodate the influx of people who attend.
The event has become a beloved family and community tradition and has raised nearly $15,000 for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation since its inception. The 11th annual fundraiser will feature more than a dozen different singers under the age of 18, who will take the stage at Northview Park in Point-Claire from 1pm-5pm on Saturday, September 5th. The event also features a lemonade stand and bake sale, keeping patrons well nourished while they enjoy the performances with all proceeds being donated to the cause. It is free to attend and open to all.
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