The Night Owl Country Band certainly aims to share its music, from originals to cover tunes. But it has also always aimed to share its heart for a range of local and national causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project each fall. Or the recent benefit it did for Willow Leaves of Hope.
Now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the foursome will share their talent to benefit the Columbus Regional Hospital Employee Relief Fund. The group will perform a live-stream, 45-minute concert at 7 p.m. Friday from the hospital’s empty Kroot Auditorium while encouraging viewers to support the cause amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Giving to others is a part of who we are, especially as Christians,” said lead guitarist Tim Dooley. “If we see a need, we naturally want to help. We always try to do a few free (non-paid) shows throughout the year when we see an issue that hits close to home.”
Lead singer and bassist Matt Lee explained the group’s charitable approach simply.
“What could possibly be better than giving to something connected to the health care workers right on the front lines of this (virus)?” Lee asked.
The fund created a month ago is designed to assist employees amid the pandemic with expenses such as basic housing, transportation or child care needs. It will provide one-time grants to assist recipients in accessing resources to meet unusual or unexpected needs that are immediate or time-sensitive, according to fund organizers.
The concert will be streamed on multiple online platforms, including the Facebook page for Night Owl Country Band.
“We’re hoping to reach thousands (of people),” Lee said, promising that the concert will include a mix of covers and originals for everything from country to southern rock.
The group, also including drummer Steve Pardue and rhythm guitarist Brett Denney, has performed nationwide and at such prestigious venues as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Its debut album, “Here to Somewhere,” earned Album of the Year honors at the 2019 Josie Music Awards highlighting independent artists.
Amid such success, the group keeps its focus on those needing more than its music. The band has another benefit, streaming show slated May 30 to help the Bartholomew County Public Library.
Its next, regular ticketed show — at least for now, depending upon any change in state guidelines — is June 13 at Edinburgh’s Pixy Theatre, with a restricted seating capacity.
Band members acknowledge that the streamed shows have taken some getting used to in recent weeks.
“It’s kind of like playing in your living room,” Dooley said. “It’s still a lot of fun — just a little weird.”
He laughed when asked what he focuses upon to connect with viewers.
“I just look deeply into Matt’s eyes the whole time,” he cracked, as Lee laughed.
The lead singer acknowledged adjustments.
“We’re used to feeding off the live audience, including even with a few dance moves,” Lee said. “So we rely more on playing off each other especially when it’s just the four of us.”
