Musician keeps the music playing with ‘Crazy Covid World’ fundraiser for hospital

Click to play a clip from ‘Crazy Covid World’ by Fraser Hardman

Some musicians have decided to take five during the pandemic. Others are getting creative.

Fraser Hardman

Well known County musician, Fraser Hardman, and his wife Robyn have co-written a song about the coronavirus that will benefit the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“My wife and I were talking about all the stuff happening during this crazy time, and the song started coming together. While the virus is clearly something nobody would want and has had so many negative effects, there are still so many good and positive things coming out of it, and we tried to focus on those in the song,” said Hardman.

Hardman performs regularly as a member of The Frere Brothers, and with Celtic/folk band Seventh Town. He also performs a weekly rock’n’roll gig with Peter Rea.

‘Crazy Covid World’ is a song Hardman produced with the help of his fellow musicians in Seventh Town.

Just as it has silenced live music in local pubs and theatres, the coronavirus has forced local musicians to press pause on their live performances. But Hardman and Seventh Town haven’t skipped a beat, with each band member recording their piece of the song remotely.

It is Hardman’s hope that Crazy Covid World will help raise donations for the PECMH Foundation during the COVID-19 situation.

That idea inspired him to reach out to 99.3 County FM to ask them to play the song. The station agreed and Crazy Covid World is now playing on rotation.

Listeners who would like to own a copy of the song are encouraged to reach out to the PECMH Foundation to make a donation – of any size – which will support the PECMHF’s area of greatest need.

In return, a digital copy of the song will be e-mailed to the donor. The listener will receive a tax receipt for their donation, minus $1, as that is the fair market value of the song. One hundred per cent of donations will benefit PECMHF.

“We love the Crazy Covid World track. Its words resonate with communities around the world right now, as together we face this global pandemic,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “We know the value the arts have on our own health and wellbeing, and so during this crisis, we need the sense of hope and community that the arts can provide more than ever.”

Hardman hopes this song will bring hope and comfort to those effected by the virus and show appreciation to PECMH and all those working in essential roles.

“During this particularly challenging time, where many people are feeling isolated and fearful, it’s more important than ever to be uplifted and brought together through music and to offer gratitude to the staff at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital to help them feel supported and appreciated,” said Hardman. “I was inspired. People need to be entertained, to feel light and to be happy. If we can do the smallest thing to lift someone’s day, we will do that and in so doing, we will also be supporting our County hospital.”

“Singing has added a little bit of light to my life, something which is particularly needed during these times of uncertainty. I hope this song spreads that light to everyone that listens to it,” said Coull. “Music is not only fantastic for physical and mental health and wellbeing, but it brings people together. At a time when people have never felt so isolated and alone, when hope is in short supply. We hope Crazy Covid World creates an opportunity for people listening in to 99.3 to connect and have something positive to focus on.”

To make a gift and obtain a copy of Crazy Covid World, please call the PECMH Foundation office at 613-476-1008 ext. 4502.

Donations may also be mailed to the PECMH Foundation at 403 Main St, Picton, ON K0K 2T0. Cite Crazy Covid World in the memo line and include your e-mail address. You may also visit the PECMHF website at www.pecmhf.ca. When making a gift online, make the gift in honour of Crazy Covid World.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization whose mission is to raise money to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.