Kamloops is getting ready for a different kind of choir concert, one where the music is loud, the lights are bright and the audience is encouraged to sing along.

The Kamloops Rock Choir will take the stage Sunday, Sept. 27, and Monday, Sept. 28, for its debut performances, backed by a live band and featuring songs from Blink-182, AC/DC, Heart, Joan Jett, Talking Heads and more. The all-ages shows will also raise money for Mount Paul Community Food Centre.

Choir creator Nick La Riviere said the project was designed to bring the energy of a rock show into a choral setting.

“I wanted to create something where the band is there at every rehearsal, and you can build the music together,” La Riviere said. “And where the concerts truly rock, where they really feel like a rock concert instead of a more mellow, like choir version of rock songs.”

The Kamloops choir is one of seven Rock Choirs La Riviere has established across B.C. He develops the musical arrangements and other resources used by the choirs, while local directors lead their communities. In Kamloops, that role belongs to Brendan Methot, a multi-instrumentalist who has lived in the city since 2000 and plays piano, bass, drums and guitar.

La Riviere said Methot has brought enthusiasm and musicianship to the project, helping establish the choir in its first season.

The response from Kamloops audiences has already been strong. The choir’s first performance sold out months ahead of time, prompting organizers to add a second show this month.

For La Riviere, the charitable component is just as important as the music. His community music projects have traditionally used performances to support local causes, particularly organizations working on food security and homelessness.

“With each choir I run, if we can support a charity that is related to that, then we’re doing something positive for the community, as well as putting on a great musical show and having a great time with the members of the choir,” La Riviere said.

That combination is also central to what La Riviere hopes audiences experience. The show is intended to stand on its own as an entertaining concert, whether or not someone in the crowd knows a member of the choir.

“My goal for the show has always been to make it the kind of performance that you would want to go see, whether you know people in the choir or not,” La Riviere said. “It’s about seeing a show that is actually entertaining and musically good and does a good thing for the community with the charity fundraiser aspect.”

For the performers, the concerts offer a chance to step into the spotlight. Some choir members have extensive musical experience, while others are newer to performing. With professional lighting, sound and a live backing band, La Riviere said the stage gives participants an opportunity to embrace their inner rock star.

After months of rehearsals, the Kamloops Rock Choir is ready to put that work in front of an audience. With two shows now on the calendar, organizers are hoping the community turns out to make the debut as big as possible.

Tickets are still available through their website at purchase.kamloopslive.com/EventAvailability. All proceeds from the concerts will support Mount Paul Community Food Centre.