Dec. 22 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of one of the most influential performers of the last century, and a group of local musicians is celebrating his life this month with a three-day concert series and fundraiser to address metro homelessness. Joe Strummer was the frontman of The Clash, also known as “the only band that matters”. Leigh Bursey is a huge fan and credits the band with his interest in social activism. Bursey bases the three-day Strummerfest on a similar event in Waterloo, Ontario, and the Mount Pearl punk movement. The money raised will go towards the Mount Pearl Streetfriends’ Homeless Outreach Project. He says it’s not just about the homeless, it’s also about those in precarious housing. He says The Clash inspired others to think outside of themselves and was what he calls a huge influence in his life. “This is an amalgamation of ideas all coming together under one umbrella,” says Bursey. Strummerfest will take place over three days – from November 18 to November 20 – with performances from a variety of local artists, at venues including Peter Easton’s Pub, The Artsy Bunker on Duckworth Street and the Newfoundland Embassy on New Gower Street.
