Young Musician Featured At Youth Dance
A local youth has used a medical issue to launch his musical career.
Only 12 years old last year when he endured an eye injury, Bentley McKegney of South Frontenac Township used the setback as an opportunity to learn how to play the guitar. Now 13 and in Grade 8, his first live performance was a huge success at a youth dance at Storrington Lions Club last month.
“I started playing guitar the summer before Grade 7,” explains the friendly teenager. “I got into music because I had an eye injury which prevented me from playing sports. I wanted to learn guitar because I thought it would be cool and I love singing. I decided it was the perfect time to start playing. I’ve never taken a lesson – I fully taught myself.”
“Bentley’s music was so good at the dance, we invited him to perform at our next community event,” says event coordinator Marie Wilkins, Treasurer of Storrington Lions Club, a local service club that is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6. “We were delighted when Bentley reached out to us to perform because, until then, we only offered music by a DJ. Although the kids love the energy from the dance music, it was nice to add live music to our event, especially by a local youth. The kids loved the music. I think it would be nice do it again, possibly even have a youth karaoke night on a random Friday.”
Clearly happy with the experience, Bentley says he enjoyed himself and can’t wait to play for another crowd. “I would definitely do it again,” he says with a smile. “I love being on stage and entertaining people. It feels so cool to have everyone watching and being able to come through and play great music. I would like to play more music in the community. I really hope music is my future. I would like to pursue it. If I don’t, I’ll probably do something like construction or welding.”
“It was a pleasure to see a local youth perform in front of other students,” notes Lions Club President Catherine Reynolds. “Bentley is an inspiration, and we hope he continues to master his talent to sing and play guitar. Storrington Lions club is passionate about seeing youth develop life skills by cultivating leadership and experiencing real responsibility. It is a pleasure to provide opportunities for them to lead, participate in their community, and pursue their passions.”
In other club news – Storrington Lions Club is grateful for the community’s support with its pop can and bottle drive held last October which raised $3,482 for K4 Paws and the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. The club’s Christmas Market last month was a success with more than 35 vendors. According to the event’s organizer, the place was buzzing from the time the doors opened. These events let residents experience local vendors and buying local which has encouraged the club to hold a market in the summer for the community to have a place to sell their items. Look for more details on the club’s Facebook page. Please watch for three eye glass donation boxes around the area. Donations will be used to help the underprivileged. Lastly, Storrington Lions Club is proud to announce it donated approximately $74,000 this year to local organizations and groups in need. What an incredible accomplishment!
To book Bentley McKegney, please contact him on Instagram @BentleyMcKegney or Facebook @BmanMcKegney. To learn more about becoming a member of Storrington Lions Club or to discuss hall rentals, please call 613-353-6920 or email us at [email protected]
