London, ON (June 12, 2007): Kevin Bulmer of London, Ontario, will record and release a three-song CD to raise awareness and money for WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor and Boat Outing). The CD will be released in late July and will be available at this summer’s WAMBO event (August 10, 11 and 12). Bulmer will perform the songs, along with several others, on the Friday night (August 10) and Saturday afternoon (August 11) of the event.

Bulmer, who is also a part-time announcer on BX 93 radio in London, is an accomplished songwriter and speaker and partner in CPT Entertainment, an event-management company based out of London which will produce and release the CD. Kevin has performed solo and with many bands since the mid 1990’s, and he became interested in WAMBO over a decade ago thanks to his grandfather’s love of the event.

“My grandfather, Murray Newkirk, is one of Wallaceburg’s proudest and most tenured citizens,” said Bulmer. “He grew up fascinated by the boat traffic along the St. Clair River and, of course, on the Sydenham and Snye. I suppose I inherited that interest, especially after he first took me to WAMBO well over a decade ago.”

WAMBO, which celebrates its 19th annual event this August, sees Wallaceburg come alive with antique boats, cars, motorcycles, fire trucks, entertainment and more. It has become an annual homecoming event and a significant economic boost to the community.

“It’s like going back in time,” said Bulmer. “The first time I stood on one of the bridges and saw the river crowded with all those antique boats, I was awestruck. I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the river’s hey day. I felt right away that it was something unique that only Wallaceburg could offer.”

The CD, which will include the original songs I Remember, Wallaceburg and Glass, will help to raise awareness not only of WAMBO, but of Wallaceburg, its history and citizens.

“We’ll be performing and selling the CD in other markets, and sharing our stories about the Wallaceburg community,” said Bulmer. “It’s important to me. My family has deep roots here. My great-grandfather, Edward Hystead, is in the display of glass factory workers at the new museum exhibit. My dad, John Bulmer, is in the sports Hall of Fame with a couple of different teams and my Grandpa Newkirk’s photo and signature is on display in the Kiltie Band section of the new glass gallery in the museum.”

A portion of the proceeds of the CD, funded entirely by Bulmer and CPT Entertainment, will go directly to the WAMBO committee to put toward future events. “It’s my hope that the effort will attract some well-deserved attention, visitors and additional business to the community,” Bulmer said.

Al Mann of Wallaceburg has provided the photos for the CD artwork from the Mann Historical Files. WAMBO Chair Chip Gordon has been instrumental in assisting with the project.

“Without Al Mann and Chip Gordon, this project doesn’t happen,” said Bulmer. “I can’t begin to say how grateful I am for their encouragement and support.”

The CD will be co-produced by Kevin Gorman and recorded at KG Productions in London. Details of the official CD release event will be announced soon.

Click HERE to go back to the News page.