Just like the timing belt in a car, the leather component in a church organ needs to be replaced at a certain point to keep it running smoothly.
Both replacements are complex and expensive, but while a timing belt might set you back by $1,000, that's peanuts compared to the approximately $16,000 it costs for the organ to be maintained.
At Queen's Avenue United Church, the 50-year old Casavant Freres pipe organ needs this important tune-up.
"Eventually the leather wears out - it can crack, it can dry out over time," said organist Rachel Alflatt. "We haven't started having problems with it yet, but at some point it will happen."
To raise funds for this rare baroque instrument, the church is hosting a by-admission concert with a lineup of well-known local artists on Nov. 3.
Virginia Barteluk, musical director for the church's concert series, has booked a select lineup of talent to provide a full evening of entertainment.
"It's really high-caliber talent," she said. "They're stars-to-be."
The variety show will be MC'd by local actor David Adams and will include performances by Alflatt and her husband Denis Bedard - organist at Holy Rosary Cathedral - as well as the young duo of violin and piano called Ibisnoctu, and local medieval/Celtic ensemble Winter Harp.
Winter Harp released their latest CD on Oct. 31, called The Bullfighter's Daughter, from which the group will perform some songs at the concert this weekend.
Lori Pappajohn, of Winter Harp, said she is happy to be a part of this benefit concert in her hometown.
"I think it's fabulous what Virginia's doing in keeping up these huge, rare instruments," she said. "Most churches don't even play organs anymore, so it's really historic."
Barteluk said she hopes to see between 100 and 200 people attend the concert, and her goal is to raise $2,000 to go towards the organ maintenance.
The show starts at 7: 30 p.m., at 529 Queens Avenue. For more information, call 604-522-1606.
