Montreal artist finds creative way to overcome financial troubles

Montreal singer-songwriter Marco Calliari figured out a way to survive financially and thrive as an artist: hosting concerts in his living room.

“I know there’s a lot of people that like what I offer them musically, so why not? I opened up my house,” he said.

Calliari’s 35-year career has been filled with high and lows. He said that his debts pushed him towards finding an original way to overcome his financial problems.

The pandemic was the first big blow to Calliari’s finances and then came a big investment into a festival that didn’t turn out according to plan.

“I could have just said, okay, bankrupt and we don’t pay nobody, and I start all over from scratch, but I didn’t,” he explained.

Calliari found a way to maintain his true passion of performing in front of an audience without adding more financial stress.

His music style ranges from heavy metal to world music to Italian classics.

‘Saturday at Calliari’s’ has become a success, allowing him to keep sharing his and other artists’ music.

“It was to save whatever I could and what I do best is play music. In November, I opened this night that’s called Samedi chez Caliari. So, Saturday at Calliari’s and people actually come.”

The Montreal artist says a lot of people like what he offers musically, which is why he decided to welcome them into his house.

According to Calliari, he offers music, appetizers, coffee, and a space where people can talk about their life stories.

“There’s wine, we have permits, don’t worry. They come for the stories also,” said Calliari. “There’s one song that I play, it’s a song from here, from Quebec, called La Manique, which is an amazing tribute to workers, immigrant workers and workers from here.”

The 49-year-old artist refers to it as group therapy and wants people to talk about their problems, especially if they’re going through similar situations.

“It doesn’t have to be on tv or whatever, but just already your entourage, and people can bring some help. I’m not out of financial problems, but I’m more optimistic.”

Calliari is hosting an event on May 31 to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of his first album ‘Che La Vita’ at Lion d’Or in Montreal.

Additionally, the original band from the album will be performing alongside Calliari and on May 24, Sicilian artist Carmen Consoli will be performing at Casa d’Italia.