Alberta musicians band together for Canadian Unity concert

As the October referendum draws closer, members of Alberta's music community are coming together to host a benefit concert to promote national unity.

The event, Musicians for Canada: A Benefit Concert for Canadian Unity, will run at 2 p.m on July 22 at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, according to the concert's Eventbrite page. Proceeds from the concert will be directed to the Edmonton Food Bank, The Bissell Centre, and Sanctuary of Peace.

The event is the brainchild of Juno-award-winning Canadian saxophonist and Order of Canada recipient, P.J. Perry, who will co-produce the event with Edmonton Blues Fest producer Cam Hayden, Vici Wynn with Hope United Church, and music journalist Peter North.

"If there's ever been a time when Canadians need to stand together against separatism and show love and respect for our beautiful province and Canada, it is now," Perry said. "Canada has always been a country of compassion and care, so let's celebrate with music."

Perry, Hayden, Wynn and North reached out to several artists who agreed to donate their time and talents to the event, including Secondhand Dreamcar, The McDades, Mbira Renaissance Band, Stewart MacDougall and the New Chinook Arch Riders with Tracy Millar and John Wort Hannam, Calgary's The Porch Dogs, and The P. J. Perry Quintet.

"It became clear to us that a voice to encourage and celebrate Canadian unity was necessary," Hayden said. "We were also concerned about people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, so the idea was hatched to put on a concert to celebrate Canadian unity that would also be a platform to raise funds for agencies on the front line of helping those who need it most."

The post notes that a handful of Edmonton businesses have offered to help offset the cost of the concert, including Dept. 9 Studios, "Edmonton's world-class film, television and recording facility," as well as anonymous donors.

Tickets for the concert cost $57.31 per person.

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