If you’re a fan of soul, folk, dance music, rock and/or roll, do we have an event for you.
Local artist management outfit Pipe and Hat (P&H) are collaborating with Marymound, a Winnipeg-based not-for-profit, to put on a benefit concert that will warm your cockles and melt your face off, in that order. The third annual event will take place on June 28, 2013, at the Pyramid Cabaret and feature the likes of local acts Sc Mira, the Revival, and the Noble Thiefs – all bands signed to P&H.
The purpose of the show is to raise funds for and awareness of Marymound’s efforts in the community to provide programming for at-risk youth.
All three bands are volunteering their musical talents for the event, as is the Pyramid, which provides the venue at no cost to Marymound.
“Every single dollar of the ticket goes directly to the programming and services for the children that come to Marymound,” said Mardy Yager, Marymound manager of fund development.
Marymound is a fairly large agency with an annual operating budget of roughly $19 million.
“We see about 2,000 to 3,000 kids every year – some of the most vulnerable and at-risk people in Manitoba. We have programs throughout the province,” said Yager.
Yager started out at Marymound almost 12 years ago as a youth care worker before moving over to Marymound School and starting their Student Work Experience Education Program. The school offers “specialized education to students with exceptional learning needs.”
The benefit concert has proved successful in years past in terms of generating funds and awareness for Marymound. According to Yager, the event sold out last year, attracting upwards of 300 local music patrons.
“I’m a music lover; I thought if I could combine two of my passions, and that’s these kids that I work for and the music I love, into a feel-good event, everybody wins,” said Yager.
Yager also sits on the board of the Graffiti Gallery and is a true believer when it comes to supporting the arts and their ability to improve community involvement and help children express themselves in a positive way.
Each band brings with it droves of fans that might not know of Marymound’s role in the community, which Yager is hopeful will establish the organization’s indispensible youth-focused services in concertgoers’ minds. It also gives the bands an opportunity to showcase their talent and introduce themselves to an eclectic mix of people – many attendees primarily there in support of the organization.
Hot off a month-long tour of the UK, the Noble Thiefs recently graced the cuboid stage in Old Market Square to kick off the 2013 TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Their uptempo, sonorous soul-rock-ska brand of entertainment paired well with the summery air; lead singer Myron Dean’s flamboyant and interactive performing style was a hit with all in attendance.
After a brief hiatus following the tragic loss of their former drummer Alex Danyliuk, danceable rockers the Revival recently finished up a stint in eastern Canada that included tour stops at Toronto’s famed North by Northeast festival (NXNE).
Sc Mira, herself recently completing a mini-tour of Western Canada, will be opening the night of the Marymound Benefit Concert. Arrive early or risk missing catchy hooks and haunting vocals that will otherwise have you humming her melodies well into the night.
