Music for the People: A Cultural Experience will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour. The event will be held alongside the Kwséltkten Farmers’ and Artisan Market.
As with last year’s show, this year’s concert will feature the Margit Sky Project and performers from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and Sage Hills Singers.
“Last year’s concert was so successful that we just knew we had to bring it back and provide a place for the bridging of communities of neighbours, friends and families to come together to enjoy the harmony of the music and to experience our unique, collective cultures,” said Margit Gossage, who sings and plays rhythm guitar with the Margit Sky Project.
Gossage’s partner in the musical duo, Rod (Little Sky) Bandura, said the concert holds a deeper meaning as, with his transition into the position of elder in his community, he wants to tell his stories and the stories of those who are lost, through music — now, more than ever.
“For me, the power of music to heal, communicate and transform spaces is undeniable,” Bandura said. “That is why this concert experience is different than any other shows I have played. It's exciting to bridge the gap between cultures and perform as one.”
George Casimir, general manager of the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations and a member of Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc, said he is honoured to be a part of the event.
“When Margit and Rod first told me of their vision for this concert and where the donations were going, I was proud to have our organization involved,” Casimir said. “The combination of traditional and contemporary talents come together perfectly and I am certain this will be as amazing as it was last year.”
Admission is free, though cash donations will be accepted and collected at the door, offering attendees the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. A significant portion of proceeds collected will be donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Sponsors of Music for the People have made it possible to offer free admission. Kelson Group Property Management and RBC have signed on as presenting sponsors, with Tourism Kamloops, Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations, City of Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, BC Fairs and Festivals, Amplify Consulting Inc., Signet Studio Design, GK Sound, Healing Between Worlds, Pattison Media and Mark Strate/Heather Smuin + Family signing on as supporters.
The Kwséltkten Farmers’ and Artisan Market will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring Indigenous crafts, art, cultural presentations and traditional food for purchase. The Music for the People concert will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, go online to musicforthepeople.ca.
