Benefit concert to feature Secondhand Dreamcar, The McDades and P. J. Perry Quintet in star-studded fundraiser
Organizers Perry, Hayden, Wynn and North have convened a benefit concert featuring Secondhand Dreamcar, The McDades, Mbira Renaissance Band and more to support local initiatives.
Organizers Perry, Hayden, Wynn and North announced plans for a benefit concert that has drawn a wide cross-section of Canadian and international artists who have agreed to donate their time and talents. The lineup confirmed so far includes Secondhand Dreamcar, The McDades, Mbira Renaissance Band, Stewart MacDougall, the New Chinook Arch Riders with Tracy Millar and John Wort Hannam, Calgary’s The Porch Dogs and The P. J. Perry Quintet. Organizers framed the concert as a community-focused fundraising effort, with final details still being finalized.
Organizers and event purpose
Perry, Hayden, Wynn and North spearheaded outreach to performers, securing commitments from a mix of established and emerging acts. The quartet said their goal is to produce a high-profile benefit concert that showcases regional talent while raising public awareness and support for community causes.
Organizers indicated that proceeds will be directed toward locally focused initiatives, and that beneficiary details and distribution plans will be released as the event logistics are finalized. They emphasized volunteer involvement and collaboration with venue partners in planning the production.
Confirmed performers and contributions
Artists who have committed to donate performances include Secondhand Dreamcar, The McDades, Mbira Renaissance Band, Stewart MacDougall, the New Chinook Arch Riders with Tracy Millar and John Wort Hannam, The Porch Dogs and The P. J. Perry Quintet. The participating musicians span a range of styles and regional backgrounds, reflecting the concert’s broad artistic reach.
Several ensembles are slated to perform extended sets, organizers said, with guest appearances and collaborative pieces expected to highlight the evening’s charitable purpose. Musicians have offered their time gratis, reducing production costs and maximizing potential funds raised.
Musical range and program highlights
The billed lineup promises a mix of jazz, folk, roots, world and contemporary sounds, designed to draw diverse audiences to the benefit concert. The P. J. Perry Quintet brings a jazz sensibility to the bill, while acts such as The McDades and The Porch Dogs lean toward folk and roots traditions.
World-music elements are anticipated from the Mbira Renaissance Band, and singer-songwriters including Stewart MacDougall and John Wort Hannam are expected to contribute narrative-driven sets. Organizers are assembling the running order to balance styles and create moments of collaboration among artists.
Event logistics and ticketing plans
Venue, date and ticket pricing have not been finalized, with organizers confirming those elements will be announced in the coming weeks. Promoters said they are negotiating with a major regional venue to accommodate an expected high demand for the benefit concert.
Ticketing is planned to include tiers for general admission and reserved seating, plus options for corporate sponsorship and group packages to boost fundraising totals. Details on accessibility, streaming availability and any VIP experiences will be provided in the formal event release.
Community impact and industry support
Local arts leaders and peers in the music community welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of benefit concerts in sustaining cultural programs and emergency relief efforts. Organizers highlighted that donated performance time helps direct a greater share of revenue to beneficiaries, amplifying the event’s charitable impact.
Industry partners have been approached for production support, and several local businesses have expressed interest in sponsorship opportunities to underwrite costs and expand reach. The concert is being presented as both a fundraiser and a showcase of the region’s musical talent.
Next steps for attendees and supporters
Organizers urged prospective attendees to watch for an official event announcement that will include the concert date, full program, beneficiary information and ticket release schedule. They also encouraged community groups and non-profit organizations to register interest should they wish to be considered as a beneficiary.
Advance registration options, volunteer sign-ups and media accreditation details will be posted when the organizers publish the formal event brief. Organizers said they plan to coordinate with local media and community outlets to ensure broad awareness.
The benefit concert represents a coordinated effort by Perry, Hayden, Wynn and North to bring together a wide range of artists who have committed their time to support community work, and organizers say they aim to create an evening that is both musically ambitious and impactful for local causes.
