Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
March 17, 2003
U of G to host benefit concert for The ArtsCan Circle
The University of Guelph is organizing a benefit concert for The ArtsCan Circle, a support group that links artists with native youth, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the John Eccles Centre, South Residence.
The ArtsCan Circle is an independent volunteer-run group dedicated to linking creative artists with native at-risk youth in Canada. The organization uses the arts to help increase the self-esteem of native youth in isolated communities.
The organization was inspired by the work of Mike Stevens, a bluegrass harmonica player from Sarnia, Ont., who was named Entertainer of the Year at the Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards for five consecutive years. Stevens and other volunteer musicians travel to remote native communities such as Mishekeegogomang, Ont., and Davis Inlet, Labrador, to give young people the power of music through their songs and by distributing harmonicas.
Stevens will perform with Kentucky musician Raymond McLain. Other performers include James Gordon, founder of Tamarack; Sandy Horne of The Spoons; blues/folk player Mo' Kauffey; fiddler Anne Lindsay; and singer-songwriters Jory Nash, Marianne Girard and David Newland.
Concert organizers from Student Housing Services are encouraging people to donate new and used instruments, sheet music, batteries for portable keyboards, money and volunteer hours to The ArtsCan Circle.
For more information, visit www.guelphbenefit.com , www.artscancircle.ca or contact Rachel Barreca, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 52350.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
