CUPE 503 Presents After the Storm

Details

A RELIEF AND RECOVERY CONCERT featuring THE JIM CUDDY BAND

Saturday November 10th, The Arena at TD Place 6-11PM

On September 21, 2018, a devastating storm ripped through our region. Multiple tornadoes causing significant damage to houses and local hydro grids touched down in the Ottawa/Gatineau area. Many were left without power—more than 170,000 households were affected. Homes were lost, food was spoiled, and communities were forever changed. Many of the region’s leading organizations have responded, forming After the Storm — an important partnership where all members are committed to coming together and planning for recovery. The mission of the group, which now includes our local music industry, is to collaborate to raise, invest and deploy resources where they are needed most and will have the greatest impact.

In response to the devastation and ongoing need for help, CUPE 503, in partnership with Ottawa’s music industry, are proud to announce the AFTER THE STORM: Tornado Relief Concert featuring The Jim Cuddy Band and an all-star lineup including Matt Mays, Sarah Harmer, Kellylee Evans, Le Groupe Swing, Jim Bryson, Rebecca Noelle, Kira Isabella, Craig Cardiff and Jeremy Fisher with more names being added daily. This FREE concert will raise much needed money for victims of the September tornadoes and the long-term recovery effort required. The concert will be held at The Arena at TD Place on Saturday November 10th from 6pm – 11pm (doors at 5:30pm).
All are welcome.

During the concert, attendees will be asked to donate to United Way’s work and support those hardest hit by the storm and tornadoes in the region.
Donations will address needs in the short and long-term. Support includes:

• Providing counselling and information supports for residents where the storm caused the most damage
• Reaching out and offering help to vulnerable seniors, who may be more isolated because of the storm
•  Ensuring that food banks in the areas affected by the storm are restocked

CUPE 503, who traditionally host an annual fundraising concert in Ottawa to celebrate the efforts of its members in the region, saw an important opportunity to partner with the city’s music industry on behalf of storm relief. “When the music industry contacted us we didn’t hesitate” said Brian Madden, CUPE 503 President. “We all have a part to play, and this level of collaboration really demonstrates just how resilient we truly are as a community.”

Jim Cuddy has written songs that have been woven into the fabric of Canada for more than 35 years. As a founding member of legendary band Blue Rodeo, he has received nearly every accolade Canada can bestow upon a musician, from the Order of Canada and induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, to countless JUNO Awards.

“Ottawa has always been very supportive to us, explains Jim Cuddy. “We are so glad to be able to give back to this community and perform at the After The Storm benefit concert.”

The After the Storm: Tornado Relief Concert will also acknowledge and celebrate the role of the everyday heroes, organizations and first responders who were – and continue to be there – for so many. “From first responders to neighbours to complete strangers, we have seen an outpouring of support for those hit hardest by the storm,” said Michael Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Ottawa. “Weeks have passed but the incredible generosity continues with CUPE 503 and Ottawa’s music industry coming together to address the long-term needs of those most affected by this natural disaster.”
Erin Benjamin, Ottawa resident and Executive Director of Music Canada Live – representing Canada’s live music industry, originally reached out to local colleagues to organize the event.

“We felt we had a responsibility as the music industry to do whatever we could to help. We hope everyone will come – from across the region – and join us for this incredible night.” she said. “Live music bring us together, and has an extraordinary healing quality. Live music is what we know, it’s what we do. This night is our way of trying to make a difference.”