Acts Rally Behind Dec. 17 Unison Fundraising Concert

By External Source

The Unison Benevolent Fund assistance program for the Canadian music industry is in the frontline when it comes to offering support for a sector that has been hard hit by the pandemic. A virtual concert has been announced for Thursday, December 17 at 8 pm EST. Billed as Canada In Unison Holiday Special: In Concert, it features a large and impressive cast. 

On the bill (so far) are Iskwe + Tom Wilson, Jim Cuddy, July Talk, Matthew Good, members of Mother Mother, Neon Dreams, Ruth B., Sam Roberts Band, Sarah Harmer, Scott Helman, Tim Hicks, The Glorious Sons, and Tom Jackson. The virtual event includes elements of live along with newly pre-recorded performances and beyond the entertainment value, it is designed to draw attention to the increased demand and urgency to support the Canadian music industry during the lockdown as the need for support increases with so many music people out-of-work and in-need.

With venues, tours and festivals shut down and indefinitely paused due to the covid virus, those in the music industry who rely on the live business for revenue have been severely impacted, leaving numerous entertainment professionals out of work and requiring emergency relief assistance that Unison provides.

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the request for Unison services has increased by 5,500% with over $1.2M in funds already allocated and paid to support over 2,200 people in the business as the need for support continues to grow.

Says Unison Board Chair Bernie Breen: "As requests for help continue to increase substantially, and we head into the winter months, the Unison Benevolent Fund hopes that it can continue to raise the much-needed funds to ensure stability and resiliency in the Canadian music industry over the course of this pandemic and beyond, We are extremely grateful to the artist participants and everyone that has supported us over the years and during these challenging times.”

Tickets for the event are $30 (taxes included) and are available for purchase at sessionslive.com/canadainunison/tickets.

All proceeds and donations collected from Canada In Unison Holiday Special: In Concert will support the Unison Benevolent Fund – amplifying their efforts and focus on helping those most in need.

Donate here 

About Unison Benevolent Fund

Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. We are here to help professional music makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties. Unison Benevolent Fund is an assistance program – created and administered for the music community, by the music community – designed to provide discreet relief to music industry professionals in times of crisis through financial assistance and counselling and health solutions.

For more information on Unison Benevolent Fund please visit: unisonfund.ca  Facebook  Instagram  Twitter