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Downie Hometown Tribute Concert Fundraises For Charities

A group of Kingston, Ontario musicians are coming together to share their music and the message of hope and reconciliation as part of a Gord Downie Tribute Concert tonight in the singer's hometown.

Downie Hometown Tribute Concert Fundraises For Charities

By External Source

According to Bill Welychka, a former MuchMusic personality and now host and producer for CKWS Daily, a show on the local Global affiliate station in Kingston, who has helped organize the Gord Downie Tribute Concert, and is acting as the event’s MC, the idea started with a simple poem.


“The show gained momentum pretty quick here in Kingston and came from a simple idea – a poem emailed to me by a viewer. I love my job at CKWS because it affords me the beautiful luxury of working with many awesome people, but also the amazing chance to shine a spotlight on an endless amount of worthwhile community endeavours,” Welychka tells Samaritanmag.

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"This undertaking started with a Facebook friend, Tammy Selena Tuck. About four months ago, Tammy messaged me a poem she wrote about Gord Downie. She asked me what she can do to get it out there. I said that the public will come if music is associated. Perhaps get a charity involved. After many changes, additions, phone calls, texts and emails, tonight's concert became a reality.

— Read Jim Barber's complete story on Samaritanmag

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Tia Wood
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Tia Wood

Pop

Tia Wood to be Honoured With the Trailblazer Award at Billboard Canada Women In Music 2026

The Cree and Salish R&B/pop singer has been making strides on the charts and on big stages while proudly uplifting her Indigenous identity and culture. She will accept the honour during the star-studded gala at Rebel in Toronto on Nov. 24.

Tia Wood has broken down barriers for Indigenous representation in the music industry. She will be celebrated with the Trailblazer Award at Billboard Canada Women In Music 2026 on Nov. 24 at Rebel in Toronto. Tickets are available here.

Hailing from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta, the R&B/pop singer has been making major strides. After making history in 2023, as the first Indigenous woman signed to Sony Music Entertainment, she delivered a star-making performance at the inaugural Billboard Canada Women In Music event in 2024, and she's gone on to reach even bigger stages since.

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