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.
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.
"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
Dan + Shay perform at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at the Opera House in Toronto on June 14, 2026.Gabriel Di Sante
Dan + Shay perform at Billboard Canada THE STAGE at the Opera House in Toronto on June 14, 2026.Gabriel Di Sante