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Concerts

Billy Talent, City and Colour to Play Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter's Mental Health Benefit Concert in Toronto

Live Loud LIVE will also bring Serena Ryder, Amy Millan, members of Sum 41 & Broken Social Scene and many more to The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall on November 14.

Billy Talent
Billy Talent
Dustin Rabin

A new initiative is using music and entertainment to shine a light on the importance of mental health.

Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter have joined forces for Live Loud, a new collaboration aimed at providing addiction and mental health support in the entertainment industry.


“No more whispering — it’s time for yelling and doing,” says Caitlin Morrison, executive director of Matthew Perry House and sister of the late actor. “When we’re quiet about mental health and addiction challenges, we give them power. Live Loud is about making noise — an unapologetic rallying cry.”

Their first initiative is Live Loud LIVE, a benefit concert in Toronto on November 14 at The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Koerner Hall. Hosted by Tara Slone and Tom Power, the Canadian-driven artist lineup includes City and Colour, Serena Ryder, Billy Talent, Royal Wood, Amy Millan from Stars, and members of Sum 41, Broken Social Scene, Skydiggers and Moist. More artists are set to be announced.

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Special guest Hank Azaria — a comic actor best known for his voice work on The Simpsons and longtime friend of Matthew Perry — will lead his EZ Street Band in a Bruce Springsteen tribute.

“Mental health struggles divide and isolate us. That’s the last thing we need right now. Music joins us, embraces everyone,” said Darcy Ataman, founder of Make Music Matter. “We want people to enjoy the show, but this isn’t meant to be a passive exercise. We want them to join us in making noise, then carry that noise into real action on mental health programs.”

Sponsors include Canadian Tire, NHL, Enterprise Canada/Creative Currency and Bell Let’s Talk.

Live Loud LIVE is mostly by invitation, but limited tickets are available to the public here.
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James Barker Band
Courtesy Photo

James Barker Band

Awards

James Barker Band Will Host the 2026 Canadian Country Music Awards

The Canadian country band is nominated for five awards and also set to perform at this year's ceremony at Saskatoon's SaskTel Centre on Sept. 19. The night will also feature a special medley honouring late country music legend Dolly Parton.

Canada’s big celebration of country music is right around the corner.

The Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) have tapped the James Barker Band to host their 2026 edition, which touches down at Saskatoon’s SaskTel Centre on Sept. 19. The band are already set to perform at this year's ceremony, where they are five-time nominees.

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