Rockfest 2013

ROCKFEST AUGUST 9

2013

3.00

$

5:15 p.m.

The Todd James Band 6:45 p.m.

Harlequin

8:30 p.m.

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider

AUGUST 10 12:00 noon Tough Century Band 1:10 p.m.

DRT 2:30 p.m.

Who Made Who 4:00 p.m.

Kim Mitchell 5:45 p.m.

Blackie & The Rodeo Kings 8:30 p.m.

Loverboy

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider / PG 10 COVER PHOTO Š THE FELDMAN AGENCY

WELCOME TO THE 3RD ANNUAL EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL! When it comes to rock and roll, there’s nothing quite like the live experience. Oh sure, it’s great to download Victory Day and listen to it on your iPod whenever you want, but it’s just not the same as a live show. Because while rock culture is about the music, it’s not just about the music. It’s about crowds singing along with great lyrics, grooving to music with great beats, and just hanging out with some really terrific people. That’s why the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton is so thrilled to welcome you to the Third Annual Edmonton Rock Music Festival. It’s a showcase of some of the biggest and best acts in local and national classic rock music, and this year is better than ever!

For those of you who don’t know us, the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton is a non-profit organization founded on the simple principle of preserving and promoting rock music.

We also operate our Centre for Arts and Music (CAM), a program the Society is extremely proud of. CAM focuses on helping inner city and at-risk youth with musical education

during critical after-school hours when they are most susceptible to negative or even criminal influences. In the process, CAM teaches them respect for themselves, for their community, and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, it helps improve their focus and behaviour as well as allowing them to express themselves creatively and safely.

Many of us grew up with rock music and we know how much it influenced history and shaped our culture. Today it’s still having a positive effect across the generations and even changing people’s lives.

port and love of great music, events like the Rock and Roll Festival and programs like the Centre for Arts and Music wouldn’t be here. This festival is as much a celebration of you as it is of classic rock and roll. So give yourselves a high-five, enjoy the day, and rock on. And please party responsibly we look forward to seeing you again next year and coming out to keep the spirit of rock and roll alive in Edmonton.

Sincerely, Donna Semeniuk - President The Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton

This is why our generous sponsors and small army of dedicated volunteers are so important. Without their support and tireless effort, this festival wouldn’t be possible. There aren’t enough thanks to go out to all the people that make this event a reality with their time, energy and enthusiasm. So if you get the chance, say hello and let them know how much their help is appreciated.

But our absolutely biggest thanks go to you, the fans. Without your sup-

EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

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THE TODD JAMES BAND Todd James—currently the face of Global TV’s “Minute at the Movies” and the evening host of Edmonton’s Classic Rock Station K97—is thrilled to be playing Edmonton’s third annual Rock Music Festival.

For the past decade or two, James has spent most of his time riding—and sometimes crashing—his Harley.

When he’s not riding his bike, James can also be found kicking back and listening to his one-of-a kind collection of vinyl records that he “acquired” upon his first departure from K-97 more than a dozen years ago.

Since he’s returned to K97, James has made himself known as both a troublemaker and a hero: James famously put the radio station’s license on the line in 2011 when he played the Dire Straits song “Money for Nothing” on repeat for a full hour.

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) had just ruled that the lyrics of the song—taken out of context, as many pointed out—violated decency standards and needed to be censored.

James wasn’t convinced. As James pointed out, the Dire Straits song was originally released in 1985, had aired uncensored tens of thousands of times the 26 years before the CBSC ruling. James act of disobedience brought national attention to the matter and made James something of a folk hero.

When he’s not pissing off the CBSC, James also spends his time honing what he calls his “inability” to play guitar and playing shows with his bandmates.

Playing a mix of classic rock covers and originals, the Todd James Band

EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

The Todd James Band August 9 5:15 PM features Todd James (lead vocals and guitar), Rob Moyles (guitar), Glen McDonall (bass guitar) and Chris Cole (drums).

One of Edmonton’s favourite new acts, the Todd James band has a catchy style all their own and will have you grooving to their funky beat and unique hometown sound.

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HARLEQUIN Since accidentally breaking into the Canadian Music Scene in the late 1970s, Winnipeg-based band Harlequin has captured the hearts of music fans all over the world.

As the story goes, a music industry rep was turned away at the sold-out show of Goddo—a band that he had intended to scout. He was told, however, that there was another band playing in the smaller, upstairs room of the Toronto club.

While it wasn’t the show he wanted to see, he accepted the invitation (perhaps out of desperation), and ended up seeing Harlequin perform.

Meanwhile, Harlequin had been trying for a few years to get their big break. They had put together a few demos, played smaller clubs all over the country—and especially in Toronto—hoping to be spotted by a record producer in the process.

And so—despite the fact that they were outside of their homebase and thus playing to an essentially empty room—the rep was impressed by their collection of original songs and high energy performance. The rep approached them after their set, and Harlequin was signed to their first record deal quickly after.

Since that happy day, Harlequin’s success has snowballed; since their first album—Victim of a Song— went gold, they’ve released a string of even more successful, platinum selling albums including Love Crimes and One False Move.

Some of Harlequin’s hit singles have included: “Innocence,” “Thinking Of You,” “Superstitious Feeling,” and “I Did It For Love.” This last song, for many fans, cemented Harlequin’s status among the Rock and Roll illuminati.

With tour stops in the US, and all over Latin America, Harlequin has toured with other greats including Nazareth, Heart, April Wine, and Pat Benatar. Harlequin has also collaborated with fellow Canadian Tom Cochrane, who is also appearing at this year’s Rock Music Festival, and who wrote their singles “No Mystery.”

Most recently, Harlequin have released singles “Shine On” and “Rise” and a live album entitled Live On/Q which fea

Harlequin August 9 6:45 PM

tures songs spanning the entirety of their 30+ year career.

Now Hall of Fame inductees, Harlequin’s albums are now standards in the collection of any serious music collector. And they’re not even close to being done yet, as they continue to attract new fans with each and every performance.

So, if you’re already a fan of Harlequin: enjoy!

And if you’ve yet to discover them, prepare to experience the same feeling of awe and wonder shared by that lucky music rep over 30 years ago.

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TOM COCHRANE & Red Rider Many of his fans know Tom Cochrane for hit singles including “No Regrets,” “Life is a Highway,” and “White Hot,” but there is a lesser known, more reflective, side to Cochrane that not as many people know about.

When asked about what songs he particularly identifies with that didn’t get as much recognition, Cochrane is quick to name his 1983 Red Rider album Neruda.

“It’s distinct and almost hangs together as a full suite of music. And then ‘Napoleon Sheds His Skin’ I always felt was a very strong allegorical piece that we didn’t get to play as much. “ ’Walking the Fine Line’ was another one on there that was another strong piece of music that would really resonate with people that are frustrated with their position in life and bad working conditions.”

Nowadays, Cochrane is working on a new album and—despite some parts of it being high energy, and influenced by Texas swing—Cochrane seems to be returning to this more contemplative mindset.

“I’ve sort of been neglecting it this summer,” he laughs, “But I’m going to try and get it out by November. Don’t ask me what I’m going to call it yet. I’m thinking of calling it Vagabond Spark’ but that’s not set in stone.”

He stops to think for a moment, then adds: “You know, I haven’t made an album for a couple of years, and this one has a lot of strong stories. One song is about different facets of freedom. It’s called ‘The Ones that I’ve Known’ and the first verse touches on Rosa Parks, an activist in the civil liberties movement. And the second verse is about Terry Fox, and about freedom against defeat. He’s actually one of the reasons I kept going in music.

“As tragic as it was, I saw him on the last day he ran and it left a huge impact on me. It was when the band used to travel around in station wagons. We used to only get hotel rooms every second night or so, because it’s a big country and we had to drive all night to get to shows.

“I woke up that morning, and I was in the backseat, leaning against the window. One of the other guys in Red Rider was driving. And traffic had stopped. We were a long way outside of Thunder Bay and we were wondering ‘What’s going on here?’

“And I looked out the window and this trailer went by, and this boy was running with one leg. And the rain was streaming down a little bit, and just that look on his face, I’ve never seen a look like it before or since.”

30 years later, Cochrane—extremely soft-spoken and modest when asked about it—has been recognized for his own humanitarian work. At the Juno Awards this past spring, he was chosen to receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award. “To be honest with you, I’m very humbled because there are so many people out there working day-in and day-out to help people, who do incredible things for people.

“We’re doing a flood benefit in Calgary [after this show in Edmonton], and I’m so happy to be involved in that. Alberta has been real great to me over the years and to Red Rider and it’s great to support them now. Reflecting back to those days when he was just starting out, Cochrane ends with this thought for aspiring musicians: “You know, music to me has always been a hobby: you’ve got to do what you love. I drove a cab for a long time, but I didn’t stop making music. You sometimes have to do other things to make those ends meet, but keep doing what you love, keep loving it, and use all the resources you sometimes have to get out there.”

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EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

PHOTO © THE FELDMAN AGENCY

Tom Cochrane & Red Rider August 9 8:30 PM

EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

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TOUGH CENTURY mances, the four members of Tough Century are Art Kavulok (Bass, Vocals), Blaine Doherty (Guitar, Vocals), Dan Orydzuk (Guitar, Vocals), and Doug Ries (Drums, Vocals).

Yeah, they all like to sing.

With over 100 combined years of live music experience between them, the members of Tough Century have made a name for themselves in their homebase of Edmonton as one of the best cover bands in town.

Known for their high energy perfor-

Their cover repertoire includes classic rock, blues, and country and the songs they cover stretch across several decades of musical history: from the 1960s all the way to the 1990s.

A few of their favourite acts to emulate include the Eagles, Dwight Yoakam, Tom Petty, and the Tragically Hip—with a little Van Morrison thrown in for good measure.

Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive, but it does offer a good

DRT You wouldn’t know it from listening to them, but DRT (pronounced “dirt”) has only been performing together for three years. What makes their polished sound even more remarkable is that all four members of DRT are under 18 and still years away from finishing high school.

Still, age seems to be a non-issue for DRT. Since the three original members of DRT (Declan, Riley, and Tayt) met at Camp Rock Star in 2010, they’ve opened for music veterans CCR and Trooper at the Boonstock Music Festival.

They’ve also been nominated for three Edmonton Music Awards, and have put 12 /

window into their musical tastes.

And even with over 100 years of combined musical experience, Tough Century’s stamina is undeniable: when the members of Tough Century aren’t playing at the Edmonton Rock Music Festival or the Calgary Stampede, they can often be found playing in their unofficial headquarters at Edmonton’s Bo’diddly’s Pub. Clearly, these guys love what they do.

Tough Century August 10 12 (NOON)

description indeed. Just ask Blues musician David Gogo: DRT collaborated with Gogo on his Juno Award nominated album Soul Bender.

gig after gig under their collective belt at a rate that would impress even the most road-warrior of musicians.

While they started off as a classic rock coverband (covering the likes of ZZ Top, ACDC, and Ozzy Osbourne), DRT’s cover repertoire has quickly expanded to include more modern rockers such as Muse and Cage the Elephant. Most recently, at Mac Alley Studios, DRT recorded their first album of original songs.

Music writer Sandra Sperounes described DRT’s sound as having “a blues-punk spirit,” and this is a very apt EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

DRT—with Declan on lead vocals/ bass, Riley on drums, and Tayt on guitar—have recently been joined by their friend Evan who brings another guitar and his keyboard into the mix, rounding out DRT’s sound. Or should that be DRT-E now?

Whatever the case, one thing is for certain: these young, talented musicians have their careers planted on firm, fertile ground and this is just the beginning for DRT.

DRT August 10 1:30 PM

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WHO MADE WHO

Who Made Who (not to be confused with the Scandinavian band of the same name) have the

Who Made Who August 10 3:00 PM

distinction of being the only AC/DC tribute band in Canada that tours fulltime.

Taking their name from a—relatively speaking— lesser known AC/DC album and single, Who Made Who have travelled from the east to the west coast for months at a time. They’ve played to sold-out venues across the country and have more than 30 years of combined experience in the music industry.

As a result of this ample performance experience, Who Made Who’s performances are as loud, as energetic, and as over-the-top as a real AC/DC show. They’ve even got the school boy outfits and caps to match!

Their singer can match the vocals of both Brian Johnson and Bon Scott, making Who Made Who one of the best AC/DC tribute bands around.

As Who Made Who like to proclaim: Only AC/DC does it better!

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Since his days as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Max Webster, Canadian music icon Kim Mitchell has embarked on a solo career that any artist would envy.

Known for their hit album “A Million Vacations” and singles like “Paradise Skies,” “Let Go the Line,” and “Battle Scar,” Max Webster frequently toured with fellow Canadian musicians Rush. Together, they travelled around the world and put out album after album

throughout the 70s.

Now a three-time Juno award winner, Mitchell’s solo albums have repeatedly gone platinum and Mitchell has etched himself into Canada’s collective consciousness with songs like “Go for Soda” and “Patio Lanterns,”the latter of which has become a favourite for other artists to cover.

Over the years, Mitchell has opened for Def Leppard, collaborated with the Barenaked Ladies, and recorded songs with another Edmonton Rock Music Festival performer, Tom Cochrane.

Mitchell hasn’t slowed down either: fresh off a long list of cross-Canada performances, Mitchell just performed at the Empire Rockfest in Ontario, where he opened for fellow rock legends Journey.

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PHOTO © CHARLES HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

KIM MITCHELL

Kim Mitchell August 10 4:50 PM

Of course, Mitchell ’s sound has definitely evolved over the years. By his own admission, Mitchell’s upbeat, energetic rock vibe has mellowed out on his most recent album “Ain’t Life Amazing.”

While Mitchell has been quietly working on a new album for the last few years, he doesn’t seem to feel rushed to put anything out until he is completely happy with it. And with a track record that spans 40 years, nobody is really in a position to pressure him either.

Meanwhile, Mitchell’s impressive tenure has given him latitude to explore just about any opportunity he’d like: over the years Mitchell has hosted his own radio show, done voice work for a childrens’ animated series, and made numerous TV cameos.

Ultimately though, Mitchell perhaps following in the footsteps of one of his influences, Jimi Hendrix continues to be known for his passion for the guitar. In a Q and A with Peter Lafferty of Roland Canada, Mitchell revealed his relaxed approach to music writing: “I think it takes a lifetime to learn this; and that is that the twelve notes are there for our pleasure, and the most important part about recording and being a musician is the actual – I hate to use this word “journey.’”

Wherever the journey has taken him and continues to take him, one thing about Mitchell has remained constant: his ability to entertain and to move crowds with his music, and his musical perspective that seems to favour the sunnier, lighter side of things.

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blackie & the rodeo kings Blackie & The Rodeo Kings August 9 6:45 PM

Imagine that you’ve taken three of the most talented musicians in the world and put them in a band together. A superband, if you will.

Got that mental image? Alright, now if you’ve imagined it correctly, you’ll have a clear vision of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings (BARK).

Between the three of them, Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing, and Tom Wilson have—at last count—8 Juno award nominations, 4 Juno wins, 2 Grammy nominations, and 1 Grammy award win (and we almost certainly missed a few. These three have a LOT of side projects).

All amazing musicians in their own right, Linden, Fearing, and Wilson first came together in 1996 to pay tribute to one of their favourite folk musicians: Canadian Willie P. Bennett.

Bennett—for those unfamiliar—was a talented singer-songwriter, harmonica player, and mandolinist. He once had a heart attack on stage and… kept on playing just to finish his set.

So, with the passion and intensity of Bennett himself, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings recorded their first Bennett cover album, entitled High or Hurtin’: the Songs of Willie P Bennett.

Intended to be a one-time collaboration, High or Hurtin’ was such a roaring success that they decided to

keep the group going. They’ve since recorded 6 more albums together and added many of their own, new, original songs.

And the result is indescribable.

BARK’s Linden is a guitarist of incredible skill. He’s particularly well known for his fingerstyle playing and mastery of the slide guitar.

Linden played with Bruce Cockburn’s band when he was just 16 and—in more recent years—has become Cockburn’s award-winning co-producer.

In 2000, Linden won a Juno as a producer for Ray Bonneville, then another as a producer for Cockburn, and finally one more for his work with BARK. Altogether, Linden has produced a total of 60 albums and played on a total of 300.

Not to be outdone, Linden’s bandmate, singer-songwriter Stephen Fearing spent his formative years collaborating in a variety of capacities with Los Lobos, Sarah MacLachlan, Richard Thompson, EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

and Merle Haggard—racking up his own Juno awards and nominations in the process. Fearing’s most recent win came in 2007, when he made his first venture as a solo producer with his album Yellowjacket. The album ended up winning for Roots Album of the Year.

Not bad for a first try!

And finally, we come to Tom Wilson.

With a voice rich in timbre and that rumbles like thunder, Wilson is an undeniable presence on stage. He’s the former lead singer of chart climbing 90s alt-rock band Junkhouse.

Nowadays, he fronts LeE HARVeY OsMOND, a psychedelic folk band that has twice been longlisted for the Polaris Prize: once in 2010 and once more in 2013.

Together, the three create a sound that is always evocative, while managing to be both modern and nostalgic. As all three trade off on lead vocals, audiences are moved from one landscape to the next, and what amazing landscapes they are! //RKFEST 21

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Loverboy Having spent most of his last two years touring—with not much of a break in between—Mike Reno, the lead singer of Loverboy, is excited to do something he hasn’t done in a long, long time: “I’m going to pull my car into the backyard and wash it!” Reno exclaims over the phone.

He laughs, “It’s the little things that you miss doing when you’re sitting in a hotel or when you’re rolling down the road or when you’re sitting in the airport.”

Make no mistake though: Reno absolutely loves what he does for a living. ”You know what? It’s the songs and the reaction we get from the crowd that keep us going. We start up a set and everyone just perks right up and goes wild, and they sing the songs right along with us and it just fuels the fire. It makes us feel like heroes and we love it, and we think it’s great fun.

Over the phone, Reno is actually surprisingly quiet, speaking in almost a gentle whisper. Reno explains that it’s all part of how he’s kept his voice in such good shape for the last 33 years.

“I don’t talk much all day, and I’m

kind of soft spoken when I’m not singing. Then, before shows, I do about 45 minutes of vocal warm ups before I start, and before I hit the stage I’m already sweating from all my warm ups.

This approach must work, because for almost all of 2012 Mike Reno and the rest of Loverboy spent most of their time on the road, touring constantly with Journey, and playing favourites like “Working for the Weekend,” ““When it’s Over,” and “Turn Me Loose” wherever they went.

“We stayed out on the tour bus for about two months and then took a week off, and then went out for another two months, and then a week off—all year—we loved it!

This year, the pace has slowed down a bit, but not much, Reno reveals. Part of this is because, in between shows, the band has also been working on a new album.

Reno is fairly hush hush but does let out a few details: “We’ve got about 15 songs but I can’t tell you when they’ll come out, because I don’t know when we’ll release them. We’re taking it slow.

We might put it out by Christmas though, you never know! If a few of EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

Loverboy August 10 8:30 PM them are ready early, we might even throw some of them up on the web.

“Nowadays you don’t really have to go into a big fancy recording studio,” Reno reflects. “You can sing it in the bathroom of a Holiday Inn if you want, just as long as you have a good mic and a computer. And so we’ve been recording some of it in the back of the tour bus. Some of it’s been recorded live and then we take the audience out. So it’s sort of been one of those potpourri kind of things “Back in the old days we used to write a lot of songs for an album and then we’d sit with the record company and pick just 9 or 10 of them, so we have lots of extra songs from 30 years ago that were never released. Some songs on the album will be some of those tracks. And some are brand new. So there will be a bit of Loverboy from the past and some Loverboy from now. So it’s a nice mix.”

And might audiences hear some of these songs at the live show?

“Oh, I don’t know. I never say no, because sometimes we’ve just finished mixing one and are really excited about it and then Matt or I will say, ‘Come on, guys, can we play just this one?’” //RKFEST 23

Outshining the Spotlights:

How CAM Uses the Power of Music to Transform Lives (By David Campbell)

Thanks to AXE Music, students in the CAM program got to feel like rock stars for the day.

Photo shows two of our songbirds during the final performance of the school year.

It’s three in the afternoon on a blustery June day, and the dark sky is as menacing as the distant thunder. Two hurried blocks and I’m at my destination – proud Home of the Grizzlies, St. Alphonsus Catholic School. But sports aren’t the reason I’m here – today the mixed elementary/junior high is hosting the yearend concert for the Centre for Arts & Music (CAM).

Launched in 2011 by the Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton, CAM is a community outreach program dedicated to at-risk youth. The concept is simple – offer a constructive music program in a safe environment, and do it during critical after-school hours when many kids are susceptible to negative or even criminal influences.

Students chose instrument or vocal instruction and are led through the process of writing, producing, and recording their music. Today, I’m here to see the results of this unique program.

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The Calm Before the Storm A small cluster of kids whirl around the school office as I check in. One bright-eyed youngster overhears my inquiry, and offers to lead me to the gymnasium. I’m certain he’ll be ducking through doorways when he stops growing. Still, he’s all smiles, and bounding down the halls while I struggle to keep up.

The program’s new director, Kennedy Jenson, is surprisingly calm amidst the pre-show chaos. She makes a few introductions before being called away to deal with a minor emergency. When she returns, we chat about the Rock and Roll Society in general and CAM in particular.

Founded in 2010, The Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton began following a series of events to help a local music teacher and musician, Graham Calder, who was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. The events were a huge hit among music fans who enjoyed live venues outside Edmonton’s

EDMONTON ROCK FESTIVAL 2013

bar scene. Sadly Graham passed away, but the music continued. A chance discussion with a principal at an inner city school, where the society made a donation, led to 15-week pilot program to use music to help enrich young lives. The rest, as they say, is history.

I soon learn that St. Alphonsus is not the only school participating in CAM. Students from RiteTrak School and the Yellowhead Youth Centre are also scheduled to make an appearance today. It seems that hooking up cables and sound systems aren’t the only issues to contend with. Even inside the thick cement walls, Mother Nature’s temper tantrum is wreaking havoc. Rumours of a tornado sighting are circulating as a huge storm bears down.

A notice barrels over the P.A. announcing that the school is on lockdown until the storm passes. A young girl becomes emotional and one of the boys notices. I hold my breath for the pending ridicule as Junior High can be a dangerous time for tears. To my surprise, the boy begins reassuring her that everything will be okay. It’s just a storm, and even if there is a tornado, the school gym is safe. Other students join the cause and the girl is wrapped in warm hugs and encouragement.

It’s an eye-opening moment as the concert hasn’t even started, and I already see the willingness to help and sense of community instilled in these kids.

The Show Must Go On Fortunately the rattling of hailstones evaporates as quickly as it came and a sense of calm settles over the proceedings. The first act delivers a rendition of Pumped Up Kicks and a young boy jumps on the drums to play percussion. His energy and exuberance is jarring. I haven’t attended a school concert in almost twenty years, but this goes beyond awakening my own hazy recollections of my teenage years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>

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OUTSHINING THE SPOTLIGHTS << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

His proud declaration that “I gave it all my heart!” makes it hard to imagine these kid’s difficult situations. Many come from challenging circumstances and have few opportunities to participate in extra circular activities. But here and now, there are no traces of life’s challenges on these bright faces as they sing and dance onstage.

Matthew pounds the drums with remarkable skill, and Rebecca’s talent with her acoustic guitar is impressive. Ian’s dancing is both frenetic, but well-coordinated despite his long limbs. And Sarah’s powerful pipes deliver a poatent version of Rihanna’s Stay, while Emily’s timid beginning to Heartbreaker transforms into a spectacular chorus with a voice that could compete with professionals twice her age.

Between songs, Kennedy leans over and drops a shattering bombshell - the new kid on drums is deaf, yet doesn’t miss a beat.

The amount of talent on display that might have gone unseen is remarkable. But this is more than just a

way for the kids to show how much they’ve learned. It’s their chance to prove that they can rise above expectations and forget about the troubles they shouldn’t yet face.

Everyone gets their moment and outshines the spotlight.

The Power to Change Lives The crowd’s applause ricochets across the gymnasium walls with a powerful noise. Teary farewells are made and many thanks given out, along with T-shirts emblazoned with the CAM logo as mementos for the kids.

When the stars have left the stage and the crowd dissipates, I get a few meaningful words in with Chantal Burn, founder of Rock’n’Role Models, lead instructor for CAM and the spitting image of a classic rocker gal.

Trained by Carson Cole - founding director of CAM, Chantal helps singers and musicians get ready for the next step in their journey by providing studio recording sessions, logo and poster designs, and other promotional material. When she’s not busy with this, she’s teaching CAM students the basics (and not-sobasics) of music. The demands are

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considerable; she packs, unpacks, and repacks instruments, cables, and amplifiers over again and spends hours with the kids. The enormous commitment is worth it though. She’s at the core of what CAM does, and knows firsthand that it’s not just about filling after-school hours and teaching kids how to play.

The kids are given a chance to express themselves and develop improved focus, attitudes, and behaviour. Many take initiative and ask to borrow instruments to practice at home. They’re taught self-respect, and get a sense of accomplishment and community they don’t find anywhere else. For her, watching their growth and seeing how much their lives are being transformed by music is invaluable.

It’s an idea that lingers after I say goodbye and make my way back down the halls. The storm has broken and the school lobby is bright with the afternoon sun. It’s a serendipitous sight. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect image for the transformational experience of CAM, and a powerful reminder that music really has the power to change lives.

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