August 08, 2002
Publication title: Canada Press NewsWire, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Vancouver
Writer: Unknown
Top Canadian artists to play landmark concert
Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan perform in $1 million charity concert
VANCOUVER, Aug. 8 /CNW/ – Five of Canada’s leading music artists – Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan – will perform in a landmark concert this fall presented by the BC Cancer Foundation in support of the new BC Cancer Research Centre.
The BC Cancer Foundation Presents benefit concert will take place at General Motors Place on October 10, 2002. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, August 17 at 9:30 a.m. at all Ticketmaster Centres – call (604) 280-4444 to charge by phone or buy online at www.ticketmaster.ca – prices range from $79.50 to $129.50. All facilities and promotional costs will be donated by a number of corporate supporters, with 100 per cent of the proceeds to go to the BC Cancer Foundation’s new research facility slated to open in 2004.
“Cancer affects all of us so deeply, so personally,” said Sarah McLachlan. “No one has been untouched by this horrible disease. It cuts through gender and age, striking us wherever we live. I hope the community will support us in making the dream of building a leading-edge cancer research facility in Vancouver a reality. By supporting cancer research, we can come one step closer to stopping this devastating disease.”
Kevin Hearn of the Barenaked Ladies was diagnosed with leukemia in 1999, just before the band was set to tour a new album. His family and bandmates were devastated.
“It became obvious to me that despite the excellent support of my family, friends and medical team, there is so much we don’t know about fighting this disease,” said Hearn. “I am living proof that thanks to research there is hope and progress in fighting cancer, and the Barenaked Ladies and myself are willing to do whatever we can to help further cancer research.”
All the artists and companies involved with the concert have donated their services to ensure all funds raised will go to build the new research facility for the BC Cancer Foundation. All of the artists involved have been directly affected by cancer and are passionate about their involvement in the concert.
For event organizer Shane Bourbonnais, Vice President of Clear Channel Entertainment, Canada, the purpose for the concert is personal. He spearheaded this event in honour of his late wife Michele and her fight against cancer. Bourbonnais became aware of the need for a new research facility during the 1 1/2 years Michele fought cervical cancer before she passed away October 10, 2001.
“Cancer is so prevalent and has such a devastating, personal impact on all our lives. By raising funds for a leading-edge research cancer facility, we hope to make a leap in research and assistance for those battling the disease.
“During Michele’s battle, I came in contact with so many brave people who were suffering from this disease. When you see what these people are going through, it really puts life into perspective. My hope is that the BC Cancer Foundation Presents benefit concert will help the many people in need, both in our community and throughout Canada.”
The concert will be held on the one-year anniversary of Michele’s death. Proceeds from the October 10 concert and a preceding charity benefit dinner on October 9 will help the BC Cancer Foundation build the new cancer research centre in Vancouver, leaving Michele’s timeless legacy and cementing the generosity of the community.
“The support we’ve had from the business community has been overwhelming,” said Bourbonnais. “We couldn’t hold an event of this magnitude without the support of everyone in the community.”
