Combines for Cures Country Concert set to debut in Strathmore

Times Contributor

 

For the first time ever, The Prostate Cancer Centre and the Strathmore Ag Society have teamed up to create a country concert to raise awareness and funds for cancer on August 2.

The event will be held at the Strathmore AGRO Grandstand and outdoor Encana stage, with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. 

The concert boasts country musicians Drew Gregory, Codie Prevost, Hey Romeo and Crystal Shawanda as well as a firework display to end the night at 11 p.m.

Pam Heard, Executive Director at the Prostate Cancer Centre, said that in order to reach the rural community they wanted to do “something with a splash.” Heard said the location couldn’t be better.

With the Heritage Days beginning the next day, Heard thinks a lot of people will be, “looking for things to do with their family” when the long weekend begins.

“We thought it would the perfect place to bring these big acts to,” Heard said. “This is our first time ever doing something like this. We really want to reach the rural community.”

Rob Shapiro, keyboard player, singer and co-manager of the band Hey Romeo, said that the band was thrilled to be offered a part in the concert.

“[Being involved with this concert] is great. Any time you can be involved with something that helps people or a cause near to you … we feel great that we can contribute to that, or be some small part of it,” said Shapiro.

Drew Gregory, a local musician from Standard, said he was “very happy” to be asked to participate in the fundraiser.

“It sounded like a good deal with all the bands playing. There’s some good acts there for sure.”

“We have the sponsorship now to cover the costs … nothing we make will be going to cost, which is perfect,” said Heard.

There will also be a 50-50 draw at the concert to raise money along with ticket prices.

“The only thing that’s going to the Ag society is the beer proceeds … everything else is going to the Prostate Cancer Centre in Calgary,” says Heard.

“The entertainment is a good way to get corporate support behind the event,” said Shapiro, “as long as you have good entertainment, people kind of flock. It’s being [well organized] and I think that’s really key.”

Gregory said concerts are great fundraisers because people get a treat for donating.

“People definitely like to give, but if they can have fun at the same time, it’s a good deal for them,” said Gregory.

Heard said the cancer centre will “absolutely” look at doing this event again if it goes well.

“We would love to make this an annual event, you can’t get much better acts than these guys. If the bands we’ve got engaged now want to keep on with the partnership, we would definitely stay with them.”

Shapiro assures that “if they have [the concert], we’ll be there” and has great expectations for the first concert. “We’ve got a couple of songs we think will really connect, we have a song called ‘If I Could Fly’ and it is about dying and the survivors.”

Gregory agrees that he will “definitely” be involved with the concert again. “Strathmore has been awesome for me … they’ve given me a lot, to give something back to them is great,” says Gregory, who releasing a new single titled ‘Small Town Life’ which is “perfect timing.”

Tickets to this event are priced at $30 for reserve seating, $35 at the gate, $25 for students and $95 dollars for a family of four. To purchase tickets please visit http://combinesforcures.eventbrite.ca or call 403-934-5811.