Drew Gregory returns for Farming for Hospice harvest wrap-up concert

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the crops in the bin and another harvest behind him, Drew Gregory is getting ready to celebrate a different kind of community effort.

The Farming for Hospice harvest wrap-up concert returns Nov. 27 at the Legion, bringing together music, a roast beef supper and support for the Wheatland Hospice Society.

For Gregory, the evening has become a tradition rooted in the people and communities he knows well. Having grown up in Standard and lived in Strathmore for many years, he was drawn to a fundraising initiative that reached across Wheatland County.

His involvement began through Project Wild, an artist development program that included a charitable component. Farming for Hospice was already underway, and Gregory saw an opportunity to contribute through music.

What started as part of that program became something he wanted to continue. Along with raising awareness of Farming for Hospice, the annual concert helps highlight the broader work of the Wheatland Hospice Society.

The connection is also personal. Gregory’s wife, Erin, is a nurse whose work has included end-of-life care and time in hospices. Hearing about her experiences has strengthened his commitment to the cause, as have the people behind the society.

This year’s concert will return to a Nashville-style songwriters’ night, with Gregory inviting fellow artists to share their music and the stories behind it. 

The guest songwriters had yet to be announced at the time of the interview. The Wheatland Hospice Society is celebrating its 10th anniversary, Gregory performing alongside his full band for five years and counting. 

“It’s so nice to have an attentive crowd and singing songs that maybe we aren’t singing on the big, loud, crazy party stages,” Gregory said.

The setting gives songwriters an opportunity to share songs with personal meaning and spend time explaining how they came to be.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by a roast beef supper at 6 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.

Supporters will also have a chance to enter a raffle for a private acoustic concert with Gregory. Previous performances have taken place at farms, in shops and in other spaces chosen by the winners. 

“We’ll play wherever, wherever you want us to play,” he said. The raffle will run throughout the month leading up to the concert. 

Beyond attending the show or entering the raffle, supporters can sponsor an acre through Farming for Hospice. Acre sponsorship continues year-round, with the wrap-up evening providing an opportunity to recognize those who have contributed.

For Gregory one of the most meaningful parts of returning each year is seeing the community’s enthusiasm endure. 

“I think the first one was really special,” he said.

That first evening left an impression, but the continued support has mattered just as much. While some fundraising ideas lose momentum after their first few years, Gregory said the passion behind this effort has remained strong.

The November gathering offers a chance to recognize that commitment, celebrate the year’s fundraising and enjoy an evening together after harvest.

Ticket information will be available through Gregory’s and the Wheatland Hospice Society’s online channels; tickets went on sale Monday, Nov. 2.