Band Jam for Cancer returns

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This article was published 29/10/2024 (463 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was silent for seven years, but the stage is set for this weekend’s Band Jam for Cancer — and from the sounds of it, said the event’s original organizer Chris Kemp, musicians are getting into the rhythm of raising money and awareness.

“Even though it hasn’t been consecutive, this will be our 21st year for the event, and I’m expecting it to be pretty special. And looking back, I’ve played at every single one,” said Kemp, who was previously with FUGR and is now lead singer with his new band, Trashed Panda.

Band Jam for Cancer, a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, takes place Friday and Saturday at two locations in the Wheat City — Chez Angela and The 40.

On Friday night, the entertainment starts at Chez Angela at 6 p.m., with three live acoustic performances. And once the applause dies down downtown, four local rock bands will hit the stage at The 40, beginning at 9 p.m.

And that’s just the first night, said Kemp. On Saturday, there are five other local bands lined up to play at The 40.

“All the bands are donating their time. Nobody’s getting paid to play — they’re doing it out of the kindness of their hearts for a good cause, which has always been something that the local music community has been very good at. I’ve never had any issues at all booking bands to play this event,” Kemp said. “They’re happy to sign on for a couple of reasons. I’m sure everybody knows somebody, or has some connection to somebody, who has had to deal with cancer in some way, shape or form.”

That’s one of the reasons why local musician Anastasia Jane said she wanted to perform on Saturday. She has played in Band Jam for Cancer events before, with her previous band, Misty Street.

And for personal reasons, Jane added, she decided to go one step further and organize Friday night’s entertainment at Chez Angela.

“I had a cancer diagnosis and treatment last year, so, thankfully, based on my last oncology appointment, I’m cancer-free,” Jane said. I have one final appointment in December, but my health has been great.

“So I wanted Friday night to be a bit different, starting off at Chez Angela because The 40 isn’t everybody’s vibe, but Chez Angela is, and the proceeds are still going to the Canadian Cancer Society,” she said.

There is a $10 cover charge for the acoustic sounds of Jasmine Krahn, Little Sparrow and the finale with Ainsley Friesen.

“Jasmine is a singer-songwriter with her acoustic guitar,” said Jane. “Little Sparrow is a duo of Michelle Boudreau and her child; they also play in the Wheat City Jug Band. And we’re very fortunate to have Ainsley Friesen coming from Saskatchewan to perform to wrap the night up at Chez Angela. And then the party moves on to The 40,” she said.

At The 40, donations will be accepted at the door as a cover charge for both nights, added Kemp, and once inside, music fans can purchase 50/50 tickets, which will help raise additional funds.

Scheduled to hit the stage on Friday night at The 40 are Hansel, Crossfyre, 8 Track Shuffle and 18 Rabbit.

Saturday night’s lineup features Anastasia Jane, Simple Jack, Trashed Panda, Just Dynamite and Nuthin But Trouble.

Each band is allotted about 45 minutes, said Kemp, which is “perfect for both the musicians and the crowd,” adding he can’t wait to get back up on that stage.

“We’re so looking forward to being back at The 40,” Kemp said. “It’s one of the premier live music venues in Brandon and pretty much the best venue we can play.

“It’s not a tiny little hole in the wall. It’s got a real stage and a real sound system, just a really good venue for live music.”

Organizers aren’t setting fundraising goals, added Kemp. While it’s important to raise money, it’s about recognizing the reason why they’re hosting Band Jam.

Kemp said he started Band Jam for Cancer in the late 1990s to honour the memory of a woman named Georgette Williams who he said was a huge part of how he got started with his first band.

Williams was the mother of Kemp’s rhythm guitar player, and she “graciously allowed us to rehearse, practise and just hang out and make noise in their basement,” Kemp said, adding, “she took care of all the stuff we were too stupid to think of as our manager and booking agent.

“Georgette passed away from lung cancer, and at her funeral, the microphone was opened up to anybody who wanted to say a few words, and I just kind of sat there on my hands and didn’t say anything,” he said. “I felt bad about that. She was very important to us and should have known how we felt. So, I just wanted to do something to honour the legacy that she had created in me.

“And I lost my own father to cancer in May, so I was already thinking long and hard about bringing the event back, so when Anastasia contacted me about getting Band Jam going again. it all just fell into place.”

Jane said she also lost her dad.

“He died of leukemia, so cancer is quite prevalent, and that’s why we need this awareness,” she said.

“Because, my goodness, if caught in time, many cancers can be preventable and treatable. But I think folks tend to avoid that topic. They say it’s not going to happen to me, or I don’t want to think about it, but that’s where a lot of folks get into trouble.

“If you shine a light on those dark areas, you’re increasing your chances of being able to move through those areas. If you don’t look at it, and if it stays shadowy, it can come and get you.”

For more information on this weekend’s fundraiser, visit the Band Jam for Cancer Facebook page.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

» X: @enviromichele