Charity rock concert celebrating the healing power of music

Regina’s loudest fundraiser is returning for another weekend of talented musicians playing some of the best music from past legends, all in support of music therapy.

Rock is Dead IV will fill the Exchange in Regina on Nov. 8-9, with two shows that cover all the classic genres — classic rock, punk, disco, funk, metal, and everything in between.

Both nights will feature a collective of local musicians and artists from both Regina and Moose Jaw, shredding out familiar guitar riffs that pay tribute to the musicians of the past that have touched their lives.

Nov. 8 will open the weekend with a set that pays homage to the memorable funk era of music, to kick off the weekend. The show will cover all the legends, with some guest appearances from superstar faces.

On Nov. 9, the show will take a more classic spin, with covers of past legends from the classic rock genre as a special tribute for musicians who have been lost only recently.

The event is organized as a fundraiser for Music Heals Canada, a non-profit organization that provides music therapy in provinces across Canada. The organization implements programs for all ages, from seniors to youth, and in a range of places — hospitals, long-term care facilities, youth centres, and more.

All of the musicians involved have a personal connection with Music Heals and came together to create this fundraiser four years ago.

“We’re just a bunch of different people who have come together, who have been touched with mental health and trauma at one point,” said Nicole Hebert, one of the group. “With the organization we’re fundraising for, Music Heals, we’re all very passionate about the music as a type of healing.”

Last year, their donation reached just over $800 for Music Heals Canada, after a sold-out crowd filled their venue. Hebert is expecting to see the same kind of turnout this year as well. Tickets for the shows are $20 per night or $30 for both and can be purchased at Vintage Vinyl in both Regina and Moose Jaw. Tickets are also available at The Exchange, either online or by calling 1 (306) 780-9495, or at the door on the night of either show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. both nights, with bands taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.