Funding for the SHINE Music Bursary is raised through individual donations and through our annual SHINE! Concert gala event. Our next live(!) concert will take place on the evening of Sunday March 5th, 2023.
Since our inaugural concert back in 2010, many noteworthy performers have come together to support this great cause. In fact, far too many to name, so here’s a sampling: Julian Taylor, Ron Hawkins, Lorraine Segato, The Beauties, Oh Susanna, Andy Maize, Devin Cuddy, New Country Rehab, Jerome Godboo, Michelle Rumball, Russell deCarle, Andrew Cash, Lucas Stagg, Jimmy Bowskill, Corin Raymond, Taxi Chain and Michael O’Grady. In short, a pantheon of Toronto-based Canadian talent, for whom we owe a debt of gratitude for their support!
This year is shaping up to be yet another powerhouse night of live music, with three amazing performers bringing their talents in support of the SHINE cause!
Samantha Martin
Originally from Lions Head ON, Samantha Martin is a songwriter, singer, arranger and band leader who has garnered critical acclaim for her blend of roots rock, blues, soul and gospel music, and her exceptional vocals. Drawing influences from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Samantha’s exquisitely powerful voice is rich with emotion, while delicately bringing out the nuances of her gut-wrenching lyrics. She has garnered 13 Maple Blues Award and 2 Juno Award nominations.
Derek Downham & Friends
From Toronto, Derek Downham is an accomplished songwriter and producer who possesses an inspired voice with both power and dexterity. A formidable multi-instrumentalist, Derek has recorded and played live/toured with so many of Canada’s finest bands and artists that he’s the Kevin Bacon of Canadian rock music. To name just a few: The Beauties, Broken Social Scene, Andy Kim, Albert Lee, July Talk, Alex Lifeson, Serena Ryder, Jim Cuddy, Whitehorse, Sam Roberts, Colin Cripps, Sloan, Jason Collett, Jully Black, Treasa Levasseur, Dru, Amy Millan, Ron Sexsmith, Justin Rutledge, Rik Emmett, Jeff Healey, Damhnait Doyle, Elliott BROOD, Danny Michel… Derek has a Juno Award, has played The Late Show with David Letterman, and has shared the stage with the Tragically Hip, Sarah Harmer, The Sadies, Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Squeeze, and Billy Talent, just to name a few more.
Michael Boguski
Michael Boguski has been playing keyboards for multiple Juno-award-winning roots rock band Blue Rodeo since 2008. When he’s not busy doing that, his musical interests extend deep into jazz improvisation. For his latest project, Michael has taken songs from British cult band Suede’s 2002 album “A New Morning” and recorded them with his trio as jazz instrumentals. The resulting album is called “A Newer Morning (For John)”. Michael is no stranger to making music for worthy causes. In 2018, he has given his support to Toronto’s Regent Park School of Music, and he and other notable Canadian musicians formed the Cold Manitoba project to benefit the Native Addictions Council of Manitoba. All proceeds from sales of the new album go towards supporting stroke survivor and former Suede crew member John Brandham and the Stroke Association UK.
Plus, we’ll also hear performances from this year’s crop of SHINE Music Bursary Recipients, which is always one of the highlights of the evening!
Funds raised via this year’s concert are used to support next year’s crop of SHINE Music Bursary recipients. Contributions can be made anytime simply by clicking here or on the “Donate Now” button.
