The group behind ‘Brother Down’ is teaming up with the union who supports public servants like our health inspectors and librarians this November to put on an enormous, free concert at the TD Place.
To be more specific, November 14 the Sam Roberts Band will take over the TD Place Arena as part of CUPE 503’s Rock for Public Services. The annual show raises money for local charities and awareness of our nation’s public servants, and headlining with the Sam Roberts Band has been a long time in the making.
“We’ve been after Sam Roberts for years,” says Wil Kelly, CUPE 503’s event organizer. “He’s one of the ones we really wanted.”
Sam Roberts’ iconic vocals have been a lasting presence on Canadian radio waves over the past decade and Canadians have showered the band with awards, including six Junos and a handful of Much Music Video Awards.
The Sam Roberts band will share the stage with Halifax-based Juno winner Matt Mays. Local singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume will kick-off the night with her band.
Although you don’t need much of an excuse to see the Sam Roberts Band for free, Rock for Public Services will also be raising money for Sisters in Spirit, an initiative by the Native Women’s Association of Canada that researches and reports on the alarming rates of violence against Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.
CUPE 503 decided to choose Sisters in Spirit because of how little attention has gone to aboriginal women’s murders across the country.
“The fact that they’re Aboriginal women and we’re not talking about it is shameful,” Kelly says.
Rock for Public Services began in 2007 to raise awareness of Public Service Workers’ role in their communities. Since that time they’ve raised about $160,000 for a variety of charities, and Kelly says they’re aiming to raise about $25,000 this year.
No tickets are required for entry, and attendees can make donations to Sisters in Spirit at the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
