A benefit concert in support of Big Hill Haven will take place this Saturday at Found Books & Shop in Cochrane.
Blue Willow Entertainment is hosting the 10th instalment of its performance series, ‘Music 4 Mental Health’, a recurring event supporting mental health charities across Calgary and surrounding areas.
“We've done this since the beginning of 2024,” said Mackenzie Walsh, director of media and artist relations for Blue Willow Entertainment. “For every instalment, we choose a mental health charity from Calgary or the local area to support.”
Saturday’s event features a songwriters’ round, where four artists will take turns performing original compositions and sharing the stories behind their music. Each performer is expected to present up to three songs per round.
“It’ll be a very intimate night,” said Walsh.
Artists on the lineup include Calgary’s Kate Reid and Nik Poli, Montreal’s Joze, and Cochrane’s own Justine Vandergrift.
“It's really important to me, and I’m happy to be a part of this event and to talk about these issues that are so close to home for so many,” said Vandergrift. “I think it’ll be a beautiful evening.”
Blue Willow Entertainment, which began as a music studio, now focuses on artist development and community engagement. When selecting concert venues, organizers also ask for recommendations on local organizations to support.
“When we spoke with Julia, the owner of Found Books, we asked if there was a local charity she recommended,” said Walsh. “She mentioned Big Hill Haven, and we were excited to choose them—it fits our mandate perfectly. Mental health intersects with the work they do to help women and families fleeing domestic abuse.”
In addition to the live music, a silent auction will be held, with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Big Hill Haven.
“The whole idea behind ‘Music 4 Mental Health’ is rooted in the fact that mental health is a common issue among artists,” Walsh said. “It’s about raising awareness and also giving back to communities.”
The event runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. Tickets are available at www.bwemusic.art/events.
