Two nights of country music aim to raise $1 million for drought
stricken Alberta farmers and ranchers.
The Say Hay farm benefit nights are Oct. 13 at the Skyreach Centre in
Edmonton and Oct. 14 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 16 at all Ticketmaster outlets.
The concert idea was spearheaded by Key Entertainment of Calgary during
the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alta., earlier this summer. Reports
of devastation across the Alberta and Saskatchewan prompted country
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entertainers to offer help, said Greg Thomas of Key Entertainment.
A Say Hay trust account has been set up at Alberta Treasury Branches
and organizers will work with Wild Rose Agricultural Producers and
Alberta livestock associations to manage and distribute the money.
“They’ll decide where the greatest needs are and distribute the funds
accordingly,” said Thomas during a Calgary news conference.
The other goal is to raise awareness of the rural plight among urban
people.
The use of venues in Edmonton and Calgary has been donated and all
parking fees and earnings from concessions and beer will be donated to
the fund. Westjet Airlines will fly in performers free of charge.
Other corporate sponsors include UFA, General Motors, Molson Inc.,
Cooperators Insurance, Alberta Pork, Calgary and Edmonton Sun and
Alberta Treasury Branch.
Performers already signed for one or both evenings include Patricia
Conroy, Tom Jackson, Chris Cummings, Gil Grand, The Good Brothers, Lisa
Hewitt and Gord Bamford.
Negotiations continue with other artists to create an all-Canadian show.
For updates, visit www.sayhay.com.
