Benefit concert for SAIF

Robert McClure loves music and if it was his choice, he’d never leave St. Albert to go to a concert. He’s making his wish come true.

Now that he has a couple of degrees under his belt and is employed as a librarian at Edmonton Garrison, McClure has decided to dive into the world of music promotion.

He is mounting an all ages benefit concert for SAIF (Stop Abuse in Families) on Feb. 19 at the St. Albert Botanic Park.

The acoustic folk concert brings together three duos. The featured headliners are Madeline and Montague Killoh with openers Ella Coyes and Jasper Smith as well as Stef Parth and Jack Hansen.

“Growing up in St. Albert, I appreciated going to music related events. As a teenager, it wasn’t always ideal for me to go to Edmonton and it wasn’t always ideal for parents to drive me,” said McClure.

A graduate of Ă©cole Secondaire St. Marguerite d’Youville, McClure was exposed to social justice and political issues early in life.

“It got me thinking about the kind of adult I wanted to be. It’s important to care about the people across the world, but it’s also important to care about people in your community facing issues of poverty or in this case abuse.”

McClure specifically chose SAIF as the charity of choice in part because of its need.

“My mother works in the school system and she recounts stories of children suffering from abuse or being in a house where abuse takes place. I chose SAIF because it does a good job of providing resources.”

And the artists are completely on board. Each duo waived the honorarium McClure said.

Headliners Madeline and Montague Killoh are a sibling folk act that is at once catchy and introspective.

“They sing some of the most beautiful folk music I’ve heard in a long time. Madeline has a strong voice and I know Monty as a great guitar player. When I see him play with his sister, he accents her melodies and adds something that is new and refreshing.”

Coyes and Smith are two singer-songwriters slowly developing a presence and a strong following in the area.

“Ella has a great soulful voice. Just listening to her live, she draws attention from anyone in the room. And Jasper creates a roots, rock and roll feel to the sound he creates.”

The unknown wild card is the Parth-Hansen twosome.

“They come with a good reputation. They’re super talented and good people and easy to work with. For me that counts for a lot.”

Since this is McClure’s first crack at staging concerts, he’s excited about the initial response and hopes more residents within the community will get behind the concert.

“I’m just trying to create something positive and music was always my vehicle.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 cash only at the door.