Crescendo aspires to fight mental illness

If you were to see pianist John Cameron singing on stage, you would think he hasn’t a care in the world.

In reality, he has battled depression for 19 years. Unfortunately, the numbness of depression and the pain of having someone close commit suicide is something he is all too familiar with.

Although struggling with depression, Cameron is determined to triumph and has set an ambitious goal to raise awareness and combat mental illness.

Through John Cameron Entertainment group, credited for reviving Edmonton’s Singing Christmas Tree, he has set his sights on raising a lofty $5 million in the next five years to assist local organizations tackle mental illness.

“It was something we wanted to do for several years. This year we got everything together and we’re having a concert,” said event manager Janine Robin.

The entertainment group is set to launch Crescendo, a high-profile benefit concert on Friday, June 9 at the Winspear Centre.

The showcase headliner is Steven Page, the former frontman for Barenaked Ladies. The two-hour spectacle also includes a 120-voice choir, a 60-piece orchestra and 11 high-profile soloists.

Page, one of Canada’s most distinguished recording artists, has struggled with bi-polar disorder and depression to the extent that on some days he was unable to crawl out of bed.

In 2007 he was arrested for drug possession. Seeing his name plastered all over the newspapers affected him, his family, his children and further aggravated the condition.

But he’s on the road to finding balance in his life. His latest album is titled Heal Thyself Pt. 1: Instinct.

“Steven will sing a couple of his hits and talk about his history with mental illness,” Robin said adding that Page’s singing role is being kept under wraps for the moment.

Touted as a must-see extravaganza, Crescendo will also feature Juno nominee Mark Masri and Canadian Idol competitor Tyler Hamilton.

St. Albert’s Hailey Benedict, determined not to be pigeonholed as a country singer, is also on the roster. In a duet with Cameron, she will perform an intimate setting of two Elton John songs, Tiny Dancer and Daniel.

“It’s super important to take away the stigma and raise awareness,” said Benedict. “One in five people are affected by mental health. Most everyone knows someone affected by mental health and it’s important to reach out and raise awareness.”

All profits from this philanthropic gesture will go to support two organizations: the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and The Mental Health Foundation.