Musicians have long had a reputation of organizing musical events to assist the disadvantaged. Two great examples are Bob Geldof who organized Live Aid and George Harrison’s Concerts for Bangladesh that helped feed families in Africa and raised awareness of world hunger.
Although not quite at the level, two St. Albert connected bands are coming together on Saturday, June 22 at St. Albert Community Hall to fundraise for the Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS).
The 2nd annual Graham Brown Band & The Denim Daddies Benefit Concert returns to raise money for the non-profit. Formed in 2013 GEARS helps injured, abandoned, unwanted and homeless cats and dogs fine loving families. To continue its work, it relies on donors, volunteers and foster homes working to give companion animals a second chance.
“I’m an animal lover. My band is coming through St. Albert, and I’d like to do another concert again. I like animals better than most people. There’s no bullshit with animals. They’re just full of love,” said Graham Brown, a devoted cat owner.
The roots-rock singer-songwriter is a former St. Albert resident who currently makes Vancouver his home. He has released 14 full-length albums including Spirit and Soul (2021) and the acoustic-styled Solo (2024) which received high praise from reviewers.
With 30 years' experience in the music industry the Graham Brown Band is billed as the headliner while Edmonton-based The Denim Daddies open the show. The alt-country fivesome that form The Denim Daddies are Andrew Brostrom, Kurtis Cockerill, Matt King, Booker Diduck and Sahil Chugh.
“We’re big on the '70s music. We’re kind of a mix of John Prine, Steve Earl and The Flying Burrito Brothers,” said Brostrom, a former St. Albert resident.
The band was formed in 2015 and gradually released two EPs and four singles. Northern Goods, a seven-track EP, was developed during the pandemic and launched in 2023.
“We wrote a lot of songs. These were ones that fit together well. They tie into family and friends,” Brostrom said. He adds that the blazing opener Livin’ on the Road comes from his own work experiences.
“I used to drive a food truck and got a lot of imagery from that. I’d deliver meat from Lac La Biche and drive all the way to Calgary in a cube van. The song has a driving beat.”
Since everyone sings, “we like to do three-part harmonies. Our voices blend nicely together no matter where we are on the scale.”
In summing up the benefit concert Brostrom adds, “It’s nice to play for money. But when you can do something good for the community, it makes it better and more special to use our talents especially for a fundraiser like GEARS.”
Brown is fired up about the concert and is planning to get creative with his original material.
“GEARS is such a good cause. These critters can’t speak for themselves. Most people I know love animals so come out and put your money in the pit and help give critters a good life. And it’s such a social event. The last time I played, I met so many people I hadn’t seen in years.”
The concert is booked for Saturday, June 22 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. St. Albert Community Hall is at 17 Perron Street. Tickets are $26.50 online at uproarproductions.ca.
