Calgary singer-songwriter, actor, activist and philanthropist Tom Jackson is rallying some of Canada’s biggest voices to help fellow musicians impacted by COVID-19 with a digital variety series called Almighty Voices.
The series, which launches Sunday, April 5 on YouTube and AlmightyVoices.ca, will include 12 weekly hour-long episodes and raise money for the Unison Benevolent Fund, a non-profit registered charity providing counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community.
Jackson will host, while guests will include The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, actress and singer Cynthia Dale, singer-songwriters Susan Aglukark, Beverley Mahood, Sarah Slean and Chantal Kreviazuk, opera singer Measha Brueggergosman, April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn and JUNO Award-winning folk trio Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
The Unison Benevolent Fund is part of the Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief Project; Spotify will match donations made through Almighty Voices dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million across their select partners.
“In addition to music and stories, we will share the wisdom of our Elders, express kindness, and explore essential ways to create health, and put health at the forefront, versus managing disease,” Jackson says. “While we learn how to determine what is urgent and important in this ever-changing time, the music community can engage people to leap, learn, laugh, and love. In return, the support received will ensure our music community survives. It is my hope the program connects us all.”
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