Dani Strong sings in Downie’s memory

Gord Downie’s death last fall broke Canada’s heart and much of the country still hurts. But some local concert promoters have a moving way of keeping the legacy of the Tragically Hip front man alive. Friday night at Mavricks Music Hall, several of the area’s finest artists take the stage for the benefit of the Downie Wenjack Fund, named in part for the youngster whose life was blighted by his time at a native residential school.

Alerting Canadians to the plight of the indigenous was always near to Downie’s heart, and it was easy for guitarist and singer Dani Strong to saddle up and be part of the action, so awed is she by the Downie legend.

She adds it was her husband Grant, and not Dani, who knew Gord personally.

“Grant played a show with Gord when Gord was doing his Coke Machine Glow tour and my husband was still with his old band, The Salads. He said Gord came up to them in the dressing room and said ‘Hey guys, I'm Gord..." as he went to shake their hands and Grant was like ‘yeah, man, we KNOW you're Gord... EVERYONE in this country knows you're Gord.

“Grant said he was the nicest guy in the world.”

Dani tells BarrieToday she was attracted to the fund and wanted to go beyond the mere realm of donating or volunteering.

"I encourage people to look deeper into these causes. The Downie family did a lot of research and made a massive effort to learning what will hopefully have a positive impact and improve the lives of the indigenous by combining awareness, education and action.

“If you have a chance,” Strong advises, “please look into the Downie Wenjack Fund before attending the concert.”

Dani admits some butterflies playing for such a cause.

“We're going to try our darnedest not to eff up, or depreciate, the incredible music of Gord Downie. Pressure is high for musicians on a tribute show. You want to honour someone we highly respect.”

Other performers on what should be a memorable night include local musician Brett Caswell and his All-Star Band, singer Andrew Cash (a former MP), the band Sonic Coalition, HarpAcash, Courtney Dubois and Dave Allen, and Carleigh Aikins.

Strong will be performing two songs. One is a song from Gord's passion project regarding Chanie Wenjack’s story. I didn't know the song before a month ago and I am so happy (promoter) Chas (Hay) introduced me to it. The lyrics are so real, so beautiful, and so sad at the same time. Gord was such a genius when it comes to lyrics, it's so inspiring.”

Away from concert and cause, Dani Strong will soon be back in the studio putting a ribbon on a new album set for release this spring.

“We are so excited about this new record as it's filled with wide range of raw emotion from the past two years and the journey it has led my family on. I have also been working on an awareness campaign for the past six months myself. I have never done such a thing, so I'm super nervous and I'm praying that it sheds light where it needs to be shone.”

“I have been working with Redwood Park Communities here in Barrie and I have met the most inspiring people through it. That is set to be released in the next few months.”

Mavricks Music Hall is at 46 Dunlop St. W. Doors open for the Gord Downie Tribute Concert at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27. The show starts at 9 p.m. To learn more, click here.