A CBC live screening of the Tragically Hip in Kingston will be broadcasted on the big screens at Memorial Gardens on Saturday, August 20th to help out two charities.
The iconic Canadian rock band is concluding what is being billed as its final tour stop that night after lead singer Gord Downie was diagnosed earlier this spring with a deadly form of brain cancer.
The event is being presented by Laurentian Ski Hill and Deacon Wealth Management and proceeds will go towards Laurentian Ski Hill and the “In Gord We Trust” foundation for brain cancer research.
Dave Mendicino, the Chair of the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority is one of the organizers.
“We are excited to be doing this, obviously the news with Gord Downie was pretty traumatic especially if you are a Hip fan,” said Mendicino.
“They are going on 15 dates cross country. There was a reach out to possibly to see if they could come here to play live but the concerts are endorsed and this is the next best thing and to put it on the big four sided board at the Gardens - the atmosphere will be like an arena concert.”
The Tragically Hip last performed live in North Bay during North Bay Rocks the Bay back in August of 2009. See that story here: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/baytoday-picture-play-gallery-put-your-hip-into-it-41607
Mendicino says they are still seeking more corporate donations for the event before the event. plus they will be running a 50/50 draw at the concert as well as accepting donations at the event.
The local band “Terror Birds” will perform live prior to the live screening.
Mendicino says the the North Bay Battalion will be running the concessions as well.
“As we plan and we see more and more cities that are planning something that night, and North Bay is just one of many cities doing this and it’s a national celebration and we are happy to be part of it.”
Anyone interested in making a corporate donation contact Dave Mendicino at (705) 471-2359.