‘It’s all a little foggy’: Edmonton band completes 24-hour music marathon for cancer foundation

The members of a country music band in Edmonton are taking a well-deserved rest after a 24-hour gig-a-thon.

The Dungarees started their music marathon at Yellowhead Brewery on Wednesday at 8 a.m. and finished Thursday at 8 a.m.

“I feel exhausted but awesome,” said bassist James Murdoch, moments after completing the final set.

“It was really inspiring and playing that last song feels like we completed it.”

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The gig-a-thon was a way for the band to give back to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and help with its patient financial assistance program. The band raised more than $14,000.

Guitarist Kiron Jhass is a registered nurse in the surgical unit at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute. He said several band members have had family treated for cancer so the issue is close to their hearts.

“We want to give something back to the community,” he said.

Jhass said the 24-hour gig-a-thon is a bit of a blur.

“It’s all a little foggy. I don’t remember seeing anything rise or set,” he said about the sunrise and sunset.

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He said the most challenging part came in the middle of the night.

“I think between the hours of two and four in the morning – that’s obviously when there are very, very few people here. Everything feels like a blur. Everything gets a little hazy,” he said.

He attributes support from loved ones for carrying the band through the hours.

“We had family, friends and well-wishers dropping in and out throughout the day and generously donating their time and money. We had some artists who are our friends as well contributing their efforts. All those things keep our spirits up and it felt amazing. It feels great now,” Jhass said.

First for the band after their gig-a-thon was done was breakfast and band members said some naps may be in order.

“I feel like a million bucks, despite the fact I want to sleep for about 48 hours,” laughed Murdoch.

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This is the first time the band has done a gig-a-thon and they are in discussions with Yellowhead Brewery to do the same thing next year.

The band will be performing with Dwight Yoakam at the River Cree Resort on October 21 and 22.