Editor’s Note: This story was updated after the event to include the total amount of money raised.
After raising $15,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation last year, Edmonton band The Dungarees were at it again, raising just under $13,000 for Albertans affected by cancer.
The country music band performed its second annual 24-hour Gig-A-Thon fundraiser at Yellowhead Brewery, in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. It’s like playing 24 sets in one day.
“It’s such an exciting thing to be a part of, that you kind of live off adrenaline for a good 24, maybe 28 hours,” bassist James Murdoch said.
WATCH: Artists Kiron Jhass and James Murdock explain why the event is important to them.
The band got started at 8 a.m. Friday and played, with help from some guest acts, until the same time on Saturday morning.
Guitarist Kiron Jhass, who is also a registered nurse at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute, said the event is meaningful for the entire band.
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“All of us in the band have had family members that have been affected by cancer,” Jhass said. “We decided we wanted to do something to give back to our community, so this is something that just really made sense.”
Money raised goes to the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s patient financial assistance program. It gives money to patients across the province needing help with expenses such as travel, food and childcare during their cancer treatments.
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The 24 hours of continuous live music included performances by Captain Tractor, Mike Plume, Millenia, Ken Stead, Nice Horse and Mike Nash.
To hear the music for yourselves, donate and enjoy a pint while you’re at it, drop by Yellowhead Brewery (10229 – 105 St.). Cover is $10 and includes in/out privileges throughout the 24 hours.
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