Kamloops, B.C. – With Music for the People—A Cultural Experience back this year to honour its co-founder Rod “Little Sky” Bandura’s legacy, an exciting lineup of artists has just been announced. The event, a spectacular celebration of unity and reconciliation in its third year, will be taking place on Sunday, September 8th, at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour.
“I am so grateful and excited for this year’s lineup,” said Margit Bandura, co-founder of the event and singer-rhythm guitarist with the Margit Sky Project. “Our goal was to bring together artists who not only shared our values and morals but also believed in the vision for this event. These performances will be particularly special because of the genuine connection and shared purpose we all have.”
The main concert will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a captivating performance by Kamloops’ well-known songwriter and Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc band member, Jeremy Kneeshaw. Known for his introspective lyrics and multi-instrumental expertise, he will set the stage with his unique blend of Indigenous rock and storytelling, and later join all performers on stage to sing a few of Rod Bandura’s songs.
“I was honoured and excited when Margit asked me to be a part of the event this year. We attended the last one and it was powerful to see and hear so many gifted artists coming together and performing as one voice,” shared Kneeshaw. “I believe music connects us on a spiritual level, and I know Rod did, too. His knowledge and confidence were unlike anything I’d seen before, and his ability to bring others up on the stage was totally inspiring. It's a very important level of emotion with this event, and we are all doing our best to make it special for everyone involved and for Rod’s memory.”
The evening will also see special appearances by artist, musician and member of the Qayqayt First Nation, Johnny Bandura, bass player Scott Skulmoski, and singer-songwriter Henry Small.
“Rod was a huge influence on my life, both personally and musically. He was my mentor, a father figure, but mostly a great friend,” shared Skulmoski, an experienced musician heavily influenced by classic rock and a close personal friend of Margit and Rod’s for many years.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Small has achieved remarkable success working with legendary artists such as John Entwistle of The Who and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who. He was also a member of the rock band Prism. His early collaboration with Rod in the Indigenous music band ‘Waskesu’ adds a deeply personal touch to his participation.
Henry Small, pictured with the late Rod Bandura in a recording studio and performing together on stage, will pay tribute to Rod's legacy through the concert this year. Photo credit: Music for the People.
“Rod meant so much more to me than I can express in words. He was a true brother, musically and spiritually. He was, is, and always will be such an important part of who I am, and for that, I will always be grateful,” said Small. “It is an honour to celebrate his life and legacy through this event.”
Alongside these new performers, the Margit Sky Project, the Kamloops Symphony, and Sage Hills Singers, Drummers, and Dancers will once again bring the voices, music, and artistry of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together for an unforgettable evening.
“We will honour Rod’s legacy with a night filled with his Indigenous songs,” Margit added. “Though it will be an emotional experience, together, we will hold each other up.”
In addition to the musical performances, the event will offer a showcase of Indigenous crafts, art, cultural presentations, and traditional foods from the K̓wséltkten Farmers’ & Artisan Market from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“Rod was the love of my life and my best friend. I am so happy that we made the decision to carry on with Music for the People 2024 to celebrate his music and his spirit,” shared Margit.
The event, which is in its third year, has been made possible due to the generous support of the many sponsors. In a heartfelt message, Margit expressed her deepest gratitude to the supporters and sponsors of this year’s event, including Kelson Group Property Management, Tourism Kamloops, RBC, the City of Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Amplify Consulting Inc., Signet Studio Design, GK Sound, the Indigenous Resurgence Project, Healing Between Worlds, Pattison Media, Mark Strate/Heather Smuin + Family, Acres Enterprises, BCLC, Kamloops Tirecraft, Dawson Construction, Perry’s Recording Studio, the Printing Place, and the K̓wséltkten Farmers’ & Artisan Market.
“The support from the community and surrounding areas has been so amazing and an integral part of my healing journey. We are eager to share this special experience with everyone,” she added.
As the Powwow Arbour is a sacred space, pets, drones, drugs, and alcohol are not permitted. Seating is covered, but attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring blankets if needed.
For additional information about the event, visit www.musicforthepeople.ca or the event’s Facebook page at: Music for the People - A Cultural Experience.
Admission to the event is free of charge, and donations to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) are gratefully accepted.
To set up an interview with Margit, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison | aleece@amplifyinc.ca | 250.574.0221
About Music For The People – A Cultural Experience
Music For the People is a unique concert event bringing the voices, music, and artistry of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous people together for an unforgettable evening. The concert brings culture, music, artists, and communities together and is suitable for all ages. www.musicforthepeople.ca
About IRSSS
To assist First Nation Peoples in British Columbia to recognize and be holistically empowered from the primary and generational effect of the Residential Schools by supporting research, education, awareness, partnerships, and advocating for justice and healing. The Society assists Survivors with counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops, and more.