‘Music for the People —A Cultural Experience’ Returns this September

The Award-Winning Concert Experience Returns to Foster Harmony and Reconciliation

Kamloops, B.C. — ‘Music for the People—A Cultural Experience’, an award-winning event with a vision to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices in a shared celebration of music and culture, will return to Kamloops this fall. Entering its fourth year, the event will be hosted at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour on Sunday, September 7, 2025, aiming to foster cultural understanding and reconciliation through music, honouring the legacy of event co-founder Rod “Little Sky” Bandura.

“I’m deeply grateful for the incredible community support we’ve received,” said Margit Bandura, co-founder of Music for the People and singer-rhythm guitarist with the Margit Sky Project. “Winning a Communitas Award for ‘excellence in community service’ earlier this year reminded me why this event matters so much. Although performing without Rod has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, through this event I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in sharing his story and continuing the vision we built together.”

The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8:15 p.m., featuring performances by Velvet Groove with Jeremy Kneeshaw, Darrin Cherewayko, and Kris Ruston. They will be joined on stage by Henry Small, Scott Skulmoski, and Margit Bandura, along with the Kamloops Symphony and Sage Hills Singers, Drummers, and Dancers. As Indigenous and non-Indigenous musicians and performers come together as one, the event is set to celebrate the power of storytelling through music, helping people find healing and hope.

Photo: (left) Sage Hills Singers, Drummers and Dancers joined by Scott Skulmoski, Henry Small, Margit Bandura, Darrin Cherewayko, performers from the Kamloops Symphony, and Jeremy Kneeshaw; (right) Sage Hills Singers, Drummers and Dancers. Photo Credits: Mary Putnam.

Attendees can also expect to enjoy traditional Indigenous food for purchase, as well as crafts and art from the Kwséltkten Farmers’ & Artisan Market, open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As an added tribute to Rod and his passion for music, event organizers are offering an Indigenous Music Scholarship. The winner will receive an instrument of their choice, along with one year’s worth of music lessons at Long & McQuade. Submissions for the Rod Littlesky Bandura Music Scholarship will be accepted through the Music for the People website until August 25 at 9 a.m., with the winner announced at the event.

“This scholarship is a way to honour Rod and the vision he had for this event,” Margit added. “It’s about giving back to Indigenous Peoples and uplifting those with a passion for music to help find their voice and pursue their dreams.”

The event, organized by the non-profit Music for the People Society, will be free to attend and welcomes people of all ages. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society, a British Columbia-based organization that provides counselling, court support, information, referrals, and workshops, to Survivors, will be on site collecting donations for those wanting to support their work.

This year’s concert experience has been made possible thanks to not only the dedication of the artists, but also to the generous support of title sponsor Kelson Group. A special thank you to Tourism Sun Peaks, the City of Kamloops, Tourism Kamloops, All Nations Trust, Acres Enterprises, Rocky Mountaineer, Perry's Recording Studio, Long & McQuade, Pattison Media, Amplify Consulting Inc., Signet Studios, and Mark Strate/Heather Smuin + Family.

“Thank you to all our sponsors, both returning and new, for believing in the heart of this event,” said Margit. “Music for the People wouldn’t exist without the collective efforts of our sponsors, musicians, artisans, and volunteers. Together, we’re creating a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices and experiences come together to be heard and celebrated.”

Save the date for September 7, 2025, to attend Music for the People and celebrate the power of unity through music.

 For an interview with Margit Bandura, contact:

Valeria Molina, Communications Liaison | valeria@amplifyinc.ca 

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 

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