Music for the People - A Cultural Experience’ Returns to Kamloops for Fifth Anniversary Celebration
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The Award-Winning Concert Experience Celebrates Five Years of Unity Through Music and Culture
Kamloops, BC - ‘Music for the People - A Cultural Experience’, the award-winning concert founded on a vision to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices together through music, culture, and connection, will return to Kamloops this fall for its fifth anniversary celebration. Hosted at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the event continues its mission of fostering cultural understanding, healing, and reconciliation through music while 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. “Although performing without Rod has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in sharing his story and continuing the vision we built together through this event.”
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 8:15 p.m., featuring individual and collaborative performances from the Kamloops Symphony and Sage Hills Singers, Drummers and Dancers, alongside musicians Margit Bandura and Henry Small. Headlining the musical acts will be the internationally acclaimed music group the Spiritual Warriors, blending Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in a celebration of music, culture, and reconciliation. Additionally, attendees will be able to purchase traditional Indigenous crafts and art from the ‘Music for the People Artisan Market’, open from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2026 Headlining group, The Spiritual Warriors. Photo Credit: The Spiritual Warriors
To continue honouring Rod and his passion for music, event organizers are bringing back the ‘Rod Littlesky Bandura Music Scholarship’. Created to uplift Indigenous Peoples with a passion for music, the scholarship includes an instrument of the winner’s choice, along with one year’s worth of music lessons at Long & McQuade. Submissions will be accepted through the Music for the People website until August 31 at 9 a.m., with the winner announced at the event.
“Last year, through the ‘Rod Littlesky Bandura Music Scholarship’, we were honoured to award a guitar to Cash Charters. It was a wonderful and priceless experience to be a part of,” Margit added. “It was a meaningful way to give back to Indigenous Peoples and support aspiring musicians in finding their voice, developing their talents, and pursuing their dreams. We are excited to bring the scholarship back for a second year and continue investing in the next generation of Indigenous artists.”
2025 Rod Littlesky Bandura Music Scholarship Winner, Cash Charters.
The event, organized by the non-profit Music for the People Society, is free to attend and welcomes people of all ages. Donations will be accepted at the entrance and will go towards supporting the Society’s work. Additionally, 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 to smudge and answer any questions.
This milestone fifth-year celebration has been made possible through the dedication of the performers and the generous support of presenting sponsor, Kelson Group. A special thank you goes out to Pattison Media, United Way BC, Acres Enterprises, Amplify Consulting Inc., the City of Kamloops, Tourism Kamloops, All Nations Trust, and Mark Strate/Heather Smuin and Family for their support.
“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 13th, 2026, and join us for this special fifth-anniversary celebration of Music for the People, where community, culture, and music unite.
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.
