A Free-to-All Celebration of Music and Culture
Kamloops, B.C. – Building on the resounding success of the past two years, MSky Productions announces the return of "Music for the People—A Cultural Experience." This year’s event, scheduled for September 8 at the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour, will serve as a poignant tribute to Rod “Little Sky” Bandura, co-founder of the event, who passed away earlier this year.
"Music for the People" was conceived in 2022 with a vision to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices in a shared celebration of culture, music, and storytelling. The event aims to foster harmony and reconciliation within the community, a mission that was deeply important to Rod.
This year’s concert will continue to embody Rod’s vision, acting as a bridge for those seeking connection and a respite from the world’s challenges.
“Losing Rod has been a devastating loss for me, Indigenous communities, and the music community of Kamloops. I promised Rod that I would continue to honour his music. We will have some special guests performing some of Rod's songs and other songs as well,” said Margit Bandura, co-founder of Music for the People and singer-rhythm guitarist with the Margit Sky Project. “It will be a very emotional evening, but I know that we must continue this event with proceeds to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. I feel it is the only way I know how to give back to the beautiful culture that welcomed me with open arms 15 years ago.”
The evening will feature performances from the Kamloops Symphony and the Sage Hills Singers, Drummers, and Dancers, showcasing a blend of cultural expressions under the open skies of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour.
There will also be performances by Johnny Bandura, Scott Skulmoski, and Henry Small.
Small and Rod performed together for 35 years and became very close friends along the way. In the early days, Small was also part of ‘Waskesu’, Rod's first Indigenous music band. Small’s music career has spanned more than 60 years, and he has enjoyed many successes, including writing, recording and touring with John Entwistle of The Who, Burton Cummings of The Guess Who and his legendary tenure with Prism.
"I feel honoured and blessed to represent my brother and his music,” said Small.
The concert will start at 6:30 p.m. emceed by Ryan Denault of Healing Between Worlds. The event will again feature the K̓wséltkten Farmers’ & Artisan Market from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., where attendees can indulge in Indigenous crafts, art, cultural presentations, and traditional food for purchase.
Photo credits: Mary Putnam, Music for the People 2023
Admission to the event is open to all ages, and is free, with donations accepted at the gate. In keeping with the spirit of giving and Rod’s legacy, part of the proceeds will be donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
The event is made possible not only by the passionate efforts of the artists but also through the generous support of Music for the People’s title sponsor, Kelson Group, and many others whose contributions have been pivotal in bringing this vision to life.
“Thank you to our many sponsors who have made it possible to continue with this event and honour such an amazing man, his vision, and the blending of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures through music,” said Margit.
Save the date for September 8, 2024, to attend Music for the People and celebrate the power of unity through music.
To set up an interview with Margit, contact:
Priyanka Ketkar, Communications Liaison | priyanka@amplifyinc.ca | 250.692.6389
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.
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