FamilyBand goes big for its second show: Kee to Bala

Just two months after their wildly successful debut at the Horseshoe Tavern, Rob Ferreira, Jeremy Hoyle and Buffalo’s Strictly Hip will be putting on their second fundraiser to benefit the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

And this time, it’s at one of Canada’s best outdoor venues: Kee to Bala on Friday, August 17.

“We’ve always wanted to do a fundraiser and show at the Kee. It’s legendary, full of character and it sits in the heart of Muskoka overlooking Bala Bay,” Ferreira says. “I grew up in cottage country and have seen so many shows there, including the Hip. It just felt right to host our next event at the Kee.”

This will be the second in what the group, which calls these concerts the FamilyBand Benefit Concerts. The first raised about $10,000 from ticket sales, merch and raffles, in addition to donations. In addition to their previous stated goal of bringing together families and cultures out for a great night of music to benefit something near and dear to their hearts. This time, they also want to raise about $15,000 toward reconciliation efforts and education about residential schools.

“Gord asked all Canadians to look at the state of Indigenous-settler relations in this country and to ‘Do Something’ to change them for the better,” Ferreira says. “Gord has dedicated his legacy to creating a lasting, positive change in Canada and we’re committed to making Gord proud as he begins his new journey.”

Much like the show at the ‘Shoe, Strictly Hip won’t be the only musical performers.

Muskoka is the territory of the Anishinabek, Huron-Wendat and Mississauga/Eastern Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) people. It is also near the Wahta Mohawks First Nation lands.

This time, they’ll be joined by an Indigenous hand drum and Round Dance by Jordan Mowat and a really exciting combination of hip-hop and powwow from Juno-nominated DJ Shub, previously with A Tribe Called Red.

“Strictly Hip, Ojibwe, Mohawk and non-Indigenous people coming together, sharing a passion for music and community. It doesn’t get much better than that,” Ferreira says.

Even the location itself has a role to play in this festival of music and unity.

“The region is home to many Indigenous People, so we are grateful to have the opportunity to gather in the community, on this territory,” he adds, plus it’s iconic and home to so many legendary shows throughout its history, including, of course, the Hip.

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