Benefit concert being held for M.L. country singer Lorrie Church

From Meadow Lake, Lorrie Church spent a lot of her life giving back to communities and using her talents as a musician to be an advocate.

Recently diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer, friends of Church are planning a benefit concert for the artist to help support the costs incurred in her battle.

The concert, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Meadow Lake and District Arena, is being planned by long-time friends Lance Whitecalf and Danny Merasty. Whitecalf said more than 15 artists committed to donating their talents and time to put on a show in support of Church.

“All the musicians have agreed to play for free, (minus gas money),” Whitecalf said. “They all know what the cause is for and they didn’t hesitate at all about the idea of doing this for her… Lending their talents and skills.”

Artists attending include Whitecalf and his band Midnight Love, Ray Villebrun and his band Red Blaze, as well as the band Sea Weed.

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Whitecalf added pledge sheets will be shared throughout the evening. Those attending can pledge money to hear a certain band play a song.

Born to a family of 16 children, Church began singing at the age of five and picked up her first guitar when she was 12. She won multiple awards from the Saskatchewan Country Music Association, including Most Promising Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Among her many nominations, Church was a runner up for the Wrangler Rising Star Award in 1999.

Throughout her career, Church was an advocate for drug and alcohol abuse. Through her advocating, she performed 60 free shows in schools, correctional centres and other locations.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with acoustic acts playing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to start the evening on a quiet note for families. Then after 8 p.m., the music gets louder and minors will be asked to leave.

Advanced tickets aren’t available and admission is at the arena door which costs $20 per person. Door prizes will also be available.

Church plans to attend.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.