By Will McGuirk
Amanda McCauley, co-organiser of the Canadian Mental Health Association fundraiser at the Oshawa Music Hall Saturday Feb 1, says this one is personal. Yes, the first of the second is her birthday but this event means more than just that for the self-described ‘Bored Schemer That Just Wanted to do Some Good’.
“Mental health is something that I struggle with myself, something that I’ve watched a lot of my loved ones struggle with, and it’s something that I will advocate for as much as I possibly can,” says McCauley. “I also wanted to do something within my community – I’m a proud Oshawa resident and strong believer in supporting local businesses, so getting to do something at the Music Hall, with awesome local bands, feels incredibly rewarding.”
The band line -up is a reward onto itself. Hard rock acts, Judgement (formerly Poor Judgement), Billy Ranger, Mello Honey and Weapons are performing.
“Obviously the primary reason for doing this is to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association, and help support advocacy, programs and resources for people struggling with mental health,” says McCauley but she adds, she, along with fellow organisers, Matt Bell and Jackie Pollard, wanted the evening to “be a really fun night filled with great live music, and a space for people to come together and feel supported.”
Post the live rock-out a DJ will takeover and play punk rock plus emo anthems to keep the footloose fancy free. Concert goers can also enter a raffle for prizes which include a pair of Shure Headphones, a Manantler Brewing Co. prize pack, Generals Tickets, a Leafs Jersey, spa packages and more.
Weapons drummer, Galen Crampsey, says its important to normalize conversations around mental health.
“We live in a tumultuous demanding and confusing time. A lot of personal health can get swept under the proverbial rug by demands at work or expectations of strength and resilience which are absolute nonsense. I think its fundamental we start expressing ourselves and connecting with each other in the arena of life. Weapons is band that collectively believes supporting each other whether it be band members, family , friends, or community members is fundamental to keeping our collective head as a society above the water. So for us it means the world to be part of an event that is normalizing and encouraging the idea of helping and being helped without being perceived as weak or inadequate,” he says.
Tickets are $10 and are available online here. Physical tickets can be picked up at Kops Records, 156 Simcoe St. S. in Oshawa. All proceeds for the night will be donated to CMHA plus an added $3 for every ticket sold.