Music heals, so it was really special to attend The Reklaws’ YEE HAW Fun-Raiser and support Kids Help Phone. Mental health is the most important cause to me and I admire how The Reklaws are raising awareness with new songs.
I’ve been following The Reklaws since I discovered them when I attended the 2019 JUNO Awards live in London, Ontario. I was thrilled to watch their private concert at a Nobis clothing store in February. Then I watched them up close on Friday night at Toronto’s iconic outdoor patio RendezViews, which generously donated their venue. That’s quite a range! RendezViews is a great place to watch a show if you have seasonal allergies – no grass!
I was so excited to receive the invitation on my birthday and learn about how they planned a concert to honour their late mom on what would’ve been her 60th birthday. She would’ve loved how they performed her favourite song Love Shack by The B-52s.
In the pre-show Q&A, I liked how they mentioned Serena Ryder’s collaboration with Kids Help Phone. Her video unlocked a lot of positive feedback about how much the organization can help Canadian youth.
“Call about anything, it’s not a big deal,” said Jenna Walker.
The Reklaws are my favourite Canadian country band and they have a few catchy hit songs about beer. However, watching them perform at a mental health fundraiser got me thinking. As we embrace mocktails and a sober curious movement, I wonder if country music will evolve too. Music builds a vibe and hypes you up on its own. Concerts can give you a natural high. I’m curious what we’ll be singing about and what the crowd will be holding as time goes on.
When I caught up with Stuart Walker’s wife Lindsay, we talked about how it was exciting to see their wedding in HELLO! Canada magazine because it’s rare to get featured in print these days. Maclean’s magazine recently mentioned me in their cover story called Sober Nation. I’ve decided to embrace my nickname as the stranger from LinkedIn because the article has interesting commentary on how consumer behaviour is changing.
At the end of the show, The Reklaws mentioned there was no backup plan for inclement weather. I think that reaffirmed there was a spiritual presence that made it a uniquely successful night. The Reklaws raised $350,000 for Kids Help Phone. Congratulations to the team and thanks for hosting me!