Local recording artist Dani-Lynn Trentham and composer Phil Richard are putting their heads and talent together to bring relief to the evacuees of the Slave Lake fires through a benefit concert this evening.
The forest fires that claimed businesses, homes and possessions of dozens of families have left the people of Slave Lake and area in dire need of financial relief.
The fact that her relatives were victimized by the tragedy pushed 16-year-old Dani-Lynn Trentham to act.
“Two of my cousins and their families live there,” said Trentham.
Although her relatives' homes did not burn down, the Jacobsens and the Whitneys have had to uproot their lives until the evacuation order has been lifted, explained Trentham's mother Shannon.
Shannon is helping organize and facilitate the concert, which will be held May 31st at 7 p.m.
“They haven't been able to move back in yet, and they won't allow them until everything's safe again. There's all sorts of smoke damage in the one for sure,” said Shannon.
Both families are living with their parents in Airdrie.
“They've got three families under one roof.”
Although Richard says he doesn't have family or friends in Slave Lake, he is more than glad to help the cause by being part of the concert.
Trentham and Richard recently worked together at Richard's concert, and thought it only made sense to collaborate again in the name of charity.
In addition to Richard's and Trentham's performances, there is quite a lineup of local and national acts lending a helping hand to charity.
The lineup includes the Olds High School Choir, pop singer/songwriter Jenn Beaupre (a Canadian Idol finalist), Greg Godovitz (of Canadian rock band GODDO), blues singer/songwriter Scotty Hills of Calgary, and singer/songwriter Tiffany Leigh Griffin of Calgary.
The Jacobsen and Whitney families will also be present to share their stories with the audience.
“There's nothing better than to use your art for than helping others,” said Richard.
“These two have both had phenomenal support from this community in their music careers, and they would like to pay it forward,” said Shannon.
The concert will be held at the TransCanada Theatre on May 31st at 7 p.m.
The price of admission is a free-will cash donation, with all proceeds being donated to the Samaritan's Purse and Red Cross for the immediate needs of Slave Lake's residents.
