PERFORMERS
Marie-Lynn Hammond (www.marielynnhammond.com)
Lenore (www.lenore.com),
Silverbirch (five piece Bluegrass band)
The Dnes Sisters, from Uxbridge

MC: Jack Ballinger

TICKETS
$15.00 each
Tickets available at The Blue Heron Book Store Uxbridge,
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 170, Uxbridge.

Tickets and more information available from:
Tom McCreight, General Delivery,
Udora, ON
Email: TJMcCreight@aol.com
Phone 705-228-8426, or 416-540-9831 (cell)



BACKGROUND INFORMATION ArtsCan Circle
" Dedicated to linking creative artists with Native youth at risk in Canada."

The ArtsCan Circle was inspired by the work of Mike Stevens, a multi-talented harmonica player who has been traveling to communities in Labrador, at his own expense, to share his music. On these visits, Mike has distributed hundreds of harmonicas to help his young listeners discover music for themselves.

Since Mike's initial visit to Labrador in 2000, the 'Circle' has grown - a Board of Directors has been established. Many musicians and artists have made trips to remote communities such as Mishkeegogamang and Pikangikum in Ontario as
well as Kugluktuk in Nunavut. The hope is to encourage self-esteem amongst Native youth in these isolated communities through a cooperative exploration of the arts. Hundreds of guitars have been put in the hands of young people who otherwise are at great risk in these communities.

Recording studios are being established and all kinds of instruments are now available in these communities. ArtsCan Circle organizes on-going visits by musicians and artists who share their creative resources.

Several volunteers have had the opportunity to travel to the two Innu communities of Nataushsish and Sheshatshiu in Labrador where Mike started this whole idea. Nataushish is the re-located Davis Inlet, a community widely recognized for its problems. The children truly appreciate the chance to make music and, at least for a little while, escape the troubles of their daily lives.

Individuals and organizations have responded to the work of The ArtsCan Circle by contributing musical instruments and financial donations. At this point, the instrument collection is overwhelming and the need is definitely financial. Money is required to fund trips to the villages and the transportation costs are significant. Although the musicians and artists donate their time, ArtsCan pays for airfare and ground transportation for the teams to distribute the instruments and run workshops for the kids.

ArtsCan Circle has no financial ties to the federal or provincial governments and attempts to use music as the medium to try to make positive things happen in these remote communities.

There are severe hardships related to poverty, lack of work, family dysfunction, and solvent abuse. The suicide rate is very high among young people and their home life is often very difficult.

Please take the time to visit the ArstCan Circle website for more
information, and pictures of artists working with the youngsters.