CLOVERDALE — Some local country musicians and others are staging a benefit concert to help a man they’ve never met.
The “Never Give Up” fundraiser at Shannon Hall on Saturday night (April 2) will feature performances by Rod Black, Jese Allen, FM and Trevor Dennis.
The Southern Row Records-backed concert will raise money for Surrey resident Brandon Durieux, 24, who is receiving treatment for cancer at a hospital in Houston, Texas.
Durieux was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia last summer, and his medical bills are mounting.
Black and his friend Lori Watson, a local mortgage broker, heard about Durieux’s health issues and began planning the concert.
“We don’t know him, but we heard about his story and wanted to help, that’s it,” Watson told the Now.
Saturday’s event is presented by From the Heart of Country, a new charitable organization launched by Black and Watson.
(Pictured: Brandon and his wife Michelle)
“It all came together just three and a half weeks ago, so we’re flying by the seat of our pants,” Watson said, “but we have some incredible donation items and lots of help with it. People have really stepped up.… The musicians are putting their heart and soul into it and are jumping at a chance to help someone they don’t even know.”
Tickets for the concert are $25 via the website Fromtheheartofcountry.ca, which includes a detailed account of Durieux and his fight with cancer.
“We need ticket sales,” Watson said Monday. “Lots of people say they’re coming but we need the tickets sold. (Shannon Hall) holds 500 people and we’re just over 200 in sales. It’s going to be a fun night, we just need to fill that place.”
Click here to purchase tickets to the benefit concert.
Click here for details about a "Send Brandon to MD Anderson" campaign launched on the Gofundme.com website.
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com