On Friday January 24th, This Ain’t Hollywood started their day a little earlier than usual (okay, a LOT earlier than usual!) Waking up at the crack of dawn, Lou Molinaro opened the doors to the popular Hamilton bar, not for business, but for charity. As the sun rose, so did the musicians, and with some coffee, good music, and a delicious breakfast, the 2nd annual Strumming for Hope campaign took off.
Strumming for Hope is a charity event in support of Interval House Hamilton. Interval House Hamilton directs all its work towards the elimination of violence against women, equity, and creating a violence-free community. They offer community programs at Jared’s Place and the Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre, as well as a 22-bed shelter to help abused women and their children.
The charity show ran from 7 am until noon, and hosted plenty of local Hamilton musicians. Some of the acts included Max Kerman of the Arkells, Lori Luke Bentham from The Dirty Nil, Harrison Kennedy, Weekend Riot Club, and McMaster’s current student trio The Zilis. The artists played a short acoustic set in support of the cause; which is where the campaign gets its name, “Strumming for Hope”.
Just 15 dollars allowed you admission to the show and access to a buffet breakfast. Delicious breakfast foods and hot beverages came from local favorites Jack N Lois, Mulberry Cafe, and Bonanza Bakery. Prizes were also given out, such as an acoustic guitar signed by all the musicians themselves!
Overall, Strumming for Hope was a huge success through raising money for Interval House Hamilton and in creating a greater sense of support within the city. With involvement from some of the most active Hamilton musicians, one cannot help but feel inspired to create equity and unity within our communities.
A huge kudos to This Ain’t Hollywood and Interval House Hamilton for organizing such a fantastic event, and to all the musicians that performed, and everyone who donated for helping make it such a success. Hopefully next year will be bigger and better, and Strumming for Hope will continue to gain momentum within the Hamilton community!
Written by: Julia Busatto, CFMU Volunteer
CFMU 