The SHINE Concert raises funds for the SHINE Youth Music Bursaries in memory of Jim Fay, James Gray and Doug Queen Toronto musicians who inspired others to music and who died too young. Bursaries are awarded to young people (16-25) who want to pursue their practice or study of traditional (folk/Celtic/blues/R&B/soul) music and who face financial barriers. Awards are presented at the SHINE Concert.

WHY IT'S SPECIAL: Once a year we give out the money we raised at last year’s concert. We award the money to young people who face barriers to their study and practice of music. To date we've awarded 21 bursaries to young people all of whom face significant financial barriers to pursuing music.

HOW IT STARTED: When Jim Fay died in 2008 his family and friends chose to celebrate his life and music, not with a plaque or a tree but with an annual concert. The concert raised a bit of money that was then handed over to a young person who wanted to pursue music but couldn’t afford lessons, instruments, tuition, books…. A few years later James Gray (formerly of Blue Rodeo) died and his family and friends did the same thing. Most recently teacher/musician Doug Queen, formerly of the band Jug Head died. So this year we will give out 8 awards and honour 3 great musicians gone too soon but remembered and celebrated at SHINE. The loss of a husband, brother, friend, son, is no less painful and meaningless but because of SHINE we come together and remember. And in remembering we keep alive their gifts and the power of music to heal and inspire.

WHAT IT'S ACHIEVED: 26 bursaries awarded, 8 more on March 6th. We’ve awarded $23,5000 and this year's batch will bring us to $32,000.

OUR AWESOME LINE UP INCLUDES....

Julian Taylor: www.juliantaylorband.com

Simone Denny: http://stereodynamite.com/SDRwordpress/?page_id=150

Grier Coppins: http://www.coppins.ca/

Chris Staig: http://www.chrisstaig.com/

Michelle Rumball: http://www.michellerumball.com/

Derek Downham http://www.derekdownham.com/

and the 2015 Bursary Winners.

Tickets are just $25.00 and can be purchased on our website @ http://shineconcert.ca/