Toasts will be made and exuberant fans will dance and cheer on Saturday, Aug. 28 when Friends For Life throw their fifth anniversary concert at Arthur Community Centre.
John and Cindy Redburn produced the first Friends for Life party in 2005 to raise funds for Canadian Childhood Cancer Foundation, a tribute of their late son Tanner.
A talented athlete, Tanner was diagnosed with childhood leukemia and treated at McMaster Children’s Hospital but on Aug. 6, 2003 he passed away.
Tanner is remembered for his spirit and the joy he took in spending time with his family and friends. ?“Each concert seems to bring a special memory but I think seeing the response to the first concert is the one that sticks in our minds,” Cindy said.  “As we did not know how it would turn out, we were overwhelmed as we watched the crowds gather and saw all the support and friendship together in one place. We truly are fortunate to be surrounded by so many caring people in a community that gives from their hearts.”?Friends For Life is known for celebrating community by providing an evening of guitar driven mainstream blues-rock. Local bands fill the roster.
With John tuning up his vocals, Cindy organizing the event and their son Nathan designing the special logo for the posters, tickets and T-shirts to be sold the night of the concert, getting ready for the show is a family effort.
All proceeds from the evening go to the Canadian Childhood Cancer Foundation to help fund research and toward improving the quality of life for children with cancer and their families. ?“Cancer is the number one disease killer of Canadian children and with the support of events such as Friends For Life, we are working towards eliminating this statistic,” Cindy said. “We feel so proud to say that we have been privileged to have sent over $100,000 to the Canadian Childhood Cancer Foundation over the past four concerts.” ?Everyone is invited to this year’s Friends for Life event on Aug. 28. Loose Change will open the show at 9 p.m., followed by The Merlin Rich Band and then Sapphire City. With John Redburn at the helm, headlining powerhouse Johnny Panic and the Pushbuttons will celebrate 25 years of delivering passionate renditions of popular songs. A former band-mate is travelling from the Canary Islands to catch the show and all involved all looking forward to the reunion.?Doors open at 8, music will start at 9 and a buffet lunch with be served at 11:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 (age of majority required) and are available at the Meroon Market, Walsh's IDA, Village Variety and Gord Davenport Auto in Arthur and at V-S Solutions, Mount Forest.?