Homeless youth will get support from a group of musicians who want to use their talents to benefit others.
The Good Friday Blues Band will hold two worship services at the House of James in Abbotsford on April 17 and 18.
“We are so pleased to be back in rehearsals and to know that we’re supporting such a great ministry,” says band member and organizer Angelika Dawson. Ticket sales from each service will benefit Cyrus Centre, an Abbotsford ministry that works with street-entrenched youth. “So many people turned up for the services last year that we raised over $1,000 for Cyrus Centre. That felt pretty good.”
The centre provides 24/7 care, 365 days a year, to at-risk youth aged 12-18, ensuring that they have a safe place to go where they will be met with care and compassion.
“We exist to ensure that all youth, regardless of gender, race or culture, have a safe place to turn to,” says executive director Les Talvio. “We do not receive any government funding for this work. We are entirely supported by donations, so we are grateful for events like the Good Friday Blues services that support youth at risk.”
Now in its third year, the Good Friday Blues services are designed around blues songs and focus on the events of Good Friday. The services include prayers, readings and a “sermon” delivered by actor John Dawson. New this year will be the addition of artwork and an original poem presented by Adam Roper.
The Good Friday Blues band is made up of drummer Steve Dahl of Oh Village; lead vocalist/guitarist Aaron Dawson and vocalist/guitarist Daniel Wagner, both of Minnesota Nice; and bassist Chris Teichroeb, vocalist Benita Warkentin, Byron Wiebe on harmonica, and vocalist Angelika Dawson, all with White Moses and the Fury.
The services start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available from the House of James, located at 2743 Emerson St. For more information, visit goodfridayblues.wordpress.com or houseofjames.com. For information about Cyrus Centre, visit cyruscentre.com.