Tragically Hip cover band singer with terminal cancer hosts fundraising concert

Darren Sawchuksang Tragically Hip songs that have provided thesoundtrack forhis life at a fundraiser on Thursdayfor treatment for the cancer that will likely cause his death.

It was only on Monday that the Winnipeg lawyer and musician felthe would be well enough tohostthe cancer treatment and research fundraiser with his Tragically Hip cover band, 59 Divide,at Jekyll and Hyde'sin OsborneVillage.

"I think it was a bucket list thing, honestly,"said 59 Divide drummerKristjan Kristjansson,who is Sawchuk's close friend.

Sawchuk learned he has untreatable cancer in March.

• Winnipeg Tragically Hip cover band singer battles terminal cancer

The devastating diagnosis is the catalyst for moving through the rest ofthat bucket list:In April, Sawchukdrove to Saskatoon,bought 25,000 vinyl albums and opened a record store in Winnipeg.

• Winnipeg lawyer's new vinyl record store his ultimate 'man cave'

More than three months later, hemaintains his hopeful lease on life.

"We were out very early this morning and he said to me, 'This is an amazing week. I'm loving this week.' I think that kind of love and energy is making a difference for him and I love that," Kristjansson said.

Around 100 people had gathered to support the band and the cause before the show even started.

And as he stood before a red screen, Sawchuk played guitar and sanglyrics to songs that have permeatedhis life.

That connection only intensified whenSawchuk learned what is to come for him.

"When you hear lyrics toAhead by a Century really, those that are given a warning signal that you only have a certain amount of time left, you do what you can during that time to make the most of every day," Sawchuk said.

'Amazing mixed feelings'

Thursday's show brought"amazing mixed feelings" for Sawchuk, who did not want it to be about him, according to Kristjansson.

"Darren's not that guy," he said.

"But he realizes that we, three years ago, did an event here for someone else who had cancer, who fought it very hard for years and didn't make it."

Still, the fundraiser had meaning for everyone who was there, and, Kristjansson said, particularly peoplewho are close to those fighting cancer.

"It was interesting. I had an emotional moment a while ago," he said.

"It reminded me I am here to support [Darren]. He supported me for that moment, and I think it's give and take."

Sawchuk has another important showahead of him:On Friday, he will see the Tragically Hip play at Winnipeg's MTS Centre from the front row.

There, he hopes to cross one more aspiration off hislist:Sawchuk said his dream is to sing harmony when the Hip launch intoWheat Kingsat the concert.