East Coast music stars to play Smith memorial benefit

Friends, family and the East Coast music community are rallying together, organizing a benefit concert and silent auction for the family of Jay Smith, a Cape Breton musician who died suddenly last week.

The all-day event is planned for April 7 at Casino Nova Scotia, and willfeature several notable East Coast musicians including Carmen Townsend, Matt Minglewood, Matt Anderson, Joel Plaskett Emergency and Matt Mays.

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to the Smith Family Trust.

"Since Jays passing, his friends in the East Coast music community and beyond have been working non-stop to organize this event to raise money for a trust to benefit Jays two small children, Noah and Amy," said event spokesperson, Mike Campbell.

"Ive never seen anything in all my years in the business to compare to the outpouring of support for this effort, which speaks volumes to just how much Jay was loved by his peers and everyone whose lives were touched by him. We all miss Jay desperately and we look forward to a fantastic day and night of music in celebration of his memory."

Smithwas found dead in an Edmonton hotel room while the band was on tour. Foul play is not suspected.

He was best known for playing guitar for Matt Mays backup band and performing in his own band, Rock Ranger.