Calgary flood relief to get boost from musicians, benefit concerts

The flood-ravaged communities of southern Alberta remain on the minds of Canadian musicians, with artists like Rush and Feist continuing to raise money for relief efforts.

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Rock and Roll Hall of FamersRush raised more than $500,000 from the trio's July 24 benefit concert in Red Deer.

The band said $125,000 is earmarked specifically for hard-hit community of High River, while $400,000 will go to the Canadian Red Cross. A remaining $50,000 will be distributed to local charities.

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This week, award-winning singer Leslie Feist announced that proceeds from her upcoming outdoor concert in Banff on Aug. 7 will go to the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre for flood relief.

"I really want to help the people of Calgary who are struggling through the flood," the Juno and Polaris Prize-winning artist, who grew up in Calgary, said in a statement.

"It hit close to home and affected my family; I can only imagine what others went through."

Meanwhile, one of several star-studded benefit concerts aimed at supporting victims of June's massive flooding takes place Sunday at the Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary.

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The Halo High Water benefit, which has sold out, will see artists like George Canyon, Jim Cuddy, Paul Brandt, Dean Brody, Susan Aglukark and Carolyn Dawn Johnson take the stage alongside guests like actor Tom Jackson to raise funds for the Calgary Foundation's Flood Rebuilding fund.

CBC-TV, CBC Radio and Aboriginal Peoples Television will broadcast the event Sunday evening, while CBCMusic.ca will offer on-demand video of the show and individual performances.

• Canadian music stars to hold concert for flood relief

Another benefit concert, which will also support the Calgary Foundation's Flood Rebuilding fund, is slated for Aug. 15 at McMahon Stadium. Hosted by comedian Brent Butt, that event will include Randy Bachman, Tom Cochrane, Colin James, Corb Lund, Matthew Good, Ian Tyson, Jann Arden, Loverboy, The Sadies and The Sheepdogs.