Skate, hip-hop and punk culture already go hand-in-fist, but thanks to two Vernon businesses, they are about to come together for a good cause.
Okanagan Skate Co. and Record City are co-hosting a T-shirt release party and a music night Saturday, March 11 at Record City to highlight the work of local youth artist Noah MacLeod and to raise funds and awareness for both mental health and special needs in the community.
“Earlier this year, Noah’s art was featured on a limited run of tees through OkSkateCo and a slew of local musical acts have come together to celebrate these homegrown pursuits,” said Sian Macleod (no relation to Noah), with Record City. “Not only will the musicians be celebrating Noah’s art, but they are raising some awareness about local outreach services for disabilities and mental health - the topic being one particularly close to home to a lot of the musicians playing.”
The crew behind the event have decided to use door profits to raise funds and awareness to support specific charitable organizations in Vernon and surrounding area.
“The chosen charity this time is Venture Training, who have been helping find job placement for differently-abled locals as well as providing many necessary services for those in need for our area since 1955,” said Sian.
Along with the music and T-shirt sale, a silent auction of multiple items donated by downtown and surrounding businesses will be held.
“Proceeds from the silent auction go directly to helping a local male and close friend of many of the bands playing, who has recently been forced out of work due to mental illness and is currently trying to pursue his own personal goals for stability,” said Sian. “He will be in attendance to share his story and talk with visiting guests.”
Information and material about local mental health services will also be provided by Noah’s mom, Kerry MacLeod, who is on the board with the Mental Illness Family Support Centre.
“Together they have designed stickers they’ll be handing out at the show,” said Sian.
Musicians lined up to perform include punk bands Gardener, Incognition, and Free Health, alongside hip hop duo Memo and Zero. In addition, there will be a four-player console gaming lounge with couches, a ping pong table, door prizes, special sales and, of course, T-shirts, for sale.
Advance tickets to Saturday’s event are $10, available at Record City, 3127 30th Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is open to all ages.