It’s arguably the biggest concert of the summer - perhaps the year - and The Tragically Hip fans in the Comox Valley will have lots of opportunities to see what is most likely the final concert by the iconic Canadian band.
In May, it was announced the band’s lead singer - Gord Downie - was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in December. The band began its tour across Canada to support their latest album, Man Machine Poem, in Victoria July 22.
“It came to our attention that fans of one of Canada’s most beloved bands were looking for a place to happen on Aug. 20 to celebrate this tremendous group’s legacy with other fans in a public forum – and we decided to step up to host an event,” said Dave Sabanis, manager of Mad Man McKay in Courtenay, in a release.
“It didn’t take much to ‘twist my arm’ once I realized we could turn this into a fundraiser for YANA, our favourite local charity.”
Starting at 5 p.m. Aug. 20, Mad Man McKay, located at 2885 Cliffe Ave., will host an all-ages viewing party both inside and outside the store to celebrate The Tragically Hip’s televised concert on CBC TV.
Sabanis is asking that anyone interested in attending the event come by the store and pick up tickets ASAP, well in advance of the event, as they need to know how big to plan the event – indoor only or indoor and outdoor.
Tickets are available by donation to YANA. Additionally, they will be holding a barbecue where all proceeds will also go to YANA. Note that alcohol will not be allowed on-site.
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For drinks and snacks during the concert, the Comox Valley Hospice Society is hosting their viewing party - Hip for Hospice - at The Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar and the Flying Canoe.
Entry will be $20 and will include your first drink and nibblies on the house, and one ticket for the annual Comox Valley Hospice Society’s Ultimate Fifty/50 draw with a cash prize of up to $25,000.
“The Hip are such loved Canadian artists, we thought this would be an excellent opportunity to have the community come together and enjoy their last concert while helping support hospice care for people at home, in Hospice at The Views and in hospital,” said president Lynn Brandon.
“We get great feedback on the annual ultimate 50/50 draw and are looking forward to awarding the prize to this year’s winner. Last year’s winner took home $17,480 cash.”
Advance tickets for both the Flying Canoe and Prime Chophouse venues are at Blind Bubbles Boutique at 221 Church St, Comox, at the Comox Valley Hospice Society office or at the door on the evening of the event. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with the concert commencing at 5:30 p.m.
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Set with their new projector, large screen and sound system, The Waverley Hotel is hosting a viewing party beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Cumberland. There is no cover charge.
For more information, visit their Facebook event page.