Jim Cuddy headlines benefit show for people affected by Fort McMurray wildfire

TORONTO – Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy will headline a benefit concert in Toronto in support of Fort McMurray residents affected by the devastating wildfire that destroyed thousands of homes.

The #BackFortMac show will be staged at Roy Thomson Hall on June 27.

Organizers say 90 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal, supporting families and individuals impacted by the wildfires.

The remaining funds raised will be donated to the Red Cross disaster readiness program.

Cuddy will perform with an orchestra and his longtime band member and violinist Anne Lindsay. The singer-songwriter’s son, Devin, will also perform with his own band.

Comedic couple Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath, opera star Measha Brueggergosman, country duo Lovelocks, stage and screen star Jackie Richardson, and jazz singer Matt Dusk are also confirmed to perform.

Tickets go on sale on Friday.

Cuddy and his band Blue Rodeo will also perform at the June 29 Fire Aid benefit concert in Edmonton, along with Nickelback, Corb Lund and Ian Tyson.

Organizers say all proceeds raised from the event at Commonwealth Stadium will benefit the Fort McMurray United Way to support the city’s efforts to rebuild. Tickets were to go on sale Monday.

More than 80,000 people were forced from their homes on May 3 by the wildfire that ripped through the oilsands city.

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