Concert at Maxwell’s supports Canada’s new mental health emergency line

A local musician is hosting a fundraiser at Maxwell’s on Thursday called Rock the Halls for Mental Health, which started online during the pandemic but is going in person for the first time.

The concert raises funds for 988, Canada’s new three-digit line for mental health calls that is operated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto.

The event was created by Music for Mental Health Canada, which was started by Avalon Stone.

“Starting it during COVID, it was a time where people really needed live music. For myself it made me realize how important live music was for my mental health so I decided to start this up so I could give back,” she told 570 NewsRadio.

Stone has been performing live in the region since she was a kid. During the pandemic she started playing shows behind her house in a park to offer free music, which spawned Music for Mental Health Canada’s first online concert.

They hosted an online concert version of Rock the Halls with eight local bands which was able to raise over $5,000 in donations for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Thursday night will be the first time they take it live on stage and in-person.

“The suicide hotline, the 988, which is what we’re fundraising for is very overwhelmed during the Christmas season so we want to make sure that as many people can be helped as possible,” said Stone.

“It’s important because a lot of people struggle during the holidays.”

Stone mentioned she’s excited to hit the stage with her band and even has a Christmas song lined up for the event.

“Everyone that is doing it is doing it out of the kindness of their own hearts and because they believe in the cause. We’d love for people to come and have a good time and help.”

The bands playing include Skye Wallace, Feral Minks, A Short Walk To Pluto, Vilivant, Avalon Stone, Dammit Goldie, The Animal Warfare Act and others.

People attending are invited to dress in an ugly Christmas sweater, Rudolph Onesie or other festive gear to help amp up the holiday cheer.

More information about tickets can be found online here.