Last week, the East Coast music scene suffered a tragic loss with the passing of Matt Mays guitarist Jay Smith.
Since 2007, Smith was a member of the Matt Mays band and recorded the Juno-nominated record, Terminal Romance and the highly acclaimed CD, Coyote. He is also known for his work as front man and singer-songwriter of trio Rock Ranger and won a 2009 East Coast Music Award for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year for the song “We Are Young And So Is The Night” which he co-wrote with Gordie Sampson. He released a self-titled solo CD in 2011.
This Sunday (April 7) at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax, the Jay Smith Benefit Concert & Silent Auction is being held with 100% of the proceeds going to the Smith Family Trust. A stellar line-up of talent is taking part in the show including Matt Andersen, Thom Swift, Joel Plaskett and Matt Mays among many others.
Tickets to the show go on sale today at Noon AST at a cost of $46.00 per ticket per concert. Tickets will be available at the Ticket Atlantic box office, at participating Atlantic Superstore locations, by phone at (902) 451-1221 (toll free at 1-877-451-1221) and online at Ticket Atlantic.
Due to the anticipated high demand for tickets, there is a purchase limit of 4 tickets per person. The event is licensed and restricted to ages 19 and over.
The daylong event will present three concerts, including two Songwriters’ Circles and a Rock Room along with a Silent Auction.
The first Songwriters’ Circle, being held in the Compass Room from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., will be hosted by Bruce Guthro and feature Lennie Gallant, Steve MacDougall, Carmen Townsend and Matt Minglewood. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
The second Songwriters’ Circle, will take place in the Compass Room from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by Gordie Sampson, it will feature performances by Matt Andersen, Thom Swift, Dustin Bentall and Carleton Stone. Doors open at 3 p.m.
The Rock Room, happening in the Schooner Room, will go from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The show will be general admission, standing room only. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The schedule of performing artists includes:
6 pm – The Meds
6:30 pm – In Flight Safety
7 pm – Young River & guests
7:40 pm – The Stanfields
8:20 pm – Joel Plaskett Emergency
9:20 pm – Matt Mays
If you are unable to make the show but would like to contribute to the Smith Family Trust, donations are currently being accepted via the Matt Mays website.
Receive the most up-to-date information on the Jay Smith Memorial Benefit Concert & Silent Auction, by joining the Facebook event.
Another benefit will also take place on Monday, April 8 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre in Sydney, NS. Details on that show were confirmed today with performances by many of the same folks playing in Halifax on Sunday night. For complete details, visit the venue’s website for more information.
Let’s show Jay’s kids how his Dad was loved by so many people. Rest In Peace, Jay.