The event will bring together survivors, caregivers, families, supporters, and community members for a day focused on hope, resilience, and connection. Participants will gather at Meridian Stage in downtown Barrie, where registration and check in will take place before the community walk begins. Following the walk, participants will return to Meridian Stage for a full live concert performance by Bif Naked. Register for the walk at: https://gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org/event/community-is-stronger-than-cancer-day

Unlike many concerts, there is no set ticket price. Instead, attendees are encouraged to make a donation in support of Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Whether someone contributes $10, $100, or $10,000, every donation directly supports free cancer support programs, caregiver resources, children’s services, healthy living programs, and peer support opportunities for individuals and families affected by cancer.

Bif Naked made the following statement, “When I went through breast cancer treatment, I was incredibly grateful for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams who helped me through it. But what many people don’t realize is that when you leave the hospital or treatment centre, you’re still carrying a lot with you. The emotional side of cancer, the fear, the uncertainty, and the impact it has on your family and loved ones doesn’t just disappear.”

Bif continued, “That’s why organizations like Gilda’s Club are so important. They provide support, connection, understanding, and community when people need it most. No one should ever have to face cancer alone. I am honoured to be supporting Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka and their Community Against Cancer Walk on June 28, 2026. Whether you walk, fundraise, volunteer, donate, or simply come out and join us, you’re helping ensure that people affected by cancer have somewhere to turn when they need support the most. So come out, walk, fundraise and rock with me. Together, we can make sure no one faces cancer alone.”

For Lana Hana, Executive Director of Gilda’s Club, the event is about more than fundraising. “Cancer changes lives, not just for the person diagnosed, but for entire families. At Gilda’s Club, we ensure that no one affected by cancer has to face it alone by providing free support programs, resources, and meaningful connections for anyone affected. We are honoured to have Bif Naked join us for our Community Against Cancer Walk on June 28. Every step taken, every dollar raised, and every person who participates helps ensure that this support remains available, free of charge, to those who need it most.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. No matter where you live or where you are in your experience with cancer, we are here to help and connect you with the care and community you deserve. Together, we can remind everyone impacted by cancer that they are never alone.”

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. No matter where you live, no matter where you are, we will do everything we can to help and connect you with the support you deserve.

The Community Against Cancer Walk & Concert aims not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of the free services available through Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka. Every year, thousands of individuals and families face the emotional, social, and practical impacts of cancer. Community support helps ensure these services remain accessible without financial barriers.

EVENT DETAILS

Community Is Stronger than Cancer Walk & Concert

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Registration & Check In:
Meridian Stage
Downtown Barrie

Featuring:
Bif Naked Live in Concert

Admission by Donation

Walk. Fundraise. Rock.

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Described by Roots Music Canada as “The Pink Floyd of Folk Music,” Red Dirt Skinners are known for genre-blurring songs, rich harmonies, and emotionally intelligent performances. Their concerts draw audiences into a shared listening experience that values depth, musical craft, and atmosphere over volume or spectacle.

The performance is a fully seated concert designed to be relaxed, immersive, and unhurried. The duo’s catalogue has earned honours in both Canada and the UK, with songs that unfold gradually and reward close attention.

Early booking is strongly recommended.

Event details

Date: 4 May 2026

Venue: Trinity United

Doors: 6.30pm

Tickets: https://reddirtskinners.com/tour-dates

More information about the artists can be found at https://reddirtskinners.com

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Ryder describes music as “the language of the soul,” a perfect remedy to connect, uplift, and heal one’s self during a season that can be overwhelming.

“This time of year I feel can be very complicated for a lot of people. There’s a lot of pressure for everything to be perfect and good,” Ryder says. Her way of removing these seasonal stresses is by focusing on what she loves most. “My favorite things are to sing, make music, and be in community with people. That’s what this tour is all about. Getting together, having good memories and creating happiness through relationships, singing, and being around people you love.”

Ryder hopes to make her Merry Myths Tour a special time for everyone.

“When I’m on tour in general, there’s not always a lot of time to meet people, but on my Christmas tour I make sure we have the time and space to meet the audience members,” she says. “After every show I’ll go and hang out. I sign albums, take pictures, and talk to folks. And it’s just a lovely experience for me to be able to do that.”

In a recent CTV interview, Ryder shared that ‘the holidays should be less about physical gifts and more about being present with people and sharing joyful moments.’

The Merry Myths Tour made its first stop at the Bella Concert Hall in Calgary, AB, on November 28, 2025.

Her tour includes 13 stops across Canada, 9 of them being in Ontario.

Don’t worry! You still have time!

On December 10, 2025, Serena Ryder will start the Ontario leg of her tour at Knox Hall in Greater Sudbury, ON.

Ryder jokes that she’d love to add earlier dates, but that might cause people to start shouting, “Not yet! Not Christmas yet!”

For those who might not know, Serena Ryder has toured internationally across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Jumping on the coat tails of big rockstars. Ryder has opened for major artists such as Melissa Etheridge, OneRepublic, Sara Bareilles, and Needtobreathe. 

She shares that Canada still holds a special place in her heart, both as a Canadian artist performing from coast to coast and as a born Ontarian.

“There is something about the land here that is beautiful, grounding, and pure,” she says. “I’m very proud to be from this land.”

Ryder, who grew up in the small town of Millbrook, discovered her voice early. She recorded her first tape (Yes, a tape!) at age 15 using money she earned busking outside liquor stores. By 16, she had used those earnings to produce her first CD. Then continued to release CD’s at 17, and 18.

By the age of 21, Ryder had signed a record deal with Hawksley Workman and began traveling to Huntsville, ON, “I would make trips there often to his little one-room schoolhouse to record music,” she says. “I had made albums before but this (record deal) was my first full-band record.” Her Album ‘Unlikely Emergency’ was then released in 2005 under Workman’s label, Isadora Records.

“I love it in Muskoka. I’d hang out in the woods and the theater in Huntsville is really amazing. I’ve done a few shows there,” she says. “I love it out there. There are so many wonderful places.” 

Ryder also mentions that she had performed at Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival in Gravenhurst, ON, during its debut year.

Ryder’s unmistakable soulful sound has earned her multiple awards, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Falling Apart.’

“Music has been a part of my entire life and my ancestry,” she says. “My bio mom was a go-go dancer, a back-up singer, and a tambourine player. My uncle, Bob Carpenter, was an Ojibway singer-songwriter from out west. My bio father, from Trinidad, who I’ve never met, was in a calypso band, played steel drums, and was one of the people who started Caribana in Toronto. Spike, my dad who raised me since I was three was a huge music fan and loved listening to music. My sister that I grew up with was always listened to music. She introduced me to so much beautiful music, like Prince. So, music has been a huge part of my life. My soul has always been shaped by music and by where that music comes from.”

The Merry Myths Tour features a mix of classic Christmas songs from Ryder’s holiday album ‘Christmas Kisses,’ some original seasonal tracks, and even a few fan favourites like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ and ‘Stompa’

Joining Ryder on stage is a handpicked ensemble of some of Canada’s most exceptional musicians: Brian Kobayakawa on bass (Jill Barber, Charlie Kaufman), Miles Gibbons on drums (The Strumbellas, Aysanabee), Christine Bougie on guitar (solo artist, Bahamas), and Lydia Persaud on vocals and acoustic strings (solo artist, Dwayne Gretzky).

With so much heart and soul put into her songs, Ryder shares that she absolutely loves performing them with the crowd. “I’ve heard of so many people who get sick of playing their most popular songs, but I’m so into it. I’ll play them forever, because it’s really about the interaction of community and that energy of back-and-forth between the audience that changes everything.”

The tour also carries a philanthropic purpose. Ryder has partnered with Water First Education and Training Inc. (Water First), a charity that works with Indigenous communities across Canada to address water system challenges. Currently, 15% of Indigenous communities in Canada are affected by drinking water advisories. Since its founding in 2009, Water First has collaborated with more than 90 Indigenous communities through education, training, and hands-on programs.

“This tour has given me the opportunity to partner with Water First and to give my audience the chance to donate and do something really important this time of year,” she says.

The Merry Myths Tour wraps on December 21, giving her enough time to unwind with her family and friends for the holidays. When asked about her holiday traditions, she shares that this year she and a friend will be celebrating what she likes to call, “Craftmas.”

“We will make any kind of arts and crafts. They don’t even need to be Christmas crafts,” she laughs. “We’re going to do a mass of crafts and bow down to pipe cleaners.”

Moments shared with the people we love will forever be treasured—whether you’re elbow-deep in dried macaroni or singing along to your favourite Christmas classics.

Don’t miss your chance to see one of Canada’s most beloved artists live on stage, spreading the joy of soulful music this holiday season.

Tickets at https://www.serenaryder.com/tour

Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour dates:

Nov 28, 2025 Calgary, AB — Bella Concert Hall 

Dec 1, 2025 Saskatoon, SK — TCU Place 

Dec 10, 2025 Greater Sudbury, ON — Knox Hall 

Dec 12, 2025 Guelph, ON — River Run Centre 

Dec 13, 2025 Markham, ON — Markham Theatre

Dec 14, 2025 Highgate (Ontario) — Mary Webb Centre

Dec 16, 2025 Parry Sound, ON — Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts 

Dec 17, 2025 Burlington, ON — Burlington Performing Arts Centre 

Dec 19, 2025 Brockville, ON — Brockville Arts Centre 

Dec 20, 2025 Belleville, ON — The Empire Theatre 

Dec 21 Orillia, ON  — Orillia Youth Center Fundraiser

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Presented by TD Bank, the evening promises an unforgettable fusion of music, meaning and giving back. Guests will enjoy inspiring stories, a gourmet dining experience by Feast Catering & Events, a lively silent auction and a powerful live performance — all in support of advancing critical mental health and addictions research and care.

Renowned for his emotionally powerful performances and captivating stage presence, Peter
Katz connects deeply with audiences through songs that explore vulnerability, resilience and the human spirit. He has performed across North America and brings a message of hope and connection through both music and storytelling.“

Last year alone, Waypoint supported more than 12,600 people through over 70,000 visits, both virtually and in person.

Waypoint is a vital lifeline for individuals and families navigating complex mental health and addiction challenges. From youth in crisis to older adults experiencing dementia, Waypoint offers compassionate, expert care — supported by cutting edge research that’s changing lives today and shaping a better tomorrow,” said Dr. Nadiya Sunderji, Waypoint President and CEO. “

An Evening to Shine the Light is more than a night out — it’s a chance to stand together as a community and invest in a future where mental health and addictions are treated with the care, dignity and innovation they deserve.” Proceeds from the event will directly support Waypoint and help to:
• create welcoming, therapeutic spaces that promote dignity, calm and healing for
patients on their recovery journey
• enhance access to innovative therapies, advanced technologies and evidence
based treatments that improve outcomes
• support upgrades to patient care environments, making them safer, more
comfortable and better equipped for compassionate, person-centred care
• fund essential resources that reduce isolation, support mental wellness and help
individuals rebuild their lives with confidence and hope

705-549-3181 www.waypointcentre.ca

Tickets are now available for the full dinner and show, with balcony seating also open for
guests wishing to enjoy Peter’s performance after dinner. Visit waypointcentre.ca/get
involved/donate/fundraising-events/an-evening-to-shine-the-light to reserve your spot.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for individuals and organizations wanting to make a lasting difference.

Join us for an evening that will shine a light on hope, healing and health — for everyone, at
every stage of life.

Event Details:
• Name: An Evening to Shine the Light
• Date: Nov. 21, 2025
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Venue: Midland Cultural Centre (333 King St., Midland)
• Tickets: Available at waypointcentre.ca/get-involved/donate/fundraising
events/an-evening-to-shine-the-light
• Dress code: Semi-formal

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shelly Price at
sprice@waypointcentre.ca.

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