EOV Reporters, Joey Blacquiere and Joni Miner recently had the opportunity to have a chat with Ryan Gallant about his up and coming fundraising event "Rockers For Recovery."
Joni
- When did you come up with the idea for your fundraising event?
Ryan
- That was first discussed last summer between my sister and I. I
have Cerebral Palsy so I have always wanted to do something for it
and my sister has always wanted to do something for Mental Health.
Joni
– Okay, so it's kind of a combined thing between you and your
sister.
Joey
– The name of your concert, “Rockers for Recovery” is really
cool. How did you come up with the name for your event?
Ryan
– We thought of a couple of different names but decided on it
because it's kind of like a rock show and it's to help others.
Joni
- Are there any businesses sponsoring this event ?
Ryan
- Island ReLeaf Glass on 224 First Street said that they would
sponsor the event if needed.
Joey
- Do you have representatives/from both the CP and Mental Health that
will be
speaking
at the event.
Ryan
– Yes, Jenny Cooper, a mental health activist and Jeremy MacDonald
will be speaking on behalf of Cerebral Palsy.
Joni
- Are you hoping for this to become an annual event ?
Ryan
– Yes, I am hoping that it will go over well and we can do it again
next year.
Joey
– How would you like to see this event grow?
Ryan
-I Just hope that people will show up for it and have a great time.
Joey
- You seem very passionate about this event. Can you share with our
readers why it matters so much to you?
Ryan
– Because the causes matter to me and the fact that I love music makes it important too.
Joni
– A while back you mentioned in a Facebook post that this has been
something you've aspired to
for many years. Is it fair to say that organizing this event is the
realizing of a major personal goal for you?
Ryan
– Yes! Definitely! I always wanted to be in the events business.
I always wanted to book bands for a living so, yes, this is a big
deal for me.
Joey
- How do you see your life changing after the event ?
Ryan
- Not much. I just hope that people will see what I can do and trust
me to do something like this again.
Joni
- Who has been your major support people for the planning of this
event ?
Ryan
- My sister obviously and the DJ who is Island ReLeaf, as well, Tommy
Bigger would be big, and Random Zero the bass player and lead
vocalist.
Joey - Are you in need of volunteers?
Ryan -
I could need some help in the area of sound and photography.
Joni
– Who is playing at the event?
Ryan
- Aaron Scott Earthquake are the headliners, Random Zero is an Alt Rock power trio from Summerside, Busted Skulls is a punk influenced metal band from Charlottetown PEI and the DJ Tommy Bigger is going to be there too so it's going to be an exciting night!
Joey
-Are you having fun with this event ?
Ryan
– Yes, I am having fun with the event. Some of it is kind of
stressful - getting the people together and making sure that they are
going to do the Job, that kind of thing.
Joni
- Is there anyone besides the Silver Fox and the bands that you would
like to give a shout out to?
Ryan
– Yes. Island ReLeaf Glass. They've been very supportive people.
Joey
- What has been your biggest surprises in organizing this event?
Ryan
- Just the support from people. I really didn't expect this much
support. It means a lot.
(From lt to rt - Joey Blacquiere, Ryan Gallant, Joni Miner)
