Rockers For Recovery

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)