2013 Music Therapy Ride Announced

The 12th Annual Music Therapy Ride is set to hit the highway on Saturday, September 14th, 2013. After changing the destination to Harrison Hot Springs in 2012, this year the ride will once again be rolling down the Sea-To-Sky from Vancouver to Whistler!

Established by members of the Vancouver music industry in 2002 with representatives from booking agencies, radio stations, record labels, talent managers, concert promoters and recording artists, the Music Therapy Ride is a charity ride designed to raise funds for the community-based music therapy services in British Columbia.

As a result of eleven years of dedication, support and generosity, the Music Therapy Ride has raised over $550,000 for the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund. Recipients of funds raised from the Music Therapy Ride have included: Canuck Place, BC Cancer Agency,Vancouver Oral Centre for Deaf Children, Camp Moomba, Brookhaven Extended Care Facility, George Pearson Centre, BC Women’s Hospital, the Society for Disability Arts and Culture and many more.

The proceeds from this year’s ride will support the maintenance and continued use of the mobile recording studios designed specifically for music therapists called Bandwagons. These mobile studios contain recording software, sound processing equipment and a variety of musical instruments. The Music Therapy Ride has funded the creation of 2 Bandwagons thus far. Bandwagon 1 arrived at its permanent residence, the BC Children’s Hospital, in July 2011. Created in 2012, Bandwagon 2 provides music therapy programs in the lower mainland of British Columbia, traveling to various institutions for six-week residencies.

Thanks to the generosity of Music Therapy Ride supporters, children and families at BC Children’s Hospital are benefiting from the positive impact of music therapy on their emotional and mental well-being through Bandwagon 1. Carol Weidemann, Music Therapist at BC Children’s Hospital explains:

“When children and adolescents are hospitalized they often crave up-to-date and age appropriate resources. With the help of the portable Bandwagon 1 recording equipment, a music therapist can now offer patients a tailored therapeutic experience, right at the bedside.”

Joining the ride this year as a celebrity guest is Vancouver musician Dan Mangan. Dan, as well as dozens of celebrity musicians are big supporters of the Music Therapy Ride and it’s initiatives over the years.

“Language and social context often fall short in the complicated nature of existing,” explains Dan. “Thankfully, the wonderful gift of music helps us not only make peace with the chaos, but to explore our emotional frameworks and facilitate healthy discovery. I’m proud to support this year’s Music Therapy Ride and Bandwagon program.”

Supporters of The 2013 Music Therapy Ride include: The Vancouver Police Department’s Motorcycle Drill Team, (who have escorted the ride to Whistler for 12 years), the Great Canadian Casino/River Rock Casino (who will provide a departure point and breakfast for all riders), Garibaldi Lift Company, Canada Metal Pacific Limited, and a host of other generous community sponsors. Past celebrity guests of the Music Therapy Ride have included: Sophie, Nick and Shannon Tweed-Simmons, George Stroumboulopoulos, Colin James, Chantal Kreviazuk, Raine Maida, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, Jann Arden, Brent Butt and many more.

Last year’s Music Therapy Ride sold out quickly, so make sure you register soon! Early Bird registration is $99 & runs until August 22nd.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jen Fritz | Fritz Media
Phone: 604-626-7045
Email: jen@fritzmedia.ca