_{Photo - Donna Kroeger}

Bridge Brass was very excited to participate in a very special concert presented April 13, 2019.  A newly formed Society, the Songs  For Hope Society  was founded for the purpose of, among other things, using the medium of music to  inspire  philanthropy  in support of local research dedicated to treatments for cancer . Proceeds were raised were for the research work on cancer currently being pursued at the University of Lethbridge. The event was successful in raising $50,000.00.

The format of this unique event was to present a wide range of brass musicians  and offer a different kind of  opportunity for everyone to donate or support the performance event with all proceeds going to the University research department working on cancer cures. Musicians included University faculty, Conservatory, L.S.O. brass players  and many other brass talents.

Bridge Brass and a larger brass ensemble shared the stage  with vocalist Anna McBryan and our special guest , Canadian Brass, alum, and  trumpet virtuoso,  Jens Lindemann. 

This event was modeled after the highly successful U.S.  fundraising event CancerBlows , under the leadership of cancer fighter, Ryan Anthony. Ryan was also a former Canadian Brass member, where he and Jens Lindemann spent many years together . They continued to collaborate musically and since 2014,  they have jointly performed and worked  in support of this type of initiative.  In 2018 Ken and Don met in San Antonio with Jens and Ryan.  With Jens on board to perform and with Ryan's blessing we were permitted to model our local fundraising event after CancerBlows  .    The newly formed non-profit organization Songs For Hope Society has named it CancerBlast 2019. 

Both CancerBlast and CancerBlows are musical performance events dedicated to brass players 'blasting' cancer off the map. 

We are grateful to the many brass musicians  donors and others performers  getting on board with this concert event. 

 A short energy packed audio of Jens with the Bridge Brass that everyone will recognize.  Take a listen - CLICK. 

Sadly in 2020, Ryan Anthony passed away.  But his battle with cancer and his substantial efforts to raise funds for cancer research have touched many, including the Bridge Brass.