Jim Cuddy

Hosted by CBC’s Tom Power, an impressive lineup of some of Canada’s most popular singers and songwriters is coming together to celebrate Canadian music icon Neil Young’s 80th birthday. All proceeds from the event will be donated to MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The JUNO Awards. The show will be anchored by a multi-layered house band under the direction of musician and producer Aaron Goldstein - covering material from Buffalo Springfield to the Stray Gators, to Crazy Horse and all points between. The 11-piece group will feature a selection of Toronto’s most in-demand musicians and vocalists, including Blue Rodeo’s Glenn Milchem, the Sheepdogs’ Shamus Currie, and indie guitar great Ian Blurton. Spencer Shewen, of Riverfest Elora and Mariposa Folk Festival, will produce the event. "I've wanted to stage this event for a number of years, so am excited it’s finally happening," said Dale Gago, the event’s organizer. “Neil Young is one of our greatest artists, and I’m grateful all of these amazing musicians are going to take the stage together to celebrate him on his 80th birthday. And what better setting than Massey Hall. We’re looking forward to raising money for such a great charity like MusiCounts.” Supporting partners for the event include National Music Centre, Mariposa Folk Festival, Gold Standard Recorders, The Flyer Vault, Pantages Hotel, Exclaim!, Toque, and Local Nobodies. Artist lineup (in alphabetical order): Charlotte Cornfield, Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Luke Bentham (The Dirty Nil), Kathleen Edwards, Dallas Green (City and Colour), Sarah Harmer, Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Peter and Leah (July Talk), Matt Mays, The OBGMs, Joel Plaskett, Serena Ryder, SATE, Julian Taylor, Skye Wallace, Ruby Waters, Tom and Thompson Wilson, Donovan Woods While this event celebrates the music of Neil Young, he is currently not scheduled to attend.