The 4th Annual Music for the People—A Cultural Experience took place at the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour on Sunday September 6. This concept was brought together by the late Rod Bandura and his wife Margit Gossage Bandura. The original result of this idea was the album by Margit Little Sky Project “For the People.” The concept is to foster reconciliation and harmony through music. This unique program brings together the Sage Hills drummers, singers and dancers, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and local rock and other musicians along with the Raiden Taiko Drummers Ensemble performing in the sacred arbour before an audience.
The opening act was the Raiden Taiko Drummers. Their performances were accompanied by explanations.

Then, members of the local First Nations community welcomed everyone and sang a prayer. After this the Sage Hills drummers, singers and the dancers opened their part of the show.

Later members of many local bands and the KSO joined and provided the musical entertainment for the rest of the evening. Local musicians included Margit Gossage Bandura, Jeremy Kneeshaw and Velvet Groove.

Also appearing were Henry Small, Scott Skulmoski, Darrin Cherewayko, Daniel Heslop, Kris Ruston and six members of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra.

Great sound was provided by Doug Perry and Randy Sherman.

The entire ensemble played the Margit Little Sky Project songs “Fresh Off the Reservation” to open the show and closed the show with “For the People.” Jeremy Kneeshaw played “Kraft Dinner’” “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone,” and the Allman Brothers classic “Midnight Rider.” Henry Small provided vocals and violin throughout the evening. The Sage Hill dancers danced before the stage for many of these songs. There was a large crowd attending that seemed to really enjoy themselves.

The late Rod Bandura’s son Johnny passed away this winter. He had done his version of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” to honour his father, when Rod passed. This night Henry Small and company did their tribute by playing the song again.

This event also funds a musical charity which presents a scholarship to a First Nations person with a passion for music. The first-ever recipient of the Rod Littlesky Bandura Music Scholarship was Cash Charters. He received a guitar and a full year of music lessons from Long & McQuade. I think Rod would have been very proud.

With the last note of “For the People” the night was over. It was a fine night of music, dance, reconciliation and tears. It is nice to see that Music For the People is continuing.