The Newfoundland and Labrador Musicians’ Association (NLMA) is hosting a fundraiser for the NLMA Emergency Fund this Saturday, October 21 at 8:00pm at The Ship Pub.

The Musicians For Musicians 2017 showcase will feature short sets from; Rum Ragged, Rube & Rake, Ouroborus, Land of the Lakes, Bill Brennan, Vicki Harnett, Newish Klezmer Ensemble, Joanna Barker, The Freels, Rozalind MacPhail, Carole Bestvater, Jason Whelan, Paul Bendzsa, Terry Campbell, Chris Donnelly, Paddy Byrne, and more.

The NLMA Emergency Fund provides financial assistance to Newfoundland and Labrador-based musicians in times of crisis. The fund was established by the NLMA-AFM/CFM Local 820 in 2012, and has already helped several musicians cope with issues like sickness, fire damage, injury, and personal crisis.

“In these situations, musicians can find it very difficult to afford daily necessities like food and utilities – this is compounded by our long, cold winter. With the support of the arts community and the wider population, AFM/CFM Local 820 has been able to manage a fund to help artists in need so that they can continue to work and create music here at home,” wrote Greg Bruce, President of the NL Musicians’ Association – AFM/CFM Local 820.

AFM/CFM Local 820 Executive Director and award-winning musician Rozalind MacPhail helped establish the fund. She was inspired to set up the fund after living through a difficult winter when she first arrived in Newfoundland in 2008.

“The NL Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund holds a very special place in my heart, having been one of the many musicians who was in great need in the past,” MacPhail said. “…This is why I encouraged Local 820 to set up an emergency fund and since then, we’ve helped so many people … in a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental kind of way.”

MacPhail says most musicians don’t make enough money to be able to save for unexpected expenses, however they are frequently asked to play for free or donate CDs.

“I donate my time to good causes all the time, and I’m happy to do it, but when it comes down to it, I have no savings in my bank account and if I’m in real bind, who’s to say that I’m going to be okay?” MacPhail said.

MacPhail is excited for Saturday night’s showcase because she sees it as an opportunity for the music community to come together and show their support for one another.

“I’m so grateful to all the incredible musicians who’ll be performing on Saturday, it’s astounding how many people are donating their time because they really believe in this cause,” MacPhail said. “I would love for everyone to come out and pack the house for the entire night.”