One of Canada’s biggest rock bands gifted a signed guitar to a charitable cause in the Fraser Valley.
Nickelback donated an Epiphone Les Paul guitar signed by frontman Chad Kroeger and the rest of the band to auction off during the Follow Your Heart Benefit Concert coming up on March 7 in Harrison Hot Springs.
“It all started with Frand and guitar man Chris Rolin saying he might have a friend with some cool contacts that maybe could help with a silent auction donation,” organizer Todd Richard said via social media. “Massive thank you Chad and team for Following Your Heart helping us help more kids!”
Now in its fourth year, the Follow Your Heart Benefit Concert raises money for Variety Children’s Charity.
Richard refers to his followers as “frands” – a combination of fans and friends. He said this year’s benefit concert has already seen a record number of silent auction items donated.
The headliner for this year’s Follow Your Heart concert is Juno-nominated Jackson Hollow. Jackson Hollow founders Tianna Lefebvre and Mike Sanyshyn have been part of previous Follow Your Heart concerts. In 2024, the bluegrass/country quartet was nominated for a Juno award for traditional roots album of the year, followed by an IBMA Momentum Award nomination and two Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations in the same year. Their debut album, Roses, was released in 2023.
Richard will also perform with the Follow Your Heart All-Star band, featuring local guitarist Rolin, Kyle Radomsky on drums and Rob Begg on bass. Richard teased a surprise musical guest to kick off the show.
Tickets are still being sold online via EventBrite or by searching for the event on social media. There will also be a link on The Observer’s website. The concert will be at Memorial Hall, 290 Esplanade Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
Last year’s concert raised nearly $8,000 to support youth with special needs across B.C. and beyond.