Music concert scheduled to support Pictou County palliative care

“It’s a wonderful program,” said Ann DeCoste, who chairs the society. “I was so pleasantly surprised when Shaun spoke to me about it. Fundraising is not something that comes easy, and Shaun has such a long history of success.”

McLean has gathered a multitude of talent for the event.

Performers include McLean, along with Ross MacVicar, Barry Smith and Phisch Fancey. Also listed are Annette Drapeau Reynolds, Lloyd MacLean, the Carrillon Singers, Rebecca DeCoste, Angela Cromwell, Joon Ki Kim, the Dlamini family and Umoja.

The Memory Tree has been the society’s established fundraising project, DeCoste said.

“That’s been our one long-time fundraiser,” she said. “It has been successful each year, despite COVID. Our society is non-profit, all volunteer, so we depend on the generosity of people.”

McLean considered a concert to support the society last winter and noticed something special about the musicians he was recruiting.

“The thing that I’m proud of is the selection of people,” he said. “I did not set out to make this a multicultural event, but it turned out that way organically. I’ve worked with all of them, except the Dlaminis and the Carrillon Singers. It’s about being inclusive.”

Jill Griffin is a board member of the society and a member of the fundraising committee. She praised McLean’s vision and work to prepare the concert.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “Shaun had the idea and brought it forward.”

Tickets cost $25 each and are available from the musicians and can be paid for by e-transfer through shaunovascotia@hotmail.com. Any remaining tickets will also be available at the door.

McLean emphasized how those who are unable to attend or may not attend because the music will not be what they prefer can help another way.

“If you are not a fan of gospel music or can’t make the event, you can purchase tickets and we will disperse them to folks who can’t afford them.”