Surrey Food Bank has launched a Summer Benefit Concert Series at two venues featuring two very different styles of music.
First up Sunday, June 29, is Troy Toma at The Barn country bar in Guildford where the soulful singer-songwriter will perform an acoustic solo set starting at 4 p.m. Entry is by donation ($10 suggested), with all proceeds to the food bank and sponsorship by Save-On-Foods and Long & McQuade.
The next concert in the series isn't until Sept. 27 when Surrey-based tribute band Coast to Coast plays the music of Scorpions, UFO and Michael Schenker Group at Surrey Arts Centre's 402-seat Main Stage theatre, along with DJ Larry Hennessey pumping up the '80s on vinyl. Adult tickets are $45 on tickets.surrey.ca ($35 for kids), or call 604-501-5566.
The two concerts are "a chance to bring the community together through music, with all proceeds going directly toward helping us provide fresh, nutritious food to families across Surrey and North Delta," says Jennifer Roessler, Surrey Food Bank's communications lead.
“Summer is one of our toughest seasons," she added. "Donations slow down, but the need doesn’t, especially with the rising cost of groceries and the gap left by school meal programs. The funds from these concerts will help us keep essential items like milk, eggs, and fresh produce on our shelves for the families who count on us. And when music brings people together like this, it does more than entertain, it creates real connection, and reminds us that we take care of each other here.”
Toma, who owns and operates Cadence School of Music in Langley, says he's long been passionate about creating music that connects, especially since 2010 when he began performing solo-acoustic and also with a band.
"I have been a big supporter of Surrey Food Bank since 2013, with donations, helping sort food and live performance for people in the line receiving food," Toma told the Now-Leader. "I make monthly donations and have been since 2013, and I am so impressed with what they have done for the community."
Coast to Coast, or C2C, performed an inaugural fundraiser for Surrey Food Bank in February 2024 at Surrey Arts Centre. This fall, they'll make it a yearly benefit concert.
"We’re hoping to beat the $3,300 we raised last year with the help of another packed house of '80s hard-rock fans," said Larry Anschell, band manager. "For those who would like a free preview of Coast To Coast in concert, come on out to Cloverdale Fairgrounds on Canada Day where we’ll be performing on the Main Stage at 5:30 p.m."
