THE SODA CRACKES AND GUESTS: an East Van Gogos Benefit for the Stephen Lewis Foundation
SUNDAY, 1 November 2026 | DOORS AT 13:30, MUSIC FROM 14:00
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT (DETAILS SOON)
Vancouver bluegrass and country swing mainstays The Soda Crackers (Sue Malcolm, Don Fraser, and Stu MacDonald) team up with special guests Michael Burniyat (fiddle), Mark Kilianski (banjo, guitar), and Jeremy Freeman (dobro) to present a torrid afternoon of music in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which has provided decades essential services to the African grandmothers in 14 sub-Saharan countries who have been holding their families and communities together in the aftermath of the AIDS and COVID epidemics. This great concert is produced by the East Van Gogos (from the Zulu word for “grandmother”) who have long participated in this grandmothers-to-grandmothers support network.
Come Make Change, Big and Small
The theme of these events is “Small Change for Big Change”. The “Small Change” is the cash that you bring toparticipate in the East Van Gogos’ full-to-the brim raffle basket, filled with East Van goodies and treats! Tickets $5 each or 5 for $20!
The “Big Change” that the East Van Gogos, along with many other Grandmothers groups across Canada are helping to bring about is the partnership with the grandmothers in subSaharan Africa who have been the reslient forces in their communities together through the AIDS and COVID pandemics. Come and help raise both the roof and crucial funds for the grandmothers and the grassroots organizations that help them to anchor their communities.
The Full Lineup
The Soda Crackers
Sue Malcolm – vocals, guitar
Don Fraser – vocals, dobro
Stu MacDonald – vocals, bass
Mark Kilianski – vocals, guitar, banjo
Jeremy Freeman – vocals, mandolin
Michael Burnyeat – fiddle
Ticketing: $35 per person in advance, details available soon. In the meantime, you can reserve you place with an email to eastvangogos@gmail.com.