Free Concert To Feature Hedley

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced a free public concert to be held in Halifax's Grand Parade on Saturday September 27, 2008. For more details see the province's press release below.

Plans Announced for Highlight Celebrations
Democracy 250
September 10, 2008 12:09 PM
A fabulous showcase of musical talent for a free public concert, an 18th century costume ball and a national youth symposium involving 100 young Canadians were among the events Democracy 250 highlighted today, Sept. 10, in the countdown to Oct. 2.

Nikki Balch, Z103.5 morning host and D250 youth ambassador, kicked of a news conference at the World Trade and Convention Centre by announcing Hedley will be the headline act at D250's Rockin in the Free World concert. The concert will be held from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sat. Sept. 27 in Halifax's Grand Parade. Other performers include ill Scarlett, Chad Hatcher, Blueberry Grunt, Samantha Robichaud, Lone Cloud and D250 youth ambassadors Jordan Croucher, Stephanie Hardy and Dwight d'Eon.

Ms. Balch said, "Hedley is one of the most popular rock bands in the country. They are a multiple-platinum selling, multiple-Juno nominated and a multi-Much Music Video Award recipient. Their new song, Old School, is at the top of the charts. Throw in a long list of other talented performers and the fact that the concert is free, and you know Grande Parade is going to be rocking."

Democracy 250 co-chair Russell MacLellan also announced a national youth symposium on youth engagement at Dalhousie University. The symposium will kick off D250's five-stop university Roller Coaster Tour from Sept. 20 to 24, with performers ill Scarlett, JSB, The Tom Fun Orchestra and Alert the Medic.

"A key objective of Democracy 250 is to reach youth with the message about the importance of getting involved in their communities and voting," said Mr. MacLellan. "The Rockin in the Free World concert, the National Youth Symposium and the university concert tour enable us to reach our target audience, to bring them into the celebrations and to encourage them to vote in coming elections."

Plans were also released for celebrations Thursday, Oct. 2, the date Canada's first parliamentary assembly met in Halifax 250 years ago.

Events planned include a traditional Mi'kmaq smudging ceremony, a special ceremonial session of the legislature, a salute and musical tribute to veterans, a Roots of Democracy art display at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, a sail past along Halifax Harbour led by the Bluenose II, an 18th century costume ball and a fireworks display.

Nova Scotians will also be encouraged to visit Province House to sign a giant thank you card that will be sent to Canada's military serving overseas as a show of support.

Democracy 250 co-chair John Hamm said proceeds from ticket sales for the ball will go to support the Mi'kmaq Maliseet Youth Council.

"The Mi'kmaq are the fastest growing population in our province," said Dr. Hamm. "This is a small but important gesture. Democracy 250 hopes it will acknowledge history has not always been kind to the Mi'kmaq. It is a way of showing Democracy 250 supports greater inclusiveness and greater opportunity for a segment of our population that continues to face many struggles."

For more information on these and other events, visit www.democracy250.ca or www.D250.ca .

Media Contact: Moira MacLeod
Democracy 250
902-424-1122
E-mail: macleoml@gov.ns.ca