Charity looks to strike a chord in Chilliwack with upcoming concert fundraiser

if (Array.isArray(socast_page.categories) && socast_page.categories.some(category => category.includes('FraserValleyToday'))) { $(document).on('pjax:end', function() { const newPath = window.location.pathname + window.location.search + window.location.hash; window.location.href = 'https://fraservalleytoday.ca' + newPath; } }

CHILLIWACK —A charity that provides unique music lessons to underserved youth is looking to introduce itself to the Chilliwack community with an evening of songs and storytelling.

Empower Through Music (ETM) offers lessons, instruments, and mentorship at no cost to at-risk youth, especially those who are neurodivergent or physically disabled. Chilliwack-raised founder Kris Schulz founded the charity in Vancouver back in 2018, but he’s looking to expand its work into the community he grew up in.

“Music changed my life,” said Schulz. “It gave me hope when I had none, direction when I felt lost, and a way to connect when words failed me.”

“At the heart of this show, this performance is a mission: to empower young musicians who wouldn’t otherwise have access to music education. The demand has never been greater.”

The show will be a mix of performances and stories. Ethan Smithe opens the event, followed by an acoustic set with Kris Schulz and a collab with Belgian singer Tissène. The event closes with a headline performance from Solomon Standing– a band Schulz played in with fellow Chilliwack musician Jared Mumford.

“I’ve been a musician for over 30 years, playing everything from metal to jazz to folk… often alongside Kris, which started in my basement on South Sumas Rd,” Mumford said. “When learned with an open heart, music becomes its own language. Empower Through Music is about teaching that language.”

Mumford is now acting as a community liaison for the program in Chilliwack.

“Bringing it to Chilliwack means finally offering neurodiverse youth and those with disabilities access to creative, innovative and inclusive music education…something our community has been missing.”

The charity fundraiser will be held at 7 p.m. on April 5, 2025, at The Vineyard Community Center (45892 Wellington Avenue). Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available here. All proceeds will go directly toward establishing ETM programs in Chilliwack.