‘Music for a cause’ a stellar line up of Timmins’ coolest country-rock bands

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Timmins’ coolest country and blues musicians are banding together in support of an 8-year old boy described as “a shining light.”

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“He’s a very hyper-excited boy, always joking, always laughing,” said event co-organizer Cory Jobin, a guitar player and equipment operator who is presenting The “Kylar Blanchette Music for a Cause” concert with Norm Dwyer of the Timmins Festival and Events Committee May 11 at the Dante Club.

“Even as he began to get sick, the kid always had a shining light, you know what I mean?” Jobin said.

Kylar Blanchette’s immune system is fighting his own blood platelets in a disorder known as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). He was diagnosed last July.

“His platelets dropped so low that the boy had strokes and he was sent to the children’s hospital in Ottawa,” said Jobin.

“The pressure in his brain was so, so strong, they had to remove the top portion of his skull for a little while. Now it is back on, but he still has the same problem,” he said, adding Kylar’s immune system has been further compromised by the removal of his spleen.

Since Kylar returned from Ottawa two weeks ago, he has lost some strength on the right side of his body but still has motor functions.

“The stroke was on his left side, the left side controls the right side of the body,” explained  his aunt, Stephanie Blanchette-Forget. “He is regaining some strength on his right side, he can walk around but his arm is still weak. That’s where physio and occupational therapy comes in.”

He is set to receive physiotherapy to help him re-learn to speak and move.

“He’s still strong, he’s still fighting, so we decided to plan a little concert at the Dante Club to try to raise as much money as we can just to help. You know as well as I do how difficult these costs for a sick child can be—travel, and this and that—so we’ve got a few bands that are coming,” he said.

The evening will feature a stellar line-up for a mere $20, and all artists are donating their time and talents.

Kyle Côté, accompanied by Jobin on acoustic guitar, will start things off, followed by Blues-rock band Dax Chenier and Crew.

Eric Girard and the Travelers , on the bill for the upcoming Rock on the River, will top off the night.

Drinks will be available at the bar, and appetizers can be purchased from the club’s menu.

The “Kylar Blanchette Music for a Cause” concert takes place Saturday, May 11 at the Porcupine Dante Club (162 Cedar St. S) with performances by Kyle Côté and Cory Jobin, Dax Chenier and Crew, and Eric Girard and the Travelers. Cash bar and appetizer menu available. Tickets are $20 and are for sale at Altered Reality, Wicked Stuff, Second Time Around and The Porcupine Dante Club. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. show at 8:00 p.m.