FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joel Plasket to perform acoustic concert live at
Casino New Brunswick in support of mental health, Thursday, October 5th
Moncton (NB), September 11, 2023 – In just under a month, Canadian rock musician, singer/songwriter Joel Plasket will take to the stage at Casino New Brunswick for An Acoustic Evening with Joel Plasket and introducing Veteran turned singer/songwriter, JM Ferland (Land of Lions). The concert is in support of the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHA of NB) and is presented by Brunswick Credit Union.
An Acoustic Evening with Joel Plasket aims to raise much needed funds for mental health in the Moncton and surrounding areas, while providing a relaxing musical evening for attendees. And so, on October 5, 2023, CMHA of NB will host a musical evening of inspiration, music, song, and recognition at Casino New Brunswick where we will celebrate the benefits that music has on one’s mental health!
Did you know… studies have shown that music has a positive effect on brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin (aka the love hormone), which are associated with happiness and pleasure. Additionally, music can help lower cortisol levels.
From rocking Halifax’s Marquee Club to performing for the masses at Massey Hall or touring the country with his father, Joel Plaskett has forged a reputation as one of Canada’s most engaging performers and respected singer/songwriters. Plaskett’s songs are a perennial part of the national playlist, a fixture on “best of” lists, and the soundtrack to the lives of faithful fans across the country and around the world. His accolades over a quarter century include a Juno, numerous East Coast Music, Canadian Folk and Music Nova Scotia awards, and two Polaris short list nominations.
Plaskett is a versatile and ever-evolving artist, at turns delivering intimate and idiosyncratic singer-songwriter fare (In Need of Medical Attention, La De Da, The Park Avenue Sobriety Test); incendiary riff-rock (Down at the Khyber, Truthfully, Truthfully), left-leaning folk rock (Solidarity), as well as conceptual epics and off-kilter feats of musical stamina (Ashtray Rock, Three, Scrappy Happiness, 44)
In a world increasingly connected—and disconnected — by digital mediums, Joel Plaskett prefers to make his connections the old-fashioned way, building community at his studio and shop, dedicating himself to the art and authenticity of songwriting and analog recording processes, and moving audiences with the electrifying, uplifting experience of live performance.
In all aspects of his work, Plaskett embraces both the communal and individual experiences music provides. The ways music and words combine to connect with the listener, turning a minute into a moment out of time, reminding us that we aren’t alone.
Of supporting mental health Plasket says “I first played Moncton in 1993 and I’m always thrilled to have an opportunity to return. In my life, music and mental health go hand in hand and I look forward to singing my songs with everyone there in support of the CMHA of New Brunswick.”
Spiritually and humanly raw, like an up-close trip into the human soul, JM Ferland plays his own original music with his collaboration: Land of Lions. Real, heartfelt and with hints of grunge and folk, JM has his own way of delivering stories and songs. Following a path alongside serendipity, Canadian Armed Forces veteran Jean-Matthieu Ferland has re-invented himself as a singer/songwriter. He started to learn to play and sing music well into his thirties and since then has been writing songs through a collaboration of family, friends, and other musicians that the universe put on his path.
This collaboration is called: Land of Lions. From busking in the streets with open guitar case to art galleries, pubs and cafes and different festivals, JM is always looking for beautiful places to play, like a painter looks for landscapes. He is also the founder of Project Alive, a fellowship of veteran artists that supports and enables its community through resources and opportunities.
“I’m very humbled and excited to be the opener for Joel. This is beyond amazing and a milestone for me, knowing where I have come from”, says JM Ferland enthusiastically.
About Brunswick Credit Union
Brunswick Credit Union is unwavering in its belief that financial institutions need to be honest, open, responsible, and caring to others; allowing all New Brunswickers to prosper in the communities they love and call home.
We know that to accomplish this, we need, in part, to ensue proper access to resources to maintain and improve our mental health. It is time to overcome mental health stigma.
This year, Brunswick Credit Union is honoured to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick to help remove mental health barriers that impact New Brunswickers’ quality of life.
About CMHA of NB
As the province-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA of NB promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA of NB accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and services.
For media inquiries:
Sheri Jones
Jones & Co
(902) 483-9005 | sheri@jonesandcompany.ca
Lori Wheeler, Director of Communications
CMHA of NB
(506) 447-7153 | Lori.wheeler@cmhanb.ca