A tribute show to celebrate the spirit and musical legacy of Jacob Chegahno will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Heartwood Concert Hall. The doors will open at 7pm with the show starting at 8.
The music community, friends, family and elders are coming together in celebration of the spirit and musical legacy of Jacob Chegahno who died suddenly on February 13, 2017 at the age of 45.
He lived with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis that made life painful and difficult to manage. Jake's diagnosis came in his early twenties, forcing him to drop out of college. Treatment helped but the illness exacted a toll on Jake's emotional life.
During a critical time, Jake rediscovered his love of music. He worked hard to acquire a guitar and began writing songs. Jake persevered and formed his band, "Woe", in 2010. With the support of a band, Jake gained a platform to help others, raising awareness and funds in support of causes he cared about, in particular, homelessness.
In recent years, Jake lived in Owen Sound but previously lived in Neyaashiinigmiing and Wiarton. Jake is sadly missed by his mother, Carol, and stepfather, Wayne Stevens, of Wiarton, as well as family and friends near and far.
On June 27th, the anniversary of his birthday, selections from Jake's songbook, including Woe favourites and recently discovered compositions from his personal archives, will be performed. The evening will begin with a ceremony, led by Saugeen First Nation Elder Shirley John, a 2017 recipient of the YMCA Peace Medallion and the Circle of Friends women's drumming circle from Cape Croker. The Circle of Friends women's drumming circle from Cape Croker will also close the show.
The night includes a reunion of Jake's band, Woe, with the help of Tulasi Hanna, and original members Jonathan Cox, Patrick Dorfman, and David Chevalier. From 2010 to 2012, Woe played the Otherfolk Festival and Lupercalia Winter Arts Festival as well as playing Cape Croker Pow-Wow twice.
Jake organized several fundraiser concerts in Owen Sound, in support of local organizations such as Safe'n'Sound Homelessness Initiative.
Jake's commitment in his lifetime to helping his community is being honoured through this event, with proceeds from ticket sales being donated to support Wasa-Nabin, a self-development program for urban Indigenous at-risk youth.
The lineup of local musicians contributing to the event include GRIND, Raymond King and his band, John Brownlow, The Shruggs, and Deep Blue Honey, performing songs by artists that influenced Jake's prolific songwriting, as well as songs written for Jake and songs written by Jake himself. Richard Yves-Sitoski will MC the event.
Jake's considerable catalog of songs and recordings are presently being archived and will be made available this year.
Advance tickets for the tribute are available at https://www.ticketfly.com/event/1700896-musical-tribute-jacob-owen-sound/ or in person at Heartwood Home. Tickets are $20 at the door. Proceeds of ticket sales in support of Wasa-Nabin.
