Rock and roll all night at the Park for fun and love of nephew Isaac
Mike Smoljanovic wants to help his nephew, so he’s grabbing his guitar and putting on a rock show.
Smoljanovic is organizing Band Together for Isaac at the Park Theatre. A group of 13 local musicians will perform two sets of rock covers from the past 30 years on Friday.
The money raised will go to the family of Isaac McCrimmon, Smoljanovic’s two-year-old nephew, who lives with a rare blood disorder and leukemia.
Smoljanovic, known in the local music scene for his years in the hard rock band Coda, says Friday will be special.
“It’s a gathering of some of the most talented musicians I’ve come to know over the years, all banding together for Isaac,” the 36-year-old says. “It’s more than a fundraiser; it’s our way of aiming high and making a significant impact for Isaac and his family.”
James and Jordan McCrimmon were living in Dauphin when their son, Isaac, was born.
Less than 24 hours after his birth, Isaac was diagnosed with pyruvate kinase deficiency, necessitating countless hospital visits, tests and blood transfusions. Long drives to Brandon or Winnipeg from Dauphin were a constant in their lives.
Things took another turn in April, when Isaac was diagnosed with leukemia.
“All this poor little dude knows is the hospital and it’s heart-wrenching,” Smoljanovic says.
In July, the McCrimmons quit their jobs, sold their house and moved to Saskatoon for Isaac’s treatment. At the same time, they are caring for their other children, Lily, four, and Westley, 11 months.
The money raised at the concert will help the McCrimmons manage these transitions.
Using music to make a difference is nothing new for Smoljanovic, known to his friends as “Small J.”
For nearly a decade, he has been one of the musicians involved with the 90’s Tribute Show, an annual concert that has raised more than $50,000 for various charities.
Smoljanovic’s wife, Sam, had the idea for a fundraising concert shortly after Isaac’s leukemia diagnosis.
Smoljanovic will be joined on stage by a rotating cast of musicians that includes former members of Coda, Civil Disobedients, Loco, One of Us, and Xplicit.
“It’s a crazy group of dudes — all my favourite musicians that I know and just have always wanted to do something with,” Smoljanovic says, giving special mention to Tim Friesen, who will sit at the drum kit for the entire evening.
“He’s just a beast of a drummer. He’s learned 23 songs for this show, which is nuts.”
Coda was most active from 2008-10, but today, Smoljanovic is focused on Sam, their three children and his career with the City of Winnipeg. When he does play music, he tries to use it for purposes that go beyond individual expression.
“I believe that while art has its value in a transactional sense, its true potential is unlocked when it’s used for something greater, like supporting a cause or helping others,” he says.
“I also recognize how fortunate I am to have a career that supports my family of five. This privilege isn’t lost on me, and it fuels my desire to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Tickets for Friday’s show are available for $15 via myparktheatre.com and ticketweb.ca. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so using the same link.
Smoljanovic and his fellow musicians are planning a fun mix of material ranging from Tom Petty to Metallica.
“The original intent was to make it not super obscure and obviously do crowd-pleasing covers,” he says. “I’m very excited about it.”
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Credit: Rock and roll all night at the Park for fun and love of nephew Isaac
