Annual tribute concert honours Cape Breton singer

A group of Cape Breton musicians is gathering to pay tribute to a woman who worked tirelessly to promote the island’s music industry.

Wendie Muise was well known in Cape Breton for her onstage talent and her love of music.

Muise died almost ten years ago, after a battle with cancer.

In the decade since, her friends and fellow performers have kept her memory alive with an annual concert and a foundation formed in her name. All funds raised are put into scholarships for those aspiring to have a career in the arts.

“She always sought out the people who needed a little shot in the shoulder and that was especially true when it came to young adults and if they were involved in any type of arts, because Wendie believed it was good for you in all aspects,” says friend Jennifer Sheppard.

Over the years, $60,000 has been raised in Wendie’s memory, helping young musicians like Preston Hynes.

“I knew I wanted to go into music at Mount Allison University, so they helped me tremendously by giving me a wonderful scholarship and a wonderful opportunity to continue my education in music,” says Hynes.

This year’s concert will be the 10th and final show.

“We realize that there's a lot of community fundraising going on, everybody needs money. So we feel we've had good support for the past nine years and we hope this year will be the same,” says Sheppard.

Show producers say the audience can expect a star studded line up.

“We've pulled out all the stops,” says show director Stephen Muise. “We have The Men of The Deeps involved, anytime they're around it promises to be a good time.”

The concert will be held Sunday evening at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore