Bid on Advice From Top Producers and Signed Memorabilia for Make Music Matter Auction

By Steve McLean 11/16/21 | www.samaritanmag.com

Face time with top producers, musical instruments, event tickets, conference passes, art, apparel, memorabilia, accessories and more are up for bid in the Make Music Matter Ultimate Holiday Auction in support of the Healing in Harmony music therapy program.

Experiences include one-on-one online sessions with producers Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, KISS, Lou Reed) and David Bottrill (Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, Muse). Many other music professionals have also donated services, including recording studio time, audio mixing, vocal lessons and career advice.

(Samaritan's founder Karen Bliss, a music journalist for Billboard and other outlets, has also offered a one-hour online advice session).

Autographed items include box sets from Joni Mitchell and The Tragically Hip, a Squier Stratocaster signed by Ian D'Sa of Billy Talent, a Wendel Clark Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and a Mike Tyson boxing glove.

New auction items are being added daily. Bidding closes at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 30. All proceeds will go to Make Music Matter’s Healing in Harmony program for trauma survivors.

“We have all witnessed during COVID how poor mental health can adversely affect all aspects of daily life,” Make Music Matter founder and chief executive officer Darcy Ataman said in a media release. “By bidding on these exciting items, we all have a chance to help others and directly contribute to healing the trauma of some of the world’s most vulnerable.

“A big thank you to all contributors whose generosity will help to spur a world in which the healing of trauma and positive mental health become paramount.”

Auction sponsors include Canadian Musician, NAMM Foundation, Gerr Audio and Roland Canada.

Make Music Matter uses the creative process as a therapeutic tool to help empower marginalized individuals and communities. Its Healing in Harmony program for trauma survivors combines psychotherapy with music therapy in an effort to reduce anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Program participants emerge with original songs for personal healing and advocacy tools to help combat stereotypes, stigma and shame. Their music is recorded, produced and disseminated via local radio stations, community concerts, social media and major streaming platforms through A4A Records, with distribution through Warner Music Canada. All publishing royalties from the songs are sent to the artists and their communities.

Make Music Matter works in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Turkey, Guinea, South Africa, Uganda, Peru and Canada, where a site is planned for Fox Lake Cree Nation in Manitoba.

* Samaritanmag.com is an online magazine covering the good deeds of individuals, charities and businesses.