Planning an evening with friends? Mark your calendars for March 5, when Alberta’s bar and nightclub industry celebrates the Fourth Annual Night Out For Music Heals.

Image: Chris Brandt

“Music Heals raises funds and awareness for music therapy efforts in Canada,” explained Executive Director Chris Brandt. “March is Music Therapy Awareness Month, and bars, pubs and clubs are donating $1 per cover charge or equivalent donation to our cause.”

According to the Canadian Association for Music Therapy, music and musical elements led by an accredited music therapist can maintain and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The Music Heals Charitable Foundation supports programs across Canada serving children, seniors, rehabilitation and more. In it’s first three years, Music Heals donated over half a million dollars.

Image: Music Heals

“Our cause resonates with people,” said Brandt. “We want everyone to go out and have fun on March 5 while supporting music therapy.”

There are 66 venues across Canada taking part in Night Out For Music Heals, with five in Calgary. The foundations hopes for another successful year as music therapy is not funded by the government and not covered under health benefits.

Image: Music Heals

“Music therapy is used everywhere, with dementia patients, stroke recovery, and even to help preemies gain weight faster,” said Brandt. “We recently donated $25,000 to three programs in Calgary, and we want to expand.

“Music connects with people. Imagine what music with a trained therapist can do for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or burn unit patients.”

A Night Out For Music Heals is March 5 at venues across Calgary. For a complete list of participating venues, visit www.musicheals.ca

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