Gord Downie adds ‘Secret Path’ concert in Halifax

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO – Gord Downie is headed to Halifax for another performance of his solo project “Secret Path.”

The Tragically Hip frontman has scheduled a concert for Nov. 29 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

It’s only the third time he’s performed the album, following concerts in Ottawa and Toronto last month.

The project is inspired by the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack, who died in 1966 after running away from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ont.

The Toronto and Ottawa shows marked the 50th anniversary of his death.

Downie’s older brother, Mike, introduced the musician to Chanie’s story, which was documented in a 1967 Maclean’s story by Ian Adams called “The Lonely Death of Chanie Wenjack.”

“Secret Path” originated from a collection of poems written by Downie, which evolved into songs.

In an interview prior to the Ottawa concert, Mike Downie said “Secret Path” represents the Hip singer’s mission to make “his life count.”

“This is his most important work, his most powerful work, and I think it’s going to live forever. I think in many ways, Chanie’s story is going to live forever as well. And I guess they’ll be together forever.”

The album was recorded in 2013 and produced by Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew as well as Dave Hamelin, known for his work with indie rock group the Stills.

The 10-track album is part of a multimedia project, which also includes a graphic novel illustrated by Jeff Lemire and an hour-long animated special that aired on CBC.

The record was announced just weeks after a hometown Tragically Hip concert in Kingston, Ont., that capped off the band’s surprise summer tour, which came in the wake of Downie’s announcement that he is terminally ill.

Proceeds from the “Secret Path” projects will go to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the residential school system.

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