Vancouver, BC (September 19th): Acclaimed recording artist, Sarah McLachlan’s Voices in the Park presented by TELUS concert held Saturday at Brockton Point in Stanley Park was a resounding success. With over 10,000 fans in attendance, Sarah accompanied by a star-studded line up, well exceeded her weekend goal of raising $1 Million for The Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

“I am incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of so many this weekend, it means that we can extend our reach to a greater number of under-served youth while fulfilling Sarah’s mission of fostering the human spirit through music,” says Ann de la Hey, Executive Director, Sarah McLachlan School of Music.

The picture perfect day was filled with inspiring musical performances by Sarah McLachlan, The School of Music Students, Stevie Nicks, Bryan Adams, Hedley, Jann Arden, The Boom Booms, Hey Ocean!, Chin Injeti, Whitehorse, The Vancouver Men’s Chorus and included a rousing speech by President Bill Clinton.

“I think it is very unlikely that I would have ever become President had I not had music in school from the time I was nine until the time I was 17,” said Clinton as the sun was setting on Stanley Park.

Kicking off the music filled day were performances by two Vancouver hometown favourites. The Boom Boom’s pumped up the crowd with their salsa inspired beats and spirited indie rockers, Hey Ocean! wowed with their infectious harmonies. The Sarah McLachlan School of Music students showcased their incredible talent by performing two songs. One of the songs was chosen by fans through the social media driven contest, #VotetoGive presented by TELUS. For every fan vote, TELUS donated $5 to The School of Music, fostering the company’s “give where you live” philosophy.

“We applaud Sarah McLachlan and all the artists who came together for Voices in the Park presented by TELUS to stage an unforgettable event for such a worthy cause,” said Andrea Goertz, TELUS senior vice-president Strategic Initiatives and Communications. “At TELUS, we have a philosophy to give where we live. Sarah and her friends brought that philosophy to life through their commitment to make music accessible to all children and youth. Not only will Voices in the Park be remembered by fans, its impact on our youth will also be felt for years to come.”

McLachlan made the first of her two appearances on the smaller park stage giving the fans in general admission a front row view of her performance. She collaborated with longtime friends, Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland (aka Whitehorse ) for a pitch perfect rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s, “I’m On Fire.” Also, on the park stage, Grammy award winning producer, Chin Injeti got soulful on base and The Vancouver Men’s Chorus kept it light by performing a fun cover of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”

Jann Arden was a highlight of the night bringing her comedic charm to the stage, showing the crowd that music is not her only talent. She transitioned into a more sentimental note for her duet with Sarah McLachlan, “I Would Die for You.” McLachlan then teamed up with Jacob Hoggard of Hedley much to the delight of the many young fans in attendance.

Bryan Adams delighted the crowd with an acoustic set, accompanied by pianist, Gary Breit. His raw versions of “Summer of 69” and “Run to You” proved that after all these years, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

The legendary, Stevie Nicks opened her set with a rousing cover of Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll followed by Gold Dust Woman and Rhiannon much to the delight of the fans.

In the end, Sarah McLachlan took the main stage and hushed the crowd with her stratospheric vocals. Once again proving that music really is life and a powerful force that brings people together. With her goal of $1Million exceeded The School of Music will be able to reach even more children this year and positively impact at risk youth in Vancouver through the power of music.

“Voices in the Park was not only a fundraiser but an opportunity to spend a glorious day expressing the critical importance of music in our lives,” states Sarah McLachlan. “I am excited to announce that we have exceeded our goal of raising $1 Million and will be able to help even more children Find Their Voice through access to music that otherwise would not have existed for them.”

About The Sarah McLachlan School of Music

The Sarah McLachlan School of Music is a permanent afterschool music program that offers free music education to vulnerable youth in Vancouver’s inner city. Sarah’s vision for the school is to inspire both new and existing students to explore their creative potential. You can learn more here.