Kitchener Blues Festival launches “Rock the WRHN” — a new community concert supporting music therapy
News Release
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | Mon. July 20, 2026
The Kitchener Blues Festival is proud to announce the launch of “Rock the WRHN,” a new community-focused concert event in partnership with the Waterloo Region Health Network (WRHN) Foundation, supporting WRHN's Music Therapy Program.
Taking place on Sun. Aug. 9, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the YNC Stage at Kitchener City Hall, the five-hour event will spotlight the powerful connection between music and healing as part of the Festival’s four-day celebration.
“Rock the WRHN reflects the heart of our festival — bringing people together through music while making a meaningful impact in our community,” said a Kitchener Blues Festival spokesperson. “We are proud to support a program that uses music not just to entertain, but to heal.”
Throughout the 26th annual Kitchener Blues Festival, all merchandise locations will sell “Rock the WRHN” wristbands for $5, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to the WRHN Foundation to support music therapy services across the region.
The event will feature three outstanding local bands – Crude Awakening, Fog Blues and Brass Band, and Romeo Sex Fighter, along with information sharing and presentations highlighting the WRHN Music Therapy Program.
“Music therapy plays an essential role in patient care — supporting recovery, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being,” said Doug Earle, CEO of WRHN Foundation. “This partnership with Kitchener Blues Festival helps WRHN expand access to these services while building greater awareness of the healing power of music across Waterloo Region.”
WRHN’s music therapy program is entirely donor-funded and uses evidence-based techniques to support emotional well-being, communication, and cognitive development.
Angie and Sarge from Bounce 99.5’s morning show will host the event, bringing energy and connection throughout the afternoon. A special cheque presentation will take place just prior to the closing performance.
Event Details: Rock the WRHN
Date: Sun. Aug. 9
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: YNC Stage, Kitchener City Hall
Featuring: Crude Awakening, Fog Blues and Brass Band, Romeo Sex Fighter
Fundraising: $5 wristbands sold Festival-wide in support of WRHN Music Therapy
About Kitchener Blues Festival
The Kitchener Blues Festival is one of Canada’s premier blues festivals, bringing world-class music and thousands of visitors to downtown Kitchener each year while celebrating community, culture, and connection.
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation raises funds to support life-saving care at Waterloo Regional Health Network. WRHN Foundation works in partnership with our community to help elevate the healthcare experience of WRHN patients and staff.
Thanks to generous support from donors, we raise funds for vital equipment, programs and resources at WRHN that are not covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Learn more at wrhnf.ca
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities
Learn more at wrhn.ca
