Tara Shannon - The "BIG" Tour - North Simcoe

Big Brothers Big Sisters and Canadian award-winning singer-songwriter Tara Shannon present The “Big” Tour across Ontario. Tickets will be available starting today at www.tarashannonmusic.com. 100% of ticket sales will benefit each of the 11 local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and approximately 1,500 ‘littles’ province-wide.

"I got to know Big Brothers Big Sisters when I came on board as the Ambassador for the Morguard Be You Girl Campaign. I loved everything about their programs and mission statement from the onset and couldn't believe they had been around for over 100 years which says so much,” said Tara Shannon. “Mentoring is a core function of the work I do as a business consultant, label owner and mother of seven so it's a natural fit for me and the power of mentoring cannot be overstated - it is truly life changing.”

Tara will be joined on tour with one of her very own artists that she has had an impressive hand in mentoring, Jessica Pearson and The Eastwind. There will be a local artist or band from each city that will open for Tara Shannon and Jessica Pearson and The East Wind in their hometown, giving an incredible opportunity for talented local musicians.

“I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors along the way in my own life and so the opportunity to give back and support an organization I fundamentally believe in is such a joy. I was so happy BBBS was just as excited about this tour model and jumped on board. It's a wonderful way to provide a turnkey fundraising event for the agencies while connecting my music with new fans."

Changing the course of young lives changes the future of communities, by every measure, Big Brothers Big Sisters returns positive results in the mental health, employment and civic engagement of the recipients of their mentoring program. A 2013 study by Boston Consulting Group found that, for every $1 invested in mentoring by Big Brothers Big Sisters, there is an $18 social return on investment to the community. This means that the $25,000 raised through the Mentoring In Motion Tour becomes $450,000 as each Little Brother and Sister develop into productive members of society who understand the value of giving back.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ontario are grateful to Tara Shannon for choosing to put her talents to work in support of children and youth through The “Big” Tour,” said Susan Ingram, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. “The proceeds from each and every show will be put to work right away in the 11 participating communities -- Helping to ignite power and potential in youth across Ontario. Tara has been a long-time supporter of our work and knows the important role mentorship plays in helping the next generation.” 

THE “BIG” TOUR - DATES

Thur. February 27 Urban Abbey Thunder Bay

Sat. February 29 Sudbury Secondary School Sudbury

Tues. March 3 Georgian Bay District SS Midland

Thur. March 5 Fergus Grand Theatre Fergus

Fri. March 6 Paul Davenport Theatre London

Sat. March 7 Rock Star Music Hall Windsor

Sun. March 8 Rose City Kids Theatre Welland

Mon. March 9 Town Hall Theatre Port Perry

Tues. March 10 The Renaissance Kingston

Wed. March 11 National Arts Centre Ottawa