
Kamloops will once again be the stage for a moving celebration of music, reconciliation, and community as Music for the People — A Cultural Experience returns for its fourth year on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour.
Founded with the mission to unite Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through music, the event has evolved from a grassroots initiative into one of Kamloops’ most meaningful cultural gatherings. Last year’s crowd topped 1,400 people — a major leap from just 400 in its inaugural year.
“It’s been quite amazing,” said Margit Bandura, co-founder of the event and lead vocalist-guitarist with the Margit Sky Project. “To see the number of people grow every year — whether it’s their first time or they keep coming back — it’s a beautiful sign that the message is getting through.”
This year’s event remains deeply rooted in remembrance, continuing to honour the legacy of Margit’s late husband and co-founder, Rod “Little Sky” Bandura, who passed away in 2024. His passion for bridging cultures through music remains the heartbeat of the concert.
“This was our creation, and now I have to be his voice,” said Margit. “I miss him dearly. Carrying on his legacy through reconciliation is what this is all about.”
genous food from 4 to 9 p.m., making the event a full cultural experience. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and immerse themselves in the celebration.
The 2025 concert will feature local favourites Velvet Groove — Jeremy Kneeshaw, Darrin Cherewayko, and Kris Ruston — along with performances by Henry Small, Scott Skulmoski, and Margit herself. The Kamloops Symphony and the Sage Hills Singers, Drummers, and Dancers will round out the lineup, blending symphonic and traditional Indigenous sounds in an emotionally resonant experience.
“You’ll still hear a few of Rod’s songs — we want to carry that forward — but we’ll have some new material too,” Margit said. “There’s always a surprise or two.”
While initial plans included bringing in an Indigenous band from outside the region, economic constraints led organizers to keep the event local this year — a move that emphasizes the strength of Kamloops’ own talent pool.
Beyond the music, the Kwséltkten Farmers’ & Artisan Market will offer handmade crafts and traditional Indi
A major addition this year is the Rod Little Sky Bandura Music Scholarship, which will award an Indigenous recipient with a musical instrument of their choice and a year of music lessons, thanks to Long & McQuade.
“Financial barriers are huge. This scholarship removes that obstacle and gives someone a safe, private space to learn,” said Margit, who has taught music for 26 years. “Some people need that closed door — a space where no one’s listening except the teacher. It’s about comfort, confidence, and building a voice.”
Submissions are open to Indigenous individuals of all ages and Nations via musicforthepeople.ca, with a deadline of August 25 at 9 a.m. The winner will be announced at the concert.
The event is free to attend, family-friendly, and organized by the non-profit Music for the People Society. Donations will be accepted on-site for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS), which offers critical services to survivors and their families.

Rod Bandura
“Music is healing — when you combine cultures, it really is amazing,” Margit said. “There are people who’ve never seen a symphony, or who’ve never experienced Indigenous drumming. This event brings that together, and it changes people.”
None of it, Margit says, would be possible without sponsors and community supporters — many of whom have backed the event since its beginning. This year’s title sponsor is Kelson Group, joined by Tourism Sun Peaks, All Nations Trust, Acres Enterprises, Rocky Mountaineer, and others.
“I don’t have a big stash of money,” Margit laughed. “Without the sponsors and volunteers, there would be no event. Every little bit helps — and now that we’re a non-profit, every donation goes even further.”
As the event continues to grow, organizers will soon be calling on new vendors and additional volunteers to get involved. Margit closed the interview with heartfelt thanks to the community:
“Thank you to the media, the vendors, the musicians, and every person who shows up. You’ve all helped get me through the last year and a half, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Location: Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Powwow Arbour, Kamloops, B.C.
Time: 4:00–9:00 p.m. (Market); 6:30–8:15 p.m. (Concert)
Website: www.musicforthepeople.ca
Socials: Facebook – YouTube
Scholarship Deadline: August 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.