Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Venue: Lula Lounge, Toronto
Time: Doors 6:30 PM / Show 8:00 PM
Tickets: $59.64 (incl. tax) / $50 (all-inclusive for musicians)
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bringing-you-a-little-happy-tickets-1739773833369
Or Donate via website and bring a receipt to the door.
Website: https://birdsongnewmusicfoundation.ca/
“For me personally, I have found that creativity has been an essential tool, like a life raft, during periods of my life where I’ve struggled with addiction or my mental health. I sang a year ago here in Toronto at the Birdsong Fundraiser and it was the best night of my year!” – Mae Martin
“From what I observe, creating new music often serves as a cathartic process for healing. Once you are on music’s healing path there is no getting off.” – Briant Didier /New Music Producer
TORONTO, ON – Renowned comedian and all-around artist Mae Martin, Grammy and Juno Award-winning vocalist Liberty Silver, multi-award-winning country artist and songwriter Lori Yates and the artists of the Birdsong New Music Foundation are set to unite for an evening of unforgettable original music and holiday cheer on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This annual fundraiser, taking place at Lula Lounge in Toronto, supports the production of new music created by individuals living with mental illness.
The concert will be hosted by Mae Martin and Margaret Konopacki and features performances by Martin, Silver, Yates, Robert Priest, Dustin Harder, Ashley Bell, Allan Kinney, D.M. Lafortune, Armand Anthony, Nicole McCafferty, Dr. Tansy Etro-Beko, Nick Jones and Rachel Scully.
All performers will be accompanied by Bryant Didier and the Birdsong Village Band. (Mike Kavalerchik guitar, Arron Caten drums, Allan Kinney keyboards, Tim Bartsch cello). Margaret Konopacki, Founder& Executive Producer oversees the event, while Dan Robinson assumes the role of Stage Manager.
The Birdsong New Music Foundation was established in memory of David Martin (1987-2017), a talented Canadian musician and close friend of Mae Martin who lived with a mental illness diagnosis. The charity empowers individuals facing similar challenges to compose, record, and perform their own music, fostering personal healing and challenging the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Mae Martin comments: “This incredible charity is very close to my heart, for many reasons. It was created in memory of my dear friend David Martin, who had bipolar disorder and unfortunately died young. The charity is dedicated to helping others like him to compose, record and perform their original music. For me personally, I have found that creativity has been an essential tool, like a life raft, during periods of my life where I’ve struggled with addiction or my mental health. I love the ethos of Birdsong and how they help people to express themselves. I sang a year ago here in Toronto at the Birdsong Fundraiser and it was the best night of my year! It’s a small intimate venue so come and support this great cause and let’s meet up and celebrate together!”
Founder Margaret Konopacki emphasizes the transformative power of the foundation’s work. “This fundraiser is a culmination of eight years of hard volunteer work within the organization to change the way people perceive individuals who live with mental health issues,” she says.
Konopacki highlights the contributions of industry professionals who volunteer their expertise, including Platinum award-winning producer Greg Kavanagh, Musical Director Bryant Didier, TV personality Michael Williams and writer Daryl Jung, to name just a few, noting that, “Birdsong is a space of love, healing and second chances for many. I am humbled by people who spend their precious time flying in on their own accord to support us and bring happiness and joy to continue the magic and healing that new music can bring to us all.”
“This year we have a number of new artists who have joined the Birdsong Foundation healing approach. They are Nick Jones, Armand Anthony, Nicole McCafferty, Arif Jinha and Terry Witzu. It is never the same experience working with each individual and we do our best to be mindful of what helps the process. What I have learned is that the ‘village’ of Birdsong artists is the most profoundly healing experience for the group.”
Birdsong Music Producer Bryant Didier comments: “I have worked with many of the birdsong artists either in studio or in performance. Each experience has been special and unique and I have witnessed and appreciated the healing power of music with these artists and others through my career as a music producer and performer. It is profoundly healing which is one of the reasons I chose this career.
Over the past 5 years I have seen Birdsong Foundation, and their artists evolve in different ways. Some arrived with extreme anxiety, depression and / or insecurity. Then, a few years later their improvement in confidence and attitude was incredible. It’s amazing what can change when a person begins to believe in themselves. From what I observe, creating new music often serves as a cathartic process for healing. Once you are on music’s healing path there is no getting off.
Many of the Birdsong artists have experienced severe trauma. We need to be aware of this and sensitive as to not trigger or further traumatize the artist. If there is relapse, we cancel the work until better balance is restored.
As a producer, listening is key to my job. And being a good listener helps the artist feel more comfortable and open to being their true selves. This is crucial for an authentic performance. And there is nothing more powerful than to play-back a song they wrote and see their joy in completing something that they can be proud of and share. What they achieve in the studio can change their lives. Creative collaborations can be difficult and test one’s ability to communicate and achieve collaborative goals. I have found that with clear, respectful communication a common understanding can usually be achieved.
There are many magic moments in the recording process. And I feel blessed to work with such passionate and unique artists. My favourite experiences are when the artist is nervous and inexperienced. After helping them gain more courage, they can become ecstatic in realizing that their voice is beautiful, and their song sounds better than they imagined. It has made me a better person and a better producer and musician. When creating music I feel a beautiful oneness; the divine flow state is profound.”
Konopacki concludes, “I have met many people who are struggling with loss, and I share my belief that music helps heal us in a profound way. Through this work I feel like I have turned the corner on my own PTSD caused by the loss of David. When I see the progress of some of these Birdsong artists I share in the joy of their accomplishment; it heals me. Birdsong Foundation is our accomplishment to end stigma together. Through our work we have also helped many people feel safe to talk about their illness. Music is that “safe place” where you can put your real authentic feelings down in lyrics and create art.
My healing continues within this village of courageous people who love music so much; we are brought back to a better life somehow through this artform and these concerts. This year’s show will be something unique and transformational, and my son David’s unique spirit continues to guide us to a better life.
“Bringing you a little happy with Mae Martin and special guests”, the name of our Dec. 14th show in Toronto will showcase the remarkable development of Birdsong artists, with three performers currently completing full albums. It stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing a platform for creative expression and building self-esteem through music. Become part of our village and live for love and art!
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bringing-you-a-little-happy-tickets-1739773833369
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