This blog article is written by Kayla Folo, Marketing and Communications Manager at Matthew Perry House and Rebecca Purver, COO at Make Music Matter.
What is the Live Loud Concert?
Music has a unique way of bringing people together, inspiring a sense of belonging, and opening conversations that might not happen otherwise. Now imagine one unforgettable night of live music that could help change lives long after the lights go down.
Live Loud is a benefit concert hosted by Canadian charities Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter to raise awareness and support for mental health and substance use health. On September 10, an incredible lineup of celebrated Canadian artists will take the stage at Toronto’s Massey Hall for an evening of live performances, storytelling, and a curated auction. Hosted by Lauren Ash and Bruce McCulloch, the evening will feature performances from Bif Naked, Fefe Dobson, Aysanabee, Cone McCaslin & Dave Brownsound (Sum 41), Crown Lands, Hill Kourkoutis, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, Aaron Solowoniuk (Billy Talent), Julian Taylor, Menno Versteeg (Hollerado), Sekou Lumumba (Big Wreck), The Strumbellas, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks, Todd Morse (The Offspring), and more.
More than a concert, Live Loud is a movement that brings people together to create connection, challenge stigma, and support a future where no one faces mental health or substance use health challenges alone.
Every ticket purchased and every donation made helps expand access to life-changing mental health and substance use health programs that help people heal, recover, and thrive.
The Charities Behind Live Loud
Matthew Perry House
Matthew Perry House is a national initiative created by Matthew Perry’s family to continue the conversations he started about mental health and substance use health. Inspired by Matthew’s belief that everyone deserves compassionate, ongoing support, the organization is working to transform the way people experience care by advocating for dignity, connection, and continuity.
Matthew spent the latter part of his life speaking openly about the gaps in substance use health care and the stigma people face when asking for help. His family lived those experiences alongside him and made a commitment to carry his vision forward by helping build a future where support is accessible, people are treated with dignity, and no one has to navigate their journey alone.
Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, Matthew Perry House is reshaping the conversation around substance use health, promoting a new standard of dignity-focused care, and helping people understand that seeking support is not a sign of failure, but a step toward a healthier future.
Make Music Matter
Music has the power to connect us, inspire us, and bring people together. At Make Music Matter, it also helps people heal.
Through its Healing in Harmony program, survivors of conflict, sexual violence, forced displacement, and other forms of trauma work alongside a locally trained therapist and music producer to write, record, and release their own original songs. More than a creative outlet, the process helps participants reclaim their voice, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with their communities. The program has reached more than 19,000 people across nine countries, including Canada.
Healing in Harmony’s evidence-based model of group therapy is backed by a growing body of research. Three independent, peer-reviewed studies have found lasting improvements in wellbeing, self-esteem, and school attendance months after participants complete the program, demonstrating the meaningful impact of creative, community-based mental health support.
Today, Make Music Matter is expanding this proven model to reach more communities in need. Alongside its work in Canada through the Culture to Wellness project with Aboriginal Legal Services, the organization is advancing new initiatives for rescued and repatriated children in Ukraine, young people rebuilding their lives and communities in Syria, and communities in Colombia recovering from decades of violence and displacement.
Live Loud is powered by two Canadian charities that believe in the same thing: everyone deserves access to the support they need to heal and move forward. Both organizations are committed to meeting people where they are and building stronger pathways toward healing. The partnership has created a powerful platform for awareness, connection, and action.
The Story Behind Live Loud
Live Loud was born out of a chance introduction between Darcy Ataman, Founder and CEO of Make Music Matter, and Caitlin Morrison, Founder of Matthew Perry House. As they got to know one another, they discovered a shared belief that healing begins when people feel safe to be seen, heard, and supported, despite their organizations serving very different communities.
Their conversations soon turned to the power of music to bring people together and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. What started as a simple idea – to combine their networks and create a concert with a purpose – quickly grew into Live Loud.
Today, Live Loud is more than an evening of exceptional performances. It is a platform to spark conversations about mental health, celebrate resilience, and raise awareness and support for the life-changing work of both Make Music Matter and Matthew Perry House, helping create a future where no one has to face their struggles alone.
Where Your Ticket Makes an Impact
Photo courtesy of Kehewin Native Dance Theatre
Proceeds from Live Loud, after covering the costs of the night itself, are shared equally between the two organisations.
Make Music Matter’s share will expand Healing in Harmony programs here in Canada, and help close the funding gap to launch Healing in Harmony pilots in Ukraine, Syria, and Colombia.
Matthew Perry House’s share will support our work to expand access to compassionate, dignity-focused support for people navigating substance use health challenges, helping connect individuals and families with the resources, community and care they need to move forward.
Be Part of Live Loud
Join us at Massey Hall on September 10 for an unforgettable evening of live music, storytelling, and community in support of mental health and substance use health. If you can’t make the concert, you can still support Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter by donating to the Live Loud campaign.