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Music

Tying One On

Phoenix Concert Theatre (410

Sherbourne), Tuesday (June 5), doors 8

pm. First 200 NXNE wristband holders

free $20 advance, $25 at the door, $75

VIP pass (includes drinks and access to

performers). 416-870-8000. Rating: NNNNN


THE WHITE RIBBON CONCERT at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne), Tuesday (June 5), doors 8 pm. First 200 NXNE wristband holders free $20 advance, $25 at the door, $75 VIP pass (includes drinks and access to performers). 416-870-8000. www.whiteribbon.ca

Tea Party front man Jeff Martin says his band shies away from political issues, but when he was approached to play the White Ribbon concert, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Men’s violence against women is an issue that strikes deep for him.

“When I was a younger child I saw some things that affected me, and the cause is really close to my heart,” he says on the phone from Morin Heights, Quebec, where he’s recording his Interzone Mantras project.

“Domestic violence is still a very big problem.”

This year’s fourth annual benefit, at the Phoenix Tuesday, marks Martin’s third appearance for the White Ribbon Campaign. He also helps organize the roster of performers, who are all asked to play covers for the show.

“I call up all the other egotistical, testosterone-filled singers in Canada,” he laughs. “I tell them, You can’t play any of your own stuff. Just come onstage and make a fool of yourself.’ It’s all tongue-in-cheek, but I’ll make sure the spirit and message of the evening are conveyed.”

Martin’s phoning definitely paid off. With the help of his band manager, Steve Hoffman, this year’s lineup boasts Matthew Good, David Usher of Moist, Edwin and Age of Electric’s Todd Kerns.

Created in 1991, the White Ribbon Campaign is the only organization encouraging men to take responsibility for male violence. The group is constantly looking for new ways to grab attention. This year, a silent auction in conjunction with the concert has goodies up for grabs like a Noel Gallagher-autographed soccer ball and a piano smashed by Sloan members during a 1994 concert.

All items can be viewed at whiteribbon.ca until June 1, and the auction takes place the night of the concert.

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