Blankfest 2015 : Fight the Cold And Rock Hard for Montreal’s Homeless

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This February will go down as the coldest in Quebec’s recorded history. It makes me so thankful to have a roof over my head which, unfortunately, isn’t the case for far too many Montrealers. Music publicist, Jon Asher, wanted to do something about it and brought Blankfest to Montreal in 2009. Blankfest Quebec has been an (almost) yearly event since its inception. He puts on a rock concert with admission being a donation of a blanket or warm clothing to benefit Montreal’s homeless via the Old Brewery Mission. I interviewed Jon about this year’s event, the sixth edition.

Stephanie Weiner (SW): Tell us about the background of Blankfest Quebec.

Jon Asher (JA): Blankfest Quebec originated after a friend of mine told me about the original Blankfest taking place in NYC by founder Kenn Rowell. After a series of phone calls with Kenn and being inspired by what he does for the homeless out there, I decided I’d like to put on a similar charity for the homeless in Montreal.

SW: What are you most excited about for this year’s edition?

JA: Every year my competitive streak kicks in and honest truth the thing that makes me the most excited is breaking the collections record from the year before. For Blankfest 2013, we nearly collected 800 items and I’m hoping this year to beat that amount with the support of the music community.

SW: What can patrons expect of Blankfest Quebec VI? How does the evening unfold?

JA: It usually unfolds as a regular show of rocking bands except admission or cover for entrance is a donation of a clothing item to aid the homeless.

SW: I understand your own band, Fist of Freedom, is reuniting to play this special event. How long has it been? Are you excited to play together again?

JA: Well, I like to talk big and say 12 years to build up the hype, but in reality we reunited two years ago for the last Blankfest, after a 10 year hiatus. It’s now looking like a tradition we’ll continue based on inquiries from friends and old fans. Plus it just feels good to play tunes with your best friends and help those in need of course.

SW: We know that admission is a donation, what do people need to know about the kind of items that are needed?

JA: It’s actually very logical, as I say to people: Put yourself outside at -40, what would you want to wear outside to survive and with that answer make your donation to help someone in need. (ex. winter coat, sweaters, socks, sleeping bag, blankets, tuques, etc.)

SW: In addition to donations, do you need volunteers for the event?

JA: Volunteers are always welcomed, mainly for counting the items and putting them in bags to drop off at Old Brewery Mission.

SW: If you could tell our readers one thing about Blankfest Quebec VI, what would it be?

JA: As the slogan says ‘It’s About The Homeless, Nothing More Nothing Less.’ If it were you in need, I’m sure you’d look for the community to help you too! So please come out to support those less fortunate and have a fun night with great tunes and community. We’re just one event of many that helps those in need. So, don’t just support our cause –support all others that you can. The world is not perfect, but the small things you do make it a bit better to live in.

A second Blankfest event has been added since this interview. This is great news, more free music and more warm blankets for the homeless! Click here for March 5 event, and here for March 7.

Blankfest 2015 MTL at Coop Katacombes (1635 Boul. St-Laurent) March 5, 2015. 7:30 p.m. Free with donation.
Blankfest Quebec 2015 at Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine W.) March 7, 2015. Doors 7:30 p.m. Show 8 p.m. Free with donation.