Introduction

Donations for the Bertin family can be made on our FOR SALE page.

A CELEBRATION OF WELL BEING - The Bertin Family Benefit

(Chris Bertin is a local musician and makes beautiful handcrafted drums and such. He recently had an accident, involving a table saw, and has lost fingers as a result. Many folks around the community have come together to raise funds and help support him and his family while he recovers.)

A Celebration of Well Being brings together members of the Cowichan Valley and beyond, to celebrate a very special member of our community, inspired musician and wood artist Christopher Bertin.
Born and raised on Prince Edward Island, Chris began his journey as percussionist and drum maker nearly 20 years ago. Chris says that the first time he touched a drum he was "immediately transformed by the magic inside." Soon after this he hitch hiked to the West Coast and began studying the art of drum making on Vancouver Island.
Chris has diversified his instrument making skills over the years, and now makes Ashikos, Djembes, Djun Djuns, Didgeridoos, Talking Drums, Rattles, Bullroarers, Congas, Berimbaus, Cajons and Ceremonial Drums. Chris also makes custom made furniture and wonderful wooden children's toys.
For those who are lucky enough to own a piece that Chris has made, they understand the beauty of his work, the wood he touches turns to gold, and always becomes a work of art.
His instrument making skills are equal to his gifts as a musician. Chris has played music for many bands over the years, including "Shumba Dumba", "Samba du Soleil", "Kuraba", The Beats I Rites, "Carnival Spirit", "The Tania Elizabeth Band", "Chameleon", "The Jeremy Walsh Band", "Wave Collective", "Masimba", "Marimba Muzuva" and "The Paradigm Shifters".
Chris describes playing the drum as his "healing journey" and in his music he brings that essence through to the audience. He always plays from the heart, and any musician who has the honor of working with him is blessed by his loving radiance and incredible percussive dexterity.
Considering the magic Chris carries in his hands, it was a real tragedy when Chris injured his left hand severely on a table saw in January this year. Often when people heard the news, tears would well in their eyes.
Alongside Chris, his wife Ali, and their 3 children Naomi(7), Bodhi(2) and Chandra (11 months), all face a long journey of healing. And what better way to initiate this, than with a concert in their honor to celebrate a shared love of music alongside all the musicians who love Chris.
A Celebration of Well Being is a community initiative; aimed at raising monies to help Chris enter into the next stage of his life, and a new career path. There will be a silent auction featuring local art and services, circle dances led by Lee Masters, children's activities, and an incredibly line up of bands, DJs and accomplished musicians. Chris will be performing a didgeridoo sound healing, and also his instruments will be available for sale at the concert.
Featuring:
Chris Bertin, Craig Patterson, Cowichan Spirit Drummers, Dancing Wolf, DJ Rowan, Lila Music - Massimo Pinto, Cari Burdett & friends, Masimba, Marimba Muzuva, Miss Emily Brown, Moondance, Paradigm Shifters, Samba du Soleil, and many other special guests
Where: Cowichan Station Hub, 2375 Koksilah Road, Duncan
When: Saturday March 24 2-11pm
Why: To Celebrate Community, Local Music and Arts, and the Well Being of all these things, in honor of a very special man, Christopher Bertin
Food at the event will be provided by Farms Gate Foods, who specialize in using produce from local farms to create delicious meals, and Depot Dawgs, Fuzzy's tasty 100 mile diet friendly Hot Dogs.
Sponsored by the Community Farm Store.
Chris Bertin - http://moonrisemusic.ca/
Lila Music - http://www.joythroughmusic.com
Marimba Mazuva - http://www.marimbamagic.com/MUZUVA2/bio.htm
Masimba - http://bopoma.org/
Miss Emily Brown - http://www.emilybrownmusic.com/
Moondance - http://www.moondancearts.ca/
Paradigm Shifters - http://www.reverbnation.com/theparadigmshifters
Cowichan Spirit Drummers - http://spirit.cowichan.net/?the-spirit-of-br-cowichan-drummers%2C11

Dancing Wolf - http://thedanceflow.com/
DJ Rowan - http://sunsetlabs.ca/rowan