Toronto Rock Band The Beaches to Perform for UHN Patients in Special Healing Session

Toronto’s rising rock sensation, The Beaches, best known for their hit track “Blame Brett”, are taking a brief detour from their continent-spanning tour to perform in a uniquely personal setting this week. Rather than playing to a crowd of thousands, they’ll be sharing their music with a small but meaningful audience—patients participating in the University Health Network’s (UHN) music-healing programs.

On Friday, the band will play a special set for two UHN patient groups: TRI Hards, based at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and Singing to Breathe, hosted by Toronto Western Hospital. Both initiatives use music as a tool for healing and recovery.

The TRI Hards began in 2023, when a staff member at Toronto Rehab brought a ukulele to work. What started as an informal jam session quickly evolved into a regular gathering where both patients and staff could enjoy music together. For some patients, music offers far more than entertainment: those with limited mobility have been inspired to dance, others with speech difficulties use the sessions to sing, and many simply attend for the joy of listening.

Singing to Breathe brings together patients each Tuesday for virtual singing sessions designed to help improve their lung function and breathing capacity. This blend of art and medicine is a cornerstone of UHN’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered care.

When UHN reached out to The Beaches to see if they would be interested in participating, the band enthusiastically accepted. Their visit is part of UHN’s broader music therapy and fundraising efforts, which include the upcoming We Walk UHNITED event on May 31, featuring Canadian icon Tom Cochrane.

The Beaches—comprised of lead vocalist and bassist Jordan Miller, guitarist Kylie Miller, drummer Eliza Enman-McDaniel, and keyboardist/guitarist Leandra Earl—will perform a mix of their original songs and classic covers during Friday’s session. Audience participation is encouraged, making the event more than just a concert—it’s a collaborative celebration of healing through music.

Known for their lyrics about emotional honesty, strength, and self-discovery, The Beaches are uniquely suited to connect with an audience that understands the deeper meaning behind resilience. For these patients, recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and personal. This performance offers a rare moment where the power of music helps bridge that journey.

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