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Playing the Johnny's stage for a cause

When Katie Njegovan heard her childhood friend Brandie Salamondra was in the hospital, she knew she had to do something to help. Njegovan quickly organized a Nov. 2 concert at Johnny’s Social Club, with the proceeds donated to Salamondra’s recovery.
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Musician Katie Njegovan is holding a fundraising concert Nov. 2 at Johnny's Social Club for her friend Brandie Salamondra. Salamondra (right with her family) is currently in an Ontario hospital after suffering a brain bleed. - SUBMITTED PHOTO

When Katie Njegovan heard her childhood friend Brandie Salamondra was in the hospital, she knew she had to do something to help. Njegovan quickly organized a Nov. 2 concert at Johnny’s Social Club, with the proceeds donated to Salamondra’s recovery. Tickets are available at Northern Rainbow’s End.

“When I saw the Gofundme page, it got me thinking, ‘How can I raise some money for Brandie and her family?’” Njegovan said.

“That's when I thought I could host an acoustic night at Johnny's.”

Salamondra is in a Toronto hospital recovering from a brain bleed. Njegovan said she heard about it through Facebook and Gofundme.

“It always seems you get those kinds of things through social media, but thankfully when I when I did see the post on there, I knew she was okay and in good hands in the Toronto hospital,” she said.

“All I did was start putting positive vibes out that she was going to be okay. This is when I thought I want to do something to help them. This is what I thought I could do.”

Salamondra and Njegovan met in middle school and have been friends ever since. The duo even taught dance together in Flin Flon for a few years.

“I used to go to her house for sleep-overs and that kind of stuff when we were young,” Njegovan said.

“It was awesome reconnecting as adults, teaching dancing together.”

This will be the first full solo performance for Njegovan. She said she’s played Blueberry Jam and coffeehouses, but nothing like a full set at Johnny’s.

“[The idea] was in my head for a few days and then I said, ‘I'm going to do it,’” Njegovan said.

“I wasn't going to let the fact that it was out of my comfort zone stop me from doing it. I'm used to performing with my band, it's a lot different than all on my own. I'm very excited and hopefully we'll get a good turnout.”

Tickets are already on sale at Northern Rainbow’s End for $20. Tim Dubreuil will also be finishing off an airbrush painting and raffling it off at the event.

“This will be the first time ever that I've played for an hour and 15 minutes. It's usually 20 to 30 minutes. I'm excited to let people hear you know the stuff but I don't usually play out when i when i do do those shorter set.”

Njegovan said she’ll be looking to keep an upbeat attitude during the show.

“I’m a believer in putting a positive face on, no matter what the situation is,” she said.

“I'm going to get up there and sing my heart out for the people that are coming to support my friend.”

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