Pop Star Kiesza Helps Raise Money for Selkirk College Scholarship
By Bob Hall
With her career exploding across the world, Selkirk College alumna Kiesza will take part in a special event to help future students reach their goals in the music industry.
The international pop star will be returning to Nelson at the end of November to visit her old strumming grounds on the Tenth Street Campus where she began building the foundation of her success in the Contemporary Music & Technology Program.
Kiesza will perform at the sold-out Selkirk College Gala 2015 at Nelson’s Mary Hall on November 28.
Wanting to give back to the post-secondary roots she planted at Selkirk College, Kiesza will also take part in a Sunday, November 29 event that will raise money for a scholarship to be established in her name.
The “Hanging Out With Kiesza” event invites the community to come meet the musician and take in a two-song unplugged performance.
“We’re excited to have an opportunity to raise funds for this new scholarship,” says Selkirk College Donor & Alumni Coordinator Joleen Kinakin.
“Kiesza has been gracious enough to give her time to this event which will enable her fans see her in an intimate setting. The money raised will go towards assisting future students in the music program lessen the financial burden that comes with a post-secondary education.”
Kiesza arrived to Selkirk College from Calgary as an 18-year-old bursting with talent. Honing her craft in the studios at Nelson’s Tenth Street Campus, she graduated in 2009 and continued her music studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
In 2014, Kiesza arrived on the international stage with her hit song “Hideway” which featured an incredible video that has more than 250 million views on YouTube.
Over the last two years, Kiesza has released a full-length album, captured three Juno Awards, toured the world and collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars like Rhianna.
he is currently working on her second album and recently took part in a concert for the David Foster Foundation in Toronto where she performed alongside Stevie Wonder.
“It’s pretty impressive to see what she has done since leaving Selkirk College,” says Kinakin. “Having her come back to give her time and meet her fans is going to help make this a weekend to remember.”
The event will take place between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Mary Hall on the Tenth Street Campus. There will be a two-song unplugged set, autograph availability, music from current students and door prizes.
Tickets for the event are $10 (cash only) with all proceeds going towards the scholarship. Tickets are available at Scout Clothing in Nelson (532 Ward Street), Andre’s Electronic Experts in Castlegar, the Welcome Centre on the Castlegar Campus and the Selkirk College Trail Campus.
