Fourth annual concert to support cancer care initiative at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital
The Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) will bring the sound of one of rock’s most iconic bands to the Mae Wilson Theatre on March 21, with U2 Desire taking the stage for Healthcare Rocks 4.
The concert, presented by Cypress Paving and hosted by Leroy and Leroy, marks the fourth annual edition of the tribute concert series that supports healthcare at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.
“Taking center stage is U2 Desire, the number one U2 international tribute,” said Kelly McElree, executive director of the MJHF. “U2 Desire brings the authentic look, sound, and passion of U2 to life.”
The Ontario-based tribute band will perform classics spanning U2’s decades-long career, from early hits like “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” to modern favorites including “Beautiful Day,” “Vertigo,” and “One.”
“From the time they were in high school, they’ve been playing U2 songs,” McElree said of the band members. “And it’s just uncanny.”
The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with a reception featuring U2-inspired appetizers created by Grant Hall, along with a U2-themed silent auction, exclusive merchandise, and a photo opportunity with an iconic Joshua Tree installation.
“U2 Desire faithfully recreates the grand spectacle of U2’s legendary stadium shows,” McElree said. “And they bring a multimedia show for the community, and it’s something that I don’t think Moose Jaw has ever seen before.”
Brett Williams, representing presenting sponsor Cypress Paving, said his company is proud to support the event for the fourth consecutive year.
“The Health Foundation does great work within our community,” Williams said. “It’s a cause that we feel is very close to us and something that is very, very good to help out everybody.”
Healthcare Rocks 4 serves as the first official fundraiser for the 2026 Family First Radiothon, with all proceeds staying in the community to support a major cancer care initiative at the hospital that McElree said will be announced soon.
“It involves cancer care,” McElree said. “It’s going to help countless people in our community, in and around Moose Jaw, have better access.”
Over the past year, MJHF initiatives have supported significant hospital upgrades, including an MRI breast upgrade and expanding MRI capacity from 7,600 scans annually to 10,000 scans.
“Healthcare Rocks is absolutely pure fun and joy,” McElree said. “It’s a fist-pumping good time.”
Tickets are $50 plus taxes and fees and go on sale Friday, January 16 at noon at the Moose Jaw Centre for Arts & Culture box office or online at moosejawculture.ca.
The Healthcare Rocks concert series launched in March 2023 with AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells, followed by Queen tribute Simply Queen in 2024 and Elton John tribute Elton Rohn in 2025.
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