Robb Nash Project highlights youth with amputated arm, learned to play guitar

Manitoba schools have the chance to experience a performance targeted at bringing awareness to mental wellness and the transformative power of music and storytelling.

On May 30 and 31, The Robb Nash Project will be held at The Burton Cummings Theatre, which marks the first concert experience for schools in Canada sing the pandemic.

This time, joining Nash on stage is a youth who experienced his own positive transformation a few years ago following a Robb Nash Project concert held in his community of Wollaston Lake, Saskatchewan.

Dillon defied all odds and learned to play the guitar despite the fact that he has one of his arms amputated from the elbow down and he will perform on-stage in front of attending students.

"We are excited to get back on stage and reconnect with students in real-time and we can’t wait to introduce everyone to Dillon," says Robb Nash, the driving force behind The Robb Nash Project. "The pandemic has taken a toll on mental wellness, especially among young people. Our goal is to provide a safe space for them to express their struggles, find strength through stories of resilience and empower them to overcome any darkness they may be facing."

The Robb Nash Project’s returning to the stage is a beacon of hope for students and educators alike following a challenging period of isolation and uncertainty.

With a renewed commitment to mental health, the concerts will offer a unique and impactful experience, reaching out to young hearts and minds in need of inspiration and support.

The Robb Nash Project will be joined by schools that have participated in their ground-breaking mental wellness program, A Living Curriculum: Stories of Life through Darkness. The online, educator-directed curriculum, utilizes personal narratives, music, and multimedia elements to engage students in meaningful discussions surrounding mental health challenges, resilience, and the importance of seeking help. Dillon’s story is one of the narratives shared in the curriculum.

"We've witnessed the incredible transformation that occurs when young people can relate their own experiences to the stories shared during our shows and through our curriculum. It fosters a sense of connection and reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles. The inclusion of participating schools at our concerts adds an extra layer of meaning and impact."

The Robb Nash Project's performances at The Burton Cummings Theatre promise to be a memorable experience for all attendees. With a dynamic blend of music, storytelling, and candid conversations, the concert experience creates an atmosphere of empathy and understanding.

This unique approach has earned The Robb Nash Project a dedicated following of students, educators, and mental health advocates across the country.

Nash even received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and was one of the 17 Canadians featured in Peter Mansbridge's recent book, Extraordinary Canadians: Stories from the Heart of our Nation.