Long before the lights come on for another performance from Canadian music legends Blue Rodeo in whatever city they are visiting, chances are keyboardist Mike Boguski has already done a show for those in the community who are unlikely to be able to afford a concert ticket.
Boguski calls it his "tour within a tour," as the country-rock band travels Canada as part of their "Lost Together - The 40th Anniversary Tour," marking four decades entertaining audiences.
On Friday, Boguski was at the Busby Centre in Barrie to treat those using the shelter's services to a free lunchtime piano performance.
"When I got to Victoria, I discovered The Mustard Seed Outreach Church, which is very similar to this (Busby Centre). It's a community centre where people who are living on the street can come and access a meal and get one night's sleep and food, and it was so successful," Boguski told Barrie 360 after he had finished his performance. "I knew this where I wanted to be."
After the performance at Busby, Boguski took time to meet with the shelter clients and staff, who were visibly grateful for his time and the music.
"It's not cheap to come to see live music," said Boguski. "This is really what I want to do. Bring the music to people who may not be able to hear it. It's just unbelievably meaningful to be able to play for people who may not be able to come to the show."
The anniversary tour kicked off in Calgary on Oct. 1.
"Blue Rodeo is still going strong, and is full of love and passion for our special brand of music, which we are really excited to perform," Boguski added.
Blue Rodeo's anniversary tour pulls into Sadlon Arena tonight (Oct. 24, 2025).
