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For Immediate Release: December 27, 2024

Paul langlois (Tragically Hip) returns to Niagara for fundraiser concert in support of the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Paul Langlois (Tragically Hip) will take centre stage at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC) in support of the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games being held May 30 - June 1, 2025 hosted by Sport Niagara. This special evening will also include an intimate and interactive artist interview conducted by Canada’s own Alan Cross.

When Paul Langlois (Tragically Hip) was asked to play the closing ceremonies of the Canada Summer Games in Niagara Falls in August of 2022, the last thing on his mind was making a new record. A few months later, however, Guess What, The Paul Langlois Band’s debut was in the can, and Langlois began a new and exciting phase of his musical journey.

The title track itself – which closes out the record – is an expression of his surprise that one gig could lead to the formation of a new band and a full record. “At the time, I’d been quietly making my way through my new life, chipping away at little musical ideas here and there, with no particular goals in mind,” Langlois explains, crediting the Niagara gig as the impetus to get him playing music again and, ultimately, rekindling his interest in songwriting.

Fans of Langlois and The Tragically Hip will be thrilled it did. Featuring Langlois on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and the ample talents of bandmates Greg Ball on guitar and backing vocals, lead guitarist Joe Carscallen, Matt Mulvihill on bass, and drummer Billy Anglin, Guess What offers up the kind of thoughtful, straight-up rock and roll that’s timely, timeless, and a bit of a rarity these days.

“It’s where the spark happened; so, returning back to Niagara is a complete honour”, expresses Langlois, who ensures the audience that some Hip songs will be highlighted as well.

“Sport Niagara, as the Legacy Organization of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, is excited to welcome Ontario’s Para Athletes to compete in Niagara,” stated Dan Kennedy, Executive Director of Sport Niagara. Hosting this fundraiser concert will deeply assist with our endeavour of successfully delivering an exceptional Parasport Games this upcoming spring. "Our vision is to leave a lasting and sustained legacy for our disability sports community.”

Pre-sale tickets will be available for Thursday, January 9, 2025, with public tickets sales starting at 10:00am on Friday, January 10, 2025 at FOPAC


About Sport Niagara

Sport Niagara is a not-for-profit organization established to carry on the sport legacy from the Niagara 2022 Canada Games. Sport Niagara will support the attraction and hosting of future sport events in Niagara and promote sport through various programs focused on advancing high-performance and community sport. For further information, visit us at sportniagara.ca or follow us on Facebook and Linkedin (@sportniagara).

Media Contact - Sport Niagara and Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games Dan Kennedy | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 905.321.0940

About Niagara Community Foundation

Established in 2000, the Niagara Community Foundation has raised over $86 million and has granted in excess of $31 million to charities working in the arts, heritage, environment, social services, health, education and community development sectors. NCF connects donors to causes and charities to resources, turning intent into impact.

Media Contact
Bryan Rose, Executive Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 905.684.8688 x.22

About the Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games

In May 2025, Niagara will welcome athletes, managers, coaches, officials, and volunteers from across Ontario for the 44th Ontario Parasport Games. Sport Niagara is thrilled to be selected as the host of this prestigious event. Between May 30 to June 1, events will be held at sporting facilities across the Niagara region including Canada Games Park and Brock University in Thorold and the Vale Health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne.

The Ontario Parasport Games were first delivered in 1975 by the City of Cambridge. Since then, the Games have grown to over 500 participants competing in 10+ sports including wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey, goalball and more. The last Ontario ParaSports Games were held in Durham in 2023.

The Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games was made possible thanks to funding and support from the Government of Ontario and Sport Niagara and will give rise to new legacies of ambition and confidence that will inspire generations to come.

For further information, visit us at sportniagara.ca or follow us on Facebook and Linkedin (@sportniagara).

Media Contact - Sport Niagara and Niagara 2025 Ontario Parasport Games Dan Kennedy | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 905.321.0940