Great music for a great cause

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"Don't give in without a fight," sings Pink Floyd frontman David Gilmour on Hey You. They're words that have inspired generations of fans, including Londoner Jesse Hildebrand-Nestor.

The 18-year-old South Collegiate Institute grad is working with local musicians to put on a Pink Floyd tribute concert in memory of those who have died from cancer, including the band's keyboardist, Richard Wright. The Wish You Were Here benefit concert takes place on November 12 at the Grand Theatre.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Gerald C. Baines Centre for Translational Cancer Research at Victoria Hospital. This centre aims to "bridge the gap between scientific discovery and patient care," according to a press release. The money will possibly be used for a Clinical Research Unit, Imaging Research Laboratory, Collaborative and Support Area and Molecular Imaging Laboratories.

"The type of research that they specialize in is translational … treatments will be available to cancer patients straight from the lab more quickly," explained Hildebrand-Nestor. "(These) research projects can be used to help patients right away."

"My family and I have lost some close friends and family members to cancer," he said. "After the loss of some of these people, I was reminded of when Richard Wright passed away in 2008." He said he saw this as "a really good opportunity to celebrate Richard Wright and the music of Pink Floyd ... and at the same time, raise some money for cancer."

"I've always been a very big fan of Pink Floyd," said Hildebrand- Nestor. "One of the things in part that really drew me into the music ... was the deep, involving mood in their songs, and the lyrics and themes in their songs have to do with things … people can relate to."

Hildebrand-Nestor remembered Richard Wright as having had a huge influence on the band. "He added a really rich texture to the band's sound … their sound wouldn't have been what it was without him."

The tribute band consists of 11 musicians from London and around the world. "All of them are people that my dad — Jim Nestor — has played with in the past." Hildebrand-Nestor and his father both play guitar in the band.

The concert takes place at the Grand Theatre on November 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40, reserved seating, and can be purchased in advance through the Grand Theatre website: www.grandtheatre.com. There will also be a silent auction, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with items including a Kandesn Spa gift set, three framed photographs by local artist Alina Subrt, a gift basket of Epicure cooking products, an electric guitar donated by John Bellone Musical Instruments and five guitar lessons from Jim Nestor.

For more information on the concert, visit www.wish-you-were-here-tribute.ca.