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From a Calgary Bar to a Movement Across North America: The Story of GEDfest with Keith Dyck
What started as a small Calgary fundraiser inspired by the music and legacy of Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip has grown into something much bigger.
On this episode of The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene, I sit down with Keith Dyck, founder of GEDfest, to talk about how he and his wife, Julie Johnson, turned their love of The Hip and their desire to give back into an annual celebration that now spans 12 cities across Canada and the United States.
GEDfest began in Calgary in 2018, shortly after Gord Downie’s passing. What started with a small group of friends, a Tragically Hip tribute band and a fundraising goal has grown into a movement that has raised more than $732,000 for cancer-related charities. In 2026, GEDfest makes its first U.S. stop in Buffalo, NY, while continuing to grow across Canada.
At the heart of it all is Keith’s desire to honour Gord Downie—not only as one of Canada’s most important musical voices, but as someone who used his platform to support causes and communities across the country.
Keith and I talk about the early days of GEDfest, how Trickle Down, his Calgary-based Tragically Hip tribute band, came together, and how a fundraiser in a small Calgary venue evolved into a 12-city charitable event. Trickle Down was originally formed for GEDfest and has become a major part of the Calgary experience.
We also talk about the connection between GEDfest and the Prostate Cancer Centre, where I work professionally. PCC is one of the cancer charities benefiting from the Calgary event, and the MAN VAN® will be on site October 17 to help raise awareness about prostate cancer and men's health.
And Calgary is getting an extra night of The Hip experience this year. Due to demand, GEDfest has added a second Calgary show on Friday, October 16, in addition to the October 17 show at The Arrowhead. Both nights feature Trickle Down and the music of The Tragically Hip.
If you're a Tragically Hip fan, a fan of Canadian music, or simply looking for a great night out that supports an important cause, GEDfest is a pretty special combination of music, memories, community and giving back.
Listen to my conversation with Keith Dyck on The Sonic Collective: The AB Scene.
Then grab some friends and experience GEDfest live in Calgary on October 16 or 17.
Celebrate Gord. Celebrate The Hip. Support cancer care.
To learn more or buy tickets to an event in your city, visit https://www.gedfest.ca
Photo Credit: GEDfest
The theme music for The Sonic Collective is Dust by Les Gigantiques from Calgary. Our thanks to the band for letting us use and feature their music. Be sure to check them out. https://www.instagram.com/lesgigantiques/
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