A few people can make a remarkable difference. Here’s how it all started.
Morgan Melnyk, Lyle Peterman, and Mallory Wellechenko are the faces behind A Not So Silent Events, an organization born out of a shared passion for supporting Calgary’s local emerging musicians for a good cause. The trio first heard about #NotInMyCity, an organization aimed at disrupting human trafficking, soon after it was launched in 2017 by Canadian country artist Paul Brandt. After learning more about #NotInMyCity when his employer, MNP, became a sponsor, Melnyk was inspired to get involved. He, Peterman, and Wellechenko had the brilliant idea to use their connections in the local live music scene to raise money and awareness for the organization.
“We’re lucky enough to have an amazing group of artists here in Calgary and across Alberta, and we wanted to showcase their talent and give them a stage to perform on, all for a good cause,” says Melnyk.
Their first charitable Christmas concert, titled “A Not So Silent Nite”, was held in 2019. It was a huge success, raising $8,598 for #NotinMyCity, and Melnyk, Peterman, and Wellechenko knew they wanted to make it an annual event. The topic of human trafficking is a heavy one, so hosting a concert where people can come together, listen to music and engage in important conversation about a very real and present issue is a great way to spread awareness.
Morgan, Mallory, and Lyle speaking at this year’s A Not So Silent Nite.
Fast forward to today, A Not So Silent Events has raised more than $216,500 for #NotInMyCity, with the 2024 Christmas concert raising a record-breaking $51,500. The event was held at the Calgary Petroleum Club, with performances by celebrated artists such as Paul Brandt himself, Foxx Worthee, local act The Frontiers, and more. The evening also included a Q&A with Paul Brandt and the CEO of ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams) Marc Cochlin, who discussed Alberta’s leading role in human trafficking response.
“A Not So Silent Nite demonstrates the remarkable difference a few individuals can make when they find a cause and community they care deeply about ,” says Paul Brandt, Founder, #NotInMyCity. “The funds and awareness raised through this initiative has created a tremendous amount of good towards helping us move the needle in terms of disrupting human trafficking here in Canada. Every attendee can take heart knowing they are making a difference through their support.”
A Not So Silent Nite has become a beloved annual tradition, and the event has expanded to include a summer rooftop concert during the Calgary Stampede, A Not So Silent Summer.
“The response from the community has been incredible, which is a true testament to how important this cause is,” says Wellechenko, “Now the event sells out well in advance, and there’s a waiting list to get in. Each year there are repeat faces, and a new batch of people who may never have heard of #NotInMyCity that we get to reach as well.”
Attendees enjoying the red carpet at A Not So Silent Nite 2024.
The momentum continues: next year is the seventh year of the Christmas concert, and year three of the summer event. Melnyk, Peterman, and Wellechenko are already dreaming of where they could take next year’s events:
“We want to continue to grow the audience, grow the sponsors and continue to spotlight local musicians,” says Melnyk.
Some of the featured local musicians performing at the 2024 event.
To stay up to date on news and upcoming events, follow #NotInMyCity and A Not So Silent Nite on Instagram at @nimcally and @anotsosilentnite.