TD delivers the ultimate VIP experience at the TD Music Green Room, with appearances by Kardinal Offishall, Ria Mae, Jonathan Roy, Dru and more

TORONTO, April 2, 2016 /CNW/ - As a Premier Partner of the 2016 JUNO Awards, TD Bank Group is celebrating music with the TD Music Green Room – an exclusive destination for artists and industry icons. Here, TD will announce a $1,000,000 donation for the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program to provide musical instruments and equipment to youth in underserved communities across Canada. As part of this presentation, Canadian rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall will present the first 2016 MusiCounts TD Community Music Program donation of $20,000 in musical equipment to Calgary's The Freed Artists Society.

"Music has the power to enrich lives and create stronger, more vibrant communities. We're honoured to present this gift to the MusiCounts TD Community Music Program and The Freed Artists Society to help provide access to musical instruments and education for youth in underserved communities," said Tyrrell Schmidt, Vice President, Global Brand and Customer Experience, Marketing, TD Bank Group. "TD understands that music is an important source of passion and a creative outlet for our customers and communities. We're thrilled to be part of the JUNO Awards for the fifth year in a row and celebrate homegrown Canadian talent at the TD Music Green Room."

On April 1^st and 2^nd, the TD Music Green Room will offer a JUNO Award-worthy experience with a concierge service; makeup and nail experts, helping guests get red carpet ready; and many surprises, including two full days of special musical performances. This year's lineup includes:

• Ria Mae – 2016 JUNO nominated singer of the single 'Clothes Off'
• Jonathan Roy – Singer of the hit song 'Daniella Denmark' written with Corey Hart
• Dru – JUNO Award winning R&B/Soul performer of the hit song 'She Can Ride'
• Wes Mack –Canadian Country Music Association award winner of the song 'Drive Me Crazy' 
• The Elwins – JUNO nominated artists known for their indie hit 'So Down Low'

In addition to being a Premier Partner of the 2016 JUNO Awards and the Presenting Sponsor of the 2016 JUNO Fan Choice Award, TD has been a significant supporter of music since 2003. Celebrating 13 years of supporting music, TD sponsors over 80 music festivals and more than 100 community music programs across Canada. TD helps create comfortable experiences for communities to come together to celebrate and share in the love of music and provide young people with access to music from coast-to-coast.

"The MusiCounts TD Community Music Program helps us change the lives of even more youth through the power of music. This generous gift will provide musical instruments and equipment to community centres, after-school programs and other community non-profit organizations, like The Freed Artists Society," said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. "We are delighted to have some of the country's best recording artists celebrate the success of the program, from Kevin Drew to Kardinal Offishall. These grants make a tremendous difference for youth and communities across Canada, and we're grateful for the generous support from TD Bank Group."

Fans across the country can join the TD Music conversation by following @TD_Canada for highlights from the TD Music Green Room, and can also keep up-to-date on all TD Music initiatives by visiting http://www.TDMusic.com.

About TD Music
Since 2003, TD has helped customers and communities experience the love of music by sponsoring major music festivals across Canada. Every year TD supports many music-based community and educational programs. Continuing with its commitment to support music programs throughout Canada, TD is proud to be a Premier Partner of the 2016 JUNO Awards and Live Nation's year-long concert series.

About MusiCounts
MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) is helping to keep music alive across Canada. MusiCounts' mission is to ensure that children in Canada, regardless of socio-economic circumstances or cultural background, have access to music programs through their schools and communities. This is achieved through the Band Aid Program, the TD Community Music Program, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives. Since MusiCounts' establishment in 1997, nearly $9,000,000 has been awarded to help support music education in Canada. These funds have benefitted over 850 schools and communities from coast to coast, supported over 350 post-secondary music program graduates and honoured 11 extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.

SOURCE TD Bank Group