It’s been 12 years since Ranj and the Discriminators last took the stage and on Sept. 28 they'll reunite for a powerful cause – the Building Hope Gala, supporting those impacted by housing insecurity.
For Ranj and his band, the concert is a full-circle moment in more ways than one as the talented vocalist will share the stage with husband-and-wife duo Twin Flames and multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter Jann Arden.
"I shared the stage with Jann Arden back in the mid-90s with another band, we were so young back then. Our style was more rock focused. All these years later, my music has changed as I’ve grown as an artist. It's kind of easy listening, but it's a little bit different. I focus on Indian melodies – my roots from Indian music – and rhythms, yet I sing in English. It's a different sound and I think people will go, 'Oh, well, I've never heard of something like this before.'"
When Ranj and his band were first asked to perform at the gala, it was without question that the band – formed in 2007 – would reunite for a cause that hits close to home.
“Every time I perform, I take the stage representing Surrey. Events like this, the media attention is pivotal in getting the message out there," he says.
"We are living through a housing crisis right now. I remember hearing the story from Options about how they had 600 applications for 100 homes. Somebody had to filter through that and judge who can come and who they’d have to say no to. If we can play a supportive role, fundraising for this initiative, we couldn’t miss this opportunity,” Ranj says.
In partnership with the Habitat Housing Society, Options Community Services aims to host the Building Hope Gala raising funds for a second affordable housing initiative following the success of their first purpose-built, mixed-income housing development, Habitat@81st, completed in December 2023.
Related: Jann Arden helps Build Hope at affordable housing fundraiser
A blast from the past
Ranj Singh and The Discriminators was formed in 2007 with Ranj on vocals and 12-string guitar, Chris Dufault on guitars and bass, Bojan Bugarinovic on Sitar, bass and guitars, Dan Huget on his funky electric violin and later Greg Stuart on percussion.
Together, the band enjoyed a memorable history, performing at venues across Greater Vancouver, before gaining major attention performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
While enroute to perform as a duet at the 2010 Paralympics, Ranj and Chris were involved in a car accident. that left Ranj unable to perform as often as he'd have liked. However, through adversity, the band managed to record and release Found A Way Home in 2011.
As Ranj and The Discriminators prepare for their reunion this September at the Bell Performance Centre, the artist says it will be an emotional experience not only for those in attendance but the band as well.
"It's an unbelievable, humbling feeling. I used to drive by the Bell Performance Centre. I was working as a courier as it was being built in 2001. I remember when my girls were younger, I always told them, 'one of these days, your dad's going to play there.' I always had that dream and vision, and on Sept. 28, with my band by my side, our dream will be fulfilled.”
Get your tickets today!
Secure your tickets for the Building Hope Gala at tickets.bellperformingartscentre.com and be part of this extraordinary night of music and giving. Show your support at the Building Hope Gala Concert and help make affordable housing a reality for more families.