Canadian Recording Artist Melanie Dekker Raises Funds for Disabled Athletes and Gives Performances for Transportation Minister and Soldiers in Afghanistan

Online, March 19, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Spring European tour on horizon for award-winning singer/songwriter

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - March 19, 2010 - Canadian recording artist Melanie Dekker, along with the Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Choir, performed on Tuesday for British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond. The private event was held at the BC Pavilion on the fourth floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The Province of British Columbia is hosting the BC Pavilion through the conclusion of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games as part of the province's signature celebration site at Vancouver's Robson Square.

This prestigious performance opportunity came on the heels of Dekker being invited to go aboard the Canadian naval frigate, HMCS Vancouver, to witness one of the final legs of the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay. On March 12, the flame was shuttled by Sea King helicopter to the HMCS Vancouver in Burrard Inlet. It was then carried onto a small, inflatable boat and taken to shore by the final torchbearer of the afternoon. Dekker documented her experience on the navy vessel in a short video: http://bit.ly/melparatorchrelay.

Earlier this month, Dekker participated, for the second consecutive year, in the VASS Challenge Cup held at Grouse Mountain. The event raises money for Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, a charity that strives to make the mountain accessible to athletes with various physical challenges. As part of the VASS Challenge Cup activities, Dekker participated in a sledge hockey demonstration with paralyzed and amputee athletes. She has previously helped raise funds for the organization by performing to a capacity crowd at the Vancouver Rowing Club.

"I love to play and connect," said Dekker. "I want people to sing, laugh and - if it feels right - cry a little as they are taken through the light and dark moments inside my songs. It is my relationships with my fans and my friends that keep me writing, singing and performing."

This past Christmas, Dekker toured Afghanistan, where she performed 11 concerts in two days for Canadian and U.S. troops. She was accompanied by Gen. Walter Natynczyk, who surprised Dekker earlier in 2009 by awarding her the Chief of Defence Staff Medal of Excellence for her song, "Fall In/Wounded Soldier." The medal is an honour given to those who have made great contributions, show excellence in what they do, or put their life on the line in defence of Canada. A video highlighting Dekker's tour of Afghanistan can be viewed here: http://www.melaniedekker.com/md-video.htm.

Currently working on a new, five-song EP with videos on the Elephant Ears Entertainment label, Dekker is also preparing for an extensive, 24-city European concert tour, which begins next week. Her spring Here and Now Tour will make stops throughout Germany, Austria and The Netherlands. This girl is on the move! Visit http://www.myspace.com/melaniedekkermusic for a complete tour schedule. For music and more information go to http://www.itunes.com or visit http://www.melaniedekker.com.

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Editors Note: Photography and video of, as well as interviews with, Ms. Dekker are available on request. For bookings in Canada, e-mail [email protected]. For bookings in the U.S. and Europe, contact Kevin Kennedy of Kennedy Music Promotions at [email protected].