There’s still time to sign up for Saturday’s ninth annual Music Therapy Ride (September 18) from the River Rock Casino to Whistler. The MTR raises funds for music-therapy services, with this year’s proceeds earmarked to build a recording studio at B.C. Children’s Hospital. The purchase of two prototype mobile studios is also planned.

Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida will be straddling hogs for the cause, although you don’t have to join the motorcycle convoy to participate. For $75, you can attend an auction at Whistler’s Garibaldi Lift Company, with an electric bike from Urban Wasp and guitars autographed by the likes of Elvis Costello up for grabs. “Music is a proven point of communication and healing,” Shaw Saltzberg, cochair of the music-therapy committee, told the Straight. “People have come out of a coma to the sound of a song; kids with autism will respond rhythmically to a song; and music therapy is used often for pain management.” More info and registration at the Music Therapy Ride Web site.