Kat Harlton
Photos: provided via artist / PR team
Rising genre-bending duo YASSiN & Sean Terrio, recently announced Rock The Halls: A Holiday Benefit Bash in support of Kids Help Phone, set to take place at the legendary El Mocambo in Toronto on December 20th.
Presented by Canada’s Walk of Fame, RBC and YASSiN & Sean Terrio, the festive charity concert will feature performances from Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program alumni Mindflip, Cassie Dasilva and Dallas, along with special guests The Free Label. Tickets for the event are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, and are available for purchase here.
Headlining the evening of unforgettable music and holiday spirit are Toronto-based duo YASSiN & Sean Terrio. Recognized through the Emerging Musician Program, the duo is known for creating deeply emotional and highly fun music. Hot on the heels of their recent debut album JUST TRY (Believe Digital), they continue to capture audiences nationwide by blending sounds of soul, pop, blues, R&B and a touch of country.
Proceeds from the concert will benefit Kids Help Phone, a crucial support system for young people across Canada. Since its founding in 1989, Kids Help Phone has grown from a telephone counseling line into a comprehensive resource for emotional and mental health support nationwide. Their services provide help for every challenge, no matter how big or small.
Funds will be raised through ticket sales, a toy drive, and a silent auction. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Make-A-Wish Toy Drive to further help spread holiday cheer.
I had the opportunity to chat with the duo (Y&ST below) about Rock The Halls, what attendees can expect and more.
Kat: You recently announced Rock The Halls: A Holiday Benefit Bash set to take place at the legendary El Mocambo in Toronto on December 20th. What inspired you to create this charity event?
Y&ST: Yes! Well last year we held the first iteration of this event; the “proto” show, if you will. This came about as an idea from YASSiNs partner, who at that time, was working at a Cancer Center. We ended up putting on a show and collected over 400 toys for this center. This year, we are all about bigger and better. We have been fortunate enough to have the partners and sponsors we do, to put on a better show and have a bigger impact in the season of giving.
Kat: Proceeds from the concert will support Kids Help Phone. Can you tell us more about this organization and why you chose them to donate the funds raised to?
Y&ST: This past year we had the pleasure of playing on a couple shows that were partnered with KHP and we had a blast. Through these shows, we were able to connect with their people and learn more about all the good they do. We knew we wanted to replicate and surpass our success in last year’s charity show, so we reached out to KHP and began putting bones into the show. Growing up in Canada for most of my life, KHP has been a constant presence in the Canadian community, and their reach has only grown in that time. Growing up in general can be hard on kids and when you have the opportunity to give something you may or may not have had growing up, to someone else, it’s a good thing.
Kat: Aside from yourselves, the event will also feature performances from Canada’s Walk of Fame RBC Emerging Musician Program alumni Mindflip, Cassie Dasilva and Dallas, along with special guests The Free Label. How did you select the artists and special guests featured in this year’s lineup?
Y&ST: We’re pretty stoked we managed to get all these lovely folks on the lineup. We are alumni of the Emerging Musician Program and have had such a great experience in our years after, a great deal of it coming as a direct impact of our involvement with the program. In some way its another opportunity to give back to those who have helped us and those who may be a bit earlier on in their journey, but ultimately everyone on the line up is a killer act, and we are spoiled to be able to bring them together for one big night!
Kat: What can attendees expect from the event and what message do you hope they take away from it?
Y&ST: One thing they can expect is a good time and one hell of a show. We’ll have Canadian beverage sponsors, a silent auction with AMAZING prizes, a stellar host in CP24’s Jennifer Hsiung, fun, comedy, and music galore.
Kat: What song off your new album Just Try are you most excited to perform live and why
Y&ST: That’s a hard question to answer. We love playing so many of the tracks off our album but, if I had to pick, a few of the big ones will be All Summer, Cut Keys & You’re That To Me.
Kat: What else can we expect from you in 2025?
Y&ST: If all goes according to plan, bigger and better shows, more bits, more hits, and all the fun we can have.
Connect With YASSiN & Sean Terrio
Instagram: @yassinandseanterrio
Facebook: @yassinandseanterrio
TikTok: @yassinandseanterrio