The Hughton family.

The story of Music for the Gut really begins in February, 2010, when Jordie Hughton (artistic director) experienced some concerning bathroom visits during the Vancouver Olympics. He was diagnosed shortly afterwards with Ulcerative Colitis.

His brother, Jamey, was diagnosed when he was 13… with Crohn’s Disease, as was their mom, Tara, in 1988. Both Jamey and Tara have had bowel resection surgeries. Dad, Basil, has been along for one heck of a ride, and our biggest support.

Jordie and his good friend, our concert pianist, Yuli Chen, came up the idea of Music for the Gut, while having lunch. They still meet regularly at their favourite restaurant to discuss options for the upcoming year!

In 2011 with 18 talented friends, Music for the Gut became a reality. It is really uplifting and amazing… how this concept with small beginnings… has grown into a Spectacular Summer Event in Saskatoon, SK - having had over 400 performers and crew, the past 13 years! All in support of Crohn’s and Colitis! Thanks to many… See how we’ve grown at About Us.

Jordie Hughton has been a guest artist with the Regina and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras. He has won the the prestigious Gordon Wallis Opera Competition (Saskatchewan Music Festival), and represented Saskatchewan in voice at the National Music Festival. Jordie has been involved in several Saskatoon Opera productions. He has been a member of the National Youth Choir and Greystone Singers and has been a Fireside Singers member and soloist for 25 years.

He thoroughly enjoys performing with Saskatoon Summer Players, as well as harmonizing with his talented friends in their Doo-ly Noted Quartet. Jordie is also passionate about his work as “The Voice” of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football and basketball teams. He was a voice teacher at the Saskatoon Academy of Music for 15 years, and now runs his own - Jordie Hughton Vocal Studio!

It has always been Jordie’s goal, with Music for the Gut, to not only raise awareness of Crohn’s and colitis, diseases that affects over 322,600 Canadians (as of 2023), but to also highlight the amazing talent in our community! He strongly believes every one deserves to shine! Nearly every Music for the Gut song has multiple soloists, arranged and selected by our Artistic Director - Jordie Hughton!

Jamey Hughton is an Educational Assistant with Saskatoon Public Schools at Marion Graham Collegiate. He is Past President of the Saskatoon Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

Jamey is a gifted writer, loves movies and writing movie reviews. He is our ever-witty MC and you can often catch him dancing to the tunes, from the wings back stage, or taking part in some Rod Stewart worship! He is thrilled to be involved with Music for the Gut and delighted at the awareness and support it has generated over the past 13 years!

Basil Hughton is a former high school teacher / administrator. Following his time with Saskatoon Public Schools, he began a second career in university sport. First with nine years as the Athletic Director - University of Saskatchewan, and he recently retired after four years with Canada West University Sport. Basil leads our Sponsor Development team.

Tara Hughton has worked at the Royal Bank, Oliver Place (senior’s residence as their gardener and social convenor), and with Hallmark Cards. She is now happy to be at home, volunteering as Concert Producer, working on concert programs, materials… and this website!

The Hughton family has produced and presented 23 shows - 17 live and 6 Virtual - the past 13 years! Music for the Gut has been a wonderful undertaking for our family… it has brought us closer Together! (our title song!) Our talented performers, and dedicated crew, have been a blessing in our lives… and have saved us all… in many ways…

We were honoured to receive the 2019 — National Finkelstein Award — from Crohn’s and Colitis Canada! So very special to have our beautiful “Together” played for all in attendance at GUTS 19, in Toronto! HUGS “We’re Glad!”

2024 will be Music for the Gut’s - 14th year!

"Such a great fundraiser for such an important cause. Pats on the back to all the Hughtons for making this happen and for all the hard work to bring attention, funds and education to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada."

— Linda and Terry Stanviloff — Saskatoon