Imagine being in a room surrounded by strangers and singing a song with them. That's exactly what is happening at the Knight Theater on Saturday, Sept. 26 — and it's all to benefit and support cancer research and survivors.

As part of THRIVE 2026, an all-day event presented by Musicland Gift Foundation, Charlotteans will become the performers during Koolulam, an international mass-singing experience. Unlike a traditional concert, Koolulam invites everyone in the room to participate, without auditions or rehearsals.

"Music brings people together. In this case, we are the concert," Kenny Kahn, founder and board chair of Musicland Gift Foundation, told CLTtoday.

The experience is one of three events focused on cancer survivorship. The THRIVE Survivorship Conference at The Pearl will bring together survivors for education, connection, and sharing resources. Later, the Healthcare Heroes Reception at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art will recognize physicians, nurses, researchers, and caregivers.

For Kahn, the day is personal. Inspired by his own cancer journey and the care from Levine Cancer's Department of Supportive Oncology, he created THRIVE to bring the community together.

"I had a very aggressive blood cancer that had advanced," explained Kahn. "During treatment, a music therapist sat at my bedside, and we talked about music; we listened to music, and that happened when I needed it. I found it to be profoundly important and helpful with all the emotions you deal with, and what it does is give you hope."

Proceeds from the event will support Levine Cancer's Department of Supportive Oncology and the foundation's broader efforts to advance comprehensive cancer survivorship, including its vision for a National Center for Cancer Survivorship in Charlotte.

"Anyone who joins will experience something they haven't experienced before. It's going to be very powerful," said Kahn.

Want to participate? Find your spot in the chorus.