The show began with a captivating cello solo from Rufus Cappadocia, a local Hamilton musician. Canadian Idol judge Farley Flex was chosen to emcee to the event and followed up Rufus' initial performance by introducing the audience to a local Creole saying “Sak Passe!” as well as getting everyone excited. Flex proved to be an entertaining host, getting the crowd pumped up and bringing fans and crew members onstage to introduce later acts. He balanced this out with insightful and educational commentary on the devastation in Haiti and provided information on how everyone could help.

Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings) hit the stage next with his latest project LeE HARVeY OsMOND The acoustic rock act covered Junkhouse's “Shine” as well as Colin James' “Freedom”. Wilson even gave the spotlight up for a few minutes to let his son's band Harlan Pepper play two songs. Musical couple Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet hit the stage next playing a song off of Doucet's 'Blood's too Rich' album along with a favorite cover of theirs- Springsteen's “I’m on Fire”. Jacob Moon came out to play a few songs with a string quartet, and added that they "just make the whole night classier". Lily Frost played several songs and mentioned that it was her first time playing piano on stage, an admission that got her a huge round of applause.

Throughout the evening volunteers were brought on stage to tell their stories and how they were a part of the relief effort. One such volunteer was a very excited Esther Pauls, an organizer working with Joy and Hope of Haiti who helped raise $75,000 at Westdale high school in Hamilton.

(Leslie) Feist took the stage next along with several friends on backing vocals, of which included Julie Fader (Great Lake Swimmers, Chad VanGaalen, Sarah Harmer). Having only an acoustic guitar, group vocals and a tom drum she was able to soulfully recreate tracks off of her latest album 'The Reminder'. The highlight of the performance was in her final song 'Sea Lion Woman' where her powerful voice rose over backup rhythmic vocal chanting and hand clapping.

Fellow Canadian Idol judge Jake Gold came to join Flex to introduce the contest's 2007 winner Brian Melo, an act that brought out a children's choir to sing The Beatles 'All You Need is Love'. Hamilton rock act Arkells took the stage as one of the evening’s final acts. The quintet played several songs from their album Jackson Square , along with breaking into a passage from The Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby”. The event’s final act was again Rufus Cappadocia, but this time joined by vocalist Bethany Yarrow. Her powerful vocal presence and lively spirit got everyone out of their seats during the final minutes to conclude the show.

With this event, artists, fundraisers, organizers, promoters, fans and many others were able to come together to generate money and awareness for those who desperately need it in Haiti. For more information on how you can help, visit any of the websites included below.

http://www.joyandhopeofhaiti.ca/
http://internationalchildcare.org/

By Nick Barfoot
Photo Credit: Gary Yokoyama, The Hamilton Spectator