Spotlight Unplugged. Up Close and Personal

Spotlight Unplugged. Up Close and Personal

Thursday September 30th at

Berkeley Church, 315 Queen St. East, Toronto

SPOTLIGHT is celebrating its 9th year as a major fund raising event for Fife House. The proceeds from this evening of upscale entertainment continues to support Fife House in its efforts to provide clean, secure and comfortable affordable housing for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Spotlight 2010, to be held at the historic Berkeley Church in Toronto promises to be a rare, up-close and personal musical experience. Spotlight draws upon some of the best in the Canadian music industry to entertain you with an unplugged sound that’s intimate and will be truly memorable. To add to the evening, Spotlight Unplugged will also feature a tantalizing cocktail reception, silent auction and delicious nibbles.

Meet the stars of Spotlight Unplugged. Up Close and Personal:

Micah Barnes

International Singer/Songwriter Micah Barnes formally of The Nylons, has shared stages with performers like Harry Connick Jr., Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack.
Micah will be releasing his third solo disc “Exit On The Freeway” this fall and is delighted to be a part of this year’s Fife House Spotlight event.

Official Website: www.micahbarnes.com

Kellylee Evans

Vocalist Kellylee Evans continues to evolve her distinctive sound with her newest release Nina. This Juno and Gemini Award nominee received accolades for her first two albums, Fight or Flight and The Good Girl, which seamlessly fuse jazz and her own unique style of “soul pop”.

Nina, her new release, is a beautiful tribute to one of jazz’s greatest vocalists and pianists, Nina Simone.

Official Website: www.kellyleeevans.com

Haley Sales

Hayley Sales is creating Music that clearly resonates with a wide variety of audiences, whether via winning “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the Vancouver Island Music Awards or gaining standing ovations at Seattle’s Northwest Folk Life festival. Sales’ performances are inspiring and infectious; her mission to take audiences on a journey that moves from reggae dance party one minute to a meditative, thoughtful state the next.

You can see some of Hayley’s videos and hear her music on the media section of her website www.hayleysales.com

Mark Masri

Toronto Born Mark Masri is on of the finest soulful tenor voices of his generation. In addition to his incomparable vocals, Mark is a piano player, songwriter and producer. He co-wrote all but one of the original songs on LA VOCE. Steven Reineke, one of America’s foremost Pops Orchestra conductors says: “Mark Masri is one of those rare finds with an astounding and sensuous tenor voice, wonderful poise and warm stage presence”. Masri also appeared as a guest vocalist on Jim Brickman’s 2009 CD FAITH, which was nominated for Best New Age Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Masri is poised to become Canada’s next vocal sensation!

Don’t miss this up close and personal event, September 30 2010

For more information and to get tickets to Spotlight, visit www.spotlightfife.com

Buy by Phone
416-205-9888

As a registered charity, Fife House relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and community groups to provide our residents and clients with support services.

Fife House fundraisers like SPOTLIGHT and financial donations provide all of the extras that can make a house or a room into a home. SPOTLIGHT is committed to raising funds so that Fife House can continue helping people living with HIV/AIDS live as independently as possible

The Kindest Man on Bay Street?

Blake Goldring

As CEO of AGF Management, Blake Goldring was honoured with the industry’s coveted Person of Influence Award at the 2007 Canadian Investment Awards. You’d be more likely to associate him with the glitz of Bay Street than with giving back to the community in oh so many ways, and creating a not-for-profit organization.

As one mode of giving back, Blake is Chairman of Canada Company. He founded this apolitical organization in 2006, to bring community leaders across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers in the work they do at home and abroad. Blake’s initiative provides practical help and hope to members of our armed forces, and to the families who love them. Since its inception, the foundation has created a $2.1 million Scholarship Fund. In a unique event on September 3, a frigate will be sailing into Toronto to act as an impressive backdrop to awarding scholarships to students who have lost a parent in active duty.

Blake holds an Honours BA in Economics from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD in France. Blake and his wife Belinda have three teenaged daughters and live in Toronto. He enjoys spending time outdoors and counts golf, tennis and fishing among his favourite after-work activities Blake is also an Honorary Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Canada, the second-largest Reserve Force Infantry Regiment.

How would others describe you?

I think they would say I am a fervent Canadian, who is passionate about different issues, and that I demonstrate leadership in different areas. I certainly don’t shirk away from a challenge; I’d rather engage in a difficult situation to work for a better outcome.

What do you think makes you unique?

I never consider myself unique. But I have a great passion to get involved in things I think are meaningful: the environment, education, and grooming the next cadre of leaders. I get a huge buzz spending time with young people because of their freshness of ideas. My grandfather was one of the first to sit on what is now the United Way, and my father had always been a major contributor to causes, so there is a carry-through from my family.

What is your biggest motivator?

I want to make a difference in the lives of others, both in business and in the community at large. A community works best when there is a spirit of sharing and openness, and each of us has certain strengths and capabilities that allow us to share and contribute. Those of us in business actively enjoy certain benefits which should be shared,. This could be time, experience and contacts as well as financial sharing. Sharing is always enriching because you learn so much. When I was younger, I was focused on getting the right career launch, home life, learning skills and supplementing my education. At a certain point when you have grown as a person and know yourself better, you are more focused on how you spend your time. With time and good health, plus a bit of determination, then toss in some experience, knowledge and other resources … you can do some incredible things.

When you hit 50, it’s interesting that you think about the amount of time you have and the number of things there are to do in this great world. To be giving and helping others in whatever capacity it might be – working in a soup kitchen in a hospital, financial contribution to the arts, active participation in something – it all helps to bring a sense of satisfaction.

What do you consider your biggest achievement?

Growing a small Canadian enterprise into an international organization brings a sense of accomplishment. I’m proud of raising a family. And I’m proud of being involved and helping make a difference in those areas where I’m an active contributor. I serve organizations to move them ahead, not simply to get my name on a letterhead.

What do you want to achieve in life now?

This is a time to bring real focus on some of the areas I have chosen to devote more of my attention to. With the military for instance, the link between the broader community and our armed forces is important. All that we appreciate reposes on the fact we enjoy safe, secure sound environment to go about our lives. Without it all bets are off.. Our military is populated by hardworking people who risk the ultimate sacrifice. Even though they chose this life and don’t ask for much, we owe a debt to them. We try to help through the scholarship fund, as well as a significant program for camps for children of deployed soldiers

How would you like your own story to inspire others?

I have great hope that people would get active in whatever way they can to serve the community. All of us have something to give, whether it’s background, experience, finance, contacts, resources, or a combination. Just being available. The sense of satisfaction from this is immeasurable.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As a good father, a good leader, who made a difference in whatever organization he was involved in and who made a lasting and positive impact on others. The things we do at AGF help others to achieve their financial dreams, which in turn helps them to put kids through college, be philanthropic and have a good retirement. I can feel good and passionate about what I do.