Monday, October 17, 2005

Jazz For Herbie - a benefit for Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital

“Jazz For Herbie 2005” musical benefit for The Herbie Fund will take place from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the original “Jazz For Herbie” home…the fabulous and funky “Rex Hotel & Jazz Bar”. Doors open at 12:00 noon with the young sound of the Matt Fruchtman Quartet.

The event will be a great time for all ages—perfect for the whole family! “Jazz For Herbie” is being presented by Canada’s only 24-hour jazz station, JAZZ.FM91 and The Herbie Fund. Larry Green, on-air personality from JAZZ.FM91 will be handling the hosting duties, and there will be a number of “Giveaways” sponsored by Eagle Rock Entertainment, Justin Time Records, Universal/Verve Music and JAZZ.FM91.

Producing this glorious event once again, are jazz pianist, composer and arranger, Ron Davis and jazz vocalist and composer, Leah State. As always, the “Jazz for Herbie” event directly supports The Herbie Fund. Since its inception in 1979, The Herbie Fund has provided over 400 children from around the world with lifesaving surgery at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.

Earlier this year, people across the world followed the story of the Zimbabwean conjoined twins, who, with the assistance of The Herbie Fund, successfully underwent separation surgery at The Sick Kids’ Hospital. Putting out the call for performers for the fourth year in a row “Jazz for Herbie” producers, Leah State and Ron Davis continue to marvel at the huge and enthusiastic response they receive from Toronto’s jazz community.

“Once again, Toronto’s jazz community, has shown that it has a world-class heart to match its world-class talent, ” says State. “Over 40 players have agreed to come down and donate their time and music to this fantastic cause….that’s in addition to the 150 musicians who have performed at previous Jazz for Herbie benefits. Amazing.

” Every “Jazz For Herbie” fundraising concert features a new group of talented and generous artists—this way, the event stays fresh, entertaining, and gives many artists a chance to give of themselves to this incredibly worthy cause. “Jazz For Herbie - 05” is committed to including the entire jazz community, and most especially…the new, young, emerging jazz artists.

“Jazz For Herbie 2005” benefit will feature performances from Daniel Barnes, Tara Davidson, Artie Roth, Pat LaBarbera, Rosanne Agasee, Chris Plock, Beverly Taft, Ed Vokurka, Chris Hunt, Serafin, Mike Downes, Scott Morin (Universal Music Jazz Label Manager!), Kiki Misumi, Fern Lindzon, Billy Newton-Davis, Ted Quinlan, Bobby Hsu, Greg de Denus, Thyron Lee Whyte, Ted Warren, Richard Whitehouse, Mirobolus, Gordon Sheard, Corry Sobol, David Occhipinti, Hilario Duran, Angela Scappatura, Larra Skye, Jason Hunter, Leah State and Ron Davis …as well as some very special guests! The rotating A-List “House Band” will include Daniel Barnes, Terry Clarke, Brian Dickinson, Aubrey Dayle, Mike Downes, Hilario Duran, David Occhipinti, Ted Quinlan, Artie Roth, Gordon Sheard, Steve Wallace, Ted Warren and Richard Whitehouse.

According to Co-Producer, Ron Davis, “Where does all this talent come from? Toronto is blessed with terrific musicians. And just as our local jazz people have international stature, the equally blessed Sick Kids’ Hospital and The Herbie Fund, are local institutions saving the lives of children from all over the world.”

The artistic theme this year is “My First Song”, which is bound to result in some delightful and surprising performances that will no doubt be a whole lot of fun as well as highly entertaining—for adults and children alike. Throughout the event children’s activities (for all ages) will be sponsored and supervised by “The Sandbox Club”, under the direction of Lily Champniss.

www.home.nestor.minsk.by

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