Supporting the Performing Arts Programs at the Abilities Centre
Opening in Whitby, Ontario in 2011
The Christmas at Home 2010 concert is over and the Spirit of Christmas is abundant in Durham Region.
Thank you to everyone who came out to make our second annual event a Spectacular Success!
The evening was filled with inspiration and good cheer as our host Terry Johnston of CKDO carried us through some of the best entertainment ever.
The evening opened with "Lunch at Allen's" and we all know how talented each of these Canadian icons are on their own, but who could have expected the fun and friendship that filled the house when these four gifted artists got together to share their stories and songs with us.
Simply Incredible! If you haven't seen "Lunch at Allen's" visit their website www.lunchatallens.com and get to their next showing. You will be thrilled.
Next to take the stage was Carl Dixon www.carldixon.com and if you don't know who he is, you should! Alone on stage with only a tambourine, Carl opened with a beautiful song that lifted the audience and set the mood. His light hearted banter lead us through some wonderful songs as he played the piano followed by some very inspirational songs which brought the house to its feet, not once, but twice. Carl, Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Your presentation brought to life and personified the deeper meaning of our belief that "Every time a hand reaches out to help another . . .that is Christmas"
Now for those of you who couldn't make it to the show, we are so sorry, you missed out. Not since Simon and Garfunkel have I experienced two such diverse and unique voices which when harmonized produce a new and more beautiful sound unlike any other.
One word; Dala! www.dalagirls.com
There's a reason these two young ladies from Scarborough won the Folk Vocal Group of the Year and we heard it last night.
Words cannot describe just how incredibly priviledged we were to experience this rising star duo. You had to be there and if you were, you will look back in years to come and say, I saw them at Christmas at Home in a wonderful community theatre with a few hundred of my closest friends. Thank you Dala, Bravo Amanda and Sheila!
After a brief intermission we were treated to the sounds of Trifecta www.pavlorikoscar.com
This trio includes Rik Emmett, Pavlo and Oscar Lopez and together they took us through a musical ride with their unique guitar stylings. These multiple award winning artists from very different musical backgrounds came together to deliver a masterful presentation.
I can think of no better way to close the evening than we did.
Justin Hines www.justinhines.com took the stage with his band, Kevin Adamson on piano, Kevin Fox on cello and Justin Adedin on guitar.
Justin brought us to the meaning of Christmas with his stories of understanding and empathy for those less fortunate and lead us through song after song, keeping the audience involved by allowing us to enjoy a journey into his memories of Christmas then pulling the audience in to sing along. The standing ovation and encore call were answered by this enthusiastic, energetic artist who simply asked, "do you mind if we pick up the pace a bit?" then proceeded to rock the house with his hit song "Courage - Come Out To Play".
This truly is an Amazing evening where families, friends and community come together to share in the music, friendship and spirit of Christmas and are rewarded with a musical experience that is so genuine, so personal and so intimate you can't wait for the next one.
Thank you to everyone who made Christmas at Home 2010 a success and to the artists who really brought
Christmas Home to Us.
Special Thanks goes out to Mr Lon Coghlan, the volunteer students and staff from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School and to Mr. Richard Kennelly, staff and student volunteers from J. Clarke Richardson Secondary School.
Their enthusiasm and giving spirit was everywhere to be seen on this night.
In addition to the concert there was a silent auction and a 50/50 draw with all proceeds going to support the Abilities Centre.
In all $35,000.00 was raised through the initiatives associated with Christmas At Home 2010. This brings the two year total to over $60,000.00 which will used to support the performing arts and music programs to be offered at the Abilities Centre.
Please plan on joining us next year. Locations and dates will be announced and you can ask to be included in our newsletter.
Christmas Candle Club members and other sponsors will receive early notice so join us anytime throughout the year and keep the Spirit of Christmas alive.
For tickets to the next year's Christmas At Home 2011 concert get your name on our email list by clicking here.
Tickets for next year's show will be reserved for you in advance for this year's price of $50 each until March 17, 2011.
The organizers of all Christmas at Home programs welcome any volunteers, donations and corporate sponsorship.
To help out in any of these ways please email Mike Hill
mikehill@christmasathome.ca
Our vision to start the Christmas season with an inspiring concert and to raise both
revenues and community awareness for the Abilities Centre has once again been achieved!
Merry Christmas everyone. .
To learn more about the Abilities Centre please visit their website.
www.abilitiescentre.org
The 2010 Show was
a Huge Success!
Show Date:
Tuesday November 23, 2010.
With your help
we raised $35,000
for the Abilities Centre
Please join our
Christmas Candle Club
and keep the
Spirit of Christmas
going all year round.
Images by
Jason Hashimoto Photogrpahy www.jasonhashimoto.com
