Big Check Big Cause

Proceeds raised during the Italian Walk Of Fame Gala Awards Dinner were donated to the Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund. The live auction during the lavish evening at the Riviera Parque Convention Centre offered an assortment of exquisite items, some autographed by the inductees honored that day including rare collectable movie posters donated by Marco Mastrangelo and signed by the one and only Giancarlo Giannini. A collection of Phil Esposito sweaters representing his NHL career, donated by Sam Ciccolini and signed by Mr. Esposito himself, were also in high demand. Up for grabs as well were a few cases of special edition bottles of wine commemoratively labeled in honor of the first annual Italian Walk of Fame, signed by all 5 inductees and donated by Central Valley Wines. Co-founders of IWOF, Jimi Bertucci, Marisa Lang, the honorable Mr. Justice Frank Iacobucci and Gala Chairperson Sam Ciccolini present a $15,000 check to The Abruzzo Earthquake Relief Fund.

Jimi Bertucci And Abraham’s Children Rock For Abruzzo

Boyd Park echoed with the hits as AC displayed a sense of newness to such classic poppers as “Goodbye Farewell”, “Gypsy”, and the cool new rendition of “Thank You” that had all the women in the audience singing. “The Children are always there to lend a helping hand,” said lead singer and founder of the band, Jimi Bertucci. He added. “the globe is in such shambles that awareness of certain worldly events have to be taken seriously; homelessness, hunger, the rebuilding of communities and the list goes on.” The band which consisted of original member Shawn O’Shea, along with Glenn Olive, Gerry Fielding, Monte Horton, Bruce Hemmings and special guest Roxanne Tellier were all too happy to give their time and music.

AC Rock And Spark Centre For A Great Cause

The George Weston Recital hall is just that, a recital hall. When I walked into this incredibly designed structure per l’arte de l’arte at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, I was quickly reminded of my days in Europe sprinting from one acoustically perfect theatre to another. There is almost a spiritual aura when you’re standing in rooms still emanating the essence of music that has the ability to reach out and touch the inner soul. I was early and decided to try and catch the sound check. As I approached the back stage I was stopped by a security guard asking me for credentials. I showed him my press pass and satisfied his curiosity. In an authoritative tone he expressed that the band did not want anyone present during sound check. I said “ok” and walked to a local restaurant to kill some time before the concert. I knew AC was closing the show and decided I need not rush. An hour and a bottle of Masi red later I returned to the event, entering like a church mouse and found myself in the presence of what I presumed was the MC for the evening. I was just in time. I could hear the amps being turned on and a slight static sound coming from the stage. As soon as I heard the first chord I knew it was Gypsy, that haunting tune that sent the band on to international heights. Jimi sang the song with dedication in this live version although, originally, it was the late Brian Cotterill who crooned on the record. The crowd was mixed, young, old and a few who mistook the venue for an amusement park. They played Thank You, which I believe is the band’s signature song. My mind was running like a greyhound and the emotional wheels of my youth began to spin as I recalled kissing a young woman to this song. Then, the almost sold-out crowd was treated to a new song as was indicated by Jimi as he struggled with his monitor. Wishing On A Star seemed so apropos to this wonderful occasion. I did not need to hear more than a couple of verses to realize that this is another great tune that Mr. Bertucci has penned both lyrically and musically. By the end of the song it was clear that the audience members agreed with me as they enthusiastically demonstrated their approval with thunderous applause. The evening was shaping up to be perfect until Ms. Mc appeared onstage and began to thank Abraham’s Children. I could see the confused look on each of the band member’s faces. The sign-off was obviously unexpected and premature on their behalf. Jimi interjected announcing that they would like to properly say good night to the pumped-up crowd who was still applauding and proceeded to asked them to clap to the groove as the next tune started, a song which I soon recognized as Goodbye Farewell, another in their string of top ten hits. It was at this point that the sparks began to fly. I could see the chaos and someone who appeared to be in charge asking the soundman to cut the power. Nevertheless, the band was not discouraged and they kept playing and singing like the motley crew that they were known to be. Finally, the sound engineer turned the mics back on as AC’s heightened energy ripped right through the velvet seats of the theatre and the crowd of people clapping and singing along like it was the national anthem of pop. The song ended and the musically thirsty ticket holders applauded in appreciation of the memories.The new AC line-up included Shawn O’Shea on guitar, Glenn Olive on bass, Gerry Fielding on drums, Will Hare on keyboards and special guest Roxanne Tellier on background vocals. I would have to say this is the probably the best version of the band I’ve had the pleasure to hear since the original “Fab Four” members back in the day. With some of Canada’s top musical acts performing, like Abraham’s Children, the charity event benefiting Alli’s Journey was a night not to be easily forgotten.