REVIEW: NIGHT OF MUSIC MEMORIES FRED PENNER ROYAL WOOD

NIGHT OF MUSIC AND MEMORIES hosted by 2 time JUNO winner Fred Penner

review by Deb Draper

Canadian Music Therapy Trust that formed in 1993 has funded over 450 music therapy projects coast to coast in Canada and has raised $4.8 million.  Their music therapists have helped improve health, realize goals, and positively change the lives of thousands of Canadians every year.  The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund is a dynamic organization integrating, educating, celebrating and promoting all facets of music therapy with a mission to promote, develop, and support music therapy services and research in order to improve the quality of life for Canadians, who’s vision it to create a better life for Canadians through music therapy.  This tremendous event, was run by the fabulous Drink Inc ( www.drinkinc.ca ) who’s events is owned & operated, and has been a part of many major events across Canada, just like this event with Canadian Music Therapy Trust.  Drink Inc. has a broad spectrum of event experience built from Concerts and Music Events, Consumer Shows and Festivals, Sporting Events, Charitable Events, and Corporate Events, and the staff is not short of amazing. Their company’s industry contacts, built and run catering to thousands of people, while also executing smaller events focused on a more intimate crowd. Much of Drink Inc.’s success is built on knowing the consumer market and understanding our partners’ needs. As founder of the Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival and co-founder of Toronto’s Festival of Beer, they have operated consumer shows, festivals in markets across Canada in Alcohol category for almost two decades. Whether it be a corporate function or a city wide festival, regardless of size, they have the skills, expertise and industry contacts to make your event a success.  I am proud to announce that this Music Memories concert was the 1^st Drink Inc. has done with Canadian Music Therapy and Drink Inc. presented CMTTF with a cheque for a grand total of $5,742.26   Please visit www.musictherapytrust.ca and make a difference.  The location of the venue was simply a magical musical match. Built in 1871, The Berkeley Church, hall was transformed into Toronto’s most original event venue. The age and preservation of this masterpiece building of originality, added character to this one of a kid event. Just visiting this historical building of ambiance and modern décor, gave me goosebumps and anticipation with its 17-foot stained glass windows, hard wood floors and Victorian Inspired bar with the magnificent stage and domed ceiling.  You just knew that this was a special place which added to the rich sounds throughout the hall, hard to believe that a senior building still standing in magnificent stature could propel such deep rich musical sounds.  The Berkeley Church a stunning escape from the ordinary and is a landmark historic building that includes 4 versatile spaces: visit today and check out the Grand Ballroom, The Mezzanine, The Wine Cellar, and Circa 1871 Lounge.

The fantastic evening of entertainment in honour of Music Therapy, produced songs and musical memories, which was led by 2 time JUNO Award winner and Gemini Award Nominee, childhood educator, critically acclaimed family entertainer, singer/songwriter, composer, actor, writer, author, TV host and keynote speaker Fred Penner.  A very moving and emotional night of Memories, Fred always said, “Never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the life of a child,” That is exactly what Fred did for me then and now.  Growing up in a troubled home environment, the show Fred Penner’s Place was a grace and saviour in my life and was so thrilled to meet Fred and have a photo taken with my IDOL.    The choice of fantastic talent on stage, moved the full house audience of Fred Heads, those very children Fred first entertained, now adults, were singing loud and proud especially to the hit and signature song The Cat Came Back.  The lineup was filled with A listers,  Justin Rutledge, Spencer Burton, Tomi Swick, Matthew Barber, Peter Katz, Emma-Lee, The Bellwoods, Sam Cash and Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger and The Wire Megazine’s 2015 BIG TIME Awarded, 2 time Juno Nominee, Royal Wood from Peterborough.   Royal has been very successful throughout his career that has produced two EPs, five albums and one companion album. His second album A Good Enough Day received an international release and his current album Ghost Light is going strong!  I was so thrilled with the performance of BROTHER, one of my favorite songs that was co-written and performed with Peter Katz, setting this night over the top for me.   It was a moving evening, with performances bringing some to tears but, everyone in that hall sported a smile throughout the 2 set show, running just short of 3 hours.  Undeniably one of the best shows I have attended, first class treatment from the Church and Drink Inc. staff.  The music provided had the ability to make one feel good about themselves, remembering good times with the depth and power those songs resonating in your heart.  Without a doubt, the 19-90 year old crowd was wishing the night would rock on and on.  Congratulations and job well done, another Musical Historical moment in time sponsored by Slaight Family Foundation, Frontier Sound & Lighting, Beck Taxi, Mill St Brewing, Muskoka Brewery, Steam Whistle Brewing and Brickworks Ciderhouse.