th 30 Annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert Program VISION MISSION VALUES For 67 years, LOFT has helped those struggling with Together, we can all live To help people achieve their Compassion Without this support, our clients would struggle to poverty, mental illness and addiction. This year, it has successfully in our community. optimal health and well-being Collaboration access care and find housing, leaving them at risk of become clear that we can no longer take for granted experiencing homelessness. Here at LOFT, we in the community, LOFT offers Community unwavering support and hope. how the pandemic will impact our own day-to-day welcome them home. For us, home is a safe place; activities, or even our own personal mental health. home means having a community, and home equals hope. That’s why, for our 30th Annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert, we are reconsidering It is my hope that you will enjoy this year’s the concept of “home.” spectacular musical line-up safely from your own homes. While the concert may look different this As we gather together virtually to enjoy the concert year, it remains a wonderful opportunity to come from the comfort of our own homes, the idea of together for an evening of inspiration. We home as a safe place has so much more meaning. celebrate everything we are grateful for this The pandemic has brought on struggles for all of us, holiday season — including your support. and made clear how our mind, body and spirit are intrinsically interlinked. The pandemic has taught us how to be there for each other in new ways, and we must continue to be For LOFT clients who struggle with mental illness and there for our community. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT addictions, the pandemic has made things even more difficult. At LOFT, we look past the challenges and we Thank you for being part of our community, We would like to acknowledge the original caretakers of this land. see the person. We work closely with community partners, including Toronto Community Housing, The Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe, with special long-term care homes and hospitals, to recognition to the Mississaugas of New Credit First Nations. We are grateful provide unwavering support, compassion and hope that they cared for the land in such a way that we are able to to the most vulnerable populations of Toronto, York Heather McDonald, CEO gather here this evening. Region and Simcoe County.

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE YEARS

Thank you for helping us to celebrate 30 years of our Home for the Holidays benefit concert. Whether we are together in person at St. James Cathedral, or enjoying the concert online from the comfort and safety of our homes, it remains an important and meaningful tradition that helps make LOFT’s work possible.

Client Jim shares his story in 2013. St. James Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys in 2002.

Kelly Walker hosts the 2014 Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert at St. James Cathedral.

Adrienne Clarkson and husband John Billy Newton Davis performs at Ralston Saul attend the concert in 1999. the 2014 Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert.

Wallis Giunta performs at the 2009 Home for the Holidays Benefit Jean Charles Black (Director of Concert at St. James Cathedral. Ryerson’s Production Program), Trillium Brass performs at the 2006 Peter Fleming, Sandy Black (Chair of Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert. Ryerson’s Theatre School), and Earl Barnsley (LOFT volunteer) in 2000.

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 2020 CONCERT SPONSORS BROADCAST PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Diamond Star Sponsor LOFT’s Holidays Concert Produced by

Gold Ring Sponsors Set Fabrics Provided by

DON FRASER, CONNOR, CLARK & LUNN GIFT IN-KIND SPONSORS

Silver Bell Sponsor

Grand Piano Provided by

Brass Band Sponsors

ELEGANT MOVERS BLG, BORDEN LADNER ENFIELD JOE & MARY FRANCES SHEEHAN, SUSAN GILLESPIE, GERVAIS LLP WOOD LLP LIFE DESIGN SYSTEMS THE BPC GROUP *Our sincere thanks to all of our supporters, including those who have contributed after this program went to print.

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 CONCERT PATRONS James Anok and Daniel Brereton Resource Thrift Shop James Pecka and Sharon Hodgson Reverend Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan Thank you to all of our concert patrons and donors who have made a special holiday gift in Jane Pritchard Rosa Galluzzo ** support of LOFT’s work. With you by our side, donations from the 2020 Home for the Holidays Virtual Benefit Concert will serve vulnerable people at greater risk because of the pandemic. Janis Rotman Rotary Club of Newmarket Jeff & Beth Herold Royal Ontario Museum Jim and Shayne Hutton Sharon Courrier 2020 LEAP OF FAITH CIRCLE* Jo’s Snowflake Fund at Toronto Foundation Sheila Thompson Judy Schulich, The Schulich Family St. Clement’s Anglican Church LOFT is honoured to recognize donors who give $1,000 or more each calendar year as Foundation Starbucks Canada Charitable Fund part of our Leap of Faith Circle (LOFC). With the pandemic adding many complexities to Karen and Bill Barnett Fund at Toronto Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation LOFT’s work, we are grateful now, more than ever, to our LOFC donors who contribute at Foundation Sylvia & Klaus Bogner this generous level. Thank you for taking a “leap of faith” together with us, to provide unwavering Karen O’Connor ** TD Bank Group support and hope to the most vulnerable among us. LifeCorps International Ted Reeser *Our sincere thanks to all of our supporters, including those who have contributed after this program went to print. Luzviminda Caceres ** Terry Hutchings **Indicates LOFT Staff Members M. Olivia Lee The Bishop Kenneth Maguire Trust of the Madam Justice Lauren E. Marshall Anglican Foundation Andrew Slonetsky David & Yvonne Fleck Mary Horan The Egan Family Foundation Bell Mental Health Community Fund Debra Walko ** Mona Lee Tam ** The Home Depot Canada Foundation Bill and Karen Barnett Dick Falconer Mrs. Michelle Passera The Honourable William C. Graham Brettany’s Legacy: The Brettany Biggs Fund Don & Jane Fraser Ms. Katherine Roos The Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Carol Drummond Donald & Gretchen Ross Ms. Monique Guibert Toronto Carole Chabot & Derek Dodd Echo Foundation Paula Schipper The M.A.C. AIDS Fund Carrie Hayward Estate of Donald Owen Doritty Peter’s Food Shop Tom & Sarah Milroy and Family Catherine Graham Estate of Marion Potter Pherrill Fund of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation Clorox Canada George & Doone Estey Toronto Unionville Presbyterian Church Daniel Van Willegen ** Heather McDonald ** Philip & Linda Armstrong Foundation United Way Simcoe Muskoka David & Janis Leonard J. P. Bickell Foundation RBC Foundation United Way To & YR Grants David & Stephanie Keeley J.S. Cheng & Associates

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 PERFORMANCES LISTING HOSTS PERFORMERS

Artistic Director – Micah Barnes Tabby Micah Diane Musical Director – Diane Leah Johnson Barnes Leah

Hogtown Brass “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” “In The Bleak Mid-Winter”

Gospel Quartet “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” “Travelling Shoes” dtaborah, as she prefers to be known, was a breech Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah Diane Leah is an experienced pianist, composer / birth, born with the cord wrapped rather tightly around Barnes cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz arranger, educator, and music director, with credits Hogtown her neck. Her parents were an interracial couple from clubs of the city while still a teenager, before that span 40 years in Canadian music. Brass Quintet Vanessa Sears Clark County, South Dakota and Philadelphia, touring the world as a member of the a “What Christmas Means To Me” Pennsylvania and - as it was illegal for Blacks and cappella vocal group The Nylons. A JUNO Diane has worked as a Music Director/ Pianist with Hogtown Brass Quintet is a dynamic Canadian Whites to marry in the United States - she came into Award-nominee, the years since have seen a vast array of artists, including Louise Pitre, ensemble comprised of accomplished musicians from Jackie Richardson this world in Zurich, Switzerland, fighting for breath and Barnes developing as an International solo artist Jackie Richardson, Alana Bridgewater, Thom a variety of diverse artistic backgrounds. Known for “Stand” a place to belong. She knows, in her own way, LOFT's with top-charting hits including the Billboard #1 Allison and Micah Barnes. Recent music theatre their unique arrangements and new compositions, message: A leg up, not a hand out. “Welcome To My Head,” and #1 Jazz albums credits include Beauty and The Beast (Music as well as their collaborations with vocalists and New York Stories and Vegas Breeze . Micah Director–Young People’s Theatre [YPT]) and We Thom Allison instrumentalists, Hogtown Brass is on a mission to With an American Music Award and a plethora of is also an internationally respected vocal, Will Rock You (Associate Music Director–Mirvish). “A Place Called Home” reinvigorate the entire concert experience for their nominations for her work with shows such as The Big performance, and career strategy coach. audiences. “(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays” Comfy Couch, Noddy Shoppe, and Polka Dot Door. She She was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is a voice actor, a children's show host and performer, Micah has been the Artistic Director for LOFT's for her work on YPT’s production of A Year with Frog Hogtown Brass is committed to presenting unique and has hosted on both national and local radio stations. Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert since and Toad, and in January of 2013, Diane was concert experiences, as well as entertaining and Curtis Sullivan A certified Waldorf teacher, she has worked as an 2016. Having seen the challenges of awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for informative educational programs including workshops, homelessness, mental health and addictions, he “O Holy Night” educator through the arts. public service. masterclasses, and residencies. Recent performances felt compelled to volunteer with LOFT and to do include: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Chamber what he could to help. As an educator, Diane currently works with aspiring Ma-Anne Dionisio Players, CityTV Carol Sing, and a tour through Atlantic actors at Toronto’s Randolph Academy, a connection Canada with performances in Dartmouth, Lunenburg, “Grown-Up Christmas List” For more about Micah, visit www.micahbarnes.com she has enjoyed since 2001. Atlantic Festivals of Music, as well as a residency with the Sistema New Brunswick music education program. Visit www.dianeleah.com Visit www.hogtownbrass.com

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 HOSTS PERFORMERS PERFORMERS PERFORMERS: The Gospel Quintet

Tabby Micah DianeJackie Gavin Mark Billy Vanessa Johnson Barnes LeahRichardson Hope Curtis Cassius Newton-Davis Former Member Sullivan Sears Former Member Former Member of the Nylons of the Nylons of the Nylons

dtaborah, as she prefers to be known, was a breech Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah DianeJackie LeahRichardson is an experiencedis an electrifying, pianist, award-winning composer / HogtownGavin Hope is a three-time Juno Nominee, both as a Baritone Curtis Sullivan made his way to Toronto Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre On Broadway - Jesus Christ Superstar (Revival 2012), Singer, Songwriter, and Recording Artist, Billy birth, born with the cord wrapped rather tightly around Barnes cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz arranger,actress and educator, one of and Canada's music director, foremost with singers credits of solo vocalist and also as the long time Baritone froGordonm the brisk shoresand ofJim northern’s Story New Brunswick. He CriticsJeff Award,’s Story BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick (Original company 1998), Shenandoah Newton-Davis is a 4-time Juno Award winner. her neck. Her parents were an interracial couple from clubs of the city while still a teenager, before thatgospel, span blues40 years and in Canadianjazz whose music. career includes Brassmember Quintetof the iconic Canadian Acappella group, The has enjoyed his time in the land of milk and honey Award winning performer based in Toronto. Making (Revival 1989). Clark County, South Dakota and Philadelphia, touring the world as a member of the a performances in concert, radio, television and Nylons. He has recorded 6 studio albums with the byJim performing was a good with student numerous who loved p sportsroduction and herTo professionalbe updated. debut with Mirvish Productions as He has performed on Broadway as a song and dance group, as well as two successful solo albums (pop his community. He graduated from Western Pennsylvania and - as it was illegal for Blacks and cappella vocal group The Nylons. A JUNO Dianerecordings. has workedJackie hasas aperformed Music Director/ across PianistCanada withand Hogtown Brass Quintet is a dynamic Canadian companies in a variety of repertoire. A performer Nicola in the Canadian premiere of Kinky Boots, she Other Selected Credits: CATS, Miss Saigon, man. In addition to the New York Night Club scene, album Anything Like Mine and most recently the Jazz University and started having a challenging time Whites to marry in the United States - she came into Award-nominee, the years since have seen ain vastcountries array ofaround artists, the includingworld. She Louisehas received Pitre, ensemble comprised of accomplished musicians from with a particular interest in the baroque era, Curtis has since starred on stages and screens across (Original Canadian Companies). Joseph and the he has also performed in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Album For All We Know) which had several nationally this world in Zurich, Switzerland, fighting for breath and Barnes developing as an International solo artist JackieNAACP, Richardson, Juno, Betty, Dora, Alana Jesse, Bridgewater, Gemini, TBS Thom and a variety of diverse artistic backgrounds. Known for collaboratedin every job with he thehad. artists After ofbeing Opera diagnosed Atelier forwith Canada. Recently selected as an RBC Directing Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat -“Judah” (Canadian Los Angeles, and Toronto. Newton-Davis also has charting singles on the radio. a place to belong. She knows, in her own way, LOFT's with top-charting hits including the Billboard #1 AllisonCanadian and Equity Micah Association Barnes. RecentLifetime music Achievement theatre their unique arrangements and new compositions, 20schizophrenia, seasons and he venturedrelied on ontohis family other for enriching support. Apprentice with Musical Stage Company and the Premiere with Donny Osmond). Member of the recorded a duet with Celine Dion, on his 2nd CD message: A leg up, not a hand out. “Welcome To My Head,” and #1 Jazz albums creditsAwards include and Nominations. Beauty and She The holds Beast a number (Music of terrain at the Stratford Festival, Vancouver Opera, support of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Fund, renowned a cappella group The Nylons (1997-2005). released on Sony, Spellbound. He performed and asG avin well was as also their an collaborationsoriginal Canadian with Cast vocalists member and of New York Stories and Vegas Breeze . Micah Director–Youngadditional awards People’s and Theatrehonours [YPT])that haveand beenWe CaIt lgary wasn't Opera, until P hisaci fi brother,c Opera Gordon,Victoria, foundCanadian out Vanessa is excited to continue expanding her skill set toured with The Nylons for several years. instrumentalists,the hit Broadway Hogtown musicals Brass The Lion is on King a and mission to in With an American Music Award and a plethora of is also an internationally respected vocal, Willbestowed Rock on You her (Associate, and most Music recently Director–Mirvish). honoured Sabouttage, t LOFThe N at thational JimArts was Centre, able San to find Francisco stability and artistic practice - and can’t wait to return to the Composer/ Arranger/ Lyricist, Musical Director, reinvigorateToronto. Besides the entire countless concert commercials experience and forTV their nominations for her work with shows such as The Big performance, and career strategy coach. Opera, the Kennedy Center, the Glimmerglass stage when it is safe to do so. Theatre Performance Instructor, Music Festival Billy has extensively donated his talent towards for ACTRA Lifetime Achievement. audiences.appearances, Theatre, and Nylons tour dates, Gavin and a supportive community to live with. Festival, Drayton Entertainment and Toronto Adjudicator. And, most recently, Graduate Student Comfy Couch, Noddy Shoppe, and Polka Dot Door. She SheHigh was on nominatedJackie’s list for a are Dora community Mavor Moore and Awardglobal has also toured the globe as a solo vocalist, sharing Through LOFT, Jim receives 24/7 assistance humanitarian causes, raising money for various is a voice actor, a children's show host and performer, Micah has been the Artistic Director for LOFT's forconcerns, her work and on some YPT’s of production her most vitalof A areas Year ofwith support Frog Hogtownappearances Brass with is the committed likes of Natalie to presenting Cole, Deborah unique Opwithere ttmedicationa Theatre. and Cu dailyrtis livinghas activities.also performed Selected theatre: Emmie in Caroline or Change, Mum at York University. communities, AIDS awareness, Actors Equity, housing and has hosted on both national and local radio stations. Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert since andare for Toad The, and Regent in JanuaryPark community, of 2013, Pal Diane Canada was concertCox, James experiences, Brown, Aretha as well Frank asli n entertainingand many mo andre with symphonies and opera companies across the in Billy Elliot, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors for people with mental illness and countless other A certified Waldorf teacher, she has worked as an 2016. Having seen the challenges of awardedFoundation, the Queen’s the Steven Diamond Lewis Jubilee Foundation’s Medal for informativenotable names. educational programs including workshops, U.LOFTS., France, has Japan,been there Singapore for Jim and forSouth over Korea. 25 years (Stratford Festival); Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, charities and causes. educator through the arts. homelessness, mental health and addictions, he publicGrandmother’s service. Campaign (HIV/AIDS project), the masterclasses, and residencies. Recent performances and will continue be there to meet his needs. Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Young People’s felt compelled to volunteer with LOFT and to do 519, and The Princess Margaret Hospital. She is also include: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Chamber Theatre); Flaemmchen in Grand Hotel, Polly Plummer Visit www.billynewtondavis.com what he could to help. Asvery an passionate educator, Diane about currently the need works to bring with aspiring more focus Players, CityTV Carol Sing, and a tour through Atlantic in The Magician’s Nephew, Zoe in An Octoroon (Shaw actorsand support at Toronto’s to Black Randolph Lives Matter Academy, as well a connectionas children’s Canada with performances in Dartmouth, Lunenburg, Festival). Film/TV: Suits, The Beaverton, Too Close for For more about Micah, visit www.micahbarnes.com sheand has women’s enjoyed issues. since 2001.With the changing world, our Atlantic Festivals of Music, as well as a residency with Christmas, Odd Squad Mobile Unit, Tallboyz, Love in immediate focus is the health pandemic and keeping the Sistema New Brunswick music education program. the Wilds, Sex/Life. Visiteach www.dianeleah.com other safe. Jackie's motto is “hope lives eternal.” Visit www.hogtownbrass.com Visit www.vanessasears.com

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 PERFORMERS PERFORMERS: The Gospel Quintet PERFORMERS: The Gospel Quintet PERFORMERS

Mark Billy Jeremiah Micah Ma-Anne Thom Curtis Vanessa Cassius Newton-Davis Sparks Barnes Dionisio Allison Sullivan Sears Former Member Former Member Former Member of the Nylons of the Nylons of the Nylons

Baritone Curtis Sullivan made his way to Toronto Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre On Broadway - Jesus Christ Superstar (Revival 2012), Singer, Songwriter, and Recording Artist, Billy A life-long singer and pianist, Jeremiah Sparks was Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah Barnes Philippine-born Canadian actress Ma-Anne Dionisio Canadian Screen Award winner Thom Allison can be from the brisk shores of northern New Brunswick. He Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Ragtime (Original company 1998), Shenandoah Newton-Davis is a 4-time Juno Award winner. choir director and church organist for Cherry Brook cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz clubs of the city is best known for her role as Kim in the Canadian seen as “Pree” in the hit series, Killjoys, on Space/Syfy has enjoyed his time in the land of milk and honey Award winning performer based in Toronto. Making (Revival 1989). United Baptist Church for over 20 years and while still a teenager, before touring the world as a Premiere production of Miss Saigon for Networks. Thom has appeared on Broadway in by performing with numerous production her professional debut with Mirvish Productions as He has performed on Broadway as a song and dance directed the Nova Scotia Mass Choir for several member of the a cappella vocal group The Nylons. A which Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre was Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and the original companies in a variety of repertoire. A performer Nicola in the Canadian premiere of Kinky Boots, she Other Selected Credits: CATS, Miss Saigon, man. In addition to the New York Night Club scene, years before moving to Toronto. Stage roles include JUNO Award-nominee, the years since have seen built. She has since reprised the role in Canadian companies of Miss Saigon, The Who’s with a particular interest in the baroque era, Curtis has since starred on stages and screens across (Original Canadian Companies). Joseph and the he has also performed in London, Paris, Amsterdam, the role of Mufasa in the Toronto (Mirvish) Barnes developing as an International solo artist with Sydney's Capitol Theatre, London's Theatre Royal Tommy and Rent. He was also a judge on CBC's Over collaborated with the artists of Opera Atelier for Canada. Recently selected as an RBC Directing Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat -“Judah” (Canadian Los Angeles, and Toronto. Newton-Davis also has production of Disney’s The Lion King. He has top-charting hits including the Billboard #1 Drury Lane, and Toronto's Four Seasons Centre the Rainbow, searching for Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd “Welcome To My Head,” and #1 Jazz albums New 20 seasons and ventured onto other enriching Apprentice with Musical Stage Company and the Premiere with Donny Osmond). Member of the recorded a duet with Celine Dion, on his 2nd CD performed across the country in such memorable for the Performing Arts. The four-time Dora Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. At The York Stories and Vegas Breeze . Micah is also an terrain at the Stratford Festival, Vancouver Opera, support of the Kathleen C. Freeman Leadership Fund, renowned a cappella group The Nylons (1997-2005). released on Sony, Spellbound. He performed and roles as Louis Armstrong (Satchmo Suite) and Mavor Moore award nominee received her first Stratford Festival, Thom has appeared in Romeo and internationally respected vocal, performance, and Calgary Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, Canadian Vanessa is excited to continue expanding her skill set toured with The Nylons for several years. Lanier Phillips (Oil and Water). He is a Dora for her role as Diana in the Mirvish/ Musical Juliet, Pericles, , Threepenny Opera, The career strategy coach. Stage, the National Arts Centre, San Francisco and artistic practice - and can’t wait to return to the Composer/ Arranger/ Lyricist, Musical Director, major performer in the world renowned production Stage Company production of Next To Normal. King and I, King Henry VIII, and . TV/ Opera, the Kennedy Center, the Glimmerglass stage when it is safe to do so. of Drum. And recently played “PA” in the Film: Hudson & Rex, Murdoch Mysteries, Kim’s Theatre Performance Instructor, Music Festival Billy has extensively donated his talent towards For more about Micah, visit www.micahbarnes.com Some of her other theatre credits include: Eponine Festival, Drayton Entertainment and Toronto Adjudicator. And, most recently, Graduate Student humanitarian causes, raising money for various Canadian premier of Color Purple with Neptune in Les Miserables (International and US National Convenience, I Me Wed, Road to Christmas, Leaving Operetta Theatre. Curtis has also performed Selected theatre: Emmie in Caroline or Change, Mum at York University. communities, AIDS awareness, Actors Equity, housing Theater. touring companies), Bertrande in Martin Guerre Metropolis. Directing credits include Seussical (Young with symphonies and opera companies across the in Billy Elliot, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors for people with mental illness and countless other (London's Prince Edward Theatre), Maria in West People's Theatre), A Little Night Music U.S., France, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. (Stratford Festival); Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, charities and causes. Side Story (Stratford Festival), Mary Magdalene in (Randolph Academy), and Mary Poppins - Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Young People’s Jesus Christ Superstar (Starlight Theatre), Dot in Dora Award Nomination (Young Peoples Theatre); Flaemmchen in Grand Hotel, Polly Plummer Visit www.billynewtondavis.com Sunday in the Park with George (Equity Showcase), Theatre). His CD, A Whole Lotta Sunlight can be in The Magician’s Nephew, Zoe in An Octoroon (Shaw Sandy in Grease (Elgin Theatre), Little Girl/ Meili cover purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. Festival). Film/TV: Suits, The Beaverton, Too Close for in Flower Drum Song (Broadway revival), Grizabella in Christmas, Odd Squad Mobile Unit, Tallboyz, Love in Cats (Panasonic Theatre), Winnie in Colours in the Visit his website: www.thomallison.com the Wilds, Sex/Life. Storm (Grand Theatre), and Donna in Mamma Mia (RainbowStage). Visit www.vanessasears.com

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 PERFORMERS: The Gospel Quintet PERFORMERSPERFORMERS: ThePERFORMERS: GospelThe Gospel Quin Qutetintet PERFORMERSHOSTS PERFORMERSHOSTSPERFORMERS PERFORMERS PERFORMERS

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Theater.Theater.concerns, and some of her most vital areas of support touringappearances companies), with the likes Bertrande of Natalie in Cole,Martin Deborah Guerre touringMetropolis touringwith companies),. Directing medication companies), credits Bertrande and include daily Bertrande inliving Seussical Martin activities. in Martin(Young Guerre GuerreMetropolis Metropolis. Directing. 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Superstar health (Starlightbe there and(Starlight(Young to Theatre),addictions, meet Theatre), his Peoples Dot needs. he in Dot homelessness,Dora in publicDora Award service. mental Award Nomination health Nomination and (Young addictions, (Young Peoples he Peoples masterclasses,public service. and residencies. Recent performances masterclasses, and residencies. Recent performances 519, and The Princess Margaret Hospital. She is also Sunday in the Park with George (Equity Showcase), feltSundayTheatre). compelledSunday in His the CD,to inPark the volunteer A with ParkWhole George with with Lotta George (EquityLOFT Sunlight and(Equity Showcase), canto Showcase),do be feltTheatre). compelledTheatre). His CD,to His volunteerA CD,Whole A withWhole Lotta LOFT Sunlight Lotta and Sunlight canto do be can be include: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Chamber include: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Chamber very passionate about the need to bring more focus Sandy in Grease (Elgin Theatre), Little Girl/ Meili cover whatSandypurchased he inSandy couldGrease on in iTunes to Grease(Elgin help. and Theatre), (Elgin streamed Theatre), Little on Girl/ LittleSpotify. Meili Girl/ cover Meili coverwhatpurchased heAspurchased could an on educator, iTunes to on help. iTunesandDiane streamed currentlyand streamed on works Spotify. onwith Spotify. aspiring Players,As an educator,CityTV Carol Diane Sing, currently and a workstour through with aspiring Atlantic Players, CityTV Carol Sing, and a tour through Atlantic and support to Black Lives Matter as well as children’s in Flower Drum Song (Broadway revival), Grizabella in in Flowerin FlowerDrum SongDrum (Broadway Song (Broadway revival), revival), Grizabella Grizabella in in actors at Toronto’s Randolph Academy, a connection Canadaactors at with Toronto’s performances Randolph in Academy, Dartmouth, a connection Lunenburg, Canada with performances in Dartmouth, Lunenburg, and women’s issues. With the changing world, our Cats (Panasonic Theatre), Winnie in Colours in the ForCatsVisit morehis(PanasonicCats website: about(Panasonic www.thomallison.com Theatre),Micah, Theatre), visit Winnie www. Winnie in micahbarnes.comColours in Colours in the in theForVisit morehissheVisit website: has abouthis enjoyedwebsite: www.thomallison.com Micah, since www.thomallison.com visit 2001. www.micahbarnes.com Atlanticshe has Festivals enjoyed ofsince Music, 2001. as well as a residency with Atlantic Festivals of Music, as well as a residency with immediate focus is the health pandemic and keeping Storm (Grand Theatre), and Donna in Mamma Mia Storm Storm(Grand (Grand Theatre), Theatre), and Donna and Donna in Mamma in Mamma Mia Mia the Sistema New Brunswick music education program. the Sistema New Brunswick music education program. each other safe. Jackie's motto is “hope lives eternal.” (RainbowStage). (RainbowStage).(RainbowStage). Visit www.dianeleah.com Visit www.dianeleah.com Visit www.hogtownbrass.com Visit www.hogtownbrass.com

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 BECOME AN EVERYDAY HERO YOUR IMPACT - JUSTIN'S STORY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we Justin left home as a teen due to physical and Artistic Director – Micah Barnes have had to adapt very quickly to protect our verbal abuse, along with a lack of support for his Live Show Producer – David Kitching clients. Monthly donations provide a mental health issues. He resided in a youth Musical Director – Diane Leah We are proud to be involved with LOFT Community sustainable source of funds and give us the shelter before finding a home at LOFT’s Director – Heather Jenken Services' 30th Annual Christmas Concert. Under flexibility we need to respond. Beverley Lodge in 2017. At Beverly Lodge, Technical Producer - Terry Walker the direction of Caroline O’Brien, Chair, youth with mental health and addiction We’ve invested in PPE to keep everyone safe, Lighting Design – Kelly Jones Ryerson University’s 4-year B.F.A. degree programs challenges get 24/7 supportive housing where enhanced our cleaning, and have Production Design – Peter Faragher in Performance (Acting, Dance and Production + they can stabilize and work toward education or redeployed staff to support clients who are Set Decorators – Bill Corcoran and Mike Scott Design) provides students with a solid foundation of employment goals in a safe and welcoming hardest hit by the pandemic. Donors like you Technical Coordinator – Josh Capodagli practical knowledge, production experience, and skill atmosphere. have also helped us pivot to provide food in a development combined with a rigorous safe way. academic curriculum. Founded by the late Jack During the pandemic, access to food has Ryerson Staff and Students McAllister in the fall of 1971, the School is unique By becoming an Everyday Hero with your become a very real challenge for our clients. Caroline O’Brien in that the training in both theatre and dance take monthly commitment, you will be supporting Justin learned how to access food, grocery shop Peter Fleming place under one roof with both studio and our front line workers who are our clients' and meal plan with healthy recipes so he Scott Martin academic studies overlapping to a significant everyday heroes. These heroes are could save time and money. Bonnie Thompson degree. putting themselves at risk every day to be David Mallette there for those who rely on help for Justin and other program members also Fahed Altaji In addition, the school’s creative community daily function. They care for our clients whose learned the importance of maintaining sanitary approach allows production and management challenges, left without adequate care, would Theo Belc conditions, social distancing, and more. These students the opportunity to collaborate intensively only worsen and become more complex. skills will carry over when they move on to more LOFT Community Services Staff and Volunteers with both performance streams. Ryerson-trained independent settings. Recently, Justin performers, production personnel and As one of the largest mental health service Heather McDonald, CEO successfully transitioned to a more independent managers have earned distinction worldwide for providers of its kind in Ontario, LOFT is James Anok, Board Chair living housing program. He pays affordable rent, their talent, versatility, and professionalism. determined to continue offering Mona Lee-Tam unwavering support to people when they need cooks for himself, and is proud to have started Located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment us the most. his first year at Ryerson University. Cara Williams Debora Jesus district, the school has benefited students through LOFT offers compassion and unwavering support its constant interaction with the professional arts For more information about how you can Lindsay Cormack to the most vulnerable people … but we can’t do Rumsha Khan community. The Ryerson School of Performance support our clients, email draws from the country’s top professionals to guest- it without you. Sanzeeda Ali [email protected] or call us at lecture, conduct workshops, direct, choreograph, and 416-979-1994 ext. 2033 Cathy Inkster & Berely Jarabata design its senior productions. For more information, Marco Villa please visit www.ryersonperformance.ca Chris Whittaker

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 2020 “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” To help people– achieveMaya Angeloutheir optimal health and well-being in the community, LOFT offers unwavering support and hope.

We serve people living with complex mental health, addictions, cognitive and physical health challenges, offering a range of services and housing, with the vision that together, we can all live successfully in the community.

LOFT provides support, housing and outreach to over 5,300 youth, adults and seniors in Toronto, York Region and South Simcoe County.

15 Toronto Street, 9th Floor Toronto, ON 15 TorontoM5C Street, 2E3 9th Floor TelephoneToronto, 416-979-1994 ON Fax 416-979-3028M5C 2E3 Telephone 416-979-1994 To learn more Faxabout 416-979-3028 us please visit our website www.loftcs.org To learn more about us please visit our website www.loftcs.org

Charitable Registration Number: 13058 6605 RR0001

Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert - 20202019