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| "Rock for Kids" - Toronto's Big Battle of the Corporate Bands Once again, over two exciting nights, Toronto's top business executives are trading in their suit and ties for ripped jeans and guitars at the 4th Annual Rock for Kids. On Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th, nine bands featuring groups comprised of Toronto business professionals will shake Jeff Healey's Roadhouse to raise an estimated $50, 000 for children with physical disabilities. The bands will compete for bragging rights as Toronto's best corporate band, at the same time showcasing their talents to music industry professionals. Orange Label President Aubrey Winfield and Jeff Healey's Blues Band, Amanda Marshall and Colin James drummer Al Webster have been tapped as judges for Wednesday night. Legendary producer and musician Bob Lanois and music industry insider Eric Alper are on-hand as judges for Thursday night. Former Boz Skaggs and Poison Tour Manager, Rob Stevenson, who has participated in all four Rock for Kids, will be judging both nights. Q107's John "Flairboy" Garbutt and Steph Hunter will be the event hosts. Justin Hines, signer of the popular hit, "Wish you Well" will be providing the pre-show entertainment. Departure Lounge, Now and Then, The Grateful Dads and The Natural Disasters from The Weather Network will do battle on Wednesday May 7th. The Natural Disasters will be fronted by three familiar faces from The Weather Network each planning on regaling the audience with some of their favourite songs. On-Camera Presenters Nneka Elliott, Kim MacDonald and Chris Mei each will make an appearance with the band during the set. The band is rounded out by four employees from all levels and departments of the organization. Band members include Rob Rodriguez, news writer on bass and Mitch Charron, Vice-President and General Manager on drums. On guitar are Taylor Emerson Vice-President and General Manager for the Interactive Services division and Jason Reid, Manager of News and Information. "We are all so excited to be a part of Rock for Kids. March of Dimes does such great work for the community and the fact that we get to go up on stage and perform side by side with other local singers and musicians is an added bonus, " said Chris Mei. Undercover, The Next Act, Unit Holder, DisOrderly Conduct and 2007 winners The Gavelheads will face off on Thursday, May 8th. All proceeds benefit March of Dimes' Conductive Education (CE) program. CE is an innovative program that blends elements of education and rehabilitation to improve the independence, mobility and confidence of children with disabilities, and has been especially beneficial to children with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and developmental apraxia. "Our Conductive Education program is one of the largest of its kind in the world and we serve hundreds of children and adults. Our program helps children build self-confidence and self-esteem, " says Mary Lynne Stewart, Director of Fund Development and Communications. The event is sponsored by Q107, Aon Reed Stenhouse, Otto Bock, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, Fraser Milner Casgrain, Ogilvy Renault, Power Workers Union, Durham Regional Police Association. Pizza Pizza, Speaker's Forum, Chalet Studios and The Weather Network - Pelmorex Broadcast Sales. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7th and Thursday, May 8th at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse located at 56 Blue Jays Way. The event is open to the public. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |