RITZ GALA ENTERTAINMENT | mccormickcarefdn

THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Pre-Event Party: 6:30 pm | Main Event: 7 pm | After Party: 8 pm

TICKETS / MICRO-GALA

YOUR IMPACT

Check out the lineup of local talent, ready to entertain you!

Entertainment generously sponsored by:

Kurt Ford

Kurt Ford is an acoustic performer based out of London, Ontario. Known for his extensive music library that includes the likes of Johnny Cash, John Denver, Mumford & Sons, The Foo Fighters, Neil Young, City and Colour, The Tragically Hip, and everything in between.

When you get the chance to catch Kurt Ford live, be sure to warm up your vocal cords and have your dancing shoes on, you are in for a great night of singing the classics and dancing up a storm with your friends.

Sarina Haggarty

London Ontario artist, Sarina Haggarty has been performing since the age of 4. Throughout the years, she has had been associated with acts such as Tim Hicks, Shawn Mendes, Tyler Shaw, Lennon Stella, and Edward Sharpe, and the Magnetic Zeros. Consecutively selling out London Ontario’s top venues, Sarina’s sound is appealing to all. She has shared her journey with international media and has recently performed on a PSA for Make-A-Wish America. Sarina has been featured on CBC, CORUS, and Rogers. As an independent artist, she is currently working on releasing her 3rd EP. Her music has gained attention from many in the industry for her soulful lyrics beyond her years.

Nathan McDonald

Few singer/songwriters have had the opportunity to be steeped in such a diverse range of musical influences as Nathan Bishop MacDonald. Nathan was the primary songwriter and driving creative force behind the successful Canadian Celtic band, Celtae and currently performs his original Celtic songs with his sensational new band, Finlaggan.

Celtic music speaks deeply to Nathan’s roots and his upbringing in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He wrote Merchant Marine in honour of Canada's Merchant Navy veterans and the song was selected as the theme song for Paul Ciufo's CBC Radio Drama, "On Convoy", was featured on traditional music compilations and has been covered by several other artists, cementing it in the canon of Canadian Celtic music.

The Butter Babies

The Butter Babies are an indie/alternative rock group formed in 2019 from London, Ontario, Canada. Ben Jongepier (vocals, bass), Mitch Brown (vocals, guitar), Blake VanBerlo (vocals, piano), and Josh Sabourin (drums) all met at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in London. Following high school, each of them pursued independent, non-musical academic ventures. They then regrouped to find a release from the aspects of daily life, as well as to create a vehicle for Ben and Mitch’s songwriting.

Top Hat Music - Grant Bernard

With over 10 years of experience in the industry, DJ Grant has guest engagement down to a science. Never missing a beat - unless it's to blend it into another one - DJ Grant specializes in seamless mixing transitions so every event has that production-quality feel.

Having worked for some of the top music production agencies in Ontario, Grant’s career has taken him all over the province mixing at live numerous Electo-Swing events, hundreds of weddings, corporate parties, and numerous charity functions just like this one.

Justin Plet

His music is emotional – but is far from “Emo”. Justin’s blend of Acoustic Folk Rock, sweet Pop, and what can only be described as Canadiana, makes it easy for us to hear the influences of such artists as Jim Cuddy, David Gray, Ray Lamontagne, Neil Young, Damien Rice, Pilate (Pilot Speed), and Radiohead. His sultry vocals swoon us to tales of heartbreak and loss and carry his direct and descriptive lyrics right into not only our hearts but our souls. Words that evoke familiar feelings that all listeners can identify with.

Sarah Smith

Music is Sarah’s full-time passion. She continues to tour prolifically, playing around 300 dates per year in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Along the way, she has shared the stage with artists including Carole Pope, Sass Jordan, Biff Naked, Emm Gryner, Joel Plaskett, David Wilcox, 54-40, and many others. Whether it’s just her and her acoustic guitar or her full band, she is simply a mesmerizing performer.

Sarah has won many awards throughout her career. She was named Best Adult Contemporary Artist at the Toronto Independent Music Awards and has earned multiple honours at the Jack Richardson/Forest City London Music Awards, including the Rock and Singer/Songwriter awards.

THANK YOU!

When you support our events, you're playing a major role in making the McCormick Difference by supporting enhanced care, services, and programs that enrich lives in our community. Thank you for your support!