Steel city shows its heart and soul as community unites behind all-star
benefit concert for Haiti relief efforts

Hamilton's Heart for Haiti concert to feature Feist, Brian Melo , Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Arkells and more - Farley Flex to MC event

HAMILTON, ON, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - The Hamilton Spectator, Vibewrangler Recording Studio, and the City of Hamilton have united their efforts to stage a major benefit concert to support fundraising relief efforts for Haiti .

Feist, Tom Wilson + Stephen Fearing from Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, The Arkells, Canadian Idol winner Brian Melo , Lily Frost , Lee Harvey Osmond , Melissa McClelland, Luke Doucet , Jacob Moon and Harlan Pepper will perform at an all-star benefit concert at Hamilton Place Great Hall on Sunday, January 31 at 7:00 PM . Music producer and television personality Farley Flex, who is best known as being a judge on the TV series Canadian Idol, has signed on as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

"In just over 72 hours, we had commitments from so many of the major artists we contacted," says Glen Marshall , concert producer and co-owner of Hamilton's Vibewrangler Studio. "There's a time to call in favours with friends and peers, and to me, this was the time. The need is so great." Marshall said he received confirmation from Feist, an eight-time Juno winner and four-time Grammy nominee, a day after emailing the Toronto singer-songwriter. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings happened to be working together in the area, finishing work on their next album, when Marshall called them.

And despite Hamilton's own enormous poverty issues and economic challenges, its citizens and businesses have rallied in support of a great human need. "There's been a lot of thoughtful giving and synchronicity happening here. There are so many people in Hamilton that have helped make this concert come together almost magically," adds Marshall. "It's wonderful community that I am proud to count myself apart of."

"There is no community with a bigger heart than Hamilton," said Dana Robbins , publisher of The Hamilton Spectator. "Generosity is stitched into the very fabric of our community. Haiti is in crisis, and our city has heard its call. The Hamilton Spectator is proud to add its voice to the chorus of support that is answering that plea. Through Hamilton's musicians and artists, we are all doing what this community does best, extending a hand to people in need."

All proceeds will be distributed to three major Haiti relief efforts: Canadian Friends of Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Joy and Hope of Haiti and International Child Care. The Canadian Friends of Albert Schweitzer Hospital operates out in the mountain region north of the Haitian Capital. OMS Canada operates a mission in Cape Haitian and the International Child Care operates Grace Hospital in Port-Au-Prince .

Tickets for the 2,000-seat event are $25 and are on sale now online through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.ca) and the Copps Coliseum box office.

For further information: Glen Marshall, Vibewrangler Studio, [phone], [email protected]; Tom Hogue, The Hamilton Spectator, [phone], [email protected]; www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=853720120No./event.php?eid=256735723379&ref=mf