HOSTJulie Nesrallah

Dec 1TUESDAY

2020 7:00 PM

PREMIERE

A virtual variety show

to benefit Casey House

Thank you for joining Casey House

in celebration of World AIDS Day.

Your participation supports compassionate judgement-free

health care at Casey House, Ontario’s HIV/AIDS hospital

Donate now

Each performer’s name is linked to their bio – simply touch the performer’s name, if you’re on your phone or tablet – or click the link if you’re on a computer. The program is best viewed vertically.

Click on this symbol, found at the bottom of the performer bios if you want to return to the program page.

Hosted by

Layne the Auctionista

Quando m’en vo (La bohème)

Jennifer Taverner

Message from Casey House

Joanne Simons, CASEY HOUSE CEO

We Rise Again

Voices Rock Medicine – Female Physicians

TONIGHT’S PROGRAM

Peter Gunn Mambo

Rubie Magnitude

CASEY AWARD PRESENTATION TO

Haran Vijayanathan Llana Nakonechny THE CASEY AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Being Alive (Company)

Asitha Tennekoon ACCOMPANIED BY Kimberley-Ann Bartczak

That Record Saved My Life

Jessica Mitchell

Amourdeus and Woe, Woe, Woe (Not the Messiah)

Shannon Mercer

CASEY AWARD PRESENTATION TO

M•A•C AIDS Fund Llana Nakonechny THE CASEY AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

I’m Here (The Color Purple)

Tynomi Banks

Maybe It’s Me

Jessica Mitchell

CASEY AWARD PRESENTATION TO

Alex Lifeson Llana Nakonechny THE CASEY AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Rhyme and Reason

Gavin McLeod

Brave

Voices Rock Medicine – Female Physicians

Kathy Domoney, PRODUCER

Performers

Layne

A bold and entertaining “philanthro-tainer”, Layne The Auctionista’s performance combines philanthropy with entertainment, equalling full-on engagement as a live auction performer and MC at events. To standing ovations and wild applause, Layne never disappoints a room! As a regular on Breakfast Television, giving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a good laugh and through sharing a stage with figures such as Sarah McLaughlin and basketball GM Masai Ujuri, Layne is a Canadian sweetheart and brings that charm internationally. Layne also acts as a keynote speaker; engaging audiences about the importance of breaking down barriers and the power of finding your voice.

auctionista.ca

Layne the AuctionistaHOSTED BY

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Jennifer Taverner

Soprano Jennifer Taverner has been described as “resplendent and captivating” (Ottawa Life) and is in high demand as a soloist with orchestras and opera companies across Canada, in works ranging from baroque to contemporary. Taverner grew up in Toronto, and in addition to her busy singing career is a registered holistic nutritionist, helping singers maintain their vocal health and wellness.

highnotehealth.ca

Jennifer Taverner

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Voices Rock

Voices Rock Medicine is a choir for women physicians in the Greater Toronto Area. They deliver a dynamic choral experience with superb music, professional leadership and immense fun.

voicesrockcanada.com

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Rubie Magnitude

Rubie Magnitude is a multidisciplinary artist who has focused on burlesque and hula hoop dance for the past decade. A true style chameleon, she draws inspiration from many different eras of fashion and genres of music for her dance acts, and deeply values burlesque for its limitless potential for self-expression and celebrating the body. As the world of live performance continues to be on hold, Rubie is making plans for more video projects from home, as well as reconnecting to her creative roots in writing and acting.

Follow her on Instagram @rubiemagnitude

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Rubie Magnitude

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020 Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Asitha Tennekoon

Sri Lankan tenor Asitha Tennekoon is a graduate of Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University and Toronto’s Glenn Gould School of Music. After winning the Dora Award in the title role of Tapestry Opera’s The Rocking Horse Winner, Tennekoon portrayed John Peyton in their world premiere of Shanawdithit (Nolan/Burry). He has sung leading roles with Opéra de Montreal, Opera Lafayette, Opera Bouffe du Québec, Opera in Concert and Opera 5, and recently added to his repertoire of new works, starring in Soundstreams acclaimed double-bill of Two Odysseys: Pimooteewin/Gállábártnit, sung and narrated in Cree and Sami. He debuts as Jack the Knave of Hearts with Pacific Opera Victoria’s digital presentation of Elizabeth Raum’s The Garden of Alice in January 2021.

domoneyartists.com

Asitha Tennekoon

WellP H A R M A C Y

Good+

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Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Jessica Mitchell

Singer-songwriter Jessica Mitchell is, at heart, a storyteller – an open book, known for her soulful melodies and the raw honesty of her lyrics. Her debut album Heart of Glass was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. She has toured with the likes of Kiefer Sutherland, Terri Clark, Johnny Reid, Bonnie Raitt, and performed at the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Gala to honour Neil Young. Mitchell continues to make her mark as a renowned songwriter, recently co-writing “The Chase” for Celine Dion’s album, Courage, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and fan favourite “Workin’ on Whiskey,” which was cut by country music artist Trisha Yearwood for her latest album Every Girl.

jessicamitchellmusic.com

Jessica Mitchell

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Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Shannon Mercer

Juno Award-winning Canadian soprano Shannon Mercer is recognized for the luminosity and effortless agility of her voice, as well as her commanding stage presence and profound acting ability. Her discography features the 2014 Juno-nominated Berlioz’s Les Nuit d’été and Palej’s The Poet and the War, and the Juno-Award winning Gloria: Vivaldi’s Angels and Vivaldi- The Return of the Angels among others. She also appears on DVD in Alexina Louie’s comic operas Burnt Toast and Mulroney: The Opera, and in Monty Python funny-man Eric Idle’s hit Not the Messiah.

shannonmercer.com

Shannon Mercer

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Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Tyomi Banks

With over a decade of experience, Tynomi Banks is a world-class drag entertainer. Recognized for her full production performances, Banks dominates a stage while radiating a powerful, playful energy. Her hustle lead her to be the first drag entertainer to perform in Toronto’s Dundas Square during World Pride 2014. Banks has worked with Hudson’s Bay Company and Spotify, been featured on a billboard for Crest, and in international campaigns with Netflix and Ikea. In 2019, she became the first drag entertainer trophy bearer at the 7th annual Canadian Screen Awards. Catch Tynomi Banks on Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race on Crave.

tynomibanks.com

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Tynomi Banks

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Gavin McLeod

A 21-year-old singer-songwriter and guitar player from Milton Ontario, Gavin McLeod started playing guitar at the age of 8 and landed his first professional gig at 11. He has been performing his blend of rock, folk and blues music for over a decade. Gavin played 70 live shows in 2019 including Tremblant International Blues Festival and the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. With momentum on his side in 2020, Gavin booked a summer tour that included the RBC Bluesfest main-stage opening for King Crimson, and the Havelock Country Jamboree. However, when COVID-19 hit it forced Gavin into the studio. Gavin and his band will emerge from 2020 having recorded both an EP and debut LP, ready for whatever 2021 brings.

gavinmcleodmusic.com

Gavin McLeod

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Alex Lifeson

The Casey Awards annually celebrate individuals and organizations across Canada that demonstrate leadership in social justice and commitment to HIV/AIDS. The inaugural recipient, and inspiration, for the awards was June Callwood, one of Casey House’s founders.

The Casey Awards

Haran Vijayanathan

M•A•C AIDS Fund

Alex Lifeson

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020 Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Kathy Domoney

As director of Domoney Artists Management, Kathy Domoney brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to this position after more than 25 years as a lyric soprano. Domoney Artists Management is at the forefront of Canada’s vocal scene, representing a superb roster of emerging and established artists. In response to COVID-19 and its impact on live opera performance, Domoney created OperaBreaks, a series of “cinema meets opera” videos, with director François Racine, showcasing ten singers, filmed in unexpected locations in Toronto, filmed by Coffeeshop Creative.

domoneyartists.com

Kathy Domoney

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

Our Sponsors

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

EVENT SPONSORS

Jessica Derventzis | Alan Fraser | Calvin Heinrichs

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020

119 Isabella StreetToronto, ON M4Y 1P2

416 962 7600heart@caseyhouse.ca

Learn more about Casey House or donate at caseyhouse.com

Voices for World AIDS Day | 2020