STAGE TUBE: HIT THAT JIVE JACK

Toronto's own Kelly Holiff is doing a very special fundraiser at the end of April called 'Hit That Jive Jack', which benefits The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Kelly is a Toronto based performance who has had leading roles in RENT, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast and more. She is headlining this concert which will feature vocal classics in a wide variety of styles and highlight some very special guests which showcase the best of the best of Canadian musical theatre talent.

The benefit was put together by Holiff in honour of her grandfather Norm Trachter. He loved jazz and music and inspired that among all of his grandchildren, and sadly passed away in December 2008 from a massive stroke.

The event was put together as both a tribute to Norm and his love of music, and also as a way to raise awareness of heart attacks and strokes and help raise money for this incredible charity. All net proceeds raised from Hit That Jive Jack will be donated directly to The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

BWW spoke with Holiff about the event and what it means to her, and why she thinks this show will appeal to a younger audience:

"I am incredibly grateful to be a part of Toronto's dynamic and supportive theatre community. Over the years, I have been inspired by and have performed in many wonderful shows, cabarets and concerts that were mounted with a dual purpose: to entertain and raise funds for important causes. When my grandfather passed away from complications relating to a stroke, I knew that I had to do something to honour his memory. With the help of many friends and family members, I presented my first concert to benefit the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2011. I was blown away by the generous love and support I received from that show. We were completely sold out and the audience response was overwhelming.

With the success of the first concert, there was no question of mounting another show to honour my grandfather. I am thrilled about presenting my second benefit concert in support of the Heart & Sroke Foundation on April 28, 2013 at the Capitol Theatre in Toronto. I will be sharing the stage with some extraordinary musicians and special guests from the world of musical theatre. There is something special about performing in a cabaret setting as it creates an energy and intimacy that is unique to that format. Whether a song tells a great story or just has a memorable melody, my goal is to connect the audience to the material in a new and personal way. We are really excited to be performing a diverse selection of songs that extends across multiple genres - pop, jazz, musical theatre, rock and possibly a nugget or 2 from the 80s. I encourage everyone to come out for a night of great music and fun, with the bonus of supporting an important organization."

Holiff's aim is to create an inspiration, exciting and fun evening - and to that end, her promotion of the event is just as creative and endearing. This video showcases a bunch of Holiff's talented friends from around the city tackling one of this year's most popular songs. Be inspired, watch the video and come support Hit That Jive Jack!

When and Where?

Hit That Jive Jack

April 28th 2013 at 8PM

Capital Event Theatre

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.eventbee.com/event?eid=930594352

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