The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing new meaning to Ontario-based LOFT Community Services’ annual Home for the Holidays Benefit Concert. The long-standing charity is set to mark its 30th season with a virtually streamed offering this Thursday, December 10th at 7:30pm EST and tickets are available here.
There will be both familiar and new faces lighting up screens to delight audiences at home in the name of an outstanding cause: JUNO Award-nominated and chart-topping jazz master Micah Barnes is set to both co-host, headline, and serve as Artistic Director for the hour-long event.
He will also perform with The Gospel Quartet — and former Nylons alum — Billy Newton-Davis, Jeremiah Sparks, and Mark Cassius.
“Serving as artistic director for the annual LOFT Community Services concert is my way of supporting the incredible work LOFT does for housing Ontario citizens who are at risk,” Barnes shares. “The need during this pandemic has never been greater.
“I’m excited to be hosting, and it’s especially sweet to be performing with some of my fellow former Nylons.”
Streamed live from Koerner Hall, the event will feature performances from Jackie Richardson, Hogtown Brass, Vanessa Sears, Thom Allison, Curtis Sullivan, and Ma-Anne Dionisio. Tabby Johnson will return to co-host with Barnes, and Diane Leah will serve as Musical Director.
“This year, we’ll be celebrating 30 years of a benefit that helps make LOFT’s work possible,” the organization shares of the event and extensive work in the community to promote recovery and independence for those coping with complex mental health difficulties, dementia, substance use issues, physical health challenges, homelessness, and more.
“Our Home for the Holidays Concert is our signature fundraising event, and an important opportunity to showcase the incredible impact of our community and the urgent need for ongoing support.
“This year, audiences will have the opportunity to make a special holiday donation alongside their ticket purchase, which will go to work straight away helping LOFT offer compassion and unwavering support to the most vulnerable people.”
Tickets are $50 and the event is Thursday, December 10th from 7:30 – 8:30pm EST.
Since 1953, LOFT Community Services has offered dignity and hope to people facing mental and physical health challenges, addiction issues, and homelessness.
The LOFT name stands for Leap of Faith Together. As one of the largest specialized mental health service, personal care, and dementia providers in Ontario, LOFT is a substantial supportive housing provider in central Ontario currently helping more than 5,300 people every year find safety and stability.
Known for their diverse and all-inclusive services, LOFT proudly welcomes youth, adults, and seniors of all gender identities, races, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations.
Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah Barnes cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz clubs of the city while still a teenager, before touring the world as a member of the A Cappella vocal group The Nylons.
A JUNO Award-nominee, the years since have seen Barnes developing as an International solo artist with top-charting hits including the Billboard #1 “Welcome To My Head,” & #1 Jazz albums New York Stories and most recently, Vegas Breeze.
Most recently, Barnes completed a 14-date creative and inventive digital cross-country tour, and is also an internationally respected vocal, performance and career strategy coach.
