The 8th Annual McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s Premier Fundraiser, Moonlight Gala
Publication: BK On the Scene
Published: Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Author: A.J. Lam/Bill Kwan
It was an extraordinary evening in support of The Art Of Canada! The 8th annual McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s premier fundraiser-Moonlight Gala was held on June 1, 2019.
The event was another amazing evening under the stars. The candle-lit path immersed in the forest, with the fresh scent of pine, ushered guests to an assortment of savoury delicacies until arriving at the spectacular open-air stone terrace for the beautiful moon-lit soiree.
The Moonlight Gala celebrated the connection between art and nature with a great menu of gourmet cuisine and awarding-winning Ontario wines. Under the stars and amongst the soaring pines of the McMichael, guests transported themselves to a place hidden away in the outskirts of the city. 600+ guests attended this one-of-a-kind event, featuring top-notch live entertainment.
Proceeds from the Gala ensure that art fans experience the Art of Canada through exhibitions, creative learning programs and art classes for the future generation of art lovers. This will help Canadian experience art—from our past, present and future.
Ever year, the Live and Silent Auctions are always a big part of the Moonlight Gala. Generous and art-minded donors have contributed some incredible items this year.
The entertainment for the evening was superb, talented musicians, DJ and performing artists.
Live music on the lawn was provided by students and recent graduates from the renowned music program at Humber College. Humber’s four-year Bachelor of Music degree program is unlike any other in North America.
The Moonlight Collective brought together several Juno-nominated Toronto musicians into an unparalleled collaboration of talent and creativity. Led by accomplished tenor and soprano saxophone player Miles Raine, The Moonlight Collective returned to the 2019 Moonlight Gala to entertain the audience beneath the stars. The Moonlight Collective featured Jenna Nation and Aion Clarke.
George St Kitts Band has been entertaining audiences across Canada and USA since early 1990. The group is comprised of seven singers and six musicians who, surpassing the odds faced by many artists, have been performing together since the group’s inception. Founded by two-time Juno nominee George St. Kitts, the other singers include 2008 Juno winner Billy Newton-Davis, Toni Anderson, Jivaro Smith, Nicole Robinson, Kenni Hite and Lorraine Scott.
Originally from Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, Kelly Fraser has performed countless concerts across Canada, especially in the Arctic (Nunavut/Nunavik), where she is a well-known performing artist/songwriter. Kelly is a Juno-nominee of 2018 for Indigenous Album of the Year, Indigenous Music.
CASTELVI (a.k.a. DJ BARBI) has been a professional dj since 1996. She has shared stage with the “who’s who” of the DJ world.
We would like to thank Grace Johnstone, Director of Communications, Marketing and Sales from The McMichael Canadian Art Collection for the invitation to The Moonlight Gala and we look forward to the event in 2020.