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Paying tribute to King and helping out a dear friend – Metro US

Paying tribute to King and helping out a dear friend

Sometimes in this job, I feel like a dog chasing his tail. Such was the case this past Friday night as I found myself running between the Cohn and Pier 21 looking for the perfect picture. I was caught between two outstanding events.

The first was The Dream Continues … A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Every year the Nova Scotia Mass Choir not only recognizes King’s accomplishments with music, but a celebrated African-Nova Scotian also gets the nod. This year the accolades went out to Beresford Husbands. Known in the community as B.A., Husbands was a community and education advocate, held real estate, and ran a retail store. In 1930 he established the Colored Citizens’ Improvement League to focus on creating a sense of black pride.

Musically, the evening was as inspiring as ever. Lead by host George Jordan, the choir shared stage space with Juno nominee Gary Beals (who is releasing a gospel album later this year).

The Word In Motion Dance Co. presented the gospel in dance, and 14 year-old Dunnery Bond showed why he was crowned YTV’s Next Star.

There was just enough time to scoot across town to catch comedian Ron James making them laugh at Pier 21 for a good cause. Heritage Hall was sold out to hear James wax poetic on all things Canadian and even take a few shots at his hometown of Halifax. Money raised went to SOAR, a charity that supports and cares for orphans of AIDS in the community of Nkobongo, South Africa.

After the ice cleared, it was off to downtown Halifax on Monday for the annual Blind Date with A Star. Presented by Sysco Atlantic, the event raises money to support the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia. Each table of 10 was paired up with mystery celebrities for a unique dining experience at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

The evening started with a wine reception at the World Trade and Convention Centre, where the diners discovered where they were going, and who their celebrity was. The celebs are culled from the entertainment, sports, business and political worlds. I’ve had the honour of being invited in the past, but sadly didn’t make the cut this year. You start ONE food fight and you’re labelled for life!

The final stop Monday night took me to The Carleton to help out a dear friend of the music industry. Lynn Horne’s influence is far reaching as a promoter, manager, and talent developer.
The last year has been tough for her since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Steven Bowers, Dave Gunning, Meaghan Smith and Kev Corbett met for a songwriters’ circle, and were joined on stage by Joel Plaskett for an incredible evening of music and stories. Fight the good fight Lynn!

You can always find me at beatlejamie@eastlink.ca.

– When he’s not making the Scene, Jamie Paterson hosts The Drive and The Beatlebrunch on KOOL FM in Halifax