A Jazz Journey for Epilepsy Research

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• published: 04 Jul 2007
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Margaret Maye talking with Ann Rohmer on CP24(CityPulse 24) about a Benefit Concert on July 7th, 2007 for Epilepsy Research at Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto. which featured Marek Balata, John Alcorn and Margaret Maye. On November 27th 2010 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, Margaret Maye will have her Fourth Annual Benefit Concert for epilepsy. This year's concert features Jose Feliciano in his - Feliz Navidad - 40th Anniversary World Holiday Tour 2010. José Feliciano who has won eight Grammy Awards. This magical evening will enchant the audience with true feast of spirited and sizzling music, best hits, songs and instrumental pieces, fusion of jazz, Latin, soul and pop. Also appearing on stage will be mezzo-soprano Margaret Maye Tickets http://tickets.ticketwindow.ca/eventperformances.asp?evt=1047&c;=43&pg; The following , appeared in the concert program and I wanted to share it with you. "Not the worldly riches make a man great -- but how he shares them with others" (John Paul II) "Człowiek nie jest wielki przez to co posiada, ale przez to, czym dzieli się z innymi" (Jan Pawel II) Come a little closer The title of tonight's concert was chosen because it has many meanings all of which touch every one of us in different ways. In the world of today, phenomena such us racial and religious conflicts, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and other injustices, have permeated our lives and our everyday lexicon. Fortunately, one thing remains constant: the beauty and meaning of the Arts and the way in which they touch, inspire, rejuvenate and heal us. Music, especially, as a universal language, has the capacity to link us,to help us transcend our differences in our search of peace and progress. It touches the heart and gives us the desire to create a better and more harmonious world. "Come a little closer" brigs beautiful music and wonderful talented artists together and closer to you but.... it is also about awareness, reaching out and getting closer to those who need it most. Its fund-raising brings us closer to to a remedy. It is a cause close to our hearts, and one which lifts us higher and closer to what is best in us: our better self and highest humane values -- compassion and love. While hosting "Come a little Closer", I was able to understand this and much more. I am grateful for it. I was humbled by the immense response that I have received while working on this event for the benefit of Epilepsy Research. Hopefully, more people will come to understand this dreadful disease and the needless stigma that surrounds it. More people will come to realize how important brain research is to us all; the brain is the most complicated and yet the least understood organ in our body. I hope that understanding this problem, will bring us closer to more fundraising events; for much more financial support is needed to move closer to the cure. From an early childhood God blessed me with voice, love and passion for music. Later on in life I was blessed again, when my wonderful son was born. Alas,at the age of ten he developed a seizure disorder.The reality is harsh. Sometimes, in despair, I feel like giving up the fight because there is so little I can do. But soon after... I rebel. And begin to fight again. I know that any disease can and will eventually be annihilated, if only there were sufficient funds available. United, we can make a difference and help in many ways. All of you, who are present here -- everyone has already made a difference!. Ladies and Gentlemen, My Dear Friends, artists, musicians, organizers, volunteers, members of the mass media, politicians, our generous sponsors and you, my esteemed audience: Thank you for all your help and your time, as well as for your good will and financial support. With each small step forward, we are coming a little closer to a positive solution, and with each little step we are closer to grasping the hope of seeing this dream come true. The same dream that Terry Fox once had. He did not make it, but thanks to him - countless others did. We are on the way to better understanding, better care, help for the sick and at a step at the time... towards a cure. Thank you so much for your words of support and encouragement. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for being here for us. To all who participated in any way, the healing has begun. We all come a little closer to ... affirmation of beauty,goodness, compassion, good will, well being, health, happiness, love and life. Today, these are the very values that we have to emphasize and pay attention to. Let us celebrate them. Yours sincerely, Margaret Maye