Extravaganza back one last time – with even bigger lineup

Cathy Dobson Sometimes you just have to give the people what they want. Local sax player Al Weiss truly believed 2017 would be his last big fundraiser at The Imperial Theatre.

Cathy Dobson 

Sometimes you just have to give the people what they want.

Local sax player Al Weiss truly believed 2017 would be his last big fundraiser at The Imperial Theatre.

He started an evening of music called Al Weiss & Friends in 2013 to support his wife, Michelle, and other women battling breast cancer.

There was an enormous response. Weiss called on friends and family to perform on stage and the show sold out. The next year did even better and, in 2017, when Michelle celebrated five years cancer free, it grew even more.

To date, $50,000 has been raised for the Breast Cancer Society of Canada and Bluewater Health’s mammography unit.

Last year, Weiss said organizing the event had become too much for one retired fellow and he wouldn’t repeat it. But sponsors contacted him and offered so much money for another show, he couldn’t say no.

So the fourth Al Weiss & Friends musical extravaganza at The Imperial Theatre is taking place Oct. 13, with no less than 34 sponsors and the largest group of musicians so far.

“This is my final big fundraiser and we’re going out on a high note,” said Weiss.

The roster of 22 performers lined up includes accomplished vocalists, seven members of the International Symphony Orchestra, the Riverview Jazz Quintet, which that he and son Parker Weiss play with, The Hollywood Band and Sarnia’s own harmonica master Mike Stevens with Jeff Getty on guitar.

Stevens showed up unexpectedly last year and earned a standing ovation for a surprise rendition of Bloody Well Right by Supertramp.

This year, Stevens and Getty will play a full set. Vocalist Polly Harris from Camlachie will sing and play guitar, and Londoner Denise Pelley is on board to do some Aretha Franklin and other tunes.

Weiss will play the featured tune with strings and flutes. Trouble Man by Grover Washington Jr. has been arranged by trombone player Pete Hysen for all 22 musicians. It’s 14 minutes, with three soloists on piano, guitar and sax.

“I’ve only played once before with strings and I’m very excited,” Weiss said.

Apart from the sound check, he depends on the talent and professionalism of his friends to perform without a rehearsal. The musical genres will range from pop to rock to jazz and R&B.

“Every year, the show takes on a life of its own,” he said.

A silent auction is planned as well as a 50/50 draw for Bluewater Health. Weiss is optimistic $30,000 can be raised this time.

“On a very personal level, Michelle and I are overwhelmed by the support this has received,” Weiss said.  “Musically, it’s very gratifying to play to such an enthusiastic crowd.

“It’s a great time and we appreciate every minute.”

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Al Weiss & Friends in support of Breast Cancer Society of Canada and the Bluewater Health mammography department.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13 @ 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Imperial Theatre, Christina Street.

TICKETS: $30 at the box office (call 519-344-7469) or at www.imperialtheatre.net.