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Friday, November 10, 2000 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Benefit concert a must-see By Cathy Probert SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER T he combination of pulsing lights, beating drums and the chords of electric guitars came together Tuesday night, bringing the feel of Africa into The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The artist, South African native Trev John, finally real ized his dream, sharing it with every person sitting in the audience, making history. But this concert w asn't only for fun, all the net proceeds were donated to the Alzheimer's Society for Halton Wentworth, a charity which John feels isn't given enough attention or donations. Apart from a few technical hitches, John's first-ever live performance was a huge suc cess. The catchy sound of Canadian Rock with an African rhythm found its way into the hands and feet of the audience members, who clapped and tapped along. John, like an excited child eager to show off a `gift', danced around the stage, his sincerity and delight affecting not only the audience, but the other musicians as well. The band's combined tal ents were amazing, from the flying fingers of lead guitarist Leighton M atthews to the flicking wrists and amazing vocal skills of drummer Michael Shotton. The band C o n c e rt R e v ie w really made the 14 songs of John's debut CD, Standpoint, come to life. For any South African in the audience, the rhythm and `feel' of the song, African Sun set, struck a chord, sending them back home. John was also accompanied by a number of talented per formers. The girls of Dream, an Oakville based band, helped to create the sound o f the rhythmic African harmony from their position as the back-up vocalists. During the song, 120/80, five dancers from Oakville's own Fleming School o f Dance brought a physical aspect to the music. Dressed in brightly coloured outfits, they per formed their routine in perfect sync. John's daughter Tenille also performed with a group of younger dancers who present ed their interpretation of the song Runaway Memories. His daughter was not the only family member involved in this successful concert. His wife Sue was the director and his sister-in-law, Astrid Sher man performed a beautiful bal let piece to the song Say Hello. In addition to his own songs, John also played songs from Neil Diamond and Bad Company. Gregg Dechert, for merly of Bad Company and keyboardist for the Standpoint CD, sang Rock and Roll Fan tasy, a song made famous by his former band, with John backing him up. Dechert per formed with the heart and skill of an experienced professional. However, the highlight of the evening was when the band unexpectedly played Africa by Toto, a personal favourite. Michael Shotten, who sang a duet with Axel Rose (Guns and Roses), filled the theatre with his resonant tones, leaving a lasting imprint on the show and in my memory. Since I'm a South African native, the night was filled with memories brought on by the rhythms. And being a music lover as well, I especially enjoyed the outstanding perfor mances by all the musicians. A great time was had by all, but no one seemed to enjoy it more than the man of the hour himself, Trev John. Profits from his next two concerts - Dec. 20th and the 21st - will go to the Canadian Cancer Society. These two per formances will also be filmed for an upcoming live-on-stage video. Tickets are $34.99 and are available by visiting or calling the Oakville Centre box office at 130 Navy St., 815-2021. T R EE- L IG H T IN G Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Towne Square, featuring Mayor Ann Mulvale & Oakville's new Town Crier Ian Burkholder, who will lead everyone in a Christmas carol sing-along.The Oakville Trafalgar High School Woodwind Orchestra, popular local vocal group Dream & The Salvation Army will be a special part of the evening performing Holiday favorites for everyone. 5 N Z S 2 0 % O FF S T O R E W ID E All Casual and Dress up Clothing, Shoes Sleepwear L im ite d tim e o n ly . S e a r s O akville P la c e Ladies Wear, Cosmetics and Fragrance Departments presents the DESIGN ER K ID S' W E A R Point Zero Kitchen Kids M exx Tomm y Hilfiger Gum boots 2 0 V )/! 0 0 r) Saturday, November 18,2 7:30 pm -10:00 pm f'vuzheov& iA' do<yofycOzefr Tickets $10.00 per person to be redeemed with any purchase in the Cosmetics and Fragrance Department 827-2271 HOURS: Mor.-Fri. 10am-8:30pm Sat. 10 am-5:30 pm Sun. 12 pm-5 pm $5.00 fromeach ticket will be donated to the "Make A V is it S e a rs O a k v ille P la c e Wish Foundation" Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-9:00 pm. Sat. 7:00 am-7:00 pm. Sun. 1 0a m -7 p m VffATCH IIS GROW C h i l d r e n 's F a s h i o n s & F o o t w e a r