Gallery Relive the ICONIC AIDSbeat 25th anniversary

The 25th anniversary of AIDSbeat – put on in collaboration with Toronto’s legal community – was nothing short of ICONIC. Hosted by Mike Chalut at the historic El Mocambo, this year’s AIDSbeat had four different lawyer bands showcasing epic musical moments as well as special performances by Slaight Music’s Theo Tams, Jillea and Roslyn Witter.

Over 400 guests packed the multi-floor venue to listen to eclectic covers of everything from John Lennon’s Imagine to Adele’s Hello to Aretha Franklin’s Son of a Preacher Man. Blind Trust, Call to the Bar, Manifest Climate and Mantle Developments’ A Cute Risk and the Mant Band, and DAVIES’ The Amended and Restated Insecurities all brought their best to the stage and engulfed the audience in non-stop performances. We were also treated to original compositions by Theo, Jillea and Rolsyn that won’t soon be forgotten. And AIDSbeat co-chair Nicole Sigouin not only took the mic to share some words with the crowd alongside co-chair David Palumbo and honourary chair Patricia Olasker, she also joined Blair Purdy Music to showcase her exceptional pipes with renditions we want to hear again and again.

Food by INK Entertainment and McEwan Group was enjoyed alongside wines from Fresh and EastDell, Ginslinger Gin, Tag No. 5 Vodka, Barnburner whisky, and favourite Labatt brews. Our live auction was a smashing success with incredible works donated by Pietro Adamo Gallery, Michelle Vella, and Oleos & Canvas, as well as premium economy anywhere-in-the-world tickets from Air Canada.

Alongside our partners above, we also want to thank sponsors Mantella Corporation, TD, Baker McKenzie, Norton Rose Fulbright, Gowling WLG, DAVIES, Manifest Climate, Torkin Manes, Paliare Roland, and Cooper, Sandler, Shime & Bergman LLP for all the support in making this a milestone AIDSbeat celebration.

By the end of the night, we raised over $175,000 to help #endHIVinCanada thanks to the generous support for everyone involved.

Relive the evening below.