The 3rd Annual Gala
The 2006 CSHF 3rd Annual Gala, honouring the best in Canadian songwriting, was an incredible night, sure to be remembered forever by its attendees. On Sunday February 5, 2006, 1300 guests joined us at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's John Bassett Theatre for a spectacular night of famous faces, glamorous clothes and of course, great music!
Drawing numerous standing ovations, the Gala showcased Canadian artists Marie-Mai and Fred St-Gelais, Claire Pelletier, The Stampeders, Doc Walker, Louise Pitre, Marabu, Martin Léon, Jessica Vigneault, Sarah Slean, Amélie Veille, Online, Lynda Thalie, Jimmy Rankin and Divine Brown.
Backed by Faith Chorale, R&B singer Jully Black 'took the audience to church' with a soulful rendition of Gene MacLellan's "Put Your Hand in the Hand," while singer/songwriter Andy Kim fused his "Sugar Sugar" with the sounds of Bedouin Soundclash, Esthero and la Jeunesse Girls Choir.
Jann Arden presented Anne Murray with one of two 2006 CSHF Legacy Awards, bestowed upon those who have contributed to the Canadian songwriting industry; the second was given to legendary Quebec singer Lucille Dumont. Also honoured was Quebec songwriting icon Gilles Vigneault, whose award was presented by UDA Président, Pierre Curzi, star of Denys Arcand's Le Barbarian Invasions and The Decline of the Amercian Empire.
A highlight of the evening was a poignant tribute made by Former Governor General, The Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, to the ever-modest Modern Era Inductee, Leonard Cohen. Visibly moved with his hand on his heart, Cohen accepted his Northern Island award and noted, "If I knew where the good songs came from, I would go there more often."
Cohen was honoured by some very special guests: a weathered Willie Nelson, who sang "Bird on a Wire," and Rufus Wainwright who delivered a campy version of "Everybody Knows." Concluding this magical night of music was k.d. lang with her heart-wrenching version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," which reduced the audience to tears.