Christmas came early for four young music enthusiasts as they accepted $4,000 worth of bursaries, two of them at a special award's ceremony Saturday, Dec. 17.
Ashton and Morgan each received $1,500 as part of the late musician Jim Fay Music Bursary, awarded annually to youth between the ages of 16 and 24, who are or were homeless or "at-risk" and live in the Greater Toronto Area and want to further their study or practice of traditional, folk or roots music.Ashton and Morgan, both under the age of 22, received their award as part of Roncesvalles' Gate 403 Saturday Sessions' All Star Christmas Party. "It was fantastic, really, really fun," said Fay's wife, Marie MacCormack Monday, Dec. 19. "There was a full house. Folks knew the awards would be given out and knew it would be special."The recipients have proven that music is one of their ambitions and that they want to make it in some part their life's work, said MacCormack. Ashton and Morgan each received $1,500 while Vitus and Shasha received $500 each. Vitus, said MacCormack, used his winnings to fix his guitar and purchase an amp. Morgan is a cellist enrolled at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Her guidance counsellor nominated her for the bursary, said MacCormack. All four will perform at the upcoming SHINE! Concert, Feb. 26 at Hugh's Room. Funds raised at the SHINE 2012 concert go towards the next Jim Fay Bursary.Bursary funding may be used to purchase a musical instrument or equipment, registration in a music workshop, tuition to a music course or program at College or University or private lessons. The All Star Christmas Party boasted some talented musicians. Backing up Bill Heffernan were Olish, Dave McManus, Gordie Goodwin, Michael O'Grady, Kenny Yoshioka, Michael McDonald, Michelle Rumball, Jonathan Lynn, Jon Brooks, Grier Coppins, Colleen Hodgson, October Browne, Richard Keelan, Glen Hornblast, Chris Staig and more. Last year's Jim Fay Music Bursary winner Chelsee Livingstone also made an appearance."Ninety per cent of the people who contributed to the SHINE Concert contributed to the bursary," said MacCormack. "Everyone in the room was so rewarded by seeing their gift in action."