When NDP leader Jack Layton died last year, there was a national outpouring of appreciation for his life and political career. At Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, people covered all the concrete with messages of inspiration, condolences, and well wishes. On the 1-year anniversary of his death, a few hundred people gathered again here on Wednesday to celebrate his life with an outdoor concert.
Book-ending the event was Richard Underhill, a jazz saxophonist, and Lorraine Segato, the former singer of 80s band The Parachute Club. Both performers were also at Jack's state funeral last year. The proceedings were hosted by CBC personality Jian Ghomeshi, who related his own encounters with Jack Layton as a student activist during the Morgentaler's abortion controversy and later as a singer in Moxy Fruvous. Jack's last letter to Canadians were read by well-known Canadian actors.
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| Memorial concert for Jack Layton |
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| Tribute from Chalkmaster Dave |
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In fact, his oft-repeated last words which begin "Hope is better than anger" was used by
Raffi, the children's entertainer, in his tribute song.
Jason Collett came on to do two songs including Love Is A Dirty Word.
Ron Sexsmith contributed Former Glory.
Dallas Green (
City and Colour, Alexisonfire) had the biggest impact with two affecting ballads: We Found Each Other In The Dark and Against The Grain. After Olivia Chow thanked the crowd for their support, Segato ended the concert with Times Like This and her upbeat 80s hit Rise Up, the same song she sang at his funeral.
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| Dallas Green |
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| Lorraine Segato |
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