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Large venue but with excellent 'accoustics'

MyFM radio contest winners get to meet McDermott backstage

Creating a warm intimacy as his musicians carefully watch him

Although he's classified as a tenor, his voice has the rich warm timbre of a tenor with an almost smoky quality.  John McDermott, appearing in Kincardine on Friday (Oct. 21) gave the packed house what they came to hear, and more.

McDermott signed autographs before the concert

The concert was a fundraiser for the Bluewater Summer Playhouse and was held at the Kincardine Knox Presbyterian Church.   Although the church can appear as daunting and almost cavernous, McDermott brought to it an intimacy with his easy-going manner that included a number of stories from his childhood.

He related part of his family history and how the 12 siblings and parents came  to Canada as immigrants from Glasgow, Scotland in 1965.  Touching stories of his father, his uncle and siblings seemed to draw the audience in to his 'personal' space of family.

He appeared relaxed and it was evident that he is surrounded by some of the finest musicians in the music industry.  Their timing was impeccable and they blended together, while all the while watching McDermott closely for his every nuance.

Musicians watch McDermott closely

McDermott is using his musical talents in other ways today. Always a strong supporter of men and women in military service and veterans in particular, in December, 2010, he began the McDermott House Canada, a foundation that will fund the veterans' palliative care wind at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

"The hospital simply does not have the capital for fund this project," said McDermott, "and that's why I decided it could and would be done.

McDermott is preparing a number of fundraising concerts, including four confirmed at the Glenn Gould theatre in Toronto next year, that will feature a wide variety of artists and music ranging from opera to jazz.

"We'll have some wonderful artists," explained McDermott, "including cellist Shauna Rolston, Erika Raum, violinist and accomplished pianist, Stewart Goodyear, among others.  Every penny of the proceeds will go toward the McDermott House."

McDermott sings his poignant 'Danny Boy'

At the close of his concert, McDermott received a standing ovation and returned to sing his signature song, 'Danny Boy', acapella to an audience held so enthralled that one could have heard the proverbial 'pin drop'.  

For more on McDermott's musical background  Click Here

To learn more about his McDermott House Canada foundation go to www.mcdermotthousecanada.org

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Saturday, October 22, 2011