Big Night at Massey Hall in Celebration of Jeff Healey
Monday, May 30th, 2016
A lineup of celebrated guitar players and Canadian talent performed at Massey Hall on May 27th, 2016 as a tribute to late blues legend Jeff Healey. Canadian Musician’s Hal Rodriguez was onsite to take in the magic that was Healey’s 50th Celebration. Photos by Mark Gommer.
Kicking off the night was guitarist Philip Sayce, whose ferocious Stevie Ray Vaughan-influenced sound set the mood for a night of ripping blues guitar. He and most of the other guests were backed by the “Jeff Healey Alumni Band,” featuring many of Healey’s past collaborators.
The audience was also treated to the masterful playing of slide guitar virtuoso Sonny Landreth, blues stalwart Walter Trout, and renowned country guitarist Albert Lee.
Canadian singer Shakura S’Aida provided thunderous vocals over slow blues tunes and Nova Scotia’s The Trews performed classic rock covers such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.
Two-time Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Randy Bachman was the night’s surprise guest, and delivered his hits “Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” and “Takin’ Care of Business” to a dancing audience. The night culminated with the performers all returning to the stage for an all-star finale.
Proceeds from the night’s ticket sales went to support World Eye Cancer Hope, a charity with which the Healey family shares a long history.
