When Measha Brueggergosman asked me to assist in promoting her benefit concert for AMREF, I said yes immediately. Measha…? Singing for a great cause….?? You bet. I mean it’s obvious that Measha is a singing sensation, and a hoot to work with…but she’s also giving her time to such a worthy cause, AMREF (African Medical & Research Foundation). Pianist Andreas Kern is flying in from Berlin for this; he is also her co-host on Arte Lounge, a TV show about the arts in Germany. CBC Radio’s Jian Ghomeshi of “Q” fame (or, more like, the man who showed nerves of steel and a whole lotta class during the Billy Bob interview debacle) will interview Measha before the 2nd half of the concert.
I first met Measha a few years ago when I did PR for the TSO. What struck me most (apart from the usual: her presence, talent, hair, hilariously expressive manner of speaking, etc.) was her dressing room. Most opera singers indulge in lots of good makeup – it’s required. But Measha takes makeup to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL. I actually recall snapping a pic of a MOUNTAIN of MAC eyeshadows in her dressing room (which I confessed to her RIGHT AWAY, so don’t worry, she’s not creeped out).
It’s been great to see Measha evolve from gifted performer and fashion icon (which she still is) to a Goodwill Ambassador for AMREF. In case the poster I upload is too wee to see – the deets are: Sat. Oct. 17 / 5:00 PM / St. Andrew’s Church (King and Simcoe) / Tix $175, $125, $60 … 50% off for students or groups of 10; call 416 961 6981 or info@amrefcanada.org / All proceeds go to AMREF. Click on the link to see Measha herself chat up the event…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbWZvNZ5W2U
….and I hope to see you there. 
