AIDS 2006 Gala

aids2006.jpg
An anticipated 20,000 participants from over 140 countries are expected to attend the upcoming AIDS 2006 Conference (the world's largest) to be held in Toronto, Canada from 13-18 August 2006. Yesterday in a press release, event organizers announced opening ceremony details.

The star-studded opening gala and concert will feature musical performances by Amanda Marshall, Chantal Kreviazuk, the Barenaked Ladies, Our Lady Peace, Alicia Keys, Thomas Mapfumo, the Red Spirit Singers and Dancers, Massari, Blue Man Group, DJ Tiesto, and Canadian opera star Measha Brueggergosman accompanied by musicians from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Other participants in the opening ceremonies will include Bill and Melinda Gates, former US President Bill Clinton, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, The Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario and His Worship David Miller, Mayor of Toronto; as well as Frika Chia Iskandar, a young Indonesian woman living with HIV/AIDS; and UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot.

"This concert brings together people from all over the world who are united in the fight against AIDS," says Mark Beckles, Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Canada. "The International AIDS Conference is the biggest event happening in Toronto this summer, and this concert is not to be missed."

The Official Opening Session will begin on Sunday August 13th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster - call (416) 870-8000 or visit ticketmaster.ca.

(image: aids2006.org)

Reader Reviews and Comments

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That's quite the lineup. Alicia Keys has been pretty intensely involved with the HIV/AIDS education movement, I saw her perform last time Stephen Lewis and her held a symposium. In fact, even though Stephen Lewis isn't listed there, I'm sure he's going to make an appearance.

Posted by: Sameer Vasta [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 25, 2006 2:02 PM

A very heartfelt congratulations and thanks for the inspirational and emotive opening ceremony and concert. My sister-in-law and I, both from Toronto, are mothers of sons, Henry 14 and Nicholas 9.

We enjoyed meeting delegates from all over the world, wishing them a good time in our city and hoping they go home with a sense of accompishment and support after the conference.

Bill and Melinda Gates were so down-to-earth and yet breathtaking in their commitment and delivery. I was very impressed with Mayor David Miller's expressions about the value and impact by local communities through support and understanding. All the speakers made a real difference, and of course Stevo was a "non-event" -a rebuke of our city, our nation and all the hard working people, from far and wide, so dedicated to "Delivering".

I will be away on my families summer holiday, so regratably cannot particate in any further events this coming week but I will keep abreast through media coverage and will definitely be throwing my hat into the ring as a concerned mother, woman and member of our global family in this war against HIV Aids.

My sincerest wishes to everyone concerned in every facet of this conference (including those wonderful hotel workers) and prey it results into a meaningful, respectful, empathetic and workable declaration.

From strength to strength, yours very truly,

Donna Marie Gilpin
Schomberg, Ontario

Posted by: DonnaMarie Gilpin at August 14, 2006 3:31 PM

A very heartfelt congratulations and thanks for the inspirational and emotive opening ceremony and concert. My sister-in-law and I, both from Toronto, are mothers of sons, Henry 14 and Nicholas 9.

We enjoyed meeting delegates from all over the world, wishing them a good time in our city and hoping they go home with a sense of accompishment and support after the conference.

Bill and Melinda Gates were so down-to-earth and yet breathtaking in their commitment and delivery. I was very impressed with Mayor David Miller's expressions about the value and impact by local communities through support and understanding. All the speakers made a real difference, and of course Stevo was a "non-event" -a rebuke of our city, our nation and all the hard working people, from far and wide, so dedicated to "Delivering".

I will be away on my families summer holiday, so regratably cannot particate in any further events this coming week but I will keep abreast through media coverage and will definitely be throwing my hat into the ring as a concerned mother, woman and member of our global family in this war against HIV Aids.

My sincerest wishes to everyone concerned in every facet of this conference (including those wonderful hotel workers) and prey it results into a meaningful, respectful, empathetic and workable declaration.

From strength to strength, yours very truly,

Donna Marie Gilpin
Schomberg, Ontario

Posted by: DonnaMarie Gilpin at August 14, 2006 3:33 PM

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