Michael Bublé thrilled Honour House gala-goers with a surprise show on Friday night.
More than 600 guests had purchased tickets for the fundraising event at the Sheraton Wall Centre for the charitable organization that provides free temporary accommodation in New West for Canadian Forces members, veterans and first responders while they are receiving medical treatment.
Juno-winning musician Jann Arden was scheduled to be the evening’s musical headliner but a last-minute health issue kept her from attending.
Gala co-chair Melissa De Genova got the news on Wednesday that Arden would be unable to perform, but Arden’s manager Bruce Allen had a plan.
“He explained (Jann) was very disappointed she wouldn’t be able come out but the cause meant a lot to her, and I know it means a lot to Bruce as well, and he had arranged for Michael Bublé to perform and he thought it would be wonderful if we could keep it a surprise,” said De Genova.
To do that, organizers had to get hotel security to lock down the ballroom for sound check prior to the event and secure a private entrance for the Burnaby-raised music star.
“It was quite a surprise. We were very disappointed Jann couldn’t make it but at the same time we were grateful and thankful for Michael for stepping up in her place especially on such short notice,” said De Genova. “It really speaks to the grassroots community support that got Honour House started and continues to keep Honour House up and running.”
When the evening’s MC announced that Arden was unable to attend there were sighs in the ballroom, but then cheers erupted when Bublé appeared on the stage.
“They were expecting Jann and they love Jann but it was just that added surprise it was Michael … I think the crowd just went wild because it was a surprise,” said De Genova.
“It certainly was what I would consider one of our best gala events,” De Genova added.
Bublé’s set included favourites like Mack the Knife and a rendition of the popular Arden song Insensitive.
“When I heard my good friend Jann wasn’t able to make it tonight, I was happy to take her place,” said Bublé in a release. “Honour House is an important facility for our service men and women who have given so much to our country. I was honoured to be a part of the event.”
For more information, visit honourhouse.ca.
