Ottawa's Rat Pack Performs Crooner Classics for Make-A-Wish Ontario

By: Mar. 24, 2015
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The 5th Annual World Wish Day Concert, featuring a 10 piece jazz band orchestra, with crooners Michael Pytura and Johnny Vegas performing, comes to Ottawa April 23, 2015.

The event is Ottawa's celebration of World Wish Day, which marks 35 years of wishes granted by the largest wish granting organization in the world.

"It's all about the children," says event founder and performer Michael Pytura. "Granting a wish has such an impact. It can help make the child stronger to fight the continuous medical care. A wish can replace a child's despair with smiles and memorable moments for the child and their family."

In its first four years the concert has raised over $60,000 - helping to grant many wishes to local children suffering with life threatening conditions. The goal for 2015 is $25,000.

"It's inspiring to meet these courageous children, and it's an honour to assist with this remarkable cause," added Pytura.

Pytura, a local insurance agency owner, created the event in 2011 and performed his first large-venue live show in front of 300 supporters at the National Gallery of Canada.

After two years at the Theatre du Casino Lac Leamy, it now moves to Sala San Marco on Preston Street - a great venue that conjures up the Rat Pack atmosphere for the fun concert and party which includes food stations, beverages and dancing.

In the spirit of Make a Wish this event is designed to bring joy to the attendees. It's a rare opportunity to see a world class 10 piece jazz band orchestra right here in Ottawa performing for a great cause. The Michael Pytura Orchestra performance and recording credits include: Natalie Cole, Josh Groban, Alanis Morrisette, John Pizzarelli, Lou Rawls, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Gil Evans, Nelson Riddle, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink and Rosemary Clooney.

*When: Thursday, April 23, 2015, 7pm-10:30 pm

*Where: Sala San Marco Banquet Hall, 215 Preston Street, Ottawa, ON

*How to Attend or Contribute: Ottawa World Wish Day Tickets.

About Make A Wish & World Wish Day: Click link for Information about Make a Wish of Eastern Ontario.

About the Performers: Click links for information about Michael Pytura and Johnny Vegas



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