Multi-arts event Ars Audet to take place in Toronto Nov. 5

The first Ars Audet happens Friday November 5, 2009 at the beautiful Berkeley Church. Translated into English from its Latin origin, Ars Audet means Art Dares, and brings together various elements of art that will certainly create reason to gawk and vogue. Organizer James Brandon from Plan it Productions says, “This is the first Ars Audet, but I have worked in many other events in the past. I wanted to create an annual charity event that sort of had all the elements of other events that I thought worked, and I enjoyed doing. The response from the artistic community has been amazing and I am really happy with our line up for the event.” It certainly is an eclectic stellar line up of musicians, actors, composers, visual artists, authors, comedians and more from within the local artistic community. The evening is hosted by Lily Cheng who will not only MC, but do a live performance as well. She says, “I support Ars Audet and ACT because of their contribution to helping those living with AIDS continue to live their lives to the fullest.” Her past includes hosting radio and television shows, and singing to hundreds of inmates doing hard time. Currently she’s working on a new album, hosting a show at Bite TV, and hosting a monthly gathering called the Toronto Song Crib for singer/songwriters to workshop new material. Other performers include Sara-Jean Villa, an adventurous, sexy and edgy dominant voice who has regularly been likened to a potential opera singer. She’s an expressionistic performer, singer, and songwriter who also performed the lead role in Snow White across Ontario. Sixteen year old Amanda Belardinelli cites her inspirations as everything from Mozart to metal, and she proves herself with the endearing cover of the 1980’s Tears for Fears hit Mad World. Award-winning novelist, filmmaker and composer Jeffrey Round performs four of his compositions with soprano Lilac Caña. Round’s new book, The Honey Locust, just hit the shelves this month and is his second release this year, after his latest Bradford Fairfax mystery novel, Death in Key West. Caña has sung in the cathedrals of Spain, Portugal, France and Italy, including the Vatican in Rome. She also performed as soloist for Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. Through her company Lilac Sounds she has recorded five CD albums, and produced multi-media concert events. Opera singer Craig Ashton has performed leading roles in eminent productions by The Canadian Opera Company, Toronto Opera in Concert, Toronto Operetta Theatre, The Banff Festival, Edmonton Opera, and Vancouver Opera. Comedian Carolyn Barnett cracks things up with a live performance. She’s got a great resume with writing gigs for television (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Air Farce, Chilly Beach, The NHL Awards), and has had two plays produced by CBC Radio. She has been a contributor to Eye Weekly, NOW, Toronto Star, Montreal Gazette, National Post, and has also just completed her first novel. Toronto rocker trio Stuck on Planet Earth strut out power pop bliss, and are ready to roll with tunes from their recently released EP, Plus Minus. Things keep going late with the dance after-party, starting at 11pm and featuring the house sounds of DJ Slyce. This Iraqi born, American raised, Canadian resident spins regularly in the top clubs of Toronto, and is set to drop his very first original single in 2010. This event takes place within the stunning confines of The Berkeley Church, located at 315 Queen St East. The building was originally built in 1817 and is one of the most unique places in the city to hold a party. I’m not certain of performance times, but doors are at 7PM, and I’d suggest getting there soon after if you want to catch the full extravaganza. Ticket prices range from $40.00 for all performances, art preview, artist reception, and the after-party, to just $5.00 for the after-party only, which starts at 11pm. This is a licensed event and proceeds go to the AIDS Committee of Toronto. Find out more juicy details and ticket information at – www.arsaudet.com Lily Cheng - www.lilyc.com, www.sonicbids.com/lilyc Sara-Jean Villa - http://www.sarahjeanvilla.com/ Amanda Belardinelli - http://www.myspace.com/amandabelardinelli Jeffrey Round - www.jeffreyround.com Lilac Cana - www.lilacsounds.com Carolyn Bennett - http://www.greatnorthtalent.com/combennett.htm Stuck on Planet Earth - www.myspace.com/soperock DJ Slyce - http://www.myspace.com/dj.slyce