This weekend Canada celebrated their own with the Canada’s Walk Of Fame gala. The star-studded event, hosted by Late Night’s Paul Shaffer, was filled with laughter and a few tears.
Ballerina Sonia Rodriguez couldn’t believe she’d been nominated, let alone honoured by receiving a star on the walk of fame. Tears filled her eyes as she took to the stage. Her husband Kurt Browning, her two sons, and even her mother were in attendance cheering her on, and she thanked them as well as mentioning that her father couldn’t come.
Singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan was as humble as usual after being presented with her award by fellow Canadian Jann Arden. She said that out of everything she’s accomplished in her life, she was most proud of her School of Music charity she’d founded for underprivileged children.
Another musical star was given his second star on the Walk of Fame, but this time he didn’t have to share it with anyone. Randy Bachman was inducted previously as part of the Guess Who, but he was also known for his work as a member of BTO. He too was brought to tears by the applause from the crowd.
Two Canadian sports icons were honoured at the event as well. The entire team Canada 1972 hockey team were given their chance to shine once more. Paul Henderson said it was even more special than the victory party after winning the classic summit series, because that day was cold and rainy. CFL great Russ Jackson was rewarded for his years as an Ottawa Roughrider. He thanked his teammates for the award as well, because he said they helped make him who he was.
Every year one star is given to a Canadian icon posthumously, and this year it was given to the late, great Phil Hartman. His brother Paul collected the award for him, and thanked all those who helped to get his brother the star he well deserved.
Over all it was a show well worth watching. From musical performances by Sarah McLachlan, Randy Bachman and Allan Slaight Award recipient Melanie Fiona to Sonia Rodriguez’s amazing dance sequence and Paul Shaffer’s excellent job as a host the night had everything you could hope for. The video sequences before the awards were given out were exceptionally done, and gave you a great understanding of why the people were chosen to be honoured in the first place.
Since 1998 Canada’s Walk of Fame has been honouring successful Canadians by not only immortalizing them by having their names cemented in the sidewalks of Toronto’s entertainment district, but by celebrating their careers at a live gala. The Canadian Walk of Fame ceremony will air on Global on October 14th.
Team Canada
Paul Hartmann
Randy Bachman
Sonia Rodriguez
Russ Jackson
[Photos CNW Group/Canada's Walk of Fame]
Tags: canada's walk of fame, canada's walk of fame ceremonies, jan arden, Paul Shaffer, randy bachman, Sarah McLachlan, sonia rodriguez, team canada 1972