Dave Lawlor performing concert for York Region Victim Services

November 1, 2016

Lawlor hopes to collect more than $3,000 for the charity

Dave Lawlor

Joan and Neil Lawlor

Joan Ann Lawlor died on Parkinson's disease seven years ago, which prompted Dave Lawlor to perform http://www.yorkregion.com/whatson-story/6941049-dave-lawlor-performing-concert-for-york-region-victim-services/ concerts.

Stouffville’s own Dave Lawlor will perform at the Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment (19 on the Park) in support of York Region Victim Services on Friday, Nov. 18.

It’s Lawlor’s seventh annual show in Stouffville, continuing a tradition he started when his mother Joan Ann Lawlor died of Parkinson’s disease.

“I decided to do a concert in the theatre for Parkinson’s,” he said. “Then we started changing up the charities to distribute the money a little.”

Last year, Lawlor’s show was in support of Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Charity, for which he raised approximately $3,000. This year, the show aims to exceed that amount.

“This year we’re hoping to raise around the same or more because we increased the ticket price,” said Dave’s wife, Tara Lawlor. “Our friends involved with York Region Victim Services are going to match what we profit. We’re going to be able to double what we’ve made in the past which is great.”

Lawlor started playing at bars as a musician when he was 19. He moved to Newmarket and met with the band Glass Tiger and has since been good friends with its members. He played alongside the band’s lead singer Alan Frew for 10 years.

Now in Stouffville with his family, Lawlor performs his annual show at 19 on the Park.

“Just seeing that theatre I thought it’d be a cool place to do a show,” Lawlor said. “It’s morphed into a gala night.”

Dave and Tara both agree the show is well-received in the community. Most of their shows are sold out, give or take a couple seats.

“We see a lot of the same faces every year, it’s become a traditional night,” Tara said.

Lawlor added that the show has become the last party before the Christmas season begins for many fans.

Lawlor performs various covers of pop songs using a variety of instruments, notably acoustic guitar. He’ll be joined by fiddle player Rose Bolton, celloist Sam Bisson and Glass Tiger lead guitarist Alan Connelly.

As always, Lawlor will have a “surprise, celebrity guest” this year.

Ticket prices are $100 plus HST. The reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. while the show begins at 8 p.m.

http://www.yorkregion.com/whatson-story/6941049-dave-lawlor-performing-concert-for-york-region-victim-services/

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