&
CD Launch of: WHAT ARE THE CHILDREN WORTH?
All words and music by Robin Barker
With an All-Star Live Band & Over 40 Models
Monday, November 15th at 8pm
Revival - TORONTO
All proceeds donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation
TORONTO - Robin Barker has been in the business of hairdressing for 50 years and is not only a master hairdresser, but a photographer and songwriter and at the age of 70 an avid exercise and golf-fanatic!
Quoted by Hair magazine as "the hottest designer in Canada" Robin Barker started his career in London in the sixties and was managing a salon within two years. He immigrated to Canada and became the head stylist of Caruso's Toronto salon and opened his own salon in 1971. During his career he has received many accolades and been featured in fashion pages and every major trade magazine in the world from Vogue to Italian Vogue. Known as "the Make-Over King", Robin was the stylist who gave Moses Znaimer, the co-founder of City TV, the idea for what has now become 'City Line' and hosted /produced his own television show called 'WOW! You Look So Good!'.
Although hairdressing has always been the forefront of his career, much of Robin's time has been charity driven. Robin has been involved with the Sick Kids Hospital Telethon and was also the motivational force to promote the Parkinson's Cut-A-Thon event nationally. For 20 years Robin was the chairman and founder of the Scissors Open, the Gus Caruso Memorial Golf Tournament, which was charity driven on behalf of the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Robin has produced a CD of his own original songs with all proceeds donated to The Stephen Lewis Foundation for children affected by AIDS in East Africa and as G.H.D. President in 1984; he is very proud of being the first in the beauty and fashion world to organize a show to raise money for AIDS - specifically, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, before "Fashion Cares."
The Stephen Lewis Foundation supports community-based organizations working to turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Since 2003, they have funded more than 300 projects in 15 countries. These grassroots groups are the lifeline for their communities: they provide counseling and education about HIV prevention, care and treatment; distribute food, medication and other necessities; reach the sick and vulnerable through home-based health care; help orphans and vulnerable children access education and work through their grief; and support grandmothers caring for their orphaned grandchildren.
The musicians on the album were hand picked by Robin, mainly from the
Toronto jazz, R&B and pop community, and include; arranger and pianist
Waylen Miki, Juno Award winner Christopher Plock, Maple Blues Award winner Mike Ferfolia, Juno Award winner Brandi Disterheft (bass), U of T graduate Sam Mclellen (bass), Toronto's multi-talented musician Kenny Munshaw, Tony Quarrington (guitar), William Sperandei (flugelhorn and trumpet), Nathan Dell-Vandenberg (trombone), Kevin Clark (trumpet), Jerome Godboo (harmonica), the unforgettable Great Bob Scott (drums) and vocalists Liberty Silver, DK, Dave Statham, Elise LeGrow, De La Funk, Alex Pangman, Sarah Daye, Julie Michels, Sophia Perlman, Chloe Charles and Alpha Galates.
Robin Barker Hair'Sociates is located in Yorkville, Toronto. In 2009, Robin opened a "Signature Salon" at the glorious 240-room Rousseau Resort and Spa Marriott Hotel in Minett Muskoka, and will soon be opening two "Signature Salons" just outside of Toronto.
What's next? He intends to write a humorous autobiography- the names will be changed to protect the not-so-innocent.
For information visit www.robinbarker.ca
The Revival Club - 783 College St
Tickets: $35 advance $45 at door (includes FREE CD)
416 -960-5545 1-800-960-5545 info@robinbarker.ca
MEDIA CONTACT: For an advanced copy of the album / interviews contact
Cat Fawcett - Cat*PR www.catpr.ca cat@catpr.ca 647 895 4310