Event - August 3rd, 2024

Gen-Connect made a second visit to Mackenzie Health this year on August 3rd, and it proved to be yet another success. This event was filled with lots of surprises, including a handful of new performers.

The event took off to a romantic start when Brianna Nita, one of the hosts, sung a very touching piece. After singing the phrase: "To make you feel my love," the audience was not only able to experience all the emotions firsthand, but to prepare their hearts for the following performances to come. This was evident when the spectators began clapping for Hugo Bui, who was next performer. The only duet of the day, performed by Elliot and Cameron Fan, took the spotlight next with their cover of "Yellow" by Coldplay. Their harmony over the piano and cello excelled throughout the entire duration of the song, and stopped passersby to listen to the remaining parts.

This trend in using instruments continued throughout the next few songs, as Aidan Leung played "Rhapsody in Blue" on the piano and the melodica simultaneously. This performance was extraordinary due to the intricate piece and the multitasking required. The awe-struck audience continued to remain in this state, when Clement Petit, the next performer, played a classic piece on the guitar. What made this cover so special was that Petit had come from France, and decided to perform for Gen-Connect during his vacation! At this point, there was a huge crowd watching the event from all across the room, and Arissa Bazar did not disappoint on the piano. Bazar had already shared her talent on the piano at previous events, and she continued to play without any signs of stress.

The crowd was ready to listen to the next performer step up to the stage, when Reuben Varghese and Brianna Nita introduced a surprise karaoke for all the Gen-Connect members. Those working behind the scenes now took to the stage, where they collectively sang a fan favourite, "Fly Me To The Moon," by Frank Sinatra.

Brianna Nita, who partook in the karaoke, remained in the spotlight and sung "I Put a Spell on You" by Annie Lenox. Every high note was nailed with such confidence and seemed effortless. After Nita's song came Ronan Offman, a student currently studying at Queen's University. Offman is skilled in playing the guitar and performed his solo with amazing technique. He was followed by Sarah Bui, who sung to Taylor Swift while playing the ukulele. Bui had only learned the song the previous day and still performed in front of such a crowd; her courage is something to be aspired to. The last performance of the event belonged to Aidan Leung, who was now one of the favourites from the audience. His final song was filled with lots of emotions and admiration, which is definitely something to be remembered of.

Thank you to every who attended the event and we can't wait for you to return to our upcoming events!

See below for more!

Sarah Bui

Arissa Bazar