Benefit concert for Southlake cancer unit

Naked on the Rocks is a playful, clever new show by Nobleton area jazz singer Michele Mele.

Her new show will be opening at Toronto Revival Lounge June 21, but local fans will have the chance to get an advanced look when she previews it June 17 at Country Day School.

Mele has a long-standing commitment to music education. Growing up in a family of professional musicians, music was a natural way of life for her.

She graduated from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music in 1982 and the Faculty of Education two years later. In the more than 20 years since, her name has become associated with innovative, thoughtprovoking music workshops, held in and around schools, that capture the imagination of children and adults alike. Proceeds from all Naked on the Rocks shows will go to the Southlake Regional Cancer Centre.

Mele said she is, "very excited to have the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause."

Naked on the Rocks came about following a year of tremendous personal growth and discovery during which the songs "just flowed" out of her, she said. It is a journey into the human heart.

Known primarily as a jazz singer, Mele's new show explores the world outside of the genre. Rock, country, latin and even a bit of classical music have found their way into Naked on the Rocks.

The musicians who play with Mele are also well known in their own right. They are all names that should be familiar to anyone following the Canadian music scene: Bernie Senensky on piano; on guitar Lou Bartolomucci; and rounding out the sound are John Mele (drums) and Lew Mele (bass), who also just happen to be Michele's brothers. It is very hard to resist being drawn into the comfortable family dynamics that unfold upon the stage.

Tickets are $20 each and are available for both shows by going through www.artsboxoffice.ca, or by calling (416) 504-7529, ext. 2140.