DAVID FOSTER

Foster summons famous friends

Calgary Herald

Sat June 2, 2007

David Foster has friends in high places.

Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire, his buddy Jay Leno? Foster hasn't made the call yet, but the Victoria-born, Grammy-winning musician and producer plans to, and, since the Tonight Show host made it to another gig for the David Foster Foundation in Victoria 10 years back, there's a good chance he'll make it to Calgary, too.

As for that famed runner-up from American Idol, Clay Aiken? Well, a playful Foster dances around the rumour that Aiken will be performing at the Calgary concert, but he did manage to bring the pop star into town Friday to perform at a private backyard party for the foundation.

Why wasn't Aiken at the Friday afternoon press conference, held downtown at the new Wild Ginger restaurant? Clay likes to sleep late, explains a dapper Foster, posing for pictures at his keyboard as the conference wraps up. But he's a wonderful friend of the Foundation and he loves Canada... He's just here to help.

Performers already booked for the concert and gala will provide financial support to the families of children in need of organ transplants. Everybody says, "Who's coming?" Foster joked at the press conference. It's been my nemesis for years. What you need to know is, things change at the last minute. Ten years ago Natalie Cole was coming. Then, two days before, she cancelled so I called up Boz Scaggs and got him. Another time somebody cancelled and we got Bryan Adams. We've had Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, (Michael) Buble. I guarantee Calgary will get their money's worth and then some.

Foster, 57, who has produced massive hits for the likes of Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand and Whitney Houston, has been organizing his charity galas since 1986, raising millions of dollars and supporting hundreds of families.

Two years ago, the B.C.- based charity expanded its mandate to help families across Canada. The Sept. 8 Calgary gala will be the first time the event has been held in Alberta. The Calgary event is being co-chaired by local philanthropists W. Brett Wilson, chairman of First Energy Capital Corp., and Wayne H. Henuset who owns Willow Park Wine and Spirits. "I've basically been begging for over 20 years now, getting money from people and asking artists to perform," says Foster. "Some artists won't even take my calls anymore. But I don't care because this is important stuff."

For more information about the charity concert and gala, and to purchase tickets for the Sept. 8 event (800 will be sold at $1,500) visit www.davidfosterandfriends.com or phone 1-877- 777-7675.

Writer: HEATH MCCOY