Preview of concert from 2004-03-05: Vancouver, Fairmont Hotel; fundraiser for Vancouver General Hospital - with Diana Krall
Vancouver Province, 2004-03-05
- Tom Harrison

On tonight’s benefit concert

It’s really for Krall’s mom
Money raised to fight leukemia just a bonus for her benefit show with Costello, Elton

TOM HARRISON

Cancer is bigger than all of us.

Yet there always is hope that it will get knocked down to a manageable size. It was that conviction that united the speakers at yesterday’s press conference in the Hotel Vancouver’s tiny Garibaldi Room. This was the affirmation that elevated the press conference above the usual feeling that nothing has been resolved.

Tonight Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and Elton John are a few doors over in the ballroom, playing a concert that has raised $350,000 for UBC and VGH’s leukemia and bone-marrow transplant program. Yesterday, in the Garibaldi Room and backed by banners that formed the theme of the gathering, “In It For Life,” Krall and Costello were joined by her sister, Michelle Wigmore, the UBC and VGH Foundation’s Ron Doumouchelle and the program’s Dr. Stephen Nantel. Each in their own way was convinced that leukemia, the cancer that claimed the mother of Krall and Wigmore last year, could be beaten.

Wigmore emphasized that the benefit honoured her mother. “It’s not about the money. The money is important to us but its to honour our mom.” Diana mentioned briefly that one of the examples of an improved program since she started these benefit concerts five years ago was that she was able to see her mother move to a better, more comfortable bed. It seemed like a small accomplishment for concerts that have raised more than half-a-million dollars so far, but it was indicative of the small, progressive steps the program is taking.

Doumouchelle talked of a new clinic that would make patients feel like they weren’t in a hospital. Nantel spoke of the strides made in research and developing medication.

And Costello? He lent his wit and, more tacitly, his support, first to the show but ultimately to Krall, whom he married last December. It was a touching display.

He also allowed that he’d seen a videotaped speech given by Krall’s mother.

“It was so inspiring,” Costello said. “It was a great gift to be invited into the family.”

Costello pointed out that the fundraiser, which sold out instantly, was unique in that Elton John doesn’t play a hotel ballroom very often.

He sat very close beside Krall, which seemed to add to her confidence. Although she was able to handle herself, on occasion Krall became tongue-tied. By contrast, Costello was soft-spoken, thoughtful and articulate. Whereas Krall and Wigmore are understandably subjective about the reasons for this concert, Costello is able to talk objectively by expanding on the subject.