Mississauga, ON – October 30, 2024
Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) is pleased to announce that tickets are selling fast for the MACsquerade Black Tie & Versailles Arts Fundraiser on November 20th, 2025, at Luxe Convention Centre at the Hyatt Place Toronto/Mississauga Centre.
All are welcome to join Mayor Carolyn Parrish and distinguished business and political leaders for this unforgettable celebration in support of the arts. Fares Al Soud, MP for Mississauga Centre, will share remarks from Ottawa, and Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care and MPP for Mississauga Centre, will bring greetings from the Province and present the 2025 Arts for Mental Health Award to co-winners Ian Hoare (Music Teacher, Mentor College) & Ruth Watkiss (Music Therapist, Alzheimer Society Peel). Together, Hoare and Watkiss founded Memories to Music, a program that captures the stories and legacies of persons living with dementia through the musical talents of high school music students.
Hosted by Lyndsay Morrison, Weather Anchor and Community Reporter for CTV News, this Versailles-inspired evening will feature captivating live performances by ViVA Trio (world-touring classical crossover vocal group) and Cat Bernardi (jazz vocalist presenting a tribute to Édith Piaf). Guests will be welcomed during the red carpet and champagne reception with music by the Thomas Francis Trio (jazz pianist, clarinetist, and Django-style guitarist), and the evening will open with a performance of the National Anthem by Stephanie Braganza (accomplished vocal artist).
“All are welcome to join us for this elegant evening in support of the arts,” invites Mike Douglas, MAC’s Executive Director. “Your attendance helps sustain the transformative power of the arts through our vital artist development programs, including the Seniors Arts & Music Series (SAMS), which employs artists to deliver a variety of arts classes and musical performances to residents of long-term care and retirement homes across Mississauga, fostering connection, joy, and enhanced well-being.”
Tickets to the MACsquerade Black Tie & Versailles give attendees exclusive access to the thrilling live and silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences & luxury items! Jake Dheer, legendary media personality and community leader, will host the energetic live auction, featuring exceptional prizes such as a priceless group dinner for 8 with Mayor Carolyn Parrish at Alioli, one of Mississauga’s best restaurants, a certified diamond and package from Marc Robinson Jewellers, a luxurious getaway for two at the 5-Star Hotel Torre Fiore in Italy, a flight simulator adventure, tickets to top sporting events, and many more special experiences. Learn more and view items at macarts.ca/macsquerade
Tickets are already 75% SOLD! Don’t miss out on your chance to attend this highly anticipated event supporting the arts. Tickets are $175/each with assigned seating at tables of 12. Discounted tickets for $150/each when you purchase a group of 10 ($1,500 with 2 surprise guests added to your table) or a group of 12 tickets ($1,800).The deadline to purchase tickets is November 13, 2025 at 5 PM. Learn more and get tickets at macarts.ca/macsquerade
The MACsquerade: Black Tie & Versailles begins at 6 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM) on November 20, 2025, at the Luxe Convention Centre, Hyatt Place Toronto/Mississauga Centre. Guests will be welcomed with a red carpet photo booth and champagne reception, followed by a gourmet dinner and open bar at 7 PM. The evening will feature the 2025 Arts for Mental Health Award presentation and thrilling live and silent auctions, supporting MAC’s artist development programs, including MicroGrants, which empower local artists to launch meaningful new projects, and ArtsCare, which employs artists to deliver arts-for-wellness workshops that bring hope and healing to residents in need.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Luxe Convention Centre at Hyatt Place Toronto/Mississauga Centre, for supporting the MACsquerade Black Tie & Versailles.
And thank you to our Champion Sponsor: Bell Canada, Resounding Sponsors: Century Audio Visual, The Daniels Corporation and Oxford Properties, Express Scripts and Friends of the Arts: HBNG Holborn Group, and LiUNA! Local 183
Event Host
Lyndsay Morrison
Lyndsay Morrison is a Weather Anchor and Community Reporter for CTV News Toronto, delivering the forecast on the station’s weekday newscasts. She also broadcasts live-on-location from events and festivals around the GTHA. Learn more: instagram.com/lyndsay_ctv/
Performer Bios
ViVA Trio
Award-winning vocal group ViVA Trio captivates audiences worldwide with soaring harmonies, cinematic sound, and orchestral richness. Known for their standing ovations across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, this all-female ensemble blends classical and contemporary styles, from operatic classics to reimagined pop hits, pushing musical boundaries with every performance. Learn more: vivatrio.com
Cat Bernardi
Multi-award-winning jazz vocalist and composer Cat Bernardi captivates audiences with her crystalline voice and timeless style. Performing across Ontario, Quebec, and Italy, she’s been featured in major festivals and media outlets. With two acclaimed EPs and film and musical scores, Cat continues to shine as a dynamic and versatile artist. Learn more: catbernardimusic.com
Thomas Francis
Thomas Francis is one of Ontario’s leading pianists, celebrated for his jazz, soul, and funk influences. A Humber and York University graduate with a master’s in composition, he teaches at Humber College and performs with top Canadian artists. His ensemble, Thomas Francis Friends, blends jazz and hip-hop innovation. Learn more: thomasfrancismusic.com
Stephanie Braganza
Stephanie Braganza is a powerhouse vocalist celebrated for her bold performances and award-winning music. Named by CBC Music as a top South Asian–Canadian artist, she’s a Guinness World Record holder and animal rights advocate. Her latest single, FEEL A LITTLE LESS, has surpassed 150,000 views, showcasing her dynamic artistry. Learn more: instagram.com/stephaniebraganza/
For more information about MACsquerade Black Tie & Versailles, please contact:
Sherri Parliament
Communications Manager, Mississauga Arts Council
sherri@macarts.ca