'Magical' fundraiser held for music mainstay Gord O'Brien

A who's-who of Newfoundland and Labrador's traditional music scene turned out Sunday night for a man whose store helped launch their careers.

About a thousand people crowded into the ballroom of Delta Hotel in downtown St. John's for the event, which raised money for Gord O'Brien, the proprietor of O'Brien's Music Store.

The small but venerable Water Street business closed last month due to bankruptcy.

"Last night was just magical," said Shanneyganock's Mark Hiscock, who helped organize the benefit to help cover some of O'Brien's bills.

Emceed by Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle, the concert featured Ron Hynes, the Masterless Men, the Navigators, Ray Walsh and numerous other performers, with the concert closing with songwriter Bud Davidge leading the crowd in a singalong of Music and Friends — the title of which was borrowed for the concert itself — and The Mummer's Song.

"The roof went off the building," Hiscock told the St. John's Morning Show Monday morning as he described the finale.

O'Brien did not attend the event, which also included a silent auction.

'Everybody donated everything'

Organizers are not releasing totals, on request of the O'Brien family.

"We made sure that every cent possible went into Gordon's pocket," Hiscock said. "This show cost us less than $1,000 — everybody donated everything."

Angela O'Brien said the outpouring of support for her father has meant a great deal to the family.

"It's absolutely amazing and incredible and heartwarming to see everything come together and see all the people come out for it," she said.

"Words can't express how much love we feel from the music community. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

While the store will remain closed, O'Brien plans to continue the instrument repair part of his business, albeit from his home.