The Ontario Coalition For Social Justice and Make Poverty History believe there need not always be dissonance when electioneering and rock n' roll meet. This Monday's Vote Out Poverty gala at Massey Hall promises to be a "coming together of people from all walks of life and political allegiances gathering for an evening of entertainment united by a desire to reduce poverty in Ontario, Canada and the world," and will feature a multi-partisan mashup of songsters and speakers. Mary Walsh is hosting, Stephen Lewis is keynoting, George Stromboloupoulos is Stromboloupoulizing, and Susan Aglukark, The Nylons, The Hidden Cameras, and Blackie And The Rodeo Kings are folking and/or rocking.

Videos about the experiences of Torontonians living in poverty will also be shown, and all the major political parties' leaders have been invited to have their say, including the Greens. But Frank De Jong is not the only one being let in––unlike most big name benefits, this one is designed to be somewhat accessible to folks with low income. It's suggested that you pay one hour's wages to see the show, starting at $8.00, with all proceeds going towards covering the cost of the event, as well as anti-poverty initiatives.

Photo by destinelee on Flickr.