Even though Prime Minister Stephen Harper cut $45 million from arts funding last year, dude can carry a tune.
Harper displayed his musical talent on Saturday night at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. The black-tie gala featuring the NAC Orchestra and cellist Yo-Yo Ma also co-starred the PM taking the stage to rock out a Beatles classic.
How appropriate for Harper to sing and tickle the ivories to With a Little Help from My Friends. The gala’s audience was predominantly wealthy and powerful people who could probably cough up a few thousand for the federal coffers, if they were swayed. Not sure if Harper doing the Beatles would cut it, but let’s be honest – Harper did a decent job up there, carrying most of the tune in key, and even (gasp!) smiling randomly.
The audience couldn’t help but laugh when he first took the stage. The reaction makes sense. How often does a nation’s leader suddenly wow an unsuspecting crowd with a Beatles cover? Obama, your move.
Also, it’s hilarious to hear Harper sing the line, “I get high with a little help from my friends.” This from the anti-drug PM who quashed any inkling of a bill to legalize marijuana in Canada. Then again, who knows what went down at the NAC green room after Harper’s mini-gig. [rssbreak]
