Lucas Haneman was born with no vision, but feels lucky that an operation he underwent as an infant restored some of his sight.
That he sees less than the average person has not stopped the Kanata, Ont. native from making the most of his talents.
The award-winning young jazz guitarist, who attended Concordia University in Montreal on a prestigious Oscar Peterson jazz scholarship, performs Friday at Hermann’s Jazz Club with Montreal-based folk/rock band Robbie Sinclair & the Beggars Laughing, as part of their national CD release tour.
The concert, which also includes a solo performance from Victoria’s singer/guitarist Kaya Fraser, is a fundraiser for the Canadian Federation of the Blind, an organization near and dear to Haneman’s heart.
The CFB helps facilitate rehabilitation, engages in advocacy and public education and promotes empowerment for blind and partially sighted Canadians, all activities Haneman says make a big difference for people.
“I really think it’s great that we’re able to give back like this,” he says. “The CFB is an organization that helps people in a personal sense.”
The show starts at 7 p.m. at 753 View St. Tickets are $10 in advance through www.cfb.ca or $12 at the door.
Haneman, Sinclair and Beggar’s Laughing warm up with a gig at McRae’s Pub, 1652 McRae Rd. at Shelbourne in Saanich tonight (Aug. 18) at 7 p.m.
