Shear excitement

The finale may prove to be the 'mane event'

- June 2, 2011

Iain MacNeil and Rebecca Topp will perform and cut off their hair at a concert on Sunday, June 5. (Brian Topp Photo)
Iain MacNeil and Rebecca Topp will perform and cut off their hair at a concert on Sunday, June 5. (Brian Topp Photo)

Rebecca Topp has long glorious hair that falls halfway down her back. And on Sunday, it’s all coming off.

The shearing will be finale of what promises to be a memorable recital. Donations from the door—and the hair— will go to Angel Hair for Kids, a program of A Child’s Voice Foundation. The program provides wigs to disadvantaged children who have lost their hair due to a medical condition or treatment.

The singer who graduated from Dalhousie’s Department of Music last year will have company on stage, both for the crooning and the cutting. And, Iain MacNeil’s mane is just as thick and blonde as Ms. Topp’s.

“Having someone else along makes it easier to do,” says Ms. Topp, who is now embarking on a science degree at Dalhousie with the hopes of getting into med school. “We want to donate the maximum amount as we can, so it’s coming off right to the roots, and then we’ll just buzz the rest off.”

Well, at least it will be cool for summer!

The recital will include opera arias from Don Giovanni, Barber of Seville and The Magic Flute. Other performers include Dal music professor Marcia Swanston and Dal music students past and present Owen McCausland, Josh Whelan and Mary-Claire Sanderson.

It takes place Sunday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church at the corner of Robie Street and Coburg Road. Admission is by donation; $10 is suggested.