It wasn't a typical political fundraiser in Toronto on Wednesday night as one of the Liberal leadership hopefuls literally sang for his supper.
Bob Rae traded his political hat for a musical one, sitting at the piano and singing a few tunes for an audience of 300 friends in an effort to raise more cash for his leadership campaign.
The former Ontario premier performed three songs for the enthusiastic crowd, which included an impressive list of arts luminaries including singer Gordon Lightfoot, author Michael Ondaatje and Broadway star Louise Pitre.
Mr. Rae showed off a folksy charm and proved himself a relaxed performer who wasn't afraid to meet the crowd's eye despite his garden-variety chops.
He was musically eclipsed by a slew of professionals, including singers Michael Burgess and Patricia O'Callaghan.
The evening was organized by members of Canada's artistic communities, who praised Mr. Rae as a champion of the arts.
"[The artists]are here to show their support for Mr. Bob Rae because of your support for the arts," said Mamma Mia star Ms. Pitre, who hosted the event at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, a venue normally reserved for the National Ballet School.
Attendees at the $250-a-seat soiree were treated to an eclectic mix of entertainment.
Film and stage actor Peter Donaldson offered Rae advice by reciting lines from Shakespeare's Hamlet.
"Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue," Mr. Donaldson said.
Mr. Ondaatje kept his commentary brief, saying he rarely spends time with politicians.
"I try to avoid them," said the prize-winning author, whose works include The English Patient and In the Skin of A Lion.
Instead of sharing his political thoughts, he read an excerpt from his upcoming novel, tentatively entitled Divisadero.
Others shared stories about Mr. Rae's passion for the arts.
Film director Deepa Mehta recounted Mr. Rae's support for Salman Rushdie in 1992, months after a fatwa had been issued against the writer.
"Salman is not a sentimental guy, but I was talking to him the other day - he still hasn't forgotten," Ms. Mehta said. "You were the first international politician to share a stage with him. It was incredible."
The Liberal leadership race is in its final stages. A leader will be selected at the end of November at a party convention in Montreal.
Mr. Rae is up against Michael Ignatieff, Gerard Kennedy and Stephane Dion, among others.