TOM

RootStock shines the spotlight on five of Canada's top singer/songwriters. The show features Tom Cochrane, Steven Page, Jim Cuddy, Kathleen Edwards and John Mann from Spirit of the West, in an intimate, informal outdoor setting.

All five talk about their influences, and how certain genres and themes became part of their music. As well, they share stories about how they met and influenced each other. The onstage banter is hilarious and, of course, there's great music performed by all.

The pantheon of distinguished Canadians grew to include 43 new Order of Canada recipients in a ceremony presided over by Gov.-Gen. Michaelle Jean yesterday. In the gilded ballroom of Rideau Hall, the country's highest civilian honour was bestowed upon leading scientists, doctors, philanthropists, performers, politicians, and one iconic rocker. Tom Cochrane became an officer of the Order of Canada for "songs that recount stories and dreams that are unabashedly Canadian," and for his humanitarian efforts in fighting global poverty. HUMBLING EXPERIENCE "This is such a high honour for me and a humbling honour because you hear so many of these incredible stories," said Cochrane. "I helped lend a voice to some of these causes, and hopefully this is an inspiration." Cochrane had praise for the Order of Canada selection committee's focus on community builders. "I'm not sure if anything in the world would start at the grassroots like this, and those are the real heroes," he said. "Sometimes I think there's a lot of people that deserve it more than me that may not get it."