Thousands attend heart-warming music tribute to WOTE's Mike 'Beard Guy' Taylor in Burlington

The turnout this Sunday (Jan. 13) was truly an amazing and heart-warming tribute to Burlington's and Walk Off The Earth's Mike "Beard Guy" Taylor, with thousands braving the cold to share their love and support for an incredible musical talent.Amassing around Civic Square, folks from Burlington and across the GTA heard acoustic tributes from Saint Alvia, Darenots, USS, Monster Truck, Scott Helman, Arkells, Barenaked Ladies, and from WOTE, culminating in a moment of silence, a video tribute to Mike and a fireworks display near Burlington City Hall.It was my privilege to announce the new City of Burlington Key to the City program on Sunday and Mike, posthumously, would be the first recipient of this new distinction for the impact he has made on Burlington’s arts and culture scene with his talent, music and community involvement.I wanted to thank you all for attending and showing your support, and all staff from the Sound of Music Festival, City of Burlington, Halton Regional Police and Halton Emergency Services, JW Motton Entertainment and Promotional Services, Kelly's Bake Shoppe for providing hot chocolate and all the donors, Walk Off The Earth and all the musical talent for coming together so quickly to put on a hugely successful and safe event — and a very fitting tribute for Mike that will long remain in our hearts and memories. MY TAKE: