Michael J. Fox, Michael Bubl honoured at Performing Arts gala with a little help from Joan Jett

The party continued Thursday for the seven new recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards complete with a little help from rock and roller Joan Jett.

This year's honourees, which include actors Martin Short, Michael J. Fox and crooner Michael Bubl, were feted with a fancy Colm Feore-hosted gala Thursday at Ottawa's newly renovated National Arts Centre. It comes a day after the winners received their awards and gave speeches at Rideau Hall.

• See speeches from Wednesday's ceremony atRideauHall

Other recipients are theatre director Brigitte Haentjens, filmmaker Jean Beaudin, philanthropist William Loewen and theatre artist Yves Sioui Durand.

Jett, perhaps the biggest surprise of the night, was on hand to rock out alongside her friend Fox, just like they did in the 1987 film Light of Day. Vancouveractor Ryan Reynolds also gave Fox kudos in a taped tribute.

Joan Jett jams with Michael J. Fox

7 years ago

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The rock star played Light of Day with GGPAA winner Fox on Thursday

"I just want to say what a giving man this person is,"Jett saidpost-performance. She talked about starring alongside Fox in Light of Day, her acting debut. "He was the most generous, down-to-earth person you'd ever want to meet and you don't find that a lot in Hollywood."

"This is a special being you've got right here."

'He's the Benjamin Button of show business'

Thursday's gala was a much more laid-back affair compared to Wednesday'sformal ceremony at Rideau Hall. The honourees(who didn't speak)wereperched in the front row ofthe art centre's balcony, sitting in big comfy chairs beside Gov. Gen. David Johnston and his wife, Sharon.

There were tributes, continuous standing ovations and a lot of musical performances.

Innu singer-songwriter Florent Vollant played for Souri Durand, who was given a lifetime artistic achievement for theatre. Edmonton pop singer Ruth B. coveredBubl's hit song, Home;Bublwas given theNational Arts Centre award.

And to honour Short, comedian Sean Cullen belted out a reworked version of Til Him, a number from The Producers (both starred in the stage versions of the musical). Cullen's take included lines about some of Short's most memorable characters.

Short's comedian colleaguesEugene Levy and Andrea Martinwere also on hand to honour him while late-night host Jimmy Kimmel appeared in avideo segment.Short was given alifetime artistic achievement inbroadcast.

"He hasn't changed. He's the Benjamin Button of show business. The older he gets, the younger he appears," joked Martin.

"No one gives more insightful or compassionate advice. When you talk to him, you feel like the only person in the room."

Johnston's last awards

Bublwas toasted by a somewhat surprisingchoice: former prime minister Brian Mulroney.

Mulroney explained that in 2000, thestruggling singer performed at his daughter Caroline's wedding, where Bubl met Canadian producer David Foster. Foster ended up signing him to his record label and produced his debut.

"His first album went platinum," Mulroneytold the crowd. "If I had been his agent, I would have gotten 15 per cent and by god, I wouldn't be here tonight."

The performing arts awards, which turn 25 this year,recognize Canadian artists from a host of disciplines like classical and popular music, theatre, dance, film and broadcasting, as well as arts volunteers and philanthropists.

Johnston spoke briefly and oversaw the awards, his seventh and final in office.

Highlights from the show will be shown on an hour-long CBC special, airing at9 p.m. ET Friday on TV and online.