Thursday, July 31, 2008

Jazz on the fringe presents outdoor events around town throughout the weekend

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 30, 2008.)

In addition to the jazz concerts taking place at the Algonquin Theatre this week, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents outdoor events at several venues around town.

The popular Jazz in the Garden series returns to Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. Nestled in the gardens of the restaurant grounds, live music will be provided by local musicians Doug Banwell and Tim Sullivan, among others. Jazz purists will enjoy their journey through some of the great jazz classics. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy light refreshments and pastries provided from the Tall Trees kitchen.

On Friday, Aug. 1, and Sat., Aug. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., the popular Trillium Dixie Jazz Band will entertain at the town dock. Featuring John Minnis (trombone), Rick Faye (drums), Ted Richardson (trumpet), Marguerite Urban (banjo), Louis Tusz (bass) and Bill Urban (clarinet), this seven-piece ensemble has been a good-time summer tradition in Muskoka for over 25 years.

Also on Saturday afternoon, the Muskoka Concert Band, with a membership of musicians from around Muskoka, plays jazz to classical music in a delightful summer blend from the town hall steps from 1 to 3 p.m.

Apart from Jazz in the Garden, tickets for which are $15, the outdoor concerts are free. Jazz in the Garden tickets are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office, by calling 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca. Tickets will also be sold at the gate.

Hilario Duran Trio open jazz festival

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 30, 2008.)

Second annual event runs until Aug. 3 and features highly acclaimed, world-class acts

The Huntsville Jazz Festival is returning for its second year and promises something for all jazz lovers.

Sponsored by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, the ‘festival within the festival’ runs from July 30 to Aug. 3.

Leading off tonight, Wednesday, is Cuban/Canadian piano wizard Hilario Duran and his three-piece trio. This ensemble produced the CD New Danzon in 2005 and received a Juno nomination for their efforts.

Duran is one of the greatest virtuoso jazz pianists to emerge from Havana. He played for nine years with Arturo Sandova and has shared the stage with legendary musicians such as the late Dizzy Gillespie and composer/arranger Michael Legrand.

Duran and his band will make this evening a musical celebration.

Tomorrow evening, July 31, audiences will be treated to the sounds of Marcus Belgrave. Backed by six fabulous musicians Belgrave, one of North America’s premier trumpet players and an original Ray Charles band member, will honour the music of Louis Armstrong and team up with his wife Joan Bow-Belgrave to pay tribute to the great ladies of song.

The music of Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughn will come alive, as will Satchmo’s trademark gravelly voice. Marcus has been a major hit at festivals and venues across the country and promises to deliver an ace performance in Huntsville.

On Friday night, festival favourite Michael Kaeshammer returns for his first performance at the Algonquin Theatre. A brilliant piano player, Kaeshammer has added vocals to his music, and his performances have been critically acclaimed by audiences across the country.

Anyone who has seen Kaeshammer at work comes away amazed by his piano mastery and his lightning-fast finger work.

Acclaimed vocalist Dione Taylor brings her soulful style to the Algonquin stage on Saturday, Aug. 2. Citing Aretha Franklin, jazz chanteuse Sarah Vaughn and opera diva Leontyne Price as influences, Taylor has established herself as a rising star on the Canadian jazz scene.

SOUL QUEEN: Jazz vocalist Dione Taylor appears at the Algonquin Theatre on Aug. 2.

Closing the jazz festival will be jazz-fusion masters Manteca. A staple of the Canadian jazz scene in the '80s and '90s, the group re-formed in 2006 and re-established themselves as masters of their craft. Tight as always, this nine-piece group promises not to disappoint their old fans as well as new converts to their music.

Tickets for all shows are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office, by calling 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca. Tickets will also be sold at the door for all events, if available.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Arts Walk returns this weekend

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 23, 2008.)

Annual event features a variety of artists and artisans demonstrating their craft, beginning at Avery Beach.

The third annual Arts Walk, an outdoor demonstration event on the Hunters Bay Trail, takes place this Sunday, July 27, from noon until 3 p.m.

Presented by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, the walk begins at Avery Beach and meanders west along the trail.

Arts and crafts people will be demonstrating a large range of creative techniques, including painting, printmaking, stonecarving, fibre arts, photography, jewellery-making, woodcarving, and more. They will eagerly share their skills and tricks of their trade.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Bird carver Jack Slade works on a small wood sculpture during last year's Arts Walk. Slade returns to the Huntsville Festival of the Arts event on Hunter's Bay Trail July 27.

Greenbean Studio is a new addition this year. This is an eco-friendly business that is reducing the amount of plastic that enters our landfills. After collecting clean flexible plastics, they then turn them into one-of-a-kind pillows. A portion of their sales is donated to Canadian conservation programs specific to forestry and freshwater.
GREEN COMFORT: The eco-friendly Greenbean Studio showed off their pillows at the 2008 Arts Walk. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

Habitat for Humanity held a contest this year for an artist to create an image depicting its mission. Dale Durnan submitted the winning painting from which posters have been created. The sales from the posters will raise funds for Habitat projects, the next being a home that will be built in Huntsville. Durnan will be at Arts Walk to talk about her painting.

A big attraction for all ages will be bird carver Jack Slade. He is often surrounded by fascinated children as he carves numerous bird likenesses.

An Arts Walk favourite since its inception three years ago is Emilie Mimra, who will once again present the art of belly dancing.

Admission to Arts Walk is free, although artists may have items for sale.

What better way is there to spend a beautiful Huntsville summer afternoon than by taking a pleasant stroll along the Hunters Bay Trail? Your walk will be enhanced with creative activity and an opportunity to learn something more about the arts.

Festival heats up with four great shows in four days – July 23 through July 26

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 23, 2008.)

By Gillian Brunette

Award-winning country music star Michelle Wright will perform for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

A keynote speaker, a country music star, the toe-tapping sounds from the east coast and tenor John McDermott are the offerings from the Huntsville Festival of the Arts this week.

While tickets for Stephen Lewis, the former UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, are sold out for tonight, seats are still available for Michelle Wright tomorrow (Thursday), the Barra MacNeils on Friday and McDermott on Saturday.

SPEAKING OUT: Stephen Lewis, former UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, greets a fan following his keynote address to a sold-out crowd at the Algonquin Theatre July 23. [This photo was taken by Jon Snelson in Partners Hall after the on-stage presentation.]

Michelle Wright is a Canadian country music singer and one of the country’s most widely recognized and awarded female country singers of the 1990s, winning the Canadian Country

Music Awards Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year award twice in 1993 and 1995.
As of 2007, Wright has sold nearly two million albums and received over 30 major awards in both the United States and Canada.

Wright was born in Chatham, Ontario, and has lived in Nashville for 17 years, although she spends a lot of time travelling back and forth between the U.S. and Canada.

QUEEN OF COUNTRY: Michelle Wright, Canada's first lady of country music, appears at the Algonquin Theatre July 24.

Married late in life, Wright and her husband Marco celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in April. “I waited a long time for the right person for me and I’m glad I waited for Marco. He’s a fine Italian man, wonderful, funny and a great friend,” said Wright in her trademark husky voice.

Her mother also now lives in Nashville, but the rest of her family remains in southern Ontario, as well as one sister who lives in Barrie.

“She’ll be hanging out with me for the three shows I’ll be doing in Palmer Rapids, Mattawa and Huntsville,” Wright said from her Tennessee home.

ROAD TRIP: Michelle Wright, who now lives in Nashville, had some of her Ontario-based family with her for shows in Huntsville and nearby locations. [This photo was taken by Jon Snelson during the July 24 performance.]

Unlike her previous tour, that had Wright performing 20 concerts in 25 days, this is a mini summer tour. Her next will be her annual I’m Dreaming of A Wright Christmas tour.

It was in 2005 that Wright released her first-ever holiday album titled A Wright Christmas. Since then, she has released two singles off the album, I Know Santa’s Been Here and Joy to the World. She tours annually to support the album.

In 2006, Wright returned to the country scene with her current album, Everything and More. Six singles have been released from the album, Everything and More, Love Me Anyway, I've Forgotten You, Dance In The Boat, Riding Around The Sun and her current Canadian single, I Don’t Wanna Be That Strong.

In 2009 she will be touring her CD throughout Europe.

Everything and More was released in Europe six weeks ago,” she said, adding that thanks to the Internet, Europeans are now more exposed to country music and it’s becoming more popular than it once was.

“(Country music is) not a lifestyle or a format they are familiar with. There is a small traditional country fan base, but the more contemporary music has not caught on there,” said Wright.

Wright has been travelling the globe for 27 years — “I’ve been on every continent except Antarctica,” she says — and has had numerous hits including 25 top 10 hits and seven that reached the number one spot.

“With all that material, I can put together a wonderful show, and the people in Huntsville can expect to hear lots of familiar hits. That’s the funnest part of my concerts, when people sing along,” she said.

Wright is a high-energy performer whose sense of fun is contagious. Backed by her five-piece band, this promises to be, as Wright said, “a rocking country show.”

The Barra MacNeils take the Algonquin Theatre stage on Friday, July 25.

A RIOT OF RHYTHM: The Cape Breton siblings, the Barra MacNeils, ripped it up in Huntsville on July 25, during a return visit to the HFA stage. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

This is the third time the Barra MacNeils have performed for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts; the last time, in 2001, at the Delta Grandview Inn was to a sold-out crowd.

From the heart of the Celtic tradition in Cape Breton, the four MacNeil siblings, Sheumus, Lucy, Kyle and Stewart, showcase their musical prowess with rhythmic fiddling and step-dancing.

John McDermott appears on Saturday, July 26. This super tenor needs no introduction. A perennial Huntsville Festival of the Arts favourite, McDermott plays to a full house each time he appears in Huntsville, which is a testament to his incredible popularity with audiences.

FAN FAVOURITE: Popular tenor John McDermott never fails to pack the house when he performs in Huntsville. He was on stage July 26, backed by fiddler Anne Lindsay, also a featured HFA guest on Aug. 7 at the Algonquin Theatre. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

Tickets for all performances are available through the Algonquin Theatre box office, by calling 789-4975, or by visiting the festival website at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Survivorman Les Stroud premieres new show at the Algonquin Theatre July 19

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 16, 2008.)

By Gillian Brunette

There are many people in the area who will remember Les Stroud the musician, but many more know him as Survivorman, whose exploits in obscure places and hostile situations have made him a household name.

Now Stroud is trying something new, a multi-media show filled with his film work and music, as well as highlights from his highly acclaimed documentary series. The show is to be premiered at the Algonquin Theatre this Saturday, July 19, at 8 p.m.

“I did something similar with film work and music a few years ago, so this has been many years in the making,” said Stroud. “I wanted to compose music and set it to the imagery of my adventures. The music will be a real blending of dynamics, highs to bring us up – for instance, when the eagle soars on film, so too will the music soar – and beautiful lows.”

MANY SIDES: Survivorman Les Stroud, a Huntsville resident, presents the musician, singer and storyteller sides of his persona in a multi-media show premiering at the Alqonguin Theatre on July 19. [Photo by Laura Bombier.]

Those attending Saturday’s show are in for a treat. There will be a six-piece back-up group featuring Peter Cliche (primary composer for the Survivorman series), Don Kerr and Jason Mercer (members of Ron Sexmith’s band), Jamie Golledge and Parres Allen (former performer with the Deerhurst Sing Show). There will also be two screens on stage featuring Stroud’s Survivorman adventure footage, plus the star’s compelling storytelling. The show promises to be a one-of-a-kind evening.

“There will be footage from Africa, South, Central and North America and Australia – just about all over. There will also be underwater work with sharks and dolphins,” said Stroud.

In addition to Stroud’s film footage there will be the work of others, including scenes from Rob Stewart’s Sharkwater and photography by Laura Bombier.

Joining Stroud and the top-notch musicians on stage will be special guest rock singer/songwriter Peirson Ross. They will be performing material from Stroud’s self-titled debut CD Les Stroud, his recent release, Les Stroud and the Pikes, plus original soundtrack material.

It was filmmaking that put Stroud, an accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, on the map. In 2000, he took a few small cameras out into the wilderness of Northern Ontario and spent a week surviving alone without food, water, equipment or camera crew. He single-handedly created, produced, wrote, filmed, hosted, edited and composed the theme music for these first two original, one-hour pilots for what would eventually become the Survivorman series.

Stroud, who is currently in production for his third Survivorman season, remains the only producer in the history of television to produce an internationally broadcast series entirely written, videotaped and hosted alone. Survivorman has gone on to become the highest rated show in the history of both the Outdoor Living Network and the Science Channel, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular shows on the Discovery Channel.

This latest endeavour of Stroud’s, titled Voices in the Wildernesss: An Evening Of Film And Music with Les Stroud, is a work in progress.

“The show will evolve and every year it will be different,” he said, adding that a world tour is in the works beginning next spring.

As for what people might expect from this Saturday evening’s performance? “I want people to leave this show with their jaws dropped,” said Stroud.

Adding to Stroud’s list of accomplishments is a 90,000-word manual titled Survive with Les Stroud, which provides essential skills and tactics to get a person out of anywhere alive. The book, to be published this fall by Harper Collins, also features photography by Laura Bombier.

Festival continues with third great week

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 16, 2008.)

Classical piano leads off this week at the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, with renowned pianist Peter Longworth performing tonight, Wednesday, at 8 p.m.

Longworth will present Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and will be joined by soprano Melanie Conly for the first half of the recital.

On Thursday, comedy is the name of the game as the comedy troupe The Gents comes to the Algonquin Theatre. The Gents are an uber-funny new sketch ensemble featuring Patrick McKenna, Matt Baram [replaced by Paul Bates for the July 17 show], Bruce Pirrie, Bob Bainborough and Doug Morency. Each one of these fine fellows is a Second City veteran who’s jumped at the chance to return to live comedy after years on television and in film.

FUNNY FELLOWS: The Huntsville Festival of the Arts brought The Gents to the Algonquin Theatre stage on July 17. This photo was taken by HFA photographer Jon Snelson during that show. From the left are: Bruce Pirrie, Doug Morency, Patrick McKenna, Paul Bates and Bob Bainborough.

McKenna may be best known for his ongoing role as Harold on the hugely successful Canadian comedy The Red Green Show, being recognized with a Gemini award for his efforts. During that 12-year run he simultaneously enjoyed five years and two more Gemini awards for his dramatic role on Traders.

Also on The Red Green Show were Bainborough, presenting the character of Dalton Humphrey. Pirrie was the senior writer and talent director for the show.

Each of The Gents have numerous other credits to their name, but it was the linkage through the Second City comedy network that was the common thread to them forming the comedy team.

On Friday, July 18, brass returns to the theatre with the presentation of the Hannaford Street Silver Band. Canada’s leading brass band returns to the festival and promises a program that will be enjoyed by all brass enthusiasts.

Formed in 1983, the Hannaford ensemble has played around the world and received two lieutenant governor’s awards for the arts. The last time the band played at the festival, it paid tribute to the Anglo Canadian Leather Band, a fixture on the Huntsville and Canadian musical scene in the early 1900s, and it is expected that there will be a similar tribute this time around. Other numbers include music from Morley Calvert, Bach’s beautiful Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Alford, Gershwin, Louis Prima and Chuck Mangione.

Closing out the week will be Survivorman. Les Stroud will be bringing the world premiere of his audio and visual review to the Algonquin Theatre stage. Further information is available in an accompanying article.

Tickets for all performances are available through the Algonquin Theatre box office, by calling 789-4975, or by visiting the festival website at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Festival pays tribute to arts contributors

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 16, 2008.)

By Gillian Brunette

Ten honourees receive a Brenda Wainman Goulet bronze sculpture

Following 16 successful years that have made it a firm fixture on Huntsville’s summer cultural scene, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts recently recognized 10 members of the arts community who helped make it all possible.

In Partners Hall, current festival board members paid tribute to those who had made a significant contribution to the festival. Each honouree was presented with a Brenda Wainman Goulet bronze sculpture as a token of appreciation.

DEDICATION: Huntsville Festival of the Arts honourees stand in Partners Hall with their bronze FBEA awards. From left are: Susan Alberghini, Gerri Mar, Attila Glatz, Jim Alexander, Stina Nyquist, Jane Alexander, Kerrry Stratton, Pam Smyth, Gregg Evans (accepting for his father, Bruce Evans) and Pamela Hoiles; missing from the photo is Hugh Mackenzie. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

The honourees included the festival’s co-founders, Attila Glatz, who had the original vision and initiated artistic contacts with the Huntsville community, Susan Alberghini, who provided artistic guidance and assisted with financial matters through the festival’s first 12 years, and Jim and Jane Alexander, who provided the local link and, through Algonquin Automotive, provided administrative support and financial support to the festival and the theatre.

Other honourees included Bruce Evans, a strong financial supporter and provider of the Grandview Inn property for nine years, including the venue, staff and rooms for the artists, Pamela Hoiles, a seasonal resident who has embraced the local arts scene, become a major benefactor and has also performed in the festival on a number of occasions, Hugh Mackenzie, past festival president, who provided leadership at a difficult time and was also instrumental in initiating the successful theatre campaign, and Kerry Stratton, leader and music director of the Huntsville Festival Orchestra and an ambassador for the festival throughout the province.

Three former festival board members were also honoured. Gerri Mar, who each season tirelessly arranged and co-ordinated hundreds of volunteers, Stina Nyquist, writer, producer and director of a number of plays presented through the festival that told people about Huntsville’s history, and Pam Smyth, who was a leader in co-ordination and developing the guidelines for backstage volunteers. She wrote a production manual, which formed the basis for the theatre’s operating procedures and spent thousands of hours over the years delivering programming of the highest quality.

Presenting the awards, festival director Bruce Gowan and president Kareen Burns recalled their own memories. Gowan remembered how his grandchild, who normally has a short attention span, was mesmerized by Nyquist’s play Dinosaurs and Dreams, and Burns noting that the distinctive tie Mar created for the festival is still used by the theatre today.

Concluding, festival general manager Rob Saunders said: “While Attila may not have met his goal of developing an artistic event with international impact, he should be very proud of the legacy he has created, that of an arts organization that has integrated fully into the community and whose principle goal is to enhance the development and enjoyment of the arts, specifically in our youth at the grass roots level.”

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts plans to continue to award significant contributors in the coming years. However, it will not become an annual event, Burns said.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Edge of the Woods: outdoor theatre fun for all ages, featuring performer Dan Watson

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

By Gillian Brunette

Clowns, stilts, puppets and street performances bring new dimension to Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Those who saw SplasH2O, a show featuring a composition of skits which played at the Huntsville Festival of the Arts a couple of years back, will remember its hilarious off-the-wall humour.

Since then, SplasH2O, a Houppz! Collective production whose number includes Huntsville High School alumnus Dan Watson, has been well-toured, showing at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Cazanovia, New York, France and eastern New Brunswick, where it was nominated for an Acadian association of New Brunswick Eloize award.

Watson has been performing regularly at other festivals, along with his equally zany wife Christina Serra, appearing most recently at the Cooking Fire Theatre Festival in Toronto. This weekend they are bringing their talents (along with those of a few friends) to the people of Huntsville.

Currently Watson and Serra can be found in and around the town dock area, laying the groundwork for The Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival, a two-day outdoor theatre extravaganza taking place July 12 and 13.

SEARCHING FOR BIG FOOT: Performers Christina Serra, Dan Watson and Sandy Bribbin (from left) check out a reward notice on their trek to find the elusive Big Foot. This comedy of errors is sure to make for a hilarious sketch; it's performed this weekend as part of the Edge of the Woods outdoor theatre extravaganza.

“The festival really gave us carte blanche as long as it was interesting and something different for Huntsville,” said Serra.

On both days the fun begins at noon with interactive activities for the whole family. “We wanted to create a real event that was more participatory, so we will have kids’ activities, like stilt-walking and puppet-making. These will be run by professional performers,” said Watson.

In charge of stilts is Sandy Gribbin, who will also act with Watson and Serra in a comic sketch titled Big Foot. Puppeteer Bruce Beaton and actors Jane Wells and Liz Rucker, also perform their comedic piece titled Morbid Stranger.

Big Foot is a clown piece telling the story of three adventure clowns searching for Big Foot in order to photograph him, explained Watson.

“It’s a real comedy of errors: we think we find his hair and footprints, but they turn out to be ours. It’s very Monty Pythonish and lots of fun.”

Morbid Stranger, another clown piece, works on the premise of old-time vaudeville, Watson continued. “A touring group, down on their luck, need to make some money, so Liz is going to write a show for the grand diva as her final hurrah, but everything goes wrong.”

Prior to the weekend’s events, Watson and Serra will be working with the youngsters of Camp Skoka (run by the Town of Huntsville). There is also a call out for local artists and performers who would like to be a part of the street performances.

“There are no tryouts. You automatically get the part,” said Watson. “So far, we have two Irish dancers, a country and western singer and a folky/pop singer.”

Added Serra: “We also put a call out in Toronto and got a trio of girls who are coming up to do modern dance.”

Watson is hopeful some HHS students may come out and join in the fun. “We taught street performance for Grade 9 and 10 in May for three days, and held two classes each day with (teacher) Kim Russell-Brooks.

“It was a different way of working for the students, it was quick, quick, quick, but at the end of three days they had enough material to perform for their peers.”

HHS will also be represented this weekend by alumnus Jack Bevington, who will be hosting the outdoor festival. The troupe’s logo, depicting a clown head in a tree, was designed by HHS student Katerina Tarrant.

“We held a logo contest in March and had some amazing submissions. The prize was two tickets to the Hawksley Workman concert,” said Watson.

The Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival takes place in and around the town dock this weekend and begins at noon each day, with a 30-minute show at 2 p.m.

“We hope to bring the idea that theatre is for everyone. That it can happen in a lot of places, can be anything, and not necessarily classical,” said Serra.

This is a pay-what-you-can event (suggested donation is $10 and $20 per family), so come down to the riverfront and enjoy world-class entertainment, along with a refreshing tall glass of lemonade.

For more information check out the Edge of the Woods blog at www.edgeofthewoodsfestival.wordpress.com.

Many festival fringe events coming up

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

In addition to mainstage concerts, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents several fringe events over the coming days.

On Sunday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tunes at Tall Trees takes place on the lawn at Spencer’s Tall Trees restaurant.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a couple hours of light pop and contemporary music from Tobin Spring and Sean Connon.

Also enjoy a selection of juices and light snacks and pastries prepared by chef Randy Spencer. Music and food for the low price of $15 is definitely a winning combination.

Next Monday evening, features the second Monday at the Movies with the presentation of Todd Haynes film I’m Not There. The film focuses on the life of Bob Dylan, as depicted by a stellar cast including the late Heath Ledger and Cate Blanchette. Tickets are $8.

Tuesday, July 15, has been set aside for the sixth annual Poetry Café. This year the event includes an afternoon workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Suzuki Strings Studio (located in the train station).

“Martin Avery, who started Poetry Night in Canada in Bracebridge a few years ago and is the writer in residence in Durham County, is hosting the poetry workshop,” said festival board director June Salmon, adding that 15 people have registered so far.

“The idea is to hopefully write something during that time to present at the Hideaway Pub that evening.”

The evening of presentations and readings at the Hideaway begins at 7 p.m. and runs through to 9 p.m.

Poets interested in registering for the free workshop should contact Salmon at 385-2722 or at junesalmon@sympatico.ca.

Everyone is welcome to attend the evening poetry reading, which includes an open mic portion, said Salmon.

“If poets feel they can’t write something that day, they can read something else they have written. As well, anyone who is unable to attend the workshop is still welcome to come and listen and perhaps share their work at the open mic.”

Those who live a little outside the downtown core, or would like to take a short summer’s drive, there are two dock concerts coming up featuring the Muskoka Concert Band.

The first presentation is tonight, Wednesday, July 9 starting at 7 p.m. at the Dwight beach dock. The second one is the following Wednesday, July 16 at the Port Sydney dock.

Admission is free to both concerts.

Huntsville's arts festival continues with second great week of entertainment

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is now well underway and playing to large audiences.

This next week offers a further opportunity to see and hear some great entertainment, starting with Thursday’s presentation of the legendary Downchild Blues Band. Then, with singer/songwriter Marc Jordan appearing on July 12, the upcoming weekend promises to be a special one indeed.

Downchild, and their leader Donnie Walsh, have been Canada’s leading blues band for 40 years. Weighed down by awards and recognitions over their career, the group showed their currency by being acknowledged as Entertainers of the Year at the 2007 Maple Blues Awards.

Inspired by the early music of Muddy Waters and BB King, Downchild plays the blues the way it was meant to be played: straight up and strong.

On Friday night, the festival welcomes back a favourite show from a couple of years ago. Unforgettable: Brothers of Song features a tribute to the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole and celebrates such notable artists as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Al Hibbler, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Lionel Ritchie and others.

UNFORGETTABLE: Rudy Mayes returns to the Algonquin Theatre stage with the music of Nat 'King' Cole and others, supported by an all-star band and some great female vocalists. Don't miss Unforgettable: Brothers of Song on July 11 at 8 p.m.

Cole, a musical pioneer with hits such as Unforgettable, Mona Lisa, Ramblin’ Rose, and Nature Boy, sold over 50 million recordings during his illustrious career.

The two-hour production of Unforgettable: Brothers of Song, features Rudy Mayes with an all-star band, a lead female vocalist, plus four solo and back-up singers. This smooth, romantic, joyous show takes audiences through the early years of jazz, gospel, blues, soul, rock and roll, Motown and more.

From noon on Saturday and Sunday, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents the inaugural Edge of the Woods street festival (see separate story), then on Saturday evening festival patrons will be treated to not one, but two very talented artists.

Opening the evening will be Dawn Langstroth. While that name may not be familiar to many, Langstroth is the daughter of Anne Murray and sang with her mother on her recent duets CD. Langstroth has also established a personal recording career.

Following Langstroth is regular festival performer Marc Jordan, who has previously appeared with his wife Amy Sky and as a member of the songwriters group known as Lunch at Allen’s.

Jordan has established an impeccable name internationally, as the writer of such hits as Living in Marina Del Ray, Rockets, and also Rhythm of My Heart and This, recorded by Rod Stewart. A superb storyteller and an excellent musician, Jordan will provide a great evening of entertainment.

For more information on these or any of the festival concerts, or to order tickets, go to www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca or call the Algonquin Theatre box office at 789-4975.

Story Relay offers creative fun online

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

While several dozen authors toil away at the Muskoka Novel Marathon, members of the public are invited to take part in the first-ever Story Relay.

From July 11 to July 14, you can add your touch to one of three online collaborative stories and help support the Muskoka Literacy Council.

“Traditionally the marathon has been for writers and they have invited the public to come and see what’s happening and to support them, but there hasn’t been a way for them to be really involved,” said novel marathon committee member Paula Boon, who is the mastermind behind the Story Relay.

“As a writer, I found the marathon so much fun that I wanted to think of a way to let others have that experience. The novel marathon is a fundraiser, so I thought this would be a way to bring more attention and hopefully funds to the literacy council.”

Although the Story Relay was Boon’s idea, those who sit on the novel marathon committee brought something to it that Boon noted “is fantastic.” They invited three celebrity authors to write the beginnings to three different stories. These include Mel Malton, who has contributed the beginning of a mystery set at the novel marathon, Roy MacGregor, who has written the beginning of a more historical story, and Robert Munsch, who has provided the beginning of a children’s story.

“It’s exciting for people to be collaborating with these writers,” said Boon.

“People don’t have to be incredible, fantastic writers or storytellers to take part, they can just add a word or a phrase and there is also a place on the site that offers suggestions if you want to contribute but you’re stuck for ideas. People can contribute more than once if they want to.”

Go to www.huntsvilleforester.com and click on “Story Relay” to see the stories and/or contribute.

Festival Image Makers art exhibit at Trinity

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

By Jenny Cressman

Show featuring works from local visual artists runs from July 14 to 19.

When the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) was founded in 1993, the impetus was music.

As the festival vision grew, the inclusion of other art forms became increasingly important. Visual arts in particular, began to be seen as a vital part of the mandate.

After the first few years, the HFA board decided to invite local artists to contribute work to be featured on the festival’s brochure. Kate Santos provided three musically themed pastel images in the late ‘90s, setting a high standard. However, the board felt it should offer the coveted cover position to others in the community.

Since then, artists have been commissioned annually to create work, in a broad range of media. In 2000, Laura Bombier made a splash with her photograph depicting a musical score emblazoned on a woman’s bare back.

IMAGE MAKERS: Five of the many Huntsville artists who have produced images for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts over the past years gathered for a photo at the opening of the Festival Image Makers exhibit held at Trinity United Church hall last week. From the left are Brenda Wainman Goulet, Beverley Hawksley, Jon Snelson, Jenny Kirkpatrick and Marni Martin.

Next, Beverley Hawksley contributed a painting featuring elegant arms with fingers of one hand pointing to a sheet of music and the other set, skyward. The latter direction proved prophetic when the following year, Brenda Wainman Goulet sculpted an angelic bronze dancer, who appeared to hover in the heavens thanks to the computer-enhanced image that was used on the brochure cover marking the festival’s 10th year.

Photographer Jenny Kirkpatrick created the 2003 cover image, followed by Charles Knapp (stained glass scene), Gus van Baarsel (three-dimensional wall hanging), Joseph Reijnen (fine metal and gem sculpture), Bill Urban (abstract oil painting) and this year, Marni Martin (woven image).

Work by these artists and the HFA’s long-time official photographer Jon Snelson, will be featured in a special exhibit entitled Festival Image Makers, taking place on July 14 to 19, from noon to 4 p.m., in the Trinity United Church hall.

THREE DIMENSIONAL: This wall hanging by Gus van Baarsel is just one of the festival images that will be on display at an art exhibit being held in the Trinity United Church hall, July 14 to 19.

Patrons of the Music at Noon concerts, also hosted at the church, are encouraged to visit the art show afterwards; both events are free.

Week two of Music at Noon concerts starts Monday, July 14, at Trinity United Church

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 9, 2008.)

The second week of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts Music at Noon concerts begins on Monday, July 14, with a couple of changes to the advertised programming.

The line-up as of press time is:

July 14: The Corktown Chamber Players

July 15: Carol Hardy (flute) and Marion Haggart (piano)

July 16: Merry Winds clarinet quartet; leader Kathy Kilbourne

July 17: Bob Attfield, piano potpourri

July 18: Just 8, jazz vocals with director George Kadwell

The concerts, taking place weekdays beginning at 12:15 p.m. each day and running for approximately half an hour at Trinity United Church, are free.

After the concerts, visit the festival artisans’ exhibit in Trinity Hall, which runs from July 14 to 19. The exhibit features works by previous festival brochure cover artists.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Free Music at Noon concerts run for two weeks at Trinity Church, beginning July 7

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 2, 2008.)

The most popular of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts fringe events are the Music at Noon concerts, co-ordinated by Marion Haggart.

These concerts take place at Trinity United Church, Monday through Friday, from July 7 to July 18, and they're free.

The concerts, which feature some of Muskoka’s finest vocalists and musicians, begin at 12:15 p.m. each day and run for approximately half an hour.

KEY PLAYER: Marion Haggart, organizer of the Music at Noon concert series, invites all music lovers to refresh body and spirit with the free mid-day musical offerings at Trinity United Church.

The schedule of the first week is as follows:

July 7: New Moon Saxophone Ensemble.

July 8: Jack Hutton.

July 9: Huntsville Community Band with director Jordan Riley.

July 10: Victoria Thompson (soprano) and Ruthellen Shapero (piano).

July 11: Reconnaissance a capella choir.

The schedule of the second week is as follows:

July 14: Bob Plunkett and Friends.

July 15: Merry Winds clarinet quartet; leader Kathy Kilbourne.

July 16: Bob Attfield, piano.

July 17: Carol Hardy (flute) and Marion Haggart (piano).

July 18: Just 8, jazz vocals with director George Kadwell.

After the concerts why not take time to visit the "Festival Image Makers" exhibit in Trinity Hall, which runs from July 14 to 19? The exhibit features works by a dozen Huntsville Festival of the Arts brochure cover artists and the festival's official photographer, Jon Snelson.

Jazz and the music of Mozart are featured during the arts festival opening weekend

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 2, 2008.)

Long-time leader of the Huntsville festival orchestra Kerry Stratton provides one of the highlights for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ opening weekend of entertainment.

Stratton’s program, taking the Algonquin Theatre stage on Sunday, July 6, will focus on the music of Mozart. The concert starts at 4 p.m. and will run for approximately 90 minutes.

This is not standard concert fare. Stratton, a master of the patter that adds so much to the musical interpretation, will be reading from Mozart’s personal letters throughout the afternoon. These readings place the master composer’s music in a context not normally experienced by concert goers and are sure to enhance the experience.

Mozart’s letters show a high-spirited boyish impression of his journeys, his great love and reverence for his father in conflict with his natural instinct for independence, his first love affairs, his tragic wrestlings with poverty, his hatred of his hometown and the tyrannical archbishop, and his true love for Constance Weber.

Mozart’s Mail will show a young man who managed to combine realism and tenderness in his personal relations. A growing sense of power as a composer is revealed through a character which emerges showing a vital and joyous nature.

There is no better interpreter of these readings than Stratton, an experienced radio personality and international performer. His personal knowledge of the works he is dealing with, combined with his natural affinity to engage his audience, will result in a great afternoon of music.

LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR: Maestro Kerry Stratton, seen here conduction his orchestra at the festival's Last Night at the Proms, brings Mozart's Mail to the Algonquin stage July 6.

International jazz star Sophie Milman will light up the Algonquin stage on the preceding night, Saturday, July 5, at 8 p.m.

Barely 24 years old, Milman has already seen and done more than many people twice her age. Her self-titled debut CD was released in 2004 and has sold almost 100,000 copies worldwide. It hit the Billboard Top 5 in Canada and the Top 15 in the United States, and topped the iTunes jazz charts in five different territories.

Meanwhile, Milman has maintained a rigorous touring schedule, headlining sold-out shows in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Japan and throughout Europe, and continues to balance her burgeoning music career with her commerce studies at the University of Toronto.

Milman’s story continues to inspire. After emigrating from Russia to Israel with her family at the tender age of seven, then moving again at 16 to seek a new life with them in Canada, her transition from bookish teenager to glamorous jazz ingĂ©nue was perhaps unlikely.

However, before long, Milman had earned a 2006 Juno Award nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album and was appearing on stage with international musical superstars such as Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers, Chick Corea and Jesse Cook.

Two and a half years of touring the world have deepened and strengthened the collaboration between Milman and her band, led by multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger Cameron Wallis, and featuring Paul Shrofel on piano, John Fraboni on drums and newest member Kieran Overs on bass.

The opportunity to build a relationship with her bandmates and collaborators has cultivated an atmosphere of comfort and creativity where Milman can express who and where she truly is today in her career, her life and her music.

Tickets for both shows are $35 ,or $15 for youth under 18, and are available at the Algonquin Theatre Box office, by calling 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Bring kids to Sunday Art Splash at the docks

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 2, 2008.)

Kids Art Splash begins at noon on the town dock on Sunday, July 6

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is not just geared to adults.

Not to be forgotten on the opening weekend of the festival’s summer season is the family favourite, Art Splash. It’s fun for all ages and is offered free as part of the festival’s youth programming.

Running from noon to 3 p.m. at the town dock park, adjacent to Pizza Pizza, the Art Splash is an interactive afternoon of arts and crafts.

Organized by Tia Pearse and her volunteer crew from Tawingo College, the afternoon offers lots of fun and educational activities.

So, come down to the dock this Sunday afternoon and paint a picture, get a tattoo or make a craft. It’s a great way to while away a couple of hours.

Exhibit at Hawksley’s Schoolhouse July 4-6

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on June 25, 2008.)

Shanti Subedar, the talented Winnipeg artists who shot a series of nature photographs for Hawksley Workman’s latest album Between The Beautifuls, will be coming to Huntsville.

Her work will be on display at Hawksley’s Schoolhouse on July 4, 5 and 6 with an opening reception being held on July 4 between 2 and 5 p.m., the same day Workman is scheduled to perform at the Algonquin Theatre.

Sudebar’s The Wild Horses of Alberta, A Collection Of Lost Pieces reveals the extraordinary in the ordinary, explained local artist and the host of the exhibit, Beverley Hawksley.

“The stunning nature photography that appeared in Hawksley Workman’s Between The Beautifuls invited us to view another layer of our surroundings.

Shanti’s heartfelt approach to her subject matter draws the viewer in and creates an opportunity for an imaginative experience,” she explained.

Directions to Hawkley’s Schoolhouse are as follows: from Hwy 11 North take exit 221 at Huntsville. Continue on Muskoka Rd 2 North (Ravenscliffe) for 20 km. Muskoka Rd 2 ends with a sharp right hand curve and becomes Stisted Rd. Continue on Stisted Rd. for 4 km to #3665.

For more information go to www.beverleyhawksley.com.

Huntsville Festival of the Arts opens exciting 16th season, offering a very eclectic roster

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on June 25, 2008.)

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts kicks off its 16th season on Thursday, July 3.

That evening, the Algonquin Theatre will come alive with the festival’s first show, the Blues Brothers’ Revival, the hippest, most authentic Blues Brothers show around.

Blues Brothers’ Revival ran through the spring and summer of 2004 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. The music captured the spirit of the original Blues Brothers movie and paid homage to Chicago’s rich history of blues, gospel and traditional soul music, while throwing Jake and Elwood Blues into the mix.

That’s where it all started, where the Blues Brothers began and this all-new, estate-sanctioned revival show took on a life of its own.

“Over the years, the Blues Brothers have proven that music is fun. This show is sure to leave you smiling and comes with a festival satisfaction guarantee,” said Rob Saunders, festival general manager.

On Friday, July 4, Hawksley Workman returns to the Algonquin stage for another sold-out performance. He brings new energy with his just-released CD Between the Beautifuls. Opening for Workman will be Port Sydney native Eric Reid, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter.

Saturday night, July 5, will offer a taste of the great jazz offerings this summer. Sultry chanteuse Sophie Milman will bring her unique song stylings to the stage. Whether performing jazz standards or her own material, Milman is the real deal and a rising international star. Backed by a quartet of some of Canada’s finest musicians this promises to be a memorable evening of jazz.

SULTRY CHANTEUSE: Sophie Milman brought her unique song stylings to the Algonquin Theatre stage on July 5. This photo was taken at that concert by Jon Snelson, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts official photographer.

Maestro Kerry Stratton, a familiar fixture of the festival since its earliest days, pays tribute to the music of Mozart on Sunday, July 6, at 4 p.m. By interpreting letters written by Mozart at various stages of his life, Stratton will open a window through which his music will be reviewed and enjoyed through a slightly different lens.

“We will see his high-spirited boyish impression of his journeys, his great love and reverence for his father, his first love affairs and his tragic wrestlings with poverty. Mozart’s Mail will show a young man who managed to combine realism and tenderness in his personal relations,” Saunders said.

In addition to leading the 24-piece professional orchestra, Stratton will bring his charismatic persona to the fore, engaging the audience as much as the music and making the overall experience very enjoyable.

Prior to the Mozart concert on Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m., is the annual Art Splash. Each year, it keeps getting bigger and offers a fun afternoon for the whole family. At the town dock, adjacent to the swing bridge, young and old alike can paint a picture, make a craft, even get a tattoo.

“Stroll through, stay for half an hour or for the whole afternoon. Best of all, it’s free,” said Saunders.

On Monday, July 7, the festival offers two great choices. Jim Cuddy, lead singer for Blue Rodeo and a star in his own right, will open with his first of two shows. Added due to the sellout of his July 8 date, Cuddy proved last year he delivers the goods. Cuddy is backed by a great band, including fiddle star Anne Lindsay and bassist Basil Donovan, also of Blue Rodeo.

Also on July 7 will be the first Monday at the Movies featuring Honeydripper, a John Sayles film focusing on the music world in 1950s rural Alabama.

Second week performers include hip-hop/rhythm and blues/soul artist Jully Black (July 9) of Seven Day Fool fame, blues greats Downchild Blues Band (July 10), the very talented Marc Jordan performing with Dawn Langstroth, daughter of Anne Murray (July 12), and the return of Unforgettable: Brothers of Song, a toe-tapping tribute to the music of Motown (July 11).

The first five Music at Noon concerts begins July 7, commencing at 12:15 at Trinity United Church. Once again, the concerts will be offered free.

Information on all of these events and the rest of the program is available in the festival brochure, or by visiting the website at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca. Tickets for all shows are also available online, by calling the Algonquin Theatre box office at 789-4975, or visiting the theatre located on Main Street.