Thursday, December 27, 2007

Music at Noon concerts an important series during Festival of the Arts’ summer season

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Dec. 26, 2007.)

By Marion Haggart

When Attila Glatz and Susan Alberghini first researched the subject of a festival of the arts for Huntsville, they inquired about the possibility of any input from local musicians.

Experience told them that such inclusion would go a long way to getting townspeople on side.

This wasn’t just good psychology, but would nurture and give exposure to emerging young performers. The chance for musicians to experience public performance as often as possible is a must on the upward path to acquiring ‘cool’ stage presence and accumulating recognition at whatever level.

Mid-Week Music, the series initiated in 1989 by the Muskoka Musical Arts Society in Trinity United Church, was conceived as a means to provide half-hour interludes of comfortable listening once a week in the dark days of winter. It was for working people on their lunch breaks, for house-bound young mothers needing a change of scene, for physically and developmentally challenged adults in the community, for anyone, in fact, who “wanted in.”

The emphasis was then, and still is, to provided something inclusive and also give local musicians that extra boost that only public performance can bestow. Occasionally, when opportunities to present outstanding performers from further afield become available, the definition of “local” had to be tweaked a bit but, basically, the original concept is still what underpins the noon-hour, free interludes now known as Music at Noon, presented every weekday for two weeks in early July as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

(Photo by Jon Snelson)

KEY PLAYER: Marion Haggart co-ordinates the popular Music at Noon concerts, which take place weekdays for two weeks in July at Trinity United Church.

Adopted by the festival in 1993, Music at Noon has become popular, established programming which offers a high standard of excellence, pleasing variety and, perhaps most importantly, accessibility, all thanks to local people we know or at least recognize.

A regular audience member recently volunteered the comment, “It makes me feel really proud, as a resident, that so much good entertainment is presented by local people.”

All that’s needed to confirm the value of these free mini-concerts is to scan faces as supporters file out of the church. During the often-humid weather and crowded sidewalks of downtown Huntsville in July, people are refreshed by the respite, however brief, of relaxed music-making in the middle of a stressful day, and can be seen with broad smiles and enthusiastic chatter as they rejoin the bustling throngs of Main Street.

From way back, Muskoka has produced an astonishing heritage of talent, people who have contributed significantly to the accumulation of musical resources and opportunities. Initiatives, many spawned in pre-festival days and now assimilated into the bigger picture, which include the Muskoka District Band, the Muskoka Big Band, the Trillium Jazz groups, the Huntsville Community Choir, the Huntsville Youth Choir and the Larks, to name a few, all give residents the chance to “do their thing” in creative, recreational activities.

More recent developments are the establishment in 1992 of the Huntsville Suzuki School, which ensures local training of the highest order for string players, the initiation in 2003 of the community band, and the recent formation of the Muskoka Saxophone Society, each of which offers invaluable stimulus.

No mention has been made of individual movers and shakers, influential in initiating and leading the above groups, people who not only have the necessary performing skills and training, but also the ability to make things happen. Without their enthusiasm and drive, the story might be different. Sometimes, it’s simply the arrival of newcomers wanting to contribute and join in the community who volunteer their experience and suddenly inspire new ventures. To cite individual names isn’t necessary. We know these innovators and the activities they’ve nurtured over the years.

The point of this commentary is to illustrate that a vibrant cultural scene along with an on-going assurance of future growth depends on both leadership and an abundance of talent. In Muskoka we have them “in spades.” Long may it be so.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Algonquin Theatre announces its upcoming lineup, featuring several HFA shows

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Dec. 19, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

More than 20 shows have been booked at the Algonquin Theatre over the coming months, providing an entertaining mix that is sure to please.

Kicking off the new year on Friday, Jan. 18, is an Eagles tribute show, New Kid in Town. The group skillfully reproduces monster hits from The Eagles, as well as the solo careers of Don Henley, Glen Frye and Joe Walsh.

After two packed shows last year, Algonquin Outfitters is once again bringing the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to the Algonquin Theatre for two nights on Jan. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Each evening will feature a different selection of films. This year’s tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental and adventure mountain films.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents Classic Albums Live: Dark Side of the Moon at 8 p.m. Pink Floyd’s classic album is played track by track, sound by sound, note for note, live and in its entirety by top professional musicians. This is not a tribute band, but one amazing musical experience. The second half of the show features the Best of Floyd in an all-out jam!

From Feb. 13 to 16, Huntsville High School presents the musical Grease at 7:30 p.m.

On Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Smile Theatre returns with the Great Farini. This is the extraordinary story of William Leonard Hunt and his numerous and unusual worldly adventures. He was a sensation in the late 1860s as the leader of the Flying Farinis and the showman-mastermind behind the first human cannonball act.

Of Mice and Men opens on Feb. 21 for four performances. Presented by the North Muskoka Players and directed by Gregg Evans, the story, based on John Steinbeck’s novel, tells of drifters George and Lennie and their dream of a place to call their own. But, after they come to work on a California ranch, their hopes – like the “best laid schemes of mice and men” – begin to go awry.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents Black Umfolosi on March 1. Black Umfolosi is an internationally acclaimed harmonic a cappella singing and traditional African dance group, based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Cape Breton native and songwriting lynchpin of the Rankin Family, Jimmy Rankin, tours his 2007 CD Edge of Day and appears at the Algonquin Theatre on March 7 at 8 p.m.

An eclectic evening of local performance art celebrating International Women’s Day titled New Day, New Way, takes the stage at 8 p.m. on March 8.

On Friday, March 14, the Celtic Fury Irish Dance Company presents Irish Fire for two performances at 2 and 8 p.m. Far from traditional, Irish Fire is a show that can be compared to hits like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.

March closes with comedy in the form of Ron James, who presents Full Tilt for two shows, on March 29 and 30.

Smile Theatre returns on April 2 with Fever, followed by We Shout for Joy with the Huntsville Community Choir on April 4.

The long-awaited Two for the Road production of Annie opens April 9-12, then again from April 16-19. The musical is inspired by Harold Gray’s Little Orphan Annie comic strip, which opened in New York in the spring of 1977.

On Sunday, April 20, the Muskoka Concert Band presents Black Fly Music Fest at 2 p.m., which is followed by more local performers in Northern Blues Review on April 25.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts brings back the popular folk singer Valdy on April 26 at 8 p.m. Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for years. He’s a folk singer who catches the small but telling moments that make up life.

Another Huntsville Festival of the Arts presentation is Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers on May 3, returning to Huntsville with their own unique brand of Newfoundland humour. This trio performs exceptional music on the guitar, fiddle, mandolin and accordion, and presents an evening of laughs like no other.

Smile Theatre brings its last show in the current season on May 7. Twilight Cabaret begins at 2:30 p.m.

Temple Knights Productions and the National Martial Arts Theatre present an action-adventure-musical by John Oliver Peel for three performances on May 23 to 25. Three young martial artists compete for a place in a secret knighthood and embark on a mystical journey of intrigue, treachery and romance. Temple Knights introduces 16 original new songs in a tale of adventure and beauty, punctuated by spectacular martial arts action to the heart- pounding beat of live drummers.

For a complete rundown of all shows, pick up a brochure at outlets across town, or log on to the Algonquin website at algonquintheatre@ huntsville.ca.

Festival reflections from a rookie board member

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Nov. 28, 2007.)

By Ron Baker

Every town needs a cultural side. When we arrived in Muskoka in 2002 we were looking for new friends and experiences.

One way was to explore the local theatre through the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA). We had always enjoyed concerts, opera and stage productions and wondered how we would satisfy that need as we moved to Huntsville.

It turned out to be no problem.

Initially, we bought several single-event tickets for the summer festival and thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of the Grandview Inn ‘stage.’ It was a wonderful new experience to watch the productions unfold with all the local volunteers helping with whatever they could.

The local enthusiasm was inviting. When asked by some friends to get involved at the Grandview location, the initial ‘hook’ was cast. I set up chairs, lent muscle to raising and striking the temporary stage, and soon found myself engrossed with the “let’s put on a show” mentality.

HOOKED: Ron Baker became an official member of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts board this year, after being peripherally involved and enjoying HFA productions from the audience for several years.

That was the year the decision to build a downtown theatre was made.

The backstage buzz on opening night at the Algonquin Theatre with all the local dignitaries and performers was exhilarating. My eyes were opened to the importance of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ significance to our town’s future through the enrichment of the local performance scene.

Now, as an HFA board member, I have started to participate in growing and enhancing the festival and I couldn’t be more excited. The festival is a wonderful example of community spirit.

Did you know, for instance, that the Huntsville Festival of the Arts:

• produced 43 events at the new theatre in the 2006/07 year?

• partnered with the theatre in promoting a broad spectrum of entertainers?

• raises 25 percent of its revenue from local business, individuals and the marché in May?

• runs a competition for local young performers for scholarship awards to continue their studies in the arts?

• Organizes more than a dozen events in local schools annually to foster the arts, such as the Battle of the Books, Kaleidoscope, Slam Poetry, concert performances and master classes?

The arts play a pivotal role in forming our town’s unique character. The Muskoka experience is made much richer through the presence of an active performing scene located in many venues around Huntsville such as Jazz in the Garden, Arts Splash, the Muskoka Novel Marathon and the Arts Walk.

The annual summer festival has become a powerful economic driver to the town. Permanent citizens and seasonal visitors are drawn to the theatre on show nights, as friends and families come to see the broad variety of performances and enjoy the warm summer’s ambiance on Main Street for shopping, dining and late-night treats. Could the festival be better? For sure. And you can help us make HFA better still. We will soon be asking for your input in a survey to discover your favourites, concerns and ideas for future performances.

Please join and participate in YOUR Festival of the Arts, as the stages grow, diversity increases, popularity swells and the word ‘buzz’ brings a new dimension to Huntsville’s future.

Fundraising raffle winner announced

(The following photograph originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Nov. 7, 2007.)

STATUE WINNER: Huntsville Festival of the Arts general manager Rob Saunders and Algonquin Theatre manager Karin Terziano present seasonal resident Connie Fletcher (centre) with the Brenda Wainman Goulet replica statue of Tom Thomson. The statue was the first prize in the recent fundraising raffle. A festival 2008 season's pass was won by Heather MacDonald of Huntsville, and the third prize, tickets to the Lorne Elliott comedy evening, was won by J. Wesanko of Deep River.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Volunteers: the muscle and passion of the arts festival, here and internationally

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Oct. 31, 2007.)

By Pam Smyth

It began as a vision of Attila Glatz, a Hidden Valley cottager, who with co-founder Susan Alberghini persuaded local arts supporters that a festival would give both visitors and residents a way to connect, meet and develop cultural exchanges and celebrations.

Glatz asked for volunteers from the community to bring their ideas and muscle. Some of the questions asked included: ‘What is the financial risk?” and “Would audiences pay more than $5 to see a show?”

The first season in 1992 featured singer Maureen Forrester, the National School of Ballet, and Kerry Stratton conducting the Festival Symphony Orchestra, and the answer to those questions was a resounding ‘yes.’ The audiences would pay and the patrons would cover the financial deficit.

More than financial risk, it was the determination of both local patrons and volunteers to give their immeasurable talents and willingness to learn, and friendly hospitality that established the festival’s reputation for delivering excellence in the arts. Artists and audiences alike comment on how well they are taken care of and how they look forward to coming back to this festival.

However, accused of being “classical and cultural elitists,” the festival soon realized that contemporary artists of folk, rock, jazz, blues, country and world music would be welcomed by our audiences’ diverse taste.

This past season demonstrated that diversity is healthy, both artistically and financially, with performers such as Hawksley Workman and Bruce Cockburn, Stina Nyquist’s play The Lost Chord, Music at Noon with Marion Haggart, Last Night at the Proms with conductor Kerry Stratton and the fringe Poetry Café.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has come a long way in 15 years, explains Pam Smyth, a long-time member of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts board of directors.

Artistic diversity and inclusion are not unique to this festival. In Ireland, a nation of saints and scholars and a festival every month of the year, there are not only Irish poets, plays and Celtic music, but also an incredible variety of international music, dance and theatre is staged. It is exciting and encouraging to see that our festival is in step with the Irish scene.

Olive Braiden of the Irish Arts Council said at Clifden Arts Week (Ireland): “I am here to thank the volunteers who make this festival work. They bring program ideas, children’s participation, they take risks, they are the eyes and ears of the community that keep festivals current, accessible and support the development of cultural expression.”

One could not agree more. Volunteers are the muscle and passion who deliver our arts festival. You can be a part of the production scene by calling Karin Terziano at the Algonquin Theatre, 789-1751 ext. 2244 or festival general manager Rob Saunders at 789-1935.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Festival of the Arts has best year ever

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Oct. 17, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

After losing money last year, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts is in a healthy financial position, due for the most part to increased ticket sales this past season.

While expenses, such as artists’ fees, were up, ticket sales brought in $87,000 more than last year, an increase of 36 per cent, and the May Marché fundraiser netted $42,000. It was enjoyed by 530 patrons, up by 150 from the previous year.

The final balance sheet reflects a surplus of $62,420, of which $7,500 has been placed in a reserve for education expenditures. The remainder will act as a cushion in case of losses in future years.

The festival had 43 bookings at the Algonquin Theatre in the past year. From Sept. 6, 2006 to June 2007 there were 11 concerts and a three-performance play. During the July core season there were 16 mainstage concerts over the 19 days, including double-bill shows for Jim Cuddy, Bruce Cockburn and Hawksley Workman. Nine of the shows sold out, which was a record. In July, there were also 10 Music at Noon concerts presented at Trinity United Church. They too garnered record attendance.

There were three performances of Stina Nyquist’s play The Lost Chord and the first jazz festival in August, with four evening concerts followed by three concerts and a play that ran three nights. The jazz festival will return in 2008 and will be expanded to incorporate the new River Mill Park and other outdoor venues.

“We had a great year,” said president Kareen Burns at Saturday’s annual general meeting (AGM).

“It was my first year as president, which was a learning curve for me, but it was fun more than anything. Everyone worked together as a team, which was a great start for me.”

Looking back over the past year, Burns reflected on some of the festival highlights.

Education: “Kalaedoscope brought the creme de la creme of Muskoka artists to Pine Glen School. The theme was Reach for the Sky and how each class reached that goal was incredible. We hope to do another one this year,” she said.

Other education initiatives included a slam poetry event, which brought in four performance poets to lead a poetry workshop for Huntsville High School (HHS) students, and the Children’s Canadian Dance Theatre for 13 to 19-year-olds.

“Next year, we are going to focus more on educational programs. Greg Sutherland (HHS teacher) has been a huge help and will be working with the education committee this year, so we hope to do more,” said Burns.

Fringe Mosaic: “The fringe program included a successful Arts Splash, thanks in part to the involvement of Tawingo College counsellors, and the Poetry Café, which for the first time was held at the Algonquin Theatre and featured guest poet Pier Giorgio Di Cicco, a very interesting gentleman,” Burns said.

Fringe events also included the second year of the Arts Walk at Avery Beach Park, and another sold-out Jazz in the Garden at Spencer’s Tall Trees restaurant.

The festival also acted as an umbrella for two events: the Muskoka Novel Marathon, which raised funds for the Muskoka Literacy Council, and a three-part children’s series presented by the Huntsville Public Library library at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Mainstage: “I was blown away by Bruce Cockburn and it was a magic second show when Hawksley (Workman) joined him. Lighthouse is as good if not better than before and the Leonard Cohen night with Perla Battala was very special.” Burns went on to say that The Lost Chord was her favourite of Nyquist’s plays and noted that Gregg Evans, who played Joseph Tapley had his work cut out for him. “He had a lot of words, the most he’s ever had to learn for a play,” she said.

In 2006-2007 the Huntsville Festival of the Arts also gave out five scholarships totalling $2,500, donated $2,000 to the Huntsville BIA to go toward the community mural, and provided $2,000 to the Algonquin Theatre for a sound board. It underwrote the rental of the theatre for the HHS Christmas concert; presented Cadence, a singing group, for a workshop at HHS; rented the theatre to allow the Battle of the Books to hold their final event for school students; presented a concert to a full house of public school students, featuring talented students from HHS; and supported the first annual Artsfest showcasing HHS students in the visual and media arts.

(Photo by Jon Snelson)
NEW BOARD: the 2007-2008 Huntsville Festival of the Arts board stands outside the Algonquin Theatre following its annual general meeting and election of officers on Oct. 13.
From left to right are board members for the upcoming year: (seated) Pam Smyth, secretary Carol Gibson, president Kareen Burns, Tia Pearse; (standing) Jon Snelson, Gillian Brunette, Ron Baker, June Salmon, Susan Lowe, Suzanne Riverin, Helena Renwick, Ross Kirwin, past president Mike Malone, Jenny Cressman, Sharon Stock-Feren, vice-president/administration Bruce Gowan and general manager Rob Saunders.

The AGM concluded with the adoption of the new board for the 2007-2008 year. The executive committee is made up of president Kareen Burns, past president Mike Malone, VP of administration Bruce Gowan, plus two additional directors, Jenny Cressman and Ross Kirwin, who will serve a one-year term. Two new directors were elected to the board: Helena Renwick and Ron Baker.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

A cappella group Cadence returning Oct. 19

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Oct. 10, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

Four men, four microphones, no instruments and a playlist that covers jazz, popular music, doo-wop, even classical.

This winning formula has earned Cadence international recognition as one of the finest quartets to make an appearance on the a cappella scene.

The four guys, Aaron Jensen, Kurt Sampson, Ross Lynde and Carl Berger, just can’t help but have fun. The result is a show that has something for everyone: instrumental imitation, sophisticated harmonies, and engaging audience interaction.

HFA once again brings Cadence back to the Algonquin Theatre on Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. In the afternoon, Cadence will conduct a workshop at the theatre.

“The group will perform for 200 public school and 200 high school students for 30 minutes and then hold a one-hour workshop for the same audience,” said festival general manager Rob Saunders.

HIGH ENERGY: Cadence, an a cappella quartet, brings its formidable blend of tight harmonies and instrumental imitation to the Algonquin Theatre on Oct. 19.

In the journey from four guys jamming in the living room to an international touring band, Cadence has performed for many of the greatest names in vocal music including Quincy Jones and Manhattan Transfer. Cadence has also had the honour of singing with vocal maestro Bobby McFerrin in 2003 at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and in 2005 at Roy Thomson Hall. Cadence has performed across the world, delighting audiences across North America, Asia and Europe. Wherever they go, the members of Cadence deliver their mandate: to explore and demonstrate that the voice has no limits. Their CD Twenty For One (2005) is a balance of hip jazz, cool pop, and clever and thoughtful original songs. Twenty For One was nominated for a 2005 Juno award and won three contemporary a cappella recording awards.

Cadence is described as a younger and more dynamic version of the internationally known Nylons, said Saunders.

Tickets for Cadence are $22 plus GST for adults and $15 plus GST for youth. They are available from the Algonquin Theatre box office, 789-4975, or online at www.algonquintheatre.ca.

Annual general meeting

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts hosts its annual general meeting in Partners Hall at the Algonquin Theatre this Saturday, Oct.13, at 10:30 a.m.

Everyone is invited to review the financial and artistic results from the 2007 festival season

Light refreshments will be served.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Winding up a successful summer season

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Sept. 26, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts 2007 15th celebratory season will be remembered as being a very successful year.

Thanks to the highest recorded ticket sales to date, a warm, cosy and inviting Algonquin Theatre, and a good mix of artistic performances, the festival ended the core season with some money in the bank.

“We had a good year. It was great. It was fun and the shows were good,” reported HFA president Kareen Burns at a board wrap-up meeting last week.

The festival also presented more shows this year with the introduction of a mini-jazz festival in August. It was very well received, thus ensuring a jazz weekend will now become an annual event.

There were several sold-out shows this past season but a couple of others that, surprisingly, were not well attended. Perla Batalla and her tribute to Leonard Cohen, for instance, was an awesome experience, but even the great Montreal poet’s name failed to draw the masses.

While the festival's core season is over for another year, there will be a few HFA sponsored performances still to come this fall. Tickets are selling well for Friday’s Freddie Vette and the Flames concert, Colin James plays to an already sold-out show on Oct. 5, the a capella group Cadence returns on Oct. 19 and comedian Lorne Elliott also makes a return visit on Nov. 17.

Meanwhile, the festival board is preparing for its annual general meeting which takes place on Oct. 13 in the Algonquin Theatre’s Partners Hall. This meeting is open to the public and is also a time when the board solicits new members to its advisory committee for the coming year.

Festival board members each undertake certain roles within the organization geared to their own area of expertise and passion. Committees focus on sponsorship, promotions and marketing, fringe mosaic, administration and the May Marché, the biggest HFA fundraiser of the year.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the meeting and/or becoming involved in the Huntsville Festival of the Arts can contact festival general manager Rob Saunders at 789-1935.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is not just about presenting live shows at the Algonquin Theatre, however. Every year the group has added new fringe events, such as the Arts Splash, Arts Walk, Jazz in the Garden, Muskoka Novel Marathon, Monday Night at the Movies and the Poetry Café, to its list of activities. Next year, perhaps, we will introduce a writers’ club, featuring readings from visiting authors. The festival is forever evolving.

At the beginning of the year, Kareen, in her new role as president, outlined her vision for the festival. This included facilitating strong alliances with other art groups in Huntsville; the development of new ‘avant garde’ fringe events, and nurturing young local talent through the festival’s education outreach committee.

With some extra funds now made available, thanks to our patrons, the festival will be working closely with Huntsville High School’s Greg Sutherland to determine how we can further help the school bring the arts to its students.

Other programs the festival helped to sponsor financially this year included the inter-active Kaleidoscope for elementary school students and the Group of Seven Outdoor Mural Festival.

Other new initiatives include this column, the Trumpeter, a monthly forum through which festival board members can keep readers informed of the festival’s various activities.

And, we introduced a blog, www.trumpeterhfa.blogspot.com, as just one other way to reach out to our patrons. If you haven’t yet checked it out, please do, and while there, why not send us your comments as to what shows you would like to see next year?

Friday, September 21, 2007

Rock to great ’50s and ’60s sounds

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Sept. 19, 2007.)

Join Freddy Vette and the Flames for a rock 'n' roll revival on Sept. 28 in Huntsville

By Gillian Brunette

Back by popular demand next week are Freddy Vette and the Flames, who appear at the Algonquin Theatre on Friday, Sept. 28 beginning at 8 p.m.

It will be almost to the day a year ago that the ghosts of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Bill Haley and others came alive in Huntsville as Vette and his musical entourage kicked back to the 1950s.

The dynamic costumes and creative choreography allows the audience to relive this classic era with their favourite juke box hits.

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE: Freddy Vette returns to the Algonquin Theatre on Sept. 28 with his group the Flames in what has been termed as the ultimate ’50s rock ’n' roll show. The 8 p.m. concert is a Huntsville Festival of the Arts presentation.

“After the show our audience members left still singing and asking us to bring them back,” said Huntsville Festival of the Arts general manager Rob Saunders. “Freddy is wonderful with the audience. Everyone loved the performance. It was a really great night.”

So how does a guy born in 1972 end up as the real-deal front man for a ’50s rock ’n' roll show? That seems to be the most asked question when it comes to Vette.

“Good music is good music no matter what kind it is or when it was made. You don’t have to be from the 1700s to play Mozart, you don’t have to be from the ’30s or ’40s to play jazz, and you sure don’t have to be from the ’50s to play rock ’n' roll,” Vette said in reply.

It also didn’t hurt that Vette came from a musical family. His mother and father had a country music band, so there were instruments around the house. The first thing Vette tackled was the drums, then guitar, and piano along the way.

At 14, Vette played with his parents on the road and that was the beginning of his performing career. He appeared in various bands playing various kinds of music, until the music of his childhood – rock ’n' roll – came back to him.

Over the next few years, Vette joined several rock ’n' roll bands and during that time he re-acquainted himself with the piano, an instrument he had played as a child but gave up for guitar.

“Piano rock ’n' roll is such a big part of this music and I knew I had to learn that style of playing. As I started learning from those old recordings, it gave me a new love for the piano. Now, it’s my favourite instrument to play.”

In 2002 Vette formed his own band featuring drums, upright bass, sax, guitar, three female singers and himself on guitar and piano.

The show is a musical journey through the beginnings of rock ’n' roll, not only featuring the biggest hits from the biggest artists but telling the story of the music along the way.

The three ladies who share the stage with Vette perform all the great ‘girl’ hits from the rock ’n' roll era including songs from Leslie Gore, the Shirelles, the Shangri-Las and Patsy Cline. Four outstanding musicians round out this high-energy, exciting eight-piece act.

“The audience has been the lifeblood of Freddy Vette and the Flames. There’s such a huge audience out there who are hungry for this music and aren’t able to see it performed live. We continue to discover them, and they continue to discover us. It’s a great relationship that keeps rock ’n roll alive,” said Vette.

Tickets for Freddy Vette and the Flames are $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 18, plus GST. They are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, by dialling 789-4975, or online at www.algonquintheatre.ca.

'Subplot' outdoor arts presentation had to be cancelled, after brochure was printed

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Sept. 19, 2007.)

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts summer brochure indicated there was to be an event titled Subplot running from Sept. 22 to 23 at 97 Townline Road in Huntsville.

“Shortly after printing the brochure the artists withdrew and indicated for various reasons they would not be presenting the show. As it was still in the brochure there have been various people asking about it and we would like to advise that this performance is not taking place,” said festival general manager Rob Saunders.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”

Monday, September 3, 2007

Festival’s 15th season most successful to date

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 29, 2007.)

By Kareen Burns

Tempus fugit. Time flies.

My inaugural season as Huntsville Festival of the Arts president is winding down and I feel immensely proud.

Festival board members, theatre personnel, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and our fabulous audiences have made our 15th eclectic season wonderfully successful.

Next year we will expand on our vision, raising the bar in excellence, diversity and community partnerships. Imagine our summer season 2008!

Kareen Burns is the Huntsville Festival of the Arts board president for the 2007 and 2008 seasons.


Allow me to count the ways to say thank you. Merci, takk, arigato, spasibo, toa chie, danke, gracias, obrigado! There are never enough ways to say thanks, thank you, many thanks.

Thanks to the extra-mile people who make each concert special in so many ways. Placing a delicate vase of flowers and the beautifully arranged Mexican pottery bowl of fruit, cheese, veggies etc. in the performers’ dressing room, replacing forgotten makeup, bowls of jub jubes and liquorice sticks for the backstage team. And yes, you can find bass and conga drums in Huntsville at 7 p.m.

Then there is our very own Hawksley Workman accompanying Bruce Cockburn on stage with a magical impromptu show – all in the line of festival extra-mile people.

Thanks also to the Algonquin Theatre front-of-house team. The friendly smiles, funky festival ties, helping to direct you to your seat with a little flashlight when you are running late, the efficiency of intermission cocktails, selling performers’ CDs. They are a positive and knowledgeable band of Huntsville hospitality promoters.

Thanks to the Algonquin Theatre back-of-the-house team. A highly energetic, strong group in their black outfits directed by a stage manager. They welcome our star performers at the theatre back door, help with their equipment for set-up and rehearsal and are ready for an 8 p.m. show deadline.

Included is training of new volunteers who are full of curiosity and excitement. Huge attention is paid to detail – electrical cables taped down, no fingerprints on the beautiful piano, lighting and set to complement the mood. The stage manager, house manager, lighting and sound all wear cool headsets to communicate. “The house is yours” comes from the front-of-house manager, the pre-show screen goes up, the lights go down, the audience hushes with anticipation and the magic begins.

Thanks to our dear and loyal sponsors and supporters. You make it possible to be incredibly creative, bold and unafraid to showcase new performers and new events – our first Jazz Festival was a great success.

Thanks to a dynamic festival board of directors. You create our festival season, meeting early in October to plan for the following summer season. This includes the Algonquin Theatre main stage shows and exciting avant garde fringe happenings.

Our exciting education outreach committee is always open to new ideas and directions with public and high school students. They are our future audiences and we strongly believe in giving back to our community.

The board is a hands-on team who put up tents and banners, take tickets, serve complimentary mincemeat pies at our Christmas concert, put on kids’ tattoos, introduce shows and the list goes on. They are always passionate festival ambassadors.

And finally, without an audience, we would not exist. Thank you with all my heart. A full Algonquin Theatre festival audience is a joy indeed!

In Scottish, thenk ye.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Raffle offers chance to win bronze Tom Thomson statue

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 22, 2007.)

Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Algonquin Theatre team up to support the theatre and arts initiatives in local schools

By Gillian Brunette

Schools in the area and the Algonquin Theatre will both benefit from a raffle to be drawn on Oct. 5.

Tickets are currently on sale at the theatre at all shows and at the box office for $2 each or three tickets for $5.

The first-prize winner will receive a bronze replica of the Tom Thomson statue that sits outside the theatre in the civic centre square. Created by famed Huntsville sculptor Brenda Wainman-Goulet, the prize is valued at $4,500.

The second-place winner will receive two tickets to the entire Huntsville Festival of the Arts lineup in July 2008, a value of about $1,000 . The third prize is four tickets to Lorne Elliott’s show on Nov. 17.

WINNING COMBINATION: Huntsville Festival of the Arts general manager Rob Saunders and Algonquin Theatre manager Karin Terziano have combined forces to raise money for two very important causes; furthering arts education in the schools and purchasing much-needed equipment for the theatre. The draw takes place in October. Tickets are on sale now.

“Tickets have been on sale a little over a month and sales are good,” said theatre manager Karin Terziano.

“We may have future raffles but not with another chance to win a bronze statue of Tom Thomson. It’s a great way to support the theatre and school programs.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has had ongoing involvement with the local public and high school music and arts programs over the years, said festival general manager Rob Saunders.

“Since the opening of the theatre the opportunities for working together have been multiplying. Last year alone we invested more than $12,000 in outreach arts-related programming and we know there were other requests we could not accommodate.”

The festival’s share of the proceeds from the raffle will ensure the viability of the school programs, Saunders continued.

“In the early fall we plan to sit down with representatives from the various schools and develop a wish list of arts-related opportunities that would both help them meet their curriculum needs and be of interest to their students.”

The educational arts initiative also provides a link between elementary and high school students, said Saunders.

“One of the most rewarding presentations we had was an afternoon of music performed by very talented young artists from the high school to an audience of senior public school students. As well as being an afternoon of great entertainment it provided a link for those Grade 8 students who had been considering taking music in Grade 9. Greg Sutherland from Huntsville High has been instrumental in co-ordinating a number of these recent collaborations.”

Tickets will be available for purchase until Oct. 5. The draw will take place during six-time Juno award winner Colin James’ concert, which begins at 8 p.m. at the Algonquin Theatre.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Defending the Caveman is theatre even men will like, Aug. 15-17 in Huntsville

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 8, 2007.)

This one-man show can be compared to Women Fully Clothed with testosterone

Defending the Caveman is the longest-running solo show in Broadway history and it’s coming to Huntsville.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is bringing this one-man phenomenon, seen by more than seven million people in more than 40 countries, to the Algonquin Theatre for three performances Aug. 15 to 17.

The one-man show was written by California comic Rob Becker in 1991 and has been literally touring the world ever since.

Defending the Caveman explains the male mystique and contemporary feminism with great humour. Fresh off the road from packed houses at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, Defending the Caveman is stopping in Huntsville as the show embarks on a cross-country tour.

The play’s premise is that the caveman and cavewoman understood their roles in society and lived in harmony, but that modern man and woman have evolved in totally different ways, yet carry their basic instincts with them.

The show is a hilarious, clever and poignant dissection of human personality, and is not to be missed, no matter what your gender.

Starring in Defending the Caveman is Canada’s own Michael Van Osch. Originally hailing from Waterloo, Ontario, Van Osch graduated from the University of Waterloo in recreation and leisure studies and then did his MBA at Wilfrid Laurier.

STONE-AGE FUN: Michael Van Osch is the Caveman in the hilarious show Defending the Caveman, coming to the Algonquin Theatre Aug. 15 to 17. Defending the Caveman explains the male mystique and contemporary feminism with lots of laughs.

He then went on to pursue a career in the United States and currently lives in New York City when not on the road performing.

Van Osch has studied at the New Actor’s Workshop and HB Studios in New York City. He began his acting career on the stage in Atlanta in productions of Our Town, A Few Good Men, Lost in Yonkers, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream. More recently, Van Osch has appeared in many independent films and commercials as well as the critically acclaimed music video American Dream by Casting Crowns.

Defending the Caveman is co-produced in Canada by Jeffrey Latimer Entertainment and Theater Mogul Productions.

Latimer has created, produced and presented live theatre and events in Canada for the past 15 years including Forever Plaid, STOMP, Forever Tango, Cookin’ At The Cookery and Jacque Brel. Latimer ran the New Yorker Theatre for 11 years and is now operating Toronto’s only commercial cabaret theatre – the 400-seat and 118-seat Diesel Playhouse.

Latimer’s hit show Evil Dead: The Musical is currently playing to sellout crowds in Toronto after a successful off-broadway run last fall.

Defending the Caveman is for everyone who recognizes that there are inherent differences between men and women.

You’ll laugh a lot, but you’ll also see home truths.

All shows for Defending the Caveman begin at 8 p.m. For tickets visit the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, call 789-4975, or buy them online at www.huntsvillefestival.ca.

Popular demand brings three shows back to the Algonquin Theatre stage

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 8, 2007.)

The Celtic Tenors, Lunch at Allen’s and The Arrogant Worms wrap up August for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts

By Gillian Brunette

While celebrating their most successful summer season to date, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts concludes August with the return of three popular groups.

A few tickets are still available for the Celtic Tenors tomorrow night, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. The Tenors played to a sold-out crowd in the fall of 2005 and are considered to be the most successful classical cross-over group to have ever come out of Ireland.

On Friday Aug. 10 some of Canada’s finest individual performers, Marc Jordan, Murray McLaughlin, Ian Thomas and Cindy Church, come together to present the extraordinary musical revue Lunch at Allen’s.

The show is an intimate and humorous performance that all began as a regular get-together at Allen’s in Toronto, with Canadian music icon McLaughlin, and old friends Thomas and Jordan. After adding the voice of Church, “lunch at Allen’s” turned into an outstanding band who performs some of Canada’s (and the world’s) most enjoyed songs from each of these songwriters’ impressive catalogues.

Jordan and Thomas’ songs have been recorded by everyone from Rod Stewart to Bette Midler, and Diana Ross to Santana. McLauchlan’s hits have covered Canadian airwaves from coast to coast. Church’s voice and songs are well known on the folk festival circuit through her solo work and as a member of Quartette with Sylvia Tyson.

Each singer is accompanied by the others on a variety of instruments and vocal harmonies, with laughs and a few tall tales in between.

Enjoy the irreverence of friends who make exceptional music together during a magical Lunch At Allen’s. This is a truly wonderful show that leaves audiences feeling as if they’ve experienced something very special.

Next Tuesday, Aug, 14 the “Clown Princes of Musical Comedy” bring their razor-sharp wit and marvellous musicianship to the Algonquin Theatre stage.

The Worms have performed on three previous occasions at the festival, all resulting in capacity audiences and a great evening’s entertainment.

The Arrogant Worms – Mike McCormick, Chris Patterson and Trevor Strong – began their journey to musical comedy success on campus radio in 1991 in Kingston, Ontario. Those nine listeners were very impressed and the Worms could have retired at the top of their game. However, they kept going, jumping into the frightening world of live shows.

They were quickly abandoned by the nine radio listeners, who preferred not to leave their homes. A new audience was cultivated and the meagre income from those early shows was enough to record their self- titled debut album in 1992. The Arrogant Worms received airplay on national radio in Canada and were soon touring across their vast homeland.

McCormick sings and plays the guitar. He has two degrees but he can’t find them anywhere. Chris Patterson sings and plays the bass. Oh, and he dances. He was turned down for Dancing With The Stars because he was in that grey area between dancer and star.

Trevor Strong sings and plays instruments when he remembers to bring them.

Since their first CD was released the Worms have released nine more independent albums and have consistently topped the sales charts for their distributors. They have sold more than 150,000 albums to date.

However, it is their show that keeps the people coming back for more. The Arrogant Worms have provided tuneful and silly escapism all over North America and Australia in venues of all shapes and sizes, from small clubs to theatres to arenas to Disney to Central Park to the Grand Canyon. All shows begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office, by calling 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca. Tickets will be sold at the door on the night of the show, if available.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Local talent joins jazz superstar Oliver Jones Aug. 5 on the Algonquin Theatre stage

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 1, 2007.)

Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ jazz festival kicks off Aug. 2 with Rick Traplin and Giants of Jazz – and continues through weekend


By Gillian Brunette

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts inaugural jazz festival begins its four-day run tomorrow, Aug. 2, with four evening concerts and several complimentary performances in informal settings around town.

GIANT: Master flugelhorn/trumpet player Guido Basso joins the Giants of Jazz at the Algonquin Theatre tomorrow. Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.

One of the weekend’s highlights will see three former Huntsville Festival of the Arts senior scholarship winners, Ashley Hill, Jamie Bestwick and Dan Neill, along with Huntsville jazz pianist Tim Sullivan, performing on the Algonquin stage on Sunday evening.

“Ashley will be performing three songs at the start of the Oliver Jones performance. After intermission Ashley will sing a solo song to start and then will be joined by the trio for two numbers,” said festival general manager Rob Saunders.

Piano wizard Oliver Jones played to a sold-out crowd at last year’s festival, delivering a memorable evening of unmistakable finesse, lightning-fast technique, and rollicking rhythms.

Jones is one of Canada’s finest musicians and is making another of his rare concert appearances in Huntsville. His career intertwines with the proud history of jazz in his native Montreal, the thriving city that in its heyday also produced Oscar Peterson, Jones’ lifelong friend and continuing inspiration.

Jones was born and raised in Saint Henri, a predominantly working class area of Montreal, several blocks from Peterson. As a young boy he would sit on the Peterson porch listening to the older boy practise. Peterson’s sister Daisy Peterson Sweeney became Jones’ first piano teacher, with lessons continuing for the next 12 years.

Jones was performing publicly at age five, and by the time he was nine he had already made his first nightclub appearance.

Jones’ six-decade musical career has been rich and varied. His classical music education was followed by stints at Montreal’s Café St-Michel, enthralling patrons with his acrobatic piano stunts. From his teens to his early twenties, Jones could play anything from swing to rock-n-roll and this diverse training proved invaluable when, in 1964, the opportunity to become musical director and pianist for Jamaican singer Kenny Hamilton presented itself. Jones, with his wife and young son in tow, moved to Puerto Rico and continued with the Hamilton band for the next 16 years.

In 1980 Jones returned to Montreal, determined to pursue jazz professionally. He started by working regularly at Biddle’s, the now-closed downtown jazz club run by bassist Charlie Biddle. Three years later, after a fortuitous meeting with Justin Time Records founder Jim West, Jones’ dream came true.

Oliver Jones is the proud recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. award, celebrating his contributions to the black community in Canada and in Montreal. In 1993 he received the Order of Québec, the province’s highest honour, and the next year he was awarded the Order of Canada. In November 2005, Jones was honoured in Ottawa by Canada’s Governor General Michaëlle Jean, as a recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for lifetime artistic achievement.

Cuban/Canadian piano wizard Hilario Duran brings his eight-piece salsa band to the Algonquin Theatreon Friday, Aug. 3. Durán is one of the greatest virtuoso jazz pianists to emerge from Havana, and played for nine years with Arturo Sandoval. He has shared the stage with legendary musicians such as the late Dizzy Gillespie and composer/arranger Michael Legrand.

Since his move to Canada, Durán has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene. He is an invaluable member of the jazz faculty at Humber College, acting as both and adjunct piano professor and ensemble director.

Huntsville’s Tobin Spring and Jamie Bestwick have both studied under Durán at Humber.

Durán is currently working as a composer with the classical ensembles of Gryphon Trio, and Quartetto Gelato.

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

July 29 Arts Walk was a fun, sunny success!

(The following photos originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on Aug. 1, 2007.)

AFTERNOON ENTERTAINMENT: At Sunday's Arts Walk, the rhythmic sounds of Adam and Andrew Fisher could be heard throughout Hunters Bay Trail as event-goers enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and the variety of artisans participating in the event, put on by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

JUNIOR DANCERS: The belly dancing workshop put on by instructor Emilie Mimra (back) attracted dancers of all ages, including Rachel Wilding (left) and Keira Brizebois (right). The workshop took place at Avery Beach Park Sunday as part of the Arts Walk put on by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Festival’s 15th celebration includes All That Jazz, a new venture beginning Aug. 2

(The following Trumpeter column originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 25, 2007.)

By Bruce Gowan


As a special feature of its 15th season, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts is launching a jazz festival in addition to its traditional summer program.

This inaugural festival will run for four days from Aug. 2 to 5. The lineup includes some of Canada’s finest jazz performers — the Giants of Jazz, with special guest Guido Basso, Hilario Duran & Havana Remembered, Molly Johnson and the return of festival favorite Oliver Jones.

In addition, jazz can be enjoyed in a number of venues throughout the community.

Expansion or alteration of a successful endeavor is always a challenge, and our decision to increase our performance schedule certainly required careful thought and planning.

Bruce Gowan is an active member of the Hunstsville Festival of the Arts board of directors.

Each year when the board of directors of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts meet to ponder the format for the coming summer season, the suggestion of an all-jazz lineup, similar to many other festivals across Canada, is inevitably tabled for discussion. The consensus opinion always determined that it is important to continue to offer a wide range of artistic options to hopefully satisfy the diverse tastes of the residents of and visitors to Huntsville and district.

This past year the board made the bold leap forward to pursue the option of a separate jazz festival, while keeping our traditional format in place.

With this decision in hand, our first task was to secure a financial partner for this venture. As TD Canada Trust is a major supporter of Canadian jazz festivals, our first initiative was to contact Will Gibson, a local manager for TD Canada Trust and a strong supporter of our festival.

When apprised of our plans Will set up a meeting at TD’s corporate offices for our pitch. We (Kareen Burns, myself and Rob Saunders) headed off to Toronto armed with a tentative outline of our first year’s program and lots of information relating to the history, financial performance, and community involvement of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts.

The meeting went well and we were pleased to hear that the head office of TD Canada Trust has been monitoring our festival for several years. We received enough encouragement to begin the process of planning the jazz festival (securing performers and theatre dates etc.) while we waited for the approval process to work its way through the committee decision tree at the bank.

In the spring we were pleased to get the news that TD had agreed to be a presenter for the 2007 Festival.

We are launching this new initiative with four keynote performances; however our vision for the future has no boundaries. With the continued support of our patrons and sponsors we would, in future years, like to expand this program to include numerous outdoor presentations and activities – perhaps even in our new downtown waterfront park.

Arts Walk returns to Avery Beach Park on Sunday and jazz festival is next weekend

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 25, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

Sunday’s Last Night at the Proms at the Algonquin Theatre may have heralded the conclusion of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ core summer season, but there is still so much yet to come.

Stina Nyquist’s The Lost Chord opens tomorrow, Thursday, for a three-night run. On Sunday, July 29, the popular Arts Walk, a multi-arts experience in a natural setting, returns. It will be at Avery Beach Park, running from noon to 3 p.m. along the beautiful Hunters Bay trail.

Starting at the Avery Beach pavilion and stretching westward to the causeway, visitors will experience painters working in various mediums, stone carvers, creative knitters and crafters.

Rudy Stade will display his furniture from the earth that has been installed at various locations in the downtown. Music along the trail will be provided by Tobin Spring on guitar and Andrew Fisher on drums.

While this is not an arts and craft sale, the artists are happy to talk about their craft and explain some of their techniques as they create. Admission is free.

The festival’s inaugural jazz festival kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 2 running through to Aug. 5. It promises a stellar lineup of some of the finest jazz musicians in the country playing evening concerts.

During the day jazz will play in a number of settings throughout the community.
Leading off on Thursday night is a great evening of traditional jazz, featuring the Giants of Jazz. Comprising some of Canada’s finest jazz players, Don Thompson, Dave Young, Pat LaBarbera, Reg Schwager and Archie Alleyne among them, the giants will play an evening of jazz standards and some original material that is sure to satisfy the most ardent fan.

Special guest Guido Basso will lend his expertise on the trumpet and flugelhorn, ensuring the evening is a memorable one.

The next evening Friday, Aug. 3, Cuban/Canadian piano wizard Hilario Duran will bring his eight-piece salsa band to the Algonquin Theatre.

This ensemble produced the CD Havana Remembered in 2003 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 Sandoval and has shared the stage with legendary musicians such as the late Dizzy Gillespie and composer/arranger Michael Legrand.

On Saturday, Aug. 4 the festival presents acclaimed vocalist Molly Johnson. Johnson has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s greatest voices, known for her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards. Opening the show will be Micah Barnes on piano and vocals. Barnes has established a solid reputation in the jazz field after a lengthy stint with Canada’s top a capella group The Nylons.

REAL DEAL: Whether rocking from coast-to-coast as a pop artist or seducing patrons with her luscious interpretations of jazz blues and standards, Molly Johnson is the real deal. Don’t miss her concert on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Algonquin Theatre.

Closing this inaugural jazz festival will be piano wizard Oliver Jones. Jones performed to a sold-out crowd at last year’s festival and delivered a memorable evening of unmistakable finesse, lightning fast technique and rollicking rhythms.

While the focus will be on the evening concerts, there will be other opportunities to enjoy the festival. On Thursday, Aug. 2 Erick Traplin will bring Junior Jazz to the Royal Canadian Legion as part of the Huntsville Public Library’s children’s summer series.

Traplin plays guitar, has a great voice and brings a tub-full of fun and surprises, guaranteed to spark the child in all of us. Tickets for this show are only $3 and are available at the library or at the door.

On Friday, Aug. 3 well known entertainer Bill Stewart will bring his jazz guitar to the Kent Park gazebo from 2 to 3:30 p.m., returning again on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until noon.

On Saturday afternoon enjoy the sounds of the Muskoka Concert Band from 1 to 3 p.m outside the town hall.

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

The Lost Chord being presented July 26-28

(The following article and photo appeared in the on-line version of The Huntsville Forester, July 25, 2007.)

(Photo courtesy of Muskoka Heritage Place)

Stina Nyquist's new play tells the story of Joseph Tapley, an accomplished singer/actor in the early 1900s, who gave up his career in England to become a farmer in the Canadian wilderness.

Based on historical fact, the play is a fictional drama of the human dilema and struggle to survive, between Mr. Tapley and 'E' his wife. Historical information was provided by his family who still reside on the Tapley homestead on Lake of Bays, now known as Bondi Village.

Sixth novel marathon launched on July 20

(The following photo originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 25, 2007.)

WRITERS' BLOCK: Some of the writers in this year’s Muskoka Novel Marathon gather for a photo at The Hideaway on Friday before embarking on a long weekend of pounding out words in the hope of producing a winning manuscript. All proceeds from the event go toward Muskoka Literacy Council programs. [NOTE: The Muskoka Novel Marathon was begun by Martin Avery and Mel Malton, under the Huntsville Festival of the Arts banner. Although the organizational torch has been passed to the Muskoka Literacy Council, it is still an official HFA fringe event. This year, the marathon took place July 20-23 at the Learning Centre; the resulting manuscripts are currently in the hands of the judges and awards will be given out at a later date.]

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Mendelson Joe to kick off for Hawksley Workman’s shows

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 18, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

Emsdale painter, author and recording artist Mendelson Joe will open for Hawksley Workman at both of his two concerts on Saturday, July 21. While the 8 p.m. show is sold out, there are some tickets still available for the 2 p.m. performance.

Joe has enjoyed a diverse career since 1968 and the forming of his and Mike McKenna’s band called McKenna Mendelson Mainline. In December of that year, when the wave of English bands was coming to North America, McKenna Mendelson Mainline moved to England to pursue a record deal. They signed with Liberty/United Artists in the spring of 1969 and started working the English circuit, following acts Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin.

The group opened for major acts such as Rod Steward, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix, then in April of 1969 recorded Stink.

They returned to Canada shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, Allied Records released the demos completed in September of 1968, promoted as McKenna Mendelson Blues.

Mendelson left the band in January 1970 and in the spring of that year joined up with Tony Nolasco and Zeke Sheppard to start a trio called Mainline. They brought with them the novelty of a heavy blues/rock band, premiering at the Hawks Nest in Toronto. McKenna joined the group for the large outdoor festival Scarborough Fair. The impact was huge and Mainline became a four-piece band.

In March of 1973 McKenna, Nolasco, Harrison and King Biscuit Boy (Richard Newell) got together and performed at several selected venues. They opened for Rory Gallager at Toronto’s Colonial and headlined a sellout crowd of 10,000 at Ontario Place. In June, Mendelson replaced King Biscuit Boy for their second Australian tour, this time as a headliner. It was wildly successful.

Joe Mendelson re-named himself Mendelson Joe and has had a prolific independent recording career that has spanned five decades. His latest album Everyone Needs a Pimp was released in May 2007.

OPENING ACT: Canadian singer, artist and author Mendelson Joe will open for Hawksley Workman’s two performances on July 21.

In 1975 Joe rescued some derelict paints from the garage and tried painting “to see what it was like.” A distinct style soon evolved and today Joe’s paintings are internationally recognized as outstanding, unique examples of contemporary Canadian art.

Also an accomplished writer, Joe expects his fourth book, Joe’s Politicians, to be published in early 2008.

The cost for the Hawksley Workman/Mendelson Joe concert is $35 for adults and $25 for youth under 18. Tickets can be purchased at the Algonquin Theatre box office, 789-4975, or online at www.algonquintheatre.ca.

Thirty writers taking part in this year’s novel marathon

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 18, 2007.)

Seventy-two-hour marathon will raise money for adult literacy initiatives in Huntsville

By Gillian Brunette

On Friday, July 20 at 8 p.m., a bell will be rung at the Adult Education Centre on Centre Street, marking the beginning of the sixth annual Huntsville Festival of the Arts Muskoka Novel Marathon (MNM).

Over 72 hours, a diverse group of writers will pound out as many words as possible in the hope that when the closing bell rings at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 23, their manuscript will be one of three chosen to be sent to a publisher for review and possible publication.

The organizers have decided this year that with so many participants it will be difficult to choose just one winner from manuscripts that are intended for diverse audiences. To that end there will be awards presented in three categories – adult, young adult and juvenile.

WORDS OF INSPIRATION: Muskoka Novel Marathon veteran Paula Boon (left) gives some advice to rookie marathoner Tracy Nita Pender. Both Forester staffers will be writing away at the Adult Education Centre this weekend as part of the Muskoka Literacy Council's annual fundraiser.

The marathon’s rules are strict. Writers may bring a one-page draft outline only. It is not a time for writer’s block. As noted last year by participant Karen Wehrstein, caffeinated beverages are crucial, while sleeping and eating are optional.

What began five years ago with just three writers has blossomed into an event with 30 participants. Muskoka mystery writer Mel Malton, one of the original three, launched her novel for young readers The Drowned Violin (which was conceived during the first MNM) on the eve of last year’s event. To date, several novels begun at the MNM have been published.

This year’s opening ceremonies are being held at the Hideaway Pub and will celebrate past and present MNM writers and their writings. A Muskoka Novel Marathoner’s Bookstore will offer their books for sale.

As well, there will be a special screening of Flipbook, a four-minute film based on last year’s event, co-produced by writers Sue Kenney and Bruce Pirrie with a Bravo/FACT grant supported by Bravo! New Style Arts Channel. Copies of the DVD will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the evening is open to the general public. There is a cover charge of $5.

Each marathon participant will be collecting pledges to benefit programs offered by the Muskoka Literacy Council (MLC) in Huntsville to adults with educational barriers.

“The numbers are staggering – more than 30 per cent of adults nationally and higher in the Muskoka region are considered to have literacy barriers,” said Susan Lowe, MLC president.

“Our organization provides a safe and sensitive learning environment for adults over the age of 19, or teens younger who have been out of school for a year.”

MLC programs provide adults with confidential, one-to-one and small group learning in numeracy, literacy, computers, pre-employment and life skills. Volunteer tutors are committed to ensuring that their students acquire the life skills and knowledge necessary to participate fully in their workplace and community. A recent partnership with Georgian College enables adults to access academic upgrading at MLC for community college entry.

For more information on the MNM, call 789-1850 or e-mail literacy@vianet.ca.

Festival enters its third great week

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 18, 2007.)

By Gillian Brunette

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is enjoying one of its most successful seasons in its 15-year history.

“I think there is no doubt we will have our highest sales levels from this summer’s shows.

“We knew going in we had a fairly popular lineup and by and large our patrons have supported us,” said festival general manager Rob Saunders.

(photo by Jon Snelson)
BOARD TALK: Members of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts board of directors unveil the new banner that will be seen advertising various festival-sponsored events around town this summer. From left back are: Suzanne Riverin, Bruce Gowan, Susan Lowe, Kareen Burns (president), Diane Thoms, Gillian Brunette, June Salmon, Stina Nyquist and Rob Saunders (general manager). Front row from left: Sharon Stock Feren, Pam Smyth, Carol Gibson and Jon Snelson.


He continued: “This being our 15th season, we knew we wanted it to be special. Our board decided to bring back some of our most popular performers from past years, as well as introducing some first-time festival artists. Lucky for us the opportunity to present both Jim Cuddy and Bruce Cockburn just happened to work out with their schedules.”

The last week of the festival continues in the same great vein with tenor Michael Burgess taking the Algonquin Theatre stage on Friday, July 20. There are still some tickets available for this show.

Already a household name to fans of Canadian theatre, Burgess is rapidly becoming just that on the popular music scene.

He is probably best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, but Burgess has performed a variety of roles on stage from Shakespeare to O’Neill and Cole Porter to Stephen Sondheim. Last year, he recorded his first solo album, A Place In The Sun, which features pop music and renditions of songs by Freddie Mercury, Roch Voisine and others. The album is doing so well that Burgess is in the midst of completing his second solo effort, this time a collection of Christmas songs.

In addition to his music, the Regina, Saskatchewan-born Burgess has began to carve a niche for himself on the small screen. Guest appearances on television programs such as E.N.G., Street Legal, Friday the 13th, Psi Factor and Earth: Final Conflict have helped to make him quite the in-demand actor these days; he also started working on a feature film in New York last month.

Tickets for Michael Burgess are $35 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.
On Sunday, July 22, the popular Last Night at the Proms featuring the Huntsville Festival Orchestra returns due to popular demand.

This performance will also feature the Huntsville Community Choir and local singers Sherisse Stevens and Sean Connon. Connon will be performing the Celtic folk song Danny Boy.

There are still some tickets available for Last Night at the Proms. The cost is $42 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.

Huntsville playwright Stina Nyquist’s latest offering The Lost Chord wraps up July with three performances of her turn-of-the-century fictional drama taking place at the Algonquin Theatre July 26 to 28.

To celebrate its 15th great year, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts is bringing a four-night jazz festival to Huntsville in August.

“Last year we ended our summer in July as the theatre was booked in August by local theatre groups. This year with our Jazz Festival and groups like the Celtic Tenors and Lunch at Allens, I believe we will continue to see large audiences throughout August,” Saunders said.

Concluding, Saunders said the success of this year’s festival speaks well to the future of both the festival and the Algonquin Theatre.

“I think it’s great to see so many new faces coming into the theatre. At each show you hear people talking about how this is their first time in the theatre and for the most part their comments are very positive.”

(photo by Jon Snelson)
GARDEN TUNES: Bill Stewart and his longtime partner Jo-Ann Robert draw a large audience to the garden at Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant on Sunday. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts’ Jazz in the Garden was a huge success, with dozens of people showing up to listen to live music under sunny skies.

Brochures listing all events, can be found at various outlets around the area. More information can be found at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Tickets are available from the festival website, at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, or by calling 705-789-4975.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Muskoka lore explored in Nyquist’s new play The Lost Chord, on stage July 26-28

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 11, 2007.)

Story based on a real British actor and singer who swapped fame for a farmer’s life in Canada.

By Gillian Brunette

Those who have seen one of Stina Nyquist’s many plays about pioneer life in Muskoka will be thrilled to know she has a new story to tell.

The Huntsville playwright has sharpened her quill as it were and penned The Lost Chord, which the North Muskoka Players will stage at the Algonquin Theatre on July 26-28 at 8 p.m.

Based on historical fact, the play is a fictional drama of the human dilemma and a family’s struggle to survive in Muskoka at the turn of the 20th century.

FIELD OF DREAMS: In rehearsal for Stina Nyquist’s latest play The Lost Chord are, from left, Gregg Evans (Joseph Tapley), Sherisse Stevens (Elizabeth Tapley) and Richard Wattling (Al, a farmhand). The Huntsville Festival of the Arts drama plays at the Algonquin Theatre July 26 to 28.

British actor and singer Joseph Tapley was well known in England during the height of the Gilbert and Sullivan era. He was a student of the illustrious Sir Arthur Sullivan and mixed with the social and cultural elite. He sang for royalty, including Queen Victoria, and also performed in Australia, where he met and married a young, beautiful actress who sadly died in childbirth.

Tapley remarried a charwoman well below his class and fathered two sons. When illness struck and his doctor advised him to give up his career and become a gentleman farmer, Tapley instead took his family across the Atlantic and bought a rocky, run-down farm in Lake of Bays, then a Muskoka wilderness.

The year was 1905.

His talent was definitely not in agriculture and Tapley yearned for England and the theatre, imagining a theatrical spectacle on the shores of Lake of Bays and dreaming that his sons would one day inherit his musical mantel.

Meanwhile, his down-to-earth wife was left to become the proud tiller of the soil.

While sharing their love for their children and treating each other with respect and loyalty, the couple is separated by class, by Tapley’s all-consuming passion for his art, his long absences from home and by the shadow of his first wife. Elizabeth Tapley finds support in an earthy and attractive farmhand named Al. He is a complete contrast to the sophisticated actor and becomes Elizabeth’s jack-of-all-trades and her friend. . . perhaps even a little more.

Nyquist has chosen her cast well from a plethora of great Muskoka actors. Gregg Evans is Joseph Tapley and Sherisse Stevens (who is also the play’s musical director) is his wife Elizabeth. Richard Wattling is Al, while Austin Simonett and Billy Wray play the two Tapley sons Percy and Douglas.

Tayler Calleja and Kristin Dalziel play the Tapleys’ daughter Violet as a young girl and a young woman respectively.

The remaining cast members are Kenneth Donald, Troy Palmer, Gary Fisher, Meg Giller and Maureen Van Lare.

The play is both serious drama and comedy, part truth, part fiction, said the show’s producer Pam Smyth.

“Although the play is based on real people in a real time period it is, at heart, a story of human dilemma, conflict and resolution, which is of course from the imagination of the playwright.

“As in any good theatre we as an audience want to be able to get into the hearts and minds of the characters and share their challenges.”

Much of the background material for the play comes from Tapley’s grandchild Nancy, who with her brother Brian, is the owner and manager of the original Tapley farm, now called Bondi Village Lodge and Cottages.

The actual silk suit costume worn by Tapley when he appeared on stage before Queen Victoria in Australia around 1890 is currently on display in the performing arts section of the Muskoka Creative exhibit at Muskoka Heritage Place.

Tickets for The Lost Chord are $22 for adults and $12 for youth under 18 and are available from the festival website, www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca, at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, or by calling 705-789-4975.