This Huntsville Festival of the Arts blog is the online version of a column by the same name, "The Trumpeter," which appears in The Huntsville Forester each month, usually during the last week. We decided to use the same name because the blog will include the newspaper columns, among other things, and because the intent for both forums is the same – to provide information about the Huntsville Festival of the Arts beyond merely promoting upcoming shows.
The name also has historical significance for our organization. "The Trumpeter" was used for an earlier Huntsville Festival of the Arts newspaper column and, since the July 2007 season will be our 15th year of celebrating the arts in Muskoka, a touch of history seems appropriate.
In the past decade and a half, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts has grown beyond the original summer series of performances, staged mainly in the Grandview Resort recreation complex. It has bloomed into a pre-eminent promoter the arts in Muskoka, hosting shows throughout the year in addition to the core festival in July. And, with the construction of the Algonquin Theatre, there is now a properly equipped venue and no longer a need to oust athletes in favour of artists. This summer's festival will run during the first three weeks of July, as usual, with performances primarily hosted at Huntsville's new downtown theatre.
The 2007 festival program is still being put together but, it's safe to say, there will be something for everyone. There will be an eclectic selection of musical presentations, as well as other entertainment and some participatory art activities. Many popular Huntsville Festival of the Arts features from previous years will be back this July – such as the Arts Splash, Jazz on the Water, Music at Noon, Jazz in the Garden, the Poetry Cafe, the Muskoka Novel Marathon and Last Night at the Proms. Some musicians will be performing in Huntsville for the first time and others will be returning to our welcoming stage.
Until the summer line-up is finalized, those wishing to support the Huntsville Festival of the Arts should plan to attend our May Marche on May 25, to be hosted at Huntsville's Deerhurst Resort again this year. Money raised at this event assists our charitable organization in providing top-notch entertainment and in promoting the arts in our community. And, this annual gala is always a lot of fun, whether you participate in the silent auction or just munch on the gourmet food and beverage offerings. The artwork created for the cover of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts 2007 brochure will also be officially unveiled.
Be sure to check the online Trumpeter for more information about upcoming Huntsville Festival of the Arts shows and other projects. And, watch for the next Trumpeter column in an upcoming edition of The Huntsville Forester.
Trumpeting the arts,
Jenny Cressman
Huntsville Festival of the Arts board member
