Classics, comedy, blues and jazz are some of the treats in the upcoming festival line-up

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 8, 2009.)

Bowser and Blue perform July 10, Downchild Blues Band returns July 15, with classical music in between

By Gillian Brunette

Some of the best-loved pieces of music have been borrowed from the great classical composers and turned into film scores.

Tunes such as Strauss’ Blue Danube (Austin Powers), Haydn’s Symphony 101, 2nd Movement (Prince of Tides), Mendelssohn’s Wedding March (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and Debussy’s Clair De Lune (Seven Years In Tibet), to name but a few, have introduced the classics to the masses.

An opportunity to hear these wonderful pieces of music, plus six other great scores, takes place on July 11 at the Algonquin Theatre, when the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) presents Classics at the Movies with maestro Kerry Stratton and the 40-piece festival orchestra.

IN CONCERT: Maestro Kerry Stratton directs the festival orchestra at the Algonquin Theatre in 2008. The orchestra returns on Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m. with Classics at the Movies. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

In the second half, Beethoven’s Emperor concerto will be performed by Belgrade-born American pianist Zora Mihailovich. Recognized internationally as a recitalist, orchestral soloist, recording artist and educator, she has performed in London’s Royal Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Brussels’ Conservatoire Royal.

“The festival orchestra has been a cornerstone of the Huntsville festival since year one,” said HFA general manager Rob Saunders. “Under the baton of Kerry Stratton, an internationally recognized conductor, this group of professional musicians plays regularly with some of the finest symphonies in the province. This year’s program will combine some very recognizable repertoire with an exceptional display of virtuosity through the piano concerto.”

The previous evening, July 10, the music and comedy duo Bowser and Blue return to the Algonquin Theatre stage.

George Bowser and Rick Blue have been writing and performing music and comedy together since 1978. Colorectal surgeons around the world are familiar with them through the song Working Where the Sun Don’t Shine, which was first heard on Madly Off In All Directions in 1997.

The duo appeared at the 2008 edition of the Just For Laughs comedy festival with Joan Rivers and many other fine comedians. That performance was telecast in January of this year on CBC television. Bowser and Blue hail from Montreal where they have recorded 10 CDs on their own You Guys label, and four on Montreal’s Justin Time label.

On Sunday, July 12, the popular afternoon of Jazz in the Garden returns to Spencer’s Tall Trees Restaurant. From 2 to 4 p.m. enjoy the beautiful gardens of Tall Trees, while smooth jazz sounds fill the air. Tickets are $15 and include tempting desserts, snacks and refreshing drinks. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair.

Back by popular demand, the six-piece Downchild Blues Band returns to the Huntsville stage after their ‘raise the roof’ performance in 2008.

It’s been nearly 40 years since Donnie (Mr. Downchild) Walsh and his now-deceased brother, Hock Walsh, formed the group that would be the inspiration behind the world famous Blues Brothers. Downchild was nominated for Blues Album of The Year at the 2005 Juno Awards, and lauded as Entertainers of the Year in 2007 at the Maple Blues Awards. Walsh has kept the music alive, and Downchild features some of the most well-respected musicians in the country, who have performed together for over 15 years.

This includes silky smooth singer and harmonica player Chuck Jackson, tenor sax player Pat Carey, beat man Mike Fitzpatrick on drums, rhythm captain Gary Kendall on bass, and former American supergroup rocker Michael Fonfara (of Rhinoceros fame) on keyboards.

Tickets for these and all other main stage performances are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, by dialing 789-4975, or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Festival fringe events continue this week

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 8, 2009.)

In addition to the many mainstage concerts taking place at the Algonquin Theatre as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HFA) summer season, there are ongoing fringe events, which for the most part are free courtesy of the HFA.

Over the coming week, the Music at Noon series continues at Trinity United Church with the Olde Tyme Gospel Band (July 8), John Langille and Bob Attfield on organ and piano (July 9), Muskoka Community Band (July 10), Trillium Jazz Guys (July 13), soprano Bridget Mantha with Broadway show tunes (July 14), Marilyn de Lang and Brenda Smallwood on piano and flute (July 15), soprano Victoria Thompson and pianist John French (July 16), and Steven McKean on oboe and Marion Haggart on piano (July 17).

Don’t miss the outdoor theatre extravaganza for all ages, presented by Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival and taking place at the town dock and River Mill Park on July 10 and 11, beginning at 6 p.m.

For a fun and totally different night of entertainment, join celebrated composer Robert Bruce on July 13 at the Algonquin Theatre at 8 p.m. Bruce will recreate the golden days of silent film by performing live original scores to accompany classic 1920s films.

The focus that evening will be on Buster Keaton and include one of his funniest works, titled The Cameraman.

To learn more about Bruce visit http://www.robertbrucemusic.com/live_music_silent_film.php.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a correction to the information in the festival’s brochure with respect to the two dock concerts. The Muskoka Concert Band will play at the Port Sydney dock on July 14 (not July 16 as printed) and at the Dwight Beach dock on July 16 (not July 14).

Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Huntsville Festival of the Arts season opens Friday with high-energy Celtic theme

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 1, 2009.)

Johannes Linstead performs Saturday, showcasing similar musical stylings to festival favorite, Jesse Cook

By Gillian Brunette

The fabulous Fitzgerald family, featuring four of Canada’s finest young champion fiddlers and stepdancers, accompanied by their parents on keyboard and bass guitar, is the opening concert for the 2009 Huntsville Festival of the Arts summer season.

Everything Fitz takes the Algonquin Theatre stage this Friday, July 3, at 8 p.m. Theatre-goers may remember the young fiddlers and dancers from their charity benefit concerts here in 2006. The shows were virtual sellouts, and the festival is confident the group’s appeal will bring many of the same people back.

Everything Fitz offers a high-energy stage show featuring Canadian fiddle music that incorporates the sounds of East Coast, French Canadian, Texas-style and old-time music, combined with Ottawa Valley-style stepdancing. The band members, considered to be the rising stars of the fiddle and stepdancing world, have been show openers for such international stars as Ashley MacIsaac and Natalie MacMaster, and now take their own action-packed show across Canada. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth 18 and under.

Lovers of guitar and Latin rhythms will enjoy Johannes Linstead, who performs at the Algonquin Theatre this Saturday, July 4, beginning at 8 p.m. Fans of festival favourite Jesse Cook should take particular note, as Linstead’s sound and stylings are very similar.

A hugely talented multi-instrumentalist, Linstead plays guitar, piano, mandolin, bouzouki, bass, wood flute and various percussion styles. On his recordings, he is backed up by world-class musicians from countries as diverse as Cuba, Colombia, Syria, Greece, Mexico, Russia, India and the Ukraine.

Linstead’s live performances are nothing short of phenomenal, bursting with tropical sounds. Audiences are moved to dance and clap along to the music. In concert, as on his recordings, Linstead strives to create a festive mood, leaving plenty of room for lightning-fast guitar improvisations and spicy percussion solos on bongos, congas, timbale and doumbek.

Linstead is appearing with a solid six-piece band of exceptional musicians and will be joined on stage by a flamenco dancer, who will interpret Linstead’s music, adding both passion and flair to the performance. Tickets are $32 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.

The Metropolitan Silver Band, a brass band in the English tradition, appears at the Algonquin Theatre on Wednesday, July 8, at 8 p.m. Using only the instruments of the brass and percussion families, the band has been based at the Metropolitan United Church in downtown Toronto since 1934.

The group’s repertoire spans all genres written and transcribed for brass band. Classical, swing, pop, traditional and show tunes are among the selections for their fun-filled, 75th anniversary tour summer concerts. Along with the delightful Scottish flair of baritone Malcolm Sinclair, the band is sure to delight every audience. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.

For those looking for some comedic relief, the very funny duo Bowser and Blue return to Huntsville on July 10. Whether being politically correct (or as the case may be, incorrect), this satirical pair mix insightful observations and exceptional musicianship to bring laughter to all. Tickets are $32 for adults and $20 for youth under 18.

Another great evening of music is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, when the 40-piece professional festival orchestra, under the direction of Kerry Stratton, returns with Classics at the Movies. Stratton will present classical scores used in a number of well-known films, culminating with Beethoven’s Emperor piano concerto performed by pianist Zora Mihailovich.

More information and/or tickets are available at the Algonquin Theatre box office on Main Street, by phoning 789-4975 or online at www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Fringe events offer an eclectic mixture

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 1, 2009.)

Popular Music at Noon series will last three weeks

During the month of July, the Huntsville Festival of the Arts presents events throughout the community geared to satisfy all tastes. For the most part, they are offered at no cost to the patron. Next week’s lineup is a great example of this fringe program.

Kicking off a great week of family entertainment, the annual Art Splash takes place on Sunday, July 5 at the Huntsville town dock. Running from noon to 3 p.m. and hosted by the staff of Camp Tawingo, Art Splash promises a fun-filled afternoon of interactive arts and crafts for kids of all ages.

On Monday, July 6, Music at Noon – a series of half-hour, mid-day free musical offerings at Trinity United Church – begins with The Larks, an a cappella female choir directed by Sherisse Stevens.

JUST GREIGHT: Members of the Just 8 jazz vocal group, with musical director George Kadwell at the organ, performed at Trinity United Church last summer during the popular Music at Noon series. The mid-day concerts begin again July 6. [Photo by Jon Snelson.]

Also on July 6, the first of two movie offerings will be screened at the Capitol Theatre, beginning at 4 p.m. Titled Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould, Francis Girard’s compelling film is a visual and aural feast. Colm Feore, in the lead role as the pianist, captures the theatricality, puckishness, loneliness and determination that defined Gould’s persona. Cost is $8.

The second movie presentation, Live Music/Classic Films, will be screened at the Algonquin Theatre on Monday, July 13, at 8 p.m. Celebrated composer Robert Bruce recreates the golden days of silent film by performing live original scores on the Algonquin Theatre’s grand piano to accompany classic 1920s films. The focus will be on Buster Keaton and include one of his funniest works, The Cameraman.

Music at Noon continues on Tuesday, July 7, with the handbell duo Lynne Godfrey and Verna Stephenson.

On Wednesday, July 8, the mid-day treat features gospel/bluegrass music from the Olde Tyme Gospel Band. Then, on Thursday, July 9, Trinity United Church’s musical director John Langille takes a seat at the organ, accompanied by Bob Atfield on piano. The week wraps up with the Muskoka Community Band, directed by Jordan Riley, on Friday, July 10.

Also on July 10 and 11, the second annual Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival arrives in town. This outdoor theatre extravaganza is a one-of-a kind event that will feature giant puppets, stilt walkers, acrobats, modern dancers and much more. The event begins at 6 p.m. with free arts activities for youth, followed by the feature performance at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, sit back and be entertained in Huntsville’s beautiful waterfront park. Admission is by donation.

Continuing throughout the month are many other fringe events, such as two dock concerts with the Muskoka Concert Band, one in Dwight and one in Port Sydney, on July 14 and 16 respectively, the eighth annual Muskoka Novel Marathon, taking place at the Muskoka Literacy Council from July 17 to 20 and the Writers' Cafe at the Hideaway Pub, beginning at 7 p.m. on July 21. The popular Arts Walk returns on July 26 at the new River Mill Park, from noon to 3 p.m.

Two new endeavours will also take place this month. "Threshold" is a public art installation that will be found at three locations: the Trinity United Church grounds, the Hunters Bay Trail and Main Street. Art will be created live on Main Street on July 30, beginning at 11 a.m. This will be followed by a charity art auction at 3 p.m.

For more on this year’s festival lineup, pick up a brochure around town or visit www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.

Writers unite for annual novel marathon

(The following article originally appeared in The Huntsville Forester on July 1, 2009.)

By Laura MacLean

It’s been described as similar to a retreat for writers, but it has a competitive edge. The Muskoka Literacy Council (MLC) is getting into novel marathon mode as the date for the annual Muskoka Novel Marathon rapidly approaches.

And, if there’s one thing MLC president Susan Lowe knows for sure about the event, which kicks off on Friday, July 17, at 8 p.m., and runs until Monday, July 20, at 8 p.m., at the MLC building, it’s that it won’t take long before newcomers start to feel right at home.

“I think what’s so neat about it is the comraderie of the writers,” said Lowe. “They’re there to win but also support one and other. Newcomers don’t feel like newcomers for long. The veterans are welcoming. The writers share ideas and support each other and, at the same time, the writers are supporting readers.”

Over the course of the three days, participating writers attempt to hammer out as much of a novel as they can. Some opt to bring material they’ve been working on, and others, who wish to enter the contest, take a stab at starting something fresh and new. Many of the writers will head home to catch a couple of winks after spending the entire day writing, but the novel marathon has also seen many diehards who barely sleep during the three days.

After all the submitted work has been judged, the MLC organizes a celebration in late September to reconvene and share the news of marathon winners. Usually a team of five judges read all of the manuscripts. Winners are sent to publishers for review.

“We have 25 people signed up to participate so far,” said Lowe, adding that the novel marathon can accommodate 35 writers. “Last year, we had 27, so it’s grown again this year. I think the highlight of this marathon will be the story relay.”

SITE COMMANDER: Steve Taunton uses his creative flare to design the story relay website that will tie into the Muskoka Literacy Council’s upcoming Muskoka Novel Marathon. The public will have the opportunity to contribute to the story relay by visiting two websites that will be up and running from July 5 to 20. [Photo by Laura MacLean.]

Last year was the first time the MLC introduced the story relay and three writers contributed beginnings and endings for stories on the Huntsville Forester’s website. Celebrity writers – local author Mel Malton, Huntsville native and award-winning journalist Roy MacGregor and children’s author Robert Munsch – wrote the beginnings to three different stories. The public was also invited to participate by simply adding a word or a phrase to the stories.

This year, explained Lowe, the public will have the opportunity to contribute to the story relay by visiting two websites that will be up and running from July 5 to 20. Last year, participation was by donation only and, this year, there is the option of participating without donating as well.

Linda McLean, a local singer/songwriter who has garnered international acclaim, will be providing the beginning and ending for the Huntsville Online version (www.huntsvilleonline.com) and MacGregor has been invited back to contribute the beginning and ending of the MLC’s website version (www.simcoemediagroup.com/relay/).

“It gives those people who want to write the opportunity to do so without having to spend time actually at the marathon,” said Lowe.

Since the marathon’s inception seven years ago, writers have helped raise more than $30,000 for MLC through pledges they collect from friends, family and co-workers. (EDITOR'S NOTE: The Muskoka Novel Marathon was begun by Martin Avery and Mel Malton, originally as part of the Huntsville Festival of the Arts; it gradually evolved into a key annual fundraising endeavor for the MLC.)

The $45 registration fee goes toward the cost of organizing the event – snacks, beverages, copying charges, welcome packages, paper, postage, envelopes for the registration packages etc. All of the pledges collected go directly towards student resources – print and technology.

For more information, contact Susan Lowe at the Muskoka Literacy Council at 705-789-1850 or e-mail her at lowes.atthefarm@sympatico.ca.