CORAL FM 2013 ARCHIVES
Stratford Festival Podcasts
Brian Tree -Stratford Festival Stage Veteran
Brian Tree - Photo David Hou
About Brian ......
24th season: Elbow in Measure for Measure, Melvil in Mary Stuart and Gratiano in Othello. Stratford: Pisanio (Cymbeline), Dubois (The Misanthrope), Old Shepherd (The Winter’s Tale), Adam (As You Like It), Wasp (Bartholomew Fair), Erronius (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Costard (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Touchstone (As You Like It), Stephano (The Tempest), Joxer Daly (Juno and the Paycock), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank), Mr. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Dolly Spanker (London Assurance), Oswald (King Lear), Peter Quince (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Elsewhere: Jimmy (The Pitmen Painters), Theatre Aquarius; Michael (Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me), Kemp (Vigil), Tarragon Theatre; Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Canadian Stage; Harry (The Sum of Us), Belfry Theatre; Jim (Passion), Grand Theatre; the Player (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead), Touchmark. Film/TV: Billable Hours, La Femme Nikita, Traders, Forever Knight, Street Legal; eight productions of A Taste of Shakespeare.
24th season: Elbow in Measure for Measure, Melvil in Mary Stuart and Gratiano in Othello. Stratford: Pisanio (Cymbeline), Dubois (The Misanthrope), Old Shepherd (The Winter’s Tale), Adam (As You Like It), Wasp (Bartholomew Fair), Erronius (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Costard (Love’s Labour’s Lost), Touchstone (As You Like It), Stephano (The Tempest), Joxer Daly (Juno and the Paycock), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank), Mr. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Dolly Spanker (London Assurance), Oswald (King Lear), Peter Quince (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Elsewhere: Jimmy (The Pitmen Painters), Theatre Aquarius; Michael (Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me), Kemp (Vigil), Tarragon Theatre; Bottom (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Canadian Stage; Harry (The Sum of Us), Belfry Theatre; Jim (Passion), Grand Theatre; the Player (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead), Touchmark. Film/TV: Billable Hours, La Femme Nikita, Traders, Forever Knight, Street Legal; eight productions of A Taste of Shakespeare.
Centre Brian Tree as Elbow. Photo Michael Cooper
Playing Elbow a second time ….
Brian Tree was also Elbow in the 1992 production of Measure for Measure directed by the late Michael Langham.
“Elbow did change and he is quite proper. When (director) Martha (Henry) asked me about how I arrived at my particular Elbow, I think it is because the play was set in 1949. Elbow went to the movies with his wife and saw the 1935 movie Les Miserables with Charles Laughton playing Javert the detective.
And that made such an impression on Elbow that he was determined to become that direct-dog-with-a bone-could-not-leave-it-alone-sort. But unfortunately his wife became ill during the movie and they had to leave before the end so Elbow never got to see the bit where Javert commits suicide by throwing himself into the river. He admired that character so much that he tried to emulate him."
"Elbow is a little like Dogberry from Much Ado About Nothing. Because I think he came after Dogberry so Shakespeare used all his tricks on Dogberry those malapropisms or "Dogberryisms." He gets all the words wrong. Elbow has all his Dogberries which fade away.”
Directed by Martha Henry, this Measure to Measure was a joy to watch. It was enticing to watch a morally conflicted leader trying to quash societal corruption, in spite of his outrageous immoral behavior toward a young innocent nun, her brother one other important holy advisor!
Brian Tree as Elbow delivered his usual comic flair and got his own applause several times after exiting the stage! His hilarious portrayal of a gendarme with a trick arm trying to reprimand the town's "naughty houses" reminded me of Kenneth Mars as Inspector Kemp in 1974 comedy classic Young Frankenstein. - Coral FM.
In Part 1 of this Chat Brian discusses his three roles at The Festival this year from playing the hilarious Elbow in Measure for Measure, Gratiano in Othello, to a touching moment in the "lovely role" as Mary's comforting friend and father-like figure, Melvil in Mary Stuart. And much more!
Listen here for my chat with actor Brian Tree
Brian Tree was also Elbow in the 1992 production of Measure for Measure directed by the late Michael Langham.
“Elbow did change and he is quite proper. When (director) Martha (Henry) asked me about how I arrived at my particular Elbow, I think it is because the play was set in 1949. Elbow went to the movies with his wife and saw the 1935 movie Les Miserables with Charles Laughton playing Javert the detective.
And that made such an impression on Elbow that he was determined to become that direct-dog-with-a bone-could-not-leave-it-alone-sort. But unfortunately his wife became ill during the movie and they had to leave before the end so Elbow never got to see the bit where Javert commits suicide by throwing himself into the river. He admired that character so much that he tried to emulate him."
"Elbow is a little like Dogberry from Much Ado About Nothing. Because I think he came after Dogberry so Shakespeare used all his tricks on Dogberry those malapropisms or "Dogberryisms." He gets all the words wrong. Elbow has all his Dogberries which fade away.”
Directed by Martha Henry, this Measure to Measure was a joy to watch. It was enticing to watch a morally conflicted leader trying to quash societal corruption, in spite of his outrageous immoral behavior toward a young innocent nun, her brother one other important holy advisor!
Brian Tree as Elbow delivered his usual comic flair and got his own applause several times after exiting the stage! His hilarious portrayal of a gendarme with a trick arm trying to reprimand the town's "naughty houses" reminded me of Kenneth Mars as Inspector Kemp in 1974 comedy classic Young Frankenstein. - Coral FM.
In Part 1 of this Chat Brian discusses his three roles at The Festival this year from playing the hilarious Elbow in Measure for Measure, Gratiano in Othello, to a touching moment in the "lovely role" as Mary's comforting friend and father-like figure, Melvil in Mary Stuart. And much more!
Listen here for my chat with actor Brian Tree
In Part 2 Brian chats about some of the other roles he has played Elsewhere, including Chekhov's Yalta Play / The Bear, The Player in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern by Tom Stoppard, and Jimmy in The Pitmen Painters by Lee Hall. He is also working on a few writing projects as well. These days I seem to have become Brian's consultant for old friends who want to seek him out! That is already happened several times, one resulting in a surprise birthday party for him in England several years ago meethinks. And because Brian loves Ol' Blue Eyes so much, I put together a special Frank Sinatra set just for him! Cheers Mate! - Coral FM
Here is Part 2 of my chat with actor Brian Tree
Here is Part 2 of my chat with actor Brian Tree
Jonathan Goad - From Stratford Festival to Republic of Doyle
Jonathan Goad - The Three Musketeers, Stratford 2014, and Toronto's Groundling Theatre.
About Jonathan.....
11th season: Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Porthos in The Three Musketeers and Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice. Stratford: Othello, Pentecost, Phèdre, The Music Man, King John, Pericles, Orpheus Descending, Henry IV, Henry VI, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Fiddler on the Roof, As You Like It, Fuente Ovejuna, Julius Caesar, The Two Noble Kinsmen, Bartholomew Fair, The Brothers Karamazov, Richard II, Pride and Prejudice. Elsewhere: A Whistle in the Dark, Speaking in Tongues (Company Theatre); Our Class, The Laramie Project (Studio 180); King Lear (Soulpepper); Stones in His Pockets (GCTC); Arcadia (Theatre Junction); Strawberries in January (Grand). Film/TV: Nikita, Republic of Doyle, Heartland, Murdoch Mysteries, Unnatural History, Othello, The Waking, Rookie Blue, Mutant X.
Radio: Hockey: A People’s History.
Training: National Theatre School, Birmingham Conservatory, University of Waterloo, Banff Centre. Teaching: NTS, Fanshawe College. Et cetera: This season is dedicated to the Mojo Rhythm King, his college sweetheart and to Robert and Lynn.
Jonathan Goad discusses Tim Carroll's fascinating directorial process for
Romeo and Juliet.
Jon Goad as Mercutio Photo David Hou
"Tim Carroll asked that this production be a generally shared experience so that the audinece is an absolute part of what's going on. There was no way you can shut them out or have them peripherally in an experience. He wants the audience to have a direct experience. He thinks everyone at some point can speak to the audience versus every once in a while or someone who is clearly designated to."
"Mercutio was a joy to do. I just went with Tim's methodology. It was an incredibly fun rehearsal period, very vigorous, working with the whole group. He really stands by the adage there are no small parts, everybody is in a collective experience, everyone should have a skill set, and everyone should know how language lives. In his play, when an understudy goes on it is seamless, because everyone has been on board from the outset. Everyone knows how to support each other. There is a great deal of freedom so no-one's worried about going in the wrong place, or wrong blocking. That's not the point. The point is to inhabit the language and everyone was included in the process." Jonathan Goad
Jonathan Goad has played many a role in Stratford over the years and we have spoken a number of times about his work.
So again, this was more of a wide ranging chat from his "brotherhood" of roles of Mercutio, in Romeo and Juliet, Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice, and Porthos in The Three Musketeers, to his time away. John worked in Canadian film and television, while taking on the most important role of his life - he's the father of two young daughters!
As Mercutio, John puts his unique spin and pizazz reinventing one of The Bard's most popular wits, in a sparkling performance.
John says he was compelled to come back to Stratford because he was excited by artistic director's Antoni Cimolino's encouragement and inspiration for his first season. And he wanted to be part of it. I am so glad you are back Johnny G! - Coral FM.
About the Play
Two young people fall headlong in love the moment they meet – but their families are bitter enemies, locked in a longstanding feud that has newly erupted into violence in the streets. Some of Shakespeare’s most gorgeous language suffuses this intensely romantic tale of stolen bliss, wrenching separation and tragic twists of fate.
Directed by Tim Carroll, (Peter Pan for Stratford Festival) Romeo and Juliet cast also includes Daniel Briere as Romeo, Tom McCamus as The Friar, Jonathan Goad as Mercutio, Kate Hennig as The Nurse, and Scott Wentworth as Lord Capulet.
Listen Here for the First Part of My Chat with Actor John Goad
"Mercutio was a joy to do. I just went with Tim's methodology. It was an incredibly fun rehearsal period, very vigorous, working with the whole group. He really stands by the adage there are no small parts, everybody is in a collective experience, everyone should have a skill set, and everyone should know how language lives. In his play, when an understudy goes on it is seamless, because everyone has been on board from the outset. Everyone knows how to support each other. There is a great deal of freedom so no-one's worried about going in the wrong place, or wrong blocking. That's not the point. The point is to inhabit the language and everyone was included in the process." Jonathan Goad
Jonathan Goad has played many a role in Stratford over the years and we have spoken a number of times about his work.
So again, this was more of a wide ranging chat from his "brotherhood" of roles of Mercutio, in Romeo and Juliet, Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice, and Porthos in The Three Musketeers, to his time away. John worked in Canadian film and television, while taking on the most important role of his life - he's the father of two young daughters!
As Mercutio, John puts his unique spin and pizazz reinventing one of The Bard's most popular wits, in a sparkling performance.
John says he was compelled to come back to Stratford because he was excited by artistic director's Antoni Cimolino's encouragement and inspiration for his first season. And he wanted to be part of it. I am so glad you are back Johnny G! - Coral FM.
About the Play
Two young people fall headlong in love the moment they meet – but their families are bitter enemies, locked in a longstanding feud that has newly erupted into violence in the streets. Some of Shakespeare’s most gorgeous language suffuses this intensely romantic tale of stolen bliss, wrenching separation and tragic twists of fate.
Directed by Tim Carroll, (Peter Pan for Stratford Festival) Romeo and Juliet cast also includes Daniel Briere as Romeo, Tom McCamus as The Friar, Jonathan Goad as Mercutio, Kate Hennig as The Nurse, and Scott Wentworth as Lord Capulet.
Listen Here for the First Part of My Chat with Actor John Goad
Jonathan Goad - Gratiano in Merchant of Venice, Toronto's Company Theatre, and The National Theatre School.
On the Role of Gratiano....
"Gratiano is interesting because ultimately he is not a thoroughly written character. He has his moments and there are moments you think he might even turn into a Mercutio.
Shakespeare created a character that willingly plays the buffoon for the sake of his friends.
There is a certain camaraderie and I think audiences are meant to be drawn to him, excited by him and enjoy him. The only way to justify the kind of vehemence that comes out in him is that he is fighting for his friend Antonio.”
Pictured far left - John Goad - Gratiano
and Merchant of Venice Cast Members
Photo by David Hou
About the Play
When the merchant Antonio seeks a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender whom he has always treated with the utmost contempt, Shylock proposes a startling collateral: a pound of the merchant’s flesh. When Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock prepares to take his revenge – only to find that the law is a knife that can cut both ways.
Directed by Antoni Cimolino, The Merchant of Venice cast also includes Tom McCamus as Antonio, Michelle Giroux as Portia, and Scott Wentworth as Shylock.
This is one of most powerful productions of the Merchant of Venice I have seen in years. Kudos to the entire cast for what turned to be one of my favorite shows this season.
- Coral FM.
In Part 2 John speaks about playing the role of Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice.
He also chats about his three years away from The Stratford Festival - the importance of having children and family, his experiences teaching at The National Theatre School, and working with Allan Hawco from Republic of Doyle (John plays Jake's brother Christian). He talks about his work with Toronto's Company Theatre (other members include Allan Hawco, Philip Riccio, Joseph Ziegler, Eric Peterson) And John recalls one of his all time favorite Company Theatre productions Whisper in the Dark.
"Gratiano is interesting because ultimately he is not a thoroughly written character. He has his moments and there are moments you think he might even turn into a Mercutio.
Shakespeare created a character that willingly plays the buffoon for the sake of his friends.
There is a certain camaraderie and I think audiences are meant to be drawn to him, excited by him and enjoy him. The only way to justify the kind of vehemence that comes out in him is that he is fighting for his friend Antonio.”
Pictured far left - John Goad - Gratiano
and Merchant of Venice Cast Members
Photo by David Hou
About the Play
When the merchant Antonio seeks a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender whom he has always treated with the utmost contempt, Shylock proposes a startling collateral: a pound of the merchant’s flesh. When Antonio defaults on the loan, Shylock prepares to take his revenge – only to find that the law is a knife that can cut both ways.
Directed by Antoni Cimolino, The Merchant of Venice cast also includes Tom McCamus as Antonio, Michelle Giroux as Portia, and Scott Wentworth as Shylock.
This is one of most powerful productions of the Merchant of Venice I have seen in years. Kudos to the entire cast for what turned to be one of my favorite shows this season.
- Coral FM.
In Part 2 John speaks about playing the role of Gratiano in The Merchant of Venice.
He also chats about his three years away from The Stratford Festival - the importance of having children and family, his experiences teaching at The National Theatre School, and working with Allan Hawco from Republic of Doyle (John plays Jake's brother Christian). He talks about his work with Toronto's Company Theatre (other members include Allan Hawco, Philip Riccio, Joseph Ziegler, Eric Peterson) And John recalls one of his all time favorite Company Theatre productions Whisper in the Dark.
The Three Musketeers
“This is a great play for kids nine or ten years of age and up. It is fun for them and you see them leaving the theatre rolling up their programs and turning them into swords shouting En Garde and All for One, One for All.
In that way, for us it is very inspiring so we try and have as much fun as we can. And then the audience has fun.” - Jonathan Goad
All for One, One for All!
Pictured Left to Right
Jonathan Goad, Porthos, Mike Shara, Aramis
Luke Humphrey, D'Artagnan, Graham Abbey, Athos
About the Play
Vowing eternal comradeship – “All for one, one for all!” – the cadet D’Artagnan and his new friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, members of the King’s Musketeers, risk their lives to protect Louis XIII from the machinations of the villainous Cardinal Richelieu and his accomplice Milady de Winter, a wily adventuress as dangerous as she is beautiful.
Directed by Miles Potter (Stratford's Richard III, Glass Menagerie) The Three Musketeers cast also features Mike Shara, Aramis
Luke Humphrey, D'Artagnan, Graham Abbey, Athos and Deborah Hay as Milady de Winter.
As John said, this show is great for kids - rollicking, funny, and action packed, and 'tis balanced with passion and poignancy. It works very well because of a strong ensemble cast. It's easy to see how much fun the entire cast is having upon the Festival Stage. And yes, I did roll my program up into a sword! En Garde! - Coral FM.
Part 3 - John speaks about The Three Musketeers, Stratford 2014, and an exciting new Toronto theatre company called Groundling!
Plus I showcase one of John's favorite musical artists.
Listen here for Part 3 of my chat with Jonathan Goad.
“This is a great play for kids nine or ten years of age and up. It is fun for them and you see them leaving the theatre rolling up their programs and turning them into swords shouting En Garde and All for One, One for All.
In that way, for us it is very inspiring so we try and have as much fun as we can. And then the audience has fun.” - Jonathan Goad
All for One, One for All!
Pictured Left to Right
Jonathan Goad, Porthos, Mike Shara, Aramis
Luke Humphrey, D'Artagnan, Graham Abbey, Athos
About the Play
Vowing eternal comradeship – “All for one, one for all!” – the cadet D’Artagnan and his new friends Athos, Porthos and Aramis, members of the King’s Musketeers, risk their lives to protect Louis XIII from the machinations of the villainous Cardinal Richelieu and his accomplice Milady de Winter, a wily adventuress as dangerous as she is beautiful.
Directed by Miles Potter (Stratford's Richard III, Glass Menagerie) The Three Musketeers cast also features Mike Shara, Aramis
Luke Humphrey, D'Artagnan, Graham Abbey, Athos and Deborah Hay as Milady de Winter.
As John said, this show is great for kids - rollicking, funny, and action packed, and 'tis balanced with passion and poignancy. It works very well because of a strong ensemble cast. It's easy to see how much fun the entire cast is having upon the Festival Stage. And yes, I did roll my program up into a sword! En Garde! - Coral FM.
Part 3 - John speaks about The Three Musketeers, Stratford 2014, and an exciting new Toronto theatre company called Groundling!
Plus I showcase one of John's favorite musical artists.
Listen here for Part 3 of my chat with Jonathan Goad.
Local Music
Brendan James Stephens - The Vaudevillian
The Vaudevillian!
Brendan James Stephens is known as The Vaudevillian – the members of his band include – Stephens, a suitcase, a snare/ pedal / cymbal, a (resonated) guitar, a six string Banjo dubbed with the word with Howl!, banjo mandolin, and a Carzoo, which combined in performance with his other one man band tricks of the trade, transforms to “Carzoobamaphone.”
Playing since the age of 14, and working his way around the music circuit James recently wowed the crowds at The Memphis Blues Challenge and soon he's headed to The Windy City to perform as part of theatrical Medicine Show!
Music-wise James is a throwback to simpler times, his original material a modern version of the old time songs of the Mississippi Blues and New Orleans Jazz Scene in the 1920's / 30's. And he often pays homage to The Library Congress, (jug band player) Gus Cannon and The Mississippi Shieks.
I was pleased and pleasured to have Brendan James Stephens and upright bassist Joey Bell grace the Sound FM studios recently with some live tunes. It was pure Vo Vo De Oh Doe! - Coral FM
Playing since the age of 14, and working his way around the music circuit James recently wowed the crowds at The Memphis Blues Challenge and soon he's headed to The Windy City to perform as part of theatrical Medicine Show!
Music-wise James is a throwback to simpler times, his original material a modern version of the old time songs of the Mississippi Blues and New Orleans Jazz Scene in the 1920's / 30's. And he often pays homage to The Library Congress, (jug band player) Gus Cannon and The Mississippi Shieks.
I was pleased and pleasured to have Brendan James Stephens and upright bassist Joey Bell grace the Sound FM studios recently with some live tunes. It was pure Vo Vo De Oh Doe! - Coral FM
Meghan Elizabeth Weber
Meghan Elizabeth Weber is a singer/ songwriter who has performed at charity events around Waterloo Region over the past five years. She performed at Kitchener City Hall's Downtown Live in 2011, and released an EP called Afterthoughts in 2012. She was also a Music Nominee for the 2012 Waterloo Region Arts Award.
Meghan has a savvy slow like honey vocal timber reminiscent of songstress Fiona Apple. She is a savvy lyrical scribe letting her songs overtake her as audiences blissfully follow into a fascinating sensual world.
I was so happy to finally have Meghan as my guest on Coral FM where she performed several songs including her new song Outskirts. She is a regular (and occasional host) at The Boathouse Open Mic Nights. With Waterloo Region planning to become Austin Texas North, I predict Meghan Elizabeth Weber will become a major part of this indee music curbside cornucopia.
For more info on Meghan and upcoming concerts go to her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/meghan.e.weber?fref=ts
Seek her intoxicating music out on You Tube. She is Tres Magnifique! - Coral FM.
Meghan has a savvy slow like honey vocal timber reminiscent of songstress Fiona Apple. She is a savvy lyrical scribe letting her songs overtake her as audiences blissfully follow into a fascinating sensual world.
I was so happy to finally have Meghan as my guest on Coral FM where she performed several songs including her new song Outskirts. She is a regular (and occasional host) at The Boathouse Open Mic Nights. With Waterloo Region planning to become Austin Texas North, I predict Meghan Elizabeth Weber will become a major part of this indee music curbside cornucopia.
For more info on Meghan and upcoming concerts go to her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/meghan.e.weber?fref=ts
Seek her intoxicating music out on You Tube. She is Tres Magnifique! - Coral FM.
Here is my radio interview with Meghan Elizabeth Weber on Coral FM
Charlena Russell
“A powerhouse vocalist and adept multi-instrumentalist, Charlena Russell uses her musical/vocal training and penchant for poetry to create fiery, soulful acoustic rock and haunting, personal electronica.”
In 2005 and 2012 Charlena was nominated for a Waterloo Ragion Arts Award and has also been a nominee for Bernice Adams Memorial Award (no surprise to me) for her heartfelt contributions to the community through her music and continuing mentorship.
Because in addition to performing, Charlena has been teaching music for 10 years - offering classes in violin, voice, guitar and music theory. She recently expanded into the Russell Music Teaching Schools – which for her is a dream come true.
For more info on the school visit http://russell-music-school.com.
Charlena's latest song Save U is now available on iTunes.
For more about her extraordinary talent visit Charlena's website @ http://charlena-russell.com
**It was so cool of Charlena to take time out of her busy schedule to be a guest on Coral FM. To me she's our own Bjork! - Skal! Coral FM. **
In 2005 and 2012 Charlena was nominated for a Waterloo Ragion Arts Award and has also been a nominee for Bernice Adams Memorial Award (no surprise to me) for her heartfelt contributions to the community through her music and continuing mentorship.
Because in addition to performing, Charlena has been teaching music for 10 years - offering classes in violin, voice, guitar and music theory. She recently expanded into the Russell Music Teaching Schools – which for her is a dream come true.
For more info on the school visit http://russell-music-school.com.
Charlena's latest song Save U is now available on iTunes.
For more about her extraordinary talent visit Charlena's website @ http://charlena-russell.com
**It was so cool of Charlena to take time out of her busy schedule to be a guest on Coral FM. To me she's our own Bjork! - Skal! Coral FM. **
Here is my radio interview with Charlena Russell on Coral FM
Nicole Aube
Nicole Aube is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and music producer.
She moved to Kitchener, Ontario as a child with her parents and sister, then spent her late teens and early twenties in Toronto, earning a degree at York University (English Spec. HBA, Music minor). After graduating, Nicole traveled around Ontario performing at folk clubs, and recording her demos at no fewer than 8 different professional and home studios.
Philosoft, her professional debut, was recorded at Cedartree Recording Studios in Kitchener from 2006-2011. Nicole has been releasing it slowly, physical copies of the album were available in 2012, and a digital release is coming in 2013.
http://www.nicoleaube.webs.com
She moved to Kitchener, Ontario as a child with her parents and sister, then spent her late teens and early twenties in Toronto, earning a degree at York University (English Spec. HBA, Music minor). After graduating, Nicole traveled around Ontario performing at folk clubs, and recording her demos at no fewer than 8 different professional and home studios.
Philosoft, her professional debut, was recorded at Cedartree Recording Studios in Kitchener from 2006-2011. Nicole has been releasing it slowly, physical copies of the album were available in 2012, and a digital release is coming in 2013.
http://www.nicoleaube.webs.com
The Bangladesh Song
Nicole Aube, Kitchener singer songwriter, releases her first single from the album Philosoft, to benefit charity. All revenue from online sales of 'Ninth Madder Dream (The Bangladesh Song)' goes toward funding the SASC*, who operate the Take Back The Night rally on September 26th, 2013.
*SASC: The Sexual Assault Support Center in Waterloo Region and Cambridge provides free services to victims of sexual violence including: Individual Counseling, Support Groups, Accompaniment to Court, Hospital and Police, A 24-Hour Crisis Line, Family Court Support, and Social Education, Information and Awareness.*
There are long wait-lists for private counseling at the SASC in Waterloo Region. Will you please help? When you download Nicole's song 'Ninth Madder Dream' on bandcamp for $1 or more all proceeds go the SASC. To donate here is the link. https://nicoleaube.bandcamp.com/album/ninth-madder-dream-the-bangladesh-song-sasc-charitable-download-with-sweet-moonlight-rush-bonus-track
All Proceeds from Philosoft CD song Ninth Madder Dream aka
The Bangladesh Song will go to The Sexual Support
Centre of Waterloo Region.
*SASC: The Sexual Assault Support Center in Waterloo Region and Cambridge provides free services to victims of sexual violence including: Individual Counseling, Support Groups, Accompaniment to Court, Hospital and Police, A 24-Hour Crisis Line, Family Court Support, and Social Education, Information and Awareness.*
There are long wait-lists for private counseling at the SASC in Waterloo Region. Will you please help? When you download Nicole's song 'Ninth Madder Dream' on bandcamp for $1 or more all proceeds go the SASC. To donate here is the link. https://nicoleaube.bandcamp.com/album/ninth-madder-dream-the-bangladesh-song-sasc-charitable-download-with-sweet-moonlight-rush-bonus-track
All Proceeds from Philosoft CD song Ninth Madder Dream aka
The Bangladesh Song will go to The Sexual Support
Centre of Waterloo Region.
Here is my interview with Nicole Aube
The Crazy Diamonds
Jesse Webber and Jack Drysdale Pender dropped by the Sound FM studio to play some Pink Floyd Unplugged.
The Crazy Diamonds are a sparkling nine piece ensemble who (in addition to their eclectic choice of funkadelic, sweet soul song renditions and original works) also do The Pink Floyd Songbook proud every single time they have ventured to The Dark Side.
Special Thanx to J and J for Super Big Fun on the show this week.
Shine on Boyos! - Coral FM.
Local Theatre
Actor Victor A. Young - Always Looking on the Bright Side of Life.
Victor A. Young
Spamalot's King Arthur
As King Arthur, Spamalot's Victor A. Young Always Looks on The Bright Side of Life.
One of Canada's preeminent actors, Young was last seen by Grand Bend audiences as billionaire businessman, Oliver Warbucks in Annie.
As an actor, singer, director and coach, Victor A. Young delivers work of exceptional quality and inspired professionalism, as well as versatility, charisma, and resourcefulness. With over 40 years experience in film and live performance, he continues to reveal surprising range and selfless commitment to his craft.
Victor's others shows for Drayton Entertainment include - Annie, (Daddy Warbucks) Sleuth, (Andrew Wykes) Harvey, (Dr William Chumley) and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Other theatre: Highlights: Rock of Ages, Dirty Dancing, Lord of the Rings, Crazy For You (Mirvish), Hamlet, The Tempest, Kiss Me Kate, As You Like It, Titus Andronicus, John Hirsch’s The Three Sisters, and others (Stratford Festival), The Desert Song (Dora Award - Toronto), Hello Dolly (E.V. Young Award - Vancouver), Irving Berlin Always with Jayne Lewis (major orchestras across Canada).
Film/TV: Murdoch Mysteries, Little Brother, The Last Stop, Warehouse 13, Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, The Company, Path to 911, Serendipity, Eloise at Christmastime, Bait. After Spamalot, Victor will be back at Drayton in November 2013 as General Waverley in White Christmas opposite (his wife) actor Jayne Lewis. (Mary Poppins)
For more on Victor visit his website @ https://victoryoung.workbooklive.com/
One of Canada's preeminent actors, Young was last seen by Grand Bend audiences as billionaire businessman, Oliver Warbucks in Annie.
As an actor, singer, director and coach, Victor A. Young delivers work of exceptional quality and inspired professionalism, as well as versatility, charisma, and resourcefulness. With over 40 years experience in film and live performance, he continues to reveal surprising range and selfless commitment to his craft.
Victor's others shows for Drayton Entertainment include - Annie, (Daddy Warbucks) Sleuth, (Andrew Wykes) Harvey, (Dr William Chumley) and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Other theatre: Highlights: Rock of Ages, Dirty Dancing, Lord of the Rings, Crazy For You (Mirvish), Hamlet, The Tempest, Kiss Me Kate, As You Like It, Titus Andronicus, John Hirsch’s The Three Sisters, and others (Stratford Festival), The Desert Song (Dora Award - Toronto), Hello Dolly (E.V. Young Award - Vancouver), Irving Berlin Always with Jayne Lewis (major orchestras across Canada).
Film/TV: Murdoch Mysteries, Little Brother, The Last Stop, Warehouse 13, Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, The Company, Path to 911, Serendipity, Eloise at Christmastime, Bait. After Spamalot, Victor will be back at Drayton in November 2013 as General Waverley in White Christmas opposite (his wife) actor Jayne Lewis. (Mary Poppins)
For more on Victor visit his website @ https://victoryoung.workbooklive.com/
Spamalot! Spamalot! Spamalot! ... It's Only a Model... No
It's Not!! It's A Very Funny Show ....
PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTT!
Theatregoers are in for plenty of laughs, with Monty Python's no-holds-barred, Tony award-winning musical, Spamalot currently at The St Jacobs Playhouse until Aug 3.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a musical comedy that raises silliness to an art form. Retelling the classic tale of Camelot, this tongue-in-cheek production follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on their infamous quest for the Holy Grail.
It's a clever parody that's packed with unforgettable musical numbers such as, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "The Song That Goes Like This," "I Am Not Dead Yet," and "The Diva's Lament (Whatever Happened to My Part?)" For more info on Spamalot! and to buy tickets - Go to https://www.draytonentertainment.com
It was my great pleasure to speak with Victor A. Young (showcasing songs from Spamalot!) as we discussed the satirical brilliance of Monty Python. This wide ranging chat also included more from Victor's personal playbill including Lord of The Rings and also his seasons at the Stratford Festival which included working with acclaimed director Robin Phillips. Plus Victor is in one of my all time romantic comedies
– Serendipity!!!
Listen here for my interview with Victor A. Young
PFFFFFFFFFTTTTT! - Coral FM
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a musical comedy that raises silliness to an art form. Retelling the classic tale of Camelot, this tongue-in-cheek production follows King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table on their infamous quest for the Holy Grail.
It's a clever parody that's packed with unforgettable musical numbers such as, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," "The Song That Goes Like This," "I Am Not Dead Yet," and "The Diva's Lament (Whatever Happened to My Part?)" For more info on Spamalot! and to buy tickets - Go to https://www.draytonentertainment.com
It was my great pleasure to speak with Victor A. Young (showcasing songs from Spamalot!) as we discussed the satirical brilliance of Monty Python. This wide ranging chat also included more from Victor's personal playbill including Lord of The Rings and also his seasons at the Stratford Festival which included working with acclaimed director Robin Phillips. Plus Victor is in one of my all time romantic comedies
– Serendipity!!!
Listen here for my interview with Victor A. Young
PFFFFFFFFFTTTTT! - Coral FM
R3 - UW Drama's Richard the Third Re-Imagined
At the end of The Wars of the Roses – a brutal battle for control of the English throne – the cunning, scheming Richard, Duke of Gloucester, steps to the front of the stage and confides in us. From his opening “winter of our discontent…” to his final “kingdom for a horse,” Richard draws in his audience and conspires to tell William Shakespeare’s thrilling life of King Richard III, starring one of his most vivid villains: the hunch-backed Duke determined to capture the throne at any cost.
Richard III remains the world’s most popular history play, a reputation only heightened by the recent discovery of the historical king’s bones under an English parking lot. Richard’s relentless rise to power shows that tyranny relies as much on mass-acceptance as force or manipulation, and sometimes that trajectory can be slowed by the simplest acts of resistance. Reimagined into our modern, media-driven world, uWaterloo Drama’s Richard III presents a fresh take on the nature of power and manner in which public discourse is deployed, distorted, and manipulated in our highly mediated society.
Jennifer Roberts-Smith holds a PhD in English (2007) and an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto. Her research and creative work explore the ways in which form generates meaning in historical and contemporary performance media. She is especially interested in Shakespeare’s language, English theatre history before Shakespeare, and digital visualizations of theatrical text and performance. She also conducts research on theatre pedagogy. Jennifer is Principal Investigator of the multi-institutional, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)-funded Simulated Environment for Theatre (SET) project and leader of the staging strand of Gamifying Shakespeare, a collaboration between UW’s Games Institute and the Stratford Festival. She serves as Associate Co-Editor, Performance for Queen’s Men Editions and is a member of the steering committee of the Centre for Performance Studies in Early Theatre at the University of Toronto. Jennifer joined the University of Waterloo in 2007, after working as an actor and director in small and large scale Canadian theatres, and teaching at the universities of Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor.
Directed by Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
Adapted by Dr. Toby Malone and Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
For more info please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/drama-speech-communication/performances
In this bare bones adaptation audiences are actually told to LEAVE on their devices on Vibrate NO flash! Zounds! "A phone! A phone! My Kingdom for a Phone!" Ha Ha - Coral FM
Listen here for my interview with Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
Richard III remains the world’s most popular history play, a reputation only heightened by the recent discovery of the historical king’s bones under an English parking lot. Richard’s relentless rise to power shows that tyranny relies as much on mass-acceptance as force or manipulation, and sometimes that trajectory can be slowed by the simplest acts of resistance. Reimagined into our modern, media-driven world, uWaterloo Drama’s Richard III presents a fresh take on the nature of power and manner in which public discourse is deployed, distorted, and manipulated in our highly mediated society.
Jennifer Roberts-Smith holds a PhD in English (2007) and an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto. Her research and creative work explore the ways in which form generates meaning in historical and contemporary performance media. She is especially interested in Shakespeare’s language, English theatre history before Shakespeare, and digital visualizations of theatrical text and performance. She also conducts research on theatre pedagogy. Jennifer is Principal Investigator of the multi-institutional, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)-funded Simulated Environment for Theatre (SET) project and leader of the staging strand of Gamifying Shakespeare, a collaboration between UW’s Games Institute and the Stratford Festival. She serves as Associate Co-Editor, Performance for Queen’s Men Editions and is a member of the steering committee of the Centre for Performance Studies in Early Theatre at the University of Toronto. Jennifer joined the University of Waterloo in 2007, after working as an actor and director in small and large scale Canadian theatres, and teaching at the universities of Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor.
Directed by Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
Adapted by Dr. Toby Malone and Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
For more info please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/drama-speech-communication/performances
In this bare bones adaptation audiences are actually told to LEAVE on their devices on Vibrate NO flash! Zounds! "A phone! A phone! My Kingdom for a Phone!" Ha Ha - Coral FM
Listen here for my interview with Dr. Jennifer Roberts-Smith
Kitchener's Backyard Theatre
This is a powerful play by local playwright Kathleen Cleland Moyer. Nowhere, Ontario resonates with audiences of all ages because the story about family ties, loyalty and emotional conflict, takes place here in Kitchener 100 years ago when the community was first named Berlin, Ontario.
John Moyer is an actor/ producer from Kitchener's Backyard's Theatre - a locally based theatre company who likes to present "stories from beneath your feet"...... Nowhere, Ontario written by (John's wife) Kathleen Cleland Moyer, is one of their most successful productions to date.
And as actor/ producer and local history teacher, you could call John Moyer Backyard Theatre's own Triple Threat!
Due to popular demand a remount of Nowhere, Ontario is being presented at the Conrad Centre in downtown Kitchener running through May 9,10, 11. This play literally takes place right in the Victoria Park Neighborhood 100 years ago, during the Great War when Kitchener was called Berlin. Cleland Moyer's poignant piece, (with a touch of Vaudeville as innovative comic device) chronicles the ravages of war be it on the battlefield or right in your own backyard. Case in point - I live on Queen Street South near Queen and Courtland where the 118th Battalion was stationed during those very uncertain times.
Said one younger audience member after seeing Nowhere, Ontario - “I never really understood war until I saw this play.”
Lest we forget – Coral FM.
For more info on Nowhere, Ontario and Backyard Theatre go to http://backyardtheatre.ca/.
And as actor/ producer and local history teacher, you could call John Moyer Backyard Theatre's own Triple Threat!
Due to popular demand a remount of Nowhere, Ontario is being presented at the Conrad Centre in downtown Kitchener running through May 9,10, 11. This play literally takes place right in the Victoria Park Neighborhood 100 years ago, during the Great War when Kitchener was called Berlin. Cleland Moyer's poignant piece, (with a touch of Vaudeville as innovative comic device) chronicles the ravages of war be it on the battlefield or right in your own backyard. Case in point - I live on Queen Street South near Queen and Courtland where the 118th Battalion was stationed during those very uncertain times.
Said one younger audience member after seeing Nowhere, Ontario - “I never really understood war until I saw this play.”
Lest we forget – Coral FM.
For more info on Nowhere, Ontario and Backyard Theatre go to http://backyardtheatre.ca/.
There's A Production - Theresa Noon
IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE CANADIAN!
Come and enjoy a collaboration of Canadian music and theatre.
The night begins with a concert performed by Steve Parkinson and The Stony Lonesome who combine Folk Rock with elements of Classic Country and Western Swing to create a sound that is at once gritty and timeless. We will follow them with a hilarious one act play called "The Lyfsux Theatre" which traces the journey of a Canadian actor named Lazarus. He finds himself in an apprenticeship at a warped theatre company in which people talk to walls and bask in dark issues, such as death and incest. A place where comedy is profane, optimism is confusing and hope is a faux pas. Does this attitude exist only in Canadian Theatre, or does it reflect largely the attitude of the world around us?
Written by Allison McWood, award winning playwright and directed by Theresa Noon (CSI Live! and Star Trek Live!)
For more on Theresa Noon - http://www.theresanoon.com.
For more on Alison McWood - http://www.allisonmcwood.com.
Come and enjoy a collaboration of Canadian music and theatre.
The night begins with a concert performed by Steve Parkinson and The Stony Lonesome who combine Folk Rock with elements of Classic Country and Western Swing to create a sound that is at once gritty and timeless. We will follow them with a hilarious one act play called "The Lyfsux Theatre" which traces the journey of a Canadian actor named Lazarus. He finds himself in an apprenticeship at a warped theatre company in which people talk to walls and bask in dark issues, such as death and incest. A place where comedy is profane, optimism is confusing and hope is a faux pas. Does this attitude exist only in Canadian Theatre, or does it reflect largely the attitude of the world around us?
Written by Allison McWood, award winning playwright and directed by Theresa Noon (CSI Live! and Star Trek Live!)
For more on Theresa Noon - http://www.theresanoon.com.
For more on Alison McWood - http://www.allisonmcwood.com.
Here is my interview with Theresa Noon.
WLU's Broadway Musical - Director Ann Hascalovitz
Broadway Musical the Broadway Musical is a full length, fully orchestrated musical written, orchestrated, produced, directed, marketed, and supported by students! Most of all it is driven by the passion, dedication and determination of those who are involved: from the writers to the supporters, to those who gave opinions, to those who just believed. This musical wasn't just a pass time, it wasn't done for a career, money or for a project; it is a collaboration of students around Ontario to create something that they really believe in. We have been fully committed to putting this musical on THIS summer and we hope that it is something that our creators and supporters can be proud of. Our goal is to bring people together, get people involved and get this musical out there! Whether you're backstage, onstage, or in the audience, you become part of the final product; you become a part of our team and you become a part of this musical!
Born and bred on Broadway, Marvin is just your average, everyday un-endingly positive Joe living in a musical world. He's got no plans of ever leaving Broadway until a mysterious new woman, Eva, steals his heart away with one simple unbelievably cliché song before suddenly leaving for Hollywood. Convinced he's found true love, Marvin sets out with his best friend, Abe, to find her. Instead, he finds a world he'd never imagined, a new friend and some good old-fashioned moral lessons! You've seen it all before and yet you've never seen anything like this. A parody of musicals that will make you laugh, cry and think!
Ann and I had a great time as we have similar Broadway Musical Broadway Musical Tastes – namely Trey Parker and Matt Stone (The Book of Mormon, Bigger Longer Uncut) and Mel Brooks (The Producers!).
To the cast of BMTBM - Break Legs - All of you! - Coral FM.
Here is my chat with Ann from Broadway Musical The Broadway Musical!
Born and bred on Broadway, Marvin is just your average, everyday un-endingly positive Joe living in a musical world. He's got no plans of ever leaving Broadway until a mysterious new woman, Eva, steals his heart away with one simple unbelievably cliché song before suddenly leaving for Hollywood. Convinced he's found true love, Marvin sets out with his best friend, Abe, to find her. Instead, he finds a world he'd never imagined, a new friend and some good old-fashioned moral lessons! You've seen it all before and yet you've never seen anything like this. A parody of musicals that will make you laugh, cry and think!
Ann and I had a great time as we have similar Broadway Musical Broadway Musical Tastes – namely Trey Parker and Matt Stone (The Book of Mormon, Bigger Longer Uncut) and Mel Brooks (The Producers!).
To the cast of BMTBM - Break Legs - All of you! - Coral FM.
Here is my chat with Ann from Broadway Musical The Broadway Musical!
Local Film
Princess Cinema's Canada Film Days Festival 2013
There is nothing I love more than discussing movies, especially when John Tutt comes to visit me to chat about Canada Film Days. This year the festival of Canadian made films runs May 2 to May 8
Once again, John has found another superb collection of films for Canada Film Days now in its seventh year. The themes are very timely from cyber bullying (Blackbird) to facing the challenges of progressive illness at any age … (Still Mine, Foreverland) the plight of the homeless (Hum and Strum), the unspeakable anguish of war (Fight Like Children, Die Like Soldiers / Rebelle) and complex family ties (Camion).
John has partnered with several community organizations to help present this fabulous festival playbill which will be presented at The Original Princess. There will be directors, actors and producers in attendance, with the opening night gala at Ethel's!
If you are a film junkie like me, this is a don't miss event. John is a mastermind at finding cinematic gems and promising filmmakers across the country. And thanks to him, I have discovered many fine Canadian movies from Cafe de Flore, Bon Cop Bad Cop, Laurence Anyways, to C.R.A.Z.Y. And I am always thrilled to discover more.... For more info go to http://www.princesscinemas.com/event/canada-film-days-2013.
Once again, John has found another superb collection of films for Canada Film Days now in its seventh year. The themes are very timely from cyber bullying (Blackbird) to facing the challenges of progressive illness at any age … (Still Mine, Foreverland) the plight of the homeless (Hum and Strum), the unspeakable anguish of war (Fight Like Children, Die Like Soldiers / Rebelle) and complex family ties (Camion).
John has partnered with several community organizations to help present this fabulous festival playbill which will be presented at The Original Princess. There will be directors, actors and producers in attendance, with the opening night gala at Ethel's!
If you are a film junkie like me, this is a don't miss event. John is a mastermind at finding cinematic gems and promising filmmakers across the country. And thanks to him, I have discovered many fine Canadian movies from Cafe de Flore, Bon Cop Bad Cop, Laurence Anyways, to C.R.A.Z.Y. And I am always thrilled to discover more.... For more info go to http://www.princesscinemas.com/event/canada-film-days-2013.
Buy The Tickets. Grab the Brown Bag Popcorn. Enjoy the Cinematic Ride!
Here is my chat with Canada Films Days Curator John Tutt
VOC Silent Film Harmonic
Ted Harms speaks about VOC Silent Film Harmonic's latest musical silent film foray!
People know F.W Murnau for Nosferatu and Faust but Sunrise was his first attempt at “Hollywood”
Film aficionado Ted Harms speaks about this film auteur and Sunrise which garnered Janet Gaynor
An Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role in this 1927 thriller.
He also reveals the 2013/2014 playbill as VOC Silent Film Harmonic begins its 6th season at The Registry Theatre.
The Film Synopsis Sunrise begins with a farmer under the seductive sway of a woman from the city, who wants to him to sell the farm so they can run off together, and soon a plan is hatched to kill the farmer’s wife and make it look like an accident. The plan unravels, though... For more on VOC go to The Registry Theatre @ http://www.registrytheatre.com/category/events/registryevents/vocsilentfilm/
Next VOC Show - Buster Keaton classic The General on Thursday March 27 2014.
People know F.W Murnau for Nosferatu and Faust but Sunrise was his first attempt at “Hollywood”
Film aficionado Ted Harms speaks about this film auteur and Sunrise which garnered Janet Gaynor
An Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role in this 1927 thriller.
He also reveals the 2013/2014 playbill as VOC Silent Film Harmonic begins its 6th season at The Registry Theatre.
The Film Synopsis Sunrise begins with a farmer under the seductive sway of a woman from the city, who wants to him to sell the farm so they can run off together, and soon a plan is hatched to kill the farmer’s wife and make it look like an accident. The plan unravels, though... For more on VOC go to The Registry Theatre @ http://www.registrytheatre.com/category/events/registryevents/vocsilentfilm/
Next VOC Show - Buster Keaton classic The General on Thursday March 27 2014.
Local Festivals and Special Events
Arts Awards Waterloo Region
Arts Awards Waterloo Region will celebrate the 26th year of artistic achievement in 13 categories at the Annual Arts Awards gala. It began in 1988, and is now recognized as a benchmark event for the arts.
Follow AAWR
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/ArtsAwardsWaterlooRegion
Support your nominee, attend the gala where award recipients will be announced and presented with their award at Centre In The Square, Wednesday, June 18, 2014
On May 26 2013, I won a Special Juried Award from Arts Awards Waterloo Region.
I have watched this event grow from 1988, when it was first presented at Kitchener City Hall's Rotunda in front of 100 people, to Centre in the Square where it has become a mega fabulous evening with a cheering crowd of 1,000 people!
I am thrilled to say that over the past three decades All Things Arts have continued to flourish in Waterloo Region!
It is so exciting to see so many great things happening at the same time. From the birth of new festivals to the next generation of multi talented young performers.
See you at Centre in the Square Wednesday June 18! I am so proud because this year I will receive my very own Denney pin which I will always wear with great pride. Thanks again to everyone who nominated me over the past 25 years - Coral FM
Follow AAWR
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/ArtsAwardsWaterlooRegion
Support your nominee, attend the gala where award recipients will be announced and presented with their award at Centre In The Square, Wednesday, June 18, 2014
On May 26 2013, I won a Special Juried Award from Arts Awards Waterloo Region.
I have watched this event grow from 1988, when it was first presented at Kitchener City Hall's Rotunda in front of 100 people, to Centre in the Square where it has become a mega fabulous evening with a cheering crowd of 1,000 people!
I am thrilled to say that over the past three decades All Things Arts have continued to flourish in Waterloo Region!
It is so exciting to see so many great things happening at the same time. From the birth of new festivals to the next generation of multi talented young performers.
See you at Centre in the Square Wednesday June 18! I am so proud because this year I will receive my very own Denney pin which I will always wear with great pride. Thanks again to everyone who nominated me over the past 25 years - Coral FM
Neruda Arts' Kultrun - The First Indigenous and World Music Festival
Neruda Arts’ Indigenous and World Music Festival, Kultrún (pronounced cool-troon), represents a long held dream of Artistic Director, Isabel Cisterna, to present a world music festival that recognizes the contribution of Indigenous and First Nations artists.
Isabel named the festival after the first peoples of her native Chile.
For the Mapuche people of Chile, a Kultrún is not simply a drum - conceptually it represents their beliefs and vision of the universe. Within this vision lies the diversity of the seasons, the cardinal points and the fraternity and fertility of all living things. Kultrún is the heartbeat of life embodied in the sound and rhythm of the drum.
The heartbeat in Neruda Arts’ festival – all the amazing contemporary First Nations and world music artists we are bringing to KW. And some equally exceptional FREE events such as workshops, a symposium, noon hour mini-concerts, a poetry slam and a Family Day concert!
A big part of Neruda Arts’ mandate is to present high caliber contemporary artists at a price that average adults and youth can afford. With the help of our granters, sponsors, volunteers and you, our audience, we make culture happen in KW because We Are Culture!
For more information and full festival schedule go to www.nerudaarts.ca
Isabel named the festival after the first peoples of her native Chile.
For the Mapuche people of Chile, a Kultrún is not simply a drum - conceptually it represents their beliefs and vision of the universe. Within this vision lies the diversity of the seasons, the cardinal points and the fraternity and fertility of all living things. Kultrún is the heartbeat of life embodied in the sound and rhythm of the drum.
The heartbeat in Neruda Arts’ festival – all the amazing contemporary First Nations and world music artists we are bringing to KW. And some equally exceptional FREE events such as workshops, a symposium, noon hour mini-concerts, a poetry slam and a Family Day concert!
A big part of Neruda Arts’ mandate is to present high caliber contemporary artists at a price that average adults and youth can afford. With the help of our granters, sponsors, volunteers and you, our audience, we make culture happen in KW because We Are Culture!
For more information and full festival schedule go to www.nerudaarts.ca
Grand Porch Party 2013!
The Grand Porch Party is held in Uptown West Waterloo, behind the Waterloo Town Square. The neighborhood for the GPP is bounded by Euclid Ave, Alexandra Ave, Roslin Ave and Dawson St. The Grand Porch Party is an afternoon of awesomeness that will next be held on June 9, 2013, from 2pm to 5pm.
This is an afternoon of community, music and environment for anyone and everyone. It’s also held on Canadian Rivers Day, so we can give some love to our Grand River Watershed. This year our eco-partner is Community CarShare. Check ‘em out here!
Dreamed up by Uptown West resident Tenille Bonoguore, the GPP was launched as a pure experiment in 2011. Since then, it has become a highlight of the neighbourhood calendar. This year, the GPP will be organized by a fabulous group of local residents:
Here are the 2013 performers for The Grand Porch Party.
- Ian Bell, Ian Reid,The Jinks, Lucas Stagg,Michael Reinhart,The Ragged Bankers,The Short Films,
The Skalywags
- Brendan “The Vaudevillian” Stephens, Onion Honey, Richard Garvey, Roberta Hunt , Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend,Ten Years Gone
For More Info Please Check out The Grand Porch Party website @ http://grandporchparty.wordpress.com/
BIG Congrats to Grand Porch Party Creator Tenille Bonoguore. She gave birth to twins May and Vela, and The Grand Porch Party also won
the 2012 Waterloo Region Arts Award for Best New Festival or Event!
Listen to My Podcast With Tenille Bonoguore.
Photographer Jared Davison
Tomorrow Disappears - Vanishing Industry in Ontario
Jared Davison’s photo art focuses on exposing and magnifying the secret allure inherent in the disintegration of derelict environments. The hustle and bustle of metropolitan life causes the proliferation of abandoned locations.
Through re-framing and re-contextualization, Jared shows us that our neglect is not out of sight and mind.
Listening and looking carefully exist in equal measure as mindful practices. Jared’s work encourages intimate viewing, transforming the unnoticed and revealing the
concealed beauties in the infinitesimal. The weathered, the eroding, the forlorn and desolate; these are the subjects of scrutiny in Jared’s work as an urban explorer.
Rotunda Gallery (Kitchener city hall) September 2013 exhibit:
Tomorrow Disappears: Vanishing Industry in Ontario by Jared Davison
Jared Davison’s exhibit, Tomorrow Disappears: Vanishing Industry in Ontario, documents through photography the grim reality of the changing landscape of industry in the province and shows there is beauty to be found in these forlorn and desolate environments.
“Once vibrant workplaces throughout Ontario now echo with the impact of plant closures on our economy and social environment,” says Davison. “Many buildings, now abandoned, are left to the ravages of time while others have been demolished or adapted and re-purposed.”
The weathered, the eroding, the forlorn and desolate; these are the subjects of scrutiny in his work as an urban explorer. Davison’s work mindfully encourages intimate viewing, transforming the unnoticed and revealing the concealed beauties in the infinitesimal.
Tomorrow Disappears features images of regional factories such as the Breithaupt Block, Dominion Electrohome, Tiger Brand, the William Street Pump Station and RMS Machinery.
For more info on Jared go to his Facebook page, or http://www.jareddavisonphotography.com/gallery/
It was my severe pleasure to have Jared Davison as a guest on the show once again.
We featured some of Jared's musical compositions including a radio premiere, and we spoke about his eye catching, provocative imagery which will be featured in Tomorrow Disappears. Jared and I also discovered that we have some mutual musical friends, who created legendary CKMS programs Frequent Mutilations and also The Joe Blow Shrunken Head Show where we first heard William S. Burroughs, Throbbing Gristle and Genesis B Orridge.
Another Worker on Leave - Jared Davison
Jared and I also discovered that we have some mutual musical friends, who created legendary CKMS programs Frequent Mutilations and also The Joe Blow Shrunken Head Show where we first heard William S. Burroughs, Thorbbing Gristle and Genesis B Orridge.
I found out that we both love William S Burroughs' Ah Pook The Destroyer/Brion Gysin's All-Purpose Bedtime Story from
Burrough's masterpiece Dead City Radio...
"Some trillions of years ago a sloppy, dirty giant flicked grease from his fingers. One of those gobs of grease
is our universe on its way to the floor. Splat!”
Join us in The InterviewZone SPLAT!…. - Coral FM.
Listen here for interview with Jared Davison
The King Street Art Market 2013
Last week I went to check out the King Street Art Market.
There were lots of groovy local visual artists (I brought one of Meghan Weber's multi-media works!) and live music which continued all day long including a performance by my local faves Sexdwarf.
I spoke with artist Erin Moffatt of Colour and Light – www.colourandlight.ca who creates stain glass art and custom works from recycled glass. I also spoke with Kat from Kat Eye Krafts www.KatEyeKrafts.etsy.com. I visited and brought a piece from good pal singer/multi media artist Meghan Weber who also performed for the City Hall Live Music Noon Hour Series and at Cafe Pyrus opening for Wax Mannequin.
I also went to see my pals Bruno and Michelle who have now officially opened Downtown Crepe Cafe at the cross streets of Charles and Benton. I had a cup of Bob Marley One Love coffee as I chatted with Bruno and Michelle about their grand opening which included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a live band. Check out their website at www.downtowncrepecafe.com.
For more on The King Street Art Market 2014, Visit www.downtownkitchener.ca.
There were lots of groovy local visual artists (I brought one of Meghan Weber's multi-media works!) and live music which continued all day long including a performance by my local faves Sexdwarf.
I spoke with artist Erin Moffatt of Colour and Light – www.colourandlight.ca who creates stain glass art and custom works from recycled glass. I also spoke with Kat from Kat Eye Krafts www.KatEyeKrafts.etsy.com. I visited and brought a piece from good pal singer/multi media artist Meghan Weber who also performed for the City Hall Live Music Noon Hour Series and at Cafe Pyrus opening for Wax Mannequin.
I also went to see my pals Bruno and Michelle who have now officially opened Downtown Crepe Cafe at the cross streets of Charles and Benton. I had a cup of Bob Marley One Love coffee as I chatted with Bruno and Michelle about their grand opening which included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a live band. Check out their website at www.downtowncrepecafe.com.
For more on The King Street Art Market 2014, Visit www.downtownkitchener.ca.
Just one of the many delicious desert crepes from Downtown Crepe Cafe.
Ballet Jorgen's Artistic Director Bengt Jorgen
Swan Lake
About Bengt....
Bengt Jörgen is the current Artistic Director Producer of Ballet Jörgen Canada and George Brown Dance. He is a winner of the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award and has created over 30 ballets for numerous ballet and opera companies including the National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the American Ballet Studio Company, the Canadian Opera Company, Opera Hamilton and the Hong Kong Ballet.
His critically acclaimed version of Romeo & Juliet led to the development of Coppélia, an international co-production between the Hong Kong Ballet and Ballet Jörgen Canada that will
rotate between the two companies for a ten year period.
"Hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since we appeared on the Canadian dance scene. Born out of a desire to create original works, provide a creative forum for artists and to make ballet accessible to all Canadians, we have come a long way!
We have increasingly moved to not only recreate our classics in a way that is respectful of tradition, but also in a way that is engaging for our modern audience. We’ve really shifted towards trying to speak about Canada and reflect Canadian identity in our work. There’s
no reason why Swan Lake has to be staged in some imaginary medieval European place.
This version of Swan Lake will be set in and around the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, and so people in our audiences will see Canadian heritage intrinsically reflected in the piece." - Bengt Jorgen, Artistic Director, Ballet Jorgen, Canada.
It was a pleasure to have Bengt Jorgen as my guest.
After Centre in the Square, Ballet Jorgen continues its tour across Canada.
***I am now counting down the hours as Ballet Jorgen returns to perform Swan Lake at Centre in the Square. This will be a magical night.***
For more info visit www.balletjorgen.ca - Coral
Bengt Jörgen is the current Artistic Director Producer of Ballet Jörgen Canada and George Brown Dance. He is a winner of the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award and has created over 30 ballets for numerous ballet and opera companies including the National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the American Ballet Studio Company, the Canadian Opera Company, Opera Hamilton and the Hong Kong Ballet.
His critically acclaimed version of Romeo & Juliet led to the development of Coppélia, an international co-production between the Hong Kong Ballet and Ballet Jörgen Canada that will
rotate between the two companies for a ten year period.
"Hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since we appeared on the Canadian dance scene. Born out of a desire to create original works, provide a creative forum for artists and to make ballet accessible to all Canadians, we have come a long way!
We have increasingly moved to not only recreate our classics in a way that is respectful of tradition, but also in a way that is engaging for our modern audience. We’ve really shifted towards trying to speak about Canada and reflect Canadian identity in our work. There’s
no reason why Swan Lake has to be staged in some imaginary medieval European place.
This version of Swan Lake will be set in and around the Fortress of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, and so people in our audiences will see Canadian heritage intrinsically reflected in the piece." - Bengt Jorgen, Artistic Director, Ballet Jorgen, Canada.
It was a pleasure to have Bengt Jorgen as my guest.
After Centre in the Square, Ballet Jorgen continues its tour across Canada.
***I am now counting down the hours as Ballet Jorgen returns to perform Swan Lake at Centre in the Square. This will be a magical night.***
For more info visit www.balletjorgen.ca - Coral
Elora Festival 2013 Season's Non Classical Acts
A sensory experience not be missed .....
Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian
The Elora Festival opens this weekend! Elora Festival Media Guru Jared Davison (also a musician and visual artist) was my special guest this week to speak about some of the non-classical acts playing at the Festival for 2013. And this is a fabulous eclectic line up for all music lovers. For more info and buy tickets online for any of the shows, please visit http://www.elorafestival.com/
Here are some of the artists featured at The Elora Festival - 2013.
Leahy - A family. A musical group of brothers and sisters, a sound, a style of music, a way of life, a volcanic explosion of talent and energy, intense emotion, and feral passion. Leahy is a Canadian powerhouse of eight musical brothers and sisters who have been playing together their entire lives. All that audiences need to do to understand the style that has come to be known as “Leahy” is look at their awards—Junos for Best New Group, Best Country Group, and Best Instrumental Album, the most played folk/roots song in Canada in 2004 and the Socan award for Folk/Jazz instrumentalist the following year. On stage, Leahy brought 175 audiences to their feet when they opened for pop-star Shania Twain on her inaugural world tour. Leahy brings its whole being to each and every performance.
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian.
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra has appeared in concert halls throughout the US, Europe and Canada. The Orchestra regularly tours, and frequently records for CBC Radio. Known for its original and fearless programming, encompassing a broad range of repertoire and diverse commissioning, it has been called “an excellent string ensemble conducted with crispness and verve by Anne Manson” (San Francisco Chronicle). It has been praised for its “satiny sound, ... dynamic subtlety, and an impeccable sense of ensemble” (Ottawa Citizen). The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra toured major North American centers with soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian in 2008, garnering three curtain calls at Carnegie Hall.
Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian is admired equally for her stunning stage presence and exceptional musicality. Her 2012-13 season included a return to the Canadian Opera Company in her acclaimed portrayal of Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and to the Vancouver Symphony. Ms Bayrakdarian’s awards include four Junos and a Grammy Nomination for Gomidas Songs on the Nonesuch label.
Visit the website @ http://www.themco.ca
Brass Transit. What happens when eight of Canada’s most indemand musicians and singers gather together out of a common love for the greatest jazz-rock group of all time? Brass Transit - Toronto’s dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight Chicago tribute!
The band’s show includes all the hits from Chicago’s golden age. With a world-class horn section, a rocking rhythm section and vocals stacked sky-high, Brass Transit transports its audience back to the freewheeling days of the seventies. The band includes veterans of the Hall-of-Fame rock and soul acts like the Drifters, Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, the Marvelettes, Frankie Valli, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Del Shannon and the Mamas and the Papas.
Visit the website @ http://www.brasstransit.com
Jorge Miguel Flamenco Ensemble
Jorge Miguel is a Spanish-Canadian guitarist and composer from Toronto. His family comes from Cadiz, a city in the Flamenco heartland and he has spent much time living and studying there.
Flamenco is best learned from ‘the elders’ and Jorge’s teachers included some of the best: Carlos del Rio in Madrid, Augustin ‘Bola’ Carbonell in Seville and other veterans. Jorge Miguel’s style of Flamenco is the real thing. Alegrias, Bulerias, Tangos and Sevillanas, the traditional songs and dances passed down through the generations after hundreds of years of development and growth. The arpeggios, rasgueados and alzapua of the Flamenco guitar, the escobillas, zapateado and llamadas of the Flamenco dancers, the cante jondo and chico of the Flamenco song, and the palmas, castanets and percussion driving the complex compound rhythms create a full, lush performance.
To realize his vision, Jorge has drawn from Toronto’s finest Flamenco aficionados- singers who have immersed themselves in the tradition, and percussionists and bassists who are at home in many musical styles and bring Latin and jazz influences to the table as well as a deep knowledge of the Flamenco ritmo. Flamenco is only partly about music. Flamenco without dance is like Andalucía without sun and Jorge works with several dancers trained in the best schools of Seville and Jerez, absorbing the tradition while grafting new shoots onto old roots.
Together Jorge Miguel and associates create new music that both takes Flamenco somewhere new and preserves its duende, an untranslatable Spanish word that means spirit or soul. Olé!
Visit the website @ http://www.jorgemiguel.com
Steven Page
Legend has it that Steven Page was a member of the littleknown but critically lauded band of Canadian troubadours once known as Barenaked Ladies. He has composed the score for three productions at Canada’s Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and in 2005 he released his first solo album, The Vanity Project. He has recently struck out on his own full-time and has two recordings due this year, as well as much concert-touring.
Visit the website @ http://www.stevenpage.com
Sonic Escape
As graduates of The Juilliard School, Shawn Wyckoff (flute), Maria Kaneko Millar (violin) and Nan-Cheng Chen (cello) have performed in classical music’s greatest halls - The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, to name a few. They’ve also travelled the world in roles as diverse as fiddle-dancing in Riverdance, jamming with Beale Street blues bands, soloing and drumming with taiko troupes, improvising with Native-American flute masters, dancing while performing the tango music of Astor Piazzolla, and playing rock clubs across NYC. This lifelong commitment to devouring new sounds and pushing boundaries - both within themselves and the musical establishment - is why Sonic Escape came to be.
Visit the website @ http://www.fluteviolincello.com
As Jared Davison says "The Elora Festival is a Sensory Experience not to be missed." - Coral FM
Here are some of the artists featured at The Elora Festival - 2013.
Leahy - A family. A musical group of brothers and sisters, a sound, a style of music, a way of life, a volcanic explosion of talent and energy, intense emotion, and feral passion. Leahy is a Canadian powerhouse of eight musical brothers and sisters who have been playing together their entire lives. All that audiences need to do to understand the style that has come to be known as “Leahy” is look at their awards—Junos for Best New Group, Best Country Group, and Best Instrumental Album, the most played folk/roots song in Canada in 2004 and the Socan award for Folk/Jazz instrumentalist the following year. On stage, Leahy brought 175 audiences to their feet when they opened for pop-star Shania Twain on her inaugural world tour. Leahy brings its whole being to each and every performance.
Manitoba Chamber Orchestra featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian.
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra has appeared in concert halls throughout the US, Europe and Canada. The Orchestra regularly tours, and frequently records for CBC Radio. Known for its original and fearless programming, encompassing a broad range of repertoire and diverse commissioning, it has been called “an excellent string ensemble conducted with crispness and verve by Anne Manson” (San Francisco Chronicle). It has been praised for its “satiny sound, ... dynamic subtlety, and an impeccable sense of ensemble” (Ottawa Citizen). The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra toured major North American centers with soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian in 2008, garnering three curtain calls at Carnegie Hall.
Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian is admired equally for her stunning stage presence and exceptional musicality. Her 2012-13 season included a return to the Canadian Opera Company in her acclaimed portrayal of Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and to the Vancouver Symphony. Ms Bayrakdarian’s awards include four Junos and a Grammy Nomination for Gomidas Songs on the Nonesuch label.
Visit the website @ http://www.themco.ca
Brass Transit. What happens when eight of Canada’s most indemand musicians and singers gather together out of a common love for the greatest jazz-rock group of all time? Brass Transit - Toronto’s dynamic, crowd-pleasing, studio-tight Chicago tribute!
The band’s show includes all the hits from Chicago’s golden age. With a world-class horn section, a rocking rhythm section and vocals stacked sky-high, Brass Transit transports its audience back to the freewheeling days of the seventies. The band includes veterans of the Hall-of-Fame rock and soul acts like the Drifters, Sam and Dave, Aretha Franklin, Ben E. King, the Marvelettes, Frankie Valli, Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Del Shannon and the Mamas and the Papas.
Visit the website @ http://www.brasstransit.com
Jorge Miguel Flamenco Ensemble
Jorge Miguel is a Spanish-Canadian guitarist and composer from Toronto. His family comes from Cadiz, a city in the Flamenco heartland and he has spent much time living and studying there.
Flamenco is best learned from ‘the elders’ and Jorge’s teachers included some of the best: Carlos del Rio in Madrid, Augustin ‘Bola’ Carbonell in Seville and other veterans. Jorge Miguel’s style of Flamenco is the real thing. Alegrias, Bulerias, Tangos and Sevillanas, the traditional songs and dances passed down through the generations after hundreds of years of development and growth. The arpeggios, rasgueados and alzapua of the Flamenco guitar, the escobillas, zapateado and llamadas of the Flamenco dancers, the cante jondo and chico of the Flamenco song, and the palmas, castanets and percussion driving the complex compound rhythms create a full, lush performance.
To realize his vision, Jorge has drawn from Toronto’s finest Flamenco aficionados- singers who have immersed themselves in the tradition, and percussionists and bassists who are at home in many musical styles and bring Latin and jazz influences to the table as well as a deep knowledge of the Flamenco ritmo. Flamenco is only partly about music. Flamenco without dance is like Andalucía without sun and Jorge works with several dancers trained in the best schools of Seville and Jerez, absorbing the tradition while grafting new shoots onto old roots.
Together Jorge Miguel and associates create new music that both takes Flamenco somewhere new and preserves its duende, an untranslatable Spanish word that means spirit or soul. Olé!
Visit the website @ http://www.jorgemiguel.com
Steven Page
Legend has it that Steven Page was a member of the littleknown but critically lauded band of Canadian troubadours once known as Barenaked Ladies. He has composed the score for three productions at Canada’s Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and in 2005 he released his first solo album, The Vanity Project. He has recently struck out on his own full-time and has two recordings due this year, as well as much concert-touring.
Visit the website @ http://www.stevenpage.com
Sonic Escape
As graduates of The Juilliard School, Shawn Wyckoff (flute), Maria Kaneko Millar (violin) and Nan-Cheng Chen (cello) have performed in classical music’s greatest halls - The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, to name a few. They’ve also travelled the world in roles as diverse as fiddle-dancing in Riverdance, jamming with Beale Street blues bands, soloing and drumming with taiko troupes, improvising with Native-American flute masters, dancing while performing the tango music of Astor Piazzolla, and playing rock clubs across NYC. This lifelong commitment to devouring new sounds and pushing boundaries - both within themselves and the musical establishment - is why Sonic Escape came to be.
Visit the website @ http://www.fluteviolincello.com
As Jared Davison says "The Elora Festival is a Sensory Experience not to be missed." - Coral FM
Here is my radio interview with Elora Festival Marketing Director Jared Davison
TorQ's Elora Festival Debut at Gambrel Barn
Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Daniel Morphy & Jamie Drake (bow tie!) from TorQ
A few selections from TorQ's opening set before they join with the Carmina Burana performers.
History of the Snare Drums
Tradition (arr. TorQ)
Jerusalem Traditional (arr. J. Drake)The TorQ Percussion Quartet Winners of the 2009 Mississauga Arts Council award for “Best Emerging Performing Arts Ensemble”, TorQ Percussion Quartet was formed by four Canadian percussionists looking to add new vitality to percussion repertoire and performance. Renowned for their engaging performances, members Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy are committed to making new music accessible to audiences that span generations and geography.
For more info visit http://www.torqpercussion.ca
History of the Snare Drums
Tradition (arr. TorQ)
Jerusalem Traditional (arr. J. Drake)The TorQ Percussion Quartet Winners of the 2009 Mississauga Arts Council award for “Best Emerging Performing Arts Ensemble”, TorQ Percussion Quartet was formed by four Canadian percussionists looking to add new vitality to percussion repertoire and performance. Renowned for their engaging performances, members Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy are committed to making new music accessible to audiences that span generations and geography.
For more info visit http://www.torqpercussion.ca
Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison
The Incredible Gambrel Barn in Elora.
Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison
is well established as one of the most versatile and charismatic conductors in the world today. As conductor and artistic director of two world-class Canadian ensembles, the large-scale Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the chamber-sized Elora Festival Singers, Edison is widely recognized and appreciated for his skillful, interpretive work with both choir and orchestra.
A native of Toronto, Edison moved to the scenic village of Elora, where, in 1979, he co-founded the Elora Festival and, a year later, the Elora Festival Singers as its choir-in-residence. Since 1984, Edison has served as Artistic Director of the Elora Festival as well as Organist and Choirmaster of one of the few all-professional church choirs in Canada at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Elora. In 1988, he established the Elora Festival Orchestra.
In 2002 the University of Guelph conferred upon Noel the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music.
And on January 22, 2009, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
Elora Festival
The Elora Festival was launched as the Three Centuries Festival in 1979. It has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed annual music event now known as the Elora Festival that attracts capacity crowds to the Village of Elora. Patrons enjoy four weeks of international calibre music, from large-scale classical works for choir and orchestra to intimate evenings of jazz and popular music.
Elora Festival and Singers
The Elora Festival Singers (EFS), an all-professional Grammy- and Juno-nominated chamber choir, was founded in 1980 by Noel Edison as principal choral ensemble of the Elora Festival. In 1992, the Elora Festival Singers was incorporated as a separate organization to manage its year-round activities. Since 1997, the choir has been the core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, and is the choral ensemble-in-residence of the Elora Festival for four weeks each summer. Through regular concert series, recordings, broadcasts, and touring, EFS has established a reputation as one of the finest chamber choirs in Canada and beyond, contributing to the musical life, not only of the community, but on an international stage. With eight releases on the NAXOS label, the EFS is known for its rich, warm sound and clarity of texture. The choir is renowned for its diverse styles, for its commitment to Canadian repertoire, and for its collaborations with other Canadian artists. The Elora Festival and Singers continue to manage a professional choir of international regard and present a summer festival of classical and contemporary music, with an emphasis on choral works, featuring Canadian artists of international calibre in the unique setting of the Village of Elora.
It was my great pleasure to have Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison as a special guest on Coral FM. We had a lot of fun in a candid wide ranging chat which included Noel's experience on The Grammys red carpet, his insight into the music of tomorrow, his childhood passion for singing, how Carl Orff's Carmina's Burana's Oh Fortuna is about to be used in a most unusual way, and of course The Elora Festival 2013!
Noel Edison is welcome back anytime! - Coral FM.
For a complete guide to Elora Festival 2014 and to order tickets
Visit http://www.elorafestival.com
Listen here for my interview with Noel Edison
is well established as one of the most versatile and charismatic conductors in the world today. As conductor and artistic director of two world-class Canadian ensembles, the large-scale Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the chamber-sized Elora Festival Singers, Edison is widely recognized and appreciated for his skillful, interpretive work with both choir and orchestra.
A native of Toronto, Edison moved to the scenic village of Elora, where, in 1979, he co-founded the Elora Festival and, a year later, the Elora Festival Singers as its choir-in-residence. Since 1984, Edison has served as Artistic Director of the Elora Festival as well as Organist and Choirmaster of one of the few all-professional church choirs in Canada at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Elora. In 1988, he established the Elora Festival Orchestra.
In 2002 the University of Guelph conferred upon Noel the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music.
And on January 22, 2009, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.
Elora Festival
The Elora Festival was launched as the Three Centuries Festival in 1979. It has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed annual music event now known as the Elora Festival that attracts capacity crowds to the Village of Elora. Patrons enjoy four weeks of international calibre music, from large-scale classical works for choir and orchestra to intimate evenings of jazz and popular music.
Elora Festival and Singers
The Elora Festival Singers (EFS), an all-professional Grammy- and Juno-nominated chamber choir, was founded in 1980 by Noel Edison as principal choral ensemble of the Elora Festival. In 1992, the Elora Festival Singers was incorporated as a separate organization to manage its year-round activities. Since 1997, the choir has been the core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, and is the choral ensemble-in-residence of the Elora Festival for four weeks each summer. Through regular concert series, recordings, broadcasts, and touring, EFS has established a reputation as one of the finest chamber choirs in Canada and beyond, contributing to the musical life, not only of the community, but on an international stage. With eight releases on the NAXOS label, the EFS is known for its rich, warm sound and clarity of texture. The choir is renowned for its diverse styles, for its commitment to Canadian repertoire, and for its collaborations with other Canadian artists. The Elora Festival and Singers continue to manage a professional choir of international regard and present a summer festival of classical and contemporary music, with an emphasis on choral works, featuring Canadian artists of international calibre in the unique setting of the Village of Elora.
It was my great pleasure to have Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison as a special guest on Coral FM. We had a lot of fun in a candid wide ranging chat which included Noel's experience on The Grammys red carpet, his insight into the music of tomorrow, his childhood passion for singing, how Carl Orff's Carmina's Burana's Oh Fortuna is about to be used in a most unusual way, and of course The Elora Festival 2013!
Noel Edison is welcome back anytime! - Coral FM.
For a complete guide to Elora Festival 2014 and to order tickets
Visit http://www.elorafestival.com
Listen here for my interview with Noel Edison
A Christmas Coral 2013
To all my listeners and guests over the past year from local artists and into the performing arts realm beyond, Thanx!!! for all the great chats.
I am looking forward to many more Coral FM chats in 2014.
A Christmas Coral (which is now almost 20 years old) goes out to everyone.
I have put together a special two part program of the sounds and music from this Magical time of the year! Squooches to my many incredible friends - both here at home, in New York, Toronto, and in England.
A Christmas Coral is also a very special gift for my entire family including all of my cousins in England and my neices and nephews - Crimble Merry to all of you! I hope it is said of me that I know how to keep Christmas well..... "if anyone alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us" .... Much Love *The Christmas Coral*
Listen here for Parts 1 and Part 2 of A Christmas Coral 2013.