Musicians Celebrate 75th Anniversary

THUNDER BAY, ON --- May 8, 2013 --- The Thunder Bay Musicians Association, Local 591, is hosting a number of exciting events to honour its 75th anniversary from May 22nd to May 26th.

To start celebrations, on May 22nd to 24th, live music will greet travellers at the Thunder Bay International
Airport as they arrive during 9:30am - 10:30am, 3:00pm - 4:00pm and 7:00pm - 8:00pm.

On Saturday, May 25th, guest speakers are Alan Willaert, VP, American Federation of Musicians for Canada and the United States and Liana White, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Musicians will present “The Business of Being in the Music Business” a free music workshop is open to anyone interested starting at 1:00pm at the Victoria Inn.   read more.....>

A Flawless Masterworks

THUNDER BAY, ON ------ April 28, 2013 ----- Pianist extraordinaire Andre Laplante graced the stage of Thunder Bay’s Community Auditorium for the final Masterworks concert of the season. This concert was everything that a Masterworks concert should be. To my mind a Masterworks concert should include an orchestral appetiser, a concerto followed by a symphony, and that is exactly what was on this programme. Classical music aficionados adored this programme.

The appearance of Andre Laplante would be a draw for many in the audience. The great pianist has played here several times before and with each departure has left the audience wanting more. Many others came because Beethoven’s hallmark symphony, #5 was on the programme. The concert’s title, “The Most Famous Notes Ever” refers to the opening four notes of this symphony.

Many people came as I did because of word of mouth. I was reading comments on Face book made by some of my orchestral friends mentioning that “They live to play concerts like this”. The orchestra was so excited by the rehearsals I wondered what the concert would be like. To make a long story short for a masterworks concert this was very well attended with the auditorium nearly full.  The first item on the programme was by John Estacio, Saudades was commissioned and premiered in 1993 by the Winnipeg Symphony Orcherstra. I liked this piece, it was well written and still maintained a sense of narrative that many modern composers have abandoned. I also liked they symmetry of the music, it began and ended with a melodic solo for bassoon, played so well by  Harold Weavers.   read more.......>

Magnus Coming to a School near you!

THUNDER BAY, ON ------ April 20, 2013 ---- Earlier this week I had the opportunity to interview Magnus Theatres Artistic Director Mario Crudo and to chat briefly with the cast of their touring school programme.

The cast directed by veteran Lil Cano will perform two different plays daily at over 40 of the regions schools. Naturally the cast looked younger than their press photos since they we performing plays meant for a student audience. These are professional actors and their dress an manners were so much like high school students that I had to ask is they were university trained professional actors. To my surprise they all were.

Presenting a touring school programme is nothing new for Magnus Theatre. Mario Crudo told me that the theatre has been presenting plays for schools for at least the past 24-30 seasons. They produce plays for the elementary schools as well as a separate play for the senior schools. The plays are focused on student issues. For example the play “The Day Billy Lived” intended for students from grades 7 -12 . This plat won the Sterling Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theatre for Young Audiences.  read more......>

Cambrian Players  Norm Foster's OUTLAW

THUNDER BAY, ON --- April 15, 2-13 ---- Outlaw tells the story of a young Canadian homesteader travelling far from home who finds himself accused of murder in the state of Kansas in 1871. With only his wits to defend himself, he turns the law of the land – and the men Hell bent on enforcing it – upside down. This authentic western is a unique take on the days when guns were the law. Is he guilty or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?

The play showcases the enthusiastic performances of Gabe "Rattlesnake" Ferrazo, Alex "Johnny Rev" Jecchinis, Norm "Plato" McDougall and Will "Gunless" Perry.

Beverley Gravelle-MacLeod, director of Norm Foster’s Outlaw, says that in the case of this play at least, boys will be boys. “One thing I’ve noticed about the fellows in rehearsals is that grown men are never too old to want to play at being cowboys. The guys have embraced these characters and have fully committed to being as authentic as possible in re-enacting the American Old West."  read more...>

 "Storm Warning” now playing at Magnus

THUNDER BAY, ON ----- April 14, 2013 ---It’s a simple idea, saving the best till last, but it is truly effective. Storm Warning a play by Norm Foster is now on at Thunder Bay’s Magnus Theatre. Every season for the past twenty years, Norm Foster has produced a new play. Not only does he create plays, they are also produced an average of 150 times a season.

We had a Norm Foster Play last season about this time of year. Like his other works Foster’s plays connect with the audience. He has a way of telling stories that people want to hear. Once he has caught his audience’s attention he keeps them interested by reaching out and connecting with their sense of humour. While not a comedy, there are some funny lines in this play.

The house was packed on Friday night, with the return of winter it was a good night to go to the theatre. Norm Foster knows winter well. For a time when attending Confederation College he lived here and got to know the city and local culture. Perhaps that is why his play connects so well with the Thunder Bay audience, he simply understands us.  read more....>

Big Night for Jordan Pal TBSO

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----  April 2, 2013  ---  Thursday’s Masterworks 5 by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra was a complete treat. For one thing the special guests for the evening, the “Gryphon Trio” are one of Canada’s best small performing ensembles and they have a long history of solid performances.

The next thing was the programme, it began with a Haydn Symphony #26. I like Haydn and have a lot of his string quartets in sheet music and most of his symphonic work on CDs.. Symphony 26 however is a seldom heard work of Haydn, most orchestras tend to play his later works such as the “Jupiter” symphony. This early symphony is scored for a small chamber orchestra, strings, two oboes, trumpet and percussion and no more. Often the early music of Haydn is performed by amateur groups because it is relatively easy to learn the notes. However to play Haydn superbly requires a lot of work and talent. The TBSO’s rendition of this symphony was outstanding. All the members of the orchestra played so precisely that it sounded as though they were a great string quartet playing. Joseph Haydn could not have done better himself.   read more.....>

Voyageur Artists "To Tree or Not To Tree" Waterfront Gallery

Two Harbors, MN -- March 3, 2013 --- The goal of the Voyageur Art Club is to reach out to the Community, encouraging them to be aware of the beauty surrounding all of us. There is great joy in expressing beauty. The Art Club members also strive for perfection in individual chosen art form. Many artists in the group have painted their way to prominence in the local community and beyond.

The Voyageur Artists hope others are inspired to pick up a brush and express themselves,
and join the Club.

Val Doherty, owner of Waterfront Gallery, looks forward to the 2013 Annual Spring Exhibit of the Voyageur Art Club members new works; watercolor, oil, and mixed media paintings as well as ceramics, sculpture, and other objects of art. The public is invited to meet these gifted local and regional artists.

Meet these gifted local and regional artists! Watercolor, oil, and mixed media paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and other objects of art.   read more......>

Join us for Arts and Music for March Break

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----  March 2, 2013  ---- March Break in the Village Green at Victoriaville Centre   Arts and crafts, courtesy of the Community Arts and Heritage Program (CAHEP)  Music provided by JC Wilkinson, Cassidy Houston and Jamie Labrador
 in association with 4AM in Thunder Bay Association
The program starts each day at 11 a.m. with and arts program with instructors that can help being out your child's artistic talent.
On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon James Wilkinson will work with your child to help them develop their musical talents.  read more....>

THE “COME SPRING TOUR” FEATURING CHASTITY BROWN AND BARBARA JEAN

GRAND MARAIS, MN --- Feb. 23, 2013— GravelRoad Touring, a Minneapolis booking cooperative, presents the Come Spring Tour with Americana-rootsartists Chastity Brown and Barbara Jean. The two performers will cover groundon both Lake Superior’s North and South Shore giving four evening performancesin three lakeside communities. ComeSpring kicks off on February 28 in Duluth, MN where the two performers willbe featured on WDSE Public Television’s ThePlaylist at 9 p.m.

The program will highlight the work of both musicians with live in-studio performances.

Chastity Brown has emerged as aunique and powerful musician with a sound that is hard to characterize—throwall the genres and hyphenates together you want to describe her – gospel, roots& soul, jazz, blues & country – they are all right, and also notenough. Chastity Brown channels songs that are carried deep in the Americanpsyche, the hunger, desperation and confidence that run through our times. Coming from Tennessee to Minnesota, touring the country, she has had halfher own lifetime and million lifetimes gone before to concoct her powerfulsound. Chastity was recently hailed by NPR as a "promising new voice"and her live act was chosen by CMT as one of the Top 10 Moments of the 2012Americana Festival.   read more....>

Jean-Paul De Roover to release new album ‘Complexity in Simplicity’

THUNDER BAY, ON --- February 19 2013 --- “The mad scientist of the Thunder Bay music scene” [Exclaim! magazine] has been hard at work since his last full-length album was released in 2009. After touring North America incessantly, with music videos featured on MuchMusic, showcases at international music festivals, two EP’s and several award nominations later, De Roover is ready to unveil his newest work.

Written over the past four years, Complexity in Simplicity was produced by Juno-nominated Ben Leggett of Corbeil, ON and De Roover himself.

“Having a producer come in was a big step for me,” De Roover admits, “I’ve self-produced everything before this, but the collaborative production process between Ben and I resulted in some of my strongest writing. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”   read more...>

The Story Mapping Project

Thunder Bay, ON - February 11,2013 - The Festival Showcase of Arts and Heritage Education are celebrating Family Day and Heritage Week in Thunder Bay by presenting The Story Mapping Project with Rachel Vandenassem on display at the Lake Superior Gallery. As part of the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project’s Grandother Program, the residents of Grandview Lodge and the First Thunder Bay Pathfinders participated in a unique arts project where they got to know about each other.

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 Animate the Space old Bank of Commerce

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  February 12, 2012  ---   The old Bank of Commerce, 409 Victoria Ave. East, was destroyed by fire in 2007, and since provides a vacant lot which many enjoy for its raw beauty. The lot currently acts as a throughway for pedestrians, and as a quiet sitting space. With the generous support of the landowner, Mr. Habib, the lot was transformed into a temporary art space in the summer of 2010. Carol Kajorinne participated in the art project and having seen the site's immense potential, has been spearheading the creation of a sculpture garden and greenspace that will endure time. The intention is not only to create unique, inspirational artwork for the space, but to encourage community involvement in the reclamation of the site, and to promote happiness and new growth in the area.

In 2010, Lakehead University partnered with the City of Thunder Bay, running Art Installation in Public Spaces, which required the students to create site specific art for the Bank. The installation was embraced whole-heartedly, and was a breath of fresh air for the community, its positive effects long-lasting. Garbage cans were placed on site, and it was kept clean and free of drug paraphernalia. The patrol officers working in the area even stated that crime rates were reduced because of the installation. Unfortunately, the project was short term, and since the installation was taken down, the site has reverted back to its original lonely state, collecting garbage and paraphernalia. The locals experienced a sense of loss once the artwork was gone, but hopefully 2013 will bring new life into the space once again.  read more.....>

Fort William Business District Looks towards the future

THUNDER BAY, ON ----- February 10, 2013 ---- “The Fort William Business District has received funding from Thunder Bay Ventures to do a Strategic Plan and is pleased to announce Patricia Forrest of Forrest Marketing +Communications has been hired to facilitate the strategic plan”, stated JP Fraser Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

The Strategic Planning Committee that is made up of BIA Board member and Committee Chair, JP Fraser, BIA Board member Tom Petrie, Shelby Ch’ng, owner of Unveiled Bridal Boutique, Christine Meronyk - employee of Nutrition Corner and Country Store. and John Pateman Chief Librarian and CEO for the Thunder Bay Public Library.

The Committee has invited a cross selection of business owners, community groups, hospitality and City departments to make presentations about their vision of the Fort William Business District. Public Meetings will be held on February 12, 13, 19 & 20 in Victoriaville Centre in suite 72 (near friends of the library and Lake Superior Art Gallery) beginning at 5:30pm.  read more.....>

Café Daughter

THUNDER BAY, ON -----  January 31, 2013 -----  I have been savouring last Friday’s gala performance of “Café Daughter” for a few days now and it is time to write the review.

This Gwaandak Theatre Production now on stage at Magnus has grown on me.
Single actor plays often cause me problems since the actor is portraying a wide range of characters, but I found that that was not the case in this play. For a start the number of characters played by Paula- Jean Prudat is limited. They are not masked by accents and I found her speaking voice clearly carried through the theatre. Speaking clearly and being clearly understood make any conversation much more enjoyable.

In her role as “Yvette”, Prudat has a story to be told. I found the story soon captivated my interest and as the play progressed the honesty of the story became more evident. The story of Yvette is an exceptional one in that she is a half breed child who overcame her difficulties and succeeded in becoming a doctor.   read more....>

Sopranos to Die For

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  January 31, 2013  ---   Thursday night's performance of the Elmer Isler Singers at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra was simply astounding. 'Sopranos to Die For" were my first thoughts after hearing them sing, but the rest of the choir sing equally well. Your recent performance will be long remembered by our music students at Lakehead University. The music students cherished the chance to work with the best while preparing Mozart's Requiem.

Listening to a choir of this quality it gives us further reason to lament the loss of funding for choral music programs in our education system. Where will the singers of tomorrow come from?  read more.....>

Waterfront Gallery Photography Contest Winners

TWO HARBORS, MN ---- January 20, 2013 ---Check out this year's beautiful winning images----12 for each of the calendar months and four receiving honorable mention.

Left photo A View o fLower Gooseberry Through the Cedars by Jim Kruger

As posted on the Bluefin Bay web-site:
Bluefin Bay is pleased to partner with our Bluefin Bay Calendar Contest judges, professional photographers John Gregor and Val Doherty, to host a special gallery exhibit of our prize winning photographs from the 18th Annual Bluefin Bay Calendar Contest. The exhibit will be on display at Waterfront Gallery, 632 First Ave. in Two Harbors, from January 12 - February 28, 2013. The exhibit will then move to Bluefin Bay's Guest Services Building. Join us in applauding the 2013 Bluefin Bay Calendar Contest winners and their prize photographs featured on the calendar pages.  read more.....>

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Launches Dream Vacation Lottery

Thunder Bay, ON – December 17, 2012  ----  The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is launching a new fundraising initiative to support its Youth and Education Programs.  With the support of Expedia Cruiseship Centers, the TBSO will launch the Dream Vacation Lottery on Saturday, December 15 at the Holiday Pops concert.

The Dream Vacation Lottery boasts three great prizes: a 10 day Caribbean Cruise on Princes Cruiselines from Expedia Cruiseship Centers, a 7 day All-inclusive Resort Vacation to the Dominican Republic, and a weekend getaway for 2 to Las Vegas. read more....>

Great Family Event TBSO

THUNDER BAY, ON ------ December 16, 2012 ---- There are few non professional arts groups in the City that can afford to host a production at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. One that I can think of is the Fort William Male Choir which recently held its “Prelude to Christmas”.

The alternative for many groups is to form some sort of collaborative approach with organizations that do use the public auditorium. This was the case with the Christmas Pops concert on Saturday with Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser conducting the TBSO.

One of the reasons I attended this concert Christmas Pops concert on Saturday was to see Dan Poyser direct the orchestra. He is the resident conductor of our orchestra and these positions are two year intern positions intended to increase the supply of Canadian grown conducting talent. Competition for these positions is fierce as there are only about two positions open nationally each year. There can be over 120 applications for each position, and the selected candidate will finally obtain a first conducting position with a real professional orchestra.

While working for a different music group I have come to know that Dan is one talented musician and I have seen him do everything but conduct. I arrived at intermission time since this programme was promoted as a family event it started an hour earlier. I met some TBSO musicians as I was making my way to my seat and I mentioned how important a concert such as this is to a resident conductor. Their reply was Dan was very busy doing everything else and conducting. This comment made perfect sense to me once the concert resumed.   read more........>

The Annals of Goshen

THUNDER BAY, ON --- December 8, 2012 ---- WhiskyJack Publishing today announced the publication of The Annals of Goshen as a trade paperback. It is available immediately in Greenstone and will soon appear in Thunder Bay outlets.

"Most people think of me as a writer of histories," said author E.J. Lavoie, "but I also write about contemporary events." Lavoie is a retired teacher in Greenstone who now writes full-time. His published works include And the Geraldton Way and a debut mystery novel, The Beardmore Relics.

For a number of years, Lavoie wrote a weekly column for the local paper. The narrator, who called himself EJ, imagined himself observing the world from a mythical Northern community named Goshen. These stories and essays are now collected into a series of books subtitled The Chronicles of Goshen. The first volume, The Annals of Goshen, has several articles still highly relevant in 2012.

One story, titled "How the Smirk Stole Christmas", describes an American character named Santa Prez. He bears a remarkable resemblance to former President George W. Bush, who spoiled the season of joy for a lot of kids and their parents.  read more.....>

Completely Hollywood Magnus Theatre

THUNDER BAY , ON  ----  November 28, 2012  ---   At first I was not sure what to make of this play, try as I might there was no plot. In fact one might wonder if it was a play in the strictest sense, theatrical definitely! Once I had seen about 15 minute worth of humourous sketches I realize that there was a structure to this production that in effect replaces the plot we are so used to looking for. The production ”Completely Hollywood” is now on stage at Thunder Bay's Magnus Theatre and you should go! The three actors on stage do their best to parody some one hundred and eighty or so Hollywood Block Busters.
 
Along the way we learn some of the `twelve rules of Hollywood. One of them is “Every wannabe writes a script”. Skit after skit is performed and we soon learn that every new Hollywood movie is simply a combination of two older movies, and that there are really only two themes to a movie, one is boy meets girl, and the other is the Jesus story.   read more.....>

Waterfront Gallery Pottery Creations Show

TWO HARBORS mn ---- November 25, 2012 ---- Waterfront Gallery's Ceramics Exhibit, November 15 through December 31 in Two Harbors.
The artists exhibiting their ceramics at the Waterfront Gallery's winter show are all experienced potters working with rich glaze colors and reserved ornamentation style. They create platters, bowls, vases, casseroles, pitchers, covered pots, tea bowls, teapots, and mugs that are functional, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. The exhibiting artists come from the area; Two Harbors, Duluth, along the North Shore, and Nebagamon WI. Thunder Bay, residents traveling to Duluth are invited to drop in and enjoy this exhibit.

Holiday gifts: Shopping locally during the holiday season supports the local economy. Buying artist created one-of-a-kind items not only supports the artist's trade, but ensures a gift that is unique and special  read more.......>

Astounding Performance

THUNDER BAY, ON - October 24, 2012 - It is not often that we get to hear the music of the Scandinavian countries in Thunder Bay. This is particularly true of the chamber works of these great composers. SKYE is a musical entity which is backed by supporters from the local Finish community. Erik Johannes Riekko serves as the Artistic Director for a three concert season.  

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Harmony in Style

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---- October 24, 2012  --  Real women, real harmony, real fun, are the on the front of Sounds of Superior Chorus’s brochure. After sitting down with Claire Belluz, spokesperson for the group I think the brochure beautifully describes this women’s chorus. However I would add “real good” as well.

For the past few seasons since Lake Superior Collegiate &VI has been opened, I have been listening to this choir rehearse in the room across the hall where I attend Consortium Board meetings. This is my first chance to interview this well established group. The Chorus belongs to an association called the Sweet Adelines. They host district and national conventions and each season they travel to share their music and compete with fellow choruses. This chorus takes great pride in placing well at these competitions. Attending conventions is a lot of fun and it gives the women an incentive to prepare and sing well. When they are finished they return home sharing an experience that they will continue to share as common memories.   read more.....>

Freedom 85 Magnus

THUNDER BAY, ON ----- October 21, 2012 ---- It’s playing right now at Magnus Theatre. “Freedom 85” by playwright Debra Hale.

This is a two-actor multi -character tour de force. As the two women tell the story of 85 year old Sybil who has managed to escape the morgue (retirement residence) for awhile. Needing help she decides to befriend a younger women Kate and employs her as her personal assistant. As it turns out it is perhaps Kate that needs the assistance more than Sybil!

I found the play touching in some respects because it deals with the real side of people aging and the need to make decisions. It also delves into the depth of human character when faced with adversity.

This is a play that should be seen twice to really understand it. The reason being the multiple roles played by each women make the story difficult to follow. In my case my hearing aid batteries failed early in the first half so I simply missed a big chunk of the play. However the situation was rectified for the second half.  read more....>

A remarkable dazzling evening

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----    October 20, 2012  ---  Her press photos do not do her justice when you see Susan Hou live on stage. Like the Guarneri violin that she plays so flawlessl,y she is vibrant and full of life. Music is the passion of her life and it is a gift she shares with audiences around the world.

Her proper name is Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, and years ago when her parents emigrated to Canada their first orchestra job was with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. It was in Thunder Bay that her family made their first Canadian friends. By the age of five she had already been studying the violin with her father Alec for a year. In the time since the family left Thunder Bay she has had the best of instruction at the violin and the best preparation for a concert career that most professionals could only wish for. On Thursday night she was on our stage at the Community Auditorium with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra behind her.

The concerto is a masterpiece of orchestration. That is mixing and blending the different sounds of the orchestra to create effective and intriguing music. There is no capitulation here; this is all very original orchestration and the work of a master. In the last quarter of the first movement Susanne Hou played and extended cadenza, a fire filled solo passage that left the audience in awe.  read more....>

CAHEP's Grandother Projects

THUNDER BAY, ON, ----- October 8, 202 ---- Community Arts and Heritage Education Project engaging the community in inter-generational arts projects.

Through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the Community Arts and Heritage Education Project is creating opportunities for the community to engage in inter-generational arts projects.
The projects engage seniors as participants, volunteers and arts educators. The Community Arts and Heritage Education Project is developing activities for all ages to participate in. Through creating together and sharing stories we can connect with our community.

This past summer, CAHEP hosted activities where all ages could participate- from painting panels for the construction fence at Prince Arthur’s landing, discovering more about the public art in the city’s new waterfront, or creating at public events such as Jane’s Walk, Culture Days and Doors Open as well as Riverfest and Fort William Street Fair. Successful activities with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, Regional Multicultural Youth and Evergreen Neighbourhood have developed the potential for intergenerational activities.

Upcoming projects include the development of a play based on the Creation story with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre, and a story mapping project with the Girl Guides. In creating a life story map- a visual representation of the events and important memories of one's life– artist Rachel Vandenassem will lead participants in sharing life stories and creating an assemblage with techniques that explore drawing, painting and collage with found objects.  read more....>

Songs of Fort William TBSO Rodney Brown

THUNDER BAY, ON ---- October 5, 2012 ---- For the thirty years that I have followed Rodney Brown’s musical career, he has appeared on a variety of stages—pubs, coffeehouses, and folk festivals across Canada and the UK; schools in Thunder Bay and throughout NWO; Labour Day and union picnics; Christmas concerts and Teddy Bear picnics; and, most recently, the Thunder Bay Blues Festival with his band The Derailers. In addition to performing and touring, he has released 10 albums, including two for children.

On Friday, October 19 at 8:00 p.m., Rodney Brown will have achieved his most ambitious project by launching his latest CD, “Songs of Fort William,” on the world-class stage of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Accompanied by Music Director, Arthur Post, and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, this special concert will highlight Rodney’s historical songs, orchestrated by composer Lise Vaugeois, which recount the lives of explorers, fur traders, country wives, voyageurs and First Nations peoples at the North West Company fur trading post on the banks of the Kam River dating back 200 years. The evening will open with a series of ceremonial pieces by the Thunder Mountain Singers, fiddler Pierre Schryer and piper Ryan Moore.  read more.....>

Consortium of to a Great start

THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 30, 2012 --- The five musicians who played Beethoven’s great Piano Quintet in E-flat major take a well-deserved bow. The Beethoven crowned an evening of superb chamber music for woodwind quintet. Woodwinds were added to the orchestra one at a time starting in the baroque era because of the colour and variety possibilities they offered composers. As instruments they are better suited to performance out of doors, so a lot of music for this combination is occasional music where colour volume and the dynamics of the instruments will make a difference. The woodwind quintet as we know it today evolved in the classical era and includes a bassoon playing the lowest notes, a horn, then clarinet, oboe and flute taking the highest notes. For the Beethoven he added a piano and dropped the flue as a composer’s prerogative.

We usually listen to these instruments play in a symphonic setting. Our orchestra employs only two flutes, but they can balance and colour the entire orchestra with their unique sound. The same can be said of the other instruments of the woodwind quintet. When they play together as an ensemble the power and dynamics of these instruments gave the later classical composers a lot more possibilities to explore. The result were compositions that were very virtuosic, the Reicha Quintet had one of the most challenging parts for the horn that I have ever heard. The performance of these compositions then requires musicians like Damian Rivers-Moore who can play these parts as intended. We are fortunate that we live in a city that has capable professional musicians   read more....>

TBSO Blues Guitarist Matt Andersen

Thunder Bay, ON – September 30, 2012 ---- The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra 2012/13 season opens with an evening of the Blues on Saturday, October 13 at 8:00 pm at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

Conducted by Maestro Arthur Post, this concert brings together the TBSO with the soulful voice and remarkable guitar playing of award winning Canadian Blues guitarist Matt Andersen.

About Matt Andersen
Matt Andersen is an acclaimed Blues guitarist and singer-songwriter from Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Born and raised in a musical family, he became interested in music early on and by junior high was in the school band. He took up guitar at 14, and before long was playing classic rock and Top 40 covers in pub bands while he studied studio engineering. Things changed dramatically, however, when he discovered the blues. “What really hit me most about the blues was its total honesty,” says Matt.

Matt began to build his name on the Canadian circuit, his imposing voice and slashing slide guitar making a monolithic impression on audiences. He debuted with 2002’s One Size Never Fits, and followed with the equally warmly-received Solo at Session (2004) and Live at Liberty House (2005).   read more.....>

Visit October Studios Walk About

THUNDER BAY, ON --- September 29, 2012 --- This year marks the fourth annual October Studio Walkabout, a walking tour of five studios/homes in College Heights and Mariday Park, showcasing the work of ten local professional artists creating in a variety of media.

The tour takes place from October 19 to October 21, Friday 6.00 to 9:00, Saturday 10:00 to 4:00, and Sunday noon to 4:00

The Walkabout presents an opportunity for the public to meet the artists in an informal setting and discuss their recent work. This year’s tour features the work of ten artists at five venues.

(1) Sarah Link, James Woodbeck, and Alison Kendall: 184 McKibbin Street

Sarah and James have collaborated on a series of new of figurative covered jars with a bronze crystalline glaze, for the studio tour. Sarah’s mugs and bowls for daily use will be for sale along with smoke fired ware by Woodbeck, and Link.

Alison works with a variety of materials, including etchings on paper and deer hide, and handmade books. This year her work features original colour pencil drawings with water soluble waxed crayon.  Read more.....>

Thunder Bay Culture Days 2012

Thunder Bay, Ontario ----   September 29, 2012  ------  The depth of talent in Thunder Bay's arts community is a well that never seems to run dry. There are artists and musicians and craftspersons who have an amazing breadth of art and culture to share.

Culture Days opened. by Mayor Keith Hobbs,  Artists, businesses and community groups throughout Thunder Bay are throughout Friday, Saturday, Sunday showing their love of culture this weekend by providing FREE, hands-on, interactive cultural activities at the 3rd annual Culture Days across Thunder Bay.

Photo of Evelyn Konrad, doing a watercolour demenstation as part of the opening cermonies.

People were able to enjoy music from the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and tour the exhibits and also enjoy local art.   read more.....>

Learn to play! the Organ

THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 15, 2012 --- Learning to play in instrument is the dream of many young people. Imagine for a moment learning how to play an instrument like this. The organ has the power and colour of a full symphony orchestra.

The organ is not only the king of instruments it is a door of opportunity for some musicians who want to earn their living from music. A classically trained organist does a lot more than play the pipe organ. They help the people they work with to achieve some satisfaction with the musical talents that they have. So organists work with choirs, they work with instrumentalists and sometimes small orchestras! Organists work with children’s choirs and they lead hand-bell choirs. For this reason many organists become leaders in community music and spread their talents over a wide range of interests. Imagine working with children on a Christmas pageant one day and the next rehearsing a brass fanfare for a special service. Given time organists are asked to do all of these things. It all begins with organ lessons. Sadly in Thunder Bay there are few if any organists who earn their living from playing alone. Music is a part of their lives and it becomes a welcome avocation.  read more....>

“Cooking with gas” Magnus Theatre

THUNDER BAY, ON ---- September 15, 2012 ---- When I was younger I remember hearing a band at a local club that was extraordinarily good, My friends much more into the club scene than me kept using the phrase “cooking with gas” to describe the band. Since I also did not watch that much television at the time it took me a while to realize that this was in reference to an advertisement urging people to switch to gas in their home because there was nothing like cooking with gas. It is funny that the memory has stayed with me all this time and now I can use it in this review.

Magnus Theatre’s production of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” is just superb and as my friends would say the band is “cooking with gas”. In fact my only criticism would be the same as a previous play where the music direction was also by Danny Johnson, the band is just too good. I think Patsy Cline would have been so fortunate to have such a great back-up band in the first part of her career. Certainly by the time she reached Nashville, Los Vega, and certainly Carnegie hall in New York she would have had a truly talented back-up band.

Now that I have raved about the band, Patsy Cline played by Natasha O’Brien was worthy of inspiration. Not only could she belt out on Patsy Cline tune after another she did so with enthusiasm and energy of a great country star. Her presence on stage in at least five different dresses show the talent of back stage people Mervi Agrombar costume designer.

This play directed by Mario Crudo fires on all cylinders. The atmosphere is set in the lobby before the concert with imitation 50’s style juke boxes and volunteers wearing cowboy hats greeting guests at the door. Once inside the theatre the staging and lighting all work well to tell the story of Patsy Cline on stage. The story is narrated by “Little Big Man” (played by Gerry Getty) a radio announcer who fills in the audience with all the needed details about the music being performed on stage. He also does the news and some on stage comedy sketches.  read more....>

The Garden of Love

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   August 18, 2012   ---- Summer recitals by visiting musicians can be some of the most rewarding. The recital played by Erin Brophey oboe and English horn, and Heather Morrison at the piano at St, Andrew’s Presbyterian church, Thunder Bay, Ontario,  on Friday night  was one of the gems of summer.

Her opening remarks “this is one of the few times I get to play for friends and people I know” summed up the intent of this recital. Musicians have a need to perform and in the off season there is little in the way of paid performance. At the same time the musicians have some time off from the busy winter season to learn and explore new music. Erin feels at home in Thunder Bay after spending 8 seasons with the TBSO she has also collaborated with many of her colleagues from the symphony to produce some great performances.   read more.....>

St. Paul’s United Church presents “Ojibwe Landscapes”

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   August 7, 2012  --- For many of us living in the non native community we find it easy to get wrapped up in the daily struggle of earning a living and raising our kids. Somewhere on this busy path we have missed the opportunity to share an appreciation of the land as seen through aboriginal culture. In fact many of us would be hard pressed to name more than a couple of native friends, real friends and not just acquaintances.

The presentation of Brian Hubelit’s Ojibwe Landscapes is a piece taylor-made for one of our well known community choirs, the dulcisono women’s choir. The music will be directed by well known choral director Susan Marrier.It is a well researched musical epic in which the native folklore of the creations of many of the areas prominent landscapes.  read more.....>

Fort William Business District works with CAHEP

THUNDER BAY, ON – July 26, 2012 --- Spreading a positive message, and having fun was the goal in the Fort William Business Improvement Area today. The BIA was proud to sponsor a pizza lunch for the Regional Multicultural Youth Council (RMYC), as they designed and painted a new panel that will be displayed at Prince Arthur’s Landing.

The panel will be on the fence that will surround the future condominiums . The Fort William Business District BIA was proud to sponsor a Pizza lunch for the Regional Multi-Cultural Youth Council as they designed and painted a new panel that will be displayed at Prince Arthur's Landing.  The Panel will be on the fence that will surround the future condominiums.   read more....>

 Classical Music Season Begins with “Quintets

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---- July  22, 2012    ----   The classical music listening season will begin this fall with the presentation of “Quintets”- Beethoven & Friends by Consortium Aurora Borealis, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Soon the leaves will begin to turn colour and the nights  will grow longer as we move towards fall. With the ending of the summer the greening of the cultural season in the city begins, usually with a Consortium Concert. After a few months of hot enjoyable weather and summer activities musicians and audiences alike are anxious to get back to the concert hall.

 Doris Dungan has played in the opening concert of nearly every Consortium Aurora Borealis concert season, and so it is with the beginning of the Consortium’s 34th season.

 “Quintets:  Beethoven and Friends”, explores the exquisite sounds of the woodwind piano quintet. Concerts involving this combination of instruments are not common, and will be cherished by lovers of chamber music.

All our concerts begin at 8:00 P.M. preceding the concert, at 7:30 P. M., a talk discussing
the evening’s musical offering will be given, and everyone is invited to attend. Pre-concert talks have been popular with the audiences and many find that the background information helps make a better understanding of the music played. read more.....>

RANDY LYGHT RETURNS TO THUNDER BAY

THUNDER BAY, ON  -----  May 26, 2012 ----   "RANDY LYGHT RETURNS TO THUNDER BAY"Renowned pop jazz and rock vocalist Randy Lyght is returning to Thunder Bay after many years for his CD release party. was announced by  Ken Boshcoff a long time friend of Randy's .

Randy now singing jazz masters material, made rock history in Thunder Bay as lead vocalist for the popular band "Black Lyghtning". Randy's band included the Zeleny Brothers who went on to form the legendary "Zeebraz". Both Jim and Gerry Zeleny will be playing with Randy in a reunion set on Friday June 8th at Gargoyle's.

Black Lyghtning played hundreds of high school and big venue dances in the 70's and 80's alongside Paul Shaffer and Rick Lazar of The Fugitives.  Randy went on to tour with the "The World Renowned Platters" for several years as well as having a solo career in Vancouver, BC.  read more.....>

Doing all the right things

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---   May 20, 2012  ---   For the past few years I have been hearing Gregory Lewis perform in public concerts and I was impressed at the level of accomplishment this young man brings to his performances, I was truly impressed and marked him as a musician to watch.

Last Saturday he performed a spring concert simply titled “Intrigue” and to say the least I was amazed. That does not happen often.

Solo recitals can happen at any time of the year. Professional players perform solo concerts as a method to personal development. Musicians will perform a solo recital out of personal interest or to promote a cause. In Gregory Lewis’s case his recitals are part of a well directed plan towards a performing career.

As with any professional recital, Gregory has put an enormous amount of effort into his spring recital. He did not disappoint his audience. Playing from memory Gregory performed the Caprice No. 24 for solo violin by N. Paganini as well as any professional. His stance and relaxed manner on stage exudes the confidence this young man has in his music. The piece I liked the best was a set of variations on “Happy Birthday”. I did not catch the name of the arranger of these variations but they were on par with the Paganini Caprice. Other gorgeous music for violin was on the programme, Brahms Sonata #3 (first two movements) some Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and 2 movements of the Camille Saint-Saëns Concerto #3.   read more.....>

A different Mother’s Day Concert

THUNDER BAY, ON --------    May 20, 2012  ----   The Pelimanni Orchestra of Thunder Bay, Ontario,  has been playing the folk music of Finland for many years but it was only since I was made an honourary Fin that I have been aware of their musical presence. Based in the Finnish Labour hall on Bay street this group draws its membership from all of Thunder Bay. I occasionally play cello with the orchestra and have grown to love the quiet laid back mannerisms of its members. They have a true passion for the music of their homeland and will go to great lengths to perform their music. I suppose that includes accepting a cellist such as myself!

While Thunder Bay is isolated from Finland in a physical sense, Kauko Ylinen manages to keep in close contact with Finnish composers and arrangers looking for music the Pelimanni can perform. In Finland a Pelimanni of folk group usually consists of about 5-7 members. The Thunder Bay version is sort of like the big band version which makes it unique but hard to find music for them to play. Much of the music is custom arranged for this size and the instruments this orchestra. Kauko then is not only a sax player, singer, conductor but he is also a good arranger.    read more.......>

Literary festival accepting registrations

GREENSTONE, Ontario – May 18, 2012   ----  The volunteer committee organizing Squatchberry Literary Festival has set the fees for admission.  The Festival coincides with Geraldton's celebrations of its 75th Anniversary of Incorporation.

The Festival begins Friday evening, June 29th, and runs until Sunday afternoon, July 1st, in Geraldton's Community Centre. 

Seventeen published writers from Greenstone and Thunder Bay will offer readings of their works and will lead workshops and panel discussions.

Photo of Charles Wilkins taking  a break between books.  A world traveler, Charlie, now associated with Thunder Bay, wrote the book The Circus at the Edge of the Earth.

On Friday evening, the Festival kickoff will feature a presentation by award-winning Charles Wilkins, whose recent adventure of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean will soon be narrated in a new book.  Only registrants for the Readings Package will be admitted to the presentation.
On Saturday evening at the Festival banquet, Arthur Black, syndicated columnist, will be guest speaker.  His literary awards include three Stephen Leacock Medals for Humour.   read more......>

dulcisono All Creatures Great and Small

THUNDER BAY,  ON   ------  May 12, 2012   ------  This is the time for spring concerts and in the choral field there are a few to watch for, dulcisono (that’s right they spell it without a capital) is one of our City’s fine vocal groups. Being involved with music means being creative in some way and this choir has always come up with something new to celebrate for their concerts.

If you live in our city, Thunder Bay,  for any length of time, especially if you have come from some place other than Thunder Bay the beauty of nature will sooner or later capture a piece of your heart. This concert celebrated the creatures of the great outdoors. The choir invited outdoorsman Gord Ellis to share in this concert. As it turns out Gord is a pretty good guitarist and has a great love of the outdoors. He also has a great sense of humour. In the photo above the women of the choir are all smiling after he commented on the decor of Hilldale Lutheran Church as “being like a big sauna” No disrespect for the church intended.

One thing I like about this choir is they are always about  more than the music and also more than being about themselves. This choir supports certain causes important to the women in the choirThis concert the celebrated the richness of nature that we share amongst us all. That is why having Gord Ellis on board is such a good fit for this concert. The choir supports women in music as well.  Irina Medvedeva  has won the choir’s scholarship for voice training at the Lakehead Festival of Music and the Arts in the past. Currently studying voice at the University of Western Ontario, Irina also studied voice at La Musica Lirica in Italy last summer. I heard her sing at last year’s concert and was impressed. After hearing her at this year’s concert I am amazed!   read more.....>

New Music North Music My delight

THUNDER BAY, ON   -------    May 12, 2012  ----    As I am writing this I am listening to some superbly performed Bach Motets. For me the music of J.S. Bach clearly puts all things musical quickly into perspective. His music was written two and a half centuries ago, and the focus of this review is the superb May Day concert produced by Thunder Bay’s New Music North.

Held at the Jean McNulty Recital hall on the campus of Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, New Music North concert that evening was refined, varied, full of creative music ideas and best of all enjoyable.

Some musicians have always gravitated towards the music of their time. For composers this must be so and they need musicians to come together to play their music and share their ideas. It is natural then that such a group would form on the campus of a University where people study music and composition.  read more...>

The Artists of Algonquin

Bracebridge On   ----   May 10, 2012  ---  The Artists of Algonquin: Contemporary Artists Wild with Passion, by Elke Scholz, MA, EXAT Andrea Hillo , publisher of The Artists of Algonquin, a beautiful 11” x 12” hardcover book featuring 31 area artists, 71 pages, had a Bracebridge book launch at Elke Scholz's Studio, featuring  local artists, Carole Ann Thur, David Dawson, Elke Scholz, and Wendy Wallace and their art pieces from the book.

 Andrea was inspired by the McMichael Collection and realized that there are many artists that are alive that love and paint the beauty of Algonquin Park.
All the artists represented live within one hour of the park.
 
Here are some pictures of Saturday’s book Launch! We didn’t get all our gardening done, ( is it ever done?) however I was so happy to host this great event on this sunny, almost bug free day.
It was a wonderful success.  read more.....>

Remembering the Titan

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---   May 4, 2012  Some concerts are more memorable than others, and the closing concert of the TBSO season titled “Titans” in reference to Mahler’s symphony by that name. Mahler struggled a great deal in writing all of his orchestral works, in the end he wanted his composition to achieve his very own high expectations. After all in music composers are competing against the giants from the past as well as their contemporaries.

Mahler wrote for large orchestral forces, his orchestra had more musicians than we will ever see on stage in Thunder Bay. There were 41 musicians on stage for this performance, there were two extra cellos, an additional French horn player, and the full single reed family of instruments were heard but one musician played more than one instrument. Bartholomew Poyser showed he is a multi-talent many by playing the tuba. There was a harp on stage as well as extra percussion and violin players.

Arthur Post has managed to pull a rabbit from a hat in that he has produced a convincing Mahler sound from our normally Mozart sized TBSO. The addition of a single French horn may not sound like a big deal but the horn section contributes a disproportionately large percentage of the sound you hear from the orchestra. I am sure that 4-5 horns could easily balance the rest of the orchestra. We have had an excellent string section for many years , the woodwinds have always been brilliant and in recent years equally brilliant brass players have rounded out the orchestra.  So with a little imagination and the talent we have in this orchestra, Arthur Post has managed to do justice to Mahler’s Titan Symphony. I might add that the excellent venue, Thunder Bay’s Community Auditorium was a silent star in the programme.   read more........>

“Tried & True” Fort William Male Choir

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   April 29, 2012  ---- When something is working well for you why change? This weekend the Fort William Male Choir celebrated its 47th annual Spaghetti dinner Sing-a-long. This year the choir made the change from the Da Vinci Centre to the Slovak Legion in the City’s East end. Judging by the sold out crowd it is fair to say all of their audience managed the change in venue just fine. Judging by the comments from the audience, most think that this is a positive move on behalf of the choir. The manager spoke with each table to make certain that everyone was well catered to.

While the venue is new, the choir’s formula for a successful evening of food, wine and song is not. The very first sing-a-long dinner was held at the Ortona Hall, which I believe was torn down some years ago. The popularity of the event eventually required a larger venue and for many years the event was associated with the Da Vinci Centre. Costs at the centre continued to climb each season; I think the move to the Slovak was overdue. Saturday’s event was like all the other “Smorgs” I have attended. The choir relies on good food, good company, bad jokes, and a lot of old school songs to create a merry evening. Then there are the skits! This has been a recipe for continued success for the choir and they performed to sell out crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.   read more.....>

A Great Weekend

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  April  11, 2012  --  What a great way to start off the weekend! I took in the Gala opening of Thunder Bay's  Magnus Theatre’s latest production, “The Long weekend”.

It is obvious that my vision of a weekend at camp is different from Norm Foster. At our camp there is always so much work to be done that there is little time for personal friction between family members. In fact that is what is great about a camp, for over 50 years our family has grown stronger through the bonds we have made at the camp, often over hard work. My memories of the place centre around topics like the year we installed the septic system (by hand of course), or put in the lawn (after cutting down the trees, digging out the stumps, breaking up and sifting the soil and finally planting the grass, all of this was done by hand because there was no way to get equipment to our site.) Then there are the blackflies, occasional bear and the swims in the not always warm lake. When I think of camp sometime my back aches!  read more....>

 
THUNDER BAY, ON --- April 9, 2012 --- On Saturday, April 14th, Michael Antcliffe new book, You’ll Never Guess Who’s Dying From Cancer will be holding a formal Book Launch and Book Signing at Chapters on Memorial Avenue from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. All proceeds from sales at that event will be going to the Northern Cancer Fund. Mayor Keith Hobbs will be attending at 1:00 pm Michael is continuing his quest to improve the quality of life for those struggling in their battle against cancer by publishing this book as a fundraising initiative for both local charities and as a starting point for his new foundation, Comfort Care for Cancer, which is currently going through the process to become incorporated as a charitable not-for-profit. Michael is continuing his quest to improve the quality of life for those struggling in their battle against cancer by publishing this book as a fundraising initiative for both local charities and as a starting point for his new foundation, Comfort Care for Cancer, which is currently going through the process to become incorporated as a charitable not-for-profit. Thus far, Michael has sold more than 70 books in pre-order and many requests have already begun coming into the local Chapters 

THUNDER BAY, ON, Ontario – April 5, 2012 --- A Greenstone, committee is organizing a literary festival of regional authors for Canada Day weekend to coincide with Geraldton's celebrations of its 75th Anniversary of Incorporation. Squatchberry Literary Festival begins Friday evening, June 29th, and runs until Sunday afternoon, July 1st, in Geraldton's Community Centre. More than a dozen published writers from Greenstone and Thunder Bay will offer readings of their works and lead workshops and panel discussions. On Friday evening, the Festival kickoff will feature a presentation by award-winning Charles Wilkins, whose recent adventure of rowing across the Atlantic Ocean will soon be narrated in a new book. On Saturday evening at the Festival banquet, Arthur Black, the syndicated columnist, will be guest speaker. His literary awards include three Stephen Leacock Medals for Humour.

The Festival has launched a website at SquatchberryFestival.ca.  The committee will soon be accepting registrations through this site.  Edgar Lavoie, Chair of the committee, said, "We are excited to be presenting our home-grown or home-nurtured writers to a national audience."  The 75th Anniversary Celebrations will be hosting homecomers from across Canada.
One of the inspirations for the 2012 Festival was the 2011 Word on the Water festival held in Kenora last October.  A local committee sponsored that event, which featured not only local writers but writers from the Canadian West  

A Picasso in the North Country:

The brilliant and wild painting journey of Canadian artist, Norval Morrisseau is an epic in the international world of art. Norval painted at least 10 000 images during a 45 year career marked by alcoholism and addiction. Norval was an intelligent complex man caught between an ancient forest world and a westernized industrial America. He was unschooled and born into poverty at a small hamlet on the shore of Lake Nipigon in Canada during the Great Depression of the 1930's. The odds that he would survive childhood were against him. He overcame huge obstacles in his path to command respect from all artist. His fascinating story as a painter of abandon will amuse and fluster readers as he rides his tsunami wave to fame.
The Wild Journey of Canadian Artist, Norval Morrisseau
Author - James R. Stevens
hard cover - 240 pages - 7 x 10 inches
190 colour images
Lake Superior Art Gallery
ISBN - 9-780986548-21-5

750 Limited Edition hard cover copies printed  read more.....>

TBSO Music Specialists

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  April 1, 2012  ----   I am still thinking of the last Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra pops concert.  Our TBSO plays so well they are always up to any challenge. How is it that they can play such a wide variety of music requiring different sets of skills? It is as though they go into hiding for a few moments and morph into an entirely different set of performers. I have often seen TBSO musicians play a classical concert in their dress blacks only to find some of them playing at my favourite watering hole a few hours later. If you want proof of the transformation check out Thunder Bays latest bluegrass group Mc Vickers Creek!

One way to develop and polish skills of musicians is to bring in a guest conductor, often a music specialist. Brian Jackson is such a conductor. He is an esteemed musician and a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, which is a lifetime accomplishment for most organists. It is his work with Canadian orchestras that has earned him fame. His latest bio states that he is the principal Pops Conductor of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, Orchestra London, and the Victoria Symphony, though I suspect he may have recently retired from the latter position.

Developing a speciality is for some the way to go. Pops concerts make money for orchestras of all types. In Thunder Bay the best houses are for the Pops concerts. Conductors such as Howard Cable made many arrangements of popular music for the orchestra. Some of these orchestral arrangements have become as popular as the original version of the song. The last Pops concert contained some small orchestral gems that I truly enjoyed. The Karelia Suite by Sebelius comes to mind. In Brian Jackson’s case I think his development as a Pops conductor grew out of his earlier experiences of being a general conductor with orchestras such as the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.     read more.....>

ART HEIST AT LAKE SUPERIOR ART GALLERY

THUNDER BAY, ON ----   March 27, 2012  ---  An art heist at the Lake Superior Art Gallery? Don’t worry folks, the heist was actually performed by Confederation College Film Production Students for their final thesis film. The gallery graciously lent their location to Crystal Elmy and her crew for her thrilling short film called ‘Bid Number’, a heist that will leave you reeling and asking yourself “who’s the real con-artist?” Using the fantastic and original art from the gallery to colour the film, Bid Number will really hit the crime drama spot. There is no doubt that the talented actors and amazing local work will capture you and hold on until the screen goes black and the credits roll.

‘Bid Number’ hits the big screen on the evening of April 19th when the Confederation College Film Program premieres a new batch of short films from the graduating class at Silvercity Cinemas.  read more.....>

Andy Wolff A Hippie Kind Of Dream

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----  March 11, 2012  ---   In 1991, in issue #6 of my "Rock On" magazine (which also featured an exclusive Andy Wolff interview) I originally reviewed this release as a 12 song cassette... Here is what I had to say about it....

The overall effect of this cassette is a blend of folk & psychedelic sounds, all mixed in to form Andy's own unique style.

My favorite tracks on here are "Manican Man", "Far Too Gone", "It's Just Me", & naturally the title track "A Hippie Kind Of Dream" which features Andy's brilliant wordplay and lyrics that go like so... "Turn on, tune in, drop out, drop acid, in fact, in San Francisco... In hippie heaven, rock bands screaming, psychedelic elevators, getting high, hitting low...".

Andy has also put considerable effort into the packaging and even includes a hand drawn lyric sheet of the title song - very 60's looking (or retro as they say these days). Neil Young is obviously a major influence & there are heavy shades of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at play on this release.

(Note: The lyric sheet was unique to the tape version only)

You would almost swear it was Neil Young himself performing the song "It's Just Me".

"Manican Man". Well, this is my pick for a hit! (Note: It was later selected for inclusion on a "What Wave" magazine cassette tape compilation of various psychedelic artists) A very psychedelic bit of classic sixties style pop music. Great harmonies & real toe-tapping music.    read more....>

New Music North Wired for Sound

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  March 11, 2011  ---  New Music North brought in one of the veterans of Canadian contemporary composition to the Jean McNulty recital hall, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario,  Thursday night. The evening was dedicated to her music. A classically trained pianist she has evolved as a composer as well.

“You have to do your own thing if you are going to survive as a composer these days” she said to me after the concert. Indeed the music we heard is unlike any other coming from today’s contemporary composers.

If you like personal experiences or a good story then you have all the knowledge needed to appreciate her music. Using the piano, an assortment of percussive devices and electronic equipment she began her programme. Her music is distinguished by the theatrical elements she incorporates into the performance of each piece. Her music does tell a story. Now a veteran composer/pianist she reflects with hindsight, “I should have been an actress”!  read more.......>

Musing and Amusing

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 8th, 2012 - This is the first season where Maestro Arthur Post has both planned and conducted the concerts of the TBSO. I am happy that he is making use of the superb talent that the TBSO has to offer.

The concerts at Hilldale Lutheran Church provide a good opportunity to show off what the orchestra can do with chamber and lighter works for the orchestra. From my seat I could nearly read the music on the musicians stands. With such an intimate setting with the players one can really enjoy the live dynamics of the orchestra in action.  read more...>

SYKE At the top of their game

THUNDER BAY ON  ----   March 6, 2012  ---SYKE is a concert series affiliated with the Canadian Soumi Foundation, based in Thunder Bay. With a focus on Scandinavian and Russian repertoire, SYKE offers to its North American audience masterworks not usually heard, but are recognised as masterworks in their home country.

I could not state the purpose of SYKE better than it was printed in the programme so I simply copied the above paragraph here.
Yes Thunder Bay now has a new concert series. I know that there were others in the past but this concert was a fully professional production carrying an admission price to match. The cost of $20.00 however is reasonable considering I used to travel out of town simply to listen to this type of music live. My idea of heaven is a week at the Banff String Quartet competitions or perhaps the spring music festivals in Ottawa. Now we have a little bit of this taking root right here in our city. Erik Johannes Riekko; Artistic Director of the new series is hoping to present four or perhaps five concerts next season.  read more......>

400 km By Drew Hayden Taylor

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---- March 4, 2012   -----   Drew Hayden Taylor’s recent work is now in production at Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay. It is the fourth production of the play “400 Kilometres”. This is not the first time that one of his plays has graced the stage of Magnus Theatre. I seem to recall “Dead White Man on the Floor” by this playwright was produced here in the last two seasons. Taylor like other native playwrights (Thompson Highway comes to mind) draws his inspiration from the story telling part of his native heritage rather than from formal literary study. “I have never taken a literary study in my life” says Taylor in a conversation at the reception.

While there is comedy in this play, it tells a serious and emotional story. There are people that I know who are well represented in the script of this play. Comedy as in life is used to make a tough situation manageable, a way of dealing with the sorrow of losing a child to adoption because you are poor, alone and for certain native. In speaking with Taylor he mentioned that “the Ancient Greeks had it right. Tragedy and Comedy are opposite sides of the same mask”. And so it is in real life. read more...>

12th Annual Sivertson Gallery INUIT PREMIERE

GRAND MARAIS, MN  ---  March 1, 2012   ---  Sivertson Gallery opens their 12th Annual Inuit Premiere in Grand Marais on Saturday, March 17th,  2012 with world-renowned Inuit artist David Ruben Piqtoukun and coming from the North West Territories and Nunavik (arctic Quebec), throat singers Nina Segalowitz and Lydia Etok.  The annual Inuit Premiere is the only one of its kind in the lower 48 United States featuring original Canadian Inuit prints & sculptures and Native Alaskan sculptures formed from walrus tusk, whale bone, baleen and soapstone. Art Gallery Owner Jan Sivertson and Manager CJ Heithoff have recently returned from ‘Fur Rondy’ in Anchorage, AK, where all natives from remote villages come down to enjoy the festivities to mark the beginning of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and where Polka is the #1 late night activity all around Anchorage.  The opening weekend events at Sivertson Gallery are free and open to the public and the exhibit continues through the end of April.  In addition, David will teach two workshops offered through the North House Folk School.

The early Inuit were a semi-nomadic hunting people divided into regional tribal groupings throughout Canada.  The convergence of traditional Inuit culture and both European culture followed by modern Western cultures, changed Inuit life.  Today, the enthusiasm for and deep appreciation of Inuit art and culture is created out of the commonality of many human values: reverence for family bonds, respect for the power, beauty, and intelligence of other living creatures, and a sense of mystery about the forces that shape our lives. Inuit art, particularly the work of Inuit artist David Ruben Piqtoukun, depicts the great ingenuity of the people of the North who live in one of the world’s harshest environments requiring adaptability and perseverance in every phase of daily life.  With these qualities, Inuit art establishes a strong and enduring emotional bond with its collectors.   read more.....>

Consortium presents a Magnificent Closing Concert

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----  February 28, 2012  ---  Consortium Aurora Borealis finished its 33rd season in style. The “All Vivaldi Extravaganza” has always been a popular concert for the group but this season’s effort was over the top. With ten musicians on stage, Consortium presented a programme of varied concerti by Antonio Vivaldi. The very first piece resulted in a standing ovation for recorder player Dr. Birgit Reick. So the evening went on with ovations for the cello concerto played by Anthony Bacon, and a violin concerto played by Gregory Lewis.

There are two good stories in this concert, the first involves Gregory Lewis. Eleven years ago his father brought his 4 year old son to one of our all Vivaldi concerts. They were sitting in the balcony for better sound and view. When it came time for the violin concerto on the programme the young 4 year old stood up on the pew and began playing an imaginary violin to the music he was hearing. When it was finished he told his father that “I want to play the violin” Now 11 years later he has obtained his ARCT level on the violin and he was asked back to play the solo part of the same concerto he heard so long ago.

The second story involves the extraordinary performance of the recorder player Birgit Reick. As she began practicing on her own very good wooden sopranino recorder the instrument began to take up moisture. After the joins in the recorder had become tight the wood swelled until the recorder cracked making the instrument unplayable. What to do? After a few e-mails and phone calls I offered her my plastic sopranino but she was able to find another wooden one. The problem is wood recorders need to be broken in if they have not been played in a while. There was not enough time to break the wooden recorder in before the concert. She borrowed a brown plastic recorder from a friend and playing from memory produced dazzling results from an instrument you might hear in a grade six music class.  read more.....>

Diva Delights Audience

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  February 27, 2012  ---  With great anticipation I waited for the appearance of Monica Whicher in the TBSO master-works series. The orchestra instead of choosing a guest artist who offers something outside the box to entertain their audience, instead relied on the draw of one of Thunder Bay’s own, Monica Whicher.

Monica grew up in Thunder Bay and completed her undergrad degree in music at Lakehead University many years ago. I know this since I was in the music program at the same time and we shared some classes. She is an outstanding example of many from the University’s Music Department.

As someone who has lived all my life in Northern Ontario there is something wrong about calling a person a Diva. We might use terms like “She’s a darned good soprano” or perhaps a “very passionate singer”. I still think you cannot take the North out of someone who has grown up here and we seldom have Divas until now. In our case the word could have developed from divine, for her performance last Thursday was simply that. Singers of her calibre can perform without a microphone, and using only her voice and gestures is able to convey the message of her arias clearly and passionately throughout our 1500 seat Community Auditorium. Her technique is flawless, but that is only a tool that she uses to set the mood and to convey the passion of the music. While I was listening to the concert, aria upon aria, I thought of the courage required to stand on a stage with only your voice and a full symphony orchestra behind her and sing this concert. As all first class musicians do she sang from memory but she also sang from her heart as well. read more.....>

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Kelly Rooney

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---    February 23, 2012  ---  The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is pleased to welcome our new Development Manager, Kelly Rooney. Ms. Rooney is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the TBSO including corporate sponsorships, individual giving and foundations.

Ms. Rooney was born and raised in Thunder Bay and lived here until she finished college, graduating from Confederation College’s Arts Administration program. After graduation, Ms. Rooney spent the last 20 year’s travelling the world, working and volunteering with a variety of organizations. “I’m happy to be back in my hometown, surrounded by family, and working in the arts again”, says Ms. Rooney.

Ms. Rooney worked in marketing positions with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The National Ballet, and Feld Ballets New York, and worked in combined marketing and fundraising positions at the Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity in Winnipeg, before departing for Botswana in southern Africa. In Africa, Ms. Rooney did the marketing and fundraising for a women’s economic empowerment project through an environmental group, and was the Executive Director for the Cancer Association of Botswana for 3 years. She recently completed a year of fundraising for orphans and vulnerable children to be able to attend a world-class international school, Maru-a-Pula School.   read more....>

Music Re-invented

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  February 13, 2012  ---  Saturday night’s TBSO performance in Thunder Bay, with Natalie Choquette marked my second pops concert ever by our great orchestra. Being a lover of the classics and looking at the programme I knew that I would enjoy the concert, after all it was full of well known opera arias and show tunes.

As it turns out this was much more than just a stage performance, for we were dealing with a diva. A great diva with a problem, she had no one for a Valentine date. Thus through the music presented on stage and a variety of outlandish costumes (unless worn by a diva) Natalie Choquette told her story of a love forlorn soprano while at the same time delivering a sterling vocal performance of her arias and show tunes.

Music is a challenge these days and performers and organizations presenting music must re-invent themselves if they want the audience to keep on coming. Being good is no longer good enough and so the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is always in search of the artist with something extra. Natalie Choquette not only has talent, she is blessed with a great sense of humour.  read more....>

Great Community Productions

THUNDER BAY, ON --- February 11, 2011 --- The forthcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webers musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the type activity I truly support.

Diane Laaksonen the prime mover behind this production works for months on end so that she can present one single outstanding production each year. As a parish organist Diane has produced all manner of classical works for organ, strings and choirs over the years. Nothing but good comes from producing these works. For one thing they are good for the choir in that it provides a challenge for the singers and it gives them a reason to come out to rehearsals.

Like Diane’s productions before it the proceeds of her hard work are given entirely to charity; in this case to the Canadian Food Bank for worldwide hunger relief. Only a person such as Kevin O’Leary could find fault with something like that!   read more....>

The Syringa Tree – an Epic Performance

THUNDER BAY ON  ---   February 2, 2012    ---Olivia Olsen’s performance of the 23 characters in Magnus Theatre’s current production of the “Syringa Tree” is an epic feat! She is telling a story of two families, one black the other white living together on a farm in South Africa. The story is told primarily through the six year old eyes of Elizabeth Grace.

For Olivia Olsen this play is a way for her to return to her native country South Africa. As I watched the play unfold she seems to gain strength from the play. We hear this story from one who has been there. I was amazed at how well she told the story, switching from one character to another. She has the mental stamina to keep all the characters separate (with the appropriate accents as well) and at the same time keep the story flowing.

This production requires an actress with physical stamina as well. A hyper-active six-year old can be distressingly difficult to play since they are never still. Lastly as someone who used to do a lot of singing from the stage I have to comment on her ability to preserve her voice, speaking constantly for the full duration of the play night after night. Like the settlers on the land in South Africa you have to be tough to play this part.

This is a story that needs to be told in this country. I was trying to think about Canadian parallels to Apartheid in South Africa. The closest thing that we may have experienced would be the internment camps during the second war and the enforced entrance to residential schools for first nation peoples. Yet these two examples are paled by the evil that was Apartheid. We simply have no Canadian equivalent in the Canadian experience.  read more.....>

An Orchestra for Everyone Fleetwood Mac

THUNDER BAY, ON   -----    February 2, 2012  ---- Last Wednesday if you asked me to name a Fleetwood Mac song I would have said who??? To be sure I would have drawn a complete blank. I am a wholly classical musician and while I can hear instruments clearly I have always had difficulty pulling the words out of pop music and understanding the music like everyone else.

So on Saturday I gathered up my resolve and went to my first Pops concert. I was impressed with a lot of things even before the show started. You have to work hard to fill up the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and as concert time approached the place was nearly filled, a very good house for our beloved TBSO.

The rock musicians of Jean’s and Classics were on stage with the orchestra, another star was part of the show last Saturday. Shows such as “Fleetwood Mac” can really draw on the strength of our community auditorium. The hint of smoke and the constantly changing light show provided a visual as well as aural impact.

I smiled as I saw the house fill up the TBSO musicians on stage enjoy playing to a near capacity crowd.  I feel that the modern convenience of things like 50 inch plasma TVs together with high definition cable work together in a way that competes with live entertainment of all types. It is hard to beat the constant drip of corporate advertising that leads us to spend most of our entertainment dollars on the device de jour! For a change a welcoming feeling came over me as I watched people opt for live entertainment playing the music they learned to love.    read more....>

TBSO Orchestra never sounded so good

THUNDER BAY, ON    ---- January 28, 2012  ---  I it beginning to look as though the Masterworks series of the TBSO is going through a period of change. This is the first season where both the conducting and the Artistic direction is under Arthur Post. In the past a Masterworks concert consisted of one or two short orchestral compositions followed by a concerto then a full length symphony in the second half.  This season we are getting something different, we still had the small orchestral piece in this case the “Helios Overture” by Nielsen followed by the six movement “Firebird Suite” composed in 1919 by Stravinsky.

At one time such a modern composition as the “Firebird Suite” would have represented the progressive modern composition style and was included on the programme to widen the listeners taste in music. Last Thursday this was seen as an old orchestral standard. The orchestra had enough extra performers on stage that it could really do justice to this music, and in my opinion the TBSO has never sounded better than in the performance of this music. Good musicians, superb direction, a wonderful concert hall all led to a great performance of this piece and it certainly earned the standing ovation it received at the end of the first half. Every year as I review concerts there always seems to be a concert or two that forms a lasting memory and this is one concert I will remember for awhile.   read more......>

THUNDER BAY, ON -----   January 9, 2012  -----  Up coming concerts  both Pops and Cabaret Series.  Beyond Horizons, Jeans ‘n Classics: Fleetwood Mac, John Scaffeo, accordion,


Beyond the Horizon
Thursday, January 19, 2012 • 8:00 p.m.
Tim Brady, electric guitar
20 Community electric guitarists


 

Good People, Good Choir dulcisono

THUNDER BAY, ON ----   December 27, 2011  ---  This is the season for community music groups to present their Christmas Concerts. There are so many groups in the city that I would have liked to hear but for one reason or another I was called to be elsewhere. One group that I have been following since its inception is dulcisono.  Their recent concert “Sing Me to Heaven” was performed Sunday December 4th at St. Paul’s United Church.

Even their name spelt without a capital is unique. This is a Canadian Choir and they perform for a Canadian audience here in Thunder Bay. They often include recent works by Canadian composers in their concerts, and of course they perform some well known pieces of the season such as Gustav Holst “Lullay my Liking”.

I have been following this choir these many seasons simply because they are the closest thing this city has to a professional choir. There is only so much that can be done with volunteer singers and one practice weekly, and in this category of choir, dulcisono shines. For a cultural organization to grow and prosper it needs to have a large number of things in good working order. This choir has honest, capable direction. The goals of the choir are clearly communicated and the women of the choir have made these goals their own. The privilege of singing in this choir means that they can share the satisfaction of performing demanding but musical compositions. Choir members also share a vision created through music supports women’s issues and community issues important to them. So as well as singing for satisfaction, they also perform for a purpose. read more.....>

TBAG Roy Thomas Retrospective

THUNDER BAY, ON  December 13, 2011  ---  The Thunder Bay Art Gallery, in collaboration with the family of the artist is currently organizing a retrospective exhibition of the work of Ahnisnabae artist Roy Thomas (1949-2004) for Summer 2012.

In preparation for the retrospective, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is asking the public to assist us with locating three paintings   read more......>

CULTURAL PIONEER TO BE HONOURED

THUNDER BAY, ON   -----  December 7, 2011  ---   The life and legacy of a respected First Nations elder is about to be commemorated in a fitting fashion.  A powwow honouring the late  will be held at Ogden School this Friday, December 9 as a tribute to his role in sharing traditional teachings and the rich First Nations culture with Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals alike for decades.   The powwow is part of the cultural teachings component of BIWAASE’AA, the in-school, after-school and nutritional program of Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon. 

Lyons, who died in 2005 at the age of 80, moved to Thunder Bay in 1957 where he eventually joined the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre as its cultural coordinator.  In 1969, he formed the Lyons Dance Troupe which went on to tour Canada, the United States and parts of Europe.  The troupe performed for Queen Elizabeth during the first Mount McKay powwow.   read more....>>

Magnus produces a Melodrama

THUNDER BAY, ON ------  December 6, 2011   ----  The current production at Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, is a riot. Mario Crudo told me it has been “many years” since the Theatre has produced a melodrama. Adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock “The 39 Steps” is a blast from beginning to end.

Melodrama has long been associated with dinner or amateur theatre in the Northwest.  With very little in the way of staging the actors have to ham things up with a few simple props and they tell their story. This particular story has it all, a victim or two, a murder, a spy plot and a secret to reveal. Any good story has its share of betrayal and a love interest. Melodramas are all about having fun with the material you are given to act out, and I cannot help but feel the cast really are having a lot of fun with this play. This fun transfers easily to the audience and there were busts of spontaneous applause, the occasional hiss and boo throughout the performance just like there should be for a good melodrama.   read more.....>

Victoriaville Centre Native Arts and Craft Show

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  December 1, 2011  ---   At a Media Conference held in the Lake Superior Art Gallery,  Kathy Skirving chair of the Victoriaville Board of Management stated that they are pleased to celebrate this 10th anniversary of the Native Arts and Craft show.

I would like to thank John Ferris for bringing this event to Victoriaville Centre for the past ten years

Victoriaville Centre along with the Aboriginal Artworks Group are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Native Arts and Crafts Show. The show runs from Tuesday, Dec 6th to Saturday, December 10th, from 10 to 5 p.m.

Last year there were 170 artists and the Aboriginal Artworks Group is expecting this year’s show to have a larger selection of Artists.

The artists are from 30 Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities across Northern Ontario as well as First Nation Artisans from Winnipeg and Southern Ontario .read more.....>

Consortium Concert Dazzles Audience

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   November 27, 2011  ---   A radiant Birgit Rieck dazzled the audience at last Saturday’s Consortium Aurora Borealis Concert. The programme was titled “Sweet Pleasures of the German Baroque” and the word “Sweet” is a play on the old name for the recorder “flauto dolce”.

Most of us have had some exposure to the recorder, at least if you went to school where music programs existed.  Usually there would be a class full of students blowing away on plastic recorders. It takes nerve to be a grade school music teacher!

The recorder was the flute of choice for most baroque composers. While quality wood recorders are more expensive than the plastic variety it is an instrument that can withstand a fair amount of abuse and still perform remarkably well. This quality alone makes them useful to this day as a tutoring instrument for children. In Telemann’s time the recorder could be played in tune much more easily than the early transverse flute. The Baroque recorder was limited in that its drops in the lower range, and while the upper range it is bright and brilliant there is not much room for dynamic expression. Composers such as Bach often used two recorders playing in thirds to get a balance in his compositions for recorders and strings.   read more....>

Lumina Concert Series Shines

THUNDER BAY, ON - November 20, 2011 - Oboist Erin Brophey returns to Thunder Bay to play a dazzling concert for the music students of Lakehead University. In many respects this LUMINA concert was a reprieve of the very good collaborative recital she presented in the late summer with pianist Evgueni Tchougounov at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Silver Islet Campers’ Association edition 2012 Historic CalendarTHUNDER BAY, ON ---- November 2, 2011 --- The Silver Islet Campers’ Association is please to present their collectors edition 2012 Historic Calendar in commemoration of their eightieth anniversary. The calendar is a collection of fourteen drawings by local artist that depict the history of the 143 year old mining town and the years leading up to it’s present summer cottage community ambient.

The silver mine was discovered one kilometer off the shores of Lake Superior in 1868, soon after the thriving mining town of Silver Islet was built on the mainland. Sixteen years later the mine closed. At that time, the community housed more than 500 people and three and a half million dollars worth of silver had been mined. The amazing engineering accomplishments and unimaginable hardships endured are part of Silver Islet’s colourful history.   read more.....>

TBAG Christmas House TourTHUNDER BAY, ON ---- November 2, 2011 --- The Art Gallery announces its 11th annual Christmas House Tour. This popular, and totally unique, annual fundraising event continues to raise significant revenue in support of the Gallery’s ongoing programs.There are five executive homes this year, each decorated by local professional businesses who have once again donated their expertise to make these homes a truly remarkable pre holiday experience.They are:Celebrations by George’s, Elegant Impressions, Vintage Pixie Studio, Victoria’s Cupboard, Willow Springs, and The Urban Farm Chick.

Candlelight Tour: Saturday, November 12 from 6pm – 9pm.Art Gallery Reception: Saturday, November 12 from 8pm – 10pm.   read more .......>

Rocky Horror Picture Show Paramount TheatreTHUNDER BAY, ON  ----   October 26, 2011   --The Paramount Theatre is proud to present its third annual Interactive Midnight Movie showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show!  This Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th, the Theatre is pleased to open its doors to the masses at 11:15pm for the 11:45pm movie showing.  All proceeds this year will be in support of the not for profit organization, the Northern Superior Theatre Group.

This annual event has grown to include ‘party bags’ loaded with all the Rocky Horror props needed, including rice, water guns, newspapers, gloves, and even an instruction card…just in case you need to be reminded how to… “do the time warp again!” 

The Paramount theatre is a unique Thunder Bay facility. We like to call it the Paramount Experience! The Paramount Theatre opened on December 27, 1948. It was considered a modern facility, with special seats for the hard-of-hearing. The original projector, though not in use, still resides in the Projection booth in the Upper Theatre.  Today the building also houses the popular Family Entertainment Centre known as Wiggles’N Giggles, an indoor playgroup perfect for birthday parties, play dates, and so much more.   read more.....>

AUDITION: ELECTRIC GUITAR TBSOTHUNDER BAY, ON   ---   October 26, 2011  ----    The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is searching for twenty (20) electric guitarists from the Thunder Bay Community for Beyond the Horizon, a concert featuring Canadian guitarist Tim Brady.  Successful applicants will join Tim Brady and the TBSO on stage at the Community Auditorium in a performance of Amplify, Multiply, Remix and Redefine: in memory of Les Paul, a piece composed by Tim Brady.

To learn more about Tim Brady, visit www.timbrady.ca.

Interested applicants must send a resume or short description of their performing experience to the TBSO Office by email, info@tbso.ca, or fax 807-622-1927. Deadline for applications is Friday November 11 at 4:00 p.m.

Auditions will be held Sunday, November 20, 11:30 a.m.-5:30p.m.Applicants will be assigned a 10-minute period for their audition. Applicants will play a 2 to 5 minutes solo of their choice and one piece provided by the TBSO. This will be provided upon receipt of the application.

Visit http://www.tbso.ca/auditions  for a full description of auditions requirements and details.   read more.....>

Balloon Animal Sculptures Installed at Prince Arthur’s LandingTHUNDER BAY, ON  ----  October 26, 2011 ---- A series of 10 stone sculptures have been installed at the new Children’s Garden near the Tai Chi Park at Prince Arthur’s Landing. The work, entitled Balloon Animals, was produced by Paul Slipper and Nadine Stefan, a Vancouver-based artist team. Their artwork was selected through a competition open to local and national artists, administered by the City’s Public Art Program.  

During the selection process, City staff held engagement sessions with several groups of children attending the City’s Summer Parks programs. Comments from the children were considered by the jury.   read more......>

Celebrating ExcellenceTHUNDER BAY, ON   ----  October 25, 2011  ---  Last Saturday’s performance by Consortium Aurora Borealis in my opinion was over the top! The programme titled “Classical Concertos” The Austrian Connection”, was particularly well thought out. I liked all the pieces on the programme. The best things in life never seem to be planned, at least in my case. I take pleasure in the moment and this seems to be what happened with this particular concert. There was something to celebrate in each number on the programme.

One memorable performance was by Martin Blanchet. A concerto for his instrument the double bass provided him a rare opportunity to show why he is the principal bass of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Magic happens when a string instrument is played perfectly in tune. A perfectly tunes note will cause the other open strings to vibrate in sympathy, and during Martins performance of the Dittersdorf concerto there was so much resonance going on in the bass that he barely needed the other players to fill in the harmony.   read more.....>

Influenced by English and Chinese folk pottery, Al Omarzu creates ash glaze forms with unique decoration and texture.  Al studied under John Steffel, receiving his BA from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  He also has been influenced by ceramic artists Bernard Leach, Michael Cardew and Dick Cooter.  His pottery is designed and priced to be used every day in the oven and on the table.A professional artist for over 20 years, Al is also recognized for the commercial work he does for clients that encompasses hard edge graphics and logos.  Al has worked for many years on the commercial side of ceramics, providing products and services to many local organizations.The Two Harbors resident also exercises his creativity in building traditional hot rods, which he considers an art form.  He believes that his interest in iconic automobiles has led him in other artistic directions, including painting and restoring leather flight jackets.   read more......>Masterworks Concert Opens New SeasonTHUNDER BAY, ON -----  October 18, 2011  --- It seems the music season is getting off to a later start this year. I think part of that may be due to the fact that it is getting more difficult to sell tickets to an event when it is still possible to enjoy time out of doors.

These days when the night comes early many people are heavily invested in their family entertainment systems. A hundred dollar cable bill and a brand new high definition plasma TV grace many homes. The constant hype and sales promotions by large corporations make it seem that everyone should have these appliances so that they do not miss something important. The sales pitch is so strong and effective that Arts groups cannot ever hope to compete with the message. If Arts groups could muster one tenth the money that cable companies rake in there would be a new Arts renaissance.

I have several questions for the consumers of mass media. Do you really get what you are paying for? Have you been able to watch all 400 channels at your command? Like most people I have a good television with cable and I only am interested in about three channels. Channels that require different packages which forces the cost of cable over the hundred dollar mark. In addition to the cost of it all watching TV is a genuine waste of time. A walk around the block costs nothing and will do more for you. Time spent with children is always well spent. You can’t talk to a child and watch TV at the same time. If we were not so caught up in the world of mass media we could enjoy more of the real things in life. Taking in the symphony especially with a friend or a young one who has never gone before is sharing the gift of great music by great composers.  read more....> 

$67,500 available for Public at EMS HeadquartersTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---   October 16, 2011   ---  The proposed budget for public art is $67,500, all inclusive, for the Thunder Bay and District’s Superior North Emergency Medical Services (EMS) headquarters located at 105 Junot Avenue South.

The City of Thunder Bay is not responsible for any costs incurred by the artist(s)/teams in the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. An honorarium of $1,100 will be extended to a maximum of three (3) finalists for a detailed proposal and provision of a maquette.

Artists must provide a preliminary budget not exceeding $67,500 and must be inclusive of all expenses of this Public Art Project

As part of the City’s Clean, Green and Beautiful policy, a percentage of the City’s gross capital budget is allocated towards Clean, Green and Beautiful initiatives, which includes the incorporation of public art, particularly with new City infrastructure. Representatives of  Superior North EMS have taken initiative and shown their support for public art and artists  by offering this opportunity.  read more....>

TBSO receives  Vida Peena Orchestra AwardTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---   October 15, 2011  --  The musicians and staff of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra are at long last getting some well deserved recognition. I have often stated that the most sincere form of complement involves a cheque. This season the TBSO has been awarded the Vida Peena Orchestra Award. The award is worth $10,000.

The award comes at a fortuitous time since this season many cultural groups have faced reductions in the grants they would normally receive from the Ontario Arts Council. In this case the award money comes from the Vida Peena Fund but the granting of the money is administered by the Ontario Arts Council.  The funds will be well used by the TBSO.

The TBSO is Northern Ontario’s only professional orchestra, and presents approximately thirty- five performances each year. It celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 2010.  Consortium Concerts are Prized EventsTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---  October 11, 2011  ----  There are many bright spots in the Consortium concert season. Following the success of last season’s “Romantic Muse” concert featuring pianists Heather Morrison and Derek Oger with Clarinettist Peter Shackelton it is no surprise that the Consortium would plan a sequel concert.

This year Heather’s partners on stage was Evegueni Tchougounov piano; with Anthony Bacon cello and Jennifer Bryan playing violin. The enthusiastic crowd heard music for piano four hands by Mozart and Brahms. The closing piece a four hander by Brahms “Hungarian Dance #2 in D-“ had an zest to it. In order for all four musicians to play on stage for the closing number the violinist doubled the top note of the treble piano part while the cellist, Anthony, played the lowest note of the piano bass part. Being a Hungarian dance it is fair to say gypsies can do that to Brahms.

 We have some remarkable talent residing in Thunder Bay. When I saw the Brahms cello sonata on the programme I was anxious to hear this piece. I occasionally play cello in community  groups but to hear a masterwork played by a master of the instrument is the reason I went to this performance.  read more.....>Winnipeg Organist to play at St. Andrew’sTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---  October 9, 2011  ---   The Thunder Bay Chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists will be bringing Michael Cutler to play at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. His recital billed as suitable for the whole family, will consist of fourteen pieces in total. One piece will be for pedals alone!

The local chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists is trying to increase interest in the organ and they want this recital to be interesting to as many people as possible. He will be demonstrating the various sounds and controls for the organ while at the same time playing some great music.Mr Cutler is an award winning organist, a composer and arranger of music as well.  read more.....>

Applicants needed  RCCOTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---  October 5, 2011  ---  The local chapter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists is looking for candidates for their scholarship program. Providing lessons to organ students is an important function of the College in Thunder Bay. Having more well trained organists will increase the level of play as well as maintain an interest in the King of Instruments.

For those who would like music as an avocation or part of their career many would at other opportunities before they would turn to the organ but it is really worth some consideration. To start organists are more than just organists, they direct choirs, hand bell groups, work with musical groups of all ages. Sometimes they arrange music for special occasions. Organists given proper training and nurturing become valuable as community leaders wither they practice their skills at church or out in the community.

Candidates of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to apply a piano background    read more.....> OCTOBER STUDIO WALKABOUTTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---   October 5. 2011  ---  This year marks the Third Annual October Studio Walkabout, a walking tour of five studios/homes in College Heights and Mariday Park, in the north end, showcasing the work of ten local professional artists. The October Studio Walkabout came about when several artists got together to discuss the possibility of creating a venue to showcase and sell their work, in a setting that offered the public an opportunity to meet the artists and discuss their work in their own studios. Their mandate was to keep the group small and to select people who were professionals with extensive experience in their media. The quality of the work was of primary importance for all the members, and a desire to limit the number of studios so that there would be time for the public to see the work and spend time with the makers. Thus, an eclectic group of painters, sculptors, potters, glass artists and printmakers, living within close proximity to each other comprise the group. This year’s tour features the work of ten artists, Tim Alexander, John Books, Joshua Dowback, Alison Kendall, Sarah Link, Luke Nicol, Mark Nisenholt, Liz and Peter Powlowski and James Woodbeck.  read more.....>

Life is a Spelling Bee!THUNDER BAY, ON ----  September 28, 2011  ---  It is a big 40th birthday year for Thunder Bay's Magnus Theatre, and if the balance of the season is as good as the season opener, there will be plenty of reasons to celebrate the Waverley Park theatre this season. Over the years I have noticed that I like all the plays that have Danny Johnson behind the keyboard. I like musicals and many people in Thunder Bay do as well. Secondly when ever Jo-Ann Waytowich graces the stage there will be laughter a plenty. A third dictum about the Theatre I have if there are more than two actors on stage the production will be better than if there is only one. No matter how good a single actor can be the production begins to require the patience needed to endure a w hour church sermon.  Happily there is a cast of 8 professionals on stage and in the beginning they are aided by a few volunteers from the audience.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is now playing at Magnus Theatre. The cast features Sam DiGiusseppe, Rachel Fischer, Stewart Adam McKensy, Jennifer Rooney, Kieth Savage, Nick Settimi, Curtis Tweedie, Jennifer Villaverde and Jo-Ann Waytowich. As musical casts go this cast can really sing! Perhaps that might be the one thing that is out of balance with this production for their is better than the composition. It might be better matched if there was the odd out of tune note and a rough voice here and there. It is obvious that much of the cast has had some serious vocal training and having them perform the music and lyrics by William Finn  was like swatting a fly with a hammer. A little overdone.  read more....>Celebrate CBC's 75th anniversary and Culture DaysTHUNDER BAY, ON ----- September 25, 2011  ---   CBC Radio Thunder Bay opens its doors on Saturday October 1, to celebrate Culture Days and the 75th anniversary of the public broadcaster.

Meet your favourite local hosts Lisa Laco and Jordan Lester and other CBC personalities. Tour our newsroom and studios. Record a greeting, or share your favourite CBC moment. The first 100 people will take home a copy of their recording. A diverse line up of local entertainers will perform throughout the day:   read more.....>

Animkii FestivalTHUNDER BAY, ON  ---   September, 2011  ---   The City of Thunder Bay is expanding the Fall Feast and Gathering of Services from one day to four. The event is being renamed the Animkii Festival and it will now be organized by the Thunder Bay Aboriginal Arts and Heritage Group.

A partner in the previous Fall Feasts, Aboriginal Arts and Heritage had a vision to expand the Festival into a major cultural event for the City of Thunder Bay.

“This is truly a success story,” said Anna Gibbon, Aboriginal Liaison for the City of Thunder Bay. “The Aboriginal community has always contributed to the economic, social, spiritual and cultural well-being of our community. The Animkii Festival is just another way in which the Aboriginal community is helping Thunder Bay to grow while showcasing our community to the world.”

The four days will include a festival of Community Services, a festival of Multi-Arts and Entertainment and a festival of Cultural Arts and Heritage. Animkii Festival communication coordinator David Wilkinson-Simard anticipates people will come from all over North America to participate in the arts and cultural activities taking place.   read more.....> Romantic Muses Begins Consortium SeasonTHUNDER BAY, ON  ------  September 13, 2011 --  Last season Heather Morrison, Derek Oger, and  Peter Shackelton presented the best attended concert of Consortium’s robust season.  So it is not unexpected that  Consortium would present  a sequel, “romantic” themed concert this season.

Indeed that is the case with Heather Morrison returning along with Evegueni Tchougounov at the piano. They will be joined by violinist Jennifer Bryan and cellist Anthony Bacon.

The programme will present piano music for four hands by Mozart and Brahms, including a Hungarian Dance. Cello lovers will be delighted to hear the Brahms cellos sonata in E- by Brahms. The romantic music continues when Jenifer Bryan joins the ensemble for Schubert’s piano trio Opus 99 for violin, piano and cello.  read more......>Fresh Faces Bring Fresh Ideas TBSO

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----  September 3, 2011 ----  This week I had the pleasure of talking shop with Emily Carr, publicist for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. She first began her duties with the TBSO back in December, but this will mark her first full season with the orchestra. She is part of the behind the scenes crew that help the orchestra work. There are other new faces, like Chris Wilkinson the new General Manager, and Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser our new Conductor in Residence. Daniel will also take up the duty of chorus master for the TBSO Chorus. Jonathon Knapp has returned to the staff of the TBSO in the role of Development Manager and Aboriginal Liaison. Jonathon like the other members of the orchestra staff has many new and innovative ideas to develop the orchestra. This is what will be needed in the future which will face a decline in public funding for the arts. In my conversation with Emily I feel that the TBSO is well prepared for the challenges ahead.  read more.....>

Principally Pachelbel an organ recital

THUNDER BAY, ON  ------  September 3, 2011  ----  It is hard to imagine that August is passed and now summer is living on borrowed time! With the change of season and shorter days the recital season begins to pick up speed. “Principally Pachelbel” is an organ recital by two local organists, Bert Rowson and Liam Curran. It will be a recital of musical discovery, bringing forth rarely heard works from this early baroque master. Today he is mostly known for his Canon in D minor, something that prompted a certain resident conductor to comment that Pachelbel was “A one hit wonder”  read more....>

Reflections on Superior

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   August 20, 2011   ---   Eight years ago, fresh from a conservatory school in the States, Erin Brophey came to Thunder Bay, Ontario as the new oboist for the Thunder Bay Symphony Orcherstra. Together with Evegueni Tchougounov at the piano they produced a brilliant recital at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Brodie Street.

I love summer recitals, one reason being there is not a lot of classical repertoire being played during the summer months and I appreciate a dose of culture in the summer. A better reason to enjoy a summer recital is the performances are planned by the musicians and in this case Erin Brophey played a programme of music which is close to her heart. Her recital was a reflection on the things she likes about Thunder Bay.  Erin has reason to reflect on her time in the city for this fall she will take up a new position as principal oboist in the city of Saskatoon.  read more....>

Ceramic Mural Revealed After 29 Years

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----  July 6, 2011 – As part of the recent lobby renovations at the Canada Games Complex, a wall was removed and has revealed a new work of art for the public to enjoy.

L to R: Dave Gillen - Form Architects (renovated lobby in complex) Alan Moon - mural ceramic artist Trudy Jamieson - mural ceramic artist Reana Mussato - Public Art Coordinator
Ron Furioso - Capital Projects Supervisor / Facilities & Fleet

The mural, which was produced by members of the Thunder Bay Potters’ Guild, had spent several years being separated by a doorway. Half of it was inside of Inclusion Services, and half of it outside.   read more .....>

 Wildlife Forever’s State-Fish Art Contest

Brooklyn Center, MN  --   July 3, 2011   ----   Winners of Wildlife Forever’s State-Fish Art Contest and their families assembled in Athens, Texas on June 24 and 25 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center to be honored for their winning artwork. A total of 31 states were represented by the attending children who were winners of their individual states. Adding to the overall excitment was the discovery of whose fish art won tthe coveted National Awards chosen from all the winning entries.

The award structure has been reconfigured to reflect the addition of two new top honors to be presented annually.  The Seth Thomas Spradlin Best of Show Award is now the top honor, given to one piece selected as "best of the best" from all winning entries.  It is dedicated to and given in recognition of the extraordinary talent and conservation ethic of the 2008 top artist, who lost his life in a bush plane accident in Alaska in August of 2010. The first ever recipent of this award was Brady King of Livingston, Texas with his stunning painting "Two Atlantic sailfish".   read more......>

The Sounds of Inspiration

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  June 14, 2011  ----  In a city like Thunder Bay the formal concert season is all but over by half past May. It’s not that we don’t appreciate music any less but that we do appreciate the added sunlight, and the freedom to be outside without a jacket. When spring is around the corner it is very hard to sell a concert.

It is at this time of year that many cultural groups are busy with plans for the coming season, which begins when we get tired of going to camp and doing all our summer stuff. On reflection there have been some very good concerts this season. The dulcisono spring concert is a fine example.  After eight years the women’s choir has progressively developed since its inception to the point where the Spring Concert has been one of their best.  read more.....>

Creating A Living – Your Art, Your Business Conference

THUNDER BAY, ON - June 10, 2011 - Produced by WorkInCulture and the Ontario Crafts Council, with the Thunder Bay Art Gallery as Presenting Host, the Creating A Living – Your Art, Your Business Conference takes direct aim at the need for artists in all media to get serious about business if they want to succeed.

To that end a number of presenters from both Thunder Bay and beyond will gather at the Art Gallery to enlighten participants about how to get serious about their art as a business. read more...>

Good things come when you least expect it

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  May 21, 2011  ---  Spring time is when most of want to enjoy the great outdoors, after being cooped up all winter attending spring concerts is sometimes not a part of our blood’s chemistry. While it may be a difficult time to sell a concert, spring time is when most dedicated students are in their best form. Having completed an academic year and preparing for conservatory or university exams. Thinking back a year ago two very talented musicians presented the chamber music concert of the season in my opinion at St. Andrew’s Presybterian Churcn, they were Bex Herman and Thunder Bay native Christina Faye.

This Saturday Gregory Lewis will present a solo recital titles “An Evening of Classical Music” The concert will also be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church beginning at 7:00 pm. The cost will be $10.00 and $5.00 at the door. St. Andrew’s is a larger venue and this is a spring concert so selling out may not be a problem, but then Gregory Lewis has developed a bit of a following in the city. I already know of one couple travelling from Ignace for this event.  read more....>

Definitely Superior Art Gallery selected as Finalist Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts

THUNDER BAY, ON --- May 27, 2011 --- Definitely Superior Art Gallery and its Board of Directors are honoured to announce that, for the second year running, we have been selected as a Finalist for the prestigious 2011 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of artists and arts organizations and their contributions to arts and culture in Ontario over a significant period of time. 

 We are in extremely good company alongside Hot Docs (Toronto), Blyth Festival (Blyth), Dusk Dances (Toronto), The Mariposa Folk Festival (Orillia) and Vtape (Toronto).

 The award is an acknowledgement of the gallery's track record of excellence in contemporary arts programming. In its 23 year history, Definitely Superior has presented over 700 exhibitions, events and activities, both on- and off-site, supporting as many as 11,000 multi-disciplinary artists.

The public and all of our supporters are cordially invited to join us for a Pre-Awards and Supporters Appreciation Party on Friday, June 3rd (7-10pm) at Definitely Superior Art Gallery (250 Park Ave/lower level/former Eaton's Building).   read more.....>

Art in Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minnesota – June 20, 2011  ----   Save the date now to attend the 2011 Art in Bayfront Park on August 20-21 in Duluth's beautiful art inspired Bayfront Park. Last year Art in Bayfront Park brought in only the finest artists from across the USA and will continue to be the best with original art however, there will be a few exciting additions added to the event. The best news is that it is still FREE to the public!

The fair continues on Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. with the first annual Miss Bayfront Pageant. The pageant is a Miss America franchise with contestants from ages 16-24 competing in 4 categories, talent, life and fitness, interview, evening gown. The winner will move onto compete in the Miss Minnesota pageant. The winner of Miss Bayfront Pageant receives a $500 scholarship and many other prizes.  read more.....>

WORLD TOUR OF NATIONS FOLKLORE FESTIVAL

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  April 21, 2011  --  Once again, the largest and most colourful event of the year, Folklore Festival, will be presented Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st, 2011 in Thunder Bay.  Coordinated by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association and the Folklore Festival Committee, this 38th Annual Folklore Festival will take visitors on a trip Around the World in two fun-filled days allowing visitors to experience the magnificent sights, sounds and flavours which the various ethnocultural communities bring to our country.

The Festival showcases the diverse cultural heritage of Thunder Bay.  More than 20 regions of the world are represented by no less than 40 different ethnocultural groups.  Arriving visitors are greeted by Goodwill Ambassadors in traditional costumes and the majestic fanfare of flags of the World waving above the arena, leading to our Folklore Festival main stage, the largest in Thunder Bay, where culture and traditions will be brought to life in full and intricate colour and excitement.  Imagine the spectacle as the Thunder Bay Chinese-Canadian Association opens the Festival with its traditional Lion Dance.  In the hours that follow, many hearts are stolen during performances by junior groups like the Junior Portuguese Folklore Dancers and the Scottish dancers along with the quiet serenity in the spiritual performances of the dancers of Lakehead Japanese Cultural, and the India-Canada Associations.  read more......>

Biophilia: Sacred Inner and Outer Landscapes Exhibit

GRAND MARAIS, MN  ----  April 16, 2011  ---   What’s so special about the North Shore? More than 60 local and regional artists will explore their answer to this question during the spring theme exhibit--Biophilia: Sacred Inner and Outer Landscapes-- on display at the Grand Marais Art Colony until April 24, 2011.  The exhibit is open daily from 9am-4pm. 

The North Shore calls us to greater depth and connection, one which in the artist’s realm invites exploration of the intersection between the geographical environment and inner spirituality. “People long to move beyond frenetic distraction; they want connection with something greater than themselves,” said co-curator Rev. Mary Ellen Ashcroft, Vicar of Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church.  “Christ told us to look at the birds, consider the flowers, and that call—to value creation as God’s second book—has too often been forgotten.  I’m excited to see how artists express that longing, that transcendent pull of our rocks and lakes.”  read more......>

Old Love Magnus Theatre

THUNDER BAY, ON  -----  April 14, 2011 ----    It was a cool and frosty evening when I drove by Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay  tonight, but inside the ample audience would be warming up to one of the funniest comedies the Theatre has recently presented. It is nice that the show is continuing to bring in a good house, the Friday night gala performance I attended was sold out.

Norman Foster is a veteran writer for the stage and he quickly exploits the minefield of possibilities of two older people falling in love. This is a genuinely funny show and there is so much comic material that even if you only hear half of what is being said there will be at least a good one- liner to send you home with a smile on your face.  read more.......>

Masterworks concert Sold Out! TBSO

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  April 4, 2011  ----  By some sort of quirk I managed to get my ticket to Thursday nights Masterworks concert a week in advance, I was fortunate enough to get my customary perch in the lodges of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The thought of not being able to get a seat to a symphony concert seems to many of us as remote as finding church filled to the rafters on a Sunday. That hasn’t happened for some time at my church.

Beethoven is a huge draw, we now know that Beethoven struggled with personal issues, realizing that he would never marry is part of that, and then there is the suite for custody of his nephew, whose mother Beethoven thought an unfit mother. By the time he wrote this symphony Beethoven was deaf. In spite of his personal distress Beethoven found beauty, purpose and inspiration in music. As a composer Beethoven managed to make his way on stage to direct the first performance. At the conclusion of the music he was still conducting and had to be turned to face the audience. He had not been able to hear a note of his masterpiece.  read more.....>

Local artists  considered for the waterfront

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---   April 2, 2011  -----  The Public Art Advisory Committee for the City of Thunder Bay, is very pleased by the public comments on finalist proposals for the waterfront public art projects.  Some citizens have also voiced concerns about a perceived lack of representation from the local arts community.

With respect to the City’s public art program in general, there have been twelve competitions that have resulted in contracts for commissions.  Six of those have been won by local/regional artists.  There have been four competitions for public art on the waterfront, of which one has been awarded to a local artist and will result in three new art installations.  The other three competitions are in progress and one of the finalist teams includes a local artist. Local artists have never been excluded from responding to public art competitions, and are always encouraged to apply.   read more.....>

Consortium Season ends with a Flutefest

THUNDER BAY, ON -----   April 2, 2011  ----  On Saturday March 12th Consortium Aurora Borealis of Thunder Bay, concluded their 32nd concert season. I have been involved with this organization for most of its 32 seasons in one capacity or another ,this season stands out as one of the best. Consortium Aurora Borealis has made the season interesting by using creative programming. The Saturday March 12th concert is a fine example programming music for one, two three and four flutes.  read more......>

100 DAYS OF CITY HALL CELEBRATED

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---   March 19, 2011 ---  Friday at Thunder Bay City Hall, celebrations were held to mark the first 100 Days of City Council’s current term and to launch a new exciting film.

Mayor Keith Hobbs said: “A significant amount of work has gone into the first 100 days of this term. We as a Council are laying the groundwork for positive development and growth in the City. I am honoured to serve this community as Mayor.”
 
Paul Morralee, the producer of 100 Days, is billing the production as “a non political thriller” which focuses on the observations, goals and workings of City Hall since Dec. 6, 2010.  read more.......>

The Baroque Jazz Connection

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---   March 6, 2011  -----  Glenn Jennings and Elizabeth Ganiatsos share a few words before the concert last Saturday night. Billed as the Baroque Jazz Connection it was the first ever collaboration between an early music ensemble and the contemporary sounds of a jazz trio. Glenn is the leader of the well known Mood Indigo, and this is the 32 year at the helm for Elizabeth and the Consortium Aurora Borealis of Thunder Bay, Ontario

While the concert going public expect jazzmen to make up their parts as they go few realize that a very similar activity is going on for the continuo players in a baroque ensemble. Just like jazz today the music was adapted to play with whatever instruments that the musicians had on hand, and that means there has to be some give and take with the notes on the page. Baroque continuo players realize their parts from a figured bass, a single line of notes with a few numbers sharp and flat indicators thrown in for good measure now and then. Jazz musicians play a lot from lead sheets which have the melody, words and the bass and a few chord symbols which the performers use to fill in the rest. When the musicians are truly accomplished they throw away the lead sheets as well.   read more.......>

Symphony Sunday

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----   March 5, 2011  ----  The last Sunday of February was “Symphony Sunday” at St, Paul’s United Church. For me it was a special occasion because the concert featured the marvellous sanctuary organ of that church in concert with the TBSO.  The all baroque programme was led by the TBSO resident conductor Stéphan Potvin. The featured soloist was Montreal based organist Jonathon Oldengarm.

I like Sunday afternoon concerts. The chance to spend a few moments with live professional music is always a treat. The programs tend to feature lighter music, or at least heavier music in light doses. One of the treats of this concert is the use of music from Monteverdi’s Orfeo. The excerpts served as a grand symphonic introduction to what would follow next. In this case usually an announcement by the conductor or the soloist. Unless you went to see a live production of Orfeo, then you would never have a chance to hear this occasional music. All the more reason to attend a Symphony Sunday Concert.  read more.....>

 HANAS SUITCASE

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---   March 6, 2011  ---   The current production, HANAS SUITCASE, at Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay,  is a holocaust story, told from the view point of children. Karen Levine had first read a story about Hana’s suitcase in “The Canadian Jewish News” in the year 2000. A CBC radio journalist she was at once intrigued by the story and set about writing the radio documentary about the story. It aired in 2001 and that is when I first heard the story of Hana’s Suitcase. After the award winning radio documentary, the book followed also written by Karen Levine titled Hana’s Suitcase. Years later her book has been adapted for stage by playwright Emil Sher. So now we have an award winning story playing on stage at Thunder Bay’s Magnus Theatre.

I must admit that I like a large cast, and this production uses eight actors on stage. More actors help tell a complicated story better than a few, they provide a visual and auditory contrast needed to keep things vibrant. With the arrival of Hana’s empty suitcase at a Tokyo holocaust, centre two Japanese school children take an interest in the person who owned this suitcase. Who was she? How Old? How was it that the suitcase ended up in Tokyo? What was the story of this orphaned school age girl? The list of questions grew and it soon became apparent that the story of Hana’s Suitcase could be used to tell the story of the Holocaust not only to Japanese school children, but to children throughout the world.   read more......>

11th Annual Inuit Premiere Featuring David Ruben Piqtoukun and Kavavow Mannomee

GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA - March 4, 2011 - Sivertson Gallery opens their 11th Annual Inuit Premiere in Grand Marais on Saturday, March 19th with two world renowned Inuit artists, David Ruben Piqtoukun and Kavavow Mannomee. “With the polar bear identified as the poster child of global warming there is a growing consciousness about the Arctic that has brought the beauty of it’s resources, creatures, arts and culture to the forefront,” says gallery owner, Jan Sivertson. “Both of these artists have experienced first hand the dramatic social, cultural, and environmental changes that have taken place in the Arctic in the last half century.”  The opening weekend events at Sivertson Gallery are free and open to the public and the exhibit continues through the end of April. In addition, workshops taught by these master artists will be offered through the Grand Marais Art Colony and North House Folk School. read more...>

Growing Ontario’s Craft Community – NORTH

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 3, 2011 - Northern Ontario craftspeople and artists will have some new opportunities to exhibit and market their work over the coming year with the launch of the Ontario Crafts Council’s project, “ Growing Ontario’s Craft Community” (GOCC). read more...>

Classic and Contemporary

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 1, 2011 - Like a great cheff in a marvelous kitchen the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra served up some new and wonderfull treats for its patrons at last Thursday’s Masterworks Concert. Titled Classic and Contemporary, I think the word contemporary may have kept some patrons at home, thinking the concert would be another evening of hair pulling , fractioned dissonance.  Nothing could have been further from the truth. The Conemporary works on the programme included music by Igor Stravinsky,”Danse Concertantes” was originally intended as music for a ballet theatre. The music began and ends with a march, a simple mechanism that Stravinsky used to usher the dancers on and off the stage. The inner three movements “Pas d’action, Thème varié, and Pas de deux, provide contrasting, rythmical, and sentimental music well suited for dancing and for listening too! Not too much to dislike about this music. read more...>

St. Andrew’s Heritage Organ

THUNDER BAY, ON  ------   February 12, 2011  -----  Not many people get to sit down at the consol of a pipe organ, likely because there are not that many organists around. I just wish that many of the other things that people buy were as well built as the organ at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Donald and Brodie Streets. This organ predates the city of Thunder Bay, and was installed in the city of Fort William in 1909 as Casavant opus 351.

My occasion to play this instrument was the annual members recital of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and I was anxious to hear the sounds and play an instrument that has changed only a little in its 101 years. As the recital continues on I could hear how different organists have adapted their music to the sounds of this century old instrument. There is no MIDI connection on this   read more.......>

Postmistress a Great Story

 THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  February 1, 2010  ---  The current production at Thunder Bay’s Magnus Theatre is a world premier. The Postmistress by Tomson Highway has given me pause for thought over the last few days.

Our society today is mixed and we share a wealth of cultural experiences with one another and the experience makes us all richer.  I have been told that our aboriginal peoples have passed down their heritage from one generation to the next through storytelling, so naturally I would assume that there should be some good story tellers amongst their number. Then after thinking about this for awhile I realized that if anyone else had written this play, people would call the playwright a genius.

The entire concept of the play is chock full of potential. It is about a woman who works her way up through the post office until one day after her boss’s demise she becomes Postmistress.  read more.....>

Thriving in a Niche Market

THUNDER BAY, ON   -------    January 29, 2011  ----  It was a cold and frosty night last Saturday  evening but the crowd attending Consortium Aurora Borealis “Extravaganza Italiana” concert at St. Paul’s United Church soon warmed up to the sounds of soprano’s Michelle DeBoer (left)) and Dawn Bailey. Together with the exotic and enchanting sounds of the theorbo played by Lucas Harris the audience was treated to a display of baroque virtuosity seldom seen in Thunder Bay.

Even by Consortium Aurora Borealis high standards this was intended to be an exceptional concert, and the planning for this even goes back more than a year. Elizabeth Ganiatsos the groups Artistic Director now lives in Toronto and attends early music concerts regularly. Groups such as Taffelmusik and the Toronto Consort are renowned for their high standards and thrilling performances of the baroque repertoire. Naturally Elizabeth invited the performers to Thunder Bay for the concert on Saturday night.    read more...>>>

Prophesies of Isaiah

THUNDER BAY ON   ---  January 18, 2011   ---   Living in Thunder Bay we often hear languages other than English spoken around town. In the past it might have been Ukrainian or Italian or a host of many European tongues. To-day we are hearing more native languages being spoken since the language is being taught in schools for natives, where they also become more conversant in English as well. This is all for the better since it takes a good two way conversation for the process of understanding one another to begin. In the early 1960’s a large number of Finnish people immigrated to Thunder Bay and have made their home in our city. Their presence contributes to the uniqueness of this city. Who has not passed by the famous Hoito restaurant for their pancake breakfast?  read more......>

 TBSO Delivers a Stunning Performance

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---   January 18, 2010   ----  While last Thursday has come and gone, the memories of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Master Works concert are still fresh. Time, talent and desire have matured this orchestra like a fine wine and under the direction of our new conductor Arthur Post it is poised to become one of the best concert listening experiences in the country. No longer do we need to go to Toronto or some other major city to hear a very good orchestra, we have our own and it plays in one of the best acoustic venues in the country, our own Thunder Bay Community

The blend of young and experienced talent on stage is one thing I like about this orchestra. While all the players must play to the standards the orchestra requires, the youthful players add energy and vitality to the performances, and the experienced players add the polish and finesse.
 Another great quality of this orchestra is the tight ensemble. Image how hard it is for the trumpet players and the timpanist to be exactly in time with the 1st violins when they are 40 to 50 feet away from them. The musicians have been playing in this venue for 25 years and they all know which part of the conductor’s beat pattern will produce a unified sound as the tones of the orchestra sail past the conductor.    read more.....>

What is a Theorbo? Consortium Aurora Borealis

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   January 8, 2010  ---  For the first time ever in Thunder Bay baroque music lovers will get to hear a real Theorbo played bay a master. All they have to do is attend the Consortium Aurora Borealis concert on Saturday January 22nd. Below is the description of the instrument and the concert by the groups Artistic Director, Elizabeth Ganiatsos. The concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 349 Waverley Street. Admission is by donation at the door.

All will be revealed at our January 22, 2011 concert of Italian baroque music! In the meantime, we may say that the theorbo, a plucked stringed instrument belonging to the lute family, was developed during the late 16th-century in Italy. It was a type of long-necked bass lute, reaching up to two metres in length! It developed as a result of the demand for an extended bass range in opera, as was produced by the Florentine Camerata. It also functioned as a continuo instrument along with organ or harpsichord in vocal and instrumental works from the 16th to the 18th century. It may be heard in performances of music from Monteverdi to Vivaldi, and is enjoying a revival today.   read more...>
 

Winter Plein Air Painting Festival

Grand Marais, Minnesota – January 8, 2011 – Preparations are underway for the 2nd annual Winter Plein Air Painting Festival slated for February 1-6, 2011 up the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota.  Grand Marais is a quaint harbor and arts village located on the North Shore of Lake Superior – a mere 90 miles north of Duluth.  Grand Marais, and the surrounding area, is known for its rustic beauty and inspirational landscape that has drawn artists and outdoor enthusiasts to its shores for generations.

The Winter Plein Air Painting Festival is organized by the Grand Marais Art Colony, a historic arts education center.  The Grand Marais Art Colony is Minnesota’s oldest Artist Colony, founded in 1947 as the Outdoor School of Painting.  In its over 60 year history, the Art Colony has grown to include a diverse range of mediums such as glass, print, pottery, photography and writing through hands-on classes and studio rental.  Additionally the Art Colony organizes several art events and exhibits throughout the year.  read more.....>

 The (Post) Mistress

THUNDER  BAY, ON   ---   January 20, 2011  --  Magnus Theatre of Thunder Bay, is proud to be producing the world premiere of this new musical work by world renowned playwright, novelist, and composer Tomson Highway. "It is always exciting to work on a new play," said Artistic Director Mario Crudo, "and the music adds so much fun. And of course we are very honoured to have been entrusted to mount the very first production of this engaging, hot, and sexy new work."

 The (Post) Mistress recounts the adventures of a small-town postmistress who divines the contents of sealed letters that pass through her hands.  After having worked at the same post office for many years the postmistress has come to know the emotional lives of her clients.  Through song (the letters), she shares with us details and episodes of their lives.

 The preview performance of THE (POST) MISTRESS is Thursday, January 27, with the Gala Opening on Friday, January 28. The play runs until February 12.   read more...>

Dulcisono; A celebration of Excellence

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----    December 10, 2010  ----   Dulcisono women’s choir has all the hallmarks of a well run organization, held together by one of the strongest bonds there is, the joy of singing.

A well run organization has things going for it. It means work that needs to get done for publicity, concert preparation, financial management are all are all accomplished. It comes as no surprise then that a choir that works so well together can also sing well. All of these things were apparent at last Sunday’s concert “A Celebration of Christmas”.  read more......>

 Plaid Tidings

THUNDER BAY, ON   -----   December 8, 2010   ---It was the first visit of the extra-terrestrial Plaids that convinced me that  Thunder Bay's Magnus is a good thing for the community. I guess part of the revelation came about because the first show was better than the hype so it easily exceeded expectations. Whenever something like that happens you have a happy audience.

Now that the “Plaids” have returned for a second visit, can they have to live up to the high standard of the first performance, and having seen the first on I knew this crew would have their work cut out for them.

Nobody knows the inner workings of Magnus Theatre like Mario Crudo, often other directors come to do a production. So it is a treat to have a master assemble the talent on stage. This is the second musical production at Magnus this season and it comes in time for the Christmas season. Mario remembered the success of the original production and eagerly went about making plans to bring “Plaid Tidings” to Thunder Bay. He began by assembling an incredibly talented team, Danny Johnson serves as music director, while Jade Elliott, Chad McManmara, Jeff Moulton and Adam Stevenson make up the members of the Plaids, a 1950’s concert quartet whose promising career was cut short by a traffic tragedy.    read more.....>

Back to the Glory Days

THUNDER BAY, ON  -----  November 24, 2010  ---- Thirty-two years ago Consortium Aurora Borealis began its first concert series in Thunder Bay. Then the young and energetic Elizabeth Ganiatsos was a music history teacher working out of the infamous Black Shack at L.U’s campus. Her passion then and now is the performance of early music, especially that from the Elizabeth the 1st of England.

It was easy for her to recruit students and musicians from the university to help her produce these concerts and many of her history students found themselves on stage at one time or another. As the season’s progressed the group began to perform in period dress. Elizabeth would scour the fashion journals of the era and over a period of years managed to costume the entire troop. It was all part of the show, no matter that the bloomers would not stay up. The addition of costumes and dancers to the productions added a visual element to her concerts and the largely amateur musicians did an admirable job they too relied on the visual element to help make the concert a success.  read more......>

 Romantic Muses Consortium Aurora Borealis

THUNDER BAY, ON  ---  November 15, 2010  ---  Consortium Aurora Borealis has a reputation for providing some truly memorable concerts for Thunder Bay audiences. The Chopin-Schumann Anniversary concert (They both would have celebrated their 200th birthday this year) was  played by pianists Heather Morrison and Derek Oger, and clarinettist Peter Shackelton.  The performers, the music and perhaps even the weather outside seemed to be the right combination to get people coming to the concert in record numbers.

Once inside, the audience was treated to a feast of romantic piano works beginning with Frederik Chopin’s “Prelude in C# minor” beautifully played by Heather Morrison.  She then followed the music with some tasteful and relaxed and definitely humorous readings from the period. I found her readings added insight and variety to the programme and more importantly added a human element to the programme. read more.....>

 LADY SINGS THE BLUES Tracy K

THUNDER BAY, ON ----  November 5, 2010   ----   Award-winning vocalist, harmonica player and songwriter Tracy K brings her versatile talent, energy and charisma to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra in a cabaret concert a la Cotton Club featuring a tribute to the music of Billie Holiday. The TBSO is celebrating it's 50th Gold Anniversary and the concert promises to be an enchanted evening of romantic blues ballads and toe-tapping hot jazz reflecting an era when men wore hats and ladies dressed in evening gowns. The second half of the show will feature songs from the roaring twenties and five Tracy K original blues and swing-style compositions. St. Ignatius High School's own music teacher Mr. Ted Vaillant arranged the scores and will be performing on trumpet. Other local musicians involved are Rodney Brown on banjo, Damon Dowbak on mandolin, and Jamie Steinhoff on acoustic guitar and dobro.

After a decade of jazz and blues performances as a solo artist under her belt, Tracy K has reached an apex in her performance stature after being selected to perform with the orchestra. Having always dreamed of performing her favourite Billie Holiday classics the way they were originally recorded, she claims that she "can hear the orchestration in my head even when singing these songs with a trio or quartet - talk about a dream come true!" But this dream also comes with a bittersweet lining - Ms. K lost her mother on Mother's Day weekend. Tracy was anticipating her mother's attendance for the glamourous event, a sort of reward after years of watching her last born build a music career in the sometimes harsh performance climates - better known as paying your dues.  read more.....>

Thunder Bay Art Gallery Sells Inukshuks to China

THUNDER BAY, ON - November 5, 2010 – The power of the Internet and a local business in Thunder Bay came together in the sale of Canadian art to China. “Lake Superior Art Gallery was proud to provide 80 Inukshuks to Armstrong Fluid Systems for the official opening of their Shanghai Facility in China,” stated JP Fraser, owner of the Lake Superior Art Gallery Art Gallery.read more...>

 Review By Thomas Joseph Harperland: The Politics of Control

 THUNDER BAY, ON  -----  Octobert 22, 2010  ---  Lawrence Martin’s book should be an immediate read for every Canadian. As a Globe and Mail political columnist in Ottawa covering Parliament Hill, he has been front and centre observing the workings of Parliament and the antics of our parties and politicians.

This book chronicles the political behavior and tactics of Stephen Harper and his Conservative Government. It briefly traces Harper’s victory over Stockwell Day for the leadership of the Canadian Alliance Party and the subsequent merging with the Progressive Conservative Party. The main focus begins with the 2004 federal election and continues through to the present. Martin’s account is peppered with observations and comments by key Harper advisors and staff.

Thomas W. Joseph is a long-time observer of Canadian politics having taught Canadian Studies at Confederation College and Lakehead University for over 30 years   read more....>

  “Sing for the Health of it” Fort William Male Choir

THUNDER BAY, ON  -------  Octobert 21, 2010   -----  This year the Fort William Male Choir will do something different for their annual “Prelude to Christmas” concert. Thunder Bay’s oldest musical institution has teamed up with “Prostate Cancer Canada Network – Thunder Bay” to help promote awareness of this disease.

Accordingly the theme for this season’s concert will be “Sing for the Health of it” and a portion of the proceeds will go to Prostate Cancer Canada Network – Thunder Bay. In the photo above choir president Gerald Trembley , Phil Junnila, spokesperson for PCCN-Thunder Bay, and choir vice-president Don Harris Jr. are taking part in a meet and greet event at the Prosvita hall on Simpson Street. Members of the two organizations will use a beef on a bun occasion to get to know one another. It is important if the two groups are to maximize the promise of this collaboration. Don Harris Jr. and Phil Junnila agree that this project is a perfect fit for their respective organizations.   read more  ........>

 TEMPTING PROVIDENCE Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s production

Thunder Bay, ON –    October 20, 2010     ----     In celebration of the International Year of the Nurse, Magnus Theatre proudly presents its second show of the main stage season, Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s production of TEMPTING PROVIDENCE by Robert Chafe.  Hailed by critics internationally as “spectacular,” “extraordinary,” and “a beautifully crafted artwork that speaks to an entire nation built by people such as Bennett,” TEMPTING PROVIDENCE has toured extensively since its premiere in 2000, playing more than 350 performances across Canada and abroad.  read more.....>

Moving towards an Arts & Culture Policy for Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON -----   September 24, 2010  -----  The common area of Confederation College’s Shuniah building was the site of a public forum the developing Arts and Culture Policy for Thunder Bay. The event was organised by Leah Bailey, arts and culture co-ordinator for the city of Thunder Bay.

Naturally the room was full of people interested in the Arts of all descriptions. In this photo, Callie Hemsworth (Coordinator Recreation and Culture Planning, City of Thunder Bay) is in conversation with Todd Dufresne (Director of the Advanced Institute for Globalization and Culture). Todd’s group will present Lewis Milestone’s classic 1928 silent film “The Garden of Eden” Saturday September 25th at Lakehead University’s Centre Theatre 1017. The silent film will be professionally accompanied by Andrei Streliaev at the piano. The free event begins at 7:00 pm.    read more.....>

Where on Earth is My Bike?

THUNDER BAY, ON   ----   October 10, 2010   ----  “Where on Earth is My Bike?” is a documentary film by local filmmaker Paul Morralee that follows the activities of donated bicycles in Africa and was produced by Bicycles for Humanity - Thunder Bay.

In March he travelled with the Chairman of Bicycles for Humanity – Thunder Bays’, Steve Klassen, to see how the investment of bikes to Africans have changed lives. The documentary featuring ten bicycle owners expressing their journey since receiving their donated bike. Featured also is the micro-businesses climate that has developed in the opening of bicycle shops and repair facilities.   read more......>

Thunder Bay Art Gallery Christmas House Tour

THUNDER BAY, ON ----  October 28, 2010  ------ The 10th Annual is the perfect warm up for the holiday season..

Last year over 800 people supported the Art Gallery through their purchase of House Tour tickets and attendance.

Four executive homes, as well as the Art Gallery, are given the royal decorating treatment by five professional businesses.

The public gets a chance to take a self-guided tour of each home to discover what’s hot in the latest decorating trends.

The Candlelight Tour is unique, taking place Saturday, November 13, from 6pm – 9pm, culminating in an enchanting reception at the Art Gallery from 8pm – 10pm.

The House Tour is one of the Gallery’s major annual fundraising events. All money raised stays at the Gallery to assist in the delivery of Gallery programs.  read more.....>

Review “Tempting Providence”

THUNDER BAY, ON  ----   October 23, 2010   ----   Magnus Theatre’s current production, “Tempting Providence” tells a remarkable story. Newfound & Labradors nurse Myra Bennett is a story of dedication, commitment and outright courage. Perhaps it is true that truth is stranger than fiction.

This year marks the international year of the Nurse. My companion for the evening happens to be a nurse and she was fully prepared for a great nursing story. Magnus Theatre delivered the goods. The story begins with Myra Grimsby’s (played by Deidre Gillard-Rowlings) arrival in out-port Newfoundland in the 1920’s. She was born, raised and educated in England where she also nursed for 10 years. When hearing of the urgent need for nursing care in Saskatchewan she headed to Canada. Somewhere along the line she was convinced to come to Newfoundland where the need for care was even more urgent.    read more.....>

Community Arts & Heritage Education Project’s Art Cards for 2010

THUNDER BAY, ON ----  December 6, 2010   -----   Every year, local non-profit arts education organization, Community Arts & Heritage Education Project (CAHEP) produces a series of art cards to be used as a fundraiser.  All of the proceeds from our card sales are put directly back into providing accessible, quality arts education programming for the schools and community of Thunder Bay.  The artwork on these has been created by learners participating in CAHEP’s programming.

CAHEP empowers children and youth in the community of Thunder Bay by creating and implementing accessible, multi-disciplinary arts and heritage programming and resources.  Through this, people will discover the joy of arts and heritage within their own lives and create a legacy by fostering a commitment to culture.  read more.......>