One Bad @%$ September 25th day

I cannot believe what I am going to tell you about the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary - Saturday the 25th is going to be so busy and filled with so many exciting things to do, that right now you will have to take a deep breath, calm down and look at the next paragraph.

There are 4 separate events that you can get yourself busy with on Saturday, September 25th and the best thing is that you can in fact do ALL OF THEM!!! As you would suspect, since this is the 25th and this is our 25th anniversary, it just seems to make so much sense.

Event #1 - Shorts for the Shorties - is the best in new and classic cartoons and aimed for the kids to see at Roxy Theater on Brock Street. Bring your kids to see some great cartoons being played on the fabulous screens of the theater - and it starts at 9:30 am but the doors open at 9am for the best seats.

Event #2 - from 9:30am - 5pm, the downtown part of Uxbridge will be closed off so that the families in the area can truly enjoy art with all of their senses. The theme is The Senses: see, hear, smell, touch, taste and ??? the sixth sense. This is called 25 on 25 Street Party. All of the local merchants have worked together to open up the streets for over 25 different opportunities to experince art first hand. Of course there is no admission fee and goes all day.

Event #3 - Second Lunch Hour Concert at St. Andrew's Chalmers Presbyterian Church and featuring Welcome Back Students. This time we are welcoming back local youth who have moved onto university to study music/voice. We will hear the amazing voices of Meghan McKibbon, Travis Smalley and Christina Campsall. Accompanying all is the ever talented Jackie Crawford. This will be an exciting hour, where you can sit and relax and listen. Free Will offering is the cost.

Event #4 - Silver Gala - oh what a night this will be. The evening will be a reflection on the past and honouring those who have truly been pivotal for the Celebration - and then welcoming in something new in the way of the 25 Hour Masterpiece. The evening will start at 7:30pm at the Uxbridge Music Hall and tickets can be purchased for $25 at the door (if available) or at Presents, Presents and Blue Heron Books.

Performing for us again this year is the wonderfully talented Carol Gibson and electric Tom Baker and Friends. To start the program though is the world premiers of performance art in play, poetry, short story, video, comedy and music - all created just 25 hours before.

Okay everyone - let me hear an audible WOW!!!!!

Art shows for Young and Old

Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25 Anniversary is all about traditions and on of the constants and traditions would be the 14th Annual Juried Art Show and the Children's Art Show. These are both housed in the Uxbridge Township offices, and the Council Chambers is transformed into an art gallery for 6 days.

This is a long process for selecting the art that will be displayed and honoured AND then selections are made from our jurors and judges as to the BEST. They would have at least 80 pieces submitted for the Juried Art Show, and the Jurors are Maura Broadhurst, Curator of Latcham Art Gallery, Lee Petrie, Curator for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Daniel Colby, local award winning artist.

For the Children's Art Show, the art will have been completed at the end of last school year and presented this year. It is wondrous to see the skill and talent of the youth in our community, and this is one way to showcase their talents.

Both of these shows start with a Opening reception on September 21st (tonight) at 7:30pm. They art will be on display from September 21 - September 26th from 10am - 6pm.

Please come to see the wonderful works and see the future of art in Uxbridge.

Ken Whiteley in concert - this Saturday

Every year during the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts, there are many events happening, and things that could keep you busy almost every night for 10 days - but one of the most anticipated is the first Saturday night event. This year is no exception.

On Saturday September 18th, Ken Whiteley and his band will be blowing the doors off of the Uxbridge Music Hall with his rich background sound created by his incredible influences in blues, gospel and folk. The "One World Dance Concert" will start at 8pm and the tickets are $25. You can get the Tickets from Presents, Presents and Blue Heron Books and if you are lucky, there may be some at the door. There will be a cash bar.

Some background on Ken- he has played at virtually every major folk festival in Canada, and has performed and recorded with such legends as Pete Seeger, Blind John Davis, Stan Rogers, Raffi and more. He is also an active record producer having worked on more than 80 albums. And not just any albums - these have resulted in Ken being honoured with 11 Gold or Platinum Albums, 22 Juno nominations, 2 Juno awards and 2 Grammy nominations. That is some big load of awards.

Ken welcomes his full band including The Levy Singers (vocals), Joe Sealy (piano), Ben Whiteley (bass), Bucky Berger (drums), Colleen Allen (saxophones), and Ken himself on guitar and mondolin. This night promises to be electrifying.

Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts Lunch Hour Concerts

The Lunch Hour Concerts during every year's Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts has been happening ever since I can remember. I started going because I found it to be a very enjoyable distraction from my normal Saturday and it really did not take too much time out of my day.

And the tradition continues during this 25th Anniversary year.

Every Saturday from 12:30 - 1:30, performing artists are invited entertain the audience with songs, dances, drum beats, big band sounds, piano playing and more. This years performances are September 18th, September 25th and October 2nd held in the sanctuary of St. Andrews Chalmers Presbyterian Church on Toronto/Church Strs in Uxbridge.

For the first Saturday Lunch Hour concert is themed "World Music Hour" and featuring the sounds of the Shimoda Family on Japanese recorders as well as Susan Luke on her fiddle and she had invited some surprise guests to play with her.

If you have not had the chance to hear the haunting sounds of the wooden Japanese recorder, this is your chance. The Shimoda Family have performed during a Uxbridge Music Scholarship night as well as at the Foster Memorial. It is amazing to hear the different sounds of the multiple sized recorders - when I heard them, they played a wooden recorder that was 8ft tall and one that was 6 inches. AMAZING.

The second half of the Lunch Hour Concert will be listening to the toe tapping music of Susan Luke and friends on their fiddles. Susan is well known in Uxbridge as one half of the group Poor Tom, and she teaches not only in the public school system, but also teaches privately on the violin and fiddle. East coast here we come.

Please do come out and the cost for the hour is "free will offering" - whatever you can afford. An appreciative audience is what we want and need.

Uxbridge Studio Tour - Art at its best!

The Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary cascade of events, would not be what it is today without the fabulous event that happens right along with it. The 25th Annual Uxbridge Studio Tour will be happening on September 18th and 19th from 10am - 6pm.

Okay so think about this - you have the opportunity to see the artists location of creation - the pad of creativity, where it all happens; and of course meet the artist themselves. There are 25 artists studios on the tour this year, and many of those will also have guest artists with them. I believe if you are able to make it to all of the studios and meet all of the artists, you will speak to 50 artists. Yup, 50. That's alot of "Art Talk".

You can find all the information you want by going to www.uxbridgestudiotour.com. Read through it, ponder your strategy, and I dare you to fill those two days with nothing but the excitement of art and conversations with the artist themselves.

And it begins ..... Well soon!

I have not been as diligent as I promised myself that I would be with this blog - and the news of the Uxbridge township and the very full and exciting Arts events that happen around here. I am sorry - life just seemed to get in the way - BUT whether life got in the way or not - the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary year is quickly approaching.

The Celebrations start on Sept 16th and then don't end until October 9th. REALLY!!!

That does NOT mean that every day there is something, but for all of that time, there will be well over 14 different events that you can attend. One day - oddly enough, on the 25th, you can fit in 3 different activities.

Let me again highlight the kickoff event for the Celebration - on September 16th at Uxbridge Music Hall, Motley Theatre will present a play reading. Starts at 8pm and the tickets are $20 (which includes refreshments and a cash bar) and you can get the tickets from Presents, Presents and Blue Heron Books. There will be tickets at the door if there are any left (and it has been known to sell out).

Don't forget to pick up your Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts full program at many places around Uxbridge and it was also sent in the local papers. See you there - and then at another event, and at another event and so on and so on and so on!!

Audible WOW.

Uxbridge Unplugged - yes another new event

As I have been sharing with you, all of you wonderful people of the world, and my very dedicated 5 followers, Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts, 25th Anniversary, has been coming up with some of the most exciting, exhilarating, entertaining and, well just darn fabulous new events. Another is Uxbridge Unplugged.

On Friday, September 24th at 8:30 pm at the Uxbridge Music Hall, 4 very accomplished singers from the area - four very different style- will share their passion of music in one evening.

Not only are you going to hear their beautiful voices and haunting melodies, but you will hear from each of them the "Why" and "Where".

Tamara Williamson has toured and recorded in Canada and Europe and has been dubbed the "Godmother of Indie" for her very independent sound within her 5 albums. Having shared the stage with artists such as Feist, Oasis and Rheostatics, she will fill the stage on her own.

Carlie Laidlaw, who is an established Uxbridge vocalist, lead in a number of bands and heard at events such as the Royal Winter Fair. You can hear her on the recently released "Hummingbird" project, a CD of local original music.

Bringing along her country/rock attitude and voice, is Leah Daniels. Born and raised in Uxbridge, she has very recently spread her wings to Vancouver, opening for Johnny Reid at the 2010 Olympics, as well as a writing trip to Nashville.

Whitney Ross-Barris is an emerging solo artist on the Toronto Jazz scene, as well as a professional actor for over 11 years. Her performances have taken her all over Canada, the US and to Europe. We are thrilled that she will stop and be with us.

TO TOP IT ALL OFF - the evening will be hosted by Neil Crone and with that will come its own form of entertainment and excitement.

Doors will open at 8pm and the tickets are $15. Cash Bar. Tickets can be found at Presents, Presents; Blue Heron Books or at the door if available.

25 on 25 Uxbridge Street Party - Wild day of fun in Uxbridge

It is absolutley crazy the number of NEW ideas that we are introducing during the upcoming Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary year - and here is another one.

How about "25 on 25"? I know what you are saying - you are saying "Huh" or "What" or even "Whaaa" but I do promise you, it will be a fun filled family day right in Uxbridge town on Saturday, September 25th. So it is "25 on 25 Uxbridge Street Party".

Let me tell you more about it - Working together, the Celebration of the Arts, the shops of Uxbridge, and the Uxbridge Studio Tour Artists are organising an amazing Street Party to celebrate 25 years of absurdly rich cultural life in Uxbridge.

The theme is The Senses: and we are inviting everyone to come and see, hear, smell, touch, taste and explore that elusive sixth sense.

Experience the knitted tree cosies… Eat crazy Ted Reader's world famous sliders…put your sense of smell to the test… and watch as a team of creative Uxbridge folk rehab one of the downtown buildings!

Interactive events, competitions and a parade will bring everybody a myriad of sensory experiences: tasting delicious local foods cooked by local chefs; music and poetry performed on the street; incredible art installations by our fine local artists; sensational smells; the sixth sense – a lot of us think we have one, but what is it and can we access it on demand? And everyone is invited to explore the sense of touch with hands-on events – drawings and making many interesting fun things.

Some of the things that we can potentially expect to see - Speakers Corner, Performance Art, Storytelling, Noise Maker Parade, Chefs, Painting River, Singers, Sounds Experiment and so much more. BUT we do want more ideas to consider. If you have an idea, or wish to perhaps participate during the day - please contact flyfree@sympatico.ca or submit in paper to Blue Heron Books. But hurray, this needs to be confirmed very quickly.

See I told you it was going to be so exciting and new.

Motley Theater is ready to go to dinner

As many people know, there is no better way to start something, than to kick it right in the butt with a winner - right off!!! That is what the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary this year will be doing. Our very first event is the always popular "Motley Play Reading". This event comes from a long standing group called Motley Theatre where Anna MacKay-Smith and Kenneth Welsh would bring in special guests, actors who are Canadian up-and-commers and seasoned well-knowns, and they would do a play reading.

Yes that is different from a theatre show, and I know that I am stating the obvious. It is a play reading, as the performers sit, but sometimes not, with script in hand, reading through the play. It is in NO WAY boring, or predictable, it is so amazing that within 5 minutes, you are so wrapped up in the performance, that you don't even see the book in their hands. Minimal props and staging and it is brilliant.

WELLLL - again the Motley Play Reading with start the Celebration with the play reading of a piece that received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2000, "Dinner with Friends" by Donald Margulies. Anna MacKay-Smith will again grace us with her skill and experience on stage, however as of todays date, no other performers have been announced.

It will be on Thursday September 16th at 8pm at the Uxbridge Music Hall. The tickets are $20 at the door, or can be purchased at Blue Heron Books OR Presents Presents, both located on Brock St., Uxbridge.

SO come out to the first of the events for the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts - heck, come out to all of them. Can I hear an audible "Wow".

Highlands of Durham Games in Uxbridge Elgin Park

Oh you loyal readers of mine and Celebrating Arts in Uxbridge for 25 years, I have let you down. The problem is life got in the way and I apologize for the length of time between blog posts. It is NOT that there was nothing going on - as you can see from the rest of the blog, there is SOOO MUCH going on.

For those who have been around Uxbridge for the last 16 years, has had the pleasure of walking through Elgin Park Uxbridge and have been transported into Old Scotland through Highland of Durham Games. The event will be happening on July 24th and 25th, 2010 and all activities will be held on the park grounds. There is plenty of parking off Elgin Park Drive, and so there is NO NEED to be parking on the streets. (as a resident not far from the park, I am imploring you to pay the extra and keep our streets safe).

I am wondering if anyone can truly see everything that is offered during these two days because the Highland Games is packed with things to see, competitions, vendors, entertainment, food and so much more. Here are just a few things to consider:

- entertainment goes from 11am - 11pm on Saturday and 12 noon - 5pm on Sunday

- there will be vendors selling food, clothing, costume, treasures and you can even find out what Clan you belong to

- bands, bands, bands

- dancing, dancing, dancing (there is nothing more graceful than watching all ages doing highland dancing)

- heavy games that include stone throw, hammer throw, sheaf, and more

- you can even watch the amazing art of Dry Stone building - a form of building dating back 4,000 years

Needless to say - you really need to see this. Take a look at the information on how to buy tickets - Purchase Tickets and the cost is $19.99 for a day pass and anyone under 16 years old is FREE.

"Ceud Mile Failte!" is the Scottish Gaelic for 100,000 Welcomes.

25 Hour Masterpiece - closer than you think

Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25^th Anniversary is thrilled to announce that we have selected the participants for the 25 Hour masterpiece. THRILLED I tell you. And I hope that the participants that we selected are also THRILLED.

As you may be aware and those wonderful 5 people who are my blog followers – I love you guys – will know, Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts executive committee for this coming September, decided to try something new this year and implemented as part of their Gala Event on September 25th, something we call our 25 Hour masterpiece.

Okay for those who don’t know, this is how it works – selected participants in the performing arts categories of poetry, short story writing, videography, playwriting and performing, improv, dance and musical composition will be given a word, phrase, line, theme and/or prop at 6pm on September 24^th and will have 25 hours, until 7pm on September 25^th, to create a piece that they will perform during the Gala Night event. The only exception to this is the Improv group, who will be given 25 seconds to prepare for their performance.

The invitation for submissions was sent out at the end of May/beginning of June and we had 15 people submit for the committee to consider. It was a very difficult process, but we finally did do it.

There will be performers from Uxbridge town to our neighbouring communities of Port Perry and Ajax. The performers range from age 13 to, well, WAY beyond 13. We have published writers, award winning writers and performers, and some that are just starting out. All in All – the Gala night event, starting at 7:30 on Saturday, September 25^th at the Uxbridge Music Hall will be a night to remember.

Please consider this one of your many events of the Celebration that you can come and support.

AND did I mention that Neil Crone will be our MC for the night. YUP and audible WOW – another blog about that later.

Summertime Rehearsing

You know, it is interesting that many people feel that when summer comes, all activity stops. That everything goes on holiday to laze around the pool, drink in hand and enjoy the sunshine. NOT!!!! Though that sounds like an amazing way to enjoy the summer, there are many groups that are still planning, organizing, rehearsing and foreseeing a wondrous array of art activities for Uxbridge and community.

I know that I have been going on and on and on about the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25^th Anniversary that will be happening in September, BUT as every year, they still organize and meet during the summer to get this going. We are offering you this huge entertaining opportunity to the community and beyond to enjoy art like you have never enjoyed it before. There are so many talented and diverse artists in the community, that it is hard not to get excited about this 2 ½ weeks. AND I don’t want to hear any excuses that you could not find something that you were interested in going to – with art exhibits, studio tours, music nights, author readings, play readings, dance events, all day “buskers”, concerts, plays and so much more – there is NO EXCUSE, so don’t even try to give me one (you may not notice that my head is turned away from your excuses AND my hand is held up to your mouth – funny sight).

There are also rehearsals going on for a play that OnStage Uxbridge will be performing called “Into the Woods”. This is a Stephen Sondhiem at his best play, and with Ruth Smith and David Geene involved in the directing, it will be wonderful to see. Keep on working actors and try to enjoy your summer.

Recently, there were auditions for another OnStage Uxbridge show – “Noises Off” – that will be performed in November but the rehearsals for that will also be happening in the summer. This is directed by Cathy Cristoff which I feel guarantees one of the best comedy farces that will hit the Uxbridge Music Hall stage.

What else is happening – well the Uxbridge Youth Theater recently had their auditions for their new play, and roles have been cast. I am sure that scripts have been handed out and music will be practiced.

What else is happening? Mmmmm – help me to know and I will be happy to blog about it and twitter about it. I sometimes know but I may not know it all (though I sometimes say I do know it all).

Help me by telling me.

More Studio Tour artists for Uxbridge Studio Tour

Hello and I am so sorry that I have been much too long between blogs. All for a very good reason, but I am back.

I realized that with all the information that will be coming out about the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary from September17 - October 9, the largest bit of information are the wildly talented artists on the 25th Annual Uxbridge Studio Tour, September 18 & 19. I talked about the first 5 listed on the tour pamphlet and some of their guest artists in a previous blog, and thought teasing you with more information on some of the others might be just the right thing on this Sunday night. I hope it will whet your appetites for more.

Listed on the brochure:

6 - Lynn Bishop is not only an artist on the Studio tour, she is also the lead in putting it all together. Thank you Lynn. Her eclectic mixed media works will grab you from the moment you see them. She will have guests at her studio of Tom Loach (Multi Media Artist) and Dennis Jenings (Stained Glass Artist).

7 - Linda Lee Purvis is a very well known artist in the Uxbridge area, and her Multi Media work with use of nature, will touch your heart.

8 - A name that you must have heard of before when looking at the beauty of a Ceramic Artist, would be Cynthia Cupples. She has won many fans and awards in her years as an artist. She will be welcoming a guest artist of Kim Robertson (Painter) to show along with her.

9 - There are only a few potters on the Studio Tour, and Della Cavanagh is one of them. Not only are her pieces aspects of lovely art, but they are functional too. Joining her for the two days of the tour, is another Potter, Sherry Rossi.

10 - Using the thrown away, and what others would think of as useless, is the Multi Media Artist of Jean Pierre Schoss. Animals often are the subject of his art, but you are also surprised at the delightful and whimsical way that he makes you smile with his art imagination.

There are many studio tours around, and many communities have them. As we have been doing them for 25 years, I think the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts is so pleased to have as part of our offerings the - 25th Annual Uxbridge Studio Tour.

Come on - you know you wanna come!!!!!

The Motley Theatre - be taken for a ride - you will love it.

Historically, the first event that kicks off the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 2 1/2 week party of arts events, is The Motley Theatre. This is a play reading, and if you have never been to one, boy you have missed something.

This is exactly as you think it would be with a word like "play reading". The actors on the stage actually "read" the play, with scripts in hand and all. I know, you think how boring that must be but it is FAR from boring. It takes only a few minutes from the beginning of the reading to absolutely forget that the actors have books in their hands and they are reading the lines. You become so engrossed in the pace of the performance, the tempo of the lines being delivered, the voice dynamics, the facial expressions and the great way that all lines float around you to embrace you in the story. I am not kidding, it is really like that.

We are quite blessed to have the very talented Anna MacKay-Smith (well known not only as an actor, but as a director and teacher) lead this play reading over the last number of years, and Uxbridge has seen great and well known Canadian actors participate. The likes of Gordon Pinsent, Rachel McAdams, Barbara Budd, Rosemary Dunsmore, Paul Gross and Ken Welsh have graced the stage.

What is going to be read this year? Well, I don't know. Who will be reading this year? Well, I don't know that either. Will it be the best way to kick off the 25th Anniversary of The Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts. OH YA!!!!!

Mark your calendar for The Motley Theatre on Thursday, September 16th, at 8pm at the Uxbridge Music Hall.

Uxbridge Youth Choir wins Gold Medals in Ottawa

I often talk in this blog about other events, activities, concerts and arts related fun stuff happening in the Uxbridge community. And I hope often, you actually go and attend and enjoy some of the many events happening in our fine community and there is another coming up that will celebrate the voices of youth.

Jennifer Neveu-Cook has been organizing and conducting The Uxbridge Youth Choir since 2004, and the skill of both Jennifer and the choir has been extraordinary. This group does a couple of concerts a year, and their final concert for this season will be on Wednesday June 2nd at Trinity United Church on 2nd Avenue in Uxbridge. I believe the start time is 7:30 - but please check when you purchase your tickets.

Performing with The Uxbridge Youth Choir will be special guests, Bella Nove (a young women's group that Jennifer also directs. The harmonies of this group are so very sweet to listen to), Kathryn Dnes on Violin and Adam Gribble, performing on his guitar.

The other reason that this concert is so special to The Uxbridge Youth Choir is because they just attended The Nationals Music Fest in Ottawa and came away with Gold Medals for both the Intermediate and Junior choir levels. YES - Gold Medals. That is a stunning achievement and to show support for the musicians of our communities future.

25 Hour Masterpiece - only 7 DAYS to get your submission in

The first deadline for the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary year is coming up very very quickly - on June 7th, 2010. Yes I did say it - June 7th, 2010.

I can hear so many people say "I thought I had lots of time to get it to them - now I only have 7 days!"

Are you someone who is interested in being selected to be involved in the 25 Hour Masterpiece portion of the Gala Event night on Saturday, September 25th @ 7:30? Are you a poet? Dancer? Short Story Writer? Videographer? Playwright/Director/Actor? Composer? Improv comedian? Then this just might be for you.

If you haven't heard, the Celebration's 25 Hour committee is accepting submissions from interested performers in all of those genres, who think that have the "spark" to create a performance piece in 25 hours. The committee need to hear why you feel you can create something of performance quality in that short timeframe - what experience you have - your artistic ability.

If you are interested, please go to the Celebration of the Arts site and find the document that will tell you everything that you need to know. If you have any other questions, please contact me.

But we need those submissions - DEADLINE DATE - June 7th, 2010

Now the fun begins - 2010 Studio Tour

For as long as the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts has been doing their "thang", showering us with so many arts experiences and educational opportunities - so has the Uxbridge Studio Tour. They too are turning 25 this year, and what a line up this year.

Over 24 artists are participating and that means over two days, you can visit them in their studios and not only see the wonderful work and creative ways they see life, BUT many of them have special visiting artists as well. Audible WOW time - you actually have the opportunity to see almost 50 artists and their creations in genres of quilt-making, pottery, water colours, ceramist, sculptor, photographer, multi media artist, goldsmith, furniture craftsman, blacksmith, and silversmith.

The 25th AnnualUxbridge Studio Tour is on September 18th & 19th, 2010 from 10am - 6pm each day. There are brochures and maps available and you can find them online as well. These are studios in and around Uxbridge community, so you will need a vehicle to get to most of them.

Because I don't have a lot of room on my blog - and my many (well 3) followers, do not want me to drone on and on - I will highlight the artists from 1 - 5 today to give you a taste - and a tasty taste it is.

1 - Judith Tinkl (QuiltMaker) and Viktor Tinkl (Sculptor) with special guest Diana Lopez Soto (performance artist) and Ken Nice (Sculptor). This is really a MUST see as you wonder around the property to find yourself surrounded by a whimsical, and sometimes not, sculptures.

2 - Lynda Cunningham (Painter) with guest artists Craig Telfer (furniture craftsman) and Mary Hinton (Mosaic Artist). Wow I have never seen a Mosaic Artist before and looking forward to experiencing that.

3 - Joan Yerema & Jay Yerema Weafer (Painters) with guests Mayta Markson (Ceramic Artist) and John Stuart Pryce (Painter). John Stuart Pryce donated the first painting print for the Uxbridge Preserve and is a wonderful view of a small pond.

4 - Carmel Brennan, (Photographer/Painter) - I am always amazed at the stunning photographs that Carmel snaps, with wonderful and interesting views of the world.

5 - Francis Muscat (Sculptor) with guests Karen Franzen (Ceramic Artist) and Frank Ditomaso (Woodworking Craftsman). Francis is a sculptor who is so generous with his talents in the Uxbridge community, and can be seen in a tree sculpture on Bascom Street as well as assisting the Youth Centre with a mural just outside their front door on Brock St.

More to come later. Audible WOW

The French are coming - The Amabile Choir that is

As you may be aware, the Uxbridge Chamber Choir performs from 2 to 3 concerts a year, the powerful Christmas Carol concert and reading comes to mind - and this week, they are welcoming the Amabile Choir from Pau, France. On Thursday, 30 new friends will be picked up and billeted in and around Uxbridge for the next 5 days. This is 21 singers, and 9 partners or "hanger oners", but we welcome them all.

Also showing the hospitality that comes through a mutual love of music, is the Monday Morning Singers who will also provide house and friendship to our guests. But these 5 days in the area will not be quiet for our guests - and if you wish to see/hear them, you will have many chances.

Welcomed on Thursday to our little community, the fun starts on Friday.

On Friday, May 28th, our Mayor, Bob Shepherd and members of the Uxbridge Township council will be officially welcoming them to Uxbridge with a lunch and ceremony at the Township offices at 12:30pm. Later that evening, at 7:30, the Choir will be sharing time at the Foster Memorial.

On Saturday, May 29th, we take the choir to Pickering and area to perform a concert held at Pickering Village United Church on Church Street, at 7:30 and we will also be welcoming the church choir of Pickering Village.

On Sunday, May 30th Uxbridge Chamber Choir, Monday Morning Singers and The Amabile Choir will be performing "The French Connection" a full concert being held at St. Paul's Anglican Church at 3pm. Tickets at the door will be $18 Adults, $15 for Seniors and students and children under 12 are free.

This will be a concert not to miss. With the mixture of the voices, and repertoire, this will be a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday Afternoon.

The rest of the time, the choir members and their billets will be seeing the beauty of Uxbridge and township, as well as a trip going north.

I look forward to being one of those billeters and cutting through the language barrier to make some lasting friendships.

25-hour masterpiece - Come on. You know you want to do it!

You know it is very exciting when something comes out of a question – "just think wild" - "something we have never done" – "something that will cause a lot of excitement" - "just think way out there".

I know the 25 hour masterpiece is not really “way out there”, I mean it has nothing to do with neon paint nor fireworks, or parachuting from a burning airplane, or kissing a boa constrictor - now those are way out there - but it is new and it is exciting. As you may be aware, the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25^th Anniversary is coming up from September 16 – October 6, and it is a 3 week celebration of the wonderful mix and variety of artists in the Uxbridge area. With arts shows, studio tours, concerts, play readings, meet authors and so much more, we wanted to add a special element to the Gala Event on September 25^th, and so we have added 25-hour Masterpiece.

The concept is that a selected group of performance artists (videographer, poet, short story writer, dancers, musicians, improve group and playwrite/director/actors) have 25 hours before the actual Gala Event to create their performance or presentation. WHAT? I can hear you say. YES! I respond. There is nothing better than a deadline to get the creative juices flowing.

In order to be considered for this event, you are asked to submit a number of things that includes resume of experience, perhaps a CD/DVD of something that you have already done, and WHY you want to be a part of this new event. You can find that information on the Uxbridge Celebration website or by contacting me. The deadline date is June 7^th to get your submission to us.

It is very exciting the people that I have already spoken to range from 12 year olds who want to take on a challenge of creating a song and performing it for the first time, to some veteran stage performers who want to continue to be a part of the wonderful celebration of arts.

Things to remember if chosen – you must be available to perform your ‘masterpiece’ on Saturday September 25^th at 7:30 (and there will be time given to you to practice during the afternoon of the 25th), you must live within 75KM from Uxbridge center, the content must be kept to a family audience, you must be willing to create this masterpiece starting at 6pm on Friday, September 24^th after receiving your word, theme, phrase, and/or prop.

Come on – you know you want to do it!!!!!

25 Hour Masterpiece - have you got what it takes?

WOW - the 25 Hour Masterpiece portion of the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary year is rip roaring along. Just today we have started to pass the information along and forwarded to a number of networks, groups, associations and individuals the "Submission Document". The Durham Region news website has also posted a story about it. This offers information on what we are looking for, what performance art disciplines we are looking for, and how to be selected.

Here's how it works - During the Gala Night Event on Saturday September 25th, starting at 7:30 pm held at the music hall, part of the program will be the creations and masterpieces of a selected group of people. They will have 25 hours - from 6pm Friday, September 24th, to create their "art". The reason they have to wait until then is because at that time, the committee will give them a word, phrase, theme and/or prop that they need to use when creating their piece. Yup, on pins and needles until they know exactly what they need to do.

Sound easy? I don't think so. Sound exciting, energizing and challenging - OH YA!!!

The art disciplines that we are looking to have participation in are - Video documentary/movie; Dance; One Act Play; Poem; Short Story; Improv skit; and Musical Composition/song.

Think you got it to do this? Submit your information and the requested experience information to the committee, and we will be happy to review it. The Information/Submission document should be posted on our Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts Website soon OR contact me, giving me your email address and I will send it to you.

Ken Whiteley performs during Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts -

We one the executive of Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary is so thrilled about the first Saturday night event called "One World Dance" being held on Saturday, September 18th, 2010 at Uxbridge Music Hall.

Guess who is coming to play for us - yes, I mean a performer who has a passion for folk music in his heart and soul, that when he performs - it is all just like a giddy kid playing - Ken Whiteley. I can see some of you with your furrowed brow of confusion, that I should think that everyone should know who Ken Whiteley is. If you are at all in the folk scene in Canada, Ken is the friend that everyone wants to have, the head guy, the "oh my gosh you have got to be kidding" guy.

Ken Whiteley is one of Canada's most respected "roots" musicians. Drawing on his incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, this 7 time Juno award nominee will WOW you with his passion (yes I said it again).

He has played at virtually every major folk festival in Canada and performed and recorded with such legends as Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Blind John Davis, The Campbell Brothers, Stan Rogers, Guy Davis, Raffi, Linda Tillerey & the Cultural Heritage Choir and countless others. He is a prolific songwriter, a gifted and versatile instrumentalist and a powerful singer, and his music communicates themes of freedom, love, spiritual aspiration and social comment. His performances are presented with particapatory humor, grace and energy.

He is most recently known for his collaborations with brother Chris (the Whiteley Brothers) and old friends Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington (Scarlett, Washington & Whiteley) have resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise, successful tours and several awards.

Ken Whiteley has had his hand in more than eighty albums and they have resulted in 11 Gold or Platinum albums, 22 Juno nominations, 2 Juno winners and 2 Grammy nominations, with total sales in excess of 8 million copies.

I will leave you with something that I know will make you more than excited about this "One World Dance" night of September 18th, 2010 during the Celebration of the Arts - "with Ken Whiteley our enjoyment is virtually assured." Do I hear an audible WOW?

Rising Stars Concert May 7th at 7:30

Okay, here is a question for you, and if you are at all in the arts scene of Uxbridge, you better know the answer. Well really if you didn't, there is not much that I could do to you, and your would so very quickly continue to read the blog so that you could have the answer and then when I next saw you on the street, you could run up to me and say "The answer was ........."(Ha you thought I was going to give it to you!)

SOOOO - What volunteer group has been involved in fundraising to financially and emotionally assist young people of Uxbridge area to continue their study of music in a post secondary school setting? What group was started a number of years ago (Okay, so I don't know how many, but a number) by Anthony Holt and Lesley Joosten? What group showcases the amazing talent of these youth and their families in 3 concerts a year, and then a final concert for the winners of the scholarships? Yes, the Uxbridge Music Scholarship Fund.

And they are going to host another concert called "Rising Stars Concert" at the fabulous acoustics of St. Andrew's-Chalmers Presbyterian Church. Performing that evening will be a variety of vocalists, 4 who were recently the 3 finalists and winner of the 'Sounds of Uxbridge" singing contest, along with some wonderful instrumental music.

We will hear local students Madeline Eddy (Winner of 'Sounds of Uxbridge'), Drew Chester, Olivia Drew-Brook and Braden Lamoureux. The Scholarship Fund will be welcoming back Ainslie Drew-Brook and Cayle St.John to this concert, as they have both completed a year studying Performance/Theater at university.

The Ensemble from Uxbridge Secondary School will be showing what early morning and after school practicing can do for ones love of music. Also bringing his extraordinary talent to the evening with be Josh Watson, who is now studying for his Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 10. If you have every heard Josh play, you will know that there is NO ONE in Uxbridge who owns the keys on the grand piano in the Presbyterian Church like Josh does.

Please consider supporting this wonderful group of volunteers continue to encourage our local youth who wish to pursue some kind of education in performance and music.

St. Andrews-Chalmbers Presbyterian Church is located at 40 Toronto Street South, Uxbridge. Tickets at the door are Adults $15, Students $10, Children 10 & under are FREE and the concert starts at 7:30.

Transport yourself during the Lunch Hour Concerts

I know that I have listed before in this blog, and I am sure that my loyal and focused following of 3 people will remember it, a blog about the Lunch Hour Concerts that will be performed during the upcoming Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25^th Anniversary year. I just put a bit of a teaser for you, but now I do have some confirmed performers and thought that I would pass them along to you.

We don’t have each lunch hour concert – September 16^th, 25^th and October 2 @ 12:30pm at St. Andrews Chalmbers Presbyterian Church in Uxbridge – confirmed but I thought that I had enough information to pass something along. (I also had to share another blog entry to the Celebration Blog to satisfy my 3 loyal and focused followers).

We always try to give the audience a variety of performers, and at the same time, try to support the local community. We are thrilled to have two very well known and admired students who have gone on to study voice in University programs, come back for a visit on our “Welcome Back Students”, and we will likely add one more but I don’t have a confirmation on them yet.

Travis Smalley (Wilfrid Laurier University) and Meghan McKibbon (University of Western Ontario) will be returning to share with us in voice, the excitement and joy that they have found in their programs. Accompanying will be Jackie Crawford who has always been here for these students during their training in the Uxbridge area through local vocal teacher, Jennifer Neveu-Cook.

We are also thrilled to announce that BJ Byers has agreed to give us all of his enthusiasm and skill on the piano in a program of classical music. Many people know BJ as the barkeep and manager of Hobby Horse Arms, but he is also an artist who shows such love for the piano and such flair for understanding the music, that this will be a thrilling program.

Our final program is focused on “World Music” and we have not had a confirmation of our performers, but if we get who we want – LOOK OUT! It will be a thrilling program that will transport you to other cultures and music that you would otherwise not hear.

The executive committee of the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25^th Anniversary is working hard to present programs that will make you go WOW – and astonish you with the skills of so many local community artists. Yes, I said it – you will audibly and uncontrollably scream – WOW!!!!!! Trust me.

Books and Authors Brunch with Katherine Govier

If anyone has walked down the main street of Uxbridge, Ontario, you will have no doubt had the privilege of stepping into one of the most charming and welcoming stores on the street. Blue Heron Books. It is a total throw back from the large and sometimes impersonal, well, larger franchise book stores – I can’t name them because my daughter works at one that is quaint and personal because it is located at a local Toronto hospital, but you know what I mean.

ANYWAY, Blue Heron Books is not only the place to go with your children, browsing for that latest book, and to have a chat with either the owner Shelley MacBeth or one of her lovely assistants, but it is also the store that organizes an event where you can listen to, meet and talk to some of the well known and well respected authors of our time. Shelley puts together a monthly “Books and Brunch” event that allows you to get up close and personal with a selected author.

This month’s “Books and Brunch” will be on May 16, 2010, starting at 11am and held at Wyndance Golf Club, for a cost of $20. Wyndance is located at 450 Durham Road 21, Uxbridge.

Shelley is pleased to welcome Katherine Govier, multiple award winning author of ????. and the just released the day before – The Ghost Brush. CAN YOU IMAGINE – this award winning author, releases this new book – The Ghost Brush – and then she is going to be at the “Books and Brunch” speaking to us. How brilliant is this opportunity!!!!

I also want to point out that Shelley also organizes a special “Books and Authors” night during the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts and will be doing it again for this upcoming 25^th anniversary from September ?? to September ??. She will often have not just one author to speak to – but 3 or 4. Always well known, often award winning and sometimes controversial. You gotta love it.

Watch for the date of the Celebration of the Arts Authors night and consider attending May’s “Books and Brunch” to hear Katherine Govier on May 16^th.

Monday Morning Artists - just what you need on a Monday

I understand that there are a group of local artists that meet every Monday morning, and paint. NO they don’t paint each other OR paint collectively one one canvas, but what they do is come together for companionship and just paint. If they talk, that is okay, and if they don’t, that is okay. They may ask each others opinion about colours, technique, subject matter or talk about nothing to do with the art at all. How was your weekend? How are your kids? What are you going to do for your summer vacation? How about those Leafs?

Isn’t that an amazing thing? You know, the life of an artist could very well be a very lonely one. A very singular occupation, unless you make yourself get into a social setting. I would imagine, so much more can get accomplished if you are on your own, focusing on what story you want to tell with strokes on a canvas. But there are times when you need to hear the sound of anothers breathing, sighing and maybe laughter. Or just sense someone beside you.

AND once a year they also put together a show of their pieces.

Artists of Uxbridge Art Show and Sale – held on Saturday, April 24^th and Sunday, April 25^th from 10 – 4. It will be held at the Museum School House on concession 6 just outside of Uxbridge.

REMEMBER that a number of these artists will also be participating in the Uxbridge Studio Tour during the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts in September. ART ART ART - no excuse in Uxbridge why each of us shouldn't have an original art piece in our home.

Way to go Nancy - see, you are the best.

I wanted to give a special shout out and blog just for my friend Nancy Melcher. Who is Nancy Melcher you may say? Well besides being one of the most tireless volunteers I have seen; being the most sought after supply teacher (for difficult classes), a fabulous Uxbridgeite and a great running partner, she was recognized last night at the ACTCO gala awards as one of the nominees for Best Producer for a comedy production that happened over the last year.

Nancy was not only the Producer for Port Perry's "Midsummer Nights Dream" last November, she was also the lead Stage Manager. Doing both of those very difficult jobs deserves a special award itself. (I also want to mention that I can bet my retirement income that she also helped with building, installing and painting the set as she always does).

Nancy has also stage managed numerous other productions in Port Perry and Uxbridge for a number of years, AND has also performed on stage for a number of productions. She just does it all, brilliantly.

I want to particularly highlight Nancy for all of her contributions to the arts in Uxbridge and Port Perry, because so much of what she does is done pre-production and backstage. Never in the limelight and yet, without her and her energies, there would NEVER be a production. It just would not happen and here are those actors, looking for the spotlight, waiting for the applause, expecting the accolades, and Nancy and all those other producers, make up artists, set designers, set painters and contruction"ers", costume designers, sewers, prop makers, stage managers, front of house managers - sometimes get overlooked and forgotten.

That's it! Never again! We just can't let this happen! They are pivotal and must be remembered! That is why it is so great that she was nominated as Producer for Midsummer Nights Dream. I am so proud of you my friend.

Uxbridge and area well represented at the ACTCO awards ceremony

I had the privilege of enjoying the ACTCO Gala Awards at Vaughan last night and I have to say that we should be wonderfully proud of the Uxbridge and area productions and actors/musicians/singers/stage managers/producers and on and on (you know what I mean). They were very well represented last night.

For anyone who is not familiar with ACTCO, it is a regional non-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting community theatre in Central Ontario, and part of what they offer is the adjudication of performances. They are invited to adjudicate, and then those events are included in an awards ceremony once a year. These are need to be community theatre in the categories of Musical, Comedy and Drama.

Now I am going to attempt to remember and list the Uxbridge and area people that were honoured last night and I apologize, I know that I will forget some.

Roger Varley was nominated for leading male role in "Blackpool and Parrish" with OnStage Uxbridge. This was a Canadian play with a very small cast, and had some wonderful press from it. It was directed by first time director Colin Murphy, and if what I hear said is true, he is going to be bringing some amazing skills to that role again.

"Les Miserables High School" edition which was performed at Oshawa Little Theater had many Uxbridge area people involved including Carol and Mallory Salomone, Michael Williamson from Port Perry, and my son Derik Gould (WHOM I AM SO PROUD OF I COULD SCREAM) from Uxbridge. It had a number of nominations, WON a number of awards including Best Musical. What a wonderful honour and if you had the privilege to see it, you would know why it won.

Borelians own "Midsummer Nights Dream" performed in Port Perry was also highlighted with many nominations and took home a number of awards. I have to say that this was one of the most visually intoxicating plays that I saw this past year, and I have to really shout out to Jen Hardie who was honoured with creating the costumes for this production. Just wonderful.

I know I have missed something, but what I want to highlight is Uxbridge, Port Perry and many people from both towns are talented beyond just the families praises. They are so talented that they were recognized in all of central Ontario's own theatre community as some of the best.

Arts is alive and well, and not very far away at all.

25 hours to create a masterpiece? Yes, at Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25

I am thrilled to be part of the executive putting together the 25th anniversary of Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts. This is a 2 and 1/2 week celebration of all things ARTS in September of 2010 - yes that is right, that is this year. I have described it before and this year will prove to be, from our meeting and the enthusiasm of the executive, exceptional and a blast of excitement for all of the senses.

I am on a couple of the "teams" creating the events, shows, activities, programs and showcases of the Celebration, and I am very excited about so much that is going to happen.

One of the teams that I am part of is the, and remember this is a secret code name - 25 hour event. Remember this is a secret code name!!!! don't spread it around, but all I ask you is to forward this blog to EVERYONE you know - but keep it secret.

Do you think that you can create a show-worthy, precise, enjoyable, memorable piece of art in 25 hours? Well some people are going to have the opportunity to do just that. On the Gala Saturday night performance, part of the program will get to the stage, brand spanking new entertainment. I mean, it won't even have been rehearsed until 25 hours before the Gala.

I don't want to "let the cat out of the bag" or "show all the colours" yet, and the rest of the information will just have to wait. This way we confirm time, place, event, people and more.

Needless to say - this is going to be very a fresh, new, exhilarating and amazing performance of ART.

OnStage Uxbridge - That Summer

I know that everyone has been waiting for the last in the series of 4 shows from OnStage Uxbridge, and the wait is over - That Summer is going to be on stage and ready to entertain you on April 9 - 10 and 15 - 17. It will be held at the Uxbridge Music Hall and the tickets can be purchased online on OnStage Uxbridge website or by visiting Brock Street Music/Blue Heron Books.

That Summer is written by Canadian David French and tells a story of Margaret Ryan who returns with her grand-daughter to a lakeside Ontario cottage where 32 years before, she was FORCED to spend a summer with her sister. It was a time of discovery, awakening and tragedy and you will learn how it influenced Margaret for the rest of her life.

It is certainly worth seeing some well known and seldom seen Uxbridge actors bring the story to life for you.

The David Festival in Port Perry

I know that you will forgive me for advising you about a very exciting event happening in the community next to Uxbridge - Port Perry, when you hear how wonderful the "David Festival" will contribute to the arts and learning.

The David Festival will be offered on Saturday, March 27th and there are different opportunities to be involved - choral music, children's choral music and poetry. This is the second year of this festival, and recently it was written - "The vision of the Festival is to encourage, enable, engage and equip folks to glorify God through music and the arts among and through the churches of Scugog."

The day starts with D.S. Martin, an award-winning Canadian poet, will lead the Saturday morning poetry workshop, being held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension from
10 a.m. - 12 noon.

Also happening in the morning, a children's choral workshop will be held at St. John's Presbyterian church led by well known and respected director, festival adjudicator, vocalist, composer; Mark Ruhnke. Mark will then lead the adult choral workshop in the afternoon at the Port Perry United Church. Mark will take the group (reported to already be over 100) through a number of pieces including one that he will have composed for this weekend.

Now if you can't join in on the workshop, you are invited to see the wondrous results of all of these workshops by listening to the mass choir of over 120 voices, at 7pm on Sunday March 28th at Port Perry United Church.

This is the ultimate opportunity to breath the art that you love, and to be able to learn from some individuals who not only love art - but live it.

How do you celebrate a 25th Anniversary?

Well this isn't a celebration of an anniversary for a couple, or a person, it is for the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts. Yup, that's right 25 years.

There are some very interesting stories around how it started (I don't know them but if you know the people around it, there MUST be), the amazing acts, performances, shows that were seen over 24 years, AND some mind boggling things that will be happening this September 2010 - to celebrate 25 years.

We are not going to extend the celebration, it will still be run over 2 weekends - so 2 1/2 weeks.

We will not be increasing prices to cover the multitude of events and things we are putting together - actually, there will be more FREE things happening than ever before.

We will not expect just certain type of arts lovers to be happy with what we are presenting - there will be SO MANY things, you will have a hard time picking.

Look for some new adventures (not yet confirmed but considering) - a night that will highlight the local young talent in the area - a photography exhibit - a "25 Hour" creation project - HUGE street party - children focused events - and that's all I can say or I will be letting too many cats out of too many bags.

Watch for more information as it comes to me. September can't come soon enough for me, that is for sure.

I just bought myself a piece of art!!!

Talking about all things art - which this blog does if you haven't already noticed, is the fact that I have purchased myself a wonderful piece of art for my birthday. I am thrilled. My parents-in-law sent me some money for my birthday, and as usual, they were very generous, and so I thought - "ohhhh, what can I get for myself?" I could always go to jewellery, clothes, shoes, chocolate (yup I did think to buy that much chocolate), and then realized what I really wanted was a wonderful piece of art from someone that I admire very much - Wynn Walters.

For those who don't know Wynn, he is a very active and long standing artist in the Uxbridge community, and has a wonderful reputation for beautiful sculptures. Some in stone, from wood, from plaster, from bronze - just so much. He is part of just about every community enhancing and improvement group in Uxbridge, along with his wife Mary Margaret, Uxbridge Trails committee, Uxbridge revitalization committee, Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts, singing groups and as always, will be featured on the Uxbridge Studio Tour and involved in the Uxbridge Celebration's Sculptures Symposium. MMMMM, not sure how he will have time to get my piece done, but he promised that he would.

I am just ecstatic to be having a piece of a Wynn Walters art in my home, and if nothing else - IT IS ABOUT TIME!!!!

New club in Uxbridge? not that kind of club!

I recently found out, and I thought I knew so much about my town, that there is a place where youth (and youth at heart) can go and see local bands, and invited bands. It is a controlled, safe environment for the youth of Uxbridge to hang out and well, not get into trouble.

This place is Club U and it is located at 69 Brock St. W. NOW WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Part of it is that this is not my kind of place I guess, and if anyone saw me in there, they would think that I was coming to pick up my grandchild, or trying very hard to relive my youth. Also, I have not been to a dance/club/rock concert in way too many years, and no comments from the peanut gallery on that one.

Some of the great talent (both local and not) that has played there is BETA PORN, Deadwalk, Shut Eyes, conquered Ground, Denied Existence and more. Club U has also offered special feature nights like Retro Night and Beatles night, and often the events are all ages.

The next event is featuring Part 2 - STEREOS Robb Chalifoux DJ DANCE PARTY. And I am sure it will be amazing. Good things happening in Uxbridge around arts and yes this too is ART. It is great that there is a place where the youth can go and find their Art.

Planning for the 25th Anniversary of Celebration of the Arts

As with anything that is going to be spectacular, and a "cannot miss" event, the planning and ideas happen so many months ahead. Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th anniversary year is not any different. We have been planning for a number of months, but now is the crunch and final organizing of everything.

The best thing about the planning meetings are the ideas that come streaming from the committee. One idea sparks the thoughts of another member, which give another a suggestion to make it even that much better. BUT if we did all of the things that we have been talking about, we would have to extend the celebrations into 4 weeks instead of 2.

If you love arts, and I mean any kind of art in the form of sound, visual, movement, prose and so much more, this really is the event to keep in mind. And we will absolutely forgive you if you can't make it to every event, but boy oh boy, you are going to want to. And it won't be very hard on your pocket book because many of the events will be FREE. Yessssirrrr, that is what I said. FREE.

We are also making a strong increased effort to fit in a number of "children's focused" events as well, and look forward to stirring the imaginations of those young people from Uxbridge township.

Watch this blog and the papers for announcements on events, artists, schedules, descriptions and even deadlines if you want to participate in some of the contents.

Please push this out to your network, and over the next few months you will be as excited as I am and as our executive is.

This is going to be almost as good as the 2010 Winter Olympics!!! Almost? or better.

Brahms and Lauridsen performed by Uxbridge Chamber Choir

The first of this years concerts from the Uxbridge Chamber Choir will be held on Sunday, March 7th at 3pm. It will be held at St. Pauls Anglican Church on Toronto Street.

I am sure that all of you have heard at Johannes Brahms, and some of you can even name a number of the wonderful compositions of this well known composer, but what about the beauty of the poetry of "Liebes Leider Waltzes". This is a collection of love poems put to music, and the highlight of this performance will be not just from the beauty of the voices of the choir, but of the accompaniment. This is composed to be accompanied by 4 hands on 1 piano, and we are thrilled to have Anne Mizen and Dorothy Jovkovic taking on the role of the 4 hands. Something to hear AND to see.

The other work large work that is performed is Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, beautiful and haunting chanting music for a Requiem Mass. When you hear the beauty of the tones and sound of this Latin texted piece, you will feel as if you're floating, taken away with the movement of the lines and sections as they move with and around each other.

To round out the program, they will also have a selection of pieces by a small group of singers called the Tudor Singers.

Okay this music will not be the foot stomping, hand clapping and dancing in the aisles type of music, but you will appreciate the skill of Tom Baker as director, the choir in sharing their love of singing German and Latin text and the sound of this type of music floating and ringing in the wonderful acoustics of St. Paul's church.

So I've got you itching to find tickets? - they can be purchased for $18 at PharmaChoice, Blue Heron Books or at the door. Wondrous.

PS - if you have a concert or art program that you want to have me mention, please contact me and I will be happy to pass the information along.

Musical Families

As I mentioned in another post, there is a great concert happening on Friday February 12th celebrating the great connection in a family that loves music. This is obviously timed to work with the official Family Day on February 15th, and what a wonderful way to celebrate and help out a valuable cause. This concert will celebrate the music of instruments, voice, and offer you a selection of classical, theatre, contemporary, blues, folk and more.

The information is, because you just have to try to go - is -

Uxbridge Music Scholarship Fund presents Musical Families held at St. Andrew's-Chalmers Presbyterian Church, 40 Toronto Street South on February 12th @ 7:30pm.

Tickets are at the door - Adults $15, Students $10 and children under the age of 10 are FREE.

There is never any lack of art activities in this community of Uxbridge, Ontario.

Guys and Dolls will be hopping at Uxbridge Music Hall

Prepared to be entertained by the cast of Guys and Dolls at the Uxbridge Music Hall from February 4 - 7 and 11 - 14th and for no other reason but this is such a FUN musical to watch. The tickets can be purchased at Woods and Woods (905-852-1810) and they are $10 for youth and $18 for adults.

It is your typical love story of the "good girl" (Sister Sarah Brown) and the "bad boy" (Sky Masterson), how they meet, the sparks between them, how they come from different worlds, and how they fall in love. Beautiful story, at least for those of you who are very sappy.

The secondary love story is the comedic couple, Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit, and how their long suffering engagement of many years, is going to be resolved or Nathan will loose his adoring Adelaide.

Also watch for the great character part of Nicely-Nicely Johnson who is hilarious as one of the side kicks of Sky and Nathan. I think that the best song in the whole show, done by Nicely-Nicley is "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat". So funny.

Thank you Ryleepuss Productions for presenting this 'gotta go see' musical to Uxbridge (Ontario, Canada) for all those people in Uxbridge UK who thought excitedly that they were going to be able to see this show.

There is never "hey honey there is nothing happening in Uxbridge" in our little, arts focused town. Trust me.

PS - more on the Uxbridge Scholarship Fundraising "Musical Families" concert later

Uxbridge Music Scholarship Fundraiser

EXACTLY - what the title says. The Uxbridge Music Scholarship Fund is having a fundraiser. This is a fabulous group of people who raise money to distribute scholarships each year to young adults who are pursuing musical education beyond their high school. We have seen some amazing young people win and continue to gain recognition at their chosen schools and instruments.

The fundraiser called "Musical Families" will be just as it reads - family groups performing with a varied and exciting program.

The families that will be performing are - Natalie and Nicole Dnes, Magoo and Mally McGragor, Maggie and Gareth Anderson, Jane and Elsie Loewen, Miram, Mac and Jaqueline Smith, Lesley & Vickie Joosten and John and Rita Jackson with Derik Gould. (More to come about each of these in the next few blogs posts).

WAHOO - this is going to be some kind of a great night.

It will be held at St. Andrew's Chalmers Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 12th at 7:30. Tickets are available at the door at the cost of Adults $15 and Students $10. This will be a great way to start the long "Family Day" weekend. Come on out and support the Scholarship fund.

Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25th Anniversary - our first act booked

We, as the executive of the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts 25, are all so excited and just giddy and happy and thrilled and jumping up and down - as you can tell we are all so easily moved. We have booked our first act of the program and it is a BIG one.

During the Celebration program, over 3 weeks worth of art events and activities, there are two Saturday night extravaganza's. These are called "GALA'S" and we have had some amazing performances from individuals, groups, duets, ensembles and more. We are thrilled to be announcing, that we will be having Ken Whiteley and his big band performing. It has in the past been held at the Music Hall, a historic building, with a stage, wooden floors, balcony made to help you to see everything that is happening below, and we will be enjoying the sound of this Canadian roots music legend. He is a gifted guitar and mandolin player, performing his original songs in blues and folk sound. He is also a 7 time Juno awards nominee.

The Gala will be a wonderful night of Ken with 10 musicians wowing us with guitars, bass, drums, horns, keyboards and singers. It will be a night that you will not be able to sit still and be transported to a place of jumping, clapping, laughing, singing and enjoying the wonders of arts in the Uxbridge community.

Full details will be follow BUT I JUST HAD TO TELL YOU!!!! We are so luck that we have supporters and friends to the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts like Carolyn and Neil Turnbull.

Anne of Green Gables Here? Welcome Anne Shirley

One of the many wonderful theatre groups in the Uxbridge community, OnStage Uxbridge, is staging a Canadian favourite, considered Charlottetown's original musical, Anne of Green Gables Musical, and it will be playing at the Uxbridge Music Hall, January 14th, 15, 16th and again 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at 7:30 and on Saturday Matinees, it will be at 3pm. This is truly a "warm family show" that will touch your heart, and tickle your funny bone.

This play is set in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island in 1908, and features farm folk Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister out to adopt a boy to help out on the farm. Instead Anne Shirley arrives, and they consider sending her back. Many touching and hilarious events happen, and they end up loving their new daughter.

OnStage Uxbridge presents 4 shows every year to entertain the community, and people come from all over to watch the strong and disciplined performances on the stage. This group always presents one of their plays at the end of the Celebration of the Arts event, and am very excited to understand what it will be for the 25th anniversary this coming September/October. Watch this blog to find out.

So, do you want to sit around in your house complaining about the cold Canadian winter, or do you want to experience an eastern Canadian tradition of theatre and go to see Anne of Green Gables at the Music Hall? Come on - I don't have to answer that for you!!! See you at the music hall.

Two wonderful voices from Uxbridge - soon to be well known?

I know that there are a number of great respected artists that are living in and around the Uxbridge Community, and some of past blogs have mentioned and described who they might be. But what about the young up and comers. The ones that you may not know of yet, and most likely will sometime in the near future. These are the voices of two young early twenty singers.

And I will apologize at this point if I have missed some famous, semi-famous and soon to be famous new artists, so please let me know who you are and I will devote a blog just to you.

Lauren Christoff is a well known in Uxbridge, and that is not only for the reason that she has had a couple of her songs - including "Won't Stop" - played on the radio stations of Mix 99.9, The New Flow 93.5, CHUM FM and more. She has also done a tour or two and continues to gain some momentum in the very difficult life of a vocal artist. The amazing thing is that while she is working so hard to make her career get a liftoff, she is still studying at Ryerson University. WOW

Leah Daniels (Speers) is also doing a great job making a strong name for herself by teaching, writing, videoing, blogging, and more. She sure knows how to do it. She has recently created a great video titled "Northern Senorita" that is fun to watch and listen to. One thing that I just love that Leah does is her "Leah's Song of the Day" and she does cover songs with just one other instrument and it truly shows the versatility and different styles that she has a strong grasp of.

Both of these gorgeous voices are past students of Jennifer Neveu-Cook, a local voice teacher. She has done some fabulous things with voices in Uxbridge.

Each of these ladies are truly trying following their dreams, and I have to say "hats off to both of you". I wish I had the confidence, passion and joy for what I was doing to do the same thing. I will just have to say that I can feel that I am part of a community that cheers for and supports great young artists like Lauren and Leah.

New Year - are you excited yet??? Just look at the kids

You know when I think of all of the wonderful opportunities that have been offered in Uxbridge and surrounding communities for all aspects of the arts, I am in awe of what is available.

There is for the joy of listening - choirs, recitals, soloists, foundation, in the showers, and just around on the street.

There is for the excitement of the eyes - artists that work in the medium of oil, watercolour, mixed media, marble, wood, stone, pastel, cloth and so much more.

Wearable art in jewellery, clothes and accessories.

Excitement of performances in comedies, dramas, tragedies and musicals.

The art of the spoken word in play readings, author readings, poetry readings and conversations on the streets.

But some of the most exciting buzz about art in Uxbridge is coming from the Uxbridge Youth Centre that is located at 34 Brock Street. They have some great stuff happening for the youth there such as internet, books, computers, planned activities to keep them physically active, and then planned activities to keep them warm and busy. AND they offer a huge variety of art programs.

They continue to offer programs like - Digital Photography, Thursday night Art Jams, Cake decorating, writing, sculpting and multi media mural. Recently, the Roxy Theater sponsored a "graffiti contest" to cover the outside of their building. Using graffiti as a medium, the youth were encouraged to create something in a very large proportion that would reflect themselves, what they hoped to be and their community. From all the entries, only a few were selected and secured on the wall. WHAT a fabulous result and you can see it on the side and back walls of the theatre and is definitely worth a look at 46 Brock Street. Thanks Cathy and Mark for the opportunity.

Art! it starts as a spark - and the Uxbridge Youth Centre is there to ignite.