Ballet Creole, African and Caribbean dance, returns to the Orillia Opera House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  (January 28, 2013)   

ORILLIA –   The Orillia Opera House welcomes back Ballet Creole, the quintessential leader of African and Caribbean Dance in Canada, for a special one night only performance on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Entitled TOUNKANDE, the performance is a unique and creative collaboration between Patrick Parson (Ballet Creole, Artistic/Executive Director), M'bemba Bangoura (world-renowned master drummer and teacher) and Reimundo Sosa (Cuban master drummer). This project brings together song, dance and rhythms of Guinea, West Africa and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Malinke people. It shares the importance of connecting the social and historical understanding of their traditions with the present day.

Historic Montreal hotel offers guests three ways to celebrate in Canada’s most romantic city

THE RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL… A LOVE STORY SINCE 1912

Montreal, Quebec – January 30, 2013: Travellers planning a romantic getaway need look no further than the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, which is offering its guests three unique ways to celebrate: a special offer that’s a nod to the past, a luxurious romance package, and special tasting menus at Maison Boulud.

For anyone planning a 3-night getaway, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal celebrates its 100^th anniversary by rolling back the rates to 1912 Prices, when the luxurious landmark hotel first opened. Extended for bookings until February 28, 2013 and valid for stays until April 30, 2013, room-rates for the 3^rd consecutive night will be priced at $3.50.

For a memorable Valentine’s Day experience, guests can book the new “Romance Package” which starts at $457 per night (based on double occupancy).

Mark World Wetlands Day at the Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature - Wednesday, 2013-01-30 Saturday, February 2, 2013 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Americas Pavilion Visitors are invited to join us and celebrate the wonderful and wacky world of wetland  creatures with the Adopt-A-Pond Programme on World Wetlands Day! Experience activities  for kids of all ages, and don't forget to get your picture taken with "Bobbers" the turtle mascot! Join our conservation team and help make a difference for wetland species across the province  and around the world. Event is FREE with admission!

The Little Inn of Bayfield offers cycling experiences

Along with Outside Projects, The Little Inn is presenting, for the first time, three night and four day cycling experiences with four dates to choose from. The Inn provides luxury accommodations and exceptional culinary meals throughout your stay.
Explore Huron County by bicycle, seeing this rural world at your own speed and enjoy all the senses in our rural paradise. Stopping along the way for a chat, a drink, a photo, an experience. Each day and each route will bring something new and refreshing: corn fields, orchards, cattle and sheep, hertiage stone houses and local landmarks.

CN Tower features Winterlicious and Valentine's Day events

CN Tower – Upcoming occasions and offers

 January 27 – February 9, 2013 – Winterlicious at the CN Tower

Horizons Restaurant is pleased to participate in Winterlicious for lunch and dinner.  Enjoy a fabulous menu selection reflecting Executive Chef Peter George's focus on regional and seasonal ingredients. Located on the Look Out level of the CN Tower, Horizons offers a spectacular view of the City and Lake Ontario from the vantage point of 346m (1,136feet) above the ground.

As a special added value to Winterlicious diners, the elevation fee normally required to access Horizons Restaurant has been reduced by over half to just $10 per person (plus tax).

Sheraton Centre Toronto and the Westin Harbour Castle invite visitors to a magical musical theatre adventure

Unbeatable package with Mirvish Productions includes top tier ticket to the North American Premiere of The Wizard of Oz, a three-course dinnerand overnight accommodation 

Toronto, January 31, 2013—Starwood Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that its downtown Toronto properties are offering a theatre, dinner and overnight hotel package to celebrate Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production, The Wizard of Oz.

It’s an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for its Toronto North American premiere. This exciting package includes a top tier ticket to The Wizard of Oz now on stage at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Clybourne Park, the multi-award-winning comedy returns to Toronto

Studio 180's Production

By Bruce Norris

Directed by Joel Greenberg

 

Part of the Off-Mirvish Series

February 12 - March 3, 2013

Panasonic Theatre

“A NASTY & BRILLIANT COMEDY.” 

- Globe and Mail

 

"EXPLOSIVE!  EXCEPTIONAL!  EXHILARATING!  This is the BEST."

 - National Post 

“CUTTING SATIRE & surgically incisive drama. The audience GASPED!” 

- Toronto Star

David Mirvish is proud to present the return of Studio 180 Theatre's highly acclaimed production of CLYBOURNE PARK by Bruce Norris.  The third offering in the new Off-Mirvish series, this savagely funny comedy is directed by Joel Greenberg, and stars: Audrey Dwyer, Michael Healey, Sterling Jarvis, Jeff Lillico, Mark McGrinder, Kimwun Perehinec and Maria Ricossa.

Cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Michael Hogan of Battlestar Galactica and Sean Astin from The Lord of the Rings at Toronto Comicon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CELEBRITY GUESTS TRAVEL TO
TORONTO COMICON FOR MARCH BREAK

- Tickets On Sale Now! -

TORONTO, ON (January 28, 2013) - Toronto ComiCon is putting the pop in pop culture with an all-star lineup featuring stars from some of the most treasured TV shows and films in the sci-fi and fantasy universe.

The two-day extravaganza, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre March 9-10, 2013, will feature the following celebrity guests:

• Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galactica, Teen Wolf)
• Sean Astin (The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings)
• Laura Vandervoort (Smallville, V)
• Daniel Logan (Star Wars Episode II)

The cast of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION:

• Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard)
• Jonathan Frakes (Cmdr. William Riker)
• LeVar Burton (Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge)
• Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf)
• Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher)
• Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi)
• Brent Spiner (Lt. Cmdr. Data)

Prognosticating Wiarton Willie ready to "spring" into action

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 26/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

    UPDATE: Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow -- meaning an early spring!

   Step aside Dave Phillips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada – you have some competition.

   The wily, furry prognosticator known as Wiarton Willie is getting ready for his big day in the spotlight – shadow or no shadow – in a showdown over getting the late winter weather forecast right.

There’s pomp and ceremony when Wiarton Willie emerges to give his prediction on when winter will end.

   Partying with Willie

   Groundhog Day falls this year on a Saturday, Feb. 2, so it’s even more reason to party at the three-day Wiarton Willie Festival.

   On “Prediction Morning,” Willie is roused from his mid-winter hibernation to take part in what has become a popular annual ritual at precisely 8:07 a.m. at Bluewater Park.

   It doesn’t get very scientific as folklore has it that if Willie sees his shadow at that time, he will return to his burrow and we endure another six weeks of winter weather.

   If he doesn’t get spooked by any shadows, it means spring’s just around the corner.

   Some 57 years in the making, the festival now attracts thousands from around the world – some of them dressed as groundhogs for the big day.

   Wiarton Willie enjouying summer

   Shivering outdoors, they eagerly await Willie’s prediction with much pomp and ceremony by civic officials and others.

   The festival starts on Friday with a Battle of the Bands, the naming of the Queen of the Festival, Wake up Willie Comedy evening and Monte Carlo Night.

   Over the weekend, there are pancake breakfasts, an outdoor and indoor stage and large tent for entertainment as well as sports such as ice and road hockey, snow pitch, snow volleyball and curling.

   There is also a winter carnival, family skating, a snow hill, snowmobile poker rally, craft show, ice carvings, a food expo and children’s events.

   Entertainment includes Sloan on Saturday night and a Groundhog Ball.

   “It is premature to expect that winter will go away and spring is on the way in spite of what the groundhogs say,” Phillips said after last year’s prediction. visitwiarton.ca; (519) 534-4741

Lightning rod balls, Raggedy Ann dolls and the History of Booze at the Wellington County Museum and Archives

(News Release)

ABOYNE – Suffering from the winter blues? Come discover two new exhibitions at Wellington
County Museum and Archives now open.

Wellington County Collects showcases the private collections of Wellington County residents at the
Museum throughout the year.

The first collector, Joyce Blyth will highlight a selection of her lightning rod balls, car vases and
 Raggedy Ann Dolls. “Collecting since the 1970s, these are few of my favourite pieces,”
 stated Joyce. Her collection will be on display in the Archives until May 12.

Shaw Festival box office opens for 52nd season ticket sales

Early ordering pricing in effect until January 31, 2013 for new season of entertaining and provocative stories

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario . . . Tickets to the Shaw Festival’s season of eleven compelling productions are on sale with early-ordering prices in effect until the end of the month.

The Shaw Festival’s 52^nd season begins April 3, 2013, runs until October 27, 2013 and features eleven productions on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages.

This season features a potent and diverse mix of plays from the past and present — Major Barbara, one of Shaw’s wittiest and most provocative plays; the “greatest of all American musicals” Guys and Dolls; Oscar Wilde’s bitingly satirical Lady Windermere’s Fan; and the timelessly beautiful Enchanted April.

HarbourKIDS Skating Festival, Feb. 17 and 18

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Family Day Weekend fun for the whole family at Harbourfront Centre

TORONTO, ON --– Paint the town white this Family Day weekend with two skatetastic days at Harbourfront Centre’s FREE HarbourKIDS Skating Festival, presented by RBC Play Hockey.

There'’s something for the whole family to enjoy from skating and snow castles outside to dance competitions and Rap Battlez inside.  Get involved in some interactive theatre, create a self portrait using various media, make a stuffed polar bear or create something original in LEGO®! Whatever you choose and wherever you go, you will find something to inspire you and your whole family!

VIA Rail gaining in popularity with a jump in holiday riders

MONTREAL - January 9th, 2013 - Between December 20th and January 6th, VIA Rail welcomed 14% more passengers than last year on its legendary service, The Canadian.

Close to 7,000 passengers travelling on 10 trains chose The Canadian to take them home for the holidays while enjoying Canada's breathtaking landscapes, VIA Rail's attentive and courteous service and its outstanding cuisine. 

The most popular legs of the journey were (in order of passenger volume) Jasper-Vancouver, Edmonton-Vancouver, Toronto-Winnipeg, Saskatoon-Winnipeg, Edmonton-Winnipeg and Toronto-Vancouver.

Spring’s premiere Home and Garden Show gets the Jump on Renovation and gardening projects for its 25th consecutive year

(News Release)

(Toronto, ON) - Anticipating the sunshine and re-birth of all that is nature, The International Home and Garden Show is set to take place Thursday February 21st to Sunday February 24th, 2013 at the Toronto International Centre. This year marks the 25th annual show.

“The warmth of spring is typically what most Canadians look forward to after three long months of dreary weather”, says Paul Newdick, Show Manager. “Springtime offers new life, and that’s what we aim to do, present to our patrons information so that they too can enter the new season feeling revitalized, renewed and up to date with the latest trends,” he added

Stand-up comedian John Pinette and country music star Josh Turner live at the Colosseum

For immediate release: January 8, 2013

Caesars Windsor presents comedian and impressionist John Pinette live on Friday, April 5 at 9pm. 

Pinette has received multiple awards for his work, including Stand-Up Comedian of the Year by the American Comedy Awards in 1999 and a Gemini Award for his televised performance at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. This multi-talented performer has also made numerous television appearances and performed on Broadway – but remains best known for his outstanding success in stand-up comedy. Tickets start at $20 Canadian.

Caesars Windsor is thrilled to present country singer/songwriter Josh Turner live on the Colosseum stage on Friday, April 19 at 9pm. A Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Award nominee – as well as one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry – Josh’s deep country voice and traditional country style have captivated music fans across North America. His top hits include “Your Man”, “Why Don’t We Just Dance”, “Would You Go With Me” and “Time is Love”, from his latest 2012 release Punching Bag.  Tickets start at $25 Canadian.

Butterfly Conservatory presents thrilling new exhibit: VENOM

(News Release)

Hairy Tarantula

Niagara Falls, ON - The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is pleased to present “Venom”, a new family friendly educational exhibit designed for the kid in us all. The travelling show, which was created by Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, of Ottawa, will run February 9 to May 12.

Little Ray's popular interpreter, Kevin Dungey, AKA “Caiman Kevin”, will return to the Butterfly Conservatory, and in his unique and captivating style lead daily (except Wednesdays) educational programs and interactive sessions for the public.  Visitors may remember Kevin from his participation in last season’s Animals of the Rainforest show, held at NPC’s Butterfly Conservatory.

It's hockey nights in Montreal again at last

HOCKEY NIGHTS ARE BACK
AT LE CENTRE SHERATON MONTREAL

January 24, 2013 – After a long wait, hockey is finally back in Montreal and fans are celebrating the return of their game!

With its close proximity to the Bell Centre, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal invites hockey fans to get into the game and enjoy all the action with two packages for hockey fanatics whether fans of Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge or otherwise.

Fans can enjoy the hotel’s exclusive hockey celebration package and stay like VIPs for any Saturday or Sunday home game through the end of the season. For $689 per night guests will receive two tickets for the game in the Red Section at the Bell Centre for the night of their stay.

TGIF at W Montreal, oh la la

The Living Room at W Montréal

January 23, 2013 – W Montréal is celebrating weekend escapes to the city this winter! The hotel invites you to indulge your inner spirit and enjoy the fabulous world of luxury with weekend stays in Montreal.

Through April 30^th, guests will be saying T.G.I.F. when booking stays with Friday arrivals as they’ll receive an upgraded stay and complimentary cocktails at Bartini during their stay. This offer is available starting from just $205 per night.

"Hudson" the polar bear gets a new home

Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature The Toronto Zoo's one-year old polar bear cub, will embark on an exciting journey to a new,  state of the art home at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg week of January 28, 2013.  Before "Hudson", who has grown to be a big ("Hudson" weighed 700g at birth and now weighs  in at 410 lbs!), happy and healthy bear, travels, the zoo is inviting visitors to come and say  farewell to him before he goes off exhibit end of day Sunday, January 27, 2013.

Cuvée is preparing to celebrate 25 years in grand style

New Grand Tasting format for Cuvée Gala offers guests the best of Ontario Wine Country 

January 8, 2013 – The Cuvée Wine Weekend, one of the wine industry’s hottest events, is introducing exciting new features that will shine the spotlight on Ontario winemakers in honour of its 25^th anniversary. 

Inspired by some of the world’s premiere wine events, the Cuvée Grand Tasting Gala, which takes place on Friday, March 1, 2013, at the Fallsview Casino Resort, will celebrate the best of Ontario wine and cuisine. 

Winemakers from 40 Ontario wineries have selected their favourite vintage to be showcased at the event. 

Romance in Canada's Honeymoon Capital

MEDIA RELEASE

The iconic Niagara Falls is the ideal backdrop for Valentine’s Day

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont.—While Niagara Falls has gained a reputation as Canada’s Honeymoon City, you don’t need to be a newlywed to be captivated by the romance of the iconic Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls has hosted royalty, has drawn the Hollywood elite —power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are among the latest visitors — and served as the backdrop for several films, including Niagara, the film that vaulted Marilyn Monroe to fame, and Superman II. It all adds to the mystique and wonder that is waiting to fire up your love life in Niagara Falls.

Night life at Ontario Parks this winter

(News Release)

 

Nights are full of intrigue at Ontario Parks. Under the cover of darkness, park wildlife lives in a world that humans rarely witness. On winter mornings, clues animals leave behind are easier to spot, especially after a light snow. Tracks, traces and trails tell us fascinating park stories. The ancient art of tracking is part-scavenger hunt, part-science and it is a fun way to explore Ontario Parks in winter. 

Learning animal tracks is a good place to start. Much about an animal's identity including its species, speed, gait and direction of travel can be determined by examining tracks.  Scat tells us what an animal eats. Traces of feathers, blood and urine left on the surface of the snow may signal a life or death struggle or an animal trying to attract a mate. Trails can lead to animal habitats or caches of food. This Park Blog post highlights some of the common tracks you see in Ontario Parks in winter and includes photos,  http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=3164

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto unveils the winner of the MINILAND contest

The winning landmark was the world famous CN Tower!

TORONTO……The 16-foot, CN Tower replica is built entirely of LEGO® bricks, and was unveiled at CN Tower as the winner of LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre’s MINILAND® Vote.

The CN Tower, the top vote getter in Canada’s first MINILAND contest, will remain on display in the CN Tower Gift Shop to the viewing public until January 28th, 2013, before moving to the MINILAND® attraction at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto – to open in Spring, 2013. 

Kick up your heels at Robbie Burns celebration with Rant Maggie Rant at Mary Webb Centre in Highgate on Jan. 26

Proceeds will support Mary Webb Centre Building Fund

Stratford, ON (January 18, 2013) – You can enjoy a wee bit of Scotland at the historical Mary Webb Centre in Highgate on January 26 when Rant Maggie Rant, “one of Canada’s most exciting Celtic Fusion ensembles,” takes to the stage at 8:00 pm to celebrate Robbie Burns in true Scottish style.

Prior to the concert, there will be a Robbie Burns supper in honour of Scotland’s national poet. Dinner festivities start at 5:00 pm with a cash bar to toast lads and lassies in attendance, while bidding on silent auction items. At 5:30 pm, the Haggis will be piped in, followed by a three-course dinner and a “nose” of Scotch to toast the Haggis – synonymous to North America's Thanksgiving turkey. A limited number of combined dinner/concert tickets are available for $100 with a $50.00 tax receipt. The proceeds will support the Mary Webb Centre Building Fund.

America’s Got Talent tour cancelled including Colosseum show at Caesars Windsor

For immediate release: January 23, 2013

The America's Got Talent tour, with a show scheduled to appear at Caesars Windsor on Sunday, February 17, has been cancelled.

For those guests who have purchased tickets from the Caesars Windsor Box

Office, please return to the Box Office to have your tickets refunded. Hours of operation are noon to 8 pm Wednesday to Sunday and noon to midnight on show days.

Disney’s Aladdin, a new Broadway musical, to open in Toronto

Opens at Ed Mirvish Theatre for Nine Weeks November 2013

Opening at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Tuesday, January 22, 2013) Disney Theatrical Productions proudly announces that Aladdin, a new musical based on the Academy Award® winning animated film, will play its pre-Broadway engagement at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly the Canon) November 13, 2013 to January 12, 2014 and will open at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014.

The show will feature music by Alan Menken; lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin.  Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph.  

Somewhere Over the Rainbow … You’ll find 150,000 more tickets for The Wizard of Oz

(News Release)

TORONTO --  From the very first performance on December 20, 2012, THE WIZARD OF OZ has been a bona fide box office hit.  Audiences have packed the Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly the Canon) to enjoy this new telling of the classic story. More than 60,000 people have already seen the show in just 35 performances, bringing in over $6M at the box office.

And due to growing demand, the producers have extended the engagement through June 2, 2013 with 150,000 new tickets going on sale on Monday, January 28.  American Express card members have priority access as of Monday, January 21, through their Front of the Line program.

Tasty tours, theatre and winter fun across Southern Ontario

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 19/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Tasty treats in Toronto, cheesy travels in Oxford, fine theatre in Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and winter being postponed in Orillia highlight some interesting “one-tank trips.”

    Yummy, yummy

Pan-seared whitefish with chorizo and potato hash, buttered beans and smoked tomato vinaigrette is featured at Against the Grain Urban Tavern during Winterlicious.

    Combine this season with something delicious and you come up with Winterlicious, Toronto’s annual culinary treat.

   This popular prix-fixe promotion runs from next Friday (Jan. 25) to Feb. 7 and involves a tasty 191 restaurants.

Singer/Songwriter Icon “Boz Scaggs” and Grammy Award Winner “Natalie Cole” – Live at the Colosseum this April

For immediate release: January 9, 2013

Caesars Windsor is proud to present singer-songwriter Boz Scaggs on the Colosseum stage on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 9 pm. 

Boz rose to fame as a solo artist with such hit singles as “Lowdown,” “Lido Shuffle” and “What Can I Say”. His 1976 album “Silk Degrees” was one of the landmark pop titles of the decade.

Owner of one of the most distinctive voices in popular music, Scaggs continues to delight his fans with live performances and classic hits. Tickets start at $20 Canadian and go on sale at noon on Saturday, January 19, 2013.

The iconic Niagara Falls is the ideal backdrop for Valentine’s Day

Romance in Canada’s Honeymoon Capital

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont.—While Niagara Falls has gained a reputation as Canada’s Honeymoon City, you don’t need to be a newlywed to be captivated by the romance of the iconic Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls has hosted royalty, has drawn the Hollywood elite —power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are among the latest visitors — and served as the backdrop for several films, including Niagara, the film that vaulted Marilyn Monroe to fame, and Superman II.

It all adds to the mystique and wonder that is waiting to fire up your love life in Niagara Falls.

Zoom, zoom, beep, beep to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 12/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Forget about “zoom, zoom,” Detroit is more like “beep, beep” in forever driving America forward.

One-Tank Trip writer Jim Fox checks out Jag convertible

   The car culture continues to flourish in the “Motor City” more than a century since Henry Ford rolled out his first automobile, the 1896 Ford Quadricycle.

   While always powered by the automotive industry, “The D” hasn’t forgotten its roots or future.

   It pays homage to the car and what it means at The Henry Ford as well as numerous annual events such as the Concours d’Elegence and the Woodward Dream Cruise that remember the classics, relics and vintage species.

   In the fast lane to what the future holds is the upcoming North American International Auto Show.

   Shifting gears in Dearborn

   You can view Ford’s Quadricycle as well as the 1865 Roper, the oldest surviving American car, and the 1896 Duryea, the last remaining example of America’s first production car at The Henry Ford museum in suburban Dearborn.

   These exotic relics of the automotive past in the Driving America exhibit, called the “world's premier” automotive exhibition.

   “This exhibit is about more than automobiles – it is about American culture and how much of it has been influenced by the automobile over the past 100-plus years,” said our tour guide, Matthew Anderson, curator of transportation.

A 1956 Chevrolet convertible is parked by a McDonald’s original sign at The Henry Ford museum. (Jim Fox photo)

Quebec City Travel News for January 2013

A newsletter from Québec City Tourism
		January 10, 2013, Vol. 10, no. 1
New in May 2013: try the via ferrata and double zip line You can go hiking along the clifftop trail at Montmorency Falls Park and admire the scenic view from an excellent vantage point! A breathtaking way to explore the hidden charms of this spectacular site. Choose either the 45-minute route for recreational hikers or the more challenging 2½-hour route. The hike includes a crossing of the cove of the falls by means of a 270 m (810') double zip line. Hours : May 1 to October 30, 2013: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. David Dorion CLD de la Côte-de-Beaupré david.dorion@cldcdb.ne www.cotedebeaupre.com/en/   Photo : Jean-Guy Lavoie.

Rob Schneider to headline 2nd annual Comics on the Rocks festival at Deerhurst Resort

See world-class comedians with packages from $259/night

HUNTSVILLE, ON, January 14, 2013 – Deerhurst, a Skyline Resort, in partnership with the Town of Huntsville will be bringing the laughs north of Toronto for the 2^nd annual Comics on the Rocks Festival, February 8-10.

Headlined by Emmy-nominated actor and stand-up comedian, Rob Schneider, the weekend-long event will feature non-stop comedy at several venues throughout Huntsville and at Deerhurst’s new Legacy Hall venue. 

Guests will laugh away the winter blues with one or two night packages during the popular comedy weekend. The two-night package starts from $259 per night and includes:

Stratford Festival box office offers 25-per-cent discount this month

January 3, 2013… The Stratford Festival’s box office is now open to the public. Tickets are being offered at up to 25% off until January 31, with an opportunity to exchange dates with no added expense.

This season, the first under Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, features 12 productions, from classical to contemporary, with Shakespeare as the centerpiece, and a new initiative, The Forum, which offers an extraordinary series of events to enrich the play-going experience.

The playbill and The Forum have been designed to explore a number of themes related to community, and especially to communities in conflict and the role of the outsider in those communities.

Toronto Zoo releases some 5,000 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles back Into the wild population

The Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the Puerto Rican crested toad was developed, in part, to reintroduce the species back into the wild. The Toronto Zoo has been an active participant in the breeding program for the past 30 years and we are delighted to announce that, 

on December 12, 2012, an estimated 25,659 Puerto Rican crested toad tadpoles, with over 5,000 from the Toronto Zoo, were successfully released in Los Conventos in the Southern part of Puerto Rico.

Harbourfront Centre’s annual Black History Month festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kuumba (Feb. 1-3, 2013)
Part of the TD Then & Now Series

TORONTO, ON (Jan. 10, 2013) – Harbourfront Centre celebrates Black History Month at the 17th Annual Kuumba Festival, part of the TD Then & Now Series. “Kuumba” is the Swahili word for “creativity” which embodies Harbourfront Centre’s vision to celebrate the creativity and vitality of Toronto's African and Caribbean communities.
From February 1-3, join us as we showcase local and international artists from the African and Caribbean diaspora and celebrate milestones, anniversaries and the outstanding contributions of black Canadians.
Kuumba Festival Highlights:

Orillia Opera House announces lineup for its 2013 summer season

For immediate release (January 8, 2013) – It may be the dead of winter, but it’s never too early to start thinking about summer theatre at the Orillia Opera House.  Laugh Out Loud Productions returns for its fourth season and the Opera House proudly announces the 2013 lineup:

(L to R) Robin Clipsham, Sam Rosenthal, Kristi Frank and
Matt Cassidy as they appeared in Laugh Out Loud's 2012 production of
"Murder in Noirville" . Photo by Max Durnford.

 The 39 Steps  by Patrick Barlow

• Forever Plaid by Stuart Ross
• Same Time, Next Year by Bernard Slade
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield

Rant Maggie Rant joins forces with Stratford Symphony Orchestra for captivating Celtic concert January 19

From left to right: Glen Dias, Barry James Payne, Rob Larose and Lindsay Schindler.

Stratford, ON (January 7, 2013) – The “oh so talented” Rant Maggie Rant joins forces with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Celtic music on Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church in picturesque Stratford.

Led by guest conductor Nigel Evans, the concert includes collaborative works, solo works, traditional tunes “mischievously coloured outside the prescribed lines,” well-known favourites and several original compositions.

The musicians in the Stratford Symphony Orchestra – now in its eighth season – draws its talent from the communities of Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Stratford, St. Marys and Toronto.

Three weeks of Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival signature events begin this weekend

NEWS RELEASE

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON (January 9, 2013) Three weeks of Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival Signature Events begin this weekend (January 12 and 13, 2013) and are expected to draw thousands of visitors to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival began January 1, 2013 and events take place daily at the 28 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Signature Kitchens of Niagara-on-the-Lake until January 31, 2013.

“In January, the entire town of Niagara-on-the-Lake comes together and celebrates Canada’s Icewine heritage,” remarks Jansin Ozkur, Chair of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival Committee.

Get Schooled in Cool: Tasting with Canada’s Icewine Insiders, is a tasting series hosted by the award-winning Icewinemakers of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Each session is held at one of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and includes an in-depth tasting of at least four Icewines. The event takes place at 1 pm or 3 pm on January 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Bill Engvall, John Pinette and Josh Turner to perform at Casino Rama

Comedy & Country Highlight New Concerts at Casino Rama

Announcing the April 2013 show line-up


RAMA, ON (Tuesday, January 8, 2013) – Casino Rama is pleased to welcome back 
popular Blue Collar Comedy member Bill Engvall to kick off another great month 
of entertainment this April.  The laughs continue when actor & comedian John 
Pinette takes the Entertainment Centre stage for the first time and we cap the 
month off with award-winning country star Josh Turner.


The April 2013 concert line-up features:

Cold and sweet at the Niagara Icewine festivals

   One-Tank Trip for Jan. 5/13

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Savour the nectar of the frozen grape in Ontario wine country.

   The fun includes the Icewine festivals across Niagara Region, Days of Wine and Chocolate and the Cuvee Gala along with the Stratford Perth County GE Cafe Chefs Series with a session on matching wine with food.

Mike and Frank Pohorly take part in the nighttime harvesting of frozen grapes at Riverbend Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

    Clink those glasses

   Icewine has been described as elegant, silky, lush, decadent – even the “ambrosia of the gods.”

   It’s made from grapes left to freeze on the vine and picked when the temperature dips to -8 C or lower.

   “These solidly frozen grapes are handpicked and pressed immediately to gently release a single drop of thick, rich, yellow-gold liquid, highly concentrated in natural sugars and acidity,” says the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake organization.

   “You haven’t really experienced winter’s rare gift until you have enjoyed it outdoors in sub-zero temperatures.”

   The curious along with day-trippers and wine aficionados can do just at this month’s Icewine festivals.

Vidal grapes are freshly picked in their frozen "hard-as-marbles" state for pressing into Icewine.

Hall of Fame rock band “The Doobie Brothers”– perform live at the Colosseum this March

(News Release)

Caesars Windsor is thrilled to present The Doobie Brothers at the Colosseum Stage on Friday, March 29 at 9 pm.

This award-winning, all-American band has been performing, creating and recording for over 20 years, having sold more than 40 million albums throughout their career.

With an unparalleled legacy and trademark sound – a mix of R&B, country, bluegrass, rock, funk and boogie – The Doobie Brothers have produced some of the biggest classic rock staples in history, including “Black Water,” “Listen to the Music,” and “Long Train Runnin’.” Tickets start at $25.

Cuvée’s 25th anniversary marks a significant rebirth

2013 Cuvée Weekend Wine Experience to Mark a Silver Celebration

St. Catharines – The annual Cuvée Weekend (March 1 to 3, 2013) is not only the occasion of its 25th Anniversary – it will also mark the rebirth and renewal of one of the wine industry’s most
celebrated events, where hundreds of food and wine enthusiasts will savour Ontario’s best wines alongside
winemakers and industry insiders.

The hallmark of the Cuvée Weekend Wine Experience has always been the Cuvée Gala at Fallsview Casino
Resort, and this year will be no exception. On Friday, March 1, 2013, in the spirit of a grand tasting, guests will sample some of Ontario’s best wines while celebrated chefs and food purveyors wow food lovers with live cooking stations. This year, however, the wines that will be poured at the Gala will not be chosen by a panel of winemakers via an awards judging process as in the past.

Finalists for LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto's MINILAND vote are announced

(News Release)

Toronto, Ontario -LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto announces the top 20 finalists in search of the top 10 Toronto landmarks that will be immortalized in LEGO bricks and featured in the MINILAND portion of the attraction.

The Top 20 Finalists are as follows:

1. CN Tower
2. Rogers Centre
3. BMO Bank Tower
4. Canada Life Building
5. Air Canada Centre
6. Casa Loma
7. New City Hall
8. Vaughan Mills
9. Dundas Square
10. Hockey Hall of Fame
11. Parliament Hill
12. Maid of the Mist
13. Pearson Airport
14. Queen’s Park
15. Roy Thompson Hall
16. Royal Ontario Museum
17. TD Canada Trust Tower
18. Scotia Bank Plaza
19. Royal Bank Plaza
20. Union Station

Four Points London (Ontario) debuts conference centre expansion

(News Release)

SPECTACULAR THREE STOREY LOBBY AND NEW RESTAURANT

LONDON, Ont. -- The Four Points London in southwestern Ontario has completed a dramatic and elegant renovation of its lobby and public space, while expanding its convention centre footprint to be more appealing to a wider variety of corporate and social events.

At the heart of the refurbishment  - a dramatic new lobby and registration area plus 4,000 sq. ft. of additional premium meeting space.  An impressive three-storey lobby ceiling lets in lots of natural light.  A second floor mezzanine surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows features a wide balcony that overlooks the lobby foyer. 

With elegant architectural style and functionality, a large curved glass staircase leads up from the lobby to the 2^nd floor mezzanine and the new Balmoral Ballroom on the 2^nd floor has been added, offering meeting planner and social event flexibility.

Stratford Festival opening dates for 2013

(News Release)

Please mark your calendars for our 2013 openings and run dates

New this year: Take our private bus from Toronto (details below)

ROMEO AND JULIET | DIRECTED BY TIM CARROLL | FESTIVAL THEATRE

PREVIEWS START MAY 1 | OPENS MAY 27 AT 7:30 PM | CLOSES OCTOBER 19

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF | DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY DONNA FEORE | FESTIVAL THEATRE

PREVIEWS START APRIL 23 | OPENS MAY 28 AT 8 PM | CLOSES OCTOBER 20

All-Canadian cast stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto

Danielle Wade

Producers Bill Kenwright, The Really Useful Group, David Mirvish, Troika Entertainment & Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures are delighted to announce the all-Canadian cast of the North American premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new stage adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto.

Danielle Wade of LaSalle, Ontario, who captured the title of Canada’s Top Dorothy in CBC TV’s “Over The Rainbow,” stars as Dorothy.  An exciting new discovery, Danielle recently completed her second year at the University of Windsor in acting.  This is her first professional engagement. As she famously said on the finale of the TV show: “I’ve never auditioned for anything before. I hope they all go like this.”

Playing opposite Danielle in another of the most iconic roles is one of Canada’s most respected and honoured actors: Gemini-winner, film and theatre veteran, Cedric Smith stars as the Wizard.