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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Canadian folk trio Trent Severn performing at The Registry Theatre in Kitchener on June 3 (2018)


News Release
Trent Severn’s Ontario tour schedule

Stratford, ON – Canadian folk trio Trent Severn kicked-off their 2018 Ontario concert tour in April at the Kineto Theatre in Forest, Ontario and next is a concert at The Registry Theatre in Kitchener on June 3.
Trent Severn (From left to right): Lindsay Schindler, Dayna Manning and Emm Gryner (Photo credit: Terry Manzo)
The tour wraps up with a splendid sunset dinner cruise aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun in Tobermory, Ontario. The complete concert tour schedule is below.

Based in Stratford, Ontario, Trent Severn showcases the talents of Emm Gryner (bass, vocals), Dayna Manning (vocals, guitar, banjo) and Lindsay Schindler (fiddle, vocals). Two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominees, Trent Severn’s individual band members have four Juno Award nominations among them.

The folk trio’s trademark vocal blend and stripped-down approach to modern life in Canada has landed them hundreds of festival and series appearances; a feature article in MacLean’s Magazine in 2013 and the Harrowsmith Almanac in 2017; national television performances; a CBC Radio One live recording in 2014; and the honour of performing an original arrangement of “O Canada” during a Canada Day flag raising on Parliament Hill.

GO Transit Niagara seasonal service launches in Ontario

TORONTO: GO Transit is again providing weekend Niagara GO train service. This year (2018), weekend service runs from June 22 to September 3, and over the Thanksgiving weekend, from October 5 to 8.

Three Niagara-bound trips and four Toronto-bound trips will run on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and there will be one trip in each direction on Fridays.

Trains running on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays during the summer months will feature two to four bike cars with room for eighteen bikes on each. Additionally, three coaches will have seat covers, and these coaches can hold sixteen bikes each.

Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Return to Stratford's Revival House June 1 (2018)


Celebrating critically-acclaimed new CD Run to Me

Stratford, ON  Back by popular demand, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar return to Stratford’s Revival House at 8:00 pm on June 1, 2018, as the band celebrates the recent release of their new CD, entitled Run to Me, which is charting globally to rave reviews. Revival House rocked on its foundations during the band’s 2017 performance. So, it is fitting to bring the band back for another explosive show presented by String Bone Presents!

The 10 tracks on Run to Me, released under Gypsy Soul Records and produced by Darcy Yates, reflect the remarkable growth on Martin’s part as a songwriter. Written by Martin or in tandem with Curtis Chaffey or Suzie Vinnick, the songs explore the full range of the vicissitudes of love. “You’re the Love” and “Gotta Find It” tell stories of desire backed by a rocking horn sections, while “Will We Ever Learn” is all about those learn-your-lesson kind of love, set as a slower Etta James-style ballad. Anyone who has ever run into an ‘ex’ will readily identify with “Over You.” The soulfulness in Samantha’s voice and the way her songs are arranged feel like you are listening to a beautiful blend of both old and new blues, while never compromising her dynamic style.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Stratford Festival’s opening week (2018) begins with The Tempest, featuring Martha Henry


(Media Release)

May 25, 2018… The Stratford Festival’s 66th season opens officially on Monday, May 28, with Shakespeare’s final masterpiece, The Tempest, featuring Martha Henry as Prospero.

“Martha Henry’s return to the stage as Prospero promises to be a major theatrical event,” says Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, who is directing The Tempest. “Martha, one of our greatest artists, started her career at Stratford in 1962, playing Miranda in this magical play, so this is a wonderful full-circle moment.”
 
Martha Henry as Prospero.
 (David Hou photo)
Magical moments aren’t limited to The Tempest. Opening week will see seven glorious productions open. Five more will follow throughout the summer.

On Tuesday, The Music Man opens, with Daren A. Herbert and Danielle Wade making thrilling Stratford debuts. This breath-taking production is directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, whose original choreography reaches exhilarating new heights in numbers such as “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Shipoopi.”

In an amazing coup de théâtre, Ms Feore has also directed and choreographed The Rocky Horror Show, featuring Dan Chameroy as Frank N. Furter, Jennifer Rider-Shaw as Janet and Sayer Roberts as Brad. The cult classic, which has been whipping preview audiences into the highest of spirits, caps off the week, opening on Saturday night.

Pedal power: Biking across Waterloo Region


   One-Tank Trip for May 26/18

    (c) By Jim Fox


   Hop on your bike and ride through Waterloo Region.

   This is the place with a variety of adventures for the “dedicated bicycle tourist” through to competitive cyclists.

   “Competitive or leisure, the scenery just looks better on a bike,” says Waterloo Tourism.

   Whether in competition or out for an enjoyable trek through pastoral countryside, the cycling in Waterloo ranges from urban streetscapes to quaint villages, meandering rivers and forested lands.
Heading out on forested trails are writer Jim Fox, Jenna Hunter and Natasha Borutski. (Barbara Fox photo)
   Drawing attention to “fantastic” biking opportunities across the region is the Ontario Cycling Association’s provincial championships on June 3.
   Known as the KW Classic, this is a 10.4-kilometre race that starts and ends in Hawkesville in the northern part of the region.
   Here’s an overview of cycling opportunities from Waterloo Tourism.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Pop culture fun at Niagara Falls Comic Con June 1-3 (2018)

(News Release)


 Features more than 30 celebrities, TV/movie cars, comic books, memorabilia and more

Niagara Falls, ON – This year marks Niagara Falls Comic Con’s (NFCC) seventh anniversary from June 1-3 (2018), and organizers are pulling out all the stops with iconic TV & movie characters, movie cars, prop exhibits, comic artists, seminars and more.

“We’re really excited to be celebrating our seventh anniversary,” said Chris Dabrowski, Show Manager.  “This year’s line up of star-studded celebrities and attractions will be sure to excite fans spanning all generations,” he added.


Celebrities confirmed for the event include: Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy & The Walking Dead; Dee Snider of Twisted Sister fame; Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: TNG); Jaleel White (Family Matters); Chris Sarandon (The Nightmare Before Christmas); William Roache from Coronation Street; Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy); Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island); John Ratzenberger and George Wendt of Cheers fame; Dean Cain (Lois & Clark); Wilford Brimley (The Thing); Michael Biehn (Aliens & Terminator), and many more.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Trent-Severn Waterway is a summer playground and engineering marvel across central Ontario


   One-Tank Trip for May 19/18
 
   (c) By Jim Fox

   Ranking up there with the top canals in the world, the Trent-Severn Waterway is an engineering marvel but not just a pretty face for tourism.
   It’s getting busy on the waterway as the navigation season opens this weekend and continues through Thanksgiving, connecting the playgrounds of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron.
Boaters pass through the Trent-Severn locks at Lindsay. (Jim Fox photo)
   The waterway flows 386 kilometres, linking the Bay of Quinte to Georgian Bay through a system of rivers, lakes, canals and locks.
   Operated by Parks Canada, the waterway is Canada’s largest national historic site.
   Parks Canada says the “romance” of the Trent-Severn has evolved from its roots in the 1800s as a commercial/military shortcut across central Ontario.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Lights, camera and action for the creative arts at Doors Open Toronto


   One-Tank Trip for May 12/18
 
   (c) By Jim Fox



   It will be a weekend of “lights, camera, action” for movie lovers in Toronto.

   Visitors can experience the city’s fascination with film and the creative arts and involvement on May 26 and 27 during Doors Open Toronto.

   The program swings open the doors to many buildings and sites not normally available to the public, all for free.

   Why wait for the world-acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September, check it out now.
Ontario Place has reopened the iconic Cinesphere and screens a variety of films for all ages year-round.
   Irene Knight, Tourism Toronto’s media relations manager, said this year’s theme is “Film: The Great Romance” and explores the city’s film and television industry.
   This includes “spaces where actors, designers, carpenters, makeup artists, animators and writers hone their craft and help make Toronto North America’s third largest screen-based production centre.
   It allows visitors an opportunity to go backstage in the buildings where more than 30,000 creative talent work.
   As well, Knight points out that Toronto features numerous film festivals throughout the year in addition to TIFF and Hot Docs with ongoing feature screenings.
   Visitors can also tour locations of some famous films and enjoy restaurants frequented by celebrities when they are in town, she added.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Reference Library will show a 35-mm film and give tours.
   “Take a fascinating tour of the TIFF building and learn about its architectural design, history of film and the area. Then, enjoy a movie at one of the most technologically leading-edge theatres in the world.”
   Mayor John Tory said the weekend provides an opportunity to discover many significant sites that collectively shape the city’s identity as a film centre.
   There’s everything from historic cinemas, film, television and digital media studios to the post-production houses, artist-run centres and film-training schools for the city’s “thriving film industry,” he added.
   The event, presented by Great Gulf, features more than 130 buildings, including 55 new sites, city-wide walking tours, speakers, music and special programs in a “celebration of architecture” and film.

   Screening launch
   The weekend begins on May 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ontario Place Cinesphere with the screening of Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience followed by a discussion.
   This labour of love is from the “visually exciting filmmaker” Terrence Malick with his first foray into documentary storytelling.
Shaftesbury creates content for TV, film, digital and brands and will give tours of its funky turn-of-the-century warehouse office in the Studio District.
   Throughout the weekend will be a showcase of films screened in partnership with more than 30 of Toronto’s local film festivals, organizations and historic cinemas.
   The Doors Open to Music program features live music in six special spaces and an Open Studio program explores 10 architects’ studios for an inside look into how buildings are designed.
   What’s the Story Here? on May 26 is a panel discussion about architecture, film and Toronto.
   Toronto OnScreen, in partnership with ReelCanada, on May 27 will provide a glimpse into the creative process of renowned architects, filmmakers, art directors and production designers from the Handmaid’s Tale, Last Night and other productions.
 
The Revue Cinema since 1912 still shows movies and is called a “monument to the mass phenomenon of movie-going.”
   Don’t miss
   - Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square will host activities and give rare access to the mayor’s office, council chamber and 27th floor observation deck.
   - Family-friendly activities of short films and an exhibition of original costumes from film and TV productions will be shown.
   - Toronto Poet Laureate Anne Michaels will read excerpts from Michael Ondaatje's novel “In the Skin of a Lion.”
   - There’s an interactive experience by Lego artist Ekow Nimako and a virtual reality experience of eight Doors Open Toronto sites at city hall.
   - Walking tours delve into the history and architecture of neighbourhoods, many of which have been backdrops for films. Details: toronto.ca/doorsopen

-30-

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Falling for spring events across Ontario


   One-Tank Trip for May 5/18

   By Jim Fox

   They’re falling for spring hook, line and sinker in Orillia, among a raft of adventures for the coming season.
   It’s time again for the Orillia Perch Festival, now that the ice has cleared from the popular fishing hole – the Narrows, separating Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.
   The 38th annual fest runs until May 12 at 5 p.m. and is called one of Canada’s largest registered fishing derbies.
Two young anglers with the perch catch-of-the-day  at the Orillia festival.
    In the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country, there are more than 60 tagged perch worth $500 each along with “bonus perch and thousands of dollars in daily, weekly and grand prize draws,” along with children’s categories.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Mother’s Day fun in Waterloo Region (2018)

Things to do with Mom for her day in May

(News Release)

WATERLOO, Ont. — Mom always deserves to be spoiled, but she should get some extra special attention every Mother’s Day.

One of the best ways to help Mom enjoy Mother’s Day is to take the planning out of her hands. Put in a little time to create a Mother’s Day itinerary for your Mom in Waterloo Region — and even better work in some quality time you can spend together.

“Sometimes the best gift you can give Mom is the time you spend together,” says Minto Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Waterloo Region Tourism. “There are so many places to go and experiences to have in Waterloo Region that will allow you and Mom to have a day she’ll remember for a long time.”

For a truly decadent experience, head to Langdon Hall in Cambridge. The Country House Hotel and Spa has accommodations plus a spa for Mom to relax. They also offer an impressive afternoon tea every weekend.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

11th Annual Oxford Studio Tour features 38 artists



(News Release)
In the Woods, Sue Goossens
   Watercolour artist Sue Goossens of (165548 New Road), Otterville is inviting visitors to the 11th Annual Oxford Studio Tour Saturday and Sunday (May 5 and 6) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

   Here’s a chance to visit 19 studios throughout Oxford County and “enjoy the work of 38 extremely creative artists.”

   There is original art, pottery, photography, jewelry, fibre arts, mixed media, weaving, digital arts and more. oxfordstudiotour.wordpress.com 

Details:

May 5 & 6, 2018, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

Oils * Acrylics * Watercolours * Mixed Media * Graphite * Pottery * Pen and Ink
* Jewellery * Photography * Weaving * Digital Art * Gourds * Fibre Arts * Encaustic
Brochures will be available in spring at the following locations and others:
Tourism Oxford,   580 Bruin Blvd,  Woodstock,  ON,   N4V 1E5
Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre,   125 Centennial Ln,  Ingersoll,  ON,   N5C 3V3
Station Arts Centre,   41 Bridge. St. W.,   Tillsonburg,  ON,   N4G 5P2
or you may request one from any of the artists
Thanks for visiting!

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Brian Wilson Pet Sounds concert cancelled at Casino Rama Resort over back surgery

Originally scheduled for May 5 (8 PM)

Rama, ON (Tuesday, May 1, 2018) - Casino Rama Resort regrets to announce that by artist request the Brian Wilson concert originally scheduled for this Saturday, May 5 (8 PM) has been cancelled.

Mr. Wilson has been scheduled for emergency back surgery and while expected to make a full recovery he will require time to return to full strength.

“As some of you might know I have been having some issues with my back that has very recently gotten worse. It runs in my family, Carl had back problems as well. My doctors have told me that I need to have back surgery immediately. They are optimistic that this will finally relieve the pain.” – Brian Wilson

The Casino and the artist apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause and look forward to rescheduling a future performance.