Saturday, June 30, 2018

Wicked announces lottery for $25 seats at the Ed Mirvish Theatre

(News Release)

       A day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of seats will be held for WICKED, which has returning to the Ed Mirvish Theatre with performances through Aug. 5, 2018.
Two and one-half hours prior to each performance, people who present themselves at the Ed Mirvish Theatrebox office will have their names placed in a lottery drum; thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only.  This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person.  Lottery participants must have a valid photo ID when submitting their entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets.  

The surprising tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz, WICKEDtells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy drops in.  Elphaba, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. Glinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.  The remarkable odyssey of how these unexpected friends changed each other’s lives for good has made WICKED one of the world’s most popular musicals.

Ho, ho, ho land is Santa's Village summer playground; classic boat show; steamboats a' comin'



   One-Tank Trip for June 30/18

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Ever wondered where Santa spends his off season with Mrs. Claus?
   Like many Ontarians, he heads to his cottage at the appropriately named Santa’s Village in Bracebridge.
   The “jolly gent” is rather laid back at this time of year enjoying the cooling breezes away from the North Pole.
   He spends his days welcoming families and talking with kids about their “want lists” as the Christmas countdown clock is into the 170+ days.
Kids gather around Santa at his village in Bracebridge.
   Muskoka’s theme park is aimed at younger children and set in an “Enchanted Forest” located halfway between the equator and the North Pole on the 45th parallel.
   On the banks of the Muskoka River and set amongst fragrant pine trees, it’s been Santa’s seasonal domain for 63 years.
   This ho-ho-ho land of themed rides and attractions was established in 1955 as a tourist destination by a group of Bracebridge residents.
   Along with Santa visits, there are Christmas-themed riverboat and train rides, a rollercoaster, petting farm, splash pad, paddleboats and lots of food and picnic tables.
Taking a cruise on Santa’s Summer Sleigh on the Muskoka River is lots of fun.
   There’s also Sportsland geared to older kids with pay-as-you-play activities, including batting cages, immersive soccer and bowling games, a go-kart course, laser tag, mini-golf, a bungee trampoline and an arcade pavilion.
   One of the newer attractions is Muskoka Zip Lines and Aerial Park while overnight facilities include a campground and cabins. Details: santasvillage.ca; (705) 645-2512

   Just add water
   Boats and water mean summer fun in Muskoka, the land of 1,600 lakes, and historic wooden craft and steamboats.
   Check out these coveted vessels up close at the Antique and Classic Boat Society of Toronto’s annual Vintage Boat Show at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst on July 7.
Crowds gets a closer look at classic Muskoka wooden boats in Gravenhurst.
   This is a free event with the theme “Keeping the Passion Alive – A Salute to the Heritage Boat Shops.”
   There will be more than 100 antique boats and modern high-powered watercraft on view and in the water.
   For kids there’s card board boat building at 1 p.m. where participants can then paddle their creations in the bay, along with painting model boats throughout the day.
   Organizers say the “eclectic display” of vehicles from 1906 to the mid-50s will include Amphicars on land and in the water, classic sports cars, pickup trucks and many vintage automobiles.
   A fashion show takes place at 2 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion featuring clothing from Muskoka Bay Clothing and Muskoka Discovery Centre. More information: acbs.ca; (416) 299-3311

   Steamboats a’comin’
   American humorist and social observer Mark Twain said it best and would be pleased to have seen all the watercraft dating back 152 years on the Muskoka lakes.
   Still taking passengers on voyages on these blue-black waters is a “modern interpretation” of Muskoka first steamship, Wenonah, from 1866, named Wenonah II, circa 2002.
The Segwun and Wenonah II are still working the Muskoka lakes. (Jim Fox photo)  
    Joining her for sailings is the 131-year-old refurbished RMS Segwun, North America’s oldest operating mail steamship, said John Miller, president of the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre.
   The milestone sailing event that’s older than Canada paved the way for the early settlement of Muskoka and the beginning of the lucrative tourism industry in the region, he added.
   This year’s sailing season from Gravenhurst continues to Oct. 14 with sightseeing cruises along with themed and children’s special events.
   Each summer, Segwun attracts thousands of tourists enabling passengers to see the beauty of Muskoka as it should be seen – by water – as she proudly plies the Muskoka Lakes representing the elegance, style and heritage of our past,” Miller said. Find out more at: realmuskoka.com/steamships; 1-866-687-6667

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

Friday, June 29, 2018

Pirate Life sets sail for another summer of adventures in Toronto Harbour

(News Release)

Toronto pirate journey returns with departures between now and October

TORONTO, Ont. (June 18, 2018) – Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, as your ship sets sail from the Toronto harbour this summer. 

Pirate Life Adventure, Cruise, Theatre is back for another summer of exciting voyages and quests to discover sunken treasure.

This adventure cruise takes its passengers on a 1.5-hour trip through the waters of Toronto with theatrical performances and interactive situations along the way. From May to October every year, families and groups can enjoy an afternoon on the Island Rogue while getting to experience life as a pirate.  

“The Pirate Life crew is thrilled to set sail this year for another summer of adventures at sea,” says Matt Slaman, Director of Pirate Life. “Every year we welcome thousands of pirates on board the Island Rogue for an experience like no other.” 

Closing weekend at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival; More than 50 free performances (2018



Friday, June 29

FEATURED PERFORMANCES
Herbie Hancock
8:00pm | Sony Centre
A visionary and architect in the post-bop sound, his passion for innovation and creativity remain unparalleled

Heather Bambrick & Friends with Russ Little Quartet feat. Melissa Stylianou
7:30pm | Home Smith Bar at the Old Mill
A festival within the Festival showcasing a lineup of some of Canada's best-loved jazz luminaries

Dave Young Quartet
8pm | Rex Jazz & Blues Bar

Ghost Note
10pm | Rex Jazz & Blues Bar

FREE PERFORMANCES

The Jazz Musician Intensive: Concert Promotion & Presentation Clinic
10:30am | Heliconian Hall
Co-lead by Sergio Elmir and Jennifer Nichols, this clinic covers self-presenting; the basic of concert booking / promotion; and new approaches to concert presentation. Mark Micklethwaite facilitates

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Summer has arrived at Ontario Parks (2018)


(News Release)

Go fishing at Ontario Parks
Come celebrate Family Fishing Week at Ontario Parks. Canadian residents are able to fish without a license from June 30 to July 8. There is no better time to introduce family and friends to fishing. Cast a line, and join the festivities.
Learn to Fish has opened its ninth location at Balsam Lake Provincial Park. Learn to Fish introduces kids, teens, and adults to fishing through engaging 2-hour sessions. Participants are supplied with licenses for the day, fishing rods, safety equipment, bait, tackle, and an instructor.
New telescope at Killarney Provincial Park
Ontario Parks is excited to announce the arrival of a new 16” research grade telescope at Killarney Provincial Park. The telescope allows expert and amateur astronomers to study the science and beauty of the night skies. Visitors are invited to experience the new telescope, and take part in astronomy programming at parks across the province.

Most Canadians to spend more this year for summer vacations: CPA survey

Summer Spending Balancing Act
 
(News Release)

Toronto, June 28 2018 – A new survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) finds more than half (56 per cent) of respondents plan to spend more this summer compared to the same season last year.

Taking into consideration household spending, 30 per cent of those surveyed say their expenditures will increase between $500 to under $2,000 this summer compared to 2017. 

Meantime, 45 per cent say they have less money this year compared to the same time last year after paying for their monthly household essentials.

Other key findings of the survey comparing summer 2018 with the previous year:
·  62 per cent are spending more on transportation fuel costs. 
·  50 per cent are paying more for food. 
·  37 per cent are spending more on home energy costs.  

Heritage Music Festival with Old Time Fiddle Championships features "spectacular lineup" in Shelburne, Ontario


News Release


Shelburne Rotary Club www.HeritageMusicFestival.ca 
fiddleshelburne@yahoo.com 

 Spectacular Heritage Music Festival Lineup for 2018!


The Heritage Music Festival, featuring the 68th Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Championship, will take place August 8-12, 2018 in Shelburne, Ontario.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Shelburne, the event features a variety of entertainers, including The Trews and the Beckett Family, as well as Canada’s top fiddlers in competition for thousands of dollars in prizes.

Community events include camping, Bands and Brews at the Fiddle Park, a pork bbq, a giant fiddle parade, an open air market, and non-denominational church service.


The Trews with The Pop Machine

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Toe tapping summer music concerts hit the right note



   One-Tank Trip for June 23/18
 
   (c) By Jim Fox

   The hills are alive with the sound of music in “cottage country” and beyond.
   From big annual music festivals to summertime favourite haunts and hoe downs in a country barn, there are plenty of options.

   Boys of summer
   California’s Beach Boys embody the fun of summer as they return to Casino Rama Resort, near Orillia, on July 20.
 
    The touring group, headed by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, brings “Good Vibrations” and summer tunes to “Lake Country.”
   Headlining the Canada Day Weekend on June 29 and 30 is Canadian rocker Burton Cummings, Bryan Adams, July 4, Sarah McLachlan, July 5, Donny and Marie, July 12, 13, and Reba, July 27, 28. casinorama.com

Friday, June 22, 2018

Top 10 things to see and do at this weekend's Redpath Waterfront Festival in Toronto (2018)


1. Have an underwater adventure 

Catch a performance by Aqua Cirque, a colourful and enchanting water-themed circus show! A tiny but mighty seahorse and his aquatic friends need your help to fend off a wicked sea serpent. Stay after the show to learn some circus tricks of your own.
2. Be on the ball

Climb atop the replica HTO Pendulum Wave, presented by Menkes photo opp and snap the perfect start-of-summer selfie. The full-sized swinging beach balls will be just a few steps away. Look up and admire the installation that was made in Canada and inspired by Toronto’s vibrant waterfront. 
3. Hug a mascot

There are no shortage of mascots this year: Billy Bishop Airport’s Billy the Flying Fox, Live Green Toronto’s Woody the Tree, Parks Canada’s Parka, the Navy’s Sonar and characters from the upcoming movie Teen Titans! The kids will love it.

Sunday evening band concerts mark 40 years on the Orillia waterfront


(News Release) (June 21, 2018) – The City of Orillia’s Sunday Evening Band Concert Series is celebrating a milestone year, marking its 40th season at the Rotary Aqua Theatre.

Starting this weekend, the venue will come alive each Sunday with the sounds of big bands from across Ontario, including the Orillia Concert Band and the Orillia Silver Band.

Lake Couchiching and the scenic beach area is the perfect backdrop for the concerts, rivaled only perhaps by the Orillia Opera House, which is the location for concerts in the event of inclement weather.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival opening weekend line-up 2018

165+ Free Concerts
Opening Weekend Festivities Featuring Macy Gray, CeCe Winans, No BS! Brass Band and More


Friday, June 22
FEATURED PERFORMANCES
Friday Night Live: Clairmont The Second, JAZZ MONEY, Holla Jazz, Jesse Barksdale Trio, Woodshed Orchestra & Angela Turone Trio
7pm | Royal Ontario Museum
A special edition of Friday Night Live as we turn the museum into a jazz club

Heather Bambrick & Friends with Russ Little Quartet feat. Guido Basso
7:30pm | Home Smith Bar at The Old Mill Toronto
A festival within the Festival, showcasing a lineup of some of Canada's best-loved jazz luminaries

Maylee Todd
9pm | Pilot Tavern
A creative powerhouse in duo format with fast-rising producer Kyvita

Pat LaBarbera Quartet
8pm | Rex Jazz & Blues Bar
Best known for his solo work with the Buddy Rich Band, he has been among the key members of the local scene for more than 30 years

Get ready for Salsa at Blue Mountain Village this weekend

June 21, 2018
Canada's Best Latin Music

Friday June 22 - Sunday June 24

If you love to tap your feet and shake your hips to amazing live music, you'll love this weekend's lineup! Featuring energetic Latin artists including Son Aché, Changüí Havana, Salsotika, and Waraibo!

Passionate Dance Shows

Friday June 22 - Sunday June 24

Experience lively dance entertainment all weekend, with Latin Dance, Samba, Afro Brazilian, and more! Featuring some of the best dance groups including Dance Migration's Samba Dancers!

Dance Lessons for All

Friday June 22 - Sunday June 24

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to join in on the fun with dance classes all weekend long, including Soul2Sole Salsa Lessons and Zumba Pa'Ca Classes!

Fireworks Over the Mountain

Saturday June 23, 10:15 PM

Get excited for everyone's favourite night time event: Fireworks! Starting at 10:15pm on Saturday, watch the fireworks show over the mountain! 

Salsa Dining Specials

Saturday June 23 - Sunday June 24

A Salsa weekend isn't complete without delicious food! Try the specials at Copper Blues Bar and Grill, Northwinds Brewery, Rusty's, and Wild Wing!

Late Night Salsa Parties

Saturday June 24

The party doesn't have to end with the fireworks! SMASH Niteclub is hosting Latin Night, and Rusty's at Blue is hosting an After Party with DJ Jimmy Suave!