Arts & Entertainment Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Wandering Wellington County

Cirque Eloize Saloon

October 15, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

The performance of the Cirque Eloize Saloon was riveting for all in the audience who were lucky enough to attend a sold out performance at the River Run Centre in our Royal City. The theatrical musical acrobatic play began with the sound of a train coming into town with just the sight of a headlight in the darkness, centre stage was a cowboy hat western musician playing the banjo. It certainly set the tone of a good ol Western frontier with all of the elements you would expect a saloon, train, horses and unlike a lot of Westerns an amazing cast of acrobatic performances who’s performance left you on the edge of your seat.

The Montreal based Cirque Eloize has been entertaining crowds since 1993. The inspiration for this award-winning leading contemporary circus is lead by ringleader Jeannot Painchaud, who is President and CEO of this amazing group of over 100 individuals who make up this talented touring show. Mr. Painchaud said in an interview once, “I got into the circus because I used to dream of traveling the entire globe. It’s the most accessible, most beautiful way that I’ve found to do it.”

Watching the audiences reactions I noticed a middle-aged man in front of me, who had a smile and an almost child like grin on his face the entire time during the performance. This was the magic of the 90 minute performance it transported you to another world, the Wild West Circus world!

My 12-year-old daughter belongs to the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama Club, performed a play called the Great Canadian WEastern last year and she shared with me this brought back memories of her Western play. She nudged me on a few occasions and commented, “Wow, they must really trust each other”, as the amazing artists displayed impressive strength and agility when they performed the many acts.

We watched a performer twirling inside a Cyr wheel, which was invented by co-founder of the Cirque Eloize and graduate of the Montreal’s National Circus School. I cannot imagine the sheer strength & many hours of perfecting their trade it takes to maneuver the many moves they did, with the Arial straps, Chinese Pole, wooden planks and juggling.

My girlfriend who attended the performance with me said one of her favorite parts was the slow motion reverse and forward which was all in perfect timing during their saloon fight scene. The performance included much of the Canadian history of building the railroad, gold rush, infused with lots of humor and don’t forget every Western needs a good romance too. The entire show included live music with banjo, fiddle, guitar, piano and amazing vocals.

This performance is the first of The Wooly Pub Family Series, check out the River Run Centre for a full list of all of the performances taking place this 2018-2019 season, http://riverrun.ca/.

Talk soon ~

Nancy

An Evening with Harry Manx

May 9, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

I had an opportunity to watch Harry Manx perform live in Guelph last night. It sent me to a place where my soul felt like it was on fire. I guess that is what ultimately a good blues folk musician does? Words are hard to describe how I felt watching, hearing and watching this musician. It was as if all my senses were magnified as I watched this great master musician play the variety of instruments he brought along for his show.

The first half of the show he played solo, while waiting for his special guest Kevin Breit who played along side him for the 2nd half of the evening. He joked that he had called Kevin from the sound check and had asked him “Where are you?” His friend Kevin joked, “I am in the Bathtub!” Harry said to him, “Well Kevin that’s not a good place to be when you have a show now?” Kevin said to Harry, “Well that is tomorrow night Harry!” Apparently it was a rather quick bath after their conversation and rather speedy ride from Toronto on the 401 to the River Run Centre.

I had planned on taking my parents with me, but unfortunately they both fell ill the day of the concert with a flu bug. That left me pondering whom to take along with me. My kids ended up coming with me, Meg 11 and Noah 7. I am so glad they both joined me for the evening, they absolutely loved it. My son was on the edge of his seat the whole night, clapping and tapping his toes while my daughter sat beside me just as mesmerized as I was at the beauty of the sounds and the magical show the Duo put on for the lucky ticket holders last night.

I ended up purchasing two of Harry’s CD’s for my Mother for Mothers Day. Shhh…. don’t tell her, I know she will be just as spellbound listening to the raspy, bluesy voice of Harry and his “mysticssippi” flavour.” One of his songs he sang was a well know Springsteen Tune, who if you didn’t realize who was singing could be the man himself. Harry told of the day he played his first Bruce Springsteen hit he briefly rehearsed to what he thought was to be a small audience of less than 50 people in New York City. It turned out to be over 5000 people, including Bruce Springsteen himself in the front row! Check out the link below to see hear him play part of the the tune.

Harry, a Canadian musician who hails from Isle Of Man and now resides in Western Canada with his wife and son when not on tour. He talked about living in India and studying for five years alongside, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishwa_Mohan_Bhatt.

It was a very intimate evening and Harry spoke with the audience as if we where all in his living room and he was playing for a select few. What a privilege to listen to this man, and I will be at his next concert when he returns to the Royal City. Love you Harry Manx, thank you for your beautiful soul and for stirring my soul!

Here is a link of Harry playing, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/videos/1060857357423428/

Talk soon ~

Nancy

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Local Eats & Great Hangouts

May 9, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first installment of a new feature highlighting LOCAL EATS AND GREAT HANGOUTS! I think we will call it “GET YOUR NOM NOM ON with Arctic Dingo.”

Arctic Dingo is a very chilled Aussie who (not pictured here!!!). Local resident for 6 years, he chased a local Elora lass and settled down here in Fergus. He has 30 years in hospitality, absolutely loves good food and loves to give a shout out to innovative, passionate, hardworking community minded local businesses.

ENJOY…

Arctic Dingo’s First Time visiting Savoy Culinary

There’s a new guy in town…… Savoy Culinary so I went nd said G’day to Brodie Sorbara. I’d been on a shovel all morning and was pretty bloody hungry. The carnivore in me was happy with the lunch menu…..lamb, brisket or burger. I went with the AAA rib eye burger and house cut fries. It was $18 and I really don’t have a problem paying for quality. I got mine to take out and thought I’d munch some fries on the way home. The serving didn’t last the 8 minute drive home. The …serving could’ve been twice as large and not survived the journey. Hand cut fries longer and thicker than my fingers, golden crispy and creamy centers…..seasoned and salted. That left me with the burger. 8oz of bliss. Just nom nom nom. Not trying to be anything but a simple, tasty, cheesy burger that is bang on. I’m not hungry anymore. May 26 is the grand opening and chef says he’s gone old school bbq which by today’s sample should be amazing and by golly, by jingo by crikey I’ll be there!!

My Night at The Ghost Island Light

April 7, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Are all Lighthouses haunted? Remember to “Keep the light on always!”, warned Erin Ward a feisty character sometimes referred to as “normal folk”, by the newly appointed apprentice Lighthouse keeper Brandon. It was a night of intrigue, mystery, suspense and laughter all mixed into this must see new comic thriller written by Peter Colley, http://www.petercolley.com/ who was in attendance for the opening night. He greeted the attendees with an intimate chat and answered a few questions from the audience.

When the Port Dover Lighthouse Theatre approached him to write a play about a lighthouse, he didn’t hesitate as he had been carrying a story around for years with him, and could finally put pen to paper. His imagination stemmed from stories he had long thought about, with years living close to the water and looking out into the distance of the lighthouse. Welcome to “THE GHOST ISLAND LIGHT”!

The Guelph Little Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1935. Why would you want to stay home and watch TV with your cat on your lap; when you can watch a live performance and have an exciting night out on the town. The opening Gala at the theatre was wonderful and as always full of surprises.

A local artisan Tania, of Infinite Arts was commissioned to create a masterpiece replica Lighthouse with body paint on her lovely model. Attendees got to see her work on her craft before, during and after the show. Check out this interview on FB, https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/videos/1041184016057429/?hc_ref=ARSxHThkkOcTL_E-NOLHEr9ez-nE5Lm6bzONYnp4kxzj4ayPZW_7c9uIbLBtVBxvM28&fref=nf.

“The opening night of the Guelph Little Theatre’s show was more on the Comic side”, said Peter Colley as he shared with the attendees that the other 4 productions have all taken a slight twist on the endings including variations on the four main characters who might I say where all cast exceptionally well.

Kudos to the one of two directors whom I met briefly, the talented Pamela Niesiobedzki-Curtis who mentioned in passing only three days to paint and put together the set. I would not believe that it only took that amount of time, as I felt like we were part of that lighthouse trying to keep the lights on. I loved the lighting, sound and set design how they all came together to create a mysterious haunted lighthouse, including the large set of stairs required to reach the top.

My girlfriend Kate a fellow theatre lover, like myself commented how she couldn’t believe how quickly the night was going as we were having so much fun! We had nudged each other more than once, with the many comic episodes of these four characters all sharing their time together, trying to keep the light shining at a haunted lighthouse. Is it haunted? I am not saying you will have to see for yourself.

I highly recommend you go see this production while it is in town, playing only till April 21st. You might want to bring a few extra bucks with you so you can purchase a drink at intermission and maybe a 50/50 ticket to support this wonderful organization. Did I mention I was the big jackpot winner of the draw? You could be a winner too, it is definitely a number 1 entertainment experience in Guelph!

Buy your tickets before they are sold out, here is the link for the Guelph Little Theatre, http://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/on-stage

Talk soon ~

Nancy

The Ghost Island Light at the Guelph Little Theatre

March 19, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Did you want to know a little secret about the Opening Night of the production, “The Ghost Island Light”, which is taking place at the Guelph Little Theatre on April 6th. The famed playwright who reside’s in California, Peter Colley will be in attendance for the Gala evening performance.

Since we are sharing secrets, here is another little secret I will let you know about, is that this Wandering Wellington County will be having its first CONTEST, to give a pair of tickets away to one of THE GHOST ISLAND LIGHT, performances. The third secret is that we may be able to interview the playwright on the evening of the Gala, (just maybe if we are lucky).

If you cannot wait any longer to know a little bit more about this great upcoming play. Tickets will sell out quickly so be sure to purchase yours today!

Guelph Little Theatre presents The Ghost Island Light
Director: Pamela Niesiobedzki-Curtis & Jayne Simpson

Ghost Island Light is renowned Canadian Playwright Peter Colley’s brand new comedic thriller. You will experience sitting on the edge of your seat moments, interspersed with funny comedic flashes right to the unexpected twist at the end. And while this circa 1910 lighthouse is stuck on a barren rock island with cramped quarters for an older inexperienced keeper, his beautiful young wife and his charming assistant, you will vividly experience thrills and flashbacks to an age gone by.

The eerie sounds of broken organ pipes, thrashing waves upon this thin wooden structure, the haunting beauty of riverboats carrying debutants along a foggy but rocky coast, will instill terror in your heart with the fear that the ever-present stream of light will go out.

Oh please let us hear those loud resonating sounds of the equipment necessary to ensure the light stays on. It must stay on. There are evil spirits lurking in the shadows, definitely haunting this light….and the seagulls scream outside. Do you dare venture forth to experience these thrill at the Ghost Island Light?

See you at the performance!

Talk soon ~

Nancy

An Evening with Norman Liota at Café Creperie, ELORA

March 5, 2018 by nancy Leave a Comment

Have you ever heard a musician and the next day you are still replaying their music in your head? The power of music certainly evokes intense emotions and stirs the soul. How beautifully haunting the sounds of Norman Liota; when he played one of his original composed songs last evening. It was an intimate evening at the cozy, Café Creperie, downtown Elora.

Norman shared with us some of his fond memories of his travels in Mount Rushmore, the Badlands and Deadwood in South Dakota, the song he played called “Through the Hidden Door”, was one of my favorites of the night. He described to us, his inspiration of the song, came from an interesting day he had spent in the company of a 74-year-old good friend, who shared with him the sacred legends. Chills were sent thru my body as he sang the song, accompanied with a combination of unique musical bells and chimes.

I was mesmerized, as I think most of the room was as I looked around. I felt like I had been transported to the Village in South Dakota with him that night to hear the legends, played for only a select few. Oh the power of music certainly evokes emotions and stirs the soul.

I had the privilege of being invited by a very good friend of Norman’s to watch his performance at the Café Creperie, on Mill Street in Elora. Norman truly lives close to the earth and his passion shines in his musical performance.

My girlfriend invited me several weeks ago and told me we had a reservation for 7pm. I had heard Norman many years before and hardly recognized him as he had much longer hair at the time. This was one of his trademark looks that I fondly remembered of this gentle soul when I had met him last. Here is a YouTube video of him with the long locks singing Blackbird. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9kYALiqDQA

The lovely waitress who was helping out for this special event, asked what we had wanted to eat. I had already ate, not realizing that my Girlfriend and I had a dinner date. I just thought we had a cocktails type of evening with Norman. The cafe smelled of savoury and sweet yummy entrees. If you get the chance you must check out their famous Crepes, at Café Creperie. A wonderful little café on Mill Street, with a view of the Grand River in the heart of Elora.

One of the owners, Kathy performed with Norman for the last encore performance last night. They host many wonderful community artisan works and host many talented local musicians. The cover for the evening was only $5.00 and it was worth every penny, thanks neighbour for a wonderful night out. Check out their performance together with the link to the Wandering Wellington FB link. https://www.facebook.com/wanderingwellingtoncounty/videos/vb.937543713088127/1014082708767560/?type=2&theater&notif_t=page_post_reaction&notif_id=1519577532274830

I purchased a gift certificate for this lovely little café at the end of the evening, as I plan to take my daughter Meaghan there for a little Parisian Crepe luncheon or dinner experience. Perhaps I will take her there for a dinner date to hear one of the next performers on a Saturday night. She had wanted to come with my last night, as she has been there with her French Class before, for a French experience in our little Village. Just one of the reasons I love living in this community is the local community is so supportive of one another and has so much to offer.

If you are looking for a professional Classical Guitarist, composer and vocalist, here is the link, http://www.normanliota.com. He is simply a wonderful soul-stirring musician who is available for local weddings, concerts and special events. Echo Magazine describes Norman Liota as, ” a real virtuoso”.

Talk soon ~

Nancy