OTTAWA AT 150

Saturday, April 21, 2007

GOVERNOR GENERAL'S AWARDS IN VISUAL AND MEDIA ARTS 2007

On March 26, the Governor General gave out the prestigious Visual and Media Arts Awards to eight recipients at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. These awards are done in conjunction with the Canada Council for The Arts which is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary this year. In the picture back row (L to R) Canada Council Board Member Tom Hill, David P. Silcox, Paul Mathieu, Ian Carr-Harris, Aganetha Dyck and Canada Council Board Member Manon Blanchette. In the front row (L to R) Murry Favro, Daphne Odjig, The Governor General of Canada, Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, Fernand Leduc and R. Bruce Elder. Mr. Mathieu received the Saidye Bronfman award for excellence in the fine crafts and Mr. Silcox received the outstanding contribution award for his work as a writer, educator, cultural administrator and arts volunteer. The rest of the recipients received awards for artistic achievement. http://www.canadacouncil.ca

Thursday, April 19, 2007

MARIE-JOSEE HOULE CD RELEASE

At Rasputin's - Aalya Ahmad, Marie-Josee, Neil Gerster and Casey Comeau

Opening the show at Petit Chicago and releasing her own CD "La Vie En Bleu" is Toronto's Cindy Doire with her guitarist/backup singer Ryan Bishop.

At Petit Chicago on April 4 are Aalya Ahmad, Marie-Josee Houle and Neil Gerster.

Aalya Ahmad

Special guest Melissa Laveaux from Ottawa joins in for a few songs.

Melissa Laveaux

The Lady of Broken Souls herself Marie-Josee Houle...

On March 16 at Rasputin's and on April 4 at Petit Chicago in the Hull section of Gatineau, Marie-Josee Houle had two concerts to release her first album called "Our Lady of Broken Souls". On the bill at Petit Chicago was Cindy Doire who was also releasing her first CD called "La Vie En Bleu". Special guest Casey Comeau at Rasputin's and Melissa Laveaux at Petit Chicago helped to make each night extra special. The new album from Marie-Josee is gorgeous. She describes her music as a blend of French Cafe and Gypsy Jazz. Other words I would throw in are sweet, sensuous and very passionate. A lot of people think of the accordian as this very uncool instrument and she will tell you herself that she has had a love/hate relationship with it over the years. Trust me you will only love what you hear on this new album. Check her out next time she plays in town. You will not be dissapointed. Marie-Josee's web site is http://www.uglysocks.com, http://www.myspace.com/cindydoiremusic, http://www.caseycomeau.com, http://www.melissalaveaux.com .

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

REMEMBERING YOM HASHOAH

The SJCC Shira Ottawa Choir with Dr. Joel Dimitry at the podium.

Israeli Ambassador to Canada Alan Baker, Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, Dr. Joel Dimitry and Rabbi Reuven Bulka.

Cantor Pinchus Levinson sings O Canada and Hatikvah.

Prime Minister Stephan Harper addresses those gathered on Parliament hill on the steps in front of the Peace Tower.

Holocaust survivor Joe Levovic and Prime Minister Stephan Harper place a wreath at the centennial flame on Parliament Hill.

On Sunday, April 15, 2007 the Parliament of Canada Honoured the Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. Prime Minister Stephen Harper along with Senators, Members of Parliament and Ambassadors were in attendance for the 2PM service.

Monday, April 16, 2007

JULIAN ARMOUR'S LAST CHAMBER CONCERT?

On March 12, Julian Armour played what could be his last concert for the Chamber Music Festival. He stepped down on March 6 after having differences with the Board of Directors.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

FOLK FESTIVAL CONCERT SERIES - THE WHITELEY'S

On March 10, the Ottawa Folkfest held another concert, one of many that they put on throughout the year. The Whiteley family along with Caitlin Hanford who is married to Chris and Joey Wright who is married to Jenny and two up and coming Whiteley's put on just an incredible show at the Library and Archives. All the members are multi-instrumentalists who sing and write a lot of their own songs as well as doing songs by other people. Truly one of the great musical families in Canada. www.ottawafolk.org