LIVE! At The Oakville Centre Jan - May 2013 by Green Light Graphics

AT T H E O A K V I L L E C E N T R E VOLUME FIVE

| ISSUE TWO | JAN – MAY 2013

AMERICA SERENA RYDER BOYZ II MEN I MOTHER EARTH RANDY BACHMAN JUST FOR LAUGHS PEGGY BAKER WINGFIELD MADISON VIOLET CAROL WELSMAN SÉBASTIEN LÉPINE CARLOS DEL JUNCO CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE and more!

For more information see page 12

Oakville Centre

HOUSE NOTES

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts would like to thank

Welcome to the Oakville Centre! We ask that you follow these simple guidelines to ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for all. In consideration of those in the audience who have allergies, please refrain from using perfume or cologne when attending a performance.

CANADIAN HERITAGE

Cell phones and other electronic devices should be muted and not used while in the theatre.

for ongoing programming support.

Photography, video taping and recording are strictly prohibited inside the theatre. Food and beverages are not permitted in the theatre, with the exception of clear plastic bottles of water. Please refrain from unwrapping candy during the performance. Latecomers and re-entries will be seated at a suitable break determined by the production. You may be asked to wait in the lobby.

www.pch.gc.ca

Babes in arms and young children are welcome to the Family Series performances. Contact the box office for all other performances. Each person entering the theatre requires a ticket. Patrons using a wheelchair, walker or who have difficulty with stairs should advise the box office at the time of ticket purchase. Due to fire regulations and for the safety of patrons, wheelchair and walker seating is located in Row S. Note that the lower level parking lot is not suitable for these patrons as there is no access to the main entrance of the theatre. The theatre does not have an elevator.

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts would like to thank the

Sennheiser Hearing Assistance is available in both spaces. This service is on a first come first served basis and may be signed out at the bar.

ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL

For box office hours, parking locations and other inquiries visit www.oakvillecentre.ca or call the box office at (905) 815-2021.

for ongoing programming support.

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is a division of the Recreation and Culture Department of the Town of Oakville.

www.arts.on.ca

Become A

BIG TICKET MEMBER What is the BIG TICKET? Big Ticket membership puts your family first! Your family is first to have access to tickets, first to know of specials, added shows, and special promotions. You and your family have access before anyone else.

Big Ticket is BEST IN CLASS Enjoy all of your family’s favourite national and international artists performing arts in every discipline.

Big Ticket is FLEXIBLE Once your family has a Big Ticket, the choice is yours. Pick any combination of shows in any genre. Pick as many (some maximums apply) or as few to each show you would like.

Big Ticket gets you ACCESS

On the cover: I MOTHER EARTH / February 22, 2013

Barely had time to read this page? Big Ticket allows you and your family to attend as many or as few shows as you like during the year. And it’s one membership per household.

THE NUMBER 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 25 AMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 26 PEGGY BAKER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 9 CARLOS DEL JUNCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 16 I MOTHER EARTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 22 LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO . . . . . . . February 23 RAUL MIDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 28 CAL: BREAKFAST IN AMERICA . . . . . . . . . . . March 5 SERENA RYDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 8 RANDY BACHMAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 9 SÉBASTIEN LÉPINE PROJECT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 5 CAROL WELSMAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 6 JUST FOR LAUGHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 11 BOYZ II MEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 12 COMPAIGNE FLAK: “S” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 18 CAL: PHYSICAL GRAFFITI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 19 WINGFIELD: LOST & FOUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 20 MADISON VIOLET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 4 BALLET CREOLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 8 CAL: EXODUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 10

Big Ticket is VALUE Along with all the benefits outlined above, Big Ticket is only $55 for one full year and Big Ticket Plus is only $110 for one full year. Add to the fact that every ticket your family buys throughout that year is discounted either $7 or $11 (exceptions apply) and in no time you have paid for your family membership. We added extra value by including tax receipts, gift certificates, discounts at other merchants and other special ticket offers.

LIVE! at the Oakville Centre is published twice each year (September and January) by Green Light Graphics Inc. To advertise please contact us at green.light@sympatico.ca or 905.469.8095. Space is limited.

Call and speak with one of our Big Ticket experts for more details at 905-815-2021 or visit www.oakvillecentre.ca

In this issue . . .

PARADISO RESTAURANT presents

The Number 14 Axis Theatre Company • Friday, January 25th at 8:00pm A Pay-What-You-Can Performance The Number 14 is a Canadian success story extraordinaire! In an amazing theatrical tour-de-force, six of Vancouver’s finest performers strut, swing, sing and talk their way in and out of adventures aboard Vancouver’s #14 bus that is part Monty Python, part Mr. Bean and wholly engaging. The Number 14 has garnered four Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, a Dora Mavor Moore nomination, and a New York Drama Desk nomination in the Unique Theatrical Experience category. The Number 14 is the brainchild of founding Artistic Director Wayne Specht along with Roy Surette, currently the Artistic Director at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal. Stemming from a series of improvisational skits and showcasing the talents of some of Vancouver’s most loved physical performers, this slice of urban city life has been wowing audiences around the world since 1992.

Wayne Specht is the founding Artistic Director of Axis Theatre Company and, over the last 35 years has performed in, written and directed over 60 of the company’s productions. He recently directed Don Quixote, which Axis Theatre Company co-produced with the Arts Club Theatre. Wayne was Artistic Director of the Vancouver International Comedy Festival for four years and is grateful to have received a Lifetime Career Achievement JESSIE Award from the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance in 2002. Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wayne Specht Original Director . . . . . . . . . . . . Roy Surette Set Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pam Johnson Costume Designer . . . . . . . . . Nancy Bryant Mask Design . . . . . . . . . . Melody Anderson Lighting Designer . . . . . . . . . . . Gerald King Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Macaulay Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Cooper

Conceived and written by Melody Anderson, Peter Anderson, Gina Bastone, Colin Heath, David Mackay, Wayne Specht, Roy Surette and Beatrice Zeilinger. Additional material developed by Darlene Brookes, Tom Jones and Allan Zinyk.

Tel: 905-849-0707 7

A M E R I Presented by DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE Saturday, January 26th at 8:00 pm swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, America displayed a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains. Enjoying massive success early in their career, America earned their stripes as musical soldiers on the battlefield amidst the excess, craziness and chaos of the 70s. Winning a Grammy for Best New Artist and landing a # 1 record while barely in your twenties came with its own pitfalls and the exacting pressures of their international stardom affected each member of the group. By the mid 70s, inter-band conflicts combined with an exhaustive touring and recording schedule exacted its toll on the group. With Peek’s departure from the fold in 1977, his bandmates rose to the challenge and carried on as a duo. Shifts in sound and direction, changes in producers and managers, and a renewed dedication to the craft of songwriting helped rocket America to the upper reaches of the pop charts in 1982 with their smash single, You Can Do Magic. It’s been a long ride indeed for these two old friends. “We’ve grown up in a world of show biz, seen styles change, seen technology change,” Bunnell muses. “But basically Gerry and I have stayed very much the same. We still have those standards in songwriting that we were hoping to establish. We’ve lived pretty full lives and managed to hold on to some sanity, although the world seems crazier every day.”

The world discovered America in 1972 when a nameless horse began its gallop across the international airwaves. If this sounds like some sort of fairy tale, it seemed like one for the young musicians who harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song. A Horse With No Name made America a global household name, paving the way for an impressive string of hits following in its wake. Slightly more than a year after launching the group, Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek were bona fide superstars, thanks to a timeless sound that seamlessly assimilated strands of rock, pop and folk elements into a thrilling musical stew. America’s journey has found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, which also include I Need You, Ventura Highway, Don’t Cross The River, Tin Man, Lonely People, and Sister Golden Hair, were cornerstones of 70’s Top 40 and FM rock radio. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Gerry Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Dewey Bunnell’s use of folkjazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Dan Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics. America’s albums – six certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, History, hitting four-million in sales – displayed a fuller range of the trio’s talents than did their singles. Their material encompassed an ambitious artistic

C A

OAKVILLE INFINITI presents

PeggyBaker “THE DISAPPEARANCE OF RIGHT AND LEFT” Saturday, February 9th at 7:30pm in The Studio Theatre Peggy Baker is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding contemporary dancers of her generation. Born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1952, Ms. Baker began her professional career in Toronto, in 1974, as a founding member, and later, artistic director of Toronto’s Dancemakers, where she participated in more than 50 premieres by Canadian choreographers and contributed three works to the repertoire. She toured internationally as a prominent member of Lar Lubovitch’s celebrated New York company throughout the eighties and joined Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris for the inaugural season of their White Oak Dance Project in 1990, subsequently forging important creative relationships with Paul-André Fortier (Montreal), James Kudelka (Toronto), and Doug Varone (New York City) through numerous performance projects. Ms. Baker made her debut as a solo artist in 1990, her work distinguished from the outset by collaborations with extraordinary creators and performers. Among them: choreographers Sarah Chase, Molissa Fenley, Paul-André Fortier, James Kudelka, Mark Morris, Tere O’Connor, Tedd Robinson, and Doug Varone; composers Michael J. Baker, Chan Ka Nin, Ahmed Hassan, Christos

Hatzis, Debashis Sinha, and Ann Southam; dancers Margie Gillis, Christopher House, Sylvain Lafortune, and Susan Macpherson; directors Daniel Brooks and Denise Clarke; actors Jackie Burroughs and Michael Healey; visual artists and designers Larry Hahn, Ina Levytsky, Janet Morton, Caroline O’Brien, Marc Parent, Kurt Swinghammer, Jane Townsend, and Peter Vogel; musicians Andrew Burashko, John Kameel Farah, Henry Kucharzyk, Shauna Rolston, James Sommerville, and Robert W. Stevenson; as well as Amici, Arraymusic, The Modern Quartet, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under JukkaPekka Saraste. Ms. Baker is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario, the 2006 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, three Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Outstanding Performance (Why the Brook Wept, 1998; loin, très loin, 2000; Portal, 2008), and two for Outstanding Choreography (Portal, 2008 and Radio Play with Denise Clarke, 2009), a 2002 Cadillac-Fairview Salute to the City Award, the Toronto Arts Council’s 2002 Margo Bindhardt Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Calgary.

Choreography, direction: Sarah Chase Text and performance: Peggy Baker Music: Joni Mitchell, Amelia; Beethoven, Sonata in F Minor, Opus 57 (Andante Con Moto)*; Ginastera, Danza de la Mozo Donosa* (*recording of pianist, Andrew Burashko)

Delta Optical Now with the addition of a fourth location in Downtown Oakville, the buzz about Delta Optical resonates throughout the GTA and beyond. For 40 years, Delta Optical has been synonymous with quality workmanship, innovative products and exemplary customer service. It’s rare to see the genuine and lasting relationships they have built with their customers. It is not unusual to see many generations of families who have purchased glasses from Delta since the inception of the stores. The small optical chain provides service in Square One, Fairview Mall and Hillcrest Mall. Now with the addition of a fourth location in Oakville, the buzz about Delta Optical resonates throughout the GTA and beyond. They even ship glasses regularly to discerning customers as far as Europe, South America and the Middle East. The eyeglasses at Delta Optical are handpicked as they travel around the world meeting with the inner circle of trend forging optical designers. Unlike traditional “brand name” frames, these are artists who strictly design eyewear - crafting their frames using pioneering engineering techniques and the highest quality materials. Delta Optical is given advanced opportunity to place orders on behalf of fashion-conscious clients who appreciate the craftsmanship and adore the unique styles exclusive to Delta. These boutique styles can start at a reasonable $280 for both sunglasses and prescription frames. The highest end lines will have a price tag that parallel the extraordinary materials incorporated; buffalo horn, 24kt gold, platinum, exotic woods and incredibly lightweight carbon fiber.

DELTA OPTICAL The Shoppes of Towne Square 210 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville L6J 1H8 Tel: 905.338.3900 www.deltaoptical.ca

MAYBACH This handmade frame takes 3 months to create. Crafted from the highest quality of buffalo horn material, it has a titanium front with 24kt gold plating. The lenses are 100% UV, polarized lenses produced by Carl Zeiss Optical in Germany.

Encore!

For more information see page 42

Celebrating 60 years in Downtown Oakville

Four Floors of Furniture! Check out our Special Features all year long Proudly Supporting North American Manufacturers • Canadel • Vogel • Superstyle • Durham • BG Furniture • Buhler • LeatherCraft • Perri • Harden • Sam Moore • Hooker Furniture Corp • and more

Furniture & Home Decor 217 Lakeshore Rd. E., Downtown Oakville • 905.844.3530 www.swissinteriors.com 13

DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

Carlos del Junco and The Blues Mongrels

Saturday, February 16th at 8:30pm in The Studio Theatre Carlos is one of those players whose music is so advanced that when it comes to awards, it’s either retire the category or rephrase the question to “Best Harmonica Player Not Named Carlos”. This includes two Gold Medals from the Hohner World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen, Germany, as well as multiple national awards in Canada. Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz (hence the name for his band “The Blues Mongrels”). The emphasis is on blues, but Carlos and his band are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other directions delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second line grooves, swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, to swampy roots rock. Born in Havana, Cuba, del Junco (loosely translated “of the reeds”) immigrated with his family at the age of one. He bent his first note on a harmonica when he was fourteen, making his debut with his high school math teacher at a student talent night. In his early 20s, del Junco was immersed in a visual arts career; he graduated with honours from a four year programme, majoring in sculpture at the Ontario College of Art. Sculpture has definitely had an influence on his outlook on music: “Music is just a different way of creating textures and shapes.” Playing a ten hole diatonic harmonica, Carlos has developed the unique ability to play chromatically by using a recently developed “overblow” technique taught to him by jazz virtuoso Howard Levy. Overall, this approach to the diatonic harmonica, although much more difficult to achieve, is in many ways more expressive and commu-

nicative than the mechanized tone produced by the chromatic harmonica . Carlos is one of the few pioneers of this overblow method, bringing musical credibility to what has still been considered by many in the music industry - a fringe folk instrument. The sophisticated sound produced by del Junco is at once sensitive, soulful, and sexy while never forgetting the rawness inherent in blues music. During the 80s, del Junco performed with many bands, including Latin/Reggae/R&B band “Eyelevel”, “Ontario College of Art Swing Band” with Bill Grove and a six year stint with Rhythm and Blues group “The Buzz Upshaw Band”. With Kevin Cooke in 1990, he formed a Blues/Jazz/ Fusion band, “The Delcomos”. He has recorded with Bruce Cockburn, Kim Mitchell, Cassandra Vassick, Oliver Schroer, Zappacosta, and has also worked with Dutch Mason, Hoc Walsh (Downchild Blues Band) and Holly Cole. In 1991, del Junco performed and composed the music for Tomson Highway’s Dora award winning play Dry Lips Oughta Move To Kapuskasing. The production toured Canada and was held over for seven weeks at Toronto’s Royal Alex Theatre. In 1993, Carlos del Junco won two gold medals at the Hohner World Harmonica Championship held in Trossingen, Germany. He was judged world’s best in both the diatonic blues category and the diatonic jazz category. Carlos has toured Canada regularly since 1996 and tours often in Germany and the United States. He has played all the major jazz, blues, and folk festivals across Canada.

IME

An Evening with I Mother Earth Presented by Dan Cooper of Royal LePage Friday, February 22nd at 8:00pm In November 2003, I Mother Earth performed their last show – a nearly four hour performance that saw the band play in the round at a sold out venue and then off they went. There was no big announcement, no final tour or Best of CD/DVD, just a simple note on the IME nation website that said “thanks to the fans”. In the summer of 2011, three members found themselves geographically tied together in the Tanna brothers’ old stompin grounds of Peterborough. So after an eight year hiatus, Jag Tanna and Christian Tanna hooked up with vocalist Brian Byrne, and it was inevitable that the discussion turned to music. The jamming started once a week, then twice a week and eventually Jag came in with new ideas that were undeniably IME. They decided a “Whaduyathink?” phone call was in order to bassist Bruce Gordon (now a member of the Blue Man Group Production in Orlando Florida) to get his take on actually tracking some new IME. With Bruce in and some new material taking shape, the band accepted an offer to perform at Sound Academy as a part of a 102.1 the Edge event at Canadian Music Week. The show sold out quickly and a second Sound Academy show was added. The two shows were off the hook and the 5000+ fans agreed, clearly this couldn’t be a one off…or two off. The band had released a new tune “We Got the Love” as a listen only Sound

Cloud file on their website, and received over 10,000 listens in the first 72 hours, not bad considering there was nothing traditional about this release. At the shows “We Got the Love” became one of the many set highlights as the fans were already singing it word for word after just three days of non-release. There was no album forthcoming, no plans to tour and no servicing to radio. After all, this was a six minute tune and radio would never touch it, right? Well on April 9th, the band officially sent serviced “We Got the Love” to radio and in its first three weeks it became the most added tune at rock radio, receiving national attention. It has remained on the charts for the next twelve weeks and remains in the top five! The band then began confirming more shows from Newfoundland to BC and most stops in between to get out and thank IME Nation personally for their support and devotion. While the future is unwritten, it has some direction that will develop new ideas to enhance the concept of I Mother Earth. All of this is an open book, their decisions, process, and updates are all being played out for the fans to see and interact via their Open Mouth Blog at www.imotherearth.ca. The concept of I Mother Earth has never been more exciting, and the process has never been more personal. So sit back, relax and enjoy an evening with I Mother Earth.

In association with

Photo: Alistair Maitland Photography ÂŠ 2012

Halton Region Museum – There’s Always More to Explore Discover a rare opportunity to look into Halton’s past, roam the grounds of the scenic Alexander homestead, attend a special event or stage your own event! conditioned and have authentic wood-burning fireplaces. Parking is complimentary. Visitors to the Museum can explore Halton’s natural and cultural heritage. As a leader in heritage stewardship, the Museum preserves and promotes Halton’s history. In addition to the collection, the Museum houses a reference library and a collection of local documents dating back to 1830. The Museum also hosts a variety of special events, including Alexander Family Farm Day and International Museum Day and sponsors historical presentations such as the Spirit of Harriet Tubman – a one-woman show following Tubman’s emancipation from slavery. Environmental and heritage programs are available for school excursions, day camps and adult groups. Consider a guided hike in Kelso Conservation Area along the Bruce Trail, a Museum tour or artifact presentation for your next group. A variety of educational programs offer curriculum based, hands-on learning experiences for students beyond the classroom. Developed and delivered with a cross-curricular approach, school programs combine science, history, geography, environmental literacy and physical education to ensure a comprehensive educational experience for both students and teachers.

Located inside Milton’s Kelso Conservation Area, the Halton Region Museum offers historical charm and an inviting ambience that is ideal for meetings, conferences, social occasions, tour groups, team building and educational programming year round - indoors or out in any season. The Halton Region Museum site was originally settled in 1836 by the Alexander family, Scottish immigrants who farmed the 200-acre property for four generations. Today the Museum’s focal point is the original Alexander Barn, one of seven buildings on the site. The barn’s two upper floors feature exhibits and artifacts and the Loft Room which accommodates up to 65 people, receptionstyle. The Hearth Room, the largest space on the main floor, is showcased by mill stone, antiques, an open “hearth” and original hand-hewn wooden beams. The room can accommodate over 100 people for sit down banquets or 140 for receptions with extended space available on the adjoining walkout patio. The patio and museum grounds are ideal for staging picnics, outdoor events and photo sessions. The Loft Room’s century old hardwood floor and beautiful view of the Niagara Escarpment are unforgettable. Both rooms, radiating warmth and ambience in a unique 19th century setting, are air

Visit www.halton.ca/museum for more information or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HaltonRegionMuseum. Visit the award-winning virtual tour of the Niagara Escarpment at jeffshome.halton.ca, call 905-875-2200, or email museum@halton.ca

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Experiences that inspire! 440 Locust Street, Downtown Burlington

Box OďŹ&#x192;ce: 905.681.6000 www.burlingtonpac.ca 19

Jan 17 Brent Butt Jan 18 Danny Michel Jan 24 Peter Appleyard and the Sophisticated Ladies Feb 1 Taj Mahal Trio Feb 3 Jakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Feb 7 Ballet BC Feb 14 Alex*Cuba Feb 18 Sing-A-LongA Sound of Music Feb 22 Amazing Grace Feb 26 Ladysmith Black Mambazo Mar 6 Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie Mar 8 Scrap Arts Music Mar 14 Jamie Adkins Circus Incognitus Mar 17 Georgy Tchaidze Mar 20 BowďŹ re Apr 13 The GruďŹ&#x20AC;alo Apr 14 Jasper Wood and Daniel Bolshoy Apr 18 The Piano Men: Starring Jim Witter Apr 24 The Good Lovelies Apr 25 Natalie MacMaster

LADYSMITH BL An OAKVILLE INFINITI Presentation For over forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape. Their musical efforts over the past four decades have garnered praise and accolades within the recording industry, but also solidified their identity as a cultural force to be reckoned with. Assembled in the early 1960s, in Durban South Africa, by Joseph Shabalala (still currently leading the group) – then a young farmboy turned factory worker – took the name Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Ladysmith being the name of Shabalala’s rural hometown; Black being a reference to oxen, the strongest of all farm animals; and Mambazo being the Zulu word for axe, a symbol of the group’s ability to “chop down” any singing rival who might challenge them. Their collective voices were so tight and their harmonies so polished that they were eventually banned from competitions – although they were welcomed to participate strictly as entertainers.

The group’s path had a specific direction: “To bring this gospel of loving one another all over the world,” Joseph says. However, he’s quick to point out that the message is not specific to any one religious orientation. “Without hearing the lyrics, this music gets into the blood, because it comes from the blood,” he says. “It evokes enthusiasm and excitement, regardless of what you follow spiritually.” A radio broadcast in 1970 opened the door to their first record contract – the beginning of an ambitious discography that currently includes more than fifty recordings. Their philosophy in the studio was – and continues to be – just as much about preservation of musical heritage as it is about entertainment. The group borrows heavily from a traditional music called isicathamiya (is-cot-a-ME-Ya), which developed in the mines of South Africa, where black workers were taken by rail to work far away from their homes and their families. Poorly housed and paid worse, the mine workers would entertain themselves after a six-day week by singing songs into the wee hours on Sunday morning. When the miners returned to the homelands, this musical tradition returned with them.

ACK MAMBAZO Saturday, February 23rd at 8:00pm In the mid-1980s, Paul Simon visited South Africa and incorporated Black Mambazo’s rich tenor/alto/ bass harmonies into his Graceland album – a landmark 1986 recording that was considered seminal in introducing world music to mainstream audiences. Graceland one many awards including the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year. A year later, Simon produced Black Mambazo’s first U.S. release, Shaka Zulu, which won the Grammy Award in 1988 for Best Traditional Folk Album. Since then, and in total, the group has received fifteen Grammy Award nominations and three Grammy Award wins. In addition to their work with Paul Simon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has recorded with numerous artists from around the world, including Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, Dolly Parton, Ben Harper and many others. Their CD, Long Walk To Freedom had guest singers join them, such as Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Melissa Etheridge, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal and others. Their film work includes an appearance in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker video and Spike Lee’s Do It A Cappella.They provided soundtrack material for Disney’s The Lion King, Part II as well as Eddie Murphy’s Coming To America, Clint Eastwood’s

Invictus, Marlon Brando’s A Dry White Season, Sean Connery’s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and James Earl Jones’ Cry The Beloved Country. A film documentary titled On Tip Toe: Gentle Steps to Freedom, the story of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, was nominated for an Academy Award. Their performance with Paul Simon on Sesame Street is legendary and is one of the top three requested Sesame Street segments in history. Just when one think the group should be slowing down they are entering what should be the busiest years of their career since Graceland. They have six new recording projects they are readying for release, a new concert DVD and a children’s project. No, time is not slowing down for the group. As Joseph Shabalala says, “We are teachers. We travel the world spreading our message of Peace, Love and Harmony. What could be better or more important than that.”

DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

Raul Midón Thursday, February 28th at 8:00pm “A free man beyond any category” (Huffington Post) best describes the unique musician that is blind singer/songwriter/guitarist Raul Midón. His singular timeless soul pop jazz sound garnered him a standing ovation during his television debut on Late Night with David Letterman and an open invitation back to The Tonight Show following his appearances there. This talented, mesmerizing, genre-defying artist has travelled the globe from India to Indiana spreading the message that you can do it, you can be yourself and be recognized and be bold. With three major label records under his belt – State of Mind, A World Within A World, and Synthesis – and countless appearances both on television worldwide and on other artist’s records, he is a pro and more a part of the musical landscape than you might realize. Not only have the music lovers of the world recognized Raul’s talents, so have some of the greatest musicians in recent history. You might have seen Raul featured in the recent documentary on Bill Withers, Still Bill, or in the Herbie Hancock documentary, Possibilities, or the documentary of the legendary producer Arif Mardin, All My Friends Are Here, where he declares that Raul is the only artist he ever signed to a label. His musical collaborations have also been broad and varied from a duet with Jason Mraz to a live recording with bass legend and producer Marcus Miller to playing The Budakan with Roberta Flack. People Magazine calls him an “eclectic adventurist” and the New York Times refers to him as an “unreconstructed hippy.” Guitar Magazine describes him as “one of those rare musical forces that reminds us how strong and deep the connection between man and music can sometimes be.” Midón will delight you with his wit and his musical virtuosity – all a result of his dedication to being the best he can be.

THE OAKVILLE CENTRE presents

BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

Supertramp • CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE • Tuesday, March 5th at 8:00pm But the only cut that really wrestles the dichotomy is The Logical Song. In this small masterpiece, singer Roger Hodgson enacts an Everyman who excoriates an education that preaches categorical jargon instead of knowledge and sensitivity. “And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable, clinical, intellectual, cynical,” he declaims, reeling off three- and four-syllable assonances with a schoolboy’s tongue-incheek worthy of Ray Davies and the Kinks. Flamenco flourishes and a hot sax break help deflate the tune’s self-pity with a wonderfully wry humor. The next “logical” thing for these guys to do with their awesome technique is to turn it more toward this sort of ironic drollery. Then Supertramp might become not only the best-sounding art-rock band in existence, but one of the most interesting.

Breakfast in America is a textbook-perfect album of post-Beatles, keyboard-centered English art rock that strikes the shrewdest possible balance between quasi-symphonic classicism and rock & roll. Whereas Supertramp’s earlier LPs were bogged down by swatches of meandering, Genesis-like esoterica, the songs here are extraordinarily melodic and concisely structured, reflecting these musicians’ saturation in American pop since their move to Los Angeles in 1977. Supertramp’s major problem is an increasing dichotomy between their rhapsodic aural style and a glib, endof-the-empire pessimism. The music in Gone Hollywood is so suffused with romantic excitement that it’s difficult to believe the ennui the lyrics claim: “So many creeps in Hollywood/...Ain’t nothin’ new in my life today.” Though laced with nice, Beach Boys-style falsettos, Goodbye Stranger, an uncharacteristically happy fantasy about endless one-night stands, seems far more honest.

~ Rolling Stone Album Review by STEPHEN HOLDEN, June 14, 1979

Craig Martin is the producer/wearer of many hats behind the Classic Albums Live series. These concerts are note for note, cut for cut classic albums that have shaped and defined rock music as we know it today and for tomorrow, Modern Classics Live. Each concert faithfully recreates an album note for note. Think Beatles and Stones for Classic and Nirvana and Radiohead for Modern Classic. “It’s not a tribute band” Mr. Martin says. “It’s a recital. Like listening to Mozart by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.” Craig hires specific musicians for each show, sometimes up to twenty. He even hired a children’s choir for Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. Mr. Martin says he’s only as much of a perfectionist as his audiences. “People are purists. They’re waiting to hear that certain note or squeal”. Classic Albums Live and Modern Classics Live are the ultimate for music lovers!

For more information see page 46

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Monday February 18, 2013 at 7pm

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Wednesday February 27, 2013 at 7pm

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Thursday April 18, 2013 at 7pm

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DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

Serena Ryder Friday, March 8th at 8:00pm

The studio-garage behind Serena Ryder’s home in Toronto is lined with guitars, her two gold records and autographs from musicians such as Willie Nelson and members of Wilco. Outside, a lone bottle of Sleeman’s sits on a picnic table . . . and inside, where Ryder wrote and recorded most of Harmony, her sixth record, the 29-year-old says she was able to step away from the box she’d forced herself into after winning the new artist of the year Juno in 2008. “The record had to do with letting go of my own self-made stereotype of who I was,” says Ryder, in knee-high black leather boots, second-skin silver pants and a vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket. “If I’m struggling, maybe I shouldn’t be doing what I’m doing, so let’s stop struggling with what my music is supposed to sound like and just allow the new music to happen.” The new music, from For You, which reinterprets Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, to Stompa, a single that wouldn’t be out of place on a Black Keys disc, came about after Ryder first played her manager 65 finished tunes. Ryder, who cut her first record at 16 and has been performing since she was eight, thought she’d written a terrific album. Her manager, however, who she’s been with for 11 years and considers family, wasn’t sure. “I was instantly super-defensive, but when I’m super-defensive, it’s probably my problem, not hers’,” says Ryder, who headed to Los Angeles in search of a producer and some fresh air. “There was no weight to it because I already had my record – I’m just going out for fun – but the fun ended up being the record, and I still ended up recording it in my backyard.” Ryder grew up singing in legion halls and hotel ball rooms in Millbrook, Ont., and her mix of country and folk acoustic guitar tunes made her an artist to watch for, especially after she released Unlikely Emergency in 2005. In total, she’s won three Junos, become pals with Melissa Etheridge and slid slowly into the warm fuzzy-slipper genre known as “adult pop.” With Harmony, the intention is to kick a motorcycle boot through the preconceived notion of her sound. “I expected the record to be a singer-songwriter folk thing, but it ended up an eclectic experiment and my voice sounds closer now to when I was younger, before I got tired of the game,” she says. “I’m not even concerned with what other people think about it because I love what I’m doing. I have a sense of confidence I haven’t had before.” For all her talk of reinvention, the music still sounds like a Serena Ryder disc. The fiveoctave voice is on display proudly and, despite the bar room thump of Stompa, you can still imagine some of the tracks playing during the last sequence of a Zac Efron film. Still, Ryder seems to have gotten her groove back. The backyard studio feels comfortably lived-in and she’s tattooed her album title on her left wrist. Better than a gold record or a Juno, she says, is the feeling of playing music she loves. “I’ve been in so many bands, but I figured I was playing around and then I’d go write my Serena Ryder music,” she says. “Maybe that’s why I had to write these 65 songs – to clear out some space to talk about what I felt in the moment instead of who I was. I feel it inside of me now. It just took me 15 years to get to this place.” ~ BEN KAPLAN, Nov 27, 2012, National Post

DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

Randy Bachman “EVERY SONG TELLS A STORY” Saturday, March 9th at 8:00pm run at the pop music charts. Monstrous hits for the band included, Let it Ride, Roll on Down the Highway, Takin’ Care of Business and You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet which reached #1 in over 20 countries. Randy’s career has been built upon his unstoppable drive to work at creating music. He has released numerous solo albums throughout his career, and has simultaneously worked at producing for other artists. His production/writing work with Canadian rock band Trooper generated gold and platinum records. In 2005, following the phenomenal success of the much-heralded four-year Guess Who reunion, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings decided that the time was right to finally go out under their own names. The critically-acclaimed pair toured extensively throughout North America, including two coast-to-coast Canadian tours to sold-out audiences. Known for his unwavering passion to create music, Randy Bachman started to work on a solo album with collaborations with friends Neil Young, Burton Cummings, the late Jeff Healey and Fred Turner. The creative process took an unexpected turn. Bachman’s already expansive career continued to diversify. In 2005 he established himself as an engaging radio personality – Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap on CBC and Sirius satellite radio is heard by millions worldwide each week. Noted for his contributions as an iconic Canadian rock musician and for his support of emerging artists as a producer, Randy Bachman has received many awards, including the Order of Canada in 2009. He continues to be in much demand as a songwriter, session player and solo artist. Though his music industry awards include dozens of coveted acknowledgments of legendary achievements, when asked which award is his most prized, he responds, “The one I haven’t got yet.”

Randy Bachman has earned over 110 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world for performing and producing. His song writing has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio play lists in over 20 countries and he has amassed over 40 million records sold. His songs have been recorded by numerous other artists and placed in dozens of television, movie and commercial soundtracks. His music has provided a veritable soundtrack of the last thirty years of popular music. He first scored Billboard radio chart success with his band The Guess Who in 1965 performing the song, Shakin’ All Over. After this initial success it would be another few years before the glare of the spotlight would be cast upon these young Canadian boys again. Sticking it out through some misadventures paid off for the band and they worked their way back up to the top of the charts in a spectacular way. This time, The Guess Who went on to virtually own the pop charts with an unprecedented run of 5 million-selling singles, all the product of the gold plated Randy Bachman-Burton Cummings song writing team. By 1970, The Guess Who had sold more records than the entire Canadian recording industry to that point, even outselling the Beatles that year. Their hits included These Eyes, Laughing, Undun, No Time, No Sugar Tonight and American Woman. Due to health concerns and desiring a change in lifestyle, which would include spending more time with his young family, Randy left the Guess Who at the height of their success. While this move stunned the music world, Randy knew that he could never leave music behind. He formed Brave Belt – a country rock outfit in 1970 and experimented with a new musical style and lineup that eventually metamorphosized into Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Unbelievably, Randy’s success with BTO would eclipse his earlier triumphs and give him yet a third

In association with

Why iOS 6 is Hot! Apple’s newest mobile operating system has over 200 new or updated features Apple’s newest mobile operating system has over 200, yes, that’s right, over 200 new or updated features! Here are just a few. Posting to Facebook is easier Now it’s easier than ever to share or post to Facebook while you’re in another app. Share a photo to FB right from Camera or Photos. Post your location right from Maps. Brag about your score right from Game Centre. Siri’s your new best friend Voice-activated personal assistant Siri is your new best friend. With iOS 6, Siri understands more languages and works in Canada. So you can ask Siri what the latest scores and stats are for your favorite teams and players. Or you can just ask Siri to open your favorite apps for you. Siri’s a great helper! Keep tabs on your friends Find My Friends is a great way to share locations with friends and family. Everyone who shares their locations with you appears on a map so you can quickly see where they are and what they’re up to. And with iOS 6, you can get location-based alerts – so everyone who’s connected can see when your kids leave school or arrive home. Find My Friends can also notify others about your location, so you can stay connected or keep track of others. Photo panorama We haven’t even told you about the new panorama feature for the iPhone and iPod. That you need to see. Core 1 in Downtown Oakville Bring the whole family into CORE 1! It’s the right place to try out the latest cool Apple products and ask questions. The friendly guys and girls in the black t-shirts will be happy to find you answers. You’ll be amazed at how Apple can help your kids get more out of school and have more fun! Look for CORE 1 in downtown Oakville at 249 Lakeshore Road East, just west of Trafalgar, or visit www.core1.ca.

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OAKVILLE INFINITI presents

Sébastien Lépine Project “THE SECRET (ROCK) LIFE OF A CLASSICAL MUSICIAN” Friday, April 5th at 8:00pm major festivals and music series, such as Music Niagara, the Festival de musique de Lachine, the Festival classique des Hautes-Laurentides, and the Algoma Conservatory Series. What’s more, his brilliant work has won him several prestigious awards and accolades. Among other things, he has earned the recognition of composer Gilles Bellemare, who dedicated his concerto for cello and orchestra to the virtuoso. Furthermore, he can be heard performing his own works on electric cello with the members of the progressive rock outfit - the Sébastien Lépine Project (SLP), of which he is the leader. Though his know-how and natural talent are undeniable, Lépine owes his success to his steady dedPhoto: Eric Gelinas ication towards the pursuit of his art, which can be traced back to his student years. Graduating with great distinction from the Conservatoire de Trois-Rivières, he strived to achieve his full creative potential by training with the most eminent instructors, including Hungarian cello master Janos Starker, at Indiana University.

One of the lucky few in the world to play on a Stradivarius cello dating back to 1699, Sébastien Lépine is a Canadian artist with a remarkable background. A distinguished soloist, chamber musician, and composer, he always pursues his art with an authentic passion that transpires through every note. His impeccable technique and extraordinary musical sensitivity make him an inspiring artist to watch. Over the course of his 10 year career, Sébastien has successfully carried out various projects and released several recordings, garnering high praise from critics and audiences alike. The cellist from Trois-Rivières has also given numerous performances across Canada and in the United States, Mexico, and Italy. In addition, many prestigious orchestras have invited him to guest as a soloist, including the Orchestre de la franco-phonie Canadienne, the Camerata Orquesta of Bellas Artes de Mexico, the Chihuahua Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières. Moreover, he frequently takes part in

DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE BIA presents

Carol Welsman Saturday, April 6th at 8:00pm

Carol Welsman is an internationally acclaimed singer and pianist whose expressive vocal styling and dynamic stage presence have captivated audiences around the world. She has sold over 60,000 CDs in Canada alone, something few jazz artists in Canada have experienced. See Carol in action once and you’ll never forget her. Tall and blonde, she sits poised at the piano, head back, fingers stretched over the keys, her slender body arched in a seductive curve. Then the music flows, a combination of voice and piano that seems symbiotically linked. Like bossa nova icon Joao Gilberto and his guitar, Carol’s honey and whiskey sound and her crisp, rhythmically articulate piano lines seem an integral part of each other. At a time when female jazz singers have been arriving in waves, she is that rarity – an authentic vocal/instrumental artist who brings an irresistible blend of musicality and lyrical insight to everything she touches. Carol’s focus upon the essential elements of her art is not surprising. Coming from a musical family (her grandfather was the founder and first conductor of the Toronto Symphony), she has studied in the U.S. (at Berklee College of Music) and Europe, and released seven albums since her first CD, Lucky To Be Me, in 1995. Her numerous achievements include the receipt of five Juno Award nominations and several Smooth Jazz Awards. She has become well-established as an international artist, touring the world, and performing in Italian, French, Portuguese and English. Carol is an extraordinarily talented musician and one of Canada’s finest vocalists and pianists.

An H2 SYSTEMS presentation • Thursday, April 11th at 8:00pm Now in its 10th year touring across Ontario every Spring, the Just For Laughs Road Show features four of the best stand-ups straight from the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy Festival! and Brooke Shields, The Perfect Christmas with Queen Latifah, and National Lampoon’s One, Two Many. Modi is a regular at the New York and Los Angeles comedy club circuits and tours across the US, United Kingdom, Holland and Israel.

Hailed as one of the hottest comics in Canada by GQ magazine, DARRIN ROSE is a familiar face on television. He is currently the host of Match Game on the Comedy Network, plays Bill the bartender on the hit CBC sitcom Mr. D, and is a regular cast member on MuchMusic’s Video On Trial. He has also appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Britain’s NutsTV, XM Satellite Radio and MTV Live. Rose is a four-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee – including Best Male StandUp in 2011 – and won a 2012 Canadian Screenwriting Award for comedy, following nominations in 2009 and 2010. He has performed at Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival, and the Edinburgh Comedy Festival where his one man show What’s Potpourri? was selected Best of the Fest and received four stars in 2010.

Brooklyn-born and raised WIL SYLVINCE is one of the most explosive comedians performing around the world today. Having performed at Just For Laughs festivals numerous times, he most recently brought down the house at last year’s TBS Just For Laughs Festival in Chicago last year. His performances on BET’s Comic View, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo all garnered him standing ovations. He has been hand-picked by comedian heavyweights Damon Wayans, D.L. Hughley, Chris Tucker and Bill Bellamy to tour the US. Sylvince also prides himself in his exceptional comedy writing skills. He was a contributor to Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show and Damon Wayan’s The Underground, and his comedy writing has also been featured on The Fugees’ album The Score and Wyclef’s The Carnival.

Multi-award winning stand-up comedian and Just For Laughs alum MARK WATSON is a former member of the famed Cambridge Footlights, and has been called a “stand-up superstar” by Time Out New York. This British comic has embarked on multiple worldwide tours, appeared on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo, Dave’s One Night Stand and 8 Out of 10 Cats, presented BBC2’s Never Mind the Buzzcocks and released his debut standup DVD last year. Since winning the first ever Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006, Watson has gone on to write four novels. He was also a specially invited guest at Al Gore’s inaugural Earth Summit, which led to Watson writing his first non-fiction book Crap At The Environment to critical acclaim. Voted one of the Top 10 Comedians in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter and BackStage, Just For Laughs alum MODI is one of the hottest comedians on the scene today. He has appeared on many television shows, including CBS’s CSI: NY, HBO’s The Sopranos, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and E! Entertainment’s Howard Stern Show. On the silver screen, Modi has played leading roles in two films: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the 2004 LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature length film released in 2006. He has also appeared in Our Italian Husband with Chevy Chase

Service is the Difference Whether the thrill of watching movies, listening to your favourite music or controlling your smart home from an iPad, the finished product is only the beginning. Our unparalleled service before, during and after installation respects your requirements and your property. Our award-winning System Designers, with special attention to detail, will listen carefully to your needs, educate you on your options and then create an intelligent turn-key solution for your audio, video and integration needs. Authorized dealer for 30+ top brands. Experience the luxury of personal service, quality and comfort that reflects your personality and good taste. All fully guaranteed. Call us for a free in-home consultation and visit our website to view our award winning projects and learn more about H2.

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DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

BOYZ II MEN Friday, April 12th at 8:00pm With its smooth brand of doo-wop/hip-hop, Boyz II Men has spearheaded the renaissance of the R&B vocal group, in the process revitalizing Motown Records (the band has become Motown’s best-selling act, and its second album, Boyz II Men II, is the label’s best-selling album of all time). The Boyz have sold over thirty million albums worldwide by the first half of 1997, and have managed to capture plenty of awards – not to mention plenty of hearts – along the way.

ear was discovered in 4th grade during a vocal class at his grade school. The music teacher started to play a song that the class had worked on a week earlier but began to play it in another key. Nathan quickly raised his hand, pointed out that the song was played in another key a week earlier, and began to sing the song in it’s original key. That sparked the teachers’ interest in Nathan’s natural gift of “relative pitch”, so he began to give Nathan private “Sight Singing” lessons as well as vocal and piano lessons.

The Boyz II Men story begins in 1988, at the Creative & Performing Arts High School of Philadelphia, where Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, Nate Morris (no relation), and Mike McCary first discovered that the sum of their four voices was definitely greater than the individual parts. Besides singing at school, they honed their harmonizing skills by singing on street corners and on subway platforms, billing themselves as Unique Attraction. Believing that things would start to happen for them professionally, if they could just get heard by the right person, they charmed their way backstage at a 1989 show at the Philadelphia Civic Center, where they knew their idol, Michael Bivins (of New Edition and Bel Biv Devoe fame) would be.

WANYA MORRIS Wanya Morris, born July 29, 1973, is a founding member of legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. Wanya, together with Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris (no relation) formed Boyz II Men as students at the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. Wanya, the group’s second tenor, has helped the group achieve international renown over the past two decades. Wanya currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and children. SHAWN STOCKMAN Shawn, born in Philadelphia on September 26, 1972 has helped to make Boyz II Men the best-selling R&B group of all time as the group’s tenor vocalist. For the past two decades, Stockman and his bandmates Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris have been crafting classic albums whose appeal has withstood the test of time.

NATHAN MORRIS The eldest & founding member of Boyz II Men got into music early by singing in church and playing the trumpet. His gifted

PARADISO RESTAURANT presents

“S”

Compagnie Flak • Thursday, April 18th at 8:00pm A Pay-What-You-Can Performance

A favourite of contemporary dance enthusiasts in Quebec, José Navas took a radical aesthetic turn in 2005: he abandoned all narrative artifices and imperatives and focused on pure movement, which he refined to the point of abstraction. This approach, a natural fit for him, guided the creation of S, a “meditation in movement” inspired by Érik Satie’s immortal Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes, performed live by celebrated French pianist Claire Chevallier. Presented

in its world premiere in Bruges in December 2008, S once again demonstrates the artist’s formal mastery. Eight magnificent dancers, carve out endless forms in space to Satie’s fluid and ethereal melodies. The symmetry of Satie’s studies in variations is echoed in the dance itself. S is also testament to Navas’s ability to choose strong and vital dancers. Of his next-generation cast, he rhapsodizes, “They are technically exquisite, with gorgeous classical technique.”

More than ever, Navas is recognizing the transcendental experience of attending a performance. “I think we can feel the spiritual at a show,” he says, describing the power of pure movement and the overriding glory and grace of music. “...a stunning piece of choreography, a perfectly geometric work, tight as a drum and impeccably paced...A rigorous anatomical study, both poetic and sensual.” ~La Presse

Swiss Interiors Celebrating 60 years in Downtown Oakville renovated updating the look to reflect the more transitional styling of much of the furniture as compared to its very traditional roots. In-store Sales Consultants help customers choose and customize furniture to suit their needs and tastes, and an interior design service is also available to help furnish homes large and small. The store’s best testament to it’s success is the amount of word-of-mouth business created. Customers happy with the selection and affordable pricing like to pass their discovery on to friends and family. If you haven’t yet discovered the store, or haven’t visited lately, it is definitely time to drop in. Please visit the website to preview the offerings at www.swissinteriors.com, but we encourage you to visit the store in person for the full experience.

2013 is a big year for Swiss Interiors when the store will be celebrating 60 years in Downtown Oakville. Known for its great selection of largely North American made furniture and a unique collection of home decor accessories, the store has grown from a small reupholstery shop to a large multi-level space displaying styles ranging from traditional to transitional. New trends are showcased alongside more classic designs all made for everyday living. The name “Swiss Interiors” came about because the founder is from Switzerland... none of the furniture is actually Swiss made! The name may confuse a few first time visitors to the store, but it’s longevity has prompted the 2nd generation currently managing the store to maintain the original name. It is not long before a new customer discovers that the store carries familiar quality brand names at competitive prices. All major furniture pieces such as bedroom suites, dining room suites, and sofas are strictly North American built. Supporting our Canadian and American manufacturing industries is important to the store and results in the added benefit of a better quality product built using safe processes and materials. The size of the storefront is misleading, as it appears small. The showroom actually spans an upper and lower floor, with the upper one connecting to the double wide building beside it. The exterior storefront and back has been recently

Swiss Interiors Ltd. 217 Lakeshore Rd E. Oakville, ON L6J 1H7 (across from the Towne Square) Phone: (905) 844-3530 Mon. - Thurs. - 9:30am - 6:00pm (Closed Mondays Canada Day to Thanksgiving)

Friday - 9:30am - 8:00pm Saturday- 9:30am - 5:00pm

1953

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Furniture & Home Decor

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For more information see page 18

Make your next event a historic performance! Halton Region Museum

Take advantage of a convenient location and historic surroundings in the heart of Kelso Conservation Area Halton Region Museum inside Kelso Conservation Area

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THE OAKVILE CENTRE presents

Led Zeppelin • CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE • Friday, April 19th at 8:00pm Physical Graffiti is a massive sprawl of music genres and styles, a melting pot of gold, of brilliance and immense talent. The best Zeppelin album behind IV, it truly showcases their unique and unsurpassable musical capacities. From the strutting, London club style riffs of Custard Pie, The Wanton Song and Sick Again to the 1940s style English folk Down By The Seaside to the gargantuan Far East Kashmir, Physical Graffiti is both a time machine and a space machine: influences from countries and times all over the world can be found here. SIDE 1 With a brilliant double opening of afore mentioned Custard Pie and the wonderfully poetic The Rover, we see that Zeppelin has lost none of their musical know-how. The Rover wins you over from the beginning with Jimmy Page’s huge riff and Plants imagery: “I’ve been to London, seen seven wonders/I know to trip is just to fall.” In My Time Of Dying, a monolithic, 11 minute blues piece, starts with a quiet, woozy yet rich slide guitar and builds up to freight train pace, yet never loses control. Houses Of The Holy, with its free, spiritual, chugging riff, is dedicated to the venues Zeppelin played at, with a nod to their drug happy fans as well: “Are you dizzy when you’re stoned? Let the music be your master/Will you heed the master’s call?” Trampled Underfoot, a swamp-funk miss, is the worst song on the album. The annoying keyboard and flat lyrics are a huge disappointment. It is quickly brushed aside by what follows it; Kashmir, one of Zeppelin’s greatest, and possibly their most ambitious, song. With rolling orchestral sweeps and Plant displaying all of his range and depth while the wonderful lyrics, influenced by trips all over the world through the subcontinent, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, add to the mystique, radio stations had no qualms about playing it, despite its 8:34 running time.

SIDE 2 The eerie, Ancient Egyptian style In The Light is one of the multi-talented, multi-instrumental, underrated Jones’ best works. Zeppelin were never able to recreate the spine tingling keyboard sound live, and one can only imagine how far it could’ve gone if they had. The two minute instrumental Bron Yr Aur, entirely composed by Page, is, while undoubtedly a filler, is a damn good filler. The idyllic Down By The Seaside sounds like an old wartime number that Vera Lynn might’ve done-until it drops into the heavy blues that Zeppelin became renowned for. The beautiful Ten Years Gone is a break up song that is a far cry from the “you’ve been bad to me woman, and I’m gonna leave you” line from Led Zeppelin I. Page’s magnificent emotive playing, with Plant’s wistful lyrics, melt over Bonham and Jones’ steady rhythms. Night Flight, an ode to the young people who went to Canada to dodge enlistment to Vietnam, is a fantastic piece, with Jones’ sunrise organ and Plant’s youthful voice. The Wanton Song, by its own rights, is a solid song. But compared to the rest of the album, it’s a fairly weak track. By contrast, the casbah jive of Boogie With Stu is fantastic stuff, as is the Deep South Black Country Woman. Sick Again, which would probably cause uproar amongst parent groups if released today, is just solid.

Although it isn’t the best Led Zeppelin album, if you ever wanted to define the incontainable talent and presence of one of the greatest bands of all time, this is your album. ~ SPUTNIK MUSIC, October 11, 2011

For more information see page 30

Celebrating Performing Arts in Oakville

Shop at our store in Oakville Place. 1-800-267-9000

Cogeco.ca 45

Cogeco is proud proud to support LIVE! At the Oakville Centre Centre 2013 season. The Oakville Centre Centre for the Performing Arts is an organization dedicated to providing providing residents residents with a place to lear n about themselves and the world learn around ar ound them through through o dance, music, storytelling and theatr theatre. heatre e.

Marbled Meats 100% Natural, Free Range, and locally sourced from Ontario family farms “We have all visited a butcher store and it is typically cold, smelly, and uninviting, with intimidating service and outrageous pricing,” says Tom Stasiuk, owner of Marbled Meats, “so I thought that if I could provide a fantastic product, with engaging and knowledgeable staff, fair pricing, all in a welcoming environment, the concept in itself should work.” And it does! The moment you walk into Marbled Meats on Lakeshore Road West (conveniently located across from the Kerr Street Beer Store), you know you’re in for a very different buying experience. Tom is ready to answer any and all questions you may have. For instance, within 5 minutes I learned that his “Beef Program” is supported by 3 different Family Farmed cattle. One farmer based north of Brampton supplies Marbled Meats with 100% grass fed and dry aged product resulting in extremely lean, very tender Tenderloin, Striploin and Ribeye cuts. Their dry aged, grass fed and finished on corn product is farmed in Norwich Ontario resulting in very well rounded marbling and fantastic flavour. Their third beef farmer provides them with a very unique product available only through Marbled Meats. It is Prime Grade Beef raised in Southern Ontario which is fed strictly corn and finished on beer to produce very well marbled and extremely tender cuts. And the price? Well here is another area where you will be pleasantly surprised! For instance, their dry aged, grass fed, Beef Tenderloin is $25/lb – an exceptional value when compared to other local Butchers’ prices at $35/lb or higher. A 40% savings! “It took me over 3 months to find the current suppliers that truly represented what Marbled Meats stood for, which is 100% Natural, Free Range, and local

meats.” says Tom. “I met with many that strived to meet all three criteria, but most fell short. Our current farmers and suppliers truly represent our philosophy of responsible and sustainable farming with a sincere passion for what they do. I invite you to try our products, it is my personal guarantee you and your family will love them.” Marbled Meats also has exceptional Free Range chicken and eggs. “Our poultry comes from Fenwood Farms just outside Ancaster, and we feel it is the best chicken you will ever have. Vitamins and herbs are used to build their immune system so that no antibiotics are used, and the feed consists of a custom blend of natural grains. Each bird is given fresh air, clean well water, and lots of space to roam to ensure a true Free Range product.” Tom continues, “Green Meadow Eggs is our Free Range eggs supplier. They are a group of Amish family farmers in Aylmer, using traditional and 100% natural methods of farming producing the freshest and tastiest eggs available anywhere. You just have to try them!” But be warned! Since Marbled Meats never keeps a frozen inventory, there is a chance they might be sold out of an item near the end of the week. Not to worry. Just give Tom a call or email and he’ll happily place your item on hold. Bon appetit!

Marbled Meats is conveniently located on the north side of Lakeshore Road across from the Kerr Street Beer Store.

Owner Tom Stasiuk is passionate about his products and is happy to answer any and all questions.

Marbled Meats Oakville 115 Lakeshore Road W. (just west of Kerr) Oakville ON L5C 1D6 Phone: (905) 582-4272 www.marbledoakville.com

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A provincial minister is pointing the Region for the finger of blame infrastructure at the woes facing Halton.

Each year, The Oakville Beaver contributes over e on Water Street Olympian at hom Learning under fire $300,000 in support of our community Inside

The sentiment was expressed by newly-appointed Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman in a letter he recently sent to Regional Chair The correspond Gary Carr. ence came in response to a letter minister detailing Carr sent the Full Delivery: Food Basics, Superstore, F the Region’s Longo’s, H e Outfitters, Hom ’ Fairness for C Canadian Tire, T Wal-Mart, Halton campaign, Shoppers Drug u Mart, Superstore, which says the Longo’s, Hom H e Outfitters, region Sears Partial Delivery: modate the thousands can’t accomDominion, Pharmassist, of residents Linens-N-T called for in the N hings, Creepers, Price Chopper C Province’s Places , Ho-Lee-Ch H ow, w H e Hard Hom OA H ware, Regency to Grow plan without NIKKI WESLEY / Fireplaces, some Sobeys, Pharma Plus, Fortino’s, ing help for infrastructu hefty fundets. ’ Zellers, Goemans was ho Bouclair, failed to find r Michael’s, re. ’ k Adam van Koeverdenvan Ko The Source, The T he suspect The campaign K the Brick, Adam silver-medalist kayaker Staples Business Depot, Best Buy : Oakville Olympicof a street sign on a road to be called he began slashing what Queen’s Park know lets those at Harb y Pier 1 Imports, m The Barn Fruit Club, at Oakville causing SIGN OF HONOUR TRAINING DAY: unveiling Market M funding shortfalls about the local T ys R Us, Futur Toy h the knife the Burloak Canoe Friday with the e Shop LIESA KORTMANN Canada distribution Oakville firefighter recruits that need to be minor lacera- Town of Oakville Street and is near his home club, in training combat fixed — such racterized as facility on Rebecca Water as a municipal a flame created It is currently W Street. infraby a fire simul structure deficit of $300 million victim began — in order to meet the attack, the the attracting the specified in Places growth targets Koeverden Stre g for police, to Grow. The plan the most fitting the park who just re www.car “It's says of people in him — perhaps town. Water staroakville.com posed Halton’s population is supvan Koeverde road in the entire ■ By Jon Kuiperij his aid. to increase ■ By David Lea winds west of scene, but police BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR of hon 547 Trafalgar 300,000 to 780,000 by more than Street, which spect fled the OAKVILLE BEAVER to the guest Rd. down day. A by and the 2031. ST TAFF had originated, Street Friday evenin arrest later in More than $2.5 kayak- Navy so that the fire 26, has been Club, where van billion will be p could n re-ignite from m van Koeverden’s Adam needed for infrastructu Burloak Canoe nthony Wilson, his was also the intense heat It took only one with a weapon re to accom2212 Wyecroft helped put Oakville Koeverden spent many of of the by t spark and the prowess Last modate award ing with robbery week’s the Rd. growth suddenly new firefighters y experience provided m developing to 2021, while found themselves with probaon Friday, training for the more som than $8.6 billion Council t adolescent years on the map and facing an inferno. ure to comply With a combinatio 24 recruits from pion athlete, will be required the favour. Department and the Oa n of diesel and to serve the population into a world-cham Adam van Town returned ing everywhere its one that they S! now has a • Full Mechanical to hospital as r YEAR increase to huge balls of orange gasoline spray- nity to redo had the The 26-year-old Repairs will also be known victim was taken injuri Carr informed over and over FOR 252031, 20 feet into the es and flame exploded • Emissions ILLE ly named after his n the air throwing up T Testing OAKV The heated training again. g & Repairs street ceremonial But, Smitherma minister. e was treated for black smoke. at 7 a.m. at D thick plumes SERVING (Only at W day was courtesy n said the of simulator, Wyecroft location) charity ride began n Province and its r located at d. 180 Bike Ride. The for the Beaver Valley and Colli Undeterred, the V Places to Grow firefighters manned facility on Rebecca the Petro Canada dist Friday’s Beaver Valley plan officers carry aren’t the cause and dosed the as a fall fitness program at the outset of w enforcement law Street, which shows their hoses of the problem. flame, pushing climb a tough hill what they would The ride, which began The torch run sees fire “The servicing it back until it and finally went .torchrun.org. face if a fire took Olympics Ontario. or www.ontario ATHLETES: Riders the Beaver Valley ski club. costs you indicate shrank of a w out. place fuel spill or a ruptured as th ATHLETES FOR 180 km before finishing at Enforcement Torch Run for Special rer and valley180.org Following their w across Law & Dorval ■ See Carr page visit www.beaver pipe. training, the firefighters your valuable Manufactu East and moved and this year will benefit the “All last month Between Kerr C 4 For more information, ued to hose down S – We guarantee take care of the Paperwork for you. we brought all years contin- ers the metal piping, Oakville fire the last two funds for Special Olympics Ontario. in here, we gave and ESS! Rebates where them all refresher ernment the fire awareness and Why is -2949 trainin D IN THE BUSIN call 905-844 m to follow sked the youth when the nearby park and a knife. d he pulled out the youth’s e knife close to money, but pect demanded n refused. answer, the g ‘no’ for an the ground w the youth to the young going through

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H2 SYSTEMS presents

Wingfield Lost & Found Saturday, April 20th at 8:00pm American debuts to great acclaim at The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 1994. Rod is the winner of the 1991-92 “Dora” Award (best performance by an actor in a leading role) for his performance in the first three Wingfield plays.

In the midst of a record drought, wells on the Seventh Line are drying up. A search to locate a new well on Wingfield Farm ensues, but distractions abound: a hightech cattle drive, a battle with yellow jackets, a feud with a red-tailed hawk, an eccentric line-up of water witches and a well-driller who is only too happy to perforate the ground at forty dollars a foot. Is it the end of farming for Walt and Maggie, or can the precious liquid be found? More than an environmental comedy, Wingfield Lost and Found is a whimsical reminder that searching can turn up more than what is lost and teach us the value of more than what is found.

DAN NEEDLES (playwright) Dan Needles spent half of his childhood in the city and half on the family farm at Rosemont, Ontario. After university he went to work as editor of the local newspaper in Shelburne where he created the character of Walt Wingfield, the retired stockbroker turned farmer, who told about his adventures on the farm in a series of weekly letters to the editor. In 1985 Dan drew from these columns to write his first play Letter From Wingfield Farm. Wingfield’s Progress followed in 1987, Wingfield’s Folly in 1990, Wingfield Unbound in 1997, Wingfield On Ice in 2001, Wingfield’s Inferno in 2005 and Wingfield Lost and Found in 2009.

ROD BEATTIE (actor) A veteran of fifteen seasons with the Stratford Festival (most recently in Wingfield’s Inferno in the 2005 season), Rod Beattie is one of the most respected and versatile actors in Canadian theatre. His extensive credits include radio, television, film and live performances across Canada; featured roles include Ed in Ed’s Garage at the Grand Theatre and Theatre Orangeville, Felix in The Odd Couple at Segal Centre, Montreal, Johnny Pateen Mike in The Cripple of Inishmaan at Theatre Calgary, Bill in The Love List and Greg in Sylvia at the Belfry Theatre, Victoria, John Proctor in The Crucible and Father Gustave in Blessings in Disguise at Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Professor in Oleanna at the Grand Theatre and the National Arts Centre (opposite Sandra Oh) and Andy Ladd in an Ontario tour of Love Letters (opposite Martha Henry). Over the past twenty years or so Rod’s name has become synonymous with the Wingfield series which has brought him acting awards, rave reviews and sold-out houses across Canada. Rod and Walt made their

DOUGLAS BEATTIE (director) Douglas Beattie became an independent producer and director in 1979. His association with Dan Needles goes back to childhood summers spent on the farm. In addition to heading the Wingfield team Doug has been guest director at the Stratford Festival, the Belfry Theatre, Victoria, Lighthouse Festival, Port Dover ON, Theatre Orangeville, the Blyth Festival, the Piggery Theatre, North Hatley PQ, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Gryphon Theatre, Barrie ON, and the Grand Theatre, London ON (Ed’s Garage, The Perils of Persephone). He was consultant to Primedia’s television production of Letter From Wingfield Farm which won the 1991 “Gemini” Award for best performing arts program and is co-executive producer of the Wingfield TV series.

DAN COOPER OF ROYAL LEPAGE presents

Madison Violet Saturday, May 4th at 8:30pm • In The Studio Theatre Finding the good in goodbye is always bittersweet. JUNO nominated roots duo Madison Violet (Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac) can attest to that with their latest release, The Good In Goodbye, an album born from their growth, both together and apart. The Good In Goodbye is an open diary of their personal and professional experiences together as friends and musicians, two very unique relationships that affect each other in profound ways. Since releasing their last album, No Fool for Trying (2009), Madison Violet won the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their track “The Ransom,” took home the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, and were nominated for multiple East Coast Music Awards and a 2010 JUNO Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year (Group). As a follow-up to their breakthrough successes in 2010, The Good In Goodbye captures the duo’s growth and musical maturity. Their distinct take on iconic Americana-inspired up-tempo melodies beautifully contrasts with their breathtakingly sweeping and personal lyrics, creating songs that blend nods to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch with radio-friendly flecks of The Court-Yard Hounds. To capture the intimacy of The Good In Goodbye, Madison Violet returned to the studio with trusted friend and producer Les Cooper (Jill Barber) while bringing a collective of remarkable musicians into the fold, including Joel Stouffer (Dragonette) on drums, Adrian Lawryshyn (Andy Stochansky) on bass, and vocals from Ruth Moody (The Wailin’ Jennys) and singer/songwriter Blair Packham. Though Madison Violet seemingly made their mark in the last year or so, success was hard earned, spending up to eight months a year on the road, winning fans and champions the old-fashioned way, one song at a time, one gig at a time. The duo has sold-out venues across North America and Europe, had the prestigious distinction of touring with Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Cafe, and has shared stages with contemporaries such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Ron Sexsmith and The Indigo Girls. With their newest effort, Madison Violet prove that they’re among Canada’s brightest singer/songwriters.

PARADISO RESTAURANT presents

Ballet Creole Wednesday May 8th at 7:00pm • A Pay-What-You-Can Performance BALLET CREOLE Established in August 1990, Ballet Creole comprises both a professional ensemble of dancers and musicians, as well as a Professional School of Performing Arts. With an emphasis on the disciplines of the Caribbean and Africa, Ballet Creole focuses on traditional and contemporary dance while infusing music from around the world. In its name, Ballet Creole has revived the old French connotation of “ballet” signifying “dance”, and “creole” referring to a melding of different dance styles and cultural influences. Ballet Creole – known as the Forerunner of Blacks in Dance, is proud to present this special presentation with Master Drummer from Guinea West Africa with a World Premiere Production entitled “TOUNKANDE” in honour of Black History Month in Canada. A unique and creative collaboration between Patrick Parson (Ballet Creole, Artistic Director), Guest Artists – a Master Djembefola from Africa and a Cuban Master Drummer, Reimondo Sosa, this project brings together song, dance and rhythms of Guinea, West Africa. This new work celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Malinke people and shares the importance of connecting the social and historical understanding of their traditions as it links with the present.

performed and toured with the Battle of Santiago, Jane Bunnett, Glenda Del E , Hilario Duran, Iya Ire Afrocuban EensembleE, Dirty Maria, Ballet Creole, Ogguere, Telmary Jazz Poet, Lady Son & Articulo 20, among others, as well as solo performances at Muhtadi Drum Festival, Brazilian Festivals and others. PATRICK PARSON Patrick Parson founded Ballet Creole in 1990. He is the Artistic Director and Principal Choreographer for the Ballet Creole Dance Company and the Musical Director for Creole Drummatix. He also founded Ballet Creole’s School of Performing Arts, a Post-Secondary Professional Training Program for aspiring dancers concentrating on Dunham and Graham modern techniques complimented by Afro-Caribbean and Cuban dance training. He is a respected professor at York University in the Kinesiology Department and also earned his Masters Degree in Dance Ethnology at York University. Patrick regularly conducts dance/music workshops and lecture demonstrations for educators and student bodies in Boards of Education and Universities throughout Canada. Patrick toured internationally as principal dancer with the Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theatre of Trinidad. His professional dance and choreographic experience spans Caribbean, African, East Indian, Jazz and Modern dance styles. Patrick acquired Ballet and Modern training at the Caribbean School of Dance, the Dance Academy of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ryerson University dance department. He is a graduate of Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT), and most recently furthered his training at Jacob’s Pillow.

REIMUNDO SOSA Born in Havana, Cuba, Reimundo began studying percussion when he was 6 years old. He studied Rumba, the Bata drums, the traditions of Santeria and the music of the Orishas. He has travelled to Mexico, Martinique, and Canada. Reimundo leads Afro-Cuban percussion private classes and workshops. He has

THE OAKVILE CENTRE presents

Bob Marley • CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE • Friday, May 10th at 8:00pm Exodus, commonly considered as Marley’s opus, was released in 1977, after Marley’s biggest commercial success in America, the mostly unremarkable Rastaman Vibration. Marley finally managed to grow from being the cult hero of hazy-eyed frat boys to being a legitimate star, and easily the most successful and identifiable reggae star at the time. But the biggest event of this time period was in December of 1976. Two days before Marley was set to play the Smile Jamaica concert, which was organized by the prime minister of said country, Marley and his wife were gunned down inside his house. The two were seriously injured from the attack, but they were alive. And that’s all Marley needed. Two days later, Marley played the show injured. Exodus features a rejuvenated Marley, exuberant and happy to be alive. If Marley was feeling any gloomy thoughts about his neardeath, they sure don’t show through here, instead, Exodus features a laid-back, stoned atmosphere that’s simultaneously funky and political. In fact, Marley might not even be the star here; that reward goes to the rhythm section of the Wailers. Bassist Aston Barrett plays a liquid-y bass that’s never overly technical, but it provides a dark, flat feel to the album. This, with brother Carlton Barrett’s superb drumming notwithstanding, leaves plenty of room for Marley and guitarist Junior Marvin to wander freely. But this is still very much Marley’s album, and it shines through with his vocal talent and his lyrical content. Unlike other Marley albums, Exodus shies away from the cryptic story-telling of previous albums and tells much more straightforward stories. “Exodus” is a call for change, told most obviously in the verses: “Open up your eyes/look inside/are you happy with the life you’re living?” Marley touches on religious politics again with the transcendent closer “One Love/People Get Ready” and with the most rock-based track on the album,

“Heathen”. But most of the time Marley simply tries to get away from the political messages that nearly almost took his life. “Jammin’” is a sultry sex tune, with a pulsating bass beat and soulful piano lines to add a fresh smell of nostalgia to the song, almost like a reggae Frank Sinatra, only with more of a funk. “Three Little Birds” holds the title of simply being the most uplifting song ever, and bonus track “Punky Reggae Party” takes notice of musical trends happening elsewhere in the world. Hell, the whole second half provides five of the greatest songs Marley ever written, and it might be the best side of vinyl ever created. Vocally, Marley provides almost a minimalist approach, never trying to reach out or prove his abilities with falsettos or whatever other vocal techniques people use. He just sings the songs, and he provides more emotion with his straightforward vocal technique than anything Chris Martin or Bono could ever provide. But that’s the thing with Exodus -- it’s just so different. It’s undoubtedly a classic album, and Marley’s legacy still lives on, whether its mentions of his name in movies such as Knocked Up or I Am Legend, or if it’s Time Magazine naming Exodus the best album of the twentieth century. But Marley never really defined the music he was representing. His style of reggae isn’t really what was dominant in Jamaica at the time, and it doesn’t really sound a whole lot like any reggae that came before it. Exodus is much more rooted in the blues and soul, has a little pinch of the British rock that much of his fanbase was also listening to, with a reggae façade thrown on top. But if Exodus was straight reggae, it probably wouldn’t be as good as it is. While Wal-Mart may be content with stocking their “M” section with twenty copies of Legend, fans who might be looking for the true experience must buy this. Hell, any fan of music should buy this. Exodus is an album I can say is a classic, without any hesitation or second thoughts. It is that good.

~ SPUTNIK MUSIC, January 9th, 2008

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Oakville couple loves their new life in The Village! Activities aside, the Patons discovered a Murray and Gail Paton have traded in the good community full of fascinating people and a life for the better life. myriad of social, educational and interest Two years ago, they moved from their 3,200 groups to join. Gail volunteers at the Shaw sq ft home in Oakville, where they lived for 15 Festival and Murray conducts historic War of years, to a 2,400 sq ft townhome in The Village. 1812 walking tours. They also downsized to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Indeed, the Patons have discovered that a 15where their property taxes are a third of what minute walk with their dog is replete with they were in Oakville and their cost of living is amiable greetings and chatter with the less. “We absolutely love it here,” said Gail. “It neighbours. When they head down south for was a perfect choice for this stage in our lives,” their winter respite, Murray added Murray. “We wanted and Gail take comfort in to achieve certain financial knowing they can lock up and life objectives but didn’t their home and leave it want to sacrifice the lifestyle without worry, as one or we enjoyed in Oakville. We more of their neighbours are haven’t in any way.” always willing to do “house “It is one of the most unique checks” while they are away. and special places because it The pair loves the combines agriculture, wintraditional village design of eries and natural beauty, with their new community, which historic sites and cultural they liken to the historic venues – art galleries, fine design of the colonial city of restaurants and world-class Williamsburg, in Virginia. Yet theatre,” added Murray. all of the modern convenNiagara-on-the-Lake was iences are close at hand too. recently dubbed “Canada’s Niagara-on-the-Lake’s proxCulinary Capital” hosting the “We didn’t want to sacrifice the highest amount of fine rest- lifestyle we enjoyed in Oakville. imity to Oakville and Toronto We haven’t in any way.” makes it easy to visit friends aurants and food producers and for Murray to handle periodic business per capita. The Town also has four museums, meetings. Even accessing the U.S. border is just many public parks and playgrounds, 16 a 15-minute trip. churches and six public and private art galleries “It’s a simpler life,” said Murray. “I certainly for a start. don’t miss the traffic and congestion of the city There’s a new community centre near the and yet the GTA is only an hour’s drive away. couple’s home that houses a banquet hall, You can be as busy or as quiet as you wish. With conference rooms, a cafe, a public library and all that the community has to offer, we never an athletic fitness centre. Right across the street lack for interesting things to do! It is one of the from The Village, the Jackson Triggs Winery most unique and special places.” amphitheatre offers a variety of top-flight summer musical concerts. And the Music Niagara summer music festival offers superb The Village Presentation Centre jazz, choral and classical music in wonderful 111c Garrison Village Drive venues throughout the Town. Off season, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 there’s an international film festival from Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm December through February, a candlelight Sunday & Holiday Mondays: 1pm - 5pm walk in December and ice wine festivals in Phone: (905) 468-0050 January and February.

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