2010 WIJBF Performers: Chris Kirby & John Clarke

Two things that can be truly said about Chris Kirby and John Clarke…they both love the blues…and they don`t play together nearly enough! However, when schedules permit, they have an absolute blast playing the classic blues songs as well as acoustic versions of Chris`s original material. It`s a spontaneous jam between two friends who love to play the blues, who dig slide bars, acoustic guitars, and when the gig is over, wonder …”Why don`t we do this more often anyway”?

When not doing this gig, Chris keeps real busy with his multi award winning electric trio The Marquee, and John is a regular dobro sideman to a long list of songwriters and blues players.

Sponsor of the Week: The Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland

The 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival would not be possible without the support of our corporate and media sponsors. To show our appreciation for their support, Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues (WJB) will be showcasing a different sponsor each week. This week’s sponsor of the week is Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland.
Overlooking St. John’s harbour, Newfoundland’s landmark hotel, Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is at the centre of a thriving community offering travelers a wealth of amenities all within easy reach of the city’s myriad attractions. A preferred location for business & leisure travel, special occasions & conferences, the hotel features 301 spacious guestrooms, including 14 refined suites. Each space is beautifully appointed, equipped with High Speed and features breathtaking views of the city or harbour.

Delight in the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland’s onsite restaurant, revive with a workout in the Health Club, hold an event in its exemplary meeting facilities or gather with friends in the new lounge, BIVVER – classy, chic & intimate.

Touring artists performing at the Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival need a place to stay while in St. John’s; the support of Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland helps Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues offer exemplary accommodations to its touring artists at an affordable cost. Additionally, Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland also donates beautiful meeting space in the hotel to act as the downtown headquarters for staff and volunteers working during the Festival. Sheraton’s generosity forms a foundation for the logistics of the Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival, and for that, WJB wants to say thank you!

WJB would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for the contributions of Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, the Sponsor of the Week!

The Volunteer of the Week is……….YOU!

Each week, WJB profiles one of its volunteers as part of its commitment to recognizing all their selfless contributions to our cause. This week, our featured volunteer is… YOU!

Or rather, it could be – This is a Call for Volunteers for the 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival. Last week Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues hosted a Volunteer Rally for all people interested in helping us execute the operations of for the 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival. The response was great, with over 50 people in attendance.

The good news for you is that there are still lots of opportunities to volunteer at Festival events. Many positions are filled, but there are still more vacant – positions like box office ticketing agent, merchandise vendor, security crew, and transportation crew, just to name a few. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, learn new skills and help create a great community – all while taking in concerts by your favorite jazz, blues and world music! It doesn’t get much better than that.

All of our volunteers contribute, going above and beyond the call of duty. Likewise, all of our volunteers deserve recognition for their efforts. Take this chance to get involved with the 2010 Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Festival and you could find your picture on our e-newsletter alongside an article singing your praises (After, of course, we obtain your permission!).

That’s why YOU are this week’s volunteer of the week! Be sure to tell your friends!

Former Union Hall fitting site for World Premiere of Patrick Boyle’s CBC Commission “Well Enough Alone”

Patrick Boyle will also be performing at the 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival

The LSPU HALL will vibrate with the sounds of five of Newfoundland’s outstanding jazz artists when they unite during Sound Symposium XV to
perform the World Premiere of Patrick Boyle’s powerful and evocative jazz suite “Well Enough Alone”.

Commissioned by CBC Radio the piece explores a musical narrative of harmony, tension and improvisation that parallels the contentious debate
of Newfoundland’s union with Canada. A debate that has lasted 60 odd years.

Written for Jazz Quintet of trumpet, saxophone, piano, double bass and drums it is the first large scale original piece of music written to
acknowledge this critical event in Newfoundland and Canadian History.

This premiere unites some of Newfoundland’s outstanding jazz musicians  including; internationally renowned horn player John Nugent; Juno award winning double bassist Jim Vivian; composer, arranger and multi instrumentalist Bill Brennan; and one of Canada’s first call rhythm
keepers Michael Billard drums.

Trumpeter and composer Patrick Boyle has appeared on over 40 album projects including 2 critically acclaimed solo recordings. He has composed for film, television, and theatre. A native of Mount Pearl, Patrick has performed throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and most recently at Carnegie Hall in New York. An accomplished academic, Patrick will join the faculty of the University of Victoria School of
Music in Fall 2010.

Concert will be recorded for CBC Radio’s National Concert Series “Canada Live” And the regional arts show The Performance Hour

Tickets available at the LSPU Hall and http://www.soundsymposium.com

Fresh “Bulls Eyes” with the first 49 tickets sold.

Tuesday July 6, LSPU Hall, 7:30pm

There are three sets.

1st set – Patrick Boyle Quintet, Well Enough Alone: The Confederation Suite

2nd set – Flautist Yael Archer http://www.modianomusic.net/

3rd – Patrick Boyle Quintet, originals and standards

Sweet Music To My Ears – Music Organization Representatives Talk All About Musicians’ Rights And Royalties

by Dave Goudie

On Saturday, June 19th, 2010 a free workshop was held by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, the Newfoundland and Labrador Musicians’ Association, and Music NL to help musicians to better understand their rights and various different means of income. The presentation was given by a panel consisting of a representative from each organization: Katrina Rice of the NL Arts Council, Dan Rubin of the NL Musicians’ Association, and Jen Winsor of Music NL.

The workshop consisted of an introduction by Dan Rubin followed by informative presentations by each of the panel members concerning various income sources and services for musicians provided by their respective organizations. Some of these included Music NL and FACTOR recording grants, AFM pension plans, various royalties such as performing, mechanical, and neighbouring rights royalties, as well as the importance of contracts. As an audience member the amount of information was ample and a little bit daunting at times; however there were plenty of information sheets to take for later reference making it a very accessible and enriching session. Following the presentations, free coffee and delicious homemade muffins were available during a short breather giving attendees the opportunity to socialize with one another or to roll all the new information around in their heads or to do both! Upon resuming the workshop a question and answer period was held with no shortage of inquiry or enthusiasm. Within a short time a strong air of community had grown amongst the group and it felt more like a bunch of friends sitting around talking about interesting and important issues and sharing experience than an official question and answer period. A final thank you was then given by the group, ending the session.

The workshop was such a success that there is talk of further workshops on other different aspects of the music business. From the point of view of an audience member it was great to see all of this information in one place and presented in such a coherent manner. With the level of enthusiasm in the room and word inevitably spreading, it would not be a long shot to say that a further presentation would be just as if not even more electric.

For more information on the organizations involved:

Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council:
http://www.nlac.nf.ca/index.htm

Newfoundland and Labrador Musicians’ Association:
http://www.nlmusicians.com

Music NL:
http://www.musicnl.ca

Applications for 2011 National Artists Program Being Accepted

Tourism, Culture and Recreation

June 24, 2010 Applications for 2011 National Artists Program Being Accepted The Provincial Government is encouraging young artists to apply for the 2011 National Artists Program (NAP), a mentorship program for artists ages 16-22 offered in conjunction with the upcoming Canada Winter Games, taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 11-27, 2011. “This two-week program offers young artists the exciting opportunity to gain increased knowledge and professional development in their chosen discipline,” said the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. “The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to our province’s emerging artists and arts community, and I encourage young men and women throughout the province to take advantage of this program and all the benefits it has to offer up-and-coming artists.” Three artists will be selected from each province/territory, for a total of 39 participants. Team Newfoundland and Labrador artists will be selected by a jury of established artists based on artistic talent, commitment to the creative development of their artistic discipline, and ability to collaborate. Under the guidance of senior arts facilitators, NAP participants will engage in a variety of training and presentation opportunities. Costs associated with travel, accommodations and meals will be covered by the Canada Games.　The deadline to submit an application is September 30, 2010. For an application for NAP, along with detailed information about program objectives and eligibility requirements, please visit: www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/formsandApplications/index.html#Arts or contact Jacki Northcott at 709-729-3842 or jackinorthcott@gov.nl.ca

2010 Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues Workshop Schedule Finalized

Creaking Tree String Quartet – Thursday July 15, 3 p.m. – Yellow Belly

“Putting The Range In Arrangements” – Arranging Tunes For Small Groups

Spend an hour with The Creaking Tree String Quartet as they describe the methods behind the madness of some of their arranging concepts. The group will take their own material and explain how it went from a melody and chords to a performable, planned arrangement. They will also answer general questions and touch on topics of interest to the audience.

Dominic Mancuso – Saturday July 17, 1:00 p.m. – Dusk Ultralounge

“In The Moment ” – Approaches To Live Performance

2010 JUNO award winner Dominic Mancuso will lead the workshop with some of Canada’s most versatile & innovative musicians (Tony Zorzi on guitars and John Johnson on saxes and woodwinds). Employing a broad musical vocabulary, they’ll explore a porous approach to live musical performance, engaging the audience as much as the performer. Performance and Q&A to follow.

H’Sao – Saturday July 17, 3:00 p.m. – The Majestic Theatre

“Chadian Rhythms” – African Dance & Singing

With their stellar acapella voices, harmonies and dancing, this group will move your spirit as well as your feet!  H’Sao are a Montreal based group who draw from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots, H’sao display clear soul, pop, and R&B influences. This is a workshop is sure to get you moving.

Morgan Davis – Sunday July 18, 1:00 p.m. – Dusk Ultralounge

“History of the Blues” – Interactive Demonstration

Using music from his personal collection, interspersed with commentary and anecdotes along with audience participation, he takes folks on a journey spanning two continents and 80 years of recorded blues. From African music to the “field hollers” of the southern U.S., from Mississippi to Chicago… From Georgia to Texas, Morgan illustrates regional styles as well as influences and interpretations from one artist to another, often using recorded snippets along with his own guitar.

Simon Fisk– Sunday July 18, 3:00 p.m. – The Masonic Temple

“Exploring Free Spaces” – Spontaneous Improvisation”

Spontaneous versus frivolous or reactive improvisation clinic. Spontaneous meaning listening/absorbing what is happening and becoming part of the musical ensemble as opposed to frivolous or reactive improvisation where what is actually happening is merely reacted to rather than absorbed and participated in. The trio will talk about opening up song forms and stretching into free spaces and ways to arrive back. They will also introduce integral ear training exercises to strengthen ones intuitive playing, as well as ways to practice intuitive playing.

Note:

Educational Workshops are open to all ages and have an admission of $10.00 at the door.
Instruments are welcome.

Week 15 of our Festival Pass Giveaway. This Could be Your Week!

It’s week fifteen of the great Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues giveaway contest! This week’s contest prize is a 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz and Blues Festival Pass and a copy of “Guts & Garbage” by Kirsten Price Week fourteen’s contest winner is Elaine Wychreschuk. Elaine wins a 2010 WIJBF Pass and a copy of “Into the Dirt” by Thom Swift Trio. Congratulations to Elaine and thank you to all entrants.

The answer to last week’s question was Electronic Press Kit To win the a 2010 festival pass and CD this week you have to answer the following question: Can you name the three outdoor venues to be used during this years festival? (As posted on the WJB blog).

Email your answer to contests@wreckhousejazzandblues.com

Keep up to date with the latest news from Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues; •

• Twitter (http://twitter.com/WreckhouseJazz ),
• Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24122918689 )
• Newsletter (www.wreckhousejazzandblues.com and enter your email at the top of the screen).

Thanks to all the people who have signed up to our social networking sites as well as the newsletter. Winners of week fifteen’s contest will be drawn at random on Tuesday June 29th. Contest details and winners will be posted on our blog (https://wreckhouse.wordpress.com/). Good Luck! We look forward to hearing from you!

NB: Unfortunately, we are only able to offer this contest to residents of Canada.

Volunteer of the Week: Gail Lidstone

Each week, WJB profiles one of its volunteers as part of its commitment to recognizing all their selfless contributions to our cause. This week, our featured volunteer is Gail Lidstone.

Gail’s passion for volunteering shows! Last year may have been her first year volunteering at the Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival, but we must have made an impression, because she has put in an effort to make sure we had her on our list for the upcoming 2010 Festival (now just three weeks away). We look forward to her help again this year as a ticketing agent, merchandise vendor, and information representative.

Outside of the Festival, Gail’s volunteering portfolio spills over with patriotism and hometown pride. Each year, she helps out with the Canada Day celebrations and recently she assisted with the Olympic torch relay it passed through our community. Additionally, Gail is an Ambassador with Cruse NL and a volunteer at the St. John’s Folk Festival and Festival 500.

In her spare time, Gail enjoys singing with the choir, walking and reading. At 65, Gail has retired after a 29-year tenure at Memorial University.

Hope to see you at the 2010 Volunteer Rally tonight, Gail! You are this week’s Volunteer of the Week!

Sponsor of the Week: Rogers

The 2010 Wreckhouse International Jazz & Blues Festival would not be possible without the support of our corporate and media sponsors. To show our appreciation for their support, Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues will be showcasing a different sponsor each week. This week’s sponsor of the week is Rogers.

Rogers can fulfill all communications needs, be it Cable television, Internet service, wireless phone or home phone. What is sometimes overlooked is the role Rogers plays in the community.

Since opening for business in Newfoundland, Rogers has donated thousands of dollars to area charities, foundations and non-profit organizations across the island. A significant portion of their community investments has gone to support educational programs and projects focusing on children.

The local music scene has also benefited from Rogers generosity. In April, Rogers was a major sponsor of the 2010 Juno Awards, which highlighted the musical culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ken Marshall, President (Atlantic Region) for Rogers was Chair of the Host Committee and was a key organizer of “Ruckus on the Edge”. He and his team created a memorable and highly entertaining JUNO Awards week in St. John’s.

The partnerships between Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues and its sponsors are all special. However, Rogers has gone the extra mile for this year’s Festival by committing to a Presenting Sponsorship! This contribution has made the 2010 Corporate Sponsorship Campaign the most successful ever for Wreckhouse Jazz & Blues, and Rogers now owns the title of the largest single corporate sponsor in our organization’s history. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship for both our organizations.

WJB would like to acknowledge and express gratitude for the contributions of Rogers, the Sponsor of the Week!