The weekend is well underway and perhaps you have not made any specific plans to enjoy your time off yet. Fortunately, there is no shortage of things going on for you to take in right in your own backyard, and all very affordably priced, too!
First off, my artistically-inclined neighbour, Sandy Middleton, opened her latest photographic exhibition at the Niagara Artists Centre this afternoon, entitled "Rooted." Sandy, who has an eye for photography like few others, has gathered together some of her signature work on plywood as well as some Encaustic mixed media pieces that highlight the theme of roots for the showing at NAC.
There was an opening reception this afternoon from 2 to 4, but if you missed it you can still catch the show until June 5th at NAC on St. Paul Street in downtown St. Catharines. For more information check out their website at www.nac.org.
This evening, the national award-winning Aurum Vocal Ensemble from Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto performs at St. Thomas' Church on Ontario Street in downtown St. Catharines. Founded in 2006 by William Brown, the chamber choir has been known both as a mixed-voice and treble-voiced ensemble.
William Brown is a St. Catharines native who graduated from St. Catharines Collegiate Institute, and went to the music department at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute to teach and conduct music. In his time there he has founded not only the Aurum Vocal Ensemble featured this evening, but the FLOREAT Women's Choir AZURE Men's Chorus, Jr. FLORET Women's Choir and the Lady NOVA Triple Trio.
Today the Lawrence Park music department is regarded as a model of excellence for the Toronto District School Board, having won a total of 11 gold and 2 platinum awards at the Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival for various music ensembles at the school.
This evening's concert will feature sacred music from Randall Stroop, Hildegard von Bingen, Ivo Antognini and Ruth Watson Henderson, among others. Also featured will be world music from Serbia, Ecuador, Japan and Canada, and a collection of contemporary and Canadian choral music including compositions by William Brown himself.
The concert is dedicated to his parents, Beverley and Bill Brown, and his former voice teacher Theresa Pothier. It begins at 7 pm at St. Thomas' Church and tickets will be available at the door.
Finally, I did something this weekend I have long been meaning to do, but never quite got around to. Every year at this time, the Niagara Folk Arts Festival brings the world to our doorstep with music, food, art and culture from many of the cultural groups in and around the St. Catharines area. Yet for me, I had rarely been a part of the fun.
Years ago when my parents moved here I recall my father and I visiting an open house or two around 1990, and I often watched the parade that used to be a staple of a late May weekend in downtown St. Catharines about the same time. I also attended the events in Montebello Park on occasion, often hosting some of the events myself as MC when I worked in radio.
But somehow, the thought of attending some of the open houses in recent years just seemed to escape me for some reason, and this year I promised myself I would correct that oversight. After all, the open houses are free to attend, the music is exceptional as is the food, which is very moderately priced.
Last evening with my far better half working late, I decided to head to the Greek Open House at the community centre at the corner of Linwell and Niagara Streets. The music was emanating from the hall when I arrived about 8 pm, and the room was packed with people having a grand time, whether they were of Greek extraction or not. Last night, everyone was Greek and proud of it!
The food was very well priced and plentiful, and everything well organized. I especially like the fact everyone is very friendly and welcoming, especially for those who are new to the whole experience such as myself.
The Greek Open House continues all day today through to this evening, and you can bet there will be lots of dancing late into the night.
This afternoon I took some time to attend the Ukrainian Open House at St. John the Theologian Ukrainian Catholic Church on Lakeshore Road. When I arrived shortly after 2 pm the joint was jumpin' with authentic music and dancing, and again the room was packed to capacity. Being a fan of Ukrainian food to begin with, it didn't take me long to hit the food line for a late lunch, which was exceptional.
Along with the music there were several speeches including words of welcome by Mayor Walter Sendzik and MP Rick Dykstra, who more or less agreed on a friendly wager to join in the dance action at next year's open house. The speeches were brief, the food and music plentiful, and a good time was had by all.
There are plenty more open houses planned over the next week, culminating in a Jump-Up! May 29th at Market Square in downtown St. Catharines and the annual Folk Arts in the Park at Montebello Park next weekend. Between now and then, there are open houses hosted by Chinese Cultural Association of Regional Niagara, St. Catharines Social Club Heidelberg and the Ukrainian Youth Association on Sunday, and through the week there will be Polish, Hindu, Slovak and Scottish open houses to name a few.
The wonderful thing about all these events is they are family-friendly, affordable, and easy ways to help build bridges in our community between various cultural sectors. If you have not taken in Folk Arts for awhile or even never, now is the time to rediscover a jewel in the Garden City crown.
For more information on the festival, go to www.folk-arts.ca/festival/ and see what's in store for you.
Enjoy your weekend!
May 23rd, 2015.
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