From Russia with Blues

Photo: Arsen Shomakhov and Holger Petersen
Credit: cbc.ca

CBC.ca | Saturday Night Blues

Hour 1: A young guitar slinger from the heart of Russia transplanted into the heart of Vancouver is taking the blues world by storm. Arsen Shomakhov was recorded at Edmonton's Labatt Blues Festival. [drums: Adam Drake, bass guitar: Bruce O'Neill]
Wednesday January 12, 2011

http://www.cbc.ca/snb/2011/01/12/coming-up/
http://www.youtube.com/user/arsenicblues

Junction Residents Association Meeting Tomorrow Thursday, January 13

e-poster: Junction Residents Association Meeting
2011 @ junctionra.ca

The Junction Residents Association Meeting

When: Thursday, January 13, 2011
Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: West Toronto Baptist Church
Location: 3049 Dundas Street West, Toronto
South side of Dundas St. West, across from Mc Murray Ave.

Website: http://www.junctionra.ca
Organized By: JunctionRA

The JRA Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 13 at 7pm.

The meeting is at the West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas Street West. Come out, meet your neighbours and help shape the Junction in 2011 by getting involved.

Too cold to make it out on Thursday? Check out JRA TV!

Can’t make the meeting? Your JRA uses the free service offered by www.ustream.tv to webcast our public meetings and events so everyone can stay informed and enjoy our meetings from anywhere.
Follow this link to website and watch the meeting live.

Ustream: Live stream of the JRA meeting you could view on the JRA Channel

You can also comment and ask questions from the comforts of your home.

Next JRA Members Meeting - Thursday, March 10, 2011

Visit junctionra.ca today! Find out about the JRA and what it's doing for our community.

It's Your Junction! Join the JRA!!

Remembering Lhasa de Sela - CBC Radio

Lhasa de Sela in concert, Toronto, 2004.
olgubar | January 08, 2010 | 4,817 views , 16 likes, 0 dislikes

Listen online to the host of A Propos Jim Corcoran with his insights on the artist and his thoughts about Lhasa.

+ Inside The Music radio documentary "She Moves Between Worlds: A tribute to Lhasa de Sela", written, narrated, and produced by Madonna Hamel.
Presented by Patti Schmidt, the host of CBC Radio Inside the Music.

It airs on Radio 1 and Radio 2 today, and I hope to have a link to this doc on the Inside the Music web page.



"I'll put my foot
On the living road
And be carried from here
To the heart of the world. "
Lhasa de Sela


links:
cbc.ca: Singer-songwriter Lhasa dies at 37
Last Updated: Monday, January 4, 2010 | 7:52 PM ET Comments 67 Recommend 159
CBC News

theglobeandmail.com: Review: Memoir: Lighting out for the territory
Madonna Hamel reviews Breakfast At the Exit Café: Travels Through America, by Wayne Grady and Merilyn Simonds.
Madonna Hamel’s documentary about Lhasa de Sela, the Montreal-based singer who lived a third of her life on a bus crisscrossing the United States and Mexico, will be aired in January on CBC’s Inside the Music.
Published Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 4:00PM EDT

alternative.blog.nl: Patrick Watson herdenkt Lhasa de Sela met een lied
+ song "Snow Day for Lhasa" - Esmerine + Patrick Watson

patrick-watson.net: New free song released, for Lhasa de Sela
Interference From The Sky: A website dedicated to the amazing Canadian band Patrick Watson

cbc radio2: She Moves Between Worlds: Celebrating Lhasa de Sela
Posted by Carole Warren on Jan- 6-11 at 4:13 PM Comments 0 Recommend 3

cbc radio2: Listen again: She Moves Between Two Worlds
A full show documentary examining the life and music of Montreal - and person of the world - Lhasa de Sela, who died January 1, 2010. Produced by Madonna Hamel. Listen
Posted by Carole Warren on Friday January 7, 2011 at 9:33 AM Comments 0 Recommend 0

Santa Clause is coming to the Junction on Saturday December 11, 2010

Clipart: Santa with Sleigh and Reindeer
Credit: MS Office MC900290658

The Junction BIA invites you and your family to the

Santa in the Junction Event

Saturday, December 11, 2010

from 11 am - 2 pm

at the Junction Train Platform
2960 Dundas Street West
Dundas Street West and Pacific Avenue


Toronto -- (Fri, Dec 3, 2010) -- Santa in the Junction

This just in! Santa Clause is coming to the Junction. It’s been confirmed!

On Saturday December 11, 2010 Santa Claus is going to be at the Junction Train Platform. (Dundas & Pacific).

Word on the street is that he will have a big bag of candy canes with him.

He’s coming at 11:00 in the morning and staying until 2:00 in the afternoon.

This year he is bringing Mrs Santa Claus with him too. She is going to be across the street in the window of West Toronto Paint and Wallpaper and you can stand on the street and listen to her read Christmas stories.

The Creative Children’s Dance Centre will have their dancers performing routines from The Nutcracker in other store windows up and down the street. (just follow the Candy Cane signs).

At 12:15 the Redpath Sugar Cookie Truck is coming with their great cookies. Free hot chocolate and cider will warm you up while you wait to sit on Santa’s knee, listen to the choir or stroll up and down the street watching our live window performers.

The Junction BIA is pleased to be once again be accepting toys on behalf of the Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive and accepting donations to the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.

For more information please call Mo Ho Ho McGuinty 416 - 767 - 9068

The Junction BIA
www.thejunctionbia.com

links:
toronto.com: Where to See Santa in Toronto
Compiled by Deanna Lampert and Jackelyn Crawford, Nov 12, 2010
The Junction BIA is on Facebook
The Junction BIA is on Twitter @JunctionBIA
Junction Parents: Santa In The Junction!
Come On Out To See Santa In The Junction!
Santa Clause is coming to the Junction on Saturday December 11, 2010
http://tinyurl.com/SantaInTheJunction
Twitter: @High_Park_Web: Santa Clause is coming to the Junction on Saturday December 11, 2010: Clipart: Santa with Sleigh and Reindeer Cre... http://bit.ly/f4PQk8
High Park Web

Group of Seven - Women Artists Show and Sale at Macdonald House

Poster: ART SALE WITH LIVE MUSIC
THE J.E.H./THOREAU MACDONALD HOUSE
DECEMBER 4-5, 2010, 10AM-5PM

Art Sale with Live Music

When: December 4-5, 2010, 10 am - 5 pm
Where: The MacDonald House
Location: 121 Centre Street, Thornhill, Ontario L4J 1G4
Parking: on Brooke St. @ Holy Trinity Church

Join seven artisans, and musicians, at this renovated home of a founder of the Group of Seven Artists in the charming historic village of Thornhill. Paintings, photography, jewellery, ceramics will be available to complete your holiday gift shopping. Prices from $10 and up.

Exhibitors:

• Sharon Tiessen, artist, ceramic arts, Be Creative
• Sharon Slimowitz, jewelery designer, artisan, Uniquely Yours business partner: Rhea Bottler
• Mari Nicolson, Artist, photographer, designer, musician, Mari's Art by Design
• Sofia, jewelry designer Unique Design
• Antonina Dunaeva, artist, painter
• Leor Maxwell, artist, painter
• Anna Lobsanova, artist, painter, Art Paradise

The Group of Seven were a legendary group of Canadian landscape painters. The founder of the group J. E. H. Macdonald lived in a famous house, in Thornhill, Ontario. Due to the abundance of nature around the house, such as a variety of trees and garden vegetation, James Macdonald called the house the Four Elms, its rich natural environment became an inspiration for one of his greatest paintings: "The Tangled Garden".

The Four Elms house was frequented by many artists including members of the Group of Seven. At this historic house, on December 4-5, 2010, 10am – 5pm, there will be an exhibit and sale of art created by contemporary artists. Unlike the renowned Group of Seven, this group of artists are women working in a variety of artistic mediums, including jewellery, ceramics, photography and painting. Everyone is welcome to visit this remarkable house and see the fascinating art creations by these diverse women artists.

The J. E. H. Macdonald House is a 4-acre territory located at 121 Centre Street in Thornhill. The parking is available at the Holy Trinity Church at 140 Brooke St.

The exhibit will feature live music and unique works of art in the rooms of the magnificent house. Enjoy the exhibit and buy original and creative gifts for the holidays. Experience the fine tradition of Canadian art and the new works by today’s contemporary artists.

Check facebook + twitter @ThornhillArtShow for details.

links:

youtube.com: Heffel's sale of Fine Canadian Art on November 26, 2009.
Heffel's sale of J.E.H. MacDonald ~ Sunset, Waldmere Farm, Muskoka
Sketch by group of seven member J.E.H MacDonald sells for $339,300.
Credit: HeffelAuctions

City of Vaughan: MacDonald House: ART EXHIBITION + STUDIO SPACE RENTAL PROGRAM

Feliz Navidad: Music Legend Jose Feliciano in Toronto Tonight

Feliz Navidad - 40th Anniversary: Jose Feliciano in Toronto
for Epilepsy Cure Initiative Benefit Concert
November 27, 2010; Photo by Olga Goubar

Margaret Maye - Bravo International - Singers on Stage proudly presents

A Legend in Concert
Jose Feliciano
Feliz Navidad - 40 Anniversary
World Holiday Tour 2010
for the 4th Annual Concert for Epilepsy

When: Saturday, November 27, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Location: 190 Princes Boulevard
CNE, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Jose Feliciano's evergreen and beloved Christmas classic Feliz Navidad. So, we can think that the official Christmas season 2010 begins tonight with Jose's performance of his Christmas classic song.

Also appearing on stage:
Viva Mexico Mariachi - instrumental group
Carmen Romero - Flamenco dancer with her accompanying ensemble
Canadian guitar legend Pavlo with his band
Margaret Maye - mezzosoprano with her music ensemble

The Concert Under Hounorable Patronage of the Consul General of The Republic of Poland will raise awareness and funds for Epilepsy research and The Children's Memorial Hospital in Poland.

Feliz Navidad - 40th Anniversary: Jose Feliciano in Toronto for Epilepsy Cure Initiative Benefit Concert, November 27, 2010

A Legend in Concert - Jose Feliciano in Concert in Toronto
Feliz Navidad -- 40th anniversary of the release of the most popular Christmas song around the World; World Holiday Tour 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010 At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre

This 4th annual benefit concert for Epilepsy Cure Initiative was presented by Margaret Maye, Bravo International -- Singers on Stage in appearance of Pavlo, Carmen Romero, and Viva Mexico Mariachi.

Enjoy live performance of a magnificent artist Jose Feliciano singing his hit Feliz Navidad -- a classic of the Holiday!

Feliz Navidad!

Rococo Brocade Book Reading at the Annette Public Library, December 9, 2010

Poster: Annette Street Public Library
An evening with author Kara Bogaz-Gol
Thursday, December 9th, 2010, 7 pm – 8 pm
photo: Olga Goubar; photo credit: SMASH design store/art gallery

You are cordially invited to

An evening with author Kara Bogaz-Gol

Kara’s new novel "Rococo Brocade" is basically an eighteen century farce with a creative philosophy of social justice.

When: Thursday, December 9th, 2010
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm

Where: Annette Street Public Library
Location: 145 Annette Street Toronto, ON , M6P 1P3
[One and a half blocks west of Keele]
416-393-7692

An evening of conversation with Kara Bogaz-Gol, the author of her new novel Rococo Brocade, and readings from the book to be chosen by the audience using stichomancy with musical accompaniment by Ian White.

Ian has been playing guitar since his older brother made the mistake of showing him a few chords. His brother hasn't seen his guitar since. Influenced by the fingerstyle guitar work of players like Don Ross & Michael Hedges, Ian uses his guitar to say what cannot be expressed in words.

Kara will discuss the books that influenced her work. She'll reveal some of the stories behind the story, poems which have never been published, some anecdotes about who is who in the novel, a new Nabokov ending for the next edition, and Q&A.

Please come and enjoy a fun filled evening.

Credit: Annette Street Public Library

Hi, starbucks. What Kind of Art Do We Find in New Junction Hot Spot?

Photo: Hi, starbucks.
Invitation to the Junction Starbucks
Thursday, November 18, 2010
from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Starbucks Dundas & Quebec
3077 Dundas Street West
2010 @ artjunction.blogspot.com

It looks like an invitation to the grand opening:

We are happy to be a part of the neighbourhood

Come by and see us

Thursday, November 18, 2010

from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Starbucks Dundas & Quebec
3077 Dundas Street West

©2010 Starbucks Coffee Company

Welcome to the Junction!
Bienvenue à La Jonction! Salut!

info:
Starbucks Coffee Canada
Dundas & Quebec
3077 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M6P 1Z3

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sunday: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Please check with the Starbucks Dundas & Quebec for their holiday operating hours.

416-604-3877 Direct Line
S013035@retail.starbucks.com

links:
torontosun.com: News Toronto & GTA: Trouble brewing in the Junction
Rumours of Starbucks moving in creates tempest in teapot
By DON PEAT, Toronto Sun
urbantoronto.ca: Development > Real Estate > 3077 Dundas West Respects The Junction
junctioneer: Starbucks to come to 3077 Dundas Street West? The old Handyman Shop, Junction Residents Association.
junctioneer: First Official Sign of Starbucks
mondoville.com: The People of Toronto vs. Starbucks Coffee Company

Workshop: Making Marionettes with Kelly Kirkham, November 21

Workshop: Making Marionettes with Kelly Kirkham
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Unraku School, Toronto
Credit: unraku.ca

Making Marionettes with Kelly Kirkham

Date: November 21, 2010 @ 11:00 am
Location: Unraku Puppetry Studio
Address: 15 Adrian Avenue, Unit 159, Toronto, ON M6N 5G4
[Dupont & Symington]

In this special one day workshop presented by Unraku, local puppet builder Kelly Kirkham will show you how to build beautiful and functional marionettes out of common household materials. Using items such as newspaper, wire, wood and stones, you will create a marionette that can come to life, and walk, dance or jump. The type of character you create is up to you, be it animal, human, or other. Techniques that will be used include sculpting, collage and basic hand sewing.

Unraku is a collective of artists, puppeteers and puppet builders in Toronto's West End that specialize is designing, building and performing puppets for stage and screen. Founded in 2008, we operate a permanent workshop and production studio in Toronto's West End.

Kelly Kirkham is an artist, illustrator, puppet maker and Unraku co-founder who lives and works in Toronto and has led puppet building workshops in both Canada and Barbados. You can see more of her work on her website at www.runrabbitrun.ca.

For more information please visit the web site at http://unraku.ca/2010/11/unraku-school-making-marionettes-with-kelly-kirkham/

Contact:
e: contact@unraku.ca
w: unraku.ca
b: unraku.ca/blog
f: facebook.com/unraku
t: @unraku

links:
puppethub.com: Making Marionettes with Kelly Kirkham
by Andrew
craigslist.ca: Learn to make Marionettes (Dupont/Lansdowne)
Learn how to make your own marionettes in this special one day workshop with local puppet builder Kelly Kirkham at the Unraku Puppetry Studio on November 21, 2010.
Workshop: Making Marionettes with Kelly Kirkham, November 21
http://tinyurl.com/unraku

Exciting Announcement: New Book about the Junction Renaissance Is Coming

Henry Calderon at WTJHS Meeting
Originally uploaded by IT Ceremony.

How the Junction Got Resurrected
Revitalization Period 1998-2004 & Beyond
By Henry Calderon

The Story to Be Told...

It was in the fall of 1998 when it all began to unfold. The story of 3 women who after spending an afternoon at Wasaga Beach a year earlier put in paper how this could happen and who will do it! “Resurrect the Junction”…"Revitalize the Junction”...“Take the Junction from despair and lost of Hope”, it was their real challenges.

Santa Cuda, the owner of the Flamingo Hall, Piera Pugliese, the owner of Vesuvio’s Pizzeria and Maureen Lynette, the owner of Lynette Funeral Homes. A wedding planner, a pizza maker and a funeral arranger. To me it was an interesting combination. First, you get marry then, you celebrate and then, you die. Three interesting services you will find in the Junction today.

To unfold the resurrection of the Junction, a district in the West End of the City of Toronto, which for almost 100 years was a dry area where no alcoholic beverages could be bought and no restaurants could serve the fine wines of the world. It was a challenge from all perspectives.

The referendum about whether you could go from dry to wet was won by one vote in 1997 during the municipal election but it could not come into effect after a year later to ensure that the consumers and restaurants were ready to accept their responsibilities. It was at this moment in time when I was hired for a 12 month contract after an arduous search and interviews with many well respected candidates as a top consultant in the business of Main Streets Revitalization in the country. A one year contract that grew to six years so, I could experience, talk and write in later years how the Junction got resurrected.

The Players

Key members of the following organizations: David Hastings, chair of the West Toronto Junction Team, Hilary Bell, chair of the Dundas West Residents Association, Piera Pugliesse, chair of the Junction Gardens BIA, Santa Cuda, chair of the Malta Village Business Association, Diana Fancher, member of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society. From the Public Sector: Councillor David Miller and Councillor Chris Korwin Kuczynski, MPP Gerard Kennedy and MP Sarmite Bulte. We must to say that the Junction had a political force that most districts would want to have when destined to deliver their vision.

The Book

Now, I am writing a book with a working title “How the Junction Got Resurrected” where the critical milestones of the revival of the Junction and the whole story of the rebirth of the Main Street will be published.

Henry Calderon
Public Affairs and Urban Revitalization Consultant

linkedin: Henry Calderon
facebook: Henry Calderon
flickr: Henry Calderon
e-mail: henry_calderon@hotmail.com

2010 © Henry Calderon