Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY
I know my brother would LOVE to see this!!
Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY –
A live-orchestra, multi-media experience you won’t want to miss!
“The mere mention of a title from Final Fantasy will bring a roar from adoring fans. Nobuo Uematsu is a rock star to these concert-goers.” Neil Kimel, 2nd Horn Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony
This thrilling performance combines state-of-the-art videos and art stills shown on massive screens highlighting the most memorable experiences of Square Enix’s world-renowned Final Fantasy video games all set to live, award-winning orchestral music. The live soundtrack will be performed by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) and singer Susan Calloway, led by conductor Arnie Roth. Join fellow gamers or come to appreciate the true musicianship of composer Nobuo Uematsu at the Centre In The Square on Tuesday, February 28 at 8 pm.
Nobuo Uematsu is one of the most celebrated composers in the history of video game music. Recognized for his work on the Final Fantasy series and other games, he has been a major contributor to the increasing appreciation and awareness of video game music. The Final Fantasy VIII theme song, “Eyes on Me,” composed and produced by Uematsu, featured Hong Kong pop star Faye Wong. “Eyes On Me” sold 400,000 copies and won “Song of the Year (Western Music)” at the 14th Annual Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1999, the first time in history that music from a video game had won this award. In 2001, Nobuo Uematsu was named as one of the “Innovators” in Time Magazine’s Time 100: the Next Wave Music feature.
“Uematsu was welcomed by his screaming fans as if he were a rock star,” stated KWS Principal Trumpet Larry Larson of the KWS’ previous performance of Final Fantasy. “The audience was on fire right from the dimming of the lights at the top of the show. And what a terrific thrill to BE the live soundtrack while the film-video game is being shown. Uematsu’s scores to Final Fantasy play out like the thrilling, blockbuster movie soundtracks that I love to listen to.”
Conducting this performance is Grammy Award-winning artist Arnie Roth, known for his work with a renowned list of international recording and performing artists from pop music, classical, R&B, rock, and musical theater, including Il Divo, Diana Ross, Jewel, The Irish Tenors, Charlotte Church, Josh Groban, Patrick Stewart, Branford Marsalis and Andrea Bocelli. Roth has conducted many of the world’s leading orchestras, and is well known in the world of video game music for his work with Nobuo Uematsu and Square Enix as Music Director and Conductor of Distant Worlds: music from FINAL FANTASY and as Music Director and Conductor of PLAY! A Videogame Symphony.
KWS would like to thank Season Sponsor: Sun Life Financial for supporting this performance
DISTANT WORLDS: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY
February 28 | 8PM | Centre In The Square
Arnie Roth, conductor
Susan Calloway, singer
TO ORDER TICKETS
Online: kwsymphony.ca
By Phone: 519.745.4711 or 888.745.4717
In person: Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts | 36 King St W, Kitchener
Tickets start at $19.
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, family, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Bring on the Sunshine, Family Day Event- Feb 2012
ABOUT-
“Bring on the Sunshine is a grassroots event partnered with the African Canadian Association and the KW Multicultural Center. We are run by a small but dedicated team of volunteers, of both African and Canadian origin.” for more info please visit http://www.bringonthesunshine.ca/
OUR DAY-
In Ontario, Canada we have a day in February called, Family Day. There is no school or work. The second Lee heard it was Family Day she asked, “Do we get to go to that church with the fun drums and where I got William from?” We went last year and evidently it made a huge impact on my oldest. I had a great time last year too so I looked up to see if the event was going on. I was very excited to find that it was.
Bring on the Sunshine started at 11AM and Lee wanted to make sure we were there right when it opened, she didn’t want to miss a thing. The first place we visited was the Market Place. She bought her baby boy, William there last year and wanted to give him a sister. She saved up as much money as she could so she could buy a new baby doll. She picked out the one pictured below with William and named her Lexy. I want to send a special thank you to nandikids.ca for being so kind to Lee and helping her get that special/perfect baby sister for William.
At the market place, later on int he day, I also stopped by the Bracelet of Hope booth and purchased a red & white bracelet to help raise funds and awareness of HIV/AIDS in Africa. They had a lot of beautiful bracelets and beaded key-chains I would have loved to get too, but time and money was getting short and so was Moo’s patients.
The next thing we enjoyed was some entertainment. We got to listen to an acapella grouped named, Soul Influence. They had two guys and one girl in the group. I LOVED their sound and Moo loved it too, she couldn’t stop dancing to their music. I also loved that they brought us music from all around Africa and took the time to explain the songs to those of us who didn’t understand the words. Below is a very short video, just a taste of their sound. I hope to find more concert around so we can listen to them longer.
Lee and I enjoying the concert-
After the concert we headed down for some lunch. The girls and I had hot dogs but Chris had some meat, collard greens and a special African Cornmeal Mush. I then enjoyed a Samosa, I love those things and these were the best I’ve ever tasted.
We had a BLAST again this year at Bring on the Sunshine and hope they continue to do it every year. I love having a place that I can bring my children, they can have fun and learn a lot at the same time. A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in making this happen. Hope to see you next year.
FIND it-
website
facebook
nandikids.ca
Bracelet of Hope
Soul Influence
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
KWS 2012/13 Season Launch Event
Last night I had the privilege to be part of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony 2012/13 Season Launch party. Where we got to learn about what is coming for this next season. Like last year there was a caterer, Little Mushroom Catering, which serves amazing refreshments we could enjoy while mingling and also watching the presentation.
To introduce the “Signature Series” Mr. Edwin Outwater had the principal Oboe player, James Mason play a piece. It was so beautiful and really got me excited for this coming season.
The “Signature Series” will include-
-Ode to Joy, Ode to Kitchener (Sept 21 & 22)
-Lefevre’s Romantic Discovery (Oct 26 & 27)
-Edwin & Gustav:An Invitation (Nov 30 & Dec 1)
-Sublime Beethoven (Jan 18 & 19, 2013)
-Epic Tchaikovsky (Feb 22 & 23, 2013)
-Organ Superstar (April 5 & 6, 2013)
-Viennese Delights (May 3 & 4, 2013)
-Finale Fantastique (May 31 & June 1, 2013)
The next series that was introduced was the “Pop Series”. Principle Trumpeter, Larry Larson. He played a beautiful rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Gershwin. I LOVE Gershwin music and I got goose bumps the minute he started to play. I think this is the concert I look forward to the most. In fact there are three concerts in the “Pop Series” alone I want to see very badly.
I look forward to Sci-Fi Fantasy: An Evening of Blockbusters, An All-Gershwin Evening, and Disney in concert.
The “Pop Series” will include-
-Last Night at the Proms (Spet 28 & 29)
-Sci-Fi Fantasy: An Evening of Blockbusters (Nov 2 & 3)
-Yuletide Spectacular (Dec 14 & 15)
-An All-Gershwin Evening (Jan 25 & 26, 2013)
-Disney in Concert- Magical Music From the Movies (March 1 & 2, 2013)
-Pierre Schryer (March 22 & 23, 2013)
-Cirque De la Symphonie (April 26 & 27, 2013)
-Tap! (May 24 & 25, 2013)
To help people who can’t make it out to evening performances and for families with young children the K/W Symphony has put together a “Matinee Series” compiled of a few selections from a couple of the other series.
The “Matinee Series” will include-
-Ode to Joy, Ode to Kitchener (Sept 23)
-Yuletide Spectacular (Dec 15)
-Intimate Tchaikovsky (Feb 24, 2013)
-Disney in Concert- Magical Music From the Movies (March 2, 2013)
-Viennese Delights (May 5, 2013)
-Tap! (May 25, 2013)
Another Series I’m excited about is the “Specials” they are presenting. I would love to bring my family to the Bugs Bunny at the Symphony and I know a few of my friends would love to join me and seeing Barenaked Ladies Greatest Hits and Holiday Songs.
The “Specials!” will include-
-Barenaked Ladies Greatest Hits and Holiday Songs (Dec 16)
-Tchaikovsky Festival (Epic Tchaikovsky- Feb 22 & 23, 2013) (Intimate Tchaikovsky- Feb 24, 2013)
-Bugs Bunny at the Symphony (May 16, 2013)
The “Intersections Series” will include-
-Penelope (Oct 11 & 12)
-Bollywood and Beyond: Masters and Icons of Indian Music (Feb 7 & 8, 2013)
-Barely Naked: An Evening with the Brothers Creeggan (April 11 &12, 2013)
The “Intersections Series” is another series I can’t wait for.
I think all three sound really amazing. However I have a special place in my heart for Bollywood and it’s music. I can’t wait to hear classical Indian music to what we now think of when we think of Indian style of music.
The “Baroque & Beyond Series” was introduced by Catherine Anderson with her deep, wonderful Cello solo. I LOVE the cello a lot as it’s very similar to the music Bass Clarinet plays(at least when I was in a symphonic band, we usually had a similar sound and pieces). I love the low string sound, it just fills my heart up and Ms Anderson did wonderfully.
The “Baroque & Beyond Series” will include-
-Take a Bow (Oct 3, 5 & 6)
-Haydn’s Wife? (Nov 21, 23 & 24)
-Dance Party (Jan 30, Feb 1 & 2, 2013)
-Q & A (May 8, 10 & 11, 2013)
A section I’d LOVE to take my kids to would be their Kinderconcerts for ages 5 and under (Kindercarmen- Oct 13 & 27)(Buzzing Brass- Feb 2 & 9)(Goldilocks & the Three Musical Bears- Apr 13 & 27). Also for ages 4 to 12 and their Families is the Family Series. (Major Mitchell Salutes Melody- Oct 27)(Drums, Drums, Drums!- Jan 19)(The Harmony Factory- May4). And for all Friends and families the Youth Orchestra (Nov 3, Jan 26 & Arp 27). There is something for everyone in the family and these events will encourage your kids even at a young age to fall in love with music.
Over all I think this season is going to be amazing. There is so much I can’t wait to see and I can’t wait to share with you guys. I had tons of fun at the launch party. I’m also happy Edwin Outwater was so willing to take a picture with me. it helps me remember this great event.
If you wish to become a Subscriber and get to be one of the first to get tickets you can sign up at the following places-
ONLINE- kwsymphony.ca
MAIL- Complete an order form and mail to-
KWS Patron Services
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
36 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A3
(order forms are available online and through KWS Patron Services)
PHONE- Call KWS Patron Services Mon-Fri, 10am to 5pm/ Sat 12 to 4pm- (519-745-4711) (888-745-4717)
EMAIL- patronservices@kwspymphony.on.ca
IN-PERSON-
KWS Patron Services
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts
36 King St W, Kitchener
FIND it-
website
facebook
twitter
youtube
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, fitness, health, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Spin12 update- THANK YOU
Thank you all for your love and support through out these past 2 weeks. I was able to make 81% of my goal and I felt so supported through all your kind words and encouragement. If you don’t know what I’m talking about please check out my post about Spin12.
For the past two weeks I have been training hard for this event. I would wake up before my girls would wake up and either do elliptical or bike for 30 minutes. Later on in the day I would do my 10 Minute Trainer(actually 15 minutes with warm up & cool down) then followed by another 30 minutes of cardio, then after the kids where in bed I did another 45 minutes of cardio. All for a total of 2 hours a day. I wanted to make sure I would have enough energy and endurance to get through this hour Spin Class.
I got to the Rebel Creek Golf Club around 10:45, my Spin time was 11AM. I gave them my registration form and received my t-shirt(size 2xl, it’s all they had left, lol), a bike bell from CTV and a water bottle.
After the class before me left their bikes I hopped on and started to warm up. I wasn’t sure if I had it all set correctly but it felt right.
Once the class started I noticed I was Spinning next to someone who looked fit and athletic. I tried very hard to keep up with her. Later on I found out she is Mandy Bujold. She is a local athlete, a boxer and a future Olympian. It was cool to know I was trying keep up with someone so fit and didn’t “die” in the process.
I talked with the Spin teacher afterwards and she told me that she didn’t just teach a “beginner class” today either. That if I was able to keep up I did amazing. That made me feel good too. In fact I really loved doing this spin class that I hope I can find one to join sometime soon. Great cardio workout. My legs are a bit sore but not really that bad.
I was also excited to finally meet and online friend who I have been talking to for at least 2 years now, but never had met her in person. Thanks Trina for letting me know about this event.
Thank you again to ALL of you. I will make a facebook post sometime in the next week with the final numbers raised for this event.
Read MorePosted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo, TV Interviews | 1 Comment
Feb 2012- Rogers TV apperance “daytime”
I had the privilege again to be on Rogers Cable 20 out of Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario area, on the show ‘daytime’, this was my 10th appearance on the show. The show airs LIVE at noon and then re-air at 3, 6 & 11.
Today I got to be part of two segments on the show. The first I got to talk about the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for the whole family. The second segment I got to talk about taking part of a local fundraiser called, Spin 12.
The first Valentine’s Day product I talked about is for “her”. It’s a company out of Toronto called, Teethease. it’s the perfect gift for the women in your life. It’s jewellery and a teether in one. And I say you don’t have to have a teething child to have one. With the break away clasp on the back it’s a perfect gift for anyone who is around kids.
The second gift is for “him”. It’s a company out of B.C. called Kicking Horse Coffee. They sell fair-trade, organic coffee. I LOVE this coffee and I think the man in your life will too. I got a bit nervous and messed up a bit but I still think the point of how great this coffee is.
The last gift is for your “kids”. I talked about two of my favorite books. The first is “Time For a Hug”. It’s the perfect gift to read with your child. It talks about when the perfect time for a hug is and also teaches your child about time. Lee, who is 5 loves to try to read it on her own. The other book is called, “The Snuggliest Snuggle in the World”. Moo loves having me read this book to her. I love to make up voices for the characters. The book is how sad little leopard is because his mommy is gone. It’s friends try to give him hugs but they aren’t right. When mommy comes back he realized she gives the snuggliest snuggles in the world.
After my first segment I got to share with the viewers about an upcoming event/fundraiser called Spin 12. It’s a fundraiser to help support St Mary’s Cardiac Care Centre and Ontario Athletics. I’m excited to be part of this event and to help our local hospital. It’s a 1 hour spin class. To help get ready for this event I have been training at least 2 hours a day for it. If you’d like to sponsor me for this even please click Here.
As always, I had a BLAST. I love being on set, meeting new people and see old friends. I look forward to my next visit.
Thank you Rogers Cable 20 and Susan Cook-Scheerer and Jay Chagnon. Also a HUGE thank you to Teethese, Kicking Horse Coffee, Phillis Gershator and Mim Green & Sarah Nash.
I also have done reviews of these companies on my blog below are the links to the reviews-
Kicking Horse Coffee
Teethese
“Time for a Hug” book
My segment below
SEGMENT 1
SEGMENT 2-
You can view my other appearances on ‘daytime’ by clicking here.
——————-
I want to thank Rae from First Choice Hair Cutters for doing my hair for the show today.
Disclaimer-
I was not paid to review these items or to come on this TV show. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. (Just wanted to add I have never been paid for a review or for doing ‘daytime’ Rogers TV)
Posted by bassgiraffe in Canada, Kitchener Waterloo | 0 Comments
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony succumbs to Beatlemania with A Classical Mystery Tour
“It’s more than just an incredible simulation…the swelling strings and soaring French horn lines gave the live performance a high goose-bump quotient…the crowd stood and bellowed for more.” Los Angeles Times
What would The Beatles have sounded like if they had the chance to perform live in concert with a symphony orchestra? Find out when Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles performs live with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony (KWS) at the Centre In The Square on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 at 8 pm.
The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section, experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and enjoy the classical/rock blend on “I Am the Walrus.”
“From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them before,” stated KWS Assistant Conductor Evan Mitchell who will be on the podium for this performance. “You could say it’s the best show the Beatles never did!”
Classical Mystery Tour features Jim Owen (John Lennon) on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman (Paul McCartney) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; John Brosnan (George Harrison) on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri (Ringo Starr) on drums and vocals.
“We really make an effort to sound exactly like the originals,” explains Owen, who admits that he and the other three Classical Mystery Tour members are big Beatles fans. “The orchestra score is exact, right down to every note and instrument that was on the original recording. On ‘A Day in the Life,’ that final big orchestra crescendo sounds amazing when it’s played live.”
KWS and the Classical Mystery Tour also travel to Toronto’s SONY Centre for a performance on Thursday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m.
KWS would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting this performance: Season Sponsor: Sun Life Financial, Pops Series Sponsor: Heffner Lexus, Evan Mitchell’s Sponsors: Dr. Desta Leavine and Dr. David Taylor, and the Event Sponsor: Teledyne Dalsa.
CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: MUSIC OF THE BEATLES
February 10 & 11 | 8PM | Centre In The Square
Evan Mitchell, conductor
Classical Mystery Tour musicians: Jim Owen, Tony Kishman, John Brosnan, and Chris Camilleri.
TO ORDER TICKETS
Online: kwsymphony.ca
By Phone: 519.745.4711 or 888.745.4717
In person: Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts | 36 King St W, Kitchener
Tickets start at $19.
