Saturday, March 28, 2015
Monday, December 23, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Candlelit Evening at John Walters Museum With the McDades
Thursday evening was a snowy one with a bit of a breeze so that as one drove the snow seemed to be coming directly at you. This can be dangerously mesmerizing on a highway but not so much in the city as we drove through heavy traffic (there was a hockey game at Rexall Place that night) on our way to the John Walters Museum in Edmonton.
When we arrived at our destination, the wind had let up substantially and only a light snow persisted to fall. Upon arrival and checkin, one is greeted with the aromas of fresh home baked cookies, hot apple cider and hot chocolate, all complimentary with tickets for the event.
In another house, there were three buildings open for the event, we arrived to a candlelit living room filled with chairs, a wood burning pot belly stove (not being used), and three performers at the head of the room. Sitting in the front row, we were privy to the amazing experience of seeing the trio of Shannon, Solon and his partner Alison who would perform for 45 minutes with the most lovely renditions of British and French Christmas carols. It's truly beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
The McDades: Solon (son), Shannon (daughter) and Alison (Solon's partner)
Shannon shared a personal piece at the end of the performance with a violin solo followed by Edel Weiss prepared by Alison for their particular instruments. Alison sang the song in a soft lyrical voice that was truly beautiful.
After this concert, we went to the first building for hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies before heading to John Walter's bachelor home where a harp and a table covered with a variety of wind instruments and a guitar sat behind the two performers for the remainder of the evening, Terry McDade and his son Jeremiah who performed for another 45 minutes. Below is the harp backlit with candles in mason jars.
Shannon shared a personal piece at the end of the performance with a violin solo followed by Edel Weiss prepared by Alison for their particular instruments. Alison sang the song in a soft lyrical voice that was truly beautiful.
After this concert, we went to the first building for hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies before heading to John Walter's bachelor home where a harp and a table covered with a variety of wind instruments and a guitar sat behind the two performers for the remainder of the evening, Terry McDade and his son Jeremiah who performed for another 45 minutes. Below is the harp backlit with candles in mason jars.
Terry McDade (Dad)
Jeremiah McDade (son) played violin and a variety of wind instruments. The McDades have their own beautiful renditions of several songs, including Little Drummer Boy wherein Jeremiah opens with throat singing. Terry explained that as they composed this piece, they asked themselves what would it have been like in Bethlehem in an inn on the night Mary and Joseph would have been seeking a place to spend the night. Likely the inn would have been crowded with people and a band would have been playing. Little Drummer Boy was performed for our enjoyment in a manner in keeping with the McDades perception of that night over a thousand years ago. If you get a chance to listen to this song, I highly recommend it. As different as it is from the traditional song, it is perhaps more authentic to the experience and certainly beautiful.
The audience was invited to join in a couple of numbers as well.
I loved this concert! It helps to refocus on the traditional values of Christmas, on the simple joys and wonderment. The nice thing about the venue is that it feels like it is not in a large city but rather on its own, surrounded by large trees and freshly fallen snow. Overhead the snow stopped for a while and one could see the thumbnail of a moon shining through the branches overhead.
I'd love to make this a family tradition to attend yearly. I loved it that much!
The audience was invited to join in a couple of numbers as well.
I loved this concert! It helps to refocus on the traditional values of Christmas, on the simple joys and wonderment. The nice thing about the venue is that it feels like it is not in a large city but rather on its own, surrounded by large trees and freshly fallen snow. Overhead the snow stopped for a while and one could see the thumbnail of a moon shining through the branches overhead.
I'd love to make this a family tradition to attend yearly. I loved it that much!
A French carol by the McDades. Sorry no video footage accompanied this song so perhaps listen with your eyes closed. Isn't it lovely?
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Flat Iron Building in Gas City Among My Favourite Pieces
At the Bugera Matheson Gallery, I fell in love with this particular piece of art by David Wilson entitled "The Other Side." It features the Flat Iron Building in Gas City. Coincidentally, it resembles with remarkable accuracy an intersection in Calgary, Alberta as well. Many cities across North America are proud to claim a flat iron building in their midst. Edmonton's own flat iron building sits at the intersection of Jasper Avenue and Gibson Block. It has changed ownership a few times since its original construction in 1913. You may read more about the history of flat iron buildings.
"Transitions" by David Wilson.
"The Very Thought of You" by David Wilson
As my friend informed me about an inside joke she and her brother have about it being "Starbucks O'clock", we both lit up to see this piece called "On the Way There." She'd love to own this piece or purchase it for her brother!
Like David's work? See more of it here.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Weekend Reflections in the Window of a Local Gallery
I am joining Weekend Reflections today. Reflections are everyone, you just need to take a look at Weekend Reflections to see them!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Cavalia - Cirque du Soleil Meets Equine Beauty
Friday evening I attended Cavalia with my friend Kim and let me just say it was PHENOMENAL!! Such extraordinary beauty and grace in both the performers and the horses! Worth every penny!!!
To review the tour schedule and learn more about Cavalia see: http://www.cavalia.net/en.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Street Performers 2012
Of the acts we saw that afternoon, we liked this one the best. This performer is from Mexico.
The brothers in the photo above and the next few following are from Ireland.
Above, I had to capture some of the art that dons the poles around Churchill Square.
Above and below, more from the Irish brothers.
He really did pass this small hoop over his entire body!
A pomeranium sporting her colours for the festival. This little girl belonged to an onlooker.
Spandy Andy had fun dancing with the kids.
Above and below, the Art Gallery
The best green onion cakes at the festival came from this venue!!
I am already looking forward to next year's festival.
Hopefully this time I will not have heat exhaustion as a result!!
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