ONE MORE NIGHT TO ENJOY NCC SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW
The National Capital Commission (NCC) wishes to inform the public that the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, Canada: The Spirit of a Country, will be held over one extra evening, on Monday September 14, for the benefit of the public and this year’s Legislative Assembly Conference. This free, bilingual show is offered twice nightly, 7 days a week, at 9 pm and 10 pm.
This is the last chance to see Canada: The Spirit of a Country. The current edition of the Sound and Light Show comes to a close this year. The show, which debuted in 2005, has now been seen by over one million spectators. A new show is under development and scheduled to premiere next summer.
Canada: The Spirit of a Country is a 30-minute multi-media production with original music, giant images and spectacular lighting effects which transports the audience from coast to coast to coast through a unique experience of the story of our nation. The majestic landmark setting of Parliament Hill serves as a backdrop for the show as the Parliament Buildings become bathed in lights and images.
Show times:
August 10 to September 14 – Nightly at 9 pm and 10 pm*
For more information on the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free), 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/soundandlight, or stop by the Capital Infocentre, located at 90 Wellington Street (across from Parliament Hill).
The Ottawa Folk Festival in Full Bloom
“Dig Your Roots” is the 2009 slogan for the Ottawa Folk Festival, to be held August 21 to 23 at Britannia Park. This slogan refers not only to the music at the Festival, but also to the fact that this year’s Festival will have a major Gardening theme. Under the skilled guidance of long-time Ottawa Folk Festival performer Ana Miura, the Festival will offer a rich array of garden-related activities, discussions and musically-themed events throughout the weekend.Many of the gardening activities will take place in the Festival’s new Gardening Village. This area will include the Garden Stage offering a range of seminars and discussions, the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton Advice Tent where attendees can chat with gardening pros, and several large-scale participatory projects, including a Patchwork Garden and a Zen Garden. The Gardening Village will also offer a range of planting activities and garden-themed crafts for children, with opportunities to decorate flower pots and plant seeds to take home. As well, children will be invited to colour in one of Meredith Luce’s beautiful drawings of native flora and fauna. These pages will then be displayed as part of a 200-square foot “Paper Garden” in the Dance Tent.
The Garden Stage will host fascinating discussions and workshops with facilitation from CBC’s Ed Lawrence, the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre (OJCC), the Worm Factory, USC Canada and many others. Ed Lawrence, CBC Radio’s renowned horticultural expert and best-selling author, will host discussions on how to garden without pesticides, and will participate in book-signing sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. The OJCC will host a Kimono demonstration and a Japanese tea ceremony, courtesy of Camellia Teas of Ottawa. As well, the OJCC will run workshops on making origami flowers, and Rebecca Cragg will host a demonstration of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
The Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton will be on hand to provide free gardening advice to all attendees on both Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. They will also have a selection of hands-on activities for children, such as propagating geraniums from cuttings; saving and re-planting radish seeds; and starting a peanut bush from seed. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton (MGOC) draws on information and resources from over 800 Master Gardeners around the province, and many more world-wide. Gardening experts provide volunteer time to assist home gardeners through help lines, advice clinics, lectures and articles. According to MGOC member Rebecca Last, “The Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton are thrilled to be part of the Ottawa Folk Festival’s gardening theme this year. We are a group of trained volunteers who provide unbiased horticultural advice and expertise to home gardeners.”
Of course, there will be several types of gardens on display at the Folk Festival. For the Patchwork Garden project, volunteers built 30 wooden planters and distributed them in advance to a variety of community groups and artists prior to the Festival. Recipients were asked to plant a mini-garden inspired by the Festival’s “Dig Your Roots” theme. In this way, the “patches” will reflect the diversity to be found in our community, and will celebrate that diversity in the form of a “patchwork quilt” of planters. Rebecca Cragg will create a Zen Garden to provide a tranquil place for Festival attendees to take a break.
City Repair Ottawa will host a workshop teaching attendees about building with cob, a traditional building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water and earth. Participants can learn the basics and then get their hands (and feet!) dirty by helping to create a doll-sized house. Cob can be used for buildings, outdoor installations such as benches and bake-ovens, and art objects like sculptures and murals. Cob is fireproof, inexpensive, bio-degradable, and resistant to seismic activity.
The Ottawa Folk Festival would like to thank all the community partners that made the Gardening Village possible. A special thanks goes out to Ed Lawrence, Arbour Environmental Shoppe, USC Canada, Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton, The Worm Factory, City Repair Ottawa, Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre, Just Food, Ottawa Green Roofs, Canadian Organic Growers and Camellia Teas of Ottawa.
Flotilla sparkles on canal
TERRI SAUNDERS, Sun Media
As part of the Rideau Canal Festival, the flotilla weaved its way along one of the world’s most famous waterways, much to the delight of spectators who lined the route in small groups all the way from the Dow’s Lake Pavilion to the National Arts Centre.
“It’s fantastic to see them all coming down the canal together like that,” said Harold Crawford, pointing to one boat whose occupants were clapping their hands and dancing a jig to some lively Celtic music coming from inside the cabin. “It looks like they’re all having a pretty good time.”
This year’s festival centered around the theme Celebrating Rideau Heritage. Recognized as the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, the canal was built in 1812 as protection from the threat of American aggression. It opened for navigation in 1832.
Over the years the canal has been awarded a number of designations. In 1925 it was made an Historic Site of Canada and in 2000 it was designated as a Canadian Heritage River. In 2007, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 2008 the National Geographic Society’s Sustainable Destinations rated the waterway as second best on its “Places Rate” Destination Stewardship survey.
Full story on the Ottawa Sun website: Flotilla sparkles on canal
Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival option available for Ottawa’s “Girlfriends Getaway”
Let’s face it – girls just want to have fun. And once in a while they need an escape from the guys but not from fun and excitement. Ottawa Tourism is serving up an eclectic menu of Girlfriends Getaway packages where the emphasis is on fun, arts, culture, shopping, and spas all at a very affordable price-from only $138 CAD per person for a two-night stay (based on double occupancy).
The basic Girlfriends Getaway package to Ottawa includes two nights’ accommodation for two people (additional guests can be added on for an extra charge) and a certificate for the Rideau Centre Savings Directory filled with many coupons to satisfy any shopaholic.
And those who purchase a package between September 1 and October 9, 2009 will also receive a complimentary copy of a new magazine-The Best Places to Go Shopping-published by Ottawa Magazine.
And to increase the fun, guests on a Girlfriends Getaway can choose to add on a number of optional activities, including visiting the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canadian War Museum, Canada Aviation Museum, and/or National Gallery of Canada, sitting back on the scenic Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, catching a concert at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (on until August 9, 2009), being pampered thanks to a $50 Holtz Spa Gift Card; or enjoying a performance of the blockbuster hit The Drowsy Chaperone at the National Arts Centre (October 14-31, 2009).
Given Ottawa’s abundance of attractions, the Girlfriends Getaway package provides a compelling reason to plan a weekend visit so gather up the girls and start having fun in Canada’s Capital Region. Guests who book accommodations at a participating hotel for a (consecutive) Friday and Saturday two-night stay have the option to reserve a third night at 50% off the listed room rate. The Girlfriends Getaway two-night package starts at $138 CAD per person based on double occupancy.
Those wanting information, tickets and lodging reservations for the Girlfriends Getaway can visit www.ottawatourism.ca, a powerful website operated by Ottawa Tourism. Visitors can also book by phone at
Different tunes playing at LeBreton
On the heels of Ottawa Bluesfest, a different kind of music will be showcased at LeBreton Flats starting tonight.The third annual Orchestras in the Park – a four-concert outdoor festival – will allow orchestra buffs, families and newbies alike the opportunity to check out the National Arts Centre Orchestra at an unbeatable price: Free.
The festival features three NAC Orchestra concerts and one by the Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne starting at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday.
Concerts, which run 90 minutes, feature the NAC Orchestra performing Classics and Kuertis tonight, Opera Under the Stars tomorrow, Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster with the NAC orchestra on Saturday and Orchestre de la francophonie canadienne’s performance of Beethoven’s Fifths on Sunday.
Full Story on the Metro Ottawa website: Different tunes playing at LeBreton
Government of Canada Supports Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
OTTAWA, ONTARIO — 07/22/09 — On behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orleans, today announced the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $210 000 to support the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival (Chamberfest ‘09).”Today’s announcement is exciting news to all involved in Chamberfest ‘09,” said Mr. Galipeau. “The funding from the Marquee Tourism Events Program highlights our government’s recognition of the real impact the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival has on the local economy.”
“The federal government is showing great support for the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival by providing this funding through its Marquee Tourism Events Program,” said Ottawa Chamber Music Society Executive Director Glenn Hodgins. “Now in its 16th year, Chamberfest has consistently presented impressive lineups of world-class musicians that have attracted tourists from around the globe. This funding will help to make this year’s festival even more memorable for both residents and visitors to Ottawa.”
Chamberfest ‘09 presents audiences with chamber music concerts, exhibitions and educational forums on chamber music. The Marquee Tourism Events Program funding will make it possible to increase marketing and promotional efforts aimed at attracting audiences from out-of-province and out-of-country, specifically targeting major cities in the U.S., England and other European centres. Chamberfest ‘09 will also be introducing new programming at the recently renovated Saint Brigid’s performance space near the ByWard Market.
Full Story on the Earth Times website: Government of Canada Supports Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival
Growing A Greener Festival
The Ottawa Folk Festival has established itself as a leader in reducing environmental impact, creating environmental awareness and setting a positive example in the community. This year’s Festival (August 21 to 23 at Britannia Park) builds on previous initiatives in a number of ways. This year, the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) awarded the organization a grant to strengthen and expand its environmental initiatives. Areas of particular focus include eliminating plastic water bottles, providing “hydration stations” for refillable containers, raising awareness about the importance of the public water supply, enhancing the EnviroDish reusable dish program, offering displays and discussions in the CUPE EnviroTent, organizing group cycling trips to the festival, and adding a substantial new theme with a focus on Gardening.
The Folk Festival continues to take positive strides and build partnerships as one of the most environmentally friendly festivals in Canada. In collaboration with Ottawa Riverkeeper, Council of Canadians, Life Without Plastic, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and CUPE 503, the Ottawa Folk Festival will be the first festival in Ottawa, and only the second in Canada, to go completely Plastic Water Bottle Free. In an effort to reduce waste and encourage people to drink City water, no plastic water bottles will be sold or distributed on site. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles or purchase a stainless-steel water bottle, available on site and to fill up at the Festival’s Hydration Stations.
As mentioned, the EnviroDish Program will be enhanced this year thanks in part to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, with 2,500 sets of reusable cutlery being added to the existing plate and dish supply. This program drastically cuts down the amount of waste created during the Festival and saves over 20,000 disposable dishes and over 25,000 pieces of plastic cutlery from ending up in landfill sites. The reusable plates and cutlery are washed on site by a dedicated group of volunteer crew members. This Dishwashing Area is equipped with solar panels provided by Isolara Energy Services (www.isolara.com) that heat the water, and a composting area to process food scraps. “The Reusable Dish Program is a wonderful way to reduce waste and energy consumption, while simultaneously inspiring the public, volunteers, and artists to consider alternatives to a ‘disposable lifestyle’. ” says Julia Adam, the Festival’s Volunteer and Outreach Manager, “And the EnviroDish Volunteer Crew keeps the whole operation rolling right behind the Main Stage….it’s amazing. Come check it out!”
The CUPE EnviroTent has been running since 2002 and is one of the longest running initiatives at the festival. Thanks to CUPE, Arbour Environmental Shoppe, and area coordinator Steph Hummel, the EnviroTent will feature fascinating demonstrations, displays and discussions on topics related to health, social justice and “green” ideas. This year’s discussion topics include human powered vehicles, bicycle-powered sound systems, home greening techniques, solar hot water systems, and worm composting.
This 16th edition of the Ottawa Folk Festival will also showcase one of this year’s major themes – Gardening – by inviting attendees to “Dig Their Roots” through a plethora of garden-related activities, discussions and musically-themed events. Longtime Ottawa Folk Festival performer and Gardening Coordinator Ana Miura, will coordinate a cross-community gardening project and patchwork garden. In addition Ed Lawrence, CBC Radio’s horticultural expert, will be on hand to host several gardening seminars.
Many of the performers at this year’s Festival will also participate in the Gardening theme with an emphasis on becoming more environmentally friendly. Interestingly, a number of artists have names that fit perfectly with this theme, including The Arrogant Worms, Tall Trees, Stewed Roots, DiggingRoots and Charlotte Cornfield! Another act on the bill is Junkyard Symphony, a local Ottawa troupe that turns everyday “junk” into musical instruments. Their performances involve numerous items salvaged from junkyards and waste facilities… everything including the kitchen sink!
Mr. Something Something, an eco-conscious band takes audience participation to a new level with its SoundCycle, Canada’s first bicycle-powered sound system. They will be performing on various stages and hosting a workshop in the EnviroTent.
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation is a national organization that funds local projects which are dedicated to preserving the environment. Since 1990, TD FEF has provided more than $47 million to support over 17,500 grassroots environmental projects in communities across Canada. In addition to the funds raised by the TD FEF, every year TD Bank Financial Group contributes an additional $1 million to the foundation. The greatest part about TD FEF is that all money raised is put back into those communities in which it was donated.
The Ottawa Folk Festival takes place at Britannia Park from August 21 to August 23, 2009 and features over 50 acts including: Bruce Cockburn, Steven Page, The Sadies, Amy Millan, Joel Plaskett, and Kinnie Starr. Some of the major themes at this year’s Festival include Gardening, Sound Healing, Instrument Building, Cross-Cultural Interaction, and Audience Participation. The Festival features a Dance Tent, environmental and gardening displays and discussions, “build-your-own-ukulele” workshops, Cajun, Swing and Latin dance lessons, and yoga instruction.
For more information, please contact
Richard Bue
Marketing & Publicity Coordinator
graphics@ottawafolk.org
Office: 613-230-8234
Chris White
Artistic Director
cdwhite@sympatico.ca
Cell: 613-327-9621
DIG YOUR ROOTS AT THE OTTAWA FOLK FESTIVAL
Ottawa Folk Festival website: www.ottawafolk.org
The Ottawa Folk Festival, a non-profit charitable organization, gratefully acknowledges the support of the many community businesses, individual donors and volunteers who provide generous support for this community event.
Government of Canada announces contribution to the Rideau Canal Festival
Mr. Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa — Orléans, will make an important announcement regarding the Rideau Canal Festival.
Mr. Galipeau will make the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice.The details are as follows:
Date: Tuesday, July 21
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Bytown Museum
1 Canal Lane
Ottawa, Ontario
For further information: Elizabeth Pilon, Communications Manager, Eastern Ontario Field Unit, Parks Canada, (613) 283-7199 x 266
Rideau Canal Festival Grows in ‘09
Celebrating Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal Festival offers environmentally friendly fun on, in and next to the water. What’s planned?
• Attend Ottawa’s first 7,000-metre party
• Browse through 100 exhibitors in the Ecosphere Environmental Fair
• Savour the results of the Enbridge Buy Local BBQ Challenge
• Participate in the Musical Breeze Parade of Bicycles (an outdoor musical bike orchestration in conjunction with the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival)
• Watch one of the flotillas of decorated boats parade along the Canal
Special initiatives have been incorporated to reduce and offset greenhouse gas emissions produced during the festival, which runs from July 31 to August 3, 2009 in various locations along the Rideau Canal. The festival was named Best New Festival by Festival & Events Ontario. www.rideaucanalfestival.ca
NCC SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW REACHES ONE MILLION MARK
The National Capital Commission (NCC) is proud to announce that, as of this week, over one million spectators have experienced the sights and sounds of the current edition of the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill entitled Canada: The Spirit of a Country.
“The Sound and Light Show has attracted Canadians and international visitors from all walks of life because it tells a compelling story about our collective history and achievements,” says Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. “We hope those who experience the show on Parliament Hill leave with a sense of pride and a better understanding of who we are as Canadians.”
This major milestone comes somewhat fittingly at the end of a very successful run for the show which debuted in 2005. A renewed show is in development and scheduled for release next summer.
Canada: The Spirit of a Country is a 30-minute free multi-media production with original music, giant images and spectacular lighting effects which transports the audience from coast to coast to coast through a unique experience of the story of our nation. The majestic setting of Parliament Hill serves as a backdrop for the show as the Parliament Buildings become bathed in lights and images.
Presented by the NCC, this bilingual show is offered twice nightly, 7 days a week, from July to September.
Show times:
Until August 9 – Nightly at 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm
August 10 to September 13 – Nightly at 9 pm and 10 pm
For more information on the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, the public can contact the NCC at 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867, TTY: 613-239-5090 or 1-866-661-3530, visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/soundandlight, or stop by the Capital Infocentre, located at 90 Wellington Street (across from Parliament Hill).
