Monthly Archives: November 2018

State of the Art

Out of the Basement

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Sandra Meigs: The Basement Paintings

A series of paintings that transform personal experiences of grief into monumental panoramas of swirling line and intense colour.

In 2012, overwhelmed by grief, Hamilton-based painter Sandra Meigs produced a series of four large-scale paintings that translated her emotional state following the death of her husband into an imagery of subterranean architecture. One of the inspirations for the work was her sister’s basement in New Freedom, Pennsylvania. She found in the claustrophic, disused space, in the arrangements of half-forgotten things, a scene she linked to her emotional state and to the processes of stasis and change that preoccupied her. She described the experience:

“To get into the basement there’s a small door and rickety stairs, the ceiling there is quite low, and incandescent lights hang down just by their wires, from the ceiling. I found the basement so beautiful, especially when it was lit that way…there’s random stuff piled on other stuff, with narrow walkways through. It’s kind of like being in a museum…[but deposited] through normal accumulation over 40 years.”

The approximately 500 photographs Meigs took in New Freedom became source material for a series of modestly scaled paintings, The Basement Piles, and a catalyst for the more monumental The Basement Panoramas, which are each based on real basements whose locations are named in their titles.

Basements, often filled with unsorted things we store for future use and collections of the residue of lives, ornamented by tangled systems of wiring, heating and plumbing, hidden from everyday existence above ground, can be read in these works as an architectural scenario analogous with the structures and processes of the unconscious mind. In Meigs’ paintings, the physical shape of the basement breaks down into vigorous spirals and swirling lines, spreading and layering and changing direction as if of their own accord. Frequently interspersed with charged text, The Basement Panoramas reflect on mortality and rebirth, the hidden drives that both animate us and hold us in their confining embrace. Alternating between exuberant, expansive colour and gesture, and nightmarish claustrophia and repetition, these works are a document of the will, as intensity, as persistence, and as escaping endlessly beyond our control.

-Pan Wendt, Curator

Reviews

Man For All Seasons

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Atlantic Canada is very familiar with issues around labour. Conditions of seasonal work, underemployment and redundancy are a part of the reality of this region, but so are qualities of self reliance and communal activity. In this show, photography, sculpture, poetry, drawing and video all contribute to a portrait of our evolving work environment.
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Featuring work from artists working in or concerned with this region, this exhibit provides an opportunity to reflect on ideas such as value, obsolescence, and local sustainability.

At the Guild Gallery.
On display until January 19, 2019.
Music

Honkytonk Holiday

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, 7:30 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre.

REGULAR SEATS: $56.50 tax & fees included
VIP PACKAGES: $106.50 tax & fees included
30 VIP packages available. Packages include:

  • VIP seat in row C, D, or E in centre section.
  • Meet and Greet with Gord Bamford
  • Photo-op with Gord
  • Copy of Gord’s latest CD ‘Neon Smoke’
  • Gord Bamford T-Shirt

Australian-born & Alberta-raised, Gord Bamford stands as one of the most decorated artists in Canadian country music with an impressive 24 Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) awards, multi JUNO nominations and the only two-time winner out of Nashville’s Country Music Association (CMA) receiving the 2013 & 2015 CMA Global Country Artist award. But it is his distinctive sound and song-writing ability that defines Gord Bamford as one of country music’s best neotraditional artists and like so many others that have come before him; Bamford is not an overnight success. He has spent the better part of the last 20 years honing his craft, working to get where he is today.

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Bamford’s eighth studio album Neon Smoke was released in early 2018 and follows his Tin Roof album, winner of the 2016 CCMA ‘Album of The Year’. Tin Roof, nominated for the 2016 JUNO Country Album of The Year follows the Juno Nominated Country Junkie album and its #1 Billboard hit song ‘When Your Lips are so Close’.

The 3-time CCMA ‘Male Artist of the Year’ once again collaborates with distinguished songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell (Blake Shelton, Tyler Farr, George Strait). “Phil and I instantly connected in the studio. Working with him really brought a fresh, new sound to this album and I’m really proud of the results,” said Gord. “Phil is truly a genius in the studio.”

Gord is a man who believes with his whole heart in giving back. The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation has generated over $3 million since its inception in 2008 for children’s charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House,

Big Brothers & Big Sisters, numerous children’s hospitals across Canada and MUSICOUNTS. “Those organizations have had an impact on my life, and that’s why we do what we do. It’s always great to get out, play music, be on stage and wake up every morning loving what I do. But probably the greatest thing I get to do is interact with a lot of these children and try to make a difference in their lives. It’s hard to comprehend, but it’s an awesome thing to see a kid’s face light up who is really sick and all he wants to do is go to Disneyland. It puts it all into perspective as to why I think God put me on earth to do what I do because it’s helping other people.”

That humble, likable approach is what continues to draw legions of new fans to Gord Bamford. But it’s the music that keeps them loyal. Gord Bamford has the amazing ability to evolve, sense where his fans want to go, and take us all along with him.

With special guest Jojo Mason

JoJo’s music is about having fun, appreciating life and sharing stories. It is passionately country,
but with no fear of a deep groove, fresh lyric or original melody. He will charm you with his
personality, wow you with his beat boxing, earn your respect with his work ethic, inspire you
with his character and compassion, elicit a smile with his message but most importantly, JoJo will
sweep you off your feet with his voice. From a moonshine slinging, shower singing prairie boy to
Canada’s next country music sensation.

“The first time I heard him on the radio, I could tell he was a truly unique voice in country
music. He is an engaging, charismatic young man who has a long career ahead of him.”
– Jonathan Simkin, CEO, 604 Records

Fast forward to 2017, JoJo has 4 Top 20 singles under his belt and is on the heels of releasing his debut album on June 9th. Follow along as he reveals the track listing via a new video each week of stripped down versions of the songs.

And with special guest Jade Eagleson

Jade Eagleson has the kind of traditional sound that is the heart and soul of country music. Even at only 24-years-old, he has a unique ability to take you back in time to the glory days of Johnny Cash, George Jones and Randy Travis.

Jade was raised on his grandparents’ farm in Ontario, Canada, where he worked alongside his father tending crops and livestock. While life may have lead him off the farm for a stint here and there, it always brought him back just the same. Even these days when he’s not playing his guitar you’ll still find a shovel in his hand.

Jade has been making music most of his life but only considered country music as a career when confronted with the harsh reality of figuring out how to save the farm and keep it in the family. While he may have started playing in empty bars, he soon caught his break when he earned his way into the Emerging Artist Showcase for Canada’s largest country music festival in 2017. Jade’s sound stunned audiences and easily separated him from the pack, which saw him take home top prize. Jade was immediately signed to Universal Music Canada and has been working on his debut album.

Tour Sponsored by Kubota.

Holiday Season

Give a Little

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GivingTuesday is the global day of giving. Across Prince Edward Island, from coast to coast to coast in Canada, and around the world, GivingTuesday unites people and communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another. Join the movement dedicated to giving back!
After the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday is a time to celebrate and encourage activities that support charities and non profits.
This year, Confederation Centre of the Arts is directing #GivingTuesdayCA gifts to our Foundation, and all donations will be MATCHED by Canadian Heritage!

We’re asking YOU to decide which area to support at Confederation Centre! What is most important to you?
* Youth Education * Art Gallery * Performing Arts * Heritage * General Operations *
Choose your favourite cause at Confederation Centre and your gift will be MATCHED up to dollar for dollar by Canadian Heritage! 
Foundation Funds each have a donor-designated area of support. You can opt to give to the development of new theatrical works, acquisition of new works for the art gallery’s permanent collection, classical music performance and education, scholarships for youth, the annual Symons Medal and Lecture, or select a General Operations Fund and we will ensure your gift is directed to the area of greatest need.
Music

The Once One Time Only

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Newfoundland has a storied history of stunning songwriters, poets and players. Over the course of the last decade The Once have writ and knit themselves into that story. They are at The Mack on November 27 at 7:30 PM.

Opening Act – Megan Bonnell

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Within the nine songs on their new album Time Enough, The Once offer some of the most vulnerable and honest material of their career. The up-tempo album opener, “I Can’t Live without You,” reflects on women battling with self-image issues and offers wise words to be the positive change in their own lives. The gritty guitar-driven “Before the Fall” succumbs to the notion that we must accept our past and use those memories to grow. Riff rocker “Any Other Way” reflects the fact that true love accepts us at our worst but insists we do the work to be our best selves to keep it together.

On this, their fourth studio album, the band stays true to the root strength of their harmony-driven sound, while extending the borders into fresh, yet familiar territory. They craft a sonically understated, but emotionally fulsome sound that accomplishes what they’ve always done so well: stun listeners with what Amelia Curran calls “perfect vocal harmonies, thick enough to stand on.”

“…nine pristinely cut tracks that represent the very best of three amazingly talented artists.” – The Newfoundland Herald

“The arrangements are wonderful. Hollett’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful and the three-part harmonies she, Churchill and Dale create are nearly perfect, bordering on the angelic.”– The Guardian

News Flash

Traffic and Parking This Weekend

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Traffic and Parking Advisory: Weekend of November 23-25 at Confederation Centre

Symons Lecture, Victorian Christmas Weekend, Wintertide Tree Lighting all on deck

The weekend of Friday November 23 to Sunday November 25 will be busy one in and around Confederation Centre of the Arts. As a result, the public is advised that driving and parking in the Centre block may be limited.

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The Victorian Christmas Market, presented by Discover Charlottetown, runs Friday evening through Sunday evening. In order for this event to take place, a number of road closures are required. Motorists are advised that on Friday, November 23, from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, the following streets will be closed to all traffic, with no parking permitted on either side of the streets:

 •        Queen Street, between Grafton and Kent;

•        Queen Street, between Grafton and Sydney;

•        Richmond Street, between Pownal and Great George.

People with mobility concerns will still be able to access the Centre’s Queen Street elevator into the lobby and concourse level. Also, the sidewalks around the complex will be open as usual, however those patrons being dropped off to the Centre will need to do so at the corner of Queen and Grafton.

The 2018 Symons Medal and Lecture is being presented to Dr. Margaret MacMillan, C.C., C.H. on Friday November 23 at 12:30 p.m. at the Centre. The Homburg Theatre will be full for this mid-day event so patrons attending the lecture, or headed to Mavor’s or The Showcase should leave extra time for parking nearby.

This same advice is extended to those students attendingdance umbrella classes this weekend and for those patrons taking in the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra in the Homburg Theatre, Sunday at 12:30 p.m.  

 Lastly, the City of Charlottetown’s Wintertide Holiday Festival Tree Lighting begins Friday, November 23 at 6:15 p.m. on Confederation Centre’s Upper Plaza. For more information about the Wintertide Holiday Festival, visit: charlottetown.ca and click the Wintertide button under Events and Initiatives.

Holiday Season

Light Up the Dark

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Confederation Centre carries a long and proud tradition of producing a holiday musical, pantomime, or Christmas show each year. This holiday season, organizers are dreaming up something a little different, presenting Light Up the Dark! An Arts Education Celebration.

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Staged as part of Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre, this spirited celebration of theatre, dance, choral and Celtic music, and visual art is one night only – December 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Homburg Theatre. The theme Light Up the Dark! is in reference to the festivity of the Winter Solstice, marking our communal triumph of reaching the end of the calendar year and the return of the sun as days begin to get longer again.

Sponsored by Long & McQuade, this unforgettable concert will feature a variety of talent. This includes members of dance umbrella ranging from 10 to 70 years of age, such as the ‘Dance for Health’ class dancing to Sarah Bareilles’ ‘Wintersong’, youth dancers performing excerpts from The Nutcracker, and a selection from the School of Performing Arts (SoPA) Musical Theatre program.

“I’m excited about the theme of this performance; there is a universality to celebrating the solstice – cultures around the world acknowledge the changing of the season, regardless of religious tradition. And for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, getting past the dark days of November is certainly something to celebrate!” says Peggy Reddin, director of arts education with the Centre. “There is also a second meaning, which is that arts education does indeed light up people’s lives. It is a vehicle for self-expression, and a place to find joy.”

Light Up the Dark! will feature more than 75 performers, including the Celtic Music Ensemble from Holland College’s SoPA program and students from the SoPA/Confederation Centre dance and theatre programs. In addition, the Centre is delighted to collaborate with local troupe, the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors who will perform a winter legend based on traditional Mi’kmaq legends. Lastly, the SoPA a cappella show choir, ‘the SoPA-tones’ will perform ‘You Will Be Found’ and ‘Song for a Winter’s Night’.

The celebration will also feature the work of 15 students from Confederation Centre’s visual arts stream, whose work will be exhibited in Memorial Hall prior to show-time. These students are participating in a partnership project with the PEI Association of Newcomers to Canada, led by Kate Sharpley, visual arts educator with the Art Gallery.

More programming details and a creative team announcement will be made in late-November. For more, visitconfederationcentre.com. Tickets can be purchased at the Centre box office, or online. Special thanks are extended to the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the City of Charlottetown, as well to media sponsors Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, and The Guardian.

Music

On the Move East

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD, 8:00 PM at the Harbourfront Theatre
All Seats: $42.00 (tax & fees included)

Jimmy Rankin: Moving East Tour 2018
with special guest Ashley MacIsaac

JIMMY RANKIN FROM NASHVILLE TO NOVA SCOTIA WITH NEW ALBUM, MOVING EAST BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE KITCHEN.

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Now this is big news. One of the true originals in Canadian music has moved from Nashville to Nova Scotia, and is celebrating with music only he could make. Jimmy Rankin’s new Moving East is pure East Coast, a homecoming album featuring true stories, tall tales and bittersweet ballads, and the classic folk-rock sound that Rankin helped pioneer.

Just at a time when people are searching out authentic cultural voices, strong stories and well-crafted songs, Rankin has made an unapologetically East Coast folk-rock record, with a raw, unsentimental and current edge. “I’m putting the party back in the kitchen” quips Rankin.

It’s called Moving East because that’s exactly what Jimmy’s done. He’s moved back to Nova Scotia after seven years living and working in Nashville. Hooking up with fellow Nova Scotian Joel Plaskett as producer, he’s made an album appealing to young and old alike, with songs running the gamut from gritty pub tunes to soulful ballads all featuring great storytelling and fine songwriting.

One of the most famed Canadian songwriters, Jimmy Rankin wrote such classic Rankin hits as “North Country,” “You Feel The Same Way Too,” and the Juno winning single “Fare The Well Love,” voted the #1 East Coast song of all time by CBC listeners across Canada. His own hits include “Followed Her Around,” “Morning Bound Train,” and “Cool Car.” Jimmy’s the guy who wrote “Mull River Shuffle” a Cape Breton anthem with an all-ages cult following, jamming dance floors and mosh pits at parties, weddings and raves as the last big song of the night.

Says Rankin, “With Moving East, I was trying to distil the fabric of Maritime culture into a musical collection replete with life’s highs and lows, and breathe life into stories that capture a feeling, a moment in time, live off the floor and organic.” It’s an album full of classic Cape Breton storytelling, unashamedly celebrating his moving back, and making the music he loves. Now that’s a homecoming.

About Special Guest Ashley MacIsaac

Ashley MacIsaac is widely considered to be one of the most celebrated Canadian roots musicians of all time, having sold over 500,000 albums to date. Since his first album in 1992, MacIsaac has garnered international acclaim by playing the fiddle in the traditional Cape-Breton style, while adding his own spin, mixing genres and updating Celtic music to appeal to a broader spectrum of fans.

News Flash

Save On Next Year’s Shows

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Purchase your 2019 Charlottetown Festival tickets from November 17 to December 1 and SAVE 50% off the regular price on select performances!

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Kronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for  July 3, 4, 5, 6 performances.

Anne of Green Gables-The Musical™  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for June 29, July 1, 2 ,3 performances.

Mamma Mia!  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for August 14, 15, 16, 17 performances.

Spinning Yarns  |  Applies to Tier 1 seating for July 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, August 3 performances.

Atlantic Blue  |  Applies to Tier 1 seating for August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 performances.