St. Aiden's Variety Show & Silent Auction

I will be participating in an upcoming fundraiser by St. Aiden's Church. They will be raising funds for their youth group who will be traveling to Nicaragua to participate in a group project. All are encouraged to show support by attending this upcoming function. Click image to see larger.

Atos Markham Pan Am/Parapan Centre welcomes thousands for sneak peek

I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this great celebration.

By Brea Bartholet

It was certainly a sight to be seen.

Hundreds of people anxiously waited in line Sunday afternoon for a first-hand look at the newly built Atos Markham Pan Am/Parapan Centre on Main Street South in Unionville.

The brand-new, $78.5-million multi-purpose aquatics centre and field house will host badminton, water polo and table tennis during the upcoming 2015 Pan Am Games.

As more than 2,000 guests were ushered into the venue, they were treated to live entertainment, face painting and tours of the grand facility.

In addition to all of the excitement, families were invited to take part in Markham’s largest pool party, held in the building’s 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, after an official grand opening ceremony held in the triple gymnasium.

“Today, you are part of Markham’s history,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti said as he addressed a crowd of onlookers. “This is a great example of how all three levels of government can achieve great things.”

Other special guests to the ceremony included Pan Am/Parapan Games CEO Saad Rafi, Minister of State Bal Gosal, the minister responsible for the Pan Am/Parapan Games Michael Coteau, Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan and Canadian water polo player Christine Robinson.

The opening of the centre not only signifies the upcoming Pan Am Games, but also the new beginning for athletes who would normally have to travel for training.

“We are not only doing this for the athletes of today like Christine, but we are doing this for our athletes of the future,” said Coteau.

Watching from the sidelines as each dignitary spoke was Brittany Tam, a 17-year-old Markham student who hopes to qualify for the games next spring.

Tam, who is a straight A student at Bill Crothers Secondary School, is eyeing a spot to represent her country in badminton.

Playing since she was six years old, she now attends classes each week from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., finishing her day off with two to three hours of training.

“It’s already tough to qualify, so I’d be very grateful just to accomplish that goal and be part of the Pan Am Games,” she said.

Tam still has multiple national and international competitions to take part in before she finds out if she’s made the cut.

She, like many other athletes, are looking forward to the chance of competing in front of a home crowd, representing not only Markham, but Canada as well.

Shortly after a ribbon was cut, indicating that the centre was officially open for business, Scarpitti asked guests to make their way to the poolside so the real fun could begin.

“Five, four, three, two, one,” said Scarpitti, signaling young swimmers who were eagerly waiting at the water’s edge to jump in.

“We want to welcome the community and the world to our city,” he said.

Though this afternoon marked the grand opening of the centre, an international badminton competition was recently held at the facility, where Markham resident Michelle Li tasted victory on her home court.

The Pan Am/Parapan Games are funded by the government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and lead partner CIBC, as well as various other sponsors.

General ticket sales for the Pan Am Games will begin Dec. 8 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Tickets for the Parapan Games will go on sale in spring of 2015.

For more information, visit toronto2015.org.

Source: http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/5152971-atos-markham-pan-am-parapan-centre-welcomes-thousands-for-sneak-peek/

PHOTOS: 14th Annual "Island Hopping" Fundraising Brunch

I mentioned in an earlier post that Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder where oxygen is inadequately delivered throughout the body due to the sickled shape (crescent shape) of the blood cell. This causes clumping of cells and in turn they are not able to properly pass through blood vessels to deliver oxygen.  This can cause organ dysfunction and limit the quality of life.

The Sickle Cell Association of Ontario has an annual brunch to raise funds towards research as well as to help families who are living with this debilitating disease. The 14th Annual Fundraiser included presentations, performances by various artists in the community and a delicious brunch for all to enjoy. For more information follow them on Facebook

Steelpan Classes starting NEXT WEEK!

Another season of steelpan classes are beginning. If you are interested make sure to sign up to ensure a spot!

I will be instructing the children & youth classes. Looking forward to another great season! Click ad to see larger view

Culture Days was a blast!

I am so honoured to have been part of this year's Culture Days celebration. Culture Days, a cross Canada celebration of art & culture is celebrating their 5th year in existence. This year I was based at Dufferin/St. Clair and Eatonville library giving 5 interactive hands on workshops to children, teens and adults. What a another wonderful year of connecting with the public and giving them a chance to learn about this illustrious instrument. 

Memorable moments:

1. Giving a demonstration of the versatility of the instrument. While performing Andre Bocelli & Celine Dion's "Time To Say Goodbye" and a first time senior attendee sang along in Italian - WOW!

2. A visiting class from Regal Road school creating magnificent steelpan art based on our discussions and hands on activities. 

3. Connecting with my youngest attendee (2 years old) and enjoying a moment of her creating a song.

4. Guest artists, North Star Children's Steel Orchestra performing for the attendees.

More photos to come

Eatonville Library - Day 2

14th Annual "Island Hopping" Fundraising Brunch

Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder where oxygen is inadequately delivered throughout the body due to the sickled shape (crescent shape) of the blood cell. This causes clumping of cells and in turn are not able to properly pass through blood vessels to deliver oxygen.  This can cause organ dysfunction and limit the quality of life. It is estimated 3500-4500 Canadians are affected by Sickle Cell Disease (http://www.sicklecelldisease.ca/)

Click here to order tickets for this upcoming event

A Celebration of Music & Culture

The Congress of Black Women of Canada Ajax/Pickering Chapter in partnership with The Community Development Council of Durham will present an evening of music and art at the St. Francis Centre for Community Arts & Culture. The evening’s event is in support of the Congress’s continued Scholarship Fund.

Pan Pioneer

Every once in awhile I get the opportunity to meet steelpan pioneers who were instrumental in introducing the steelpan to Toronto when they immigrated from the Caribbean. Today I had the opportunity to briefly see Jerry Jerome, pan maker, tuner, arranger and soloist at his pan yard putting on the final touches of a pan he created.

The Choir of the Barbados Ex-Police in Concert

The Barbados ex police organization "was born out of a desire of a number of Barbadians who once served in the Royal Barbados Police Force and wanted to maintain fellowship" with one another within the Toronto community. During the year they hold events for the community and usually raise funds to aid in the support of education for aspiring students.

I was invited to perform for one of their concerts this past weekend and was well received and appreciated by their organization as well as their attendees. The choir inspired me to research a few pieces which I will love to make part of my repertoire. Looking forward to sharing those pieces with you.

Access Alliance's 25th Anniversary

"Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services improves health outcomes for the most vulnerable immigrants, refugees, and their communities." Source: http://accessalliance.ca/about 

I was recently invited to participate in the 25th Anniversary celebration of this note worthy organization. I had an amazing time learning about them and the community of citizens that they help. On the contrary, it was also disheartening to learn about the statistics of immigrants trying to gain education, housing and employment while encountering challenges without a support system. I invite you to take a look at Access Alliance's website to learn more about their valuable organization.

Steelpan Classes

Make sure you register early to reserve a spot! Experience in music is not required.

Mayor Arts Lunch

After performing for the reception of the Neighbourhood Arts Network last week, I was invited to both perform and present an award to an arts group that has made an invaluable contribution to the citizens of our city. What an experience! I was honoured to have the opportunity to perform with "PanMan Pat" McNeilly, Hameed "The Pan Piper" Shaq, and Jeff Walcott aka "Choco" as a strolling steelband (pan round the neck) to open the awards luncheon.  These musicians are pillars in the steelpan community and have paved the way for generations to come.

It was inspiring to hear the numerous stories about artists and art organizations that used their creativity to educate, inspire and uplift the many communities of Toronto.

Shout out and CONGRATS to CUE, Phillip Aiken, Jordan Tannahil and Michee Mee on their wins in their respected categories. Continue to be the example for those of us who are striving as well to make a positive difference.

Pomp & Circumstance

So proud of the children & adult steelpan class graduates who embarked on a 5 week introduction to steelpan course. It has been a great journey discovering what makes the steelpan so special. Love your enthusiasm for learning. Shout out to Isaiah, Afropan Steelband - The People's Band, Earl La Pierre Jr., Tamara Pierre, Besse, Beverley Redhead, Kerry-Ann Wright,Leona Ramsay. It's been a great spring session, looking forward to many more! 

Students of the Introductory Adult Steelpan Spring Class

HOORAY! We did it!

HUGE THANKS to everyone who followed and visited the Neighbourhood Arts Network to vote for the magnificent community projects happening in our city. 60 projects, 10 finalists, 6 winners. My project "Steelpan With Suzette", along with 5 others, was awarded a prize from the BMO Seed Fund. Your votes really mattered, your support shows us that we indeed are on the right path to educate, engage and inspire our communities. Thanks for the fantastic opportunities to be able to give back!  

More photos coming soon!

Steelpan Community Project | I made it to the TOP 10!

Greetings everyone!

I received great news. The Neighbourhood Arts Network (a Toronto wide network of over 1025 members, including artists, arts organizations, cultural workers and community agencies working throughout the city of Toronto) offered their members an opportunity to put forth a project they are working on and possibly be chosen to received $1000 from their BMO Seed Fund. 

My project, Steelpan With Suzette, has made it to the TOP TEN FINALISTS.  

My project will be offered during Culture Days (Sept 26th-28th), a national celebration of arts & culture. This will be my 3rd year offering a free workshop to the citizens of Toronto.

I will have sessions specifically for children, adults, the blind and visually impaired. Discussions and demonstrations will include the origins, development and current innovations. I will have special guests performing pan poetry and there will be pan performances.

Any money received from the Seed Fund will go towards project promotion, transportation of instruments & equipment, reading materials (bilingual, large print, braille), arts supplies and guest artists.

If you think this is a great project for the community please vote.
You must be logged into Facebook to do so.
Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=673242646047015&set=a.673242382713708.1073741838.120236141347671&type=3&theater

Theatre Direct presents WEE FESTIVAL

May 12- 19th, Theatre Direct presented the first ever, theatre and cultural festival for the early years. I was excited about this initiative and HAD to be a part of this celebration. Early in the week I was able to attend the Wee Festival's conference, listen to and interact with "scholars and researchers from a wide variety of disciplines as they present snapshots of their research, discuss themes and trajectories relating to early years, creative development, cognitive ability, theatre, digital media, and play".

I especially enjoyed a presentation by Kate Einarson, a Ph.d candidate and researcher investigating how infants and children learn about music.

Here are a list of other topics that were presented

  • Bethany Corey
    A Range of Possibilities: Audience Roles in Theatre for the Very Young
  • Ben Fletcher-Watson
    The Baby Audience: defining the developmental capabilities of babies and toddlers
  • Leslee Silverman
    Public attitudes and trends in the context of developing, and presenting theatre for early years
  • Heather Fitzsimmons Frey with Emma Miles
    Trends and Ideas in Theatre for Babies and Early Years
  • Caroline Fusco
    Talking to urban children and parents about play
  • Hilary Leung and Nick Shim
    Sago Mini – Designing and Testing Digital Play for the Very Young
  • Marc Richard
    Creative Dance as Embodied Learning
  • Elyne Quan
    Darkness and Light: Creating Theatre That Matters for Young Audiences or “How To Not Be Afraid of Taking Ideas Really, Really Far

I would encourage you to visit weefestival.ca to learn more about the conference and festival.

Rise Up & Rise Above

Saturday May 10th, at the Toronto Plaza Hotel, I attended and performed for Rise Above Now. This free event was dedicated to educate, empower and inspire others to become successful through means of social development, economic advancement and spiritual growth.

For more information see http://riseabovenow.tumblr.com