Brand Camp “Website Intensive”

October 26, 2009

Why your website sucks… and what to do about it!

Those 5 local young entrepeneurs are at it again, bringing their next installment of helping businesses promote themselves using the internet. They have had two very successful training sessions with their initial Brand Camp and then an encore presentation.

Brand Camp “Website Intensive” is a one-day powerful training workshop for local entrepreneurs who are interested in growing their business using the internet. Most businesses can really benefit from expanding their promotions online but doing so is not nearly so simple as just “having a website”. Websites, themselves, can range from free, online fill-in-the-blanks templates to complex, interactive community-oriented sites that can cost tens of thousands of dollars to develop. Many people are not even aware of the options available and could literally be throwing their money away by investing in the wrong website for their business. Online promotion also goes much further than your website, and with social media trends such as Facebook and Twitter touching nearly every industry and demographic, your business could be losing out in a big way if you are not paying attention to and joining in the conversation.

Brand Camp “Website Intensive”, (also known as “Why Your Website Sucks… and what to do about it!”) will focus specifically on the things you need to know to get your business online in an effective way. Some of the things we will talk about are:

* different types of websites and what kind is best for you and your business
* designing your website to target the right audience
* Search Engine Optimization and its importance in bringing new customers to your website
* finding and using the right keywords for your business
* creating high-quality content (copywriting, video, and audio)
* promoting your website online and off
* online legalities and etiquette
* how to track and use the results that your website is getting.

This high-impact workshop will also be hands-on, ensuring that you will come away from the day with real results specifically for you and your business.

Your next opportunity to take part in this great, value-added event, is November 10th in Owen Sound!
Buy your tickets before November 1st to take advantage of earlybird pricing of 25% off!

For more information or tickets, please go to www.BrandCamp.ca

Written by Deb · Filed Under Business, Features, Participation, theOwen Features

Summerfolk Reprise Concert – Coco Love Alcorn

October 26, 2009

Proudly Presented by The Georgian Bay Folk Society

She was a hit at Summerfolk! Here’s your chance to see what all the buzz is about – Coco Love Alcorn plays Knox United Church at 890 4th Avenue East in Owen Sound this Friday, October 30th at 8:00 pm.

Born in Nova Scotia, this eclectic performer has toured with 54-40, Ani Difranco and Lilith Fair; and guested on nearly 50 albums including recordings by Burton Cummings, Chantal Kreviazuk, Jesse Cook, Kinnie Starr and Loudon Wainwright III.

We loved her at Summerfolk. Simply put – we want more!

Make it a night out enjoying a meal at Jazzmyn’s or Rocky Raccoon’s prior to the show. Check out the ‘Coco Love Specials’. After the show, join in the ‘Meet & Greet with Coco Love’ at Rocky Raccoon’s or catch the sounds of Will Ross at Jazzmyn’s.

To purchase or reserve tickets ($15), contact the Georgian Bay Folk Society office at 519-371-2995 or email gbfs@bmts.com.

Written by Deb · Filed Under Concerts, Events, Music, The Arts

Busy Jazz Week Coming Up

October 22, 2009

Early winter weekends are getting busy with many gigs to choose from. Check back here often for updates and changes as well as on the calendar at Jazz By The Bay.

From next Sunday, October 25, until end of November, Bobby Dean Blackburn brings his vibrant personality and talent on keyboard and vocals to Sauble Dunes Restaurant, Sauble Beach. With him is crackerjack drummer Frank Dematteis for this afternoon gig at 2:30 p.m. More information and reservations 519-422-2745.

Friday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m.
One of my favourite Ladies of Jazz, Diana Campbell, accompanied by legendary keyboard artist, Don Buchanan, will entertain diners at Chaise Lounge, Owen Sound. Jazz entertainment at this location has previously been on Saturdays in the past so please note the date. Reservations 519-371-8141

Thursday, October 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Ray Bonneville plays a unique mix of blues jazz and roots at McGinty’s Café Upstairs, Meaford. Winner of a Juno Award in 1999 for his third album, Gust of Wind, Ray’s extensive history is detailed on website Ray Bonneville.

Thursday, October 22, at 7:30 p.m.
The Mr. Blues Revue takes over the Roxy Theatre, Owen Sound, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The show is a tribute to the late James Wayner, long time front man for The Bearcats who are appearing together with special guest Juno Award Winner Jack de Keyzer, guitar, whose CD Blues Thing garnered rave revues.
Also in the lineup are Chris Murphy, sax, and Erin McCallum, vocals. The benefit performance is in aid of Kiwanis Harrison Park playground.
More info Bearcats

Gotta mark my calendar for Friday, November 6, for Stardust Big Band at the Queen’s Hotel, Port Elgin, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rebecca Binendyk is singing with a big band that play my kind of dance music from the 30s and 40s, as well as new arrangements of contemporary jazz tunes. Cover $10. Reservations 519-832-2041

If you have any news about upcoming jazz gigs in the Grey/Bruce Counties area, please contact me at My Foggy Day or Tom Lewis at Jazz By The Bay

Thanks to Doreen Fawcett for this great musical information!

Written by Deb · Filed Under Concerts, Events, Get Out, Music, The Area

Owen Sound Cultural Awards

October 16, 2009

The cultural awards ceremony was held last night (October 15, 2009) at the Roxy in downtown Owen Sound. We have such a rich culture here in our city.

The first winner of the Owen Sound Cultural Award for lifetime achievement in the arts was well known and repected, retired music teacher and luthier, Ed Bartlett.

Some of the other winners:

Sheila Milne, for dance; Owen Sound Little Theatre, for theatre; Sebastian Ostertag, for best emerging artist; Richard Thomas for literature and Larry Jensen for music. Sandra and Andrew Goss won in the category of visual and media arts. Eva Leflar, a long-standing patroness of the arts in Owen Sound, won the patron award. Ningwakwe Press won the award for cultural heritage. The new health unit building on the waterfront won the award for architectural design.

Here’s a quick look near the end of the evening.