If you missed Electric Eclectics

September 13, 2007

Electric Eclectics 2007 - submitted by Josh Richardson

It’s been a while coming, but at the beginning of August in Meaford was held the second annual Electric Eclectics Festival of Mondern Music and Irritainment. Once again it was packed full of artists from around the world and attracted people from all over Canada. This year’s festival was graced by the warm and amusing Jaymz Bee , who is a fixture of the Toronto lounge scene, and a party planner who includes a James Bond opening as one of his many credits. His “Cosmic Vision” was a intergalactic play on the search for romance in a lonely universe, which included Juno award winner Richard Underhill on sax. Their performance was a highlight of the Friday night, along with the incredible duo, Whippoorwill , who closed the night. Saturday was the culmination of the festival, which was preceded by sound installations and workshops across the Grey-Bruce during the previous month. Alexander Hacke of German Industrial legends Einsturzende Neubauten filled in the headlining spot, as well as Canadian “noise-music” pioneers The Nihilist Spasm Band making their Electric Eclectics debut. The entire audience was taken aback by Dutchman Edward van Der Heide’s sound and laser performance late Saturday night, which topped off the evening with an incredible display of light and oscillating waveforms. Many young up-and-coming bands had their time on the Electric Eclectics’ stage. Here is an interview with just one of those bands. Fossils are a trio of 20-somethings hail from Hamilton, Ontario and fall under the “noise-music” genre, which the 60-somethings of the Nihilist Spasm Band originated. The talked to me about their music and their concept of noise.

The following audio clip is out first attempt at using a combination of mobile phones and theOwen.com caller feedback line to collect audio commentary and reviews from events in the area. Many thanks to Josh for taking the time and making the effort to help us out with this. I can pretty much guarantee that the quality can only get better than this as we learn a little more. Clearly a land line will beat a cell for quality any day. Want to give it a try. Have a look around the site and add an audio comment by calling 519 416 Owen (6936)

And on to the audio (the player is being a little funny? you can listen in a new browser window here (if you want you can also right click that link and download the track)

Share This

Written by Ryan · Filed Under The Area, Meaford, The Arts, Podcast, Audio, Music, theOwen

Meaford International Film Festival & An Interview With Ralph Nader

August 29, 2007

Meaford International Film Festival Logo
This weekend Meaford is holding its first ever International Film Festival. There will be four films screened and live interviews with the directors will be a part of the show. Three of the films will include interviews with the directors via iConference, including a discussion between local Green Party leader Shane Jolley and Ralph Nader, American political maverick. The films will be showing from Thursday August 30th to Sunday September 2nd at the Meaford Hall. There will be a catering and alcohol served at the hall, along with an after-party to be announced after each showing. The films are $18 each or $25 with the after-party included. Passes for all four shows can be had for $65 or $80 with the after-parties included. There will be matinee screenings of the movies held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a ticket price of $10.

The first film being presented is “An Unreasonable Man”. It is a documentary about the life of Ralph Nader who is famous for his work in consumer advocacy and American politics. As a result of running as an independent in the 2000 federal election and possibly splitting the democrat’s votes, many blame Nader for eight years of a George W. Bush presidency. He is a well-spoken advocate for true democracy and his live discussion with Shane Jolley via iConference will be well worth listening to. We will be recording the interview and posting it on the site in the near future. The interview will also appear on the Green Party Web Site.

For more information about the Meaford International Film Festival, please visit their web site.

Share This

Written by adam · Filed Under Meaford, Movies, theOwen

The Tugboats are Putting Into Town!

July 27, 2007

The Grand Banks

Yes, the tugs are here! I went down and met with some of the kind tug travelers that have docked against the inner harbour. They are out of such ports as Sault St. Marie, Parry Sound and Midland. Some motored across Georgian Bay from the north, stopping in Wiarton on their way down. Others made their way around the southeastern coast of the Bay, stopping in Meaford on their way to the scenic city. They love to talk about their boats and their summer of touring to weekend tugboat festivals in the Sault and Parry Sound.

The Mink Isle

The Russel Brothers tugboat festival starts Saturday July 28th at 10 a.m. The event is taking place down at the Marine & Rail Museum, 1155 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound. These are some beautiful boats and some nice folks, so come on out to see the festival!

Share This

Written by adam · Filed Under Meaford, Get Out, Community, Homecoming, theOwen

Songs in the Key of Tom

July 6, 2007

The following is a press release sent to us by Kris Rosar from the Tom Thomson Art Gallery. If you have any events you would like promoted at theOwen.com send us your pertinent details and we will post it for you. Thanks Kris!

Songs in the Key of Tom, a concert of songs inspired by the life, art and times of the artist Tom Thomson, will be presented on July 25th at 8:00 p.m. at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, 840 First Ave. W.

Described as “uplifting… a strong and vital connection between visual art and music” (Liz Wylie, University of Toronto Art Centre), this sublime presentation will feature performers david sereda (piano and voice), Keira McArthur (cello and voice) and Tyler Wagler (bass). All songs have been composed and arranged by david sereda. Tickets are $10 each and $25 for families (2 adults + 2 children) and available at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Tom Thomson Logo

This special presentation kicks off Tom Thomson Days, a festival of art, music, literature, history and remembrance from July 25 to August 5 in Owen Sound and Leith. The Tom Thomson Art Gallery and community partners gratefully acknowledge The Municipality of Meaford and Arts Presentation Canada for their generous support of Tom Thomson Days, including this concert.

For information, visit www.tomthomson.org

or contact 519-376-1932 or ttmag@e-owensound.com

Municipality of Meaford Logo
Fresh Start Logo