...of the year passed over a while ago. It was brief. A couple cracks. Some spitting. The cat didn't seem too worried. At the time I was reading Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry by Jane Hirshfield. Gerry had an extra copy and gave it to me at the poetry salon. I was thrilled. I'd borrowed a copy from the colony library a couple years back, read some of it and decided to order it once I got home so I could take my time and revisit it whenever I want. I never did order it. I suspect my wish list never made it out of the notebook that I used for that colony. Oh well. I'm happy I have a copy now. The timing couldn't be better.
As I've mentioned before, I begin my mornings with coffee and poetry. This morning I was reading A Ghost in Waterloo Station by Bert Almon. I stopped after reading "St. Cuthbert and the Sea Otters," an intriguing prose poem that I'll revisit tomorrow morning before carrying on.
I don't know if I mentioned that I joined the Brick Book Club again this year. The spring titles showed up last week or the week before. So far I've read John Donlan's Spirit Engine and The Luskville Reductions by Monty Reid. I still have Brenda Leifso's Daughters of Men to read. I think I'll save Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems by Randall Maggs till fall when the next hockey season begins. Speaking of which, I understand CBC won't be showing as many Leafs games this coming year. I didn't care for the variety pack approach Hockey Night in Canada employed at the end of the regular season. How does one get behind a team when you only see them once in a while? I suppose now I'll have to watch the Leafs on my computer. Ugh.
Back to books. In the mail this week was The Sleeping Life, a collection of poems by Kerry Ryan. I met Kerry when I was in Winnipeg.
Also arriving this week was After the Blizzard by Zachariah Wells, a lovely chipbook, or mini chapbook, published by littlefishcartpress. What lovely paper.
Also new to my bookshelf is Jailbreaks: 99 Canadian Sonnets, edited by Zachariah Wells. I picked it up when I was in Saskatoon last and have been dipping into it. There's great variety and notes on the poems to boot.
I also recently bought A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman. I found a used copy in the Orange Toad in Flin Flon. Hardcover. Mint condition.
More books will be arriving next week. No shortage of summer reading in the Schmidt house.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Hats off
...to the Flin Flon Community Choir, the Flin Flon Arts Council, the Cranberry Aboriginal Art Festival Committee, the Flin Flon Indian/Metis Friendship Centre and everyone else who had a hand in presenting Night on an Old Trade Route. The concerts were amazing. And moving. I'm thrilled that my poems were part of this. Thanks to the composers, the director and each member of the choir for making my words come alive so beautifully.
It's impossible to put the experience into words. Instead I'll let H's pics do the talking.
I understand both concerts were sold out. Here's the crowd gathering before the first concert.
Here's Jim Hiscott, the composer of "Night on an Old Trade Route," Andrea Ratuski, who performed "Spirit Reel" with Jim Hiscott, Mark Kolt, the composer of "Pictograph" and "Words to Another Forest Song" as well as another piece performed in the concert, and me.
Looking up at the tipi from inside.
The sound in the tipi was incredible. I'm told the singing sounded wonderful outside the tipi as well.
Here's a peek at the Gathering Ceremony.
Here I am being interviewed by Mark Szyszlo.
The piece about the concert was aired on CBC radio twice today. I slept through the first broadcast, but received a phone call right after from someone who had heard it. I missed the second broadcast due to cat issues. I received a call after it from another listener. Both said Szyszlo's piece on the concert was excellent.
Here's a shot of the crowd after the first concert.
Here I am signing a score for a member of the choir.
Here's the Rising Sun Drum Group down by the water shortly before they moved inside for the evening concert.
Here's Jana Dutkiewicz, the soprano soloist who performed "Words to Another Forest Song," and me.
Here's the choir lining up for the evening concert.
Here's Crystal Kolt, director of the choir, after the Gathering Ceremony.
Crystal's tremendous energy is contagious and her vision is both great and inspiring.
I'm happy I was there to see both concerts. They were the same and yet so different. It was wonderful to have Ariel and H there with me to share and document the experience.
Again, hats off to all!
It's impossible to put the experience into words. Instead I'll let H's pics do the talking.
I understand both concerts were sold out. Here's the crowd gathering before the first concert.
Here's Jim Hiscott, the composer of "Night on an Old Trade Route," Andrea Ratuski, who performed "Spirit Reel" with Jim Hiscott, Mark Kolt, the composer of "Pictograph" and "Words to Another Forest Song" as well as another piece performed in the concert, and me.
Looking up at the tipi from inside.
The sound in the tipi was incredible. I'm told the singing sounded wonderful outside the tipi as well.
Here's a peek at the Gathering Ceremony.
Here I am being interviewed by Mark Szyszlo.
The piece about the concert was aired on CBC radio twice today. I slept through the first broadcast, but received a phone call right after from someone who had heard it. I missed the second broadcast due to cat issues. I received a call after it from another listener. Both said Szyszlo's piece on the concert was excellent.
Here's a shot of the crowd after the first concert.
Here I am signing a score for a member of the choir.
Here's the Rising Sun Drum Group down by the water shortly before they moved inside for the evening concert.
Here's Jana Dutkiewicz, the soprano soloist who performed "Words to Another Forest Song," and me.
Here's the choir lining up for the evening concert.
Here's Crystal Kolt, director of the choir, after the Gathering Ceremony.
Crystal's tremendous energy is contagious and her vision is both great and inspiring.
I'm happy I was there to see both concerts. They were the same and yet so different. It was wonderful to have Ariel and H there with me to share and document the experience.
Again, hats off to all!
On Friday
...Ariel arrived. We spent most of the day tromping around.
First we went to Mistik Creek to see if the suckers were still running. They were not. We did find a few suckers at the Pineroot River. Here's Ariel on the bridge, photographing the fish. I'm in the background watching birds.
Next stop was the limestone crevices, which are deep and filled with strange and beautiful ice formations. Here's Ariel in a crevice, perched on an outcrop of rock, photographing the daggers of ice below.
Here's Ariel climbing onto another little ledge.
I zoomed in on her a bit while I went on about the ongoing nature of erosion.
I went on and on while she went up and down.
Here's Ariel and H on a beaver dam.
We stayed at a cabin at Neso Lake. I love it there. Here we are sitting around a fire, chatting with bear hunters from Kansas.
Ariel and H kept feeding the fire. We stayed up well into the night.
First we went to Mistik Creek to see if the suckers were still running. They were not. We did find a few suckers at the Pineroot River. Here's Ariel on the bridge, photographing the fish. I'm in the background watching birds.
Next stop was the limestone crevices, which are deep and filled with strange and beautiful ice formations. Here's Ariel in a crevice, perched on an outcrop of rock, photographing the daggers of ice below.
Here's Ariel climbing onto another little ledge.
I zoomed in on her a bit while I went on about the ongoing nature of erosion.
I went on and on while she went up and down.
Here's Ariel and H on a beaver dam.
We stayed at a cabin at Neso Lake. I love it there. Here we are sitting around a fire, chatting with bear hunters from Kansas.
Ariel and H kept feeding the fire. We stayed up well into the night.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The press release and the program
...for “A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE – A CROSS CULTURAL CONCERT” is below. Saturday is coming right up! I'm so excited!
I have my fingers crossed for clear skies.
I was happy to see a nice piece about the concert in the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturday.
I'm happier yet that Ariel is coming!
______________________________________
PRESS RELEASE May 12, 2008
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On May 24th The Flin Flon Community Choir together with The Flin Flon Arts Council, The Cranberry Aboriginal Art Festival Committee, the Flin Flon Indian – Metis Friendship Centre and Aboriginal Head Start Program meld the varied artistic traditions of Northern Manitoba by proudly presenting the first Concert of its kind in Cranberry Portage’s inspiring Grand Tipi. “A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE – A CROSS CULTURAL CONCERT” showcases world premiere performances of choral works “A Night on an Old Trade Route” written by Manitoban Composer Jim Hiscott on a poem by Northern poet Brenda Schmidt, “Pictograph” and “Words from Another Forest song” both written by Northern Manitoban composer Mark Kolt also on poems by Brenda Schmidt, and featuring The Rising Sun Drum Group from The Pas Manitoba will be presented at 2pm and then at 8pm on the evening of the 24th.
“Night On An Old Trade Route” This Choral work was commissioned by The Flin Flon Community Choir in 2003. Wishing to create a concert celebrating this particular part of Northern Manitoba, where the life of a trapper exists undisturbed to this very day on our pristine boreal forests, and very specifically to perform this commissioned work on our most beautiful of venues, along one of our many remarkable Trade Routes, it was with delight to learn of the possibility of sharing cultures on the great lake of Athapapaskow. Also known as Lake Athapap, this historic place of gathering is now home to the world’s largest tipi. With an area of over 2700 sq.ft holding over 200 guests and over 70 ft tall this cathedral-like space is the perfect place to meet, to learn, to share and to celebrate. Renowned Canadian Sculpture Irvin Head, a member of the Cranberry Aboriginal Art Festival Committee, has been instrumental in directing the Flin Flon Community Choir in the development of the Aboriginal programming of this concert/celebration.
In union with the sophisticated world of contemporary classical music, art meets culture with the utmost reverence. Our formal part of the classical program will be enwrapped with Aboriginal cultural traditions including a short Smudging Ceremony to cleanse the gathering place and Gathering and Farewell Rites by The Rising Sun Drum Group and an Elder so essential to any sacred cultural celebration. Finishing with the taste of bannock over an open fire beside a shimmering lake after each concert, all senses will have been tantalized. It will truly be an event to be remembered.
_______________________________________
PROGRAM
A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE – CROSS CULTURAL CONCERT
May 24th 2pm and 8pm
Smudging Ceremony 1:30 – 2:pm 7:30 – 8pm
Guests/Audience Seated 2pm 8pm
Elder Blessing
The Rising Sun Drum Group Gathering Rite
Aboriginal Youth Welcome Song
Flin Flon Community Choir Offers Tobacco to Elder and Drum Troupe
Flin Flon Community Choir Offers Cloth to Elder
Cloth is Hung in Tipi
Dignitaries Short words of Greeting
CLASSICAL PROGRAM
Pictograph Composed by Mark Kolt
Words – Brenda Schmidt
A Word from Another Forest Song Composed by Mark Kolt
Words by Brenda Schmidt
Performed by Soprano Jana Dutkiewicz
Sound Prayer for Mother Earth Composed by Andrew Balfour
Metis Spirit Reel Composed by Jim Hiscott
A Ballad to Samuel Hearn Composed by Mark Kolt
Snowforms R.Murray Schafer
A Night On An Old Trade Route Composed by Jim Hiscott
Words by Brenda Schmidt
NorthWest Passage Compsed by Stan Rogers
Arranged by Mark Kolt
Vision: The World’s Largest Tipi Composed by Frank Mitchell
Performed by Frank Mitchell
FAREWELL CEREMONY The RISING SUN DRUM GROUP
All in attendance are welcomed to meet outside the Tipi to enjoy some refreshments of Bannock and Juice/Coffee.
The Tipi Stage will be open to drummers, singers and dancers between concerts.
I have my fingers crossed for clear skies.
I was happy to see a nice piece about the concert in the Winnipeg Free Press on Saturday.
I'm happier yet that Ariel is coming!
______________________________________
PRESS RELEASE May 12, 2008
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On May 24th The Flin Flon Community Choir together with The Flin Flon Arts Council, The Cranberry Aboriginal Art Festival Committee, the Flin Flon Indian – Metis Friendship Centre and Aboriginal Head Start Program meld the varied artistic traditions of Northern Manitoba by proudly presenting the first Concert of its kind in Cranberry Portage’s inspiring Grand Tipi. “A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE – A CROSS CULTURAL CONCERT” showcases world premiere performances of choral works “A Night on an Old Trade Route” written by Manitoban Composer Jim Hiscott on a poem by Northern poet Brenda Schmidt, “Pictograph” and “Words from Another Forest song” both written by Northern Manitoban composer Mark Kolt also on poems by Brenda Schmidt, and featuring The Rising Sun Drum Group from The Pas Manitoba will be presented at 2pm and then at 8pm on the evening of the 24th.
“Night On An Old Trade Route” This Choral work was commissioned by The Flin Flon Community Choir in 2003. Wishing to create a concert celebrating this particular part of Northern Manitoba, where the life of a trapper exists undisturbed to this very day on our pristine boreal forests, and very specifically to perform this commissioned work on our most beautiful of venues, along one of our many remarkable Trade Routes, it was with delight to learn of the possibility of sharing cultures on the great lake of Athapapaskow. Also known as Lake Athapap, this historic place of gathering is now home to the world’s largest tipi. With an area of over 2700 sq.ft holding over 200 guests and over 70 ft tall this cathedral-like space is the perfect place to meet, to learn, to share and to celebrate. Renowned Canadian Sculpture Irvin Head, a member of the Cranberry Aboriginal Art Festival Committee, has been instrumental in directing the Flin Flon Community Choir in the development of the Aboriginal programming of this concert/celebration.
In union with the sophisticated world of contemporary classical music, art meets culture with the utmost reverence. Our formal part of the classical program will be enwrapped with Aboriginal cultural traditions including a short Smudging Ceremony to cleanse the gathering place and Gathering and Farewell Rites by The Rising Sun Drum Group and an Elder so essential to any sacred cultural celebration. Finishing with the taste of bannock over an open fire beside a shimmering lake after each concert, all senses will have been tantalized. It will truly be an event to be remembered.
_______________________________________
PROGRAM
A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE – CROSS CULTURAL CONCERT
May 24th 2pm and 8pm
Smudging Ceremony 1:30 – 2:pm 7:30 – 8pm
Guests/Audience Seated 2pm 8pm
Elder Blessing
The Rising Sun Drum Group Gathering Rite
Aboriginal Youth Welcome Song
Flin Flon Community Choir Offers Tobacco to Elder and Drum Troupe
Flin Flon Community Choir Offers Cloth to Elder
Cloth is Hung in Tipi
Dignitaries Short words of Greeting
CLASSICAL PROGRAM
Pictograph Composed by Mark Kolt
Words – Brenda Schmidt
A Word from Another Forest Song Composed by Mark Kolt
Words by Brenda Schmidt
Performed by Soprano Jana Dutkiewicz
Sound Prayer for Mother Earth Composed by Andrew Balfour
Metis Spirit Reel Composed by Jim Hiscott
A Ballad to Samuel Hearn Composed by Mark Kolt
Snowforms R.Murray Schafer
A Night On An Old Trade Route Composed by Jim Hiscott
Words by Brenda Schmidt
NorthWest Passage Compsed by Stan Rogers
Arranged by Mark Kolt
Vision: The World’s Largest Tipi Composed by Frank Mitchell
Performed by Frank Mitchell
FAREWELL CEREMONY The RISING SUN DRUM GROUP
All in attendance are welcomed to meet outside the Tipi to enjoy some refreshments of Bannock and Juice/Coffee.
The Tipi Stage will be open to drummers, singers and dancers between concerts.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Time flies
...when I'm working in the gardens. H and I spent most of the day getting the yard in shape for spring. While we were out back having tea, H took a few pics of the sparrows. I thought I'd post a couple.
The Harris's Sparrow is my favourite bird.
They're just stopping over for a few days on their way north to their summer breeding grounds. It's hard to describe their song. You can listen to it here. Imagine a yard full of them. The sound makes me want to curl up with a Guy Gavriel Kay novel. And maybe I will.
At least one pair of White-throated Sparrows will remain in our yard for the season.
Its song does not appeal to me as much, though I do admire Don McKay's take on it. But I will happily listen to it sing every morning while I'm reading poems and drinking coffee.
*
The Cathedral Village Arts Festival begins tomorrow in Regina. I can't be there, but I believe "You" from Cantos from Wolverine Creek will be on one of the literary lanterns. I hope someone will send me a pic of it. I'd love to see how it looks.
The Harris's Sparrow is my favourite bird.
They're just stopping over for a few days on their way north to their summer breeding grounds. It's hard to describe their song. You can listen to it here. Imagine a yard full of them. The sound makes me want to curl up with a Guy Gavriel Kay novel. And maybe I will.
At least one pair of White-throated Sparrows will remain in our yard for the season.
Its song does not appeal to me as much, though I do admire Don McKay's take on it. But I will happily listen to it sing every morning while I'm reading poems and drinking coffee.
*
The Cathedral Village Arts Festival begins tomorrow in Regina. I can't be there, but I believe "You" from Cantos from Wolverine Creek will be on one of the literary lanterns. I hope someone will send me a pic of it. I'd love to see how it looks.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Suckers are most vulnerable
...when they're running upstream. On our way home from Winnipeg we saw people netting suckers at Mistik Creek. Yesterday we went back to watch the suckers run and do some thinking.
Here's H shooting some video.
Here's a couple suckers trying to make their way.
Here's H standing among the remains of suckers that someone had left behind.
Ravens and gulls hung around in the trees, waiting for us to leave so they could return to feast on the mess.
When we got home H showed me the video of the suckers running. It's beautiful. I hope to write a sonnet to go with it.
Here's H shooting some video.
Here's a couple suckers trying to make their way.
Here's H standing among the remains of suckers that someone had left behind.
Ravens and gulls hung around in the trees, waiting for us to leave so they could return to feast on the mess.
When we got home H showed me the video of the suckers running. It's beautiful. I hope to write a sonnet to go with it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Sometimes a visit to a snake pit
...is just what a person needs. Yesterday on the way home from Winnipeg we visited the Narcisse Snake Dens for the first time. We arrived early. It was cool and cloudy and the snakes were sluggish.
But then the sun came out and things picked up.
Wait till you see H's snake pics. They're amazing. I'll let you know when they go up on his blog.
UPDATE: H's snake pics are up!
H also took some video of the snakes. We plan to put together a videopoem using the epilogue from Cantos from Wolverine Creek. I'm not sure how well the video and the poem will work together. It might prove to be too creepy.
But then the sun came out and things picked up.
Wait till you see H's snake pics. They're amazing. I'll let you know when they go up on his blog.
UPDATE: H's snake pics are up!
H also took some video of the snakes. We plan to put together a videopoem using the epilogue from Cantos from Wolverine Creek. I'm not sure how well the video and the poem will work together. It might prove to be too creepy.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Winnipeg reading
...with Judith Krause at McNally Robinson was a great time! Thanks to everyone who came out. And Ariel provided the biggest and best chocolate layer cake ever!
We got in to Winnipeg late last night. Ariel told us to meet her and M at the gates of the Assiniboine Forest at 9 am sharp. I checked the forecast and told her Winnipeg was in for 15-25 mm of rain. She said we'd hike anyway. She'd provide me with a hat.
Here's Ariel and me after 1 1/2 hours of hiking in the rain. I was soaked to the skin. My shoes were squishing. I had to wring out my socks.
After the hike Ariel awarded me a wonderful yogurt/lemon zest muffin for being so quiet and well mannered.
Ariel set up a wonderful dim sum gathering for noon. The food was excellent, but nothing compared to the company. What a fun table of writers! At the end of the meal Ariel slid a napkin covered object over to me. It turned out to be a beautiful horseshoe!
It feels lucky. Anita, a writer with two books currently shortlisted for a major award and a horse owner with connections in the horse world, came up with the horseshoe at Ariel's request. It's off a horse named Willie.
After dim sum Ariel gave us a tour of Aqua Books. Wow. We will definitely be stopping there every time we visit Winnipeg.
Here's a few pics H took at the reading.
Here's me trying a flowery tea.
Here's me reading.
Here's Judith and me signing.
And here's the cake! A Cantos cake!
Thanks to Ariel for the cake and everything else. What a great day.
We got in to Winnipeg late last night. Ariel told us to meet her and M at the gates of the Assiniboine Forest at 9 am sharp. I checked the forecast and told her Winnipeg was in for 15-25 mm of rain. She said we'd hike anyway. She'd provide me with a hat.
Here's Ariel and me after 1 1/2 hours of hiking in the rain. I was soaked to the skin. My shoes were squishing. I had to wring out my socks.
After the hike Ariel awarded me a wonderful yogurt/lemon zest muffin for being so quiet and well mannered.
Ariel set up a wonderful dim sum gathering for noon. The food was excellent, but nothing compared to the company. What a fun table of writers! At the end of the meal Ariel slid a napkin covered object over to me. It turned out to be a beautiful horseshoe!
It feels lucky. Anita, a writer with two books currently shortlisted for a major award and a horse owner with connections in the horse world, came up with the horseshoe at Ariel's request. It's off a horse named Willie.
After dim sum Ariel gave us a tour of Aqua Books. Wow. We will definitely be stopping there every time we visit Winnipeg.
Here's a few pics H took at the reading.
Here's me trying a flowery tea.
Here's me reading.
Here's Judith and me signing.
And here's the cake! A Cantos cake!
Thanks to Ariel for the cake and everything else. What a great day.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The poetry salon
...was wonderful! My thanks to Katherine Lawrence for inviting me and thanks to everyone who came out. Incredible people, incredible food. What a dreamy experience! And it was great fun to read with Gerald Hill. We took turns reading, choosing poems as we went along that played off each other's work in some way. Gerry went first. When preparing for the salon, I had tried to guess what poem he'd read first so I could plan a comeback. I'd stopped on one particular poem and thought, no, he wouldn't dare start with that. But sure enough.
H took some pics.
Here's Gerry and me scheming.
Here's Katherine making introductions.
Gerry reading.
And me.
H took some pics.
Here's Gerry and me scheming.
Here's Katherine making introductions.
Gerry reading.
And me.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
So it's soon time
...to hit the road again. The cat will not be pleased. Anyway, Gerald Hill and I are the featured readers at a poetry salon in Saskatoon on Saturday. My first salon! I'm very excited. I linked to a story about the revival of house readings and salons in a post a few years back. The link is now dead, but my enthusiasm is alive as ever. I love the idea of them. Now, touch wood, I will experience it first hand. And it's an honour to be reading with Gerry. I sat down with My Human Comedy, his latest, on the weekend. It's a dandy.
Then I'm off to Winnipeg where I'll read with Judith Krause on Monday at McNally Robinson, Grant Park. My thanks to Ariel Gordon for spreading the word, setting up a dim sum date and promising cake. Cake! I hope she'll give me a tour of Aqua Books and take me for a hike in the forest as well. I don't ask a lot...
*
So.
Then I'm off to Winnipeg where I'll read with Judith Krause on Monday at McNally Robinson, Grant Park. My thanks to Ariel Gordon for spreading the word, setting up a dim sum date and promising cake. Cake! I hope she'll give me a tour of Aqua Books and take me for a hike in the forest as well. I don't ask a lot...
*
So.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Night on an Old Trade Route
...is in the news today! The concert is coming right up!
*
I asked Crystal Kolt if I could post the invitation. Here it is:
AN INVITATION – NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE CONCERT
CRANBERRY PORTAGE Grand TIPI– May 24, 2008
Flin Flon Arts Council – (204) 687-5974 phone (204) 687-8799
ffac@mts.net
The Flin Flon Arts Council and The Flin Flon Community Choir wish to invite you to an amazingly cross-cultural experience on Saturday, May 24th, 2008.
Together with the Aboriginal members from Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage as well as the Flin Flon Indian/Metis Friendship Centre we will showcase a cultural concert unparalleled in our northern communities. With the support of the Cranberry Portage Art Festival and Aboriginal Elders, the concert will take place in Cranberry Portage’s Grand Tipi. This sacred venue, known as the largest Tipi in the world stands 70 feet high with 2700 square feet of space that can hold over 200 people.
Two concerts will be held on the day of May 24th. One at 2:00pm and the second at 8:00pm in the evening. For those interested in traveling by air (through Calm Air Airlines) to Flin Flon, there is a flight leaving Winnipeg at 11:30am arriving in Flin Flon at approximately 1:00pm. The Flin Flon Airport is about 15 minutes from Cranberry Portage.
PROGRAM - A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE CONCERT - May 24th
Guests and audience members will be invited to participate in a Smudging ritual held outside of the Tipi before entering the Grand Tipi.
Once all in attendance are seated in the Tipi, an Elder will honour the proceedings and the audience with a blessing after which, The Red Rock Thunder Dance Troupe, an Aboriginal dance troupe from The Pas, Manitoba, will begin the Concert with a ceremonial Aboriginal entrance accompanied by a Welcoming Song sung by Cranberry Portage youth vocalist Mike Onibagon.
Crystal Kolt, Director of the Flin Flon Community Choir will give an offering of cloth and Tobacco to the Elder out of respect for the gathering and the meeting place. The four coloured cloths, (yellow, red, white and blue representing the different peoples in our nation as well as representing the different stages in ones life) will be hung at the four corners of the Tipi (North, South, East and West). Choir members will also have these same cultural coloured ribbons displayed on their sleeves out of respect.
It is at this point that 50 members of the Flin Flon Community Choir will approach the stage and perform their first number. Three original works will be premiered during this concert together with works by Manitoban composer Andrew Balfour and Ontario composer R.Murray Schaefer. The pieces which will be performed are:
Pictograph Premiere Performance Composer – Mark Kolt (Manitoba)
Lyrics – Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, SK)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Pictograph musically describes the very present artwork and stories still clearly seen on our lake-side cliffs. This piece beautifully captures the philosophical emotion experienced when a traveler chances on one of these pre-contact images.
Story Teller - TBA
Words To Another Forest Song Premiere Performance Composer Mark Kolt
Soprano Soloist – Jana Dutkiewicz (The Pas) Lyrics – Brenda Schmidt
“Sometimes a word can be heard over music,
needles twanging twigs
branches drumming air
beating on neighboring trees”
This piece created for solo soprano and piano lets our hearts soar in reverie of our northern forests. We take our time and reflect on our place in this world.
Metis Spirit Reel Composer – Jim Hiscott
Performed by Fiddle and Button Accordian.
Fogarty’s Cove Composer – Stan Rogers
This song is sung in tribute to the many Scottish brothers who joined the forces of the Hudson Bay Company and became cherished members of our northern communities.
Snowforms Composer – R.Murray Schaefer
Performed by The Flin Flon Community Choir – Women’s Chorus
Snowforms is sung in remembrance of our northern Inuit peoples. We share so much and yet are so different. This song takes us through the journey of winter. As all northerners experience the different snows that take up so many of our days. The Inuit people expertly comprehend this white environment. R.Murray Schaefer’s piece musically teaches us about this culture.
Sound of Prayer for Mother Earth Composer – Andrew Balfour (Manitoba)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Since Andrew’s exploration into his Cree roots, Manitoba has shared in his journey. Through his latest DVD entitled Wa Wa Te Wak, we travel through time and see Aboriginal suffering through the eyes of a young Cree girl walking through the streets of Winnipeg. Sound of Prayer for Mother Earth asks us to remember all of the Aboriginal communities in the world. All nations equally proclaiming adoration for nature.
A Night on An Old Trade Route Composer – Jim Hiscott (Manitoba)
Premiere Performance Poet – Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, SK)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Finally, the reason d’etre for this concert and the catalyst for this cross-cultural collaboration. Night on an Old Trade Route was commissioned by The Flin Flon Community Choir in 2004 and as in any trapper journey, has traveled long and hard to get to its destination, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to be presented to the world. Brenda Schmidt’s poetry is drawn into a world of music with clear intent and matches the haunting textual quality with voice.
Our Concert ends as it began, with the sound of drum and dance of the Red Rock Thunder Dance Troupe who will perform a ritual closing ceremony.
Bannock will be served by the fire outside of the tent with continued chant and Metis fiddling following the celebration.
We are please to share this experience with you and hope you will be able to join us in celebration.
Sincerely,
Crystal Kolt
Director- Flin Flon Community Choir
Cultural Coordinator – Flin Flon Arts Council
*
I asked Crystal Kolt if I could post the invitation. Here it is:
AN INVITATION – NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE CONCERT
CRANBERRY PORTAGE Grand TIPI– May 24, 2008
Flin Flon Arts Council – (204) 687-5974 phone (204) 687-8799
ffac@mts.net
The Flin Flon Arts Council and The Flin Flon Community Choir wish to invite you to an amazingly cross-cultural experience on Saturday, May 24th, 2008.
Together with the Aboriginal members from Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage as well as the Flin Flon Indian/Metis Friendship Centre we will showcase a cultural concert unparalleled in our northern communities. With the support of the Cranberry Portage Art Festival and Aboriginal Elders, the concert will take place in Cranberry Portage’s Grand Tipi. This sacred venue, known as the largest Tipi in the world stands 70 feet high with 2700 square feet of space that can hold over 200 people.
Two concerts will be held on the day of May 24th. One at 2:00pm and the second at 8:00pm in the evening. For those interested in traveling by air (through Calm Air Airlines) to Flin Flon, there is a flight leaving Winnipeg at 11:30am arriving in Flin Flon at approximately 1:00pm. The Flin Flon Airport is about 15 minutes from Cranberry Portage.
PROGRAM - A NIGHT ON AN OLD TRADE ROUTE CONCERT - May 24th
Guests and audience members will be invited to participate in a Smudging ritual held outside of the Tipi before entering the Grand Tipi.
Once all in attendance are seated in the Tipi, an Elder will honour the proceedings and the audience with a blessing after which, The Red Rock Thunder Dance Troupe, an Aboriginal dance troupe from The Pas, Manitoba, will begin the Concert with a ceremonial Aboriginal entrance accompanied by a Welcoming Song sung by Cranberry Portage youth vocalist Mike Onibagon.
Crystal Kolt, Director of the Flin Flon Community Choir will give an offering of cloth and Tobacco to the Elder out of respect for the gathering and the meeting place. The four coloured cloths, (yellow, red, white and blue representing the different peoples in our nation as well as representing the different stages in ones life) will be hung at the four corners of the Tipi (North, South, East and West). Choir members will also have these same cultural coloured ribbons displayed on their sleeves out of respect.
It is at this point that 50 members of the Flin Flon Community Choir will approach the stage and perform their first number. Three original works will be premiered during this concert together with works by Manitoban composer Andrew Balfour and Ontario composer R.Murray Schaefer. The pieces which will be performed are:
Pictograph Premiere Performance Composer – Mark Kolt (Manitoba)
Lyrics – Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, SK)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Pictograph musically describes the very present artwork and stories still clearly seen on our lake-side cliffs. This piece beautifully captures the philosophical emotion experienced when a traveler chances on one of these pre-contact images.
Story Teller - TBA
Words To Another Forest Song Premiere Performance Composer Mark Kolt
Soprano Soloist – Jana Dutkiewicz (The Pas) Lyrics – Brenda Schmidt
“Sometimes a word can be heard over music,
needles twanging twigs
branches drumming air
beating on neighboring trees”
This piece created for solo soprano and piano lets our hearts soar in reverie of our northern forests. We take our time and reflect on our place in this world.
Metis Spirit Reel Composer – Jim Hiscott
Performed by Fiddle and Button Accordian.
Fogarty’s Cove Composer – Stan Rogers
This song is sung in tribute to the many Scottish brothers who joined the forces of the Hudson Bay Company and became cherished members of our northern communities.
Snowforms Composer – R.Murray Schaefer
Performed by The Flin Flon Community Choir – Women’s Chorus
Snowforms is sung in remembrance of our northern Inuit peoples. We share so much and yet are so different. This song takes us through the journey of winter. As all northerners experience the different snows that take up so many of our days. The Inuit people expertly comprehend this white environment. R.Murray Schaefer’s piece musically teaches us about this culture.
Sound of Prayer for Mother Earth Composer – Andrew Balfour (Manitoba)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Since Andrew’s exploration into his Cree roots, Manitoba has shared in his journey. Through his latest DVD entitled Wa Wa Te Wak, we travel through time and see Aboriginal suffering through the eyes of a young Cree girl walking through the streets of Winnipeg. Sound of Prayer for Mother Earth asks us to remember all of the Aboriginal communities in the world. All nations equally proclaiming adoration for nature.
A Night on An Old Trade Route Composer – Jim Hiscott (Manitoba)
Premiere Performance Poet – Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, SK)
Performed by the Flin Flon Community Choir
Finally, the reason d’etre for this concert and the catalyst for this cross-cultural collaboration. Night on an Old Trade Route was commissioned by The Flin Flon Community Choir in 2004 and as in any trapper journey, has traveled long and hard to get to its destination, patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to be presented to the world. Brenda Schmidt’s poetry is drawn into a world of music with clear intent and matches the haunting textual quality with voice.
Our Concert ends as it began, with the sound of drum and dance of the Red Rock Thunder Dance Troupe who will perform a ritual closing ceremony.
Bannock will be served by the fire outside of the tent with continued chant and Metis fiddling following the celebration.
We are please to share this experience with you and hope you will be able to join us in celebration.
Sincerely,
Crystal Kolt
Director- Flin Flon Community Choir
Cultural Coordinator – Flin Flon Arts Council
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Friday, May 02, 2008
Be sure to check out
...Donna Kane's new blog. I had the pleasure of meeting Donna a few years ago, have been a regular visitor to her website and regularly daydream about the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp. Donna's books were published by Hagios Press. I have her latest book in my bookcase. Now I will follow her blog as well.
*
I knew the news wouldn't be good when I stepped on the scale this morning. Not after eating all those cupcakes. Yikes. Oh well. It was definitely worth it. I'll spend the next few days working them off as I gear up for events in Saskatoon and Winnipeg.
Now that I'm home I'll be posting more pics from the Regina and Saskatoon launches as promised. I'll let you know when they go up. I'll likely add some captions to the Regina launch pics as well.
UPDATE:
I added a few pics to the posts on the Regina launch and the Saskatoon launch.
*
I knew the news wouldn't be good when I stepped on the scale this morning. Not after eating all those cupcakes. Yikes. Oh well. It was definitely worth it. I'll spend the next few days working them off as I gear up for events in Saskatoon and Winnipeg.
Now that I'm home I'll be posting more pics from the Regina and Saskatoon launches as promised. I'll let you know when they go up. I'll likely add some captions to the Regina launch pics as well.
UPDATE:
I added a few pics to the posts on the Regina launch and the Saskatoon launch.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
It's May, so
...keep a good eye on the May Day Poetry Project.
*
While today was a beautiful day for a road trip, it's great to finally be home. I missed the cat. And I think deep down the cat missed me. I think.
I must say it feels really good to see Cantos from Wolverine Creek in my bookcase. I put a copy there as soon as I walked in. I'm delighted with how the book looks and feels. In the next few days I'll dig up addresses and get copies in the mail to those of you who are waiting.
*
We stopped at the post office on the way home. Among the envelopes in the box was a parcel card. As expected, the parcel turned out to be the rest of the mail that had piled up while we were away. Rubber bands held the pile together. In that pile was my first issue of Geist. Finally! I flipped through it and found a DVD. Cool!
Unfortunately, the DVD package didn't appreciate the elastic band treatment.
*
While today was a beautiful day for a road trip, it's great to finally be home. I missed the cat. And I think deep down the cat missed me. I think.
I must say it feels really good to see Cantos from Wolverine Creek in my bookcase. I put a copy there as soon as I walked in. I'm delighted with how the book looks and feels. In the next few days I'll dig up addresses and get copies in the mail to those of you who are waiting.
*
We stopped at the post office on the way home. Among the envelopes in the box was a parcel card. As expected, the parcel turned out to be the rest of the mail that had piled up while we were away. Rubber bands held the pile together. In that pile was my first issue of Geist. Finally! I flipped through it and found a DVD. Cool!
Unfortunately, the DVD package didn't appreciate the elastic band treatment.
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