Downtown Music

Oh what fun. Old Man's Beard played at the Ross Street Plaza during lunchtime today. What a fantastic group - it's only a matter of time before we'll be paying $125 to see them in a grand stadium somewhere. Had to stand in the dotted shade of a sad little tree, but I was lucky as most were in this full 39 degree sun. The musicians are such troopers, baking on the concrete stage and still bustin' a move and singing their hearts out. Love the song "Tofino." What a great town, so much talent, and a few dedicated organizations working to give these artists exposure. Not much monetary reward, but lots of exposure. We threw $5 into the Tequila Fund.

Vancouver Art Trip

Another quickie trip to Vancouver to see the Vermeer Rembrandt show, plus a few other galleries on the "Drawing" tour. Must say, wasn't too impressed with the Dutch masters show. One Vermeer, not even the blockbuster one, and a few little Rembrandts. Enjoyed some of the historical information, and some of the big portraits were quite impressive. It only took us two hours to do the whole thing, which included the trip through the knick-knack section, where I spent $1.75 on some Vermeer stickers. How embarrassing. The highlight was the second-floor show: the Emily Carr and Jack Shadbolt drawings - wow. Of interest is Jack's efforts to "exorcise" the influence of Carr on his work with the "Hornby Suite" drawings. I got sucked into them, was there. Very cool. His early work is fantastic, too - from the 40's. We Canadians have some great artists. Couldn't be bothered to spend much time on the other shows, photography - not my thing. The installation in the atrium was hilarious - like time travel. Loved it.

Visual Radio

I'm amazed what good editing and gentle music can do for the spoken word. The interview with CBC Daybreak's Jennifer Chrumka this morning was wonderful. She made me sound so good! Unfortunately, Daybreak doesn't post a podcast, so anyone who missed it is really out of luck. Talk about an ethereal piece. I feel blessed that Jenn contacted me about the show, as it really was an enlightening artistic experience all round, and I think that message came across clearly over the airwaves. I used to think describing visual arts on the radio was, well, unsatisfactory. Now I feel differently, of course. I suppose it engages your imagination, which can be far more intense than reality.

I love CBC Radio

Jennifer Chrumka from CBC Radio interviewed me today about Visceral Loss, the exhibition of five Shuswap artists who painted at Roderick Haig-Brown Park. Jennifer was very considerate and encouraging as she held the microphone alarmingly close to my lips. The gallery was closed, so it was just me and my quivery voice hoping against hope that I answered each of her questions in some coherent manner. We finished and she thanked me and left, poking her head back in to quickly asked what kind of music I listen to while in my studio. Truthfully, I only listen to CBC Radio! I'm in my right brain anyway, so learning from all the wonderful guests on the various programs happens so naturally. I love it, the constant chatter from that handsome Jian Ghomeshi (on Fridays, my day off), or Paul Kennedy, or Randy Bachman if I'm out there after the kids are in bed. It motivates me, the ever-present value on the arts. I told Jennifer this, and she laughed. I hope she didn't think I made it up. Anyway, my back-up answer was Leonard Cohen. Eric and I listened to "The Future" album for three solid years in art school. When we play it now, we instantly feel stressed and hungry. Thus, CBC Radio is on in my studio. It feeds my soul.

Always Thank the Right People

At this week's WOW concert, the Cats & the Fiddle played a wonderful set. Half-way through the last song, the lead violinist calls out "and thanks to the City of Salmon Arm for Wednesday on the Wharf!" I just about choked on my popcorn. Last time I checked I don't work at City Hall. Aside from renting the gazebo to us, the City doesn't have much to do with this concert series, now in its 16th year. A lot of hard work by Arts Council volunteers, and a great many business sponsors, have made this possible. I wonder if the musicians in this community even notice who they send their application to each year, or who writes their cheque. The Arts Council is almost invisible in this community, but WOW! is supposed to be our flagship - the one program that is known throughout the BC interior, loved by all ages. I guess I'll have to charge up the branding machine...

A great WOW and opening

A wonderful week, with a fantastic Canada Day WOW concert. Ethereal Edge were fine, and Old Man's Beard rocked. I've never seen that many people dancing in front of the gazebo at a WOW before. Must be a record. I hope it happens again and again.

And a lovely opening for the dual park exhibitions - from eleven Revelstoke and Shuswap artists. About 100 in attendance, and the noise level was insane! Couldn't even hear Jake, Willy and Bill over all the racket. High energy, which is great. This show provokes people a bit, makes them think about development at the mouth of the Adams River. A few "pretties" but mostly high impact works.