Royal City Rag, June 19 – Guelph Symphony Orchestra And The Culture Vultures

CFRU’s Royal City Rag on June 19 was dedicated to the great Guelph arts and culture scene.

In the first hour, Simon Irving, artistic director of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra joining us to discuss the orchestra’s upcoming 10th season, 2010 – 2011. Tickets can be purchased from the River Run box office, 519-763-3000.

The orchestra is also presenting its 7th Music in the Park outdoor concert on Sunday, June 27 at the Riverside Park Bandshell, beginning at 3 p.m.

The concert, featuring a selection of light classics for the entire family, is entitled “An Afternoon at the Proms”. Expect to hear a varied selection of  the English music you might hear at a Prom concert in London. That means, everything from Elgar to the Beatles. Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair and rug. Feel free to bring flags, costumes and funny hats!

This is the GSO’s “thank you” to the community for its continuing support. Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. You won’t want to miss it!

Guelph Symphony Orchestra’s Music in the Park
When: Sunday June 27, 2010 at 3 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park Bandshell

Visit the Guelph Symphony Orchestra website, www.guelphorchestra.ca for more information about upcoming performances.

Listen to Hour 1:

Culture Vulture Marie Zimmerman on Royal City Rag

In the second hour, we were joined by our culture vulture Marie Zimmerman for our regular monthly chat about the Guelph art scene. This month we focused on Toronto’s Artscape and the mentoring program they are setting up for Guelph, the new Guelph Civic Square and the upcoming Art on the Street on July 17. We also included some cool music from artists appearing at this year’s Hillside Festival. Day tickets are still available for the festival and can be purchased by following the links on the festival website.

One event that we didn’t have a chance to mention is the retirement of Sally Wismer from the Guelph Arts Council after 22 years as Executive Director. To celebrate her contribution to the organization as well as the larger community, the Board of Directors is hosting an informal reception on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at the River Run Centre, 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph.  The public is warmly invited to drop between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to share memories with Sally.  Official remarks will begin at 5.15 p.m.  An RSVP is encouraged.
 
In lieu of gifts, Sally has asked that a fund be created to support Guelph Arts Council in the years ahead.  Anyone wishing to make a contribution towards the fund can visit the Guelph Arts Council website Donations page or contact the office at 519-836-3280 or gac@sentex.net.  Forms will also be available for at the June 29 event.  All contributions are tax receiptable.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Madison Violet, No Fool For Trying from No Fool For Trying
Elisa Randazzo, Can’t Afford My Peace Of Mind from Bruise And Butterflies
James Gordon, Whistlewing from My Stars Your Eyes
Elgar, Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 (Land Of Hope And Glory) London Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Davis Conductor
Elgar, Enigma Variations, No. 9 Nimrod, London Symphony Orchestra, Colin Davis Conductor
Jon Redfern, I Love The Sun from May Be Sometime
Finlay Quaye with William Orbit, Dice from The Epic Years
Grand Analog, Take It Slow (Spaces & Places) from Metropolis Is Burning
Laura Marling, What He Wrote from I Speak Because I Can
Jason Collett, Love Is A Dirty Word from Rat A Tat Tat
Stars, Fixed from The Five Ghosts

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Guelph Arts Council Historical Walking Tours 2010 – From April 25

Guelph Arts Council Historical Walking Tours 2010 – Start April 25

"The Ward" tour, June 2009 (courtesy Guelph Arts Council)

Spring is in the air these days, and that means it’s just about time for the start of Guelph Arts Council’s popular annual walking tours.  These guided tours, which are offered on selected Sundays between April 25 and October 17, trace Guelph’s heritage through its architecture, its people, and the stories that contribute to this City’s unique character.

There are normally six Guelph Arts Council walking tours, each of which explores a different area of historic Guelph, although, this year, Where Guelph Began, which encircles the original Market Square area laid out by John Galt in 1827, will not be offered because of construction and road closures in that area of the City. 

The other five  tours offered in 2010 include:

• Downtown Walkabout which covers Guelph’s current Downtown
• The Slopes of the Speed which explores the slopes of the Speed River where many of Guelph’s largest and most distinguished historic homes are located
• Altar and Hearth which covers the area west of Downtown and includes several historic stone churches and many historic homes representing a variety of architectural styles
• Brooklyn and the College Hill  which focuses on one of Guelph’s early industrial sections on the south side of the Speed River, as well as the area that developed around the Ontario Agricultural College
• Ward One Guelph  which covers the area southeast of the downtown, between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, and features a diversity of historic architecture and the diversity of peoples who formed Guelph.

All tours start at 2 p.m. from different locations.  They take about two hours to complete and cost $3 per person. Tour booklets are available for $5 each at the Guelph Arts Council office and several other retail locations.

For other information, please contact the Guelph Arts Council office at 147 Wyndham Street North, Suite 404, Guelph, or phone (519) 836-3280; Fax (519) 766-9212; email gac@sentex.net.

 

Guelph Arts Council Historical Walking Tours 2010 

Tour I:  Where Guelph Began
This tour encircles the original Market Square area of almost twenty-four acres laid out by John Galt in 1827.  Serving as the focal point for Guelph’s early social and business life, the area also contains the sites of many of Guelph’s first buildings.
Dates:  Due to street construction and numerous road closures, this tour will not be offered during 2010.

Tour II:  Downtown Walkabout
The present downtown centre of Guelph, with its wide main street, provides a compact walking tour which includes many buildings and sites of considerable historical and architectural interest. 
Dates:  April 25, May 30, August 15, September 19                Time: 2 p.m
Starts:  Guelph Civic Museum, 6 Dublin Street South, Guelph
Cost:    $3 per person.  (Fee does NOT include admission to Guelph Museums)
 
Tour III:  The Slopes Of the Speed
This tour explores the slopes of the Speed River between Norwich and Macdonell Streets, where many of Guelph’s largest and most distinguished historic homes are located. 
Dates:  May 2, June 6, August 22, September 26               Time: 2 p.m
Starts:  Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph
Cost:    $3 per person. 
 
Tour IV:  Altar And Hearth in Victorian Guelph
This tour provides a glimpse of the Victorian era in Guelph.  Covering the area west of Norfolk Street, between Essex Street and London Road, the tour includes several historic stone churches and many historic homes representing a variety of architectural styles.
NOTE: This tour is offered in two parts [(lower) and (upper)] on alternating dates.
Dates:  May 9 (lower), June 13 (upper), August 29 (lower), October 3 (upper)                Time: 2 p.m
Starts:  Tour (lower) Guelph Civic Museum, 6 Dublin Street South, Guelph
               Tour (upper) Guelph Public Library, 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph
Cost:    $3 per person.  (Fee does NOT include admission to Guelph Museums.)
 
Tour V:  Brooklyn And The College Hill
This tour takes participants to the south side of the Speed River to explore one of Guelph’s early industrial sections, formerly known as Brooklyn, as well as the College Hill area that developed around the Ontario Agricultural College.  The tour includes some of the city’s best examples of masonry and stone carving. 
Dates:  May 16, June 20, September 5, October 10                Time: 2 p.m
Starts:  McCrae House, 108 Water Street, Guelph
Cost:    $3 per person. (Fee does NOT include admission to Guelph Museums.)
 
Tour VI:  Ward One Guelph
This tour of the area southeast of the downtown, between the Speed and Eramosa Rivers, reveals the rich variety of historic architecture and the diversity of peoples who formed Guelph.  Particular attention is devoted to residential/industrial proximity and the city’s early Italian community.
Dates:  May 23, June 27, September 12, October 17                Time: 2 p.m
Starts:  Tytler School, Toronto Street entrance (off York Road near York Road Park)
Cost:    $3 per person.

For other information, please contact the Guelph Arts Council office at 147 Wyndham Street North, Suite 404, Guelph, or phone (519) 836-3280; Fax (519) 766-9212; email gac@sentex.net.

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Doors Open Guelph 2010 – April 24

Doors Open Guelph – Guelph’s Finest Buildings Open Their Doors For Free Public Tours

On Saturday, April 24, Guelph residents and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the annual celebration of the City’s history and architectural heritage.  Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., several of Guelph’s finest buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public, will open their doors for free public tours.  Guided tours will be available at each site, led by knowledgeable tour guides who will talk about the site’s history and important architectural features. Guides will also pass on some of the interesting stories associated with each site.
 
A joint undertaking of Guelph Arts Council, Heritage Guelph and City of Guelph Tourism Services, Doors Open Guelph 2010 is partnering for the first time with the Guelph Hiking Club which is offering its first Trails Open Hike to coincide with Doors Open.  The Guelph event is also part of Doors Open Ontario, an Ontario Heritage Trust province-wide initiative to celebrate community heritage.  Once again, the Guelph event has the distinction of launching the Ontario Doors Open season, among the first of more than 50 such events across the province.
 
For more information about sites and tours and some tips on how best to plan and enjoy the day, pick up a Doors Open Guelph 2010 brochure at various locations around the City (e.g Visitor Information Centre, Guelph Public Library, Guelph Civic Museum) or visit the Doors Open Guelph website at www.guelpharts.ca/doorsopenguelph; or contact Guelph Arts Council by telephone at (519) 836-3280, or e-mail gac@sentex.net.

Site descriptions and images, courtesy of Guelph Arts Council

Hammond Radio Museum                                                       
595 Southgate Drive (off Laird Road)
washrooms, accessible, parking
 
Founded in 1982 by Fred Hammond, one of the founding members of Guelph’s Hammond Manufacturing, the Radio Museum houses an extensive collection of rare and historically significant pieces. 

The 2000+ items exhibited reveal the development of radio throughout the past 100 years.  Included are crystal radios, early tabletop and broadcast, early wireless, military and Amateur Radio equipment. 
 
Homewood House                                                                                         
19 Woodycrest Drive (off Waterloo Avenue)
street parking

This Italianate-style house was built c. 1855 by J.J. Kingsmill. His son, Charles Kingsmill, was the first director of the Canadian Navy which is celebrating its centennial in 2010. 

Purchased by the current owner in 1984, this house has been lovingly restored, retaining many original features such as the entrance tower, interior shutters, stained glass windows and fireplace. 
 
Wellington Brewery                                                         
950 Woodlawn Road West
washrooms, accessible, parking

The oldest independent microbrewery in Canada, Wellington Brewery was founded early in 1985.  Since then, it has grown steadily, winning local and national awards for its time-honoured, traditional beers produced in small batches, using all-natural ingredients, a lot of care and patience. 

The brewing facility and the Iron Duke House will be part of the Doors Open Guelph tour.

The Frank Hasenfratz Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing, Linamar Corporation
700 Woodlawn Road West
washrooms, accessible, parking

Opened in September 2009, this state-of-the art centre is the home of innovative product and process technology.

The focal point of learning and leadership development to create a knowledgeable collaborative community, the facility features many eco-friendly design elements such as an open concept atrium foyer, retractable skylights, extensive use of recycled materials, a reflective pond and dual living walls.
 
Ignatius Jesuit Centre                                                                      
5420 Highway 6 North
washrooms, parking
 
Arriving in Guelph in 1852, the Jesuits helped build Church of Our Lady and other local parishes before establishing a novitiate on this site in 1913. The original building, destroyed by fire in 1954, was replaced by what is now called Orchard Park Centre.

A retreat centre, organic farm, labyrinth, willow dome, stations of the cosmos and walking trails complete this bucolic 600-acre setting.
 
St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church                                         
Located at Ignatius Jesuit Centre
5420 Highway 6 North
washrooms, parking
 
Originally Ignatius Great Hall in Orchard Park Centre, this space has been transformed by liturgical art into the home of St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church. 

The Copts (or Egyptians) are defined as the modern sons of the Pharaohs.  Their religious background helped them to eagerly accept Christianity and enjoy its depth through their ascetic life, meditation and studying of Holy Scripture. 

 

 

 

Woodlawn Cemetery Lodge, Woodlawn Memorial Park
760 Woolwich Street
washrooms, parking
 
This 1883 Vernacular Gothic brick structure was built as the home of the Union (now Woodlawn) Cemetery keepers, and remains so to this day.

Guelph architect John Day’s design fee for the lodge, a stable, greenhouse and coach house (still in use) was $58.  Especially attractive are the original oval front doors, mouldings, trim, hand-turned banister and interior window engravings. 
 
Islamic Society of Guelph                                                                  
126 Norwich Street East
accessible, parking
 
This attractive small church of non-conformist design, incorporating classical features, was built in 1856-57 for a group of Scottish Congregationalists, and is the second oldest of Guelph’s remaining stone church buildings. 

In 1882, it was sold to the Disciples of Christ who occupied it until 2008 when it was purchased by the Islamic Society of Guelph and converted to a mosque. 
 
Canadian Pacific Caboose 436994                                                           
Located on siding close to St. George’s Church (enter off Woolwich Street)
street parking
 
Built in 1941, this wooden-body caboose served the Canadian Pacific Railway for more than 40 years.  For the past 15 years, it has been and continues to be beautifully restored by members of the Guelph Historical Railway Association.  The inside is now a railway museum on wheels, reflecting the glory days of railroading in the mid-20th century.
 
Trails Open: The Radial Line Trail and the Guelph Escarpment         
Hikes start at Eramosa River Park (Lawrence Avenue off York Road west of Victoria)
parking
 
The Radial Line Trail is one of Ontario’s first rails-to-trails projects, completed by the Guelph Hiking Trail Club in 1971 to link Guelph to the Niagara Escarpment. But Guelph has its own Escarpment within the City, with fossilized coral reefs towering over the Trail in places.  Walk the railbed of the legendary, electric Toronto Suburban Railway and visit the site of Speedwell Station. 
 
40-minute hikes every hour on the hour until 3 p.m.; more challenging 90-minute hikes at 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. Bring suitable shoes for walking and dress for the weather.

For more information about sites and tours and some tips on how best to plan and enjoy the day, pick up a Doors Open Guelph 2010 brochure at various locations around the City (e.g Visitor Information Centre, Guelph Public Library, Guelph Civic Museum) or visit the Doors Open Guelph website at www.guelpharts.ca/doorsopenguelph; or contact Guelph Arts Council by telephone at (519) 836-3280, or e-mail gac@sentex.net.

Site descriptions and images, courtesy of Guelph Arts Council

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Royal City Rag – October 3

It was another busy Royal City Rag on October 3.

In the first hour we talked to Virginia Gilham from Friends of the Guelph Public Library about their upcoming giant book sale taking place the weekend of October 24-25. You should also check out the wonderful live version of James Gordon’s Library Song, written especially for the Guelph Public Library’s 125th anniversary, a year or so ago. One of his best humorous political songs.

Later in the hour, Sally Wismer from Guelph Arts Council joined us on the phone to talk about upcoming arts events and the arts council’s new award for young artists.

In the second hour we hooked up with Ryder Ball, one of the singers taking part in Ken Whiteley’s Incredible One-Day Gospel Choir at Three Willows Church on October 4 at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door. You can buy them online at www.all-together-now.ca.

In the final half hour, we chatted with activists Matt Soltys and Sam Ansleis from the group that occupied the proposed business park site at Hanlon Creek about their decision to occupy the site, and their take on the talk of intimidation  that has dogged this issue since the occupation ended.

Don’t rush to disregard what these young activists have to say. Its too easy to write them off as immature idealists who don’t really understand the issues. Also, check out their recent editorial in the Guelph Mercury if you get a chance.

Royal City Rag will continue to follow this developing issue. There is a lot of information about the Hanlon Creek Business Park development process that has never made it out into the mainstream. We’ll endevour to bring that to you.

Music:
Cuff The Duke, Like The Morning from Way Down Here
James Gordon, The Library Song (Live/Demo)
The Acorn, Crooked Legs from Glory, Hope, Mountain
Ken Whiteley, Sing With Me from Gospel Music Makes Me Feel Alright
Billy Bragg, You Woke Up My Neighborhood from The Essential Billy Bragg
Proclaimers, I’m on My Way (Live) from Notes and Rhymes Deluxe Edition (Import)

Listen to the show:

Part 1

Part 2

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Wake Up… Get Coffee… Tune In To CFRU 93.3fm!

We have another packed show lined up for October 3. In the first hour of the show we’ll be talking to Virginia Gilham from Friends of the Guelph Public Library about their upcoming giant book sale taking place the weekend of October 24-25. We’ll also talk to Sally Wismer from Guelph Arts Council about some arts events to check out during October.

In the second hour we’re going to hook up with Ryder Ball, one of the singers taking part in Ken Whiteley’s Incredible One-Day Gospel Choir at Three Willows Church on October 4 at 7.30 p.m.

Ken Whiteley and The Incredible One-Day Gospel Choir
Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 7.30 p.m.
Three Willows United Church
577 Willow Road
Guelph, Ontario

TICKETS: $20 advance, $25 at the door
ON-LINE: www.all-together-now.ca
OUTLET: Ground Floor Music
13 Quebec Street, Guelph, ON, 519-827-1444

Hanlon Creek Downstream In The Spring (Photo: Bob Gordon)

Later in the second hour we’ll be chatting with activists Matt Soltys and Sam Ansleis from the group that occupied the proposed business park site at Hanlon Creek about why they decided they had to make such an overt political statement, and get their take on the talk of intimidation  that has dogged this issue since the occupation ended. Check out their recent editorial in the Guelph Mercury if you get a chance.

Royal City Rag, Saturdays from 7-9 a.m. on CFRU 93.3fm. Don’t miss it!

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Royal City Rag – September 12

Royal City Rag on September 12 had everything, one of our best ever shows. Community issues, local politics, arts, music, books… it was all there, with some fine music selections thrown in for good measure.

During the first hour we talked to Karen McKeown from Healthy Landscapes at the The City of Guelph about the Cool Communities tree rebate program.  The project is aimed at encouraging homeowners to plant trees for energy conservation.  Shade trees planted on the southern and western sides of a home can save 25–40%, and reduce peak energy demand in summer by up to 30%. By planting trees, homeowners also improve their neighbourhoods by cleaning the air, decreasing pollution, attracting pollinators, and increasing biodiversity.

The project is being launched as a pilot by Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF), an award-winning, Toronto-based urban forest non-profit organization and is supported by both Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) and the City of Guelph. Funding has been provided by the Ontario Power Authority’s Conservation Fund. For more information on the Cool Communities project, including a list of participating nurseries, visit www.yourleaf.org/coolcommunities. The program runs from September 12-13 and September 19-20. To take advantage of the discount, and save up to $100, please visit one of the participating nurseries.

Bob Gordon joined us on the phone to provide an update on the Hanlon Creek Business Park, this week pointing out how a proposed condo development, 1291 Gordon Steet, is also raising concern amongst environmentalists because of the potentially serious impact it may have on a neighbouring wetland. Expect to hear more ab0ut 1291 Gordon Street and the continuing furore around the HCBP on upcoming shows. 

Finally, in the first hour, Jennifer, Marsaye and Wendi joined us to chat about Guelph Community Singers, who officially came to life on September 16 at the Guelph Youth Music Centre.

In the second hour, we had the first of what will be a regular chat with  Sally Wismer from Guelph Arts Council about upcoming arts events in Guelph, including Schmoozefest taking place on September 22 and their innovative FourPerformance Pass, the perfect gift, and, a great deal for anyone interested in the performing arts. 

Later in the hour, Ed, Sarah and John joined us to wax lyrically about some of the classic rock from the 70s including Fanfare the Common Man, Live and Let Die and Born to Run. 

Euphoric Flight

The event is a collaboration between the Guelph Symphony Orchestra and Euphoric Flight,  a pop-rock band formed this year from an outstanding line-up of Guelph musicians including the wonderful guitarist John Tonin.

Rockin’ with the GSO which takes place at the at John F. Ross High School’s E.L.Fox Auditorium on September 19 at 8.00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from riverrun.ca or the River Run Centre box office at 519-763-3000. Promises to be great fun. 

We wrapped everything up with a phone chat with Drew Hayden Taylor who you can catch in the Adisokaun area at the Eden Mill’s Writers Festival on September 20.

A great show. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Music:
Sarah Jane Morris, Mad Woman Blues from Love & Pain
Johnny Cash, What Is Truth? from The Legend
Steve Earle and The Del McCoury Band, Pilgrim from Mountain
Les Paul and Mary Ford, Chicken Reel from The Ultimate Collection
Emerson Lake and Palmer, from Fanfare For The Common Man  (Live in Montreal)  from Youtube
Billy Joel, Scenes From An Italian Restaurant from Live At Carnegie Hall 1977
Royal Wood, Don’t Fall Apart from The Lost and Found EP

Listen to the show:
Part 1

Part 2

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Guelph PerFOURmance Pass Takes To The Stage This fall

This is a terrfic idea and a great deal for anyone interested in the performing arts.

The Guelph PerFOURmance Pass brings together four local performing groups and offers four different performances for the price of three.

The Guelph Chamber Choir, Guelph Concert Band, Guelph Symphony Orchestra and Royal City Musical Productions have all come together to create the Pass, which takes the form of a voucher booklet from which one show can be selected from a list of eligible performances by each organization. The voucher can be exchanged for a ticket at River Run Centre where the Pass is on sale and where all eligible performances will take place.

Four high quality performances at the very special price of $79. 

The eligible performance dates stretch from October 25, 2009 to May 2, 2010,  with the full purchase value of the Pass in place until  late February 2010.  

Details of all eligible performances are available at guelphchamberchoir.ca, guelphorchestra.ca, guelpharts .ca/guelphconcertband , rcmpi.com, and at riverrun.ca. To purchase a Pass, call River Run Centre (519) 763-3000 or visit riverrun.ca.

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