Kings Wharf Theatre Media Release - The music continues this fall with Rhinestone Cowgirl

Rhinestone Cowgirl: Theatrical Tribute to

Dolly Parton comes to King’s Wharf Theatre

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

PENETANGUISHENE – Attention country music fans! The entertainment continues at the Kings Wharf Theatre this fall with Rhinestone Cowgirl a toe-tappin’ salute to Dolly Parton. This spectacular tribute concert plays two shows only Friday, September 28^th at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 29^th at 2:00 p.m.

Bursting with Parton’s greatest hits from over four decades, Rhinestone Cowgirl stars Leisa Way as Dolly, backed by The Wayward Wind band featuring Bruce Ley, Kim Ratcliffe, Dave Wilson, Randall Kempf and Aaron Solomon. In an authentic performance, Way loses herself in the role of beloved music legend Dolly Parton, bringing each song to life with an energy that mirrors the star’s warmth and wit. “Every bit of dialogue I speak in the show came out of Dolly’s mouth at some point. She’s so smart and funny, the queen of one-liners,” says Way.

A native of Sudbury, Leisa Way started singing at the age of nine.  Her first professional role came in 1981 when she played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She is perhaps best known for her starring role as Anne in Anne of Green Gables, a role Way played for six years at the Charlottetown Festival, including six tours to Japan, and Canadian and U.S.A. tours with over 1,000 performances. She has performed the role of Dolly Parton across Canada at over fifty theatres with overwhelming success.

“Leisa Way exudes charisma in her portrayal of Dolly Parton,” says Drayton Entertainment Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. “Audiences will be thoroughly entertained during this fun-filled tribute to one of the greatest female country music artists of all time.”

Rhinestone Cowgirl features such hit songs as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colours,” “Here You Come Again”, “9 To 5,” and of course “I Will Always Love You,” a song that Parton wrote in 1974, which immediately became a number one hit on the country charts. The song achieved unprecedented international success when Whitney Houston recorded it for the soundtrack to the movie, The Bodyguard.

Arguably one of the world’s most recognizable entertainers, Dolly Parton is known for her larger-than-life image, rags to riches story and down-home persona, but Parton's real genius lies in her strengths as a songwriter and vocalist. A winner of five Grammy Awards and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton penned thousands of songs that have been recorded by Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Rogers, Whitney Houston, Shania Twain and others. Parton made her film debut in 1980 alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in 9 To 5, for which she wrote the iconic title song. Parton also wrote the music and lyrics for 9 To 5: The Musical, the stage adaptation of the hit movie, which opened on Broadway in 2009.

Tickets for Rhinestone Cowgirl are only $35 including HST. Reserve your seats now for this exclusive fundraising event for the King’s Wharf Theatre. Rhinestone Cowgirl plays two shows only, Friday, September 28^th at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 29^th at 2:00 p.m. Order your tickets by calling the Box Office at (705) 549-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866.  For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.kingswharftheatre.com.

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For more information please contact: Valerie O’Brien, Marketing Manager

or email valerie@draytonentertainment.com

King's Wharf Theatre Media Release - Summer theatre celebrates the King of Rock n' Roll!

Blue Suede Shoes:
Memories of the King

Unforgettable Tribute to Elvis Presley at the King’s Wharf Theatre

Thursday, August 9^th, 2012

PENETANGUISHENE – Audiences can’t help singing along to the endless number of chart-topping hits featured in this season’s production of Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King, onstage now through September 1^st at King’s Wharf Theatre.

More than 30 years ago the legendary Elvis Presley, who transformed an entire generation with his personal style and zest for music of every genre, met a tragic fate.  However, the story of his meteoric rise to stardom continues in this remarkable theatrical production that commemorates Elvis’ life from humble beginnings to the unforgettable end, as seen through the eyes of his lifelong business manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

“This play is a tribute to a true artistic pioneer,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. ”It contains one hit after another, and whether or not you’re a fan, this show will touch your heart, make you laugh, and leave you singing your way out of the theatre.”

Renowned Elvis impersonator Roy LeBlanc takes to the stage as the American icon who became one of the most popular singers of the 20th century. LeBlanc has many titles under his belt, including The World’s Finest Elvis Impersonator from the annual Elvis Extravaganza in Las Vegas, and Grand Champion of the world’s largest annual Elvis contest in Collingwood, Ontario.

LeBlanc genuinely personifies The King, which inspired co-creators Chris McHarge and Colin Stewart to bring this unique theatrical endeavour to life. Entertaining the crowds with his remarkable swagger and versatile voice, LeBlanc embodies the heart and soul of the legendary performer, who millions of fans continue to cherish to this day. From his renditions of “Love Me Tender”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Jailhouse Rock” to when he’s singing “Viva Las Vegas”, “In the Ghetto” and “Suspicious Minds”, the audience simply can’t get enough of LeBlanc’s raw emotion.

“Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King is an awe-inspiring production,” says Mustakas. “LeBlanc’s tremendous talent gives the audience exactly what they are hoping for – a chance to relive the memories of one of the greatest musical icons of all time, performed by an artist who makes you believe that The King is still alive.”

This unique show takes the audience on a walk down memory lane, along the ups and downs of Elvis’ extraordinary life as witnessed by his dedicated business manager. As Colonel Tom Parker, Chris McHarge treats the star of the show with compassion and respect, and provides a few laughs along the way. 

As one of the creators of Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King, along with Colin Stewart, McHarge is at the top of his game. Not only does he tackle the part of the Colonel but he also directs the production. A veteran of Canadian theatre, McHarge has been at the helm of over one hundred productions during his career, including twelve world premieres with Canada’s preeminent playwright, Norm Foster.

Backing up LeBlanc is an excellent band headed up by Ian Koiter on Bass, Dean Harrison on Piano, John Kenny on Guitar, and Neil Lafortune on Drums.

Over the course of the performance, the audience has a glimpse at the most transformative moments in Presley’s life. From the early days at Sun Records and his time with RCA, through his induction to the U.S. Army in 1958, followed by a plethora of leading roles in nearly 30 films produced during the 1960s, Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King is a prolific journey through The King’s life and career.

As true Elvis fans would expect, one of the most thrilling moments in this play occurs when the stage is set for his Comeback Special - Presley's first live performance since 1961. Widely regarded as one of his greatest performances, the show aired on NBC, December 3^rd, 1968 and led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of profitable tours.

The overall mood of the production is greatly enhanced by the work of Lighting Designer Jeff Johnston Collins. Johnston Collins and McHarge are collaborators on the Set Design.

Elvis Presley’s death on August 16^th, 1977 ended a remarkable career and firmly established him as a Rock & Roll legend. But in Penetanguishene, The King lives again. So take a trip to the King’s Wharf Theatre and see this unforgettable celebration. You’ll be glad you did.

Blue Suede Shoe: Memories of the King is proudly sponsored by The Free Press. Media Sponsors are CHAY Today @ 93.1 FM, and The Collingwood Connection. The Design Sponsor is H.S. St. Amant & Sons Inc.

Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King plays eight shows a week through September 1^st.

Tickets are being snapped up quickly, and theatregoers are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available for purchase at the King’s Wharf Theatre Box Office or by calling (705) 549-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866. To order tickets online, visit www.kingswharftheatre.com

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For more information please contact: Valerie O’Brien, Marketing Manager
(519) 638-5511 ext. 235 or email valerie@draytonentertainment.com

Applications for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-op development Program

Call for Applications

The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) is accepting applications for its First Nations, Métis and Inuit Co-operative Development Program for projects that can start this fall. 

Small grants are available to help Aboriginal communities explore the potential of co-operatives to meet their needs. The program is targeted to groups in the beginning stages of a new co-op. Applications can be submitted by an incorporated organization such as a band, a tribal council, friendship centre, an existing co-operative, or a provincial co-op organization to manage the funds on behalf of the group that is examining the co-op idea. 

Funding is available for a variety of purposes, including:

• Consultations between First Nations Métis and Inuit communities and existing co-operatives or co-op experts to discuss potential projects. This could include visits to existing co-ops or to bring co-op people to a reserve or community.
• Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to examine a business idea
• Training for new staff and board members.

Grants requests should be in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 per project.

Projects receiving funding are selected by a Steering Committee including representatives of Arctic Co-operatives Ltd., the Canadian Co-operative Association, the Assembly of First Nations, the National Association of Friendship Centres, and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Application forms and a guide are available at http://www.coopscanada.coop/en/coopdev/FNMI_coops

Deadline for proposals:  September 15, 2012

Please note: Our application deadline for grants for projects beginning in 2013 will still be December 15, 2012.

More information is available from Mark Goldblatt at (613) 238-6711 ext 205 or FNMI@coopscanada.coop

Please pass on to other groups who may be interested in this opportunity.

  

Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee Event a great family value

August 2, 2012

Media Release - for immediate release

Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee Event

a great family value

Discovery Harbour’s upcoming Métis Day Bo’jou Event offers one of the best attraction values on Georgian Bay.  With admission rates just $5.25 to $7.00 and children ages 5 and under free, visitors can enjoy a dynamic celebration of Métis culture, activities on the historic site, and much more. 

Discovery Harbour has a strong historic connection to the Métis people who were part of the military migration from Drummond Island to the original Penetanguishene base in 1828 following the War of 1812.  The fascinating culture and heritage of the Métis people will be showcased with the seventh annual Métis Day Bo'jou Neejee Event on Saturday August 11.

NEW this year will be the Kwiikikwe Métis Women’s Drum Group, offering inspiring performances in both the morning and afternoon.  The C and C Métis Sisters will present The Métis Traditional Sharing Cache, a theatrical-style performance focusing on the Métis tradition of sharing and caring.  The famous Métis Fiddler Quartet, renowned for their mastery of both traditional and Métis old-style fiddle playing, will also be on stage for three lively performances throughout the day.  Popular fiddler Alicia Blore and the music and vocals of La Famille Lefaive will offer great toe-tapping tunes to round out the day’s entertainment. 

Fascinating exhibits and activities that share Métis culture will also be featured.  Displays showing traditional sash weaving, fur trade trapping, beadwork, and moccasin making will be part of the event.  The traditional Métis language of Michif will be shared, and visitors can enjoy a Voyageur encampment and learn about life in the wilderness.  Rug hooking, historic tailoring, and leather bag making will explore more traditional Métis skills, as well as cooking demonstrations of Three Sisters Soup and bannock-making.  Throughout the day, a fun horse-and-wagon ride will be offered to transport visitors from the Admission area to event activities.

The Métis Day Bo'jou Neejee event is at Discovery Harbour on Saturday, August 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is included with regular site admission.  For further information please call (705) 549-8064 or visit www.hhp.on.ca

Discovery Harbour is operated by Huronia Historical Parks,

and is an Attraction of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.

Note to Media: Two pictures and suggested cutline are also attached with this Release.

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Media Contact:

Bill Brodeur

Coordinator,

Marketing and Media Relations

Huronia Historical Parks

(705) 528-7692

Email: Bill.Brodeur@ontario.ca