Canadian Arts - November 2006

Margaret Atwood at Borders Books & Music

November 6

Margaret Atwood is one of Canada's most acclaimed and famous writers. Her books have been published in over thirty-five countries and she has authored over forty books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Among her most notable books are The Handmaid's Tale, winner of the 1985 Governor General's Award, Alias Grace, winner of the 1996 Giller Prize, and The Blind Assassin, winner of the 2000 Booker Prize.

Margaret Atwood will be discussing her new collection of ten interconnecting stories, Moral Disorder, with Washington Post senior book editor Ron Charles at Borders Books & Music, 18th & L Sts. NW Washington, DC, on November 6.

Information      Back to events listing

2006 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival

November 8-12

This year, the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will once again showcase feature and short films, in both narrative and documentary formats. Many of the films have won awards worldwide, and are Delaware premieres. The Festival has programming for every age group and interest, and includes seminars with filmmakers and members of the film industry.

The Canadian films to be presented at the Festival include: C.R.A.Z.Y., directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, My Last Confession, directed by David Finley, and HIRO, directed by Matthew Swanson.

Sponsored by the Embassy of Canada.

Information      Back to events listing

New Works by Barbara Croall

November 17 and 18

Barbara Croall is an internationally acclaimed Odawa composer whose works have been performed in Canada and several European countries. A graduate of the University of Toronto, Croall was the composer-in-residence and affiliate composer with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2000. The July 1997 issue of Maclean's Magazine touted Croall as one of the 100 "Canadians To Watch". Since 2004, she has been the Composer-in-Residence with the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival.

Performing on November 17 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and on November 18 at the National Museum of the American Indian's Rasmuson Theater in Washington, DC.

Presented with support from the Embassy of Canada.

Information      Back to events listing

International Festival of Films on Art at the National Gallery

November 18, 19, 24, and 25

Each year, Washington DC's National Gallery presents the award winning films from Montreal's International Festival of Films on Art, which is the oldest festival devoted exclusively to films about architecture, music, painting, sculpture, photography, dance, and cinema.

This year's Festival selection will include two Canadian films:

Beethoven's Hair: The improbable journey of a lock of the composer's hair from his deathbed in 19th-century Vienna to a home in late 20th-century Arizona. Director/producer Larry Weinstein will introduce the film.

Wireframe: An unusual modern dance film depicting two days in the life of an architect.

All films will be screened in the East Building Auditorium at the National Gallery in Washington, DC.

For the latest information on the International Festival of Films on Art at the National Gallery, please call (202) 842-6799.

Information      Back to events listing

Leahy

November 1, 4, 7, and 9

Hailing from Lakefield, Ontario, Leahy consists of the eight siblings of the Leahy family. Their band has a unique style that incorporates vocals, fiddles, banjos, guitars, bass, and even some step dancing into their live routines. Leahy constantly experiments with different sounds and genres, making each album new and surprising for listeners. This fall, they are on tour in North America supporting their latest album, In All Things.

Performing on November 1 at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, PA; on November 4 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA; on November 7 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA; and on November 9 at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, PA.

Information      Back to events listing

Barenaked Ladies

November 2 and 4

Toronto's Barenaked Ladies have been performing together since 1988 and are considered one of the most popular and prolific Canadian bands of the past twenty years. The band has enjoyed success in Canada and internationally. With hits such as If I Had a Million Dollars, The Old Apartment, Falling for the First Time, and the Billboard Number One Hit, One Week. They are on tour promoting their latest release, Barenakes Ladies Are Me.

Performing on November 2 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA, and on November 4 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Information      Back to events listing

Broken Social Scene

November 6, 7, and 9

Broken Social Scene is an indie rock group from Toronto. Since the bands first album in 2001, Feel Good Lost, the group has released three successful albums. In 2003, their album, You Forgot it in People, won a Juno for Alternative Album of the Year and brought them international acclaim. In 2006, the band won another Juno for Alternative Album of the Year with their third album, Broken Social Scene.

Performing at Sonar in Baltimore, MD on November 6; at the 9:30 Club in Washington DC on November 7; and at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA, on November 9.

Information      Back to events listing

Tanglefoot

November 8, 10, 11, and 12

Tanglefoot, a folk band hailing from Owen Sound, Ontario, loves performing live and has a reputation for spectacular vocal harmonies. The group is touring this fall in support of their latest album,Dance Like Flames, which features new vocalist Sandra Swannell.

Performing in a concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity on November 8 at Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD; on November 10 at the Ashland Coffee & Tea Company in Ashland, VA; on November 11, at Williamsburg Library Theatre in Williamsburg, VA; and on November 12 at the Church of the Resurrection in Alexandria, VA.

Information      Back to events listing

Searson

November 11 and 12

The Ottawa Valley's favourite Celtic band Searson consists of the dynamic quartet of Erin, Heather, Mike and Colleen Searson. Described as a cross between the Cranberries and Shania Twain, Searson uses traditional instruments to create a fresh sound. During their live shows, they have a full stage with fiddles, strong vocals, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, banjos and three step dancers.

Performing at the Fernwood Scottish & Irish Music Festival at the Fernwood Hotel in Bushkill, PA, on November 11 and 12.

More information      Back to events listing

The Clumsy Lovers

November 16 and 19

Vancouver's The Clumsy Lovers embody a new and unique style of music that combines bluegrass, Celtic rock and pop. The group have been working hard for years, with over 1500 live performances and 7 albums to their credit. They are currently on tour to promote Smart Kid, their second album on the popular Vancouver independent record label Nettwerk.

Performing on November 16 at the Ashland Coffee & Tea Company in Ashland, VA; and on November 19 at the Iota Club & Cafe in Arlington, VA.

Information      Back to events listing

Amy Millan

November 17 and 18

Montreal's singer and guitarist Amy Millan performs with indie pop groups Stars and Broken Social Scene. In May 2006, she released a solo record entitled Honey from the Tombs for which she is currently touring North America.

Performing on November 17 at the North Star in Philadelphia, PA, and on November 18 at Black Cat in Washington, DC.

Information      Back to events listing

Enter the Haggis

November 19, 22, and 25

Formed in 1996, Enter the Haggis is a Celtic-based, high-energy performance band from Toronto, Ontario. Their music is best described as a fusion of Celtic, bluegrass, and rock, sprinkled with elements of Latin, Blues, and Funk. Enter the Haggis has kept a rigorous concert schedule over the years, playing venues in Canada, the United States, and Europe. In addition to their music, the band also worked with PBS to release a live band documentary entitled Live At Lanigan's Ball.

Performing at Sellersville Theater in Sellerville, PA on November 19; at Jammin Java in Vienna, VA on November 22; and at World Café Live! in Philadelphia, PA on November 25.

Information      Back to events listing

The Wailin' Jennys

November 25 and 26

Winnipeg's The Wailin' Jennys musical journey is in full swing, with the band's recent release of their second album entitled Firecracker. The three women are excited about their sophomore record, which follows up their successful debut, 40 Days, winner of the 2005 Juno for Best Roots/Traditional Album. The Waillin' Jennys are known for their instrumental versatility and made several appearances on the famous and popular Prairie Home Campanion radio show on NPR with Garrison Keillor.

Performing on November 25 at The Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, PA and on November 26 at Gravity Lounge in Charlottesville, VA.

Information      Back to events listing

Jason Collett

November 28 and 29

Toronto's Jason Collett is both a member of Broken Social Scene and a solo singer-songwriter. He tours this fall in support of his 2005 record, Idols of Exile.

Performing on November 28 at the Black Cat in Washington, DC, and on November 29 at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia, PA.

Information      Back to events listing

Overtures, showcasing Ontario artist Jan Wheeler

November 19 to December 5

With soft hues and gentle, undulating patterns, Jan Wheeler captures the motion and nuance of the natural world. Inspired by the beauty of nature, Wheeler reflects the landscape in broad strokes, with unusual perspective that is inspired by the movement of light and shadow across her environment. The artist states: "I realized that my eye was continually being drawn to the contours of my surroundings." Rather than focus on copious detail, Wheeler instead uses the play of wind and sunlight to direct the focus of her paintings. The result is a stunning image of landscapes replete with life and endowed with rich imagination. Jan Wheeler has exhibited her works in Canada, the U.S., and the Middle East.

Overtures runs November 14 - December 5 in Agora Gallery's Chelsea location at 530 West 25th Street, New York, NY.

Information      Back to events listing

Canadian Folk Art from the Collection of Susan A. Murray

Through January 7, 2007

This exhibit boasts one of the finest collections of Canadian Folk Art representing Ontario, Québec and Atlantic Canada. The exhibition spans the 19th and 20th centuries and includes paintings, sculptures, and textile art. It also demonstrates the lively and uninhibited creative expressions of ordinary artists who have completed some very extraordinary work. Organized by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, New Brunswick, in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy.

The Exhibition will be on display in the Art Gallery of the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Information      Back to events listing

Renée DuRocher

September 7 to January 3, 2007

Renée DuRocher has a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts from the Université du Québec à Montréal and taught drawing and painting in Granby from 1974 to 1990. Since then, she has concentrated entirely on painting. She has had more than 30 solo exhibitions of her work and has participated in collective shows in Canada, the United States, Italy and France. This is her second solo exhibition at the Zenith Gallery; her first was in 1998.

DuRocher's latest series, Spirits of Xi'an, is displayed at the Gallery of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in Washington, DC, from September 7, 2006 to January 3, 2007. For more information, contact the the Zenith Gallery.

Information      Back to events listing

Listening to our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life Along the North Pacific Coast

Through January 2, 2007

Listening to our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life Along the North Pacific Coast features more than 400 ceremonial and everyday objects made by members of 11 Native nations, including eight from Canada and others from Washington state and Alaska. Brilliantly colored ceremonial masks, delicately woven blankets, and other historical objects, plus an array of public programs, highlight the vibrant cultures and rich artistic traditions of North West Coast peoples.

This exhibition is being presented at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Information      Back to events listing

Marcel Dzama at the Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through January, 2007

Winnipeg-born Marcel Dzama is best known for his pen-and-ink drawings, which use large amounts of white space and unusual, ambiguous, and frequently unconnected subject matter.

In recent years, he has received broad recognition, landing solo exhibitions in the United States at the David Zwirner Gallery in New York and at the Richard Heller Gallery in Los Angeles. His work has also been shown internationally, most recently in Berlin, Cologne, Geneva, Venice, and Düsseldorf. Dzama's drawings have been featured in Harper's, Saturday Night, and The Globe and Mail.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, is displaying a drawing created by Dzama in an exhibition entitled redefined: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Collection.

Tickets and information      Back to events listing

Cirque du Soleil – Corteo

Through November 19

The world-famous Cirque du Soleil will be presenting their latest touring production, Corteo, under the Grand Chapiteau at City Center (Old Convention Center) in Washington, DC.

Corteo is a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show mixes together the passion of the actor with the grace and agility of the acrobat to bring the audience into a fabulous world of fun, comedy, and creativity.

Tickets and information      Back to events listing

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal

November 16-18

Canada's largest ballet company, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, was founded in 1957 by Ludmilla Chiriaeff. The dancers are currently under the artistic direction of Macedonian-born Gradimir Pankov, who has devoted himself to dance for more than forty years.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal produces four shows annually and, throughout its season, welcomes internationally known companies such as The José Limòn Dance Company, the Warsaw Ballet, and Sweden's Cullberg Ballet.

Performing November 16 to November 18 during the Dance Celebration Series presented by Dance Affiliates and Penn Presents at the The Zellerbach Theatre in Philadelphia, PA.

Information      Back to events listing

Cirque du Soleil presents Delirium

November 16-18, 21-22

Quebec's famous Cirque du Soleil is bringing its innovative show Delirium to Philadelphia. Unlike most Cirque du Soleil productions, which are performed on a circular stage, Delirium is an arena show. Its focus is the music, all of which is from previous Cirque du Soleil shows and has been remixed with an urban tribal beat for this spectacle.

Performing from November 16 to the 18 at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA, and November 21 and 22 to the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA.

Tickets and information      Back to events listing

'Ksan Performing Arts Group

November 17-19

'Ksan Performing Arts Group of the Gitxsan Nation from north central British Columbia have performed throughout their province, Canada and the world, demonstrating through traditional song and dance the richness of the Gitxsan culture. 'Ksan Performing Arts Group plays an important role in ensuring that the culture of the Gitxsan nation is being preserved with dignity. Their performances in DC will include a traditional welcome and gift giving song.

Performing on November 17 during the Listening to Our Ancestors Cultural Festival at the National Museum of the American Indian's Rasmuson Theater in Washington, DC, and on November 18 and 19 at the National Museum of the American Indian's Potomac Atrium in Washington, DC.

Information      Back to events listing

The National Museum of the American Indian presents Stolen Spirits of Haida Gwaii

November 24 and 25

Directed by Kevin McMahon, the film tells the story of the quest by the Haida Gwaii people of British Columbia to reclaim the remains of over 160 of their ancestors.

NMAI Repatriation specialist John Beaver will lead a discussion following the evening screening.

Stolen Spirits of Haida Gwaii will be screened at the Elmer and Mary Louis Rasmuson Theater at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC on November 24 and 25.

Information      Back to events listing

Ensemble La Rota wins EMA's 2006 Medieval/Renaissance competition

Montreal's Ensemble La Rota, a quartet specializing in medieval music, won the 2006 Early Music America Medieval/Renaissance competition for North American artists. Held in New York City on October 11 this year, the competition's purpose is to encourage the development of emerging artists in the performance of Medieval and Renaissance music. Ensemble La Rota's winning performance featured 13th and early 14th-century French music. They received the $5,000 Unicorn Prize and will play in a performance sponsored by Early Music America at the Boston Early Music Festival in June 2007.

Ensemble La Rota has four members: Sarah Barnes, soprano; Tobie Miller, recorder and hurdy-gurdy; Emilie Brule, vielle; and Esteban La Rota, lute and harp. The group formed in 2002 and each member has a degree from Montreal's McGill University.

Information      Back to events listing