A Royal Welcome from Calgary

Calgarians proved once again that they know how to role out the red carpet. The Kerby Centre orchestrated two terrific events on Friday, Sept. 30 featuring “You Could Live a Long Time: Are You Ready?” In the afternoon about 80 people participated at the Centre in an animated discussion about aging well. That evening, the honey-toned Petroleum Club with its art-covered walls was the site for a sparkling event that combined the smooth sounds of the Shaken Not Stirred Jazz Band with fine food and lots of laughter. The full house was reluctant to bring the evening to a close. Check out the photos by clicking on the photo below.

Sneak Preview from Green Thumb Theatre

On October 7 at the Vancouver launch of Teens Gone Wired: Are You Ready? we're privileged to be previewing a segment from Green Thumb Theatre?s new play OUT IN THE OPEN. The play by Dave Deveau explores homophobia, friendship, social pressure, and navigating the complicated truths of teenage relationships. Since 1975, Green Thumb Theatre has been developing original Canadian plays for young audiences, challenging them to re-examine their beliefs and prejudices and to define their feelings and aspirations. My hero, the playwright Morris Panych, says Green Thumb is "less a theatre for young people and more a theatre for formative minds."

This will be a remarkable evening.

WOW - Toronto Book Launch Lifts the Roof

 

About 100 of us who gathered on Wednesday evening to launch Teens Gone Wired: Are You Ready? were treated to an outstanding performance of  beatboxing and voguing that had us clapping, stomping and cheering. Our photos will give you a sense of the show, but it’s the Youtube video that is in the works that will show you what blew our socks off.  A huge thank you to Arts for Children and Youth who coordinated this amazing event for us, and to the performers who donated their time in support of AFCY. The internationally celebrated beat boxer, Balu, channelled an entire sound effects studio for the audience and the voguers, Sebastio, Andrenne, Matthew and Irvine nailed their performances, even the gravity defying “drops.” A night to remember.

September 30th in Calgary with the Kerby Centre

Lynn Podgurny describes the Kerby Centre as the place to be in Calgary if you’re over 55.  Lynn is Director of Operations and manages an impressive array of active living programs and preventive services to enhance the quality of life for older people. The Centre was founded in 1973 as an organization run by seniors, for seniors. The Board of Directors is comprised of seniors, assisted by fifty staff and over 400 volunteers. I am grateful to the Kerby Centre for hosting two presentations about You Could Live a Long Time: Are You Ready? on September 30. At 1:30 pm I’ll be speaking at the Kerby Centre in celebration of National Seniors Day, and that evening the Kerby Centre is hosting an evening at the Petroleum Club with appetizers and live jazz. See details below.

Can’t wait! 

What's Beatboxing and Voguing?

You’ll find out Sept. 21 at the Toronto launch of “Teens Gone Wired: Are You Ready?” Arts for Children and Youth will be presenting a first-ever mash-up performance of beatboxing and voguing led by Balu Kanagalingam, celebrated vocal percussionist who represents Canada internationally, and innovative dancer/performance artist Andrenne Finnikin. That’s Balu giving the salute in this photo from BIG BAM BOOM, AFCY’s Youth Arts Festival held every June. Once you learn about the extraordinary work done by AFCY you’ll be hooked – I was!