As one of the many events during Peterborough Pride Week (September 15 to 24), award-winning queer comic Elvira Kurt will be performing her "Homesexual Panic" stand-up show during the "Act On It!" Pride Party presented by Mysterious Entity on Saturday, September 23 at 8 p.m. at Catalina's in downtown Peterborough. (Publicity photo)
Peterborough Pride Week — the annual celebration of human rights, inclusiveness, and diversity regardless of gender identity or sexuality — returns from September 15th to 24th, with a series of community-run events including an evening of cabaret entertainment featuring award-winning queer comic Elvira Kurt on Saturday, September 23rd following the Pride parade and Pride in the Park celebration.
The theme of 2017 Pride Week is “Out for Good”, speaking both to the rights of people to freely express their self-identity throughout their lives without facing discrimination, and the vital role people who identify as LGBTTQI2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Intersex, and Two-Spirit) play in supporting the community.
The official t-shirt design of Peterborough Pride 2017, by Ben Hodson, reflecting this year’s theme. Limited edition t-shirts will be available at various events throughout Pride Week. (Design: Ben Hodson)
Peterborough Pride Week kicks off on Friday, September 15th with a flag-raising ceremony on the south lawn of Peterborough City Hall at 12 p.m. — including a flag to celebrate advances in transgender rights this year. Pride-related events continue on Friday evening and every day throughout the following week, including live music, workshops, discussions, religious services, film and literary events, games, and more.
The week culminates with the Pride Parade on Saturday, September 23rd from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (departing from City Hall) followed by “Pride in the Park”, a family-friendly celebration that runs until 6 p.m. in Millennium Park.
Some of the events are hosted by the Peterborough Pride organization, some events are financially supported by Peterborough Pride, and other events are independently hosted by other local organizations and groups. Regardless of your interest, there’s something for everyone.
The 2014 Peterborough Pride parade making its way down George Street in downtown Peterborough. This year’s Pride Parade takes place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23 followed by “Pride in the Park”, a family-friendly celebration that runs until 6 p.m. in Millennium Park. (Photo: Roberto Bonifacio)
One event of special note is the “Act On It!” Pride Party on Saturday, September 23rd at 8 p.m. at Catalina’s (131 Hunter St., Peterborough).
Presented by Mysterious Entity and supported by Peterborough Pride, it’s an evening of cabaret and entertainment that kicks off with “Say Yes to My Dress!”, curated and hosted by David Bateman, followed by “Homosexual Panic” by comic and queer activist Elvira Kurt from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Kurt is a multi-award winning comedian (including a Canadian Comedy Award for Funniest Female Comedian) and she’s appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, George Stromboulopoulos Tonight, CBC’s The Debaters and This Hour has 22 Minutes, and many more. She is no stranger to Peterborough, having brought her acclaimed Fringe Festival show Parallel Play to The Theatre on King in Peterborough in 2014 (directed by Peterborough’s Linda Kash).
Elivra Kurt originally performed “Homesexual Panic” at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto earlier this summer as part of Queer Pride 2017. (Publicity photo)
“Homeoexual Panic” is based on Kurt’s sold-out stand-up show of the same name, originally presented at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in Toronto earlier this summer as part of Queer Pride 2017.
“If you know me, you’ve never seen me like this and, if you don’t know me, you’re going to get a master class in stand-up comedy,” Kurt says in an interview with Antoine Elhashem of theBUZZ.
“As someone who lives in constant anxiety (the name of the show is not a coincidence) and has missed out on a lot of amazing things in my life because of that anxiety, I don’t want to make people feel bad if they miss it,” she says.
“If you do come, you’ll be glad you did because laughs will be had and they will be those deep tissue cleansing kind of laughs that make you feel less alone in your own homosexual panic, whatever that may be.”
VIDEO: The Deviants and The Odd Man Out
Following Kurt’s show, Deviants and the Odd Man Out will perform at 10:30 p.m. All members of this newly formed punk band from Port Hope are transgender.
A DJ-fuelled dance will then take place at 11 p.m. to closing, and Mysterious Entity’s own artistic director and skilled bartender Em Glasspool will be serving specialty cocktails all evening long.
Tickets for the full evening with all performances are $15, or pay what you can for the band and the dance. For advance tickets, contact Mysterious Entity at m.entity@gmail.com or 705-933-4510.
Buckhorn Canoe Company is one of the stops on the Business After Hours Buckhorn Hop on September 20.
Please note that the schedule for the Buckhorn Hop on September 20th has changed. Times for this event are as follows:
Buckhorn Canoe Company – 5 to 5:25 p.m.
Style Your Nest – 5:30 to 5:55 p.m.
Gallery on the Lake – 6 p.m.
The hop finishes with networking and refreshments at Gallery on the Lake from 6 to 7 p.m., with host businesses and representatives from the Municipality of Trent Lakes present. Register now.
If you are not able to come to Buckhorn Canoe Company at 5 p.m., please feel free to drop in to one of the other stops listed above.
B.O.S.S. How to Network Effectively – October 25th
The third installment of the B.O.S.S. (Business Owners Offering Solutions) workshop series will focus on networking, and how it can benefit your business.
On Wednesday, October 25th, from 5 to 7 p.m., visit Westwind Inn on the Lake, where Tonya Kraan of Strexer Harrop & Associates will discuss networking techniques with fellow Chamber Members Scott Matheson of CIBC Lakefield and Tom LaBranche of Village Pet Food & Supply.
Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to put their skills into action in a speed networking format.
Elmhirst’s Resort is offering special room rates for those booking with the Awards Gala. Call Elmhirst’s Resort at 705-295-4591 for accommodation information and mentionyou are booking for the Chamber Awards of Excellence Gala on November 3rd.
Accelerate to International Markets (AIM) Program
If you are interested in exporting internationally, but aren’t sure where to start, then Ontario Export Services is happy to be your partner at the outset of this exciting journey.
The two-day AIM workshops will help set you up for successful exporting of your goods and services abroad. They take place at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on September 26th and 27th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Learn more.
Marlin Travel Peterborough is a full-service travel agency serving the Kawarthas for the past 13 years owned by Mary LaRocque.
Marlin Travel provides consumers with a wide range of services including: airline tickets, car rentals, hotel reservations, travel insurance, cruises (both traditional and river), vacation packages, destination weddings, customized group travel, multi-generational trips, faith-based tours and day trips.
Servicing a wide variety of clients ranging from students to seniors and single travelers, Marlin Travel has something for everyone.
Kawartha Outdoor Adventure Weekend
Catch the excitement in Buckhorn! Kawartha Outdoor Adventure Weekend is taking place on September 16th and 17th.
Events on Saturday, September 16th at Scotsman Point Resort include a kids fishing derby, sport fishing simulator, exhibits, bouncy castle, and other kid’s activities. The Canada FLW semi-final weigh in is at 4 p.m.
On Sunday, September 17th, visit the Buckhorn Community Centre (BCC) for cottage and sportsman vendors, craft beer, corn roast, family activities, and a special demo by Meaghan Wood of Handsome Jack’s Fly Fishing.
Who will be the FLW Canada 2017 victor? The Fishing League World Wide Canada Bass Tournament Championship Weigh In is taking place on September 17th at 3 p.m. at the BCC.
Potter Judy Sparkes, whose studio is located on Chandos Lake, is one of the artists featured in this year’s Apsely Autumn Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Apsley Autumn Studio Tour)
The Apsley Autumn Studio Tour is this weekend, September 16th and 17th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The self-guided tour is renowned for the quality of the artists working in a variety of disciplines. Located in North Kawartha, many of the studios are tucked away in beautiful, scenic locations where our local artists and guests present new and exciting works created specifically for this annual event.
Pick up your Apsley Autumn Studio Tour maps at the Kawartha Chamber office (12 Queen St. in Lakefield, under the town clock).
Fall Hours and Menu at Lantern Restaurant & Grill
Lantern Restaurant & Grill is located at 2281 McCracken’s Landing Road in Lakefield. (Photo: Lantern Restaurant & Grill)
As the summer season winds down, Lantern Restaurant & Grill is now open four days per week, Thursday to Sunday. Fall hours are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The fall menu will feature new items, old favourites, and many great cocktails! Visit www.lanternresto.ca for updated hours, menu, and event postings.
Curve Lake Pow Wow – September 16th & 17th
The end of the summer brings with it the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow. This celebration consists of two days of dancing, contests and presentations, to re-establish old friendships and meet new people, with many vendors and performers in attendance.
As every year, all neighbours from surrounding towns are welcome to join the festivities.
The Curve Lake Pow Wow is being held on September 16th and 17th in Lance Wood Park. The Sunrise Ceremony begins at 6 a.m. on both days, and Grand Entry is at 12 p.m. on both days. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and youth, and free for children under five.
Douro Automotive Flea Market & Car Show – September 16th
27th Annual Golden Rescue Picnic at Viamede Resort – September 16th
Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour – September 23rd & 24th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
Singer-songwriter Missy Knott of Curve Lake First Nation has organized Sparkle Celebration on September 15 at Peterborough's Market Hall to coincide with the launch of Wild Rice Records, a collaboration between Knott, Guerilla Studios owner-operator Dave Searle, and Peterborough LIVE Music Festival founder Wendy Fischer to support and mentor young Indigenous performers. The event will feature performances by Crystal Shawanda, Missy Knott with Dean James, Gary Williams, Taylor Merrick, and The Bob Taylor Band. (Photo courtesy of Missy Knott)
For singer-songwriter Missy Knott, a self-described “happy-in-the-sunshine girl”, the advent of fall and the cold winter months to follow normally doesn’t give her much cause for celebration. Enter Wild Rice Records and its mission to provide support and mentoring for young Indigenous artists and their recording projects.
Wild Rice Records present Sparkle Celebration
When: Friday, September 15, 2017 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $33 ($23 for students)
Featuring performances by Crystal Shawanda, Missy Knott with Dean James, Gary Williams, Taylor Merrick, and The Bob Taylor Band. Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, online at markethall.org, or at Moondance Records (425 George St. N., cash only).
Born of collaboration between Knott, Guerilla Studios owner-operator Dave Searle, and Peterborough LIVE Music Festival founder Wendy Fischer, Wild Rice Records will be launched on Friday, September 15th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) at Sparkle Celebration, a showcase of Indigenous music and its creators featuring headliner Crystal Shawanda with performances by Knott with Dean James, Gary Williams, Taylor Merrick, and The Bob Taylor Band.
Tickets for Sparkle Celebration cost $33 ($23 for students) at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, online at markethall.org, or at Moondance Records (425 George St. N., cash only).
“A lot of people in our area don’t know Indigenous music exists because we don’t have a lot of it going on just yet,” says Knott who, at age 19, recorded and released her first album For No Reason At All in 2009.
“You go to Winnipeg, the Indigenous music scene is thriving,” she says. “I was inspired there at the Indigenous Music Awards. Crystal was nominated for Producer of the Year for my latest record My Sister’s Heart, so I spent a week there. There was constantly something going on, whether it was workshops or shows.
VIDEO: My Sister’s Heart – Missy Knott
Peterborough is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway) and was originally named and known as Nogojiwanong.
“In some ways, that’s happening here. We do have an Indigenous arts community here with Sean Conway, Tara Williamson, Patti Shaughnessy, and we have the Ode’min Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Festival. Still, I think a lot of Indigenous artists need to travel in order to be a part of that scene.”
Building, promoting, and furthering the Indigenous music scene in Peterborough is the driving force behind Wild Rice Records, says Knott, fully cognizant of the challenge that presents.
“We want the Indigenous community to thrive and we want people to know Indigenous people are still here, that First Nations people are still here. Yes, I’m Missy Knott. I’m still from Curve Lake First Nation. But people don’t see Indigenous music as mainstream music. They don’t really give it a chance.”
Award-winning country music singer-songwriter Crystal Shawanda, who grew up on Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island and is now based in Nashville, headlines Sparkle Celebration on September 15. (Publicity photo)
That said, Knott is far from discouraged.
“That’s changing and it’s changing fast. Wendy and I did an event in June at The Venue called The Gathering. It was basically an indoor pow wow. We brought all sorts of Indigenous organizations together, like the Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association, and they set up booths. Taylor Merrick, one of the top emerging artists from Curve Lake, performed.”
Motivating Knott is her own experience as a youth with a musical gift she wanted to share.
“I had nobody in my life that was in music. It was just something that unfolded. Somebody told me ‘You should a singer’ so I became a singer. When Crystal met with me later on and asked if I’d be interested in working with her, that became my whole world. ‘I have a number one Billboard country recording artist who wrote this song about her daddy dying.’ My dad had just died. It was like the stars were lining up.”
VIDEO: “You Can Let Go” – Crystal Shawanda
Through Wild Rice Records, Knott hopes she can provide the same kind of support and mentoring to other young Indigenous performers, some of whom may be struggling — as Knott herself has — with anxiety and other mental health challenges.
“Mental health and anxiety and all that are huge right now because kids are not used to having conversations about the issues facing them,” she explains. “Everything is done over the internet. That makes it hard to ask people for help.
“Wild Rice Records will be kind of like a launch pad for them, somewhere to go where I can provide them with connections and ideas. And provide them with a studio, as I’m partnered with Guerrilla Studios and with Echo Recording (based at Guerilla Studios). I want it to be that connector for them.”
Missy Knott performing at the 28th Havelock Country Jamboree in August 2017. (Supplied photo)
Pointing to her recent appearance at the Havelock Country Jamboree, Knott says, for the first time, she departed a stage “100 per cent confident” in her performance.
“I always had a level of confidence but I’ve battled with a lot of trauma. My dad dying, the aftermath of that, my mental health … I call it anxiety but I’m not sure exactly what it was. But I didn’t have a support system. The easy way out was having a drink.
“That’s how my family dealt with their problems. The stereotype and the stigma of the First Nations community are not all lies. No matter how hard I fight that or how hard I try to avoid it, you’re still affected by it. To be asked to do the Havelock Jamboree — playing with the guys I played with whom I grew up admiring, like Dylan Ireland and Matt Greco, being on that stage and feeling grounded — was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.”
Wild Rice Records, as Knott envisions it, will be the conduit for emerging artists to find their confidence early on by providing them with not only the technical means of furthering their music, but also the encouragement necessary to progress to the next level.
While Knott remains proud, and rightly so, of her own artistic milestones — the 2009 Emerging Artist Award bestowed by the Peterborough Folk Festival, sharing the stage with the likes of Nelly Furtado and Bryan Adams at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and her February 2017 Market Hall release of Nashville-recorded My Sister’s Heart come quickly to mind — the brightest gleam in her eye is fueled by her two-year-old daughter Lyrik.
Missy Knott with her daughter Lyrik. “Now I have a purpose. I have a person I’m responsible for: a child that’s always going to love me and I’m going to love forever, no matter what I do.” (Photo courtesy of Missy Knott)
“For so long, I was waking up thinking ‘What’s my purpose?'” Knott says. “You can volunteer and perform at all these charity events but, at the end of the day, what’s your purpose? Now I don’t question that. Now I have a purpose.
“I have a person I’m responsible for: a child that’s always going to love me and I’m going to love forever, no matter what I do. There’s no holding back now. I want to make sure I represent her in the best way possible. She has given me a huge push. I don’t want her to be raised in a little bubble. I want her to embrace all the arts, all the culture.”
Another recent life-changing development for Knott has been working with Wendy Fischer.
It’s the “28th annual” Sparkle Celebration as it takes place three days after Missy Knott’s 28th brithday. (Poster: Wild Rice Records)
“Wendy is an unbelievable, energetic ball of magic. She has been a huge motivator in terms of the business side of my art and has opened up this whole new world to me in terms of generating income. After having Lyrik, life changed. You can’t volunteer as much as you wish you could. You’ve got to pay the bills. When I lived in my car and was traveling all the time, that didn’t really matter — but now I can’t do that.”
Now, the September 15 event is Knott’s main focus.
“I chose Market Hall because I love working with Chad Hogan and Patricia Thorne. The venue is beautiful. It’s a performing arts centre, not just a bar. And September 16 and 17 is pow wow weekend in Curve Lake, so the timing is perfect. Crystal is a huge name in the Aboriginal arts community. As soon as I messaged her and said ‘Please, are you free?’ she said ‘I’m there.'”
Also fueling Knott’s anticipation is the fact that Sparkle Celebration will be staged three days after her 28th birthday.
“This has always been my favourite week of the year. My birthday and then pow wow weekend falls right after. It’s my Christmas. Everything is unfolding perfectly. I’m not a winter person. I’m more of happy-in-the-sunshine girl. That we’re getting the ball rolling on all this is giving me something consistent to do during the winter months. I’m really looking forward to that.”
Nestled on the shores of Clear Lake, and with more than 185 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows, Camp Kawartha's Outdoor Education Centre and summer camp (1010 Birchview Road, Douro-Dummer) is a natural for outdoor learning. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Ask an adult what some of their favourite childhood memories are and they most likely would focus on the great outdoors — meandering through local woods, catching frogs or bugs, those many hours spent playing in the dirt, covered in earthy brown goodness.
But in today’s fast-paced urbanized world, exposure to nature is on the decline and people are less connected to their natural surroundings.
Camp Kawartha, however, hopes to change all that.
A green oasis
The year-round award-winning environmental learning centre is an eco-friendly oasis that includes a summer camp and an outdoor education facility on Clear Lake, and an Environment Centre located on Nature Sanctuary Lands at the south edge of Trent University.
With over 10,000 visitors per year, Camp Kawartha is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering stewardship.
The camp teaches sustainable living practices, habitat protection and environmental responsibility, primarily through summer camps for kids, youth groups, curriculum-linked outdoor education and leadership training programs for students, team-building programs, facility rentals for group retreats, as well as winter activities and retreats.
Located on Trent University’s 200-acre wildlife sanctuary lands, the Environment Education Centre (2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough) has earned its moniker as “one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings.” (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha’s Executive Director, explains it’s all about highlighting environmental stewardship and conservation, which is at the heart of Camp Kawartha’s mission.
He champions environmental education programs and activities that inspire curiosity, sustainability, and civic engagement for learners of all ages.
“If people, particularly children and teenagers, lose contact with nature, they won’t fight for it,” Rodenburg says. “So, what will that mean for our planet? When a person values their connection with nature, they are more likely to conserve and protect it.”
Inspiring environmental stewardship in kids
Camp Kawartha is dedicated to fostering stewardship. Both locations offer curriculum-linked and interactive outdoor programs that are both educational and fun for elementary and secondary students. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Rodenburg calls it “a vision of how our community can foster stewardship together,” and adds it’s essential for it to be “a community-wide initiative to keep parents and educators engaged in outdoor activities that will plant the seed to protect and enjoy gifts of the natural world for generations to come.”
Inspiring environmental stewardship, Rodenburg says, starts by simply “teaching children to tend and care for nearby nature, perhaps by planting a garden, engaging in citizen science or by naturalizing a school yard.
“As kids get older, they can engage in rehabilitation projects or become involved in locally relevant environmental issues.”
This fall or winter, if you’re looking to get back in touch with nature to gain new experiences, skills and inspiration, here are a few ways Camp Kawartha can take you there:
Outdoor Education Centre school programs
Nestled on the shores of Clear Lake, and with more than 185 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows, the Outdoor Education Centre (1010 Birchview Road, Douro-Dummer) is a natural for outdoor learning.
From September to June, the centre offers over 60 curriculum-linked programs to students from kindergarten to grade twelve.
The programs fall under five broad headings: Environmental Science, Canadian History, Environmental Arts, Adventure and Leadership, and Recreation and Physical Education.
VIDEO: Camp Kawartha Outdoor Education Centre
The centre aims to help kids reconnect to their environment and recognize the beauty, value and diversity of their natural surroundings through creative outdoor programs that incorporate drama, storytelling, music, and hands-on exploration and games. Cold outside? No problem, they also offer over 40 different winter activity programs.
Schools and youth groups can take advantage of an overnight visit or an entire week filled with field trips, adventure and exploration.
If you’re looking for a scenic and relaxing venue for your group’s next weekend retreat or team building program, consider renting the camp’s rustic, fully winterized pine cabins that vary in size and can accommodate up to a total of 150 people. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Environmental Education Centre school programs and facility rentals
Located on Trent University’s 200-acre wildlife sanctuary lands, the Environment Education Centre (2505 Pioneer Road, Peterborough) has earned its moniker as “one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings.”
The 2,000-square-foot building showcases alternative energy in action. It features innovative green architecture such as straw bale construction, a living roof, rain water collection, wetland water treatment, geo-thermal, natural building materials, active and passive solar power, and composting toilets.
Need an inspirational and private setting to host your next meeting, workshop, or special event? The camp’s Pioneer Road location can accommodate up to 65 people and is available for daytime or evening rentals. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Using the building as “a teaching tool”, the centre offers 40 environmental education programs focused on sustainable living and ecology for elementary, high school and university students, as well as workshops, lectures and seminars on sustainability to the general public.
Need an inspirational and private setting to host your next meeting, workshop, or special event? The camp’s Pioneer Road location can accommodate up to 65 people and is available for daytime or evening rentals.
Looking for a scenic and relaxing venue for your group’s next weekend retreat or team building program? Find sustainable accommodations at Camp Kawartha’s cozy cabin rentals at the Birchview Road location in Douro-Dummer.
A range of kayaking, archery, hiking, sailing, cross-country skiing and nature experiences, along with an outdoor amphitheatre and campfire circle overlooking Clear Lake, are available to guests staying in the rustic, fully winterized pine cabins that vary in size from seven to 19 people, and can accommodate a total of 150 people.
Groups can run their own program or you can hire the centre’s staff to run a program, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, team-building, guided nature hikes, all while you sit back and enjoy your stay. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
From September to mid-June, the Outdoor Education Centre can host groups of 25 to 150 people for green conferences, group retreats, youth programs, leadership camps, and reunions with exclusive use of the site and rental facilities.
Groups can run their own program or you can hire the centre’s staff to run a program, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, team-building, guided nature hikes, all while you sit back and enjoy your stay.
The centre’s eco-friendly design also adds another dimension to a Camp Kawartha visit. Their large 1,400-square-foot “Rotary Hall” with a woodstove, couches, and wall-mounted project screen, offers a comfy place to relax or setup with chairs to host presentations. The dining hall, with a stone fireplace, can comfortably hold up to 125 people for meals. Also onsite are experienced in-house chefs who use fresh and sustainable local ingredients.
Outdoor activity areas include a volleyball court, basketball court, playing field, waterfront with swimming and boating areas, archery range, high ropes, and an accessible climbing wall which can accommodate various skill levels and ages, as well as people with disabilities.
Camp Kawartha’s Outdoor Education Centre has a new accessible climbing wall that can accommodate various skill levels and ages, as well as people with disabilities. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Proceeds from weekend rentals help support the Camp Kawartha’s outdoor education and summer camp programs for children.
Camp Kawartha is a proud member of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. The chamber represents members in Curve Lake First Nation and the municipalities of Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes. Visit kawarthachamber.ca for more information.
The legendary California ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls performs at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday, September 13, kicking off a month of diverse musical offerings that include an evening of indigenous musical performances at the Sparkle Celebration on September 15, celtic supergroup The Outside Track on September 19, psychobilly band The Creepshow on September 22, and jazz guitarist Rob Tardik on September 23.
Move over oregano and cinnamon; take a breather sage and paprika … the only spice required in Chad Hogan’s world is that of the musical variety kind.
As general manager of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Hogan has lined up five September shows that speak to the diversity of performance that the downtown venue has traditionally thrived on.
Four of those shows — ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls, traditional music quintet The Outside Track, “psychobilly” band The Creepshow, and jazz/world music guitarist Rob Tardik — are being presented exclusively by Market Hall while the fifth, the Sparkle Celebration showcase of indigenous performers, is a hall rental being presented on the eve of the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow:
According to Hogan, all these shows speak to the variety that has been key to Market Hall’s success.
“It’s impossible to please everybody all at once, but the one thing all these acts do have in common is they are world class in their genre,” Hogan says. “I have the ticket prices on all of them as low as I can possibly go. Audience members are getting a state-of-the-art venue, incredible sound, friendly and warm staff, and an absolutely fantastic show. It’s really good value in terms of live performance. There’s no waiting in traffic on the 401. There are no hotels. This is right here.”
While doing all he can to put bums in the seats, Hogan is also a fan of music — particularly of the rock variety. He’s especially excited to have landed Voodoo Glow Skulls, a band he has followed since he can remember.
“This is quite possibly their last tour,” he says. “It’s exciting for me, as someone who bought their records when I was 13, to be able to host one of their final shows. But all these shows have me revved up. They wouldn’t be coming here if they didn’t. I’m not interested in selling mediocrity to people.
“I want to bring in stuff that’s exciting and interesting and different than what are other performing arts centres are doing. I want to bring acts that excite young people, not try to get them excited about what we’re already doing.”
As for The Creepshow, The Outside Track, and Rob Tardik, Hogan is equally pumped, saying they represent but a small slice of the high-quality performances Market Hall is offering audiences this fall.
“We are more booked than we’ve ever been in our history. It’s going to be a busy but extremely exciting and rewarding season.”
Voodoo Glow Skulls (with guests The Cheap Suits and K-Man and The 45s)
Wednesday, September 13, 8 p.m.
Since forming in 1988 in Riverside, California, ska punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls has recorded nine albums, toured worldwidem and still found the time to create and oversee its own record label, recording studio, and music venue.
Meshing hardcore punk with traditional ska and the Mexican roots music of their background, Voodoo Glow Skulls’ trademark “California street music” sound and humourous commentary on harsh political realities has led to more than one million albums sold and a still growing legion of dedicated fans.
Tickets for Voodoo Glow Skulls, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $23 at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: Voodoo Glow Skulls – The Yost Theater 2016
Sparkle Celebration
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m.
Multi-awarded recording artist Crystal Shawanda — she won a 2013 Juno Award for Aboriginal Album of the Year for Just Like You — and Curve Lake singer/guitarist Missy Knott headline an evening of country, popm and blues music while showcasing the talents of local inndigenous performers Dean James, The Bob Taylor Band, Gary Williams, and Taylor Merrick.
Tickets for Sparkle Celebration, a Wild Rice Records presentation, cost $33 ($25 for students) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “You Can Let Go” – Crystal Shawanda
The Outside Track
Tuesday, September 19, 8 p.m.
Sharing a love of traditional music and commitment to creating new music, Norah Rendell, Mairi Rankin, Ailie Robertson, Fiona Black, and Cillian O’Dalaigh blend Canadian, Scottish and Irish music with boundless energy to create a unique sound that has brought them a bevy of international awards and associated adulation.
With a fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar and flute in its arsenal alongside stunning vocals and riveting step dancing, The Outside Track give truth to the end result being so much greater than the sum of its parts.
Tickets for The Outside Track, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $25 ($30 for cabaret table seats) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “Set You Free” – The Outside Track
The Creepshow
Friday, September 22, 8 p.m.
Formed in 2005 in Burlington as a “psychobilly” band, The Creepshow — Sean “Sean Solo” McNab, Kristian “Darth Ginty” Rowles, Sandro “The Great Sanchini” Sanchioni, Kenda “Obi Wan Kendabi” Legaspi, and Daniel “Danikan Skywalker” Flamm — remains an explosion of energy that’s a tasty treat for the eyes and ears.
Having brought their genre-defying blend of country-tinged psycho punk rock ‘n’ roll to more than 25 countries worldwide, The Creepshow’s lyrics, drawing inspiration from B movies and early horror films, also serve up personal insights into issues surrounding addiction and mental health as well as love gone wrong.
Tickets for The Creepshow, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $20 at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “Sticks & Stones” – The Creepshow
Rob Tardik
Saturday, September 23, 8 p.m.
An award-winning guitarist and recording artist performing contemporary jazz and world instrumental music, Rob Tardik was recognized as the Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the year in 2010 and captured top honours at the International Acoustic Music Awards in 2017 for Best Instrumental Composition for Voyageur from his album Moments.
Currently working on his sixth album Synergy, Tardik’s music is heard worldwide on contemporary jazz radio stations as well as on iTunes.
Tickets for Rob Tardik, a Market Hall Presents presentation, cost $25 ($30 for cabaret table seats) at the Market Hall box office or at Moondance Records, 425 George Street North (cash only), online at markethall.org or by phone at 705-749-1146.
VIDEO: “A Night of SYNERGY” Teaser Music Video – Rob Tardik
To view Market Hall’s complete fall lineup of shows, complete with ticket information, visit their recently redesigned website at markethall.org.
Peterborough YMCA staff helping prepare Smile Cookies at Tim Hortons in Lakefield. The $1 cookies are available from September 11 to 17 at Tim Hortons restaurants in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, and Lakefield with all proceeds going to support the YMCA Strong Kids campaign. (Photo: YMCA of Peterborough / Twitter)
If you ever needed an excuse to buy cookies, you have one this week with the return of Smile Cookies at Tim Hortons.
For one week only (September 11 to 17), you can buy a freshly baked chocolate chunk “Smile Cookie” for $1 at participating Tim Hortons restaurants in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, and Lakefield. When you buy a Smile Cookie, your full $1 will be donated by Tim Hortons restaurant owners to the YMCA Strong Kids campaign.
YMCA Strong Kids is an annual fundraising campaign focused on raising much needed resources to give kids the opportunities they need to live healthier, happier lives, today and in the future.
You can stop by any local Tim Hortons from today (September 11) to Sunday (September 17) to purchase a Smile Cookie.
You can also pre-order cookies using forms are available at local Tim Hortons restaurants throughout Peterborough, Bridgenorth and Lakefield or the YMCA Balsillie Family Branch (123 Aylmer St. S., Peterborough).
Visit www.timhortons.com/smilecookie to learn more about the charities the Smile Cookie campaign supports across Canada.
For more information about YMCA’s Strong Kids campaign, visit ymca.ca.
Comic book artist and storyteller Kevin Briones, creator of the independent comic series "Neon Black", at the Toronto Fan Expo. Raised in Peterborough, Kevin will come back home to present his art at the Peterborough Comic Con at the Evinrude Centre on September 24, 2017. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
On Sunday, September 24th, the comic book convention experience comes to Peterborough when Pop Culture Canada brings its province-wide series of mini-conventions to the Evinrude Centre with the first-ever Peterborough Comic Con.
Alice Infiniti, the heroine of Kevin Briones’ comic book series “Neon Black”. (Image courtesy of Kevin Briones)
Featuring comic, video game, and DVD vendors as well as a few professional guests, and encouraging cosplay participation, it is a taste of what the bigger conventions offer, but in a smaller setting and at the affordable price of $2 at the door (or free admission with two canned goods).
While Peterborough fans are gearing up for a fun afternoon, for Toronto-based comic book creator Kevin Briones, the Peterborough Comic Con is a chance to bring his independent comic series Neon Black to the place where his love of the art form began.
Raised in Peterborough, Kevin found his love for comics through his father’s own fandom for the medium as well as by shopping for comics at Dixon’s Book Store. With his parents still residing in Peterborough, Kevin’s roots are still firmly in the Kawarthas, despite settling into a successful career as a motion graphics designer for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors.
But on the side, Kevin has been creating a reputation in the growing Canadian independent comic book industry as the writer and artist of his original series Neon Black. While Kevin has appeared as a guest at large conventions throughout Ontario, the Peterborough Comic Con will be the first time he has brought his comics to his home town.
“I’ve just always loved comics,” Kevin says. “There is something about having the visual in front of you, but you’re still using your imagination to fill in the bits between each panel. I can just get lost in comic books.”
Alice with her adoptive father Mr. Infiniti from issue one of “Neon Black”, a comic book series by Kevin Briones about a teenaged girl adopted by super heroes who eventually discovers she has her own powers. (Image courtesy of Kevin Briones)
Although he has been creating comics since he was a teenager, Kevin has established himself on the independent comic book map with Neon Black. Funding the project from his own pocket, Kevin released the first issue in the summer of 2016.
Through his appearances at various large comic conventions, Kevin quickly sold out of the first run, prompting a second and much larger printing of the book.
Debuting the second issue of Neon Black this summer, Kevin sold out of the first print within a month, with a second printing on its way.
Neon Black is a sci-fi fiction odyssey about a teenage girl named Alice Infiniti who was adopted and raised by the Earth’s mightiest super heroes.
Having grown up believing she was just an ordinary girl, she finds out she has powers after she discovers her true identity and origins.
“It’s a story about a girl who finds out that her real parents are super villains, and that her adopted parents are the superheroes that kidnapped her,” Kevin explains. “It’s a sci-fi fantasy story, and as the story progresses it explores the concepts of good and evil.
The cover from issue two of “Neon Black” by Peterborough-raised artist Kevin Briones. (Image courtesy of Kevin Briones)
“In the beginning of the story she is struggling with the fact that she is living amongst these super heroes, but without having any super powers of her own. So she has these feelings of inadequacy. When she was among her peers growing up, she was the runt of the pack. But as the story progresses she finds out that she has powers of her own, and she can run with the best of them.”
Although the book has a unique title, Kevin points out that it is not the name of his character but merely the title of the story.
“In the comic book we never really refer to Alice as ‘Neon Black,'” Kevin says. “It’s not her moniker. It’s the name of the story and not a specific character. Originally the title of the book was going to be ‘Alice One’, which is a play on the word ‘alone’. Again, it’s about her feelings of isolation of being among these amazing individuals and not being as good as them.
“But I was looking for something a little more impactful than that, and I started thinking more and more about the concepts of good and evil, light and dark, and black and white. In order for Alice to break free of the status quo, she has to become something else. So I started thinking about that something else. I figured that her real task is to become an impossible colour like Neon Black. It’s a colour that doesn’t exist, but could be on any spectrum.”
Kevin’s earliest comic book creations began when he was a teenager with a creation called Go-Man, which not only prepared him for his eventual career as an motion graphic designer, but which he eventually spun off into his first comic book series.
Kevin Briones first comic book creation was the Go-Man. “I’ve drawn these little two or three-page comic stories that were exaggerated versions of events of my life. Whenever I went through a life event, I’d imagine the Go-Man going through a similar event.” (Image courtesy of Kevin Briones)
“I’ve always had this character called the Go-Man which I had always drawn on the side,” Kevin says. “I’ve kind of drawn these little two or three-page comic stories that were exaggerated versions of events of my life. Whenever I went through a life event, I’d imagine the Go-Man going through a similar event. If I had a problem with a bully at school, I’d have the Go-Man fighting this demon.
“Later on in life, going into multimedia and motion graphics work, I’ve always done story boards so I can put things to video. So comics and storyboards went hand in hand.”
It is no secret that, with the success of properties such as The Walking Dead, Wonder Woman, and the countless other films based on Marvel and DC comic books, comic books are big business. However, in the comic book market today many readers are moving away from the big companies, and independent creators like Kevin are capturing an audience looking for something new.
“This isn’t just in the comic book world, but when you look at movies and television as well, it seems to be full reboots and reimaginings and sequels,” Kevin says. “I think the general audience is almost starving for new ideas. So where the indie comic scene comes into play is that it gives the audience something new. I wouldn’t be surprised if movie studios are looking at the independent comics as well to stay on the pulse of what people want.”
Although Kevin has a four-issue story arc prepared for Neon Black, fans of the book have had to be patient between issues. Kevin hopes that there will be less time between the second and third issue, but the creation of the book has been a major side project in his otherwise full life.
Character designs for Kevin Briones’ comic book series “Neon Black”. (Image courtesy of Kevin Briones)
In creating the book, Kevin has had an eye-opening experience as to how much time and effort it takes to create a successful comic book.
“Before actually making a comic, I had no idea how much dedication it took,” Kevin says. “I look at these DC and Marvel comic artists, and any artist who releases a comic on a monthly basis, and that takes an incredible amount of dedication.
“I don’t think many people realize what’s needed to make 24 pages of story. I know how long it takes for me to make just one. Being a father and having a full-time job, the only time I have to dedicate to it is between the hours of when my daughter goes to sleep and when she gets up for school.
“But when you have a story in your mind, it’s literally a part of you. You do find to make the time to happen. Whether its six months or nine months or a year, it will happen. If I had to give any advice to any artists out there, it’d be that you can’t beat yourself up for not being done when you want it to be done. It takes time and dedication.”
Comic book artist Kevin Briones meets fans at the Toronto Fan Expo earlier this month. He draws comics on the side, when he isn’t working at his day job as a designer at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in Toronto or taking care of his daughter. You can meet Kevin at the Peterborough Comic Con at the Evinrude Centre on September 24, 2017. (Photo: Sam Tweedle / kawarthaNOW)
With an action-filled story and superior art, Neon Black is one of the best independent comic books I’ve come across in 2017. It’s a book worth checking out, not only because of the hometown connection, but due to its superb quality.
So put September 24th on your calendar to not only join in the fun of the first Peterborough Comic Convention, but to stop by and say hello to Kevin Briones and to discover the world of Neon Black for yourself.
For more information on Kevin Briones, Neon Black and his other art projects, visit his website at www.kevinbriones.com. For more information on the Peterborough Comic Convention, visit Pop Culture Canada’s website at www.popculturecanada.ca.
David and Patricia Morton at the 20th annual Pathway of Fame induction ceremony at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on September 9, 2017. The Mortons were inducted under a new "Community Builder" category in recognition of their philanthropic contributions to various community projects. (Photo: Sean Bruce, Freelance Photographer)
Another 11 people who have contributed to arts and culture in the Peterborough area were inducted into the Pathway of Fame at the 20th annual ceremony held at Showplace Performance Centre on Saturday (September 9).
Living inductees are: local philanthropists David and Patricia Morton (recognized under the new “Community Builder” category); CHEX sports director and volunteer Gary Dalliday; playwright actor, and improv artist Chuck Vollmar; teacher and musician Bill Crane; and volunteers Jim Coghlin and Stephen Kylie.
Posthumous inductees are: Lang Pioneer Village museum specialist and exhibit artist Audrey Caryi; musician and orchestra leader George Novotny Sr.; volunteer firefighter Earl Spencely; and CHEX-TV host and producer Marie Callaghan.
Margaret Spencley-Miller accepts the Pathway of Fame honour from Peterborough Fire Services for her late father Earl Spencely, a florist who lost his life as a volunteer firefighter battling a blaze at the Zack’s Building in downtown Peterborough in 1951. (Photo: Sean Bruce, Freelance Photographer)
The names of the 11 inductees have been added to plaques along a walkway at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough.
There are now a total of 266 inductees in the Pathway of Fame, which was established in 1998 by a local group of like-minded people including Graham Hart, who hosted the September 9th ceremony.
Inductees are selected by a committee based on nominations submitted by the public.
Jim Coghlin, President of the St. Joseph’s at Fleming Foundation, was inducted for his volunteer work. (Photo: Sean Bruce, Freelance Photographer)
All photos courtesy of Sean Bruce, Freelance Photographer.
A sold-out show at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. Unlike many venues of its size in other cities, Showplace is not municipally owned or operated. It's a not-for-profit organization run by a board of directors that has a solid plan in place to address some recent fiscal and capital challenges. (Photo: Emily Martin)
You’d be hard pressed to find a Peterborough resident who has never been to a show at either Showplace Performance Centre or Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, the two iconic performance venues in downtown Peterborough.
But you could find more than a few who don’t realize that both venues are operated by separate not-for-profit charitable organizations sharing a common mission to promote a diversity of arts and music in Peterborough.
It would be easy for Emily Martin (interim general manager of Showplace) and Chad Hogan (general manager of Market Hall) to do their own thing without regard for what the other is doing. After all, each is responsible for the success of their respective live performance venues and each answers for any shortcomings. And each is overseen by a board of directors tasked to ensure the financial viability of the organizations is maintained and built upon.
But a funny thing happened on the way to operating in a silo: Martin and Hogan saw the opportunity to take their existing personal friendship to the next level to the benefit of both venues. Yes, the focus of both is to keep the lights on at their venues, as it should be, but not at the expense of turning their backs on any opportunities to work together to the benefit of both.
“We respect each other and the work that we’re doing,” says Martin, who was appointed as Showplace’s interim general manager in the aftermath of Ray Marshall’s recent departure from that role after several years.
“We were out for lunch just last week and were sharing ideas. We share information and ideas back and forth all the time. There are a lot of other organizations where I’m sure your boss would think you’re going out to lunch with the competition and you would be in trouble. Our board actively encourages this.”
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is a multi-functional space that can accommodate 226 to 348 people, depending on the seating plan. As Showplace Performance Centre can accommodate 100 people in the Nexicom Studio and 647 people in the main theatre, there is no overlap between the two venues. Showplace and Market Hall work together closely to provide the best space for local or touring performance acts. (Photo: Bradley Boyle)
For his part, Hogan — who is “thrilled” that his friend has been elevated to the general manager role from her former post as marketing and administrative manager — is “excited to keep building our relationship. There are so many opportunities that are untapped and haven’t been explored.”
Both Hogan and Martin point to last November’s hosting of the Ontario Contact conference which saw them work with Ontario Presents, a province-wide network of performing arts touring and presenting organizations that work collaboratively to facilitate the distribution of live performing arts shows into communities across Ontario.
“We basically shut down both facilities for a week to host the event,” Hogan says. “That wouldn’t have happened if there was any sort of strained relationship or feelings of ill will towards each other.”
“That was a huge opportunity to showcase how we work together,” Martin agrees, and goes on to explain how the two venues complement one another.
“In the Nexicom Studio we have 100 seats, and we have 647 seats upstairs. Market Hall has something like 300 seats. It’s the perfect in-between. You can’t overfill the studio and, if you don’t have at least 300 people upstairs here, it looks a little empty. So someone might prefer to do a 300-seat event at Market Hall.
“Showplace has a product we can offer and vice versa. New Stages is a perfect example: they outgrew the studio, which is amazing for them, so they’re at Market Hall now. There’s more respect when you’re honest with people. They will remember you when they get bigger and want to come to Showplace and do something else.”
Anchoring the pair’s we-are-in-this-together approach is a shared vision of their venues’ purpose.
Chad Hogan, general manager of Market Hall. (Photo: Chad Hogan)
“Both of us are operating to serve a need in the community,” Hogan says. “The mandate is different from a private sector music venue. Our goal at the end of the day is not to make as much money as possible. That’s not say you’re fiscally irresponsible and don’t care about it. But certain types of art need to be presented or accommodated in a space.
“You could quite quickly pick out the one genre of music that is the most profitable and only do that if that was the goal. But it’s not. The goal is to have diverse arts offerings because the arts enhance the lives of citizens.
“A lot of events and shows work better in once facility or the other. It’s fairly obvious as to which facility makes sense. As much as we want to do a $35,000 show, we can’t do that here. Even from a presenting standpoint, if an agent calls one of us, we tend to direct them to the appropriate facility.
“There has never been, in my time here, a situation where there’s arm wrestling over where something is going to take place. In fact, we cross promote each other.”
“There’s this weird perception out there of this competition between our venues,” Martin adds. “But it’s not like a car dealership — you’re not competing for sales. We both have the same values and the same kind of mission to advance the performing arts. So why not help each other?”
Emily Martin with Showplace Performance Centre board chair Pat Hooper. Martin, who was previously marketing and administrative manager at Showplace, was appointed interim general manager this summer when Ray Marshall left the ogranization. (Photo: Showplace Performance Centre)
Showplace board chair Pat Hooper notes Martin working with Hogan is but one example of Showplace’s nurturing of community partnerships. She points to ongoing relationships with Peterborough Musicfest, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, and the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra as other examples.
“It’s working with whatever the audience is going to be in terms of size,” she says. “Not keeping things clutched to your chest but sharing and saying ‘This doesn’t work for us but perhaps it will work for you.’ We also don’t want to discourage people using The Theatre On King or the Gordon Best Theatre.” (The Theatre on King has 30 to 40 seats, and the Gordon Best Theatre can accommodate as many as 150 people).
There’s been some recent attention on Showplace given the unexpected departure of Ray Marshall as general manager and the elimination of a technical manager position as a cost-saving measure. In response, Hooper says the Showplace board has been taking proactive steps to turn things around financially.
“We have just put in place a new strategic plan and a financial plan,” she explains. “We’ve had great discussions with the City about support, both with our service grant and hopefully also some capital projects.
“We have three major capital projects: the marquee, the chairs, and the front doors that don’t meet accessibility standards. They’re expensive projects. We’re also working on submitting proposals for grants from a federal program called Cultural Spaces and also to Trillium.”
Buoying Hooper’s optimism is this fall’s influx of new board members as well as the establishment of hyper-focused committees.
“We have an entertainment committee that’s going to look at more diversity in what we present. We have a new resource development committee with a focus on increasing our membership, our sponsorships, our donations, our naming rights, and other ways of bringing in revenue. We also have a new marketing plan that will look at how we can better market Showplace, but also look at more opportunities to rent the facility out.”
Showplace Performance Centre has a full line-up of 24 shows for fall 2017 in both the Nexicom Studio and the main stage, with tickets available at the Darling Insurance Box Office — naming rights are one source of revenue for the not-for-profit organization. (Design: Amy Leclair)
Hooper acknowledges that staff changes and talk of a deficit can create a negative perception.
“People can lose confidence and we don’t want that to happen. Your members and your donors might say ‘I’m not doing that anymore.’ Right now, more than anything, we need those people to support us.
“There’s a lack of understanding in the community that we are a not-for-profit. We’re not run or paid for by the City. We appreciate the help from the City, but we shouldn’t cry on their shoulders. We are, for sure, alive and well. We’ve got a good plan in place. I feel really good about it.”
For their part, both Martin and Hogan vow to continue to explore opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both Showplace and Market Hall. And each is fully in the other’s corner.
Hogan says that Market Hall, as a not-for-profit charitable organization that leases its space from the City of Peterborough, is also not immune to fiscal challenges.
“Showplace is in a period of transition,” Hogan says. “We were in a similar period a few years ago where things were changing. But we have a really strong and supportive arts community in this city. Showplace is going to come out on the other side of it.”
“We’re still here and we still have a really strong core team,” Martin adds. “We’re still ticking along.”
For more information and upcoming events at Showplace, visit showplace.org. For more information and upcoming events at Market Hall, visit markethall.org.
Rhonda Causton of Omemee, owner of Reel Twisted FX, works on actor Jarrett Siddall during production of the short horror film Latched, which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)
It comes as no surprise, but there’s a lot of talent hidden in the Kawarthas. Earlier this week, we wrote about Peterborough native Michelle McLeod, who landed the lead role in the full-length feature film Don’t Talk to Irene, which premieres on September 11th at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Now we’ve learned there’s yet another film with local connections about to premiere at TIFF on Sunday, September 10th. The short horror film Latched, written by Toronto-based filmmaker Justin Harding and co-directed by Harding and Rob Brunner, has the distinction of being the opening short film for the festival.
Not only was Latched shot last fall on Dewey’s Island just north of Fenelon Falls, but Rhonda Causton of Omemee created the creature special effects in the film. Causton, the owner-operator of Reel Twisted FX, is a special effects makeup artist who also teaches courses at Fleming College.
VIDEO: Latched Trailer
Latched is a 17-minute horror film about a newly single choreographer Alana (Alana Elmer) who heads to an island cottage in the off season for a creative retreat, taking her 14-month-old son Bowen (Bowen Harding) with her.
When the two go for a walk in the woods, they discover the decomposing remains of what they think is a bat — but they soon discover they’ve inadvertently awakened the corpse of a vile fairy (Jarrett Siddall).
The production is given extra realism with Harding writing the roles of Alana and Bowen specifically for his real-life wife and son. What’s more, co-directors Harding and Brunner are both reality-TV veterans. Brunner has directed The Amazing Race Canada, Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, and Top Chef Canada, and Harding has produced The Amazing Race Canada, Master Chef Canada, and more.
Justin Harding, writer and co-director of Latched, cast his real-life wife and 14-month-old son in the lead roles. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)Latched co-director Rob Brunner has directed The Amazing Race Canada, Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan, and Top Chef Canada. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)Latched was filmed at cottages on Dewey’s Island north of Fenelon Falls. Accessible only by boat, the production crew had to load equipment onto a barge to get there. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)
For her role in the production of the film, Causton worked on the makeup effects for the creature played by Jarrett Siddall.
“The makeup application took five hours,” Causton tells kawarthaNOW, “and two hours to remove.”
She was helped by her young makeup FX assistant Raya Rickerby from Cobourg, who Causton says “endured a very long 24-hour shoot day to assist me.”
Rhonda Causton applies a prosthetic to actor Jarrett Siddall, who plays the resurrected evil fairy. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)The creature makeup and prosthetics took five hours to apply. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)The almost-completed face of the creature. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)The completed creature in front of a green screen. Animation and visual effects for the film were created by Kerosene Studio. (Photo: Bokeh Collective)
“Latched expertly combines folklore and horror into a thrill ride that will have you gripping the arms of your chair,” he writes. “Directors Justin Harding and Rob Brunner know tension and suspense, and their visual effects are magnificent.”
A close-up of the creature’s face, created by Omemee’s Rhonda Causton with the assistance of Raya Rickerby from Cobourg. (Photo: Rhonda Causton)
Causton, who trained at the School of Makeup Art in Toronto, specializes in custom prosthetic appliances, theatrical veneers, and dentures, props, and blood gags.
She was a special effects makeup assistant on Silent Hill: Revelation 3D and her work is featured in the short films The Doorway, The Passing, and BoneOrchard, as well as the feature film The Haunt.
She’s also been busy recently working as the special effects makeup artist on four upcoming features: Drowning, EMP, Arala, and Cult Of Nightmares.
“I’ve been a horror and sci-fi fan since I was a little kid,” she explains in a February 2017 interview with David Briggs of Indie Film Ontario. “I used to paint and sculpt and draw and my subjects were always monsters and horror-themed stuff.”
“Horror movies were my thing and I’d play around with makeup that belonged to my mother when I was a kid. But I would never do beauty makeup with it — I’d always try to do other stuff.”
If you’re not faint of heart, you can check out more of Causton’s amazing work on her Reel Twisted FX Facebook page, or watch her demo reel below … but be warned, there’s (fake) blood and gore.
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