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These
archive versions of The Session are posted as initially published. Deadlines,
contacts and links have not been updated. Please keep this in mind when
using this resource. In some cases, updates can be found in a more recent
edition of The Session.
April 2002INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Saskatchewan
Culture, Youth and Recreation Saskatchewan
Music Directory... office
news In March, SRIA was a sponsor of the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards (held in Regina). See the article in this issue for more on that event. Also in March, we were a sponsor of the Festival Harmony 2002 - A Celebration of Diversity, presented by the Street Culture Project. If you would like to contact SRIA regarding sponsorship/cross-promotion please prepare a sponsorship proposal and apply in writing. Email address??Have you gotten a new e-mail address? Changed it? Please send us your current e-mail address so you'll receive our bi-weekly News & Events e-release, and other time-sensitive bulletins, such as funding deadlines and workshop announcements! Drop a note to info@saskrecording.ca and stay up-to-date! Flatland Music Festival July 5-7 Victoria Park, Regina As you read this, I am probably sorting through the mound of performance applications on my desk. It looks like we are in for another stellar lineup judging from the submissions. Juries will proceed through April and with luck we will have the lineup determined by the end of the month/early May. All applicants will receive notification of our decisions by mail (the lineup will also be posted on our website, saskrecording.ca/flatland). The third issue of a Flatland Music Festival compilation CD will be attempted. After the festival lineup has been determined, tracks submitted by performing artists are juried to select those with the best production values and musical quality. Vendor placement has begun again and we encourage Craft and Food vendors to contact us for more information. Forms can also be found online. (Julie Desjarlais will be handling this area of the festival.) A few words to the artists... If you aren't accepted to perform, please don't consider it a personal criticism. With the number of applications received we simply can't accommodate everyone who wants to perform (even though we'd like to). If you didn't get in this year, apply again next year. And please, volunteer. Show support of your fellow artists and help us shine the spotlight on Saskatchewan music! If you are accepted to perform, please use the opportunity to generate as much exposure for yourself as possible. Contact the media, send notices to your fan list, get the family out to hear you play. And volunteer, of course. We'll make sure you have plenty of time to get ready for being on stage. You'll feel so much more a part of the festival... We'll be doing our online broadcast again this year, so if you have friends in far-away countries (or some who just can't make it to Regina in person), tell them to log on to our website during the festival for our live feed - saskrecording.ca! If you have any comments, suggestions or questions regarding this year's festival, please forward them to info@saskrecording.ca or call 306-347-0676. Prairie Music Week September 26-29, Winnipeg, Manitoba Greetings from Winnipeg; the host city for the 2002 Prairie Music Week. My name is Thom Sparling and I will be heading this year's event as Conference Coordinator. I have an extensive background working in the Prairie Music industry; I helped to found the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg and managed the early years of the Crash Test Dummies career prior to forming the indie label, Oh Yah! Records. Since 1997 I have been a stay home dad, and I am looking forward to diving back into bottomless pool that is the music industry. This year's event will run September 26-29, with the conference at the Hotel Fort Garry, the Gala Awards Evening at the Walker Theatre and the Festival occurring in venues throughout the city including, hopefully, some outdoors (weather permitting). The festival applications have been included with this newsletter, and we will have Awards nomination forms in the mail to SRIA members by the end of April. For more info you can contact me by email at thom@prairiemusicweek.com. The Regina office also has a new staff person - Administrative Assistant Melanie Derow will be the friendly voice on the phone at 306-780-9830. You can also visit www.prairiemusicweek.com. Showcase applications are open to all Prairie musicians who reside in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, and have been residents of said locations for the past 6 months concurrently or more. If a group, then at least 50% of the group must meet the residency requirements. All applications must include:
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All materials will become the property of The Prairie Music Alliance, Inc., and will not be returned. Deadline is June 29. Juries will be held to determine the final festival acts including representatives from each of the three provinces. Jurors will be selected for their experience and expertise in the music industry in Canada. Any jurors with a conflict of interest for any submission will not be involved in the judgement of that submission. Staff and Board members of the PMA will not be allowed to participate in the Music Festival for the year(s) they are involved with the PMA. Jurors are given a score sheet to rate each submission, based on the following criteria: Overall musicianship; Originality; Packaging -press kit; Age of Recording; Previous Festival Act (have you played before). Acts with the best scores will be selected to perform at Prairie Music Week. Please do not call the office to inquire about your application - check the website instead, www.prairiemusicweek.com. Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association Annual General Meeting This year's AGM was held on March 24 at the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, Regina. A small crowd showed up to review the events of the past year and what's ahead for SRIA. Next year's AGM will return to Saskatoon. Discussions included:
One name was put forth for election to the position of President of the Board of Directors. Chad Guy was appointed by acclamation. Chad has several years of experience on the SRIA board, including the past few months as Vice President, so he is already familiar with the procedures of board governance. Chad has been heavily immersed in the music industry in various capacities over the last decade and is currently employed as the Theatre Services Administrator of the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts. He began his career in "the biz" as a full time musician touring with such groups as Source Unknown, Five Minute Miracle and Skavenjah. He served time as a SRIA employee and has been the stage manager of the Flatland Music Festival 5 years running, as well as being the Volunteer Coordinator of Prairie Music Week 2000 in Saskatoon. He is respected not only as a musician but also for his knowledge of the "business" side of things. Don Warkentin, opting not to run for re-election for a third term, was recognized for four years of service on the Board and the contribution he has made to our industry. Kelly Parker and Mike James finished their terms of office, and chose not to run for re-election. We thank them for their contributions! Eight names were put forth for election to the Board of Directors, with six positions available. We sincerely thank Don Modderman and Brian Dojack for running for positions on the board. Our six new board members will be joining Derek Bachman, Eileen Laverty, president Chad Guy and Dawn Pritchard (who now moves into the role of Past President.) The following were elected: Rick August (starting 2nd term, bio was in last issue) Kim Fontaine (starting 2nd term, bio was in last issue) Roy Sydiaha (running for 1st full term, bio was in last issue) Carrie Horachek (starting 1st term): Carrie is lead singer/songwriter for Saskatoon-based Leonard; she also plays acoustic guitar and, unfortunately for her bandmates, is learning the accordion. With Leonard, Carrie performed at the Ness Creek Music Festival, Flatland Music Festival and Prairie Music Week; she has opened for musicians such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Fred Eaglesmith, and Ember Swift. Her contact with musicians closer to home has inspired more active involvement in promoting songwriters and independent music: she has helped organize SRIA's Writers' Net performance nights in Saskatoon, promoted local musicians at Leonard shows, and is developing an online community. Carrie also became managing editor of BlackFlash, a national arts magazine, directly upon graduating from the U of S in August 2001 with a Master's degree in English. Carrie hopes these activities will keep her occupied until a famous polka band recognizes her aptitude for the accordion, and offers her fame, fortune and perogies by the truckload. Neil Meckelborg (starting 1st term): Neil is a recording engineer, producer, singer, songwriter and entertainer. He recorded two albums with Lineup In Paris and toured Canada from 1992 to 1997. They received national airplay and rotation on MuchMusic. Neil also worked at HEL Music Supplies in Saskatoon for five years, as well as at Audio Art Recording, Right Tracks, Turtle Island Music and Brown Sound Music Studio in Alberta. Neil started recording professionally in 1998 and has recorded almost 30 full-length albums since then. Neil now owns Meckelborg Music Services in Saskatoon, a full service recording studio, as well as karaokemaker.com, a commercial karaoke CDG company specializing in Canadian artists. Ross Nykiforuk (starting 1st term): Ross is a composer/producer/engineer who has recorded and toured with Virgin recording artists The Northern Pikes. This included touring Canada/United States and recording projects in facilities ranging from A&M Studios in Los Angeles to The Metalworks Studios in Toronto. Through this studio experience with the group he became actively involved in the musical arranging and recording. While completing his studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Ross began working on film scoring and corporate music. He received the SMPIA Award for Best Film Score and the Blizzard Award (Manitoba Film Association) in the same category in 1995. His producing and arranging talents received first prize in the 1999 National Songwriting Competition. Ross' music has been heard internationally on numerous specials for the Discovery Channel including 39 episodes of the acclaimed nature series "Cotter's Wilderness Trails" as well as other feature documentaries for the CBC, CTV and Global television networks. He is currently one of the composers for the Gemini Award winning series "Incredible Story Studio." Participating 8 Corporate members who did not attend the meeting will receive a copy of our Annual Report 2001 by mail. Please read it over carefully. If you have any questions/comments please give us a call, 306-347-0676. Workshop Summaries:"Wicked Little Buzz: Indie Tour Management" with Gregg Lawless Our first Tour Management workshop under the SSCI was led by acclaimed indie artist Gregg Lawless, in Saskatoon (March 3) and Regina (March 6). This practical seminar discussed the necessary evils involved with performing - covering many useful techniques to assist artists in securing gigs, keeping the peace when travelling with your band, and schmoozing, interspersed with amusing examples from Gregg's own experiences. Within the limited time available for the presentation, Gregg tried to hit as much as he could on this very large topic. Many audience members in both cities were able to address specific questions regarding their unique situations. Gregg performed in both Saskatoon (presented by the Ness Creek Culture & Recreation Society) and Regina (presented by The Regina Guild of Folk Arts), accompanied by an incredibly talented pianist and amazing mandolin player. After seeing both of these shows, we will be looking at bringing Gregg back to present a songwriting workshop! "I'm An Artist, That's My Choice" with Paul Tobey This unique seminar was held on March 22 (Saskatoon) and 23 (Regina). It was also presented at over 30 universities across Canada. Here is our brief report, by Terry Massey: Paul Tobey says being an artist is easy. "...It was exactly what I was looking for in terms of inspiration..." said one attendee. The workshops were broken into the following form: Part I - Social & Psychological Attitudes: Myth or Reality (common beliefs and misconceptions about creative personalities, perceived self-limitations, creating in a competitive environment, alleviating fear based approaches to learning, teaching and performing.) Part II - 4 Habits of Successful Musicians (developing the artistic athlete, emotional awareness, practicing mastery, conquering fear). Part III - A Career in the Arts. I found the practice habits quite effective, because he focussed on a basic principle of "repetition and mastery" that made sense. The best example to describe what this technique produces is similar to the ability to walk, chew bubblegum and carry on a deep conversation all at the same time. A personal highlight from the workshop was seeing the faces of the participants at the beginning and end of the seminar, as I could see that each individual had felt the sparks within them. The workshop was well presented thanks to Paul's talents and experience as an artist, which was evidenced by performance demonstrations. He certainly showed that "being an artist is easy". The University of Regina, Conservatory of Performing Arts presented a performance by Paul in Regina. An amazing display of virtuosity and improvisation by this 2002 Juno nominee. If you're a jazz lover and you missed this one, too bad...you may never see a performance like it.
Flatland Music Festival, July 5-7, Victoria Park, Regina - see enclosed volunteer application! Music Therapy: Creating connections - Body * Mind * Spirit * Community, presented by the Canadian Association of Music Therapy, May 9-11, Regina. They need help with:
Volunteers will be invited to the opening reception that Wednesday evening and free admission to the Saturday keynote speaker. For more information contact Melinda Vieira, BMT, Volunteer Co-ordinator, 766-5224; mvieira@reginahealth.sk.ca. The Songwriter's Net (formerly known as Writer's Net) is part of our Saskatchewan Sound Career Initiative. It is funded in part by the Government of Saskatchewan through the Cultural Industries Development Fund and also receives support from the SOCAN Foundation. PerformancesContinue in Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. We hope to add events in more centres around Saskatchewan by fall of 2002. Attendance is still sketchy (other than Moose Jaw) at times so please make a note of these dates and come out to share your work! Our hosts are Carrie Horachek and Danny Fortier in Saskatoon, Chris Weber in Moose Jaw, and Kathy Stochmal and Lorena Kelly in Regina. In Saskatoon, we moved over to The Refinery for a couple of dates, and it looks like we'll be moving again. Hopefully we'll have a permanent home here soon so we can establish a regular schedule. In Moose Jaw, Chris reports strong turnouts including luthiery students from Tugaske. The owners of bean there are very supportive, and musicians themselves! The group passed the hat at a recent function and collected funds for Telemiracle. Visitors from Regina and all surrounding areas are welcomed, but try to arrive early if you want a seat! Future Dates: Moose Jaw: bean there (345 Main St.), 7:30-10:00 pm
Saskatoon: The Bassment, 7:30-10:00 pm
Regina: Abstractions Cafe, 7:30-10:00 pm (doors open 7:00 pm)
Watch your e-release for upcoming dates and locations of future performances. Songwriting workshopsInspired, but Wanting More: A Workshop with Katherine Wheatley In February, we were very pleased to present songwriter/performer Katherine Wheatley as the leader of workshops in Regina (February 16) and Saskatoon (February 17). Here is our brief report, by Julie Desjarlais: With Katherine Wheatley in the room, you can't help but feel inspired as a songwriter. The 26 participants in Regina and 40 participants in Saskatoon were challenged to work through several writing exercises to increase their skill in both drawing inspiration and understanding the technical side of songwriting. Katherine gave examples of structure, rhyme and scanning that brought new ideas of how to put a strong song together and then asked workshop participants to do some creative writing with this goal in mind. A particular highlight was the concept of re-writing another's work from your own perspective. She read a small passage from a well known novel and asked the participants to re-write the passage from a new perspective. This proved to be very enlightening for all involved in the process, provoking some surprising outcomes. Another important point Katherine made was to let the creative process happen completely, and not let external influences stop this process before the song is ready to be shared with an audience of any size. The gift of writing a strong song is about the work. The old saying, "Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration" holds true. Katherine shared her gift of insight and delicate lyric and melody writing with the songwriter participants, but made no apologies for the discipline and time it takes to hone the craft of songwriting. It was clear that a good song idea can come from anywhere and it takes work to solidify a well constructed song. Katherine concentrated on the technical side of songwriting for the second half of the workshop. There was a great lecture/discussion around the use of rhyming schemes, rhythmic patterns, figures of speech and literary devices to help enhance the work of the songwriters in attendance. Gaining the tools of good lyric and structure writing are invaluable to creating a good song, and Katherine delivered on a number of points. Throughout the workshop, Katherine engaged the participants in lively discussion, encouraged questions from attendees, and provided an excellent resource list for songwriters to access when writing in the future. The only disappointment to the workshop was that there simply wasn't enough time to cover everything that Katherine wanted to get through. However, participants left the workshop feeling inspired and armed with some new tools they can use in their own writing. UPCOMING: Honing Through Rewriting with Kathy Stochmal The topics for our next workshop will include: Constructive Editing: A prelude to the hands-on deconstruct of the song, we will talk about good re-writing and constructive editing. We will look at internal rhyme, beats, soft rhymes vs. hard rhymes, verse and chorus structure (what is the difference?). Make it make sense: We will deal with the intent of the song (what is it about?), the main theme or singular idea upon which the story is told. What is the song really trying to get across? Who are you speaking to? We will talk about tenses, and what they can mean to the intent of the song. Deconstruct to make it stronger: As the third workshop in Kathy's series, the participants will be asked to actively rewrite and edit their own song in a group environment. (Warning: As in the true essence of the workshop, it is intended to stretch ideas, possibilities and knowledge. The songwriter/participant can take or leave any of the constructive criticism.) Materials: The participants should bring pencils, paper, their instrument (acoustic guitars, piano, and/or voice), a minimum of 30 photocopies of the song lyrics they wish to work on, a strong and fearless constitution, and most importantly a sense of humour. This workshop will be geared to intermediate to advanced songwriters. However, less experienced songwriters may find a benefit in observing the workshop.
Please plan on staying and participating in our Performance Night that same evening, both cities!! Please arrive by 12:45 pm (12:30 if not pre-registering) so that we can start on time. To register or obtain more information, contact 306-347-0676. Workshop fee is $10 for Participating or Corporate Members of SRIA. $20 for non-members or Associate Members. Payment accepted by cheque, money order, Visa/MasterCard or cash. Cultural Export Forum Creating for the WORLD: March 14 and 15, Saskatoon Our second Cultural Export Forum was presented by the Saskatchewan Cultural Industries Development Council, which is made up of the sector associations for visual arts (Canadian Artists Representation and Saskatchewan Professional Art Galleries Association), books (Saskatchewan Publishers Group), film (Saskatchewan Motion Picture Industry Association), music (Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association). The forum covered areas both of specific interest to each individual industry, and issues that were applicable to everyone. Sessions specific to music included Across the Ocean Touring with Casey Boyle (Feldman & Associates). (Casey handles most of the international tours undertaken by Feldman artists, with an emphasis on Asian markets.). Casey had some great tips regarding "what's required" in advance for you to get into foreign markets. There was also great information from the Department of Canadian Heritage regarding their new Trade Routes program and ways they can help you market overseas. General sessions included Web Marketing for Cultural Industries, and a full afternoon with Internet guru Kevin Leflar (Jimmy Rankin, Blue Rodeo) who described how he got started and avenues his company uses to drive online sales. John Treleaven of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (world traveller and keynote speaker) gave an inspiring speech about how Canada's cultural exports are viewed by other countries. The next export forum will likely take place in 2003. For more information contact SRIA or visit www.culturalindustries.sk.ca. SCMA Awards Weekend The Saskatchewan Country Music Awards Weekend was held March 15-17 in Regina. Jason McCoy hosted the Sunday Awards Show; Steve Fox hosted the Saturday President's Banquet. 2002 SCMA WINNERS were as follows:
Other News
RELEASES AND PREMIERES...
NEWS...
They Shoot, We Score! (Composing for Film) The Guild of Canadian Film Composers and SOCAN are pleased to announce a national series of seminars on the business and craft of composing music for pictures. There will be an all-day seminar in Regina on April 23, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Some of the topics to be covered include:
Presenters will include such internationally known composers as Paul Hoffert, Victor Davies, and Neil Smolar. A brochure promoting the event can be viewed on the GCFC website (www.gcfc.ca and click on Events). Attendance is free, but seating is limited and will be filled on a first come/first served basis. Persons interested should send an email with their name, address and phone number to the Regina host/moderator, Rob Bryanton at bigdog@talkingdogstudios.com or call him at 306-537-3476. (You'll receive location once you've registered.) Thanks to the Department of Cultural Heritage, Canada Music Fund Creators Assistance program, SOCAN Foundation, SOCAN and GCFC. Saskatchewan Orchestral Association Chamber Orchestra Workshop Would you like to gain some great orchestral playing experience? Then sign up for this workshop to be held July 15-20 in Saskatoon (location TBA). All string, wind and percussion students wishing to take part in an exciting orchestral experience are welcome. Learn about classical and early romantic musical styles, improve your playing technique, extend your theoretical knowledge, perform in public, and make new friends! For further info or to sign up contact James MacKenzie, 306-683-0715. Regina Summer String Workshop Presented in partnership by The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association & the Regina Conservatory of Performing Arts. Junior/Intermediate/Senior levels, July 8-13 at The Conservatory of Performing Arts. Guest Clinician Eduard Minevich, RSO Concertmaster. Features: Chamber ensembles, string orchestras, sectional instruction, small group coaching, theory instruction, opportunity to work with accompanist, daily recitals (faculty and students), and additional mini-workshops: possible topics - advanced theory, music history (composers are people, too!), composition and improvisation, baroque dance, tuning your instrument, vibrato, violin and bow making, rhythm, etc. For more info contact Nadine Bursey, 306-586-1384. Student Summer Piano Workshop Junior Piano with Cherith Alexander, Senior Piano with Kathleen Solose, Conservatory of Performing Arts. August 19-21 and 22-25, Regina. For more info contact Tanya Myles, 306-585-5795 or Sandra Kerr, 306-585-5785. Summer String Experience: "Cruisin' Around the World" Presented by the Saskatoon Suzuki String Program Inc./supported by the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association, July 7-12 at Aden Bowman Collegiate, Saskatoon, with clinician Yasuko Eastman. She is an eminent Suzuki violin and viola teacher who comes highly recommended, and is in demand at Suzuki Summer Institutes. Plans are currently in the works for the viola and cello programs. The Summer String Experience has three programs: the Beginner Program is for children who have not yet had lessons on violin, viola or cello, and are considering lessons in the fall. The Intermediate Program is for those who are currently taking lessons on violin, viola or cello, and are not yet ready to play in an orchestra. The Advanced Program is for students who play at minimum Suzuki Book 2 level and can read music. For more info contact John or Lillian at 306-373-9130 or email summerstring@shaw.ca. The First Annual Freddie Pelletier Guitar Camp Join hosts Freddie Pelletier and Sheila Lytle at their scenic Northern Saskatchewan acreage (7 km east of Birch Hills). Through group and individual instruction, you will obtain the tools to exceed your expectations and your personal best, while having fun and meeting new friends who share your interest in the guitar. Open to all ages, beginner to advanced. Session 1 August 5-8, Session 2 August 10-13, Session 3 August 16-19, Session 4 August 21-24. $400 per session. Register by July 22. For information or to register, contact freddiepelletier@hotmail.com, www.freddiepelletier.com, 306-749-2498. Emma Lake Fiddle Camp June 24-July 12, Emma Lake Fiddle Camp with Paddy Duncan, Kim de LaForest, Everett Larson, Gordon Stobbe, Shamma Sabir, Ray Bell, Freddie Pelletier, Paul Dacier, Mairi Rankin, John Arcand, Calvin Vollrath and April Verch. For info contact 306-780-9494, email sces@sasktel.net. Playwriting Workshop "Part of a Story" Playwrighting Workshop - Saturday, April 27, 10 am-3 pm, North Battleford. Conducted by Rod McIntyre. Analytical tools to provide insight into story structure. Contact the Sask. Playwrights Centre for info, 306-665-7707 or email sk.playwrights@sasktel.net. Moose Jaw Youth String Orchestra Annual Fiddle Workshop This years clinicians include Dean Bernier (PA Strings), Kim de la Forest (SSO), Kerry English and Jason Looysen. Sunningdale School, 530 Woodlily Drive, Moose Jaw, April 13-14. Registration $45. Lunch and snacks included with registration fee! The workshop is designed for all ages and skill levels. Students will work in small groups settings and large ensembles. For more information contact Val Carr 306-693-7594. Further to last issue's "Songwriters & Radio Play": we mistakenly referred to SOCAN as the only performing rights organization in Canada. However, there is now also the Neighbouring Rights Collective Canada, paying royalties to every musician on a recording as well as the producer. These payments are jointly administered by ACTRA and AFM. - Lorena Kelly Please note: SRIA just relays the information in this section. Please use your own discretion.
Further info or audio samples for artists featured in this section can generally be found on saskrecording.ca and/or www.flatlandmusic.com (or contact SRIA). WILMA Produced
by: Byron Olsen. The Old Elephant's Christmas The latest from this Saskatoon-singer/songwriter, this "Christmas story and songs" album for children was released in late 2001. Through story and sing-along songs, Brenda shares her whimsical tale. Produced
by: Sheldon Corbett and Brenda Baker TALLISMAN Produced
by: Tallisman Freddie Pelletier & Sheila Lytle Freddie and Sheila's first recording together, this album features ten vocal country, folk and bluegrass classics as well as four guitar instrumentals with appearances by Calvin Vollrath. Produced
by: Freddie Pelletier and Calvin Vollrath Where the Fire Lily Grows The first album from Fire Lily might be called quirky folk, with the addition of recorder, harp, accordion, French Horn, coronet, spoons and acoustic bass to guitar and keyboard, with some environmental/political themes. Recorded
and edited by: Fire Lily, in their living room Experimental Bending Jeremy's debut is a progressive folk offering with a creative mix of alternative guitar tunings, drums, djembe, tabla and absorbing lyrical composition. Produced
by: Jeremy Lane |
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