HUNTSVILLE fESTIVAL TO ‘CELEBRATE THE STREET’ IN 2011 By Rob Saunders The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is a year-round celebration of the performing arts, with an emphasis in the summer months of July and August. From its early beginnings the Festival has grown and diversified to present artistic offerings in the fields of jazz, pop, choral, Celtic, country, orchestral and classical music, as well as theatre, written word, poetry, and the visual arts.
Down Child Blues Band
Celebrating its nineteenth season in 2011, the Festival will continue to offer an array of exceptional main stage evening concerts at the 400 seat Algonquin Theatre. At time of writing, internationally recognized artists confirmed include country star George Canyon, former Bare Naked Ladies frontman Steven Page, jazz pianist Oliver Jones, blues legends The Downchild Blues Band, hometown new-age rocker Hawksley Workman and Serena Ryder. The Festival’s Speakers Series will feature Margaret Trudeau on the importance of finding life balance. Another special evening will feature aboriginal artist Arvel Bird. Bird hails from Arizona and combines Celtic fiddle music with native flute, drums and dance in a riveting evening of artistic expression. In addition to these great main stage offerings, there will be a renewed emphasis on community involvement in 2011. Over the past few seasons, open-air concerts have been used to feature both music and the arts. The tradition continues this year with our annual daytime jazz festival in River Mill Park, featuring a variety of programs over the
course of the weekend. The always popular En Plein Air, a visual arts fundraising event, will return in late July. Mark Saturday, July 9, 2011 on your calendars as the children’s Art Splash will once again be combined with the Arts Walk, a visual arts demonstration and sale. On the same day, the Festival welcomes back the Edge of the Woods Theatre Festival, featuring open-air fringe theatrical performances in downtown Huntsville. Later that night and into the early morning hours, enjoy the inaugural Nuit Blanche Nord, offering interactive multi-genre art installations at venues throughout the downtown core. The eclectic nature of the Festival, a source of pride for current president Bruce Gowan, offers patrons so much more in the way of entertainment. During weekdays in July, patrons can relax and enjoy Music at Noon, the half-hour lunchtime concert series at Trinity United Church, while families can enjoy the children’s series co-presented with the Huntsville Public Library. Each year new activities are added to enhance the appeal of the Festival. If you plan
to be in the area over July and August, visit our website for a current list of events!
George Canyon
For tickets and information, contact the Box Office at 705-789-4975, email info@huntsvillefestival.on.ca or visit www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
HUNTSVILLEADVENTURES.COM • 2011/12 VISITORS GUIDE
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