Prismatic Arts Festival 2015 Program

MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCES FO R A L L AG E S

Nomadic Massive, Mariachi Ghost, Reeny Smith, Gypsophilia, Global Savages, Asia & NuGruv

more!

AUG 19-23

ALDERNEY LANDING

WELCOME TO

MODERN LUXURY LIVING FROM $259,900

Located in the heart of downtown Dartmouth with gorgeous views of Halifax harbour, The Avery is a modern state-of-the-art luxury condo development. From inception through its thoughtful design, this landmark development reflects our vision for the future of this downtown urban community.

The Avery proudly supports the Prismatic Arts Festival and its continued success for many years to come! The Avery is truly located in the centre of celebrating the beauty of Canadian Art and the artistry of thoughtfully designed architecture. At The Avery we are dedicated to supporting and delivering the very best to our community and to our residents!

Come see what sets us apart!

MARGO Whitman, BBA. Director of Sales & Marketing.

902.223.3678 | margo@annapolisgroup.ca

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Alderney Landing

40 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth (902) 466-3100 1707 Grafton Street, Halifax (902) 444-3844

Proud to offer delicious, healthy dishes prepared with local ingredients.

thewoodenmonkey.ca

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PRISMATIC TEAM

Shahin Sayadi Artistic Director Maggie Stewart Managing Director

PROGRAM

Mohsen Sharifian Mariachi Ghost Sounds of Motown Winter Home

by Michael Greyeyes Gypsophilia Reeny Smith Jaron Freeman Fox and The Opposite of Everything Global Savages Asia & NuGruv Nomadic Massive Middle-Eastern Jazz Fusion Akshongay Nova Dance Sanctified Brothers Jeff Ward

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Kelsey MacDonald Assistant Producer Mike Mader Technical Director/ Production Manager

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Messages Map Prismatic Greeting Festival Schedule Accommodations

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CONTENTS

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Mike Tanner OneRedCat Webmaster

Play Readings Spoken Word Visual Artists Activities Tent Broken English Karaoke Prismatic Industry Events

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Bernadette Richards Volunteer Coordinator Shivani Saini Assistant Producer of Industry Events GRAPHIC DESIGN

Minuteman Press www.mmphalifax.com

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PREMIER'S MESSAGE

S ince 2008, the Prismatic Arts Festival has showcased

cutting-edge, innovative arts, featuring the work of Canada’s leading culturally diverse and Aboriginal artists.

Our government is pleased that the Prismatic Arts Festival continues to be successful, year after year.

Our rich and diverse cultural identity is what helps define us and is a source of pride for Nova Scotians.

Thank you to the many professionals and volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to making the festival a success.

Best wishes for success this year and for many years to come.

Sincerely,

Honourable Stephen McNeil, M.L.A. Premier

MAYOR'S MESSAGE On behalf of Halifax Regional Council, it is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to everyone taking part in the 2015 Prismatic Festival taking place on the Dartmouth Waterfront at Alderney Landing.

As one of Canada’s only multi-arts festivals, Prismatic Arts Festival features wonderful performances in music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and visual and media arts to captivate the entire family. With professional performing and visual artists from Nova Scotia and across the country, the festival celebrates the achievements of leading Aboriginal and culturally diverse artists as well as professional development through workshops and industry events.

Arts and culture are among this region’s most valuable resources. I want to thank all the festival organizers, volunteers and sponsors for their commitment and dedication to our arts community and the continued celebration of diversity in our region.

Welcome and enjoy this spectacular display of creativity, talent, and art in all its forms!

Kindest regards,

Mike Savage Mayor

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MINISTER'S MESSAGE

Welcome to this year’s Prismatic Arts Festival on Dartmouth’s Alderney Landing.

Every year we look forward to this entertaining event, and 2015 is no exception.

This festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity through performances in music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and visual and media arts.

The Prismatic Arts Festival continues its tradition of bringing exciting performances to our province, showcasing world-class and up-and-coming talent.

Thank you to the organizers, artists, and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make this year’s Prismatic Arts Festival possible.

MINISTER'S MESSAGE

W elcome to the Prismatic Arts Festival.

Performances and exhibitions of works by Aboriginal and culturally diverse artists provide a great opportunity for people of all ages to expand their cultural horizons.

Our Government is committed to making sure that Canadians can enjoy enriching artistic experiences in their own community. This is why we are pleased to support Prismatic 2015.

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the organizers, volunteers and all the talented artists who ensure the success of this event.

Enjoy the Festival!

All the best for another successful festival.

The Honourable Shelly Glover Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Tony Ince Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage

www.kingswharf.ca

King’s Wharf welcomes all attendees to the Dartmouth Waterfront and the Prismatic Arts Festival.

You are invited to explore the King’s Wharf community this weekend.

OPEN HOUSE: 1-4pm Saturday and Sunday.

50 KINGS WHARF PLACE, OFF ALDERNEY

December 26-30 onelighttheatre.com

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PRISMATIC GREETING Zaccheus Jackson Nyce embodied the spirit of Prismatic Festival and we are dedicating this year’s festival to his memory.

Welcome to Prismatic 2015. This is the second year that Prismatic is being held at Alderney Landing and there is a broad spectrum of arts events to experience at Prismatic Arts Festival.

Your Festival pass includes access to all of the indoor and outdoor arts events. Enjoy the music and spoken word performances on the outdoor mainstage, theatre performances and workshops on the Festival grounds, dance, theatre and film screenings in the Alderney Landing Theatre, and visual arts in the Craig Gallery. One pass gets you into all Prismatic Arts Festival events.

One of the great pleasures of organizing the Prismatic Arts Festival are the relationships that we build with artists, audience members and our community partners. The success of the Festival depends on the talent, hard work, support and dedication of many people and organizations. At Prismatic, we have been fortunate to build strong relationships with our artists and partners – our Prismatic family.

Some of our artists have performed at every Prismatic Arts Festival since we started in 2010. Many audience members will recall the powerful, heartfelt performances by award-winning spoken word Zaccheus Jackson. In addition to his unforgettable performances, Zaccheus was a much-loved teacher – working with youth across Canada – and frequently contributed to national conferences and gatherings – including discussions at Prismatic. He was warm, generous, open and unbelievably talented.

Zaccheus was a bright light in the Canadian arts scene and touched all who met him or experienced his performances.

He was and is a beloved member of the Prismatic family. Tragically, Zaccheus died in an accident shortly after performing at Prismatic 2014. His untimely death has left a hole in many lives and he will be deeply missed at Prismatic this year and in years to come.

Zaccheus embodied the spirit of Prismatic – we dedicate this year’s Festival to his memory. We know that he will be smiling over us during the 2015 Prismatic Arts Festival.

Shahin Sayadi Maggie Stewart Artistic Director Managing Director

Zaccheus Jackson

illustrated by Komi Olaf

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

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Day1: Wednesday A

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ALDERNEY THEATRE

AUG 19

7:00-9:00pm Opening Gala

Winter Home Performance C 10:00-11:30pm ROTUNDA

ALDERNEY THEATRE

10 & Under Free A

Jeff Ward, ArtistTalks, Allysa Flint, PRICELYS, Clyde A. Wray, Mohsen Sharifian, and Mariachi Ghost

8:30-10pm ALDERNEY THEATRE

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Winter Home Performance

10:00-11:30pm ROTUNDA

Broken English Karaoke

DAILY PASS

Festival Passes Available

Day 2: Thursday

AUG 20

CASH AT GATE

4:30-6:00pm D

ONE PASS GETS YOU INTO ALL EVENTS GROUP SIZE

DAILY PASS

FESTIVAL PASS

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$8

$15

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$30

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EVENTS PLAZA

Global Savages A 6:00-7:30pm ALDERNEY THEATRE

The Hallway Play Reading 7:00-8:00pm G GALLERY

Stephanie Yee Artist Talk

7:30-9:30pm

Broken English Karaoke

Day 3: Friday

AUG 21 C 2:30-4:30pm ROTUNDA

Deadbeats Playreading E 5:00-6:00pm TIPI

Sundancers F 6:00-7:00pm ACTIVITIES TENT

Nomadic Massive Workshop B 7:00-10:00pm OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Sundance, Sanctified Brothers, Clyde A. Wray, Allysa Flint, Mariachi Ghost, Jaron Freeman-Fox, PRICELYS, India,

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F 4:30-5:30pm ACTIVITIES TENT

Raina the Halifax Mermaid

Nomadic Massive, Mohsen Sharifian and Asia & NuGruv A

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Nova Dance’s Akshongay D 4:30-6:30pm EVENTS PLAZA

9:00-10:00pm

Global Savages

ALDERNEY THEATRE

Winter Home Performance

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Evening Performances: Allysa Flint, Mariachi Ghost, Jaron Freeman-Fox, PRICELYS, Reeny Smith, and Sounds of Motown

1:00-2:00pm ACTIVITIES TENT

Mariachi Ghost Workshop E

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Global Savages

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

AUG 22

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ROTUNDA

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Broken English Karaoke

Sundancers B 2:00-4:00pm OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Roots n’ Rhythm, India, Mohsen Sharifian Cristina Magnusson, and Nomadic Massive

D 4:30-6:30pm

TIPI

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Day 4: Saturday

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Afternoon Performances: Allysa Flint, Sanctified Brothers, Reeny Smith, Cristina Magnusson, Clyde A. Wray, India, and Mariachi Ghost

6:30-7:30pm Sundancers

ROTUNDA

Broken English Karaoke

4:30-6:00pm

B 1:00-3:30pm

Day 5: Sunday

AUG 23 F 1:00-2:00pm

F 5:30-6:30pm ACTIVITIES TENT

Raina the Halifax Mermaid E 6:30-7:30pm TIPI

Sundancers B 6:30-10:00pm OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Evening Performances: Cristina Magnusson, Middle-Eastern Jazz Fusion, Gypsophilia, PRICELYS, Asia & NuGruv, and Nomadic Massive C 10:00-11:30pm

ACTIVITIES TENT

ROTUNDA

Raina the Halifax Mermaid

Broken English Karaoke

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ACCOMMODATIONS JUST MENTION “PRISMATIC ARTS FESTIVAL” WHEN MAKING YOUR BOOKING FOR A SPECIAL RATE

When you stay at

HOLIDAY INN HARBOURVIEW

presents:

Holiday Inn Harbourview 101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B3A 1L9 Front Desk: (902) 463-1100 Toll Free: (888) 434-0440

Centre in the Square Theatre KITCHENER, ON IMPACT15 Festival, MTSpace

Whet your appetite for everything from theatre and dance to music and visual arts at this year’s Prismatic Arts Festival on the Dartmouth waterfront.

my-waterfront.ca MyWaterfront @My_Waterfront

PRETTY THINGS

A G E D BO E U Q I T BOU

PRETTY THINGS

utique.ca o b a g e d o odega / b b e u iq t u o artmouth @b D , t e e r t S orth 20 Wentw

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MOHSEN SHARIFIAN

Award-winning Iranian musician, Mohsen Sharifian, brings the traditional music of the Bouchehr region of southern Iran to the global stage. He performs solo and with Lian Music, the band that he formed in 1993. Prismatic is honoured to bring this renown and talented musician to the stage in Nova Scotia.

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ALDERNEY LANDING OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

The folk music of Bouchehr draws its distinct sounds from the diverse communities that settled in the region over many generations. This includes: the traditional music of several eras of Iranian history; the religious music of the Islamic, Zoroastrian and Christian communities of the region; fishing songs from coastal communities; influences from Chinese, Indian, Somali and Tanzanian merchants; and perhaps most importantly, the musical traditions of east African slaves who escaped and settled in Bouchehr.

Mohsen Sharifian is a master of the ney-anban, a traditional double reed instrument from southern Iran. He is also the leading global authority on the traditional music and instruments of Bouchehr. Prismatic is proud to present the pre-eminent artist of this rich and complex musical tradition.

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MARIACHI GHOST From driving rhythms and soaring melodies to brooding synths and dreamy vocal breaks, Mariachi Ghost fuses traditional Mexican song, progressive rock and a flair for the dramatic, to ignite the world of their namesake’s tenuous existence. The band was formed in 2009, based on a graphic novel by lead-singer Jorge Requena. In it, the principal character, Charro, struggles to find purpose in a life that has been torn apart by violence and hardship. He eventually turns his anguish outwards, believing to have been ordained by a higher power to punish those that prey on the weak.

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From the graphic novel sprang the captivating music and performance of Mariachi Ghost. Seven musicians interweave diverse genres and rhythms to create a soundscape that is dramatic, haunting, and explosive. They’re joined on stage by dancer and band-mate Alexandra Garrido, who acts as a conduit of the music, expertly assuming its auras of sorrow, reflection and rage. The result is a rich mixture somewhere between Pink Floyd and a traditional serenata, infused with contemporary dance; a ballet for the dead.

In addition to performances at Prismatic, we invite everyone to join Mariachi Ghost for a special workshop on Saturday, August 22 at 1pm

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SOUNDS OF MOTOWN EVENING, AUG 22 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

C oaxing bodies to the dance floor with favourites from the likes of Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Etta James, The Sounds of Motown is equal parts soothing and electrifying, and much more than a cover band. It takes an unstoppable lineup of performers to do such a legendary set list justice, which is why this band is built around the mammoth voices of genre-spanning vocalist Michelle Durling and veterans behind the mic Sam Moon, Henry Lewis and Carl Thomas. The familiar songs will draw you in, the air-tight performances will hook you and the band’s dynamic, fun-loving spirit will stick with you.

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WINTER HOME

BY MICHAEL GREYEYES AUG 19-21 A

ALDERNEY LANDING THEATRE

Presented by:

W inter Home is a multi-media installation created by Michael Greyeyes for

Signal Installation that examines disconnection through a series of projected and static images. This performance action destabilizes trans-historical notions of memory, home, and our attenuation to family history. Iconic photographs of Indigenous people intervene in the space and collide with the presence of the performer troubling our presumptions of authenticity.

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GYPSOPHILIA

EVENING, AUG 23 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Halifax-based Gypsophilia’s original instrumental music blurs the lines between hot jazz, klezmer, funk, and world rhythms. Their killer live shows and danceable, genre-bending sound have made them an audience favourite all over Canada and the US. With a combination of serious musicianship, humour and showmanship they are capable of enchanting a sit-down crowd one moment and whipping people into a dancing, clapping, singing frenzy the next. At Prismatic, Gypsophilia will perform fan favourites and new songs from their recently released album, Night Swimming. In Night Swimming, Gypsophilia departs from the purely live approach of their previous discs in pursuit of a fresh verve and polish for their original music. The result is a hauntingly beautiful 9-song masterpiece that showcases a darker, cinematic side of Gypsophilia alongside their signature ebullient swinging sound.

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REENY SMITH

EVENING, AUG 22 AFTERNOON, AUG 23 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Reeny Smith is an award winning singer/songwriter, from the musical

power-house Smith family of North Preston, Nova Scotia continues to leave her audiences wanting more of her impeccable vocals, original songs and modern style. Commonly referred to as the “Canadian Alicia Keys,” Reeny started singing and playing piano as a young child and her roots singing in church provide a solid foundation for a promising career. Reeny has been part of Prismatic since 2008 and we are thrilled to watch her career take off in recent years.

Reeny has just recently been awarded Artist of the Year at the 2015 ANSMA Awards and has been selected as the winner of the 2015 Casino Nova Scotia Artist in Residence Competition after competing against other talented local performers!

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JARON FREEMAN FOX and THE OPPOSITE OF EVERYTHING

EVENING, AUG 21 & 22 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

J aron Freeman-Fox’s musical roots are in Celtic and bluegrass fiddling, in his electrifying performances, he fuses traditional fiddle with Indian classical music and jazz. Contorting the violin into new traditions, Freeman-Fox and his band The Opposite of Everything, dances down the fine line between the beautiful and the ridiculous, while redefining what the violin is capable of. He has been described as the “Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by some, and plays world music in the truest sense of the word—taking inspiration from everywhere he goes. With the ability to transition from Gypsy to Klezmer to Celtic to Country without skipping a beat, The Opposite of Everything is an infectious party! The line-up consists of New Orleans-style clarinetist John Williams, electro-pop klezmer accordionist Robbie Grunwald, jazz bassist Charles James, and drummer Dan Stadnicki. After three busy years of playing folk, jazz and world music festivals (including performances at the Vancouver Folk Fest, The Ottawa Jazz Festival, and official showcases at WOMEX in Greece and Folk Alliance International in Memphis, TN) the band will be touring coast-to-coast again this summer, then heading overseas for their first full European tour this fall, now with their eagerlyawaited new album!

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GLOBAL SAVAGES THE DEBAJEHMUJIG STORYTELLERS

AUG 20, 22 & 23 @ 4:30-6:30PM D

EVENTS PLAZA

Presented by:

T he GLOBAL SAVAGES are a small band of family members who have been travelling since the beginning of time to share their story and the teachings of their ancestors. They bring stories for all humankind – for the preservation of humanity. Who will listen? Under the open sky, with cedar tea brewing over the fire, The GLOBAL SAVAGES will share how their ancestors understood and experienced the world and what they learned and passed down to us over thousands of years. What do the symbols carved into petroglyphs and painted on rocks mean? What did our ancestors want us to know and why?

Why have the Elders sent them out into the world to share this story now?

The GLOBAL SAVAGES is developed and performed by The Debajehmujig Storytellers based on Manitoulan Island. The GLOBAL SAVAGES experience is gentle, honest, powerful, and respectful. Audiences will not only leave with new knowledge and understanding, they will also learn how to apply the teachings to their own lives.

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ASIA & NUGRUV

EVENING, AUG 21 & 23 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

E nthusiasm and energy best describe this funky, upbeat dance band. We guarantee that you will be on your feet when Asia & NuGruv hit the stage.

The band features an exceptional five-piece rhythm section, two incredible horn players (trumpet & saxophone), two female background vocalists and a lead female vocalist who always delivers a show stopping performance.

Asia’s singing is reminiscent of Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin.

Whether she sings or dances the crowd is always thoroughly engaged.

Performing Old & New Skool R&B, Soul, Classic Motown and Funky Blues, you can be sure that the band will leave the crowd smiling, singing and dancing!

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NOMADIC MASSIVE

EVENING, AUG 21 & 23 AFTERNOON, AUG 22 B

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R apping in English, French, Creole, Spanish and Arabic, Nomadic Massive is

Montreal Hip-Hop’s best-kept secret. Spreading their sound across borders and cultures, the group has captivated audiences and critics worldwide. Sharing a message of universal understanding and social justice, the super-group has released two albums and two EP’s. Nomadic Massive has toured North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe and has shared the stage with the likes of Deltron 3030, Charles Bradley, K’Naan and Julian Marley. Nomadic Massive is currently recording their brand new album which is set to be released in 2015.

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MIDDLE-EASTERN JAZZ FUSION DINUK WIJERATNE, DANIEL MACNEIL, NICK HALLEY, AND CHRIS MITCHELL

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Middle-Eastern Jazz Fusion is an exemplary group of musicians composed of leading Canadian jazz and world musicians: Dinuk Wijeratne, Daniel MacNeil, Chris Mitchell and Nick Halley. These talented and dynamic musicians come together for an evocative evening of Middle-Eastern fusion, mixing intricate compositions with captivating improvisations. Blending eastern and western styles, traditions and instruments in ways that will leave audiences entranced.

Middle Eastern Jazz Fusion is led by Dinuk Wijeratne. This Sri Lankan-born composer-conductor-pianist is a multi-disciplinary instrumentalist, composer, educator, and arranger. His boundary-crossing work sees him equally at home in collaborations with symphony orchestras and string quartets, Tabla players and DJs, and takes him to international venues as poles apart as the Berlin Philharmonie and the North Sea Jazz Festival. His music and collaborative work embrace the great diversity of his international background and influences.

Daniel MacNeil is a Multi-Discipline Instrumentalist (Oud, Guitar, Percussion), composer, educator, and arranger based in Halifax. Known for his work in many genres of “world music” including: Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Brazilian, Daniel also works professionally and intimately in Western Classical, Contemporary, Fusion, Improv and in collaboration for dance accompaniment. He is the founder and Director of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Premiere Middle Eastern Music Chamber Ensemble “Nafas”.

Drummer and world percussionist, Nick Halley has performed and recorded internationally with a wide range of musicians. In 2012, Nick was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution to Canada and Nova Scotia through the arts, particularly for his work with Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir.

EVENING, AUG 23 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

Engaging and innovative saxophonist, Chris Mitchell is heralded as one of Canada’s finest instrumentalists. Chris has contributed to the music scene in a number of diverse and exciting ways. Chris has toured extensively in North America, Europe and in Asia and across Canada. Currently active in various musical groups, Chris also holds the Associate Director of Music position at the Fountain School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Personnel: Dinuk Wijeratne (Piano), Daniel MacNeil (Oud), Nick Halley (Percussion), and Chris Mitchell (Saxophone)

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AKSHONGAY NOVA DANCE

Akshongay (Bengali for together) is a compelling dance duet that brings together multiple influences; bharatanatyam, modern dance; Hindu mythology, French Canadian folklore; love and loss; togetherness and separation; regrets and passions; joy and heartbreak. Intimate, rich with powerful images, a hybrid physical vocabulary and theatrical sensibility combine to create a hypnotic journey.

AUG 22 @ 4:30PM A

ALDERNEY LANDING THEATRE

The decade long partnership of Nova Bhattacharya and Louis Laberge-Côté provides a satisfying experience of virtuosic dancing, mature and sensitive partnering and strong emotional content.

The evocative lighting design of Montreal’s Marc Parent, and the haunting score mixed live by Phil Strong create a dramatic environment in which the work resides.

One show only! Don’t miss this spectacular dance performance.

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SANCTIFIED BROTHERS

EVENING, AUG 21 AFTERNOON, AUG 23 B

OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

The Sanctified Brothers are a booming men’s soul gospel group from North Preston. Nova Scotia has a long tradition of fantastic gospel music and The Sanctified Brothers, formerly known as The Deep River Boys, have quickly established themselves as one of the best groups in Canada. The Sanctified Brothers will have audiences on their feet with their high-energy, musically impeccable performances. The Sanctified Brothers have performed at the Prismatic Arts Festival, the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, throughout the Maritimes and internationally. For the past two years, The Sanctified Brothers have also been part of Onelight Theatre’s annual holiday show, Tell it on the Mountain. Their performances at Prismatic 2015 will feature songs from the gospel cannon and some of the original gospel arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, that are featured in Tell it on the Mountain.

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JEFF WARD MASTER OF CEREMONIES

J eff was born and raised in Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation (also known as Red Bank) along the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. For the past ten years, he has lived in Membertou and at present, is the General Manager of the Membertou Heritage Park, drawing on his vast experience and knowledge in the fields of culture, management and administration. Jeff is currently in the Masters Program of Community Economic Development at CBU

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ALDERNEY LANDING TIPI

As a public figure, Jeff has been dancing, drumming and performing his way into people’s hearts since the age of eight. He is currently a member of both the Sons of Membertou and Thunder Eagle Singers. Jeff provides Master of Ceremonies Service for numerous First Nation Pow Wows in the Atlantic region. He has also performed in numerous plays at the Cape Breton University’s Boardmore Theatre, and been a keynote speaker and Emcee for a variety of conferences including Dialogue New Brunswick, Reform on Social Security AFN and the Youth Council of New Brunswick, to name a few. Jeff Ward will also be speaking at the Conference events located at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

presents:

Centre in the Square Theatre KITCHENER, ON IMPACT15 Festival MTSpace

theatre is here

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DEADBEATS

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THE HALLWAY

by Leah-Simone Bowen Leah-Simone is a Toronto based theatre practitioner that has worked across Canada as an actor, improviser, playwright, director, and arts administrator. Her play, The Hallway, is set in 1936 during one of the worst heat waves in history, the tenants of a Negro

rooming house struggle to cope with daily life, while a Russian immigrant tries to escape his past.

Prismatic is proud to present a staged reading of The Hallway accompanied by live music.

Playwright Leah-Simone Bowen will be at the play reading and will be participating in a talk-back session following the performance.

Prismatic presents a staged reading of a new play, Deadbeats, by Aboriginal theatre artist Garret C. Smith. Garret is a proud Blackfoot from the Peigan and Blood tribes of southern Alberta. Deadbeats, takes place 2 years after the signing of Treaty 7 when Blackfoot Nation(s) are starving, sick and desperate to provide for their families.

Deadbeats follows three men who have volunteered to travel south in search of the ever-decreasing buffalo. An unfortunate accident forces them to change plans and the discovery of a dark secret pushes them to commit acts of dishonesty. Playwright, Garrett C. Smith will be in attendance at the reading and will participate in a talk-back session following the performance.

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Aug 19-23 ALDERNEY LANDING OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

PRICELYS PRICELYS is a spoken word poet, film producer and social entrepreneur.

She’s been working with communities across Canada for 10 years strengthening the voice of Indigenous youth. Her passion for community and words meld together in a perfect marriage as she continues sharing the message of hope and resilience.

Allysa Flint, local Halifax spoken word artist, joins us again at the Prismatic Arts Festival! Allysa’s powerful performances at Prismatic 2014 were a highlight of the mainstage performances; this emerging spoken word artist has a bright future ahead. Allysa has been writing poetry since she was 12 and has always dreamed of performing onstage. Her writing reflects the topics she feels most passionate about: the issues facing youth in this day and age, such as sexual violence, suicide, bullying, drugs and alcohol. A sensitive and passionate youth artist, Allysa strives to convey an insightful message to her fellow youth through her spoken word.

B Aug 21-23 OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

CRISTINA MAGNUSSON

Cristina Magnusson is an Indigenous hip-hop artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her passion for her heritage and her people shine are central to her artistic work. Her heartfelt songs have a deep central message: being Indigenous isn’t a choice— it is a gift.

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Aug 19-22 ALDERNEY LANDING OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

CLYDE A. WRAY B Aug 22–24 OUTDOOR MAINSTAGE

ROOTS N’ RHYTHM Roots n’ Rhythm is an uplifting spoken word performance that fuses rhythm and soul into each line and beckons the audiences’ ear. Her poetry has been performed across Canada and internationally in Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. She uses her spoken word to address cultural, social, and environmental issues and to reflect on everyday life though her unique lens as a small-town raised first generation Ghanaian Canadian, Abena Amako-Green.

Clyde A. Wray is a well-known poet, playwright, performer, producer, director, radio host and speaker that currently resides in Saint John, NB with life partner Kelli and their three children Astrid, Shasta and Nikolai.

Originally from New York City, Clyde moved to the Maritimes from Los Angeles, California. Clyde has had a number of careers, and a wealth of experience, has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia with two notable stops in Vietnam.

Clyde has contributed to several Onelight Productions, most recently he wrote and narrated the debut of Tell It On The Mountain.

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Aug 19-23 Artist talk Aug 20 @ 7:00pm GALLERY

STEPHANIE YEE Stephanie Yee is a visual artist and cultural worker originally from Barrie, Ontario, now based in Halifax.

Gallery Installation Statement: I am pleased to have the opportunity to present an exhibition that reflects upon my practice as a performance artist.

This show entitled, Gestures, includes three GIF videos as well as photo stills documenting two performances. With my work being concept based, I allow for the ideas to determine the methods in which I communicate. Believing that less is more when communicating a message, I often use minimal acts and repetition as a way of exploring my subject matter. As these simple gestures are looped, a narrative is created as we now must consider how the element of time plays a role in these acts.

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Aug 19-23 GALLERY

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Aug 19-23 GALLERY

DAVID J. BROOKS The late David J. Brooks made a name for himself as one of the first contemporary Mi’kmaq artists in Nova Scotia. His intensely colourful and iconic style of painting was uniquely his own, and can be found in museums and galleries all over Nova Scotia. Many know his art from the vibrant and graphic mural of an eagle and the sun that blazes on the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in North-End Halifax. David dedicated his life to art, and shared his passion with his two daughters, Sarah and Chelsea. Prismatic is honoured to have the Brooks Family’s work showcased at Prismatic. The family will be selling some of David’s work and his daughter, Chelsea, will be selling some of her very own artwork.

TARA FRANCIS Tara is an Aboriginal artist, who lives in Elsipogtog First Nation. She is of Mi'kmaq and Irish decent and is inspired by the ancient spiritual practices of her ancestors, searching for common threads in their rich histories and by her own personal connection to Mother Earth. Her art is her journey and her gift. Tara studied at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, taking Native Art Study under the guidance of the now late Elder Gwen Bear, where she learned the traditional Mi'k maq skill of Porcupine Quillwork, Silk Painting, and fabric embellishment.

Her most recent accomplishment has been her participation in the group exhibit Over and Under hosted by Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto as part of the Planet IndigenUS Festival, the show runs from June 20th until September 20th 2015.

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F Aug 21 @ 6:00pm ACTIVITIES TENT

NOMADIC MASSIVE YOUTH WORKSHOP

Ongoing Activities!

Be apart of the festival and come create your own works of art in the Activities Tent! Ongoing hands on activities for kids and kids at heart! Express your creativity for free!

Crafting Event: Festival Flower Crown Date: Aug 22 @ 3:00pm Crafting Event: Paper Fishy Craft Date: Aug 23 @ 3:00pm

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Aug 22 @ 4:30pm Aug 23 @ 1:00pm & 5:30pm

Join us for a youth workshop with the band Nomadic Massive, learning to rap in different languages! Limited space available, call and reserve your spot today!

ACTIVITIES TENT

RAINA THE HALIFAX MERMAID Raina the Halifax Mermaid is swimming in to visit kids and kids-at-heart during the Prismatic Arts Festival. Raina performs locally with her troupe the Halifax Mermaids.

The mermaids have a special focus on children and empowering people to create a healthy ocean. At Prismatic, Raina will be sharing stories and myths of mermaids from around the world.

F Aug 22 @1pm ACTIVITIES TENT

MARIACHI GHOST WORKSHOP Come learn all about the history and culture of mariachi and day of the dead!

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BROKEN ENGLISH KARAOKE STEPHANIE YEE

After its successful premier at last year’s Prismatic Arts Festival, we are pleased to announce that Broken English Karaoke is back again! Festival goers are invited to end each night with us either on the stage or in the audience. This interactive performance installation takes the karaoke we all love or hate, and evens out the playing field by replacing the lyrics of popular American hits with broken English translations. With the help of online translators, lyrics have been translated to other languages, switched back to English, and then edited into new sing-along videos.

In North America though karaoke is mostly confined to aspiring celebrities and drinking culture, with Broken English Karaoke it doesn’t matter which camp you belong to, it’s all about sharing your experience as you step up to the mic. All within the length of a song, each opportunity challenges the participant to navigate the boundaries between the familiar and unfamiliar. The end result allows for a fun experience that not only exposes the complexities of language, but social anxieties as well. Come for a drink and have a good time as we delve into and explore the lively state of being lost and found in translation.

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ROTUNDA

Presented by:

Stephanie Yee is a visual artist and cultural worker originally from Barrie, Ontario, now based in Halifax. Though beginning her academic career in theater, she graduated with a BFA from NSCAD in 2012. Her practice interrogates concepts of communication and identity. Primarily using performance, video, sculpture, and installation, her works employ familiar imagery, processes, and materials as a means of exploring preconceived notions. She has exhibited as an artist and curator in artist-run-centers, festivals and galleries both locally and internationally at the Anna Leonowens Gallery, HERMES, Struts Gallery, The Khyber Centre for the Arts, La Mama Galleria and Family Business Gallery.

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INDIGENOUS PERFORMANCE NETWORK GATHERING AT THE PRISMATIC FESTIVAL

T he Prismatic Arts Festival is proud to be hosting a variety of conference and industry activities at this year's Festival. Many of these events are being hosted at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

The conference events focus on the ongoing development of the Indigenous Performing Network. The sessions have been developed in association with the Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance (IPAA), a national arts service organization claiming space for all Indigenous performing artists.

The conference events are a gathering of diverse individuals to exchange local protocols, discuss Indigenous performance and make commitments to developing collaborative relationships in the region and beyond. We welcome you to join us to learn and share protocols, network with artists and leaders in the community, and discuss the future of Indigenous performance in the Atlantic and beyond.

The Prismatic Arts Festival is also hosting a series of industry events to introduce Atlantic Canadian Aboriginal and culturally diverse artists to national and international producers and presenters who are attending Prismatic. These industry events were made possible through the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

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Wednesday, August 19 3:30-5:30 pm

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ATLANTIC ARTISTS RECEPTION

Networking with industry leaders.

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Wednesday, August 19, 7-8:30pm ALDERNEY LANDING THEATRE

OPENING GALA FOR PRISMATIC ARTS FESTIVAL

Opening Ceremonies include performances from Allysa Flint, PRICELYS, Mohsen Sharifian, and Mariachi Ghost.

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PIER 21

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPENING CONFERENCE AND INTRODUCTION TO #PERFORMANCEWIKI

Reflecting on the outcomes of The Study/Repast on Manitoulin Island in May 2015, explore IPAA’s initiatives to claim space for all Indigenous performing artists. Add yourself and your peers to Network database.

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Thursday, August 20, 10:30am – noon

PIER 21

SESSION #1: LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & CULTURAL PROTOCOLS

Situate ourselves within the region. Discover the intersections between traditional and performance protocols. Examine the relationships with what protocol does in relation to the artistic process.

SESSION #3: APPLYING INDIGENOUS STRUCTURES TO THE IPN

With open dialogue, discuss respectful engagement and build relationships with the active Network.

Contribute and respond to the Claiming Space panel.

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ATLANTIC ARTISTS RECEPTION & SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCE BY ALLYSA FLINT

Enjoy lunch provided and network with industry leaders.

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ALDERNEY LANDING THEATRE (ROTUNDA)

SESSION #2: CLAIMING SPACE: NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

Using Indigenous protocol as a framework to support the unique work of Indigenous. performing artist with a focus on disability arts, international trade routes, trans-disciplinary work, and Mi’kmaq performing arts.

Friday, August 21, 9:30-11am

PIER 21

SESSION #4 – ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF THE INDIGENOUS PERFORMING NETWORK

By engaging with the 4 pillars of the IPN: Touring, Collaboration/Partnerships, Training/Knowledgesharing, establish long and short-term priorities.

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Friday, August 21, 11am-12:30pm

PIER 21

SESSION #5 – AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH

With a focus on Atlantic Indigenous performance, address the challenges with audience development and outreach in the region. Begin to build reciprocal relationships and strategies by exercising our understanding of what protocol does to strengthen the Indigenous performance sector.

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Thursday, August 20, 3:15-4:30pm ALDERNEY LANDING THEATRE (ROTUNDA)

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Saturday, August 22, 10am to noon

PIER 21

ATLANTIC ARTISTS RECEPTION

Networking with industry leaders.

THANKS TO PACT FOR SUPPORTING THE PRISMATIC 2015 CONFERENCE EVENTS.

Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 at the Halifax Seaport to see how Canada is shaped by the world.

Mention this ad to receive 25% off adult admission and 20% off in the Pier 21 Gift Shop.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 Musée canadien de l'immigration du Quai 21

Pier21.ca |

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