The First Kiss and Other Rites of Passage

February 11, 2016. Reel Girls Media’s new documentary series, The First Kiss And Other Rites Of Passage launches this February 11, 2016. All ten episodes were filmed in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie and will be offered for free on demand on TELUS Optik ™ TV On Demand.

Do you remember buying your first car, moving out of home for the first time, losing your virginity, your first heartbreak, maybe even that first drink? These rites of passage help shape who we are and mark important transitions in our journey through life.  These memories are universally experienced and at the same time deeply personal.  Firsts are crucial moments that mark milestones in life.  Firsts cover a huge range of human experiences, comic to tragic, from the shameful to the sublime.  The First Kiss and other Rites of Passage is a ten-part short documentary series that explores these shared human narratives through intimate interviews.  

“The idea for the series dates back to a casual conversation where over a glass or two of wine, a few friends shared stories about first kisses and losing our virginity,” recalls series creator/producer/director, Ava Karvonen.  “I remember the pressures I felt as a teenager and wanted to know about the experiences other people had and to see if they were that different from my own.”

To personalize the process even more, Ava included interviews with the crew in the series. After all, she says, “If we were going to ask strangers about their personal first experiences, then it was only fair to turn the camera on ourselves.”

As filming progressed an underlying theme emerged about the universality of the human experience. No matter where we come from or what our background is, we all go through some of the same rites of passage.

The production interviewed more than fifty people between the ages of sixteen and eighty. The stories told were just as diverse as the people who told them including Fort McMurray Councilor Tyran Ault. When asked about his First Job, Tyran Ault said, “My first job was at McDonald’s… McDonald’s is probably one of the best jobs anyone can have at an entry level. It’s super stressful, and you learn a lot about the way business works very, very fast.” Richard Lukacs tells the story about losing his virginity as a young man. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s it?’ It just feels weird. Like that’s exactly the same as beer and cigarettes. I just don’t know what people like about them. But I learned what’s good about all these things ever since, so yeah, I learned to like it.”

       

The First Kiss and other Rites of Passage was produced by Ava Karvonen and Reel Girls Media, with the support of a community programming grant from TELUS Optik Local and the assistance of the Government of Alberta, Alberta Media Fund.

REEL GIRLS MEDIA is known for creating smart, original and innovative entertainment designed for flexible multi-platform delivery to the global market. Reel Girls Media projects have had more than 80 worldwide screenings and been recognized with more than 40 international awards including Best Original Cross-Platform Content at the Alliance for Children and TV Awards, Best Convergent New Media at the CFTPA Indie Awards, and the Japan Prize. For more information go to www.reelgirlsmedia.com.

About TELUS Optik Local

Telus Optik Local Community Programming seeks to support programming and projects that reflect the local community, a diversity of voices, innovative ideas and alternative views on existing or emerging issues of importance in the communities it serves, featuring local places and events in arts, culture, education and sports.

Media Kit  and trailer available from the website at: http://www.yourfirstkiss.ca/

Social:
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/yourfirstkissca/794788057285934
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FirstKissTV @FirstKissTV

For more information, interview requests or artwork contact:
Ava Karvonen, Reel Girls Media Inc.
E-mail: ava@reelgirlsmedia.com          

Phone: (780) 964-1899                      

The McMurray Experience

The McMurray Experience is our regions new indoor, interactive, multi-media space, conveniently located in the heart of Fort McMurray’s downtown. The McMurray Experience is a modern space that will showcase our region and be the central hub for everyone to connect with the community. We offer nine unique experiences in our space for people of all ages. See what’s trending, admire our local artists, or travel back in time with our history wall. 

McMurray Experience is a place to make your own memories, share your story and interact with other members of our beautiful community.

For more information on how to book your next event please visit our website at www.rmwb.ca/mme or contact facility.bookings@rmwb.ca

Multicultural Association Get Together & Annual General Meeting

It is time to celebrate! MCA is holding a Get Together & Annual General Meeting. We want to thank you for your contribution, to hear new ideas and questions about MCA future plans. You are an important part of our present and future. Please join us in celebrating an evening of positive energy and multiculturalism, Saturday, June 27th, 5:30pm-7:30pm at Royal Bank of Canada, Stoney Creek Village, Timberlea. Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 10th, by calling (780) 791-5186 or email events@multiculturefm.org. 

Public Art Guidelines – Looking for Feedback

Public Art Guidelines – Looking for Feedback

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is requesting feedback on the Municipal Public Art Guidelines.

The Municipal Public Art Guidelines have been developed by the Community Services Department with support from the Public Art Committee and a Public Art Consultant. The guidelines set standards for the acquisition, funding, collection management, maintenance and conservation of public art. The document serves as a reference guide for internal departments, external stakeholders, and other interested parties on how the Municipality delivers the Public Art Program. You can read the guidelines by visiting http://www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/Municipal-Government/municipal_departments/Community-Services-Department/Arts_Culture/Public-Art-Guidelines.htm

The guidelines will be posted for public review until noon on Tuesday, March 17.

Business of the Arts Workshop Series

Public Art Committee – Accepting Applications

Public Art Committee – Accepting Applications

Deadline for submissions is March 12^th by 4:30PM

If you are a community minded person who loves the arts and would like to take an active role in helping to expand it, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is seeking dedicated residents who are interested in joining the Public Art Committee.

The Public Art Committee provides expert guidance and advice with respect to the creation, acquisition and installation of public art. Committee members will work with various stakeholders and interested persons to review and approve a conservation plan and deaccession protocols for the maintenance of the Municipality’s Public Art collection.

Members will meet one evening per month for approximately two hours. Meetings are currently held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30p.m.  

Applicants must be 18 years of age and a resident of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity please visit our webpage or contact Theresa Jolliffe, Community Strategies Coordinator at theresa.jolliffe@woodbuffalo.ab.ca or call (780) 743-7994.

Moments from Wonderland

MacDonald Island Dance Academy is pleased to announce Alberta Ballet II will visit Fort McMurray on April 19th. They will be presenting two performances of Moments from Wonderland, a ballet production adaptation based on the Lewis Carroll classic novels Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre. 

The show is a perfect introduction to ballet and dance for young audiences. The dancers from Alberta Ballet II will perform a 45-minute show, followed by a 15 minute audience-interactive question and answer session.

Show times:

Matinee 1PM to 2PM

Evening 6:30PM to 7:30PM

Join us for this first time event that you and your family don't want to miss! Tickets on sale at ONErec.ca and Guest Services.

Artist in Residency

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency program.

(Fort McMurray, AB – February 23, 2015) – The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has an exciting opportunity for visual artists.   

The Wood Buffalo Artist in Residency (AIR) program is now accepting applicants for the 2015 enrollment. This year, AIR will host two studio locations: Fort McMurray and Fort Chipewyan. The residency includes dedicated studio space (with no associated fee) starting on June 4 in Fort McMurray and on July 23 in Fort Chipewyan with both residencies ending on Aug. 27. 

Artists in the program will take part in an artist talk, open-house demonstrations and community programming opportunities. Upon completion, artists will have the opportunity to display their artwork in a group exhibition held at the MacDonald Island Community Art Gallery.  

Submissions close on Friday, March 20 at 4 p.m. local time. Applicants must be Canadian residents. 

Visit the Artist in Residency website to learn more about the program and how to apply or contact; 

Theresa Jolliffe
Coordinator II, Community Strategies
theresa.jolliffe@woodbuffalo.ab.ca
Phone: 780-743-7994
Fax: 780-743-7025

WinterPLAY Guest Blog: Tito Guillen of the Fort McMurray Filmmakers Association – Let’s Make Movies

There’s a quote I really enjoy by Ira Glass, it pertains to writing but can be translated to any discipline. The TL:DR version is, if you want to get good at something, do it as much as possible so that you learn and grow from the experience.

This method also proves to the individual if what they are doing is truly something they want to be good at and in turn invest their time and resources to become educated in.

That is the idea of the Winter REELs Film Challenge. The challenge is an opportunity for filmmakers and those interesting in filmmaking to come together and create something in a very brief amount of time. This exercise is less of a challenge in film, as it is in storytelling and collaboration. In fact, it often works to the benefit of the teams to not all be filmmakers.

The concept is simple, a short film made in three days. To ensure no one films anything ahead of time, a group of elements is added to the challenge. They are often an object, a location, and a line of dialogue. The winner is the team that best incorporates these elements into their film. Last year introduced an audience vote for winner and this year there will be a judged winner and an audience choice favourite film.

Anyone can participate and all entries shall be screened on the big screen for friends and families to see. This year, they will be screened along side the 80’s feature ‘Revenge of the Nerds.’ That is also the only clue we have for potential teams this year.

The best advice for new teams participating is to not get too hung up on the technology of filming. It may seem overwhelming but story is everything. Take the time to give your script a start, drama, and resolution and you will be fine. 

For returning teams, the best advice that can be offered is to try something new while remembering that the elements and how they are used is key to impressing the judges. 

The YMMFMA is very proud of the entries submitted every year and look forward to seeing new and familiar faces in this year’s entries. 

The kick-off is at 9pm February 19^th at the lobby of the Keyano theatre. This year will offer over $2500 in awards over several categories. The films will be screened on February 28^th along with Revenge of the Nerds. This is a movie I have wanted to screen since the first Winter REELs. It will be an 80’s party with best 80’s clothing winning a prize from Nerdvana.

Hope to see you all there. Cowabunga!

Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo Receives Social Innovation Award from Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education

(from left to right: Mike Allen, MLA Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo, Honorable Don Scott, Minister of Innovation & Advanced Education, Deputy Government House Leader; Honorable Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Human Services; Nancy Mattes, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo, University of Waterloo; Cathy Brothers, Capacity Canada; Bryan Jackson, Suncor Energy; Diane Shannon, United Way of Fort McMurray; Heather Evasiuk, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo; Bonnah Carey, Some Other Solutions; Katharine Zywert, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo, University of Waterloo, Ifeatu Efu, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo; Sana Elache, Syncrude Inc.  Missing from the photo: Cathy Glover, Suncor Energy Foundation; Kim Nordbye, Suncor Energy Foundation; Tracey Carnochan, Suncor Energy; Brandi Gartner, Oil Sands Community Alliance; Manny Makia, FuseSocial; Russell Thomas, United Way of Fort McMurray; Ken Coates, University of Saskatchewan, Tanya Darisi, The O’Halloran Group; Katharine McGowan, University of Waterloo.)

Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo was honoured today for using social innovation to successfully strengthen the social profit sector in Wood Buffalo, increase community resilience, and improve capacity to address complex social problems.  The social innovation scroll of recognition was presented by the Honourable Don Scott, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education for the Province of Alberta at the ConvergenceYMM summit in Fort McMurray, Alberta.  In his remarks, Minister Scott acknowledged that community-driven social innovation provides the greatest opportunity to improve the quality of life of Albertans.  He thanked the Suncor Energy Foundation for their leadership and vision.

  “Since its inception, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo has had an incredible legacy of success,” he said.  “On behalf of the government and all Albertans, I want to congratulate Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo for helping to build a stronger and better Alberta.”

Nancy Mattes, Director of Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo, accepted the award on behalf of project partners including the Suncor Energy Foundation, the United Way of Fort McMurray, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Oil Sands Community Alliance, FuseSocial, Capacity Canada, the University of Waterloo; Steering Committee members Cathy Glover, Bryan Jackson, Kim Nordbye, Tracey Carnochan, Bonnah Carey, Diane Shannon, Russell Thomas, Ken Coates, Manny Makia, Heather Evasiuk, Sana Elache, Brandi Gartner, Cathy Brothers,  and project team members Katharine Zywert, Tanya Darisi, Katharine McGowan, and Ifeatu Efu.

“I am deeply honoured to accept this social innovation scroll of recognition on behalf of Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo,” said Mattes. “We are so proud of the extraordinary outcomes that have occurred as a result of our work including the Heart of Wood Buffalo Awards, the Arts Council Wood Buffalo, the ‘Look into Wood Buffalo’ Community Wellbeing Survey and ConvergenceYMM.  Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo effectively stewarded community initiatives and shifted the social profit sector towards greater resiliency and capacity so they are better able to achieve their missions.  We look forward to continuing our collective efforts to build a culture of social innovation in Wood Buffalo.”

For more information about the award and Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo please contact Director, Nancy Mattes;

Telephone: 519-888-4567 ext. 38213

Email: Nancy@socialprosperity.ca

Web: http://socialprosperity.ca

Twitter: @NMattes

WinterPLAY Guest Blog – Christina Traverse of Mush McMurray

Anyone who has encountered a true Northern winter season will tell you it is typically like a deep freeze. There are days you may not want to even leave your house because it’s -40—without the wind-chill! Soon you start to realize that the residents in northern communities, especially Fort McMurray, deal with winter differently. First there are the snow birds or migrators. They leave with the Canada geese and follow them down South in the fall and come back when the temperatures are above zero. Then you have the residents that stick it out. Some days they curse Mother Nature and the blistering cold, other days are not too bad. They go about their lives and day to day routines. Lastly you have the people that embrace the cold, snow and everything about winter, because it is their favorite season. You may refer to these people as crazy, mentally unstable, or insane, all of which I’ve been called!

As a born and raised Fort McMurray resident, I quickly learned to accept the cold snowy weather and find different things to do. That is one of the many reasons I own 25 Alaskan Huskies. I train and race sled dogs in various competitions anywhere from Montana to Alaska every year. It all started about 14 years ago, I thought it was a good idea to hook up my little brother to a GT snow racer and get him to pull me around the neighborhood. It worked out well, until my mother found out what I was up to and that was the end of that! Shortly after I taught our German Shepherd, Cheyenne, to pull me around and I was hooked!

In 2011, I finally got my first sled dog and a real dog sled. It wasn’t too long before I had my own team and entered my first race here in Fort McMurray, the 3 Forts Sled Dog Race that was part of the 2011 Syncrude Regional WinterPLAY Carnival. The race route was 176 miles from Fort McMurray to Fort Chipewyan on the Athabasca River. Since then I have competed in several different races, some were quite easy and others were really difficult. There are periods of time where I spend three or four nights alone in the wilderness with just my dogs. Once you go winter camping once, you quickly learn what NOT to forget for the next time.

A lot of people ask me the same question: “Why do you love winter so much?” My response is always the same: I spend almost every day outside in the winter, but I am spending the days with my dogs. We explore different parts of North American by dog sled, places most people haven’t even seen before. At night you are surrounded by the Northern Lights, and when you are out in the woods away from the city lights the show is spectacular. You don’t have to have a team of huskies to enjoy the winter months, there are a lot of other great things to do! So get out of the house and find something you enjoy doing, it will make the winter season feel shorter and a lot more fun!

Rink Opening

Live as an Artist

Some people believe there is no economic value in the arts and becoming an artist, following one’s creative sensibilities, will only end in a life of poverty and struggle. But this negative belief is simply not true seeing as any rewarding career involves struggle and even in some of the most remote places in Canada talented artists are proving that you can make a living from your passion. In Nunavut, like no other place in Canada, the arts are commercially alive, positively impacting the economy, and creating fulltime careers in places where employment can be limited. Nordicity’s (a leading consulting firm specializing in policy, strategy, and economic analysis in the media, creative and information and communications technology sectors) 2010 Economic Impact Study: Nunavut Arts and Crafts Final Report states:

 In only the few generations that it has existed, Nunavut’s commercial arts and crafts sector has grown to impressive levels. Through its multiple stages from material supply, to product creation and wholesale and retail distribution, the sector generates a total economic impact of $33.4 million annually, leading to 1,068 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs – all from a territorial population of 32,558.  However, straight economic metrics such as contribution to gross domestic product and FTEs do not do Nunavut’s arts and crafts sector full justice. Because of the occasional nature of arts and crafts production, it is estimated that roughly 3,000 Nunavut residents earn some income annually from arts sales. These arts sales, which generate in total more than $27 million in direct payment to artists, eventually result in more than $50 million in end consumer sales, with more than $30 million generated through retailers in the rest of Canada (outside of Nunavut) and around the world.

The art industry in Nunavut not only creates jobs but also allows Nunavummiut to express their culture and way of life, creating a cultural bridge to them and the outside world. The report goes on to assert:

Beyond financial impacts, the arts and crafts sector represents a key piece of Nunavut society. Arts and crafts production provides more than direct employment opportunities; it allows Nunavummiut to be both artists and entrepreneurs in a very self-sustaining fashion by literally creating saleable products with materials gathered from the land…Nunavut arts and crafts provide a constantly evolving representation of the land and its people. Nunavut artists continue to use numerous media – sculpture, tapestries, prints, clothing, sketches, traditional crafts and jewelry, to name a few – to express themselves and their lifestyle to the rest of the world. As the territory continues to evolve culturally, art will provide one outlet to express the blending of old and new cultures. With the proper support to provide access to training, materials and markets, Nunavut’s artists will also continue to translate cultural and artistic expression into significant economic benefits.

So if you are a closet artist wishing that you can make a living doing what you love it is possible even in the most remote areas of Canada. There are many municipal, provincial and federal grants and programs available for artists. So what are you waiting for? Take a leap of faith and live the life you want!

If you live in the Wood Buffalo area and you are looking for ways to start your career as an artist but need some assistance, the Community Strategies Coordinators working for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, are here to help you. You can contact us at recreationandculture@woodbuffalo.ab.ca  or by phone at (780)743-7966.

Arts Council Wood Buffalo is another great local resource helping artists achieve their goals. Contact Arts Council Wood Buffalo at: info@artscouncilwb.ca or by phone at (780) 804-5751.

For the full 2010 Economic Impact Study: Nunavut Arts and Crafts Final Report please visit http://assembly.nu.ca/library/GNedocs/2010/000056-e.pdf

Keyano College’s New Art & Design Certificate Program

If you are an artist pursuing a career in the arts or just looking to enhance your skills, registration is now open for Keyano College’s new Art & Design Certificate program. This one year, intensive program establishing art and design fundamentals begins September 20th. A portfolio is not required for admission. This program allows students to gain experience in areas like printmaking, drawing, and design fundamentals.

“Our program is unique in Alberta and will help students develop a comprehensive portfolio that can be used to apply to any Art and Design program in North America,” said Catherine Koch, Keyano College’s Vice President, Academic.

“This certificate program will help students acquire the skills for a career in any number of creative fields including architecture, graphic designer, art therapist, interior design, or animator,” said Erin Schwab, Visual Art and Design instructor at Keyano College. “We have a world class studio setting for art and design and highly qualified faculty who are dedicated to empowering the creativity of our students.”

Students who complete the Art & Design program will be eligible to transfer into year two of a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Design degree at the Alberta College of Art and Design. For those choosing to study at another school, all of the Art and Design courses transfer to any number of degree programs at post-secondary institutions in Canada.

To discuss admission requirements, learn more about the program or arrange for a visit to our state of the art facilities please email art@keyano.ca.

If you are passionate about arts and culture and have been pursuing it as a full time career then apply today to the Community Strategies Coordinator II position with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The chosen candidate will become a member of Community Services, working closely with community groups, art organizations and non- for profits to grow, promote, and support arts and culture and community development within the Region.

To apply go to https://rmwb.taleo.net/careersection/rmwb/jobdetail.ftl

Thank you and good luck on your application. 

Children's Author Michael Kusugak Comes to Fort McMurray

 

Frosty Michael and Geraldine

The Rotary Club of Fort McMurray and the Fort McMurray Public Library are pleased to present A Family Evening of Storytelling, featuring award winning children’s author, Michael Kusugak. All ages are welcome to attend this event which will be taking place tomorrow at the Fort McMurray Public Library, 6:30pm– 7:30pm.

Michael Kusugak grew up in Repulse Bay, NWT (now Nunavut). Until the age of twelve Michael and his family lived a traditional Inuit lifestyle, living in igloos, travelling by dog sled, hunting, fishing and storytelling. In Inuit culture storytellers learn their craft as children by listening to the tales of their elders.  These ancient and compelling legends are told over and over again, changing only slightly with each new teller. Michael’s performances are said to leave audiences both young and old mesmerized and wanting more.

Michael currently lives in Rankin Inlet, on the west coast of Hudson's Bay. He is the author of seven picture books, including Northern Lights: The Soccer Trails, winner of the Ruth Schwartz Award; Hide and Seek; My Arctic 1, 2, 3; and Baseball Bats for Christmas; and was co-writer of A Promise Is a Promise (with Robert Munsch). He was awarded The Writers’ Trust of Canada award and The Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature in 2008. 

The Vicky Metcalf Award honours a Canadian author of children’s literature whose body of work is judged to demonstrate the highest literary standards. This is what the jury had to say about Michael's work;  

Michael’s children stories are primarily set in the 1950’s of his childhood in Repulse Bay, a small Inuit community of only 100 people, at the north end of Hudson’s Bay within the Arctic Circle. He draws upon personal experiences of living in the North. He reflects upon the beauty of the Arctic landscape, its variety of seasonal change and animal and human activities, the close knit life of the Inuit community, the presence of mythic imagery and belief. Kusugak’s voice is unique with Inuit diction and metaphor — falling stars are “star droppings”. Kusugak writes of family love, folk tricksters, residential school, pre-contact era shamanism in a unifying spirit of place and culture, offering Canadian child and adult readers a living version of a rich way of life.  (-2008 Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature Jury: Jean Little (Guelph, Ontario), Susan Perren (Toronto), and Judith Saltman (Vancouver)).

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of storytelling with one of Canada’s greatest storytellers, tomorrow, 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Fort McMurray Public Library. For more information please contact the Fort McMurray Public Library’s Children's Help Desk: 780-743-7804. 

We Are Hiring!

There is currently a job opening for a temporary (12 months), full time Coordinator II position within the Community Strategies Branch of the Community Services Department. 

The successful candidate will lead most aspects for the development of strategic community partnerships that enable citizens and user groups to develop community programs, projects, and events, to deal with issues, operate facilities, and establish systems; and to empower them to take ownership. 

Areas of focus include: arts/culture, beautification, sports/recreation, youth development, organizational development, and administration of special events and programs. 

Visit www.woodbuffalo.ab.ca/employment for more information.

Daniel Gillies Releases First Solo Album

Local musician and guitarist, Daniel Gillies, is set to release his first solo album self titled, Dan Gillies, October 19th. The album is as rich and diverse as Daniel’s musical talents featuring every­thing from Clas­sic Rock to Modal Jazz, Latin & Coun­try to Acoustic Fin­ger­style, a Jazz Chord Solo arrange­ment to a mod­ern hymn and finally an original Celtic Man­dolin piece. Daniel would like to invite all music fans to come and celebrate the release of his first solo compilation at the Fort McMurray Alliance Church, 101 Spruce Street, October 19th, at 7pm. Daniel will be playing songs from Dan Gillies with local talents Jay Chinn, Bill McCrone and Gord Ponak plus special guests.

Daniel holds a Diploma from Grant MacE­wan Uni­ver­sity in Music Per­for­mance, major­ing in Jazz and Con­tem­po­rary Music. He also holds a Music Diploma from Keyano Col­lege, major­ing in Clas­si­cal and Jazz Guitar. Over his career Daniel has par­tic­i­pated in a num­ber of rock and country bands, jazz ensem­bles, and has col­lab­o­rated with a diverse number of musi­cians and artists across West­ern Canada. He has opened for music stars such as: The Trews, George Canyon, One More Girl, Bach­man & Turner and Dia­mond Rio. Daniel has per­formed through­out Alberta includ­ing the Win­spear Cen­tre in Edmon­ton but being a faithful husband and father of three he prefers staying at home to the open road. You may have heard Dan play at many local events includ­ing: the North­ern Clas­sic, Canada ROCKS, Arctic Win­ter Games (2004), Sum­mers End, Inter­PLAY, Win­ter­PLAY, A Taste of Fort McMur­ray, the Oil­sands Ban­quet, the Mac­Don­ald Island Art Gallery and the Keyano Gala. In the Fort McMur­ray cor­po­rate and social scene, Daniel preforms with local Jazz Quar­tet, A Touch of Class. 

As a Wor­ship Musi­cian, Daniel has dedicated his talents to the Fort McMurray, Alliance Church Music Min­istry. He has played for numer­ous churches across North­ern Alberta and is one of the gui­tarists fea­tured on the record Do Justly, a live wor­ship CD released in Fort McMur­ray.

Daniel is also a highly sought after music teacher at Keyano Col­lege Con­ser­va­tory where he has been instructing and inspiring students for the last five years. He is the co-directed of the gui­tar fran­chise Guitar Church in Fort McMur­ray and works with the organization creating affordable music workshops for children and youth across Canada and the United States.

Daniel Gillies solo album, Dan Gillies, can be purchased on iTunes and at Campbell’s Music starting October 19th. For more information or to hire Daniel for a special event please visit his website http://dangilliesmusic.com

Timberlea School, Second Annual Benefit Concert

                                       

                                

Come and enjoy some great music while helping your community at the Timberlea School Second Annual Benefit Concert, Friday, October 2, 6pm - 9pm. Timberlea School will be collecting monetary donations for their Breakfast Program and gently used instruments for Instruments of Change program run by the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As a fun and interactive addition to the Benefit Concert there will be a song circle or "round robin" in the atrium at the end of the concert where audience members can bring their own instruments and participate.

Timberlea School Breakfast Program is run by parent volunteers who provide healthy breakfasts to hungry students, ensuring they get a great start to the day and are ready to learn. This program costs approximately $6,000 per year and relies on donations.  If you are interested in supporting this amazing program, please contact Jessica Balsom or Rick Thorne at (780) 743-5771.

The Legacy Children’s Foundation focuses on supporting financially challenged, at risk, children and youth providing them with musical instruments and the financial resources to pay for lessons from exceptional, local, musicians. Participants also receive various music-related workshops that introduce them to the many career options available to them in the music industry. Instructors are selected not merely for their musical talents but for their ability to mentor and form positive relationships with their students. The primary objectives of this program are to assist youth to complete their education and to stay on a positive life path. The Legacy Gift of Music programs are an amazing opportunity for youth looking to explore the world of music, form new friendships, and realize their potential as human beings. To learn more about the Legacy Children’s Foundation and ways for you to get involved please visit www.legacygiftofmusic.com

                                                                          Write-On

If you have an imaginative child who loves to tell stories enroll them into Write-On. Write-On, a joint project between Fort McMurray Public Library and Keyano College writing instructor Ryan Cox, is a four session workshop in which children between the ages of eight and eleven can learn the art of creative writing. The workshop will feature genres such as poetry, prose, and drama.  The program will run October 10^th and 31^st, as well as November 7^th and 28^th. For more information on Write-On and other programs offered through the Fort McMurray Public Library please visit their website www.fmpl.ca