George Socka Mash-Up of King Street. 1927 and Now!

 HISTORIC MASH-UP OF CITYSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHS

George Socka's historic 1927 King St. near the Royal Alexander Theatre, Toronto

Photographer George Socka on the streets of Toronto

A friend of mine, videographer / photographer George Socka, has developed a mash-up technique for historic and modern Toronto streetscape photographs. His works will soon be on display here in Toronto.

What George does is find old B&W archival pictures from the last century and then takes his camera  out onto the street to make history of his own.  He finds  where an old photograph was taken and then retakes the picture from the same spot and angle using modern digital photographic equipment. Back in his studio he does a mash-up of old and new, black and white, film and digital. Amazing results. His Toronto pictures are going to be part of a new free exhibition at Todmorden Mills here in the Big Smoke. 

Above is one of his streetscape mash-ups taken on King Street near the Royal Alex. 

What follows  is a listing I will soon be sending out about George's mash-ups and the Citscapes free exhibition.

Beach Photo Club presents Toronto Cityscapes

The Exhibition: 19 photographers from the Beach Photo Club will be taking over the Papermill gallery at Todmorden Mills on Pottery Road from February 27 to March with a collection 45 images of Toronto Cityscapes. This exhibition features works that explore all of the beauty that Toronto landscape has to offer.

Dates and Times: February 27 to March 10, 2013
Reception: Saturday March 2, 2013 2 pm to 4 pm
Gallery hours: Saturday, Sunday 12 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12 - 4 pm
Monday, Tuesday Closed

Photo artists include: Adam Tatarnic, Andrew Oliver, Anthony George, Catherine Mackinnon, Chris Borcsok, David Sweeney, Deborah Ryan, George Socka, Jennifer Vieira, Joanne Quinn, John Wallace, Jude Marion, Mark Kremblewski , Maureen Littlewood, Michael McAuley, Randy Rebolos, Robert Greatrix, Sarah Boutilier, and Selby Shanly. Images will be available for sale by the artists.

About the Beach Photo Club: The Beach Photo Club's mandate is to promote members interest and knowledge of photography, to provide activities and services as agreed by the members and to promote the appreciation and participation in the photographic Arts website http://www.beachphotoclub.com/

About the Papermill Gallery: Set in the scenic Don Valley, Todmorden Mills Heritage Site is a complex of historic buildings which were once part of the small industrial community of Todmorden. Today the site consists of two historic millers' homes dating from the early
19th century, the Brewery building and the recently renovated Papermill Theatre and Gallery. Access is from Pottery Road off Bayview Extension, or south off Broadview Avenue

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Contact Andre Oliver andrewo@chass.utoronto.ca for more information

Festival CEO Denise Herrera Jackson to MC Toronto Symposium

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto Media Update

ROM Carnival Symposium - Exploring the Cultural Identity of Mas- this Saturday. Mas movie - Sunday

This Saturday, February 22^nd, Denise Herrera Jackson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto festival will be the MC of the Royal Ontario Museum's Symposium which will examine the historical and creative facets of Carnival. Keynote speaker at the daylong event is Trinidad's Brian Mac Farlane, a Mas costume designer who has won the title, the Carnival King of the World.

Carnival originated in Trinidad, and is celebrated throughout the Caribbean, in North and South America,  Australia, Africa and England. Toronto's festival attracts over a million spectators a year, making it the largest such event in the world. In Toronto, as with all other Carnivals, participants wear elaborate costumes decorated with feathers and sequins. Carnival Masquerade (Mas) bands are organized groups made up of participants who wear costumes fashioned by a designer and assembled by teams of volunteers. The costumed participants dance through the streets to the sounds of Soca music - this is called "playing mas'".

Denise Herrera Jackson

The Royal Ontario Museum's daylong symposium about Carnival is free with admission to the gallery.  It runs from 10:30 to 4:30 on Saturday February 23rd and will look at how Carnival has become a cultural celebration of global proportions that takes up new relevance and meaning in the various contexts where it manifests itself.  There will be eight speakers at the conference, including: Carnival researcher Lyndon Phillip, York University Caribbean Studies Professor, Gena Chang Campbell and Toronto Mas band leader (Carnival Revolution) Osei Brand. 

Mr. Mac Farlane will also be at the ROM on Sunday February 23^rd  for the screening of The Insatiable Season a movie about Mr. Mac Farlane and the 2006 Trinidad carnival.  Mr. Mac Farlane will discuss the film following the 1 p.m screening.

 
55-year old Brian Mac Farlane has been designing carnival costumes and floats since he was 15. During the 1990s, Mac Farlane’s many accolades and awards as a carnival designer included: South King of Carnival for Prisma Man of Colour (1993), National King of Carnival and Best Designer for The Conquest (1994), the latter of which would go on to win Carnival King of the World, at the first ever International King and Queen of Carnival Competition. Mac Farlane’s creations beat out participants from 38 other countries.

Mac Farlane has won Trinidad's Large Band of the Year Downtown title for the past seven years and the Large Band of the Year Uptown title for the last six years. He has also designed for international carnivals, winning Band of the Year in Australia and Canada. In 2010, Mac Farlane was awarded Trinidad and Tobago’s prestigious National Chaconia Medal Gold for Carnival Arts and Culture.  For the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games, Mac Farlane was commissioned to design costumes for one of their twelve cultural performances. Some 2500 performers paraded these costumes.

Both the symposium and the film screening will take place in the Royal Ontario Museum's Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre.  The ROM is located at the corner of Bloor Street  and Avenue Road in downtown Toronto.  The programmes are free with admission to the Museum, attendees are asked to RSVP at: 416.586.5797 or by emailing programs@rom.on.ca.

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Media wishing to cover the weekend events must contact the Royal Ontario Museum PR department at Media 416.586.5744 or by emailing media@rom.on.ca

Charles Taylor Prize Authors on Stage at Harbourfront with Kenneth Whyte

ALL FIVE CHARLES TAYLOR PRIZE FINALISTS IN CONVERSATION
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Get to know the authors behind the books shortlisted for the prestigious Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction at an unforgettable evening hosted by Kenneth Whyte, president of Rogers Publishing and presented by Authors at Harbourfront Centre and Maclean’s magazine.

Moderator David Staines engages each author to reveal the stories behind their books and their writing process.

·      Carol Bishop-Gwyn talks about The Pursuit of Perfection: A Life of Celia Franca

·      Tim Cook talks about Warlords: Borden, Mackenzie King, and Canada’s World Wars

·      Sandra Djwa talks about Journey with No Maps: A Life of P.K. Page

·      Ross King talks about Leonardo and The Last Supper and

·      Andrew Preston talks about Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith: Religion in American War and Diplomacy

ONE EVENING – FIVE REMARKABLE AUTHORS – Wednesday, February 27^th – 7:30 pm

Brigantine Room, York Quay Centre, 235 Queen’s Quay West

For tickets: http://www.readings.org/?q=weekly/ctp

The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction is presented by RBC Wealth Management and commemorates the life and work of the late Charles Taylor, one of Canada’s foremost essayists and a prominent member of the Canadian literary community. Charles Taylor was a foreign correspondent with The Globe and Mail and the author of four books: Radical Tories; Reporter in Red China; Six Journeys: A Canadian Pattern; and Snow Job.

The Charles Taylor Prize recognizes excellence in Canadian non-fiction writing and emphasizes the development of the careers of the authors it celebrates. It is awarded annually to the author whose book best combines a superb command of the English language, an elegance of style, and a subtlety of thought and perception. For more information: www.thecharlestaylorprize.ca and on Twitter @taylorprize. 

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Media contact: Stephen Weir  & Associates

Stephen Weir: Direct: 416.489.5868 | Cell: 416-801-3101 | stephen@stephenweir.com

Wedneday is Bob Marley Day in Toronto

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THE DIVERSITY BUSINESS NETWORK and THE TORONTO BOB MARLEY COMMITTEE

Toronto Humanitarians to be honoured at Bob Marley Day ceremony - City Hall

TORONTO: On Wednesday morning it will be One Love in the Toronto City Council chambers as the council proclaims February 6^th, Bob Marley Day in Toronto. There will be live music in City Hall following the proclamation and the Bob Marley Committee will make Bob Marley humanitarian award presentations to eight well-known Torontonians

“This marks the 22nd year that the  City of Toronto has official declared Bob Marley Day (which began with former Mayor Art Eggleton),” said Courtney Betty, Chairperson of the Bob Marley Day Committee. “  Bob Marley said One Love.  So, each year we take time to honour the best of the best, people - acting in the diversity spirit of Bob Marley’s One Love,- who have worked hard to make our City a better place for all.  As the diverse population continues its tremendous growth, it becomes even more critical that the doors of opportunities are open to all. “

The Bob Marley Award Ceremony will be held in Committee Room 1 at City Hall (100 Queen Street) beginning at 10am. There will be a reception from 11am to noon, with live music by Barrett Brackin and the Band. Spoken word poetry will be performed by Al St. Louis.

Scheduled to receive the Bob Marley Award this year are:

Ben Hum - President and Co-founder of the NAAAP Toronto ((North American Association of Asian Professionals); Director of Business Development, Investwise Team, Dundee Wealth

Manuel Rodriguez - CEO and Founder of Unikron (leading video production company)

Marlon Reid - Vice President of Treasury Credit, Investment Banking, TD Securities

Pamela Appelt - Retired Judge of Court of Canadian Citizenship

Pradeep Sood- CEO of Starling Corporation; Founder of XactScribe  (Canadian based provider of Medical, Legal and Business transcription services)

Rowan Barrett - Executive Vice President of Senior Men’s Team at Basketball Canada

Scott Crowley - Regional Managing Partner of Advisory Services at MNP, LLP

Aubrey Drake Graham - Recording Artist, Universal Motown; Founder of OVO Records

Bob Marley is a global icon, a musical prophet, whose words and vision forever changed the world. His image and music evoke a rich legacy and emotional connection that transcends generation, ethnicity, gender, and geography. In today's high paced, tech-driven world, Bob Marley's message of unity, freedom, peace, empowerment and love have never been more relevant.

The public is welcome to attend the event. Media and guests are asked to register with the Bob Marley Committee, by email (Kara@diversitybusinessnetwork.com), phone 647-391-5272 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bobmarleydaytoronto

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For further information and to register:

Kara Lambie

Bob Marley Day Event Manager

Diversity Business Network

Toronto

Kara@diversitybusinessnetwork.com

647-391-5272

www.facebook.com/bobmarleydaytoronto

www.torontobobmarleyday.com (COMING SOON)

Issued by:

Stephen Weir

Stephen Weir & Associate

Toronto, ON

416-489-5868

416-801-3101 cell

www.stephenweir.com

Canadian Artists Are Ask To Think About Isaac Brock!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… January 30, 2013

Private donor provides $1 million to Brock University for art commission

Painting - Isaac Brock

On behalf of a major donor and Brock University, Cultural Asset Management Group (CAM Group) is seeking a Canadian artist to produce a $1 million work of art to commemorate Isaac Brock in time for the 50^th anniversary of Brock University. The St Catharines, Ontario university was founded in 1964.

 “CAM Group is proud to play a role in honouring Isaac Brock, one of the founding fathers of Canada.  This major commission is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for artists to make visible the founding dynamic and legend of a nation. This commission is at least as much about the future as it is about the past. Brock University and its generous donor are calling upon and significantly investing in Canadian artists to honour and celebrate our history", said Shelley Falconer, CEO of Toronto based, Cultural Asset Management Group.

Brock University has issued a formal Request for Proposals laying out the key parameters for artist selection and the work itself. The artist will be selected by April 1, 2013 to complete the work of art by May 2014.

Any artist who would like to be sent the RFP, should send their email address and other contact information to the project art consultant, Cultural Asset Management Group, info@camgroup.ca or visit their website at www.camgroup.ca.
 

For Further Information:

Stephen Weir
Stephen Weir and Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com
www.stephenweir.com twitter: sweirweir

Everybody Needs A Publicist ... except St. Joseph

ST JOESPH (AND BABY JESUS) TO THE RESCUE. BIBLE MAGIC FOR HOME OWNERS SELLING IN A BUYER'S MARKET
(first published in Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/stephen-weir/st-josephs-mojo-moves-hom_b_2506523.html )

St Joe statue in Toronto store's joke section - sweir photo

I have been a publicist for has-been TV stars, up-and-coming authors, and even convicted (but innocent) murderers. So I am probably the last person that should be canvassed for an opinion, but I believe that aside from St. Joseph, everyone and every product needs a publicist.
As I like to say: Bad news? Good news?  Not enough news?  In need of an ego boost? Have Press Release, Will Travel! St. Joseph is the big exception – and that is thanks to me, in my role as a very active word-of-mouth publicist!
One need only look in the backyards of desperate home owners praying to sell their homes in a buyer’s market to see why He doesn’t need a holier than though public relations firm.  St Joseph is the man. He was the husband of Mary, the Mother of the Saviour Jesus Christ.  He is now the patron saint of real estate agents.
He has global fame, albeit, from beyond the grave, that can't be matched by the drawing power of mere-mortal movie stars. He doesn't need no stinking backstage badges, PR agents or press kits.  He is an above ground, underground and half-in-the-ground world-class star.
Right now, although you won’t likely hear about it anywhere else except on this blog, Joseph is the saint you call on when you can't sell your house! 
"Bury him backwards in your backyard, make sure you put him upside down facing the house," said my California real estate agent a few years ago. " Once you have planted him, step back and wait for the offers to come in!"
I called my wife back in Toronto and told her about St Joseph, the patron saint of lost real estate causes. We were having trouble selling our Cabbagetown home. It was a down market. The curb value had dipped when a thief broke into our house during a real estate agents' open house!
My spouse went to a Bible Store and asked for a statue of Joseph. " Sorry, we are all out of single statues, " said the clerk. " We only have Joseph carrying the Baby Jesus. Want them?"
"Fine, I will take it," my wife replied.  "No need to wrap them up." She drove back home and planted the plaster statue, taking care to keep Baby Jesus’ head out of the dirt. One day later, we had an offer on the house!
Two months ago I told that true story of Joseph to my business associate and urged her to get digging. She and her husband have built a home on Lake Simcoe and are leaving their large Oakville home behind. Trouble is, a year ago she would have gotten multiple offers for the place -- this time of year, things were very bleak.
" I did buy St Joseph, just like you said," my colleague told me over the phone." I went to a church store and asked for Him.  I told the clerk what you told me to do.  She had never heard of it before. She laughed and thought the store should advertise their St Joe statues to real estate agents."
St Joseph, sans Baby Jesus, was planted in the backyard of the Oakville home. The next day my friends had TWO offers for their home.  They sold their home and as I write this they are busy packing!
At Christmas time, a single mom who comes by my office every week to clean up after me, complained that she had put her house on the market in the fall and found a buyer, only to have the deal go sour two-days before closing.  Since then, no one has shown an interest in her Toronto property.
I told her the story about St Joseph.  She decided to give it a try. The next week she came back to tell me the ground was frozen and she hadn't been able to bury Joe.  The house was still unsold.
"Buy a flower pot and put him in it," was my sage advice.  "Make sure he is upside down and facing the house."
Today, she came up to my office to thank me for the tip. Her house was sold above-list a day after the pot was put out.  She moves in mid-February.
I never can keep my mouth shut about folk tales, especially when they are true. I should patent my stories. My tale about St Joseph has spread around the world.  I was in a store on the Danforth buying bacon flavoured candies (don't ask) and noticed that a California company was capitalizing on St Joseph and selling, for just $9.99 a plastic statue of his likeness for backyard home-for-sale burials.
BTW - even though home sellers across North America have profited from my sage advice, sadly our family did not.  We did bury St Joseph in our backyard and we did accept a great offer on our 120-year old downtown Toronto house. But, one of my sons, a toddler at the time, didn't understand why the man and baby were buried in the backyard. He pulled the statue out and gave it to my wife.  Minutes later the phone rang, the buyers were backing out.
Joseph was reburied, but to little avail. It took another three months and a price cut before we sold and moved. Joseph came with us. It wasn't his fault. And who knows what happens to your new house if you toss out the old home's Mojo?

Biography of Carol Bishop-Gwyn - shortlisted author for this year's Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction

 

Carol Bishop-Gwyn

(This is an updated biography for Carol Bishop-Gwn - it is more detailed than what we used in the Prize press kit )

“Ballet enthralled me as a little girl, but it soon became apparent that I lacked the ‘right stuff’ to become a ballerina.

I became a spectator with my parents, who brought me to performances of The National Ballet of Canada. My most vivid memory from those years is of watching Margot Fonteyn with London’s Royal Ballet perform on a stage that had been constructed overtop of the ice rink  at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. My parents and I were sat way back in the greys watching little stick figures. Nonetheless, I was mesmerized.

As an adult, I switched my allegiance to contemporary dance – early modern western theatrical dance, to retreat into academic speak.  While taking a dance survey course at Harvard University, I discovered a pioneer of modern dance, the Canadian-born Maud Allan, who in her day was just as famous as Isadora Duncan. She served me splendidly as the basis for my post-graduate degrees in Fine Arts: Dance History. 

For several years, I lived in Moscow and then London, where my love of the ballet was rekindled.

Back in Toronto in 1992, I was once again in the audience at National Ballet of Canada performances. Occasionally I brought my teenage son, bribing him with a dinner at Shopsy’s before crossing the road to the O’Keefe Centre (now the Sony Centre). One night on the drive home after one of those rare transformative performances of Romeo and Juliet, he turned to me and said, ‘If you tell anyone that I really liked that ballet, I’ll never talk to you again.’ It’s too good a story to hide forever; my adult son and I are still talking.

As I explain in the introduction to my book, Celia Franca as a topic dropped into my lap, and so I felt it was meant to be. There were times during the writing of the book when I wondered if Celia was out there stirring things up. Sitting with friends one day, a bird I’d never seen before landed close by in a bush. I was told it was a cowbird. Recently someone had compared Celia Franca to a cowbird.  Was that bird watching me?”

Carol Bishop-Gwyn is a writer and dance historian. She has taught courses at York University, Ryerson University, and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Bishop-Gwyn has worked as a broadcaster and producer for CBC National Radio and as a freelance magazine writer.