March 2011

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News Flash

Photo: Sophie and Patrice from the Music Hall in Sainte-Adele attended the event.

On Wednesday, March 30, the 26^th annual gala “Grand Prix du Tourisme Desjardins Laurentides” took place at the St. Sauveur theatre. The “Who’s Who” in the Laurentian Tourist Industry partook in the annual event in the aim of keeping the Laurentians the place of choice for tourists. There was a cocktail hour with a selection of local wine, and delicacies. Laurentian tourism president Claude Lapointe, and General Manager Diane Leblond cheerfully opened the evening with a look into the future of tourism in our region. Comedian Chantal Lamarre took the podium, and called presenters and finalists to share the stage with her. She playfully selected Marc Geoffrey, Regional Vice President of “Caisse Populaire” as co-host. The humour and laughter was augmented with winners’ unforgettable comic moments. Then the floor rumbled with the base and drums of the Bobby Bazini band, and the audience loved it!

Notable winners were: Mont Saint Sauveur (The Viking), Ride Shakedown Festival (St. Sauveur), Argenteuil Bike Trail (Lachute), Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard Fresh Air Center, Hamel Honda tourist services (St. Eustache), the Jury’s Choice: Mont-Tremblant 24-hour Ski event, and the Public Choice: The Mont-Laurier Summer Art School. The Tourism Personality award went to artist René Derouin. Lodging: Hotel-Spa Watel of Ste. Agathe de Mont, the Swiss Village of Val David, who also won the “Employer of the Year” title, Camping Ste. Veronique of Red River and the B & B Café Ô Lit. Restaurants: Gold - Le Cheval de Jade (Mont-Tremblant); Silver - sEb l’artisan culinaire (Mont-Tremblant); Bronze - Bistrot-élégant Les Copains d’abord (Mont-Tremblant). Regional Specialty products: Labonté Apple orchard and honey (Oka), and Pure Lavande, perfumery (Saint-Eustache).

The Laurentians are ready for a great summer season with lots of activities, delicacies, and places to enjoy!

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List of winners and honourable mentions in all categories:

Lodging - in four categories: 3 stars - Hotel-Spa Watel (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts); Tourist Residence - Le Village Suisse (Val-David) who also won “Employer of the Year award”; Camping – Camping municipal Sainte-Véronique (Rivière-Rouge); B&B - Café Ô Lit (Sainte-Adèle). Honourable Mention - Escale du Nord (Mont Tremblant).

Tourist Attraction - Mont Saint-Sauveur (« Le Viking »).

Festival/Tourist Event - RIDE Shakedown (Saint-Sauveur).

Regional Specialties - the two candidates - Labonté de la pomme, (Oka) Apple orchard and honey, and Pure Lavande, Lavender products (Saint-Eustache), shared the winner’s award.

Fresh-air tourism - VéloRoute d’Argenteuil (Lachute).

Tourist service - Centre Hamel Honda (Saint-Eustache); Honorable mention - Autobus Le Petit Train du Nord (Saint-Jérôme).

Durable Tourism – 46o North Resorts Inc. - Centre de villégiature 46o Nord (La Macaza); and honourable mention went to the Ste. Agathe-des-Monts Chamber of Commerce,

Jury’s Choice – « Le 24h de ski de Tremblant »

Environment/Landscape protection – Municipality of Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard - Fresh Air Center (Centre de plein air.)

Public Choice Winner - École d’été des arts et métiers d’art de Mont-Laurier (public vote on the website www.laurentides.com).

Restaurants : Gold Table - Restaurant Le Cheval de Jade (Mont-Tremblant); Silver Table - sEb l’artisan culinaire (Mont-Tremblant); Bronze Table - Bistrot-élégant Les Copains d’abord (Mont-Tremblant).

Recognized Tourism Employees - Diane Ouellet, Chief Accountant Station Mont-Tremblant

Hélène Ogleman, Corporate Relations, Station Mont-Tremblant

Martin Poirier, Team Leader, Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant

Tourism Journalism - Mireille Villeneuve de Flèche Mag - For the article : « Val-David, village authentique »

Honourable mention - Nathalie Deraspe La Presse touristique - for article : « Une route sucrée… celle de l’érable »

The Multi-disciplinary artist René Derouin of Val David was awarded Tourism personality of the year for his exemplary contribution to cultural tourism.

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Please note - material on this page is presented in the following sequence: Dance, Music, On Stage & Visual Arts

Dance

Threshold

This is a Trio for a dancer Tomomi Morimoto, a martial artist Rénald Meunier Daure, and a musician Komodo. Dancer Morimoto blends her own vision of contemporary dance with elements inspired by two powerful physical traditions, Butoh (Japanese performance art) and Wushu (Chinese martial art), accompanied by musician Komodo. Tomomi Morimoto was born in Tokyo, began her dancing career at a very early age. In 1998, she joined the EAST dance group and was its lead dancer for six years. She moved to Montreal in 2004, and performed with various dance groups. She draws on her training in ballet, figure skating, physical theatre and contemporary dance and blends these with elements of Butoh, to create her own unique language that is intricate, primal and highly physical. Musician Komodo used for this show didgeridoo, Turkish flute, Mexican flute, throat signing, overtone singing, Chinese percussion and more, in a 52-minute original music created specifically for this show.

Mar., 16 to Mar., 20, at the MAI (Montreal Arts Intercultural), 3680, Jeanne-Mance Street, Montreal, Wed., - Sat., 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets at box office: 3680, Jeanne-Mance Street, 514 982-3386 ext. 22. Tickets: $20, $18 (65+). Wednesday: 2 tickets for the price of 1! Friday: discussion with the artist after the performance. http://www.tomomimorimoto.com/

Music

Geneviève Jodoin - G

Geneviève Jodoin will be accompanied by four musicians performing music from her first album entitled « G ». Sat., Mar., 5, 8 p.m. Tickets: $25. Théâtre du Marais, 1201, 10e Avenue, Val Morin, theatredumarais@cgocable.ca 819 322 1414.

Belles soirées de la chapelle

Wonny Song – Piano

This young pianist will play music by: Bach, Beethoven, Schumann et Chopin. Born in South Korea Wonny Song grew up in Montreal and began his piano career at the age of 8. Since then he received numerous awards and scholarships. As well as the 2010 "Canadian Musician Award". He gave recitals in France, Italy, Holland, Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan and the United States, where he performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. as well as many other locations. The concert will open with a performance by the young pianist Yogane Lacombe, winner of the 2010 Laurentian Young Musicians contest. Sat., Mar., 5, 8 p.m. Tickets: $30 at the door, $22 advance purchase. Chapelle St-Bernard, 1720, ch. Pierre-Péladeau, Sainte-Adèle. www.fondationsaint-bernard.com 450-229-7731.

Men in Jazz

A Jazz group founded in 2006 by Gabriel Bertrand Gagnon (pianist/singer), and Alexis Grant-Lefebre (trombone).   These two were joined by Etienne Mason (drums) and Francis Nadeau (Base). The group won the gold medal at the 15th Laurentian Young Musicians Festival in 2010. Sun. Mar. 6, 2 p.m. Tickets: $15. Théâtre du Marais: 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin. theatredumarais@cgocable.ca 819 322-1414.

Fascination - Claude Marroni - Magician

For the whole family, adults and children alike - a captivating magic show for Spring Break, and the “Festival des Neiges de Prévost”. Sun., Mar., 6, 3 p.m. Tickets: $10.. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994 rue Principale in Prévost. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com.

Michel Faubert

Story-telling and traditional Quebec songs combined, Michel Faubert is accompanied by folklore instrumentalists. Fri., Mar., 11, 8 p.m. Tickets: $30 Salle Antony-Lessard, 101, Place du Curé-Labelle, Saint-Jérôme. www.enscene.ca 450 432-0660.

Patrick Kearney - Classical guitar

Patrick Kearney is a composer, guitarist and artistic director of the Montreal Guitar Festival, fascinates audiences with his technical virtuosity. Patrick has been a top-prize winner in several international competitions. He has been aired on American and Canadian radio & television. On the concert scene, he has premiered many Canadian & International works. He plays music that was written by new composers such as: Daniel Boyer, Carlos Rafael Rivera, Robert Frederick Jones, Jacques Hétu, and Alcide Lanza. The pure sound that he emits from his guitar can be described as languid and lyrical though the compositions are at times a bit discordant. Sat., Mar., 12, 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994 rue Principale in Prévost. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com



Kevin Parent – Café de la Gare

This singer, songwriter comes from the Gaspé region. His sings folksy composition with a raspy voice. After singing in bars and private parties, in 1993 he won a prize in a song contest. In 1995 he recorded an album which sold thousands of copies. His second album came out in 1998 and he became one of the best selling Quebec recording artists. He won the Quebec entertainment industry ADISQ award three times. Sat., Mar., 12, Dinner-Show Tickets: Section A: $ 90; Section B: $ 80; Section C: $70. Show only: $50 (After Mar. 7). Café de la Gare, 90, rue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur 450 227-1368. www.lecafedelagare.com.

Amylie

Amylie is a young Quebec singer who made her mark with her first album. She is accompanied by Jean-François Lemieux on base, Myelle on cello, and Nathalie Duchesne on violin. Sat., Mar., 12, 8 p.m. Tickets: $28. Salle Antony-Lessard, 101, Place du Curé-Labelle, Saint-Jérôme. www.enscene.ca 450 432-0660.

Édith Butler

Edith Butler is an Acadian singer-songwriter and folklorist. She joyously shares her music with the audience and makes you tap your feet and even sing along. She has travelled extensively around Canada and abroad. Sat. Mar., 12, 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. Théâtre du Marais: 1201 10e Avenue, Val-Morin. 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca

A special Jazz evening directly from New York!

Aaron Shragge & Ben Monder present their new CD “The Key is in the Window” concert. Aaron Ryuko Shragge plays trumpet, Shakuhachi flute, and does compositions. Ben Monder is a musician about whom critics commented that he is a “Jazz guitarist” who does not play “bebop phrasing”….he creates his own world. The concert takes place at “L’Envers”, 185, avenue Van Horne, Montreal, Fri., Mar., 18, 9 p.m. Tickets: $15, CD $10. For reservations contact: KEYINWINDOW@GMAIL.COM. For more information visit websites: www.aaronshragge.com, and www.benmonder.com.

Porcelaine

Pop/rock singer and pianist Mélanie Scala is accompanied by Simon Bédard, guitar; David Valentine, Base; and Jonathan Beaumont, drums. Sat., Mar., 19, Dinner & Show: Section A: $55; Section B: $50 Section C: $45. Show only : $20 (after Mar. 7) Café de la Gare, 90, rue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur 450 227-1368. www.lecafedelagare.com.

Cordâme

A Quartet with: Julie-Odile Gauthier-Morin, cello; Marie-Neige Lavigne, violin; Pierre Tanguay, percussion; and Jean-Félix Mailloux, bass. They will play pieces from their album entitled “Migration”. Cordâme offers a musical journey from Quebec to the Orient. Sat., Mar., 19, 8 p.m., Tickets: $20 Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994 rue Principale, Prévost. Tickets: $20. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com

Michel Kozlovsky - “Franz Liszt Extravaganza”

2011 marks the 200 anniversary of composer Franz Liszt – Pianist Kozlovsky will play several well known pieces of this composer, such as the Hungarian Rhapsody #5, Spanish Rhapsody, Sonata in C Minor and more. Sat., 2 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. Saint- François- Xavier Church, 994, rue Principale, Prévost. 450-436-3037. www.diffusionsamalgamme.com

Alexandre Poulin

Already a favourite at Café de la Gare Alexandre Poulin returns for the eighth time to deliver songs from his second album «Une lumière allumée» released autumn 2010. His songs bring the audience into a world of folk stories. Sat., Apr. 9, Tickets: Section A: $85; Section B: $75; Section C: $65; show only $45 (after April 4). Café de la Gare, 90, rue de la Gare, Saint-Sauveur 450 227-1368. www.lecafedelagare.com.

Marco Calliari - al faro est

Inspired by his Italian heritage and other countries he visited Marco presents his improvised compositions. Marco Calliari gave many concerts in Quebec and charmed audiences in Italy, France Switzerland. Along with his musicians, he performs music with taste of Tarantella, Flamenco, and other rhythms. Sat., 9 Apr., 8 p.m. Tickets : $35. Théâtre du Marais, 1201 10è Avenue, Val-Morin 819 322-1414 theatredumarais@cgocable.ca.

On Stage

Music-Hall

Music-Hall offers a lovely way to spend a weekend evening. It is located in a renovated old church, a charming bar at the foyer, and small table setting in the show hall. An evening or a brunch at the Music Hall, includes a dinner or a brunch and a show. For the dinner and show, plan to arrive at 6 p.m. Show itself starts at 8:30. Those who opt for the show only, may arrive at 8 p.m. There will be a dinner & show on: Sat. Mar., 12; on Sun., Mar., 20 Brunch & matinee show, and Sat., Mar., 26 dinner & Show. Reservations: 450 745-1452. Music Hall, 1364, Chemin Pierre-Péladeau, Ste-Adèle QC, J8B 1Z4. 450-745-1664, http://music-hall.ca.

Visual Arts

John McEwen at the Museum

The museum features an exhibition of John McEwen's sculptural installations of evocative animal forms of solid steel, and vessels constructed from laser cut steel stars. His large-scale objects deal with Canadian cultural history and ecology. McEwen says: “I think with things in order to realize that we use up or destroy the life of the world at our own peril.” The exhibition opens Sunday, March 6^th at 2 p.m. and continues to April 17^th. Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides, 101, Place du Curé-Labelle, St. Jerome: Tue., – Sun.: Noon to 5 p.m., 450 432-7171 www.museelaurentides.ca.

Family Day at the Museum

Family Day is an event that has become quite popular. The museum offers a guided tour of the current exhibition followed by creative workshops for children with their parents and grandparents. The next one is Sat., Apr. 3., 2 p.m. Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides, 101, Place du Curé-Labelle, St. Jerome: Tue., – Sun.: Noon to 5 p.m., 450 432-7171 www.museelaurentides.ca.

Nathalie Levasseur - Entre deux eaux

Multidisciplinary artist Nathalie Levasseur exhibition entitled "Entre deux eaux" at the the Alphonse-Desjardins Hall, Feb. 24 - Mar., 13. The artist will be on location. The exhibition will continue to March 13. The collection on display is comprised of a series of prints on paper of organic installation inspired by rites and created "in-situ" during her residence at the artists' centre "AdMare" in Iles-de-la-Madeleine (2006). The exhibition hall is located under the Samuel-Ouimet Library, 1147, rue de Saint-Jovite, Mont-Tremblant, Opening hours of the Alphonse-Desjardins Hall: Wed., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thur. &Fri., 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sat., & Sun., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   819-425-8614, ext. 2500. www.villedemont-tremblant.qc.ca

“L’Image à la lettre” - Val David

An exhibition of « L’atelier de l’Île » artists’ books 1983-2011 from Feb. 26 to May 22. On Sun. Mar., 20 at 3 p.m. there will be a special event opening a week of Laurentian poetry with artist Carol Bernier and poet Hélène Dorion. Centre d’exposition de Val-David: 2495, de l’Église 819 322-7474. www.culture.val-david.qc.ca.

Large & Miniature Paintings

Large & Miniature paintings exhibition opens on Sun., Mar., 12, and continue to Apr. 24.

Artist Michel Gautier presents 22 in the photography, prints and sculpture sections; works created from hand-made paper made of cotton recycled T-shirts, as well as the projection of the film “inTERREdépendant” a filed performance of the artist and the dancer Luc Boissonneault at the old Rolland plant in Ste. Adele.   Michel Gautier work can be viewed from March 12 to April 24. More about this artist can be seen on his website www.michelgautier.com or his blog http://artmichelgautier.blogspot.com/

La Maison des arts et de la culture de Saint-Faustin, 1171, de la Pisciculture, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré. Open: Tue., to Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 819 688-2676 maison.arts@cgocable.ca

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The Art of Women - ICI par les arts

Photo: The group of artists on March 3, 2011, at the opening of the exhibition.

For the third consecutive year, “Women’s Day” is celebrated with the art of Laurentian women artists. Eleven women artists gathered on March 3, at the exhibit hall of ICI par les Arts in Saint-Jerome, with an eclectic collection of their paintings, moulded creations and Jewellery. The techniques and themes were each artist’s way of expressing their passion, or how they see their world. There were photographs of Chateaus in France (taken during trips to France) printed on cloth banners by Lenka Vernex; a moulded women’s chest externally and internally exposed in exuberant colours and written text by Samantha May; abstract painting by Natalie George, and Sylvie Leblanc; figurative paintings of beautiful, royal horses, by Diane Maisonneuve; portraits of an Algonquin, and Muslim women by Annie-Isabelle Mayer, Landscape and abstract oil paintings by Zeesun Haque, who sells her paintings abroad and in Canada, an impressive large painting night-bathing woman by Sylvia Garland, who participates in many group exhibitions; Women painted in a dreamlike scene by Denise Turcotte; small paintings representing post-cards from the past by Ilania Abileah who is scheduled to exhibit solo at this gallery in May 2011; and more.

The group includes professional artists, along with painters who do it because they have a passion to express their world visually and students. Most of the participants believe in what this special center provides budding artists in all fields of artistic endeavours. The team of ICI par les arts (I see through the arts) gives emerging artists the opportunity to exhibit alongside those who have already had the experience, thus creating opportunities for exchange and mentorship. This center also offers artists a place to teach their crafts. There is always something going on at this venue. “The Art of Women” exhibition continues until March 26. ICI par les arts, 712 rue Saint Georges, St. Jerome. Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday. 450-569-4000 www.iciparlesarts.com.

Participating Artists (left to right): Back raw: Diane Maisonneuve, Denise Turcotte, Annie Isabelle Mayer, Valérie Boucher, Samantha May, Sylvia Garland, Nathalie George. (Sylvie Leblanc was absent when photo was taken).

Front: Lenka Vernex, Zeesun Haque, and Ilania Abileah.

Photo: Sylvia Garland, Zeesun Haque, and Ilania Abileah, next to Ilania’s small paintings.

Zeesun Haque                                                    Sylvia Garland

Denise Maisonneuve with her Royal Horses paintings.

Ann McLaughlin

Paintings by Ann McLaughlin are featured in a small café in Lachute. Ann, a past member of Route des Arts, took time to concentrate on new methods of paintings with colour. The result is a new body of work of exuberant, colourful floral and still life paintings. A wonderful way to enjoy visual art combined with a delicious luncheon at Aux Lubies Gourmandes, 432, rue Lafleur, Lachute. http://www.auxlubiesgourmandes.com 450 566-5976.

Reenie Marx

Reenie exhibits her photographs starting Mar., 6 and continuing to Mar., 24. This will be followed by an exhibition of Éric Poulin opening Apr., 3. Maison de la culture, 387 Main Street, Lachute.

Fine Crafts

Craft Fair - Lachute

Twenty artists and Artisans of the Laurentians feature a selection of art pieces made right here in the Laurentians. Hosted by the Community Learning Centre, Sat., Apr., 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Laurentian Regional High School, 448 Avenue Argenteuil, Lachute. 450-621-5600 ext. 8332, Jan Hanna. (Note: Floor Cloth by Maria Teresa Ronca who does amazing decorative and useful ceramics).

Calls to Artists

Dance

Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur International Choreographer Competition, Deadline is: April 15th, 2011. info@fass.ca, 450-227-0427

Young Artists’ Contest – M Art Gallery, Old Montreal

M Galerie d’art, of Old Montreal invites young contemporary artists to participate in its 1st contest resulting in an exhibition at the gallery. Who should apply: This competition is open to contemporary artists (self-taught, students or art school graduates) aged 20 to 35 residing in Quebec.

The prize: The three (3) winners will co-exhibit at the M Art Galerie, at 3, rue de la Commune Est, corner St. Laurent, in the heart of Old Montreal, from the 18 to 31 October 2011. In addition, the three winners will be invited to present one of their creations in the 1st anniversary exhibition of the gallery to be held 3 to 9 May, 2011. Send portfolio to M Galerie d’art, 215, boul. St. Laurent, suite 2, Montreal, Qc G2Y 3T9 (Only submissions by mail accepted). Due date: 25 March, 2011 (Post Office mailing date). Portfolio should include:

1. An Artist Statement.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. CD with JPG images of six (6) recent works created in the past two calendar years. The images do not necessarily have to be those to be exhibited at the gallery, however they should reflect the artist’s direction towards the exhibition at M Galerie d’art. Each submission received by due-date will be confirmed by e-mail. Please note that portfolios will not be returned.

The artists selected by the jury will be invited to M Galerie d’art to present a few of their creations. Winners’ names will be announced on the website: www.mgaleriedart.com as well as on the Gallery “Facebook” page. For more information call Nicole Madore,
M Galerie d’art, 514 393-9995.

Something New

Welcome to a FUSION of: body and mind…

This centre just opened a few weeks ago....Worth the visit! See my experience!

see website: http://www.centrefusion.ca/

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