"I love the Prairies - the huge flat skies and crisp air. The quality of life is incredibly high in Saskatoon."
- Yann Martel, Man Booker Prize-winning Author (Via Guttersnipe)
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"I love the Prairies - the huge flat skies and crisp air. The quality of life is incredibly high in Saskatoon." - Yann Martel, Man Booker Prize-winning Author (Via Guttersnipe) |
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SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival marks its 25th anniversarySaskatoon proudly hosts the 2011 SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, marking its 25th anniversary June 24 to July 3. An impressive line-up of world-renowned artists has been announced, including Macy Gray, Aaron Neville, Arrested Development, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Tegan and Sara, and Saskatoon's own The Sheepdogs. Held annually in Saskatoon, the 10-day festival will feature over 140 performances of music genres including jazz, blues, funk, world music, and pop - which will equate to over 176 hours of live music. "The community has really embraced the jazz festival over the past 25 years. And as our community grows, the festival will be right there, reflecting the community's interests, eccentricities, and vast diversity," says Kevin Tobin, Artistic Director of the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Canadian jazz piano legend Oliver Jones, who performed at the first jazz festival, has been commissioned to write and present a new piece of work entitled Saskatchewan Suite. Jones will perform the composition for the first time Sunday, June 26 at the Broadway Theatre with the 17-piece Metro Jazz Ensemble. "The growth of the festival has been remarkable, enabling us to bring world-class artists to Saskatoon as well as showcase our local talent. The mix of musical genres offered is designed to attract, engage and inspire a growing and diverse audience within and beyond the borders of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan," says Tobin. 2010 was a record year for ticket sales, and these are currently up approximately 30% over the same time last year. The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival contributes an estimated $4.5 million to the local economy. It is the second largest jazz festival in Western Canada, and fifth largest in the country. More than 70,000 visitors attended the festival in 2010. "We wish the Jazz Festival a great 25th anniversary. The calibre of the artists confirmed creates a powerful draw for tourism to our city. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over Saskatchewan and beyond," says JoAnne Wasko, Director of Markets, Advertising & Media with Tourism Saskatoon. The festival's 40 ticketed concerts and 76 free performances will take place in venues downtown and in the Broadway Avenue district. Tickets may be purchased online at saskjazz.com, by calling 306-652-4700 or toll-free 1-800-638-1211, or in person at the Festival Box Office, Delta Bessborough Hotel Lobby, 601 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon. Source: Tourism Saskatoon The SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival program is now available on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or Android mobile device! Download the free app and create your personalized schedule. Learn more about the artists, and share your favourite shows with your friends. You can also use the app to scan the QR codes found on Festival posters, signs and more. |
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Conference, speakers the talk of the townBy Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix It's all about mobile and social networking, but in person. And with only a few tweets and couple of ads on Facebook, MoSo - Canada's mobile and social media conference - sold out three weeks prior to the start of the event, which kicks off next week. For a region known to leave ticket purchases to the last minute, Ryan Lejbak says this is a happy accomplishment. Lejbak, the CEO of zu, an interactive technology firm in Saskatoon, is spokesperson for the dozen or so organizers of the event. He believes MoSo may be the first conference of its kind in Western Canada. The idea for the gathering emerged about four years ago, but it was only in the past few months that enough momentum gathered behind the concept to push it into existence. "There's a really strong community developing (interactive technology) mostly in Saskatoon, but also in other pockets throughout Saskatchewan and Regina," he said. "We just thought there was kind of a need to get everybody together and learn more and network more and meet each other." Now, 250 people, not including those on the waiting list, from across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta will gather at the University of Saskatchewan on June 16 and 17 to talk, tweet and text thoughts on the booming sector. "It's a brand new industry, kind of like the wild west to some extent, and there's a lot of opportunity," Lejbak said. Speakers include Saskatoon-raised success stories Michael Scissons of Syncapse and "Mr. Twitter" Khayyam Whakil who are coming home to present their stories at MoSo. There are men and women from across Canada and the United States with experience at firms the likes of Apple, Yahoo, LinkedIn, RIM and NBC who are lined up to talk. There's also a group of local interactive media stars such as Chad Jones, Tyler Keating and Brendan King included in the speakers' roster. Lejbak said it's rare for Western Canada to see a group of speakers of this calibre at the same event. "These are really high-end people. We essentially hand-selected the speakers," he said. "You're going to be able to listen to them and share ideas which will help formulate ideas for local companies to become better." In order to create an interactive atmosphere, speakers have been asked to keep their presentations short so audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss hot topics. Attendees will have a chance to pitch their ideas. Twitter feeds will be posted around the facility. As part of the creative environment, an indie rock music festival called, aptly enough, MoSoFest, will run alongside the conference. To be held at Louis' Pub on the U of S campus, MoSoFest starts Wednesday and runs through June 17. "Musicians are creative and designers are creative, marketing people are creative - get them all together and who knows what's going to happen?" Lejbak said. While MoSo has yet to begin, plans are in the works for a second conference next year. Organizers are dreaming big about the future of the event and are thinking of expanding into the digital film and video sector as well. "A dream of ours would to be to make it into a South by Southwest for Canada, and that might take 10 years," he said. "We're really hoping that people get what we're trying to do." For an event that's never happened before, sold out early, has a waiting list and a group of sought-after speakers, the people behind MoSo are pleased about the interest in the conference. "This is the first time we've organized something this big together and so we'll probably make a few mistakes, but in the end we've learned a lot already and the effort is going to be totally worth it," Lejbak said. Copyright The StarPhoenix Source: The StarPhoenix |
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National Aboriginal Day at Wanuskewin Heritage ParkCelebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21 at PotashCorp Wanuskewin Day with free admission and free bus service to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Programming, tours and traditional dance performances from 9:30am to 6:00pm with a Grand Finale from 6:30pm to 8:00pm featuring Aboriginal recording artists such as John Arcand and the Whitefish Juniors as well as many other performers. Wanuskewin Heritage Park helps create awareness, sensitivity and knowledge of the Northern Plains culture to both First Nation and non-First Nation visitors. Partnership, respect, tolerance, teaching, learning and understanding are the values upon which the Park was founded and under which they continue to operate today. The growing presence of First Nations people as an important integral part of Western Canada's social and economic fabric are strong indicators that Wanuskewin Heritage Park has just begun its journey in fulfilling the mandate which its founders (Elders) set out. Visitors of all ages visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park to tour the visitor centre, walk the trails, partake in educational and cultural programs and most of all gather and visit with family and friends. Source: Wanuskewin Heritage Park |
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The Sheepdogs advance to finalsSaskatoon band, The Sheepdogs are in the final round of voting for Rolling Stone magazine's Choose the Cover contest. The only Canadian band in the running from the beginning is up against Lelia Broussard of Los Angeles, CA. Voting closes July 1 and the winner will be announced in August live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The winner will be the first unsigned band to ever appear on the cover of the magazine, and will also receive a recording contract from Atlantic Records. To vote for the Sheepdogs, click here! While most rock bands are all too focused on the riff, The Sheepdogs remember the importance of those other elements that make for great rock music: melody, harmony and groove. To see them live is pure rock and roll jubilation, to revel in the splendour created by three part vocal harmonies and heavy hitting dual guitar leads. Their latest album, Learn & Burn, is a beautiful blend of power and imagination, ranging from ferocious rockers to southern boogie and grooving psychedelia. Big guitars, stacked harmonies, vintage organ and piano skilfully colour each of the album's 15 tracks, proving that these boys are as dedicated to the craft of song writing and album making as they are to playing a dynamite live show. The Sheepdogs will be performing on Canada Day at this year's SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. They'll be joined by another hometown favourite, Jordan Cook, for a July 1 double bill outdoors on the TD Mainstage. For more information on the band, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or subscribe to their RSS Feed. Also be sure to watch their hilarious Attack Ad created during the contest. |
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Proposed concept drawings unveiled for Art Gallery of SaskatchewanHis Worship Mayor Donald Atchison and Dr. Art Knight, Chair of the Mendel Art Gallery and Art Gallery of Saskatchewan Board of Trustees, today unveiled the proposed concept drawings for the new Art Gallery of Saskatchewan (AGS). "The unveiling of the concept drawings is an amazing moment in the history of our city. This building will honour our past and our river. It takes us forward into our bright future as a cosmopolitan city," His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison said. The concept drawings for this $84-million project will be presented for approval at a special City Council meeting on May 30, 2011. Administration will also report back to City Council regarding the funding strategy for the AGS by the end of June 2011. "The AGS design is extraordinary," said Dr. Knight. "The promise of this new building is already generating excitement locally and outside of our city's borders. This will be an outstanding city landmark that attracts tourists and citizens of Saskatoon to a shared meeting place." This design achieves the destination centre concept envisioned by City Council and the federal and provincial funding partners. The striking AGS concept drawings will also fuel public engagement with a new capital campaign. "After early conversations with lead donors, we are confident in our ability to raise $20 million through a capital campaign if the AGS is approved in its current design," said Doug Hodson, Capital Campaign Chair. The design is a creation of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB) of Toronto in association with Winnipeg-based Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Incorporated. KPMB has extensive experience with gallery design, including the Hamilton Art Gallery, The Toronto International Film Festival building, and the Canadian Museum of Nature, for which it won the 2011 Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence award. The concept drawings will be available for viewing in the Mendel Art Gallery's lobby and on the Mendel Art Gallery's website at mendel.ca following the news conference. Citizens are invited to an AGS open house on June 22, 2011, from 7 - 9 p.m. at TCU Place to offer their feedback on the gallery design. Source: City of Saskatoon |
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$30-Million Remai Foundation grant to Art Gallery of SaskatchewanThe Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation today announced a $30-million grant in support of the new Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at a special reception in Saskatoon. The private donation is believed to be the largest in provincial history, with $15 million allocated toward the capital cost of the building and the additional $15 million directed to enhanced programming for the new facility. The programming grant will provide $500,000 annually for the next 30 years, more than doubling existing arts funding to the Gallery and helping the gallery secure unique exhibits previously unavailable to the city. "We are incredibly grateful for the interest, encouragement and generosity of Ellen Remai and her Foundation," said the Chair of the Art Gallery of Saskatchewan's Board of Trustees, Dr. Art Knight. "This gift will not only enable us to build a sensational facility, but also to deliver exceptional art exhibitions and programming that will rival other major Canadian galleries." Ellen Remai is a Saskatoon entrepreneur, philanthropist and long-time resident of the city. "It gives me great pleasure to contribute to such an exciting project that will provide a beautiful gathering place for individuals, families and visitors to our city," said Ellen Remai. "This is a tremendous opportunity to support people and programs that enrich the life of our community and help make Saskatoon such a great place to live and work." Friday's announcement kicked off an ambitious fundraising campaign for the new gallery. The campaign was initially expected to raise $8 million for the building, a total that was increased to $20 million in late May in response to considerable public interest. "The confidence that business and community leaders have shown in this project is overwhelming," said Capital Campaign Chair Doug Hodson. "The Remai gift demonstrates the importance of celebrating and enhancing Saskatoon's cultural assets and reinforces our belief that this gallery will be a tremendous addition to the fabric of our city." The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan project began in 2009 with a decision by Saskatoon City council to approve the relocation of the Gallery to a new building at River Landing. The project design by KPMB Architects of Toronto was approved in May 2011 and groundbreaking is scheduled for 2012. The Gallery's grand opening is anticipated in 2014. The Art Gallery of Saskatchewan will meet rigorous modern gallery standards, allowing Saskatoon to host exhibits previously unavailable to the city and grow the city's reputation as progressive, influential participant in Western Canadian and Prairie art. Source: Mendel Art Gallery |
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Tee Time in SaskatchewanBy Sarah Malagerio-Bruno With spring in full swing for many Canadians, the return of warm weather means only one thing - the start of golf season. Golfers are heading back to their courses for some well-deserved tee-time. For those looking to discover new courses, golfing is a great excuse to get out of town, be it for the day, the weekend or an extended getaway. And whether you'll be hanging with your buddies, or spending quality time with family, Saskatoon offers picturesque and luxurious golf courses, a wide variety of accommodations and culinary options to suit every taste. In the spirit of a great golf season ahead, Tourism Saskatoon offers seven must-experience courses you will want to play this summer. Dakota Dunes Golf Links Golf where the pros tee off. Located on the historical Whitecap Dakota First Nation lands, adjacent to the 85,000 square-foot Las Vegas-style Dakota Dunes Casino, this golfing hotspot is Saskatchewan's highest ranked golf course according to Golf Digest and SCOREGolf magazine. This 18-hole, full-service work of art, has hosted many of the world's top young professionals as they perfect their game in the hopes of gaining a spot on the Nationwide or PGA Tour. For more information, visit dakotadunes.ca Greenbryre Golf & Country Club Welcoming both recreational and corporate golf tournaments, the 18-hole Greenbrye Golf & Country Club offers a variety of terrains to suit every golfer - from rolling fairways bordered by birch, maple and ash trees, to six water hazards and 40 bunkers, designed to make every golfing experience both challenging and fun. After a long round of golf in the sun, Greenbryre's Club 19 is the ideal place to reflect on the day's performance and relax over great food and drink. For more information, visit greenbryre.com Holiday Park Golf Course Nestled against the backdrop of the South Saskatchewan River valley, this 18-hole - nine-hole executive - championship course was designed for an advanced level of play, ideal for those looking to improve upon their handicap. Tree-lined fairways, manicured greens and challenging pars offer a variety of ways to test your skills. After a hard day on the course, the Tee-Time Cafe, located right off the green offers what every golfer needs to satisfy their healthy appetites. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca Moonlake Golf & Country Club With the highest slope rating in Saskatchewan, Moonlake offers not one, but three challenging par 36 "nines": The Heather, The Highlands and The Moors. This stunning, 27-hole Scottish links-style championship golf course is a must-play, bringing golfers as close to experiencing the sport in the land it was created, without the long travel time to Scotland. For more information, visit moonlakegolf.com Silverwood Golf Course Saskatoon's only par three, two, nine-hole course, Silverwood was designed with the beginner golfer and families in mind. Complete with a driving range and practice green, families can learn as they go with group lessons for juniors and adults. Located on the bank of the South Saskatchewan River, this course offers majestic water views and is an ideal choice for families looking to experience the game together. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca The Willows Golf & Country Club A 36-hole championship dunes-style property, this nationally recognized golf hotspot offers four sets of tee boxes to challenge all skill levels. Much more than just a place to tee off, The Willows offers meeting and banquet facilities, private function rooms, seasonal lockers and steam rooms, a fully stocked golf shop and a clubhouse featuring both casual and upscale dining - all set against the backdrop of rolling hills, mature trees and scenic water features. For more information, visit willowsgolf.com Wildwood Golf Course The course where many junior golfers perfected their game, Wildwood is a tree-lined 18-hole regulation course, offering challenging greens, a variety of hazards and a practice green for those looking to lower their handicap. Known as one of the best-value courses in Saskatoon, Wildwood is a great choice for all ages and abilities. For more information, visit saskatoon.ca Source: Active Adult Magazine |
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Follow the Trails of 1885 Geo QuestLooking for something to do this summer? Why not follow the Trails of 1885 and embark on a high-tech treasure hunt. Travel to an 1885 site and experience the rich history of the North West Resistance in Saskatchewan. Take home an 1885 treasure map, trinkets and enter to win a GPS unit. All you require is a handheld GPS system and the coordinates of hidden treasure on each participating site. For further information, click on trailsof1885geocaching.com and plan your treasure hunt today. The Trails of 1885 takes you back to the turbulent times of the North West Resistance of 1885. Starting in Manitoba, across Saskatchewan and into Alberta, stories of the historic year of 1885 have been passed down from generation to generation and are waiting to be told to visitors from around the world. From archaeological project to cultural gatherings to numerous events and festivals commemorating the historic year happen all summer long. Watch the battle re-enactment at Poundmaker Hill, enjoy the "1885 Days" at Fort Battleford in July and walk the paths of Batoche National Historic Site. For information on all events visit trailsof1885.com or the mobile site, trails1885.smartviso.com. |
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SaskEnergy to support construction at Beaver Creek Interpretive CentreThe Meewasin Valley Authority announced on June 2 that SaskEnergy provided a $100,000 grant to support the Beaver Creek Interpretive Centre to reconstruct a new Beaver Room. The Beaver Room with its iconic beaver lodge is a unique feature of the Beaver Creek Interpretive Centre. The room was heavily damaged by flooding in summer 2009 and has been under repairs to renovate and water proof. The new Beaver Room - renamed the SaskEnergy Beaver Pond includes interactive elements that create a more complete understanding and appreciation for the adaptations and life-cycle of the beaver. The new displays will include interactive exhibits, Chip's corner with actual beaver elements, and a new Beaver Lodge. World renowned Aldrich Pears and Associates who previously created the Saskatchewan River Basin Water Play Feature at River Landing are leading the design team with Dennis Beauchesne & Company from Regina in charge of fabrication. "SaskEnergy is very pleased to partner with Meewasin in this unique environmental project and to participate, along with other partners, in the reconstruction of this important educational facility," said Ron Podbielski, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs. "We look forward to joining with residents of the Saskatoon area and indeed the entire Province in seeing this facility revitalized." Donations from TD Friends of the Environment, Saskatchewan Community Investment Fund and other private donors will help to cover the costs to make the new facilities accessible and attractive. Meewasin invites the media and public to visit the Beaver Creek Interpretive Centre to watch as construction progresses. Source: Meewasin Valley Authority |
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PBR Canadian National Finals return to Saskatoon Nov. 18-19The race to crown the 2011 Canadian National Champion continues in Saskatoon when the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) returns to the Credit Union Centre for the 6th annual PBR Canadian National Finals November 18 - 19. The best 35 bull riders in Canada and the world will challenge the toughest animal athletes on the planet for the Championship title and for the first time ever, a $10,000 National Champion bonus cheque. The Finals over boasts $80,000 in prize money, the return of PBR's exclusive Entertainer Flint Rasmussen and three rounds of heart-pounding action. All 35 riders will compete in Round 1 on Friday and Round 2 on Saturday. Scores from the first two rides will be combined, and the Top 15 riders will advance to the last round of competition. The 2011 PBR Canadian National Champion will be the rider with the most points accumulated during the regular season and the Finals. Five-time Canadian National Finals qualifier Tyler Thomson of Black Diamond, AB, currently leads the national standings. Fan favourite Zane Lambert of Westbourne, MB, trails Thomson by 720.5 points, followed by Build Ford Tough Series (BFTS) contender Ty Pozzobon of Merritt, BC. Saskatchewan natives Dusty Ephrom and Tanner Byrne also sit in the Top 10 and continue to challenge Thomson for the number one position. Fans now have the opportunity to get down in the dirt with the new VIP Ticket! For $75, this premium event ticket offers fans the ultimate PBR experience. VIP Ticket holders watch the "Toughest Sport on Earth" from the best seats in the house and have access to the Built Ford Tough Corral Party for one hour beginning Friday at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Get up close to the chutes and meet the superstars of the PBR with this limited VIP offer. The 2011 PBR Canadian National Finals begin Friday, Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. and conclude Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and go on sale to the general public Friday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are available at the Credit Union Centre box office, online at ticketmaster.ca and by telephone at (855) 985-5000. Source: PBR Canada |
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New Affinity Learning Centre officially open at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & ZooOfficials from the City of Saskatoon, Affinity Credit Union, SaskEnergy and Knights of Columbus took part in the grand opening of the new Affinity Learning Centre at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo today. Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Serese Selanders representing Affinity Credit Union; Lesley Gosselin on behalf of SaskEnergy; Bill Mazurkewich representing Knights of Columbus; Andrew Davidson, Vice President of the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation; and Claire Bullaro, President of the Saskatoon Zoo Society. The Affinity Learning Centre, located beside the main administration building in the Forestry Farm Park, is the new home of Zoo Camps and other educational programs focused on the zoological, horticultural and historical elements of the park. It is also home to the new Knights of Columbus Discovery Centre which is currently exhibiting the first phase of an interactive display about the history of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, and is available for all Zoo visitors to enjoy. The facility contains state-of-the-art SMART boards, among other conveniences. It is completely accessible, providing an opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in the available learning opportunities. The Affinity Learning Centre was constructed to meet the need of a dedicated program space at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo for an estimated 7,000 children who visit the facility annually from within the city and across the province. Construction finished on the facility early this spring. Funding was made possible by a partnership between Affinity Credit Union, SaskEnergy, Knights of Columbus, SaskTel, the Province of Saskatchewan through the Building Communities Initiative and the Green Plan, the Greater Saskatoon Catholic and Saskatoon Public School Boards, and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. The City of Saskatoon contributed funding to this project through the Reserve for Capital Expenditures. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers all generations opportunities to explore a beautiful park landscape. Approximately 225,000 visitors come annually to discover intimate gardens, historic buildings and a variety of western Canadian animals and exotic species at Saskatchewan’s only zoo. This distinctly Saskatchewan experience provides scenic surroundings and the unique story of plants, animals and prairie history in one place. Source: City of Saskatoon |
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The Saskatoon Symphony is on the move!The Saskatoon Symphony has announced a move to a new facility in Riversdale, along Saskatoon's burgeoning cultural corridor. For the first time, the organization will be housed under one roof, instead of in separate, sometimes makeshift spaces across the city. Plans for the as-yet-unnamed centre, located in an existing building at 408 20th Street West, allow space for rehearsals, meetings, administration, storage, and for the Symphony's Book & Music Sale. The sale, which raised a record $119,585.08 this year, will have a permanent processing and storage area and the sale itself will be held at the centre. Over time, the SSO will use space in the centre for music-making, education, and creative exchanges with the neighbourhood and community. The proximity of the Roxy Theatre, just down the street, offers possibilities for programming events also. Major concerts will still be held at TCU Place. "This move is a necessary next step for the SSO and represents tangible proof that Saskatoon's orchestra has turned a corner and is poised to make an even bigger contribution to the city," says Jane Wollenberg, President of the Symphony Board. "We are excited at the benefits of bringing everyone under one roof. We are keenly aware of our fiscal responsibility and the need to remain fiscally prudent, but we were made an offer we couldn't refuse and it was the time to seize the opportunity." The decision was made easier by Edmonton businessman and philanthropist Tom Hutchinson of Magic Lantern Theatres, owner of the property. Hutchinson, already credited with saving the Roxy Theatre, was keen on helping to bring another cultural icon to the area. "I’m a business person," says Hutchinson,"and good business involves wise investment. Just as we invested in the Roxy Theatre in the hope that others would see its worth and support it, we know that investing in the future of the Saskatoon Symphony, and bringing its energy to Riversdale, where it can be part of all the positive change happening there, will pay huge dividends to everyone involved." Jill Reid, General Manager of the SSO, credits Terry Stannard, of Magic Lantern Theatres, and Randy Pshebylo, Executive Director of the Riversdale Business Improvement District, for helping pave the way for the plan. Stannard went out of his way to see that the building, part of which has been used to warehouse theatrical equipment, could be adapted to the orchestra's needs without a huge initial cost. "Terry understood that the SSO’s budget is modest at best, and that we will grow into the building and make changes as needs become clear and funds become available," Reid says. As for Pshebylo, she says "Randy sold us on Riversdale. We've worked with him and the Riversdale BID on the annual silent film festival and he's been a great advocate for the relocation of arts organizations to Riversdale. We are looking forward to being part of the change that’s happening in the area.” Pshebylo is pleased his efforts have paid off. "The Riversdale Business Improvement District is delighted, excited, and ignited with this announcement," he enthused. "The new symphony centre will be a jewel in the crown of our Business District, and it joins other examples like the historic Roxy Theatre which continues to emerge as a place for people to gather and hold events." Wollenberg emphasizes that the new centre is significant for the entire community, saying "this move will make for a healthier organization that will be able to make even stronger connections with our community. Through these connections, the SSO can positively influence the lives of children, youth, and adults with the power of music. That can only be a good thing for all." There is agreement on that point from City Hall. Mayor Don Atchison commented that "a growing city like Saskatoon needs strong cultural institutions to help provide the creativity that is the hallmark of great cities and to contribute to the quality of life that we all enjoy. The Saskatoon Symphony's bold move shows how the development that is happening in the city is creating the confidence needed to take us to even greater heights." More details of the Symphony's new home will be released in the coming weeks, as will details of a program to encourage financial support for the centre - a key component of the business plan. In the meantime, administrative staff will move to the centre during the second week of June, with others to follow within several weeks. Source: Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra |
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Marquis Downs Season OpeningThe launch of the 2011 season of Thoroughbred racing at Marquis Downs is more exciting than ever, as the opportunity to view the action has gone world-wide. Every race this season can be viewed online at marquisdowns.com - available to race fans internationally. Canadian race fans can easily wager on the Marquis Downs Thoroughbred racing through Canada’s premier online and telephone wagering service HorsePlayer Interactive. This secure site offers online wagering and betting tools for the novice or experienced racing enthusiast. “It is an exciting time at Marquis Downs as we enter this new era of viewing races online. We are pleased to offer the wagering opportunity to Canadian Thoroughbred racing fans,” states Prairieland Park CEO, Mark Regier. “Marquis Downs is proud to have reached this level of recognition in the race industry.” Marquis Downs will once again offer 30 days of Thoroughbred racing throughout the summer beginning May 27. Racing will be conducted every Friday and Saturday evening, with first post at 7:05 p.m. (with the exception of August 12 & 13 when the Chuckwagons will race at Marquis). Source: Marquis Downs |
Contact: Kelly Bertoncini |
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| Copyright 2011 Saskatoon Visitor and Convention Bureau. All rights reserved. | ||
