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Upcoming Live Performances
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Summer is now a memory and autumn is officially in session.
And before we start dreading another cold, dark winter there is plenty to enjoy at this time of year, including: crisp, cool star-lit nights, brilliant fall colours (especially in the Hills of Headwaters area), fresh, nutritious and delicious locally grown and produced foods harvested and available at the various farmers' markets in the region, and (of course) exceptional live entertainment.
Though the 2013 Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival may be months away, there is no shortage of great live music and arts-related events happening in the Greater Orangeville region. Here are a few of our recommendations:
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A Changing of the Guard
 In the August issue of The Groove we extended a hearty thanks and a fond farewell to Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival Administrator Gord McWilliams whose tireless and often monumental efforts were critical to the Festival's evolution over the past 10 years. At this time we are pleased to announce two new members to the Festival Board of Directors...
Debbi Goss - Festival Administrator
Debbi has been an Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival volunteer for three years - becoming involved a year after moving here in 2008. She has extensive music event experience, including five years with the Calgary Folk Music Festival - where she held a number of roles, including: volunteer training, policy development, and artist liaison. Debbi has accepted the role as Festival Administrator, which became available when Gord McWilliams announced his retirement. She has big shoes to fill but her depth of corporate and volunteer experience will serve her and the Festival well as it continues to grow and evolve.
Kevin Hennessey - R.A.T.S. Team Leader
Kevin is also no stranger to the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival. He started with the Festival in 2009 when he read emails sent to his teenage son about earning community service hours. In the first year Kevin conducted field surveys and assisted the R.A.T.S. team where he was automatically inducted into this proud team. After another year assisting the R.A.T.S. team in 2011 he was asked to be the team leader for Broadway Gardens, which continued into 2012. After this year's Festival Kevin was asked to become the RATS Team Leader - taking over the role from Winston Uytenbogaart, who will continue to play an active role with the Festival, but in a different capacity.
The Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival is always on the lookout for motivated and community-minded people to join our "army" of volunteers. So, if you and/or someone you know is interested in becoming involved in one of the best music festivals in Ontario, contact Debbi Goss by e-mailing festival_admin@objf.org or by calling the Festival office at 519.941.9041. |
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Culture Days in Orangeville
 On September 28, 29 & 30 Orangeville will be participating in Culture Days.
Come out and experience local art and culture! Explore Artist Village and take part in workshops and demonstrations created especially for you by local artists and performers.
The Businesses and Merchants of Downtown Orangeville are happy to announce the following local artists are going to be at the Orangeville Farmers' Market on hand on Saturday, September 29th between 9:00am and 1:00pm to share with the community some of the magic behind their art!
- The Taoist Tai Chi Society hosting two beginner Tai Chi Workshops.
- Theatre Orangeville Young Company with a stage combat demonstration.
- Citrus Dance, Celtic Academy and 309 Dance Collective will host three separate choreography workshops.
- Art with Jada will have a booth set up with some fun projects for kids (and big kids).
- Local artist Sharon Wadsworth-Smith will be busy painting scenes from our beautiful downtown. (Make sure you ask her for some tips and tricks on painting with acrylics!)
Also, make sure you don't miss Uke Jam in the park from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Bring your ukulele and join fellow uke enthusiasts in a JAM led by Heather Katz and Michael Griffin of Broadway Music!!
Don't own a ukulele, but always wanted to try it? No problem. Just visit the Broadway Music booth before noon and ask to borrow one of their loaner ukuleles!
All this and so much more!
Culture Days is part of a nation-wide volunteer movement designed to spotlight local artists. The event is completely FREE of charge and participating artists will not be selling from the park, but focusing on teaching the community a little about why they do the things that they do.
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Become a Blues and Jazz "Tree Hugger"
 To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, we commissioned a local wood sculptor to create a commemorative carving.
The carving stands nearly ten feet high and is located at the entrance of Alexandra Park - the site of the RE/MAX Main Stage. The final product was unveiled during a special ceremony on Saturday, June 2nd.
We are inviting you to be a part of this historic event by making a donation.
People who donate $20 and up will receive a tax receipt from the Town of Orangeville and a special Tree Hugger lapel pin in the shape of the image to the right - which is a replica of the carving.
CLICK HERE for details or to make a donation.
Any support received will be greatly appreciated |
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Follow us on Facebook & YouTube
If you are not already aware, the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival is on Facebook, and  you are invited to join us and stay up to date with the latest photos, videos and upcoming events.
And now you can also find us on our YouTube Channel, where you can enjoy dozens of performance videos from past Festivals. You may even see yourself in the vids.  In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your interest in (and support of) our Festival. |
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Harmonica Hank
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