All posts by Coral Andrews

Coral Andrews is a Kitchener, Ontario based writer whose by line has appeared in many publications... for over three decades including national magazines – 
Saturday Night, Take One, Graffiti, The New Quarterly, Canplay,Performing Arts and Entertainment in Canada, and Harrowsmith. Regional Publications include: Grand Magazine, Most Magazine, Green Magazine, Taste Magazine, Own Magazine, Proud Magazine and many others, in addition to digital publications - Start Arts and Culture, Suite 101.com and OpenFile.ca. Favourite interviews include: Lynn Redgrave, Phyllis Diller, Cynthia Lennon, and Graham Chapman from Monty Python. She recently won the 2012 Special Jury Award from the Waterloo Reion Arts Awards Currrently Coral contributes to weekly art magazine Nightlife for Waterloo Region Record. Coral is the host of Interzone on CKMS-FM.
Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Noel Edison Artistic Director of The Elora Festival on Coral FM

Gambrel Barn
The beautiful Gambrel Barn performance space at The Elora Festival now celebrating its 35 season.

Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison is well established as one of the most versatile and charismatic conductors in the world today. As conductor and artistic director of two world-class Canadian ensembles, the large-scale Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the chamber-sized Elora Festival Singers, Edison is widely recognized and appreciated for his skillful, interpretive work with both choir and orchestra.


A native of Toronto, Edison moved to the scenic village of Elora, where, in 1979, he co-founded the Elora Festival and, a year later, the Elora Festival Singers as its choir-in-residence. Since 1984, Edison has served as Artistic Director of the Elora Festival as well as Organist and Choirmaster of one of the few all-professional church choirs in Canada at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Elora. In 1988, he established the Elora Festival Orchestra.  


In 2002 the University of Guelph conferred upon Noel the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music. 
And on January 22, 2009, he was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour.

Elora Festival 
The Elora Festival was launched as the Three Centuries Festival in 1979. It has since evolved into an internationally acclaimed annual music event now known as the Elora Festival that attracts capacity crowds to the Village of Elora. Patrons enjoy four weeks of international calibre music, from large-scale classical works for choir and orchestra to intimate evenings of jazz and popular music.

Elora Festival and Singers 
The Elora Festival Singers (EFS), an all-professional Grammy- and Juno-nominated chamber choir, was founded in 1980 by Noel Edison as principal choral ensemble of the Elora Festival. In 1992, the Elora Festival Singers was incorporated as a separate organization to manage its year-round activities. Since 1997, the choir has been the core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, and is the choral ensemble-in-residence of the Elora Festival for four weeks each summer. Through regular concert series, recordings, broadcasts, and touring, EFS has established a reputation as one of the finest chamber choirs in Canada and beyond, contributing to the musical life, not only of the community, but on an international stage. With eight releases on the NAXOS label, the EFS is known for its rich, warm sound and clarity of texture. The choir is renowned for its diverse styles, for its commitment to Canadian repertoire, and for its collaborations with other Canadian artists. The Elora Festival and Singers continue to manage a professional choir of international regard and present a summer festival of classical and contemporary music, with an emphasis on choral works, featuring Canadian artists of international calibre in the unique setting of the Village of Elora.

It was my great pleasure to have Elora Festival Artistic Director Noel Edison as a special guest on Coral FM. We had a lot of fun in a candid wide ranging chat which included Noel’s experience on The Grammys red carpet, his insight into the music of tomorrow, his childhood passion for singing, how Carl Orff’s Carmina’s Burana’s Oh Fortuna is about to be used in a most unusual way, and of course The Elora Festival 2013! 
Noel Edison is welcome back anytime! – Coral FM.

For a complete guide to Elora Festival 2014 and to order tickets  Visit http://www.elorafestival.com
Listen here for my interview with Noel Edison 

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Meghan Elizabeth Weber on Coral FM


Meghan Elizabeth Weber is a singer/ songwriter who has performed at charity events around Waterloo Region over the past five years. She performed at Kitchener City Hall’s Downtown Live in 2011 and released an EP called Afterthoughts in 2012. Her song Tiny Stones is a local fave, and she often host The Boathouse’s Open Mic Nights. Meghan is also a very gifted visual artist and avid photographer.And she was recently nominated in the category of Music at The Waterloo Region Arts Awards!

To me, Meghan Elizabeth Weber has a savvy slow like honey timber reminiscent of songstress Fiona Apple. She is a savvy lyrical scribe letting her songs overtake her as audiences blissfully follow her into a fascinating sensual world.
I was so happy to finally have Meghan as my guest on Coral FM where she debuted her new song Outskirts. I predict with Kitchener wanting to become Austin Texas North, that you will find Meghan in many amazing places. She is one of a kind!
For more info on Meghan and upcoming concerts go to her Facebook page or check her out on You Tube. She is now working with her new brand Falcon Abbey. Stay tuned for their debut CD coming soon! – Coral FM.

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

John Moyer from Kitchener’s Backyard Theatre on Coral FM

Backyard Theatre

 

John Moyer is an actor/ producer from Kitchener’s Backyard’s Theatre – a locally based theatre company who likes to present “stories from beneath your feet”…… Nowhere, Ontario written by (John’s wife) Kathleen Cleland Moyer, is one of their most successful productions to date.
And as actor/ producer and local history teacher, you could call John Moyer Backyard Theatre’s own Triple Threat!
Due to popular demand a remount of Nowhere, Ontario was presented at the Conrad Centre in downtown Kitchener.

This play literally takes place right in the Victoria Park Neighborhood 100 years ago, during the Great War when Kitchener was called Berlin. Cleland Moyer’s poignant piece, (with a touch of Vaudeville as innovative comic device) chronicles the ravages of war be it on the battlefield or right in your own backyard. Case in point – I live on Queen Street South near Queen and Courtland where the 118th Battalion was stationed during those very uncertain times.
Said one younger audience member after seeing Nowhere, Ontario – “I never really understood war until I saw this play.”
Lest we forget – Coral FM.

For more info on Backyard Theatre go to http://backyardtheatre.ca

Coral FM, Off The Air

Steve Toms from Blues Band Daddy Long Legs on Coral FM

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Steve Toms playing electric bass
Steve Toms Kitchener’s fave lefty bass playing dude!

It was a pleasure to have bassist Steve Toms from Daddy Long Legs join me recently for a great radio chat and a playlist which included music from many of Steve’s personal faves. Once again, I got the chance to listen and learn more not only about the best of the blues, but more about the region’s best blues boys who have redefined the sound of the blues – to me DDL is kinda like garage skiffle blues rock rhythm with a soupcon of soul – sometimes bat ass crazy, sometimes reeeeal hurtin’ ….

Daddy Long Legs Rogue’s Gallery
Mike Elliott Guitar, Vocals
Steve Toms Bass
Junior Malleck Harmonica
Jeff Wagner Drums
For more about Daddy Long Legs (including reviews of their latest CD The Devil’s In The Details and their FINAL Daddy Longs Legs gig!) coming up in the fall of 2014 check out Busted Flat @ http://www.bustedflatrecords.com/.

Kitchener’s favorite lefty bass playa! is also playing for a lot of his musical friends including Scott Wicken. Check him out at a cool bar near you. – Coral FM.

Here is Part 1 – Steve chats about his love of music and Busted Flat.

Here is Part 2 – where Steve speaks about some of his favorite music to listen to as we create his personal playlist. Steve said he is coming back sometime very soon.  – Coral FM.

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Harrison Smith and Jonathan Schiller from KWMP’s Into the Woods on Coral FM

Amanda Kind as The Witch, Moira King and Aaron Balzer as The Bakers!
Amanda Kind as The Witch, Moira King and Aaron Balzer as The Bakers!

Actors Harrison Smith and Jonathan Schiller joined me for a chat about KWMP’s Into the Woods – one of the most beloved Stephen Sondheim musicals. I saw the show at The Regsitry Theatre and it was great. Kudos to Amanda Kind as The Witch! I hope all of Sondheim’s music resonates in our cultural consciousnesses Ever After! – Tee Hee Coral FM.

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Brendan James Stephens aka The Vaudevillian and Joey Bell visit Coral FM. Excelsior!

Brendan
Brendan James Stephens first visit to Sound FM.

Brendan James Stephens is known as The Vaudevillian – the members of his band include – Stephens, a suitcase, a snare/ pedal / cymbal, a (resonated) guitar, a six string Banjo dubbed with the word with Howl!, banjo mandolin, and a Carzoo, which combined in performance with his other one man band tricks of the trade, transforms to “Carzoobamaphone.”

Playing since the age of 14, and working his way around the music circuit James recently wowed the crowds at The Memphis Blues Challenge and soon he’s headed to The Windy City to perform as part of theatrical Medicine Show!

Music-wise James is a throwback to simpler times, his original material a modern version of the old time songs of the Mississippi Blues and New Orleans Jazz Scene in the 1920’s / 30’s. And he often pays homage to The Library Congress, (jug band player) Gus Cannon and The Mississippi Shieks.
I was pleased and pleasured to have Brendan James Stephens and upright bassist Joey Bell grace the Sound FM studios recently with some live tunes. It was pure Vo Vo De Oh Doe! – Coral FM 

For more on Brendan aka The Vaudvillian http://brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com/

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Broadway actor Mark Ledbetter – Bert from Mary Poppins on Coral FM

Um-diddle-diddle-diddle um-diddleye,Um-diddle-diddle-diddle um-diddleye ….
Broadway actor Mark Ledbetter plays the role of Bert, the lovable chimney sweep, in the Drayton Entertainment production of Disney’s and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins. Audiences may remember the affable character as made famous by movie star Dick Van Dyke in the original 1964 film starring Julie Andrews.

Mark Ledbetter
Mark Ledbetter is a well-established actor, having been on Broadway in the recent productions of A Christmas Story and Anything Goes. He also understudied and frequently performed the role of Bert in Mary Poppins on Broadway for almost two years.
Ledbetter’s distinguished career also includes roles Off-Broadway including The Tin Pan Alley Rag with the Roundabout Theatre Company, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Of Thee I Sing with City Center Encores. His first national touring credits include Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone and Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
The accomplished performer also originated the roles of Jimmy and Scooter in the world premiere cast of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and in subsequent years was seen in the Danny Kaye role, Phil Davis, in the San Francisco, Detroit and St. Paul companies. He can also be heard on the show’s cast album.
Regional theatre highlights include Leo opposite Patti LuPone in The Kennedy Center production of Marc Blitzstein’s opera, Regina, both Tony and Riff in West Side Story at The Human Race Theatre Company and the Pioneer Theatre Company, respectively, CosMo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain at NSMT, and Romance, Romance at Paper Mill Playhouse.

In addition to his stage work, Ledbetter’s also appeared in the movie version of The Producers with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick among other film and television credits.
Prior to Mary Poppins, Ledbetter recently participated in a workshop of the new musical The Honeymooners adapted from the classic television series.
How sweet it is! Mark truly is a triple threat!
Mary Poppins is playing at The Dunfield Theatre Cambridge to April 28 2013.
For more info about Mark Ledbetter check out his website at www.markledbetter.com. For more about the Dunfield Theatre go to www.draytonentertainment.com.

*** This was very wide ranging chat. Mark spoke about his role as this lovable chimney sweep, and the fun he’s having with the cast of Mary Poppins at the Dunfield, to working in New York opposite a Broadway legend. Was it fun? Innnnnduuuubitably! – *** Coral FM

Coral FM, Off The Air

Amanda Knapp of Women of Waterloo Region aka WOW on Coral FM

WOW

Women of Waterloo Region is an Annual Recognition Event that celebrates women doing extraordinary things, often making a difference in the lives of others. While there are other organizations within Waterloo Region that recognize women for their outstanding achievements, WOW is unique. In addition to recognizing individual women for their inspiration and contributions, WOW recipients in turn pay it forward, by recognizing an individual who has been a leader in her life, someone who has inspired and mentored her in her career or along her journey.

I spoke with WOW founder Amanda Knapp (now in its fifth year!)  about some of Waterloo Region with the WOW factor.

For more info on WOW check out http://wowregion.ca.

Coral FM, Off The Air

Peter Ulrich speaks about The Painted Caravan – The Peter Ulrich Collaboration on Coral FM

Painted Caravan

 

From England.. I had the chance to speak with Peter Ulrich who I have kept in touch with since his released his debut CD Enter the Mysterium. I always loved Dead Can Dance so I was thrilled to interview Peter for Sound FM years back.

Since that interview, Peter and I have kept in touch by email, and imagine my surprise when one day he sent me a Christmas present and a card.

Painted Caravan which has received rave reviews since its UK release. Recently it was released in the North America again to rave reviews. Here is a three part discussion with Peter Ulrich where we chat about many things from stories which inspired The Painted Caravan to his exciting new collaboration with New York based label City Canyons. Part Two Tempus Fugitives is about to be released. And now there is talk of a live performance!!!  I hope to go to NYC and see this show in May of 2015. Stay tuned!

Peter Ulrich 2014

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Acclaimed Canadian Singer /Songwriter Lynn Jackson on Coral FM

 aLynn 3

An authenticity runs through Canadian singer-songwriter Lynn Jackson’s music that reflects a deep commitment to telling stories that ring true with listeners.  Combine this with her gentle voice, rich instrumentation and sweet melodies and you get a sound that is roots-Americana with a hint of folk-pop.

Having shared stages with Ron Sexsmith, Fred Eaglesmith and Jay Semko (The Northern Pikes), Jackson just finished her 7th studio album set for release in April 2014.  The Acoustic Sessions is a stripped-down rootsy retrospective of her writing since 2002 and follows up 2012’s critically acclaimed Down in the Dust (Busted Flat Records, Fall 2012). Jackson take her cues from Lucinda Williams, Kathleen Edwards and Eliza Gilkyson, using her ‘whiskey and honey’ voice to mix her timeless melodies while spinning tales about love, loss and everyday people.  

Having toured Down in the Dust through the dusty Praries to Vancouver Island in 2013, Jackson will soon hit the road again this summer with a coast-to-coast tour to support her 7th release. As audiences warm to her soulful storytelling style, Jackson is solidifying her place as one of the most original and compelling voices on the Canadian folk music scene.   

http://www.lynnjackson.net    http://www.bustedflatrecords.com

 

Lynn is my great pal and one of my fave co hosts because she introduces me to new music all the time.  Here’s our first radio show chat. From Lynn performing live (pardon the mic for the first song) It’s all very casual, lovely and amazing.

And Lynn be soon be back because she has a new acoustic CD about to come out and another CD in the works! Yay ! ….  – Coral

 

 

Coral FM, Off The Air

Coral FM Goes To the Toppermost of the Poppermost with Father and Son Duo Dave and Chris Richmond

Two men wearing coats sitting indoors on comfy couches
Dave and Chris Richmond come to visit the Sound Fm Studios

 

Last year, I very good friend of the family passed away – he was like an uncle to me and if it was not for him, I do not think I would have found music at all.  His name was Brian Richmond.  Brian and his brother David loved music. Brian was a brilliant bongo player and drummer. And thanks to Brian’s tap tap a tapping! Dave.. “Durd” Richmond became very famous in a British Band called Manfred Mann!

Dave and his equally famous son Chris Richmond ( who does video production for the Irish band Snow Patrol) came to visit me at Sound FM and I was chuffed. Here is a little bit about Dave!

David ‘Dave’ Richmond is a professional bass player, best known as a founder member of the 1960s pop group Manfred Mann, playing with the band in 1963.  After leaving the band in 1963, Richmond became a session player, working with, amongst others, Elton John, Bread, Hank Marvin, and Serge Gainsbourg. for more on Dave – http://www.jazz4now.co.uk/biography.php

 

Dave and Chris Richmond are two very talented Brits! Registry Theatre’s Lawrence McNaught and Lost and Found’s Artistic Director also met Kathleen Sheehy also met Dave and Chris as well.

In the second part of the show Chris Richmond speaks about his work with Atticus Finch. And Dave chats about working with Henry Mancini, ( known for The Pink Panther theme!) Peter Sallis (Wallace and Gromit), and David Jason (BBC TV’s A Touch of Frost). For more on Atticus Finch check out You Tube.

And this very special podcast of Coral FM is dedicated to the memory of Dave’s brother and my friend Brian Richmond. RIP Brian. I know you are snapping your fingers in perfect rhythm of the beat where’re your spirit roams. Love Coral FM.

 

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage Visit Coral FM

I am thrilled to say that Rockin Ramzi and Jennie Rage have their own radio program on Sound FM every Friday night from 8 to 10pm!

Here is what happened after they did a guest apprearance on Coral FM.  Because these two know how to get the word out!

http://rockabillyroom.com/

Welcome to the Rockabilly Room!

Voted best new radio show 2013, and winner of a Golden Disc award from CKMS!

Broadcasting Rockabilly and Psychobilly music from 100.3 FM in Kitchener Waterloo Ontario Canada
with your hosts, DJ Jennie Rage and DJ Rockin’ Ramzi.

Hour 1 – Rockabilly , Hour 2 – Psychobilly Louder Hour

 I am proud to say that these two are now radio professionals.  I think they were naturals and just waiting to find the mic! – Awesomesaucesome! – Hosted by Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night! – – Coral FM

 

Hosted by Rockin' Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night!
Hosted by Rockin’ Ramzi and Jennie Rage every Friday night!

 

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Safe as Houses on Coral FM

First radio interview ever on Coral FM at Sound FM.
First radio interview ever on Coral FM at Sound FM.

I am very proud to say that I was first person to ever chat with this band on the radio. That’s because my good pal Amanda Kind told me about this incredible young band that I had to listen to.

 

So listen I did…. four extraordinary young men that now have a huge following and our now receiving national radio airplay. They have been guests twice on the show. And they are always welcome …

Here is my two show interview with Safe As Houses on Coral FM

 

 

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Peter Padalino of Major Hoople’s Boarding House and Kevin Schmalz chat about Ignite the Night on Coral FM

Paladino
Peter Padalino Major Hooples Boarding House

The three original founding members, Richard Howell (Rocky), Peter Padalino and Gail Selkirk have been
working in the music field honing their skills as musicians and performers for over 30 years. Their powerful and
extraordinary vocals are captivating. Audiences that loved their performances are welcoming them back with
standing ovations throughout their shows.
Major Hoople’s Boarding House also performed to sold-out audiences with the KW Symphony Orchestra and
Orchestra London.
Turn on your radio any day and you will hear their hit songs like “I’m Running After You”, “You Girl”, “Beautiful
Morning” and “Someone” on stations across the country.
Rocky, Peter and Gail – The original founding members of Major Hoople’s Boarding House along with their
star “boarders”, Ralph Hetke bass, synth, vocals and Ron Duke on drums and vocals, will have you coming
back for more!

This concert was in support of The Children’s Wish Foundation, and Clarky’s Kids. I am happy to say it sold out and LOTS of monies were raised. – Coral

Check out http://www.majorhooplesboardinghouseband.com/ 

 

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Lovely and Amazing Canadian Chanteuse Lily Frost on Coral FM

Singer songwriter Lily Frost is a rare bird from Canada’s musical woods. Frost has always danced the line between indie and jazz, thus creating a niche of her own. Frost draws from her real life experiences in her lyrics – in performance, there is an intimacy, a gentle passion that can take you somewhere else and evokes a certain nostalgia – the rainy streets of Paris, a winter picnic or perhaps a beat café in San Francisco. This rarity and distinctiveness can be found on her latest offering, Do What You Love. Do What You Love puts Lily’s distinct sound and exceptional talents together in one concise package.
Lily Frost

From the lyrics to the arrangements to the striking artwork, Do What You Love packs a punch and delivers insightful truths about life – embracing femininity with strength, joy and creativity. “I wanted to make a fun, upbeat record for my daughter that included lessons I had learned the hard way,” says Lily. “I wanted to leave people feeling inspired with smiles on their faces.” Lily left me with a smile on my face when she granted me a recent wide ranging Sunday morning phone chat when she played The Painted Lady last March. We talked about her latest CD Do What You Love, (which I Love Love Love!) fave 60’s chanteuses, and her happy life as a musician / mother to her son Meesha and daughter Paloma (who this latest CD is dedicated to!) and even Lily’s current passion for TV’s Mad Men! Do What You Love is continues to garner rave reviews!
In recent years, Lily has won West Coast Vocalist of the Year (2002, New Music West), a SOCAN award for Situation (2006, NXNE) and also a Gemini Award nominee for co-writing the theme song and score for the CBC hit television show, Being Erica.  
All shows presented by Gary Topp www.garytopp.com 
And for more info on Lily including ticket info, her current tour dates and much more – go to www.lilyfrost.com – Ba Ba Ba Daahhh – Coral FM. 

 

Coral FM, Off The Air

Laura Archibald Director of Canadian film documentary Greenwich Village Music That Defined a Generation on Coral FM

Laura Archibald at The Sound FM studios to promote Greenwich Village - Music That Defined a Generation.
Laura Archibald at The Sound FM studios to promote Greenwich Village – Music That Defined a Generation


GREENWICH VILLAGE: MUSIC THAT DEFINED A GENERATION is a feature-length documentary about the Greenwich Village music scene and how it sparked everlasting political, social and cultural changes. For the first time, the greatest singer-songwriters, authors and performers from Greenwich Village reflect on how they collectively became the voice of a generation. Through poignant interviews, rare archival footage and new live performances, GREENWICH VILLAGE: MUSIC THAT DEFINED A GENERATION tells a story about community, courage and most importantly – music.

For more go to http://www.greenwichmusicdoc.com/about.htmlGreenwich

It was pretty coolomundo to have Laura drop by Sound FM and Coral FM for a wee chat while she was at The Princess Cinemas showcasing the film for a local audience. Laura is originally from KW and is very busy on the film festival circuit! Special thanks to my friend Kate George for helping to set all of this up! – Coral FM

 

 

 

Coral FM, Events, New Music, Off The Air

Pete Oldridge of the Urban Monks on Coral FM

The Urban Monks

Pete  Oldridge of the Urban Monks has been a guest on Coral FM mat least three times. And the Beatles Numus concert radio advance was downloaded almost 2000 times. Iwas astounded.

He is a great musician and has worked with Numus on several projects. Here are a series of chats that we have done over the years.

Pete and Ciel have moved out West with Pete’s loevely daughter Sophie. We miss you. On the last segment of Peter and Coral FM,  Pete and Ceil (armed with her divine vintage mandolin!) played Urban Monks song Hook live and also premiered several new Monks CD Tracks! Pete also talks about  Numus Concert project called The Art of Bob Dylan: Blonde and Blonde and Beyond with Glenn Buhr’s Broken Songs Band.

Look for an Urban Monks new release coming soon – Coral FM.

Coral FM, New Music, Off The Air

Drew Austin of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils on Coral FM

Irene Torres of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils.
Irene Torres of Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils.

About Those Sugar Devils…..
Irene Torres & The SugarDevils came onto the Toronto music scene in 2011 and made a name for themselves interpreting the music of New Orleans. They wowed audiences with their versatility in playing blues, funk, r&b, jazz, latin & soul to name a few.
In 2012 they recorded their first self-titled CD in the cities of Toronto and New Orleans and received rave reviews.
Description

A Canadian band with a foot in both the vintage and the modern making for a foundation that is fresh and unique. Their love of r&b, soul, funk, blues, motown, and reggae shine through in their original music with high energy and passion. Vivid drums, funky bass, wailing guitar, inspired sax, ethereal organ, catchy hooks, and soaring vocals make this band a must listen for music lovers!

I met Drew Austin from Irene Torres and The Sugar Devils when he came to into Far Out Flicks to put up a poster! And one thing to led to another … what a band this is! – Coral FM.
For  more http://www.thesugardevils.com/ and check their tour dates dates page for updated shows all the time.

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Jonathan C. Dietrich and Kevin White from KWLT’s Macbeth on Coral FM

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre innovative production Kabuki inspires directed by Jonathan C Dietrich - front row Far Right.
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre innovative production Kabuki inspires directed by Jonathan C Dietrich – front row with the tam!

KWLT’s Macbeth takes the Thane of Cawdor to whole new dimension with a Kabuki inspired theme through the vision of director Jonathan C. Dietrich.
Jonathan and actor Kevin White who plays the morally conflicted monarch dropped by Coral FM this week to chat more about The Scottish Play aka “Mackers” – one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies and a favorite with today’s audiences through its grueling tale of politics and murder entangled with fate. Performances of KWLT’s Macbeth begin January 24-26 & 31, February 1, 2 & 7-9 at 8:00PM at KWLT located at 9 Princess St. E, Waterloo, ON.
For more info www.kwlt.org or go to http://macbeth2013.tumblr.com/ – All Hail! Coral FM

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Ted Harms from VOC Silent Film Harmonic Interview Series on Coral FM

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Here is the complete interview series to date with Ted Harms from VOC Silent Film Harmonic on Coral FM.  Featured vintage films discussed – The Man Who Laughs, Fall of the House of Usher / En Chien Andalou, Sunrise, Buster Keaton Shorts, Buster Keaton’s The General.

The VOC Silent Film Harmonic with Ted Harms (second right)
The VOC Silent Film Harmonic with Ted Harms (second right)

It’s always a pleasure to have him as a guest because Ted always brings his own playlist related to every film.  These are great shows at The Registry Theatre. VOC is now about to begin its sixth season.  Coral FM

Buster Keaton's The General
Buster Keaton’s The General

 

 

 

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Cooking with Tank – Local Saxophone Laureate Always Comes Home to Play.

 

John Tank often plays Kitchener Waterloo.
John Tank is the most talented saxphone players in the country. He is originally from Kitchener, but now resides between New York City and New Mexico. He is back at The Jazz Room in December 2014

To many Canadians, tenor saxophonist  John Tank has been somewhat of a legendary figure in the world of live Jazz performance for the past fifty years.
His unique voice has evolved out of a  modern Jazz experience strongly rooted in tradition. His playing has been  described as “creative, smooth, strong, rhythmic, harmonic and melodic.”
Between  1961 and  1963 Tank travelled one hundred and forty miles weekly to study with  the late
concert saxophonist Paul Brodie, founder of the World Saxophone  Congress and to  date the most recorded concert saxophonist in history. From 1964 to 1969 he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Besides majoring in  composition  and arranging, the Berklee experience provided him with the  opportunity to study Jazz improvisation both in the class room and especially at  after hours  jam sessions around town. Being in the company of so many players who also  loved the music was one of his most inspiring experiences during those years.
In 1970, Tank moved to Toronto and performed as a leader and  sideman  with many fine Canadian jazz greats such as Bernie Senensky, Don  Thompson,  Terry Clarke, Sonny Greenwich, Lenny Breau, Michel Donato, Claude  Ranger and  Freddie Stone.

In 1974 Tank moved to New York and worked as a  sideman  in groups led by Sam Rivers, Paul Jeffery, George Coleman, Joe Morello,  John Blair, Jack Walrath, Calvin Hill, Joe Lee Wilson, Monty Waters and others. He  played with the great Charles Mingus on two recordings: “Me, Myself, and Eye” and “Something Like A Bird.”
During the late 1970s and through the mid-1990s, he performed in England, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and Spain. Live recordings were made for the BBC Radio, Canada House, the French  National Radio and Dutch television in the Netherlands.

Tank has  organized several tours of Ontario and Quebec over the decades and recorded for  CBC Radio Canada’s “Jazz Beat” in 2000. Between 2004 and 2007 he played and toured in and around New Mexico, performing with local players in Tucson,  Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, and El Paso. Some of Tank’s stylistic influences include, Lester Young, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Paul Desmond, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Dexter Gordon, and Warne Marsh. Other major influences are Igor Stravinsky, Bella Bartok, Charles Ives and Krzysztof  Pendereki.

To many jazz music afficionados and music lovers in Kitchener Waterloo John Tank is a musical legend.
It is always my great pleasure to have him come to chat with me on the radio. In this wide ranging chat, John speaks about the actual technique of “circular breathing” which he teaches in his student workshops. He also speaks about his latest performances both in The States, and in Mexico. John also played some of his favorite jazz selections as well from bassist Ron Carter, and tenor saxophonists Joe Henderson (who John played with in Toronto!) as well as Sonny Rollins.

It’s great when John’s in town cuz things are always cookin, and I am very proud to call him my longtime pal.  These are a series of interviews I conducted for John’s shows at The Jazz Room and The Registry Theatre. Thanks to The Registry Theatre’s Lawrence McNaught and John’s  great fan and good pal Terry Pender,  John always has a great place to play when he comes home. And it cooks everytime!  Watch for him coming back to the The Jazz Room in December 2014.

Here is a series of interviews  conducted at the Sound FM studios recorded in the spring of 2012 and winter of 2013.

The first four segments are from Jan 2013. And the last two segments are taken from 2012 including a live performance in the Sound FM Studios.

John also performs live in the Sound FM studios. John speaks about the evolution of the jazz scene in Waterloo Region, The Jazz Room and latest CD – John Tank Live at The Registry Theatre taken from a fabulous live concert recorded live at Kitchener’s The Registry Theatre in April of 2010.

He also plays some of personal favorites as well. It’s always great talking with John. I learn so much, from Jazz, to his culinary skills.

My good pal  from NYC is also a great cook! Hence our  interview Series “Cooking with Tank”

For more on John go to www.johntank.com 

 

 

Coral FM, Off The Air

Coral FM’s Tribute to New York

Me near Washington Square Nov 2012.
Me near Washington Square Nov 2012.

Here is my sonic salute to New York through the music and the artists that define it from coolomundo jazz and folk legends to its and rock and punk heroes.

My fave artists from New York include actor / lead singer David Johansen of The New York Dolls who I chatted with a few years back by phone, and Lauri Anderson who I had the pleasure of meeting when she played The Perimeter Institute! Plus I play Maggie Estep, The Ramones, The Cramps, Iggy Pop, Regina Spektor. Tom Waits and Lou Reed – All from NYC! – Coral FM

 

A very special thanks to my friends Lorca Peress, Steve McGraw, and John Tank for showing me the many sides of the City That Never Sleeps. – Coral FM

 

 

Coral FM, Events, Off The Air

Michela Marino Lerman live from Small’s Jazz Club in New York on Coral FM

That’s Michela doin her Jazz Tappin thing at Small’s. Pic courtesy of The New York Times. Below Michela at Smalls. Pic by Coral

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 Michela first appeared on Sesame Street at the age of 5.  In February 2002 she was showcased on the cover of Dance Teacher magazine with Gregory Hines. In 2005, she was named by Dance Spirit magazine as one of the 20 hottest tap dancers under 20 and in 2008, Dance magazine named her as the only female tap dancer in its “25 to Watch in 2008.” Michela performs annual as part of Tap City (NYC Tap Dance Festival) and the Tap Extravaganza, and is the artistic director for Cobi Narita’s Tap Extravaganza Quens. She was born, raised, and continues to live in New York City.

She won first prize in the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival’s, “Hoofer’s Challenge” in both 2002 and 2003. In 2002, Michela performed with Jennifer Holliday on Broadway in Nothing Like A Dame and also in 21 Below at Town Hall. In 2003, she was inducted into the famed tap dance fraternity “The Copasetics” as their first and only female lifetime honorary member.  In 2004-2006, Michela toured Spain and Japan with Rafael Amargo’s Enramblao.  In the fall of 2005, her choreography was featured in the tap section of the opening number for the Bermuda Music Festival with UDP, starring Al Green, Angie Stone, and Patti LaBelle.

Michela began her touring career at the age of 14, when she travelled with the Cab Calloway Orchestra throughout the Northeast and Florida.  At the age of 19, she was commissioned by Dixon Place to create and direct her own show, entitled AM+bu$h+ED.2007 saw Michela tour Europe for 3 months as a lead dancer in the show Magic of the Dance.  In 2008-2009, she was featured in the show “Wonderland,” an all tap show set to Stevie Wonder’s music choreographed by Ayodele Casel and Sarah Savelli.

In 2008 she appeared on CBS’s Secret Talents of the Stars with Grammy award winning singer Mya, performing the choreography of Emmy award winner Jason Samuels Smith. From 2007-2008, Michela was a featured lead performer at NYC’s hottest nightclub, The Box. She also has performed with the Roy Hargrove Big Band and Quintet at the Jazz Gallery and the Village Vanguard.  Over the past several years, Michela has performed throughout the West Coast and in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, and Turkey in addition to tap festivals in Canada, New York, and Flint, Michigan.

The American Tap Dance Foundation commissioned Michela to produce and direct her second show, entitled Tapsploitation, which was presented a second time by HarlemStage. Recently she has been co-creator in forming the tap dance company The Tap Messengers who performed at the CareFusion Jazz Festival with Talib Kweli and Nicholas Payton with the Revive Da Live Big Band, Joe’s Pub, and HarlemStage opening for Marcus Strickland.  Her newest group is Sole Society, which has just debuted at Matthew Garrison’s ShapeShifter Lab in Brooklyn, collaborating with the Marcus Strickland Quartet, and appeared at the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival with Revive Da Live. For the past 4 years, Michela has hosted the only weekly tap jam in NYC at Smalls Jazz Club, collaborating some of today’s most gifted young jazz musicians including Joe Sanders, Ben Williams, Justin Brown, Harold O’Neal, Sullivan Fortner, and Burniss Earl Travis, to name just a few.  Michela also hosts monthly tap jams at Fat Cat.

 Michela is grateful for the mentoring and guidance given to her by Buster Brown, Gregory Hines, and Leroy Myers. She has taught in numerous schools, studios, programs, and festivals throughout the globe. As a performer, teacher, director, and choreographer Michela is dedicated to spreading the art of tap around the world.

Michela was the first interview I did when I went down to New York. I met her at the legendary jazz club Smalls! in Greenwich Village.  Tap Jazz is cooolomundo! – Coral FM.

 

 

Coral FM, Off The Air

Coral FM at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute on location in New York with MultiStages Artistic Director Lorca Peress

Lee Strasberg Institute New York. Pic by Coral
Lee Strasberg Institute New York. Pic by Coral

 

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LORCA PERESS (President) is the Founder and Artistic Director of MultiStages, and an across-the-boards theatre artist specializing in new works. Ms. Peress’ diverse artistic background (primarily theatre, visual arts, dance, music and writing) led her to create MultiStages, a theatre company where artists from different disciplines would work together to produce extraordinary theatre. In her role as MultiStages Artistic Director, she has developed and produced all productions, readings and festivals, and supervised four New Works Contests. Ms. Peress has also conceived and directed the majority of MultiStages’ productions, and has acted in and designed puppets and masks for several. She is a native New Yorker, a Bennington College graduate, and did her professional study at the Lee Strasberg and Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institutes (NTI). Her formative training was through several internships with Missouri Repertory and Stage West in Massachusetts, where she assisted directors Rae Allen (former Artistic Director of Stage West), Vincent Dowling (former Artistic Director of Alley Theatre, Dublin), and Harold Scott (Broadway and Regional director). At NTI, she also assisted writer Dale Wasserman in the O’Neill Playwriting Conference and worked with Theatre for the Deaf. In addition to her work with MultiStages, Ms. Peress has appeared or directed at Missouri Repertory, Stage West, The Walnut Street Theatre, Orlando Opera Co., The Century Theatre, Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre, Repertorio Español, Lambs Theatre, Dixon Place, Theatre for the New City, HERE, The Colleagues Theatre, La MaMa E.T.C., The Sackett Group’s Women’s Work Festivals, NYU Tisch, Teatro La Tea, Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Hudson Guild Theatre, Access Theatre, the Players Club, and Latino Playwrights (Raul Julia founder). Ms. Peress has been a playwriting contest judge for Repertorio Español’s Nueces Voces I and II, the Ohio State Council on the Arts, La Mia Ink, Lee Strasberg One Act Contests, and the MultiStages New Works Contests. Ms. Peress has received an Inky Award from La MaMa Experimental Theatre Co. through the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, numerous MultiStages producing grants, and several La Mia Ink! playwriting awards. She has served on the NYU Tisch School of the Arts Production Committee, Curator for NYU hotINK Festivals for Strasberg (2002–2010). She teaches in the NYU Strasberg Studio and at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and is a member of numerous theatrical Unions, and is the Co-President of the League of Professional Theatre Women. 

MultiStages website – http://www.eljallartsannex.com/multistages.htm


Lorca Peress from MultiStages at The Lee Strasberg Institute in New York City