TP Entertainment and Productions

Newmarket Play Festival Wants Youth!

2022-02-09T22:04:00.022-05:00

Play Time!

When the Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays started out in 2017, the founder and visionary of the festival, John Dowson I'm sure had aspirations of it becoming an internationally recognized festival, but likely even he didn't envision its growth in recognition and notoriety in such a short period of time! Even in losing 2020 to covid, and then being attendance restricted the following one in 2021 still didn't stunt its growth, with the festival organizers adding online streamimg to increase the festival's profile and audience numbers in spite of those obstacles - and to the delight of the international and Canada-wide dwelling playwrights - then enabled to view their creations coming to life on stage while tuning in from as far away as Australia! The festival typically runs over 3 evenings in early September 8 - 11th with a Sunday, with a young person themed daytime matinee show added for 2022. Of course, before there can even be a show, a call for submissions had to go out and the festival is now winding down its reception of those hopefuls.

Robert Mcneely - Room For Cream

This year the Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays has added a youth element to its submission stable by being committed to presenting one performance matinee show for Young Audiences (TYA).This idea was inspired by an entry in 2021 by local award winning journalist and author of 3 books, turned playwright, Rod Urquhart, whose play adaptation (Gilda) of a children's book, Gilda The Princess (also written by a beloved long time Newmarket resident, Olie Madsen) was well received. And this new addition will now provide a wonderful opportunity for emerging playwrights - and hopefully youthful ones - to have their one act plays presented to paying live and streaming audiences locally and worldwide!

Gilda's 22 year old Director, Kira Rosenbloom will also be offering up a series of online workshops for any youths looking to hone their theatrical creative skills - from writing, to acting, to directing - which the hope is to inspire a future generation of performing arts enthusists and maybe even some future stars! To be kept informed on the workshops please follow the link to stay in the registration loop or connect on Instagram! Watch for Kira on the Out & About Town, Newmarket Pickering College radio show, Tues March 15 @ 6PM and Sun 20th at 11AM @102.7 Chop FM. Photos by Scottie Luk

Carol Ann Matus - The Book Club Thief

Hey Youth!

If you'd like to enter a youthful creation for 2022, please submit your one act play to submissions@oneactplayfestival.com and visit the website for more information.

Robert Mcneely, Laurie Laing, Lee Elson

The Newmarket International Festival of One Act Plays is supported by The Very Useful Theatre Company, a registered charity which's mission is to facilitate and promote local live theatre arts opportunities as well as raise funds for great causes like the Newmarket Food Pantry!

Mother's Day On Main St Newmarket Contest 2018

2018-05-03T15:57:00.003-04:00

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada's, Main Street, has been called, "One of Canada's most beautiful", and therefore is certainly a good fit for most any mom on May 13, Mother's Day but it's unique shops, boutiques, and services also are much deserving of praise when it comes to all things mom.

From fantastic restaurants, patios, cafes and live entertainment, to quaint gift and novelty shops, to vintage and new clothing, to amazing spa services, beauty and hair salons, Main St., Newmarket certainly has enough to please most any Mom and we hope to showcase that through a contest that gives one lucky mom a great time out on her special day! #mothersdayonmain

#MothersDayOnMain #mothersdayonmain

Mothers Day On Main starts or ends at Balsam Day Spa (Mom's choice) where she'll meet with the professional staff and owners and arrange for her own special spa experience from her winning prize $120 Value Gift Certificate. Balsam Spa, located a little more north than most in the prize package group at 38 Main St. S., has been at their beautiful historic home location for over four years now and have been consistently top performers earning consecutive Top Choice and 3 Best awards as well as glowing online reviews from repeat clients Whether looking for massage therapy, body and facial treatments, waxing, threading, eyelash extensions, micro-blading, nails or mani or pedicures the friendly professional staff will take care of you or your mom! But hurry its a busy day!

See Balsam Spa's Intro video here.

You can order spa products, services and gift certificates now online!

Mother's Day would most certainly not be complete without flowers and to that end we feel Blooming Wellies located at 171 Main St S has the expertise and know-how to more than please mom with a bouquet of flowers. If you've not gone inside the shop located just inside an historic building on Main and across from a beautiful church to experience the flower arrangements and smells of fresh cut flowers, its time you did! but don't leave it until Mother's day because like any good florist - they will be busy that day, the most busy day of the tear in the industry and for that we especially appreciate Blooming Wellies beautiful bouquet contribution to Mothers Day On Main!

To call Blooming Wellies : 905-657-8984 or Order Online right here!

Have you discovered Red Scarf Equestrian yet? Wow, although the clothing, accessories and hats are mostly designed for equestrians to use, most certainly the Red Scarf's garments and accessories; like equestrian bracelets and bangles, shawls, Irish wool sweaters and hats of a variety that most anyone (mom!) could wear, not to mention Dad's-wear, and even for the horse! In addition Red Scarf carries bone china mugs, like the Made in England Dunoon Mugs and offer even more access to order products online!

The Red Scarf, located at 221 Main St is providing the winning mom her choice of a great Dunoon Mug or a Hello Sunshine hat which must be seen to be instantly loved! I don't relish mom's decision making quagmire! Ha. See more or order directly on the Red Scarf Equestrian website right here!

CanadaT.com on Main

An ideal Mother's Day also includes some laughs and to that end we've chosen a suitable printed T - shirt from Main St's CanadaT.com, with a message mom can embrace with her sense of humour! Or not! Should the winning #mothersdayonmain Mom wish, she can trade our choice for a choice of her own from the dozens of messages and art printed on custom T's in the display racks and adorning the walls, alongside numerous novelty and gift type items in the long time Main St icon.

2 P.M. @ #Mothersdayonmain

About now, mom's likely getting hungry and so we've booked her a spot (winners must confirm) at the gorgeous Cachet Restaurant & Bar, located at the foot of Main and Water Sts.S, with the ambient Fairy Lake Falls running nearby to sooth and add to mom's already superb outing.

In additional to Cachet's beautiful restaurant and patio and delicious food and drink, Cachet provides live entertainment on the patio on weekends and Mothers Day, as well as features a special Mother's Day menu. The winning Mom's in for a treat that day! Sorry kids, you're on your own though! Visit their website here.

Neon Flamingo Cafe & Ice Bar

Mom deserves a nice specialty coffee and desert of course too, and so following her lunch, mom and a guest can enjoy fresh made coffee or espresso or cappuccino using fresh roasted beans and desert, pastry or iced delight from the Neon Flamingo Cafe & Ice Bar located at 206 Main St., tucked into the back of one of Main St Newmarket's most unique shops, Haven Eclectic Modern Style which I'm sure mom will not be able to pass through without having enjoyed witnessing the nostalgic decor and items for sale, from retro to unique novelty, while the Cafe has the most interesting flamingo lollipops that are all the rage!

The Neon Flamingo also sports street window side lounge tables for natural lighting while you sit in in addition to its eclectic mix of products and nostalgic decor which the contest winning mom will I'm sure enjoy her spoilings!

British Imports

British Imports, located at Timothy & Main St's, is a long time Newmarket icon, with the next generation now running the family business but with the same old fashioned service you come to expect from shopkeepers in and around Newmarket's Main St - likely because of long time examples I'm sure such as British Imports.

Whether you crave steak & mushroom pies like from "back home, or baked goods, potato scones, cookies, candies, grocery or novelty back'ome stuff, this is your place! And we thought that this old fashioned style shop, complete with bell attached to the door to greet visitors would be a fine example stop on our Mother's Day on Main adventure and it is there mom will get her roses...well imported from the UK chocolate roses anyway!

Those are not the only shop and restaurants on Main Street that moms would love but all we had time to get to! So happy Mother's Day to all the mothers win or lose!

How To Enter?

It all sounds wonderful you say but how do I enter the #mothersdayonmain contest?

There are 3 Easy Steps to Enter the Mother's Day On Main contest

1."Like" TPE Productions Facebook Page to "follow" for further instructions.

2. View and Share TPE's video of the #Mothersdayonmain contest with your mom or kids.

3. TPE has posted this question you must answer to enter -

Q: Which streets intersection is the video showing Main St looking north shot from?

The answer is contained within the videos and images posted already on the TPE FB page.
Send the answer to the question and contact info and Moms name to TPE, where ONE winner will be drawn ONE week prior to Mother's Day on Sunday May 6 which falls on May 13 in 2018. Some conditions apply.

Watch for new questions being posted on FB, Instagram & Twitter feeds to enter more than once! One entry per question per family.

Good Luck to you all the Moms!

48 Hour Film Fest TO Fantasy Flick

2017-10-13T22:47:00.001-04:00

Just For Laughs Solo Shows - TV Taping

2017-09-20T11:11:00.003-04:00

Comedy and I go way back, even further than the hospitality / crafts industry. I recall as a kid watching old comics like Bob Hope, Abbott & Costello, and Lucille Ball with my mom and of course kids shows including - dare I say it - Fat Albert with Cosby doing the voices. But it was George Carlin who first drew my attention to stand-up, with his record that contained the 10 words you couldn't use on television. Too young to partake, it was invigorating when I did.

How dare someone say these things? But when they were funny it was alright to say them. Laughing was like therapy, and by extension, becoming a "class clown" on occasion, a signature even today, my original online content and TPE internet shows often using comedy to deliver the message.

Make People Happy

Now, despite all the movies, tv sitcoms and online opportunities these days for content, it's often hard to find fresh, daring material, particularly with the sensitive nature of today's society, so it's nice when we discover gems that do the genre justice such as the Just For Laughs folks, also infamous due the the growing spotlight on the 4 years young JFLs Festival #JFLF42 which sports the tagline of simply"Make People Happy".

Toronto Just For Laughs Festival Sept 21 - 30 - 2017

Passes and Tickets available here #JFLF42

In addition 42 different acts performing in the 2017 JFL Festival there are also headliners like Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Tom Segura, Mike Birbiglia, My Favorite Murder, Tim & Eric and Ali Wong for who they've had to add another night at the Sony Performance Centre due to 3 sold out shows, so you'd need act fast to in on that.

Just For Laughs I'd say cut its teeth and got it's branding power by presenting live stand-up comedy on tv though, reminiscent of that forgotten raw era of simply a comedian and a microphone for the most part, with JFL showcasing the funniest bits, while also engaging some of the talent, to infuse quippy, back-stage banter-like exchanges reminiscent of a style I myself once used on Out & About when interviewing comedians like Derek Edwards, Mike Bullard, Heidi Foss and Christopher Hawes backstage before going on. It's also re-mindful of comedy workshops with the seasoned pro's I'd attended years ago and participating in the then Canada's Funniest New Comic - losing to Jeremy Hotz as I recall at the time - before Just For Laughs was born! Ha. memory lane...

I Knew Her When...!

However as good as the Just For Laughs forum has been for showcasing new and established talent, what viewers may not know is that the television versions have to be edited for time logistics reasons and very possibly sometimes, because the material is to risque for tv, and often the very gem performance clips you don't want to miss!

See a JFL Live Taping in Toronto! Book Tickets

Ever wanted to be part of a comedy show audience?

Best kept JFJ Secret - Just For laughs Solo Show TV Specials are taping with a live audience in Toronto, Monday, Sept 25, 26, at the 1871 Berkeley Church, located at 315 Queen St East, featuring some of the hottest comedians - upcoming and seasoned - including...(I could tell you who, but I would have to kill you. Lol)...and is sure to be memorable for anyone attending live!

Doors open to the audience at 7:30 pm Monday Sept 25 and 7:00 pm Tuesday Sept 26th 2017.

Check JFL42 to book for a live taping of the Just For Laughs Solo Shows

You can Follow TPE on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Bonnie & Clyde Craft Services

TPE Summer Live Entertainment Highlights

2017-09-06T17:17:00.003-04:00

Well September finally came it seems, but, alas, summer was a mixed bag this year from a live entertainment and band events stand point with some notables having to be cancelled due to extreme weather. Fortunately, enough of a summer emerged to host an array of outdoor activities in and around the G.T.A. and Ontario and if you looked hard enough, you could also find some great talent.

For me I'd been hoping to see some of the old time / town faves before they / we get to old to appreciate or play anymore. Talent like Montreal born David Wilcox, always a favorite of mine, but who I hadn't seen play live in Eons. Yes that's correct Eons.

At any rate, I caught D.W., Harlequin, Glenn Marais among some over the summer, so here's a sampling of what TPE didn't miss in the summer of 2017.

Catch more TPE highlights on FB and tpeproductions.com

Thursday Nights Joe Delima hosts a rock jam at Scarborough Ontario's The Birchmount Bar & Grill

David Wilcox rockin in Aurora, Ontario

Harlequin hits the stage in Aurora, Ontario

Glenn Marrais Band hits stage at Newmarket Music Festival

Bonnie & Clyde Craft Services Cater Stolen Palates

2017-08-30T18:22:00.008-04:00

When a P.A. job that was craft service heavy uncovered a talent for fresher snacks and baked goods and delicious meals, on-set actor, Tom Pearson, took notice and reacting to the obvious positive responses cast and crew had to the array of prepared foods that were made being received, while witnessing on hands the difference it made in moral to cast and crew who are often served up uninspired dishes fraught with mediocrity, he decided to team up with said Food Wizzardess ( Shelley Nadeau-Harrison) and form Bonnie & Clyde Craft Services and Catering. TP, having spent years previously in hospitality and catering, and whom penned Tom's Top 10 lists in a CoverStory newspaper column called Local flavour among other industry related media he produces, thought it a great idea to take that home-style food and cater to the tv and film industry. The response to the cuisine has since been exceptional. See "Quiet on the set!"

Bonnie's famous deelish Butter Chicken

Although flavour and heartiness are # 1 for Bonnie & Clyde, they are also keenly aware of the need for healthier dishes and sides, and so you can always expect a rounded out " square meal" with some healthy sides.

Vegan Specialty Dish

On Set Cuisine

B&C prefers to prepare at their own choice from their selection, based on past popular choices, to give the best service and freshest seasonal offerings as possible. This method not only saves the client time from deciding which sides on which day and allows the pros to add what they believe goes with each dish and with a variety to please both health conscious and taste/ hearty conscious cast and crew members. Just like you trust the Director in their job to capture the right shot, B&C too prefers you trust they will too. The method saves costs and allows for freshest fair and a better value to the customer. We will be happy to go over your menu in detail however.

Roasted Beet Salad

The bottom line is people like the food and its delivered and kept hot or cold until consumed, a service B&C prides themselves in.

We want to give the best service possible and know that productions don't need any more noise or distractions. By delivering on that with great tasting hearty food, Bonnie & Clyde is stealing palates!

" Excellent!" Film and Series Director Ian

" Absolutely scrumptious! Producer / Director Alex

On Set Standards

Substantials start at - $15 head

Catered meals - start at $27 ( $22 if combined w subs/kraft table)

Kraft tables supplies - $15 head - labour $35 hr if needed

Breakfast starts at $15 per head
Er, not what we mean by " Per Head" Lol

Home or Event Catering

When Covid stopped dead the industry, it also hit B&C who then had to adjust on the fly.. Even upon start up, it was a cautious time with productions expecting everyting to be individually wrapped and packaged. It was at the point B&C began to also look at home and event catering and they have not looked back!

" Amazing! Thank-you so much!" Deborah, Christening hostess.

" Phenominal! Will definitley be recommending." Cynthia, home party hostess.

Catered Meals

Dinners - appetizer, protein w veggies, bread, dessert starts at $35 head
Lunches - Start at $20 head
Side Dishes - Start at $17 head

Mmmmama's pulled pork

Note: where possible B&C specializes in preparing in your location for freshest hottest food! All menus offer vegan/vegetarian options for individuals. Should an individual have 2 or more food type conditions, they are charged the Star Standard rate in its place.

Call or Text @ 289-221-0928

See Menu and more on FaceBook! See Clyde's fun times video!

Hey Mac! & Cheese - a kiddy fave using 4 cheeses

Bonnie's Famous Hearty Home Made Soups

Charcuteries available

Basic finger foods w homemade soup!

Look Good? Ask About Bonnie's Lobster Rolls!

'Tis " Fall Off The Bone" Season

OMG for Gelato @ G For Gelato Toronto

2017-05-24T09:15:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure Ben & Jerry's ice cream started out with the philosophy that G For Gelato's restaurant owner Shant Behesnilian has but it's his and he's sticking to it. And what philosophy is that you ask? Well Shant follows the three 1's. He must be first in freshness / quality, service, and price and feels if he does that he can't lose. Whassup G!?

" It's a very competitive market for gelato in Toronto", Behesnilian says.

He won't buy a cheaper chocolate for example, and it must be imported from Belgium.

"Being number one in those categories give me the edge on competitors."

And in a 4 short years, Shant's philosophy seems to be paying off at his 75 Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada location getting such a reputation for the best gelato around that he's sought out to supply top end restaurants and through packaging is now delivering the fresh product too. Demand has been such he's had to lease more space to make more gelato to keep up. He knows they can't rest on their laurels, but the proof ,as they say, is in the pudding... and, in this case, a cold, creamy one.

Great spot across street to enjoy a walk or sit and enjoy gelato!

And judging by the ongoing foot traffic at the downtown Jarvis at Adelaide Street location, even during non peak hours, he's right on the money. Or perhaps in the money, albeit with smaller margins because of his quality standards and as winters are slower, he's incorporated espresso coffees and some Italian style bistro food like pizza - as I understand also a city's top fave pick - again made in-house fresh to keep sales up and more staff employed year round one imagines. I'll have to try the pizza next time!

Now supplies fresh gelato with refrigerated truck 416-792-1761

Check G For Gelato out for yourself. you won't be disappointed...OMMMM G For Gelato a definite Tom's Top 10 for deserts in Toronto! www.gforgelato.com

The Business of the Movie Business

2017-05-19T19:13:00.001-04:00

Studio location sunset view in Mount Albert, Ontario

The older I get, the less I know it seems at times, and with technology today, sometimes it's hard to keep pace.For example, at the time I finished film school, there was no need for thinking about short video clips creations for online media nor many of the nuances of media forms that can now be found online for various uses today, mostly related to branding or promotion.

Between takes

Editing was of course digital then but in its infancy, as sound record and video record was still on digital tape which then went through long rendering processes. Snap Chat was not even a concept.

Prior to even attending the school, I'd already (CO) hosted a TV shows on Rogers then Shaw Cable, Chronicle Beat, then Out & About, which focused on entertainment and often the hospitality industry and always featured a local cause - invariably presented in a wacky TPE signature form when the time called for it. Those were the days where we really cut our teeth, (click here to view my interview with Mike Bullard before getting his talk show) and, of course Rogers and Shaw still had a lot of manual editing devises that our crew would have to work with, but it was all good experience.

When my kids rolled around into my full custody I was in full bloom, hosting for tv, shooting often at night and or taping some weekends while also writing as an Entertainment Editor for Cover Story Newspaper, York Region Edition during the day, and had an agent booking me on tv spot roles like The Steven Truscott Trial, Top Cops, Secret Service and series' like Forever Knight, a first vampire detective type American produced series, shot here, appearing in the last 2 ever taped episodes, as a model / bartender. Lol. But the after-hours call times of the business clashed with the reality of suddenly becoming a single dad and finding out there's no such thing as all night daycare or a trusting babysitter available to stay in your home during those occasions and perhaps see them off to school.

Somehow, during this period, I'd returned to film school while producing an improv show for Aurora Cable TV and live shows at the same time as juggling the kids and occasionally waiting tables or performing menial jobs, and somehow we got through it. But again, upon graduation, reality check was that industry hours were still the same late calls and so I took on a more 9 to 5 (or 7 to cover LA time) position as an Associate Producer of feature family films under an Executive Producer of over 30 feature films, David Borg, who I learned "the art of the deal" from. I worked as an Associate Producer on a number of films with him including SuperCross the movie, Miracle Dogs (Kate Jackson, Rue McClanahan, Ted Shackleford) and Hansel & Gretel (Howie Mandel, Dakota Fanning, Taylor Mumsen)

He was a master of "the close" and we raised funds for our movies without often meeting the investors in person as he / we looked for those looking to just expand their portfolios and be part of the excitement of making a movie and maybe attending the premier. That is the key. Also a limited partner who could afford to lose their entire investment of up to $100,000 and not bat an eye. But it was not a creative job in the industry and certainly never my dream to sell to investors.

This Mount Albert barn studio was made for a scene in the movie Titanic

It was a great learning experience though,

I'd been told by the boss-man continually, as part of his motivational style for the previous four years, that, "We don't need anything in life, we want things". And I guess he's right, because I wanted to stay creative and I have and will continue to as long as I'm able, and with the use of video and images online as well as for tv and film, I feel like I've made the right decision.

Click here for insider tips from TP on cold calling for film partners!

Recently TPE 's services were acquired to videotape interviews of some prominent folks of a particular town with connections to its history for personal and online use. One interviewee was 95 years old. Another 92. Incredible tales that I had a hand in capturing for eternity for the town and those families now - all using knowledge gained to set up the make shift studio and force an affect on the lights using a trick of the trade. It was an opportunity to try out some of my newly acquired sound record equipment as well and the Tascam 4 channel unit worked just great!

Mostly it's short clips these days though that seem to be most effective for marketing campaigns and social media, the attention spans of the new generation shorter and shorter it seems in this age of instant gratification. All you can do is adjust. But whether it's an hour and a half or 10 seconds or 60 seconds, getting that message through is the key to success. I called them Commotions before they had a term. Half comedy, half promotion. Now they come in serious mode too.

Final thought....sometimes when a production is running behind it can get very stressful as the players crew and perhaps even Director sometimes get a little anxious or short tempered or more demanding of those around them. During those times everyone from the PA to the Actors can feel the effects and anything that alleviates that goes a long way.

So when this occurred at the last shoot I worked on, catered to by Bonnie & Clyde Craft Services, which brought in a late afternoon snack of warmed pita bread wedges along with a specially made dip that stopped all production for several minutes, it was much appreciated and you could see a noticeable inmprovement in production and performance from that point forward. It was just enough to get everyone happily through another night that ran long.

Showstopper by Bonnie & Clyde Craft Services

The unique warm dip served with made from a base of cheeses and seafood is a show stopper in itself and goes to show that every element in a production is an important one and you just never know who will emerge a star!

Until next time TP out! Visit TPE on Facebook.

New Year's Eve Entertainment Newmarket

2016-12-30T00:00:00.002-05:00

1220 Stellar Dr Newmarket Ontario Canada Unit 205 - 905-830-9441

So you got caught unawares and have no idea what to do for New Year's Eve you say? Well I just happen to have stashed some tickets away for the Annual Stellar Hall NYE party - dubbed The Stellar Hall Ball - a semi-formal affair featuring live ambience during a 5 course dinner and cocktails followed by a DJ by DJ Junior and dancing and a light late night buffet - all inclusive @$75.00. Website.

New Year's Eve Entertainment Line Up

Hurricane Mike Thompson

In fact the live entertainment will be a "won't want to miss"portion of the evening which begins at 7 pm while the 1st live performer for live ambience shortly thereafter will be no other than Hurricane Mike Thompson a great singer, composer and instruments player who will be honing in on his dombro playing talent on this night. Although I've seen Hurricane play many times I have no footage of his dombro playing ( after New Year's I will) on file but click here to hear / see what one is should you be curious!

James Alderson

Next on the slate is a performer who's been out of the loop for a spell but is renowned in certain circles for his banjo playing ability and so you can expect some toe tapping ambience from James and I'm really looking forward to his return! Here's James in action!

Kat Vhonda

Kat is a dynamic singer and guitar player who gives it hard for every performance. You can feel she feels the music. Click here to check Kat out. All makes for a magical night.

TP may have a few more add-on surprises come New year's eve so come out to find out what?!

This my friends is one heck of a New year's Eve line-up and add in the experienced and talented DJ Junior as well as the seasoned Stellar Hall Staff and a 5 course dinner into the mix and you have the makings for a great night! Er..Did I mention bar included?! Egads.

Happy New Year! See you at the party! Tickets Txt 289-221-0928

Harry Walker Prkwy & Stellar Dr - Newmarket's Entertainment District

2016-12-26T13:51:00.003-05:00


More residential units are planned for around Main St Newmarket not bars

Newmarket's Entertainment & Activities District features excellent school break options.

It's becoming more apparent that Newmarket's Main St. will not suffice as an entertainment district in the growing town of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. There are simply too many residents living in units above and around the establishments for any sort of real night action to take place without recurring noise issues. Seniors buildings overlook it's square as well, adding to the negative impact late night entertainment has in the zone. Not so in Newmarket's unofficial; entertainment / recreational district, a kilometre stretch along Harry Walker Parkway North from Davis Drive to about Ringwell Dr.

Remember bowling? Winter activity revised.

1220 Stellar Features latest in Escape Room technology

Along that stretch you'll find no less than two hotels, the local craft Arch Brewery and retail outlet, an axe throwing facility, Laser Play with licensed lounge and an upstairs Kids PlayZone, bingo hall, NewMakeIT where creative artists and set builders can be 3d creative - in fact both nearby escape rooms Crypto and Arch Brewing both make signage using them - and an entertainment and leisure complex at the heart of it all, at 1220 Stellar Dr.and H.W. Parkway, that houses a billiard hall with off- track betting, bowling - including York Region's largest 5 pin centre, an escape room - dance hall, karate centre, and Stellar Hall which features everything from live bands to hip hop to comedy sand dinner theatre and of course weddings and special events. Wow, who knew!? And with the area infused with industry, there are no night time neighbours kept awake evenings and nights by the exciting events that go on.

Recently I had a chance to chat with a few of the business owners and operators in the unofficial entertainment district including Arch Brewing, Crypto Escape Rooms and Stellar Hall and look forward to featuring them in some upcoming online info pieces and video profiles.

Arch Brewer Brewing Company, on Pony Drive adjacent to the Holiday Inn Hotel, is open 7 days a week and open to the public. Here you can see the beer as its brewed and labelled and bottled on site! Cool paraphernalia adorn the walls too with some Souvenir-like buy-ables, samples, and upper floor lounge.

The Crypto Escape Room features the latest in escape room technology where participants are forced to figure out mind bending escapes built into their fantastical themed rooms and based on the traffic I witnessed just while interviewing the owners outside their 1220 Stellar Drive location - down the hallway from stellar hall on the 2nd floor - they are on the right track.

Book for New Year's Eve in Newmarket @ 905-830-9441

Stellar Hall and Event Centre, also in the complex at 1220 Stellar, has been featuring special event nights that showcase live entertainment from rock to hip hop to comedy and dinner theatre, keeping up a long standing tradition for the location which 40 years ago was the biggest live act venue for miles and featured top Canadian Entertainers like Tommy Hunter!

Stellar Bowl - York Region's largest 5 pin bowling centre - on the main floor level, is also alive and well taking up the ground level spot at the complex along with Bigg Wiggs Billiards. Both of which recreational entertainment venues are becoming rare entities in this day and age for self entertainment and recreation. Stellar Bowl is also open all Xmas break, offering glow in the dark bowling while listening to cool tunes or enjoying a drink.

Town won't license this Main St location as a nightclub

I believe the town needs to start recognizing this " industrial" area as also the entertainment district and supporting it as so, including relaxing zoning regulations on occasion to adjust to the times.

This unit left sits empty on Main St. as the town will not license it for a Nightclub or bar - despite the location having been one of Newmarket's longest having been known as Fitzgerald's, Sneakers Sports Bar and the White Rabbit over the years.

And while the town may not have been successful in attracting much industry to it's crosstown industrial designated area, these industries seem to mix well in the zone. So...as they say...if it ain't broke don't fix it. Although, we can enhance it, and transit past 7:30 pm would be nice.

Stellar and Harry Walker Parkway - The Heart of Entertainment and Activities in Newmarket

Arch sits on perch engraved using 3d technology from NewMakeIt

Visit Newmarket's Entertainment and Activities District soon and check out the new and old businesses, entertainment and activities available for Xmas and March break and night time activities including the Stellar Hall featuring the (click to book) New Year's Eve Stellar Hall Ball and in the new year look for their upcoming regular monthly Jam as well as a new feature band / talent contest series!

Stay tuned to TPE for more. Just Google Entertainment Newmarket to stay in the loop!
Or get on the Mail list @tpeproductions@gmail.com.

Later,

TP

Cater Xmas Dinner - Get On The Good List

2016-12-17T14:55:00.003-05:00

It's a fantasy for some to not have to worry about Xmas Dinner with all the dishes, time wasted away from the kids and family and being just plumb just worn out from the seasonal festivities...Did I mention the dishes! Ho Ho Ha!

www.delihousecatering.ca

....Well never fear Newmarket, East Gwillumbury, Sharon residents residents because such a caterer exists who will not only be open on Christmas day, but make you a turkey dinner and all the fixin's as well for your pick up or delivery. Dinner rates start at $20 per person which seems reasonable but you'd best hurry should you wish to get an order in!

Dec 23 is the deadline for #1 Elfs! 905-830-4208
Newmarket New Year's party info click here.

New Year's Eve Stellar Hall Ball

2016-12-13T22:33:00.000-05:00

Annual New Year's Eve Stellar Hall Ball is all inclusive featuring 5 course dinner including appetizers, live music & DJ. Tickets at TPE 289-221-0928 or Stellar Hall @ 905-830- 9441

Menu

Antipasto Platter

Tortellini Alfredo or Wild Mushroom Risotto

Choice of Steak, Chicken Marsala or Eggplant Parmesan Tower

Country Style Salad (Vinaigrette)

Chocolate Drizzled Cheese Cake

Late Night Light Buffet with Sweets.

Seating starts 7pm with Cocktail & Appetizers.

Dinner @ 830-9pm

Friendly, experienced staff who take pride in giving you a good time! A longtime Tom's Top 10!

$15 each ticket to Newmarket Minor Hockey Association.

Live Entertainment during dinner portion!

Spend New Year's Eve in Newmarket 2017

2016-12-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE STELLAR HALL BALL

A TOM's Top 10 for singles, couples, and groups is the Annual New Year's Stellar Hall Ball held at Stellar Hall & Event Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. Includes Silent Auction with signed sports memorabilia - all auction proceeds to the Newmarket Minor Hockey Association.

Stellar Hall & Event Centre 1220 Stellar Dr. 905-830-9441

Stellar Hall's Annual New Year's Party at 1220 Stellar Drive - the Annual Stellar Hall Ball is a great time @ $75 per person which includes plated table service, hot and cold appetizers, late night light buffet and an open bar, with TPE presents live ambient dinner entertainment, followed by the DJ dance party with Hosts EverGlo. Party Favours include Champagne Toast at Midnight!

Semi to Formal Dress Code.

In addition to the silent auction, attendees may also opt to participate in a raffle draw for exciting prizes or 50/50 draw.

"It was a freakin' blast! Great hosts for New Year's"
Steve Wilson, Newmarket, Ontario

2016 - 2017 Annual N.Y.'s Eve Stellar Hall Ball Menu

Antipasto Platter
Tortellini Alfredo or Wild Mushroom Risotto
Choice of Steak, Chicken Marsala or Eggplant Parmesan Tower
Country Style Salad (Vinaigrette)
Chocolate Drizzled Cheese Cake
Late Night Light Buffet with Sweets.
$75.00 person. Includes open bar.
Seating starts 7pm with Cocktail & Appetizers. Dinner @ 9pm

TICKETS

Reserve while you can. Call or Text TPE @ 289-221-0928 for more or tickets / info or email tpeproductions@gmail.com. Percentage of all tickets proceeds to N.M.H.A..

Bookings of tables of 8 or more receive table wine pour service and bottle for their table.

Below pics from some past New Year's Eve's at Stellar Hall catered by Deli House Catering .

STELLAR PERFORMERS

Contact TPE to reserve tickets! TXT 289-221-0928 or email tpeproductions@gmail.com

Titanic Movie Location a Production's Dream

2016-09-09T11:56:00.001-04:00

Location with a view could be any era

I've written before about how Newmarket, and often its Main St., had been utilized a number of times in various movie productions including this short scene from Tommy Boy and most recently the Remake of Carrie as well as Regression with Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson. But close by Newmarket, some even more famous movies have had segments shot here too, and one particular location even had a building paid for and built by the Producers on the property just for the movie - that being the Titantic - and that that building, along with another studio space totaling 20,000 square feet, only minutes from Newmarket and is available for production use and bookings today.

2016 Image

Catch Me If You Can and Night at the Museum were also shot here with Ben Stiller in the latter using prepared animals owned by then previous property owners who were taxidermists. Some of the scary looking features still adorn the upstairs "lair" of Studio A, including a fighting zebra and lion as seen in the flick, a fierce looking tiger, and polar bear. Click to see photo album highlights.

The gorgeous property studio minutes from Toronto and surrounded by farm fields also features a fully functional five bedroom house and 98 acres of tree lined bush, a natural waterway and complete with cleared vehicle pathways, making way for resilient vehicles to travel through. In fact the area was used for a live launch of Tomb Raider with 50 participants flown in from around the world to play in a live version of the game in the launch followed by a screening at the Studio A projection lounge and no worries about storage of equipment from day to day either as the entire grounds are under 24 hour video surveillance.

Studio B - Built by Producers to accommodate the famous car love scene in the Titanic's parking deck

Located outside the foot of Studio B

You can book this gorgeous historic G.T.A. location whether that be for a production or function - as the Studio B can also easily be converted to host a large wedding, large group reception or live music event. Imagine telling your guests or potential clients you're hosting your production / wedding in the very building the famous fancy car love scene from The Titanic was shot with Leonardo Dicaprio! For those able to afford it, we may even find you a similar car to adorn the studio room turned hall for the night.

Shot Main St Newmarket during the filming of Regression with Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson

Newmarket is in the heart of Hollywood North and convenient to G.T.A. productions with the studio located only 40 minutes from downtown Toronto and minutes from historic downtown Newmarket and Main St.. So this prime studio, house and grounds location offer more than just in-house convenience, but nearby access to time travel scenes as well within a vibrant York Region / GTA community, brimming with acting and production crew talent.

Call TPE @ 289-221-0928 to inquire. Bookings by the day, week or month depending on availability. Studio space booking use without the house also negotiable depending on availability.

Rare Props owned by a taxidermused in Night At The Museum

High Ceiling in house for convenient lighting and unique shot angles

Direct off road drive access to remote spots for shooting scenes

Studio A has 3 sections. Both lower areas have slide up door access.

Beautiful Victorian 5 bedroom Home

Room with a view

The View Part 2

Local Caterers also benefit from local productions and on site cooking access

That's a wrap

Newmarket Car Clubs Main Attraction

2016-08-28T22:31:00.002-04:00

2016 Highway 11 Cruisers year end show will be at Green Lane Go station on Sept 18, 12 - 5 pm

If you're a classic / car fan from the area, you may be familiar with the various car shows in and around town. The Highway 11 Cruisers Car Club host the bulk of them, including a Father's Day Saturday event held in a parking lot at Yonge and Mulock where one of their event sponsors, Parts Source, sits, while on Main St., on Father's Day Sunday, the Newmarket Car Club has previously featured the cars for the show there - however the number of cars in the smaller club limits Main St.'s event somewhat in size although the long running club has attendees that travel in from Barrie and elsewhere as well.

But imagine my surprise to find out my mom Mabel Pearson actually sat on the board many years ago!

Highway 11 Cruisers C.C.'s Upper Canada Mall show got too big for the Mall to host

I'm a bridge builder. Having been acquainted with both Car Clubs for a number of years now, and having promoted Cruisers' annual New years Eve bash particularly, I believe I'm just the guy that can broker having them together on one street - Main St - for the area's biggest annual car show and attraction the town has ever hosted - on Fathers Day weekend no less!

Former location for end of year Cruisers show at Upper Canada Mall

In fact I've spoken to both the downtown B.I.A. Chair Glenn Wilson and to the Highway 11 Cruisers President Danny Fachini in the past about adding the latter club to the Main St. mix since their two shows are so close together, as they kind of compete against one another so it would make sense, if possible, to do just one big show, and that is exactly what I've been working on! And they are both receptive to the idea.

Imagine 300 plus cars on and around Main St and some spillover Sponsors

So much so in fact, the Cruisers could be willing to stop holding their Parts Source show that same weekend and bring 300 cars to Main St. to make it one of the biggest car show attractions in the G.T.A., if not the biggest, also drawing from all over York Region, Barrie, Brampton and the G.T.H.A.. Imagine a car show on Main with over 300 cars, entertainment and booths! The patios and shops would rock!

On top of that, I've even configured a way to add more parking! How?

Bill Nadeau live performance

The Cruisers end-of-season Sept show attracts up to 1500 people, and it's grown so large they were told they'd have to move from the Upper Canada Mall parking lot where they'd been for a number of years and so moved it to the Go parking lot on Green Lane. But, filled with cars for the show there is then limited parking. So what to do?

They created a shuttle service provided by one of their sponsors - a car dealership in town - and this is exactly what we'd do for an event on Main as excess parking could be added by shuttling people from the HUGE Tannery Mall parking lot on Davis Drive which sits empty mostly on weekends and evenings. Light bulb moment!

Tom Pearson id proposing to bring sponsors and show to Main instead

Yes, that's right, in one fell swoop and no $, I've just added hundreds of additional parking spots and dollars to the event for Main. We could even have the Tim Horton's Train making additional shuttles along Tom Taylor Trail which would make for a short, but fun, and scenic ride to the edge of Riverwalk Commons, where visitors can easily walk over to the event.

Lucas Oil, among others, sponsors this local car

I, in fact, see the car show getting so large and renowned, it may be wise to add Riverwalk Commons to the mix for cars and booths, as I'm sure their various event sponsors including Parts Source, Maple Leaf Sports and New Roads would love the opportunity to be included for more exposure there. In past big shows the Cruiser's have brought attractions like the Toronto Rock (MLS) and other goodies to their shows along with their spectacular variety of cars and this show would become

a flagship town and Main St. event for years to come, attracting hundreds more to Main St from out of town.

Cruisers at U.C. Mall in 2014

I'm very excited about this and am itching to make it so. These types of special events are right up my alley having put on dozens of events myself including 20 in the past 10 years at Riverwalk and Fairy Lake and also at Canada's largest (Toronto) convention centre. Danny knows it, and he is excited about the possibility too, and I'm sure so too the numerous club members many of whom were in attendance when I addressed the issue at the Tuesday Cruise Night on their mic and who seemed like the idea of being in a show on Main. And we can look forward growing it each year, adding much needed extra revenue to the town coffers and the businesses - and is attractive to young and old alike!

Remember Gremlins and Pacers?

Monday Madness meets Motor Cars

Danny and I also discussed the possibility of once a month car shows on Main St. that would again include live street entertainment, like Bill Nadeau, which we could run on an off night such as a Monday or Tuesday to bring additional business again onto Main through the summer. Who knows? all we can do is propose it.

Tom Pearson... until next time!

Cool vendors too

Silent Auctions @ Highway 11 Cruisers events

Happy New Year!

Newmarket Jazz+ Festival Grows Again

2016-08-08T17:13:00.001-04:00

Newmarket Jazz+ Festival arrives on Main St

With summer season winding down, I thought it a good time to reflect on the summer festival season, and if you didn't get out to see someone like Glenn Marais at a Music in The Park, or particularly to the Newmarket Jazz + Festival, which celebrated this year by expanding, adding the larger Ray Twinney Complex into the mix, while still holding some presence at Riverwalk Commons and on Main St on the Saturday of the long weekend event, then you're missing out. Kudos to the Newmarket Jazz+ Festival team for branding the location changes to ensure minimal confusion.

Added Location - Ray Twinney Centre, 100 Eagle St W

From my understanding, Colin James did indeed rock the place up at Ray Twinney Arena, as well as George Oliver, Brass Transit, George St Kitts and others, while outdoors, at the same locale, featured live entertainment for all ages across a number of genres. I caught a bit of the Mad Hatter kiddy's act doing various rock icon voices, and later Rob Tardik performed, and although it rained a bit through that, It was a blast! and i got to know the 88.5 girls better while winning a mug since I knew Garry Gamble was one of their hosts, as I used to read a blurb on 88.5 with Coverstory!

I had limited time to attend this year, but had a good time when I did and had also volunteered to help set up Main St. for the Saturday which included live street entertainment, vendors, games, and activities for the kids, as well as street-eats. Meantime the morning Sat Main St portion of the event also allowed for farmers market attendees to wander up should they wish after 9am, making for a festive atmosphere with the various patios and street grills set up and ready to roll.

After intros, the volunteers set the tents up and put the chairs out whilst directing vendors to their spots, blocking off the road and setting up booths and activities for their own businesses and associations - all with a 7am call. Lol. Well as close as one gets with that on volunteer gigs. At any rate, the half dozen or so die-hards got it done while others took their shifts as they showed up, a true team effort, as not all could stay - myself booked out for 2:30 pm.

One thing missing, however, was more music elements, especially with the feature entertainers not coming on until noon. And perhaps we could allow for more vendors to fill some areas and add a few more interactive activities for the kids - something we helpers all agreed to try and achieve for next year.

Entertainer would draw seated customers

The vibe and set up all in all was good, but a few key spots for busker type street musicians and adding some live entertainment in some establishments - such as Hesed Cafe which sports a piano, and Books N Things Cafe which already hosts Open Stage's as does Cover Notes, are great spots for solo type acoustical acts, not to mention the various bar patios which would really give it a more authentic festival vibe I think. As I understand, one bar or two may have been included in 2016 which is a great start! It just needs be out there more and have several locations with the various pub and cafe dates featured on the schedules.

So more inclusion of those restaurants & cafes, beyond the Saturday, intertwined as part of the festival, is what is needed. In 2015, the Jazz+ Sunday had live entertainment at River Walk but if you walked up to Main St. you'd never know it was part of it. Patios sat fairly empty at times, no street players, no patio jams, no visible connection to the Newmarket Jazz + Festival - but I'd like to change that with more, advertised, feature performers, hosted at various Main St locations throughout the fest, thereby drawing more customers - and more late night goers - onto main during the festival to spend some disposable income there as well. Why not end the night rocking on at a place doing live on Main? And with patios also being more accessible to wheelchair users.

In fact, that is something I not only noted in 2014, but acted on in 2015, adding a keyboardist entertainer and singer to play on the Main Street, who added a vibe and reason to come down to the the most south extension of Main with less restaurants to keep it in the loop when the street is not closed off. This I plan more of, for atmosphere during street events.

I've now discussed this and other ideas with not only some members of the B.I.A., but also with other concerned store owners and everyone seems pretty upbeat about the idea of having more Main St participation during the fest, and other attracting events, and I look forward to communicating with event organizers like George St Kitts who I worked the same bill with for a United Way campaign some years ago and now from promoting the festival, which I've done plenty of in the past, so I'm pretty sure we can get er done! Stay tuned.

You hope to capture some farmers market attendees with day-of discount coupons - good only on the day

@Main St during Newmarket Jazz+ Festival

Check one!

Grilled soup!? Real rock stars drink soup!

Rob Tardik

New Ray Twinney Centre outdoor location

Tom Bits: Mixed review on the new location grounds at Ray Twinney Complex but more potential. Food areas need be made more accessible. Meantime if you missed the festival, a friend of mine has just opened Niagara Fall's only authentic Jazz Bar at a famous location on Bridge St called....what else? Harry's Jazz Bar!!

Watch for Beatle MAIN ia too...

TP out!

For Autism - Tell them Tom's Top 10 sent you - get 10% off.

Summer Hospitality Caters Outdoors and In

2016-06-28T17:11:00.000-04:00

Summer is a blast for many young people and so for the hospitality industry that often relies quite heavily on younger staff to get through busy summer seasons, it can be tough to find good reliable staff - the lure of fun and sun wading into the mix at times. But with a young group, combined with some experience, you can mold yourselves a pretty formidable restaurant or catering team.

In the case of off-premise catering for events like graduations, Jack and Jills, Weddings and the like you really need to know your scheduled staff is going to show up, and then be able to follow direction when its crunch time. Sometimes you find yourself with a new person who has never even held more than two plates before that night but that's when its up to the experienced ones to show them how, and some other quick tips, before they are thrown to the lions!

Whenever possible you of course want to avoid that scenario, but when it occurs a cooler head or heads can help walk them through it until they get on track. Shadowing helps or just having them run out holding trays for another more experienced person for table placement works too, so long as it's coordinated back stage, and the food line production keeps delivering plates, or clearing them, when called to do so.

Anything can and does go on back there just like any restaurant or business to make it happen. But you don't broadcast it to the guests. A caterer may have to provide any thing from the food to the linens to all the staff to the wedding cake, or maybe just one or two of the above but always each new location can provide a challenge. Do they have ovens? Glassware? Pots? Serving trays? An ice machine? The list can be endless but an experienced caterer can make sure you don't forget something by making suggestions should it not be raised by the client.

One recent event in a new off-premise location for Deli House Catering, with which I've had a long standing business and personal friendship / relationship with, was a coral / ranch type spot near Wasaga Beach that featured a covered indoor/outdoor dome-like hall with a mini-bar made of barn wood as well. But being a new place for DH, arrival had been tight to get the open bar up and running on schedule and almost literally upon arrival we had to swing open the bar to keep our end - father of the bride looming nearby. He is someone you want to keep happy at any wedding.

As the bar began to get set up I directed some staff to stock certain essentials immediately - ice, white wine for tables on ice, open reds to breathe, beer in tubs, main liquors with pour spouts in, cups, pops, tonics, sodas, opener, straws!..Ok lets go! Get the bar help cutting fruit and locating juices etc and opening containers and creating a garbage.

In doing so as we did, they were able to open on time delay, albeit with some chicken with heads cut off backstage running around going on, something the guests need to know. Far too often in past experience I hear of staff relaying how they are almost out of this or are out of that. It only takes hearing that a couple times before a negative vibe can take over your event and if it's a wedding, you have an angry bride on your hands. Would you tell your audience of a play your prop was missing? No and such is the back of the house in a restaurant or catered event.

It can be hard to predict what to bring to a catered food event with an open bar as some cocktails seem to fly some nights. One recent event saw Caesars flying off the open bar however I'm not so sure you'd see that as much from the same group if it was pay bar but you can control that a little by creating a delicious evening drink special or two that is quick and easy to make.

One event I created a "Short island iced tea", which was quick and easy to make with the lemon lime mix on the pop-gun as well as the top-off, coke. Fill the glass with ice and it's made in seconds after the liquor is in. People were ordering them by name by the end of the evening. Same as a long island but no tequila essentially. Hey, there was none! But they sold.

Recently at a Wedding I was asked to overshadow, we ran out of Blue Curacao halfway through the evening as it had been a staple ingredient in two of the brides requested bar special drinks. This on the same night we'd so far already not provided a special hard root beer she also had asked for, which we could not find in Newmarket. However the ace up the Deli sleeve was there was a guy out trying to find it still - even after the bride had said not to worry about it and given up hope we'd find any.

But guess who's the most important one to please at a wedding? The bride. So I told her we were still doing our best to get it for her and offered up that I could make a similar drink to hers but would replace the blue juice with an orange liquor and it would be nice. It was, and she seemed happy, but not as happy as when I was able to hold up a can of the hard root beer from her table- found after unsung back-stage hero Kevin was able to locate some out of town - after making eye contact with her as she danced. Her smile said it all and you knew it was smooth sailing from there on in with the food all having been served by this time as well.

Great job by the Deli House Catering and Stellar Hall teams as well, never giving up, and giving their all to make that wedding as special as it could have been within their abilities - going the extra mile. Many guests remarked how nice the staff were and how the dinner was delicious and on, and I made sure to relay that to the team. It's all the little things staff does that help them along that way to reach that deduction as well. It's all in what they perceive.

The end of the evening saw the bride and groom request the remaining late night buffet to be taken that night instead of having someone return the next day and that person made sure it got packaged up and personally delivered to their vehicle. Now that is hospitality, and going the extra mile, and that is the kind of stuff brides remember.

Nothing will ever be perfect and you will most certainly never please everyone, but 90% of any job is just showing up and if you work to keep some key people happy, you will find you've covered your bases..and you'll leave feeling pretty good!

What all the Fuzz was about!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I leave you with this. Your catering of a wedding is going well as your stand alone chicoutery of blue cheese, cheddar, and marble cubes, crackers, antipasto and cold deli meats are fairly plentiful and plated table service has begun. You've just served salads for 142 of 150 people but realize you have feta cheese for only 4 left. What would you do? You have seconds not minutes to decide.

Here's what I'd do. All 8 would be expecting cheese mixed in the salad and those vegan would have opted out of cheese, so we can assume they all could eat cheese. Feta is a crumbly cheese . Gulp..What to do? Seconds ticking away.. impatient server looking at you, panic creeping into the eyes....Quick! Grab some blue cheese and use it on all 8 of the plates at that last table so they all have the same...Explain about it only if they ask...And I bet it tasted yummy too!

TP Out!

Watch for TOM's TOP 10 Summer events upcoming.

Born To Be Blue & Regression to hit screens

2016-03-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Main St Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - movies location

Born to be Blue is a feature film bio pic coming out in theatres this week that tells the story of a jazz legend, Chet Baker, during a certain period of his life in his forties. The lead role, played by Ethan Hawke, nearly never came to be, yet seemed destined to always. Explanation....

The only reason Hawke took / was offered the role is because it was convenient for Director Robert Budreau to drop off a copy of the script at the hotel to read while he was staying in Toronto filming the Alejandro Amenabar horror film, Regression, in Newmarket, Ontario which open in theatres next month as well, and then pop by on occasion to meet at the bar and discuss his vision on the role / movie while Hawke was missing his family, and between being on set. Geez Canada has paid off well for this Ethan Hawke lad.

The ironic part, and reason for my earlier, "yet seemed destined to always", statement refers to the fact that earlier in his career Hawke had been involved in his own production for a Chet Baker film with Richard Licklater but the film about the legend jazz/blues player, which took place at another time period in the performers life, never got off the ground. So this role has actually been 12 years in the making for him.

Well you never know, maybe York Region will prove yet another set location for the next music legend bio-pic or Tommy Boy scene, what with Newmarket becoming Main Street USA of late, and even the winter blues can be dispelled at Aurora's Winter Blues Festival this weekend!

All Star jammers @ 2015 Aurora Winter Blues Festival click here for 2016 info

TP out

Sociable Pub brings Down East Hospitality & Superb Seafood

2016-03-02T09:46:00.000-05:00

Down East Charm @ The Sociable Pub

Sociable Pub - 17380 Yonge St. Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - 905-235-7782

I first caught inklings that the Sociable Pub could be some good when I read a few positive postings online about them. Through research, I discovered the "he" of the husband / wife owner duo, Lenny Ochiogrosso, had been the long time (over 20 years) manager of Archibald's Pub in Richmond Hill before coming out of "retirement" and taking on the Sociable Pub in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, along with his Darmouth, Nova Scotia born wife, Lynne Ochiogrosso-Gallant . Experience and a natural at hospitality, "Lord tunderin' by, this may just work" was my first thought.

This particular location itself has a long local history as firstly a protected heritage building, and secondary for businesses, so any proprietor must respect the heritage conservation regarding any construction or structural changes made and all changes need approval. Operators have had to make work the existing design with minimal changes over the years, since first refurbished, which all adds character in the end. The result is a beautifully kept, old, estate home, set up to be a functional business. It just needed the right keepers.

The first to open in the location after it was restored in the 90's was as a "Just Deserts" franchise. I recall reviewing them on our local Rogers TV show, "Out & About" , I once Co-Produced and Co-Hosted featuring the local dining and entertainment scene. They had had such beautiful wood beams with gorgeous hardwood flooring then, not as shiny today perhaps, but still very much the same two-level design and charm. The upstairs now is mostly for larger groups I believe, and down features a bar and more seating with live ambiance performers on the weekends all wrapped in a down east cuisine that includes lobster rolls and P.E.I. mussels. My recent stop there left me drooling for more, but I'll get back to that...and the seafood!

Just Deserts did not last, in fact around that same time a girl named Vivi Lemonis was shot accidentally while eating at a Toronto Just Deserts location, killing the brand as well at the time - although that certainly wasn't the only reason they didn't survive as the location was always too big for...well... just deserts! Even after their departure, a number of entities have tried their hat over the years with no one really managing to have it running as it should be - functional and successful. Most struggled such as in more recent years Big Chris BBQ and before that Orleans. Orleans came closest but never seemed to master the hospitality side and seemed bent on in-your-face bands, too often, too loud for the location.

Did you know on the East Coast that yelling out Sociable!...Is like calling out Cheers!?

The Centre of the Universe

Problem also is / was the trend of late that some clubs and restaurants - many in the area - follow is this process where they have few regular clients, but instead rely on the acts bringing all the patrons in on their designated nights as the place's main / only crowd. It always has to be a collaborative effort between artists and owners / managers / staff to maximize attendance but far too often now a days the onus would be on the entertainment alone, with no effort to build their own regular clientele or do much in or out house advertising - like we did in the old days.

I recall walking into Orleans at times during non-band hours and it was like a morgue. No house music - live or canned - no people, no greeters during open hours, just no atmosphere or warmth. And then consistency - one week entertainment the next not - or the same rotation of bands alongside unspectacular, inconsistent food. And it just didn't feel welcoming.

The Sociable Pub Experience

Some Good Seafood House

It's best to check out a place without them knowing when you plan a review or blog to really get a taste of how a real patron would feel, so I arrived with no reservation to an almost full restaurant - save one reserved four-top and a couple spots on the bar which I really didn't feel like doing. As I stood puzzling my choices, I was immediately greeted and given my options - bar and eat, or wait for an opening, or if perhaps the now late reservation doesn't show I could wait and see about that. Finally, after standing in idle while watching steaming dishes of food like their garlic shrimps, looking a nice count size and screaming out my name, I chose sitting at the bar, half expecting to get sloughed off but still hopeful. Although dressed with a suit and tie, I was comfy with the casual dressy style most patrons seemed to be wearing.

Shortly thereafter I was approached about a beverage and I asked about a Rickards on tap ( Hey man, I'm out of touch on beer ok!) which they did not have but the attentive barkeep knew a similar on-tap alternative which was actually quite suitable. The waitress could see me as she punched orders in, my corner bar seat overlooking her terminal, my face conveying complete patience and understanding and lo and behold shortly into my beer I guess they gave her the okay to give me that table which just happened to be right beside the solo performer entertainer and it could not have been a better spot. No wonder they had reserved it. Cool. Their loss, my gain!

Bill Nadeau plays live ambiance

I'd pretty much assumed correctly, that the hands-on owner was that knowledgeable friendly barkeep, and later was informed that his wife and partner was also working the floor. In other words, these are two hands-on owners who have obviously taught their staff about the most important element in the industry, hospitality! Seems a simple thing I know, but so often it is the missing critical element from staff, particularly in Newmarket I've observed over the years, who have either simply not been trained to do it always, or just don't care to. "What can I get ya?" just doesn't cut it. I suspect with this couple it comes naturally, with the fairer half hailing from Canada's east coast originally where they are renowned world-wide for their hospitable nature...and delectable seafood dishes!

Shortly thereafter, as the evening's live ambient Singer / guitarist, entertainer, Bill Nadeau, began performing his first numbers, some cool jazzy and bluesy instrumentals, as my waitress who was holding up great even though my experience could see a little of that "deer in the headlights look" with a full and busy restaurant, took my order - I'd chosen PEI mussels, knowing the Down Home style theme of the restaurant....and they didn't disappoint. Plump, tender, plucked easily - like snapping daisy heads - from the wide open shells, the now separated mussels, left swimming in a white broth infused with fresh herbs and served with TSB's unique garlic toast, while my discarded shells filled its accompanying extra bowl brought for just that! If I could change anything it would be that I'd personally prefer just plain crusty fresh bread to soak up the delicious broth unimpeded by the crispy garlic toast flavours and worth absorbing all on their own.

It was Some good Mmmmmmmmaritime!

A woman from a larger birthday party at the tables next, approached me about my extra chairs at some point, easily able to still chat, with the guitar player pouring out some Peter Gabriel, Elton John and David Wilcox among tunage. This is why I call it live ambiance, because it's there, but not overpowering - something that experience, from years in the business with Archibald's in Richmond Hill, brings.

With the Sociable Pub, I see a smart, live light entertainment setup that's affordable for the house - with often a solo performer. Duos and Trios would probably work nicely as well but the performers aren't necessarily the evening's main focus, although enjoyed immensely and an integral part of the experience, but it's the hospitality and the food that are the stars.
And that is the key.

I must say it is an absolute pleasure to know that the new operators at now The Sociable Pub, Lenny Ochiogrosso and wife Lynne Gallant bring great down home hospitality, food and experience to the location. They understand the simple formula for success, I feel, and for that reason can likely remain as hosts of that historic location for as long as they wish.

As Lenny informed me, " We hoped to open a place for a certain older age group, so they wouldn't have to leave town to enjoy a night out. A place we'd like to go to"

That my friends is as close to my philosophy on hospitality as I've heard in some time.

Sitting at my perch, I could easily observe how the staff were handling the overflow, always seemingly able to greet before an exasperated, confused, "what next?" expression could envelope them. I look forward to a more detailed in-depth taste and Tom's Top 10 review of The Sociable Pub whose menu is unique, not too complex - from Scot-Irish traditional stews to Nova Scotia Lobster / Seafood, to P.E.I. delectables...Delicious and down-home sounding!

Next on my wish-taste-list will be their crab rolls followed closely by the crab fritters!

I'll see YOU...out there! - Watch Bill Nadeau recorded live from The Sociable Pub Here
TP

Yoko Ono Art now available online

2016-02-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

Queen St, Toronto, Canada

Recently, ha, like yesterday, TPE heard from the people who handle Yoko Ono's art, Artsy - having found us online from one of our optimized entertainment / art blogs.

In the blog in question, I took readers and viewers into the unveiling of some rare Beatles art, and later interviewed the host and man who was instrumental in being the one that lured John Lennon to Canada - with Yoko Ono and The Ono Band - to play his first ever gig outside The Beatles.

Although Paul Mcartney announced his separation from the band first, it was actually John who 1st played apart and had made known his intentions to the band that he was leaving. Yoko of course has been infamously blamed by some for the break-up, but if not for a savvy Canadian promoter, Johnny Brower, able to convince John to leave his stash at a time when he was a junky, it may never have come to be...So Let It Be!

Kensington Market, Toronto

At any rate, the creators at New York's ARTSY, whose mission is to make all of the worlds art available online, also handles Yoko Ono's work and other prominent artists works for sale online and for shows, and have thus far amassed a very impressive stable of relevant artists.

TPE has agreed to look at what we can do to assist them towards their mission so you can look forward to a more in depth look at Artsy and, perhaps, convince them to stage a showing in the Toronto / GTA area!

"I saw that nothing was permanent. You don't want to possess anything that is dear to you because you might lose it." Yoko Ono

Check out TPE's latest blogs here.

Check out updates on the TPE website here.

Hollywood North Act 2 - The Boom Resurgence Begins

2016-02-05T13:28:00.000-05:00

Back in the 90's, I was working as an actor in minor roles on mostly American productions shot in Canada. I had bit parts on TV shows like Secret Service, Top Cops, Canadian TV movie The Steven Truscott Trial, "cult following" vampire cop series, Forever Knight ( twice, aired on CBS), and on...There were some major films shot here back then too, lots of them. Harvey Keitel was like a resident he was here so often. Toronto was booming due to the combination of our low dollar and tax incentives and granting formulas that had American productions shoot here often. TommyBoy Scene

Later there became somewhat of an outcry from U.S.A. industry crews, that shows and movies depicting New York should be shot in N.Y. etc, and that by making productions in Canada, they were somehow un-American. And being un-American was uncool. That, politicized, mixed with some US states beginning to wise up with their own incentives started an an end to that era. Almost overnight it dried up to almost nothing. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise for me, as around that same time I'd acquired full custody of my kids, and 3:00 am shoot starts for Forever Knights and the like I simply could no longer manage. Many Toronto and Canadian actors and industry people had to find other vocations or pursue live performing. Like me.

In recent years however, more and more productions rely on in-studio special effects like green screen technology and thus state-of-the-art indoor studios and special effects editing became more and more in demand, for which, Toronto industry folks were early to jump on, opening up one of the biggest and best in all North America while surrounded by a core of skilled industry professionals at the ready for hire should the projects arise.. and arise they have.

Toronto's studios and production have slowly, almost quietly, climbed back into bed with the big boys, with more and more major productions again being shot here. With 1.1 million square feet of studio space available inside the city now it's no wonder. Pinewood Studios alone has 250,000 sq feet of studio space under one roof. And none too soon, as Canada's dollar goes low, all-time low-like, which has always served as a tipping point for productions shooting in Canada. Nothing pleases a Producer more than being able to save several hundreds of thousands of dollars, other than one going on to earn $millions for them.

In 2015, I was focused on producing low budget documentaries, entering one into and winning the Playr Festival awarded Best Documentary, but somehow I still felt unfulfilled, and realized I itched for more onscreen roles. When I had an accident that resulted in being unable to physically lift a camera for some time, I decided what better opportunity to revisit acting and on-screen roles, taking a part in an on-line production featuring Super Heroines to hone up on my skills and collect some $.

Before spending two weeks shooting there, I hadn't even known there was a production facility this (40 mins) north of Toronto, near Newmarket Ontario, Canada, let alone it had been used to shoot scenes for The Titanic, Night at the Museum and Catch Me If You Can. The town of Newmarket itself, ironically, has served a number of times as 'downtown USA in movies like 2013 remake of Carrie and 2015's Regression, but those are the exceptions over the past decade.

Recognize from Night at The Museum?

Smaller budget productions also have had a place in the sub-culture of the craft / industry, feeding the hungry acting minions whilst the industry has suffered, even alternative / fetish style, and with online abilities today, can be easily viewed to a broad audience. Although I look forward to my episodes 'airing", shot in winter and being released on-line in mid summer, but still, for those that dream, the big screen is the goal, and, to that end, the conditions here are just ripe now for an influx of mainstream productions to start popping up.

Canadians themselves need to open up their minds to how productions are financed as well, as US productions don't rely on government grants to finance their productions, but private and corporate investors. Risk takers. Something we Canadians are not as we are typically conservative investors and may never be as adept at "the making of" therefore, methinks...but boy..can we act!

Watch for Canada's "New" boom industry. 2016 will be a resurgence of TV and Film productions shot here...because $ talks.

TP out!

Cheers to the resurgence of Hollywood North!

Main St USA, Canada and Whatnot...

Dynamic Toronto

Chrismakah @ Musideum w Terry Watkinson

2015-12-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

Live @ Chrismakah w Terry Watkinson and Bevy of Toronto Talent

Lawrie Ingles, left, with performers Tristan Avakian and Stephen Snitman

Recently, I was lucky enough to attend an evening featuring outstanding Toronto area based talent at the Musideum, a unique small studio-like hall with a stage big enough to hold a (baby?) grand piano and live shows. The space, which also doubles as a sales location for the various musical instruments that adorn the walls, had a good acoustical ambiance as well, offering little in echo, all contained within an intimate setting.

Bob Wegner

Truly, the unique place was so small, it would be very likely many of the umpteen remarkable performers lined up for the night made up its bulk so you were lucky to just get in! In fact, as each performer did get up, they offered up about how humbled they seem to feel to be included in the group, as Host Lawrie Ingles, also a multi instrumentalist and singer, along with Donald Quan, had pulled no punches, or strings rather, on this night. Everyone had unique, but superb talents and styles, differing enough to keep the audience always interested. Having the legendary Songwriter / Performer Terry Watkinson formerly of Max Webster fame there that night performing was all icing on the cake.

The after chat, see full line-up here

The loose, fun theme of " Xmas songs, religious and hockey songs", which Chrismakah was advertised as a celebration of, was really likely just a fun way of saying, we want to have a party, open to every belief, that plays some great original and fun music and which may or may not be about the holidays. Of course, the crafted event likely avoids that nasty H word on purpose, which just added to the unspoken light mood set before you came in and carried on from there. Definitely right up my alley having released my own mock album of classics - sans the Xmas parts.

Jeremy Wright - Beatles specialist

What started out as a 3 hour night turned into 4 and a half before you knew it, with a jam-like atmosphere gripping the stage by the end. Max Webster, Rush, Queen all got a tribute, with Host Ingles using his knowledge of everyone's talents, as well as his own, to great use. Ingles kind of reminds me of a sort of Columbo up there...minus the rain coat, but in style, kind of moving through things in his own relaxed pace even through silences. It added character in a low key kind of way, helping preserve a sort of raw, jammy, anything- could- happen type of appeal. Ingles' talents did not go unnoticed either, jumping from keyboards to bass to even percussion at times, to lead or back up vocals & with Terry Watkinson no less! Bob, if you could play bass, uhhhh!...Ok, he didn't speak like him. Lol.

Oh Chrismakah tree, Oh Chrismakah tree!

But you know special things are happening when such talented performers such as Bob Wegner are willing to play bass, while multi-talented Ingles drums and while usual lead guitar Sam B rythyms to give way to the legendary Terry Watkinson's lead on piano. Anyway, as a connoisseur of talents and a craver of original and different, as well as having a love of the music from the past, this was a night to remember! Watch for the TPE videos of some of the other amazing music artists I was able to catch...

and Stay tuned for any more upcoming shows put together by these guys...

Happy Chrismakah Everyone! Click here for Terry's full set

Until next time! TP out!

New Years Eve @ Stellar Hall in Newmarket a Divine Time!

2015-12-01T02:08:00.000-05:00

Stellar Hall New Years Eve - 2015-16 - $75.00 person, hot hors'oeuvres, buffet dinner includes open bar

Happy New Year! I hope you all have a fabulous time and don't do anything stupid - like make New Year's resolutions. Ha. Well, what can I say, if you're anything like me you're still working on last year's list!

At any rate, my New Years Eve last year turned out be be a ton of fun on a night where I wasn't sure I'd even venture out. And that seemed to be the case for a number, with some seemingly decided not to venture out for New Year's or booked late. Too bad for them!

Although cabs here are great, drinking and driving is may be a factor for some, with many opting for a designated driver when going out as a couple, resulting sometimes in one person letting loose a bit and the other..well...I'm sure often seething. Ha...

Truth is though, for personal reasons, I myself hadn't been that excited about New Years Eve last year, despite knowing there would be great food, some good friends, dancing at Stellar Hall...

I don't know, but the spirits were high for sure by midnight which transferred on into the entire night for me. Uncharacteristically giddy all night, I made the best of my personal feelings and tossed them aside for a good time instead with some good people.... and even nearly broke out of my self imposed shell.

Insert scene from The Wall Is there anybody in there!

New Year's Eve is a special night, and so you want that night to be special in some way, and those around caring about your special night from fellow guests, to hosts, friends, family, caterers, bartender, right down to coat-check person... and for one magical night at Stellar Hall and Event Centre in Newmarket Ontario, that all came together for me..it just happened to be New Years Eve! Salute! Cheers!

So happy New Year! Visit us on Facebook!
Tom Pearson, TPE Productions

Alfredo livens up the joint with some comedy!

York Region Entertainment Guide Winter 2015

2015-11-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

With winter closing in, while we can enjoy the splendour and activities associated with the winter outdoors, we can also look forward to some unique indoor aventures for all ages.

Whether you're looking for interactive or live entertainment such as a laser tag experience or a holiday season play, this York Region area focused guide from YOURk Region Media & Events will direct you where you need to look.

Click here for a link to live York Region Entertainment in Hospitality establishments.

Live Music

John McDermott

November 29, 2015 at 2 p.m.

John presents many of his well-know songs with a sprinkling of your Christmas favourites. Tickets are $55 for Adults and and $50 for Seniors 65+ (plus hst). Click here for tickets to John McDermott.

Newmarket Theatre, Pickering Cres

Elvis: A Christmas Special with Pete Paquette

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Join for a magical evening celebrating the Christmas season with, “Elvis: A Christmas Special” featuring
Multi-Award Winning Elvis Tribute Artist Pete Paquette with the "Rockin’ Royals” Showband, accompanied by the “M.I.B. Horns” and the sensational “Tonettes." and will showcase Elvis Presley's greatest Christmas Carols and songs of Inspiration such as: “Blue Christmas”, “Here Comes Santa Claus”, “I Believe”, “The Wonderful World of Christmas”, “American Trilogy”, and many more favorites. . Click here for tickets to Elvis: A Christmas Special with Pete Paquette.

Newmarket Theatre, Pickering Cres.

OLIVER!

St. Andrew's College, Aurora, Ont Canada

Thursday 26, Please Sir, I want some more!

Also Fri 27 November, 2015

8:00 PM to 11:00 PM (EST) tickets@sac.on.ca

Cantabile Chorale of York Region
presents its final concert

The Joy of Christmas
Monday, December 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Thornhill United Church 25 Elgin St. map
(Dudley & Elgin Streets in Thornhill)
Robert Richardson, Founder/Director. Ethel Briggs, Guest Accompanist
Rev. Sebastian Meadows-Helmer, Guest Violinist
Audience Carol Singing
Reception after the concert
Call 905-731-8318 for more information.
www.cantabile.ca

Festival of Lights
Downtown Markham

The family favourite returns to FRIDAY NIGHT. Come and see some of the improvements made on Main Street Markham while you enjoy a Free Horse and Buggy ride! There will also be jugglers, live music, stilt walking elfs, fire artists from Zero Gravity Circus, carollers, and of course a surprise visit from Santa and more!

Sat Nov 28th View event website

Mary Poppins

Start: Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 7:30 PM

End: Sun, Nov 22, 2015 at 1:30 PM

RICHMOND HILL - One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film.

10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill

boxoffice@rhcentre.ca

Company, a Musical Comedy

Start: Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM

End: Sun, Nov 22, 2015 at 9:00 PM

Newmarket - On his 35th birthday, Bobby—a commitment-phobic bachelor—searches for the answers to love and life in New York City. While enjoying the company of some lovely ladies, he observes both the joy ...

Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres

info@wavestagetheatre.com

The McMichael Concert Series, part of the Signature Performance Series, returns with three concerts by leading Canadian musicians. A gallery visit and parking are included in the price of the concert;

October 4, 3 pm: David Buchbinder’s Quartet
November 1, 3 pm: Genevieve Marentette Quartet
November 29, 3 pm: Tony Quarrington and Friends
10365 Islington Ave. Kleinberg, Ontario.

Xmas Cards!

This House Was Made for Christmas celebrates the art of Christmas greeting cards, which were designed by seminal Canadian artists of the twentieth century. Several members of the Group of Seven, including Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, and A.J. Casson, and their contemporaries, as well as aboriginal artists of Canada are represented with works drawn from the McMichael art and archival collections as well as private holdings, some of which have never been displayed before.
10365 Islington Ave. Kleinberg, Ontario. Ends Jan 31 2016 info@Mcmichael.com

And Finally...Ballet!

Canada's Ballet Jörgen presents The Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 www.markhamtheatre.ca

Location: FLATO Markham Theatre
171 Town Centre Boulevard map

Theatre Spotlight Shines through Merlene Samuel-Cephas' Legacy

2015-11-10T12:29:00.001-05:00

Jan and Merlene

It is with great sadness that I write this blog. The other day, Merlene Samuel-Cephas, died. I've known Merlene since my kids were, well kids, first meeting her when I approached her about teaching an acting class for tv and film which she thought was a great idea. I also taught production / lighting for theatre / film and myself and the kids and youths would create our own mini productions. She gave me a chance when seemingly no one else would and for that I am always grateful.

During that time, my mom would also come in with me on occasion after hours and assist me in making some set pieces for stage productions. Often we'd all sit around and chat as well as Merlene's mom Verna (who also left us way too soon of cancer), and I really admired the way everyone was treated like a family. Husband Jan would often roll in, kids in tow and help close up too. Of course, as the kids got old enough, they also joined their extended theatre 'family".

Spotlighters do songs from Rent - Int Day Erad Poverty

I taught there just out of film school, before digital editing and such was as accessible as it is today, so I'd crudely edit our productions on VHS tape and we'd watch the clips in the following class. The youths loved it and I'd always loved the idea of a youths film making club, so Merlene gave me a chance to do that. My own kids joined the "family" at that point and continued on after my one season teaching with Spotlight Theatre School, taking on a full time position in the city.

My son who'd never acted a day in his life and is terrified of people and crowds, played a lead role, "Daddy Warbucks", and was unbelievable. Only trust in Merlene and her staff could have done that

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

and I'm forever grateful. My daughter, who sings like an angel and is chock full of talent, learned a different lesson when passed over in the same production for the lead Annie. I think she was only 8 or 9, and I tried to explain that it was her first play and it didn't mean she wasn't good but she wasn't having it and quit. A year or so later she realized Merlene had been right and always wanted to go back but was embarrassed for quitting. I wish I'd done more to make it so; as it was an opportunity lost to have her surrounded by good people, and with no mom around, great role models like Merlene, and, increasingly, her former students who would often return after university to teach classes for her, so committed to her they were/are. And it was Merlene who talked me into playing a lead, "Gus Sharkey", in her 50's era musical for the first time ever, as we played to two sold out nights.

Spotlight's " Voice Impact Project" entertains community

Merlene was already involved with poverty issues long before I was, offering out her community squads free for productions to low income communities. Many a year I had Spotlight performers visit York Region housing communities, who also all took on her great attitude when they came, and in town for International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. I helped start Operation Sparrow , chairing the board for 4 years, and Merlene was the 1st to offer free spots to kids we would place. Just this summer someone called not able to afford theatre camps but with one call she was able to.

She never asked for anything and never said no.

But times were tough too, and Merlene silently struggled with holding on to the theatre / building - the theatre named in honour of her father - time and again passed over for grants - first having to give up half the location and finally moving to another, losing the home base stage, lighting booth, and all the fixings they had there. This likely would have defeated most people, but when I ran into her again and found out what had happened, Merlene was completely upbeat about it, focusing on the positives - like less pressure to pay for a building full time wherein now they could rent locations for productions but hold rehearsals and classes in a smaller suitable locations. Later on I believe she created a new partnership for the school that still contained the word Spotlight, Arts Spotlight Theatre, still finding away to keep it going.

Merlene's dedication was felt beyond the stage

Recently, Merlene heard we'd been squeezed out of grant money to support our long running youth road hockey event which was free, gave out a cash scholarship, fed the kids for the day, and entertained them which Merlene's crews sometimes were asked to, as well as her feature former students come out to sing O Canada as well as for a Remembrance Day radio show, an Acapella young adults group she sent me who were sensational. Ironic now she's passed near that date.

When she heard about our dilemma with the road hockey event, Merlene offered to "piggy back' us on her grant through a 'fitness element" and adjust it to include us. The timing was wrong for it to work, but just the fact she would offer spoke volumes to me about the type of person she was. Rare is too common a word to describe her. It was at that time I think she had told me she had cancer and also told me she was very glad to have got to know me and that she really respected me. At the time I wasn't thinking cancer as in, "can kill you" cancer, and just blew it off as Merlene being nice as usual, but in reflection, she may have known that could be the last time she'd speak with me and she wanted to tell me. I bet she did that to a lot of people she knows. Always thinking of others.

It was nice to be able to help Merlene for a change when she approached me about a location for dinner theatre for her adult classes as I knew just the spot, having put on a number of shows there myself and knowing her needs, and knew it was a great fit, with good hearted owners that would work with them on costs...Again sold out shows for the two nights! I wish I'd gone now.

I can't imagine the pain her husband Jan and the kids are going through right now, but as I try and see through my tears as I write this, just know that you were all blessed to have had her in your lives as long as you did, and that she will always be with you everywhere you look in this community. Be strong and take the lessons she gave about selflessness and sacrifice and live your lives as if she's watching... because she is.

I'm sure you will also see an arts award created in Merlene's honour, because it's now on my radar, and, in her "living life", I don't feel Merlene got the true accolades and community recognition she deserved, always willing to let others get, and quietly accept being passed over because others were deserving...Well no one is more deserving Merlene. No one. Rest in Peace.

Your Friend,

Tom

A family fund for the family has been set up at this link for donations.