Niagara's Independent Voice for the Performing Arts
Reviewer
Daniel (Danny) Gaisin was born in Montreal ninety years ago. His involvement with writing was a result of his background; both grand dad & father were printers, so, he was instinctively a proofreader. Doing so for his University newspaper led to writing about classical music with his 1st byline credit in October of 1960. Two years later he moved to Ontario to marry his adored Terry. Off & on published contributions continued until a contract was signed in 1980. Sale of that Oakville newspaper led to the Gaisins forming their own on-line news magazine covering the arts around the ‘Golden Horseshoe’. With Covid closing everything in 2020, so did their reporting endeavors and their site. At this point, again the chance for ‘pen to paper’; and Danny is looking forward to his critical, but not ‘mean’, opinion opportunities.
After almost sixty years as a published journalist, one should know the basics. This writer just returned from blowing a principle or two. When reporting, one is supposed to be totally objective and unbiased. Continue Reading →
A few decades back, Harrison Ford made a movie (Hollywood Homicide) about a cop who moonlights as a real estate salesman. His "You have the right to stay silent; and to list your property with me" almost ranks with " Go ahead, punk- make… Continue Reading →
It wasn't a march — that was Schubert. It certainly was not a parade — that was Erik Satie. As for a stroll — that would be Charles Williams! Continue Reading →
The location is a parkette with concrete slab seating facing a smallish stage and a backdrop of swaying sailboat masts moored in what is technically titled Old Lock One Commons. Continue Reading →
Two exceedingly worthwhile organizations took over the Performing Arts Centre to offer three well known Canadian talents in order to spread their raison d'etre and the myriad advantages they offer. Continue Reading →
Yesterday, Sept. 11th, was a somber day for most of us adults, remembering where we were and what we were doing that fateful Tuesday morning twenty-five years ago. Continue Reading →
Its a bit of a shock to realize that one might be something of a snob, but noticing the outfits and demeanour of the other guests at the 13th Street Winery's soiree, my impression was of hobnobbing with a classier standard, more in keeping… Continue Reading →
The Merritt Park Amphitheatre is an amazing rough-hewn semi-circle that recalls Ceasaria's site circa 70 AD. The stage is a barge anchored on the eponymous(old) Welland Canal. Continue Reading →
My introduction to Italian went as follows:- Bona Sera from a movie title; Bona Notte from 'Lady & the Tramp; and lastly Primavera, L'estate, Autunno and L'inverno; all from Antonio Vivaldi's "♫ The Four Seasons ♪ ". Continue Reading →
On arriving at the closest picnic table to Montebello's stage, with my set of Robertson screwdriver, a delightful trio of siblings were quick to advise me that 'tonight, no screws in one's butt'. Continue Reading →
What might four graduates from University of Ottawa do after convocation? Wrong! They for a musical quartet that will encompass country, folk and rock genres. Thence; head on down the performing road. Continue Reading →
After a six year hiatus, this ancient scribe reunited with the SHAW Festival and Shaw Admin people, 'you got some splainin to do'. A parking cost of $25.00 is over 350% above the seven bucks I paid back in 2019! Continue Reading →
NYC has its Central Park, Montreal has its Mt. Royale; D.C. has the Mall & St. Catharines has Montebello Park; verdant downtown respites from routine. Continue Reading →
This antiquated scribbler found another of the St. Catharines community gems, the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. A humongous building at King & James streets, hosts a hundred vendors, thousand shoppers, and a million visitors! Continue Reading →
A “Close encounter” with compositional greatness at the Niagara Symphony Orchestra Review by Danny Gaisin It was a quad of firsts for this ancient scrivener; 1st visit to St. Continue Reading →
