Home Grown Theatrical Talent

Theatrical talent was shining in the Northern Avalon this summer. Cupids 400 and New World Theatre’s Indeavour Stage provided “once in a lifetime” entertainment, in which local performers participated. At the same time, community theatre which has been growing over the past decade in the towns of Brigus and Bay Roberts was thriving.

Bay Roberts had three separate successful shows. A Time in Pigeon Inlet, a Newfoundland “time,” featuring singing, instrumental music, storytelling and sketches (based on Ted Russell’s Tales from Pigeon Inlet) is in its third season. Salt-water Moon, a drama, was on stage at the Victoria LOL#3 Museum and Playhouse, the second year for a David French play produced by Jerry Mercer and directed by Marc Warren. And, for the first time, An Evening with the Gosse Family (which featuring singing,  instrumental music, and skits) was held at Lodge McKay.

In Brigus, The Royal Shag Up, a comedy with music, is in its 9^th sold out season.

What is Special About These Shows?

All four shows are first class productions with talented performers that have been enjoyed and praised by audiences from all over Canada. However, what is special is that each of these shows has a direct connection with the area.

Bay Roberts Shows

A Time in Pigeon Inlet, (pigeoninlet.ca) which features Newfoundland and Labrador’s first tradition bearer, Kelly Russell, and his family, is built around the stories of Kelly’s father, Newfoundland author Ted Russell, who was born on Coley’s Point.

The Cast of “A Time in Pigeon Inlet”
More photos from “A Time in Pigeon Inlet” > >

Salt-water Moon was written by David French, who was also born in Coley’s Point. David French moved to Toronto as a child when his father went upalong to work, but his plays are steeped in the history and mythology of this area of the province. Characters speak of the Bay Roberts Railway Station, the Klondyke, the Kyle, and the Labrador fishery.

“Salt-water Moon” by David French
More photos from “Salt-water Moon” > >
victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

An Evening with the Gosse Family featured the Gosse girls, Sonya and Michele, who grew up in Bay Roberts, and their Dad, Lewis, who was a teacher at Ascension Collegiate for years.
Ged Backmore, who was in the audience, was moved by the Gosse rendition of his composition, “The Sea.” in three part harmony.

More photos from “An Evening with the Gosse Family” > >

Brigus Show

The Royal Shag Up has been collectively written over the years by the Baccalieu Players, people from the local region who act, sing and dance in the show.

The Cast of “A Royal Shag Up”
More photos from “A Royal Shag Up” > >

“Salt-water Moon” FREE September 24th and 25th during Canadian Culture Days.

And as a bottom line, you have another opportunity to see “Salt-water Moon” for FREE at the Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse during Culture Days, September 24-25.  You will be amazed at how certain words and phrases jump to life because the play is in context.  Most people who have seen several different productions of the show say this one has a different twist which you will thoroughly enjoy.  Friday night’s show is being sponsored by Moores Andrews Collins Law Offices. Saturday night’s show is being sponsored by Ruth Brown of Clarke Real Estate, Pam Norman of Exit Realty, Churchill’s Home Hardware, and Harbour International.

Moon and stars in the sky.

Information about “Salt-water Moon” on the Culture Days Website > >

Events in Northern Avalon – July 26 to August 1

July 26 – August 6 Shearstown Estuary (between Bay Roberts and Spaniards Bay) Wetlands Nature Camp
Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm Children get active in the outdoors, while learning about the environment. Registration for camp is on a day to day basis, so visitors, as well as people of the region are welcome. Featuring special guests Dennis Minty,  and Ticker Tom. Cost: 5$ per day per child. FMI: Keshia Parsons Email: shearstowngreenteam@gmail.com website: shearstownestuary.ca Phone: (709) 788-3021

July 27 Heart’s Content: Cable Station Anniversary Celebration. FMI: 583-2160

July 27 Bay Roberts Hauntings in Coley’s Point. 5 ghost stories…near graveyards. 8:30pm FMI: 683-1195, Hauntings > > holdinground.com

July 28 Bay Roberts Unveiling the new Klondyke Causeway Wayside Sign with performances by the Pigeon Inlet Players. 2:30pm-4:30pm FMI: 683-1195 holdinground.com

July 28 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 28- August 1 Bay de Verde Heritage Days. Poker game, dances, kids fun day; fireworks, fish & brewis breakfast, adult dance. Schedule [PDF] > > FMI: 587-2766 www.baydeverde.com

July 29-Aug.1 Holyrood 22nd Annual Squid Festival
FMI:  229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29 Holyrood Community Walk and Bonfire FMI: 229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29–August 2 Carbonear Weekend Including  “3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly”  FMI: 596.3831 Schedule for Carbonear Weekend  > >

July 29 Bay Roberts Family Campfire Community Gardens 7:30pm  FMI 786-2126 holdinground.com

July 29 Whiteway Live Music with Craig Whelan & Brady Whelan Brown’s Restaurant. Tel: (709) 588-2347  Fax: (709) 588-2627

July 29 Cupids Colony of the Heart:The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 30 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 30 Brigus “A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 30 Cupids Colony of the Heart: The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Carbonear Fibre Arts Exhibit. Display and Demonstration of crafts such as Quilts, Rug Hooking and Swedish Weaving. Music. Free Admission.2:00pm – 4:00 pm Multi-purpose room, back of swimming pool building. More information > >

July 31 Dildo. Dildo Days Boat Flotilla 11am; Cold Plate Sale $7 per plate 1-5pm; SUF Grounds: Dunk Tank & Local Entertainment Fun for the whole family, Men’s Fellowship fundraising BBQ, Adult Dance • SUF Lodge ($10 double) Third Strike • Door Prizes! For more information – > >

July 31 Harbour Grace 148th Running of the Harbour Grace Regatta Lady Lake. Enjoy a day at the races. Fixed seal shells, games of chance, food concessions, ladies’ and men’s races. The second oldest continuous sporting event in North America. Phone: 709-596-6753 or 709-596-7265 Fax: 709-596-1991 E-mail: thg@nf.sympatico.ca

July 31 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 31 Bay Roberts “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” featuring Kelly Russell (Newfoundland and Labrador’s First Tradition Bearer), Russells in the Corner, Pigeon Inlet Players, and a special guest performer for each “Time”. For updates see: www.pigeoninlet.ca

July 31 Cupids / St. John’s St. John’s Story Telling Festival National Conference of Story Telling – St. John’s will visit Cupids

July 31 Brigus Cupids 400 Storytelling Concert Guest storytellers from around the world and at home will gather at St. George’s Heritage Church in neighbouring Brigus. International storytellers, Graham Langley and Jan Andrews will be joined by Newfoundland storyteller Margaret Hitchens for an evening of traditional English folk and fairy tales. St. George’s Church in Brigus (A Cupids 400 Event) See www.cupids400.com > >

July 31 Brigus
“A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 31 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Grates Cove Allan Ricketts 8:00pm Doors Open 7:00pm $15+HST advanced $17:50+HST at the Door. Cash Beer & Wine Beyond Baccalieu FMI or tickets: 587-3986 beyondbaccalieu.com

July 31 to August 31 Winterton Island Rock Studio Art Exbitition Drop in and view latest pieces by locally renowned NL artist, Florence Maud Pinhorn. FMI See the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland & Labrador > >

July 31- August 1 Paradise SunSplash Festival, TBA FMI see www.townofparadise.ca > >

August 1 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 1 Carbonear 3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly. Men’s, Women’s and Kids’ (12 and under) teams. 5 players per team (plus spare if needed). Pre-registration, rules and information on World Cup of Tiddly Page > > Registration also @ 1 pm Carbonear Recreation Complex. May bring own gloves and safety equipment.  “Hooked on Tiddly” T-shirts will be available for $10.

August 1 Bay Roberts Folk Festival Community Gardens 2pm FMI:  683-1195 holdinground.com

August 1 Bay Roberts Mussel/Crab Boil at the Three Sister with Music by the Pigeon Inlet Players Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk. 2:30-4:00pm FMI: 786-2126 holdinground.com

August 1 Whitbourne Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Hoedown Lions Club. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Starts at 2:00 pm. FMI: Bill Whelan 709 759 2196 or hildawhelan@hotmail.com

August 1 Conception Harbour 100th Anniversary of St. Anne’s Garden Party St. Anne’s Church grounds, Conception Harbour  A day of fun and games for children; games of chance along with musical entertainment. A dinner and dance to follow at St. Annes’s Parish Hall. FMI

Events on the Northern Avalon – July 5 – July 12

Once upon a time, people used to make a once or twice yearly “excursion around the bay” for an afternoon. The “bay” has changed. Summer 2010 is filled with events for all ages and all tastes, and there are numerous quality places to stay from five star B&Bs to camping grounds. Instead of an afternoon, make plans to spend a mini-vacation or a long weekend. For information on accommodations, places to eat, and craft stores and gift shops, see northernavalon.com > >

Events – July 5 – July 12

July 5 Cupids / St. John’s
Coasters 2010 National Antique and Classic Car Club will arrive in Cupids on July 5th with over 100 antique and classic cars for viewing. Following this will be a cross country tour from St. John’s to British Columbia. (A Cupids 400 Event – cupids400.com

July 5 Cupids
Servant of Two Masters – Beni Malone & Wonderbolt Productions A classic Commedia del’arte piece written by renowned Italian playwright Carlos Goldini and adapted for stage by Beni Malone of Wonderbolt Productions. Audiences will be treated to a tapestry of memorable characters, beautiful costumes, manic comic energy as they whirl at a break neck pace through the ever twisting and twirling plot that is the trademark of the commedia del’arte form. Cupids Orange Lodge 8:00 pm $15.00 cupidscovechatter.com

July 6 – August 2 Bay Roberts The Second Annual Holdin’ Ground Festival, includes the “Time in Pigeon Inlet” event, the annual Klondyke Festival, as well as the launch of the Historic signage project. See holdinground.com

July 6 Bay Roberts Opening of the Second Annual Holdin Ground Festival and Launch of the Holdin’ Ground Project. Videotaped interviews with seniors, meeting with interviews seniors, display of Pigeon Inlet Quilt, original design and construction by the Pigeon Inlet Quilters, music by Pigeon Inlet Players. Refreshments will be served. St. John: the Evangelist Hall, Coleys’ Point 2:30pm FMI: 683-1195 holdingroundproject.com

July 6 Carbonear Servant of Two Masters – Beni Malone & Wonderbolt Productions A classic Commedia del’arte piece written by renowned Italian playwright Carlos Goldini and adapted for stage by Beni Malone of Wonderbolt Productions. Audiences will be treated to a tapestry of memorable characters, beautiful costumes, manic comic energy as they whirl at a break neck pace through the ever twisting and twirling plot that is the trademark of the commedia del’arte form. Rorke Stores Mercantile Premises 8:00 pm $15.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 6
Conception Harbour Down Memory Lane – Concert A concert featuring the heritage and culture of the communities of Conception Bay Central. Traditional music and dance, stories and recitations. Marian Hall 2:00 pm Admission: $5.00 Adults, $2.00 Children

July 7 Bay Roberts Performance by Pigeon Inlet Players Near Madrock Cafe and Three Sisters – Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk. 2:30pm-4:30pm FMI: 683-1195 See holdinground.com

July 7 Bay Roberts Fairest Isles, All Isles Excelling – Hot Earth Ensemble. Concerts will feature guest artists, Meredith Hall, soprano, Calvin Powell, baritone, and a group of Madrigal Singers, directed by Kellie Walsh. Presenting music that was played, sung, or danced to in the “Fairest Isle” of England 400 or so years ago. St. Matthew’s Anglican Church 8:00 pm Admission: $15.00 cupidscovechatter.com

July 7 Old Perlican Servant of Two Masters – Beni Malone & Wonderbolt Productions A classic Commedia del’arte piece written by renowned Italian playwright Carlos Goldini and adapted for stage by Beni Malone of Wonderbolt Productions. Audiences will be treated to a tapestry of memorable characters, beautiful costumes, manic comic energy as they whirl at a break neck pace through the ever twisting and twirling plot that is the trademark of the commedia del’arte form. John Hoskins Community Centre 8:00 pm $15.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) cupidscovechatter.com

July 7 Carbonear Shore to Shore Concerts Join celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador musician, singer, songwriter Jim Payne and friends for an evening of music, song and dance. Rorke Stores Mercantile Premises 8:00 pm Admission: $15.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 8 Colliers: Pre-teen dance

July 8 Cupids Colony of the Heart: Cupids Legacy Centre 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610 cupidscovechatter.com

July 8 Bay Roberts Family Campfire
Community Gardens 7:30pm FMI 786-2126 See holdinground.com

July 8 Dildo Songs of the Sea Music Sessions with Jim Payne and British musicians Marilyn Pucker, Paul Wilson, Rebecca Driscoll, Nicholas Wyke and David Faulkner. Explore with experienced musicians, early folk instruments, music and dance. Join in Storytelling sessions that feature folk tales of an earlier time. Share your stories and bring your instruments or just sit back and enjoy. Goodwill Lodge #84 SUF 2:00 – 4:00 pm $5.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 8 Dildo Shore to Shore Concerts Join celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador musician, singer, songwriter Jim Payne and friends for an evening of music, song and dance. Goodwill Lodge #84 SUF 8:00 pm $15.00 2:00 – 4:00 pm $5.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 8 Spaniard’s Bay Servant of Two Masters – Beni Malone & Wonderbolt Productions A classic Commedia del’arte piece written by renowned Italian playwright Carlos Goldini and adapted for stage by Beni Malone of Wonderbolt Productions. Audiences will be treated to a tapestry of memorable characters, beautiful costumes, manic comic energy as they whirl at a break neck pace through the ever twisting and twirling plot that is the trademark of the commedia del’arte form. Spaniards’ Bay Recreation Centre 8:00 $15.00 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 8-11 CBS Kelligrews Soiree
Schedule for Kelligrews Soiree – July 8 – 11 >>

July 8-July 30 Cupids Colony of the Heart by Ben Pittman Cupids Legacy Centre. 6:00 pm Admission: $25.00 FMI: 528-1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 9 Brigus “A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 9 Brigus Servant of Two Masters – Beni Malone & Wonderbolt Productions A classic Commedia del’arte piece written by renowned Italian playwright Carlos Goldini and adapted for stage by Beni Malone of Wonderbolt Productions. Audiences will be treated to a tapestry of memorable characters, beautiful costumes, manic comic energy as they whirl at a break neck pace through the ever twisting and twirling plot that is the trademark of the commedia del’arte form. St. George’s Heritage Church 8:00 pm $15.00 Email: sueannpye@persona.ca Call 709-528-3575 www.stgeorgesbrigus.ca

July 9-10 Colliers Kitchen Party 7:30pm. Antique Car Show – Field 1-3pm FMI: 229-4333

July 9 Cupids Colony of the Heart: Cupids Legacy Centre 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 9 Cupids Shore to Shore Concert Join celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador musician, singer, songwriter Jim Payne and friends for an evening of music, song and dance Cupids United Church 8:00 pm $15.00 FMI: 528-1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 10 Carbonear Fairest Isles, All Isles Excelling – Hot Earth Ensemble Concert feature guest artists, Meredith Hall, soprano, Calvin Powell, baritone, and a group of Madrigal Singers, directed by Kellie Walsh. Presenting music that was played, sung, or danced to in the “Fairest Isle” of England 400 or so years ago. Princess Sheila NaGeira Theatre 8:00 pm $15.00 FMI: 528-1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 10 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 10 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 10 Winterton Open House with Miss Newfoundland & Labrador, Sara Green Come spend the afternoon with Wooden Boat Museum\’s own Princess and the Punt! Join Sara Green, reigning Miss Newfoundland & Labrador , a resident of Winterton and former summer employee at the Museum for guided tours. FMI See the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland & Labrador > >

July 10 Bay Roberts “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” featuring Kelly Russell (Newfoundland and Labrador’s First Tradition Bearer), Russells in the Corner, Pigeon Inlet Players, and a special guest performer for each “Time”. For updates see: pigeoninlet.ca

July 10 Brigus “A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 10 CBS 20th Annual Manuels River Bobber Race. 2:30pm Tickets are now on sale and are available at local outlets and by calling the Chalet at 834-2099.or 834-4950. 2:30pm This years support is especially appreciated, since it will go towards the construction of a new building. In honour of 20th year, prizes will be: $1020.00 – Grand Prize, $520.00 – 2nd prize, $320.00 – 3rd prize, and 7 prizes of $120.00 – $2700.00 total in prizes. Other events will celebrate 20 years of maintaining and protecting the magnificent Manuels River. FMI: manuelsriver.com

July 10 New Perlican Heritage Day

July 11 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610 See cupidscovechatter.com

July 11 Brigus Muses & Minstrels Closing Concert Join Jim Payne and Friends (Jim Payne’s Sing Song Inc.) 8:00pm $15 St. George’s Heritage Church Email: sueannpye@persona.ca Call 709-528-3575 (A Cupids 400 Event) See cupidscovechatter.com

July 11 CBS Kelligrews Soiree Folk Festival Launch of The History and Tradition of Conception Bay South Booklets during the Kelligrews Soiree. (A Cupids 400 Event) http://www.cupids400.com/

July 11 Bay Roberts Mussel/Crab Boil with Music Three Sisters on the Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk. 2:30-4:00pm FMI: 786-2126 holdinground.com

July 11 Cupids Unveiling of the Cupids 400 Heritage Mat
Legacy Hall, Cupids Legacy Centre. The mat made from 10 – 10×10 original designs by member of the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador [RHGNL] from around the province will be hung in the Cupids Legacy Centre. The designs will be packaged and for sale at the Cupids Legacy Centre Museum Shop. 2:00 pm For more information, contact: 528-1610 cupids400.com

July 12 Bay Roberts Opening of the Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse for 2010 Season. 1pm to 5pm E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 12-13 Bay Roberts Voting for Bay Roberts in Kraft Celebration Tour
bayroberts.com

The Town of Brigus

Town of Brigus Photo: John Jerrett

The Town of Brigus have been our clients since 2006. Considering that the town of Brigus has a population of less than 1000, the number of people who visit the website is amazing. For the month of October, the average number of visitors per day is 164, and the average number of page views per day is 518. In August, the month of the Blueberry Festival, there were a total of 8375 visitors who viewed 38,135 pages. During the past year, there have been 65,297 visitors who viewed 224,534 pages.

Blueberry Festival

We think there will be even more visits this year when the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will host Celebrating Bartlett 2009 – a province-wide, year-long program of events and attractions featuring symposia, heritage fairs and ceremonies. Captain Robert Abram Bartlett, a native son of Brigus, was a world-renowned Arctic explorer and mariner during the first-half of the 20th century.

We worked closely with Wayne Rose, the Town Clerk/Manager on the development of the website. He wanted the site to have a strong visual appeal. He was absolutely correct!

As part of the visual appeal, we have included a flash header with photos of various parts of Brigus. We have also included panoramic views of the town which we prepared using javascript. We have also included 7 albums of brigus scenery. The photos which were provided by the town were taken by a number of photographers, each of whom is acknowledged.

Baccalieu Players

We also prepared two maps of the town as PDF documents – a map of the streetsand a map of places of interest.