Activities
Social & Cultural Activities
Ann Germani - Tuesday October 20th
Ann Germani is a professional trained musician and teacher who discovered and developed her passion for playing the harp while living on Baffin Island, Nunavut.
Since then, she has been performing at Ceilidhs, Community Concerts and Festivals, with orchestras and choirs, and is currently playing second harp with The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In 2003 Ann was commissioned by Juventus Youth Choir, Regina, to write “Noël Nouvelet” – a Suite of Carols for youth choir and harp, which has since been performed and released on compact disc.
Formal harp studies have been with Richard Turner, principal harpist with the WSO. Ann holds professional degrees and diplomas in music; advanced studies include scholarship with the Banff School of Fine Arts, and Trinity College of Music, London.
Ann has lectured, conducted workshops, and helped establish music education programs in libraries, pre-school centres, conservatories, schools and colleges across Canada. She currently operates a private music teaching studio in “Old Montreal Place” – the Old Bank of Montreal building in downtown Brandon.
Big Daddy Taz - Wednesday October 21st
Big
Daddy Taz will be featured on Wednesday October 21st as part of the Banquet
activities. Tazz is a father and a comedian from Winnipeg who believes that the best way to deal with mental illness is to put on a positive face. For the last seven years he has run a comedy benefit for the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, which has grown to include over 1,200 guests. Tazz enjoys making people laugh, and loves working with children. On stage, “Big Daddy Tazz, The Bipolar Buddha” shows his willingness to identify and embrace his illness, bipolar disorder. With loving support from his son, Tazz uses comedy and laughter to combat the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Tazz’s ability to share his experiences with candor and just the right amount of humour provides insight for people on the impact bipolar disorder can have on individuals and their families. Big Daddy Tazz shares his story through comedy to make a difference for people living with mental illness. As Tazz says, “It’s time to give stigma a bad name.” Recovery is Possible.
Misty Street - Wednesday October 21st
Misty Street consists of singer, songwriter, musicians Mariah Phillips and Greg Gibson they have been making music together for about 2 ½ years. Mariah and Greg pour their heart and soul into writing songs. Their lyrics tell the story of love, loss, real life issues and attitude. In 2008 Mariah and Greg received a grant from the Government and have been working on recording their first album which will be released in Spring 2009. They will be performing during the cocktail hour for the awards banquet on Wednesday October 21.
For more info and their Event schedule check them out at
www.myspace.com/mistystreet or www.mistystreet.com
Katherine Penfold
Joining us with her gift of song at both “The Circle of Light” and “A Walk in these Shoes” is Brandon’s Katherine Penfold. Originally a Folk singer/songwriter from Nova Scotia, Katherine Penfold has developed a passion for a variety of different musical genres branching to Funk, Jazz and R&B. With her inspiringly soulful originals under her arm, she has begun to pave her way into the hearts of listeners throughout Canada.
Visit Katherine and learn more at www.myspace.com/katherinepenfold