CHSR-FM 97.9

It’s summertime, when thoughts go to steady work, rock and roll, and inevitable distractions.

My guests today are Len Falkenstein (director), Jake Martin (co-director), Mary Walker (Princess of France) and Alex Macallister (Prince of Navarre), all involved in one of the summer Shakespeare plays being staged by Bard In The Barracks, Love’s Labour Lost. They discuss the 70s prog band overly of the Men of Navarre, the clash of sexes and music, and the staging of one of The Bard’s early plays.

The entire Bard in the Barracks season runs June 18 through July 5. The preview performance of Love’s Labour Lost is on June 20, with the opening on June 21, and it will run on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday nights at 7:30pm. The play will be staged in five locations around Christ Church Cathedral.

See their website for full details.

A case of mistaken jealousy, potential redemption and… a bear? What’s not to like?

My guests today are John Ball (Director), Shannon Munn (Hermione) and Scott Shannon (Leontes) from the Bard in the Barracks production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. They join me to talk about the emotional arc and weight of this play, whether or not they saw anyone else perform it before, and why John loves this production so much. Oh, and a bear to watch out for.

The entire Bard in the Barracks season runs June 18 through July 5. The preview performance of The Winter’s Tale is on June 18, with the opening on June 19, and it will run on Thursday, Friday and Monday nights at 7:30pm. The play will be staged in a singular location in Odell Park.

See their website for full details.

Episode 45 – At least one song from every decade from the 1960s to the 2020s, today in history, and the skies.

The most dangerous thing is that which you cannot see because it is often too common, like discrimination.

My guest today is author Lemlem Adenech Handome, whose book I Am A Woman Born Of A Woman both celebrates the strength and resilience of the women on whom she has based her name, but takes a critical eye toward systemic and non-obvious sexism, with the goal of making it visible and defeatable. She talks about her own realizations when growing up, her passion to build on the legacy of her mother, and the issues that are still felt today.

The author will be having a book launch on July 23 at the Fredericton Public Library. More details can be found on the EventBrite listing.

When a person is lost, their impact can be celebrated in the art — and memories — they left behind.

My guest today is Lori Quick, the Exhibitions & Communications Coordinator at the UNB Centre for Learning Futures and the UNB Art Centre. She has spearheaded an exhibition of the works of beloved Fredericton artist and artist supporter, Biff Mitchell, who was unexpectedly lost some time ago. She discusses her memories of Biff and his work, the building of the exhibition, and the special evening of presentation, music and memories planned to be at the UNB Art Centre.

The exhibition in Biff Mitchell’s memory, Silence Says it All runs until June 5th at the UNB Art Centre.

The Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell, hosted by the UNB Art Centre, will be held on June 5th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., in the Memorial Hall Auditorium on the UNB Fredericton Campus. This will be a time to celebrate the joy, humour, love, and gratitude we still hold because of Biff’s presence as well as collectively work through how deeply his absence is felt within the community. We will share readings, musical performances, memories, and expressions of love and appreciation for Biff in an interactive art guestbook.

To preserve Biff’s creative legacy, The Biff Mitchell Memorial Collective’s goal is that Biff’s papers, books, and digital ephemera will be housed at UNB Libraries Archives & Special Collections in Fredericton. This archive will be dedicated to preserving the life’s work of this remarkable author for future generations. By donating a book, you will ensure that Biff’s writing will continue to shape conversations, spark readers, researchers, and inspire aspiring writers who will benefit from access to his words and ideas. Together, we can honour Biff, celebrate his imagination, and invest in his legacy – one book at a time.

The link below will take you to the gift registry to select a copy to donate.
Biff Mitchell Legacy Archive Adopt A Book Drive

If we really want to know each other, why don’t we just ask?

My guest today is Fae Johnstone, an advocate for queer issues and is travelling across the country along with Victoria Bucholtz for the Trans Canada Tour. With over 60 events planned, they hope to provide a platform for the curious and the concerned to ask questions in a friendly environment, including gatherings such as “Ask a Trans Person Anything”. We spoke about the work being done, the expectations and hopes, and the planned activities.

The Trans Canada Tour stopped by in Fredericton on May 26, and we hope to catch up with them after they’ve experienced the country.

If you know or find anything that might lead to the discovery of Michael Keetch, please contact the RCMP.

My guest today is Anita Fougere, whose brother, Michael Keetch, went missing over a year ago. Clues have been found, but they lead to more questions than answers. Anita joins me to talk about her brother and what is known so far.

A ground-search is being conducted on the weekend of May 30, and if necessary, future ground searches are being planned. Visit facebook.com/WhereIsMike to contribute or if you find any information.

Episode 42 – The usual: today in history, astronomy and music.

In a world so caught up with being busy, sometimes it’s very important to pause. Reflect. Listen.

My guest today is Becky Reesor, a classical pianist who found herself inspired by a walk to transform the peaceful feeling of the natural world into music and a visual feast. She stops by to talk about finding music inspiration from the outdoors, capturing that spontaneously and then honing it into something to share with others.

Reesor’s show, Stop The Clock: An Immersive Piano Experience, is currently touring the province, and will be coming to Fredericton at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre on May 8.

The arts community lost a legendary figure in the past few years in Biff Mitchell, a photographer, writer and multidisciplinary artist — as well as a champion of the arts and the artists who make them.

My guest today is Deanna Musgrave, one of Biff’s friends and a painter who’s portrait of Biff will be part of an upcoming celebration of Biff’s legacy. She joins me to remember Biff, talk about how the portrait was constructed, and many more tales of his work and impact.

The JL Biff Mitchell Creative Education Bursary mentioned is open to emerging artists in New Brunswick who are creating in photographs, writing, and/or pencil drawing. The deadline is coming up on May 10th of this year. Look for the bursary on the Jane Leblanc Legacy Fund website.

An exhibition called Silence Says it All in Biff Mitchell’s memory opens on May 8 at the UNB Art Centre and runs until June 5th. Deanna’s beautiful memorial portrait of Biff, “Biffy”, will be on display at the same time as the display of Biff’s works.

In addition to the exhibition, there will be a Celebration of the Life of Biff Mitchell Ceremony on the closing day of the Exhibition: June 5, 7-9 pm.