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May 15, 2006

Fight Global Warming - Come to a Concert!

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Photographer Bill Pratt joins singer/songwriter Terry Tufts in a benefit for the Art Of Being Green

Want three great reasons to go out on the evening of Saturday, June 3? First of all, you’ll hear a whole concert of tremendous music by award-winning singer, songwriter and guitar player Terry Tufts. Terry, who has performed with the likes of David Francey, Susan Aglukark, Ian Tamblyn and Lynn Miles, recently released his highly acclaimed third solo CD The Better Fight, which will feature prominently at this show. Next reason: as a special audio-visual opening act, you’ll be treated to a slide show by renowned nature photographer Bill Pratt. The breathtaking shots in his “Ontario Wild” slide show will remind you of the third reason you’re there — to help raise money and awareness for the Art of Being Green Festival!

Now in its third year, the Art of Being Green is a two-day, family-friendly event that promotes renewable energy and sustainable living. Held in Lanark Village on July 15 and 16, this year’s festival features workshops and demonstrations at the Lanark Arena, music at the entertainment stage along the Clyde River, delicious food and cool activities for all ages. Some of this year’s highlights include a workshop on “Greening Your House,” unique bicycle demonstrations (can you transport your canoe with your bike?), a Slow Food presentation (including samples!) and concerts on both days by the legendary Bob Bossin, founder of Stringband and frequent guest on Stuart Mclean’s Vinyl Café. For more information about this year’s festival, visit www.artofbeinggreen.com.

theHumm May 2006 AOBG Terry Tufts

An evening of stunning nature photography and fabulous folk music seems the perfect lead-up to the Art of Being Green. Bill Pratt’s breathtaking slides capture his awe and respect for this land, and are a testament to his skill and fearlessness as a photographer and outdoorsman. Terry Tufts is a consummate performer: a highly skilled singer, songwriter and finger-style guitarist, his contemporaries refer to him as a musical triple threat. He’s also an avid environmentalist, dedicated dad and loving husband, all elements that colour his striking original material. Terry’s lyrics speak straight from the heart — and from a charged social conscience. The result: songs that are often anthemic, and always profoundly affecting.

This “triple-treat” event takes place at 8pm on Saturday, June 3 at the Almonte Old Town Hall, and tickets are just $20 each. They are available at The Miller’s Tale in Almonte (256–9090), at Nature Lover’s Bookstore in Lanark (259–5654), and at the door while quantities last. Proceeds from the show will go towards this year’s Art of Being Green festival. For more information call 256–5081 or email Kris.

May 5, 2006

Community Power

With each upward nudge of Ontario’s energy prices, people feel their respective pocket books squeal in protest; leaving homeowners, businesses and the agricultural sector feeling powerless to protect themselves.

I have been warning anyone who cares to listen that Canada, and Ontario in particular, is in dire straits when it comes to energy policy.

theHumm May 2006 Green Page image 1

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Ann Gruchy — Painting Outside the Petals

theHumm May 2006 Front Page image

When I entered Ann Gruchy’s studio at her home in North Gower, I was immediately attracted to an exquisite, formal, floral watercolour composition displayed high up on a wall covered with paintings of various styles and sizes. A second later I was admiring a large, vibrant, sculpted, mixed-media abstract. As I moved around the spacious, well-lit studio and gallery, I realized with growing surprise that her works cover the full range from beautifully detailed realism to bold, textured abstracts.
Not knowing quite where to begin, I commented on the beauty of the floral watercolour. Gruchy modestly admitted that it was probably the “most complex” composition she has done. She then pointed out that it was a print. Some of her gorgeous watercolours are so popular that she finally yielded to demand and now offers prints of several paintings at the numerous venues where she regularly shows her works.

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