Downsizing Your Acoustic Guitar
One of the trends among buyers of acoustic guitars today is downsizing. After years dominating the market, large instruments, like the acoustic guitars; Martin Dreadnought, are giving way to smaller instruments, like the Collings OM2H or the Taylor 212ce for example.
What’s behind this trend seems to be a search for comfort over volume. A little history may help us understand.
The first instruments considered guitars appeared on the music scene in the 15th century. They were quite small and until about 1750 they had fewer than the six strings we see on guitars today. Many had pairs of strings, much like the mandolin, or just four strings, meaning they might have been forerunners of the modern ukulele.
Over the next 100 years or so, guitar builders experimented with somewhat larger bodies, added new forms of bracing to effect different tones and explored a range of tone woods now in common use.
In 1916 the C.F. Martin Guitar Company introduced a very large guitar shape they christened the Dreadnought after a battleship common at the time. Its larger body made for a much louder sound, making it possible for a guitar player to be heard when playing with other loud instruments, like the banjo and the violin. In fact, in recent years Bourgeois Guitars began offering a Dreadnought model they actually called The Banjo Killer.
Dreadnoughts soon became the guitar of choice for bluegrass, folk and Old Tyme music players and is often what novices mean when they think of guitars. Over the years Martin introduced new sizes – the single O, double O and triple O – to each of their model lines and other builders followed suit (often with their own names for the different sizes).
If you play standing up (with a strap), the Dreadnought can be a comfortable feel. Sitting down it’s a bit more challenging due to its size, especially for smaller-framed people. A Martin OOO-28 or a Taylor 312 are easier to enjoy lounging on a couch. And it looks like smaller guitars are becoming popular for standing up performances, as well. Witness Ed Sheeran’s very small guitar.
Of course for some folks, change doesn’t come easy. They want the loud sound of a Dreadnought they’ve known for years but in a small bodied, more comfortable instrument. While some manufacturers are working hard to adjust the bracing on guitars to produce more volume, there’s only so much you can do.
Whichever size you choose to advance your music career – small, medium or large – size does matter.


Creating “milky water” can add drama to an otherwise everyday scene. This photograph, which is also on my website at www.stevedreyer.com, was made with a neutral density filter. The filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens so that a long exposure is necessary (which then softens the details in the moving water). Two other requirements: a tripod and a little patience for good measure!
I will be exhibiting photographs from my “Presence of Light” series at the Upstream Gallery. The exhibit is part of a group showng by Red Circle PhotoArts – a collective of photographers.
The exhibit runs from August 1 through August 30, 2015 and the opening reception is on Thursday, August 6,
from 6 to 8 pm. The gallery’s is located at 8 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. I hope you will be able to attend! To see the full series, please visit http://www.stevedreyer.com.
Thanks to “The Handmade Photograph” online magazine for publishing my article on creating textured images using onOne Software. The article is on The Handmade Photograph website.
Note that onOne has a new release that brings additional features for making great images. Click here to find out more!
©Steve Dreyer Photography LLC.
All Rights Reserved.


Neale Haynes is a British photographer and film maker. His work has appeared in some of the world’s most highly respected publications, including Conde Nast Traveller, Time, Esquire, Grazia, Marie Claire, Men’s Health, GQ, Harpers, The Times among others. He has shot advertising campaigns for Virgin, Bmw, Austin Reed, Nike, Puma and Sony and has images hanging in London’s prestigious National Portrait Gallery.
Tv work has included Next Top Model as featured photographer both on location and on the panel with Elle Mcpherson.
Having travelled to over a hundred countries on assignments as varied as Richard Branson’s space training in the states to hanging out of helicopters photographing ‘The Americas Cup’ in New Zealand nothing would seem to out of the realm.
Recent shoots have included Bill Gates in Seattle, South Africa for National Geographic, Cowboys in Montana for Conde Nast Traveller, a week in a nuclear submarine in the med and a flying car across Timbuktu.
Based in London, Neale is married with 3 young children


Music and Entertainment
You’re an artist seeking the right contract or you wish to setup or expand a business in this industry. We can assist you in reaching your potential.
Just choose your specialist area!
- Artist Management
- Contract Negotiations
- Music Copyright
- Royalty Investigations
- Distribution Deals
This is arguably our quintessential expertise. Atlanta is now among the top five hubs of the nation’s music industry, and nobody knows that business better than B.E.S’ CEO Jim Welcome, who has excelled in every aspect of that industry as a stellar national tour concert promoter and artist manager since 1971.
“This is our strong suit,” Welcome confidently confirms. “We promoted over 100 events annually. In 1986 we implemented the largest one day event ever promoted in the country. I have successfully promoted almost every major music artist prior to 1991, and we are still intrinsically involved in entertainment management and marketing.”


Welcome to our portfolio of architectural photography, where we capture the essence of design and space. Immerse yourself in the allure of our stunning images featuring swimming pools—a testament to the seamless integration of aesthetics and functionality.
Our lens unveils the architectural poetry embodied in each pool design. From the reflective serenity of infinity edges that seamlessly merge with the horizon to the geometric precision of modern poolscapes, every photograph tells a story of elegance and artistry.
Dive into the symphony of color, where azure waters complement the surrounding structures, creating a visual masterpiece. Our images showcase the interplay of light and shadow, accentuating the inviting curves and clean lines that define these aquatic havens.
Whether set against a backdrop of lush landscapes or nestled within contemporary urban environments, our aesthetic images of swimming pools capture the intersection of design brilliance and the natural world. Each photo invites you to appreciate the harmonious coexistence of form and function, inviting a moment of contemplation and appreciation for the beauty of architectural ingenuity.
Explore our curated collection, where every image is a celebration of the timeless allure and captivating aesthetics of swimming pool design—a visual journey into the heart of architectural elegance.


Marc Ramser is a specialist for sonorous and beautifully designed hammered dulcimers. The range of products includes: hammered dulcimer, bass hammered dulcimer, santoor, sound bed and polychord.
The internationally renowned Marc Ramser has been making and playing hammered dulcimers for many years. Thanks to his musical experience, he has developed the hammered dulcimer to meet modern demands. The systematic-chromatic tone arrangement, the muting system and the electronic sound pickup have all convinced discerning musicians.
The products available at SaitenArt include instruments for musicians, musical therapists, students and friends of the hammered dulcimer.
Being a small business, SaitenArt is able to cater to individual tastes. Besides the models described on these pages, Marc Ramser has a long and broad experience with customized products and looks forward to your questions.
Well-known musicians from the international hammered dulcimer scene play instruments from SaitenArt.


Things Between Midnight Crew NeckRegular price $180.00 Sale price $49.00 Save 73%
Each garment is hand-dyed and uniquely made just for you! Please note that the item you receive may differ slightly from the image shown—that is the beauty of tie-dye!
Content + Care: 50% cotton, 50% polyester
Hand-dyed and made in the USA
Due to the nature of the dye, please note that color may fade over time Size + Fit: Model is 5'9" and wearing a size S.
Former Rental in Great Condition.
All Sales Are Final.


Master your party-throwing skills by learning how to craft a charcuterie board or delectable drinks. Create unique centerpieces and decorate your gifts to surprise and delight your guests.
Choose 3 of the following classes. Each 30 minute session will be offered at 6:30, 7:15 and 8:00.
Centerpiece Magic: Learn how to create three stunning, long-lasting centerpieces using flowers and easy-to-find holiday accessories. Dazzle your party guests with these unique decorations that are the perfect accompaniment to your celebration.
App-tastic Charcuterie Wreath and Wine Pairing: Create an irresistible meat and cheese board themed for the holiday celebration. You will gain the skills to create your own and get a sampling of delectable flavors that will impress your guests.
Greeting Guru Cards & Gift Tags: Customize your message and craft personalized, cards created from your heart. Learn how to create hand-crafted cards and tags will deliver that holiday cheer you wish to spread this season.
Mind the Wrap: Master the corner creases, ribbon tying and learn how to create accouterments to give your gifts that too-pretty-to-open look. Guests will be taking home a goodie bag with items and instructions for throwing some pizzazz onto the gifting.


Dance without barriers
The motto “Dance with me” inspires us to enjoy a night full of dance, music, and diversity – perfect to taste the spirit of the Viennese carnival season.
We will have a fabulous live music act and we will award the winners of the Her Abilities Award 2018.
Lillis Ballroom, the first barrier-free Latin dance studio in Vienna, will flash us with a slow dance and then guide us through an amazing barrier-free dance experience.
Dance with me! An inclusive and unique dance event celebrating diversity.
When: 22. February 2019,
Begin: 6.30pm, admission from 6pm
Where: UniCreditCenter “Am Kaiserwasser”, Eiswerkstrasse 20, 1220 Vienna
The event is supported by UniCredit Bank Austria and will be in English and translated into international sign.
Register for the event here:


In the Press
Keep up with taste of something MUSIC artist and label news
BrickWindow announce full-length album, "Terraform"
June 5, 2020
PLAINFIELD, NJ: New Jersey indie electro-rock group BrickWindow announce the release date of their upcoming album, "Terraform". The full-length album will be released on June 26, 2020. Atmospheric and rhythmic, this instrumental album combines distorted synth, pumping bass, layered guitar, with radiant keyboards and a groove-based blend of live and electronic drums.
Glasse Factory : Review of BrickWindow's "Disassociate'
May 22, 2020
BRICKWINDOW JUST RELEASED THEIR TRIPPY, AMBIENT NEW SOUNDSCAPE "DISASSOCIATE" TODAY.
Its combination of crystal-clear electric guitar, distorted synth, pumping bass, radiant piano, and a groovy drum beat makes for a wonderful listen.
A&R Factory : Review of BrickWindow's "Disassociate"
May 20, 2020
SPACEY & SONICALLY PLEASING HOUSE WITH BRICKWINDOW’S NEW SINGLE "DISASSOCIATE’’
This is a perfect song to wake up to. The start of "Disassociate’’ seems perfect for a morning stretch, doing yoga and re-calibrating the mind from all that over-thinking. ‘BrickWindow’ is here to mesh that good energy and put us in the right gear for the day...
Happy Little Accidents announce full length album, "Lollibeats"
April 27, 2020
PLAINFIELD, NJ - New Jersey based musicians Happy Little Accidents announce the release date of their upcoming debut album, "Lollibeats". The full album will be released on all streaming platforms on Friday May 15, 2020.
Ahead of the album, the group has released two singles, "Party" on March 23th, and "Chips & Salsa" on April 24th. "Lollibeats" combines loops, samples, live drums, and other instrumentalization to create break-beat type tracks spanning several genres.
The album will be released on independent label "taste of something MUSIC."


Thérèse Lindquist studied piano and chamber music (with Dorothy Irving among others) in her home country of Sweden, and continued her studies of Lied with Paul Schilhawsky in Salzburg. As a piano accompanist for lied recitals she has been awarded several prizes (including first prize at the Jenny Lind Competition) and has participated in master-classes, for instance with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Sena Jurinac, Helena Lazarska, Robert Holl and Silvia McNair. Thérèse Lindquist has been official piano accompanist in international competitions such as the Robert Schumann Competition and the International Mozart Competition in Salzburg. She has given concerts together with renowned artists such as Wolfgang Holzmair, Dana McKay, Hillevi Martinpelto, Christian Miedl, Christiane Karg, John Thomasson, Peter Ullrich, and Dietmar Kerschbaum at international festivals such as the Heidelberger Frühling, the Carinthian Summer, Allegro Vivo, Musikwoche Lienz, Musik vid Siljan, Caixa Galicia, The Florida Festival of Fine Arts, Festspiel-Presentation Salzburg, and Osaka Festival Hall. In cooperation with countertenor Paul Esswood she made an intensive study of the performance practice of early music.
Thérèse Lindquist is professor of lied and oratorio at the University Mozarteum Salzburg and also much in demand as director of master-classes for singers and lied-duos in Europe, Japan, Korea, Israel and the USA. The National Association of Teachers of Singing has frequently invited her to give lectures and hold master-classes at various universities in the USA (Florida International University, Columbus State University, The University of Miami Frost School of Music etc.). Her award-winning CD recording of songs by Josephine Lang (Deutsche Schallplatten) with Dana McKay, soprano, was highly acclaimed in Dieter Kühn’s biography of Clara Schumann as a “miniature masterpiece.” Thérèse Lindquist accompanied Wolfgang Holzmair on a CD recording of songs by Anton Webern (Webern Pur, Institute of New Music in Salzburg), as well as on a recording of Kowalski songs (Bridge Records) and Wunderhorn songs (on the Col legno label) which all received glowing reviews. — see Press
In addition to her mastery and interest in the German, French, and English-American Lied repertoire, which she has explored in various projects, Lindquist has been a dedicated proponent of the Lieder of women composers und has accompanied Liederabende and given lectures on this subject in many international festivals and symposiums. Under the title „Eine exklusive Gesellschaft“ (An exclusive Society), she recently presented a well-received master class for singers and Lied duos at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna). Lindquist has also dedicated herself to the performance of Lieder by Jewish composers, such as the critically acclaimed CD of the Lieder of Max Kowalski (Wolfgang Holzmair, Bridge Records) and a recent master class with the Lieder of Viktor Ullmann at The Jerusalem Academy of Dance and Music.
Beginning in 2020, Lindquist will focus on teaching Lied duos at the University Mozarteum Salzburg, performing concerts, and leading international master classes and projects.
Updated: April 2020


Known for her soaring vocal performances, Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast is a powerhouse soul rock band hailing from Asheville, North Carolina.
Established in 2021, Krisko's electrified and unforgettable performances led to her working with members of Tedeschi Trucks Band and David Bowie's Blackstar Band on the band’s newest studio album Lost My Sight.
Krisko captivates her audiences, bringing the perfect blend of power and vulnerability throughout her shows. With a mix of soul rock arrangements with dashes of blues and pop, Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast has shared stages with Mavis Staples, the late Charles Bradley, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Marcus King, The String Cheese Incident, Bettye Layette, and Gregg Allman’s Buffalo Mountain Jam among others.
THE BROADCAST IS:
Caitlin Krisko (vocals)
Aaron Austin (guitar)
William Seymour (bass)
Michael W. Davis (drums)
Tyler Housholder (percussion)


CHAMPAIGN FULLY SUPPORTS NASHVILLE’S ULTIMATE ATTRACTION
Oscar Smith, Publisher/ HIP Champaign/ Music City TV Network- ROKU/ Tennessee Television
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
Twenty-plus years in the making, it shares the historical significance African Americans have played in music over the last 400 years. This museum is what Nashville needs, providing a welcome addition to the tourist destination, we know as Broadway. Situated right in the heart of downtown, you have a chance to enter the heart of American music starting from the past to present through seven interactive and striking galleries that will make a music lover out of anyone. Check out our guide to experiencing Nashville’s must-see cultural attraction.
Designed by an African American father-daughter architect duo, Harold and Andrianna Thompson, the 56,000 square foot building is stunning and provides a whole new vibe to the Broadway corridor. The intentionality, once you enter, is also very evident, from the vast music memorabilia on the walls to the smart wristband you receive before entering. There is a chip inside that will allow you to take home your experience from the music, videos to rap battles and sing-alongs for you to enjoy even after your visit.


Steph's Sportswear Boudie Call - Mildura Portrait Photographer
Steph is an incredibly hard working and motivated 23 year old who applied to be one of my sportswear boudie calls. Between working as a dj, personal trainer and retail assistant, she is on her way to becoming quite the entrepreneur. It was such a pleasure to have her in the studio and see her absolute kill it as a sportswear babe.
Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?
I was nervous as insecurities got in my head but at the same time I love trying new things and I put all my fear aside and just go for it!
What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?
I actually got tagged in a post to enter a competition going at the time and I won it. I was so excited and glad I got that opportunity!
Did I provide enough pre-session info?
Yes! Everything was loud and clear
How did you feel BEFORE your session?
I was excited. Being really into fitness I am always putting extra pressure on myself with my body but when the day come I was just in the zone.
How did you like working with my team? Did you love your hair & makeup?
I loved it! The girls were beautiful and got me hyped for my shoot!
How would you describe the session? (poses, direction, comfort level, thoughts, FEELINGS)
AMAZING! It made everything so easy for me when getting told to go in certain positions and poses. The energy in the room really had me motivated!
Was the session different than you expected? If so, how?
Not really because I didn't really know what to expect so I already came into it not really knowing how it was going to be but as mentioned early I love a challenge and I think that's what made it more exciting.
How did you feel AFTER your session?
AMAZING! I felt so happy and left in confidence.
What was your favorite part?
The whole thing really but seeing the end result and not expecting to be as happy with my photos with my insecurities and seeing how much I loved them was an awesome feeling!
What was your least favorite part?
When it finished! Time went quick because we had so much fun!
Would you ever do another session?
How did you feel when you saw your images?
Very proud of myself to have the confidence I did and extremely happy.
Did anything change about the way you see yourself after the session?
It encouraged me to love my body and be confident and own it. We must love ourselves in order to be happy in life.
Do you have any advice for women considering doing a boudoir session?
As scary as it seems don't let fear stop you. The feeling you get is so amazing and feeling proud for something you have achieved for YOURSELF is unreal. Especially those lack self love really need to do something like this to remind yourself how beautiful you are and to let everything go and do this not for anyone else but yourself because you ARE beautiful and deserve it!
Any final thoughts on your session, or anything you'd like other woman to know?
I think I have cleared everything up. These images are something I will have forever and to look back on one day to either make my children proud or embarrass them :) however I did this for me and I will never forget it!
Do you give me permission to use this information on my website & on social media?
Here you will find my featured babes, #wearepurebeauty , as well as some tips for your boudoir shoot- from lingerie shopping to hair and makeup
Something to add?
We are excited to announce we are now accepting blog features. If you have something you would like to add to our blog, click here
Mildura resident and Photographer, Lauren Southwell launched Pure Beauty in late June, 2018 & is committed to helping woman feel beautiful, sexy and empowered through the art of Boudoir Photography.


Pricing & Packages
We love photographing engagements. An engagement session is a great way to get used to being in front of the camera together. We get to celebrate with you while we work together in a relaxing session to capture the photographs you'll treasure forever. Engagement sessions are also the perfect way to get to know us before deciding who will photograph your wedding!
An hour and a half session for you and your partner, in an environment you choose in consultation with Annemarie & Mike.
Starting from $525
A longer session with time to capture all of the photographs you're looking for, including opportunities to change outfits and even to break out that wedding dress.
Starting from $725
When should we schedule our engagement session?
We encourage you to do your engagement session as soon as possible. The latest we suggest is at least 10-12 weeks prior to the wedding date due to the time necessary to post produce each image and complete your product order(s). If you plan to use an engagement photo for your Save-the-Dates, we would encourage you to plan for an engagement session even six months in advance of your wedding day.
Where are you based and do you travel?
We are Boston-based wedding photographers working throughout New England capturing love stories of all kinds. We love destination weddings and have done work in Mexico, California, and Virginia. Our passports are up to date. You can book us for events worldwide.
When will we get our photos?
You will receive an online gallery link with all your photos within 8 weeks (sometimes more quickly depending on the season we photograph your session). You can download all the photos from the gallery but also share them, choose your favorites, and also order prints!
How many pictures will we receive?
We typically deliver between 40-60 images for an engagement session. For a wedding, we typically deliver between 60-80 images per hour.


Connecting listeners with the diverse, eclectic and prolific sounds of today's best contemporary instrumental musicians since 1999.
We're glad you're here. Here you will find information on the program, the music and some of the projects we're involved with.
Please feel free to get in touch!
The Audiosyncracy radio program first aired on KTEP-FM, the public radio station in El Paso, Texas, back in October of 1999 with a small collection of my own albums and CDs. Since that time, the program has grown to include a library of several thousand CDs from hundreds of artists, well-known and not-so-well-known.
The show format focuses on the newest works from acoustic artists, featuring the piano and guitar, primarily, but is broad enough to include world, neo-classical, ambient and some (but not much) electronica. The show can be heard locally and also online (live only) on Sunday evenings at 11:00 pm Mountain time (-7 UTC).
The Audiosyncracy podcast is an unscheduled, free downloadable program, based on the Audiosyncracy radio show. The artists consent to podcast play and the episodes are free to download and enjoy at your convenience. The podcast is available in iTunes as well as most podcast directories online.
Use a free podcast app on your smartphone, tablet or computer and search for Audiosyncracy. Hit the "Subscribe" button and enjoy!
Introducing a brand new series of musically themed cruises! Audiosyncracy is working with CruisePlanners to present cruises featuring Audiosyncracy artists on major cruise lines, sailing to fantastic destinations! We had a fabulous first cruise with Michele McLaughlin, an award-winning solo pianist from Salt Lake City, Utah. Our 2017 cruise will feature pianist Elijah Bossenbroek and guitarist Matteo Palmer! Two fabulous artists who you will enjoy hearing and getting to know! We will sail from Miami on MSC Cruises on an exciting 7-night Caribbean and Antilles itinerary featuring private concerts with Elijah and Matteo and you are invited! Click the link for booking information!
A big announcement wouldn't be complete without "One More Thing," right?
Listen to Audiosyncracy 24/7! Now up and being tested, a streaming version of the same music you hear on the radio show, but 24/7 and without staying up late on Sunday night! Check out our stream on Radionomy!
We're still testing what we can do with Radionomy and please get in touch if you have trouble accessing the stream. Due to rights restrictions, the stream may not be available in all locations and success in accessing the stream may vary due to how you try it. Please try a variety of browsers and apps for a successful experience and please let me know if you have difficulties.


In the ever-expanding realm of digital creativity, Adobe Creative Cloud stands tall as an ecosystem that has not only revolutionized the way we approach design but has also become an integral part of the creative process for millions of individuals and professionals worldwide.
This comprehensive suite of applications, services, and collaborative tools has shaped the modern creative landscape, setting new standards and empowering users to bring their artistic visions to life.
A Diverse Ecosystem of Creative Powerhouses
Adobe Creative Cloud boasts a diverse range of applications, each serving a unique purpose and collectively forming a powerhouse of creative potential. At the forefront, we have Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, the trinity of graphic design. Photoshop, a pioneer in image editing, provides a robust platform for manipulating photographs and creating stunning visual effects. Illustrator, a vector graphics powerhouse, allows users to craft scalable, precision artwork, while InDesign facilitates desktop publishing, making it an essential tool for print and digital media.
For those navigating the intricate world of web design and development, Adobe XD and Dreamweaver step in. Adobe XD enables the creation of interactive prototypes and user experiences, while Dreamweaver offers a comprehensive environment for web development, catering to both novices and seasoned professionals.
Video editing and animation find their home in Premiere Pro and After Effects. Premiere Pro offers a dynamic video editing environment, while After Effects opens the door to a realm of endless possibilities in motion graphics and visual effects. Together, they form a formidable duo for filmmakers, video editors, and animators alike.
Photographers, too, have found their creative haven within Adobe’s suite. Lightroom streamlines the photo editing process, providing a toolkit for enhancing and perfecting images, while Photoshop remains the go-to solution for advanced editing and compositing.
Collaboration and Cloud-Driven Creativity
Adobe Creative Cloud extends its influence beyond individual applications, fostering collaboration through an array of cloud-based services. Creative Cloud Libraries serve as a centralized hub for sharing assets seamlessly across projects, ensuring consistency in design elements. Cloud storage and version history offer creators a safety net, allowing them to revert to previous iterations and access their work from any device.
The integration of Creative Cloud Libraries with Adobe Stock further enhances the collaborative experience. Adobe Stock, a treasure trove of royalty-free assets, provides a vast array of images, videos, templates, and 3D models, seamlessly integrating with Adobe Creative Cloud applications and reducing the time spent searching for the perfect asset.
Mobile Creativity and Flexibility
Acknowledging the rise of mobile workflows, Adobe has developed a suite of mobile apps that sync seamlessly with their desktop counterparts. Adobe Fresco, for instance, brings the joy of painting and drawing to the iPad, providing a tactile and intuitive experience. Adobe Spark, another mobile gem, empowers users to create stunning graphics, web pages, and video stories on the go, offering unprecedented flexibility in the creative process.
Continuous Innovation and Evolution
What sets Adobe Creative Cloud apart is its commitment to continuous innovation. Regular updates introduce new features and enhancements, ensuring that creators are equipped with the latest tools to push the boundaries of their craft. This commitment to evolution has solidified Adobe’s position as a trailblazer in the creative software industry, staying ahead of the curve and meeting the ever-changing demands of the creative community.
In conclusion, Adobe Creative Cloud transcends its status as a mere collection of software applications; it is a dynamic and immersive experience that nurtures boundless creativity. From graphic design to video production, Adobe’s suite of applications empowers individuals and professionals to turn their ideas into reality. As the creative landscape continues to evolve, Adobe Creative Cloud remains a steadfast companion, inspiring and supporting the next generation of digital artists in their quest to redefine what’s possible in the realm of creative expression.


Hand-illustrated tea towel featuring all of your favourite pasta shapes including penne, fettucine, macaroni, farfalle, ravioli, spaghetti and more.
It makes a gorgeous gift for yourself or a loved one. An excellent way to say “thank you” to friends, family, neighbours, co-workers or even to celebrate a special event such as saying “congratulations” as a housewarming present.
This soft and absorbent cotton towel is the perfect size to use as a dish towel, tea towel, to cover bread as it proves, to cover a picnic basket, or even simply as a decoration in your kitchen.
100 % Certified Organic Cotton
42 x 70cm / 16.5 x 27.6 inches
Design printed on one side only
Designed in Australia
Printed with water-based ink in a solar-powered facility in Melbourne, Australia
Plastic-free packaging and shipped in a compostable mail satchel.


Governor General's Literary Awards
1998 Nominees: Children's Literature Categories
The Canada Council announced its nominees for the annual Governor General's literary awards in these and other (adult) categories on Wednesday October 20, 1998
The winners were announced on Tuesday, 17 November 1998.
Canada Council Press Release
Complete List of Winners
Gayle Friesen, Janey's Girl (Kids Can Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 1-55074-461-5 - bound; ISBN 1-55074-463-1 - paperback)
Claire and her mother Jane travel to a farm where Jane grew up, but Claire has never been to a place where the family truths lie - truths that Claire learns and her mother must finally face. Friesen has written a beautiful story of love and sacrifice where redemption is afforded when the piano music returns.
Julie Johnston, The Only Outcast (Tundra Books; distributed by Canbook) (ISBN 0-88776-441-X)
The Only Outcast is a sensitively evoked coming-of-age story set during the summer of 1904. Julie Johnston's exquisite prose captures the flavour of a golden summer when a young man balances on the cusp of manhood.
Janet Lunn, The Hollow Tree (Alfred A. Knopf Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 0-394-28074-1)
Phoebe Olcott, the heroine of The Hollow Tree, is a fifteen-year-old girl caught up in the American Revolutionary War. In 1777 she sets off on a harrowing journey through the wilderness to deliver a message to the British in Canada. The author's crystal-clear language captures the period speech and setting perfectly.
Janet McNaughton, Make or Break Spring (Tuckamore Books/Creative Book Publishing; distributed by H.H.Marshall Limited, General Distribution Services) (ISBN 1-895387-93-0)
Newfoundland in the spring of 1945. Evelyn McCallum competes for a scholarship named for her father while clinging to the hope that he may yet return safely from the war. Make or Break Spring is a compelling, well-crafted tale of forgiveness and change; of the need to move on and forge new relationships.
Sarah Withrow, Bat Summer (Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 0-88899-351-X - bound; ISBN 0-88899-352-8 - paperback)
Terence is bored with his conventional life until he meets Lucy, an extraordinary girl who claims she is a bat. Her increasingly dangerous fantasy transforms them both. A remarkable first novel about the recognition of the shadowy forces in young peoples' lives.
Victor Bosson, The Fox's Kettle, text by Laura Langston (Orca Books Publishers; distributed by General Distribution Services)
Victor Bosson's accomplished computer illustrations enhance this original tale. His sumptuous evocation of traditional Japanese art is enlivened with a whimsical touch.
Harvey Chan, Music for the Tsar of the Sea, text by Celia Barker Lottridge (Groundwood Books/Douglas & McIntyre; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 0-88899-328-5)
Harvey Chan's masterful use of colour and composition takes the reader to another time and place. His powerful interpretation of elemental forces creates a lasting impression.
Zhong-Yang Huang, The Great Race, text by David Bouchard (Raincoast Books; distributed by the publisher) (ISBN 1-55192-090-5)
Zhong-Yang Huang's haunting images of a land before time began have a mythic quality. The race advances dramatically through a brilliant orchestration of light, landscape and character.
Stéphane Jorisch, The Village of a Hundred Smiles and Other Stories, text by Barrie Baker (Annick Press; distributed by Firefly Books) (ISBN 1-55037-522-9 - bound; ISBN 1-55037-535-0 - paperback)
With soft colours and delicate lines, Stéphane Jorisch has brought a village to life. His skilful ability to capture gesture and humour extends the text and engages the reader.
Kady MacDonald Denton, A Child's Treasury of Nursery Rhymes (Kids Can Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 1-55074-554-9)
Children will be drawn into this lovingly rendered treasury and rewarded by Kady MacDonald Denton's quick wit and sly humour. Readers of all ages will be delighted by her fresh approach to these classic rhymes.
Angèle Delaunois, Variations sur un même «t'aime» (Éditions Héritage; distributed by les Messageries A.D.P.) (ISBN 2-7625-8782-4)
This collection of short stories captures our interest with varied themes, from passionate love to heartbreak to tenderness. The tone rings true, the writing is rich without being artificial. A moving work.
Guy Dessureault, Lettre de Chine (Éditions Pierre Tisseyre; distributed by Diffusion du Livre Mirabel) (ISBN 2-89051-662-8)
In her travels between Quebec and China, between her adoptive mother and her biological mother, Catherine lives through the emotional intensity of rediscovery, tenderness and separation. This novel weaves plot, characters and style harmoniously and powerfully.
Daniel Mativat, Terreur sur la Windigo (Éditions Pierre Tisseyre; distributed by Diffusion du Livre Mirabel) (ISBN 2-89051-668-7)
In this novel, fantasy is written into our culture, into the world of logging camps, legends of the forest and the winter. The dramatic tension builds inexorably, in a skilful combination of mystery and terror.
Danielle Rochette, La Fugue d'Antoine (Éditions Pierre Tisseyre; distributed by Diffusion du Livre Mirabel) (ISBN 2-89051-679-2)
Antoine, the hero of the story, lives in Louisbourg in 1744. Suddenly, he is propulsed into the 20th century. Our interest is sustained by Antoine's reactions to the realities of modern life, and the author successfully combines several genres: suspense, detective novel, fantasy and historical fiction.
Hélène Vachon, Le Cinéma de Somerset (Éditions Héritage; distributed by les Messageries A.D.P.) (ISBN 2-7625-8625-9)
In the wake of a misunderstanding, a young schoolboy with a fertile imagination leads us into an adventure filled with humour and unexpected twists and turns. The highly original subject is treated stylishly and skilfully.
Stéphane Poulin, Petit zizi, text by Thierry Lenain (Éditions Les 400 coups; distributed by Diffusion Dimedia) (ISBN 2-921620-16-2)
The quality and presentation of the illustrations make for a very lively album that is filled with humour and tenderness.The strong compositions, with their imaginative angles and perspectives and close-ups combine with an attention to detail to make a book that is irresistible.
Pierre Pratt, Monsieur Ilétaitunefois, text by Rémy Simard (Annick Press; distributed by Diffusion Dimedia in Quebec and by Firefly Books for the rest of Canada) (ISBN 1-55037-545-8 - bound and ISBN 1-55037-544-X - paperback)
The masterful design and strong moods lead us into a tale touched with humour. Pratt works magic with atmosphere and colour, and marvellously illustrates an amusing story.
Alain Reno, Un tartare pour le bonhomme Sept Heures, text by Alain Reno (Éditions Les 400 coups; distributed by Diffusion Dimedia) (ISBN 2-921620-19-7)
The quality of the illustrations underscores the disquieting, occasionally frightening aspects of the story. The choice of page design, sometimes simple and sometimes complex, keeps the reader surprised from beginning to end of the tale.
Yayo, Le Chasseur d'arc-en-ciel, text by Yayo (Éditions Les 400 coups; distributed by Diffusion Dimedia) (ISBN 2-921620-30-8)
We are captivated by the artist's poetry, sensitivity and ability to say so much in a few strokes. A fertile imagination that children will relate to instantly; he travels in time and space in a unique and fresh way.
Copyright © 1994-1998 David K. Brown
Permission granted to reproduce this page for nonprofit educational purposes


the viewpoints :: 4 workshops
with synaesthetic theatre
Synaesthetic Theatre invites you to participate in our upcoming
Viewpoints Workshop series. Past workshops have brought together artists from a wide range of mediums and levels of experience
with the Viewpoints. Synaesthetic has planned a four-part series for this fall in which participants will explore Viewpoints
from the ground up, experiment with the use of sound and music, create choreography and practice using the Viewpoints as a
rehearsal tool. Originated by dancer/choreographer Mary Overlie, the Viewpoints provide a simple and profound language with
which performers, choreographers and directors can communicate. Mary introduced 6 labels: Space, Time, Shape, Movement,
Story and Emotion. Having deconstructed the basic building blocks of physical performance, the performer, choreographer
or director is free to examine these separately or in tandem, from all angles, in an infinite investigation. Synaesthetic
Theatre utilizes the Viewpoints extensively during our collaborative rehearsal process for ensemble-building, character exploration,
and the development of themes, relationships and staging.
||4 SATURDAYS :: 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18 :: 12:30-4:30
| Workshop #1 ::INTRO Saturday, September 18|
This workshop will introduce and explore each Viewpoint. This is a basic session for anyone new to the Viewpoints
or anyone wishing to revisit the foundations of Viewpoint work.
| Workshop #2 :: Saturday, October 16|
This workshop will focus on the use of sound. Working with music and words, we will explore the space, time, shape, movement,
emotion and story of sound.
|Workshop #3 ::Saturday, November 20|
This workshop will use the Viewpoints to create and build choreography and to facilitate group piece-making.
|Workshop #4 :: Saturday, December 18
This final workshop will use the Viewpoints to explore themes, relationships and staging.
||Cap 21 :: Studio 6
18 West 18th St., 6th Floor (between 5th & 6th Ave.)
||4 Session Workshop Package $80
(Single Session tuition $25)
Space is limited & reservations required. To reserve call 212.696.6721 or reply to this email
|Please arrive on time and dress comfortably in clothes you can move in. If you know someone else who might benefit from this workshop, feel free to pass this information along. For further information about the workshops visit: http://www.theviewpoints.com
We hope to see you soon!
Theatre is a collective of artists dedicated to creating process oriented, multi-media theatre, synthesizing voice,
text, movement, music, video, and visual art into a single performance experience. As a community of creators, our collective
strives to provide a home in which artists from all realms are supported and encouraged to take risks, exploring their
craft as tools for communication. In this age of expanded media, two-dimensional stimuli, and quick fixes, Synaesthetic
Theatre utilizes live experimental performance to inspire an environment where intellect and emotion function together
-- redefining the boundaries of theater, artist and audience, and encouraging conscious investigation and evaluation of
the world around us.
If you would like to unsubscribe from the Synaesthetic Theatre email list, reply with REMOVE in the subject line.


About Kate Hopson
Board of Directors
Kate Hopson resides in the San Juan Mountains located in the southwest region of Colorado. She works in the fields of tourism marketing and graphic design.
In 2022, she began serving as a board member of DarkSky Colorado, where she contributes her skills in marketing and graphic design.
When not working or volunteering, Kate enjoys spending her free time engaged in various activities, such as hiking, skiing, playing pickleball, playing music, and creating art. Kate is actively involved in promoting and preserving dark skies and is a participant in dark-sky work and events in her community. She is also involved in organizing the new western slope dark sky event, Lake City Star Fest.


Here are some important points:
- your design has to be for the program you are participating in. eg. Silver Birch readers can design the Silver Birch award
- submissions have to be mailed and received by Monday March 30
- if you want Ms. Kondo to mail it in for you, please hand it in by Monday March 23
- don't include names of nominated titles, the name of the program (eg. Red Maple), or logos
- sign the bottom right hand corner and include "Brock PS" as well
- you don't get your original design returned
If you'd like to enter, here is more information. Good luck!


Faith Okuma is a Principal of Surroundings and is a licensed landscape architect, AICP Certified and a LEED Accredited Professional. She brings distinguished experience through programming, planning and design expertise for public agencies and private clients throughout the American West. Notable projects that she has led include: Santa Fe Railyard Master Plan; Planning Services for Los Alamos National Laboratory; Rancho Viejo Master Plan and Implementation and the South Santa Fe Transit Oriented Neighborhood Study. Faith graduated from ASU and studied landscape architecture at Utah State University and the University of Arizona. She has been involved with numerous professional affiliations and boards and has presented at national conferences of the APA and the ASLA.
Kenneth Francis, ASLA, PLA, RA
Kenneth Francis is a founding partner and principal of Surroundings, a New Mexico based multidisciplinary design studio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The Cooper Union in New York City and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. While studying at Harvard, he was awarded a travel grant to research the historic and cultural landscape of the acequias in Northern New Mexico. As a direct result of this study, Kenneth’s work has been focused on innovative and sustainable water practices in every scale of project that comes into the studio. Kenneth has 20 years combined architecture and landscape experience and has presented on the topic of green infrastructure at multiple conferences, including the 2014 ASLA National Convention. He has been interviewed on PBS Austin and was also profiled in Smithsonian Magazine for the stormwater design features of El Parque del Rio, a newly completed example of green infrastructure along the Santa Fe River.
Sandra Donner, RA
Sandra Donner is a a founding partner and principal of Surroundings. She holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the Cooper Union and is a licensed architect in New Mexico. Formerly, she was a partner at ARC engine, an architecture firm engaged in commercial and high end residential design with projects in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and New York City. She taught design studios at the Boston Architectural Center in Massachusetts and has been a visiting critic at colleges and universities across the country. Sandra’s designs are built upon process-driven testing and experimentation to arrive at powerful and new solutions for our clients. Her methodical accuracy for drawing and critical eye proves to be an asset on every project. Prior to receiving her Bachelor’s in Architecture, she received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design.
Joseph Charles, PLA
Associate + Project Manager
Joseph Charles graduated from Rutgers University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture. Previously he was an Associate at the Santa Fe office of Design Workshop for almost six years. He is a licensed Landscape Architect in NM. As a designer, Joseph looks to balance the functional and aesthetic requirements of a project with the responsibility of creating environmentally sound landscapes that positively enhance our quality of life. Joseph has been working within the Southwest region for the past ten years, and has designed and managed a wide variety of urban, institutional, streetscape, and residential landscape projects.
Madeleine Aguilar received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of New Mexico. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture. Previously, Madeleine worked for the Albuquerque Public School's planning department where she focused on facility planning and programming needs. Madeleine continues to draw upon her planning experience in her approach to landscape architecture. She, along with her team, were recently awarded first place in the national Better Philadelphia Competition for their master plan design addressing neighborhood health. Born and raised in Santa Fe, Madeleine’s design approach is sensitive to the unique cultural and environmental challenges that the southwest presents.
Will Iadevaia, PLA
Will Iadevaia earned his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Arizona State University and has been practicing in the southwest region and internationally for the last 9 years. During this time, Will has designed and managed a variety of project types including urban design, community planning, and residential landscape architecture. Will’s approach to design strives to discover the opportunities in which the aesthetic intersects with ecological, cultural, and client needs to develop successful design solutions.


Biltmore® by Southern Gates Crossings Earrings
The delicate Crossings pendant and earrings mirror the beauty of the intersecting abstract cross design on the ornamental ceiling of Biltmore's Billiard Room.
925 Sterling Silver
Designed and distributed in Charleston, SC
Exclusive Biltmore Licensed Product
Recommended Care Instructions: 925 sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time. To keep your jewelry as brilliant as the day you received it, store in an airtight pouch or box and only clean with a silver polishing cloth.


Kyle Andrews is an accomplished actor, screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker; unaccomplished amateur poker player and ballroom dancer; somewhat obvious Virgo, and father to an adorable lab-shepherd mix.
After a life-long obsession with theater and film, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Emerson College in Boston (go Sox/Cs/Bs/Pats). He has been fortunate enough to play some of his favorite characters on the stage, from the Cowardly Lion to Eddie from Fool for Love to half a dozen Shakespearean monologists, including both Romeo and Tybalt (though not at the same time; that’d be a weird sword fight). His more than a decade of professional experience includes films, commercials, web series, hosting, and the occasional BuzzFeed video.
In addition to performance, Kyle is a published writer and screenwriting consultant. As the former Development Coordinator at the International Screenwriters’ Association, he helped facilitate the growth of emerging writers as they pursue their own careers, in addition to overseeing several screenwriting competitions and a large roster of script consultants. His (un)romantic comedy short Matchbreakers premiered in 2015 and was selected to several film festivals, and he is currently hard at work on his female-driven comedy TV series Awkward Run-Ins w/My Exes and noir-inspired feature film Last Rights.
See more of Kyle’s work at the tabs at the top!


Alicia McKim incorporates traditional printmaking and letterpress processes with alternative techniques to facilitate her prints and artists’ books. Much of her work focuses on written language and its intricate system of codes and constructs that are woven into contemporary society.
She exhibits her artists’ books and prints internationally, and her work is in numerous private and public collections, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Getty Artist Book Collection, the Walker Art Center, and the Harvard Printing and Graphics Collection. Her work has been published in 500 Handmade Books, Volume 2, Bound and Lettered, and Calligraphy Review magazines.
Alicia is an Associate Professor at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.


As many of you will have noticed our Twitter, YouTube channel, Discord server and website have been updated with the new basis.markets logo.
In this post we will cover the basis.markets rebrand and the process involved including some drafts and the reasoning behind these changes.
Ted sat down with our senior designer pixelgroove, the conversation provides insight into the design process and how Basis Markets aligned with its core brand proposition.
Pixelgroove chats about his career trajectory, the logo design process including fonts and symbols used, and how it culminated in the current brand design for Basis Markets. You can watch and listen to their conversation on YouTube.
The old logo
The initial branding was created in 2021, drawing on Basis Markets' original core function - Basis Trading. The old brand had buy-in from the community, but we wanted a more exciting look which stood out next to fellow projects in the Solana ecosystem.
The first step of a re-brand starts with knowing who you are and who you serve. Basis Markets is a decentralised finance (DeFi) company so it was important to align ourselves in the market with a look which represented this.
Most of the team have traditional finance (TradFi) backgrounds. We wanted to combine this with the innovation known for the DeFi space.
At the same time we did not want to lose the foundations of the old brand, in particular with the parallel lines representing a basis trade.
Drafts: 1st round
Maintaining the roots of the current brand and based on the brief provided to our senior designer pixelgroove, the first round of initial designs can be seen below.
The intention here was to be exploratory using the drafts to guide the team, giving aim to a visual style we explore later, but keeping in mind the old brand, as it was important not to deviate too far.
The distinct lines of the stripes in the symbol of the old logo provided a starting point to evolve into a more modern look.
We felt it represented a basis trade, the original purpose behind the project, allowing the innovation we desired without straying too far from the path.
The image below shows the progressive drafts of this exploration. The final symbol turned out to be more eye-catching and in colour.
There was a desire to reflect our presence in the Solana ecosystem and so, the “Solana gradient” is a bit of a trademark of its ecosystem. The team wanted to show a sense of familiarity within the space but remain individual so as not to be lost between other projects.
Even though we want to attract TradFi investors, we’re still a DeFi project at our heart, so it’s important to keep that sense of belonging to the space.
The old logo was in Courier New, a monospace font, so called because every character has the same width. It was originally created to give the idea of source code.
Monospace fonts are used in code editors like Notepad. They’re favoured by programmers because it keeps code aligned and leads to fewer bugs. 0 cannot be confused with O, brackets are distinct, etc.
Key takeaways from the first round of drafts:
- Bold and simple logo favoured (triangle)
- Evolution of stripe
- Monospace font clean look
- Bold fonts stand out
- Brand needs to reflect Solana ecosystem but also stand out
- Logo needs to work well in small sizes
Drafts: 2nd round
- Crowded space: lots of logos with triangles
- Simple is better
- Does well in gradient and grayscale
- Holds well in smaller sizes (icon)
The triangle is a strong shape and it sits well with the idea behind the project but the team decided against developing this further because the space was crowded.
There are a number of projects using a triangle as the symbol in their logos. One of them was the Delta protocol.
We wanted to stand out, not be like everyone else.
- Evolution from old symbol
- Stands out in the solana ecosystem
- Not as strong in smaller sizes
- Does well in gradient and grayscale
We decided to explore stripes further because they are representative of the project. The opposing forces of up (long) and down (short) of a delta neutral position.
Sometimes logos feel a bit off and that is for the lack of harmony between symbol and text. However, the symbol + text combination (in the image just above) was working so well that we picked the centre bottom half draft of the above image.
The community pointed out that the basis logo had some similarity to the Nasdaq logo. We had no intentions to make it look similar, in fact we didn’t think it was similar.
While it could bear some resemblance, at the same time we felt it was distinct enough to stand on its own. There was also the benefit of having TradFi people feel at home with the familiar look in this draft.
The radio was invented by two people at the same time in History, without knowing what each other were doing, long before the internet.
These days we’re bombarded with ads and images of brands that work its way into your mind. There's bound to be a lot of creative work that feeds off of each other unintentionally.
Still, we decided to pivot and refine the symbol which we’ll go into later.
Drafts: 3rd round
This round was focused on typography.
We pulled several different fonts, looked at characters we liked in each and drew them together to create a custom logotype.
The text looks clean and has what we originally intended it to represent. There’s the prominent “b” that we can use as a design element and the “i” that draws the eye and gives a nod to monospace fonts.
The drawback was the “s” that didn’t look quite right. Our designer pixelgroove fixed the “s” and tidied up the “i” so the spacing became much cleaner.
Initially the classic Solana gradient with the purple and green was a popular combination. We were going that route as well but realised we’re not a purely Solana project.
Basis Markets is going cross-chain ( Ethereum, Avax, etc) in the future and we do quite a few different things. It wouldn’t make sense to align ourselves purely with the Solana ecosystem.
The Solana ecosystem already had plenty of purple to go around. We would need to really drill down to get the colour combinations to reflect what the project represents.
At the same time we wanted to keep the blue. Colours like blue are a nod to the TradFi space so it was important to keep that feel.
Eventually we settled into a focus on blue gradient combinations, moving away from the purples and greens of other protocols.
With the right colours done, we still had to work on the symbol to avoid the Nasdaq logo comparison.
We didn’t think they were similar as some users commented, but we still decided to tweak it further to avoid comparisons with other projects.
The symbol consisted of strong diagonal thick lines. This was to represent the up and down of the market as it relates to a basis trade with its funding payment rates.
We wanted to keep that feeling but make it less rigid, so we rounded the shape. Making the shapes rounder gives a softer look that goes well with the text portion of the logo.
The final logo
The end result. We believe the symbol and text combination works really well together.
A survey found that companies with a clear brand proposition tend to do better than those that didn’t over a 10 year period. Even if their sales and lead generation failed, they would still grow if they had a strong brand.
People make decisions with whatever they purchase or invest money based on a number of factors, a key one of them being visual.
As human beings we rely on our visual sense. We are drawn to how things look and make us feel. When the finesse and attention to detail is there, it creates a trustworthy feeling for the brand.
That’s where design comes in. It helps facilitate the visual trust people have on your brand. This is especially important in the crypto space where trust can be low in times of uncertainty.
So, there you have it, an in depth look at our rebrand evolution and the justification behind the changes made.


The Artist Starter Bundle is the perfect start for all aspiring DJs and producers. We've selected 5 music and career courses to enhance your basic skills and theoretical knowledge.
In the practical Ableton course you will learn to produce your first track and create your signature sound. DJ superstars Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano will teach you how to perform and professionalize your DJ performances and career.
ID&T Brand Manager and talent buyer Tom van Wijk explains how to get booked and shape your tailor-made career path. Social media strategist Michiel Schoonhoven, who worked for Hardwell and Mike Williams, helps you develop a distinctive artist profile and connect with your fans by creating content with impact.
This Artist Starter Bundle will not only offer a vital basic skill-set for your introduction into dance music, it will also leave you utterly inspired. Once you’ve completed, you are ready to introduce yourself to the industry.
It's time to kick-start your career!
Producing Your First Track in Ableton Live
By Marco Spaventi
Getting Booked at Clubs and Festivals
By Tom Van Wijk
DJ Strategy and Performing Like a Pro
By Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano
Defining Your Artist Profile and Fan Base
By Michiel Schoonhoven
Getting Media Attention and Press Coverage
By José Woldring
All of our coaches are seasoned experts in various fields of expertise – from DJ/producers to bookers, and from label owners to PR kingpins and social media gurus. They can help you grow and further develop in the fields of music producing, DJing, artist career, marketing strategy and events.
Would you like to know more about this bundle, including personal coaching?
The Amsterdam-based School of House was founded in 2015 on the idea of sharing 30 years of knowledge and experience in electronic music and events with new generations. Our aim is to focus on knowledge transfer within the dance industry, through masterclasses — standing on the shoulder of giants.
In the past five years, over 2500 talents from all over the world have followed our classes at the A'DAM Tower — in the fields of DJing, Music & Production, Artist Business and Events & Organisation.
Together with the Conservatory of Amsterdam, we've also set up the Amsterdam Electronic Music Academy (AEMA), the first Associate Degree of its kind, educating talented musicians to become professional DJ/Producers.
“It was very educational and it is a great opportunity to make a lot of interesting contacts in the Dance Industry! Five star plus for the School of House and their courses.”


As the trees begin to turn across Ontario’s Highlands, we’re treated to the brilliant harmony that is autumn – nature’s true masterpiece. Whether you’re searching for the crisp smell of fall dancing on a cool breeze, looking to awaken your soul with the rich colours overtaking the forests, or hoping to indulge your taste buds with the hearty flavours of the season, Ontario’s Highlands has something for every sense. As fall sweeps across the region, leaving a richness in its wake, our trails and lookouts are painted with new colours, our unique retreats become cozier, our flavours turn warmer, and our communities are inspired to celebrate the beauty of the season. Come wander Ontario’s Highlands this season and fall head over heels for fall – you’ll be glad you did.
Pack your cable knit and embrace the crisp days and cool nights of fall by cozying up at one of Ontario’s Highlands’ unique bed and breakfasts. Wander the maple forest to have your breath taken away by the colours surrounding you and discover how maple syrup is made during a stay at The Deakins B&B. Escape the chilly night with a dip in the hot tub during a visit Stouffer Mill B&B and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view from the rooftop solarium while you soak your worries away.
Celebrate the flavours of fall and indulge in rich local offerings from across Ontario’s Highlands. Visit The Apple Store at Cooney Farms to experience the country way of life and enjoy the epitome of fall fruit – apples! Smell the sweet scent of fresh apple cider, pick your perfect pumpkin, and feel the crunch of crisp leaves beneath you as you test your luck at the corn maze. Searching for the sweetest of autumn flavours? Feel your insides warm and your heart fill with joy as you bite into decadent apple crisp or sip on a pumpkin spiced latte at Hidden Goldmine Bakery.
Celebrate the splendor of fall by surrounding yourself with the fiery forests, dancing leaves and shades of autumn that inspire the greatest of artists. Grab your paddle and get a different perspective of the fall colours, mirrored against still water. Meet with local artisans and unearth unique wares while venturing through breathtaking scenery during the Crown & Pumpkin Studio Tour October 8-10. Looking to get your heart pumping? Celebrate the arts, culture, and flavours of the region while exploring the beauty of the area during Hike Haliburton September 22-25.
The colours of fall offer the perfect backdrop for celebrations to be had and thanks to be given. Indulge in the rich golden and amber hues of the backroad breweries across Ontario’s Highlands. Raise a glass to the local hops harvest with friends and feel the warmth created by local flavours and artful crafters at Perth Brewery or Whitewater Brewing Company.
Fall marks a harmonious time of year, when sights and scents blend together, creating a treat for the spirit. Breathe in the true beauty of the season as you gaze across a sea of colour from the top of Dorset Tower. Let the breathtaking view from Eagle’s Nest in Bancroft be your reward for hiking to the top Bancroft or feel the warmth of the season lift you up as you sore over the trees during a fall chairlift ride at Calabogie Peaks Resort.


Thanks to your support, Project Coyote has produced the final version of our documentary film about wildlife killing contests. I’m excited to update you on our progress and share our next steps with you.
KILLING GAMES ~ Wildlife In The Crosshairs has entered the film festival circuit where we aim to reach audiences across the country with facts and images that expose the hidden world of wildlife killing contests. Now viewers will be informed and empowered to join us in helping to stop this heinous practice across the United States.
KILLING GAMES was made possible by supporters like you and through the efforts of numerous talented and dedicated individuals. Buttressed by historical accounts and compelling remarks from prominent wildlife scientists, Native American tribal leaders, ranchers, wildlife conservationists and others, our film tells the important story of wildlife killing contests. Friends from the arts helped us set the film’s spoken story against a backdrop of sublime natural scenery and created an original musical score that carries the story along.
Check out our film trailer and new film web page here.
Going forward, we plan to show the film at key film festivals and to the general public with theater screenings in states across the country. At the same time, we will screen the film at wildlife events co-sponsored with partnering organizations to garner greater exposure and to galvanize a grassroots movement to end this cruel bloodsport. You can view the film’s 60-second trailer on YouTube here.
Thank you again for your support of Project Coyote. Our supporters are integral to our efforts to educate the public and effect positive change on behalf of North America’s native carnivores.
For the Wild,
Camilla H. Fox
Executive Director and Founder


Reliance Arcade is a narrow covered market in Brixton. Built between 1923 and 1925, the arcade is home to a diverse mix of local independent businesses.
The Art Deco elevation is an example of the Egyptian style that became popular after the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 and the 1925 Paris Exhibition.
The Brixton Reliance typeface is based on the letterforms in the frosted glass signage, tucked away above the arcade entrance on Electric Lane.
Characters were drawn to match the style of the letters in the signage, then the remaining letters were designed to reflect this style, creating a complete all caps typeface.
Brixton Reliance is available as an Open Type font and Web Font. To receive a free copy for non-commercial use, or to purchase a license for commercial use, please drop me a line.
Thanks for getting in touch, I'll reply very soon...


Organizational Ally to Queer Youth – Awardee:
QUEER AND TRANS YOUTH COUNCIL OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
The Queer and Trans Youth Council of Santa Cruz County, a program of The Queer Youth Task Force, provides local LGBTQIA+ youth with leadership skills and an opportunity to serve the local LGBTQIA+ community. Councilmembers work together to identify needs, plan, and implement projects to directly impact their community. The 2019-2020 council created and presented a training for school staff, and when shelter-in-place went into effect, they converted the training to a virtual platform to ensure educators still had access to the information. The 2020-2021 council meets weekly online and have identified the need for more resources for closeted youth and are creating a website designed to support closeted youth. The Queer and Trans Youth Council is a powerful example of LGBTQIA+ youth leadership in our county.
Organizational Ally to Queer Youth – Nominees:
PARENT/GUARDIAN & ADULT ALLIES SUMMIT: UNDERSTANDING GENDER
The Understanding Gender Summit, a collaboration between TransFamilies of Santa Cruz County and Gender Spectrum, and a program of the Safe Schools Project, is a free summit that supports families and adult allies in understanding gender diversity and helps them create safe and supportive environments for youth. The Summit presented their third event and first virtual event via Zoom in fall 2020, which included simultaneous Spanish interpretation and a workshop presented in Spanish, to ensure accessibility for Spanish speaking attendees. The Summit organizers created and delivered goodie bags of trans flags, buttons, and handouts to all attendees to give them a tangible connection to the event. The Understanding Gender Summit makes our community safer for trans and gender diverse youth by giving adults in their lives tools to support them and help them thrive.
NEW VOICES – AN LGBTQQAI+ YOUTH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
New Voices, a collaboration between West Creative Performing Arts and The Santa Cruz Art League, is an LGBTQQIA+ Youth Performance Program serving youth ages fifteen to eighteen in Santa Cruz County. Under the direction of Angela Ciandro, New Voices engages LGBTQQAI+ youth learn original performance making skills whilein building essentail life skills such as communication, self-reflection, and critical thinking as they explore their queer identities in a safe community-based environment. During it’s first year, New Voices held a Queer Cultural Heritage Exchange to build cross-generational community between participants and a panel of thriving queer community members. New Voices’ 2020 original youth performance showcase debuted live via Zoom, reaching a large audience of local queer community members, many of whom were otherwise isolated from a safe queer space due to the Covid-19 pandemic.


Our multi-media experience effectively shapes our approach to design and branding across multiple platforms including:
web development, website CMS, signage design, signage, mobile app design, photography, vehicle signage, logo design, branding, corporate identity and graphic design.
We successfully work with small, medium and large businesses to make sure that their brand and professional image truly reflects their goals and outcomes.
At RJ Graphics we believe it is our job to make sure that our clients’ designs and identity are relevant, innovative and appealing to their target audience.
We have been successfully operating in the design industry for more than 25 years. We have the experience to understand our clients’ needs and we enjoy working as a team with them to achieve outstanding and measurable results.


After class it’s time to taste Mexico. The afternoon is all about culture, having fun and practicing your Spanish. The activities include arts and crafts, cooking, touring Puebla and its surrounding cities, dancing and games, among others.
Example Afternoon Activity
Walk through the beautiful historic center down the pedestrian only 5 de Mayo Boulevard stopping at one of Puebla´s greatest marvels, the Chapel of Rosario immensely covered in gold.
Continuing on our walk we arrive at a big arts and crafts store where an instructor then shows us how to turn the raw crafts into professional looking keepsakes that work great as gifts or souvenirs.
No matter what the day, there’s always something fun to do in Puebla, always with lots of opportunities to practice Spanish at a comfortable level.


Cleo Massey is a young Australian actress who has been performing on TV and film since the age of 11. She has appeared on various TV shows, short films and commercials both in Australia and overseas. Her big break was landing the role of Kim Sertori in the successful children's show, H2O-Just Add Water. H2O airs in over 120 countries worldwide and has filmed 3 seasons.
Cleo's other credits include, The Little Things (Australian feature film), Free You Be You (antibullying music video), Monarch Cove (US TV series), Mortified (Australian TV), Humidity Rising, Futility, I'm Home and People Watching (Short Films).
Her talents also extend to singing and dancing and she has worked on a number of music videos, jingles and voice overs.
You can find Cleo's official pages on the internet here:


Dr. Rica Narimoto: composer :
Born in Wakayama, Japan, she completed her M.A. and Doctor of music at Aichi University of the Arts graduating at the top of her class and receiving the University's prestigious Kuwabara Prize. She is the first person to have received a doctoral degree in the field of composition at that university. She studied with Takayuki Morikawa, Akihiko Matsui, Bin Kaneda, Keiki Okasaka, and Tomoyuki Hisatome, and after graduation she took several courses given by Philippe Manoury and Joji Yuasa. Her music has been performed in many countries including Japan, the Netherlands (during the Gaudeamus Music Week), Egypt (The Alexandrina Contemporary Music Biennale), Ukraine (the International Festival of Modern Art, Two Days and Two Nights/2D2N), Germany, France, Austria, the United States, Canada and Finland. She has received several awards including the Irino Prize , the Asian Cultural Council Individual Fellowship Award(USA), the third prize at Iron Composer Competition(USA) and the Okuwa Cultural Encouragement Prize. She was invited from Asian Cultural Council as a fellow and lived in New York for researching about American contemporary music and art in 2011. At the end of her stay in NYC, she had a highly claimed recital, "Portrait Concert: Rica Narimoto", featuring her own compositions, some of which were performed by herself. Her work combines contemporary music composition techniques with the structures of the 17th Century Japanese Itchu-Bushi form in order to create abstractions of space and time and produce a unique musical signature. She is currently a professor in Aichi University of the Arts, and is a lecturer in Kinjo Gakuin University and Nagoya University of the Arts.


Denizen Portfolio WordPress Theme
Denizen is a portfolio WordPress theme from ThemeForest Elite author kayapati with a left-hand menu and many ways of showing projects (designs, illustrations, photography, etc.). It comes with five different sliders, a shortcode generator, ten custom widgets (mini contact form, Flickr, Twitter, mini slider and others) and many templates for portfolio and gallery pages (various numbers of columns). The menu lets you add descriptive text below each item. There is also a blog section, social media icons and contact form.
Display featured text and images with a content slider.
Denizen makes it possible for you to upload images to a gallery section.
Custom Page Templates
Denizen comes with page templates to help you present content professionally.
The designer provides a selection of custom widgets for you to use with Denizen.
Denizen uses a lightbox to show enlarged images.
Visitors can share content with others using buttons for popular social networks.
You can customize various aspects of Denizen by using the built-in options panel.
This theme comes with custom shortcodes that you can use to enhance your content.
This theme supports video embedding from sites like YouTube
With Denizen you can share testimonials with your readers.
Uncommon fonts can safely be used with Denizen.
This theme's side menu expands to show sub-links.


TV-02 Weather Icon Set
TV Style Weather Symbols inspired by, and designed as a legal royalty free alternative to, the timeless BBC Weather symbols.
Classic weather icons as individual PNG images with transparent backgrounds. Four sizes of each - 64x64, 128x128, 256x256 and 512x512 pixels.
Designed by award-winning BBC Weather graphics designer Mike Afford.
Format : PNG (transparent backgrounds)
Dimensions : Each icon at 4 sizes - 64x64, 128x128, 256x256 and 512x512 pixels.
Number of icons : 42


Plan a Girls Night In with the Bridesmaids DVD (released on DVD, BluRay, and Blu-Ray Combo Pack on September 20th!) A funny movie, yummy treats, and good friends is a delicious recipe for a great night with the girls.
Bridesmaids, The Movie
Cupcake artist Annie (Kristen Wiig) has hit a rough patch but finds her life turned completely upside down when she takes on the Maid of Honor role in her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding.
My friends loved the movie. Even the ones who had seen it already while it was in theaters, enjoyed it all over. Although the movie could be called a chick flick, my little brother kept sneaking up on us so he could watch it too, calling it a “hilarious comedy movie, not a girly one.”
My friends all agreed that the opening scene was an… interesting one. It’s not the type of thing I can describe here, you just really have to watch it. Everyone agreed that the groom’s sister, Meagan (Melissa McCarthy) is the funniest and best character in the movie. My friend Emily said, “Wow I love her [Meagan,] she has such an inspiring mindset for someone who’s like the funniest character.”
Emily was talking about the part of the movie when main character Annie hits “rock bottom” and Megan comes to her house to help her get back on her feet. “I’m life, Annie, and I’m biting you in the ass.”
It’s outrageous, hilarious, and unlike any chick flick you’ll ever see.
You can’t watch Bridesmaids without cupcakes, not when Annie bakes, decorates, and then eats the most extraordinarily beautiful, floral cupcake.
And, since we have our own Cupcakes War competitor in Albany, I thought it would be fun to stage our own Cupcakes War. We bought cupcakes from Coccadots and Bettie’s Cakes, and pitted them against my friend Nora’s cake.
It was a win-win competition. I thought Betty’s cupcakes topped Coccadots in taste, and Coccadots beat Betty’s in appearance; and my friend Nora’s delicious KitKat-covered chocolate cake … took the cake (pun intended.) But they were all yummy!
Dim Sum and Virgin Drinks
Dessert wasn’t the only thing on our menu.
We picked up a selection of frozen dim sum and a 2 layer steamer pot at the Asian Super Market in Albany, NY. This was an easy, delicious, and relatively inexpensive way to feed a bunch of teen girls.
The drinks were a little more complicated. Ever since I was a child I have wanted to be a bartender. I was that kid who would mix the best “suicide sodas” by pouring every flavor at the soda fountain into my cup. The idea of mixing drinks as a bartender sounds really fun; however, my friends and I are not old enough to drink alcohol.
As a fun alternative, I created a Virgin Drink Menu. Torani has many recipes for its syrups, and they helped me to create the mouthwatering drinks in this menu:
Virgin Tequila Sunrise – Orange juice + Grenadine (looks really pretty!)
Virgin Coco Mojito – Coconut syrup + Lime juice + Mint + Sparkling water
Coconut Italian Soda – Coconut syrup +Sparkling water
Roy Rogers – Coke + Grenadine
Coke & Drops – Coke + Lemon juice
O-rape – Fanta orange soda + Fanta grape soda
Shirley Temple – Ginger Ale + Grenadine
The Coco Mojito was definitely my favorite drink, especially because I got to muddle the mint, an essential skill for my goals of becoming a bartender.
Girls Night In Party Stuff
For invitations, I sent out Bridesmaids Postcard Evites to a few girlfriends, and asked each girl to bake cupcakes.
To give my friends something to do while they watched Bridesmaids, I set out a basket of nail polish and henna (purchased at the Asian Supermarket) that we used to make skin tattoos.
A party without goody bags is no fun. So I came up with a gift bag idea that wasn’t too expensive, and would ensure that my guests would remember the party (at least until their butts grew.) I went to Pink at Victoria’s Secret, and bought a cute panty for each girl. Because of their 5 for $25 deal, it wasn’t too expensive.
And I saved money on gift bags by using the store’s mini bags – one for each girl. Victoria’s Secret bags are pink and cute, so it works out well. I completed each bag with Ferrero Rocher chocolate, gum from the Asian Supermarket, and Chapstick flavored like different sodas.
It was a sleepover party, so we stayed up late into the night laughing about the movie, enjoying the treats, and creating memories to last a lifetime.
Disclosure – The Bridesmaid DVD, party pack, and a gift card were provided at no cost for this event.


Join us for a full day of teaching with Jacob Moon - an award winning artist and songwriter who has had a successful career in the Canadian music industry. We will cover songwriting, performing, looping, and so much more! If you are a musician or songwriter and have wondered if you can make a career from your passion, come spend a day with us.
Hear the Music Night is a monthly worship night held in Vernon, BC. Jon Buller and the HTM Band lead a night of high energy praise and worship that lifts up the name of Jesus and draws the community together. HTM Night brings people together across denominations and generations, and is free of charge. As a registered charity, HTM accepts a freewill offering that supports the mission and vision of the ministry. Look for the event on Facebook, and invite your friends!
This month we have a special guest, award winning recording artist Jacob Moon!


What the client had to say: We were referred to Eric / Mr. Sawdust Custom Cabinetry by by our interior designer, Jamie King / JLK Interiors. She spoke very highly of his work. We had already gotten bids from six other cabinetry companies and were not happy with any of them. Eric was the most professional to work with, the most focused on attention to detail and came up with a beautiful, unique design that did not look like kitchen cabinetry at all – a problem that we've had with the other bidders. His price was substantially better than the most expensive and a little more then the low-end, but was exactly what we wanted and we had confidence that the quality would be outstanding. We worked with Jamie and Eric on the finish and the hardware as well, and at the end of the day we have a beautiful addition to our home that holds our China perfectly and looks amazing. I would work with Eric again in a heartbeat and recommend that anyone interested in high-quality cabinetry at a fair price call him today!


Autumn is an awesome season and it's meant to be celebrated in style. Rich fall hues are on brilliant display in this beautiful arrangement that comes delivered in a classic cube vase.
$49.95Send Flowers Now >
It's no wonder so many people are crazy about daisies. Daisy chrysanthemums, that is. This bright yellow plant is so full of sunshine it almost begs for a beach towel! Pretty, very sweet, and it will last a long, long time!
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Symbolizing warmth and happiness, it is no wonder the sunflower is a quintessential ingredient in so many fall bouquets. This bouquet maximizes the joy of sunflowers by arranging them with a bevy of fall flowers, it's a lovely pick-me-up for a crisp fall day.
$79.95Send Flowers Now >
Turn up the heat with this hot pink, haute couture creation! Super chic and oh-so-fun in its fuchsia Cube vase, this girly mix of gerberas and roses is sure to warm her heart.
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In this arrangement, the serenity of the color blue along with the purity of intention symbolized by white will let the family know you are sending your calm strength to them during these difficult times.
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As colorful as Halloween candy! Yellow chrysanthemums are accented with bright orange roses and finished with eucalyptus and autumn oak leaves. All in an orange cube adorned with a jack-o-lantern face that'll brighten and frighten!
$35.00Send Flowers Now >
For the best and freshest flowers in Saratoga Springs, Dehn's Flowers & Greenhouses, Inc has exactly what you’re looking for! Check out our wide selection of flower arrangements to make your next occasion memorable.


The story, or one version of it.
Your loved one is dying. There is nothing to do but be with them. They are in their own bed, in their own home, and comfortable. Their team of carers is nearby and readily accessible. The room is warm and softly lit, and your loved one’s favorite music is playing. A table near the bed holds a vase of their favorite scented flowers. You gently hold their hand, lightly stroking their fingers, perhaps talking softly, perhaps sitting silently, a loving, calming companion on their final journey.
The story, or another version of it.
Your loved one is dying. Nothing has been done. No documents have been signed, no preferences discussed, no arrangements made. Your loved one is strapped in a hospital bed, with various tubes and lines snaking into their body. The room is cold and harshly lit, a cacophony of beeps, unfamiliar voices, and blaring TVs. Medicinal odors prevail. You are underprepared, overwhelmed, and frozen in a rising tide of fear, uncertainty, and regret.
Is your loved one nearing the end of their journey? Consider the services of a Death Midwife.
Your loved one is dead. You may feel gutted, lost, or numb. You may feel relief, and then guilt about feeling relief. You may feel nothing or everything. All of this is normal.
There isn’t one way to grieve. You don’t get grief “right.” The stages of grief are not checkboxes to be ticked. There is no magic number of weeks, months, or years that pass before you “get over it.” You don’t get over it. You learn to allow it, to honor it, and to live with it in your own way and on your own terms. The depth of your grief reflects the depth of your love. Both remain.


The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society was chartered in the Fall of 2005 as a non-profit, educational organization to promote a better understanding and appreciation of American folk dancing, its music, its history and related folklore. HJDS is a group affiliate of the Country Dance and Song Society. We are an all-volunteer organization based in Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee.
We will hold community dances on the first and third Saturdays every month in the auditorium of the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 117 Boone Street. Our dances are open to the public and feature live music in a smoke and alcohol free environment. No experience is necessary. Each dance is taught by the caller for the evening. You do not have to bring a partner. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. Snacks and beverages are for sale in the visitors center. For more information about Jonesborough, please visit their website that can be found in our links section.
New Dance Floor-Built by Volunteers-Funded by many contributors!
Next Event: Contrathon Weekend
Here is the update information for Contrathon events:
10:30am-11:00am Flashmob contra dance at the Jonesborough Farmers Market. Lunch to follow at the new Black Oliver Restaurant, 125 E. Jackson in Jonesborough
7:00pm-07:30pm Beginners lesson for contra dance
7:30pm-10:30pm Contrarians with Christi Bothwell & Clinton Ross (Jonesborough Visitors Center) $7, HJDS Members & Students $5
11:00pm-01:00am RUSHFEST with Emily Rush at the Pavilion @ Serenity Knoll (DJ'd pop music to contra dance calling) $3 suggested
542 Bacon Branch Road. Look for contra dance signs
August 31: Contrathon XVI
Jonesborough Visitors Center-Emily Rush & Emily Abel calling
Serenity Knoll-Emily Rush & Emily Abel calling
04:30pm-06:00pm Couples dancing to recorded music
Registration for all events still open. $15 for half day (11:00-4:30 or 6:00-11:00) $30 for all day, students $12/$20.
If you are coming to Contrathon, please send in registration asap or let me know for sure you are coming!
Form available at www.hjdsevents.com
Camping is free at Serenity Knoll
The swimming pool at Dragon Hatchery is open on Sat and Sun.
Questions and registration updates: 423-534-8879


What, you ask, is so revolutionary about Rhode Island’s premiere ballet company staging “The Nutcracker” at holiday time? After all, the show is a holiday staple and has been performed for the last 38 seasons. This year’s production is extra special because two members of Festival Ballet’s Adaptive Dance Program have earned roles in the production.
Mary Ann Mayer, the school’s director, started the Adaptive Dance Program with the Meeting Street School 10 years ago after being inspired by a similar program at Boston Ballet. The program is for students with Down Syndrome and is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression in children. The benefits of the program also extend to developing coordination, balance, flexibility, control, and rhythm.
Over the last few years, Festival Ballet had considered including some of the Adaptive Dance students into their production of the Nutcracker, however, this year it came to fruition when both Gabriella Sluter and Sean Muldoon were cast. Gabriella is 10 years old and has been dancing at Festival Ballet for 6 years, while Sean, 17, is a veteran of the Adaptive Dance Program and joined at its inception 10 years ago.
Sean’s love for ballet is evident. “He takes to the stage very easily. He’s not shy. He’s very engaged, in fact, sometimes he’ll take a second bow at the end of his performance. He also stands in the wings and watches the company dance whenever he’s in the theater. He just doesn’t want to leave the stage. He’s so enthralled in what’s happening and just loves it,” said Mary Ann.
He just doesn’t want to leave the stage. He’s so enthralled in what’s happening and just loves it
And as for Gabriella, her spirit and smile are contagious. “She just gets so much joy out of dancing,” said her father, Ethan Sluter.
Sean “was just so excited,” said Sean’s mother, Marguerite. “We’ve told everybody under the sun that he’s going to be in the Nutcracker and a lot of friends are coming and family is coming in from all over”. Gabriella’s dad Ethan sees the casting as “a great opportunity for her to be out on stage and see what she can do. There are so few opportunities for our kids, and having this is very special”.


This is the debut release of a project titled The Camaraderie. My name is Ben Azevedo, and I am The Camaraderie. This album is not the result of a band or a solo musician, simply the combination of many musicians' time and talents. My thanks go out to the friends and family that made it possible, as well as the musicians that participated. I hope this is the first of many more projects like it.
Some of the artists who participated on this project have bands or projects of their own. I highly encourage you to look into them.
Aaron Dethrage: Aaron is working on a huge musical project right now. Look for the end product around June. Updates on his blog.
Jeremy McCormick: Jeremy is one of the best drummers I've ever worked with. He's got his own site.
Special thanks to Aaron for putting up with me through learning how to mix and master.


For the last 3 weeks, I’ve been working on a number of yellow rustic wedding centrepieces. My lovely friend, Natasha, was about to marry her best friend, Dave, and I wasn’t going to let her get hitched without a beautiful table setting!
Their wedding was held at the Toronto Reference Library, so naturally, they gravitated towards old books and birch wood decor. The plan was to have a folded book with table numbers as the central focus, surrounded by five birchwood votives with tea lights, and succulent favours. I immediately thought of unruly wildflowers in a natural, woody setting. It would be an arrangement that looked like the flowers had just been pulled from the garden or forest in haste, as if not too much thought had been put into coordinating the flowers.
To achieve the look, I stuck with a simple, naked mason jar tied with natural twine for the base. For the flowers, I wanted small, white and yellow flowers, so I played around with a daisy and reduced its size and created a cluster as fillers. I brought in some white cosmos, with their long unruly stems, as well as sweet peas. For the main flowers, I used a bright lemon yellow ranunculus, rustic yellow roses, and a pale vanilla carnation. Green foliage flushed out the rest of the centrepiece. What I ended up with was a simple yellow rustic wedding centrepiece that looked romantic and effortless.
It was also a new challenge to try to fit them into a clear vessel without the use of floral foam/styrofoam. What I did was cut a round piece of cardboard to use in place of the metal round piece in the lid. I assembled all of the flowers together with floral tape and inserted the stems thought a small X that I cut through the centre of the the cardboard lid. After pushing the stems through, I fanned them out, and then screwed on the lid. Finally, I pressed the stems down into the X until they were secure.
I also revised how I made the DIY Crepe Paper Flower Carnation – I’ll be writing about this in the next post (or so). In the meantime, all I can say is that I think I like this *new* technique better.
Compared to my own wedding centrepieces, these yellow rustic wedding centrepieces were much smaller with fewer flowers. However, it was still very time consuming. So this whole process – making flowers for someone else’s wedding – really got me thinking about where I want to go with this passion of mine.