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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Tony Paglia at the Chelsea Inn

Tony Paglia, a talented singer and guitar player, has a raspy voice that can hold a world of sadness, but can also make you dance the night away. He is a passionate artist, versatile, easily switches from jazz to rock, and impresses with his focus and hard work. He is one of the few musician friends I know in Toronto who has built a successful career entirely from his singing and guitar playing.

You can see him perform with his band, The Nomads at the Windsor Casino on youtube. If you're looking for an amazing band for a special function, check his website.

And if you live in Toronto, you can enjoy his upcoming show at the Chelsea Inn's Monarchs Pub on July 13th.
















Jamming with musicians at De Sotos. Dan Bradley (guitar), Tony Paglia (vocals, guitar), Frank Sant (bass), Fernando Perri (drums).


Monday, May 21, 2012

Victoria Day Fireworks























Watching fireworks from my balcony was like having the best seat to the most amazing show ... The explosion of lights and colours was truly spectacular. I love the way the city goes crazy with fireworks fever on Victoria Day ...

Can't help adding a few quotes:

“... Fireworks had for her a direct and magical appeal. Their attraction was more complex than that of any other form of art. They had pattern and sequence, colour and sound, brilliance and mobility; they had suspense, surprise, and a faint hint of danger; above all, they had the supreme quality of transience, which puts the keenest edge on beauty and makes it touch some spring in the heart which more enduring excellences cannot reach.” Jan Struther, Mrs. Miniver

"You are born an artist or you are not. And you stay an artist, dear, even if your voice is less of a fireworks. The artist is always there." Maria Callas



Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to friends and mothers all over the world who have given so much of their lives for their children. I feel blessed to share the bond of motherhood with them. Having children is like creating a little miracle of love and joy, but it comes with many challenges, which women have been coping with as society and expectations change. Cheers to all mothers for the hard work they put into raising children.




Maternité by Picasso, one of my favourite mother and child paintings.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Daffodils by the lake

I spent the weekend by the lake, and these daffodils, so sprightly, as if announcing a bright summer, reminded me of Wordsworth's poem: "I wandered lonely as a cloud/ That floats on high o'er vales and hills,/ When all at once I saw a crowd,/ A host, of golden daffodils;/ Beside the lake, beneath the trees,/ Fluttering and dancing in the breeze ..."

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Where is spring?

Only a few weeks ago, I was in the country and this squirrel was enjoying the snow and suddenly it feels like summer, as if we've skipped spring entirely.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Solitude

Here is a poem by Anna Akhmatova (translated from Russian) about the solitary work of the artist.


Solitude

So many stones have been thrown at me,
That I'm not frightened of them anymore,
And the pit has become a solid tower,
Tall among tall towers.
I thank the builders,
May care and sadness pass them by.
From here I'll see the sunrise earlier,
Here the sun's last ray rejoices.
And into the windows of my room
The northern breezes often fly.
And from my hand a dove eats grains of wheat
As for my unfinished page,
The Muse's tawny hand, divinely calm
And delicate, will finish it.















View from my apartment.
Doves don't eat grains of wheat from my hand
but birds dance across the sky while I sing.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Lynda Covello at The Reservoir Lounge






















Lynda Covello, another very dear friend, and great jazz vocalist will be at The Reservoir Lounge this coming Thursday, January 26th, and also on February 14th, Valentine's day ... and guess what ... she will be with her Deep Dark Secrets ... mmhhhh ... come and find out what it's all about.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Wendy Weiler at The Reservoir Lounge















Wendy Weiler, a very dear friend is singing at The Reservoir Lounge, my favourite jazz club, on Tuesday January 17th at 7 pm. Wendy is a talented singer with a fabulous voice. You can hear a sample of it here. Please join us as it promises to be a fun evening. Way to go Wendy ...

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Happy holiday season to all

As I leave a challenging year behind, I prefer to think of all the positive things that did happen. I feel blessed with all the wonderful friends who have brightened my days with kind words, patient listening, or just a simple smile. Thank you for being there and for being who you are. These caring moments are like little stars of hope that lighten up the darkness as much as the heavy load, and inspire me to pass on the light to others. Wishing you all much love and peace for New Year 2012.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Freedom

Some inspiring quotes about freedom, that wonderful feeling of not being bound by conventions, expectations, the ability to live fully in the present without being tied down by the past or the future, the empowerment of being yourself, of making choices, and taking responsibility for them.

“No man is free who is not a master of himself.”
Epictetus

"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth."
John F. Kennedy

"Love does not claim possession, but gives freedom."
Rabindranath Tagore

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect."
Eleanor Roosevelt

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Nelson Mandela

"Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom."
Gustave Flaubert















Painting with my camera: a fleeting moment of wonder

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Jamming at De Sotos

We all need a break from work and daily pressures. What better way to relax than jamming at De Sotos. Tony Merante and Elizabeth Jackson have created a warm, friendly bistro atmosphere where everybody feels welcome, and many, whether they're singers, musicians, professionals or amateurs, have dropped by and let it all out at the open mic hosted by Anthony Abbatangeli, the most reliable and supportive host you'll ever meet. So, if you love music, come play and sing with us at De Sotos on Thursday evenings from 8 pm ...















Mike Meusel (Bass), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar), Andi Duncan (vocals), John Bellisario (drums), Shaun Thomas (Sax)
















Ciaran O'Shea (guitar) and Fernando Perri (drums)
















Ray (Sax), Mike Meusel (Bass), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar),Carlo Berardinucci (vocals), Shaun Thomas (Sax)























Sam Sharkawy (guitar), Anthony Abbatangeli (guitar), Wendy Weiler (vocals)

















Yours truly

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Back to the silence of writing

My show is over. It was such a thrill to share Mauritius with good old Toronto, especially English-speaking guests who were charmed by the island, intrigued by its multiculturalism, and thrilled by the atmosphere so français ... at Alliance Française de Toronto. It's fascinating how photos can finally explain what I could not in words to my friends.

I was touched by comments in the guest book: "Luscious, sensual, alive, lovely", "you've been given a good eye for capturing beauty", "simply breathtaking". Those from Mauritian-Canadians were very moving: "Faire moi gagne caffard", "ou ine capture l'essence de la vie mauricienne", "ça donne envie d'y retourner à la perle de l'océan indien".

To close off this show, here's an article in Le Matinal that my dear friend Helena Reich kindly wrote.

It's now time to buckle down and finish my novel. Back to the silence of writing. I totally believe in this quote from Gandhi that, "In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth."

Monday, October 17, 2011

Kréolissime























Alliance Française is celebrating Creole Month with another not-to-be-missed event, Kréolissime, a celebration of dance, music and food from Mauritius and other creole-speaking countries, this coming Saturday at 8 pm at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road, one block north of Bloor. Here is the invite:

Join us for a friendly and festive evening of Creole culture!

Alliance française de Toronto welcomes its members, students – and anyone who’s in the mood to party – to join us for Kréolissime!, a memorable evening of music and dance. The 17 musicians, singers and dancers of the Canaséga troupe will keep the joint jumping with a repertoire and dance moves straight from Mauritius.Tasty treats from Haiti and Guyana will also be available, and the rum bar will be open for you to sample some tropical concoctions.

Kréolissime !
October Saturday, 22nd, 8 pm – 11pm
Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
5$; Free for members of the Alliance Française de Toronto + 1 guest

For reservation: Patricia Guérin at 416-922-2014, ext 35 or culturel@alliance-française.ca



Venez rejoindre l’ambiance chaleureuse et festive de cette soirée créole le samedi 22 octobre prochain !

Avant la venue de l’hiver, l’Alliance Française de Toronto propose une soirée pour se réchauffer et profiter de l’exotisme créole.

L’AFT accueille ses membres, ses étudiants et quiconque a envie de faire la fête, à l’occasion d’une soirée Kréolissime! La troupe Canaséga, et ses 17 musiciens, chanteuses et danseuses, vient chauffer l’ambiance; chants typiques de l’île Maurice et démonstration de danse sont au programme. Un stand aux saveurs créoles concocte des encas tout droit venus des îles. Et pour boire un verre, la rhumerie vous propose quelques breuvages exotiques.

Kréolissime !
Samedi 22 octobre, 20h – 23h
Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
5$; Gratuit pour les membres et les étudiants de l’AFT + 1 invité

Pour réservation: Patricia Guérin au 416-922-2014, poste 35 ou culturel@alliance-française.ca


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Media coverage for photo exhibition on Mauritius

Mauritius off the beaten path is getting much attention from the francophone media in Toronto, as well as in Mauritius.

CBC's French television, Le Telejournal Ontario showed a short 30 second clip of the exhibition on October 5th.

I was interviewed by Eric Cader on Pot Pourri, the French program at CIUT 89.5 FM, U of T's radio station, and also by Marjorie Murphy on CJBC 860 AM, Radio Canada's morning show, Y a pas deux matins pareils.

You can also read articles on the exhibition in two French newspapers in Toronto. Guillaume Garcia wrote 'L'Île Maurice, loin des touristes, près du coeur' in L'Express and Raphaël Lopoukhine wrote 'L'Île Maurice, loin des sentiers battus' in Le Métropolitain.

Pamela Glass, a great journalist, and a dear friend who writes for the magazine WorkBoat, also known as Pamela de St. Antoine, the Washington correspondent for Weekend newspaper in Mauritius, wrote an article about my show.


Île Maurice, hors des sentiers touristiques se fait parler d'elle à travers le média francophone ainsi qu'à l'Île Maurice.

Radio Canada, la chaîne de télévision française du Canada, a montré pour 30 secondes quelques photos de l'exposition sur Le Telejournal Ontario.

J'ai aussi fait une entrevue avec Eric Cader sur Pot Pourri, l'émission française de CIUT 89.5 FM, radio de l'Université de Toronto, et Marjorie Murphy sur CJBC 860 AM, l'émission du matin de Radio Canada, Y a pas deux matins pareils.

Des articles sur l'exposition ont paru dans deux journaux français de Toronto. Vous pouvez lire celui de Guillaume Garcia, 'L'Île Maurice, loin des touristes, près du coeur' dans L'Express et celui de Raphaël Lopoukhine 'L'Île Maurice, loin des sentiers battus' dans Le Métropolitain.

Pamela Glass, une amie et une excellente journaliste pour le magazine WorkBoat, qui est aussi connue sous le nom de Pamela de St. Antoine, la correspondante de Washington pour le journal Weekend à l'Île Maurice, a écrit 'Mauritius on display in Toronto'.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Thank you for a wonderful opening reception
































Au vernissage avec Patricia et Audrey


Thanks to all who came to the opening reception of Mauritius, off the beaten path at Galerie Pierre-Léon on October 5th. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to over a hundred guests who made this evening a very special one. And thanks to Alliance Française de Toronto, especially Audrey Sommier, Patricia Guérin and Geneviève Trilling for being wonderful coordinators, and thanks to Jean-Claude Duthion, the departed director who chose this exhibition for Galerie Pierre-Léon, and thanks to the new director, Patrick Riba for his support. It was such an overwhelmingly positive evening and a great pleasure to share a little bit of Mauritius with you all.

For those who have not had a chance to see the show, it will be on until October 31st at Galerie Pierre-Léon, Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road (one block north of Bloor).

Merci à tout le monde d'être venu au vernissage à la Galerie Pierre-Léon. Votre présence en si grand nombre m'a vraiment touché. Merci à l'Alliance Française de Toronto, en particulier, Audrey Sommier, Patricia Guérin et Geneviève Trilling pour avoir été des superbes coordinatrices culturelles. Merci à Jean-Claude Duthion, l'ancien directeur qui a choisi cette exposition pour la Galerie Pierre-Léon, et merci au nouveau directeur, Patrick Riba pour son encouragement. C'était une soirée fantastique et c'était un plaisir de partager un tout petit peu de l'île Maurice avec vous.

Pour ceux qui n'ont pas eu l'occasion de voir l'expo, elle continue jusqu'au 31 octobre à la Galerie Pierre-Léon, Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road. 

Friday, September 16, 2011

Mauritius Off the Beaten Path

















Alliance Française of Toronto is celebrating International Creole Month with Mauritius, Off the Beaten Path, a photography show by Peggy Lampotang at Galerie Pierre Léon, 24 Spadina Road, from October 5th to 31st, 2011.

Mauritius is one of many Creole-speaking countries. Haiti, Guadeloupe, among others, share similar Creole heritage through French colonization. The language was developed by African slaves who worked on sugarcane plantations and helped with the construction of roads and buildings. Creole, considered a vernacular French, is now recognized as an official language.

Colonized by the French in 1715, and later by the English from 1810 to 1968 when it gained its independence, Mauritius is a country where inhabitants of French, African, Indian, and Chinese origin are united through the Creole language. The melding of races has created a general population, also called Creole, which forms a large part of its working class.

To live in Canada, photographer Peggy Lampotang left this lush island with its azure ocean, but the island has never left her. You may have heard of Mauritius, its famous blue penny stamp, its extinct dodo bird, the miracle of its economic growth, or perhaps enjoyed lying on its pristine beach, the one where Prince William spent his holidays. But beyond this enchanting façade, there are faces of people going about their daily chores, faces that the photographer invites you to discover off the beaten path.

In spite of its financial success and its skyscrapers, Mauritius still harbours makeshift houses assembled from panels of old corrugated aluminum where some live with so little that one is surprised by their warmth. These children who wander freely in the ocean, these fishermen who throw their nets at the crack of dawn, these street vendors who sell fruits, tomatoes, chicken, and noodles, their faces are sometimes marked by a hard life, but their resourcefulness and survival instinct prevail. Does their inspiration come from the intuitive communion with the natural wilderness, and the ever-present ocean?

Exhibition Opening : Wednesday October 5th at 6:30 pm at Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road
RSVP à culturel@alliance-francaise.ca or 416 922 2014 ext 37



Île Maurice hors des sentiers touristiques


L’Alliance Française de Toronto célèbre le mois créole avec Île Maurice, hors des sentiers touristiques, une exposition de photos de Peggy Lampotang à la Galerie Pierre Léon. Alliance Française de Toronto du 5 au 31 Octobre, 2011.

L’île Maurice, Haïti, la Guadeloupe et bien d’autres, partagent le même héritage créole issu de la colonisation française. Le créole a été développé par les esclaves d’origine africaine qui travaillaient dans les champs de cannes à sucre ou à la construction de rues et de bâtiments. Le créole, considéré comme un patois français, est maintenant devenue une langue officielle.

Colonisée par les français en 1715, puis par les anglais de 1810 à 1968, l’année où elle obtient son indépendance, l’île Maurice réunit des habitants d’origine française, africaine, indienne, et chinoise par une langue commune, le créole. Ce brassage donne naissance à la population dite créole qui fait largement partie de la classe ouvrière de l’île.

Pour vivre au Canada, la photographe Peggy Lampotang a quitté cette île verdoyante avec son océan d’azur, mais cette île, elle, ne l’a jamais quitté. Vous avez peut-être entendu parler de l'île Maurice, de son fameux timbre ‘blue penny’, de son dodo disparu, ou du miracle de sa croissance économique, ou vous avez peut-être eu le plaisir de vous allonger sur ses belles plages, là où le Prince William a passé ses vacances. Mais derrière cette façade féerique, il y a le visage, les visages de ce peuple, qui s’en va à son labeur, des visages que ce photographe vous invite à découvrir hors des sentiers touristiques.

Malgré son succès financier et ses gratte-ciels, l’île Maurice abrite encore des maisons assemblées de vieux panneaux en tôle où les gens vivent avec si peu qu’on s’étonne de leur nature chaleureuse. Ces enfants qui gambadent librement dans l’océan, ces pêcheurs qui lancent leurs filets à la première lueur du matin, ces vendeurs qui nous offrent leurs fruits, tomates, poulets, et nouilles, aux visages sont parfois marqués par une vie dûre, mais des visages qui montrent une force et un esprit de survie. Leur inspiration vient-elle de cette communion intuitive avec la nature sauvage et l'infini de l’océan?


Vernissage : mercredi 5 octobre à 18h30 à l’Alliance Française de Toronto, 24 Spadina Road.
RSVP à culturel@alliance-francaise.ca ou 416 922 2014 poste 37


Saturday, September 03, 2011

Mauritius
















Mauritius is very much on my mind these days. I visited the island with intense emotions a few weeks ago. First there was the high school reunion, which you can see on youtube thanks to Andy Wilkinson, our videographer extraordinaire ... This article in a Mauritian newspaper also sums up the wonderful time. It was so heart-warming to reconnect with school friends, and so awesome to go back in time, singing old songs, and feeling like a teenager all over again.

During my stay, I was lucky to meet a few talented artists, writers, and photographers who are changing the creative landscape of the island by sharing their giftedness with others. Their generosity and open-mindedness was inspiring.

Krishna Luchoomun, an accomplished visual artist who believes in bringing other artists together in non-conventional shows, put together a collective exhibition Art in the Forest by artists from countries along the Indian Ocean. It was a fascinating experience to walk through the damp forest, breathing in its earthy smell, and discovering a tree resplendent in aluminum foil, sleeping beauty waiting in her white bed, fat dodo birds gazing at us ... Ahhh conceptual art ... how it tickles our senses and imagination.

Barlen Pyamootoo, a brilliant writer who obtained the French literary prize, Prix du Roman Francophone for his book Benares, also directed a movie from the same book, that was featured at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in 2005. This author believes in sharing his love of literature with aspiring writers on the island, and created L’atelier de l’Ecriture, a series of workshops which culminates in an annual publication of the best work from these students. What incredible opportunities this dedicated teacher provides for the future generation of Mauritian writers.

Jameel Peerally, an outstanding photographer and teacher who kindly let me accompany him during some of his photography outings with his students, directs his discerning eyes not only to photography but to social justice. His photography book titled Chagossians orphans of the world, shows the plight of this nation's forced exile by the British to make way for an American military base. He is currently having a group exhibition titled In Focus to show the excellent work of his students. He is also spearheading a youth movement to protest the current state of affairs on the island, which you can read in more details in this manifesto. Sending him my support for a peaceful march and hope the movement will achieve positive changes for the island.

And last but not least, I'm preparing for a photography show on Mauritius in October at Galerie Pierre Léon at Alliance Française de Toronto. A bit overwhelmed lately by Mauritius, that tiny precious island in the Indian Ocean. Will post more info about the show soon.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Rainbow Catcher






















I would like to introduce you to my friend Chrisly Cheung, and her collection of short stories titled The Rainbow Catcher. Chris and I have dreamt together about writing and I was thrilled for her that her dream finally came true. She asked me to write a blurb on the back cover, and I gladly did. Her stories are very touching. Vivid details about life in Mauritius act as backdrop to the deeper meaning of each story.

"I met Chris in secondary school and was charmed by her fresh, childlike way of seeing things. Our lives took divergent paths, but our friendship survived through our shared passion for writing. Chrisly's depth of thoughts and feelings, and empathy for others are very much present in her collection of short stories. Her narratives explore relationships, innocent at times, yet complicated, with fate and spirituality weaving in their mystery, shaking our common beliefs, and challenging us to open up to another dimension where illusion and truth have no boundaries."

You can purchase the book at locations mentioned on her website and online at Amazon.com

Monday, July 18, 2011

Summertime

Summertime and the livin' is easy
...
One of these mornings
You're gonna rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And take to the sky

Lyrics by George Gershwin

This song's tune has a sad lingering mood that seems to cling to me this summer, yet its lyrics are so hopeful, with tremendous potential and promises in the air. There's so much sunshine out there in the city, casting its light on people chatting happily in restaurant patios, children running in playgrounds, blooming flowers ...

Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

Monday, June 27, 2011

The Silence of Writing

I was in the country to work on my novel. Croaking frogs, twittering birds, and buzzing insects kept me company. This communion with nature swept away the bombardment of city noise and stimulations, and instilled much-needed peacefulness.

Writing in such silence by the lake is bliss to the creative soul.
















“We cannot see our reflection in running water.” Taoist quote