Flin Flon and McCreary

We're heading out to perform in Flin Flon on Wednesday and McCreary on Friday. We're really excited to bring the show to these fine commmunities. The arts Councils have been quite supportive and I know that once people see the shows they will love it. We're heading out on the 9 hr drive to Flin Flon now. Can't wait to meet Mr.Flonatin

Our Board Our Business

Check out this book: Our Board Our Business

This looks like a great read for people who need to get the real scoop on the CWB.



www.fernwoodpublishing.ca

Lowe Farm & Holland shows were amazing!!!

What a great weekend. Really, it just blew me away. In Holland we had 110 people come out and in Lowe Farm there was close to 200. I can't thanking people enough for supporting us. We had some great talk-back sessions. Great questions like: Where do you see the farm in 20 years? Do you think we can actually change where farming is headed?

My home town show (Lowe Farm) was a very special treat for me. I've haven't performed there since high-school. There was definitely some recognizable moments in the show that only my town would laugh at. They all know that my father is an auctioneer for instance so when I came out auctioning it was a just priceless. At the end of it all we got a standing ovation. I truly hope that Lowe Farm can stay alive. That people can make things work there. It's home, and it always will be.

I've also found out that this morning we were mentioned on CFAM radio. They played one of Don Amero's songs (our opening musician) before we came on. I'm always glad to support good friends and good musicians.

Open Prairie - Holland & Lowe Farm

The Holland and Lowe Farm shows are coming up fast. I've just put a radio add together for the show and I think it sounds pretty snappy. It's playing on CFAM thanks to sponsorship from Lowe Farm Credit Union, but check it out for yourself here.

Home to Lowe Farm

After 1 and half years I'm finally going to be performing Open Prairie in Lowe Farm. The School was kind enough to give us a great deal. Plus we'll be helping out the local youth group by giving proceeds to them. Everybody's being really supportive. We've decided since we will be in Holland on the 19th of January to then do it on the 20th of January. I've always wanted to bring back a show in my home town. Its been way too long. I've already heard that there are some folks from St.Jean and Morris who have wanted to see the show for sometime. Hopefully they'll come out as well. Time will tell.

CWB Rally

I don't know if anybody has been reading the news about the CWB and our Conservative Government but it is ludicrous. These government officials need a quick history lesson. The Canadian Wheat Board is one of the only national institutions selling Canadian Grain that is set up to help farmers. To have a 2 tier system spells death. Farmers have enough trouble working on the farm. To think that all farmers could exclusivly sell grain on thier own and get a fair deal is not a reality. The Western Producers who advocate for a 2 tier system are greedy and are truly blind to think multinational companies won't take the Wheat Board's place. The only difference is they won't be doing it for farmers they will be doing it for stock holders. The lessens learned are in our recent past, we scrapped the Crow Rate along with the railways, we scrapped the largest co-operatives in the prairies, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta Pool Elevators and what benefit has that been? If anything these things should be examples of what not to do. Isn't the lesson learnt in the pudding?

There's a rally at the Manitoba Ledge coming up and I will be there. Some issues in our show we really leave to our audiences but this issue I am convicted of. I believe that the family farm and a way of life where community is part of the whole is a reality. Even if it is one voice, I will do everything I can to advocate for the CWB.

Back from PA

Thanks for the prayer. I found a super cheap flight back Sunday morning at $129. Not to mention my work paid for it because I was doing double duty (I work at Manitoba Arts Network). Everything worked out so well last weekend.

The E.A. Rawlinson Centre in Saskatchewan is brilliant. It is comparable to MTC. Our crew had an amazing time there with little to complain about. Of course we reallized that we didn't have enough caps and we went down to Value Village to pick 2 up. Surprisingly there was one from Boussevain Equipment which is Manitoba. Really odd. Perhaps we should perform in Boussevain sometime. As for the worth of spending the funds to advertsie and showcase there I think it was well worth it. My instincts tell me that we could potentially get 7+ gigs from the showcase. I have a new found love for Saskatchewan. I also added a joke with the optimist farmer that was timely because the amazing Chucky Danger Band came after us. These guys have been selected to showcase at every showcase across Canada. I said, "Hey Ron, how is that new sprayer working out for you? I saw how those booms open up on that thing. They spread pretty much across Canada. What do you call it? The Chucky Danger Special?" Everyone got a kick out of that, especially Chucky Danger (check them out, they are amazing).

Off to Prince Albert

A lot has been happenning since my last blog. We're about to take off for our Showcase for Saskatchewan presenters tommorrow night. Of course we're very very pumped. We've decided to perform, the Implements dealer, Optimist farmer, the little girl, the BSE song and the 2 farmers bit. We have to do all this in 20 minutes. I don't think that will be a problem.

I have one concern however, I don't have a guaranteed ride back yet. My crew wants to leave early to get back by Sunday but I have to stay until late Saturday. I'm hoping I can hitch a ride with "The House of Doc" but I really need to guarantee it.

A little prayer anyone?

TO - 1st show down

It was a fun performance and we could definitley tell how some of the jokes we told were inside to Winnipeg. A Totally different audience. But it in no way means our show is any less appealling. This was one of many great quotes:

"What a profound, thought-provoking, well-performed show!! I'm so sorry that there weren't more people watching. This story will stay with me for a long time - it's insights, humanity, pain & love! Thanks to the awesome actors, etc. - very memorable!!
Keep up the good work." - Selma

This quote was quite honest and on the mark. Sure, we didn't have a TON of people there but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't play the show with equl worth.

I'm tired. Onto another day.

The Adventure begins . . .

Yesterday was already amazing and we just got here. We met Shawna Demsi and Lori Milan along with a whole slew of artists on the plane. MAC sent Marian Butler to come check out the scene. Then when we got the gorgeuos Delsa Chelsea Hotel (2 nights accomodations) we bumped into Morley Walker of the Wpg Free Press who encouraged us to come to a high end party for the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra at Peter Herrndorf's house. Now Peter Herrndorf happens to be President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Theatre Centre in Ottawa. He also happens to be from Winnipeg. I got to meet him along with his wife and the Artistic Director for Harbourfront, Bill Boyle. We did a lot of connecting and the food was fabulous. Dishes of overflowing shrimp, rolls, pastries, sushi and plentiful food. It was amazing. DJ was right into the mingling and Robyn loved the music. David laughed it off with everyone he met.

And Morley walker was keen to take our picture at the place. He was extremely friendly. Could it be that deep down in his heart he really wanted us to get kicked out so he could have something more to write about? Who knows? If that was the case it backfired as everyone was interested to talk and encourage one another at the party. And Morley payed for our cab ride down there as well take a great picture for us. I have a new respect for him wherever his kindness came from. I should have payed for the cab back but we all opted for the subway before I could jump on it. I've got to be quicker on the draw. Hopefully I'll get a chance to repay him soon.

This pic was taken by Morley Walker.

Today we perform.

Leaving for Toronto!!!

WOW!!! Here it is, the night before we leave for TO. I've just picked up our amazing 3x9 banner. I hope we can actually put it somewhere. It really stands out!!!! As for the video I've been doing a lot of transfering. I was hoping to see some more Fringe shows but I only saw 2 this year. At least they were really good. The Fringe is one of my favorite times of the year but Harbourfront Centre is going to be a blast. I really hope it gives this show the credibility that we've worked really hard to atain.

Morley Walker from the WINNIPEG FREE PRESS quoted me today. That was great. I'm glad this fest is finally getting some publicity. My quotes were. "This festival is an inspiration for Winnipeg Artists, we get so isolated sometimes, we wonder if anything will ever happen for us." (Which I don't quite recall saying but I'll take it) Then he gave me the last quote of the article. "It means something for everyone," Harder says. "Not just those who are going, but for those who are still struggling to believe what they do really matters."

That says it all. I'll be updating as things go along. Hopefully I'll have an interview tomorrow. CBC called today and I didn't check my messages till late in the evening. I can't believe it. Mental note; CHECK MESSAGES REGULARLY while in TO!!!

Farm Population Stats

As per our July 2007 Newsletter the 2001 Census of Agriculture counted 246,923 farms in Canada. While in 1971 the amount was 481,190. A noticeable difference throughout the years, it's a sad reminder to note that the farm population has been cut in half over the past 30 years. How long will this trend continue?

Here are the stats from other years:
931,602 farms in 1911
1,041,618 farms in 1921
1,128,154 farms in 1931
1,082.074 farms in 1941
827,030 farms in 1951
639,221 farms in 1961
318,361 farms in 1981

Steinbach was GREAT!!!

The Mennonite Heritage Museum was great to do. Our audiences gave us tons of quotes and it really set us up for a great show for Toronto. We may even have 2-3 more shows just from the people that saw us there. We even had John Buhler head of Buhler Manufacturing come up to us and say, "How did you ever imagine such amazing things". Its nice know that you can blow someone of high standing away like that.

It was a large set-up to get everything ready, such as the sound, but it was well worth it. We developed the Hippie character who sings the "BSE SONG" to be playing at the Mennonite Heritage Museum instead of in Winnipeg. We added the setting of the Windmill in the background which worked really well. For Toronto we're going to give some urban Toronto settings and adapt to fit the geography there as much as we can. Certainly Dave's "little girl" character saw great improvements and the point of having to leave the countryside for the big city really struck some cords. Its obvious that the more shows we do the better we get.

Steinbach & Toronto

After the Keystone Ag Producer's Event we've been really busy. For one we'll be doing 2 shows for Mennonite Heritage Village as part of thier annual fundraiser. On Friday, June 9 we'll be in Winnipeg at Bergmann's on Lombard. Very prestigious. On June 10th we'll be in Steinbach doing a show direct from thier facilities. Contact them for tickets.

Now the 2nd big wow IS a BIG WOW. We will be taking Open Prairie to TORONTO compliments of the Harbourfront Centre's "From the Peg Festival". This place looks to be very very nice, not to mention they will be feeding us and paying for our accomodations. We are pleased beyond belief. Check out the place for yourself at: www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

Hopefully we can get some more gigs in Toronto while we're there. If you know anyone in Toronto who might be interested please have them contact us.

Keystone Agricultural Presenters - Free Tickets

We're getting ready to perform at the Keystone Agricultural Presenters Banquet on the 26th of January. We have a few extra FREE tickets if anyone is interested in checking us. Be advised that first come first served. Of course presenters who want to have us out have priority.

Open Prairie in Gretna

THE SHOW WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

We have just had an amazing show in Gretna. Performing at Buhler Hall was like a dream come true. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to perform at such an amazing fascility. There were 273 people in attendance due to some good radio publicity and a great working relationship with the staff there. Rick Heppner- Mueller has been placed in charge of bookings and we are most thankful for his services.

It was the first time we have been able to adapt our projector to the screen of a fascility. Usually we set up our screen but the large white backdrop allowed us to create a picture which was twice as big. I certainly don't regret purchasing the Canon Projector this summer now. The investment was worth it & its really starting to pay off.

I don't know when we'll get a chance like Buhler Hall again but the fact that we can make a show feasible at a facility life that makes it realistic that it could be sooner than we think.