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