Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Myrna Gets Millie

(Page 3)
By Pam Jones, Editor
The suspense built, the crowd thickened and finally Paul Teskey rolled the drum and picked the winning ticket…. “Dennis Nate of northwest Calgary”, Bill announced. Silence followed. Then suddenly a loud scream erupted from the back and a lady ran onto the stage.
Myrna McKay of Millarville appeared to think she was the winner…or was she? The story unfolded. Myrna was having lunch with her friend, Dennis, one day and told him about Millie's possible fate. She came right back and bought a ticket for Dennis. Only trouble is Dennis doesn't know he has a ticket…or a tractor, yet!
Following Myrna’s acceptance of Millie, Michael Weinberg, Executive Producer of Heartland took the mic and offered to make Millie a star. “We have a deal”, said Myrna.
I asked Myrna if she was sure Dennis would agree to Millie going to Heartland. Her reply? “Darn right he will, he hasn't paid me for the ticket yet!”

Millarville Rodeo A Rollicking Ride

(Page 4)
By Todd Curran
Although the Millarville Rodeo was originally scheduled for May, a snowstorm postponed the event until the August 6th weekend. It was worth the wait.
The Rodeo is part of the Foothills Cowboy Association circuit and boasts bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc, in addition to timed events including tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling. Competitors displayed a variety of experience, from seasoned roughnecks to a young barrel racing cowgirl not much bigger than my beer cup.
Former Chair of the Millarville Rodeo Rob Bergevin returned to his old stomping grounds as an announcer working alongside the inciting voice of the Calgary Stampede, Dave Poulsen. The pair spewed hilarious and entertaining commentary and should take their act on the road. I must have been sitting next to one of the comedian's daughter, who kept yelling, “HI DADDY!” at the booth.
Always a fan favourite, they went wilder than the livestock over the wild horse race, but my personal favourite was the shooting competition. The Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooters competed for a $1,000 prize using .45 Colt revolvers designed prior to 1898. Racing against the clock on horseback, navigating a course with barrels and balloon targets, competitors were challenged to rocket through and accurately shoot all targets or face a 5 second penalty for their misses.
The guns are authentic, but shoot thunderous blanks rather than live ammunition to pop the balloon targets; otherwise the fans would have more holes in them than the wall around Ronnie Milsap's dartboard. When the dust settled and the smoke cleared, prize money went to Jim MacIntyre & Stew Erickson for the first stage and Gail Cook & Lee Stuckey for the second stage.
Another welcome addition to the Rodeo this year was Dave Shields, chute boss for the 2010 Calgary Stampede and owner of Ridin' High Rodeo School. With his son Davey Shields Jr. of DeWinton, four-time champion of the Calgary Stampede, Dave not only ensures a smooth rodeo as chute boss, but acts as a mentor to cowboys by offering them expert advice.
From the future rodeo stars to the mini doughnut car to the cash bar, Millarville Rodeo is a hootin', hollerin', helluva ride, so cowboy up and mosey on down for a gander next year.
For more information on the Millarville Rodeo visit www.millarvilleracetrack.com. For more information on the Canadian Cowboy Mounted Shooters visit:
www.canadianmountedshooters.com

Horton Hears A Hoja

(Page 4)
By Todd Curran
The acappella group Hoja rocked their Highwood Memorial Centre audience with humour and harmony on August 12th.
Big on crowd participation and family-style comedy, the singers entertained the young and young-at-heart alike. The group performed songs from Lady Gaga, Alabama, Van Morrison and more, all without the aid of musical instruments.
Hoja has performed over 3000 shows from B.C to Ontario and recorded five CDs in the past 12 years.
Upcoming concerts are being performed at the Foothills Centennial Centre in Okotoks on August 19th and at the Family Centre in Strathmore on August 25th. Tickets are available at the door for both shows.
For more information on Hoja's music and performances, visit www.hojaworld.com.

Jesse DeNatale: Celebrated American Songwriter Comes to Turner Valley

(Page 4)
By Shelley Whitehead
Beneath the Arch Concert Series in Turner Valley will kick off the 2010-2011 season with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jesse DeNatale on September 11th.
Tom Waits calls Jesse DeNatale, “a unique and original American voice.” Can-lit star Michael Ondaatje describes DeNatale's work as, “tender, intimate and wise.” With musical and literary giants singing his praises on both sides of the border, Beneath the Arch concert is thrilled to present this rising star.
From northern California, DeNatale is part poet, part storyteller. With two critically acclaimed records to his credit, Shangri-La West and Soul Parade! DeNatale has been busy touring internationally, performing in festivals, clubs and theatres. He is currently touring his most recent album, Hallelujah Rain, which was released last winter.
Along the way he has met many artists both musical and otherwise who greatly inspire him. “Composers and songwriters from the past and certainly my friends and peers right now inspire me,” he says.
“Call it a past and modern melting pot of influence, a new and old source of inspiration,” he continues. “A greatness that seems to come in all forms, be it the Eiffel Tower, or a Nina Simone song, or a little kid's drawing. It pushes a button inside me that tells me what it is to be human, which leads to a bell ringing or a signal that forces up a desire to create something equally great, and then, well it's usually followed by a light bulb going on. It's like I've got a little Rube Goldberg machine inside me. Which is a great thing in itself.”
Jesse DeNatale in concert Saturday, September 11th at the Flare & Derrick Community Hall, Main Street, Turner Valley.
Doors open at 7:00 pm and the music starts at 7:30. Rush tickets are $25 (adults) or $10 (students from 6-12 years), available from Coyote Moon (Turner Valley), Bluerock Gallery (Black Diamond), Harvest Moon Health Foods (Okotoks) and Millarville General Store. For information call 403-933-7040 or 403-933-5811 or visit www.beneaththearch.org.
Beneath the Arch has a terrific season lined up and season tickets are still available, $135 buys seven great concerts:
September 11th - Jesse DeNatale
October 23rd - Sam Baker and Tim Lorsch
November 20th - Dustin Bentall Outfit
January 16th, 2011 - special Sunday matinee featuring the Bow Valley Brass Ensemble
February 12th - Twilight Hotel
March 12th - Oh My Darling
April 16th - “The Gift” – A tribute to Ian Tyson
Library construction means changes to parking
Beneath the Arch reminds concert-goers that the new Sheep River Library is under construction in what was formerly the parking lot in front of the Flare & Derrick Community Hall. Patrons will have to find street parking – please respect Turner Valley residents and park on Main Street, not on residential side streets. Also, please use caution when walking toward the hall. The construction site is well fenced but the ground is rough in places, watch your step.
Access to the hall may also be affected – if so, Beneath the Arch volunteers will be on hand to direct concert-goers to the correct doors.

Instant Classic

(Page 5)
By Todd Curran

Remember where you went as a child to get your favourite candy, ice cream soda or burger? At Marv's Classic Soda Shop in Black Diamond, it's not unusual to hear customers wistfully utter, “This is just like the one in my home town,” or “I haven't seen this since I was a kid,” as they begin a stroll down memory lane.
On the surface, the Soda Shop is all delicious ice cream, sweets, home made burgers & fries, but you don't have to be in there very long before you realize that it's actually made of memories from the Golden Era of Rock N Roll. Owner Marvin Garriott held his 3rd Annual Marv's Rock ‘N Roll Classic on July 25th, and what a party!
Featuring live 1950's music by Marty Antonini and the Bee Bops, a chromed-out Show & Shine, Street Dance and Elvis Impersonator, Marv's street bash became an instant classic. “The idea just dropped into my head one day,” he says. “It's something I thought would go over well. We had classic car shows on Parade Day and we're a 50's joint, so I thought some good 50's music would go along with it.”
Although The King is typically spotted at gas stations in Tennessee, Marv met him while working an Olds College 50's function in Calgary. “He wasn't performing,” Marv says. “He was there as an icon, signing autographs and looking good. I gave him a call and told him what we're up to; now this is the third year we've had him out here. He's easy to get along with; probably easier to get along with than the real Elvis!”
As for the authentic live 50's music, Marv didn't have to look very far. “Marty Antonini has a gospel group in Calgary,” says Marv. “They're gaining good recognition and my wife sings in the group.” The singers are making an appearance in an AMC TV pilot filmed in Black Diamond and will also be doing some work with other top 50's bands in the area.
As his event grows bigger each year, Marv is receiving more help to make it better. “This year the Lions Club was extremely helpful in getting it set up and their contribution helped pay for the band,” Marv says. “I'm really hoping that they'll be back next year and I'd like to send out a great big thanks to everyone that came out and made it a big success. We had a nice turn out and it makes a good family day. Everyone really likes the music and the volume that we keep it at.”
The next Annual Marv's Rock ‘N Roll Classic is on July 24th and Marv is already preparing to make it an appetizing and entertaining affair. With guitars, ice cream bars and classic cars, Elvis may have been thinking of Marv when he said, “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.”