Monday, September 18, 2017

Open Stage for the Underage!


We kick of the season with an Open Stage for the Underage, this Wednesday night! Get down by 645 to make sure you get a spot to perform. I've got two sets of tickets to see Quote the Raven on Thursday night, at the Rotary Arts Centre, but you've got to come Wednesday to win!

Sorry for all the exclamation points, I'm just really excited. It was all I could do to avoid CAPS LOCK.

A New Season for Mr. H Presents Events!

Hi gang;

Mr. H here. Are you ready? I know I am, but I have just one, simple request of you for this year: make your voice heard.

In seven years, I have seen hundreds of students attend - and at least a hundred of them perform -  at over a hundred different events. At various concerts, four conferences, countless open stages, and other unique events (see: In Session), I have attempted to give young people more opportunities to experience live music.

Why? Because I think it's important.

We all have something to say, something to express and, if you're like me, sometimes words fail. Music then, can be such a powerful tool for expressing the inexpressible. The more avenues for self-expression available to young people, the better. This is why my stages aren't just for musicians, but also poets, and essayists, and comedians, and more: because your voice is important, and it deserves to be heard.

So please, raise that voice - my stage is for you. And, please, talk to me! Not just about what they mean to you, but about what you'd like to see at these events. Students participating in Mr. H events have changed in the last seven years, as have their wants and needs, and I'm doing the best I can to respond, but I'm 41. I haven't been a teenager since the mid-90's. Even working young people for a living, I can get it wrong, so speak up. Let me know how you would be better served by my events, and I will do what I can. I promise.

Finally, please let others hear your voice, and do so in two ways: tell friends about my shows (and bring them to those shows), and attend the shows - even if you're not performing - so that you can cheer on your peers. More than anything, this year, I want to see young performers building each other up. This is how we will continue to strengthen our community.

Thank you for your time, and I'll see you soon.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Make Music Happen #4

On the off-chance there's a young musician who doesn't have Facebook and, therefore, cannot see the event page posted there, I will re-create it all here.

This two-day event is designed to help aspiring young musicians improve their songwriting and performance skills through a variety of workshops lead by professional artists.

The musicians leading songwriting workshops at MMH:
- Gary & Whit
- Joanna Barker
- Kelly McMichael
- Steve Maloney


In addition, live performance workshops will be lead by:
- Dave Connors
- Louise Gauthier
- Nick Hamlyn


Susan Quinn Lemessieur, the Janeway's Music Therapist, will deliver a key-note address on the positive effects of music on mental health.

Space for the workshops is limited to twenty five students, and we are already 60%, so don't hesitate to sign up. Registration is $60, and that includes two days of workshops, lunches and snacks both days, and admission to both the songwriters circle (Saturday night) and the student showcase (Sunday afternoon). To register, or to find out more, write me: paul.heppleston@gmail.com


Ask any of the dozens of students - not to mention the workshop leaders - who have attended in previous years, and they'll tell you: special things happen at Make Music Happen.