October 14 Benefit for Riverglen Farm!

Dear Friends and Matrons/Patrons of the Arts:

Normally I only use these occasional announcements for shameless SELF-promotion, i.e. when I am performing somewhere as a singer or storyteller. I make an exception in this case to shamelessly promote a benefit concert by a wonderful classical pianist, in support of a project dear to my heart, namely Riverglen Biodynamic Farm, a small non-profit organization devoted to earth-friendly, humane, community-supported agriculture:

Friday October 14, 8:00 p.m. Pianist Zabel Manoukian presents "Mostly Dances" (Benefit for Riverglen Farm), at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage

Now, I happen to live at the farm, and my wife is the farmer, so I see firsthand both the joys and the struggles of raising plants and animals with devotion instead of chemicals. The farm (which last year received its official "organic" certification – Hooray!) regularly provides classes of schoolchildren with their first opportunity to learn where vegetables come from, to help grow real food, to look a cow in the eye, and to chase or be chased by chickens.

The farm has made considerable progress in the past three years, but is still in its infancy. Despite generous support (in labour and money) from a small but dedicated membership, Riverglen needs to raise funds annually to cover its basic expenses, to respond to unforeseen demands (e.g. "item: repair fence to keep bull in"), and to continue to develop. There is an easy and extremely pleasant way you can help!

Buy tickets now for the Farm’s most important fundraiser of the year, a concert of light classical music by pianist Zabel Manoukian. Ms. Manoukian's concert last year was absolutely phenomenal; if you were there you'll want to hear her again (and if you missed it, you won't want to miss this one!). She has a new CD in the works and has prepared a beautiful selection for this rare performance. In the intimate setting of the NAC's Fourth Stage you will get the authentic, up-close experience of the beauties of Chopin, Kabalevsky and other composers less familiar but equally entrancing.

Summer is over and the pace is picking up at work and school. Now is the time to treat yourself to an evening of fine music at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage.

Friday October 14, 8:00 p.m. "Mostly Dances" (Benefit for Riverglen Farm)
Music by Chopin, Hovhaness, Kabalevsky, Gomidas, Saygun & others
with pianist Zabel Manoukian
National Arts Centre Fourth Stage

Tickets are $25 through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ca (service charge applies) or in person from NAC Box Office.