Birthday bash jam

Any musician will tell you that releasing a new album on your birthday gives you double the adrenalin rush.

This coming Tuesday, Rocko Vaugeois is releasing his long-awaited Just Blue at LB’s Pub. The songs will be performed by the man of the hour with special guests Fred Larose on bass, Jim Dyck and Shaun Cooney on guitars, and Joey McIntyre on drums. Standing at the microphone with her father will be the lovely Layla Vaugeois.

Vaugeois, who gained national fame in 1979-1980 as drummer for One Horse Blue, has worked with major North American players as a session and recording artist as well as producer.

With nearly four decades in the industry, Vaugeois’ hard work on guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals is the stuff other musicians dream about.

“We are happy he moved back to St. Albert after years as a working musician in Vancouver. Come and say ‘Happy Birthday’ and be one of the first audiences to catch his latest musical writings live,” says host Mark Ammar.

The CD release portion kicks off the night at 9 p.m. and the open jammin’ birthday party follows at 10:30 p.m. No cover. LB’s is at 23 Akins Drive.

Theatre Network’s new season leads with passion

The Passion Project presents the world premiere of The Passion of Mary, the first production to kick off Theatre Network’s new season.

Penned by local playwright/actress Annette Loiselle, it is a personal rendering of two of the Britain’s most famous queens – Queen Elizabeth 1 and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mary’s loyal followers delivered an act of treason and now the Scottish queen has paid the price – imprisonment in a castle for 18 years. The scaffolding is built and the executioner’s chopping block is waiting to be set.

Can Mary prove to Elizabeth she is not a murderer or does she need redemption from a host of sins?

Under the direction of Glenda Stirling, Loiselle plays the Scottish queen alongside Sian Williams who returns as Elizabeth after a 10-year hiatus.

The Passion of Mary continues until Sunday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $11 to $26. Call 780-453-2440 or visit www.theatrenetwork.ca.

St. Albert recital series returns

The St. Albert Music Recital Series jumps full throttle into its third season featuring five exciting chamber music ensembles.

Launching the season on Oct. 20 is the Bonnie Doon Quartet, a mix of piano, viola, violin and cello. Following on Nov. 17 is a special duet by St. Albert’s own Ina Dykstra and Nancy Watt.

In the new year, Obsessions String Quartet introduces a blend of symphony calibre music on Feb. 2. Harpist Nora Bumanis leads the Nora Bumanis Trio on April 20 and Colibri Duo, a soprano/guitar combo closes the season on May 25.

Single adult tickets are $25 adults and $20 for seniors/students. Season adult passes are $100 and senior/student passes are $80.

Tickets are available through the Art Gallery of St. Albert and Don’s Piano Showroom.

Check out for www.stalbertchambermusic.ca for concert details.

Ukrainian Village spotlights hemp

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village final event of the summer on Sunday, Sept. 9 showcases food, a threshing bee, flower and herb drying, making sauerkraut, grinding wheat and canning produce.

But the highlights are displays and presentations featuring industrial hemp, an old-world crop being revisited as a modern day super plant.

Admission is $9 for adults, $7 seniors, $4 for youth and $20 for a family with two adults.

The village is located 25 minutes east of Edmonton on Hwy. 16 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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