Behind The Scene

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La Bella Notte – In Honour of International Women’s Day

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La Bella Notte – In Honour of International Women’s Day

La Bella Notte – In honour of International Women’s Day surpasses its goal!

Mercasa Banquet Services at Rossini Lodge was filled with smiling faces, wonderful food, men and women dressed to the nines, and a catwalk of models strutting their stuff, on the evening of March 10th, for Nova Vita’s – La Bella Notte.Support Nova Vita is a not for profit women’s shelter in Brantford, serving Brantford and Brant County with holistic client-centred residential counselling services for abused and homeless women and their children. Since 1983, they have run these programs, and each year they hold several events to raise much needed funding to help end the cycle of abuse. Last year 255 women utilized Nova Vita and its services. The goal for this event was to raise $3500 to replace six beds in the shelter in hopes of being able to serve even more women this year.

This was the inaugural event for La Bella Notte and it was an incredible success, with over $11,000 raised. Attire for the fashion show was provided by: Closet Couture Boutique,Debbie’s Basic Black, Nina-Brie, Trends on Grand, and The Cheshire Cat. Guests could be heard remarking on how lovely each model and their outfits were. The antipasto bar and desserts were provided by Mercasa Banquet Services, in collaboration with SWEET Bakery, and Petit Gourmet Food Company. Each item was delicately prepared and was enjoyed by everyone. The event featured a live auction hosted by The Auctionista, which had each attendee enthusiastically outbidding one another in support of Nova Vita.

The evening also featured speeches from two survivors of domestic violence. The first speech came from a woman named “Melody”. She moved to Canada with her husband, barely spoke English, and was the victim of domestic abuse. After Children’s Aid was brought in, she was moved into Nova Vita. Her experience with Nova Vita staff and services helped her cope with her trauma and gave her the skills and tools she needed to move on. Years later, she now speaks fluent English and lives a healthy, independent life, free of violence.

The second speech was from a young man named Austin. When he was a teenager, his mother, his sister, and he, moved into Nova Vita. He found the experience traumatic, while he understood why they were there, he didn’t like that they were. It wasn’t until he was an adult, that he realized how much that experience had helped him grow and understand his situation. He now proudly volunteers at Nova Vita, working with youth, sharing his experience with others from a similar situation.

The event brought out many emotions from the crowd, immense empathy for victims and their stories and extreme joy for the success of the fashion show and money raised. Nova Vita is an essential service in our city, so make sure to Be Seen supporting them.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall
Photography by: Belinda Bee J. Stap-Clements
To see more of her work, please visit: Belinda J. Clements Photography

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Behind the Scene – Design Centre Reveal

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Behind the Scene – Design Centre Reveal

1000’s of people crowded the brand new Design Center in Cainsville Tuesday evening, for the #Grand reveal of its recent renovation and expansion and for the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant Business After Hours networking event. A joint venture between Jeff’s atWork Office Furniture, Salt and Pepper Kitchen and Appliances, B&L, and Great Floors, this new Design Centre features everything to furnish or remodel a home or office under one roof. Visitors were shuttled from the parking lot in busses to an extravagant red carpet leading into the building; welcomed by staff in red. Inside, everyone was treated to a live kitchen experience with chefs preparing food, on site, for all to see. Light hors d’oeuvres were served throughout the evening, along with several open bars, a chocolate table including scoops to fill takeaway bags, and three separate bands, entertaining in each section of the new facility.

The event was an incredible success beating out all expectations. Owners Jeff Bouck, Chad Simpson, and Robb Bouck, proudly donated $1000.00 to the Children’s Safety Village of Brant and thanked everyone for attending the celebration of their new Design Centre; the realization of a dream, years in the making.

Make sure to Be Seen at the new Design Centre.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall

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Behind the Scene – Health & Wellness Expo

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Behind the Scene: Health & Wellness Expo 
 On March 6th 2016 at the Woodman Park Community Centre in Brantford,Twin Flames Design launched their first ever Health & Wellness Expo.

The goal of this event was to promote the importance of living healthy and balanced lives by introducing our community to the diverse network of alternative health practitioners, psychic readers and health related product vendors available locally.

There was also guest speakers along with complimentary yoga and zumba classes. The show was well received by the community with over 500 guests in attendance. Andrea and Eli are planning another Health & Wellness Expo in early fall this year.

Photography by: Belinda Bee J. Stap-Clements

To see mroe of her work please visit Belinda J. Clements Photography

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The Crawford Collective – First Anniversary

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The Crawford Collective – First Anniversary

Nearly one hundred people came and went the evening of March 4th for the first anniversary of The Crawford Collective. Located at 4 King Street, inDowntown Brantford, this home of 16 local artists celebrates the first Friday of every month with an event dubbed “First Friday”. Guests are welcomed into the gallery to meet and greet with artists, admire, and hopefully purchase, new pieces displayed.

This “First Friday” Honourable MPP Dave Levac was in attendance to present a scroll honouring the anniversary of The Crawford Collective and to partake in a special announcement. He proudly exclaimed that from now on October 23rd would be declared ‘Lawren Harris Day”. A celebration of the arts and its impact on the City of Brantford. He stood by the statement that all three levels of government: municipal, provincial and federal; would be working together to promote arts and culture in Brantford and striving to make this an officially celebrated day.

“All humanity has to celebrate and embrace the arts, because it does not make us whole people when we remove it. You can not be a whole person without exposure to the arts.”

MPP Dave Levac

Guests who attended were treated to incredible conversations about art and various other topics, light appetizers, as well as featuring the musical stylings of artists Kay’la Fraser and Previs Davidson, and Metronōm. The event ran well into the evening before the festivities ended and guests headed out to celebrate “First Friday” in our beautiful downtown.

Make sure to Be Seen at The Crawford Collective, you never know what piece will speak to you.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall
Photography by: Dean Ellis
To see more of Dean’s work please visit:https://www.facebook.com/DellisartPhotographix/?fref=ts

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Twiztid Bring Their Brand Of Horrorcore To Brantford

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Twiztid Bring Their Brand Of Horrorcore To Brantford

Detroit hip-hop duo Twiztid are about to invade Brantford, as they kick off their Canadian tour at Club NV on Friday, March 25th, 2016. The group, which consists of rappers Jamie Madrox and Monoxide, are a theatrical rap group that incorporates elements of horror and rock with their motor mouthed raps. Twiztid has toured all over the world and even collaborated with Canadian hip-hop legends Swollen Members, but are coming back to the Telephone City for the second time.

Twiztid just released their new album “The Darkness”, through their own label Magik Ninja Entertainment, and BScene caught up with the group to talk about their performance in town and what fans can expect.

BScene: This is your second time playing Brantford, Ontario. What did you think of the city and what brings you back for another show?

Monoxide: Well, the first time we played Brantford was because we wanted to play anywhere that would have us. The second time is because we’re looking for Wayne Gretzky and what better way to find him then start snooping around his old stomping grounds. We have prepared an amazing gift basket in case we run into him. Summer sausage, weird cheeses, and I think a pack of ink pens were some of the things included in said basket.

Madrox: Much like any other city we get to play, we never really get a chance to see any sights so to speak, or get to partake in local goings-on. That said, we promised the #FAM that came out to see us before, that we would be back again and we keep our word; and we in fact are coming back!

BScene: The show at Club NV in Brantford is part of “The Juggalo Invasion Tour”. Give us some insight as to what a Juggalo is and the acts that will be performing with you on this tour. Why did you choose them?

Monoxide: A Juggalo is all about individuality and the shunnings that go with it. What I mean by that is, just because we’re not considered the norm, we are judged and ridiculed without others finding what’s really at our core. Its become a brother and sisterhood that is rivaled by none. The line-up for “The Juggalo Invasion Tour” consists of some of the best examples of what this movement symbolizes. There’s different acts for different cities. It’s the first time in Canada for some of these guys and we’re glad we could get them over here. 

Madrox: To us, being a Juggalo is about embracing your individuality, and really not caring about conforming or changing who or what you are to fit in with a certain group or faction. In our #FAM we accept everyone no matter your race, sex, nationality, colour, or creed. Ya dig? As far as the acts that will be joining us on the “The Juggalo Invasion Tour” there’s Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Lex The Hex Master, and Boondox. We’re happy to bring them along with us on any tours; this one included, as they’re all just like family to us. A very important factor about touring is being able to get along well with each other. So yes, I believe we chose wisely.

BScene: You’ve toured Canada a few times now, how do American and Canadian audiences differ?

Monoxide: When it comes to “the family”, there really is no difference. The pits are still crazy, they know every word, know how to have a good time wherever we are, and you can’t ask for much more than that as an artist. I will say the set times are immensely different in Canada as opposed to here in the States. In the States, if we go on after 11 pm we consider that a late show, but in Canada we don’t go on until 1 or 2 in the am, so that’s a big difference.

Madrox: Right off the top of my head, there is only one noticeable difference. The shows are considerably later time-wise. For example: we will play a Friday in America at like 11pm, whereas in Canada we will go on stage on a Friday at like 2am, lol. The #FAM has the same energy, chantin’, screamin’, jumpin’, moshin’ and whatnot, no matter where we are. That’s just how the #FAM do and we love them for it!

Bscene: What can fans expect when they see Twiztid’s live show?

Monoxide: If you have never seen us then you will be privy to the greatest thing you’ve never heard of. If you’ve seen us before than get ready! 

Madrox: The #FAM and newcomers alike can expect to see me and my brother Monoxide give 110% when we perform live! We don’t phone sh*t in, we’re not the lame, just-standing-there-with-a-microphone, run-of-the-mill rap guys. That’s just not us! We bring the wicked sh*t and we leave it all on stage for the ones who have come out to rep with us.

BScene: What’s the biggest misconception about Twiztid?

Monoxide: That we’re evil.

Madrox: Ummm… we are space aliens from another dimension that only wear make up to cover the fact that we are not human; that and we are pagans that worship demons and drink blood. NOT TRUE. .ALL OF IT, NOT TRUE; except for the drinking blood part. Yeah… we drink blood! 


Submitted By Tyler Mitchell

Twiztid_Canadian_Admat

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Behind the Scene: Performing Arts Roundtable

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Behind the Scene: Performing Arts Roundtable

The lobby of the Sanderson Centre was full of discussion and ideas, as members of local theatrical, choral, and instrumental groups came together Wednesday, March 2nd. The meeting was called to discuss the possibility of a new mid-sized performance venue in the City of Brantford

This meeting was one of the first steps in identifying a need for a new or restored site in our community. The role of the task force is to research the need for a 200-400 seat venue, as well as researching possible locations and various service models. A report would then be delivered to Brantford City Council.

With the arts community assembled, the task force began a break out session to discuss needs, current issues, and ideas on how to move forward. Many people in the room felt that culture is the backbone of any community and that by working together in an endeavor such as this, the local arts community could create better cultural enrichment for our city.

Having a mid-sized cultural venue would also be helpful to other segments of the community, such as: hosting business speakers/seminars, increasing local tourism, and enabling groups to share space and costs. Many people felt that it was encouraging to see the amount of connection and collaboration in the room.

The next steps for the task force will be to collect and compile all the information gathered from the meeting and analyse the results. They will also start to look at different service models and case reports, then report back to council with all the findings in June. The group is still looking to hear feedback and welcome further discussion and generation of ideas.

For more information, please contact Sara Munroe, Arts & Culture Coordinator for the City of Brantford: smunroe@brantford.ca or 519-751-9900 x5048.

Make sure to Be Seen supporting our local arts and cultural groups!

Submitted by: Jason Freeze
Photography by: Joshua Wall

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YAMATO the drummers of Japan at the Sanderson Centre February 29th and March 1st 2016.

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YAMATO the drummers of Japan at the Sanderson Centre February 29th and March 1st 2016.

I have spent Monday and Tuesday this week at the Sanderson Centre listening to 倭 -Yamato The drummers of Japan. My ears are ringing and my internal organs at one point were probably well on their way to turning into a gelatin like substance, but I just had to be there. One patron was heard to say that the drums were a visceral massage; the beat just went right through you.

I am an artist and photographer in my day to day life, but I’m also a percussionist as well. Listening to these men and women from Japan is something that I couldn’t resist and I’ve been looking forward to this event since the Sanderson announced the show a few months ago. I’ve been in love with this style of Japanese percussion since I first heard it way back in the 70s and will listen to it wherever I can.

The audience was small for both performances but everyone was enthusiastic and appreciative at each show. The performers are trying to bring the traditional Taiko drumming into the 21st century and they are succeeding admirably in my opinion. The performers as individuals engaged everyone through various comedic antics and expressions. The Monday night show was a little more sedate, with the audience being a more mature one (the older crowd), but the performers still managed to get people up on their feet with hands clapping and voices raised. The Tuesday matinee bunch however was something else again; here the majority of the audience was of a much younger age, most from various schools in the area including W. Ross Macdonald School. This audience really got into the whole performance from start to finish and the performers loved it. The enthusiasm was extraordinary by the end of the performance, and when the children were invited onstage to “play” the drums the enthusiasm went through the roof. Even the students unable to make it on stage were able to play because drums were brought to them.

Although the performances were more than I expected, it was something that I’ll never forget, I think the highlight for me was watching the children walking up to drums that outweighed them 10 to 1, picking up drumsticks that were almost as long as they were tall, and start with that first tentative tap on the skin of the drum.

Thanks to the Sanderson for hosting these performances. There are a lot of people who aren’t going to forget what they experienced listening to the drummers of Japan.

Submitted by: Dean Ellis

To see more of his work please visit: DellisartPhotographix

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Sandra on Scene: Whimsical Players presents Beauty and the Beast: A Success!

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Sandra on Scene: Whimsical Players presents Beauty and the Beast: A Success!

The new Whimsical Players drama troupe’s debut onto Brantford’s theatre scene with its production of Vera Morris’ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was a resounding success.

Beauty and the Beast, with its cast of 20 ranging in age from 8 to 60 plus, from Paris, Brantford and beyond, drew full audiences and hailed standing ovations.

“You guys worked really hard and I’m really proud of you and thank you for being part of this,” the show’s director Meghan Graham told the cast after the three-show weekend. “Thanks to you we got our name out there and everyone knows the quality of show we can put on.”

The production took over the TB Costain/SC Johnson Community Centre at the corner of Grand River and Morrell Streets, February 26th through the 28th and drew approximately 250 people for the entire weekend. Despite illness plaguing the actors, one even had to have a stand in on Saturday night, the months of hard work paid off.

The Vera Morris version, differs from Disney’s rendition, in that Beauty lives on a small farm with her widowed mother, two older married sisters and two brothers-in-law and the family dog Brutus. It is the mother played by Sandra L. Anderson that gets lost in a bewitched forest, chased by a talking wolf (Garry Graham) and happens upon the castle of the Beast (Keith Chambers) with its animated household goods including a walking talking clock, chair, masterpiece painting and magic looking glass. The mother takes a rose from the Beast, is condemned to be a prisoner and when she returns home to say goodbye having become very ill from the journey, Beauty (Jessica Crowley) insists on taking her place. She and the Beast then discover what love can truly do. We see more of the selfish prince and his life before he is turned into a Beast as well, played by Zach Miller.

A highlight of the show is a fight scene with swords and some acrobatics by the skilled Keith Chambers and Ralph Tutin. A disclaimer was announced at the beginning of each show warning the people in the front row to stay put while the “professionals” do their thing.

The audience all left with smiles on their faces and offered high praise for the show.
Beauty and the Beast made a profit for the non-profit community theatre group, which will allow Whimsical Players to bring more quality family entertainment to Brantford.

Make sure to Be Seen at the next show performed by Whimsical Players!

Submitted by: Sandra L. Anderson
Photography by: Heather Cardle
To see more of her work, please visit: Heather Cardle Photographer

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Brantford Fitness Centre Celebrates their 3rd year!

B Scene Magazine AdBrantford Fitness Centre Celebrates their 3rd year!

https://www.facebook.com/brantfordfitnesscentre

www.brantfordfitnesscentre.com

The Brantford Fitness Centre enters its 3rd year and they have been very pleased with the community’s response, the past year they have seen membership double and for good reason. BFC has gained a reputation as a friendly local fitness club where members needs come first. BFC understands that the people of Brantford want a reliable and affordable gym, through their continuous upgrades in equipment that statement holds true.

One of the major positives of the company is that their memberships do not include any hidden costs, no ‘enrollment’ fees, and no initiation fees. Their membership process is very quick and the staff is honest and straight forward with the customer. People of Brantford love to have options and BFC certainly has that covered, the gym offers many types of memberships which range from 1 year to 1 month. Their fully equipped studio room for fitness classes and individual use has been a focal point for numerous success stories for member’s fitness levels. Also, not to mention their professionally built obstacle course that is great for team training and business outings.   

Brantford Fitness Centre takes pride in supporting local sports teams and businesses as well. They offer numerous corporate discounts for group business plans along with Brantford Police, Fire, Hospital workers and Teachers. BFC continues to keep their focus on their members and partner with local businesses as this is a vital part of creating a growing successful community.

Be sure to pick up your FREE 1 Week Trail pass and give this outstanding gym a try!

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