Touch Base With Tom

January 19th - "A House Divided: Stories and Songs of the American Civil War"

2012-01-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

Just a heads up about my performance (with Gail Anglin, Daniel Kletke and banjo virtuoso Paul Hornbeck) of "Stories and Songs of the American Civil War" on Thursday, January 19th, at the NAC 4th Stage in Ottawa.

The American Civil War is one of the most talked about conflicts in modern history. With slavery, nationalism, and changing economics at its core, this war saw brother fighting brother. We’ll be presenting stories from both perspectives - North and South - framed with the stirring songs that were sung by soldiers and those who waited for them back home.

For detailed information, see the OFME listing here (scroll down a bit when you get to the page).

General admission tickets are $20, and are available from Ticketmaster (service charges apply), either online, or by calling 613-755-1111. Or you can get them from the NAC Box Office in person (with NO service charges).

Tom in the 9th Annual Christmas GOOSE concert, December 9, 2011

2011-12-02T23:27:00.001-05:00

I'm delighted to be performing next Friday at the 9th Annual Christmas Goose concert, a holiday tradition with the NAC 4th Stage chock full of Ottawa-area singers and songwriters performing their own songs of the season. This is my third or fourth time and it's always a treat. AND, the proceeds go to the Ottawa Food Bank. What's not to like? Here's the official blurb:

Get your tickets today for this amazing, fun and seasonal concert featuring holiday favourites sung by local songwriters.Featuring songs and performances by:
Finest Kind
Tom Lips
Pat Moore
Chris MacLean
Mary Moore & Marylise Chauvette
Arthur McGregor
John Hanson
Chris White
Back-up band: Ann Downey and Pat McLaughlin

The show begins at 7:30 p.m., but doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre – Fourth stage
Tickets: $18 – tickets can be purchased from the NAC, Ticketmaster, The Ottawa Folklore Centre or at www.patmoore.netAll proceeds benefit the Ottawa Food Bank

October 15, 2011 : For the Love of Pete: Stories and Songs from the Life of Pete Seeger

2011-10-11T14:18:00.003-04:00

Ottawa StoryTellers presents:

For the Love of Pete: Stories and Songs from the Life of Pete Seeger
Featuring Gail Anglin, Tom Lips, and Mary Gick

October 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m., Shenkman Arts Centre, OYP Studio,
245 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans. Admission: $15.00 at the door (cash only).

Stories and songs combine as we explore the life and times of a man who was at the forefront of the folk music revival! This program focuses on an extraordinary performer who changed minds and hearts with his musical talent and dedication to building a better world.

We’ll travel through time to touch upon the key events that inspired some of the best known songs of the folk revival. From the early struggles of the trade unions to the Civil Rights Movement, from the House Un-American Activities Committee to the early efforts of environmentalism, Pete Seeger was at the forefront of the events that formed a generation.

Storytellers and musicians Gail Anglin, Mary Gick, and Tom Lips share stories of these pivotal moments in history and show how activism inspired song, and song inspired activism. We’ll raise our voices and feel the passion of the times through songs like "If I Had a Hammer," "We Shall Overcome," and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone."

Performers:

Gail Anglin
Gail has been telling all sorts of stories to all sorts of audiences in the U.S. and Canada for many years. She is proud to have been among the vanguard troupe of tellers that has made Ottawa one of the most energetic and exciting centres of storytelling in Canada. A musician as well as a storyteller, Gail often incorporates music into her performances. She was a founding member of the Ottawa StoryTellers organization, currently serves as a Board member, and continues to direct the Spirits of the Times shows that she initiated for OST at the Billings Estate Museum. Gail grew up in New York State, protested against the Viet Nam War and racism in the U.S., sang folk music in the 60s, canoed wild rivers, and told stories to kids. She knows where Pete Seeger is coming from because she’s been there.

Mary Gick

Originally from Montreal, Mary began playing clawhammer banjo in 1976 when she was a psychology graduate student in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hanging around the Ark Coffeehouse and playing string band music with friends. These days, Mary is a psychology professor at Carleton University, still plays banjo and occasionally performs with friends and appears on their recordings. Her banjo playing can be heard on Jennifer Noxon’s 2002 recording “Sweet” (Nothing More, for which she wrote the music); Michael Jerome Browne’s 2004 release, “Michael Jerome Browne and the Twin Rivers String Band”; Chris White’s 2005 CD, “Inner Voice”; Frank Cassidy and James Stephens’ 2006 CD, “Thomas D’Arcy McGee”; Russell Levia’s 2007 country CD “The Wayward Wind” and 2009 children’s recording “Morningtown Ride”; and on the third Thursday of each month, at an American old-time music session held upstairs at The Carleton Tavern. Mary taught clawhammer banjo at the Ottawa Folklore Centre from 2003-2007.

Tom Lips

Tom is a gifted singer and songwriter as well as a creative and dynamic teller of traditional and original stories. Described by Christine Lavin as “a masterful singing storyteller,” Tom writes in an eclectic mix of styles. His songs have been described as “poignant outpourings of emotion”, but his wry sense of humour is never far away. His CDs, “Made of Sky” and “Practical Man” have won many friends. Tom has been an active storyteller for two decades, with numerous performances in the “Stories from the Ages” epic series and the Fourth Stage storytelling series, as well as appearances at Ottawa museums and the storytelling festivals of Ottawa, Toronto, North Bay, and Westport. Visit Tom’s website at www.tomlips.ca.

Tom at Orléans Festival, Friday June 3rd, 1:00 pm

2011-05-21T22:44:00.002-04:00

Those of you who can manage a Friday afternoon off are invited to come and hear my concert at the Orleans Festival on Friday June 3, beginning at 1:00 p.m., in the Orléans Star-l'Expresse Music Studio of the Schenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Boulevard, Orléans (Ottawa). I'll be joined by a wonderful pianist, accordionist and singer, Alex Vlamis, whose work can be heard on my second CD, "Practical Man." I'm really delighted to have this chance to perform with Alex again, and looking forward to sharing a range of original songs, old and new. We'll probably divide our 90-minute time slot into two sets with a short break.

P.S. For any of you who think Orleans is far away, according to Google Maps it's a 22 minute drive from Parliament Hill (and of course the middle of the day is the best time to go!) Hope to see you there.

For more information about the Festival, see http://www.shenkmanarts.ca/events_evenements/details/june_juin/orleans_en.html

Beyond the Bounds: Outlaws and Vagabonds, Feb. 17

2011-02-16T11:30:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the late notice! I'll be sharing the stage with Katherine Grier and Phil Nagy this Thursday evening, February 17th, presenting stories and songs about outlaws and vagabonds at the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

"From the Wild West to the forests of Britain, outlaws have always been a subject of fascination. We condemn their crimes and sing out their virtues, we turn them over to the law and hide them in our cellars. We can`t seem to decide if they`re villains or heroes. Tonight, you can decide for yourself as we share stories and songs about the outlaws that have captured our imaginations."

Visit Ottawa Storytellers for more details. Tickets available through Ticketmaster (extra charge applies) or at the NAC Box Office ($20.00 general admission, $12.00 students and seniors).

Oct 2, 2010: Tom inaugurates SLOWest Coffeehouse series at Bridgehead

2010-09-26T19:44:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, October 2nd, 7:00-9:00 p.m. I will be the inaugural performer in a new monthly series of coffeehouse events called the "SLOWest Coffee House @ Bridgehead." This event is organized by Sustainable Living Ottawa West ("SLOWest") in collaboration with our neighbourhood Bridgehead coffeeshop at 1277 Wellington St., Ottawa (the one just west of Holland Avenue). This will be a casual, acoustic event (no sound system), and admission will be "pay what you can."

SLOWest is a new voluntary organization that describes itself as "A network in the west end of Ottawa discovering ways to live in an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling way." SLOWest is exploring ways that the community can respond creatively to issues like climate change and "peak oil"; among other things, that means building a sense of neighbourhood and community, and promoting local, low-carbon approaches to daily living. This includes promoting a local arts scene on a human scale.

In a modest way, we’re hoping that the launch of SLOWest’s Bridgehead coffeehouse series (first Saturday of every month) will help our local community rediscover and reinvent the tradition of the coffeehouse as a place of community and connection, and a fertile ground for interesting conversations that matter. The idea is to have a regular, predictable time and place for community members to come together in a relaxed way, be entertained with some music, stories or poetry, and enter into conversations about the things that matter to them. If you like the idea, come out and be part of it! I hope to see you on October 2nd.

House Concert Friday July 9th

2010-06-20T21:31:00.001-04:00

Just a note to let you know that Californian singer-songwriter Jeff Gray will be joining me for a house concert here in Ottawa on the evening of Friday July 9th. We'll be ready for people to arrive at 7:30, and the music will start at 8:00. Jeff and I will spend an acoustic evening swapping songs in a variety of styles and moods.

Admission will be $15.00, and because we can accommodate no more than 30 people, it will be important to reserve a spot (and get directions) by e-mailing Linnéa in advance (linneasr@gmail.com). Hope to see you on the 9th!

Tom Lips www.tomlips.ca

Two Gigs in May 2010

2010-05-02T21:38:00.003-04:00

Dear Matrons and Patrons of the Arts,

After a long silence, I am writing to you again to let you know about two upcoming performances in May: a shared concert at the Elmdale House Tavern (May 16) and a storytelling and music performance at the National Arts Centre 4th Stage, focused on the life and music of folk icon Pete Seeger (May 19-20). I hope to see you at both of these very different events!

1) May 16 at the Elmdale

First, on Sunday, May 16, I will be joining two other singer-songwriters for an evening of original songs at the Elmdale House Tavern in Ottawa. Rob Heath from Edmonton is known his for heartfelt songs full of rich melodies and lyrics. In 2009 Rob was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award for English Songwriter of the Year. Check out Rob's audio and video clips at www.robheath.com.

Tony Turner, noted for his "life-affirming songs delivered in a wonderful, rich baritone voice," is a pivotal figure on the Ottawa songwriting scene, as the guiding spirit of Ottawa's annual Songalong and a veteran of Writer's Bloc. Tony will be will be singing melodic stories of history, landscapes and ordinary working folks. See www.tonyturner.ca.

I am really looking forward to swapping songs with these two talented guys.
Here are the details:
Sunday May 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the Elmdale House Tavern, 1084 Wellington Street West.
Showtime is 7:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and available at the Elmdale and the Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St.

Please note: The Elmdale is unmistakably a tavern. But on concert nights it transforms into a quiet listening room.

This show is part of a series of concerts and other events presented by the Spirit of Rasputin's (www.rasputins.ca) in cooperation with the Elmdale House Tavern.

2) May 19-20 at the Fourth Stage: Ottawa StoryTellers present “For the Love of Pete”

Folk legend Pete Seeger turns 91 this month! What better time to recall and celebrate his life and music? Join Tom Lips, Gail Anglin and Mary Gick for an evening of stories and songs from the life of Pete Seeger, iconic folk musician, First Amendment hero, radical, survivor of the blacklist, songleader to several generations, and popularizer of countless enduring folk songs. For more information see: http://www.ottawafestivals.ca/news/ottawa-storytellers-presents-for-the-love-of-pete-stories-and-songs-from-the-life-of-pete-seeger/

Here are the ticket details: Ottawa StoryTellers present “For the Love of Pete,” NAC 4th STAGE, 7:30 p.m., May 19 & 20. Tickets: $15, $12 seniors & students, available at the NAC Box Office or from ticketmaster.ca (613)755-1111); see http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/whatson/results.cfm?EventID=6056

Thanks for your ongoing support!

A Man Must Wear A Tie

2010-01-12T22:49:00.003-05:00

Joel Polowin kindly pointed out to me this choral performance of my song, "A Man Must Wear A Tie" (from Made of Sky), recently posted on Youtube. These delightful tie-wearing gentlemen make it their own. I seem to recall giving them permission, but I can't remember who or where they are. Does anyone know? Anyhow, thanks, friends, I was honoured and amused!

Open Letter of Thanks to the folks who created "An Evening Without Tom Lips"

2009-02-08T19:53:00.002-05:00

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

Dear Friends and Creators of “An Evening Without Tom Lips”

(Alex Vlamis, Anne Hurley, Chris MacLean, Danny Artuso,
David Keeble, Eleanor Crowder, Gail Anglin, James Stephens,
Jane Keeler, Joel Leblanc, Karen Lahaise,
Linnea Rowlatt, Neville Miller, and Shelley Posen.)

What a difference a week can make!  Last Sunday I was
discouraged, depressed, deeply disappointed, and anxious
about the financial and artistic impacts of abandoning my
long-planned concert at the NAC 4th Stage.  Today, thanks
to all of you, I feel not just relieved, but delighted, satisfied,
and proud to have been associated with you in this endeavour.
I can honestly say that the sadness I felt at the prospect of
not performing as planned has completely evaporated.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!  

I had a wonderful evening; Achillea Endeavours was rescued
from a big invoice and raised some funds for Riverglen Farm;
the audience was thoroughly entertained; and my clear
impression is that, despite all the challenges that you had to
overcome in a very short space of time, you all enjoyed yourselves
and each other.  Kudos to you!

As Shelley joked, it was (in a nice way) a bit like attending
my own funeral  – in the sense that, ghostlike, I could watch
and listen but could not speak.  Meanwhile people were saying
all kinds of nice things about me, there was music and 
conversation, and things were getting done very well without
me calling the shots. What resulted was a very salubrious blend
of feeling appreciated and realizing that it was all right for me
to let go for a while. It was what I needed just then.

I enjoyed every song, and I really value the distinctive life and
energy that new performers brought to each.  It is gratifying
to know that these songs can have a life of their own, and are
not irrevocably chained to my own (currently dysfunctional)
vocal cords.  You made the songs new for me; I heard them afresh.

What can I say about the band? I always knew that James
and Danny and Alex were fantastic musicians and wonderful
people to work with; but this time they really proved their
mettle, adjusting gracefully to key changes, new arrangements,
and the various curve balls that a multi-performer gig organized
in a very short period of time will inevitably throw. Thanks, guys.
You are the best.

Finally, thanks to David Keeble and to my dear wife
Linnéa Rowlatt, who on top of learning and performing several
songs, bore the brunt of organizing the rehearsal and the sound
check, recreating the set list and most everything else that
needed doing.  Many, many thanks for the energy, thought and
heart you put into this event.
 
If I had to lose my voice to better appreciate what sheer
generosity and creativity there is in all of you, it was worth it.
(Of course, now that I appreciate it, I’m ready to have my
voice back any time... Are you listening, God?)

Sending you silent thanks and all good wishes,

Tom

P.S.  Have a look at these great photos of the evening,
taken by Jake Morrison: 
http://www.withflare.org/Images/AnEveningWithoutTomLips.html


Tom Lips 
www.tomlips.ca

"Plan B" Emerges for Tom's February 7th Benefit Concert

2009-02-01T19:21:00.006-05:00

What a month it has been! In mid-January I was struck down by a very tenacious virus that left me with no voice at all. Despite maintaining silence, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking every available remedy, by Monday of this week it became clear that my voice would not recover in time to do any singing on February 7th.

There seemed to be no option but to cancel the concert, write off the several hundred dollars paid for the venue, and literally "suffer in silence." However, when word of my plight got out, a number of my generous and talented musical friends came through to save the day! The concert on February 7th will now be showcasing my songs, as interpreted by a variety of performers from the Ottawa area. It's too early to give you the lineup, but you can be sure it will be a fun evening, and if you are familiar with my music, I think you'll find it intriguing to hear how other artists bring the songs to life in their own way.

I invite and encourage you to come and hear a bunch of great folks do my music on February 7th!

Yours hoarsely,

Tom Lips

www.tomlips.ca

Tom in Concert February 7th, NAC 4th Stage

2009-01-10T20:48:00.005-05:00

It has been far too long since I presented a whole evening of my music with a live band. Well, dear Matrons and Patrons of the Arts, grab your pencils and circle Saturday February 7th! I'm excited to confirm that I will be monopolizing the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre (53 Elgin Street, Ottawa) on that evening, backed up by an incredibly gifted combo consisting of James Stephens (fiddle, guitar, bass), Danny Artuso (acoustic, electric and pedal steel guitars), and Alex Vlamis (piano, accordion). All three will pitch in on vocals as required. Those of you who were fortunate enough to hear this trio at the launch of my CD "Practical Man" a few years back will appreciate how delighted I am to have them on board once again.

Tickets are available from the NAC Box office for $18.00 or through Ticketmaster (an additional charge applies). Net proceeds of this concert will benefit Achillea Endeavours (a registered charity) in its support of Riverglen Biodynamic Farm.

Doors will open at 7:30 on Saturday, February 7th; the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

December 6th CHRISTMAS GOOSE Concert!

2008-11-30T21:22:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,
For the past few years GOOSE (I think it stands for "Gaggle Of Ottawa Songwriters Extraordinaire") has organized a fun concert of original "seasonal music" created by the members, with part of the proceeds going to the Ottawa Food Bank. This year I am honoured to be one of the performers. See below for a full description. For my part, I'll be doing two songs never before performed in public. Assisting me will be the vastly talented Alex Vlamis on the grand piano.

Hope to see you at the NAC 4th Stage at 7:30 on Saturday, December 6th!

CHRISTMAS GOOSE IS BACK!

6^th Annual: Local Songwriters’ Christmas Concert Supports

the Ottawa Food Bank

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

NAC 4TH STAGE

The time of year has come again, when local singer-songwriters bring the festive spirit to the NAC Fourth Stage in the form of the 6^th Annual Christmas GOOSE concert. GOOSE is proud to share the proceeds of the concert and CD sales with The Ottawa Food Bank. “At last year’s performance I was approached by a teenager there with his mom, who told me the Christmas GOOSE concert has become a tradition for him!” says Pat Moore, organizer and one of the founding members of GOOSE, a not for profit collective for local songwriters. Each year the concert brings back some performers from previous years, as well as injecting some new songs and voices to the show. The audience will be treated to songs from either of the 2 GOOSE Christmas CDs, some new songs, and some traditional – including a few carols to sing along to.

Kick-start the holiday season by coming to the 6^th Annual Christmas GOOSE concert, Saturday, December 6^th, 2008, at the NAC Fourth Stage. Returning to the Christmas GOOSE stage this year are favourites Lynne Hanson, Pat Moore, Tom Lips, Jennifer Noxon (of Frida’s Brow), and Kate & Hollis. We’re also really excited to include for the first time, Sally Robinson (of The Toasted Westerns and The Herb Girls), Jean-Marc Lalonde (of Deux Saisons and Pardon My French), and Healy & Juravich – this show promises to be just the right introduction to your Christmas or other seasonal celebration! Come enjoy this great evening, as local singer-songwriters bring you a mix of original and traditional seasonal songs.

The concert is presented by GOOSE (a cooperative supporting the efforts of local songwriters), Nutshell Music & Event Management, CKCU, and the Ottawa Food Bank.

Tickets are $18, and are available at the NAC Box Office / TicketMaster (surcharge applies), and the Ottawa Folklore Centre (

OFC Music).

Also available at the concert and retail outlets will be “Christmas GOOSE” and “The Christmas Platter”, two CDs making a wonderful collection of original Christmas songs. The songs come in a variety of styles - jazz, funky, folk, and traditional - and have received considerable airplay. At $15 and $20 respectively (of which $5 will go to the Ottawa Food Bank over the holiday season), each CD makes a unique and affordable gift that shows off our home town and supports those in need, all in one enjoyable, affordable, and easy-to-ship package!

Contact
For further information, interviews or CD promo copies, contact GOOSE through
Pat Moore, at patmoore@patmoore.net or 613-794-6301.

Upcoming gigs, updated order form

2008-10-19T19:56:00.002-04:00

Whew! It's been way too long since I posted an entry. Summer and early fall have been incredibly busy, but not with performances. We have pulled up stakes, turned the farm over to an energetic young guy named David, and moved into town! Renovations on the house are nearing completion, but singing and storytelling have had to take a back seat for a while. However, there are some gigs on the horizon and there may be more soon. For now, please mark the following dates on your calendar if you'd like to catch me live in Ottawa:

On December 6th, 2008 I will be joining a gaggle of talented Ottawa songwriters performing original seasonal music at the annual Christmas Goose concert, at the National Arts Centre's 4th stage. I will be performing two previously unperformed Christmas tunes.

February 7th, 2009 is a red-letter day: a whole evening I can devote to my own songs, also at the NAC 4th stage. (Well, I might throw in a story or two also...) More about that later...

Finally, on February 19th, 2009 I will be joining storytellers Marva Blackmore and Kathie Kompass for "Lost Luggage, Found Stories: The Lighter Side of Travel". This is also at the NAC 4th Stage; it's a wonderful, intimate venue, and I'm delighted to be spending more time there.

More about each of these shows as they draw nearer. Meanwhile, if you are using my online order form to order CDs, you may notice the change of address and a miniscule increase in the cost of some items in order to offset the rising price of postage. Thanks for your patience!

Tom

Sunday May 4th - "Oddities" and Tom sing in Perth

2008-05-02T23:10:00.002-04:00

‘Oddities’ hosts Tom Lips at their year-end concert

Oddities is proud to present Tom Lips on Sunday, May 4th at 7pm, in the Sanctuary of St.Paul’s United Church (25 Gore Street West, Perth, Ontario). The choir will perform alone and with Tom, who will then sing a set of his own.
Tickets are $12.00 or $30 for a family and may be purchased at Shadowfax (4 Gore Street East, Perth), from choir members or by calling 613-264-0242

Oddities, a community choir led by Nicola Oddy and Jack Hurd will perform during the opening set where you’ll hear an eclectic selection of folk, spirituals, and jazz accompanied by the ‘Oddities’ band led by Ed Ashton.

Mabinogion on Thursday, April 10th

2008-04-05T18:47:00.002-04:00

The 2008 "Stories from the Ages" series organized by the Ottawa Storytellers kicks off next Thursday with three Branches of the Mabinogion -- three epic stories of magic and transformation, with roots a thousand years deep in the soil of Wales. This will be the storytellers' first appearance at the brand new Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre (the new home of the Great Canadian Theatre Company).

The Mabinogion: Welsh stories of love, loss and adventure
Featuring storytellers
Jan Andrews,
Tom Lips &
Ruthanne Edward
7:30 p.m., Thursday April 10th, 2008
IRVING GREENBERG THEATRE CENTRE
1233 Wellington West (at Holland Avenue)
$15, Seniors & Students $12

For information contact: 613-322-8336 or info@ottawastorytellers.ca

March 26: Stories at the Guelph Civic Museum

2008-04-04T19:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Sorry for not getting this event onto the blog before it actually happened. Just for the record, the Guelph Civic Museum and the Guelph Guild of Storytellers showed me great hospitality and a good time was had by all. I did two daytime sessions for schools (grades 1-3 and grades 3-5), sharing the stage with Puppets Elora, a great group of puppeteers. In the evening I joined several Guelph storytellers and visiting teller Mary McCullum Baldasaro for an evening of stories for adults. Here's the promotional blurb:

Evening of storytelling with Tom Lips and Mary McCullum Baldasaro

Guelph Civic Museum and the Guelph Guild of Storytellers present an evening of storytelling on Wednesday, March 26 featuring Tom Lips of Ottawa and Mary McCullum Baldasaro of Kitchener. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. and adults will enjoy stories that will entertain, engage and perhaps even challenge their imaginations. This is the 4th annual By Word of Mouth event.

Tom Lips is a creative, dynamic teller of traditional and original tales, and a gifted singer-songwriter with three recordings. Since 1992 he has shared stories of high adventure, laughter and the supernatural at such venues as the Ottawa, Toronto, Westport and North Bay Storytelling Festivals, the Governor-General's Residence, the National Arts Centre 4th Stage, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and Ottawa's "Stories from the Ages" series.

Mary McCullum Baldasaro credits her teachers, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny, for introducing her to her first love, stories, and to the magical power of words to touch the heart. Currently a teacher of French as a Second Language, she also expresses story as a singer, an actor, and as a playwright. Her repertoire ranges from the traditional to her own original work, under the working title, 'Through Eyes of Green'. She has performed at the Latitudes Festival in Kitchener, and at the Toronto Storytelling Festival with other members of the Baden Storytellers Guild.

This is an excellent opportunity to hear these two professional storytellers from out of town. The evening will also be an opportunity to learn more about the Guelph Guild of Storytellers as a few short stories will be told by members of our local Guild.
Tickets for the event are only $10 per person and are available now at Guelph Civic Museum. Refreshments will be served.

Funding for the feature tellers provided by Fresh Start! program.
Guelph Civic Museum is located at 6 Dublin St. S. Museum hours: daily 1-5 p.m. Regular admission: Adults- $4.00, Seniors, Students and Children - $3.00, Families $10.00. Joint admission with McCrae House is available. Please contact Guelph Museums at 836-1221 or visit our website: guelph.ca/museum.

"Caution: Men at Work" Sunday March 2, Rasputin's

2008-02-25T20:43:00.002-05:00

On Sunday March 2nd I will be joining well-known Ottawa Storyteller Gail Anglin, using traditional and original tunes and tales to explore explore the challenges of working men - building railroads in the American South with the legendary John Henry; seeking work as a farmer’s boy in pre-industrial England; struggling through a bitter strike at MacLaren's sawmill in Buckingham, Quebec; adjusting to the duties of kingship; and experiencing the angst of the modern commuter, daily torn from his love by OC Transpo.

The emotions in this hour-long show run from light to bittersweet, and (as the publicity blurb modestly asserts) "the harmonies of these two talented performers delight the ear and the spirit."

Where? Rasputin’s FOLK CAFÉ,
696 Bronson Avenue

When ? Sunday, March 2nd
Show starts at 7:00 p.m.
Cost? $8 (or pay what you can)

Tickets: Not necessary (but space is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended -- call 613-230-5102).

Wednesday October 31, 7:30 p.m.: "It was a Dark and Stormy Night": Halloween Tales for Adults

2007-10-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

For this one night of the year the otherworld is so close to ours that spirits can cross over at will… and there are ghostly tales to share! Curses, sorcerers, the walking dead, phantoms on the freeway: stories and songs that range from spine-chilling to hilarious. If you're too old for trick-or-treating, this is the perfect way to spend Halloween. Come to the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa for a special storytelling concert for adults, featuring some of the most popular tellers from this year's Ottawa Storytelling Festival: Elizabeth Ellis, Jacques Falquet and Tom Lips.

Tickets: $15.00 from Ticketmaster (extra service charge applies) or at the NAC Box Office.

(I understand that there are only about 25 seats left, so don't delay if you want to be there... --Tom)

P.S. This concert launches this year's Ottawa Storytelling Festival, and I will also be performing there on Saturday afternoon --something completely different!

April 20th: A Song for the Earth -- A concert of music and story in honour of International Earth Day

2007-03-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

St. Michael and All Angels Youth Group
in co-operation with
Just Voices of Ottawa
present
A Song for the Earth
A concert of music and story in honour of International Earth Day

Friday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
in
St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church
2112 BelAir Drive, Ottawa
(between Maitland and Woodroffe just south of the 417)

Featured Performers
Tom Lips
Ottawa Storyteller and Folk Musician
and
Just Voices
An energetic community choir that sings songs
on social and environmental activist themes

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Sierra Legal Defence Fund
and a portion will go to the Youth Group to help finance their Rome Project

Tickets are $9 per person, (children under 12 - free) available at the door or from members of Just Voices and St. Michael’s Youth Group or by phoning Bill McCauley (613) 523-2167

SUNDAY MARCH 4: Tales of India: "The King and the Corpse"

2007-03-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

This is a retroactive post: Because of technical problems (not to mention procrastination) the following notice did not make it up before the performance. For the record, here's what you missed!

From the “Stories from the Ages” Series at Rasputin’s in Ottawa:

SUNDAY MARCH 4: Tales of the East - "The King and the Corpse"
Tellers: Tom Lips and Gail Anglin.

"The King and the Corpse" is a classic frame story from ancient India, linking twenty-four supernatural and often humorous tales, each of which poses a challenging question. Gail and I will be doing a small but satisfying selection of these tales, together with the hair-raising frame story. Listen as King Trivikramasena struggles to fulfill his promise to retrieve a haunted, mischievous, storytelling corpse from the burning grounds...

STORIES FROM THE AGES AT RASPUTIN'S CAFÉ: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for food, drink and conversation, and the telling begins at 7:00 and goes till (around) 8:00. Admittance is free, but donations ($8.00 suggested) are invited. Reservations recommended (230-5102). Rasputin's is located at 696 Bronson Ave (1 block north of Carling). Further information: Jennifer Cayley at 256-0353, or visit www.ottawastorytellers.ca.

December 16 Christmas GOOSE Concert!

2006-12-12T17:14:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for seasonal music that has not been rendered threadbare by excessive repetition in shopping malls, do not miss the Christmas GOOSE concert this Saturday. You will be providing support and encouragement not only to the Ottawa Foodbank but to original songwriting in Ottawa.

Again this year I have the honour to be one of the performers featured in this fun event. I will be singing a couple of my own songs and also songs by my talented friend Anne Hurley. The Fourth Stage is a perfect venue for this charming concert. Please help to make it an ongoing tradition!

Here is the official blurb:

The Ottawa Folk Festival and GOOSE present Fourth Annual Christmas GOOSE on Saturday, December 16, starting at 8 p.m., (doors open at 7:30 p.m.), at the NAC Fourth Stage, (53 Elgin Street, Ottawa).

Like trimming the tree and wrapping gifts, Christmas GOOSE has become a favourite holiday tradition in Ottawa. Now in its fourth year, Christmas GOOSE features Ottawa songwriters performing original music for the festive season. The concert is organized by GOOSE, a co-operative that supports local songwriters; also, a portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to the Ottawa Food Bank.

This year’s line-up includes: Lynne Hanson; Maria Hawkins; Anne Hurley; Pat Moore; David Keeble; Tom Lips; Nubia; Charlie Sohmer; and Tony Turner. Additional accompaniment will be provided by some of Ottawa’s top musicians.

As well, in keeping with a tradition that has developed at this event over the years, there will be many opportunities for the audience to sing along.

The “Christmas Goose” CD of 12 original songs will be available for purchase at the concert and at retail ticket outlets. The songs cover a variety of styles, including jazz, funk, folk and traditional. Every CD sold generates $5 for the Ottawa Food Bank.

Concert tickets are $18, and are available in person at the NAC Box Office, (53 Elgin Street), with no surcharge, the Ottawa Folklore Centre, (1111 Bank Street), and Retrotown Music, (420 Richmond Road). Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster 613-755-1111 (surcharges apply).

Tom Lips
www.tomlips.ca

November 2 - 5, 2006: Ottawa Storytelling Festival

2006-10-26T19:00:00.000-04:00

INCREDIBLE JOURNEYS: The 18th Annual Ottawa Storytelling Festival

November 2 - 5, 2006, Library and Archives Canada
375 Wellington St., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Full Festival Details: http://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/

Once again I have the great pleasure of being on the program for this wonderful multi-day binge for story enthusiasts–truly a jewel among festivals!
Alan Shain and I will be joining forces for a session on Sunday November 5th at 1:30 p.m.: [SORRY, I GOT THE DATE AND TIME WRONG WHEN THIS WAS FIRST POSTED.]
Wise and Otherwise: Stories and Songs in Praise of Folly : Marvel at ingenious foolishness: a Shakespearean fool; a municipal by-law that turns water into cream; and more!

But come for the whole Festival if you can. Buy a weekend pass for the whole cornucopia, or tickets for what interests you most. See http://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/festivalInfo.php#admission for ticket prices, and visit http://www.ottawastorytellers.ca/festival.php for program details.

Hope to see you there!

Tom

Festival Highlights
Story Swap: Thurs. Nov. 2 / 7:30
An open stage where everyone is invited to come and tell and / or listen to stories. Some of our out-of-town tellers for the festival will be present (Free admission)

The Incredible Journey: Saturday Nov. 4 / 10:00a.m. - 12:00 noon
Read the book? Seen the movie? Now come and listen to this telling of Sheila Burnford’s classic Canadian animal adventure. Veteran tellers Jan Andrews, Jennifer Cayley and Ellis Lynn Duschenes weave this tale of adventure, hardship and hope. Recommended for children 8 years of age and up and any adult who loves a good story.

Wayfarers All: Saturday Nov. 4 / 7:30 PM
A storytelling concert for adults. Featured tellers are award-winning storyteller Elizabeth Ellis on her first visit to Ottawa, all the way from Texas, and local tellers Jan Andrews and Daniel Richer; the stories spin tales of journeys past and present. Elizabeth is perhaps best known for her personal stories that bring delight but also take audiences to a deeper place of seeing the world around them with compassion and understanding.

Hands on Workshops: Saturday Nov. 4 / 10:00 -12:00 noon.
Come and experience the delights of telling stories for children in classrooms, libraries and at home or learn how to craft personal stories into engaging, tell-able tales

Saturday and Sunday afternoons, November 4-5, 1:30-5:00p.m.: Choose from over 30 rich and diverse sessions of stories for children or adults [Including, naturally my session with Alan Shain at 2:30 on Sunday!]

What is Ottawa Storytellers?
Ottawa Storytellers is an incorporated not-for-profit organization founded in 1983. Our mandate is to promote the art of storytelling in our community, nurture and inspire both beginning and experienced storytellers and provide tellers and listeners of all ages with opportunities to come together to share and enjoy stories.

October 6 House Concert (Benefit for Achillea Endeavours)

2006-09-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

Dear Matrons and Patrons of the Arts:

I’m happy to announce that I will be having a house concert on Friday, October 6th, as a benefit for Achillea Endeavours. There will be room for about 25 people to gather in the living room of our friend Sylvie and hear original songs old and new, with perhaps a story or two if that feels appropriate. Doors will open at 7:30 and the music will begin at 8:00.

If you have been to house concerts before, you’ll know that they are intimate, informal occasions focused on good songs and good company. If you have not been to a house concert before, this would be a great opportunity to start!

Admission will be $15.00, with all proceeds going to Achillea Endeavours. This is the organization that supports, among other things, the educational activities at Riverglen Biodynamic Farm. Many children have seen a chicken up close for the first time at Riverglen, or planted vegetables, or learned about caring for sheep and cattle, and about living in closer harmony with the natural world that feeds us.

Because seating is limited, please purchase your ticket as soon as possible by calling Linnéa at 613-596-0551.

August 22nd "Stories of the Sea" at The Tea Party

2006-08-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, 22 August 2006, 19:00 at The Tea Party, 119 York Street:
Ruthanne Edward and Tom Lips share stories of the sea.
http://www.storyteller.net/tellers/redward

The Ottawa StoryTellers present an evening of stories at The Tea Party, in the Market (119 York street), on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Some of Ottawa's favourite tellers are performing at this cosy Tea and Coffee Shop. The format is engaging and rather informal; telling starts at 7 pm, stories are told on the hour and half hour, with 15 minutes between stories for conversation, and ordering your favourite beverage and tasty treat. The atmosphere is welcoming.

On Tuesday, 22 August 2006 the featured tellers will be
Tom Lips and Ruthanne Edward, telling Stories of the Sea.

Hope to see you there!

June 15 Stories (and Songs) at NAC 4th Stage

2006-05-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

"Salty, Sweet and Sweaty" is the tantalizing title of an evening of "stories for a summer night" to be presented by Tom Lips, Lucie Roy and Alan Shain at the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. Though the accent is on storytelling, I will be throwing a few original songs into the mix. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students.

Here is how the website of the Ottawa Storytellers describes the event:

"The title says it all! Anticipate tales of love and longing, of summer adventures; tales with an innocence to them, tales with a sharpness – a tang. Some will be personal stories from the hopes, dreams, histories of the tellers; some will be literary. All will come together in a rich weaving designed to offer you an evening of summer pleasure and bring our season to a close.

Tellers: Tom Lips, Lucie Roy, Alan Shain

Tom Lips. A man of many talents, Tom is both storyteller and singer/songwriter. His credits include performances in Ottawa, Toronto, North Bay and England; his latest CD is entitled Practical Man. He has been an important figure in all events on the Ottawa storytelling scene for the last several years and is known for his ability to make audiences both laugh and cry -- sometimes all at the same time!

Lucie Roy. Whether telling personal stories or tales drawn from the rich universal repertoire of folktales and legends, Lucie tells with gusto. Fluently bilingual, she founded the Cercle de conteurs de l’Est de l’Ontario in 2004. She has told at 4th Stage both in English, and in French as part of the Contes Nomades series; at the Sergeant Recruteur in Montreal; at the Byward Market during Bytown days. She teaches storytelling and coaches new storytellers, something she enjoys almost more than telling itself.

Alan Shain. Alan comes to storytelling from a background in stand-up comedy at Yuk Yuks. He has toured extensively in Canada, Australia and England with his one-man theatre piece, "Still Waiting For That Special Bus." A disability activist, born with cerebal palsy, he has committed himself to improving opportunities for all disability artists. He tells tales both personal and traditional and is a master at shaping his material so that listeners cannot help but enter into his stories’ world."

Hope to see you there!

"Waiting For Justice" Benefit at St. Joseph's Church (Ottawa) April 1, 2006

2006-03-06T21:15:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

A lot has been happening in my real life, so inevitably my "cyberlife" gets put on the back burner. Sorry for not "touching base" sooner! January's concert with the Open Voices choir in Kingston was fantastic! (See entry below.) Next on the horizon is a benefit concert for the Refugee Outreach Committee of St. Joseph's Church (151 Laurier East -- entry at Wilbrod and Cumberland; click here for a map). Here's how the Committee describes the event:

"Something beautiful will be happening at St. Joe’s on April 1 at 7:30. That’s the date and time of the Maoua Diomande “Waiting for Justice” Benefit concert. Inspiration for this fundraiser came from choir member, Marc Coderre, who has written the song that inspired the name of the concert. The event is being put together by St. Joseph Refugee Outreach Committee in collaboration with the talented performers and production team who have so generously donated their time and gifts to rally round Maoua Diomande as she ‘waits for justice’ in L’Eglise Sacré-Coeur. Proceeds from this concert will go to the ROC’s Sanctuary Fund to help us cover Maoua’s costly legal fees and other sanctuary expenses.

Featured Performers:

Tom Lips (www.tomlips.ca) the beloved singer / songwriter who has been delighting Ottawa audiences on the folk scene for years with his pleasingly deep voice. [Okay, I have to comment on this: "Pleasing" I hope it is, but "deep"? Actually I'm a tenor. Perhaps they meant to say "pleasingly deep lyrics..." --TL] Tom’s eclectic mix of songs run the gamut from tender love ballads to whimsical melodies, to rollicking rock tunes. CDs: Made of Sky, 1999; Practical Man 2004

Karen Lahaise (www.songsforthesoul.ca ) Karen is well known to St. Joseph’s for her involvement with our choir that spans over twenty years. From her first solo role in a high school performance of “Godspell” to the present day, her goal has remained to bring joy, comfort, hope and peace through sharing her musical gifts and experience of the Sacred with her listeners. She is currently awaiting publication of a book of meditations, a companion to her newest CD. CDs: Songs for the Soul, 2001; Shelter of my Heart, 2005.

Pitchou (from All Nations Full Gospel Church): Pitchou Khlala is originally from Congo where he was revered as one of his country’s top musicians. For this performance he will be joined by a group of multi-talented African friends who will have you clapping and stomping your feet in praise and joy.

The Choirs

St. Joseph’s Combined Choir
The Sacré-Coeur Youth Choir
The First Unitarian Congregation S.W.A.T. (Songs Will Always Triumph) Team.

The Emcee: Alex Munter
Alex Munter writes a weekly column about Ottawa in The Citizen and is a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa. He was a municipal councillor representing Kanata from 1991 until 2003 and has recently announced his candidacy for mayor of Ottawa in November, 2006. Alex is the most recent winner of the Community Leader of the Year Award from Leadership Ottawa. He greatly enjoys acting as emcee for worthwhile events and tells us he is very pleased to accept our invitation to host this concert for Maoua.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2005-12-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

The snow is deep and we are feeling both the pleasures and the demands of the season; this may explain my recent negligence in providing updates.

Catching Up
Looking back over the past month or so, I would like to mention the success of Anne Hurley's CD launch concert on November 26 (see previous entry). Despite a last-minute panic when a local radio station's signal started blaring through the sound system, everything was ready in time. It was a beautiful evening highlighting Anne's Christmas music. If you missed it, why not order her CD?

I did some storytelling at Parsifal School's Winter Fair on November 26 in the afternoon; "The King and the Flea" was very popular among the young listeners, especially when His Majesty received a bite on the bum!

December 3 was the annual "Festive Goose" concert at the 4th Stage of the NAC (see entry for October 20 below). With the help of soprano Lauren McGee and violinist Margot Lange, I performed two original songs, "In The Bitter Wintertide" and "Jesus Our Emmanuel." As always it was a fun concert, with seasonal songs of every style from a dozen or so Ottawa songwriters.

On December 10, I joined Anne Hurley, Karen Lahaise, Margot Lange and Debra Scarpelli at Canadian Martyrs Chruch for a benefit performance for the Youville Centre.

Looking Ahead
Those of you in the Kingston area, please mark your calendars for the January 21 concert of Kingston’s "Open Voices" choir . This event features yours truly as Guest Performer. The choir will perform three of my songs as part of their repertoire for the evening, and I’ll do some songs and stories on my own. Time: 7:30 pm. Place: McArthur Hall Auditorium , Queen'sUniversity West Campus.

Looking farther ahead, I will be sharing the stage for a benefit concert on March 18 in Ottawa. More details to follow!

Wishing you a healthy, peaceful, joyous Christmas and a fulfilling New Year!

Tom

Technical post (please ignore!)

2005-12-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

Singing in Anne Hurley's Christmas CD Release Concert, Saturday November 26

2005-11-18T23:00:00.000-05:00

The snow looks as if it's here to stay! To mark the season, I (and several others) will be singing at the upcoming Christmas CD release concert by my longtime friend and occasional songwriting collaborator Anne Hurley on Saturday, November 26th, 8pm.

Anne is a very gifted composer and pianist; her music is both imaginative and accessible.

The concert will take place at Cedarview Alliance Church, 2784 Cedarview Road (just south of Fallowfied Road, Nepean). Click here for a map .

Tickets are $15 and are available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (1111 Bank St.), Canterbury House Bookstore (97 Hinton Ave N.), Salem Bookstore (1558 Merivale Rd) or by calling 739-1259.

Attending the CD launch will also give you a timely opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done: Anne's Christmas CD, "In Bethlehem", features both original compositions and traditional songs, and is a very welcome relief from the Xmas muzak that begins to dominate our world around now.

Original tunes on the new CD include "Bellsong," for which I had the honour of writing the lyrics.Traditional Christmas songs like "The Huron Carol" and "The Little Drummer Boy" receive a refreshingly innovative yet respectful treatment at Anne's hands. Performers on the CD include myself, James Stephens, The Baobab Youth Performers, Neema Mugala (of Malaika and Cheza fame), Shelley Posen (of Finest Kind), Karen Lahaise, and many others.

Please come out on Saturday November 26 to enjoy a wonderful evening of music. For more information see www.annehurley.ca.

From The Ridiculous to the Sublime: Stories at the Sugar Bush

2005-10-22T00:24:00.000-04:00

As part of the multi-site Quebec Intercultural Storytelling Festival, there will be storytelling sessions in both English and French on October 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at l’Erablière Claude Laplante, 53 chemin Val du Lac / corner of Hwy 307, St-Pierre de Wakefield, Quebec (about a 45-minute drive north of Ottawa). Storytellers include Denise Markhame, Louise Profeit Leblanc, Louis Racine, and Joël Smets. Tom Lips and Denise Markhame will share the final session on Sunday afternoon, October 30, at 1:30 p.m. Entitled "From the Ridiculous to the Sublime," this will be a couple of hours of Halloween-flavoured stories and songs for a family audience (including children aged 7 and up). Admission is $5.00 for children and $7.00 for adults. For information and reservations call Denise at (819) 457-9223. More details about the program are available at www.organic-storyteller.ca.

October 30 and Beyond

2005-10-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

I don’t have all the details yet, but I want to let you know about some upcoming engagements; I’ll fill in the details as soon as I can.

On Sunday October 30th, at a "sugar bush" in St-Pierre-de-Wakefield (about 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa), I will be joining storyteller Denise Markhame for an afternoon of stories and songs "From the Ridiculous to the Sublime." Given the proximity to Halloween, you can expect a few goblins or ghosts to crop up, but (in the words of Tom’s song) "Screaming Is Good For You!". This is a family show, so don’t worry–it won’t get TOO blood-curdling. Besides, we want to leave some room for the Sublime... Watch this space for more details about how to get there, etc.

Autumn is an exciting time. The first week of November brings the annual Ottawa Storytelling Festival (click here for details). On Saturday afternoon (November – ) I will be joining forces with storyteller Ellis Lynn Duschenes for a session called "Stories of Song and Songs of Story," which features Ellis Lynn’s masterful telling of Thomas Raddall’s tale, "Blind McNair."

December 3 brings the third annual Festive Goose concert sponsored by the Gaggle of Ottawa-Outaouais Songwriters Exposed (G.O.O.S.E.), of which I am proud to be a charter member! The call for festive winter songs went out in the spring of 2005, and one of my submissions got the nod. The songwriters whose songs were chosen will each perform two numbers at the concert, which will take place at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage.

The January 21 concert of Kingston’s "Open Voices" choir features yours truly as Guest Performer. This exciting community choir will perform three of my songs as part of their repertoire for the evening, and I’ll do some songs and stories on my own. More details to follow.

Hope you are well and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Thanks for touching base!

Tom

October 14 Benefit for Riverglen Farm!

2005-10-04T17:43:00.000-04:00

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.

August 26-28 Marathon telling of the Indian epic Mahabharata

2005-08-24T17:54:00.000-04:00

Over the years I have been involved in several "epic storytelling" adventures. This is the latest one. I will be telling a chapter called "The Blade of Grass". See below for more information.

The Mahabarata

August 26-28

Come join us at Taylor Lake to listen, as storytellers and listeners from across the country gather for an epic week-end. The Mahabarata is one of the great sacred texts of India and includes the Bagvada Gita. It is one of the world’s longest books, (three times as long as the Bible) and cannot be undertaken in its entirety. However, using the central narrative as recounted in William Buck’s re-telling of this great and mysterious epic, tellers will bring you a glimpse of this remarkable world, as the beautiful, terrible story of the conflict between the Pandava and the Kurava unfolds. If you don’t know the work and want to find out about it, get William Buck’s Mahabarata or Peter Brook’s play of the same name which is available on DVD and video. It was this film that started us off on this journey.

Approximate telling schedule:
7:00 - 9:00 Friday Night
10:00 - 6:00 Saturday
10:00 - 2:00 Sunday

(Listeners and tellers arrive and get settled, between 4:00 6:00 PM Friday)

• There are short breaks every hour to hour and a half and good breaks
for lunch. Conversation abounds!
• Participants are encouraged/expected to stay the whole week-end as it is the ability to immerse ourselves, audience and tellers together, in the whole story that makes the experience uniquely powerful.

Fee: $50:00

Accommodation: As before, listeners ( tellers too) are invited to come with tents and pitch them in our garden on the shores of beautiful Taylor Lake. There is some space available in the house; a few beds and space for mattresses on the floor but this is very limited, so speak up soon as tellers will get first dibs. As well there are bed and breakfasts in the neighbourhood that would be glad to welcome you. (www.almonte.com or call 613-256-2055 or look up Ontario Bed and Breakfasts) Taylor Lake is 1 hour south of Ottawa and 10 minutes south of Almonte.

Food and Drink: As in previous years food and drink are potluck and if previous years are anything to go by, the food will be splendid and plentiful. Potluck is not organized and seems to work out just fine. Meals are shared outdoors and refrigerator space is seriously limited, so bring a cooler. As well you will need to bring cutlery and dishes for yourself. Most meals are pick-up but Saturday night we sit down together around long candle-lit tables.

If you are interested in being part of this epic experience fill out the
attached form and mail it with your fee to: Jennifer Cayley, RR # 2,
Lanark, Ont. K0G 1K0. Registration will be confirmed by email.

Because of the location space is very limited so register soon.

2005-08-06T11:54:00.000-04:00

Tom and Louis the Highland Bull

Tom at the Ottawa Folk Festival, August 20

2005-08-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

The 12th Annual CKCU Ottawa Folk Festival blooms in Ottawa's Britannia Park from Thursday evening, August 18 to Sunday, August 21, 2005. I'm delighted to be performing at two daytime workshops (12 noon and 3:45 pm) on Saturday, August 20. The Saturday noon workshop focuses on the art of songwriting, and I will be sharing the hour with three gifted (and very different) singer-songwriters, Lee Hayes, David Keeble and Pat Moore. Just to make sure we're not "coasting" when we talk about songwriting, each of us has undertaken to write a song especially for the occasion, using the same theme. (This is a hallowed practice of Writers Bloc.) Later that same day (3:45pm) David Keeble and I will spend an hour trading original songs. Check your Festival program for the locations. Drop by, listen in, say hi!

July 31, 2005: Blue Skies Choir does "The Far Saskatchewan"

2005-07-03T17:20:00.000-04:00

At this year's Blue Skies Festival in beautiful Clarendon, Ontario (about an hour west of Perth), choir director extraordinaire Andy Rush and several dozen accomplices will perform a choral version of my song "The Far Saskatchewan" (from the CD "Made Off Sky"), and I'll be there to sing along. The Blue Skies choir takes form at the beginning of the weekend and (thanks to Andy's magic) is ready to perform some wonderful and innovative pieces by Sunday evening. I feel extremely honoured that Andy has chosen to highlight one of my songs, and of course I am delighted to be able to sing from the Blue Skies main stage (long a dream of mine, as I am a Blue Skies aficionado from way back). Blue Skies is a legendary "tiny perfect festival" which requires no advertising, so if you don't already have a ticket you may not get one (though some day passes are likely to be available). See below for festival information:

JULY 29 - 31

BLUE SKIES FESTIVAL –– CLARENDON
Blue Skies celebrates 32 years, featuring music from around the corner and around the world. Daytime music workshops, a wide array of interactive holistic workshops, a lively children’’s area and night-time concerts under the stars make Blue Skies a very special place. Day passes are available on a limited basis.
P.O. Box 2502, Clarendon, ON K0H 1J0
Phone: (613) 279-2610
CAMPING PASSES SOLD OUT

May 19th "Ottawa Eats!" NAC 4th Stage

2005-05-30T17:42:00.000-04:00

If you're paying attention, you'll notice that this was posted AFTER the event. Sorry! Here's what you missed (unless you found out some other way):

Thursday, May 19, 2005. 19:30 "Ottawa Eats!"

150 Years of Eating in Ottawa
Join us for a smorgasbord of stories about eating in Ottawa over the past 150 years. Some are fanciful, some very real, some personal, some historical, some involve dining out, some eating in, but all of them offer entertaining insights into how eating and feeding people are fundamental to who we are and how our community has grown and changed over the years.
Tellers: Jennifer Cayley, Tara Hartley, Kim Kilpatrick, Tom Lips, Alan Shain, Ruth Stewart-Verger.

My part in all this was to sing a few original songs to bridge between stories. Three of the songs ("At The Chateau Tonight," "Hey Mom!" and " "International House Of Pancakes") were written especially for this evening, and all concerned food. It turned out to be a great evening. Afterwards we all went out and grabbed a bite to eat.

Tom tells a tale of the United Empire Loyalists (7:30 p.m., April 4th, NAC 4th Stage, Ottawa)

2005-04-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

On the storytelling front, I am (once again) trying something completely different: On Thursday April 14th, along with fellow Ottawa Storytellers Shabana Aziz, Ellis Lynn Duschenes, and Kathie Kompass, I will be recounting the experiences of the United Empire Loyalists who, driven out by the American Revolution, came to Nova Scotia to rebuild their lives. My story concerns the fate of the Tarleton Legion, which was granted land on the rocky, frigid shore at Port Gambier and faced the struggle of a lifetime just to survive the first winter. It's a much-neglected patch of Canadian history, brought to life vividly by author Thomas Raddall. Join us at the 4th Stage of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

For details check out the National Arts Centre's web site at
http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/whatson/results.cfm?EventID=4260

Welcome! Glad you dropped in

2005-04-01T10:12:00.000-05:00

Having a website ( (www.tomlips.ca ) has many advantages, and once I learned to accept a new level of shameless self-promotion, I got to enjoy it. However, despite technical progress, updating the site is still a rather laborious process, and errors easily creep in.

By contrast, maintaining a "blog" (web log) is easy (so far!). Accordingly, I decided to set up this blog instead of maintaining a "What's New" page on the web site. The web site and the blog are meant to complement each other and will link to each other as appropriate. If all goes as planned, you will find here the latest available information about my upcoming or recent performances, as well as (if I get ambitious) the occasional journal-like entry related to my music or storytelling activities. Unlike most bloggers, I don't plan to use this log to air my angst, so don't worry!

Cheers,

Tom