Woodworker & OSC Media House

Mudtown duo Woodworker teamed up with director and filmographer Nelson Phillips of OSC Media House to shoot a live, off-the-floor video at the historic Old Courthouse Arts Building in Owen Sound over the weekend.  Phillips – who just saw to fruition his first successful film festival and finished production on his “Feral” documentary about youth, memory, and the outdoors – is a graduate of OCAD, where he concentrated on film.

The pairing of Phillips and Woodwork is a natural one – not just for the reason that Phillips and Woodworker singer-songwriter Jonathan Cox both show ample beard growing capabilities; both Phillips and Woodworker share an affinity for their locale (Owen Sound, Ontario) and an appreciation for fine craftwork.  So, it would make sense that the both should gather at the Old Courthouse Arts building – a historic and architectural gem in the city – to shoot their short music film.

See more of Phillips work here and listen to the music of Woodworker here.

At the time of this blog post, Phillips was working on a rush of the film stating “I want to get it done before the baby arrives.”  His wife Natalie and he are expecting their first child at the end of November.  Good luck to everyone!

 

Mudtown All Candidates Forum On The Arts

On Wednesday, October 22nd, Mudtown Records hosted an all-candidates forum on “The Future of the Arts in the Owen Sound Economy” at the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library.  All candidates that were able to attend did.  You can watch video of the forum in its entirety by clicking here.  The Owen Sound Sun Times covered the event, as did OwenSoundHub.org.

The purpose of the forum was to have candidates share their views on how the Arts may contribute to the growing of the Owen Sound economy; and, to answer questions from the public regarding their views on the subject.  It was clear although many of the candidates recognize the significant contribution of the Arts to the local economy, very few thought of Arts related business in the same light as other more ‘traditional’ businesses.

There was mention of “exceptions for nonprofits,” “an innovation centre,” a “river arts project,” and other creative ideas from candidates, but no candidates talked of the Arts as business.  Perhaps this is owing to the venerable status we often give to art and artists.  Or, maybe it’s because they had their fill of business at the earlier Chamber of Commerce debate and the talk sponsored by the Owen Sound DIA.

It was a very positive event with much discussion generated.  But, the crux will be what successful candidates do on council in order to generate money through the Arts.  They were all ready to change an obscure bylaw prohibiting the ‘operation of a musical instrument’ in a residential neighbourhood.  Current councillors were happy to tout how much money we spend on the Arts in proportion to how much we spend on Sports.  But no one – perhaps wisely – wanted to show us the money.

 

Vote in the your local Ontario municipal election this Monday, October 27th.

 

NOTE:  No candidate mentioned the culinary arts.

Our Fall Series Lineup

ICYMI – We’ve announced our full lineup for the Fall portion of the Mudtown Music & Arts Series. You can read the full details in the Owen Sound Sun Times article here.  Along with Alanna Gurr & the Greatest State this coming Saturday, October 18th, we’ll host a dynamic double bill with the Dinner Belles – who are releasing a new album the same weekend as Alanna Gurr’s appearance – plus Beams on November 15th, while 2014 Juno Award winners the Strumbellas check in on December the 6th with Sam Cash & the Romantic Dogs for a KILLER theatre show at the Roxy.  Click here to get your tickets to any and all of the Mudtown Music & Arts Series events.

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Enjoy the Fall!