Saskatchewan Festival of Words

True Story of Vengeance and Survival Featured with John Vaillant at 2012 Festival of Words

2012-02-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Author John Vaillant’s, award-winning best-seller, The Tiger (Knopf 2010) will be one ofthis year’s featured readings at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words in MooseJaw. The book has drawn sharp praise as a story of man pitted against nature’smost fearsome and efficient predator.

The Tiger, arecent finalist on CBC Canada Reads, was described by wrjter Annie Proulx as, “The sort of book I very much like and rarely find.Humans are hard-wired to fear tigers, so this book will attract intenseinterest. In addition to tiger lore and scalding adventure, Vaillant shows usRussia’s far east and its inhabitants, their sometimes desperate livesinterwoven with the economics of poaching and the politics of wildlifeconservation. This is a book not only for adventure buffs, but for all of usinterested in wildlife habitat preservation.”

“This book is magnificent,surely the best chronicle ever published of the wild Amur tigers and theirhuman associates in Russia…To call this book a page-turner is anunderstatement. It’s riveting,” says anthropologist and author ElizabethMarshal Thomas.

At this year’s festival, July 19-22^nd, Vaillantwill also read from his most recent work of new fiction, a novel, Jaguar.

The author’s first book, TheGolden Spruce, (Knopf 2005) was a best seller and won numerous awards,including the Governor General Award for Non-Fiction. Of particular interest toVaillant are stories that explore collisions between human ambition and thenatural world.

A freelance journalist, Vaillant’s work has appeared in TheNew Yorker, The Atlantic, National Geographic, and the Walrus His books have been translatedinto a dozen languages.

Valentine's Day

2012-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

Looking for that perfect Valentine's Day gift? How about a SK Festival of Words Gift Certificate ($150) or Flex Card ($100)??? We even have $10 individual session tickets for those with a smaller budget. Contact the Festival office for more info: 306-691-0557.

Upcoming Film February 15th

2012-02-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

CineView Saskatchewan is pleased to present the David Cronenberg film A Dangerous Method, starring Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightly and Viggo Mortensen, on February 15 at 7:30 p.m. This is a historical drama, set in the early 1900's, about Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and his young protege, Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), widely regarded as the co-founders of psychoanalysis. The film focuses on Jung's early years, and his decision to experiment with Freud's new and controversial methods on a disturbed young Russian woman named Sabina (Keira Knightly). Jung is attracted to his patient and develops a strong sexual relationship with her. The film explores the intense and often disturbing relationship between Jung and his patient, and its effects on his relationship with his wife, and with his mentor, Freud. The film is shot largely on location in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with careful attention to the historical setting.

Individual movie tickets will be available for sale for $10 each in the lobby of Galaxy Cinemas, starting at 7 p.m. on the 15th. Season passes for the remaining films will also be available for $25 (a saving of $5 for three films). Those who already have a season pass are asked to show it at the CineView table, and we will give you a ticket to give to the usher. The film starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Following the film, you are invited to join us at Java Express, 23 Main St. North, to discuss the film over coffee or hot chocolate. This will be happening after each of the remaining films for the season. We hope to see you there!

2012 Moose Jaw Teen Writing Experience: July 16-20

2012-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Teen Writing Experience will accept 14 promising young writers this year. Activities include group discussion, critiques, talks, readings, and writing assignments. Funding for the Experience is provided by the Festival of Words, Saskatchewan Arts Board and Sage Hill. Billets are available by arrangement. Application deadline is April 30, 2012 (application form below.)


Facilitator:

Chris Fisher has published three short story collections. The most recent is Third and Long, was published by Coteau Books in 2004. Voices in the Wilderness was published by Hagios Press in 1999 and Sun Angel, which won the inaugural Saskatchewan Book Awards’ Publishers Prize, was published by Coteau Books in 1992. His short stories were also featured in Oberon’s Coming Attractions series. Chris has been involved with the Banff Centre’s Wired Writing Studio for the past eleven years, and their Emerging Aboriginal Writers program for the past 2 years. He has been involved with the Creating in the Qu’Appelle student writing workshop at Dallas Valley for the past five years. He spent the 2011 winter semester as Lumsden High School’s writer in residence.

Sage Hill Teen WritingExperience Application Form

Moose Jaw Application Deadline: April 30, 2012

Personal Info
*Name*
*Age*	*Please attach verification (birth certificate, driver’s license etc.)*
*School*
*Home phone number*		*Cell*
*Home Address*
*Email Address*

Emergency Contact Details
*Name of Parent/Guardian*
*Telephone Number(s)*
*Signature of Parent/Guardian*

Location andDates:

Please check if you areable to attend in more than one location as interest in the programme is high.

Moose Jaw, July 16-20 Saskatoon, July 2-7 Regina, July 9-13 Prince Albert, July 23-27

This is the important part

On a separate sheetof plain paper, please write a paragraph stating why you want to take part inthis programme and what you hope to gain from the experience. You should also submit a sample of yourcreative writing, but only up to four pages. There is no fee for this program.

Email or fax yourapplication to applications.sagehill@sasktel.net or 306-244-0255 (fax)

Funding provided by the City of Regina, City of Saskatoon, SaskatchewanFestival of Words, Regina Public Library, Saskatoon Public Library

Performers Cafe

2012-01-23T13:00:00.001-08:00

After Performers Café’s successful 2011 season, earning both increased audience numbers and performers, we anticipate it will continue to grow in popularity through 2012. We would like to thank all of those who have attended, or performed, and made it such a popular event at Moose Jaw’s Java Express. Having said that, there are several problems that have become apparent as a result of this growing popularity.

The first of these is, due to the number of performers, the event is running too long. What was originally planned as two-hours of entertainment now frequently approaches three hours. In order to reduce this we will reserve the right to limit participants to one song, or one written piece, not exceeding five minutes in length. Through contractual obligations, this time limit will not apply to each evening’s two featured performers.

The second difficulty we are encountering is simply a matter of preparedness. Just as an audience has a responsibility to respectfully listen and respond to those who are performing, the performers have a responsibility to prepare and present their material as professionally as they possibly can for that audience. This has been lacking in some presentations over the last few months. This criticism isn’t intended to discourage anyone, or any group, from performing. One of our main purposes is provide a venue for those who are learning their chosen craft, but we do ask that you try and be better prepared to present your work before an audience.

We look forward to seeing you when Performers Café resumes on January 25^th. Please feel free to approach any of our organizers with your suggestions on how we can improve future shows. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, the Performers Cafe Committee and the Saskatchewan Festival of Words

“Dr. Foth” ALLAN FOTHERINGHAM TO APPEAR AT 2012 FESTIVAL

2012-01-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Canada’s “most consistently controversial newspaper columnist”, who wrote for nearly three decades with MacLean’s, and is the author of eight books, Allan Fotheringham, will read from his newest book, Boy From Nowhere – A Life n Ninety-One Countries.
The title of the book is explained by the author as, “Because I came from nowhere, a tiny Saskatchewan town that was so small we couldn’t afford a village idiot. Everyone had to take turns. Born in Hearne, Saskatchewan (where the locals were called ‘Hernias’), in 1932, Allan Fotheringham’s
career has taken him to almost every continent as a correspondent and allowed him to meet everyone from Bobby Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Brian Mulroney to the Beatles, Nelson Mandela, and Pierre Trudeau. For 10 years he was a panelist on the popular CBC-TV show Front Page Challenge, and he’s won many awards, inducing the National Magazine Award for Humour, a National Newspaper Award for Column Writing, and the Bruce Hutchison Life Achievement Award.
He graduated from the University of British Columbia and has worked for numerous news organizations, including the Vancouver Sun, Southam News, The Financial Post, Sun Media, and most notably as a long-time columnist for Maclean’s.
Boy From Nowhere describes the award-winning columnist’s life and career, with wry commentary, celebrity names of the era, and nostalgia for the early days of journalism. “Life is a collection of memories” he writes, ” they pile up, connect together, disconnect and make in a scrambly way what life is about. This is my ninth book. This book took my entire life to research as it is my memoirs. It was a work in progress.” The author, known as,“Dr. Foth,” lives in Toronto.

Other authors to appear in the 2012 festival line-up will include the 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize winner, author Esi Edugyan.

More Events...

2012-01-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Just a final reminder that local author Dave Richards will have his book launch upstairs at the library tonight from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. The reading will be half an hour followed by a reception. This is a FREE event!

Also, short films by Saskatchewan filmmakers will be showcased at the Mae Wilson Theatre Saturday January 21st. Tickets are only $10 and are available at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre or Bloodline Tattoo Company. Doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 8:30pm.

Upcoming Events

2012-01-10T07:45:00.001-08:00

Hello!

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays!

There are some exciting events coming up over the next few months, check it out:

Wednesday, January 11th - Cineview Saskatchewan presents "The Way" starring Martin Sheen and directed by Emilio Estevez. 7:30pm at the Galaxy Cinema in Moose Jaw, $25 for a 4 film pass or $10 each.

Tuesday, January 17th - Local author Dave Richards will launch his new book "Source of Light" at the Moose Jaw Public Library upstairs meeting room, 7:30 – 8:30 PM. The presentation by Dave (half hour) will be followed by an informal reception. This is a free Event.

Wednesday, January 25th - Performers Cafe open mic night at Java Express (23 Main Street, Moose Jaw), 7:30pm. Headlining acts are author Kelly Anne Riess and musicians Cat and Stephen.

Saturday February 11th - Open house at the old Moose Jaw Natatorium, 1-4pm. Get a glimpse inside this historic building and let the city know what you'd like to see done with it!

February 14th to 18th - Local author and playwright, Greg Simison, will have his play "Lumps" performed by the Battlefords Community Players at the Muse Theatre in North Battleford. Tickets are $30 and include dinner. Doors open at 6:30pm with dinner at 7pm followed by the play. For more information call 306-446-3133.

Wednesday, February 15 - Cineview Saskatchewan presents "A Dangerous Method" starring Kiera Knightly and Viggo Mortenson, directed by David Cronenberg (other details are the same as above.)

Wednesday, February 29th - Performers Cafe open mic night at Java Express. Headlining act is author Judith Silverthorne.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

New Cineview Series Begins January 11th

2012-01-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

CineView Saskatchewan is pleased to open its Winter-Spring 2012 season on Wednesday, January 11 with The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez, and starring his father Martin Sheen. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American opthalmologist who finds out that his son (played by Emilio Estevez) has been killed in a freak accident during a pilgrimage along a route known as The Way of St. James in northwestern Spain. After arriving in France to collect his son's remains, he changes his plans and, using his son's guidebook and backpack, embarks on the 800 km pilgrimage that his son started, in an attempt to honour his son's memory. Along the way, he encounters a number of eccentric travellers who, despite their differences, come together to form a kind of surrogate family and support each other. The film is set against the gorgeous vistas of France and Spain. It is a moving and potent character study and a journey of self-discovery.

Individual movie tickets will be on sale in the theatre lobby starting at 7:00 p.m. Please note that the price of individual tickets is now $10.00. Season passes for all four films are still $25. This represents a savings of $15 for four films, or 37.5%. They are available immediately at Post Horizon Booksellers, 57 High St. W. and will also be available at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words office (upstairs in the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre) starting January 10.

The film starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. If you purchase a season pass, you will also need to get a ticket for each movie from the CineView table (same as in the fall) to give the usher at the entrance.

The other movies for the winter-spring season are as follows:

February 15 - A Dangerous Method

March 21 - Pink Ribbons, Inc.

April 18 - The Artist

Office Closed for the Holidays

2011-12-16T07:44:00.000-08:00

Today is our last day in the office before Christmas holidays so if you want to purchase festival gift certificates/passes/tickets you better get here quick (or buy online.) We also have Cineview season passes available now and you can get those at Post Horizon Books on High Street. Our office will re-open on Monday January 9th, 2012. Happy Holidays to all of you and we'll see you in 2012!

Open Mic Night

2011-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Since we won't be hosting a Performers Cafe open mic night this month due to the Christmas holidays, Java Express will be doing one by candle light on December 19th at 7pm.

This is a free event at Java Express, 23 Main Street Moose Jaw.

Hope to see you there and Happy Holidays!

Friend Friend at the Performers Cafe November 30, 2011 (photo credit Kevin Dennison)

2011 Giller Prize Winner to Appear at 2012 Festival

2011-12-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

The ideal gift for those who love a good story is a pass tothe Saskatchewan Festival of Words. This year’s program promises once again tobe award winning.

The 2012 festival line-up will include the recentlyannounced 2011 Scotiabank Giller Prize winner, author Esi Edugyan, who willappear during the 16^th Annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words inMoose Jaw, July 19-22^nd.

The annual Giller Prize is dedicated to celebrating the bestin Canadian fiction and to bring these books to the attention of Canadians. Theprize was founded by Jack Rabinovitch to honour his wife, Doris, an outstandingliterary journalist.

This year’s winner, Esi Edugyan’s second novel, Half-blood Blues took seven years towrite and lost its publisher when Key Porter folded last year.

“This book just grabs you by the lapels and makes you wantto read it“ says Patrick Crean, of Thomas Allen who eventually published thebook.

Half-BloodBlues opens in Paris at the start of the Second World War. Nazis areroaming the city streets, arresting anyone lacking the proper paperwork. Holedup in a ramshackle recording studio, trying to cut a record, is a group ofyoung jazz musicians let by a 20 year-old trumpet virtuoso christened LittleLouis, by none other than Louis Armstrong. When he is arrested and never heardfrom again, his band-mate sets out years later to uncover what happened totheir friend. (Mark Medley - National Post)

Edugyen says she’s not musical at all, but did listen to great jazzmusic of the ‘30’s and ‘40’s as she wrote. The author lives in Victoriawhere she teaches at the University of Victoria.

An annual mecca for avid Canadian readers from coast tocoast, the small but highly acclaimed Saskatchewan Festival of Words in MooseJaw draws audiences to savor more than sixty events over the 4 day summerfestival. Creative highlights include work from Canada’s current award-winningwriters in fiction, non-fiction, mystery, drama, film, spoken word and poetry.The nation’s hottest literary talents attend to read from their books, conductworkshops, and answer questions from small audiences in relaxed settings.

Festival Christmas stocking-stuffer tickets are availablefor $10, flex pass punch cards for $100, and early-bird festival passes are $150.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?

2011-12-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? Buy someone an EXPERIENCE for Christmas this year. Full Festival Pass Gift Certificates will be available tomorrow (Tuesday December 6th) for the early bird price of only $150! This will get you in to every event over the 4 day festival July 19-22, 2012. Flex passes also available for $100 and individual session ticket stocking stuffers for $10 each. Cineview passes will be available as of Friday December 9th with films beginning January 11, 2012. Purchases can be made online at www.festivalofwords.com or contact the festival office: festivaloperations@sasktel.net or 306-691-0557.

Christmas

2011-12-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that we are having our Holiday Open House here next Friday (December 9th) from 3pm to 6pm at our office.

If you are interested in helping us bake for the event please let us know what you'd like to bring.

Also, gift certificates for Festival 2012 passes will be available (extra early bird price of $150) as well as Flex passes. Don't miss out on this one of a kind gift, buy someone an experience they won't soon forget!

Readings in Regina

2011-12-01T14:17:00.001-08:00

Hagios has an event coming up which will be featuring readings from some of our past presenters.

Check it out!

Performers Cafe

2011-12-01T09:41:00.001-08:00

Arguably the best Performers Cafe yet! Huge crowd and so many performers that Java stayed open until 11pm to let them finish! First time ever having hip-hop music and to have an author do a reading from his book using a kindle.
Series starts again January 25, 2012 but Java Express will be hosting an open mic night on Monday December 19th as well.

Festival Fundraiser a Success

2011-11-25T13:45:00.001-08:00

The SIAST Marketing class held an extremely successful fundraiser for us...the most money ever raised by one of these classes too! $3000! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and donating the money to help us put on a fantastic festival for 2012.

SIAST Marketing Class presents Sarah Simison, Operations Coordinator, with the cheque

(photo credit to Kevin Dennison, Volunteer Extraordinaire)

Tis' The Season

2011-11-24T08:22:00.001-08:00

Well believe it or not Christmas is just around the corner which also means it's time for the Saskatchewan Festival of Words Holiday Open House.

Please join us on Friday December 9th from 3-6pm for seasonal treats and refreshments.

This is a come and go event to visit with festival friends and staff and will take place in the upper foyer of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.

Hope to see you there!

Event Reminder

2011-11-17T06:53:00.001-08:00

There is a fundraising event for the Saskatchewan Festival of Words tonight at Chillers from 6pm to 8pm! Tickets are only $15 and include a pint and wings. The event is being put on by the SIAST marketing class. Hope to see you there!

At the Moose Jaw Public Library

2011-11-16T11:51:00.001-08:00

Upcoming events at the Moose Jaw Public Library:

Saturday November 19th 9:30am to noon is the Jigsaw Puzzle Sale and Audio-visual Items

Tuesday November 22nd 7:30pm, Speaker: Priestmonk Vladimir (Lysak) - Iconographer.

Admission is free to both events!

GG Winners Announced

2011-11-15T12:03:00.001-08:00

Winners of the 2011 Governor General Literary Awards

From Then to Now: A Short History of the World

Christopher Moore

Children's Text

If We Were Birds

Erin Shields

Drama

Killdeer

Phil Hall

Poetry

Mordecai: The Life & Times

Charles Foran

Non-Fiction

Partita for Glenn Gould

Donald Winkler

Translation

Ten Birds

Cybèle Young

Children's Illustration

The Sisters Brothers

Patrick deWitt

Fiction

Silent Film Event a Success!

2011-11-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Some fun photos from our Silent Film screening of the 1926 classic Faust with live music by composer/pianist Robert Bruce.

"Faust" artwork by local artist Marguerite Smith

Winners of the Costume Prizes

Cineview Team member, Kevin Dennison, with composer/pianist Robert Bruce

Spooky hosts!

The Devil with his special lady friend

Composer/Pianist Robert Bruce

Festival Fundraiser

2011-11-01T10:30:00.001-07:00

Siast marketing class students are putting on a fundraiser for us with live music, silent auction, and door prizes! The event will be on November 17th 6pm-10pm at Chillers in Moose Jaw. Tickets are $15 each and are available at Chillers, the SIAST Tuck Shop, or at the door. Ticket price includes wings and a pint (between 6pm an 8pm.) Please buy tickets as I'm sure they're going to put on a great event and you'll be supporting a great cause!

Upcoming Belle Plaine Performance

2011-10-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Belle Plaine is back in Moose Jaw!
You may remember her as the musical entertainment at our Sunday lunch during the Festival. She will be performing at Java Express at 8pm on Saturday November 5th.
See you there!

Get your tickets now!

2011-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here's another reminder of an exciting, one-of-a-kind event coming a week Thursday:

Cineview Saskatchewan presents the 1926 silent horror film Faust, with live music by composer/pianist Robert Bruce.

Date: Thursday, October 27

Time:            7:30pm - 10:30pm
Location:        Moose Jaw Art Museum Theatre                     461 Langdon Crescent
                     Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. The film starts at 7:30 pm sharp, with dessert, coffee, tea and punch to follow the screening.

Tickets are available for $15 each, or 2 for $25, at the Festival of Words office (217 Main Street North), and at Post Horizon Books, 57 High St. West.

You can also get tickets for this event on Wednesday, October 19, at the CineView table in the foyer of Galaxy Cinemas, between 7:00 and 7:25 p.m., prior to the showing of the Cineview film Oranges and Sunshine.

You are not required to dress up but are encouraged to do so, as there will be prizes for the best costumes!

Upcoming Event at the Art Museum Theatre

2011-10-13T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hunger in Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery are having their annual Chair-ity Auction at 7:30pm, Thursday October 21 at the Art Museum Theatre. Chairs that have been painted or created by local artists and/or groups will be auctioned off by special guest auctioneer, Mayor Glenn Hagel. Proceeds will go to operational funding for both organizations. For more information call Ross Melanson at 692-4471

Finalists for the 75th Governor General's Literary Awards

2011-10-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the English-language finalists.

(There is a link below the list that will take you to the website if you would like to see the French-launguage finalists as well.)

Fiction

David Bezmozgis, Toronto, The Free World(HarperCollins Publishers; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-1-44340-399-3)

Patrick deWitt, Portland (Oregon) [originally from Vancouver Island], The Sisters Brothers (House of Anansi Press; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-0-88784-289-4)

Esi Edugyan, Victoria (British Columbia), Half-Blood Blues: A Novel (Thomas Allen Publishers; distributed by Thomas Allen & Son) (ISBN 978-0-88762-741-5)

Marina Endicott, Edmonton (Alberta), The Little Shadows (Doubleday Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-385-66891-0 )

Alexi Zentner, Ithaca (New York) [originally from Kitchener, Ontario], Touch (Alfred A. Knopf Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-307-39944-1)

Poetry

Michael Boughn, Toronto, Cosmographia: A Post-Lucretian Faux Micro-Epic (BookThug; distributed by Literary Press Group) (ISBN 978-1-897388-69-3)

Kate Eichhorn, New York City and Montreal, Fieldnotes, A Forensic (BookThug; distributed by Literary Press Group) (ISBN 978-1-897388-66-2)

Phil Hall, Perth (Ontario), Killdeer (BookThug; distributed by Literary Press Group) (ISBN 978-1-897388-81-5)

Garry Thomas Morse, Vancouver, Discovery Passages (Talonbooks; distributed by Publishers Group) (ISBN 978-0-88922-660-9 )

Susan Musgrave, Sidney and Masset (British Columbia), Origami Dove (McClelland & Stewart; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-7710-6522-4)

Drama

Brendan Gall, Toronto, Minor Complications: Two Plays (Coach House Books; distributed by LitDistCo ) (ISBN 978-1-55245-237-0)

Jonathan Garfinkel, Toronto, House of Many Tongues ( Playwrights Canada Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press
(ISBN 978-0-88754-960-1)

Erin Shields, Toronto, If We Were Birds (Playwrights Canada Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press
(ISBN 978-1-77091-012-6)

Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, Toronto, Gas Girls
( Playwrights Canada Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press
(ISBN 978-0-88754-966-3)

Vern Thiessen, Astoria (New York) and Winnipeg (Manitoba), Lenin’s Embalmers (Playwrights Canada Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press
(ISBN 978-0-88754-970-0)

Non-fiction

Charles Foran, Peterborough (Ontario), Mordecai: The Life & Times (Alfred A. Knopf Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada ) (ISBN 978-0-676-97963-3)

Nathan M. Greenfield, Ottawa (Ontario), The Damned: The Canadians at the Battle of Hong Kong and the POW Experience, 1941-45 (HarperCollins Publishers; distributed by HarperCollins Canada (ISBN 978-1-55468-219-5)

Richard Gwyn, Toronto, Nation Maker: Sir John A. Macdonald: His Life, Our Times, Volume Two: 1867-1891 (Random House Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-307-35644-4)

J.J. Lee , New Westminster (British Columbia), The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit (McClelland & Stewart; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-7710-4647-6 )

Andrew Nikiforuk , Calgary (Alberta), Empire of the Beetle: How Human Folly and a Tiny Bug Are Killing North America’s Great Forests (Greystone Books, an imprint of D&M Publishers / David Suzuki Foundation; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-1-55365-510-7)

Children’s Literature — Text

Jan L. Coates, Wolfville (Nova Scotia), A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk (Red Deer Press; distributed by Fitzhenry & Whiteside) (ISBN 978-0-88995-451-9)

Deborah Ellis , Simcoe (Ontario), No Ordinary Day (Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press; distributed by HarperCollins Canada)
(ISBN 978-1-55498-134-2)

Christopher Moore, Toronto, From Then to Now: A Short History of the World (Tundra Books; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-88776-540-7)

Kenneth Oppel, Toronto, This Dark Endeavour (HarperCollins Publishers; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-1-55468-339-0 )

Tim Wynne-Jones, Perth (Ontario), Blink & Caution
(Candlewick Press; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-7636-3983-9)

Children’s Literature — Illustration

Isabelle Arsenault, Montreal, Migrant, text by Maxine Trottier
(Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press; distributed by HarperCollins Canada )
(ISBN 978-0-88899-975-7)

Kim La Fave, Roberts Creek (British Columbia), Fishing with Gubby, text by Gary Kent
(Harbour Publishing; distributed by the publisher) (ISBN 978-1-55017-497-7)

Renata Liwska, Calgary (Alberta), Red Wagon, text by Renata Liwska
(Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group; distributed by Penguin Group Canada) (ISBN 978-0-399-25237-2)

Frank Viva , Toronto, Along a Long Road, text by Frank Viva
(HarperCollins Publishers; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-1-44340-620-8)

Cybèle Young, Toronto, Ten Birds, text by Cybèle Young
(Kids Can Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 978-1-55453-568-2)

Translation – French to English

Judith Cowan, Trois-Rivières (Quebec), Meridian Line (Signal Editions, an imprint of Véhicule Press; distributed by LitDistCo) (ISBN 978-1-55065-295-6)
English translation of Origine des méridiens by Paul Bélanger (Éditions du Noroît)

David Scott Hamilton, Vancouver, Exit (Anvil Press; distributed by University of Toronto Press) (ISBN 978-1-897-53566-0)
English translation of Paradis, clef en main by Nelly Arcan (Les Éditions Les 400 coups)

Lazer Lederhendler, Montreal, Apocalypse for Beginners
(Vintage Canada; distributed by Random House of Canada) (ISBN 978-0-307-39941-0)
English translation of Tarmac by Nicolas Dickner (Éditions Alto )

Lazer Lederhendler, Montreal, Dirty Feet
(House of Anansi Press; distributed by HarperCollins Canada) (ISBN 978-088784-244-3)
English translation of Les pieds sales by Edem Awumey (Les Éditions du Boréal)

Donald Winkler, Montreal, Partita for Glenn Gould (McGill-Queen’s University Press; distributed by Georgetown Terminal Warehouses)
(ISBN 978-0-7735-3810-8)
English translation of Partita pour Glenn Gould by Georges Leroux (Les Presses de l’Université de Montréal)

http://987321654.canadacouncil.net/en/newsandevents-nouvellesetevenements/News%20release%20-%20communique_11oct.aspx

Play Coming to the Mae Wilson Theatre

2011-10-11T08:56:00.001-07:00

Moose Jaw is bustling with cultural activity! Check out "In the Air" Oct. 13-15 at 8 p.m. each night in the Mae Wilson Theatre at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.
The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre and Dancing Sky Theatre of Meacham, Sask., present In the Air, a brand-new musical play about two young bush pilots delivering people and goods in northern Saskatchewan after the First World War.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $16.75 for children, students and seniors (prices include taxes) at the Cultural Centre box office, 217 Main St. N., Moose Jaw, or online at http://www.moosejawculture.com/events.htm (there is an extra charge for buying tickets online.)

Saturday Show

2011-10-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

Garnet Rogers: Sat., Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. in the Mae Wilson Theatre at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.

Rogers, a folk-singer songwriter from Ontario, performed in the Mae Wilson Theatre last year, wowing the audience with his amazing voice and guitar skills. He's back again this year!

Tickets are $22 for adults and $16.75 for children, students and seniors (prices include taxes) at the Cultural Centre box office, 217 Main St. N., Moose Jaw, or online at http://www.moosejawculture.com/events.htm (there is an extra charge for buying tickets online.)

Performer's Cafe

2011-10-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here are all of the dates and headliners for the 2011/2012 season!
Enjoy!

You're Invited

2011-10-04T07:56:00.001-07:00

Time	Thursday, October 27 · 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Location	Moose Jaw Art Museam Theatre 461 Langdon Crescent Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan


More Info	Looking for something different to do this Halloween? Cineview Saskatchewan presents the 1926 silent film Faust with live music by composer/pianist Robert Bruce. The film starts at 7:30pm sharp with dessert and refreshments to follow the screening. You are not required to dress up but are encouraged to do so as there will be prizes for the best costumes! Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25 and are available at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words office (217 Main St. N.) or Post Horizon Books (57 High St. W.) Get your tickets now for this one of a kind event! Call 306-691-0557 for more info.

Cineview Films

2011-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

The first Cineview film was screening on September 7th and it was fantastic!
But if you missed it don't worry because there are still more to come!

October 5th Beginners starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer

October 19th Oranges and Sunshine starring Emily Watson

November 9th The Debt starring Helen Mirren

All shows start at 7:30pm at the Moose Jaw Galaxy Cinema. Passes are $25 for the series or individual tickets are $8.50 at the door.

Busy Bees

2011-09-23T15:33:00.001-07:00

It might take us awhile to get back to you next week if you're trying to contact us. We're closing the door and putting our heads down in order to concentrate on some more grant applications! Thanks for your patience and have a great weekend!

Literary News

2011-09-16T13:39:00.001-07:00

Some exciting news! Two authors from the 2011 Saskatchewan Festival of Words have made the long list for the Manitoba Reads competition. David Alexander Robertson for The Life of Helen Betty Osborne (Portage & Main, 2009) and Joan Thomas for Reading by Lightning (Goose Lane, 2008.) Click the link to find out more!

http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/scene/books/2011/07/08/the-lowdown-on-all-16-books-on-manitoba-reads-long-list/

ALSO,

Festival favourite and Saskatchewan-born poet Lorna Crozier has been awarded the Cheryl and Henry Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence.

For more information, please visit:http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Crozier+named+winner+Kloppenburg+award/5368547/story.htm

2011-09-09T12:09:00.001-07:00

Working on confirming headliners for the upcoming season of Performer's Cafe!

Fall Season Set to Begin

2011-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

We are back from summer holidays and have some exciting events coming up!

Our Cineview season kicks off tonight (September 7) with Midnight in Paris directed by Woody Allen.

The other films for the fall season are as follows:

October 5 - Beginners (USA) - directed by Mike Mills, starring Christopher Plummer, Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent

October 19 - Oranges and Sunshine (UK and Australia) - directed by Jim Loach, starring Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham

November 9 - The Debt (USA) - directed by John Madden, starring Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson and Sam Worthington

Individual movie tickets will be available for $8.50 each at the Moose Jaw Galaxy Cinema Cineview table starting at 7:00 pm (films start at 7:30pm sharp.)

Season passes, good for all four films, will also be available at the door for $25 (a savings of $9).

Also, Performer's Cafe at Java Express (23 Main Street Moose Jaw) starts up again on Wednesday September 28 at 7:30pm. Performer's Cafe is an open mic night so come down and showcase your talent or just grab a coffee and enjoy the show!

Finally, the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) has an upcoming conference.

The “Prairie Horizons” conference is held every other September in Lumsden, Saskatchewan. It provides an opportunity for children's writers, illustrators and performers from the prairies to gather for an inspiring weekend of business, learning and networking.

CANSCAIP PRAIRIE HORIZONS CONFERENCE: “Beyond the Horizon: Imagine the Possibilities”, Sept 16-18, 2011. Held at St. Michael’s Retreat in Lumsden, SK, this inspirational weekend for children’s writers and illustrators is sure to recharge your creative batteries. Keynote speaker SHANE PEACOCK, plus 3 other presenters. Plan to be there!

Please register through their website: www.canscaip.org

Summer Break

2011-07-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Well, after working so very hard to bring you a fantastic Festival 2011, we're taking some much needed time off. The office will be closed from Friday July 29th to Tuesday September 6th (we will be unable to answer e-mails until we return as well.) Thanks to all of you who attended, presented, volunteered, and sponsored the festival. We hope you had fun at the Festival and enjoy the rest of the summer! Don't forget, Performer's Cafe and Cineview will be starting up in September as well.

Thursday Film Crowd

Our President, Martha Tracey

Executive Director, Donna Lee Howes, present Dave Margoshes with the plaque dedicating our 2011 festival to the Sage Hill Writing Experience

Author Joan Thomas reads at the Readception

Author Adam Lewis Schroeder reads at Readception

Authors Adam Lewis Schroeder, Elizabeth Bachinsky, Joan Thomas and Rukhsana Khan enjoy the Readception

Staff and volunteers hard at work at the Readception

Luncheon crowd sharing a laugh

Even Mayor Glenn Hagel attends the Festival!

Teens preparing for their Read-Out

Student reading at the Teen Read-Out

2011 graduating class of the Moose Jaw Teen Writing Experience with their instructor Brenda Niskala.

Panel discussion with Kenneth J. Harvey, Johanna Skibsrud, Sandra Birdsell, Allan Casey, and Charlotte Gray. Moderated by David Carpenter.

Festival goers enjoy the Saturday Picnic in the Park and plan their day using the Festival Schedule.

Charlotte Gray reading session

Mystery vs. Science Fiction panel with D.J. (Dorothy) MacIntosh, Elizabeth Duncan, Robert J. Sawyer, and Robert Charles Wilson. Moderated by Arthur Slade.

Saturday night concert with spoken word artist Shane Koyczan and his band, The Short Story Long.

Workshop Updates

2011-06-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been awhile since my last post. Sorry but festival planning is in full swing here at the office.

I just wanted to update you on our festival workshops on Thursday July 14th.

Robert Sawyer "A Thematic Approach to Science Fiction": Space available (no pun intended)
Great Big Book Club Workshop with Sandra Birdsell "Waiting for Joe": Space available
Kids Ink Illustration Workshop with Ashley Spires: Space available
Chapbook Making Workshop with Elise Marcella from Jackpine Press: Space available
Charlotte Gray "Bringing History to Life and Life to History": Full but call the office if you would like to be added to the waiting list

CBC Contest

2011-05-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Support some of our own. . . and enter to win a Kobo e-reader! CBC is running a cross-Canada contest as part of an effort to develop a cross-Canada summer reading list. Andrew Suknaski's Wood Mountain Poems is one of 10 Saskatchewan books listed by two readers commissioned by CBC Radio. Go to www.cbc.ca/books/crosscountrybookshelf to vote for one of the 10. A David Carpenter book is also on the list as well as Brenda Niskala (both presenters at the 2011 Saskatchewan Festival of Words!) Feel free to vote however you want; just sayin' Andy Suknaski was one of Gary's favourites. ;)

Early Bird Pass Price Limited Offer

2011-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder that you only have until midnight May 31st to get your Saskatchewan Festival of Words full pass for $175. After that the price goes up to $200!
You can register and pay online on our website:
http://www.festivalofwords.com/summer-festival/purchase-tickets-online.html
or call the festival office at 306-691-0557.
(Please note: other pass options are available at lower prices if you do not want a full pass.)

Festival Newsletter

2011-05-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Work, work, work...

2011-05-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

Well everybody, I'm diving in deep this week so you won't hear from me for awhile. Really busy here at the office and I have a large project to work on so I won't be online until next week. Hope you don't miss me too much;)

Online Creative Writing Forum

2011-05-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

There is a new Creative Writing (on line) Forum in the works called 'Aquarium' hosted by Adrienne Gruber who is a poet (formerly from Saskatoon) living in Toronto. “I have begun an internship at Egale Canada (as part of my education degree at the U of T) and am working on getting a creative writing online forum for LGBTQ youth called Aquarium up and running. I'm hoping to have the forum up and running soon and I'm currently on the hunt for participants. It is meant for queer youth across Canada, so I'm hoping to get some Saskatchewan participants! I am very excited to begin this forum and to work with each of you individually and as a group." madrienne_gruber@egale.ca

Another Upcoming Moose Jaw Event

2011-05-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

Singer/Songwriter Penny Buhr Johnson will perform at the Moose Jaw Alliance Church (9th Ave NW & Thatcher Drive) this Friday May 13th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. Don't miss it!

Steven Palmer CD Release

2011-05-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Local musician Steven Palmer will be having a CD release party on Wednesday June 1st at 7:30pm at the Moose Jaw Art Museum Theatre. The cost is $15 if you buy in advance (tickets available at Java Express, Post Horizon Books, and John's Music) or $20 at the door. Ticket price not only includes what's sure to be a fantastic performance by Steven, but also a reading by Moose Jaw poet Robert Currie, your very own copy of Steven's new CD "From Here to Nashville," and refreshments after the show.

Hope to see you all there!

(For those of you who were at the Saskatchewan Festival of Words in 2010 you will remember Steven from the Sunday lunch as he was our musical entertainment for the event.)

Launch Replay

2011-05-09T14:27:00.001-07:00

For those of you who happened to miss the official Saskatchewan Festival of Words Launch before the Easter weekend you can catch it on our local Shaw channel! It is set to play tonight (May 9th) at 7:00pm.

HELP!!!

2011-05-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

We need some people to help us put up posters. The weather is beautiful and the festival gets paid for the posters we put up so you'd be helping with a little fundraiser for us. Please call the office right away 306-691-0557. We have a list of where they need to go up. Thanks:)

Annual General Meeting

2011-05-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan Festival of Words Annual General Meeting, June 2nd at 7:30pm in the South Room at the Moose Jaw Public Library.

Come check it out!

New Staff Member

2011-05-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

We now have our new seasonal clerical person. Welcome to the Festival Ashlee Suidak!

Tonight!

2011-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

National Poetry Month reading tonight at the Moose Jaw Art Museum Theatre at 7:30pm, FREE! Readings by poets Robert Currie, Greg Simison, Glen Sorestad, and Kelly-Anne Riess. There will be book sales at the event and the authors will be available to sign books as well.

See you there:)