A podcast is a recorded audio or video file that you can download and listen to or watch on an iPod, Smartphone or other mp3 device. Even better, you can subscribe to podcasts through a service like iTunes so you’re guaranteed to never miss an episode.

This short video from the people at Common Craft will show you how easy it is to find and listen to podcasts on virtually any topic. (Click to view)

Podcasts have re-invigorated my daily exercise routine. Now instead of being tied to a computer desk (or radio or television), I can take the program with me and listen on the go. As mentioned in the video, there are podcasts for almost every interest. Book lovers have so many great shows to choose from. One of my favourite new ways to hear about new books is through the Books on the Nightstand podcast. 

 Books on the Nightstand is the pet project of Ann Kingman and Michael Kindness, both of whom work in the publishing business. Their enthusiasm for books and knowledge of the book industry make the podcasts enjoyable and informative.  

Each show is chock-a-block with books new, discussion topics about aspects of the book world, and my favourite segment: Two Books I Can’t Wait for You to Read, where Michael and Ann share a personal recommendation with their listeners. And speaking of listeners, their fan base is pretty strong. Last Spring, BOTN hosted a retreat which brought 9 authors, including Chris Bohjalian and Matthew Dicks, together with their readers for a weekend of book talk. By all accounts it was a huge success. They’ve already begun planning next year’s event.

I hope you take a moment to check out the BOTN website, blog, podcasts and Goodreads group. And also, that you’ll head over to our Facebook page and share your favourite online book resources.

Césan d’Ornellas Levine

Artist Biography

Césan is a self trained painter with over 20 years of studio practice. Formal study has focussed on development of artistic intuition and creativity development and includes a BA in Religious Studies and Art History from McMaster University, and a diploma from the Anna Wise Institute, San Francisco in Biofeedback MeditationExtensive travel, from prehistoric sacred sites of the East, to contemporary museums of the West, and especially the site of the Peterborough Petroglyphs near where I group up, is an ongoing foundational pedagogy.

Notable exhibitions include solo shows at Toronto Centre for the Arts, The Gordon Harrison Gallery Ottawa, The Petroff Gallery, and the Lanes Gallery in Hazelton Lanes, Group exhibitions at Galerie Arteconte in Paris, Edgar Modern in Bath, The URJ World Headquarters in New York City and The Amsterdam Art Fair, represented by Edgar Modern and also solo, 2 person and group exhibitions at various public galleries throughout Ontario.

Césanʼs annual Open Studio, Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16, is a popular event. She and her husband Mark Levine are gracious hosts providing a feast of yummy amuse bouches all weekend, live music, lots of art and there is always the possibility to go for an autumn stroll through the nature trails behind their beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired studio/residence.

The studio is open to the public anytime by appointment.

An extensive gallery of her work, writings, press articles and exhibition history can be found online at www.cesan.ca.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

• Featured Live Painter, Opening Gala, Wordstock Literary Festival, Friday Sept. 9 2011, Collingwood
• Under the Jerusalem Sky, juried group exhibition for the Jerusalem Foundation, Nicola Rukaj Gallery, Toronto. September 14-18, 2011
• Recent Work from the Judaica Series, The Petroff Gallery, 1016 Eglinton Ave. West, Toronto, September 19 – October 1
• Life Of Tree, Artist Talk + Wine and Cheese Opening, Friday Sept 23 at 7:00pm, The Gordon Harrison Gallery, 495 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
• 8th Annual Open Studio, part of the Richmond Hill Studio Tour, Césan’s Studio/Residence, October 15 and 16, 2011
• Ongoing Representation, The Village Gallery, 171 Lakeshore Rd. E, Port Credit

Join us on Monday, August 29th, 2011 for a very special Acoustic Monday concert. Presented by Covernotes, the free, all ages concert by Derek Christie and friends will feature original songs from his new CD, Secrets, as well as some familiar favourites. All the fun happens in the courtyard between our cafe and the Centre for Performing Arts (Yonge and Wright Sts.). The show is set to start a little earlier than our regular time. There is plenty of seating available but you may also wish to bring your lawn chair.

Derek Christie

The Montreal-born singer-songwriter, who now lives in Richmond Hill, has roots in the Toronto indie and folk scenes in the 80s and 90s.  He recently appeared along with his band on Rogers TV Daytime to perform prior to the release of Secrets. You can watch the video here.

Derek Christie’s CD, Secrets, is available for purchase in stores, on iTunes or through his website.

Comedy Night - August 26th

Funnyman Inc. presents a spectacular comedy line-up this Friday, August 26th hosted by TRIXX. The show starts at 7:30 pm (free or pwyc).

Performance may include adult language and is not suitable for children.

Our ongoing summer art exhibit continues with Rhonda and Lydia Uppington. Throughout the summer, Covernotes is featuring works by members of the Newmarket Group of Artists who will be participating in the 3rd Annual Newmarket Studio Tour (October 1st & 2nd, 2011). Each of the artists on the Fall Studio Tour will have a feature exhibit at Covernotes Newmarket. Many of the artists will also be available for a Meet the Artist event. Every 2 weeks, there will be a new installation. Be sure to visit often to see each new exhibit.

Aug 2 to Aug 15th

 2011 Art Exhibit Schedule

Aug 16 to Aug 29 – Josee Savaria

Aug 30 to Sep 12 – Wendy Ferguson/James Cafissi

Sep 13 to Sep 26 – Steven Brown

Sep 27 to Oct 3 – Fiddles

Summer Jazz Series in the Courtyard

The addition of the Performing Arts Centre to the downtown Village core has brought renewed vibrancy to the local entertainment scene as evidenced by the crowds on a recent warm Tuesday evening. They were there to enjoy the popular Summer Jazz concert series that began in 2010 and is in full swing again this summer. This year Covernotes tea and coffee house is proud to be the event sponsor.

The concerts, which take place Tuesdays nights throughout July and August, feature many rising stars in the Canadian Jazz landscape. Join us tonight as we welcome Adrian Pellew to the outdoor stage. Recent shows have featured Shannon Butcher (July 5), Rob Christian and Quincy Bullen (July 12), and Rob Tardik (July 19). The concerts are a terrific opportunity for Richmond Hill residents as well as anyone else to enjoy a free and family friendly evening of stellar entertainment.

Shows start at 7:30 pm which allows plenty of time to secure a table in the theatre courtyard (Yonge and Wright Sts. in the Village core). For an even more relaxed time, you can pick up a flatbread pizza at Covernotes to enjoy beforehand or during the performance. An iced tea or lemonade will help keep you cool, or you can order a drink from the theatre’s licensed bar.

The concerts have become extremely popular among local music fans. It’s a good idea to come early or bring your own lawn chair.

Upcoming Shows:
August 2 – Lori Viola
August 9 – Dave McLaughlin
August 16 – Phil Bianco
August 23 – Teresa Marchione
 
SNAP Richmond Hill – Summer Jazz Series at the RHCPA.

Related events:
Aurora Jazz and Blues Festival (www.aurorajazzfest.com) will be held at Aurora Town Park (Friday 6 – 10pm, Saturday 2 – 10pm and Sunday 1 – 10 pm). For more information, visit the festival website or read the article in YorkScene.com.