June 15, 2004 OTTAWA - Want to paint a paddle, learn how to build a birch bark canoe or groove to the tunes of Spirit of the West? Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul invite everyone to pack a picnic and head over to Canada's favourite backyard to take part in these activities and others during the pre-Canada Day Party in the Garden at Rideau Hall on Wednesday, June 30, 2004. From 5 to 9 p.m., young and young-at-heart will have the chance to experience Canada's great outdoors through a variety of fun, free activities, including a workshop by a skilled paddle maker, storytelling and songs by some of Canada's well known canoeists, an exhibit from the Canadian Canoe Museum which includes a 32-foot birch bark Voyageur canoe, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, cricket demonstrations, crafts for kids and old-fashioned games. East meets West on stage at Rideau Hall At 7 p.m., East meets West when Shaye, Atlantic Canada's highly acclaimed trio appear in concert with Spirit of the West, the popular Vancouver-based Celtic pop band, to kick off the first of six free concerts to be held this summer on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The 2004 Juno-nominated group Shaye recently garnered the Canadian Radio Music Award for Best New Adult Contemporary group for their single Happy Baby as it soared to the top of the Canadian charts. Band members and singer-songwriters Kim Stockwood, Damhnait Doyle and Tara MacLean all hail from Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, two provinces rich in musical traditions. The talented trio hooked up two years ago to produce their debut album, The Bridge, after each having their own successful solo careers. Please visit www.shayemusic.com for more information on the group. The members of Spirit of the West are no strangers to Ottawa audiences, who have flocked to their performances in the Nation's Capital for years. Based in Vancouver, the band has toured throughout Canada and Europe extensively to solid reviews. Founded in 1983, the band's eclectic, celtic/pop sound has developed over the years to reflect diverse influences. The return of band members John Mann, Geoffrey Kelly, Vince Ditrich, Hugh McMillan and Tobin Frank to Ottawa coincides with the release of Star Trails, their first studio album in six years. Please visit www.sotw.ca for more information on the group. For more details on the Governor General's Party in the Garden, please see the attached annex. Media wishing to cover the event are invited to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office. -30- Media information Rideau Hall Press Office Marilyne Guèvremont, Lucie Brosseau or France Langlois (613) 998-7280 (613) 998-0287 or (613) 993-8157 www.gg.ca Public information: (613) 991-ggca (4422) or 1 866 842-ggca (4422) ANNEX: Information – Governor General's Party in the Garden When: Wednesday, June 30, 2004, 5-9 p.m. Where: Grounds of Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa What: 5-9 p.m.* Old-fashioned games, carnival games, kids'crafts, a variety of exhibits highlighting Canada's great outdoors such as storytelling and songs from some of Canada's well known canoeists, an exhibit by the Canadian Canoe museum, a workshop by military cadets on how to build a wilderness camp and orienteering, a paddle making workshop, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee and cricket demonstrations, self-guided tours of the residence and gardens, refreshments. *Some activities will end at 7 p.m. 7-9 p.m. Free concert featuring Spirit of the West and Shaye (Rideau Hall Stage) Parking: Visitors can park at the National Research Council at 125 Sussex Drive. A free shuttle service will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. Four gates will be open to the public – Sussex Drive, Thomas Street, Mackay Street pedestrian gate and Princess Avenue. Parking on the grounds will be limited to seniors and mobility-impaired visitors. MEDIA MAY ENTER THROUGH PRINCESS GATE AND PARK ON THE GROUNDS IN A DESIGNATED AREA. Bike racks: Bicycles are not permitted on the grounds. Bicycle racks will be available at the entrances to the grounds. Pets/alcohol: No pets or alcohol on the grounds. Bus: We encourage the use of public transportation. OC Transpo bus route number 3 will take you to Rideau Hall. For more information on OC Transpo services and maps, please visit http://www.octranspo.com or call (613) 741-4390. Inclement weather: The Party in the Garden and the evening concert will be cancelled only under severe weather conditions. In the event of cancellations, announcements will be made on local radio stations.
