Join short story writer and poet John Gardiner, singer/songwriter Karen Morand and visual artist W.A. Walters for an “Eclectic Christmas” at the Cheeky Monkey in Sarnia on Friday, December 6 from 7-9 p.m. The performance is part of Sarnia’s First Friday event when the community celebrates music and the arts with a walkabout through the downtown.
Gardiner and Morand will present a unique Christmas experience combining words and music to paint a Christmas soundscape that will help get listeners into the true spirit of the season. Morand will be performing some original tunes as well as Christmas music for the occasion and Gardiner will be reading original Christmas prose and poetry, some of which are selections from his new literary collection, Memories for Sale. W.A. (Bill) Walters will be unveiling a whole new exhibit, “Coastal”.
Karen Morand has roots that run deep. Born in Toronto and based in Southern Ontario, the award-winning singer-songwriter does life off the beaten path, sleeves rolled up with an eye on the eternal. Armed with feisty, powerhouse vocals, she delivers a soul-stirring show; lively, alt-folk with well-worn blues and gritty gospel on the side. You can find out more about Karen and her music at www.karenmorand.com”
John Gardiner has often been compared to Canadian short story writing icon Alice Munro and his work has appeared with noted literary giants like D.H. Lawrence, Margaret Atwood and Amy Tan. Since publishing his first major literary collection, Memories for Sale: Tales From a Small Town, in 2017, he has performed nearly 40 readings in support of the book, and is the subject an award-winning documentary produced about his book tour.
In addition, you are invited to view the recent oil paintings of (W.A.) Bill Walters in his show, “Coastal” opening the first Friday in December at Cheeky Monkey. Bill continues to explore colour, and the clarity of nature as a Plein Air painter. See where his easel has landed recently from an apple orchard along the rugged coast of Maine, to our own Lake Huron and St. Clair River settings.
The Cheeky Monkey located at 130 Christina St. N., owned and operated by Roland and Mary Anne Peloza, is the hottest place for music and more in Southern Ontario. If they haven’t got the music you’re after, they’ll get it for you. Join Roland and Mar yAnne at the Cheeky Monkey for a very special Christmas program on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. - an Eclectic Christmas with Karen Morand, John Gardiner and W.A. (Bill) Walters.
