Thursday, April 25, 2024

Saturday April 27,2024 Scandalous Guelph

 JayWalking Guelph presents Scandalous Guelph

Bootlegging, flaming courtesans, ghosts, revenge killings, infidelity, political scandals...every Ontario town is full of them, true stories of local scandals and Guelph is no exception.

Known for walking tours, JayWalking Guelph is now adding indoor tours. Images and sound effects compliment the true tales, creating a tour whereby you never leave your seat. 

It’s fun to see sepia-toned pictures of the people being talked about, or old images of locations where the deed took place, or sensational newspaper headlines (remember those?).

“The information age has lead to a resurgence in uncovering the past. Archives are now a click away, and information can be shared freely. Now, more than ever there is a keen interest in the past as photography and print has captured the last few centuries like never before and it is all at the tip of our fingers. Bringing this history to life is what JayWalking Guelph has been doing for the past 8 years and these tours are more popular than ever. Moving them inside adds a whole new dimension, bringing street theatre indoors and sharing the archive material with the audience along with these seemingly improbable tales,” says Jay.

Scandalous Guelph The Indoor Show is coming to 10C Shared Space, 42 Carden Street, (the old Acker Building) Saturday April 27 for one performance only at 8pm. Tickets are $25 and available at JayWalking Guelph Eventbrite or cash at the door.

“These stories are of interest to both residents and tourists, and I’d love to see all three tours being performed in Guelph’s historical locations throughout the city one day as a special attraction. It’s a unique way to keep heritage alive and make Guelph stand out as a fascinating destination,” adds Jay.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

On Being Creative

You may have heard of this series lead by Peter Szabo of Possibility Films.

Co partners Ed Video and The Guelph Arts Council along with Peter invite artists to talk creativity.

"What helps to make creativity happen? "What inspires you?" "What advice would you have?"

It's a chance to invigorate, inspire, share.

I am excited to be sharing the discussion with Joan Hug-Valeriote, teacher, quilter.

Come join us at the ArtBar!



PSST Look at Joan's work!!



Sunday, March 17, 2024

Scandalous Guelph - The Indoor Version

Saturday April 27, 2024 at 8pm

At 10C Shared Space at 42 Carden Street Guelph

An indoor walking tour whereby you never leave your seat.

Images and sound effects compliment the true tales of Guelph Scandal

Shocking!

TICKETS HERE




Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Live Theatre, Barrie ON, for Mother's Day


Hey Barrie, Shanty Bay, Edgar, ON Here's a sneak preview of the show coming to the Edgar Community Hall- 1167 Old Barrie Road West.

Mother's Day, Sunday May 12, for a 2pm matinee.👉 Have a look Here

A little bit about Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears.

The Edgar Community Hall - 1167 Old Barrie Road West, Shanty Bay ON (near Barrie)

It's a great intimate location for this show. Mom will love it.

TICKETS HERE 



Monday, February 19, 2024

Explore Guelph Pass 2024

 

Attention conference attendies!

Coming to a conference this year in fabulous Guelph? Make sure you get your hands on the Explore Guelph Pass, compliments of Visit Guelph.

Great savings on food and attractions during your stay here including the JayWalking Guelph tour offer, valid all year long.

Details coming soon.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Summer season announced

Attention walking tour fans. Tickets are now available for the 2024 season.

New time. Tours will begin at 8pm this year.

Gwelf Early Days - Every Thursday at 8pm

The Unfortunate Man - Every Friday at 8pm

Scandalous Guelph - Every Saturday at 8pm

All summer long


Sunday, January 28, 2024

Edgar Community Hall - Old Barrie Road - Shanty Bay ON

I am going to be performing Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears in this charming historic facility on Sunday May 12 (Mother's Day) at 2:00pm.

Many years ago I lived on a farm near this building.

I have been speaking with Oro Township, asking for some history about the Community Hall to include in an upcoming press release about the show. Lori from the Township of Oro has been most helpful. She sent me this school picture she came across from 1893.




It's an interesting photo. Some of the children look to old and some look to young to be attending school. There seems to be an inordinate amount of adults in the picture. Surely there would be one teacher in this one-room school and maybe a part-time custodian.

I also like the way the photographer has not only lined up the children according to height in each row, he has also placed tree branches across the front row, giving it a country feel.

You can also conclude that there are some students likely connected to the nearby African Episcopal Methodist Church who are attending S.S. #6.

I look forward to learning more about The Edgar Hall and I especially look forward to animating the space with some charming Irish stories.

Imagine life in this area in 1893!

Monday, January 22, 2024

Historic Ennotville Library

For those following this blog you will recall that Alison was commandeered into creating an image of the Ennotville Library so that I could include it in a poster for the Father's Day performance of Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears which will take place at this charming venue.

She started by doing a pastel, but quickly abandoned that idea preferring to do a pencil drawing.


This is currently where she is at - it's early yet but I am looking forward to see where this goes.

Fathers from all over Ontario are going to love the poster...and the show!






And here is the incompleted pastel, which no longer exists.



Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Indoor tour - Scandalous Guelph April 27, 2024

AN INDOOR WALKING TOUR!

For those who want to hear the stories but don't want to walk in all types of weather, JayWalking Guelph has the perfect solution...indoor tours!

When discovering the stories for the Scandalous Guelph Tour, I came across pictures of old buildings, tombstones, newspaper headlines, and obscure photographs of people. "One day these will come in handy", I said. At the same time, when reading these true tales I would often hear sounds, howling wind, thunder, a distant train whistle, voices, and music.

Tickets for the indoor Scandalous Guelph Show available HERE 

The outdoor tours are marvelous because we often stand on the very spot where the event took place. I seek out unique locations to visit and we are in nature, surrounded by striking architecture. We feel the wind on our face or the heat of the sun while listening to these fascinating stories.

An indoor tour removes the distractions, the screeching of cars, loud sirens, trucks backing up and airplanes. The pictures transport us to another time.

All three of the walking tours, Gwelf Early Days, The Unfortunate Man and Scandalous Guelph have indoor versions and I am very excited to be bringing Scandalous Guelph to 10C Shared Space on Saturday April 27, 2024




Saturday, January 13, 2024

Guelph Walking Tours

Another endorsement. Giovanna & guest braved a January, 2024 storm, insisting that we go ahead with the walk. Here's what she had to say after the tour.

"Thank you so much for the tour! We loved it, in spite of the weather conditions. We are already planning our next visit to Guelph and have agreed we definitely need more walking tours!
I look forward to seeing you in the spring!"

Giovanna Iosso
Wisconsin

Music to this tour guide's ears. 



Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Groups have more fun

It really is more fun in a group. Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre put together this Guelph Group Guide which is full of terrific activities for groups

JayWalking Guelph offers the ultimate flexibility for groups of 4 or more = Any tour, any day, any time! How's that!?

Book now jaywalkingguelph@gmail.com

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Summer Theatre

Summer theatre has been a passion of mine...forever. From my teenage years working with The Grand Street Players in Galt ON, to my time spent at The Gravenhurst Opera House and Theatre Collingwood.

The summer theatre season has always stirred up intense feelings of joy and excitement.

It is no surprise then that I have come up with a summer theatre tour of my own in my "golden years".

The Show - Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, a one-man show featuring delightful Irish characters in amusing and unusual situations.