Autumn is amongst us. I love this time of year, more so than ever. Last year I was in the October heat in Orlando, and never experienced the beauty that is a west coast Canadian FALL.
The smell of the plants and trees breaking down, the crispness, the changing leaves, the crunch of the earth, the fashion - let's not forget the fashion! There's something about this change in season that the body needs. This part of Canada doesn't get as cold as the rest of the country, but I'd say it definitely becomes quite creepy, and that is part of the charm of autumn.
If you have a taste for terror, I recommend you come see the latest annual Halloween performance by Giggling Iguana Productions. "The Fall of the House of Usher", a ghoulish tale by Edgar Allan Poe, taking place at the heritage mansion of Craigdarroch Castle.
"The Fall of the House of Usher tells the unfolding drama of the Usher household - the mental deterioration of the master of the house Roderick Usher, the physical failing of it's Mistress, Madelaine, the machinations of the evil family Doctor, and the growing horror of the intrepid Narrator. Usher will feature Rod Peter Jr, Tim Sutherland, Natasha Enquist, Ian Case, Theodore Sherman and Mily Mumford, directed by Case."
Tickets:
http://ticketrocket.org/events/
$25 general admission and $22 for Castle Members (prices include HST). Tickets must be purchased in advance.
When:
October 20 at 8pm, October 21 and 22 at 7pm and 9pm, October 23, 26 and 27 at 8pm, October 28 and 29 at 7pm and 9pm, and October 30 and 31 at 8pm
Where:
Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent, Victoria BC
PLEASE NOTE: This is not a seated performance. Craigdarroch Castle is a historic house museum. There are 87 stairs and NO ramps or elevator - it is NOT wheelchair accessible. Some content in this performance may not be suitable for younger audiences, parents please be advised.
I love Poe, I love creepy stories, and I love Craigdarroch Castle. One of my favourite rides at the Magic Kingdom was the Haunted Mansion, and this heritage mansion is the real thing! I'm excited to spend some time in this building - with all it's mystique, ornate interiors, old smells and creaky floors.
With October comes... Oktoberfest, which I will not have a chance to celebrate at the German club, here in town. I'm thinking of how to celebrate it on my own, with friends. Perhaps make some schnitzel and sip on some jager. I'll put on a few of my "German Drinking Songs" records, dance to some polkas, but don't be surprised if I refuse to play one! Ya, probably a shocker, "you play accordion but not polkas?". Yep, unless I'm paid a grandiose amount OR a little kid wants to do a hoppy dance for me! There's always exceptions :)
So... I have that disease... the disease that many a musician has... where you MUST SAVE THE INSTRUMENT!
How many accordions is enough? Just ONE MORE!!
I am not as bad as many musicians, I am more of a revolving collector of instruments. I adopt, and pass along as seen needed, and I don't collect instruments I don't know how to play.
I got this little sweetie the other day, "Camaro" Firotti. You would think this is Italian made, but it's actually from the manufacturer Fritz Rockstroh of Georgenthal, Germany circa sometime between 1920-60. Fascinating stuff kids!
She's kind of perfect for street performances, as she's virtually weightless. She'll fit in nicely for now. If she's bad, she'll be exiled. I have a feeling she'll behave.