A poem, a song, a story, art, a prayer
may not be considered important to some
but they have breathed hope into me over and over
when I thought none was left
As a lead up to the official October 2013 opening of our efforts to build community and provide self-comfort and health thru the arts in the Hasting County area, I provided a 1 1/2 hr history, song and story presentation about our Lost Island property on the Moira River for Tweed Ontario's Heritage Center fund raising Speakers Series.
From there, our property hosting gatherings, both small and large, have included such activities as special birthday parties, a "Drumming Up Friendship" celebration where a women's church group honoured Indigenous heritage thru dance, song, sharing of information for better understanding, traditional food, and community quilt making.
Our family's Thanksgiving feasting expanded to include others from our community and several of those talented people offered uplifting entertainment following dessert. A real coming together often requires more than good food. Does it not? It is healthier to spend more time focusing on what we have to be grateful for than to wallow in our disappointments and worries, though many they may be. Gracious gifts of the arts help build a positive focus.
We were also privileged to host a "Let's Get Cozy" gathering in our Millhouse pavilion. Over 40 people from the Belleville & area Cyclepath (an active and energetic seniors' cycling group), lead by Bev Hanna-Jones, were piped inside to enjoy a delicious Soup Bar, followed by a program filled with story and song. At the end of this event, the notes from the bagpipe bid all a fond farewell.
This led to October 27th for our first House Concert in affiliation with Home Routes. A young, musical couple from Denmark were booked to tour Ontario for 3 weeks. Although known in Europe, it was their first tour in Canada. Our Studio was the last venue in their circuit before Peterborough and then their return flight home. Mirja Klippel is a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist/zither player of Nordic alternative folk music. Alex is her talented guitarist/backup singer/electronics master. They provided a fascinating evening of gentle, innovative entertainment and friendship for all who attended.
Our next House Concert is the afternoon of Saturday, November 25th. Elemerald Rae is a fiddler/songwriter from the States. The atmosphere she brings will be just as open and friendly, we're sure, with an unique to her. We are looking forward to you joining us that day to welcome her.
Thank you for the invitation to the concert this past Friday evening featuring the Finnish songwriter and singer Mirja Klippel accompanied by Alex Jonsson. I hadn't experienced "alternative" folk music before and didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by how entertaining it was. Kudos to you and Rockie for planning to provide future entertainment for our community to enjoy and do remember to include me on your mailing list. Sincerely, Jacqueline
Nothing beats live entertainment in a cozy, intimate setting. The magic of Mirja and Alex haunting vocals and instrumentals, coupled with the gorgeous country setting, and Deb and Rockie's warm hospitality made for a delightful evening. I will definitely take in more of these concerts.
Colleen
Mirja has a clear haunting delivery of her lyrics with only minimal help from technical tricks, while Alex Jonsson smooths and warms the narrative as accompaniment. Much enjoyed the evening's performance! Count me in for next month's House Concert at Lost Channel. Ann
What a great pleasure to find ourselves in attendance at the inaugural house concert at Lost Channel Art Studio and Retreat! Debra and Rockie have created a warm and welcoming venue. It was an unforgettable performance by Mirja Klippel and Alex Johnsson. Their sublimely beautiful music reverbs on for us - words can't really capture it!
Dorethy & Brad
Thanks for a great "Let's Get Cosy" event - to Rockie and Deb for welcoming us to their place where magic happens!
Thanks to Deb for her historical story of their property and area and for the song, "I'll Think of You as I Go" - made us all think of those special ones in our lives.
Thanks for all who came to help celebrate friendship and good times...our lives are enriched because of you!
Bev - your fearless leader