If you are a lover of live theatre and our country’s favourite sport, then this is the play for you!
“Hockey Mom Hockey Dad” is Canadian romantic comedy is about two lonely single parents who meet and fall in love while watching their kids play a season of minor hockey.
Does it get anymore relatable then this for some sporting parents?
The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is taking this production on the road for our communities to to enjoy!
I recently had the chance to speak to Gwendolyn Collins and Devin Lowry, who are the two stars of the show, about what audiences can expect and their experience with this piece.
Have a listen…
See this amazing play as it tours across our area…
It’s the day of the week were we celebrate those groups, bands and artists who made it big…even if it was with only one song.
It’s ONE HIT WONDER WEDNESDAY!!!
“Kiss You All Over” from Exile(1978)
Despite only having this single song success in mainstream pop, Exile went on to have massive success in another genre of music.
Ten of their songs reaching #1 on the country charts in both the US and Canada.
“Kiss you all Over” is still the one song that they are most well known for.
It was a smash hit, holding the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks.
Billboard also calls it one of the “sexiest songs of all time”. It makes sense because apparently it was inspired by the Berry White track “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me”.
Bonus Song!
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” from Bobby McFerrin (1988)
This song was inspired by a famous quote from the Indian spiritual master Meher Baba. Bobby saw on a poster.
It swept the 1989 Grammys, winning Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
This song features no actual instruments! Every sound, including the percussion and bassline, was created by Bobby using his own voice.
It became the first acappella song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The music video features comedians Robin Williams and Bill Irwin.
This song is frequently misattributed to Bob Marley, even though he died seven years before its release.
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” from The Verve (1997)
This was a Top 10 hit in multiple countries, including here in Canada were it went to #5.
It was named Single of the Year by Rolling Stone and NME, and it was also nominated for Best Rock Song at the Grammys.
The song is built around a distinctive orchestral loop sampled from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra’s symphonic recording of The Rolling Stones’ song “The Last Time”.
This group had permission to use a small sample, but the Rolling Stones’ former manager, Allen Klein, sued, claiming that they used too much.
The band’s front man, Richard Ashcroft, was forced to hand over 100% of the royalties and songwriting credits to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
In 2019, Mick and Keith formally returned the rights and royalties back to him.
Bonus Song!
”Bette Davis Eyes” from Kim Carnes (1981)
This song spent nine weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
It won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1982 Grammys.
Bette Davis, the actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age who inspired the song, apparently sent letters to the creators thanking them for making her “a part of modern times” and she even accepted gold and platinum records from them as gifts.
One of the reasons the legendary actress loved the song is that her granddaughter thought her grandmother was “cool” for having a hit song written about her.
The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts is just over a month away.
The annual event is celebrating its 84th year in 2026 and has seen thousands of performers compete in various categories.
One of the region’s most renowed singers is Florence Forsberg.
Florence was born in Fort Frances to Nelson and Velma Falk.
When her mother died two years later of tuberculosis, Florence was allowed to live with her grandmother before adopted by her aunt and uncle, Elvi and Bert Forsberg.
Her interest in song started as an early age.
Fort Frances Fire Chief R. E. Readman, remembers hearing the younster sing to his wife through the vents when the Forsberg’s were visiting friends above his apartment.
One of her first public appearances was for the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club, that would assist her in developing her titles.
Norman Johnson, a past president and in charges of organizing local recitals, would provide Florence with books of opera arias to learn.
Florence start her schooling in Fort Frances, but was soon sent to live in Winnipeg for musical and voice training at the Bornoff School of Music in her later years.
During one trip to the Manitoba capital with her mother, Florence auditioned for the CBC which hosted several radio variety shows.
Members of the audition board were so impressed with her voice that she was signed to sing on the program Woodhouse and Hawkins, making her radio debut in March 1941.
The appearance would earn her a spot on a national program that highlighted Swedish-Canadians known as “Canadian All” where she would sing in Swedish.
Other radio appearances would follow.
Florence continued to compete in musical festivals, at home and in Manitoba, regularly winning in the operatic category.
At the age of 18, Florence performed at a lodge convention in Boston that her adopted-father was attending.
That got her an invite to sing on a Boston radio station.
A wealthy Boston couple heard the broadcast and offered to sponsor her singing career if she remained in the city.
Florence accepted and enrolled at the New England Conservatory of Music for one year before being admitted to the famed Julliard Institute of Music in New York where an interest in opera work was developed.
In 1947, Florence successfully auditioned to the Opera Theatre, furthering a budding career.
Her first professional performance came with the Lemonade Opera Company of New York where she was cast as Grethel in an operatic version of “Hansel and Grethel.”
In 1951, Florence won the lead as Alice in a musical version of “Alice in Wonderland,” touring the Atlantic seaboard.
“She is an attractive blonde miss who gives a straightforward natural performance as Alice,” said critic Ranaid Savery after attending a performance in Connecticut.
“Hers is no easy assignment, for she is on the stage constantly, but she carries it off in top form, investing the character with believability and charm.”
Following the performance, Florence was hired to entertain on cruise ships during the winters of 1950 and 1951.
She also made several television appearances in the United States, performing on programs such as The George Jessel Show and The Colgate Comedy Hour hosted by Eddie Cantor.
In the fall of 1952, she accepted an invite to take part in a U.S.O tour of Europe, performing in the historic music halls in Vienna, Paris, Scotland, Iceland and England.
The following spring, Florence was made an understudy for the second top role in the Broadway Musical “Wonderful Town.”
The musical would go on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
On July 16th, 1953 at about 7:30 a.m., New York City Police were called to home of Lester Johnson, finding the Korean War Veteran and candy salesperson lying dead and a rifle under his lifeless body.
A note was also discovered that read, “I either killed or contributed to the death of an actress named Flo.”
That led police to Florence’s apartment located two miles away where officers discovered the 25-year-old’s lifeless nude and battered body.
Autopsies revealed she had been stabbed 14 times in the neck and body, while Johnson died from a single gun shot to the chest.
Police offered no motive for the murder-suicide, but told press the two had “done of drinking.”
Another note found in Florence’s apartment also offered some clues.
“I’m sorry it had to happen this way, but I could not take it with all the liquor and affection.”
The note was signed “Les.”
Florence and Johnson had known each other for about five years, initially introduced by Gustave Kvalden, an attorney and family friend of the Forsbergs.
A roommate of Florence’s told the News York press that Johnson would call frequently, but she expressed no interest in him, wanting to focus on her Broadway career.
“She was never abrupt with him,” said Victoria Crandall.
“She was too kind to be abrupt with anybody, but she let him know definitely a number of times that she didn’t care to go out with him.”
Her fellow performers expressed shock with her death but indicated that Florence was not one to meet anyone after the show.
“It’s terrible, terrible,” said Rosalind Russell, the star of “Wonderland Town.”
“I only knew her slightly, but I took an interest in her and gave her some advice on grooming. She had talent.”
News of Florence’s death made headlines across Canada and the United States.
Newspaper article on Florence Forsberg’s killing from the July 17, 1953, edition of the Windsor Daily Star.
Charles Renaud of CKFI, known today as 93.1 The Border, was one of the first in Fort Frances to learn of the tragedy, receiving a newswire teletype from the Associated Press.
Police had failed to notify the Forsberg family.
Renaud decided to withhold the news, first calling Mayor Joseph Livingstone who passed on the tragic news to the Bert Forsberg.
When the news finally broke locally, residents also expressed shock.
“I can’t believe it,” one resident said.
“Who would want to kill her? She was the town’s angel.”
Livingstone was lost for words, but was critical of the New York Police for not notifying the family, calling its actions cruel and heartless.
Bert Forsberg had previously planned to travel New York to watch his adopted-daughter perform but now made the trip to pick up her belongings and try to learn more about her death.
While in New York, Bert Forsberg learned from the apartment building’s owner that Johnson had obtain a pass key and entered Florence’s apartment just after she retired for the night, contradicting police reports of how the two came to meet that fateful night.
He was spared the task of identifying the remains with Kvalden having done that on his behalf.
Florence’s body was entrusted to the New York Funeral Service which made arrangements to ship it to International Falls and have it brought across the border to Fort Frances.
Funeral services would take place on July 21st.
More than 400 people overflowed the Knox United Church.
The first three rows of pews seated relatives, digataries and close family friends.
A special section was reserved for members of the Kiwanis Club who referred to Florence as “our sweetheart.”
“Florence’s voice is still,” Rev. G.A. McMillan told the gathering.
“Yet, the church has to speak. . . The community must register affirmation for this young girl whom we all knew and loved.”
“She really did not belong to Broadway, but Broadway wanted that bubbling effervescent and singing quality that was hers,” added Rev. H.G. Tolton.
“She had reached the top. She undoubtedly would have gone to the very top. She lived only for that, she in turn would have been truce to her mother and father and her friends back home.”
Her body was interned at the Fort Frances ceremony.
Shortly after the service, a memorial fund in honour of Florence and her adopted-mother Elvi was set up, with the funds going toward the purchase of a new concert grand piano for use at the Rainy River District Festival and other events.
Two contributions came from New York.
The Forsbergs had become strong supporters of the Festival from its inception.
Elvi passed away after suffering a heart attack while attending the festival in 1951.
An award in her name is still presented at the Festival to the most promising young vocalist who is 16 years old and under.
Are you getting tired of the typical dating show formats? Single’s Inferno solves that problem!
Singles Inferno Season 5 has been dominating the dating scene, securing the second spot on Netflix’s “Global Top 10 Non-English Shows” for three consecutive weeks. Since the announcement of a renewal for Season 6, it is set to become Korea’s longest-running unscripted series.
In the series, contestants are left on a deserted island where they compete in games and challenges. A select few get to enjoy “paradise,” a luxury getaway where they go on romantic dates and form meaningful connections. “Paradise” is also the only place where they are allowed to reveal their ages and occupations to one another.
What really attracted me to the show was how it strays away from the standard dating show experience. When you think of dating shows, you might think of Too Hot to Handle, Love Island, or Perfect Match. Those very fast-paced dating shows fail to present the same emotional build-up as Single’s Inferno. If you’re looking for something slower, where contestants attempt to build a genuine bond, this show tops the category.
In my opinion, this season was the most entertaining of all: there was a lot of distinct personalities, spicy drama and messy love triangles. The producers switched up the rules from previous seasons, making it a tad bit more entertaining.
They’ve also added a spin-off series to wrap it all up called Singles’ Inferno Reunion, which was released on Valentine’s Day.
It consists of six episodes, each ranging from 25 minutes to an hour long. This is the place to be if you wanna see which contestants kept their romance alive and which ones haven’t kept in touch. You can also expect some lingering tension between certain participants.
If you want to try out a new dating show that’s truly different from the rest, give this one a try!
Hello Dear Reader and Happy Valentine’s Day! Unless you’ve found this article beforehand or are maybe coming to it long after, in which case Happy Love Every Day! Between you and me, I feel like that should really be our goal anyway; not just on the one day a year designated by greeting card companies and florists. Of course, I’m all for doubling up that love on that day if you wish. Who doesn’t love chocolates in heart-shaped boxes and dinner reservations? It’s just, as a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I believe you should be putting love into every day, to those around you for sure and most importantly to yourself! It does a heart good to focus on love, that’s for certain, and for me that’s always included the movies! Now, I know it’s getting harder and harder to come by on the big screen. These days, the majority of films that find their way into theatres are more apt to include dystopian landscapes and super powers than they are tender moments and heart-string-pulling plot lines. That’s precisely the reason I’ve compiled the perfect collection of movies to celebrate the sweetest side of love. Oh sure, there’ll be some kind of kerfuffles that aim to keep the two hearts from connecting – what’s a good story without a smidge of conflict to keep it interesting – but rest assured when it’s all said and done you’ll see love will prevail. And I’ve included a little something for everyone from classics to contemporary, perfect pairings, opposites attracting and second chances no one saw coming. Oh, it’s a heartfelt collection alright – so let’s get to it.
Starting with an ever so sweet romcom that made its way into theatres two decades ago – long before the lead actress and actor achieved superstar status. Now he’s an Academy Award Winner and Best Selling Author, and she’s a mega award-winning, platinum selling record artist, clothing designer, beauty company magnate, film exec. and full fledged box office draw to boot. Back in 2001, however, when Matthew McConaughey played Dr. Steve Edison and Jennifer Lopez took on the title role of THE WEDDING PLANNER, it’s amazing to note they were not the studio’s first choice for leads. In fact, Brendan Fraser of THE MUMMY fame and Sarah Michelle Gellar aka BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER were both cast and both dropped out because of scheduling conflicts. So just like in the movie – fate took a hand, and the on-screen chemistry between McConaughey and Lopez took over in this full-on old-fashioned romantic comedy about love, destiny and other events you just can’t plan for. As for the storyline (without giving too much away) Mary Fiore, one of San Francisco’s best wedding planners, has her life saved by a dashing stranger who she falls for in a heartbeat, only to discover he’s engaged to her biggest client. The story features a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plenty of plot twists and turns, some truly swoon-worthy scenes and lots of laughs along the way to an ending that was simply destined to be. The soundtrack is filled with plenty of lovely tunes including the world record setting song that rolls over the closing credits courtesy of the star herself – “Love Don’t Cost A Thing”. Always with her eye on awesome, Ms. Lopez launched her second studio album simultaneously with the release of the movie and blew the doors off both the box office and the billboard charts – making JLo the first woman to have a number one album and number one film in the same week. THE WEDDING PLANNER is available to buy/rent on Prime Video.
“Alright, alright, alright” (see what I did there), let’s keep this Love Every Day collection of heartwarming flicks clicking along to the most awarded romantic comedy on the list. And while it was Jessica Lange who took home the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Actress in the film, you’d be hard pressed to find a more formidable female on-screen presence than that of Dustin Hoffman as Dorothy Micheals. That blockbuster of a romcom of course is TOOTSIE in which both Lange and Hoffman play actors. She’s Julie Nichols who’s already a star on the popular daytime (fictional) soap opera, Southwest General. He’s Michael Dorsey, an out-of-work actor who, after a series of deflating auditions, dawns a wig, a ton of make-up, some serious control top hose and other important under-garments to audition for the role of hospital administrator Emily Kimberly. And wouldn’t you know it – he finally lands a job on TV. As you might imagine tremendous comedy ensues, both on the set of the soap and off-camera, with Michael’s crazy roommate Jeff played by Bill Murray and his long-suffering girlfriend Sandy played by the late great Teri Garr. While Michael did plan on making money from his part on the soap, he never imagined he’d fall in love with his co-star. A co-star who, you guessed it, only knows him as a rather matronly woman. I won’t tell you how it ends, but I will tell you it’s an absolutely phenomenal film, complete with an Oscar-nominated original soundtrack song that went all the way to number one on the AC charts back in 1982 – “It Might Be You” by Stephen Bishop. It’s worth noting that Hollywood legendary Sydney Pollack not only directed the film, but co-starred as Dustin Hoffman’s agent in the movie. His performance, along with the entire cast, was start to finish flawless, funny and moving. It’s no wonder TOOTSIE landed in the #2 slot on the American Film Institute’s 100 years 100 Laughs list. TOOTSIE is available to stream on STARZ.
I’m going to need you to bear with me for a second when I tell you the title of the next one, but not before we roll it back to a kinder gentler time. Back to 1995 when the leader of the free world was Andrew Shepherd. Oh sure, in real life it was Bill Clinton who held the title, but in the Aaron Sorkin written, Rob Reiner directed romantic comedy THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, it was Michael Douglas who took on the title role with tremendous charm and fantastic finesse. The elevator pitch goes like this “A widowed U.S. President running for reelection and an environmental lobbyist fall in love. It’s all above-board, but politics is perception, and sparks fly anyway.” And boy do they ever. Annette Bening plays the lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, who’s just moved to Washington on a mission amidst President Shepherd’s bid for reelection. Sorkin’s gift for weaving wonderful stories within the White House is second to none. The blend of incredible characters and witty dialogue is spectacular and the love between Sydney and the President is motion picture perfection. Reiner turned to his go to composer Marc Shaiman to brilliantly score the film which includes a heart-stirring arrangement of a classic overture from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1951 musical THE KING AND I. The song is “I Have Dreamed” and plays as the couple take to the dance floor on their first date, which just happens to be during a black tie state dinner. Just imagine… how romantic.
THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT marks the second time the incomparable Aaron Sorkin and the late great legend Rob Reiner would work together, having the 1992 smash A FEW GOOD MEN to their combined credit. This was the third time Reiner worked with Marc Shaiman for his film scores, with a grand total of 20 projects as a director/composer team at the time of Reiner’s untimely passing late 2025. This seems like the perfect time to mention they first joined forces for my favourite romantic comedy of all time – after being introduced by their mutual friend and the film’s star Billy Crystal. Now before you check my previous features, I’ll admit I have included WHEN HARRY MET SALLY before – but come on! This feature’s here to salute Valentine’s Day and Love Every Day, so please, I implore you – let there be love for WHEN HARRY MET SALLY and naturally all the phenomenal music featured on its Grammy-winning soundtrack. Fall in love with it for yourself as it’s available to purchase on Prime Video.
While all the movies in our Love Every Day collection fall under the same ‘Romantic Comedy’ umbrella, the characters in each story vary greatly. While love is the common thread for all our on-screen couples, the tapestry they weave on their way to a happy ending can really come at it from all directions. Such is the case in the plot presented by our next feature THE PROPOSAL. Dreamy Ryan Reynolds stars as Andrew Paxton, a beleaguered but determined-to-please assistant to beyond-demanding publishing executive Margaret Tate played by the always sensational Sandra Bullock. Things go sideways for Margaret when her work visa is set to expire and in an effort to avoid deportation she forces poor Andrew to marry her. Things go south for Andrew when the couple flies north to visit his family in Alaska. That’s where the comedy continues and the real love story begins. I adore this movie and I’m over the moon for its supporting cast that includes Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen and Betty White. Everyone plays their part to perfection and the screenplay by Peter Chiarelli is funny for sure, but it’s the tender moments between Bullock and Reynolds that really get me in this movie. The ones that move you to tears and then, just before it gets too serious, have you laughing again in spite of yourself. Case in point, the scene where Margaret tells Andrew about her life before they met in an effort to prepare for their immigration interview. Some little known facts, some interesting details and some really sad memories. It’s the first time the two really let their ‘assistant’ and ‘boss’ animosity levels drop and we see the exact moment this comedy turns romantic. Not so romantic, however, is the song they sing right after that moment – the certified platinum single “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock. You just have to see it to believe for yourself. You can find THE PROPOSAL streaming on STARZ.
Now if this is the first time you’ve read a feature of mine, you should know I fiercely frown on SPOILERS, but it’s not giving anything away to note, for much of movie history, the traditional romantic comedy typically resolves with the leads wrapped in each others arms, or at the very least caught up in each other’s gaze. Every now and again, however, there’s a movie that ticks all the romcom boxes without the text book ‘happily ever after’ ending. I mention that only so that you’ll know where we’re heading with our next two movies, both of which were written and directed by the one and only James L. Brooks. And here’s the thing – Brooks believes the best kind of comedy reflects real life, so he’s always making sure the heart-swelling high notes are balanced by a healthy heaping of the heart-breaking lows. Need I remind you of his Oscar-winning smash TERMS OF ENDEARMENT?! Well anyway, in his 2004 film SPANGLISH he brings another perfectly balanced mix of emotions movie to the big screen and then some. The film stars popular Spanish actress Paz Vega as Flor. a single mother who immigrates to America from Mexico with the hopes of making a better life for her young daughter. Flor finds work with a the family of celebrated chef John Klaski, played by Adam Sandler, and his neurotic and needy wife Deborah played by Tea Leoni. First let me say, the cast is fantastic, the plot is warm and funny, messy and marvellous and everything you want in a romcom. Secondly, never let it be said that Adam Sandler isn’t an incredible actor. Oh sure, he’s a riot in HAPPY GILMORE and all those other slapstick flicks, but in SPANGLISH he’s truly flawless, and truth be told, he’s very easy to fall in love with. In fact, that’s where Brooks finds the hook for his signature heartbreak where Jack and Flor are concerned.I won’t tell you anymore. I’ll only say that when it’s all set to Hans Zimmer’s oh so romantic score – you best have a firm grip on those tissues my friend. Oh how I love SPANGLISH and I hope you do too. It’s available to stream on CRAVE.
On to another James L. Brooks film favourite of mine. One that hit theatres all the way back in 1987 and starred Holly Hunter as Jane Craig, a brilliantly gifted news producer; Albert Brooks as incredibly talented reporter Aaron Altman; and William Hurt, who plays the camera-worthy wanna-be-anchor Tom Grunick. In BROADCAST NEWS, we learn pretty quickly that Tom’s low IQ is the kind of thing that would typically turn Jane off, but instead his lovely looks have her heart racing. Meanwhile, poor Aaron who’s longing to be the one Jane loves,gets lumped in the friend category. So yeah, it’s your basic love triangle scenario, but throw in a non-stop newsroom, with massive layoffs on the line and things get even trickier. The writing is very smart, the performances are extraordinary and having worked in a newsroom myself, I can tell you not much has changed. The technology has for sure, but that organ-shifting pressure lives on, especially on the ‘live broadcast’ side of things. Oscar-winning composer Bill Conti does the score, but my favourite musical moment of movie takes place during a special live breaking news report, as Aaron’s turn on the motown classic “Midnight Train to Georgia” is really one for the ‘record’ books. Just watch and you’ll see – it’s a riot! You can stream/download BROADCAST NEWS now on Prime Video.
Next up on the Love Every Day movie list is Nancy Meyer’s 2023 smart, charming and oh-so-romantic comedySOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE. Jack Nicholson stars as perennial bachelor Harry Sandborn, who heads for the Hamptons for the weekend with his much younger girlfriend Marin played by Amanda Peet. Showing his age, Harry suffers a heart attack forcing him to hunker down and recuperate with Marin’s mother Erica Barry played by the late great Diane Keaton. Keanu Reeves takes on the role of young doctor Julian, who to tends to Harry and falls for Erica. Meanwhile Erica falls for Harry, and Harry maybe falls for Erica?! Well, suffice it to say the story is spectacular stuff indeed. When it came to shooting the scenes with Erica and Harry, writer/director Nancy Meyers said she created a ‘wall of sound.’ Basically, an on-set soundtrack if you will, that would play in the background and set the tone in scenes where they were acting alone with no dialogue. With Paris playing such a key role in the story (no spoilers) much of that ‘wall of sound’ music was French, plenty which made its way from on-set to the on-screen soundtrack. Songs like “Je Cherche un Homme”,“La Vie en Rose” and “C’est si bon”.
I adore SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE. Have I watched it a million times? Maybe. Will I watch it a million more? You bet. It ticks every single romantic comedy box and honestly gives a person hope. Hope that, no matter how old you might be, love can find you any time in life, and in a lot of cases, at a time when you least expect it. SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE is streaming on Prime Video.
Now I’m always amazed when someone can act in and direct a film, but as you’ll hear on the DVD commentary for this next heartwarming romcom, you’d know that with a story this close to her heart, Bonnie Hunt wouldn’t have it any other way. Bonnie co-wrote the screenplay for RETURN TO ME with her longtime creative partner and equally hilarious actor friend Don Lake, who also has a funny role in the film. Just hearing them recount how the movie was made – there’s no denying something magic was afoot. The film stars David Duchovny as architect Bob Ruland, whose life changes in an instant one night when his loving wife is killed in a car crash. Minnie Driver plays Grace Briggs, a young woman on the wait list for a heart transplant, whose life changes in an instant one night when she receives a healthy heart. Look I’m here to tell ya – you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll fall in love with this movie! And don’t get me started on the supporting cast of screen legends that includes the righteous Robert Logia and the incomparable Carroll O’Connor. This movie plays like a classic from days gone by when stories were sweet, and family was family, and love was true blue beautiful. Only fitting then that the soundtrack be filled with the greatest kind of swinging standards from the likes of Frank Sinatra, the Jackie Gleason orchestra and Mr. Dean Martin. In fact the title track features Dean’s original vocals as released on his record back in 1961 with an all new musical arrangement produced by Nicholas Pike and filmmaker Bonnie Hunt behind them. This new version allowed Bonnie to weave the music throughout the film just like a tailored score. Oh it’s beyond lovely. RETURN TO ME is streaming now on TUBI.
I’ll confess I’m over the moon for Dean Martin’s music, but that’s not only reason I love the final film in our Love Every Day collection of romcoms. Yes, it’s Dean’s signature song “That’s Amore” we hear play over the opening credits to Norman Jewison’s 1987 Academy Award Winning masterpiece MOONSTRUCK, but that’s just a smidge of what makes this love story one for the ages. The film follows Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American bookkeeper from Brooklyn who falls in love the fiery brother of the boring man she’s agreed to marry. I’m simplifying for time, but I’m here to tell ya, this movie has everything and more – including a stellar cast with award-winning performances. Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Loretta, Olympia Dukakis won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Loretta’s mother Rose, and John Patrick Shanley took home the hardware for Best Original Screenplay. The film also received nominations for Best Picture, and Best Direction as well as a best supporting actor nod for venerable Vincent Gardenia who played Cosmo Castorini. And here’s a fun fact, to this day whenever there’s a gigantic moon in the sky I say – “It’s Cosmo’s moon!” And since I believe this thing called love is linked ever so delicately with destiny I’ll leave you with the story Cher tells on the DVD commentary ~ how she wanted Nicolas Cage to play Ronny Cammareri so much that when the studio refused to hire him, she threatened to quit. Guess we know who won that round since it’s Nick Cage’s face that gets slapped twice as Cher yells “Snap out of it!” and it was his powerful portrayal of Ronny that catapulted Cage into the movie star stratosphere. You’ve just gotta love that! MOONSTRUCK is streaming now on CRAVE.
Here’s to a Happy Valentine’s Day and a happy Love Every Day Dear Reader ~ until next time! xosb
This highly anticipated film is releasing in theatres Feb. 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Wuthering Heights is an film adaptation of Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel about the forbidden romance between Catherine and Heathcliff. Margot Robbie plays Cathy, a spirited heiress, and Jacob Elordi plays Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by her family. However, the social divide between them creates a toxic bond that leads to disaster.
Reminders of Him
A romance drama adaptation is on its way: Reminders of Him is set to release in theatres on March 13. Directed by Vanessa Caswill, the film is based on the novel by bestselling author Colleen Hoover.
Kenna (played by Maika Monroe) returns to her old life in Wyoming seven years after a tragic mistake led her to prison. She attempts to reunite with her daughter, Diem, whom she has never met, but Diem’s grandparents shut her out. She unexpectedly falls for a bar owner, Ledger, hoping for a second chance at love.
It’s a story about motherhood, forgiveness, and the true testament of love as described by Universal Pictures.
Project Hail Mary
You might have already seen this trailer at your local theatre, but Project Hail Mary is also making its way to the big screen on March 20.
Starring Ryan Gosling, the story follows science teacher Ryland Grace, who is placed in an impossible situation: he wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there. As he slowly regains his memory, he learns that he must figure out a way to stop a strange substance from extinguishing the sun.
The film is based on the 2021 novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian, which was developed into a movie released in 2015.
The McDades are a Juno and Canadian Folk Music Award-winning band who are known for their brilliance in fusing different musical styles together seamlessly, like traditional Celtic music, jazz improvisation and more!
These siblings from Edmonton were performers at an early age, playing folk music with their parents, Terry and Danielle McDade, in the “McDade Family Band” from the 70’s into the 90’s. The then went on to form their own group.
Throughout their incredibly successful career, they have performed at the Canadian National Exhibition, the Commonwealth Games, and even for the British Royal Family!
The 2012 documentary “Brother Brother Sister Making Music” showcases their journey to success together. Watch the trailer…
The McDades are performing concerts in several community across northwestern Ontario….
Kenora – With Lake Of The Woods Concert Group – February 6th
Red Lake – With Red Lake Wilderness Entertainment Series – February 7th
Dryden – With Dryden Entertainment Series – February 10th
Fort Frances – With Tour De Fort – February 11th
Atikokan -With Atikokan Entertainment Series – February 12th
Group members Shannon and Jeremiah were kind enough to chat with me over the phone ahead of their tour around our region. They are kind and warm and I have no doubt that you’ll feel the same way about them if you purchase a ticket to hear their music and witness their talent for yourself.
Musical Evolution…
Musical Influences…
Newest Song Release – “Gardener’s Child”
What To Expect From A Live Concert…
New Album On The Way With Songs Released Ahead Of Time…
The Black Pirate Pub is hosting its 33rd Cover Show from Thursday to Saturday this week.
There are 15 acts, with each band covering one artist or group and performing an entire set in their style.
Event Planner Jimmy Wiggins says these Cover Shows are some of the most fun he’s had in 20 years of promoting.
“You just see a whole room of people singing and dancing along to these musicians on stage, and the vibe in the room is…it’s unreal,” Wiggins said. “It’s hard to describe. It’s just really fun.”
Tributes will range in genre from pop to metal to rock and roll. Lady Gaga, Leonard Cohen, Rage Against the Machine, Evanescence, and Rush are among the bands and artists that will be covered. Click here for the full schedule and list of performers.
“It’s nonstop music,” Wiggins said. “As far as I’m concerned, the heart of the music scene is at Black Pirate right now.”
