Behind the operations of Glasgow Square Theatre, home of the Jubilee….. an interview with Carlton Munroe

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Joy

A view from the stage during a performance at the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee

Some of you may remember Carlton Munroe as a longtime local radio contributor but his current position requires him to work behind the scenes coordinating/managing some of New Glasgow’s most popular musical performances/events. See below for an interview with Carlton, where he gives you the inside scoop on what goes into the planning of such events and provides us a sneak peak of what’s to come.

1. First of all, people may recognize the name Carlton Munroe…..where do we know you from?

Carlton: I spent 15 years in radio prior to my current gig, both as News Director and as creator and producer of East Coast Road Trip, an east coast music magazine show for radio, with interviews, live performance and tracks from upcoming and established artists from around the region.

2. What is your current position?

Carlton: I am Programs and Events Manager for the Town Of New Glasgow, Manager of Glasgow Square Theatre and Executive Director of the New Glasgow Riverfront Jubilee.

3. What do your responsibilities entail?

Carlton: I work with groups, organizations or individuals responsible for festivals and events that take place on Town owned facilities to ensure all their needs are met. I also work with the various departments within the Town to co-ordinate any in-house services provided for the event.

I also manage the day to day operations of Glasgow Square. This has been a challenging yet rewarding role, as we are now creating programming at the Square that is establishing the venue as a place people want to go to for entertainment and culture. We just completed a successful fall and holiday season of programming that saw sellouts and memorable performances from the likes of Matt Andersen, Nikki Payne, Ghostrider and the Allied Horns, Bruce Guthro and Dylan Guthro, JP Cormier and others.

Rawlins Cross at the Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, N.S.

4. How long have you been in this position?

Carlton: I took this position in January of 2009.

5. Can you describe some of the planning that goes into delivering an event at Glasgow Square?

Carlton: Once a show is booked, a marketing plan is identified and created for that particular performance. Keeping an eye on ticket sales throughout the promo period is crucial, and determines any changes to the marketing plan, especially in the week or two before a performance. Logistical details such as technical and hospitality riders are worked out prior to the show, and a day of show schedule is produced to encompass load-in sound check and performance components. And then it’s coordinating our amazing volunteers at Glasgow Square who look after taking tickets at the door, bar services, usher, merchandise and the Green Room.

6. How many people does it require to put on the New Glasgow Jubilee (summer)?

Carlton: I work with a Board of Directors, consisting of 10 dedicated volunteers. Then of course there are the 300 or so other volunteers who fill crucial roles such as ticket attendants, beverage tickets, beer tent, merchandise sales, stage, Green Room and other areas.

7. How do you go about acquiring the talent for your events?

Carlton: Having an idea what works for your target market is first and foremost. Events at the Square differ from Jubilee weekend, but then of course there are some artists that work well in both. I work with artist management and booking agents for the more established performer, and for the emerging performers locally and in the region, I will work directly with the artist. I am an active member of Music Nova Scotia, East Coast Music Association and Atlantic Presenters Association, so I try to keep up to date on the progress of our region’s performers, and with other venues/festivals to sometimes block book shows when it makes sense.

8. Do you/your team assist with the planning for events like benefits and weddings?

Carlton: From a logistical standpoint, yes we do. My Venue Assistant Janine Linthorne works closely with wedding rentals to ensure their special day is a successful and stress free one. With benefit rentals, she and I again will work closely with the booking.

9. What events do you have coming up at Glasgow Square for Winter/Spring 2012? Please describe each event.

Christina Martin performing at the Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, N.S.

Carlton: In the coming months we have a number of great events at the Square…on February 13^th, Canadian folk icon Bruce Cockburn takes to the stage, and there are still tickets available for that one. The following day, Valentine’s Day, Pictou County Roots for Youth present Heart and Home for Youth, a fundraiser featuring performers such as Fleur Mainville, Molly Thomason, Jim Dorie and others.

In March, we have a major country music show that will be announced later this month, then in April and May we team up with the Celtic Circle in New Glasgow to present the second annual Music Shapes New Glasgow subscription series – 4 shows , two at each venue to showcase the unique aspects of both performance centres.

On June 30^th it’s New Glasgow’s Pre-Canada Day Party on the grounds and outdoor stage of the Square. July 27 and 28 it’s the Dragon Boat Festival, and of course the 17^th annual Jubilee will be staged August 3-5^th.

There will be more events that will come up as well I’m sure…best to keep watch on our website www.glasgowsquare.com or Facebook.

We also have a regular newsletter that goes out…give us a call or drop me a line and we will add you to our list.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Carlton: We always love to hear feedback on shows, what you like, what you didn’t like, what you would like to see in the future. We are always looking for volunteers for both the Jubilee and Square as well.

On a final note…don’t miss what is sure to be another popular New Glasgow event…this weekend’s Jubilee in January! This event will be taking place at Glasgow Square on Saturday, January 14^th at 8pm. Doors will open at 7pm and tickets are available at Glasgow Square, Big Al’s, Atlantic Ticket Pro Outlets, Online at ticketpro.ca or by calling 1-888-311-9090.

Joy

Pictou County is Beautiful

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Barefoot Photography and Paperworks

Even in bad weather, the outdoors is a glory of beauty, you just have to look past the elements and enjoy the show Mother Nature left for us. This was a bush along the Sampson Trail taken after some freezing rain.

Andrea
- Andrea Fuller Photography

Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen menu now available online

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Kris

After posting this review of Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen, a new Asian restaurant on 205 Provost Street, I have been asked time and time again if they have a menu available online. Well for your taste buds viewing pleasure and without further ado, you can now see the menu in its entirety here on New Glasgow Talks:

Please note that items that are marked with GF are Gluten Free, LF are meals that are Low Fat, LC means they have Low Carbs, and V means the dish is Vegetarian.

If you have not heard about Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen before now, you probably live under a rock. Fortunately your rock must have internet if you have found this website, so make your way over to my original review of Mamatsu to get your mouth watering. They are open Monday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm, and Sunday : 4pm to 7pm, and take-out can be ordered by calling 755-6601.

Kris

Boxing Day sale madness in New Glasgow

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Kris

Next to Christmas, Boxing Day sales are probably the most anticipated event of the Holiday season (in your face New Years Eve!). Unfortunately for me, I was one of the crazies in line bright and early this morning at 4am to partake in the amazing deals at one of the hot spots in New Glasgow. When the store finally opened at 6am, I walked away with a sore back, frozen feet, a potential cold and a tablet for my girlfriend’s father (he does not know this yet though because he is probably in bed like a sane person). Fortunately for you, I have pictures of a couple of the line-ups to prove I was not the only one there.

The line-up at Futureshop in New Glasgow, N.S.: It is hard to see with the dark 5:50am sky, but that line up extends past the building, takes a 90 degree turn to the left and continues half way to the stop sign. I would estimate over 200 people braved the cold.

The line-up at Wal-Mart in New Glasgow: A modest, but brave 26 or so stood in the line to enter Wal-Mart at around 6:50am.

I am not sure if I will be back next year, but it was an experience I will never forget. Were you in a line-up this Boxing Day? When did you get there, how long did you wait, and were you able to buy what you set out to get? Let us know in the comment section below.

Kris

Comedian Peter White is coming home for Christmas (PG-13 Interview)

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Kris

The always funny and very talented Peter White will be spending his Christmas with friends and family here in Pictou County where he grew up. While in town, Peter will also be performing stand-up with fellow local comedian Peter Anthony at the Dock on December 21st. I have known Peter for a long time and he graciously agreed to do an interview with me for New Glasgow Talks. Please note because of a few choice swear words, this interview should be considered PG-13. So if you are offended by expletive language this is your warning not to read on.

Introduction:

Where and what did you study in University?

I took electrical and computer engineering at StFX and Dal. If I could go back in time and do it all over again I would not take electrical and computer engineering at StFX and Dal.

Following University, where were you working?

I worked for a small software company in Halifax called Diaphonics. It doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t think that has anything to do with me.

When/How/Where did you get into stand-up comedy?
Peter White doing stand-up.

I did standup for the first time in Calgary in 2005. I was on an engineering internship, which if you’ve never tried is one of the 4 most boring things on the planet to do. I always loved stand up and thought I might be able to do it, so I went and watched an amateur night at Yuk Yuks in Calgary, and a lot of the guys were so bad that there was no way I could be worse. I signed up for the day before I left the city, so that if it went awful I could just leave town and no one would ever know that I tried it. It went ok.

What was your first paying gig?

Christmas 2005 I got my first paying gig, doing 15 minutes at a company’s party for $150. I had only been doing comedy for a few months and I didn’t have 15 minutes and I didn’t deserve $150. I sucked. They’ve never booked me again.

How long did it take you to realize comedy was your true calling?

I’ve never realized anything was my true calling because if I ever felt myself saying the words “true calling” I’d punch myself in the nuts. I hate that phrase. I tell jokes, it’s fun.

When did you start doing it full time?

I’ve been doing it “full time” off and on for about 4 years. It’s such an inconsistent job that sometimes you have to pick up other work. I’ve spent a lot of the time the last few years writing for TV while doing stand up.

How much of your act is influenced by experiences in your life?

Most of it is at least semi-biographical. A lot of it is looking at situations that happened and then thinking about how much better they could be, then pretending that happened. I spend a lot of time lying to myself and pretending my life is more interesting than it is. It’s not healthy, but it’s fun.

Would you like to add anything?

Brendan Fraser is a shitty actor.

Notoriety

What was your first big break?

Well, it’s weird, because every time you think you have a big break you realize that still no one knows you. The first kind of hype I got was from CBC radio, who named me one of the “Top 5 up and coming comics in Canada” in 2006, which is a neat title until you remember you can’t pay rent with it. I’ve been pretty lucky since then, and have had a series of pretty cool things happen.

How did you get involved with 22 Hours, can you tell me more about it?

The first thing I can tell you is that it’s called 22 Minutes. I got the job writing for them when I did a show with the executive producer, a great comic named Mark Farrell who might find this when he googles his own name. He was nice enough to give me a job, and I’m forever grateful and will suck up in any interview that I think he might accidentally find someday.

What kind of travelling has stand-up comedy enabled you to do?

It’s been great for that, I’ve seen pretty much everywhere in Canada thanks to it. Even the places you never want to see. I’m talking to you Red Deer, Alberta and Saint John, New Brunswick. Next step is to see the rest of the world. I’m heading to London, England in a few months, so hopefully that goes well.

Can you tell me about your Halifax talk show?

Two summers ago I wrote/directed/hosted a talk show in Halifax that drained my soul and bank account. It was a good experience, but a lot of work. We made some stuff that I’m proud of, and a lot of things I’m not proud of. You can judge some of the stuff here: http://www.youtube.com/user/llapw

What TV appearances have you made?

This is a screenshot from Peter's appearance on A&E's Bag of Bones.
Hm. I’ve been on that thing a few times. I was on 6 (I think?) episodes of The Halifax Comedy Festival, two episodes of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CTV and the Comedy Network’s Comedy Now, a few commercials, and I had a few lines with Pierce Brosnan in A&E’s “Bag of Bones” that came out last week.

You had a special on Comedy Network, can you tell me more about that?

It was a cool experience. They slap a bunch of makeup on you and then put you in front of 500 people and tape you telling jokes for an hour in front of an inexplicably orange backdrop. They showed the full hour on the Comedy Network, and then a 30 minute “clean” version on CTV. It’s nice, because it’s the only outlet in Canada to put a full set of yours on TV. And since it’s on the comedy network at least 12 people saw it. I haven’t watched it yet, but I hear I look silly. You can watch it here: http://www.thecomedynetwork.ca/Shows/ComedyNow?videoPackage=84081

Have you reached out to the internet as a comedic outlet?

In some ways. When I originally conceived the talk show idea, the plan was to broadcast it online. That was a lot of work, so we put up clips. I spent a year writing sketches and articles for This Hour Has 22 Minutes website. Ah… so basically no, I haven’t really. I should do that. Can you do that for me?

What is coming up for you, are you working on any big projects?

I’m working on a lot of things that will probably never exist. I’m developing a feature film with a producer in Toronto that will likely never be made, and pitching a few TV shows around. I’m moving to London which isn’t really a project but has a better chance of being real than most of the other things.

Would you like to add anything?

I wash my hands with cold water due to an irrational fear of burning myself.

Coming Home

How many times have you performed in Pictou County?

A lot. 8?

How do you feel about performing in front of people you know?

The toughest part is that there are a lot of people who come out every time, which is awesome, but it’s hard to have new material for every show. I do my best, but I feel bad when I don’t.

Do you find yourself modifying/censoring any parts of your act in front of your hometown audience?

Everyone who knows me has already judged me enough in life that it doesn’t matter what they hear me say onstage. I mention pizza more I guess.

You have performed in front of large audiences, how does that compare to smaller/more intimate venues like The Dock?

It’s a completely different feeling. I like all the shows we’ve done at the dock, it’s a very small, intimate room and it tends to be a lot more fun than the bigger rooms.

Do you stay in Pictou County with family for the holidays?

I do. I try to make it home as much as possible, which is hard with all the travel. This year I get to be home for over a week, which is really nice.

What do you enjoy the most about coming home?

I like seeing my family, and getting away from everything and relaxing, and anything else I can think of that keeps me from saying pizza.

For someone that knows nothing about Peter Anthony what can you tell me about him?
"A Very Peter Christmas" featuring Peter White and Peter Anthony at The Dock in New Glasgow on December 21, 2011.

Pete’s an amazing comic, originally from Pictou (where you may have known him as Peter Reid). He’s a guy I looked up to a lot starting out, and still do, and I’m really excited that we’ll be doing this show together. You can see more of him here: http://peteranthony.net/

Have the two of you done stand-up together before?

I’ve been lucky enough to do a few shows with him, but not nearly enough. He’s one of my favourites to watch. So even if I wasn’t on this show I’d go watch.

Would you like to add anything?

I really don’t like black socks.

What would you rather

Acropole or Sam’s? Additional thoughts?

I was always a sam’s guy. But I accidentally ordered from Acropole in Westville last time I was home, and it was amazing. Though after living away for a long time I’ll take anything.

Riverfront Jubilee or the Pictou Lobster Carnival? Additional thoughts?

Jubilee for sure. I got to host it for a day a few years ago when they had Blue Rodeo. It was a great time.

Highland Square Mall or Aberdeen Mall? Additional thoughts?

The Aberdeen Mall still exists? That makes me sad.

Melmerby Beach or Park Falls? Additional thoughts?

I couldn’t find Park Falls if you paid me.

If you could spend the day with a local (Pictou County) celebrity, who would it be? Additional thoughts? (examples. Peter MacKay, John Hamm, JD Fortune, George Canyon, Dave Gunning, Colin White, John Simms, Joey MacDonald, Fleur Mainville, etc)

Myself and a few friends did a show for a fundraiser with the local NHL guys, along with a few others this summer, and it was a blast. They were the nicest guys and showed us a great time. Also I’m pretty sure Peter MacKay hates me.

Would you like to add anything?

You ask a lot of questions.

Additional

Can people buy advanced tickets for your show at the Dock?

Every other year we did advanced tickets, but this year I’m not able to get home until the day of the show, so we’ll only be selling them at the door.

How many seats are available for your show?

We’ve squeezed 100 in there before, but it was pretty tight. So maybe 80?

Where can people go to find out more about you/do you have a website or Facebook page?

They can add me on facebook, I don’t have a website yet because I’m the least professional person possible. Or they can ask my dad, they probably know him.

If you have never seen Peter White perform, here is a small sample of his work from his hysterical Comedy Now special:

It is amazing the variety of talent this community produces, and Peter White is just another prime example. To see Peter’s full set, (which trust me, is gut splitting) you can watch him and Peter Anthony perform at ‘The Dock’ in New Glasgow on Wednesday, December 21, 2011. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are available at the door. More information can be found on their Facebook event page.

Kris

Mamatsu is a fresh Asian kitchen that is surprisingly healthy too

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Kris

Recently a new restaurant called Mamatsu has opened its doors on Provost Street. You might have noticed it right next to Baked Inc with it’s eye catching sign on the front of the building, but if you are like me you may have been wondering, what kind of restaurant is it?

Mamatsu, is the brain child of Howell He. It is a Fresh Asian Kitchen as it says on their sign, but more specifically they offer Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian dishes. The name Mamatsu was actually inspired by Howell’s mother who’s last name is Tsu. He, along with his mother and father, designed the menu together and do all of the cooking in the kitchen.

Howell moved from China to Canada nine years ago to attend University and now splits his time working at both the Sobeys Head Office and Mamatsu. Howell may be a Financial Analyst by trade, but it was his dream to open a restaurant that offered healthy, tasty and reasonably priced food. Howell told me in an interview, “Our restaurant offers healthy food with fresh ingredients. We don’t have a deep fryer in our kitchen”.

At the time of this writing the restaurant has not been open for two weeks yet, but Howell told me the reception by New Glasgow residents so far has been primarily very positive and they have been hearing a lot of good feedback. In the future, some of their goals include expanding their Sushi and produce offerings. They are also focused on improving the quality and efficiency of their service. When asked what they consider their signature dish, he told me their specialty is “Dan Dan Noodle” and “Pan Seared Dumplings”.

If you would like to visit Mamatsu to try one of their delicious fresh food offerings yourself, you can find it at 205 Provost Street. If you prefer to take your food home with you, their take-out number is 755-6601 and their hours of operation are Monday to Saturday: 11am to 7pm, and Sunday : 4pm to 7pm.

You can also find Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen on Facebook and as an added bonus, the fan who has the most Facebook friends to also like their page will win a $10 gift certificate. The draw to win a gift certificate takes place every Friday at 5pm.

On a personal note from my experience eating at Mamatsu, the food was delicious and the atmosphere was relaxing. It had an overall feeling of a big city restaurant. The food was delivered quickly, the food portions were large and the prices were surprisingly very reasonable. If you like spicy food, I would recommend you try their Red Curry but be prepared to finish your entire drink. The Sushi Sampler’s were also top notch. For an ‘out of town’ experience while staying ‘in town’, you can not go wrong with Mamatsu. Try it yourself and let me know in the comment section what ‘you’ think.

Kris

Mamatsu Fresh Asian Kitchen Menu (Downloadable PDF Version):