Paul Quarrington Life in Music DVD now available

We are thrilled and elated to report that Paul’s film is now available on DVD!  And we’ve loaded the disc with a range of special features that ought to delight those who know the man, and titillate those who are just getting to know his work.

Special Features

• MUSIC VIDEOS including CLAIRE by The Rheostatics; HEY, HOLLYWOOD by Paul Quarrington; ARE YOU READY performed by Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale
• SHORT FILMS including the award-winning  PAVANE directed by Paul Quarrington; plus ANGEL TAKES ALL and SEVENTH SEAL REDUX
• INTERVIEWS by MARGARET ATWOOD, PAUL GROSS, JOHN KRIZANC, ALISTAIR MACLEOD, NINO RICCI plus a conversation with Booker Prize winning author RODDY DOYLE
• PHOTO GALLERIES from behind the scenes MAKING LIFE IN MUSIC, intimate PORTRAITS OF AN ARTIST and an exclusive collection illustrating Quarrington’s last book, CIGAR BOX BANJO

The DVD can be ordered through Producer Judith Keenan using PayPal by Email.
Paul Quarrington Life in Music DVD w/ Special Features
$20 CAD plus HST includes shipping within Canada

ABOUT THE FILM >> Paul Quarrington Life in Music

Director Bert Kish has done a masterful job revealing the inner life and work of this renaissance artist – writer, teacher, musician, filmmaker – delivering both humourous and poignant insights into what it takes to live a creative life.

… funny, defiant and moving… – James Reaney, QMI Agency

… A fascinating look at an eclectic artist whose impending death led him to embrace both his life and his art.
 – TV Week

… the artist’s last year of life was his greatest work. - The Globe and Mail

… a fitting send-off tribute to a Canadian great – National Post

… one of our country’s leading artists – Calgary Herald

The DVD will be available at each of the screening events taking place this coming fall – subscribe to the RSS feed for this site for updates!

Film Screenings for PQ Life in Music

We’re pleased to announce the first screenings in the Moving Stories Film tour of Paul Quarrington: Life in Music.  Each Festival and venue is combining the film event with wonderful live additions, from musical performances to readings and theatrical presentations.  For details on each, visit each festival’s website – we’ve provided the links below.

Leacock Summer Festival, Orillia – Sun. July 25

Haliburton Forest Festival - Sat. Aug. 21

Thin Air: Winnipeg Writers Festival – Sat. Sep 25

WordFest: Banff-Calgary Intl Writers Festival – Sat. Oct 16 & Sun. Oct 17

Vancouver International Writers Festival – Fri. Oct 22

Paul Quarrington The Songs (CD) and Cigar Box Banjo (book) will also be available at each venue.   More screenings across the country to be announced soon!

Paul Quarrington 2010 = book, music, film

Paul Quarrington believed every day was an opportunity to live the creative life to the fullest.  This summer, fans have the opportunity to enjoy that philosophy to the fullest, with the release of works in all three of his favourite art disciplines – writing books, making music, and wrapping arms around everything for the screen.

Cigar Box Banjo: Notes on Music and Life

Memoir, Greystone Books, May 29, 2010

Paul Quarrington: Life in Music

Documentary Film, May 29 on Bravo! Canada
DVD release, BookShorts, August 2010
National Screening Tour, BookShorts Literacy Program, Sept, Oct, Nov 2010

Paul Quarrington: The Songs

Solo Music CD, June 8, 2010
14 tracks, Cordova Bay Records

Paul Quarrington Life in Music Doc Airs May 29 on Bravo!

Paul Quarrington is an award winning, well respected and much loved author, filmmaker, musician and teacher. Though a very public figure in the field of Canadian arts, and an artist who made himself easily accessible to fans, he was also a complex person. So much so that few in his public or private sphere say they really knew him. With the sudden diagnosis of terminal illness, he is compelled to address this in the best way he knows how – he chooses to make art – to squeeze the juice from life and pour his passion into making this film, into re-writing his about-to-be-published memoir to include his “new thematic material,” and into writing songs, lots of songs, all made more poignant for the absolute deadline at hand.

Through this film, Paul gives us a rare and insightful glimpse into the inner workings of an artist in the act of creating. As he writes, records and performs, you see the heart and soul of a man able to express in music deeply personal issues. We witness the artist, and the man, reach for a resolution to the question that we will all face when our time comes, “what would you do?”

What unfolds is a laugh-out-loud funny, compelling, warm and enlightening story – a journey woven around music, bearing witness to the power of song to elevate, encapsulate and explain the emotions that poured into this artist’s creative endeavors. His story will inspire every viewer to look at life a bit differently – to engage and to be present as if life were to end tomorrow. It is a story of friendship and community – of immersing oneself in the redemptive powers of an audience to find solace and validation.

As a teacher, Paul would always tell students to write about what makes them uncomfortable – to be unafraid of the subject matter. With much of the music in this film written and recorded post-diagnosis, the process of coming to terms plays itself out musically. “All the Stars” – a hauntingly beautiful ballad, tells of one left behind, while “Are You Ready,” written expressly for the film, pulls all that has transpired into a deceptively simple lyric whose impact is made clear in the powerful and surprising denouement.

On screen conversations with some of the most important people in Quarrington’s life amplify the inspiring message, including longtime friend and bandmate Martin Worthy, Roddy Doyle, Dave Bidini, Wayson Choy, brothers Joel Quarrington and Tony Quarrington, daughters Carson and Flannery and their mother Dorothy Bennie. Comments by Nick Jennings and Martin Levin provide context and threaded throughout are live performances by Paul, his band Porkbelly Futures, Dan Hill, Joe Hall, Roberto Occhipinti and many more musical guests.

Producer Judith Keenan, Director Bert Kish and Editor Caroline Christie have done a masterful job of drawing the viewer into the life and work of this Renaissance artist, a gift from the man we finally get to know – the author, musician, teacher, father and friend – Paul Quarrington.

PAUL QUARRINGTON: LIFE IN MUSIC
A Feature Documentary Film
Produced by Judith Keenan, BookShorts Inc., Director Bert Kish

BRAVO! TV Broadcast Dates
Saturday, May 29 at 7pm EDT and Sunday, May 30 at 6pm EDT

DVD Available
June 2010

National Screening Tour
September – October 2010

Paul Quarrington Life in Music Doc Film Nears Completion

Amazing what a committed team can accomplish when called upon to deliver the goods. Director Bert Kish, Editor Caroline Christie, Writer Bill Laurin and Producer Judith Keenan have been supported by the amazing talents and generous spirit from the extended family and friends of artist Paul Quarrington, and with such tremendous force of will that the documentary feature film about his life and music will be delivered for broadcast on May 29.

FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESS: Please contact Marlene Palmer for Screening Copies!

Tribute to Paul Quarrington a smash success

Our gratitude to the audience, the family, the artists, the coverage ….

From the audience

Such a wonderful job you all did last night…laughter, tears, happiness and much love…a great night…thank you
- Wendy Gillings

It was a wonderful evening. You did a great job of organizing all the great entertainment.
-  Bernardo Cioppa

Paul, I just returned home from your tribute at the Opera House. It was lovely. Truly. I was missing you, and so were about 400 other people in the room. It was a room filled with love and laughs and music and words and some tears, I suspect. I wish I had known you better. … a very fitting tribute to a wonderful and exceptional man. (I am very anxious to see your film, too).
- Blair Packham

I just got back … loved it all but the Porkbelly Futures stuff at the end reminded me (positively) of the Last Waltz … and all those songs were written by sweet ol’ Paul (ol’? I’m the same age as Tony which is how we came to be in Gr 6 together) … The Porkbellys have really come together as a powerful unit …
- David John Shaw

A fantastic night!
- Caitlin Quarrington

Terrific night. Loved Dan Hill’s song and Gordon Pinsent doing Leary was outstanding. Any hope of Leary by Pinsent in the near future???  Thank you for a wonderful tribute. I’m so looking forward to receiving the dvd as well as the book and cd.
-  Jennifer Joan

The tribute last night was wonderful; congrats to all involved, especially the Porkbelly Futures. And what’s this, Paul’s spirit at work? This morning, my Facebook page told me to reconnect with Paul. Hi Paul. How’s the fishing?
- Pat Walsh

T’was a fantastic evening; thanks to you!
- Lynne Tattersall

A beautiful tribute that captured so much of Paul – his voice, the music, the writing, the magic, the friends, the love … and the beer. Every moment was special – well done!
- Sue Campbell

What you guys pulled off last night was amazing. You are the best.
- Joe Kertes

“Wonderful , wonderful, and then again most wonderful”… as Shakespeare said.
- Barbara Budd

You are undoubtedly feeling a huge sense of pride in what you put together last night.  It was simply outstanding.  The calibre of talent blended with the high emotion of love for Paul was an experience to behold.  I know he was looking down from above thinking how incredible you are!  Congratulations!! I look forward to anything and everything else you do to keep his memory alive.
- Rosanne Agasee

What a wondrous evening that was! I can’t imagine a better send off. Thank you so much.
- Brooke Johnson

From the Press

Dave Bidini Announces Sports Writing Award at Tribute to Paul Quarrington

National Post

• A tribute to Paul Quarrington by Mark Medley

• Dave Bidini announces the Paul Quarrington Memorial Award for Best North American Sports Books of the Year by Mark Medley

Photo Gallery

We were privileged to have professional photographer MARK TEARLE shoot the shot for us as a contribution to our ongoing efforts, and Volunteer Co-ordinator SUE KENNEY was everywhere with her camera that night, especially amongst the tireless helpers at the front of the house!  We have posted a selection of their images here .  If you are interested in acquiring a print, or would like to use an image on your own website or for promotion, please respect professional courtesy and contact the photographers for permission and / or to negotiate a licence fee for use.

Photo Gallery Web Page

Mark Tearle
http://www.tearlephoto.ca
e-mail at tearlem @ gmail.com or by telephone at 416-998-2969

Sue Kenney
by email at kenneysue @ gmail.com

Watch for video news report coming up soon!

On-Site Box Office & Advance Ticket Pick Up Starts 5pm Day of Show : Tribute to Paul Quarrington, April 13

We are grateful to the many fans who have already purchased tickets to the Tribute to Paul Quarrington this coming Tuesday, April 13.  To make arrival as smooth as possible, we will be opening the Box Office on site at 5:00 pm.  Tickets at the door will be $40.00 (cash, Visa, MC).

For those who have pre-purchased tickets through Quarrington Arts Society, tickets will be available for pick up starting at 5:00pm, and doors will open at 6:30pm.

Doors open for general admission at 7:00 pm.

Show starts promptly at 7:30 pm.

General admission tickets are available online at  TicketBreak.com

DEADLINE NOTICE:  We have 20 of the Ultra Ticket Packages remaining as of this posting – $95.00 Includes Paul Quarrington’s newest projects including his Book (Cigar Box Banjo); Music CD (Paul Quarrington: The Songs) & DVD (feature doc Paul Quarrington: Life in Music) .  This offer is ONLY available until Monday, April 12.  To purchase (Visa/MC) call 416-519-0806, or email tribute@paulquarrington.org .

Gordon Pinsent, Geraint Wyn-Davies Perform Literary Works at Tribute

Gordon Pinsent will grace the stage in a brief adaptation of King Leary; and, from The Ravine,  Geraint Wyn-Davies will reprise his most excellent interpretation of the character “Phil” as seen in the BookShorts film Pavane.  The actors join the amazing line up of Magic in the person of the great Baldini; and Music in the talent of Porkbelly Futures, Soul Stew, Bidiniband, Joel Quarrington, Tony Quarrington, Dorothy Bennie, Jim Cuddy with Anne Lindsay and Amy Laing, Dan Hill, Joe Hall, Melanie Doane, and a whole lotta audience participation.

Some tickets are still available – $35 in advance (+service $3), more at the door.  Online sales at TicketBreak.com or via email Judith@bookshorts.com

Featured Artists Create New Works Inspired by Paul Quarrington, Premiere at Tribute April 13

Concert-Theatre-Magic Show and more – TRIBUTE TO PAUL QUARRINGTON will be focused on performances of works by renaissance artist Paul Quarrington, as well as new presentations by Bidiniband, Dan Hill, Tony Quarrington, Dorothy Bennie, all inspired by his work.  Tues., April 13, 7:00pm, The Opera House.  Tickets available at TicketBreak.com

Artists on stage will include:  Porkbelly Futures with Teddy Leonard, David Gray and Megan Worthy; BidiniBand, who will perform a new tune written by Dave Bidini inspired by Paul’s poem “In the Rock Hall;” Dan Hill will perform a new song written for Paul, called “It Just Hasn’t Hit Me Yet”. Tony Quarrington will present a song newly written for the event, and will perform with his brother, world-renown classical musician Joel Quarrington. Dorothy Bennie joins Porkbelly Futures to present her new song.

Each set will start with an excerpt from the upcoming Quarrington film “Life in Music” featuring the man of the hour himself. Baldini the magician will present big-stage magic during the show, and close-up magic before the show.  Scenes adapted from Quarrington’s literary and stage work will be performed by prestigious actors. Dave Bidini will announce a new sports writing award in Paul’s name.

Paul’s solo CD “The Songs” (Cordova Bay, May 25) as well as his memoir “Cigar Box Banjo:Notes on Music and Life” (Greystone Books, May 29) and the documentary film “Paul Quarrington: Life in Music” (BookShorts /CTV Bravo!, May 30)   – will be highlighted during the evening.  Profits of the event will be contributed to Quarrington Arts Society/Société des Arts Quarrington.

“TRIBUTE TO PAUL QUARRINGTON” will take place TUESDAY, APRIL 13 starting at 7:00pm, at The Opera House (735 Queen St. East, Toronto). Click here to buy your tickets now
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The Paul Quarrington Chair Fund

On Thurs., Nov. 5, 2009 at 8:00pm, the Leacock Museum National Historic Site is presenting an evening with three-time Leacock Medal winner, Arthur Black. The proceeds of the event will be the first to support the Paul Quarrington Chair Fund.

The Paul Quarrington Chair at the Leacock Museum is a fund started in 2009 to honour the contribution to the arts, especially the literary arts, of Leacock Medal for Humour winner Paul Quarrington. Each year the museum will designate a writer as the Paul Quarrington Chair recipient and invite him/her to visit Orillia and participate in the annual Leacock Summer Festival. The Paul Quarrington Chair Fund is established to offset the costs of hosting the annual designate including travel and accommodation. In this way, Paul?s contribution to the Leacock Museum and the Leacock Medal for Humour will be established as an ongoing legacy. Contributions can be sent to the address below, payable to the Leacock Museum ? PQ Chair, and are tax deductible.

Leacock Museum National Historic Site
P.O. Box 625, 50 Museum Drive
Orillia, ON L3V 6K5

or visit www.leacockmuseum.com

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