Dear Friends,

This coming January 2012 I am very excited to be travelling to India with Jennifer Brown to work at the Families for Children orphanage for disabled children. Before I leave town, there are a host of wonderful sound events this month to keep you warm and sounding:

**Stepping into India! A Sound Journey Experience, Friday, December 2nd – this will be my last Sound Journey of the Year!

**Sonica: Wednesday, December 7th

**”With A Will” Poetry book launch by author Linda Stitt, December 10th

**”Dancing with Fire” an evening Playback Theatre, December 11th

** The Big Beat, December 17th

** Sonica: Wednesday, January 4th

This will be my last Newsletter until February when I return from India ….I look forward to sharing tales of my travels with you on my return!
Sending good vibrations your way for a safe and joyous holiday season!
am
Ann-Marie Boudreau
Website & Music: www.annmarieboudreau.com
Music: www.myspace.com/annmarieboudreau

Stepping Into India! A Sound Journey
Friday, December 2nd
Join us for this intimate and personal ‘live surround-sound’ experience! Created as an evening of relaxation, meditation and visioning……Hosted by Ann-Marie Boudreau, featuring the Sitar, Swar Sangham, Shruti box, tanpura and many more authentic East Indian instruments.  With special guest Michael Franklin on flutes; Fusion Tempo: Kathleen Gillis & Debbie Ingham on percussion; Abdul on tabla drums and with soundwork colleague Lucie Brisson.
What is a Sound Journey?
For 90 minutes allow yourself to be enfolded by deep healing sounds from acoustic world instruments being played around and over you.  A sound journey can support you as you move into a deeply meditative state while reclining and relaxing.  At times melodic, sometimes dissonant, the soundscape is created utilizing an intimate knowledge of the chakra system, shamanic traditions and the vibrational nature of our bodies to enhance and deepen the meditation experience.  To learn more about Sound Journeys, check Ann-Marie’s website page: www.annmarieboudreau.com Doors open at 7:15pm, the Journey starts at 7:30pm sharp! Arrive early to set up your space. Note: doors are locked at 7:45pm so as not to interrupt those journeying. Where: Vivace Studios, 291A Jane Street, just south of Annette.  Cost: $25.00. Please bring:  a mat, blanket, pillow and bottle of water for your comfort.  For those who have difficulty laying on the ground you are welcome to bring a lawn chair to recline in. You must RSVP as space is limited: amboudreau@yahoo.ca

Sonica: Music As Medicine
Wednesday, December 7th
A circle where singing and sounding serve the soul. Sonica incorporates intentional soundscapes to promote well-being. All levels of musical ability are welcome. Where: 219 St. Clair West  7:30 p.m. sharp.  $20  Contact: garyd@garydiggins.com

“With A Will” by Linda Stitt
A Poetry Book Launch
Saturday, December 10th
With ‘live’ readings by Linda Stitt, accompanied by Ann-Marie Boudreau, Michael Franklin, Jeff Burke & other musical guests. Where?  A lovely little restaurant & bar, Portobello’s, a charming little place on Bay Street, north of Wellesley.  Khairul, the proprietor, plans to add a few snacks to the delicious items on his menu.  The prices are reasonable and beer and wine are available at a moderate cost.  Location:  Portobello Restaurant & Bar - 995 Bay Street; Time:  2:30 to 5:00pm

“Playing with Fire”
An evening with Playback Theatre
Sunday, December 11th
Have you ever…felt growing tension within a relationship you care about?…been licked by the flames of conflict? Did you run away or lose your cool? Or feel like dormant volcano?  What do we do under such enormous stress? This is a critical question, that every human being needs to explore more deeply if we aim to have healthy relationships and co-create a more just and sustainable world. Conflict can become either destructive or transformative, depending on how we play with it.” If you dare to share a moment or a story from your life with us ~ and see it transformed into spontaneous art…Or if you wish to learn from the folly and wisdom of real people, who are courageous and willing to bear their hearts and souls… Join us for this very special evening of fiery tales shared within our very warm and welcoming community, within the cozy and sacred space of The Inner Garden.  Sound accompaniment by Ann-Marie Boudreau. Time:  7 - 9  pm, Where:  The Inner Garden, 401 Richmond Street West, 3rd Floor, Suite 384 http://www.theinnergarden.ca/  Cost:  $15 or  $25 for 2 tix http://www.inspiredplayback.com/playingwithfire.htm

The Big Beat!
A Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 17th
A celebratory evening devoted to honouring Solstice in a spirit of community. Bring a drum and a willingness to create. Plenty of musical guests. Hosted at VIVACE Studio - 291 A Jane Street. (Four blocks north of Bloor St. West). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for an 8 p.m. start Tickets available at the door: $20. Contact Gary Diggins:  garyd@garydiggins.com

Sonica: Music As Medicine
Wednesday, January 4th
A circle where singing and sounding serve the soul. Sonica incorporates intentional soundscapes to promote well-being. All levels of musical ability are welcome. Where: 219 St. Clair West  7:30 p.m. sharp.  $20  Contact: garyd@garydiggins.com

January 10th, 2012
I depart for India……This coming January 2012 I am very excited to be travelling to India with Jennifer Brown to work at the Families for Children orphanage for disabled children. Although we had our wonderful and successful fundraiser event in November you can still make a donation on-line at: http://www.familiesforchildren.ca/support.html. A donation as little as $20 can make a difference!  Every dollar contributes directly to helping the children being taken care of by Families for Children. (Tax receipts will be issued.)