Hey, Canadian moms who rock! Read and get in touch if you wanna rock with us!
Lynda on behalf of Mamapalooza

Recruitment underway for "mom" talent showcase;
first-ever in Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2005 -- When the Mamapalooza festival comes to Canada for the first time this May, local area moms who rock and perform will be on hand to strut their stuff.

In preparation for the May momfest, organizers have begun a recruitment effort. A pre-festival open-mike showcase will take place on January 21, 2006, from 1-4 p.m. at the Safari Bar and Grill on Avenue Road. It will be an opportunity for moms to share their talents and get to know each other.

Mothers who wish to perform original motherhood-themed or -inspired music, comedy, drama or dance are being encouraged to sign up for the showcase. Non-professional or semi-professional performers are welcome. Original material is preferred.

"We are looking for mom artists to join a growing movement in mom-inspired music, poetry, drama or dance," says local organizer Lynne Atkinson, who reached out to the New York-based Mamapalooza headquarters after hearing about the festival and reading about its runaway success in the United States. "We are creating a culture and joining thousands of moms around the world who are becoming part of this movement, too. It's exhilarating."

Toronto-born Lynda Kraar, who now lives in New Jersey and who participated in Mamapalooza in New York City last year, also suggested to its founders that the festival be staged in Toronto. Having spent years in the clubs of Toronto as a solo performer, then with singing partner Ardene Shapiro and with her bands Lynda Marks and the Marksmen, and later with her reggae dance band Culture Shock, Kraar realized that Toronto was the right place for Mamapalooza.

"Toronto has always been a tolerant place which fosters all kinds of creative expression. The music scene here is the best in the world. You can go into any club on any night of the week and see incredible talent for a decent price. To do the same in New York City may set you back a few hundred dollars for an evening out. Most Moms don't have the time, latitude or luxury to get out there in many big American cities. Toronto is much easier for moms to manouevre. We're going to capitalize on that and help mothers tap into their creative side."

Atkinson and Kraar want prospective performers to know that Toronto's mom-inspired programming will be kid-friendly so that women can bring out their families and not be concerned that they are not welcome.

Toronto's first-ever mom-inspired music and arts open mike showcase will take place Saturday, Jan. 21, 2006, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Safar Bar and Grill, located at 1749 Avenue Road in Toronto, south of Highway 401.

For program details and to sign up, contact mamapaloozacanada@gmail.com.

For more information about Mamapalooza, visit http://www.mamapalooza.com/ Prospective mom performers can register as part of Mamapalooza on the website.