BLUELIGHT SHINES ON WINTERLUDE
Katherine Wallace and husband Robert d'Arras take selfies on the Rideau Canal Skateway Thursday, one day before a pandemic-proof virtual Winterlude begins.
Elladj Baldé, the dynamic Canadian figure skater known for his signature backflips, is one of the star attractions of an eclectic virtual Winterlude show that also includes performances by the National Arts Centre Orchestra, singer-songwriter William Prince, drag queen Tracy Trash and more.
Co-hosted by Catherine Marion and Derick Fage, the online show, Exploring Canada's Winter Traditions!, is a pandemic-proof replacement for the annual winter festival's usual lineup of outdoor entertainment and activities. It premières today at 7 p.m. and will be available to watch for free, anytime, until midnight Feb. 21 on the Canadian Heritage website, YouTube channel and Facebook page. Check your local TV listings for broadcast times on Rogers TV and Omni Television.
Also included in the all-Canadian musical lineup are francophone chanteuse Ariane Moffatt, Halifax singer-songwriter Ria Mae, Quebec R&B singer Corneille, Winnipeg's Casablanca-born pop darling Faouzia, youthful fiddler Alexandre Tétrault and the Red River Jig specialists, the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, and swing-jazz traditionalists Masson Stomp. The performances were pre-recorded in each artist's location. Another aspect of the virtual show is an ice-carving competition that challenged professional Canadian ice sculptors in seven cities to create a piece of frozen artwork that explores the joys of winter, working with eight blocks of ice and a time limit of 28 hours. Between Feb. 5 and 21, viewers can vote for their three favourite sculptures. Winners will be announced the week of Feb. 22.