Just two weeks after traveling west across the country with her dog, Mia, ArtSpring’s new Executive/Artistic Director, Cicela Månsson, has rolled up her sleeves and is busy at work.

“I’m thrilled to be in such a wonderful place and to have the chance to do work that makes a real difference in the community,” says the former artistic director and general manager of the Bobcaygeon Music Council. “The variety of ArtSpring’s summer programming, our Chamber Music festival and the four arts residencies we’re hosting are a veritable smörgåsbord of musical delicacies. It’s going to be great.”

With a wide enthusiastic smile it is clear that Cicela is pretty impressed with the programming choices made by her predecessor.

On July 14^th, Italian jazz-folk musicians Riccardo Tesi & Banditaliana kick-off the summer series with the first of two outdoor patio shows, after which they head to the Vancouver Folk Festival.

On July 17th, Tannis Slimmon, one of Canada’s best singer/songwriters and winner of the Contemporary Vocalist of the Year award at the 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards, our second outdoor show. Co-presented by Tracy Harrison, the owner of Frida’s Villa and Cottage.

On July 18th, guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, returns to present one of the hottest acts on the current world music scene. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, he’s earned a matchless reputation internationally for the excellence of his musicianship and the excitement of his live shows.

ArtSpring’s Treasure Fair, the annual fundraising event that raises thousands of dollars to keep ArtSpring flourishing, is quickly approaching on July 17-19. It is an exciting silent and live auction extravaganza with hundreds of fabulous and lovely items up for bidding.

Now in its 7th year, ArtSpring’s Annual Chamber Music Festival hosts some of Western Canada’s best young artists mentored by professional musicians and culminating in a student concert on July 25^th followed by a faculty concert July 26^th.

In August, ArtSpring hosts four artist residencies that give select musicians and dancers from across Canada the time and space to create new work. The public will have an opportunity to share work-in-progress and talk with the artists.

With all that is on the roster, it will be a whirlwind of a summer. ArtSpring is the place to be to for the best of music and dance. Cicela is thrilled to be a part of it and looks forward to meeting as many members of the community at these exciting summer events as possible.

For tickets to ArtSpring's summer concerts call the Box Office at 537-2102 or order tickets online.