The Russell Family is very excited about the Pigeon Inlet Project in Bay Roberts and are presently preparing the entertainment portion for the Official Launch on June 27, 2008.
Kelly [center] Councillor Clarence Mercer-Pigeon Inlet Chair [l]
Mayor Glenn Littlejohn [r]
Our Plans
The Pigeon Inlet Players – We will hold auditions on April 13 at Ascension Collegiate in Bay Roberts after which we will select 6 young performers from the area as musicians and actors.
Official Opening Ceremony at the Visitors’ Pavilion
During the ceremony the main room of the Pavilion will be named the Holdin’ Ground, a display of artifacts on the life and works of Ted Russell and a Ted Russell Story Board will be unveiled.
The Pigeon Inlet Players will informally perform Nfld music on fiddle, accordion, guitar, etc as people are gathering and again as they disperse after the speeches.
CONCERT
Pigeon Inlet Players will be in character and will usher guests to the Gym for the concert.
Opening with O Canada
The Smokeroom on the Kyle – 3 Russell Generations – Includes playing of Pigeon Inlet Theme by Kelly on concertina and Naomi on fiddle
Pigeon Inlet Players – Short musical performance by Pigeon Inlet Players group
Tales from Pigeon Inlet– Another Pigeon Inlet story (or 2) by Kelly Russell
Russells in the Corner – Short performance by Naomi & Tamsyn Russell (fiddle, accordion, vocals) with Mom and Dad accompanying
Play – A short theatrical performance of a play “Algebra Slippers” by Pigeon Inlet Players
Members of Figgy Duff
Featured guest performers with Pamela Morgan (who has roots in the area) on vocals & guitar Frank Maher on accordion, Dave Panting on mandolin & bass, George Morgan on percussion and Kelly Russell on fiddle. This would be an acoustic version of the legendary band who revived interest in traditional music in the 1970’s and are planning a series of reunion shows for this summer. A performance of 3 songs
Newfoundland Set Dance performed by Tonya & Pigeon Inlet Players accompanied by Kelly Russell and Members of Figgy Duff
Ode to Newfoundland – Finish with all standing and singing
There may well be more as planning continues, but this is the lineup so far. I have to say I’m very pleased to include “Members of Figgy Duff” as featured guests. It will be a very rare performance from this legendary group.
Future Events
See you all at the launch on June 27 and later this summer at “A Time in Pigeon Inlet” Saturday nights during the summer.
It’s going to be awesome!
What can I say – I simply can’t wait!! It will be an event to remember and it will only get better as times go on.
Congratulations Everyone!
Kathi
Figgy Duff! WOW!!!
My sisters and I are SO looking forward to June 27. See you all there!
Elizabeth
How incredibly exciting for our family! This will be the ultimate trip down memory lane!
My wife and I visited Bay Roberts four years ago & would have visited if we had known. My grandmother was Mary Russell & she left Coley’s Point to travel to California to marry my grandfather, Allen Bishop, who was also from the Coley’s Point area. My grandmother’s family were merchants and educators. We have pictures circa 1900 of both Coley’s Point and St. Johns. Anyhow….best of luck, we plan to return and again enjoy being on “the rock.”
Hi there, my great grand-father was Thomas Issac Russell from Bay Roberts, born around 1878-84, anyone with information please post. Looking to touch base with my heritage.
Thanks so much.