A Letter from

SNAPEtobicoke

6 February 2011 Submit upcoming eventS at www.snapetobicoke.com

Ahhh, February: a month of snow, cold and more snow. A month where nothing happens and everybody stays inside. Although tempting, our family has decided to embrace the winter and all that it has to offer. There is nothing better than bundling up and going for a skate at an outdoor rink like the new one at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. What a joy to see the rosy cheeks on the children as they race around the figure-eight. Seeing couples holding hands as they skate reminds me that Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us. I’ve already started to make plans for my wife and me. It definitely will include a dinner at one of our local restaurants … and the rest, well that’s for her to find out. I’ve also started to plan for Super Bowl Sunday on the 6th. A few friends and I are heading to a local watering hole to catch all the action – maybe we’ll see you there.

We hope you enjoy this February edition of SNAP Etobicoke. Our photographers had a great time frolicking in all the snow that we were fortunate to have in the west end. In fact we sent a few of them on special winter missions to see how west-enders like to spend the winter. We headed out to Centennial Park to catch all the action as city folk took full advantage of

this fantastic skiing and snowboarding facility. Keep flipping to see pictures of skaters, cross-country skiers, toboganners, snow-man builders, winter walkers and a whole lot more, all SNAP’d right here in the ‘hood.

Make sure you have a peek at the key events section on page 17 and the events calendar on pages 18 and 19 for even more ways to enjoy the month. Don’t forget that Family Day is com-ing up – perhaps our calendar will give you some inspiration when deciding what to do. As families start to plan for March break, parents will surely want to flip through our March Break Camps section, beginning on page 26, to see what is available for their children.

Thank you to our loyal local business partners who have cho-sen us as part of their marketing endeavours. Without their support we couldn’t continue to bring you this newspaper that reflects our neighbourhoods and the life that happens here.

As I sign off I hear on the news that the temperature is drop-ping by another 10 degrees tomorrow. Brrrrr. Good thing I’ve embraced winter. See you around town.

Peter FoyGeneral Manager/Publisher

SNAP Etobicoke Inc.Publisher Peter Foy tel: 416-420-9582 office: 416-604-2666 peter@snapetobicoke.comEditor Justin Harringtontel: 647-883-7226 office: 416-604-2666 justin@snapetobicoke.comVP Operations Kelly Kennytel: 416-604-2666 kelly@snapetobicoke.comAccount ManagerMichael Orlandotel: 416-901-4201 office: 416-604-2666 michael@snapetobicoke.comCreative DesignerJoel Maxwellcreative@snapetobicoke.comSnap etobicoke is distributed free of charge through key distribution partners including local advertisers, retail outlets and various community centres.

the publication and all images remain the property of Snap etobicoke inc. and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.

views expressed by any contributor are not necessarily that of the staff or the publisher.

For more information

SNAP Etobicoke Inc.513 annette Street toronto, on, m6p 1S1peter@snapbloorwest.com www.snapbloorwest.com

printed in canada

Snap bloor West inc. is an associated partner with Snap newspaper group inc. and its affiliated family of franchises worldwide. trademark 2005 – 2011.

to join the Snap newspaper group team, or for general franchise inquiries, please contact:

Snap newspaper group inc.newmarket, on canada 1-866-394-7627 or visit: www.snapnewspapers.com

ON THE COVER

chris, taissa, teri & ShariPhoto taken by: andrea birbalsingh

The Nelson Canadian Dictionary defines the term crooner as one who “sings popular songs in a soft, sentimental manner,” which explains why this singing style has come to define Valen-tine’s Day in much the same way as wine and roses.

The roots of the crooning vocal style may be traced back to the 1920s when singers such as Gene Austin created the style while singing jazz standards backed by an orchestra or big band.

The invention of the microphone at that time allowed vocalists to sing in a softer, more personal style than had been possible in the days before microphones. Back then, popular singers had to sing loudly to be heard over the band.

Interestingly, crooning shares characteristics such as smooth phrasing and a light vo-cal tone with the Bel Canto or “beautiful singing” style of Italian opera. Crooning also features jazz vocal techniques and phrasing.

Crooning was initially looked down upon by many singers as a “pretentious” vocal style. In fact, Frank Sinatra stated that he was not a crooner even though he had been labeled as one. Other notable crooners included Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin.

Beginning in 1928, Rudy Vallée became the first hugely popular crooner, especially among women. This achievement was helped by his recordings and the fact that radio broadcasts were now heard nationwide.

By the 1930s, crooning was being denounced as a “corrupting” and “degenerate” vocal style by the New York Singing Teachers Association and at least one religious leader. The New York Times predicted that crooning was a fad that would soon pass.

Crooners, and their fans, proved them wrong however, with crooning continuing to be at the forefront of popular music until 1954 when rock became the dominant style. Consequently, crooners of the day such as Perry Como had their music renamed easy listening or adult contemporary. Today, singers such as Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Bublé carry on the tradition.

So, when you are planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, remember that the crooners will be there to help you set the mood.

Ed Lettner owns The Music Studio in Etobicoke which has offered music instruction since 1990. He is an honours graduate of the Humber College Institute of Technology music program. Ed admits that he relies

on crooners on Valentine’s Day. For information about the programs at The Music Studio, please call 416-234-9268, email ed@themusicstudio.ca or visit www.themusicstudio.ca

VALENTINE’S DAY IS FOR CROONERS

by: Ed Lettner of The Music Studio

6 Burnhamthorpe Road (at Dundas St. West) in the Islington Village Plaza - Free Parking

416.234.9268 | lessons@themusicstudio.ca | www.themusicstudio.ca

Vocal • Piano • Guitar • Bass • Drums • Hand Drums • Clarinet • Flute • Saxophone • Violin • Viola • Cello • Trumpet • Trombone • French Horn • Theory • Harmony • History

Established 1990

Excellence in Traditional & Contemporary Music Education

Ask About Our “Give It A Try” Instrument Discount Program

Personalized Programs for Children & Adults• Instrumental & Vocal Instruction• Theory, Harmony & History Instruction

Music in Motion Children’s Program• Classes for Children: 6 months - 7 Years

Exciting Ensembles • Rock • Jazz • String

• Chamber Music• Play-In-The-Band• Guitar

• Vocal• Woodwind• Hand Drumming

To Register Call 416.234.9268 or email lessons@themusicstudio.ca

LESSONS • ENSEMBLES • CLASSES

Make Music - Register Today!No Registration Fee