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Editor’s note: Over the years, Rick Wharton (actor, comedian, radio host, The Conspiracy Guy, and Festival Hall director) has brought Pembroke Observer and News readers exclusive interviews with some of the big acts he brought to Festival Hall. Instead of traditional story format, these pieces were brought to you in the question-and-answer format that the interviews took place.
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With Wharton having recently announced his retirement, let’s be a fly on the wall one last time and see what The Conspiracy Guy has to say during this last ‘10 minutes with Rick‘ … which in this case is really ‘Rick’s 10 minutes with Anthony’ (Observer editor and multimedia journalist Anthony Dixon).
* * *
Anthony: So, here we are with big news for the Ottawa Valley as you are retiring from your position after almost 14 years as director of Festival Hall.
Rick: I didn’t plan on retiring this early but, due to health challenges, three hospitalizations, and talks with doctors, it is time to retire from my position as director and manager and focus on my health.
Anthony: This is a big shock for the community and leaves a big hole in the entertainment scene. You really brought Festival Hall alive during the past 13 years, not only for local talent but national acts and tours.
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Rick: My vision was to have all types of live performances. Music, comedy, drama, dance, lectures, movies … for all ages and we achieved that.
Anthony: It seemed like shows were always coming. These past many years your calendar was full and there was always something new.
Rick: Thank you. That was the vision, correct. When I started there was only six to eight events a year. Now we average 55 to 60 performances a year.
Anthony: You are modest guy and while you were the driving force you have told me it was great having a team around you.
Rick: There is no doubt. I have had a great team who should be recognized and thanked for their time and passion and patience. Our stage/technical crew are amazing. The many amazing volunteers past and present who gave their time over and over. The last few months and ‘till the end of December my wife Lorelei has been interim director doing an amazing job. Standing ovation to them!
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Anthony: You have been a part of and overseen as director the new seats campaign and new sound and lights. It really is amazing how the hall has changed for the better.
Rick: I only wanted the job if it was creative and I could make a difference and make the ‘hall’ into a “real theatre.”
Anthony: I hear you really tried to help local talent and productions.
Rick: There is amazing talent in the Ottawa Valley. I loved helping, cultivating and watching these performances. It is so important to any community.
Anthony: You produced and brought to Festival Hall some big-name acts. Marty Stuart, Matt Dusk, Rik Emmett, Johnny Reid, Stuart Mclean and the Vinyl Cafe, Gowan, Glass Tiger, Micheal Burgess, The Spoons, Stampeders, Ennis Sisters, Mary Walsh, Women Fully Clothed, the Downchild Blues Band, the Barra McNeils, just to mention a few.
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Rick: No wonder I always look tired (laughs). I am a huge advocate for Canadian artists.
Anthony: You were an associate producer at the Waterfront Festival that ran for many years in Pembroke.
Rick: That was a great time. I was proud to be hired for that. We booked up and coming music artists like Johnny Reid, Crystal Shawanda, Doc Walker and put on some great classic shows like Jeff Healey, Alannah Myles, and Rik Emmett.
Anthony: You have worked in the music, comedy and theatre world. Not many people do that. How did that happen?
Rick: I have always been a jack-of-all-trades. I worked for Universal/MCA for years. I left to pursue comedy, performing at Second City. I always kept my hand in the music world. All three are my passion and I loved putting on a show. If you have a barn or piece of land, let’s create a show!
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Anthony: You and your wife Lorelei were very passionate about starting the Downie Wenjack Space at Festival Hall. You were friends with Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip I understand. Tell us about that.
Rick: I worked with the band for their first four records. They were so great to work with. Lorelei and I saw Gord at the NAC for one of his last live performances. [Gord Downie’s] The Secret Path. We took his advice to ‘do something.’ We are proud to run the movie and the programming to tell the story [of Chanie Wenjack a 12-year-old boy who died nearly 60 years ago on in flight from an Indian residential school near Kenora.] and educate people. Last year we had Susan Aglukark and her band perform live as part of it which was amazing.
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Anthony: People should check out www.festhall.ca for upcoming shows for November and December. There are lots of performances upcoming. Just to name a few – Gillian Rutz’s Christmas show with guests plus many Christmas concerts. Lorelei has organized two massive shows, one being a celebration and send off to you as director. It’s coming up November 22 and features Andy Kim and Dan Hill and comedian Carla Collins, hosted by radio host Bill Carroll. The Great Canadian Road Trip is set to make one last stop on their tour on December 15. Three huge country acts – Jason McCoy, Doc Walker and Michelle Wright are bringing their bands to Festival Hall for one big production.
Rick: Get your tickets now. And always remember, ‘The show must go on!’ Thanks AD!
Anthony: Thanks Rick!
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