Christy Chase's

Spotting Parkwood

I watched Hollywoodland recently -- movie based on George Reeves' life and death (he played Superman on TV back in the 50s). So-so movie. But I saw Parkwood. Part of the movie was made there. My daughter, who worked there at the time, was actually watching them film the big party scene with Ben Affleck in the sunroom. Rather cool. And I also spotted Metroland Durham Region Media Group columnist Neil Crone in a couple of scenes, playing a bit of a heavy. Always nice to see him -- do you watch Little Mosque on the Prairie? He's in that. I also starting watching a BBC Canada series, The State Within, and, surprise, Parkwood features heavily in it. It plays the residence of the British ambassador to Washington. Lots of scenes of the front staircase and the sunroom, dining room and drawing room. You just never know where the mansion and estate, once home to the late Col. R.S. McLaughlin and his family, will pop up these days.

Happy new year

September always marks the beginning of the year for me. After years of starting school in September and then beginning my first journalism job in September, I've always felt this is the real beginning of a new year. And with my daughter just starting another year of university (masters' program in public history), it's happening again. It's also the start of new seasons for Durham's community theatre groups, choirs and orchestras. So check into what's on offer and go out and enjoy the local talent.

Happy birthday, Andy

Birthday parties are always fun but this one was great. I went to the party of a friend of mine on Saturday, a party attended by theatre types. The theme was A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (that's him, not the birthday boy, in the picture.) In the late afternoon, in an idyllic yard, we sat and read through the script, reading different parts, nibbling munchies and laughing a great deal. Four young girls, dressed as fairies from the play, flitted throughout the yard. When we'd finished, the sun was well on its way to the horizon and it was time for the potluck supper (don't you love potlucks?), talking and more laughs. And as the light faded from the sky, the host lit a myriad of candles and torches and switched on lights in several trees. Talk about a midsummer night's dream. Only this was real. A great night with great people.

Parkwood swings

I took in the Swing Night at Parkwood last week, part of the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival. What a great night - beautiful evening (the threatening skies cleared up nicely), good crowd and great music from the female trio Swing Rosie. It was a wonderful way to spend a summer evening - outside in a glorious setting, making believe this estate is your backyard, with people who appreciate music. By all accounts, the festival was a success. I heard the Jazz Divas blew the roof off the Jubilee Pavilion. Kudos to organizer Kerri King for another job well done.

Jazz and blues

It's a week of great music as the Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival hits Durham. Based in Oshawa, the festival is offering seven days of jazz and blues by a host of musicians, some local, some not. So get out and enjoy some or all of the festival. I won't be able to get to all the events but I'll hit a few of them for sure. Hope to see you there. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the summer, the music and our community. You can find more information in the entertainment section of newsdurhamregion.com.