01/13/2026
The Song Portraits video will be shown tonight -(start time approx 7 p.m.) Free!
Song Portraits is a project by Corbin Murdoch that is inspired by the individuals that contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Milton Community Hall.
A Song Portrait is exactly what it sounds like: an artistic rendering of a person, but instead of paint and canvas, it uses melody and lyric. During a series of informal, one-on-one “portrait sittings” Corbin became acquainted with Joy, Joyce, John, Ken, Rose and Trilby and composed original songs drawn from their stories and ideas.
At the March 31, 2023 performance, the project participants were celebrated as they sang their own portrait live at the Milton Community Hall, backed by the Song Portraits Band organized by Musical Director Carlie Howell.
Performed in front of family, friends, and the Hall’s members, “Song Portraits: Milton” was an AMAZING opportunity for the community to gather together in celebration of one another.
Portrait Subjects: John Hooper, Joy MacIntyre, Ken Williams, Rosemarie Ramsay, Joyce Blackett, and Trilby Jeeves
Song Portraits Band: Alicia Toner, Carlie Howell (Musical Director), Josh Langille, Robin Ettle, and Mike Ross
The evening was magic.
Corbin is an amazing singer songwriter who captured the spirit of the amazing "hall people" who agreed to take part. Thank you so much to Rural Radiant Halls for matching us to this incredible project - to Corbin for his inspired songwriting and the idea for the project, to the immensely talented band under the direction of leadership of Carlie Howell, the technical crew that made everyone look and sound so great - Devon Ross, Alex Pickles, Phil Mercier, Jordan Beaulieu and Millefiore Clarkes -and the lovely folks at this town is small - Lisa Theriault, Alexandra O'Sullivan, and Cameron Cassidy.
If you missed the magic the first time around, the evening was videotaped - and there will be chances to see it again.
Super special thanks to our amazing performers!
Rosemarie Ramsay - a frequent hall volunteer who recently joined the hall's board of directors, and the North Milton WI. Rose called the hall one day last spring day to see if there were volunteer opportunities... and the rest is history! She first helped out at a bingo, and then became the friendly face near the coffee pot during most of the Fiona warming center days. After getting to meet lots of folks, she decided to run for the Municipal Council, where she now serves as Finance Chair. Rose has a wonderful positive attitude, a loving Mr. R. - and now - a new song!
Joyce Blackett - has been involved with the Milton Community Hall for decades, and is also a member of the board. Joyce is most well known for her expertise in the kitchen. She can make anything - but her biscuits, stuffing, potato salad, gravy and carrot cake might be the things she makes the most here! She is also a long-time WI member, organizes the Thursday night card parties, and the Tuesday evening TOPS group. Joyce's song immortalizes her biscuit recipe, as well as her ability to take any ingredient and make a tasty meal! (And of course Joyce made 12 dozen biscuits for the "lunch"!)
Trilby Jeeves and her parents moved to North Milton in the 70s but she spent much of her adult life on the west coast of Canada. She was filming "The Rolling Pin" on PEI when the pandemic closed the Island - and then decided to stay to help look after her Mum. She transformed the "no water, no electricity, cabin with an outhouse" into a cosy cabin (with internet and a flush toilet!) for her and her Mister Milton - a cat who is rapidly becoming YouTube-famous! Trilby loves trees, nature, the arts - and life! P.S. The hall has a cameo in the award winning "The Rolling Pin" film!
John Hooper is a sixth generation farmer, whose cows can look over the hall from their barn and fields. John was on the hall board for years - but life got even busier after he and Lynne got married and had three youngsters; we still count on him for generator check-ups and making sure the water tests get completed on time!
Ken Williams, who we lovingly refer to as the Mayor of Ebenezer, co-writes the community plays for the Miltonvale Community Players, which are a significant fundraiser for the hall. He is a Monday and Friday Coffee regular, who is familiar to folks who may see him behind the pulpit at the St. John's Anglican Church from time to time. Ken likes words - and wrote a commemorative poem after the seniors bus trip to Glenaladale last summer.
Joy MacIntyre has been working at the Council Office, based at the hall, off and on for the past few year. There is nothing she won't tackle! She is the underground hairdresser of North Milton, line dances, sings and plays music at her church, rides her Harley and this month you can see her onstage with the Winsloe Players. Joy's song shares her love of faith, friends and family.
Thank you to all involved, the appreciative audience, the funders - Innovation PEI, and the Canada Council for the Arts, and the folks at this town is small who pulled the whole thing together!!
We can't wait for the video!!!
