LAC LA BICHE - The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta 2021 Distinguished Artists and 2022 Emerging Artists Awards will be held on June 10 and 11 in Lac La Biche County.
And Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales will be in the community on Saturday too.
The Juno-award-winning children’s entertainer will be part of a week of community events accompanying the gala awards presentations.
The Canadian-born artist, whose real name is Peter Lenton, has taken his live shows across the world having performed over 3000 shows across the world. To take part in a weekend dedicated to artistic expression, he says it’s an honour to be invited to celebrate.
“I'm absolutely stoked to have our interactive concert on the same Saturday as the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards — during a whole week of festivities celebrating creative lifestyles,” he told Lakeland This Week. “Recognition for artistic excellence is empowering for artists, who in turn, help make our communities richer places.”
Releasing multiple albums and singles for almost 20 years, Lenton’s work garnered a Juno award in 2011 for best Children’s Album of the Year for Proud like a Mountain. The same award category has been won over the years by notable names like Anne Murray, Sharon, Lois and Bram, Raffi and the Barennaked Ladies.
More recently, during the pandemic, the Edmonton-based artist released a new album, Campfire Time! that reflects human connections, conservation efforts and creativity. The album which was released in the spring of 2021, also received a nomination for the 2022 Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Children’s Artist of the Year.
While the accolades are welcome, Lenton says his hour-long shows are about getting children and adults involved in fun-based activities. His shows are big on audience participation and improvisation to fit the community.
”There are lots of chances to volunteer in our show and help lead songs…I do like to tailor each experience according to the community I’m in and the age of the youth that will be there,” he said.
Lenton’s Peter Puffin’s Whale Tale Shows will be part of Saturday’s Art Walk and Market in the Park held at McArthur Park on Saturday, June 11. Lenton’s show is slated between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The Art Walk and Market in the Park will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Interactive experience
Whether it’s pulling out the guitar or guiding singalongs, the performance is about implementing stories and building a connection with the audience, he added.
“It’s interesting to see over the course of a concert how that trust builds,” he said, which helps him create a better show. “Part of the job is to help people have fun and come out of their shell a bit. Interactive music and songwriting and recording helps cultivate the kinds of enthusiastic, collaborative and giving attitudes, that will help them contribute to being an inspiring community member, and eventually maybe even travel to share their lessons and talents globally.”
Sustainability through music
Also a teacher, biologist and outdoor educator, Lenton says he uses all of his experiences when he puts on his entertainer hat.
“We have a lot of environmental literacy and celebrating nature—kids quite naturally like nature,” he said. “We have a lot of songs that celebrate nature and the roles that kids can play...A number of our songs on our latest album Campfire Time celebrates that idea.”
Lenton’s stage name— Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales—pays homage to the previously endangered Puffin bird species because when he was a researcher and biologist in Atlantic Canada, the big-beaked birds were favourites of youngsters.
“We were teaching kids how to conserve the puffin population... I’ve seen how kids responded to them… and they reacted so well.”
Local performance
Ultimately, the Juno Award winner and musician is excited to share his passions and bring joy during a creative celebration.
“I can’t wait to see and visit others in the community during all the upcoming local events,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished and Emerging Arts Awards are behind co-sponsored by Lac La Biche County and Portage College. The Lac La Biche Art Club is also organizing several events over the week to celebrate the awards. For links to many of the planned events in the community — including biographies of the 2021 and 2022 go to www.lakelandtoday.ca
