Joan Balinson, Executive Director, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

Interview with Ms. Joan Balinson, Executive Director
Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
This Year at the Tattoo ...

The SCOOP Joan tells us ...“Central Canada’s premier Military Tattoo featuring the pageantry of massed military bands, pipes and drums and special guest performers is very pleased to announce our 21^st Military show for 2012. On Saturday June 23 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday June 24 at 2:30 pm, we will be featuring a commemoration of the 200^th Anniversary of the start of the War of 1812-1814, and the 150^th Anniversary of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (WR). Invited performing groups include the following: Special Guests- Pioneers of Canterbury Marching Group (Christchurch New Zealand)…The Windsor Regiment Band (Windsor): The Royal Regiment of Canada Military Band (Toronto): The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Military Band (Hamilton): The Military Band of the Ceremonial Guard (Ottawa): …The 48^th Highlanders Pipes and Drums (Toronto): The Lorne Scots Pipes and Drums (Brampton): The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Pipes and Drums (Hamilton): The Pipes and Drums of the Ceremonial Guard (Ottawa): The Dundas Pipes and Drums (Dundas):…The Tattoo Dancers: 13^th Regiment of Foot (Hamilton Re enactment Group): Winning Cadet Band in Ontario: 1812-1814 Re enactors (Hamilton): Danielle Bourre (Singer): The Fiddle Kid (Liam McGlashon)"

"The Tattoo is a registered Not-for-Profit charitable organization and is a 2 ½ hour show with over 500 performers composed of military bands, pipes and drums, dancers, song, pageantry and special performing groups. Special emphasis is always given to our veterans from all theatres, and they are included in the show. There is no other show of this scale west of Halifax, and we provide the experience for the general public to connect the public to the military through music.”

Joan tells us that the “Tattoo Buffet Luncheon usually accommodates 400 people at the Hamilton Convention Centre.  This year, we are serving a typical pub style lunch with Steak & Kidney Pie, potatoes, vegetables, shortbread dessert.  We have door prizes, live entertainment and two pipers who escort the guests to make the ten minute walk to Copps Coliseum where they go to their seats to see the show”.

“The adult ticket price is $48.45 per person. Senior/Group ticket price is $37.15. Veteran’s ticket price is $25.85. (All prices include facility fee and HST).  You will also have the option of purchasing a ticket to the Tattoo Luncheon prior to the Sunday performance. Ticket price of $33.90 (includes HST) will give you a hot buffet luncheon, entertainment, and a chance for a door prize. We will then have a few pipers lead everyone down the street to the arena, and as you already have your Tattoo ticket, you will be able to go right in to your reserved seat.”

Next week I will be reporting on one of my favorite discussions with Ms. Balinson ... The Inportance of Volunteers. My interview article will focus on Volunteers for Success!
(To Be Continued)