What:    “Hats ‘n Spats Gala” in honour of Dean Verger
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
When:  October 22, 8pm
Who:     Sheesham & Lotus

Tickets are available at: Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington; Ottawa Folklore Centre 1111 Bank; and our online e-Store.

On October 22 The Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society will induct Dean Verger as its first honorary Lifetime Member. The event is billed as “A Hats ‘n Spats Gala.”

Dean Verger

Starting at 8 p.m. at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Avenue, the evening will feature fond remembrances of legendary a café and it’s inspirational owner. With the proximity to Halloween, patrons are encouraged to wear their most interesting hats and footwear. Kingston’s Sheesham & Lotus (http://www NULL.sheeshamandlotus NULL.com/)  will set toes-a-tapping with their infectious brand of old-time fiddle and banjo music.

Dean, along with his mother Helen Verger, founded Rasputin’s Folk Café on Bronson Avenue in August 1981. Sadly, the café closed three years ago following a fire. During those 27 years, Dean consistently applied values that respected both the performer and the audience through what is still known as the Rasputin’s listening environment. The listening environment remains a core value of all Spirit of Rasputin’s events.

Formed shortly after the fire in July 2008, the volunteer-based not-for-profit Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society organizes more than 130 folk music events each year in various locations across Ottawa. It has grown from a dozen dedicated volunteers to over 80 dues-paying members. It is the largest, most active folk music society in the National Capital Region.

Sheesham and Lotus

“Folk music is grass roots music accessible to the old, young, rich and poor. Spirit of Rasputin’s is dedicated to nurturing the performer inside all of us,” says President, Hollis Morgan. “You don’t need expensive instruments or years of lessons…we all learn from each other and share our traditions, song writing tips, and storytelling. The folk music community is uniquely supportive of performers at all skill levels.”