Latest news with #KidsintheHall
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Edmonton Fringe historian keeping tabs on evolution of the festival
Article content After 35 years in that chair, Osborn is perfectly suited for his new role, which sees him organizing disparate bits of information, along with records of key festival events and archival material (press clippings, programs). The history project has been initiated, in part, to prepare for the festival's 50th anniversary in 2031. But Osborn also has immediate goals, such as interviewing Fringe volunteers at this year's event, as well as creating a series of Fringe Heritage Moments. Article content When members of the public phone the Fringe office to purchase tickets or request information for this year's event, they'll hear (while on hold) historical tidbits researched, written and recorded by Osborn. The recordings cover topics such as wildlife sightings during Fringe (skunks like the late-night shows) and famous people who have appeared at the Fringe (including Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall fame and Edmonton's own Nathan Fillion, star of the popular TV series The Rookie). Article content Article content Osborn has enjoyed his role as Fringe Historian so far, but he feels a little sad when he passes his old perch in the hallway of the administration building. He always loved talking to people during the festival. He fantasizes about dragging a chair into the hall to watch longingly as patrons pass by. Article content 'I've always thought of myself as Radar from the TV series M*A*S*H,' says Osborn. 'The cast changes, and I'm still here.' Article content Here are excerpts from an Edmonton International Fringe Festival timeline created by Gerald Osborn to mark highlights of the festival in Edmonton: Article content 1982: Inaugural director Brian Paisley receives $50,000 from Summerfest for A Fringe Theatre Event in Old Strathcona. Inspired by the Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first local Fringe offers 200 live performances in five venues. Article content 1984: The first pre-Fringe street dance takes place, featuring up-and-coming singer k.d. lang, who plays to 3,500 people — her largest audience to that date. Article content Article content 1992: At The Fringe Also Rises, artists create site-specific performances utilizing spaces other than the officially-sanctioned Fringe venues, including a production of A Midsummer Night's Ice Dream at the Granite Curling Club. Festival director Judy Lawrence coins the term B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Venue) and a whole new way of fringing is born. Article content 2000: Fringe Theatre Adventures unveils its $8.2-million fundraising plans to gut the 49-year-old Arts Barns and replace it with a 450-patron multipurpose community space, a 250-seat theatre, two rehearsal halls, plus office spaces, classrooms and workshops. Article content 2003: Fringe Theatre Adventures' $8.5-million theatre complex is completed in time to host the Attack of the Killer Fringe. Article content 2020: The 39th Edmonton International Fringe Festival is cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, The Fringe That Never Was launches in August to bring theatre artists, musicians and guest celebrities together for 11 days of online performances.
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Fringe historian keeping tabs on evolution of the festival
Article content After 35 years in that chair, Osborn is perfectly suited for his new role, which sees him organizing disparate bits of information, along with records of key festival events and archival material (press clippings, programs). The history project has been initiated, in part, to prepare for the festival's 50th anniversary in 2031. But Osborn also has immediate goals, such as interviewing Fringe volunteers at this year's event, as well as creating a series of Fringe Heritage Moments. Article content When members of the public phone the Fringe office to purchase tickets or request information for this year's event, they'll hear (while on hold) historical tidbits researched, written and recorded by Osborn. The recordings cover topics such as wildlife sightings during Fringe (skunks like the late-night shows) and famous people who have appeared at the Fringe (including Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall fame and Edmonton's own Nathan Fillion, star of the popular TV series The Rookie). Article content Article content Osborn has enjoyed his role as Fringe Historian so far, but he feels a little sad when he passes his old perch in the hallway of the administration building. He always loved talking to people during the festival. He fantasizes about dragging a chair into the hall to watch longingly as patrons pass by. Article content 'I've always thought of myself as Radar from the TV series M*A*S*H,' says Osborn. 'The cast changes, and I'm still here.' Article content Here are excerpts from an Edmonton International Fringe Festival timeline created by Gerald Osborn to mark highlights of the festival in Edmonton: Article content 1982: Inaugural director Brian Paisley receives $50,000 from Summerfest for A Fringe Theatre Event in Old Strathcona. Inspired by the Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland, the first local Fringe offers 200 live performances in five venues. Article content 1984: The first pre-Fringe street dance takes place, featuring up-and-coming singer k.d. lang, who plays to 3,500 people — her largest audience to that date. Article content Article content 1992: At The Fringe Also Rises, artists create site-specific performances utilizing spaces other than the officially-sanctioned Fringe venues, including a production of A Midsummer Night's Ice Dream at the Granite Curling Club. Festival director Judy Lawrence coins the term B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Venue) and a whole new way of fringing is born. Article content 2000: Fringe Theatre Adventures unveils its $8.2-million fundraising plans to gut the 49-year-old Arts Barns and replace it with a 450-patron multipurpose community space, a 250-seat theatre, two rehearsal halls, plus office spaces, classrooms and workshops. Article content 2003: Fringe Theatre Adventures' $8.5-million theatre complex is completed in time to host the Attack of the Killer Fringe. Article content 2020: The 39th Edmonton International Fringe Festival is cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, The Fringe That Never Was launches in August to bring theatre artists, musicians and guest celebrities together for 11 days of online performances.
Stuff.tv
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Stuff.tv
What is Howdy? The new $3 per month streaming service
There's a new face in the streaming crowd, and it's showing up with a smile and no ads. Meet Howdy, a brand-new subscription streaming service from Roku. For just $2.99 a month, you get a no-interruptions pass to thousands of hours of shows and movies, including some big-name hits. So what's the catch? Apparently, there isn't one. This could be a new contender for our best streaming service guide. Here's everything you need to know about Roku's new ultra-affordable streaming service. What is Howdy? Howdy is a subscription video-on-demand service created by Roku, the same company behind the Roku Channel and the Roku TV platform. Unlike many free options that come with ads or premium platforms that charge upwards of $10 a month, Howdy hits the sweet spot: low cost, no ads, lots of familiar content. It's not trying to replace Netflix or Max. Instead, it aims to complement them, offering an easy, low-commitment way to stream favourites without digging through an avalanche of options or getting hit with mid-show commercials. When does Howdy launch? Howdy launched yesterday, August 5, 2025, across the U.S. Initially, it'll be exclusive to Roku devices, but support for more platforms, including mobile, is on the way. To mark the occasion, Roku is taking over digital billboards in Times Square through the end of the month. So if you're in New York, expect a big 'howdy' from above. How much does Howdy cost? Here's the kicker: $2.99 per month. That's not a trial rate, it's the full price. No ads. No contracts. Cancel anytime. It's deliberately priced to feel like a no-brainer, cheaper than a takeaway coffee, with none of the commitment. What content is on Howdy? Howdy launches with around 10,000 hours of TV and films, thanks to partnerships with Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise, plus a few Roku Originals. Think blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road, feel-good favourites like The Blind Side, cult hits like Kids in the Hall, and classic TV like Weeds. Genres range from rom-coms and medical dramas to '90s sitcoms and comfort rewatches – the kind of stuff you can relax to after work without needing a flowchart to follow the plot. What devices are compatible with Howdy? Right now, Howdy is available exclusively on Roku devices, including Roku TVs and streaming sticks. Support for mobile apps and other platforms is coming soon, though no firm timeline has been given yet. In short: if you already use Roku, you're good to go. If not, you might be waiting a little while longer. Liked this? Samsung Smart TVs are getting a free AI update perfect for TV fans
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Roku Launches Howdy, an Ad-Free Subscription Video Service Offering Award-Winning Entertainment at $2.99 Per Month
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico*, announced the launch of Howdy™, a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service that makes ad-free, high-quality entertainment more accessible than ever for just $2.99 per month. Launching nationwide later today in the U.S., Howdy offers subscribers unlimited access to a growing library of the stories viewers love, featuring thousands of titles and nearly 10,000 hours of entertainment from its inaugural partners, Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise, alongside select Roku Original titles. Subscribers can enjoy award-winning favorites like 'Mad Max: Fury Road,' 'The Blind Side,' 'Weeds,' and 'Kids in the Hall,' as well as iconic rom-coms, medical dramas, '90s comedy, feel-good classics, and more. 'Priced at less than a cup of coffee, Howdy is ad-free and designed to complement, not compete with, premium services,' said Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood. 'We're meeting a real need for consumers who want to unwind with their favorite movies and shows uninterrupted, and on their terms. Howdy is a natural step for us at Roku, extending our mission to make better TV for everyone, by making it affordable, accessible, and built for how people watch today.' Howdy is designed to meet consumers where they are, providing content they love with no interruptions on an accessible and affordable service. Some of the benefits Howdy subscribers will discover: Only $2.99/month – everyday low price (not an introductory or trial price) High-quality, ad-free experience – stream with no interruptions Award-winning content and fan favorites – easily find something for everyone Cancel any time – no contracts or hidden fees, easy to start and stop 'We're excited to continue our longstanding collaboration with Roku on innovative ways to connect with audiences,' said Jim Packer, President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Lionsgate. 'With engagement of over 125 million people a day, Roku is the perfect partner to launch a more accessible complement to the higher-priced SVODs. This service has the ability to scale quickly while providing us with a new way to monetize our content, and we're proud to be part of this new streaming experience.' "With the launch of Howdy, Roku is making beloved content from our catalog accessible to an even bigger audience, ' said Johnny Holden, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer at Radial Entertainment, the parent company of FilmRise. From August 5 to August 31, visitors to Times Square will be greeted with a warm 'howdy,' through a branded takeover of digital billboards promoting the service and its notable launch titles. The launch of Howdy marks a continuation of Roku's strategy to grow platform monetization and expand both third- and first-party subscriptions using the power of its platform, which reaches U.S. households with more than 125 million people each day. In addition to Howdy, Roku's streaming services include the popular Roku Channel, the most-watched free ad-supported television (FAST) service in the U.S.**, and Frndly TV, the #2 live TV subscription streaming service among cord cutters***. Howdy will be available initially on the Roku platform with rollout on mobile and additional platforms in the near future. The launch of Howdy was contemplated in the outlook provided in Roku's shareholder letter and earnings call for Q2 2025. For more information or to sign up, visit About Roku Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku-made TVs, Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals, and the #2 app on our platform in the U.S. by streaming hours. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A. This press release contains 'forward-looking' statements that are based on our beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us on the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to those related to trends in TV consumption; the timing, availability, content and benefits of Howdy; Roku's outlook; and the features, benefits, and reach of the Roku platform. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially are detailed from time to time in the reports Roku, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on Roku's website and are available from Roku without charge. Roku is a registered trademark, and Roku TV and Howdy are trademarks of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries. *By hours streamed (Hypothesis Group: Dec 2024) **Source: Nielsen Gauge (Accessed: 7/25/25) ***Source: Cord Cutters News Consumer Survey
Edmonton Journal
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Kenny vs. Spenny ride the mayhem of Grindstone Comedy Fest July 2-6
Article content It's a brilliant tradition Grindstone Comedy Fest has forged, bringing wild and line-crossing Canadian TV legends to its outdoor stage: Scott Thompson and Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall in the last two years, no less — with a bonus freaky Kevin McDonald in December. But with gonzo humiliation athletes Kenny vs. Spenny headlining the July 2-6 comedy summit Friday, GCF festival director Joses Martin just doesn't know what to expect.
