In November 2005, Barry and I chose Mount Uniacke as the place we'd call home.
We love the tranquility of this rural community, especially the wilderness - plenty of woodlands with an array of
flora and fauna - clean lakes, rivers and streams throughout the area and plenty of trails to explore.
We are both passionate about music and all of the live performing arts and although
we have been known to plan trips around various concerts in Canada and abroad, as I've said above, we love where
we live and thought it might be fitting that we share some of our favourite artists with others right here in our "shire"
as I like to call it.
Initially, we thought of holding some home concerts, then I began thinking about
a summer music festival. The desire to present shows in Mount Uniacke ultimately led to the formation
of the Mount Uniacke Society for the Arts. We hope you take advantage of the shows we will bring you and thank
you for your interest.
Moka Case, President
Mount Uniacke Society for the Arts
Moka has over 18 years experience working in the live performing arts including artist management,
artistic direction and production. Some career highlights include managing the Capitol Theatre (Moncton) where she programmed
music, dance and theatre series' for english and french audiences, chairing the East Coast Music Awards and Conference, being
a jury member for the Juno Awards and various programs of the Canada Council for the Arts. Moka ran the music and sound
recording program for the Province of New Brunswick; represented Atlantic Canada for five years on a federal tribunal
that administers the Status of the Artist Act in Canada and she was the artistic director of the NS Multicultural
Festival. Moka is a public representative with the NS Barristers' Society where she serves on its Bar Council, Executive
and Complaints Investigation Committees.
Barry Kent, Treasurer & Artist Relations
Barry is now semi-retired after a hectic but rewarding 25 year career with the major record company
EMI Music Canada. As EMI's Atlantic Promotions Representative, Barry had the pleasure of working directly with successful
artists such as Garth Brooks, Tina Turner and The Rolling Stones as well as some Nova Scotia gems like The Rankin Family,
Rita McNeil, Anne Murray to name a few. Although the acts mentioned are well known, Barry has always been devoted to helping lesser
known artists throughout his career - and he still is!
Moka and Barry would like to thank the following three friends and arts
enthusiasts for agreeing to volunteer as founding directors of MUSA.
Lisa Matsell, Vice-President
Lisa is a professional trainer with the Nova Scotia Government. She has years of experience
working in the public and private sector including non-profit organizations. Lisa is a recipient of the
prestigious Martin Luther King Award in recognition of her work creating and implementing anti-racism programs in
schools throughout Nova Scotia. Lisa has a well-developed cross-cultural sense of arts.
Millard Steeper
Millard is a full-time sales representative and a part-time musician. A self-taught guitarist,
Millard dreams of adding to his collection, especially of the rare and hard to come-by variety. Millard's passion
for music and devotion to artists he favours is second of none. He is the type of fan that most musicians
would love to clone!
Julie Danford
Julie teaches at the Halifax Grammar School where she has directed musical theatre productions.
Julie is well-read and well-travelled. She includes several cultural components during her journeys abroad whether
for her own pleasure or as the organizer of trips for pupils at her school. She is co-owner of a travel consultant agency.
