Radical Connections at the Daisy Cafe

Les Clowns Tendress at the Daisy Cafe

Thanks to a New Horizons for Seniors Grant received in 2023, Radical Connections artists have been performing at the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County’s Daisy Cafe. The Daisy Cafe is a weekly event where people living with dementia can come together in a fun and friendly environment for activities, snacks, conversation with friends and of course performances by talented artists. 

Some of the Radical Connections artists who have performed include mother-daughter team Fanny and Anouk Marks on the cello and piano, Maren Kathleen Elliot on viola, Jesse Stewart with his array of rare and unusual percussion instruments, Kathryn Patricia Cobbler, violist and looper, Jazz and Rwandan folk singer Empress Nyiringango, folk musician Kate Weekes, guitarist and vocalist Patricia Reynolds, and of course the very popular Chas Guay. 

We are also proud to note our partnership with Clown Tendresse who teamed up with musician Chris White to bring their joyous energy to the Cafe. Last but not least, storyteller Kim Kilpatrick and actor and playwright Eleanor Crowder are hosting improv sessions with participants. Improv is a theatrical activity which is uniquely suited to people with dementia as “being in the moment” is something they are quite good at.

Radical Connections plans to bring many more artists to the Daisy Cafe in the upcoming weeks, including visual artists for hands-on activities. Stay tuned!

Maren Kathleen Elliott at the Daisy Cafe

Fanny and Anouk Play at the Daisy Cafe Holiday Party

Kate Weekes at the Daisy Cafe