(An Historical News clipping; adapted)
dateline: The Sun Times, Owen Sound, Ont., Friday, October 20, 2000
with permission.

Pianist John Arpin in town Saturday night

Arpin at symphony

BY JONATHON JACKSON
Sun Times staff

Renowned ragtime pianist John Arpin will perform a concert Saturday night with the Georgian Bay Symphony.

A prolific composer, arranger, conductor, recording artist and touring performer, Arpin can play everything from turn-of-the-century classical music to Broadway show tunes. But he's made his name primarily in piano ragtime, and his accomplishments have even been recognized by the Scott Joplin Award, given to him in 1998 by the Joplin Foundation.

A native of Port McNicoll, Arpin graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music at age 16 and later studied at the University of Toronto.

Becoming active in the local music scene, Arpin found himself at home whether playing in dance orchestras and smaller ensembles or at a nightclub or on the radio.

He's become a respected mentor to developing musicians and has helped organize different music series in Ontario. He has also committed much time and energy to charitable foundations and is a favourite of concert audiences wherever he plays. Arpin's recorded efforts -- more than 40 albums -- have also been recognized by Juno nominations in 1992, 1993 and 1994.

"I am particularly pleased to be working with John Arpin," Georgian Bay Symphony conductor / music director John Barnum said in a news release. "He is a first-dass musician. His understanding and interest covers the breadth of music."

[This concert was billed as A Program of American Music and also featured selections by Howard Hanson, Richard Rodgers and George Gershwin. The show started at 8 p.m. at the OSCVI Regional Auditorium. Ticket were available at Grand and Toy in the Heritage Mall and downtown at The Ginger Press, Robert's Appliances and GBS Place. Call GBS Place at 372-0212 for more information.]