2005 news and updates archived

• main news and updates archived •

"I think because our show isn't intimidating to kids," Miriam says. "They don't watch it and feel envious. They watch it and half the stuff they can relate to. They see people with problems. They see people who aren't polished and perfect. You almost feel good about yourself to watch it and see you're not alone."

Miriam's a recent high school graduate and Cassie is in Grade 11. Both girls are excited about a new season full of "scandal" that will keep viewers coming back for more. At the same time, they insist it's the characters' normal teenaged personas that have kept the Degrassi world alive for so long.

"You can look at your high school yearbook and say 'This is definitely a Manny or this is definitely an Emma,' " Cassie says. "They're real, and that's what makes it real for us, that's what makes it easy to be on Degrassi."

Letter after letter tells the cast members how much certain episodes meant to the writer, while lineups of fans on tours are full of people who want to thank the actors for bringing their own personal problems to light.

There will be a Degrassi event on your teevee in September which SHALL ROCK THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR DEGRASSI SOCIETY. And no, I'm not talking about anything that happens in season 5. This happens before season 5. But not this season either. It's special.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7 2005

Solo Mobile and eckored have teamed up to present four fiery female singer/songwriters touring across Canada this summer, beginning August 11.

The impressive line-up of recording artists includes Juno award winner Keshia Chantι (SONY BMG), Vancouver Island Song of the Year award winner Christine Evans (Warner Music Canada), sensational singer of the hit single "Homeless Heart" Amanda Stott (EMI Music Canada), and rising rock star Cassie Steele from the hit TV show, Degrassi: The Next Generation.

These creative, dynamic recording artists represent a wide variety of musical genres - rock, pop and hip-hop, but share their passion for music and their exceptional talent. The all girl road show, initially conceived by Christine Evans to raise awareness for the Kids Help Phone, will begin in Vernon, BC on August 11 and finish in Sudbury, ON on August 28. Christine has been working with the charity as an Artist Ambassador since 2004 and said, "I work with a wonderful team of people and get such support from them. Together we came up with an idea that with this tour, we could bring some amazing singers together to create an opportunity for each of us. At the same time, we can raise the awareness that the Kids Help Phone is changing the lives of young people every day."

Bell Solo Mobile Tour – Christine is coming to a city near you! We are pleased to announce the Cities and dates for the Bell Mobile Tour. Christine and her band join an impressive line up of young women including; Keshia Chante, Amanda Stott, and Cassie Steele. The tour heads across Canada in August and hits 11 cities:

Vancouver, BC - August 12
Calgary, AB - August 14
Edmonton, AB - August 15
Winnipeg, MB - August 17
Thunder Bay, ON - August 18
Sudbury, ON - August 19
Kitchener, ON - August 22
Belleville, ON - August 24
Ottawa, ON - August 25
Montreal, QC - August 27
Toronto, ON - August 28

Details on venues and tickets will be coming soon and posted to her appearance page.

I never did give a review of Cassie's debut album, did I? I really like it and think that the music, which is great, would sound even better live. Her voice has such a unique sound with emotion and passion, and I'd like to hear her sing sometime with an acoustic guitar or piano or a cappella. The band is great as well. (Hi, Ed!) My favorite songs are "Broken," "Rock Your Bones," "Love Cost," and "Famous." With her lyrics, the variety of musical influences and sounds, and her perseverance in getting her music out there, Cassie will continue to shine brightly.

"For 25 years, Degrassi has been focusing on issues that speak directly to fans, both young and old," said Linda Schuyler, President, Epitome Pictures Inc. "We're delighted that Degrassi: The Next Generation is back for another season. We will see our characters confront the increasingly intense twists and turns of high-school life. But even though life's lessons are tougher than ever, we haven't forgotten how to laugh."

Many Degrassi 25th Anniversary celebrations, promotions and appearances will take place throughout the season. Further announcements will be made in the coming months.

...

After four years following the teens of Degrassi, this is the year that viewers will see the first class of students graduate. Season Five begins with Manny anxious to pursue an acting career. Unfortunately, she is not prepared for the harsh realities of living out her Hollywood dream. Meanwhile, Craig receives an unwelcome birthday present from Ashley.

In other news (and reminders) The N website now has new media and info about Degrassi Unscripted featuring Stacey Farber, Aubrey Graham, and Melissa McIntyre. These episodes are in June while the rest of D:TNG Season 4 starts in July.
The signing for the D:TNG Season 2 Ultimate Box Set is June 18 at Suncoast at NYC's Manhattan Mall (above the 33rd St station where the Path ends). Miriam McDonald, Andrea Lewis, Jake Epstein, and Shane Kippel will be there.

"Education is always going to be there," says Cassie Steele, who is in Grade 10 and plays Manny. "There will always be schools and colleges that I can get an education from, but there's not always going to be a chance for me to do this."

The eclectic pair, well known as on-screen personas Jay and Silent Bob, will make their Canadian television debuts on Monday, Jan. 31 at 8:30 p.m. ET followed by Monday, Feb. 7 and the season finale on Monday, Feb. 14, also at 8:30 p.m. ET on CTV. World-renowned singer/songwriter and Smith friend, Alanis Morissette, will join the two in a cameo appearance for the Feb. 7 episode.

...

In the much-anticipated three-episode story arc, Smith and Mewes find themselves in Canada, researching a Jay and Silent Bob sequel called Jay and Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh?. The pair stumbles into the surreal, but very real-life world of Degrassi Community School, and decide to shoot the film at the school, using Degrassi students as extras in the film. Also starring in the fictional film is Alanis Morissette, who in actuality has played God in two of Smith's previous projects.

While working on the movie, Smith meets Caitlin Ryan (Mistysyn) and things get very interesting. Ever the opportunist, Smith pursues Caitlin, and in turn threatens her relationship with Joey (Pat Mastroianni). All the while as Degrassi hurtles to its season finale, life at school continues to be interesting for it's students. Craig (Jake Epstein) continues to struggle with manic-depression as he deals with the impending summer apart from Ashley (Melissa McIntyre), and the catfight continues between the very competitive Paige (Lauren Collins) and Manny (Cassie Steele).

• Lawyer carves out dual career in showbiz Songwriter turned lawyer, producer of Degrassi series, is at it again, writes BEPPI CROSARIOL - interesting article about Executive Producer Stephen Stohn

• Instant Star - about Epitome Pictures' newest series Instant Star, if you're curious.

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