December 22, 2011 Volume 10 • Number 51 50¢ Newsstand Price
INSIDe
downtown
Downtown Gift CertifiCates
PIT Stop reaches final round – page 2
Perfect for all gift giving and redeemable anywhere downtown!
also
Cheers from Central Station Pub – page 5
for info go to www.kcbia.com
your neighbourhood. your newspaper.
Award winning bluesman rocks downtown One might be tempted to call George Leach a renaissance man. Surrounded by the paintings, jewellery, pottery and other art made by local Kamloopsians, one might also say that The Art We Are on Victoria Street is akin to George’s den and office in Kamloops. The Lillooet musician will take centre stage at the popular tea joint on December 22. The acclaimed singer/songwriter of the Sta’atl’imx Nation is sure to have an appreciative audience tuned into his rock, blues and acoustic ballads from his second album release “Surrender�. Themes of vulnerability, letting go and growth resonate in the songwriter’s words. “Experiences that make us human and real� George has explained. This same sentiment is also expressed when he steps out from behind the comfort zone of his guitar and into the world of spoken word for Poetry Slam nights held regularly at The Art We Are. George is certainly no stranger to the stage or to an admiring fanbase. As a full time musician of over 11 years, his debut album, Just Where I’m At (2000), won him a “Best Male Artist� and “Best Rock Album� at the 2000 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. His video for the single “Young
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George Leach is a man of many talents and ready to entertain at The Art We Are on December 22.
Enough,� made the top ten on the at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Much More Music chart and top 5 Awards. on Bravo Video Hit List. More reLiving in Toronto for a number +#")! EARLUG '# $EC INDD cently, his single, “You Got It� was of years, George’s formal perfornominated for Best Video for 2009 mance training began at the Cen-
tre for Indigenous Theatre. On this path, George proved himself an accomplished film, television, theatre and voiceover actor. In 2004, he was handed the Best Actor Award at the American Indian Film Institute Awards and was nominated again in 2006. George claims his performance skills were further enhanced through his participation in a Theatre Improvisation and Aboriginal Dance Project held at the Banff Centre. His toolbox of talent doesn’t end there. He also pours energy into the Martial Arts and now his newest endeavor - setting up a pottery studio. “Pottery, doesn’t lend itself well to a musicians schedule.� George admits, but he makes the time to dedicate to this craft as well, as he finds the medium to be a spiritual teacher. His clay work shows much attention to strong line and traditional pattern. He hopes to spend more time with the clay once his new album has taken direction. Plugged in or unplugged, George Leach has a story to tell and his talent and enthusiasm for the arts is undeniable. The show starts at 8pm on December 22 and tickets for his gig are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, available at The Art We Are, 246 Victoria St. Jody Tippett, Freelance
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