FACES Magazine May/June 2017 - Zack Smith

T H E

B I G G E R ,

B E T T E R

F A C E S

M A G A Z I N E

THE

10

OTTAWA HOTSPOTS THAT

DAN AYKROYD

ZACK SMITH

SUITS UP CHRIS JERICHO

FROM WINNIPEG TO

WRESTLEMANIA:

MEET CANADA’S WWE SUPERSTAR

+

BEST SELLING AUTHOR

RECOMMENDS

TEGAN & SARA

TOURING, NEW MUSIC, AND BLUESFEST

+

ALEXANDRE DAIGLE CHRIS PHILLIPS RADEK BONK ON LIFE AFTER HOCKEY

THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS VOLUME 44 1 | MAY/JUNE 2017 MAY/JUNE 2017

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FACES

“It’s important to have hobbies and interests outside of hockey, to get your mind away from the game at times.”

in this issue

Zack Smith | Page 34

“In my darkest times, mental illness formed my reality. In my best times, Bipolar disorder gave me strength.”

“My friends would just tell me to keep my head above water and try not to kill anybody even if they deserved it.”

AJ Mendez Brooks | Page 14

Chris Jericho | Page 20

“I enjoy Twitter but it is a blessing and a curse at times to do my own tweeting.”

Jim Watson | Page 27

“People don’t realize that whether you’re a star or not, you’re dealing with the same guys that you were dealing with when you were a twelve-year old at the rink.”

Alexandre Daigle | Page 42

“I’m extremely proud of the fact that I was able to play 1,179 games all with one team. Just a great city and great support.”

“You really can’t compare anything to the NHL. It’s just the best league in the world, and for a reason.”

“It was a hard learning lesson but it sort of propelled me towards what I’m doing now, it was the precursor motivation.”

“We’ve been told—by someone… somewhere—what we should accomplish by certain dates or ages and I’ve kind of thrown that out the window.”

Chris Phillips | Page 44

Radek Bonk | Page 46

Cara Delevingne | Page 50

Katie Griffin | Page 56

“Ottawa born, Toronto raised, indeed. When I moved to Toronto, I was naive, wide-eyed and overall very ‘green’.”

“You can’t succeed and do better if there isn’t someone on the other side of the net who’s comparable to you.”

Keshia Chanté | Page 61

Sara Quin | Page 66

“I know that we have a connection with humans, whether they are 10 years old or 70 years old, whatever we are doing gets through to these human beings.”

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Anthony Kiedis | Page 81

“I appeal to all bar owners who don’t have Crystal Head on their bar—get it, and I’ll come in!”

Dan Aykroyd | Page 91

FACES MAGAZINE VOLUME 44 * MAY/JUNE 2017

FMOttawa A play-by-play of this season in the city.

Page 11

Crazy is My Superpower AJ Mendez Brooks on Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules. Page 14

Your Guide to Early Summer Fail-safe grad gifts and new job opportunities: all of which can be found this month. + You’re three clicks away from eating better, having more time, and spending less cash.

Page 19

A Bulldog with a Bucket List Stories that have Ottawa trending. Page 27

13 Questions with Jim Watson Sitting down with Mayor Jim Watson at Centretown’s North and Navy. Page 29

Cara Delevingne

BY PIERS MANNING. Page 48

In Technology Gadgets that threaten what you take for granted. Page 53

Inside the Newsroom With CTV’s Katie Griffin. Page 55

Keshia Chanté Meets the President Ottawa born R&B sensation Keshia Chanté it one of Ottawa’s musical greats. Page 59

Spring fashion featuring Ted Baker, the Savoy Brasserie, and some European influence. on Page 70

Celebrating in the Capital Mother’s and Father’s day destinations that will make memories. Page 91 Photo: Marc Brigden

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Photo: Marc Brigden

D

id you know that a young Dan Aykroyd helped to lay the cement for the parking lot at Camp Fortune? That at three years old, he watched as his father—a chief engineer with the NCC—build the Gatineau Parkway? Or that at 17, he would steal the keys to the parkway, to race his friends on the open and winding road in their Mustangs and Camaros?

Neither did I, until I sat down to interview him last month. I smiled as he reveled in the memories, thinking of a teenaged Dan speeding up the parkway in a ’68 GT, unaware of the success and fame about to change his life.

Dan is one of many faces that give Ottawa a life beyond our political inheritances. It is true that we are a population of professionals, of politicians, of high-tech experts and investors. But Ottawa is more than a city characterized by its institutions. We take an interest in fashion and entertainment. We seek out sports, music, and being in the know. As a population that lives for both the week and the weekend—we are effortlessly professional yet unforgivingly passionate, current and unreserved. We are long-term thinkers living in the now.

When it comes to Faces Magazine, our message is simple: We are Ottawa. That is and always has been our mission for the Faces brand.

The motto serves equally well as a promise and a conclusion. An ambitious claim—and one that is critical to understanding what our brand stands for and what we hope to achieve in the years to come.

We believe it is vital that we don’t let the voices of our community be drowned out by the conventional. It is important that we remember the feeling of being hit close to home.

We want our brand to represent Ottawa and everything great about this city. We want to showcase the people, places and things that make this city the best in the world.

And it is from our seven years as a publication with this vision that we have noticed Ottawa’s remarkable condition; on a nation-wide stage, we play both the role of a big fish in a small pond and yet a small fish in a big pond of Canadian cities. In our interview, Jim Watson said it to us best—we have big city amenities with small town charm. Our local news is contagious; our local successes are exciting—like the thought of Dan Aykroyd in his GT. And just like Ottawa itself, we are growing. Growing from being a print-only publication to a multi-platform media brand. Growing our presence on social media not only to be heard, but to hear. Producing content that is reminiscent of the past, excited for the future, and tailored to the present. We celebrate this change with a whole new look for the Faces brand—a new logo, a new website, a new message.

We would not be here without your support and without the support of our incredibly loyal partners. Our mission moving forward is simple—to become a place where sports meets fashion, where arts and culture meet entertainment; a brand that truly represents Ottawa as the multifaceted city it is.

JUSTIN MACKINNON, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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FACES MAGAZINE VOLUME 44 * MAY/JUNE 2017

COVER STORIES Chris Jericho From WrestleMania Champion to celebrated author with serious life advice—everything you want to know about Chris Jericho.

Page 20

Zack Smith Inside the Senators Forward’s at-home workshop and custom-made man cave.

Page 32

Alexandre Daigle Chris Phillips Radek Bonk Back in town for the 13th annual Molson Canadian Cup. Page 38

Tegan & Sara Catching up with the iconic indie pop twins ready to rock this summer’s Bluesfest.

Page 64

The Red Hot Chili Peppers On making their return to the Capital, new music in-hand, and still spicy.

Page 78 Cover Photography by Marc Brigden Styling by Nordstrom Rideau Centre 9 | MAY/JUNE 2017

MAY/JUNE : Volume 44 FIND FACES

Editor In Chief Justin MacKinnon

Faces Magazine is distributed monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa. You can find the publication in over 1400 high-traffic venues in the city. Full issues are also available online. Faces Magazine is a non-traditional print medium with a strong brand presence on social media.

Publisher Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.)

www.facesmag.ca

Managing Editor Andrew Arcello

@facesottawa @facesott @facesottawa

Contact info@facesmag.ca 1.613.591.6093

Event Info www.facesmag.ca/awards To request our event sponsorship package, please email ktranmer@faces.mag. For all other information regarding our events, please call or visit our event website.

1849 Maple Grove Road Ottawa, ON Canada K2S 1B9 Sales ktranmer@facesmag.ca Submissions echilderhose@facesmag.ca

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Art Director Amanda Vo Associate Editor Evan Childerhose

Communications Director Kelly Tranmer Accounting/Finance Linda Zhang

Contributors Joshua Chartrand Kimberly Brooks Jordan Palleck Alex Feeney Emily Sheryl Wood Phoebe Strike Piers Manning Jean Luc Boissonneault Hannah Rose Prendergast Frazer Nagy, Transparent Kitchen Giulian De La Merced Emily Lively

Contributing Photographers Cover and other works: Marc Brigden Gord Weber Cathy and David Photography Esther Lin Mike Mastrandrea Lee Hagen Janack Parmar Landon Entwistle Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain Pamela Littkey Lindsey Byrnes Andrej Sakic, Transparent Kitchen Steve Keros Sasha Samsonava Nancy Batista Moodie Alissa Odunsi Oladimeji

FMOttawa

MAY

A P L AY- BY- P L AY O F T H I S S E A S O N I N T H E C I T Y.

MAY THE FOURTH The one day a year where the force is strongest.

Be sure to wake up early on May 4th to be the first to hash this joke out on social media.

The Conversationalist on: Star Wars

Be careful whom you talk to on International Star War’s Day, when the chance of a lunch-room chat turning to the dark side is strong. Here are three FYI’s that’ll help you score points with your friends turned fans:

The prequels came out after the original movies.

The first Star Wars movie (A New Hope) came out in 1977.

It was followed by the Empire Strikes Back (1980) and the Return of the Jedi (1983). After these original movies came a sixteen-year silence. The first prequel was The Phantom Menace (1999), followed by Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Anakin is Darth Vader.

You know Darth Vader for the worse (the bad guy) – but true fans know him for the better, too. ICYMI: Anakin is Darth Vader on his come-up in the prequel movies. Because even villains have layers.

We don’t know who shot first.

In A New Hope (1977) Han Solo is confronted by a shady bounty hunter named Greedo. The two have a western-style showdown and Han shoots first. This scene was changed in later versions to show the two shooting at the same time, but

CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL

The tulip is a master at making a comeback. And the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa is the largest on-mass planting event of its kind in the world. From May 12th – 22nd, enjoy millions of tulips on display in your favourite parts of the city.

MOTHER’S DAY

What is the best thing you can do for your mom on May 13th?

Find out at >>> facesmag.ca

THE GREAT GLEBE GARAGE SALE

May 27th is the one day a year that all of Ottawa flocks to the Glebe in pursuit of valuable finds cleverly disguised as recroom clutter. Some walk away with treasure. Others, with less.

And everyone enjoys the thrill of the chase.

AN EXPERT’S ADVICE ON: Garage-Sale Bargaining

3 Tips to Professional Haggling Don’t Over Talk

there’s much debate amongst fans as to who fires first.

CINCO DE MAYO

Fiesta translates into many things in the English language— party, feast, festival—leaving fiesta-seekers with a big hat to fill on May 5th. The best place to get your guacamole fix? Look no further than the Byward Market to find some of Ottawa’s only authentic Mexican cuisine.

LOST SOCK MEMORIAL DAY

For the average of fifteen socks you lose a year, take a moment on May 9th to remember—or look behind your washing machine.

In this issue: We’ve got the scoop on why you can’t remember the last time you bought socks. Inside the ankle trend. Page 63

A quick way to make your seller sweat is to be ‘of few words.’

The more you talk, the more interest you show. Keeping quiet will make things tense for your seller as you appear offended by his offer.

Look for Flaws

The quickest way to a discount is by pointing out why the item should be on clearance. Look for wear marks, stains, cracks—even dust might help you to convince your seller that her item isn’t up to par.

Use Cash to Close the Deal

A time-honoured tool of the veteran bargainer: cash-in-hand.

Hold out the money you’re offering and not a dime more, making the offer easy to accept.

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Welcome back,

PATIO SEASON

Y

ou’ve waited all year for the first signs of patio season. The odd sidewalk pop-up has teased you all spring, and now the hotter days are here and all buses lead to the Byward Market. From now to September, downtown will be buzzing with patio-goers and you can’t wait to get in on the action. Choices abound from Rideau to Clarence. But where do you choose to raise your flag for a drink or three? Or will you be decidedly undecided, and choose them all? Whatever you choose, don’t forget the lessons you learned from last patio season.

IF YOU’RE GETTING A MEAL, REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS REGRET ordering an appetizer. Always. Not only

do apps fill you up (leaving your main dish to linger in the sun until you’d rather not take it home) but they also make you thirsty. Most appetizers are loaded with salt to have you downing your drink with purpose. To avoid a higher bill, skip the apps. Easy!

IF YOU NEED ANOTHER REASON TO KEEP SUGAR off your patio table this season, remember that bugs make a comeback this month. A big one. And their top patio pick happens to be anything sweet. Keeping desserts or sugary drinks on the table for long makes you a target for unwanted guests.

THE SUN SPOT WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE

But if you’ve already got the appetizer list in-hand, try to choose a less salty pre-meal snack. Order a side salad as an app, or ask for your edamame beans only lightly salted.

for a reason. You know that table that remains unclaimed despite the twenty-minute wait? A word from last year’s self: choosing to take the unwanted table over waiting in line will put you in the hot seat, literally. And despite the fact that you have yet to catch a good tan, resist all urges to jump the line. Wait for a table that will live up to your expectations instead.

DON’T GO LOOKING FOR SUGARY DRINKS. Because trust me,

PATIOS BY NIGHT can be an arguably bet-

they’ll find you. Daiquiris and patios go together like scuffs and your new white Reeboks—and neither of those pairs are good for you. Sugary drinks are hangover fast-tracks for some and expensive for all. If you plan to stay a while, save your sugary drink for last to keep your energy up and the cost of your night out down.

For sugar-free drinks with flavour, try a vodka-soda with lime for a little sweetness. Or, ask for your drink to be made skinny: sans sugar.

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ter experience than day-time drinks—if you plan wisely. Bring a sweater in case there’s a breeze, and don’t settle for anything less than a well-equipped patio: one with easy access indoors, music that’s not-too-loud, and outdoor heaters on stand-by. Anything less, and your night out just won’t measure up.

FMOttawa A P L AY- BY- P L AY O F T H I S S E A S O N I N T H E C I T Y.

J

JUNE NATIONAL DONUT DAY For those of you who consider yourselves out of the doughnut scene, June 2nd is your opportunity to check back in. And by that we mean to discover the work doughnuts have been doing since you left.

SPOTTED ON OTTAWA’S DOUGHNUT SCENE These rebel doughnuts can be found close to home.

Maple Bacon – Ebar Blue Vanilla Fruit Loop – Suzy Q Crème Brûlée – Maverick’s Donut Company Kronut Macaroon Donut – Art is In Bakery

FATHER’S DAY

Tell us why your dad is a franchise player for a chance to win. >>> facesmag.ca

OTTAWA ITALIAN WEEK

Explore Ottawa’s Italian culture through food and events al-fresco. Capitalize on ten days of celebrations from June 8th to 18th. With themed parties, a feast day, and Italian car shows.

OTTAWA RIBFEST

When Ribfest comes to town from June 22nd to 26th, people will be lined up for a taste of ribs offered a-la-carte on Ottawa’s Sparks Street– turned smokehouse.

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CRAZY

IS MY SUPERPOWER

AN INTERVIEW WITH AJ MENDEZ BROOKS

Photo: Esther Lin 14 | MAY/JUNE 2017

Like many other superheroes, AJ grew up as an awkward child from humble beginnings who didn’t realize the power that she possessed until years later.

AJ overcame long odds and seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve her dreams. She not only made it to the WWE, but she became the Women’s Champion on multiple occasions. Mendez Brooks is credited with starting a ‘women’s revolution’ of sorts in the WWE, one that saw women no longer used by the company as merely attractive valets—they began to be treated as athletes, hired for their ability and talent.

While she achieved an incredible amount of success during her WWE career, her superpowers go far beyond.

Through her incredible book, “Crazy is My Superpower” AJ Mendez Brooks will inspire many people around the world to look at their struggles differently. We recently caught up with her to talk about her incredible story. >>> FM: On April 4th, your book, “Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts and Breaking the Rules” is released around the world, how are you feeling leading up to its release? Are you nervous about opening up to the world in this way? Or, is it an empowering feeling for you?

AM: The days leading up to publication were for sure the scariest days of my life. I am normally painfully private, so being so honest and vulnerable was quite a departure for me. But releasing my dark and painful past into the world has been incredibly liberating and healing.

While people are listening to what I have to say it is my responsibility to say something worthwhile. Knowing that people are taking positive messages out of this book has been really gratifying and melts away any trepidation I had going in.

FM: You speak openly about dealing with mental illness and how you’ve fought to turn what society perceived as a negative, into something incredibly powerful for you. Why do you think that society has always treated mental illness as a taboo subject?

AM: The only time mental illness is a part of mainstream media is when a starlet has had a breakdown, or an actor has committed suicide, or when a character on a TV show is a stalker/crazy ex/mad man in a salacious storyline. It’s always showcased in this dark, ominous, intimidating point of view. We only see these illnesses at their very worst,

and so it’s understandable when people are afraid to be in any way associated with them. No one ever just comes out as having a mental health condition without some sort of apology attached. My goal was to come out as bipolar with no strings attached. And to show the world that mental illness only has as much power as we give it. If we can openly talk about having it, talk about how manageable it can be, and discuss the many positives it can bring into a person’s life the stigma will start to fade away. We just need to start a conversation about it.

FM: Your book will undoubtedly inspire and empower many people who deal with mental illness—and that is an incredible accomplishment. Was this your goal when you decided to write the book?

Do you feel a new purpose in your life to become someone who can and will help those who currently suffer in silence?

AM: When I first seriously considered writing this book I wasn’t even sure if I would come out as Bipolar.

But as I started to formulate every chapter, I saw a common thread.

In my darkest times, mental illness formed my reality. In my best times, Bipolar disorder gave me strength.

It was this constant in my life that made me who I am. And I very much like who I am. I began to realize that my favorite parts of my personality, the qualities that got me to the top, were once qualities I was ashamed that my disorder had distorted. And so the theme of the book just really wrote itself. I realized it was my responsibility to share this piece of

myself with the world to maybe help others be more comfortable with and eventually find pride in their own mental health conditions. Seeing the response so far, I feel like I’ve completed that mission and I just want to keep fighting the good fight.

FM: How long did the book take for you to write? Can you describe to us your experience as an author? Did you write every day, waking up and sitting by your computer? Or was it something that took you a lot of stops and starts over time to finally get into the rhythm?

AM: The book took a few drafts and a few rounds of edits that probably took up the better part of a year. All the promo and planning after took about another year. I was writing it alone without a cowriter or ghostwriter and the weight of that is definitely felt when you sit down at the computer for the first time. It’s really intimidating. Some days I would write for six hours straight without stopping. The memories would just spill out of me. Other days I would have to walk away from the computer and cry when a chapter touched a wound that hadn’t yet healed.

And other days literally nothing got accomplished besides a box of cookies getting devoured. It really was a crapshoot. But I basically spent every day forcing myself to sit still in a chair for 6-8 hours at least trying to get something good on the page. It was intense but completely worth it.

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“

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Knowing that people are taking positive messages out of this book has been really gratifying and melts away any trepidation I had going in.

“

Cathy and David Photography

FM: Did you enjoy the book writing experience? Do you think you will write more books in the future or was this the story you had to tell and now that it’s told, you are happy moving on to new challenges?

AM: I liken it to what I hear childbirth is like. It’s mind numbingly painful as it’s happening, but the second it’s over you start thinking about doing it all over again. As hard as it was, I found writing to be a strength of mine I had long abandoned. It felt great to accomplish something that once felt impossible. I’m already working on number two.

FM: You are well known around the world for your time with World Wrestling Entertainment. Do you miss that world at all? Or are you moved past that stage of your life and focused on the next chapters?

AM: I always say you have to remember and appreciate the past, plan for the future, but focus on the present. I am so proud of my wrestling career and incredibly excited for this next chapter of my life.

FM: Do you have a favourite moment, match or memory of your time in WWE? AM: I really enjoyed my stuff with Kaitlyn and with Vickie.

It was always fascinating and gratifying to see how much of a positive reaction women could get from the crowd in a time when that was very difficult.

FM: Who was the first person you called the night that you won your first WWE Women’s Championship (then known as the Divas Championship) in June of 2013?

AM: I don’t think I called anyone. I’m sure I texted some family and friends while heading to the next town. But that moment felt like the end of a lifetime in service to a dream. It had been such a long road to get to the top and I really just spent that night looking within, thinking of my younger self and hoping that little girl was relieved and proud.

FM: For your fans who know you only through the character you played in WWE, how similar was the AJ Lee they saw on TV with the AJ Mendez Brooks in real life?

AM: We’re both likely to shank someone. We are both quick to fly off the handle and even quicker to speak our minds. We’re both fiercely dedicated to the people we love. She’s probably a lot meaner than I am.

FM: Since we’re a Canadian magazine, we have to bring up the NHL! Your husband is a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan—are you a hockey fan as well? If so, did he lure you over to the Hawks? Or being a Jersey girl, are you loyal to the Devils?

AM: I know nothing about sports but I really enjoy the snack food items at my local arenas. You can really get me to go almost anywhere if there is the promise of a giant soft pretzel. Watching hockey live is an intense experience unlike any other sport, especially with these diehard Chicago fans. It is pretty much the only sport I can actually get into, though I mostly just enjoy the fistfights.

FM: You’ve accomplished an incredible amount in your life and you just turned 30. You wrote a book, you are a champion to many around the world who suffer with mental illness and you reached the pinnacle of Women’s Wrestling in the WWE. Looking back on it all, what are you most proud of to date?

AM: I am proud to have come from absolute rock bottom and have made something of my life. I am really proud of just setting these impossible goals and taking a thousand tiny steps to reach them.

FM: What advice would 30 year old AJ Mendez Brooks give to her 13 year old self—if you were able to go back in time, with the benefit of knowing all the things you know now. What advice would you give yourself knowing the road that was to come ahead?

AM: Some things you have to learn the hard way. Sometimes you have to go through the rough patches to become the best version of yourself. So I wouldn’t warn her too much, but I would give her that hug and assurance she so desperately craved and let her know everything is going to be ok because she will make it so. I would however ask her to rethink getting those bangs.

FM: If you could talk to someone right now, who sees your story and thinks they couldn’t possibly do it, or who suffers from mental illness and feels like they have no hope, what advice would you give them?

AM: What people who are struggling with mental health issues need to hear more than anything is that they are not alone. So many people struggle in silence and are just afraid to reach out and let others know. Mental illness isn’t a curse, it is the ability to see the world in different colors. I hope my story will help them understand that anything is possible, that these disorders are manageable, and that they really can be assets.

FM: Your book is going to change a lot of people’s lives and inspire many who currently suffer in silence or shame. We want to congratulate you on writing an important book and telling your story. Do you have any plans to bring your book tour to Canada?

AM: It has been a whirlwind and a truly moving experience. I’m always down to go to Canada. You guys have Tim Hortons, nuff said.

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Mike Mastrandrea

FM Life GIFTS FOR THE COLLEGE GRAD IN YOUR LIFE: Graduates are renegades of the adult world: nuanced life enthusiasts given the wheel of a brand new sports car already going 100 kilometers an hour. Perfect graduation gifts come together as an arsenal against the challenges of true adulthood: things a graduate may not know they need, until they do.

Professional Dress Shoes The accomplished graduate may not have time to think about their next interview amidst summer and celebrations, but come that first day at the office, having the perfect shoe for the job makes you a life-saver.

A Minimalist Wallet You remember the ‘bag’: the one that doubles as a wallet, schoolbag, purse, pillow? Until now, your graduate has gotten by with a bus pass and a few e-transfers. But come the work week, your new wallet will hastily hold its value.

DO THIS TODAY To Make More Summer $$$ Download: Gasbuddy (app) Gasbuddy is an app that lets you quickly search and find the lowest gas prices nearest to you. Earn more cash by uploading your local prices for a chance to win weekly cash prizes, and save serious dough at the pumps by knowing where to go.

To Find More Time in Your Schedule Download: NaturalReader (app) NaturalReader is a mobile text-to-speech software that opens a world of time saving opportunities to you for those down times on the bus, stuck in traffic or waiting in line. Listen to work documents, websites and eBooks while you wait and save yourself hours of night-time reading.

To Eat Better

A Tailored Suit

Order: GoodFood2U

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be tailored.

We feel that some traditions—like wearing your dad’s suit—don’t have to be honoured. And trust us, your graduate agrees.

GoodFood2U is a local organic food delivery service that offers a weekly organic produce box sent right to your door. For one monthly fee, you can customize your box to your taste, skip the walk to the grocery store, and promote healthy eating.

A Messenger Bag Another artifact of the working world: any graduate would be happy to receive a bag that works overtime in both professional and social situations, minus the college band buttons and granola crumbs.

Headphones For grads about to take on the OC transpo commute, a pair of nice, new headphones would be a functional gift that doubles as a bus ride conversation safeguard that they will thank you for everyday.

Photo: @oladimeg 19 | MAY/JUNE 2017

“For me, just being able to do this for so many years, to travel the world having all these great adventures, to have four books at 46 years old – that’s pretty impressive on the surface.”

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Lee Hagen

CHRIS JERICHO

Today’s WWE fighters are the fall guys for critics, despite being the entertainers they are. But if we all viewed everything through our inner skeptic, we would struggle to ever be entertained at all. Our movie reviews would be lengthy and Die Hard would have never made the cut: “The first thing I noticed is that the guns were fake, I mean how can we take this seriously when I know for a fact that Bruce Willis isn’t a police officer and he’s running around covered in fake blood, shooting toy guns at an English Alan Rickman who is now suddenly German?” A bit of a stretch, sure. But to further the point, Die Hard is known as one of the greatest action films ever made. Yet many action-seekers view wrestling as an endless array of fake fights—missing the art form that is professional wrestling.

Unlike the stars in action packed classics, the performers of World Wrestling Entertainment do not have stunt doubles. Green screens and CGI do not exist for these athletes. When they fall off ladders they are falling off ladders. No soundboard is used for punches and kicks. Yes, it is choreographed to lessen the impact, but the punches and kicks can be very, very real. The performers risk their health and safety on a nightly basis to entertain the audience. All too often, they take too many risks and their careers are cut short.

You can look to names like Bryan Danielson: who wrestled for WWE as Daniel Bryan. Danielson had to retire in 2016 in his early 30’s due to injuries from the constant beating his body took in the ring. You may not enjoy the spectacle that is professional wrestling, the same way some may not enjoy Die Hard. But the rhetoric of ‘fake’ wrestling should be put to bed. No one can take away what these athletes do each week: the risks they take, and the sacrifices they make in the name of entertainment.

Chris Jericho would be the first person to tell you that he is a showmen in the grand theatre that is the WWE. He gives his opinions to the writers about what he feels is

best for his character, but at the end of the day he goes out every week and performs the role he is given to the best of his ability. Chris Jericho has been the WWE World Champion six times over in his career and is one of the most popular wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring. He has wrestled many of the greats: Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. He has seen and done it all over the three decades he’s spent in professional wrestling.

Jericho was born Chris Irvine and grew up in Winnipeg.

At the age of 46, he has already accomplished more than most could aspire to do in a lifetime. He is one of the greatest WWE superstars in history. He is the front man for a rock band that has toured and played for the masses. He is now one of the top 100 podcasters in the world. Most recently, he has completed his fourth book: the issue at-hand during our interview with him on one of his busy Wednesday afternoons last month. Jericho has overcome adversity to become someone that is a genuine role model and inspiration for any young Canadian looking to land among the stars. We sat down with Chris Jericho to talk about his career, his band “Fozzy”, his top-rated podcast and his new book. >>> 21 | MAY/JUNE 2017

Photo: Lee Hagen 22 | MAY/JUNE 2017

23 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: What was life like growing up in Winnipeg? How would you describe your childhood?

CJ: It was one of the best places to grow up. It was actually so cold, so bitter cold that I have never felt cold in any way since. I’ll be walking around out here in the States wearing shorts in 2° C weather and people will start flipping out about how cold it is. I have a reputation of never getting hurt because of it being so rough in Canada. You know when you’re a teenager, you take a bottle of vodka from your dad’s liquor cabinet and meet your friends at the 7-Eleven, drink all night in - 30° C weather without a tuque or gloves? It’s not cool to wear gloves and a tuque for some reason in high school. That definitely added to my overall mental and physical toughness.

FM: Your dad played for the New York Rangers, did you ever have any aspirations to play hockey?

CJ: I had been playing hockey since I was about two or three years old and I realized early on that I just wasn’t very good (laughs). I gave it the old college try but, I wasn’t very talented.

At the same time, it was really good to learn the concept of a team sport. Hockey was my father’s thing and it just wasn’t for me; so I looked for other things to do.

FM: In your first book, “A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex”, you talked about how you got your start in wrestling and the long road you took to eventually get to the WCW and then to the WWE. Can you tell us a little about how you got in with WCW—and what it was like being on National North American Television for the first time?

CJ: I had worked six years to get to the WCW and I had been at the top of the mountain, so to speak, no matter what company I worked in. Whether it be Japan or Mexico or places in Canada. So, by the time I got to the WCW I was a well-rounded professional because I knew the territorial side of things and understood how that worked. I did have to learn a lot about being in a TV company with some of the top stars in the world. I ended up going from being a top

star myself to just some guy in the match. That was an adjustment period: I went from doing 20 to 30 minute matches a night to five minute ones. The political waters were also new and I had never dealt with that before. Anywhere you go in this business, you need to adopt to whatever it may be—given whatever business or country it’s in—and I could do that, so I had that going for me.

FM: Who would you say took you under their wing when you first got to the WCW? What was the best advice you ever received?

CJ: My friends really helped me out honestly, — Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit—we were all very close. The environment was weird there; it was ‘kill or be killed’ in the WCW. I got a few words of advice from Arn Anderson and Jimmy Hart was helpful, Jimmy Taylor was as well. But other than that, I didn’t really get advice from the very top guys.

My friends would just tell me to keep my head above water and try not to kill anybody even if they deserved it.

FM: In 1999, you left the WCW to join the WWE and made one of, if not the most famous debuts in the history of the WWE when you interrupted The Rock. You often have said your goal was always to be with the WWE—did you fully appreciate the magnitude of what was happening at that moment?

CJ: I mean, yes and no. It was my goal to make it there and once I did get there I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be in terms of the political climate. I didn’t know that coming in with a big push would garner the resentment it did.

That was a whole new world of politics, and it was not at all what I expected. So, I learned how to adapt; how to reinvent myself. It took a few years to get to that point but things have changed a lot now: there isn’t as much politics or animosity amongst the boys. That was just the nature of the game back then—the mental war and behind the scenes type deal. I was able to get it figured out and become a big fish: a white whale in a sense, eating all the sharks in the big ocean.

“The book is different from all my others, which people will like because, I mean, how many autobiographies can a guy have?”

24 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: Vince McMahon is a polarizing figure for many. How would you describe him after almost two decades of knowing the most powerful man in professional wrestling?

CJ: He’s great! He’s my boss, and your boss is your boss. Sometimes you love them, sometimes you hate them because you have disagreements. Overall though, Vince is one of my favourite people, and a great guy when you get a chance to sit down and talk to him. He’s just a guy like me who had that dream and that vision that created this entire pop-culture type industry. Obviously, the brand of Chris Jericho isn’t as big as the WWE brand, but we both created something out of nothing against all odds. I don’t bow down to every single one of his wishes, I have my own ideas and I think he appreciates that because there are a lot of people around him that are “yes-men.” He enjoys that I give him an honest opinion. Even though he might not like it, he knows that I’m being real which is important to a guy like him.

FM: Your fourth book “No is a Four-Letter Word: How I Failed Spelling, But Succeeded in Life” is going to be available later this summer, what can readers expect from your latest release and how does it compare to your other three books?

CJ: My first three books were very successful: they were New York Times Best Sellers. This one is a little bit different though, it’s more of a motivational self-help book which talks about how to achieve your goals and dreams through 20 principles that I’ve learned over the years. It shows you what to do and what not to do in order to overcome these seemingly unsurmountable odds. I am actually re-reading it right now. Reading it with fresh eyes really reminds me how cool it is and that people will enjoy it.

The book is different from all my others, which people will like because, I mean, how many autobiographies can a guy have? There are great stories in it, along with a great message.

It will answer a lot of people’s questions like “How did you do this?” or “How did you make both your dreams come true?” I teach others to figure out how to do that for themselves.

FM: Do you enjoy the writing process?

Where do you find the time to write these books amongst your hectic wrestling, music and podcasting schedules?

CJ: The best time to write a book is when you’re travelling. When you’re sitting on a plane, you don’t need to see “Modern Family” reruns.

Plus, it’s something I just do and that I’ve always done. I enjoy writing. It sounds hard to write a book but that’s part of the fun of doing it. I’ve done one every three years which is good because that’s kind of a loose schedule. It’s art: you get to create something out of nothing which is another aspect I value as a performer. I’m a writer, I like to write a story because it’s fun for me. I mean, if you were to price the amount of fun you have in writing a book I would put it at around 40 cents an hour.

Similar to working in a sweat shop in Indonesia or something. But it’s worth those hours: these stories and these books will last forever which is a cool legacy to be a part of.

FM: When you retire from the WWE one day down the road, how do you want fans to remember your career? What is your greatest accomplishment?

CJ: Just the fact that I was able to do what I love to do for 27 years and counting. Even when I “retire” from the WWE, I’ll still continue my career as an artist, a showman. I think that people will remember me for different things, it’s up to them. I’m sure they know me for some things I’ve done that I don’t even remember.

I can’t tell you what I want to be remembered for because I think that’s up to you. I think that being able to do this for so many years, to travel the world having all these great adventures, and to have four books at 46 years old is pretty impressive on the surface. I’ve had a great life doing all of this stuff: not just in wrestling but in music, doing the podcast, and acting too.

Sometimes I even go “Man, I can’t believe this is my job, how lucky am I?” I never take that for granted. I’ve been very fortunate as far as wrestling goes that I haven’t been hurt. I can still perform at the top level and still have a lot of ideas and creativity. That’s a great accomplishment for me.

FM: Tell us about your band Fozzy, who are some of your bands musical influences?

What is the best thing about being in that band – and how do you find performing with Fozzy differs from you performing with the WWE? There’s a lot of similarities—they’re both very high, intense forms of entertainment depending on the crowd. If you have a crazy crowd it doesn’t matter if you’re technically proficient or not, it matters what the crowd is feeling and if they care about things like that or not. We’ve just released our seventh record and each record has been bigger than the last. We’ve been able to tour the world and play with Avenged Sevenfold, Metallica, Kiss, you name it. Fozzy has had a lot of great tours and the fan base keeps growing. Once again, it was really great because when I was a kid I wanted to be in a rock and roll band as well as a wrestler. It’s a kind of relief to go back and forth. Acting is great but you don’t get that instant gratification from the audience like you do with wrestling.

After leaving wrestling, I head right over to the Fozzy fans because I love the crowd. It’s a different crowd but there’s still a lot of similarities because people just want to have a good time.

That’s why I have a reputation of being a good frontman because I understand that concept and am able to take people on a ride while making sure they’re having fun.

FM: Your band is touring in May 2017, do you expect any Canadian dates later this year?

CJ: Yeah! We always do well in Canada, we have a great fan-base out there. Maybe not this year, but next year for sure. Our record doesn’t come out until September so this will be a kind of preliminary tour and then we’ll head up to Europe in June, October, and November. Next year will be more geared towards the States and Canada.

FM: Speaking of music, you also produce the Podcast “Talk is Jericho” twice a week on Podcast One that features interviews with a variety of entertainers, musicians and wrestlers. How did you get into podcasting—and how would you describe “Talk is Jericho” to those who may not have had a chance to listen?

CJ: I’ve always loved doing interviews; I’m a journalist by trade because I went to college for it. When the podcast group started I got a call for it and I figured it was right up my alley.

It was a hit right off the bat and I think one of the reasons why is because of the diversity of topics in it. It’s not a wrestling podcast or a music podcast; it’s a Chris Jericho podcast. So, if I find somebody interesting I’ll have them on the show—wrestlers, porn stars, comedians, musicians—you know. I do a lot of paranormal stuff on my show which I enjoy. I think it’s a success because people don’t really know what they’re going to get, every week is a different topic, subject or vibe. It’s become one of the top ten podcasts in the world, I think we’re almost at 200 million downloads at this point total. It’s become a kind of “cottage industry” thing for me, I’ve got my own podcast network called “The Jericho Network” where I take different podcasts and throw them on my network.

There’s a lot of stuff going on around that and when wrestling is over, this’ll be a thing that will allow me to continue having a voice.

FM: Looking at the current state of the WWE, critics would say that ratings are down and that it has lost the “cool” factor that it had during the Attitude Era. Do you agree that wrestling isn’t as popular today?

CJ: I actually disagree: I think that wrestling is in a great position right now. They’re bringing in new waves of talent from around the world which isn’t what it was like when I came in.

Things might not be the same as they were 15 years ago from a live standpoint but what is anymore? Everything is down, album sales are down, book sales are down, ratings are down because there’s thousands of different places you can watch things, from Youtube to streaming sites in general. I think the past year and a half has been a movement in the right direction especially with all the talent that’s been coming out of the woodwork that we haven’t seen in years. It’s an exciting time to be a fan and there’s constantly new guys debuting on the show—it’s a good time to be in the business for sure.

FM: Who are some of the current stars that you feel could carry the WWE banner the way that people like you, Steve Austin, the Rock, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Bret Hart and John Cena did in the past?

“…I think that wrestling is in a great position right now, they’re bringing new waves of talent from around the world which isn’t what it was like when I came in.”

CJ: There’s a ton! There’s Shannon Moore and the SmackDown brand that I’m a big fan of, I’ve been waiting for him to come up for a year now. Bálor just returned the other day. Roman Reigns is amazing; he’s so good, people don’t realize that but when they do he’s going to be another flag bearer for years to come. Kevin Owens, Bones, there’s a lot out there and plenty more coming up. Guys will be popping 25 | MAY/JUNE 2017

out of the woodwork and you’ll be going “Wow I never saw it coming.” Same thing could be said for John Cena when he came in, nobody expected him to be what he was and now he’s one of the top stars of all time.

FM: We also had a chance to speak to AJ Mendez Brooks (formerly known as AJ Lee from the WWE) for our May/June issue. You and her husband CM Punk had one of the greatest feuds in recent memory leading up to your Wrestlemania 28 match in 2013.

What are your memories of that feud and working with CM Punk? Do you feel he will be back with the WWE at some point?

CJ: Absolutely, everyone comes back: there’s too much fun to be had for him not to come back. Everybody has disagreements and once he gets over it Vince would have him back tomorrow—at least I think he would. But, yeah, I loved working with Punk, we had done a ton of work together before that feud. We worked a whole program in 2008 and 2009, which even got reconfigured in 2013. There’s been great chemistry between us. That angle for Wrestlemania was kind of a controversial one especially since it was one dealing with alcoholism and that sort of thing. I find that the best angles are the ones with a little bit of truth behind them.

Either way, I’m sure he’ll be back at some point whether he wants to admit it or not but if he doesn’t he’ll be that one guy that didn’t come back. It’s the same reason Guns n’ Roses got

26 | MAY/JUNE 2017

back together after so many years: when you give up on something you’ve been working on for so long, after a healing process, you realize “Man, what the **** is my problem? Why am I not doing this? This has been my whole life, let’s get back to it while I’m still physically able to.”

FM: You have given a lot of credit to Diamond Dallas Page and his DDP Yoga program for helping you to recover from your injury and be able to compete at a high level at age 46. To the men who cringe at the thought of yoga, why should they try it?

“Just don’t give up, and don’t listen to people who tell you otherwise. If you really want to do something, you have to make it happen because you owe that to yourself.”

CJ: I was never really a yoga guy. I always thought it was for hippies and gurus but I ended up having no other choice. It was either that or back surgery. So, I gave it a try and it really did heal me up. For people who are cringing about it or who are in pain, swallow your pride and give it a go. The thing about Page and

the DDP Yoga program is that he understands because he’s been there. It isn’t really normal yoga either, it’s kind of his version of it. I’m proof that it works and that it’s not a gimmick.

FM: You are one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history, you have a successful podcast, a rock band that has played some of the biggest music festivals around the world, you’ve hosted TV shows and acted in film and Television. You have had incredible success in life. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone who aspires to follow in your footsteps, who may not think doing what you have done is possible? What made it possible for you and what is the most important thing to finding success and happiness in life?

CJ: Just don’t give up, and don’t listen to people who tell you otherwise. If you really want to do something, you have to make it happen because you owe that to yourself. Don’t put yourself in a box, and don’t let people tell you what you can and can’t do. You can do anything you want to do and you can even do multiple things. I’ve talked to Rob Zombie about this and he’s said people will say “How dare you want to go make a movie when you’re already a famous rock star!” You’re the only one who can decide what’s right and what’s wrong for you. @IAmJericho

FMTrending The stories that have Ottawa trending today

A Bulldog with a Bucket List Meaty was living the life of a happy-go-lucky English Bulldog, enjoying his morning walks to the coffee shop, occasional visits to his owner’s office and the lulls of the everyday. When a recent Cancer diagnosis left him faced with the unknown, Meaty’s life became capriciously focused on today, in pursuit to live out every dream and desire he had ever imagined.

Meaty’s bucket list is filled with fun adventures—from riding a sea-doo to having a shot-gun wedding, this Bulldog is set to live in the extra-ordinary for months to come. One of his goals: to eat a burger like a human. Meaty’s ambitions led him to the Hambrgr to order a burger for here.

With the Hambrgr staff on board, Meaty met the chef and the two fell in love instantly. He cooked him up the classic Hamont burger and poured him a pint. Meaty left his manners at the door; as soon as the plate was in front of him he started sneaking fries before anyone could even get some photo’s in. He cleaned up the plate and left a happy, and very full and farty dog.

Math for Couples This quirky debut of Ottawa Author Adele Graf offers readers a night of powerful nostalgia as she explores words in an all new way. She revists childhood haunts, family upheavals, and the mathematics of all of life’s many relationships.

Photo: Nancy Batista

From Foster Care to Entrepreneurship Ottawa author Lual Lual makes a powerful argument for today’s youth as he recounts his journey as a child in a war torn country, through the foster care system and into the powerful entrepreneur that he is today.

27 | MAY/JUNE 2017

@facesottawa MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHERS REINVENTING OTTAWA ONE SHOT AT A TIME

@HiimJanak Your name is:

Janak Parmar The inspiration behind your Instagram name?

Basically an introduction, saying ‘Hi I’m Janak, nice to meet you.

You’ve lived in Ottawa for 15 years.

You shoot with: A Nikon D5200, a 10-20mm f/3.5, and a 35mm f/1.8.

You’re currently working on: Building my reach and becoming the best I can be.

Your style of photography is: Tones-based, using lots of colour to turn the ordinary into a dream-like photo.

Sitting on the edge of a building is: Very relaxing because you can see everyone down below and you can watch them doing their thing without being noticed. It also gives me a great rush because I know I’m going to get some banger shots from that angle.

A rewarding experience is: Going out to shoot, and coming home with a filled memory card of good photos.

If you could buy anything in the world: It would be a full-frame camera with some lenses.

Your favourite shooting location: Downtown cause I love urban stuff and there are tons of roofs I can get too.

Three words that come to mind when you read “Ottawa”: Underrated, Short, Small.

28 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: When people think of the name Jim Watson, they think of the city of Ottawa as you’ve been synonymous with it for many, many years. However, what many people may not know is that you were born in Montreal and raised in Lachute, Quebec – what are some of your fondest memories growing up in Lachute and tell us a little about your childhood?

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JM: I was born in Montreal, but my family lived in Lachute. I grew up in Lachute up until grade nine when my father was transferred and we moved to Montreal, then Toronto and then Sarnia. I moved to Ottawa to come to University.

I really enjoyed growing up in a small town, there was a population of about 8,000—it was a very nice small town. My father was a chemical engineer and my mother was a teacher. My childhood taught me to appreciate the idea of community more, especially now that I live in a big city like Ottawa which is made up of so many small communities. When you grow up a small town, you can relate to Osgoode, Cumberland, Metcalfe and soon.

QUESTIONS

WITH MAYOR JIM WATSON Photography by Marc Brigden

Photos taken at North and Navy

29 | MAY/JUNE 2017

“

I became interested in politics because I found it was a good way to effect change. I saw that you could get things done if you had good ideas and good people around you.

“

Photography by Marc Brigden 30 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: When you were growing up, did you always aspire to get into politics or did you have other career aspirations in your youth?

JW: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a firefighter because my neighbour was the Fire Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department for Lachute; I also wanted to be a Religious Minister because I was inspired by the Minister at our Church.

At one point, I wanted to run a printing company, because as a kid I ran a small printing company out of my parents’ basement. I bought some printing equipment and was fascinated with printing. I used to go around to different stores to sell envelopes and business cards and so on. It was my first experience with entrepreneurship.

FM: What drew you into the world of politics?

JW: I first got into politics at Carleton when I ran for President of the Residence Association. I got interested in politics because I found it was a good way to effect change. I saw that you could get things done if you had good ideas and good people around you.

When I ran for City Council in 1991, I had just bought a house a few years earlier and first started getting a property tax bill—and I thought I was paying an awful lot of taxes for a relatively modest home in Ottawa South. I started to then follow municipal government a lot more closely than I had been before and I wasn’t happy with some of the things that were going on. I decided to run instead of sitting on the sidelines and grumbling about it.

FM: You recently announced that you will be running again for Mayor in 2018, what made you decide that you want to seek re-election for another term?

JW: I want to run again for a couple of reasons. First, I think we’ve made a lot of progress on some big files like Landsdowne and the Innovation Centre, Arts Court, Ottawa Art Gallery, LRT and I want to see a number of these projects through. LRT 2, which is going to be a big game-changer for the city.

We are going to see LRT Phase 1 open up in 2018, I think in this day and age where there is a lot of uncertainty in politics, you need some continuity and civility. I still have lots of energy and enthusiasm. I still love coming to work every day. I am encouraged by a lot of people who have asked me to run again and I think there is a broad consensus that we’ve accomplished a lot in this community together—you see the number of cranes around the city, unemployment is at an eight-year low, I was pleased that the National Post did a poll which shows I have a 79 percent approval rating, which is great. I wish I had gotten those kinds of marks when I was in university (laughs).

FM: What accomplishment to date are you most proud and why?

FM: What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned over your career so far?

JW: It really is hard to name one, but I think that after years of dithering and cancelled contracts and inaction, we are about to finally see an LRT system up and running. On the provincial level, I am most proud of the Smoke Free Ontario Act, which brought in some comprehensive smoking regulations that helped prevent people from getting second hand smoke. As a councillor, working with colleagues to save the Aberdeen Pavilion which then allowed us to bring forward the new Landsdowne revitalization with the Aberdeen and Horticulture Buildings as focal points. That was a big one as well.

JW: I think that generally the vast majority of people are people of good will. People generally want to make their community, their company and their Associations better.

We have such a great reservoir of wonderful people in Ottawa and you see that by all the great charity work that is done in this city. I genuinely get inspired by people that I meet in this city every day.

FM: Can you tell us a little about what life is like for Jim Watson away from politics?

JW: Twitter is my favourite because I do it myself. Facebook and Instagram are done by people in my Office. I enjoy Twitter but it is a blessing and a curse at times to do my own tweeting. It is a blessing in that you can speak to people and vice-versa directly. It is a curse in that they bring you complex problems that really cannot be solved in two minutes. Overall, it is a great way to keep in contact with the constituents and to keep them informed as to what is going on and what I am doing around the city.

JW: I have no life away from politics (laughs) but I am fortunate that most of my family is in Ottawa. I try to take some down time, but I’m not really good at it. The other night I went out to a movie with a couple friends that were former councillors—sometimes I’ll get together with them and some other friends to catch up.

I find that you really can’t not be Mayor. I find that you have, sort of, three jobs. You have your 9 to 5 job where you’re doing work in the office. Then in the evenings, you are going out to events for charities, and then your weekend is filled with community activities. Last year, we received about 5,200 invitations to our office—and I went to about 2,200 events and meetings over the year. It is pretty all-consuming, but that’s what I like about it. I like to do whatever job I’m doing full out and I love this job because of the people I get to meet on a daily basis in our community.

FM: What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given so far in your career?

JW: One of the best pieces of advice I have gotten was something a former Councillor told me years ago—that he went out and canvassed once a week or once every two weeks in between elections and he found it very therapeutic. I try to go out canvassing every few weeks and people are surprised to see me, they say “why are you here? There is no election” and I tell them that is exactly why I am there because you shouldn’t just see politicians around election time. It is a great way for me to get connected and stay connected with the communities. It is a wonderful way of keeping you grounded—hearing the general opinions on issues out in the community.

FM: Tell us about how Mayor Watson starts off his day?

JW: I start off by reading a couple newspapers at home when I get up, I get into the office around eight o’clock and read a few more newspapers quickly, then I sort of start my schedule for the day. The great thing about this job is that each day is so different. There are full days, but I’m not complaining and I enjoy it. I hear from people that they like to see their politicians out in the community, and out at the events. It is important to them so it is crucial that I get to as many each day as I can.

FM: You have a very large social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Which social media platform is your favourite and why?

FM: When it comes to public speaking, do you have any techniques or rituals that you do to keep calm before speaking?

JW: For me the big thing is that I need to read the speech before delivering it (laughs), I find I like using bullets better than a speech, that way you can talk to the people as opposed to reading it to them.

FM: If you had to describe the city of Ottawa to someone that has never been here, how would you describe it to them?

JW: I would say it has big city amenities with small town charm. Rural-agricultural greenspace makes up about 82 percent of Ottawa.

We have a distinct set of suburban communities, rural villages and an urban core. Our city is second to none. We want to go from Ottawa the Old to Ottawa the Bold—this is why we’ve gone with things like Red Bull Crashed Ice, The Grey Cup, The Outdoor Classic, The Junos Awards, we have a new Shaw Centre, we are really on a roll now. In the past, there was a lot of indecisiveness at City hall and not much was getting done. We’re getting a lot done now. You can’t wait for unanimity on every project, you’ve got to go for it. As Nike says, “Just Do It.” FM: When you finally retire from the World of Politics, how do you hope that people remember you and your political career?

JW: I hope people will say that I loved the city and the communities that make up Ottawa.

My view is that if I can leave the city in better shape than when I found it for the next generation, then I would have played a small part and done my best.

@JimWatsonOttawa 31 | MAY/JUNE 2017

Gord Weber 32 | MAY/JUNE 2017

TALKING SHOP

WITH OTTAWA SENATORS FORWARD

ZACK SMITH Ottawa Senators star Zack Smith has made waves this season, signing his first four year contract with the team and having an impressive offensive output throughout the year.

Even on the ice, suited in red and black, Zack’s appearance gives him away as the rugged outdoorsman from the West that he is. As the boy who grew up in rinks across Saskatchewan and Alberta, Zack’s roots are in a small-town called Maple Creek (could there be anywhere more Canadian?). It was in this small-town setting that Zack learned the game that would carry his career, met his soon-to-be wife, and spent afternoons with his Dad—a carpenter by trade.

Zack’s workshop is the place he can be found when not at the rink—we sat down with him there for an interview unlike traditional off-ice discussions.

33 | MAY/JUNE 2017

Zack shows us around his workshop wearing a plaid shirt and carhartt’s.

FM: Is this a standard outfit on your days off?

ZS: Tighter fitting clothes. Safety first! Even if you don’t know what you’re doing, at least you look like a woodworking hipster.

FM: When we last spoke to you, towards the end of the 2013-2014 season, we spoke about the path to the NHL and what it was like getting your start with the Senators. Over the last 3 seasons, you have established yourself as a key member of the team and were recently rewarded for your efforts with a new 4-year contract. Did you find that playing in a contract year was extra pressure for you?

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TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOOLS. DULL EDGES ARE LESS PREDICTABLE. KEEP THEM SHARP. 34 | MAY/JUNE 2017 Gord Weber

“

ZS: I wouldn’t be honest if I said I wasn’t worried at times about signing an extension with Ottawa. You try to put that in the back of your mind so you can go out on the ice and only worry about performing as best you can. People had asked if I would be interested in trying out free agency but for me and my fiancé, Ottawa was always where we wanted to be. We have a great group of guys in the room and the Sens organization has always treated us very well. When the management came back with what we thought was a fair contract, it was an easy decision to sign it.

FM: Hockey and woodworking don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Or do they?

ZS: Wood working has been a hobby of mine for a while now. My dad is a carpenter so he taught me a lot of the basics at a young age. I started really getting in to it about four years ago when I bought my first house in Ottawa. Now I try to learn as much as I

can online. It’s important to have hobbies and interests outside of hockey, to get your mind away from the game at times. My first few years of pro I was getting way too good at video games, Call of Duty to be specific, so I decided to retire the Xbox and buy some tools.

ZS: My favorite part of cooking is just the hosting and entertaining. Food is a great excuse to get family and friends together and if it’s a decent meal there’s a better chance they will keep coming back. My signature dish is ribs, or seafood risotto.

FM: Your home is detailed with woodworking—from picture frames to benches, to coffee tables and your very own man cave. If you’re in your workshop, what are you usually working on?

FM: You are a big music fan, tell us about some of your favourite bands? Who are some bands that you feel are the best to see live in concert?

ZS: I mostly stick to working on things like chairs, benches and tables. What I am most proud of is the cottage my dad and I have been building back home in Saskatchewan. Its been a great opportunity to learn skills on the construction side of carpentry but I’m mostly just grateful to build something with my old man.

ZS: Music is a huge interest in my life. Some of my favorite bands are Wintersleep, The Hip, Drive By Truckers, My Morning Jacket, Blue Rodeo, Foals and Pearl Jam to name a few. I live out my rock star dreams vicariously through a few friends who play in bands. When I’m done playing I might try to get on as a roadie and lug around their equipment.

FM: You also do a lot of cooking at home. What brings out the inner chef in you?

Gord Weber

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INSIDE ZACK’S MAN CAVE

FM: You recently proposed to your lovely fiancée Brittany. How did you pop the question?

FM: How long did it take you to build your man cave in the basement?

ZS: The man cave was my first real project. I had an idea of what I wanted and just kind of made it up as I went along. For about 3 months I would come home from practice every day and spend a few hours working on it. Like any hobbyist, if I wanted to figure out how to do something like lay brick, I would find a few articles or videos online that show how and from there it was trial and error.

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ZS: I proposed to her last August at our not yet finished cottage. She’s always hassling me to take her fishing so I told her I was waiting for her at the cabin to take her out. I set up a real’ fancy dinner complete with stem wear and a table cloth. She ended up being held up at work an extra two hours. I planned on asking her after dinner but called an audible and proposed to her as soon as she arrived.

After she finally said yes we celebrated with cold Chinese food and wine. We are getting married this summer in Hawaii.

ON HOCKEY “AS I GET OLDER I HAVE COME TO REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE I WAS TO GROW UP IN A TOWN SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE WHO HELPED ME REACH MY GOAL OF PLAYING IN THE NHL.” FM: You have done a lot of work off the ice for charities in the city.

Tell us a little about why you feel that giving back to the community here and back in your hometown in Saskatchewan is important to you personally?

ZS: As I get older I have come to realize how fortunate I was to grow up in a town surrounded by people who helped me reach my goal of playing in the NHL. My home town of Maple Creek still means a lot to me so I feel its important to try and give back to a place that’s given me so much. For the past seven years we have held a charity golf tournament which helps raise funds for the local hospital, Horizon House and the South West Youth Emergency Shelter among others.

FM: As the team prepares for the Stanley Cup playoffs, what are some of your favourite memories of playing playoff hockey in Ottawa and what are you looking forward to most again?

ZS: One of my favorite memories was winning the Calder Cup with Binghamton. Competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs and winning a cup in Ottawa will top that, to say the least.

FM: The team recently stopped to visit Jonathan Pitre when you were in Minnesota. Can you tell us a little about what that trip meant to the team and how it felt to see him down there?

FM: We have a few quick questions about your teammates: Who is the guy with the worst taste in music?

ZS: Our team being able to visit Jonathan in Minnesota was moving to say the least. Jonathan is one of our biggest fans so it was great to be able to show our appreciation even if it was just to stop in and say hi. What I noticed most about him is how considerate he is of people around him.

After everything he and his family have been through they have such a positive outlook. Jonathan is the role model I think many of us aspire to be.

It was great to see him and wish him the best on his next round of treatments.

FM: Who would be the guy that would actually attempt karaoke?

FM: How important has your family been to your success to date?

ZS: I wouldn’t be where I am at in my career if it wasn’t for my family.

My parents, sisters and fiancé have been there for me every step of the way. I can’t imagine the amount of hours my parents spent driving across Saskatchewan and Alberta for hockey practices and games. I am grateful beyond words for their support.

ZS: Hoffman with his rap music, or Karlsson with his EDM.

ZS: Phaneuf.

FM: Who has the worst taste in jokes?

Turris laughs at his own jokes. His jokes are tough to say the least.

FM: What would it be like for you to win the Stanley Cup here in the city of Ottawa?

It would obviously be a huge honor to win the cup but to do it here in the Nation’s Capital would be amazing.

I came to Ottawa the year after they went to the cup final but I’ve heard many stories about how crazy the city was during that run and how much support the team received. We want to live that experience for ourselves this time.

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OTTAWA SENATO Foundation’s fourth annual Molson Canadian Sens Alumni & NHL Celebrity Cup presented by Bell was a winner for local children and youth.

Photo: Marc Brigden 38 | MAY/JUNE 2017

A ORS

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators Foundation (@sensfoundation) was pleased to announce that more than $200,000 was raised by participants during the fourth annual Molson Canadian Sens Alumni & NHL Celebrity Cup hockey tournament presented by Bell, held on April 7th at the Bell Sensplex.

Funds raised supported the ongoing work of the Ottawa Senators Foundation, providing children with an opportunity to get involved in sports and after-school programs, to pursue a higher education and to have access to specialized physical and mental health care.

In honour of the Ottawa Senators 25th anniversary, the event featured 16 former Ottawa Senators players, including Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Phillips, Steve Duchesne, Alexandre Daigle, Jesse Winchester and Radek Bonk. Each player was drafted by a participating team and joined them in a one-of-a-kind, three-game experience. At the end of tournament play, top individual fundraisers formed an All-Star team and competed against the Senators alumni.

Tournament results: Top Fundraising Team M.Y. Blues – $52,221 Top Individual Fundraiser Steve Dumouchel – $11,954

“The opportunity, in our 25th season, to ice a team composed of former Ottawa Senators was really special,” said Danielle Robinson, president and CEO, Ottawa Senators Foundation. It gave us a chance to celebrate the team’s history and create a one-of-a-kind experience for the players. I wish to extend our appreciation to the Sens alumni members, Molson, our sponsors and participants as their support means hundreds of local children and youth will have access to sports, after-school programs and activities.”

“The opportunity to participate in this event alongside our fans while raising funds for the Senators Foundation was something that I thoroughly enjoyed,” said Daniel Alfredsson, Senators senior advisor of hockey operations. “Providing children with an opportunity to access and play sports is important to our entire team. I am thankful to all of the participants and sponsors for their contributions.”

“Molson Coors Canada is proud to be part of the Sens Alumni & NHL Celebrity Cup, to help bring a fun and unique event to our community,” said Martin Ballard, field sales manager, Molson Coors Canada. “We’re big believers in the work the Ottawa Senators Foundation is doing in our community in an effort to provide children with social recreation opportunities and healthcare resources when they need them most.”

While they were in town, we caught up with Sens Alumni Chris Phillips, Radek Bonk, Alexandre Daigle for a few words on life after hockey.

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ALEXANDRE

DAIGLE

Daigle was drafted 1st overall by the Sens in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He had the highest salary for any starting player at $12.25 million, which led to the establishment of the rookie salary cap. Daigle had a great rookie season with 20 goals and 51 points.

Photo: Marc Brigden 40 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: Tell us a little about what you’ve been up to since you retired from hockey in 2010?

AD: I’ve been doing some real estate in Montreal for the last year and a bit. I run the U.S. division for the company.

FM: Do you come back to Ottawa much?

AD: I don’t get to come back to Ottawa too often actually. I`ve only been back two or three times in the last twenty years probably.

FM: Any places in particular you visit when you’re here?

AD: Actually no, not really. I don’t get to plan out my trips too often when I come to Ottawa.

Usually I’m here for pre-planned events.

Coming to Kanata today, it’s crazy to see how much has changed. Even this Bell Sensplex Arena, it’s huge! Even the lanes on the highway have changed; it used to be just two lanes back in the day.

FM: Over the last 2 seasons, there have been lots of highly touted prospects—Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, drafted #1 overall in the NHL draft. What it was like for you when you were drafted #1 overall?

Looking back, do you think there is sometimes too much pressure put on kids at a young age when they are drafted?

AD: I wouldn’t call it pressure; I’d say you just need to put those kids in the right situation.

When I started, we had 11 rookies and the expansion draft rules were way different. Nowadays, those kids have that pressure for a lot of their lives, it doesn`t change. At that age, you don`t really feel the pressure too much. When you get older though, your life changes and you get pressure from different sides. Making it to the NHL, it’s not easy. It’s a big step; you play against men and the game is different. I think now, the good thing is that the rules are different than they were 25 years ago. Guys are bigger and faster than they were, so there are a lot of big adjustments.

FM: What are some of your favourite memories of your time playing for the Ottawa Senators?

AD: Definitely my first game: my first goal, those things always stand out. My first hat trick, that stands out as well. My first 20 goal season, I was really happy about that. Making the playoff for the very first time, it was about 20 years ago for me, so a long time for sure.

And you know, the first time I lived alone. It’s a big eye-opener in life and I’m very happy about it.

FM: You played with Daniel Alfredsson during the first few years of his time with the Ottawa Senators. Tell us a little about what he was like as a rookie playing with all of you high draft picks such as Wade

Redden, Radek Bonk, Alexei Yashin and yourself? Did you guys ever think that he would go on to become the leader and star in the League at that time?

AD: Well Daniel arrived in the second season that I was there. You could tell he was special right away. Hossa was the same thing. It’s tough to say though. I think it comes down to longevity. Of course, some people get injured in between years as well, so it’s tough. People don’t realize that whether you’re a star or not, you’re dealing with the same guys that you were dealing with when you were a twelveyear old at the rink. It’s the same conversations, you come from the same upbringing as other guys.

People don’t realize that whether you’re a star or not, you’re dealing with the same guys that you were dealing with when you were a twelve-year old at the rink.

It’s the same conversation, you have the same upbringing as other guys.

FM: If you had a chance to go back in time and talk to 18 year old Alexandre Daigle on the day he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators—knowing all you know now—what advice would you give yourself now that you wish you had been given back then?

AD: It’s tough for me to give advice because everybody lives differently. I guess I’d say to live in the moment. When you’re growing up, you’re changing categories and teams every year. After that you might stay with the same team for a few years in your teens. It’s different for everyone once you go pro though. Your brain never stops thinking, you’re always thinking about next year and I think that’s the biggest mistake that people make. Today, people always ask what the best thing to do is. I say live in the moment. Play your game, don’t change too many things because you made it there for a reason. Sure, you have to change some elements of your game for different systems and learning to train differently maybe, but play the same game and if you see that your game doesn’t fit into the coaches profile, then change accordingly. You’re in a league that your unfamiliar with and you don’t know your skillset compared to others.

You have to focus on what’s going to make you successful, and that’s really tough. You might be playing as an offensive defenceman or a defensive offenceman and then you get

placed on third line. Just like that your role has changed and you need to figure out how to adapt pretty quickly. It’s not easy.

FM: Favourite concert you’ve been to?

AD: I went to Maroon 5 recently. I like the mellow pop-music right now in my life. My kids are listening as well! Those guys have been around for a long time, so I really like them. U2 is also another great band I like. You remember the type of music you started listening to as a 14 year-old boy, that same music kind of carries your whole life.

FM: Who is the best team in the league right now?

AD: The number one team in my opinion is Chicago. Even with all the changes they’ve made. I think Pittsburg is a weapon but it’ll be tough without Letang. They had a tough go with injuries. I like Washington too but you never know how they’re going to do in the playoffs. I hope they do well this year. I hope so for all of those guys who have been there for so long. I like Anaheim too, they’re a bit of a sleeper and I think they’re rebuilding at the right time. San Jose had injuries too, which was too bad. Edmonton could have some surprises—you never know with McDavid. It’ll be cool to see him play. Montreal has a tough start facing the Rangers, it’s a tough matchup all around. They have a deep team and a good goalie, so we’ll see how the goalie does in playoffs.

FM: Who is the greatest player in the NHL right now and why?

AD: Number one player in the league, in my opinion, definitely McDavid. I remember when I first saw him at the All-Star Game, I was really close to the ice. When you sit high in the stands, you don’t get to see the speed and his moves as much. He’s a big guy and his hands are amazing. He’s the most exciting player. Amazing speed that other guys can’t handle, it’s so tough to do what he does at that speed and it’s very impressive.

It’s different for everyone once you go pro though. Your brain never stops thinking, you’re always thinking about next year and I think that’s the biggest mistake that people make.

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FM: Walk us through draft day. What emotions ran through your head and what was your reaction after being drafted 1st overall by the Ottawa Senators?

CP: It was amazing. Being pulled in every direction for interviews, photos, you name it. There was always stuff going on. Time away from having responsibilities was amazing, too. I had my family and friends down there, and we all really tried to enjoy it. Everything was out of my hands by that point, so I was going to just try and make the most out of it. To go first overall was icing on the cake, being drafted alone was amazing. That was so surreal at the time and I appreciate it a lot more now than I did before.

I’m extremely proud of the fact that I was able to play 1,179 games all with one team. Just a great city and great support.

FM: What was it like to have the rare opportunity to play for the same team throughout your whole career?

CP: It was very special. Throughout my career, there were times that I thought I would get traded. There were times that I could have potentially gone to free agency, or times where I could go to another team trying to make a run for the cup when we weren’t in it. Fortunately, at those times, both sides decided to stick around and I’m extremely proud of the fact that I was able to play 1,179 games all with one team. Just a great city and great support.

FM: What was retirement day like for you? How supportive were your family members, teammates and friends?

CP: They were great. The writing was on the wall there for a little bit with 42 | MAY/JUNE 2017

the back injury, I don’t think it was a surprise to anyone. It certainly wasn’t a surprise to me. I sort of had to pick a day and find out when the timing was right. It’s hard to have to call it quits for anyone, but I didn’t have much of a choice because of my injury. That made the whole process easier. I was certainly happy with everything I accomplished and it was great having my friends and family there for the big announcement, and I felt good about it.

FM:You got into the restaurant industry when you opened up Big Rig Brewery. What’re your top menu picks?

CP: I’m a big fan of the fish tacos. The chicken gouda sandwich, the Cajun dry rub wings are a killer, and the lasagna is great as well. Those are some of my go-to picks, they’ve really done an amazing job in the kitchen.

FM: And for beer?

If could say ‘all’ without sounding like a typical owner I would (laughs). But I will say that my flavour profiles can span pretty wide. I’m a big fan of the Black IPA and the Alpha Bomb IPA. It stretches from the Bongo on a hot summer day to the Milk Stout on a cold winter day; I have a wide profile there. A lot of good beers are brewed from the team.

FM: What’s different about the Kanata location?

CP: It’s not like the restaurants; it’s more like a manufacturing facility that gives customers a cool experience.

We have a tasting room where you can go in. We serve soup, sandwiches, pretzels…there’s a decent lunch crowd. People like coming by to hang out there. It has a cool industrial vibe with windows going right into the brewery. You can see right into the brew house and the canning line. A lot of people like seeing how the beer is canned and the lids put on.

FM: What is one of the best memories from your time with the Sens?

CP: A highlight for me was to go all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Obviously, it was disappointing that we

weren’t able to bring back the Cup but when your career is all said and done, you look back on it and it’s the experience that is invaluable. Getting as far as we did was a big accomplishment.

The excitement that we had as players, the excitement that was had in the city, the fans, it was all just a great time in my life.

FM: What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t think I have any hidden talents really. I guess when I’m out at events or fundraisers, most people would recognize me better in a suit but I’d say I’m much more comfortable putting on my work boots or putting my flip flops on during the summer at the cottage and just relaxing.

FM: What are your thoughts on this year’s team as they enter the playoffs?

It’s awesome to see. They’ve been through a lot this year. Especially with Clarke (Macarthur) and with Nicole (Anderson), it’s been a pretty emotional season for the team. To be able to get back in there, I’m really proud of them and happy for them. I played with a lot of those guys here so it’s exciting to see again, the playoffs always are. Whether you’re first place or if you just squeak in, you have a chance of winning. There’s so much parity in the league right now, most of the teams have a legitimate shot and I hope they make a good run out of it.

It’s exciting to see again, the playoffs always are. Whether you’re first place or if you just squeak in, you have a chance of winning. There’s so much parity in the league right now, most of the teams have a legitimate shot and I hope they make a good run out of it.

CHRIS

PHILLIPS

After being drafted 1st overall, Phillips went on to make his NHL debut with the Senators in 1997 and just recently retired in the 2015-2016 season. Phillips is considered one of the greatest players to ever join the Senators roster: a top four defenceman who played 1,179 NHL games, all with the same team.

Phillips moved on from the NHL to become the owner of Big Rig Brewery. No matter how he is involved, Phillips will always be a big part of the Ottawa community.

Photo: Marc Brigden 43 | MAY/JUNE 2017

RADEK

BONK

Every Senators fan knows the name. Born in Kmov in Czech Republic, Bonk played in the IHL for the Las Vegas Thunder before being drafted 3rd overall by the Ottawa Senators in 1994. He spent 9 years playing with the Ottawa Senators, with his most productive year in the 20012002 season having recorded 70 points for the Sens. After 969 games in the NHL, Bonk announced his retirement on July 22nd, 2009.

Although he didn’t finish his NHL career with the Senators, he remains as one of the best forwards in Senators history.

Photo: Marc Brigden 44 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FM: As a kid, what were some of your favourite things to do while growing up in Czechoslovakia and how would you describe your childhood?

RB:It was filled with sports. Obviously, hockey, but I also played a lot of soccer and tennis in the summer. I was a very active kid. We didn’t have video games at that time, so we were always outside.

Sports is all we did.

FM: What were some of the biggest changes going from the IHL to the NHL? RB: Just the league in general, it was so much better. The IHL was good, a lot of older guys played in the league so it was a little slower. You really can’t compare anything to the NHL. It’s just the best league in the world, and for a reason.

FM: How did it feel to be drafted 3rd overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft?

RB: It was awesome, of course. A dream come true. Growing up in a communist country, my dream was always to play for the Cszeck National team, which was the highest level you could play. Then, when everything opened up, I started to think about what it would be like to play in the NHL, and when that became real it was amazing.

FM: If you had to choose one memory from your time with the Ottawa Senators, what would it be?

RB:A lot of memories to choose from for sure. In 2003 when we lost the Eastern Conference Finals was memorable, because that was the year we were supposed to win. We had the best team. It’s not a happy memory, but that’s a day I always think about. There were definitely a lot of good memories, too. We had a great group of guys and I really loved my time here.

FM: What did you think of the Ottawa Senators team this season?

RB: I love them as always. Obviously, they got a new coach and they bought into the system that he wants them to play. It’s important and I think everybody bought into it. They’re doing great. It hasn’t been easy with all of the injuries that they’ve had, lately, but I’m very happy to see that they clinched a playoff spot. It’s going to be fun bringing my son to a playoff game.

FM: What are some of your favourite things to do in the city with your spare time?

RB: I have four little kids, so I don’t have a ton of spare time (laughs). I love cycling, it’s something I do when the kids go to school. I coach minor hockey here in Kanata too, so that takes up a lot of time. Three of my kids play hockey, so it seems like I’m always at the rink but I love every minute of it. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

You really can’t compare anything to the NHL. It’s just the best league in the world, and for a reason.

FM: If you could change two things about the NHL, what would those be and why?

RB: It’s so hard to say. There’s some cheap shots nowadays but most of them are accidental. I don’t believe that most of the players go head-hunting. If I could change something, I would send the guys to the Olympics. That was too bad when it was announced because I know a lot of guys who would love to play for their country. I know there’s more to it than just sending over the guys but if there was one thing I could change, I’d let the best players play in the Olympics.

With the whole Ovechkin situation, it’s difficult because if they let him go, they’ll have to let other guys go on the team.

Washington has a bunch of good guys and if you’re hunting for the playoffs, you’ll have to let a chunk of your team go. I know he’s very strong and he’s a guy who loves to play for his country, but it’s not going to be that easy.

RB: I think it’s great. I played there over 20 years ago when, for an IHL team, our games were getting eight to ten-thousand people watching. That’s when hockey was a new sport in Las Vegas, so now I think they’ll do really well. It’s a city that deserves to have a major sports team.

FM:What’s the best piece of advice you were given during your career?

RB: I’ve gotten so much great advice throughout my career and life. I had so many great coaches who always told me to go out there, work hard and have fun. It’s said a lot in this sport, but it’s important. It’s not all about fun, you do have to put in a lot of effort, but it’s very important, especially for little kids.

FM: Who were some of your teammates over the years from the Ottawa Senators that you really enjoyed playing with?

RB: We had lots of good guys here. A bunch of great younger guys but also some great veterans. Marián Hossa for sure. He and I played together and he was my roommate for 6 years or so, however long I was here for. It’s great to come to this event (Senators Foundation Hockey Alumni Tournament) to see Alexander Daigle and all your other former teammates, guys you haven’t seen for years. It’s great to get together. This is a great cause and a great tournament.

It’s my second year here and I’m loving everything.

I had so many great coaches who always told me to go out there, work hard and have fun.

It’s said a lot in this sport, but it’s important.

FM: Having spent some of your time playing for the Las Vegas Thunder of the IHL early in your career, were you happy to hear about the creation of the Las Vegas Knights NHL franchise and if so, why do you think that city will be a good fit for an NHL team?

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CARA

DELEVINGNE

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Getty Images

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C At only 24, Cara Delevingne is in the throes of a second career.

Conquering the modelling world in the same vein as Kate Moss, the sapphire-eyed Londoner used her It Girl status to launch a film career.

And after commendable work in Paper Towns and Suicide Squad, she’s getting her best reviews yet from Valerian director, Luc Besson who reckons she’s as talented as Natalie Portman. Delevingne swallows an intake of breath. “Wow. Oh god. Awks,” she laughs. “I yea, that’s very generous. Yea, I don’t really know what to say to that.”

Images 2017 50Getty | MAY/JUNE

J

udging by her level of success, humility could be considered the typical ruse. But coming from Delevingne, there’s also a level of believability in her delivery and combined with knockout looks and screen presence makes an unstoppable new Hollywood star. And latest movie, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets should do little to hinder that ascent.

Based on legendary French comics, the lurid blockbuster is a lifelong ambition for French director Besson. Dreaming of bringing the fantasy to the big screen since a young boy, it’s only now the technology has caught up with his aspirations and audience look set to be blown away by the forthcoming summer epic. As intergalactic crime busters in the 28th century, Dane DeHaan [Valerian] and Delevingne [Laureline] must protect the City of a Thousand Planets from a hostile alien race. And along the way they have help from a star-studded cast including Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke and Rihanna.

Who Cara admits, was born to be on screen. Chatty though sometimes oddly wispy in responses, the supermodel turned superstar talks her comic book background and dream mentor in Besson. She also chats rejection, directing ambitions, her future in fashion and why she can’t watch herself on film. Cara lives in London and is reportedly dating singer, St Vincent.

FM: I have never heard of Valerian but it’s one of the oldest, comics right?

FM: You’ve got a couple more movies on the way, are you totally done with modelling now?

DELEVINGNE: I’d never heard of it either but it had such far reaching influence. Star Wars borrowed heavily from the concepts, Mezieres design, it’s opened up a whole new universe to me that’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Which is an exciting thing, for there to be this ambiguity, who is Valerian, who is Laureline. It’s not new material but there’s a mystery that you don’t get with stories and scripts based on comic books and that’s exciting to me. Although a lot of people don’t know it, there’s a huge fan base. Around Paris where we were filming, you’d see people walking around in Valerian t-shirts. There’s already that awareness. It’s going to be epic, I literally cannot explain. Luc Besson’s been working on this this since he was ten years old.

We’ve all seen what he can do—Fifth Element anyone?

DELEVINGNE: I haven’t stopped modelling for good. It’s not my focus right now but I’m lucky there’s this sort of in, still have my foot in there, I can come back from time to time if anybody wants to work with me. But acting is what I’m concentrating on, it’s what I’ve always loved, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.

Modelling happened by accident, a very fortunate accident but that pull for film has let go.

FM: I was mesmerized by the Fifth Element when I was a kid.

DELEVINGNE: I grew up on Luc’s films, Leon, The Fifth Element in particular, was so central to my evolution as a film fan and I just desperately wanted to be Leeloo, I would throw myself around the room, try and climb the walls, she was so fierce and freaky and profoundly amazing. So to not only be in the same room as Luc, which is mind-blowing enough already, but to be directed by him, to be part of this beautiful, psychedelic, intricate, surreal vision is a real honour. There’s no one else like him, except maybe Tim Burton, just someone who creates another world, and worlds. To see the world as he sees it, has changed how I look at everything around me. I climbed into Luc’s head and clambered out a more enlightened, enriched person, It’s literally changed me as a person.

FM: Didn’t you audition for Alice in Wonderland, speaking of Tim Burton?

DELEVINGNE: [laughs] Who are you sources? [laughs]

FM: Could very easily have seen you in that. Were you disappointed not to get it?

DELEVINGE: I was. I was 16, that was one of my first big auditions and I was so sure it was right for me. I thought I was made for Alice, I got this but evidently, I wasn’t [laughs] It was a hard learning lesson but it sort of propelled me towards what I’m doing now, it was the precursor motivation.

FM: Being on set, are you in Luc’s surreal world or is it largely green screen and you don’t see anything till the final product?

DELEVINGNE: Pretty much green screen. You really have to use your imagination but fortunately, I’m a ridiculously imaginative person. It was very cool wearing the battle armour suit, that was a moment where it felt very real because they were fully operational. Lit up, you could actually take off into space. This was childhood dream fulfilment because I used to dress up as superheroes as a child .

FM: Who did you dress up as?

DELEVINGNE: Spiderman mostly! He had the coolest costume.

There weren’t many female superheroes.

FM: Laureline could be that for a new generation.

DELEVINGNE: It’s so cool to be embodying one of the first female superheroes but that maybe young girls might dress up like Laureline too. They could? Perhaps that’s just very wishful thinking on my part [laughs].

FM: You got to be pretty tough in this, so tough that you made a guy bleed?

DELEVINGNE: [laughs] It makes it sound like I was pummeling him in the face and there was blood everywhere. There was a little clip, a little hand to face contact and it’s only when I looked down at the armour, I noticed a little blood. But this guy was tough, it was nothing to him and I didn’t want to lose myself being all sympathetic. So we carried on as normal. But yes, I can say I’ve made a man a bleed by punching him in the face.

51 | MAY/JUNE 2017

D

FM: How was it working with Dane?

You knew each other from Tulip Fever?

DELEVINGNE: It took a while for us to gel, to blend because he blanked me on [Tulip Fever]. He says he didn’t but he was the star, I was the extra in the corner [laughs]. I love him. I was so happy when I found out it was Dane playing Valerian because I wasn’t really sure who Luc was talking to. Dane’s my pal. I keep him in line.

FM: And another friend, Rihanna, how was it working together?

DELEVINGNE: She is as mesmerizing on a set as she is on stage. She was born to act.

There’s a rare group of people that just have it, and she has it. What she does is astonishing.

FM: You’ve said before you find it hard watching yourself on screen. Is that getting better the more movies you make?

DELEVINGNE: Seeing myself in a movie is still something I find hard to accept. It doesn’t sit very easy with me. I can’t connect with my own body, watching myself. I get very nervous and apprehensive. It’s probably why I want to go into directing.

FM: So that’s the end goal?

DELEVINGNE: I’m still learning, having a masterclass with Luc Besson, just being on these sets, absorbing the mechanics and technicality, I’m learning a lot.

By Piers Manning

52 | MAY/JUNE 2017

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Thinking of Buying Your First Home?

For many people, the decision to become a home-owner is not an easy one. There are many reasons why people are hesitant to jump into home ownership but part of the reluctance can be the home-buying process itself.

Uncertainty regarding down payments, interest rates, and surveys is common but the bigger question is often “where do I begin?� To assist those of you who are considering owning a home, here is a brief summary of the process.

Building Your Real Estate Team

One of the best ways to begin your home search is to surround yourself with real estate professionals who can help guide you through the process.

A mortgage professional will be able to work with you to determine the amount of mortgage you could qualify for; a realtor will assist you in finding that perfect home and preparing an offer; a lawyer will advise you on the legal issues associated with your purchase and register the deed. More importantly, your real estate team will answer your questions to put you more at ease.

Finding Your New Home

After working with your realtor and mortgage professional to determine your budget and the type of property you are looking for, the next step is finding the home. For most first-time buyers, condominiums are an attractive option since they are generally less expensive than other types of properties. However, if you are considering a condominium, you should speak to your realtor and/or lawyer to ensure you understand how they work before making an offer.

Once you find a home you are interested in, you will submit an offer to the seller. The offer will consist of numerous items, such as the purchase price, the closing date, items included (e.g. stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc...), and conditions. There are numerous conditions that can be included in the offer, but two of the most important are financing and inspection (if the property is a condominium, a status certificate condition is also vital). While it may seem like a financing condition is not necessary if you have already received a mortgage pre-approval, you should still consult with your mortgage professional (the potential lender could determine the property is worth less than what you are offering, which could result in them lending you less than what you were pre-approved for initially). Conducting an inspection is also crucial to ensure there are not any serious issues with the home (such as major leaks or foundation problems), which could result in extra costs in the future that will be your responsibility. Prior to making the offer, it is also important to get as much information as possible about the property so you can make an informed offer. For example, if the listing agreement mentioned that the basement has been finished, you may want to have a provision in the offer where the seller represents and warrants that they obtained the necessary permits and inspections for the work that was done.

After submitting the offer to the seller, the seller will accept, reject, or counter-offer. If you and the seller can agree on all the terms and sign the offer, you can then begin to satisfy your conditions. Assuming you have satisfied all your conditions and are ready to proceed, you will sign a document indicating as such and the deal will be firm.

I Bought A Home... Now What?

Once the deal is firm, there are still some items for you to work on prior to closing. Your lawyer will need information about you (e.g. date of birth, spousal status, how you are going to be registered on title, etc...), your mortgage, and the property (e.g. how old is it, what changes have been made to it, etc...) so they can begin to prepare the necessary documents. This information will also allow your lawyer to perform the necessary searches and advise you as to the cost for legal fees and disbursements. In addition to legal fees and disbursements, there may be additional costs on closing for pro-rated property taxes (i.e. the seller has already paid property taxes for the year but you are moving in before the end of the year) and land transfer tax. Luckily, as a first-time homebuyer, you may qualify for a credit of up to $4,000 towards the land transfer tax payable. During this time leading up to the closing date, you should also be finalizing the details of your mortgage with your lender and arranging for property insurance for your home.

Shortly before closing, you will meet with your lawyer to sign the closing documents and bring in the necessary funds. Once the transaction has been completed on the closing date, you will receive a phone call to let you know your keys are ready and that you are now the proud owner of a home!

Jason Peyman practices in real estate and business law at Mann Lawyers LLP. Mann Lawyers LLP is a full service law firm operating in Ottawa’s Hintonburg area. This article is not intended to provide legal advice. Should you require legal advice, please contact Mann Lawyers LLP at 613.722.1500 or visit mannlawyers.com.

DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice or establish a solicitor-client relationship by way of the information contained herein. You should seek qualified legal advice before acting on any of the information provided herein.

54 | MAY/JUNE 2017

JASON PEYMAN

Photo: Marc Brigden

Katie Griffin Born and raised in Pickering, Ontario, Katie Griffin is well-known for her professional air and efficient delivery of the news that has gained her the respect she deserves in being a CTV News Anchor. A journalist by trade, Katie delivers only the facts to the community in Ottawa and has a passion for her hometown to boot. From contributing to the Ottawa Citizen, to interning at CBC’s foreign bureau in London, England, Katie is becoming a pillar in the Ottawa community for current events.

Katie’s involvement in the community as an experienced journalist was the highlight of our discussions as she spoke about her early career, getting to know Ottawa and life inside the newsroom.

“It really is a privilege to come into someone’s home each night and be trusted with bringing them the news of the day.”

“I love that journalism lets you delve into an issue and dig until you find an answer. If there isn’t one, you ask why.”

“Everyone has a different marker for success. I think it comes in the small victories. We’ve been told—by someone…somewhere—what we ‘should’ accomplish by certain dates or ages and I’ve kind of thrown that out the window.”

FM: When you left your hometown of Pickering to attend Carleton for Journalism, did you always know that this was the career path you wanted to follow – if so, what was it about journalism and current affairs that appealed to you the most?

KG: I’ve always been curious and will always have questions to ask. The news was always on growing up and I was fas-

cinated with knowing what was happening in the world and the way it was presented. I considered other careers briefly but always knew journalism was the one for me. I was drawn to television because of the way stories, through compelling characters and powerful images, have the ability to connect with viewers in a way other mediums may not.

FM: What do you find is the most rewarding part of your position – and how has your career changed you (if it has at all) through people you’ve met or stories you’ve told?

KG: It really is a privilege to come into someone’s home each night and be trusted with bringing them the news of the day.

It’s a huge job and one we don’t take lightly.

I love that journalism lets you delve into an issue and dig until you find an answer. If there isn’t one, you ask why. It’s rewarding when persistence pays off. On the other side, there is nothing like the rush when news breaks.

Our stories can make a difference, whether it’s in someone’s life or a policy change.

What they don’t prepare you for in j-school is the recognition that comes with the role. It does take some time getting used to, but I think it’s so great when a viewer takes the time to stop me at the grocery store or at the mall and say they enjoy the newscast. I really appreciate that people watch and it shows we’ve connected with them in some way.

FM: You are fluent in American Sign Language – at what point did you develop an interest in Deaf Culture and was there a moment that stands out to you that inspired you to learn sign language?

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KG: During my first year at Carleton I had to go to the mailroom to pick up a shipping box and was told I’d have to write a note explaining what I needed because the man was Deaf. It was my first experience with someone who couldn’t hear. He was used to people writing notes but it was then that I knew I wanted to learn sign language.

I needed a language credit for my degree and I looked into whether ASL qualified. It did, so I was able to get the credit and just stuck with it. I’ve been able to use it in everyday life, for a story and I’ve also run into my instructors at Carleton who are deaf and even after all these years I can still communicate using ASL. Lip-reading also comes in handy sometimes (laughs).

FM: Tell us about the road you took after graduating Carleton that eventually led to your career at CTV Ottawa. What were some of the places you worked at and what did you learn along the way that has helped you with your career now at CTV Ottawa?

KG: During school I did an internship with Global News in Toronto and at CTV Ottawa. I was also fortunate to land a summer internship with the CBC’s foreign bureau in London.

A few months after my internship with CTV Ottawa, I was hired as a part-time reporter and things just took off. Over the next three years, I worked every other weekend as a part-time reporter, I then became a full time reporter and shortly after that became the weekend anchor. In addition to reporting and anchoring, I’m also responsible, along with my co-anchor for weather, sports and online content during the weekend. It’s a business that is constantly changing and we have to keep up. The best way to learn is to do and be thrown right into the mix doing everything and anything! It’s really helped me become a better journalist.

FM: Your bio says that you enjoy figure skating, tell us a little about that – was it something you just did growing up, did you do it competitively and do you still do it today?

KG I was in skates at three years old and have loved skating ever since. While I’ve taught skating and enjoy lacing up for fun, I’ve never done it competitively.

FM: What do you enjoy most about working and living in Ottawa – and are there particular restaurants, sites or venues that you feel people should visit in order to get a full appreciation for the city?

KG: I love that this is a big city with a small town feel. I’ve lived here for 10 years and it really does feel like home now. A walk, bike ride or skate along the canal is a must-do and you should have a BeaverTail for good measure! I love being a tourist in my own city. While I go to a lot of different sites, festivals or museums for work, it’s great when people come to visit because it’s a chance for me to enjoy them too.

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FM: Tell us a little about your co-workers at CTV Ottawa – how would you describe the relationship that you have with them and did anyone give you advice when you first started that really helped you on your way?

KG: Our newsroom is like a big family. We do what we can to help each other and get the best product to air. When I first started—and during my internship—Graham Richardson and Catherine Lathem both pulled me aside to offer advice and constructive criticism. It’s helped shape how I go about stories, how I write and how I present the news. I’m so grateful for everyone’s support and the fact that they have my back.

FM: Who is the funniest person at Bell Media in your opinion?

KG: There are a lot of extremely funny people but because I work with him every weekend I’d have to say my co-anchor Matt Skube. He can be serious but when he’s not you can find him trying his best to scare us in the makeup room or cracking jokes during commercial.

FM: If you had to take four people with you from Bell Media to be dropped in the middle of a jungle with in order to help you find your way out – who would you take with you and what skill set does each person have that would come in handy?

KG: I’d have to take the entire weekend team (Matt Skube, Leah Larocque, Megan Shaw and Annie Bergeron-Oliver) because we are a small but mighty crew. Even in the jungle I feel that we could somehow work together and find our way out…and if we couldn’t, we’d find a way do a newscast or have fun trying (laughs).

FM: You have a passion for travelling. What is a city or country that you feel everyone needs to visit in their lifetime and why?

KG: Ireland. When I spent the summer in London, I did a quick trip to Dublin to visit friends. They took me everywhere they could and I loved that I was able to see the city from their perspective and go to local hotspots, instead of just the tourist ones.

The scenery was beyond spectacular. There are so many other cities and counties to explore and I can’t wait to go back to see the rest of the country!

FM: What music do you enjoy the most and is there an upcoming concert that you are looking forward to – or what was the best one that you’ve seen live recently?

KG: I love country. It’s always on. It’s a good day when I can convince our camera ops to have it on in the car when we’re going to a shoot!

FM: If you had to talk to journalism student tomorrow at Carleton – or even high school students who aspire to get into broadcasting – what advice would you give them that perhaps you wish you’d been given at the start?

KG: Immerse yourself in news completely.

Practice live hits or newscasts in front of a mirror. Get involved in your school/local paper.

Apply for internships that will give you newsroom experience and every job that you think would be a good fit. You may get ten no’s before you get a yes but it’s worth it.

Never stop trying.

I was told this and it is still so true: get your foot in the door and don’t take it out.

FM: What does success mean to you?

KG: Everyone has a different marker for success. I think it comes in the small victories. We’ve been told—by someone…somewhere—what we ‘should’ accomplish by certain dates or ages and I’ve kind of thrown that out the window.

I believe in running on your own timeline, calling your own shots and making it happen…whatever that is for you. Your goals or what you need to accomplish on a certain day/month/year may not be aligned with others but at the end of the day if you’re happy and doing something that you love then that’s a great place to be.

FM: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

KG: News doesn’t stop on a weekend and neither do we. I’ve worked almost every weekend for the last six years and that often means missing birthdays or BBQ’s. I’m lucky that I have many people in my life who are so supportive and will rearrange things so that I’m able to attend. One year it meant celebrating Christmas a week or so early because I had to work. Journalism isn’t a 9—5 job but it’s a great one and very much worth the sometimes-wonky hours and schedule.

FM: If someone wanted to learn the basics about ASL, where should they start?

KG: You can teach yourself how to sign using online resources or cue cards but it’s best to take a class where you can interact with others, practice signing and learn about Deaf Culture.

FM: What does the world need more of? Less of?

KG: We could all use more kindness. We really have no idea what someone else is going through and we shouldn’t judge. I think the focus should be on building people up instead of tearing them down.

FM: What ritual could you not live without in your workday?

KG: Watching or reading the news. Even if I’m on vacation I’ll usually turn on the local news wherever I am just so I can feel like I have some idea of what’s going on in the world.

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K

KESHIA CHANTÉ

Photo: Sasha Samsonava

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You wouldn’t be wrong to call Keshia Ottawa’s Beyoncé. Her story starts at the age of six on stage at Ottawa talent shows.

Fast forward, and the Orleans born R&B singer is meeting president Obama at his Holiday Gala. Cut to the present, and she’s releasing a brand new EP called Unbound 01. Her story, from Ottawa to New York, Atlanta and LA. >>> FM: Tell us a little about your life growing up in Ottawa. What part of the city did you grow up in and what are some of your favourite memories from your childhood?

Keisha Chanté: I grew up in Orleans! I would have to say my fondest memory was my first performance at the age of 6 at Carleton University. That moment really changed the course of my life. The love and support from the crowd gave me the confidence I needed to go in the direction of my dreams. The talent shows, plays, and musical opportunities I had growing up in elementary and high school was also something I thoroughly enjoyed.

You’ve talked about how Toronto is the city that raised you, how would you describe the person that you were when you moved to Toronto at age 14—and how the city of Toronto influenced you personally and musically?

Ottawa born, Toronto raised, indeed. When I moved to Toronto, I was naive, wide-eyed and overall very “green”. My desire to sing and perform brought me to a bigger city, but I needed to toughen up and learn quickly if I wanted to make anything happen for myself. Toronto influenced me incredibly in that I really feel it prepared me for living in cities like New York, LA, and Atlanta. Toronto is really at the forefront of hip hop and R&B right now, internationally.

There is a certain sound that I feel myself and my peers have really captured on our new offerings.

You signed your first record contract at the very young age of 14, can you tell us a little about how you got your first record deal—and being so young, was the process overwhelming for you at times?

I performed anywhere that would facilitate me, even asking my principal if we could have more talent shows. My mom would film the performances and I would watch it back, critique and work at it. One of those videos got into the hands of a family friend, who shared it with a local DJ, who then shared it with an A&R at a record label. That A&R got my contact information, called my house phone & asked me to sing over the phone. I did without hesitation.

Next thing I know, I am performing in front of a record label and being sent to record songs in the studio for the first time (Unpredictable, Shook (The Answer)). The only thing over-

Photo: Sasha Samsonava 60 | MAY/JUNE 2017

whelming was balancing school and my career.

Looking back now, I realized as an only child, I was socially awkward, so music was my outlet and way of expression. Because that was my comfortable place, I feel like it really made the entire process less daunting.

Do you remember the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio? Do you remember where it was and who was the first person you called when you heard it?

I was with my family when I first heard my song on the radio. We heard a local DJ would be featuring it on a radio show and we sat there until it was played. We all screamed, cried. It was surreal.

the belt is the wrong size, the pants are the wrong length. I think that can make or break the entire look.

Can you talk a little about your experience hosting the iconic BET show “106 & Park”? What are some of your best memories from your time on the show?

106 & Park was a lot of fun. Between the live TV element, the DJs that spun throughout the show, the audience that was full of energy, the crew, my team, the guests, it was really just rewarding hard work. My best memories would have to be working with Michelle Obama—she is so inspiring!

K

You are only 28 years old, but you’ve accomplished more than most hope to do in a lifetime. Let’s talk a little about things you do outside of music for a moment. You have done some impressive work for humanitarian organizations, including organizing a fundraising concert with Alicia Keys for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Tell us how that came about?

It started as a lot of conversations about how we can use music to raise money and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Alicia Keys also signed on and she was absolutely lovely. She gave me industry advice that I still hold dear.

The concert itself was a great experience. It always feels good giving back in any way.

How has your charitable work with CANFAR changed you as a person?

Working with CANFAR was incredible. We travelled to Kenya to help build facilities at schools that had children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. To see what the disease has done to so many innocent young people really broke my heart. It amazed me to see people who were experiencing such pain but still managed to be happy, kind, optimistic. Really inspiring. CANFAR as a whole is an incredible organization, constantly changing the landscape and working to help those affected by the disease.

You are well known for your excellent fashion sense, who are some of your favourite designers and how would you describe your sense of style?

I have a lot of Canadian fashion designers on my radar, like Mikael D, Stephan Caras, Lucian Matis, Pink Tartan. I think it important to wear Canadian and support our talented designers.

Otherwise, I love IRO, All Saints, Barbara Bui…I would describe my sense of style as hip hop meets refined.

For the guys reading this, what is one fashion mistake that you see too many of them make that they need to avoid?

The fit of pants is a common fashion mistake. Either the denim is not flattering,

How do you enjoy being a host/broadcaster versus a performer? Do you find that one prepares you better to be the other?

I feel like my love for performance trickles into so many different avenues. Hosting is more of a passion project for me but it really does get you comfortable on the camera in a different way, helps the way you film or create content, and prepares you more for being questioned in interviews.

My advice for young girls is to finish school. Singing is fun, but there is a business behind it that can be a little dark.

K

How did it feel for you to be invited by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to their White House Holiday Party in 2013. What was that night like for you to be driving up to the White House that night?

I was first invited by Michelle Obama to moderate a speaking engagement she had with a high school in Washington, D.C, where she discussed the importance of education with the students.

Afterwards, she came on 106 & Park and was a joy to interview. Then one day I saw mail from The White House in my dressing room. I thought it was a joke, but it was an invite. I was really touched.

Michelle introduced me to President Barack Obama and we took a Christmas Photo and chatted briefly. I was more amazed that she remembered my name, let alone chatted with me. My opinion of them is that they are truly what you see on TV. They embody class and grace. They are kind, genuine, intelligent and have a great sense of humour. Such warm people. Definitely a pleasure.

Tell us about your new music and your new EP “Unbound 01”, which critics have written that it has re-ignited your R&B signature sound. How would you describe “Unbound” to your fans?

Unbound 01 is the beginning of my world without restrictions or inhibitions.

We really enjoyed the songs on Unbound 01 and think your fans will be thrilled to hear this music (which is available now on iTunes). Do you anticipate doing any touring this year?

I am working on redesigning my live show as we speak!

Looking back on your career to date, what accomplishment are you proudest of and why?

Winning a Juno at 16, interviewing the First Lady, my work as Youth Ambassador for CANFAR, having a star on the Walk of Fame in Brampton (town I graduated in), but mostly that I have had a career for 14 years that brings me the most happiness and fulfillment. Sharing my music with my fans doesn’t get any better.

Who are some of your favourite artists to listen to now?

My favourite artists right now: Bryson Tiller, Drake, 2Chainz, Post Malone, Banks, Leon Bridges.

KESHIA CHANTÉ

When you were six years old, you got a standing ovation for singing “Dear Mama” in an Ottawa talent show. What advice would you give that girl and any other young girl that aspires to follow in your big footsteps one day?

I would tell her to take one day at a time and enjoy the moment. Enjoy being a kid more. Go play, go be social. I would tell her to take vocal lessons and piano lessons (something I never did as a kid) because her mind is a sponge (laughs). My advice for young girls is to finish school. Singing is fun, but there is a business behind it that can be a little dark. I would encourage them to study entertainment law, business, marketing, branding, as well.

Also, perform everywhere you can, record it, watch it back, share it, perfect practice makes perfect!

61 | MAY/JUNE 2017

Sasha Samsonava 62Photo: | MAY/JUNE 2017

FMStyle

Photo: @moalisa

THE STYLE ADVICE OF THE SEASON

On Mixing Retro Staples It’s no coincidence that old-school brands are rolling out on spring/ summer racks for the first time since the ‘90s. Pre-millennium style staples are a wise investment this season—not only do they rep better than any modern adaptions to classic streetwear brands, but they last longer, too.

And you can’t go wrong with their appeal—the more vintage apparel you throw on, the more old-school you look. It’s a linear relationship.

Rubber-Boot Any Shoe, Instantly

Succumbing to The Ankle Trend The no-socks look is a daring move that is being rapidly embraced by your fellow man this month. What’s all the fuss about? Dropping the sock and raising the hem line of your pants just happens to be the perfect way to draw focus to footwear. It can turn an outfit from 0 to perfectly casual in an instant—and it creates the illusion of longer legs.

A word of caution; a little deception is at work here. Your first gander into this trend will require you to hunt down a pair of invisible socks; ones that sit low on your feet so as to be worn incognito.

KNOW YOUR LOST SOCK ODDS

Psychologist Dr. Simon Moore and leading statistician Dr. Geoff Ellis were asked by Samsung to determine a formula able to predict the likelihood of a sock going rogue. Their equation’s variables include the number of socks per cycle, the temperature of the washing load and the colours being washed, the cycle details and the way that laundry was sorted.

Since we learned this hack we never looked back: next time your buying brand new spring laceups, don’t think twice about passing up on those protective shoe products. Instead, grab a clear wax tea candle and polish your entire shoe with it. For the price of one awkward sales encounter, your shoes are now waterproof, scuff-proof, and mud-proof.

From this they found the equation: Prob = (L(pxf) + C(txs)) - (PAxA) This equation sets the typical sock wearer on course to lose an average of 1.3 socks a month, or 15 socks a year—up to an astonishing 1,264 lost socks in our entire lifetime.

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TEGAN & SARA Photo: Pamela Littkey 64 | MAY/JUNE 2017

MEET CANADA’S MOST TALENTED TWINS

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THE INTERVIEW

Calgary born Tegan and Sara Quin have been sweeping audiences off their feet since they began their music careers. Although they might say that is an exaggeration, North America fell in love with them over a long and explosive courtship which peaked in early 2007 as they flew up the pop charts. The world had finally caught up with the duo and sped off into the sunset with their mixed bag of genre music in tow. With experience in the music industry for around 20 years, Tegan and Sara have worked with various record labels from Vapor Records to Warner Bros. Having been nominated for Best Long Form Music Video at the Grammys in 2013, to winning three Juno awards that very same year, they’ve become a formidable talent that the world won’t soon forget.

As twins in the spotlight of Canadian music, Sara describes their relationship as the ultimate tennis match—a game that has led them to create top-charting hits, to become voices for the LGBTQ community, and soon to perform as a headlining act of this year’s Bluesfest.

Photo: Pamela Littkey 66 | MAY/JUNE 2017

T&S

S

FM: Tell us about your life growing up with Tegan, did you have any other siblings?

FM: Who would you say has been your biggest influence both lyrically and musically?

SQ: I feel like we had a good childhood. My parents both worked, we were in piano lessons and karate to – we lived a standard, Canadian, middle class life. I think it shocked everyone, including us, that we ended up in the arts. Even though we had taken lessons and shown an interest in music we didn’t really exude talent (laughs). Our piano teacher was always mad that we weren’t practicing in between lessons. Then all of a sudden, at around 14 or 15 we started writing our own songs which quickly turned into forming a band, then recording ourselves at school, selling demo tapes, booking our own shows at peoples’ parties – it just kind of bloomed out of nowhere. It was just Tegan and I, we didn’t have any other siblings. We were very close growing up and had similar interests so the band was formed organically. We found we really had a knack for business and promoting ourselves too.

SQ: I’ve always been inspired by music but within the last few years I’ve found that consuming other forms of art is important to me. The majority of my inspiration for writing doesn’t necessarily come from music but whatever’s going on in my life or a book or a movie I’ve seen. I’m always putting down ideas. A turn of phrase or a story can get my attention sometimes, I’m always pulling things from art or whatever I’m into at the moment. For the music portion, I’m usually a listener first and try not to see it in the context of my job. But, I’m an avid listener who is easily inspired by any genre—whether it’s pop or hip-hop. Spotify and Apple Music subscriptions allow me to explore new things as well as go back to stuff I loved in the past. I appreciate the ‘rabbit-hole’ nature of those services.

FM: Do you feel your close relationship as sisters and twins allowed you to do some things that are unconventional?

SQ: The two of us have always been charismatic, even when we were little. As kids, we loved making up plays, Tegan even went through a weird clown phase. We had a knack for entertainment. But, I wouldn’t say that back then people were thinking we were natural born performers. There was something special, though, about having Tegan because we were so collaborative and creative. Even when we were adolescents and would fight, there was something truly special about entertaining people. We actually were lucky to have a lot of breathing room as we were growing up I think because our parents didn’t try to get us a manager or something. It allowed us to develop our style in an organic way.

FM: Did you ever find that you two, being twins, were competitive at all growing up or did you learn to share the spotlight?

SQ: I think that there’s a negative connotation whenever someone uses the word ‘competition’. My relationship with Tegan is more like two people playing a tennis match. You can’t succeed and do better if there isn’t someone on the other side of the net who’s comparable to you. It’s not fun to play against someone who you can just slaughter or who is going to beat you every single time. That tension that we have between us and the talent that we both have is what makes the band work. If Tegan is having a particularly good show, that can make me work harder or sometimes back off a little bit and let her have the spotlight.

That way I can regenerate and come back with new ideas. So, yes, there is a sense of competition but it’s more so to benefit each other.

FM: You two have a lot of similar interests and often do most things together, but are there specific areas in your life for just being yourself without your twin?

SQ: Oh, yeah. Especially as we get older and we’re able to engage the different parts of ourselves, we’ve become really different. I lived in Montreal for 13 years and Tegan lived in Vancouver, they’re very different cities and art worlds. Although we’ve become different, we still have a lot of similar interests and value systems. Obviously, we have the same history and job so there’s lots of stuff that keeps us connected.

FM: Back in 2000, you toured with Neil Young and the Pretenders. Did you get to spend time with him and did he have any advice for you? Were there any amazing memories from that?

SQ: I have a lot of amazing memories from that for sure! We were young—I think 20 years old—and I think that when we toured with them, it felt like we were kids who were brought to an adult party. There was that mentality of if we stay out of the way and be quiet, maybe we’ll learn something. It was our very first American tour, and we were playing in front of mostly empty amphitheatres. Often, we were going on really early once doors had opened and it was a tough crowd. We were heckled, mostly nicely, which at the time, made it incredibly challenging. In retrospect, it’s probably part of why we are so versatile and were open for lots of different types of peowple as well as different festivals. We’re good at engaging audiences who don’t necessarily know who we are and have been able to sharpen up a set of skills that have come in handy for 20 years (laughs).

My relationship with Tegan is more like two people playing a tennis match. You can’t succeed and do better if there isn’t someone on the other side of the net who’s comparable to you.

FM: How do you think your music and style has changed from your first album to your most recent album like Love You to Death or Boyfriend?

SQ: I think as far as the production and sound of an album, those are reflections of what we’re listening to and the advancements in our own skillsets. I love making music for myself and a lot of that music doesn’t necessarily get heard by anybody. The band is a very specific type of music and collaboration between Tegan and I so the album is just a reflection of the partnership of those ideas. If I’m listening to weird electronic music and Tegan is listening to some Rock, we have to find a way to make that work together... (continued...p70) 67 | MAY/JUNE 2017

That has allowed us to come up with things that are original and doesn’t necessarily sound like what other people are doing.

Over the years, as our sound was changing, there was a lot of attention paid to the people that would say “Ew, I liked them better when they played guitar” or “I liked them when they were less popular.” There’s always those conversations with bands who have been around for a long time and for me, I would be so board if we were still making the same records we did years ago. I like the challenge of trying to come up with something different every single time. The one thing I think that has connected all those albums and has allowed us to stay connected to our fan base is that the songs are just songs. Even if the production doesn’t work, the lyrics and theme of the songs are in that same ethos of the things we did when we were younger.

FM: What is the dynamic like when you and Tegan are creating?

SQ: We do about 90 percent of our writing independent of one another and other people. We both have little home studios where we will record content that is very textured and full of ideas. Then when we’re done we’ll send the sessions to each other to see what the other thinks. A lot of the work is done by the time we start collaborating with each other. That’s what we’ve always done and we’re good at it. If you’re surrounded by people, there’s voices and opinions so that time before anyone hears the music is very sacred for me. It’s a way to ensure that the music and story of it is deeply personal for us.

FM: You’re coming to Ottawa for Bluesfest this summer as one of the bigger names and, of course, we’re all super excited to have you guys. Have you been to Ottawa often?

What are your favourite parts of the city? And, what do you have planned for the show?

SQ: We’ve been to Ottawa quite a lot over the years, and it’s always a place that we look forward to performing at. For me, when I lived in Montreal, I loved playing in Ottawa because it meant that I was close to home (laughs). After the show in Ottawa, I would usually drive back home to my apartment in Montreal. So, I always see it as a sort of sister city. We’ve done small shows in theatres and at events and those are often about the dynamics and moments of intimacy. But,

festivals are about coming and blowing the gates off. You have to keep a mass of people entertained, feeling

art grants and the funding, that kind of support that’s ingrained in our society. There are so many times that I’ve stopped and thought “Man if we hadn’t had that one grant or financial support, I don’t know where we’d be.” It’s not about money but really about that feeling of the government letting us know we have value. However, Canada isn’t perfect either. Over the years, I learned we need to be conscious of who is receiving that money and how it breaks down. There’s an immense amount of diversity in Canada but I don’t always think that the support and the funding is getting to those minorities. Whether it’s queer people, trans people, people of colour, people with disabilities, or even people who have unique voices; I don’t think Canada has always done everything it could to amplify them. I worry that there are young people who might not have the experience we did so I hope to help them in talking about it.

FM: Although you’ve mostly answered our second last question, can you talk about the Tegan and Sara Foundation and not only how it came to be but how people can support the mission?

SQ: We’ve always been activists and tried to have a philanthropic approach to what we do whenever we can. Whether it’s raising money for different organisations on tour or have people in political organisations come out. We’ve always been motivated by what’s happening in the LGBTQ community and being gay ourselves, it’s very close to home. As much as it’s been a big part of our lives, I think that, especially right now in the current political climate, formulating the actual foundation would allow us to be proactive and reactive. But, also, just do more.

Instead of being ‘mom-and-pop’ about it, we can address some blind spots and some difficulties our community still faces.

Specifically right now, after doing research over the course of a year and meeting lots of different people and organizations, one of the things that’s been the most troubling for us is the statistics around women’s health. You heard a lot about it on the news but when you drill down to the statistics of lesbian health, or trans health, or women of colour, they’re a lot more concerning.

There’s a lack of response to those issues. That’s not necessarily related to the world that we’ve been in for the last 20 years and it’s definitely a learning curve, but with the foundation rather than raising money at shows, we can gain a substantial amount to address this concern. Moreover, we can do it by partnering with people who aren’t in the music industry. It’s exciting for us and has inspired us in a way that we haven’t felt in many years.

excited, having fun, whatever. Your emotions are exaggerated.

With smaller venues, you can do slight gestures but festivals are like playing at the back of the field. It’s fun, it’s athletic and theatrical. Every moment of the show has to be hyperbolic.

FM: What would be a piece of advice you would give to yourself, that girl who is about to embark on this journey that you have now shared with your sister for so many years?

FM: You have toured in the US a lot, so what makes you proudest to be Canadian?

SQ: I know that there are things I would tell myself but, honestly, I’m happy with the things I’ve gone through and the experiences I’ve had. I do look back on certain points in my life that were painful or whatever and wish I could’ve bypassed them but then I wouldn’t have written a song or met certain people. There have been past relationships that haven’t worked out but now I’ve met someone I really love and have been with them for seven years. You have to be dumped to find that special person and the same can be said for a career. You need to have the difficult years so that when your career is good you can know it is because you remember what it was like when things were bad.

SQ: Our biggest market and the place where we spend the majority of our time is the States. Building our career and fan base down here took a decade. As I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate not only growing up in Canada but to have a continued respect for the country. We have a good reputation and whether or not Tegan and I deserve it(laughs), I’m always proud to tell people I’m Canadian. They assume that we’re all sweet, feminist, socialist, kind, and cute like Justin Trudeau – and I’m happy to roll with that. In all seriousness, the thing we talk about the most, with not only people in the States but internationally, is the tremendous support from the Canadian government. It’s the 68 | MAY/JUNE 2017

@teganandsara

You need to have the difficult years so that when your career is good you can know it is because you remember what it was like when things were bad.

Photo: Pamela Littkey

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CA FÉ SOCIET Y Photography and styling

by Marc Brigden Makeup by Emily Sheryl Wood Clothing from Ted Baker Photos taken at the Savoy Brasserie

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Photography and styling by Marc Brigden Makeup by Emily Sheryl Wood Clothing from Ted Baker Photos taken at the Savoy Brasserie 72 | MAY/JUNE 2017

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Photography and styling by Marc Brigden Makeup by Emily Sheryl Wood Clothing from Ted Baker Photos taken at the Savoy Brasserie 74 | MAY/JUNE 2017

THE TRAVELLER FEATURING CUSCO, PERU

H OT E L – R E S TA U R A N T – B A R - N I G H TC LU B – M U S T S E E

Hotel

RESTAURANT

NIGHTCLUB

Palacio del Inka - Plazoleta Santo Domingo, 259, Cusco City Centre, 84 Cuzco, Peru

Qespi Restaurant - Esquina de la Calle Ruinas 432 y San Agustin, Cusco, Peru

Memoria Bar - Calle Plateros 354 | Centro Historico, Cusco

Embark on a culinary adventure throughout Peru at our hotel’s signature Qespi Restaurant. Boasting a range of perfectly crafted local specialties and an elegant ambiance, the restaurant is one of the most popular in Cusco.

The best drinks, the best attention, the best music, the best ambience, it’s a really cool place for tourist and to enjoy an excellent time with friends or family.

Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel is located in front of the Koricancha, in central Cusco. The central train station is within walking distance. Free WiFi is provided throughout the entire property.

The stylish and modern rooms provide heating and cable TV. There is a choice of twin, or double, beds. All feature quality linen and spacious bathrooms.

Oxygen can be provided in the suites upon request to help with the effects of Cusco’s high altitude.

Cusco City Centre is a great choice for travelers interested in food, history and culture.

BAR Calle del Medio Bar - Calle del Medio Street 113, Plaza de Armas Located in front of the Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas (Main Square).

The Décor is colorful and it has a cozy atmosphere.

MUST-SEE Machu Picchu Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.

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THE

RED HOT

Chili Peppers 3 DECADES OF SPICE

The Red Hot Chili Peppers once again return to Ottawa June 23rd on tour with their new album The Getaway. The album is something oldbut-new from the Chilis—a sound made different by the works of a new producer. One thing about the Chili’s that you already knew—they have not changed. We spoke with the band on overcoming the fear of rejection, not vomiting on stage, and proving that after 34 years, they’re all still spicy.

Photo: Steve Keros 78 | MAY/JUNE 2017

A

quick look at the numbers shows you that the Chili Peppers are one of the biggest bands in music history—they’ve sold over 80 million copies of the 11 studio albums they’ve released and have won no less than 6 Grammy Awards.

But what is most impressive about the American funk rock group is that they have seemingly figured out something that almost every other band their age could not; they’ve managed to stay relevant. Through decades and generations of music fans, they’re massive music catalogue is still a source of common knowledge for the average concert-goer; an ice breaker for the first date exhibitionist; a safe bet when handed the aux cord.

How, why and when did the Chili Peppers become certified timeless on the North American funk rock stage?

Lead singer Anthony Kiedis feels it’s the bond between fans that has kept them on center stage: “I know that we have a connection with humans, whether they are 10 years old or 70 years old, whatever we are doing gets through to these human beings. I know when we go on tour, a lot of the people in the crowd will be 15 years old and I adore that. It is an honour to share these moments with young people, old people or whatever age people.

It’s been this way since the beginning for us. Yes, we’ve been around forever but at our very first shows, even before we had a record, when you looked at our audience, it was as mixed bag as you’d ever see. I think that is because we weren’t one thing—we were punk rockers, we had jazz influences, we had funk influences, we could be silly, we could be serious, we were stupid, we were smart—I think we were a bit of everything and people can tap into that. Overall, it is an honour and it really does not go unnoticed that the world’s youth shows up and cares about what we do. It is amazing to me and it is a blessing to be able to go out and have these experiences with them”.

Their timeless relevance can also be attributed to their ability to adapt musically. A dangerous feat for any artist or band, a new sound is always a risk. But the Chili Pepper’s aimed to combine the old with the new in their latest album The Getaway, released in June 2016, which made headlines for being the band’s first album to not be produced by Rick Rubin since 1989’s Mother’s Milk.

The Getaway was produced by a new producer, Danger Mouse, who rose to fame with his release of The Grey Album in 2004, which combined vocal performances from Jay-Z’s The Black Album with instrumentals from The Beatles The Beatles—also known as The White Album. (Confused yet? Neither are we). Danger Mouse is also part of the soul duo, Gnarls Barkley.

While Danger Mouse has an impressive resume in his own right, the idea of a new producer walking in to disrupt the flow of a band with 30 years of experience was daring, to say the least.

But Danger Mouse earned the respect of the band, and of Keidis quickly: “I like that guy, the longer you hang out with him the more you like him. It made me feel confident that he wasn’t afraid to tell us things he liked and things he didn’t like and wasn’t sugar coating things when he felt it could be better. It has to be hard for a producer to come in and talk to a band that has been playing for 30 years and tell us “no” sometimes. He is good at that. It wasn’t coming out of arrogance or poor taste. He just knows what he loves and that’s what he cared about, making it the best record it possibly could be.

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THE

RED HOT Chili Peppers An example would be that I would keep writing material and I would come in to perform it for him. You have to keep in mind that it is difficult and its vulnerable to come in and sing something for the very first time that you haven’t had time to practice. He would have absolutely no trouble telling me “go home and try again, this is not happening”. Yes, sometimes that would be painful and sometimes it would be frustrating.

He pushed me and wasn’t afraid to push me in a good way. For the song “Go Robot” there was a chorus that I loved and thought was great. When he heard it he said, “That chorus isn’t good, its just not that great, we have to write a new one”.

So we sat there in the studio and literally wrote a new chorus with him sitting there playing the chords and making me sing out ideas on the spot… and you know what, it worked…he was right, in the end he was right. When I think back, I see how much care he took. He was incredibly professional. He cared and that is all you can ask for in a producer. He came in

early, stayed late and worked exceptionally hard. He cared.”

The Getaway was the first release album for the Chili Peppers since their 2011 album I’m With You. And like every album says Flea, the Chili Pepper’s charismatic bass player, creating it involved a lengthy process with challenges of its own: “It’s just kind of a thing where you make a record and you tour for a couple of years after and then you spend a year writing and recording a new record, so that’s 3 years right there. I mean, I also broke my arm really bad snowboarding in Montana and I couldn’t play for 6 months as well, I was worried I would never get to play bass again so I’m really happy to be laughing about it today.”

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Kiedis on the title of the album: “Well first, the name became the title of a song which didn’t have a title and you know, things need to have titles. ‘The Getaway’ is inspired by the classic Steve McQueen film, I think it is a very succinct and beautiful short title. At the very last minute before the release of the album last year, I was pushing for the song to be one of our singles we would release. It wasn’t received as such, so I asked if it could at least be the title of the record—and that’s how it happened and became the title of the album”.

Instead, the first single from the album was the song Dark Necessities. Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer credits Danger Mouse for the shrewd decision: “Actually another song had been chosen to be the first single, but at the last minute Brian (Danger Mouse) had sent out a very sage like email that requested for everyone to re-think what song should be released. He felt that the other song might be too much of a jump for our first song.

Brian had a feeling that Dark Necessities would show off maybe some of the new characteristics of our collaboration with him while maintaining the bands familiar sounds. I think it was a good choice to do that” In our opinion, one of the best songs on the album is the funk rocker Go Robot with Flea’s amazing bass lines leaping. Drummer Chad Smith agreed that the song was unique: “Well, that one was originally called ‘Robot Man’ for the longest time, but when we got to the studio with Brian (Danger Mouse), he really

wanted to strip it down. There were parts of the song he really liked and parts he felt could be better. We did strip it down and we changed the chorus, but it always was and still is a really hard funk song. I remember how when we were in the studio we really wanted the bass and the drums to have a really clean, low dirty punch to it. I remember referencing the song “Controversy” by Prince—and we all wanted it to come out like a song in a similar vein. I don’t know if we accomplished it or not, but we did our best.”

One thing that is really wild to me about that song is that it may be the only Chili Peppers song that there are two bass tracks. So, thankfully Flea has grown another two arms after the operation from his accident, he hides it well but he can now play both bass parts live (laughs)”.

The Chili Peppers continue their current tour until October this year—and have a stop here in the Nation’s Capital on June 23rd.

Have you every wondered what goes on before a Chili Pepper’s show? Anthony Kiedis chalks it up to preparation: “The physicality of our shows are such that there is no way you are going to make it happen without preparation. I sing loud for 2 hours during a show, so I have to spend a lot of the time on

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concert day getting my voice ready with the right food and the right warmups. Then I have to run, do push-ups, wrestle Flea or do something to get my blood flowing. You just can’t go from 0 to 100 miles per hour without preparation. I have to eat 3 hours before the show, so I can get protein in my bloodstream but I won’t vomit all over the microphone (laughs)… if I eat before I play, I’m not keeping it down it’s too intense. It is like playing an entire basketball game while you’re singing and playing instruments.”

All of us have to get into a certain headspace, so we all gravitate towards one room about 15 minutes before we go on stage. We get

together and just listen to music, it could be anything really, could be Patti Smith, could be Funkadelic, could be anything. It’s just all about getting together and getting into the same headspace.

Josh and Flea sit there and incessantly warm up, while Chad comes in his jumpsuit and starts tapping the sticks. Everyone has to have their bones and their tissues and their thoughts together for us to hit the stage and get off on the right foot.

Overall, it literally takes us hours to get ready— but sometimes, you’re more ready than others, sometimes there are nerves or maybe something bad happens before you go on… you have to always be ready to deal with it… you could be sick, hurt, you could be in a fight with your girlfriend, maybe you couldn’t sleep last night—whatever it

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is, you have to pull it together and get ready for that moment when you take the stage”.

Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer’s warm-up is mostly vocal: “For me, I don’t really have that much of a ritual.

I like to warm up my voice because I’ve seen the difference when I don’t, so I always make sure to warm up my voice. I just try to play as much guitar as I can throughout the day… but I definitely try to keep away from guests prior to the show, as they don’t always understand all of the things I need to do. Overall, the people that are in this band and on the crew, they are all so positive and great to be around—so much so that it is really hard to not just feel joy before going on stage”.

When the band returns to the city in June, Chili Peppers fans will be treated to many of the bands massive hits, and to songs from what Kiedis feels is probably their best album for performing live: “There is not a song on ‘The Getaway’ that I don’t look forward to playing live and that is a very rare thing to say about a record. Usually there is, on a good record, half of the songs that look like good live material. On this record, 99.9% of “The Getaway” screams to be played live and that makes me as happy as anything.

We needed that and we need songs to choose from that are new for our set”.

34 years and three generations after their debut, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are still as passionate and particular as they were in the 80’s. I sat for a while after our interview trying to figure out the answer—how does a band transcend the forays of generational tastes to become timeless?

It goes beyond their music—the band is so honest and relatable and you feel that they truly care about what they do. They see their fans as their lifeline, they look to the new generations to keep them young, energized and putting out excellent material that are taking this California crew on a journey to music history. After three decades, says Flea, their acumen as performers and their work ethic as creators is unrelenting; “I really care about putting on a good show… if people go out and buy a ticket to our concert, they deserve for me to sweat blood for them. It’s not a joke to me, it is very serious to me and I really care about it. I don’t see any reason to step on the stage unless you’re going to out there with every fibre of your being—if not, you’d just be a scam. I want to earn my keep. I care about the people. People spend a lot of their money to buy a ticket and they give up their time to come and watch our concerts. I want to give them everything I’ve got”.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers arrive in Ottawa on Friday, June 23rd for their concert at the Canadian Tire Centre.

@ChiliPeppers

THE GUY CODE:

Wearing cologne is a deadly tango that every man must execute with precision or face certain, subtle consequence.

Execute correctly and hearts will swoon. Apply incorrectly and you will offend everyone whose nose comes within proximity.

Very few men know the secret to simple success: the sillage.

Follow these rules for a calculated approach to scent.

THE RULES OF COLOGNE STEP 1: SPRAY AFTER SHOWER Preferably, you will have the opportunity to spray your freshly towel-dried skin after you hop out of the shower.

Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from the area you are going to apply it to.

STEP 2: SPRAY ON “HOT” AREAS Sillage… just the name itself sounds seductive and guys, this is the trail of love that you want to secretly unleash on the fluttering hearts of everyone you pass during the day. How to unleash “sillage”? Well, you should spray the cologne on the parts of your body that are the warmest—lower jaw, neck, chest, wrist forearm, shoulder, inner elbow. Warning: not all areas of your body need this to accomplish sillage. Choose one.

STEP 3: START WITH ONE AREA And slowly over time go for two or three areas, but no more or you risk upsetting the rules of the sillage.

STEP 4: DO NOT RE-SPRAY UNLESS ITS NECESSARY

The good news is that you can reach in for another sillage if the scent has faded, but be careful not to jump the gun.

Ask friends or co-workers if the smell is gone or faded and if so—usually its after 6-8 hours—you can unleash a second serving of sillage.

STEP 5: DON’T RUB IT IN Leave the rubbing to Aladdin. As applying pressure on the fragrance breaks the molecular bond, rubbing it in will actually make the scent weaker–just the opposite of what you intended.

STEP 6: CANCEL THE SPRAY AND WALK We all treated spray as Chanel No. 5 when we were 14.

Spray was the faithful rite of passage for every sweaty, blooming teen. While the spray and walk feels elegant like it belongs in a Versace commercial, avoid the urge. The spray and walk isn’t everything its cracked up to be—the majority of your spray ends up on the floor and on your feet.

STEP 7: DON’T SPRAY ON YOUR CLOTHES Dousing your clothes in cologne, also known as the ‘Skid Shower’ never worked for us and it won’t work for you either. Cologne is designed to mix with your natural oils to create scent. Always spray on the skin for maximum effect.

So you’ve gotten a couple compliments and you’re worried that your scent powers are fading as the day wears on.

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ROOKIE SEASON

HOW THE VOICES OF TWO OTTAWA RAPPERS INSPIRED BY AUSTON MATTHEWS’ ROOKIE DEBUT WERE HEARD. When Auston Matthews made his historic four goal Maple Leaf’s debut play in Ottawa, it was a moving moment for NHL fans everywhere. For everyone watching from the Canadian Tire Centre, the name Auston Matthews became one that they would never forget. Somewhere in the crowd, Samuel Siboko— known as Ottawa rapper SVDVM—was inspired, too.

Photography by Marc Brigden Styling by Giulian De La Merced Clothing provided by NRML Photographed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier 86 | MAY/JUNE 2017

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Photography by Marc Brigden Styling by Giulian De La Merced Clothing provided by NRML Photographed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier 88 | MAY/JUNE 2017

“I’m 20, so to see a 19 year old come out and score four goals in his debut was incredible and it gave people so much energy. It was different, and I get inspired by being different.”

Today’s rap music scene is the faithful heir of the 90’s grunge-rock fever. Toronto and Ottawa share in the energetic wake of Drake’s rise to fame. Ottawa native Belly has taken his music on tour with names like Juicy J, Rae Sremmurd, and the Weeknd. But, just like the wave of old guitars in midnight garage bands that inspired Dave Grohl’s famous rant against amateur singing contests, the world of rap music has a low entrance fee. Rap music is easy to make, but hard to make well, and even harder to make heard.

“I would always make remixes to old 50 Cent songs just for fun. But, only two years ago did I put a crew together and start making music. I didn’t want to make music as much as I wanted to just put people on. I had no expectations because the music scene is hard and competitive. It was other people who started telling me to make more.”

“It was crazy how fast the video blew up.” Says rapper Xuave, “I felt like it was going to be big, but given that we were rocking Maple Leafs’ jerseys, I didn’t feel it would get as much love in Ottawa. But it did—we got about 30,000 views in an hour.”

And while the Ottawa community jumped to support the artists on this song, some of those views were from Maple Leafs players, themselves. Just a week after the song was released, Matthews gave his appreciation to the rappers in a dressing room interview, revealing that Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner would play the song on their way to the rink, just for fun.

“It’s pretty funny. Mitch starts playing the song on the drive on the way to the rink,” Matthews can be heard saying, “It’s pretty cool.”

Next to give a nod to the Ottawa artists was Sportsnet, quoted as saying “Hockey and trap, together again.” Followed by other Toronto newspapers and sports blogs.

FM: What does it mean to be a musician from Ottawa?

S: Right now the Ottawa music scene is the best it could be. I’ve been in Ottawa for many years and the hip-hop scene has never been like this. Even five years ago, no one supported the youth and the local scene from Ottawa. Rap is something many people want to get in to, so lots of people will dismiss those who adopt the art form. But now people make an effort to support local artists.

You can’t assume everyone who raps wants to be famous. The fun is in the participation. When we do shows and throw events, people are actually coming out and celebrating in that. Personally a lot of the music I listen to is from local artists.

FM: How did your partnership form?

S: We have our own collective called RBLx. We’re the two main guys and we have at least five different artists. We also work with our photographers and DJ’s to put on all-ages events in Ottawa.

Our goal is to make sure that youth have something to do on the weekend. That is important to us, because if we can provide a community for kids to come and enjoy themselves, we can have a positive impact.

Even after Matthews’ debut play—fuelled with rookie ambition—SVDVM didn’t consider making a track with any serious conviction. But the Maple Leaf’s expert puck handling and quick feet had resonated with him still.

The hype has since settled down, but not before the song reached over 164,000 views on YouTube. What remains is the legitimate recognition of Ottawa’s music scene, coupled with an inspiring story of rookie ambition.

“It started with the beat. It was just so catchy that I felt it should be played in a hockey arena. I had been talking about the Auston Matthews play all that week and so I kept saying it over and over again on the track as a joke.”

FM: When did you start making music?

X: Well, we met in Mrs. Johnson’s grade nine drama class. The rest is history (laughs).

S: I’m attracted to how music brings everyone together. I listened to music a lot and I was always inspired to make something different.

As the video continues to gain views, although now at a slower rate, SVDVM and Xuave have made plans to ride off their fame to help others:

X: I was a big fan of rap music as a kid, and after listening to it religiously I eventually felt like “I could do this too.”

I started by recording videos with old instrumentals and a webcam, just like everyone else (laughs).

FM: What’s next?

But it would be less than a day of the song being posted to Youtube that Auston Matthews himself would share in that joke.

“When I put the song up, all of my friends started tagging Auston Matthews. Within an hour almost 100 people had tagged him. And that’s when he liked it on Instagram and me and Xuave, my partner on the song, went wild.”

On the video titled Auston Matthews , SVDVM is seen with his rap duo partner Xuave and fellow artist Black Iri$h. The three are seen in Carleton University’s rink in Maple Leafs’ jerseys.

FM: Did you watch the interview?

S: I was laughing, it was hilarious. I felt like they appreciated the song, and I’m glad they could also share in the joke and not take it too seriously.

X: I woke up from a nap saw that he had liked it. The interview was crazy, I didn’t expect him to see it so fast.

S: I’m working on a lot right now—music videos, merch, more shows in Ottawa cause there’s just more people every time. We want to keep giving a voice to the youth—to the outsiders.

X: We’re working towards getting bigger and better—to fill out bigger venues and create more music. A lot of new music and videos coming out. @SVDVM @_xuave

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FMfood TAP INTO OTTAWA’S RESTAURANT SCENE.

AFTER THE DAILY GRIND

A Pick Me Up The Pick Me Up Martini: served on ice at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Lounge on Preston, this drink is the warm-weather favourite of Little Italy. Perfect on a summer’s day, the Pick Me Up is equally efficient as an apertivo or a digestif.

Smooth Belvedere Vodka stars in this artful rendition of iced coffee—mixed with Baileys, Kalua, and Espresso. To be paired with any of Giovanni’s freshly made cannoli’s, Italian classics, and good company—all offered in house.

Photo: Brianna Godard 90 | MAY/JUNE 2017

FMlife Mother’s Day SUNDAY, MAY 14TH

C E L E B R AT I N G I N T H E C A P I TA L

Father’s Day SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH

BRUNCH AT THE BROOKSTREET HOTEL

DO A FATHER’S DAY 5K

Celebrate Mom with live music and a gourmet brunch buffet in Perspectives Restaurant or Brookstreet’s Ballroom—Sunday, May 14th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Find or organize a charity run with other father-son/daughter duos in your community.

AN AFTERNOON OF SHOPPING

TOUR A LOCAL BREWARY

Treat your mom to a Sunday at Nordstrom Ottawa—shop their various departments and break only for lunch at Bazille restaurant and bar.

Spend a day taste-testing pints and watching the production of your local beer.

MYOW

RENT A CANOE

Make your own wine at one of the three wineries located in the Ottawa area. Bring home your bottle after a day well-spent.

Take on Dow’s lake together—rent a Canoe, Kayak or fishing boat and spend the afternoon on the water.

MOMOSAS, MEDITATION & MOVEMENT

WATCH A LOCAL SPORTS EVENT

Enjoy a morning of yoga and meditation coupled with fresh mimosas at the Anderson Links Golf & Country Club with YogiWino. A fun activity offered at both beginner and advanced levels.

Cheering on your local little leagues is a fun way to reminisce over the years he spent watching you play.

A MOTHER-DAUGHTER PHOTOSHOOT

HAVE A COOK-OFF

Book a glamourous experience with a beauty team and photographer for you and mom— with incredible photos to have forever.

Rally all of the kids and challenge Dad to a cook-off—start with the same ingredients, a timer, and the kitchen. Line up a panel of honest judges and enjoy an afternoon of laughs.

PAINT DAY

GO TO THE MOVIES

Try your hand at painting at Ginger Café’s Painting Party. Spend a few relaxing hours creating memories while being guided by a local artist.

Dads love movies, but are much less likely to go with friends to the theatre than mom is. Spend Father’s day at the theatre catching up on the movie experience, and binging on popcorn. 91 | MAY/JUNE 2017

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“

My favourite memories of Ottawa are associated with people I knew and met up there.

Photo: Steve keros

“

- Dan Aykroyd

93 | MAY/JUNE 2017

DAN AYKROYD HAS ANOTHER GHOST STORY TO TELL.

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Dan Aykroyd is a hallmark face of Canadian talent, one that has captured the eyes of

millions for decades in his infamous roles as Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers and Dr. Raymond Stantz in the cult classic Ghostbusters. Throughout his career in comedy and on-screen, Aykroyd has effortlessly brought Canadian charm to the world stage. He remains as one of few Canadians to have found success in acting, comedy, producing, screenwriting, music and business. And throughout all of these many roles he has and continues to play in his career, Aykroyd’s fascination with the invisible world can be seen threaded skillfully throughout his work.

While a 32 year old Aykroyd channeled his passion for the paranormal into writing the wildly successful Ghostbusters, in later years Dan has gone on to produce other films including a myth busting documentary called Unplugged. Two years after the release of Dan Aykroyd Unplugged on UFOs, Dan’s ambitions turned to another story from the world beyond—The Legend of the 13 Crystal Heads.

His fascination with the 13 crystal skulls, said to have been found separately all over the world at different times in history, inspired him. Only 7 of these heads are in mankind’s custody today. While it was estimated that the creation of these skulls would have taken over 300 years for anyone to make, no proof of tool marks can be found. As Dan tells the story, he pointedly concludes that “these heads should not exist.”

Rather than turning to the screen to tell the world this incredible tale, Dan partnered with artist John Alexander to create replicas of these crystal skulls. It was here that he was born a business man—creating a link between the spirit world and the world of spirits with the creation of Crystal Head Vodka.

“Finally, we have a replica to connect us if we wish to the Crystal Head’s message and purpose on Earth,” says Aykroyd. His product has become wildly successful in North America and Europe, selling to nightclubs in France, Ibiza, Manhattan and of course, Ottawa. Unlike many celebrities who become the face of brands, Dan is actively involved in the operations of his business and meticulously passionate about his product.

As he delved into the details of Crystal Head Vodka—and his latest addition Crystal Head Aurora—in both design and the commitment to quality he has taken for both products, it was clear that Ottawa born Aykroyd continues to succeed as a maverick of Canadian culture.

FM: You were born and raised in Ottawa. Tell us about some of your favourite memories growing up in the area?

DA: My favourite memories of Ottawa are associated with people I knew and met up there. I’ll start with a spectacular one. My father and his road crew built the Gatineau Parkway; my father was the Chief Engineer hired by the NCC. As a youth, about 6 or 7, I was on that road. At 3 year’s old I helped to lay out the Camp Fortune parking lot with a measuring tape. My dad and I went up there (there was pressure to put a ski hill in) and he gave me the little brown tape measurer with the coil in it and he said, “Go walk, walk, walk, walk, then stop walking and stay there”. I grew up with the bulldozer operators, sitting with them in the machines and in the dump trucks and I watched my dad blast through that granite highway right through the mountain to make the beautiful highway. There is a picture of me with John Diefenbaker standing there when I was about 8 years old, with Diefenbaker looking out over the valley. After the highway was built and my father was still at the NCC restoring buildings, I had his ring of keys to the parkway, so when they would close the Gatineau Parkway in the fall, my friends and I would open it up for ourselves and go and drive it freely in our Mustangs and Camaros. That was a phenomenal memory for me. My roots go very deep there. Here’s how Canadian I am: I was born on Canada Day, at Ottawa General Hospital, the grandson of a RCMP Staff Sergeant, my father was a high-Anglican Englishman from Toronto, my mom was a French-Catholic woman from Quebec.

FM: Do you ever get back to the city? And if so, are there any places that you really like to visit when you’re back?

DA: Oh for sure! I love Restaurant 18 on York (especially because they sell our vodka). I also love Aces, going to the Rainbow Room to hear a band, Al’s Steakhouse, I miss Nate’s Deli, I love a good Sharwama and the Lebanese culture in Ottawa…just terrific food, warm people, and a strong heritage.

I like the Bank Hotel, the Lafayette, the Chateau Laurier, the whole Market district. And I love going back to where I used to live.

Photo: Steve keros

I also love the Moscow Tea Room—we love to go in and tip the waiter’s and waitresses’ really well because they are such a loyal account for Crystal Head and have had us on the menu since day one, they are such loyal supporters. When a restaurant, bar or hotel does that, they get Aykroyd loyalty for life. You put Crystal Head on the bar, I’m gonna come in and drop a big tab, pay the waiters and waitresses and help you for helping me, and letting a Canadian product live and thrive. I appeal to all bar owners who don’t have Crystal Head on their bar—get it, and I’ll come in!

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FM: Crystal Head has won a lot of Awards—tell us the story of Crystal Head; what inspired you, and what you find puts Crystal Head above the rest.

DA: If you open up a lot of vodkas on the shelf they smell like Chanel No. 10—there are all kinds of additives in vodka. We stripped all of the additives out of Crystal Head. We start with Newfoundland water, and the vodka is built by the Still at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Distillery Corporation—the last state owned Still in the world. Glaciers melted and the water went into the rocks of Newfoundland and the water is so pure, it’s never been touched by acid rain or people. We use a peaches and cream corn from Chatham, ON, which produces a beautiful natural viscosity and a smoothness and creaminess without the use of oils and additives which are added to lesser vodkas (things like glyceride, fragrance, limonene and cane sugar—alcohol doesn’t need any more sugar, it is in there naturally enough already).

Two years ago we won the Moscow ProdExpo Award for Excellent Taste, out of 400 beverages! A Canadian vodka winning in Moscow is great. We are supportive of all people, and there is a lot of discrimination going on in Moscow among the LGBT community, and so we have a very big following in that community. We are operators and crusaders for all of the great merchants and people in that community as we have built the brand over the last 10 years.

Crystal Head is really just the cleanest vodka on the planet that bartenders love to use, and we support good causes.

FM: The bottle itself is a huge selling point for Crystal Head Vodka—what is the story behind its design?

DA: The bottle, while dreaming up what to put in it, kind of came at the same time. My friend John Alexander designed the bottle, please look up his work, he is just a beautiful painter.

We are friends back from when I was on SNL, and we actually dated the same lady… well, she dumped me for him! And now we are friends, so as she says, “You’ve got each other now!” He came up with the design and I knew what to put in it—a stripped down, zero additives spirit. And we have won a dozen medals around the world. We have a 91 point + rating without using the oils—that’s like me getting a 78 in math without studying (laughs).

FM: What are the best drinks to make with Crystal Head Vodka?

DA: Well, here is what I like, and the Wyn hotel in Vegas is selling gallons of our product by making the following drinks: White Cosmo (aka the Lucky Head) which is 2.5oz Crystal Head, white cranberry juice, a bit of simple syrup, elderberry flower extract (and sometimes an egg white), shake that up, and I mean, I consume in moderation, but I 96 | MAY/JUNE 2017

could have a few of those I tell ya!

Of course there is also the Long Island Bar Car Martini (aka The Rail Head). If you were a Madison Ave executive at 11:00am in the 50’s you could get a martini on the train served by a white glove steward. Now, you can’t do that anymore, but imagine the man in the grey flannel suit from the Wall Street Journal sipping a martini on the train, I mean how civilized! At 11:00 in the morning, I love it! (laughs). The recipe for that is 2.5oz Crystal Head, shake it on ice with a couple of olives and a pearl onion, and that’s it! And some people like to add a rinse or a splash of vermouth as well.

FM: Before your career in Comedy, did you have bartending experience? Or was this something you came to be passionate later in life?

DA: We had a Key Club in Toronto on the 505 Queen Street, you had to have a membership.

The only thing that was served was beer and wine, but it was where Gilda Radner, John Candy, John Belushi, Jayne Eastwood, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara—all of these people I worked with—came through and I sometimes had to mix some cocktails, but I like to leave it to the professionals. We have a program in the Crystal Head Organization called the Star Tender Program, and there are some people who really know what they are doing in the beverage/cocktail area as far as building drinks and creating menus. I leave it to them because we have consultants we work with in the company. It’s so wonderful to go to these conventions and have 9 bartenders making drinks that you have to sample.

We have to practice moderation there, but some of the recipes are very interesting. I’ve seen Ants on a Log in a cocktail, raisins, peanuts, celery and bacon in a Bloody Caesar—people put food in cocktails now—I saw a cube of bacon glazed in maple sugar in a Maple Vodka Cocktail (aka the Maple Head) and it was spectacular! 2.5oz Crystal Head, a bit of maple syrup, the maple bacon cube, some soda water for some foam and shake it up—you could drink them all night!

FM: CHV just recently released Crystal Head Aurora—Can you tell us a bit about this new product?

DA: We’re so excited! The Crystal Head Aurora is a tribute to our aurora borealis and the spirit of our native land and the indigenous cultures that looked to the sky and held us in special sacred perspective—our little tribute to Canadian culture. We have a process in which we flash fire it so it comes out with that beautiful texture on it. It is a wheat vodka from Yorkshire, England (the wheat is from England, the water is still from Newfoundland), and the notes differ a bit from the corn. Anthony Dias Blue (who rates vodka) said about our original Crystal Head, quote “Sweet, vanilla, dry, crisp, with a kick of heat off the finish”. The notes on the wheat vodka are “Anise, peppercorn, dryer, crisper, with a little less fire” and those notes make it great for a Bloody Mary.

FM: Many brands venture into flavored Vodka’s—do you see Crystal Head doing this?

DA: You know, I travel the world (well, the checkerboard of North America) and I go to distribution houses all the time—I drive myself sometimes in a freight liner tractor like you see a Nascar race crew have, except I don’t have a race car, just me and my staff. I sit in front of hundreds of salesmen outside warehouses for distribution. The salesmen always ask, “Are you ever going to do flavours?” and I say, “Absolutely not!” and they go, “Woooahh!” and they rise up cheering. We don’t do it because then we would be adding oils and our purity story would be shot! But the reason they cheer is because every week a vodka comes out with a new flavor: lemon, lime, chocolate, vanilla, marshmallow, cotton candy—and these salesmen have enough trouble moving the original line vodkas that are already there—now they have to go out and move a ton more! They hate flavours!

We just have our original vodkas, but in different sizes. We have our 750mL and our beautiful 50mL minis, and we have the 1.5L (the big Party Head) and then for Ibiza and nightclubs in Europe we produce the 3L head which is quite large. They are beautiful pieces of glass made by Bruni in Italy—one of the oldest glass makers from the 50’s—it is just a spectacular product. For the original Crystal Head bottle, it takes about 90-100 pieces of flawed pieces before we get it right. People don’t want to throw away the bottle. Thousands of people have made art pieces out of the glass; gilded it, put it in rhinestones and wax and brass—people use it for flowers—it’s beautiful. I just wanted a better product, and people will treat themselves to a premium product. People work hard so why not treat yourself to the best? To me, you get a better quality Canadian product.

FM: Crystal Head is available at the LCBOs across Ontario, correct?

DA: Yes. And the LCBO is such a great partner for suppliers. They are really one of the great institutions in the province and in government, because the money that a consumer pays for a luxury good—and alcohol is an affordable luxury right down to the beer case—it’s not a necessity. You are paying for a luxury when you buy licensed goods, and they have a tax on them, but that tax goes right back to the people of Ontario in a very material way. It is also policed beautifully, there is no corruption there, they pay on time for a supplier, they work with programs, come up with programs…they are just wonderful partners. I like the system the way it is, I really do.

FM: Unlike many celebrities who put their name on brands you are very involved in the business side of things. What else do you do in the company?

DA: My family (my daughters, wife and I) own the company as majority owners and I have 3 partners; David Brown, Johnathan Hemi and John Alexander. I am much more than just a spokesperson as an owner, so when I see brackets, I am pretty upset, but when I see depletions I am happy (that means the product is moving in the alcohol industry).

FM: Was business something you always planned on doing, or is it something you have only recently taken an interest in?

DA: Not at all, never did. But you know, I was in show business, and it is a business, so I did have to negotiate my own contracts when I started in television and radio and then I went onto reporting and film and eventually had the experts of the world representing me—but I was fully conversant in their language and that of a business manager, an agent, a producer, a director, a financial advisor, a lawyer—I am pretty conversant across the spectrum so I understand what people are saying to me when they are giving me bad advice.

FM: Let’s talk a bit about your other interests.

Canadian Comedy today is changing very quickly—do you have a style of Comedy that you prefer?

DA: I love watching all comedy—everything from old movies and TV to stand-up to comedy concert stars like Amy Schumer and Louis CK and Dave Chappelle. I came out of second city and we were scene players, it’s a bit different, and improv is where I got my start so I do like to see a good improv. Everybody who came out of improv is now in Hollywood as screenwriters, directors, producers.

Harold Ramos is a perfect example who wrote Ghostbusters, Stripes and Caddy Shack.

FM: Speaking of Ghostbusters, when you began to work on the script of the movie, did you have any idea just how huge that film would become, and the impact that it would have on pop culture?

I love the new movie with the ladies as well— spectacular. The problem was that it just cost too much to be commercially successful. The ladies were just spectacular though—I really enjoyed it.

@dan_aykroyd www.crystalheadvodka.com

Photo: Steve keros

“

Crystal Head is really just the cleanest vodka on the planet that bartenders love to use, and we support good causes.

- Dan Aykroyd

“

DA: We knew we were making something special, but you never know. My great-grandfather Sam was a spiritualist—he wrote “A History of Ghosts” and it will tell you the whole story of Ghostbusters and how it got started. Spiritualism and the study of life and consciousness after death—surviving after death. Isn’t that a nice hope? I know we won’t find out until we are gone, but there is plenty of evidence!

97 | MAY/JUNE 2017

MAY 2017 4

may

4-7 may

7

may

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE @ CTC

POUTINEFEST

may

12-22 may

22 may

OTTAWA COMICCON

CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL @LANDSDOWNE PARK

VICTORIA DAY

JUNE 2017 2

WESTFEST

3

MONSTER SPECTACULAR @ CTC

8

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS V OTTAWA REDBLACKS @ TD PLACE

june

june

june

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THE 1975 @ CTC

27

GREAT GLEBE GARAGE SALE

may

12-14

CN CYCLE FOR CHEO

25 may

27-28 may

TAMARACK OTTAWA RACE WEEKEND

28

THE WEEKND @ CTC

may

14-18 june

9

june

10 june

11 june

DESSERT FEST @ LANDSDOWNE PARK

COLOR VIBE 5K

ORLÉANS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

22 june

23 june

28 june

OTTAWA RIBFEST

TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL WORLD TOUR @ CTC

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS @ CTC

CALGARY STAMPEDERS V OTTAWA REDBLACKS @ TD PLACE

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100 | MAY/JUNE 2017