Bridges July 23, 2014

BRIDGES

READ MY BOOK:

Intent to Kill takes readers on an actionfilled journey P. 5

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MUSIC:

Whiteboy Slim keeps the blues fires burning P. 14

ON THE SCENE:

A road trip to a legendary music festival in the boreal forest P. 16

A STA R P H O E N I X CO M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R

PIANO MAN

JEFFERY STRAKER GAMBLED ON A MUSIC CAREER AND WON P. 6

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ON THE SCENE PG. 16

ON THE COVER PG. 6

Internationally renowned Jeffery Straker began playing piano at the age of six. BRIDGES PHOTO BY DON HEALY

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

ON THE SCENE — 4 Celebrating 35 years of culture at the RBC FolkFest Gala

GARDENING — 18 What to do if your beet and spinach leaves are under attack

READ MY BOOK — 5 Intent to Kill takes readers on an action-filled journey

CROSSWORD/SUDOKO — 19 EVENTS — 20 What you need to know to plan your week Adam Logan dances the day away at the Ness Creek Music Festival. BRIDGES PHOTO BY MICHELLE BERG

ON THE COVER — 6 Saskatchewan’s Jeffery Straker is building an international reputation

SHARP EATS — 24 Awaken your tastebuds with African cuisine

IN THE CITY — 12 A moment in time: Photographer Liam Richards’s shot that defines the week

OUTSIDE THE LINES — 26 Artist Stephanie McKay’s weekly colouring creation for kids of all ages

MUSIC — 14 Whiteboy Slim keeps the blues fires burning

WINE WORLD — 27 Serve Verdicchio at your next dinner party — it’s a people-pleaser

ON THE SCENE — 16 We took a road trip to Saskatchewan’s favourite music festival in the boreal forest: Ness Creek

BRIDGES COVER PHOTO BY DON HEALY Bridges is published by The StarPhoenix – a division of Postmedia Network Inc. – at 204 Fifth Avenue North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2P1.

Rob McLaughlin is editor-in-chief. Heather Persson managing editor; Jenn Sharp associate editor.

For advertising inquiries contact 657-6340; editorial, 657-6327; home delivery, 657-6320. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal, non-commercial purposes. All other rights are reserved and commercial use is prohibited. To make any use of this material you must first obtain the permission of the owner of the copyright. For more information, contact the editor at 657-6327.

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ON THE SCENE #

RBC FOLKFEST GALA

6.

To kickstart the 2014 festival, the annual RBC Folkfest Gala was held on July 18 at TCU Place.

The 450 guests enjoyed an evening of international cuisine, a parade of nations and cultural performances. The gala, held to acknowledge sponsors and thank the community for its support, installed this year’s Folkfest cultural ambassadors.

Folkfest, which will be held Aug. 14 to 16, is celebrating its 35-year anniversary in Saskatoon. The festival offers an opportunity to visit pavillions hosted by cultural associations representing 18 regions around the world.

1. Veronica Piletskaya was part of the Russian pavilion.

2. Kaesir, left, and Istifo Nisreen represent the Mesopotamia pavillion.

3. Asha and Scott Parisie represents the Carribean pavilion.

4. Memunatu Kamara represents the Sierra Leone pavilion.

5. Mona Luo-Tatebe represents Japan at the the Asia Pacific pavilion.

6. Vivenea, left, and Angela Kargbo from the the Sierra Leone pavilion.

BRIDGES PHOTOS BY RICHARD MARJAN

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READ MY BOOK #

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LOCA L AUT H ORS: Writers tell us what makes their book worth reading

RYSHIA KENNIE

Intent to Kill takes readers on an action-filled journey I’ll never forget standing on the edge of Cambodia’s killing fields. It’s a haunting place where evil is enclosed in barbed wire. The field is pocked by mass graves labelled only by sex and sometimes age. Just beyond the barbed wire, children stand in a river, giggling as they scrub a bony-hipped cow as if what sprawls before me never happened.

Cambodia, April 1975: The Indochina war ends and the Khmer Rouge take power. Soon, labour camps dot the countryside as the Khmer Rouge force the population to exist as a communal society dependent on a primitive agrarian lifestyle. Those considered a threat to the regime; government officials, intellectuals (teachers, lawyers, those wearing glasses, the list

R

is endless) are jailed, tortured, killed; soon even those excluded from the killing are killed for various infractions. Some say as many as two million people died. It doesn’t end until 1979.

What had become of those that perpetrated this evil, those Ryshia Kennie that lived and had not stood trial? And with that thought, the beginnings of a story, the romantic suspense, Intent to Kill, was born.

A ruthless band of smugglers will

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stop at nothing to strip Cambodia of its priceless artifacts, even if it means using and killing female tourists.

Journalist Claire Linton knows she’s on to the story of a lifetime. But for Claire, it’s personal too; long before her “Uncle Jack” came to the U.S., he was held captive in the nightmarish killing fields of Cambodia. Claire senses there might be a connection between that long-ago bloody history and the dark crimes plaguing the country today.

Simon Trent is a burnt-out Interpol agent who disappeared after his last case turned fatal. But with the resurgence in smuggling and all signs pointing to the man who once escaped his grasp, he comes out of hiding to finish the job that’s haunted him for

years. What he doesn’t see coming is Claire, the beautiful and headstrong reporter who may be a threat to his case — and to his heart.

As Claire and Simon reluctantly join forces to unravel a mystery that reaches deep into her family history and may be his only chance at redemption, they must fight to stay one step ahead of a brutal killer — and one step away from the dangerous feelings building between them.

Intent to Kill is an e-book available at all major online bookstores. For more information on Intent to Kill or my other books, go to www.ryshiakennie.com.

It is also part of a box set with some of the hottest authors in romantic suspense.

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ON THE COVER #

We’re all on a path; no one knows where it’s going to end. — Jeffery Straker

SINGER-SONGWRITER

Straker is building an international reputation

Jeffery Straker is a local singer-songwriter who has played the piano since age six. He grew up on a farm in Punnichy, which he says taught him the value of hard work.

By Ashley Martin Jeffery Straker was working in marketing in Toronto — not unhappy with his job, but not thrilled by it either — when he accompanied his grandma Jean and mom Bev to visit his great-aunt Mary.

Mary lived in a care home; she

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was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and had no idea who they were.

That moment changed Straker’s life.

“We’re all on a path; no one knows where it’s going to end,” said Straker. “That could be my fate.

“So I was like, if it is, why wouldn’t

I enjoy every single moment on the way to wherever it is that I’m going?

I think everyone sort of is probably given that message at some point in their life, but you either soak it up or you don’t. And something about that day, I totally got it; it clobbered me.”

He got on the phone, quit his job,

BRIDGES PHOTO BY DON HEALY

and gave himself a year to see if pursuing his passion — music — would work out as a career.

It did.

In 2006, he released Songs From Highway 15, a 10-track album comprising songs about his hometown of Punnichy, population 277, which is 125 kilometres north of Regina.

He has since released three albums, the latest of which, Vagabond, was twice toured nationally.

In February, Straker won the international Vina del Mar competition in Chile, gaining new fans worldwide.

It may be safe to say his gamble paid off.

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As a storyteller, Jeff explores a lot. I think some of the new stuff he’s writing is a lot more personal. There’s an empathy and an expression there that only comes out of Jeff when he writes songs. — Brodie Mohninger

Winner of the Vina del Mar International Song Festival competition, Canadian singer Jeffery Straker peforms in Vina del Mar, Chile, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. AP PHOTO

Of course, that’s not without sacrifice.

“Being a touring musician, there’s a lot of things you give up,” said Straker. “I feel like a bad friend sometimes. People will text me and say, ‘Hey we’re going out for a drink at Bushwakker tonight’ and I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m in P.E.I. Sorry.’”

But more than that, there’s the workload.

Straker estimates he works 75 hours a week.

He doesn’t consider himself a workaholic, and he’s never been afraid of hard work, which he says comes from growing up on a farm.

“A farm doesn’t function unless you work your butt off,” said Straker. “I’m a believer in hard work and I think it comes from a prairie upbringing.”

And he’s had to work that much harder since April, when his house was broken into.

His laptop, which contained lyrics and recordings of all his in-progress songs, was swiped — along with the two backup drives that secured the material.

Straker didn’t remember many of the songs, which meant writing even more new songs for

his next album, which he begins recording in two weeks.

He didn’t dwell on the loss.

“You roll with the punches. And no one likes a moper. So I just kind of moved on.”

■ ■ ■ ■ With a gig-based career, Straker travels a lot. He lives in Regina about 75 per cent of the time, which allows him easy access to prairie and west-coast concerts.

“My tour schedule kind of drives my migration. I am a bloody goose, but I’m not going north and south, I’m going east and west.”

For the east-coast gigs, he maintains a home in Toronto, sharing the main floor of a house with two other nomadic creative types. With no rent increase in 10 years, a month’s rent is cheaper than two nights in a hotel.

When he’s in Regina, Straker frequents Wascana Park (as the real geese do). He’s an avid runner, which has contributed to his songwriting in the past year-and-a-half.

Continued on Page 8

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If you can create a set of words that people can nod their head to and connect to, there’s something really beautiful about that. — Straker

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Jeffery Straker (left) and Andrea Menard (right) host Telemiracle, held at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina in 2012. BRIDGES FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL BELL

“I get a stream of ideas when I’m in motion and I don’t know why,” said Straker. “When I’m running, somehow my head clears, I become almost unconscious and ideas just start flowing into it. I feel like an insane person.”

He records snippets of lyrics or melody into his iPhone, so when he sits down to write, he’s got a long list of ideas to work with.

Like a muscle, with work, his songwriting gets stronger.

He’s co-written a lot for his upcoming album, which is being recorded in Toronto and Regina over two weeks in August. The new record is being produced by Dean Drouillard, who has worked with the likes of Royal Wood, Sarah Slean and Sarah Harmer.

Straker feels the new content is a step change.

“I think thematically, the songs are just kind of coming from a different place.”

Brodie Mohninger agrees. The Moose Jawbased guitarist has worked with Straker for two years.

“As a storyteller, Jeff explores a lot. I think some of the new stuff he’s writing is a lot more personal,” said Mohninger. “There’s an empathy and an expression there that only comes out of Jeff when he writes songs.”

In five recordings since Highway 15, “My writing muscles have been flexed stronger,” said Straker.

“It’s clicking up those hours and the time spent flexing the muscles to get them working.

And part of it, I think with writing, is saying what you want to say in a new way and saying it with fewer words.”

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The innovative residence was designed by Saskatoon architect Charles Olfert of AODBT Architecture. Extensive use of architectural glass in the building’s modern design includes floor-to-ceiling windows which capture gorgeous views of neighbouring Hyde Park, with its 237 acres of lakes, parkland and walking trails. A stunning 6-foot wide FreshView window functions like an indoor balcony. Many suites have balconies with glass panel railings.

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Hyde Park View offers some of the most attractive prices in the city, especially when you consider the amenities and the high level of service provided to residents—even to changing the light bulbs. The Elim Lodge Housing Group has been providing quality housing in Saskatoon for more than 30 years.

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You just have to be honest; you have to just say what’s in you. Because if you’re saying something that isn’t in you, then why are you doing it? — Straker

SONGS ON THE RUN When Straker is running through Wascana Park, here are a few of the artists that pump him up: Danny Michel Bahamas Ben Folds Billy Joel Lindi Ortega Joel Plaskett

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Mo Kenney Coeur de Pirate Duke Special Jenn Grant Ray LaMontagne Joni Mitchell

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BUILD SOMETHING GREAT! Jeffery Straker playing and singing at the Eberle and Friends Golf reception at Casino Regina on July 9.

BRIDGES PHOTO BY BRYAN SCHLOSSER

He’s done that with his latest songs. Where previous songs were story-based, Straker is opening himself more with this new batch.

“I feel pretty naked about a lot of the songs,” he said. “It feels right, now.

“In fact, let’s undress,” he added, laughing.

In all seriousness, “You just have to be honest; you have to just say what’s in you. Because if you’re saying something that isn’t in you, then why are you doing it?”

■ ■ ■

■

Straker has played piano since he was six years old, but pursuing music wasn’t always his career goal.

He studied biology at the University of Saskatchewan with the goal of becoming a dentist.

“I think I was the first person in my family to get a degree and I was the first person to not use it,” said Straker, who briefly worked in a lab at the U of S and “hated it.”

“But I’m glad I did, because you don’t know til you try,” he added.

Music has always been his passion.

He grew up in a musical family. Mom Bev plays piano; dad Glen played banjo. His grandparents all played one instrument or another.

Their musicality might be genetic. The Strakers recently discovered distant relatives who live in Barbados and are also musicians; their ancestors hail from the same part of England as the Punnichy Strakers did.

In any case, among his siblings Jill and Jason, “I was really the only one who liked to practise,” said Straker.

Continued on Page 10

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I was this young guy really enjoying taking piano lessons, and all the other guys were really enjoying playing hockey and baseball. — Straker

As their school had no arts program, the kids were allowed to leave class and walk across the street for a half-hour piano lesson with Vicky Young at the low cost of $5.

Straker still holds Young in high esteem.

“She challenged me in just the right way that I wanted to practise,” said Straker. “I wanted to impress her.”

Young, who enjoyed teaching the prodigy, called him a “most excellent student.”

“He came with his lessons memorized,” she said.

By the time he reached Grade 12, Straker was practising piano five hours a day. He’d travel to Regina weekly for a three-hour lesson at the University of Regina Conservatory of Music, where he fell in love with Heintzman pianos. He recently acquired one of his own from Kijiji.

“I was this young guy really enjoying taking piano lessons, and all the other guys were really enjoying playing hockey and baseball,” said Straker.

Piano was always his thing, though he did pick up the fiddle after living in Northern Ireland during his third year of university.

“I think if you’re true to it,” said Straker, “music

picks you; you don’t pick music, really. It feels undeniable for me right now.

“It’s like a second skin in a way.”

■ ■ ■ ■ Straker’s favourite part about playing shows is seeing people connect to a song.

“If you can create a set of words that people can nod their head to and connect to, there’s something really beautiful about that.”

He likes that some of his songs become the soundtrack to people’s lives. One song in particular that resonates with fans is called Wonderful Mrs. Bell. It’s about an East Indian woman who lived in Punnichy and was generally ostracized among townsfolk.

“She was this really unique individual in a small town, so on one level it’s about Mrs. Bell,” but it’s also about anybody else who feels different,” said Straker.

“So many people will come up to me after a show and say, ‘I’m Mrs. Bell.’ Men, women. Something like that resonates with them about being different, recognizing your difference, whatever it may be.”

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Musician Jeffery Straker poses with villagers during a recent tour of Ghana where he staged concerts and workshops across the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFERY STRAKER

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“I think if you’re true to it, music picks you; you don’t pick music, really. It feels undeniable for me right now.

— Straker

It’s not only those verbal exchanges with listeners that matter to Straker.

In every concert, there’s an exchange of energy that can make a show good, bad or mediocre.

“There’s energy flowing off the stage, there’s energy flowing onto the stage and I’m not sure what the chicken or the egg is, because people buy a ticket and come to see the show, but you’re there because they want to see you, so you’re swapping this energy,” said Straker. “It’s a momentary relationship and you’re kind of on this date ... The audience really affects things.”

Straker is a great storyteller, said Mohninger, and not only in his songs.

“The songs are more of an emotive part of Jeff; they’re not necessarily all humorous like his storytelling between songs is.”

Banter-wise, “I never feel like, ‘Oh, I’ve heard this before.’ There’s a quality each time he tells (a story) that suggests to me that in his mind’s eye he’s reliving that event and different details appear ... and I think as an audience member, that’s what keeps (them) coming back to hear the same stories,” said Mohninger.

“After touring with him for two years, you see these people in the audience, I know these people have heard these stories but they’re just as entertained as they ever were and that to me is a real connection.”

Chile in February presented a whole new experience, audience-wise.

“Holy cow, you get out of North America and there’s just this other planet of music absorption out there,” said Straker, who performed before 20,000 people during the competition, which was televised to 100 million viewers each night.

“Even after the first time I performed, this guy stopped me on the street and he said, ‘Do you know you’re trending on Twitter?’”

Straker has acquired a new fan base; he’s getting emails from people in Spain and Portugal asking him when he’ll be there to perform. He’s returning to Chile in November to do a tour there.

■ ■ ■ ■ As a singer-songwriter, Straker works alone a lot of the time. There is

Jeffery Straker spends 75 hours a week on his music, especially after losing his lap top and backups after his home was robbed in April. BRIDGES PHOTO BY DON HEALY

no weekly band practice. He hires musicians to accompany him as needed.

“Herding five cats versus herding two cats, it’s like night and day, and I much prefer herding fewer.” From a business perspective, “It just makes it more feasible to do music full-time because at the end of the day there’s a power bill to be paid.”

His go-to guy in a piano-guitar project is Mohninger.

In the studio, Straker’s sound

is big. Some tracks have 12 instruments, including horns and strings.

“It’s very dense,” said Mohninger.

Together, they reinterpret Straker’s music to serve as a duo, and have done so ever since they met during a songwriters’ circle at the Creative City Centre in Regina two years ago.

“I was kind of blown away by him; I was like, ‘Who the hell is this guy?’

So after the show was done, it was kind of like this awkward moment

where it was almost asking him out on a date, and I said, ‘So, do you play with other people?’” Straker recalled, laughing. “He said, ‘Yeah, I do.’”

“He called me up and we got together and just jammed on my little apartment-sized piano here in the house,” said Mohninger. “I was a little nervous because he’s a few albums into a pretty solid career and ... you get the opportunity to basi-

cally audition, but he was so easygoing and so nice about it I was kind of like, ‘Where’s the catch?’

“Do you fine me on stage for missing notes or what? But there’s never been anything like that. It’s always been a really positive, a really great working relationship and really easy to just fit into his music and a real joy to be on the road with.” amartin@leaderpost.com Twitter.com/LPAshleyM

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IN THE CITY #

J U LY 1 9 , 2 0 1 4 — 7 : 4 5 P. M .

Water world

A swimmer competes during Swimming Canada’s Senior Nationals competition at the Shaw Centre, the first time in 24 years the event has been held in Saskatoon. BRIDGES PHOTO BY LIAM RICHARDS

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FOL LOW BRIDG ES ONL INE at thestarphoenix.com/bridges or you can follow us on Twitter @bridgesYXE or on facebook.com/BridgesYXE

S A S K AT C H E WA N M U S I C S C E N E

Keeping the blues fire burning

By Sean Trembath Whiteboy Slim plays the blues, but that doesn’t mean he won’t venture into other genres.

“I have trouble colouring inside the lines,” says Moose Jaw-based Maurice Richard Libby, who has been performing as Whiteboy Slim for over a decade.

While primarily a blues man, Libby incorporates ska, reggae and more into his music. He says that in the early days of the blues, people wouldn’t have worried so much about classifica tion.

“The whole idea of genres didn’t exist until record companies and radio stations got into the act,” he says.

In the past 11 years performing in Saskatchewan, Libby has seen venues come and go. He knows firsthand the difficulty of making a living on the road.

“It’s really tough. A lot of venues that I was regularly playing have either changed their music policies or disappeared. For years I played the Plains in Regina about every six weeks. Now it’s a parking lot waiting to become a condo.”

Libby got into the blues as a young child in Moose Jaw thanks to his father’s extensive record collection. His dad even took him to see Louis Armstrong while Satchmo was still singing an experience Libby still savours.

“I said right there, ‘That’s what I want to do.’” he says.

At 14 he picked up an acoustic guitar. He was singing and writing songs, but was still more of a strummer. It was only once he tried starting his first band that he slid into the lead guitar role.

“I had an incredible time finding guitar play ers I liked playing with. Finally, I just said to hell with it, if I can’t find a guitar player, I’ll make one,” Libby says.

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Maurice Richard Libby got into the blues as a young child in Moose Jaw. PHOTO COURTESY ALI LAUREN

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Maurice Richard Libby has been performing as Whiteboy Slim for over a decade.

PHOTO COURTESY CAROL L. CAIN

His sonic passion took him to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, which was founded in 1945 and claims to be the first American school to formally teach jazz. Libby recalls his time there fondly. It was the 1970s. Although the instructors were professionals, and some had toured with jazz greats, there was a camaraderie between teacher and pupil.

“There was a feeling that everybody there was a musician, and because you were there you were treated with respect,” he says.

Over the years he has played in several bands. In Toronto in the ’80s his band Dirty Movies rode the ska wave of the time, inspired by bands like The Clash. Libby says that ska and punk have more in common with the blues than you might think.

“It’s got the same sort of message and the same sort of emotional honesty,” he says.

He came back to Moose Jaw in the early 2000s, when he was working on a book about the city’s history. At that time, his most recent band had been called Automatic Slim. Once the book was done he decided to get back onstage.

“I was just going to revive Automatic Slim, but I Googled it, and there were about eight bands around the world with that name,” he says, laughing.

His current name was inspired by a conversation he saw on an online message board.

They were debating whether a white guy can truly play the blues.

“I’ve been putting up with that ever since I first started. I got so mad I said, ‘F--- this, I’m calling it Whiteboy Slim.’ It was a direct comment on that,” he says.

He has never looked back. His backing band

changed a few times, but he and current bassist Dustin Bowyer have been touring as a twopiece for more than three years. Bowyer plays drums with his feet along with the bass, and Libby mixes in some harmonica.

Although they’ll head out of province sometimes — including a recent trip to the North by Northeast festival in Toronto — Saskatchewan is Libby’s bread and butter.

“We’ve kind of made a specialty out of playing small towns in Southern Saskatchewan,” he says.

He hits Regina and Saskatoon several times a year. On Aug. 2 he’s scheduled to play three gigs in Saskatoon in one day, at Lawson Heights Mall, Ribfest and a house concert.

“The logistics of doing more than one gig in a day are kind of tricky,” he says.

His next Regina gig is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Broadway’s Lounge. He’ll play songs from his latest album, Box? What Box?, a two-disc outing split between more traditional blues and the other genres he likes to explore.

With some of the blues venues he used to frequent no longer around, Libby is always on the lookout for new spots. He hopes that with enough hard work by him and others, the blues can re-establish a strong foothold in the Saskatchewan scene.

“There are a lot of blues fans around here.

The problem is, now a lot of the blues places are gone, and there’s no real central place they can come to. When I played the Plains it was great because it was the home of the blues. You didn’t even have to advertise.” strembath@thestarphoenix.com twitter.com/strembath

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ON THE SCENE #

N E S S C R E E K M U S I C F E S T I VA L

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Bridges took a road trip to experience Saskatchewan’s favourite music festival in the boreal forest, held July 17 to 20.

The Ness Creek Music Festival has been held annually since 1991 in the pretty little site beside a creek north of Big River.

Over 4,000 music and nature lovers came together for the sold-out event that celebrates everything from sustainable living and cultural understanding, to myriad forms of artistic expression. Cries of “happy-ness” could be heard throughout the weekend, as revellers young and old danced, stomped and shimmied to the beat of their own drum.

1. Shotgun Jimmie 2. A fine mist can be seen over the creek at the Ness Creek Music Festival, held north of Big River.

3. Brendan Flaherty shares with the spoken word circle.

4. Caitlyn Byl 5. Minor Matter perform at a workshop

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BRIDGES PHOTOS BY MICHELLE BERG

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Thank you, Saskatoon.

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We are proud to deliver the content you trust in print; online on your desktop, tablet and smartphone; and through social channels as part of your day.

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With 154,000 readers each week, we have continued to evolve as part of this community for more than 110 years.

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*Source: NADbank 2013, past week, print/digital. Base: 229,100 Saskatoon CMA Adults 18+

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6. People cool off at the creek 7. Jeanette Stewart and Mehta Valby-Youngs 8. Mario Lepage receives a scarf from a festival goer 9. Jonathan Charlton plays guitar as a festival goer stops for a dance.

10. A festival goer fashioned a forest mask out of bark.

11. Costumes and the accompanying fun-loving personalities were everywhere at Ness Creek.

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GARDENING #

G A R D E N I N G I N S A S K AT C H E WA N

What’s eating my . . . beets, Swiss chard and spinach?

By Erl Svendsen Sonia, who has a neighbouring communal garden plot to mine, remarked that something was attacking her beet leaves, upsetting her plans to include some in her baked bread.

The cause is a common insect pest that attacks beets, spinach and Swiss chard, known alternately as beet or spinach leaf miner. For many, damaged beet leaves are not a huge deal (Sonia doesn’t agree), but for Swiss chard and spinach where the leaf is the edible part, a leaf miner attack is not a minor issue.

The damage — initially small, irregular brown patches on the leaf but gradually growing in size and becoming papery, resembling a blister, with black pepper-like particles inside — is caused by small yellow or white larvae as they tunnel between the top and bottom leaf surfaces.

They start out as small white eggs laid singly or in groups of two to 10 on the underside of the leaf by a small grey fly in late May. The eggs hatch within a week and the larvae chew their way through the leaf epidermis to start feeding.

The larvae mature after one to two weeks and drop to the soil to burrow 5 to 8 cm below the surface to then change into pupae. After two to four weeks of further development, adult flies emerge to start the cycle over again. There is usually more than one generation per year.

Every year, a few of my beet leaves are attacked, but not enough to be overly concerned. And Sonia doesn’t really have many affected leaves either. But since the attack starts in May, small plants can be susceptible, and become stunted and weak under heavy infestations.

It is nearly impossible to control the adult stage. Once the larvae are tunnelling through the leaf, there are likewise few control options as they are protected by the leaf sur-

If your beet leaves look like this, you’ve got a beet leaf miner problem. Read on for columnist Erl Svendsen’s eradication tips.

faces. But there are a few ways to limit their numbers and impact.

Start with good weed control.

Beet leaf miner can complete its life cycle on lamb’s quarter, nightshade, chickweed and other weeds. Removing these hosts will limit their food source and reduce adults reaching maturity.

As soon as you notice damage, remove and destroy affected leaves before the larvae mature — do not compost. If you notice the damage later, after the larvae have dropped to the ground, you can disturb the

soil around the plants in the hopes of damaging or exposing the pupae.

After harvest and/or before planting, rototill the soil to expose the pupae to adverse environmental conditions and to birds that will gladly swoop down to consume them. If you have a large garden, move your beets, spinach or Swiss chard to a different location every year.

Finally, start your crop early. If you optimize soil moisture and fertility, it will maximize plant size and reduce the overall impact of an attack.

BRIDGES PHOTO BY ERL SVENDSEN

SHIRLEY’S EASY REFRIGERATOR BEET PICKLES:

If you like pickled beets but hate the mess of canning, here’s a quick and easy recipe from my friend’s mom.

Bring 2 cups sugar, 2 cups vinegar and 2 cups water to a gentle simmer.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Add 1 tbsp. each of whole allspice and whole cloves plus 2 or 3 sticks of cinnamon; steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Pour over 6 to 8 cups of diced, cooked beets. Refrigerate. They will be ready

to eat after two days. These beets will keep in the fridge for up to four weeks.

Have a gardening question? Contact GardenLine, 306-966-5865 or gardenline@usask.ca This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@ yahoo.com). Check out our bulletin board or calendar for upcoming horticulture events (labour & learn at the Forestry Farm; garden tours; garden book launches).

# CROSSWORD N EW YO R K TI MES ACROSS �1 Some gobblers �5 Part of a fashion

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34 Fathoms 35 Author Levin 36 Courtroom team: Abbr.

37 While away 39 “God is the perfect ___”: Browning 40 Alternative to “x,” in math 41 Quark’s place 42 Feather in one’s cap 43 Totally inept sorts (max opening score of 104 points) 45 Ran off, in a way (max opening score of 94 points) 47 Fare that may be rolled 48 In the thick of 49 Sewing kit item 52 Column style 54 Napkin’s place 57 Wonderland cake message 58 What you’d need to play 26-, 29-, 43- or 45-Across 60 Some hotel lobbies 61 Newport Beach isle 62 A.C.L.U. part: Abbr.

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whose English version is titled “Touch the Wind” �7 One-named singer who married Heidi Klum �8 Stops for a breather �9 Fun house noises 10 Partner in crime

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fleet members, for short 18 Fruity soda brand 23 What snobs put on 25 Abbr. before a founding date 26 Steinbeck family 27 On the observation deck, say 28 Volkswagen model since 1979 30 Wounded Knee tribe 31 Sweet filling, in product names 32 Full, and then some 34 It has its setting 37 Editor’s override

38 “It could happen” 39 Lumber along 41 Cousins of rhododendrons

42 Balloon’s undoing 44 Magnify an online map 45 Setting of Kubla Khan’s palace

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49 Baseball part 50 Cracker topper 51 ___ vez (again: Sp.) 53 Mixed bag 54 Car that may have a bar

55 Some brews 56 Smart-alecky 59 Pompom’s place

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JANRIC CLASSIC SUDOKU

Level: Bronze Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9.

Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle.

The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest).

Friday 25th July, 2014 6:00 – 8:00 PM

• Any person diagnosed with cancer (any stage)

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64 M.Y.O.B. part 65 Guinness word

Oncology is changing both its science and its treatments

Opening an extraordinary era of opportunities for cancer patients

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• Anyone undergoing conventional or unconventional treatment • Relatives or friends of the above

What Would You Learn?

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• Nearly all metastatic and recurrent cancers are lethal today, despite widespread use of • In 2011, Dr. Frank Arguello published a conventional and alternative treatments. new book titled “Atavistic Metamorphosis: • Cancer is the leading cause of death in A New and Logical Explanation on the Canada.

Origin and Nature of Cancer” (Amazon.com) postulating a new scientific explanation of • Cancer will become the leading cause of the true nature of cancer cells. death in the world by 2030.

• Using effective combinations of FDA• Up to 80% of patients under chemotherapy approved drugs and vaccines, Dr. Arguello for metastatic cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer has successfully achieved the complete Center, Harvard University, erroneously regressions of a variety of cancers. believe that the treatment can cure them.

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Who Is Likely to Benefit from This New Treatment and How to Receive It? • Book a FREE appointment to meet with Dr. Arguello during July 26th-28th by sending an email to: info@atavisticchemotherapy.com. He will gladly meet with patients and their families to discuss individual cases.

Frank Arguello, MD. Solution to the crossword puzzle and the Sudoku can be found on Page 27

Hilton Hotel 90 - 22nd Street East Saskatoon, SK. Reception of participants starts at 6:00 PM. The conference will officially start at 6:30 PM.

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info@atavisticchemotherapy.com

The conference is completely FREE OF CHARGE and open to the public.

Seats are limited to 120 participants.

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EVENTS #

What you need to know to plan your week.

Send events to bridges@thestarphoenix.com

University of Saskatchewan’s Murray Building. Printed Matters Now, Contemporary Saskatchewan Printmakers in Conversation with University Archives & Special Collections. Reception July 24, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

MUSIC

Wed., July 23 Undercover Pirates Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave. Thurs., July 24

Wild in the City Handmade House Showcase Until July 26 at 710 Broadway Ave. Heart to Hand. Featuring new works by Saskatoon fibre artist Monika Kinner-Whalen.

Czar Bomba Crackers Restaurant & Lounge, 1-227 Pinehouse Dr. Undercover Pirates Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave.

Prairie Star Gallery Until July 27 at 1136 Eighth St. E. Unexpected Guests, works by gallery artists and guests.

Two Much Dakota Dunes Casino, 204 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap Union Duke w/ The Population and The Little Brothers Village Guitar & Amp, 432 20th St. W. Fri., July 25

Seattle indie-rock band Modest Mouse will perform at O’Brians Event Centre on Saturday.

Nightrain Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave.

Red Blaze Stan’s Place, 106-110 Ruth St. E.

Red Blaze Stan’s Place, 106-110 Ruth St. E.

Kyle Riabko (two shows) The Bassment, 202 Fourth Ave. N.

Chris Greves Piggy’s Pub and Grill, 1403 Idylwyld Dr. N.

Chris Greves Piggy’s Pub and Grill, 1403 Idylwyld Dr. N.

Driftwood Army & Navy Club, 359 First Ave. N.

Sat., July 26

Sun., July 27

The Standards Trio McNally Robinson, 3130 Eighth St. E. Leon Ochs Fairfield Senior Citizens’ Centre, 103 Fairmont Ct. Two Much Dakota Dunes Casino, 204 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap Shooting Guns w/ Black Mastiff and Witchstone Amigos Cantina, 632 10th St. E. The Fronts and Friends Rock Bottom, 834B Broadway Ave.

Nightrain Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave. Driftwood Army & Navy Club, 359 First Ave. N. Les Barrington Nutana Legion, 3021 Louise St.

Acoustic Night w/ Brian Kendall Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave. JPNSGRLS Amigos Cantina, 632 10th St. E. Mon., July 28

Rayney McNally Robinson, 3130 Eighth St. E.

Eddie Robertson Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave.

Modest Mouse w/ Kevin Drew and Mimicking Birds O’Brians Event Centre, 241 Second Ave. S.

James Steele Dakota Dunes Casino, 204 Dakota Dunes Way, Whitecap

Summer Fling w/ Chaps, Neila, Thesis Sahib and Matre Amigos Cantina, 632 10th St. E.

Tues., July 29 Verse the Sun

POSTMEDIA FILE PHOTO

Buds on Broadway, 817 Broadway Ave.

and designers. Opening reception July 31, 7 p.m.

YG: My Krazy Life Canadian Tour O’Brians Event Centre, 241 Second Ave. S.

Art in the Centre at Parkridge Centre Until July 23 at 110 Gropper Cres. Obsolete Spaces by Wendy Weeson. Sponsored by OSAC.

Jen Lane and John Antoniuk Bon Temps Café, 223 Second Ave. S.

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ART

Mendel Art Gallery Until Sept. 14 at 950 Spadina Cres. E. Summer exhibitions: Convoluted Beauty: In the Company of Emily Carr; Sympathetic Magic, examining the Canadian northland from diverse perspectives; A Vital Force, works from 193353 by the Canadian Group of Painters. The Artists by Artists Mentorship Program reflects Sean Weisgerber’s work with his mentor, Marie Lannoo.

The Storefront Gallery July 24 until Aug. 26 at 224 20th St. W. Paper Campaign.

A print and poster exhibition of local and national artists

Fourth Annual Sounds Like Audio Art Festival July 24-26 at Paved Arts and AKA Artist-Run, 424 20th St. W. Presented by AKA ArtistRun, Holophon Audio Arts, PAVED arts, and Soundasaurus. A festival for audio-based art, featuring installation, live and experimental performances. With the works of Alexandre Berthier, Myriam Bleau, Darren Copeland, Ashton Francis, Ivan Reese, Scott Smallwood and Mehta Youngs.

Until July 25 at Unreal City Comics & Toys, 139 Second Ave. N. Urban Wildlife: Hybrids & Mythological Beasts. A group art exhibition by 30 Saskatoon artists.

Gordon Snelgrove Gallery Until Aug. 1 in Room 191 of the

Affinity Gallery Until Sept. 1 at 813 Broadway Ave. A Show About Nothing. Works by Emma 2014 International participants and invited artists. Reception July 30, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Emma International Collaboration, a conference series that gathers 100 artists from around the world, runs July 31 to Aug. 7.

The Stall Gallery Until Aug. 1 at City Perks, 801 Seventh Ave. N. New works

by Henry van Seters. New works by Jory Simpson are on display until Aug. 15 at Collective Coffee, 220 20th St. W. An artist reception and show, with works by Cindy Pellerin, Iris Hauser and Jackie Miller, runs until Aug. 20 at Area, 249 Second Ave. N. St. Thomas More Gallery Until July 25 at 1437 College Dr. Ruins and Refinements, photography by Sharon Ceslak.

Void Gallery Until Aug. 2 at 2-1003 Eighth St. E. Borders by Michel Saint Hilaire. Paintings of the Canadian Rockies, with pencil lines drawn overtop to predict urban sprawl and industrial takeover.

SCYAP Gallery Until Aug. 8 at 253 Third Ave. S. Walking on the Wild Side by Gerry Potie. An art show about animals and characters based on animals on canvas. Reception Aug. 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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EVENTS The Gallery at Frances Morrison Central Library Until Aug. 14 at Frances Morrison Library. Face-isms by Tyson John Atkings. Paintings examining the creative possibilities of ambiguity and juxtaposition.

fenced in area for children under two.

Children’s Play Centre Daily at Lawson Heights Mall.

A fun, safe, environment for preschool children to play.

Please note this is an unsupervised play area, and adults must stay with and supervise children at all times.

Hand Wave Gallery Until Aug. 14 at 409 Third Ave., Meacham. The Bones of It, ceramic sculptures by Anita Rocamora.

Market Mall Children’s Play Centre Daily just off the food court at Market Mall. This play area is free and has different level slides. Children must wear socks in the play area.

Paved Arts Submission deadline is Aug. 29, 5 p.m., at 424 20th St. W. or artistsic@pavedarts.ca. I Am the Bridges, call for submissions. Open to all Saskatoon-based video, film or media artists. They are looking for short video or film works to be screened as a part the 2014 Culture Days festivities on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.

Station Arts Centre, Rosthern Until Aug. 30 at 701 Railway Ave., Rosthern. Northern Landscapes by Men Who Paint, Cam Forrester, Greg Hargarten, Paul Trottier, Roger Trottier, Ken Van Rees. Opening reception July 5 after the opening night of the summer theatre production of Hilda’s Yard.

Meewasin Valley Centre Gallery Through August at 402 Third Ave. S. Take a Walk With Me, views of Saskatchewan by Patricia L. Clarke. Original watercolours inspired by walks and travels along the Meewasin Valley and beyond.

Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery Until Sept. 27 at 601 Main St. in Humboldt. Two Perspectives, pottery and paintings by Mel Bolen and Karen Holden.

“Saskatchewan Stiches Quilt Block Challenge” runs until Sept. 27.

Ukrainian Museum of Canada Until Oct. 5 at 910 Spadina Cres. E. Dmytro Stryjek: The Colours of His World. A reception and screening of the

Breastfeeding Cafe Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Westwinds Primary Health Centre, 3311 Fairlight Dr. A drop-in support group for breastfeeding women.

Sessions will be facilitated by a lactation consultant with a brief educational presentation, and time for interaction with the other mothers.

Pond Life by Patricia L. Clarke is on display at the Meewasin Valley Centre Gallery. documentary The Automatic Advantage will be held on a Friday in September at 7:30 p.m.

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FA M I LY

Stars and Strollers Wednesdays, 1 p.m., at Centre Cinemas in The Centre.

Choice of two movies each week. A baby-friendly environments with lowered volume, dimmed lighting, a changing table and stroller parking in select theatres.

Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Garden Program Tuesdays to Fridays until Aug. A free all ages dropin program. Activities and games surrounding gardening, healthy eating, sustainability, and cultural perspectives.

Tuesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Mayfair Community School and Sutherland/Forest Grove Community Garden; Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Confederation Park Community School and St. John School; Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Westmount Community School and St. Anne School; and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at St. Maria Goretti Community School and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Vincent Massey Community School. Call 306933-5520 or email katelyn@ aitc.sk.ca.

Fun Factory Indoor Playground Daily at 1633C Quebec Ave. A giant indoor playground for young children. Adults and children under one year are free. There is a separate

Movies for Mommies Thursdays, 1 p.m., at Rainbow Cinemas in The Centre. An infant-friendly environment with reduced sound, change tables, bottle warming and stroller parking.

Puppets at the Marr: A Saskatoon Story July 24, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Marr Residence, 326 11th St. E. Presented by staff from Meewasin Valley Centre.

A story about the early years of Saskatoon. Donations are appreciated. Information at 306-665-6887, awhiting@ meewasin.com.

Canadian Light Source (CLS) Public Tours Thursdays, 1:30 p.m., at the Canadian Light Source, 44 Innovation Blvd. The synchrotron research facility is open for the public. Preregistration is required. Call 306-657-3644, email outreach@lightsource.ca or visit lightsource.ca/education/public_tours.php.

Prenatal Yoga Summer Session Thursdays at 7 p.m. and

Saturdays at 11 a.m., July 24 to Aug. 30, at Balance Within Energy and Wellness, 300 Third Ave. S. Six-week classes taught by Nina Zettl. A safe and nurturing environment for moms-to-be. Prepare for the birthing process through breath-work, relaxation and meditation techniques. To register email freedomfromwithinyoga@gmail.com.

10:30 a.m., at Carlyle King Branch and JS Wood Branch; and Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., at Cliff Wright Branch. Half-hour singing and rhymes, then mingle with other parents.

Funky Artsmiths Summer Kids Camp Until July 25 at Funky Artsmiths Studio. For ages eight to 11. Discover elements of art, use many media types and sources, explore new techniques and application, learn art history, and keep a daily sketchbook. With a field trip to the Mendel Art Gallery. To register email funkyartsmiths@gmail.com.

Kinsmen Day at the Museum July 27 at the Children’s Discovery Museum in Market Mall. The fourth Sunday of each month in 2014, admission is free. Courtesy of the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon.

Summer Music Camps for Kids Until July 25 at the U of S. For kids ages four to 10. Explore culture, songs, and games and play different instruments. To register call 306-966-5539.

Visit ccde.usask.ca/cmep/ musiccamps.

Summer Dance Camp Until July 25, at the U of S. For ages four to 10. Dance camps for various age groups and skill levels. Visit recservices. usask.ca.

Shop ‘n Stroll Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., meet in front of Customer Service at The Mall at Lawson Heights. Classes consist of power-walking, body-sculpting moves using exercise tubing and a socializing for parents and babies.

Preregister at runnersandbootiesfitness.com. No classes on stat holidays.

Coffee Time for Mom Fridays, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, 11-705 Central Ave. Moms enjoy a free cup of coffee while children play in the playroom.

Baby Talk at SPL Fridays, 10:30 a.m., at Alice Turner Branch; Mondays,

Craft and Story Time Saturdays, 11 a.m., at Indigo Books, 3322 Eighth St. E. in the kids’ section. Call 306244-5317.

Something on Sundays Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Mendel Art Gallery, 950 Spadina Cres. E. Free family fun for ages four to 12, accompanied by an adult. Artmaking activities led by gallery artists. Supplies are provided.

July 27, Green Artist Trading Cards: make and trade your own artist trading cards with the environment in mind.

Family Chores in Pioneer Times July 27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Marr Residence, 326 11th St. E. Experience the type of work done by family members in the 1800s.

Postnatal Yoga Mondays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., at Pregnancy and Parenting Health Centre, 248 Third Ave. S. Beginner to intermediate yoga designed to help with postpartum recovery. Baby friendly class with a certified yoga teacher. Suitable for four weeks to two years postpartum. Register at msjpriestley. wix.com/pureenergy. No class on stat holidays.

Prenatal Yoga Mondays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Pregnancy and Parenting Health Centre, 248 Third Ave. S. Taught by a doula and certified yoga teacher. Informative and safe for any stage in pregnancy. Call 306-2510443 or email msjpriestley@ gmail.com. No class on stat holidays.

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EVENTS Funky Artsmiths Summer Kids Camp July 28 to Aug. 1 at Funky Artsmiths Studio. For ages eight to 11. Discover elements of art, use many media types and sources, explore new techniques and application, learn art history, and keep a daily sketchbook. With a field trip to the Mendel Art Gallery. To register email funkyartsmiths@gmail.com.

Visit icesports.com/jemini/ hockey-camps.aspx, call 306955-3606.

Summer Band Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 1 at the U of S Education Building. Presented by the Saskatchewan Band Association. Junior camp for kids up to Grade Nine, senior camp for Grades Nine to 12. Visit saskband.org.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo Playroom Mondays to Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and late night Thursdays, at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo, 11-705 Central Ave. With a vet area, kitchen and shopping centre, puppet theatre, stage and crafts. To book groups, or to check for availability, call 306-384-4791 or email bbbprincess@sasktel.net.

Living History Young Pioneer Camp Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 1, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Western Development Museum. Experience the work and play of the pioneers. Bake bread, make butter and ice cream, grind wheat, wash clothes, milk a cow, games, stories, crafts, and learn about different kinds of transportation. Visit wdm.ca/stoon/pioneer_camp.htm.

AYAP Summer Camps Mondays to Fridays, through Aug. 1 at Williams Studio in the U of S Williams Building. Art camps for kids ages five to 14.

Week-long day camps where kids learn techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture and photography. Visit ccde.usask. ca/kids-art-camps. To register call 306-966-5539.

YAS Basketball Kids Camps Until Aug. 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Saskatoon. For ages seven to 16. Skills development camp, teaching rules, fundamentals and basic skills.

Finishes with the North-South Ironman Tournament, Aug. 2223. To register call 306-2422425 or visit yas.ca.

4Cats Summer Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 4Cats Saskatoon,

Children’s Activity Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the U of S. Organized by the College of Kinesiology. For ages five to 12. Various activities in full- or half-day camps are available.

Visit recservices.usask.ca. To register call 306-966-1001.

Join in with the Mom and Baby Outdoor Stroller Fitness Class along the Meewasin Trail. The group gathers every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to meet new moms and get a whole body workout.

BRIDGES FILE PHOTO

50-2105 Eighth St. E. Various art camps for kids ages five to 12. Visit 4cats.com.

Romp n Read Parent and Preschooler Camp Until Aug. 22 in Saskatoon.

The camp is designed for parents and their preschool child to enjoy active rhymes, games, crafts and activities together.

Register at 306-652-5448 or readsaskatoon.com.

Huskies Hockey Camp Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22 at Rutherford Arena at the U of S. For ages five to 14. Onand off-ice hockey instruction as well as other daily activities.

Visit recservices.usask.ca.

Salvation Army Beaver Creek Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22 at Beaver Creek. Includes music camp, adventure camps, mom’s and kids camps, teen camp and family camp. Visit beavercreekcamp. ca.

AgBio Discover Day Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the U of S College of Agriculture and Bioresources, 51 Campus Dr. Five-day camps, one four-day camp, campers must bring a lunch. Register at agbio.usask. ca/community-resources/ discovery-program.php.

Sci-Fi Science Summer Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the U of S. Science camps, technology camps, computer science camps, medical science camps and veterinary medicine camps. Visit scifi.usask. ca/summer_camps.php.

Summer Art Camp Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mendel Art Gallery. For ages six to 12.

Draw, paint, collage, design, build, imagine and play. To register call 306-975-8487 or email tgronsdahl@mendel. ca.

Summer Ecology Camp for Kids Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22 at the U of S. Various fiveday camps for kids ages eight to 11. Visit scientists and learn about various elements of the environment. To register call 306-966-5539.

Living History Children’s Workshops Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22 at the U of S Museum of Antiquities. For ages six to 12. Activities, art projects, crafts, games and workshops featuring the cultures of the ancient and medieval world.

Visit usask.ca/antiquities/ index.php.

Saskatoon Zoo Summer Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 22 at the Saskatoon Zoo. For kids ages seven to 14. Spend a week at the zoo and get to know the animals.

Hands-on experiences, crafts, and games. Bag lunch and snacks are required Monday to Thursday, with a campfire lunch Friday. Visit saskatoonzoosociety.ca.

Huskies Sports Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 23 at the U of S. For ages 12-17.

Wrestling, basketball, contact football, volleyball, and various soccer camps. To register call 306-966-1001 or visit kinesiology.usask.ca/communityprograms.

Summer Kids Day Camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.

For kids ages seven to 10.

Exploring, crafts, First Nations history and entertainment.

Healthy snacks and lunches are included. To register call 306-931-6767 ext. 244, or email cameron.mcrae@ wanuskewin.com.

Canlan Hockey Camps Various camps Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 29. For kids ages seven to 12. Players must wear full hockey equipment.

Living History Young Pioneer Camp Mondays to Fridays, until Aug. 1, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Western Development Museum. Experience the work and play of the pioneers. Bake bread, make butter and ice cream, grind wheat, wash clothes, milk a cow, games, stories, crafts, and learn about different kinds of transportation. Pre-register by June 30.

Visit wdm.ca/stoon/pioneer_ camp.htm.

Playgroup Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Grace-Westminster United Church. Hosted by Prairie Hearts Learning Community, a group of families inspired by Waldorf philosophies. Programming is aimed at children ages two to five, but all ages are welcome.

Preschool Story Time Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at McNally Robinson, 3130 Eighth St. E. For children ages three to five in the Circle of Trees. Call 306-955-1477.

Puppets at the Marr: A Saskatoon Story July 29, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Marr Residence, 326 11th St. E. Presented by staff from Meewasin Valley

Centre. A story about the early years of Saskatoon. Donations are appreciated. Information at 306-665-6887, awhiting@ meewasin.com.

Naturally Yours Tuesdays until Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Pregnancy and Parenting Health Centre, 248 Third Ave. S. A comprehensive childbirth education series, preparing parents for the birth of a child.

To register visit birthrhythms. ca.

Mom and Baby Outdoor Stroller Fitness Classes Tuesday and Thursdays until Aug. 28, 10:30am, along the Meewasin Trail. Meet new moms and get a whole body workout. To register and for starting location call 306370-2838 or email SaskatoonStrongMoms@gmail. com. More information on Facebook.

Can-Am Gymnastics Camps Until Aug. 29 at 3702 Mitchelmore Ave. Various schedules for ages two to 16. Visit canamgymnastics.ca.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ® Saskatoon Regular after-school programs, preschool classes and camps for kids of all ages at various locations in Saskatoon. An atmosphere for students to build unique creations, play games, and have fun using LEGO® bricks.

Visit bricks4kidz.com or call 306-979-2749.

Saskatoon Public Library Programs Ongoing daily programs for children and families. Find the calendar at saskatoonlibrary. ca/node/1016.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Walk on Wednesdays Wednesdays through August, 10:30 a.m., starting at the Meewasin Building. History information walks with a Meewasin program staff member.

July 23, History Along the River. For information call 306-665-6888.

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EVENTS Community Campus Tours Wednesdays and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., through August, starting at the Diefenbaker Canada Centre. A leisurely walking tour of the U of S campus. Highlighting history, achievements, and architecture. For information or to reserve a spot call 306-966-8384, or email dief. centre@usask.ca.

Classical Variety Night July 27, 7:30 p.m., at Grosvenor Park United Church.

Hosted by the Galliard Foundation. The first concert in their fourth season. Featuring local musicians performing music they love. Admission is by donation.

Saskatoon Yellow Jackets Home Game July 29, 7 p.m., at Cairns Field, 1202 Ave. P S. Playing against the Edmonton Prospects.

Visit saskatoonyellowjackets. com.

Dancing in the Park Wednesdays until August 6, 7:30 p.m. to sunset, at the River Landing Amphitheatre.

Informal, social dancing with the Saskatoon Scottish Country Dancers. Visit rscdssask.org.

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Theatre in the Park: The Pied Piper Until July 23, Monday to Friday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., in 20 different Saskatoon parks.

Presented by Sum Theatre. A music-filled adaptation of the famous folk tale. Admission is free. Schedule at sumtheatre. com.

In Conversation July 23 on the PotashCorp Community Stage at the Shakespeare site. 400 years of Shakespeare. Theatre professionals debate the relevance of Shakespeare in 2014.

SIFC Dances Thursdays through August, 7 p.m., by the Jeux Canada Games monument in Kiwanis Park. Saskatoon International Folkdance Club (SIFC) dances. Learn dances from many countries around the world. No admission. Visit sifc.awardspace.com.

Wild in the City Until July 25 at Unreal City Comics & Toys, 139 Second Ave. N. Urban Wildlife: Hybrids & Mythological Beasts.

A group art exhibition by 30 Saskatoon artists.

The annual Dragon Boat Festival, in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, goes July 25-26 along the river. BRIDGES FILE PHOTO BY GORD WALDNER With food, live entertainment, and a family zone. Supporting the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Visit facilitymarketing.com.

shein Way. Saturday markets alongside the Farmers’ Market. A wide variety of art, imports, home furnishings, fashion and décor.

Live Thoroughbred Racing July 25-26, 7 p.m., at Marquis Downs. Live horse racing in true sporting style.

Conducting Workshop Recital July 26, 2:30 p.m., at Grosvenor Park United Church, 407 Cumberland Ave S. The 2014 Saskatchewan Orchestral Association’s International Conducting Workshop concludes with a recital. Performances by duo pianists and a professional string orchestra conducted by the participants. Admission is free.

Street Legal Racing July 25, 5:30 p.m., at Saskatchewan International Raceway. Street racing in a safe and legal environment.

Admission at the gate.

Summer Fling VIII: Graffiti and Rap Festival Rap music July 25 at Vangelis Tavern, featuring Def3 and Factor, Kay the Aquanaut, Parab Poet & The Hip Hop Hippies, and Cam the Wiz; and July 26 at Amigos Cantina, featuring Chaps, Neila, Thesis Sahib and Matre. Graffiti July 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at White Buffalo Youth Lodge, 602 20th St. W. Dozens of graffiti artists work on the lodge’s wall. To paint, contact summerfling306@gmail.com.

FMG’s Saskatoon Dragon Boat Festival July 25-26 along the river.

River Landing Market Saturdays until Oct. 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 120 Sonnen-

Saskatoon Horticulture Society Bus Tour July 27. Reservations accepted until July 25, 12 p.m. Call 306-249-1329 or 306-3824061.

T H E AT R E

An Introduction to Musical Theatre July 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Le Relais, 103-308 Fourth Ave. N. Hosted by The Cabaret Association of Saskatoon.

Their inaugural cabaret. Featuring Lauren Allen, Miranda Hughes, Michael van der Kamp, Mitchell Larsen, Erica McFadden and Rosemary

Stephanson. Tickets at the door. A post-show celebration will be held at The Rook and Raven.

Live at Lunch 2014 July 26, Aug. 16, 23, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Victoria School’s Little Stone Stage.

Live local music outside on Broadway Ave. July 26 features Josie Dabo and Soft Cotton.

Saskatoon Blitz 2014: Comic and Geek Culture Convention July 26-27 at Prairieland Park.

Saskatchewan’s premiere and longest running comic, anime, gaming, sci-fi, and pop culture convention. With panels, activities, exhibitors, and special guests. Tickets at Eighth Street Books & Comics, Amazing Stories, Next Level Game Exchange, Collector’s Edge, Collector’s Lane, Dragon’s Den Games, and Unreal City. Visit saskblitz. com.

SHS City Garden Bus Tour July 27, pick-up at Lawson Heights Mall southwest parking lot. An afternoon city bus ride around the city to visit interesting gardens. The winner of the Home Grounds Competition will be featured.

Admission at the bus. For information or to reserve a seat call 306-249-1329 or 306-382-4061.

Saskatoon Yellow Jackets Home Game July 27, 2 p.m., at Cairns Field, 1202 Ave. P S. Playing against the Weyburn Beavers. Visit saskatoonyellowjackets.com.

Chinese Banquet Fundraiser July 27, 6 p.m., at the Mandarin Restaurant. A 10-course supper featuring barbecue duck, lemon chicken and crab claw. With a silent auction.

Tickets at 306-652-6812 or 306-229-8289. Funds raised support Third Avenue United Church.

Ninth Annual Floyd Festival July 23-26, 7 p.m., at The Refinery. Saskatoon’s own totally youth created theatre festival. With seven plays in four days, written by four new and four returning playwrights. Tickets at the door.

Hilda’s Yard Until July 27 at Station Arts Centre, 701 Railway Ave., Rosthern. Take a peek over the fence at an ordinary family on one extraordinary day.

Sam and Hilda are about to celebrate becoming empty nesters when their grown up children return unexpectedly for an extended stay. Tickets at 306-232-5332.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Until Aug. 24 at the Shakespeare site. Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew.

Tickets at 306-938-7800, ticketmaster.ca. Visit shakespeareonthesaskatchewan. com.

Event listings are a free, community service offered by Bridges. Listings will be printed if space permits.

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SHARP EATS #

See a food trend you think deserves a highlight in Bridges?

Email bridges@thestarphoenix.com or visit Bridges on Facebook

S A S K AT C H E WA N F O O D S C E N E

African cuisine familiar, yet unexpected

By Jenn Sharp Try a taste of Africa for your next dinner. It’s familiar enough to please the cautious but has enough elements of the unknown to keep foodies happy too.

African cuisine is not far off from the meat and carbohydrate staples prairie people know best. Cassava, yams and rice are ever present, as are beef, goat and chicken. Root vegetables and cabbage appear regularly, as do lentils and a range of spices (garlic and ginger figure prominently) which make it all complex enough to convince you this isn’t just like grandma’s pot roast.

In Regina, Selam Ethiopia does a great little lunch buffet featuring a range of the family-owned restaurant’s most popular dishes. Thick, spiced stews, called wot, are served up with injera, a flat sourdough bread made from whole grains. The wot and other dishes are typically served on a piece of injera, which also acts as a spoon for scooping food.

Chicken tibs are my favourite, cubed meat sautéed with onions, tomato, jalapeno peppers and finished with awaze (a spicy sauce). The fosolia, spiced green beans, carrots and onions, and miser alecha, split lentils in a ginger, garlic, onion curry, is also worth a try. If you go for dinner, split a traditional injera platter with a friend and be sure to stay for the coffee ceremony (Selam’s coffee is made from organic Ethiopian Yirgacheffe beans).

Saba’s African Cuisine is a favourite of many Saskatonians for both the warm hospitality and hearty meals. I visited Saba’s booth at Taste of Saskatchewan and was underwhelmed by the quality and portions.

I’ve since had the chance to eat in the restaurant and am happy to report the rumours are true. It’s an excellent place to try African food, and if it’s your first time, they’re happy to walk you through the menu. Be

Regina’s Selam Ethiopia is a family-owned restaurant that serves spiced stews called wot, along with a variety of other authentic dishes. BRIDGES PHOTO BY BRYAN SCHLOSSER

sure and try the homemade hot sauce.

If Grace Mbuekor’s, or as she’s better known — Mama G — crowd funding campaign is successful, she’ll open Mama G’s Authentic Nigerian Cuisine soon in the Bridge City. Her daughter, Barinedum, is a recent graduate of SIAST’s culinary arts program and helps in the kitchen.

Mama G, who was a teacher in Nigeria, and her family (husband Friday and four children) came to Canada as refugees in 1997. After working a range of jobs, which included volunteering at a Saskatoon restaurant to learn the ropes, and attending the Praxis School of Entrepreneurship, Mama G is ready to share her food.

Expect a bit of everything from Mama G — from pounded yam and catfish, to puréed mint leaves with dried shrimp and pepper. Some of her spices come from Nigeria, others from an East Indian grocery store in Saskatoon. And interestingly enough, some of the food has a similar taste to Indian curries. But not all of it — Mama G’s food is a

little more adventurous and, I guarantee, is like nothing you’ve tasted before.

Egusie soup with beef and betel leaves is served with what looks similar to mashed potatoes, but it’s actually made from cassava tubers.

“In my country, women grow it as a source of grain for the family,” explains Mama G of the cassava plant.

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SHARP EATS

A sampling of Mama G’s authentic Nigerian cuisine in Saskatoon. BRIDGES PHOTO BY MICHELLE BERG

A traditional dish prepared by Selam Ethiopia in Regina. BRIDGES PHOTO BY BRYAN SCHLOSSER

T Sebhi Sga prepared by Saba’s African Cuisine at Taste of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

BRIDGES PHOTO BY MICHELLE BERG

To make the dish, the cassava is first peeled, then mashed, put through a grinder, then in a bag. Water is added to extract the starch. As the starch drains, Mama G feels it to ensure the right texture (she likes it quite firm). The cassava is later fried in a big pot and made into a paste.

The resulting texture ranges from sawdust-like to a more firm lump. A versatile dish, it can be served with soup, stew or alongside meat.

With a big smile, Mama G cau-

Selam Ethiopia in Regina prepares a great African lunch buffet. BRIDGES PHOTO BY BRYAN SCHLOSSER

tions that if you’re going to marry a Nigerian man, you had better learn how to make the cassava starch very well. In traditional culture, it seems much of a woman’s worth as a cook is determined by her ability to make the dish.

“If you’re a married woman, you have to watch out if you’re not making this every day!” she says with a hearty laugh.

The aim of Mama G’s is to use as much local produce and whole foods

as possible. She’s already made a few partnerships with vendors at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.

“Every single one of (the dishes), I promise you that they are natural, organic,” she says.

That’s the only style of cooking she knows. Visit a market in Nigeria and you won’t find anything besides organic food, fresh from the farmers’ fields.

To donate to the campaign, visit www.indiegogo.com and search for

Mama G’s Authentic Nigerian Cuisine. Her deadline to raise $60,000 for the restaurant is Sept. 3. She’s currently just under the $5,000 mark. A range of perks, from gift cards, to a home-cooked meal, are available for contributors. If she doesn’t reach the goal, the money raised will be used to bolster her catering service. jksharp@thestarphoenix.com Twitter.com/JennKSharp

SELAM ETHIOPIA 2115 Broad St. Regina 306-775-3131 SABA’S AFRICAN CUISINE 901 22nd St. W. Saskatoon 306-933-4447

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OUTSIDE THE LINES # Colouring contest Each week, Stephanie McKay creates a timely illustration meant to please kids of all ages.

Children can colour the page, have a picture taken with the finished product and email it to bridges@thestarphoenix. com. One winner will be chosen each week.

Please send entries by Monday at 9a.m.

Last week’s contest winner is Nadine Sutherland.

Thanks to everyone who submitted entries!

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WINE WORLD #

S A S K AT C H E WA N W I N E S C E N E

Verdicchio equally perfect for highbrow and lowbrow

By James Romanow Soured on Sauvignon? Miffed at Moscato?

Maybe that’s God’s way of telling you to try something different. Seriously, how much Pinot Grigio can one woman drink? The world is wide and it would be a pity to die without having tasted more of it, n’est pas?

Verdicchio is a grape indigenous (probably — in genetic history certainty is rare) of the Marche region of Italy, a coastal province that once was an agricultural province a bit northeast of Rome. Near as anyone can tell, it is yet another descendent of the Greco varietals imported from Greece eons ago. It shares a common genealogy with the Trebbiano grape, a wine largely ignored by Those of Us Who Know, darling.

Once the region applied modern technology more or less after 1970, such slurs became ridiculous. The wine is quite a pale yellow, with a great citrus floral bouquet and lemon-like flavours, a dry attack, tremendously vibrant acidity and a nice bitter almond finish.

Such a wine can be paired with a very wide variety of foods, from a Greek salad to fried fish, to deep fried calamari, to chicken barbecued over charcoal. It is also a first-rate wine to sip out of glass tumblers in that raffish café next to the gas station and overlooking the docks, the one with the dude always selling

SEND US YOUR used cellphones. Highbrow, lowbrow, the choice is yours.

You won’t find Verdicchio in rural liquor stores unless the owner is from the Marche. I watch for it in bigger centres. The one pictured here I found in the Co-op wine store in Saskatoon. (Whoever is choosing wines there has a great palate.)

Stefano Mancinelli, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Italy, 2009. $23.49 ***** Summertime reds in Monday’s paper and of course on Twitter @drbooze.

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