Scene PG | March 2016

LOCAL EVENTS AND MUSIC

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Free!

JON WHITE STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT

JACK VAN SOMER A PERFECT CIRCLE

NICKY KUMAR

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local events and music

CONTENTS 06 THE FAMOUS FACES OF FANCON Northern Fancon

STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT Jack Van Somer

NORTHERN LIGHTS ESTATE WINERY Northern Lights Estate Winery

THE 20TH ANNUAL CINEMA CNC FILM FESTIVAL CINEMA CNC

JON WHITE

Jon White

16 THE TALE OF A TOWN – PRINCE GEORGE 18 SKI HILL WARMS CITY’S HART 20 WHY DID TWO BASEMENT BEER-MAKERS CROSS THE ROAD? 22

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A PERFECT CIRCLE Nicky Kumar

Theatre NorthWest

Hart Highland Winter Club

Crossroads Brewing Company

AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT:

www.pgcitizen.ca or thescenepg.com General Inquiries ‹ 250-562-2441 Publisher ‹ Colleen Sparrow Editor ‹ Neil Godbout Director of Advertising ‹ Dave Smith Founder ‹ Norm Coyne Graphic Designer ‹ Candice Rosenbaum Writer ‹ Charelle Evelyn Writer ‹ Frank Peebles Photographers ‹ Trevor Moore Photographers ‹ James Doyle Photographers ‹ Jen Poulin Photographers ‹ Bo Dannefaer

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Behold! The latest issue of the Scene PG magazine complete with local shining stars, rising comedians, beer, a self indulgent article on Northern FanCon and so much more! Never forget that we are always on the lookout for the next wave of subjects to feature in our future issues of the Scene PG. If you know someone who you feel would make a great article, reach out to us with your ideas. In the meantime, have you heard of Northern FanCon? Last year, we hosted this colossal event at CN Centre and Kin 1 arena with 60 exhibitors and 12 celebrity guests. This year, we have doubled in size – to CN Centre plus Kin 1, 2, and 3 arenas and 140 booths (likely, we will hit 200 booths a this rate), and 20 celebrity guests. It will literally blow your mind. We hope to see you and all the artists profiled in this issue at Northern FanCon this May 13-15/2016.

- Norm Coyne Scene PG

THE SCENE PG IS A PRODUCT OF

Please Recycle ON THE COVER: Jon White | Photo Credit: Trevor Moore

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BRETT DALTON

LEVAR BURTON

GARRET WANG

CANDICE PATTON

KRIS HOLDEN-REID

PAUL AMOS

Star Trek TNG, Reading Rainbow, Roots

Star Trek: Voyager

The Flash, The Game, Heroes

Lost Girl, Underworld: Awakening, The Tudors

Lost Girl, Murdoch, Mysteries, Assassin’s Creek: Syndicate

ANI-MIA

AMY MANSON

RACHEL SKARSTEN

MARK MEER

VERONICA TAYLOR

Cosplayer

Once Upon a Time, Atlantis

Lost Girl, Reign

Commnder Sheppard in Mass Effect, The Irrelevant Show

Ash from Pokemon, April O’Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Until Dawn, Robot Chicken

worked with Smith in the acclaimed indie films Clerks and Mallrats, each time as Jay, which carried on into Chasing Amy, Dogma, Scream 3, Clerks II, and then he finally got his name on the title. Mewes is more than Jay, however. He has played in projects like Fanboys, Zack And Miri Make A Porno, a recurring role in the series Vigilante Diaries, and many more.

Hollywood heartthrob Brett Dalton currently plays one of the most popular characters on one of TV’s most popular shows.

Ramping up the fan fever for Marvel superheroes, Agents Of SHIELD has millions of fans tune in each week and audience love agent Grant Ward. Prior to getting his superbadge, Dalton had significant roles in films like Killing Lincoln and Beside Still Waters, as well as television projects like Nurses, Blue bloods, Army Wives, Robot Chicken, and the video game Until Dawn.

Portraying one of the most recognizable characters on television can make a career

DICKY BEER

ANDY RAE

YELAINA MAY

NATHAN DELUCA

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Cosplayer

Cosplayer

Cosplayer

for any actor, but Levar Burton has done it twice. As a youth he was cast in the lead role of Kunta Kinte in the smash hit television miniseries Roots.

Then, after more than 10 successful years on various films and movies Burton pulled on the uniform of Lt. Geordi La Forge on the wildly successful Star Trek: The Next Generation, where he became a household name. If you throw in the highly acclaimed children’s show Reading Rainbow in which he also starred, one could call Burton one of the most impactful actors of the last 50 years for successfully crossing intergenerational audiences.

Northern FanCon happens at the CN Centre-Kin Centre complex from May 13-15.

Check out the webpage, Facebook page, or call call 250640-6670 for more information including the ways you can buy tickets and interact with the activities and celebrities.

The Famous Faces of Fancon | Northern Fancon

Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks, Mallrats

MAY 13-15 @ CN CENTRE Tickets Available Through Ticketmaster MARCH2016

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STEPPING INTO THE

Spotlight

By Charelle Evelyn

Photo Credit: Jen Poulin

Like all great Romantics, Jack Van Somer is a one-man show who adores a love song.

Trained classically on piano from the age of seven, Van Somer was drawn early to the Romantic composers like Chopin, Debussy and Liszt.

“Those love songs, they definitely had a strong impact on how I approach music now,” said Van Somer, the stage name of the life-long P.G. resident better known as Keith Poulin.

As an early 19th century movement, Romanticism was about heightened emotions, but it was also about individualism. In that vein, Van Somer also sings, plays the drums, bass and guitar and writes his own songs.

“I’m an only child. As much as I love people, I love my alone time,” he said. “I don’t mind being along with my thoughts and as a 6

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writer, you kind of hyper-analyze those moments to really bring them out in the song.”

From the age of 14, Van Somer used those talents to back up other musicians, from his teenaged church band to playing in bar bands, including in support of his cousin, country artist Rick Stavely.

About three years ago, Van Somer finally took the step forward into the spotlight.

A career change into being a Class 1 truck driver meant he had to quit playing the bars and it left Van Somer hungry for a musical outlet. His downtime was spent making music on his own and eventually, the pressure to play in public was constant.

Van Somer credits former College Heights Pub DJ Steve Smoch with forcing him to finally make the leap to the stage as a solo act.

“He would berate me to come out (to the pub’s open mic night),” Van Somer recalled. “He pushed

me, he dragged me, he pestered me. I was super uncomfortable and it wasn’t super enjoyable.”

But the audience didn’t seem to mind his discomfort and clamored for more. He eventually continued to say ‘yes’ to gigs, and began playing open mics at Nancy O’s and taking the stage at Shiraz. Watching Van Somer on stage today, you’d never know he wasn’t keen on taking the stage with his guitar in those early days. Now, whether he’s playing alone or backed by a band of equally talented artists, Van Somer is making a name for himself at Prince George venues.

This year alone (as in 2016), Van Somer and his band have played a pair of successful Coldsnap shows, entertained at AleFest and opened for Juno-awardwinning artists Stephen Fearing and George Canyon.

The Jack Van Somer Band consists of Bradley Brekkaas (lead guitar/ vocals), Curtis Abriel (keyboard/

vocals), Terrence Moonie (bass) and Benjamin Primus (drums).

An only child who was fully content to listen to his family’s old records as a kid, Van Somer now has a band of brothers.

“They’re a fine group of mature musicians with excellent taste,” Van Somer said, praising his band mates’ lack of ego and work ethic. The group is working up new songs and aiming for a full concert’s worth of material.

“I’m very grateful that people are willing to take a listen,” Van Somer said. “For me, as a songwriter, stepping out on his own at this time in his life is still nerve-wracking.”

Keep up with Jack Van Somer and his band on Facebook.

Stepping into the Spotlight | Jack Van Somer

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NORTHERN LIGHTS ESTATE WINERY

By Chris Dias

I had crossed the Cameron Street Bridge onto one of the only roundabouts in the entire city.

With few signs of industry and blossoming flora fringing the pavement as you reach the winery, and with construction of the Northern Lights Estate Winery reminiscent of Quails Gate in Kelowna, the illusion is further reinforced that somehow I’ve shifted locations like Anakin Skywalker in Jumper (wait, is that right?).

This is not the Okanagan, however; this is Prince George, and the Northern Lights Estate Winery fits right in. This city loves this place, and I hope the affair lasts longer than a Britney Spears wedding. From the cellar door entrance to the themed paintings looming above you, every facet of Northern Lights

Photo Credits: Bo Dannefaer 8

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was designed with intent. I bet five people talked around a table with a bottle of apricot wine discussing the details of the bathroom doors.

I can relate to the owners of Northern Lights—they’re dreamers, and they dreamed big. I mean it’s a winery in Prince George that tries to measure itself against the benchmarks of the province. I’ve toured wineries across BC; most don’t come close to looking this good.

With each new bottle, techniques are refined, and their reputation grows. I stop in every few weeks to discover new labels awaiting taste and eventually purchase.

The storefront expands with books and novelties, most of which plaster my kitchen now.

It’s only a matter of time before Northern Lights boasts its own restaurant.

That’s it…I’m sold. I’m all over

Continued on page 11 Northern Lights Estate Winery

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Northern Lights Estate Winery

Continued from page 8 this place. Put in a shower and I’ll move in. The fact Northern Lights is not standing on their already impressive achievements is worthy enough of praise. I could label them magicians for what they’ve been able to accomplish with their various fermentations, but having sampled their recent Cassis Noir blend, it’s more accurate to compare them to the Maiar.

Northern Lights Estate Winery

…I lost you with that one, didn’t I? You know, those sent by the Valar to guide the peoples of Middle-earth in their struggle against Sauron. That’s right, dropping some sick pop culture beats there folks! Most fruit wineries settle for simple sweet wines, but Northern Taste attempts to push the envelope by attempting to recreate the texture of classic red wines.

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The 20th Annual

Cinema CNC Film Festival

March 18-20, 2016

Cinema CNC is pleased to be presenting the 20th Annual Cinema CNC Film Festival, March 18th to 20th, 2016 at the Prince George Playhouse.

Tickets will be available on February 29th, at Books and Company, The CNC Bookstore, and The UNBC Bookstore. Please let your friends know about the festival. The films are all confirmed; the dates and times are subject to change... we hope to have a guest for the festival and would like to highlight his/ her film, so need to be flexible.

For updates see cinemacnc.blogspot.ca

MARCH 18: 7 PM NO MEN BEYOND THIS POINT DIR: Mark Sawers CANADA, 2015 80 minutes Cast: Kristine Cofsky, Patrick Gilmore, Rekha Sharma This wry mockumentary posits an alternate history where an explosion of virgin births from the 1950s onwards has taken men out of the procreation equation: now that only girls are being born, it seems that men’s days on earth are numbered.

At thirty-seven years old, Andrew Myers is now the youngest man in the world. He has a quiet life working as a nanny for Terra and Iris, until he begins having an affair with Iris, and the two have to hide their love. With the end of humanity as we know it approaching, the couple’s actions will take on historical proportions.

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MARCH 18: 9:30 SLEEPING GIANT DIR: Andrew Cividino CANADA, 2015 90 minutes Cast: Jackson Martin, Nick Serino, Reece Moffett

This is a whip-smart study of the emotional extremes of adolescence, and their potentially catastrophic effects. Nate, Riley, and Adam are dealing with boredom with dim-witted shenanigans until Taylor arrives to change their social balance.

If you’ve ever spent a teenage summer in a rural area with little supervision and nothing much to do, you’ll instantly recognize both the ennui and the creeping atmosphere of mystery and menace that pervades the experience. Cividino creates a volatile, captivating and singular look at adolescence, wholly free of the sanitized antics of Hollywood.

The 20th Annual Cinema CNC Film Festival | Cinema CNC

MARCH 19: 1 PM AL PURDY WAS HERE DIR:Brian D. Johnson CANADA, 2015 92 minutes. Documentary With: Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, Sarah Harmer, Michael Ondaatje, Eurithe Purdy, Tanya Tagaq An icon of Canadian letters, Al Purdy was equal parts rock star, raconteur, and rabble-rouser: in other words, all poet.

Coming to prominence in the 1960s alongside a crop of other extraordinary talents, Purdy scorned the tired tales of rural life that had dominated Canadian literature and set out to focus on contemporary Canadian experience. What emerges is a far more complex portrait of Purdy than was suggested by his public persona as the boisterous lover of booze, brawls, and verse, immortalized in his best-known poems.

MARCH 19: 9:30 INTO THE FOREST DIR: Patricia Rozema CANADA, 2015 96 minutes Cast: Ellen Page, Evan Rachel Wood, Callum Keith Rennie

A mesmerizing story about two sisters who are forced to fend for themselves in a society that may be on the brink of collapse. Living with their recently widowed father in a house over thirty miles from the nearest town, sisters Nell and Eva gradually become aware of the severity of their situation as their supplies dwindle and the blackout continues. As they contend with the threats of intruders, disease, loneliness and starvation, the young women are forced to re-examine their place in the world and their relations to the land, their home, and each other.

MARCH 20: 7 PM MY INTERNSHIP IN CANADA DIR: Philippe Falardeau 108 minutes Fr, Eng, Creole, w. subtitles Cast: Patrick Huard, Suzanne Clément, Irdens Exantus

In this satirical look at the vagaries of Canadian politics, an MP finds himself thrust suddenly into the spotlight, and it’s up to his young Haitian intern to help the hapless backbencher navigate the complexities and pitfalls of Parliament Hill. Canadians’ tendency to focus on the regional and specific at the expense of the wider picture is exposed. This gently skewering satire demonstrates that sometimes it takes an outsider to explain the workings, and the value, of the unique system that makes our democracy (sometimes) function.

The 20th Annual Cinema CNC Film Festival | Cinema CNC

MARCH 19: 7 PM REMEMBER DIR: Atom Egoyan CANADA, 2015 95 minutes Cast: Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, Henry Czerny

Master filmmaker Atom Egoyan tackles one of the darkest chapters of history, giving legendary actor Christopher Plummer a majestic role as an elderly Holocaust survivor seeking revenge on the man responsible for the deaths of his family. Plummer plays Zev, a recent widower whose deteriorating state forces him to be placed in permanent care. When he discovers that the concentration-camp guard who murdered his relatives is now living in America under an assumed identity, Zev resolves to fulfill his final vow to his wife by exacting vengeance on the escaped war criminal.

MARCH 20: 2 PM LES ETRE CHERS [Our Loved Ones] DIR: Anne Émond French w. subtitles, 102 minutes Cast: Maxim Gaudette, Karelle Tremblay, Valérie Cadieux Protected by his well-intentioned siblings from the truth about his father’s death, the sensitive David has grown into a loving husband and father of two, living a seemingly fulfilling life. But as the years go by, during which time his relationship with his wilder brother begins to strain and his kids grow into young adulthood, David begins to struggle with a melancholia that gradually threatens to engulf him. While epic in scope this film remains unerringly attuned to the inner lives of the family, portraying their heartbreaks and joys with sincerity and grace.

MARCH 20: 9:30 BOREALIS Director: Sean Garrity Canada 2015 95 minutes Cast: Joey King, Clé Bennett, Emily Hampshire

Jonah gambles. Jonah borrows a lot of money. Jonah loses the money, so much money that it leaves the loan-shark threatening him, his daughter, and his dog unless the debt is paid. Meanwhile, his daughter, Aurora, goes for an eye exam, the results of which are shared with her father. Unable to tell her the truth about the devestating diagnosis and unable to pay his debts, Jonah decides to take Aurora on a road trip to Churchill, Manitoba, to see the single more incredible sight he has seen: the Northern Lights.

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Working in a warehouse with a degree in English and Political Science, getting divorced young, a disease taking his father too soon, growing up in the age of hateful factions like ISIS and Trump… that is some funny stuff!

Jon White

By Frank Peebles

Photo Credits: Trevor Moore 14

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Jon White is young enough that the comedy world is still a freshly blooming garden of flowers just waiting for his frolicking.

But he’s experienced enough in life to know about hay fever and hidden bees and poison oak, if he isn’t careful. It is the pain and anger and injustices of life that come up in the best comedy. Sometimes it comes up like a light bulb of eureka and sometimes it comes up like a burp. Either way: funny stuff.

Even though he’s only been in the standup comedy craft for a short time, he has already put a lot of stage lumber under his feet. When he took part in the Kinsmen Club’s comedy for charity showcase on Jan. 30, he made his 80th appearance as a comic. When he is the headliner on April 2 at Art Space, it will mark the fourth time his name was at the top of the marquee.

All told, he is no longer an amateur. He may have that warehouse job to pay the bills, but he is a comedian.

“The goal isn’t to be Russell Peters or Louis C.K., it is to make a living doing comedy,” he said.

He is already gathering those important experiences that take the edges off. He grew up in a Mormon household, and when he told some Mormon jokes at a comedy event in Vanderhoof, one of the patrons took such exception she confronted him afterwards. “I even knew her a little, but she gave me a shoulder check as she passed by after she let me know how she didn’t approve of the jokes. Some people get the cold shoulder; I got the hard shoulder. But I looked at it as a topic, not an attack. And it’s cathartic. I feel totally fine making fun of things people can choose. You can’t choose your ethnicity, you can’t choose a disease or a disability you have, you can’t choose to be the victim of rape. I wouldn’t Jon White

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write jokes about those things.

But your political views, your religion, your sexual behavior, that’s all free game.”

What he does impose on himself, as a writer and oral communicator (yes, that English degree is alive and kicking) is a degree of craftsmanship. He skips over some funnies because they were too easy. They didn’t deliver enough creative thinking to the conversation.

“Anything can be funny, it really can,” he said. “But shock value might get you attention; it won’t get you lasting appreciation for your craft. George Carlin shocked people, but the material was saying something larger than the immediate burst of laughter.

Comedy is a social commentary.

It’s one of the few ways the issues of society actually get put on display and talked about. In that sense I do think it is OK to sometimes offend people. You have to be made to think about life, because some things don’t come to your mind any other way. You are stronger if you look at the scary stuff. It melts its power. You’re stronger if you address difficult topics head-on.

Jon White

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Comedian

Just like you body gets stronger by exercise, which is literally tearing your muscles in order to build them. Comedy rips your emotions in order for your mind to be healthier and more ready to wrestle with everything life throws at you.”

White spent his late teens and early 20s working retail jobs in the entertainment industry – Rogers Video, EB Games, etc.

In his spare time, he’d scribble snatches of comedy in binders he still carries around. He had a couple of friends who were ahead of him in the small but burgeoning comedy community in Prince George. Guys like Bryce Lokkan led him to leaders in the local scene like Mike McGuire and Brian Majore, and soon after that he was going for coffee or other social beverages with import headliners like Charlie Demers and Matt Billion (who was, truth be told, also a kid raised in Prince George before striking comedy paydirt).

Watch for tickets on sale soon for Jon White The April Fool comedy show, coming April 2 at Art Space.

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A Perfect

Circle

By Charelle Evelyn

Photo Credits: James Doyle

The intricacies of Nicky Kumar’s work would suggest a meticulous level of planning and foresight before putting pen to paper.

But the mandala artist said she doesn’t know what the finished product will look like when she starts.

“I just put the pen down and begin,” Kumar said. “My mood and mental state shape the mandala.”

Kumar found herself drawn to the centuries-old art form heavy with symbolism for the Hindu and Buddhist religions, finding the circular, geometric drawings soothing at a time in her life when she needed emotional and physical relief.

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has turned into a commercial enterprise. After taking the leap and posting her work on social media Kumar now has a steady stream of commissions, print sales and even representation by an agent handling commercial art licensing.

Kumar spoke to The Scene about her mandala journey.

The Scene: How did you get your start in art?

Nicky Kumar: I have enjoyed creating art since I was a little girl. It was something that always came naturally to me but I didn’t think I was very good at it. I just knew I enjoyed it. I thought of it as a hobby and nothing more. … My mom, who passed away four years ago, thought I should choose a career in art. I thought she was crazy. I didn’t have the confidence in my talent and thought it would be impossible

to earn a living making art.

TS: You left a career in vehicle sales and became more focused on art. What prompted that change?

NK: I enjoyed it for the most part but always felt I was trying to be something I’m not. This summer, I burnt out physically and mentally and had to take time off work. I was too stressed, and it manifested in a very painful physical way as bile gastritis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and really painful esophageal spasms.

TS: How did you discover mandalas?

NK: As part of that healing process I started colouring in adult colouring books because I heard that they are good for relieving stress. The colouring book I was drawn to was a mandala colouring book. Within

days, I began drawing my own mandalas. I began gaining patience that I didn’t have before.

I inhabited a sense of calm. There is something about mandalas – they really are a magical thing.

The more I researched mandalas the more I fell in love.

TS: How else did they help you?

NK: I liked being a manager and leading a team but part of that is negative – telling people they haven’t done a good job or didn’t meet their targets. That’s just not me. I don’t like making people feel bad. Mandalas help to bring spirituality, calmness, and tranquility to people’s lives. I think my mom was right. I’m here to share my art and help make a positive impact in people’s lives.

For more, visit facebook.com/ NickysMandalas or follow @NickysMandalas on Instagram.

A Perfect Circle | Nicky Kumar

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Photo Credits: Submitted

Theatre NorthWest is proud to present: The Tale of a Town – Prince George The Tale of a Town will gather and map our main street stories and create a performance installation presented by Theatre NorthWest as part of our centennial celebrations!

The Tale of a Town - Canada is a nationwide theatre and media initiative aiming to capture the collective community memory of Canada’s main streets, one story at a time. This cultural project has been touring the country, visiting 18

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small towns and big cities alike, collecting oral histories through interviews with independent business owners, local heroes, community stakeholders, and neighbourhood residents and their next stop is here in Prince George.

The Tale of a Town will take up residence in a downtown storefront location at the Ramada Hotel, and has been conducting interviews about our memories of downtown Prince George.

Stories gathered during these interviews will inspire the creation of a performance

installation that will incorporate audio, archives, music and soundscape that will fill the space at the hotel. The play’s interviews will also be a podcast that will be heard during the performances as well as nationally and an instillation indoor performance at the Ramada Hotel in a secret location! This one hour multimedia performance piece will be offered to local school groups on March 4 at 10 am and 12 pm and then for the public on March 4 at 8pm, March 5 at 2, 4, and 8 pm and March 6 at 2 and 4 pm; to culminate the 100 Year anniversary celebrations of

Prince George. The performance will feature local talents working in collaboration with FIXT POINT, the producing company from Toronto.

Admission is free or by a small donation but seating is limited so reservations are required.

To book a space at one of these unique performances book online at www.toatpg.eventbrite.ca or call Theatre NorthWest (250) 563-6969 Ext 306.

The Tale of a Town – Prince George | Theatre NorthWest

EXPERIENCE THE DELIGHTS OF JASPER AND MARMOT BASIN Venture closer to home this winter and experience the delights of Jasper and Marmot Basin.

For those who slice frozen paths and ascend high trails, Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a designated Dark Sky Preserve… and it’s all on your door step!

Only 4 hours from Prince George, Jasper is the perfect place to embrace winter this year; whether you’re shredding the slopes at Marmot Basin, star-gazing next to a frozen lake, or getting cozy in front of a fire, there’s something to suit everyone.

As the northernmost Rocky Mountain ski area with the

highest base elevation in Canada, Marmot Basin enjoys abundant dry, natural snow from midNovember to early May. It is one of the most diverse ski areas in North America, designed for all abilities, from novice to expert, covering 1,675 acres on four mountain faces. You will find everything from long, perfectly groomed trails to high alpine bowls and steep chutes filled with Rocky Mountain powder.

Skiing and snowboarding is always fun, but when you combine it with breathtaking mountain vistas, gorgeous spring days and awesome snow conditions it becomes AMAZING! Jasper Welcomes LGBTQA Travelers to Celebrate “From Jasper With Love” Running from March 17th to 20th,

Experience the Delights of Jasper and Marmot Basin

the 2016 Jasper Pride Festival sends its love and invites visitors to celebrate in a community that is known for welcoming everyone with wide open arms.

This year’s jam-packed program features 25 events over four days. The (00)7th Annual Jasper Pride Gala Party “From Jasper With Love” on Saturday the 19th will be the place to be this winter in Jasper! This not-so-subtle nod to the classic James Bond film encourages guests to dress up and defy Bond stereotypes via cross-dressing, showcasing gender diversity or expressing fluid gender-roles, all while meeting new friends and dancing the night away.

With discounted Lift Tickets available to Pride Festival attendees, the “Pride on the Hill” event is a great time to experience the great snow conditions and

Photo Credits: Submitted

friendly hospitality at Marmot Basin. Fun costumes, music and a group ski all combine to create a wonderful day on the slopes.

Other festival highlights include live concerts, themed movie matinees, and winter activities such as guided ice canyon hikes, ice climbing and dog-sledding, all of which will be exclusive to Pride guests.

For a full event schedule and more information on the 7th Annual Jasper Pride Festival, visit jasperpride.ca Want to Win 2 lift passes to enjoy Marmot Basin? Hashtag #MarmotScene with your favorite skiing or snowboarding picture on the Scene PG Facebook for your chance to win. Draw date is March 15/2016 MARCH2016

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SKI HILL Warms City’s Hart

By Frank Peebles

From left, Brenda Sande from One Boardshop, Mike Gareau from Hart Highlands Ski Hill, and Guy Buskermolen from One Boardshop with the cheque for $3,762.10 that was raised at a fundraiser for the ski hill which lost its provincial government funding.

Citizen Photo by James Doyle

For years - 48 of them - Hart Highland Winter Club was the best kept secret in the city.

This year, that suddenly changed.

Awareness shot to heights far above the ski lifts three lifts up the slopes of their hill.

The ownership society lost its gaming grants. The only way for HHWC to open its doors this winter was to launch a community appeal. Thirty-year board president Mike Gareau said the entire organization was stunned by the response.

“It was fantastic. Unbelievable support came pouring in, from government, from big corporations, from small local businesses, from families and from individuals,” he said. “We found out how much people love this place and how passionate people are about keeping this facility running.”

Donations and skiing customers poured in. They had a threeday streak of 500 customers or more “and we have never had numbers like that, before,” said Gareau.

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The recent warm weather has possibly caused the cancellation of the remaining season, a sad disappointment for customers and organizers alike. Gareau said the worst HHWC year was 2004 when the snowpack allowed for only 15 days of operation. Last year was also challenging with 39 days. This year they are at only 26 so far, but all the initial support meant they will not have to bow their financial heads.

“Most people only ever ski on groomed runs, and the people we get are out of some simple recreation. They are families who want to bring the kids somewhere safe and fun, or it’s someone who wants to get out and have some outdoor exercise to finish the day. We are located right in the heart of the city. All we really need to open again is about 10cms of new snow. If that comes and only lasts a little while, that’s OK with us, we’re going to go for it. We really got a sense this year how much people want us. So we’ll do our part if the sky does its part.”

HHWC is located at 3740 Winslow Drive. See their Facebook page for the most current information.

Ski Hill Warms City’s Hart | Hart Highland Winter Club

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WHY DID TWO BASEMENT BEER-MAKERS CROSS THE ROAD?

By Frank Peebles

For 20 years, a dream has been fermenting in the brain of Daryl Leiski.

It sweetened and gathered body as he experimented with small batches of beer he’d craft in his basement.

Photo Credit: Brent Braaten

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The same yeast was fizzing in the imagination of Bjorn Butow, also a home brewer. He, like Leiski, appreciated small-batch varieties of lager, ale, stout and other members of the beer family.

When the two met, they brewed up a business plan, too, and this past month they announced their grand plan to the city.

Their burgeoning beer business is named for all the natural forces and human activities that all converge here in their home reason. For more then 10,000 years people have had a constant community here because of the northern divide, the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, all the ancient pathways between north, south, east and west that now take the form of railroads and highways. So, Crossroads Brewing Company it was.

Leiski and Butow agreed that their Crossroads venture be built somewhere in the downtown where local history and commerce intersect. That region of the city had been ailing, so now it will be aleing instead, helping the George Street economy in the process. Their location will be in

Why Did Two Basement Beer-makers Cross the Road?

the vacant Tony Roma’s building that also housed Foodteller, Niner’s Diner and originated as a car dealership in the 1940s.

Symbolically, geographically and architecturally it was perfect for Crossroads Brewing of Prince George.

They hope to have their venture open by December. The brewing and packaging will occur on-site, and a small, attractive tasting lounge will also be included.

The plan calls for eight varieties of beer on-tap, some of which will be constant house favourites and some that will change with the seasons.

Crossroads isn’t the first independent brewery in the area.

We have, among others, Three Ranges Brewing Company in Valemount, Barkerville Brewing Company in Quesnel, and the granddaddy of them all: Pacific Western Brewery in Prince George. The two Crossroads partners were pleased to report all those companies were enthusiastic and helpful for their venture. It is another kind of sign that this region grows stronger when everything meets in the middle.

| Crossroads Brewing Company

MARCH2016

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