Scene PG | December 2014

LOCAL EVENTS AND MUSIC

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DECEMBER2014

DEAD CITY SCANDAL ROCK’S REBIRTH PG04

CARIBOO HOUSE HOUSE PARTY PG34

SHANE PATRICK RILEY ALL TOMORROW’S STAGES

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local events and music

CONTENTS 38 04 DEAD CITY SCANDAL 08 SARAH PUGH “DJ SERA” 12 NORTHERN FANCON 19 THE STATISTICS 22 WILLIAM KUKLIS 27 SANDRA TANEMURA 30 CROSSFIT NORTHERN ICE 32 THE COPPER PIG 34 CARIBOO HOUSE 38 SOUND ADDICTION 42 SHANE PATRICK RILEY 46 SNOW YOU NEED TO KNOW Rock’s Rebirth

Quizzing the Quizmaster

Boldly going where P.G. has never gone before The Statistics of The Statistics Hooked on a Feeling

Isolated Movement

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CrossFit

by Chris Dias House Party

Bitten by the Recording Bug All Tomorrow’s Stages Local Ski Mountains

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AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT:

www.pgcitizen.ca or thescenepg.com General Inquiries ‹ 250-562-2441 Publisher ‹ Colleen Sparrow Editor ‹ Neil Godbout Reader Sales ‹ Alan Ramsay Director of Advertising ‹ Dave Smith Founder ‹ Norm Coyne Graphic Designer ‹ Candice Rosenbaum Director of Events ‹ James Matosevic Writer ‹ Charelle Evelyn Photographers ‹ Trevor Moore, Christos Sargiogos,

James Doyle & Bo Dannefaer

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Many strange and wonderful things abound in our winter issue of the Scene PG. You know you’ve made it when your magazine features full grown men in banana suits popping champagne… But seriously, this issue sees the first in a brand new initiative for our magazine. On page 45, you will see a few pictures from our first ever monthly Dodge Live series thanks to our friends at Northland Dodge. The event featured Hyper Crush and was executed by newly appointed Scene PG Director of Events James Matosevic who sold the show out in only two weeks. This event marks the Scene PG’s entry into the local event space and we are looking forward to seeing you all out at many more Scene PG events in days to come.

- Norm Coyne Scene PG

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ON THE COVER: Photo Credit: Trevor Moore

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h t r i b e ' R s k c Ro yn

By Charelle Evel

“We keep the party element really strong in our band.” Former Prince George resident Jimmy Feedback (known as James McMurtie when he fronted Over the Coals) is part of the new school of classic rock born again in Dead City Scandal.

The Vancouver-based quintet – composed of Feedback on lead guitar, fellow Prince George

native Michael Vanderlans (from Floored) on bass, Sean Dyer on rhythm guitar, JB Mason on lead vocals and a “revolving door of drummers” – has just released its self-titled second album and is helping to give the city’s party rock scene a shot in the arm.

“I remember when I moved down to Vancouver back in 2003, the music scene was super strong and there were a lot of great bands,” Feedback said.

“It’s crazy how things change.”

Over the years, radio formats began to change, bars started shutting down and previously successful bands moved on.

“There always seems to be this gap when it comes to straight-up rock n’ roll,” Feedback said. “We kind of got in there and staked our claim with that.”

Formed in 2010, Dead City Scandal draws from the west coast rock pedigree – from the

L.A. sounds of Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crüe to the Seattle-based grunge evolution in Nirvana and Alice in Chains.

“We put it together with our own stamp on it. We draw from the stuff that inspired us, inspired the west-coast music scene, and make it somewhat original and fresher,” said Feedback.

As a follow up to their 2011 EP The Battle for VanCity, the new continued on page 6

Photo Credits: Submitted 4

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Dead City Scandal

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Rock’s Rebirth

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Keep up with Dead City Scandal at www.reverbnation.com/deadcityscandal, www.facebook.com/deadcityscandal, or on Twitter: @deadcityscandal

continued from page 4 album – released Oct. 14 – is a refinement of the Dead City Scandal sound.

“We’d gained a lot of momentum down here, but we took our time with this album

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and stood back to dig deeper, to make a more dynamic album,” said Feedback. “There’s more dynamics right across the board – we’re really going through the genre of rock and roll as whole

instead of just one section of it.”

The winter and spring will see Dead City Scandal taking their sound out of the Vancouver scene that nourished them.

“We’re spreading our wings and

getting the music out to places that have been good to us,” said Feedback, noting there have been a variety of grassroots stations across North America that have picked up their songs.

Dead City Scandal

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Rock’s Rebirth

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A chance encounter on a night out 16 years ago led Sarah Pugh down a path she never expected to travel.

“It was totally unexpected. I woke up and it was ‘oh man, I think I got a job last night,’” Pugh recalled. “A little bit happier than a surprise tattoo.”

Pugh’s alter ego, DJ Sera, was born after auditioning on a whim for then-fledgling business owner Dave Mothus’ new company, Capital Sound, in 1998.

“I was actually in there when he was doing try outs for rookie DJs. I wound up giving it a go and wound up getting a job.”

Today, DJ Sera can be found every week at the Westwood Pub, where she holds court over what has become her specialty – trivia night.

The Scene PG took the opportunity to take away Pugh’s answer key and put her in the hot seat.

The Scene PG: Given that you never expected to do this, what have you learned about DJing over the years?

DJ Sera: Mostly what I’ve learned is how subtly powerful music is on the mood, what a bonding experience I guess it is for all the people that engage.

You get all the people that dance or bop their head or have some kind of profound memory from music and you see just how powerful it is and how it has the ability to move people physically and also move people emotionally.

The Scene: How do you spot a trivia cheater?

DJ Sera: Just by paying attention. I walk around the room and I can also see everyone from my DJ booth. …. I also have a good idea from the answers, too. Sometimes I’ll throw in stumper songs – ones I know Shazam gets wrong.

The Scene: Favourite song to sing in the shower?

Quizzing

the Quizmaster

By Charelle Evelyn

Photo Credits: James Doyle 8

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Sarah Pugh “DJ Sera”

continued on page 10 |

Quizzing the Quizmaster

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continued from page 8

DJ Sera: I’m a serial shower singer. I like Dan Hicks’ [Sweetheart (Waitress in a Donut Shop)], Sweet Dreams – the old Mama Cass one. I like to croon. I know I would never actually do it, but I would love to have been one of those lounge singers that stretch themselves out on the grand piano and sing sultry songs all night at random jazz club.

The Scene: What’s the best song to spin at the end of the night?

DJ Sera: I think the longstanding favourite to shut everything down is Closing Time, either the Semisonic one or the Leonard Cohen one because it’s the notso-subtle hint – the one where you don’t actually have to get on the microphone and ask people to leave.

The Scene: What’s the worst song request you’ve ever received?

DJ Sera: Oh man, I get a lot of them. … Any request where it’s a sad song – that would be a bad request. I might totally love that song… but it’s going to sap the energy and people are probably going to stop drinking and go home. One that comes to mind is Joey by Concrete Blonde. It’s not a bad song, but it’s a bad request.

On New Years’ Eve, DJ Sera will step out from behind the booth and on to the dance floor as she participates in Boogie with the Stars in support of the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. See her at the Westwood or check out boogiewiththestars.ca for ticket and pledge info.

Photo Credits: James Doyle 10

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Sarah Pugh “DJ Sera”

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Quizzing the Quizmaster

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By Charelle Evelyn

Why should everywhere else get all the fun? That’s part of the rationale behind Northern FanCon, the inaugural Prince George conference and trade show dedicated to all things fandom.

Tickets are already on sale for the event, which runs May 8-10, 2015 at CN Centre.

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“I’ve always wanted to do one of these because I love that stuff,” said Citizen Special Events co-ordinator Norm Coyne, who is bringing FanCon to life in partnership with the B.C. Northern Exhibition and sponsored by the Northland Group.

After checking off his own bucket list item by attending the Calgary Comic and Entertinament Expo, wheels started turning for Coyne.

“I thought ‘this would be so awesome to do one of these in Prince George,’” he said. The city has already seen a couple of test

Northern FanCon

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events, dipping its toe into the celebrity waters.

Sons of Anarchy star Kim Coates and genre monolith Ron Perlman have both made appearances in Prince George over the past year. Add to that MMA marquee name Georges St-Pierre and celebrity chef Bob Blumer and

Boldly going where P.G. has never gone before

organizers knew the city was ready for more.

“Every single instance of those has drawn hundreds or thousands of people. This is going to be a concentration of a group of celebrities in a really fun, exciting atmosphere,” said Coyne. “It’s going to blow people’s minds. I’m so excited I can’t even handle it.”

Headlining the event is Canadian and sci-fi icon William Shatner, Star Trek’s original Capt. James T. Kirk.

The most-recently announced to the lineup is Relic Hunter Tia Carerre, also well known for Wayne’s World, Warehouse 13, Quantum Leap and more.

There will be up to 15 celebrity guests descending on the city for FanCon and each will participate in a live Q-and-A session on stage at CN Centre. Photo and autograph opportunities will

also be available.

Organizers are also swimming in requests from those interested in participating in FanCon’s general exhibitors area as well as artist alley where producers of comic, science-fiction and horror art will be on display.

Don’t want to spend your entire weekend indoors? The BCNE has you covered and a midway complete with rides will run for the duration of the con.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. A limited quantity of VIP passes are also on offer for three-day admission, exclusive front-of-the-line access to celebrity guests, VIP seating for interviews and panels, a goodie bag and access to the May 8 and May 9 after parties.

Visit Fancon.ca and Like Northern FanCon on Facebook for updates as they’re announced.

Photo Credits: Christos Sargiogos

Northern FanCon

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Boldly going where P.G. has never gone before

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SCENESTYLE 14

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Lords of Gastown available at Harley Davidson

Photo Credits: Christos Sargiogos

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SCENESTYLE Photo Credits: Trevor Moore 16

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Clothing available at One Boardshop & Extreme

Snowmobiles available at Forest Power Sports

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SCENESTYLE Photo Credits: Trevor Moore 18

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Clothing from One Boardshop & Extreme

the statistics of the

statistics

By Charelle Evelyn

Darby and Erin Yule may look distinguished sitting by the fire, ascots firmly in place and brandy snifters in hand – but we’re not likely to find out.

When The Scene PG caught up with the duo behind The

Statistics for a fireside chat, it was anything but distinguished.

• Haunts is the band’s new sixsong EP and their third release.

Darby: Haunts is a bit of a dive into our sound, really. … We looked at it as an opportunity to be able to take our sound to a new level and kind of dive into things like isolation and angst.

Erin: And kind of where we’re from, because it’s northern B.C. and the north is not something that’s really talked about and really delved into the same way an urban setting would be. Really bringing out a lot of those ideas and especially in the artwork and the presentation of it.

D: One of the main themes in it is being lost in the woods, a really simple idea that tried to branch out throughout the entire EP. What we found was by doing that we had a chance to use sounds that were more ambient.

E: There are a lot less highgain crunchy guitars, like you’ll

continued on page 20

Photo Credits: James Doyle

The Statistics

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The Statistics of The Statistics

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continued from page 19

hear in Three Days Grace or something like that. It’s a lot more analog, a lot warmer. And it’s just sort of a different sound than what people are used to, especially coming from an alternative rock band.

• Between the two of them, Darby and younger brother Erin have 25 years of combined musical experience.

Darby: Erin started drumming at like six and we’ve been playing in bands since [Erin] was nine, I was 11. So we’ve just been forever, really, with each other.

We’ve been playing with each other for a really long time Erin: In a deep way.

Darby: In a really deep way. We just get right in there.

• Since The Statistics started two-and-a-half years ago, they’ve gone through eight additional band members.

D: That’s just the way it goes with live music and people’s lives. It’s like anything. It’s about kind of getting up and back to it even when you have roadblocks. *Begins singing Chumbawumba’s Tubthumping* • It took five days in the studio to record Haunts, which they did at Fader Mountain Studios with producer Paul Boechler.

D: He wears a lot of bike pants, has nice hair, super curly. He’s got a pretty nice smell, too.

E: Really? That’s the details you’re going to give about Paul?

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The Statistics

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• Haunts is available online through iTunes and Amazon and you can stream it over Soundcloud, YouTube, Pandora but the brothers also had 200 copies pressed. Unlike Taylor Swift, however, The Statistics aren’t pulling their music from Spotify.

E: We’re not even close to making money from it anyways…. When you have a couple million views, we’re getting like $10,000 from it – D: We’d be pretty stoked.

D: [Haunts is] available in 116 countries… No big D. • Even with recording an album, The Statistics have played at least 20 shows in 2014, including their sold-out CD release show at the Thirsty Moose on Oct. 3.

D: Even the last time we played Vancouver, we sold out that one, too. The response we’ve been getting form people with these new songs and the new set has really been incredible.

It’s even just cool to know people are actually sitting down and listening to your CD because they like your CD, not just because you’re a local band or you’re somebody’s friend. It’s an amazing experience, it really is, and it’s what we’ve been working a lot time to have.

Online at Facebook.com/ statisticsband, www. thestatistics.org and @ statisticsband.

The Statistics of The Statistics

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When you go to see William Kuklis perform, you may want to think about avoiding the front row – unless you want to get splashed by feels.

Hooked on a

Feeling

By Charelle Evelyn

“When I perform live, my description of it, is I bleed onstage,” said the alt-folk musician. “I’ve got stuff to say but it’s more of an emotion than an actual message.”

A self-proclaimed high-school theatre geek turned singer/ songwriter, Kuklis has spent the past two decades emoting through song, whether it was with Vancouver-based band Cultured Cowboy or as a solo artist.

“A bunch of us actors decided we wanted to start a band – so we did,” Kuklis recalled.

“We taught ourselves to play instruments.”

Despite being new to the sixstring when he picked up it at the age of 19, Kuklis wasn’t a stranger to music.

“There’s a couple of photos of me as a child, crying in front of a piano,” Kuklis said, noting he also sung in choirs and did musical theatre through school.

But his work with Cultured Cowboy was something new, and the group found themselves a measure of “small-time success,” Kuklis said, releasing two albums before Kuklis’ travels took him away from his bandmates.

He met his soon-to-be wife in Barkerville, where he was working as a historical interpreter and followed her to Victoria.

“From there it was a little more challenging [working with Cultured Cowboy], going back and forth doing gigs,” Kuklis said. “It just sort of evolved into doing more solo writing.”

In 2001, that work turned into The Price We Pay, Kuklis’ first solo album, precipitated by a tragedy. “It was a tribute

Photo Credits: James Doyle 22

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continued on page 26 William Kuklis

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Hooked on a Feeling

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continued from page 22 album to a friend of a mine who committed suicide, and was also a brilliant musician,” he said.

Earlier in 2014, Kuklis, who now lives with his family in Prince George, released I’ve Heard That Before. Though not necessarily borne out of a deep sadness, Kuklis finds he still writes from the heart.

“I write more on the feeling of the music,” he said, noting putting together lyrics is one of the most difficult parts of his songwriting process.

The majority of I’ve Heard That Before was self-recorded at Kuklis’ home Vinyl Deck Studios,

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which he originally built while living on Vancouver Island.

Offering recording, mixing and production, Vinyl Deck has also given Kuklis the chance to learn from other artists’ processes.

Vinyl Deck Studios is also where Kuklis has crafted scores for a few independent films.

“That plays into the whole ‘feeling’ side of it,” Kuklis said of working off a script or raw footage to create the cinematic pieces.

For more, visit williamkuklis. com and keep up with his performance schedule on his Facebook page.

William Kuklis

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Hooked on a Feeling

ISOLATED

Movement

By Charelle Evelyn

Photo Credits: Submitted

There may not be a royal academy for it, but that doesn’t mean belly dance isn’t an art. It’s one that Sandra Tanemura has been teaching for more than two decades in Prince George and, like her aunt before her, Tanemura still faces the common misconceptions about the form.

“It’s something every cultural art form fights with,” said Tanemura, who owns and operates Zahirah, a local dance studio that specializes in Middle Eastern belly dance.

Belly dance isn’t like the ballet and jazz forms of the dance world, which are more standardized, she said.

“Lots and lots of people will say ‘oh you’re just shaking, you’re just shaking something, I can do that.’ And then they try it,” Tanemura said. “So it’s something that’s not always recognized. It’s getting better

and better. It’s definitely not the way it was when my aunt was doing it when I was a young girl. But it still has a long way to go.”

Tanemura is carrying on the torch passed on by her aunt and first teacher, whose Egyptian husband bestowed Tanemura with her performance name, Halawa, at the age of nine.

“It’s customary for your elders to name you when you’re a performer,” said Tanemura, explaining the name means sweetheart or sweet treat.

Now a staple on stage at the annual Canada Day festivities in Fort George Park, Tanemura recalled the days when her aunt was asked to leave the stage because belly dancing was seen as too risqué.

Today, Zahirah is mixing multiple art forms, having recently brought on Prince George Symphony continued on page 28

Sandra Tanemura

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Isolated Movement

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continued from page 27 Orchestra’s Miguel Mori as a percussionist.

Drumming for 15 years, the first time Mori had ever played with dancers was after meeting Tanemura at the local Pride festival two years ago.

It was an easy relationship, Mori discovered.

“Dancing, drumming and singing all go hand in hand.

It’s kind of all the same. If you actually teach a dancer how to drum it’s very easy because their steps and everything are already in three-four or four-four [time] and syncopated. It’s the same language that you’re talking,” he said.

“The difference is obviously you’re translating into sound where they translate into movement.”

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And that movement – depending on whether the classes are ethnic, cabaret or fusion – can tell a story.

“It’s a cultural representation and a performing art,” said Tanemura.

Over the years, Zahirah has branched out into other performing arts, with percussion, East Indian Bollywood dance classes and now burlesque.

All this while Tanemura remains an in-demand teacher, who will be one of the main presenters at B.C. Bellyfest in April 2015 in Penticton. Catch them on stage headlining New years at Esther’s Inn. For more information, visit www.zahirahbellydance.net.

Sandra Tanemura

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Photo Credits: Submitted

At some point we’ve all heard a little something about CrossFit. Either you’ve watched the CrossFit games or you know someone that does CrossFit (Because that is ALL they talk about!!)

Some people get scared when they hear of CROSSFIT and maybe you should, depending on where you are training. There are many ‘CrossFit’ gyms out there, some are legit and some claim to be CrossFit but it’s not ‘True CrossFit’. Be careful… Not all CrossFit gyms are created equal, pick the BEST CrossFit gym for you! What are your goals? What is the coaching like?

Are you getting your money’s worth?

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Who Is CrossFit Northern ICE & CrossFit Kids Northern ICE? Steve, better known as ‘Coach Steve’ is the head coach & the face of CrossFit Northern ICE. He’s been coaching in the community since the age of 16 & CrossFitting since 2010.

If you know Coach Steve, you know that he pours his heart and soul into coaching and teaching, this is his passion.

The relationship Coach Steve has with athletes is honest and he’s able to understand each athlete’s physical and mental abilities to be able to inspire confidence for each individual.

CrossFit Northern ICE prides themselves as effective trainers

to recognize each athlete has different needs and goals. “It’s our responsibility to determine how to relate to and motivate each individual to help them accomplish their goals”.

CrossFit Northern ICE trainers demonstrate interpersonal skills with an ability to interact and communicate with each athlete individually; this comes with decades of coaching experience.

CrossFit Northern ICE expects any coach to also have the knowledge, experience and the ability to teach CrossFit movements. Coaches need to be able to see movements and know exactly how to make it better quickly by appropriately correcting movements to prevent injuries and always

upholding a positive presence and attitude.

CrossFit Northern ICE ensures you know the mechanics of the movements, this means moving yourself and external objects in the most efficient, effective and safest manner possible. When athletes are able to consistently perform the movement, rep after rep without instruction, then and ONLY then are you able to move on to intensity. Yes, this may mean using a broom stick or very light weighted bar in the workout, until the mechanics of the movement is consistent.

To read about CrossFit Northern ICE success stories go to the scene website:

CrossFit Northern ICE

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7:00: I’m writing in the present tense as the computer is accompanying me to the Copper Pig’s grand re-opening on October 25th. I’m decked in a new suit and Italian tie (from Italy, no less) overshadowed considerably by a knockout girlfriend at my flank. I want to strut past the entrance like Zapp Brannigan in Futurama and exclaim, “I AM HERE WITH A WOMAN!” We arrive on time and find The Copper Pig as packed as my veins will soon be with pork fat. We find three seats fringed by an amazing cake, unlabeled bathrooms, and a soon-to-be despoiled virgin kitchen. Tyler Burbee, owner/manager/

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bottle-washer, topped with a white bow tie (it’s a clip on, I checked) sashays between tables. I remember the history of the restaurant, the irony of it suffering water damage as the rest of the block burned to embers. I think we overdressed; those at the table across from us sport cardigans and reverse caps.

7:20: We have a great view of the kitchen as the cornbread starts to emerge from the oven.

It arrives saddled next to baconwrapped cooked pineapple.

7:30: The crowd is packed and energetic; throngs are mingling.

It feels like—dare I say—a real (glasses come off) social house.

7:38: Tyler notices my computer and criticizes me for bringing

The Copper Pig

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by Chris Dias

COPPER PIG

By Chris Dias

homework to the restaurant; I reveal it’s all about him.

7:54: The second plate arrives, cranberry orange sirloin kebob.

Everyone is drinking. My friend orders something called a flight of whiskey.

8:05: The band, Sound Addiction, finally begins their set, opening with Tracy Chapman’s “Give me one reason”, better known as the “Loco-motion” of the 21st century (too often heard, and no one really knows the words despite being able to hum it).

8:30: A pork slider follows potato bites, both of which are amazing. This whole evening should be replicated to mark future events (Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, the solstice, Thursday). The Copper Pig has

struck a gold mine here.

8:35: My Girlfriend reminds me that I’m holding two-thousand dollars of camera gear. I remark that I held her last night and she was priceless. That couldn’t have been sappier if it ran out of a birch tree, but the comment still has the desired effect.

9:02: I down my second glass of wine, the house brand. Thanks to a prior decades’ aversion to alcohol, I have an unspoiled liver apparently unable to filter more than liquor filled chocolates.

9:18: Finally the dessert, the chefs carve into the pig cake. It doesn’t taste of bacon; obviously Tyler hasn’t been watching Epic Meal Time.

9:29: My friends question my inebriation. I’m only intoxicated by the atmosphere. The Copper

Pig isn’t a metaphor of the phoenix; a more apt comparison requires death around water and a rebirth into something greater than what came before.

I got it, Tyler Burbee is Gandalf.

He’s got the beard. The Balrog would then be a metaphor for the insurance company. I guess that would make Prince George Moria, and me…I don’t know…

Pippin? If I ever give Copper Pig a bad review, I imagine being greeted by a staff thump and the outcry, “You shall not pass!”

10:12: I thought we were done eating as more food arrived—a plate of cactus-cut potatoes, beating whatever you can find at a franchise. This was not only a triumphant herald of the Copper Pig’s return, it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve

ever had in this town. Although one can’t condone the past, the Copper Pig may emerge a stronger presence in this city thanks to recent events. It has galvanized its reputation as an unfaltering presence downtown, an epicenter for social and community events shared alongside other businesses owned by a younger generation proving this city is no longer controlled by geriatrics insisting on lacklustre Chinese buffets and $10 steak sandwiches. If I may be so bold as to pull another reference out my literary bag, “Le roi est mort, vive le roi!”

Or to those that failed prerequisite French (like myself), “The king is dead, long live the king.”

Photo Credits: Bo Dannefaer

The Copper Pig

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by Chris Dias

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Party

By Charelle Evelyn

Just because the sun goes down during the 2015 Canada Winter Games doesn’t mean the excitement stops. Citizen Special Events and Cariboo Brewing are teaming up to present Cariboo House – the downtown hot spot that comes alive after the athletes have gone to bed.

Think of it as the “games after dark,” said James Matosevic of Citizen Special Events.

Cariboo House is a nightly 19+ venue at 1192 Fifth Avenue (formerly known as Heartbreakers). Doors open at 7 p.m. during 18-day February sporting event and stay open until 3 a.m.

It’s really a place for people to come together and talk about

the Games or meet up with other people from around the country, Matosevic said.

Cariboo Brewing is tricking out the entire venue, redecorating the space and adding a media wall where a photographer will be snapping every night for a photo spread to be featured in the next day’s Citizen.

The first few hours each night will have more of a social

house atmosphere, for guests to mix and talk with light entertainment. But after 11 p.m., the lights will go down and the party will come up.

Whether your idea of fun is hitting the dance floor to tracks spun by headlining DJs, belting out karaoke with a live band, two-stepping to country music, chatting up guest athletes or kicking back in the upper-level continued on page 36

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Cariboo House

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House Party

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continued from page 34 VIP spot with food and friends, Cariboo House is aiming to be the après-ski worth showing up for.

Nightly entry is $10, with wristbands available that are good for one, seven or all 18 nights.

Tickets are available at the Prince George Citizen office (150 Brunswick St.) or online through Eventbrite. To reserve your group a night in the VIP level, contact Norm Coyne or James Matosevic at 250-562-2441 or email ncoyne@pgcitizen.ca or jmatosevic @pgcitizen.ca.

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Cariboo House

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House Party

Photo Credits: Trevor Moore & Christos Sargiogos

Furniture from RK Furniture Gallery

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BITTENBY THE

Recording bug

By Charelle Evelyn

Now that they’ve had a taste, Sound Addiction can’t quite shake the habit.

This summer saw one of Prince George’s busiest bands hit the recording studio for the first time, recording a three-song EP of original material.

“It’s pretty cool,” said singer Joël Kress. “People are asking for

it, ‘I want a CD, I want to hear you.’ And now that we have something, they’re saying ‘this is awesome, but I need more.’”

Collaborating with Darren Patterson, Sound Addiction – also made up of guitarist Mike Vigano, bass player Dan McLelland and drummer Kirby Gerrie – took the tunes written by the Gates of Oath bassist and worked them into something

distinctly theirs.

“How the guys play, my voice, that all makes it our sound. If it’s too fluffy then we have to change it a little bit so it’s got a rock edge,” Kress said.

Recorded at Chesletta Records, the whole process had fuelled the fire to have a full-length album, said Kress.

It’s been an exciting journey for Kress, who didn’t know she

could sing until she picked up a karaoke mic in her 20s.

“When I first started, I didn’t know where my place was. My friend brought into his band and I kind of figured out my way,” she said. “Now that I have Sound Addiction and I know exactly what I’m doing up on stage, I want originals, I want people to be singing our lyrics and knowing our licks. continued on page 40

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continued from page 38 “It’s very contagious. I love, love being up there. When people are singing something back at you that you wrote, that just hits you in the heart.”

Sound Addiction took to the CN Centre stage twice this year in a six-week span, serving as the opening act for God Save the

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Queen and Count 77.

“From one gig to the next, the momentum just went up,” said Kress. “The people and the energy we got back was just so amazing and so overwhelming I actually had a little moment onstage where I had tears in my eyes and I had to take a second.”

The moments continue to pile up for Kress, who had another overwhelming moment sitting in her own living room and hearing her voice come over the radio.

“I was like ‘hey, wait a minute – that’s me.’ I didn’t even know it was going to be playing,” Kress said. “It’s surreal and humbling

Sound Addiction

and heartwarming to know that, wow, we accomplished that.”

Like Sound Addiction on Facebook to stay on top of their busy gig schedule.

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ALL TOMORROW’S ES

By Charelle Evelyn

G A T S

In his short DJ career, Shane Patrick Riley (SPR) can already point to a major highlight – getting a track featured on a Brillz mix with Handsome House partner Jimi Smyth.

“That was probably the biggest accomplishment,” said Riley, who became strongly interested in electronic dance music and DJing in early 2009. By 2010, Riley joined Outlet Records and two years later he was signed to Funkvine Recordings.

Okanagan-bred, Riley became a part of the Prince George scene when he arrived in the city to attend UNBC. Smyth and Riley met through the scene and found they shared the same passion and musical goals.

In 2013, the pair placed second in an open contest to play at TomorrowWorld (though eventually they would have been thwarted by their non-U.S. resident status) and played the beach stage at Kelowna’s Center of Gravity.

Riley was drawn to music at an early age, taking up piano initially when his grandfather Photo Credits: Christos Sargiogos

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continued from page 42 noticed the basically-still-atoddler could play by ear.

Distaste for reading music led to leaving the piano bench behind, but Riley picked up the guitar and other instruments in high school. That foundation is put to use creating house music.

“It’s complicated as hell,” Riley said. “Not only do you have to be able to write chords, you also have to mix all the music… that means you’re going to be playing the bass, the guitar leads, the backings, the drums.” And that is in addition to creating unique sounds

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using synths and other effects.

When it all comes together, it’s magic. And that magic can be found at Nancy O’s for where SPR shares the Sicker Than Your Average bill with Smyth and Ricky Business and at various Focvs Events productions.

Hear SPR online at https:// soundcloud.com/shanepatrick-riley and learn more at: https://www.facebook. com/HandsomeHouse, https://www.facebook. com/funkvine, https://www. facebook.com/pages/OutletRecords/32153403564.

Shane Patrick Riley

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NORTHLAND DODGE LIVE PRESENTS

Photo Credits: GSP Photography

Northland Dodge Live Presents | Citizen Special Events | Hyper Crush

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Snow

You Need to

Know!

Powder King Located two hours north of Prince George, provides guests with fantastic powder skiing and riding experiences while also offering phenomenal groomed runs for those who prefer groomers. Come experience the Whisper of the North - your northern BC family ski destination. Call 1-866-POW-KING

Hart Highlands Ski Hill

Only small in size, this is a terrific hill for beginners, children, or anyone who just wants to get runs in inside city limits. Here is a hill that always opens right after first snowfall. Hart Highlands Ski Hill is equipped with 11 machine groomed runs and the non-profit society running it maintains it at a low cost for riders. Easy access on bus routes, rentals, ski school, T-bar and night. Don’t overlook

this little treasure. You could be on the hill from downtown in ten minutes….

Murray Ridge Ski Hill

A beauty site for downhill skiers and snowboarders, Murray Ridge and is known for great powder rides and sweet sunny days . Murray Ridge Ski Hill is a great family oriented ski hill located 6miles (10 km) north of Fort St. James, and northwest

of Prince George. From Prince George, drive west on Hwy 16 to Vanderhoof. Go through town continuing west until you reach the intersection of Hwy 27. Turn right and drive another 1/2 hour or so till Fort St James - the Murray Ridge Ski Area will be that big mountain behind town with all the runs - you really can’t miss it!

Purden Ski Village

Purden Ski Village is the largest ski mountain in central British Columbia, and is without doubt among some of the best riding in the area. Boasting more than 1,100 vertical feet of quality dry powder, many treed runs and slopes that don’t get overrun with a ton of crowds, Purden Ski Village is a family friendly hill with levels ranging from Novice – to Intermediate – to Expert on runs that are as long as 2 miles of terrain. Purden Ski Village is located 38 miles (60 km) due east on the Yellowhead Highway, and 91 miles (145 km) northwest of McBride. The mountain is a 4-km drive north of the highway.

Shames Mountain Ski

Situated in the Coastal Mountain range outside of Terrace, Shames Mountain is worth the trip. With 1600 feet of vertical powder, insane backcountry and seemingly untouched terrain, this mountain is a must for the adventurous skier or snowboarder. With the massive drops of powder and less line-ups, this mountain offers

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full access to crazy amounts of snow, tree skiing, steeps, big mountains or just powder.

This mountain boasts the most accumulated snow of any ski hill in North America. Shames Mountain is located in the Shames Valley of Northwest BC, 22 miles (35 km) west of Terrace and 85 miles (137 km) east of Prince Rupert. Shames lies 13 km off Highway 16, between Terrace and Prince Rupert.

Tabor Mountain Ski Resort

Tabor Mountain offers downhill skiing and snowboarding15 minutes east of Prince George in Northern British Columbia.

13 runs ranging from Novice to Expert highlight this local favorite. Tabor Mountain Ski Resort is located on the Yellowhead Highway, 12.5 miles (20 km) east of Prince George.

Troll Ski Resort

With a focus on family fun, Troll Ski Resort has earned it’s nickname as the “gold nugget” of British Columbia ski resorts.

With two terrain parks, runs for skiers of all abilities and four surface lifts, Troll Ski Resort is proud to offer something for every member of the family from the young beginner to the seasoned recreational adult skier. Troll Ski Resort is located 27 miles (44 km) east of Quesnel, midway between Quesnel and the historic towns of Wells and Barkerville on Highway 26.

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