G N I L
L E -S
W O N
E R P
ON THE PARK BY THE WATER IN THE VILLAGE
2 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
HAPPY CHINESE
NEW YEAR 2017
SCRATCH & SAVE UP TO 100% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE!
www.INspirationFurniture.ca
MON-WED & FRI 10 - 7 | THURS 10 - 9 | SAT 10 - 6 | SUN 11 - 6
1275 WEST 6th AVE. VANCOUVER, B.C. V6H 1A6 T: 604 730 1275
FREE COVERED PARKING AVAILABLE
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 3
WORK FROM HOME HOME BASED BUSINESS!
■ Enjoy freedom as a home inspector ■ Complete training & certification ■ BC Gov’t Licensing ■ LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Call Dave NOW to book your franchise presentation. (778) 996-0369 • www.bc.abuyerschoice.com
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
UFC 208
HOLM VS DE RANDAMIE DOORS OPEN: 4:30PM | FIGHT: 7PM GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: $10 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT EDGEWATERCASINO.SHOWARE.COM FOR BOOTH RESERVATIONS: 778.833.0294 Vancouver’s Only Downtown Casino 760 Pacific Blvd. South Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7
Across from BC Place P 604.687.3343
EDGEWATERCASINO.CA
4 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
Defining what it means to live the good life. Healthy Living Issues: FEB 2, MAY 18, AUG 10 & OCT 12 To advertise contact sales@straight.com | 604.730.7020
CONTENTS
Women’s March, Jack Poole Plaza. Amanda Siebert photo.
7
THE BOTTLE
If you can’t get out to the many upcoming events that make up the Vancouver International Wine Festival, here are newish releases from some of its wineries that you can swish and slurp at home. > BY KURTIS KOLT
9
BOOKS
Zoey Leigh Peterson explores our shifting definitions of love and happiness in her striking debut novel, Next Year, For Sure. > BY DAVID CHAU
10
URBAN LIVING
Although Japanese label Muji is lauded for its minimalist aesthetic, it’s the little things that keep customers coming back. > BY LUCY L AU
13
FOOD
From Shanghainese pork hock to Szechuanstyle charcuterie, a multitude of Chinese dishes ring in the Year of the Rooster. > BY TAMMY K WAN
15
COVER
In our special Chill Out arts coverage, an insider’s look at Cavalia’s larger-than-life Odysseo; plus, a guide to all the must-see shows and the blizzard of midwinter fests.
27
START HERE 38 24 39 35 39 36 22
Confessions Dance I Saw You Real Estate Savage Love Straight Stars Theatre
pacificfer tility.ca
TIME OUT 25 Arts 34 Music
SERVICES
MOVIES
Comedy ain’t pretty in Toni Erdmann; Staying Vertical enigmatically falls flat; McConaughey pulls a Depp with Gold; Trespass Against Us plays in the shallow.
31
pacific centre for reproductive medicine
36 Careers 35 Real Estate
MUSIC
After burning right out thanks to a touring schedule best described as “relentless”, Japandroids return with Wild Heart of Life.
Doctors: Caitlin Dunne Jon Havelock Jeffrey Roberts Ken Seethram Tim Rowe Victor Chow Ken Poon
> BY GREGORY ADAMS
36
COVER PHOTO
IVF and Infertility CLASSIFIEDS
Automotive | Education | Services | Travel Marketplace | Employment | Real Estate Property Rentals | Music | Announcements Callboard | And more... ANDREW MILLER
Reproductive Genetics GeorgiaStraight
Fertility Preservation
@GeorgiaStraight @GeorgiaStraight
refer yourself today | referrals@pacificfertility.ca 604.422.7276
Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40009178, return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Georgia Straight, 1635 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1W9
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 5
pen H ouse Janu s: ary 2 8, 31 & Febru ary 1
tryevents.c a
SEMI-ANNUAL SALE ON NOW LIMITED TIME OFFERS! ASICS2000-4
Reg. $159.99
NOW
11999
$ NB860V6
Be a part of the planning for the Millennium Line Broadway Extension
The City of Vancouver and TransLink invite you to attend one of three open houses for the Millennium Line Broadway Extension. The planned Broadway Extension will extend SkyTrain service, primarily underground, from VCC–Clark to a new station at Arbutus Street.
Drop-In Open House Schedule Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Croatian Cultural Centre 3250 Commercial Dr 4 to 8 pm
Share your feedback from January 23 to February 13, 2017 at translink.ca/broadwayextension
NOW
$
9999 All Winter Jackets
ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, January 28, 2017 Douglas Park Community Centre 801 West 22nd Ave 1 to 5 pm
Reg. $159.99
at least
25% OFF!
SALE
50
UP TO
GE INVO T LVED O !
Chilly Cha Sunday Jasne on . 22
Run Clinicasy Start Sundy! & Monda
%
off
Goodbye snow... Hello Rain! Lots of Waterproof Items!
*Due to manufacturer restrictions, Brooks, Nike, Saucony and Merrell have certain in-line products that are excluded from this offer.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral 154 East 10th Ave 4 to 8 pm
3545 W. 4th Ave.
604.733.1173 www.ladysport.ca
CHECK OUT OUR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S STORE FOR ALL THEIR SAVINGS! 3713 KENSINGTON AVE, BURNABY
For further information, please email broadwayextension@translink.ca
6 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
(BEHIND 8 RINKS)
604-299-8851 fitfirst.ca
FOOD
Delish fest wines to swish
A
half-dozen newish wine releases for you this week from all over the map. The common thread of these selections, besides their deliciousness, is that each one of these producers will be participating in this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival, running February 11 to 19. So you can think of this as a sneak peek. (Or if you’re not able to make the festival this year, a little home version!) MONTE DEL FRÀ CÀ DEL MAGRO CUSTOZA SUPERIORE 2013 (Ven-
eto, Italy; $20.99, B.C. Liquor Stores) This blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Tocai Friulano, Cortese, Monte del Frà Cà del Magro Custoza, Quails’ Gate Cailleteau Gamay Nouveau, Chardonnay, Riesling Italico, MalvaMontes Twins Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon, and Monte del Frà Bardolino. sia, and Incrocio Manzoni is quite the bonanza of indigenous Italian white geek on this year, making their own cardamom, garam masala, and other varieties along with a couple global version of a Beaujolais Nouveau. This aromatic spices. Those characteristics icons, but let’s not get too hung up on Gamay from the 2016 vintage was narrow on the palate when the wine the details. The sum of all parts is an quickly fermented and shipped to is first approached, merging into dark, ultrajuicy, fresh, and lively white that market, and it hits winter well with a fruity chocolate and maybe a spot of leaps out of the glass with wonderfully wine well-suited to wild-mushroom balsamic reduction. As you continue intoxicating aromas. Akin to that mo- risotto, rich, meaty stews, and more. swirling the wine in the glass and visit Served with a hint it a few more times, it steps into a patch ment of opening of a chill, it car- of wild strawberries, brightening up a can of fragrant ries brambly berry and becoming rather cheery. fruit cocktail, fruit, notes of there’s a sweet Kurtis Kolt Turkish delight, a MONTE DEL FRÀ BARDOLINO lift of pears and peaches, which are then joined on the smattering of nutmeg and cocoa, and 2014 (Veneto, Italy; $17.49, B.C. Lipalate by young pineapple, Granny a tiny splash of Welch’s grape juice. So quor Stores) If you’re a fan of Amarone wines but in the mood for something Smith apple, buoyant acidity, and a fresh; so fun. less expensive, not as rich, and a few pitch-perfect light apple-skin textural note, bringing wonderful structure. MONTES TWINS MALBEC–CAB- degrees lower in alcohol (we’re talkERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 (Santa ing 12.5 percent versus an Amarone’s An absolute pleasure to quaff. Cruz, Chile; $16.99, B.C. Liquor common 15 percent or higher), here’s SPERLING CHARDONNAY 2015 Stores) Nice to see this complex a wine for you. It’s made from com(Okanagan Valley, B.C.; $26, www. little number coming in at a price mon Amarone varieties (Corvina and sperlingvineyards.com/) Winemaker point that’s more than fair. A gener- Rondinella), and all of the rich, ripe red and owner Ann Sperling’s family ous serving of blueberry compote is and blackberry fruit you’d hope for is have been farming this Kelowna es- livened up with fresh rosemary, sage, piled high, with just a touch of heat on tate for generations, allowing her a eucalyptus, and thyme, then round- the long, peppery finish. sixth sense when harnessing terroir ed out with a few shavings of dark for each one of her bottlings. For chocolate. As it opens up, a few savHey, B.C. wine fans! What looks this delightful Chardonnay, she uses oury notes rise to the surface: a few to be a kick-ass wine event is going large French oak barrels, allowing roasted tomatoes, and red bell pep- down at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster the fruit to be perfectly framed and per, too. Although there are many Bar on February 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 not suffocated in the least. The nose is layers here, it manages to stay fresh p.m., as part of the current Dine Out quite clean and delicate, maybe some from the first sip to the very end. Vancouver Festival. The Explore B.C. guava, starfruit, and fresh-sliced Wine Brunch @ Boulevard is a casual, Honeycrisp apple. When it comes to CATENA ZAPATA CATENA ALTA grazing-style brunch by Boulevard your first few sips, all of that fruit gets HISTORIC ROWS MALBEC 2013 executive chef Alex Chen wherein baked into a delicious pie with a little (Mendoza, Argentina; $52.99, B.C. seven British Columbian wineries cinnamon mixed in and a graham- Liquor Stores) Feeling decadent? will each be pouring a couple of their From one of Argentina’s most lauded favourites. Everyone from Arrowwafer crust. producers comes this Malbec from leaf Cellars and Haywire to Tinhorn QUAILS’ GATE CAILLETEAU GAMAY select rows of their highest-quality, Creek Vineyards and Tantalus VineNOUVEAU 2016 (Okanagan Valley, high-altitude vineyards. Think dark- yards will be on deck. Tickets are a B.C.; $19.50, www.quailsgate.com/) chocolate almond bark with dried measly $56.50 and available via www. Quails’ Gate’s Stewart family got their cranberries, infused with cloves, dineoutvancouver.com/. -
The Bottle
The Georgia Straight | Vancouver’s News and Entertainment Weekly | Volume 51 Number 2560 1635 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1W9 www.straight.com Phone: 604-730-7000 / Fax: 604-730-7010 / e-mail: gs.info@straight.com Display Advertising: 604-730-7020 / Fax: 604-730-7012 / e-mail: sales@straight.com Classifieds: 604-730-7060 / e-mail: classads@straight.com Subscriptions: 604-730-7000 Distribution: 604-730-7087 EDITOR + PUBLISHER Dan McLeod ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Yolanda Stepien GENERAL MANAGER Matt McLeod EDITOR Charlie Smith SECTION EDITORS
Janet Smith (Arts/Fashion) Mike Usinger (Music) Steve Newton (Time Out) Adrian Mack (Movies) Brian Lynch (Books) EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Doug Sarti ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Gail Johnson, John Lucas, Alexander Varty STAFF WRITERS
Tammy Kwan, Lucy Lau, Travis Lupick, Carlito Pablo, Amanda Siebert, Craig Takeuchi, Kate Wilson SENIOR EDITOR Martin Dunphy EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jennie Ramstad PROOFREADER Pat Ryffranck CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gregory Adams, Nathan Caddell, David Chau, Jack Christie, Jennifer Croll, Ken Eisner (Movies), George Fetherling, Tara Henley, Michael Hingston, Ng Weng Hoong, Alex Hudson, Kurtis Kolt,
Robin Laurence (Visual Arts), Mark Leiren-Young, John Lekich, Amy Lu, Bob Mackin, Michael Mann, Rose Marcus, Beth McArthur, Verne McDonald, Allan MacInnis, Guy MacPherson, Tony Montague, Kathleen Oliver, Ben Parfitt, Vivian Pencz, Bill Richardson, Gurpreet Singh, Jacqueline Turner, Andrea Warner, Jessica Werb, Stephen Wong, Alan Woo ART DEPARTMENT MANAGER
Janet McDonald SENIOR DESIGNER David Ko CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Alfonso Arnold, Rebecca Blissett, Trevor Brady, Louise Christie, Emily Cooper, Randall Cosco, Krystian Guevara, Evaan Kheraj, Kris Krug, Tracey Kusiewicz, Kevin Langdale, Shayne Letain, Matt Mignanelli, Mark “Atomos” Pilon, Carlo Ricci, William Ting, Alex Waterhouse-Hayward DIGITAL PRODUCT MANAGER
Chet Woodside LEAD WEB DEVELOPER Jeffrey Li WEB DEVELOPER Tina Luu WEB ADMINISTRATOR Miles Keir
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Mike Correia PRODUCTION
K.T. Dean, Sandra Oswald
AD SERVICES ASSOCIATE
Jon Cranny, Lyndsey Krezanoski
DIRECTOR OF ARTS, ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Laura Moore
What’s Your Vision for the ARBUTUS GREENWAY? The Arbutus Greenway is a future northsouth transportation corridor that will connect False Creek to the Fraser River. Help us plan a high-quality public space for walking, cycling and wheeling — a legacy for generations to come.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Take the Survey: vancouver.ca/arbutus-greenway.
SALES MANAGER Sharon Smith (On Leave) ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES
Steve Barmash, Glenn Cohen, Lauren Ellis, Robyn Marsh, David Pearlman, Patrick Ruel, Kathy Skelton
PROMOTIONS + SPECIAL PROJECTS
Navdeep Chhina
ADVERTISING + PROMOTION ASSISTANT
Maya Beckersmith
DIGITAL SALES COORDINATOR
Brenna Woodhouse CIRCULATION MANAGER
Dexter Vosper
Attend an Open House February 4, 2017 11 am-2 pm
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House 2305 West 7th Avenue
February 9, 2017 7-9 pm
Marpole Community Centre 990 West 59th Avenue
February 11, 2017 2:30-5:30 pm
Roundhouse Community Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
Dennis Jangula
CREDIT MANAGER Shannon Li ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR
Tamara Robinson
ACCOUNTING
Angela Krommidas
RECEPTION/PROMOTIONS ASSISTANT
Teagan Dobson
The Georgia Straight is published every Thursday by the Vancouver Free Press Publishing SUBMISSIONS The Straight accepts no responsibility for, and will not Corp. Copies are distributed free every week throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, North necessarily respond to, any submitted materials. All submissions should be and West Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond. International Standard Serial addressed to contact@straight.com. Number ISSN 0709-8995. Subscription rates in Canada $182.00/52 issues (includes GST), $92.00/26 issues (includes GST); United States $379.00/52 issues, $205.00/ 26 issues; foreign $715.00/52 issues, $365.00/26 issues. Contact 604-730-7087 if you wish to distribute free copies of the Georgia Straight at your place of business. Entire contents copyright © 2017 Vancouver Free Press, Best Of Vancouver, BOV And Golden Plates Are Trade-Marks Of Vancouver Free Press Publishing Corp.
Visit an Arbutus Greenway Pop-Up: See project website for times and locations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1 vancouver.ca/arbutus-greenway JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 7
WE'RE HERE TO HELP! Divorce and separation Division of property • Child custody • Parental alienation • Child/Spousal support • Cohabitation, Marriage and Separation Agreements • Wills • •
Andrea E. Petersen LL.B BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR
DIVORCE
&
FAMILY LAW
1125 Howe St., Vancouver, B.C. • V6Z 2K8 TEL 604-339-6097 • ADVICE@ACELEGAL.CA
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MEANINGFUL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY? Our Peer Support Services is accepting applications for our Friendly Visiting Program/ Community Support Visitor Training. We are looking for volunteers from all diverse backgrounds. This volunteer training will prepare you with the skills to interact with seniors in our community and will enhance employment opportunities and personal growth. Training will consist of five consecutive sessions, evenings 4pm-7pm for a total of 15 hours. You will become more skilled with age-related challenges, grief and loss, isolation, loneliness and many other issues facing older adults. Jewish Seniors Alliance is an inclusive organization and reaches out to all seniors. At the end of the training you will receive a certificate. The sessions are starting on Wednesday March 1, 2017 from 4pm-7pm. For more information please call GRACE HANN or CHARLES LEIBOVITCH at 604-267-1555.
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT WINNER 2010-2016
“Let’s Have a Coffee and Talk Real Estate” www.toffoli.ca 604.787.6963 email: paul@toffoli.ca Master Medallion
Defining what it means to live the good life. Healthy Living Issues: FEB 2, MAY 18, AUG 10 & OCT 12 To advertise contact sales@straight.com | 604.730.7020
MAJESTIC HAS SALES!
ALL APARTMENT SIZE SOFAS, LOVESEATS & CHAIRS 25% OFF
SOFA BED options
AVAILABLE!
p flip flos turn a i n to d be
Arbutus Sofa (68”w) 969 SALE $719
Maple Chair & a half SALE $699
Cypress Sofa (70.5”w) $919 SALE $689
(46”w)
$949
Swivel Chair $699 SALE $519
NEED SPACE? At Majestic, we’re creating space for
your home. Come see our selection of space savers that will help you make the most of each room.
Since
1986
Laurel Sofa (73”w) $1149 SALE $859
Maple Sofa (79”w) $1369 SALE $999
Over 200 fabric choices. Includes 2 Pillows. SOLID HARDWOOD FRAMES. LOCALLY MADE.
MAJESTIC SIT & SLEEP w w w. m a j e s t i c s i t a n d s l e e p . c o m
1828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver • 604-731-8226 V a n c o u v e r ’s S o u r c e f o r C e r t i f i e d O r g a n i c L a t e x
8 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
EG E R IN K
FPARKBAC IN
BOOKS
Next Year reflects on changes of the heart > B Y DAVID C HAU
Z
oey Leigh Peterson welcomes diverse representations of intimacy. “I see a lot of TV and movies and novels that have relationships that are breaking down because of an affair,” she says. “I feel like saying to the screen or to the page, ‘There are other ways you could do this. You could talk to your partner about your desires and you could figure out a solution that would work for everyone.’ “It’s not a prescription that I would give to people in real life,” she continues. “But I wanted to explore a slightly different way of responding to a crush, other than having an affair or being deceitful.” This wish for alternatives led in part to the writing of her terrific debut novel, Next Year, For Sure, a refreshing take on love and routes to happiness. Set in “a mildly parallel universe of Vancouver”, it sees introverts Chris and Kathryn starting to experiment with polyamory after nine years of comfortable companionship. “They are trying to achieve their own happiness, but they also care deeply about their partner’s wellbeing,” Peterson says to the Straight at an East Van café. “I feel like that reflects a lot of the people that I know in my life—that they’re making decisions that are simultaneously taking into account what they need to be happy, and what their loved ones need to be happy.” The spark to Chris and Kathryn’s tinder, so to speak, is Emily, a free spirit who catches Chris’s eye at the laundromat, and with Kathryn’s encouragement, the two begin dating. Soon, Chris and Kathryn experience further shifts in their dynamic after regular visits to the communal house Emily calls home. As Peterson writes, “It’s hard to imagine Kathryn being with someone else, though that is part of the deal, theoretically anyway. It feels to Chris like a sleeper clause, because Kathryn says she can’t think who it would be. And Chris can’t either.” The novel’s roots go back nearly a decade, to when Peterson had the idea for the plot but was ambivalent about tackling a novel. Creative writing, though, was not unfamiliar territory: Peterson grew up dedicated to writing fiction, and prior to moving to Vancouver in the ’90s, she was a songwriter and vocalist with Philadelphia-based punk band freemartin. “You have to get up on-stage night after night and say these lyrics out loud,” she says, “so you want to make sure that they’re exactly right.…It gave me a laser focus for every syllable.” Breaking a long hiatus from writing fiction, Peterson was interested in working on short stories and subsequently published two acclaimed pieces that became the book’s opening chapters. “As soon as I finished the second story [“Sleep World”] I knew
Earn a Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree Program starts in May. Apply now. douglascollege.ca/bpa-degree
Zoey Leigh Peterson’s novel explores polyamory. Vivienne McMaster photo.
that I was going to write the novel,” she says. “Once I decided that, I should have been able to write it in about two years, but it ended up taking twice that.” (While employed as a librarian, Peterson returned to school full-time, and sometimes found herself toiling on the manuscript “on the 99 [bus line] while I was commuting back and forth to campus, or at 4 in the morning on a Saturday”.) Powered by an off beat sensibility and ingenious narrative technique, the novel is ideal for a premiumcable adaptation. Behind the humour, however, lies an exploration of “the kind of loneliness that you can find in some couples who seem really happy and perfectly paired. “It’s not an unhappy relationship—they’re well-suited to each other, they love each other and like each other—but they’re still lonely,” Peterson says. “They’re not even lonely despite their relationship. They’re lonely together.” Romance isn’t the only bond Peterson places under the microscope. Some of the sharpest observations here are in a thread featuring Kathryn and her best friend, Sharon, who is preparing for her upcoming wedding and unable “to entertain the possibility that someone could make a commitment to more than one person, and have that be something that everyone is okay with,” she says. “She doesn’t seem to accept that it’s valid or legitimate or possible.” Peterson’s own views on the matter hew closer to her protagonists’. Commitment, to her, is about “connection, rather than the commitment being about that connection looking a particular way. “Love and happiness is feeling like this other person wants the best for me and I want the best for them, and that we want the best for each other,” she adds. “And that might look different from year to year.” -
Cathy Wilmot, BPA Grad
17-036
Zoey Leigh Peterson will discuss Next Year, For Sure at the Orpheum Annex on Wednesday (February 1) as part of a Vancouver Writers Fest event, and at Book Warehouse (4118 Main Street) on February 7.
CHOICE OF THE WEEK
> BY STAFF
of course, you should never assume that a piece of fiction is 2 Yes, based on its author’s own experiences. But there are always those
cases that make the conclusion too hard to avoid. Take Christopher Noxon’s new novel, for example. Plus One, a sharply witty domestic tale by the L.A.–based author and journalist, depicts the inner crisis suffered by a man whose wife has an enormously successful career as a TV writer and producer. Any chance that the idea for the story grew out of Noxon’s own marriage to Jenji Kohan, Emmy Award–winning creator of series like Weeds and Orange Is the New Black? That may well be among the topics covered when Noxon comes to the Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre next Sunday (February 5), for a special event presented by Chutzpah PLUS and the Jewish Book Festival. See chutzpahfestival.com for details. -
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 9
URBAN LIVING Weight loss program based on your blood analysis and your health We design a complete personalized all-natural weight management program This program has been clinically proven with over 20 of years research and development No Cravings
No Hunger
604-677-7742
LMhomeopath@gmail.com www.metabolic-balance.com
LOOK FOR OUR
URBAN
LIVING ISSUE • FEB. 16 ➤TO ADVERTISE CALL 604-730-7000
littlemountainhomeopathy.com
Demand in Vancouver for products from Tokyo-based lifestyle company Muji is so high that reservations are required for their pop-up shop. Lucy Lau photo.
Muji’s success secret is all in the details The Japanese retailer designs its products to blend seamlessly into the lives of their customers—in style > B Y LUCY LAU
I
magine welcoming a stranger into your home for 24 hours—someone who follows you wordlessly from room to room as you go through the mundanities of daily life. Eyes intent on every movement, your guest furiously scribbles onto a notepad as you rustle through your bathroom drawers for a cotton swab, struggle with the weight of a full kettle or teapot while brewing an afternoon cuppa, or attempt to revive the ink in yet another dried-up pen. The practice may seem intrusive— uncomfortable, even—but it’s an invaluable component of Japanese retailer Muji’s product research and development process. “We call this observation,” explains Toru Akita, president of Muji Canada, during an interview with the Straight at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim. “We visit our customers’ homes and see how they are using the products, which areas are providing them unnecessary stress, and sometimes, the stress they don’t even realize themselves.” Such attention to detail has proven immensely successful for the Tokyo-based lifestyle shop, which offers an in-house selection of furnishings, clothing, housewares, food, and more. Built on a philosophy of anonymity and functionality in response to the excess of logos and in-your-face branding that entered Japan during the 1980s, Muji—its name short for the Japanese words for “no-brand quality goods”—has emerged as a global bastion of simple, scaledback design. “We consider Muji as a kind of water,” says Akita. “We can easily blend into everybody’s lifestyle.” Raw, visually appealing materials such as wood, cotton, and porcelain; a straightforward palette of white, black, and navy; and a commitment to recycled materials and reduced packaging have all earned the label a cult following among self-described minimalists and the environmentally minded. But it remains the mindblowingly intimate niceties that give each Muji object an edge over its counterparts. Consider the company’s Hakuji traditional teapot: at first glance, the tiny vessel may not seem impressive, but Akita reveals that the angle
CELEBRATE
LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH AVAN YU
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 7:30PM, ORPHEUM Avan Yu piano & host Lucy Wang violin Karen Wong sheng Zhongxi Wu suona Nestor Wu percussion Ho Jin Choi piano Vancouver Zion Mission Choir Stephanie Chung pianist/choral director VSO String Quartet Celebrate the Year of the Rooster! Vancouver-raised and internationallyrenowned pianist Avan Yu returns home to host and perform in a special celebration of the Lunar New Year with VSO School of Music Concerto Competition winner Lucy Wang, and many other talented artists. Presented by the VSO.
LUCY WANG
The Muji pop-up store runs at the Fairmont Pacific Rim from Friday (January 27) to February 28. Access to the shop is by reservation at eventbrite.ca/ .
AVAN YU
@VSOrchestra
TICKETS:
at which the handle meets the body allows the user to more comfortably hold and pour liquids from the pot. The tilt clocks in at approximately 97 degrees—seven more than that seen in other teapots on the market, says Akita. “We find invisible or unrealized stress and we try to find a solution,” he emphasizes. Cleverly refining the oft overlooked details in everyday products, Muji has also found success in transforming the antiquated into the must-have. By modelling its wall-mounted CD player after the familiar form of a ceiling fan, for example—users pull a cable that falls from the base of the device before the inserted disc ever so slowly begins to turn—the retailer manages to convince those who cherish sleek, unobtrusive construction that they need this in their lives. It’s a mighty accomplishment, given the compact disc’s impending status as obsolete. “A part of that has to do with the design and this sense of subconsciousness,” notes Akita. “A lot of our customers don’t realize this is a CD player. It blends into any room and it doesn’t disrupt. It’s a very comfortable design.” In addition to housewares and electronics, Muji will be bringing a wide array of storage solutions, beauty items, stationery, and snacks to the Muji pop-up store, which will soon open in Vancouver as part of Westbank and Peterson’s free Japan Unlayered exhibition. The company has also announced plans to open two Muji locations in B.C.—one on Robson Street and one at Metropolis at Metrotown—before the end of the year. Measuring 10,000 square feet, the downtown Vancouver outpost will be the brand’s largest Canadian location yet. And though significant growth may at times demand adjustments from a business, devoted fans of Muji can rest assured that its tried-and-true concept is not going anywhere. “Our purpose is not changing,” says Akita. “We’re here to help our customers live a more pleasant life.” -
vancouversymphony.ca
10 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
MEDIA SPONSOR
604.876.3434
BCCHF.CA
PLEASE DONATE.
BC
CHILDREN’S
HOSPITAL
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Stylish natural living since 1981
Organic Natural Healthy Bedding, Bath, Yoga & More National Yunlin University of Science and Technology students created roosterthemed LunarFest art, which is at Oakridge Centre. Tammy Kwan photo.
Quality made in Vancouver for over 35 years
Taiwanese artists hail 20% Off Yoga & meditation Dec 28 - Jan 31 Year of the Rooster > BY TA M MY KWAN
H
The exhibition, Art of the Roosters, this exhibition features the work of emerging artists from Taiwan. Many of these young talents are students at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, who have interpreted the zodiac rooster and its characteristics that tie in with Lunar New Year. “The reason why we brought these students in is because they celebrate it [Lunar New Year] differently than what we celebrate here, in terms of resources and culture,� said Wu. “Vancouverites will have a chance to see how Lunar New Year is celebrated in Taiwan through the creativity and imagination of these young designers, so you can visualize yourself in Taiwan and share that culture.� One of the featured artworks is New Year “Dao�, created by Wang Hsin-Yi and Chu Yu-Ting. The piece showcases an upside-down traditional Taiwanese home in the 1970s, with a table set for dinner and the Chinese characters “Spring� and “Fortune� also flipped upside down. It is traditional for the Chinese characters to be inverted during Lunar New Year as a way of wishing for the spring season and luck. “It is upside down because it means that harmony has arrived,� explained Wang. “We turned the works upside down to represent New Year and that fortune is coming.� -
aven’t got any idea ofhow to ring in the Year of the Rooster? We suggest checking out the annual LunarFest. This year’s event will be celebrating the Year of the Rooster through two different components: a three-day festival at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza from Friday to Sunday (January 27 to 29) and an art exhibition at Oakridge Centre until February 5. Organized by the Asian-Canadian Special Events Association (ACSEA), the three-day outdoor festival has relocated this year due to ongoing renovations at the Vancouver Art Gallery plaza. Its highlights include rooster winter games (mini sports activities), a songwriting workshop led by Juno nominees Ginalina and Michel Bruyere, musical performances by Lan Tung and Volodymyr Bedzvin playing the Chinese erhu and Ukrainian cello, and lunar crafts (think lanterns and origami), among many others. “What we are doing is making sure that it [Lunar New Year] is being celebrated as widely as possible throughout the city,� Charlie Wu, managing director of ACSEA, told the Georgia Straight at the LunarFest press conference at Oakridge Centre’s auditorium. The second component of LunarFest 2017 is a series of rooster-themed art- For a complete schedule of events works that are being showcased at and activities at LunarFest, visit www.lunarfest.org/. Oakridge Centre.
Region hosts bounty of Lunar New Year events about cultural practices that have endured through the ages. The garden also hosts its Year of the Roosthere are many ways to cele- er Temple Fair on January 29, with brate Lunar New Year in the arts and crafts, tai chi, traditional Lower Mainland, including music, and a lion dance. by going out for a great meal. For more on that, see page 13. Below, CRYSTAL MALL (4500 Kingsway, we’ve compiled a list of other activ- January 29) Starting at noon, the mall will host a number of activities taking place across the region. ities, including a lion dance that ABERDEEN CENTRE (4151 Hazel- features a performance called “pickbridge Way, January 27 and 28) The ing the green�. It’s the climax of the annual Chinese New Year flower lion dance, wherein the animal eats and gift fair at Aberdeen Centre in the vegetable leaves (often a head Richmond features booths offer- of lettuce)—tied to a red packet ing Chinese New Year decorations, containing money—that are hung snacks, fresh flowers, and plants, above the doors of shops. It’s a symas well as toys and other presents. bolic blessing by the lion, signifying Hours are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A abundance in the coming year. countdown to Chinese New Year Events also include prize draws and starts at 8:30 p.m. on the 27th. Spec- games. There are also free Chinese tators will be treated to a golden calligraphy greetings. dragon and lion dance on January 28 in the mall’s outdoor courtyard, LONSDALE QUAY (123 Carrie Cates Court, January 28) Chinese starting at 11 a.m. New Year celebrations at Lonsdale DR. SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL Quay get cooking at 1 p.m. on JanuCHINESE GARDEN (578 Carrall ary 28 with a demonstration on Street, to February 24) The first how to prepare dumplings, a tradfull exhibit at Vancouver’s Dr. Sun itional food symbolizing longevity Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and wealth. It will be conducted by puts family at the centre of the Chi- Renee Chan of True Nosh, a comnese New Year celebration. Dubbed pany that produces food products Coming Home: Traditions of Chi- for those who want to cut their nese New Year, the show presents sugar consumption. A lion dance see next page interactive and educational displays > BY C ARL ITO PA BL O AND CHA RL IE SM ITH
T
2749 Main Street (12th & Main) Tel 604.254.5012 dreamdesigns.ca
Sunday it begins!
Don’t miss the experience of a lifetime Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with Shen Yun!
ALL-NEW 2017 SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA MADE IN U.S.A.
“A must see!� — Broadway World
5
REASONS YOU NEED TO SEE SHEN YUN THIS SEASON
1. Because millions have seen it and loved its uplifting energy.
2. Because classical Chinese dance has 5,000 years of history and opens your eyes to wonders. 3. Because of its unique live orchestra that blends East and West. 4. Because it features groundbreaking animated backdrops that immerse you in the action. 5. Because each year Shen Yun performs an entirely new program, and if you miss it, you won’t be able to see it again.
Opening night tickets sold out! Only 2 shows left. Get your tickets now!
Ĺ? Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä‘Ĺ? Ĺ?Ä‚ÄŠÄ˘ÄƒÄ Tickets: ShenYun.com/Van | 888-974-3698
Jan. 29 Sunday 7:00 pm Jan. 30 Monday 2:00 pm Jan. 31 Tuesday 7:30 pm
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 11
Lunar New Year events
from previous page
follows after the lion’s eye is dotted as a blessing ceremony. A “god of fortune” will be handing out lucky red envelopes. LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH AVAN YU (Orpheum Theatre, February 1)
The Vancouver-raised internationally renowned pianist will host the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Lunar New Year celebration with a group of outstanding musicians. violinist Lucy Wang (a VSO School of Music Concerto Competition winner), percussionist Nestor Wu, pianists Stephanie Chung and
China, alongside some spectacular acrobatics and gorgeous costumes. It was launched in New York in 2006 by followers of Falun Dafa, a Chinese spiritual practice that includes meditation and qigong (body postures, movements, and breathing exercises to achieve better health). The orchestra combines western strings, percussion, and woodwinds with Chinese instruments, all in front of a digitally animated backdrop. Shen Yun integrates history with artistic expression.
Ho Jin Choi, violinists Nicholas Wright and Jason Ho, violist Andrew Brown, timpanist JungEun Rhee, and cellist Ariel Barnes are among them. To add an eastern touch, UBC School of Music faculty members Karen Wong and Zhongxi Wu will play the sheng and suona, respectively. The Vancouver Zion Mission Choir and several vocal soloists are also scheduled to perform. Although it’s being presented by the VSO, the orchestra is not part of the lineup. SHEN YUN (Queen Elizabeth The-
Shen Yun revives classical stories in front of a digitally animated backdrop.
CHINATOWN SPRING FESTIVAL
PARADE (Chinatown, January 29) atre, January 29 to 31) Technically, this is not a Lunar New Year event, show revives legends and classical Starting at 11 a.m. at the Chinabut this graceful Chinese dance stories from the past 5,000 years in town Millennium Gate, the 44th
It is no accident we are #1
annual Chinese New Year parade runs east along Pender Street to Gore Street before turning south to Keefer Street and down the hill to end at Abbott Street. Every year, hordes of politicians join the festivities, handing out lucky red packets to people along the route. It’s expected that more than 100,000 Vancouverites will line the street to hear marching bands and see lots of lion dancers. Organized by several groups with ties to Chinatown, it’s a great way to experience multicultural Vancouver. You can also learn about different provinces of China, which each have their own expats marching together in the parade. -
Area Planning Boundary
Northeast False Creek Area Plan Over the fall, we heard from thousands of people about the future of Northeast False Creek. Come learn about the emerging area plan for Northeast False Creek and let us know if we’re on the right track.
Pop-up Planning Storefront
Your first call when an accident strikes Warnett Hallen LLP is a boutique law firm that specializes in one thing – personal injury law. AY TOD CALL I L A B L E A V A
24/7
FREE CONSULTATION 604.737.3300
720 Robson Street, 5th Floor Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A1
warnetthallen.com
12 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
January 31 to February 7, 2017 Open 10 am – 5 pm (closed Sunday) International Village Mall 88 West Pender Street Main Open Houses: Thursday, February 2, 2017, 5 – 8 pm Saturday, February 4, 2017, 11 am – 4 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION: vancouver.ca/nefc Visit: vancouver.ca Phone: 3-1-1 TTY: 7-1-1
FOOD
Serving up Lunar New Year
A
s we bid farewell to the Year of the Monkey, we can also get ready to welcome the Year of the Rooster. There’s no better way to kick off Lunar New Year than indulging in a great feast. Chinese restaurants are often categorized as one entity, but there are 34 provincial-level districts in China. With each region possessing unique flavours and foods, that brings plenty of variety to Chinese cuisine. We spoke with chefs from various region-specific Chinese restaurants (not just your average dim sum joint), and each had his opinions on what makes Chinese dishes so distinctive for Lunar New Year.
Dynasty’s mushroom and oyster dish has special meaning. Tammy Kwan photo.
CUISINE “Not all them for Chinese New Year because Szechuan food is spicy,” Guo Min, it may have prosperous meanings or executive chef of Golden Sichuan lucky connotations to them.” Restaurant (3631 No. 3 Road, RichZhu hails from Shanghai, and almond), said with a laugh. though he doesn’t have any favourite That is one of the long-standing Lunar New Year dishes, he underbeliefs about Szechuan cuisine—that stands why it’s so important to have a it’s so spicy that most people who large family gathering with culinary grew up eating western food won’t creations for the occasion. “In the past, the majority of people be able to take the heat. “Our restaurant’s flavours can could not eat these delicious items such as meat and seaaccommodate food because they children, seniors, couldn’t afford it,” and adults,” exsaid Zhu. “So it plained Guo to Tammy Kwan would be extra-spethe Straight in an interview at the restaurant. “Basic- cial when they consume these things ally, everyone can eat our Szechuan- for Chinese New Year.…It’s about bestyle dishes because they are not ing able to gather with your family and enjoy a tasty meal.” overtly spicy.” One Shanghai-style dish that he She is originally from China’s Szechuan province and has been creating suggests for Lunar New Year is a seatasty Szechuan-style menu items in food pork-and-vegetable clay pot, the Lower Mainland for many years. which is made with shrimp, vermiTo celebrate Lunar New Year, she celli, and various veggies. It is known points out a few traditional Szechuan as a “family portrait” and symbolizes items on the menu, one of which is prosperity and auspiciousness. Slow-braised pork hock is another named Seafood Assorted Family Portrait, which symbolizes an auspicious Shanghai dish consumed during the start to the New Year. Its ingredients New Year because its name, yuan include sea cucumber, mushrooms, ti, sounds similar to the Chinese for pork meatballs, and asparagus lettuce. “family gathering”—which is importAnother item that Guo recom- ant because a united family brings mends is spicy red-chili steamed happiness and good fortune. barramundi, which is essentially an Asian sea bass. “Fish” in Chinese, NORTHERN CHINESE CUISINE yu, alludes to the favourable phrase Chang’An Restaurant (1661 Gran“Fortune is upon you”—a reason ville Street) is a fine-dining restaurant why so many Chinese people like to popular among Mainland Chinese order this type of seafood for Lunar guests in Vancouver. It serves dishes in the traditional style of Xi’an (the capNew Year dinners. There is one special dish that is ital of Shaanxi province in northern only available during the New Year China) that are intricately crafted by a season—the deluxe Szechuan-style skilled executive chef, Wang Zong Gui. Like other high-end Chinese rescharcuterie platter (Chinese sausage, pork, and pork tongue). It’s considered taurants, Chang’An will be offering a delicacy among Chinese people, and special set menus for Lunar New Year the platter symbolizes prosperity and for those who want to have a large meal out with their families. good fortune for the incoming year. “Chinese people like to order SHANGHAI CUISINE “Essentially, dishes during the Chinese New Year there are no special or extraordinary season that come with a positive and dishes that we create just for Chinese favourable meaning,” said Wang to New Year,” explained Zhu Xiao Yang, the Straight in an interview at the executive chef of Yuan’s Shanghai waterside eatery. Serendipity Cuisine (180–4260 No. 3 He explained that dumplings Road, Richmond), in an interview at are a must-eat food during Lunar the restaurant. “We like to serve foods New Year for people from northern that people may not necessarily eat on China because of their lucky conregular nights but will definitely order notations. Another popular item is SZECHUAN
Best Eats
freshly baked red-bean cake, because its Chinese name, nian gao, sounds similar to the positive phrase “reaching higher every year”. Besides dishes with auspicious meanings, Wang explained that Chang’An’s signature dish, roasted duck, will also be in high demand. It will be hand-carved next to your table and is to be eaten two ways: the crispy skin dipped in raw sugar and, with sliced pieces of meat, wrapped in handmade flour wrappers with assorted condiments; and with noodles in duck soup. CANTONESE CUISINE For many Cantonese-speaking people, consuming a dish with favourable and lucky connotations is the most important part of Lunar New Year. Besides offering special set menus for parties of four or more, Dynasty Seafood Restaurant (108–777 West Broadway) has organized a list of 11 culinary creations that come with promising meanings. “We will be offering a variety of special dishes with auspicious names and meanings for Lunar New Year,” Dynasty’s executive chef Sam Leung explained to the Straight at the restaurant. One such dish on its seasonal menu is made with dried oysters, dried black moss, and vegetables. Its name in Cantonese, fat choi ho see dai lei, translates as “Have a prosperous year in the market”— music to the ears for those who work in the financial realm or run their own business. “We have another unique dish that is made from shrimp paste and wrapped in vermicelli before being fried, which creates a beautiful golden sphere-shaped item,” Leung said. The Cantonese name of this golden dish, wong gum gwun gwun loi, translates as “Wealth will constantly be in your path”, and this culinary creation looks like little golden nuggets. Leung explained that while consuming dishes with connotations of prosperity is important for Chinese people during the New Year, the most important aspect is being able to spend time with your entire family. -
Authentic Greek Food Extensive Wine & Bar List 1830 Fir St. Vancouver | 604.736.9559
www.apolloniagreekrestaurant.com CLOSED MONDAYS
Think you
know brunch? You don’t know
ig @kpat18
Vancouver’s first Central Texas BBQ roadhouse is NOW OPEN. Reservations recommended. (Vegetarians, not so much...) Open at 5 pm til late Wed - Sun Brunch served 10 am - 2 pm Sunday
ig @johnathonv
Live Saloon Folk every Sunday
337 E. Hastings St. (just east of Gore St.)
meatatdixies.com ig @barjonesing
celebrate the Super Bowl
Get Double Points for :
Molson Canadian Budweiser Steam Whistle PBR Rewards MGD Coors Light Coors Banquet
Join our Reward Program with a number of outstanding benefits! membership is free.
Bes t p r i a te liquor siv t ore
open 365 days a year
10am - 11pm
JOIN US FOR DINE OUT VANCOUVER Now accepting reservations
1218 West Pender Street, Vancouver 604.685.1212
www.coalharbourliquorstore.com
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 13
FOOD
Chemistry, mixology meet at Science World > B Y L UCY LAU
M
KICK K OFF YO OUR PARTY WITH WHISKY Y, BE EER AND WIN NE!
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017, 7 P.M.
olecular structures and esterification may not be the first things that come to mind when you’re knocking back a whisky sour at your local watering hole, but the realms of science and bartending have a lot more in common than you think. “The scientific technique involved at the base level with distillation is the foundation for everything we do,” local mixologist Gez McAlpine explains to the Straight by phone. “And then there are the reactions that are happening when you add ingredients like egg whites, citrus, or varying levels of acidity. There’s a lot of stuff that kind of ties into science.” This oft-overlooked connection is the basis of Science of Cocktails, an annual fundraising event at Vancouver’s Science World at Telus World of Science that showcases the technical side of bartending. Launched in 2016, the ticketed fete brings together a stable of the city’s most inventive mixologists, each of whom is tasked with shaking up an envelope-pushing libation that incorporates skills and methods you may recognize from high-school physics and chemistry classes. “There’s a lot of liquid nitrogen,” observes Jennifer Ingham, vicepresident of development at Science World, during a media preview of the 2017 gala at Clough Club. “Last year, some people did cocktail Popsicles, and there were some drinks with steam. It was pretty wild.” Attendees can expect similar innovations for this year’s soiree, which will see over 25 of Vancouver’s leading bar stars—including McAlpine, brand ambassador for Bruichladdich singlemalt and the Botanist gin; the Union’s Kristi-Leigh Akister; and Donnelly Group’s bar and beverage director,
Trevor Kallies—convene at Science World after hours. Imbibers will be treated to samples of each mixologist’s experimental creation, plus hands-on demonstrations, cocktail showdowns, and gourmet-food pairings from 13 local chefs and caterers. All proceeds from the event benefit Science World’s class field-trip program, which gives thousands of underserved kids from across the Lower Mainland the chance to visit the museum during the school year. On the menu this time around are the Piña Clear-ada, a piña colada sans slush thanks to the use of milk that has been acidified and then strained through cheesecloth; frozen gin-andtonics; and McAlpine’s Nitro Lady, a twist on the classic White Lady that employs nitro-muddling, a crushing technique that removes the lingering pungency from various herbs with the help of liquid nitrogen. “You’re flash-freezing it and then it turns it into a very, very dry powder, so it takes any of that bitterness out,” says McAlpine. “And when you add the rest of the cocktail and shake, you’re left with a very, very fresh flavour rather than any sort of dull or flattened taste of the herb.” Last year’s debut Science of Cocktails raised over $185,000, which organizers are hoping to top. Of course, the fundraiser also offers Vancouverites a chance to get up close and personal with the ever-fascinating field of science. “Everything breaks down to that level,” adds McAlpine. “So having an event where we can showcase exactly what’s going on in the drink is really cool.” Science of Cocktails takes place on February 9 at Science World. Tickets start at $159 and are available at scienceworld.ca/cocktails/.
THE ESSENCE OF MUSIC
Renaissance, Romantic and Rustic 8pm Saturday, February 11, 2017 Ryerson United Church Five Guest Conductors | Vancouver Chamber Choir Stephen Smith, Piano | Jon Washburn, Conductor
This memorable green-tie gala fundraiser showcases the best of VCC’s culinary arts, fashion arts, auto restoration, live music and more. Join us in helping the next generation of VCC students flourish.
Purchase tickets vcc.ca/gala 604.871.7082 BUY 3 TICKETS AND THE 4th IS FREE, CODE ‘STRAIGHT’
Children with JUVENILE DIABETES Are Insulin Dependent for LIFE
INSULIN IS NOT A CURE It only allows a child to stay alive
For more information about how you can help find a cure call
1.877 CURE 533 14 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
This concert will be the final event of our 37th annual National Conductors’ Symposium. Jon Washburn and his five invited conductors from around the world will focus on three distinct musical styles — the Renaissance polyphony of Palestrina, Victoria, Lassus and Josquin; the Romantic partsong of Schubert, Schumann, Fauré and Elgar; and the Rustic art of folksong from Britain, France, Germany and North America. The performance will be prefaced with Jon and the singers demonstrating a few of the many techniques that conductors use to shape and manipulate the elements of a piece into a personal interpretation of the music.
1.855.985.ARTS (2787) vancouverchamberchoir.com
CHILL OUT
Midwinter in Vancouver BY JANET SM IT H
doesn’t just mean long ski-lift lineups, astronomical hydro bills, and record rainfalls. Thanks to a thriving arts scene, it also means a blizzard of festivals, all centred around performances and exhibits. Here are just a few of the cultural celebrations worth heading out into the cold for.
PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL (At various venues to February 5) The
city’s one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary-arts festival knows how to work the element of surprise. Think performances that fuse dance, theatre, music, visual art, and more, from countries as far away as Korea, Australia, and Portugal. For even more offbeat, intimate offerings, head to Club PuSh, where everything from spoken word to dark hiphop comedy wows small crowds. The Big Attraction: Didgeridoo masters and soulful songstresses. Make sure to catch dirtsong, a moving, multimedia tribute to Aussie indigenous culture by Black Arm Band (February 4 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre).
VSO NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL (At the Orpheum
and Christ Church Cathedral to January 29) Our city’s acclaimed symphony stages a major tribute to contemporary music each year, partnering this time around with Early Music Vancouver, the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, the Hard Rubber Orchestra, and Standing Wave. The Big Attraction: Consider the New Music for Old Instruments concerts on January 25 and 28 at Christ Church unmissable, and maestro Bramwell Tovey leads
Midwinter fests worth feting
Clockwise from top: dance ensemble Dairakudakan (Hiroyuki Kawashima photo); the Klezmatics’ Frank London (Adrian Buckmaster photo); actor Paula-Jean Prudat.
(On Granville Island from February 17 to 19) Granville Island comes more alive than usual, with performances and visual arts happening From butoh-infused spectacles to big-name comedians to in every nook and cranny. cutting-edge music, stage events warm up the season The Big Attraction: The Standing Wave in an adventurous array of new new festival hub is the Forge, a big covered lot that work, including the world premiere of local bright will host music, pop-up dances, and more. light Jocelyn Morlock’s Corvid and Hullaballoo, on CHUTZPAH FESTIVAL (At the Norman Rothstein January 29 at the Orpheum. Theatre and other venues from February 16 to March TALKING STICK FESTIVAL (At various venues 13) The fete for Jewish arts continues to broaden its from February 15 to 26) Aboriginal art takes the scope, with strong dance and music mixing it up spotlight, spanning a huge range of forms, from with comedy acts, theatre, and much more. Amid contemporary coastal dance to theatre. The Big At- the stellar international names are Israeli rock star traction: Margo Kane has performed Moonlodge, a Moshe Levi and New York comedian Mark Schiff, moving story about a First Nations girl ripped from while cool local dance dynamo Shay Kuebler debuts her family and raised in foster homes, hundreds of a full-length work. The Big Attraction: Just try to times. Now Kane hands over the solo role to a new sit still as New York’s Klezmatics rock their 30th anactor for a new generation, Paula-Jean Prudat, and niversary at the Rothstein on February 23, and don’t the theatrical milestone is the fest highlight (Febru- miss either the return of Italy’s virtuosic Spellbound ary 17 to 25 at the BMO Theatre Centre). Contemporary Ballet with Carmina Burana (March 4 to 6) or the local debut of buzzed-about American JFL NORTHWEST (At various venues from Feb- choreographer Kyle Abraham (March 11 to 13). ruary 16 to 25) Boasting huge laugh-getters like Trevor Noah, Colin Quinn, and Chris D’Elia, the VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIcomedy fest delivers superwatt star power, but its VAL (At the Vancouver Playhouse and Roundhouse cred comes from the smaller shows, too; think the Community Arts and Recreation Centre from March Alternative Show with Andy Kindler on Febru- 1 to 25) Kokoro Dance curates an eclectic range of ary 24 and 25 at the Rio Theatre. The Big Attrac- work. Expect dance that walks the edge, such as Kitt tion: Irreverent, impolite, and uncontrollable, Johnson’s balaclava-clad solo Post No Bills; excitSarah Silverman is just the right female comic for ing local productions; and a few key international our Trumped-up times (February 25 at the Queen names. The Big Attraction: Alonzo King Lines Elizabeth Theatre). With a new Netflix standup Ballet returns with a pair of exquisite works, Sand special, a pending role in FX’s blackly brilliant and Shostakovich (March 3 and 4 at the Playhouse). new Fargo installment, and those beloved Chrysler And Japanese ensemble Dairakudakan just might Pacifica ads, shameless Hot Pocket addict Jim Gaf- blow your mind with its visually wild, butoh-driven figan is also guaranteed to be a draw (February 24). Paradise (March 10 and 11 at the same venue). -
THINGS TO DO
WINTERRUPTION
2
Beyond the flurry of arts festivals, here are five other shows worth checking out in the chilly season.
LE MOZART NOIR (At the Vancouver Playhouse
on February 4 ) Early Music Vancouver marks Black History Month with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra’s concert of the music of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a violinist who was the son of a slave and, in the 18th century, became the first classical composer of African ancestry.
THE MEN IN WHITE (At the Arts Club Granville
Island Stage from February 15 to March 11 ) Playwright Anosh Irani riffs on love, violence, and cricket in India and Canada, with class act Rachel Ditor helming.
DOVER STRING QUARTET WITH AVI AVITAL (At the Vancouver Playhouse on February
19 ) The Vancouver Recital Society delivers a double whammy here, nabbing one of the U.S.’s hottest young string quartets and pairing it up with a standout Israeli mandolin virtuoso. BJM (LES BALLETS JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL)
(At the Vancouver Playhouse on February 24 and 25 ) After four years, the polished, powerhouse Montreal contemporary-dance company returns.
ELBOW ROOM CAFE: THE MUSICAL (At the York Theatre from March 1 to 12 ) Yes, Vancouver, the city’s sassiest brunch spot finally gets the camp-filled show it deserves. > JANET SMITH
ARTS High five
1 Editor’s choice CONCORD FLORAL The ambitious PuSh production of Concord Floral works on two levels. On one, it’s frightening, suspenseful theatre about a group of teens that hangs out in an abandoned greenhouse; created by Torontonians Jordan Tannahill, Erin Brubacher, and Cara Spooner, it’s a cool thriller based on 14th-century writer Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron, in which a gang of children escape a Black Death–ridden city and hide out together in a deserted villa. But, cast with teens from across the Lower Mainland, it’s also about giving voice to youths, collaborating with them on the staging of the project, and ultimately empowering them. Concord Floral is at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival from Wednesday to Sunday (January 25 to 29).
2 3 4 5
Five events you just can’t miss this week
In the news
REMEMBERING AN ICON Vancouver performing-arts legend Joy Coghill has passed away. The director, actor, and producer was loved by CUISINE AND CONFESSIONS (January 25 her peers and audiences to 29 at the Vancouver Playhouse) Exhilarating, throughout a stage career family-friendly circus feats meet the joy of cooking. that lasted nearly seven decades. Born in 1926 in Findlater, Saskatchewan, SCOTT THOMPSON (January 26 to 28 at she played a monumental Comedy MIX) You know him best from The Kids in role in the development of the Hall, but this funnyman can hold the stage solo. Vancouver’s theatre community and distinguished ON A WIRE (January 29 at the Orpheum) herself on the national stage. She was the first female artistic Prepare to be wowed as Standing Wave joins director of the National Theatre School and was a regular on the forces with the VSO. Playhouse Theatre stage. Late in life she helped lead the creation of the Performing Arts Lodge, a.k.a. PAL Vancouver, a social-housing and theatre project near Coal Harbour. As National Theatre THE NETHER (To January 28 at the Firehall Arts School of Canada CEO Gideon Arthurs put it this week: “Joy Coghill Centre) Take a dark and disturbing trip into morwas a pillar of the theatre community and one of the founders of ally ambiguous online terrain. Canadian theatre. She led the way in so many roles, on and off stage, and her legacy will never be forgotten.” JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 15 PORTRAITS IN MOTION (To January 26 at the York Theatre) The flipbook taken to artful new heights.
ARTS
Riding the adventurous trail to Odysseo
What experience do you need to handle horses and choreography of Cavalia? We talk to a former polo player and a onetime hip-hop dancer > BY JA NET SM IT H
W
hen the largest touring tent show in the world returns here this week, it will bring not just 70 horses or so, but a human crew that has an almost unimaginable variety of backgrounds. What kind of experience do you need to help oversee Cavalia’s Odysseo, a show that somehow blends horse-riding, circus acrobatics, African dance, the spectacle of gigantic three-dimensional projection screens, a real on-stage dirt mountain, and, for the finale, more than 150,000 litres of water to splash through? Look no further than Darren Charles, the British resident artistic director of the massive circusmeets-horse-show production set to take place under the gigantic tents by Olympic Village. Speaking to the Straight from Irvine, California, where the spectacle played before it headed to Vancouver, he talks about a background that has spanned everything from hip-hop performance to stunt work to running the African dance musical Zambezi Express. “I didn’t even mean to have that résumé, because it all happened so naturally,” the modest, multitasking artist says with a laugh over the phone, joking: “You have to train harder when you’re a jack-of-alltrades and a master of none.” Hardly. What his diverse, driven background has taught him is how to help the different performers in Odysseo meld their skills. Remembering the early days of creating this production, the Cavalia company’s second, he says: “Putting dancers on-stage with the riders, not everybody was used to horses. The aerialists hadn’t experienced being next to a horse. Then the riders didn’t have experience with the acrobats from Guinea and the acrobats had never experienced horses. “It was just amazing bringing everything together,” he adds. “Combining that relationship is what the audience sees, as well—and it becomes one magical moment.” TO UNDERSTAND HOW Charles
works today, you have to go back to his life as an ambitious, sports-crazy kid growing up in England. “When I was a boy I was training for the Olympics—for the decathlon or as a swimmer or as a high-board diver,” he recollects. “My dad used to train me. Every day before school I would be in the pool. After school I would go to the track, and then after track I would go to football. I wasn’t forced to do this. I was a young boy; I felt the sport and I didn’t know which I liked best, so I decided to do them all!” At around 14, he went to meet a friend who was taking hip-hop
Steven Paulson had the jumping down (above, Bianca McCarthy photo), but learned how to perform from Darren Charles (below).
dance classes—and he was taken by both the movement and the girls. “The next time, I lied to my parents and I didn’t go to football. I went to try dance and I was hooked,” he says. “But I kept doing everything else, as well. I just added dance to my curriculum.” Soon, he was competing in dance festivals, and, at just 16, he headed to London Studio Centre to study dance and acting. He then began four years of training at Bodywork Company Cambridge, and was already getting jobs in his first year, riding a new wave of athletic, hip-hop–infused movement. “We sort of started a new genre in the U.K. I used some of my athletic and diving skills and everything I learned to dance.” Adding to his skills, the young man delved into stunt work and its various disciplines, including the diving and horse-riding. Charles embarked later on a busy career touring with the likes of
16 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cameron Mackintosh, and the Spice Girls. His incredible range of experience brought him to Montreal and the new Odysseo show. Out of all the work he would do there, the most initially nerve-racking was working with the troupe of dancer-acrobats that Cavalia founder Normand Latourelle had brought in from Guinea for a segment of the show that seems (thanks to the 3-D video projections) to unfold on a vast African savannah. “These guys from Guinea saw this white guy coming in to teach them how to dance. I was nervous,” he admits. “So I said, ‘You guys dance in a circle and I will copy you.’ They started dancing, I started dancing, and the ice was broken. I had to prove myself and they proved themselves to me, too. We just met in the middle. That was five years ago. And now it’s like I have 12 sons. I’m just like a father figure to them.”
Darren has really helped me with: of course, you want to sit up tall and have your heels down, but to connect with the audience was pretty much my mission with him. He’ll even videotape me and say, ‘Look at how you smile,’ or ‘Look at this.’ “But it did not come easily. I’m tall and gangly.…I don’t know how to stage-run. I loved it so much because it was so difficult.” These days, Paulson enjoys getting into the different characters he plays in the show’s diverse acts, from standing with strength and arrogance on racing horses in the Roman number to running around as the “happy village guy” in the opener. Amid all the tricks and jumps the dressage expert performs, his favourite is Odysseo’s renowned “Liberté” sequence, in which he and other trainers each guide four horses with no reins or commands. It’s about as far as you can get from Paulson’s polo days, as the animals inf luence the scene according to their moods. “Last night, one ran away and tried jumping on another one,” he says with a laugh. “ ‘Liberté’ is so different for me and so fun and rewarding. It’s based on your energy, and the horses really react to it; just with positive energy they’ll do the world for you. It’s such a relationship, such a bond. “The riding is definitely different than professional riding, where everything is straight and correct,” he adds of the show as a whole. “We’re not working so much on being perfect, but working more on the horses having freedom.” On top of everything, Paulson is also trying to learn French: most of the rehearsals are in the language, and Paulson, one of two Americans, is surprised by how much he is able to understand these days. Clearly, there’s enough challenge and excitement to convince Paulson to happily stick around. “Six-Week Steven is kind of my nickname at home: I’ll have a fun project and go with it,” he says with a laugh. “This is kind of my dream job. I’m in a city six or eight weeks, then it’s on to the next one, and there are always new horses we get to train coming into the show.” It says something, too, that Darren Charles, who’s moved between so many careers, still feels fulfi lled here after six years. “There are so many elements in the show, more than in any other show,” he says. “I still get artistic freedom from Normand. With a live show, you will see it always matures. I might change a pattern or a bit of choreography. It keeps me on my toes, too,” he says, and then recalls that boy who always wanted to do everything simultaneously: “It’s like as I was as a child.” -
TEACHING RIDERS HOW to perform was another big challenge for Charles. As he puts it: “They’re used to competing for the gold or silver, not bringing the performance to the stage. I gave them lessons in facial expressions, how to hold their bodies.” Steven Paulson, a young rider who joined the show a year and a half ago, remembers that transition. Like Charles, the American has a far-from-average background. An avid rider as a boy, training at a “little proper English riding school”, he eventually found his way, as a teen, into the world of polo. He continued on his high-school team and then played professionally until he was 21. He worked his way up from grooming horses to training his own—at one time he had six—and reselling them. “It was fun buying a project horse and developing it,” he tells the Straight from California. That work training and riding horses led him to Cavalia. It took him three weeks of rehearsing with the troupe to learn how to perform and connect with an audience—something he’d never had to think about before. “Even at polo matches, the biggest crowds would maybe be 2,000 and at no one time was I ever worried Cavalia’s Odysseo runs from Sunday about where I held my head or hand,” (January 29) to February 26 at the Paulson relates. “There’s something White Big Top near Olympic Village.
2017
DANCE
FESTIVAL
17 th
FEBRUARY 16 to MARCH 13
604.257.5145
Tickets from $23
MUSIC
SHAY KUEBLER/RADICAL SYSTEM ART CANADA > explosive dance World Premiere of full-length version of Telemetry Feb. 18 - 21 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
THE KLEZMATICS 30th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Grammy-winning superstars < USA “captivated the audience, bewitching it with their singing, passion, and sound.” Feb. 23 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
TARA CHEYENNE FRIEDENBERG & SILVIA GRIBAUDI CANADA/ITALY > a fun, fascinating journey World Premiere of empty.swimming.pool Feb. 16 – 18 > Scotiabank Dance Centre
tickets: chutzpahfestival.com
DAVID BROZA & MIRA AWAD IN CONCERT charismatic & energetic < ISRAEL “(Broza) plays with all his heart, with all his body.” “(Awad’s) music...was intensely seductive.” Feb. 28 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
YOSSI BERG & ODED GRAF DANCE THEATRE ISRAEL > provocative & poignant dance Canadian Premiere of 4Men, Alice, Bach, and the Deer Feb. 25 – 27 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
MARBIN with MNGWA opening jazz, rock & global music < ISRAEL/USA/CANADA “Eclectic band with a fascinating sound.” March 3 > Biltmore Cabaret, 19+
SPELLBOUND CONTEMPORARY BALLET
MAYA AVRAHAM BAND
ITALY > extraordinary dancing North American Premiere of Carmina Burana March 4 -6 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
singer from Idan Raichel Project < ISRAEL “Avraham...left the audience blown away.” March 7 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
EXIT - SHALOM HANOCH with Moshe Levi “The King of Israeli Rock” < ISRAEL “... a bona fide rock ‘n’ roll star” March 8 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
KYLE ABRAHAM/ABRAHAM.IN.MOTION USA > sensual and dynamic fusion of jazz, African forms & modern dance March 11 – 13 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
LYLA CANTÉ Chutzpah!PLUS
BIRDS SING A PRETTY SONG. CANADA/ISRAEL/USA/ARGENTINA > exhilarating performance Canadian Premiere seamlessly fuses dance, live music and interactive media May 13 & 14 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
FOLK LORDZ CANADA > world-renowned Rapid Fire Theatre high-speed, hilarious theatre improv “One of the most interesting, compelling and viscerally thrilling pieces of theatre you’ll see this season” Feb. 22 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
WRESTLING JERUSALEM
LITERARY EVENT Chutzpah!PLUS
CHRISTOPHER NOXON
Chutzpah!PLUS USA > Hollywood Stories LANDON BRAVERMAN Plus One – Hilarious and unflinching < CANADA Feb. 5 contemporary musical theatre > Norman Rothstein Theatre April 2 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
COMEDY
THEATRE
incredible world fusion < USA/ARGENTINA/JAPAN/ISRAEL “Music that is sensuous, passionate & infectious!” March 9 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
USA > brilliant and provocative theatre written and performed by Aaron Davidman “Remarkable solo performance…yearning beauty…” March 1 & 2 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
MARK SCHIFF USA > stand-up comedy “…one of the funniest, the brightest, and best stage comics.” — Jerry Seinfeld
Feb. 20 > Norman Rothstein Theatre
ALI HASSAN & JUDY GOLD CANADA/USA > hilarious comedy double-bill (Hassan) Bitingly-funny solo show Muslim, Interrupted and (Gold) “fiercely funny, honest and moving” stand-up comedy Feb. 24 > York Theatre
INFLECTION Alternative Assets Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 17
PuSh FEST
30TH ANNIVERSARY
GALA CONCERT Featuring soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian
Wednesday, March 8, 2017 | 8pm Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Tickets Chan
Centre Ticket Office 604.822.2697 | tickets.ubc.ca
50 adults | $40 seniors 65 and over 20 Students with valid ID includes all fees and taxes elektra.ca
$ $ SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR
Dirtsong reinvigorates aboriginal songs and words > B Y A LE XAN DER VAR TY
D
eline Briscoe is not looking forward to the cold of a Canadian winter. “I’m a tropical person,” the singer says with a laugh, interviewed by phone from summery Brisbane, on Australia’s steamy east coast. But there are some things that she’s keen to experience when the Black Arm Band’s dirtsong comes to the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival next week. The pleasure of performing on a new continent a world away from her home. The solidarity that will come from meeting First Nations activists, who share many of the same concerns as her own Aboriginal people. And gazing at the unfamiliar highway signs—especially those in Coast Salish, a relatively new development here in unceded Musqueam and Lil’wat territory. “When I go to a place and I see that, I feel more welcomed by the indigenous people, because it looks like they have a place,” she explains. “It makes me feel that they’re acknowledged. It acknowledges that these places already have a name, and already have a significance to the local people—but we don’t have a lot of that in Australia yet.” Signs in some of Australia’s several hundred Aboriginal dialects are beginning to be installed around Adelaide, traditionally a centre of indigenous pride, she allows. That’s one indication that Canada and her native land are on parallel paths, although those paths are simultaneously hopeful and painful: progress is slowly being made toward a more equitable sharing of land and resources, but those victories have come only after generations of disenfranchisement. Dirtsong, Briscoe adds, has grown out of an ugly experience shared by indigenous people on both continents: the attempted eradication of their culture through residential schools. The Black Arm Band troupe itself was formed when a former Australian prime minister attempted to belittle Aboriginal claims, saying it was time to give up what he termed a “black-armband view of our past”. A formal apology for the residential-school system was eventually made, but the struggle for Aboriginal rights continues. “People are more aware of that history now, because of that apology,” says Briscoe. “But I don’t see that there’s been a great deal of effort from the government to have people make amends and move forward. I mean, my mum was a part of that, so that’s only one generation ago, and they’re not putting systems in place to have more easily accessible help for people like her. Fortunately, she found her family, but a lot of other [residential-school] students
Deline Briscoe feels a link with First Nations people here. Chris Dew photo.
went through life kind of separated from culture and family.” Through indelible images, powerful singing, and luminous music from both western instruments and didgeridoo, dirtsong addresses that chasm. The multimedia concert celebrates Aboriginal strength and diversity by reinvigorating a dozen different languages, some of which were on the brink of being extinguished forever. And in the process, Briscoe adds, it strengthens an Aboriginal world-view that had been similarly endangered. “Our languages are so intertwined with our environment,” she says. “I guess you probably have that over there as well, with indigenous languages. There is no separating them. The songs, the stories, the environment, the people: language connects them all, and when you lose something like that, you lose a huge part of the culture.” Briscoe had enjoyed a fruitful career singing in English before joining the Black Arm Band, but writing songs in her native Yalanji dialect is what’s truly brought her back to her Aboriginal self. “The minute that you start writing in an indigenous language, the subject matter is completely different,” she explains. “Even if you’re writing a love song, the way you explain it is very different.…In my language, for instance, we use one word for love but it also means spirit, and it also means heart, depending on how you say it. Spirit and love and heart and heartbeat and home and your homeland… They’re all one word, and as simple as that sounds, it’s quite complex as well!” Dirtsong plays the Queen Elizabeth Theatre next Saturday (February 4), as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.
A TRIBUTE TO NEW ORLEANS FRI. JAN. 27 @ 8 PM
Music from the birth place of jazz with Capilano U’s top jazz ensembles “A” Band and NiteCap
BANDA MAGDA • SUN. JAN. 29 @ 8 PM
Fresh and retro-hip global group featuring bubbly bossa-pop ST. JAMES HALL
BITTERGIRL: THE MUSICAL TUES. FEB. 21 @ 8 PM
The howlingly funny show about getting over getting dumped
Tickets: 604.990.7810 • Online: capilanou.ca/centre Capilano University • 2055 Purcell Way • North Vancouver
18 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
are you on the
LIST? SIGN UP FOR GEORGIA STRAIGHT’S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER for exclusive access to pre-buys, concerts, movies, getaways and more! To subscribe visit STRAIGHT.COM/NEWSLETTERS
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 19
2
WEEKS LEFT
Paula Kremer, Artistic Director
SAT FEB 25, 2017 AT 7:30 PM
HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL
DON’T MISS OUT!
De Profundis FOLK-S. PHOTO: MATTEO MAFFESANTI.
Palestrina to Pizzetti Tickets: vancouvercantatasingers.com 604.730.8856
GLOBAL DANCE CONNECTIONS SERIES
PREMIER MEDIA PARTNERS
5
UT S OL D O ! W SHO S
Alessandro Sciarroni photo: Andrea Macchia
ALESSANDRO SCIARRONI
FOLK S, Will you still love me tomorrow?
February 2-4
Scotiabank Dance Centre
Tickets 604.684.2787 | ticketstonight.ca
thedancecentre.ca
Presented with
Alessandro Sciarroni is presented with
Crawlspace CREATED & PERFORMED BY KAREN HINES
FEBRUARY 8 - 18 THE FISHBOWL ON GRANVILLE ISLAND #100 - 1398 CARTWRIGHT STREET NO SHOWS FEBRUARY 12 & 13
tickets at bocadellupo.com 20 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
ARTS
Mermaid star makes villains her specialty > BY JA NET SM IT H
- The New York Times
E
rin Matchette is a nice person, a mother of two children who has run a licensed family daycare, taught preschool, and now works in early education. But on-stage, Matchette has been transforming herself into a series of scary villains in Align Entertainment musicals. Last fall, she found herself as Mrs. Potiphar, tempting the title character in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Before that, she played an even darker character, the nasty child-catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the long-nosed baddie who lures children with lollipops. “The child-catcher was pretty terrifying,” Matchette admits, laughing over the phone from her day job. “We do matinees on schooldays and there were children who cried. One peed their pants.” She’s optimistic that her role this spring, as Ursula, Ariel’s meddling aunt in The Little Mermaid, won’t strike quite as much terror into little ones. “Anyone familiar with the Disney animated movie probably wouldn’t be too scared,” she says. “Now everyone knows there’s going to be a happy ending for Ariel.” For this elaborately staged production, complete with a live orchestra, she’ll be wearing an outfit that will help her bring the saucy cephalopod to life. The giant costume features six artificial tentacle-arms; the other two are her own. The musical also fleshes out more of the back story of Ursula, the evil aunt who strikes the deal with Ariel that she can become human if she loses her voice. Just how the production will bring the feel of underwater swimming to life remains a secret, but suffice it to say the cast members have a few magical tricks up their sleeves.
“The most admired jazz diva since the heyday of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday”
Off-stage, Erin Matchette is a mom who works in early education.
Matchette, who’s had a 30-year career in musical theatre, almost needs eight arms to juggle what she has on the go. As well as her full-time job, she coowns the Lindbjerg Academy of Performing Arts, the theatre school that’s run by her husband, Chad Matchette— who also directs Mermaid. “The Lindbjerg Academy runs after school from 3:30 to 9:30, and then all day Saturday, so we’re ships passing in the night,” Matchette says. So collaborating on these family shows is about the only time they can spend together—not that it doesn’t pose the odd challenge. “I always think we’re better working together,” says Matchette, who’s also joined by her daughter, Emily, as assistant choreographer on this production. So villains, for now, are it for Matchette. “I enjoy sinking my teeth into any role,” she says with a laugh. “Even in my 20s I was never a lyric soprano, I was never an ingénue, I’m not a dancer.” And anyway, everyone knows the villains always have more fun. -
Dianne Reeves C H A N C E N T R E AT U B C Tickets and info at chancentre.com
The Little Mermaid is at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby from next Friday (February 3) to February 18.
Mouthpiece experiments with the female voice > B Y TONY M ONTAG U E
A
t the core of Mouthpiece is the female voice. When they started working on the multidisciplinary show, Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava—its creators, performers, and producers— felt it had yet to be expressed freely and to its full extent. “We looked around trying to find a representation of an authentic female voice we related to,” says Nostbakken, reached by Skype together with Sadava at their Toronto homes. “We looked for one in popular culture, in movies, in literature and television that covers the whole spectrum of what it is to be a woman, and when we couldn’t find it we made this show. Our sounds include the guttural, the ugly… It’s hard to express with words what we do. It’s the dissonance in our heads when we’re thinking two polarized thoughts at the same time, or we’re confused, or feel rage.” The two actors play different parts of the same woman’s mind. “So what we’re communicating are the thoughts going on in her head but also the emotion, which often doesn’t have words,” says Sadava. “There’s no dialogue. We never really have a conversation.” The mind in Mouthpiece belongs to Cass Hayward, who’s lost her voice, not just figuratively but physically, in the wake of her mother’s death. “She wakes up in the morning and finds it gone, so thematically this works for what we wanted to talk about,” says Nostbakken, who also directs and wrote the music for Mouthpiece. “We use our voices a cappella throughout, centred on ‘Look what two women can do on an almost-bare stage. You just have to open your mouth and speak.’ “And we have to speak, because the show is so honest, it’s so revealing, and we’re so vulnerable,” she continues.
“The way we wrote it is that we have to reveal the most embarrassing secrets we would never want anyone else to know. That’s why it was so terrifying to premiere. But the reaction was beautiful—not ‘Bravo, you did that,’ but ‘Me too.’ I think the show reveals how we normalize different ways that we’re oppressed and harassed in society. So we’re acting as a mouthpiece to inspire others to do the same.” The duo presents a kind of shortened history of the female voice in popular music. “We open in darkness and it’s just our voices, taking you through harmony and dissonance,” says Sadava. “Then you’re brought through opera and duets, we have the Andrews Sisters, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell, Beyoncé, and women’s choirs.” Mouthpiece is very demanding for the performers, who have to draw deep on their emotional resources while coordinating movements and voices with ease and precision. “When building up to the run that we recently did in Toronto, we bought a treadmill and stationary bicycle, and we’ll do the play while running and cycling,” says Nostbakken. “Musicaltheatre actors and pop stars make it look so easy, but to sing and dance at the same time is the hardest thing. Norah and I are runners—we do half-marathons—but there’s nothing more exhausting than that. This show knocks you out because we have singing and dancing and acting as well; it’s an emotional show, it’s an hour long, we never leave the stage, and it’s very physical. We definitely have to look after ourselves; we don’t go off-stage to have a fag and a coffee.” Mouthpiece runs Tuesday (January 31) to February 5 at the Cultch, as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival.
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 21
ARTS
The Nether mines dark terrain T HEAT RE THE NETHER By Jennifer Haley. Directed by Chris Lam. A Redcurrant Collective production. At the Firehall Arts Centre on Thursday, January 19. Continues until January 28
“Just because it’s virtual doesn’t
2 mean it isn’t real,” says a char-
MOONLODGE by Margo Kane
AN INDIGENOUS CANADIAN CLASSIC
acter early on in The Nether. Though the play deals with hot topics like online identity and pedophilia, this riveting production keeps the ethical debate on the back burner, instead foregrounding its highly unconventional love story. In Jennifer Haley’s taut script, what we currently know as our physical reality has been all but subsumed by the virtual world. Nature has been pretty much eradicated. Children— and there aren’t many left—don’t go to school; they are educated by immersive educational games in the online world of the Nether. Many people have “crossed over” and become “shades”, abandoning their real-life identities and responsibilities for a full-time virtual existence. One of the few remaining forms of authentic face-to-face contact, it seems, is the interrogation, and at the top of the play, Det. Morris is questioning Sims, known online as Papa. Sims has created a virtual realm called the Hideaway, a sense-rich evocation of the Victorian era where references to contemporary technology are forbidden and visitors can have sex with children. Sims argues that since all the players in his realm are adults, he’s actually protecting real children from their would-be predators, but a skeptical Morris sends an investigator, Woodnut, into the realm to gather more information. She also questions Doyle, a former teacher who is one of the Hideaway’s regular visitors. The play pivots between the interrogation room and the virtual realm, where we watch Woodnut fall in love with Iris, a nine-year-old girl. Director Chris Lam’s minimalist staging is effective; the powerful contrast between the sterility of the real world and the richness of the Hideaway is largely left to our imagination and to the exquisitely atmospheric and subtly ominous sound design, by James Coomber, and lighting, by Jonathan Kim. And Lam’s five-member cast is terrific. David Bloom, as Sims, and Linden Banks, as Doyle, both give nuanced performances that make them impossible to write off as easy villains. Lissa Neptuno makes Morris a levelheaded, brass-tacks investigator, and
David Bloom and Lissa Neptuno star in The Nether, in which a detective interrogates a man who’s built a disturbing online world. Raymond Shum photo.
Douglas Ennenberg imbues Woodnut with an openhearted innocence. Julia Siedlanowska finds depth and texture in the vulnerable and preternaturally wise Iris. “It’s okay to forget who you think you are and discover who you might be,” Iris tells Woodnut, encouraging him to pursue his fantasies, and the characters’ discoveries are both surprising and troubling. Ultimately, the world of The Nether proves to be as morally ambiguous as the one we currently inhabit. > KATHLEEN OLIVER
LOVE AND INFORMATION By Caryl Churchill. Directed by Lauren Taylor. A UBC Department of Theatre . production. At the Frederic and Film Wood Theatre on Thursday, January 19. Continues until February 4
It takes a kind of fearlessness
2 to even attempt to stage Caryl
Churchill’s Love and Information. There are more than 100 characters and 50-plus vignettes packed inside the play’s tight 90 minutes, and there’s no easy through-line with which to connect the dots. Instead, there are fragments, some more successful than others, exploring the titular elements of love and information and their extrapolations: feelings and facts, relationships and choices, and chaos and order in the 21st century. A play like this—in which actors are often tasked with establishing fully realized characters on nothing much more than a few lines of dialogue, a costume change, and some props—is perfect fodder for students developing their craft. Occasionally, that’s what Love and Information feels like, though: a classroom exercise with an
audience. Some of the jokes don’t land, or the dialogue just gets too cluttered and messy because of Churchill’s fondness for characters speaking over each other and cutting one another off. Love and Information also suffers somewhat from a lack of complexity. It’s as if Churchill was so in love with her own concept she didn’t concern herself with moments that come off as a bit clichéd, like the recurring vignette “Depression”, which features a character alone in the dark, a large projection of the actor’s sad-looking face looming in the background. On the bright side, because of the sheer number of characters, every actor in the 18-person cast gets at least one moment to shine, and Sabrina Vellani is a standout. Her comic timing and delivery are excellent, she’s incredibly natural, and I found myself perking up every time she appeared on-stage. She’s one to watch. The real stars of Love and Information are director Lauren Taylor and the crew. With all of the moving parts—humans, props, costumes, projections, lighting, et cetera— this is one of the most polished and beautifully produced shows I’ve ever seen. Sophie Tang’s set and projection design are flawless, as are Stefan Zubovic’s lighting and projection design. Costume designer Alaia Hamer had 100 characters to dress, and from the teens in two purposefully different but similar Justin Bieber shirts to the game-show contestants wearing outlandish neon-coloured formal wear (very much inspired by the Capitol dwellers in The Hunger Games), every look is perfect. The pace is breakneck, but it never feels rushed, and that’s a testament to Taylor’s confidence with
in collaboration with Journeys Around the Circle
Feb 16 - Feb 25 2017 Goldscorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre
“Theatre for Living creates theatre that reaches out and connects… fascinating and profoundly theatrical.” –David C. Jones
“Powerful...rich, captivating” - Ottawa Citizen
Firehall Arts Centre 280 E. Cordova St. Vancouver
March 3 to 11, 2017 | Tue-Sun @ 7:30pm
2 x 1 preview March 2 Presented at THE TALKING STICK FESTIVAL
Operating Funders:
22 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
Project Funders:
Media Sponsors:
see next page
BUY NOW
“IT’S DAZZLING FUN” —New York Magazine
ON NOW TILL FEB 26!
In the insightful Mess, Caroline Horton plays a woman who puts on a play about her experiences with an eating disorder. Edmund Collier photo.
the material. She rises above Love and obsessive regimen of controlling and Information’s weak spots and takes tracking her food intake. The details in everybody else with her. her recollection are powerful: a “treat” > ANDREA WARNER consists of a trip to the drugstore to weigh herself on a scale that provides MESS printouts; later, at a rehab clinic, her copy of Shakespeare’s complete works By Caroline Horton. Directed by Alex is confiscated because she’s using it for Swift. A Caroline Horton & Co./China Plate production. A PuSh International step-ups. Fiammetta Horvat’s simple set—a Performing Arts Festival presentation. woolly platform colonized by a paraAt the Waterfront Theatre on January sol on which Josephine hangs medals 19. No remaining performances that represent her achievements, and “Don’t leave!” jokes a performer a duvet that symbolizes the “encomwhen the subject of Mess is an- passing and comforting” nature of nounced to be anorexia nervosa, her illness—reinforces the characacknowledging the discomfort the ter’s isolation, as do the increasingly subject might provoke. “I hugged an awkward scenes in which her goodanorexic once,” he goes on, “and it natured friend Boris struggles to figwas very uncomfortable—all those ure out how to help, or even connect bones sticking out.” with, Josephine. That moment, with its combinaStylistically, the play is a mixed bag. tion of candour and irreverence, rep- Horton’s Josephine is emotionally reresents what works best about Mess, strained, suggesting how much of her a show intended to reach young audi- turmoil is internal. But it’s unclear ences without condescending to them. why both Boyde’s Boris and Davies’s English playwright Caroline Horton Sistahl are clown figures, and the efplays Josephine, who, with the help fect of some of Davies’s songs, which of her friend Boris (Hannah Boyde) neither advance the plot nor offer inand musician Sistahl (Seiriol Davies), sight into character, is to drag down is putting on a play about her experi- the show’s already slow pace. ences with an eating disorder serious Still, Mess is a courageous piece of enough to land her in the hospital. Jo- theatre that tackles a difficult issue sephine admits that it’s hard to figure without offering any easy answers. out the play’s beginning, because the Its insight and compassion are discovery emerged gradually that her worth sharing. > KATHLEEN OLIVER anxiety could be managed through an
By Peter Morgan
the cast. photo by david cooper
2
STARRING ANNA GALVIN AS QUEEN ELIZABETH II playing at stanley industrial alliance stage
Starring Anna Galvin as Queen II granvilleElizabeth goldcorp island stage
stage at the bmo theatre centre
A SPEC TACUL AR E VENING OF MUSIC , SONG & FILM BY CELEBR ATED INDIGENOUS ARTISTS FROM AUSTR ALIA
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 23
PuSh FEST
Sweat Baby Sweat builds aching intimacy D ANC E SWEAT BABY SWEAT By Jan Martens. A PuSh International Performing Arts Festival and Dance Centre presentation. At the Scotiabank Dance Centre on Wednesday, January 18. No remaining performances
The title Sweat Baby Sweat might
2 lead you to believe that Belgian
maverick Jan Martens’s new dance duet is an hour of intense, body-slamming, perspiration-soaked coupling. You would be entirely wrong. Instead, the work is achingly intimate, a slow, serious exploration of human beings connecting, weaving their limbs into increasingly impossible, pretzel-like contortions. Their eyes remain locked on each other; in one extended sequence of movement, their lips do too. This is not to say the dancers don’t
Dancers Kimmy Ligtvoet and Steven Michel get at the raw power of skin against skin and eyes locked on each other. Klaartje Lambrechts photo.
sweat; they definitely do as they achieve poses that often defy physics. The opening finds Kimmy Ligtvoet with her feet planted on Steven Michel’s thighs, her arms clamped around his neck, jutting her hind end away from
him—hanging on even as her centre of gravity threatens to pull her off him. In another extended moment, set to the slowly pulsing electronic score, they roll like some intricately woven human ball across the entire length of the stage.
What amazes throughout is the very smoothness of their movement, despite its physical demands. The metaphor here is that love is a dance of careful balancing and counterbalancing. The show’s hypnotic power—albeit one you must be ready to submit yourself to—is in its quiet communing. Dating back to La La La Human Steps, contemporary dance has been making a name for itself with frenzied feats of extreme virtuosity. As it says in the program notes here, Martens is not interested in this kind of spectacle at all, just “the beauty of the incomplete human being”. He’s focusing here on the way we attach ourselves to one another (in this case, quite literally, as if Krazy Glue were involved). And although it doesn’t play out quite perfectly—at one point Michel madly tries to push the clinging
Ligtvoet off him, only to have her straddle him ever more tightly—Martens reveals a real affection for love. It’s essential to life. Sometimes we can’t, and shouldn’t, let go. Like the looping, seemingly endless Cat Power song that serves as a coda here, the piece wanders, whimsically and curiously with no consequence in particular. But the dancers are so magnetic, so committed in their commitment, that you can’t help but be moved; someone I know was sitting by a person who sobbed throughout. We’ll all bring our own baggage to this relationship. Sweat Baby Sweat holds a raw power, the subtle kind that comes from skin moving against skin, a hand gently sweeping a woman’s long hair back, and eyes gazing into each other—but somehow without any ornamentation of romance. > JANET SMITH
UPCOMING CONCERTS PRESENTS
(MONTRÉAL) WORKS BY FONIADAKIS, GALILI & PEDERNEIRAS
LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH AVAN YU
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 7:30PM Orpheum Avan Yu piano & host Lucy Wang violin Karen Wong sheng Zhongxi Wu suona Nestor Wu percussion Ho Jin Choi piano Vancouver Zion Mission Choir Stephanie Chung piano/choral director VSO String Quartet Celebrate the Year of the Rooster! Vancouver-raised and internationally-renowned pianist Avan Yu returns home to host and perform in a special celebration of the Lunar New Year with VSO School of Music Concerto Competition winner Lucy Wang, and many other talented artists. Presented by the VSO.
AVAN YU
TINY TOTS: MOTHER
GOOSE NY Y GOES TO THE SYMPHONY FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 10AM & 11:30AM AM M Playhouse Theatre, Vancouver SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 10AM & 11:30AM AM Anvil Centre, New Westminster nda Let Your Music Shine! with Lisa & Linda CONCERTS FOR CHILDREN UP TO FIVEE YEARS OF AGE AGE. Let’s hear some symphonies and favourite rhymes: it’s “Mother Goose Goes To The Symphony” time! Clap, jump, and sing while combining Mother Goose literature with delightful symphony classics. Accompanied by a brass trio.
FEBRUARY 24 & 25 2017, 8PM VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE S E A S O N PA R T N E R S
TINY TOTS SERIES SPONSOR
LISA GRACE & LINDA SEBENIUS lisalindashine.com
PREMIER EDUCATION PARTNER
THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY * SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 8PM Orpheum
COMPAGNIE HERVE KOUBI
(FRANCE) WHAT THE DAY OWES TO THE NIGHT
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2PM Orpheum PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Classical PROKOFIEV 3LDQR &RQFHUWR 1R LQ ' ȵDW 0DMRU '92Ě . Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World Constantin Trinks conductor Juho Pohjonen piano* Juho Pohjonen makes his VSO debut performing Prokofiev’s flat-out exciting Piano Concerto No. 1 with acclaimed conductor Constantin Trinks. Two different sides of Prokofiev are on display in this concert, as well as 'YRě£NȇV New World Symphony, one of the best-known and most-loved symphonies ever written.
CONSTANTIN TRINKS
* PRELUDE CONCERT with the VSO School of Music Sinfonietta. 7:05pm Saturday, FREE TO TICKETHOLDERS.
JUHO POHJONEN
FEBRUARY 4 MUSICALLY SPEAKING SERIES SPONSOR
FEBRUARY 4 MUSICALLY SPEAKING VIDEO SCREEN SPONSOR
FEBRUARY 4 MUSICALLY SPEAKING RADIO SPONSOR
FEBRUARY 5 SYMPHONY SUNDAYS SERIES SPONSOR
KIDS’ KONCERTS: PLATYPUS
THEATRE: HOW THE GIMQUAT FOUND HER SONG APRIL 7 & 8 2017, 8PM VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE TICKETS FROM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2PM Orpheum William Rowson conductor Platypus Theatre Embark on a musical expedition across continents and through centuries to help a discouraged bird discover her unique voice. How the Gimquat Found Her Song is a heart-warming tale about the search for identity and a celebration of music in all of its forms.
TICKETS & INFO: DANCEHOUSE.CA
VSO INSTRUMENT FAIR in the lobby at 1pm. Your child can try real orchestral instruments under the guidance of student and professional musicians. Instruments provided by Tom Lee Music KIDS’ KONCERTS SERIES SPONSOR
S E A S O N PA R T N E R S
PREMIER EDUCATION PARTNER
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
@VSOrchestra
TICKETS: 24 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
vancouversymphony.ca
MEDIA SPONSOR
604.876.3434
2ONGOING BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The SMP Dramatic Society presents the story of a provincial beauty who falls in love with a prince cursed with the form of a beast. To Jan 28, 7:30 pm, 2 pm, St Martins Hall (195 E. Windsor Rd., North Vancouver). Tix $21/17/14, info www.smpdramatics.com/.
ar ts/ timeout THEATRE DANCE MUSIC COMEDY LITERARY EVENTS ET CETERA GALLERIES MUSEUMS OUT OF TOWN
ART The Sidekick Players present Yasmina Reza’s play that questions the value and limitations of art. To Jan 28, 8-9:30 pm, Tsawwassen Arts Centre (1172 56th St., Delta). Tix $18/15, info www.sidekickplayers.com/.
< < < < < < < < <
THEATRE 2OPENINGS CUISINE AND CONFESSIONS Théâtre la Seizième presents Montreal-based theatre company Les 7 Doigts in a medley of theatre, dance, and circus. Jan 25-29, Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton). Tix $45-60, info www.seizieme.ca/saison/ cuisine-confessions/. ANAMNESIS The Bachelor of Performing Arts program at Douglas College presents an interdisciplinary work that explores romanticism through the shattered lense of nostalgia. Jan 26-27, 7:30 pm, Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave., New West). Tix $20/15, info www.masseytheatre.com/ event/anamnesis/.
HAPPY DAYS Square Planet Theatre, in association with SFU School for the Contemporary Arts and FCAT, presents Samuel Beckett’s darkly comic eulogy to the human spirit. To Jan 28, 8 pm, Studio T (SFU Woodward’s, 149 West Hastings ). Tix $25/20, info www.sfu.ca/sca/. THE NETHER Jennifer Haley’s play is a detective story that explores the nature of virtual realms, fantasy, and morality. To Jan 28, Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova). Tix $24, info www.firehallartscentre.ca/. AS I LAY DYING The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Theatre SmithGilmour’s production of William Faulkner’s Southern gothic masterpiece as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. To Feb 12, Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre (162 W. 1st). Tix from $29, info www.artsclub.com/. LOVE AND INFORMATION MFA candidate Lauren Taylor directs Caryl Churchill’s play that sees over 100 characters search for meaning through a series of vignettes. To Feb 4, 7:30 pm, Frederic Wood Theatre (6354 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $11.50-24.50, info www.ubctheatretickets.com/.
’
CARL ORFF S
CARMINA BURANA FEBRUARY 25, 2017 AT 8PM I ORPHEUM THEATRE
TICKETS FROM $29 TICKETSTONIGHT.CA I 604-684-2787
MARCH 1– 2 5
see next page
Wanna Yuk?
PORTAL 2: THE (UNAUTHORIZED) MUSICAL The Geekenders present a futuristic musical about a woman and a robot who attempt to escape a facility that’s falling apart and end up inadvertently stirring something awake. Jan 27-29, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $25/22, info www.riotheatre.ca/.
2017VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL DANCEFESTIVAL
don’t miss out! For up-to-the-minute, searchable Arts Time Out listings, visit
www.straight.com
HALO When the image of Jesus Christ suddenly appears on the wall of a Tim Hortons restaurant, a Nova Scotia town is thrown into euphoric chaos. Presented by Gallery 7 Theatre. Jan 27–Feb 4, 7:309:30 pm, Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford). Tix $25/20/15, info www.gallery7theatre.com/halo/. THE (POST) MISTRESS The Arts Club on Tour presents a quirky one-woman show about a charismatic postal worker in the fictional town of Lovely. Jan 30-31, 7:30 pm, Kay Meek Centre (1700 Mathers Ave., West Van). Tix $15-50, info www.kaymeek centre.com/on_stage/2336/. MOUTHPIECE As part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Quote Unquote Collective in association with Why Not Theatre presents the story of one woman who attempts to find her own voice. Jan 31–Feb 5, The Cultch (1895 Venables). Tix from $20, info www.thecultch.com/.
TOP TALENT SHOWCASE EVERY TUES AT 8:00
PRO-AM NIGHT
EVERY WEDS AT 8:00
FEATURED HEADLINERS THURS & FRI AT 8:00 SAT AT 7:00 & 9:30 THIS WEEKEND FEATURING (JAN 26 - 28)
NICK BEATON www.yukyuks.com 2837 Cambie (at 12th)
Featuring... Dance artists from Canada, Japan, the United States, and Denmark at the Vancouver Playhouse, Roundhouse, Scotiabank Dance Centre, Studio 1398, Woodward’s Atrium and KW Studios.
INFO & BOX OFFICE: 604.662.4966 · VIDF.CA
Alonzo King LINES Ballet photo of Michael Montgomery by RJ Muna
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 25
Arts time out
from previous page
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE United Players present a musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine about an artist and his lover and model. To Feb 12, 8 am, Jericho Arts Centre (1675 Discovery). Tix $30-35, info www.united players.com/. CROSSING DELANCEY Metro Theatre presents a romantic comedy about a Jewish grandmother who sets out to find a nice Jewish boy for her granddaughter to marry. To Feb 11, 8 pm, Metro Theatre (1370 SW Marine). Tix $24/21, info www.metrotheatre.com/. SUSTAINABILITY IN AN IMAGINARY WORLD The choose-your-own-adventure-style multimedia digital-theatrical installation carries the audience into a conversation around the challenges of a sustainable world. To Feb 3, Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (2260 West Mall, UBC). Free admission, info www.eventbrite.ca/e/sustainabilityin-an-imaginary-world-tickets-31076365245/. THE CITY AND THE CITY Using emergent audio technology, the audience receives clues for actions, text, and characterization to bring the story to life in real time. Based on the book by China
MiĂŠville. Coproduced with Upintheair and the Only Animal. Presented with PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. To Feb 5, Russian Hall (600 Campbell). Tix $28/23, info www.upintheairtheatre.com/.
BULL Made it Ma Equity Co-op presents Mike Bartlettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play that sees two people play a fast-paced game of cat-and-mouse with a coworker as they await news of a job termination. To Jan 29, 8 pm, Studio 1398 (1398 Cartwright, Granville Island). Tix $15-21, info www.madeitmaproductions.com/.
DANCE 2THIS WEEK SALMON GIRL Raven Spirit Dance presents a performance that combines theatre, dance, music, and puppetry to explore the world of water and salmon. Jan 27â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Feb 5, 7 pm; Jan 28, 1 pm; Jan 29, 1 pm; Feb 3, 7 pm; Feb 4, 1 pm; Feb 5, 1 pm, Presentation House Theatre (333 Chesterfield Ave.). Tix $15, info www.ravenspiritdance.com/. RED CURTAIN ARTS SERIES See a free dance performance by AER: Elite Dance as part of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th birthday celebrations. Jan 28, 3-4 pm, Thompson Community Centre (5151 Granville Ave., Richmond). Free admission, info www.richmond.ca/thompson/.
1660 EAS T BROADWAY @ COMMERCIAL MEDIA SPONSOR
NOW PLAYING!
JAN 27 - 29
The Geekenders Present PORTAL 2: THE (UNAUTHORIZED) MUSICAL Aperture is back. For science. You monster! 7ZR \HDUV DIWHU WKH GeekendersÂś RULJLQDO VPDVK KLW DQG VROG RXW SURGXFWLRQ RI WKHLU RULJLQDO PXVLFDO %DVHG RQ RQH RI WKH ZRUOGÂśV PRVW SRSXODU YLGHR JDPHV PORTAL 2: THE (UNAUTHORIZED) MUSICAL LV EDFN ZLWK UHYDPSHG VHWV VFULSWV FRVWXPHV PXVLF DQG PRUH *Minors welcome to all shows! January 27 8:00 pm, January 28 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm, January 29 8:00 pm.
29
ADVANCE TICKETS AT RIOTHEATRETICKETS.CA
Kids Culture Film Series DQG Reel to Real Film Festival Present MY FRIEND RAFFI SP
JANUARY 30
straight choices
LEONARD COHEN: IN SHORT SP &HOHEUDWH Leonard Cohen ZLWK D FXUDWHG FROOHFWLRQ RI IRXU VKRUW ILOPV SURGXFHG E\ The National Film Board of Canada EHWZHHQ 7KH ÂłJHP´ RI WKH EXQFK LV Donald Brittain DQG Don Owenâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s UDUHO\ VHHQ ILOP LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MR. LEONARD COHEN D GRFXPHQWDU\ SRUWUDLW RI Cohen LQ KLV SUH PXVLFLDQ GD\V DV D SRHW DQG VWDQG XS FRPHGLDQ See riotheatre.ca for details. NERUDA SP Gael Garcia Bernal VWDUV DV DQ LQVSHFWRU WDVNHG ZLWK KXQWLQJ GRZQ 1REHO 3UL]H ZLQQLQJ SRHW Pablo Neruda ZKR EHFRPHV D IXJLWLYH LQ KLV KRPH FRXQWU\ LQ WKH ODWH V IRU MRLQLQJ WKH &RPPXQLVW 3DUW\ LQ Pablo Larrain's Jackie *ROGHQ *OREH QRPLQDWHG ELRSLF "A virtual fireworks show about the power of poetry and fame on the world." (Entertainment Weekly)
STREETS AND SHADOWS Vancouver street-scene photographer Fred Herzog takes the spotlight, and throws artful shadows, in a new exhibit at Whistlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audain Art Museum through May 22. The show, called Shadowlands, chooses 18 of his photos from over his career, all of them playing with light and dark. At the same time, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a chance to transport yourself back in time, to a colourful, diverse city before highrises and skyrocketing real-estate prices. (See Black Man Pender from 1958 Chinatown here, courtesy of the Vancouver Art Gallery collection and part of the show.) GLOBAL DANCE CHALLENGE Event provides professional coaching, master classes, stage experiences, and cultural programs to cultivate artistic excellence as well as to inspire dancers to be conscientious global citizens. Jan 31â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Feb 4, The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer). Info www.gdancechallenge.com/.
MUSIC 2THIS WEEK THE VSO NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra presents an exploration of new creations and contemporary composers. Concerts include New Music for Old Instruments I (Jan 25, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral), Pure Piano (Jan 26, 8:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre), Requiem for a Generation (Jan 27, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre), New Music for Old Instruments II (Jan 28, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral), and On a Wire (Jan 29, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre). To Jan 29, Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe). The event also runs at Christ Church Cathedral, info www.vancouversymphony.ca/. MENAGE A TRIO Vetta Chamber Music performs piano trios by Shostakovich, Brahms, and Smetana. Jan 26, 2 pm, West Point Grey United Church (4595 W. 8th). Tix $30/25/10, info www.vettamusic.com/.
FEB 2
details at straight.com
JAN 31 - FEB 1
ADVANCE SCREENING NERUDA SP ARRIVAL SP 1RPLQDWHG IRU HLJKW 2VFDUV Best Picture, Best Director, DQG Best Screenplay "Arrival delivers a must-see experience for fans of thinking personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sci-fi that anchors its heady themes with genuinely affecting emotion and a terrific performance from Amy Adams. (Rotten Tomatoes) PAUL ANTHONY'S TALENT TIME 9th Anniversary Hot Tub Party SP :H DUH VWRNHG WKDW Talent Time LV FHOHEUDWLQJ nine whole years RI LQVDQHO\ WDOHQWHG WDOHQW DQG KLODULRXV KLODULW\ QRW WR PHQWLRQ DOO WKH ZDFN\ VWXII WKDW \RX KDG WR EH WKHUH WR H[SHULHQFH /LNH WKDW WLPH WKHUH ZDV D KRW WXE " ([SHFW HYHQ PRUH WKLV JR URXQG SOXV FRPHGLDQ Ivan Decker WKH KRXVH EDQG DQG VXUSULVHV JDORUH
ZAPPA MEETS VARESE AND OSWALD The Turning Point Ensemble and Canadian composer John Oswald pay tribute to Frank Zappa and Edgard Varèse. Jan 27-29, SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 W. Hastings). Tix $25, info www.turning pointensemble.ca/. CANADIAN GUITAR QUARTET Canadian guitar group performs original music and classical masterpieces. Jan 27, 2 pm, Kay Meek Centre (1700 Mathers Ave., West Van). Tix $25, info www.kay meekcentre.com/on_stage/2356/.
FEBRUARY 4
FEBRUARY 3
BRAHMS REQUIEM: THE INTIMATE BRAHMS Jon Washburn conducts the Bergmann Duo and the Vancouver Chamber Choir in a performance of music by Brahms. Jan 27, 8-10 pm, Ryerson United Church (2195 W. 45th). Tix $10-33, info www.vancouverchamberchoir.com/.
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO SP 7KHUH LV QR EHWWHU ZD\ WR DSSUHFLDWH WKH PDJLF RI Studio Ghibli WKDQ RQ WKH ELJ VFUHHQ 0RYLH ORYHUV RI DOO DJHV DGRUH Hayao Miyazakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s FODVVLF â&#x20AC;&#x153;an otherworldly tale of childhood and a definitive work of imagination.â&#x20AC;? (Empire Magazine) *Kids welcome! In Japanese with English subtitles. CANDiLAND SP &DQDGLDQ 3UHPLHUH )LOPPDNHUV LQ DWWHQGDQFH JOHN WICK SP Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a price. Keanu Reeves NLFNV DOO WKH D DV DQ H[ KLWPDQ ZKR FRPHV RXW RI UHWLUHPHQW WR WUDFN GRZQ VRPH JDQJVWHUV ZKR PHVV ZLWK WKH ZURQJ GRJ Friday Late Night Movie HAYAO MIYAZAKI DOUBLE BILL! -RLQ XV IRU D IXQ DIWHUQRRQ SDLULQJ WZR RI Studio Ghibliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PRVW EHORYHG FODVVLFV MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO SP KIKIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DELIVERY SERVICE SP 6HH RQH RU VHH ÂľHP ERWK IRU RQH VZHHW SULFH *Kids welcome! English overdub. ARRIVAL SP NOCTURNAL ANIMALS SP Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, DQG %HVW 6XSSRUWLQJ 2VFDU QRPLQHH Michael Shannon VWDU LQ GLUHFWRU Tom Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VW\OLVK DQG VH[\ WDOH DERXW D ZHDOWK\ DUW JDOOHU\ RZQHU KDXQWHG E\ KHU H[ KXVEDQGÂśV QRYHO D YLROHQW WKULOOHU VKH LQWHUSUHWV DV D V\PEROLF UHYHQJH WDOH
TUGGING AT THE HEART STRINGS Lions Gate Sinfonia and guest artist North Shore Celtic Ensemble play a Canadian folk-song suite, Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Dvorakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s String Serenade. Jan 28, 7 pm, Centennial Theatre (2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Van). Tix $39, info www.lionsgatesinfonia.com/. SCULPTRESS: THE MUSIC OF NICOLE LIZEE Standing Wave presents a program of cutting-edge electro-acoustic chamber music and video as part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Jan 30-31, 8 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $25/10, info www.standingwave.ca/ upcoming-2/.
COMEDY
to win tickets to the advance screening
SCOTIABANK THEATRE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 7PM IN THEATRES FEBRUARY 3 Visit
for movie listings.
26 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND SP %DVHG RQ GLUHFWRU Hayao Miyazaki's RZQ HSLF VFLHQFH IDQWDV\ IDLU\WDOH DGYHQWXUH PDQJD "...it's not only an amazing piece of animation, but an incredible work of science-fiction as well." (Cinematical) *Kids welcome! In Japanese with English subtitles. SUPERBOWL 51 SP The Atlanta Falcons DQG The New England Patriots WKURZ WKH EDOO DURXQG RQ IRRWEDOO V KLJK KROLHVW RI KROLHV Catch all the action LIVE AND FREE on our big screen! NOCTURNAL ANIMALS SP
FEB 8
RingsMovie.com
Visit
FEBRUARY 5
2ONGOING
The Fictionals Comedy Co. Presents IMPROV AGAINST HUMANITY: VALENTINE'S VENGEANCE SP %ULQJ D IULHQG D ORYHU RU IULHQGV ZKR \RX ZDQW WR EH ORYHUV DQG HQMR\ st Cupid Against Humanity FRPHG\ 7KHUH ZLOO EH SUL]HV LQQXHQGR DQG WKH FURZQLQJ RI WKH Most Horrible Person in Vancouver LQ WKH ILUVW #IAHatRIO RI :LOO LW EH <28"
SEE WWW.RIOTHEATRE.C A FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS & UPDATED C ALENDAR
THE COMEDY MIX 1015 Burrard, Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, 604-684-5050, www. thecomedymix.com/. Comedy club with pro-am night Tue at 8:30 pm, showcase Wed at 8:30 pm, and featured headliners Thu at 8:30 pm and Fri-Sat at 8 and 10:30 pm. Cover $8 Tue, $10 Wed, $15 Thu, $18 Fri, $20 Sat. 2SCOTT THOMPSON Jan 26-28 2NIKKI GLAZER Feb 3-4 2GINA BRILLON Feb 9-11 2BRIAN POSEHN Feb 16-18 2JON DORE Feb 24-25 YUK YUKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMEDY CLUB 2837 Cambie, 604-696-9857, www.yukyuks.com/vancouver. Comedy club with Top Talent Tue at 8 pm, amateur night Wed at 8 pm, and professional headliners Thu-Fri at 8 pm and Sat at 7 and 9:30 pm. Cover Tue $10, Wed $7, Thu $10, and Fri-Sat $20. 2NICK BEATON Jan 26-28 VANCOUVER THEATRESPORTS LEAGUE Some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most daring and innovative improv. Firecracker!
see page 28
MOVIES
Erdmann is comedy with a serious overbite RE VIEW S TONI ERDMANN Starring Sandra Hüller. In English, German, and Romanian, with English subtitles. Rated 14A
In her third feature, Toni Erdwriter-director Maren Ade gives us three generations of modern Germans: an elderly mother with an unfortunate, if historically predictable, past; her son, Winfried Conradi, part of the postwar generation confronting their parents’ crimes; and his youngish daughter, Ines, who dived straight into a globalized business world, with English as a neutralizing lingua franca. This extravagantly long import recently landed on many top-10 lists, but it contains ideas, not people. Fortunately, the actors are good enough to make you forget its inexplicable plot machinations. Pale, gamine Sandra Hüller brings melancholy humanity to Ines, a sharklike consultant who advises oil-related companies on how to drop employees with plausible deniability. And Austria’s bulky, grey-haired Peter Simonischek doesn’t let Winfried’s obnoxiousness drive you away— even after he turns up in Bucharest, where his daughter is negotiating a tough deal, and proceeds to mess with her life on every possible level. Seriously, who behaves this way? The near-indigent Winfried covers his boredom with senseless pranks that border on cruelty. He loves to plunk false teeth over his own, giving him a silly overbite (oddly like Matthew McConaughey’s in Gold). This weird affectation wears thin in the first scene, and if the director cut out the denture-based scenes, she would remove about a third of the film’s almost three hours. Rave reviews find outrageous hilarity invoked in the film’s centre, in which Dad leaves and then returns to Bucharest, this time with black wig and buck teeth, passing himself off as Toni Erdmann. Every random stranger seems to take “Toni” at his word; is he a business coach or Germany’s new ambassador to Romania? But why would control freak Ines play along with this masquerade, especially after it starts wrecking her job? Still, my argument is less about logic than aesthetics. This is one crappy-looking movie, and the director’s rejection of soundtrack music, decent lighting, and interesting camera angles underlines the basic shapelessness of most scenes. Her rapport with the cast is terrific, but many improvisations drag, dulling the few inspired moments that pop up along the way. (Did I mention the three hours?) Essentially, Toni Erdmann is a bleak look at the virtues of indiscipline. But that’s a message this “comedy” takes far too seriously.
2 mann,
An obnoxious prankster who calls himself Toni Erdmann (Peter Simonischek) wins the heart of his daughter and most film critics. But not all of them.
WHERE THE UNIVERSE SINGS: THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF LAWREN HARRIS A documentary by Peter Raymont and Nancy Lang. Rated G
In Where the Universe Sings, a hugely illuminating sequence of Group of Seven leader Lawren Harris’s paintings of Lake Superior’s Pic Island. Edited together in the order he worked on them, the images reveal the way the celebrated artist would strip away forms to the essential, imbuing them with a transcendental light. Though very much in the vein of educational TV-doc filmmaking, this thorough new movie will raise your appreciation for Harris’s glowing ice forms and dreamlike islandscapes. After almost a century, Harris is enjoying massive new interest, his best-known collector being actor Steve Martin, who curated last year’s Art Gallery of Ontario exhibit and who appears amid a parade of experts in the film. The doc provides ample opportunity to examine Harris’s art on a big screen, from his early representational work of Toronto street scenes, to his expressive and then abstracted landscapes, to the full-on, out-there abstraction that took his focus in late life. It also attempts to reveal the forces that shaped his life, from wartime disillusionment to meetings with Emily Carr, whom he encouraged to take a dramatic new direction. But Harris remains a bit of an enigma. Camera-shy and modest, he didn’t leave a lot of traces on film, so directors Peter Raymont and Nancy Lang build the portrait through dramatizations (cue his character surveying vast mountain ranges) > KEN EISNER and voice-overs of his letters and
are you
2 there’s
writing by Colm Feore. We learn his marriage broke up, we trace his movement from Rocky Mountain peaks to Maritime mining strikes to Arctic ice floes, and we witness the wealth that allowed him to pursue his art, and possibly drove him to depict the poorer quarters of his home city early on. We also glimpse his spiritual side, but the theosophy he believed in is almost impenetrable. All we know is his soaring peaks and luminescent natural forms reach for some higher place. What’s telling is that, even after all the film’s analysis and birth-to-death storytelling, so much of the man’s true heart remains a mystery. Then again that mystery, and the way his forms hold such otherworldly power—the kind that you feel more than you intellectualize— is probably a big reason we are still so fascinated with him today. > JANET SMITH
STAYING VERTICAL Starring Damien Bonnard. In French, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable
The main character in Staying
2 Vertical, played by tall, curlyhaired Damien Bonnard, is a filmmaker (or something) struggling to complete a screenplay seemingly stitched together from highly improbable and increasingly unrelated parts. The guy’s name is Léo, but we might as well call him Alain Guiraudie, the writer-director of this unwelcoming mess of a movie. Guiraudie’s gay-themed thriller Stranger by the Lake was a tight little gem. But the only way to excuse this tale’s incomprehensible jumble of narrative is to see it as some kind of weird metacinema experiment. The new movie’s scarcely over 95 minutes, but
time drags with an instantly unlikable character doing little to endear himself to audiences eyeing the exit signs. Léo himself is an expert at vague comings and goings, and a specialist at boinking everything that moves, without the slightest pleasure in evidence. While on a wander in rural northwest France, he meets a young shepherdess (the enigmatically named India Hair) and gets on with her two little boys like crazy. Her tractor-driving dad (John C. Reilly type Raphaël Thiéry) not so much. Anyway, Léo knocks her up and they play happy family for a few months, until he’s suddenly raising a baby on his own. If he thought it was hard to finish his script before, try feeding a baby in the middle of nowhere with no milk and no money. Maybe if he heads into some swampy woods to visit a mysterious midwife who attaches green vines to his body, everything will work out. Or maybe not. At some point, you must let go of any search for meaning in anyone’s actions—which rarely pass the Turing test of believably human behaviour— and just accept the notion that some directors simply want to indulge their characters in randomly chosen activities to see how they react. And guess what? It’s not all that interesting.
> KEN EISNER
GOLD Starring Matthew McConaughey. Rated 14A
Matthew McConaughey goes Johnny Depp route for Gold, gaining weight, losing hair, and sporting ill-fitting crooked teeth. This trick helps him find a different voice than that of the glib hustlers he usually plays. But he tries on too many hats, shuffling from lovable rogue to desperate loser and then comic foil, depending on the needs of individual scenes—which initially amuse but don’t add up to anything coherently entertaining. The famously casual leading man plays Kenny Wells, a down-on-hisluck mineral prospector loosely based on the principals of Bre-X, a Canadian mining company that went belly up in 1997, after one of its geologists did a swan dive from a helicopter crossing the Indonesian jungle. He was reacting to the fraud bubble that burst for investors in what truly was an incredible gold strike in that region—but let’s forget that bit, okay? Via screenwriters Patrick Massett and John Zinman, director Stephen Gaghan (who helmed the much more complicated Syriana) moves the action a decade earlier, to change some particulars and, presumably, to get more of an American Hustle vibe. That also gives it some qualities in common with The Wolf of Wall Street, but Gaghan’s direction lacks basic crackle or even a clear attitude towards its “greed is good” antihero. His ’80s-themed music cues manage
2 the
to be both obvious and oddly off the mark, just as the film’s editing often feels clunky and repetitive. The two-hour effort is ambitious (the mining scenes were shot in Thailand) and filled with incidental characters. But few of these connect with the audience or each other. Bryce Dallas Howard likewise packed on some De Niro–esque pounds to play Kenny’s girlfriend or wife or something, but she mostly just pouts while he heads off on his latest hare-brained adventure. The dude’s real love affair is with rugged, multinational miner Mike Acosta, played by Venezuelan up-and-comer Edgar Ramírez. But this, too, is thin stuff for viewers, who may find that this Gold rubs off all too easily.
> KEN EISNER
TRESPASS AGAINST US Starring Michael Fassbender. Rated 14A
You have to give Michael Fass-
2 bender credit for resisting the
lure of a career spent entirely inside the Hollywood dum-dum factory, but this U.K. production hardly glorifies the effort. Set among the indigent world of “travellers”—a nomadic underclass once (inaccurately) referred to in Britain as “gypsies”— Trespass Against Us takes an intriguing premise and then wastes it. Fassbender is Chad Cutler, the illiterate, if unusually sexy, son of career burglar Colby, played by tracksuited Brendan Gleeson as a patriarchal bully with weirdly bent religious convictions and a real hate-on for straight society. For reasons that Alastair Siddons’s screenplay can’t quite square, sensitive Chad has visions of a better life for his wife and kids outside the makeshift trailer park, while Dad pours scorn on formal education and pushes him into ever more dangerous capers. The cops, meanwhile, are closing in. Making his feature debut, director Adam Smith dresses the set with bare-knuckle fighting competitions, oil-drum bonfires, and the reliably ratlike Sean Harris (’71) as a mentally impaired crusty punk. He’s scarily convincing. By contrast, the film’s two leads both strain so hard to maintain their West Country accents that we’re eventually exhausted by the effort, not to mention reminded that this depiction of a rootless, caravandwelling microsociety is no more than an arbitrary style choice made by well-compensated filmmakers. As if its maudlin finale isn’t enough, director Smith further signals his indifference to the film’s socioeconomic backdrop with overthe-top car chases and eardrumbursting sound design. Slick and superficial to the last drop, any real traveller would tell you that Trespass Against Us was made by middle-class wankers, and they’d be right. > ADRIAN MACK
“HILARIOUS. A stirring ode to “No foodie film is as deliriously, OBSCENELY PLEASURABLE” the perfect bowl of noodles” —Time Out
on the
—New York Magazine
LIST? A FILM BY JUZO ITAMI
SIGN UP FOR GEORGIA STRAIGHT’S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER for exclusive access to pre-buys, concerts, movies, getaways and more! To subscribe visit STRAIGHT.COM/NEWSLETTERS
NOW PLAYING!
1131 HOWE ST #200 • VANCOUVER
NEW 4K RESTORATION!
ADVANCE TI C KETS - THECINEMATHEQUE.CA ¿OPVweOLNH See the trailer at filmswelike.com
URBAN LIVING – FEBRUARY 16 –
Advertising Opportunities: sales@straight.com | 604.730.7020 JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 27
MOVIES
Doc follows Lawren Harris into the mystic > B Y A DRIA N M A C K
H
is glowing canvases are familiar to all of us, but a new documentary reminds us that the work of Lawren Harris was illuminated in ways history tends to forget. “I always adored them, but I didn’t know about his spiritual background and his intent in the paintings,” says artist turned filmmaker Nancy Lang, whose film Where the Universe Sings: The Spiritual Journey of Lawren Harris, directed with Peter Raymont, opens in Vancouver on Friday (January 27). The clue is right there in the title. Lang and Raymont’s movie suggests that Harris’s interest in the mystic school of theosophy—quite vogueish at the time he joined Toronto’s Lodge of the International Theosophical Society in the early ’20s—provided a theoretical backbone to his trajectory as an artist, informing the radiant visions he eventually produced. “Harris believed that beauty was something that would lend to spiritual inner stability and solace,” Lang tells the Straight, in a call from Toronto. “He meditated, he did yoga,
he would have his granola every morning.” Theosophy, she adds, “was applied to his art in that he was trying to find that sense of the divine.
He was deliberately setting out to create paintings that take you to a place that’s eternal and more enduring, that’s beyond our everyday lives,
Arts time out
Colin Quinn. Feb 16-25, various Vancouver venues. Tix at www.jflnorthwest.com/.
ET CETERA
In Where the Universe Sings: The Spiritual Journey of Lawren Harris, the Group of Seven’s most beloved figure is driven by the esoteric teachings of theosophy
from page 26
LITERARY EVENTS
(Wed, 9:15 pm); Improv After Dark (Fri and Sat, 11:15 pm); OK Tinder (Thu, 9:15 pm); Rookie Night (Sun, 7:30 pm); TheatreSports (Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat, 7:30 pm; Fri and Sat, 9:30 pm). Jan 25–Feb 1, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.
2THIS WEEK PUSH FESTIVAL: HUMAN LIBRARY As part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, you can borrow a human book from a curated collection of topics such as recovering hoarder, battered woman, and same-sex-marriage warrior. Jan 28, 29, 12-4 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Info www.vpl.ca/.
2THIS WEEK THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW Vancouver comedians present a night of improv based on popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Jan 25, 8 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $12/10, info www.riotheatre.ca/.
straight choices
SCOTT THOMPSON Canadian TV actor and comedian performs a solo show. Jan 26-28, The Comedy MIX (1015 Burrard). Tix $18-22, info www.thecomedymix.com/. NICK BEATON Toronto-based standup comedian performs a solo show. Jan 26-28, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club (2837 Cambie). Tix $19.05/9.53, info www.yukyuks.com/ vancouver/. THROWDOWN INTERNATIONAL THEATRESPORTS FESTIVAL Theatresports teams from around the world compete for your laughs in a contest judged by the audience. Includes teams from Canada, the U.S., Norway, and India. Feb 1-14, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix from $10, info www.vtsl.com/.
2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS JFL NORTHWEST Comedy festival features performances by Sarah Silverman, Trevor Noah, Chris D’Elia, Iliza, Tom Segura, Brian Posehn, Jon Dore, Nate Bargatze, Aparna Nancherla, Jim Gaffigan, and
FOLLOW THE LINE Georgia Straight art critic Robin Laurence has curated an ode to the work of local artist Ann Kipling, in a show called Drawing the Line. The exhibit, at the West Vancouver Museum, brings together Kipling’s ink, gouache, and mixed-media drawings, along with a selection of intaglio prints, all created in the time she spent living on the North Shore in the 1960s. Subjects include expressively rendered friends, birds, dogs, plants, and the challenging North Shore landscape. The celebration of the drawing virtuoso runs from Wednesday (January 25) to March 25, with an artist talk on the afternoon of January 28.
FREE SCREENING!
“A big piece of Canadian and B.C. film history” (Brett Enemark).
THE BITTER ASH +
THE SUPREME KID MONDAY JANUARY 30 Doors: 6:00pm // Special Introduction + Screenings: 6:30pm
BRAND NEW RESTORATION
Juzo Itami’s oh-so-tasty “Ramen Western”
TAMPOPO JAN 26 - FEB 2
28 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
2THIS WEEK 2017 PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL The 13th annual celebration of groundbreaking theatre, dance, music, and multimedia art features artists from 11 countries. Highlights include an all-star Australian indigenous band, South Korean performance art, Bavarian folk dancers, and participatory recitation from Portugal. To Feb 5, various Vancouver venues. Tix $10-103, info www.pushfestival.ca/. PORTRAITS IN MOTION Volker Gerling uses the flipbook to show us intimacy in motion through the beginning and end of a smile, an awkward embrace, and glimpses of a long-time love affair. Part of the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Jan 24-26, 8 pm, York Theatre (639 Commercial). Info www.thecultch.com/. JAPAN UNLAYERED Exhibition curated by master Japanese architect Kengo Kuma presents Japanese traditions alongside contemporary design to illustrate that the defining principles of Japanese design remain the same despite the evolution of technology. Jan 27–Feb 28, Fairmont Pacific Rim (1038 Canada Place). Free admission, info www.japanunlayered.com/. SHEN YUN Touring production combines ancient legends, technological innovations, historically authentic costumes, and animated backdrops with classical Chinese dancing and orchestral music. Jan 29-31, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $85-179 (plus service charges and fees), info www.shenyun.com/van. ODYSSEO Cavalia presents a multimedia performance that uses equestrian arts, stage arts, and high-tech theatrical effects
that’s timeless. They’re almost like altarpieces, some of them. You can stand in front of them and meditate.” Making an appearance in Where the Universe Sings, actor (and avid collector) Steve Martin speaks of Harris’s “metaphysics of landscape”, while author-historian Lisa Christensen appraises 1929’s iconic Mount Robson with the words: “He could give you the absolute most simple path to follow to become as spiritually enlightened as he wanted to be, by following theosophy. He could communicate that to you through his paintings.” Lang and Raymont are also careful not to belabour the point. Where the Universe Sings offers a crisp and satisfying overview of Harris’s life and development as an artist, from his formative time depicting Toronto’s working-class neighbourhoods to the internationally renowned nature studies he would produce in his peak Group of Seven years during visits to Lake Superior, the Arctic, and the Rockies. It was in Alberta, Lang candidly reveals, that Harris would have a full-bore encounter with the mystical. “There are several people who
straight choices
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE With its gorgeous music and sparkling wintry landscapes, Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s opera Eugene Onegin still pulls heartstrings well over a century after it was first performed in Moscow. Check out the production, based on Alexander Pushkin’s well-known novel about the cruelty of rejection, in the hands of the UBC Opera Ensemble, which is set to stage it with the UBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor David Agler; Krzysztof Biernacki directs this classic of lyric opera, next Thursday to Sunday (February 2 to 5) at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. to examine the centuries-old relationship between human and horse. Jan 29–Feb 19, Under the white big top at Olympic Village. Tix $29.50-204.50 (plus service charges and fees), info www.cavalia.net/.
were with him and who talk about how he had an ecstatic moment when he went up to Mount Lefroy, above Lake Louise,” she says. “He did start speaking in tongues.” That information was imparted to the filmmakers by people including Christensen, though it isn’t widely known. “Those kinds of things didn’t get shared easily with his friends,” she says. “Everyone respected his desire for privacy.” Perhaps equally intriguing is Harris’s turn to abstract composition, which he pursued until his death in Vancouver in 1970. In Lang’s view, it’s here, in a house overlooking Jericho Beach, that the aging artist produced the purest expression of his spiritual journey and an attendant yearning, perhaps, for its next vital step. “Are you frightened of dying?” Harris is asked in a rare clip. “No, I think it’ll be darned interesting,” he replies. “There could be a whole movie on just his abstract work,” Lang says. “It’s really fascinating what he did. Those abstracts, at the end, they’re not of this world anymore. It’s not a mountain or tree. It’s just a lightfilled space.” SONNY ASSU IN DIALOGUE WITH EMILY CARR (Sonny Assu creates a new series of digital tags on a body of Emily Carr paintings) to Apr 23 2JUXTAPOZ X SUPERFLAT (exhibition offers a unique insight into contemporary art and its place in cultural life) to Feb 5
MUSEUMS THE MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT UBC 6393 NW Marine Drive, 604822-5087, www.moa.ubc.ca/. 2IN THE FOOTPRINT OF THE CROCODILE MAN: CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE SEPIK RIVER, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (exhibition features the carvings of Papua New Guinea’s Iatmul people) to Jan 31 2LAYERS OF INFLUENCE (exhibition features more than 130 diverse cultural garments, from Japanese kimonos, to colourful Indian saris, to the elaborate feather cloaks of the Maori people of Aotearoa/ New Zealand) to Apr 9
OUT OF TOWN 2THIS WEEK
GALLERIES
SHADOWLANDS See works by Fred Herzog, the Canadian pioneer of colour street photography. To May 22, Audain Art Museum (4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler). Info www.audainartmuseum.com/.
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY 750 Hornby, 604-662-4719, www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/. 2VANCOUVER SPECIAL: AMBIVALENT PLEASURES (exhibition encompasses a range of approaches and reinvigorated explorations of surrealism, abstraction, atemporality, and conceptual practices) to Apr 17 2WE COME TO WITNESS:
TIME OUT ARTS LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space and editorial discretion. Submit listings online using the event-submission form at straight.com/AddEvent. Events that don’t make it into the paper due to space constraints will appear on the website.
6
ACADEMY AWARD
®
N O M I NAT I O N S
BEST PICTURE BEST ACTOR · CASEY AFFLECK
BEST DIRECTOR · KENNETH LONERGAN BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS LUCAS HEDGES MICHELLE WILLIAMS
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
ACADEMY AWARD
®
NOMINEE
best foreign language film
“THE BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR” WINNER GOLDEN GLOBE
BEST ACTOR · CASEY AFFLECK (DRAMA)
4
®
SCREEN NACTORS GUILD AWARDS O M I NAT I O N S I N C L U D I N G
BEST ENSEMBLE BEST ACTOR CASEY AFFLECK
SLANT • SIGHT & SOUND • FILM COMMENT • CAHIERS DU CINÉMA • METRO • BUZZFEED
WINNER
EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS BEST BEST BEST BEST PICTURE DIRECTOR ACTOR ACTRESS INCLUDING
®
“A MASTERPIECE.”
WINNER
ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR
best foreign language film
new york film critics circle • Florida Film Critics Circle (NOMinee)
WINNER
TORONTO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION BEST DIRECTOR BEST ACTRESS BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
FIFTH AVENUE
NOW PLAYING!
2110 Burrard St. ´ 604-734-7469
CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT
CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT
CINEPLEX CINEMAS LANGLEY #20090, 91A Avenue • 604-513-8747
88 WEST PENDER • 604-806-0799
PARK & TILFORD 200-333 Brooksbank Ave. • 604-985-4215
“A thrilling act of defiance against the toxicity of doing what is expected, on film, at work and out in the world.” A.O. Scott
ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE BEST ACTRESS • ISABELLE HUPPERT
WI NNE R !
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
WINNER BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR
GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS® DRAMA
BEST ACTRESS
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
FIPRESCI GRAND PRIX
© H F PA
“STUNNING. ISABELLE HUPPERT IS VERSATILE, AUDACIOUS AND FEARLESS.” -Rex Reed, NEW YORK OBSERVER
PETER SIMONISCHEK SANDRA HÜLLER
“ISABELLE HUPPERT IS ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED, VERSATILE ACTRESSES IN CONTEMPORARY CINEMA. ‘ELLE’ WILL BE ONE OF THE MORE TALKED ABOUT MOVIES OF THE YEAR.”
TONI ERDMANN
-Manohla Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES
SAÏD BEN SAÏD
AND
MICHEL MERKT
PRESENT
ISABELLE HUPPERT
ELLE
A FILM BY MAREN ADE
A FILM BY
PAUL VERHOEVEN EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT STARTS FRIDAY
88 WEST PENDER • 604-806-0799
EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT STARTS FRIDAY
FIFTH AVENUE 2110 Burrard St. ´ 604-734-7469
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 29
A Li Live Music M i E Eventt C Celebrating l b tii th the h 440 40th 0th hA Anniversary i of The Night That Changed Rock & Roll
FEATURING
CORB LUND, MATT ANDERSEN AND AMY HELM SUPPORTED BY THE RUSSELL BROOM HOUSE BAND
Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017 7:30pm QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE For tickets, visit ticketmaster.ca
30 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
MUSIC
Japandroids frontman
B Y GR EGOR Y AD AM S
Brian King had hundreds of shows under his belt by the time he climbed on-stage for the first night of a four-show stand at the Cobalt last October, but the hometown gig had him looking a little jittery. To be fair, the singer-guitarist hadn’t performed live with drummer David Prowse since a Buenos Aires tour-closer at the tail end of 2013. The duo would treat the capacity crowd to countless fist-pumping rock anthems as the night progressed. Japandroids started its return with a slow-building epic called “Arc of Bar”— described as the “longest and weirdest” song from its new album, Near to the Wild Heart of Life. Halfway through that first number King was sweating, and not just because of the stage lights. “You forget what it’s like to be on-stage, where everyone’s looking at you. You might practise a lot in your jam space, but it’s a whole different beast actually standing in front of people and executing certain things. It’s just a lot of nerves and, of course, playing new songs for the first time,” King tells the Straight, interviewed with his bandmate in the back of East Van’s Caffe Brixton. “In many ways it reminded me of our very first show; it reminded me
Home is where the heart is
Dave Prowse and Brian King of Japandroids occasionally come to blows over which one gets to wear the Arthur Fonzarelli leather jacket they jointly own.
“fired up to go far away”. Home and identity also figure on “North East South West”, which peppers Mellencamp-style heartJapandroids’ Brian King and Dave Prowse didn’t land rock with shout-outs leave the dark side off their latest album to Vancouver and their of [playing] Pat’s Pub.” favourite Crescent City drinking spot, the Saint. The singer is decidedly more relaxed at the Brix- “Midnight to Morning”, sung sweetly by Prowse, is ton, with him and Prowse already a few Czechvar about coming back home, wherever that may be. lagers deep into their day. They’ve shown up to “Home is more conceptual, as opposed to a sintalk about Near to the Wild Heart of Life, which gular place now,” King explains. “It sounds so clifinds them back to business as usual. As the nearly ché to say, but it’s the idea of ‘Home is where the five-year wait for the follow-up to 2012’s Celebra- heart is.’ Vancouver is home—it always has been, tion Rock suggests, it took a while to get here. Both and always will be. But Toronto is also home, and note that the exhausting, write-record-tour-repeat Mexico City is also home.…for both of us, now.” cycle they had been locked into since their 2007 Prowse adds: “Part of being a musician is being breakthrough, Post-Nothing, was a major reason a bit transient, obviously.” for stalling on album number three. Though often unified in theme, Near to the Wild “We were very burnt out at that time. We knew Heart of Life is Japandroids’ most musically diverse that we wanted to make another record, and we collection. While “No Known Drink or Drug” revwanted to keep going, but both of us just needed els in the distorted chord work and glory-days singa break,” King says. “If we had started working on alongs of older numbers, “I’m Sorry (For Not Finda record right away, the vibe would’ve been bad.” ing You Sooner)” is a subtle shoegaze daydream of King also explains that “things were falling apart” cloudy vocal effects and glitter-covered electronics. in his personal life as the Celebration Rock tour came The aforementioned “Arc of Bar” centres to a close, so he was looking to make some major around a digitally warped guitar loop that sounds changes. First, he packed up his bags and moved to like it should actually be coming out of an ’80s Toronto. As he was adjusting to the Big Smoke, he keytar; King’s long-form treatise on the “hustlers started dating a woman who lived in Mexico City and whores” hanging out in the “flesh bazaar” and opted to lay down roots there as well—he cur- is Beowulf compared to Post-Nothing’s two-line rently spends downtime in both locales. But King “The Boys Are Leaving Town”. While there’s still wasn’t entirely off Prowse’s radar, having main- plenty of hope streaming through Near to the tained a healthy relationship that involved bonding Wild Heart of Life, Japandroids is exploring a fulsessions across three home bases. ler emotional palette. “It’s not like I was like, ‘I’ll see you in six “The last record is called Celebration Rock,” months,’ ” King says. “I would come back here, King points out. “There are no downers on that and Dave was out in Toronto—we were seeing record, but that’s because I specifically removed each other regularly. [It was] just a little bit more the downer part of the story and focused on the ‘friends only’. We didn’t necessarily talk about the triumph; I think that makes a great rock song! band with every conversation that we had. We’d This record, we’re not shying away from the darkjust go to a show and not talk about the fact that er, negative side of the experience.” we also play in a band together.” King adds that the shift toward seriousness is After about a year off, the twosome began a symptom of age, an honesty that he hopes longworking on fresh material in New Orleans, before time fans will relate to. Don’t worry, Japandroids tracking the bulk of Near to the Wild Heart of Life will still be cranking out “Younger Us”, but there’s back in Vancouver with producer Jesse Gander. an excitement to growing up, too. Fittingly, the shifts in scenery seeped into the “If we had tried to recapture the spirit of Celebrastory lines. tion Rock because people identified with it, I feel The opening title cut is a full-blast road anthem like our fans would’ve been the first people to see mixing blown-out guitars with lines about getting right through that,” he explains. “I think there are
definitely some people where, if they just had 10 rockin’ party anthems, they’d be like, ‘Fuck yeah, new Japandroids!’ but I’d like to think that our fans are smarter or more self-conscious than that.” Japandroids’ Near to the Wild Heart of Life is out Friday (January 27) through Arts & Crafts/Anti-.
in + out
On long-time producer Jesse Gander: [King] “I’m not a great singer. I’m very self-conscious about my voice and my ability to sing. You don’t necessarily need to sing that well at every show you play, but on record, [that’s] the one that lasts for all time. You want to deliver something that’s really great, really powerful. Over the years, Jesse has become really good at coaching that out of me—out of both of us. With vocals especially, he knows you well enough to get that magic one.”
On “Midnight to Morning”: [Prowse] “Brian’s always been very encouraging, but I just have a hard time committing to lyrics, never feeling like anything’s good enough. On Celebration Rock, Brian wanted me to sing a song, and I wanted to sing a song, but I didn’t. With ‘Midnight to Morning’, one of the biggest things that happened was that, because we had so much time apart, I started writing quite a bit of stuff on my own.” On turning down tour offers: [Prowse] “We probably toured for three to six months beyond what we probably should have [behind Celebration Rock], in terms of our own mental and physical health, and morale. That said, I have lots of fond memories of those shows—I’m not saying they were terrible. We were pretty burnt, already, but we were getting offered these shows in Southeast Asia and South America— all these exciting, exotic locations we’d never been to before—so we felt like we couldn’t say no. Our band has a history of not really being able to set limits for ourselves.”
☞
ARKELLS’ UPWARD TRAJECTO RY CO NTINU E S >>> To get a true handle on how far
2 Arkells has progressed since
forming at Hamilton’s McMaster University in 2006, listen to singer Max Kerman recount the group’s history of live shows in Vancouver. “The band has grown in baby steps over the years,” the engaging frontman says, on the line from his home in Steeltown, Ontario. “It’s never been one day where we’ve gone, ‘Holy shit—we’re selling out a 5,000-cap arena.’ It’s all been very incremental. The first time we ever played Vancouver we played a strip club during some festival [Music West] that doesn’t exist anymore. I think that was 2008. The next time we came back we played to 100 people, the next time 300 people, then 500 and 700, and then we sold out the Commodore. “And then we sold out two nights at the Commodore,” Kerman continues. “So it’s always been really
gradual, but always headed in the right direction. And that’s a really healthy way of going about it, because you never feel like you’re in a spot that you can’t handle. It’s never ‘Oh my God—I’m totally overwhelmed right now.’ Instead, it’s more ‘This totally makes sense.’ ” That Arkells’ upward trajectory continues in 2017 can be measured by the band’s playing the 8,000capacity Thunderbird Arena at UBC this time through town. Admirably, the quintet’s pulling that off on the back of its most unrepentantly ambitious record to date. Last summer’s Morning Report took the chances that no one saw coming. After building a devoted Canadian following with an unfussy brand of pop-friendly alt-rock, Kerman and his bandmates—guitarist Mike DeAngelis, bassist Nick Dika, drummer Tim Oxford, and keyboardist Anthony Carone—decided
to unleash their inner art stars. The audaciousness on Morning Report starts right off the top, with “Drake’s Dad” an ADHD blur of Muscle Shoals soul, far-away-eyes country, and string-laden baroque pop. “My Heart’s Always Yours” embraces classic new wave every bit as passionately as John Hughes’s Pretty in Pink did, while the synth-swooped “Private School” suggests that some of us took the death of David Bowie far harder than others. Fittingly, Morning Report doesn’t stick to one template lyrically. So while Kerman starts out recounting real-life booze-blitzed road trips and raging parties on “Drake’s Dad” and “Private School”, more straightahead numbers like “Passenger Seat” and “Come Back Home” reflect on relationships and the emotional traumas they inevitably cause. “The first batch of songs that emerged on this record were the
Brian King and David Prowse sound off on the things that enquiring minds want to know.
sad songs,” the singer recalls with a laugh. “That’s sort of the place that I was in, and the things that I was interested in writing about. Then at about song number five I suddenly went, ‘Good lord, does the world really need another sad white guy moping around?’ I kind of got sick of myself and went, ‘Lighten up already, man—this is not all of who you are.’ So I got a sense of humour, which is where songs like ‘Private School’ and ‘Drake’s Dad’ came from.” What Morning Report shows is that Arkells’ members are fans of music that transcends North America’s rock-radio playlists. As sure as the band has slowly worked its way up from the Penthouse to midsize hockey arenas, Kerman is convinced fans are loyal enough to be in it for the long haul. Call that one of the benefits of building a following one small-club show at a time, rather than on the
back of a single radio smash. “I knew with a song like ‘Private School’, the first single, that people were going to be scratching their heads and going, ‘Well, what the fuck is this? That does not sound like ‘11:11’ or ‘Leather Jacket’,” Kerman says, referring to past Arkells hits. “But I had faith in the song, and faith that over time people would stop scratching their heads. Eventually, it will just be part of our catalogue in the same way that Billy Joel has a ton of different kinds of songs. I’m sure that the first time he put out ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ that people went ‘Whaatttt? He’s kind of rapping right now.’ But over time it just became another hit.” > MIKE USINGER
Arkells headlines UBC’s Thunderbird Arena on Wednesday (February 1). see next page
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 31
Music previews
from previous page
FEB
1 THE BLACK LIPS
FEB
2 LORDI
W/ SAINTS OF DEATH, CRNKSHFT, REBEL PRIEST
FEB
3 MAYHEM
FEB
W/ DEAD GHOSTS, JOCK TEARS
4 ALCEST
W/ BLACK ANVIL
W/ THE BODY, CREEPERS, SEVEN NINES AND TENS
FEB
7 WAX TAILOR
W/ L’ORANGE
FEB
FEB
18 JUST CAUSE
FEB
24 ACTORS
W/ DOUSE, FRANKIE, TULIP, LUCIA
FEB
25 POLYRHYTHMICS
W/ SANTA LUCIA LFR
FEB
26 DESERT DAZE CARAVAN TOUR
FEB
27 GHOSTFACE KILLAH
10 THE WHAMMY AWARDS
FEB
FEB
MAR
11 WHITE LIES
W/ DEAD ASYLUM, AGGRESSION, OBSIDIAN
28 ANDY BLACK
W/ TEMPLES, NIGHT BEATS, DEAP VALLY, FROTH, JJUUJJUU
W/ GUESTS
W/ WILLIAM CONTROL *ALL AGES* W/ ISOTOPES, THE DARKEST
15 THE BITTER END WITH SIMON KING: *FREE*
4 THE REAL MCKENZIES OF THE HILLSIDE THICKETS MAR BLACK MOON OVER ROSS BAY: W/ VALKYRJA, WEREGOAT, HELLFIRE DEATHCULT 12 ARCHGOAT & BLASPHEMY
FEB
MAR
W/ VOWWS
FEB
17 THUNDERCAT
W/ GUESTS
15 DIRTWIRE
32 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
W/ SUBSCURA, ERICA DEE
Banda Magda’s Giannikou honours her synesthesia I came for the tigers, but stayed
2 for the music.
“I remember a really cold winter in New York, three years ago, when the idea came into my mind,” she says. “We’d played a gig that didn’t pay much, and I was having trouble making ends meet, and although I feel very passionate about my work, there had been moments where I’d been questioning it, like, ‘What am I doing here? This is nuts! I don’t have money to pay my rent, but I’m booking a tour…’ “We’ve made many choices in the past that were completely insane, but we’re still here, and we’re still doing it,” she continues. “And more and more I realize that there’s no way back anymore. We’re in it for real.” The strength to continue comes, in part, from the reception that Banda Magda’s music has been getting. “It’s from simple messages of people saying ‘Hi! I really love your music, and I play it in the morning, and it makes light,’ ” she says. “If you hear five people saying that, it makes you want to not stop.” But Giannikou draws on more than fan support. A major inspiration for her music is Brazil, where—beginning with the bossa nova and continuing on through the Tropicália movement of the late 1960s—artists have often found warm inspiration in less-thanideal conditions. “I love music that has that element of seeing the joy through pain or suffering, and [Brazilian] artists have that,” she says. “You listen to Elis Regina and she might be singing a song that talks about challenging things emotionally, but then there is also this joy that comes out of her. Another artist who does that is Edith Piaf. I appreciate and I admire those kinds of artists. Their way of communicating with their audience is not transmitting their pain, but rather opening some kind of window to light. So if you listen to the album, it’s about fear, but the way it comes out, it’s with a smile. It’s not with a frown.” Could you use some of that light right now? Yeah, me too.
Call me shallow, but I was hooked on Banda Magda the moment I saw the globetrotting quartet’s promo photo, which depicts an amiably ferallooking Magda Giannikou crouching in front of a woman in a striped dress and two besuited guys in tiger heads. Giannikou—a Greek-born, Berklee College of Music–trained, and New York City–based polymath—has already established creative partnerships with the jazz-fusion innovators in Snarky Puppy and the erudite internationalists of the Kronos Quartet, despite flying so far under the radar that her Vancouver debut is going to take place in the intimate confines of St. James Hall. But she’s not going to stay an underground sensation for long, for her visual flair is as compelling as her suave mix of musical styles. “I’m a very visual person: whenever I sing or I compose or I write, I see things, and I try as much as possible to convey these things visually for our audiences, so they can have a similar experience,” Giannikou explains, reached in Buenos Aires, where the singer, accordion player, and sound engineer is producing composer Javier Zacharias’s first album of songs. “That’s why our pictures are very vibrant, because I feel those colours in my inner eye.” It’s promising, then, that Banda Magda’s soon-to-be-released third album sports a lengthy but revealing title: TIGRE: A Technicolor Collection of Songs, Instrumental Music and Short Films About Courage and Fearlessness. In seizing the multimedia day, Giannikou is honouring her synesthesia—a > ALEXANDER VARTY condition in which the different senses intertwine in the mind—as well as offering just what the world needs in this Banda Magda plays St. James Hall on Sunday (January 29). time of ever-escalating worry.
CHILL OUT
Live music to get you going until the spring > B Y M IKE USING E R
T
here’s an old T.S. Eliot line that goes something like this: “January is the cruellest month.” Actually, the British poet and playwright said that about April, but clearly he never visited Vancouver in spring, when the flowers are popping and the sun’s shining. January, not to mention February and March, meanwhile, are endless days of black rain clouds and dead leaves on the dirty ground. To make yourself feel better, you can sit around in your ginch reading “The Waste Land” while drinking bourbon straight from the bottle, or you can get out of the house and catch one of the following shows. All you have to do is make it through January. STING (Commodore on February 1) In
lic mental breakdowns and years of toiling on pop’s fringes, Stuart Leslie Goddard has surfed a wave of ’80s nostalgia back to headlining tours on both sides of the pond. Why you need to go: Given a redo, Goddard might have chosen to name himself after a more notoriously indestructible insect—Cory Cockroach has a nice ring to it, even though Adam Ant rolls off the tongue better. Speaking of rolling, the 62-year-old tribal-punk legend is headlining Vancouver’s beloved Vogue while Frankie Goes to Hollywood couldn’t draw flies at the Kitsilano Showboat. SAM ROBERTS BAND (Orpheum on
February 7) In the spotlight: Some artists seem to arrive fully formed. That was certainly the case with Sam Roberts, whose first-time-at-bat 2002 breakthrough, “Brother Down”, contained the immortal lyric “I think my life is passing me by.” While we can all relate, the Montreal rocker has done anything but spin his wheels since then, and Terraform is his sixth impeccably crafted full-length. Why you need to go: Here’s a good way to tell when a song has achieved classic status: years after its release, it somehow seems even more relevant than when it first exploded onto the airwaves. Take a bow, then, Sam Roberts, because considering the shitshow south of the border, is there any better anthem for 2017 than 2003’s “Where Have All the Good People Gone?”
the spotlight: Sting has been famous for longer than most of us have been alive, first rocketing to fame with new-wave legends the Police, and then carving out a solo career that Mick Jagger no doubt envies. Backed by a tight three-piece band featuring ace drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Guns N’ Roses), the rock icon will focus on songs from last year’s wellreceived 57th & 9th. Why you need to go: Because you either weren’t born yet or had feathered hair and were still listening to the Eagles, chances are you didn’t catch the Police’s Vancouver debut at the Commodore back in the late ’70s. With Sting almost guaranteed to do “Message in a Bottle”, get RUN THE JEWELS (PNE Forum on ready for a faithful approximation of February 8) In the spotlight: As collaborations go, it’s no great shocker what you missed. that Run the Jewels has worked out a ADAM ANT (Vogue on February 4) little more successfully than, say, VelIn the spotlight: Once one of the most vet Revolver or Audioslave. After all, gorgeous creatures in all of Britain, as enraged as they sound on tracks Adam Ant burned brightly in the ’80s, like “Nobody Speak” and “Close riding his pirate-chic image—and Your Eyes (And Count to F**k)”, “sofabled cheekbones—to the top of the cially progressive” works as a great U.K. charts. Following two very pub- starting description of MCs El-P and
Killer Mike. What’s amazing is that the hip-hop vets teamed up to make their old-school classic debut—2013’s Run the Jewels—as they were closing in on their 40s, which in rap years is at least double that. Why you need to go: Someone needs to remind you what rap sounded like before Ice Cube began starring in family comedies like Are We There Yet?.
in a stripped-down travelling version featuring garage-psych gods Temples, Night Beats, Deap Vally, Froth, and JJUUJJUU. If you’ve been saving that peyote button, now’s the time to use it. Why you need to go: Tickets are a mere $25, which is quite frankly what we’d pay to see the blues-bombed Deap Vally alone. Add four more bands, and that’s a paltry five bucks a set, which is a good couple of thousand dollars cheaper WINTERRUPTION (various venues than springing for airfare, car rental, on Granville Island from February 17 meals, and three-day passes to Desert to 19) In the spotlight: Assuming Daze at Joshua Tree. you didn’t fall down and break a hip, knock out your front teeth, or find GHOSTFACE KILLAH (Rickshaw on yourself infuriatingly unable to se- February 27) In the spotlight: Becure a snow shovel at Canadian Tire, cause of the sheer optics of the name, this winter has been pretty goddamn walking around Donald Trump’s New grand. Give us a blanket of white Amerikkka under the name Ghostface over dead leaves and black torrential Killah takes badass to an entirely new downpours any day. Make a good level. Luckily, Dennis Coles is more stretch even better with Winterrrup- than familiar with stirring up shit. Aftion, Vancouver’s annual festival of ter assembling the now-legendary Wufilm, art, theatre, food, and, of course, Tang Clan, the 46-year-old has gone music. This year’s highlights lean on to carve out an uncompromising heavily on the experimental side of solo career that’s a dozen albums deep, the spectrum, including New Orleans including essentials like Ironman and noir merchants Black Gardenia, art- Fishscale. Why you need to go: Sorry, pop renegades Only a Visitor, and Kanye, Eminem, and Jay Z—GhostGreat Depression revivalists James face Killah is the greatest storyteller Danderfer’s Hummingbird Brigade. that rap has ever seen. Why you need to go: The March monsoons will be on us before we know it, FESTIVAL DU BOIS (Port Coquitlam’s so God knows we need something Mackin Park from March 3 to 5) In uplifting to prepare us for the misery. the spotlight: The lucky among us are headed to France this year for their anDESERT DAZE CARAVAN TOUR nual pilgrimage, because few things (Rickshaw on February 26) In the on this planet are more amazing than spotlight: While Coachella still gets all springtime in Paris. If your Lotto Max the headlines and A-list attendees, the numbers haven’t come up yet, get a taste upstart Desert Daze festival is quietly of French culture with Festival du Bois, becoming one of California’s coolest the West Coast’s largest francophone destination events, especially now that festival. New additions for 2017 include it’s setting up its generators in Joshua a folk-jam tent and a Friday-night ConTree. Let’s face it—thanks to finances, tra Dance starring the Sybaritic String a lack of banked holiday time, and the Band. Making the trek to the coast fact Donald Trump will have blown up will be artists ranging from Quebec the world by April, you probably aren’t new traditionalists Nicolas Pellerin et going to Desert Daze in 2017. The good les Grands Hurleurs to Cajun mashup news is that the festival is coming to you, crew Suroît. Why you need to go:
Because you aren’t going to France— again. A lineup that also includes Old World–obsessed duo Mélisande is guaranteed to make you feel better until your lottery numbers come up. BORGORE (Commodore on March 4) In the spotlight: On the current list of best things ever, it’s hard to top the story of a 29-year-old Israeli producer who once drummed in deathcore bands, but now mashes up heavy metal and EDM for a banging hybrid he calls Gorestep. Sometimes it’s hard to care that rock ’n’ roll is dead, and Borgore’s bragalicious “100s” makes it easy to understand why guitars are so 2001. Why you need to go: You’ve sung “Hundred hundred hundred hundred hundreeeeed” in the shower, the car, and the country club while spraying Champagne all over rich, white, and old one-percenters. Now imagine singing along with 1,000 fellow Borgore fans in one of our most fabled clubs. LYLE LOVETT AND JOHN HIATT
(Queen Elizabeth Theatre on March 6) In the spotlight: That John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett are headlining the venerable Queen E. instead of Rogers Arena is best explained by the fact that Toby Keith is a bigger star than Jimmie Dale Gilmore will ever be. Put another way, country is the one style of music where the smarter you are, the less you are rewarded. And that’s perfectly fine, because, really, would you rather see two of Americana’s all-time geniuses in a warm and intimate theatre, or at the far end of a football field? Why you need to go: Success is always relative, and before you go bemoaning the fact Lovett and Hiatt have never really graduated beyond soft-seaters, consider that Hank Williams III will probably find himself playing the Cobalt on his next time through town. And that’s actually pretty awesome, because God knows the Cobalt rocks way more than, say, Rogers Arena. -
BLUEPRINTLIVE
FRI FEB 10 |
FEB 22, 23 & 24 |
FRI MAR 10 |
FRI APR 07 |
01/28 02/03 02/09 02/16 02/17 02/18
VENUE
IMPERIAL
FRI MAR 10 |
VENUE
SAT MAR 25 |
FORTUNE
SAT FEB 25 |
blueprint_live
VOGUE
VENUE
WED MAY 24 |
VENUE
SANGO IMPERIAL PURITY RING (DJ SET) CELEBRITIES UNDERGROUND TOKIMONSTA FORTUNE ART D’ECCO / MU FORTUNE UGLY GOD FORTUNE TENNYSON FORTUNE
BUY ONLINE: www.BPLIVE.ca
02/25 03/03 03/18 03/26 04/05 04/22
CELEBRITIES
MEATBODIES (MEMBERS OF FUZZ) P.O.S. / SIMS THE COATHANGERS DELICATE STEVE KATATONIA WINDHAND
FORTUNE FORTUNE FORTUNE FORTUNE VENUE FORTUNE
tickets in stores: ZULU red cat | NEPTOON
JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 33
music/ timeout CONCERTS < CLUBS & VENUES <
CONCERTS 2JUST ANNOUNCED CORY WEEDS QUARTET FEATURING HAROLD MABERN Legendary pianist Mabern and quartet celebrate the 13th anniversary of Vancouver’s Cellar Jazz Club. Presented by Coastal Jazz Feb 3, 8 pm, Frankie’s Jazz Club (765 Beatty). Tix $20, info www.coastaljazz.ca/. GHOSTFACE KILLAH American rapper and founding member of hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan tours in support of his upcoming 13th solo album Supreme Clientele 2. Feb 27, doors 8 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $36.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketfly.com/. FESTIVAL DU BOIS Celebrate the francophone culture of B.C. with a contra dance
MATTHEW LOGAN VASQUEZ American rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter and member of Delta Spirit. May 22, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $15 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketweb.ca/.
and live music by the Sybaritic String Band, Suroît, Mélisande, Nicolas Pellerin et les Grands Hurleurs, Podorythmie, Zal Sissokho and Buntalo, Jeremiah McLane, and Jocelyn Pettit. Other highlights include roving performances, workshops, kids’ activities, and exhibits. Mar 3-5, Mackin Park (1046 Brunette, Coquitlam). Tix $15, info www.festivaldubois.ca/.
KATE TEMPEST English spoken-word and hip-hop singer-songwriter tours in support of album Let Them Eat Chaos. Mar 29, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $15 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
BONNIE RAITT American blues-soul singer-songwriter performs on her Dig in Deep Tour 2017, with guest Royal Wood. Jun 19, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $99.50/79.50/49.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
2THIS WEEK
NF American Christian rapper performs on his Therapy Sessions Tour 2017. Apr 8, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE Brian Cook hosts an evening of local music by Emily Chambers, I M U R, Jesse Roper, and Dutch Robinson, with proceeds to Parkinson Society British Columbia. Jan 27, 7:30 pm, Imperial Vancouver (319 Main Street). Tix $25, info www.parkinson. bc.ca/how-to-help/shake-concert/.
BLOSSOMS English indie-pop band composed of Tom Ogden, Charlie Salt, Josh Dewhurst, Joe Donovan, and Myles Kellock. Apr 10, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $15 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
ZIMBAMOTO AND LOCARNO Caravan World Rhythms presents Vancouver world-fusion bands Zimbamoto and Locarno. Jan 27, 7:30-10:30 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $20, info www.caravanbc.com/.
THE 1975 English rock band tours in support of sophomore album I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. May 1, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, PNE Forum (2901 E. Hastings). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $49.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
BLUE RODEO Canadian roots-rock band, featuring singer-guitarists Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, showcase tunes from new album 1000 Arms. Jan 27-28, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $83.50/63.50/33.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
NEEDTOBREATHE South Carolina rock band tours in support of new album H A R D L O V E. May 22, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix on sale Jan 27, 10 am, $40.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.
STAYED ON FREEDOM A musical celebration of Black History Month features performances by the Marcus Mosely Chorale, the City Soul Choir, TriVo, Lincoln Tatum, Ketchum and Sample, Will Sanders, and the Homegoing Brass Band. Jan 28,
JANUARY 27
SUNDAY NIGHTS MAGIC CARDS & AFTERNOON OPEN JAM METAL MONDAYS TUESDAY FOOSBALL 90’S THURSDAYS SATURDAY OPEN MIC FREE DARTS. FOOSBALL. TERMINATOR 2 PINBALL OPEN TIL 3 FRI & SAT LIVE LOCAL SHOWS 7-10 CHECK FACEBOOK FOR INFO
KARAOKE’S COOL!
FUNK / SOUL / R&B COVERS
FRIDAY $5.50 LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
UNKNOWN SOLDIERS
SABOTAGE, THE WALK-INS
SATURDAY
THE BIG COAST W/ ADAM BAE
SATURDAY JAN 28
SUNDAY
DIGGER DAN AND THE DIRT BRIGADE, JIM MEYER AND DAVE SYMINGTON COLD READING SERIES LIVE SCRIPT CASTING & READINGS TUESDAY $2.75 DRAFT $5.50 HEY Y’ALL HARD ICE TEA
Jan 27 68 LIPS Jan 28 CHRIS NEWTON BAND Jan 29 SONS OF THE HOE
FREE MONDAY DINNER SUPERBOWL PARTY FEB 5 • 3PM GREAT DOOR PRIZES DAILY HAPPY HOUR 1038 Main St • (604) 608-1444
OPEN MIC NIGHT
FOOD. DRINK. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.
1 block North Main St SkyTrain
*** VISIT US ONLINE FOR UP TO THE MINUTE LISTINGS, DRINK SPECIALS AND MORE www.thebackstagelounge.com ***
INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT Gypsyjazz musician Lulo Reinhardt hosts performances by Luca Stricagnoli, Chrystian Dozza, and Debashish Bhattacharya. Jan 28, 8 pm, Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave., New West). Tix $10-35, info www.ticketsnw.ca/. BATTLE TRANCE Brooklyn jazz tenorsaxophone quartet performs with guests Josh Zubot and Tony Wilson. Part of the Bright Moments series, presented by Coastal Jazz in association with the Western Front. Jan 28, 8 pm, Western Front (303 E. 8th). Tix $25 all in or $20 per show with a $60 all in three-event bundle at www.coastaljazz.ticketfly.com/.
don’t miss out! For up-to-the-minute, searchable Music Time Out listings, visit
www.straight.com
CONCERT: WOMEN IN THE ROUND Andrea Menard, Renae Morrisseau, Sandy Scofield, and Dalannah Gail Bowen sing traditional and original songs in a contemporary setting. Jan 28, 8 pm, SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 W. Hastings). Tix $10, info www.sfu.ca/ sfuwoodwards/events/events1/2017-2018Spring/WomenintheRound.html. TOWER OF SONG Rogue Folk Club presents a tribute to late author, poet, and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Jan 28, 8 pm, St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th). Tix $22, info www.roguefolk.bc.ca/concerts/ ev17012820/. ARKELLS Hamilton-based rock band tours in support of latest album Morning Report, with guests Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. Feb 1, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Thunderbird Arena (6066 Thunderbird Blvd., UBC). Tix $50.50/40.50/26 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. BLACK LIPS Atlanta garage-rock band tours in support of latest studio album Underneath the Rainbow. Feb 1, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $22.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketweb.ca/.
2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS THE LAST WALTZ REMEMBERED Corb Lund, Matt Andersen, Amy Helm, and the Russell Broom House Band pay tribute to Canadian-American roots-rock group the Band’s farewell concert. Apr 4, 7:30 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $39.50-69.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.
CLUBS & VENUES BACKSTAGE LOUNGE Arts Club Theatre, 1585 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-6871354. 2AIR STRANGER, MOOD Jan 25 2THE PHONIX Jan 26 2DIGGER DAN AND THE DIRT BRIGADE Jan 29 2RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM Feb 10
MONDAY
NO COVER
26 THE PHONIX 29 27 30 28 31 THURSDAY $2.75 10 OZ DRAFT $5.50 HEY Y’ALL HARD ICE TEA
7:30-10 pm, St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson). Tix $30/25, info www.themarcusmoselychorale.ca/.
BILTMORE CABARET 2755 Prince Edward, 604-676-0541. 2ZIMBAMOTO AND LOCARNO Jan 27 2KITTY NIGHTS BURLESQUE: 9TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Jan 29 2LYDIA LOVELESS Feb 2 2KOBO TOWN Feb 4 2KATE BUSH: LIVE BAND BURLESQUE TRIBUTE Feb 12 2LEON Feb 14 2CLOUD NOTHINGS Feb 16 COMMODORE BALLROOM 868 Granville, 604-739-4550. 2BIG WRECK Jan 27 2STING Feb 1 2JOHN K. SAMSON AND THE WINTER WHEAT Feb 2 2SONREAL Feb 3 2REEL BIG FISH AND ANTI-FLAG
Feb 9 2USS Feb 10 2BOOTS N’ BABES BALL Feb 11 2MATTHEW GOOD Feb 16
DOOLIN’S IRISH PUB 654 Nelson, 604605-4343. Live music Sun-Thu, with acoustic soloist or duo Sun-Wed and live band Thu DJ Fri-Sat. FORTUNE SOUND CLUB 147 E. Pender, 604-569-1758. 2GET LUCKY: AN ART SHOW Jan 29 2THE PANCAKES AND BOOZE ART SHOW Feb 2 2THE KNOCKS Feb 3 2PROF Feb 11 2THE STAVES Feb 17 FOX CABARET 2321 Main. 2SCULPTRESS: THE MUSIC OF NICOLE LIZÉE Jan 30 2HENRY WAGONS Feb 10 2THE MOJO STARS Feb 17 2PARSONSFIELD Feb 23 2THE RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE Feb 25 FRANKIE’S JAZZ CLUB 765 Beatty, 778727-0337. 2TWO MUCH GUITAR Jan 26 2MIMOSA Jan 27 2JOHN LEE TRIO Jan 28 2REMI BOULDUC PLAYS DAVE BRUBECK Jan 29 2CORY WEEDS QUARTET Feb 3 2DAVE STRYKER QUARTET Feb 10 2EMMET COHEN TRIO Feb 16 THE IMPERIAL 319 Main, 604-868-0494. 2BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH Feb 4 2LOS CAMPESINOS Feb 21 2BANNERS Feb 25 2THE WOOD BROTHERS Mar 12 2CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH Mar 18 2STRFKR Mar 22 2AGNES OBEL Mar 25 ORPHEUM THEATRE 601 Smithe, 604-665-3050. 2SAM ROBERTS BAND Feb 7 2SOUNDS OF SIMON AND GARFUNKEL Feb 10 2COLIN JAMES Mar 8 2PASSENGER Mar 25 2KALEO Apr 4 2TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Apr 18 QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE 650 Hamilton, 604-665-3050. 2BLUE RODEO Jan 27 2LYLE LOVETT AND JOHN HIATT Mar 6 2THE LAST WALTZ REMEMBERED Apr 4 2BRIAN WILSON Apr 8 2BONNIE RAITT Jun 19 RICKSHAW THEATRE 254 E. Hastings, 604-681-8915. 2THE SUPER DUPER SHOW Jan 27 2HELLCHAMBER Jan 28 2BLACK LIPS Feb 1 2LORDI Feb 2 2MAYHEM Feb 3 2ALCEST Feb 4 2WAX TAILOR Feb 7 2THE WHAMMY AWARDS Feb 10 2WHITE LIES Feb 11 2THUNDERCAT Feb 17 2JUST CAUSE Feb 18 ROGERS ARENA 800 Griffiths Way, 604899-7400. 2DIERKS BENTLEY Feb 9 2RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Mar 18 2ARIANA GRANDE Mar 24 2CHRIS STAPLETON Mar 27 2THE WEEKND Apr 25 2LIONEL RICHIE Apr 27 2DEF LEPPARD Jun 6 2NEIL DIAMOND Jul 24 2BRUNO MARS Jul 26 2ROGER WATERS Oct 28 THE ROXY 932 Granville, 604-331-7999. u. 2WOODSHED SUPPLY CO, STEPHANIE STANDERWICK Jan 27 2COASTLINE PILOT, THE ECHOES, BRENDAN CADE Jan 28 2THE CLAY RAVENS, NICOLE SUMERLYN Jan 29 2SPECIAL FUNDRAISER: FERTILE FUTURE: NIMBUS NIGHTS Feb 2 2AJAYE JARDINE, SHYLO SHARITY Feb 5 VENUE 881 Granville, 604-646-0064. 2TALIB KWELI Jan 25 2TOM GREEN Feb 10 2TRENTEMOLLER Mar 10 2SAVE FERRIS Mar 18 2LADYHAWKE: CANCELLED Mar 24 2WHY? Mar 25 2KATATONIA Apr 5 VOGUE THEATRE 918 Granville, 604569-1144. 2US THE DUO Jan 27 2ADAM ANT Feb 4 2ILIZA Feb 17 2PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON Feb 18 2MY FAVORITE MURDER Feb 18 2PIERCE THE VEIL Feb 20 2WILLIAM SINGE Feb 22
TIME OUT MUSIC LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space and editorial discretion. Submit listings online using the event-submission form at straight.com/AddEvent. Events that don’t make it into the paper due to space constraints will appear on the website.
NEW ORLEANS INSPIRED CUISINE
NTO
S IN TORO
AWARD 2017 INDIE
THE Y LIVE AT IN A L P O T E RY PANEL NC T A S H U C D R IN U O IC MUS THIS IS Y N MUSIC WEEK BEFORE A E IA IV D L A E N S A A C AT HOWC Y DS WILL S N A B ONE LUCK D E E R T E C H E L H W E C H S R A 5 ONY SEARC ER THIS M L TALENT IES AWARDS CEREM A N IO VANCOUV T A N E IND O THE AILS L GO ON T TO PERFORM AT TH IL W R K OUT DET E C N E H N E C WIN S A O .C DIES L BE CH A BIO TO INOW TO ENTER BAND WIL D N A O E H VID E PEAK ON TRACK OR SEND ONE LISTEN TO 102.7 TH ONLINE OR 2 017
APRIL 17- 23, 2017
S H E R AT O N C E N T R E T O R O N T O H O T E L
34 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
DINE OUT IN KITS! Call for reservations
Join Us for DINE OUT & LIVE MUSIC Voted Best JAZZ/BLUES VENUE by Georgia Straight Readers!
BLUEMARTINIJAZZCAFE.COM 1516 YEW STREET, VANCOUVER, BC | 604 428 2691
HOUSING
Developer to honour city’s black district
A S TA R T L I N G , C U T T I N G - E D G E M U S I C , T H E AT R E A N D P E R F O R M A N C E A R T S E R I E S
A
Vancouver development will be demolished, and its 18 housing intends to honour the for- units will be replaced in the new mer black neighbourhood development. of Hogan’s Alley, where According to Bonnis, the new a young Jimi Hendrix may have housing units will be given to the city: practised his guitar licks. “This is a multimillion-dollar gift, and “We would definitely like to see we think it’s great to give back to the something that is going to recog- community in this way and basically, nize and commemorate the com- you know, show that we’re building munity’s presence there,” developer the community, not tearing it down.” Kerry Bonnis told the Georgia The Creekside hostel used to be Straight in a phone call Tuesday owned by Vincent Fodera, who (January 24). opened a Hendrix Bonnis and his shrine at the brother Dino are back in the sumpartners in Bonmer of 2009. Carlito Pablo nis Development Fodera sold the Corporation, which plans to build property in 2015. He moved the cona 15-storey condo building at the tents of the shrine to the basement of southern edge of Chinatown. his wife’s store on Homer Street to Hogan’s Alley, between Prior await a return to Union Street. and Union streets, was known for Fodera recalled an interview he had food and music. “It’s sad that it’s with the Straight in 2012 wherein he gone,” Bonnis said about the pre- said that he would only sell to guys dominantly black district that dis- who would “build something for Jimi”. appeared when the Georgia and In a new interview on January 23, Dunsmuir viaducts opened in 1972. Fodera said he’s glad that the Bonnis Subject for development are four brothers intend to have a new shrine properties at 728 to 796 Main Street. for Hendrix. These include the location of the “This dream will come true,” FodBrickhouse Late Nite Bistro and era told the Straight by phone. Bar. According to Bonnis, the esFor his part, Bonnis confirmed tablishment may return after the that a Hendrix shrine is part of the project is finished. initial plans. South of the Brickhouse are “One way or another, we’ll defintwo vacant lots, and the fourth is itely like to somehow incorporate the the Creekside Student Residence, building of the shrine back into the which wraps around Union Street. project,” Bonnis said. On the Union Street side was In addition to photos and numeronce the legendary Vie’s Chicken ous pieces of memorabilia, Bonnis and Steak House. Hendrix’s grand- said a statue of the late rock god may mother Nora worked as a cook at be raised. Vie’s, and the future rock legend As a homage to Hogan’s Alley, may have practised guitar there after Bonnis said that ground-level comhours when visiting from Seattle. mercial spaces will be oriented on In 2014, Canada Post released a Union Street and the laneway. stamp with Nora Hendrix’s image to The project is still in its pre-rezoncommemorate Hogan’s Alley. ing stage, and an application has yet to The Creekside Student Residence be filed with the City of Vancouver. -
POINT BLACK POETS
(ENGLAND)
REVENGE OF THE POPINJAY
Five preeminent spoken word artists tackle ANIMALPARTS (USA/CANADA) the political, the personal and every point in An experimental rap-horror show that blends between with burning passion and precision live hip-hop, storytelling, performance art, and in their Canadian premiere. graphic “heterophobia” in an exhilarating dark PRESENTED WITH CARAVAN: NEW ENGLISH PERFORMANCE comedy.
Real Estate
SUPPORTED BY ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND & BRITISH COUNCIL
PRESENTED WITH ZEE ZEE THEATRE
JAN 27
JAN 28
2321 MAIN STREET
VISITORS FROM FAR AWAY TO THE STATE MACHINE
SHOWS 9PM • TICKETS $22
LIDO PIMIENTA
(CANADA)
In a night of music for a revolution, this indie phenomenon offers a tribute to nature and HONG KONG EXILE (CANADA) the decolonized spirit at the intersection of A profane space oddity that follows two aliens ethnicity, gender and nationality. This high visiting Earth for their honeymoon. Video and priestess of pop brings us music to lift our nonlinear storytelling fuse in this intergalactic collective soul. opera spanning a thousand years. FEB 4
FEB 3
GENRE-DEF YING SHOWS BY THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING EMERGING ARTISTS PREMIER MEDIA PARTNERS
604.730.7060
REAL ESTATE
NORTH NORTH VANCOUVER VANCOUVER
CLASSADS@STRAIGHT.COM
RICHMOND RICHMOND
VANCOUVER VANCOUVER
E US HO 4 PM EN 2OP UN S
NORTH NORTH VANCOUVER VANCOUVER
“Seastars” at the Creek $399,000
built to order 1 bedroom + loft float homes... full appliance package... concrete floats... steel construction
415 W Esplanade Robist 2 bdrm home in need of renovation and updating... amazing Lower Lonsdale
Dyke Rd Rustic home home on on steel steel catamaran catamarin Rustic boat hull... room to increase size and value... can be used as a boat
South Vancouver Historic 80x 30 barge with 1460 sf one level home... make this your palace on the river
$320,000
$129,000
$240,000
JANUARY 2626 – FEBRUARY 2 /2 2017 35 JANAURY – FEBRUARY / 2017THE THEGEORGIA GEORGIASTRAIGHT STRAIGHT 45
straight stars
> BY ROSE MARCUS
January 26 to February 1, 2017
a feisty and frisky Aries moon picks up let it slide. Friday, Saturday, Tuesday, the pace. Tuesday evening, Mercury/ and Wednesday, dive into it, take lthough the morning could Uranus gets the action going, perhaps a stab at it, go for it. be something of a push or unexpectedly so. CANCER loss, Friday’s new moon in ARIES June 21–July 22 Aquarius ends the day and March 20–April 19 One way or another, the the workweek on the upbeat. You’ll pick up more energy next few days will launch you on your For the past six weeks, Mars in Pisces has stirred potentials and and speed as Mars gains fresh trac- way. Look to Friday’s new moon, promise, but it has also created waves tion in Aries. In another week, Venus Mars in Aries, and Mercury/Pluto to of uncertainty, confusion, loss, and will grace your ready-set-go sign too. put you on a faster forward regarding disillusionment. As of late Friday Sunday’s Mercury/Pluto keeps you finances, surgery, a lifestyle or career night, Mars treks into Aries, its focused on getting the serious stuff change, an important negotiation or home sign. This bold and brash in- under better control. Even so, on talk. Wasn’t there one minute; is the fluence coincides very well with the Monday, go with the flow, ease into next. You may face fresh challenge start of the Chinese New Year of the it, don’t force it. Tuesday/Wednes- but, more importantly, you also face Fire Rooster. Mars in Aries increases day, the Aries moon puts you and it fresh opportunity. drive, physical activity, initiative, on full thrust. LEO passion, and fighting spirit. Watch TAURUS July 22–August 22 for this transit to light a new fire (or April 20–May 20 Friday’s new moon boosts few!) and to speed up the action. SatHankering for something social activities and personal interurday’s stars dish up the best of the weekend. The day can be productive fresh and new? Haven’t been able to ests. Mars, freshly into Aries, helps or fun, take your pick. Scout around, find the courage, initiative, inspira- you to stay confident and a big step check out what’s new, attend a work- tion, or right opportunity? You will ahead. Sunday’s Mercury/Pluto can shop or trade show, or get together now. Friday onward, the liberating new force an issue, challenge you to make with a good friend or a few. The moon sets the stage in a triggering or a tough decision, or put you to work, Aquarius moon keeps it interesting. catapulting way. Mars, Mercury, and but once it’s handled, you can breathe While Sunday’s moon in Pisces is the rest of the stellar gang also boost again. Monday is easy-rolling. Tuesideal for a day of rest, Mercury con- prospects, need, or urgency. Monday is day/Wednesday, something fresh, joined with Pluto in Capricorn sug- an easy go. Tuesday through Thursday quick, and/or fast hits the spot. gests there is something important to fast-tracks you or it. VIRGO finish off or to start. It is an optimum GEMINI August 22–September 22 transit for digging deeper, decisionMay 21–June 21 A new health, work, and making, studies, getting mentally or Aquarius month is one of fi x-it cycle begins with Friday’s new physically organized, resolving it, or making the commitment. What’s your best for travel, big and bold in- moon. Don’t hesitate to spend on a said, done, signed, or agreed upon itiatives, or for hitting the refresh but- new computer or other necessities, ton. Regarding all the above, Friday’s on courses, counselling, and such. holds lasting impact. Monday’s stars are fluid and new moon and Mars into Aries sup- Upgrades of all kinds are favoured. smooth-rolling. You can coast and port you well. Jupiter/Uranus keeps Over the next few weeks, new soluwrite it off or you can take advantage fresh ideas, product, and opportunity tions, more useful information, and of it and gain. Tuesday/Wednesday, on the front burner. Sunday/Monday, advice are on the ready dial-up. As
A
ﺑ
ﺎ
ﺒ
ﺏ
ﺓ
ﺐ
of Sunday, you’ll make better, faster progress. It’s breakthrough time.
ﺔ
LIBRA
September 22–October 23
Jupiter in Libra continues to keep the fire in you well lit. Mars in Aries, starting on Friday, produces even more friction or spark. The start of Chinese New Year can be auspicious, especially so if you are born on or near September 30/October 1. The stars can produce a mixed bag of challenge and opportunity, but mostly you’re on the gain.
ﺕ
SCORPIO
October 23–November 21
A new address, attitude, or fresh living-with-yourself cycle launches now. Friday’s new moon also favours home renovations, new projects, marketing, or business ventures. Mars in Aries is great for starting a job or health regimen. Sunday’s Mercury/ Pluto calls for a rethink, more study, or a further commitment. Monday starts the week on a smooth roll. Tuesday/Wednesday, tackle it fresh.
ﺖ
SAGITTARIUS
November 21–December 21
ﺊ
CAPRICORN
December 21–January 19
Mercury in Capricorn keeps you especially driven and motivated. It can put you under pressure, too. Launching on Friday but good for the next few weeks, the new moon and Mars in Aries suggest something important is shaping up. Sunday’s Mercury/Pluto puts it on the front burner. Tuesday’s Mercury/ Uranus enlightens, frees, unleashes, or springboards you.
ﺋ
AQUARIUS
January 20–February 18
Friday could start out slow, but it’s likely to fi nish on the upbeat. Thanks to Mars in Aries, a fired-up and fast-track few weeks lie ahead. Be brave and bold. Aim to stand out from the crowd; try your luck with a new audience or a special someone. Saturday, and Monday through Wednesday, your stars are optimized.
ﺌ
PISCES
February 18–March 20
Mars leaves Pisces on Friday but Venus stays with you for another week. Consider it the best of both worlds. Things have a way of sorting themselves out and/or showing up at the right time. Friday’s new moon and Sunday’s Mercury/Pluto set you onto a fresh page. Monday, go by feel. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’re quick on the uptake. -
Friday/Saturday, get out and about. One thing sparks the next thing. Entertainment and like-minded folk can be readily found. Spontaneity picks it best. The new moon in Aquarius and Mars in Aries push the refresh button on your energy, enthusiasm, good ideas, and social interest. Monday can slip by, but as B o o k a re a d i n g o r s i g n u p f o r of Tuesday, you’re back in the game Rose’s free monthly newsletter: www.rosemarcus.com/astrolink/. and hitting full steam ahead.
CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT
HOSPITALITY/FOOD SERVICE 2 COOKS Needed for PinPin Restaurant Fraser St, Vancouver At least HS Grad with 2 yrs. Experience. Permanent F/T, $16.00 per hour Duties: Prepare/Cook complete meals or individual Filipino/Chinese dishes & Supervise kitchen helpers. Maintain inventory, Records of food, Supplies and Equipment. May help clean work area. To apply please send resume to pinpinrestaurant@gmail.com
MBS
AESTHETICS $28 massage + Free Gift 604 -709- 6168
CERTIFIED MASSAGE
Professional Movers 604-782-3973
EQUIPPED HOURLY REHEARSAL ROOM New West $20/hr 24/7 Call/Text 604-229-5981 diamondsharpstudios.com click BOOK ONLINE
Facial Rejuvenation & Weight Loss Treatment Black Jade Power Bath. Jade & Crystal Treatment. Acupuncture, acupressure, RMT Ins acc. Couple Special $68/120min 778-893-3422
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REPAIRS
COMING EVENTS
Leelawadee Thai Spa
EVERYTHING
Helmcken St. 778.886.3675 www.leelawadeethaispa.com
Thai Massage 778-886-3675 D/T.
HOME & GARDEN SERVICES
MOVING & STORAGE
Soldiers Guide To Survival Stress Solutions That Work solutions4stress@shaw.ca
TwoGuysWithATruck.com Moving & Storage, Free EST. Visa Okay. 604-628-7136
VANCOUVER TAP DANCE SOCIETY
TAP, JAZZ, HIP HOP CLASS FIRST TWO WEEKS
in
JANUARY
YOU THINK A
YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW
A Celebration of the History of Oakridge United, St. Giles and South Hill churches.
Sat. Feb. 11, 2017 • 1-4:30 p.m. 305 W. 41st Avenue, Vancouver We are celebrating the history and community of our church of almost 7 decades. As we redevelop the site for the future, come and celebrate with us: Official Welcome at 2 p.m.; tours of the church; refreshments and lots of time to celebrate and reminisce!
If interested in attending, please contact Oakridge United Church 604.324.7444 www.oakridgeunited.org
Adults, teens, youth-technique, choreography, history Professional faculty-variety of classes, for all skill levels. Find out what the tap buzz is all about!! GREAT EXERCISE, FUN & YOU LEARN A SKILL ◗ Classes begin week of Jan 4/17
www.vantapdance.com
604.253.0293
BASONE • GUITAR SHOP •
889
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
Trial Basis
NAHANEE MOVING
MARKETPLACE
COLLECTIBLES Affordable Original Oil Paintings By Canadian Artist Norman Leibovitch www.normanleibovitch.com Landscapes, portraits & narratives Please call Charles at 778-840-4949 cleibo@yahoo.ca
MUSIC
RECORDING STUDIOS M R & D Studios Vancouver's most comfortable 2"-24 track, ADAT & ProTools HD. Mastering $55/hr eng, prod. & arranger incl. 604-421-2988
REHEARSAL SPACE Renegade Productions Inc. www.renegadeproductions.net 604-685-0435 www.facebook.com/RPInc
Suna Studios Rehearsal M-F 6-12, Sat/Sun 12-12 East Van Hourly ($16.66/hour) & L/O, www.sunastudios.ca 604-563-5460
36 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANAURY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
GUITAR
SHOP
LD BE! SHOU
318 E. 5th Ave • 604.677.0311
GAY PERSONALS
SERVICES
Mr. BALDNUTZ
PERSONAL SHAVING SERVICES FOR MEN ★ SAFE ★ CLEAN ★ DISCREET ★
604-767-8625
MASSAGE
MASSAGE $60/30 mins (incl tips)
E. 49th Ave & Victoria Dr. 10am - 8:30pm • HIRING 604.500.9082 • 778.379.7736
Lotus Beauty Spa NEW GIRLS
BODYWORK MASSAGE
$ 70 /30 mins
In a peaceful setting in Langley Because you deserve it! 9am - 8pm
(incl. tips)
Robert 604-857-9571
10:30am-8pm Daily 5336 Victoria Dr. Vancouver
BASONEGUITARS.COM
MUSICIANS WANTED Singer/Violinist seeks Guitarist/Gig booker. You learn my songs, you book us paying gigs, you get all the money. youtube: donburtonsongs
604-872-4658 The Main on Main St. is looking for Wednesday through Saturday night acts. All Genres welcome. For more info email mainbooking@hotmail.com
Sensual Massage
Experienced, discreet, and clean for men only by a mature male. 9 am to 10 pm in-calls only. Student rates. Burrard & 6th
Alex 778-828-4683 NAMASTE HEALING TOUCH MASSAGE
Control Ejaculation, Maintain Erection, Stop Herpes $120. herbalbathclinic.com, 604-271-4148
PERSONAL SERVICES
Absolutely Wonderful, Healing & Joyful!
PERSONALS
TANTRA Healing for Sexual Problems
Tantra Massage
Zara 604-222-4178 Jericho
CITYLOVE SINGLES CLUB
MANY LOCAL ASIAN LADIES
SPEED DATING EVERY SATURDAY
Call Susan: 604-771-6512 (Office) 305 s Tower-5811 Cooney Rd, Richmond
PREMATURE EJACULATION? ELIMINATE SEXUAL ISSUES NATURALLY LEARN SECRETS to GUARANTEE RESULTS UNTIL JAN 31 - BUY 3hrs $360 GET 1hr FREE
SacredTantraMassage.com RICHMOND - 2 RD / WESTMINSTER Hwy
604-788-7723 Divinea 8am-8pm
BODYWORK
★ Relieve Roadrage ★
604-583-8800
$30/30 Min
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
FACIAL $30 UP
ROOM 2 ǧ 4334 FRASER ST, VAN
Parking Available Near No Frills
778.788.3039 | 9:30am-9pm
Aqua Spa BLISSFUL MASSAGE
Promo $30/45 mins
202-1037 W.Broadway 604-739-3998 Hotel Service
20437 Douglas Crescent, Langley (@ 204th St. beside HomeHardware) Front & Back Door Entrance Free Parking
NURTURING TOUCH
604.510.6689
M.S. Oriental Dating Service For singles looking for meaningful relationships. All Nationalities Welcome. Since 1987.
Angel TOUCH
M4M Massage customized to meet your needs. In calls only.10am-10pm West End 778-888-5884
Choral Singers Wanted Join High Spirits Choir! If singing is your passion, this may be the choir for you! Challenging, eclectic repertoire including jazz, classical, world music, etc. Spring term starts Wednesday, February 15th. Rehearsals every Wednesday 7 to 9:30 pm at Estonian Church, Oak & 49th, Vancouver. More info www.highspiritschoir.ca or highspiritschoirinfo@gmail.com
DATING SERVICES
A/C AVAILABLE 604.327.8800
Over 20 yrs exp. 604 739 6002 Mon-Fri Kitsilano
Hiring
............................................................................................................................................................... CLASSIFIEDS BODY & HEAD MASSAGE COCO'S THAI MASSAGE GREAT ASIAN MASSAGE Relaxation BATH HOUSES HONG KONG magic hand body massage BBY. $40 & up! No F/S 10am - 8pm 604-619-7453
604-782-9338 Surrey
Reg 120
FALL SPECIAL
EMPLOYMENT
$
BODY SCRUB (Incl. 45 min. Hot oil massage) NOW 75 MIN
$
70
WWW.
Call 604-438-7119
(& Blenheim)
604-558-1608 COMFYSPA .CA
778-323-0002
Seeking all nationalities 19+ No experience necessary.
CLOSE TO O
HOTE ELS S
BDSM Sensual Domination & BDSM Asian. Prostate & Strap On play, Fetishes. Duos 11am-10pm 604-726-3266 D/T crystalxox.com
5281 Victoria Drive @ 37th
Hiring
Lily’s Bodycare
CHINESE, JAPANESE & KOREAN MASSAGE
604.986.8650
SERVING NORTH VANCOUVER FOR 16 YEARS
1050 Marine Dr. North Van
LOTS OF PARKING AT THE REAR
AMAZING TOUCH SPA NEW OWNER!
NEW Girls!
$80/30mins INCLUDES TIPS
Looking For A Steady Partner
778-297-6678
Not for money, but rather for an ongoing relationship.I'm good with my MOUTH and on the BUTTON!
Now Hiring • In/Out Calls • 11am -11pm
ts Kiss &...!!
$80/30min
STEAM 1
BEST SERVICE BEST CHOICE
MEN’S BATH HOUSE
778.628.3302
(Gate at East Side of Front Door)
New Westminster, 430 Columbia Street 604 . 540 . 2117
FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING
BETTER than
In Call or Out
BEST
30 min / $30
3488 MAIN ST. @ 19TH AVE
604-568-0123
10 AM TO 10 PM
BUR/COQ/VAN
$80/30 MIN (INCL. TIPS)
604.430.3060
CHINESE, THAI, SPANISH & CAUCASIAN GIRLS
4969 Duchess St. Van. Just off Kingsway NOW HIRING Between Earles & Slocan
D OPENING! ! ND GRAN TION
HIRING
NEW RENOVA
3468 E.Hastings/Skeena. Van.
BUTTERFLY TERFLY T ERFLY MASSAGE MASSA A
Platinum Special $50/ 1/2 MASSAGE
New Management by Miko. 4536 Hastings St. Burnaby near Willingdon Ave.
Club
HIRING
Massage Beauty Care at Marpole
604.566.0700 8652 Granville St. Hiring
HR
PLATINUMCLUB.NET
604.683.2582
Sexy Asian girl Kim N/Van. 778-302-8524
426 HOMER STREET HIRING 604 683 2582 All credit & debit cards accepted 426 Homer St.
Lisa 778-251-0859
EXCELLENT MASSAGE SPECIAL PACKAGES
D-768 Princess St., New Westminster (@ 8th St. between 6th & 7th Ave behind Save-On Foods)
604.523.6689
Serving Van. for 19 years! Best Experience! Best Service! Best Choice! Steam Room and Sauna! Free underground parking. NOW
HIRING
Sexy Thai Girl Jessica Burnaby 604-336-4601 Elmridge Way Richmond 1 hr / $40 778-990-8136
2070 2070 7 W. W. 10 10thh A Ave v V ve Van an an
60 4 7 604 738 38 3 3302 3 02
LINGERIE FRI & SAT OPEN TO CLOSE
PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE
604.436.3131
JAPANESE $60
www.greatpharaoh.com
4095 Oak St. Vancouver 604-266-6800
5-3490 Kingsway, Van.
KINGSWAY & KNIGHT
HIRING: 778.893.4439
HIGH CLASS FEMALE ESCORTS & INTIMATE COMPANIONS
ESTABLISHED 1993
MASSAGE
PHOENIX
604-442-9526 CHINESE BEAUTY - HELEN Warm & loving - complete body massage. All incl. Reasonable low price. R/mond new home.
Gemini Studio
BACK ENTRANCE + FREE PARKING
11AM - MIDNIGHT 604-299-1514
Korean Massage $60 Long Black Hair.
NEAR JOYCE NEXT DOOR TO SUBWAY
604-738-6222
RAINBOW MASSAGE
604 879 5769
604-780-6268
2639 W. 4th Ave. Kitsilano
#3-3490 Kingsway
5 MINS FROM D/T
Open from 10am
604.558.2526 HIRING
$80/30 min.(incl.tips)
#100 - 1727 WEST BROADWAY
Grand Opening • $30/30min.
10AM ➤ 10PM
604.568.9238
DAY SPECIAL ✦
Different Packages For Sale Underground Parking
Front & Back door entrance. Free Parking
10AM - 10 PM Hiring
Centre
✦ ALL
New Star Massage
$80
19+ SWEET GIRLS
MASSAGE
City Ocean Relaxation
3671 EAST HASTINGS
30min
I Spa
WWW.STEAM1.COM
PROSPER
BEST MASSAGE IN TOWN
778.316.2660
Anonymous Check In Avail • All Rates with Current Membership
Drop In Fees May Apply Now no ID needed for entry
Diamond Bodycare
NOW HIRING
BLACKOUT PARTIES NOW TWICE A MONTH SUNDAY JAN 29TH & SATURDAY FEB 11TH 11AM ‘TIL 7PM
2622 West Broadway, Van. Near Trafalgar St.
Richmond
36D 29 36 7FF
STEAM 1
EVERY DAY flat rate pricing! Anytime 24/7 Lockers $14 | Rooms from $22
Visit 10 Times & Get 2 FREE! Healthy Infrared Sauna (FREE)
Suite 1090 – 8580 Alexandra Rd.
Call Geewka 604-445-2602
TRANSEXUALDREAMSCAPE.COM
Beauty & Wellness Spa 604.325.2313
BMWC Massage (incl. tips)
20 E/Pender $60
CoverGirlEscorts.com is now Hiring.
COMFY WELLNESS SPA 3272 W. Broadway
30 min/$60 45 min/$70 60 min/$80 Steveston Hwy, close to No. 3rd Richmond. Open 10am-10am (appt. after 10pm) Call Gigi 604-369-0979
MASSAGE
10am - 2am. 778-322-1583 HONG KONG STYLE MASSAGE
New Back Door Entrance from Underground Parking
Perfect SensualOil Body Massage. 1Hr/$80. 45min/$60, 30min/$50 INC. TIP 223 W/ Broadway. (2blks East of Cambie) 6am - 1am. 7 days
1st Time Visit FREE
Please Call Lini 778-668-2981 AMAZING ASIAN MASSAGE GRAND OPENING! $80/30 min Package, open 7 days 10 am - 10 pm. 604-270-6891 12551 Vickers Way, Richmond, close to IKEA
HIRING
FOR NEW CLIENTS Mon - Fri 12pm - 6pm
2263 KINGSWAY
MERIDIAN SPA LTD. New Staff! Relaxation Massage. 604-985-4969 HIRING
FREE PARKING HOTEL SERVICE
@
NANAIMO
INTERVIEWS DAILY C OV E RGI R LE S C ORT S .C O M
6043770028
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm & Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm
HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS 5pm - 7pm
604-681-0823 4th Floor 595 Hornby St, Van. Mon-Fri • 10am-Midnite Sat-Sun • 12pm-Midnite
www.theswedishtouch.com
Always Hiring | Accepting all major CC’s JANAURY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 37
CLASSIFIEDS ................................................................................................................................................................
Sa Sa Massage VARIETY OF GIRLS (19+) V.I.P. ROOM $80/30 MIN INCL. TIPS
Emax Massage
604-568-5255
The
604
HI N OW RI NG
604-568-2248 COMPANION
BLACK is BETTER!!
GREAT RATES, GREAT SERVICE!
778.379.5969
Burnaby 604-364-1462
28/50 MIN
$
1 FREE AFTER 5 SESSIONS!
NEW!!! 50% OFF
$62/30MINS,$77/50MINS (INCL.TIPS),
SPECIAL 4 HANDS $25/30MINS (ONE GIRL FREE) BODY SCRUB $48/50MINS (REG$100) NEW!PROSTATE TREATMENT
GENTLEMEN DISCREET ATTRACTIVE MATURE EUROPEAN LADY OFFERS DELIGHTFUL RELAXATION SESSIONS.
604-451-0175 EuropeanLady.ca www.EuropeanLady.ca
604-957-1030 MING, Nice & Mature. NEW HOT ASIAN GIRLS No Restrictions. Good Service!
8642 Granville St., Vancouver
604-568-6601
OPENING MIYA GRAND $10 OFF
BEAUTY SENSATIONAL MASSAGE
INDEPENDENT CHINESE PLEASURE PROVIDER
R I L E Y
In calls & Out calls locally Private upscale condo
funlovinxoxo.me 604-773-8876 Beautiful, Busty Ex Stripper Ready or Not, here I come! Ready to satisfy your desires. No restrictions!
778-714-0824 NEW HOT ASIAN GIRLS No Restrictions. Good Service!
For polite gentlemen Accompanied shower Submissive or curious also welcome Discreet,North Burnaby location Parking available Actual Recent Photo. Fluent in English.
Joyce & Kingsway. 24 Hrs.
778-960-7875
ANGELA
778-317-3888
GRAND OPENING! Best Massage Every day different female practitioners! 3322 Main St. 604-872-1702
★ BLOND 41★
PHONE SERVICES
funlovinxoxo.me
6PM-3AM 604-900-2181 604.773.8876 Near Oakridge Mall 24hr Chinese.w41st & Cambie.
778-710-8828 World Class Breasts
Genuinely Spectacular NATURAL G CUP! Come visit Hooter Heaven! Canada's #1 Erotic Destination.
Private 778-838-9094
50% OFF BEST BBES BE EST ST CCHINESE HHINESE HIN INESE MASSAGE $28/45 min. i 4 Hands $38/30 min. $57/45 min. Many Sweet & Sexy Asian Girls Luxurious Spa 1 FREE Session after 5
Sweet & Petite Hot Mature ♥ Female loves to pamper!♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ REASONABLE RATES ♥ ♥ ♥ In/Out calls. Early risers welcome!
CANADA'S HOTTEST ADULT CHAT LINE XXX LIVE 1on 1 or XXX 2 on 1 Free Browsing. 13 years in business! All major credit cards and/or telephone banking 604-247-4000 Use code 918 for a 20min Free Trial
Kayla 604-873-2551
5531 Victoria Dr. & 40th Ave, Vancouver | 604-564-1333
604-562-3371
SARAH in SURREY
NEW GREAT HOURS!! 11:30am - 9pm. Sometimes weekends. I'm well proportioned, HOT& READY with a BIG BOOTY! 38 yrs old. Kind, Clean, Pretty & love to enjoy! Let's have an amazing non-rushed experience in my classy apt. Fetish by request. No text or Blkd. calls. Sarah 604-441-5440 Appts preferred.
CClassy lassy Angel VIP Companion
BEAUTIFUL OLDER WOMAN 36D - 26 - 36. 36th@ Victoria
604.875.8844
NEW..NEW..NEW..MASSAGE
miyabeauty@hotmail.com
Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese & Philippines Girls (19+) In/Out calls
at Manitoba
36DDD-22-34
604-671-2345
www.miyabeauty.com
121 W. Broadway HIRING
Fun Classy Blonde Beauty
Vancouver & Burnaby. 24 Hrs. In/Out call
LUXURY • FREE SHOWER • FREE PARKING
NEW TEAM • NEW MANAGEMENT 5 DIFFERENT GIRLS DAILY
604.553.0909
@ Quebec St. open 7days/9am-midnight
OPEN EVERYDAY: 10am-10pm
(Across Macpherson Ave)
Good Price, Good Service D931 Brunette Ave. 7 Days a Week
49 E. Broadway
FULL BODY MASSAGE! Sexy & Friendly. 33yrs, 140 lbs, 38D-25-34. In/Out by appt. only.
101-5623, Imperial St. BBY
PANTERA SPA
Rose Body Massage
4532 MAIN ST. (Main + 29 th), VAN.
438-8979
Grand Opening
778.321.2209
WE HAVE AVE MIXED MIXED, ASIAN, CAUCASIAN MASSEUSES WHO WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST, MOST RELAXING MASSAGE.
Massage HIRING
Oak St. vancouver
TIGERSpa
3519 KINGSWAY, VAN NEAR BOUNDARY • HIRING
NOW
JAPANESE
#3 - 3003 Kingsway @ Rupert, Van. - N/E Corner
604.433.6833
TOKYO Body
$100
Friendly, Sexy & Discreet IN/OUT 604 6 04 CALLS
604-600-6558
728.8161 7 28 www.ClassyAngel.com
WEBSITES
www.CarmanFox.com www.theswedishtouch.com
www.EuropeanLady.ca www.sacredtantramassage.com
www.classymiko.com
The Georgia Straight Confessions, an outlet for submitting revelations about your private lives—or for the voyeurs among us who want to read what other people have disclosed.
LIVE. DISCREET. UNCENSORED.
1-604-639-3040
Scan to confess
Seattle: 206-576-1825
Victoria, BC: 250-220-3334
GET YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY Ahora en Español/18+
More local numbers: 1.800.550.0618 interactivemale.com
I need to make a change I ruin my own weekends. I have started to hate Sundays because I know I have to go to work on Mondays and I hate my job.
Car Share drivers are hateful First, they don’t know how to drive worth s***. Second, they steal all the free parking that is so clearly lacking in this city (even though they can technically park anywhere else).
Disgust Trump makes me sick. No actually, his entire family makes me sick. He’s an effing lunatic and a pathological liar. I can’t stand that he and his loser phoney family will be in the news for the next four years.
The Truth I realized yesterday that I hate my mother. I won’t feel completely free to live my life until she’s gone.
Canadian Content One time I was really wasted in Toronto and when I saw some of the actors from Degrassi out on the town, I thought they were my friends.
Mix up
Open desires... Hidden identities...
Try FREE Now: 604-639-3011 More Local Numbers: 1-800-700-6666
redhotdateline.com 18+ 38 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANAURY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017
I always get mixed up with “Renfrew “ St and “Rupert” St. I hope I’m not the only one who thinks having two main roads, that close to each other, both beginning with the letter ‘R” wasn’t such a good idea.
I’m sure I’m misreading you... I’ve been talking to you for about a year and a half now. The more I get to know you through our short tidbits of conversation the more I want to hang out. Sometimes I think you feel the same, but I’m pretty sure I’m just deluding myself.
Visit
to post a Confession
savage love I am quite the follower on social media—Facebook and Twitter, in particular. I make no trolling comments, no #MAGA hashtags; I just look with my male gaze. Like Laura Mulvey says, the male gaze is only natural. I’ve lost interest in pornography, so I use everyday pictures of women, typically selfies. It helps me to know the story behind the face and body. None of these pics are pornographic—just feel-good selfies by young women posted on social media. I don’t communicate with these people, because that would be creepy. I’m not worried about whether this is abnormal. I just wondered if people would be okay with this, if people were aware of behaviour like mine when they post, and if I should ask these girls for their permission to wank to their selfies. > NOT ANTHONY WEINER
So long as you’re wanking alone, wanking with a reasonable expectation of privacy, and not bothering anyone who isn’t a sex partner or a sexadvice professional with your wanking, NAW, you can wank to whatever you’d like—except for images of child rape, a.k.a. “child pornography”. You remind me of the proverbial shoe salesman with a foot fetish. (Full disclosure: proverb of mine, not a proverb of Proverbs.) Let’s say a guy working in a high-end shoe store has an intense attraction to feet. Is it inappropriate for him to get an obvious boner while helping women try on shoes? Of course it is. It would also be inappropriate for him to drool or pant—and it would be super inappropriate of him to ask
the women he’s serving if he can jack off about their feet after his shift. But if he can be completely professional, if he can go eight hours without giving off any signs of secret perving, that guy can (and probably should) sell shoes. And he’s free to upload mental images to his spank bank for later—we’re all free to do so, NAW, and it’s only creepy if the people whose images we’re uploading/repurposing are made aware that we’re uploading/repurposing them. So in answer to your question, NAW, under no circumstances should you ask the girls whose selfies you’re wanking to for their permission. People who post revealing pictures to social media—men and women— know they run the risk of their pics being wanked to by random strangers. But there’s a difference between knowing some stranger might be wanking to your pics and hearing from one of those wanking strangers. Being asked by a wanker for permission to wank drags the social-media poster into the wanker’s fantasies—and not only is that creepy, NAW, it’s also no way to show your gratitude. If some stranger is going to make your day by posting a hot pic, why would you ruin theirs— or make them think twice about ever posting a revealing pic again—by telling them exactly what you’re doing while you gaze at their pics? If you saw a woman on the street that you thought was hot, you wouldn’t stop her to ask if you could wank about her later. You would no more ask a stranger that question than you would flash your penis at her, because, NAW, it would constitute sexual harassment. (Promise me you wouldn’t
> BY DAN SAVAGE do either of those things.) You would instead walk on by, minding your own business while discreetly filing her mental image away in your spank bank. You should behave similarly on social media: don’t harass; don’t send unsolicited dick pics; and don’t ask for permission to wank. Finally, NAW, your question inspired me to read feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey’s 1975 essay “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema”, in which she coined the phrase “male gaze”. Mulvey describes the male gaze as phallocentric, patriarchal, pervasive, and socially constructed— she never describes it as natural.
A problem
has cropped up for me ever since the reports of Donald Trump’s pissing Russian hookers made the news. Every time someone on social media tries to make a comment about how disgusting that is, someone else jumps in and scolds that person for “kink shaming”. The problem for me is that by normalizing my piss fetish, you’re making it dull for me. Piss was one of the few things that even the kink community found disgusting. I now find myself looking for different porn because, eh, a lesbian pissing in the mouth of another lovely lady on a train platform? No big whoop anymore, it seems. My polyamorous boyfriend and I found each other without knowing we shared a love for piss. Neither of us had ever had someone to enjoy that with before. The one thing the piss porn I’ve been watching for half my life completely failed to capture is how goddamn amazing it is to embrace and make out with a person you love dearly while you’re both
covered in each other’s piss. If you personally don’t want to kink-shame, that’s fine. I get it. But everyone, please stop telling your friends not to kinkshame so that my boyfriend and I can get back to the business of pissing on each other and feeling disgusting about it and horny because of it. > PISSED OFF SLUT WIFE
I have grappled with this same conundrum, POSW. If a kink is boneror slicker-inducing to some precisely because it’s so transgressive and disgusting to most, efforts to normalize said kink—by shaming kink shamers, for instance—could piss away that kink’s power to induce all those boners and slickers. But I’m confident that the kink shamers will continue to have the upper hand for decades to come, despite the best efforts of the kink-shamer shamers. So your kink will continue to induce enough revulsion and disgust generally to keep you and your boyfriend feeling disgusting and horny in perpetuity.
Listening to pundits discuss the
DEAR READERS:
DMMA wrote me that letter in 2006. She wasn’t referring to Donald Trump, our current awful president, but George W. Bush, our last truly awful president. I thought DMMA’s idea was great, I put up a website (impeachthemotherfuckeralready. com/ ), and I raised more than $20,000 selling ITMFA lapel pins and buttons. I donated half the money to the ACLU and the other half to two Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate. (My readers helped turf Rick Santorum out of office!) I didn’t think I’d see a worse president than George W. Bush in my lifetime. But here we are. So I’m bringing back my line of ITMFA buttons and adding T-shirts and, yes, hats to the ITMFA collection. Go to impeachthemotherfuckeralready.com/ or, if that’s too much typing, ITMFA. org to order some ITMFA swag for yourself or someone you love. All the money raised will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and the International Refugee Assistance Project. We’re in for a long and ugly four years, folks. Let’s raise some money for groups fighting Trump; let’s bring ITMFA back into our everyday vocabulary; and let’s remember that we—people who voted against Trump, people who want to see him out of office as quickly as possible—are the majority. ITMFA! -
president on the radio, I was inspired by your brilliant acronym (DTMFA) to yell, “Impeach the motherfucker already!” I’d love to see a line of bumper stickers and T-shirts bearing that sensible message: ITMFA! We need a shorthand for the obvious— think of the boost to productivity we’d get if we could cut half-hour conversations about the president to five simple letters: ITMFA! I appeal On the Lovecast: Trump! What’s up to you to bring this acronym into our with the piss thing and how to fight him. Listen at savagelovecast.com . everyday vocabulary. > DUMPED MY MOTHERFUCKER ALREADY
Email: mail@savagelove.net. Follow Dan on Twitter @fakedansavage.
> Go on-line to read hundreds of I Saw You posts or to respond to a message < GROUSE MT GONDOLA
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 22, 2017 WHERE: Grouse Mountain Gondola Hi “just a person”, aka not a ski instructor ;). Something inside is telling me you aren’t just your average run of the mill person. There’s something about you that intrigues me. I couldn’t help but look through your bus window, as I walked by, wondering who you are. You looked at me too. Then we both did that thing and turned around and looked at each other again. You have a cute little gap between your front teeth and nice blue eyes and I think you had a kiwi accent. I hope you see this ad and respond. I’d like to meet up and learn more about you.
HILLCREST HOT TUB
r
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 22, 2017 WHERE: Hillcrest Pool I was playing a game in the hot tub, in my head, that I usually play in the hot tub, called “how many people in this hot tub would I want to date?” and after staring at everyone, the answer is pretty much always zero. I started to play the game today, and you walked in and sat across from me, so I stopped playing the game and concentrated on not making eye contact with you. You have short curlyish hair. I have short hair that was in a very tiny ponytail. I think we smiled at each other. Then when we were in the change room, your locker was above mine.
BRAIDING ON THE #3
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 20, 2017 WHERE: Between National and Broadway on the #3 Bus I was the woman groggily re-braiding my hair on the #3 bus just before 8am Friday morning. You were the guy sitting across from me making a pretty good show of not looking at me until you surprised me when you went to leave. Thanks for the nice words. I wish I had been awake enough to return them properly. Say hi earlier next time. :)
WE WALKED SIDE BY SIDE ON BURRARD (SCOTIA THEATRE)
r
s
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 21, 2017 WHERE: Burrard Street Hi, you snuck up behind me and I startled. You smiled and I smiled back. It seems we were both walking home in no rush. You were the cute brunette, I was the tall bald guy.
BURNER AT THE SQUAMISH GAS STATION
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 21, 2017 WHERE: Squamish You asked me what I was famous for at Burning Man. I asked you what you would do if you create anything in your life inspired by the festival what it would be. We talked about graduation, and community, and how it is the first two go when the going gets tough. You told me you teach kids how to build Lego robotics. I told you I teach kids how to ride horses and get woken up in the night by avalanches. And then I lost my nerve, and got in my car and drove away. Then I decided that was stupid, and turned around and looped back, but you were already gone. Want to continue that conversation somewhere that is not a gas station parking lot?
FORTUNE CLUB’S DOOR AFTER A CONCERT !
r
s
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 19, 2017 WHERE: Fortune Club, 147 E Pender St. After Holly Fuck concert. You are almost a doctor. I’m from Spain, you from Canada. We spoke a little bit, enough to know that I want more of you. I remember your eyes but not your name.
WE WERE VERY LIT OUT SIDE OF A CLUB IN GASTOWN
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 21, 2017 WHERE: Waterfront We chatted for a bit with my friend & I kissed your cheek. You were very tall and handsome.
BEARDED TELUS GUY LOOKING FOR PHONE ROOM AT MONEY MART
s
r
ON THE TRAIN THIS ANGLED UNDERCUT AT LD
r
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 20, 2017 WHERE: Money Mart on Kingsway
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 20, 2017 WHERE: Woodwards London Drugs
We made eye contact a few times, I was in the store, you were working, I left too soon without saying Hi... You may remember my awesome leggings.
To you buying bear & beaver in front of me in line at London Drugs, you're beautiful, and if I were more confident about who I am in the world, I might have said hi. Instead I just watched you walk away.
READING A HARDCOVER BOOK ON THE #10
MORNING
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 19, 2017 WHERE: #10 Heading South on Granville You got onto the #10 @ Granville & Pender at approx. 5:40pm. You were wearing a red jacket and had a canvas beige bag on your shoulder. You pulled out a book with either the title or author in red capital letters “PAUL COL....” (I cannot remember the rest). At Davie and Granville, you sat next to me - I was wearing a black coat, grey scarf, and have shoulder length brown hair. I had a knapsack on my back and a black bag with a red purse on my lap. I was so fascinated by the hardcover book you were reading! You looked at your cell once and put on a grey toque just before you got off at 11th and Granville. My stop is 13th & Granville. We live in the same neighbourhood! Want to meet for coffee sometime and discuss the wonder and delight of old fashioned hard cover books?
AT JOE'S GRILL FOR BRUNCH
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 15, 2017 WHERE: Joe's Grill on Main You had salt and pepper hair, the Nando's chicken tattoo’d on you, and a gregarious, infectious laugh. We were both in line to pay, and you were joking with the waiter about how you had no interest in football, but would still watch it that day to hang out with your friends. It was sweet. I also hate football, we should go out sometime. I was the girl in the black toque, grey t shirt and black jean jacket. :)
s
r
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 18, 2017 WHERE: On the Train on the Way to Vancouver. I saw you on the train this morning, heading downtown. I got on at Royal Oak and you were already there, sitting at the back of the car, wearing a blue and gray toque. You got off at Granville and as you stood up, you raised your arms and stretched. I couldn’t stop looking at you. Me: blonde, wearing a plaid skirt and purple jacket. Hope you read this. :)
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN WITH A NOSE RING ON SKYTRAIN (CANADA LINE) TO DOWNTOWN
r
REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN.
s
I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JANUARY 10, 2017 WHERE: Canada Line SkyTrain (Going to Downtown) Taking the SkyTrain was never the favourite part of my daily commute to work - until - a week ago. Last Tuesday I saw you in an overly crowded train. I remember I simply couldn’t stop looking at you the moment I laid eyes on you. I think you got on the train at the Olympic Village Station. We caught eyes for a moment and continued to exchange eye contact. At one point you looked down and had your eyes closed for a brief moment and looked at me after your opened your eyes. I have been hoping to run into you again ever since. You were a stunning woman with a nose ring (left). I was the guy with glasses wearing a black peacoat and I got off at the Yaletown station. I wish I hadn’t gotten off the train and had stayed behind to talk to you. I may very well never see you again, that’s regret.
Visit straight.com to post your FREE I Saw You _
Try FREE: 604-639-3006 More Local Numbers: 1-877-756-1010
Ahora español Livelinks.com 18+
Providing for the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and pollution damaged wildlife.
www.wildliferescue.ca JANAURY 26 – FEBRUARY 2 / 2017 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 39
40 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT JANUARY 26 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEBRUARY 2 / 2017