The Georgia Straight - Fringe Fest - Sept 8, 2016 by The Georgia Straight

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BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! 20% OFF on all Futon Mattresses, Frames and Removable Covers!

SALE EXTENDED TO SEPT 14TH

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2 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

EG E R IN K RNKBA

PA I

TENT SALE. GILDA QUEEN BED C A P P U C I N O FA B R I C

PA M PA D I N I N G TA B L E WHITE GLASS

REG $1,405

$299 REG $689

B A L I M E TA L & W O O D CHAIR RED

$499

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$349

BORDEAUX SOLID WOOD SHELF

MARLENE SIDE CHAIR CHARCOAL

H A D L E Y S O FA LIGHT BROWN

BARCELONA SOLID WOOD QUEEN BED

REG $915

$95

$499 REG $1,009

MALCOLM SOLID WOOD D I N I N G TA B L E S M A L L

REG $265

$599

V I G O L E AT H E R D I N I N G CHAIR BLACK

REG $1,989

$649 REG $2,099

$275 REG $665

80% OFF.

EVERYTHING IN STORE ON SALE. UP TO 2 D AY S O N LY. SEPT 10 & 11. 10 AM - 6 PM. Field & Social Salad Shop will be ser ving food from noon on Saturday at our Glen Dr. location.

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SEPTEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 3

M?J> )&'7 J;9>DEBE=O F79A7=; FBKI 97D7:?7D JEKH?D= F79A7=;

ESCAPE TITANIUM 4WD EMPLOYEE PRICE ADJUSTMENT

YOU PAY WHAT WE PAY.

PLUS, ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

11,000 000^

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4 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

3,485

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($&B ;9E8EEIJ® ;D=?D; M?J> IJ7HJ#IJEF J;9>DEBE=O

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CANADIAN TOURING PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Ford of Canada, Manufacturing

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ON THE 2016 AND 2017 ESCAPE

Get your employee price at findyourford.ca or visit your BC Ford store.

Oh hey, you’re looking for the legal, right? Take a look, here it is: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP).*Ford Employee Pricing (“Employee Pricing”) is available from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (the “Program Period”), on the purchase or lease of most new 2016/2017 Ford vehicles (excluding all chassis cab, stripped chassis, and cutaway body models, F-150 Raptor, F-650/F-750, Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R, Ford GT, and Focus RS). Employee Pricing refers to A-Plan pricing ordinarily available to Ford of Canada employees (excluding any Unifor-/CAW-negotiated programs). The new vehicle must be delivered or factory-ordered during the Program Period from your participating Ford Dealer. Employee Pricing is not combinable with CPA, GPC, CFIP, Daily Rental Allowance and A/X/Z/D/F-Plan programs.¥Until September 30, 2016, receive $3,485 in Total Price Adjustments with the purchase or lease of a new 2017 Escape Titanium 4WD with 301A Technology Package plus Canadian Touring Package. Total Price Adjustment is a combination of Employee Price Adjustment of $3,485 and Delivery Allowance of $0. Employee Price Adjustment is not combinable with CPA, GPC, CFIP, Daily Rental Allowance and A/X/Z/D/F-Plan programs. Delivery Allowance is not combinable with any fleet consumer incentives. Until September 30, 2016, cash purchase a new 2017 Escape Titanium 4WD with 301A Technology Package plus Canadian Touring Packagefor $38,054 after Total Price Adjustment of $3,485 is deducted. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Total Price Adjustment has been deducted. Offer includes freight and air tax of $1,790 but excludes variable charges of license, fuel fill charge, insurance, dealer PDI (if applicable), registration, PPSA, administration fees and charges, any environmental charges or fees, and all applicable taxes. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.^Offer only valid from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before June 30, 2016. Receive $1,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new and available 2016/2017 Ford model (excluding Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, 50th Anniversary Edition Mustang, Shelby® GT350 Mustang, Shelby® GT350R Mustang, Ford GT, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2, F-150 Raptor and Medium Truck) (each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Limit one (1) offer per each Eligible Vehicle purchase or lease, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. Applicable taxes calculated before CAD$1,000 offer is deducted.® Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license.†Don’t drive while distracted. Even with SYNC, only use phones/other devices when safe.©2016 Sirius Canada Inc. “SiriusXM”, the SiriusXM logo, channel names and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc. and are used under licence.©2016 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

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Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40009178, return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Georgia Straight, 1635 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1W9

SEPTEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 5

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THRIVE MUSIC FEST & WELLNESS FAIR @ MALKIN BOWL THE POMPADOORS

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6 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS on temporary pathway options for the ARBUTUS GREENWAY

NEW

2017 CHEVROLET VOLT DRIVING ELECTRIC COSTS YOU LESS!

The Arbutus Greenway is a future north-south transportation corridor that will connect False Creek to the Fraser River. In the short term, the City of Vancouver is building a temporary pathway that everyone can enjoy. We’re looking at several different types of hard-surface materials, especially those that improve safety and accessibility.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Come to a public workshop to learn about the different options and share your thoughts: Saturday, September 17 1 - 3 pm (presentation at 1:10 pm)

False Creek Community Centre 1318 Cartwright Street

Wednesday, September 21 7 - 9 pm (presentation at 7:10 pm)

Coast Vancouver Airport Hotel 1041 Southwest Marine Drive

Thursday, September 22 7 - 9 pm (presentation at 7:10 pm)

Kerrisdale Community Centre 5851 West Boulevard

COST ANALYSIS NE W VOLT

VS.

C UR R E N T V E HIC L E

FINANCING COST:

$481/Month

FUEL SAVINGS*: HYDRO COST*:

($400) $50 ($350)

MONTHLY SAVINGS*:

* E ST I M AT E D

In this example your additional monthly cos t

Please note that space is limited. Visit vancouver.ca/arbutus-greenway to RSVP, and to sign-up for the Arbutus Greenway newsletter.

($ 4 8 1 pay ment les s fuel sav ings of $ 350) is only $ 13 1.00 per month!

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Ta xes and $5 4 9 Documentation Fee E xcluded . Volt Pay ment based on $0 Down , 2 .9 % A PR for 8 4 Months . Total amount paid is $ 4 0, 4 0 4 (subjec t to credit approval). Fuel sav ings shown as example only, ac tual sav ings may var y. O f fer ends Sept . 30 th , 20 16.

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WESBROOK VILLAGE FESTIVAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2016 FROM 11:00 AM TO 4:00 PM FREE BBQ t LIVE MUSIC t BOUNCY CASTLE t ROCK CLIMBING t BIERCRAFT BEER GARDEN CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT t KIDS SPLASH PAD t SIDEWALK SALE AND MUCH MORE!

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SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 7

SUNSET SATURDAYS 50% OFF LIFT TICKETS AFTER 5PM

MENTION ‘50 AFTER 5’ AT THE TICKET WINDOW TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT.

Only valid for tickets purchased at the ticket window from 4:45pm onwards every Saturday until September 10, 2016. Not valid on download tickets or tickets purchased online. Photo: David Buzzard

THE RED CROSS Canadian Red Cross / Croix-Rouge Canadienne

SOLD OUT

STANDBY LINE AVAILABLE ON THE NIGHT

www.redcross.ca

WAR STORIES THE PETER WALL INSTITUTE PRESENTS:

Thursday September 15 2016

War stories from Afghanistan, Iraq and other conflict zones told by foreign correspondents, combat veterans and scholars.

Award-winning Iraqi-Canadian photojournalist Farah Nosh and writer/photographer Ann Jones share images and stories of the impact of war on civilians. World-renowned geographer Derek Gregory will talk about changes

7:00 PM in the evacuation of war casualties from battle fields over the past century. Doors open 6:00 PM Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre 162 W. 1st Avenue, Vancouver Free event. Register at war-stories.eventbrite.com

8 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Contact! Unload, directed by George Belliveau, features Canadian veterans depicting what it means to transition home after overseas service. Moderated by Emmy Award winning journalist Peter Klein.

Following the presentations the performers will engage with the audience in a discussion about the different perspectives and approaches to sharing war stories, and the value of storytelling’s ability to chronicle, enlighten and heal.

CONTENTS pacific centre for reproductive medicine

pacificfer tility.ca

Doctors: Caitlin Dunne Jon Havelock Jeffrey Roberts Ken Seethram Tim Rowe Victor Chow Ken Poon

Richmond, B.C. Owen Brackman photo.

GREEN LIVING

Rodent infestations and tool thefts were just two of the hurdles that writer-photographer Michael Ableman had to overcome while turning DTES vacant lots into productive farm plots for locals. > BY LUCY L AU

IVF and Infertility

Reproductive Genetics

SPORTS

Fertility Preservation

Among a Straight staffer’s preparations for Whistler’s Mudderella race is a unique boot camp with arduous exercise circuits. > BY AMANDA SIEBERT

refer yourself today | referrals@pacificfertility.ca 604.422.7276

FOOD

The city’s expanded street-food program means there are more food-truck choices for local events like the Fringe Festival. > BY GAIL JOHNSON

ARTS

Accordion virtuoso Ksenija Sidorova brings new sophistication to the squeezebox, breaks the rules, and burns up the stage at the VRS. > BY ALE X ANDER VART Y

COVER

At the Vancouver Fringe Festival, nerd culture gets several loving sendups, playwrights bare deep ecological fears, and comedians dare fly beyond standup into solo theatre.

START HERE 14 18 47 46 42 46 47 10

Books The Bottle Confessions I Saw You Real Estate Savage Love Straight Stars Straight Talk

TIME OUT 31 Arts 40 Music

SERVICES

MOVIES

The Academy of Muses redefines research; scholars rediscover Hieronymus Bosch; The 9th Life of Louis Drax is one too many; all you need is love in Eight Days a Week.

43 Careers 16 Healthy Living 42 Real Estate

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SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 9

straight talk MEMORIAL WILL MARK SEX WORKERS’ OUSTER

F R E E A D MIS S I O N W I T H T HIS A D

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A Vancouver memorial will be unveiled on September 16 to honour sex workers expelled from the West End during the 1980s. Jamie Lee Hamilton initiated the project eight years ago; she says the commemorative work recognizing the lives of sex workers is the first of its kind in Canada. For Hamilton, the unveiling of the memorial on Jervis Street represents a homecoming of sorts. At one time in her life, Hamilton was part of the sex-trade community that flourished in the West End during the mid-1970s and mid-1980s. “There had been a complete erasure of this community ever being there in the West End,” Hamilton told the Straight by phone. The memorial is also a symbol of how far sex workers have succeeded in fighting for their rights and gaining acceptance in the wider community, she said. “I don’t think ever again can the sex trade ever just be swept under the carpet.” Hamilton has described the presence of the tight-knit community of West End sex workers as the “golden age” of prostitution in Vancouver. However, at the time, there was pushback from residents and municipal politicians. The group Concerned Residents of the West End worked for the removal of the sex workers, and city hall passed a bylaw fining sex workers. In 1984, a B.C. Supreme Court decision banned sex workers from the West End, pushing them east and into places like the Downtown Eastside, where women went missing in subsequent years. The memorial is part of the work by the West End Sex Work History Project, 1975-1985, which was cofounded by Hamilton and UBC sociology professor Becki Ross. Other than saying that it will have a Victorian look, Hamilton declined to provide further details of the memorial. But she provided a hint: “It will light up.” > CARLITO PABLO

VPD TAKES GREATER ROLE IN MENTAL-HEALTH CARE Two lesser-known provisions of the B.C. Mental Health Act are being used with increasing regularity,

Jamie Lee Hamilton sought to create a memorial for West End sex workers. underscoring the extent to which Vancouver continues to struggle with—and involve police in—care for people with a mental illness. The powers of the act are applied via what’s called a Form 4 and a Form 21. A Form 4 allows a physician to order a person detained involuntarily and a police officer to apprehend that individual for the purpose of bringing them to a care facility. The measure is largely proactive in nature. A hypothetical example of when a Form 4 might be used is when a person with schizophrenia expresses intent to harm themselves. A family member could alert that person’s physician, who could then complete a Form 4 to see police take them into custody and transport them to a hospital. A Form 21 works in a similar manner but is used when a person who has been committed to a care facility and then given leave fails to return by a scheduled deadline. During the first six months of 2016, Form 4s and Form 21s accounted for 859 Vancouver Police Department apprehensions, on track for a projected 1,718 by the end of the year. That compares to 679 such apprehensions during 2012, marking a projected 253-percent increase in just four years (the period for which the VPD provided statistics). There were 1,064 Form 4

and 21 apprehensions in 2013, 1,396 in 2014, and 1,663 in 2015. The data only cover cases involving the VPD, and many Form 4s are resolved without the involvement of law enforcement, meaning those statistics are smaller than the total numbers of forms that doctors issued. In a telephone interview, VPD spokesperson Const. Brian Montague placed the data in the context of what former police chief Jim Chu described as a “mentalhealth crisis”. Montague maintained that more Form 4 and Form 21 apprehensions shouldn’t be viewed in a negative light. He noted they usually originate within the care system and with the goal of connecting a person with the help that a doctor says they need. Doug King, a lawyer with Pivot Legal Society, called attention to the sharp climb evident in the numbers. “What has changed?” he asked. “It could point to more collaboration between the police and the health-care system.” King told the Straight that this sort of cooperation might have positive implications but also raises “serious concerns”. Areas where that is the case, he continued, include record-sharing and unintended implications of police having more access to data about people’s health. “Getting a tag or notation on your file that says you have a mental illness could be negative in terms of how police are going to treat you in the future,” King said. He also raised questions about which other agencies might have access to that information. Jonny Morris, director of public policy for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s B.C. division, said the statistics are further evidence of insufficient attention to preventive care. “Whenever you are talking about a mental-health apprehension— whether the police are involved or not—we are talking about a point in someone’s trajectory where they are at a crisis,” he explained. “What are the opportunities before you need to exercise legislative authority where the health system could have intervened?” > TRAVIS LUPICK

The Georgia Straight | Vancouver’s News and Entertainment Weekly | Volume 50 Number 2541 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

Join us for Vancouver’s leading education forum. TEDxWestVancouverED takes place on September 24, 2016. Tickets available now at tedxwestvancouvered.com Thank you to our Graduate Partners

10 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

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, Colin Thomas (Theatre), 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

Lyndsey Krezanoski

AD SERVICES ASSISTANT Jon Cranny DIRECTOR OF ARTS, ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Laura Moore SALES MANAGER Sharon Smith (On Leave) ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

Steve Barmash, Glenn Cohen, Lauren Ellis, Laura Findlay, 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

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 © 2016 Vancouver Free Press, Best Of Vancouver, BOV And Golden Plates Are Trade-Marks Of Vancouver Free Press Publishing Corp.

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We also carry bath, yoga, clothing & baby. Sole Food Street Farms cofounder Michael Ableman turned vacant DTES lots into farms that provide local produce and employ residents. Shari MacDonald photo.

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Downtown Eastside farms help entire city > BY L UC Y LA U

o be an ecoconscious Vancouverite in 2016 means eating local as often as possible. Whether it’s shopping at your neighbourhood farmers market or supporting farm-to-table restaurants, dining close to home not only reduces your carbon footprint— think of the thousands of kilometres sometimes required to ship a bunch of spinach to the supermarket—it also helps eliminate waste associated with food storage and refrigeration during transport, as well as the staggering amounts of packaging that come with the process. Salt Spring Island–based farmer, photographer, and author Michael Ableman was ahead of this “shop local” curve when, in 2009, he cofounded and established Sole Food Street Farms in what has long been considered Canada’s poorest postal code. By transforming vacant lots in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside into fertile farms that provide artisanal produce for its community and surrounding markets and restaurants, Sole Food has created employment opportunities for dozens of the ’hood’s at-risk residents while significantly improving the way in which the city views and sources its food. “In the process of trying to create a model that is truly agricultural, we’ve been able to address some broader ecological and economic issues as well,” Ableman tells the Straight by phone. In addition to reducing the pollution and packaging that are often byproducts of the delivery and distribution of produce, Sole Food helps to protect the city’s ecosystems by forgoing the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. And although the farms’ belief in organic practices is not something that Ableman publicizes, it’s a commitment that has benefited the Downtown Eastside greatly. “It’s less to do with what we’re not doing and more to do with what we are doing,” he says, “which is trying to create really dynamic soil health,

which makes plants healthy and our immune systems strong.” What Ableman and Sole Food cofounder Seann Dory have also done— and continue to do—is offer stability and hope for individuals living with mental illness or struggling with, or recovering from, addiction. Since Halloween of 2009—when approximately 100 volunteers arrived at the corner of Hawks Avenue and Hastings Street to clear the Astoria Hotel parking lot of empty beer bottles, used syringes, and other trash—Sole Food has evolved into a network of four thriving urban farms that harvest kale, strawberries, herbs, and everything in between. However, the formation and growth of Sole Food have not been without their challenges, as Ableman chronicles in his recently released book, Street Farm: Growing Food, Jobs, and Hope on the Urban Frontier. Interlaced with portraits of the residents turned farmers—and the uplifting ways in which they’ve been moved by their work—are recollections of obstacles within and out of Sole Food’s control, such as rodent infestations, the unpredictability of its workforce, and thousands of dollars lost in equipment theft. “I’ve often said I look forward to the day that the tomatoes and peppers are disappearing rather than the tools,” Ableman notes of the theft specifically, “because it says people are valuing the produce as much as they do the stuff.” Still, it’s not hard to see why Sole Food—and the courageous people it employs—continues to be a source of inspiration for the farmer and activist. In addition to shedding light on the ecofriendly impact of urban farming, Ableman hopes that Street Farm will encourage policymakers to reflect on the changes that such community spaces can facilitate. “My hope is that people will be inspired to realize that urban agriculture is possible in our cities,” he concludes, “that there are ways of helping individuals who have addictions and challenges that are maybe not within the toolbox that’s currently being used.” -

ECO FIND TIP-TOP POPS Sure, you could can your garden-fresh produce to preserve it for the off-season ahead—or you could cling desperately to the last days of summer by packing your fruits and veggies into as many homemade ice pops as humanly possible. If the latter option seems more up your alley, this paddle-style ice-pop mould ($45 at the tickletrunk.com/ ) by Onyx will make the process not only a cinch but extremely green. (Durable, high-quality stainless steel and reusable bamboo sticks are smart alternatives to nonbiodegradable, BPA-laden plastics.) Now to the hard part: will you opt for cucumber-lime, frozen strawberry, or—yes, this is a thing—spinach-kale-pineapple pops?

Visit the Tom Dixon Pop Up Shop Presented by Inform Interiors at IDS Vancouver

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Emily Henderson Sat Sept 24, 1pm Caesarstone Stage

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Use code IDSGS20116 f o r 2 f or 1 ticketts at ID DSwest..co om

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Online Trade Registration Now Open Thurs Sep pt 22 Openin ng Night Partt y

Fri Sept 23 Miele Trade Day

Sat Sept 24 Public Day

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SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 11

NEWS

Fall Events Co-presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement

LIBBY DAVIES Reflections on a Life in Politics FREE register online at sfuwoodwards.ca Wednesday, September 21 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

An Evening with Graphic Journalist

JOE SACCO TICKETS $13 at sfuwoodwards.ca Thursday, November 2 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Goldcorp Centre for the Arts | 149 W. Hastings St. | sfuwoodwards.ca

UBC prof Derek Gregory says that while modern military medical techniques save more lives, they increase the number of wounded survivors. UBC photo.

War Stories puts focus on survivors of conflict Canadians often think of those who died on military missions, but other victims must also be considered > B Y C HARLIE SMITH

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ancouver photographer Farah Nosh had a frontrow seat to history—and it wasn’t a pretty sight. As a freelancer working for major western media outlets in Baghdad from 2002 to 2003—and then going in and out of Iraq until 2010—she saw the horrors of war up close. In a phone interview with the Georgia Straight, Nosh said that some of the worst times followed the al-Askari mosque bombing in February 2006. Around that time, western journalists would stay hunkered in their bureaus, but Nosh, the Canadian-born daughter of Iraqi immigrants, still went out in Baghdad from time to time. “I would all of the sudden see a dead body on the street,” she recalled. “The security situation was so bad—why was the kebab guy killed? Who knows? Body parts were being delivered on platters to different neighbourhoods.” According to her, the prevailing sentiment among Iraqis was that other countries welcomed their civil war and their suffering. That’s because it was widely perceived that their crisis benefited everybody else. Nosh said she felt a responsibility to share the civilians’ experiences with those in other countries who’d never had the misfortune of living through war. But she admitted it was hard to remain objective, given that she had family members living in Baghdad. “You can’t undo the experience of witnessing,” Nosh said. “It really sticks with you.” Nosh will have another chance to spread understanding of what war is like for civilians next Thursday (September 15) as part of a multimedia project called War Stories. Presented by UBC’s Peter Wall Institute of Advanced Studies, it will showcase the work of Nosh and U.S. author-photographer Ann Jones, whose most recent book was They Were Soldiers: How the Wounded Return From America’s Wars—The Untold Story. There will also be a play, Contact! Unload, directed by Wall scholar and UBC education professor George Belliveau and moderated by another Wall scholar, UBC journalism professor Peter Klein. It will feature an interactive presentation by Canadian veterans showing what it’s like for soldiers coming home after serving in combat overseas Wall scholar and UBC geographer Derek Gregory will offer historical context by discussing dramatic changes over the past century in the evacuation of casualties from battlefields. “I want to guard against this lazy politics in which the left cares about their civilians and the right cares

about our soldiers,” Gregory told the Straight by phone. “It seems to me that that’s the wrong way of thinking about this. Obviously, I care passionately about civilian deaths and injuries, but it’s also the case that soldiers—these young men and women—are not just vectors of violence. They are also the victims of it.” To reinforce the impact of war, the event will also feature Vancouver artist Foster Eastman’s Lest We Forget Canada! mural commemorating the 162 Canadian lives lost in Afghanistan. But Gregory said it’s also vitally important to remember the survivors of war, both civilian and military. Traditionally, Canadians have mourned those who died in wars through poems like “In Flanders Fields” and Remembrance Day ceremonies. Gregory pointed out that due to great advances in military medicine in recent wars, more soldiers and civilians are surviving wounds that would have killed them in the past. Part of the reason is superior battlefield evacuation procedures, which result in the wounded often receiving care within five minutes of suffering injuries. “So while it’s true that the number of deaths may have gone down— though even that is a lot more complicated these last few years—the fact is that the number of wounded has shot up,” he said. “Many, many more of them are civilians.” For example, Gregory said, it could take weeks during the First World War to get a wounded soldier to a casualty-clearing hospital. That’s because troop and munitions trains going toward the front took precedence over sending ambulance trains in the opposite direction. He explained that helicopters were used extensively in the Korean and Vietnam wars to move casualties, which was a big improvement. More recently, the British put surgical teams on helicopters in Afghanistan, offering more immediate medical care to those in distress. “My major concern is that the larger public doesn’t lose sight of the wounded,” Gregory emphasized. “The great military historian John Keegan says somewhere in a book called The Face of Battle that as soon as a soldier is wounded, he disappears from view. And I think that’s exactly right. “The focus on the wounded is, I think, novel and important,” he added. “That’s what War Stories is trying to get at.” War Stories takes place at 7 p.m. n ex t T h u rs d a y ( S e p t e m b e r 1 5 ) at the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre (162 West 1st Avenue). For more information, visit www.pwias.ubc.ca/.

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> BY C HA RL IE SM I TH

vancouver

eptember 8, 1972, will go down in history as one of the most memorable nights in Vancouver hockey history. The Soviet national team was in town to play Team Canada in Game 4 of the eight-game Summit Series. And when the Soviets scored two power-play goals after penalties by Bill Goldsworthy, the mood turned grim in the Pacific Coliseum. Vancouver fans booed repeatedly as the Soviets outclassed the greatest players in the National Hockey League. Boos continued after Team Canada lost 5-3, prompting a passionate outburst from Team Canada centre and co-captain Phil Esposito. In a postgame interview he declared that players were trying their best and were disheartened by the fans’ behaviour. “We cannot believe the bad press we’ve got, the booing we’ve gotten in our own buildings,” Esposito said. Team Canada went on to win three out of four games in Moscow. But the Vancouver fans’ catcalls have never been forgotten by Esposito. In a phone interview with the Georgia Straight from Tampa, Florida, he claimed that the booing “absolutely destroyed” Goldsworthy, who died in 1996. “I remember that very vividly, because I saw his face and I saw how it broke him—it absolutely broke him,” Esposito recalled. “And Billy never recovered.” Esposito also said that he didn’t agree with the name Team Canada. That’s because World Hockey Association players—such as Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, Gerry Cheevers, and Dave Keon—weren’t permitted to play. But he said that even with more stars, the team would have lost the first game in Montreal because they were ill-prepared to play the Soviets.

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Artist Daniel Parry’s The Speech depicted Phil Esposito’s TV rant.

Some Team Canada players, including Esposito, will be in Vancouver on Thursday (September 8) to mark the 44th anniversary of that infamous Summit Series game. In what’s billed as an evening with “Canada’s team of the century”, players will swap stories and answer questions at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. (For more information, visit www.72summitseriestour.ca/.) Harry Sinden, then Team Canada head coach, will attend. From Boston, he told the Straight by phone that Esposito’s postgame speech in Vancouver rallied the players. “It was very sincere,” he said. “He tried to say that ‘We’re trying, we’re doing the best we can right now. Give us a chance.’ ” Sinden pointed out that Canadian players weren’t underestimating their Soviet counterparts—unlike Canadian fans—by the time the teams squared off in Vancouver. “And here we are, losing this game to them, and everybody expected us to win by a large margin,” Sinden said. “By this time, after the three games, we knew we were up against a good team. I don’t think the Canadian fans wanted to come to that conclusion.” -

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Training with grit for Mudderella Whistler > BY A MA NDA SIEB E R T

and other exercises that require pulling, pushing, or carrying. “That’s where those body-weight exercises come in.” Body-weight exercises are Lerner’s jam. He does supplement with medicine balls, weights, and battle ropes, but 80 percent of the exercises in his classes use one’s own body weight as resistance. Lerner dedicates each class to a separate part of the body, and on the morning I show up, it happens to be ab day. On a whiteboard, he has detailed four different circuits containing two exercises each. V-ups, side-toside planks, Russian twists with a medicine ball, and corkscrew squats are just a few that make my core burn before we even get started. Lerner demonstrates the techniques, and then it’s go time. We’re instructed to do each of the four two-exercise circuits a total of three times, dedicating 45 seconds to each exercise and resting only to move from one exercise to the next. Loud, up-tempo music blasts out of a boom box in the corner as we push through long lunges with open side twists, jumping jacks, and planks. Halfway through the first circuit, I’m drenched in sweat. Lerner stands over me as I’m doing v-ups—a crunch-type exercise that starts with lying flat with arms overhead and ends with your legs and arms off the ground in a V shape—and yells, “Mudderella, Mudderella, Mudderella!” It works. I rapidly up my pace as he counts down to the end of the exercise. We wrap up circuits and peel ourselves off the floor before Lerner leads us through a nice stretch. The 45-minute class is short but powerful. After the class, I ask Lerner if he has any advice for those who might be struggling with the mental aspect of a race like Mudderella. “Remember that you started it with the intention of finishing it,” he says. “You’re not being timed. If someone around you is having a rough time, stay and help them out.” -

n September 24, fellow Straight writer Kate Wilson and I will be cramming into my tiny Toyota for the drive up to Whistler, where we’ll be taking part in the women’s adventure race known as Mudderella. We’ll be tested by roughly 10 kilometres of muddy trail and 12 obstacles that will involve shimmying through trenches, trudging through deep, muddy pits, and climbing over threemetre walls, among other things. Are we excited? Absolutely. But are we physically ready? In an effort to get myself on track, I looked to a trainer whose workouts kicked my ass into incredible shape back in the spring of 2012. “The first step is getting your stamina up,” says Fit Body Boot Camp owner and instructor Jonathan Lerner. “If you can’t survive the length of the run, you’re going to be gassed out before you even get to the obstacles.” Lerner, a certified personal trainer with a UBC kinesiology degree, has trained everyone from stay-athome moms and weekend warriors to high-performance Olympic athletes. In 2009, he opened up Fit Body Boot Camp in Marpole, where he runs high-intensity interval-training programs for people of all ages and abilities. Unlike other, more military, boot camps, Lerner encourages his clients by creating an energetic atmosphere while still reminding them to keep their goals in mind. Having trained a team of his clients for Tough Mudder in the past, Lerner knows a thing or two about what it takes to get the body in the best shape for the intensity of a serious adventure race. His preferred method? Short but effective workouts. “High-intensity interval drills are what will shoot your fitness through the roof. What they do is teach your body how to recover,” he says. Although having good cardio and stamina for the long run is an important aspect of the race, Lerner says it’s not the most important: strength training is vital to Mudderella Whistler takes place in conquering pull-ups, rope climbs, Whistler on September 24.

RICE GETS IN PHASE

> BY CHARLIE SMITH

U.S. freestyle snowboarder extraordinaire Travis Rice is as famous for his daredevil movies, such as The Art of Flight, as he is for his multitude of awards. Rice’s death-defying stunts have included a 36-metre jump over Utah’s Chad’s Gap, which helped cement his reputation as the Paul Revere of backcountry, big-mountain freestyling. Four years ago, Rice teamed up with Red Bull to launch the Supernatural freestyling event at B.C.’s Baldface Lodge. And this Saturday (September 10) at 7 p.m., Red Bull is presenting the Canadian premiere of Rice’s latest film, The Fourth Phase, at the Centre in Vancouver (777 Hornby Street). There’s a local connection to the film: Vancouver-based photographer Scott Serfas is the principal photographer on The Fourth Phase, just as he was on The Art of Flight. Tickets are available at www.redbull.ca/thefourthphase/. -

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FOOD

Street food festival offers a world of eats

lthough Sarah Fenton cringes at the entering the industry a chance to test the waters word foodie, she says there’s no deny- and is typically more affordable than leasing or ing she and her partner, Michael buying and renovating a building space. Paul, are food lovers. While living in Then there is their appeal to food lovers: you’ve Squamish, the two toyed with the idea of open- got your pick of items ranging from lumpia ing a restaurant, but with zero experience in spring rolls (Fliptop Filipino Fusion) and lingcod the field, that seemed like a daunting prospect. tacos (Feastro) to tom ka chicken soup (Super Instead, after Paul travelled to Naples to learn Thai) and currywurst (Yummy Foodies), all how to make authentic Neapolitan from the quick meals at reasonable prices. With Vancoumasters at the True Neapolitan Pizza Association ver being a city of people who love to dine out, (Associazione Verace Pizza many of whom come from Napoletana)—the governing countries where street food body of the country’s famous is far more commonplace, staple—the two moved to it’s no wonder the trend only Gail Johnson Vancouver, teamed up with continues to pick up speed. partner Daisuke Nakai, bought a 1996 GrumThe City of Vancouver expanded its streetman van, outfitted it with a kitchen that food program in 2010 to offer more nutritious includes a wood-fi re pizza oven, and then and ethnically diverse food. That first year, it returned the key on the bright-red Community ceived more than 800 applications for 17 spaces. Pizzeria food truck. What started as a small pilot program has been That was four years ago. Although run- growing steadily ever since. In 2011, there were ning a mobile eatery that involves rolling out 91 food carts on city streets; the next year, there dough for anywhere from 100 to 400 marghe- were 116. This year alone, the city issued 97 rita, calabrese, and prosciutto-and-arugula stationary-food-vendor permits in addition to pizzas a day and making sauces from scratch 45 permits for “roaming food vending”; these has proven to be labour-intensive, Fenton encompass all other food-related trucks, trailsays it has been a fun ride. ers, and carts. “It’s a shocking amount of work,” says Fenton, Vancouver ranked third on a list of the top who notes that the oven gets fired up about an five food-truck cities in North America by the hour before service so that the birch-, maple-, or TV channel Travel and Escape, behind Portland alder-fuelled unit reaches the 900 ° F required to and Austin but beating New York and Toronto. cook pizza in 90 seconds. “The amount of labour Community Pizzeria is one of several trucks is incredible…but it’s a labour of love. that will be serving up fare at this year’s Fringe “Because you’re travelling everywhere all Festival, running from Thursday (September the time, you get to be a part of cool events and 8) to September 18. Feast at the Fringe will festivals,” she adds. “We love food, and we love feature one truck per night, plus more on being a part of a community. That is a big thing Fridays and Saturdays, including Aussie Pie for us; we’re getting to know a ton of people, Guy, Super Thai, Kaboom Box, Varinicey (proand it’s a really great community.” nounced “very nicey”) Pakoras, Old Country For the operators, there are a lot of advan- Pierogi, and Melt City Grilled Cheese. tages to starting a food truck compared to a Many of those trucks, including Communbricks-and-mortar restaurant, as Fenton and ity Pizzeria, will also be participating in the Paul have found. It gives those considering inaugural Vancouver Street Food Festival on

Best Eats

THINGS TO DO

While Community Pizzeria food truck cofounder Sarah Fenton finds it labour-intensive making wood-fired pizzas from scratch, she loves travelling to events like the Vancouver Street Food Festival.

September 11. Presented by the Streetfood Vancouver Society and Memory Laine Events Inc., the daylong family-friendly event is intended to cap off the summer by showcasing the best of Vancouver’s street food. Among the 30 participating trucks are Roaming Dragon, Vij’s Railway Express, Tacofino, the Reef Runner, Slavic Rolls, Taste of Malaysia, C’est Si Bon, This Little Piggy, Dim Sum Express, Big Red’s Poutine, and the Bannock Wagon. Surrey’s Big Voodoo band will be

playing live, and there will be kids’ activities like face-painting. “It’s kind of the last food-truck hurrah of the summer,” says Fenton, who is a board member of the Streetfood Vancouver Society. “It’s going to be a good one.” The Vancouver Street Food Festival takes place on September 11 at the Concord Pacific parking lot (88 Pacific Boulevard) from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

FOOD High five

Meal ticket GALA DINNER The B.C. chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier will be hosting its annual gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 West Georgia Street) on September 23 at 6:30 p.m. The women’s culinary society will honour renowned New York restaurateur Lidia Bastianich at this year’s fundraiser, which will benefit the Les Dames scholarship fund and other outreach programs such as Project CHEF and Growing Chefs. Attendees can expect a night of Italian food and drink including a Champagne reception, a multicourse longtable dinner with wine pairings, and an after-lounge party. Culinary creations range from grilled sea scallops with cauliflower salad to mixed-mushroom carnaroli risotto to chocolate almond torte with poached pears, pecan wafers, and blackberry ice cream. Tickets ($325 per person) can be purchased online at www.lesdames.ca/. -

Five places to find fresh omakase (chef’s selection) in Metro Vancouver

MASAYOSHI (4376 Fraser Street) Indulge in its popular nigiri sushi omakase or its reservation-only original-creation omakase in an intimate setting.

SUSHI BAR MAUMI (1226 Bute Street) A traditional Japanese sushi restaurant that serves its sushi piece by piece for an authentic experience.

OCTOPUS’ GARDEN (1995 Cornwall Avenue) Your selected meal can range from its renowned uni (sea urchin) shooter to fatty bluefin toro nigiri.

SUSHI BY YUJI (2252 Kingsway, Burnaby) An off-the-menu omakase that serves high-quality fish where you get a bang for your buck.

TOJO’S RESTAURANT (1133 West Broadway) A high-end Japanese eatery that offers unique omakase dishes based on your personal preferences.

Cocktail of the week

PEACH THYME BELLINI September may call forth wilted leaves and pumpkin-spice lattes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least try to hang on to summer by mixing up the unofficial drink of afternoon patio sessions and girls’ nights outs everywhere. Think one part peach purée—we recommend crafting your own from your still-fresh Summerland stash—three parts Ruffino prosecco, and a hint of bitters, all tied together by a sprig of thyme. Find the full recipe at Straight.com. -

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Sips to pair with seafood

t a trade lunch at Chambar in downtown Vancouver recently, I was tasting some of the wines from Marlborough, New Zealand’s Brancott Estate with Jim Robertson, the estate’s global ambassador. Upon tasting their 2015 Sauvignon Blanc ($15.99, B.C. Liquor Stores), Robertson said something that has stuck in my head ever since. “If it swims in the ocean, clings to a rock, or buries itself in the sand, then this wine should be a perfect match!” When I tasted the wine—with its aromatics of salty sea breeze and citrus, followed by flavours that included gooseberry, passion fruit, pomelo, and maybe a glint of jalapeño—I was automatically pickin’ up what he was layin’ down. Some ceviche, oysters, abalone, or crab would absolutely be a treat with this bottle on the table. In saying that, let’s look at a small handful of wines that would also fit the bill with those marinecentric critters.

Brancott Estate 2015 Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal match for oceanic cuisine. TOM GORE 2014 CHARDONNAY

(California, $25 to $30, private liquor stores) Hey, I love a lively, flinty unoaked Chardonnay as much as the next guy, but sometimes you want some oak (65 percent, in this case) to cradle all of that wonderful fruit. The DAMES 2015 WHITE (Okanagan fruit here is both orchard and stone Valley, B.C.; $25 fruit; apples and to $30, private pears off the bat liquor stores or give way to peachwww.dameswine. es and apricots, Kurtis Kolt com/) Recently, with maybe a lift of the Straight reported on this British lemon zest on the finish. What the oak Columbian wine’s charitable efforts: brings is a pretty toffee note, and then proceeds go to the local chapter of some warm and toasty baking spices Les Dames d’Escoffier, an inter- like cardamom and nutmeg. A butnational philanthropic society whose tery, creamy seafood pasta would hit mandate is “to promote the under- the spot. standing, appreciation, and knowledge of food, wine, hospitality, nutri- CLOS DU SOLEIL 2014 ESTATE tion, food technology, and the arts of RESERVE WHITE (Similkameen the table and to support the education Valley, B.C.; $59.90, www.closdusoleil. and advancement of women in relat- ca/) Nope, that’s not a typo. This ed careers”. A blend of 80 percent Pi- wine is pretty much 60 bucks and not Blanc, 10 percent Riesling, and 10 it’s from British Columbia, but it’s percent Gewürztraminer, the wine is an incredible, incredible wine. Also, crisp and floral, and carries plenty of it’s a rarity: the Similkameen Valcitrus and apple notes. When you’re ley–based winery only produced two grabbing sushi on the go, this is a barrels of the stuff. A nod to a classic white Bordeaux, Clos du Soleil’s 2014 wine you should be reaching for.

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nagan Valley, B.C.; $35 to $40, private liquor stores) I’ve shared many glowing accolades for the Pinot Noirs that winemaker Chris Carson makes at his regular gig, as the winemaker at Meyer Family Vineyards in Okanagan Falls. This Pinot Noir is a little different, an eponymous outing made from fruit grown on the Naramata Bench. The guy’s charismatic, graceful take on the grape is evident. Plenty of floral and forest floor notes on the nose lead to a palate awash with mulberries, raspberries, and plums, and there’s a distinct minerality happening, too. Definitely a wine where further sips bring more character; a second layer of wild mushroom and truffle becomes apparent as you get further into the glass. If you’re grilling salmon or halibut, this wine will totally shine. -

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istic director, Leila Getz, is renowned for tirelessly ferreting out the best and brightest new talents on the international classical-music scene. Few burn as brightly as Ksenija Sidorova, however, or on such an unlikely instrument: the accordion. Admittedly, the once-reviled squeezebox does not need the glamorous Latvian to bring it back to the concert stage. One of her idols, the Argentine bandoneon virtuoso and tango composer Astor Piazzolla, made a strong case for its relevance during the 1970s and ’80s; more recently, it has also been seen in the hands of retro-fi xated hipsters worldwide. But Sidorova is a special case. Not only is she an exceptional performer, she’s got a good ear for contemporary composition; is perfectly comfortable under the lights of a professional photo shoot; has shared the stage with the likes of Bryn Terfel, CeeLo Green, and Sting; and has recently signed a record deal with the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon record label. If a Vanity Fair cover isn’t already in the works, someone in Graydon Carter’s office is letting him down. Getz, though, was well-served by violinist and VRS favourite Aleksey Igudesman, who suggested that the promoter give Sidorova a chance. “He said, ‘Are you interested in unusual instruments?’ and I said, ‘Absolutely,’ ” Getz recalls. “And then he said, ‘Well, then, I’ve got a musician for you. Her name is Ksenija Sidorova.’ So after the concert that night I went home and I Googled her, and I watched her on YouTube in various iterations, and I was completely taken with her.” So far, everyone’s first impression has been similarly positive. Sidorova’s introduction to her instrument, in contrast, was a down-home, humble, and mildly contentious affair. “I grew up in an environment which wasn’t musical at all,” the Riga-born, U.K.–based performer tells the Straight, in a telephone interview from her London home. “None of my family

Putting the squeeze on

Latvian Ksenija Sidorova, who comes to the Vancouver Recital Society, loves Astor Piazzolla and thinks she might have been born in the wrong country.

squeezebox standing in

vous dirai-je, Maman” to Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s

Accordion virtuoso Ksenija Sidorova comes from a cold Baltic for the more conven- Barcarolle to a selection of new pieces for accortional soprano. dion by Russian composers. country, but she’s putting new fire into an old instrument members have done music professionally. They were interested—my dad plays the guitar and some family members play the piano—but nobody did it for a living.” So no one saw it coming when Sidorova discovered a surprising affinity for the accordion while spending a summer holiday with her Russian grandparents. “My parents were not really impressed when they saw me pick it up,” she says, pointing out that her first accordion was a “half-broken” example that her grandmother had found in a neighbour’s attic. “It’s not a very girly instrument, and I was age six or something, so they were questioning whether or not to go with it. But then, later on, I found a wonderful teacher who introduced me to all the possibilities that the accordion can have in terms of repertoire—who actually just introduced me to music in a very exciting way.” The result, she adds, is that she has little regard for playing by the rules. That Deutsche Grammophon debut, for instance, is a fiery interpretation of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, with Sidorova’s

THINGS TO DO

“The most tricky part And then there’s Alfred Schnittke’s Revis Fairywas the arranging,” she says. “The rest came very tale, which Sidorova likes to save for last—somenaturally. I found my temperament very similar times against the wishes of her presenters. to Carmen’s. Hopefully not my fate! “For me, it was one of my dreams to be able to “I might have been born in the wrong play this piece, since childhood,” she says. country,” she adds. “I was born in a very “But for a promoter, it’s always a great cold Baltic country, yet I definitely feel challenge. When I put Schnittke’s Check out… that I have a lot of fire inside me. I STRAIGHT.COM name at the end of the program, they have a sentimental side to my charsay, ‘Please, no, because you can’t Visit our website acter as well, and the music of Astor leave our audience hanging like that.’ for morning-after Piazzolla definitely brings that out. But they have no idea what the piece reviews and local arts news It’s the melancholy together with the is about—usually Schnittke is quite joy; it all crosses paths in his music, in heavy music, but this is full of sarcasm, almost every piece of his.” full of quotations from Haydn, Mozart, Vancouver listeners will get to hear Sidorova Tchaikovsky. It’s a real showcase for what the acplay Piazzolla, and perhaps some jazz, thanks cordion can offer in terms of sound and colour.” to a groundbreaking collaboration between the Is it also a good way of setting an audience up VRS and the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society; the for a tango encore? two organizations are teaming up to present “Oh, hopefully,” Sidorova says, laughing. “Why her at Frankie’s Jazz Club the day after her local not? We’ll see how that goes.” debut. Before that, though, her Vancouver Playhouse appearance will concentrate on classical Ksenija Sidorova plays the Vancouver Playhouse repertoire, from an arrangement of Wolfgang on September 18, and Frankie’s Jazz Club on Amadeus Mozart’s Twelve Variations on “Ah, September 19.

ARTS

Editor’s choice ART EXPLOSION Two evenings and dozens of art shows, screenings, and other indie events: Swarm, the annual celebration of artistrun culture, brings Mount Pleasant and the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown to life this year. Expect the weird and wonderful, including Sarah Davidson’s solo show the scrap collector, at Gam Gallery, with its fascinating ripped forms and fragments floating in frames (seen here); and Joseph Staples’s mesmerizing video loops inspired by the Japanese anime Kotonoha no Niwa and the retro-dream-pop phenomenon Lana Del Rey (both opening Friday night [September 9]). There is much, much more to spellbind, confound, and provoke you; map out your journey at www.paarc.ca/swarm17/. The Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres presents Swarm 17 in and around Mount Pleasant on Thursday (September 8) and in Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside on Friday (September 9).

High five

Five events you just can’t miss this week

T.J. MILLER (At the Vogue Theatre on September 7) The goofball steals all the scenes in his movies, so his standup should rock.

ROMEO AND JULIET (At Vanier Park until September 23) Don’t forget your Kleenex: it’s been bringing crowds to tears all summer long.

SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE OPEN HOUSE (At the Dance Centre on September 10) You won’t believe what goes on in this place.

STAR TREK FAMILY WEEKEND (At the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on September 10 and 11) Beam me up, Scotty!

BUG (At the Annex from September 14 to 18) Black comedy, sex, drugs, and paranoia: Tracy Letts’s plays are always luridly entertaining.

Guest pick

GIVE IT UP Our guest choice this week comes from local standup comedian Katie-Ellen Humphries. Here’s why she’s choosing Give It Up, Morgan Brayton’s solo show at the Vancouver Fringe Festival: “Morgan is a comedic force. She has that rare ability to make you scream-laugh while she sneaks up on you with thoughtfulness and feeling. Her newest show blends personal storytelling with her unparalleled character work and is not to be missed.” Give It Up is at the Cultch’s Historic Theatre on September 8, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 18 as part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival.

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Mercedes Amaya brings Templanza to the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival—a piece that fetes the art form’s Romany roots. Mariana Yazbek photo.

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ome people just have the soul of flamenco—the fiery force Spaniards know as el duende—running in their blood. That is clearly the case with Mercedes “La Winy” Amaya, a Mexican dance star who hails from a lineage as close to f lamenco royalty as there is. Her aunt was the legendary Romany flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya, one of the art form’s greatest talents in the first half of the 20th century—a woman who learned her craft as a girl from her gitano parents in Spain and who rose from extreme poverty to celebrity everywhere from Barcelona to Buenos Aires. Mercedes’s father was flamenco singer Luis “Chiquito de Triana” Algaba, and her mother, Antonia Amaya (sister to Carmen), danced as well, both coming to the Americas from Spain to find their fortune. When asked if she thinks f lamenco is somehow in her genes, Amaya answers, “I believe it is, yes!” over the phone from her home in Mexico City. Flamenco Rosario’s namesake, Rosario Ancer, also a veteran dancer from Mexico, is translating over the line before Mercedes Amaya Company makes its first trip here to the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. “Since I was a baby in a crib, my father was singing and my mother was dancing. For me, it was so natural. I thought it was nothing special, but now I realize how important this was in my life and how significant it was to grow up with such talent and such a well-known family in the world of f lamenco. “Filling the shoes of my aunt is a big task,” she adds, speaking of the icon who died just before she was born, “but that’s the only thing I can do. I lived through my mother’s memories of my aunt—she performed with her—and the only

thing I can say about that tradition is I am so thankful for it.” Not surprisingly, the piece that Amaya will bring to Vancouver, called Templanza, celebrates f lamenco’s Gypsy roots and traces its history through dance. What separates the so-called gitano style of f lamenco that Amaya specializes in from the contemporary form? It turns out, like so much in the art form, to be something intangible. “I feel I bring a very personal approach to dancing and I prefer not to tell people what is different about it [her style],” she says. “I can only say I prefer sentiment and heart more than technique. Heart and sentiment are what moves me. “What I see so much right now in f lamenco is lots of technique—it’s more about the physical thing of showing ‘how good I am’.” It’s telling, then, that she’s chosen the title Templanza: it’s a Spanish word that encompasses control, restraint, moderation, subtlety, and staying grounded. She says that’s the exact mood she’s trying to bring here with fellow dancer Nacho Blanco: “It’s knowing when you have to tone down and talk to the audience with your gestures.” Most of all, Amaya feels compelled to remind people of the roots of flamenco—roots that run so deep in her own family tree. At the same time, she is helping the Amaya name continue on the flamenco stage, not just in her touring around the world, but in her own offspring: her daughter is a dancer, and her son is a guitarist. It must be in their blood. Templanza runs at the Vancouver Playhouse as part of the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival on September 16 and 17, with ¡ ARTE! Flamenco opening on the first night, and Flamenco Rosario opening on the second.

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Fringe playwrights wade boldly into eco crisis > BY JA NET SM I TH

PH OTO : N A D E EM P H I LL I P IN MY OCEAN

ow do you capture, in a single play, the overwhelming environmental crisis that looms over us? How do you tackle a subject so daunting, and how do you avoid sounding preachy or panic-stricken? More and more playwrights are taking the subject on, as the diverse range of eco-themed works at the Vancouver Fringe Festival is about to prove. Whether they’re using comic absurdity (Wild/Society), strippeddown monologue (My Ocean), Brechtian ukulele musical (Waiting for Garbo), site-specific shorts (Generation Hot), or even funky shadow puppets (Space Hippo), they’re showing that art can work through the incomprehensible. For playwright Sasha Singer-Wilson, the way through took the form of the voice of a 12-year-old boy. In her new solo script My Ocean, Nadeem Phillip plays Lenny, a kid whose story of a broken home melts into a presentation on our broken seas. “I’m a quiet activist. I kind of don’t know where to take it. I’ll read

something and I’m really shaken by it and then it’s ‘What next?’” the playwright tells the Straight over the phone from her Vancouver home. “It feels so big, so where do we even start? And the exploration of this story felt like a place to start. “Every time I went back to write, I thought about the lone cry of a voice,” she continues. “Perhaps that’s my experience: there’s such a solitude to how we confront the destruction of our earth. I feel deep despair about it and little Lenny might be that little voice inside.” It’s the first time the stage artist has brought her ecological concerns into her writing, and the Toronto native, who’s written for the acclaimed Soulpepper Theatre, theorizes that this might have something to do with moving to the West Coast. “I really feel it being in this city—it is so powerful to live by the ocean,” she explains. “It’s easier to turn away when it’s not on your own doorstep. So the play is inspired by living by the ocean, but also wanting to show how it feels to live away from the ocean—as Lenny does. How can we feel connected to it when it’s not on our doorstep?”

In the moving yet funny solo, the young environmentalist is ready to make a Speakers League presentation on sea turtles. But the story of his past starts to derail his big speech. “What happens over the course of the play is like a microcosm—really reckoning with destruction and how we can find reconciliation and hope in the face of destruction,” Singer-Wilson says. LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT Mika Lau-

lainen has taken a completely different approach to broaching the bleak subject. Her double bill Wild/ Society is as absurdist and silly as the Fringe gets. In Wild, a city rabbit and a country raccoon meet for tea in an upscale townhouse during an urban real-estate crisis, while in Society, Laulainen and fellow actor Melissa Oei dress up as rich, capitalist penguins who are partying while the icebergs melt around them. “A lot of people feel that ‘I’m just one person and I can’t do anything’ [about the environmental crisis],” Laulainen begins to explain to the Straight over the phone from the show’s stop at the Victoria Fringe Festival. “With people in my generation, and my parents’

generation, there’s a sense of apathy.” That apathy has driven her to take the play’s action into the land of the bizarre and surreal. In Wild, Oei sports bunny ears, whiskers, a big petticoat, and a pom-pom tail; Laulainen wears a big fur coat as the raccoon; and the action takes place on a green shag carpet that stands in for grass. In Society, they don orange flippers and bow ties with their tuxedos, their penguin “one-percenters” downing vodka and snorting cocaine while sitting in a kiddie pool. “Why we’re using animals instead of humans is it comes from a place of satire and it’s getting the message through without clunking people on the head,” Laulainen says, adding she’s inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s device of, as the legendary playwright put it, “making the familiar strange”. “It basically states that if you change your characters or protagonists to something just a little bit off, people actually connect in a stronger way. That way you can go, ‘I totally get what Raccoon is saying.’ You don’t feel like you’re getting cornered or attacked. “Everyone knows comedy allows people to not feel so sensitive about

issues that really they are responsible for taking on,” adds the avid bicycle commuter, recycler, and composter. As she’s taken the show around the country’s Fringe circuit, Laulainen has heard a lot of people say Wild/Society feels like a very Vancouver show, with its ecological themes and references to the housing crisis. And she’s also noticed a wave of other shows tackling environmental concerns in fresh ways. “I do think it’s something that’s becoming more apparently talked about,” she says. “I feel like, ‘Wow—there is a cry happening, a call to action,’ ” agrees My Ocean’s Singer-Wilson. “We’re opening up a dialogue and giving an opportunity to dive in differently than when we read a newspaper or watch a documentary. “What can happen when we gather in a space together where we open up a dialogue? There are no easy answers. My hope is this is just the start of a conversation.” My Ocean is at Studio 16 and Wild/ Society is at the Revue Stage for the Vancouver Fringe Festival from Thursday (September 8) to September 18.

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 21

Every show at the Fringe Festival is selected by either a lottery or on a first come, first served basis. Here’s just a sampling of what you can expect at this year’s Festival. For a full list of dates and times, pick up a program guide at Blenz Coffee locations or at vancouverfringe.com! Tickets for these, and all shows in the Festival, are available at vancouverfringe.com.

6 8 - 18

THE CULTCH

DYING CITY

Aenigma Theatre Coquitlam, Canada Playwright: Christopher Shinn

Aenigma Theatre returns to the Fringe for the third time, following The Zoo Story and Blackbird! A young therapist is confronted by her late husband’s identical twin brother a year after his death. With two actors playing three characters, the play alternates between the present and past, revealing some unsettling truths in their intense interaction. “Dying City is the finest new American play I’ve seen in a long while … a political play and also a psychodrama” —New York Observer “Dying City raises obvious, important issues in anything but obvious ways.” —The New York Times Intense / Intimate / 100 minutes / 14+ / Coarse Language

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Thursday Saturday

September 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 15 September 17

9:40 PM 5:15 PM 12:30 PM 8:45 PM 9:30 PM 7:00 PM

THE CULTCH

AND BELLA SANG WITH US

NEON

And Bella Collective Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Sally Stubbs sallystubbswriter.com

ODE. Movements Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Mayumi Yoshida odemovements.com

An action packed drama with heart, humour, live music, and song inspired by Vancouver’s first women police officers. It’s 1912. Can the two Constables save a young woman from a life on the streets? Will they find their way in a police department and city driven by men? Will running after criminals while wearing floor-length skirts ever get easier? Directed by Sarah Rodgers with Ian Harmon. Performers: Leanna Brodie, Matt Grinke, Sarah May Redmond, Sarah Roa, Sarah Louise Turner, Simon Webb.

Funny / Poetic / Intimate / 90 minutes / 14+

Friday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Friday Saturday

FIREHALL

September 9 September 10 September 11 September 14 September 16 September 17

7:25 PM 10:00 PM 2:55 PM 7:00 PM 5:15 PM 2:45 PM

I know someone who has never been the main character of their life. She believed in other people’s happiness, but not hers.

SINK OR SWIM HappyGoodThings Productions North Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Beverley Elliott beverleyelliott.com

Walking Shadow Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Daniel K. McLeod

Funny / Musical / Family Friendly / 90 minutes / All Ages / Smoke Fog

Friday Saturday Sunday Wednesday Friday Sunday

September 9 September 10 September 11 September 14 September 16 September 18

7:15 PM 5:45 PM 9:45 PM 5:00 PM 9:00 PM 2:00 PM

Tomo Suru Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Gerald Williams tomosuruplayers.com

“At death, some look back on being loved while some look back on having loved. I’ll definitely look back on having loved.” —Hitonari Tsuji, Sayonara Itsuka NeOn questions how you commit to the practice of love.

Intense / Shocking / LGBTQ+ / 70 minutes / 14+ / Coarse Language / Sexual Content

Multicultural / Intimate / Intellectual / 75 minutes / 14+ / Mature Content / Sexual Content / Coarse Language

Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Friday Saturday

September 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 16 September 17

4:45 PM 3:00 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 8:30 PM 2:00 PM

Thursday Sunday Monday Wednesday Saturday Sunday

September 8 September 11 September 12 September 14 September 17 September 18

5:00 PM 6:15 PM 5:00 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 5:15 PM

INFO CENTRE

FIREHALL

RIO THEATRE

JUST WATCH ME: A TRUDEAU ROCK MUSICAL

“This is a really good show on so many levels. Sell it out!” —Plank Magazine

THE DANCE TEACHER

A riveting story about a complex and broken individual who has chosen the dark path of manipulation and power. A tightly written suspenseful story that will keep you wondering for days just how guilty Justin is. Just as celebrities sway opinion and influence the public about sexual misconduct, so does Justin, The Dance Teacher.

CARRY ON: A MUSICAL

Just Watch Me premiered at the 2015 Vancouver Fringe and was seen by over 400 people. A coming of age satirical tale set in the present day and during the October Crisis of 1970, the show correctly predicted the 2015 Federal Election results. With live original music, for 2016 Just Watch Me has been updated and expanded to 90 minutes. Pierre and Justin sing solos. We will rock you!

STUDIO 16

2014 Pick of the Fringe winner, Beverley Elliot is back with a romp through her early years. It’s Little House on the Prairie meets Lord of the Flies as she trades the safety of the family farm for the thugs of a one-room school. Through story and song, she navigates those first big adventures, betrayals, and epiphanies that shape us all into the adults we become. “An amazingly generous performer. Icing on this cake is her gorgeous voice.” —Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier Funny / Musical / Intimate / 70 minutes / All Ages

Friday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

22 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

September 9 September 10 September 11 September 13 September 14 September 15

9:15 PM 5:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:45 PM 5:00 PM

Awkward Stage Productions Vancouver, Canada Playwright: Deborah Vogt awkwardstageproductions.com Set in the YVR baggage claim, Carry On: A Musical examines the convergent lives of weary wanderers and the baggage they bring with them. Stuck in luggage limbo, the colourful cast of this comedic romp are all desperately seeking one thing—to move their lives onwards and upwards! Well, that and to finally get their bags. Having won SMACKDOWN: the 24 hour musical theatre competition here in Vancouver last year, this new musical has now been developed and expanded to create a high-flying addition to this year’s Fringe. The Wednesday September 14 performance will be live described by VocalEye for patrons with low vision.

Funny / Silly / Musical / 90 minutes / 14+

Thursday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

September 8 September 10 September 11 September 13 September 14 September 16 September 17 September 18

7:45 PM 9:30 PM Noon 6:30 PM 7:15 PM 5:00 PM 2:00 PM 6:30 PM

WALK THE TALK ARC Works Vancouver, Canada Playwrights: Bon Dos, Tina Wang & Yukari Komatsu Our eccentric guide walks you through several living and one dying miniexhibition of various multi-disciplinary artistes from Asia, New York, and yes, even our own ‘hoods. We perform, talk, connect, and exchange stories with you. Oh yea, and if you are our chosen honest soul, we will even customize a piece juste pour vous. Runner Up for the Vancouver Fringe SiteSpecific Award for 2013’s My Hole Life **** “Tightly-woven site-specific production.” —Vancouver Sun FREE Admission, pay it forward with Acts of Random Care.

Warm and Fuzzy / Intellectual / Intimate / 40 minutes / All Ages

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

September 8 September 9 September 10 September 11 September 12 September 13 September 14 September 15 September 16 September 17 September 18

7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM 7 & 8:00 PM

FRINGE FESTIVAL

Fringe shows shine new light on nerd culture > BY JOHN L UC AS

o ahead, call them nerds. Or geeks. Or fanboys and fangirls. Those are, after all, the labels that they give themselves, those among us for whom their favourite comic books, movies, and role-playing games are as essential as food, air, and water are for everyone else. It’s easy to laugh at someone who is heart-and-soul invested in whether or not Jon Snow lives or dies, but we all have our own pop-culture obsessions, which means that we’re all nerds in some way. It also means that there’s a Vancouver Fringe Festival show for all of us. The title character of Andrew Wade’s latest Fringe production, William vs the World, filters all of his experiences through his fandom. Interviewed at a South Granville coffee shop, Wade, who also plays William in the play, says: “He understands things through the lenses of geek culture. He figures out an element of his life doesn’t work—which is complete seclusion in his home—by comparing it to Yoda on Dagobah. Or how he thinks, ‘Oh, it’s kind of nice to go outside and get some fresh air and calm yourself,’ and he associates that with the Firefly theme song [“The Ballad of Serenity”]: ‘You can’t take the sky from me. No matter what else you’ve taken from me, I’ve still got that.’ So this is legitimately me trying to make the geekiest show I can think of; I fully intend every audience member to maybe get 30 percent of the references, and that’s enough.” Wade admits that William started out as an exaggerated version of himself. When he first staged the show at the Saskatoon Fringe last summer, though, he had several audience members thank him for creating a play about an autistic man. Rather than dial back aspects of the character that might have led to that perception, the playwright decided to embrace them. The text never explicitly states that William is autistic, but Wade says the character is indeed on the spectrum. As a result, William’s interactions with other characters are notably awkward and marked by social miscues. “There are definitely scenes within my show where William is the person in the wrong,” Wade says. “If it was the other characters’ show, he would be the villain, the jerk, the antagonist in that moment. But we’re seeing it from William’s side, and William is just oblivious to what’s going on, that that would not be a socially great thing to do.”

Clockwise from left, Andrew Wade in William vs the World; Charlie Ross in One Man Dark Knight; and Sean Amsing as Eugenius in The Antagonist. Duy Nguyen photo.

Eugenius is, after all, a supervillain plotting (you guessed it) global domination. In a telephone interview, Galiano—who has had a front-row seat to fan culture at its geekiest as both a manager at the Rio Theatre and an extra on the set of films including Star Trek Beyond—says Eugenius is at least cognizant of his status as a world-class jerk. “I think he’s aware of what he’s doing, and there’s a lot of regret there,” Galiano tells the Straight. “I always thought he was like a bad guy who wanted to be a good guy, but people keep getting on his nerves or whatever; he’s not too patient with people. Have you ever been rude or mean to someone you know, or don’t know, and perhaps it was just because you were in a bad mood over something trivial, and later you regret it—or immediately after, once you’ve taken a moment to calm down? That’s what the play’s about.” Deep down, Eugenius just wants to be liked. “He’s just going about it the wrong way,” Galiano says. “The more antagonistic he is to the people around him, the further away he gets from what he wants, which is to fit in IN CONTRAST, THE title character with everybody. So it’s kind of a study of Daniel Galiano’s The Antagon- on how not to act, how not to behave if ist is an unequivocally rotten apple. you want people to like you.”

Galiano promises that after watching The Antagonist, audience members won’t be able to view another superhero movie without seeing the villains in a new light. The actors who get to play the bad guys (like Sean Amsing, who stars as Eugenius in The Antagonist) have the most fun anyway. Galiano points to Christopher Nolan’s trilogy of Batman films as a prime example. “Nobody talks about Christian Bale in those movies,” he says. “They always talk about the villains. I mean, The Dark Knight should have been called The Joker, that’s how much he [Heath Ledger] just outshone everybody and everything in that movie.” CHARLIE ROSS LIKELY agrees with

incarnations of the Caped Crusader, from the 1960s TV show through the Joel Schumacher nipple-suit flicks of the ’90s, have played up the campy aspects of Batman. Nolan, however, brought a grim-faced and deadly serious approach to telling the inherently silly tale of a billionaire playboy who spends his nights flitting about Gotham City in a cape and tights. “That’s what made Lord of the Rings so easy to parody, and what made Star Wars so easy to parody, because the films did take themselves so seriously,” Ross says over the phone from his home in Victoria. “I guess it’s sort of like when you get a little kid who gets really, really upset about something that we think is quite trivial, and that makes it easy to make fun of it. The extra layer is that I have the exuberance of the young kid in the man’s body on-stage, so you can laugh at me laughing at my love or enjoyment, in a sort of voyeuristic way. And yet I’m still trying to wear two hats—parody the actual source material and at the same time show how much I still love it. So it’s a very weird kind of tightrope.”

that assessment. In his latest show, One Man Dark Knight: A Batman Parody, Ross tackles all the characters in the Nolan movies—which allows him to show off his impressions of Bale, Ledger, Michael Caine, and others— but he confesses that he takes particular delight in re-creating Tom Hardy’s Bane from The Dark Knight Rises. Ross, whose repertoire also includes solo versions of the Lord of the Rings and original Star Wars trilogies, says he’s a big fan of Nolan’s THAT SENSE OF parodying the movies but finds them especially geekosphere while simultaneously ripe for parody. Previous on-screen celebrating it is a thread that connects

Ross’s show to those of Wade and Galiano. If you start to take your fandom too seriously, after all, you risk letting it take over your life, and you become Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons—or Wade’s William, for that matter. “When my show begins, William is someone who has burrowed into all of the nerdy passions as a way of hiding, as a way of protecting himself from needing to encounter uncertainty,” Wade tells the Straight. “A person who goes and watches the exact same five movies over and over and over again, they’re the kind of person who uses them as a safety blanket. You know, ‘This is something I know. This is something that’s comforting.’ And it’s important for people to feel discomfort, for people to feel unusual circumstances that require them to make new choices.” Fittingly, that’s as good a summary of the Fringe as anyone, selfdescribed nerd or otherwise, could ever hope to find. William vs the World runs at the Arts Umbrella, The Antagonist runs at the Cultch, and One Man Dark Knight runs at the Rio Theatre as part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival from Thursday (September 8) to September 18.

Local comedy names take fresh risks on-stage > B Y GUY M A C PHER SO N

here’s no shortage of comedy at the Fringe Festival. If you walked blindly into any of the 110 shows, there’s a decent chance it would be comedic. In other words, that’s way too many to draw attention to here. There’s a more manageable number of solo shows by comedy performers you might see around town in other contexts, such as sketch and improv shows. The creator and host of The Hero Show, Cameron Macleod, debuts I Had Sex Until My Heart Stopped, at Studio 16. Improviser extraordinaire Gary Jones’s Ask for Details will be at the Rio Theatre. Standup (and ex-con) Mark Hughes presents Tragedy + Time Served = Comedy at Studio 16. Street performer and standup Sharon Mahoney’s The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe plays Performance Works. Ryan Gunther, another standup (who worked at a Fortune 500 company for 15 years), brings Leash Your Potential to Studio 1398. Seasoned standup and slam poet Richard Lett returns to his hometown of 25 years with Sober but

In Sober but Never Clean, comedian Richard Lett incorporates standup, slam poetry, and music into his stories about the grim realities of recovery.

Never Clean at the Rio. And Fringe vet, sketch performer, and TV star Morgan Brayton is back with a new show at the Cultch called Give It Up. We’re used to seeing Brayton disappear into her characters in her previous solo Fringe shows, or with the 30 Helens sketch troupe, or at the monthly Lady Show at the Biltmore—a spinoff, of sorts, of her

OutTV chat show, Morgan Brayton & Other People. But Give It Up is a departure for her. This one is autobiographical. “I started looking at the characters I’ve created over the last year or so and this theme emerged,” she told the Straight over pizza and beer on Main Street. “A lot of the characters were struggling with the idea that

their life hadn’t quite turned out how they’d planned. So I thought, ‘Hmm, that’s interesting what my brain did there. I wonder what I was trying to work out?’ ” Brayton, a film and TV actor for 27 years, still finds herself auditioning for roles like Cashier #2 and wondering, “Is that all there is?” She quit the business twice before, but has mulled it over from the very beginning of her first job, when the wardrobe department from the cult Canadian classic Neon Rider called to get her measurements. “I dutifully gave the woman my sizes: bust, waist, hips. And there was silence on the other end of the line, until she finally said, ‘Well, that can’t be right. You’d just be a box.’ ” Ugh. Give It Up is about her questioning her career choices, but it’s not just for actors. “Did your life turn out exactly as you thought it would? No? Then you’re probably going to enjoy the show. ‘Who am I and what am I doing?’—I think that is familiar to anybody, whether you’re an artist or not.” Richard Lett started his comedy career in 1986, performing in clubs and bars all across the land, using the

perfunctory standup stool as a table for drinks the crowd would ply him with. You might guess where this led. “The drinking quickly took over,” he said on the phone from Toronto, which he moved to in 2011. “On the road, drugs all day, booze all night. I stopped hearing laughter; it sounded like screaming to me.” But in 2009, he got sober. The notoriously ribald jokes didn’t stop, though. Fringe superstar TJ Dawe encouraged Lett to do a show about his recovery and helped streamline it. In it, Lett incorporates standup, slam poetry, and music into his stories. “Some people shed a tear or two when I talk about the grim realities of recovery,” he says. “But it makes the laughter and the fun parts that much more joyous, I would say. If you can make them laugh and cry, then you’ve got solid entertainment.” It’s certainly a more artful way of championing his abstinence. Lett says his friends are getting tired of his sobriety. “At five weeks, they were like, ‘That’s great!’ At five months, they said, ‘You’re an inspiration!’ At five years, they’re going, ‘Shut the fuck up!’ ” -

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 23

ADRIAN GLYNN

TONYE AGANABA

WISHKICKER

THE WILD ROMANTICS

6 On and around Granville Island (including venues in East Van!)

FEEL IT ALL september 8 - 18

AT THE VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL! With over 700 performances and the Big Rock Brewery Fringe Bar open nightly, there’s something for everyone—and everyone is invited. Part party, part theatre festival, the Fringe is the most social cultural event in Vancouver!

THE BAREFOOT WINE & BUBBLY STAGE AT THE BIG ROCK BREWERY FRINGE BAR Open late every night of the Festival, meet fellow Festivalgoers and artists from across the country and around the world at the Bar. For 11 days the Fringe Bar is Vancouver’s hottest music venue. Check the Fringe website for the full lineup of Vancouver’s best bands! Plus food trucks every night! September 8 - 18 at Ocean Art Works on Granville Island No cover! vancouverfringe.com/fringe-bar

Tickets now on sale at: vancouverfringe.com Get a Frequent Fringer Pass for 4, 10, or 30 tickets and save! PICK OF THE FRINGE Bringing back your best-loved shows! The Festival’s most popular shows are held over for your enjoyment! The Pick of the Fringe will be announced and tickets will go on sale at midnight on September 18. September 21-25 Performance Works, $25 vancouverfringe.com/pick

SMUT SLAM: WHERE SEXY AND STORYTELLING COLLIDE

FRINGE-FOR-ALL 40 of this year’s 110 artists get two minutes each to convince you to see their show. Thursday, September 8, 10:00pm Performance Works, $10 vancouverfringe.com/fringe-for-all

24 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

A dirty storytelling open mic with celebrity judges, sexy prizes, and anonymous questions and confessions! The hilarious, awkward, and stunningly authentic story event that you help create. Hosted by Cameryn Moore Saturday, September 10, 10:30pm Performance Works, $14 (plus Fringe Membership) vancouverfringe.com/smut-slam

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 25

ADRIAN GLYNN

TONYE AGANABA

WISHKICKER

THE WILD ROMANTICS

6 On and around Granville Island (including venues in East Van!)

FEEL IT ALL september 8 - 18

SMUT SLAM: WHERE SEXY AND STORYTELLING COLLIDE

FRINGE-FOR-ALL 40 of this year’s 110 artists get two minutes each to convince you to see their show. Thursday, September 8, 10:00pm Performance Works, $10 vancouverfringe.com/fringe-for-all

24 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 25

FRINGE FESTIVAL

Bring on the clowns, puppets, and magicians

Baba Brinkmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

he Georgia Straight has these early reviews of shows headed to Vancouver from the Victoria Fringe Festival.

CHARLATAN! You should see this

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A dazzling mix of smart, informative, inventive and witty... a perfect balance of entertainment and enlightenment.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;New York Theater

October 12-13, 2016 Tickets just $ 25 Tickets and info at TheatreWire.com

$CDC $TKPMOCP KU RCTV QH 6JG (TKPIG 2TGUGPVU C RTQLGEV HTQO VJG 8CPEQWXGT (TKPIG (GUVKXCN YJKEJ KU RTQWFN[ URQPUQTGF D[Ĺ˘

showâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you why. In Charlatan!, magician Travis Bernhardt reads minds, and he makes the legitimate point that audience members should go into this kind of experience not knowing what to expect. So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say that watching Charlatan! is a lot like using a Ouija board when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a teenager. Times about 10,000. What he does is jaw-dropping. I have zero idea how he does it. One of my Fringe favourites, Bernhardt has done something different every time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen him: straight sleight of hand one time, spectacular Vegas-style act with a bang-up finale another. Because he deals with one audience member at a time in Charlatan!, this performance is quiet, episodic, and intimate. Canny and in control, Bernhardt is also tender and wise with his subjects. At the Waterfront Theatre on September 8 (8:30 p.m.), 10 (1 p.m.), 11 (9:15 p.m.), 15 (6:45 p.m.), 17 (6:50 p.m.), and 18 (3 p.m.)

> COLIN THOMAS

TONYE AGANABA

I FORGOT TO FLY TODAY You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

TEN THOUSAND WOLVES

JODY GLENHAM AND THE DREAMERS

have to dream alone. Clad in a blue-sky business suit, Aussie Trent Baumann (known to Fringe fans as the Birdman) is a working stiff who dreams of playing piano, speaking Japanese, and performing avant-garde comedy at his local coffee shop. Baumannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slacker spin on motivational slogans is often hilarious: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re living your dream, then you probably havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gotten out of bed yetâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always do your best. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do your best, your secondbest is fine.â&#x20AC;? The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure is loose and associative: using a stack of milk crates, a few balloons, and exquisitely busy sound design, Baumann creates surprising images and a memorable communal experience. Recommended. At Railspur Park on September 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 at 7:45 p.m. > KATHLEEN OLIVER

Skill! Hooray! In Bella Culpa, clowns Amica Hunter and David Cantor become servants who spend their days creating fantasy scenarios and finding new ways to clean the chandelier. Bella Culpa starts too slowly but hits its stride with an extended sequence that involves a sponge puppet who meets a grisly end. And the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salute to spaghetti westerns is a treat. Just wait for the horse. The pairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acrobatics are fun, but ultimately itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their inventive sense of play that wins the day. A deeper relationship and more challenging material would both be welcome, but, at a time when clowns are littering the Fringe circuit like confetti after a wedding, these two are the real thing. At the Waterfront Theatre on September 9 (5 p.m.), 11 (4:10 p.m.), 12 (8 p.m.), 13 (9:15 p.m.), 16 (8:50 p.m.), and 17 (3:15 p.m.) > CT

BELLA CULPA

BIG ROCK BREWERY

FRINGE BAR

and the Barefoot Wine & Bubbly Stage

FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL KARAOKE + FOOD TRUCKS + PHOTO BOOTH + DJs

SEPT. 8-18 AT OCEAN ART WORKS ON GRANVILLE ISLAND Sorry, no minors. You must be 19 or older. VANCOUVERFRINGE.COM/FRINGE-BAR

26 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

This show had already attained a cult following by the time I saw its final performance in Victoria, and the audience responded with rabid intensity to the story of a hippo on a mission to save planet Earth from its imminent demise. The story is told by a pair of aliens from the future who use exquisitely detailed, endlessly inventive shadow puppetry as Space Hippo, accompanied by her trusty Food Robot, encounters Lizard Man and other evil aliens. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely weird and extremely virtuosic: Seri Yanaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puppet design is witty and full of beautiful, allusive detail; Daniel Wishesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voices are equally textured; and Elliott Loranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bowie-esque songs add another layer of trippiness. Freaky, Fringe-y funâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; get in on it early. At the Waterfront Theatre on September 8 (5 p.m.), 11 (5:55 p.m.), 12 (5 p.m.), 14 (7:45 p.m.), 17 (8:35 p.m.), and 18 (1:15 p.m.) > KO

SPACE HIPPO

Magic man Travis Bernhardt wows crowdsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;again!â&#x20AC;&#x201D;at the Fringe.

Writer-performer Cameryn Moore knows how to play the subtext. In Nerdfucker, her persona is a sex worker whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting ready to be the chessboardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s painted on her backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for Bareback Chess, a game to be played between two masters at a conference. She loves the game and reveres the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a soft spot in her heart for geeks of all varietiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; but we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore the embarrassment beneath the perkiness as we learn more about her exploitive boyfriend/ employer. In this intimate monologue, Moore, a large woman, explores the misogynistic, body-shaming underside of cons and cosplay; she also shows us how hard it is for a smart woman to find her own agency in a world that refuses to see past her physicality. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always easy to watch, but the discomfort is provocative. At the Revue Stage on September 9 (5 p.m.), 11 (7:15 p.m.), 12 (5:15 p.m.), 14 (10:15 p.m.), 16 (8:20 p.m.), and 17 (2:15 p.m.) > KO

NERDFUCKER

GET LOST JEM ROLLS I may have

reached peak Jem Rolls. The Fringe circuitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resident poet, Rolls is talented and eccentrically charismatic. He is also, inevitably, himself: comic, sentimental, and loud. In this new show, Rolls talks about his world travelsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;his stupidity, but also his glorious ability to get lost. The tone gets prescriptive. To paraphrase: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you were as brave and open as I am, you too could hike down waterfalls and risk encounters with crocodiles.â&#x20AC;? If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already had enough of the Rolls style, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have fun. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pro. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen him a lot, however, this show offers a reliable level of skillâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; but very little thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new. At the Revue Stage on September 10 (6:30 p.m.), 12 (7:45 p.m.), 14 (8:30 p.m.), 15 (5 p.m.), 17 (12:30 p.m.), and 18 (9 p.m.) > CT THE LION, THE BITCH AND THE WARDROBE Sharon Mahoney wears

her heart on her sleeve in The Lion, the Bitch and the Wardrobe. Pulsing erratically, the exposed organ gets a little messy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also beautiful. Mahoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solo show is a mix of standup, street performance, and confessionalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;on the subject of mental health. Last year, the artist was in the Royal Jubilee Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency room suffering a panic attack so severe she thought she was dying. Her anxiety was about being a single, childless, nonhome-owning â&#x20AC;&#x153;failureâ&#x20AC;? at 40. Mahoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s juggling and comedic skills are okay, but the real juice is in her feminismâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in an extended defence of Marilyn Monroe, for instanceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and in her willingness to be both vulnerable and compassionate. At Performance Works on September 9 (6:45 p.m.), 10 (3:10 p.m.), 11 (4:15 p.m.), 14 (5 p.m.), 16 (10:10 p.m.), and 18 (5:50 p.m.) > CT THE JUPITER REBELLION: A ZACH ZULTANA ADVENTURE If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a

fan of sci-fi movies, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll appreciate Jeff Leardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to bring the form to life using nothing but his body and voice. Our hero is Zach Zultana, a geominer working â&#x20AC;&#x153;an asteroid belt, a planet, and a moon awayâ&#x20AC;? whose romantic misadventures put him on the wrong side of the boss. Leard see next page

exploits every convention of the genre, including sound effects and vividly described camera angles, and he adds sensory details that movies don’t offer: the custodial wing “smells like a hot tub full of spoiled ham”. Leard isn’t subtle—his rhythms are mannered and the show’s sexual politics are questionable—but he’s wildly energetic and often funny, and his affection for the genre is obvious. At Studio 1398 on September 9 (10:30 p.m.), 10 (5 p.m.), 11 (1 p.m.), 12 (6:45 p.m.), 15 (8:30 p.m.), and 17 (8:15 p.m.) > KO BEST PICTURE Best Picture is fun, but the fun starts to flag before the lights go down. Writer Kurt Fitzpatrick sets himself the task of making comic references to all 89 of the Oscars’ bestpicture winners. Some of the conventions are great. As audience members arrive, performer Jon Paterson greets them as if they were celebrity lookalikes: “Liza Minnelli! George Clooney! Two of the Golden Girls!” And Tara Travis interviews “nominees” about their red-carpet fashions: “What inspired tonight’s look?” “I like to stay warm.” In the body of the show, pleasure springs more from the delivery than the writing; Travis is particularly adept at playing with tone and rhythm. Generally, the production is slick and buoyant. After a while, though, Best Picture is just about getting through all of the titles. At Performance Works on September 9 (8:35 p.m.), 11 (6:05 p.m.), 12 (6 p.m.), 13 (9:15 p.m.), 16 (6:45 p.m.), and 17 (7:45 p.m.) > CT FAT SEX What can you do with a degree in philosophy? Become a performance poet! That’s what Steve Larkin, who hails from Leeds, U.K., did—but that doesn’t mean he lumps himself in with the pretentious “a bit too slow to be a rapper” spokenword artists he parodies in one of his pieces. Larkin’s poems and songs— he’s able to make a mandolin sound retro-punk—are politically engaged and irreverent, ranging from the title poem, which uses found text from women’s magazines, to an exhortation to seniors to keep active called “O Codger, Be a Better Coffin Dodger”. Larkin knows how to connect with an audience; he might even make you call him names. At the Revue Stage on September 8 (5 p.m.), 11 (5:30 p.m.), 13 (7:45 p.m.), 14 (5 p.m.), 17 (9:15 p.m.), and 18 (5:15 p.m.) > KO V.R. DUNNE More of a lecture than a play, this one’s a fascinating history lesson. Writer-performer Howard Petrick portrays Ray Dunne, a real-life labour organizer, recalling his life in the labour movement. Dunne’s younger years are the stuff of early-20thcentury hardscrabble myth: he started working at 13, hopped freight trains, caught rats for bounty in Seattle, and escaped from a chain gang after being arrested for vagrancy. His work on a 1934 Minneapolis truck drivers’ strike makes up the bulk of the story; it’s a monumental feat of organizing that changes lives. Though Petrick’s straight-up delivery becomes a bit monotonous, his story is rich in detail, and his message—that human solidarity can triumph over greed—is just as timely now as ever. At the False Creek Gym on September 8 (7 p.m.), 10 (8:30 p.m.), 14 (5 p.m.), 15 (9:40 p.m.), 16 (6:15 p.m.), and 18 (1:45 p.m.) > KO HAPPINESS How hard is it to par-

ody the self-help industry? Not very. How insightful is this show’s examination of said industry? Not at all. Playwrights Tony Adams, Cory Thibert, and Madeleine Boyes-Manseau have written a script in which two hyped-up guys prepare to sell their latest feel-good product. As performers, Adams and Thibert are precise and energetic. But the point that the purveyors of quick-fix bliss are hucksters is obvious. And as soon as we see the first cracks in the characters’ façades—hints of family crises—the story’s trajectory is inevitable. There are no surprises. Well, there’s one: Happiness has received some enthusiastic reviews (in Winnipeg) and even awards. At Performance Works on September 9 (10:20 p.m.), 10 (5 p.m.), 11 (2:30 p.m.), 13 (5 p.m.), 15 (8:35 p.m.), and 17 (6 p.m.) > CT

PERPETUAL WEDNESDAY It’s weird: it feels like performers Jacob Trillo and Anthony Arnista would be great to hang out with, but their show is so boring I could barely stay awake. Perpetual Wednesday is a clown show about a couple of magicians who have accidentally killed an audience volunteer while doing a trick called the bullet catch. The production has a quirky, handmade feel—textured thrift-store costumes, and even a little shadow puppetry. The plot takes audacious twists. Trillo and Arnista seem to be having a good time, and they keep their energy impressively high. But Perpetual Wednesday is terminally insubstantial. Enthusiasm is no substitute for content—and, even within its absurdist world, nothing in Perpetual Wednesday convincingly matters. Nothing surprises. Nothing dazzles. At Studio 1398 on September 8 (8:45 p.m.), 10 (1:15 p.m.), 11 (9:55 p.m.), 13 (5 p.m.), 17 (6:25 p.m.), and 18 (3 p.m.) > CT

The Vancouver Fringe brings you

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A series of Fringe hits hand-picked for your enjoyment!

For tickets and information visit VancouverFringe.com

Peter Vs Chris September 23 - 24

DOES NOT PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS It feels like a first draft.

Playwright-performers Adam Francis Proulx and Kira Hall play two puppeteers on a children’s TV show that’s in crisis after a sex scandal involving one of its actors. That’s a promising start, but Proulx and Hall can’t seem to decide what’s at stake for their characters, or even whether we’re watching a comedy or a drama. There are a few witty jabs at the inanity of Canadian kids’ programming and some fun moments with puppets Oomph and Bae, but too much of the show wanders around at a leaden pace, trying to figure out what it wants to be. At the Revue Stage on September 9 (10:30 p.m.), 10 (4:45 p.m.), 11 (noon), 14 (6:45 p.m.), 15 (8:30 p.m.), and 17 (7:30 p.m.) > KO

IN THE TRENCHES: A DOUBLE FEATURE It’s great that they’re am-

The New Conformity September 25

September 22 - 23

God Is A Scottish Drag Queen IV September 25

bitious. It’s a shame that they’re not more skilled. The second half of this double feature is supposed to be commedia dell’arte, but, for the most part, it’s just execrable. The story is about a young woman avoiding a forced marriage. The company peppers the tale with progressive references to the patriarchy and gay nuptials, but the performers mistake undisciplined goofiness for clowning. The first offering, which combines horror with humour, is more interesting. Three clowns in the trenches—First World War, judging from the sound of whinnying horses—find body parts and accidentally commit atrocities. The antiwar message is welcome, but the storytelling is too associative to yield satisfying narrative accumulation, and the physical business is hitand-miss—mostly miss. At the False Creek Gym on September 8 (5 p.m.), 11 (5:45 p.m.), 12 (5 p.m.), 15 (7:45 p.m.), 17 (9:30 p.m.), and 18 (5:15 p.m.) > CT WILD/SOCIETY The good news is that

the double bill Wild/Society runs about 10 minutes shorter than its advertised time. In Wild, Raccoon visits Rabbit in her new urban home. They spot bulldozers on the horizon. Wild is about the negative effect of urban development on the natural environment. Very, very obviously. In Society, two capitalist penguins get drunk and stoned while denying global warming even as the sea rises around them. Like Wild, Society is obvious, but its rhythmic dialogue makes it more bearable. Assured performances from Melissa Oei and writer Mika Laulainen aren’t enough to save these pieces. At the Revue Stage on September 8 (6:45 p.m.), 10 (8:15 p.m.), 13 (5:25 p.m.), 15 (10:15 p.m.), 16 (6:45 p.m.), and 18 (2 p.m.) > CT

WHODOO Clowning works best if it’s funny and virtuosic, though I’d settle for one of the two. Thomas “Mudd” Monahan is a clown in search of a story; his episodic script follows Mudd from childhood to old age, but the throughline is pretty thin. Monahan is an engaged, very present performer and we get hints of his vocal power, but too many of the bits go on too long with little to sustain our interest, and the laughs are few and far between. At the Firehall on September 9 (9:30 p.m.), 10 (8 p.m.), 13 (8:45 p.m.), 15 (5 p.m.), 17 (4:15 p.m.), and 18 (noon) > KO

GARY JONES: ASK FOR DETAILS Personal stories of humourliation Written by Gary Jones Directed by Shawn Macdonald Sep 10 – 8:45 Sep 12 – 8:30 Sep 14 – 10:45

Sep 16 – 6:00 Sep 17 – 10:45 Sep 18 – 7:00

The RIO Theatre – 1660 E. Broadway Tickets $14 + membership Purchase tickets at: vancouverfringe.com SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 27

2016-2017 Season A project from the

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28 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

ARTS

Co.ERASGA dancers create dreamlike imagery out of traditional Southeast Asian malongs. Yvonne Chew photo.

Dance weaves old into new > BY JA NET SM IT H

ilipino contemporary dancer Kris-Belle Mamangun knows the deep significance of the malong—the tubelike, intricately printed fabric that plays an important role in many regions of the Philippines. “I come from the southern part of the country, and when I was born my mom wrapped me in that fabric,” she says of a cloth that can be used as everything from a blanket to a prayer mat to a bedsheet to a skirt or turban. “I have a connection with the malong.” Mamangun is sitting at the Scotiabank Dance Centre with fellow Filipino dancer Ronelson Yadao and Vancouver choreographer Alvin Erasga Tolentino, whose new work, Tracing Malong, features the fabric. But, though he’s researched its traditional use, Tolentino is employing the malong—alongside its related sarongs from Thailand and Indonesia—in much more abstract ways. In rehearsal, Mamangun, Yadao, and five Vancouver dancers huddle under the fabric with limbs sticking out surreally, or pull it eerily over their faces like masks; they whip it on the ground, or pull it up over their bodies, the opening becoming a gaping mouth. The swirling imagery is made all the more dreamlike by French composer Emmanuel Mailly’s gongs, chimes, found sounds, and electronic music—all inspired by his trips to Southeast Asia with Tolentino. The approach has pushed Mamangun out of her comfort zone, considering her cultural and sentimental ties to the malong: “I don’t want to limit myself. I need to see it as an object,

and that’s challenging. I have to let go a little bit and say, ‘You’re just a fabric sometimes,’ ” she says with a smile. It speaks to the Philippines’ incredible diversity that working on the piece has had the opposite effect on Yadao. Growing up in urban Manila, then spending two years dancing for Taiwan’s acclaimed Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, he never felt connected to the malong, which has its roots in the indigenous cultures of the south. “To me it was just an object. But with Alvin’s stories behind it, it’s taken on a life of its own,” says Yadao, whose only experience with the fabric was using it in his early folk-dance training. “Now I see that they all have different weights and touch and texture.” Pushing the age-old into the new is exactly Tolentino’s goal. “The question that I have for this project is ‘How does an artist like me look at traditional art and make it a part of this time, so this traditional part is not static?’” explains the Filipino Canadian. “It’s not just something that you wear. Behind this fabric is an incredible story of life and dreams.” In a double bill he’s calling Collected, Traces, and Still Here, he does the same thing with the ancient mudras, the finger gestures used in performance, yoga, and spiritual practice throughout India and Southeast Asia. Tolentino became even more interested in the mudras while working with classical Thai dance artist Pichet Klunchun in Thailand, and then seeing the symbolic gestures in 800-year-old stone carvings at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. “They tell a story; it just depends on what culture you’re with,” he explains, spiralling his long, graceful

fingers above his head to show how many ways the gestures can be used. “So how does the Asian static tradition become new dance? It’s deconstructing it, pulling it out and making it part of this new creation. I have to imagine a way to make it come to life.” The works are the culmination of years of intense travel and cultural exchange for Tolentino, who has forged a special bond with the contemporarydance community in the Philippines— a community whose young ambassadors he now brings here to perform. “The dance scene there was dominated by classical companies, and now contemporary dance is growing in Manila, but not that fast,” explains Yadao. “I think Alvin’s work in Manila is very important because the artists are being exposed to a different process for contemporary dance. When we hear about contemporary dance in Manila, it is still very much coming from the context of contemporary ballet. But with Alvin you have to work with him, not for him.” And just as he’s pushing those dancers, the Co.ERASGA artistic director is introducing languages and traditions like the mudras and the malongs to the western dancers here. At the same time, Tolentino admits, he is also pushing himself. “This is very unusual for me because I work with solos and duets,” he admits, before heading back to rehearsal. “It’s very different for me to venture into this.” It’s brave new territory, and yet it’s as old and familiar as the comforting wrap of a malong. -

THE ARTIST AND HIS MUSES

Co.ERASGA presents Collected, Traces, and Still Here from next Wednesday to Saturday (September 14 to 17) at the Scotiabank Dance Centre.

FINAL WEEKS! UNTIL OCTOBER 2, 2016

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SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 29

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Dancers meld forces—and masks > B Y A LE X A ND ER VA R TY

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t’s a good day to dance. Well, maybe not today. But Saturday (September 10) offers a rare opportunity to jump feet first into Vancouver’s effervescent dance scene, thanks to the Scotiabank Dance Centre’s annual open house. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can enjoy free lessons in everything from powwow dancing to tap, followed by Simile, an evening of new work from two of the city’s most distinctive dancer-choreographers. Ziyian Kwan will present Still Rhyming, inspired by the memoirs of protopunk performance poet Patti Smith, accompanied by singer-guitarist Jo Passed. Vanessa Goodman will show her solo Floating Upstream, set to Loscil’s dreamy electronic score. And then the two will collaborate on In Vertebrate Dreams, which is both an innovative intergenerational undertaking and a surreal exploration of two very different personalities. “How old are you, Vanessa?” Kwan asks, at the start of a three-way conference call from the Dance Centre, where the two are taking a break. “I’m 33,” Goodman replies. “And I’m 47, so we’re 14 years apart—but I feel like I’m about two decades older than Vanessa.” “You are not two decades older than me!” The two women laugh, before agreeing that, when it comes to their choreographic partnership, age is irrelevant. “We have really vastly different approaches to dancing, to performing, and to creating,” Kwan elaborates. “But it’s not a generational thing: I think it’s just that one of the great things to celebrate in our community is that many of us collaborate with, dance for, dance with, and choreograph on artists who come from an eclectic range of perspectives. That’s one of the exciting things about doing this project: finding out what the conversation is. And it’s not

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Ziyian Kwan and Vanessa Goodman go wild in Simile. David Cooper photo.

even about finding a shared language, but what happens when you put two languages together and something completely new comes out of that.” “And it is something new,” Goodman stresses. “For me, it feels more like a transformation, as opposed to a mashup. Certain things that I wouldn’t necessarily think of come quite naturally and fluidly to Ziyian, and vice versa. So we each offer a different way of processing things, and that opens up a new way of creating.” Kwan cites Goodman’s “skill with working with bodies in space in a formal way” as inspirational. Goodman, in turn, says that she finds Kwan’s ability to “shift reality” through her use of “objects, sound, texture, and her body” exciting. And from their description of In Vertebrate Dreams it sounds as if both dancers have allowed themselves full rein—within certain self-

imposed limits, one of those being the use of masks. For those keeping score, Kwan’s the bear, Goodman’s the zebra. “These are drugstore-variety latex masks; it’s not like we’re putting on a mask that is imbued with some kind of artistry,” Kwan explains. “And the limitation I find really interesting is that we can’t really see each other a lot of the time.…It’s awakened a sensory perception that is probably a little bit more animal than what we’re usually dealing with. And of course if I put on a bear mask, I bring into that container my imagination of the qualities within a bear—the deep growl that exists in my belly. “But that’s purely projection,” she adds, laughing again. The Scotiabank Dance Centre presents Simile on Saturday (September 10), as part of its all-day open house.

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ar ts/ timeout THEATRE DANCE MUSIC COMEDY LITERARY EVENTS ET CETERA GALLERIES MUSEUMS OUT OF TOWN

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FRIDAY September 9 | 6pm-8pm

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THEATRE 2OPENINGS VANCOUVER FRINGE FESTIVAL Annual celebration of theatre features more than 800 performances by over 90 artists over 11 days. Highlights include an opening-night gala, a preview night, the Big Rock Brewery Fringe Bar, the Barefoot Wine & Bubbly Free Stage, the Fringe Pick Plus, and an awards night. Sep 8-18, various Vancouver venues. Info www.vancouverfringe.com/. WAITING FOR GARBO New play by Dawn Moore and Des Price is a comic, musical romp in a soon-to-close garbage dump. Sep 8-17, Havana Theatre (1212 Commercial). Tix $14 (plus membership fee), info www.vancouverfringe.com/. CARRY ON: A MUSICAL As part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, Awkward Stage Productions presents a play about a group of people stuck at the YVR baggage claim. Sep 8-18, Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova). Tix $14, info www.awk wardstageproductions.com/carry-on/.

MOSAIC TILE-MAKING KING WITH PENNY EDER DISCUSSION FRIDAY September 9 | 6pm-8pm | Free

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WORKSHOP SATURDAY & SUNDAY September 10 & 11 | 11am-4pm The Crystal Lodge Art Gallery crystallodgeartgallery.com

SUMMER STREET ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY 10am-4pm | Free

Summer Street Entertainment is brought to you by the RMOW and the Province of B.C.

WHISTLER PRESENTS OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES: STEVEN PAGE SATURDAY September 10 | 7pm | Free Whistler Olympic Plaza whistler.ca

Whistler Presents Concert Series is brought to you by the RMOW and the Province of B.C.

RANDY HAYASHI ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SUNDAY September 11-15 | 10am-4pm | Free Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Mountain Galleries mountaingalleries.com

BLOCKBUSTER FILMS: EDDIE THE EAGLE TUESDAY September 13 | 7pm | Free Whistler Public Library whistlerlibrary.ca

WHISTLER VILLAGE BEER FESTIVAL TUESDAY September 14-18

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SUBURBAN MOTEL: FEATURING LORETTA Eric Regimbald directs playwright George F. Walker’s drama about a woman who has two men in love with her. Part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Sep 8-18, The Cultch (1895 Venables). Tix $14, info www.thecultch.com/events/ suburban-motel-featuring-loretta/.

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MY OCEAN The Vancouver Fringe Festival presents My Ocean Collective’s worldpremiere of Sasha Singer-Wilson’s play about a 12-year-old environmentalist. Sep 9-17, Studio 16 (1545 W. 7th). Tix $14 (plus membership fee), info www.vancouver fringe.com/.

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GROUNDED Play about a female F-16 fighter pilot who flies remote-controlled drones over the Middle East. Part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Sep 10-18, Vancity Culture Lab (the Cultch, 1895 Venables). Tix $14, info www.vancouverfringe.com/. WAR AND PEACE As part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, Monster Theatre presents the world premiere of a one-man adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s famous novel. Sep 10-18, 7:45-8:45 pm, Carousel Theatre (1411 Cartwright, Granville Island). Info www.monstertheatre.com/. BUG Pulitzer-winning author Tracy Letts’s thriller tells the story of two damaged people trying to make a connection. Sep 14-18, Orpheum Annex (823 Seymour). Tix $19.99, info www.bugtheplay.ca/.

2ONGOING BARD ON THE BEACH Annual outdoor Shakespeare festival features performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor (to Sep 24), Romeo and Juliet (to Sep 23), Othello (to Sep 17), and Pericles (to Sep 18). To Sep 24, Vanier Park (1000 Chestnut). Tix from $20, info www.bardonthebeach.org/. THE GLASS MENAGERIE Canadian production of Tennessee Williams’s classic about the plight of a single mother and her two adult children. To Sep 25, PAL Theatre (8th floor, 581 Cardero). Tix $20, info www.glassmenagerie.ca/.

TIL DEATH: THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII As part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, Monster Theatre presents a fastpaced, one-woman romp with the six wives of Henry VIII. Sep 8-17, 6:45-7:45 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Info www.monstertheatre.com/.

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DANCE 2THIS WEEK AUX.LA.MORE As part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, Shakespeare Unchained presents a performance by dance artist Kara Nolte which investigates the idea of intimacy and how we show ourselves to others. Sep 9-13, False Creek Community Centre (1318 Cartwright St., Granville Island). Tix $14, info www.vancouverfringe.com/.

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VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FLAMENCO FESTIVAL 2016 Discover the spirit of flamenco through performances, workshops, and classes. Participating artists include Mercedes Amaya Company, ¡ARTE! Flamenco, Toque Flamenco, Flamenco Rosario, and Rosanna Terracciano. Sep 10-20, various Vancouver venues. Tix free to $60, info www.vancouverflamencofestival.org/. SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE OPEN HOUSE Annual event offers the chance to sample a host of dance styles in a day of open classes and studio showings, culminating in an evening performance of contemporary dance by Ziyian Kwan and Vanessa Goodman. Sep 10, 11 am–5 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie). Free, info www.thedancecentre.ca/event/ scotiabank_dance_centre_open_house/. SIMILE An evening of contemporary dance choreographed and performed by Ziyian Kwan and Vanessa Goodman. Sep 10, 8-9:15 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie). Tix $25/20/18, info www.thedancecentre.ca/. COLLECTED TRACES AND STILL HERE Co.ERASGA Dance presents a new creation that traces the body’s relation to indigenous traditional arts. Choreographed by Alvin Erasga Tolentino. Sep 14-17, 8 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie). Tix $30/22, info www.companyerasgadance.ca/en/ upcoming_events/event/402/.

MUSIC 2THIS WEEK DIEMAHLER CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Classical group celebrates its five-year anniversary with three guest musicians from the Camera Orchestra of Mexico City. Sep 10, 7:30-9 pm, Roy Barnett Recital Hall (6361 Memorial Rd., UBC). Free admission, info bit.ly/2axgB8B/. FÊTES GALANTES Pardessus players Tina Chancey, Annalisa Pappano, and Joanna Blendulf, bass violist John Mark Rozendaal, and harpsichordist Webb Wiggins perform 18th-century French and Italian chamber music by Couperin, Corelli, Marais, and Corrette. Sep 10, 7:309:30 pm, Pyatt Hall (843 Seymour). Tix $20/15, info www.tinachancey.com/. SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS: FOUR HANDS, FOUR CONTINENTS Pianists Rita Attrot and Helen Hall perform work by Vaughan Williams, Richard Rodney Bennett, Fauré, Debussy, Stravinsky, Percy Grainger, and Geoffrey Carroll. Sep 11, 3:50 pm, Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay). Tix $15, info www.roeddehouse.org/ en/activities/cultural-activities/secondsunday-concert-xbq/. SHINE ON MUSIC: 3RD ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT Local artists perform classical and jazz music. Proceeds go free music programs in Greater Vancouver and UBC. Sep 12, 7-9 pm, Vancouver Academy of Music (1270 Chestnut). Admission by donation, info www.shineonmusic.net/. FREE A CAPPELLA SINGING LESSONS Lions Gate Chorus presents free a cappella singing lessons. Sep 13, 6:30-10 pm, Southmount Citadel Church (3403 E. 49th). Free admission, info www.lionsgate chorus.ca/. DROP IN ROCK CHOIR Sing classic and contemporary rock, pop, and indie songs with a community choir. Sep 13, 7:30-10 pm, WISE Hall (1882 Adanac). Free admission, info www.impromptumusic.ca/.

Providing for the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and pollution damaged wildlife.

www.wildliferescue.ca

32 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

CELEBRATING THE MOON FESTIVAL WITH CHINESE HARP MUSIC Celebrate the Moon Festival with classic and popular music played by Sonia Lien and her students on the guzheng. Sep 14, 5:30-6:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library Kensington Branch (1428 Cedar Cottage Mews). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/.

COMEDY 2JUST ANNOUNCED HEAVY MENTAL COMEDY FUNDRAISER Comedian Mike MacDonald headlines a fundraiser for the Downtown Eastside and the First United Church. Includes support by Mark B. Hughes and Melanie Rose. Sep 21, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $15, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/.

straight choices

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL The 17th annual celebration of improv comedy features over 30 interactive performances, workshops, and an opening-night gala. Oct 4-8, 7:30-11:30 pm, Granville Island. Info www.vancouver improvfest.com/.

2ONGOING EAST VAN COMEDY Improv and standup comedy with Instant Theatre Company (every Sun at 8 pm) and Graham Clark’s Laugh Gallery (every Mon at 9 pm). Every Sun and Mon, Havana Theatre (1212 Commercial). Tix $5-10, info www.eastvancomedy.com/. 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. 2DAN QUINN Sep 8-10 2STEPH TOLEV Sep 15-17 2KEVIN FOXX Sep 22-24 2PAUL MYREHAUG Sep 29–Oct 1 YUK YUK’S COMEDY CLUB 2837 Cambie, 604-696-9857, www.yukyuks.com/vancou ver. 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. 2ROSS DAUK Sep 9-10 2BRETT MARTIN Sep 11 2GLENN WOOL Sep 16-17 2DARRYL ORR Sep 22 2JOE MACHI Sep 23-24 2ANGELO TSAROUCHAS Sep 30–Oct 1 VANCOUVER THEATRESPORTS LEAGUE Some of the world’s most daring and innovative improv. The Big Picture: An Improvised Movie (Thu, Fri, and Sat, 7:30 pm); Firecracker! (Thu, 9:15 pm); Improv After Dark (Fri and Sat, 11:15 pm); OK Tinder (Wed, 9:15 pm); Rookie Night (Sun, 7:30 pm); TheatreSports (Wed, 7:30 pm; Fri and Sat, 9:30 pm). Sep 7-14, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix $8-22, info www.vtsl.com/.

2THIS WEEK FIRECRACKER! The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents evenings of improv comedy that explore what it means to be a woman in Vancouver. Guests include Nicole Oliver (Sep 8). To Dec 22, 9:15 pm, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.

FLIPPING FOR LUDWIG In a season full of bold moves and interdisciplinary action, Vetta Chamber Music is taking an unusual course by kicking its year off with a pair of concerts devoted entirely to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. No one does that these days, right? With violinist and Vetta artistic director Joan Blackman, cellist Ariel Barnes, and pianist Jane Coop (shown here) on-stage, however, the performances—at West Point Grey United Church next Thursday and Friday (September 15 and 16)—should be every bit as fresh as the scores are familiar. Think scintillating sonatas and the gorgeously eerie “Ghost Trio.” THE BRETT MARTIN SHOW Comedian debuts his live talk show with sidekick Sam Tonning and guests. Sep 11, 8 pm, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club (2837 Cambie). Tix $7, info www.yukyuks.com/vancouver/. THE ROAST AND DEPORTATION OF MARK O’KEEFE SHOW Roast of local comedian Mark O’Keefe features performances by Jonny Paul, Mark Nesbitt, Sam Tonning, Ed Konyha, Ryan Williams, Devin Alexander, Roman Mancini, Mark Hughes, Jesse Daniel, and Harris Anderson. Sep 12, 9 pm, Yagger’s Restaurant & Sports Bar (2884 West Broadway). Tix $5, info www.facebook. com/events/1567327253569549/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

OK TINDER The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents an improv-comedy show inspired by Vancouver’s notorious and ludicrous dating scene. To Dec 21, 9:15 pm, every Wed, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.

COLIN MOCHRIE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Canadian improv comedian, Vancouver TheatreSports League alumnus, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star presents an evening of laughter. Sep 23, 7:30 pm, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix $79/69, info www.vtsl.com/.

T.J. MILLER Just for Laughs Live and JFL Northwest present Denver comedian on his standup tour the Meticulously Ridiculous Tour. Sep 7, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $32.50 (plus service charge) at www.ticketfly.com/.

THE COLIN MOCHRIE EXPERIENCE Canadian improv comedian, Vancouver TheatreSports League alumnus, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star presents an evening of laughter. Sep 24, 7:30 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $29-69, info www.vtsl.com/.

DAN QUINN Standup comedian and founder of the Snowed In Comedy Tour. Sep 8-10, The Comedy MIX (1015 Burrard). Tix $20/18/15, info www.thecomedymix.com/. ROSS DAUK Local standup comedian performs a solo show. Sep 9, 8 pm; Sep 10, 7 pm; Sep 10, 9:30 pm, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club (2837 Cambie). Tix $20, info www.yukyuks.com/vancouver/. A SKETCH COMEDY SHOW Proud of You presents a sketch-comedy show featuring Maarten Bayliss, Denea Campbell, Richard Lott, Amar Singh, Brett Skillen, and Stacey McLachlan. Sep 10, 8-11 pm, Little Mountain Gallery (195 E. 26th). Tix $7/5, info www. facebook.com/events/1107596099326595/.

TRUMP CARD The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents an improvcomedy show that examines the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Sep 28–Nov 12, 7:309 pm, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/. HANNIBAL BURESS The Georgia Straight presents American comedian performing two shows on his Hannibal Montanabal Experience tour. Oct 21, 7 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $39.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

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TOGETHER AGAIN AT LAST...FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME English comedians and Monty Python alumni John Cleese and Eric Idle give a performance that blends scripted and improvised bits with storytelling, musical numbers, exclusive footage, and aquatic juggling. Oct 20-22, 8 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $69.5099.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/. ANJELAH JOHNSON American actor and comedian known for her viral video “Nail Salon” and her roles on MADtv. Oct 26, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $45 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. DANNY BHOY Scottish comedian known for performing at the Edinburgh Festival, the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and Just for Laughs. Oct 27, 7 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $45.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.hahaha.com/. BOB SAGET American actor, standup comedian, and TV host performs his signature raw and raunchy brand of comedy. Nov 10, 8 pm, River Rock Casino (8811 River Rd., Richmond). The event also runs Nov 11 at the Molson Canadian Theatre at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver. Tix $69.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

LITERARY EVENTS 2THIS WEEK INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY AT VPL Explore an awareness and information fair and go on a blind date with a great book. Sep 8, 12-2 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/. DEAD POETS READING SERIES Readers bring to life the works of their favourite deceased poets. Each reader will give a brief presentation on the life and work of their chosen poet, followed by a poetry reading. Sep 11, 3-5 pm, Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/. IT ISN’T EASY TO READ WHEN YOU’RE BLIND Discuss literacy and accessibility of books for sight-impaired readers at a panel discussion featuring Ryan Knighton, Jacqui Bishop, and Shaughnessy BishopStall. Sep 12, 7-8:30 pm, Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/. CREATIVE WRITING PEER WORKSHOP In this collaborative peer workshop, you will critique the works of writers just like you, who will in turn share their thoughts on your own writing. Sep 13, 11 am–1 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/. AN EVENING OF STORYTELLING Al Tee, Alexis Sugden, Angel Strange, Carmy Stubbs, Jo Dworschak, Johnny Scoop, Mark Bondyra, Patricia Morrison, Richard Veto, and Shlomo McPeake share original stories. Sep 13, 8-10 pm, Cottage Bistro (4470 Main). Tix $5, info www.facebook. com/vancouverstoryslam/. SENSATIONAL VANCOUVER Local author Eve Lazarus presents an illustrated evening based on her book Sensational Vancouver. Sep 14, 7 am–8 pm, West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Dr., West Van). Free admission, info www. westvanlibrary.ca/events/sensationalvancouver/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS WORD VANCOUVER Highlights of the annual celebration of the written word include a marketplace, readings, panel discussions, workshops, entertainment, colouring and typewriter stations, and familyfriendly activities featuring Canadian authors and book, magazine, comics, education, and literacy exhibitors. Participating authors include Lynn Johnston, Joy Kogawa, Anosh Irani, Ujjal Dosanjh, Paul Yee, Ronald Wright, Yasuko Thanh, Jen Sookfong Lee, Bif Naked, Carmen Aguirre, bill bisset, Daphne Marlatt, Wayde Compton, Caroline Adderson, Lorelei Bachman, Renée Sarojini Saklikar, and Faith Erin Hicks. Sep 21-25, various Vancouver venues. Free admission, info www.wordvancouver.ca/. CHERIE SMITH JCC JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL Annual celebration of Jewish literature features meet-the-author opportunities, readings and panel discussions, the annual book club event, a screenwriting workshop, children’s and youth authors, wellness and food subjects, interdisciplinary and multimedia events, and two onsite bookstores. Participating authors include Irvin Yalom, B.A. Shapiro, Daniel Kalla, Simon Choa-Johnston, Helen Kim, Noah Leavitt, Tom Wayman, Glenda Leznoff, Ella Zeltserman, Gary Barwin, Paul Goldberg, and Michael Wex. Nov 27–Dec 1, Jewish Community Centre (950 W. 41st). Info www.jewishbookfestival.ca/.

will give an artist talk. Sep 7, 7 pm, VIVO Media Arts (2625 Kaslo). Free admission, info www.vivomediaarts.com/dv-xviiichristina-kubisch-artist-talk-electrical-walks/.

ME AND MY COLLECTION Imogen Lin and Harold Steves discuss their respective passion for Chinese menus and seeds. Sep 8, 7 pm, Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street). Tix $15/11, info www.museumofvancouver.ca/ programs/calendar/. WALK THE TALK Eccentric guides walk audience members through a 40-minute encampment of several living, and one dying, mini-exhibitions of select artists. Part of the Vancouver Fringe Festival. Sep 8-18, 7-9 pm, Granville Island. Free admission, info www.arc-works.ca/. WEST COAST TAGORE FESTIVAL Highlights include an award ceremony, a poetry reading by over 20 local poets, music, refreshments, performances by children and youth, a lecture, improvisational music, and a scripted presentation. Sep 9-10, Richmond Cultural Centre (180– 7700 Minoru Gate). Free admission, info www.vancouvertagoresociety.org/. FROM BOND WITH LOVE: THE ENCORE The Lovers Cabaret presents a spy adventure featuring burlesque, cabaret, and contemporary dance. Sep 9-10, 8-11 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $25 , info www.theloverscabaret.com/. PLACE DES ARTS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE Meet the teachers, get info from programmers, watch class demos, and participate in activities. Sep 10, 2-4 pm, Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Free admission, info www.placedesarts.ca/events-andperformances/open-house.aspx/.

artistic development of Picasso) to Oct 2 2BHARTI KHER MATTER (exhibition brings together sculptures and paintings that represent the diversity of New Delhi-based artist Bharti Kher’s practice) to Oct 10

MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF VANCOUVER 1100 Chestnut Street, 604-736-4431, www.museumof vancouver.ca/. 2ALL TOGETHER NOW: VANCOUVER COLLECTORS AND THEIR WORLDS (sensory experience explores the cultural power and significance of collecting through wall-to-wall displays of unconventional objects, which tell the stories of 20 diverse, local collectors) to Jan 8, 2017 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, 2017 2LAWRENCE PAUL YUXWELUPTUN: UNCEDED TERRITORIES (Vancouver-based artist is showcased in a presentation of works that confront the colonialist suppression of First Nations peoples and reflect the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights to lands, resources, and sovereignty) to Oct 16

OUT OF TOWN 2THIS WEEK ARTWALK 2016 Arts Whistler presents its annual self-guided walking tour of more than 40 pop-up galleries. To Nov 30, various Whistler venues. Free, info www. artswhistler.com/events/artwalk-0/.

UNDERSTANDING FLAMENCO Learn about the interplay of song, dance, and music as flamenco guitarist Victor Kolstee accompanies the Flamenco Rosario dancers. Part of the Vancouver International Flamenco Festival. Sep 13, 7-8:30 pm, Alice MacKay Room (Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

ROCK ’N’ ROLL PHOTOGRAPHER DEE LIPPINGWELL Dee Lippingwell discusses her four decades of shooting major rock acts worldwide. Sep 14, 7 pm, New Westminster Public Library (716 6th Ave., New West). Info www.nwpl.ca/.

JERRY SEINFELD American comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer performs his signature standup routine. Nov 4, 7 pm, Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St., Seattle, Wash.). Tix US$46.25-146.25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.stgpresents.org/.

GALLERIES VANCOUVER ART GALLERY 750 Hornby, 604-662-4719, www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/. 2PICASSO: THE ARTIST AND HIS MUSES (exhibition examines the significance of the six women who were inspirational to the

VISIT

WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL Event brings together Canadian and international authors for a weekend packed with readings, workshops, speaker panels, spokenword events, and music. Oct 13-16, Fairmont Chateau Whistler (4599 Chateau Boulevard). Info www.whistlerwritersfest.com/.

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.

TO WIN TICKETS

Vetta Chamber Music

Legendary Family Act SHARON, BRAM & FRIENDS

Live at the Orpheum Theatre Sunday September 18, 2016 at 2:00pm

2016 - 2017 31st Season

Tickets starting from $22.99

Joan Blackman

Ticketstonight.ca | 604-665-3050

Beethoven! Jane Coop piano

Jane Coop

Joan Blackman

FESTOONERY COMMUNITY ART PROJECT Learn to make cording using local vines and leaves and crochet, knot, or knit your cording into an art piece. To Sep 29, 6-8 pm, Trillium Park North (Malkin and Thornton). Free admission, info www.earthand.com/events/. DV XVIII | CHRISTINA KUBISCH: ARTIST TALK As part of VIVO’s improvised music and sound art series Destroy Vancouver, German media artist Christina Kubisch

Joan Blackman violin Ariel Barnes cello Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 8 in G major, Op 30 No. 3 Sonata for Piano and Cello No. 3 in A major, Op 69 Piano Trio in D major, Op 70 No.1 (Ghost)

Thu Sep 15th at 2:00pm Fri Sep 16th at 7:30pm West Point Grey United Church

ET CETERA 2THIS WEEK

Artistic Director

Ariel Barnes

for more information visit our website

Vettamusic.com Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation

THE HAMBER FOUNDATION

Edith Lando Charitable Foundation season media sponsor

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 33

Expand the frame. September 29 to October 14 Discover viff.org

Elle

Julieta

Paul Verhoeven – France/Germany

Neruda

Pedro Almodóvar – Spain

The Other Half

Pablo Larraín – Chile/Argentina/Spain/France

Joey Klein – Canada

FRI. OCT 7

9:00 PM

PLAYHOUSE

WED. OCT 5

6:00 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

SUN. OCT 2

6:00 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

MON. OCT 10

3:15 PM

PLAYHOUSE

FRI. OCT 7

1:00 PM

PLAYHOUSE

SUN. OCT 9

1:00 PM

PLAYHOUSE

WED. OCT 12

9:00 PM

SFU-GCA

SAT. OCT 8

8:45 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

Dutch director Paul Verhoeven returns to the big screen with this darkest of dark comedies, which many critics consider among his best. A videogame executive (Isabelle Huppert, superb) suffers a rape, only to react unlike any screen heroine you’ve ever seen… “Verhoeven’s brazen rape revenge comedy is a dangerous delight… Huppert delivers a standout performance as a woman turning the tables on her attacker in the controversial director’s electrifying and provocative comeback.”—Guardian

Pedro Almodóvar’s decades-spanning tale, based on stories by Alice Munro, masterfully blends elements of melodrama and mystery. Middle-aged Julieta (Emma Suárez) discovers that her long-missing daughter has resurfaced, leading her to reflect on her younger self (played by Adriana Ugarte) and the events that drove her daughter away. “A sombre, ravishing study of grief, guilt and burden... [The film] offers a cumulative power that’s finally extremely moving and teasingly free of easy resolution.”—Time Out

The Red Turtle

The Handmaiden

Michael Dudok de Wit –Netherlands/France/Japan SAT. OCT 1

2:30 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

THU. OCT 6

6:15 PM

PLAYHOUSE

A marvellous, dialogue-free slice of animated poetry, this collaboration between Dutch Oscar-winner (for the animated short Father and Daughter) Michael Dudok de Wit and Japan’s Studio Ghibli gives us a Robinson Crusoe-like man, stranded on a desert isle, whose adventures delve deep into the allegorical and fantastic... “A fable so simple, so pure, it feels as if it has existed for hundreds of years, like a brilliant shard of sea glass rendered smooth and elegant through generations of retelling.”—Variety

Another robust and inventive drama from Pablo Larraín (No, VIFF 12; The Club, VIFF 15), Neruda, set in 1948 Chile, features Gael García Bernal (terrific) as a somewhat inept yet self-aggrandizing police detective who makes it his mission to hunt down Pablo Neruda (Luis Gnecco) after the poet is forced into hiding for his beliefs… “[This represents] the director at his stunning best with a work of such cleverness and beauty, alongside such power, that it’s hard to know how to parcel out praise…”—Variety

Toni Erdmann

Park Chanwook – South Korea

SAT. OCT 1

9:15 PM

SUN. OCT 2

12:30 PM

PLAYHOUSE

6:00 PM

INTL VILLAGE 8

MON. OCT 10

PLAYHOUSE

Joey Klein’s accomplished debut hinges on the relationship between a bipolar woman (Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black) and a grief-stricken man (Tom Cullen, Weekend). The film’s nuanced narrative is striking in its depth and sincerity as it portrays a relationship borne of mutual mental distress. Its aesthetic flourishes and indelible soundtrack work to create a dizzyingly atmospheric tone. “A troubled, anguished love story that neither exaggerates nor softpedals the demons on display...”—Variety

Graduation

Maren Ade – Germany

Cristian Mungiu – Romania

SUN. OCT 2

8:45 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

FRI. SEP 30

8:30 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

FRI. SEP 30

1:15 PM

INTL VILLAGE 10

FRI. OCT 7

3:00 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

TUE. OCT 11

8:30 PM

RIO

WED. OCT 5

8:30 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

FRI. OCT 14

8:30 PM

RIO

THU. OCT 13

2:15 PM

CENTRE FOR ARTS

TUE. OCT 11

3:15 PM

PLAYHOUSE

With this sexy, dangerous bodice-ripper, Park Chanwook (Oldboy) has fashioned a cinema of striptease; as the film slowly unspools, we marvel at its sensual flair. After a Korean pickpocket is hired by a con-man to masquerade as a Japanese heiress’s maid and help pilfer her fortune, The Handmaiden’s plot twists as fast as its characters shift sexual allegiances. “Park brings the full arsenal of cinematic expression… [He] can make a mere door opening an act of emotional transcendence.”—Village Voice

Saying it is sui generis only begins to describe the unique breadth and depth of Maren Ade’s (Everyone Else) comic masterpiece, a film that traces the relationship between a prank-playing father (Peter Simonischek) and his corporate go-getter daughter (Sandra Hüller) to side-splitting and moving effect. “A stunningly singular third feature by Ade that transports the intricately magnified human observation of her previous work to a rich, unexpected comic realm... A humane, hilarious triumph.”—Variety

Winner of the 2007 Cannes Palme d’Or for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, Cristian Mungiu returns with this tale about a doctor with a secret who’ll do anything to ensure his 18-year-old daughter passes her final exam with a high enough score to guarantee a scholarship abroad. “A five-star study of grubby bureaucratic compromise... [This] is a masterly, complex movie of psychological subtlety and moral weight, about the shabby choices people make as they claw their way up... Deeply intelligent...”—Guardian Schedule subject to change, visit viff.org for updates.

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Online: Single tickets on sale at viff.org, from noon on Sept. 8 In-person: from Sept. 15 Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour Street, at Davie (Mon-Sat: Noon - 7pm, Sun: 2pm – 9pm) Film Infoline: 604-683-FILM

34 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

MOVIES REVIEWS THE ACADEMY OF MUSES Starring Raffaele Pinto. In Spanish, Italian, and Catalan, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable

Art as analogue for life and life using art

2 to cover its designs are among the heady,

if sometimes carnal, themes of The Academy of Muses, a uniquely provocative film from Spain’s José Luis Guerín. The nonprofessional yet thoroughly engaging cast is led by Raffaele Pinto, a real-life Italian professor of philology at the University of Barcelona whose unnamed character teaches a course at that institution exploring the role of muses in premodern literature. Moving freely between languages, his mostly female, moderately youngish students have much to add on the subject, built loosely around Dante’s Inferno. Everyone in the course, including Il Professore, is articulately opposed to the patriarchy. And yet things always seem to work out in his favour. What initially appears to be mere documentation of a lively academic discussion soon grows more

Musings on the medieval The Academy Hieronymous

Mireia Iniesta is of one the nonprofessional cast members providing a scruffy older professor with a heady diversion or two in The Academy of the Muses.

extant Bosch paintings and drawings, which depict a lot more about what to avoid than where you want to go. Their goal is to assemble a first-ever show in the bizarre artist’s of the Muses offers brainy provocations; hometown of Den Bosch. But Bosch is found to be Touched by the Devil most works reside at Madrid’s personal, and more formally quirky, as it becomes Museo del Prado, which has owned them so long apparent that the Neapolitan medievalist, though (about 400 years), many have come to think of the scruffily (late) middle-aged himself, might be get- painter as Spanish. In any case, the museum is hesitant to let them ting overly amused by one or more of his estudiantes. At least that’s the suspicion you pick up from go, although a team gets to examine The Garhis wife (Rosa Delor Muns), usually shot facing den of Earthly Delights and other famous works forward, through their apartment window, while up close and personal. The visitors also travel to the balding, bespectacled prof dithers distractedly Venice and Kansas City, utilizing microscopes in the background. Indeed, what he describes as and infrared technology to discover elaborate “research” extends to private meetings, especially underdrawings that contradict or enhance the with a sparky Italian (Emanuela Forgetta) and a finished products. The revelations also suggest the strawberry-blond Spaniard (Mireia Iniesta). They work of other hands, either in aid of the master are again glimpsed through—and obscured by— or occasionally in imitation. In any case, the largest paintings suggest medieval movie sets, with reflection-dappled car and café windows. While the director obviously enjoys mediating collaborators working below the line, as it were, his verbose subjects’ lives through cinematic dis- under one visionary director. The mostly Dutch crew, led by outgoing protancing devices, he also mixes in more direct experiences, such as a quick visit to Sardinia, where ject coordinator Matthijs Ilsink, is on the lookout local singers and poets suggest (and debate) the pri- for forgeries or derivations in style. They are not macy of nature. The overall effect, although some- particularly interested in the life story or social what repetitive and not always polished-looking, context of their subject, who was a northern condevelops into a highly stimulating discourse. Some temporary of Da Vinci’s, but rather in finding a through line in the art itself. of the human comedy you could even call divine. > KEN EISNER “The main job of art historians,” one says, jovially, to another, “is to predict the past.” Another HIERONYMUS BOSCH: TOUCHED BY points to Bosch’s wacky stuff as the exact start of THE DEVIL the Renaissance. They’re still working on that one. A documentary by Pieter van Huystee. In English, Dutch, and Italian, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable

Even people who’ve never enjoyed antique art get fascinated by the lavish hellscapes of Hieronymus Bosch, whose violently surrealistic interpretations of biblical imperatives came almost five centuries before Salvador Dalí and Zap Comix. This sober-sided, not entirely unplayful Dutch doc (with gorgeous images supported by darkly dissonant music) is a directing debut for veteran producer Pieter van Huystee. He follows a group of curators, restorers, and historians—kind of a CSI: Art Division—as they attempt to inspect and retrieve the

WEEK IN WIDESCREEN

> KEN EISNER

THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK—THE TOURING YEARS

Starring Jamie Dornan. Rated PG

A documentary by Ron Howard. Rating unavailable

You know society’s in trouble when the guy

As Ian MacDonald wrote in Revolution in

wants to be the next Robert Zemeckis. Featuring a shockingly banal script by actor turned typist Max Minghella, adapting Liz Jensen’s popular YA book, The 9th Life of Louis Drax was directed by Parisborn Alexandre Aja, who might not have noticed that most of the English dialogue sounds like it was lifted from an ’80s medical series, when not veering into lame cop drama (with Molly Parker

band, there were “no passengers” in the Beatles. Both Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are on hand in this never-dull doc to drive that basic principle home, with archival support from both John Lennon and George Harrison. Even the latter, typically the least rosy of the Fabs, confesses that he always felt bad for Elvis because there “was

2 who brought you Piranha 3D decides he 2 the Head, one of the finer books about the

Bazin’s notion of the Cinema of Cruelty, this monster (and marvellously titled) Cinematheque series brings together the work of Robert Bresson, Luis Buñuel, Carl Dreyer, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Werner Herzog, Michael Haneke, Catherine Breillat, Lars von Trier, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and David Lynch in an almost monthlong celebration of filmdom’s greatest shockers, bummers, and mindfucks. Get the party started with Un Chien Andalou, Psycho, and maybe some uppers on Thursday (September 8). Stick around for titles including Mouchette, Fat Girl, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me in the coming weeks. -

What to see and where to see it

IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA With The Academy of Muses opening this week, the Vancity Theatre brings Spanish filmmaker José Luis Guerín’s earlier masterpiece for a couple of not-to-be-missed screenings on Saturday and Monday (September 10 and 12).

A SHORT FILM ABOUT LOVE

see next page

MOVIES

THIS IS GOING TO HURT Inspired by French critic André

> KEN EISNER

THE 9TH LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX

The projector

Depression session

offering a dead-on parody of a hard-ass detective). The worst words are delivered by Fifty Shades of Grey’s Jamie Dornan, the perfect casting choice for people who find Henry Cavill too cerebral. Struggling manfully to obscure his Irish accent with a welter of sighs and lip-pursing head tilts, Dornan plays Dr. Allan Pascal, a pediatric surgeon much in demand but never too busy to deliver “inspirational” TED Talks, or to take long walks away from his hospital with the especially pretty mom (Canada’s Sarah Gadon) whose son has barely survived a long walk off a short cliff. B.C. subs for foggy San Francisco, and young Vancouverite Aiden Longworth is the one bright spot here, since he’s quite engaging as the mysterious title character—even if Louis spends most of the movie in a coma. That state is broken by dreams, flashbacks, and feebly supernatural outof-body adventures, plus lengthy scenes of verbal jousting with a sympathetic shrink played by Oliver Platt. Can we trust the boy’s recollection of events between gentle-seeming mother and potentially violent dad (an okay Aaron Paul)? In fact, the unreliable-narrator bit is ultimately lost amid the film’s abrupt, sometimes laughably amateurish tonal shifts. So good in Indignation and other recent efforts, Gadon is lost in a part that buffets her between wounded saint and vertiginous femme fatale. No motivations are allowed in either direction, so it doesn’t really matter. The movie aspires to be semispiritual family fare but sticks to porn-level stereotypes; it betrays no deeper knowledge of actual lives, no matter how they’re numbered.

Augmenting the return of The Decalogue to the Cinematheque, here’s Krzysztof Kieslowski’s expansion of Episode 6, in which a voyeur and the woman he watches make dark cinematic magic, on Monday and Tuesday (September 12 and 13).

BARCODE Thanks to the Vancouver Iranian

Film Society, this acclaimed comedy-thriller about two drug dealers in Tehran gets its Vancouver premiere at the Vancity Theatre on Wednesday (September 14). An interview with director Mostafa Kiayee follows.

The stones I throw

SNOWDEN LIVE Flip the bird to the surveillance state when

Cineplex and Elevation Pictures preview Snowden at the Park Theatre on Wednesday (September 14), followed by a live Q&A between Edward Snowden himself and filmmaker Oliver Stone, broadcast by secure channel via Moscow and New York. You can contribute to the debriefing by tweeting your questions to #SnowdenLive and #AskOliverStone. Tickets are available now at www.cineplex. com/. Assuming it isn’t renditioned off to some CIA black site in the Caribbean Sea before then, Snowden, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, opens in Vancouver next Friday (September 16). SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 35

A little-known beat combo from Britain tries hard to sing in tune in The Beatles: Eight Days a Week—The Touring Years.

The Beatles from previous page

only one of him”. If there’s a message in Eight Days a Week, backwards or otherwise, it’s that the Beatles survived for as long as they did because they loved and protected each other. Of course, in choosing to focus on the increasingly hairy (in all senses) touring years from 1963 to their penultimate show at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in 1966, director Ron Howard can apply his lightweight sensibilities to the happy part of the story and avoid all the messy interpersonal stuff that happened after the band’s subsequent retirement from the stage. The mandate here is to guarantee a splendid time for all, and it’s achieved admirably, given that we already know the story a thousand times over. New footage and restored concert clips certainly help, among them a ferocious version of “I Saw Her Standing There” from 1963 that reminds us that these guys could absolutely

summon the darker powers of rock ’n’ roll and still look adorable. More astonishing still, perhaps, is blackand-white film of a sea of football fans singing “She Loves You” en masse at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium. This gives Elvis Costello the chance to talk about hometown pride, which in turn should remind us that the bonds forged in the working-class communities of postwar Britain were then carried into battle by the Beatles through three years of unfathomable mayhem. (It’s how they won the war.) Besides Costello, whose presence makes sense here, Howard calls on a slightly weird array of Hollywood friends like Whoopi Goldberg to recall their own formative doses of Beatlemania. She tells the story of seeing the band at Shea Stadium—a pristine 4K restoration of that history-making concert actually accompanies the main feature—although that has to compete, mind-bogglingly, with an actual clip of teenage Sigourney Weaver screaming along to “Boys” at the Hollywood Bowl.

With his unwavering dedication to the positive, Howard also contrasts the “bigger than Jesus” shit storm with the band’s staunch, unanimous, and frankly dangerous refusal to play to segregated audiences in the American South. It’s as close as Eight Days a Week comes to deeper inquiry into the context of a phenomenon still without equal. (Speaking of which, composer Howard Goodall makes the not unacceptable argument that Lennon-McCartney were better than Mozart.) It also doesn’t matter. If the test is whether or not a Beatles obsessive approves, then Eight Days a Week gets two McCartney-shaped thumbs up. As the man himself says, clearly amused when asked about the Beatles and “culture” in an ancient interview: “Pfft, it’s not culture, it’s just a good laugh.” > ADRIAN MACK

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week— The Touring Years opens at the Park Theatre next Friday (September 16). Please check listings for showtimes.

SNOWDEN LIVE · SEPTEMBER 14 AT THE PARK THEATRE

Sept 8-26 ‘

Featuring 13 masterworks of cruelty including

Salo, Au Hasard Balthazar, A Clockwork Orange, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me!

Opening Night

Thursday, September 8 | Doors 6:00pm Un Chien Andalou + Psycho

The Cinematheque | 1131 Howe Street www.thecinematheque.ca

36 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

IN THEATRES EVERYWHERE SEPTEMBER 16!

MUSIC

Therapy can come in many forms, from an

BY MIKE US IN G ER

hour lying on an analyst’s couch to a night spent drinking with a sympathetic friend. For Patrick Fiore, setting up a microphone and pressing Record for his latest album, Past Life, was as good a way as any to work through some painful stuff. To listen to the Vancouver-raised artist’s work as etherealminded EDM producer Noble Oak is to conclude that, at some point, a meaningful relationship went impossibly sideways. When he’s reached on tour in Japan, Fiore is more than willing to reveal that lines like “Never was a winner but I tried, I tried” and “You run away/The sun, it went out” from the celestial “Begin to Say” were indeed rooted in a difficult time. The funny thing is that he didn’t realize that he was using his art to deal with the darkness. “A lot of the songs stem from a really bad breakup, kind of unconsciously so,” Fiore says, fresh off a show in Tokyo’s Shibuya district that he excitedly describes as a career highlight. “A lot of the lyrics came from me hitting Record and then just seeing what comes out. If I like a line, I’ll keep it, and they’ll become lyrics. I try to make those lyrics come as organically as possible, and as it happens this past while, what’s stuck with me is a bit of regret for the person that I was and the way that I behaved in a relationship at the end of 2014. I’m one of those people where things can really get to me. And in that situation, things really did. It’s only very recently that I’ve been able to sort of move on.”

Sounds from inner space

Patrick Fiore, (aka Noble Oak), doesn’t enjoy the great outdoors quite as much as the great indoors, but he’s giving it the old college try. Michelle Chin photo.

release the EP that you just put out,’ ” he recounts. “At that point I’d just put out the Away EP, and he wantFor all the sadness that hangs over parts of ed to rerelease it in the Japan territory. He said, ‘We Past Life, the record is anything but a downer. obviously can’t pay you upfront, but we’d love to From the dreamscope opener, “The Spirit”, to the put on a tour for you.’ So I was like, ‘Absolutely— chilled-out, spacy closer, “Moonlight”, the album that sounds incredible.’” is marked by layers of beach-shimmer synths, The rapturous reception he subsequently resoft-glitch percussion, and Fiore’s impossibly deli- ceived is understandable. There’s something discate vocals. It’s no accident that “beautiful” might tinctly urban about his work as Noble Oak, with be the best description of the record. Right from densely layered songs made for wandering widethe moment Fiore first entered the ambient end eyed in big neon-lit cities. Or, if one prefers, towof the EDM pool, the classically trained pianist ering and majestic West Coast rainforests. knew what he wanted to accomplish. “Obviously, I grew up in and around Vancou“There was definitely a period, for about three ver, and now I live in Toronto,” Fiore says. “So I weeks after the breakup happened, that I was in guess, yeah, what I’m doing kind of does have a such a state that I couldn’t do anything,” he says. city sound, and they recognize that here in Japan “But if I go back to when I began the project, my as well. But even in the smaller towns, I’ve got intent from day one was literally to make the most some really nice compliments. In this provincial beautiful songs that I possibly can. And to hope that town that I just played in called Yamagata, this the world can understand that and see it. Hopefully, guy came up to me and was like, ‘Oh, man—the I can unite people so that they, in some way, can rec- world needs your music!’ I was like, ‘Wow—that’s ognize beauty in sound. That’s really all that I ever the nicest thing that anyone ever said.’ ” wanted in this project, so if someone thinks that the A big part of the appeal, whether in bustling songs are beautiful, then I’ve done my job.” Tokyo or a sleepy small town in B.C., is that the songs Plenty of folks do indeed think that Fiore is do- have enough space for an almost meditative quality. ing something gorgeous; Past Life has been lavish- As a listener, you can choose to build a story out of ly praised everywhere from England’s BBC Radio lines like “I felt so lost/And all I said was goodbye” 1 to America’s Stereogum to Australia’s Triple J from the regal “All I Said”, or you can simply step Radio. In Japan, meanwhile, the producer—who’s back and bliss out, using Noble Oak as a soundtrack relocated from Vancouver to Toronto—has built a to your own inner musings. And if you’ve got somesomewhat obsessive fan base, thanks to touring. thing to work out—either on the therapist’s couch or Fiore says that the love affair with the country over that third double bourbon with that friend who started when an email from a Japanese promoter is great at listening—all the better. arrived, the sender professing his fandom after “I’ve discovered over time that my music is discovering Noble Oak’s songs online. kind of a personal experience,” Fiore says, “so it “He said, ‘We love your music, and we’d love to might not be the kind of thing that you want to

Noble Oak’s Past Life can be a highly personal listening experience, and that’s just how Patrick Fiore planned it

hear in a club. I mean, some of the songs, yeah, do work there. But a lot of Past Life does come from a very personal place. So it totally makes sense that people might take something of me from the music, but also bring their own experiences to it. At least, I hope they do.” Noble Oak plays Fortune Sound Club on Friday (September 9).

in + out

On classical music: “When I was learning to play piano, I had a penchant for symphonic music, and in particular impressionist music. Maurice Ravel is my absolute favourite composer. Those inspirational pieces of music that he wrote made me realize I just had to make my own.” On layering: “People have told me, ‘Your music is really complex and dense.’ I’m like, ‘That probably harkens back to orchestralayering where they’ve got 50 or 60 players onstage.’ I’d like to think that’s a big influence.” On sonic cocktails: “We’re a nature-nurture beast, and I think that it’s becoming clearer to me as I get older that my experiences have really shaped me. My music is a synthesis of everything I’ve ever experienced. The orchestral memories of my youth are huge. And the same for going out to clubs and lots of rock shows. It’s all kind of synthesized together to create what I make.”

TOUR TRIALS INSPIRED G RO E NLAND’S LATE S T >>> As infectiously fun as Sabrina

2 Halde is when the tape re-

corder is rolling, there are periods when the Groenland singer wonders what the hell she’s doing with her life. Touring, as anyone who’s done time in a van will confirm, can be hell. And evidently, there’s nothing worse than being in hell when everyone else is having a blast. “Because I’m the singer, I think my experience in the band is totally different from the others,” Groenland’s wonderfully personable frontwoman says, on the line from Montreal, where she’s fittingly getting set to hit the road. “It became difficult because I wasn’t one of them. I couldn’t hang out talking too much with people after the shows, I couldn’t drink, I couldn’t smoke—all that stuff. That was good for a while, but then, after two years, three years, I just want to drink alcohol and have fun. It just turns into this job that you feel you have to do.” At least Halde can see the humour in it all. She laughs while noting she’s

getting exactly what she signed on for when she hooked up with keyboardist Jean-Vivier Lévesque to start a modern-sounding electro-oriented band. Quickly, the two discovered that they were happier making cinematic indie pop in the vein of Arcade Fire and Stars. To the jazz-trained singer’s initial delight, the world was quick to embrace the quintet’s bright-eyed debut, The Chase, and soon she was on tour more than she was at home. Eventually, she had to look for coping mechanisms. “I’ve talked to a lot of singers, because you kind of need to find people who understand what you’re going through,” Halde says. “Even if you’re someone who’s not doing a big vocal performance when you’re getting on-stage, you still need to go in that emotional place every night. And while you need to go there, you can’t go too deep. It’s another kind of experience from everyone in the band, and sometimes you end up so tired. It’s hard to have this really

A certain member of Groenland takes his style cues from Waldo.

emotional experience when you’re playing, and then go, ‘Okay, I’m happy now and I’m going to bed.’ ” Halde’s experiences touring for The Chase would colour the band’s just-released sophomore album, A Wider Space. The record builds on a formula that saw the group

Patrick Fiore sounds off on the things that enquiring minds want to know.

> BY MIKE USINGER

break out of Quebec and tour in both North America and Europe, with Groenland proving as adept at ornate chamber pop (“Retreat”) as sea-breeze yacht rock (“Healing Suns”). Scotland’s Belle and Sebastian would gladly hoist a pint in appreciation of the delightfully twee “The Weather”, while traces of classic Orange County ska wash up in “Nothing Personal”. Through it all, Halde’s jazzy vocals are as impressive as they are epic, the singer sounding like she’s learned everything she knows by studying the giants of Blue Note. The lyrics on A Wider Space, meanwhile, suggest that countless hours on the road started to grind on Halde. Consider “I’m slipping through the cracks to join you in the day/Please remind me how to climb my way back out” in the kaleidoscopic psychedelic-folk title track. But even her darkest moments while touring for The Chase would end up, in a weird way, inspiring her.

☞

“The second album is kind of like my pep talk to myself,” she says. “It’s like I needed to get it all out and transform it all into something positive. ’Cause it’s weird when you get super tired—you get almost negative, because you’re just trying to survive everything that’s going on. I’ve never been a negative person, but I started turning into this weird, angry person. What made it weird was that I didn’t know that person.” She’s happy to report, however, that she now knows how to keep that person at bay. “It’s a thing where you have to remember who you are, which is not a fucking monster,” she says with her loudest laugh during the interview. “Now we all make jokes about it. Me and Jean-Vivier—we’re the two leaders—talk about how we’re going to have lots of fun. At least, that is, for the first six months.” Groenland plays the Biltmore Cabaret next Thursday (September 15).

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 37

MUSIC

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September 14 + 28 ■ October 12 + 26 November 9 + 23 ■ December 7 + 21

The Dark Lord speaks and Jay Tripwire spins

orld-renowned DJ Jay Tripwire first got into spinning records in his late teens, after “hearing the call from the Dark Lord”. Sure, that might sound like a pretty risky excuse for the budding performer to stop going to high school and start spending all his money on vinyl. But the Dark Lord clearly had a plan. Now with more than 20 years’ experience behind the decks, the DJ has established himself as one of the major players in house and techno. A familiar face in London, Berlin, and the United States’ premier venues, the born-and-bred Vancouverite is one of the city’s greatest unsung exports. Jay Tripwire needs a refresher in Famed for a musical stamina that Basic Electrical Cord Winding 101. puts even Bruce Springsteen to shame, the DJ is known to play extended sets One thing that falls flat in front of a bunch of people will totally destroy it that can last eight hours or more. Not just a gifted DJ, the local boy is somewhere else. also celebrated throughout the world as a first-class producer, with more FAVOURITE VANCOUVER than 200 releases to his name, includ- PRODUCER ing four full-length albums and 18 Mathew Jonson. He’s probably one of EPs. Tripwire’s unrivalled pro- the biggest things to ever come out of Vancouver. True, ductivity has led he doesn’t live to much critical So Many DJs here anymore—he recognition. Now moved to Berlin a embarking on his Kate Wilson really long time ago. 8 Channels project—an endeavour to write tracks But he’s unbelievable. Mathew makes with (you guessed it) just eight chan- so much great shit. He’s basically the nels—Tripwire continues to innovate Jim Morrison of techno. in both his composition and his perWHAT’S UP WITH DJING WITHformances. OUT A LAPTOP?

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There’s an old record called “Ultrasong” by Rob Rives [under his Floppy Sounds alias] and François K. It’s always my favourite track. Part of the appeal is that because it’s an obscure, underground song, no one knows it. There’ll always be that one old guy who’s like, “Oh my God, you played that ‘Ultrasong’ record from back in the day: that’s so cool,” and everyone else is saying “Wow, this track is totally new!” BEST GIG EVER

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That’s like asking if you prefer oranges or apples. It depends how warm the apple is, or how rotten the orange is. If I had to choose? I’d probably say [London, England club] fabric. That place is always really good, every single show. It’s really sad that the City of London is threatening to shut it down—we need to bust out the pitchforks and the torches. But, as I keep telling people, at least fabric had a chance to open and do its thing. In Vancouver, that venue couldn’t even exist. A SONG THAT CLEARED THE DANCE FLOOR

Definitely one of my own unfinished, horrible tracks that really needed fixing. But that’s the thing with DJing— you’re always testing out your own new stuff. You think it’s ready, and when you play it, you’re like, “Oh my God, this is not working.” Then again, music is always context-based.

I don’t trust laptops. If you think about the way laptops are designed, they don’t work well around large magnets. Now, what’s a speaker? It’s a large magnet. I remember the very first time I saw a friend playing off a laptop in fabric, and the thing went completely dead. And he took that laptop and literally wiped the booth with it. He smashed it, stepped on it, and chucked it. And then he had to play music in a physical format. While that was going on, I’m thinking to myself that it’s pretty obvious why that happened. Big magnetic fields can do bad things to hard drives. Plus, honestly, I can’t even get my emails to work. How can I expect shows to go well with a laptop? ODDEST REQUEST YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED

One time in Vancouver I was playing a boat party, and all these North Van kids kept asking if I’d put on some hip-hop. And, of course, I said no— that’s not the style of music I play. In response, some people went up to the barbecue on the top deck, came down with some smoked wieners, and threw them at me. One guy even had a whole carrot. All this food was bonking past me, and it knocked the needles off the turntables. I turned the music off, and we did the rest of the cruise with no music. To be frank, I’m grateful they only threw wieners at me, instead of showing me their own. It could have been a lot worse. -

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MUSIC

annabe musicians are aware that in order to carve out a space for themselves in one of the world’s most cutthroat industries, they have to start by making a series of sacrifices. Recognizing this early in her pursuit of a career in music, local soul and R&B vocalist Emily Chambers has bitten the bullet, quitting her job and moving into a 1984 B250 Dodge Ram camper van—but not before some serious preparation. It started out simply: in her private journal, Chambers vowed to tour America in a camper van for one year. She took a job as an insurance broker and began setting aside her paycheques, with the goal of recording and touring at the forefront of her mind. “Insurance was always just a steppingstone,” Chambers tells the Straight at a Fairview coffee shop. “While I was working full-time, I was gigging three times a week, with two rehearsals a week, so it was like having two full-time jobs,” she explains. “On top of that, I was managing myself and booking gigs. It was nuts.” The Berklee College of Music– trained vocalist has been singing since she was just three years old. At age seven, her mother signed her up for singing lessons with renowned Vancouver jazz musician Joani Taylor, who happened to be Chambers’s next-door neighbour. “She would make me break down songs and make them my own,” Chambers says. “I had to learn how to riff horn lines, and she introduced me to Motown and jazz.” Equally influenced by legends like Etta James, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, and contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo, Chambers has a smooth, sultry voice that simply oozes soul. With a financial goal in mind and

Portrait of the artist at home: Emily Chambers and “Bessie”, the van in which she lives, presumably down by the river. Amanda Siebert photo.

all the self-made momentum she could Wi-Fi. Her biggest expense? “Bessie muster up, she worked double-time for practically eats gas.” two years, brokering by day and build“It makes for a lot more stage baning her profile as a musician by night. ter, that’s for sure,” says Chambers On April 1, Chambers left her job of her experience in the van thus and bought “Besfar. “There have alsie”, the powderready been a ton blue camper van of adventures in that she now it, and I’ve got lots Amanda Siebert calls home. of great stories.” The van, although delightfully cute The musician says living in such and cozy, was never intended to be a confined quarters has certainly testliving space—but after an attempt to ed her patience, but she praises van live with her sister and brother-in- life for how much it’s pushed her out law was quashed by their landlord, of her comfort zone. Chambers was forced to leave in mid“I can’t get ready in here, so someJuly, and she’s been living in the van times I just have to go with the flow, ever since, parking on side streets like ‘Maybe you’re wearing a hat toand friends’ driveways throughout night,’ ” she says. “It definitely gets the city. Without plumbing or Inter- me out into the world a lot quicker.” net, she showers at her yoga studio Chambers admits that, initially, and takes advantage of coffee shop it was strange to be so unsettled,

Local Motion

but being without a stationary home base has allowed her to “step away from the business side of things”, and get back to the music. “I can’t blow-dry my hair or fit all my clothes in the van, but it made me realize I only ever wear the same seven things anyway,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve got a warm bed, a place to brush my teeth and wash my face, and a place to sit and write with a cup of tea. These are things that are important to me at home.” With just the finishing touches left on her debut five-track EP, Magnolia, Chambers is excited to embark on her first solo, cross-continent tour to New York following her upcoming EP release party. To help amp up support, Chambers has started a Pledge campaign where fans can donate by ordering her EP. Five percent of all funds raised will be going to the Parkinson Society British Columbia, an organization close to Chambers because her father suffers from the disease. In January, she’ll headline a fundraiser for the society called Shake, Shake, Shake, aptly named by her dad. Following the release, she’ll be on the road for 68 days, and she plans to tour on and off for the next two years. For Chambers, there is simply no better way to do it. “Getting out there and touring and playing as much as you can is the way to spread your sound, more than anything you can do on the Internet,” she says. As for van life? “It hasn’t felt like a sacrifice... I kind of like the idea of being transient. I might not be living the way you are, but I’m making a living doing what I love.” -

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FRI SEPT 9 * OPUS ARISE * STRATHCONA * WAR AMP * SAT SEPT 10 * JAKS SK8 COMP AFTER PARTY WITH

* DAYGLO ABORTIONS

* DEATH SENTENCE * BOGUE BRIGADE * THE GAGGED * FRI SEPT 16 * MEXIBILLY WITH * THE ROCABRONES * THE EXTROVERTS [PUNK VETERANS FROM REGINA] - THE HEX [VIC] * SAT SEPT 17 * DOOOOOM WITH * CRATERS * HERON * SERPENT CROWN [CALI] * NOSTRUM * THURS SEPT 22 * HEAVY METAL FROM S.F. * CASTLE * AND GUESTS * MENDOZZA * M16 * SKULL VULTURES...… $15 – 9PM SHARP

Emily Chambers’s EP release party is on September 14 at the Biltmore Cabaret. Doors open at 8 p.m.

BLUEPRINTLIVE

WED SEP 28 |

WED OCT 05 |

VENUE

VOGUE

WED SEP 28 |

FRI OCT 21 VENUE

TUE SEP 27 | 09/14 09/23 09/24 09/25 11/01 11/11

blueprint_live

FRI SEP 30

FRI SEP 09 |

VENUE

VOGUE

VENUE STEVE GUNN / NAP EYES FORTUNE WE HUNT BUFFALO / DEAD QUIET FORTUNE MILLENCOLIN VENUE PETER HOOK (NEW ORDER / JOY DIVISION) VENUE THE VEILS (UK) FORTUNE

JULIETTE LEWIS

BUY ONLINE: www.BPLIVE.ca

IMPERIAL

FRI OCT 07 |

11/13 11/16 11/17 11/24 12/02 12/20

COMMODORE

VOGUE

YELAWOLF THE GOTOBEDS LEMAITRE RÜFÜS DU SOL MERCHANDISE NEUROSIS / YOB / SUMAC

COMMODORE FORTUNE FORTUNE IMPERIAL FORTUNE VENUE

tickets in stores: ZULU red cat | NEPTOON SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 39

FUNKY GUMBO New Orleans dance party features music by the Big Easy Funk Ensemble, Shelly Kantrow and Party MANIA, and Baby Face Brass. Sep 9, 8 pm, WISE Hall (1882 Adanac). Tix $10 at the door, info www.facebook.com/ events/1828720804025300.

music/ timeout CONCERTS < CLUBS & VENUES < OUT OF TOWN <

CONCERTS 2JUST ANNOUNCED BLUES GUITAR BLAST 2016 Blues music by Jerry Doucette, Shaun Verrault, Al Wailin’ Walker, and Rob Montgomery and His All-Star Band. Sep 16, 9 pm, Edgewater Casino (760 Pacific Blvd. S). Tix $15, info www.edgewatercasino.showare.com/. MARIANAS TRENCH Vancouver-based progressive-pop band tours in support of latest studio album Astoria, with guest Shawn Hook. Nov 4, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Abbotsford Centre (33800 King Rd., Abbotsford). Tix on sale Sep 9, 10 am, $65/49.50/35/25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. THE TREWS Canadian rock band tours in support of latest release Time Capsule, with guests Bleeker. Nov 12, doors 8 pm, show 9:30 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix on sale Sep 16, 10 am, $32.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. A TRIBE CALLED RED Canadian First Nations electronica band composed of DJ NDN, Bear Witness, and 2oolman, with guest Saul Williams. Nov 18, doors 8 pm, show 9:30 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix on sale Sep 9, 10 am, $25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

METALWOOD Canadian jazz band composed of Chris Tarry, Mike Murley, Brad Turner, and Ian Froman. Sep 9-11, 8-11 pm, Frankie’s (765 Beatty). Tix $20, info www. coastaljazz.ca/frankies_jazz_club/. HUMANS Canadian electronica duo composed of Robbie Slade and Peter Ricq, with guests Righteous Rainbows of Togetherness and the Passenger. Sep 9, doors 9 pm, The Imperial (319 Main). Tix $18 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.bplive.ca/. SUNSET MUSIC SERIES Every Friday will include Summit Lodge Restaurant barbecue and musical performances including classic rock, European folk, indie-soul, modern-acoustic, R&B, and world fusion. Performers include Sea to Sky Orchestra (Sep 9) and Lovecoast (Sep 16). To Sep 16, Fridays from 6-9 pm, Sea to Sky Gondola (36800 Hwy 99, Squamish). Tix $39.95, info www.seatoskygondola.com/. LIFE IN COLOR Blueprint Events and Live Nation present “the world’s largest paint party”, with artists to be announced. Sep 10, PNE Amphitheatre (2901 E. Hastings). Tix and info at www.thisisblueprint.com/.

on the web!

For up-to-the-minute, searchable Music Time Out listings, visit

www.straight.com

MOVE THE MESS AROUND The 2016 Accordion Noir Festival presents music by Gunther Kablutsiak, V’ni Dansi, Piñata Protest, Duo Finelli, Dirty Grace, and Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron. Sep 10, 7:30 pm, WISE Hall (1882 Adanac). Tix $22, info www.facebook.com/ events/568351746688947/.

AURORA Norwegian pop singer-songwriter tours in support of debut release All My Demons Greeting Me As a Friend, with guests Foreign Air. Dec 3, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Vogue Theatre. Tix on sale Sep 9, 10 am, $20 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketfly.com/.

PLASTIC ACID ORCHESTRA WITH VEDA HILLE AND FRIENDS Canadian modern symphony and Canadian singer-songwriter present a program of reimagined Buffy Sainte Marie songs and original pieces inspired by Emily Carr. Sep 10, 8 pm, Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton). Tix $31.75-42.25, info www.plasticacid.com/.

2THIS WEEK ACCORDION NOIR FESTIVAL Celebration of underground accordion culture brings together artists from around the globe for four days of squeezeboxthemed concerts, dance parties, community events, and cabaret. Sep 8-11, various Vancouver venues. Tix free to $22, info www.accordionnoirfest.com/en/. DESTROY VANCOUVER XVIII Experimental music and sound series performances by Adriana Lopez, Christina Kubisch, Friends+War, Katharina Ernst, hazy, and minimal violence. Sep 8-9, 8:30 pm–2 am, VIVO Media Arts (2625 Kaslo). Tix $20/15, info www.vivomediaarts.com/ destroy-vancouver-xviii/. STICK TO YOUR GUNS California hardcore-underground band, with guests Stray From the Path, Expire, and Knocked Loose. Sep 9, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $20 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketfly.com/. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH & PAPA ROACH American metal and hard-rock bands perform a coheadlining show, with guests Sixx A.M. and From Ashes to New. Sep 9, 6:45 pm, Abbotsford Centre (33800 King Rd., Abbotsford). Tix from $39.50 to $69.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

CLUBS & VENUES ALEXANDER GASTOWN 91 Powell, 778379-0407. 2TYLER SKYY Sep 8 2ROME FORTUNE Sep 10 2BIBI BOURELLY Sep 15 2DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN Sep 19 2 WIKI Sep 23 2¡MAYDAY! Sep 30 2KING Oct 6 2WALDO Oct 29 BACKSTAGE LOUNGE Arts Club Theatre, 1585 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-6871354. 2BAD MOON RISIN’ Sep 23 BILTMORE CABARET 2755 Prince Edward, 604-676-0541. 2EMILY CHAMBERS Sep 14 2GROENLAND Sep 15 2DANIEL CAESAR Sep 16 2CHROME SPARKS Sep 21 2NAO Sep 24 2ALLAH-LAS Sep 27 2MARLON WILLIAMS AND THE YARRA BENDERS Oct 7 2PANTHA DU PRINCE Oct 12 2TAL WILKENFELD Oct 13 2HOW TO DRESS WELL Oct 20 2BLIND PILOT Oct 21 2THE BOXER REBELLION Oct 23 2K.FLAY Oct 29 2NIYKEE HEATON Nov 1 2BULLY Nov 11 2DUNE RATS AND DZ DEATHRAYS Nov 12 2THE SUFFERS Nov 13 2WATERSTRIDER Nov 18 2THE CAVE SINGERS Dec. 2

BLUE MARTINI JAZZ CAFE 1516 Yew, 604-428-2691. Live jazz and blues. BOYCE AVENUE Florida-based pop band featuring brothers Alejandro, Fabian, COBALT 917 Main, 778-918-3671. 2JOSEPH and Daniel Manzano. Sep 10, doors 6:30 ARTHUR Sep 16 2BEATY HEART Sep 20 pm, show 7:30 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 2NICK WATERHOUSE Sep 28 2CYMBALS Granville). Tix $30 (plus service charges EAT GUITARS Oct 4 2JAPANDROIDS and fees) at www.ticketfly.com/. Oct 5 2WHITE FANG AND NO PARENTS Oct 9 2THE FELICE BROTHERS Oct 14 KEITH URBAN Australian country star, 2CHIXDIGGIT Oct 15 2POSTER CHILDREN with guests Dallas Smith and Maren Oct 16 2JEREMY ENIGK Oct 20 2JACUZZI Morris. Sep 10, 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena BOYS Oct 22 2MANGCHI Nov 5 (800 Griffiths Way). Tix from $69.50 to 2DAUGHTERS Nov 12 2PUP Nov 21 2THE $109.50 (plus service charges and fees) JAPANESE HOUSE Dec 1 2PERE UBU Dec 2 at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

THE CAVE SINGERS The Georgia Straight presents Seattle indie-rock quartet touring in support of latest album Banshee, with guest Ashley Shadow. Dec 2, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix on sale Sep 9, 10 am, $22.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

STEVIE NICKS American pop-rock legend performs on her 24 Karat Gold Tour, with guests the Pretenders. Dec 9, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix on sale Sep 12, 10 am, $150/99/69/49 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

ATMOSPHERE The Georgia Straight presents American hip-hop duo touring in support of latest studio album Fishing Blues, with guests Brother Ali, Plain Ole Bill, Last Word, and deM atlaS. Sep 14, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $33.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

DESCENT DEPECHE MODE TRIBUTE NIGHT Concert presented by Descent Sundays pays tribute to the influential synth-pop/electronica band. Sep 11, 9 pm, Red Room Ultrabar (398 Richards). Tix $5, info www.descentsundays.com/ events/2016/09/depeche-mode-tribute/. ACTION BRONSON American rapper tours in support of upcoming release Human Highlight Reel, with guest Mayhem Lauren. Sep 12, doors 8 pm, show 9:30 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $40 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. BLUEBIRD NORTH: WHERE WRITERS SING & TELL Shari Ulrich celebrates Bluebird North’s 100th show with music by Helen Austin, Stephen Fearing, and Shaun Verreault. Sep 13, 7:30-10 pm, Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews). Tix $18, info www.songwriters.ca/. EMILY CHAMBERS Vancouver soul singersongwriter tours in support of upcoming EP release Magnolia. Sep 14, 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $9.99, info www.emilychambers.ca/. JULIETTE LEWIS American actor and singer leads her band. Sep 14, 8 pm, Venue (881 Granville). Tix $20 (plus service charges and fees), info www.venuelive.ca/. NOTHING BUT THIEVES English alt-rock band tours in support of debut self-titled album. Sep 14, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $20 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

COMMODORE BALLROOM 868 Granville, 604-739-4550. 2JAKE BUGG Sep 7 2SHINE! A FUNDRAISER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION Sep 10 2ACTION BRONSON Sep 12 2ATMOSPHERE Sep 14 2LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY Sep 15 2BLOC PARTY Sep 16 2AIRBOURNE Sep 17 2THRICE Sep 18 2SAINT MOTEL Sep 20 2THE TEMPER TRAP Sep 21 2TRITONAL Sep 22 2ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN Sep 24 2ST. PAUL AND THE BROKEN BONES Sep 25 2JACK GARRATT Sep 26 2PEACHES Sep 28 2KT TUNSTALL Sep 29 2DINOSAUR JR. Sep 30 2PENNYWISE Oct 1 2DJ SHADOW Oct 2 2SQUEEZE Oct 3 2TOKYO POLICE CLUB Oct 5 254-40 Oct 7 2PHANTOGRAM Oct 9 2GROUPLOVE Oct 10 2THE PROCLAIMERS Oct 11 2NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE Oct 12 2COLD WAR KIDS Oct 13 2I MOTHER EARTH Oct 14 2THE STRUMBELLAS Oct 16 2STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Oct 19 2AGAINST ME! Oct 25 2YOUNG THE GIANT Oct 26 2SUM 41 Oct 28 2BOY & BEAR Oct 29 2MAJID JORDAN Oct 30 2HALLOWEEN HOWLER Oct 31 2HANNAH GEORGAS Nov 2 2ANDRA DAY Nov 8 2SHOVELS & ROPE Nov 9 2LAPSLEY Nov 11 2THE TREWS Nov 12 2YELAWOLF Nov 13 2ANIMALS AS LEADERS Nov 16 2A TRIBE CALLED RED Nov 18 2JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW Nov 24 2JULY TALK Nov 25 2BROTHERS OSBORNE Nov 30 2THE DANDY WARHOLS Dec 6 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. 2STEVE GUNN AND THE OUTLINERS Sep 23 2FUTURISTIC Sep 29 2KERO KERO BONITO Oct 12 2HAYDEN JAMES AND ELDERBROOK Oct 25 2THE VEILS Nov 11 2TIMEFLIES Nov 12 2THE GOTOBEDS Nov 16 2LEMAITRE Nov 17 2MERCHANDISE Dec 2 FOX CABARET 2321 Main. 2FROM BOND WITH LOVE: THE ENCORE Sep 9 2GOODWOOD ATOMS, I M U R & ZAC MCMILLAN Sep 14 2MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD Sep 15 2ROYAL WOOD Sep 16 2RYLEY WALKER Oct 7 2ANDY SHAUF Oct 15 2RACHAEL YAMAGATA Oct 18 2KISHI BASHI Oct 19 2SUNFLOWER BEAN Oct 28 2HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER Oct 29 2DONOVAN WOODS Nov 11 2MAX FROST Nov 12 FUNKY WINKER BEANS 37 W. Hastings, 604-764-7865. 2OPUS ARISE, STRATHCONA, WAR AMP Sep 9 2FULL ON HEAVY Sep 9 2DAYGLO ABORTIONS, DEATH SENTENCE, ROGUE BRIGADE, THE GAGGED Sep 10 2THE ROCABRONES, THE EXTROVERTS, THE HEX Sep 16 THE IMPERIAL 319 Main, 604-8680494. 2HUMANS Sep 9 2MARDUK Sep 17 2WARPAINT Sep 20 2LAURA MARLING Sep 23 2ROYAL CANOE Sep 30 2H’ARTS FOR THE HOMELESS Oct 6 2QUANTIC Oct 15 2MARGO PRICE Oct 19 2TOM ODELL Oct 21 2BAD SUNS Oct 23 2WET Nov 2 2CLASSIXX Nov 4 2AUTOGRAF & GOLDROOM Nov 11 2THE JEZABELS Nov 13 2RÜFÜS DU SOL Nov 24 2MICHAEL KIWANUKA Dec 7 IVANHOE PUB 1038 Main, 604-608-1444. 268 LIPS Sep 9 2WOODY JAMES Sep 10 2SONS OF THE HOE Sep 11 2HARPDOG BROWN Sep 12 2RHYTHM ST. Sep 16 2NEW MARAUDERZ Sep 17 LAMPLIGHTER PUBLIC HOUSE 92 Water, 604-687-4424. Pub trivia with Nice Guys Inc. Tue; bourbon and bingo Wed; Rocksteady with DJs Arems, Hoppa & Rexx Thu; FKYA DJs Fri; DJ Antonia & Friends Sat.

see next page

40 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

MEDIA CLUB 695 Cambie, 604-608-2871. Live music most nights. 2ECHO NEBRASKA Sep 9 2TERRA LIGHTFOOT Oct 19

SEPTEMBER 9 VIOLET FINCH

MOLSON CANADIAN THEATRE AT HARD ROCK 2080 United Blvd., 604-5236888. 2MICK FLEETWOOD BLUES BAND Sep 30 2GREAT WHITE & SLAUGHTER Oct 14 2DWIGHT YOAKAM Oct 28 2ROGER HODGSON Nov 25 ORPHEUM THEATRE 601 Smithe, 604665-3050. 2CHARLES BRADLEY AND HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES Sep 17 2SHARON AND BRAM Sep 18 2LINDSEY STIRLING Sep 28 2THE MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE Oct 5 2JAMES BLAKE Oct 13 2OPETH Oct 26 PRINCETON PUB & GRILL 1901 Powell, 604-253-6645. 2 HONKY TONK DILETTANTES Sep 8 2MUFFDUSTERS Sep 9 2LEGEND OF SUICHI Sep 10 2END OF THE LINE JAM SESSION Sep 13 2TRIVIA NIGHT Sep 14 2MISFIT JAZZ Sep 15 QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE 650 Hamilton, 604-665-3050. 2SIGUR ROS Sep 18 2TEGAN AND SARA Oct 5 2GLASS ANIMALS Oct 12 2NORAH JONES Oct 18 2ALICE COOPER Oct 19 2PET SHOP BOYS Oct 24 2IL DIVO Nov 6 2MS. LAURYN HILL Nov 8 2DAUGHTER Nov 25 REPUBLIC 958 Granville, 604-669-3214. House, hip-hop, EDM, chart, and reggae. Open nightly from 10 pm to 3 am. RICKSHAW THEATRE 254 E. Hastings, 604-681-8915. 2STICK TO YOUR GUNS Sep 9 2ART D’ECCO Sep 10 2DOPE Sep 15 2TRAILERHAWK AND WEST OF MEMPHIS Sep 16 2PROZZÅK Sep 17 2JIM BYRNES Sep 23 2PETUNIA & THE VIPERS Sep 24 2PREOCCUPATIONS Sep 28 2DAVID LIEBE HART Sep 29 2REBELS SING: A TRIBUTE TO TODD SERIOUS AND THE REBEL SPELL Sep 30 2TENGGER CAVALRY Oct 1 2DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS Oct 2 2CONJURE ONE Oct 4 2DISCHARGE Oct 5 2ADAM GREEN’S ALADDIN Oct 6 2THE JULIE RUIN Oct 7 2BEACH FOSSILS Oct 8 2CARSICK CARS Oct 10 2THE INTERRUPTERS Oct 12 2THE WORLD HAS NO EYEDEA Oct 13 2GORGUTS Oct 14 2CJ RAMONE Oct 15 2ALESTORM Oct 18 2HELL ON HASTINGS Oct 22 2THE KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW Oct 28 2NIK TURNER’S HAWKWIND Oct 31 2DESORDEN PUBLICO Nov 11 2AGENT ORANGE Nov 15 2OM Nov 19 2DARK TRANQUILLITY Nov 25 2THEE OH SEES Nov 26 2REVOCATION AND ABORTED Nov 29 2THE SLACKERS Dec 3 2THE ALBUM LEAF Dec 13 2HED PE Dec 18 RIVER ROCK SHOW THEATRE 8811 River Rd., Richmond, 604-247-8900. 2DONNY & MARIE Dec 20-22 ROGERS ARENA 800 Griffiths Way, 604-8997400. 2KEITH URBAN Sep 10 2DRAKE Sep 17 2DOLLY PARTON Sep 19 2KANYE WEST Oct 17 2CHICAGO AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE Nov 7 2FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE Nov 12 2STEVIE NICKS Dec 9 THE ROXY 932 Granville, 604-331-7999. 2TOMMY ALEXANDER, LEW PHILIPS Sep 9 2IN BLISS, TROPICAL FISH Sep 10 2ROWDY SPURS, JUSTINE LYNNE, DAVE HOSPES Sep 11 2THE ESCAPIST MUSIC, DECEPTIVE RESOLUTIONS Sep 14 2NIRVANISH Sep 15 2OUT OF THE NOWHERE, EVENT HORIZON Sep 16 2STATIC IN THE STARS Sep 17 2RAISED ON TV Sep 19 2JP MAURICE Sep 22 ST. JAMES HALL 3214 W. 10th, 604-736-3022. 250-seat venue at St. James Community Square features concerts presented by the Rogue Folk Club. 2HAYDEN Oct 4 VENUE 881 Granville, 604-646-0064. 2JULIETTE LEWIS Sep 14 2MILLENCOLIN Sep 25 2HATEBREED Sep 28 2LANY Sep 29 2PSYCHIC TV Sep 30 2STORMZY Oct 21 2PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT Nov 1 2NICK CARTER Nov 23 2SONATA ARCTICA Nov 28 VOGUE THEATRE 918 Granville, 604-5691144. 2BOYCE AVENUE Sep 10 2NOTHING BUT THIEVES Sep 14 2DAVID CROSBY Sep 15 2BAND OF SKULLS Sep 16 2TAKU (LIVE) Sep 26 2ANIMAL COLLECTIVE Sep 27 2KAYTRANADA Sep 30 2FLIGHT FACILITIES Oct 5 2DANNY BROWN Oct 6 2STICKY FINGERS Oct 7 2GOJIRA Oct 9 2GHOST Oct 13 2ZIGGY MARLEY Oct 16 2PURITY RING Oct 18 2MATTHEW BARBER AND JILL BARBER Oct 22 2THE NAKED AND FAMOUS Oct 28 2POST MALONE Oct 30 2CHARLIE PUTH Nov 4 2A$AP FERG Nov 5 2MAC MILLER Nov 6 2LUKAS GRAHAM Nov 10 2TERRI CLARK Nov 12 2TORY LANEZ Nov 14 2THE LIFE AQUATIC: A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE Nov 20 2YG Nov 21 2MØ Nov 23 2AURORA Dec 3 WISE HALL 1882 Adanac, 604-254-5858. 2PROFESSOR GALL Sep 8 2FUNKY GUMBO Sep 9 2MOVE THE MESS AROUND Sep 10 2DROP IN ROCK CHOIR Sep 13 2LEAH BARLEY Sep 16 2TOM SAVAGE Sep 20 2TOPS Sep 30

OUT OF TOWN

8 THE PHONIX 11 READING 12 COLD 9 SERIES 10 LA PARRANDA 13 THURSDAY $2.75 10 OZ DRAFT $5.50 HEY Y’ALL HARD ICE TEA

SUNDAY

THE OSCAR HICKS SEXTET JAZZ

R&B / SOUL / FUNK COVERS

MONDAY

FRIDAY $5.50 LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

VIOLET FINCH

W/ NAKITA AFONSO

LIVE SCRIPT CASTING & READING

SATURDAY

TUESDAY $2.75 10 OZ DRAFT $5.50 HEY Y’ALL HARD ICE TEA

HOT JAZZ JAM

W/ DJ MILU

W/ ROSSI GANG

LATIN

SWING LESSONS AND DANCING

FOOD. DRINK. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. *** VISIT US ONLINE FOR UP TO THE MINUTE LISTINGS, DRINK SPECIALS AND MORE www.thebackstagelounge.com ***

live at the WISE HALL * september 201 6 FRI SEP 9

FUNKY GUMBO!

SAT SEP 10

NEW ORLEANS DANCE PARTY

2016 ACCORDION NOIR FESTIVAL

THU SEP 15

FR SEP 16

MAYLEE TODD’S VIRTUAL WOMB

LEAH BARLEY

WITH SHILOH LINDSEY + CHICKEN-LIKE BIRDS

THU SEP 22

MON SEP 19

MICHAEL FRIEDMAN

DROP-IN

STITCH + CRAFT

ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

FRI SEP 23

SAT SEP 24

MNGWA

+ COMPASSION GORILLA WITH DJ SU COMANDANTE

SCREAMING CHICKENS TABOO REVUE THU SEP 29

SUN SEP 25

WISE HALL FLEA

THE BRAINS + GUESTS

EVERY TUESDAY IN THE WISE HALL:

FRI SEP 30

TOPS + GAL GRACEN

THE IMPROMPTU ROCK CHOIR!

LIVE IN THE WISE LOUNGE FRI SEP 2

THU SEP 8

FRI SEP 9

WED. SEP 14

TUE. SEP 20

WED. SEP 28 MEMBER APPRECIATION NIGHT FEAT. DAGERAAD

SAPPHIRE EMPIRE NOIR-FEST APRES THEATRE PARTY TOM SAVAGE

PROFESSOR GALL PLANET PINKISH

EVERY MONDAY IN THE LOUNGE: PIANO MONDAYS WITH ADAM FARNSWORTH AND SPECIAL GUESTS

VANCOUVER’S FIRST ANNUALL

PINBALL EXPO

SEPTEMBER 23-25 10 0LL+ PINBAALL L

days pinnball pplay

MACHINE NESS

ALL

LOW

s& agesll lss

adm mission

CprAizSzesH

braagging br

skil

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS RIFFLANDIA FESTIVAL Featuring performances by Jurassic 5, Michael Franti, Wolf Parade, X Ambassadors, De La Soul, Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Band of Skulls, and Prozzäk. Sep 15-18, Various Victoria venues. Tix $165-450, info www.rifflandia.com/.

TIME OUT MUSIC LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge. 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.

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Space-age tower planned

he City of Vancouver will hold an open West 2nd Avenue in Vancouver. The appellant, house later this month after receiv- Wendy Ho, first asked the board to reduce the ing a rezoning application to allow assessment to $5.63 million before later revisa 43-storey residential tower at 1500 ing her request to $6.25 million. West Georgia Street. Panel chair Bruce Turner’s ruling noted that Bosa Properties has commissioned cele- the assessor uses a “direct comparison approach” brated German architect Ole Scheeren, who’s in conducting an assessment. Ho presented sales designed some of the higher floors to extend in data on six comparable sites with closing figures different directions, giving it a space-age look. between $5.95 million and $10.2 million between (The first downtown building allowed to have October 2014 and December 2015. cantilevers extending over the street was Telus “The Appellant focuses on the sale of 4356 Garden at 510 West Georgia.) Locarno Crescent which sold July 15, 2015 “A system of vertically for $7,890,000,” the ruling shifted apartment modules stated. “She states that this enables dynamic yet rationproperty has a better view al and efficient layouts for Charlie Smith than the subject [4515 West residential units while the 2nd Avenue], a double garhorizontal rotation of these modular elements age, flat access to Locarno Crescent as well as projects living spaces outwards to introduce back lane access.” the concept of horizontal living in a slender However, the assessor maintained that the high-rise,” a statement on Scheeren’s firm’s home on Locarno Crescent was in an “inferior website reads. “The resulting multiple terraces location”, according to the decision. The assesgenerated from these horizontal shifts create sor also noted that there has been a “significant both physical and emotional connectivity be- upward trend” for homes on Vancouver’s West tween the indoor and outdoor environment.” Side, and even more so in Point Grey. According to the city website, the applicant is seeking approval to build 217 market units of THERE ARE MORE changes to the retail landhousing, seven levels of underground parking, scape around West Broadway and Granville and a restaurant that would be at the corner of Street, which is one of the city’s busier intersections. This week on Straight.com, blogger West Georgia and Nicola streets. The open house will take place from 5 p.m. Stanley Q. Woodvine reported on the recent to 8 p.m. on September 29 at the Empire Land- shutdown of Kalamata Greek Taverna at 1481 West Broadway. Across the street, Asian Rugs mark Hotel (1400 Robson Street). In an email to friends and associates, Van- & Art and Vancouver Suntan & Wellness Cencouver’s former director of planning, Ray tre have also closed this month. This follows last Spaxman, declared that it would be “very help- month’s closure of Mayfair News at 1535 West ful to the community if the [city] planning Broadway and the departure of Maurya Indian staff ’s initial reactions to the application were Cuisine from 1643 West Broadway. One of the new additions to the area is a made available at the upcoming open house”. Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House, which THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING Corpora- recently opened at 1598 West Broadway in the tion has obtained a $1.61-million reduction Vancouver School Board building. Meanin the assessed value of its property at 700 while, across Fir Street, construction/renovaHamilton Street in downtown Vancouver. tion is proceeding on a two-storey building The Crown-owned broadcaster fi led an appeal in place of the former Goldilocks Bakeshop, after the building and land were assessed at which occupied 4,944 square feet of store$64.46 million. The Property Assessment Ap- front space at 1606 West Broadway for three peal Board approved a joint recommendation decades. The new occupant will be EMCO, submitted by B.C. Assessment and the CBC to a 110-year-old Ontario-based company that reduce that to $62.85 million. provides plumbing, heating, ventilation, air In separate ruling, the board has confirmed conditioning, and other home-related proda $7.33-million assessment on a home at 4515 ucts from a variety of manufacturers. -

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details & photos at vancouveruniquehomes.com NEW PRICE

503 - 1050 SMITHE STREET I $549,000

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1 bedroom + Den, 1 bathroom, 635 SF Condo Open floor plan with quality finishings including: gas fireplace & S/S appliances 1 parking stall, pets and rentals allowed Resort like amenities and daytime concierge

Fully renovated 1912 Character House featuring an open plan main floor and high end kitchen

42 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Call Now to View Your Future Home on the Water

ROYAL LEPAGE WESTSIDE

NEW LISTING

SNEAK PEEK: Thurs Sept 8th - 6 -7 REALTOR: Fri Sept 9th - 10:30am - 12pm OPEN HOUSE: Sat Sept 10th - 1 - 3 OPEN HOUSE: Sun Sept 11th - 1 - 3

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E S T A T E

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SNEAK PEEK: Thurs Sept 8th - 6 -7 OPEN HOUSE: Sat Sept 10th - 3 - 5 OPEN HOUSE: Sun Sept 11th - 3 - 5

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CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT VANCOUVER TAP DANCE SOCIETY

TAP, JAZZ, HIP HOP CLASS

EMPLOYMENT

DATING SERVICES

MUSIC

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 09/12

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Try Any Class Out

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Central City Brewers and Distillers Ltd. Surrey,BC Permanent, F/T, $13.00/hr High School required & 1 year exp Main duties: Prepare & cook complete meals according to recipes, product quality & completed according to Food Safe guidelines. Cleanliness of restaurant & ensure that food & service meet quality control standards. Maintain inventory & records of food, supplies & equipment, establishing methods to meet work schedules. Must have Food Safe Level 1 To apply please send your resume and cover letter to: hr@centralcitybrewing.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Start your way to becoming a SURVEY EVALUATOR and earn from $150 for every survey evaluated weekly. If you have any further questions contact survey.services@accountant.com

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

MOVING & STORAGE TwoGuysWithATruck.com Moving & Storage, Free EST. Visa Okay. 604-628-7136

NAHANEE MOVING Professional Movers 604-782-3973

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ACCOUNTING

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT WINNER 2010-2015

email: paul@toffoli.ca Master Medallion

EVENTS - UPCOMING REACH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - ALL WELCOME September 21, 2016 - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM REACH Community Health Centre Registration starts at 5:30 pm Location: Famee Furlane 2605 E Pender Street Saletta Room. New Members applications until Sep 14, 2016. For more info visit our website www.reachcentre.bc.ca info@reachcentre.bc.ca 604-251-3000 x 246

SERVICES

FREE CLASSIFIED AD

www.straight.com/classifieds click place an ad, then FREE ads •Ads must meet criteria in available categories. •Ads will be published online. •Ads will be published in print if space is available.

MARKETPLACE

Professional Services Advertise your business in the Georgia Straight in print & online! Call 604-730-7064 for details

WEB DIRECTORY

OTHER SERVICES

www.straight.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRADITIONAL INDIAN PSYCHIC

VOCALS WANTED

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RECORDING STUDIOS

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Music - Musicians MUSIC

ale. nd om.

LESSONS & WANTED AVAILABLE

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REHEARSAL SPACE

Suna Studios Rehearsal

place your

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318 E. 5th Ave • 604.677.0311

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SUMMER SPECIAL

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SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 43

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EMPLOYMENT

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savage love

My husband left the picture recently, and I’m now a single mom supporting an infant in Toronto. I work a retail job and am drowning financially. I hooked up with a guy I met on Tinder, and I didn’t warn him that I’m still nursing because I didn’t even think of it. Luckily, he really got off on it—so I was spared the awkwardness of “Eww, what is coming out of your tits?!” Afterward, he joked about there being a market for lactating women in the kink world. My questions: if I find someone who will pay me to suckle my milk, is that prostitution? And if I advertise that I’m willing to be paid, can I get into trouble for that? The possibility of making some money this way is more appealing every day. > TRULY IN TROUBLE

“Allowing clients to suckle her breasts is, of course, sex work,” said Angela Chaisson, a partner at Toronto’s Paradigm Law Group. “But sex work is legal for everyone in Canada, new moms included. The new sex work laws here—the 2014 Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, an Orwellian title for a draconian piece of legislation—prohibit sex work close to where minors might be. So if she’s engaging in sex work close to kids, she is risking criminal charges.” No one wants sex work going on around minors, of course—on or around minors—so that’s not what makes the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act an Orwellian piece of bullshit. Laws regulating sex work in Canada were rewritten after Terri-Jean

Bedford, a retired dominatrix and madam, took her case to the courts. The Supreme Court of Canada ultimately ruled—unanimously—that criminalizing sex work made it more dangerous, not less, and consequently the laws on the books against sex work violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. But instead of decriminalizing sex work, Parliament made it legal to sell sex in Canada but illegal to buy it, aka the “end demand” approach to stamping out sex work. “By making a sex worker’s body the scene of a crime,” writes sex worker and sex-workers’-rights activist Mike Crawford, “the ‘end demand’ approach gives cops full licence to investigate sex workers, leaving sex workers vulnerable to abuse, extortion, and even rape at the hands of the police.” Chaisson, who helped bring down Canada’s laws against sex work, doesn’t think selling suckling will get you in trouble, TIT. “But Children’s Aid Society (CAS) would investigate if they felt there was a child in need of protection,” said Chaisson. “So the safest thing would be for her to stick to outcalls only and to keep the work away from kids and anywhere they might be.” To avoid having to worry about CAS or exactly where every kid in Canada is when you see a client while still making some money off your current superpower, TIT, you could look into the emerging online market for human breast milk. There are more ads from breast milk fetishists (204) at OnlyTheBreast.com (“Buy,

> BY DAN SAVAGE sell, or donate breast milk with our discreet classifieds system”) than there are from new parents seeking breast milk for their infants (159). Good luck!

My husband and

I have a pretty good sex life, considering we are raising three kids, we both work full-time, and I’m going to school. We have sex four to five times a week, sometimes daily. Before we married, it never occurred to me to check what he was looking at online. Now I can’t stop. I know he looks at porn and masturbates. I never check his phone or his Facebook or anything like that, just what he has googled. How can I let go and be more confident and believe that, regardless of his personal habits, he still wants me? He says it’s not personal, it’s when I’m not available, and it’s a good way to take a nap. I trust him and don’t think he’s doing anything wrong, but how do I feel okay with it? > SEES PROBLEMS ON UNDERSTANDING SPOUSE’S ELECTRONICS

You don’t have a good sex life, SPOUSE, you have a great sex life. You two are raising three kids, you’re getting sex on an almost daily basis, and at least one of you is getting naps? You’re the envy of all parents everywhere. It’ll put your mind at ease if you remind yourself now and then that no one person can be all things to another person—sexually or in any other way—and that the evidence your husband still wants you is running down your leg four to

five times per week. Now please pass the paper/tablet/phone to your husband, SPOUSE, I have something to say to him. Hey, Mr. SPOUSE, here’s a handy life hack for you: CLEAR YOUR FUCKING BROWSER HISTORY. Use the “private browsing” or “incognito” setting in your web browser, and spare your wife—and yourself— future scrutiny and smut shaming.

Via text I asked my (gay) hus-

band of 10 years if he had any sexual fantasies he hadn’t shared with me. He replied, “I want to cheat on you.” I was out of town when we had this text exchange. He wrote the next morning to apologize. He said he was tipsy when I texted him and didn’t mean what he said. I explained that I wasn’t upset but turned on. If he wanted to sleep with other people, he could, provided it was someone safe and not someone in our social circle. The idea of being cheated on, frankly, appeals to me. (That makes me a gay cuckold, correct?) I even told him I jerked off about it already. He did not react the way I expected. He got upset and said he thinks about cheating on me only when he’s drunk and he would never want to do it in real life and he’s angry that I would want him to. Advice? > CHUMP UNDER CLOUD KEEPING SILENT

Years ago, my then-boyfriend cheated on me while I was out of town. He didn’t like my reaction when he confessed (“Was he cute? Can we have a three-way?”) and got angry at me

for not being angry with him. We wound up having a fun threesome with the other guy shortly before we broke up for other reasons, CUCKS, and I suspect the day will come when your husband fucks someone else— if he hasn’t already—with your permission, which means it’ll be cuckolding, not cheating. Just apologize for now, roll your eyes when he’s not looking, and bide your time. And speaking of gay cuckolds… Way, way back in 2008, a reader asked why I described cuckolding as a straight male fetish. “The cuckolding fetish is the boner-killing lemons of straight male sexual/paternal insecurity turned into deliciously perverted bonerade,” I responded. “Gay sex doesn’t make babies, only messes (which is all straight sex makes 99.98 percent of the time). Which may explain why, as a general rule, gay men aren’t as threatened when our partners are ‘taken’ by other men.” But gay cuckolding has emerged as a porn genre over the past few years—right after marriage equality was achieved in the United States (hmm)—and now sex researchers David Ley and Justin J. Lehmiller are looking into it. So if you’re a gay cuckold—an experienced gay cuck or just someone who fantasizes about it—please take a few minutes to fi ll out this anonymous survey in the name of both science and your kink: tinyurl.com/gaycuck. Listen to the Savage Lovecast at savagelovecast.com . 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 < TALL ASIAN GIRL WHO THOUGHT I WAS NON-UGLY

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: SEPTEMBER 4, 2016 WHERE: Bar At Davie and Denman It was the end of the night and as I was clearing glasses from your table your friend said you thought I was “nonugly” you got embarrassed. Then your group left the bar. Wish I’d had chance to grab your number, I also happen to think you’re "non-ugly". Drinks or a comedy show sometime?

BRIGHT ORANGE SWEATER

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 WHERE: Health Food Store on Commercial Drive I was buying patchouli soap with a friend. At the check-out we started talking about plastic bags (nice pick up line btw). We joked about how you probably hadn't showered in a year. Outside, we chatted for a few minutes when you were suddenly swarmed by ladybugs. I told you I was seeing someone, but that was over now. I would love to take you up on your offer to watch Bottle Rocket sometime. We have so much more to talk about!!

DONAIR TOWN “GENTLEMAN”

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: SEPTEMBER 5, 2016 WHERE: Mr. Greek Donair Town on Granville You served me my Donair late Sunday night (Monday morning?) by shouting, “Here’s your Donair, lady!” I acted outraged but secretly, was kind of into it (and you!) I’m kicking myself for not asking for your name or number. Drinks sometime?

SMOOTH TALKIN HOCKEY BOY THAT CAN HANDLE SASS.

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 27, 2016 WHERE: The Roxy Jason, you kissed my hand right when I walked into the bar. I was sassy as hell all night long but you handled it so well. I crashed in your hotel room after we helped a passed out woman on Howe. Your two friends were not impressed. You’re from Langley, and own two (maybe three) dogs if I recall correctly, and hate going to North Vancouver for work. You asked me if you would ever see me again before I hopped in a cab and I said “only if you make an effort” - turns out you can’t because I forgot to give you my number. I kicked myself the whole way home. I wonder if this will even work?

IRISH GUY AT BISMARCK BAR

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 27, 2016 WHERE: Bismarck Bar on Abbott St My sister first saw you across the bar and asked me to talk to you and get your number. We talked at the bar for a bit (about your Irish accent and the UFC fights) then parted but did not exchange names. But we kept locking eyes after. At the end of the night she asked me to give you her number anyway... but you caught me off guard and said you actually wanted my number. All I told you was that my number was 1 digit different then hers, gave you a wink and walked off. Hoping to see you again one day

STURDIES BAY BC FERRIES BOWEN QUEEN

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: SEPTEMBER 3, 2016 WHERE: Bowen Queen Hot Dog Line Up You were behind the girl who I bought the hot dog for and offered to pay. We locked eyes and stared at each other until I left. After I left, you came back and told my mom I was beautiful and you wanted to meet me. When I came back you were gone, you got off in Sturdies Bay. I want to know about you. List the brand of sweater you were wearing in the subject line so I know it’s you.

REPRESSION

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 31, 2016 WHERE: 136 Bus We live in the same neighbourhood close enough to be sharing the same ride frequently. I used to be eager to see you - I wanted to get to know you, maybe go out on a date together. I would smile; try to engage your attention to politely express my interest in you. I read body language and try to be sensitive - you gave me an angry ‚"back the fuck off" look unexpectedly one day, if I've ever seen one; it was pretty clear that you were not interested. So, after that, I just stopped. I don't force anyone to like me; it's not my way. Whenever I bump into you on the bus or on the street now, I'm not thinking‚ "hey, it's that sandy-blonde girl I like", rather‚ "oh it's you"- those feelings from before hit an icy wall and fall flat, despite the fact that I know you're trying to get my attention. I confess, I've been avoiding your gaze, because your smiling at me is driving me mad. You'd need to do something pretty amazing to convince me now.

FOLK FEST - GREEN MEC BAG

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JULY 17, 2016 WHERE: Folk Fest- Bruce Cockburn Concert Outside Fence Bruce Cockburn concert - watching through the fence. You were with your daughter (?) and I was with my friend. You pointed out that we had the same green MEC book bag lol and we had a brief conversation. When you left, you touched my arm, smiled and said goodbye. I wish we had had the chance to talk more. Would be nice to meet for coffee : )

FEEL IT ALL....

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 WHERE: Vancouver Fringe We met and had beers at last year's Fringe Fest bar... you were an artist touring your show, I was a fan. Will we meet again?!? I see you have another show...

VENUS OF YOGA - KITS

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 31, 2016 WHERE: Kits - Grass I have to say, you’re probably the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen face to face (not on a cover of a magazine). I saw you yesterday at the Kits outdoor yoga session and picnic (You’re the yoga instructor). Odds are you probably don’t remember me but regardless, care for a coffee? :)

QUIT LOOKIN’ AT MY GUT!

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 30, 2016 WHERE: North Van We moved your dad into storage. I wasn’t the old guy with the comb -over or the young guy with the douchey beard. I was the medium guy with a gut. It’s not a beer gut, by the way. You helped your dad clean out his storage locker. We shared kitty stories while you waited for a ride. Was I imagining an instant connection? I never even got your name and have been wondering about you ever since. Message me if you felt the connection too.

YUK YUKS PROAM NIGHTE

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 31, 2016 WHERE: Yuk Yuks We were at Yuk Yuks on Wednesday for Amateur night. You were sitting near the entrance door and we exchanged glances at the end of the show. I was wearing a blue button top and black jump jacket with a lady friend. You’re Brunette, stunning and were with a GF. I hope you read this.

STYLISH GIRL GOT OFF AT GRANVILLE SKYTRAIN

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 30, 2016 WHERE: SkyTrain to Granville It was yesterday morning around 9am. (Tuesday). You walked on and stood beside me kind of brushing against me, somewhere in Vancouver unsure which stop. Me: (dark wavy hair girl sitting with dark floral pattern jumpsuit and grey leggings) You: Cute girl with long luscious brunette hair, white and blue collar shirt, beige pants & cool sneakers. I felt you brush against me and may have been sending signals. I had chapped lips, it was my first day back to reality, in any other setting I would’ve walked asked you out for a drink on the spot. You are gorgeous, would you like to have a drink with me :)

DO YOU STILL REMEMBER ME

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 30, 2016 WHERE: Southport Superstore Saw you Thursday evening, about 8:30 in Southport Superstore. We kept exchanging glances while I was paying in the Cashier area. You were wearing a black. I saw you last time at the parking area. Hope we can chat?

BMT RN ON BIKE

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 19, 2016 WHERE: Tenth Avenue at VGH Twice we cycled together on 10th in a week, after the thousands of times I’ve done that commute - what were the odds??!! I expected you to appear again today, but no such luck. It was my last day doing that commute, and I was hoping to find out what else we might have in common.

BEARDED BREWERY CREEK BABE

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 26, 2016 WHERE: Brewery Creek Liquor store My two friends and I were so stunned by the variety of beers and the babes working there. You saw the confusion on our faces (I said “confusion looks good on us”) and came to our aid multiple times. When we got distracted by pretty labels, you guided us towards the sour (beer) land. We think your name is Brendan, and I was the one with braids and cracking all the jokes. If you have a girlfriend, forget about it. If not, lets hang. Sprinkle me with some beer knowledge.

“F*CK GENDER”

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: JULY 25, 2016 WHERE: Downtown

You were a (stunning) visiting Montrealer with silver dyed hair. I was the courier you talked to on your way to work. Now you’re gone and I just wanted to say that I miss the way you brightened my mornings. If you’re still hanging around and would like to grab a beer, let me know. -B

CHEZ MONIQUE’S ON THE WEST COAST TRAIL

ON THE PHONE AT URBAN FAIR

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 28, 2016 WHERE: Urban Fare, Coal Harbour You are a very attractive tall blond wearing a bold jacket, who was on the phone this afternoon at Urban Fare. I was the blond in jeans, just a little damp from the rain. We exchanged several glances, but your call seemed to take quite some time. Let’s find some time to talk to each other !

“IT’S REALLY STARTING TO RAIN”

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 24, 2016 WHERE: Chez Monique’s West Coast Trail

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 28, 2016 WHERE: Grouse Grind Parking Lot

You and your two friends came in after our group, going the opposite way. You’re from Vancouver and started at the halfway point. We chatted a bit, and in the kitchen said you liked my style. Wanted to say I like your's too! Would be great to trade stories of our adventures. Beers sometime, not on the middle of nowhere:)?

We were both getting into cars at the end of the Grouse parking lot as it started to rain. You were putting on your white Adidas shoes I was with my friends and a dog. We said hi and smiled at each other as it started to rain and you got in your car to drive away. Never tried this before but I thought you were cute and am curious if you’re single?

LOVELY STRANGER

2 SMILES IN 2 HOURS

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 25, 2016 WHERE: PNE Market Place I am sorry I missed our meeting at the Unbelievable Magic Show. I looked for you in the front rows after the show, but didn’t see you. We had a lovely chat earlier that day sitting inside the Market Place and liked what we talked about and felt connected... and I think we could be friends. Sincerely, R:-)

GORGEOUS MOTHER ON THE DRIVE

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 28, 2016 WHERE: Cafe Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive Sunday morning, Cafe Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive, between 9-10 a.m. You were sitting with your back to the entrance. You look in your early 30s, have long brown hair with sunglasses held up in it. You were wearing a light brown light sweater with a blue skirt, flip flops and had a hint of polish on your toes. You were sitting with a blond haired boy wearing a ball cap who looked between six and eight years old. You talked to the boy, listened to him and played with toys with him then checked your phone as he ate. You glanced my way twice, once at my black shirt with a red design, and once at me. You and that moment looked so beautiful in so many ways. I'd love to meet for coffee and tell you about it in person.

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 27, 2016 WHERE: On Smithe Between Beatty and Expo Blvd To catch someone’s eyes and exchange an honest smile of acknowledgment once in a day is one thing, to do so twice in the span of 2 hours in the same place but opposite directions - leaves a glow, and a wish that a third chance encounter might lead to a walk in the same direction. The first time you were alone, the second you were with friends. I may have to frequent that cafe in hopes of making the third time a charm :)

ASTONISHED AT NASH

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 24, 2016 WHERE: Steve Nash Morgan Crossing It seemed like a regular Wednesday at Nash Morgan Crossing. You wore a blue top and dark pants. Long dark hair. You were stretching by one of the resistance machines near the kettle bells. I was on the Rogue rack by the window, doing my usual odd routine. You smiled, waved and left. I was literally paralyzed with surprise (that sort of casual friendly NEVER happens to me). I looked around (somebody else behind me?), but I was the only person in that space. I think I remember helping you with a barbell sleeve one time (?). Sorry I froze, but thank you for making my day, and my week. Maybe longer. You’re amazing.

Did you see someone? Go to straight.com to post your FREE I Saw You _ 46 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

straight stars September 8 to 14, 2016

e are one week into Mercury retrograde and have two more to go. Triple-check everything; revisit and revise as necessary. Delay big-ticket purchases, don’t sweat the small stuff, and stay alert to details, inklings, messages, and clues. Put safety, health, and wellness first. Jupiter exits Virgo for Libra on Friday. Generally speaking, it’s good news, but of course the planets can be experienced in a myriad of ways. Every 12 years Jupiter will bestow its growth and abundance mandate on a particular area of your birth chart. For this next year, Jupiter in Libra increases the scope of relationships, partnerships, and social trends. Cooperation, collaboration, diplomacy, alliances, and reconciliation gain attention. While Libra is an archetype that strives for harmony, balance, equality, and peace, the sign of the scales is prone to swings and extremes. When the going is good, Jupiter increases happiness, pleasure, romance, and profits. Imbalanced Jupiter in Libra swings toward enmeshment, codependency, competitiveness, and one-sided give, take, or gain. The number of indecisive, fickle, or noncommittal voters could grow as the United States moves closer to election day. On Saturday, Saturn in Sagittarius turns a final corner with Neptune in Pisces. While the transit can be a notable event trigger, more importantly, it marks the third-quarter threshold of a bigger-picture transition cycle. At an intensification peak for this past year or two, Saturn/Neptune has pushed us

> BY ROSE MARCUS

through the deep end of the uncharted life. Haven’t been able to figure it out, while we wrestle with the past and un- nail it down, or let go of it? Sunday to wrap the future. Potentials now also Tuesday are prime for just that. reach a turning point. Don’t dwell on CANCER loss or you’ll miss out. Keep hopeful, June 21–July 22 keep going! Friday’s Mercury retroARIES grade in opposition to Chiron can March 20–April 20 find you on a rethink of current Jupiter has spent the past plans or previously missed opporyear piling up the work and the ne- tunities. It can also put you on a hunt cessity to correct or heal. As of Fri- for something missing or allow you day, Jupiter exits Virgo and lightens to repeat or revisit something that up on these tasks. For this next year, holds promise. Jupiter into Libra can Jupiter boosts social life, partner- benefit home, real estate, family relaships, and romantic and financial tionships, or cohabitation. It may inprospects. A legal matter or contract crease your monthly overhead, too. can gain good ground too. Monday/ LEO Tuesday are optimum for talks, meetJuly 22–August 23 ings, and setting wheels in motion. Friday’s Mercury retroTAURUS grade can prompt a slip of the tongue, April 20–May 21 an oversight, an unforeseeable or imSaturn/Neptune has pushed pulsive moment, or a saving grace. you through a major two-year transi- Somehow it works out okay. Jupiter tion. Likely it’s been a slow and labori- into Libra puts you into a better comous process. Even if it isn’t all nailed munication, social, or connect-thedown quite yet, you’ve surpassed the dots flow. Saturday/Sunday, aim to 50/50 mark. You are now officially get it under better control or make it out of your past and into your future. official. Monday/Tuesday: stay in the Jupiter into Libra tips the scales re- moment, innovate. A new element or garding health, work, and relation- twist does the trick. ships. Sunday to Wednesday, you’re on VIRGO the upswing.

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GEMINI May 21–June 21

While the sun and Mercury retrograde in Virgo keep you on the run with home and family matters, as of Friday, Jupiter into Libra sets you onto a positive track regarding creative projects, career/fi nancial ambitions, and your social and love

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August 23–September 23

Activities, conversations, coincidence, timing, and impressions are of significant impact. Friday’s Mercury/Chiron keeps you working it out on several levels at the same time. Along with Saturn/Neptune, Jupiter into Libra improves self-worth, net worth, and relationships. Over this next year, you’ll gain fuller use of your

natural talents and skills. It’s blossom popularity, and income. Monday/ time! Sunday’s your best. Through Tuesday fast-tracks you/it/them. Wednesday, carry on. CAPRICORN LIBRA December 21–January 20 September 23–October 23 Saturn and Neptune are on While Mercury continues the last leg of a two-year straddle-pastin retrograde, out of sight is not out and-future cycle. To a large extent, of mind—or out of commission. State perhaps you have felt like you were of mind also contributes to state of driving in the dark. Whether you are health. Keep alert, play it safe, but at fruition or a starting-over point, don’t stop or you could miss out. Ju- Jupiter into Libra helps you make the piter’s one-year transit of your sign, most of it. Sunday is optimal. Monday/ starting Friday, boosts energy, social Tuesday, be proactive, not reactive. popularity, creativity, and sense of AQUARIUS can-do. Sunday through Tuesday, January 20–February 18 trust instincts, break new ground. Mercury retrograde can SCORPIO prompt a rethink of finances, a recent October 23–November 22 purchase, or a relationship involveFriday could dish up in- ment. Once it’s said, you can’t take convenient or costly revisions. You’ll it back. Some things are meant to be. manage. Can’t please them all. Saturn/ Jupiter into Libra, starting Friday, Neptune moves past a block, a mind- brings fresh opportunity where you’ll set, or your own resistance. Sunday’s appreciate it the most. Monday/Tuesa productive, get-down-to-business, day there are talks to have and things take-charge day. Monday/Tuesday, to try, confront, or straighten out. jump on it quick, call it like you see it, PISCES nip it in the bud. By Wednesday, you February 18–March 20 should find yourself on a smooth sail. The end of the workweek Still, the week stays on brew. finds you on emotional buildup or SAGITTARIUS under added pressure. By Sunday, you November 22–December 21 should feel you have a much better grip. Thursday/Friday puts you Monday’s optimum for talks and meeton go, in more ways than one. Mer- ups. Tuesday, jump on it. Wednesday, cury retrograde can sidetrack you carry on. Jupiter into Libra improves with the unexpected. Some things are communication and cooperation with hard to admit, swallow, or relinquish. a significant other or key someone. It A revisit can lead to a new under- benefits finances and romance, too. standing or solution. Along with Saturn/Neptune’s turn of the wheel, Book a reading or sign up for Rose’s Jupiter into Libra also resets the com- free monthly newsletter at www.rose pass. Jupiter enhances relationships, marcus.com/astrolink/.

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your type I hated the person you were seeing before me, and I hear the person you’re with now is a rude social climber - I couldn’t be happier that I’m not your type.

Scaan to conffess The Georgia Th G i St Straight i htt C Confessions, f i an outlet for submitting revelations about your private lives—or for the voyeurs among us who want to read what other people have disclosed.

Why am I here? I’m losing my passion for life. I still do everything like paint, work out eat healthy make jewelry etc. but I feel like a zombie. Sometimes I feel like taking some ecstacy or something just to have some fun. I never would but the thought is even fun enough. Not sure what’s next for me. Everything just kind of floats by day by day. Maybe I need to do something for someone else. I must be here for a reason and I have to find out what it is.

Let’s chat Maybe you feel like something is missing from your life, and you need someone to confide in. Well, I do too. I know we have some bad history, but we don’t have to avoid each other for the rest of our lives. Let’s reconnect, and enjoy the experience of intellectual communication and conceptual thought, and then slowly but surely develop deep sexual feelings toward each other that we eventually have to satisfy. repeatedly. please?

Civic engineering fail I’d like to congratulate the city on its decision to remove some of the last remaining non-permit parking in the west end, located at burnaby and bidwell. A brilliant play by the sim city gamers at city hall, to install more bike share stations. This will come in especially handy, now that the rain season is about to begin. There is another bike share station only a block away next to the Safeway at cardero. The reign of Idiocracy is upon us.

Vancity women

Bulky sweaters, drab colours, a mess of fabric... Give me open toe strappy sandals, bright colours and short shorts to wear year round.

Enough with the Botox and lip injections.. You think we can’t tell and you look naturally beautiful. 9 times out of 10 you don’t. Your faces have a fake, slightly off.. Or frozen surprised look. Natural beauty always wins, do your selves a favour and save all the money your wasting.

All the little demons

I just started a job, but I plan on leaving.

are going back to school, let’s rejoice the world belongs to us again

I started a job in a new career but I plan on moving away in a year. I think Vancouver is actually making people emigrate. Vancouverites do not want to live anywhere else in Canada, except for rural BC, so other countries look better. Half of my good friends are gone, and doing better for it. I’m next, and maybe more to follow? The new people can have this city. It’s check-mate. It’s turned soulless and nobody can save it anymore. Nobody will be able to afford living here and having a family or room for a garden. No point in living in traffic or a Vancouver crack-shack, or raising your kids in poverty. Just move.

I hate fall clothing

Not on Tinder I deleted my account today. I wanted to at least give it a try; and, so I’ve given it a year and decided that it’s not working for me. It’s just one of the ways I’ve been using to connect with people and I’ve found it unfulfilling. So it’s on to new things again for which I’m glad.

I started working out behind my partners back.

Aspy

I’m an academic and didn’t spend too much time hitting the gym up until recently. My partner has a very physically demanding job and when they are working their hardest gets incredibly fit. I started working out recently because I don’t want my partner to get way hotter than me and I look like the “dumpy” one. I’m not actually going to say anything unless my partner notices.

I tried to befriend some people or talk to them but they just talk to me like I am stupid or crazy. I am not either nor am I infantile I am very smart. I have been told a lot of things about my communication that is probably part of the problem, like staring at people, talking about random things, ocd, but I am a person too and I have feelings, so next time you affect your voice and talk to me like you are cooing at a puppy remember I am probably smarter than you know.

Labour Day

Since when did

Is a regular weekend for me and many others in the hospitality industry. I accept it, it’s a part of working in this industry. But what pisses me off is when customers say “Oh, it’s too bad that you’re working this weekend.” I understand that they are trying to say something nice, but I won’t be here if it wasn’t for the customer insisting on using the service on the long weekend. Since it’s your fault I’m here you don’t have to apologize for it.

Gen Y become looped under the millenial umbrella? I’m proud to be Gen Y but detest being labeled a millenial. We certainly share a different set of values enough that people should be aware of its distinctions.

Visit

to post a Confession SEPTEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 47

48 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT SEPTEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016