The Georgia Straight - Making a Difference - Dec 8, 2016 by The Georgia Straight

Save even more on our everyday low prices!

No GST, No PST on Jewellery and Loose Diamonds in December* * Excludes watches and items in the already-discounted special Estate Jewellery promotion in the Metrotown store.

Estate appraisers and buyers. Knowledgeable and certified gemmologists and appraisers. We are always buying jewellery, quality gemstones, high-end watches, coins, gold and silver bullion, and modern and old banknotes. Show us what you have for a free, no-obligation verbal offer.

Save money every day only at J&M! Shop online for more jewellery and watches at iorio.com or jandm.com. Contact us at jandm@jandm.com.

J&M Coin & Jewellery Ltd. Since 1967

127 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W1 604-876-7181 348 - 4800 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4J2 604-439-0753 FREE PARKING underneath our Vancouver store, entrance off 8th Avenue

2 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

No Peeking.

Artfully Crafted . ®

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 3

Holiday Heights at Bloedel DEC 9, 2016-JAN 2, 2017 4PM TO 9PM

Experience a winter wonderland inside the Bloedel Conservatory with magical lights, festive music, a holiday scavenger hunt and much more. This year’s event will take you to new heights with Vancouver’s only holiday ferris wheel! Visit Vancouver’s newest and most affordable family event at the peak of Vancouver.

Ferris wheel ride, holiday activities and parking all included with regular Bloedel admission. vancouver.ca/holidayheights #holidayheights

4 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Gift Card

SALE

Give them the world Photo by Jaim ie Rogers #FlightieLife

Photo by Becky Madsen #FlightieLife

100

$ BONUS

up to

GIFT VOUCHER

when you buy before Dec 25

For more information visit flightcentre.ca/giftcards 24/7

1 866 828 2259

Over 950 Airfare Experts across Canada.

*Conditions apply. Receive up to $100 as a bonus Flight Centre gift voucher when you purchase a Flight Centre gift card before December 25. Offer is valid between November 25 – December 25, 2016. Valid on new bookings only. Offer is tiered: purchase a $50 gift card and receive a $10 gift voucher, purchase a $100 gift card and receive a $25 gift voucher, purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 travel gift, purchase a $500 gift card and receive a $100 gift voucher. Maximum possible bonus gift voucher is capped at $100 per person. Offer is not available for corporate orders. Bonus travel voucher is valid for redemption between January 1 & December 31, 2017. Bonus travel voucher is valid for redemption in-store only at a Flight Centre location. Additional conditions may apply. For full terms and conditions please speak with a Flight Centre Travel Consultant or visit flightcentre.ca/giftcards. †We will beat any written quoted airfare by $1. Additional important conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit flightcentre.ca/lowestairfareguarantee. BC REG: #HO2790 Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40009178, return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Georgia Straight, 1635 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1W9

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 5

DEAL YOU WANT ON THE ESCAPE YOU WANT GET

APR FINANCING

PURCHASE

72 48 *

LEASE

MONTHS

ELIGIBILE COSTCO MEMBERS RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

6 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

MONTHS

500

1,000 †

Visi

FR A SAL MES E PR & S ICE UNG D F LA ROM SSE $99S

219 abb ot t stre et v ancouver, b c tel 6 0 4 . 6 62 . 83 0 0 w w w. bruce eyewear.com

t : br

uc e e

YEAR-END BONUS CASH

yew

ear.

‡

ON ALL NEW 2017 ESCAPE MODELS ON ALL NEW 2016 AND 2017 ESCAPE MODELS

THE NEW

2017 ESCAPE

ON MOST 2016 AND 2017 FORD MODELS

For more information head to findyourford.ca or visit your BC Ford store

c om

bruce eyewear

bruceToo

store hours: mon - fri 10-6 | sat 11-6 | sun 12-5 closed xmas, boxing & new year’s day

3 55 3 m a i n s t r e e t (a t 2 0 t h) v a n c o u v e r, b c tel 6 0 4 .428 . 8 4 0 0 w w w. bruce eyewear.com

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).* Until January 3, 2017, receive 0% APR (annual percentage rate) to F-450 (excluding Chassis Cabs), F-250 for up to 60 months, or 2016 Taurus or 2017 Fusion, Escape, Transit for up to 72 months, or 2016 Fiesta for up to 84 months to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada Limited. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $25,000 purchase financed at 0% APR for 48/60/72/84 months, monthly payment is $520.84/$416.67/$347.22/$297.62, cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $25,000. Down payment on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Ford Credit Canada Limited.* * Until January 3, 2017, lease a new 2016 Fiesta or Edge for up to 24 months, or 2016 Flex or 2017 Mustang (excluding 50th anniversary) for up to 36 months, or 2016 Taurus or 2017 Fusion, Escape for up to 48 months, and get 0% APR on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada Limited. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest APR payment. Lease a model with a value of $30,000 at 0% APR for up to 24/36/48 months with an optional buyout of $15,600/$13,200/$10,800 and $0 down or equivalent trade in, monthly payment is $600.00/$466.67/$400.00, total lease obligation is $14,400.00/$16,800.12/$19,200.00, interest cost of leasing is $0 or 0% APR. Additional payments required for PPSA (RDPRM for Quebec), registration, security deposit, NSF fees (where applicable), excess wear and tear, and late fees. Some conditions and mileage restrictions apply. Excess kilometrage charges are 12¢per km for Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX, Fusion and Escape; 16¢per km for E-Series, Mustang, Taurus, Taurus-X, Edge, Flex, Explorer, F-Series, MKS, MKX, MKZ, MKT and Transit Connect; 20¢per km for Expedition and Navigator, plus applicable taxes. Excess kilometrage charges subject to change, see your local dealer for details. All prices are based on Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.‡Offer valid between December 1, 2016 and January 3, 2017 (the “Offer Period”) to Canadian residents. Receive $500 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2016 Ford model (excluding Fiesta and F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader), or 2017 model (excluding Focus, Fiesta, C-MAX, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 Value Leader)(each an “Eligible Vehicle”). Only one (1) bonus offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle. Taxes payable before offer amount is deducted. Offer is not raincheckable. †Offer only valid from December 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with an eligible Costco membership on or before November 30, 2016. Receive $500 towards the purchase or lease of a new 2016 (and 2017 where the model is available) Ford Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX and $1,000 towards all other Ford models (excluding Shelby® GT350/GT350R Mustang, F-150 Raptor, Ford GT, F-150 Regular Cab XL 4x2 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 offer amount is deducted. ® Registered trademark of Price Costco International, Inc. used under license.©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.

GET THE

Available in most new Ford vehicles with 6-month pre-paid subscription.

The Annual Sale Begins Saturday December 17 at 11am

THE BEST SHOW EVER

UNDER THE WHITE BIG TOP at Olympic Village • cavalia.net

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 7

FROM LOCAL DELIGHTS TO GOURMET GIFT BASKETS, GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD TASTE THIS YEAR FROM URBAN FARE.

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

CONTENTS

Second Beach, Stanley Park. Stephane Peltier photo.

WET WEATHER PROTECTION THAT BREATHES

HEALTH

Sarah Blyth, the cofounder of two DTES pop-up injection sites, says a quick community response to overdoses has saved more than 200 lives—without any financial help from governments. > BY TR AVIS LUPICK

THE LARGEST SELECTION OF THE NORTH FACE IN VANCOUVER

COVER

Some young Vancouver residents are not only upset about the Kinder Morgan pipeline, they’re also terrified of climate change.

STORES OWNED AND OPERATED BY ECO OUTDOOR SPORTS

DOWNTOWN

792 GRANVILLE STREET 604.677.4770

> BY CHARLIE SMITH

START HERE

GREEN LIVING

Help your friends and family reduce their carbon footprints with sustainably made gifts that put Mother Earth first. > BY LUCY L AU

FOOD

The Big Sisters of B.C.’s Lower Mainland branch includes snacks and nutritional knowledge in its Go Girls! school program. > BY GAIL JOHNSON

ARTS

25 33 38 55 55 51 51 55 52 11 24 40 39

Books The Bottle Comedy Confessions I Saw You Real Estate Red Meat Savage Love Straight Stars Straight Talk Style Theatre Visual Arts

KITSILANO

2136 WEST 4TH AVE. 604.677.4770

COQUITLAM

COQUITLAM CENTRE MALL 604.677.4770

TheNorthFaceVancouver

PHOTO / IAN MOMSEN

pacific centre for reproductive medicine

pacificfer tility.ca

Welcome to the wonderful world of Nutcracker fandom, where it isn’t Christmas till you’ve seen the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Rat King. > BY ANDRE A WARNER

MOVIES

A cliche is waxed in The Violin Teacher; Things to Come looks forward to 1968; the new selfishness rolls an Old Stone; Ten Years goes very inside Hong Kong.

MUSIC

TIME OUT 42 Arts 26 Events 50 Music

SERVICES 52 Careers 30 Healthy Living 51 Real Estate

What do Carseat Headrest, the Zolas, the Growlers, the Tourist Company, and A Tribe Called Red have in common? They all make our highly opinionated critics’ top 10 lists.

COVER PHOTO

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

IVF and Infertility CLASSIFIEDS

Reproductive Genetics GeorgiaStraight

Fertility Preservation

@GeorgiaStraight @GeorgiaStraight

refer yourself today | referrals@pacificfertility.ca 604.422.7276 DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 9

VOTE

FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS

SHARE YOUR CUISINE CONFESSIONS WIN A TRIP * TO

PARIS

COURTESY OF

Ballot available at PRIZING SPONSORS

10 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

straight talk DRUG-INJECTION SERVICES PLANNED FOR SUBURBS

Surrey has revealed two locations where it wants to open supervisedinjection services for drug users. The plan is for one to be integrated into Surrey Memorial Hospital, on 94A Avenue. Another will open behind the Gateway Shelter, on 135A Street, along the so-called Surrey Strip, which has come to be compared to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In a telephone interview, Dr. Victoria Lee, chief medical health officer for the Fraser Health Authority, said those locations were selected based on drug-overdose data and after consulting with communities. “Harm reduction is sometimes a difficult area for people to support,” she told the Straight. “But supervisedconsumption services have been shown to reduce public disorder, reduce publicly discarded needles, and we also know that it reduces overdoses as well as communicable diseases. So we believe that with that kind of impact, we’ll be able to move forward in a positive fashion.” Fraser Health plans to begin submitting applications for required exemptions from federal drug laws before the end of December and to end that process the following month. Lee revealed that Fraser Health is also conducting “feasibility assessments” for supervised-injection facilities in Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, and Langley. She emphasized that among cities where Fraser Health operates, these four jurisdictions have experienced the sharpest increases in drug-overdose deaths. During the first 10 months of 2016, Surrey saw 76 fatal overdoses, compared to 75 for all of 2015 and 44 in 2014. For Abbotsford, those numbers are 28, 26, and 7; for Maple Ridge, they are 24, 28, and 14; and for Langley, they are 21, 10, and 10. Lee noted that the injection sites planned for Surrey will differ from Vancouver’s sanctioned facility, Insite, in that they will not stand alone but be integrated into existing health-care facilities. She said this will allow Fraser Health to offer complementary services alongside harm-reduction programs, including opioid-substitution therapy, counselling services, and a range of treatment options. Speaking in Vancouver on

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT WINNER 2010-2016 “Let’s Have an Eggnog and Talk Real Estate”

www.toffoli.ca 604.787.6963 email: paul@toffoli.ca Master Medallion

Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott (with B.C. Health Minister Terry Lake) says the government is revising the Respect for Communities Act. Travis Lupick photo. November 10, federal Health Minister Jane Philpott announced that the government plans to revise Bill C-2, the Respect for Communities Act. That legislation, written by the former Conservative administration, has been widely criticized for making it extremely difficult for cities to open facilities like Vancouver’s Insite. “I’ve made it clear to my officials that I did not want there to be any unnecessary barriers to supervised-consumption sites in communities who ask for them,” Philpott said. “We had looked at the possibility of doing so within the current legislation, which was put in by the previous government. It is becoming increasingly apparent that it will require changes to that legislation. And we look forward to announcing very soon what those exact changes will be.” The City of Vancouver has submitted applications to open two additional injection sites, at 330 Heatley Street and 528 Powell Street, and it has plans for at least one more at a location yet to be determined. Other jurisdictions outside the Lower Mainland are moving ahead with similar programs. On November 15, the City of Victoria said it wants to establish three supervised-injection sites, at 941 Pandora Avenue, 2920 Bridge Street, and 844 Johnson Street. And the Interior Health Authority has proposed an injection facility for Kelowna at 477 Leon Avenue, plus a mobile unit that would operate out of a van. > TRAVIS LUPICK

GROUP PLANS INITIATIVE ON PIPELINE PROJECT

A referendum could be used against the controversial $6.8-billion Kinder Morgan pipeline. The Dogwood Initiative’s Don Gordon declared in a recent fundraising letter to supporters that there “are many lines of defence and major obstacles Kinder Morgan must face”. “One of the most immediate is the 2017 B.C. provincial election in which we can elect MLAs who oppose oil tankers and pipelines, and a government that will defy Ottawa,” he wrote. In addition, Gordon stated that Dogwood-backed teams are preparing a citizens’ initiative. It’s possible to put this before the public under B.C.’s Recall and Initiative Act if a proponent can gather 10 percent of registered voters’ signatures in all 85 B.C. constituencies. “Recent results have demonstrated we can’t just count on political parties to do what’s right, and we are fortunate in B.C. to have a democratic insurance policy in the form of a citizens’ initiative,” Gordon wrote. “If the current or future B.C. government caves in to Big Oil then Dogwood and allies will use this unique law to legislate against Kinder Morgan.” Under the act, the chief electoral officer must declare an initiative vote to be successful if more than 50 percent of registered B.C. voters support the measure in a referendum and if more than 50 percent of the voters in two-thirds of B.C. constituencies vote in favour. After that, the government must introduce the initiative as a bill at the “earliest practicable opportunity”. > CHARLIE SMITH

FA C T O R Y

SALE EVERYTHING ON

O U T L E T

80 UP TO

% OFF

RETAIL

END OF LINE & DISCONTINUED STYLES

OUTERWEAR / FLEECE / SHIRTS / ATHLETIC APPAREL 2550 Boundary Road, Burnaby s Ph: 604-454-1492 s www.stormtech.ca Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 10 - 6 and Sunday 11 - 6

HEAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE

The Georgia Straight | Vancouver’s News and Entertainment Weekly | Volume 50 Number 2554 1635 West Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1W9 www.straight.com Phone: 604-730-7000 / Fax: 604-730-7010 / e-mail: gs.info@straight.com Display Advertising: 604-730-7020 / Fax: 604-730-7012 / e-mail: sales@straight.com Classifieds: 604-730-7060 / e-mail: classads@straight.com Subscriptions: 604-730-7000 Distribution: 604-730-7087 EDITOR + PUBLISHER Dan McLeod ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Yolanda Stepien GENERAL MANAGER Matt McLeod EDITOR Charlie Smith SECTION EDITORS

Janet Smith (Arts/Fashion) Mike Usinger (Music) Steve Newton (Time Out) Adrian Mack (Movies) Brian Lynch (Books) EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Doug Sarti ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Gail Johnson, John Lucas, Alexander Varty STAFF WRITERS

Tammy Kwan, Lucy Lau, Travis Lupick, Carlito Pablo, Amanda Siebert, Craig Takeuchi, Kate Wilson SENIOR EDITOR Martin Dunphy EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jennie Ramstad PROOFREADER Pat Ryffranck CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gregory Adams, Nathan Caddell, David Chau, Jack Christie, Jennifer Croll, Ken Eisner (Movies), George Fetherling, Tara Henley, Michael Hingston, Ng Weng Hoong, Alex Hudson, Kurtis Kolt,

Robin Laurence (Visual Arts), Mark Leiren-Young, John Lekich, Amy Lu, Bob Mackin, Michael Mann, Rose Marcus, Beth McArthur, Verne McDonald, Allan MacInnis, Guy MacPherson, Tony Montague, Kathleen Oliver, Ben Parfitt, Vivian Pencz, Bill Richardson, Gurpreet Singh, Jacqueline Turner, Andrea Warner, Jessica Werb, Stephen Wong, Alan Woo ART DEPARTMENT MANAGER

Janet McDonald SENIOR DESIGNER David Ko CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Alfonso Arnold, Rebecca Blissett, Trevor Brady, Louise Christie, Emily Cooper, Randall Cosco, Krystian Guevara, Evaan Kheraj, Kris Krug, Tracey Kusiewicz, Kevin Langdale, Shayne Letain, Matt Mignanelli, Mark “Atomos” Pilon, Carlo Ricci, William Ting, Alex Waterhouse-Hayward DIGITAL PRODUCT MANAGER

Chet Woodside LEAD WEB DEVELOPER Jeffrey Li WEB DEVELOPER Tina Luu WEB ADMINISTRATOR Miles Keir

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Mike Correia PRODUCTION

K.T. Dean, Sandra Oswald

FANTASTIC PRICING to allow everyone to hear better in a variety of listening environments.

AD SERVICES ASSOCIATE

Opn 3 An improved listening experience with basic reduction of background noise while preserving speech.

Jon Cranny, Lyndsey Krezanoski

DIRECTOR OF ARTS, ADVERTISING & MARKETING

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

Steve Barmash, Glenn Cohen, Lauren Ellis, Robyn Marsh, David Pearlman, Patrick Ruel, Kathy Skelton

PROMOTIONS + SPECIAL PROJECTS

Navdeep Chhina

ADVERTISING + PROMOTION ASSISTANT

Maya Beckersmith

DIGITAL SALES COORDINATOR

Brenna Woodhouse CIRCULATION MANAGER

Dexter Vosper

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Dennis Jangula

STARTING AT ONLY

Opn 2 An easier listening experience with moderate reduction of background noise while preserving speech.

Limited Time only Until Dec 22

Opn 1 The easiest listening experience with maximum reduction of background noise while preserving speech.

1,500

CREDIT MANAGER Shannon Li ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR

Tamara Robinson

ACCOUNTING

Angela Krommidas

Call NOW for this LIMITED TIME OFFER!

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.

Vancouver - Commercial Dr.

604-681-1652 2740 Commercial Dr.

Vancouver - Hastings

604-215-3345 2484 E. Hastings St.

www.precisionhearing.co

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 11

HEALTH

To: Me From: Me

There’s no time like the present for a new pair of Blundstone boots. The weather outside may be frightful, but your feet will feel delightful. And after years of winter slush and country muck, your boots will look and feel even better than new. It’s a gift that’s worth it, thank you very much.

#585 The Leather Lined in Rustic Brown. $209.95

Sarah Blyth is running a life-saving harm-reduction service without any help from governments. Amanda Siebert photo.

What drives Sarah Blyth?

Australian Boot Company 1968 West 4th Ave., Vancouver 604-738-2668 Mail order or free catalogue call 1-877-842-1126

Free shipping at australianboot.com

The founder of two pop-up injection sites won’t stay silent during the fentanyl crisis > B Y TR AV IS LU P IC K

Wrap Up

Hope

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF CHANGE WITH MEGAPHONE MAGAZINE AND THE 2017 HOPE IN SHADOWS CALENDAR

MEGAPHONEMAGAZINE.COM

12 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

ast Christmas Eve, Sarah Blyth was working the front desk at one of the Downtown Eastside’s nonprofit hotels when she heard a call from the alley out back. “There was a person outside and he was dying,” the former park board commissioner recounted in an interview last January. “So I went running over with the Narcan kit.” It was Blyth’s first time injecting somebody with the overdose antidote, and she admitted she was shaken by the experience. “At that point, it [an overdose] happened, but it happened once a week or a couple times a month,” Blyth said in an interview last week. “It was still a thing, like, ‘Whoa.’ Now it’s normal business.” Today, Blyth oversees operations at two unsanctioned injection tents for drug users that together have seen a skeleton staff use naloxone to reverse more than 200 overdoses since mid-September. (They recently stopped counting and note that number continues to grow every day.) Blyth recounted a meeting she held with volunteers earlier this month. One mentioned how nice it will be when the overdose crisis is over and they can all finally catch their breath. Then another volunteer interjected: “What does ‘over’ mean?” she asked.

“What if this is just the beginning? What if it is always going to be like this? Is it ever going to end? Is it going to get worse?” During the first six months of 2016, 622 people in British Columbia died of an illicit-drug overdose death. That’s up from 510 in 2015 and 370 the year before. Fentanyl has been detected in about 60 percent of deaths this year. Despite those unprecedented numbers, it looks like things are going to get worse. On November 29, the B.C. Coroners Service confirmed that a synthetic opioid called carfentanil was detected in the body of a man who died in the Downtown Eastside two weeks earlier. A news release warned the drug was significantly more dangerous than fentanyl, describing it as “the most toxic opioid used commercially”. Blyth said that has her team preparing to establish more unsanctioned tents. “We thought fentanyl was a nightmare,” she added. “We thought, ‘How could it get any worse than this?’ But it can.” Blyth runs the tents with the help of two other Downtown Eastside activists: Ann Livingston and Chris Ewart. They operate outside B.C.’s health-care system, without government support or official permission. And because they offer people supplies to use heroin and cocaine, the whole operation could run afoul of federal drug laws.

The Vancouver Police Department has said that it considers the tents a health-care issue as opposed to one for law enforcement and will not move against them or arrest anybody who brings drugs there. Meanwhile, Vancouver Coastal Health, which operates Vancouver’s sanctioned injection site, Insite, as well as hospitals and clinics throughout the city, has emphasized it does not condone the tents but similarly has no plans to shut them down. Blyth and her staff keep the program going with nothing but small donations collected via a GoFundMe page. That has kept them spread thin, but she noted that it also gives their group a unique independence and greater flexibility to respond to changes on the ground. “It would be nice to have government funding,” Blyth said. “But up until now, it has been great to have that ability to speak for all the frontline workers and all the people who are overdosing, to show what the situation is we’re dealing with. Because we are funded by the people, we can have a voice and we can say whatever we want.…We are in a really good position to push where other agencies aren’t allowed to speak.” But it’s not easy operating on a shoestring. The Overdose Prevention Society—not a registered charity but what the group calls itself—spends about $250 per day to keep the two see page 15

We painstakingly brew our award winning amber lager at the expense of ads like this one. f ads ne. We hope you enjoy our refreshingly honest 100th Meridian Organic Amber Lager. A gold medal winner at the Canadian Brewing Awards that tastes better than any print ad ever could.

Great Beer Lives Here.

DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 13

nDuse Va n

f w l o a n k s e s... e k i l t s u J Yoga Experiences are unique! ing Ska

ng i m

ce Cla an

BONUS W

Swim

G a rd e n

G Y$ A N 50 S O PENT

#pbexperiences vancouver.ca

Give the Gift of Experience this year! Offer available Dec 1 to 31

COMPANY’S COMING!

An OTTOMAN that FLIPS OUT to a BED!

Flip Flop Beds

2 Choose a firmness

1 Choose a size

SALE ENDS DECEMBER 14TH

3 Choose a designer cover

Flip Flops Starting @ $10900

Designer Slip Covers extra Since

1986

4 FLIP OUT!

MAJESTIC SIT & SLEEP w w w.m a j e s t i c sitandsleep.com

1828 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver • 604-731-8226 Vancouver ’s Source for Cer tif ied Organic Latex

14 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

E EINGK F RRKBAC PA IN

Vancouver doctors set up an informal clinic in a Downtown Eastside alley near an unsanctioned tent offering supervised-injection services. Travis Lupick photo.

What drives Sarah Blyth? neighbourhood have helped her from page 12

tents staffed and stocked with supplies. (Technically, people aren’t paid a wage but receive an honorarium.) They also require things like cleaning supplies. Blyth said the group has also come to spend small amounts on memorials. She explained that many of the volunteers at the tents are drug users themselves and they have lost people to the same epidemic from which they’re working to save others. Asked about plans to expand should the crisis continue to get worse, Blyth recounted how the entire operation evolved organically in response to perceived necessities. “We’re just trying to figure out the best way, the quickest way, to save lives as fast as we can with a bunch of compassionate people and with a government that is not doing enough,” she said. BLYTH HAS WORKED in the Down-

town Eastside since 2008. She started at the Portland Hotel Society as a temp assigned to short stints at various supportive-housing projects as well as Insite. Later, she managed the New Fountain homeless shelter and organized Vancouver’s first homeless soccer team, which subsequently travelled to international tournaments in Rio de Janeiro and Paris. “You could see that there was a lot of gaps where people were needing to get help and there was just nothing there for them,” Blyth says of those early experiences. As the fentanyl crisis has intensified, burnout has become a major problem among frontline staff. Every time someone responds to an overdose, their body releases adrenaline, and so many waves of the powerful hormone can leave a person exhausted. Responding to three, four, or five overdoses in a single shift can also cause a heightened state of vigilance accompanied by feelings of stress and anxiety. Blyth noted that if a staffer responded to an overdose one year ago, they were sent home for the day to rest. But that’s no longer possible. “I’ve kind of burned out a couple times,” Blyth conceded. But she said her years of experience in the

learn how to cope. “Once you’ve burned out a couple times, you kind of can figure out when you’re on your way into burnout mode again and pull yourself back,” she explained. “You realize what you can and cannot do and how much you can take on.” Blyth said that a key part of pulling oneself back from emotional exhaustion is acknowledging one’s limitations. “There are a lot of things that you can’t do anything about,” she said. “You want to help everybody but there are not enough resources.” In the past, Blyth has spoken openly about her struggles with ADHD. Prodded by the Straight, she explained how that condition has contributed to feelings of empathy for people who live in the Downtown Eastside and who might feel marginalized or discriminated against. “I know what that feels like,” she began. “When you’re in elementary school, people start to separate,” Blyth continued. “If you don’t have very good motor skills, you don’t make the basketball team. And then you don’t do this or that. And then it starts to be these other people who are the normal guys and then there’s the group of people who are stigmatized or the people who are slightly different in any way. “Anytime you are any different, you can just kind of end up going in a different direction,” she said. “So it makes it easier for me to understand how people could end up down here.” Blyth suggested that those same forces gave rise to a sense of community in the Downtown Eastside that led it to rally and come together in response to the fentanyl crisis. “I feel more comfortable in the Downtown Eastside than I do in any other part of Vancouver,” she added. “Here, people really tell you straight-up how they feel. People say hi to each other; people have character; they are up-front with their issues. Whereas other sectors of society internalize everything and keep everything hidden.” The public can make donations to the Overdose Prevention Society t h ro u g h w w w. g o f u n d m e. c o m / wesavelives/.

Aarm Dental Group We’re in your neighborhood to make you smile…

0 9.0 *$ 9oom g Z in iten h W

Aarm Dental Group on Seymour

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

993 Seymour Street

(corner of Nelson and Seymour)

604-688-7607 *Patients are required to have a new patient exam, Xrays and cleaning. You can receive a FREE Electronic Toothbrush or Zoom In-Office Whitening for $99.00. Offer Expires December 31, 2016.

Dr. Andrea Baird

Dr. Jin Choi

EMERGENCY & NEW PATIENTS WELCOME OPEN

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

www.aarm-dental.com DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 15

Three words. One mission. At the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry), we believe everyone can become a contribuƟng member of society. We help criminalized and at-risk women, girls and children achieve their potenƟal through:

• Drop-in centres & homeless shelters for women & children • Detox & supporƟve addicƟons recovery • In-prison programs • Counselling • Help accessing housing & social assistance • Job training & employment • ParenƟng support • JustKids suite of programs for children with incarcerated parents. Much of the help we provide is made possible thanks to donaƟons. EFry’s gender-responsive programs work because they are designed to address the four sisters of trauma and violence – addicƟon, mental illness, homelessness and incarceraƟon. We help women take control of their physical and mental health and build brighter futures for themselves and their children.

Give. Dignity, Equality, and Opportunity. It’s amazing what we can do together. www.elizabethfry.com @EFryVancouver 16 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

FEATURE

Even though he only recently celebrated his BY CHARL IE SM IT H

20th birthday, Cedar Parker-George has seen a lot in his life. During a recent visit to the Georgia Straight office, the Tsleil-Waututh climate-change activist said that he has lived through a school shooting that killed five fellow high-school students in Washington state. He struggled with alcohol in its wake. He’s travelled to Ottawa to campaign against pipelines. Perhaps most significantly, he met an indigenous woman who bathed her grandchildren in bottled water because petroleum had contaminated her water supply. “It changed my life,” Parker-George said. “It’s changed my outlook on how oil is extracted and how it’s affecting this country and this economy.” Parker-George, a resident of East Vancouver, is one of several young men and women emerging as influential activists in the fight against the recently approved Kinder Morgan pipeline. He said that in other countries, environmentalists can be killed by governments or corporations for opposing resource-extraction projects, but here in Canada, he has the right to freedom of speech. And he’s not going to give it up easily. “When you see a woman crying for her grandchildren—her tears, right in front of you, asking for help—it does something to you,” Parker-George

Crusading for the climate

Sophie Harrison (middle) was at last month’s UN climate talks. Kate Hodgson and Cedar Parker-George (below left) vow to fight pipelines. Trevor Brady photo.

One of their first actions was creating a flash mob during the holiday season. They targeted shopping malls and other public places. Justin Trudeau just might have underestimated the resolve “We rewrote the lyrics of young Vancouverites to stop the Kinder Morgan pipeline to Christmas carols. So our first big hit was ‘Clisaid. “It really goes inside your heart and explodes mate Change Is Coming to Town’ rather than ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’.” and you feel that sympathy.” Harrison referred to the recent approval of the Parker-George comes from a distinguished First Nations family. His great-grandfather, Chief Dan Kinder Morgan pipeline as “a very disappointing, George, was a widely admired environmental activ- frustrating decision by our government”. But she ist and actor. His granddad, Leonard George, was was energized by a follow-up demonstration on also a chief and an actor. His father, Rueben George, November 29 in downtown Vancouver. is project manager of the Tsleil-Waututh “It felt good to be with my friends and to see Nation’s Sacred Trust Initiative and a how much commitment there is going forward to leading activist against the Kinder Mor- stop this project—to see how much anger there is gan pipeline. If it is built, it will increase and to be with those people, to give them a hug Alberta bitumen shipments to the Lower and just strengthen our commitment to make Mainland from 300,000 barrels per day sure this thing gets stopped even if the Trudeau to 890,000. It will also result in an almost government is now onside with Kinder Morgan sevenfold increase in annual oil-tanker and pushing it forward.” Harrison’s brother Sam was also a leader in Kids shipments through Burrard Inlet. Parker-George said that he’s terrified for Climate Action. After the Kinder Morgan pipeby the prospect of more petroleum ship- line received approval, she said, he mentioned the ments because carbon-dioxide emis- possibility of never being able to show his kids the sions are already at a dangerous tipping population of resident orcas along B.C.’s south coast. “Those questions about those impacts are really point. And he said that if these emissions keep increasing, this will wreak personal because we will be here,” Harrison said. economic and social havoc as climate- “It is the world that we will be living in.” Sam Harrison was among those who camchange induced droughts curtail agricultural production in California and paigned against Port Metro Vancouver’s decision to become North America’s largest coal exporter. other parts of the world. “There’s going to be a lot of star- In 2013, he told the Straight that he appreciated vation,” Parker-George predicted. how secondary students were trying to make their “There’s going to be a lot of fighting schools greener. But he also wanted them to view for water. There’s going to be a lot of environmental issues through a broader lens. This message had a profound influence on Kate fighting for basic needs.” It’s already happening elsewhere. Hodgson, a 19-year-old international-relations Last year, a study published in the student at UBC. “Sam Harrison was actually a huge part of my Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States transition from doing those small-scale actions of America concluded that a drought from 2007 to like recycling and riding my bike to getting in2010 in Syria—the worst in its recorded history— volved in the world’s climate activism,” Hodgson caused massive migration from rural areas to cit- told the Straight by phone. Hodgson is the student-outreach coordinator ies. According to the study’s authors, this contribfor UBC350, which campaigns for the university uted to the intensity of the Syrian civil war. Meanwhile, U.S. author Christian Parenti has to stop investing in fossil-fuel companies. The written that climate-change induced droughts in group’s name refers to its goal of reducing greenAfghanistan have forced farmers to switch from house-gas concentrations to 350 parts per million growing wheat to producing opium poppies, which in the atmosphere. “I think that climate change is really the issue are used in the manufacture of illicit drugs. Parenti’s 2011 book, Tropic of Chaos, also noted that droughts that will define my generation,” she said. There are now more than 400 parts per million in Mexico have hurt the fishing and farming industries, causing people to flee north, where some have of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. If this ratio keeps rising, there is a real risk of the world’s average been caught in a violent drug war. Parker-George sees a similarly apocalyptic future temperature rising 2° C higher than it was in the prefor Americans and Canadians if greenhouse-gas industrial era. Many scientists say this would cause emissions aren’t scaled back. He said he is motivated glaciers and other land ice in places such as Greenby his little brother and his goddaughter. “As much land and Antarctica to melt more quickly, leading to as I get scared, I think of them—and I’m not scared much higher sea levels and climate chaos. Hodgson criticized the UBC board of govof what I will do for them.” That’s why Parker-George plans to continue ernors for creating a “sustainable futures fund” bringing his antipipeline message to community rather than divesting from fossil-fuel companies. centres, churches, and political forums on both The university has defended the fund because it sides of the border. And he has no shortage of allies enables donors to target gifts in areas where environmental, social, and governance factors are among his generation. taken into account. SOPHIE HARRISON, A 22-YEAR-OLD climate Although the university has claimed that this activist with the antipipeline Dogwood Initia- fund gives contributors a “low-carbon choice”, tive, is an old hand at raising awareness of rising Hodgson argued that this concept is “deeply greenhouse-gas emissions. In a phone interview problematic”. with the Straight, she said she has been working “It has more to do with production emissions on pipeline and tanker issues since she was 16. than it does with downstream emissions,” she “I got together with some other friends and said. “A coal plant could be considered sustainable started a group called Kids for Climate Action to because it doesn’t have a high carbon footprint at basically get high schoolers involved in the political the production level, whereas a solar-panel plant process around climate change,” Harrison said. could be considered to have a high environmental

impact because that rubric doesn’t take into account the downstream emissions.” She’s hoping that UBC’s new president and vice chancellor, Santa Ono, and the board will revisit this policy. In the meantime, Hodgson said she’s prepared to do “whatever it takes” to stop the Kinder Morgan pipeline from being built. “I’m very scared of climate change,” she stated. “And I’m really scared of what it means for my future and my generation and for the lives of people living all around the world who don’t have the means to protect themselves from its impact.” Then there’s the politics. Hodgson revealed that she voted Liberal in the past federal election because she felt confident that party leader Justin Trudeau would make climate change a priority. She admitted feeling “hurt” when his cabinet approved the Kinder Morgan pipeline. “I think it’s really time the Liberals put their money where their mouth is when it comes to climate policy and making the decisions that will help them get to where they said we needed to be as a nation,” Hodgson added. “At COP21 [the 2015 international climate conference in Paris], they got up on the stage there and said, ‘We are going to be climate leaders.’ They said, ‘Canada is back.’ And we haven’t been seeing that with the decisions they’ve been making.” Earlier this year at the TEDxEastVan conference, young environmental journalist Geoff Dembicki delivered a speech suggesting that Trudeau won this past election because he galvanized nonaligned millennial voters who wanted action on climate change. “A poll in B.C. on election day found that over 42 percent of young people engaged in strategic voting, the highest of any age group,” he said. Dembicki began his presentation by mentioning a recent study led by former NASA climatologist James Hansen that suggested Antarctica could be warming 10 times faster than previously expected. If this turns out to be true, Dembicki said, there could be major flooding of coastal cities around the world within young people’s lifetimes. “As Hansen’s study reminded us, climate change is not just some abstract scientific issue,” he stated. “It’s a moral crisis that, literally, threatens the future survival of an entire generation. We are not willing to tolerate a political and economic system that doesn’t take that threat seriously.” BACK AT THE Georgia Straight office, Cedar Parker-George expressed skepticism about Trudeau’s commitment to his generation. To teach a lesson about the difference between words and actions, the young indigenous activist casually announced that his preferred pizza is Margherita. It seemed like a strange comment in an interview about pipelines and politics. “It has mozzarella, it has the basil, it has the tomato—that’s why it’s my favourite,” ParkerGeorge said with absolute conviction. “Then it has the olive oil. I like to put the Parmesan on top.” Then he suddenly reversed his position. “I just lied to you,” Parker-George said. “It’s not my favourite. Pepperoni is my favourite.” Continuing along this vein, he switched pizza allegiances a third time. “I just lied to you again. Cheese is my favourite.” So what was his point? “That’s how easy Trudeau can go up there and say words that mean nothing,” Parker-George said. “When the government says something, do your homework. Challenge it and ask questions, because it was that easy for me to tell you my favourite pizza is Margherita.” From somewhere in the heavens, Chief Dan George might have been looking down on his great-grandson with a giant smile. -

With files from Travis Lupick. DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 17

ENVIRONMENT

Write a Letter. Change a Life.

Saturday, December 10 10:30 – 4:30 PM

Join us for Write for Rights to Celebrate International Human Rights Day!

‘Stop Site C Dam’ Photo credit: Andrea Morison, PVEA

Amnesty International

1720 Grant Street at Commercial Drive mwaskow@telus.net www.writeathon.ca

The Wilderness Committee’s Gwen Barlee has channelled a lifelong passion for ecosystems into a career of activism to save B.C.’s numerous species at risk.

Gwen Barlee’s love of wildlife came naturally > B Y C A RLITO PABLO

HEALTHY CHOICES POVERTY

BULLYING

CONFIDENCE

18 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

SELF-ESTEEM

FUN

COURAGE

LEADER

ALCOHOL ABUSE

POST SECONDARY

HAPPINESS HOPELESSNESS

SEXUAL & PHYSICAL ABUSE

TRUST

NEGATVE BODY IMAGE

BETTER GRADES

wen Barlee gets a lot of calls at work from ordinary people. She remembers someone phoning the Vancouver headquarters of the Wilderness Committee last year from Summit Lake in southeast B.C. It was about the western toads in the small community. Every year, more than a million juvenile toads move from the lake to the nearby forest, where they will spend most of their lives. The migration is considered one of the world’s great wildlife marvels. The person at the other end of the line was telling the national policy director of the Wilderness Committee that the habitat of the amphibians is going to be logged. Barlee recalled the person asking, “What can I do? Can you help me? Can we work together? I want to do the right thing to protect these toads.” According to Barlee, people like these are her real heroes. “I so much admire people that are working full-time, whose jobs aren’t activism, but who see something in their community that needs to be righted,” Barlee told the Georgia Straight in a phone interview. “They want to do the right thing, even though they don’t have any background in activism or they don’t even maybe call themselves environmentalists.” This admiration is natural, because doing the right thing and caring about the environment have been engrained in Barlee since childhood. “I’ve come from a family that was very, very involved in politics and social justice, and so that was always a topic of discussion,” she said. “And so I was always concerned, whether it was labour justice or social justice—and really, environmentalism is about environmental justice.” She recalled growing up in a house where the likes of former premier Dave Barrett and cabinet colleagues of her father, Bill, in the B.C. NDP government during the 1990s would drop by for dinner. “Even as kids, you know, we’d have these endless political discussions around the dinner table, and dinner would last two or three hours, and people nearly had to take turns to ask questions, and everyone was so animated,” Barlee related. Next door was the house of playwright and family friend George Ryga. His works include The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, which deals with aboriginal issues. “There’s also fascinating political discussions when we’d go down to the Rygas’, and so I was sort of surrounded by that, and a lot of those discussions weren’t just politics,” Barlee recalled. “It’s about political justice; it was about labour justice; it was about environmental justice; and it was about activism and being involved in your

community and trying to change things for the better.” Barlee, born in Penticton and raised in Summerland, grew up with an astonishing diversity of wildlife around her. “There’s over, like, 250 species of birds that nest in the South Okanagan,” she said. “So when I go on trips with my dad, who at that time was involved in mining—he also produced a magazine called Canada West—I remember seeing the incredible diversity of birds, whether it would be bobolinks when you’re getting into Osoyoos, whether it would be, you know, hummingbirds. And then when we go by Keremeos, then you’d see the mountain goats, and then when you’d be going by Vaseux Lake, you’d see the mountain sheep.” Her experience taught Barlee early on about the importance of the wildlife and wilderness heritage of B.C. “That sort of seeped into me, became part of my DNA, and it’s part of what made me proud to be a British Columbian,” she said. This is also part of the reason why the ongoing campaign to designate a national-park reserve in the South Okanagan–Similkameen region is very close to her heart. She has been working on this issue for more than 10 years. “It has a huge amount of B.C.’s species at risk,” she said about the South Okanagan–Similkameen area. “It’s just incredible. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” Her childhood experience also partly explains why another campaign that is dear to her is to have B.C. introduce provincial legislation to protect wildlife. “We’re one of only two provinces—the other is Alberta—that doesn’t have stand-alone legislation to protect species at risk, and we have 1,900 species at risk, including killer whales, including Vancouver Island marmots, including spotted owls.” Barlee has been with the Wilderness Committee since 2001, starting as a forest campaigner. Founded in 1980, the group is the largest membership-based wilderness-preservation group in Canada. It has 60,000 supporters and volunteers across the country Most of the funding for the Wilderness Committee comes from its supporters, ordinary people who donate $20 to $100 a year. The group doesn’t take corporate funding. “That gives us autonomy,” Barlee noted. “That enables us enough to really listen to the people who support us. It enables us to do the right thing.” This is what sustains the Wilderness Committee as an authentic grassroots organization. It keeps its ear to the ground, paying attention to things being talked about by people—like the person who called Barlee last year about the western toads of Summit Lake. -

GREEN LIVING

Killwood transforms B.C. lumber culled from the pine beetle epidemic into the minimalist, locally made, wall-mounted bike rack and storage unit Bika.

Winter

Holiday gift lists set to turn green this season

Ski Packages

From ice-cream cozies to watering devices, these local items make fine presents for the environment-minded

Snowboard

boasts characteristic blue streaks—a result of the blue-stain fungus introduced by the bugs—plus space for books, locks, and keys. Working with a tighter budget? Killwood also produces the Botto ($22), an upcycledwood bottle opener set with a rareearth magnet that latches onto caps. Find them online (killwood.ca/).

[snowboard, bindings, boots]

> BY L UC Y LA U

ith global temperatures continuing to rise and natural habitats increasingly threatened, climate change remains at the forefront of many Vancouverites’ minds— regardless of the beliefs of a certain ill-qualified president-elect south of the border. It’s no surprise, then, that so many local businesses are hopping on the eco-friendly train. Help your friends and family reduce their carbon footprint at home this holiday—and for years to come—with these environmentally minded finds, many of them made by hand in the city. PILLOW FIGHT Abandoned textiles receive new life in local designer Ellie Robinson’s accessories and décor objects. Dubbing her business Teecycle Depot, the zero-waste advocate creates storage roll-ups, reusable makeup rounds, and delightful icecream cozies—tailored to fit snugly over Earnest Ice Cream’s pints— using preloved dishcloth yarn, ribbon, jersey sweatshirts, and more. For the home, check out Robinson’s upcycled T-shirt pillows (from $20), which feature graphics from vintage band and logo Ts, polyfibre filling, and the occasional hand-stitched appliqué. Find them on Etsy (etsy.com/ ca/shop/teecycledepot/). BUBBLE UP Get the most out of

your all-natural and toxin-free cleaners with Better Living’s foam dispenser ($20). This sleek little number saves up to 70 percent of soap by combining water and air with your favourite liquid lather to produce a frothy substance that gets the job done. Available in minimalist shades of black, white, and grey, the device blends seamlessly with all sorts of décor schemes. Its compact shape will look right at home in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry spaces, too. Find it at the Soap Dispensary (3718 Main Street).

FEELING BLUE Any self-respecting Vancouverite should own a bike rack. But those looking to up their green cred—while still showing off their tricked-out Brodie Remus—will love Killwood’s Bika ($399), a locally crafted storage unit that uses B.C. lumber devastated by the pine beetle epidemic. The modest, wall-mounted rack

SNACK SMART Ditching the plas-

tic is easy if it means we get to pull out Alisa Yao’s reusable snack bags (from $6.81) at lunch hour. The local design student upcycles discarded cotton and burlap—some of which she infuses with water-resistant beeswax—into on-the-go sacks equipped with drawstring closures and transparent windows that allow you to peep at the contents. (So simple yet so ingenious.) Fill a few with your recipients’ favourite bulk treats and consider your stocking-stuffer game sorted. Find them on Etsy (etsy.com/ ca/shop/alisayao/). Experienced gardeners and self-described black thumbs alike will appreciate the Vancouver-based GrowOya’s terracotta Oya (from $22). Shaped like a giant, bulbous vase, the highly efficient watering device distributes moisture to your plants only when they need it. Simply bury the vessel in your garden, fill it with water every five to 10 days, and watch your veggies, blooms, and other crops thrive. This ancient form of irrigation eliminates surface evaporation by up to 70 percent while saving you two precious resources: water and time. Find them at Greenworks Building Supply (79 West 3rd Avenue).

70 OFF $ 199 $ 199

Clothing

UP TO

[skis, bindings, boots]

FROM

Packages

Junior Ski/Boot Season Lease from $150

FROM

| Bring your Skis/Boards in for Servicing

102 W. Broadway (at Manitoba), Vancouver | 604-879-6000

sportsjunkies.com

A Gift to Nature

GREEN GODDESS

ON THE TABLE British Columbia

is known for its clean energy and great wine, so it makes sense for the province to be immortalized in an eco-friendly charcuterie board, right? Handcrafted in Vancouver, Love My Local’s B.C. cheese board ($89.87) features a gorgeous wood grain thanks to its renewablebamboo construction and organic coating of nut-free oils, beeswax, and bamboo extract. Break it out at your next wine-and-cheese night alongside a couple of Okanagan bottles and revel in the green-withenvy glances from your guests. Find it on Etsy (etsy.com/ca/shop/ lovemylocal/). -

Wondering what to give

family and friends this holiday season? For a gift that keeps on giving, donate to

The Nature Trust of BC

to conserve land for wildlife and plants.

www.naturetrust.bc.ca DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 19

CHARITY

in support of small business MELLIFERA BEES INFUSED HONEY Mellifera Bees produces distinctive, hand-crafted honey infusions of exceptional quality. Local honey is naturally flavoured with organic and fair trade fruits and spices. Pair it beautifully with wine, cheeses, and crusty French bread. Enjoy it drizzled over homemade ice cream, stirred into hot beverages, or alone on a spoon.

$10 TO $17, available at various locations or at WWW.MELLIFERABEES.COM

FOR THE LOVE Of BEARD

WOOD ACCESSORIES

Handmade from locally sourced, upcycled woods, the Kerf Wood Bow Tie is the main attraction for any hip fashionable bow tie wearer who wants to steal the show. This is a musthave for bow tie admirers and stylish risk takers alike.

Wood Bow Tie, $95 at Kerf Accessories WWW.KERFACCESSORIES.COM

WARM HUES, and OUTDOOR VIEWS The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre distributes gifts and puts on an annual wreath-making event for marginalized women and their children.

This season, readers can make a difference There is no shortage of worthwhile causes that can benefit from an open heart and an open wallet Formulated to care for and maintain all types of facial hair, and endowed with an inviting balanced scent of warm vanilla and crisp mint, Peregrine Supply Co.’s limited edition ORIØN Beard Oil is the perfect gift for the beard in your life.

$20 at WWW.PEREGRINESUPPLY.COM

Handsome Mountain Classic Pet Bed in Dockside This dog bed is made using a heavyweight duck canvas, making it one of our most durable. Perfect for the indoor dogs and the outdoor adventurous kind. It’s machine washable and made to last! Join the Pack

$190 - $250 at WWW.HANDSOMEMOUNTAIN.COM

The holiday season is a time of giving, but it’s also a time to build community. In our province, we’re fortunate to have many wonderful organizations working yearround to improve our world by feeding the hungry, protecting animals, assisting the downtrodden, and doing any number of other good works on behalf of society. We’ve listed a few that are worth thinking about if you have some spare dollars in your pocket to give away this month. The list is by no means complete, but perhaps it will open some readers’ eyes to ways to make a difference in ways that they might not have considered.

HELP POOR WOMEN During the month of December, many nonprofit organizations put on special holiday events and increase services for people who have fallen on hard times. But for one group, most of those Christmas dinners and charity gift exchanges remain out of reach. In a telephone interview, Joanne Webber, director of engagement for the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC), explained that its clients often don’t feel comfortable attending those events. “Women-only spaces are really important,” Webber explained. “It’s a critical service down here in the Downtown Eastside. Because of their trauma, they are not able to participate in coed spaces. So they can only come here. And so we will have a holiday meal and we will distribute gifts.” To meet that need, DEWC is hosting three holiday events for women and their children. She recalled one memorable motherdaughter pair who arrived at the centre at 5 a.m. to help cook pancakes for one of those meals last year. “The women were so happy to enjoy this food,” Webber said. Webber said cash donations help the organization cover the cost of those events. She added that DEWC, which has operated in the Downtown Eastside since 1978, also relies on charitable contributions to help mothers ensure they have a present to give each of their children. “People can donate unwrapped gifts to us and then we will wrap them—we have a lot of volunteers here—and this allows women to give their children gifts,” she said. “For some, this will be the only [holiday] celebration.”

20 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Gift cards are a favourite, especially for mothers with teenagers. She recommended businesses like London Drugs and Chapters Indigo and tickets for a night at the movies. DEWC also gives gifts to the mothers themselves and the women it works with who don’t have children. For them, Webber recommended seasonal clothing such as socks, underwear, gloves, and hats. “Things to keep warm,” she said. Donations can be made by visiting dewc.ca or by calling Webber at 604681-8480, extension 250.

> TRAVIS LUPICK

HELP THE ANIMALS Some of the

best pet owners are homeless people. Sometimes with few human friends, people without a place to sleep or at risk of becoming homeless care for their dogs, cats, mice, or rabbits with love and devotion that others might only feel for human family. But, like anybody, sometimes these pet owners could use a little help. Paws for Hope is a registered charity based in Burnaby that offers just such a hand. Its Roxy’s Relief program supplies homeless, lowincome, and elderly animal guardians with basic veterinary care, pet food, and other supplies. “Our organization recognizes the positive impact pets have on vulnerable populations, including those that are homeless,” the project’s website reads. “This relationship is often their only constant source of companionship and at times can be the one thing that keeps them going. By providing basic veterinary care for vulnerable populations, we are helping to enhance animal protection by providing the care these animals need, which in turn will have a positive impact on the individual within the community.” Paws for Hope also hosts animal health clinics for homeless and lowincome pet owners. In addition, the organization distributes funding to a number of petfocused programs around the Lower Mainland that don’t focus on owners who are poor or homeless. For example, Paws for Hope works with organizations that spay and neuter animals, and its Pets Are Not Products program delivers information about the proper sale and transfer of animals in B.C. Donations can be made at www. pawsforhope.org/. > TRAVIS LUPICK see next page

HELP THE MARGINALIZED Pivot

a collection of donated new books. They are recorded reading from the chosen book, then the book and recording are given to their children so they can always hear the voice of their parents. Summer and spring camps are also offered to children. During summer camps, older kids are trained to become camp counsellors, which could be their first job, according to McCluskey. The Elizabeth Fry Society’s JustKids initiative likewise includes a Saturday club, where kids can have a safe and welcoming space on weekends. Kids don’t have to pay a price because their parents are in jail. To help: www.just-kids.ca.

Legal Society doesn’t turn away from a good fight. Based in the gritty Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, the nonprofit legal-advocacy organization has won an impressive record of victories for poor and marginalized people. Pivot was among the intervenors in a case that led to a landmark decision in 2013 by the Supreme Court of Canada that struck down prostitution laws because they violated the constitutional rights of sex workers. It represented the parties that initiated legal action to prevent the federal government from closing down Insite, the only low-barrier and legal supervised drug-injection site in North America. In 2011, the country’s top court upheld the facility’s exemption from federal drug laws, allowing it to stay open at its East Hastings Street location in Vancouver. In addition to its campaigns on sex work and drug policy, Pivot does remarkable work on police accountability. To cite an example, in 2014 the B.C. government introduced new rules for the training and deployment of police dogs. This move came after Pivot released the results of a three-year study showing that dogs are the leading cause of injuries by police forces in the province. Pivot also champions issues related to housing and homelessness. In 2015, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled in favour of homeless people who were represented by the group in challenging the bylaws of the City of Abbotsford against sleeping in parks. Not bad for an organization that was initially run from the bedroom of lawyer John Richardson, who cofounded Pivot in 2000 with Downtown Eastside activist Ann Livingston. To help Pivot carry on the good fight: https://pivotlegal.nationbuilder. com/donate/.

> CARLITO PABLO

HELP BOOST BIODIVERSITY Even

if you’re not rich, you can help set aside protected areas for B.C.’s bountiful wildlife, fish, and plant species. The Nature Trust of British Columbia’s portfolio includes more than 480 properties obtained through donations, purchase, or lease, and they include some of the most ecologically significant lands in the province. For example, earlier this year the Nature Trust announced the completion of a 17-year project in the South Okanagan to preserve a rare antelope-brush conservation area. “This habitat is disappearing at a faster rate than the world’s tropical rain forests,” the charity’s website states. “The South Okanagan has one of the highest concentrations of species at risk, such as the Behr’s Hairstreak butterfly.” B.C. has 16 biogeoclimatic zones. And the Nature Trust’s properties are concentrated in areas where there are large numbers of people living, such as the east coast of Vancouver Island and the Georgia Basin, the South Okanagan, and the Kootenays. One of its sites includes Vancouver Island’s Salmon River, which is home to all five species of B.C. salmon and Roosevelt elk. Migratory-bird habitat is protected around Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen. The Adams River, which is famous for its sockeye run, is part of another protected area, as is Wigwam Flats, which is home to bighorn sheep. The Nature Trust first secures the land, often through acquisition. Students are hired to help restore and enhance the property as part of conservation youth crews. Part of their job is to remove invasive plants and garbage and install interpretive signs. “With every donation a donor makes, we recognize the trust that is being placed in our hands,” the website states. “This is why our organization places a high priority on operating in a fiscally responsible manner. We carry no debt and no mortgages and undertake yearly audits. An investment and finance board committee establishes policies and reviews quarterly performances.” If you would like to make a gift to help B.C.’s natural habitat, please go to www.naturetrust.bc.ca/.

> CARLITO PABLO

HELP THE CHILDREN Kids suffer

when a parent goes to jail. Responding to this situation, the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver runs the first and only initiative in Canada that supports children with incarcerated parents, according to Karen McCluskey, a spokesperson with the charitable organization. The endeavour, called JustKids, was launched in 2011, she said. “The way we started working with children is that the majority of women in prison are mothers,” McCluskey told the Straight by phone. “And most of them are single mothers. So when they go to prison, their children are hugely affected. When a father goes to prison, the majority of the time, the child is looked after by the mother, but the reverse is not true.” According to McCluskey, the initiative is also open to fathers in prison. In 2015, a total of 1,702 children benefited from the programs offered under JustKids, McCluskey said. Activities include a storybook program. Parents in jail pick from

Stylish natural living since 1981

Organic Natural Healthy Bedding, Bath, Yoga & More Quality made in Vancouver for over 35 years Spend $100 and receive 15% off on your next order Offer ends on Dec 24

2749 Main Street (12th & Main) Tel 604.254.5012 dreamdesigns.ca jnh ÁO vbb | jn¢n|j

Prices in effect from December 8 - December 24 , 2016 th

% 20 OFF

Bailey & Bella Pet Gifts and Fall & Winter Apparel

SAVE $2 on 3.5 oz mixers

% 20 OFF

SAVE

GO! 25 lb/larger, Natural Balance 26 lb/larger, Blue Buffalo Wilderness 22 lb/larger or Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food 28.5 lb/larger

1,500

HOLIDAY

BONUS

NEW

PRODUCTS IN STORE

Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers

Bailey eyy & BBella e llaa el Cat and Dog beds

2738 Arbutus Street | 604-703-1768

Visit tisol.ca for2949 a location near| you! | Main Street 604-873-4117 * A $5 Gift Voucher is received for each increment of $50 (before taxes) spent between December 8th – 24th, 2016. Redeemable for purchases and/or services from January 4th – 8th, 2017. See in-store for full details. Save amounts refer to our regular price. Products may not be exactly as shown. Availability will vary by store. Available while quantities last. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices are in effect until December 24th, 2016 and are thereafter subject to change without notice. © 2016 Tisol Pet Nutrition and Supply Store.

ALL PRICED AT OUR LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR

ON FINANCING OFFERS

YOU SPEND*

SAVE

Stocking Stuffers & Perfect Presents

DON’T PAy until spring! FINANCING ON MOST MODELS

Voucher

FOR EVERY

Gift voucher redeemable from January 4th-8th, 2017

> CHARLIE SMITH

UNWRAP UP TO A

5Gi50ft

Receive A

Come in & wi n

$750, $1,000 $1,250 & $1,50 0

2016 SPORTAGE “Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality in the U.S.”

2016 SORENTO BEST NEW SUV

($35,000 - $60,000)

ON ALL MODELS†

GUARANTEED BONUS OF $500

WE DON’T PRE-JUDGE YOUR CREDIT!

We will get you approved regardless of your credit history! when other dealers say no…we say yes!”

ALL- NEW 2017

AVAILABLE LX FWD

LEASE FROM

WEEKLY

INCLUDES $500 HOLIDAY BONUS†

Sportage SX Turbo AWD shown‡

0% 36 FOR

MONTHS &

$1,800 DOWN

2017

119 B/W

DYNAMAX ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

169 B/W

$ SX Turbo AWD shown‡ Sorento

2.4L LX FWD

0% @ 84 MO. LEASE FROM

5.5% @ 96 MO.

WEEKLY

0% 36 FOR

TOTAL holiday bonu † s Includes Gua ranteed Bonus of $50 0

MONTHS &

$2,375 DOWN

INCLUDES $500 IN LEASE CREDIT & AND $500 HOLIDAY BONUS†

FREE LIFETIME OIL CHANGES, CAR WASHES AND AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE WITH YOUR PURCHASE PLUS YOUR CHANCE TO SPIN AND WIN A FREE GIFT FROM 40” FLAT SCREEN TV’S, IPADS, PS4’S AND MORE! kia.ca/qualitycelebration

OFFICIAL PARTNER

Offer Ends Jan 3rd

THE BEST DEALS ARE AT KIA VANCOUVER! KIA VANCOUVER

396 SW MARINE DR, VANCOUVER, BC (Corner of Cambie & Marine Dr.)

1.866.618.0616 www.kiavancouver.com

TONY

ALEX

4.8

Offer(s) available on select new 2016/2017 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from December 1, 2016 to January 3, 2017. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing includes delivery and destination fees up to $1,740, $22 AMVIC, $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes taxes, licensing, PPSA, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees, fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. Don’t Pay Until Spring (120-Day Payment Deferral) applies to purchase financing only on approved credit on all new 2016/2017 models at participating Kia dealers. No interest will accrue during the first 90 days of the finance contract. After this period, interest starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay the principal and interest monthly over the term of the contract which will be extended by 90 days. Offer ends January 3, 2017. Representative Financing Example: Financing offer on a new 2016 Soul EX AT (S0754G) with a selling price of $22,557, including $500 Holiday Bonus† equals $62/week for 84 months, for a total of 364 payments, at 0% with $0 down payment. Cost of borrowing is $0 and total obligation is $22,557. †No purchase necessary. Holiday bonus between $500 and $2,000 (including guaranteed $500 discount) awarded in dealership. Approximate odds of winning an incremental bonus prize of $250 -$1,500 at a participating dealership in the Western region are as follows: $750 total Holiday Bonus (including guaranteed $500 discount): approx. odds of winning: 1:4; $1,000 total Holiday Bonus (including guaranteed $500 discount): approx. odds of winning: 1:5; $1,250 total Holiday Bonus (including guaranteed $500 discount): approx. odds of winning: 1:10; $1,500 total Holiday Bonus (including guaranteed $500 discount): approx. odds of winning: 1:10; $2,000 total Holiday Bonus (including guaranteed $500 discount): approx. odds of winning: 1:1282. Contest open to Canadian residents over the age of majority. Skill-testing question required. Discount prizes must be redeemed by January 3, 2017. See dealer or kia.ca/special-offers for complete contest details. *Cash Purchase Price for the new 2016 Optima LX AT (OP741G) is $20,877 and includes a cash discount of $4,000 and $500 Holiday Bonus†. Cash discounts vary by model and trim and are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. &Representative Leasing Example: Lease offer available on approved credit (OAC), on the 2017 Sorento 2.4L LX FWD (SR75AH)/2017 Forte LX MT (F0541H)/2017 Sportage LX FWD (SP751H) with a selling price of $29,557/$17,077/$26,757 is based on 156/260/156 weekly payments of $69/$39/$57 for 36/60/36 months at 0%/0.9%/0%, with $0 security deposit, $2,375/$995/$1,800 down payment and first payment due at lease inception. Offer includes $500 Holiday Bonus† and $500/$0/$0 lease credit. Total lease obligation is $10,824/$10,262/$8,951 with the option to purchase at the end of the term for $15,358/$5,799/$15,506. Lease has 16,000 km/yr allowance (other packages available and $0.12/km for excess kilometres). ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2016 Optima SX AT Turbo (OP746G)/2017 Sorento SX Turbo AWD (SR75IH)/2017 Forte SX AT (FO747H)/2017 Sportage SX Turbo AWD (SP757H) is $35,195/$42,495/$27,295/$39,595.The Bluetooth® wordmark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The 2016 Sportage received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among Small SUVs in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study. 2016 study based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). #When properly equipped. Do not exceed any weight ratings and follow all towing instructions in your Owner’s Manual. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation. DL#30460.

97% RECOMMENDED 82 LIFETIME REVIEWS

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 21

STRAIGHT WRAPPED

for the

HOLIDAYS

for the

Fashion

Gifts That Keep Giving

-ista

RECHARGEABLE MAGIC WAND Hailed since 1968 as the best vibrator on the market, the newly updated Rechargeable Magic Wand now features eight settings and a lithium ion battery. For extra fun, match this classic with easily washable silicone attachments Euphoria and Bliss Tips.

for the

Oddball

Womyns' Ware Inc. 896 Commercial Drive,Vancouver, BC. www.womynsware.com

Articulated Cat Skeleton Art and science collide in this eclectic gift, perfect for all the weirdos in your life. Guaranteed to be the most unique present under the tree.

THE TENGA SLEEVE Sex toys are becoming socially acceptable, partly thanks to innovations in design. Fans of the masturbation sleeve, behold! An option that doesn't look like a disembodied orifice! The Tenga Sleeve and locally made, all-natural Sutil lubricant make an elegant pair.

$178 at This Monkey's Gone To Heaven 3957 Main Street www.thismonkey.ca

Womyns' Ware Inc. 896 Commercial Drive,Vancouver, BC. www.womynsware.com

420 Nerd

for the

Gift of Laughter

GO BOLD WITH BARCELONA STYLE Shop Vancouver's first Desigual boutique at Angel in Gastown. Desigual is from Barcelona, and the winter collection for men, women, and kids is 20 to 40 percent off.

Angel 2 Powell Street, Gastown 604.681.0947 angelvancouver.com

for the

Outdoors

-Man

THC MOLECULE NECKLACE A stylish and discreet way to represent. THC molecule necklaces in Gold, Silver or Black. A great Secret Santa gift.

$30 at The Village Dispensary 206-1540 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver www.thevillagedispensary.ca

for the

Gift of Dance

Vancouver’s comedy festival, JFL NorthWest, presented in association with SiriusXM, returns from Thursday, February 16 to Saturday, February 25, at multiple venues across Vancouver. The lineup includes Sarah Silverman, Trevor Noah, Chris D’Elia, Iliza, Tom Segura, Game Grumps, plus many more.

Heat things up this winter by dancing. From hip-hop and sexy street to ballet and contemporary, there’s a dance class for everyone. Gift cards available for purchase online or in person, and new student intro offers start from $30 to $40.

Multiple shows. www.jflnorthwest.com

22 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Harbour Dance Centre 927 Granville Street, Vancouver www.harbourdance.com

CANADA SHIRT This warm lumberjack shirt in a soft wool blend has a comfort fit ideal for casual city or mountain wear, and as a lightweight shirt jacket or an insulating intermediate layer. The perfect versatile winter item for your loved one.

$170 at Fjällräven 1976 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC (778) 379-6057 147 West Broadway, Vancouver BC (604) 559-13 www.fjallravencanada.com

STRAIGHT WRAPPED for the

for the

HOLIDAYS for the

Canucks Fan

Foodie

JOHNNY PLAID SHIRT FOR MEN AND WOMEN Cozy up during the holiday season with the Johnny Plaid shirt, exclusively at the Canucks Team Store. Priced at $89.99 at 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1

for the CANUCKS HOLIDAY TICKET PACK Pick three Canucks games, and get fantastic bonus gifts, including FlyOver Canada passes, Canucks SuperSkills tickets, and a limited-edition Canucks scarf to put under the tree. Canucks Holiday Ticket Packs are starting from $249

Canucks.com/HolidayPacks or call 604.670.5087

for the

Kids

Local company Parade Organics makes the softest, snuggliest 100 percent certified organic cotton sets in cool holiday prints of moose, trees, bears and foxes. These prints are limited-edition, so get 'em while you can. Use code STRAIGHT for 10 percent off, in store or online, until December 24th.

$36. Sizes 2-6 years Parade Organics Granville Island and Gastown www.parade.ca

BOXED CHOCOLATES Urban Fare has an abundance of local and imported chocolates, ready to be gifted…or opened up and enjoyed on the SkyTrain home. Too many varieties and options to list here— many of which are crafted locally.

Various prices up to $35 from Urban Fare. www.urbanfare.com

Wine Lovers TIMEKEEPER WINE CLUB Give (or get) the gift of the TIMEkeeper Wine Club, and enjoy both effortless shopping and free time to enjoy amazing B.C. wine with those you love.

Encore Vineyards www.timewinery.com

FESTIVE HOLIDAY WINE PACK Six Poplar Grove wines, a govino glass, recipes, and food pairing ideas are shipped to your door just in time for the holidays. Poplar Grove has taken the guesswork out of creating perfectly paired meals.

Poplar Grove www.poplargrove.ca

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 23

STYLE

a curated collection of fine craft, art + design Joanna Lovett

Red Pot Pottery

Loden

Clockwise from top left: C4 X Susie Wall Grace sunglasses; Smash + Tess nightie; Bootlegger slipper socks; Me to We bracelet; Obakki modal scarf.

Our Sponsors

HERITAGE HALL 3102 Main Street Admission $3 30+ Artists

SALE DATES SAT, DEC 10 11am - 7pm SUN, DEC 11 10am - 6pm shinyfuzzymuddy.com

WAREHOUSE

SALE UP TO

80% OFF PREVIOUS SEASONS CLOTHING, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES

FINAL WEEKEND ENDS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 2741 GRANVILLE STREET MON TO SAT 10 AM - 7PM SUN 12 PM - 6 PM IRO | J BRAND | M MISSONI | ZIMMERMANN | VINCE

BLUBIRD.CA

24 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Fashionable gift ideas that pay it forward > B Y L UCY LAU

uring a time of year saturated with so much excess, it’s natural to want to give back to your community or those in need. And while volunteering your time and donating in-demand goods are no-brainer moves, you can also pay it forward by shopping charitably for the names on your Nice list. Below is a roundup of philanthropic gifts for your favourite fashionistas— each one benefits a worthy cause, from supporting single moms in the city to ensuring counselling services for kids.

EYE SPY C4 Eyewear and local stylist Susie Wall’s Grace sunnies ($145) may have received a heft y boost when Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was spotted sporting a pair in this year’s Vancouver Pride Parade, but let’s be real: with their subtle cat-eye shape, luxe hardware, and reflective ocean-blue lenses, these babies sell themselves. Those familiar with Canadian Creative Collaborative for Charity—one of two benevolent names under the Claudia Alan label—will know that purchase of the shades does good, too. Five dollars from each sale benefits the Cause We Care Foundation, a local nonprofit that issues food, supplies, and emergency funding for struggling single mothers and their children. Find the glasses online (c4eyewear.com/ ) and at Nordstrom (799 Robson Street).

Renfrew’s H, or humanity, health, and habitat, Project to serve up a stylish range of socially conscious and responsibly made goods. The department’s Uncrate South America lineup for fall/winter, however, is extra special: each item is lovingly handcrafted by artisans from as far away as Colombia, Panama, and Peru. We love Me to We’s straw pompom tassel bracelet ($32), which highlights the weaving traditions of indigenous groups in Ecuador. Dipped in a dreamy palette of blues and pinks and decorated with a fuzzy tassel, each piece provides water, food, or health and education opportunities to those in developing countries. Find it at Holt Renfrew and Indigo (various locations).

NIGHT-NIGHT Ensure your favourite gals feel comfy and chic on Christmas morning with Smash + Tess’s holiday nighties ($68 each). Designed and made ethically in North America using an ultra-soft bamboo-blend jersey, the oversized, plum-hued Ts feature cheeky phrases like “Santa’s bae” and “Santa… I can explain.” Best of all, $10 from each one sold until December 10 will be donated to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, which offers shelter, support services, and other necessities to women seeking refuge from poverty and violence in Canada’s poorest postal code. It’s an especially important cause given the financial difficulties many of them THAT’S A WRAP Since 2005, Van- face during the holiday season. Find couver’s Obakki Foundation has the nighties online (smashtess.com/). built or restored over 850 water wells in South Sudan through its Scarves SOCK IT TO ME As a kid, a pair for Water program, and this holi- of socks was probably the worst day you can help raise that number. present you could fi nd under the All proceeds from the organiza- tree. But as you grow older, you tion’s signature modal scarves ($29 begin to appreciate the practicaleach)—now available in six snazzy ity of such gift s, if only because new shades, such as a serene, blue- they save you from spending your washed print, and hazy lavender— hard-earned cash on something so provide fresh drinking water in painfully mundane. Not that various Sudanese villages. Once 500 Bootlegger’s plush slipper socks wraps are sold in a certain hue, a well ($10 a pair) should be reserved for is drilled and the colour is retired. grownups: the adorable stockings— Consider it a limited-edition, feel- available in snowman, reindeer, good gift for the guy or girl who has and teddy-bear variations—will it all. Find the scarves online (obak undoubtedly speak to tots, while kifoundation.org/) and at Holt Ren- adults will take pride in the fact that one dollar from every pair sold goes frew (737 Dunsmuir Street). directly to Kids Help Phone (1-800WRIST TALK No matter the time 668-6868). Find them at Bootlegger of year, you can count on Holt (various locations). -

BOOKS

Local reads help to widen holiday horizons shuffle their feathers next to me and fi x me in their dark-eyed gaze. At times, I shut my eyes and follow them back to the sea.”

> BY BR IA N LYNCH

ou won’t find a better beer or a better gluten-free lemonmeringue tart than a local one. Same goes for books. Whether you’re gift-shopping or just looking for something to help you recuperate from holiday combat, there’s a huge range of B.C.–rooted books that will work excellently. Here’s just a handful. FOR THE ARMCHAIR HELL-RAISER

Perhaps you’re too young to remember a time when the unexpected arrival of dudes in mack jackets and Dayton boots meant that your little Vancouver house party was about to take a turn for the bloody. Even so, you’re bound to be fascinated by Aaron Chapman’s latest slice of local history. The Last Gang in Town (Arsenal Pulp) chronicles a loose-knit group of brawlers and juvie-home veterans who ruled their East Van neighbourhood and took on near-mythic status throughout the city in the early 1970s, like longhaired phantoms. Just as he did in Liquor, Lust and the Law, his 2013 history of the Penthouse Nightclub, Chapman seamlessly splices true crime and social history, this time to recount the exploits of the Clark Park Gang, which was dedicated not to illegal enterprise so much as to rumbling for its own sake. You can almost smell the Old Style empties and the Player’s Filter smoke, and you’re left wondering at this city’s enduring gift for rioting and random violence.

Aaron Chapman’s latest work recalls a gang of street brawlers who gained infamy in the early 1970s. Rebecca Blissett photo.

out: that we’re never at a loss, that our awareness is boundless, that all perspectives are instantly available to us as information-sodden consumers. And yet despite this confidence—or rather, because of it— we’re in the process of wiping out about half of the planet’s languages. As illustrated by the piercing new volume Wade Davis: Photographs (Douglas & McIntyre), cultural diversity is under as much threat as biodiversity. Global forces of “modernization” are rapidly uprooting and discarding ancient ways of living and knowing the world. But Davis, the famed author and UBC anthropology prof, doesn’t FOR THE MENTAL TRAVELLER want to provoke despair with these Your iPhone might be telling you 140 striking photographs he took in that we have it pretty much figured his travels, showing everything from

Nepalese women winnowing barley to a Tuareg guide reading patterns in the Saharan sand. His goal for the images and their insightful captions was, as he explains in his introduction, “to identify stories that had deep metaphorical resonance, something universal to tell us about the nature of being alive”. And so to wake us from our electronic dreams in time to see the brilliance of what we’re losing. FOR FRIENDS OF THE FEATHERED

If your giftee is someone who wants to move beyond the level of marinebird awareness that most of us here have (“That’s a seagull, that’s a duck, that’s, uh… I don’t know what that is”), Caroline Fox’s At Sea With the Marine Birds of the Raincoast (RMB) might be the place to start. The Victoria-based conservation scientist has created a handsomely illustrated work that’s part memoir, part natural history, describing her voyages along the B.C. coast to document the region’s huge array

of winged inhabitants, from pigeon guillemots and rhinoceros auklets to horned puffi ns, marbled murrelets, and short-tailed albatrosses. Some of these are year-round residents, others are among the more than 300 species that travel the Pacific Flyway migration route from Tierra del Fuego to the high Arctic, creating an incredibly intricate and fragile living web. A fact which, inevitably, draws human activity into Fox’s picture, particularly as it plays out in one blindly destructive idea after another. As the author remarks in her closing pages, whenever she hears of “the latest, crushing decision that ignores, denies and rejects” these astonishing, mysterious creatures, “they noisily

FOR THE SPOOF-CENTRIC Over six seasons, CBC Radio’s This Is That has honed its stealthily funny satire of current-affairs programming—so close to the real thing that many listeners still believe that the federal government is actually planning to place ads on our money, or that Stanley Park has been chosen to host a NASCAR race, or that new research shows Canada to be the most depressed country on the planet. Th ink of it as Orson Welles’s War of the Worlds, only with delusional bureaucrats and fatuous artists in place of aliens, and delivered by Vancouverites Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring in that earnestly chipper, acoustic-guitar-flecked CBC Radio tone. Their new book, This Is That: Travel Guide to Canada (Tite Group), has plenty of this low-boil absurdity. (Sample, from a chapter titled “Is It Boring?”: “Historically, people came to Canada because they thought there would be things to see and do. And they weren’t wrong. From lookouts to cookouts, Canada’s seeing and doing infrastructure is well developed.”) If the person on your list could use tips on what to wear on the Kamloops Riviera, or how to appreciate the architecture of the nation’s “breathtakingly straightforward condominiums”, or what to expect from a new food-truckthemed restaurant in Vancouver (complete with an indoor curb for seating), this is the book to buy. -

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 25

LET’S TALK ABOUT DIGITAL STORAGE Learn how to back up, access, and share the digital files you generate. Dec 12, 2:304 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/.

It is no accident we are #1

events/ timeout

Your first call when an accident strikes Warnett Hallen LLP is a boutique law firm that specializes in one thing – personal injury law. AY TOD CALL I L A B L E A V A

24/7

COMMON LAW RELATIONSHIPS: LEGAL ISSUES YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE LIVING TOGETHER Learn about your rights and responsibilities before moving in together. Dec 12, 7-8:30 pm, Bob Prittie Metrotown Library (Burnaby). Free admission, info www.bpl.bc.ca/.

FREE CONSULTATION 604.737.3300

FORUMS TAKE ACTION BENEFITS FASHION FOOD AND DRINK ET CETERA KIDS’ STUFF SPORTS ATTRACTIONS

< < < < < < < < <

FORUMS 2THIS WEEK CODE WEEK: WORKING WITH WORDPRESS.COM From design to add-ons, find out how you can leverage the flexibility of WordPress, the popular web publishing platform. Dec 8, 3-5:30 pm, West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Dr., West Van). Free admission, info www.westvanlibrary.ca/.

720 Robson Street, 5th Floor Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A1

warnetthallen.com

FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JONATHAN BECKER, FOUNDER OF THRIVE DIGITAL Jonathan Becker discusses his journey with landing clients such as Lululemon, Uber, and Arc’teryx. Dec 8, 6-7:30 pm, BrainStation Vancouver HQ (410–1110 Hamilton). Tix $45, info www.brainstation. io/event/fireside-chat-thrive-digital/. HOME OWNERSHIP READINESS A certified financial-literacy trainer discusses renting versus owning, qualifying for home ownership, types of mortgages, insurance, and interest rates. Dec 8, 7-8:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library Kitsilano Branch (2425 Macdonald). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/. GIVING GOOD HEAD Evening covering erotic techniques and products that will enable you and your partner to enjoy a heightened level of excitement and pleasure. Dec 8, 7:30 pm, The Art of Loving (369 W. Broadway). Tix $35, info www.artofloving.ca/. CARBON TALKS: IS THE PARIS AGREEMENT ON TRACK? Tzeporah Berman and Jennifer Allan discuss what was and wasn’t agreed to and what this means for progress on climate change. Dec 9, 12:30-1:30 pm, SFU Harbour Centre (515 W. Hastings). Free admission, info www.carbontalks.ca/dialogues/public/ is-the-paris-agreement-on-track/. VIDEO MARKETING WORKSHOP: MASTERING STORYTELLING TO GROW YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS Learn how to use video storytelling to build your social-media audience and turn them into customers using automated video-conversion funnels. Dec 10, 10 am–2:30 pm, Tribe Space (401-68 Water). Tix $49, info www. socialcreators.com/video-storytelling/.

Children with JUVENILE DIABETES Are Insulin Dependent for LIFE

INSULIN IS NOT A CURE It only allows a child to stay alive

For more information about how you can help find a cure call

1.877 CURE 533

26 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

WORDPRESS BOOTCAMP Learn how to setup, build, and deploy a Wordpress site to the web. Dec 10, 10 am–5 pm, BrainStation Vancouver HQ (410–1110 Hamilton). Tix $300, info www. brainstation.io/event/wordpress-boot camp-2016112174532/. INTRODUCTION TO CROWDFUNDING Get an overview of the different crowdfunding platforms and practical strategies for running a successful crowdfunding campaign. Dec 10, 10:30 am–12 pm, Vancouver Public Library Britannia Branch (1661 Napier). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/.

JAKE SHIMABUKURO UKULELE WORKSHOP Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso leads a workshop presented by the Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instrument Enthusiasts (Cutie) Circle. Dec 12, 8 pm, Evergreen Cultural Centre Studio Theatre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Tix $53.75/43.25, info www.cutiecircle. com/2016/10/21/jake-shimabukuroukulele-workshop-in-coquitlam/. MUSIC, MOVIES, AND MORE Learn about VPL’s online collection of entertainment resources such as music from around the world, indie movies, and television shows. Dec 13, 6:30-8 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/. SKYPE: AN INTRODUCTION Learn how to sign up for an account and use Skype to connect with friends and family around the world. Dec 14, 3-4 pm, West Vancouver Memorial Library (1950 Marine Dr., West Van). Free admission, info www.westvanlibrary.ca/. INCLUSIVE CITIES—THE NEW URBAN AGENDA: LESSONS FROM THE RECENT HABITAT III Dudoc and the Netherlands Consulate in Vancouver cohost a diverse panel of speakers to identify international and local possibilities to advance the New Urban Agenda which was agreed to in Quito. Dec 14, 5:30-8:30 pm, Dudoc Vancouver (100-1445 W. Georgia). Admission by donation, info www.dudocvancouver.com/events/. DIGITAL AND INTERNET SAFETY Get tips on how to use digital services and the Internet safely and wisely. Avoid identity theft, protect your data, and learn ways to secure your computer and devices. Dec 14, 6:30-8 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/.

TAKE ACTION 2THIS WEEK WRITE A LETTER. CHANGE A LIFE. Take part in Amnesty International’s letter-writing campaign in honour of International Human Rights Day. Dec 10, 10:30 am–4:30 pm, Amnesty International (1720 Grant). Info www.writeathon.ca/.

BENEFITS 2THIS WEEK LIGHTS OF HOPE Annual lighting display uses only donated materials and more than 10 km of twinkling lights. Proceeds go to the St. Paul’s Foundation. To Jan 9, St. Paul’s Hospital (1081 Burrard Street). Info donate.helpstpauls.com/site/ Calendar?id=100061&view=Detail&_ga=1.1 32204750.1567215329.1476833245. SOS CHILDREN’S GINGERBREAD VILLAGE Vote on your favourite gingerbread creation and get your photo with Santa in his mountaintop workshop. Proceeds go to SOS Children’s Village B.C.’s programs and homes for local foster children and homeless youth. To Jan 1, Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Van). Info www.sosbc.org/ news-events/PoC/. SAFE INJECTION COMEDY FUNDRAISER Includes performances by Melanie Rose, Katie-Ellen Humphries, Harris Anderson, Joey Commisso, San Aung, Brett Martin, and Kathleen McGee. Proceeds go to the Overdose Prevention Society. Dec 8, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $20, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/.

see next page

FASHION 2THIS WEEK ISABELLE DUNLOP FASHION SHOW Local designer fashion show showcases Isabelle Dunlop’s latest creations featuring Erin Templeton bags and Dave Briker leggings. Dec 14, 8 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $10, info www.facebook.com/ events/1776814109257818/.

FOOD AND DRINK 2THIS WEEK WINE PAIRING WORKSHOP The experts at Artisan Wine Shop teach you how to find the perfect match for all your festive meals. Dec 7, 5:30-6:15 pm, Lonsdale Quay (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van). Info www.lonsdalequay.com/events/winepairing-workshop-artisan-wine-shop/. COOKING CLASS: ECLAIRS AND CREAM PUFF HOLIDAYS SPECIAL Learn how to make choux a la crème, profiteroles, chouquettes, and eclairs. Dec 10, 6-9 pm, The Uncommon Cafe (477 Powell). Tix $65/55, info www.tartinemaplecuisine.com/.

don’t miss out! For up-to-the-minute, searchable Events Time Out listings, visit

www.straight.com

CANNERY FARMERS’ MARKET This indoor community market features local food and artisan merchants. Dec 11, 18; Jan 29; Feb 12, 26; Mar 12, 26; Apr 9, 23, Gulf of Georgia Cannery (12138 4th Ave., Richmond). Free admission, info www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/farmers-market/. DAIRY-FREE CHEESE COURSE Blue Heron Creamery chef Karen McAthy teaches you how to make dairy-free cheese. Dec 11, 11:30 am–2:30 pm, Homestead Junction (649 E. Hastings). Tix $125, info www.homesteadjunction.ca/. COOKING CLASS: HOLIDAY COOKIE PARTY Get all the tools, decorating accessories, hints, examples, demonstrations, and one-on-one help on how to make your cookies look awesome. Dec 14, 6-8:30 pm, The Uncommon Cafe (477 Powell). Tix $40, info www.tartinemaplecuisine.com/.

ET CETERA 2JUST ANNOUNCED WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE LIVE A live performance of the hit cult podcast Welcome To Night Vale, a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale. Feb 20, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $39.50/27.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

2THIS WEEK HERITAGE CHRISTMAS Highlights include light displays, vintage shop-window displays, a visit with Father Christmas, live entertainment, fresh heritage baking, kids’ crafts, holiday scenes in heritage homes, a sing along, and a scavenger hunt. To Jan 2, 1 pm, Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby). Free admission, info www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca/christmas/. KITSMAS Highlights include mistletoe, Santa-letter mailboxes, free gifts while you shop, and complimentary valet parking on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Donations will be accepted for Canuck Place. To Dec 24, West 4th Avenue. Info www.shopwest4th.com/. CHRISTMAS AT FLYOVER CANADA Guests will have fun helping Santa search for his missing elves during an exhilarating flight across Canada and on to the North Pole. To Jan 2, FlyOver Canada (201-999 Canada Place). Info www.flyover canada.com/. VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS MARKET 2016 Celebrate the Yuletide season with traditional German cuisine, mulled wine,

gingerbread, German beer, a Christmas pyramid, a large heated tent overlooking the North Shore, entertainment, and vendors selling gifts and treasures. To Dec 30, Jack Poole Plaza (1055 Canada Place). Tix from $4, info www.vancouverchristmas market.com/.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Experience a winter wonderland filled with over one-million twinkling lights. Other highlights include a carousel, interactive themed areas, a dancing-lights show, roving Scandinavian gnomes and reindeer, the Make-A-Wish candle grotto, and photos with Santa. To Jan 2, VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak). Tix $18.50/14.25/11/kids under three free, info www.vancouver.ca/vandusenfol/. MAKE IT! Over 265 exhibitors sell everything from clothing to art to home décor and accessories. Dec 8-11, 11 am, PNE Forum (2901 E. Hastings). Tix $7/5/kids under 12 free, info www.makeitshow.ca/vancouver/. GET COZY Shop for holiday presents made by artisans such as Croochet Shop, Lana Betty, Make More Happy, and Snaughtie. Dec 8, 4-9 pm, Gallery of B.C. Ceramics (1359 Cartwright, Granville Island). Free admission , info www.face book.com/ceramicsBC/. HOLIDAY HEIGHTS Experience a winter wonderland, complete with magical lights, festive music, a holiday scavenger hunt, seasonal activities, and a Ferris-wheel ride. Dec 9–Jan 2, 2017, Bloedel Conservatory (4600 Cambie, Queen Elizabeth Park). Tix $6.75/4.50/3.25, info www.vancouver.ca/ parks-recreation-culture/holiday-heights.aspx.

LIVE AT

VANCOUVER EDUCATION AND CAREER FAIR Event inspires residents of B.C. communities by connecting them to real study and work opportunities, at home and abroad. Dec 9, 9 am–3 pm, Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place). Free admission, info www.educationcareerfairs.com/visit/.

STADIUM CLUB

GOT CRAFT? Shop local and discover some of the best handmade designers in the city. Dec 10, 10 am–5 pm; Dec 11, 10 am–5 pm, The Pipe Shop (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver). Tix $5/3, info www.gotcraft.com/event/.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

AN EVENING WITH UNDER THE STREETLAMP

EAST VAN HAM (HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET) Enjoy a curated selection of gifts and goods made by members of your community. Includes live DJs, food, and refreshments. Dec 10, 11 am–6 pm, The Hall (1739 Venables). Tix $2, info www. facebook.com/events/1771385329784234/.

Celebrating the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from the Tony Award winning Broadway smash “Jersey Boys”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

DOORS AT 7PM | SHOW AT 8PM

SHINY FUZZY MUDDY Curated collection and show of fine art, craft, and design by over 30 local artists. Dec 10-11, 11 am–7 pm, 10 am–6 pm, Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street). Tix $3, info www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com/.

*SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW* SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 DOORS AT 9PM | SHOW AT 10PM

CHAMPAGNE INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE TICKETS STARTING AT $69.50

WINDSTORM 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY For the 2006 storm’s 10th year anniversary, come visit the blow-down areas and witness the new life in these areas. Dec 10, 1:30-3:30 pm, Lost Lagoon Nature House (west foot of Alberni in Stanley Park). Admission by donation, info www. stanleyparkecology.ca/event/windstorm10-year-anniversary/.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

CRAFTMAS Afternoon of Christmas crafts and live local music. Dec 11, 12-5 pm, Big Rock Urban Brewery (310 W. 4th). Tix $15, info www.jmlmusic.com/holiday-happinesswith-music-and-crafting/.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $10

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP Every student will leave the class with a dryable wreath to hang in their home and a short instruction booklet for future experimentation. Dec 11, 6-8:30 pm, Truvelle Flagship (235 Cambie St.). Tix $85, info www. truvelle.com/products/winter-wreathworkshop/. CREATE A DIGITAL HOLIDAY CARD Bring in a digital photo of yourself or your family and superimpose it into a winter wonderland by learning basic Photoshop skills. Dec 13, 2-3:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/.

DOORS AT 4:30PM | FIGHT AT 7:00PM TICKETS AVAILABLE AT EDGEWATERCASINO.SHOWARE.COM FOR BOOTH RESERVATIONS: 778.833.0294 Vancouver’s Only Downtown Casino 760 Pacific Blvd. South Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7

Across from BC Place P 604.687.3343

EDGEWATERCASINO.CA

see page 30

ay id s l o H y p p a H WIN A $100 $100 MOBILE GIFT CARD www.straight.com/contests

MOBILE GIFT CARDS ...quite possibly the perfect gift! • Delivered instantly to a mobile phone. • No lines. • No crowds. • And zero possibility of regifting. FREE PARKING AT BACK • www.brewerycreekliquorstore.com

604-872-3373 • 14th & MAIN • FIND US

OPEN 11 - 11 EVERY DAY (Christmas Day 12pm-6pm)

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 27

PANNE RIZO GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

KABOODLES TOY STORE

With over 15 years of experience producing award-winning baked goods, Panne Rizo has the experience needed to assure that your family will be getting healthy foods of the highest quality. There is nothing better than an occasional dessert for the soul that is also good for the body.

Stick figures have never been this fun! Create your own mini movies with #Stikbot! Available at KABOODLES, Fun for Kids & Silly Adults

4449 West 10th Ave. kaboodles.ca 604.224.5311

CURVES – WEST POINT GREY The gift of strength, community, and health. Curves is a facility specially designed for women, featuring a complete 30 minute workout that is fun, fast, and safe!

2570 Tolmie St. curveslocal.com/882 604.221.1811

SHOP

Point Grey Village has over 130 shops, restaurants and services on West 10th Ave, located between

TENTH AND PROPER A Carefully Curated Collection. Tenth & Proper specializes in beautifully designed and crafted clothing and accessories for women. What we wear should make us feel good. Great design, luxurious fabrics, and enduring longevity are priorities for each piece. London Dress by Miik, Toronto $205

4483 West 10th Ave. tenthandproper.com 604.221.1115

28 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

HEWER HOME HARDWARE ON 10TH Hewer Home Hardware, a 10th Avenue fixture for 113 years, boasts a year-round Garden Centre complete with live plants, seasonal greens, and cut trees. In addition, the Christmas room is brimming with decorative treasures, lighting and whimsical giftware.

4459 West 10th Ave. hewerhomehardware.ca 604.224.4934

ND SKIN POINT GREY

Wellness Meets Beauty in Point Grey ND SKIN is a leader in today’s non-invasive cosmetic procedures offering a unique and holistic approach to health and beauty. From IV therapy to medical aesthetics, ND SKIN provides an array of treatments so you can look and feel your best.

4383 West 10th Ave. www.ndskin.ca 604.222.1044

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ENDA B FASHION NAUGHTY OR NICE LIST gift ideas from our 30+ collections • Limited edition DKNY bags • PJ Salvage night wear • Handmade AIGLE rubber boots from France • DYRBERG/KERN jewelry • TILO holiday scarves • ENDA B giftcards Also, complimentary gift wrapping!

4346 West 10th Ave. enda-b.com 604.228.1214

Tolmie + Discovery Streets, just one block east from the UBC Gates. Visit us on Dec. 10 or 17 between 11 and 3 pm to meet Santa or hear the carolers. Have a FREE photo taken with him on Dec. 10! Visit pointgreyvillage.com for the business directory to fi the perfect gift for everyone on your list. find

michael mcbride menswear

VAN YPEREN JEWELLERS

In the heart of Point Grey Village since 1988. michael mcbride menswear has been compared to a “mini” mens department store! A great place to stop and source out unique gift ideas without making the trek downtown.

For 50 years, Van Yperen Jewellers has been creating traditional and contemporary jewellery. Their goldsmiths work with you to create your custom design for that special person in your life! Visit their Christmas display train and view their beautiful holiday collection.

4426 West 10th Ave. michaelmcbride.ca 604.222.4433

4544 West 10th Ave. www.pannerizo.com 604.736.0885

WEST 10TH EYES

DOCTORS OF OPTOMETRY. Shop hand-selected frames from independent companies that emphasize bespoke design, exceptional style, and excellent workmanship. West 10th Eyes offers one-on-one consultations with frame and lens specialists. Our optometrists perform eye exams with the most advanced technology, and can fit difficult prescriptions. Extended health benefits? Remember to use it or lose it!

4357 West 10th Ave. west10theyes.com 604.224.2322

RAINCITY DANCE

4425 West 10th Ave. vanyperenjewellers.com 604.224.5412

Raincity Dance is a boutique dance studio dedicated to the training of young dancers in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Acro. Their small class sizes ensure that each student receives the individualized coaching they need to reach their full potential.

4380 West 10th Ave. raincitydance.com 604.369.4440

PURPLE DRAGON POINT GREY “GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH PURPLE DRAGON POINT GREY.” The goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives by bringing health, self defence and fitness to all age groups in a “Warm, Family” environment. Visit the beautiful studio and check their martial arts, kickboxing and yoga classes!

4347 West 10th Ave. purpledragonpointgrey.com 604.224.7331

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 29

PANNE RIZO GLUTEN FREE BAKERY

KABOODLES TOY STORE

Stick figures have never been this fun! Create your own mini movies with #Stikbot! Available at KABOODLES, Fun for Kids & Silly Adults

4449 West 10th Ave. kaboodles.ca 604.224.5311

CURVES – WEST POINT GREY The gift of strength, community, and health. Curves is a facility specially designed for women, featuring a complete 30 minute workout that is fun, fast, and safe!

2570 Tolmie St. curveslocal.com/882 604.221.1811

SHOP

Point Grey Village has over 130 shops, restaurants and services on West 10th Ave, located between

4483 West 10th Ave. tenthandproper.com 604.221.1115

28 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

4459 West 10th Ave. hewerhomehardware.ca 604.224.4934

ND SKIN POINT GREY

4383 West 10th Ave. www.ndskin.ca 604.222.1044

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

4346 West 10th Ave. enda-b.com 604.228.1214

michael mcbride menswear

VAN YPEREN JEWELLERS

4426 West 10th Ave. michaelmcbride.ca 604.222.4433

4544 West 10th Ave. www.pannerizo.com 604.736.0885

WEST 10TH EYES

4357 West 10th Ave. west10theyes.com 604.224.2322

RAINCITY DANCE

4425 West 10th Ave. vanyperenjewellers.com 604.224.5412

4380 West 10th Ave. raincitydance.com 604.369.4440

4347 West 10th Ave. purpledragonpointgrey.com 604.224.7331

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 29

Events time out

Ĺ&#x203A;

SPORTS from page 28

KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; STUFF 2THIS WEEK CHRISTMAS AT THE MARKET Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly activities like visits from Elsa and Anna (from Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frozen), a holiday card-making workshop, and breakfast with Santa. To Dec 24, Lonsdale Quay (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van). Info www.lonsdalequay.com/. HOLIDAY IN WESBROOK Celebrate the season with a balloon winter wonderland, a holiday craft fair, photos with Santa, a balloon contest draw, festive music, face painting, and a kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; craft and colouring station. To Dec 18, 10 am, Wesbrook Village (16th and Wesbrook Mall, UBC). Free admission, info www.discoverwesbrook.com/. CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT FOR KIDS After a quick introduction to bird identification, split into groups and head into the forest for a 45-minute bird-counting adventure, and regroup to share findings. To Dec 10, 10 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12 pm, Stanley Park Pavilion (610 Pipeline Rd., Stanley Park). Free admission, info www.eventbrite.ca/e/christmas-birdcount-for-kids-in-stanley-park-tickets-287557 75298?aff=eprofsaved/.

Ä´ +" ,4+%&)) ,)! "! ) /! Ĺ&#x201E; "1 ,+" ! 6 #/"" +! 0 3" ,+ )&#1 1& ("10 )) 4&+1"/Ĺ&#x203A;Ĺ&#x2026;

Ä´ 6-/"00 ,2+1 &+ 01 &+)"00 01"") 1%"/* ) ,##"" 2-

+taax

Ä´ Ä&#x2019;Ä&#x160;Ä? 6-/"00 2 (0 /!

MAGICAL FAMILY EVENTS: CHARLOTTE DIAMOND CONCERT AND SANTA PHOTOS Take in holiday music by Charlotte Diamond and her son, family Santa portraits, balloon twisting, and gingerbread-man decorating. Dec 10, 11 amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:30 pm, City Square Shopping Centre (555 W. 12th). Free admission, info www.mycitysquare.com/. SEASONAL CELEBRATION: FROSTED FOREST Highlights include family-friendly entertainment, live music, a Christmas-carol sing-along, face painting, art activities, and cookie decorating. Donations will be accepted for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau. Dec 10, 3-7 pm, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby). Free admission/$5 for snowdrop show. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Bring your family to the Market to enjoy French toast from COBS Bread and storytime with Santa. Dec 11, 8:30 am, Lonsdale Quay (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van). Info www.lonsdalequay.com/events/breakfast-with-santa/.

PURCHASE ONLINE AT CYPRESSMOUNTAIN.COM

FARADAY SCIENCE SHOW: GOOD VIBRATIONS Annual science lecture explores the physics of sound, music, and concerts. Donations will be accepted for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Dec 11, 2-3:30 pm, UBC Hebb Theatre (2045 East Mall, University of British Columbia). Free admission, info outreach.phas.ubc.ca/ events/faraday-show/.

2THIS WEEK GIANTS VS. SILVERTIPS The Vancouver Giants take on the Everett Silvertips in Western Hockey League action. Dec 9, 7:30 pm, Langley Events Centre (7888 200th St., Langley). Tix $19.50-40 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketrocket.co/. GIANTS VS. CHIEFS The Vancouver Giants take on the Spokane Chiefs in Western Hockey League action. Dec 10, 7 pm, Langley Events Centre (7888 200th St., Langley). Tix $19.50-40 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketrocket.co/.

ATTRACTIONS CYPRESS MOUNTAIN Skiing and snowboarding lessons, snowtubing park, cross-country ski trails, downhill skiing and snowboarding trails, and snowshoeing tours. P.O. Box 91252, West Van. Info 604926-5612, www.cypressmountain.com/ EDGEWATER CASINO Casino in the downtown core offers 24-hour gaming, over 60 table games, a poker room, a high-limit section, 500 slot machines, restaurants and lounges, and live entertainment including concerts and televised UFC events. 760 Pacific Blvd. S. Info 604687-3343, www.edgewatercasino.ca/ GROUSE MOUNTAIN Mountain resort overlooking Vancouver features a Skyride to the peak with views of the city and the Pacific Ocean, as well as skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, mountain ziplines, the Peak of Christmas, and wind turbines. 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Van. Info 604-980-9311, www. grousemountain.com/ MOUNT SEYMOUR Skiing and snowboarding lessons from the Mt. Seymour Ski and Snowboard School, tubing and tobogganing, and snowshoe trails. 1700 Mount Seymour Rd., North Van. Info 604986-2261, www.mountseymour.com/ ROBSON SQUARE ICE RINK Celebrate winter with skating in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Open until February 14. Skate rental fee is $4. Skate rentals end 30 minutes before close. 800 Robson. Info 604-646-3554, www.robsonsquare.com/

TIME OUT EVENTS LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space and editorial discretion. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t guarantee inclusion, and we give priority to events taking place within one week of publication. Submit listings online using the event-submission form at straight.com/AddEvent. Events that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it into the paper due to space constraints will appear on the website.

604.730.7060

HEALTHY LIVING

CLASSADS@STRAIGHT.COM

MARTIAL ARTS

SPAS

WING CHUN SOCIETY

Practicing hand weapon & chi sau www.wcsvan.com 604-218-7826 $28 massage + Free Gift 604 -709- 6168

CERTIFIED MASSAGE Facial Rejuvenation & Weight Loss Treatment Black Jade Power Bath. Jade & Crystal Treatment. Acupuncture, acupressure, RMT Ins acc. Couple Special $68/120min 778-893-3422

Leelawadee Thai Spa 889

Helmcken St. 778.886.3675 www.leelawadeethaispa.com

Thai Massage

778-886-3675 D/T.

Women Survivors of Incest Anonymous A 12 Step based peer support program. Wed @ 7pm @ Avalon Women's Centre 5957 West Blvd 604-263-7177 also www.siawso.org

SPA PACKAGE $155/120 MIN

TURKISH HAMMAN (steam) GOMMAGE (Body Exfoliation) THICK LAYER OF BUBBLES CLEANSING DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

BY APPT.

AESTHETICS

SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Vancouver, BC For those desiring their own sexual sobriety, please go to www.sa.org for meetings times and places. We are here to help you from being overwhelmed. Newcomers are gratefully welcomed.

208 - 2800 E. 1 AVE, VAN. ST

778.379.7722

WWW.FEET-FUN.COM

SUPPORT GROUPS

Anxiety? Depression? Free Mental Wellness Support Group held on Saturdays (10:30 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30) Promotes a holistic approach to healing (body, mind & spirit). Networking and interactive learning experience in a safe, non-judgmental environment. For more information call 604-630-6865 or visit www.mentalwellnessbc.ca Distress Line & Suicide Prevention Services NEED SOME ONE TO TALK TO? Call us for immediate, free, confidential and non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day, everyday. The Crisis Centre in Vancouver can help you cope more effectively with stressful situations. 604-872-3311

Healthy & loving relationships alluding you? CODA: Co-dependency Anonymous 12 step Recovery: 604- 515-5585

Equal Parenting Group - North Vancouver Support group for fathers going through the divorce process needing help. Call 604-692-5613 Email:nspg@mybox.com

Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous 12 Step based peer support program which addresses the mental, emotional, & spiritual aspects of disordered eating Tuesdays @ 7 pm @ Avalon Women's Centre 5957 West Blvd - 604-263-7177

Join a FREE YWCA Single Mothers support group in your local community. Share information, experiences and resources. Child care is provided for a nominal fee. For information call 604-895-5789 or Email: smacdonald@ywcavan.org

30 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

LifeRing - Sobriety your Way

Sound Different? Men & Women supporting each other in a friendly, non-judgemental environment based on abstinence, secularity & self-help Van: @ Vancouver Daytox 377 E. 2nd Sat @ 4pm Maple Ridge: @ The CEED Centre 11739 - 223 St Sundays 1:30pm www.liferingcanada.org or www.lifering.org Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) Do you have a problem with sex and love relationships. You are not alone. SLAA is a 12 Step 12 Tradition oriented fellowship for those who suffer from sex and love addiction. Leave a message on our phone line and somebody will call you back for meeting time and locations. 604 515-5423 LIVING THROUGH LOSS COUNSELLING facilitated support group for people who are grieving the death of a significant person. Monthly drop-in- last Wed of every month YLTLC #201 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1847 W. Broadway Van. 604-873-5013 www.ltlc.bc.ca RECOVERY International FEAR? DEPRESSION? PANIC ATTACKS? Feelings that keep you from really living your life? A way out is where we come in. Weekly meetings. Call for info: 9am - 5pm Kathy 778-554-1026 www.recoverycanada.org The Compassionate Friends (TCF) Burnaby TCF is a grief support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child, at any age. Meet the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. For location call Grace: 778-222-0446 "We Need Not Walk Alone" compassionatecircle@hotmail.com Burnaby@TCFCanada.net www.tcfcanada.net

Vancouver Society for Sexuality, Gender & Culture Educational group with monthly meetings are planned for: 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:30 PM 8:30 PM Vancouver Public Library - Firehall Branch 1455 W 10th Ave (by Granville St next to the Firehall) All are welcome, and we are looking for Board Members from the Health, Counseling, Education, and Business Professions Info: Michael or Darren: VSSGC@yahoogroups.ca Healing Our Spirit B.C. First Nations AIDS Society has volunteer opportunities for hospital visitation, information booths, office assistance & preparation of pamphlets & condoms for distribution. We offer volunteer orientation, training & recognition & bus tickets. If interested, please call 983-8774 Ext. 13. We are dedicated to preventing and reducing the spread of HIV in the aboriginal communities of B.C. A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY A working guide for healing using the 12 Steps and references to Biblical teachings. More info: marylou@canadianmemorial.com Infertility Awareness Assoc. of Canada (IAAC) provides educational material & support to individuals or couples experiencing infertility. Meetings: 7 pm the 2nd Wed of the month. Richmond Library & Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. Info 523-0074 or www.iaac.ca Fertility Support Group Discover new perspectives make positive changes and learn simple tools to take charge of your reproductive wellness while connecting with other women. The meetings provide a space for open discussion. 2nd Tuesday of each month 7:45 - 8:45pm (Sign up required) Reg & Info call: 604-266-6470 or www.familypassages.ca

MOOD DISORDERS

SUPPORT GROUPS We have peer-led support groups all over the Lower Mainland for people with depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety led by well-trained facilitators. Group sessions during days, evenings, or Saturdays. For location and times of groups:

www.mdabc.net 604-873-0103 Parkinson Society BC

offers over 50 volunteer-led support groups throughout BC. These provide people with Parkinson's, their carepartners & families an opportunity to meet in a friendly, supportive setting with others who are experiencing similar difficulties. Some groups may offer exercise support. For information on locating a support group near you, please contact PSBC at 604 662 3240 or toll free 1 800 668 3330. IBD Support Group Suffer from Crohn's and ulcerative colitis? Living with IBD can often be overwhelming, but you're not alone! 3rd Wed of each month the GI Society holds a free IBD support group meeting for patients & their families to come together in an open, friendly environment. 7:00pm at RavenSong Community Health Centre (2450 Ontario St). or more information call 604-875-4875.

411 Seniors Centre Society

704 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 333 Terminal Ave. Van 604 684 8171 An inclusive centre for older adults, 55+ on low income, and those with disabilities, offering year-round educational, health-related, recreational activities. Information & Referral to assist seniors with resources & services in the community ie seniors benefits, income tax preparation & government services. Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

FOOD

Big Sisters encourages a healthy lifestyle The organization’s Go Girls! helps girls build critical skills and improve their self-esteem

hen Masha Baeva Sisters itself for helping her blossom. was eight years old, “I was a shy kid,” says Baeva, her mother, a single who has three jobs and plans on mom who had re- going to Douglas College to study cently emigrated to Canada from child and youth care. “I didn’t Latvia, signed her up as a “little like talking to people. I didn’t sister” through Big Sisters of B.C. like my smile; I was an insecure Lower Mainland. That was 11 years kid.…Martina [Lee, her Big Sister] ago, and her pairing with a Vancou- dedicated a lot of time for me. We ver woman has would spend a full deepened into a day every weekclose friendship. end together. She Almost as soon never failed to Gail Johnson as they had been show up. She alintroduced, when they weren’t go- ways made time for me. ing skating or swimming, they “It made me a confident woman,” found themselves in the kitchen. she adds. “I feel like I can take on “We would cook together a lot,” the world by myself. I’ve been workBaeva says in a phone interview ing since I was 15. I’m buying a car with the Georgia Straight. “We in a month. I couldn’t have done baked Christmas cookies together. that without support of my big sisAs I started getting older, we would ter and my mom cheering me on.” play around with recipes and check Big Sisters aims to enhance the out new restaurants.” well-being and self-confidence of Baeva credits her mother—a per- girls by matching them with supMasha Baeva praises Big Sister Martina Lee with helping her become a confident woman. Cindy Hughes photo. sonal chef and an “absolutely phe- portive female volunteer mentors. nomenal supermom”—for having The organization hosts group out- of activities they want to do one-on“I remember making marshmal- a Big Sister 12 years ago and who the insight to connect her with a ings like kayaking and snow-tubing, one. As in any other relationship, low-icing cupcakes,” says Lee, a went on to join the organization’s female Canadian role model and Big and participants decide what kinds exploring food can be an icebreaker. lawyer who began volunteering as see next page

Best Eats

THINGS TO DO

FOOD High five

Meal ticket MEXICAN COOKING Three of Mexico City’s top chefs will be flying to Vancouver to share their culinary talent for the Sabores CDMX (Flavours of Mexico City) event from Thursday to Saturday (December 8 to 10). Burdock & Co. will host Mario Espinosa; Cacao Restaurant will host Gerardo Vázquez Lugo; and Homer Street Café and Bar will host José Manuel Baños. Each visiting chef will offer a three-course menu that will feature regional Mexican dishes, including Espinosa’s short ribs in recado negro (a seasoning blend of charred chilies) and Vázquez Lugo’s manchamanteles mole (a mixture of meats, nuts, and fruit) with duck. Mexican-food lovers: this is your call. Reservations can be made at www.saborescdmx.com/. -

Cocktail of the week

Five places to find Christmas treats in Metro Vancouver

FRENCH MADE BAKING (81 Kingsway) Yule logs with flavours like vanilla-cheesecake mousse and hazelnut buttercream.

BEAUCOUP BAKERY & CAFÉ (2150 Fir Street) Featureing a coffee Mont Blanc filled with crunchy meringue and coffee streusel crumbs.

CHEZ CHRISTOPHE CHOCOLATERIE PATISSERIE (4717 Hastings Street, Burnaby) Showpieces include penguins and melting snowmen.

WILD SWEETS (2145–12191 Hammersmith Way, Richmond) Get festive with crispy chocolate-cherryorange “tea cake”, an unconventional fruitcake.

THOMAS HAAS CHOCOLATES & PATISSERIE (2539 West Broadway and 998 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver) Stollen, German Christmas bread with almonds and zested oranges.

E XC E P T I O N A L I TA L I A N C U I S I N E

INA LUPA Snow got you down? Or, more specifically, Vancouver’s baffling inability to deal with even the slightest of snowfalls got you down? If so, make your way to Chinatown’s the Union (219 Union Street), where you can sip your sorrows away with an imagined trip to the islands of Ko Phi Phi. Pretty much any of the joint’s Southeast Asian–inspired cocktails will conjure up images of sun on your back and sand between your toes, though we’re particularly fond of the Ina Lupa: a bright mix of rum, cucumber juice, lime, agave, and celery bitters, all kissed with a touch of Thai basil that offers a revitalizing kick. Savour the moment until you’re forced to hit the salt-covered roads again. -

• GREEK RES T AU R A N T •

BOB LIKES THAI FOOD

Co me E x p e r ie n c e ! wh a t G r e f f o o re e c e h a s t

3755 Main St @ 22nd Ave

604.568.8538 1521 W. Broadway @ Granville

604.558.3320

www.boblikesthaifood.com Encourage the food industry to find a better way.

OFF

Receive 50% off our stunning selection of authentic Italian pasta dishes on Sundays from 5pm to 9pm

Limited time offer. Reservations recommended. Coupon must be presented.

860 BURRARD ST. VANCOUVER • 604.685.7770

www.humanefood.ca

Across from the Sutton Place Hotel

• Authentic Greek Food • Cozy Atmosphere • Friendly Service

1830 Fir St Vancouver 604.736.9559 www.apolloniagreekrestaurant.com DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVING LUNCH & DINNER CLOSED MONDAYS DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 31

Big Sisters

from previous page

board of directors. “I don’t know that I’d make them again, but it was a great way to form a bond. We did Christmas baking and would talk about our favourites. When she was younger, we could talk about things like how to measure [ingredients]. Masha is vegetarian, and I’ve become vegetarian over the years, and we’ve made meals together.” Food is also one component in Big Sisters’ Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program. Designed for youths aged 11 to 14, the eight-week group-mentoring course serves about 300 girls every

year at select Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Tri-Cities schools. Each weekly session opens with physical activity and is followed by a delicious, healthy snack. “The third main section focuses on feeling good,” says Big Sisters executive director Brenda Gershkovitch. “The key learning point here is that a healthy lifestyle is always about how we feel internally rather than how we look on the outside. The program tries to build the critical skills and confidence young girls need to improve their self-esteem.” When it comes to balanced eating, sessions incorporate educational activities and group discussions on topics such as the importance

Think you

ig @kpat18

Vancouver’s first Central Texas BBQ roadhouse is NOW OPEN. Reservations recommended. (Vegetarians, not so much...) Open at 5 pm til late Wed - Sun Brunch served 10 am - 2 pm Sunday

ig @johnathonv

“Each week, we would bring snacks, and that was great for discussion points. One week we brought only veggies in and asked: ‘Is this a balanced snack?’ You don’t have to be snacking on veggies only. You need to have balance in your diet. It was great to be able to create a space to have this kind of conversation and give them things to think about as they go into their teenage years. And because it’s a group dynamic, it’s a lot of fun. Engaging with these girls has been really worthwhile; I’d definitely recommend it. To learn more about or to support Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland, visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca/.

We design a complete personalized all-natural weight management program This program has been clinically proven with over 20 years of research and development

No Pills No Shakes No Injections No Cravings No Hunger

Live Saloon Folk every Sunday

604-677-7742

337 E. Hastings St. (just east of Gore St.)

LMhomeopath@gmail.com www.metabolic-balance.com

meatatdixies.com ig @barjonesing

32 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

fruit. It was really neat to see them contribute.…This program would have been so cool to have as a kid when I was in Grade 6 or 7; I see how much I would have benefited from it. It would have been so helpful to have so many questions answered.” Brooke McDonald has also helped lead Go Girls!; she enjoys being a positive influence on young women. “One of the questions that came up was, ‘Is a calorie bad?’ ” says McDonald, a fourth-year psychology student who has volunteered since 2014. “We got to talk about that and encourage healthy lifestyles, dispelling misconceptions and helping them understand conflicting information they get exposed to in the media.

Weight loss program based on your blood analysis and your health

know brunch? You don’t know

of eating breakfast, whole foods, mindful eating, and nutrients like calcium, iron, and fibre. “You really get to know each other and get into some really good conversations that carry over from week to week,” says Breanne Smart, who works for a travel-tech company and recently co-led one of the Go Girls! programs. “One of the things we talked about was how to read nutrition labels and learn what goes into the food you’re eating. “We would always do snacks, a treat and a green,” she adds, “so maybe cookies and carrot sticks or cheese buns and snap peas. We talked about things like lentils and we tried new things like dragon

littlemountainhomeopathy.com

FOOD

Suitable sips for every seasonal occasion

he holiday season brings plenty of opportunities to crack open a bottle of wine, and not all of them centre around the dinner table. This week, let’s look at some ideal bottles for an array of seasonal occasions. THE TREE The Christmas carols are playing in the background, you have snacks at the ready, and you’re pulling garlands and ornaments out of boxes. This is usually the first real splash into the season, so you’re feeling ultra-Christmassy and can’t get enough Yuletide cheer. Well, how about a wine that even tastes like Christmas? Alpha Box & Dice Tarot Grenache 2015 (McLaren Vale, Australia; $24.99, B.C. Liquor Stores) is a robust red from South Australia that’s loaded with stewed plums and darker berries, with a few dates stirred in too, and then topped off with a dash of cloves and anise. Well balanced and immediately quaffable, this is a wine certain to make you merry.

DECORATING

Whether holiday decorating or brunching, consider bottles from Alpha Box & Dice, L’Ora, Taylor Fladgate, Domaine Lafond, and Balthasar Ress Hattenheimer Schützenhaus. DROP-IN GUESTS We’re a little more social this time of year, and it’s entirely possible to have guests drop 31). Think fresh raspberries, cherry THE TURKEY DINNER Drink pink! brunch will be in order, and Baltha- it’s the holidays and you can totally by at a moment’s notice. It’s always a cola, dusty cocoa, and serving it up Seriously, cast aside any lies you’ve sar Ress Hattenheimer Schützen- go back to bed after your brunch if good idea to have a crowd-pleasing with just a hint of a chill. Both wines been told about rosé wines only be- haus Riesling Kabinett 2014 you’d like. Hey, I’m just your wine ing meant for summer and get thee (Rheingau, Germany; $22.99, B.C. guy; I’m not here to judge. white and red on hand, just in case. are killer bargains; jump on ’em. to the French section of the store for Liquor Stores) will cast a little sunExpressive minerality, grapefruit Honey-drenched apricots and pith, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a AFTER-HOLIDAY SHOPPING You’ve Domaine Lafond’s Roc-Epine Tavel shine upon whatever you’re serv- peaches with Honeycrisp apple and a dash of white pepper make L’Ora been battling crowds all day, you just Rosé 2015 (Tavel, France; $24.99, B.C. ing. I know that’s quite the mouth- good dose of fresh lemon zest make got home, your Liquor Stores). Made from biodynam- ful before we’ve even gotten into this a wine that’s awfully easy to Pinot Grigio 2015 feet are sore, and ically farmed Grenache, Cinsaut, and the bottle, so let me break it down. drink, and it would be particularly (Alto Adige, Italy; you’re exhausted. Syrah, this is an amiable, food-friendly Balthasar Ress is the (consistently great with French toast, apple pan$16.99, B.C. LiYou’re in need of pink wine full of crunchy red-berry kick-ass) producer, Hattenheim is cakes, and pastries. Brunch suitabilquor Stores) quite Kurtis Kolt a glass of some- fruit and notes of Coronation grape, the village where the Schützenhaus ity aside, this is a wine that would the charismatic charmer. It’s certainly one of the more thing that will make you right at the practically tailor-made for your holi- vineyard lies, and Kabinett is the de- just get better and better with a interesting Pinot Grigios I’ve come first sip. Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old day table. You know how cranberry gree of ripeness at which the grapes few years of age on it, so if you can across in a while, and as a fun bonus, Tawny Port (Porto, Portugal; $37.99, sauce makes such a great accompani- are harvested, which basically en- stretch your holiday budget a little the packaging is pretty darn sharp, B.C. Liquor Stores) has a satisfying ment with your turkey and trim- sures it’ll be light and fresh wine further, do lie down an extra bottle too! For a lighter, lively red, let’s head warmth, overflowing with roasted mings? This wine works the same way. with a good kiss of sweetness. Also, or two for a few years. It easily has this Riesling clocks in at less than at least a good 10 years of life left in to Beaujolais and grab a bottle or plums and almonds, caramelized two of Brouilly Château De Pierreux orange rind, and a dollop of tof- THE BOOZY BRUNCH Whether 10 percent alcohol, so you can have it, and is something cellarable that’s 2015 (Beaujolais, France; $17.99, B.C. fee, all carried with a lovely touch it’s Boxing Day or any day, it’s a couple glasses and not have to go rather affordable, too. The gift that entirely plausible that a boozy back to bed afterwards. Of course, keeps on giving! Liquor Stores, $2 off until December of heat.

The Bottle

Celebrate the holidays $

3499 BAILEYS ORIGINAL IRISH CREAM Ireland Reg. $37.99 266619 1.14 L

SAVE

2999

1599

HARDY'S STAMP SERIES RIESLING GEWÜRZTRAMINER Australia Reg. $31.99 511550 3 L

Handpicked By Our Experts!

SAVE

BLASTED CHURCH HATFIELD'S FUSE BC VQA Reg. $17.99 734475 750 ml

BUY LOCAL!

SAVE

200

www.bc liqu

220 16

Gift

HOLIDA Y

MOËT & CHANDO BRUT IMP N ERIAL $63.

GUID DE

France

99 4530 84 “This spec lovely citrutacular wine [has ]a s nose that hints of shows white and brio flowers, mine rals che; it is textured smooth with bright acid graceful stru cture, ity and showing precise and vivid long, flavours.” 92 poin ts, Tast ing Pan el

bcliquo

rstores.c

Gift Cards The Gift That Always Fits eas? ore id nd get m d e Ne bsite a ur we Visit o the latest.

3699 CROWN ROYAL NORTHERN HARVEST RYE Canada Reg. $39.99 429704 750 ml

SAVE

2499 CAPTAIN MORGAN SPICED RUM Canada Reg. $26.99 500512 750 ml

SAVE

200

Pick Up A Free Holiday Gift Guide At Any BC Liquor Store

While supplies last. Inventory by store will vary. Prices are subject to change without notice. In the event of a change, the product description and display price in the liquor store will prevail. Prices do not include taxes.

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 33

CHOR LEONI/MEN’S CHOIR Erick Lichte

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

CHRISTMAS/ CHOR LEONI December 16 4:30pm & 8pm

ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH 1022 NELSON ST AT BURRARD

December 17 4:30pm & 8pm

ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH 1022 NELSON ST AT BURRARD

December 18 WEST VAN 4:30pm LD OUT! SO

WEST VANCOUVER UNITED CHURCH 2062 ESQUIMALT AVE, WEST VANCOUVER

Gorgeous new choral works, fun twists on well-known favourites, and sing-along carols, all wrapped up in the irresistible warmth and beauty of Chor Leoni’s sound. ticketstonight.ca | 1.877.840.0457 chorleoni.org

34 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

ARTS

For some people, it’s putting up the tree,

BY ANDREA WAR N ER

hearing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” out in public, or the first bite of chocolate from the Advent calendar. But for others, it’s not officially Christmas until the Rat King makes an appearance. Welcome to the wonderful world of Nutcracker fandom, where hearts race at the trill of flutes, the flourish of strings, and the flurry of flexed toes and elegantly arched arms as Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s music soars, swells, and marches in the beloved seasonal ballet. Karine Fawcett remembers attending The Nutcracker as a child growing up in Paris with her mother. She now lives in Vancouver, and this year will mark her fifth time seeing the Goh Ballet’s production. “I have a boy and a girl and they love it so much,” the Salvatore Ferragamo manager says, in a telephone interview. “Th is year I didn’t speak about it to my children because we’ve been many times, and they were like, ‘So when are we going to The Nutcracker this year?’ I said, ‘You still want to do it?’ I mean, they’re getting older, right? And they were like, ‘Yes, absolutely!’ It’s a beautiful, beautiful show.” Fawcett says that attending the ballet every year with her own mother was a special treat, and she’s happy to replicate that for the next generation of her family. “I asked my daughter why she loved it so much, and what she answered was really close to how I felt when I was young,” Fawcett says. “It’s the atmosphere and also the dressing-up part of it. It’s not like going to a movie theatre with your jeans and your popcorn. I fi nd that the Goh Nutcracker is beautiful in this matter. The experience is just a magical night.” Magical is the word that comes up the most often in the Straight’s interviews with Nutcracker superfans, and it’s one that Ballet BC’s Racheal Prince uses, too, to describe the show’s appeal. Prince, who is a professional dancer and choreographer,

Going nuts for The Nutcracker

Above, the Goh Ballet’s Snow King and Queen (Vladimir Pereira and Janica Grenier, Louis Li photo); below, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s rodent king soars.

relative newbie to the obsessed with princesses and ballerinas, and seeNutcracker world—this ing the dancers on-stage was just magical for me,” year marks his third Bujan says. “I remember I sat in the very back of time attending the Goh the balcony at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre the production. But he, too, first few times I went, and I had those special attributes its appeal to binoculars and I watched the whole ballet and I the “magic”. sat still at three. I had a petticoat on and I was all Superfans who make the ballet an annual tradition remember “I love the music and dressed up in my princess dress and I remember the fact that the VSO is watching carefully through those binoculars, tryhow they got hooked and dish on which versions they adore involved in it as well,” ing to see every step so far away.” estimates that she’s been in and seen The Nutcracker says the Trump International Hotel concierge. Bujan waited until her own daughter was five “hundreds” of times since first performing in it at “What I love the most is the little kids dancing years old for her first Nutcracker, and she’s 13—and she still loves it. Those of the Royal Winni- on-stage. I find them so cute! They’re not hoping to bring her younger daughter in a peg Ballet and Alberta Ballet are among her favour- scared of anything, and they just stand few years. Because she attends so many ite productions. Check out… on-stage like they’ve always done it, versions of the show, she’ll be able STRAIGHT.COM “The Royal Winnipeg’s in particular, with their and they work so hard to learn their to give each child her own motherVisit our website Canadian theme—they did a really good job mak- role, and I just find that magical.” daughter experience. For Bujan, that for morning-after ing it a little bit different but sticking to the originBianca Bujan, founder of the paris its own kind of magic. reviews and local al Nutcracker,” Prince says in a separate interview. enting blog BitsofBee.com, might be “My daughter and I have our tradarts news For the last several years, Ballet BC has pre- the biggest Nutcracker fan in the city. ition of picking out our outfits, and we sented the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker. “I’ve been going [to Ballet BC’s progo for dinner for our Nutcracker date, and Prince is also choreographing a new piece as part duction] for the last 35 years,” Bujan tells the then it feels like Christmas has truly started of the Arts Umbrella Dance Company’s Mixed Straight over the phone. And in recent years, she’s for us.” Nuts: Tradition With a Twist, a modern retelling actually seen The Nutcracker three times a year. of The Nutcracker. “My daughter’s been performing in it since she was Ballet BC’s presentation of the Royal Winnipeg “I have 16 girls basically being candy-cane three or four at her own dance school, so I see their Ballet’s Nutcracker runs until Sunday (December marzipans,” she says with a laugh. “I explained to version every year. I now go to the Goh Ballet ver- 11) at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Goh Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker runs from next them on the first day the magic of 16 people mak- sion as well.” ing a picture. I told them if one person isn’t comBujan remembers the first time she saw The Thursday (December 15) to December 20 at the mitted, what that can do to the piece, so I said, ‘It’s Nutcracker—it also began as a mother-daughter Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts. Arts only done together.’ That alone is magical. Every outing and became a yearly tradition—and she, Umbrella Dance Company’s Mixed Nuts: Tradition With a Twist runs from December 16 to 18 at the single person has to be equally committed.” too, calls the experience “magical”. Compared with Prince, Stéphane Mouttet is a “I was doing ballet at the time and I was Vancouver Playhouse.

THINGS TO DO

ARTS High five

Editor’s choice YULE LAUGH Over the years, some of our biggest laughs at the Vancouver Fringe Festival have come from the offbeat comedy duo of Peter n’ Chris. Whether they’re travelling to alternate universes, exploring spooky motels, or taking up bizarre day jobs, they have a knack for off-the-wall absurdity and whacked-out physical humour. So it’s with quite a bit of holiday glee that we see they’re parodying A Christmas Carol in A Peter n’ Chris-tmas Carol: in true warped fashion, Peter Carlone and Chris Wilson get goofy with the visiting ghosts and other twisted delights. A Peter n’ Chris-tmas Carol is at Performance Works on Friday and Saturday (December 9 and 10).

Five events you just can’t miss this week

EAST VAN PANTO (To December 31 at the York Theatre) The funniest local holiday tradition this side of Main.

WE COME TO WITNESS (To April 23 at the Vancouver Art Gallery) Sonny Assu’s digital tags cleverly “interrupt” Emily Carr’s landscapes.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES (December 8 to 17 at Presentation House Theatre) Biting laughs cut through the holiday treacle.

SOMETHING TO TREASURE (December 11 at Richmond’s Fraserview MB Church) Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir will rock the rafters.

QUINN DAHLE (December 8 to 10 at the Comedy MIX) Smart, witty, and as refreshingly clean as new snow.

In the news

ARTS FUNDING DEMANDS The B.C. Alliance for Arts and Culture is upping its advocacy in the run-up to the 2017 provincial election. It’s launched its Call to Action campaign for arts-funding increases and hosted a public meeting at the Scotiabank Dance Centre on December 5 to come up with strategies before voting day. Among its demands: an immediate 34-percent increase in provincialgovernment arts funding. That would raise B.C.’s culture budget by $8.1 million, bringing it into line with other provinces after lagging behind them for years. The Alliance, under new executive director Brenda Leadlay (shown here), said it sought the input of local arts groups so it could speak with “one voice” in its coming political action. B.C. has more artists per capita than any other province and is one of the country’s biggest consumers of art. -

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 35

ARTS

A Firehall Arts Centre Residency Presentation

ALBATROSS German Jauregui In collaboration with Company 605 Performed by Josh Martin Hilary Maxwell

Wanna Yuk?

Created & Directed by

TOP TALENT SHOWCASE EVERY TUES AT 8:00

PRO-AM NIGHT

DEC 7-10 Wed - Sat 8pm

604.689.0926

firehallartscentre.ca

280 E Cordova St Hilary Maxwell & Josh Martin David Cooper Photography

EVERY WEDS AT 8:00

FEATURED HEADLINERS THURS & FRI AT 8:00 SAT AT 7:00 & 9:30 THIS WEEKEND FEATURING (DEC 8-10)

PATRICK HAYE www.yukyuks.com 2837 Cambie (at 12th)

Expect seasonal-feeling warmth and beauty to emanate when Adrian Verdejo plays the new for Guitar by Rodney Sharman at Music for the Winter Solstice.

Singing and strumming in a secular solstice Music on Main illuminates the darkest day of the year with new sounds to contrast Christmas clichés > B Y A LE XAN DER VAR TY

V A N C O U V E R

OPERA 36 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

ome people love the holiday season, living only to tip Avalon eggnog down their throats while crooning about sleigh rides and little drummer boys. Others have a more pragmatic approach, like Music on Main’s new composer in residence, Nicole Lizée. Sure, she’s looking forward to contributing an avant-garde carol to MoM’s upcoming Music for the Winter Solstice, but what she really needs is more time—and she figures that the night of December 21 is when she’s going to get it. “Being the longest night of the year,” the Montreal-based artist quips in an email from an airport somewhere in Europe, “it gives me more time to finish my orchestral parts.” The globetrotting Lizée has been so busy, in fact, that she’s still working on the aforementioned carol— which, at the moment, looks like it will depart from her usual electroacoustic style but will continue in the vein of pop-culture-quoting pieces like Hitchcock Etudes or 2600 Dollar Man. Kate Bush, Andy Williams, and Perry Como have been on her mind, she says, so the only sure thing about the as-yet-untitled piece is that new music doesn’t get much newer than this MoM commission. And new-music programming doesn’t get much friendlier than what singer and violinist Caroline Shaw, pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa, songwriter Veda Hille, and guitarist Adrian Verdejo will deliver next week, in the third installment of what is quickly becoming a midwinter staple. The roots of the event, Music on Main artistic director David Pay says, go back to a spur-of-the-moment decision he made early on in his company’s existence. “When we started, in 2006, we went to the Cellar Jazz Club and did a month of Tuesdays in November,” he recalls, in a cellphone conversation with the Straight. “It did well, so we kept it going into December— and I remember the reaction from the audience when I announced that we were going to continue, but that we wouldn’t be doing any Christmas carols. There was actually a whoop from the audience: people were excited that there was going to be non-Christmas music to listen to at Christmastime. “I don’t think that’s out of any

abject hatred for Christmas,” Pay adds. “I think it’s just this desire to have some deeper connections than maybe ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’ might bring.” Pay eventually relented on the Christmas-carol ban: Alfredo Santa Ana and Shaw have written seasonal pieces for earlier solstice shows, and both will be reprised this year. Shaw’s sing-along “Winter Carol”, in fact, was an instantaneous audience favourite, as Pay recalls. “Last year,” he says, “I remember looking over to an audience member who has become a friend, and she had been singing along, as we all were, and both of us were singing with tears in our eyes. It’s all about this idea of everyone coming together and listening together at this time of year, when we’re all totally harried and running about and trying to get everything done. It’s a real… Not even a luxury, but a real privilege to sit in a room with 100 other people and listen to music together. That’s what makes my job great!” Rodney Sharman, who has a premiere in this year’s program, was also in the audience last year, and recalls Shaw’s piece fondly. It was “a kind of secular hymn”, he says in a separate telephone conversation. “I normally dislike audience participation intensely, yet I was very moved and very happy to be involved in it. I think it’s a marvellous idea.” This year, Sharman’s contribution is for Guitar, commissioned by Verdejo through the Canada Council. It’s not seasonally themed in the least, but Pay says that he hears qualities in Sharman’s music that are very much in keeping with what Music on Main hopes to achieve with its solstice programming. “Rodney’s sound-world, for me, is warm and filled with beauty—so it seemed like it would be a good fit,” he explains. It’s all about illuminating what can be a dark time, which makes Music for the Winter Solstice a gorgeous gift to Vancouver’s concertgoing public. Lizée’s getting into the gift-exchange spirit, too: she’s not charging Music on Main for her piece, but trading it for figure-skating lessons. What could be more festive than that? Music on Main presents Music for the Winter Solstice at Heritage Hall next Thursday and Friday (December 15 and 16).

ARTS

Charlie Brown’s beats go on > BY A LEX A NDER VA R TY

here are artists, we’re told, who dread the postshow meet-and-greet, paying only perfunctory attention to the ritual pressing of their fans’ flesh. Jerry Granelli, however, is not one of them. Reached at home in Halifax, where he’s taking a short break from touring his seasonal Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas show, the veteran jazz drummer tells the Straight that meeting people who have been touched by his music is a big part of why, at 75, he’s still crisscrossing the country by plane and van. “It’s really cool, because in one sense it has nothing to do with me,” he explains. “It’s what all the people bring to the show—and they bring this wanting to hear it, which is great. And, afterwards, I meet all these people in the lobby, and it’s really fantastic to hear all their stories. You might be tired, you might be sick, you’re on the road—and all that dissolves.” Listeners bring more to the afterparty than just their impressions of the concert they’ve just heard. Yes, Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas is as much of an adventurous jazz performance as a Yuletide confection, with Granelli—who learned his craft playing with everyone from Bill Evans to the Kingston Trio—joined by Vancouver-based pianist Chris Gestrin and Calgary bassist Simon Fisk. “They’re both beautiful players, and capable of playing as ‘in’ or as ‘out’ as you want to go,” the drummer says. “So each night it’s different.…There’s always the possibility for it to be completely fresh, otherwise I couldn’t do it.” But it’s that possibility of discovery, the ever-adventurous musician adds, that has allowed him to happily revisit music he recorded just over 50 years ago: pianist Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack for the 1965 TV

When jazz drummer Jerry Granelli brings his Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas show here, expect as much musical adventure as nostalgic confection.

special A Charlie Brown Christmas. Cartoonist Charles Schulz’s tale of warm winter harmony has been rebroadcast every year since—and the show’s quadruple-platinum soundtrack album, Granelli notes, is the best-selling jazz record of all time. Asked why both the music and the TV show have endured, Granelli has a ready answer. “It was really done honestly, and it’s good,” he says. “And it’s real. Music either touches someone, or it doesn’t—and this music touched a generation so deeply that they decided to share it, and move it on through their family. “It just touched people in their hearts, and it wasn’t manipulative,” he adds. “It was just a group of artists all doing something really good and genuine. That’s all it is—and even 51 years later a thousand people a night show up to hear this music, and hear a real jazz band. For some people, it’s their first jazz concert ever!” For others, viewing Charlie Brown on TV was their introduction to jazz—a story the drummer hears on a nightly basis while on the road.

Playing with Guaraldi, whose sturdy melodies benefit from Granelli’s playfully elastic sense of time, didn’t bring the San Francisco–born performer riches or fame—he didn’t even get credited on the original LP release, a mistake that went unrectified for almost 30 years. But A Charlie Brown Christmas did put Granelli in touch with jazz royalty—Miles Davis was a fan—and helped kick-start a career that shows little sign of slowing down. Next up for the eternally hip percussionist? Recording an R&B tribute album at Vancouver’s Armoury studios, with guitarists Robben Ford and Bill Frisell in his band, followed by a week at New York City’s John Zorn–curated nightclub, the Stone. “As an artist, you try to bring the same openness to each project,” Granelli says. “Charlie Brown is part of me, but so are these other things—it’s all the same guy!” The Coastal Jazz & Blues Society presents Tales of A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Kay Meek Centre on Friday (December 9).

THE CHRISTMAS STORY Carols & Readings of the Season 8pm Friday, December 16, 2016 Ryerson United Church Vancouver Chamber Choir | British Columbia Girls Choir Kevin Zakresky, Fiona Blackburn, Conductors The Christmas spirit can be expressed in so many ways: gently, robustly, ceremonially, intimately, poetically, grandly, angelically, rustically, liturgically or by the simplest song or phrase. Kevin Zakresky leads the Choir in a banquet of seasonal music, with a cameo appearance from Fiona Blackburn and the British Columbia Girls Choir.

1.855.985.ARTS (2787) vancouverchamberchoir.com

utstanding Production” “An O – THE VANCOUVER SUN

GOHNUTCRACKER.COM

SWEET SEATS FROM

$28!

DECEMBER 15–20 PRINCIPAL DANCERS from the NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA LIVE MUSIC performed by THE VANCOUVER OPERA ORCHESTRA

THE CENTRE IN VANCOUVER. 777 HOMER ST.

GohNutcracker.com OFFICIAL HOTEL

PRODUCTION TITLE SPONSOR

*Not inclusive of service and facility fees. Casting subject to changes. Presenting host: Goh Ballet Vancouver Society.

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 37

ARTS

Frosty the Snowman (Scott Patey), Santa Claus (Allen Morrison), and Elf on the Shelf (Margret Nyfors) are all hilarious competitors in Christmas Queen 3.

Christmas Queen breaks out Bachelorette roses The Grinchy monarch gets a reality-TV makeover in one of the most ludicrous seasonal shows in town COM EDY CHRISTMAS QUEEN 3: THE BACHELORETTE EDITION A Vancouver TheatreSports League production. At the Improv Centre on Granville Island on Thursday, December 1. Continues until December 23

Vancouver has produced its of bona fide Bachelorettes: Jillian Harris, Kaitlyn Bristow, and Jasmine Lorimer. Add a new one to the list: the Christmas Queen. The annual Vancouver TheatreSports League tradition is back, badder than ever. And its titular monarch is handing out roses. That’s the story line of this year’s edition. The Grinchlike Queen (on opening night played by the always hilarious Pearce Visser) is down to the final four in her “amazing journey”: Santa Claus (Allen Morrison), Frosty the Snowman (Scott Patey), Elf on the Shelf (Margret Nyfors), and Owen Wilson (Andrew Barber). When the camera is rolling, old CQ is nothing but sweetness and light, but when director Bob Matchit (Clare Filipow) calls “Cut,” the Queen turns mean, the way we’ve grown to know and hate her. Bachelorette fans will appreciate the references and pet phrases of the reality show we all love to ridicule. The Queen narrows down her choices in the gingerbread mansion after going on dates and hometown visits, all inspired by suggestions from the crowd. It’s great fun, aided by the fine comedic chops of all the performers, including Michael Teigen as Buttons, the narrator. While the details can

2 share

! On now ws 10 sho only!

and do change from night to night, the plot points remain the same. I prefer the “winner” being different each time based on merit, but the story demands a set ending aimed to maximize the Christmas spirit. What Christmas amalgam would be complete without a Tiny Tim–like character? In this case he’s unseen, but Tiny Jim plays a big part in the narrative. He’s Matchit’s sick child, and suffers from every manner of ailment. It was funny when he was given ridiculous afflictions like psoriasis of the bones, but less so when it was mentioned he had no stomach. Visser was his usual balls-tothe-wall self, gleefully embracing his inner jerk, heckling the crowd, and trying to break his castmates, at one point by going all-in and touching tongues with Frosty. Patey had fun with the snowman, playing him as a dimwitted airball; Morrison got in some political jabs at Trudeau’s pipeline approval; Nyfors had the best lines of the night; Barber was a jack-of-all-trades, doing whatever was needed; and Teigen kept things rolling with his infectious gosh-golly humour. Filipow played things straight as Matchit, but loosened up as different characters in the second half. There’s something comforting in seeing the same old movies and plays each winter, but for my money it’s better to encounter some familiar characters in new and unfamiliar situations. Christmas Queen 3: The Bachelorette Edition is the most absurd entry into the season you’ll find. And that’s a good thing. > GUY M AC PHERSON

B3 KINGS WITH DENZAL SINCLAIRE WED. DEC. 14, 2016 @ 8 PM

Celebrate the holiday season with local jazz-funk royalty Chris Gestrin B3 organ, Cory Weeds sax, Bill Coon guitar

THE (POST) MISTRESS SAT. JAN. 7, 2017 @ 8 PM

The small-town cabaret of sealed secrets

THE BAD PLUS FRI. JAN. 20, 2017 @ 8 PM

INSULIN IS NOT A CURE.

DIABETES Causes Blindness, Kidney Failure, Amputations, Strokes and Heart Attacks. The Diabetes Research Foundation call TollFree

1.877 CURE 533

38 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

Genre-bending jazz trio feat. Ethan Iverson piano, Reid Anderson bass and Dave King drums

Tickets: 604.990.7810 • Online: capilanou.ca/centre Capilano University • 2055 Purcell Way • North Vancouver

ARTS

Vancouver Special sparks delight in dark times Capturing a swing away from the photo-based art that put us on the map, this VAG survey reveals exhilarating work in textile and paint VISUAL AR TS VANCOUVER SPECIAL: AMBIVALENT PLEASURES At the Vancouver Art Gallery until April 17

There’s such an exuberance of

2 colour, texture, and form in

Vancouver Special that the overall impression is one of delight. Yes, there may be sombre subthemes swimming beneath the surface of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s ambitious new survey exhibition. And flickering shadows may be cast behind the paintings and sculptures, the installations and assemblages, the films, textiles, and text works on view. Still, despite these intimations of the dark times in which we live, the overall mood is life-affirming. So I thought as I was making notes on the show, following the media preview and before I read the accompanying catalogue. How illuminating it was, then, to come across an interview in that publication between co-curator Jesse McKee and the acclaimed sci-fi writer William Gibson. When McKee mentions that the subtitle of the exhibition is Ambivalent Pleasures, Gibson responds by alluding to a fellow writer, the late J.G. Ballard, whose work, he observes, is dark and yet somehow still “life-affirming”. Ballard, Gibson says, introduced him to the idea of “enjoying things that might not be that pleasant, or the possibility of there being modalities that were simultaneously pleasant and unpleasant”. Vancouver Special: Ambivalent Pleasures is the inaugural exhibition of what is to be a series of triennial surveys of this city’s contemporary art. Curated by the VAG’s Daina Augaitis and McKee, head of strategy at the artist-run centre 221A, it features

The exhibit’s Ambivalent Pleasures include Mark Delong’s stitched-cardboard Double Nite (Rachel Topham photo) and Charlene Vickers’s painting Accumulations of Moments Spent Underwater With the Sun and Moon (Trevor Mills photo).

40 local artists. Many of them are young and emerging, but a significant few, including Lyse Lemieux, Glenn Lewis, and Mina Totino, are more established. Until now, however, they have been working mostly outside the mainstream: Lemieux uses textiles as her drawing medium; Lewis (who was a founding member of the Western Front) messes with ceramics traditions; and Totino continues to deeply explore the nature of abstract painting. Their presence in the exhibition signals that they have been influential, even “prescient”, Augaitis says, in anticipating new trends in the art of this place. Other acclaimed artists, such as Raymond Boisjoly, Kim Dorland, Colleen Heslin, Elizabeth McIntosh, and Ron Tran, spotlight paths taken from the emerging to the established. As a collective enterprise, the exhibition describes a further pen-

dulum swing away from the theorydriven, photo-based art that put Vancouver on the international art map 25 years ago. Instead, we encounter materiality, tactility, and handmadeness. A surprising number of young artists, including Maya Beaudry, Tamara Henderson, Anne Low, and Brent Wadden, employ textiles in ways that challenge gender stereotypes and dismantle hierarchies of fine art and craft. Low, for instance, hand-weaves fabrics that are suggestive of the usefully domestic, then places her subtly textured lengths of cloth in deep frames, behind glass, asserting their value as fine-art objects. Still, she leaves the tops of the frames open to imply the ambiguous status of her works. Painting is enjoying another energetic comeback, as seen in the work of Tiziana La Melia, Angela Teng, Tristan Unrau, Charlene Vickers,

and Alison Yip. Teng’s small oil paintings, thickly impasted and dusted with flocking, again smudge the line between high art and low craft. Their small scale also redresses the gendered history of abstract expressionism, with its male-dominated monumentality. Vickers, a multidisciplinary artist, presents watercolour and gouache paintings whose geometric patterns allude to the porcupine quillwork of her Anishinaabe forebears. Some of the paintings here are mated to sculpture, as seen in the work of Eli Bornowsky and Colleen Brown, or to sound, in the work of Jordan Milner. Bornowsky has created some of the most energetic and engaging art of his career, a series of painted and embellished constructions that riff on the geometric (or perhaps primordial) form of the circle within

the larger project of abstraction. A recurring strategy here is the use of found or discarded materials, folding ideas of production, consumption, and waste into reinvented forms. Matt Browning weaves homely fabrics out of the innards of baseballs. Mark Delong creates collages and assemblages out of produce boxes salvaged in Chinatown, where he lives. His cutout, stitched, and glued forms are colourful and energetic—a kind of celebratory revisiting of pop art. Although my focus here is on materials and processes, the show’s curators have organized the show thematically. Their categories are based on the relationship of the exhibited artworks to three historical precedents: surrealism, abstraction, and conceptualism. In his interview with Gibson, McKee talks about “atemporality”, “semiotic ghosts”, the “fizzling out” of postmodernism, and the considerable use of “historical references, styles and perceptions” in the art he and Augaitis encountered while researching Vancouver Special. Gibson expresses his skepticism about the entire project of postmodernism and suggests that “history itself is a highly speculative discipline. “One can imagine,” he continues, “that the future’s idea of what we’re about will have nothing to do with anything we might think we’re about.” I’m not sure, even in the present, Vancouver Special has completely formulated what Vancouver artists are about, either—there are conspicuous gaps where digital and new media art should be—but the attempt is thoroughly engaging. And, yup, lifeaffirming.

> ROBIN LAURENCE

GROUNDBREAKING PERFORMANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

Ballet BC presents

Nutcracker Royal Winnipeg Ballet Dec 8 9 10 7:30pm Dec 10 11 2:00pm Choreography Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Queen Elizabeth Theatre balletbc.com | ticketmaster.ca MEDIA PARTNER

SUPPORT FOR BALLET BC HAS BEEN GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 39

ARTS

Holy Mo! is a wild and witty new look at Nativity TH E AT RE HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW By Lucia Frangione. Directed by Kerry van der Griend. A Pacific Theatre production. At Pacific Theatre on Friday, December 2. Continues until December 31

Fed up with Christmas commer-

2 cialism? Don’t like religious reverence either? Then step right up for Holy Mo! A Christmas Show and watch this ragged band of troubadours turn the Nativity story on its head. Playwright Lucia Frangione scored a memorable hit with the first Holy Mo! back in 1997, a vaudevillian retelling of the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. Now, travelling performers Follie, Buffoona, and Guff are back, and at the top of the show, Follie gets her Christmas wish: an audience. The troupe gets down to work, dramatizing the conception and birth of Christ (here called Manny, short for Emmanuel, in one of many rechristenings). Frangione’s wildly playful script is a collage of rhymed narration, character-swapping, and song, with pop-culture references to everything from The Matrix and Shrek to Donald Trump. The troupe’s language is rich in wordplay, and there are differing opinions about contemporary Christmas traditions. Hence, Herod, King of the Juice (“I’m a secular Heebee who eats bacon,” he says), wears a Santa hat. His “consciously uncoupled” celebrity wife, Madge, stands in for the Magi. Mary is a nerdy teenage virgin attired in high-tops, a pleated plaid skirt, and glasses with an eye patch on one lens. On her three-day journey to Bethlehem, she’s accompanied by a rednosed reindeer. Though Frangione takes us to some dark places, the sense of whimsy in the performance style sets the dominant tone.

Lucia Frangione, Anita Wittenberg, and Jess Amy Shead play a ragged bunch of troubadours in Holy Mo!. Emily Cooper photo.

Kerry van der Griend directs a powerhouse trio. Frangione is a commanding presence as Follie, who takes the roles of Herod and a hilarious Mary. Anita Wittenberg’s facial and physical expressiveness makes her Guff a winner, whether she’s reluctantly ringing sleigh bells or butching it up as the monosyllabic Joseph. Relative newcomer Jess Amy Shead’s savvy characterizations and beautiful singing make her a talent to watch. And all three throw themselves into Andrea Loewen’s choreography, culminating in a hilarious fake breakdancing bit late in the show. Heipo Leung’s set and Jess Howell’s props creatively support the play’s constant shape-shifting, as the troupe repeatedly refashion their caravan and themselves. Amy McDougall’s costumes are detailed

and witty; I especially liked her use of tea-cozy hats. John Webber’s lighting enhances the magic. And magic is what the season— and the theatre—is all about, right? > KATHLEEN OLIVER

CREEPS By David E. Freeman. Directed by Brian Cochrane. Produced by Reelwheels Theatre. At the Cultch’s Historic Theatre on Sunday, December 4. Continues until December 10

In David E. Freeman’s Creeps, men take refuge in the grimy bathroom of their “sheltered workshop”, where they smoke, razz each other, and shoot the shit while disobeying their supervisors. It’s 1971, and the men’s disabilities have brought them to the workshop, operated by

2 four

VIVALDI’S

PRESENTS

December 1 - 10 8pm

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 & 17

8PM, CHAN CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, UBC Mark Fewer leader/violin Roger Cole oboe* BIBER Battalia BACH Concerto in C minor for Violin and Oboe* VIVALDI Il grosso Mogul (Concerto in D Major for Violin and Strings) VIVALDI The Four Seasons

Historic Theatre

TICKETS:

vancouversymphony.ca

40 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

MEDIA SPONSOR

604.876.3434

by David E. Freeman

Preview November 30

Matinee December 4, 2pm ASL Interpretation & Audio Description December 4 Post-show talkbacks December 4 & 6 US AGEO R U O C RAW, SAVAGELY AND NNY FU

The Cultch

The VSO’s annual presentation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Chan Centre. Former VSO Concertmaster Mark Fewer returns to perform Vivaldi’s timeless classic, in one of Vancouver’s most enduring and beloved music traditions.

SUPPORT BY

> DARREN BAREFOOT see next page

CREEPS

FOUR SEASONS

@VSOrchestra

service clubs like Kiwanis and the Rotary Club. They earn a pittance while doing the busywork of folding boxes, weaving rugs, and sorting screws. Sam (Brett Harris) is the ribald, fast-talking Brit who berates Jim (Adam Grant Warren) for kissing up to the bosses for a promotion to the workshop office. Tom (Aaron Roderick) is the moral centre of the group, an aspiring painter who dreams of leaving their drudgery behind. Roderick provides the strongest of the performances, unspooling onto the floor as his frustrations overwhelm him. The bull session lasts all 75 minutes of the play’s length, despite the increasing protestations of their bosses. Today it might be #OccupyRestroom, but in 1971 it amounts to a sit-in. The men want more from life—sex, money,

opportunities—but Tom is the only one brave enough to really pursue his dreams. Pete (Paul Beckett) cautions him not to overreach because “there’s no place in the outside world for a guy that talks funny.” Lauchlin Johnston’s set is convincing, if uninspiring, in its 1970s grottiness. Its naturalism combined with its head-on orientation means that the playing space is much tighter than the Cultch’s stage actually affords. Counterintuitively, we often find on-stage tension in big spaces between performers. I didn’t see the virtue in the cramped staging, and it seemed to limit director Brian Cochrane’s options. Creeps premiered at Factory Theatre in 1971. In his review of the show, the Toronto Star’s Nathan Cohen pointed out that “Freeman is a novice playwright, and it shows.” It still shows, 45 years later. It’s a bold rookie effort, and at its best it feels like George F. Walker’s early work. However, the script’s technical failings—its lack of subtext, clunky transitions, and pacing problems—hold this production back from truly singing. Though much of the play’s language, with its talk of “queers”, “cripples”, and “spastics”, is behind us, its themes are not. Sheltered workshops still exist and are no less controversial. Today, thousands of Canadians with intellectual disabilities earn tiny sums for building wooden crates (50 cents an hour) or assembling Remembrance Day poppies (a penny per poppy). Late in the play, Tom says of the workshops, “Think of all the jerks on the outside who don’t have the faintest idea what it’s like.” I was one of those jerks and, despite this production’s flaws, I’m grateful for the lesson.

1895 Venables Street Vancouver, BC

TICKETS from $18!

www.tickets.thecultch.com 604-251-1363 Mature content and RÐ HQVLYH ODQJXDJH

realwheels.ca

THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS An Arts Club Theatre production. At the Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre on Friday, December 2. Continues until December 24

The Day Before Christmas has

2 solid performances, good direction, a nice set, and a few funny lines. It also has one of the most clichéd scripts in recent memory, with a story, characters, and plot contrivances that mostly feel like they belong in a mediocre sitcom from the ’80s. Alex (Jennifer Clement) is a highly organized and successful working mother of two teens, 14-yearold Max (Daren Dyhengco) and 17-year-old Brodie (Julie Leung), who prides herself on creating the perfect Christmas every year for her family. She’s a caterer who owns her own business, and her husband, Alan (Andrew Wheeler), is loving and supportive but increasingly starved for attention. She’s also coping with the reappearance of an old crush, and frequent FaceTime calls from her wayward brother, Keith. As Alex tries to juggle all of that, “Can women really have it all?” is the question being silently screamed at the audience at every turn. Which would be fine if The Day Before Christmas wanted to truly contend with that question. Instead, writers Stacey Kaser and Alison Kelly

Daren Dyhengco, Julie Leung, Jennifer Clement, and Andrew Wheeler star in holiday-frenzy tale The Day Before Christmas. David Cooper photo.

(who also cowrote Conversations With My Mother) consistently centre on their male supporting characters instead of their female lead. And, instead of fully realized humans, we get a collection of stereotypes. At first, Alan is the perfect husband, and then suddenly he’s this passive-aggressive, self-centred person. Alex is positioned as a Martha Stewart type, but also a pushover, tightly wound and “crazy”. She can’t say no to work or her kids, always has fresh-baked cinnamon buns and scones and fruit salad on hand, and shrugs off her husband’s sexual advances. The couple’s climactic blowout is tidily resolved

by a last-minute reveal, and followed by this frustrating exchange: Alan says to Alex, “You turned into your mother,” and Clement has to deliver the line, “Every woman feels this way at Christmas.” The Day Before Christmas is mostly a mess, and yet based on the amount of laughter from others in the audience, it will probably be a massive success. I’m holding out hope for a Christmas miracle: that one day we can finally move past tired gender dynamics into something more substantial, and still have it please a crowd.

THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION

January 13 - 15 • 4 Shows Only! TicketsTonight.ca 1-877-840-0457

> ANDREA WARNER

Paula Kremer, Artistic Director

Christmas Reprise XIV SAT DEC 17, 2016 AT 2 PM

HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL WED, DEC 21 AT 7:30PM

ANVIL CENTRE THEATRE

Tickets: vancouvercantatasingers.com 604.730.8856 DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 41

Havana Theatre (1212 Commercial). Tix $15, info www.kalik.org/boxes/.

MAGICAL

MEXICO Experience Mexico your way! Choose between all-inclusives, guided tours, relaxing Escapes and SAVE.

For more Mexico deals visit flightcentre.ca/mexico 24/7

1 866 828 2259 Over 950 Airfare Experts across Canada

*Conditions apply. For full terms & conditions please speak with a Flight Centre travel consultant or visit flightcentre.ca/sale. Head office address: 1 Dundas St W Suite 200, Toronto, ON. Call for retail locations. ONT. REG #4671384

The Gift They’ll Talk About for Years

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE Pacific Theatre presents a night of music, stories, poems, and readings for the holiday season. Includes performances by Ron Reed, Anna Vandas, the Tourist Company, Nelson Boschman, James Danderfer, Jordan Klassen, Kathleen Nisbet, Peter LaGrand, the Kwerks, Michael Hart, and Garth Bowen. Dec 11-20, 2-8 pm, Pacific Theatre (1440 W. 12th). Tix $34.95, info www.pacific theatre.org/season/2016-2017-season/ mainstage/christmas-presence-2016/.

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

< < < < 2ONGOING < AVENUE Q The Arts Club Theatre < Company presents the musical story of < Princeton, a bright-eyed college gradu< ate who arrives in New York City looking for love, a job, and his purpose in life. < To Dec 31, Granville Island Stage (1585

THEATRE

Johnston, Granville Island). Tix from $29, info www.artsclub.com/.

2JUST ANNOUNCED

EAST VAN PANTO: LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Theatre Replacement presents a pantomime in which Little Red Riding Hood bombs down the Adanac bike trail to deliver a basket of goodies to her granny, while battling bike thieves, distracted drivers, and the Big Bad Wolf. To Dec 31, York Theatre (639 Commercial). Tix from $20, info www.thecultch.com/events/ an-east-van-panto-little-red-riding-hood/.

This holiday season, give your friends and family tickets that will amaze and inspire!

THE (POST) MISTRESS Tomson Highway’s play tells the story of a charismatic postal worker in the fictional town of Lovely, who seems to know everything about everyone. An Arts Club on Tour Production. Jan 7, 8 pm, BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts (2055 Purcell Way). Tix $43/39/20, info www.capilanou.ca/centre/.

ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA MADE IN U.S.A.

STOMP The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments to fill the stage with rhythms and routines. Jan 13-15, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix from $55, info www.stomponline.com/.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre JAN 29–31,, 2017 ShenYun.com/Van A show you must see at least once in your life. 1-888-974-3698

code: Don’t miss it - book your seats today! Promo EBVan17

Experience Heavenly Realms

Travel to celestial realms to experience magical and magnificent kingdoms, where flowers of blessing for all of humankind are scattered by heavenly maidens. Their beauty, purity, and grace will touch your heart and soul with joy.

“If heaven is the way we saw it tonight, count me in!”

— Nathaniel Kahn, renowned filmmaker

Travel Back to Grand Dynasties

The two-hour Shen Yun performance consists of about 20 pieces, moving from one story, region, and dynasty to the next. Stunning animated backdrops, exquisite handmade costumes, high-flying leaps, and thunderous battle drums all serve to transport you to another world.

“Very uplifting and inspiring...” — Stewart F. Lane, Tony Award-winning producer

Myths & Legends Come to Life

Timeless stories from ancient records and classics told through classical Chinese dance are not only fun to watch, but also celebrate traditional values like loyalty, filial piety, compassion, selflessness, and tolerance, bringing joy and inspiration to children and adults alike.

“5,000 years of Chinese music and dance, in one night!” — The New York Times

42 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

CAPTAIN HOOK’S REVENGE Christmas pantomime sees Captain Hook and his swashbuckling pirates plot their revenge on Peter Pan. Dec 14-31, 7:30-3:30 pm, Deep Cove Shaw Theatre (4360 Gallant Ave., North Van). Tix $16, info www.deep covestage.com/.

2OPENINGS BAH! HUMBUG! Canadian musician Jim Byrnes stars in the seventh annual retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic tale A Christmas Carol. Dec 8, SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 W. Hastings). Tix $29/15, info www. sfu.ca/sfuwoodwards/events/events1/20162017-fall/BahHumbug.html. THE SANTALAND DIARIES GTI Theatrical Productions Society presents David Sedaris’s holiday comedy about his time as one of Macy’s department store Christmas elves. Dec 8-17, Presentation House Theatre (333 Chesterfield Ave.). Tix $25/20, info www.phtheatre.org/show/ the-santaland-diaries/. ALICE IN WONDERLAND Alchemy Theatre presents a play by Eva Le Gallienne and Florida Friebus that’s based on Lewis Carroll’s famous work. Dec 8-18, Studio 1398 (1398 Cartwright, Granville Island). Info www.alchemytheatre.ca/. A PETER N’ CHRIS-TMAS CAROL! Vancouver sketch troupe Peter n’ Chris present a sendup of Charles Dickens’s classic holiday story. Dec 9-10, 8 pm, Performance Works (1218 Cartwright, Granville Island). Tix $25, info tickets. theatrewire.com/shows/a%20peter%20 n’%20chris-tmas%20carol!/events. THE MIRROR TEST Fei Ren directs a fictionalized account of writer-performer Kevin Kokoska’s lived experience. Dec 9-10, 8-10 pm, Orpheum Annex (823 Seymour). Tix $20, info www.kokoska.co/mirror/. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW The Geekenders present the original live stage version of the cult-hit movie about a couple who get stranded and take refuge in the castle of an unusual scientist. Dec 10, 7:30 pm; Dec 10, 11:30 pm; Dec 11, 8 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $25/22, info www.riotheatre.ca/.

BAKING TIME Presentation House Theatre and Oily Cart Theatre present the adventures of a pair of bakers who encounter mischievous doughy characters and venture through forests of breadstick trees and magical floury storms. To Dec 11, Presentation House Theatre (333 Chesterfield Ave.). Tix from $15, info www.phtheatre.org/. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Carousel Theatre for Young People presents a stage adaptation of the holiday classic. Includes live music by a jazz trio. To Dec 31, Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St., Granville Island). Tix $35/29/18, info www.carouseltheatre.ca/ production/a-charlie-brown-christmas/.

don’t miss out! For up-to-the-minute, searchable Arts Time Out listings, visit

www.straight.com

THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS The Arts Club Theatre Company presents the premiere of a play by Stacey Kaser and Alison Kelly about a perfectionist who is desperately juggling family and work as she attempts to create the perfect Christmas. To Dec 24, Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre (162 W. 1st). Tix from $29, info www.artsclub.com/. CREEPS Realwheels Theatre presents David E. Freeman’s dark comedy about four disabled men who rebel against the way they’ve been treated and barricade themselves in a washroom. To Dec 10, The Cultch (1895 Venables). Tix $18-40, info www.thecultch.com/events/creeps/. HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW! Pacific Theatre presents director Kerry van der Griend’s irreverent re-imagining of the Nativity story. To Dec 31, 8-10 pm, Pacific Theatre (1440 W. 12th). Tix $34.95, info www.pacifictheatre.org/ season/2016-2017-season/mainstage/ holy-mo-a-christmas-show/.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL Four actors bring to life the characters of WORKS-IN-PROGRESS: MIXED Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale. VEGETABLE AND BOXES The performAppropriate for ages five and up. To Dec ances feature queer and trans artists of col18, Jericho Arts Centre (1675 Discovery). Tix $20-25, info www.facebook.com/ our exploring themes of ancestry, belonging, language, and identity. Dec 11, 1-2:30 pm, jacobmarley2016/.

MARY POPPINS The Arts Club Theatre Company presents a musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Includes songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Chim Chim Cheree”. To Jan 1, Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville). Tix from $29, info www.artsclub.com/. A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN GAY APPAREL Leaping Thespians presents an original parody of Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale. To Dec 10, 8 pm; Dec 11, 2 pm, The Cultch (1895 Venables). Tix $23, info www.leapingthespians.com/.

DANCE 2JUST ANNOUNCED THE NUTCRACKER Goh Ballet presents the holiday dance classic, with principal dancers from the National Ballet of Canada and live music by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Dec 15-20, The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer). Tix from $28, info www.gohnutcracker.com/. MIXED NUTS, TRADITION WITH A TWIST Arts Umbrella Dance Company presents a modern and engaging retelling of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece The Nutcracker. Dec 16-18, Vancouver Playhouse Recital Hall (601 Cambie). Tix $15-25, info www.artsumbrella.com/dance/. LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO The American all-male drag ballet corps parodies the conventions and clichés of romantic and classical ballet. Jan 20-21, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix from $29 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketstonight.ca/.

2THIS WEEK ALBATROSS German Jauregui, in collaboration with Company 605, presents a dance duet in which the performers surrender to circumstances and their interdependence. Dec 7-10, 8 pm, Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova). Tix $12-33, info www.firehallarts centre.ca/onstage/albatross/. NUTCRACKER Ballet BC presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s rendition of the classic holiday ballet. Dec 8-11, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $3598.50, info www.balletbc.com/performance/ nutcracker-2016/. ASCENSION A student-led production involving collaboration between students from music, film, dance, and theatre. Dec 8-10, 8 pm, Studio D (SFU Woodward’s, 149 W. Hastings). Tix $15/10/7, info www. facebook.com/events/552908041575188/. WINTER CONCERT OF DANCE 2016 Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts students perform in a variety of styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and musical theatre. Dec 10, 4-6 pm, Centennial Theatre (2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Van). Tix $5-25, info www.annawyman.com/. LUCITERRA WHITE RAVEN REVUE 2016 Show features performances from beginner- to advanced-level dancers, with choreography by both Luciterra and the students themselves. Dec 11, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $17, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/.

MUSIC 2JUST ANNOUNCED CHRISTMAS/CHOR LEONI Chor Leoni Men’s Choir presents new choral works, fun twists on well-known favourites, and sing-along carols. Dec 16-17, St. Andrew’s– Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson). Tix $30-45, info www.chorleoni.org/concertsevents/events/christmaschor-leoni/. VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Violinist Mark Fewer, oboist Roger Cole, and the VSO perform Biber’s Battalia, Bach’s Concerto in C Minor for Violin and Oboe, and Vivaldi’s Il grosso Mogul and The Four Seasons. Dec 16-17, 8 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Info www.vancouver symphony.ca/.

see page 44

MOVIES REVIEWS THE VIOLIN TEACHER Starring Lázaro Ramos. In Portuguese, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable

Movies about devoted educators who the lives of slum-dwelling students—well, they offer an overly familiar kind of uplift, don’t they? On paper, The Violin Teacher certainly seems to go there. In the theatre, however, this beautifully crafted character study pulls off most of the tough stuff it attempts with that extra dose of feeling, perspective, and poetry that elevates mere social commentary into real art. It starts with a strong star. Handsome Lázaro Ramos is well-known to Brazilian TV-watchers and famous abroad for the transgender lead in Madame Satã. Here, he plays Laerte, a skilled and highly educated musician. When we meet him, our fine fiddler is bombing out in an orchestral audition and also with the other members of his pro string quartet, seen rehearsing in a pleasant quarter of São Paulo. We don’t know if his social problems are rooted in being a dark-skinned Afro-Brazilian in a rarefied, Eurocentric world or because of his generally chilly personality. But without a current job, he is willing to take a bus into Heliópolis, a sprawling favela outside of town, to teach a bunch of poor kids how to play Vivaldi and Bach. We’re only given pointed clues in the terse script by director Sérgio Machado and several others, adapting a play unexpectedly written by Antônio Ermírio de Moraes—one of the

2 change

Vivaldi among the favelas

In The Violin Teacher, dishy Lázaro Ramos plays an accomplished musician who takes on the job of teaching classical music in the sprawling Brazilian slum of Heliópolis.

stuck with Mom’s cat, too. Where her Elle character is artlessly thorny with family, friends, and colleagues, however, Huppert’s Nathalie is Overly familiar Violin Teacher ultimately stands and delivers; generally accommodating, even if her passions don’t run Isabelle Huppert chills out again in brainy Things to Come very high in any direction. richest people in the world until he died, two years She’s scarcely more perturbed when her formerly companionable husband (André Marcon) sudago, and a sometime politician. The smoothly shot and smartly edited movie denly announces his departure than when the suddenly departs Laerte’s POV in order to follow company that usually publishes her philosophical some of the kids to their homes, where the expected tracts gets overrun by dimwitted 20-somethings. Nathalie is patient with her drama-queen urban troubles are parked. But this is just enough to put his conflicts in context, and to make their col- mother (Edith Scob, whose career began in 1959) lective struggle for self-expression about something and mildly doting with her own offspring. But more than a hobby. Much of the instrumental play- this popular professor has a special interest in one ing is mimed, of course, but the filmmakers mix it of her ex-students, a talented writer called Fabien, realistically, so motorbikes and barking dogs are who has given up academia to join a self-styled “anarchist commune” in the French countryside. never far away. The inspiration is felt, not faked. > KEN EISNER She jumps on a super-modern train to their outpost, which resembles late 1968, especially when THINGS TO COME the assorted Euro castoffs there start drinking wine and arguing Schopenhauer. Do their maunStarring Isabelle Huppert. In French, with English derings, or even their potentially erotic advensubtitles. Rated PG tures, really matter to her? With her elegant ice crust covering inward Roman Kalinka, the lanky James Taylor type heat, Isabelle Huppert is so masterful at who plays Fabien, was part of an electronicaplaying remote characters you could miss the DJ collective in Eden, Hansen-Løve’s previous complexity of what she accomplishes on-screen. movie. Only 35, she has made five distinctly The ageless French star has rarely tackled roles different features, and is married to veteran as seemingly similar as those in Paul Verhoeven’s director Olivier Assayas. She appears to have upcoming Elle—in which she appears as a wealthy thought a lot about art, comfort, and our inevitParisian literature professor turned game-com- able disquiets—commonplaces that are hard to pany owner with a taste for kinky bouts—and Mia capture in cinema. The French title, by the way, Hansen-Løve’s Things to Come, where she plays a translates as The Future. They might as well call wealthy Parisian philosophy teacher. it Mortality, and yet the movie brims with its Both women have ailing mothers, grown chil- own quiet fire. > KEN EISNER dren, and weak husbands. And they both get

WEEK IN WIDESCREEN

MULHOLLAND DRIVE We’ve got another 83 years to go

(and who knows what Tyler Perry might still come up with), but for now—according to a global poll of 177 film critics conducted this summer by the BBC—Mulholland Drive is the best film of the 21st century. See it again in 35mm when the most honest film ever made about Hollywood returns to the Cinematheque for four nights, starting Saturday (December 10). -

Starring Chen Gang. In Mandarin, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable

In China, the consequences of accidental

2 automotive injury are often much more

expensive than the cost of outright killing someone with your car, which usually engenders only a one-time payout instead of potential life support. Lao Shi, our sort-of hero (played by relative newcomer Chen Gang) here, is a straight-shooting taxi driver who loses everything trying to do the right things after a drunken passenger causes a freak accident. Old Stone begins with our middle-aged driver witnessing somebody else’s roadside auto-da-fé. But this carries him, and us, back three months, when a similar bad thing happened to him. In those bygone days, he had a young child and a social-climbing wife (An Nai, who also helped produce the film), plus a shady pal (Wang Hongwei) who kept trying to hip him to how things really go down in the free-for-all economy. But Lao Shi, whose name conjures both honesty and antiquity in Mandarin, just can’t bend to the system even when it threatens to break him. Written and directed by the talented Johnny Ma, who has lately been dividing his time between Vancouver and New York City, the movie draws subtle contrasts between old social nets and the new selfishness. But the young director is also a sneaky stylist, moving confidently from a plain, doclike feel to darkly comic noir later on in his f lick’s fast-moving 80 minutes. By the end, superbly goosed along by an international tech crew, you won’t know whom to root for anymore. Whatever the outcome, or see page 46

MOVIES

The projector

Silencio

OLD STONE

What to see and where to see it

THE THIRD PART OF THE NIGHT The

TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

MARS ATTACKS! President Jack Nicholson

The good son

Cinematheque offers one last, rare screening of filmmaker Andrzej Zuławski’s 1971 debut, a hallucinatory vision of Nazi-occupied Poland now newly restored and ready to slaughter your family while you cower in the woods, on Thursday (December 8). Witnesses from the frontlines of “extreme” resource extraction speak out in this doc, at the Vancity Theatre on Sunday (December 11), with filmmaker David Lavalee, scientist-activist Lynne Quarmby, and the Wilderness Committee’s Peter McCartney attending.

joins forces with Slim Whitman (kind of) to take on invading Martians with big-ass brains but very poor verbal skills in Tim Burton’s 1996 spoof, rounding off the Cinematheque’s departing Sci-Fi Cinema Sunday season on, erm, Sunday (December 11).

ONE MORE TIME WITH FEELING Fine Aussie director Andrew Dominik captures the recording of the Bad Seeds’ Skeleton Tree album in the wake of the 2015 death of Arthur Cave—Nick’s 15-year-old son. Originally a global, one-night-only screening event in September, One More Time With Feeling comes to the Vancity Theatre on Monday (December 12). DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 43

Arts time out

from page 42

CHRISTMAS REPRISE XIV The Vancouver Cantata Singers present the annual holiday concert. Dec 17, 2 pm, Holy Rosary Cathedral (646 Richards [at Dunsmuir]). The event also runs Dec 21, 7:30 pm, at the Anvil Centre. Tix $30/20/10, info www.vancouvercantatasingers.com/. FESTIVE CANTATAS: J.S. BACH MAGNIFICAT Early Music Vancouver and the Pacific Baroque Orchestra present J.S. Bach’s masterpiece, Telemann’s Concerto for Three Trumpets in D Major, and Bach’s Cantata 140. Dec 18, 3 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix from $18, info www.earlymusic.bc.ca/events/ festive-cantatas-j-s-bach-magnificat/. CHRISTMAS/CHOR LEONI Chor Leoni Men’s Choir presents a holiday program of new choral works, fun twists on wellknown favourites, and sing-along carols. Dec 18, 4:30 pm, West Vancouver United Church (2062 Esquimalt). Tix $30-45, info www.chorleoni.org/concerts-events/ events/christmaschor-leoni/. CARMINA BURANA The Vancouver Bach Choir presents Carl Orff’s theatrical cantata, Dove’s The Passing of the Year, and Bergmann’s Tubular Bells. Includes performances by the Bergmann Piano Duo and Fringe Percussion. Feb 25, 8 pm, Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe). Tix from $29, info www.vancouverbachchoir.com/.

info www.vancouveropera.ca/Hanseland-Gretel/.

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS William Rowson conducts host Christopher Gaze, the UBC Opera Ensemble, EnChor, and the VSO in a traditional holiday concert. Dec 8-11, St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson). The event also runs Dec 14 at the South Delta Baptist Church, Dec 15 at the Bell Performing Arts Centre, Dec 16 at the Centennial Theatre, Dec 17 at the Kay Meek Theatre, and Dec 18 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, info 604-8763434, www.vancouversymphony.ca/. SOMETHING TO TREASURE: A GOOD NOISE CHRISTMAS Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir presents its annual holiday concert featuring gospel adaptations of classic Christmas songs. Dec 9-11, Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard). The concert also runs at Fraserview MB Church. Tix $10-25, info www.brownpapertickets.com/. AMBLESIDE ORCHESTRA Performance by the North Shore–based multi-generational orchestra. Dec 9, 6:45 pm, Lonsdale Quay (123 Carrie Cates Court, North Van). Info www.lonsdalequay.com/events/ ambleside-orchestra/.

2THIS WEEK

A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES The Vancouver Welsh Society presents the holiday classic by Dylan Thomas. Includes performances by Russell Roberts, Colleen Winton, Gower Roberts, and Brian Tate. Dec 9, 10, 7:30 pm, Cambrian Hall (215 E. 17). Tix $20, info 604-294-4332.

HANSEL AND GRETEL The Vancouver Opera presents the musical story of two children who find themselves on a magical adventure. Score by Engelbert Humperdinck. To Dec 11, Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton). Tix from $25,

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS The Vivaldi Chamber Choir presents a concert of medieval wassails, traditional songs, and popular seasonal tunes. Dec 9, 8 pm, St. Helen’s Anglican Church (4405 W. 8th). Tix $22/18, info www.vivaldichoir.org/.

GIFTS OF LIGHT: SONGS IN THE NIGHT 2016 Holiday concert combines pop and classical styles with a sprinkle of dance, comedy, and feeling. Dec 9, 8 pm; Dec 10, 3:30 pm; Dec 10, 7:30 pm; Dec 11, 3:30 pm; Dec 11, 7:30 pm, Tenth Church (11 W. 10th). Admission by donation, info www.tenth.ca/. FROM FORMOSA Shao-Chia Lü conducts violinist Cho-Liang Lin and the Taiwan Philharmonic in a program of Chun-Wei Lee’s The Last Mile, Tyzen Hsiao’s Violin Concerto in D Major, Op 50, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 5, Op 64, E Minor. Dec 9, 8 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $20-120 (plus service charges and fees) at www.chancentre.com/. HANDEL’S MESSIAH: THE CHRISTMAS MASTERPIECE Jon Washburn conducts the Vancouver Chamber Choir and Orchestra, the Pacifica Singers, and soloists Martha Guth, Susan Platts, Colin Balzer, and Tyler Duncan in a performance of the choral classic. Dec 9, 8-10 pm, Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe). Tix $10-55, info www.vancouverchamberchoir.com/. ZING! NOEL! Zing! Children’s Choir presents a mixture of sacred and secular choral music, with guests baritone Alan Corbishley, percussionist Jaelem Bhate, and violinist Patricia Iacob. Dec 10, 3 pm, Shaughnessy Heights United Church (1550 W. 33rd). Tix $15/kids free, info www.zingvancouver.ca/. EAST MEETS EAST The Nava Intercultural Community Orchestra and the Golden Pearl Ensemble perform music from faraway places. Dec 10, 7:30 pm, Pyatt Hall (843 Seymour). Tix $20, info 778-998-5375. CHANTEZ NOËL The Ryerson United Church Choir presents a concert of festive carols and seasonal works by Bach, Handel, Byrt, Whitacre, and Leighton. Dec 11, 2:30 pm, Ryerson United Church (2195 W. 45th). Tix $20/students and kids free, info www. facebook.com/events/1763317360572891/. THE NUTCRACKER SUITE The Vancouver Pops Symphony will be teaming up with the 45th Ave Jazz Band to bring you Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Dec 11, 3 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix from $15, info www.vancouverpops.com/.

MULHOLLAND DRIVE

songs. Dec 11, 7-9 pm, Chandos Pattison Auditorium (10238 168th St., Surrey). Tix $18/12, info www.surreysymphony.com/.

DEC 10 - 14, 2016

CHILD

ADULT

2JUST ANNOUNCED

SUN, DEC 11・1PM・PG

YEAR IN REVIEW The Vancouver TheatreSports League presents an improvcomedy show inspired by the stories that made the headlines in past year. Dec 26-31, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.

www.theCinematheque.ca | 1131 Howe Street

ISABELLE HUPPERT

THINGS TO COME A FILM BY

MIA HANSEN-LØVE

“RIGOROUSLY INTELLIGENT...

AN EXPLORATION OF THE INSECURITY THAT CAN HIT ANY OF US WHEN WE QUESTION THE LIFE WE’VE BUILT.”

+ + + +

— THE GUARDIAN

STARTS FRIDAY!

VANCITY THEATRE 1181 SEYMOUR ST • VANCOUVER

ADVANCE TICKETS - VIFF.ORG

¿OPVweOLNH See the trailer at filmswelike.com

“Gri ing... Powerful... A fu -blown psychological thri er.” – HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

WINNER!

BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE - TIFF16

OLD STONE

A Film by joh y ma

STARTS FRIDAY!

1131 HOWE ST #200 • VANCOUVER

A TOUCH OF BRASS QUINTET Music in the Morning presents the Vancouver ensemble in a program of traditional brass music and holiday tunes. Dec 14-16, 10:30-11:30 am, Vancouver Academy of Music (1270 Chestnut). $38/35/17, info www.musicinthemorning.org/.

COMEDY

MARS ATTACKS!

Best Film

ADVANCE TI C KETS - THECINEMATHEQUE.CA ¿OPVweOLNH

44 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

MESSIAH EN MASSE You could recommend Vancouver Chamber Choir’s performance of George Frederick Handel’s Messiah for its sheer quantity of voices: the esteemed choral group is joined here by the Pacifica Singers to boost its considerable power. Add the live music of the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, and you’ll see the oratorio taken to resounding new heights. But we’re jazzed about the soloists too, including the rising, crystalline-voiced soprano Martha Guth (shown here), mezzo Susan Platts, and two of our finest male singers: tenor Colin Balzer and baritone Tyler Duncan. If you haven’t ever witnessed the 18thcentury masterwork live, here’s your chance: the VCC stages it on Friday (December 9) under the gilded triple dome of the Orpheum.

SOL Y LUNA Second Sunday Concert Series presents cellist Ariel Barnes play2THIS WEEK ing repertoire by J. S. Bach, Ana Sokolovic, and Gaspar Cassado. Dec 11, 4-5 pm, CHRISTMAS QUEEN 3: THE Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay). BACHELORETTE EDITION The Vancouver Tix $12-15, info www.roeddehouse.org/ TheatreSports League presents an improv en/activities/cultural-activities/secondshow that sees the titular character star in sunday-concert-xbq/. her own reality TV show as she looks for love with Elf on a Shelf, Jack Frost, Scrooge, SOUNDS OF THE SEASON HOLIDAY the Grinch, and even Santa. To Dec 23, The CONCERT The Surrey Youth Orchestra, the Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Intermediate Orchestra, and the Junior Strings present classical works and holiday Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.

THE BEST FILM OF THE 21st CENTURY?

Tim Burton’s

straight choices

See the trailer at filmswelike.com

THE FIGHTER AND THE KID LIVE Live presentation of the weekly podcast featuring former UFC heavyweight Brendan “Big Brown” Schaub and actor-comedian Bryan Callen. Jan 19, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAYS Comedians Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff Davis, and Joel Murray perform improv games from the Emmy-nominated TV series Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Feb 26, 7:30 pm, River Rock Casino (8811 River Rd., Richmond). Tix $54.50/49.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.riverrock.com/.

2ONGOING 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. 2QUINN DAHLE Dec 8-10 2BRENT MORIN Jan 12-14 2SCOTT THOMPSON Jan 26-28 2NIKKI GLAZER Feb 3-4 2BRIAN POSEHN Feb 16-18 2JON DORE Feb 24-25 YUK YUK’S COMEDY CLUB 2837 Cambie, 604-696-9857, www.yukyuks.com/vancouver. Comedy club with Top Talent Tue at 8 pm, amateur night Wed at 8 pm, and professional headliners Thu-Fri at 8 pm and Sat at 7 and 9:30 pm. Cover Tue $10, Wed $7, Thu $10, and Fri-Sat $20. 2PATRICK HAYE Dec 8-10 2LORI GIBBS Dec 15-17 VANCOUVER THEATRESPORTS LEAGUE Some of the world’s most daring and innovative improv. Christmas Queen 3 (Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat, 7:30 pm); Firecracker! (Wed, 9:15 pm); Improv After Dark (Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat, 11:15 pm); OK Tinder (Thu, 9:15 pm); Rookie Night (Sun, 7:30 pm); TheatreSports (Fri and Sat, 9:30 pm). Dec 7-14, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Info www.vtsl.com/.

QUINN DAHLE Los Angeles-based standup comedian performs a solo show. Dec 8-10, The Comedy MIX (1015 Burrard). Tix $20/18/15, info www.thecomedymix.com/. PATRICK HAYE Standup comedian performs a solo show. Dec 8-10, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club (2837 Cambie). Tix $19.05/9.53, info www.yukyuks.com/ vancouver/. NIKKI GLASER American standup comedian, podcast host, and TV host performs as part of the Leafly Comedy Tour. Dec 9, 8-11 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Free admission, info www.do604.com/leaflycomedytour/. TIG NOTARO American standup comedian, storyteller, and writer known for her standup release LIVE and her role on Amazon series Transparent. Dec 14, doors 7:30 pm, show 8:30 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS JFL NORTHWEST Comedy festival features performances by Sarah Silverman, Trevor Noah, Chris D’Elia, Iliza, Tom Segura, Brian Posehn, Jon Dore, Nate Bargatze, Aparna Nancherla, K. Trevor Wilson, and Barry Crimmins. Other program highlights include SiriusXM’s Top Comic Showcase, Comedy Short Shorts, Piff the Magic Dragon, My Favorite Murder, the Just for Laughs Showcase, and the Best of the West Series, which showcases local comic talent. Feb 16-25, various Vancouver venues. Tix on sale now at www.jflnorthwest.com/.

LITERARY EVENTS 2THIS WEEK STORIES ON A WINTER’S DAY Take a break from the hustle and bustle of December and enjoy seasonal stories collected specially for adults. Storytellers include Melanie Ray, Kira Van Deusen, and Grant Lawrence. Dec 10, 1-2:30 pm, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 W. Georgia). Free admission, info www.vpl.ca/events/. STORYTELLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS Eleven writers and performers share short stories and audience members vote for who will win $400 in cash prizes and the title of 2016 Vancouver Story Slam Champion. Featuring Alexis Sugden, Alix Born, Burcu Ozdemir, Don Simpson, J.P. Lorence, Jim Murray, Kyla del Rosario, Mary Parlange, Patricia Morrison, Phyllis Graham, and Susan Levang, plus a guest story from Vancouver Story Slam founder Johnny Frem. Dec 13, 8-10 pm, Cottage Bistro (4470 Main). Tix $10, info www.facebook. com/vancouverstoryslam/.

ET CETERA 2JUST ANNOUNCED 2017 PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL The 13th annual celebration of groundbreaking theatre, dance, music, and multimedia art features artists from 11 countries. Highlights include an all-star Australian indigenous band, South Korean performance art, Bavarian folk dancers, and participatory recitation from Portugal. Jan 16–Feb 5, 2017, various Vancouver venues. Tix $10-103, info www.pushfestival.ca/. 17TH ANNUAL CHUTZPAH! FESTIVAL Celebration of Jewish performing arts features dance, theatre, comedy, and music by local, Canadian, and international artists. Includes performances by Spellbound Contemporary Ballet, Yossi Berg and Oded Graf Dance Theatre, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, the Klezmatics, David Broza, and Judy Gold. Feb 16–Mar 13, 2017, Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 W. 41st). The event also runs at York Theatre, Scotiabank Dance Centre, and Biltmore Cabaret. Tix $23-50 at www.chutzpahfestival.com/.

2THIS WEEK TABOO REVUE: JINGLE BOOBS The Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society presents a holiday-themed variety show featuring dance, songs, comedy, and striptease. Dec 10, 8 pm, WISE Hall (1882 Adanac). Tix $15-25, info www.screamingchicken.net/. LEONARD COHEN TRIBUTE Highlights include 22 works of art by Cohen, a performance of Cohen’s music by Boogie Street, a reading of Cohen’s poetry by members of Pandora’s Collective, and a talk on Cohen and Jewish spirituality by Matthew Gindin. Dec 11, 2:05-9 pm, Jewish Community Centre (950 W. 41st). Tix $10, info www.jccgv.com/. GASTOWN CABARET SLEIGH ALL DAY Evening of belly dancing by Scarlet Lux, boylesque by Vixen Von Flex, burlesque by April O’Peel, and singing by Sparkle Plenty. Dec 13, Guilt & Co. (1 Alexander). Tix $10, info www.gastowncabaret.com/. TORUK: THE FIRST FLIGHT Cirque du Soleil presents a new show inspired by the world of James Cameron’s hit film Avatar. Dec 14-18, Pacific Coliseum (Hastings Park, 100 N. Renfrew). Tix at www.ticketleader.ca/.

GALLERIES BILL REID GALLERY OF NORTHWEST COAST ART 639 Hornby, 604-6823455, www.billreidgallery.ca/. 2JUDY CHARTRAND: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (ceramics by Judy Chartrand reveal her personal history and provide insights into life in the Downtown Eastside) to Feb 19 ELISSA CRISTALL GALLERY 2239 Granville, 604-730-9611, www.cristallgallery. com. 2JESSIE MCNEIL, TRAVELLERS: NEW COLLAGES (Jessie McNeil’s collage work addresses themes of place, collective and personal memory, language, landscape, and value with an emphasis on cultural history and identity) to Dec 23 VANCOUVER ART GALLERY 750 Hornby, 604-662-4719, www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/. 2STARE (exhibition features photographic works that evoke a fixed and concentrated gaze on the part of artist and viewer) to Jan 22 2WALKER EVANS: DEPTH OF FIELD (exhibition features more than 200 black-and-white and colour prints from the 1920s through to the 1970s) to Jan 22 2VANCOUVER SPECIAL: AMBIVALENT PLEASURES (exhibition encompasses a range of approaches and reinvigorated explorations of surrealism, abstraction, atemporality, and conceptual practices) to Apr 17 2JUXTAPOZ X SUPERFLAT (exhibition offers a unique insight into contemporary art and its place in cultural life) to Feb 5

MUSEUMS THE MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT UBC 6393 NW Marine Drive, 604822-5087, www.moa.ubc.ca/. 2IN THE FOOTPRINT OF THE CROCODILE MAN: CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE SEPIK RIVER, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (exhibition features the carvings of Papua New Guinea’s Iatmul people) to Jan 31, 2017 2LAYERS OF INFLUENCE: UNFOLDING CLOTH ACROSS CULTURES (exhibition features more than 130 diverse cultural garments, from Japanese kimonos, to colourful Indian saris, to the elaborate feather cloaks of the Maori people of Aotearoa/New Zealand) to Apr 9

OUT OF TOWN 2THIS WEEK INTERSECTIONS: CONTEMPORARY ARTIST FILMS By transforming the traditional white cube exhibition spaces into a series of film/video rooms, the Audain Art Museum will provide its visitors with a different way in which to explore and experience experimental and contemporary films and videos. To Feb 6, Audain Art Museum (4350 Blackcomb Way, Whistler). Info www.audainartmuseum.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.

MOVIES

New blood from Old Stone > B Y A DRIA N M A C K

y and large, filmmaking is a nightmare that never ends, even when it does. “It baffles me that people are using words like competent, because all I see are mistakes,” says a wry Johnny Ma, calling the Straight from Tel Aviv not too long after squirming through another festival screening of his debut feature, Old Stone. All humility and discomfort aside, Ma’s film, which opens Friday (December 9), has been praised as considerably more than just competent, taking the best Canadian first feature film award at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival amid a torrent of critical raves and then setting VIFF on fire a few weeks later. The taut, wiry tale of a taxi driver in China who hits a motorcyclist and then makes the dire mistake of trying to help him, Ma’s film is an inverted morality tale for a developed world that’s definitively crossed the line into posthuman dystopia. It’s also the work of an aggravated young man. “If I have any regrets, it’s that there was a lot more humour in the script before, and I wanted it in there,” Ma says. “But I think I made Old Stone at a pretty frustrating time in my life. I was angry, and I needed to release that anger and frustration with a film, and that became Old Stone. The world I painted is a pretty bleak one, I admit. It’s not how I see the world, although it was, certainly, at that point. Bureaucracy is the reason that a lot of good things don’t get done.” Bureaucracy—as embodied by a parade of hospital clerks, insurance people, and company lawyers—is unquestionably the villain in Old Stone, but Ma might be referring a little more obliquely to the painful work of getting his film in the can. As a rookie director with a limited budget, he also concedes that the obstacles he faced ended up forcing

Sometime Vancouverite Johnny Ma has produced a critical and festival favourite with his Chinese-made debut feature, the neo-noir Old Stone.

some of his best decisions, from the film’s spare, airtight construction to the emergency casting of its noteperfect leading man, Chen Gang. Ma turned to the retired TV actor when his first lead quit the production a week before shooting. He was already working with lesser-known actors because he “wasn’t even able to get close” to the more marketable stars. Gang’s big-screen work amounted to a whopping two supporting roles, but it was enough to get Ma’s antennae buzzing. “There was something in him that was so genuine,” he says. “He was actually really difficult to find, and we had to give up on him in our first round of casting. I remember having this meeting with my core team and saying, ‘I need to find this guy.’ In the end, I had five numbers and finally one of them worked.”

ADVANCE SCREENING details at straight.com

Even then, he adds, Gang’s fear of flying meant that Ma had to audition the actor by Skype. “But there was always the sense that I wanted him. I looked at him and said, ‘He could be Old Stone,’ basically. And then he drove his Porsche down and we started shooting eight days later. It was pretty crazy.” Ma’s instincts were dead-on. Gang’s sad-eyed take on Lao Shi provides the necessary human centre to a film that reads like an arch mutation of Franz Kafka and neonoir. “It was the one thing that I recognized as I was watching the film again. He’s the entire reason that the film and the through line work,” Ma offers. “I think he saw Old Stone as his last opportunity to walk the red carpet, and I think he deserves it.” Indeed, Gang’s performance see next page

EXPLOSIVE!

“

JESSICA CHASTAIN

IS SENSATIONAL, AN OSCAR WORTHY ®

TURN THAT BURNS

UP THE SCREEN.

A MUST SEE

FULL OF TWISTS

AND TURNS”. PETE HAMMOND ,

“ONE OF THE YEAR’S

BEST MOVIES!” SCOTT MANTZ ,

DIRECTED BY JOHN MADDEN FencesMovie.com

Visit

STRATEGIZE. SURPRISE. ANNIHILATE. #MissSloane

to win tickets to the advance screening

SCOTIABANK THEATRE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19

IN THEATRES DECEMBER 25 Visit

for movie listings.

Coarse Language, Sexually Suggestive Scenes, Violence

STARTS FRIDAY!

CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORY FOR LOCATIONS AND SHOWTIMES

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 45

has been routinely singled out by impressed critics, although his director could maybe give himself a little credit. Ma readily admits that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;pushed all my actors very hardâ&#x20AC;? and suggests that Gangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s painful journey in the film was mirrored on-set. The docu-realism of its early scenes gradually morphs into something with the high style and dark overtures of Blood Simple, and by the time it was over, the relationship between Gang and Ma was fraught. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Any actor-director relationship is a difficult one,â&#x20AC;? Ma says with a soft chuckle, adding that the airplane-phobic star still hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t caught a screening of the movie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But this is not the way Chinese actors are used to working, and it was my first film. If it was another director, it would be a different story, I think. I can understand. He was 50 years old, coming to a set where the average age was mid-30s. Of course he

Movie reviews

from page 43

the message, this Stone is thrown remarkably well.

> KEN EISNER

TEN YEARS Starring Liu Kai Chi. In Cantonese and Mandarin, with English subtitles. Rating unavailable

Some seriously insideâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Hong

2 Kong stuff plays out in this

collection of five shorts made by five very different directors drawing on the past while gazing roughly 10 years into the future of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most anglophonic â&#x20AC;&#x153;special administrative regionâ&#x20AC;?. The tales range from ominously politicalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the black-and-white opener, from young director Chow Kwun-Wai, is like Tarantino as interpreted by Jim Jarmuschâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to the playfully amusing, as in the brief visit with a cab driver who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep up with changes in the

W I N N E R 4 NAT I O NA L B OA R D O F R E V I E W AWA R D S

BEST PICTURE BEST ACTOR CASEY AFFLECK BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

KENNETH LONERGAN

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE, MALE

language. This segment, from Jevons Au, is where westerners learn that what we routinely refer to as Mandarin is called Putonghua by millions of mainlanders.

Also funny, in a somewhat darker way, is the closing short, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Local Eggâ&#x20AC;?, in which a long-time shopkeeper (TV veteran Liu Kai Chi) has a hard time keeping up with the shifting politics of how things are labelledâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and with the creepiness of his own small son joining a uniformed spy squad. (This bitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director, Ng Ka-Leung, also helped put together the whole package, which initially played on one screen in HK before doing very well there.) Throughout, the visuals shift from vividly colourful to sombrely monochromatic, as in the artsiest and least successful entry, about a couple who play at being archaeologists after some unexplained upheaval. But even the weaker parts add up to a deeper understanding of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening over there, and the whole package is worth seeing as a smartly varied projection of anxieties regarding this unique city-state as it gets drawn further into the PRC fold. > KEN EISNER

1660 EAST BROADWAY @ COMMERCIAL MEDIA SPONSOR

NOW PLAYING!

ADVANCE TICKETS AT WWW.RIOTHEATRETICKETS.CA

LUCAS HEDGES

THE PAPER KITES SP :LWK VSHFLDO JXHVWV Doe Paoro. MISERY SP , P \RXU QXPEHU RQH IDQ )ULGD\ /DWH 1LJKW 0RYLH 7KH *HHNHQGHUV 3UHVHQW THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Jim Sharman's PXVLFDO ZRXOG ZDUS WLPH VSDFH DQG VZHHW WUDQVYHVWLWHV IRUHYHU DV D OLYH VKRZ EHIRUH EHFRPLQJ RQH RI WKH ELJJHVW FXOW ILOPV SKHQRPHQRQV HYHU )ROORZLQJ WKHLU VROG RXW UXQ LQ 2FWREHU 9DQFRXYHU V IDYRXULWH QHUGOHVTXH WURXSH 7KH *HHNHQGHUV UHWXUQ WR GR WKH 7LPH :DUS $JDLQ *LYH \RXUVHOI RYHU WR DEVROXWH SOHDVXUH $XGLHQFH FRVWXPHV DQG SDUWLFLSDWLRQ ZHOFRPH DQG HQFRXUDJHG 'HFHPEHU SP SP DQG 'HFHPEHU SP

C R I T I C S â&#x20AC;&#x2122; C H O I C E AWA R D S

BEST PICTURE BEST ACTOR CASEY AFFLECK

BEST DIRECTOR KENNETH LONERGAN BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY KENNETH LONERGAN BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS MICHELLE WILLIAMS BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR LUCAS HEDGES

WINNER

3 N E W Y O R K F I L M C R I T I C S C I R C L E AWA R D S BEST ACTOR CASEY AFFLECK

BEST SCREENPLAY KENNETH LONERGAN BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS MICHELLE WILLIAMS

DECEMBER 12

NOMINATIONS INCLUDING

DECEMBER 14

â&#x20AC;˘

A taxi driver is undone by a dialect he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak in the smart Ten Years.

DEC 9

from previous page

looked at us and wondered: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Can these guys actually do it or are they full of shit?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I get it. I totally get it.â&#x20AC;? One wonders how Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s methods will impact the stars of his next film, which he will return to prep in China after a little R & R in Israel. Now that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hot property, genre scripts have been making their way to the Shanghai-born filmmaker, whose globetrotting bio includes a stint at UBC. (His parents still live in Vancouver.) Instead, Ma is reviving the project he abandoned prior to Old Stone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A family story,â&#x20AC;? in his words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;about an 80-year-old grandfather who announces heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting a divorce, and it makes every generation of the family rethink their own marriages and relationships.â&#x20AC;? Ma says he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the financing before. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But, hopefully, things will be a little easier now.â&#x20AC;? At the very least, we can expect them to be considerably more than competent and almost certainly not full of shit. -

DEC 10 & 11

New blood

â&#x20AC;&#x153;++++

THE HANDMAIDEN SP 7KH ODWHVW IURP FHOHEUDWHG GLUHFWRU Park Chan-wook (OLDBOY) LV DQ XQH[ SHFWHGO\ HGJH RI \RXU VHDW URPDQWLF FULPH GUDPD VHW LQ V -DSDQ D JUHDW ELJ FKRFRODWH ER[ RI D PRYLH LQ ZKLFK D ULFK DQG VDWLVI\LQJ QDUUDWLYH LV HQOLYHQHG E\ VRPH SLTXDQW HURWLFD DQG WKH VKDUS WDQJ RI SROLWLFV (The Globe & Mail) (QJOLVK VXEV $OVR VFUHHQLQJ 'HF DW SP 'HF DW SP CHRISTINE SP ,I LW EOHHGV LW OHDGV Â´ ,QVSLUHG E\ WKH QRWRULRXV WUXH VWRU\ RI D V 79 UHSRUWHU Rebecca Hall (VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA) JLYHV RQH RI WKH \HDU V PRVW EX]]HG DERXW SHUIRUPDQFHV LQ WKLV WUDJLF DQG IDVFLQDWLQJ VWRU\ RI D ZRPDQ FDXJKW LQ WKH FURVVKDLUV RI D VSLUDOLQJ SHUVRQDO OLIH DQG FDUHHU FULVLV $OVR VFUHHQLQJ 'HF DW SP GIMME DANGER SP 'LUHFWRU Jim Jarmusch's Gimme Danger LV D FRPSHOOLQJ DQG GHWDLOHG GLDU\ RI HYHU\WKLQJ WKDW PDGH WKH 6WRRJHV ZKDW WKH\ ZHUH 7KH EHVW UHDVRQ WR VHH WKH ILOP LV VLPSO\ WKH FKDQFH LW RIIHUV WR ZDOORZ LQ WKH JUXQJ\ JORU\ RI ,JJ\ 3RS (Variety) 7KH *HQWOHPHQ +HFNOHUV 3UHVHQW DIE HARD 2: DIE HARDER SP Âł7KH\ VD\ OLJKWQLQJ QHYHU VWULNHV WZLFHÂŤ 7KH\ ZHUH ZURQJ Â´ Bruce Willis UHSULVHV KLV UROH DV VWUHHW VPDUW FRS John McClane LQ 5enny Harlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s VHDVRQDOO\ DSSURSULDWH DFWLRQ WKULOOHU VHTXHO %OHVVHG ZLWK WKH ZRUVW +ROLGD\ OXFN H YHU 0F&ODQH ILQGV KLPVHOI DJDLQ KDYLQJ WR IDFH RII DJDLQVW VRPH VHULRXV EDG JX\V ZKDWÂśUH WKH RGGV" LQVWHDG RI Santa

G O T H A M AWA R D

5 BEST FEATURE SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS INCLUDING

BEST MALE LEAD

CASEY AFFLECK

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

LUCAS HEDGES BEST SCREENPLAY

KENNETH LONERGAN

DECEMBER 16

BEST ACTOR

CASEY AFFLECK

DECEMBER 17

++++ ++++ ++++ WINNER

THE BEST FILM OF THE YEAR!â&#x20AC;? UÂśVÂś EH E VW THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW A #DNDLive ,PSURYLVHG +ROLGD\ 6SHFWDFXODU SP -RLQ 9DQFRXYHUÂśV EHVW FRPHGLF SHUIRUPHUV IRU WKH OLYH VPDVK KLW HSLF FRPHG\ QRZ LQ LWV ILIWK \HDU *HW \RXU PRQWKO\ GRVH RI PHGLHYDO PHUULPHQW DQG FRPHG\ JROG LQVSLUHG E\ WKH ZRUOGÂśV PRVW SRSXODU UROH SOD\LQJ JDPH $QG WKLV WLPH LWÂśV VHDVRQDO

3DUN &KDQ ZRRN 'RXEOH %LOO THE HANDMAIDEN SP OLDBOY SP &HOHEUDWH RQH RI FLQHPD V PRVW VW\OLVKO\ LQYHQWLYH ILOPPDNHUV 6RXWK .RUHD V Park Chan-wook ZLWK D GRXEOH IHDWXUH KLJKOLJKWLQJ VRPHWKLQJ QHZ (THE HANDMAIDEN) DQG DQ ROG FKHVWQXW V OLDBOY ZKLFK DOVR KDSSHQV WR EH RQH RI RXU PRVW IUHTXHQWO\ UHTXHVWHG WLWOHV 6HH RQH RU VHH HP ERWK EDWARD SCISSORHANDS Âł<RX VHH EHIRUH KH FDPH GRZQ KHUH LW QHYHU VQRZHG $QG DIWHUZDUGV LW GLG ,I KH ZHUHQÂśW XS WKHUH QRZÂŤ , GRQÂśW WKLQN LW ZRXOG EH VQRZLQJ 6RPHWLPHV \RX FDQ VWLOO FDWFK PH GDQFLQJ LQ LW Â´ )ULGD\ /DWH 1LJKW 0RYLH KONELINE our land beautiful SP Winner, Best Canadian Feature (Hot Docs, 2016) 'LUHFWRU 1HWWLH :LOG LQ DWWHQGDQFH IRU 4 $ 7KLV FLQHPDWLF SRHP LV VHW GHHS LQ WKH WUDGLWLRQDO WHUULWRU\ RI WKH Tahltan First Nation DQG FDSWXUHV LWV EHDXW\ DQG FRPSOH[LW\ GRFXPHQWLQJ RQH RI &DQDGD V YDVW ZLOGHUQHVVHV DV LW XQGHUJRHV LUUHYRFDEOH FKDQJH I'M YOUR MAN /HRQDUG &RKHQ 7ULEXWH &RQFHUW SP $ PDJLFDO OLYH FRQFHUW IHDWXULQJ DQ HFOHFWLF PL[ RI 9DQFRXYHU V PRVW WDOHQWHG PXVLFLDQV DFWRUV GDQFHUV DQG SRHWV FRPLQJ WRJHWKHU WR SD\ WULEXWH WR D JUHDW PDQ DQG KLV LQFUHGLEOH ERG\ RI ZRUN 3DUWLDO SURFHHGV WRZDUGV WKH *UHDWHU 9DQFRXYHU )RRG %DQN

97% CASEY

MICHELLE

KYLE

WILLIAMS CHANDLER A PICTURE BY KENNETH LONERGAN

AND

LUCAS

HEDGES

DEC 19 DE

AFFLECK

DECEMBER 18

*AS OF 12/05/16

NOW PLAYING

FIFTH AVENUE 2110 Burrard St. Â´ 604-734-7469

46 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016

OPENS FRIDAY

88 WEST PENDER â&#x20AC;˘ 604-806-0799

THE PRINCESS BRIDE SP 0\ QDPH LV ,QLJR 0RQWR\D <RX NLOOHG P\ IDWKHU 3UHSDUH WR GLH $ FODVVLF VWRU\ERRN ORYH VWRU\ IHDWXULQJ SLUDWHV SULQFHVVHV D VL[ ILQJHUHG PDQ URGHQWV RI XQXVXDO VL]H JLDQWV PDZZLDJH PLUDFOH PDNHUV DQG PD\EH VRPH NLVVLQJ $OO DJHV ZHOFRPH LQ WKH EDOFRQ\ LABYRINTH SP 7KH ODWH JUHDW David Bowie PDNHV PXVLF PDJLF DQG PLVFKLHI DV D *REOLQ .LQJ ZKR NLGQDSV D EDE\ ZKLOH WRUPHQWLQJ D \RXQJ Jennifer Connelly LQ GLUHFWRU Jim Henson's ZLOGO\ LPDJLQDWLYH DQG KLJKO\ HQWHUWDLQLQJ SXSSHW ILOOHG V FODVVLF $OO DJHV ZHOFRPH WR GDQFH WKH PDJLF GDQFH LQ WKH EDOFRQ\ I AM CUBA ('Soy Cuba') SP 'HVSLWH LWV RULJLQV DV D ZRUN RI 6RYLHW &XEDQ SROLWLFDO SURSDJDQGD, Mikhail Kalatozov's I AM CUBA UHPDLQV D VLQJXODUO\ VWXQQLQJ DQG KLVWRULFDOO\ UHOHYDQW FLQHPDWLF DFKLHYHPHQW VHW LQ DQG DURXQG +DYDQD FLUFD &XED V UHYROXWLRQ 7KH ILOP KROGV LWV RZQ DV VRPHWKLQJ RI D YLVXDO SRHP D VW\OLVK DQG DURXQG +DYDQD FLUFD &XED V UHYROXWLRQ 7KH ILOP KROGV LWV RZQ DV VRPHWKLQJ RI D YLVXDO SRHP D VW\OLVK FRQWHPSRUDU\ VWXG\ LQ FRQWUDVWV WKDW LV VHHPLQJO\ VKRW LQ RQH DVWRQLVKLQJ VLQJOH WDNH (QJOLVK VXEWLWOHV

SEE WWW WWW.RIOTHEATRE.CA RIOTHEATRE CA FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS & UPDATED CALENDAR

MUSIC MIKE USINGER

When I wasn’t desperately searching the Inter-

2 web for Taylor Swift’s maddeningly elusive

cover of Drake’s “Jumpman”, I had the following albums in heavy rotation on my iPod 160GB Classic. On an unrelated note, thank you, Keith Richards, for not adding to the body count this year.

MITSKI Puberty 2 Conventional thinking says

that no form of pop music is more sadly stagnant than guitar-based rock ’n’ roll. Just when it seemed impossible to disagree, along came the grippingly confessional Puberty 2, where Mitski Miyawaki’s distortion-glazed alt-pop songs kiss you softly on the forehead one minute and floor you the next.

YOU WON’T Revolutionaries Balancing wideeyed winsomeness with admirable adventurism, You Won’t gallops all over the musical map, crafting badlands death ballads, bagpipes-over-Baghdad folk jams, and road-trip sing-alongs. Josh Arnoudse (vocals and guitar) and Raky Sastri (singing saw, electric bagpipes, whirly tube, and kitchen sink) do indeed come on as revolutionaries, taking one of

Best albums of the year Or by

Clockwise from left: Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner knows a bargain when she sees one; Solange fired her stylist; A Tribe Called Red is easily amused.

has released 10 full-lengths and a couple of EPs over his career. The doublefuzzed Teens of Denial is at least the ones our critics liked, including ones where the once-unsureof-himself introvert transreunited rap crews and a dearly departed icon forms into a with-a-bullet rock’s most limited formats—the two-piece—and force, the singer abandoning the reverb-soaked DIY dragging it places the Black Keys and White Stripes of past outings for a punched-up sound that sugnever dreamed of. gests he’s ready to be indie rock’s newest antihero. BREAKFAST Psychopomp Some- KATE WILSON times the only way to deal with devastating tragedy “There’s no accounting for taste” is actually a is to turn it into something beautiful, and Japanese pretty stupid saying. Fact is, some albums are Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner does exactly that on the gorgeously dream-hazed Psychopomp. With soft- objectively better than others. Here are some of the focus drum loops and gauzy synths, the former indie good ones. rocker pays tribute to a mom who was claimed by cancer, while, in the larger picture, reminding us that THE GROWLERS City Club Contrary to poputhe pain one day fades but the good memories don’t. lar belief, the Growlers aren’t named after a beer container, but rather “the swelling of a horrendous THE GOTOBEDS Blood // Sugar // Secs // Traffic amount of fecal matter moments before it is excretJust when you’re convinced punk is finally dead, the ed”. While its early incarnation might have been Gotobeds suggest otherwise with a record blend- (for want of a better word) shit, the band has since ing fast-and-loud with unrefined grunge and gold- come of age with its infectious surf-pop, rockabilly, soundz college rock. The greatest thing about Blood grunge, and rock-inspired tracks. // Sugar // Secs // Traffic is that it’s as smart-assed as its title suggests, with singer Eli Kasan dropping PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS The Gettin’ Off lyrical references to Sonic Youth and spitting out Stage, Step 2 If you ask me—and, since you’re reading this, I suppose you are—People Under the Stairs lines like “Fuck Rolling Stone, that trash rag.” is without doubt the best old-school, funky hip-hop SHOVELS & ROPE Little Seeds Here’s something group still producing music. Name me one other Shovels & Rope’s Michael Trent and Cary Ann duo bold enough to rhyme “chrysalis” with “SisyHearst learned after unexpectedly getting pregnant: phus” in its opening track. Nope? Didn’t think so. having a kid is a delicious hell nothing can prepare you for. The husband-and-wife team coped with the MARK FARINA Mushroom Jazz 8 This year marks insanity by making their loudest record to date, Little the 25th anniversary of Mushroom Jazz: the genre Seeds, injecting their trademark gutbucket country that fuses ’90s East Coast hip-hop with European with a strain of distortion ripped right from the gos- acid jazz. The eighth in the series of stellar compel according to the Jesus and Mary Chain. pilation mixes, Farina’s latest offering blends everything from lounge music to bossa nova and hip-hop SAVAGES Adore Life Scrape away the grime, instrumentals, seamlessly forming a smooth, hourgrunge, and postpunk blackness and you get one of and-a-bit experience that will chill you out faster the most strangely uplifting records of the year. De- than the world’s biggest bong hit. spite the way Savages projects an image darker than a morgue at midnight, love and its many complexities SOLANGE A Seat at the Table For those not yet are at the core of an album that makes a very good in the know—or, I suppose, the Knowleses—Socase that singer Jehnny Beth and her bandmates real- lange’s music is actually much better than her big sister Beyoncé’s. Sure, Queen Bey may have made ly do, despite popular perception, adore life. Lemonade this year, but Solange made a full lemonPARQUET COURTS Human Performance Inspired meringue pie. Top tracks include an impassioned by the challenge of making art in a New York that’s R&B plea for people to stop touching her hair, and becoming too expensive for underground artists, an ode to self-care penned with Q-Tip. transplanted Texas indie rockers Parquet Courts pay multilayered tribute to the city that never sleeps. GLASS ANIMALS How to Be a Human Being Caffeine-buzz punk, country-fried lounge, and pile- Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley is a former driving math rock combine for one of the greatest Big medical student—which makes perfect sense when you consider his forensic approach to album-makApple–fixated outings since Lou Reed’s New York. ing. With a serious eye for detail, Bayley and his NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS Skeleton Tree band have crafted a groove-laden indie rock record Predictably, the shadow of loss hangs heavy over with a twist: creating a new character as the basis Skeleton Tree, revisionist history casting the record of each track. A concept album of sorts, How to Be as Nick Cave’s response to the horror of his teen- a Human Being is sonically engaging and lyrically age son’s death in 2015. While that’s not entirely relatable, and has single-handedly pioneered the accurate—the songs actually predate the tragedy— life hack of using “a cookie as a coaster”. there’s no disputing the alt-rock forefather has rarely sounded so melancholy, his haunting soundscapes JUSTIN JAY & FRIENDS Fantastic Voyage Pt. 1 What happens when you take a producer famed for a mix of blinding beauty and impossible despair. his work on bass-driven house music label DirtyBLACK MOUNTAIN IV The most consistently bird, put him in a college dorm room with a frat killer band ever to call Vancouver home returns buddy who plays the guitar, add another bro who six years after its last full-length, Wilderness Heart, specializes in the ukulele, and make an album? sounding dangerously recharged and refocused. The Here’s a hint: it’s not what you’d expect. Miles away guitars are still heavier than a Lebanese hash high, from Jay’s quirky house beats, Fantastic Voyage’s but it’s keyboardist Jeremy Schmidt who really steps combination of electronic instruments and vocals up this time on epics that draw on everything from is perfect for low-key beach parties, or fighting off scuzzed-out new wave to bong-king prog. the winter blues without turning to Vitamin D. JAPANESE

CARSEAT HEADREST Teens of Denial Calling

THE TOURIST COMPANY Apollo Fresh off a Carseat Headrest an overnight sensation doesn’t trans-Canada tour, these local heroes have leaped quite work, considering 24-year-old Will Toledo into the spotlight with Apollo. Taking its musical

and lyrical cues from documentaries on the history of the Space Race, the record showcases big canvases of sound with sweeping ’80s synths, intricate time signatures, and lyrical imaginings of the extraterrestrial world. So nerdy, but so powerful. ROBERT GLASPER/MILES DAVIS Everything’s Beautiful I suppose everything is beautiful when you’re the coolest jazz pianist on the planet. After finding fame penning classic beats for J Dilla, Eryka Badu, Common, and, briefly, Kanye (admittedly, not Glasper’s best), the Grammy Award–winning composer has this year tackled a Miles Davis–inspired album, merging sound clips of interviews or classic melodies from the jazz trumpeter with Glasper’s own hip-hop percussion and prodigious piano-playing. RECLOOSE Honey Rocks EP Okay, it’s not technic-

ally an album—but Recloose does more with three songs than other artists can do with three hours of tape. Title track “Honey Rocks” is a floor-filling house tune with deep synth swells and a bass line that wouldn’t seem out of place on a disco record, while second song “On & On” chills the mood with a syncopated, euphoric melody. In a bid to get you to actually listen to it, I’m not going to describe the final track, “Sidewalks”, but trust me. It’s worth it.

MATTHIAS TANZMANN Momentum The world

has been waiting eight years for deep- and techhouse pioneer Matthias Tanzmann to finally release a new album. With its light tropical percussion and fidgety melodic lines, Momentum belongs for the most part outside of the club— but tracks like “Frenzy” and “Mirage” have more than enough energy to get a crowd moving. Play this on a first date, and you’ll surely impress your counterpart with your smooth knowledge of continental sounds. And get laid.

ALEXANDER VARTY

I was toying with the idea of handing my 2016

2 Top 10 over to the ECM label, which has been

on a glorious roll for the entirety of this decade. Three of the records here—from Michael Formanek, Ches Smith, and András Schiff—are from that imprint, and it would have been easy to select seven more. Instead, I opted for records that are explicitly about communication, whether that’s the instinctive sharing of improvised sonic information, a call for unity in the face of a world gone mad, or the miraculous survival of a lost musical language.

A TRIBE CALLED RED We Are the Halluci Nation

Urban aboriginals welcome the world to their party on this gloriously openhearted invitation to think and dance. Hints of Latin music and Sami singing creep into the mix, although A Tribe Called Red’s underpinnings of powwow chanting and drumming are even more vividly present on a record that pulsates with strength of purpose.

MICHAEL FORMANEK’S ENSEMBLE KOLOSSUS The Distance Drawing on inspirations as di-

verse as cosmic French composer Olivier Messiaen and American jazz philosopher Duke Ellington, this Brooklyn big band has a vast range and high standards. Leader Michael Formanek writes intricate charts, but his huge sound on the upright bass makes sure that they’re delivered with a visceral kick.

MARY HALVORSON Away With You

Mary Halvorson’s angular melodies reflect her mentor Anthony Braxton’s influence, but there’s an underpinning sweetness to this octet recording that Braxton’s music often lacks, making it an exceptionally appealing document of state-of-the-art improvisation. And then there’s the fact that, on guitar, Halvorson goes places no one else can find. see next page

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 47

Best albums of the year

ber 11. Well, not that M83 record, Junk. That one actually did suck.

VEDA HILLE Love Waves

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST We Got It

from previous page

Neither musical theatre nor a concept album, Love Waves is Veda Hille’s first singersongwriter record in quite some time. It’s also her initial venture into electro-pop, crafted with the help of studio guru and New Pornographer John Collins. The sounds might be familiar, but Hille’s oblique intelligence ensures that the effect is ever-fresh.

From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service The Tribe staged its comeback at precisely the right time, because We Got It From Here… is the hip-hop record a post-Trump world needs, equal parts righteous anger and soulful celebration. Sadly, founding member Phife Dawg didn’t live to see its release, having died of diabetes-related complications several months before, meaning this will most likely be the group’s swan song.

ANDRÁS SCHIFF Beethoven: The Piano Sonatas Ludwig van Beethoven’s compositional genius finds its purest expression in his string quartets and piano sonatas, and no one gets to the heart of the latter more insightfully than András Schiff. Reviewing Schiff’s 2015 concert at the Chan, I praised his songlike elegance and superhuman concentration; in this collection of the complete sonatas, there are 11 CDs’ worth of that brilliance to enjoy at home.

ANOHNI Hopelessness Take that title literally; Anohni (the artist formerly known as Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons) offers no solutions on this emotional cri de coeur. There is ample power, however, in pointing out the mess the United States has made of itself and the rest of the world, and, as such, Hopelessness is a potent stateof-the-union address. Drone warfare, global warming, torture, NSA surveillance, and capital punishment all get a look-in. And just in case you didn’t get that the album’s title is a pointed reference to the 44th president of the United States, who campaigned on a platform of “hope”, “Obama” spells out an entire generation’s disillusionment. If Anohni thought the last eight years were bad, her outlook isn’t likely to improve over the next four.

JOHN SCOFIELD Country for Old Men The punning title’s no joke: the senior member of guitarist John Scofield’s quartet, bassist Steve Swallow, is a spry 76. The concept—country songs given a jazz makeover—has also been around for a while, but trust me: once you hear Scofield and company tackle Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” or Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried”, you’ll celebrate the wisdom of age. CHES SMITH The Bell The bad news

is that The Bell falls just short of capturing the ferocious focus of drummer Ches Smith, pianist Craig Taborn, and violist Mat Maneri’s February 17 con- The Rolling Stones (top) look set to survive 2016, unlike David Bowie (bottom left); meanwhile, Angel Olsen likes cats. cert at the Western Front. The good news is that their show was the best speaks—or howls—for the Arctic novelist and composer Paul Bowles for Lowe, and Keb’ Mo’—take the mike on thing I heard all year, and this will get and the Earth with more conviction. documenting these ecstatic sounds, a choice collection of Blackie originals. and to the Dust-to-Digital label for They squeeze in one by their perennial you 98 percent of the way there. VARIOUS ARTISTS Music of Mo- making them widely available! muse, Willie P. Bennett, as well. TANYA TAGAQ Retribution If the rocco: Recorded by Paul Bowles, 1959 state of the world makes you want I don’t think we’re supposed to rec- VARIOUS ARTISTS The Lost Songs THE TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND Let to scream, you’re in good company. ommend archival recordings, but of St. Kilda It’s almost a ghost story: Me Get By It takes a lot of love and deTanya Tagaq’s new effort is more this elaborately packaged collection the remote Scottish island of St. Kilda termination to keep a 12-piece band straightforward than her Polaris of four CDs and a 120-page book had a thriving musical culture when it going strong, but slide-guitar wizard Prize–winning Animism, but no one isn’t exactly Foghat’s Finest. Praise to was evacuated by government order in Derek Trucks and his golden-voiced 1930, but no one thought to document wife, Susan Tedeschi, have both in its hymns and work songs. One name- spades. Let Me Get By deserves a Gramless piano teacher remembered them, my for best blues album, just like the though, and taught them to a boy one their 2011 debut, Revelator, scored. called Trevor Morrison, who carried them in his own memory for almost 70 ERIC CLAPTON Live in San Diego years. Morrison recorded them shortly The talent assembled for Clapton’s 13th before he died, and those recordings, live album is astounding. Not only do along with newly orchestrated ver- you have Slowhand in the company sions from some very accomplished of guitarists Derek Trucks and Doyle composers, are what we have here. The Bramhall II, but you’ve got J.J. Cale sitting in on five tracks as well. Toss dead walk among us, beautifully. in the rhythm section of bassist Willie STEVE NEWTON Weeks and drummer Steve Jordan and you’re in blues-rock heaven. Please, God, don’t let any more of my rock heroes die this year. METALLICA Hardwired… to SelfDestruct If you were wondering THE ROLLING STONES Blue & Lone- which metal band has been hoardsome If this turns out to be the Stones’ ing all the raunchiest riffs, catchifinal album—hey, nobody lives forest hooks, and speediest lead-guitar ever—it will go down as a precious love freakouts of late, it was these guys. letter to the blues that spawned them. Mick, Keith, Ronnie, and Charlie sound DAVID BOWIE Blackstar Harrowing juke-joint-ready on a primo batch of might be the best word to describe rollicking blues tunes by the likes of David Bowie’s eclectic and arty, saxMagic Sam, Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis filled swan song, which was released just two days before the pop legend’s Slim, Little Walter, and Willie Dixon. death from liver cancer shocked and DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS American saddened his multitudes of followBand The Truckers have never shied ers. According to coproducer Tony away from politics, but the urgency Visconti, Blackstar was Bowie’s inwith which they tackle Trumped- tended “parting gift” to his fans. up topics like immigration, Islamophobia, and racial injustice has never JOE BONAMASSA Live at the Greek been more fierce. Main men Patter- Theatre When you’re a verified guitar son Hood and Mike Cooley are both hero who excels at the blues, you can’t gifted singer-songwriters, and their do much better than unleash a twohour, 22-track album that boasts some guitar licks aren’t bad either. of the best songs recorded by the Three JEFF BECK Loud Hailer The world’s Kings: B.B., Albert, and Freddie. greatest living rock guitarist isn’t resting on his laurels at the age of 72. THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND With Loud Hailer—another term for The Allman Brothers Band Is it too late “megaphone”—Beck delivers a fresh- to sneak this deluxe, 15-LP boxed set sounding blast of intense, politically onto my Christmas wish list? It comes minded rock. His fretwork has never in a solid-wood “Premium Georgia been more creative and mind-blowing. Peaches” crate, for cryin’ out loud.

BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS JOHN LUCAS Kings and Kings The hugely talented I think all of the music released trio of Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, and in 2016 was wonderful. All of it. Stephen Fearing follows up its impressive female-vocalist showcase Kings So, before you complain about your and Queens by letting various male favourite album’s absence from my guests—including Jason Isbell, Nick list, know that it was definitely num-

48 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

AUTOLUX Pussy’s Dead There’s a school of thought that says no one is doing anything new or boundarypushing in rock music anymore. And then there’s Autolux, which joyously obliterates that notion on one of the weirdest rock records of the decade. DAVID BOWIE Blackstar It’s tempting to include this for sentimental reasons alone—after all, David Bowie died two days after its release—but that would be downplaying its brilliance. Working with producer Tony Visconti and jazz saxophonist Donny McCaslin’s band, Bowie left us with a sonically adventurous and lyrically enigmatic masterpiece as his final statement. CHAIRLIFT Moth On Chairlift’s third full-length, Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly have finally balanced their propensity for self-conscious art-school quirkiness with their capacity for crafting ridiculous hooks. MINOR VICTORIES Minor Victories

Given that this British shoegazing supergroup is made up of members of Slowdive, Mogwai, and Editors, the true victory is that it exists in the real world and not just in my fevered fantasies.

MOGWAI Atomic My favourite Scot-

tish postrockers provided the hauntingly melodic score to a documentary that is essentially just a montage of images from Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. If 2016 has taught me anything about myself, it’s that I really enjoy depressing shit.

ANGEL OLSEN My Woman Though

she was initially pegged as an alt-folkie, My Woman reveals Angel Olsen to be a gifted pop songwriter. Mind you, “pop” is a relative concept these days. Let’s just say that “Shut Up Kiss Me” has a vintage girl-group vibe that Phil Spector would bust out of prison for, and “Woman” is the sort of quietstorm ballad tailor-made for all your tear-stained pillow evenings.

SANTIGOLD 99¢ Santi White proves that it’s possible to be topical (on 99¢ she tackles social-media narcissism, consumerism, and the fickleness of fame) without being a total downer. I mean, I like depressing shit, but not all the time. THE ZOLAS Swooner

Vancouver’s own Mickey Mantles of indie pop knock it out of the park on their fourth album, cannily switch-hitting between synth-buzzed electro (“Molotov Girls”), guitar-driven strut (“Swooner”), and sad-boy balladry (“Why Do I Wait [When I Know You’ve Got a Lover]”). And no, I have no fucking idea why I used baseball as a metaphor either. -

MUSIC

In Flames lives to entertain The video for In Flames’ “The

2 Truth” is an entertaining mini-

movie. In it, a group of young hacktivists, living off-grid in a tunnel, abducts a kid immersed in violent first-person-shooter games and deprograms him, restoring him—their computer monitor informs us—to “normal brain function”. It’s tuneful, anthemic, and pleasingly evocative of Vancouver sci-fi author William Gibson, who has a noted fondness for interstitial rebels. But the high point comes when the same hacktivists, in searching out new subjects to liberate, burst in on a young man—an actor, not a member of the band—joyfully jamming out Björn Gelotte’s solo. They leave apologetically, since the kid is obviously engaged in something authentic, and needs no rescue. In Flames frontman Anders Fridén, calling the Straight from his home in Stockholm, explains that the song poses the question of “how we can continue what we do to each other, trying to come up with these monstrous machines to kill each other, and at the same time, look our kids in the eye and tell them to eat your breakfast, go to school, be nice to your neighbour, when we are sort of the opposite ourselves”. He’s intelligent and articulate, decrying how “we haven’t learned anything—everything is about me, me, me all the time.” But he’s hardly on a soapbox. “We don’t tend to bring political themes into the band,” he tells the Straight. The conflicts referred to in Battles, the title of the album—In Flames’ twelfth studio venture, and the first with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson—are mostly interior, “about the inner struggles we have”. These include facing up to mortality, the theme of the other single from the album, “The End”, which has a connected mini-movie of its own.

Apparently the dapper gents of In Flames failed to get the memo stating that metal bands must wear black T-shirts and pose with their arms crossed.

While it doesn’t hurt that the lyrics are interesting, there’s a refreshing lack of pretension to what In Flames does. While there are dozens of bands wrapping themselves in one ism or another—Satanism, paganism, anarchism, whatever—In Flames is first and foremost a band, less interested in waving banners than it is in playing concerts and entertaining fans. “I really think that’s what we’re here to do,” Fridén agrees. “We’re there to entertain and get you away from the craziness that surrounds you normally, to give you a glimpse of something good.” The empowering quality to In Flames’ music lies, he thinks, in its emphasis on melody—because whatever changes In Flames has gone through since its inception in 1990, when the band was associated more with death metal, “it’s still always about the melody first.”

Comments on YouTube for both videos show fans bickering about what direction the band should take—with devotees of its older output preferring “The End” and those willing to see the band push boundaries embracing “The Truth”. But Fridén only takes heed of such matters when talking to journalists, he says. “I think I can’t control it, so there’s no point in me caring, really. I can’t do anything about it; if you don’t like it, I can’t go home to your house and tell you that you should like it!” On the other hand, he adds, “I really appreciate that there are people who like it, and that I can continue to do what I love and travel the world and play this type of music. But I can’t write for those people—I can’t write for anyone else. I have to do the music that I believe in.” > ALLAN M AC INNIS

In Flames plays the Commodore next Wednesday (December 14).

THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS

YUKON BLONDE HUMANS(LIVE)

| DELHI 2 DUBLIN | MEGHAN PATRICK

DJ’s ANDY CLOCKWORK, KEVIN SHIU AND HEBEGEBE Vancouver Convention Centre | 19+ | Fully Licensed Doors 8PM Until Late | Includes Licensed Fireworks Viewing

DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 49

and Horrendous. Mar 29, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

The Beatmerchant Record Store is proud to announce, Canadian ‘old school’ blues musician

HARPDOG

BROWN Jordie Edmonds

New-Used Records New CDs & DVDs New Posters T-Shirts British Soccer Lots of Goodies

and

LIVE in STORE Saturday, December 17th from 2pm to 4pm. Enjoy a blues filled afternoon and get a chance to purchase signed CD inside the store just in time for the holidays!

12240 2ND AVE. @ BAYVIEW, STEVESTON VILLAGE, RICHMOND

604.204.0044 |

music/ timeout

WWW.BEATMERCHANT.COM

NEW ORLEANS INSPIRED CUISINE

FAT TUESDAY!

Pasta is $ 95 from 5 till 9 Come down for 1/2 price pasta and free live jazz! BLUEMARTINIJAZZCAFE.COM 1516 YEW STREET, VANCOUVER, BC | 604 428 2691

DECEMBER 9

8 TOY ZEBRA 14 9 15 THE PHONIX 13 31 THURSDAY $2.75 10 OZ DRAFT $5.50 HEY Y’ALL HARD ICE TEA

WEDNESDAY

ADAPTATION

W/ MC DANIEL COYNE AND DJ TONY TIGRE

POP / ROCK COVERS

FRIDAY $5.50 LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

KUTAPIRA BAZOOKA PICNIC

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

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

FUNK / SOUL / R&B

CONCERTS < CLUBS & VENUES < OUT OF TOWN <

CONCERTS 2JUST ANNOUNCED MUSIC FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE Music on Main salutes the solstice with performances by Veda Hille, Caroline Shaw, Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa, and Adrian Vardejo. Dec 15, 16, 8 pm, Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street). Tix $25/10, info www. musiconmain.ca/concerts/music-for-thewinter-solstice-2016/.

LEON Swedish hip-hop/soul singer-songwriter tours in support of her upcoming full-length album, with guest Jacob Banks. Feb 14, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $15 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

50 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

www.straight.com

THE PAPER KITES Australian indie-folk rockers tour in support of latest studio album twelvefour, with guest Doe Paoro. Dec 8 and 9, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

JAKE SHIMABUKURO Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso performs solo arrangements of hits such as the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Dec 13, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (6265 Crescent Rd., UBC). Tix $35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. HAYLEY SALES American-Canadian actor and retro-soul singer-songwriter tours in support of next album The Misadventures. Dec 13, 8 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $10/8, info www.hayleysales.com/. THE ALBUM LEAF American electropop band tours in support of upcoming release Between Waves. Dec 13, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $18 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/. IN FLAMES AND HELL YEAH Swedish heavy-metal act coheadlines with American heavy-metal group on their Forged in Fire Tour 2016, with guests From Ashes to New. Dec 14, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $42.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. B3 KINGS WITH DENZAL SINCLAIRE Jazz-groove group composed of vocalist-drummer Denzal Sinclaire, organist Chris Gestrin, saxophonist Cory Weeds, and guitarist Bill Coon. Dec 14, 8 pm, BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts (2055 Purcell Way). Tix $30/27, info www.capilanou.ca/ blueshorefinancialcentre/16-B3-Kings/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS KEITHMAS VII: A FOOD BANK FUNDRAGER Celebrate the birth of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and help raise money for the Vancouver Food Bank. Performers include Rich Hope, Bif Naked, No Sinner, Pigby, the Rentalmen, La Chinga, Sister Morphine, the Orange Kyte, and Greenback High. Dec 16, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $15 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Highlife Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

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 $150/99/69/49 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

VALLIS ALPS Australian-American electronica duo tours in support of debut self-titled EP, with guest Matt Maeson. Mar 11, doors 8 pm, show 8:30 pm, Alexander Gastown (91 Powell). Tix on sale Dec 9, 9 am, $10 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

TURBOPROP Toronto jazz drummer Ernesto Cervini performs with tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm, pianist Adrean Farrugia, bassist Dan Loomis, alto saxophonist Tara Davidson, and trombonist William Carn. Dec 9, 8 pm, Frankie’s Jazz Club (765 Beatty). Tix $15, info www.coastaljazz.ca/turboprop/.

CHRONIXX Jamaican reggae star and his band Zinc Fence Redemption, with guests Max Glazer, Johnny Osborne, and Mr. Williamz. Mar 18, 8 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

MASSIVE GALA 2017 The Georgia Straight presents a New Year’s Eve concert featuring performances by Fetty Wap, Young Thug, Monty, and Daijo. Dec 31, Pacific Coliseum (Hastings Park, 100 N. Renfrew). Tix at www.solidevents.ca/, info www.solidevents.ca/.

20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Canadian folk-fusion band the Wheat in the Barley presents a 20th-anniversary concert in support of the St. James Hall Restoration Fund. Dec 9, 8 pm, St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th). Tix $24/22, info www.wheatinthebarley.com/.

THE WEEKND Canadian alt-R&B singersongwriter performs on his Starboy: Legend of the Fall 2017 World Tour. Apr 25, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $175/99/79/59/39.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

ZUCCHERO Italian blues-rock singersongwriter tours in support of latest studio album Black Cat. Mar 22, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $45/35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

COUSIN HARLEY Canadian rockabilly band led by Paul Pigat, with guests the 24th Street Wailers. Dec 9, 8 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $20, info www. facebook.com/events/1811588459083264/.

BRUNO MARS Grammy-winning, multiplatinum superstar performs as part of his 24K Magic World Tour. Jul 26-27, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $175/99.50/79.50/40 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

JAIN French pop singer-songwriter tours in support of debut release Zanaka. Mar 27, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $15 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/. KREATOR German thrash-metal band tours in support of upcoming release Gods of Violence, with guests Obituary, Midnight,

TALES OF A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Coastal Jazz presents the Jerry Granelli Trio and a North Shore children’s choir in a concert of stories and music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Dec 9, 8 pm, Kay Meek Centre (1700 Mathers Ave., West Van). Tix $38/32/29/15, info www.coastaljazz.ca/. ROONEY Los Angeles-based rock band performs on its Groundswell Tour, with guests Royal Teeth and SWIMM. Dec 10, doors 7 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $18 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat Records and www.ticketfly.com/. GUIDED BY ROBOTS Local band S.K. Robot performs a tribute to Guided by Voices. Proceeds go to the Canucks Autism Network. Dec 10, 8 pm, ANZA Club (3 W. 8th Ave). Admission by donation, info www. facebook.com/SK-Robot-235940013087488/.

TIX @ VANCOUVERTIX.COM ONLY $20

www.redcross.ca

2THIS WEEK

ANDRA DAY American soul-R&B singersongwriter tours in support of debut album Cheers to the Fall, with guests Chloe X Halle. Dec 12, doors 7 pm, show 8:15 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). NOTE: Moved from previous date of Nov 8. Tix $30 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

THUNDERCAT Los Angeles jazz-fusion bassist and vocalist performs on his 2017 World Tour. Feb 17, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $25 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

NO COVER

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

/ Croix-Rouge Canadienne

GUNS N’ ROSES Los Angeles hardrock band (“Sweet Child o’ Mine”, “November Rain”) performs on its Not in This Lifetime Tour. Sep 1, doors 6 pm, show 7:30 pm, BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific Boulevard). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, at www.livenation.com/.

NIGHTMARES ON WAX Experimental DJ and electronica producer tours in support of upcoming EP release The Ground Floor, with guests Romare and Hubzz. Dec 10, doors 10 pm, show 10:30 pm, Open Studios (200-252 E. 1st). Tix $25-30 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Beatstreet Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

CONTACT WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Electronic-music festival features performances by Flume, Zeds Dead, Gareth Emery, Getter, Mija, Drezo, Audien, Big Wild, Shaun Frank, Sleepy Tom, Disclosure DJ, Marshmello, W&W, Slushii, Vicetone, Botnek, Baauer, Hucci, Grandtheft, and Pusher. Dec 26-27, BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific Boulevard). Tix from $99 (plus service charges and fees) at www.contact-festival.com/.

FOOD. DRINK. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.

Canadian Red Cross

NEIL DIAMOND American pop legend performs on his 50 Year Anniversary World Tour. Jul 24, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix on sale Dec 9, 12 pm, at www.livenation.com/.

don’t miss out!

NYE PARTY FEATURING HART & SOUL

THE RED CROSS

TESTAMENT American thrash-metal band tours in support of latest release Brotherhood of the Snake, with guests Sepultura and Prong. May 10, doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $38.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

COOL YULE WITH VAN DJANGO The URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT FOURRogue Folk Club presents the Canadian YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Celebrate Gypsy-jazz band in a festive mix of nosUrban Renewal Project’s four-year annitalgic favourites, jazz standards, pop tunes, versary with music by DJ Denise, Red classical elements, and sing-alongs, plus a Shirt Mike, Kimmortal, Missy D, Baby C, few surprises Dec 18, 8 pm, St. James Hall Trevor Mills, Estea Elements and DJ K-Rec, (3214 W. 10th). Tix $22, info www.roguefolk. Ndidi Cascade, and DJ Floetic. Dec 8, Fox bc.ca/concerts/ev16121820/. Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $10, info www. facebook.com/events/1310510852306322/. HIGH ON FIRE California heavy-metal band tours in support of latest release LAURA CREMA AND SHARON Luminiferous, with guests Waingro, MINEMOTO GROUP Vancouver jazzAstrakhan, Dead Quiet, Heron, and Hedks. blues vocalist Laura Crema and pianistJan 20, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Rickshaw composer Sharon Minemoto perform Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $25 (plus serwith saxophonist Jon Bentley, bassist Paul vice charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Rushka, and drummer Dave Robbins. Dec Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/. 8, 8 pm, Frankie’s Jazz Club (765 Beatty). Tix $15, info www.coastaljazz.ca/laura_ AFI American rock band tours in support crema_sharon_minemoto_group/. of upcoming studio album AFI (The Blood Album), with guests Chain Gang of 1974 WAVE EQUATION: MATMOS Baltimoreand Souvenirs. Jan 24, doors 7 pm, show 8 based electropop band composed of M. pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). C. Schmidt and Drew Daniel. Dec 8, 8 pm, Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $36.50 (plus service Western Front (303 E. 8th). Tix $10-20, info charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. www.front.bc.ca/events/wave-equationseries/. BLACK LIPS Atlanta garage-rock band tours in support of latest studio album Underneath the Rainbow. Feb 1, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $22.50 For up-to-the-minute, searchable (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Music Time Out listings, visit Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

SATURDAY

MATTHEW PRESIDENTE W/ JESS ME

MAYDAY PARADE Florida pop-punk band tours in support of the 10th anniversary of debut album A Lesson in Romantics, with guests Knuckle Puck and Milestones. Apr 13, doors 7 pm, show 7:30 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix on sale Dec 9, 10 am, $29.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

Nightclub (1022 Davie). Tix $20 , info www. facebook.com/events/192383351197789/.

Dec 9 FULL MOON Dec 10 BARKLY SOUND Dec 11 SONS OF THE HOE

THURSDAY POOL TOURNAMENT DAILY DRINK & FOOD SPECIALS 1038 Main St • (604) 608-1444 1 block North Main St SkyTrain

DOUSE Vancouver art-rock trio, with guests Red Vienna and Brutes. Dec 10, 8 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $9, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/. MARKUS SCHULZ German-American DJ and music producer, with Nifra and Nite Show residents. Dec 10, 10 pm, Venue (881 Granville). Tix $20 (plus service charges and fees) at www.venuelive.ca/. TENSNAKE Hamburg-born funk-house musician. Dec 10, 10 pm, Celebrities

COLDPLAY British rock band led by Chris Martin performs on its A Head Full of Dreams Tour 2017. Sep 29, doors 5 pm, show 7 pm, BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific Boulevard). Tix $199.50/139.50/89.50/59.50 /29.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. ROGER WATERS Prog-rock legend and former Pink Floyd member performs on his Us + Them Tour. Oct 28, 8 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix from $52 to $247 (plus service charge and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

CLUBS & VENUES BACKSTAGE LOUNGE Arts Club Theatre, 1585 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-687-1354. Vancouver’s only live-music venue on the water, with music nightly. Hot Jazz Jam night on Tue. 2TANGLERS, THEE MAGIC CIRCLE Dec 7 2NYE PARTY, HART & SOUL Dec 31 BILTMORE CABARET 2755 Prince Edward, 604-676-0541. 2ROONEY Dec 10 2JOHN PAUL WHITE Jan 16 2LYDIA LOVELESS Feb 2 2KOBO TOWN Feb 4 2LEON Feb 14 2CLOUD NOTHINGS Feb 16 2CLIPPING. Feb 22 2THE RADIO DEPT. Feb 28 2TENNIS Mar 1 2JOSEPH Mar 18 2JAIN Mar 27 2COLONY HOUSE Apr 1 2THE WEDDING PRESENT Apr 26

see next page

HOUSING

City plan to save old homes faces backlash Shaughnessy resident Christopher Shackleton alleges that it will lower property values in several areas

BIMINI PUBLIC HOUSE 2010 W. 4th, 604733-7116. Twenty-four taps of rotating and interesting craft beers. Pub trivia Mon; beer club Tue; Wing Wed; dance party Fri-Sat; happy hour 3-6 pm.

at 9 am with breakfast and daily food specials. Pool tourney Thu. No cover.

BLUE MARTINI JAZZ CAFE 1516 Yew, 604-428-2691. Live jazz, soul, and blues.

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.

COBALT 917 Main, 778-918-3671. 2THE LEMON TWIGS Feb 1 2SERATONES Feb 4 2CHERRY GLAZERR Feb 7 2HIPPO CAMPUS Feb 23 2MOON DUO Mar 4

MOLSON CANADIAN THEATRE AT HARD ROCK 2080 United Blvd., 604-5236888. 2BURTON CUMMINGS Dec 29 2LOVERBOY Dec 31

COMMODORE BALLROOM 868 Granville, 604-739-4550. 2ANDRA DAY Dec 12 2IN FLAMES AND HELL YEAH Dec 14 2FUNK THE HALLS Dec 21 2THE ORIGINAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY Dec 23 2TIM HICKS AND CHAD BROWNLEE Jan 7 2T.I. Jan 12 2IT’S JUST DRAG! Jan 13 2ECCW WRESTLING: BALLROOM BRAWL VII Jan 14 2THE FIGHTER AND THE KID LIVE Jan 19 2STEEL PANTHER Jan 20 2AFI Jan 24 2BIG WRECK Jan 27 2STING Feb 1 2JOHN K. SAMSON AND THE WINTER WHEAT Feb 2 2SONREAL Feb 3 2REEL BIG FISH AND ANTI-FLAG Feb 9 2USS Feb 10 2MATTHEW GOOD Feb 16 2THE PHILOSOPHER KINGS Mar 6 2THE CADILLAC THREE Mar 8 2BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS Mar 10 2CHRONIXX Mar 18 2JAPANDROIDS Mar 20 2MOTHER MOTHER Mar 25 2THE TEA PARTY Mar 31 2THE DAMNED Apr 15 2THE ZOMBIES Apr 21 2TESTAMENT May 10 2BONOBO May 25

ORPHEUM THEATRE 601 Smithe, 604-6653050. 2HALF MOON RUN Dec 16 2SAM ROBERTS BAND Feb 7 2COLIN JAMES Mar 8 2PASSENGER Mar 25 2KALEO Apr 4

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. 2JABIG Dec 10 2MACHINEDRUM Dec 29 2DREAM WARRIORS Jan 24 2THE KNOCKS Feb 3 2PROF Feb 11 2THE STAVES Feb 17 2P.O.S Mar 3 2ISAIAH RASHAD Mar 22 FOX CABARET 2321 Main. 2URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT FOUR-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Dec 8 2HAYLEY SALES Dec 13 2ISABELLE DUNLOP FASHION SHOW Dec 14 2THE ORCHID CLUB VIRAGO NATION TAKEOVER Dec 20 2CATE LE BON AND TIM PRESLEY Jan 16 2PARSONSFIELD Feb 23 2JOEY LANDRETH Mar 3 HARBOUR EVENT CENTRE 750 Pacific Blvd.. Former location of the Plush and Gossip nightclubs, massive room features sound production from D & B, over 100 state-of-the-art LED panels and lighting, and special effects with C02 cannons, confetti, and indoor fireworks. 2HOLIDAY RAWK 2016 Dec 8 THE IMPERIAL 319 Main, 604-868-0494. 2LEE FIELDS AND THE EXPRESSIONS Dec 7 2ROY WOODS Dec 15 2BEAR’S DEN Jan 21 2BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH Feb 4 2LOS CAMPESINOS Feb 21 2BANNERS Feb 25 2THE WOOD BROTHERS Mar 12 2STRFKR Mar 22 2AGNES OBEL Mar 25 IVANHOE PUB 1038 Main, 604-608-1444. Pub with live bands on weekends and open jam night Sun from 4 to 8 pm. Open

PRINCETON PUB & GRILL 1901 Powell, 604-253-6645. Live music on Thursdays with the Palomars (first Thu of every month), the Honky Tonk Dilettantes (second Thu), Sick Boss (third Thu), and Gabriel DuBreuil (fourth Thu). Jam session Tue, trivia night Wed, live local bands Fri-Sat, and karaoke Sun. No cover. 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. 2SAFE INJECTION COMEDY FUNDRAISER Dec 8 2COUSIN HARLEY Dec 9 2DOUSE Dec 10 2LUCITERRA WHITE RAVEN REVUE 2016 Dec 11 2THE ALBUM LEAF Dec 13 2THE FIRST OH WELL Dec 15 2KEITHMAS VII: A FOOD BANK FUNDRAGER Dec 16 2HED PE Dec 18 2BLACK WIZARD AND BLACK BREATH Dec 31 2MIDGE URE Jan 5 2THE WORLD HAS NO EYEDEA Jan 6 2COMEDY SHOCKER XI: SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES Jan 7 2KYLE MORTON Jan 9 2TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD ORCHESTRA 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Jan 12 2FRIDAY THE 13TH Jan 13 2BOWIE BALL: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF DAVID BOWIE Jan 14 2DIRKSCHNEIDER Jan 19 2HIGH ON FIRE Jan 20 2ENTOMBED A.D. Jan 22 2THE SUPER DUPER SHOW Jan 27 2BLACK LIPS Feb 1 2LORDI Feb 2 2MAYHEM Feb 3 2ALCEST Feb 4 2THE WHAMMY AWARDS Feb 10 2WHITE LIES Feb 11 2WAX TAILOR Feb 17 2THUNDERCAT Feb 17 2POLYRHYTHMICS Feb 25 2KREATOR Mar 29 2D.O.A.: ROCK THE VOTE Apr 1 2AMORPHIS Apr 3 2SOHN Apr 8 2ASPHYX Apr 30 2DELAIN AND HAMMERFALL May 5 2SABATON May 7

THE ROXY 932 Granville, 604-331-7999. House band Tattoo Alibi Sat & Mon; country band Locked & Loaded Sun; the Bulge and DJ Joe Pound Tue; Troys ‘R Us Wed-Thu. 2FLOWSHINE, IDLE PLAYTHINGS, PRETTY IDIOTS Dec 8 2AIR STRANGER, SOULFVLCHILD Dec 9 2WIELER AND COMPANY, ARMY OF SMILES Dec 10 2WESTWINDS, THE BIG COAST Dec 15 2DIEMONDS AND PIGEON PARK Dec 16 2TRAVIS JAMES, EMILY BARAN Dec 17 2ROBYN AND RYLEIGH Dec 18 2CHEAP THRILLS VOLUME SIX: GREG DRUMMOND Dec 22 2LAS DIVAS Dec 23 2AIR STRANGER, EVENT HORIZON Dec 30 ST. JAMES HALL 3214 W. 10th, 604-7363022. 220TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Dec 9 2COOL YULE WITH VAN DJANGO Dec 18 2DAVID BECKINGHAM AND TWIN BANDIT Jan 13 2JOHN REISCHMAN AND THE JAYBIRDS Jan 26 2ANNA AND ELIZABETH Feb 3 2STARMAN: AN ACOUSTIC EVENING OF BOWIE SONGS Feb 5 2CAJUN COUNTRY REVIVAL Feb 10 2ALASDAIR FRASER AND NATALIE HAAS Feb 12 2THE GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET Feb 13 2OLD MAN LUEDECKE Feb 17 2KIÉRAH Mar 3 VENUE 881 Granville, 604-646-0064. 2MARKUS SCHULZ Dec 10 2LITTLE INDIA Dec 16 2AESOP ROCK Dec 19 2NEUROSIS Dec 20 2NYE 2017 Dec 31 2TALIB KWELI Jan 25 2TRENTEMOLLER Mar 10 2LADYHAWKE Mar 24 VOGUE THEATRE 918 Granville, 604569-1144. 2NIKKI GLASER Dec 9 2US THE DUO Jan 27, 2017 2ADAM ANT Feb 4, 2017 2RUN THE JEWELS Feb 8, 2017 2VINCE STAPLES Feb 28 2SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO Mar 11 2MØ Mar 17 2ZUCCHERO Mar 22 2DAN + SHAY Mar 25 2BILL AND JOEL PLASKETT Apr 1 2KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD Apr 10 2MAYDAY PARADE Apr 13 2THE MOTH May 20 WISE HALL 1882 Adanac, 604-254-5858. 2TABOO REVUE: JINGLE BOOBS Dec 10 2PETUNIA AND THE VIPERS Dec 12, 19 & 26 2DROP IN ROCK CHOIR Dec 13 2LIVING MADE EASY Dec 16 2HUNKERDOWN XMAS SHOWDOWN Dec 17 2BLANCHE NORTON ALL-STAR FUNDRAISER Dec 22 2NEW YEARS EVE PIZZA PARTY Dec 31 2JAMES MCCARTNEY May 13

OUT OF TOWN 2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

RIVER ROCK SHOW THEATRE River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., 604247-8900. 2DONNY & MARIE Dec 20-22 2KIM MITCHELL Dec 30 2BURTON CUMMINGS Dec 31 2THE ROBERT CRAY BAND Mar 3 2ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK Mar 10

SNOWBOMBING CANADA Music by Kaskade, Ludacris, Bob Moses, Duke Dumont, Getter, Netsky, Oliver Heldens, Pete Tong, Snakehips, Thomas Jack, AC Slater, Ardalan, Peking Duk, Shaun Frank, Snbrn, Tennyson, the Funk Hunters, and Yurie. Apr 6-10, Sun Peaks Resort. Tix at www.snowbombingcanada.com/.

ROGERS ARENA 800 Griffiths Way, 604-899-7400. 2STEVIE NICKS, THE PRETENDERS Dec 9 2DIERKS BENTLEY Feb 9 2RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Mar 18 2ARIANA GRANDE Mar 24 2CHRIS STAPLETON Mar 27 2THE WEEKND Apr 25 2NEIL DIAMOND Jul 24 2BRUNO MARS Jul 26 2ROGER WATERS Oct 28

TIME OUT MUSIC LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space and editorial discretion. Submit listings online using the event-submission form at straight.com/AddEvent. Events that don’t make it into the paper due to space constraints will appear on the website.

he Shaughnessy Heights the Vancouver Heritage Register. Property Owners’ AssociaThe character-home zoning retion was founded in 1939. view is part of the city’s heritage According to its president, action plan. Its stated purpose, acChristopher Shackleton, it’s the only cording to the city website, is “to association for residential-property look at options for the retention of owners in Vancouver. heritage and character homes in “Basically, Shaughnessy was cre- single-family (RS) zoning districts”. ated by the Canadian Pacific Railway “Geographic and zoning opat the turn of the century to be a tree- tions are being explored that could lined single-family-home neighbour- result in changes to regulations hood with large for both pre-1940 lots and relativecharacter homes ly large homes,” and new home Shackleton said. Charlie Smith development “Throughout the in older singleclose-to-100-year history, the owners family neighbourhoods,” the webof these homes have maintained the site states. single-family character of this neighWhen contacted by the Straight, bourhood without intervention from the city’s assistant director of the city.” urban design, Anita Molaro, said But he claimed that now this defin- the consultation process is asking ing attribute of Shaughnessy is under people if they think that character threat from the city’s character-home homes “are important pieces of our zoning review, which held its final urban fabric to keep”. open house on December 6. He also “We have zoning tools available alleged that the impact of this review to us that we could introduce that could be felt in several other single- would encourage their retention,” family-zoned areas of the city. That’s she stated. because the city website lists four As an example, she cited Kitsilano “study areas”: West Point Grey/Upper as a neighbourhood where property Kitsilano, Dunbar/Kerrisdale/Second owners are “incentivized” to reShaughnessy/Third Shaughnessy and tain character homes by increasing parts of Arbutus Ridge, parts of Ri- density and floor area and by boostley Park/Cambie Village/Kensington, ing the number of units on the site. and Hastings and parts of Grandview. “There’s a lot of concern about the “They want to densify these neigh- erosion and loss of character homes bourhoods by providing what they throughout the city,” Molaro added. call offsets—though these offsets are “Council has asked us to look at it not economic,” Shackleton alleged. under the heritage action plan: what The city has already declared that can we do to encourage the retenFirst Shaughnessy—which is bound- tion of those character homes? That’s ed by Arbutus and Oak streets, King what we’re out consulting on now.” Edward Avenue, and West 16th AvShackleton claimed that the city’s enue—is a heritage conservation long-term plan is to offer incentives for area. This means that homes built homeowners to turn their properties before 1940 cannot be demolished. into multi-unit homes, transforming Shackleton said that as a result of single-family areas like Shaughnessy this vote by council last year, owners into multifamily zones. He mainof the 317 homes affected have each tained that the city’s real objective is lost about $200 to $300 per square to turn his area into something resemfoot of lot value in comparison to bling Kitsilano—and those who own the values in Dunbar and other character homes who refuse to do this areas. In terms of market value, he will face financial penalties because suggested that homeowners in First the value of their homes will diminish. Shaughnessy have taken a financial In effect, he said, the city is forcing haircut of $2 million to $3 million homeowners to subsidize the city’s each in the value of their single- housing agenda. Molaro, however, said the city won’t family houses. Now, he said, the city plans to ex- be forcing homeowners to do anything. “We’re just saying instead of demoltend this model to other areas. And he maintained that the city is “gam- ishing your house, we will incentivize ing the public-consultation process” you to keep it and here are some opporto achieve a desired outcome without tunities that you have if you do keep being transparent about its intentions. the house,” she insisted. “It’s not forThe city defines a “character cing them to convert it into something home” as a structure built before they don’t want to convert it into.” According to Molaro, recommen1940 that meets “established criteria for integrity and character dations arising from the review are of original features”. In addition, expected to go before council early character homes are not listed on next year. -

Real Estate

604.730.7060

REAL ESTATE

NEW LISTING

CLASSADS@STRAIGHT.COM

JUST SOLD

512-218 EAST 11TH AVE

LOT 6 HUDSON AVE

404 - 1234 PENDRELL STREET I $629,000 2 bed, 1 bath, 849 Sq. Ft. West End condo Open kitchen with s/s appliances, tile backsplash & stone countertops, bamboo flooring, woodburning fireplace & lots of upgrades Pets, rentals and BBQ’s allowed. One parking & one storage locker included

SNEAK PEEK: THURS Dec 8th - 5 - 6 pm SNEAK PEEK: FRI Dec 9th - 10 - 12 pm OPEN HOUSE: SAT Dec 10th - 2 - 4 pm OPEN HOUSE: SUN Dec 11th - 2 - 4 pm

VANCIT YDECKS.COM highlights Vancouver properties that feature the outdoor spaces you are looking for. Check it out!

STONEHOUSE T E A M

R E A L

E S T A T E

A D V I S O R S

604 255 7575 EMAILUS@STONEHOUSETEAM.COM

Sutton West Coast Realty I 301-1508 W Broadway

DECEMBER DECEMBER88––15 15//2016 2016 THE THEGEORGIA GEORGIA STRAIGHT STRAIGHT 51

straight stars

> BY ROSE MARCUS

December 8 to 14, 2016

confirm, reestablish, or refortify it. surpassed by another conversation, Another conversation can set the look-see, step, or try. eady, set, go. Venus, fresh- record straight. Once the issue or diCANCER ly into Aquarius, boosts lemma is surpassed, it’s onward and June 21–July 22 pleasure and profits for the upward, rapidly so. Thursday/Friday could next couple of weeks. ARIES throw a lot at you. Let the moment Start to finish, Friday is stacked March 20–April 20 dictate the play, go with spontanwith a host of great planetary asA full-to-overflow day, eous decisions, and watch for the pects. The moon in Aries fires up plenty of action. The sun and Jupiter Friday gives you a monopoly on the result to produce better-than-averturn the day into a “more” mara- best the stars have to offer. Creativity age satisfaction. This is because thon—for the most part, delightfully and spontaneity reward you best. At once you are put on the spot, you so. Uranus and Mars keep the spark a slightly reduced but steadier pace, are forced to cut to the chase with well-lit; Saturn makes for good tim- the good trend will continue through greater efficiency. Tuesday gets you ing; and Pluto adds passion and in- the weekend. Tuesday’s super full over the hump and onto a better, tensity. In other words, the stars have moon springboards you, it, or them. smoother track. all the bases covered! Get on it, play Watch for news, a result, paperwork LEO it up, take your best shot, and make to sign, or a finish line. July 22–August 23 merry! It’s a full-steam-ahead day. TAURUS You’re in full swing and at Making for a cash-in weekend, the April 20–May 21 your peak on Friday. It’s fun, fast, sun keeps on the upbeat with Saturn Venus, freshly into Aquar- hot, and/or profitable; what more on Saturday and Uranus on Sunday. The Taurus moon gives the feel that ius, will now give you a better feel could you ask for? Make the most the time you spend is most defi nitely on what’s best and what’s next. Look of it! Saturday and Sunday run at for something new or an added op- a slightly slower and steadier pace, worthwhile. On a soft build on Monday while tion to solve it or improve it. Friday but they’ll deliver well too. Tuesheading toward full-tilt Tuesday, the through Sunday, you’ll get the best day’s full moon can initially present full moon in Gemini delivers the last bang for your buck. Once past Tues- a challenge, but once you’ve taken of three super tides in a row. Mov- day’s super-full-moon pressure, you care of business, it’s all good. ing from a buoyant contact with Ju- are immediately onto clear sailing. VIRGO piter to a push/pull with Saturn to a Wednesday goes easy on you. August 23–September 23 fortuitous strike-flint with Uranus GEMINI Yes, there’s a lot more to and, finally, to a fuel-up with Mars, May 21–June 21 deal with and a lot more riding on it, the full moon can be informing, deThe end of the week keeps too. Know that for the most part, you fining, news-producing, and resultgenerating. The day takes us through the energy, action, and profitability are supported by a great run of proseveral steps, stages, layers, opinions, running at full volume. Friday can be ductive and opportune stars, espepeople, or waves. More review, dis- great fun too. The stars keep it rolling cially Friday through Sunday. Venus, cussion, negotiation, or paperwork, a well through the weekend. Tuesday’s freshly into Aquarius, helps you to second opinion, or a double-up may super full moon in Gemini could bring yourself up to better speed. be necessary, but rather than change produce a great result. If you get Monday/Tuesday, take it one step at what’s already in the works, it’ll re- jammed up, know it can be quickly a time. A problem resolves itself.

‫ﺎ‬ ‫ﺏ‬ ‫ﺐ‬

‫ﺑ‬

‫ﺒ‬

‫ﺓ‬

‫ﺔ‬

LIBRA

September 23–October 23

Friday’s a fast-track, one-thing-after-another day. At work or at play, sun/Jupiter keep it upbeat, social, and fun. Whether you spend it or earn it or a combination of both, you’re into a money cycle through mid–next week. Tuesday’s full moon makes it official and/or sets something important into play. The day delivers an event, test, result, news, or visitor.

‫ﺕ‬

SCORPIO

October 23–November 22

There’s no time to waste on idle chitchat as the workweek finishes out, but you should find most of what you tackle is a snap, especially Friday. Saturday/Sunday, aim for quality over quantity. Reluctance or added pressure could start your day Tuesday. Don’t prejudge: hear them out; give it/ them another chance. A contract renewal sets you up for long-term security.

‫ﺖ‬

SAGITTARIUS

November 22–December 21

Jump on it Thursday/ Friday while the getting is so good. You’re the life of the party! Saturday/Sunday are more about work than play or desire, but you’ll still make the most of it. Tuesday’s super full moon calls for a revisit, revision, repeat, or add-on. Watch for another way to play it or frame it. Don’t hesitate to switch track or plan.

‫ﺊ‬

CAPRICORN

December 21–January 20

Friday could be a marathon, but you’ll find energy and good ideas to spare, especially when you run your own show. The weekend hits the satisfaction quotient too. Tuesday’s super full moon can give you extra to juggle. You may have to repeat, double up, or work around it, but it goes better when you do.

‫ﺋ‬

AQUARIUS

January 20–February 18

Mars in Aquarius continues to top you up with good fuel for the next couple of weeks. Bonus planet Venus, newly into Aquarius, sets you and social activities onto shine mode. Watch for great feedback. At work and at play, Friday is great. The weekend is on track too. Tuesday’s conversation, wrap-up, or result feels liberating.

‫ﺌ‬

PISCES

February 18–March 20

Venus has just dropped under the social radar, but Mercury will keep you on the go, especially regarding work, personal priorities, and such. Thursday/Friday, take full advantage of great timing. Saturday/Sunday run smooth. Tuesday, you may have to back down, repeat, replay it, or switch to Plan B. You’ll quickly sidestep or surpass it.

Book an astrology or tarot reading or sign up for Rose’s free monthly newsletter at www.rosemarcus.com/ astrolink/.

CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT NAHANEE MOVING

EMPLOYMENT

HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

HOSPITALITY/FOOD SERVICE

CLEANERS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MOP-n-BUCKET.com

ACCOUNTING

2 COOKS Needed for PinPin Restaurant Fraser St, Vancouver At least HS Grad with 2 yrs. Experience. Permanent F/T, $16.00 per hour Duties: Prepare/Cook complete meals or individual Filipino/Chinese dishes & Supervise kitchen helpers. Maintain inventory, Records of food, Supplies and Equipment. May help clean work area. To apply please send resume to pinpinrestaurant@gmail.com

Cleaning Service: Move in/out, one time, AIRBNB Call Gem 604-724-4130

MOVING & STORAGE

Professional Movers 604-782-3973

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

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

OTHER SERVICES TATTOO REMOVAL Consultation & 1st Treatment FREE. Visit www.ShrinkingInk.com & Book Online Today! 844-FADE INK (323-3465)

WORK FROM HOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SERVICES

FREE CLASSIFIED AD

HOME BASED BUSINESS!

www.straight.com/classifieds click place an ad, then FREE ads

■ Enjoy freedom as a home inspector ■ Complete training & certiﬁcation ■ BC Gov’t Licensing ■ LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!

•Ads must meet criteria in available categories. •Ads will be published online. •Ads will be published in print if space is available.

Call Dave NOW to book your franchise presentation. (778) 996-0369 • www.bc.abuyerschoice.com

MARKETPLACE

WEB DIRECTORY

www.straight.com

DEC 1, 8 & 15

to advertise contact 604.730.7020 or sales@straight.com

MUSIC

BASONE • GUITAR SHOP •

EVERYTHING YOU THINK A

GUITAR

SHOP

LD BE! SHOU

318 E. 5th Ave • 604.677.0311

BASONEGUITARS.COM

MUSICIANS WANTED The Main on Main St. is looking for Wednesday through Saturday night acts. All Genres welcome. For more info email mainbooking@hotmail.com Drummer wanted Texas blues/SRV style drummer required for upcoming video and gigs... 778-999-7271 george.halpern@gmail.com

Musicians

Place your FREE musicians WANTED & AVAILABLE ads by going to www.straight.com create a classified account & place your ad for Free or fax to 604-730-7016 All FREE ads are based on space availability.

GAY PERSONALS

SERVICES

Mr. BALDNUTZ

PERSONAL SHAVING SERVICES FOR MEN ★ SAFE ★ CLEAN ★ DISCREET ★

RECORDING STUDIOS

604-767-8625

M R & D Studios Vancouver's most comfortable 2"-24 track, ADAT & ProTools HD. Mastering $55/hr eng, prod. & arranger incl. 604-421-2988

MASSAGE

REHEARSAL SPACE

M2M Erotic Massage Yaletown Ric 604-719-3433

Renegade Productions Inc. www.renegadeproductions.net 604-685-0435 www.facebook.com/RPInc EQUIPPED HOURLY REHEARSAL ROOM New West $20/hr 24/7 Call/Text 604-229-5981 diamondsharpstudios.com click BOOK ONLINE

52 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

REPAIRS

Curious? Straight?

CuriousButStraight.com BODYWORK MASSAGE In a peaceful setting in Langley Because you deserve it! 9am - 8pm

Robert 604-857-9571

............................................................................................................................................................... CLASSIFIEDS

I Spa

NAMASTE HEALING TOUCH MASSAGE M4M Massage customized to meet your needs. In calls only.10am-10pm West End 778-888-5884

19+ SWEET GIRLS

ORIENTAL STRONG HANDS E. Van. New location. Kingsway area. Mature * Good ServicE & Massage *Ultra Enjoyment * Discreet shave avail. In/Out calls for good time. 9AM - 9PM 778-989-2128 JOHN

Sensual Domination & BDSM Asian. Prostate & Strap On play, Fetishes. Duos 11am-10pm 604-726-3266 D/T crystalxox.com

10AM - 10 PM Hiring

Alex 778-828-4683

604.568.9238

PERSONALS

TANTRA

Please Call Lini 778-668-2981

#3-3490 Kingsway

20 E/Pender $60

NEAR JOYCE NEXT DOOR TO SUBWAY

778-323-0002

Reg $ 120

FALL SPECIAL

Absolutely Wonderful, Healing & Joyful!

75 MIN

Zara 604-222-4178 Jericho

BODYWORK

★ Relieve Roadrage ★

Lily’s Bodycare

PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE

Gemini Studio

JAPANESE $60

(& Blenheim)

COMFYSPA .CA

604.986.8650

GRAND OPENING! $120/40 min Package, open 7 days 10 am - 10 pm. 604-270-6891 12551 Vickers Way, Richmond, close to IKEA

D-768 Princess St., New Westminster (@ 8th St. between 6th & 7th Ave behind Save-On Foods)

Warm & loving - complete body massage. All incl. Reasonable low price. R/mond new home.

1050 Marine Dr. North Van

LOTS OF PARKING AT THE REAR

BLISSFUL MASSAGE

778-871-9809

Lotus Beauty Spa NEW GIRLS

$ 70 /30 mins

604.510.6689

10:30am-8pm Daily 5336 Victoria Dr. Vancouver

SMART BEAUTY SPA

(incl. tips)

A/C AVAILABLE 604.327.8800 COMPASSIONATE and FEMININE Certified massage and sensual bodywork Beautiful, quiet studio Main and Broadway. 778-863-1852 blissfulgrace.com

NURTURING TOUCH

Over 20 yrs exp. 604 739 6002 Mon-Fri Kitsilano

COCO'S THAI MASSAGE

Hiring

1/2hr $29 2hr/$79. Facial $38. Wax $6 up

604-304-0893 or 604-248-2233

$60/30 mins (incl tips)

E. 49th Ave & Victoria Dr. 10am - 8:30pm • HIRING 604.500.9082 • 778.379.7736 EMPLOYMENT CoverGirlEscorts.com is now Hiring.

ANGEL TOUCH

Seeking all nationalities 19+ No experience necessary.

✿

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE $30

Call 604-438-7119

Open from 10am

HI N OW RI NG

TIGERSpa

WE HAVE AVE MIXED MIXED, ASIAN, CAUCASIAN MASSEUSES WHO WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST, MOST RELAXING MASSAGE.

4532 MAIN ST. (Main + 29 th), VAN. OPEN EVERYDAY: 10am-10pm

778.379.5969

8642 Granville St., Vancouver

604-568-6601 Relaxation

CENTRE

$100 SPECIAL

SEXY, YOUNG (19+) HOT + BEAUTIFUL

3517 Kingsway, Van. (CLOSE TO TYNE ST.)

604-558-0228

Grand Opening • $30/30min.

604-780-6268

3468 E.Hastings/Skeena. Van.

D OPENING! ! ND GRAN TION NEW RENOVA

BUTTERFLY TERFLY T ERFLY MASSAGE MASSA A New Management by Miko. 4536 Hastings St. Burnaby near Willingdon Ave.

HIRING

BACK ENTRANCE + FREE PARKING

11AM - MIDNIGHT

604-299-1514

Massage

Best Relaxation xa ation

GRAND OPENING NG G SPECIAL!

Hot, Young + Sweet Masseuses VICTORIA DR., & 38TH AVE.

10am 11pm

604 . 998 . 4885 BACK ENTRANCE

HIRING

$80/30min (incl. tips)

BEST SERVICE BEST CHOICE

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

Visit 10 Times & Get 2 FREE! Healthy Infrared Sauna (FREE)

Monday - Friday 10am - 2pm & Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 4pm

778.628.3302

HAPPY HOUR WEEKDAYS

2622 West Broadway, Van. Near Trafalgar St.

5pm - 7pm

FREE UNDERGROUND PARKING

604-681-0823 4th Floor 595 Hornby St, Van.

@ Quebec St. open 7days/9am-midnight

Mon-Fri • 10am-Midnite Sat-Sun • 12pm-Midnite

604-568-2248

ts-sunshine.ca

$40 UP

403.615.0354

Metrotown (private) 10:00AM - 7:00PM

BATH HOUSES

HIRING

Front & Back door entrance. Free Parking

49 E. Broadway

BODY WRAP

ORIENTAL RELAXATION MASSAGE 778-708-8551

NEW TEAM • NEW MANAGEMENT 5 DIFFERENT GIRLS DAILY

4969 Duchess St. Van. Just off Kingsway NOW HIRING Between Earles & Slocan

Rose Body Massage

$30 UP

Meena 778-839-6583

LUXURY • FREE SHOWER • FREE PARKING

604.430.3060

CHINESE, THAI, SPANISH & CAUCASIAN GIRLS

(Gate at East Side of Front Door)

FACIAL

EX SHOWGIRL! In & All Hotel Services incl. airport

(INCL.TIPS),

SPECIAL 4 HANDS $25/30MINS (ONE GIRL FREE) BODY SCRUB $48/50MINS (REG$100) NEW!PROSTATE TREATMENT

MASSAGE BMWC Massage

BBY. $40 & up! No F/S 10am - 8pm 604-619-7453

Exotic Mature East Indian (45) Coquitlam & M/Ridge.

$62/30MINS,$77/50MINS

20437 Douglas Crescent, Langley (@ 204th St. beside HomeHardware) Front & Back Door Entrance Free Parking

$80/30 MIN (INCL. TIPS)

604.433.6833

28/50 MIN MASSAGE

Promo $30/45 mins

RAINBOW MASSAGE

New Star Massage

NEW!!! 50% OFF

604-738-6222

5 MINS FROM D/T

VARIETY OF GIRLS (19+) V.I.P. ROOM $80/30 MIN INCL. TIPS

10am - 2am. 778-322-1583

1 FREE AFTER 5 SESSIONS!

#100 - 1727 WEST BROADWAY

Sa Sa Massage

CHINESE BEAUTY - HELEN

MERIDIAN SPA LTD.

DAY SPECIAL ✦

Different Packages For Sale Underground Parking

(Across Macpherson Ave)

AMAZING ASIAN MASSAGE

New Staff! Relaxation Massage. 604-985-4969 HIRING

✦ ALL

101-5623, Imperial St. BBY

The

4095 Oak St. Vancouver 604-266-6800

Ocean Relaxation Centre

438-8979

3519 KINGSWAY, VAN NEAR BOUNDARY • HIRING

EXCELLENT MASSAGE SPECIAL PACKAGES

Aqua Spa

SERVING NORTH VANCOUVER FOR 16 YEARS

GREAT ASIAN MASSAGE 604-782-9338 Surrey

Elmridge Way Richmond 1 hr / $40 778-990-8136

604.523.6689

CHINESE, JAPANESE & KOREAN MASSAGE

Parking Available Near No Frills

604-442-9526

604-558-1608

604.566.0700 8652 Granville St. Hiring

$50 BEST SERVICE!!

NEW ASIAN GIRL E/Van 778-708-2728

WWW.

Massage Beauty Care at Marpole

KINGSWAY & KNIGHT

COMFY WELLNESS SPA 3272 W. Broadway

202-1037 W.Broadway 604-739-3998 Hotel Service

604

Perfect SensualOil Body Massage. 1Hr/$80. 45min/$60, 30min/$50 INC. TIP 223 W/ Broadway. (2blks East of Cambie) 6am - 1am. 7 days

$80/30 min.(incl.tips)

BODY SCRUB (Incl. 45 min. Hot oil massage) NOW

Tantra Massage

778.788.3039 | 9:30am-9pm

HIRING

HONG KONG STYLE MASSAGE

Healing for Sexual Problems Control Ejaculation, Maintain Erection, Stop Herpes $120. herbalbathclinic.com, 604-271-4148

ROOM 2 ǧ 4334 FRASER ST, VAN

NOW

Sexy Thai Girl Jessica Burnaby 604-336-4601

Experienced, discreet, and clean for men only by a mature male. 9 am to 10 pm in-calls only. Student rates. Burrard & 6th

❀

Massage

MASSAGE

Sensual Massage

Lisa Great Mix - Certificated Nice Female Masseuse in Richmond provides effective deep tissue, relaxation, sensual & prostate health maintenance massage. Facial & scrub etc available. Info @ www.healthyaction.ca Text/call @

TOKYO Body

BDSM

www.theswedishtouch.com

Always Hiring | Accepting all major CC’s

PHOENIX Platinum Club FREE MASSAGE

New Back Door Entrance from Underground Parking

1st Time Visit HIRING

FOR NEW CLIENTS Mon - Fri 12pm - 6pm

2263 KINGSWAY

FREE PARKING HOTEL SERVICE

NANAIMO

6043770028

www.platinumclub.nett

604 683 2582

426 Homer St., Vancouver We’re Hiring!

STEAM 1 MEN’S BATH HOUSE

STEAM 1

EVERY DAY flat rate pricing! Anytime 24/7 Lockers $12 | Rooms from $20

BLACKOUT PARTIES NOW TWICE A MONTH SATURDAY DEC 10TH & SUNDAY DEC 18TH 11AM ‘TIL 7PM Anonymous Check In Avail • All Rates with Current Membership

Drop In Fees May Apply Now no ID needed for entry

WWW.STEAM1.COM New Westminster, 430 Columbia Street 604 . 540 . 2117

LINGERIE FRI & SAT OPEN TO CLOSE

604.436.3131 www.greatpharaoh.com

5-3490 Kingsway, Van. ESTABLISHED 1993 HIRING: 778.893.4439

Serving Van. for 19 years! Best Experience! Best Service! Best Choice! Steam Room and Sauna! Free underground parking. NOW

HIRING

2070 2070 7 W. W. 10 10thh A Ave v V ve Van an an

60 4 7 604 738 38 3 3302 3 02 DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 53

Grand Opening

$100

City

Oak St. vancouver

BETTER

PANTERA SPA

than

778.321.2209

BEST

Good Price, Good Service D931 Brunette Ave. 7 Days a Week

3488 MAIN ST. @ 19TH AVE

Romance Relaxation Spa

604.553.0909

OPENING MIYA GRAND $10 OFF

BEAUTY SENSATIONAL MASSAGE 604.875.8844 www.miyabeauty.com

miyabeauty@hotmail.com HIRING

121 W. Broadway at Manitoba

30 min / 30

Emax Massage

604-568-5255

#3 - 3003 Kingsway @ Rupert, Van. - N/E Corner

3671 EAST HASTINGS

604-568-0123 NOW HIRING

COMPANION EAST INDIAN BOMBSHELL

± ±

Beautiful, Slim, Busty. Ready to tease & please! 42dd-26-36. 100% all natural. Unlimited & Unrushed! Call Meera 604-367-5884

Professional Massage Waxing $25 up

NAUGHTY COUGAR 36D - 26 - 36. 36th@ Victoria

604.873.9890

3482 Main Street & 18th Ave

778-710-8828

10 AM TO 10 PM

604 879 5769

Chinese.w41st & Cambie.

www.funlovinxoxo.me

Diamond JAPANESE Bodycare BEST MASSAGE IN TOWN

PROSPER

RILEY 604.773.8876

CLASSIFIEDS ................................................................................................................................................................ Near Oakridge Mall 24hr

604-957-1030 MING, Nice & Mature. 604-671-2345 GRAND OPENING! Best Massage Every day different female practitioners! 3322 Main St. 604-872-1702

Sweet & Petite Hot Mature ♥ Female loves to pamper!♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ REASONABLE RATES ♥ ♥ ♥ In/Out calls. Early risers welcome!

Kayla 604-873-2551

SARAH in SURREY

NEW GREAT HOURS!! 11:30am - 9pm. Sometimes weekends. I'm well proportioned, HOT& READY with a BIG BOOTY! 38 yrs old. Kind, Clean, Pretty & love to enjoy! Let's have an amazing non-rushed experience in my classy apt. Fetish by request. No text or Blkd. calls. Sarah 604-441-5440 Appts preferred.

GENTLEMEN DISCREET ATTRACTIVE MATURE EUROPEAN LADY OFFERS DELIGHTFUL RELAXATION SESSIONS.

604-451-0175 EuropeanLady.ca www.EuropeanLady.ca

World Class Breasts

Genuinely Spectacular NATURAL G CUP! Come visit Hooter Heaven! Canada's #1 Erotic Destination.

Private 778-838-9094

TWO NEW ASIAN

GIRLS

778.858.0220 ( in / out call ) E/VANCOUVER

CClassy lassy Angel

NEW..NEW..NEW..MASSAGE Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese & Philippines Girls (19+) In/Out calls

VIP Companion

604-600-6558

36DDD-22-34

NEW HOT ASIAN GODDESS

Friendly, Sexy & Discreet

NO RESTRICTIONS! BEST SERVICES! Friendly & Sexy Van/Burnaby/Surrey. HIRING NOW!

IN/OUT 778-919-0140 READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!

IN/OUT 604 6 04 CALLS

The lady ready for ACTION, you'll be the man in COMPLETE SATISFACTION! Serious, mature gentlemen please!

728.8161 7 28

778-714-0824 MATURE HOT SEXY WILD ASIAN (45+) Sexy, full-figured Asian. PHONE SEX TOO! JUICY PLUMP BUTT! Natural 40E'S. Lonely? Let's chat & a little more? Lily 778-714-1018 In/Out.

www.ClassyAngel.com

Fun Classy Blonde Beauty

PHONE SERVICES

In calls & Out calls locally Private upscale condo

funlovinxoxo.me 604-773-8876

HIGH CLASS FEMALE ESCORTS & INTIMATE COMPANIONS

LIVE. DISCREET. UNCENSORED.

1-604-639-3040 Seattle: 206-576-1825

Victoria, BC: 250-220-3334

GET YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY

INTERVIEWS DAILY C OV ERGI R LES C ORT S .C OM

WEBSITES www.stripperplaymates.com

covergirlescorts.com www.sacredtantramassage.com

Ahora en Español/18+

More local numbers: 1.800.550.0618 interactivemale.com

www.theswedishtouch.com www.stress-awaybodycare.ca

www.CarmanFox.com crystalxox.com www.greatpharaoh.com www.ClassyAngel.com www.EuropeanLady.ca WWW.FOXDEN.CA www.platinumclub.net www.stripperplaymates.com

covergirlescorts.com www.classymiko.com www.CarmanFox.com www.sacredtantramassage.com

crystalxox.com

Open desires... Hidden identities...

Try FREE Now: 604-639-3011 More Local Numbers: 1-800-700-6666

redhotdateline.com 18+ 54 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016

www.theswedishtouch.com

www.greatpharaoh.com www.stress-awaybodycare.ca

www.EuropeanLady.ca WWW.FOXDEN.CA www.platinumclub.net www.ClassyAngel.com

savage love I’m a 37-year-old gay man who

just got out of an abusive relationship. We were together five years, moved to Portland together, got married three years ago, yada, yada, yada. He suffered a traumatic injury earlier this year, which led to PTSD, which led to a nervous breakdown, which led to our savings being depleted, which led him to leave me in October. He moved back to the other side of the country, and I’m broke and on my own in a strange city. I saw your dirty film festival when it played here, and it made me realize something: at my age, I should still be enjoying myself and evolving sexually. I was unhappy in my marriage for the last two years, but sexually I was unhappy for a long time. Recently, I had a decent one-night stand. It was a drunken, stoned hot mess, but it got the job done—and there was no guilt on my part, which to me signifies that it really is over with my ex. But I can’t help feeling like I’m starting over. Not just dating, but starting over with my sex life and my writing. My ex had me switch from LGBT media—which I am very good at—to copywriting, which sucks but is “steadier”. The point is: I want so much sexually, because I’ve been starved physically and psychologically, but I don’t know where to begin. I feel like my marriage eviscerated me sexually. Not just the sex part of it, but the parts of my homosexuality that felt important to my personality, not just my turn-ons. Help. > GRIEVING AND YEARNING MAN ASKING NICELY

You’re not too old to enjoy yourself and evolve sexually, GAYMAN— you’re never too old to enjoy yourself

or evolve, sexually or otherwise. But it takes time to bounce back after a committed LTR ends traumatically. So don’t rush yourself. But as soon as you can—sooner than perhaps it feels right—you’ll need to get out there. You’ll need to actively and intentionally reconnect to your homosexuality and the ways in which it shaped and continues to inform your personality, your perspective, and your joy. And now some random tips… I’m not being lookist or body fascist here—this isn’t about having Instagrammable abs or the best torso on Grindr—but join a gym, GAYMAN. Or take up a sport that kicks your ass, cardiowise. Forcing your body to outrun your brain is a good way to get back in touch with yourself physically, emotionally, and sexually. And exercising—again, I’m not talking abs here—is good for us. It’s a natural antidepressant. It gets blood pumping into our extremities. (Your dick is an extremity.) And it gets us out of our heads. It also creates a social space, if you do it regularly where you can make friends and connections without booze or drugs or the scourge of dance music. If the gym isn’t for you, ride a bike. If biking isn’t for you, run. If running isn’t for you, walk. Just get your ass moving. Go volunteer somewhere, anywhere. Like someone or other once said, it’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you’re making yourself useful. Go volunteer at the ACLU or Planned Parenthood; do some copywriting for an LGBT civilrights organization; fi nd out what orgs are working with immigrants

> BY DAN SAVAGE in your community and ask them what kind of help they need. Please don’t succumb to meth or any of the other stupid drugs. Pot and alcohol—in moderation—aren’t stupid drugs. Reach out to friends you lost touch with over the past five years, apologize for letting these relationships go, and ask if they’d like to reconnect. Not all will, GAYMAN—some might be too angry to reconnect right now (you may hear from them later); some might not have any extra friendship bandwidth right now (ditto). Focus on friends who want to reconnect, and don’t be bitter about friends who don’t. Masturbate. A lot. And don’t use porn every single time—try using your imagination, flip through the ol’ solodex. Be open to new experiences. Ask yourself where you’ve always wanted to go. Pick a big gay event you’ve always wanted to attend—gay days at Disneyland, International Mr. Leather in Chicago, the World Series of Beer Pong in Las Vegas—and start setting money aside so you’ll have that trip to look forward to. Good luck, GAYMAN.

I’m a 44-year-old married gay male. I recently found out my 30-year-old husband has been sending dick pics to randoms on Grindr. He says he doesn’t remember who he sent pics to, or why, other than I was working late and he was drunk and pissed at me. I want to be mature about this, but I’m really hurt. We’ve been together more than four years and married six months. We have a closed, monogamous relationship.

The Georgia Straight Confessions, an outlet for submitting revelations about your private lives—or for the voyeurs among us who want to read what other people have disclosed.

He says he’s been faithful, and I be- weaker, less contentious and therelieve him. I’m struggling to trust fore less brittle. If swapping pics him, however. Am I overreacting? makes your husband feel desirable, > HELP UNDERSTANDING and he plows that sexual energy into RELATIONSHIP TRAUMA you… not only aren’t you being betrayed, you’re benefiting. Which would you rather have, If I were you, HURT, I would HURT: this particular husband grant him this small zone of erotic (aka the man you married) or a autonomy. husband (a generic husband) who wouldn’t, couldn’t, and didn’t send I’m a Canadian gay man, mardick pics to randoms on Grindr? ried eight years to a man with a thing Given a choice between a perfect, for men spitting in his face. It’s a flawless, blameless but imaginary degradation thing (of course), and I husband and the imperfect, fl awed, would do it for him but it can’t be me. living, breathing husband you’ve It can’t be someone he loves, someone who loves him; it has to be somegot, which would you pick? Personally, I recommend choos- one he doesn’t know, someone who ing actual-and-flawed husbands regards him with contempt. He finds over perfect-and-imaginary ones. guys to do this for him on the hook(I’m not telling you to do anything I up apps, and I don’t have a problem haven’t done and that my own hus- with it. I do have a problem leaning in for a kiss when his face reeks of band hasn’t done.) With that said, HURT, and, hope- some other man’s spit. He likes the fully, with that choice made, your “lingering scent”—I do not. He says husband needs to drop the “I was I’m kink-shaming him when I recoil mad at you for working late” bullshit and ask him to go wash his face. He’s and take responsibility for his ac- agreed to abide by your ruling, Dan. tions. Drunk may have played a role, Should he wash his damn face? > SMELLING PATOOEY IRKS as booze is the great disinhibitor, but THIS SPOUSE swapping dick pics isn’t something reasonable dick-having people do in response to run-of-the-mill annoy- You’ve accommodated your husances. Your husband sent those pics band’s kink. He needs to return the because he enjoys showing off the favor and accommodate your nose. goods. Your husband has an exhib- He should wash his damn face—and get his damn flu shot. itionistic streak. So what to do about it? You could forbid it, HURT, but creating a little SPEAKING OF HUMP!: My porny film space in our marriages for pleasures festival’s 2017 tour kicks off in Januwe may not share or fully under- ary. For cities, info, and tickets, go to stand—making accommodations www.humpfilmfest.com. Email: mail@ instead of issuing threats—can savagelove.net. Follow Dan on Twitmake our marriages stronger, not ter @fakedansavage.

> Go on-line to read hundreds of I Saw You posts or to respond to a message < BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS?

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 3, 2016 WHERE: Boulevard Restaurant, Burrard

Scan to confess Felt beautiful today First time in over a year.

These are a few of my favourite things I love snow, Christmas and festive activities.. But most of all, I love a welldressed man in a tailored winter coat. Mm mm mmmm! Stay warm, men!

Dye-it When watching movies or tv shows set 50 years ago or more, it bothers me how many women over 40 have coloured hair. After all the trouble gone through to get the costumes and sets right, you would think the hair could be as realistic as possible too.

Black Friday Why the hell do we have Black Friday now? Don’t we have enough American consumerist bullshit shoved down out throats? It’s bad enough Boxing Day became Boxing Week and now it seems Black Friday is actually Black Month. There is enough garbage in the world people. Let’s get back to basics!

every.single.day no, i don’t want to hear about “what happened on the train this morning” at work AGAIN.

EAST CAFE GIRL W/ CACTUS ANKLE TATTOO ;)

I’m addicted to hospital lotteries. Everyone that comes along... i have to buy a ticket. I do the virtual tours of the homes and see the cool cars and I can’t help myself!

I’m done! So sick of people pretending to be your friend and pretending to like you, but who join in when people talk crap about you behind your back and also cover for them. Friends like you I don’t need!

to post a Confession

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 4, 2016 WHERE: East Cafe Hey! I saw you in there on Sunday. You were sat with a bunch of your pals. You look like you have some great friends there! Anyway, I sat behind you, then opposite you when you moved. British chap - short dark hair, grey jumper (sweater!), black trousers (pants!). I kept looking at you because you were super smiley and attractive :)

SMIRKING NOT SMILING

Hospital Lotteries

Visit

Saturday, Dec. 3rd 2016: I sat down for desserts at Boulevard with a friend to catch up before the holiday break. I looked over his shoulder and our eyes met. We smiled and went back to our conversations, but all night we caught our eyes glancing at the other. Especially when you walked past my table. I felt rude interrupting your time with your friend, but knew I may never see you again. I was so close to asking if I could share your cab with you even though I live half a block from the restaurant. I hope I can talk with you over a drink someday. Until then, thanks for the smiles.

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 2, 2016 WHERE: SkyTrain Between Edmonds & New West You were standing, waiting to get off the train. I was sitting at the back listening to that little brat and his views on Donald Trump. We were both smirking at each other for several minutes. When you got off the train at New West station @ 7:18pm, you sort of saluted to say bye. I was shy, but would like to meet you for coffee or glass of wine to hear your view on the subject and vise versa.

GLASSES CANADA LINE KING ED STATION

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: NOVEMBER 30, 2016 WHERE: Canada Line King Ed Station and Walking Up Cambie You: Tall gorgeous brunette with glasses; I commented on how your glasses complimented your look as we walked up Cambie Street. I should have introduced... Me: big, long haired, older gentleman, who was too shy, introverted, scared, to introduce myself. (Introverted I’m not, so more immature and scared maybe LOL!) The energy I felt when we were looking at each other in the eyes!!! WOW! Hope you’re curious enough to think I may seek you here. Reply and let’s continue where we left off, just a talk and get to know one another... alternately I’ll hang around the Starbucks at 20th more often hoping to see you again. God will place us together if the energy is same for you as it was for me.

IF THERE’S ANYTHING MORE EDGY THAN YALETOWN, IT’S THESE POSTS...

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 4, 2016 WHERE: 620 Bus I think we talked about four different cities. My stop came up while you were talking about your landlord, so it goes. I realized after that it was a damn decent conversation and also that I didn’t know your name.

DROPPED YOUR COMPASS CARD

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 3, 2016 WHERE: Vanness I was walking on Vanness toward the SkyTrain station and you came out of an apartment a few blocks from the station. I was a few steps behind you and you dropped your compass card and I made a comment to you. Would like to continue the conversation and go for a coffee or a drink. Before I had a chance to say anything you crossed the street and we walked opposite each other to Joyce. Would like to see you again

DID I IMAGINE IT?

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 2, 2016 WHERE: Vancouver Art Gallery You used to come in to my work fairly often. We would chat and you would ask me very direct questions. Last time I told you my family up north has guns, and I think I freaked you out. Ran in to you recently at an opening, but it looked like you were on a date already. Are you flirting with me? Am I imagining it?

HASTINGS TACOFINO

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 3, 2016 WHERE: Tacofino You were the blonde who seemed to be on a business lunch. I hope. I sat facing you at the next table. We shared a couple of smiles. If you’d rather have a meal with someone who pays more attention to you than his phone, I’m available.

GEOLOGIST IN THE YUKON

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: AUGUST 7, 2016 WHERE: Dawson City Yukon YOU -W- geologist from Surrey in Dawson first week of August ME -Y- tattooed lady wrestler, met at the Pit. Coming to Van, Round 2?

TO THE GUY WITH THE SNOWBOARD OUTSIDE NOODLEBOX...

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 2, 2016 WHERE: Broadway and Main We caught each other’s eyes as I walked past you at the bus stop on Main and Broadway. You were holding your snowboard and I was heading into the Noodlebox. I sat by the window as I waited and you turned and smiled at me, I don’t know why I didn’t take the chance, run out and give you my number while we were both waiting. The #3 bus came and you turned, smiled and waved. I grabbed my pen and a piece of paper to quickly write my number but the bus just pulled away as I got outside. If by chance you are reading this, would you be interested in coffee sometime?

LUNCHTIME AT HASTINGS AND HORNBY

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 1, 2016 WHERE: Hastings and Hornby Between 12pm - 1pm we walked past each other twice at Hastings and Hornby. The first time we smiled and even caught one another doing a doubletake. The second was more of the same, and I would have liked to say hello but there was a flood of children between us on the sidewalk and it probably wouldn’t have been a good look to push them out of the way. You had a black hat and dark rimmed glasses, I was wearing the same, albeit a toque, and was also very full from just eating tacos. But you wouldn’t have known that. They were good. If you see this, perhaps you’d like to grab a coffee or something sometime?

VIKING DOGS.

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 1, 2016 WHERE: Burnaby We see each other often, and every single time you make me feel immensely happy. We talk about all the concerts we’ve seen, our little pups, Lava Field, and occasionally new beer to try. You are genuinely such a lovely and kind man. If I could sit for hours on Commercial just telling stories, laughing and being close with you, I always would. I already look forward to seeing you again.

WWE SURVIVOR SERIES AT THE 12 KINGS

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 1, 2016 WHERE: The 12 Kings Pub My friend and I sat at the bar expecting to watch football, but wrestling ended up being a pleasant surprise, especially with you, a young Shawn Michaels, hosting and simultaneously super kicking your way into my heart. That championship winning smile and ponytail embody the Heartbreak Kid, too bad you weren’t shirtless. You are a sexy boy, will you be my boy toy?

Visit straight.com to post your FREE I Saw You _ DECEMBER 8 – 15 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 55

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings can only be made with a Disclosure Statement, E.&.E.O.

56 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 / 2016