The Georgia Straight - Year at the Movies - Dec 24, 2015 by The Georgia Straight

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2 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015– JANUARY 7 / 2016

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CONTENTS

Burrard Street. Christian Laub photo.

NEWS

Who knew that the Earth’s soil contains as much carbon as its atmosphere? A new book explains why this poses a major threat to humanity’s future. > BY CHARLIE SMITH

HEALTH

There has been remarkable health research conducted in Vancouver in 2015, including Brett Finlay’s analysis of bacteria in the gut. > BY CHARLIE SMITH

START HERE

BOOKS

Poets Dina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli blend the absurd with the personal in a witty defence of big-screen romantic comedies. > BY ANDRE A WARNER

FOOD

Check out one Georgia Straight food critic’s list of her Top 10 new restaurants that opened in Vancouver in 2015. > BY GAIL JOHNSON

ARTS

26 50 58 47 38 53 52 55 59 13 26 32 30 48

The Bottle Confessions I Saw You Local Discs Movie Reviews Real Estate Red Meat Savage Love Straight Stars Straight Talk Straight to the Pint Theatre Visual Arts What’s in Your Fridge

The Rivals might be 250 years old, but the comedy of manners still has some relevant things to say—as well as some big laughs. > BY ANDRE A WARNER

COVER

Capitalism, patriarchy, artificial intelligence, and poor old Leonardo DiCaprio all took a beating in the year’s best movies, rounded up in the Straight ’s annual critics’ poll.

MUSIC

Vancouver EDM producer Vanic has attracted 150,000 fans on Facebook, which put an end to him having to drive a forklift for a living.

TIME OUT 34 22 40 50

Arts Events Movies Music

SERVICES 54 Careers 18 Mind, Body & Soul 52 Real Estate

> BY MICHAEL MANN

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DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 9

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10 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015– JANUARY 7 / 2016

NEWS

Soil is key to future climate > BY C HA RL IE SM I TH

ormer senior civil servant Jon O’Riordan says human beings can no longer count on natural processes to absorb the impact of people on the Earth. In a new book he coauthored with Canadian water expert Robert Sandford, O’Riordan argues that the “nexus” of the challenge is where water, food energy, and climate all come together. Human beings are consuming resources in such a way that they’re pushing the Earth’s systems to the brink—and there’s no predicting the degree to which people will have to adapt to the planet’s response. “This nexus lies at the very heart of current civilization; it is ground zero in the fight on climate and hydrological change,” they write in The Climate Nexus: Water, Food, Energy and Biodiversity in a Changing World. O’Riordan, a former B.C. deputy minister of sustainable resource management, told the Georgia Straight by phone that commitments made by countries at the recent COP21 climate summit in Paris are insufficient to ward off catastrophe. The goal of the Paris accord is to keep the average global temperature within 1.5° C of the average before the Industrial Revolution and to ensure it doesn’t exceed 2° C higher than the latter average. “The agreement has provisions for increasing the level of commitment from member states every five years,” O’Riordan noted. “I’ve always said 2020 will be a more important date than 2015 because we will find out whether the signing countries to the agreement are prepared for a higher level of carbon removal…by that time.” In the meantime, The Climate Nexus includes some ominous information about the effect of higher temperatures and droughts on the capacity of soil to store carbon dioxide. That’s because research has suggested that when alpine soil becomes 2° C warmer over a period of time, it can release a quarter of its stored carbon. In fact, the book states that humanity has “just a half metre of soil standing between prosperity and desolation”. There are approximately 400 parts per million of carbon-dioxide equivalent gases in the atmosphere. The international community has set the “maximum allowable concentration”

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Former B.C. deputy minister and climate-adaptation expert Jon O’Riordan has cowritten a new book that highlights a little-known underground threat.

of carbon-dioxide equivalent gases at 450 parts per million, according to The Climate Nexus. The book notes that John Harte at the University of California at Berkeley maintains there is four times more carbon in the first foot of soil around the world than there is in the entire atmosphere. “Harte calculated that if you release a quarter of that into the atmosphere, the amount would be equal to the amount of carbon already in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels,” O’Riordan and Sandford write. “In other words, if we warm the world’s soils by 2°C, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could double from its present 400 parts per million to 800 ppm.” That means game over for humanity. O’Riordan and Sandford have both written reports for SFU’s Adaptation to Climate Change Team. Sandford told the Straight by phone that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has focused on atmospheric physics in assessing potential impacts of rising levels of carbon dioxide on mean global temperatures. “What we have not been good at is understanding the ecological effects of changes to the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere with induced warming,” he stated. He insisted that there needs to be agricultural revolution to retain far more carbon in soil. And he wants Canada to lead that revolution, which

would involve paying farmers to take steps to “protect crucial Earth system functions”. “I think we need agriculture that’s not just restorative but regenerative,” Sandford declared. “We need to regenerate the soil’s capacity and the Earth’s capacity to store and maintain the carbon balance.” Sandford pointed out that healthy soils can absorb 20 centimetres of rain an hour without flooding. Poorquality soils with less retained water also retain less carbon. “Through careful soil cultivation and increased soil health, we can prevent more carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere,” he emphasized. The Climate Nexus highlights other serious concerns, such as the amount of food being tossed in the trash. “Today in Canada, between 30 and 50 percent of food is wasted along with the water and energy to transport it,” the authors write. “In a world facing the predicted severities of a changing climate, such waste cannot be tolerated.” This is one of several reasons why the authors have called for an education program in schools and postsecondary institutions to teach people to wean themselves off fossil fuels, conserve water, and stop wasting food. “I’m still optimistic that we can get there but not without some pain,” O’Riordan said. “There needs to be much more universal education about the nature of the nexus and what people can do.” -

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The Georgia Straight | Vancouver’s News and Entertainment Weekly | Volume 49 Number 2505 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 SENIOR EDITOR Martin Dunphy ASSISTANT WEB EDITOR Miranda Nelson COPY CHIEF Amanda Growe EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jennie Ramstad PROOFREADER Pat Ryffranck CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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

Robin Laurence (Visual Arts), Mark Leiren-Young, John Lekich, Amy Lu, Bob Mackin, Michael Mann, Rose Marcus, Beth McArthur, Verne McDonald, Allan MacInnis, Guy MacPherson, Tony Montague, Kathleen Oliver, Ben Parfitt, Vivian Pencz, Bill Richardson, Gurpreet Singh, Colin Thomas (Theatre), Jacqueline Turner, 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

The Georgia Straight is published every Thursday by the Vancouver Free Press Publishing Corp. Copies are distributed free every week throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, North and West Vancouver, New Westminster, and Richmond. International Standard Serial 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 © 2015 Vancouver Free Press Publishing Corp.

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SUBMISSIONS The Straight accepts no responsibility for, and will not necessarily respond to, any submitted materials. All submissions should be addressed to contact@straight.com.

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 11

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straight talk

Figueroa said he is happy to SANCTUARY RESIDENT CAN have been granted an approval in FINALLY LEAVE CHURCH

After living in sanctuary in Langley’s Walnut Grove Lutheran Church for more than two years to avoid arrest and deportation by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), Jose Figueroa learned on Monday that he can remain in Canada. John McCallum, the new Liberal minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, granted Figueroa an exemption based on “humanitarian and compassionate considerations”, according to a December 21 letter sent by Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Vancouver office. Figueroa, whose application for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds was first approved in principle on July 12, 2004, was surprised in May 2010 when an Immigration and Refugee Board adjudicator ruled that he must return to his native country of El Salvador because of his association with the guerrilla group Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). The organization, which has never been listed on Ottawa’s list of terrorist groups, was thought by the CBSA to have engaged in terrorist activity in the 1980s when it attempted to overthrow a bloody military dictatorship. The FMLN currently forms the democratically elected government of El Salvador. “When I received the phone call about this latest decision, I thought we were going to be talking about the cancellation of the arrest warrant,” Figueroa said in a telephone interview with the Straight. “This decision has been made three times,” he said. “First in 2004, when I was approved in principle. Then a minister’s delegate decided that I should be deported, and now I’ve been approved in principle again.”

principle, but he said that he and his wife should actually be granted citizenship. The couple has lived in Canada for 18 years and have three Canadian-born children. Now that he’s free to step out of the church, Figueroa said, he has plans to become a lawyer. “At this point I have represented myself in six judicial reviews and have moved them forward myself. I think that at this point, I have a better understanding of many things—not just immigration—and I see how that can be helpful.” Figueroa said his campaign to support immigrants in similar situations will continue. “In the immediate future, after I step out, I’ll be visiting Rodney Watson,” Figueroa said. Watson is a U.S. war resister who has been in sanctuary at East Vancouver’s First United Church for more than six years. “I want to pay him a visit so that he has some hope, because I think that a solution to his case will also be granted if Canadians show him the same compassion that they are showing in my case,” Figueroa said. “We need to show our solidarity with him.” > AMANDA SIEBERT

RIVERVIEW REDO WILL INCLUDE MARKET HOUSING The Hospital for the Mind opened in Coquitlam in 1913. At one point, in the 1950s, a peak population of more than 5,500 patients lived there under the sort of institutionalized mental-health care that later fell out of favour in North America. The number of patients at Riverview, as the grounds were later renamed, subsequently declined and the complex was finally declared closed in 2012. Three years later, the province

has unveiled plans to spend $175 million to redevelop the 91-hectare property as a reimagined health centre designed specifically for people with a severe mental illness or substance-use issues. In a December 22 telephone interview, Vision Vancouver city councillor Kerry Jang—a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Mental Health and Addictions—noted that although the plan provides for 143 beds for mental-health care, most of those will replace existing beds. “It is mostly a relocation,” Jang cautioned. But he was quick to add that he is “pretty happy” about the proposal. Jang explained that he’s hopeful the complex will offer new options for people who struggle with both a mental illness and an addiction issue. (That’s a group for which the City of Vancouver has repeatedly requested the province provide more resources. According to a 2014 Vancouver Coastal Health discussion paper, there could be as many as 2,000 people who fall into that category living in the Downtown Eastside alone.) Dr. John Higenbottam is a clinical psychologist with UBC’s faculty of medicine and the author of a June 2014 report titled “Into the Future: The Coquitlam Health Campus”. That document makes the case for revitalized mental-health services at Riverview similar to what the province proposed on December 17. “I would have liked to have seen more beds in there,” Higenbottam told the Straight by phone. “But it is a good start.” He said he likes the inclusion of market-rate housing in the plans, where for the first time large numbers of people who do not struggle with a mental illness will also live on the Riverview grounds. “Bringing the community to Riverview rather than having it geographically isolated from the community, I think there are some

Jose Figueroa no longer has to snuggle up with his kids in a church, thanks to John McCallum, the Liberal minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship. real benefits in this,” Higenbottam explained. He emphasized, however, that profits should not be the primary motive for including marketrate housing in the plans. “If the main motive is to get the money to pay for all this, I think that is a questionable way to go,” he said. > TRAVIS LUPICK

FREE TRANSIT SERVICE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

TransLink’s holiday schedule will make it easier for folks to find their way home on the last night of the year. Once again, the regional transportation authority will offer free service from 5 p.m. on December 31 until 5 a.m. on January 1. Rapid transit will be available an hour later than usual. The last Millennium Line train to VCC–Clark Station leaves Waterfront Station at 2:16 a.m. The final Expo Line train to Surrey leaves Waterfront Station at 2:20 a.m. And the last Canada Line train leaves Waterfront Station at 2:05 a.m.

The SeaBus will also have extended hours, with the final sailing leaving Waterfront Station at 2:20 a.m. For details about late-night bus service, go to Translink.ca. There’s another big change coming on January 1. On that date, monthly passes can only be bought with a Compass card, which requires a $6 refundable deposit. Cards are available at Compass vending machines, online at Compasscard. ca, and at 18 London Drugs stores. According to the TransLink website, monthly passes can be purchased “between the 20th of the previous month and the 15th of the current month”. Once a person has a card, it can be uploaded at Compasscard.ca. All bus travel only requires a one-zone fare, but use of the SeaBus and SkyTrain in connection with bus travel still requires a twoor three-zone fare if the passenger crosses the transit boundaries. > CHARLIE SMITH

Ride Free New Year’s Eve

Ride Free New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) from 5 p.m. to New Year’s Day (Jan 1) until 5 a.m. For all holiday service schedule information, please visit translink.ca/holidayservice or call 604.953.3333 DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 13

NEWS

Regulator denies dilbit study > B Y TE S S A V IK A ND E R

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ne of the most important reports submitted to the National Energy Board’s review of Kinder Morgan’s proposed Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion has been denied, according to a biologist with one of the hearing’s intervenors. The Raincoast Conservation Foundation and the Living Oceans Society, both intervenors in the hearing, submitted a motion to the NEB on December 9 asking the board to accept a new study on diluted bitumen (also called dilbit), although the deadline for evidence had passed six months previous. The study, Spills of Diluted Bitumen From Pipelines, was released by the Washington, D.C.–based National Academy of Sciences (NAS) on December 8. The City of Vancouver signed in support of the request, as did the Upper Nicola Band, the Tsawout First Nation, and two other nonprofits. On December 17, the NEB ruled against the request. Raincoast biologist Misty MacDuffee told the Georgia Straight by phone that the U.S. report is “the most authoritative review on dilbit that’s ever been undertaken”. She said the study concludes that dilbit behaves very differently than other crude oils when spilled, therefore requiring a different spill response. MacDuffee said such a response has yet to be established by B.C. officials. “Dismissing a report of this magnitude is what leaves the public with a lack of faith in the scientific rigour of the NEB’s process,” she said. “It’s chosen expediency over the rights, needs, and the safety of the public.” NEB spokesperson Tara O’Donovan countered that although the NEB did not accept the study as evidence for the hearing, it’s still possible that the study’s conclusions will affect future

In 2013, Greenpeace activists held a protest at Kinder Morgan’s Burnaby facility.

NEB regulations. She said the NEB uses “the most recent scientific information in terms of how we regulate going forward”. “It’s not like we just make a decision and then that’s the end of it for us,” O’Donovan said. “We have conditions that apply throughout the life cycle of the project that the company must meet in order to continue to operate.” In its ruling, the NEB admitted that the report is relevant and the late filing is justified. However, it denied the application because the timing would be unfair to Trans Mountain, which wouldn’t have enough time to respond to the new evidence. O’Donovan said that in the case of a late filing, “the board has the option of asking the [federal] minister for more time, and then it would be up to the minister to decide.” In this instance, she said, they didn’t ask for extra time because the “board feels it already has evidence on the record related to this issue”. But opponents say this evidence is not enough. Karen Wristen, executive director of Living Oceans, said the evidence currently on the NEB’s record is “one expert against another expert”. The NAS report combines knowledge from multiple scientific fields, Wristen said, and it “looked carefully at not just lab work but what has

actually happened in the environment with spills…it [dilbit] is a novel substance and it’s behaving differently.” Dilbit is bitumen diluted with hydrocarbons, a mixture that travels easily through pipelines. Uncertainty about its properties attracted the attention of the U.S. Congress, which asked the private, nonprofit NAS to do a multidisciplinary study on the mixture. According to Wristen, the report’s conclusion that dilbit reacts differently than other crude oils “is completely at odds with the information that Kinder Morgan [and wholly-owned subsidiary Trans Mountain have] put before the National Energy Board”. Wristen said the study concludes that within a matter of hours or days of an ocean spill, dilbit separates into its original components. The hydrocarbons evaporate, and the air around the spill becomes explosive. Meanwhile, the bitumen begins to sink below the surface and may attach to silt and other ocean particles. “At that point, it becomes impossible to track or find,” Wristen said. “You can’t use spill-response technology on it; you can’t use dispersants; you can’t pick it up with a skimmer. You’ve gotta be able to get ahold of it first of all, so this means we need new technology to deal with spills.” -

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DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 15

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NEWS

Fatal police shootings rising in B.C. > B Y TR AVIS LUPI CK

ecember 28 marks one year having passed since the death of Naverone Woods, a 23-year-old First Nations man who was shot and killed by transit police at a grocery store in Surrey. On the phone from Hazelton, B.C., one of two Interior towns where Woods grew up, sister-in-law Tracey Woods said the family is still waiting for answers. “We just want to have some kind of closure,” she explained. “And to know that there was an investigation done, that this case wasn’t just pushed aside.” Tracey, whom a neighbour described as “like a stepmother” to Naverone, said she has questions about what efforts were made to deescalate the situation before force was deemed necessary, and why guns were used at all. “We always compare it to a big grizzly bear that they will shoot, put to sleep, and relocate,” she continued. “How come they couldn’t use a Taser or something rather than drawing their weapons?” Woods was the eighth British Columbian to die in a police-involved incident in 2014, according to a database maintained by the Georgia Straight. So far in 2015, that number stands at 11, the most for any year since 2009. Last February, the Straight reported that a stark pattern emerged from an analysis of dozens of deaths involving B.C. authorities dating back to 2007: of 99 police-involved deaths investigated by the B.C. Coroners Service or scheduled for investigation, 90 percent involved a mental-health component, substance abuse, or both. Now a review of that database updated for 2015 reveals another pattern: as deaths have increased, so has the frequency with which guns were involved in those incidents.

The family of Naverone Woods, a 23-year-old First Nations man who was fatally shot by transit police, is still waiting for answers about why guns were used.

In 2015, there were seven fatal police shootings in B.C. That was up from five the previous year, two in 2013, four in 2012, five in 2011, three in 2010, and seven in 2009. Six of those seven shootings in 2015 involved the RCMP. That compares to two during each of the years 2014, 2013, and 2012, and four in 2011, three in 2010, and five in 2009. Fatal RCMP shootings were geographically dispersed across the province. One exception is Surrey, where RCMP officers have shot and killed seven people since 2009. Josh Paterson, executive director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, said that, to an extent, the data simply speaks for itself. “These numbers suggest a doubling of police-involved deaths in the last three years in B.C.,” Paterson told the Straight. “The number of people shot and killed by the RCMP have risen to the highest level in over 10 years. While these numbers

don’t allow us to draw a conclusion as to why this is happening, they raise an alarm and require us to ask hard questions.” The B.C. RCMP and the B.C. Ministry of Justice refused to grant interviews. Steve Schnitzer is the policeacademy director for the Justice Institute of B.C. He called attention to courses that focus on crisis intervention and deescalation tactics and how best to respond to emergencies involving a mental-health component. Those lessons were made mandatory in 2012 following the 2007 death of Robert Dziekański at Vancouver International Airport and the subsequent Braidwood Commission of Inquiry. “That is a policing standard now,” Schnitzer emphasized. “It [training] changed significantly after the Braidwood commission report came out.” Statistics compiled by the coroner’s service suggest that there is still room

for improvement. According to the organization’s annual report for 2010, just 40 percent of coroner’s recommendations related to police-involved deaths were adopted by the agencies involved in those incidents (2010 being the most recent year for which such statistics were included). Doug King, a lawyer with Pivot Legal Society, said there is one factor that can make all the difference in how a police encounter plays out: time. “There is a huge correlation— based on our work and what we see—with police-involved shootings and first responders,” he said. King explained that when police officers fire their guns, the weapon is almost always discharged by an officer who was first on the scene and during the first few minutes of a confrontation. “To me, that indicates there needs to be better training and a greater emphasis on what someone can do to contain an individual until help can arrive,” King said. The death of Naverone Woods remains under investigation by the Independent Investigations Office of B.C., a public body created in 2012 to examine police incidents involving death or serious harm. Once that review is complete, the case will likely proceed to the coroner’s service. King said that investigation is one of three he’ll be watching in 2016. The second, he continued, is that of Phuong Na (Tony) Du, who was killed by Vancouver police at the corner of Knight Street and East 41st Avenue in November 2014. The third is Hudson Brooks, a 20-year-old male who was shot by Surrey RCMP in July 2015. “These three shootings are all really problematic, from what we’ve heard, and really beg explanations,” King said. -

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HEALTH

Health research resonated > BY C HA RL IE SM I TH

uriosity can lead to intriguing insights. In our year-end issue, here are five B.C.– based stories from 2015 that elevated our understanding of various health issues. SWINGLE BOOKS This year, father

and daughter Paul and Mari Swingle of the Vancouver-based Swingle Clinic both authored important and accessible books for parents about the functioning of the brain. Paul Swingle, a former psychology professor at the University of Ottawa, wrote When the ADHD Diagnosis Is Wrong: Understanding Other Factors That Affect Attention in Children. He makes the case that society is “becoming intolerant of normal children’s behavior and medicating them because we prefer not to deal with normal children”. His book argues that other causes, including fear triggered by abuse, can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis. Mari Swingle has a PhD in clinical psychology and is the author of i-Minds: How Cell Phones, Computers, Gaming, and Social Media Are Changing Our Brains, Our Behavior, and the Evolution of Our Species. Relying on research results from electroencephalography testing, she investigates links between excessive use of digital devices and learning disabilities, conduct disorders, and behavioural problems. The Supreme Court of Canada delivered a landmark ruling in June that a federal ban on consuming cannabis extracts is unconstitutional. That’s because it flew in the face of the charter right to “liberty of the person”. The ruling involving a Victoria man, Owen Smith, triggered discussion in the media about the potential benefits of one nonpsychoactive extract, cannabidiol, in the treatment

OWEN SMITH RULING

In October, researchers at UBC, Vancouver Coastal Health, the B.C. Cancer Agency, and the University of Copenhagen announced the discovery of a protein, VAR2CSA, that could halt cancer. It comes from a mosquito-borne parasite that causes malaria. “When my colleagues discovered how malaria uses VAR2CSA to embed itself in the placenta, we immediately saw its potential to deliver cancer drugs in a precise, controlled way to tumours,” Vancouver scientist and research leader Mads Daugaard said in a Vancouver Coastal Health news release. According to a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Cell, this technique was used to deliver a drug, and five of six mice were cured of breast cancer with Scientist Brett Finlay found links no side effects. Researchers say they’re between gut bacteria and asthma. planning to develop a compound for of posttraumatic stress disorder, clinical trials in humans. gastrointestinal problems, and Dravet syndrome, a rare childhood neuro- JAIL COSTS SFU health-sciences researcher Julian Somers headed a team logical condition. that studied, over five years, more BACTERIA AND ASTHMA Micro- than 300 B.C. criminal offenders who biologist Brett Finlay led a study were frequently in contact with public showing that infants are far less likely agencies. Those sentenced to prison to develop asthma if they have four ended up using $247,000 worth of different bacteria in their gut be- public services, compared to $168,000 fore they’re three months old. This worth of public services accessed by research was published in Science those sentenced to supervision in Translational Medicine in September the community. The research, which and focused on Faecalibacterium, was released this month in Emerging Lachnospira, Veillonella, and Ro- Themes in Epidemiology, showed that thia. Finlay, UBC’s Peter Wall dis- 99 percent of these offenders had at tinguished professor at the Michael least one mental disorder and more Smith Laboratories, has zeroed in than 80 percent were substance users on the links between autoimmune who had two or more mental disordiseases and the trillions of bacteria ders. “These empirical findings underinside the human digestive system. score the urgency of recent initiatives, “This research supports the hygiene which include supported housing, hypothesis that we’re making our en- specialized justice programs, and the vironment too clean,” Finlay said in a revitalization of Riverview Hospital UBC news release. “It shows that gut as a centre for research and service bacteria play a role in asthma, but it is delivery for individuals with complex early in life when the baby’s immune co-occurring disorders,” Somers said system is being established.” in an SFU news release. MALARIA VERSUS CANCER

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Rom Com vindicates a maligned movie genre > B Y A NDR EA WA R NE R

ina Del Bucchia and Daniel Zomparelli are poets, authors, podcasters, popculture enthusiasts, and very funny people. They are also the authors of a new collection of poetry called Rom Com, inspired by a shared, unironic love of the film genre of the same name. Del Bucchia and Zomparelli meet the Straight at Colony on Main Street to talk about their new book over beer. They know that in the fi lm world, romantic comedy is much maligned and sometimes deservedly so: there are plenty of rom-coms that are too formulaic or entrenched in clichéd gender stereotypes. There is also a vocal contingent who believe the genre is unfeminist, a notion that Zomparelli challenges. “Part of what I see as feminist is always just rooting for the girl,” Zomparelli says. “If a woman wants to fall in love and that’s her goal and she achieves it, then I’m always satisfied on a feminist level.” “There is this idea that all the men’s choices are okay, politically or sociologically, but that women’s choices are not cool in romantic comedies,” Del Bucchia adds. “What is antifeminist about a woman being specifically engaged in the idea of love?” Zomparelli asks. “Is disliking that she’s only into love another form of dismissing a female perspective? I don’t know, I’m always on the woman’s side anyway, so when it’s just a bunch of shitty men, I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s just a bunch of shitty men. That seems pretty real.’ ” Rom Com understands the complexities of its inspiration beautifully, exploring every facet of the genre’s universe in its pages. From “Meet Cute” to “Blooper Reel”, this is a book of poetry that doubles as insightful film criticism, interweaving the totally absurd with the deeply personal. “I really enjoy the simplistic narrative of just trying to find love,” Zomparelli says. “That’s my main goal as well, so I could always relate to that. Also because it was feminized, I could relate to that as well, rather than watching male-driven comedies, where I’d be like, ‘No, I do not want to objectify women the entire time, I’m okay.’ I do really enjoy fart jokes, though. That’s one of the things I find problematic. I’m half kidding here, but I’m not: male-driven comedies get to have all the fart jokes.” “This is why Bridesmaids was such a ‘revelation’!” Del Bucchia agrees. “And I’m using air quotes because they have that huge shitting scene and everybody’s also vomiting everywhere and it’s amazing!” Throughout their year of writing the book, they watched and rewatched a lot of movies from Zomparelli’s couch, drinking, Del Bucchia taking notes on her phone,

Zomparelli with his laptop. They wrote together and apart, working in shared documents and emailing back and forth until they lost track of who was writing what, which words had come from which hand, or whose turn it was to edit a piece. They don’t specify who wrote what in Rom Com, opting instead to share the credit for every piece. There’s a certain vulnerability in willingly sharing a byline, the writer’s version of matching tattoos. “The ease with which I can talk to Daniel about my personal issues or my vulnerabilities or my fears—” Del Bucchia begins. “Bodily functions,” Zomparelli interjects. “All of them,” she confirms. “We already had a level of trust where we could talk about those things anyways. It made it a bit easier to go a bit deeper in some of the work because I was not worried about Daniel judging me or questioning me or being like, ‘Why do you wanna talk about that?’ ” “We’re both people who don’t mind being vulnerable,” Zomparelli agrees. “And we both lie in our poetry.” Their dynamic is the stuff of platonic romcoms. Del Bucchia talks in exclamation points and Zomparelli talks in deadpan, but their poems traverse a Venn diagram of hilarious and heartfelt—funny and vulgar one line, wild and tender the next, like the opening of “Everything Is Bad Choices That Make Me Feel Good”: “Start with sex. With acrobatic, cupmy-balls sex./When morning comes after he does, exit.” Rom Com is the kind of book that could lure in a lot of people who think they’re not poetry fans, something that both writers care about deeply. “I’ve read a lot of poetry and I think it’s no different than any other genre in terms of levels of alienation. Have people tried to read science fiction? It’s so confusing!” Del Bucchia shouts the last word in joking frustration. “I don’t see this being any different.” “People have such negative, preconceived notions of poetry as a whole, but it’s so vast an expanse. It’s no different than fiction, which has different genres,” Zomparelli agrees. “But this way, people see it and think it’s going to be spoken word, vegan slam—” “ ‘Is this going to be purposefully confusing and people are trying to alienate me with their fancy words?’ ” Del Bucchia asks rhetorically. “That’s not necessarily the case. That’s why I’m comparing it to science fiction, where they’re making up words and creating worlds—people read Tolkien all the time, and that guy’s just making up tons of fucking shit!” “All he did was make an entire world where they go for a really long hike,” Zomparelli says. “People are hiking forever!” Del Bucchia groans. “Ugh.” -

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traditions scavenger hunt, and a Christmas carousel. To Dec 24, 11 am– 9 pm, Queen Elizabeth Plaza (W. Georgia & Hamilton). Tix $8/4, info www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com/.

BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK Experience the lights, displays, and live performers at this annual, familyfriendly holiday event. To Jan 2, Stanley Park Miniature Train (Stanley Park). Tix $11/8/6/free for kids under two, info www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/bright-nights-train.aspx.

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SOS CHILDREN’S GINGERBREAD VILLAGE Bring the family up to a winter wonderland and vote on your favourite gingerbread creation. Then get your photo with Santa in his mountaintop workshop, with proceeds supporting SOS Children’s Village B.C.’s programs and homes for local foster children and homeless youth. To Dec 31, Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Van). Info www.sosbc.org/newsevents/PoC/. CHRISTMAS AT FLYOVER CANADA Guests of all ages are invited to join Santa on a flight across Canada and onward to the North Pole as he searches for his missing elves. To Jan 5, 2016, 10 am–9 pm, FlyOver Canada (201-999 Canada Place). Tix $14.95-19.95, info www.flyovercanada.com/tickets/ christmas/. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Stroll with friends and family through interactive themed areas and enjoy the Dancing Lights show on Livingstone Lake, the gnome performance, and the Vancouver Public Library’s Tales for a Winter’s Night. To Dec 31, VanDusen Botanical Garden

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FORUMS 2THIS WEEK USING THE YAMAS TO HEAL— WORKSHOP WITH COLIN WOLPERT The workshop will begin with two-hour all-level yoga practice offering options to ease it off or power it up. Dec 27, 11 am–4 pm, Yoga Studio (Main & 6th). Tix US$100, info www.feetfaceforward.com/.

TAKE ACTION 2JUST ANNOUNCED THE EMOTO PEACE PROJECT & HUMANITY’S BRIGHT FUTURE Ted Mahr will be giving a presentation on humanity’s bright, beautiful future. He will also give a presentation on the Emoto Peace Project. Jan 17, 2016, 11 am–1 pm, Banyen Books and Sound (3608 W. 4th). Free admission, info www. banyen.com/events/mahr/.

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22 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

MOCHITSUKI Watch experienced elders pound mochi and try your hand at it. Dec 29, 11 am–3 pm, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (100–6688 Southoaks Cres., Burnaby). Free admission, info centre.nikkeiplace.org/mochitsuki/.

NEW YEAR’S EVE Diners can choose from a four- or eight-course tasting menu created by executive chef Felix Zhou. Dec 31, 5 pm, Beach Bay Café and Patio (1193 Denman). Tix from $49, info www. beachbaycafe.com/. A L’ÉPOQUE: NEW YEAR’S EVE MASQUERADE DINNER Celebrate with a six-course dinner created by chef Montgomery Lau, complemented by drink pairings and live entertainment. Dec 31, 6:30 pm, Secret Location (1 Water). Tix $225, info www.secret location.ca/nye2015/. NEW YEARS EVE AT PROHIBITION Event features live entertainment by Emily Chambers and complimentary canapes, dessert, and champagne.

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Dec 31–Jan 1, 2016, 7:30 pm–2 am, Prohibition at Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W. Georgia). Tix $131.58–262.56, info www.eventbrite.ca/e/new-years-eve-atprohibition-tickets-19734144357/.

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FAMILY NEW YEAR’S PARTY Zox of the Forest and his puppet friends present interactive storytelling, balloon twisting, and juggling. Includes artisanal pizza and double-chocolate brownies. Dec 31, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. (1876 W. 1st). Tix $20, info www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/ events/family-new-years-event-kitsilano/.

ET CETERA 2THIS WEEK VIDLASER DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Roundhouse Productions presents a new immersive video and RGB laser format every Friday and Saturday night. To Feb 7, 8:15-11:30 pm, BCIT Burnaby Campus (3700 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby). Tix $11, info www.roundhouseshows.com/. ROBSON SQUARE ICE RINK Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. Skate rentals are $4 (helmet included) and ice cleats are $2. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. To Feb 28, 9 am-9 pm, Robson Square Ice Rink (Robson and Howe). Free, info www. robsonsquare.com/.

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STANLEY PARK’S SECRETS HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR Discover the park’s mysteries, myths, and misconceptions. Includes rare historical photographs. Dec 27, 1-2:30 pm, Stanley Park (Meet at the viewing plaza overlooking Lost Lagoon at the foot of Alberni). Tix $10, cash only, info stanleyparkhistory.wordpress.com/.

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KITTY NIGHTS BURLESQUE: HAPPY NUDE YEAR BASH The Purrrfessor hosts a New Year’s Eve party featuring Burgundy Brixx, Shirley Temptress, Jessie Rockley, and Bonnie Kilroe. Dec 27, 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $9-17, info www.kittynights.com/vancouver.html.

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MINIONS CHANUKAH ON ICE Skate with the Minions at this Chanukah event. Other highlights include donuts, gelt, and crafts. Dec 24, 3:30-5:30 pm, Hillcrest Community Centre (4575 Clancy Loranger Way). Tix $5, info www.chabadeastvan.com/.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH Carousel Theatre for Young People presents a kid-friendly play about a boy who discovers a magical peach inhabited by fantastical creatures. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. To Jan 3, Waterfront Theatre (1412 Cartwright St., Granville Island). Tix $35/29/18, info www.carouseltheatre.ca/production/james/.

SPORTS 2THIS WEEK CANUCKS VS. OILERS The Vancouver Canucks take on the Edmonton Oilers in National Hockey League action. Dec 26, 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $80.25-281.25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/. CANUCKS VS. KINGS The Vancouver Canucks take on the Los Angeles Kings in National Hockey League action. Dec 28, 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $61.25-231.25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

ATTRACTIONS 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. 750 Pacific Blvd. S. Info 604687-3343, www.edgewatercasino.ca/

OUT OF TOWN 2THIS WEEK SEAHAWKS VS. RAMS The Seattle Seahawks take on the St. Louis Rams. Dec 27, 1 pm, CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field, 800 S. Occidental Ave., Seattle, Wash.). Tix US$62-550 (plus s/c and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

TIME OUT EVENTS 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.

FOOD

Vancouver’s stellar dining scene benefited from the likes of chef Curtis Luk’s restaurant Mission (left, Brittany Gill photo) and Royal Dinette dishes like lingcod with mushrooms, turnip, and apple. Fred Fung photo.

A toast to the West Coast

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3. ANNALENA Michael Robbins is another former Top Chef Canada Whether you’re in the mood for classic dishes or innovative competitor, and he’s in fusion cuisine, here are the city’s top new dining picks of 2015 his element here, serving up contemporary, Pacific Vancouver just keeps hitting it out of the Northwest–inspired plates meant for sharing. park. There are so many excellent restaurants to Mussels out of the shell come with a white-wineBY GAIL JOHN SON choose from already, but new must-visit establish- and-fennel broth and house-made brioche that’s ments keep showing up year after year, with 2015’s been torn and toasted; slow-and-low is the method hot spots featuring everything from upscale Euro- behind the wagyu short rib, cooked at a very gentle pean dining to pan-Asian share plates. Confession: temperature for 42 hours and then served off the I haven’t had a chance to go to all the restos that bone with peppercorn jus—ambrosial. came on scene this past year—Chang’An and Ancora are at the top of my list to visit pronto—but 4. TORAFUKU The “angry tiger sauce” with “Calahere’s a shortlist of my faves from the outgoing year. mari the Way I Like It” alone is worth the visit, its fiery wallop surprising you right after the sweet litchi 1. MISSION Top Chef Canada contender Curtis goes down. Swirl the onsen egg into the “Kickass Luk teamed up with former Fable manager Chase Veggie Risotto”, currently containing duxelles (sauMacLeod for this Kitsilano delight. The nose-to- téed, finely chopped mushrooms) and tomato purée. tail, root-to-tip fare is beyond impressive, with an Dishes draw on the cuisines of Japan, China, Taiwan, emphasis on daily tasting menus. Priced at $45 for Korea, and Vietnam, with executive chef Clement four courses or $65 for six in vegetarian and car- Chan and general manager Steve Kuan—the duo nivorous versions, these are fabulous value for the behind the Le Tigre food truck—clearly having fun quality, inventiveness, and care behind each and both front and back of house. Items top out at $16 for every dish. Consider the earthy condiment served miso sablefish with fried snow crab and congee—a this summer with an inverted pea-and-turnip price point that helps justify the weekend lineups. tart—it consisted of more than a dozen ingredients, including birch syrup and nori. The drinks 5. ROYAL DINETTE Talk about being on a roll: are first-rate too: start with the Under Milk Wood David Gunawan and his partner, Dara Young, the cocktail, containing, among other ingredients, pair behind Farmer’s Apprentice, opened this spot made-in-B.C. Tempo Renovo gin and a cordial of in partnership with the Donnelly Group in the heart of the financial district this year, in addition to startforaged fir, nettle, and meadow grass. ing up Grapes and Soda, the city’s first natural wine 2. BAUHAUS Chef Stefan Hartmann comes to bar. Located beneath the Blackbird Public House, Vancouver via Berlin, where his own restaurant Royal Dinette is a refreshing alternative to the existearned a Michelin star and a nod in a New York ing dining options in the downtown core, with GunTimes article about that city’s top restaurants. His awan’s farm-to-table philosophy at the heart of his technique is impeccable, whether he’s crafting a healthy, vegetable-centric creations. You won’t leave strudel out of goat cheese, potato, and asparagus, or stuffed, but you’ll be wholly happy with dishes like trout with rutabaga, peppercress, and slow-cooked freshly made pasta (long fusilli come with octopus, onsen egg. À la carte dining is available, while tasting clams, Buddha’s hand, olives, and herbs) or seafood menus come in three sizes: four courses for $75, five such as lingcod in a spot-prawn bisque with black for $95, and six for $110. Look for early-bird specials trumpet mushrooms, turnip, and apple.

THINGS TO DO

6. WILDTALE COASTAL GRILL Headed by John Crook and Erik Heck, the partners behind the Flying Pig, this Yaletown eatery celebrates the sea with items including Alaskan king crab, Prince Edward Island mussels, Lois Lake salmon, oysters from east and west coasts, and more. Hemingway’s Santiago would be bowled over by this mariner’s bounty. 7. AU COMPTOIR It helps if you speak the language to get past restaurant servers’ perceived snootiness in the City of Light, but regardless of your command of high-school French, you can count on service being professional and friendly at this bustling café run by two Frenchmen in the heart of Kitsilano. It serves up classics like steak frites, duck, beef tartare, cheese and charcuterie plates, and a true taste of Paris. 8. VIJ’S The location has changed (now at 3106 Cambie Street), but it’s the same exceptional Indian fare that’s made Vikram Vij famous. The lamb popsicles are still on offer; look too for local pork belly with apple-mint chutney or saag paneer with Punjabi daal and chapati. You’re in good hands here; I just hope that the man himself still has time to make the rounds between all of his various ventures, since part of the pleasure of dining at one of his establishments is speaking with him and watching him work the room. 9. GLOWBAL The latest from Glowbal Restaurant

Group gets a mention because it’s got something for everyone, from crispy calamari to chunky cioppino to skewers of all sorts cooked on a monstrous robata grill—halloumi cheese, wagyu beef, lobster tail, and Japanese eggplant among them. Plus the décor is super cool—try to snag a birdcage table if you’re dining alfresco.

10. HOPE CAFÉ One of these things is not like

the others… Yes, it’s a coffee shop, but it’s also a social enterprise that employs people who have experienced mental illness, the first of its kind in B.C. A partnership of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Blenz Coffee, it’s a bright and spacious place in the Greta and Robert H.N. Ho Centre for Psychiatry and Education (the HOpe Centre), which is part of Lions Gate Hospital, serving up promise and potential with every latte. Here’s hoping 2016 sees its continued success. -

FOOD High five

Meal ticket PICNIC LUNCH Fans of the Acorn Restaurant can now find its vegan and vegetarian eats at Lukes General Store (49 West Hastings Street). The popular Main Street spot has partnered with Lukes to create a rotating menu of seasonal lunch items—under the name PICNIC—that will be available daily from 11 a.m. First up: a vegan sandwich with arugula-and-macadamia-nut cheese, roasted eggplant, and king oyster mushrooms; and a vegetarian sandwich with smoked white Cheddar, arugula pesto, and caramelized onion ($8 each). -

Ring in the New Year with a multicourse chef’s menu.

CRAFT BEER MARKET (85 West 1st Avenue [$75]) Sip locally crafted beer from Bomber Brewing, Parallel 49 Brewing, and more alongside a five-course brewmaster’s dinner.

MAENAM (1938 West 4th Avenue [$70]) A seven-course tasting menu puts a modern spin on traditional Thai and is best enjoyed family-style. Vegetarians welcome.

BEACH BAY CAFÉ AND PATIO (1193 Denman Street [$49 or $98]) Sit seaside for a fouror eight-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood.

MINAMI (1118 Mainland Street [from $95]) Aburi cuisine takes centre stage with a fivecourse dinner that includes nigiri, roll, and oshi sushi, plus optional sake pairings.

BACCHUS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE AT THE WEDGEWOOD HOTEL (845 Hornby Street [from $165]) Wine is expertly paired with five dishes, like butter-poached lobster and chestnut arancini.

Drink of the week

WINTER WHITE STOUT Steamworks Brewing’s latest holiday stout is a head-scratcher—it pours a delicate white gold rather than a dark chocolate brown or black. That’s because it forgoes the use of roasted malts for whole espresso beans and Madagascar cacao beans, which impart a rich and familiar coffeelike flavour. Find Winter White Stout at private liquor stores (from $5.49 for 650 mL) and on tap at Steamworks Brew Pub (375 Water Street). -

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 25

FOOD

It was a very mixed year for our wine scene

or the last little while, I’ve been pondering this end-of-year round-up of Vancouver wine culture, and I’m having a hard time figuring out whether things are better than they were when we rang in 2015. I look at the exciting wine programs of various restaurants, including Farmer’s Apprentice, Burdock & Co., Upstairs at Campagnolo, and Latab Wine Bar listing adventurous natural wines made of indigenous varieties from unique regions, and Vancouverites are flocking to their tables and enjoying every sip. Sure, those are smaller places with niche followings, but even larger rooms like Chambar and Cactus Club Cafe are certainly not content following a well-worn path, instead opting to pour things like 10-year-old white Riojas at the former, and fresh, lively Muscadets at the latter, all by the glass to the masses. Vancouverites are a wine-savvy bunch. Welltravelled industry folks—whether retailers, somProvincial policies ensured that B.C. residents continued paying some of the world’s highest wine meliers, importers, or educators—constantly prices in 2015, while restaurants and hotels were refused wholesale discounts. Christine McAvoy photo. speak to this. Perusing a wine list or store shelf, we’re unafraid to venture toward a Grolleau from Of course, we’re just around the corner from five local grocery stores. Now, when the province France or visit a Georgian Saperavi for the first the Vancouver International Wine Festival opened the doors to the possibility of wine being time. In fact, hedging my bets on Vancouverites’ (February 20 to 28), one of the biggest wine sold in grocery stores, it was decided that those excitement and thirst for the small, individual, festivals in the world—where thousands of us wines would be 100 percent British Columbian. and quirky of the wine world, part of my year sample hundreds of wines at various events Supporting local, and all of that. There has indeed focused on the production around town. There are lots been a fair amount of fuss among stakeholders of Top Drop Vancouver—a of little things, too. This as to whether that’s the right call, some claimtwo-day trade and consumer past year was the first we ing it restricts consumer options, others that the event bringing together a few had wine being poured at policy is in violation of international trade agreeKurtis Kolt dozen international, terroirFood Cart Fest. There are ments. There are even B.C. wineries that aren’t focused wineries, along with craft breweries and local wines on offer at farmers markets. We’re fully behind the policy unless there’s a guarantee cideries, with all proceeds going to charity. Af- finally joining the rest of the world with wine that the smaller independents won’t be squeezed ter selling out our inaugural edition in 2014 at being available in grocery stores, and— out of shelf space by the big corporate players. Mount Pleasant’s Heritage Hall, we doubled our Wait. Of course, there’s also concern about how this capacity by moving to Yaletown’s Roundhouse Scratch that last part. will affect the private wine stores, which helped Community Centre this past September and You see, Vancouver was about to embark on a build our local wine culture. Many are already happily sold out once again! one-year pilot project of wine being available in at a disadvantage in a number of ways; not being

The Bottle

allowed to sell beer or spirits like their B.C. Liquor Store competitors is just one example. And, of course, increased access to any alcoholic product raises health and social concerns for some. These are valid concerns, and there are obviously plenty of hurdles in making the grocery store model work well, in a way that’s fair to all and works for our city. Perhaps this five-store pilot could be our canary in the coal mine, before broad strokes of policy are implemented. “It’s going to take quite a lot to convince me that liquor in grocery stores is actually going to be okay,” one Vision Vancouver councillor, Kerry Jang, said at the December 16 council meeting, during which the pilot was suspended until further notice. “There are tons of other things people can do other than getting alcohol to get drunk…there are other ways to have a good time, it doesn’t require that.” I’m still picking my jaw up from the floor after that Prohibition-esque, tut-tutting remark. At a point in the year where I’d thought we’d come so far, it’s evident that we have a long way to go. It boggles the mind that our restaurants and hotels still pay full retail price for wine, without any wholesale discount. Our taxation on wine, as we all know, is astronomical—resulting in us paying some of the highest prices on the planet. So here’s the part where I ask, once again, for both provincial and local governments to come to the table with restaurant, retail, and wine-industry stakeholders of all levels for progressive, considered, and logical discussion on policy. And this is the sentence I’m writing, yet again, where I ask for an economy-friendly flat tax on wine, with a common wholesale discount for all, truly creating the oft-discussed “level playing field”. And finally, a plea for me not to have to close out a column next December with this very same paragraph. -

Straight to the Pint with Steel Toad brewer > B Y B RIA N LYNC H

traight to the Pint taps those on the frontlines of our booming local craft-beer industry for stories about biggest brewing successes, dream vacation spots, and which brand was always in the family fridge.

WHO ARE YOU I’m Chris Charron. I’m the head (and often only) brewer at Steel Toad. YOUR DAD’S FAVOURITE BEER

My dad has always been a beer elitist. Nobody is drinking the correct beer unless it’s what he likes, and what he likes changes every few years, causing a lot of grief for his friends and family, who have to endure his rants about how whatever it is they’re drinking isn’t up to par. When I was little, I don’t remember anything but Coors Light in the fridge. At some point, around the age it was deemed acceptable for kids to pour beers for their parents, he moved on to become a loyal Stella drinker for a decade or so. For the past few years, he drinks nothing but IPAs. My poor granddad finally made the jump from Coors Light to Stella a few years ago; he was so proud of himself, and now he receives endless grief from

my father about drinking “garbage beer from an evil multinational”. I learned pretty quickly that vodka and orange juice wasn’t the optimal way to have a good time, and that maybe there was something to all this beer stuff that kept showing up on TV. Everything I tried tasted just as bad as the vodka and orange juice, so I ended up gravitating towards the higher ABV [alcohol-by-volume] brands that were readily available to me, so that I had to drink less of it to get a buzz going. I ended up a pretty loyal Unibroue customer, usually bringing two or three 750-millilitre bottles of La Fin du Monde along to any gathering or party I decided wouldn’t be pleasant unless I was drinking. Gradually, I came to not mind the taste, then moved on to actually enjoying it after a year or so. Unfortunately, I now can’t take even a slight whiff of anything that has been brewed with Unibroue’s distinctive yeast strain without my gag reflex remembering being 18 years old. Yuck.

FIRST GO-TO BRAND

LIFE-CHANGING BEER While doing the “zip around Belgium in a week trying all the famous beers” thing, we stopped in to a little restaurant right beside the place we were staying in

THE OPEN

A Belgian beer changed the life of Chris Charron. Amanda Siebert photo.

Saint-Gilles, in southern Brussels (the cool part!). I had mussels, fries, and a few pints of Zinnebir from Brasserie de la Senne. It was just perfect. Now, I had tried this beer before, but it was always in the context of spending $12 on a bottle to split between friends and to sit around asking each other how it made us feel and whatnot. This pint really drove home how important the context of how I drink beers is to how I feel about them. For me, something can be underwhelming in a four-ounce taster and absolutely fantastic by the pint (or

two). I brew beers that for the most part CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT My first-ever job in the brewing industry taste good to me by the pint. was packaging manager for a small DREAM DESTINATION I don’t know startup brewery in Ontario. On Day much of anything about the drinking 1 I was shown a rusty and dusty old cultures of central Europe. I’ve spent bundle of steel and tubes that had tons of time in England, Belgium, and been bought used after three other France and admire many parts of the breweries had run it into the ground. drinking cultures in those places. I’d This was a very early version of the really love to have a trusted friend from now ubiquitous Meheen bottling the area bring me around Germany machine, and as of 2010 it had filled and the Czech Republic, showing me the most bottles of any Meheen unit how everything works in the Kölsch- out there as far as the manufacturer kneipen of Cologne and the beer halls was aware. Watching the first cases of Munich, Prague, and so on. (I know of bottles coming out of that thing so little about these places, I don’t even after six weeks of rebuilding it countknow what the beer halls of Munich or less times felt pretty great. I’m trying Prague are called.) to think of a reason to use the phrase “It was my crowning achievement,” FIRST BEER BREWED My first because it would be a great pun. homebrew was supposed to be a dead- (Because putting a top on a bottle is simple pale ale, the recipe taken from called crowning, you see.) the opening pages of Randy Mosher’s fantastic Radical Brewing. However, at I’D LOVE TO HAVE A BEER WITH the homebrew shop, I was convinced Cris Ohama or Ben Cobbledick at by Stéphane (Montreal’s equivalent to UnTapped beer importers; Adam Dan Small) that there was little point Chatburn at RealCask/Callister; the in brewing “shitty little beers with no people who run Crannog (I don’t body” for my first time, as I maybe actually know them, sorry). wouldn’t enjoy the end result and be put off from brewing forever. I went home This is a condensed version of with the ingredients for an imperial Straight to the Pint. Go to Straight. stout. It was better than the dead simple com for the full article and a bonus pale ale I brewed for the second batch. video feature.

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ARTS

In 1775,

BY ANDREA WAR N ER

Richard Brinsley Sheridan secretly wrote the first glowing review of his own new play, The Rivals, stating that it was basically an instant classic and would “stand foremost in the list of modern comedies”. Well, Sheridan may have been a braggart, but he was also prescient. The Rivals is almost 250 years old, but the comedy of manners is a screwy delight with a feminist through line and pages and pages of clever wordplay. Acclaimed actor Gabrielle Rose is rehearsing at Progress Lab 1422 in East Vancouver. It’s warm inside the studio, but that’s not why she’s flushed red and has a slight glow of perspiration on her forehead. It’s the mouthfuls of dialogue she’s delivering at whiplash speed as the famed Mrs. Malaprop, a character so defined by her misuse of words with similar pronunciations that her last name has become part of the English language. “It’s so cool, right?” Rose smiles, delighted by her character’s lasting influence. “It’s one of those roles you hope to play in your career, but I actually hadn’t given it too much thought. I thought it was Restoration comedy, but that was a misapprehension on my part—wait, is that the right word? See? I am already Mrs. Malaprop.” Rose laughs good-naturedly at herself before continuing. “But it’s actually a comedy of manners and it’s really very sophisticated. Not that Restoration comedies weren’t, but they’re very surface, it’s always felt to me.” Director Johnna Wright nods. She’s seated next to Rose as the two take a midafternoon rehearsal break. “Yes, they [Restoration comedies] were about a thin strata of society,” she agrees. “Comedy of manners deals a bit more with a range, so there aren’t really any aristocrats, they’re more the landed gentry, people with money, and then there’s country people.” The Rivals, which Wright has set in Edwardianera “Downton Abbey” England, definitely deals with a broader cross-section of society. The five-act play boasts a huge cast and plenty of convoluted moments, secret identities, and a very early work of cat-

Playing with pretences

Gabrielle Rose (left) and Emma Slipp star in The Rivals, about a woman who’d rather marry for love than be treated as a commodity. Tim Matheson photo.

announcement that the about that, what she’s really saying is she now defunct Vancouver wants to marry for love, not be a commodity,” Blackbird Theatre celebrates its 10th anniversary with Playhouse Theatre Com- Wright says. This is just one part of what Rose refers to as pany would no longer be The Rivals, a comedy of manners that delights in deception the “feminist track” that runs through The Rivals. doing any classics. “It talks about education for women all the way fishing before it was called that. Lydia and Jack are “John decided he would do some and that’s young lovers, but she is juggling multiple suitors and his commitment, to find plays—not necessarily through the play,” Rose says. “They talk about has notions of a grand romance in her head, the kind old plays, but plays that have legs, plays that have whether women should be reading or not reading, what that leads to in education, and I think she’s read about in books. To woo her, Jack pretends beautiful writing—and do them as classily one of the frustrations for Mrs. Malato be an impoverished soldier. Lydia’s guardian, and classically as possible,” Rose says. prop is that she isn’t educated and she Mrs. Malaprop, disapproves and high jinks ensue. The Rivals, then, is perfectly in Check out… It’s the perfect play to kick off Blackbird The- keeping with Blackbird’s mandate. STRAIGHT.COM really wants to be, and that’s where a lot of her pretension comes from.” atre’s 10th-anniversary season. Like many of its comedy-of-manners Visit our website Many of The Rivals’ themes prove “They haven’t done very much comedy—they ilk, this is a play all about pretences, for morning-after as resonant today as they did twowanted to celebrate that they made it this far!” but even some of those pretences are reviews and local arts news and-a-half centuries ago, a dark irony Wright jokes. Her father, John Wright, is the pretences. Got it? that’s not lost on Rose. founder and artistic director of Blackbird Theatre, “Lydia’s pretence is this romantic idea “I think that what we’re fi nding is we but his daughter says she didn’t initially think that living in poverty would be beautiful. much of Dad’s plan to produce classic plays that And she definitely exoticizes that, but at the same have a very thin veneer of civilization in our open the week between Christmas and New Year’s. time she’s also pushing back against the marriage world, and it doesn’t really take a lot to pull that “I was a doubter on that one,” Wright admits. market of her era,” Wright says. “If you’re a young curtain back, does it?” she says. “Th ings really “My dad was like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to open on lady whose family has some money, you’re supposed don’t change that much.” Hence our need for the classics and a long, December 28 and we’re going to do Hecuba,’ and I to find a young man who also has money and join was like, ‘That is the worst idea I’ve ever heard in the money together instead of wasting your money bright future for Blackbird Theatre. my life!’ Hecuba for Christmas? And it went great, on someone who doesn’t have any.” “And raising your status if you can,” Rose interjects. Blackbird Theatre presents The Rivals from Monso no more advice from me!” “Yes, so she’s fighting back against that and day (December 28) to January 23 at the Cultch’s This is Rose’s third Blackbird production, and she loves that the company was born out of the long-ago even though she’s being silly and indulgent Historic Theatre.

THINGS TO DO

ARTS High five

Editor’s choice O, CANADA The Vancouver Art Gallery is open over the holidays, making it a prime destination for an inspiring look at the truly majestic Embracing Canada: Landscapes From Krieghoff to the Group of Seven. Look for classics by Cornelius Krieghoff and abstracted beauties by the likes of Emily Carr and Lawren Harris, whose Quiet Lake is here. Embracing Canada is at the Vancouver Art Gallery until January 24.

Five events you just can’t miss this week

CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN (At the Firehall Arts Centre to January 9) Cool arrangements of the Bard of the Boudoir’s greats, plus atmosphere to burn.

THE NUTCRACKER (At the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from December 29 to 31) Pretty rows of ballerinas against sets so beautiful your eyes hurt.

NYE LAFF-IN WITH GLENN WOOL (At Lafflines Comedy Club on December 31) One funny guy, part craftsman, part preacher man.

YEAR IN REVIEW (At the Improv Centre from December 26 to 31) Vancouver TheatreSports League takes a gut-splitting trip through 2015.

HANSEL AND GRETEL: AN EAST VAN PANTO (At the York Theatre to January 3) We’ll say it again: this show literally rocks.

Guest pick

ENCHANTED NIGHTS Our arts fan this week is Debra Zhou, communications specialist at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Here’s her pick of events: “I love Bloedel Conservatory. It’s a magical place filled with luscious tropical greens, colorific rare flowers, and talkative birds with personalities—all underneath a futuristic dome sky. It’s a special treat for the eye and the mind to wander inside this little piece of heaven at night during the most festive month of the year.” Enchanted Nights holiday displays are at Bloedel Conservatory until January 3.

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 27

ARTS

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CHELSEA HOTEL The Songs of

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hen Alberta Ballet’s opulent production of The Nutcracker arrives here, it won’t be by snowy sleigh ride or on the wings of sugarplum fairies. No, the practical matter is the massive, $1.5-million production travels by trucks. “It takes three tractor-trailers— that’s as big as a rock ’n’ roll show, if not a teeny bit bigger,” says Alberta Ballet’s director of production and touring, Harry Paterson, speaking over the phone from Calgary. “We have to bring scenery, costumes, lighting effects, rehearsal clothes, pointe shoes… It’s probably our biggest show.” It may not be a very magical mode of transportation, but there’s a true art to the way the pieces are meticulously packed—special boxes to keep tutus flat, disassembled set pieces, carefully rolled hand-painted backdrops, and pointe-shoe containers, all sorted into tight spaces by computer so they don’t move around on their long journey from Alberta to the West Coast. Paterson admits the inside of the trucks can be a surreal sight, complete with rat masks and wigs. It takes someone who knows every detailed need of the ballet, and Paterson definitely fits the bill. A dancer since age nine, he’s concentrated on production and tours for several decades and knows his stuff. “It’s all highly specialized, but I’ve been doing it for donkey’s years,” the 63-year-old veteran says with a

laugh, adding: “There are not a lot of us guys left.” As specialized as his field is, this particular, imperial-Russia-themed Nutcracker—with its Snow Tsarina, Cossack-hatted rats, Arctic wolves, onion domes, and Fabergé-egg gilding—requires even more specific logistics. Take the atmospheric end to the ballet’s first act: in this version, dancing Snowflakes in long, sparkling tutus twirl onto the stage, one by one, like feathery crystals caught in the wind, under gently falling snow. Paterson reveals that the small bond-paper pieces arrive in big bags that look like pillowcases, carefully rigged above the stage on a teetertotterlike structure that allows slower or quicker release. But getting the snow to fall is just half the job. “As soon as the curtain goes down, they sweep and vacuum it up. We recycle it, of course, and the guys sit there during Act 2 siphoning and sifting it and getting all the nails and other stuff out of it so it can be used again for the next show.” It’s a huge amount of work for one short, magical scene. The same goes for the beautifully hand-painted, lamplit, turn-of-the-last-century street scene that opens this Nutcracker. “It’s just gorgeous,” raves Paterson, who gets to see it all close up. “It’s not like paintby-numbers; nobody outlines this stuff and fills it in. And it’s only there for a few minutes and it flies away and you never see it again. But that’s ballet, isn’t it?” The set was a massive investment for the company eight years ago, and Paterson has an annual budget

of more than $25,000 to repair it and the costumes. “This [the sets and costumes] is standing up really well,” he says. “It was built all over North America.…There was not one shop that could take on this whole project. We built it with the intention of it lasting 10 to 15 years.” It all comes together, miraculously, on the day of unpacking, dress rehearsal, and opening night. Not only do the two dozen stagehands get sets in place, but about 65 local balletschool children practise for their first time with the 30-plus pros, and the live orchestra tunes up with the dancers. “We call it the day from hell,” Paterson jokes. “Everybody starts work at 8 a.m. and doesn’t stop, except for a lunch break, until the end of the performance that night.” The team has it down to such a fine craft, however, that it rides as smoothly as the Snow Tsarina’s sleigh, creating otherworldly wonder with the kind of artful, old-fashioned magic that doesn’t come from digital projections or other tech-heavy effects. “With children, even in this day and age, I’m surprised it still works,” Paterson muses. “It’s low-tech and it’s pretty, too. [Designer] Zack Brown built this production to be extremely colourful in itself. It’s candy to the eye.” Candy that’s as carefully packed and unpacked as a Fabergé egg. Alberta Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from Tuesday (December 29) to December 31.

ARTS

TRIBUTE TO

BRUBECK

RÉMI BOLDUC JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Opera Warriors showcases China’s traditional arts while telling a love story in a production that’s physically pummelling.

Warriors melds spectacular forms > BY JA NET SM IT H

ith its elaborate sets, 40 performers, and opulent historical costumes, Opera Warriors brings Chinese culture to the stage in a big way. But as Xing Shimiao, who choreographed this larger-than-life mix of contemporary dance, acrobatic feats, and martial arts, points out, the epic’s spectacular visuals don’t stem only from its design—which requires the removal of the first seven rows of seats at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre just to accommodate it. “What’s important is not the physical size of the stage but the reason you feel that is it’s a very big performance,” Xing says in Mandarin, speaking through a translator over the line from China and referring to the turbocharged, physically pummelling movement in the production. The impossibly flexible dancers leap in the air, barrel-roll, balance on tiny stands, and do flips across the stage. They also perform such colourful classical routines as the “water-sleeve dance”, in which female dancers wave 2.5-metre-long flowing detachable silk sleeves, and the “whisker dance”, in which men swing their rankou, or long artificial facial hair, in unison. But Xing admits the built environment is monumental on its own. “In Peking Opera we actually build a stage on the stage,” he says. “Our designer also explored the side stage, and he makes full use of those areas.”

Conjured by the creative team behind the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, Opera Warriors in fact focuses on the sweeping story of Peking Opera itself—that is, the traditional Chinese art form that, unlike its western operatic counterpart, mixes music with theatre, martial arts, dance, and acrobatics. (It should be noted it’s actually named for the city now properly known as Beijing.) Opera Warriors’ script (penned by Pik Wah Li, who wrote the screenplay for the celebrated film Farewell My Concubine under her pen name of Lillian Lee) is set in the tumultuous early years of the 20th century. It follows three gifted Peking Opera performers who study under the same martialarts master. After completing their rigorous training, the three join a theatrical troupe, but love and jealousy threaten their success at the height of Peking Opera. The physical demands shown in the story line in fact hit quite close to those required of the huge cast from the Huajin Dance Drama Ensemble that stars in the show. “Now, of course, they are more relaxed, but five years ago when first practising they had very hard training,” Xing says, admitting there is quite a bit of pain and endurance involved in what will look effortless on-stage. “There are male performers who dance on stilt shoes,” he says, referring to teetering, tiny boots that resemble China’s ancient foot-binding slippers. “These are male performers

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW A YEAR OF LAUGHS IN ONE SHOW

DECEMBER 26 - 31 THE IMPROV CENTRE, GRANVILLE ISLAND

with up to a shoe size of 9 or 10 and they have to fit themselves in these very traditional Chinese small shoe stilts. They put them on in the morning and their feet bleed. This still happens every day for them.” For all the dancers, it’s necessary to train in martial arts on a daily basis as well. “But the martial arts you see in Opera Warriors is not martial arts in the usual understanding,” he clarifies. “Traditional martial arts are focused more on body training, whereas in Peking Opera it’s more body movements that convey ideas.” In all, Opera Warriors should, other than delivering enough kinetic eye candy to give you a simulated sugar rush for days, provide an entertaining lesson on both classical arts in China and the way contemporary companies there are putting dramatic new spins on them. It’s being presented by Image China, a cultural-exchange program sponsored by UBC. “With the fast flow of information on the Internet, young Chinese artists have the same info as their western counterparts, and they input their new ideas into the art form,” says Xing of the production’s contemporary feel and appeal to audiences on this side of the Pacific Rim. “I do represent traditional Chinese culture as a choreographer, and I hope I will be able to create more artworks of this type to introduce to western audiences,” he adds. -

Anvil Centre Photo: Grant Mattice

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A Comedy of Love and Manners

by R Brinsley Sheridann Richard Directed by

JOHNNA WRIGHT

Opera Warriors is at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on January 5 and 6.

Dec 28 to Jan 23 at the Cultch 2015

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DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 29

ARTS

Drawing a fantastical Far North V IS U AL AR T S COLD DREAM: DRAWINGS BY QAVAVAU MANUMIE At Marion Scott Gallery until January 9

Qavavau Manumie’s drawings

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representational, the mystical and the prosaic. His images speak of fantastical creatures, supernatural encounters, and the closely observed particulars of daily life in the Far North. Delicately and meticulously rendered in coloured pencil, graphite, and ink, his subjects include landscapes, seascapes, people, tools, transport, camp scenes, and creatures of the land, sea, and air. At the same time, this Cape Dorset artist may fragment and recombine aspects of all these subjects in ways that, to southern audiences, look quite surreal. In an untitled work of 2008, for instance, human and animal heads in profile are pressed against the wobbly and abstracted blades of an airplane propeller. Bubbles drift upward across the kaleidoscopic image, as if we were viewing a weird conjoining of the organic and the mechanical from an underwater chamber. The dreamlike disjunctions in Manumie’s art may perhaps be linked to the disruptions of his early life—or perhaps more simply and directly to the hybrid nature of contemporary Inuit existence, with its melding of the traditional and the modern, the familiar and the strange. Manumie was born in 1958, not in his home community but in Brandon, Manitoba, where his mother was being treated for tuberculosis. He spent his early years with a foster family in Brandon before moving, at the age of five or six, to Cape Dorset with his mother. As a young man, Manumie became an immensely accomplished printer for the Kinngait Studios, translating other artists’ drawings into stonecuts. He also began to produce his own

Qavavau Manumie’s surreal untitled (little person with blade and kelp) depicts one of the diminutive hidden beings believed to live among the Inuit.

drawings, which have brought him considerable national acclaim and which align him with a third generation of Inuit artists whose works cannot be fixed within stereotypes of form or subject. Still, his drawings reveal his great familiarity with and understanding of Arctic wildlife. Manumie’s compositions also evince the attention he has paid to recent western art history and popular culture. His drawings are untitled and he is reportedly reluctant to discuss his work. However, by gentle questioning of the artist, through a translator, Marion Scott Gallery’s Robert Kardosh has been able to glean some insights into his imagery. (See Kardosh’s short essay, available in the gallery or online.) One of the recurring subjects in this show is the “little people” or Inugagulligaq who, according to the stories Manumie’s father told him when he was a child, live among the Inuit, largely unseen. In a 2009 drawing, the diminutive beings, dressed in sealskin parkas, trousers, and boots, make their way through a zigzaggy maze that

appears to be composed of metal panels riveted together. In another work, a little person bends forward under the weight of the enormous (i.e., humansize) knife he is carrying on his back, while dragging away a couple of equally enormous pieces of kelp with him. Kelp blades and stipes, along with a smattering of stones, are also used as a framing device for a small landscape depicting a camp scene. As Kardosh notes, this picture within a picture is postmodernly selfreflective, addressing the “mediated nature of pictorial representation”. The same kind of device is used in another, somewhat smaller scene of sea ice and ice floes, the small rectangle set within a much larger frame of organic and geometric abstractions, and lines scored with Xs. The whole is viewed through a screen of small circles, which might be snowflakes or might be bubbles again. As with so many other works here, the effect is surreal, sophisticated—and thoroughly engaging. > ROBIN LAURENCE

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Augustin Hadelich violin*

GLENN BUHR …this is the murmur of yearning TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D Major* ZEMLINSKY The Mermaid Symphonic Fantasy after Hans Christian Andersen Gary R. Bell

Visionary Partner for Scholarship and Publications: The Richardson Family William Percival Weston, Unvanquished, 1933, oil on canvas, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Acquisition Fund, Photo: Trevor Mills, Vancouver Art Gallery.

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One of the most in-demand violinists in the world today, Augustin Hadelich makes his much-anticipated VSO return, performing maybe the most popular violin concerto ever written. Zemlinsky’s lavish, rarely-performed orchestral masterpiece The Mermaid is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale of the mermaid who sacrifices herself for an unrequited love, written by Zemlinsky after his rejection by Alma Schindler, in favour of her soon-to-be husband, the great composer Gustav Mahler. PRE-CONCERT TALK 7:05PM, FREE TO TICKETHOLDERS. MASTERWORKS DIAMOND SERIES SPONSOR

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ARTS

Wild Things invites its viewers to play along T HEAT RE WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE Adapted for the stage by Carol Heleas. Directed by Kim Selody. A Presentation House Theatre production, presented by Carousel Theatre. At Performance Works on Friday, December 18. No remaining performances

My nine-year-old date for this

2 show and I agree: to have fun Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet

The Nutcracker Choreography Edmund Stripe Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Music Performed by The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Set & Costume Design Zack Brown Lighting Design Pierre Lavoie

Dec 29 30 Dec 30 31

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playing, you’ve got to cooperate—and theatre is kind of playing. But you also want playing—and theatre—to get a bit loopy sometimes. Presentation House Theatre’s production of Where the Wild Things Are does a genius job of riding the line between order and chaos. Anybody who’s spent much time around kids in the last 40 years will be familiar with the Maurice Sendak book that Carol Heleas based her script on. In the classic story, which is just 338 words long, a boy named Max gets sent to bed without supper because he’s been unruly. But his bedroom transforms. Max finds himself in a boat, which he sails across the ocean until he gets to a jungle island inhabited by Wild Things. The adaptation works partly because its terms are clear. Everybody in the small audience sits—mostly on the floor—on one of three differently coloured tarps. There’s no moving off those “islands”, unless, of course, one of the two storytellers invites you to do so. The adaptation also works because everybody in the theatre is invited to play along. When we were heading to the show, my young date, who had never seen live theatre before, said, “I wonder how they’ll do the transformation.” Pretty sophisticated for

Wild Things balances order and chaos. Chris van der Schyf photo.

a newbie, I thought. In the show, thanks to Linda Leon’s design, we found out that palm trees can grow out of bedposts and tropical flowers can burst through bedroom windows. But the coolest thing was that all of us helped to build the jungle. A vine wound its way out of Max’s bedroom wall and we passed that vine all along the front row of the audience, then the next row, and the next. It took a pretty long time, but it was worth it because we all got to touch the magic and, collectively, to make it happen. Most impressively, performers Linda A. Carson and Raes Calvert know just how to play with their young audiences. Keep in mind that performing for kids is a lot like performing for drunks: it’s fun but it can get ugly. Carson and Calvert hit just the right notes of generosity and firmness, though. And Calvert makes a charming, credibly childlike Max. Initially intimidated by the unfamiliar experience, my young pal refused to participate at the start of the show. By the end, though, he was roaring with the best of them. And what’s theatre for if not to reassure us that we’re all in this together? > COLIN THOMAS

CHINA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GROUP PRESENTS HUAJIN DANCE DRAMA ENSEMBLE OF SHANXI ACADEMY OF ARTS

AS HEARD ON TV!

AN EPIC TALE OF POWER, PASSION AND THE PEKING OPERA TOLD THROUGH DANCE

“[Opera Warriors’] performances are best measured in megawatts.” — THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

STEVEN REINEKE

CHRISTINA BIANCO

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 & 9 8PM, ORPHEUM THEATRE Steven Reineke conductor

Christina Bianco vocalist

Take a stroll down memory lane! Conductor Steven Reineke takes you on a laugh-filled and nostalgic tour of some of the most iconic of all TV themes, including shows like Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Masterpiece Theatre, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the Brady Bunch, the Judy Garland Show, and more. Celebrate the extraordinary music from these unforgettable television shows, As Heard on TV! VSO POPS SERIES SPONSOR

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32 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

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Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert Jan 1 | 2:30pm | 604.876.3434 vancouversymphony.ca Lee Seung Chul Jan 4 | 8pm | 1.877.840.0457 ticketstonight.ca Apink Jan 5 | 7pm | 1.855.985.5000 ticketmaster.ca

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QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE Alberta Ballet: The Nutcracker Dec 29 - 31 | 1.855.985.5000 ticketmaster.ca

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Image China: Opera Warriors Jan 5 & 6 | 8pm | 1.855.985.5000 ticketmaster.ca ,QÀQLWH (IIHFW Jan 7 | 8pm | 1.855.985.5000 ticketmaster.ca So You Think You Can Dance? Jan 8 | 8pm | 1.855.985.5000 ticketmaster.ca ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE The Family Friendly New Years Eve Variety Show Dec 31 | 8pm | 604.817.1315 vancouvercabaret.com

stanley industrial alliance stage

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DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 33

HANSEL AND GRETEL: AN EAST VAN PANTO The Cultch presents Theatre Replacement’s local spin on the classic fairy tale. Script by Charles Demers, with music by Veda Hille. Directed by Stephen Drover. To Jan 3, York Theatre (639 Commercial). Tix from $20, info www. thecultch.com/events/hansel-and-gretelan-east-van-panto/.

ar ts/ timeout THEATRE DANCE MUSIC COMEDY ET CETERA GALLERIES MUSEUMS

CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR Sara Rodgers directs a radio-playstyle rendition of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale of a miser who sees the error of his ways. To Jan 2, Pacific Theatre (1440 W. 12th). Tix $22.99-29.99, info www.pacifictheatre. org/season/2015-2016-season-3/ mainstage/a-christmas-carol-on-the-air/.

< < < < < < <

THEATRE 2OPENINGS THE RIVALS Blackbird Theatre presents Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s tale of mistaken identity and overwrought romance. Directed by Johnna Wright. Dec 28–Jan 23, 2016, 8-10:30 pm, The Cultch (1895 Venables). Tix from $27, info www.blackbirdtheatre.ca/.

2ONGOING A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL The Arts Club Theatre Company presents a festive musical about a young boy’s quest for an official Red Ryder carbineaction BB gun. Based on the 1983 film. To Dec 27, Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville). Tix from $29, info www. artsclub.com/. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE The Arts Club Theatre Company presents the holiday classic about an angel who helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he’d never existed. To Dec 26, Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston, Granville Island). Tix from $29, info www.artsclub.com/. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER The Arts Club Theatre Company presents director Rick Elice’s adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s Peter Pan prequel. Music by Wayne Barker. To Jan 10, Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre (162 W.1st). Tix from $29, info 604687-1644, www.artsclub.com/.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Gateway Theatre presents a reinterpretation of the classic 1939 film about a young girl who travels to a magical land and must find her way back home. To Jan 3, 8-11 pm, Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Rd., Richmond). Tix $48/20, info www.gatewaytheatre.com/wizard/. SLEEPING BEAUTY MUSICAL PANTOMIME Metro Theatre presents writer-director Catherine Morrison’s tale of a cursed princess rescued by a tech-savvy prince. To Jan 2, 7 pm, Metro Theatre (1370 SW Marine). Tix $27/24/17, info www.metrotheatre.com/. CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN Six performers play 17 different instruments in a rollicking tribute to Canadian author, poet, and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. To Jan 9, Firehall Arts Centre (280 E. Cordova). Tix from $23, info www.fire hallartscentre.ca/.

DANCE 2THIS WEEK THE NUTCRACKER Ballet BC presents Alberta Ballet in the classic holiday ballet about a young girl and her magical

Christmas gift. Includes live music by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Dec 29-31, Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton). Tix $35-110, info www.balletbc. com/performance/the-nutcracker/.

MUSIC 2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS SALUTE TO VIENNA New Year’s concert features the Strauss Symphony of Canada, conductor András Deák, soprano Sera Goesch, tenor Dániel Lökös, and dancers from Kiev-Aniko Balletof Ukraine and international championship ballroom dancers. Jan 1, 2:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe). Tix $57.50150, info www.vancouversymphony.ca/.

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COMEDY 2ONGOING LAFFLINES COMEDY CLUB 530 Columbia St., New Westminster, 604525-2262, www.lafflines.com/. 2GLENN WOOL, KYLE JONES, RON VAUDRY Dec 31. THE COMEDY MIX 1015 Burrard, Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, 604-684-5050, www. thecomedymix.com/. 2RON VAUDRY Dec 26 2DINO ARCHIE, KYLE BOTTOM, CHARLIE DEMERS, DARCY MICHAEL Dec 31 YUK YUK’S COMEDY CLUB 2837 Cambie, 604-696-9857, www.yukyuks.com/. Comedy club with amateur night Wed at 8 pm, talent showcase Thu at 8 pm, headliners Fri-Sat at 7 pm and 9:30 pm. Cover $7 Wed, $10 Thu, $20 Fri-Sat.

straight choices PURE ELEGANCE It’s a New Year’s Day tradition that will launch 2016 in a far more elegant way than nursing a hangover while you watch TV reruns. And it’s celebrated by millions of classical-music fans worldwide. The Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, held at 2:30 p.m. at the Orpheum on January 1, features the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra under maestro András Deák in a sparkling program of tunes from the likes of Die Fledermaus and The Merry Widow. Singers Sera Goesch and Dániel Lökös lend their voices, and champion ballroom dancers swirl around in beautiful costumes. Members of the Kiev-Aniko Ballet of Ukraine are even on hand to bring to life the famed Blue Danube Waltz. Close your eyes for a moment, and you might feel like you’re in an ornate European hall at the turn of the last century.

EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY 34 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

VANCOUVER THEATRESPORTS LEAGUE Some of the world’s most daring and innovative improv. Improv After Dark (every Sat, 11:15 pm); TheatreSports (every Sat, 9:30 pm); Year in Review (every Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tue, 7:30 pm; every Sun, Mon, and Tue, 9:15 pm). Dec 23-30, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix $8-22, info www.vtsl.com/.

straight choices

2THIS WEEK YEAR IN REVIEW Vancouver TheatreSports League improvisers take you on a comedic journey back through the headlines of 2015. Dec 26-31, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix $10-22, info www.vtsl.com/ show/year-in-review/.

2NEW YEAR’S EVE ANDRE-PHILIPPE GAGNON Canadian impressionist performs a New Year’s Eve show. Dec. 31, 9 pm, River Rock Show Theatre (River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond). Tix at www.ticket master.ca/, info www.riverrock.com/. PATRICK MALIHA’S 3RD ANNUAL NAUGHTY LITTLE NEW YEAR’S EVE Vancouver comedian Patrick Maliha hosts a night of comedy, music, magic, and burlesque. Dec 31, 9 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $35/20, info www. riotheatre.ca/. NEW YEAR’S EVE AT YEAR IN REVIEW Ring in the new year with Vancouver TheatreSports League improvisers, who will take you on a journey back through the headlines of 2015. Dec 31, 11:15 pm, The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau, Granville Island). Tix $36, info www.vtsl.com/show/ new-years-eve-at-year-in-review/.

ET CETERA 2THIS WEEK KOOZA Cirque du Soleil presents writerdirector David Shiner’s production that uses acrobatics and clowning to tell the story of a loner in search of his place in the world. To Dec 27, Concord Pacific Place (88 Pacific). Tix from $45 at www.cirquedusoleil. com/, info www.cirquedusoleil.com/.

GALLERIES VANCOUVER ART GALLERY 750 Hornby, 604-662-4719, www.vanart gallery.bc.ca/. 2EMBRACING CANADA: LANDSCAPES FROM KRIEGHOFF TO THE GROUP OF SEVEN (exhibition surveys the history of artistic engagement with the Canadian landscape from c. 1840 to 1940, a period that produced many Canadian artists) to Jan 24

Visit

LAUGH IN THE NEW YEAR Happy to be rid of 2015? If you think the year was a joke, what better way to ring in the New Year than by laughing the whole thing off? The Comedy MIX is offering up not one but four headliners on one bill. It’s advertised as a triple bill, but that does a disservice to the emcee, Darcy Michael (shown here), one of the top headliners in the country and most recently a star of Spun Out with Dave Foley. Michael will be introducing three of the best in the biz: California transplant and choosy lover Dino Archie, Tsawwassen’s Kyle Bottom minus his bucket, and Vancouver’s political-subversiveslash-author-slash-playwright Charlie Demers. Four unique styles with one commonality: killer jokes. Happy New Year, indeed.

MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY 6393 NW Marine Dr., UBC, 604-822-5087, www.moa. ubc.ca/. 2CESNA EM, THE CITY BEFORE THE CITY (one of three unified exhibitions that connect Vancouverites with the ancient village and burial site upon which Vancouver was built. Highlights include soundscapes, original videography, and family-friendly interactivity) to Dec 30

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.

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MOVIES

Tom Hardy or Charlize Theron? There was

some debate here about who should grace the cover of the Straight as we celebrate the year’s best movies. Honouring Mad Max: Fury Road was a no-brainer. George Miller’s visionary, operatic chase film—a merging of pulp, cinematic art, and radical cultural commentary like no other—captured the number one spot on lists ranging from the New York Times to Variety, Vanity Fair, and the Village Voice. This is an astonishing outcome for a tent-pole blockbuster released by a major Hollywood studio. But Mad Max: Fury Road is no ordinary blockbuster. At the heart of Miller’s exemplary smash’em-up lies a stealth attack on late-stage capitalism and patriarchy, something that nobody saw coming, even if the clues embedded in the film’s prerelease poster art were glaring. Seen only in profile, the star of the film is literally muzzled. It’s Theron’s Imperator Furiosa who gazes back at us. She might have been gazing from the cover of the Georgia Straight, too, if her unmuzzled costar hadn’t brazened his way into two of 2015’s most talkedabout flicks. Max Rockatansky is a broken man in search of virtue, while Hardy takes a significantly

From cyborgs to mad men

In a year of movies ruled by guns and explosions, our critics’ Top 10 lists spotlight films that did more than go “boom” different role in The Revenant—the only film besides Mad Max and Ex Machina to appear in three of our four critics’ lists. As the ruthless John Fitzgerald, the Brit actor whips up yet another enduring weirdo: a cold-blooded, half-scalped Texan mercenary whose presence threatens to overwhelm Leonardo DiCaprio, a momma grizzly bear, and even the film’s audacious, self-imposed production tribulations. With his thundering performance as both Kray twins in Legend as another conspicuous triumph, this was clearly Hardy’s year. Appearing on the cover of the Georgia Straight seems almost—almost—like a relatively minor thing in comparison. KEN EISNER

This year was mostly an occasion for big with computer-enhanced journeys into space, the past, pure fantasy, or all of the above. This generally involved shooting things—rockets, guns, missiles, and bombs—at other people and places. The destructive impulses of ostensibly humanistic filmmakers can forever be attributed to inner complexity and the desire to reach a mass audience. But is there a point at which we’ll get sick of seeing men, and the odd Charlize Theron, draw weapons to solve (i.e., perpetuate) every conflict? There are few guns in the movies listed below, although there are some swords, plus more than one victim of prejudice, wit, or their own worst impulses.

2 concepts,

CAROL/BROOKLYN A young woman discovers a true sense of self while battling convention in 1952 New York. That description works for both of these exemplary character studies, which set finely modulated, largely female performances against obliquely filmed period backdrops. Irish director John Crowley was originally set to direct Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as troubled lovers in Carol, but stylish Todd Haynes got that

WEEK IN WIDESCREEN

honour, and Crowley ended up with Brooklyn’s Soairse Ronan, who won’t have to compete against a costar at Oscar time.

ANOMALISA The year’s most unusual movie (if you count January as an honorary part of 2015) is actually a stop-motion animated feature not suitable for children. Charlie Kaufman’s script, developed as a radio play, uses only three voices to explicate a variety of troubled personalities, centring on David Thewlis as a self-help guru in serious need of his own salvation. SPOTLIGHT You don’t have to be a journalist to

LOVE & MERCY Despite a bifurcated structure, with perfect Paul Dano alternating with iffier John Cusack as head Beach Boy Brian Wilson, the colour-rich film offers coherently profound insights into the creative process, whether making music for the moment or, in this case, the ages. THE ASSASSIN Not even Taiwanese master

Hou Hsiao-hsien could likely explain the circuitous plot of his gorgeously fragmented genre tale, a Tang-dynasty saga turned into a series of unforgettable images that manage to riff on almost every type of cinema, and on the notion of storytelling itself.

MOVIES What to see and where to see it

THE SEARCHERS John Ford’s 1956 masterpiece has famously inspired everything from Taxi Driver to Star Wars, The Revenant, and your momma (if she went to film school). John Wayne goes hunting again at the Cinematheque, starting Saturday (December 26).

BARRY LYNDON Speaking of The Revenant, Stanley Kubrick was crazy enough to make his movie with nothing but natural light way back in 1975. Catch the one film from the master you haven’t seen (admit it) the way God intended: on the Cinematheque’s big screen, starting January 2.

MAC AND ME Even though it pretty much heckles itself, Paul Rudd’s favourite movie gets the wisenheimer treatment when the Gentlemen Hecklers turn their attention to Mac and Me, aka the sole venture by McDonald’s into turkey, at the Rio Theatre on January 5.

Blowed up real good

tale of near-future tech evolution (making up for her dud turn in The Danish Girl ).

pine for the days (say, about 15 years ago) when investigative print reporters could take down cor- HEART OF A DOG In which Laurie Anderson rupt governments, crooked businessmen, and—in illustrates how it’s possible to make a docuthis case—pedophiles protected by the Catholic mentary that is both deeply personal and conestablishment. Michael Keaton heads a large, fidently abstract enough to engage viewers who uniformly good cast that sticks to naturalistic don’t know her work or life. Other musical docs performances in a procedural drama that avoids that killed this year include the stylish Amy, resensation and lets its subject provide the intensity. calling tragic singer Amy Winehouse, and the joyful Mavis!, celebrating the most famous of WHILE WE’RE YOUNG Writer-director Noah the singing Staples. Baumbach came up aces with Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts as middle-agers taking one last, ten- JANET SMITH tative stab at rebellious youth. (Six months later, Directors in 2015 upended genres the way he released his Mistress America, which was conMad Max: Fury Road flipped cars. Everysiderably less mature.) thing from westerns to sci-fi flicks to chase movies ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL This off- got a reboot. And then there was that disastrous beat feast for cinephiles throws the sick-teen sub- new take on horror—Brangelina’s By the Sea. genre on its ear with the multidisciplinary tale of an odd high-schooler whose filmmaking obses- EX MACHINA Cool visual polish meets deep, sion both obscures and explicates the intrusions disturbing ideas about artificial intelligence in Alex Garland’s stunning directorial debut. Alicia of real life. Vikander brings sinister grace and vulnerability THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL Marielle Hel- to her metal-encased creature, while Oscar Isaac ler’s writing-directing debut stars England’s Bel is brilliant as her enigmatic tech-guru maker. Powley as a 1970s San Franciscan who unapologetically steals her mother’s boyfriend. Heller’s MAD MAX: FURY ROAD George Miller cranks nonjudgmental script clicks with a style, like Me up the hyperstylized, postapocalyptic mayhem and Earl’s, that draws on graphic-novel aesthetics. for the new millennium in a chase movie so unrelenting that you need a roll bar to watch it. The EX MACHINA Are robots our friends, or even miles of lifeless desert sand and the turbocharged potential lovers? Sweden’s Alicia Vikander deathmobiles make for a ride that’s brutal, badass, breaks through as a seductive cyborg in this see next page

The projector

ARABIAN NIGHTS One of the more striking scenes in the astonishing, three-part Arabian Nights involves an exploding whale. Did they need a permit for that? “Yeah, there was the police watching the process,” says director Miguel Gomes (pictured above), calling the Straight from Lisbon. “But it was not a real whale. Or a real mermaid.” Damn—you had us fooled! Gomes’s wild, sprawling film comes to the Vancity Theatre starting January 1. Read our interview with the acclaimed filmmaker at Straight.com. -

Swedish actor Alicia Vikander’s breakout performance as a seductive cyborg in Alex Garland’s directorial debut Ex Machina impressed three out of four of our critics.

The Rio makes Room

GOLDEN GLOBES The film that probably came 11th on all of the Straight’s top-10 lists this year, Room, gets a couple of encore dates on Sunday and Monday (December 27 and 28) as the Rio Theatre gears up for its free Golden Globes screening party on January 10. Other nominees returning to the Rio’s big screen are Mad Max: Fury Road, Grandma, Trainwreck, Love & Mercy, Steve Jobs, and Shaun the Sheep Movie. Details are at www.riotheatre.ca/. -

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 35

Top 10 lists

crash of 2008 to people who didn’t understand it, e.g., me. The movie embraces its pedantic side while somehow creating real emotions, primarily horror and anger.

from previous page

and goddamn beautiful. The feminist ambitions are the unexpected bonus.

CREED The biggest surprise of this

THE REVENANT Alejandro Gonzá-

lez Iñárritu serves up his westernsurvival tale’s barbarity in 360 degrees, shooting in long takes that immerse you in the blood and chaos. A revenge epic that rethinks cinema as much as it does Hollywood’s version of frontier history.

year is that we actually needed another Rocky sequel. Ryan Coogler writes and directs the story of a kid driven to match the legacy of a father he can never know, except through his father’s greatest rival and best friend. It’s an absorbing drama and also an amazing fight film.

99 HOMES A devil with blue-glow-

EX MACHINA

Tense, smart science fiction that sort of asks what it means to be human, when it is really asking, what is wrong with guys? Alicia Vikander, having a fantastic year (she was also in The Danish Girl and The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and she has Michael Fassbender for arm candy), stuns as a character who is more than the sum of her parts.

ing e-cigarettes and Rolexes, Michael Shannon’s real-estate agent is the villain of the year in a film that smartly exposes the human cost of the subprime-mortgage fiasco. Try not to squirm at the sight of evicted homeowners having their lives thrown literally to the curb—a humiliation several million endured.

The brain-melting banking machinations that led to the recession play out as manic black comedy—complete with a star turn by a raging Steve Carrell and tongue-in-cheek trading-lingo lessons by the likes of Selena Gomez and Anthony Bourdain. And hey: what other film this year taught you what a CDO is?

THE BIG SHORT

A moving inside look at life in Paris’s banlieues (housingproject ’hoods), where there are few ways out for girls, and most of them are bad. An urgent, empathetic exploration of race, gender, and poverty amid France’s urban sprawl.

GIRLHOOD

Cinematographer Roger Deakins’s wide shots of endless desert and bleak cityscapes heighten the sense of doom in the best movie about the morally murky U.S.–Mexico drug battles since Traffic. Watch it in a double bill with the documentary Cartel Land to feel even more outraged about America’s neverending war on drugs.

SICARIO

KINGSMEN: THE SECRET SERVICE

Superficially a high-gloss tribute to spy movies, Kingsmen is also a vicious mockery of James Bond, his class values, and his violence. Featuring a church massacre set to “Free Bird”, an exploding Obama, and an instantly notorious joke ending, the movie goes too far, which is the point. Mad Max: Fury Road ’s Charlize Theron (left); The Revenant ’s Leonardo DiCaprio; Straight Outta Compton ’s Jason Mitchell. STRAIGHT

OUTTA

COMPTON

Even though it soft-pedals the more unsavoury aspects of N.W.A’s story, Straight Outta Compton channels the raw, supercharged energy of gangsta rap’s explosive beginnings. Big props for offering a rare, and sadly still timely, window onto the American racial-war zone that gave birth to Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Eazymuthafuckin’-E. AMY A stunning array of found footage helps piece together an unsettling portrait of fame’s ravaging effects on Amy Winehouse, a singer as damaged as she was insanely talented.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD As you image can bring. At least, that’s my should already know, the revived more than a luminous slide show of excuse for shamelessly plugging and recast Road Warrior takes a Sebastião Salgado’s mind-blowing action films. Alphabetically: back seat, sometimes literally, to photographs of human suffering and the already iconic Imperator Furiendangered landscapes, the docu- ANOMALISA Shooting with pup- osa. The movie is achingly gorgeous mentary gives the visionary artist’s pets to heighten the distance between even when it is frenetic, with asremarkable life story a fittingly art- actions and feelings, Charlie Kauf- tonishing world-building entirely ful treatment, care of Wim Wenders man autopsies the rationalizations of embedded in the production dean inspirational speaker who uses his sign. If the movie has more than a and Salgado’s son, Juliano. facile insights primarily as a tool for hundred words of dialogue, I would RON YAMAUCHI self-gratification. Not fun, but quite be surprised. possibly a cinematic landmark. We are living in such a golden THE MARTIAN This year’s strandage of thoughtful and adult- THE BIG SHORT An audacious film ing of Matt Damon on a planet leads minded television that I have come experiment that combines zany char- to the most likable movie of the year, to relish trips to the cinema primar- acter comedy with a public-service in that there are no villains and no see next page ily for the spectacle that only a giant agenda, to explain the financial THE SALT OF THE EARTH Much

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36 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

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hate. The movie doesn’t need any extra drama, given the situation. It is a rah-rah piece for the engineering mentality at its best. A thoroughly inhospitable landscape of freezing rivers sets the tone for this spectacular tale of survival and revenge, based on the life of frontiersman Hugh Glass, whose toughness exceeds that of a Chuck Norris joke. An object lesson in how to use special effects (it was not a real bear!), and something of a documentary of actual suffering (those are real freezing rivers!). THE REVENANT

of gender inequality; a reboot that doesn’t take advantage of your affection or disrespect your memories; a blindingly successful marriage of cinema’s most basic language and its newest technology: Mad Max: Fury Road seems like an almost impossible thing in 2015, and yet it exists, like a sudden explosion of pristine water in a radioactive desert. HARD TO BE A GOD These lifechanging, three-hour Russian sci-fi movies are getting a little thin on the ground these days, probably because they tend to come with a body count. Indeed, director Aleksei German popped his clogs after spending roughly 43 years on this thing, an (almost) single-take journey through a medieval world of Bosch-ian horror and Escher-like complexity so completely and viscerally realized that I suspect German might have died of a little too much vision.

Brilliantly shot, gifted with compelling performances, and loaded with violence that might be excessive in a slasher film were it not also so plausible in its depiction of the horrors surrounding the Mexican cartels. It is a deliberately ugly film with no hero or moral victory, but is strangely watchable and, yes, HURT Do whatever you can to see this agitated documentary about entertaining. Steve Fonyo (like catch it at the STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON This Cinematheque for a single screensleeper hit galvanized audiences with ing on January 16) and wonder at the its brutally catchy soundtrack and an astounding insight and compassion awareness of milieu that could not filmmaker Alan Zweig brings to a have been more relevant in this sum- broken man terribly in need of both. mer of #BlackLivesMatter. This biopic of N.W.A delivers as both official MY GOLDEN DAYS You don’t so hagiography and stunning evocation much watch Arnaud Desplechin’s of musical ecstasy. The thrill of cre- ’80s-set tale of mad love as imbibe ation, the agony of lousy managers, it. If you were there, if you rememthe parasites feeding upon celebrity— ber the inspired buzz of youth, its it’s all here, bigger and perhaps better vast promise and wanton embrace of danger, and if you still wonder how than life. it all, inevitably, went wrong—this ADRIAN MACK one’s for you. SICARIO

I suppose I could use this to mention that nothing made me laugh harder this year than Adam Scott’s weenie little dink dancing with Jason Schwartzman’s overly plump dong in The Overnight, but that would be cheating.

2 space

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD A radical

blockbuster action film, financed by U.S. dollars, with the scope and intelligence to understand the primacy

“

PETER DE ROME: GRANDFATHER OF GAY PORN Like Kenneth An-

ger remodelled as an impish, gentlemanly Brit, Peter de Rome made movies—actually, it was more like a joyful, erudite form of diary—in an era of clandestine, heavily coded encounters. That defiant thrill seeps into every inch of his canon (oooer, missus!), as does the excitement of New York in the ’60s and ’70s, all of it without a whiff of

exploitation. Weirdly Very weirdly uplifting.

Inside Out takes the fraught, painful process of individuation and turns it into the most amusing, touching, and elegant kids’ entertainment since Up. It also makes a very reasonable argument for Pixar as your new therapist. LES DÉMONS True story: in 1976,

my dad was taunted and chased by six fully made-up clowns driving a long black sedan. And kids were disappearing all over the place in the sun-bleached, Up With People ’80s. These were strange, haunted times, vividly remembered to unsettling but never obvious effect in Philippe Lesage’s remarkable feature debut.

THE REVENANT All of Birdman’s hollow trickery is repurposed to unforgettable effect in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s already mythically tough, bleaker-than-bleak 19thcentury revenge opera. Maybe this one spoke to me because I’m not a neurotic American actor and I hate Canadian winters? THE LOOK OF SILENCE The Act of

Killing pushed high-concept documentary filmmaking to nauseating extremes. This quasi-sequel speaks more plainly, and movingly, following an Indonesian optometrist who dares, at considerable peril, to confront his brother’s killers in a country where the wounds of genocide go unhealed and justice remains in exile. VICE Unfairly maligned and now forgotten, Paul Thomas Anderson’s film got the mushrooming, superparanoid grain of Thomas Pynchon just right, with dollops of broad vaudevillian humour and true on-screen genius in the shape of Josh Brolin’s Bigfoot Bjornsen. As with certain Kubrick movies, 10 years from now we’ll all be calling it a classic. -

INHERENT

UPROARIOUS AND SCATHING, COMPASSIONATE AND URGENT.” “

- Richard Brody, THE NEW YORKER

> B Y A D RIAN MACK

he first time we see Teresa Palmer’s character, Samsara, in Point Break, opening Friday (December 25), she’s partying on a gigantic yacht parked off the coast of Italy. It’s a vivid picture of turbocharged decadence, but it’s also an illusion. As viewers, we’re not aware that between takes, the bikini-clad 29-yearold Australian actor was nursing her newborn son, Bodhi. “It was the perfect choice for me after having my baby,” Palmer tells the Straight in a call from L.A., adding wistfully that filming also took her and the suddenly well-travelled kid to Tahiti, Austria, Germany, and Mexico. “It’s so serendipitous that he’s named Bodhi, as well,” she says. “It was a coincidence. That’s how crazy it was. I saw the stars align. I’m like: ‘Alright, I’m supposed to be doing this movie.’ ” Ah, yes, there’s a faintly mystical aspect, both on- and off-screen, to Point Break, a loose remake of Kathryn Bigelow’s 1991 action flick. In this century’s version, a gang of extremesports addicts plays a global version of Robin Hood while pursuing the “Ozaki Eight”, a series of physical ordeals designed to bring enlightenment. Led by Bodhi—the character played by Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez, not the infant strapped into Palmer’s Baby Bjorn—they liberate millions of dollars in U.S. currency from a cargo plane before leaping into Mexico’s Cave of Swallows, among other stunts. This being a Hollywood movie, Bodhi, Samsara, and the boys are, naturally, infiltrated by an undercover FBI agent, Johnny Utah. But if it weren’t for their more murderous tendencies, we might feel that Bodhi and his Nirvana-seeking, wealthredistributing environmental activist friends were actually the good guys in this scenario, no?

Point Break’s Teresa Palmer applauds the driven efforts of radical activists.

“I know,” Palmer responds, sounding authentically distressed. “I know. It’s really hard. It’s really hard when really good people become so passionate about something that the lines between right and wrong become blurred. It gets really complicated as to who to root for and what to really believe in, and how committed do you stay to that path? Does it mean you’ll do anything you possibly can to reach that goal, no matter who it affects? I don’t believe in that myself, so it’s hard. At the root of who Bodhi is, he’s a really good person and he just makes some pretty… interesting choices. I think that’s why Johnny Utah is so on the fence, because his heart is with Bodhi but his head tells him otherwise. It’s a fine line.” The ambivalence is quite sincere. When she isn’t globe-hopping with a $100-million film project, Palmer contributes to yourzenlife.com, a website committed to conscious living and wellness. It seems that her heart might be with Bodhi, too. “I’m really glad that there are some radical activists in the world, these pseudo ‘ecoterrorists’,” she says. “I don’t have the space in my life to do that, but I recognize and I can appreciate their passion and their commitment to their cause. I think that’s really admirable. I’m less of a risk-taker, especially since I’ve had a baby, but I’m passionate about my own causes. Just not in any dangerous way.” -

GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINEE ®

BEST ACTRESS · SAOIRSE RONAN (DRAMA)

YET LIGHT-FOOTED... - Dennis Lim, FILM COMMENT

Point Break star dives into moral ambiguity

INSIDE OUT Pretty much perfect,

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MOVIES

Tarantino gets philosophical in Hateful Eight RE VIEW S THE HATEFUL EIGHT Starring Jennifer Jason Leigh. Rated 18S. For showtimes, please see page 40

Get past the buckets and buckets

2 of blood in The Hateful Eight,

and there’s a good argument to be made that—once the shock value has worn off—this is Quentin Tarantino at his most philosophical and clever. Over the course of a three-hour run time (including an extended overture and 12-minute intermission), Hollywood’s most colourful provocateur gives us a laundry list of big things to think about. Set in an Old West unforgiving enough to make Sam Peckinpah look like a pacifist, Tarantino’s eighth film has him ruminating on everything from the perversity of the justice system to the blinding power of celebrity to the corrupting nature of money. And—despite dropping enough Nbombs to make Spike Lee apoplectic— it’s about a system of deeply ingrained racism that continues to plague the U.S. today. Witness how retired Union soldier turned bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson at his slow-simmering best) gets zero respect from the whites he interacts with until he produces a personal letter from Abraham Lincoln. Those expecting the doublecaffeinated sprawling chaos of Pulp Fiction or Django Unchained will need to adjust their expectations for The Hateful Eight. Despite being shot in old-school 70mm, this is Tarantino’s most intimate film since Reservoir Dogs. He seems more interested in building tension among his main characters, the best of whom are a belligerent retired Confederate general (Bruce Dern), a philosophical English hangman (Tim Roth), and a perpetually bloody-nosed prisoner with a bounty on her head (Jennifer Jason Leigh). To give away anything more is to spoil a captivating exercise in cabin-fever claustrophobia where, once you get beyond a frozen snowcovered surface, nothing is quite what it seems. Including, Tarantino suggests, the United States of America, which is as ugly to its bloody core today as it was back when the West smelled like spilled whiskey and acrid gunpowder. The greatest thing about The Hateful Eight? Amidst the bullets and bloodshed is a movie that mostly wants to make you think. > MIKE USINGER

STAR WARS EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS Starring John Boyega. Rated PG. For showtimes, please see page 40

Relief! Of all the emotions I had while watching the latest chapter of Star Wars, relief is the most relevant to this review. That’s right, in case you were thinking about Jar Jar Binks and midichlorians, or how J.J. Abrams’s last film, Star Trek Into Darkness, makes less sense the more you think about it, I am here to reassure you: Force Awakens does not suck! At least, not for me, a normal person who does not live and breathe Star Wars and merely has seen every episode many times, bought tickets to this movie two months ago, and takes an Anakin Skywalker towel to hockey. The true Talifans are surely planning to march through the streets in protest, or whatever the keyboard warrior equivalent might be. I found it to be a worthy addition to the canon, albeit more of a handover to a new cast than a significant advance on the overall narrative. Although those horrible dancing teddy bears celebrated the Return of the Jedi, Force Awakens continues to see a small resistance battling the First Order, star-destroyer-jockeying villains who are the Empire in all but name. To defecting stormtrooper Finn (John

Tensions arise between a Confederate general, an English hangman, and a prisoner with a bounty on her head (Jennifer Jason Leigh) in The Hateful Eight.

As he did in American Hustle, Russell dwells too fetishistically on the era-specific fashions and soundtrack. And let’s forgive the weird jaunts where Terry’s soap operas invade Joy’s dreams—complete with cameos by ’80s stars. (Donna Mills? Really?) But try to accept his idiosyncrasies: he’s stumbled onto a stellar little underdog tale here— the American Dream by way of the Home Shopping Network, with a > KEN EISNER little girl power thrown in.

Boyega) and desert scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), the old cast are figures of myth. Before you can say “hero’s journey”, they must unite in order to find spoiler Han spoiler Chewie spoiler lightsaber spoiler… and so on. You could certainly nitpick any of these things, but for something that is primarily on Earth to sell lunch kits and T-shirts, it’s a well-acted, fun, and zippy time at the movies.

in a bubble bath, explain subprime mortgages—thereby underlining the film’s aspirations to be another Wolf of Wall Street. Even bit players break the fourth wall to address the camera with pithy, increasingly exhausting insights. But that’s fair enough, since there are no walls—or roof, or basement—when your home has been handed over to Chase Manhattan because, as Donald Trump would say, > RON YAMAUCHI “you’re a loser.”

THE BIG SHORT Starring Christian Bale. Rated 14A. For showtimes, please see page 40

U.S. audiences desperately needed The Big Short, given the number of jail-free plutocrats who just keep screwing them—cost of lube, if any, extra. Adam McKay has himself netted millions writing, producing, and directing Will Ferrell flicks. And arguments can be made for the subversive qualities of Talladega Nights. But it’s still a surprise to see his take on Michael Lewis’s math-heavy tome about the economic collapse of 2008. With the help of screenwriter Charles Randolph (Love & Other Drugs), McKay zeroes in on the book’s central players, financial outliers who saw through the cloud of corruption allowing Wall Street bigwigs to make billions on grossly inflated home mortgages. Entertaining quirks are moved to the forefront in this parade of bad haircuts, led by Christian Bale’s Michael Burry, a one-eyed doctor and money manager with a special feel for numbers. He glimpses the possibilities of betting against the system, as does Steve Carell’s kvetchy Mark Baum, a disillusioned idealist who uses his money squad to investigate so-called triple-A ratings on faulty mortgages. (Canadian regulators were more vigilant in this arena, fortunately.) Brad Pitt has a few scenes as a former trader who gives Zen-like guidance to young investors who also smell a lucrative disaster on the horizon. Furthest ahead of the curve, by several years, is a Wall Street insider played by Ryan Gosling, who also narrates the over-two-hour tale with a sharky smugness that turns out to be the movie’s most consistent reward. They’ll all make a killing by betting against America, and some tears are shed in the back of the limo. A few females appear, obligatorily. McKay frequently interrupts his already overstuffed story with comic devices, such as having Margot Robbie,

38 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

JOY Starring Jennifer Lawrence. Rated PG. For showtimes, please see page 40

> JANET SMITH

SISTERS Starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Rated 14A. For showtimes, please see page 40

The Miracle Mop is about as a domestic tool as Agent One: “Hey, we just signed you can get, but David O. Russell Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to a turns its story into an exhilarating mix of goofball business caper and movie about sisters who visit their childhood home, only to find that feminist quest. But first, the bad news. Things do their parents have sold it out from not start promisingly. In telling the under them.” Agent Two: “Sounds rags-to-riches story of Long Island in- great. Who’s doing the script?” ventor Joy Mangano, Russell spends a Agent One: “Script?” Of course, that package comes long opening in the eccentric-family territory that made his Silver Linings with the usual assortment of SNLers, Playbook so irritating. Joy (Jen- a reliably pedestrian director (Pitch nifer Lawrence) is raising two kids Perfect’s Jason Moore), and a very loose framework (here called a in a small house she shares with screenplay) credited to Paula a soap-opera-addled mom, Pell, a veteran SNL writer Terry (a frumped-out Virwho also supplied maginia Madsen in dated Check out… upside-down glasses); STRAIGHT.COM terial for the duo’s seemingly effortless Oscar a father who’s moved Visit our website for the latest hosting last year. back into the basement reviews and local Here, the effort is (Robert De Niro); her movie news more obvious, as a halfown Italian nightclubhour’s worth of business is crooner ex-husband (Édgar stretched to quadruple that Ramirez); and a loving granny (Diane Ladd, as the only other sane length, in order to give full range one in the house). Working low-level to the stars’ considerable ability to jobs, Joy is struggling to pay the bills riff, sometimes raunchily, on the for the entire going-nowhere brood. sketchy theme of one sister being Just when you’re feeling trapped an anal-retentive goody two-shoes in the bungalow with them, Joy and the other an irresponsible hellhas her eureka moment. And as raiser. The film’s switcheroo finds she fights to finance and sell her Fey as the bad girl, while Poehler ingenious invention—a mop you plays the romance-challenged neat don’t have to wring out by hand— freak. But these distinctions melt the story finds its feet. She rides away once our gals discover that the success of the newly invented their Orlando, Florida, parents home-shopping channel, and her (James Brolin and Dianne Wiest) naive homemaker plays as nicely have dumped the family domicile. off Bradley Cooper’s sleek television They decide to host a major reunion salesman as she does her warm but party for the kids they went to hard-nosed financier (Isabella Ros- school with—most of whom haven’t sellini). Lawrence doesn’t have a ton left the area. When old pals and frenemies of range, but she finds Joy’s simple determination in the face of impos- show up, it becomes clear that the sible odds—including a corporate rest of the movie will depend on world run by men who have never improv skills and the chemistry bemopped a floor and the complexities tween colleagues like Maya Rudolph, Samantha Bee, John Leguizamo, of patent law and plastic moulds.

2 mundane

and an especially annoying Bobby Moynihan. For sure, they come up with some funny bits—none of which the filmmakers were willing to jettison for the benefit of a sleeker running time. That still wouldn’t have made Sisters worth the talents of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

> KEN EISNER

DADDY’S HOME Starring Will Ferrell. Rated PG. For showtimes, please see page 40

After so many years spent perhis trademark shtick, Will Ferrell can do that whole gullible man-child thing in his sleep. In fact, his role as an overeager stepdad in Daddy’s Home is so completely familiar that he appears to be on a form of comic cruise control. It’s not that he isn’t trying, exactly. It’s just that we’ve seen him play the same softhearted goofball a little too often. Journeyman director Sean Anders (Horrible Bosses 2) does his best to make his star’s more predictable moves seem fresh. But—despite a few pieces of slapstick, generously described as mildly amusing—this feels like one of those bland package deals put together by Hollywood agents. A twist on Ferrell’s much funnier Step Brothers, it’s content to be a pale reminder of the actor’s more inspired work. Here, he plays Brad, a nerdy executive at a smooth-jazz radio station who finds himself living the life he’s always wanted, newly married to Sarah (Linda Cardellini), a gorgeous, loving wife who’s grateful to find herself in a stable second marriage. Brad is earnestly committed to becoming the perfect dad. The only wrinkle? His skeptical stepkids (Scarlett Estevez and Owen Vaccaro) are just beginning to warm up to him when Sarah’s ex-husband enters the picture. Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) is an irresponsible charmer determined to win back his wife and kids by taking full advantage of Brad’s trusting nature. Before you know it, Dusty’s living in the family garage and undermining Brad at every turn. As for Brad, he’s so busy trying to prove his love by competing with Sarah’s manipulative ex that his entire life begins to unravel. Ferrell is too talented not to generate a few tepid smiles on the way to a predictable feel-good ending, but Daddy’s Home makes you wonder if what he does best isn’t running out of steam.

2 fecting

> JOHN LEKICH see next page

CONCUSSION Starring Will Smith. Rated 14A. For showtimes, please see page 40

Taken from the 2009 GQ article,

2 and later book, by Jeanne Marie

Laskas, Concussion keeps its focus on Nigerian-born Bennet Omalu, a Pittsburgh pathologist who encountered life-wrecking injuries among ex-footballers, and later named the syndrome chronic traumatic encephalopathy—a reality that the NFL, aided by the FBI and other agencies, worked hard to bury. The best thing about the film is Will Smith’s relatively complete submersion into the role of Omalu. The worst thing about it is writer-director Peter Landesman’s insistence on the nobility of his main character. In truth, there was little personal virtue required of this particular whistle blower, other than patience and outsider status, unenraptured by American sports. But the script keeps pushing his saintliness, and the profundity of his aspiration to the now-fading American Dream. Mostly shot in dark blues and browns, the two-hour film is packed with intense close-ups, jerky edits, and overblown music; peering into a microscope has never looked more dramatic. But this welter of useless style is largely to compensate for a dull, repetitive script that does little to fill in procedural steps before Omalu’s inevitable vindication. Concussion doesn’t exactly go soft on the NFL, which it rightly compares to Big Tobacco in shameless cover-up techniques. But it’s padded with too many scenes depicting the good doctor’s kibitzy relationship with his mentor (energetic Albert Brooks) and passionless connection to his Kenyan fiancée (an overly polished Gugu Mbatha-Raw). So viewers, and not just retired footballers, can all too easily forget what the movie’s even about.

In the lead role in Mr. Six, Feng Xiaogang plays a short-tempered Beijing oldtimer, frustrated with China’s modern ways, whose son gets kidnapped by a gang.

each using the tales of Scheherazade the tale of an old king—more like a to explicate the realities of austerity highwayman in this version—on the politics in Portugal. run from betrayers. (He still has time Shown here with its parts given for a notable four-way amid some four screenings each over a week’s handy ruins.) Elsewhere, an invisible time, this marathon undertaking dog connects disparate tenants in a was written and directed by Miguel large apartment complex. And in the Gomes. He’s best known for offbeat, only costumed segment, a mock trial metacinematic items like Our Be- drags on somewhat tediously. loved Month of August, about a film Although all three parts refer to crew falling apart in the hinterlands, each other’s themes, they really can and the black-and-white Tabu, with be seen in any order and are passably its giddy silent-movie references. stand-alone ventures. If I were to catch Here, Gomes rips out the kitchen just one, it would be Volume 3: The Ensink, digs up old footage, shoots chanted One, the wittiest, sexiest, and straight doc stuff, stages ornate music- most comprehensive installment. This al numbers, and throws everything at one gives us Scheherazade herself, the screen—sometimes all in the same reimagined as a beautiful princess sequence. This haphazard approach (Crista Alfaiate, also seen in several sometimes explicitly references those other disguises) who escapes the castle ancient tales, intended to keep the for some skinny-dipping and encounfamed courtesan and others alive— ters with various colourful characters. the sultan wasn’t killing anyone while This is somehow blended with 1970s he was listening—and sometimes performance footage of Brazilian moves randomly sideways. psych rockers Novos Baianos. There > KEN EISNER Each part breaks into roughly are also tunes by Lee Hazelwood and three stories, but they are unpredict- a Portuguese heavy-metal band, and MR. SIX ably intertwined. Volume 1: The Rest- the movie ends with—I kid you not— Starring Feng Xiaogang. In Mandarin, less One centres on a shipyard strike, the Langley Schools Music Project, but is not immune to the sting of doing an obscure Klaatu number. An with English subtitles. Rated 14A. For wasps, the crowing of roosters, and undeniably strange experience, and showtimes, please see page 40 the sound of exploding whales. Vol- an oddly valuable one. Kids these days! They just won’t ume 2: The Desolate One re-creates > KEN EISNER get off the lawn—well, the neighbourhood turf—of Mr. Six, a Beijing old-timer increasingly frustrated by “ . modern ways. Played by Feng Xiaogang, himself a highly popular director, .” the dude’s got a bad ticker and a short PETER TRAVERS, ROLLING STONE fuse, especially when it comes to his 20-something son, Bobby (Li Yifeng), who goes missing early in a tale that’s heavier on atmospherics than action. Turns out the kid’s been ’napped by street-racing rich kids, all offspring of corrupt businessmen and bureaucrats—governments these days! Bobby’s not blameless: he put the moves on the girlfriend of gangly gangleader Kris (Canada’s Kris Wu), and then scratched his red Ferrari! Kris’s platinum hair is an androgynous marker that writer-director Guan Hu (Cow) uses to further separate the generations in fast-changing China. A former hood himself, Mr. Six wears a military cut, smokes like a coal-fired chimney, and hangs out with old cronies like Lampshade, Matchstick, and Scrapper (quiet standout Zhang Hanyu). He has a slowburning thing going with a hot neighbour (Looper’s Xu Qing), but seems too busy quelling inner demons to ever settle down. Or something like that. Just as our taciturn hero bemoans the changes, the film itself mocks the soullessness of modern cinema. About a half-hour into its overlong, if beautifully shot, 134 minutes, Mr. Six starts aping the Fast and Furious franchise, only to retreat into moodier scenes, underlined by an introspective guitarand-piano score, and punctuated by bouts of ice-skating and an escaped ostrich. The results are more admirable than emotionally engaging, but the movie has some unforgettable images.

BRILLIANT A HILARIOUS

TIME AT THE MOVIES

> KEN EISNER

ARABIAN NIGHTS Starring Crista Alfaiate. Rating unavailable. For showtimes, please see page 40

Circuitous, surprising, and alinsanely ambitious, the six-hour Arabian Nights is broken into three roughly equal chunks,

2 most

COARSE LANGUAGE

NOW PLAYING! Check theatre directories for locations and showtimes DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 39

Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Meadowtown Cinemas, Landmark Cinemas 10 New Westminster, Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford Surrey, Landmark Cinemas 6 Esplanade North Vancouver, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Mission and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas

movies/ timeout NEW THIS WEEK REPERTORY CINEMAS SPECIAL EVENTS FIRST-RUN SHOW TIMES

< < < <

NEW THIS WEEK THE BIG SHORT Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling star in The Other Guys writer-director Adam McKay’s drama about four outsiders who take on the big banks responsible for the credit and housing-bubble collapse of the mid-2000s. Rated 14A. 130 mins.

CONCUSSION Will Smith, Luke Wilson, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw star in Parkland writer-director Peter Landesman’s drama about a pathologist who uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions. Rated PG. 121 mins. Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Meadowtown Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford, Cineplex Odeon Strawberry Hill, Galaxy Cinemas Chilliwack, Landmark Cinemas 10 New Westminster, Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford Surrey, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Mission and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas DADDY’S HOME Linda Cardellini, Mark Wahlberg, and Will Ferrell star in Horrible Bosses 2 writer-director Sean Anders’s comedy about a mild-mannered man who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children. Rated PG. 96 mins. Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon International Village

Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Meadowtown Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford, Cineplex Odeon Strawberry Hill, Galaxy Cinemas Chilliwack, Hollywood Cinemas Caprice, Landmark Cinemas 10 New Westminster, Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford Surrey, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Metropolis Cinemas, SilverCity Mission and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas THE HATEFUL EIGHT Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell, and Channing Tatum star in Django Unchained writer-director Quentin Tarantino’s Western flick about bounty hunters who try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Rated 18A. 187 mins. Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon Strawberry Hill, Cineplex Park Theatre, Landmark Cinemas 6 Esplanade North Vancouver, Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Metropolis Cinemas and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas JOY Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper star in American Hustle writer-director David O. Russell’s drama about a woman who rises to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family-business dynasty. Rated PG. 123 mins. Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon Meadowtown Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford, Cineplex

Odeon Strawberry Hill, Galaxy Cinemas Chilliwack, Hollywood Cinemas Rialto, Landmark Cinemas 10 New Westminster, Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford Surrey, Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Metropolis Cinemas, SilverCity Mission and SilverCity Riverport Cinemas

10 New Westminster, Landmark Cinemas 12 Guildford Surrey, Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, SilverCity Coquitlam & VIP Cinemas, SilverCity Metropolis Cinemas, SilverCity Mission and SilverCity Riverport

MR. SIX Bai Jugang, Feng Xiaogang, and Kris Wu star in director Guan Hu’s action flick about a once notorious but now lonely criminal who discovers his estranged son has been kidnapped. In Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles. Rated 14A. 135 mins. SilverCity Riverport Cinemas

Times are current as of Friday, December 25

on the web!

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

www.straight.com

POINT BREAK Edgar Ramirez, Luke Bracey, and Ray Winstone star in Invincible director Ericson Core’s action flick about a FBI agent who infiltrates a group of athletes who may be involved in a series of corporate heists. 120 mins. Cineplex Cinemas Langley, Cineplex Odeon Meadowtown Cinemas, Cineplex Odeon Park & Tilford, Cineplex Odeon Strawberry Hill, Galaxy Cinemas Chilliwack, Landmark Cinemas

REPERTORY CINEMAS THE CINEMATHEQUE 1131 Howe St., Vancouver, 604-688-3456, www.thecinematheque.ca 2NORTH BY NORTHWEST Sat 8:45; Mon 6:30; Wed 4:00 2THE RED SHOES Sun 4:00; Mon 9:00; Wed 6:30 2THE SEARCHERS Sat 6:30; Mon 4:00; Wed 9:00 2TOKYO STORY Sat 4:00; Sun 6:30 VANCITY THEATRE 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver, 604-683-3456, www.viff.org/ theatre 2ABOUT ELLY Wed 5:30 2AMY Mon 7:30 2BOY AND THE WORLD Sat 2:15 2CONCERTO: A BEETHOVEN JOURNEY Sat 12:00 2EX MACHINA Tue 5:00 2GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM Sat 4:00 2HEART OF A DOG Thu 1:00 2HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT Sun 4:10 2IN SEARCH OF CHOPIN Sun 12:00 2MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Tue 7:00 2PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT Wed 3:40 2PHOENIX Sat 6:20 2ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE: LE NOZZE DI FIGARO -- ENCORE Mon 11:30 2SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE ON SCREEN: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA Tue 12:00 2TANGERINE Thu 4:15 2THE LOOK OF SILENCE Mon 5:15 2TIMBUKTU Wed 7:50 2WILD TALES Thu 6:30

SPECIAL EVENTS THE BOY AND THE WORLD Alê Abreu’s animated film sees a small boy trace his missing father’s footsteps from a rural cabin to the big city. To Jan 2, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT Director Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s documentary chronicles the arts patron who transformed a modest fortune and impeccable taste into one of the premiere collections of 20th-century art. To Jan 4, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT SERIES Screenings of 17 films by Hitchcock and Truffaut, including Psycho, North by Northwest, The 400 Blows, Shoot the Piano Player, The Birds, Rear Window, Rope, The Wrong Man, The Lodger, and The 39 Steps. To Jan 7, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info 604683-3456, www.viff.org/theatre/. ESSENTIAL CINEMA! ESSENTIAL BIG SCREEN! Screenings of film classics like The Searchers, North by Northwest, The Red Shoes, Tokyo Story, and Barry Lyndon. To Jan 7, The Cinematheque (200 - 1131 Howe Street). Info www.thecinematheque.ca/. SPIKE & MIKE’S FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION Adults-only evening of animation features holiday shorts such as “The Toke Before Christmas”, “12 Days of Elves”, “Daisy”, “Reggae Shark”, “Saga of Biorn”, and “Frannie’s Christmas”. Dec 23, 9:30 pm; Dec 26, 5:30 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $15/12, info www. riotheatre.ca/. ELF Jon Favreau’s 2003 comedy tells the story of a man who journeys from the North Pole to New York City in search of his father. Dec 24, 9 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www. riotheatre.ca/. FANTASTIC MR. FOX Kid’s film sees an urbane fox who returns to his farm-raiding ways and helps his friends survive the local farmers’ retaliation. Based on the book by Roald Dahl. Dec 26, 3 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www.riotheatre.ca/.

A bizarre murder brings together three law-enforcement officers and a career criminal, each of whom must navigate a web of conspiracy and betrayal in the scorched landscapes of California.

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CONCERTO: A BEETHOVEN JOURNEY Director Phil Grabsky’s documentary follows concert pianist Leif Ove Andsnes for four years as he wrestles with Beethoven’s five piano concerto. Dec 26, 12 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM Directors Shlomi and Ronit Elkabetz’s drama sees an Israeli woman seek to finalize a divorce from her estranged husband. Dec 26, 4 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. PHOENIX Christian Petzold’s drama tells the story of a concentration-camp survivor who makes her way back to Berlin to track down her husband. Dec 26, 6:20 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/.

THE WIRE THE COMPLETE SERIES AVAILABLE NOW

BOARDWALK EMPIRE THE COMPLETE SERIES AVAILABLE NOW

SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE Animated film sees a young sheep take a day off to have some fun and get a little more action than he bargained for. Dec 27, 2 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www.riotheatre.ca/. IN SEARCH OF CHOPIN Phil Grabsky investigates the life and work of Russian composer Chopin. Dec 27, 12 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/.

ROOM Lenny Abrahamson’s 2015 drama tells the story of a mother and child who are held prisoner within a small shed. Based on the book by Emma Donoghue. Dec 27, 6:15 pm; Dec 28, 9 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www. riotheatre.ca/.

see next page

40 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS... LA NOZZE DI FIGARO Director David McVicar’s version of Mozart’s comic opera stars Erwin Schrott and Anita Hartig. Dec 28, 11:30 am, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $18 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/.

Fri-Thu 5:00 2IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Fri-Thu 1:20, 7:05 2LEGEND Fri-Thu 10:30 2THE MARTIAN Fri-Thu 4:45 2THE NIGHT BEFORE Fri-Thu 12:10, 2:45, 5:25, 8:00, 10:35 2THE PEANUTS MOVIE Fri-Thu 12:05, 2:25 2SPOTLIGHT Fri-Thu 7:30 2SURPRISE FriThu 12:20, 2:50, 5:15, 7:40, 10:05

THE LOOK OF SILENCE Joshua Oppenheimer’s film follows an optometrist who seeks out the men responsible for his older brother’s death. Dec 28, 5:15 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff. org/theatre/.

CINEPLEX ODEON PARK & TILFORD 333 Brooksbank Ave., North Vancouver, 604-985-4215, www.cineplex.com 2ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Fri, Sun 2:35, 4:55, 7:15, 9:35; Sat, Mon-Thu 12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:15, 9:35 2CONCUSSION Fri 3:55, 6:55, 10:00; Sat-Thu 12:55, 3:55, 6:55, 10:00 2DADDY’S HOME Fri 2:50, 5:20, 7:50, 10:25; Sat-Thu 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:50, 10:25 2JOY Fri 3:35, 6:40, 9:45; Sat-Thu 12:35, 3:35, 6:40, 9:45 2SISTERS Fri 3:40, 6:45, 9:50; SatThu 12:45, 3:40, 6:45, 9:50

AMY Director Asif Kapadia’s documentary covers the short career and meltdown of British neo-soul vocalist Amy Winehouse. Dec 28, 7:30 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Director Jonathan Munby’s production of William Shakespeare’s history play is broadcast from the Globe Theatre in London, England. Dec 29, 12 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $15/13 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. EX MACHINA Director Alex Garland’s scifi drama sees a young programmer test out a new artificial-intelligence unit who may just have all the attributes of humanborn consciousness. Dec 29, 5 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. TRAINWRECK Judd Apatow’s recent comedy sees a commitment-phobic career woman face her fears when she meets the right man. Dec 29, 6:30 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $6 at the door, info www.riotheatre.ca/. LOVE & MERCY Bill Pohlad’s 2015 drama tells the story of Beach Boy Brian Wilson. Dec 30, 6:15 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www.riotheatre.ca/. STEVE JOBS Michael Fassbender plays the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple Inc. in Danny Boyle’s 2015 drama. Dec 30, 9 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www.riotheatre.ca/. THE IMPRESSIONISTS AND THE MAN WHO MADE THEM Phil Grabsky’s latest film chronicles the story of Paul DurandRuel and the extraordinary lengths he went to make Impressionism a household name. Dec 30, 12 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. ABOUT ELLY Asghar Farhadi’s Persianlanguage drama sees several middleclass friends meet up for a long weekend at a beach house on the Caspian Sea. Dec 30, 5:30 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. TIMBUKTU Director Abderrahmane Sissako’s film was created in response to the months in 2013 when foreign jihadists seized control of the city and imposed Sharia law. Dec 30, 7:50 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. HEART OF A DOG Artist Laurie Anderson reflect on the deaths of her beloved dog Lolabelle and her mother. Dec 31, 1 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/ theatre/. TANGERINE Sean Baker’s drama see a prostitute who decides to get to the bottom of rumours that suggest her pimp boyfriend is cheating on her. Dec 31, 4:15 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff. org/theatre/. WILD TALES Director Damián Szifron’s film comprises six emotionally charged short films. In Spanish with English subtitles. Dec 31, 6:30 pm, Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour). Tix $11/9 (plus membership fee), info www.viff.org/theatre/. THE BIG LEBOWSKI The Coen Brothers’ 1998 film sees a pothead bowler get mistaken for a dead philanthropist. Jan 1, 4 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10/8, info www.riotheatre.ca/. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY SATURDAY Watch back-to-back screenings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King. Adults only. Jan 2, 12-11:30 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix $10-20, info www.riotheatre.ca/.

FIRST-RUN SHOWTIMES Times are current as of Friday, December 25

CINEPLEX FIFTH AVENUE CINEMAS 2110 Burrard St., Vancouver, 604-734-7469, www.cineplex.com 2BROOKLYN Fri 4:45, 7:45, 10:30; Sat-Thu 1:45, 4:45, 7:45, 10:30 2CAROL Fri 4:00, 6:45, 9:45; Sat-Thu 1:00, 4:00, 6:45, 9:45 2THE DANISH GIRL Fri 4:30, 7:30, 10:20; Sat-Thu 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:20 2SPOTLIGHT Fri 3:45, 7:00, 10:00; Sat-Thu 12:45, 3:45, 7:00, 10:00 2YOUTH Fri 3:30, 6:20, 9:15; Sat-Thu 12:30, 3:30, 6:20, 9:15 CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE CINEMAS 88 W. Pender, Vancouver, 604-806-0799, www.cineplex. com 2ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Fri-Thu 12:15, 2:35, 4:55, 7:50, 10:10 2THE BIG SHORT Fri-Thu 1:00, 4:05, 7:10, 10:15 2BROOKLYN Fri-Thu 1:15, 4:00, 6:45, 9:30 2CAROL Fri-Thu 1:05, 3:55, 6:50, 9:40 2CONCUSSION Fri-Thu 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:20 2CREED Fri-Thu 12:40, 3:50, 7:00, 10:10 2DADDY’S HOME Fri-Thu 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:15, 10:45 2THE GOOD DINOSAUR

FILM SCREENINGS, MULTIMEDIA + LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Filmmakers in attendance: Deepa Mehta, Nettie Wild, Mina Shum, Alan Zweig, Ingrid Veninger, Charles Wilkinson, and many more.

CINEPLEX ODEON STRAWBERRY HILL 12161 72nd Ave, Surrey, 604-501-9420, www.cineplex.com 2ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Fri 12:30, 2:45, 5:10, 7:20, 9:40; Sat-Thu 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:20, 9:40 2BAJIRAO MASTANI Fri-Thu 12:20, 3:40, 7:05, 10:20 2CONCUSSION Fri-Thu 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:15 2DADDY’S HOME Fri 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:20, 10:45; Sat-Thu 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:20, 10:40 2DILWALE Fri 11:50, 3:15, 6:40, 10:10; Sat-Thu 11:50, 3:10, 6:40, 10:10 2THE GOOD DINOSAUR Fri-Wed 2:20, 4:45 2THE HATEFUL EIGHT Thu 2:45, 6:45, 10:30 2THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Fri-Wed 7:10, 10:25 2JOY Fri 12:55, 3:50, 7:00, 10:05; Sat-Thu 12:55, 3:50, 6:50, 10:05 2SISTERS Fri-Thu 2:00, 4:50, 7:40, 10:35 2STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Fri 11:45, 3:00, 6:15; Sat-Thu 12:00, 3:15, 6:30

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CINEPLEX PARK THEATRE 3440 Cambie St., 3440 Cambie St., 604-709-3456, www. cineplex.com 2THE HATEFUL EIGHT FriWed 2:00, 6:00, 10:00; Thu 2:00, 6:00

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DUNBAR THEATRE 4555 Dunbar St. at 30 Ave., Vancouver, 604-222-2991, https:// www.facebook.com/DunbarTheatre 2STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Mon 12:10, 3:15, 7:00, 10:10 OMNIMAX THEATRE 1455 Quebec St., Vancouver, 604-443-7443, www.scienceworld.ca/omnimax 2D-DAY: NORMANDY 1944 Fri-Thu 1:00, 4:00 2HUMPBACK WHALES Fri-Thu 1:00, 3:00 2SANTA VS. THE SNOWMAN Fri-Thu 12:00, 2:00 RIO THEATRE 1660 E. Broadway, Vancouver, 604-878-3456, www.riotheatre. ca 2FANTASTIC MR. FOX Sat 3:00 2GOODFELLAS Sat 7:30 2GRANDMA Sun 4:15; Mon 7:00 2LOVE & MERCY Wed 6:15 2MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Sun 9:00; Mon-Tue 9:15 2ROOM Sun 6:15; Mon 9:00 2SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE Sun 2:00 2STEVE JOBS Wed 9:00 2TRAINWRECK Tue 6:30 SCOTIABANK THEATRE VANCOUVER 900 Burrard St., Vancouver, 604-630-1407, www.cineplex.com 2THE HATEFUL EIGHT Thu 11:00, 2:45, 6:40, 10:40 2THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Fri 1:20, 4:30, 7:40, 10:50; Sat-Thu 1:20, 4:25, 7:40, 10:50 2JOY Fri 12:50, 3:55, 7:00, 10:15; Sat-Thu 9:55, 12:55, 3:50, 7:05, 10:10 2SISTERS Fri 1:50, 4:55, 7:50, 10:50; Sat-Wed 10:55, 1:50, 4:50, 7:45, 10:45; Thu 10:15, 10:55, 1:50, 4:50, 7:45, 10:45 2SPECTRE Fri 12:00, 3:20, 6:50, 10:25; SatWed 11:55, 3:15, 6:45, 10:25 2STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Fri 11:55, 3:10, 6:25, 9:40; Sat-Thu 12:20, 3:35, 6:50, 10:05

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SILVERCITY METROPOLIS CINEMAS 4700 Kingsway Ave, Burnaby, 604-435-7474, www.cineplex.com 2ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Fri-Thu 10:45, 1:00, 3:30, 5:45, 8:00, 10:20 2DADDY’S HOME Fri-Thu 10:20, 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:20, 10:55 2THE GOOD DINOSAUR Fri-Thu 3:00, 5:20 2THE HATEFUL EIGHT Thu 11:00, 2:45, 6:50, 10:30 2THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Fri-Wed 10:15, 1:30, 4:45, 8:10, 11:15; Thu 7:40, 10:40 2JOY FriThu 9:55, 12:55, 3:50, 7:00, 10:10 2SISTERS Fri-Thu 11:00, 2:00, 4:55, 7:50, 10:45 2SPECTRE Fri-Wed 7:40, 10:50 2STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Fri-Wed 12:45, 4:00, 7:15; Thu 12:45, 4:00, 7:00 SILVERCITY RIVERPORT CINEMAS 14211 Entertainment Way, Richmond, 604-277-5993, www.cineplex.com 2ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP Fri-Wed 10:10, 11:30, 12:30, 2:00, 2:50, 4:15, 5:15, 7:35, 9:55; Thu 10:10, 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:35, 9:55 2BAJIRAO MASTANI Fri-Thu 11:15, 2:45, 6:15, 9:40 2THE BIG SHORT Fri-Thu 12:00, 3:45, 6:55, 10:15 2CONCUSSION Fri-Thu 10:25, 1:25, 4:25, 7:25, 10:20 2DADDY’S HOME Fri-Thu 10:20, 12:50, 3:20, 5:50, 8:20, 10:55 2DILWALE Fri-Thu 11:05, 2:35, 6:45, 10:10 2THE GOOD DINOSAUR Fri-Thu 4:45 2THE HATEFUL EIGHT Thu 11:00, 2:45, 6:50, 10:45 2THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Fri 6:50, 10:00; Sat-Wed 6:40, 10:00; Thu 7:20, 10:35 2JOY Fri-Thu 9:55, 12:55, 3:50, 7:00, 10:10 2MOJIN: THE LOST LEGEND Fri-Thu 10:05, 1:10, 4:15, 7:30, 10:40 2MR. SIX Fri-Thu 12:10, 3:25, 6:40, 9:55 2SISTERS Fri-Thu 11:00, 2:00, 4:55, 7:50, 10:45 2SPECTRE Fri-Wed 7:20, 10:45 2STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Fri-Thu 10:00, 1:15, 4:30, 7:45, 11:00 2SURPRISE Fri-Thu 11:15, 1:35, 4:40, 7:45, 10:50 VANCOUVER AQUARIUM 4D EXPERIENCE THEATRE 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, 604-659-3474, vanaqua.org 2THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE Fri 11:45 am (every 30 minutes until 3:15 pm); Sat-Wed 10:45 am (every 30 minutes until 5:15 pm); Thu 10:45 am (every 30 minutes until 4:15 pm)

TIME OUT MOVIE LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space. Every effort is made to acquire accurate weekly movie listings by press time, but info is subject to change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please confirm films and times by checking the cinema’s website.

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 41

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42 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

MUSIC

“Quite frankly, it weirds me out that you

BY M ICHAEL MAN N

have 150,000 fans on Facebook,” I accidentally blurt out about halfway through my chat with local EDM producer Vanic. “And 200,000 on SoundCloud. Where does that come from?” he replies, seemingly as perplexed as I am. Not that everything in life should be a social-media dick-measuring contest, but it’s impossible to ignore that the 26-year-old New Westminster native’s network on Facebook is over 200 times bigger than mine. It practically dwarfs every local act not named Nickelback, Mac DeMarco, Marianas Trench, or the New Pornographers. Yet this young upstart, who also goes by Jesse Hughes, is far from a household name around these parts. “I was never in a band. I never did anything like that. I’m not really the kind of guy who wants to go hang out in the studio and make local connections. I’m kind of just like a hermit that made music and the music kind of works,” he says. “Kind of works” is a modest understatement. Some of Vanic’s melodic trap remixes have accrued over 20 million plays combined across SoundCloud and YouTube. But all the intimidation inspired by these impressive metrics quickly dissolves when we meet at the JJ Bean in Yaletown. He’s soft-spoken, but friendly and enthusiastic. Earlier in the day he was out shooting some new photos and he’s eager to show me his latest Instagram post, which is a rather dangerous-looking video of him walking along the steel beams on the underside of the Second Narrows Bridge. Maybe it’s still the adrenaline talking, but who

Vanic set for EDM spotlight

Vanic thanks the good Lord for his 150,000 Facebook followers and the fact that he’s been able to throw away his forklift keys. Geoffrey Yuen photo.

really broke me out. ‘Circles’ is good. It was so popular it got adopted by the band as an original track,” Vanic explains. Already a star on social media, a local producer “So they relooked at the gets ready to meet his fans at the Contact music fest song and how they wanted to play it and took my could blame him for being excited after experi- version and made it their own. That track just encing such a rapid rise? A little over six months blew up on Spotify. It was a viral top-10.” ago he was working graveyards as a forklift drivOnce a track is completed, having some marer while studying business at SFU. Today, he’s keting smarts comes into play. Earlier in Vanic’s pursuing music full-time, something that’s been career, after a song was released he’d offer it up in his blood from an early age, though it wasn’t for free, provided you follow him on social media. always of the un-tss-un-tss variety. It’s known as gating, and it presents a very agree“I played piano since I was three. I used to able value proposition to music fans in 2015: give play in piano competitions and I took it pretty me a like and I will give you music to download. seriously,” he says, while enjoying a chorizo It’s how he built up an initial chunk of fans, but breakfast wrap. “The Royal Conservatory stan- he’s since moved away from it. dard way you learn music—I wasn’t a big fan, “Now that everyone is doing gating, if you’re so I stopped and I kinda learned some jazz and not doing the gating it’s nice,” he says. “They don’t some ragtime and some stuff like that. It was have to like you here or follow on Instagram or only way later, maybe three or four years ago, follow you on Twitter and like your picture and that I started trying to produce music. tweet about you and all of this stuff.” “The first remix I did was Taylor Swift’s Despite the huge online following, Vanic ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. Some YouTube chan- hasn’t played in front of many large audiences nel uploaded it and six months later it had a mil- yet—especially not in this city. That’s about to lion views. I thought that was cool. Looking at it change when he takes the stage at the Contact now, it’s not really that much.” Winter Music Festival. The annual two-day Although he’s not working in his home stu- rager at B.C. Place features stadium-level EDM dio in New West with the likes of Tay in an acts, including Above & Beyond, Hardwell, “official remix” capacity, artists like Swift Steve Angello, and DJ Snake, and it’ll be the make the stems of their songs available. With biggest show of his f ledgling career. lesser-known acts, which Vanic and his man“Online, you never know if that’s a real world or ager sometimes discover on sites like the Hype it’s all fake numbers,” he posits. Machine, the producer is able to work on a more Well, looking ahead to 2016, Vanic has plans collaborative level. for a cross-Canada tour with Adventure Club, “I guess ‘Circles’ [by Machineheart] and which includes two nights at the Commodore ‘Skinny Love’ [by Birdy] were two tracks that Ballroom in February, an EP with a major label,

CHECK THIS OUT

in + out

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

On who he’s looking forward to seeing at Contact: “DJ Snake. He’s really an inspiration to my style of music. He does a lot of melodic trap with vocals like the AlunaGeorge remix [“You Know You Like It”]. I really liked that. That really inspired a lot of the music I do. He supports me on social media—he follows me and we talk. So it’ll be cool to actually meet him in real life.” On hitting a soccer ball with a car: “I’m huge into video games right now. I play Rocket League, which is a great game. The world needs to know. It’s a PlayStation game where you hit a soccer ball with a car. You just drive a car and hit a soccer ball. It’s just the most fun thing in the entire world.” On having a split pupil in his left eye: “When I was 11 I had a hockey stick go through my eye. The pressure was insane and my eye should have popped out. They gave me a ton of stitches and I had to lay down for six months because I had internal bleeding. It was an absolutely horrendous injury. My vision just got worse and worse after that, and now I don’t really have depth perception.”

Fresh and local

DIFF’RENT STROKES Anthony Gonzalez told Entertainment Weekly that the forthcoming M83 album was inspired by ’70s and ’80s TV shows like Punky Brewster and Who’s the Boss?. “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Anthony?”

CONTACT WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Sorry, indie rockers, die-hard metalheads, and fans of distortion-powered folk—2015 was ruled by one genre and one genre only. And that explains why this year’s edition of the EDM extravaganza Contact Winter Music Festival will be packing B.C. Place for not just one day but two. That’s right— not the Biltmore, Rogers Arena, or ghost of Sonar, but B.C. Place on Saturday and Sunday (December 26 and 27), featuring, among others, Above & Beyond, Steve Angello, DJ Snake, and Vancity’s own Vanic. Now hunker down, because the bass is about to drop. -

Vanic performs at the Contact Winter Music Festival at B.C. Place on Sunday (December 27).

MUSIC Let’s talk about

You gotta see

and gigs at massive festivals in the States. So, no, those numbers certainly aren’t fake and it is a very real world indeed. -

BLITZKRIEG BOSS Bruce Springsteen recently revealed to Jimmy Fallon that he wrote “Hungry Heart” for the Ramones, and that Johnny Ramone said the Boss should keep it for himself. Oddly enough, the same thing happened when Springsteen offered “Nebraska” to New Edition. BIZKIT BANNED Fred Durst, who was famous for 10 seconds in the late ’90s as the frontloogan for rap-rockers Limp Bizkit, has been banned from Ukraine for five years for being a security threat. The last thing anyone wants is him singing “Break Stuff” in a country where everything’s already broken. U-PIC FOR COLDPLAY Coldplay will be taking videobooth requests from fans on their next tour. Unfortunately, you have to pick a Coldplay song, so there goes your chance to hear Chris Martin rip into Dr. Dre’s “Deeez Nuuuts”.

20SIX HUNDRED FREQUENCIES: A COLLECTION OF RARITIES AND ANTIQUITIES (INDEPENDENT) To his credit, Darren Jones (the man behind 20SIX Hundred) makes no attempt to obscure his influences. This collection of soundtrack pieces from imaginary movies suggests that Jones’s record collection is filled with synthheavy ’70s and ’80s film scores by the likes of Goblin, Vangelis, and John Carpenter. (A previous 20SIX Hundred project was scoring the 2012 fan flick Halloween: Resurgence, which Jones also wrote, directed, edited, produced, and acted in.) This all definitely sounds like the product of another era. Then again, given the acclaim for It Follows and its distinctly Carpenter-esque score by Disasterpeace, it also seems totally contemporary. -

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 43

MUSIC

Drake, Miley, and Missy make 2015 great > BY JOHN LUC A S, VI VI AN P E N C Z, M IC HA EL M ANN, AN D MIKE USINGE R

BEST CONCERTS DRAKE (At the Squamish Valley Music Festival on August 9) Drake rolled into Squamish in the midst of a rap feud that saw him become the most buzzedabout act in the world. Hearing the 6 God perform his amazing Meek Mill diss track, “Back to Back”, made it abundantly clear that while you should fear him, he also deserves your praise and worship.

classic anthems justice, bringing new material to epic-sounding life, unleashing his notorious Rotten stare, or rallying the crowd to chant “Fuck off,” Lydon beamed with the purest joy. TEMPLES (At the Biltmore Cabaret

on May 23) Frontman James Bagshaw politely asked the Biltmore crowd not to smoke weed while Temples played (actually, what he said was “Fuckin’ cut it out”), but there was plenty of smoking happening on-stage, metaphorically speaking. The psych-rock revival might be going the way of dance-punk, but at least we got our very own OneHour Technicolor Dream courtesy of LIL DEBBIE (At Fortune Sound Club the shaggy lads from Kettering. on February 27) Lil Debbie is roughly the size of a common garden gnome, BEST SINGLES but that doesn’t stop her from making a shit-ton of noise, and not just when MAJOR LAZER AND DJ SNAKE she’s rapping. At a packed and stupidly “Lean On” That selfie we snapped with sweaty Fortune Sound Club, YouTube Diplo at the Pemberton Music Festival, hits like “Ratchets” and “Michelle which got 41 likes on Instagram, was Obama” were totally overshadowed by undoubtedly the highlight of a bana nonstop barrage of between-songs ner year for Diplo. This track, which blathering, the Oakland MC unleash- became the most streamed song of all ing her inner lunatic to rail on about time on Spotify, was a close second for everything from her dead cat to her him, though. love for Canadian beardos. The only time her mouth stopped moving MISSY ELLIOTT “WTF (Where They was when she’d stop to suck on one From)” “This another hit/I got an ace of the endless joints, cigarettes, and in the hole” Missy Elliott brags on a Swisher Sweets fired on-stage by her comeback single that marks her first fans. The amazing thing? No mat- return to the studio in seven years. No ter how much Lil Debbie rambled shit it’s another hit, and here’s sincerely on, she was enough of a freak show hoping she’s got more than one ace left that no one wanted her to shut up. in the hole. Ms. Misdemeanor—who hasn’t sounded this sick and superfly PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (At the Vogue since “Let Me Fix My Weave”—is back Theatre on November 22) John Lydon and ready to reclaim her place as hipis one of the few rock ’n’ roll legends hop’s official old-school queen. who truly deserve that reputation. His 37-year career as frontman of Public KENDRICK LAMAR “The Blacker the Image Ltd, one of the most innovative, Berry” A critical sensation, To Pimp funny, and yet scary bands of all time, a Butterfly’s second single defined attests to that. And as Vancouver saw Kendrick Lamar’s much-needed, radlive in November, the 59-year-old is ically empowering manifesto with as playful and fascinating a performer rare courage. Over a woozy, unnervas ever. Whether doing the band’s ing beat, hip-hop’s golden boy takes

44 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

Missy Elliott has been known to cover Moby’s “Natural Blues”.

collab that absolutely no one was asking for. Why does it have a whopping 23 songs clocking in at a never-ending 93 minutes? How disappointed were her tweenage fans when this dropped after the VMAs and there weren’t any radio-friendly bangerz on it? And, most importantly, why can’t 36-yearold Michael Mann get this totally fascinating album out of his head?

stormy rhythms provide stirring undercurrents to her high-flown melodies. But Shah truly comes into her own on her sophomore full-length, Fast Food, cranking up her guitars and lyrical wit while maintaining her flawless production and moody allure.

SLEATER-KINNEY No Cities to Love

Better” Oh, dude, we get it. Sometimes you love the cheerleader, but the cheerleader would rather be with Trevor. And Trevor is a big, hairy gorilla. Literally. CANADA—the Spanish video-production house with the absurdist aesthetic, not the country—scores again.

After flaming out on a high note with the 2005 stomper The Woods, SleaterKinney not only returns to action recharged with No Cities to Love but also shows it’s learned a few new tricks. So while Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, and Janet Weiss still fly the artpunk flag loud and proud on “Surface Envy”, they’re now just as comfortable on the dance floor with new-wave burners like “Bury Our Friends”. Where most bands return from the grave for the nostalgia-generated paycheque, Sleater-Kinney is back because it still has something to say.

on racism, community strife, and self-loathing with genuinely stunning rage, candour, and poignancy. If a lyric like “You hate me, don’t you? Your plan is to terminate my culture/ You’re fucking evil, I want you to recognize that I’m a proud monkey” CARLY RAE JEPSEN Emotion The doesn’t chill you to the bone, you need main surprise here is that Carly Rae Jepsen’s latest album didn’t fare as well to check your temperature. commercially as its predecessor, Kiss, WAXAHATCHEE “Under a Rock” in spite of receiving near-universal acFor those with creaky joints, “Under claim from critics. Then again, Kiss did a Rock” will bring back memories of have the benefit of including a certain alt-rock’s glory days, when the likes of atomic chart juggernaut titled “Call Tanya Donnelly and Juliana Hatfield Me Maybe”, and that sort of success showed the world that women could is a once-in-a-career phenomenon. rock. (There was actually some doubt So perhaps Emotion didn’t conquer about that back then, because every- the world, but Jepsen can console one was stupid and we didn’t have the herself with the fact that she made Internet.) That Waxahatchee’s Katie a near-perfect pop record. Crutchfield isn’t even old enough to have experienced any of that firsthand NADINE SHAH Fast Food Since her 2012 debut, Nadine Shah has been somehow makes it even cooler. compared to everyone from Nick TOP PLEASANT SURPRISES Cave to k.d. lang, this despite her unseasoned status. Earning those paralMILEY CYRUS Miley Cyrus & Her lels, her voice is intoxicatingly rich and Dead Petz So many questions about dark, like good chocolate or Merthis Miley Cyrus–Flaming Lips lot, and the English tunesmith’s

BEST VIDEOS TAME IMPALA “The Less I Know the

BIG BANG “Zutter” Forget all the meaningful, inventive videos released this year. “Zutter” by South Korean megastars Big Bang takes the trophy for the most stupidly entertaining. Rappers G-Dragon and T.O.P, Big Bang’s main songwriters, are easily the most charismatic, talented, and freaky members of the boy band. Taking centre stage for “Zutter”, the Ginger Spice and Scary Spice of K-Pop proceed to act in ways no one is used to seeing from pretty boys, like getting tortured, pissing all over each other, slaughtering pigs in some kind of cultish ritual, and boasting that they get applause just for taking a shit. PSY “Daddy” Aside from South Korea being responsible for exceptionally shitty phones, it seems like a swell place. Being really good at video games will get you laid there. Delicious kimchi goes on everything. And they’ll hurl money at you if you can make a music video that’ll get a few YouTube views. Case in point: that crazy fucker PSY is at it again with a video that makes Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby look like it was shot and edited on a Samsung Galaxy S5. FYI, our screen is cracked see next page

and we’re looking for an unlocked with Skrillex in 2015. Thanks for that, iPhone 6s, if you’re selling. Sonny. We look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next on season ALGIERS “Blood” More than a video, 10 of The Voice in 2016. “Blood” is a rapid-edit history lesson, with the NYC postpunk/soul fusionists BEST LOCAL RELEASES raiding the YouTube vaults to inspirational effect. Close-cropped shots of TIM THE MUTE Why Live Worth singer Franklin James Fisher are inter- your pocket money for the song spersed with archival footage of revo- titles alone, Why Live’s charm runs lutionaries ranging from Spike Lee and much deeper than that. The debut Martin Luther King to Bob Dylan and full-length by Kingfisher Bluez label Iggy Pop. Do your best not to blink and head Tim Clapp features short and you might also spot—in no particular bittersweet lo-fi tunes with monikers order—Harry Belafonte, B.A.D.’s Mick like “One Dead Twin”, “When You Jones, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Got Your Face Tattoo”, and “Don’t Klaus Nomi, and a fantastically sullen- Kill Yourself ” melding dry humour with heartbreakingly real pathos. looking Johnny Rotten. With his sad-clown warble and GUILTY PLEASURES bright yet harsh storytelling, Clapp opens up about everything from TAYLOR SWIFT “Bad Blood” It may self-harm and grief to love and bonbe inconsequential pop fluff with ers, and the result is wonderful. Max Martin’s filthy fingerprints all over it, but “Bad Blood” also has a KELLY HAIGH Post Apocalyptic Valhook colossal enough that even Ryan entines Recognizing that the last thing folks want in 2015 is another jewel box Adams couldn’t wreck it. junking up their living room, local GALANTIS “Peanut Butter Jelly” retro-country queen Kelly Haigh goes Swedish dance kings Christian all-out for her second full-length. One Karlsson and Linus Eklöw mix glit- of the coolest releases of the year, local ter-spackled ’90s trance with bass- or otherwise, Post Apocalyptic Valenbombed modern EDM and trashy tines is a hardcover book packed with Studio 54 disco. The result, fittingly, the multitalented Haigh’s wonderfully is something—now visualize it— warped paintings, poems, short storeven the rhythmically challenged ies, and Hee Haw–brand jokes. There’s have zero problem dancing to. also a CD, the songs on which include old-school murder ballads and ’60sVIET CONG “Continental Shelf” An era golden country that revisit an era abyss-gazing, postpunk sting is the when records actually seemed special. opposite of light and fluffy, traits most But nowhere near as special as what commonly associated with guilty you get with every copy of Post Apocapleasures. But considering the mael- lyptic Valentines. strom of controversy that hounded Viet Cong this year due to its name, THE BALLANTYNES Dark Drives, which many deem culturally appropri- Live Signs Finally, the PEAK Performative if not outright racist, it’s hard not ance Project is toast in B.C. Hooray! to feel a bit guilty while nodding your Hopefully, it also means the death of head to the song’s gorgeously pealing all these limp-dink indie-rock bands pandering for novelty-size cheques guitar and grippingly seasick beat. and hogging the spotlight from suJUSTIN BIEBER “Sorry” It should perior local acts like the Ballantynes. have been a lot harder for this thor- However, if some rich asshole wants oughly lame and insufferable little shit to give them $100K, they probably to become cool. But no, he just had to wouldn’t say no. They’d simply put do a few (admittedly amazing) songs out a great album on a shoestring

budget like they did with this one and drink the rest away.

H IG N LY E N N

DAN MANGAN + BLACKSMITH

Club Meds This is a record that sounds the way living in Vancouver feels most of the year, a shivering procession of slate-grey skies punctuated by the odd burst of brilliant sunshine. A collection of potent, thoughtful songs executed fearlessly by musicians of skill and sensitivity, Club Meds seems to get better with each listen.

O O

BEST QUOTES

“Prior to the psychedelic experiences, my impulse was very much to alienate people with my music, and I think that that was palpable on a subatomic level; I think that anyone who heard it could feel that intention, that the music was engineered to alienate. And for some reason the shedding of certain layers of ego and fear and whatever else through the psychedelic stuff did put me in a position where I was far more apt to write material for the function of communicating and creating commonality.” —Josh Tillman (Father John Misty) on how drugs affected his creative process “Last year we did a tour, and it was disgraceful—you couldn’t even see the road because of the snow. I remember sitting in the van, saying ‘What the fuck is going on?’ and the boys going, ‘You just need to take some Valium, shut up, and drive.’ ”—Leon Harrison of Australia’s the Lazys on touring the Great White North in the winter

“Absolutely brilliant.” BBC Radio 2

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“Usually, requests are super obvious, like Rihanna or TLC or something. It’s pretty basic behaviour, to be honest. But I DJed a friend’s wedding this summer and a nine-year-old girl requested Tom Cochrane’s ‘Life Is a Highway’. I was like, ‘Yo, are you a child vampire that’s actually 50 years old, or did your dad put you up to this?’ ”—Sir Prancelot (aka Joni McKervey) on the oddest request she’s ever received while DJing -

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254 East Hastings | liveatrickshaw.com

Adele has never lost one of those contests where the object is to make sure you don’t blink first. Rumour has it that she also sleeps with her eyes open.

Only one story really mattered this year

s the final days of 2015 slip undisputed queen of the charts in away, it’s officially time to 2015. Even Kate Hudson selfied herreflect on the stories from self crying to “Hello”. the year that just was. According to industry watchdogs, Which is another way of saying that, CD sales have never been deeper in beyond the successful rehabilitation the shitter. Thank the sweet baby Jesus of former world-class puke Justin for the housewives of the world, not to Bieber, there’s sweet fuck-all going mention Adele for finally giving them on in the world of music in the week a reason to pop John Mayer’s Paradise leading up to Christmas. Valley out of the Discman. What was considered big news over More unexpected was that everythe past 12 months often depended one—including, unbelievably, Seth on where you live. If, for example, you Rogen—suddenly loves the Beebs happen to reside in the hipster para- again, with his comeback record, dise where everyPurpose, spawning thing looks better three No. 1 hits when you put a and a shitload of bird on it, Neko gushing accolades. Mike Usinger Case storming off a In some ways it’s Portland stage after someone wouldn’t completely life-affirming that you can put their cellphone away was the un- act like a complete flaming asshole for disputed story of the year. At least ac- a half-decade and then have everyone cording to OregonLive.com. on the planet forgive you, including Sorry, good people of the Rose that janitor whose mop bucket you City, but if that’s the best you can do, pissed in. The downside is that you Bellingham just lapped you as the have to be Justin Bieber. Pacific Northwest’s cool capital. The only story that really matAxl Rose and Slash finally kissing tered in 2015 was the ongoing world and making up was great news, if only domination of EDM. How big is the because it raises the possibility of an genre that 99 out of 100 guitar-rock entirely new generation getting the fans don’t get? Well, let’s just say that chance to see William Bruce Bailey if you were at the Pemberton Music one day fly off the stage in a feather Festival this past summer, there was boa and nut-hugging white biker zero reason to leave the Bass Camp shorts. And the operative word is fly— tent unless you were of the opinion if you’re one of the many who only that the party needed to stop. know the Buckethead years of Guns On the Vancouver-loves-EDM N’ Roses, you really need to YouTube front, this Saturday and Sunday the band’s 1991 stand in St. Louis. (December 26 and 27) the biggest Kanye West earned a fresh round concert event of the year takes of buffoon points by suggesting that place at B.C. Place. And, sorry, Beck—much like Taylor Swift—had it’s not the return of AC/DC, U2, won some major award he didn’t de- the Rolling Stones, or the Who. serve. At least West got what he de- Instead, get ready for the Contact served with Kim Kardashian. Winter Music Festival, where bass Scott Weiland finally made good drops will rule, fans will do their on his three-decade attempt to kill best to avoid strobe-light-induced himself, although, based on video seizures, and Above & Beyond footage of him “performing” “Vaso- will rip the retractable roof off the line” in Corpus Christi in April, he place, even though their mothers might actually have died sometime couldn’t pick them out of a police in the middle of the ’00s. Sadly, The lineup. Walking Dead isn’t the only place Think about that for a second: you’ll get to watch real-life zombies. Contact taking place not one, Kendrick Lamar was nominated but two nights in the city’s bigfor 11 Grammy Awards, which would gest music venue. It makes perfect have been cool except for the fact the sense: if you want to start a party in world stopped giving a shit about the 2015, you reach for Galantis’s “PeaGrammys when Steely Dan beat out nut Butter Jelly”, not the fucking Beck, Radiohead, and Eminem for Foo Fighters. best album in 2001. And the unstoppable force that is North Vancouver housewives EDM is the story of the year. Until, of joined Grimsby housewives, Hong course, Paul McCartney cashes in on Kong housewives, and sensitive the Christmas season by announcing husbands of housewives around his own chain of factory-farm-fresh the planet in making Adele’s 25 the turkey slaughterhouses. -

Pop Eye

WISHING YOU a very MERRY

EAST END NEW YEARS EVE BASH

IVANHOE NO COVER

CHRISTMAS DEC 26 DEC 27

MIKE MACHADO TRIO OPEN JAM

DAILY HAPPY HOUR & FOOD SPECIALS LIKE: SOUP OF THE DAY: WHISKEY THURS: POOL TOURNAMENT

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46 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

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MUSIC

Revered revels in dissonance L OCA L D I S C S REVERED But What If I’m Right? (Independent)

Revered is led by singer-keyEmmett Hall, who’s known around town as the musical director of the comedic improv troupe the Sunday Service. Unlike Hall’s usual musical undertakings, But What If I’m Right? isn’t overtly funny, although listeners might get a chuckle or two out of its wildly overthe-top new-wave arrangements and theatrical prog complexity. Recorded in collaboration with coproducer Pietro Sammarco (of local arts collective Weekend Leisure), the album’s eight tracks are delivered with the flamboyant grandeur of a Broadway production. Whether briefly affecting a super-villain-style belly laugh on the twinkling “Reasons to Be Kind” or spitting rapidfire lines about “The tears, the piss, the cum, the snot” amid ’80s sci-fi synths on “Dying Forever”, Hall blurs the line between earnestness and irony, making But What If I’m Right? a decidedly disorienting listen. As baffling and amusing as these songs often are, Hall’s musical chops are no laughing matter. While most of the album is electronic, the stripped-down “Middle of the End” highlights the songwriter’s dexterity on piano. Hall also draws on a cast of similarly talented backing musicians: the ornate synth epic “Cold Cheap Sun” culminates with a solo of arena-sized guitar shredding, and the horn break on “Reasons to Be Kind” evokes the squealing sax sexiness of Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”. So even if it’s a little difficult to know whether to take Revered ser- A blip in Revered’s tour budget means iously, the instrumental complexonly one of them gets to go to Vegas. ity and bombastic delivery make But What If I’m Right? an intrigu- bedside ballads. Singer-guitarist Patrick Flegel hasn’t exactly pulled a 180 ing debut. > ALEX HUDSON with Malenkost, the project’s second full-length release of 2015, but the sisSWIM TEAM ter release finds his feathery falsetto backed by decidedly fuzzier textures. Freedom/Constraint (Independent) “No Worth No Cost”, for instance, Don’t be fooled by the placid opens things with a gnarly and nearphoto of horses that graces atonal twin guitar melody, while the cover of Swim Team’s Freedom/ “Hopeless in a Trance” is a fabulously Constraint cassette EP: these six self- junky garage-rock piece full of offrecorded tracks are dark and grungy, time drum fills. “Coroner of the State” as the trio walks a fine line between sounds as if someone set up a dictamoody subtlety and punk harshness. phone in a jam-space hallway, picking The title track showcases the band’s up both a distant cover of the Velvet most aggressive tendencies: “Freedom/ Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Constraint” begins with a frantic Man” and a no-wave roller coaster surge of breathy shouts and lightning- of biffed notes. And yet, the chaotic fast rhythmic chaos before breaking blend sounds miraculously cohesive. down into an out-of-nowhere bridge Though often raucous, Cindy Lee of plodding bass and jagged-glass gui- also plays it quiet on Malenkost. tar abstractions. Standout cut “Tell” is “Always Lovers” is another heartslower but no less unsettling, evoking sinking strummer from Flegel, while early-’90s alt-rock with its extended the act flirts with tranquil, Aquariusintro of watery guitar arpeggios; the age psychedelia on “Claim of Vantempo eventually accelerates into a dis- ity”. Late album highlight “Prayer of torted chug that sets up a threatening Baphomet” could be the sweetest ocbackdrop for spoken-word musings cult incantation ever laid to tape. from the singer-bassist mononymThough Cindy Lee has cranked it ously credited as Dorothy. Elsewhere, up a bit for Malenkost, the album’s “Disgust” culminates in a wonderfully bared-teeth approach still reveals a wild guitar solo that consists entirely tender smile. > GREGORY ADAMS of squalling feedback and scarcely contains any discernible notes. “Interlude” is an unnecessary piece ALICIA HANSEN & of dissonant guitar noodling that BEN BROWN seems out of place on a debut EP such Companion (Independent) as this. Luckily, the trio makes up One of the more beautiful things for this brief misfire with epic closer about the local jazz/improv/cre“Mega-C”, which juxtaposes the quiet, melodic prettiness of its eight-minute ative music scene is its generational sprawl with an ominous drone that inclusivity: witness Pugs & Crows’ rumbles in the background through- ongoing collaboration with menout the track. This drone sounds like tor Tony Wilson, or the Hard Rubit might overtake the arrangement at ber Orchestra’s ability to encompass any moment, but it never does, and both recent music-school grads and this highlights Swim Team’s knack for seasoned greybeards. Singer-pianist building tension while preserving its Alicia Hansen and Pugs drummer flair for haunting melodies. Ben Brown and are doing something > ALEX HUDSON similar, but they’ve brought some older players onboard for this project, CINDY LEE and the music benefits. It doesn’t hurt that the veterans Malenkost (Isolated Now Waves) are cellist Peggy Lee and guitarist Despite the occasional paint- Dave Sikula, themselves noted for stripping peal of distortion, their ability to bridge genre, gender, Cindy Lee’s recent Act of Tenderness and generational gaps. (Bassist RusLP was mostly filled with beautiful sell Sholberg, another Pug, rounds

2 boardist

out the quintet.) It’s also likely that principal composer Hansen’s fondness for grey-sky atmospherics owes something to Lee’s similarly meditative, oceanic approach with her own influential sextet. But the music here can also display harder, sharper edges than is the Vancouver norm, and when Hansen turns her focus toward art-pop songwriting, the results are beguiling. “Unrequited”, in particular, is a touching study of romantic longing, with enough steel in Hansen’s melody—and resolve in her voice—that it never descends into mawkish sentimentality. Companion certainly isn’t party music, and it might even be too dark for a sunny day, but in this bleak midwinter it’s good company.

> ALEXANDER VARTY

HOLY HUM AND STEPHEN CARL O’SHEA Midnight Music (Heavy Lark)

Holy Hum mastermind An-

2 drew Lee has been hanging on

to a self-titled album for close to a couple of years now, but it’s unclear when he’ll actually reveal the postrock project’s long-gestating fulllength to the masses. All the same, he’s been plenty productive, having recently started up his own record label, Heavy Lark. The debut release from the imprint is Midnight Music, a heady collaboration with You Say Party bassist Stephen O’Shea that has them working with a shadowy selection of sounds. Though initially blanketing itself in six-string drones, opener “Cadomin” quickly latches on to a snare-clacking digital rhythm and a hypnotically boggy gurgle of synth bass. Similarly transfixing is the epic “Hwanseon”, whose title nods to a cave in South Korea. During the nearly 12-minute piece, Lee and O’Shea make use of everything from the percussive pop of wires being cut to triumphant electric guitar. Although the languid and nocturnal “Upana” drags down the momentum, Midnight Music manages to go out on a high note with “Killavullen”, a synth-slathered piece inspired by O’Shea’s Irish heritage, and also possibly by the back half of David Bowie’s Low. While Lee still has to serve up his Holy Hum full-length, the bite-sized Midnight Music offers a few morsels for a decent late-night snack.

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> GREGORY ADAMS

ANDREA SUPERSTEIN What Goes On (Cellar Live)

I don’t like her music. I think

2 it’s music for fucking grannies.

Music has nose-dived into fucking blandness—a sea of cheese. Hey, hey, hey! Hold on a minute… That was weird: I just found myself channelling potty-mouthed apeman Noel Gallagher, and he was dissing Adele, whereas I’m talking about local singer Andrea Superstein. But “sea of cheese” seems apt. How, for instance, can you criticize an album for sounding like Muzak when the plucked strings that introduce “After You’ve Gone” aspire to exactly that? Then there’s the dire fact that the title track is not a witty reinvention of the Velvet Underground tune, but a Superstein original that sounds like a distant echo of something Cole Porter might have written in a champagne haze and then binned. And what are we to make of opening number “I Want to be Evil”? It was fun when Eartha Kitt sang it, but that was in 1953 and she was believable. If, on the other hand, Jill Barber is your favourite jazz singer, this might interest you—especially given that Superstein has poached the CBC favourite’s producer, bandleader, and guitarist, Les Cooper. He’s a fine musician, but when the person with the microphone falls flat, that’s just not enough. > ALEXANDER VARTY

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 47

MUSIC

Youngblood heads for Fridge

hat’s in Your Fridge asks interesting Vancouverites about life-changing concerts, favourite albums, and what’s sitting beside the Heinz Ketchup in their custom-made Big Chill Retropolitan 20.6-cubic-foot refrigerators. WHO ARE YOU? I’m Alexis Young,

aka Youngblood, a singer of dark songs and a lover of feeling strange. I want you to feel soft and squishy when you hear my music—like a delicious marshmallow. The band is composed of my BFFs, which include members of Gay Nineties, Fake Shark, and Owl Skowl, so if you’re a fan of any of these bands, you should come and check out one of our shows.

FIRST CONCERT The first concert

I ever went to was Nelly Furtado in 2000, when I was 11. I dressed the part with a floral bandanna and beaded orange halter top, but my dad made me wear an oversized sweater that I wasn’t allowed to take off. I kept it on as long as possible but naturally stripped down for the encore, at which point Nelly F ran side-stage to throw up because she wasn’t feeling so hot. She eventually returned to grace us all with “I’m Like a Bird”, probably because she knew how hot I was in my sweater. She’s a nice lady like that.

LIFE-CHANGING CONCERT Honest-

ly, I feel like most shows I saw during my ripe teenage germination period had a big effect on my spongy brain. But I will say that when I saw Gogol Bordello, it was the first time I felt everything resonate through my entire body. I was covered from head to toe in sweat (mine and others’) and probably peed my pants a little from jumping up and down like a maniac. If you’ve never seen these gypsy punks, it’s a show worth seeing. They were swinging from the rafters and occupying every

wanted to be. Nowadays, I keep living through things, but I have the ability to thoughtfully reflect back with a fondness on those years of being a sad nerd, which gave me the skin I live in today. Patsy Cline Greatest Hits Apparently the only way I would fall asleep as a baby was if my parents played Patsy Cline, upon which I’d drift off into dreamland. Now as an adult, I appreciate the artistry and the songwriting more than ever. I’m not a fan of country by any means, but this album transcends genres. Patsy has one Alexis Young says Patsy Cline is pretty of the most beautiful and emotionally much perfect. Rob Seebacher photo. vulnerable voices I’ve ever heard, while square foot of real estate to be had on- each song has a great story and iconic, stage. It was the first time I remember simple melodies. It’s perfect. hearing bass so loud that it made me ALL-TIME FAVOURITE VIDEO Fufeel things in my nether regions. ture Islands “Seasons” (live on the TOP THREE RECORDS To preface Late Show With David Letterman) this with saying, “Oh gosh, how do It’s not technically a music video, but I even CHOOSE??” is like when you without a doubt, my favourite video is visit someone’s apartment and they’re Future Islands performing on Letteralways claiming it’s a mess. Alas! If I man. I went through a roller coaster had to choose three records from my of emotions when I saw it for the first messy apartment, they’d be… time, and I think I watched it every Air Moon Safari This album starts day for three months (or more). I will out on an elevator ride to the softest still watch it before I play a show to be cloud—it’s an absolute dream. It was inspired by the spirit animal of singer my gateway record to the rest of Air’s Samuel T. Herring. His stage presmaterial, which I now worship and ence is second only to that time Prince reference at every recording session. ripped off his shirt and tripped on a Pretty sure when I open my mouth fake lamppost and fell into the crowd now at rehearsal, my band fills in the while on-stage with Michael Jackson blanks with “We know, you want it to and James Brown in 1983. sound like Air, we get it.” Stars Set Yourself on Fire I may WHAT’S IN YOUR FRIDGE A couple have melted the plastic on this album of bottles of homemade kombucha when I was 15. Unapologetically and that I tried to get into until I realized heart-crushingly romantic, this album I’m not really good at making things. has the ability to make you feel melan- They’re currently just bottled up, so if choly, reflective, and a part of a com- anyone wants one, I’m sure they only munity of solitary lost souls. When get better with age… Two or three empty pickle jars Amy Millan sings, “Live through this, and you won’t look back,” it’s a Someone once told me that pickle mantra I used to get through high juice is a great hangover cure, so afschool and the years I spent absorb- ter a slammin’ Friday at the Cobalt, ing all the information and culture I I usually take a salty sip, much to the needed to feel comfortable with who I chagrin of my boyfriend. -

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48 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

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release Dolate Eshgh—Reign of Love. Jan 23, 8 pm, Centennial Theatre (2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Van). Tix $25-50, info www.caravanbc.com/.

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

CONCERTS 2JUST ANNOUNCED THE BROS. LANDRETH Winnipeg folkroots band tours in support of Juno Award-winning album Let It Lie. Jan 15, 8 pm, Massey Theatre (735 8th Ave., New West). Tix $35/25, info www.ticketsnw.ca/.

BABE GURR B.C.-based roots-world singer-songwriter performs with her band. Proceeds go to First Impressions Theatre. Jan 23, 8 pm, Deep Cove Shaw Theatre (4360 Gallant Ave., North Van). Tix $30 (plus service charges and fees), info www. firstimpressionstheatre.com/. FREAK HEAT WAVES Victoria postpunk band tours in support of second full-length release Bonnie’s State of Mind, with guests Mesa Luna. Jan 27, 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $10 (plus service charges and fees), info www.mrgconcerts.com/. ONYX American hip-hop group performs with Merkules, Blue Team Blue, Ghost, B Mendez, Broken Head, Luca Mele, and Mamarudegyal. Jan 27, 9 pm, Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender). Info www. fortunesoundclub.com/. A TRIBUTE TO BILLY STRAYHORN Capilano’s own “A” Band, NiteCap, and faculty guests present a musical tribute to the American jazz composer. Jan 29, 8 pm, BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts (2055 Purcell Way). Tix $30/27, info www.capilanou.ca/centre/.

MARK DRESSER MEETS VANCOUVER American jazz bassist performs with Vancouver improvisers JP Carter, Peggy Lee, Dylan van der Schyff, Chris Gestrin, Ron Samworth, Aram Bajakian, and John Paton. Jan 15, 16, 8 pm, Western Front (303 E. 8th). Tix $15/10, info www.barking sphinx.com/.

CHAPEL SOUND TAKEOVER Vancouverbased electronica collective, with Heroshe, BDG, Phil David, Loner, Joseph L’Etranger, Jade Statues, Shaunic, Jnl Wsuptiger, and Silence. Jan 29, 10:30 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tx $10 at the door, info www.biltmorecabaret.com/.

VENOM INC. English metal band, with guests Necrophagia, Chapel, and Holocaust Lord. Jan 16, 6 pm, Venue (881 Granville). Tix at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.bplive.ca/, info www.bplive.ca/ events/venom-inc/.

MODERN SPACE Toronto five-piece indie band tours in support of yet-to-be-titled debut album, with guests Derrival. Feb 4, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Media Club (695 Cambie). Tix $12.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

J.P. CORMIER The Rogue Folk Club presents the Canadian folk singer-songwriter touring in support of latest album The Chance. Jan 17, 8 pm, St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th). Tix $24/20, info www.roguefolk. bc.ca/concerts/ev16011920_1/.

DANCE YOURSELF CLEAN: THE TOUR Indie-pop dance party music inspired by Phantogram, CHVRCHES, Miike Snow, Haim, Charli XCX, Empire of the Sun, and Purity Ring. Feb 4, 8 pm, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $10 (plus service charges and fees), info www.mrgconcerts.com/.

THE REVELERS The Rogue Folk Club presents Louisiana roots group. Jan 22, 8 pm, St. James Hall (3214 W. 10th). Tix $28/24, info www.roguefolk.bc.ca/concerts/ev16012120/. ZIMMERS HOLE Vancouver heavy-metal band, with guests Dayglo Abortions, Process, Golers, and Aggression. Jan 23, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $20, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/. THE VASHAAN ENSEMBLE Caravan World Rhythms presents Canadian Iranian music group the Vashaan Ensemble touring in support of latest

ACT OF DEFIANCE American metal group, with guests Hellchamber. Feb 6, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $15, info www.rickshawtheatre.com/. DARIUS French house musician. Feb 7, 9 pm, Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender). Info www.fortunesoundclub.com/. MARK HUMMEL’S HARMONICA BLOWOUT 25TH ANNIVERSARY The Canadian Pacific Blues Society presents performances by harmonica greats Little Charlie Baty, Curtis Salgado, Aki Kumar, Big

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.

Jon Atkinson, Anson Funderburgh, R.W. Grigsby, and Wes Starr. Feb 8, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). Tix at Neptoon, Zulu, Red Cat, Highlife, Beat Merchant, and www.riotheatre.ca/.

SAL FERRERAS AND DRUM HEAT Local percussionist and his band perform drum traditions from Latin America, Brazil, Cuba, and India. Proceeds go to Arts Umbrella Surrey. Feb 12, 8 pm, Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88th Ave., Surrey). Tix $125/50, info www.artsumbrella.com/ events/sal-ferreras-and-drum-heat/. DAWN PEMBERTON AND CÉCILE DOO-KINGUÉ Vancouver soul-jazz vocalist coheadlines with New York City-born blues-soul vocalist-guitarist. Feb 12, 8:3011:30 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $24, info www.thefestival.bc.ca/. JENN GRANT Halifax folk singer-songwriter, with guest Joshua Hyslop. Feb 19, 8:30-11:30 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $22, info www.thefestival.bc.ca/.

Nature Of Things I believe that we’re at the point where David Suzuki can safely say “I told you so”.

ELEPHANT Why do you have to stomp around upstairs like a fucking elephant all day long. Sometimes I feel like you do in on purpose. It’s driving me nuts and strangely enough gives me anxiety for some reason so I’m moving.

I wish life could be more like the movies I just watched Love Actually at The Vogue (by myself, which I was mostly fine with), and I couldn’t help but wish that the holiday season could be reason to tell the person you like that you like them in real life, and have it work out as well as things tend to do on the silver screen. Instead, I’ll just keep it to myself and likely spend many more Christmases alone (and no, I don’t have any family whatsoever to spend holidays with). Oh well. At least I can live vicariously through movies and songs. :)

Look at this photograph I hate the entire conceited clusterfuck that is Instagram. I hate even more that I just spent 30 minutes looking at pictures of a former flame and subsequently opening the floodgates of feeling. I recently heard about an app that, when enabled, plays Nickelback while you are looking at your ex’s social media, and doesn’t let up until you stop. Unfortunately, I need it... so that next time I look, it will be “for the last time” (groan).

Visit

to post a Confession

50 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

2NEW YEAR’S EVE NEW YEAR’S AT THE HOTEL VANCOUVER Ring in 2016 with a fiveballroom party featuring music by the Big Sound, Intimate Productions, Kevin Shiu, Ingrid Hakanson, Abasi & Glyn, the Rad Pack, Nick Bike, Niña Mendoza, LOVE at the Fox Cabaret, Christa Belle, Patrick Campbell, and the Orchid Club. Dec 31, 9 pm, Hotel Vancouver (900 W. Georgia). Tix $125-245, info www.hotelvancouvernye.com/. NEW YEARS EVE WITH DAWN PEMBERTON Vancouver-based jazz vocalist performs with drummer Mike Ardagh, pianist Ian Cox, and bassist Derek DiFilippo. Presented by Coastal Jazz. Dec 31, 9 pm, Frankie’s (765 Beatty). Tix $90, info www.coastaljazz.ca/.

BAG RAIDERS Australian electronica duo composed of Jack Glass and Chris Stracey, with guest Plastic Plates. Mar 4, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, The Imperial (319 Main). Tix $15 YOB Doom-metal band from Oregon (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, plays a New Year’s Eve gig. Dec 31, 7 pm, Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings). Tix $25, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/. info www.rickshawtheatre.com/. GOLDLINK Virginia rapper. Mar 4, 9 pm, TROOPER Vancouver rockers from Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender). Info the ‘70s (“Raise a Little Hell”) play a www.fortunesoundclub.com/. New Year’s Eve show. Dec 31, Hard Rock ANI DIFRANCO American alt-folk singerCasino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., songwriter and guitarist, with guests Coquitlam). Tix at www.ticketmaster.ca/, Rupa and the April Fishes. Mar 5, 8 pm, info www.hardrockcasinovancouver.com/. Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton). Tix $60 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketstonight.ca/. DAMIEN DEMPSEY Irish folk musician performs in a pre-CelticFest Vancouver concert. Mar 5, 8 pm, The Imperial (319 Main). Tix $75/50, info www.celticfestvancouver.com/. ELECTRIC SIX The Georgia Straight presents Michigan garage-rock band, with guests Sam Cash and the Romantic Dogs. Mar 23, 8 pm, The Imperial (319 Main). Tix $20 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticket web.ca/, info www.ticketweb.ca/t3/sale/ SaleEventDetail/. SARAH NEUFELD Canadian indie violist, composer, and member of Arcade Fire tours in support of second full-length album The Ridge, with guest Eartheater. Mar 26, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $16 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat Records and www.ticketfly.com/, info www.mrgconcerts.com/. MOTHERS Experimental band from Athens, Georgia, tours in support of debut full-length album. Mar 27, doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, Media Club (695 Cambie). Tix $13.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. ALEX CALDER AND LUKE RATHBORNE Indie singer-songwriters coheadline, with guests Sun. Apr 3, doors 8 pm, show 9:30 pm, Cobalt (917 Main). Tix $10 (plus service charges and fees) at Red Cat, Zulu Records, and www.ticketweb.ca/.

2THIS WEEK

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BURTON CUMMINGS Canadian rock legend, formerly of the Guess Who. Dec 30, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, River Rock Show Theatre (River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond). Tix $89.50/79.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www. ticketmaster.ca/, info www.riverrock.com.

JAZZ VESPERS WITH THE THREE QUEENS Local a cappella trio performs classic Christmas carols. Dec 24, 3 pm, St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson). Admission by donation, info www.standrewswesley.com/. GREG BEAMISH BOXING DAY BASH Vancouver-based hip-hop artist, with guests Michael Rushden, Lord Diamonds, Tyler Skyy, RZ aka Rhymeztein, and Joey Beams. Dec 26, Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward). Tix $10 (plus service charges and fees), info www.mrgconcerts.com/. CONTACT WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Electronica festival features music by Above & Beyond, Hardwell, Steve Angello, DJ Snake, Andrew Rayel, Oliver Heldens, Klingande, Tchami, 3LAU, Bakermat, Jauz, Mercer, Jai Wolf, Vanic, Wiwek, Snails, Slander, and Nghtmre. Dec 26-27, 5 pm, BC Place Stadium (777 Pacific). Tix $250/175/150 (plus service charges and fees) at www.contact-festival.com/. JAKE TOUZEL Vancouver alt-rock musician tours in support of latest EP Bad Faith, with guests Gravity Pistol, Tylor David, and Cassandra Bangel. Dec 26, 7:30-11 pm, Studio Records (919 Granville). Tix $12/10, info www.facebook.com/ events/1659161444364675/. CONTACT FESTIVAL OFFICIAL AFTERPARTIES Blueprint Events and Live Nation present performances by special mystery guests after the Contact Winter Festival shows at BC Place. Dec 26-27, doors 10:30 pm, show 11 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $40/35/30 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. JAZZ VESPERS WITH THE 45TH AVENUE BAND Local 17-piece jazz band performs swing and jazz music by Bassie and Goodwin. Dec 27, 4 pm, St. Andrew’s–Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson). Admission by donation, info www.standrewswesley.com/.

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NYE GLITZ & GLAMOUR GALA New Year’s Eve party features Top 40, Caribbean, old school, funk, and Latin music by DJ Reign, DJ Superfly, Alibaba, Earl da Pearl, DJ El Nino, Latin DJ Soundloco, DJ Kemo, and dinner band Jany & Jorge. Dec 31, 6 pm, Hilton Vancouver Metrotown (6083 McKay Ave., Burnaby). Tix $60-99, info www.meloproductions.net/. NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016 GLITZ & GLAMOUR GALA New Year’s Eve party features music by Alibaba, Earl da Pearl, DJ Superfly, Daddy Mikey, DJ Reign, DJ El Nino, DJ Kemo, Latin DJ Soundloco, and DJ Reign. Dec 31, doors 6 pm, dinner 7 pm, Hilton Vancouver Metrotown (6083 McKay Ave., Burnaby). Tix $99/60 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/. A FUNKY’S NEW YEAR’S New Year’s Bash features live punkaoke and performances by the All Star Amphibians, the Spree Killers, Kill Matilda, and the Shit Talkers. Dec 31, Funky Winker Beans (37 W. Hastings). Info 604-764-7865. DANIEL WESLEY NYE 2016 Reggaepop singer-songwriter from White Rock (“Ooh Ohh”) plays a New Year’s Eve show, with guests Pigeon Park and DJ Jeremy Baker. Dec 31, doors 9 pm, Grand Villa Casino (4331 Dominion St., Burnaby). Tix $65/55 at www.ticketweb.ca/. BIG JOHN BATES Local outlaw-rock band performs with Alchemy Chamber, Year of the Wolf, DJ Brandy Bones, and the Tassel Twirlers. Dec 31, 9 pm, Media Club (695 Cambie). Tix $20/15, info www. imuproductions.com/. NEW YEAR’S AT EDGEWATER CASINO Ring in the new year with music by Jerry Doucette, Murray Porter, Gary Comeau, Rob Montgomery’s INCOGNITO, Nadine States, Alita Dupray, and Amanda Dean. Dec 31, 9 pm, Edgewater Casino (750 Pacific Blvd. S). Tix $40, info www.stadium club.ticketleap.com/. NEW YEAR’S AT THE FOX CABARET New Year’s Eve bash features comedy, performance, live music, DJs, and dancing, with the Sunday Service, Heaven DJs, the Motown Party, and the Ballantynes. Dec 31, 8 pm, Fox Cabaret (2321 Main). Tix $28. BALANCE NYE New Year’s Eve bash featuring funk, soul, and hip-hop performances by David Morin, Soul Hop Committee, the Brothers Box, Thomas Workshop, and Chuzwuzzla. Dec 31, doors 8 pm, Backstage Lounge (Arts Club Theatre, 1585 Johnston, Granville Island). Tix $30 at www.vancouvertix.com/. ONE NIGHT STAND VIII: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN New Year’s Eve bash features performances by Hannah Georgas, Louise Burns, Dominique Fricot, Jeff Innes of Yukon Blonde, Dave Vertesi of Hey Ocean!, Andrew Braun & Laura Smith of Rococode, and Tariq Hussain of Brasstronaut. Dec 31, doors 8:30 pm, The Imperial (319 Main). Tix at www.hipcitymusic.ca/tickets/. MARDI GRAS NYE DJ Grizzandole performs at a New Year’s Eve bash featuring Bourbon Street-inspired cocktails. Dec 31, 9 pm, Cinema Public House (901 Granville). Tix $15 (plus service charge) at www.donnellygroup.ca/.

HOT CHIP (DJ SET) British electronica band performs a DJ set, with support from MGH! and Kalibo. Dec 29, Fortune Sound Club (147 E. Pender). Info www. fortunesoundclub.com/.

NYE AT THE BIMINI DJ Krisp Kutz performs at a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance. Dec 31, doors 6 pm (9 pm for dancing only), Bimini Public House (2010 W. 4th). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/.

NERO British electronica trio performs a DJ set. Dec 29, 9 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $46.50/42.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www. livenation.com/.

ABSOLUT ELECTRIK NYE 2016 DJs Ryan Live (from L.A.), I-fun, and Maiya perform at a New Year’s Eve bash. Dec 31, 9 pm, Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar (905 Dunsmuir). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/.

BOURBON BALL NYE DJ Soma and friends perform at a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance with a southern-inspired menu. Dec 31, doors 6 pm (9 pm for dancing only), Butcher & Bullock (911 W. Pender). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/. BACK TO THE FUTURE NYE PARTY DJ Unit performs dance music from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s at a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance. Dec 31, doors 6 pm (9 pm for dancing only), Library Square Public House (300 W. Georgia). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/. NEW YEAR’S AT CLOUGH CLUB Vancouver multi-instrumentalist Alex Maher performs at a New Year’s Eve bash that includes a Jack Daniels tasting with Gerry Jobe. Dec 31, Clough Club (212 Abbott ). Tix $100 at the club. NYE16 HOTEL AT THE WALDORF Multilevel party inside the historic Waldorf Hotel features a hookah lounge, five different theme rooms, and Mad Decent artists until 4 am. Dec 31, 9 pm to 4 am, At the Waldorf (1489 E. Hastings). NYE 2016 BLACK OUT GALA FKYA DJs perform at a New Year’s Eve bash. Dec 31, Republic (958 Granville). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/. UNDER THE STARS NEW YEAR’S New Year’s Eve bash featuring resident DJs Darylo and Coach Bombay. Dec 31, doors 9 pm, Venue (881 Granville). NEW YEAR’S AT TEN TEN TAPAS Vancouver horn ace Gabriel Hasselbach hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner bash, with guest vocalists Lisa Fennell and Cecile LaRochelle and pianist-singer Rob Weaver. Dec 31, 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Ten Ten Tapas (1010 Beach Ave). Info www.tententapas.com/ events/2014/12/31/new-years-eve/. SJS NYE New Year’s Eve bash featuring DJs from Slow Jam Sundays. Dec 31, 9 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $35/25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/. A ROXY NEW YEAR’S New Year’s Eve bash featuring music by party band Troys R Us. Dec 31, doors 8 pm, The Roxy (932 Granville). Info www.roxyvan.com/. NYE 2016 DJ Wakeeta performs at a New Year’s Eve dinner/dance. Dec 31, doors 6 pm (9 pm for dance only), Lamplighter Public House (92 Water). Tix at www.donnellygroup.ca/. COCAINE MOUSTACHE Local heavysoul band performs a New Year’s Eve gig, with guests Muddy Goats, Whiskey River Gun Club, and the Tassel Twirlers. Dec 31, 8 pm, Railway Club (579 Dunsmuir). Tix $20/15, info www.imuproductions.com/. THE WALDORF A NYE HOTEL PARTY A five-room New Year’s Eve party features music by Swizzymack, Splurt, the Dream Suite team, and Drake. Dec 31, 9 pm, At the Waldorf (1489 E. Hastings). Tix from $29, info www.atthewaldorf.com/. NYE 2016: POP, FIZZ, CLINK DJ Christian Flores performs at a New Year’s Eve party featuring ‘60s-style art-deco decor. Dec 31, 10 pm, Bar None. Tix $35, info www.face book.com/events/784924828284787/. ILLUMINATE NYE Dom Perignon hosts a New Year’s Eve party with music by Floetic and Stimulant J. Dec 31, 10 pm, M.I.A. (350 Water St.). Tix $30, info www. areyoumia.com/. NYE 2016—NORDIC TRAX AT OPEN STUDIOS Chicago house musician Johnny Fiasco, with guests Luke McKeehan, Joel Armstrong, and Iain Howie. Dec 31, 10 pm–4 am, Open Studios (200-252 E. 1st). Tix $40/30, info www.facebook.com/ events/1649295915347137/.

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS BLACK SABBATH British heavy-metal legends, featuring vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, and bassist Geezer Butler, perform on their final tour, with guests Rival Sons. Feb 3, 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix from $49.50 to $150 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. BOOKER T. JONES The Victoria BC Ska Society presents American R&B multiinstrumentalist touring in support of latest release Sound the Alarm, with Jesse Roper and Vancouver R&B/funk ensemble Mud Funk, featuring Tonye Aganaba. Feb 13, 7:30 pm, Vogue Theatre (918 Granville). Tix $49.50 (plus service charges and fees) at Highlife, Red Cat, Beat Street Records, and www.ticketfly.com/, info victoriaskafest.ca/. MONSTER TRUCK As part of the Straight Series, Canadian rock band tours in support of upcoming album Sittin’ Heavy, with guests the Temperance Movement. Feb 25, doors 8 pm, show 9:30 pm, Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville). Tix $29.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. JUSTIN BIEBER Canadian pop superstar performs on his Purpose World Tour. Mar 11, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix at www.aeglive.com/. METRIC AND DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE Canadian indie-rock band coheadlines with American alt-rock band on their Lights on the Horizon tour. Apr 1, doors 6 pm, show 6:45 pm, Thunderbird Arena (6066 Thunderbird Blvd., UBC). Tix $60.50/56/40.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. ELLIE GOULDING British pop sensation performs on her Delirium World Tour.

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Apr 1, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $62.25/47.25/32.25 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

ZZ TOP American blues-rock legends (“Legs”, “Sharp Dressed Man”) perform on their Hell Raisers Tour. Apr 7, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Abbotsford Centre (33800 King Rd., Abbotsford). Tix $85/65/35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. MARIANAS TRENCH Vancouver poprock band tours in support of latest studio release Astoria with guests Walk Off the Earth. Apr 8, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Pacific Coliseum (Hastings Park, 100 N. Renfrew). Tix $65/49.50/35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. IRON MAIDEN English heavy-metal legends tour in support of latest release The Book of Souls, with guests the Raven Age. Apr 10, doors 7 pm, show 7:50 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $97.50/69.50/45.50/29.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. RIHANNA Barbados-born R&B singersongwriter performs on her Anti World Tour, with guest Travis Scott. Apr 23, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $151/100.50/60.50/30.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www. livenation.com/. JOE SATRIANI Bay Area guitar wizard performs tunes from latest album Shockwave Supernova. Apr 24, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam). Tix $64.50/54.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/, info www. hardrockcasinovancouver.com/. THE WHO British rock legends (“My Generation”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”), featuring original vocalist Roger Daltrey and original guitarist Pete Townshend, with guest Joan Jett. May 13, 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Note: postponed from Sep 29, 2015; tix for original date will be honoured. Tix $161.70/99/51.70 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. SELENA GOMEZ American pop singersongwriter and actor performs on her worldwide Revival Tour. May 14, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $89.50/69.50/49.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www. livenation.com/. HEDLEY Canadian pop-rock group tours in support of sixth studio album Hello, with guests Carly Rae Jepsen and Francesco Yates. May 20, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $75/55/39.50 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. CITY AND COLOUR Canadian alt-rock singer-songwriter tours in support of new LP If I Should Go Before You, with guests Shakey Graves. Jun 3, doors 6:30 pm, show 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $65/49.50/35 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/. DIXIE CHICKS American country trio performs on its DCX World Tour MMXV1. Jul 7, doors 6 pm, show 7 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $131.75/101.75/75.15 (plus service charges and fees) at www. livenation.com/. ADELE British pop superstar tours in support of recently released album 25. Jul 20-21, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $195/99.50/75/49.50 (plus service charges and fees). Both shows SOLD OUT. DEMI LOVATO AND NICK JONAS American pop sensations perform on their Future Now: The Tour. Aug 24, 7:30 pm, Rogers Arena (800 Griffiths Way). Tix $99.95/59.95/29.95 (plus service charges and fees) at www.livenation.com/.

CLUBS & VENUES ALEXANDER GASTOWN 91 Powell, 778379-0407. Gastown club, lounge, and live music venue featuring weekly club nights and various concerts. 2ALEXANDER GASTOWN X HYPHY NYE 2016 Dec 31 ASTORIA PUB 769 E. Hastings, 604254-3636. Dudette Sun, Live Fast! Mon, Their Satanic Majesties Request DJs Tue; local and touring bands and DJs Thu-Sat. 2POOR HOLIDAY DECISIONS: $5 BOXING DAY TRAP HIPHOP LIT SH*T Dec 26 2SONIC SUNDAY KARAOKE Dec 27 2MANIC MONDAY KARAOKE Dec 28 2SONIC SUNDAY KARAOKE Jan 3 2MANIC MONDAY KARAOKE Jan 4 AT THE WALDORF 1489 E. Hastings, 604-253-7141. The Waldorf has been a Vancouver mainstay since the late 1940s with its retro and Polynesian décor. Three separate rooms, including Tiki Room, Tabu, and the Hideaway. Cherryoke Wed, Tank Gyal & guests Thu; live music & dance party Fri; Thomas Maxey & Kalibo Sat. Tiki Bar open 6 pm Wed-Sat. 2NYE16 HOTEL AT THE WALDORF Dec 31 BACKSTAGE LOUNGE Arts Club Theatre, 1585 Johnston, Granville Island, 604-687-1354. Vancouver’s only live-music venue on the water, with music nightly. Live band karaoke hosted by Sami Ghawi and Reuben Avery Tue at 9:30 pm. 2BALANCE NYE Dec 31 BELMONT BAR 1006 Granville, 604-6054340. Fresh and local fare, craft beer and wine on tap, and live entertainment nightly. Open daily at 5 pm. BILTMORE CABARET 2755 Prince Edward, 604-676-0541. Resident DJs My!Gay!Husband!, Sincerely Hanna, and

Rico Uno Sat; burlesque with Burgundy Brixx & the Purrrfessor Sun; tropical, electro, goth, world, and rudeboy with DJs Peter & Robbie (Humans), DJ Bee, Wobangs, and Basedgoth Tue. 2GREG BEAMISH BOXING DAY BASH Dec 26 2KITTY NIGHTS BURLESQUE: HAPPY NUDE YEAR BASH Dec 27 2DEVOTCHKA Jan 8 2JD MCPHERSON Jan 11 2TRIBAL SEEDS Jan 22 2FREAK HEAT WAVES Jan 27 2CHAPEL SOUND TAKEOVER Jan 29 2THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR Jan 30 2DANCE YOURSELF CLEAN: THE TOUR Feb 4 2BAIO Feb 5 2WET Feb 10 2SUMAC Feb 19 2JOSEPH Mar 4 2AOIFE O’DONOVAN Mar 5 2ROBYN HITCHCOCK Mar 10 2RADIATION CITY & DEEP SEA DIVER Mar 17 2AN EVENING WITH GREG DULLI Mar 22 2RADIO RADIO Mar 26 2RA RA RIOT Mar 31

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. 2NYE AT THE BIMINI Dec 31 BLACKBIRD PUBLIC HOUSE & OYSTER BAR 905 Dunsmuir, 604-899-4456. Bistro and public house with oyster bar, barbershop, Scotch bar, and live music Wed-Fri. Open daily at 11 am. Happy hour 3-6 pm. 2ABSOLUT ELECTRIK NYE 2016 Dec 31

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BUTCHER & BULLOCK 911 W. Pender, 604-662-8866. Traditional pub and beer hall in downtown business district featuring 28 draft beer taps, craft beers, interesting cocktails, and honest pub food. Open from 11:30 am till late every day. DJ Ray Black Sat. 2BOURBON BALL NYE Dec 31

YEARLY BOXING DAY SALE

CHARLES BAR 136 W. Cordova, 604-5688040. Gastown sports bar features nine-foot HD screen and DJs on weekend nights. Wavy Fridays with DJs Seko&Marvel; Back & Forth Saturdays with rap, R&B, and club classics. Open Sun-Thu from 11:30 am to 1 am, Fri-Sat from 11:30 am to 3 am. CINEMA PUBLIC HOUSE 901 Granville, 604-694-0202. Pub featuring craft beer and cocktails, pub food, late-night menu, and weekend brunch. DJs all night Wed-Sun. Happy hour 3-6 pm. 2MARDI GRAS NYE Dec 31 CLOUGH CLUB 212 Abbott, 604-558-1581. Small plates and craft cocktails nightly. Live music Wed-Sat. Happy hour 5-7 pm. Open 5 pm till late seven days a week. 2NEW YEAR’S AT CLOUGH CLUB Dec 31 COBALT 917 Main, 778-918-3671. Live bands some nights, DJs other nights. Karaoke Mon, classic tunes and free pizza Tue; live painting art raffle Wed. 2MAJICAL CLOUDZ Jan 22 2CAR SEAT HEADREST Jan 24 2SAINTSENECA Jan 31 2DIANE COFFEE Feb 20 2ELEANOR FRIEDBERGER Mar 4 2ANDERSON EAST Mar 5 2ALEX G AND PORCHES Mar 26 2LITTLE GREEN CARS Mar 31 2ALEX CALDER AND LUKE RATHBORNE Apr 3

Every thi ng 20% Off! (including Sale Items)

Open Boxing Day M NOON to 6 P

including (140 gram) LP in stock

Our Online Catalogue Includes Over 2000 Rock LP’s also many Punk, Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, Soundtrack, World & Electronica LP’s

Adele 25 Sale ale Continues till Dec the 30th

604.488.1234 • VINYLRECORDS.CA 321 W. HASTINGS ST. (VICTORY SQUARE)

COMMODORE BALLROOM 868 Granville, 604-739-4550. General admission venue with 900-person capacity features live performances by touring bands and musicians from across North America and around the world. Tix at www.commodoreballroom.ca/. 2FUNK THE HALLS Dec 22 2CONTACT FESTIVAL OFFICIAL AFTERPARTIES Dec 26 2NERO Dec 29 2SJS NYE Dec 31 2ERIC PRYDZ Jan 2 2ECCW WRESTLING: BALLROOM BRAWL V Jan 16 2THE DEVIL MAKES THREE Jan 19 2NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHT SWEATS Jan 21 2CHASE RICE Jan 24 2 CORB LUND Jan 29 2ARKELLS Feb 1 2YUKON BLONDE Feb 5 2ADVENTURE CLUB Feb 11 2THE BOOTS & BABES BALL Feb 13 2THE MUSICAL BOX: SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND Feb 17 2THE SHEEPDOGS Feb 18 2MONSTER TRUCK Feb 25 2CLASSIFIED Feb 27 2FRANK TURNER AND THE SLEEPING SOULS Mar 3 2CANNIBAL CORPSE Mar 4 2DELHI 2 DUBLIN Mar 5 2REBELUTION Mar 6 2ANJUNABEATS Mar 10 2DISTURBED Mar 11 2THE WAILERS Mar 12 2MOTOWN MELTDOWN Mar 19 2AFRO-CUBAN ALL STARS Mar 20 2WOLFMOTHER Apr 1 2THE DECIBEL MAGAZINE TOUR 2016 Apr 2 2CIARA Apr 5 2GARY CLARK JR. Apr 12 2SPIRIT OF THE WEST Apr 15 2ST. GERMAIN Apr 18 2ADAM CAROLLA Apr 22 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. Featured nights include Happy Ending Fridays, Sup Fu? Saturdays, Hip Hop Karaoke, and live shows covering electronic, rap, hip-hop, dubstep, and metal. 2HOT CHIP (DJ SET) Dec 29 2FORTUNE SOUND NYE 2016 Dec 31 2CHROME SPARKS Jan 20 2ONYX Jan 27 2DARIUS Feb 7 2MIKE STUD Mar 3 2GOLDLINK Mar 4 2PROTOMARTYR AND CHASTITY BELT Mar 8 FOX CABARET 2321 Main. 2NEW YEAR’S AT THE FOX CABARET Dec 31 2OLD MAN CANYON Jan 15 2RAPP BATTLEZ WEZT COAZT Jan 16 2HAROLD BUDD Jan 23 2ROOMFUL OF TEETH Jan 25 2FOND OF TIGERS Jan 28 2SONGS OF RESILIENCE Jan 29 2THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE Jan 30 2ANTHROPOLOGIES IMAGINAIRES Feb 1 2DECODER 2017 Feb 4 2A LIVING DOCUMENTARY Feb 5 2DECLARATIONS Feb 6 2DAWN PEMBERTON AND CÉCILE DOO-KINGUÉ Feb 12 2JENN GRANT Feb 19 2SARAH NEUFELD Mar 26 2SAID THE WHALE May 7

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DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 51

Feb 15 2MATT ANDERSEN Feb 18 2AN EVENING WITH THE CHARLES LLOYD QUARTET Feb 20 2JEREMY HOTZ Feb 26 2VINCE STAPLES Mar 1 2THE IRISH ROVERS Mar 17 2DAUGHTER Mar 18 2RACHEL PLATTEN Mar 28 2ALESSIA CARA Mar 29 2JOANNA NEWSOM Mar 30 2CHE MALAMBO May 20

Music time out

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FRANKIE’S 765 Beatty, 778-727-0337. Coastal Jazz presents live jazz and blues throughout the weekend (Thu-Sun). 2NEW YEARS EVE WITH DAWN PEMBERTON Dec 31 2TAMMY WEISS Jan 2 2DECIBELLE FEATURING SEAMUS BLAKE Jan 3 2KATE HAMMETT-VAUGHAN QUINTET Jan 7 2POWER QUINTET Jan 8 2JODI PROZNICK QUARTET Jan 10 2PAUL RUSHKA TRIO Jan 14 2STEVE DAVIS SEXTET Jan 15 2MILES BLACK WITH GUEST CORY WEEDS PLAY THE MUSIC OF BENNY GOODMAN Jan 21 FUNKY WINKER BEANS 37 W. Hastings, 604-764-7865. 2A SCARYOKE REUNION WITH WENDY THIRTEEN Dec 26 2THE ALL STAR AMPHIBIANS, THE SPREE KILLERS, KILL MATILDA, THE SHIT TALKERS Dec 31 2A FUNKY’S NEW YEAR’S Dec 31 2NEXT PISTOLS (SEX PISTOLS TRIBUTE), 69 GUNS (PUNK COVERS), HUSKEE DUDE (ACOUSTIC HUSKER DU TRIBUTE) Jan 1 2RAMPAGE, BRIMSTONE, CRATERS, FINITE Jan 2 2DISCO FUNERAL, COUCH THIEVES Jan 8 2IRON KINGDOM, OMNISIGHT, SYRINX Jan 9 HARD ROCK CASINO VANCOUVER 2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam, 604-523-6888. 2TROOPER Dec 31 2STEVEN WRIGHT Jan 9 2WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? Feb 19 2LEWIS BLACK Feb 28 2ED KOWALCZYK Mar 3 2GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS Apr 21 2JOE SATRIANI Apr 24 2TRACY MORGAN May 13 THE IMPERIAL 319 Main, 604-868-0494. 2ONE NIGHT STAND VIII: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN Dec 31 2SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE–A PARTY FOR PARKINSON’S Jan 8 2VANESSA CARLTON Jan 14 2SONNY LANDRETH Jan 17 2SHIGETO Jan 22 2THE KNOCKS Feb 3 2SUPER FURRY ANIMALS Feb 4 2YOUNG GALAXY Feb 10 2LAKE STREET DIVE Mar 1 2BAG RAIDERS Mar 4 2DAMIEN DEMPSEY Mar 5 2SILVERSTEIN Mar 8 2JUNIOR BOYS Mar 10 2WE ARE THE CITY Mar 11 2ELECTRIC SIX Mar 23 2POLICA Mar 30 2QUANTIC Apr 9 IVANHOE PUB 1038 Main, 604-608-1444. Pub with live bands on weekends and open jam night Sun from 4 to 8 pm. Open at 9 am with breakfast and daily food specials. Pool tourney Thu. No cover. 2MIKE MACHADO Dec 25 2SONS OF THE HOE Dec 27 2SAVAGE Dec 31 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. LIBRARY SQUARE PUBLIC HOUSE 300 W. Georgia, 604-633-9644. Free pinball Wed, Show Me Love ‘90s party

WISE HALL 1882 Adanac, 604-254-5858. Live music by local artists and international touring acts.

OUT OF TOWN 2JUST ANNOUNCED

Fri; Saturday Night Special dance party Sat. Canucks and Whitecaps pregame. 2BACK TO THE FUTURE NYE PARTY Dec 31

LULU’S LOUNGE River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond, 604247-8562. Live music Wed-Sat, no cover. 2RACHAEL CHATOOR Dec 24 2POP JUNKIES Dec 25 2LUV SHAK Dec 31 M.I.A. 350 Water St., 604-408-4321. Gastown’s newest intimate nightclub and special-event space, equipped with an industry-leading Funktion-One Soundsystem, hosting local & touring electronic, live, & club events weekly. 2EMOTIONS OPEN MIC EXPERIENCE NYE Dec 31 2ILLUMINATE NYE Dec 31 MEDIA CLUB 695 Cambie, 604-608-2871. Live music most nights. 2BIG JOHN BATES Dec 31 2THE EAGLE ROCK GOSPEL SINGERS Jan 30 2MODERN SPACE Feb 4 2HEY MARSEILLES Mar 4 2MOTHERS Mar 27 ORPHEUM THEATRE 601 Smithe, 604665-3050. 2VANCE JOY Jan 12 2BLUE RODEO Jan 26 2HEART Mar 8 2LEON BRIDGES Mar 15 2CHICK COREA AND BELA FLECK Apr 22 2RAFFI Apr 23 PAT’S PUB & BREWHOUSE 403 E. Hastings, 604-255-4301. Invitational jazz jam Mon; Disaraygun DJ and live trumpet Tue; Steve Kozak Blues & Brews Wed; No Cover Thu; live bands Fri-Sat at 9 pm; live jazz Sat from 3-7 pm. No cover.

Open seven days a week from 10 pm to 3 am. 2NYE 2016 BLACK OUT GALA Dec 31

RICKSHAW THEATRE 254 E. Hastings, 604-681-8915. Live bands some nights. 2YOB Dec 31 2BAPTISTS AND POWER TRIP Jan 16 2ZIMMERS HOLE Jan 23 2UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA AND LOWER DENS Jan 28 2ENFORCER AND WARBRINGER Jan 30 2ACT OF DEFIANCE Feb 6 2THE DREADNOUGHTS Feb 13 2PARQUET COURTS Feb 20 2CRADLE OF FILTH Feb 24 2REVEREND HORTON HEAT Mar 10 2LUCA TURILLI’S RHASPODY AND PRIMAL FEAR May 9 2KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD May 28 RIVER ROCK SHOW THEATRE River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd., Richmond, 604-247-8900. Tix for all shows at www.ticketmaster.ca/. 2BURTON CUMMINGS Dec 30 2ANDRE-PHILIPPE GAGNON Dec 31 2THE NYLONS Apr 9 ROGERS ARENA 800 Griffiths Way, 604899-7400. Concert venue and home to the Vancouver Canucks. 2BLACK SABBATH Feb 3 2JUSTIN BIEBER Mar 11 2ELLIE GOULDING Apr 1 2IRON MAIDEN Apr 10 2RIHANNA Apr 23 2THE WHO May 13 2SELENA GOMEZ May 14 2HEDLEY May 20 2CITY AND COLOUR Jun 3 2DIXIE CHICKS Jul 7 2ADELE Jul 20 2DEMI LOVATO AND NICK JONAS Aug 24

QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE 650 Hamilton, 604-665-3050. 2JOHNNY REID Feb 1 2YAMATO, THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN Feb 6 2RETURN THE GRACE Mar 22 2TWENTY ONE PILOTS Apr 10 2RAIN Apr 20 2IL DIVO Nov 6

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. 2DAVID ALEXANDER Dec 23 2TABOO QUEEN Dec 28 2A ROXY NEW YEAR’S Dec 31 2JODY BLACK, YES WAY Jan 8

REPUBLIC 958 Granville, 604-669-3214. House, hip-hop, EDM, chart, and reggae.

ST. JAMES HALL 3214 W. 10th, 604-736-3022. 250-seat venue at St. James Community

SALMON ARM ROOTS & BLUES FESTIVAL Confirmed performers for the 2016 festival include Whitehorse, Great Lake Swimmers, Amy Helm, New Orleans Suspects, and Brothers Landreth. Aug 19-21, Salmon Arm Fair Grounds (Salmon Arm, B.C.). Tix and info www.rootsandblues.ca/, info www.rootsandblues.ca/.

Square features concerts presented by the Rogue Folk Club. 2LYDOM, BUGGE & HØIRUP Jan 15 2J.P. CORMIER Jan 17 2THE REVELERS Jan 22 2KITS CLASSICS + WORLDS BEYOND Jan 24

2THIS WEEK

TAVERN AT THE NEW OXFORD 1141 Hamilton, 604-669-4848. Yaletown comedy Tue; Skee-ball and rock, paper, scissors tournament Wed, the SHOW Thu with live hip-hop, rap, and R&B; ‘90s weekends with DJ Tower Fri and DJ Kenya Sat.

THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA Guitar legend from the Stray Cats leads his bigband on its 12th annual Christmas Rocks! Tour. Dec 27, 7:30 pm, Benaroya Hall (200 University St., Seattle, Wash.). Tix at www. ticketmaster.ca/.

TEN TEN TAPAS 1010 Beach Ave. West Coast tapas restaurant featuring live music four nights a week at 7 pm. Rising artists Thu, flamenco guitar Fri, hornman Gabriel Hasselbach Sat, soul/R&B Sun. Guest musicians/singers every weekend. No cover; reservations recommended. 2NEW YEAR’S AT TEN TEN TAPAS Dec 31

2UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

THE THREE BRITS 1780 Davie (at Denman), 604-801-6681. The West End’s only craft-beer house, steps away from English Bay. Pub trivia with the Nice Guys Wed at 7 pm; brunch daily till 4 pm.

CARLY RAE JEPSEN Pop superstar from Mission (“Call Me Maybe”) performs tunes from latest album Emotion on her Gimme Love tour. Feb 29, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Showbox at the Market (1426 1st Ave., Seattle). Tix from US$25 (plus service charge) at www.axs.com/.

AC/DC Hard-rock legends from Australia (“Highway to Hell”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”) perform on their Rock or Bust World Tour. Feb 2, 8 pm, Tacoma Dome (Tacoma, Wash.). Tix US$137 (plus service charges and fees) at www.ticketmaster.ca/.

VENUE 881 Granville, 604-646-0064. Tix for all events at www.venuelive.ca/ and www.bplive.ca/ 2UNDER THE STARS NEW YEAR’S Dec 31 2NEW YEARS EVE: UNDER THE STARS Dec 31 2VENOM INC. Jan 16 2KILLING JOKE Feb 2 2DR. DOG Feb 6 2TRIVIUM Feb 8 2ST. LUCIA Mar 1 2THORNLEY Mar 12 2ULI JON ROTH’S ULTIMATE GUITAR EXPERIENCE Mar 19 2NAPALM DEATH AND MELVINS May 2 2NADA SURF May 17 2PRONG May 29

BUMBERSHOOT Seattle’s 46th annual music and arts festival features live music, comedy, theatre, film, visual arts, and children’s programming. Sep 2-4, Seattle Center (Seattle, Wash.). Weekend passes at www.bumbershoot.com/.

TIME OUT MUSIC LISTINGS are a public service provided free of charge, based on available space and editorial discretion. We can’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 don’t make it into the paper due to space constraints will appear on the website.

VOGUE THEATRE 918 Granville, 604569-1144. Tix at www.voguetheatre.com/. 2#SINGITFWDFINALE Jan 14 2TY SEGALL AND THE MUGGERS Jan 22 2THE WOOD BROTHERS Jan 31 2TROYE SIVAN Feb 3 2SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR Feb 6 2BOOKER T JONES Feb 13 2LOGIC

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he economy has been in the dumps, oil prices plummeted, and the Canadian dollar is in the tank, but the housing market still remained red-hot throughout 2015. The most recent statistics from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver indicated that sales in November were 46.2 percent above the 10-year average for that month. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the hot housing market tops this year’s list of the five most significant real-estate stories of the year in Vancouver.

NEW BRIDGE COMING This month, the province announced that a new 10-lane, $3.5-billion tolled bridge will be built to replace the George Massey Tunnel. This will likely turn into a windfall for the real-estate industry as pressure increases to pave over more farmland in Delta and Richmond. Don’t kid yourself: this bridge will transform the region. It will also boost the business prospects of Ivanhoé Cambridge and the Tsawwassen First Nation’s new shopping mall. Tsawwassen Mills is a 1.2-million-square-foot colossus under construction off Highway 17A HIGH HOUSING PRICES The REBGV says the and 52nd Street. It’s scheduled to open in 2016 benchmark price for all resiwith 200 stores, all of which dential properties rose 17.8 are hoping to draw traffic percent between November from across the region and 2014 and November 2015. It from shoppers coming over Charlie Smith reached $752,000, which is from Vancouver Island. chump change compared to the benchmark price for a detached property: $1.23 million. Optimists TRANSIT PLEBISCITE When voters across point out that the REBGV doesn’t include North the region put the kibosh on the regional mayDelta, Surrey, and Langley, which are all in the ors’ proposal for $7.5 billion in transit and Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s jurisdiction. But transportation improvements over 10 years, it still means that homeownership has gotten too it set back plans to develop the region in a expensive for many first-time buyers unless they more cohesive manner. Light rail in Surrey have some help from the relatives. One of the big- still shows no sign of life, despite Mayor Linda gest deals announced this year was the $51-mil- Hepner’s promise to deliver three new lines by lion sale of high-tech tycoon Don Mattrick’s the 2018 election. There’s also no money from Point Grey mansion on Drummond Drive. It the region for a new tolled Pattullo Bridge. All was one of several eye-popping prices paid for of this takes a bit of the shine off the housing detached homes on the West Side of Vancouver. market in North Surrey. That’s not to mention how it has undermined the city’s efforts to turn BRIAN JACKSON’S RETIREMENT When King George Highway north and south of SurVancouver’s general manager of planning and rey Memorial Hospital into a magnet for high development announced this summer that he tech and arts and culture. would leave by the end of the year, it took a lot of people by surprise. Jackson had been on the TELUS GARDEN It’s rare that a downtown job for less than three years—a period marked by office tower creates a major stir, but Telus’s intense friction between some neighbourhoods head office has set a new standard for green and city hall. But it was also a time when import- buildings. The building by Westbank Proant area plans were completed in the West End, jects obtained the highest LEED scorecard the Downtown Eastside, and Marpole. Jackson’s ever submitted to the Canada Green Builddeclaration came shortly after a group of retired ing Council. With 288 rooftop solar panels, planners and urban-planning experts wrote a let- continuous fresh-air ventilation, and district ter to Mayor Gregor Robertson and city council energy connected to the company’s data syscondemning a proposed crystal-shaped glass tem, Telus Garden goes far beyond any other tower to the east of Waterfront Station. One of tower in the city. It also captures rainwater Jackson’s parting gifts was recommending that and has a vegetable garden. This will up the council designate First Shaughnessy as a heritage ante on all other Vancouver office developconservation area. This move reduced the value ers in the future to push a little further with of the neighbourhood’s homes by up to $1 billion. their designs on behalf of the planet. -

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CAREERS & EMPLOYMENT Easterbrook, David Mark Edwin (Guppy-Fish) March 19, 1949 – December 6, 2015 Dav (Guppy) was born in Vancouver B.C. and David spent his life inspired by the Adventures of Huckspe leb leberry Finn, and Tom Sawyer, and led his life wi with that exact same love for life. He surrounded hi himself with creativity, music, art, Cannabis M Medicine, and people with the same passions to keep life beautiful and to promote growth in al all that surrounds you. His many adventures br brought him into contact with wonderful pe people who enriched his life in very much the sa same way he liked to share with others while te teaching his four important reminders to put H H.I.R.R. ﬁrst. Honour, Integrity, Respect and R Responsibility. H He lost his battle to lung cancer while surrrounded by loved ones and is pre-deceased by his Father Coleman Easterbrook and his Brother Timothy Easterbrook, and is survived by his Mother Flo Easterbrook, Brother Frederick (Rick) Easterbrook, Sister Sue Gray, Brother Ken Easterbrook, Wife Elizabeth Hamilton, his Son Bert Easterbrook, Daughter-in-Law Talya Easterbrook, and his loving “City Family”. His memorial was held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel @ 3pm in Burnaby B.C. on December 19th 2015, with a viewing and spiritual 4:20 send off to end the ceremony. Guppy would like that any monetary donations other than to cover service costs be gifted in the DTES where his loved ones need the love and support. Purchase a hot meal, or some warm clothing, donate to a shelter and make sure you write “From/ Love Guppy” on it and share a loving hug with them if they will accept it. He has now left the Fish-Bowl to swim the universal currents, thank you for being a part of his dream. Now go change the world.

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> BY DAN SAVAGE

After spending some years in

1. “The first rule of thumb when it comes to male chastity is this: if the balls go blue or cold, take the fucking cock cage off !” said Christopher Miers, the founder and creative force behind Steelwerks (steelwerks extreme.com/), purveyors of the world’s finest male chastity devices. “I’m a firm believer in play safe, stay comfortable, and cause pain or discomfort only when it’s asked for and nobody is at risk of longterm damage,” said Miers. “So for the sake of their marriage and the longevity of their hot kinky sex life, BALLSUP needs to get her guy a cage that keeps him trapped but still in the realm of safe!” A short primer for readers who aren’t familiar with male chastity devices: most are anchored in place by a ring that goes around the shaft and behind the balls. The penis slides into a cylinder that attaches to the top of the ring, and the cylinder prevents erections and can even punish erections. (Some are lined with spikes.) Once the chastity device is locked—cheaper ones with a wee padlock, custom ones with something more artful—there’s no way to remove it (and free the cock) without tearing the balls off. Back to you, BALLSUP. Miers has been creating custom-made, high-quality stainless-steel male chastity devices for 15 years—so he’s the recognized expert on male chastity devices here, not your husband. Listen to Miers and toss the > BITCH ABLY LOCKING LUCKY device you’re using now, and get SLUTS UP PROPERLY your husband a chastity cage that

doesn’t turn his balls purple. You may have to experiment with some other designs and an assortment of cock rings before you find the one that locks his cock down without choking his balls off. “I often hear from guys who wear cages made with a one-piece, slipon–style cock ring that it allows them to slip in easily and comfortably—but a lot of guys can remove these chastity devices even when they’re locked,” said Miers. “But a cage with a smaller, more secure cock ring often results in a cock ring that is too tight, especially when the person is using cheaper, mass-produced cages. The best chastity devices are ones that come with a cock ring that can be opened via a hinge or taken apart—then you can get a ring that might be too small to push his balls through using the one-ball-after-the-other method, but because the ring comes apart, getting it on and off is much easier while providing the safety and inescapability both parties are looking for.” 2. “I encountered my first client with the ‘balls not dropping issue’ a few years back, and it is a challenge when it comes to chastity,” said Miers. “For most of these guys, I encourage a PA as a means of anchoring a lightweight chastity device.” (A PA, also known as a Prince Albert, involves poking a bonus hole in the urethra below the head of the cock and putting a ring through it.) “A PA combined with a chastity device is the most durable

the doldrums after having kids, my husband and I are now enjoying hot kinky sex and the occasional free pass to fuck other people. We couldn’t be happier. I have a friend who was extremely keen for me to cage his cock with the same kind of locking male chastity device I got for my husband—a fi xed-ring stainless-steel type. I have two questions: 1) It took some manoeuvring to get my husband’s balls through one by one, followed by his cock, but he managed. Is it okay for his balls to swell up tight, get cold, and go purple when he’s wearing the cock cage and he is aroused? He says it doesn’t hurt, and he is wearing it only while I peg him—a couple of hours tops. I worry that even though he can squeeze into the ring, he might be cutting off circulation and doing damage. 2) My friend couldn’t get his balls and cock into the cage. His balls never dropped as a child, so he had an operation that pulled them down but fi xed them in place. Consequently, they sit “high and tight” and can’t be pulled away from his body. Can you recommend a cage that might fit him? He is into total submission and orgasm denial, and he wants to experience long-term forced chastity and relinquish control of his dick to me. (Hot, right?!) If a cage can’t work for him, are there other toys/methods I can use to give him that sense of surrendered cock and loss of control?

and secure way to lock a guy’s cock up for long-term orgasm denial and forced chastity play.” But if your friend can handle some pressure on his balls, BALLSUP, a traditional-style chastity device with a hinged or two-piece cock ring might work. “Because his balls sit high and tight, it is important that the scrotal gap (the gap between the front of the cock ring and the tube opening) isn’t too tight, as this could possibly put more pressure on his balls,” said Miers. “The last option would be a full chastity belt. While some of the belts out there are incredibly sexy and completely secure, experience and client feedback tell me that in the long term, these are not ideal for a guy who wants to be kept in chastity every day.” You can follow Christopher Miers on Twitter @steelwerks.

next six months and let the chips fall where they may, whether it’s the end of the relationship or the transition to long-distance? > IMPENDING EXPIRATION DATE

Anything could happen in the next six months. You could lose your dream job, this guy could decide not to return to his Midwestern hometown after all, or you could turn on the news and learn that a megatsunami 300 feet high is racing toward the East Coast and you have eight hours to get the fuck out before your city is washed off the map—and at that point, your boyfriend’s hometown in the Midwest might not look so bad. (Really! It could happen: youtu.be/Fzm49fUSCPk/.) So keep dating this guy, because, hey, you never know. What you want and where you want to be can change radically in six months’ time.

I’m a 29-year-old bi female living Since you had on the East Coast, and I’ve been in a relationship for three months. It’s been a few years since I’ve dated anyone seriously, and I’m really enjoying it. We have a good relationship so far, and he’s great in a lot of ways, but that’s part of the problem. Next summer, he will be moving back to his hometown in the Midwest. I just started my dream job, so there’s no way I would follow him. I’m uncertain about doing the long-distance thing. Since we’re only three months into this, should I cut my losses and call it quits and move on? Or should I enjoy these

the ability to make Santorum what he is today (a substance, not a senator), would you promote the new meme that Trump = dump? As in “I have to take a trump” or “I just took a major trump—like a transatlantic-cable trump.” > GROSS OLD POLITICIANS

I’m Dan Savage, and I approve this meme. On the Lovecast, Dan chats with Roberta Kaplan, the attorney who slew DOMA. Email: mail@savagelove.net. Follow Dan on Twitter at www.twitter. com/fakedansavage/.

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56 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

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redhotdateline.com 18+ DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 57

> Go on-line to read hundreds of I Saw You posts or to respond to a message < B-LINE KARMA

STEVE NASH XMAS PARTY

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 21, 2015 WHERE: 99 BLine Broadway to Arbutus

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 19, 2015 WHERE: The Commodore Ballroom

You helped an elderly woman get on the bus at the hospital Monday evening, pretty awesome. Major karma for the holidays. Atta boy, maybe we’ll run into each other on a slower bus next time.

I saw you and my breath caught... as our eyes met, a smile escaped my lips, yet my feet kept moving forward... duty called... past your presence which had so stunned me. In only an instant I had felt in awe, excited and nervous... and a feeling I cannot yet put into words. Your presence from afar intrigued me, stolen glances and secret acknowledgements stirred my sudden and out of character attraction. I saw you, the most handsome man I’ve laid eyes upon, enjoying a night of feasting and dancing with friends, with your arm around a beautiful woman as I looked on from my duty of invisible service. Your presence caused a magnetic pull of familiarity and comfort, as I swirled your table several times... I just couldn’t stand in one place anymore, my nerves had gotten the better of me. I wanted to sit down next to you, let my long black hair down and talk about Star Wars. If our life paths had crossed in another time, perhaps the courage in my heart would have spoken... but my path is now strewn with boulders and the impact of you could be too much. Only the universe knows my fate, as I do not, but this night shall always stay with me as a reminder of what can be... that my heart can possibly open. I doubt your eyes shall read these words, but I must thank you for reminding me how beautiful I am... and to open up my heart to be happy again. What will be, will be. Thanks, You Handsome Stranger. You shall be missed.

WEDGEWOOD HOTEL

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 20, 2015 WHERE: Bacchus Restaurant Bacchus Restaurant brunch; How amazing it was to watch you walk past our table throughout the afternoon. You are so beautiful. I wish you could of just sat with me alone and I could of listened to you tell me everything about you. Just to be able to be able to look into your eyes, nothing else would have mattered. I have never done this before but I had to say hi... xox

SAME SOAP STAND

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 21, 2015 WHERE: Wise Hall @ eastsideflea We were at the same soap stand at the ESF Wise Hall... A totally nice woman was telling us about her soap and I’m pretty sure we had the same lavender fave. ;) You had a bright jacket and red toque and were completely gorgeous. I was in a long vintage floral skirt and couldn’t help but smiling at you, and to myself for wanting to get to know you. I also bought some sweet organic chai today if you need to warm up after a cold snap!

COBALT ICE CREAM SOCIAL

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 18, 2015 WHERE: Cobalt Ice Cream Social You were with a few friends (a guy and a girl) dancing like a star. You: long blonde hair, short black skirt and wearing a purse/backpack all night. Sadly, you left before I got a chance to ask you to dance. I was wearing a red plaid shirt and jeans, and dancing up a storm with a group of friends 50’s style.

TRINITY STREET XMAS LIGHTS, BLONDE, ELF PIC

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 18, 2015 WHERE: Vancouver Trinity Street blonde elf pic! - (Trinity Steet) Trinity street Christmas lights! Blonde girl with large group on the trolley bus. We locked eyes... at the elf pic. I was with a friend and her family. No description needed... if you see this, you’ll know who I am.

LASTING IMPRESSION

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 19, 2015 WHERE: The Queen Elizabeth Theatre - The Story of Christmas Grand Service The chances of you seeing this are pretty slim but what the heck stranger things have happened (like Donald Trump running for president). You asked me if the seat next to me was taken and I said yes I was holding it for a friend so you kept looking. I should have offered you the seat on the other side of me as you seemed to be by yourself but didn’t even think until you were gone. I saw you again as we were trying to exit the foyer of the mass crowd of people. You were wearing a black coat, coloured scarf and black knit beanie I think. I was the shortie wearing a maroon sweater and khaki coat. Hate to break it to you but you’re kind of gorgeous. Hope you enjoyed the show and happy holidays

SKYWALKER R. KELLY

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: NOVEMBER 17, 2014 WHERE: Vegetables We share the same first initial. How about we share some yam fries?

CASHIER AT SAVE ON FOODS

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 19, 2015 WHERE: Save on Foods Highgate Mall You were at the self checkout cleaning the machines. You are around 5’4 with fair skin, beautiful lips, black hair and I think you’re very pretty. I am a 5’6 Latino guy I was wearing a black coat and black pants. I have short black hair and we made eye contact, you smiled and I smiled back. I haven’t had the courage to ask you out especially since you’re busy working, but that’s not the first time I have seen you. We have actually had a few encounters where we had some small talk here and there for the last 2 months now. What I’ve wanted to ask you now for the longest time is if you wanted to grab some coffee? because honestly, I really want to get to know you more.

THANKS FOR THE SMILE

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 18, 2015 WHERE: 004 Bus, DTES You had cropped hair the colour of radiant ice. Your freckles were hyperbolic and your nails the colour of the blood. You caught me looking and smiled. Thank you. I’ve had a rough few weeks and you reminded me that I’m not invisible. I hope you have a lovely day.

BARTENDER AT THE CAMBIE SUNDAY DEC 13

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 13, 2015 WHERE: Cambie Pub You were the bartender at the Cambie on Dec 13th. A sunday afternoon... You told me you played in a punk rock band. We had just chatted a little. You definitely caught my eye and I would like to meet with you for a drink :)

SKYTRAIN DEC, 16, WED. AROUND 00:20

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 17, 2015 WHERE: SkyTrain VCC - Clark Hey. Remember the girl who was smiling and looking at you? Yeah. well, it made me feel different after. I don’t know about you, but if you want to have more moments looking at each other and smiling, let me know :) btw, my station is Paterson, so we are not that far away. haha

ON THE PLANE FROM DENVER TO YVR

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 13, 2015 WHERE: Plane Arriving at YVR You caught my eye, sitting a row ahead & across the aisle from me, row 33. Bearded, tattooed, cute. Me: blonde, headphones, blue & red baseball T. I should have said hello after we left the plane. Or waiting for my bag. Or at the exit. Kicking myself now. Lesson learned: take the opportunities that are presented to you.

MANLY POSTIE WHO BOUGHT GINGER CIDER ON COMMERCIAL...

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 18, 2015 WHERE: Liquor Store - Commercial Dr. Our encounter literally just happened about an hour ago. I was in line when I saw you mosey up with a 6 pack of ginger cider in your hand at the BCLS on Commercial Drive. You’re about 6’2-6’3”, (a little taller than me) ;) - longish light hair which was tied back in a ponytail, and of course, you were rockin’ your postie uniform (not many can do that let me tell you). I made small talk and said I heard good things about your choice of bevy, then quipped that it could be actually very nutritional (with all that ginger). “Don’t forget the vitamin C as well!” you said. Then you flashed me this smile that almost knocked me on the floor. Wow... :O I became a smitten kitten at that point and was almost too shy to continue on, but I sort of blundered that it was Sangria night (for me and my friend) and you thought that was a fabulous idea. I wished you a nice eve and again, (holy crap), that million watt smile dazzled me as I exited the store. Maybe by some stroke of luck or fate, you will be one of the few who actually read this, know it’s you I’m gushing about and remember me the tall, red-haired amazonian who would love to have a cider on ice with you. :) Happy Holidays Everyone!

GERMAN GIRL WORKING MILEY CYRUS CONCESSION

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 15, 2015 WHERE: Queen Elizabeth Theatre You were working the concession and sat with me while I waited for my brother. You’re beautiful and I would love to take you out for drinks some time. Sorry for telling you I take Vancouver for granted, this place definitely is beautiful.

NORTH VAN SKATEBOARDER

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 14, 2015 WHERE: North Vancouver I just want to commend you on always successfully skateboarding with a coffee in hand.

DAMP PROOF SAFETY MATCHES

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 15, 2015 WHERE: 99 B-Line You: Civil engineer graduate questioning your field. Me: Water proof match bag lover. We: Were discussing the universality of morality but were cut off by my stop just as things got heated. Wish I had stayed on and got your contact info! Would love to get drinks sometime and pick up where we left off...

LOOKING FOR TIGHTS

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 12, 2015 WHERE: Commercial Drive We met briefly in the Dollar Tree on the Drive on Saturday evening. You were heading to an xmas party, I to an xmas ball. I was looking for a costume and you were avoiding the rain waiting for a friend.

SHAUNA

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 14, 2015 WHERE: Pride/ Celebrates We found each other twice about ten years ago. I am and have been looking for you since. You had long brown hair, hazel(?) eyes and a beautiful smile. I am still trying to find you. Young buck

LOUGHEED SKYTRAIN

I SAW A: I AM A: WHEN: DECEMBER 12, 2015 WHERE: Columbia Stn to Lougheed Stn SkyTrain I can’t believe I’m writing this but I feel I have to try. I got on at Columbia stn and saw you sitting at the back, I wanted to give you a smile and make contact but a wave of shyness hit me and all I was able to do was give a smirk. We both got off at Lougheed, I wish I at least said hi to you but my heart was beating too fast in my chest to do anything, I really hope you see this because you are beautiful and I just really want to take you to coffee. If for some miracle of a chance you see this, message me with what I was wearing and we’ll go from there!

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For More Local Numbers: 1.800.926.6000 www.livelinks.com 58 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016

Teligence/18+

straight stars best we can; to show more kindness and Monday, let’s do lunch. Shopping, travel, consideration to all we meet; to give a and play are good picks. New Year’s Eve it the shops early on Thurs- little bit more of ourselves to those we could feel like work, but you’re up for it. day. Slipping into Cancer love and those who are in need. CANCER by Christmas Eve, the ARIES June 21–July 22 moon is at its fullest in the March 20–April 20 On Christmas Day, the wee hours, brightening the night sky You might not get every- Cancer full moon can make you esfor Santa. Added work, family pressures, thing you want on Christmas Day, pecially emotional, sensitive, and/or and obligations are often part of the but despite the full moon’s added salt nostalgic. You could struggle with Christmas mix, so perhaps the Can- and pepper, Venus, Mercury, and yourself or another, but even if the cer full moon doesn’t contribute much Jupiter make the day quite okay. By mix is bittersweet, helpful contributhat’s new. Mind you, it serves as a Sunday/Monday, your dynamo self is tors Venus and Jupiter should keep reminder that the weight of the world back in command. Tuesday/Wednes- the day moving along just fine. Boxgrows heavier, that the plight of hu- day puts you to work. Even though ing Day requires added patience or you may not spend New Year’s Eve as push. Whether working it or enjoymanity sits on all of our shoulders. On an upbeat note, Jupiter is well you’d prefer to, in the end you’ll say ing it, New Year’s Eve runs smoothly. aligned with Venus on Thursday and you enjoyed yourself. LEO Mercury on Christmas Day, spreadTAURUS July 22–August 23 ing good cheer and keeping the conApril 20–May 21 You may not get or have versation flowing. If there’s someA little goes a long way; everything you want, and even though thing to say, heal, or work out, we’ll hear it or see it. Mercury/Jupiter is a small gesture or token holds sub- this Christmas might not hit the top a good transit for travellers and for stantial meaning on Christmas Day. of your favourites list, it should come While some get it right and some get and go just fine. The full moon could getting the message across. This Christmas will hold special it wrong, the only thing that really find you under the weather, feeling significance for many of us. It can matters is good intent. Something obligated, or looking back on the be a last or a first of many to come. communicated or remembered car- bittersweet. Sunday through Tuesday, There are milestones to surpass, and ries the day. Family and home get the you’re on the upswing. Aim for a nomemories to share and make. The best of you through Monday. Keep it hassle New Year’s Eve. past, present, and future are on our simple on New Year’s Eve. VIRGO minds as we work our way through GEMINI August 23–September 23 not only a full moon but also the end May 21–June 21 A mix of the traditional of Uranus retrograde. Small, cozy, and intimate and the new does it best for ChristBoxing Day continues the shopping and leftovers feast. On Tuesday, does it best on Christmas Day. Per- mas. Friends are of good comfort if/ Mercury/Mars and Venus into Sagit- haps you’re missing someone; perhaps when family isn’t around. This holiyou feel required to cater to another; day may produce a notable first of tarius puts us on a move-along. And so, this is Christmas—a time to perhaps you feel you deserve more many yet to come. Mercury/Jupiter put aside the demands of the everyday than you get. Overall, you’ll take the suggests communication tracks and world and find comfort and peace as day’s crunchy parts in stride. Sunday/ self-control are in good shape. Thanks December 24 to 31, 2015

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> BY ROSE MARCUS to the Virgo moon being beautifully you in good spirits. Tuesday/Wedaligned with Mercury, New Year’s nesday, get on it. Keep plans simple Eve is yours to own. Enjoy! on New Year’s Eve.

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LIBRA September 23–October 23

Family involvements, duty, and emotions are typical themes intensified by a Cancer full moon. The fact that this one coincides with Christmas is also fitting. Despite the added pressure, supportive aspects from Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter keep heart, mind, and soul well aligned. Sunday/ Monday, you’ll get more pleasure out of visits and activities. Low-key is good for New Year’s Eve.

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SCORPIO October 23–November 22

Travel can take its toll, but tiredness and strain are quickly forgotten once everyone is together. Even if the physical distance is great, the heart feels no separation on Christmas Day. You may try to keep a lid on it, but the Cancer full moon opens the floodgates. Work it, do something or nothing; New Year’s Eve rates a thumbs up.

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SAGITTARIUS November 22–December 21

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CAPRICORN

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AQUARIUS

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PISCES

December 21–January 20

Despite the added wear and tear the Cancer full moon may bring, Mercury in Capricorn keeps you in excellent shape on Christmas Day. Right touch, words, and choices—you’ll find yourself animated, articulate, and hitting it right on point. Count down with the crowd on New Year’s Eve or keep it small; it’s all good. January 20–February 18

You could be feeling spent or under the weather as Christmas Day arrives, but conversationalists Mercury and Jupiter and the end of Uranus retrograde are good for a perk-me-up. Sunday/Monday, social stars have you ready to engage with the world again. Avoid the crowds—ring in the New Year with a friend, a lover, or the TV. February 18–March 20

This full-moon Christmas can hold more significance than in other years. Perhaps it’s because of a child, a parent, or a lover, a new career or lifestyle, or even something that hasn’t hit your radar yet. Sunday/ Monday is a smooth sail. Party or not, New Year’s Eve hits the spot. -

Time with family and/or a loved one is precious and perhaps limited, so make the most of it. You can try to downplay how attached, vulnerable, or nostalgic you feel, but watch for the Cancer full moon on Christmas Day to pry that tender Book a reading with Rose Marcus at heart open. Sunday/Monday keeps www.rosemarcus.com/astrolink/.

DECEMBER 24 / 2015 – JANUARY 7 / 2016 THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT 59

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