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Ad Deadline for our November Issue: October 17th
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TheTOPFive FEATURES 11 Curtain Up 12 Theatre for the Love of It Since 1949 13 Magnus: Past, Present, and Future
The Badanais
The Most Incredible Daze
A Standing Ovation 17 Another Song and Dance
18 All The World’s a Stage 20 In the Limelight
22 THE GRINNING BELLY
DRINK OF THE MONTH
A Slice of Culinary Delight
SUPERIOR SIP
Shekho’s Shawarma
OFF THE MENU
A New Adventure
All About Gleaning FILM&THEATRE
A Tribute to Alycia
DRAG DEALER 40 THE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK. A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES
Terror in the Bay
ARTS
Hungry for The Hunger
FROM THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S
The Cult
Better in Stereo with The Honest Heart Collective
The Fretless
Blues in the Key of Eh
The Sound of Music
THE WALL REVIEWS
Five Questions Patients Have About Breast Cancer Screening
Spooky, Creepy, and Downright Disturbing
Why Recycling Should Be the Last R
Hope is Not Enough
The Show Must Go On
My first foray into the theatre world was in grade one, when my class performed It’s a Jungle Out There. I remember the excitement of being assigned a role and getting into costume (I was a hyena, by the way), all the fun we had rehearsing, and how rewarding it felt to see it come together. Come show time, I got pink eye and was absolutely devastated, but thankfully my mom didn’t let that get in the way of my big break and sent me to school anyway. My apologies go out to anyone who may have caught pink eye from me, but the show must go on.
For the October issue, we’re shining a spotlight on our local theatre scene in the cover story for the first time since 2013. As a part of this month’s cover story, Taylor Onski looks back on the history of Cambrian Players as they celebrate their 75th anniversary, Bonnie Schiedel explores what’s on the
From Our Instagram Feed
Featured Contributor
horizon at Magnus Theatre, Kelsey Raynard discusses the impact of high school productions on local theatre, and Adrian Lysenko compiles photos spanning more than a century of local productions with the help of the Thunder Bay Museum.
Also in this issue, Jeannie Dubois heads to Bean & Olive for a quintessentially fall Drink of the Month, Kris Ketonen rings in spooky season with a preview of this year’s Terror in the Bay Film Festival, Brodie Kenna takes us fishing for steelheads, and Amy Sellors gets the inside scoop on what to expect at this year’s iteration of The Hunger.
My days on the stage were short lived, but I can say that these days I’m perfectly happy in my seat amongst the audience, taking in all the magic the cast and crew work so hard to bring to life.
-Sidney Ulakovic
On the Cover
Kat has been writing for The Walleye since 2011. She loves talking to people who are passionate about their craft and continues to be amazed by the talent in this city in the arts, music, food, and community ingenuity. She holds a journalism degree from Carleton University and works in the public sector. When Kat is not travelling, seeking out new experiences in her downtime, she’s enjoying the outdoors with her family, friends, and best fur buddy, Luna.
Check out Kat’s story on the new exhibition petal, clay, berry, leaf: natural inks, dyes, and pigments of Northern Ontario on page 53.
Curtain Up
Special thanks to Julie MacCoy, Katie Dunkle, and the staff at Magnus Theatre Kat Lyzun
Photo by Matthew Goertz
“I am here to help my students succeed”
You belong here
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TBSO & Paula DiGiuseppe
October 11
DaVinci Centre
Lake Superior Paracon 1
October 4–6
Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel
Expect the unexpected at the 2024 Lake Superior Paranormal Convention (Paracon). This spooky three-day event will bring together a wide range of paranormal enthusiasts (including celebrities, podcasters, journalists, and researchers) to share their expertise in paranormal investigations, hauntings, spirits, psychic abilities, UFOs, and cryptozoology. A day pass for the main event on Saturday, October 5 is $89 and includes full access to vendors, workshops, speakers, celebrity meet-and-greets, and paranormal movie screenings; VIP tickets and add-ons include a VIP kick-off party at The Courthouse Hotel, a Countdown Escape Rooms experience, a paranormal investigation at the Thunder Bay Museum, and coffee with Canadian psychic medium Kerrilynn Shellhorn at Café Ora. Visit the Paracon website for ticket options and full event details. lakesuperiorparacon.com
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Since 2017, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Northern Lights series has showcased a variety of talented musicians and performers from right here in Thunder Bay; on October 11, Northern Lights continues as Paula DiGiuseppe joins the TBSO on stage at the Da Vinci Centre. With over 25 years of musical and theatre experience, DiGiuseppe is a well-known talent who brings exuberance and passion to every production she is a part of. You may know her from her iconic roles in local productions of RENT and Cabaret; now, you can see DiGiuseppe as never before with the TBSO at her side. The show starts at 7:30 pm, and tickets are $50 for general admission and $25 for students and children (all available on the TBSO website). tbso.ca
The Hunger 4
October 26
Downtown Port Arthur
Happy Halloween means Happy Hunger here in Thunder Bay! This year will mark the 17th edition of The Hunger: the massive, downtown-wide, choose-your-ownadventure Halloween festival that has become an October institution for lovers of this holiday. Picture thousands of party-goers in costume across eight venues, with more than 50 performance acts (including DJs and live bands), and don’t forget the thousands of dollars in costume prizes that are up for grabs. A $20 cover fee (available at the door of all participating venues) will provide you with access to all venues starting at 9 pm. This event helps to raise funds for Definitely Superior Art Gallery and keep the doors open year-round, so you can feel good while having a devious time. definitelysuperior.com
Come
October 12 & 13
From Away
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers who landed in small-town Newfoundland after the world stopped on 9/11, Come From Away is an award-winning Broadway musical that has been stealing hearts all across its North American tour; with clashing cultures and heightening global tensions, this story is a reminder of the universal power of music to bring people together. Written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this tour is directed by Daniel Goldstein with musical staging by Richard J. Hinds. You can catch Come From Away on October 12 and 13 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. The show starts at 8 pm on October 12 and 1 pm and 7 pm on October 13 and tickets are available via Ticketmaster on the TBCA website. tbca.com
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Gammondale Pumpkinfest
Until October 27
426 McCluskey Drive
For three generations, Gammondale Farm’s Pumpkinfest has been a seasonal tradition for families throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Celebrate the magic of autumn in the Slate River Valley with over 20 outdoor attractions, including a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch, pumpkin catapult, corn cannon, “BOO” barn, farm animals, a barnyard maze, trike trails, duck races, and much more. This family-friendly event runs every Saturday and Sunday in October (as well as Thanksgiving Monday on October 14) from 11 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $18 plus HST for guests ages 2 to 92, and babies under 2 are free. Grab your tickets on Gammondale Farm’s website or pay at the event. This year marks Pumpkinfest’s 30th anniversary, and 2024 will sadly be the final time this event is held, as owners Sue and Gerry Gammond plan to retire. Visitors are encouraged to bring old photos of the farm or share a special memory on the Anniversary Memory Wall. gammondalefarm.com
Sidney Ulakovic
Kirvan Photography
Curtain Up The Theatre Issue
Live theatre offers a lot: a glimpse into how someone else sees the world, a shared experience with the rest of the audience, sometimes a new song to belt out in the car. Here in TBay we are lucky to have such a range of amateur and professional theatre companies to entertain and inspire us. In our Theatre Issue, we celebrate the cast, crews, creatives, and volunteers that keep us laughing, crying and learning. Curtain up!
-Bonnie Schiedel
Photo courtesy of Magnus Theatre
Theatre for the Love of It Since 1949
Cambrian Players Celebrates Milestone
By Taylor Onski
I’ve always felt Cambrian is my second home,” says Cambrian Players president Nathalie Roy. “I want that feeling for everyone: where they can walk in here and feel at home with their theatre family.”
Originally called the Port Arthur Community Players, the community theatre company premiered in December 1949 with a production of Arsenic and Old Lace. The name was changed to Cambrian Players in 1963 to better reflect the community, and the love of theatre that goes beyond Port Arthur.
Motivated by their motto, Theatre for the Love of It, Cambrian Players kept sharing that love of theatre any way they could. In 1981, the company
(L–R) Of Marriage Minded Misses director Julie MacCoy and playwright Amanda Doig
manager. Roy joined the troupe and board of directors and never looked back. As a member of Cambrian Players, she has been there for the ups (such as having the opportunity to work with Don Jamieson, a founding Cambrian Players member, on the 1999 production of Arsenic and Old Lace) and the downs (such as losing the Bora Laskin Theatre as a venue). The latter made Cambrian Players a travelling troupe for a time, performing at venues such as The Habit, the Finlandia, and the Paramount Theatre, until they acquired their new permanent home in the old Polish Hall on 818 Spring Street in 2017.
established Eleanor Drury Children’s Theatre. Named after a founding Cambrian member, this non-profit works with youth in the community to embody the Cambrian motto and be the starting point for future Cambrian actors. “We want to develop that love of theatre in the next generation and the next generation,” says Roy. “In the last few years, I've seen my role more as a mentor and bringing in younger people with more energy along the way. So our mandate is to teach and foster the love of theatre.”
Roy started her theatre journey on a whim in 1996 when her roommate, Cheryl Silen, was stage managing Cambrian’s production of God’s Favorite and needed an assistant stage
Nathalie Roy receiving a Life Membership from Cambrian president Gabe Ferrazzo in 2009
For the past 75 years, Cambrian Players has been proud to remain born and bred in Thunder Bay. They honour their past relationship with the city and want the community to be a part of the company’s future. “We did a community survey in 2021 and worked really hard since then to implement what we discovered through the survey,” says Roy. “Everyone needs that constructive criticism when you’re running a community organization. We're supposed to serve the community and the community is why we’re still here after 75 years.”
And what is in store for year 75?
Following their Improv-A-Thon, which was presented as part of Culture Days this past September, Cambrian Players will be spearheading the world premiere of local playwright Amanda Doig’s comedic British romp Of Marriage Minded Misses in November, presenting a twisty take on nostalgia with Home, I’m Darling in March, and return to musicals with the heartwarming A Year with Frog and Toad in May. Alongside the mainstage, Cambrian will be hosting a trivia and karaoke night, a cabaret inspired by Letters Live, a celebration of Arsenic and Old Lace to honour Cambrian’s roots in a unique new way, and will close out this momentous season with a 75th anniversary gala.
“Being a part of theatre gives people an opportunity to find their people, love of community, and sense of belonging,” says Roy. “There are people from all walks of life, temperaments, and personalities in theatre. It doesn’t matter what you do when you’re at your day job. Here, we’re equals.”
Follow Cambrian Players on Facebook and Instagram, or visit cambrianplayers. com for more info.
Cambrian Players’ rehearsal hall on Victoria Avenue
Cambrian Players’ first production, Arsenic and Old Lace, in 1949
Cambrain Players officially makes 818 Spring Street home
Magnus: Past, Present, and Future
Northwestern Ontario’s Only Professional Theatre Enters a New Era
Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos courtesy of Magnus Theatre
For more than 50 years, Magnus Theatre has been wowing Northwestern Ontario audiences with everything from farces and musicals to Shakespeare and original Canadian dramas. The theatre was founded by Burton Lancaster in 1971 and today reaches over 40,000 audience members every year.
According to artistic director Thom Currie, the city’s remote location is our superpower. “We’re not beholden to the art scene in Toronto, absolutely not beholden to the art scene anywhere. Thunder Bay has created its own and that’s rare,” he explains. “Thunder Bay goes out on its own limb. Thunder Bay does its own thing. And I think that is why it’s such an exciting community to be a part of.” He adds, “What is created in Thunder Bay, because it’s so different, ripples across the country.”
When planning the lineup of shows each year, Currie tries to strike a balance. First up this year is Gaslight, running until October 12.
A psychological thriller inspired by a 1938 play and subsequent 1944 movie, this new work by Johanna Wright and Patty Jamieson has only been performed twice before, worldwide. The feel-good musical Elf runs from November 28 to December 21, and while Magnus has only been mounting holiday-themed shows for five years, they have quickly become a tradition for many.
Looking ahead to 2025, The New Canadian Curling Club is on stage from February 20 to March 8. This comedy-drama is by Mark Crawford (who also wrote the very popular Bed and Breakfast from Magnus’s 2017/18 season). “Mark thought,
what if a bunch of new Canadians decided they wanted to learn to curl and their curling coach did not like “foreigners”? That’s fodder for comedy, but also fodder for social commentary.” Last up is Women of the Fur Trade by Frances Koncan of Couchiching First Nation. From April 10 to 26, this play will share the comedic and insightful perspectives of three different women—Ojibwe, Métis, and British—confined inside a fur trade fort in Fort Garry, Manitoba. “Magnus is the only non-culturally specific theatre in the country that’s been doing Indigenous-led [work] since the 80s,” notes Currie.
The theatre’s recent renovation means there’s now a second, smaller indoor theatre with about 125 seats that can be configured in a variety of ways (it was the site of Tanya Talaga’s
The Knowing book launch and TV series screening in September, for example). There’s also an expanded construction shop space (which means the crew can build an entire set in the shop, thereby freeing up stage time) and a revamped bar area with a small stage for live music plus local art displays. “It makes the building far more versatile and far more open to the community,” says Currie. “That’s been the ultimate goal for me: to get more performances in there, more people in there, and not necessarily Magnus performances. If someone has an idea, they want to do something, come and talk to us. I’m sure we can make it happen.”
For more information about Magnus Theatre’s upcoming season, visit magnustheatre.com.
We Will Rock You, 2017
Man of La Mancha, 2022
The Gingerbread Lady, 1973 A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2001
The Rez Sisters, 2008
The Badanais
Thunder Bay’s Directorial Power Couple
By Abigail Heron
It was the late 90s, the streets were alive with the sound of Thunder Bay’s Fringe Festival, and Lawrence Badanai was the number one-selling local act. The festival has since died out, but what it inspired Lawrence to create has now lived on for 25 years and counting. Badanai Theatre consistently delivers vibrant and typically lighthearted productions, attracting the city’s most talented performers to its stage—and now, more recently, to that of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, in partnership with the TBSO.
It wasn’t until 12 years ago that co-producers and spouses Candi and Lawrence Badanai would also try their directorial hand at children’s theatre when they took over Paramount Live, a pre-existing theatre school for youth with programming for children ages four to 18. Beginning with only two shows in progress at a time, Paramount Live has since grown to a current enrolment of over 200 students in seven ongoing productions, and has been acclaimed
for its shows’ artistic quality. “I came [to Paramount Live] and I said, ‘But does children’s theatre have to be children’s theatre?’” says Lawrence. “Because there’s a taboo associated with it, you know—‘Oh, I have to go see my cousin’s recital’ or something.” The two now run both companies simultaneously with an astounding passion all around.
The couple, who themselves have trained at Musical Theatre International in New York, also instituted a “senior program,” for teens, which lifted off with Hairspray in 2013, and hasn’t touched down since, but rather travels among the stars: some Paramount Live alumni can be found in prestigious New York performance schools, or in nationally touring productions. “Is that the end goal for everyone who comes through Paramount live? No. I would say, if they [gain] the confidence to believe in themselves and who they are, we have succeeded; we’ve done our job,” says Lawrence.
“That is why we do this: to build
the confidence of the children,” says Candi. “It will help them [with] everything in their future— whether it is presenting a speech in school, doing your first interview, [or] doing anything that life throws at you. We [find] that kids who have done Paramount have built that confidence up; they’re not scared, [and] once you have that, you can go so much further.”
This season, with direction from longtime performers Tegin Menei and Amanda Husiak, Paramount Live’s seniors will put on Carrie in November and Beetlejuice Jr. in the new year. Badanai Theatre is keeping things classy as they present Disney Adventure alongside the TBSO in November, and Young Frankenstein and The Music Man in 2025.
For more information, follow @paramountlive and @badanaitheatre on Instagram and Facebook.
Lawrence and Candi Badanai with their daughter Emmy
The Most Incredible Daze
Director Marcia Arpin Lights Up the Stage
Story by Kim Latimer,
Photo by Dan Lloyd
It takes more than talent to oversee a child care centre full-time and run a bustling, popular children’s musical theatre program on the weekends. But Marcia Arpin, founding owner and artistic director of All the Daze Productions, is exactly that type of wonder woman. Families describe her as warm, child-focused, and even a wee bit elusively magical. She was a single mom when she started the musical theatre company in 2015, opening with Rumpelstiltskin and delivering her first full-length musical in 2016 with Pippi Longstocking Arpin is elusive—you won’t see her take a bow at the end of any production. Her stage is reserved for performers of all ages, although her self-professed “sweet spot” is working with ages 7–11. She has the secret sauce that it takes to bring shy, nervous, energetic children onto the biggest stage in the city.
“In the process is where we find the value of play. My gratification comes from rehearsal—watching children play, connect, improv, and watching their self-esteem, their confidence, and their voices grow as they take risks,” Arpin explains.
“I’m very proud when they get out there and do their thing, but as a director, I’m watching that show from a different lens.”
This year, All the Daze is flooded with a waitlist of over 200 children.
Sixty young performers will bring Moana Jr. to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium in November. Impressive for a program that started with 10 kids close to a decade ago.
For the majority of performers, it’s their debut. “One little girl cried in rehearsal, but gained the confidence to perform in The Lion King last year.
She even went on to perform a solo in the following show,” Arpin says.
“They learn to trust each other, work as a collective, and with that comes resilience.”
What they actually gain from Arpin’s direction is trust and
self-acceptance. “I know who they were when they showed up on the first day versus the last day,’ she says. “So, I’m celebrating the fact that they got out there, they owned their space. The journey is empowering them. They’re capable and competent.”
She believes that children in our community deserve the “beautiful spaces,” including beautiful community stages. She creatively delivers inclusive programming using carefully selected scripts, costuming, set design, movement, props, and artistic playtime. As a not-for-profit, one performance fuels and funds the next, and she has a clear vision: “I’m
always watching the performance, trying to decide what skills are needed next, what story could be told by the skillset I see on stage, and I encourage children to trust the creative process.”
It’s a process that fuels her passion for theatre and continues to deliver sold-out performances.
For the 2024–25 All the Daze Productions lineup, visit allthedaze.ca. For tickets to Moana Jr. visit the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at tbca.com.
Cambrian Players is Thunder Bay’s longest-running community theatre, and this year we're celebrating our Diamond Jubilee!
Visit cambrianplayers.com for details on our upcoming Main Stage, Green Room, and Improv season, plus these Special Events:
A Standing Ovation
The Impact of Thunder Bay’s High School Theatre Scene
By Kelsey Raynard
Over the last decade, there has been an explosion of support and enthusiasm for high school theatre and drama departments in Thunder Bay; as a result, schools across both the public and separate boards have had the opportunity to produce shows that are growing bigger and more successful with every passing year. We spoke to some dedicated teachers and theatre enthusiasts about how the benefits of these programs extend well beyond the spotlights on the stage.
Laura Legros, secondary teacher at Superior CVI and director of their first-ever show, Mean Girls: High School Version, explains how the increased popularity of extracurricular performing arts like theatre, dance, and music has impacted the high school theatre scene. “We’re seeing a lot of students who take lessons outside of school from private companies bring that in the school, and their enthusiasm has made people want to do bigger productions,” she says. However, Legros adds that organizing a
production of this scale allows the involvement of students who might not be able to afford extracurriculars like private theatre lessons and students who may not be able to fit drama in their academic schedule. This synergy has led to school-wide collaboration and inclusivity.
Leah Nadin, current drama teacher at Westgate CVI and previous drama teacher at St. Patrick High School, has seen firsthand what happens when a school rallies together for a theatre production. “It always helps to
create a positive school community. These shows and musicals have the ability to unite hundreds of students over years and years,” she says. “Just like it unites hundreds of students, it unites the staff too. High school theatre and drama brings all departments together, and it’s great for kids to see the cross-curricular opportunities and learning.” Fashion classes help make costumes; tech departments coordinate set-building, music and lights; business departments help with marketing; even food classes
have produced concession food for sale on show nights. “It takes a village,” Nadin explains. “I have now taught drama at every high school in the city, and it’s always the same across the boards; whether it’s staff, students, parents or volunteers, there is always someone willing to step up and help out where needed.”
Noel Jones, executive producer of Mean Girls: High School Version at Superior CVI, details how this community-building extends beyond the walls of the school. “We had partnerships with businesses who provided us with items for our frontof-house raffles; we had people from the local theatre community who gave their time to come in and work with students; we had an incredible partnership with Our Kids Count, as it was really important to us that the proceeds went to support a local organization,” Jones says. Other organizations that have received donations from local high school shows include the Regional Food Distribution Association and the Northern Cancer Fund.
“Part of doing something like this is not just for entertainment value. We are doing this because it benefits others in the community. It’s not just about singing, dancing, or acting—it’s about recognizing that as citizens in our community we do what we can to support others who need support,” she concludes. And that is most definitely worthy of a standing ovation.
Superior CVI students performing Mean Girls: High School Version, 2024
St. Patrick High School students performing Footloose, 2018
Another Song and Dance Applauze Celebrates Thirty Years
By Justin Allec
How was Denise Krawczuk supposed to know that a random opportunity to teach singing 30 years ago would set her on a musical path for life? In 1995, Krawczuk was pregnant with her first son and had recently moved to Red Rock. A former singer for a variety of bands, word got around town about the newcomer’s skills, and she was asked to do vocal coaching at the school.
“I wasn’t too sure what I was doing at first,” she laughs now about the experience. Rocky as the first classes may have been, Krawczuk realized that she could teach people. Not just how to sing but to help them find all the confidence and swagger that came along with belting out a favourite tune for an audience. “There has to be joy in what you’re doing when you’re performing,” she says now about those early days. Immersing herself in musical theatre, Krawczuk was set to teach this unique art form that combines music and movement into performance.
Classes in Red Rock continued into the mid-1990s, until the mill shut down and Krawczuk and her husband Russell, who handles much of the behind-the-scenes tech work, relocated to Thunder Bay. However, programs gained momentum as more students enrolled—they needed more space, and found a setting for rehearsals at Keskus Court; the big productions would be shown at Trinity Hall. From here, Krawczuk expanded her staff and began offering full programming for all ages of burgeoning stars. Whether it’s a child’s first time trying to hold a note or a seasoned veteran gearing up for their latest performance, Krawczuk provides the ideal learning environment. “It has to be fun and engaging, a space where people— children or adults—can open up and build those skills,” she says. In many cases, she says, it’s more difficult for adults to get up on stage. “Adults
often have a lot of insecurities about performing in public, so you need to focus on confidence in a different way than you would with kids,” she says.
This year, Applauze is putting on a full performance of Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, and the small steps Krawczuk’s students have made can lead to a big opening night. The musical has parts for many of Applauze’s students to showcase their talents, and Krawczuk is, as always, excited to see the performance. “The expectations I have for [the students] is for them to have fun, to enjoy what they’re doing,” she says. “That’s the magic that comes out on stage.”
For more information, visit applauzeproductions.com.
Broadway After Dark, 2024
Chicago, 2024
Mean Girls Jr., 2024
All The World’s a Stage
Superior Theatre Festival Connects Local Artists to National Network
Ididn’t want to live in absolutes,” says Donna Marie Baratta, artistic and managing director of Superior Theatre Festival. “I’m really open to more cross-pollination between different art forms.” Superior Theatre Festival launched in 2016, introducing a multidisciplinary arts festival to the city that showcases work from Canadian artists over multiple days and venues through performances, exhibitions, workshops, classes, and events.
Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos courtesy of Donna Marie Baratta community art-making project was led by local artist Betty Carpick, and Toronto-based poet Moez Surani and writer Catherine Hernandez were both involved in the initial seasons. “Every year we’ve done something different. I think that’s the joy of doing a multidisciplinary festival,” Baratta says. “We really pushed the boundaries of those first few years to see what people were interested in.” In the festival’s decision to not limit the scope of presented disciplines, they were able to explore what resonated with audiences and connect all sorts of local artists to a national network.
“It was quite a lot, actually, in the first year,” says Baratta. “And it kind of stayed that way.” The festival’s early seasons presented work from a variety of critically acclaimed artists: Night Wings by Eleanor Albanese was performed in the Spirit Garden at Marina Park, a
After years of pivoting the festival to the needs of each piece and the community, the landmark decision to persevere through
COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 ultimately came naturally. That year, Superior Theatre Festival notably presented Undercurrents , a sixpart choreographic piece filmed at the waterfront and shared online, which now stands as a testament to the capacity of the arts to foster connection in a time of uncertainty and isolation.
Post-lockdowns, Superior Theatre Festival narrowed their focus to showcasing new and original works. In 2023, the festival premiered Alex the Artist , an original musical by local playwright Alycia Novak, which had been workshopped in previous seasons. “[The audience] felt that they’re a part of it because we’ve done workshops, they’ve had a chance to be involved and give
feedback, and then they’ve had a chance to come back and see the final product,” Baratta says. “There was only positive, glowing feedback from Alex the Artist, which was really, really exciting.”
Baratta adds that in upcoming years, Superior Theatre Festival will continue to explore new and innovative projects. “You just never know where a piece is going to end up,” Baratta says. “It’s such an investment in our artists in the community.”
For more information, visit supertheatrefestival.com or follow them on Instagram @superiortheatre.
Alex the Artist
Salt-Water Moon
Bear Dance
Possibilities of Dialogue
In the
Limelight
Thunder Bay’s Theatre History
Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photos courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
With our remote location, Thunder Bay has always taken a do-it-yourself, grassroots approach to the arts, and this is especially true of theatre. As far back as the turn of the 20th century, theatre lovers would band together to build sets, rehearse, and then ultimately perform on opening night. Whether it was through Kam Theatre Lab, Magnus Theatre, or Cambrian Players, the Lakehead has a rich history of theatre. Here
Kam Theatre Lab presents Nothing For Nothing, 1974
Unknown theatrical group on stage, cast wearing various costumes, 1905
Scenes from The Knave of Hearts, possibly at Hillcrest stage, 1931
16 1st Ave. West. Grand Marais, MN Closed Tues. & Wed. Open all the other days
Students of Fort William Collegiate Institute performing The Nightingale, 1934
(L–R) Lt. Conrad King, Susan Moar, and Ron Cook in Magnus Theatre’s production of The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, circa 1978
Scene from Cambrian Players’ Thurber Carnival at Lakehead University Centre, Humorous Collection of J.Thurber directed by D. Lentz, February 16, 1967
Theatre group from Old St. Paul's Church in 1908
Halloween Hand Pies
By Chef Rachel Globensky Bayes
If you're sugared-out and looking for a savoury Halloween treat, these spooky hand pies are a great choice. They’re easy to make, fun to put together, and would be a terrific addition to your annual costume party or for kid lunches. Plus, who doesn’t like hand pies?
Use any cookie cutters you
THE GRINNING BELLY
have—pumpkins, ghosts, skulls, or whatever shapes you like. Tiny cutters or even a sharp knife work well for adding little faces to your hand pies. The best part is the more rustic the face cut-outs, the more ghoulish your pies will look. Serve with salsa, chimichurri, romesco, or marinara sauce and cue the evil laughter.
Halloween Hand Pies makes
about 15 pies
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, then whisk to mix well.
Pastry:
4 c all-purpose flour, spooned and levelled
1 tsp salt
¾ c butter, chilled and cubed or grated
½ c ice cold water, plus more if needed
1 egg
1 tsp lemon juice
Filling:
9 oz pork chorizo or spicy sausage meat
10 oz lean ground beef
1 tsp paprika
½ onion, grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
Salt to taste
Assembly:
1½ c shredded Oaxaca* cheese
½ c shredded Manchego* cheese
Room temperature water, to seal pie edges
Add the butter and use your fingers, pastry cutter, or a food processor to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter chunks (if you use a food processor, transfer the mixture back into a large bowl).
Mix the ice water with the vinegar and egg, then whisk to combine.
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Pour in the water-yolk mix and stir it through with a fork or your fingers. Gradually add the rest of the water until the dough starts to come together.
Use your hands to knead the dough into a ball. If the dough is too dry, add ice water 1 tbsp at a time, up to 3 tbsp. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little flour and mix gently.
Flatten the dough into a rectangle on a work surface. Fold it into thirds to make three layers, then flatten and fold it again. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least an hour.
Heat a large, non-stick pan over mediumhigh heat. Add the onions with about 2 tsp of oil and let them soften. Add the chorizo, beef, and other ingredients, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Season with a generous pinch of salt.
Cook for 15–20 minutes until the pork is fully cooked. Adjust the salt to taste. Tilt the pan to drain excess oil if needed. Let the filling cool in a bowl in the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. If you’ve made the dough ahead of time, let it sit out a bit to soften before using. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ⅛“ thick. Dust the surface with flour and flip the dough halfway through rolling to prevent sticking.
1 egg, for egg wash
*If you don’t have Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or muenster cheeses. If you don’t have Manchego cheese, you can use any hard Italian cheese such as asiago, parmesan, or pecorino
Cut out pumpkin, skull, or ghost shapes using a 4-inch cookie cutter. You should get about 30 shapes. Re-roll the scraps to cut more shapes. Create faces on 15 of the pumpkin cutouts using smaller cutters and a sharp knife for the details. These are the tops of the hand pies.
On the plain pumpkin cutouts, place some shredded Manchego and Oaxaca cheese, then top with a generous amount of the cooled chorizo filling. Moisten the edges with water, cover with a face-shaped cutout, and press down to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
Place each hand pie on the parchmentlined baking tray. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20–30 minutes until the pies are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy!
Fall Favourites
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Bean & Olive
IDRINK OF THE MONTH
n the lee of the Loch mountain, Bean & Olive is a warm and cosy retreat offering a lovely atmosphere, quality service, delectable treats, and enticing features, not to mention their excellent bar menu—and of course, their delicious barista offerings. And what could be more tempting at this time of year than the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte, thoughtfully concocted here from local Rose N Crantz Mexican espresso, a generous swirl of steamed milk, and a tasteful addition of sweet syrup (with notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger), finished with a dollop of frothy whipped cream. If this is the drink of autumn, then one can hope it never ends.
Story by Jeannie Dubois, Photo by Jack Barten
A Slice of Culinary Delight
Welcome to The Pizza Street
Review by Susan Pretty, Photos by Adrian Lysenko
Nestled in the heart of McIntyre Centre, The Pizza Street is a new destination for pizza enthusiasts—with a twist. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted with a sophisticated menu that promises a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re a fan of classic pies or more adventurous Indian-style gourmet toppings, The Pizza Street offers a diverse menu that caters to all taste buds.
Harpreet Bhullar (who also owns Monsoon Thunder Bay) opened The Pizza Street with nephew Arvin Wadhawan in July of this year. The menu is impressive, with a wide range of vegetarian, classic, and Indian-style pies, and a full selection of tastysounding sides. With gluten-free, lactose-free, and halal options, there truly is something for everyone.
The achari chicken pizza is a zingy treat. The term “achari” is derived from “achar,” which means pickle in Hindi, and refers to a style of cooking that incorporates the flavours and
spices typically used in Indian pickles. For something unique, their Poppy pizza has popcorn chicken on top, and the tandoori pizza features clay oven-roasted chicken as well as a zingy drizzle.
It's not just pizza, either. A full array of sides await. Bhullar recommends the broccoli cheddar bites, which are deliciously crisp with a cheesy centre. There is also an array of boneless and bone-in wings. The Special Home Sauce is their tandoori, which is made in-house (as are all their sauces). Try the butter chicken wings with a sprinkle of cilantro for an exquisite taste sensation.
Finally, a mango lassi, a refreshing beverage of ripe, juicy mango and smooth creamy yogurt, is a perfect complement to the spices of India.
The Pizza Street 1186 Memorial Avenue, Unit 105 807-935-7777
Arvin Wadhawan, co-owner of The Pizza Street
Malus Cocktail-us
Put Some Pome In It
By Jeannie Dubois, Pommelier and Sommelier
Harvest is upon us here in our beautiful 4B plant hardiness zone on the big bay, and goodness what a plethora we are fortunate enough to take in. Within the mix of the flora that is so fecund at this time of year, apples— dearest Malus domestica—are a major player.
A curious fruit that really only has a relationship to pears and quince, there are now 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide, ranging from culinary to heirloom. Interestingly, apples will never replicate exactly from seed (that fruit is called a
Fallmosa (serves 2)
Ingredients:
½ c semi-dry hard apple cider (think Forbidden)
2 oz vodka (think Absolut)
½ c sparkling wine (think Ruffino)
1 tsp maple syrup
Dash of cinnamon
Cinnamon sticks skewered with apple pieces (think sweet, culinary Delicious) for garnish
Ice
Method: Combine the hard cider, vodka, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Pour into two flutes and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with cinnamon-skewered apple pieces.
pippin), but will only reflect parental material if grafted onto a rootstock. In other words, what we are able to harvest here in our own city is native fruit that is exquisitely unique. Apples themselves, besides being so wondrous in their sweet, juicy, tart, and tannic character, can be a major boon for baking, cooking, and even preserving. Alternatively, they can be marshalled into a press to make soft (unfermented) cider that is fantastically flavourful (the haziness is healthy). Take it even further and the soft cider can be fermented
The Washington Apple
Ingredients:
1 oz Canadian whisky (think Crown Royal)
1 oz sour apple schnapps (think Sour Puss)
1 oz cranberry juice
Apple slices for garnish (think Cosmic Crisp)
Ice
Method: Pour the whisky, schnapps, and cranberry juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until cool. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with crisp apple slices.
SUPERIOR SIP
English Garden
Ingredients:
1 oz gin (think Bombay Sapphire)
2 tsp elderflower liqueur (think St. Germaine)
2 tsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Unfiltered soft apple cider (unfermented)
5 mint leaves
1 long strip of cucumber
Ice
Method:
Mix the mint leaves, gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice in a Collins glass and stir gently with a bar spoon to release the mint essence. Add ice three quarters of the way and then top with soft cider. Add the cucumber strip as a garnish.
into hard (alcoholic) cider. At the far end of the scale, some parts of the world have specialized in taking cider and distilling it into apple “brandy” (apple spirits).
Whether you wish to indulge in a crisp fall cocktail featuring the world’s most mythologized fruit, or care to while away an autumn evening sipping some juice straight from the tree, enjoy and pick pome!
Pommelier note: collect fruit straight from the tree and forego windfall (fruit on the ground), as it can pick up unpleasant bacteria during its time there.
Applejack Rabbit
Ingredients:
2 oz Calvados apple brandy (think Boulard)
¾ oz freshsqueezed lemon juice
¾ oz freshsqueezed orange juice
½ oz maple syrup
Apple peel for garnish
Ice
Method:
Add Calvados, citrus juice, and maple syrup to an ice-filled shaker. Shake until cold to the touch. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a curl of apple peel.
Chimayo
Ingredients:
1½ oz tequila (think Patron Anejo)
¼ oz crème de cassis (think Elora Distilling)
1 oz unfiltered soft apple cider (unfermented)
½ oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Apple slices for garnish (think a red-skinned variety like Gala)
Ice Method:
Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and pour in the tequila, crème de cassis, soft cider, and lemon juice. Stir with a bar spoon until the sides of the glass are dewy and chilled. Garnish with ripe apple slices.
Apple-Bean Warmer
(serves 4)
Ingredients:
6 c dry hard apple cider (think Strongbow)
2 tbsp packed light brown sugar
¾ c bourbon (think Maker’s Mark)
Grated nutmeg
Orange zest (2 large pieces)
Seeds from one vanilla bean
Whipped cream for serving
Method:
Combine hard cider, brown sugar, nutmeg, vanilla bean seeds, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Divide among four cosy mugs and top with a splash of bourbon and a dollop of whipped cream.
Shekho’s Shawarma
The Latest Hot Spot for Middle Eastern Eats Offers a Taste of Syria
Story by Lindsay Campbell,
Photos by Sidney Ulakovic
Inside a small storefront on St. Paul Street, Khaleel Shekho takes a knife and grazes it along the outer layer of a roasted chicken. Pieces of seasoned meat fall into a pan below a vertical broiler.
“This is the first step to making chicken shawarma like how it is made back in Syria,” he explains.
At just 19 years old, it would be natural to mistake the recent Hammarskjold High School grad for an employee. But as owner, this space—known as Shekho’s Shawarma—is his, and one he hopes will enrich Thunder Bay’s culinary fabric. “We are making something different here. It’s delicious, different Syrian food,” he says. “I want people here to experience a taste of where I come from.”
Shekho’s Shawarma, which opened its doors nearly two months ago, has been well received by the public. The menu offers items like fattoush salad with tomato, cucumber, lettuce, mint, and fried bread, shawarma over rice or in a pita, falafel, kebab, and poutine with shawarma meat or chicken.
And Shekho, operating the establishment with his brother, sister, and parents, says he’s received a steady stream of customers that starts just before the lunch hour and continues right up to post-bar snack time—as late as 4:30 am. “We can’t turn hungry customers away,” he says. “They want to eat, so we feed them. We want to feed them.”
Entrepreneurship seems to be in his blood. Shekho, who was born in Syria and raised there for the first nine years of his life, was brought up by parents who had their own restaurant and
car dealership and worked as estate dealers. When the civil war broke out in 2011, his family made the decision in 2014 to flee from violence and unrelenting conflict and moved to Kurdistan.
Shekho and his family arrived in Thunder Bay in February 2020, after realizing the health-care system in Kurdistan could not support his mother’s cardiovascular needs.
“I always knew that I wanted to have my own business,” Shekho says, adding that he was always helping his father in the kitchen from a young age. “I just knew that it would be difficult and that it would be a lot of work here in Canada.”
Shekho says he did not know English when he arrived in Canada four years ago. But being in high school while holding down multiple jobs allowed him to hone his language skills. His resumé is stacked with local business experience—he has worked at establishments like Roma Bakery, Popeyes, Little Caesars, The Keg, and Central Car Wash, all while he also bought, fixed, and sold used vehicles as a side hustle.
“I hope I can continue to grow,” he says. “Opening my doors this summer is the start of something more. I have big dreams and I hope Thunder Bay will continue to support [them].”
Shekho’s Shawarma is located at 17 St. Paul Street. For more information, including up-to-date business hours, follow @ shekhos____shawarma on Instagram.
Khaleel Shekho, owner of Shekho’s Shawarma
Island Spice Fusion
Story and photo by Jack Barten
In the early days of this past July, the echoes of Fort William residents celebrating could be heard across the city. Were they welcoming a new monument to greatness, one might ask? In a sense, they were, as the second Island Spice location had just opened on Leland Street. Long established as a go-to spot for Jamaican cuisine in Port Arthur, Island Spice specializes in classics like jerk chicken, roti, and Jamaican patties. However, at this new location, they aim to spice things up by offering fusion dishes, like the one we’re featuring this month, the Rasta Pasta.
The Rasta Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. It’s made with penne pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, cracked black pepper, and yellow, red, and green bell peppers. This dish is sure to be a
OFF THE MENU
crowdpleaser, as the bold Jamaican flavours are perfectly balanced by the creamy, cheesy goodness. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves— first, one might notice the choice of noodle: penne. This is especially notable because the sauce is so savoury and delicious that you’ll be glad the penne soaks up every last bit of it. Then, there are the bell peppers, which reference the yellow, red, and green colours of Rastafarianism. These peppers add a hint of earthy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and provide a satisfying crunch with each bite, ensuring a delightful experience throughout.
Observant readers may have noticed from the accompanying photograph that we haven’t yet mentioned a key element: jerk chicken. Those enjoying Rasta Pasta have the option to add a
protein (either shrimp, oxtail, or jerk chicken) to the already marvellous dish, elevating a fantastic meal to a culinary revelation. Spicy and slightly acidic, the jerk seasoning beautifully complements the richness of the pasta, while the protein’s tenderness adds further depth to the dish.
Overall, well-executed fusion dishes are always fun for all involved. By combining flavours and cultures in two TBay locations, Island Spice offers a modern classic that will quickly become a favourite for anyone who tries it. Really, the only question left is: what day will you be going?
A New Adventure
Bop Shop to Relocate to St. Paul Street
Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos by Kay Lee
There’s a lot of possibilities with a new space,” says Kay Lee, co-founder of the Korean take-out restaurant Bop Shop, of their upcoming relocation to St. Paul Street. Lee opened Bop Shop with co-founder Hailey Kim last October in Goods & Co. Market, serving up rice-based dishes such as bibimbap, dupbap, and kimbap and reintroducing Korean cuisine to Thunder Bay’s restaurant scene.
“I knew there was a demand— and I knew you could do well—but I wasn’t expecting this [much of a] demand,” Lee says. Lee and Kim’s initial success with the launch of the restaurant was encouraging, and Lee says they were thrilled to see people continue to come back after the excitement of having a new restaurant in the market settled. “We didn’t have [Korean food] in town for for a long time,
since Sushi Bowl closed down,” Lee says. “It [seemed] like it was a shock to people, but they were interested to try.”
Lee says the location at Goods & Co. was a great incubation space, but Bop Shop is looking forward to the potential to expand at the St. Paul location. As of mid-September, there are plans to add buchimgae (a variety of savoury, egg-based pancakes), and deep fried options like Korean fried chicken bites to the menu in addition to bringing back hoedeopbap, a sashimi rice bowl previously served in their first location. Aside from the expanded menu, Lee says Bop Shop will have space for seated dining, and they hope to eventually offer specialty Korean beers and cocktails, as well as put the street access take-out window to good use once again.
All About Gleaning Connecting Families to Local Farmers
By Kim McGibbon, Public Health Nutritionist, Thunder Bay District Health Unit
On a sunny day at Belluz Farm, parents and children from the Healthy Kids Thunder Bay Program are enjoying a gleaning trip. What is gleaning, you ask? It is the traditional practice of gathering crops that would otherwise be left in the fields to be ploughed into the soil after harvesting is complete. Produce available for picking may not be sellable because of size or shape, or because it is ripening too quickly for the farmer to pick. These trips, held four to six times per growing season, provide residents the opportunity to pick produce from area farms, increasing their access to vegetables and fruits while also building relationships between farmers and families.
Originally launched by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in 2001, the gleaning program was restructured in 2023 after a pandemic hiatus. Now run as a program of Healthy Kids Thunder Bay, it serves three neighbourhoods— Windsor, Academy, and Dease/ Ogden/McKellar/Simpson—and
provides free bus transportation to enable participants to pick various berries and vegetables from area farms. The gleaning program is one of many local initiatives supporting short-term food relief, alongside other food programs such as community kitchens, school meal programs, and the Good Food Box.
We know that gleaning is not a solution to poverty and food insecurity, which remain persistent issues in Canada. The latest estimates show that it has worsened, with 22.9% of people in the 10 provinces living in food-insecure households. The high prevalence of household food insecurity across Canada highlights the need for more effective, evidencebased policy responses by federal and provincial governments.i Research has repeatedly shown that policy interventions improving the financial circumstances of low-income households (increased minimum wage and child tax benefits, for example) can significantly reduce food insecurity, as food-insecure
households will spend additional income in ways that improve their food security, according to 2023 data from Statistics Canada.
In 2023, we took 86 people on four gleaning trips; 32 of those were children. The food picked went to feed over 150 people, with gleaners sharing food with family and friends.
The last formal evaluation of the gleaning project found that over a five-year period (2011–2016), more than 884 adults attended gleaning trips along with their children. Here are some of the reasons they highlighted that they participated in these trips.
• Economic – Gleaners live on a tight budget and struggle to afford fresh fruits and vegetables. The gleaning program helps them save this grocery cost.
• For fresh vegetables and fruit – Gleaners desired fresh food for themselves and their family. This was also an opportunity to access locally grown food.
• For the experience – Gleaners were interested in the experience of going to the farm.
• To help others – Gleaners desired to pick the produce to share it with others. They wanted to distribute the food to people they knew who would benefit from it, such as family, friends, or neighbours.
• Socialization – The program helps gleaners feel less alone or isolated by providing an opportunity to interact with others and meet new people.
• Don’t have their own garden – Some gleaners don’t have access to a garden of their own for various reasons (such as living in an apartment) and wanted to participate because they miss having their own garden.
• To stock up – Gleaners wanted to stock up and preserve food for later use, particularly in the winter.
• For children’s learning – The program offered an opportunity to teach children about how different vegetables are grown and harvested.
Gleaning programs provide a short-term solution to food insecurity by ensuring that local crops feed families, rather than go to waste. In fact, the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy’s Community Food System Report Card noted that in 2015, 7,600 pounds of food was gleaned through these programs.
To learn more about the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy and the report card, visit tbfoodstrategy.com
A Tribute to Alycia
By Donna Marie Baratta
Abright, local artist named Alycia Novak passed away on July 24, 2024. Last summer we celebrated Alycia’s brilliance by sharing her creation, the musical Alex the Artist , at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. As a builder of worlds, she dreamed up the most imaginative characters who shone a light into the darkness that can sometimes overwhelm a community. Her musical was joyous; it was very well received and Alycia cried tears of joy through every performance. It was a dream come true for her to see the young people both on- and
the Toronto Fringe KidsFest called Alex the Artist
That was the beginning, and then hundreds of exchanges later we worked together to share Alex the Artist with my students in Toronto and their community at an arts festival. It then shifted to working with more team members over the five years of development. What Alycia created snowballed into well over 50 people being involved in Alex the Artist over the years.
Alycia took every opportunity with each artist and ran with it. She really jumped in. Even when she was sick, she checked in. She approved changes and she was instrumental in every part of the show. She is in every note and every word that is so carefully crafted. I believe that the character of Alex captures who Alycia was— strong, confident, bright, thoughtful, empathetic, and incredibly tuned in to revealing the inherent good in everyone. She wanted her art to change the world. She wanted her art to inspire young people to tap into their power and express themselves freely. Alycia wanted art to matter at a cellular level.
I believe she achieved that. There
is nothing more beautiful than seeing a young child interact with a character, or see a three-year-old in rapture for one and half hours straight. Her art mattered. She spoke directly to her audience and reminded them that even the youngest of them can speak their mind and have their voice heard. There is no doubt in my mind that her art had an impact.
Theatre is such an ephemeral art form—it lasts only in the memory of those who were a witness to the work. Some of you in this community got to witness her work, so it now lives in you just as much as the people who shared it. My hope is you remember it for years to come and with that simple act, Alycia lives on.
I’m forever grateful to all the artists and young people who worked on this show, because each iteration bought Alycia closer to a show that she was truly happy with.
Thank you Alycia for sharing your gifts with us. I wish we had more time to continue to craft beautiful worlds together. I will be forever grateful we connected all those years ago. Thank you for the memories—we will never forget you.
off-stage respond to her words, music, and lyrics.
I had the immense privilege of getting to know Alycia through her work. In October 2017, our artistic working relationship began when she reached out to me to audition for the Superior Theatre Festival. I was holding auditions in Thunder Bay that weekend, but we began an email exchange because Alycia was living in Toronto at the time. She was brave and forthright and I really appreciated her reaching out to me to introduce herself and to tell me about a play that she did in
26th Annual Harvest Craft Market
Horror, Filth, and Glamour Reign Supreme
By Jimmy Wiggins, Photo by InCompass Photography
When most people hear the old holiday classic “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” they immediately think of Christmas. But if you ask any drag queen or king, they’ll tell you that the most wonderful time of year is undoubtedly Halloween. “Halloween is my favourite holiday and always has been,” says drag queen Faux Rocious. “My birthday is in late October, and I love to get dressed up!”
Halloween isn’t just revered by the gays, or the queer community; it’s universally adored because it’s the one time that anyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity, can be who they want to be and nobody will question it. “Halloween has always been a night to let your freak flag fully fly,” says drag queen and MC Mz Molly Poppinz. “I think it’s the
gayest time you can have as a straight person—to dress up and be whoever or whatever you want without fear. We always have bigger and wilder crowds because the people who are usually too shy or too ‘normal’ to come out and play with the freaks are finally out with us. It’s exciting to be in costume on stage in a room packed full of colour and creativity. The audience is so fun to play with and you can see they feel the most themselves they've been all year.”
October 19 will be our fourth annual Ooky Spooky Halloween Drag Show. It’s easily one of the most anticipated events of the year for the drag community because it allows drag artists to let loose and go as out of the box as they possibly can. Horror, filth, and glamour reign
DRAG DEALER
supreme, and for a scene that leans heavily on the alternative side of drag, Halloween is our Christmas.
“We are super blessed with very artistic and creative performers willing to put in the work it takes to do something big, memorable, gory, or crazy,” says Mz Molly Poppinz, “Ivan Love has always brought something really dark and artistic with heavy themes.”
“Ooky Spooky is such a fun show because so many of us in the queer community have such an affinity for Halloween,” says drag king Ivan Love.
“At OS4, you can definitely expect a wide range of dark spookiness with a large helping of camp!”
If you’ve never been to a drag show, or are on the fence about attending, OS4 is a great introduction to the Thunder Bay drag scene. The
show has gained popularity over the years because it’s so over the top, and the queens/kings know how to entertain a crowd while serving looks and performances you won’t see anywhere else. “I think Ooky Spooky got its big reputation from Amber Ail a few years ago,” says Mz Molly Poppinz. “Prior to Amber, most drag performers were afraid to get messy. But if you want to make a splash, you have to be willing to get messy.”
Catch Ooky Spooky 4 Halloween Drag Show on October 19 at Black Pirates Pub. For more details follow @wigginsproductions, @tbaydrag, and @tbshows.
Amber Ail
Theatre Movies
By Michael Sobota
TTHE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK
A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES
That’s what his stare has been saying to me all this time: “At least I galloped–when did you?”
-psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Richard Burton), talking about his patient Alan Strang (Peter Firth) in Equus
heatre has always been a content source for movies from the earliest days. Plays, of course, usually reach audiences first, but that hasn’t stopped screenwriters and directors from making bold adaptations of stage plays for the big screen. Not all of these succeed. Here are four plays that made that transition to the screen—one of which opened Magnus Theatre’s season this year
Gaslight (1944)
The play by Patrick Hamilton opened in 1938 and was first adapted for film in 1940. This 1944 film version was adapted by the popular British playwright John Van Druten and has a top-notch cast chewing up the scenery of this classic melodrama. The film stars Ingrid Bergman as Paula, a put-upon aristocratic wife manipulated by her scheming husband Gregory (Charles Boyer), and a then-unknown Angela Lansbury (who was just 17 when she started making the film) as the sassy, saucy maid. George Cukor guided all three of these actors to Oscar nominations, with Bergman receiving her first of three career Academy Awards. Viewed today, most of the acting is over the top. Our local Moonlight Melodrama staged a version of the play one summer at Chippewa Park, and another version is also being performed at Magnus Theatre until October 12.
Equus (1977)
Peter Shaffer’s play premiered in London in 1973. The story is about a 17-year-old boy, Alan, who blinds six horses by stabbing them in the eyes. He is being treated by a psychiatrist. We meet his mother (who is religious) and dad (who is an alcoholic). The play is notorious for the horse blinding scene, which is carried out while Alan is riding them naked. The film, directed by Sidney Lumet, features Richard Burton as the psychiatrist and Peter Firth as Alan. Both garnered Oscar nominations for their performances. When Magnus Theatre staged the play in their former playhouse on McLaughlin Street in 1978, two policemen showed up at the door and asked “When is the nude scene?” as they wanted to assess its propriety. Director Tibor Feheregyhazi told them they had to buy tickets and see the whole play or go home.
Tape (2001)
Stephen Belber’s play premiered in 1999. The film, directed by Richard Linklater, came out in 2001. Linklater assembled three of the finest actors at the time: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Robert Sean Leonard. The story is about three high school friends who curiously find themselves reunited ten years later in a motel room. Challenges are laid down, manipulation is applied, and secrets are revealed, including a possible sexual assault. The dynamics between this trio of actors is electric. In 2013, New Noise Productions mounted a version here in Thunder Bay featuring three of the finest young actors Thunder Bay has produced: Alycia Novak, Justin Parcher, and Andrew Paulsen. Their performances, too, were electrifying.
National Theatre Live (2009 and continuing)
The first play telecast by the National Theatre was Racine’s Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren. The productions are telecast live into United Kingdom theatres and recorded and telecast around the world into other cinemas. I saw that production of Phèdre here at our Silver City cinema. Watching a NT LIVE telecast is like watching a movie. The telecasts feature camera choices chosen by an instantaneous editor, giving us close-ups, glides, pans, and other movie techniques that normally are not a part of live theatre-going. NT LIVE celebrated their 100th play telecast this past summer, Nye by Tim Brice. The play is about a British politician, Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, and his near-revolutionary success at establishing the National Health Service in England in 1948. Of those 100 plays telecast, I have had the great privilege of seeing 77 of them, right here at our Silver City cinema.
And here are six more movies made from plays, most of which have been staged here in Northwestern Ontario by various theatre companies: Night Must Fall (1937; the play, written by Emlyn Williams in 1935, was staged by the Fort Frances Little Theatre in 1975), Romeo & Juliet (1968; the play, written by William Shakespeare in 1595–1596, was staged this past summer by Magnus Theatre), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992; the play, written by David Mamet in 1983, was staged by Cambrian Players in the early 2000s), Sleuth (1972; the play, written by Anthony Shaffer, premiered in 1970 and was staged earlier this summer by Cambrian Players), Doubt (2008; the play, written by John Patrick Shanley, was produced by Magnus Theatre in 2015), The Awakening of Spring (2009; the play, Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind, premiered in 1906, and an outstanding musical version was staged in 2019 in the original Finlandia Hall by Applauze Productions).
Terror in the Bay
Horror Film Fest Returns This Month
By Kris Ketonen
Looking for a big-screen scare during the Halloween season?
Terror in the Bay has you covered. The horror film fest returns for its eighth edition this month, bringing horror features and shorts to the city from around the world.
“What began as a gathering of passionate horror enthusiasts has transformed into a vibrant, multifaceted event that captivates the imagination and draws participants from all over the world,” festival director Chris Borgo says. “It is a truly special feeling for every member of our team, who pour their heart
and soul into the festival, to see the community come together and embrace the eerie charm that Terror in the Bay has to offer.”
Borgo says more than 50 films will screen this year. “We're thrilled to bring you a lineup of world, North American, and Canadian film premieres that promise to be unforgettable, featuring episodes from the highly anticipated Canadian anthology series Tales From The Void, inspired by chilling tales from the Reddit NoSleep community and premiering this fall on Screambox,” Borgo says. “Additionally, we can’t
wait to showcase one of our partners’ most significant films to date, 1978, from Black Mandala Productions.”
“We will also be screening a thrilling horror western titled, A Town Called Purgatory, starring Ken Arnold, who once played shortstop for the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks,” he adds. Also in the lineup is the locally made Laura, written and directed by Confederation College film professor Andrew Simpson.
“In addition to film screenings, we're delighted to share that Paramount Live will be gracing our all-Canadian horror film night
with a performance of the opening number from their play Carrie on Friday, October 18, and we invite attendees to embrace the spirit of the night by dressing up, as prizes for Best Costume and Best Couples Costume will be awarded on the final night, Saturday, October 19.”
This year’s Terror in the Bay festival runs from October 16–19 at the Paramount Theatre on Court Street. For more information, visit terrorinthebay.com.
Don't Tell Your Mom
Vampire Zombies
A Town Called Purgatory
Hungry for The Hunger
An Explosion of Performing Arts in the PA Downtown Core
By Amy Sellors
Thunder Bay’s unique Halloween cabaret experience is back for its 17th year. On October 26 starting at 9 pm, come out and enjoy the artistic chaos of Definitely Superior Art Gallery’s celebrated event, The Hunger. A fusion of art forms, The Hunger brings together the best original contemporary artists in Thunder Bay all in one night.
The Hunger takes place over eight venues in the Port Arthur downtown core, and audiences can visit all locations with their all-access wristband. Each act performs only once, and all venues run simultaneously. “Diverse musical genres and different forms of performing arts are all happening at the same time,” says Renee Terpstra, development administrator at the DefSup. “Everybody creates their own story, their own Hunger experience. They pick and choose where they want to go. Your experience will be different from somebody else’s.”
While the event lists eight venues, there’s always a ninth: “The street is a venue,” says David Karasiewicz, DefSup’s executive artistic director.
“It’s not a static crowd in one place. The experience for everyone is wild, and it’s always self-evolving.”
The Hunger exists for a few reasons. It’s a unique arts event that creates a great experience for everyone. And it’s a fundraiser. “It’s called ‘The Hunger’ for a reason,” says Terpstra. “It helps to support the development of the contemporary arts, in all disciplines, year-round. It helps to support our programming, but the show itself is also programming. It provides audience engagement opportunities for artists. It fuels
the arts year round.”
The event features new and returning performers, and acts as an incubator to nurture the incredible talents of Thunder Bay artists. “This has always been a performing arts city,” says Terpstra.
“Creativity happens here, maybe because we’re so isolated,” adds Karasiewicz. “People are experimenting and doing their own thing. It’s unique.”
With so much going on all at once, the logistics are complex. The evening needs to be fluid, and everything needs to run on time. Fortunately, after 17 years of planning The Hunger, DefSup found a strategy that works so that everyone can experience a wild ride. Bring $20 cash to buy an all-access wristband at the door of any of the venues, and bring your ID (it’s a 19+ event). The event schedule is posted before the event so you can plan your evening, or you can play it by ear. There are no wrong answers. Paper schedules and maps will also be available on the night. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and express their creativity. “You don’t have to wear a costume. But wearing a costume gets you into the spirit of the event,” says Terpstra. “When people wear costumes, it blurs the lines between people’s ages. The Hunger brings out a diversity of people, younger and older. It’s a multigenerational 19+ crowd. The people-watching alone is worth the price of admission.” If you need more incentive to put on a costume, there’s also a costume contest with thousands of dollars in prizes.
For more information, find The Hunger on Facebook.
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FROM THE THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION
Good Good Friday with Tom and Harvey
By Penelope Smart, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Artist: Robert
Markle
Title: Good Good Friday with Tom and Harvey
Date: 1972
Medium: Acrylic on canvas paper
Private donation, 1992
Any issue highlighting local theatre is a chance to showcase Robert Markle (1936–1990), an artist who didn’t shy away from drama. This painting, richly coloured with a tongue-incheek title, is more fully abstract than most of his work. Markle was interested in the figure, and much of his work is lively, voluminous, and raucous studies of the female nude. Markle loomed large on the Canadian art scene in Toronto in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, he was an influential instructor at the anti-establishment New School of Art and the Ontario College of Art, and exhibited numerous solo exhibitions at the Isaacs Gallery and group exhibitions. His paintings were controversial and caused a stir.
Markle was born in Hamilton, Ont., and in contrast to many of his contemporaries, he did not explore his Indigenous identity as a member of the Mohawk Nation until later in his career. A major commission that explores his Mohawk ancestry and culture is a 48-metre-long mural in neon lights and mirrored stainless steel in the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre that portrays a landscape, a waterfall, an elk, a horned serpent, two turtles, arrowheads, and a figure or shaman.
This painting is on view as part of Collections Remix: Robert Markle and Clifford Maracle, opening October 4 and on view until January 5, 2025.
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We Are All One
Thunder Bay Artists Come Together to Promote Unity in Community
Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos submitted by Fritz Lehmberg
October welcomes a new art exhibit at Co.Lab Gallery & Arts Centre in Goods and Co. Market called One People, One Planet, One Justice . The idea for this exhibit began two years ago during a gathering of the Thunder Bay Baha’i community. They met for fellowship, but also for discussion about the state of the city and what could be done to help it to grow and flourish as a community. One thing that kept coming up was art and its power to connect people.
After the Baha’i gathering, Fritz Lehmberg (of Early Snows Pottery) wanted to keep the conversation going and keep the ideas flowing. In keeping with the idea that art is a vital part of any community, Lehmberg organized the exhibit at Co.Lab. Artists from all over the region submitted art that kept within the theme of “One People, One Planet, One Justice.”
Lehmberg says he asked the artists to reflect on the title of the show and think about the following questions: What is community? How can we support each other in meaningful ways? What does unity look like? How can we be unified regardless of gender, religion, social status, wealth, and race? What does justice even look like? There are 15 artists participating in the exhibit, showcasing a variety of different mediums. “My own pottery will be in the show and my partner will have some textile art, and there’s another artist with soapstone,” Lehmberg says.
One of the paintings is titled We are all in the same boat, we all deserve a safe passage. The people in the boat represent international
asylum seekers all around the world. Boats like this are ever-present in humanitarian situations like escaping from natural disasters, and fleeing oppression and war. The artist, Patrick Doyle, wants people to think about how we all share one planet and we are all one species. We’re all in the same boat and we all deserve the same passage of safety, care, peace, and justice.
For another painting, not by one artist but by many, a canvas was placed in the front lawn of the Pert-Wesley family’s home; kids walking by or out playing could add to it. The canvas was later moved into the family’s house where visitors—kids and adults— could continue adding to it. The end result is an abstract canvas of colours and shapes; it’s an eclectic illustration, not from not one person, but from an entire community of people who worked together.
The show will have many other thought-provoking pieces—mostly paintings, but also pottery and textiles. If you’re able to visit Co.Lab Gallery & Arts Centre this month, you’ll see a great example of what people working together can do. And maybe you’ll want to take time to reflect on your own answers to these questions: what does community mean to you? How are we all connected on this one planet? How can we work together?
One People, One Planet, One Justice opens October 4 and will run until October 21 at Co.Lab Gallery & Arts Centre. For more information, visit colabgallery.ca
Artists featured in One People, One Planet, One Justice
Christine Jensen-Bode
Deborah Spear
Denise Papple
Duncan Weller
Erin Szturm
Fritz Lehmberg
Heather Peden
Jenny Pert-Wesley (various)
Joyce Seppala
Karen Helgason Throupe Leona McEwan
Mary Ann Beckwith Patrick Doyle
Anne Winkworth
David Lightwood
We are all in the same boat, Patrick Doyle
Remember the Children, Leona McEwan
The Boy from the Sun and the Girl from the Moon, Duncan Weller
Getting Into Character
TBay Cosplay Community Boasts
Impressive Creations
By Sidney Ulakovic
Ilove seeing a vision come to life,” says cosplayer Noah Huebert (a.k.a.
The Freakish Workshop) of his craft. “There’s room for just about every level of expression.”
The term “cosplay” is translated from the Japanese word “kosupure,” which itself is a portmanteau of the English “costume” (“kosuchuunu”) and “play” (“pure”)—and its history dates back to the early 20th century. Cosplay’s popularity has increased along with the rise of sci-fi conventions, and it has now become a commonly practiced performance art thanks in part to the rise of social media.
“Cosplay broken down is costume play, and it’s usually focused around a character or a genre that [the cosplayer] has an affinity for,” says Huebert. “We want to take the next step from simply just being a fan, a watcher, or reader, or enjoyer, and sort of try to embody [the characters] in some way.”
A growing cosplay community exists locally; the Thunder Bay Cosplay
Hub group on Facebook has over 400 members as of mid-September, and aside from the city’s annual ThunderCon, there are also Fandom Fairs organized throughout the year. Huebert, winner of “Best in Show” in the costume contest at ThunderCon 2022, began his journey into cosplay making costumes as a child, building an extensive expertise in costume design over the years which he now shares on his Youtube channel and Etsy shop.
Another dedicated local cosplayer is Rice (a.k.a. RicePoison), who has amassed an impressive 250,000+ followers on TikTok, where they post cosplay content and skits. Rice started curating costumes nearly 13 years ago with ready-to-wear items, and now crafts their own for intermediate and master cosplay competitions in Winnipeg and Montreal. “I saw it as a hobby to build confidence and create an incredible reality,” Rice says of getting into cosplay.
For both Huebert and Rice, cosplay
has been a hobby spanning decades. Both have day jobs, but a generous portion of their free time is dedicated to conceiving and constructing costumes, along with creating social media content and/or competing at conventions. While there are certainly cosplayers with an aim to replicate, Huebert and Rice don’t shy away from taking creative liberties where they see fit (see Rice’s Cyber Link, pictured here). Their work is a demonstration of mastery—elements of costume design, wig styling, makeup application, and more are all at play— as they craft costumes from a range of materials (Huebert does a lot of work with EVA foam), and apply their creativity each step of the way (Rice uses their background in graphic design to make their own fabric patterns). The time allotted to each costume varies from piece to piece, with some taking months or even years to complete.
“This is our way of expressing creativity and artistry. We put a lot of time and effort into it,” Huebert says. “Being able to, at the end, see the [concept] drawing next to the actual execution is exhilarating.”
See more of Huebert’s work online by searching The Freakish Workshop on Instagram, YouTube, and Etsy. You can also find RicePoison by name on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
A Split Second
Bohdan Bob Tkaczyk Turns His Lens on Northwestern Wildlife
Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Bohdan
It takes about three and a half hours to drive from Thunder Bay to Geraldton—a commute that Bohdan Bob Tkaczyk did twice a week for many years before retiring a couple years ago. He turned the long drive into a positive, though. “Along the way, especially in the fall, it was incredibly beautiful and I would take my camera with me,” he says. Today he continues to capture vivid, split-second shots of birds as well as insects, “critters,” and the natural surroundings of the Thunder Bay area. Many of his photos come from his own backyard, a rural property to the west of the city, but he also regularly heads to Marina Park, Silver Springs Road, Mission Marsh Conservation Area, and Fisherman’s Park.
Tkaczyk remembers a “childhood fascination” with cameras growing up in Hamilton, Ont., and, like many parents, invested in a camera to record his young family’s milestones. He switched to digital photography in 2004 and really got into landscape and wildlife photography after admiring the images in online forums like Nikon Café and Steve Perry’s Backcountry Gallery, where other photographers gathered to share their work, expertise, and advice.
Bob Tkaczyk
One photographer posted images of hummingbirds in mid-flight (a ruby-throated hummingbird’s wings beat at an astonishing 53 times per second).
“I thought, that’s what they look like when you get a really good look at them close up! I’m going to leave landscapes for now and learn how to do that,” Tkaczyk says, admitting the process required “a lot of practice, a lot of frustration” as he refined his skills over time.
Birds continue to fascinate him. “I’m looking out my window, and there’s a half a dozen blue jays going about their business, a couple of pileated woodpecker youngsters greeting me here in the morning,” he says, adding that he’s intrigued by “these marvels of engineering [and] how they go about doing their daily living.” Many of his shots are taken from a hundred feet away, thanks to a long lens and lightning-fast shutter speeds. Ultimately, says Tkaczyk, he just likes sharing his pictures “to show people what’s out there, how living creatures and living things are interconnected.”
To see more of Bohdan Bob Tkaczyk’s work, visit his website, alterego. smugmug.com.
Bald eagle flight
Bee itching
Early morning mushroom
Blue jay rising
Tech Specs
Camera:
Nikon Z9
Mirrorless
Nikon Z6III
Mirrorless
Lenses:
Nikkor
135mm
Plena Z
Nikkor
100-40mm
Nikkor
180-600mm
Bluebird male and shadow
Red squirrel leap
Papa pileated woodpecker feeding youngster Ruby-throated hummingbird
“We are all in the same boat Artist: Patrick Doyle
“Seeking Change (Butterfly)” Artist Mary Ann Beckwith
Wandering Off the Beaten Path
New Exhibition Explores Natural Inks, Dyes, and Pigments of Northern Ontario
By Kat Lyzun
Beginning this month until January, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is hosting a group exhibition of four women artists who reveal through their work the beautiful alchemy of natural inks, dyes, and pigments found in northern Ontario. It will feature works of painting, textile, installation, video, and photography that invite people to experience the natural world in new ways.
Curator Penelope Smart says that the diverse works are connected by the familiar colours and hues that come from our northern landscape, but there are many surprises to be found. “This exhibition is kind of pushing the boundaries of what people might think of when they think of natural dyes. You can be really surprised by the hidden properties in plants and mineral materials, and the colours they produce,” she says, adding that the show strives to allow the process to be the art, something that is important to the artists. “How they make the inks, dyes and pigments, from foraging to transforming it and applying it […] these artists have cultivated a real, meaningful relationship with nature. This is a window into that process.”
Betty Carpick is a multidisciplinary land-based artist, educator, and environmentalist who offers stewardship of land and water shaped by her Cree and Eastern European heritage. She will be showcasing her process for creating land-based inks, which she describes as slow and intimate.
“The inks are living and you’re capturing moments in time. They are a visual record of interactions and possibilities, and I really like that they’re unpredictable, and that you
Untitled, handmade oil on canvas, Anong Migwans Beam
can’t buy them in a store,” she says. “The ephemeral quality of the inks kind of captures my past, my lived experience, and brings for myself a sense of joy and discovery.”
Joining Carpick is local artist Tuija Hansen, who specializes in textiles, weaving, foraging, and natural dyes; Anong Migwans Beam, a painter from M’chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island who creates oil and watercolour paints sourced from natural pigments and materials; and Sister Mollusk, a textile artist and educator.
“I was inspired to get into textile arts by my grandmother, who is a skilled spinner, weaver, and educator,” says Sister Mollusk. “I forage for many kinds of plants and mushrooms— whatever is available in my local environment—but I am particularly focused on flowers as a dye source lately, and for this show. The silks and quilted works I've contributed are dyed and printed with blossoms and petals that connect me to certain places in Thunder Bay.”
petal, clay, berry, leaf: natural inks, dyes, and pigments of Northern Ontario opens with a reception on October 4 at 7 pm. The event will feature artist talks and a walkthrough of the exhibition. Admission is free. For more information, visit theag.ca.
Finding the Lacuna, handmade ink and charcoal, Betty Carpick
the forest sighs and I follow, digital film still, Sister Mollusk
October Bows
Cold Hands and Tight Lines
Story and photos by Brodie Kenna
The crisp air nipped at my face as I readied my fishing rods. The sun was slowly beginning to rise, not yet having a chance to melt the frost that blanketed the rocks and plants ahead of me. Dark shadows cast by the trees that towered behind me stretched out into the icy waters I planned to fish. The moss, stiffened from the previous night, crunched beneath my feet as I approached the shore. It was cold but also perfect.
My goal on this October day was to catch a steelhead, a migratory rainbow trout known for its beauty and strength. For the majority of the open water season, these fish tend to hold deep offshore, typically out of reach of shore anglers. But as the temperatures drop and the days shorten, these fish vacate deeper waters in search of shallower haunts, drastically increasing your chances of hooking into one of these large silvery fish.
I warmed my hands one last time before sending my lure far out into the lake. The wind bit at my face, but I ignored it, pushing away thoughts of my warm bed. I knew there had to be some steelhead cruising the shoreline, so I persisted. After what felt like a million casts, I felt a tug on my line. Before I knew it, there was a perfect steelhead leaping high into the air. It did its best to break
free, but after a tense battle I slipped the beautiful specimen into my net. I admired the fish for a moment, took a quick picture, and then slipped it back into the turquoise waters it came from. As I watched the fish slowly disappear into the depths, I couldn’t help but feel blessed.
Fishing for steelhead from shore is great because the barrier for entry is so low. You don’t need a boat, or any fancy gear—you just need a fishing rod (the one you may have at home would likely do just fine), and a couple lures. Small spoons, spinners, and jigs are great for casting, and a worm or minnow under a bobber is also an effective way to catch these fish.
I encourage you to dress warm (warmer than you may think you need to) and as always, be safe. Tell people where you are going and inspect rocky shorelines before approaching, as the previous night's frost can leave them very slick.
Anglers looking to try their luck can visit Silver Harbour Conservation Area, Mackenzie Point Conservation Area, and Little Trout Bay Conservation Area. All are well known and offer good chances at steelhead.
Play Hard, Reward Yourself
The
Bakeshop
on Boundary
By Sidney Ulakovic
What do a beautiful drive, country quaintness, and mouthwatering food all have in common? The Bakeshop on Boundary, of course. This local gem is off the beaten path but an absolute must-stop on your way back home (or, in all fairness, your entire reason to drive out). The Bakeshop opened in 2016 and is named after its location at 920 Boundary Drive in Neebing’s historic agricultural region of Slate River Valley. Aside from offering an incredible view of the Nor'Wester Mountains from its outdoor seating area, The Bakeshop on Boundary serves up
all things baking. An assortment of pastries are available fresh at the storefront, including danishes, cookies, croissants, and other treats. If you’re looking for something heartier, The Bakeshop on Boundary offers to-go lunch and dinner options as well, from focaccia-style pizza, to inventive and beautifully presented pastas and elevated sandwiches. There’s never a bad time to take a detour, admire the beauty of the region’s countryside, and indulge in some exceptional food—you earned it! This feature is proudly sponsored by Visit Thunder Bay.
Stuff We Like
For Getting Spooky
By Kelsey Raynard
Nights are getting longer, leaves are changing colour, frost covers the ground, and a chill runs down your spine. It is officially October in Northwestern Ontario. While some people look forward to more wholesome fall traditions like hayrides and pumpkin patches, others live for the scarier, more supernatural customs of the season. For all the ghouls and goblins out there, put on your favourite horror film and bust out your best witch’s broom. Here is Stuff We Like for Getting Spooky.
1 Haunted Lakehead: Port Arthur Ghosts and Gore Tour
The Boreal Museum
215 Red River Road
Sometimes the scariest stories happen in your own backyard. The Haunted Lakehead: Port Arthur Ghosts and Gore Tour will take you for a chilling walk through the north core to hear local stories of cemeteries, ghosts, crimes, and more. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite through the Boreal Museum website.
$33.90
2 Prayer Candles
Waxxed Candle Co.
16 Cumberland Street North
Have a pop culture séance with a gag prayer candle from Waxxed Candle Co. Enshrined with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Jonathan Van Ness, and Beyoncé, these candles are a hilarious addition to your Halloween decor. Check in-store for which celebs are in stock.
$25
3 The Quick and the Undead Inside Up Games insideupgames.com
Put a scary twist on your next game night with The Quick and the Undead from Inside Up Games. This wild West/ zombie board game is set in the fictional town of West Fort (sound familiar?) and was created by local entrepreneur Conor McGoey. Shoot your way to victory and you might just survive.
$59
4 Handcrafted Wand
Mystic Garden
41 Algoma Street South Double, double, toil and trouble. Calling all witches, wizards, sorcerers ,and magicians: Mystic Garden is selling a collection of gorgeous handcrafted wands for all your supernatural needs. As Thunder Bay’s only Wiccan and pagan gift shop, Mystic Garden is a must-shop this Halloween season.
$32.99
5 Ghostly Tales of Lake Superior
Entershine Bookshop
196 Algoma Street South
Anyone who has spent time on or around Lake Superior can appreciate the ominous and scary power of the world’s largest freshwater lake; it has even been dubbed “the graveyard of the Great Lakes.” Ghostly Tales of Lake Superior is written by Northwestern Ontario writer Peter Fergus-Moore, who shares three chilling stories from this eerie body of water.
$20
6 Terror in the Bay Film Festival
Terror in the Bay terrorinthebay.com
From October 16 to 19, you can catch some of the most spine-chilling stories to ever hit the big screen at the eighth annual Terror in the Bay Film Festival. With over 50 of the world’s top independent horror films, local artists and vendors, and a red carpet photo shoot to boot, this is one Halloween event you don’t want to miss.
$14.75
7 Halloween Candy Bulk Zone
776 Macdonell Street or 135 Frederica Street East
Whether you’re gearing up for trick-or-treaters or just looking to treat yourself, stop by Bulk Zone to check out their impressive selection of Halloween candy. From classics like candy corn to creepy treats like gummy eyeballs, Bulk Zone has something for every sweet tooth.
$Various
8 Tarot and Oracle Readings
Sundays with Sue sundayswithsue.ca
Curious about what the future holds or what spirits might be trying to tell you? Discover the world of tarot and oracle readings with Sundays with Sue, who will use her experience and intuition to guide you through a journey of selfdiscovery. Message Sue on Facebook or Instagram @Sundays_with_Sue to book a reading.
$40/30-minute reading, $60/60-minute reading
NOVEMBER 1 – 30, 2024
United Way of Thunder Bay is bringing back our most favourite and tastiest event of the fall, and this year it’s going to be bigger, bolder, and better!
Novemburger brings new and returning customers to local eateries, all while raising funds for local needs, right here in our community! What
Over the last 5 years, nearly 55,000 Novemburgers were sold by participating restaurants, raising $150,000 for our community!
Kam River Mushroom Farm
Story and photos by Adrian Lysenko
Things are springing up in the backwoods of Stanley. James Gill, owner of Kam River Mushroom Farm, has been growing mushrooms for about five months now and has big plans to expand. “Mushrooms, I think, are so cool right now,” Gill says. “People are excited to see them, not just because it’s delicious food, but also because they’ve heard that like the lion’s mane [mushrooms] have all these benefits, and that’s also something that’s coming to light as well.”
Gill, who grew up in the area, says he’s been interested in foraging since his youth and loves seasonal food. “I've always had a great deal of respect for farmers and people who grow food, and I never thought I would have the opportunity to do that,” he says. “But when it came down to the actual idea of
growing mushrooms, then it started to make sense. It's like okay, I can grow mushrooms. [...] I had a gut feeling that this could be good for our community.”
Gill sold his mushrooms last summer at the Kakabeka Farmers’ Market, and says he’s now expanding his operations with equipment arriving from southern Ontario, and growing in a new space on the farm to meet the potential demand of the community and beyond.
“I would love to have a market table, kind of year-round, and then eventually, I would like to see our mushrooms on the menus at local restaurants,” he says.
For more information, follow @kamrivermushrooms on Instagram.
“Everything starts with oats,” Gill says. Once everything is sterile, he adds a piece of mycelium (a thread-like body of a fungus). “Because it's sterile, the mycelium can just take over, and then we wind up with something like this.”
James Gill, owner of Kam River Mushroom Farm
Pressure cookers ensure sterilization in the beginning stages of growth to prevent contamination and promote healthy growth.
then often our other
A pink oyster mushroom grown at Kam River Mushroom Farm.
Inside the darkroom, the mushroom mycelium can take over with the help of controlled temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide.
Mushrooms are grown on hanging straw logs. “They love straw,” he says. “And
mushrooms require hardwood, so we use hardwood sawdust, supplemented with something that’s nutritious for them.”
Waste Not, Want Not
Thunder Bay’s Repair Café
By Abigail Heron
We all know the old saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But if it is, what do you do? You might not have the necessary knowledge, skills, or tools to repair things yourself, so when you break a possession, often you also end up breaking the bank by tossing the old and buying the new, all while contributing to mountainous landfills.
Thunder Bay’s Repair Café is a modern solution to the modern problem of planned obsolescence, where today’s products are seemingly made to quickly break. It’s an initiative of volunteers hosting repair workshops around town where you can not only take your damaged goods to be fixed, but also learn how to do it yourself from diversely skilled repairers, making the days of lining companies' pockets by incessantly buying and replacing goods no more.
Repair Café has toured the city on a crusade against broken home appliances, kids’ toys, jewelry,
textiles, and more. They’ve modestly grown their battalion of volunteers since their first event in June 2021 from three to six enthusiastic tinkerers of all backgrounds, who founder Nancy Saunders says “want to share their skills and expertise.” They use either their own tools, or tools provided to them through Repair Café to troubleshoot and fix items brought in “so that the person doesn't need to replace it [or] throw it out, and they can continue to enjoy whatever it is.” The concept is simple: register anything that needs to be fixed through the coming session’s Facebook event page, show up with the faulty and leave with the good-as-new, free of charge (although donations are always welcome).
The events are an opportunity to save money, learn something new, start a green streak, and build community relations. “It is really great to see people who otherwise don’t know each other get to know each other,” says Saunders about
the friendships formed between attendees and volunteers, and within the Repair Café team itself. “[It’s a] place to talk to people and feel like you're part of a community, [bond over] shared interests, share skills, learn things from each other, and celebrate successes when things are fixed.”
Repair Café’s next event will be on October 19 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Waverley Library. Visit tbayrepaircafe.org for more information and stay up to date through their Facebook and Instagram @tbayrepaircafe.
The SS Campana Model
A Silver Islet Relic of Harry Chausse
By Josh Wetendorf
From Silver Islet, a community with a rich history of silver mining, came a unique artifact that ties the past to the present: a model ship of the SS Campana This model was acquired by Port Arthur resident Harry Chausse around 1898, adding a unique chapter to the history of the Thunder Bay region.
The mining community at Silver Islet flourished in the early 1870s under the development efforts of Alexander H. Sibley’s Silver Islet Mining Company. Numerous structures were erected during this period, including homes and facilities necessary for the bustling mining operations. Among these was the Rose Villa, a residence that the Chausse family came to own, and which still stands today.
Chausse, born in Silver Islet in December 1872, witnessed the end of the mining era firsthand when the mine ceased operations in 1884. His family moved to Minnesota briefly before resettling in Port Arthur. Chausse followed in his father’s footsteps, initially working in the local mining sector and later venturing into retail.
The SS Campana , originally constructed in 1873 in Scotland,
holds a storied history. Initially named the SS North, it served in the South Atlantic under Argentinian ownership before being acquired by the Canada Lake Superior Transit Company in 1881 and renamed.
Throughout the late 19th century, the Campana operated on the Great Lakes and was briefly chartered by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was pivotal in maintaining the railway’s lake service schedules between Port Arthur and Owen Sound,
partly filling a gap left after the sinking of the Algoma. Eventually, the vessel transitioned to saltwater service under the Quebec Steamship Company in the 1890s, operating between Montreal and Nova Scotia. In 1908, the Campana ran aground outside Quebec City, and the hull was damaged beyond repair, so the vessel was scrapped.
Chausse enjoyed his retirement in Port Arthur during the winters and Silver Islet during the summers until
his passing in 1939. The elaborate model of the SS Campana complete with electrical lights— was kept at the Chausse family’s Rose Villa for many years and was eventually donated to the Thunder Bay Museum. For many years, it was on display on the walls of the museum’s third floor. This model is a testament to the Silver Islet community's history and the Great Lakes maritime legacy.
Campana passing though the Soo Locks, circa 1880s, and Harry Chausse
Photo courtesy of the Thunder Bay Museum
PAST & PRESENT
Catching the Moon
A
Collection of Poems by Siobhan Farrell
By Abigail Heron
Prepare to feel the texture of every word on the page, witness diction mould each stanza, and have imagery flood your mind’s eye in Thunder Bay author Siobhan Farrell’s first collection of poems, Catching the Moon. It’s a reflective celebration of her life lived to the fullest, filled with love, loss, triumph, and adventure.
Farrell guides the reader through themes of life’s impermanence by means of her allegorical descriptions of the natural world and by incorporating wabi-sabi, her beloved Japanese school of thought. “Wabi-sabi basically says you can't have the lotus flower without the mud,” says Farrell about the philosophy appreciative of the beauty of
Yet decay has its own perfection.
there is no need to mourn the passing of flowers, Their scent will linger into the night.
“This is what I strive for in my writing,” says Farrell. “To reflect an appreciation for the lotus flower (without idolizing it), but also the mud of our universal human experience.”
Farrell grew up in Toronto and moved to Thunder Bay in her 20s. She credits our city’s wilderness as inspiration for her works, along with the distant travels she pursued later in her life. “Being in nature has been a source of healing for me, both mentally and physically,” she says. “If I was to distill my overall
all kinds, and a need to find hope in hopeless times which I believe stems from my years of Buddhist practice and meditation.” Her 2018 cancer diagnosis brought with it a devastating fight against despair that would eventually yield her poem “Changing the Script,” where Farrell reclaims her life almost stolen by the disease: I want to hold the darkness in my hands and taste the sweetness of my wild and wondrous life. The cancer would eventually fall into remission, but would have lasting effects on both her health and her psyche.
Catching the Moon uses accessible language, making its moving messages clear and comprehensible to all. “Although all readers interpret poems differently, I have some consistent themes in my work,” says Farrell. “They are diverse enough that different readers find poems that speak to them directly [and] I hope they can speak to anybody, young and old.”
October 22 & 23
Catching the Moon is available at Entershine Bookshop at 196 Algoma Street.
The Cult
Four Decades and Still Rocking
Review and photos by Adam
On September 10, The Cult played the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, an absolute gem of a venue for live music. The sound in this cavernous room is top notch, and I knew this would be an epic show. The lobby was packed with fans of all ages sporting The Cult T-shirts, and spirits were high in anticipation. Inside, the atmosphere was set with smoke machines misting the air, incense burning on the stage, and crew members waving smoldering sage everywhere.
The Cult is an iconic band that I became very familiar with during my early high school years. My journey began with their albums Electric and continued with Sonic Temple. Posters of Sonic Temple adorned school lockers, and friends doodled the iconic album cover in their notebooks—Billy Duffy’s outstretched arm raised high, guitar slung low over his shoulder. This image was seared into my brain and inspired me to become a guitar player. Many music lovers have an album that resonates deeply with them at a particular time in their life. For me, that album is Sonic Temple. Memories of falling leaves, shorter days, and longer nights flood my mind whenever I
Sabaz
hear its tracks. I was shocked and excited to see that The Cult was coming to Thunder Bay to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Has it really been that long? Time flies, but great music ages like fine wine.
The house lights dropped, cueing appreciative applause from the crowd. The stage lights came up, and our rock heroes graced the stage. I was in awe. There they were—Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy— belting out a trio of songs that set the tone for the evening (“In the Clouds,” “Rise,” and the classic “Wild Flower”). After the introduction, the frontman encouraged fans to fill in the sides of the stage, adding to the overall energy and ambiance of the concert. We were all on our feet for the entirety.
Duffy played his many Les Pauls and Gretsch guitars, taking every opportunity to shoot his arm up after ringing out chords, recreating the image on the cover of Sonic Temple Astbury was fully immersed in the performance from the opening song—dancing around, fist-pumping, and ringing his tambourine like a madman. His eyes were highlighted by red paint on his eyelids, a bandana pulled his hair back, and baggy clothing freed him to groove and
We were treated to something special. Between songs, Astbury regaled us with stories of times spent up here as a kid when his father worked “up north.” He spoke of the beauty of this area and how it was a special place for him, and that they were honored to play in “our home.” The set spanned four decades of The Cult, and the audience sang along to their favorites. A special acoustic duet of “Eddie,” between Astbury and Duffy brought the house down. Rounding out the end of the set were some of my all-time favourites, “Fire Woman” and “Rain.” If anyone had looked my way, they would have seen me punching the air with both fists, dancing, and singing along.
dance between verses and choruses. On drums was long-time member John Tempesta, and on bass was Charlie Jones. The rhythm section, in unison, set the alt/psychedelic/rock foundation for Astbury and Duffy to perform at their best.
But what about “She Sells Sanctuary”? A three-song encore ended the night with the popular song and that absolutely unforgettable guitar intro, finishing off an equally unforgettable performance at the Auditorium. Fans were blown away, and you could feel the elation as we all made for the doors in the dark and cool late summer air.
PUMPKIN PARADE
Better in Stereo with The Honest Heart Collective
As told
to
Shannon Lepere and Rebekah Skochinski, Photo by Erin Collins of Blueprints and Shannon Lepere
The Honest Heart Collective has gone from four to two, coming out the other side with a new acoustic EP, a tour with Matthew Good, and a full-length album waiting in the wings. We sat down with Ryan and Nic MacDonald to chat about music, their Westfort upbringing, and what’s next for the two brothers who collectively still have a lot of heart.
The Walleye: Your first band was named after the street you grew up on in Westfort, which got you through your teen years (until Nic was old enough to join the band, that is). When did The Honest Heart Collective take shape?
recently released an acoustic EP. How did that come about?
R: So, I’m always kind of working on something. I don’t write a lot of songs, but there’s always something. They’re usually voice memos on my phone, and sometimes they never see the light of day. But for this time around I started recording them at our studio. We needed to put something out—that bridge piece— and we sort of found it in a couple of these songs that I had written.
TW: Is there a favourite song?
R: The title track, “The Lower End of Expectations,” is probably one of my favourites that I've written in a while. It’s a very personal, almost sort of a letter to somebody, talking about one of my own insecurities about not being enough for somebody. I’m really proud of the way that I was able to write those feelings down and put them to that melody.
N: My favourite song on the EP is “She Isn’t You.” It’s more upbeat, a little more fun, and could be a great song to have a full band rendition of one day.
TW: And one day a new fulllength album?
R: It’s been done since December of last year. It’s our best work and I don’t think I could leave this thing with my head held high if I didn't give this record a chance.
N: Yeah, it keeps us motivated. It keeps our eye on the prize.
TW: From your early days to now, are there any career highlights that stand out to you?
TW: How would you describe the Westfort neighbourhood?
Nic: It’s a place where you can drink a beer on your front stoop and no one cares. Actually, my girlfriend and I, last October, purchased a house in Westfort. We're on Francis Street now. It's the same block, just the other side of Amelia. So, yeah, I can see my childhood house from the back lane. It’s beautiful. I just love the neighbourhood. We're so close to the train yard, too. So the trains just rock you to sleep.
TW: The band has had some significant changes this year. Can you share with us what these last few months have been like?
Ryan: I retired from music and I went to school, and I was going to go become a recording engineer, which I did. And then I couldn't find any bands to record because I lived at my dad's house in Ottawa, and we were on the other side of town from campus. So I just started writing my own songs for my school assignments, and then that became The Honest Heart Collective.
R: It’s been kind of tough. We’ve been a band for over a decade now. And, inevitably, life catches up. You know, we're no longer 22 years old, touring in my old Chevy Astro playing for whoever will listen. It’s now at a point where money is a big obstacle. And responsibilities and people’s partners and pets and houses and rent and bills come first, and we really did our best to try to accommodate that, especially in a post-pandemic world. Unfortunately, for some of us, it just wasn’t quite sustainable. Jay and Kevin had to leave the band this year, which was sad. I think it will always and forever be a soft spot, you know, because we sort of prided ourselves on being a band of lifetime friends and they weren't like family, they were family.
TW: And yet through all of that you’ve been performing and you
R: I think a highlight for me is just now in the hallway when JP [JeanPaul De Roover] told me he loved the rock photo of me throwing my guitar up in the air that got captured when we were at the All Your Friends Fest. Earning that respect from our peers both locally and abroad is a big career highlight for me.
TW: What’s the best thing about being a musician?
R: It’s hearing people’s stories when they tell you how your music’s affected them and impacted their lives. We’re very grateful to be a part of people’s stories.
The Honest Heart Collective will be playing a live edition holiday special on December 14 at The Outpost.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To hear more, find the expanded interview on our Better in Stereo podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.
Lockyer Boys
Thunder Bay Pop Duo Hits TBCA Stage this Month
Story by Kris Ketonen, Photo by Chad Kirvan
It’s been a busy summer for Thunder Bay pop duo the Lockyer Boys, and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. The Lockyer Boys (Will and Charlie Lockyer) are getting set for a big show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium this month, opening for Toronto rock band Coney Hatch.
“It's actually funny,” Charlie says. “We did a show with Coney Hatch in, I want to say 2019. [...] This was before we were going to Vancouver, this was before all of that. We just managed to get the gig to open for them.”
The show will cap off a busy few months for the Lockyer Boys, which saw them release a new single, “Letting Go,” and perform some shows in Toronto. Getting back on the road will be a focus of the Lockyer Boys going forward: lately, the boys have been building up their fan base through school shows, which they say can bring in hundreds
of new social media followers.
“They all download all your songs,” Will says. “Before we show up, every class shows our music to the kids and the students [...] So then we’ll show up and they already know our songs. and they’ll be singing along in the gym and it’s really fun. When it’s an acoustic show, Charlie and I are pretty much just chilling. We're just having fun with everyone and talking to everyone.”
And, of course, the Lockyer Boys will also be spending plenty of time in their home studio, grinding out new songs and picking their favourites to release.
The Lockyer Boys play the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on October 5, with Coney Hatch and Thunder Bay Ramones tribute band Psycho Therapy. For more information, visit lockyerboys.com, and coneyhatch.com.
David Gilmour
Luck and Strange
Story by Gord Ellis, Photo by Anton Corbijn
It seems kind of quaint and old fashioned in 2024, when many listen to music on earbuds or phone speakers, but back in the day, being serious about music and being an audiophile went hand in hand. The key to a good speaker and amplifiers was loud, clear sound. So, when it was time to buy a home stereo, you would go down to your local record shop—St. James Stereo was the one in the 70s and 80s—and you would listen to the systems. The salesperson would choose a rock record that would demonstrate the complexity and depth of the stereo and speakers. Invariably, the record chosen would be Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon The needle would drop, often on a song like “Time,” with its unusual beginning that included several sound effects floating in various parts of the mix. Then, about three minutes in, the guitar took centre stage, and the song took off. The sound of Dave Gilmour’s overdriven Stratocaster would fill the shop, every note dripping with
BURNING TO THE SKY
expression—unusually melodic, yet still exciting and almost unhinged. It was about here the salesperson would turn the speakers up, to show their full depth. Then you’d drop two grand and head home with a killer sound system and a new vinyl copy of The Dark Side of the Moon.
Gilmour may not have been the dark genius behind some of Pink Floyd’s greatest records— Roger Waters can take that title— but it is simply impossible to imagine Pink Floyd without him. His guitar playing and voice was so important to the whole Floyd ethos. While Waters seemed to veer towards noise, shards of sounds, and atonality, Gilmour was there to pull it all together. Usually, this was done with some epic, volcanic guitar solo that would weave through the melody. Much has been said and written about Gilmour’s guitar playing. He is revered nearly across the board for his chops and has been widely copied. There are a whole lot of Gilmour disciples in the world and
every detail of his famous black Fender Stratocaster has been recorded and examined. However, Gilmour is the kind of player who could wring brilliant sounds out of a pawn shop guitar with ten-year-old strings.
Perhaps the most famous of Gilmour’s many classic guitar solos can be found on the legendary 1979 album
The Wall. A dark album, it’s primarily based on a story constructed by Roger Waters about a bitter rock star called “Pink.” There are many great songs on the album, but the greatest is “Comfortably Numb.” Gilmour wrote the music for this classic, and sings the higher-pitched second part of the verse and the title line. But it’s his guitar solos on this song that bring it to the highest summit of classic rock. Using a Big Muff pedal, delay, and whammy bar, Gilmour exorcises demons and strides the earth like a colossus. It’s a spine-tingling performance.
Although Gilmour will always be associated with Pink Floyd, that group is done and dusted. These days, Gilmour has been working with his wife, poet Polly Samson. They have just released an album called Luck and Strange, Gilmour’s first long play recording in nearly a decade. The music has a familiar feel, courtesy of Gilmour, while Samson provides interesting and literary lyrics. Much of the material focuses on ageing and mortality, but the songs are strong and vital. A recent Luck and Strange YouTube tour rehearsal video proves that Gilmour has lost not an iota of his feel or emotion when soloing. It’s comforting to see the 78-year-old rock god jamming along with a band half his age (including his daughter Romany on vocals).
And I bet the album would sound fantastic on an audiophile sound system!
Be Punk, Dance Funk, Get Bunked
Tumblestone Music & Art Festival
Story and photos by Abigail Heron
The uninitiated may find arriving at Tumblestone to feel like emerging from the rabbit hole into Wonderland. Dismembered mannequins—some strewn about, others seemingly standing on guard— welcome you in at the gates with a disembodied hand and a void stare. Music blares and distantly, colourful lights of every hue dance in tandem to the beat. Slack-jawed, you take it all in. Your head’s on a swivel and you notice…pigs, and they’re everywhere: painted on stage, depicted on every piece of merch, and even a pig head made of papier-mâché plopped on a statue. It’s all enough to make you
think most everyone’s mad here.
For someone like myself—a selfproclaimed “hippie,” dubbed as “weird” by many—the festival is a sanctifying religious experience. In my opinion, rocking out in the woods on a mild summer’s eve in a crowd of artists and musicians while being bathed in stage light is as close as one can get to ascension short of actually experiencing the rapture. For nothing less would I make my yearly pilgrimage to Gorham, Ont., as every year, I feel as if I experience something more.
Night one, we got there as The Thirsty Monks was tearing up the
stage. I had a hard time staying still enough to shoot pictures— the groove took hold of me, possessing my body to jive as well as my two left feet could. The things a saxophone can do to you… Later, after we refueled with burgers from the volunteer-run kitchen, we migrated to the second stage, equipped with projectors and surrounded by Skids With Skills, a fire performance group. Like a moth to a flame, I stood enchanted by the burning lights while a rave ensued around me. We then topped off the night with a violent head-banging session to Femur.
The music started early the next
day and carried well into the dark, but no matter the time, Tumblestone’s atmosphere always feels safe and welcoming. People checked in on each other, were friendly in conversation, and dressed in “unconventional” ways because they knew they would be accepted no matter what. The loving environment is what truly sets the festival apart from any other of its kind around the city, so when The Bay Street Bastards started ripping that fiddle, there was nothing to worry or think about other than dancing. And dance, we sure did.
Andrew Bell
Section Percussionist
By Taylor Onski
Born: Waterford, Ont.
Instrument: Percussion
Age you started to study music: 12–13
How long have you been with TBSO: Since October 2023
What’s on personal playlist: Holly Herndon, Phoebe Bridgers, Charli XCX, Protest the Hero, and Avenged Sevenfold
When a young Andrew Bell first expressed interest in playing drums, his mom kind of glossed over it initially. However, when Bell got the videogame Rock Band for Christmas in early middle school, he took right to the drums and hasn’t stopped playing since. “She saw how into it I got and went, ‘This kid’s serious about that,’’” he says. “So I started playing drums and got obsessed with it. I loved it. I was a very ADHD kid so it was great to get the energy out.”
At 14, Bell took his love of drumming and music further and became the youngest member of a rock metal band. Learning that one of the guitar players played both classical and rock metal music inspired him to learn more about classical percussion, which he discovered he absolutely loved. He pursued it further with the
University of Toronto and the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music before being welcomed into the TBSO.
“I was very fortunate to win the audition during the last month of my masters. The TBSO is a very tight-knit group where everyone knows each other and is a very collaborative experience.”
Collaboration speaks true to the nature of TBSO. Whether it be through Bell’s work as the percussion instructor at Lakehead University, where he mentors percussion students and develops courses such as Making Electronic Music, or being a part of the symphony’s Northern Lights series highlighting local singers such as Paula DiGuiseppe, Katherine Nemec, and Natasha Fisher, the local music community has warmly welcomed him to Thunder Bay.
“My favourite part is making wonderful music with my colleagues. No matter how cliché it sounds, I've met a lot of people who are like collaborators, even outside of the symphony, that have made the move to Thunder Bay an easier transition.”
The Fretless
Glasswing Tour Coming To Magnus Theatre
By Abigail Heron
The Fretless reimagine the string concert experience on The Fretless Live: The Glasswing Tour, hitting the Magnus Theatre stage on October 16. While the individual members of the the Juno Award-winning quartet are all celebrated solo artists renowned for their skills, The Fretless unifies the talents of fiddle and viola players Trent Freeman, Karrnnel Sawitsky, and Ben Plotnick and cellist Eric Wright in one harmonious collection of songs on their latest album.
“This album that we're just putting out now really focuses on our own original compositions and our own take on tradition,” says Freeman. Glasswing, which took three years to
produce, is a different sound from the band’s prior releases, showcasing the group’s compositional maturation over their 13 years together. “[It feels] a little bit more mellow, introspective, and like a pastel-coloured version of what we’ve done before,” says Plotnick. “[Glasswing] feels subtle and delicate in moments while still having the energy of a traditional art,” adds Freeman. “And to me, in a way, [it] sounds the most like The Fretless out of any album we’ve ever done.”
The show features vocals from Madeleine Roger, and will also incorporate the work of worldclass theatrical set designer Gillian Gallow as well as lighting design from Emerson Kafarowski. “I [think the visuals add] another dimension to it,” says Freeman. The visual elements’ complementarity will work to make the show an equal treat for the eyes as it already is for the ears. “The goal is to continue the atmosphere of the music throughout the room,” says Plotnick.
The foursome has not only toured globally, but has also taught workshops and masterclasses around the world. As much as they subvert
tradition in their performance and style of music, they recognize its power to foster community, as learning skills of the past can bring people together from across generations. “We really enjoy connecting with people who are currently learning, starting bands, or at the front end of a music career,” says Freeman. “Our wider [international] circle of community is filled with a lot of different traditions, [so] having a chance to jam with them, learn from them, or teach them a tune [feels] like a whole community of sharing and support that stands many, many generations of players. It’s really nice to be a part of that.”
Visit magnustheatre.com for tickets.
The Fretless Live: The Glasswing Tour featuring Madeleine Roger will be at Magnus Theatre on October 16.
Choose your tickets for shows in our upcoming seaso n 64 in packages of 6, 8, or 10 and save!
Global Adventures Await
As the weather begins to cool and a new season makes way for sweaters and warmer attire, our minds start to envision dreams of travelling to far away, exotic, and desired travel locations.
Well, this year the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is going to fulfill those dreams with a new and exciting event to support the Northern Cardiac Fund.
The Resolute Hearts Around the World Charity Auction will take place at McGillivray’s Landing at Fort William Historical Park on Saturday November 2, 2024.
This event promises to be a unique experience for all attendees, featuring a symposium and five-course meal representing cuisine from different countries, each paired with a specially selected beverage. A live auction will be held during each course, offering a vacation to the featured country, which includes accommodations and gift cards to apply toward flight expenses to the successful bidder.
Imagine yourself in a cozy condo in Costa Rica, a two-storey penthouse overlooking the ocean in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, or enjoying a scenic ride up the majestic mountains leading you to your spa accommodations in Switzerland. Picture taking a cruise of your choice-be it a river cruise, Mediterranean adventure or Caribbean escape, staying at a fabulous historic hotel in Panama or immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany. The options are incredible, with all accommodations generously donated by the Foundation’s amazing and loyal supporters.
If you’re not the successful bidder, no worries! You can still participate in a silent auction featuring some great mini and weekend experiences, as well as a travel Blitz to destinations your heart desires, wherever Porter flies.
The beautiful setting in Fort William Historical Park, McGillivray’s Landing will offer seating for 8, 10 and King Tables of 12 – perfect for gathering with friends or for several couples looking to enjoy the evening together.
This event will be a relaxing, fun experience, with dinner music provided by Mood Indigo, food created and executed by Franco Masdea from Tomlin @ The Chanterelle on Park, and wine pairings by local sommelier Cale Graydon. What an opportunity to get together with family and friends for this one-of-a-kind event supporting our new Cardiac Unit!
For tickets, please visit: www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/hearts-around-the-world
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
McGillivray’s Landing Fort William Historical Park
Symposium - 6:00 pm
Dinner - 7:00 pm
Blues in the Key of Eh
Thunder Bay Blues Society Presents All Canadian Lineup
By Ken Wright
The Thunder Bay Blues Society will proudly unfurl the Maple Leaf on the all-Canadian 2024 Blues Shakedown at the Da Vinci Centre on October 19. “It’s something we’ve always had back of mind,” says Thunder Bay Blues Society president Rob Croves of the Canuck concept. “But, with increasingly prohibitive costs, Canadian bands don’t tour by driving across the country like they used to.”
“We’re pretty excited to have the Blackburn Brothers as headliners,” continues Croves. “They’re flying into Thunder Bay for this show.” Anchored by brothers Duane (keyboards and vocals), Brooke (guitar), and Cory (drums) but six musicians strong, the Blackburn Brothers have plenty of wattage. “There’s a fraternal chemistry at play here, a sibling synchronicity that generates a dance floor-friendly vibe,” says Croves. “They’re a very visual band that needs to be experienced live.”
Redolent of unreleased material from The Neville Brothers, the Motown vaults, and Chess Record
archives, the title of their latest album, SoulFunkn’Blues, encapsulates their style. The excellence of the release across multiple musical disciplines is reflected in a Juno nomination, three American Blues Music Awards nominations (unprecedented for a Canadian band), and a record nine Maple Blues Awards nominations.
“The critical acclaim for this band is off the charts,” says Croves. “There’s a lot of buzz about them right now. They’re an in-demand band. That’s a good way to put it.”
Reaching back more than 200 years, the brothers’ enduring family legacy runs from an ancestry of slavery in Kentucky to Ontario via the Underground Railway, and onto the Toronto music scene. Family members have been involved in Owen Sound’s Emancipation Festival. Established in 1862, it’s the longest and most continuous festival in North America. Given that heritage, it’s not surprising that a message of freedom, inclusion, and love can be heard in their music. “The history behind this band is unbelievable:
it’s really unique,” says Croves. “The chance to bring them to Thunder Bay is actually pretty cool.”
The Little Magic Sam Band will share the stage with the Blackburn Brothers. Winners of the 2024 Maple Blues Award for New Artist/Group of the Year, this quintet has a sound deeply influenced by Memphis and
Chicago blues. Local representatives The Blue Pretenders will anchor the flagpole and get the evening underway.
For more information, visit thunderbaybluessociety.ca.
Blackburn Brothers
Little Magic Sam
The Sound of Music
TBSO Launching Its 2024–25 Season
Story by Matt Prokopchuk,
Photo by Kay Lee
Alive concert recording, a trio of shows under candlelight, and over two dozen performances showcasing a wide variety of classical and popular music are some of the highlights of the upcoming Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra season.
“We’re just really excited,” says Ryleigh Dupuis, TBSO’s executive director and general manager. “We think we have a really fun season planned […] and we’re trying to really create experiences for people that will be meaningful and that will be exciting.” The symphony opens its season on October 4 at Urban Abbey for the first of the season’s three, fullorchestra candlelit concerts—this
Wellspring Psychotherapy
Same Day Bookings
SKILLFULL STAFF
COMPASSIONATE COUNSELORS TELEHEALTH
one featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (think Jesus Christ and Phantom of the ). That show will be followed by three other performances before the month is out: a collaboration with Paula DiGiuseppe at the Da Vinci Centre, a Masterworks show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium with performances of the final three symphonies Mozart wrote before his death, and the annual Halloween Spooktacular at the St. Patrick High School auditorium.
“We’ve taken most of our shows into spaces where folks can experience us in a way that they want to,” Dupuis says of the variety of venues in which the TBSO will be performing this season. “We want to give people a fun night where they’re sort of interacting in a different way with the music and the musicians, and it’s a bit more upclose and personal.” The TBSO will also be taking its shows this season to Hilldale Lutheran Church, Fort William Historical Park, St. Paul’s United Church, the Italian Cultural Centre, and others.
That doesn’t mean they’ll be away from the Auditorium stage for too
long. All Masterworks shows will be at the venerable concert venue, Dupuis says, and early next year it will also host a January 18 show that will see the TBSO perform with local flamenco talent Matt Sellick that will be recorded for a planned album release. “It’s different for us,” Dupuis says. “It’s going to be, I think, a fun experience for everyone; there’ll be a recording engineer there, and there’ll be a lot of things happening that folks will be able to see behind the curtain.” Other shows slated for the upcoming season include working again with Badanai Theatre—this year’s show focuses on music from Broadway—as well as a collaboration with Anishinaabe singer/songwriter Natasha Fisher, and Noondaagotoon!, the TBSO’s annual spotlight on Indigenous performers.
“We really decided to embrace our position in the local community, and work with as many local performers as we possibly could,” Dupuis says.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to tbso.ca
The TBSO on stage at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium during the 2023–24 season
Dirt On My Diamonds Vol.
2
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s Dirt on My Diamonds Vol. 2 is a real stunner, filled with the same sense of excitement that proclaimed his arrival as the next paragon of blues rock 30 years ago. As expected, Shepherd’s guitar playing is assertive and brawny, yet precisely poised. Increasingly accomplished as a singer, he shares vocal duties with Noah Hunt. Strong material, beautifully integrated, the eight glorious tracks have the spontaneous flow of the preordained. Horns add punch and drama to the opening track, “I Got a Woman.” “The Middle” is a wah-wah-wow guitar wonder. “Long Way Down” smolders with unadulterated, freerange blues rock, while “Watch You Go” revisits the classic mid-tempo blues grinder. Wrapping it all up with a bow on top is Shepherd’s rocking rendition of ZZ Top’s “She Loves My Automobile.” Dirt on My Diamonds Vol. 2 is a musical gem destined for many replays.
-Ken Wright
7
Nelly Furtado
Following a decade of explosive success in the 2000s and 2010s, Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado has returned with her newest album, 7. Referencing the seven-year hiatus she took from making music, 7 is a collection of 14 genre-bending tracks showcasing Furtado’s signature vocals and a range of intriguing features. The album starts off strong, with dance hits “Corazón” (featuring Bomba Estéreo) and “Love Bites” (featuring Tove Lo and SG Lewis); these tracks are reminiscent of Furtado’s Loose album, with rhythmic, electro-pop beats overlaid with her unique, folk-like vocals. 7 slows down in the middle, with lighter, airier songs like “Floodgate” and “All Comes Back.” To be honest, the latter half of the album lost me a little, with some tracks feeling slightly over-produced (but enjoyable nonetheless). While I hesitate to credit 7 with the same star power as her earlier albums, it still embodies what listeners love about Nelly Furtado’s music: it is fun, funky, and free-spirited.
-Kelsey
Raynard
Pomegranate
Tess Parks
Listening to Canadian singersongwriter Tess Parks’s third solo album, Pomegranate, immediately brings to mind the word “ethereal.” With hypnotic effect, the first song of the collection, “Bagpipe Blues,” eases the listener into the ensuing 40-minute drift through space-time, where one can both seemingly hear colours and taste the whimsical notes of flute, organ, and piano. Weightless, you float through songs like “Sunnyside” as Parks’s breathy voice washes over you, rolling you through the cosmos while twinkles of synth wink at you from a distance. Psychedelic elements pervade the album, building a dreamscape in the mind’s eye throughout the listen. It’s impossible not to see swirling nebulas while hearing the compounding vocal harmonies in “Crown Shy” paired with its harp-like guitar progressions, or the undulating keys in the concluding track, “Surround.” Pomegranate is a rare instance of an album free of skips; it’s an awe-inspiring listening experience that transcends the confines of modernism, giving it a timelessly nostalgic charm.
-Abigail Heron
The Neon Gate
Nap Eyes
It’s been a while since Nap Eyes released their last album—Snapshot of a Beginner came out March 2020, just as the state of emergency was declared. But other than some musings on isolation and self-reflection, for the most part the Canadian indie rock band’s latest release, The Neon Gate, features their signature sound. Sometimes compared to Lou Reed, principal singer and songwriter Nigel Chapman channels the rock pioneer’s voice, but the lyrics are not as strong as on previous albums. Certain tracks see Chapman lean on the greats before him: “I See Phantoms of Hatred and of the Heart’s Fullness and of the Coming Emptiness” is adapted from the text of a poem by W.B. Yeats, and “Demons” is from a poem by Alexander Pushkin. But the moments when The Neon Gate shines the most are the stream-of-consciousness musings matched perfectly with the rambling-like guitar (for instance, in “Tangent Dissolve”) that Nap Eyes are known for.
-Adrian Lysenko
Alligator Bites Never Heal
Doechii
Twenty years since its inception, L.A.-based record label Top Dawg Entertainment continues to be the benchmark for independent labels with a hip hop focus. Doechii, the latest TDE signee from south Florida, is well-studied in the roots of the genre, and she, like other labelmates, make music that feels like a true refresh of a bygone era rather than a pastiche. Her presence in the booth is immediately clear, and she can switch styles and flows with ease like legends like Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliot. On her debut mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, the boom-bap- inspired production gives her the room to show off her outsized personality in earnest, like on the track “Denial Is A River.” In the spirit of the mixtape, we get a lot of different concepts and shorter songs, which ultimately holds the project back. Most of the good moments barely get off the ground, while the R&B leaning songs aren’t as creative. Despite that, there is a lot to love about this mixtape, and Doechii overall. Her talent is apparent, and she’s destined to do amazing things in the near future as an artist in the spotlight.
-Michael Charlebois
Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death
Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes
With Halloween and Day of the Dead nearing, this is a book that can match the darkening mood of the season. The authors of Obitchuary: The Big Hot Book of Death share their lifelong fascination with obituaries and related death rituals, oddities, and stories in a weekly podcast by the same name, and now in this book. Read it straight through, or randomly open at any page to discover macabre morsels such as the history of Victorian grave dolls. Each chapter is bracketed by some of the oddest obituaries that they’ve uncovered, including competing tributes by a man’s wife and mistress side-by-side in the local paper, or one that simply states: “He leaves behind two relieved children.” Famous last words, “sin-eaters,” heart burials (separate from the rest of the body), crow funerals, coffins for two, and many more death-related topics are explored in a way that demystifies taboos, entertains with esoterica, and supplies a frisson to quicken the pulse.
-Angela Meady
The Light Eaters
Zoë Schlanger
When we still don’t fully comprehend how our own brains function, is it hubris to assume that we understand the inner workings of the most predominant life force on this planet? This is the central premise of Zoë Schlanger’s lively and engaging new book The Light Eaters. Plants comprise up to 80% of our world’s living matter and recent research from a new crop of botanists has begun to challenge some commonly held assumptions about them. Can plants think? Are they aware? Do they have personalities? Centring her chapters around each of these questions, Schlanger carefully details the cutting-edge science that shows us how certain plants, like the Venus flytrap, can count, while others can hear, memorize, and feel. By the end of this book, you will be left in no doubt that yes, it is hubris. You’ll also never be able to look at your houseplants the same way.
-Lynne Warnick
The Ivan R. Dee Guide to Plays and Playwrights
Trevor R. Griffiths
Trevor R. Griffiths’s The Ivan R. Dee Guide to Plays and Playwrights is an excellent resource for theatre aficionados. It details the lives of playwrights and also provides information on plays, both older and contemporary. The book is set up in an alphabetic format, which allows for quick reference on specific topics, but I’ve found it interesting to browse casually as well. One of the most useful aspects of the book is that every entry ends with suggestions for other writers or works that are similar to the entry. For instance, after the entry on Shakespeare, the suggestions list other Renaissance dramatists as well as modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays. Although the book is older and does not cover more recent productions and playwrights, it’s still a very helpful guide for the inquisitive theatregoer, although perhaps not for the most casual of readers.
-Ryan Gracey
Magnus Theatre
By Courtney Turner
The building that is home to Magnus Theatre was not always a part of Thunder Bay’s rich entertainment industry. In fact, the original symmetrical brick building was constructed with education in mind. In 1884, the Central School was the first permanent school that was opened in Port Arthur, and was built after two acres of Waverley Park were granted by the Crown to the Public School Trustees in 1876. The brick schoolhouse replaced a temporary wooden structure that had been built while construction on the Central School was completed. The site for the schoolhouse was intentionally selected to sit atop the hill to be prominently displayed for visitors arriving at the docks below. Today, the iconic features of the building can still
be admired, including the central tower and pyramidal roof. Between approximately 1885–1887, two students etched their names into the original brick of the building. Those carvings remain on the original building to date and are considered some of the oldest known examples of graffiti in Port Arthur.
The original building was expanded in the early 1900s to accommodate a growing community. The Central School served the children and families of Port Arthur until 1965, having been in operation for more than 80 years. In 1977, the building was acquired by the City of Thunder Bay. In 1983, it was designated as a heritage property. At the turn of the century, Magnus Theatre gave the building an entirely new
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Magnus Theatre had been operating since 1971, based out of the city’s east end. After being selected to take over the Central School location, Magnus Theatre fundraised and oversaw a significant expansion and substantial renovations to the original building, including the addition of a 250-seat auditorium. The first performance held in their newly renovated theatre space was a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2001.
Magnus Theatre has delighted countless theatre patrons since that time, and has been committed to the maintenance and celebration of its historical home. In April of 2023, a substantial renovation project broke ground on their facilities, which is scheduled to be completed this fall. The renovations are anticipated to increase accessibility and capacity, and restore important heritage features of the schoolhouse.
Courtney Turner is a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises city council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca. purpose.
Magnus Theatre
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Adrian Lysenko
Central School, date unknown
A student's name etched into the original brick of the building, circa 1885–1887
Five Questions Patients Have About Breast Cancer Screening
By Caitlund Davidson, Health Promotion and Communications Planner, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Medical tests like breast screening mammograms can often provoke feelings of fear and uncertainty in patients— whether it is the test itself or waiting for the results. Preventive tests like mammograms are important to find breast cancers when they are small, less likely to have spread, and more likely to be treated successfully.
Dr. Nicole Zavagnin is the regional primary care lead for Ontario Health–Cancer Care Ontario at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). In her practice, Dr. Zavagnin is a key source of information for her patients when it comes to breast screening and what to expect. Andrea Ruel, a breast patient navigator at TBRHSC, helps patients who have been for breast screening mammograms get timely access to follow up tests if needed.
To help better understand the importance and process of breast screening, and to ease uncertainty, Zavagnin and Ruel share their answers to some questions they get from patients before and after their mammograms.
If one of my family members has had breast cancer, does my chance of getting it increase?
NZ: Most breast cancers are not hereditary. Studies show that about 5–10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, your chances of getting those cancers may be higher. It is important to review your family history with a health care provider so they can help determine your risk of cancer, and what type of screening is right for you.
Will the mammogram hurt?
NZ: While a mammogram might not be painful for everyone, it can be uncomfortable for some. The procedure involves compressing the breast between two plates to get clear images, which can create a feeling of pressure. If you find it uncomfortable, let the technologist know—they can often make adjustments to help minimize any discomfort. Overall, the benefits of screening usually outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Who will contact me if I need follow up tests?
AR: If you had your mammogram done at one of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) sites in Northwestern Ontario and have an abnormal result, a breast patient navigator will ensure that follow-up imaging is streamlined to ensure
timely follow-up and diagnosis. Our navigators work closely with screening staff, breast radiologists, and the regional OBSP sites to ensure coordination of care.
If I need further testing, does it mean I have cancer?
AR: It is important to note that further testing after an abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. Follow-up imaging may be required to better see details of the breast.
If I live in the region, where can I go for follow-up tests?
AR: Most follow-up tests are available at other regional hospitals or imaging sites across Northwestern Ontario. However, depending on the type of test, you may be asked to visit the Linda Buchan Centre at TBRHSC.
If you have questions or concerns about breast screening, talk to your healthcare provider. To learn more about breast screening, eligibility, and screening locations in Northwestern Ontario, visit tbrhsc.net/ cancerscreening.
The mammography unit used for breast screening on the Screen for Life Coach, one of six Ontario Breast Screening Program locations in Northwestern Ontario
Spooky, Creepy, and Downright Disturbing
Story and photos by Leah Morningstar
Tattoo by Jared Kuurila, formerly of Ink Alley
True crime, as a genre of entertainment, has been around for decades. Presently, the genre is booming, with hundreds of true crime documentaries available on various streaming sites and thousands of true crime podcasts available on various podcast networks. But before that, there were books like Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me. There was also television! In 1987, Unsolved Mysteries debuted on NBC and brought grisly unsolved murders and kidnappings right into every living room in North America.
One such living room was the Cernjul residence, where a young Kevin Cernjul was staying up way too late learning about murderers. Cernjul remembers one episode of Unsolved Mysteries in particular, Season 9 episode 1, where the mystery of the Zodiac Killer was discussed. He says, “Mom, if you’re reading this, it was a rerun of Unsolved Mysteries that I didn’t see until I was well into my teen years!” He continues, more seriously, “But yeah, it was the episode about the Zodiac Killer that stuck with me the most. I started reading more about the case because I just couldn’t get enough.”
For readers not familiar, the Zodiac Killer is the pseudonym of a serial killer who was active in northern California (San Francisco Bay area) in the late 1960s. There were five known victims between December 1968 and October
1969, and it’s been described as one of the most famous unsolved cases in American history. It’s been widely debated by true crime enthusiasts and amateur detectives for decades now.
The Zodiac Killer coined his own pseudonym in letters he wrote and sent to various newspapers, wherein he threatened to kill or bomb people if the letters weren’t printed. In the letters the mysterious killer bragged about his crimes and also included four cryptograms, also known as ciphers: large blocks of coded symbols and text. Two ciphers were eventually solved, but two others remain unsolved. And, as mentioned, the person behind these murders and coded messages has never been caught.
Cernjul says that part of his fascination comes from the mystery. “The fact that they never caught this guy just blows my mind. He’s like a modernday Jack the Ripper […] or some kind of boogie man.” About the tattoo itself, he says, “I just thought the note was really cool. It was all happening years before I was born but it’s become iconic over the years, truly an iconic mystery.” Thanks to artist Jared Kuurila, that mystery is now permanent, right on Cernjul’s thigh. Maybe you’re like Cernjul and enjoy learning about the darkest and scariest parts of humanity, reveling in the bizarre and weird. Maybe you’d rather know nothing about any of it and wish you never started reading this article. Both are valid. But either way, this delightfully macabre tribute is a perfectly spooky Halloween tattoo!
Why Recycling Should Be the Last R
Embracing Reduce and Reuse for Sustainable Living
By Ashley Priem, Co-Executive Director, EcoSuperior
October is Circular Economy Month, Canada’s public awareness campaign dedicated to educating and empowering Canadians to support an economic system based on a model of resource production and consumption that relies on extending the life of existing materials for as long as possible. In the ongoing battle against environmental degradation and climate change, the concept of the three Rs that make up part of the basis of a circular economy— reduce, reuse, and recycle—has become ingrained in our collective consciousness. However, while all three are crucial components of sustainable living, there’s a growing realization that recycling should occupy the last rung on the ladder of waste management. Here’s why.
Reducing consumption: the foundation of sustainability
At the heart of the sustainability movement lies the principle of reducing consumption. By consuming less, we inherently reduce the demand for new resources and the generation of waste. This can be achieved through conscious lifestyle choices such as opting for products with minimal packaging, embracing minimalism, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions. Reducing consumption not only lessens our ecological footprint but also promotes a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
Reusing: maximizing the lifespan of products
Next in line is the concept of reuse, which involves finding creative ways to extend the lifespan of products. Reuse encourages us to view items not as disposable,
but as valuable resources that can serve multiple purposes. Whether it’s repurposing old containers for storage, donating clothing to thrift stores, or refurbishing furniture, the possibilities for reusing are endless. Embracing a culture of reuse fosters resourcefulness, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the items we already possess.
Recycling: a necessary but limited solution
While recycling plays a vital role in diverting waste from landfills and conserving resources, it has its limitations. In 2020, 27.5% of solid waste generated in Canada was diverted, while the remaining 72.5% was sent for disposal. Many materials are not easily recyclable, and the recycling process itself consumes energy and resources. Moreover, the quality of recycled materials often degrades with each cycle, leading to a phenomenon known as "downcycling," where recycled products are of lower quality than their virgin counterparts.
In the quest for a more sustainable future, recycling should be viewed as a valuable tool in our arsenal rather than the ultimate solution to our waste woes. By embracing the principles of reduce and reuse, we can significantly lessen our environmental footprint, conserve precious resources, and pave
the way for a more resilient and equitable society. So, let’s prioritize reducing our consumption, reusing what we have, and only then, when necessary, turning to recycling as a last resort. Together we can build a healthy future for people and the planet.
Follow EcoSuperior on social media or visit ecosuperior.org to learn more.
Thunder Bay Repair Café
Courtesy of the Thunder Bay Repair Café
October Behind the Business Feature
Meet Esther Maud, the founderpassionatedriving the mission of Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, a holistic afterschool program tailored for Indigenous and nonIndigenous children aged seven to 14.
The Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii program provides a safe and trusted space, aiming to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma while building pathways for our future leaders through culture and togetherness. The inspiration behind launching our business stemmed from the children we serve, as well as my own personal story. I understand the significance of needing afterschool support and programming, especially when home isn’t a safe space.
To learn more about Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii, contact Esther Maud at 807-708-0459 or find Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii (The WAB Program) on Facebook.
In celebration of Small Business Week 2024, we’re spotlighting five local businesses and asking them, “What inspired you to launch your business?”
Meet Matej Rodela, founder of TOKTOK Home. Motivated by a commitment to revolutionizing the design landscape, the business owner seeks to redefine the very essence of home decor, offering design solutions that seamlessly blend elegance and practicality.
I was inspired to launch TOKTOK Home by a noticeable gap in the furniture market—there simply weren’t enough options that resonated with my home’s aesthetic and the preferences of fellow millennials. I envisioned furniture that seamlessly combined functionality, beauty, quality, and affordability—a tall order, but achievable. By employing smart design solutions, I found ways to reduce production costs and shipping fees, crucial factors when competing against lower-priced products from Asia. This drive to fill a void in the market and offer stylish yet affordable furniture solutions motivated me to bring TOKTOK Home to life.
To learn more about TOKTOK Home, visit toktokhome.ca or find them on Instagram @toktok_home or on YouTube at toktokhome2280.
Meet Alyssa Mervin, clinical director and founder of Elevate Therapy. Founded in 2020 as a response to the surging demand for virtual servicespsychotherapy during the initial stages of the pandemic, Elevate Therapy has since blossomed into a thriving mental health practice.
The desire to make a meaningful impact is what inspired me to launch Elevate Therapy. I have spent countless hours dreaming with my colleagues and friends about different ideas on how to enhance therapeutic care based on the feedback I was getting from my clients and the research I had done. As the business continued to evolve and grow, my dreams extended to envisioning a space that not only excelled in caring for our clients but also prioritized the well-being of our therapists. Founding Elevate Therapy has provided an opportunity to align my values and passions with my work, create opportunities for others, and contribute to our community in a meaningful way.
To learn more about Elevate Therapy, visit elevatetherapy.ca, find them on Instagram @elevate.therapy or find Elevate Therapy on Facebook.
Meet Alex Hume, owner and metalsmith behind North Star Silver. North Star Silver grew from a passion for the tactile craft of metalsmithing and a deep appreciation of the beauty of creation. Symbolism and tributes to the national world infuse the jewelry designs, which are handcrafted from scratch using ancient techniques working with recycled precious metals and sustainably sourced stones.
I began North Star Silver during a big transition in my life. I had spent a decade working seasonally in forestry as a technician. We would pack for 10 days in the bush with four days off in between shifts from April to November. I loved it but couldn’t continue it once my husband and I found out we were expecting a baby. For the first few years of being a mother, I dabbled in teaching and consulting within the natural resources sector while also exploring jewelry as a creative outlet. Over time, my jewelry started gaining traction online and at local markets, and I decided to take the leap and go all in. I’ve never looked back—I feel grateful every day to be able to do something I love.
To learn more about North Star Silver, visit northstarsilverco.com, or find them on Instagram @ northstarsilver.
Meet Angus McCrady Jr., founder of Mitigoog Solutions Inc., a recently established enterprise dedicated to arboriculture, forestry, and training services. As a distinguished Indigenous entrepreneur, McCrady brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to sustainable practices. The company’s name, “Mitigoog,” translates to “trees” in Oji-Cree, perfectly encapsulating their business ethos and commitment to nature.
The inspiration behind launching my business stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for addressing the needs within the arboriculture and forestry sector, coupled with a desire to contribute positively to my community. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, I saw an opportunity to not only provide high-quality services but also to promote sustainable practices and preserve our natural environment. Additionally, I was motivated by the chance to create employment opportunities for individuals within my community and to showcase the expertise and knowledge that our Indigenous culture brings to these fields. Ultimately, the drive to make a meaningful impact while pursuing my entrepreneurial aspirations propelled me to establish my own business, Mitigoog Solutions Inc.
To learn more about Mitigoog Solutions Inc, visit mitigoogsolutions.ca.
Lack of public charging infrastructure was found to be the highest stressor for EV owners.
Plug-in Thunder Bay supported over 40 chargers in the City.
Learn more about how the Thunder Bay CEDC is supporting EVs in Thunder Bay –and join the growing network of sustainable conscious consumers by visiting gotothunderbay.ca/plugin
Hope is Not Enough
Editorial by Juanita Lawson , Chief Executive Officer, NorWest Community Health Centres
Like many other communities, Thunder Bay has been hard hit by the drug poisoning crisis. For years, systematically marginalized and isolated people in our community have borne the heaviest costs. Yet one vital service— the city’s safe consumption site, Path 525—has been a beacon of hope, providing judgment-free, lifesaving care. Now, as it faces closure in 2025, both lives and the stability of our health system are at risk.
The drug poisoning crisis and the related emergencies and acute care needs mean added challenges, stress, and workload
to vital services adds to the high levels of isolation, desperation, and increasing frustration people have. It’s understandable. But right now, like a few other communities in the province, Thunder Bay has a place where people can go to get connected to services without judgment or fear.
Path 525 provides Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) at NorWest Community Health Centres, where health professionals practice a full continuum of addictions medicine—including treatment and harm reduction interventions—to help keep people alive and give
provide care that is rooted in the evidence of what works to help people while they’re still using drugs, while at the same time guiding them to other pathways.
Since 2021, Path 525 has seen more than 30,000 visits, with 450 overdoses reversed. Path 525 has not only saved lives but also eased the burden on local emergency services. Each overdose averted is one less ambulance call, one less ER visit, and one more opportunity for someone to seek further care on their terms. But the program isn’t just about a set of services, treatment options or addictions statistics. It’s a place where people get their lives and dignity back.
Path 525 is slated to close in March 2025 due to provincial policy shifts that prioritize abstinencebased treatment models over harm reduction services. This decision
spectrum of care Path 525 provides. What’s at risk now with Path 525 slated to close? What’s at risk are the trusted pathways that NorWest CHC have built to save lives, provide treatment options to address addiction and trauma, and help people move on to live healthier lives. What’s at risk is the capacity of our Emergency Medical Services and acute care to serve our community, as they will have to pivot to respond to increased drug poisonings. And what’s at risk is the very stability of Thunder Bay’s already precarious health system.
Let’s hope, fellow Thunder Bay citizens, but hope alone isn’t enough. We must act to ensure individuals who use Path 525—and by extension, our community—receive the care and services they deserve, and ensure that no one is left without lifesaving care when they need it most. Lives
Path 525, the city’s safe consumption site
OctoberEventsGuide
October 1, 2, 7–9, 14–16, 21–23, 28–30
Pierogi Days
Polish Combatants
Branch No. 1
Head over to the Polish Combatants Branch No.
1 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to buy perogies, cabbage rolls, vegan beet soup, and more. Pre-order, e-transfer.
807-345-1861
Until October 2
Co.Lab Presents: Abstracted
Whimsey by Brenda Hurley
Co.Lab Gallery + Arts Centre
Local artist Brenda Hurley will make her debut exhibition of oil paintings inspired by the Northwestern Ontario landscape, reflecting a joyful and somewhat whimsical version of what nature has provided as a subject.
colabgallery.ca
October 2–6, 8–12
Magnus Theatre Presents: Gaslight
Magnus Theatre
Set in the Victorian era, Gaslight follows Bella, a young bride, who is driven to believe she is losing her mind. Her husband Jack, however, reassures Bella that there is nothing wrong and that she is simply imagining things. But is she imagining them? Tickets available online. magnustheatre.com
October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 11 am
Lil Wednesdays
Goods & Co. Market
Goods & Co Market is happy to offer a safe and comfortable area for kids of all ages. Parents and guardians can come in, order a coffee and a snack, and catch up with friends while the kids have some fun.
goodscomarket.ca
October 3–5, 10–12
Haunted Harbour
Alexander Henry Museum Ship
Are you brave enough to immerse yourself in the nightmare of a sailor who never truly left the ship? Haunted Harbour will return this year, offering tours at 6:30 and 8 pm. Proceeds go towards Our Kids Count and the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay. ourkidscount.ca
October 4, 6 pm
Witches Walk
Goods & Co. Market
The third annual Witches Walk in support of Community Living Thunder Bay will start at Goods & Co. Market, where you will get your map before exploring the participating merchants in the waterfront district. Head back to Goods by 9 pm for an evening of dancing, drinks, and entertainment. Tickets are $22.63 and available online.
cltb.ca
October 4-21
Co.Lab Presents: One People, One Planet, One Justice
Co.Lab Gallery + Arts Centre
Organized by Fritz Lehmberg (of Early Snows Pottery), One People, One Planet, One Justice presents the work of artists from all over the region exploring community and connection. See this month’s Art section for more info.
colabgallery.ca
October 4 & 5, 8:30 pm
The Baby Goat Comedy Tour
5 Forks Restaurant
Growing up in an immigrant household while learning to navigate the unpredictable streets of Toronto, comedian Jesse Singh brings his own unique perspective to life on stage. Tickets are $22.63 and available online.
@thepunjabitimbit
October 4–6
Lake Superior Paranormal Convention
Various Locations
Some of the most prominent names in the paranormal industry will gather to share their expertise on paranormal investigating, hauntings, spirits, psychic abilities, and more. Locations vary by date. Tickets are available online. See this month’s Top Five for more info. lakesuperiorparacon.com
October 4–January 5, 2025
Colin Davis: Steel, Grease, Gasoline
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
Why so metal? Steel, Grease, Gasoline is the debut solo exhibition by Colin Davis. In a series of oil paintings, he invites viewers to explore the complexities of rural life, the nuances of northern masculinity, and the allure of the fantastic. theag.ca
October 4–January 5, 2025
petal, clay, berry, leaf: natural inks, dyes, and pigments of
Northern Ontario
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
This group exhibition presents new expressions and experiments with natural inks, dyes, and pigments in northern Ontario by four women artists at different stages of their careers. See this month’s Art section for more info.
theag.ca
October 4–January 5, 2025
Collections
Remix: Robert Markle and Clifford Maracle
Thunder Bay
Art Gallery
Collections Remix pairs work by two artists to create new understandings of these artists and the gallery’s permanent
collection. Experience the work of Robert Markle and Clifford Maracle in critical new juxtapositions of portraiture, whirligigs, the female nude, and abstraction.
theag.ca
October 5, 11 am
The Gunflint
Scramble
Bearskin Lodge, Grand Marais, Minn.
The second annual Gunflint Scramble is a 20-mile mountain bike race on Minnesota’s famed Gunflint Trail. Beautiful scenery, punishing climbs, and a friendly atmosphere await you at Bearskin Lodge this October. Register online. gunflintscramble.com
October 5, 8 pm
Reality Scmeality
Airlane Hotel & Conference Centre
Mackinley, a selfproclaimed “delusionist,” combines his five senses to create the illusion of a sixth. Old favourites will be performed, as well as new, never-before-seen delusions over this night of unforgettable magic and mystery. Tickets are $27.96 and available online.
facebook.com/ mackinley.magic
October 5
Belluz Farm Hall
Dinner
Goods & Co. Market
This five-course, farm-totable dinner will feature a menu comprised entirely of seasonal and local ingredients from Belluz Farm and Superior Seasons Farm Store vendors prepared by
chef Aakash Rathod of Woodside Catering in collaboration with local restaurants. Tickets are available online. belluz-farms.square.site
October 5 & 6, 10 am Creekside & Trevisanutto’s Fall Artisan Market
Creekside Nursery & Garden Centre
Come out to this twoday fall market with over 80 local vendors in attendance. creekside.ca
October 5–6, 12–14, 19–20, & 26–27
Pumpkinfest
Gammondale Farm
For 30 years, Gammondale Farm’s Pumpkinfest has been a Thunder Bay family tradition, featuring many outdoor attractions including Canada’s biggest pumpkin catapult, a pumpkin train, and a pumpkin slingshot. See this month’s Top Five for more info. gammondalefarm.com
October 5, 6, 11, 13, 19, 20, 25, & 27
The Haunted Lakehead: Port Arthur Ghosts and Gore
The Boreal Museum
This tour will show you the north core like you have never seen it before as you hear about some of the most interesting past and current hauntings, murders, and crimes to take place in the city. Times vary by date. Ages 13+. Tickets are $33.90 and available online. borealmuseum.com
October 6, 11:30 am & 4:30 pm
Movies at West Thunder Community Centre
West Thunder Community Centre
You’re invited to an immersive movie experience with a screening of Casper (11:30 am) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (4:30 pm), where audience participation is encouraged. Admission is a cash donation to West Thunder Community Centre.
facebook.com/ westthundercommunity centre
October 7, 21, & 28, 7 pm
Kickin’ It
Country with Lady T
Elks Lodge 82
Get ready to boot scootin’ boogie! Tricia DePiero (better known as Lady T) hosts fun and interactive line dancing lessons that are open to dancers of all skill levels, genders, and abilities. $20 for adults, $10 for youth, and children under 12 enter free.
@kickinitcountrywithladyt
October 10, 6 pm
Indigenous Author Series:
Niigaan Sinclair
Brodie Resource Library
Niigaan Sinclair, one of Canada’s most influential thinkers on Indigenous cultures and reconciliation, will be reading from his latest national bestseller, Wînipêk. Registration required and can be done online.
tbpl.ca
October 10 & 24, 6:30 pm Craft Night
West Thunder Community Centre
Feeling crafty? This is a great opportunity to catch up on projects, show off your work, and learn from others. Craft Nights at West Thunder will occur every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Admission is a donation to West Thunder Community Centre.
facebook.com/ westthundercommunity centre
October 12, 11 am Haunted Grounds Market
Rose N Crantz
Roasting Co.
Looking for a day full of costumes, pumpkins, and spooktacular fun? Join Rose N Crantz for their second fall market (but spookified) where you can peruse a variety of locally made artisanal crafts and goods at the cafe. rnccoffee.ca
October 12 & 13
Come From Away
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
This musical tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Times vary by date. Ticket prices vary by seat and are available online. See this month’s Top Five section for more info. tbca.com
Until October 13
Culture Days 2024
Various Locations
For three weeks, local groups, organizations, and individuals will be hosting a series of free (or paywhat-you-can) activities, performances, and demonstrations that give behind-the-scenes access to local arts, culture, and heritage.
thunderbay.ca
October 16, 5 pm
TBPL True Crime Files
Mary J.L. Black Library
Thunder Bay has borne witness to many unique and interesting tales of crime. Check out this special fall drop-in session to delve into these shocking stories from our city’s past.
tbpl.ca
October 16–19
Terror in the Bay Film Festival
Paramount Theatre
The prestigious Terror in the Bay Film Festival showcases a chilling selection of the best independent horror films from around the globe. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info.
terrorinthebay.com
October 17, 6 pm
Full Moon Mass Ride
971 Carrick Street
Join Just Bike Thunder Bay as they kick off their monthly Full Moon Mass rides. Meet up at Superstore parking lot (near A&W) and take an easy group ride in a loop around a different area of Thunder Bay each month. Safety first: bring your blinkers, helmets, and/or high-visibility gear. facebook.com/ JustBikeTbay
October 18, 9:30 pm
Music Bingo
Red Lion Smokehouse
Music Bingo combines your favourite tunes with bingo. Each player receives a card with a mix of songs and artists, $2 per card or three cards for $5. Instead of calling numbers, a DJ plays the music. Bring your friends, grab a beer, and get ready to win some prizes. Bring your own dabber. redlionsmokehouse.ca
October 19
Northwest Climate Gathering 2024
Lakehead University
The second annual Northwest Climate Gathering is a day to comfort and inspire those aching to see more climate action here in Thunder Bay by supporting a multigenerational group in safe and respectful conversation and hands-on activities. nwclimategathering.ca
October 19, 9:30 am
Thunder Bay
Repair Cafe
Waverley Resource Library
Don’t toss it—fix it! Bring your broken items and let our skilled fixers breathe new life into them. Registration required and can be done online. See this month’s City Scene section for more info. tbpl.ca
October 19, 6 & 8 pm
Wheelies Roller
Rink: The Halloween Edition
Goods & Co. Market
Goods & Co. Market will bring back all the feels with their take on
Wheelies in TBay. Bring your own skates. Tickets are $20 per person. An allages version of the event will begin at 6 pm, and the 19+ event will begin at 8 pm. Helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear encouraged. goodscomarket.ca
October 19
Ooky Spooky 4 Halloween Drag Show
Black Pirates Pub
Get ready for the fourth installment of ooky, spooky, kooky, and creepy drag as TBay’s best scream queens and killer kings rise from the grave for the ultimate Halloween spooktacular. See this month’s Film and Theatre section for more info.
@wigginsproductions
October 20, 7:30 pm
The Vampire Circus
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
Heralded as a mix of circus, cabaret, and theatre, all with a Halloween twist, The Vampire Circus is a mysterious, tantalizing, fun, dark, and cutting-edge production guaranteed to amaze the senses. Tickets range from $57 to $77 and are available online. tbca.com
October 23–25
Buck-A-Bag Book Sale
Brodie Resource Library
Come browse a massive collection of used books at the three-day book sale in the lower level of Brodie Resource Library. Fill a bag with clearance books for just $1. tbpl.ca/onlinecalendar
October 24, 5:30 pm
Pasta for Paws
Knights of Columbus
Come enjoy a delicious pasta dinner in support of Want A Pet? and Full Bowl Feeding Program. All proceeds from the upcoming fundraiser will be used to help in their mission of feeding animals in need. Tickets are $25. Phone for tickets.
807-251-2064
October 25, 8 am
Thunder Bay
Celebrity Hockey Classic
Thunder Bay Tournament Centre
Join Easter Seals Ontario and NHL alumni at this annual event offering hockey enthusiasts the chance to play with former NHL greats in a two-game tournament, as well as the opportunity to meet and greet the players during an exclusive VIP dinner the evening before. easterseals.org
October 26, 2:30 pm
Storytime with Thunder Bay
Drag Queens + Crafting with Queens
Waverley Resource Library
Join Lady Fantasia LaPremiere and Mz. Molly Poppinz for an hour of enchanting stories and fun activities celebrating diversity and acceptance. Then stick around for a 30-minute, guided crafting session led by TBay drag stars Faux Rocious and Fairy Contagious. tbpl.ca
October 26, 4:30 pm
CLTB’s 70th
Anniversary Gala
Superior Inn Hotel and Conference Centre
Community Living Thunder Bay is celebrating 70 years. Join them for a wine and cheese reception, followed by dinner and a live band. Tickets are $75 and available online. cltb.ca
October 26, 9 pm
The Hunger 17
Various Locations
If it’s Halloween, it must be The Hunger! This DefSup fundraiser is a massive, downtown-wide, Halloween festival, and one cover price of $20 gets you into all eight venues featuring 50 performance acts. See this month’s Top Five section for more info. definitelysuperior.com
October 26 & 27, noon
Halloween Hoot
Fort William Historical Park
Come to the Fort for trick-or-treating, monster mashing, and a costume parade during Halloween Hoot. Tailored for children ages 5–12, the event includes hands-on activities such as creepy crafts, spine chilling
storytelling, a spooky scavenger hunt, and more. Tickets available online. fwhp.ca
October 27, 10 am
Annual Harvest Craft Market
Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre
The 55 Plus Centre will be filled with vendors offering handcrafted items of all kinds. Admission is $3 and children 12 and under are free.
facebook.com/ tbay55pluscentre
October 27, 1 pm
In Conversation
With: Roy Blomstrom and Marion Agnew
Entershine Bookshop
Join Entershine Bookshop, in partnership with Michael Sobota, for an intimate conversation with local authors Roy Blomstrom and Marion Agnew about their books The Devil’s Violin, Making Up the Gods, and the writing life. Doors open at 12:30 pm. Free to attend.
entershinebookshop.ca
October 30, 8 pm
Wine Wednesdays
Red Lion Smokehouse Wine Wednesdays will return at Red Lion Smokehouse. On the last Wednesday of each month, sommelier John Murray will be leading an intimate group of wine lovers in an informative tasting. September’s theme is French wines. Tickets are $45 plus tax. Register online.
facebook.com/ redlionsmokehouse
Until January 12
Journeys:
Stories of Sheila Burnford and Susan Ross
Thunder Bay Museum
Showcasing a collection of vibrant artwork and artifacts, this exhibit will bring to life the stories of writer Sheila Burnford and artist Susan Ross, their friendship, and the impacts they left on the communities they visited. See this month’s City Scene section for more info. thunderbaymuseum.com
Sweet little bird
By Lisa P.
You wrote a poem to free your soul
Correspondence, you called her
And spoke of sweetness, distance, heartache
The words so familiar
Soft, downy
They tease and tickle my thoughts
As I search to decipher your desires, your dreams
My own delusions
Are these words for me
Or is every girl you kiss
Your sweet little bird?
Experience Nipigon in the fall! Explore breathtaking vistas, vibrant foliage, and peaceful bug-free trails. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty before winter ’ s snowy embrace.
sweet little bird, digital illustration, boy Roland
OCT 1
K-Man & the 45s with Dany Laj and the Looks + The Devil’s Sons
Black Pirates Pub
8 pm • $15–20 • AA
OCT 2
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 3
Open Mic Night
Lakehead Beer Co.
7 pm • Free • AA
Brass Camel
Black Pirates Pub
8 pm • $15–20 • AA
OCT 4
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Anchor & Ore
6 pm • Free • AA
TBSO Candlelight: An Evening With Andrew Lloyd Webber
Urban Abbey
7:30 pm • $75 • AA
Sober Dance Party
Fridays
Howl at the Moon
9 pm • Free • AA
Tumblestone presents: Northern Reach Network
Dog Rescue Benefit
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Pocket After Dark
Pocketchange
10 pm • Free • 19+
Headrush
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
V3nom
The Foundry
10 pm •$5 • 19+
DJ Rogue
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 5
Coney Hatch with Lockyer Boys & Psycho Therapy
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7:30 PM • $35 • AA
Femur & Friends
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm •$10 • 19+
Saddle Up
Saturdays
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Headrush
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Rock Bottom
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DJ Big D
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 6
Excuses Excuses
Black Pirates Pub
8 pm • $15–20 • AA
OCT 7
Open Mic
The Foundry
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 9
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 10
Open Mic Night
Lakehead Beer Co.
7 pm • Free • AA
Celtic Night
Red Lion Smokehouse
7:30 pm • Free • AA
OCT 11
Jazz & Old
Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Anchor & Ore
6 pm • Free • AA
TBSO
Northern Lights:
Paula DiGiuseppe
Da Vinci Centre
7:30 pm • $25–50 • AA
Sober Dance Party
Fridays
Howl at the Moon
9 pm • Free • AA
Videostar & Friends
Thanksgiving
Special
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Pocket After Dark
Pocketchange
10 pm • Free • 19+
Psycho Therapy with Vickers Creek
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
4Pillar DJs
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 12
Calling All Captains w/ Along the Lines + Lynxxy + Dual Black
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $15–20 • 19+
Saddle Up
Saturdays
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DJ Rogue
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 13
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 14
Sea Shanty
The Foundry
8:30 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 16
Danny Johnson’s
Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 17
Open Mic Night
Lakehead Beer Co.
7 pm • Free • AA
Open Mic Comedy
The Foundry
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 18
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Anchor & Ore
6 pm • Free • AA
TBSO Masterworks: Mozart - To Jupiter
Thunder Bay
Community Auditorium
7:30 pm • $25–50 • AA
Sober Dance Party
Fridays
Howl at the Moon
9 pm • Free • AA
V3nom! 3 Sets of Hits
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • $10 • 19+
Music Bingo
Red Lion Smokehouse
9:30 pm • Free • 19+
Pocket After Dark Pocketchange
10 pm • Free • 19+
Throwback
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Hunt & Gather
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 19
Blues Shakedown
Da Vinci Centre
6 pm • $60–75 • AA
Sebastian Bach: Child Within the Man Tour
NV Music Hall
7:30 pm • $48–358 • 19+
Saddle Up
Saturdays
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Throwback
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Mother of Wolves
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
DJ Rogue
Norteños Cantina
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 20
Gerdan Theatre - Choir from Ukraine!
First-Wesley United Church
7 pm • $0–67 • AA
Open Stage
Jam Sessions
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 21
Open Mic
The Foundry 8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 22
Salem Trials
Black Pirates Pub 8 pm • $15–20 • AA
OCT 23
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 24
Open Mic Night
Lakehead Beer Co.
7 pm • Free • AA
Celtic Night
Red Lion Smokehouse
7:30 pm • Free • AA
OCT 25
Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Anchor & Ore
6 pm • Free • AA
Music for the DEK Foundation
Oliver Road Community Centre
7 pm • $20 • AA
Sober Dance Party Fridays
Howl at the Moon
9 pm • Free • AA
Halloween Concert & Costume Party
Black Pirates Pub
9 pm • TBA • 19+
Pocket After Dark Pocketchange
10 pm • Free • 19+
Cheap and Easy
Wayland Bar & Grill
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Blood Red Moon
The Foundry
10 pm • $5 • 19+
OCT 26
TBSO Family: Halloween Spooktacular
St. Patrick
High School
2 pm • $13–25 • All Ages Saddle Up Saturdays
NV Music Hall
10 pm • $5 • 19+
Cheap and Easy
Wayland Bar & Grill
OCT 27
Open Stage Jam Sessions
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 5
8 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 28
Sea Shanty The Foundry
8:30 pm • Free • 19+
OCT 30
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Wednesdays
Shooter’s Tavern
8 pm • Free • 19+
Brought to you by:
For more info visit tbshows.com
Aries
(March 21–April 19)
Make way for some changes, Aries. Rams are always reinventing themselves, and sometimes life just simply takes us on a ride and it’s all we can do to hang on. Spending time outdoors is critical now to maintaining a clear head. Enjoy the fall colours and get in touch with nature. Dust off your journal and write down some goals for the last quarter of the year. Take some time to rest and reflect with a glass of steaming mulled cider. Home life is happy right now, but don’t get too cosy. Planning for the remainder of the year is essential.
Taurus
(April 20–May 20)
Sensual Taureans may find themselves a bit preoccupied this month. With the full moon on the 19th, there will finally be some time of clarity. Energy levels rise and fall this month, so it’s important to go with the flow. A fitness routine is beginning to pay off. People are starting to notice the results of your hard work. Bulls are stubborn creatures and will keep going through thick and thin. Enjoy a Halloween party this year with friends and family. A quiet dinner for two brings some laughter and a surprising revelation.
Gemini
(May 21–June 20)
What do you have to be thankful for this month, Gemini? Although the Thanksgiving holiday may bring our gratefulness to the forefront, it’s a must to keep this practice alive all year round. Try not to get sucked into the hustle and bustle of the
long weekend. Keep the activities to a manageable level and that way the stress factor stays down, too. Getting together with friends and family may feel long overdue. Don’t get caught up in reliving the past. Creating new traditions is okay, too. Happy turkey day!
Cancer
(June 21–July 22)
Crabs may find it soothing to visit a metaphysical shop this month. Spending some time in quiet repose can never hurt. It’s important to write down some goals at this time. Solitude is a good thing for you right now, to pause and reflect as you approach the year’s last quarter. Perhaps it might be a good idea to indulge in some yoga and meditation. Enjoy the energy of the young ghosts and goblins later this month, and don’t hesitate to get some treats just for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with a sweet little indulgence every now and then. Have patience when it comes to relationships, and keep standards high.
Leo
(July 23–August 22)
Proud Leos love to go all out all Halloween. Decorating the house is a fun activity to be had by all, complete with a family shopping trip for costumes. It’s all about the kids this year, Lions, so stand by with a whole bunch of treats for all. This prideful sign enjoys dressing up a bit themselves too. Grownup parties will be just as fun as the kids’ parties, if not more so! Career-wise things are flowing these days, so don’t hesitate to do some decorating at the work space as well. Treats are nice; just be wary of
the tricks. Celebrate a recent monumental life event. You’ve worked hard for your latest accomplishment.
Virgo
(August 23–September)
Virgos love the fall— all that crisp, clean air and delicious smells of turkey emanating from the oven. Creativity is high this month, and there may be some occurrences of burning the midnight oil in and around the new moon this month on the 2nd. Do take some time to sit under the stars and gaze at mother moon. Seeking solace in the kitchen may be surprisingly relaxing. Rolling out a pie crust and enjoying it at Thanksgiving dinner could bring some rave reviews for this earthy sign! Try something new this month, whether it be in the kitchen or otherwise. Virgos tend to get rooted in comfort. Live a bit on the wild side.
Libra
(September 23–October 22)
Happy birthday month, Libra! Your intuition is over the top right now. They say the veil thins around Samhain, which is the Pagan festival equal to Halloween and falls on the same day. Pay attention to the synchronicities around you; they may not be just a coincidence. Spend your special day in any way you please, even if it’s a bit unconventional. Happy solar return to this lovely air sign. May this be the best birthday yet. Enjoy your sparkle.
Scorpio
(October 23–November 21)
A burst of creativity will inspire Scorpions around the middle of the month. The blood moon on the
17th is bringing about fresh new thoughts and ideas. Run them by a mentor or muse and bring them into fruition. The end of the month is particularly social, and a good time will be had by all ghosts and goblins. Dressing up for some Halloween fun will add a bit of whimsy. Stay up a little later and let that rigid routine go—it’s okay to take a few days off in the name of fun. Happiest of birthdays to the late-month Scorpions.
Sagittarius
(November 22–December 21)
Nothing seems to stop a fiery Archer these days. Even in rest and repair mode, Saggies take their downtime seriously. Emerging strong and victorious is never not an option. Despite the double negative, Centaurs remain in it to win it. Family time is paramount this month, particularly around the Thanksgiving long weekend. Take a moment to enjoy a delicious coffee, a rich treat, and a good read. Consider reiki or other similar healing modality to light you up from the inside out. Starting something new at month’s end will put a sparkle in a Centaur’s eyes.
Capricorn
(December 22–January 19)
Some spooky fun lies ahead this month! Whether it be attending a psychic fair or going to a spooky museum to hopefully witness some paranormal activity, Goats are aiming for a delightfully social month. Career-wise, there could be some changes ahead, but only if this earthy sign is ready to take the next step. As outgoing as Goats can be, they
appreciate solitude as well. Pencil in some alone time and do some deep healing work within yourself. Simply watching a movie with the furry friends and taking time to just be is important.
Aquarius
(January 20–February 18)
Luck is on your side this month, Aquarius. This humanitarian sign often feels like they create their own luck, but sometimes a little help from the universe is in order. Friendships are ringing solid and true these days for you, so don’t hesitate to lean into those relationships. One doesn’t have to carry the load alone. Weekends seem to be highlighted lately, with a focus on leisurely browsing at local markets and farms. Breathe in that glorious fresh air and enjoy the fall colors. Every day is a gift. Time to get crafty!
Pisces
(February 19–March 20)
Thanksgiving could look a little different this year, Pisces, and that’s okay. It might be a good time to consider some travel plans. Whether going to visit family, or exploring the tropics, don’t hesitate to welcome in some new sights. It’s a big world out there and there’s still some bucket list items on the list. It’s time to truly be grateful for the present moment and revel in each other’s company. There’s been no shortage of challenges this year, that’s for sure. Never forget that there are people out there who have your back. Keeping a close eye on the northern lights brings peace. Enjoy the fall colours.
Colossal Crossword Fun Games for Everyone
Across
1. Force the foes away
6. Run up _ __ (Accumulate charges)
10. Big Apple's blazes-fighting force, commonly
14. Maude's portrayer on '70s TV
17. Souris __ Pits (Manitoba's glacial deposit attraction for rock hunters)
18. Montreal 'mother'
19. Musicals lyricist Tim
20. Quantity [abbr.]
21. St. Boniface place of worship (which looks like a tepee) designed by Bruxelles, Manitoba born architect Etienne Gaboury: 3 wds.
25. French-Canadian __ Soup
26. 'I Am. Canadian' (Molson) and 'get cracking.' (Egg Farmers of Ontario), e.g.: 2 wds.
27. Buying extravaganza
28. "And __ it ironic?" - Alanis Morissette
30. Letter's opening word...
31. Small runway aircraft [acronym]
33. Razor-sharp
34. English class compositions
36. Pippa, to Princess Kate
37. Alters the text
39. Henhouse
42. 'East' in Quebec
43. __ & Chandon (Champagne label)
44. Canada Post, CBC or the Bank of Canada, e.g.: 2 wds.
47. Canadian forestry product: 2 wds.
51. Owl's sounds!
52. Musicals baritone John, the father of Bonnie
54. Belonging to T.O.'s famous Tower
55. "__ Fade Away" by Buddy Holly
56. J.R.R. Tolkien monsters
57. Earnestness
59. Historic seaport of Spain
60. "Spider!"
61. 'Emerald Ash Borer', in brief (Invasive beetle)
62. Greek alphabet's last letter
63. Buenos __, Argentina
64. Bounced the basketball
67. Canadian critter construction: 2 wds.
69. Seaweed of Japanese cuisine
70. 'Fluor' finisher (Toothpaste stuff)
72. 1910 Claude Debussy waltz: "La Plus Que __"
73. __ __ the dotted line
75. Gent's title
76. Peaceful
80. tic __ (some breath mints)
81. "Behold!" to Brutus
83. Car
86. Son of Ark builder Noah
87. Ancient Irish script
89. Late-1970s sci-fi series on which Canadian actress Heather Menzies starred as Jessica 6: 2 wds.
92. Financial hedger [abbr.]
93. What 'PHL' stands for as per the 1920s Canadian sports organization: 3 wds
96. "__ Mir Bist Du Schon" by The Andrews Sisters
97. The Time Machine people
98. Hurt
99. Make two-plus-two not equal five
100. "__ Blues" by The Beatles
101. Dispatched
102. Being
103. Comparatively desert-like: 2 wds. Down
1. Acadian grated potatoes dish, __ Pie
2. P.T. Barnum's clever exit sign, 'This Way to the __'
