Verb Issue R49 (Oct. 12-18, 2012)

ISSUE #49 – OCTOBER 12 TO OCTOBER 18

TOO LEGIT TO QUIT WITH

DOWN WITH WEBSTER

A NEW DIRECTION Saskatchewan NDPs look for their next leader NOT A SINGER-SONGWRITER Q + A with Aidan Knight ARGO + HEAD GAMES Film reviews ­

PHOTO: COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC

CONTENTS

NEWS + OPINION

CULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT

Q + A WITH AIDAN KNIGHT

LIVE MUSIC LISTINGS

On being wildly ambitious. 8 / Q + A

Local music listings for October 12 through October 20. 14 / LISTINGS

INDIE STAND-UP

SHE’S GOT IT ALL

NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS

An independent comedy scene is growing in the prairies. 3 / LOCAL

Cara Luft writes the album of her career. 9 / ARTS

We visit The Gaslight Saloon.

VERBNEWS.COM @VERBREGINA FACEBOOK.COM/VERBREGINA

15 / NIGHTLIFE

EDITORIAL

EXCAVATING THE FUTURE

ARGO + HEAD GAMES

Sylvia Ziemann eyes the future. 9 / ARTS

We review the latest movies. 16 / FILM

A NEW DIRECTIION

ART & PRODUCTION DESIGN LEAD / ROBERTA BARRINGTON DESIGN & PRODUCTION / BRITTNEY GRAHAM CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS / TAMARA KLEIN, DANIELLE TOCKER, ADAM HAWBOLDT + ALEX J MACPHERSON

Saskatchewan NDPs search for a new leader. 4 / LOCAL

ON THE COVER:

DOWN WITH WEBSTER

Growing up with this Toronto group.

PUBLISHER / PARITY PUBLISHING EDITOR IN CHIEF / RYAN ALLAN MANAGING EDITOR / JESSICA PATRUCCO STAFF WRITERS / ADAM HAWBOLDT + ALEX J MACPHERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER / JESSICA BICKFORD

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS

THE HOLY CHOP

ENSO

ON THE BUS

Cutting non-Christian prison chaplains doesn’t make sense. 6 / EDITORIAL

Kitamura’s restaurant offers gorgeous sushi. 12 / FOOD + DRINK

Weekly original comic illustrations

by Elaine M. Will. 18 / COMICS

COMMENTS

MUSIC

GAME + HOROSCOPES

Here’s what you had to say about housing for the homeless. 7 / COMMENTS

Fred Eaglesmith, the Deep Dark Woods + Diamond Rings. 13 / MUSIC

Canadian criss-cross puzzle, weekly horoscopes and Sudoku. 19 / TIMEOUT

OFFICE MANAGER / STEPHANIE LIPSIT MARKETING MANAGER / VOGESON PALEY FINANCIAL MANAGER / CODY LANG

CONTACT COMMENTS / FEEDBACK@VERBNEWS.COM / 881 8372 ADVERTISE / ADVERTISE@VERBNEWS.COM / 979 2253 DESIGN / LAYOUT@VERBNEWS.COM / 979 8474 GENERAL / INFO@VERBNEWS.COM / 979 2253

PLEASE RECYCLE AFTER READING & SHARING

10 / COVER PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOHN BIEHLER

2 OCT 12 – OCT 18 VERB MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

LOCAL

INDIE STAND-UP

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JAYDEN PFEIFER

An independent comedy scene is growing in the prairies.

BY ADAM HAWBOLDT

J

ayden Pfeifer shouldn’t have been nervous.

It’s not like it was his first time on stage or anything.

He’d been on hundreds of them, maybe thousands. As an improviser with the General Fools comedy troop, he’d been in the comedy game for more than a decade. He’d performed all across the North America, he’d written comedy pieces for radio and been nominated for improv awards.

No, he shouldn’t have been nervous at all. But the first time Pfeifer took the stage to perform a stand-up comedy routine he was frazzled.

“I was terrified,” he corrects. “Utterly terrified.” It was 2007, or was it 2008? Pfeifer doesn’t remember exactly. But what he does remember is the crowd of people who were at The Exchange that night when he first tried his hand at stand-up comedy.

“A bunch of young people got together and started a small, independent monthly show. I’d heard about it earlier, so one day myself and a couple of friends went to check it out,” says Pfeifer. “Everyone in the room was really young, really green.

I was 28 years old at the time, and easily the oldest person there.”

You’d think being the guy who’d performed hours of live comedy, Pfeifer would’ve been more at ease during his first stand-up show. “In theory, you’d think that,” he agrees, “but for me, it was a lot different than doing improv. You get up on stage and it’s just you and a microphone.

There’s no one there to bounce ideas off of, no one to help you if you need a hand. It was, ‘Wow! I’m all by

myself and if this isn’t funny, it’s all my fault.’”

It didn’t matter how good or bad he was, Pfeifer just wanted to try something he’d always been a fan of.

It’s not like he was hell-bent on being the funniest guy in the room.

Five years on, and Pfeifer still isn’t hell-bent on being the funniest guy in the room. If, on any given night, he just so happens to be the most hilarious stand-up act, he’ll be happy with his

the scene here,” says Pfeifer. “Back then it used to be called Queen City Comedy, and like I said, it was just a bunch of young people getting together, doing something we loved.”

These days Queen City Comedy is called Pass the Hat, and many of the original stand-ups still remain.

They still help each other out, give each other advice on jokes. “We’re not just working for ourselves,” says Pfeifer, “we’re working together to build a scene here. An indie standup scene.”

[W]e’re working together to build a scene here. An indie stand-up scene.

JAYDEN PFEIFER

performance. But if someone else goes out and kills, he doesn’t get upset.

“It’s not important for me to be better than any of the other comedians in a show,” he says. “My job is to make the audience laugh, that’s it.

And hopefully everybody goes out and does their jobs. I want everybody to be funny, I want everybody to go up there and kill.”

And it isn’t just Pfeifer. A lot of stand-ups in Regina share the same sentiments. It seems to be an ethos of sorts for the indie stand-up scene that’s burgeoning in the prairies. A scene that began back where Pfeifer began — at the Exchange.

“You can definitely credit that show with helping to kick-start

So instead of putting on the more traditional stand-up shows, where you have an opener, a middle man, and a headliner, indie shows like Pass the Hat and the Comedy Grind do things a bit differently. “None of us are auditioning to be on someone else’s show,” explains Pfeifer. “People start their own shows and invite other local comedians to be on it. Not only are they trying to build their own fan base, they’re trying to build up a fan base for the comedians they invite. It’s all very inclusive.”

And speaking of shows, Pfeifer is upping the ante. Having graduated from five-minute bits to 30 minute acts,

he has decided to throw caution to the wind and put on a full hour-long special called Jayden Pfeifer Live!

“I had a feeling this fall would be a good time to challenge myself and do a longer set,” says Pfeifer. “So before I could stop myself or think too much about it, at my variety show [Red Hot Riot] I announced to the crowd of comedy fans I was doing a stand-up special on October 12th and 13th. After that, I didn’t have a choice, did I? I had to do it.”

That was two months ago. Since then, Pfeifer has been work-shopping material at weekly and monthly indie comedy shows in Regina, and slowly but surely ironing out the wrinkles in a set that will touch on personal (and hilarious) anecdotes

about everything from Pfeifer’s adolescence to being a dad to relationships gone wrong.

And now, five years after his first crack at stand-up comedy, Jayden Pfeifer is ready to take on yet another comedy challenge.

But even after all his experience, he still gets the jitters.

“Of course I’m nervous. Very nervous,” he admits.

“But I’m also very excited. This is going to be a whole new experience for me.”

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@AdamHawboldt ahawboldt@verbnews.com

3 OCT 12 – OCT 18 FACEBOOK.COM/VERBNEWSSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

NEWS + OPINION

LOCAL

(L-R) Cam Broten, Ryan Meili, Erin Weir and Trent Wotherspoon are vying for NDP leadership. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAM BROTEN AND RACHEL MALENA

A NEW DIRECTION

Saskatchewan NDP’s quest for a leader and a change.

BY ALEX J MACPHERSON

L

ast November, Saskatchewan New Democrats winced as their party was steamrolled by the Saskatchewan Party juggernaut. The NDP lost eleven of its twenty seats.

Many prominent New Democrats were defeated; their leader, Dwain Lingenfelter, was beaten

by Russ Marchuk in Regina Douglas Park. It was the worst election result in party history.

Lingenfelter resigned on election night, setting in motion a period of rebuilding for the battered NDP. In early March, party delegates will elect a new leader. Last month, four promising candidates emerged: Cam Broten, Ryan Meili, Erin Weir, and Trent Wotherspoon. Whoever wins will have plenty of work to do. Besides leading the official opposition, the leader must work to persuade the undecided to vote NDP in the next general election. Although the candidates have different visions of what Saskatchewan can become — and how it should get there — they agree that an injection of new ideas is the only way to transform the party.

Cam Broten is running what he calls a “campaign of ideas.” The current MLA for Saskatoon Massey Place, Broten, who is 34, was first elected in 2007.

“I’m running because I think that it’s

a very important time for our party,” he says. “But it’s an important time for Saskatchewan as well. After the last election, it’s clear that we as a party have a tremendous amount of work to do, I think within our party but also with … rebuilding credibility.”

Broten’s campaign is framed in terms of needs and aspirations, an approach he says has worked well for the party in the past. In practical terms, this means affording everyone in the province health and happiness. “It’s about reducing inequality in our province and at the same time recognizing … the environment matters.” But while Broten is prepared to grapple with big ideas, he also understands that what happens in the legislature cannot be dismissed.

“We’re the official opposition … so there’s most certainly a responsibility and an expectation and a need in the province for us to hold the government to account,” he says. “But it’s also important [to consider] — and Jack Layton talked about this a lot — opposition as well as proposition.”

Put simply, Broten wants the NDP to function not only as an effective auditor of the government, but also as a body that promotes ideas beneficial to people across the province.

Ryan Meili, who ran for party leader in 2009, is driven by his experiences

as a physician. “My experience with patients has sort of woken me up to the level of inequality and some of the particular challenges that are facing us politically,” he says. “When I’m seeing patients it’s great to be offering them help for what’s ailing them … but it’s very clear that to make any real difference in health outcomes … we need to be moving upstream to the things that have real impact: income, employment, education. And those are political questions.”

Meili, who is 37, has never been elected. He thinks his lack of experience in the legislature could be an asset. “My first answer is just nine plus one,” he says. “We’ve got nine talented MLAs; why not add to that talent pool with another voice?” This idea echoes Meili’s platform, which is about generating ideas rather than developing policies. Although he concedes that the party cannot “ignore the mistakes the government is making,” Meili wants to use the World Health Organization’s definition of health — “full social, physical, mental well-being” — as a guide for improving income equality, education, and renewable energy use.

“We’ve got the most sun and wind in the entire country,” he says. “Why don’t we have the most energy production from solar and wind? That seems to me an obvious place for us to be investing the funds that are

4 OCT 12 – OCT 18 NEWS + OPINION

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIN WEIR AND TRENT WOTHERSPOON

being brought in by nonrenewable resources. A place to start.”

Erin Weir, the other candidate without a seat in the legislature, chose to run for a simple reason. “What motivates me to seek the leadership is a sense that the Saskatchewan NDP needs to do a better job of articulating an alternative policy vision and saying specifically what we would

is to rebuild and renew the party,” he says. “That’s work that needs to be done outside the Legislative Building. I see it as being an advantage to have a leader who is … free to travel the province and lead that party renewal process.”

Trent Wotherspoon worked as an educator before entering politics.

His leadership campaign is focused

It seems plain that whoever wins will take the Saskatchewan New Democrats in a new direction.

ALEX J MACPHERSON

do differently than the Sask. Party government,” he says.

Weir, who is 30, is an economist.

He has worked in the Treasury Board Secretariat and the federal Department of Finance, as well for the Canadian Labour Congress and the United Steelworkers union. Although his proposal to eliminate donations by corporations and unions has generated a lot of coverage, he thinks his background in economics will help defeat the ruling Sask. Party. “A large part of the Sask. Party’s appeal is a narrative about the economy, and to challenge the government it’s very important for the NDP to have a good sense of economic issues,” he says.

And like Meili, Weir thinks lacking a seat may be an asset. “The big challenge for the Saskatchewan NDP

on inclusion. “It’s about making clear in the eyes of the public and members that we don’t fight an election for the sake of winning elections,” he says. “We fight elections so that everyone can be in and everyone can have an opportunity and so no one is left out in society.”

Wotherspoon, who is 33, was first elected in 2007. In addition to his seat in Regina Rosemont, he is the opposition critic for Finance, Education, and SaskPower. Although his duties in the house are time-consuming, he relishes the opportunity to travel the province. “The bulk of my time in my community and across the province always has been this sincere and engaging and enjoyable experience where you’re out listening with families and listening with businesses

and listening with producers and building out solutions and having discussions,” he explains.

Rather than release his policy plans immediately, Wotherspoon hopes to solicit opinions from people across Saskatchewan. It seems plain, however, that his vision for the province and the party will focus on education. “I know that if we’re going to pursue better educational outcomes, which we must to improve the outcomes for young people and brighter futures but also for our economy as a whole, we have to understand what else impacts those educational outcomes or those health outcomes,” he says, pointing to housing pressures and growing food bank usage rates as indicators of problems.

“As we boom, as we prosper, we need to make sure that the many have the opportunity to advance the wellbeing and quality of life of themselves and their families,” he says.

To date, no clear frontrunner has emerged. Broten and Wotherspoon are well-known names in Saskatchewan, but Meili and Weir have been working hard to generate support for their campaigns. It seems plain that whoever wins will take the Saskatchewan New Democrats in a new direction. Given the importance of effective opposition — and proposition — to our political system, that can only be a good thing.

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@MacPhersonA amacpherson@verbnews.com

5 OCT 12 – OCT 18 @VERBSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

NEWS + OPINION

EDITORIAL

THE HOLY CHOP

Cutting non-Christian prison chaplains doesn’t make sense.

BY THE EDITORS OF VERB

S

top us if you’ve heard this one before ...

A chaplain walks into the prison with a briefcase under his arm. In the briefcase there’s a Bible, the Torah, the Qur’an and a prayer mat. He strolls into the first cell he sees, opens his briefcase and says, “Okay partner, what’ll it be today?”

What the matter? You didn’t find that joke funny? That’s fair, neither did we. But do you know what? It wasn’t really a joke.

See, the Harper government recently decided to cancel nearly all the contracts of non-Christian chaplains in federal prisons. And if they have their way, the scenario you just read could very well happen.

The government, however, says this isn’t about targeting nonChristians. Instead, they defend their decision by saying they need to cut those positions in order to better allocate our (the taxpayers’) money.

But here’s the thing: it just so happens that nearly all the non-Christian chaplains who work the prisons are part-timers.

At the moment there are 80 fulltime chaplains in federal prisons across the country — only one of

them isn’t Christian. And of the 49 part-time positions the government is cutting, 18 are of non-Christian denominations. So, if you crunch those numbers, that means the federal government will be firing, oh, about 95% of all non-Christian chaplains in the prison system. No big deal, says the federal government. We’ll just have the remaining Christian chaplains buy into the multi-faith model already being used in the Canadian Forces. And frankly, we think that’s wrong.

First of all, who says that just because something is used in the Canadian Forces means it’s right and good? That’s just preposterous. But more important than that is the issue of Christian chaplains catering to Muslim or Jewish or Sikh or anything other than Christian inmates.

Stop and think about it for a second. It’s not as though these religions have a lot in common. Sure, at times they preach similar things and there is overlap in certain basic premises, but for the most part, people of different religions perceive the world through different lenses. And that’s okay — Canada prides itself on being multicultural, after all. Well, apparently except in jail.

And it’s not just us that thinks this move doesn’t make sense. As B.C. Sikh chaplain Harkirat Singh tells the CBC, “How can a Christian provide spirituality to the Sikh faith? They don’t have that expertise.” And the same holds true for all the other faiths.

So what, pray tell, should the federal government do? Well, we believe that this is an all-or-nothing kind of scenario. You can’t favour one segment of the prison population over another.

And you can’t expect a Christian chaplain to be able to effectively help Muslims and Buddhists and Sikhs and people of any religion other than Christianity grow spiritually.

So do we cut all the chaplain jobs and let the inmates worship on their own time in their own way?

This probably makes the most sense, as there is no empirical data that indicates religious counsel benefits inmates in any measurable way. Or we could stop playing religious favourites and employ chaplains of all necessary religions. The first option, if the federal government is looking to save the taxpayer money, would certainly be the most cost-effective.

But probably not wise. So it may be best for the government to make sure there’s religious fairness in the prison system.

And honestly, if they’re still hell-bent on cutting the part-time chaplain positions, then maybe they should put some serious and sober thought into getting rid of some of the 80, full-time Christian chaplains and replacing them with purveyors of different faiths. In a country that prides itself on being multi-cultural and multi-religious, like Canada does, it only makes sense.

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@VerbRegina feedback@verbnews.com

6 OCT 12 – OCT 18 NEWS + OPINION

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

COMMENTS

ON TOPIC: Last week we asked what you thought about housing for the homeless. Here’s what you had to say:

– Response to Home Sweet Home.

Eye opening way to look at the matter. Wish more people thought the way Mr. Mangano thinks. Awesome.

– Giving houses to people who need them is a bandaid solution and doesn’t address the root issues at play. We need to look at those first, before we dole out residences.

– Housing for the homeless is a great idea i myself have it pretty rough at times it would be awesome to know that the community cares!

– Housing for homeless editorial a good idea. Very progressive way of looking at things, and makes sense help with basic needs and individuals are given assistence they require to pursue other ambitions.

SOUND OFF – Modern history quiz. What’s the same and what’s different between Libya last year and Hungary in the late 1950s? Hint: American air support.

– To the Chili for Children responder. I have a better idea. Lets forget about the Treatys. White people give everything back. Lets see how well all that hard work and personality plays without all that stolen aboriginal lands waters and resources! Better yet you also all go back where you came from! See how well your sh*t plays there!

Text yo thoughtsur to 881 VE R B 8372

– I’m appalled at the text about the ‘crappy hamper’ text! Maybe you should rather be thankful for what you get and realize that the community has graciously donated many items to be part of our ‘crappy hamper’!

– To the person complaining about your food hamper: The world does not owe you anything. You are luck you live in a country that allows you clean water, free healthcare, social services, and yes, “free” food. If you don’t like it, send all of your benefits to a starving grateful child in Africa.

Hampers aren’t perfect but often people complain b/c they want junk food, instead of the nutritious foods they often get. Beggars can’t be choosers. I sincerely hope this comment was a stab at irony. Even the very poor in Canada aren’t as bad off as they think. I find those who truly deserve help (working poor and homeless) are the ones who rarely use the system and never complain.

– About the food hamper comment: I also noticed that the food donation bin at my local grocery store was also looking slim. So many of us have so much to be thankful for! So perhaps we could all try and give a little extra. Working together as a community is the only productive way to get things done, and helping out those who need it is a part of that. Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless!

– Meagan K. Is the best neice a person could ever have in the whole wide world! If you know this girl you tell her that her auntie Ronda said so. And if your a friend

of hers be a true friend to her do not use her nor take advantage of her treat her fair. Cuz youll never find another like her again! Love ya meagan. Xo

– Love how much diversity the verb has in it. But I’d love to hear more about the ever-growing metal/hardcore scene in the city. #yearoftheabomination

– Its not unusual to see about 20 crows in our neihborhood cawwing after our beautiful little birds but this morning as Im walking outside what do I see is 3 huge magpies on our deck trying to swoop down and get our cat! Yes I know keep the dam cat inside right? But really now.....

– You are sooo much more worth just the odd roll in the hay. You sit back and wait for the call that never comes. Maybe you have to just go and see for yourself if they’ll ever become something more. Better than sitting around waiting for a maybe. Be blunt and find out if therea gunna be or not gunna be! Like I said your worth way more than what you give yourself credit for.

– Lingerie football with womenl?

Okay. Well how about underwear football with men? It works both ways.

– God how I wish you would pick yourself up out of this slump. Its getting really hard on me mentally to watch you throw your life on the back burner. I feel like i cant do

anything right to help you. Everytime I turn around I feel guilty for not being a strong person to help you the right way or in the right direction. Its really really getting hard on me to watch you be like this. Im sorry I really am. I wish i could change things to make you happier but its out of my hands.

Its time you took a step in the right direction to make yourself happier.

I can always be there for you but I cant make you happy only you can do that. Im sorry.....

NEXT WEEK: Only Christian chaplains in jail.

Pick up a copy of Verb to get in on the conversation: We print your texts verbatim each week. Text in your thoughts and reactions to our stories and content, or anything else on your mind.

7 OCT 12 – OCT 18 FACEBOOK.COM/VERBNEWSSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

NEWS + OPINION

Q+A

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BRIAN VAN WYK

NOT A SINGERSONGWRITER

Aidan Knight pushes the outside of the envelope. BY ALEX J MACPHERSON

A

idan Knight is a singer-songwriter who doesn’t sound much like a singer-songwriter. His latest record, Small Reveal, blurs the line between acoustic folk, sensuous soundscapes, and orchestral pop.

Knight, who is 25, spent more than a year working on the record — which he and his band recorded in just ten days. Held together by tender vocals, the album is a dreamlike journey through the reaches of his expansive mind. I tracked Knight down for a conversation about sound, songwriters, and listening to Small Reveal.

Alex J MacPherson: I get the sense that Small Reveal is as much about sonics as it is about songs. Is that the case?

Aidan Knight: Yeah.

It feels like there’s a lot to every song, and I don’t say that in terms of being full of myself. For me, I’m just as excited about creating a story and doing a fingerpicked acoustic guitar song as I am about destroying a loop through an endless series of pedals and amplifiers. I’ve always been very interested in composition.

AJM: It would be easy to slot you into the singer-songwriter category, but your influences seem too broad for that.

AK: When I start creating something it morphs into a completely different end result sometimes. We started out thinking we were going to create this marriage of the highs of classical music and the lows — well, not the lows — of rustic pedal steel, more classic country and western, finding the middle ground between those two. In a weird way, I can see some of that shining through on some of the

on this, a lot of it did fall into a more classic singer-songwriter thing. I didn’t want to just create something standard; I always want to make something that is so beyond my grasp, so wildly ambitious.

AJM: What do you think you achieved?

AK: It came together in this way I can only say is really miraculous.

I always want to make something that is so beyond my grasp, so wildly ambitious.

AIDAN KNIGHT

songs, but on a lot of other moments on this record maybe none of those occur all at the same time.

Looking back at the songs, I realized that we had made an album, a collection of songs, about being creative, about being a musician, about writing songs. We had created songs about writing songs, which is a very meta thing.

AJM: So is it about trying to push the singer-songwriter paradigm as far as it can go?

AJM: Small Reveal has three instrumental “figures.” Can you tell me about those? Are they reference points? Signposts?

AK: I would say that is very apt. To be totally honest, maybe some of those ideas really have nothing to do with the music at all, and have to do with the idea of expectation — how other people are going to react to having a second album. I know the first one, while I thought I had laid some of the ground for the things we’re doing

AK: Sometimes, I think about how things will be listened to. On the other hand, I want to say that’s not important and I want to make the

thing I want to make. And I certainly think those three instrumentals are more reflective of what I wanted to make. They’re these three movements, but they’re also these breaths.

You’re hearing these dense songs and you get these moments, instrumentals. In the end, I felt like I couldn’t stand behind the idea of not having them in the album.

Aidan Knight Oct 23 @ The Artful Dodger $10+ @ Ticketedge.ca

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@MacPhersonA amacpherson@verbnews.com

8 OCT 12 – OCT 18 CULTURE

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

ARTS

SHE’S GOT IT ALL

Cara Luft writes the best album of her career. BY ALEX J MACPHERSON

T

here is an idea, commonly held, that great art can only be produced in times of great turbulence. Cara Luft knows this well. Her latest record, Darlingford, stems from a crumbling relationship and the despair that followed. “There are a lot of amazing songwriters out there who don’t write from really intense emotional spaces, yet they write these beautiful, amazing songs, whatever they’re about,” Luft says. “For me, I find that I feel this immense urge to create … when I’ve gone through a difficult thing.”

After years of live shows and hastily-recorded cassettes, Luft released her first EP, Tragedy of the Commons, in 1997. Since then, she has recorded a slew of material, including two albums with the Juno-winning Wailin’ Jennys. Her last album, The Light Fantastic, was praised by critics and fans alike; Darlingford, though, is even better. From “Only Love Can Save Me,” a simple song featuring ringing

open-tuned guitars, to “Charged,” a raucous live capture, the album is a journey from heartbreak to recovery.

Most of the album was committed to tape in Darlingford, Manitoba, where Luft and songwriter Lewis Melville sequestered themselves to write, record, and heal. “I purposely cowrote a lot of the material with somebody else,” Luft says of Melville’s influence.

“I needed somebody who … could come and offer honest feedback.”

It worked. Darlingford treads the line between the personal and the universal. The rawness of Luft’s emotional state is plain, but it is framed in terms anyone can understand.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Luft’s talent stretches beyond writing and singing. She is by any measure a fantastic guitar player, and Darlingford is a how-to manual for aspiring folk players. But that doesn’t mean Luft’s talent is obvious to everyone. “I’ve been battling, probably for the past eight years, to get people to perceive me as a singer, songwriter,

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JAMES TWOROW

guitarist extraordinaire, so when people look at the definition of what I am, it goes beyond singer-songwriter,” she says.

Darlingford, then, is the complete package: a collection of songs arranged on an emotional arc that stretches from total collapse to grinning recovery, a showcase for Luft’s not inconsiderable talent, and one of the best folk records of the year.

Cara Luft October 19 @ The Exchange $ 12 @ the door

EXCAVATING THE FUTURE

Sylvia Ziemann’s post-apocalyptic vision finds a home in Mysteria Gallery. BY ALEX J MACPHERSON

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

E

xcavating the Future, Sylvia Ziemann’s environmentally aware vision of a post-cataclysmic world, raises serious questions about the limits of western decadence without sacrificing humour at the altar of political discussion.

Her artwork is critical of wastefulness and idleness, but it also highlights the power of human ingenuity born from desperation.

“I want to make artwork that intrigues people, that isn’t boring to look at,” Ziemann says. “I really work hard on making a commentary on what I think is where we’re headed into the future — but I also like to have a bit of fun with it.”

The most significant works in the show are Ziemann’s renderings of what post-apocalyptic homes might look like. Reminiscent of Graeme Patterson’s Woodrow, Ziemann’s miniatures, some of which are made from recycled styrofoam, are exquisitely detailed yet mildly cartoonish.

Blending steampunk industrialism with snapshots of history and desperate engineering, her models strip

away luxury, leaving behind only what people need.

“You can see that in the way that other people have rebuilt after disasters,” Ziemann says. “Rather than thinking everything is going to be over with, [they] pick up and work together and cope. I think we’re smarter than we think we are, but we don’t imagine those scenarios.”

Ziemann, who was born in Calgary but now lives and works in Regina, also incorporates video into her sculptures. “Rebuilding After the Storm,” for example, includes a video of a woman demonstrating how to put on a gas mask. It is a jarring reminder of how quickly life can degenerate into a quest for survival.

“It’s fun to think about,” Ziemann says, “but it can be scary when you wrap your head around it.”

Excavating the Future may seem alarmist to some, but Ziemann is less interested in predicting the apocalypse than affirming our ability to survive. In this sense, Excavating the Future is about stripping away the unnecessary and leaving behind what is truly important. Her vision of instinctive architecture speaks to the connections we share with other human beings, the notion that when all else fails we still have each other.

And it shows how much we can be capable of.

Sylvia Ziemann: Excavating the Future Through October 27 @ Mysteria Gallery Free

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@MacPhersonA amacpherson@verbnews.com

9 OCT 12 – OCT 18 @VERBSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

CULTURE

COVER

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL

DOWN WITH WEBSTER

Cam Hunter on how to stay relevant in a changing industry. BY ALEX J MACPHERSON

T

he music industry is extraordinarily fickle.

Trends come and go, and today’s hit song stands little chance of gaining traction in the face of a relentless push for innovation, for modernity, for the next big thing. Simply getting a song on the radio is an accomplishment that eludes dozens of talented, driven bands and musicians.

Growing up in the Beaches, an east-central Toronto neighbourhood, Cameron Hunter knew all of this. And he didn’t care.

“I think it’s partially because we’re super stubborn,” Hunter says of his band’s success. “We always had an idea that we were going to make this work, and no matter what happened, if it looked like it wasn’t going to happen, we were always like, ‘No, it’s happening.’ If anything, I feel like we’ve willed it.”

Today, Hunter raps in Down With Webster, a powerful and dynamic pop group that emerged in the late 1990s and hasn’t stopped growing.

Despite mounting pressure to sell albums and tickets, Hunter and his

bandmates have refused to bend or buckle. This is not a new approach for the band: Down With Webster have relentlessly chased success since the very beginning. Now, that dedication is starting to pay off.

it is one of their greatest strengths.

“I think it has to do with the energy involved,” Hunter says of the live show, which ranges from deeply enthusiastic to indescribably energetic. “We go pretty crazy onstage.

It helps that there’s two rappers that aren’t anchored by instruments, that can literally just freak out and not concern [themselves] with chords or screwing up parts. We can literally just run around like maniacs. I think that helps. And I think from doing it for so many years as children, we became very confident onstage and put a lot of thought into it. At the end of the day, you get back what you put in. We spent so many years thinking how we can make this better, what we can do to make this interesting…

How can we outdo that?”

According to the often-heard story, Down With Webster was formed for a grade eight talent show. It was a success. In just a few years, Down With Webster would be a common name in Toronto. Today, Hunter attributes the group’s success to their stout work ethic. “We’d been kicking around in Toronto, playing shows, since we were 14,” he explains. “By the time we were 18 or 19, we were already at the point where we were selling out big venues in Toronto. We had been going to labels since we were kids, banging on doors, trying to give people our CD. Ultimately, it was us building a fanbase and making enough noise through the live show that brought any kind of real interest.”

That live performance eventually produced a record deal. Today,

Some people find it easy to mock bands like Down With Webster.

Certain circles look down on what they perceive to be the forces of commercial success, mass appeal, and primetime airplay. This is a ludicrous attitude. Dismissing Down With

Webster as purveyors of boilerplate rap rock is downright sophomoric.

Hunter and his bandmates are successful not because they appeal to the lowest common denominator, but because they work hard to keep pace with trends while avoiding the originality vacuum that traps so many promising pop acts. Another band that does this is the Rolling Stones. Just as Jagger and Richards wrote disco songs in the ‘70s and

Fans come back for more because it’s never clear what Hunter and company will come up with next.

Curiosity is one of the main reasons fans snap up records and tickets by the thousands. Time to Win, Vol. 2 has produced four singles: “She’s Dope,” “Big Wheels,” “Royalty,” and “Jessica.” All are different, all are unique.

“She’s Dope” features simple, mildly self-deprecating rap verses and a towering chorus that includes

At the end of the day, you get back what you put in.

CAMERON HUNTER

pop songs in the ‘80s, Down With Webster writes songs that will keep them relevant.

Time to Win, Vol. 2, their latest effort, is an example of how internal dynamism and self-awareness can produce music that resists classification and, more importantly, keeps pace with broad shifts in the industry.

everything a rock band needs: easyto-remember lyrics, crunchy guitars, and plenty of shouted “oh oh.” “Big Wheels,” on the other hand, is powered by a simple acoustic guitar lick and rapid-fire rap vocals; the chorus, true to form, is simple, catchy and effective. “Royalty” is again different. More like a mainstream hip hop CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE »

10 OCT 12 – OCT 18 CULTURE

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

track, the song mines familiar themes — girls, drinks, parties — and gives Hunter and Martin “Bucky” Seja, the band’s other rapper, a chance to show off. Finally, “Jessica” is a straightforward pop song with a rapped bridge, the unmistakable Down With Webster addition.

“A lot of bands will come up under a specific scene, and they really fit into that mould and that scene,” Hunter says when asked about how much freedom the form allows. “But when that scene dies, all of a sudden they die. We have the ability to literally make whatever we feel like.

We’re not part of a scene and [there isn’t] that risk of, ‘is this music going to be relevant in five years or are we going to be f*cked?’ It’s much more open-ended.”

A large part of Down With Webster’s sound, which is polished and accessible, is the result of firstrate production. Like many hip hop acts, Hunter and his bandmates cite production as an integral part of the recording process. “We’re lucky enough to have a couple guys in the band, mainly Marty [Andrew

Martino], our drummer, who is really good at production,” Hunter says.

“We’re from that generation of kids who grew up on computers, on laptops. [We have] the tools to be like, I don’t have to wait to go into a studio to make a song sound great. We have the ability — any song we write is being produced by us simultaneously.”

What surprises Hunter, though, is how few people emulate Down With Webster’s sizzling blend of pop rock and hip hop. Although their evolutionary chain is clear — Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Gym Class Heroes — very few groups working today sound anything like Down With Webster. Which is interesting considering just how broad the band’s appeal is: people who like rock like Down With Webster, people who like pop like Down With Webster, and people who like rap like Down With Webster. “It’s weird,” Hunter laughs.

“I have no idea, no clue how we’re the only ones. There are other groups that sort of do it, but they tend to be a little bit [harder]. Groups like Limp Bizkit and Hollywood Undead…also do rap mixed with rock, but it tends

to be more traditional. A lot of what makes us different is we tend to be different on the production end of things … We can literally incorporate anything that we want … There could be a f*cking flute sample, and it doesn’t matter.”

And while Down With Webster have achieved plenty of success, Hunter likes to think big. “The next step is bigger, better songs,” he says.

“Even more radio play. Even better received albums. And, of course, expansion. That’s on everyone’s mind.

Everyone wants to not only be big in Canada, but be big in the U.K., be big in the United States, be big in Australia and Japan. It’s a big world — and it’s just a matter of making everything bigger, everything better.”

Down With Webster October 23 @ Brandt Centre $ 42.50+ @ Ticketmaster Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@MacPhersonA amacpherson@verbnews.com

11 OCT 12 – OCT 18 FACEBOOK.COM/VERBNEWSSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

CULTURE

FOOD + DRINK

FULL CIRCLE

Photography courtesy of Danielle Tocker.

Upscale atmosphere and gorgeous sushi at Enso. BY JESSICA BICKFORD

K

enta Kitamura has been a prominent figure in Regina’s Japanese food scene for years now, and he is finally living his dream of owning his own place — Enso.

avocado, cucumber, salmon and a spicy mayo, topped with sesame seeds.

The rainbow roll was a colourful addition to the beautiful platter of sushi we received. A California roll topped with sections of salmon, tuna,

Topping off our platter was a gorgeous arrangement of salmon sashimi made to look like a rose, complete with a radish butterfly. It was absolutely divine.

Enso has such a great atmosphere and Kenta is the consummate host, putting as much care into each dish as he clearly has into the rest of his restaurant. Whether you are a raw fish fanatic, or like to stick to the cooked options, Enso has something you will love.

Enso has such a great atmosphere and Kenta is the consummate host…

JESSICA BICKFORD

Kenta’s menu is compact, but covers all of the classics with a few surprising rolls and one appetizer that I haven’t seen anywhere else in Regina — tuna tataki. The slices of just barely seared tuna in a special sauce were firm and subtly sweet.

The other starters were just as good, and included a fresh and cool tuna avocado salad, crispy tempura, and my personal favourite — green beans. The pork gyoza (dumplings) were incredibly juicy, and the sticky sweet chicken kushiyaki was perfect for sharing.

We moved on to some ura maki (inside out rolls) starting with the crunchy California roll, which had crab, avocado, tempura crunch and a nice spicy mayo. Next was a personal favourite and great veggie option: crispy and sweet yam tempura rolls.

The salmon firecracker roll featured lovely raw salmon, avocado, tempura crunch and a wicked chili sauce that had a nice burn.

The New York roll was something new on Enso’s menu, and contained

Enso Sushi & Japanese Cuisine 3243 Quance St. | (306) 205 9442

avocado and shrimp, this is great if you want a little bit of everything.

Also on our platter was a selection of nigiri sushi, which is a small bit of rice topped with a thin slice of raw fish. I had both scallop (sweet and firm) and tuna (smooth and buttery).

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372 @TheGeekCooks jbickford@verbnews.com

LET’S GO DRINKIN’ VERB’S MIXOLOGY GUIDE ENSO’S WASABI CAESAR

INGREDIENTS

The Caesar is a classic Canadian beverage, but add wasabi for a distinctly Japanese twist and you have brought this savoury drink to a whole new level of spice. Blow some minds at your next dinner party with this kicking good drink.

1 oz. vodka 2 oz. wasabi paste (mixed with water until it is pourable and light green in colour) a few dashes of Worcestershire 4 oz. clam cocktail seasoning salt celery to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Rim a tall glass with seasoning salt, then fill it with ice. Pour in the vodka, wasabi mixture, Worcestershire sauce and clam cocktail. Stir and garnish with a celery stick. Wasabi is strong stuff, so if you like things a bit less spicy, start out with ½ oz. of the wasabi mixture, and step it up from there if you would like a bit more heat.

12 OCT 12 – OCT 18 CULTURE

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

MUSIC

NEXT WEEK

COMING UP

FRED EAGLESMITH

THE DEEP DARK WOODS

DIAMOND RINGS

@ THE ARTESIAN ON 13TH TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 – SOLD OUT

@ THE EXCHANGE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25– $ 18

@ THE EXCHANGE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 – $ 13

Going strong since the ‘80s, this rock and roll/alt-country renegade keeps rambling across North America playing his gritty, road-worn songs about trains, tractors, guns, drinking, families falling apart and everything in between. Hailing from Ontario, Eaglesmith has been nothing if not prolific during his storied career.

With 19 albums under his belt and a host of his songs being covered by country superstars like Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Alan Jackson, Eaglesmith has proven to be an immense, independent talent. Not too shabby for a kid from Caistor Centre who left home at 15 and started his music career performing in hobo camps. Eaglesmith will be playing at the Artesian next week; tickets available at picatic.com or the door.

How can’t you love this altcountry group from Saskatoon?

Playing everything from murder ballads to scrappy rock tunes, love songs to slow waltzes, this five-piece has a little something for everyone.

Consisting of Ryan Boldt, Burke Barlow, Chris Mason, Geoff Hilhorst and Lucas Goetz, The Deep Dark Woods have a sound that somehow balances grit, clarity, decadence and minimalism. Framed by subtle orchestration and driven by Boldt’s intimate voice, their songs linger with you long after the show is over.

Their Winters Hours album (2009), garnered the band a slew of awards, and their latest, The Place I Left Behind, is pretty darn good, too. Tickets available at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes and www.ticketedge.ca.

Writing, recording, producing: this electronic/pop musician out of Toronto does it all. Also known as John O’Regan, Diamond Rings got his start in the music biz by performing shows for friends at loft parties and in hole-in-the-wall bars. That didn’t last long, though. Once he released his home-recorded video for his song “All Yr Songs,” people began to sit up and take notice. Two albums later, audiences have come to love his quirky, whip-smart song-writing and his over-the-top glamorous live sets.

On stage, John O (as he was once known) gives heartfelt performances while dancing around with all the ease of a care-free teenager in front of a mirror. Advance tickets available at Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes or online at www.ticketedge.ca – By Adam Hawboldt

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: RICK FORGO / THE ARTIST / THE ARTIST

SASK MUSIC PREVIEW

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST

The world-renowned CMJ Music Marathon — New York’s largest music festival — is taking place October 16-20 in NYC. It attracts more than 120,000 music professionals, artists and enthusiasts to the city, and features more than 1,300+ performers in over 80 of New York’s greatest music venues. This year, Sask Music will be taking Rah Rah and Foam Lake.

Keep up with Saskatchewan music. saskmusic.org

13 OCT 12 – OCT 18 @VERBSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

CULTURE

LISTINGS

OCTOBER 12 » OCTOBER 20 The most complete live music listings for Regina.

S

M

T

14 15 16

W

T

12 13

17 18 19 20

FRIDAY 12

SUNPARLOUR PLAYERS, KALLE MATHESON / The Artful Dodger — Come check out these two incredible acts from Ontario. 7:30pm / Tickets $10 in advance (www.ticketedge.ca), $15 at the door IRISH ROVERS / Casino Regina — With a rollicking, rushing performance, this celtic six-piece will have you stomping your feet. 8pm / Tickets $30-35 (available at the Show Lounge box office or online at www.casinoregina.com) EXIT ELEVEN / McNally’s Tavern — Come out for a night of classic rock and roll covers. 10pm / Cover $5 DJ PAT & DJ KIM / Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night. 9pm / $5 cover ALAIN LALONDE / The Hookah Lounge — Come check out this dope local DJ/ producer as he does his thing. 7pm / The Hookah Lounge ALBERT / Pure Ultra Lounge — Come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm / $5 cover FLICKERS / The Sip — These rock and rollers from Moose Jaw play the kind of music you want to hear. 10pm / No cover if in attendance by 6pm ALEX RUNIONS / Whiskey Saloon — This Regina-based rocker’s star is on the rise.

8pm / Cover $5 DJ LONGHORN / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs. 8pm / Cover $5

SATURDAY 13

BETH ARRISON / Creative City Centre — This jazz musician has a beautiful, hypnotic voice. 8pm / Cover $10 THE LEAGUE OF ONE, BLOODLINE, TRENCH FOOT / The Exchange — These local bands bring energy to the stage. 8pm / Cover TBD DJ NOOR / The Hookah Lounge — This talented DJ knows how to rock a crowd.

7pm / $5 cover

BLUESSMYTH / McNally’s Tavern — This trio puts on one heckuva show. 10pm / Cover $5 DREWSKI / Pure Ultra Lounge — Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. 10pm / $5 cover THE FLICKERS / The Sip — These rock and rollers from Moose Jaw play the kind of music you want to hear. 10pm / No cover if in attendance by 6pm ALEX RUNIONS / Whiskey Saloon –This Regina-based rocker’s star is on the rise 8pm / Cover $5

the Canadian music scene. 8pm / Tickets $20 (Vintage Vinyl, Madame Yes, www. ticketedge.ca) JAM NIGHT, OPEN STAGE / McNally’s Tavern — Come on down and enjoy some local talent. No cover

THURSDAY 18

RAE SPOON / Artesian on 13th — This experimental pop musician plays seductive music. 8pm / $15 at the door; $12 in advance (www.picactic.com) OLD MAN LUEDECKE / Artful Dodger — One of Canada’s most beloved roots musicians. 8:30pm / $15 in advance (www. ticketedge.ca) or $20 at the door THE TRUE JIVE PLUCKERS / Casino Regina — This local trio is playing the A Night to Remember gala. 8:30pm / $30 for entertainment only (www.casinoregina.com RODNEY DECROO / The Club — An indie singer/songwriter born in Pittsburgh.

7pm / Cover TBD PS FRESH / The Hookah Lounge — DJ Ageless started spinning in Montreal, DJ Drewski in Saskatoon. They both landed in Regina and have come together to sling some bomb beats. 7pm / No cover OPEN MIC NIGHT / King’s Head Tavern — Come out, play some tunes, sing some songs, and show Regina what you got.

8pm / No cover RANDOM GROOVE BAND / McNally’s Tavern — Come out and support some damn fine local musicians. 8:30pm / Cover $10 DJ LONGHORN / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs. 8pm / Cover $5 CHRIS HENDERSON / Whiskey Saloon — This singer/songwriter and his band are always high-energy, consummate country musicians. 8pm / Cover $5

SUNDAY 14

SONGWRITERS SUNDAY / Creative City Centre — Featuring Andy Shauf, Chris Sleightholm and Robyn Koester. 8pm / Cover $10

MONDAY 15

SCOTT MACLEOD, DEON BLYAN / The Artful Dodger — These two guys have recently released new albums. 7:30pm / $5 in advance (www.ticketedge.ca) or $10 at the door PETER GREIF AND THE CANADIAN DRIFTERS / Casino Regina — What better way to celebrate Oktoberfest than with a concert like this? 7pm / Tickers $10 (www. casinoregina.com) ELVIS, ELVIS, ELVIS / Conexus Art Centre — Featuring three of the greatest Elvis tribute artists in the world. 7:30pm / Tickets $46.25-57.25 (www.admission.ca)

TUESDAY 16

THE CRACKLING / Artesian on 13th — This up-and-coming Vancouver act is well worth checking out. 8pm / Cover $10 TROUBADOUR TUESDAYS / Bocados — Come check out some live tunes from local talents every week. 8pm / No cover ROYAL WOOD / The Exchange — Serene, heart-felt tunes from this wildly talented Canadian musician. 8pm / Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door KARAOKE TUESDAY / McNally’s Tavern — Famous live music venue offers its patrons a chance to share the stage. 8pm / No cover THE PEANUT BUTTER GENOCIDE, CHRIS SLEIGHTHOLM / O’Hanlon’s — Come get your dose of electronic rock and psychedelic music. 9pm / No cover

FRIDAY 19

CATHERINE MACLELLAN / Creative City Centre — You don’t get much better than this east-coast folk singer/songwriter.

7:30pm / $17 in advance, $20 at the door CARA LUFT / The Club — This folk singer/ songwriter is the founding member of the trio The Wailin’ Jennys. 8:30pm / Cover $12 DJ PAT & DJ KIM / Habano’s Martini & Cocktail Club — Local DJs spin top 40 hits every Friday night. 9pm / $5 cover ALAIN LALONDE / The Hookah Lounge — Come check out this dope local DJ/ producer. 7pm / The Hookah Lounge JOHN MCCUAIG BAND / McNally’s Tavern — Come out for a night of great Canadian rock and roll. Oh, and bagpipes too!. 10pm / Cover $5

WEDNESDAY 17

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FOLK / Bushwakker Brewpub — Featuring Kathy Stochmal and Friends. 9pm / No cover MATT MAYS / The Exchange — This east-coast rocker is making a splash on

BLACK MASTIFF / O’Hanlon’s — Some good old-fashioned rock. 9pm / No cover ALBERT / Pure Ultra Lounge — Appearing every Friday night, come listen to Albert as he does his spinning thing. 10pm / $5 cover WONDERLAND / The Sip — A night of classic rock and one-hit-wonders from one of the finest acts in town. 10pm / No charge if in attendance by 6pm CHRIS HENDERSON / Whiskey Saloon — This singer/songwriter and his band are always high-energy, consummate country musicians. 8pm / Cover $5 DJ LONGHORN / Whiskey Saloon — Come check out one of Regina’s most interactive DJs as he drops some of the best country beats around. 8pm / Cover $10

SATURDAY 20

MATTHEW DE ZOETE, MARK CEASER / Creative City Centre — Both of these musicians are brimming with originality and talent. Come see what they’re all about.

8pm / Cover $10 HIWAY 45, TONGUE JUNGLE / The Exchange — Come on out and see what these two talented acts are all about!

8pm / Cover TBD

JOHN MCCUAIG BAND / McNally’s Tavern — Come out for a night of great Canadian rock and roll. Oh, and bagpipes too!. 10pm / Cover $5 DJ NOOR / The Hookah Lounge — Born in Kuwait and exposed to the international club scene at a young age, this talented DJ knows how to rock a crowd. 7pm / $5 cover DREWSKI / Pure Ultra Lounge — Doing what he does best, every Saturday night.

Come on down and dance the night away with this local DJ. 10pm / $5 cover WONDERLAND / The Sip — A night of classic rock and one-hit-wonders from one of the finest acts in town. 10pm / No charge if in attendance by 6pm CHRIS HENDERSON / Whiskey Saloon — This singer/songwriter and his band are always high-energy, consummate country musicians. 8pm / Cover $5

GET LISTED Have a live show you'd like to promote? Let us know! layout@verbnews.com

14 OCT 12 – OCT 18 ENTERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

NIGHTLIFE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 @

THE GASLIGHT The Gaslight Saloon 1235 Broad Street (306) 721 1390

MUSIC VIBE / Rock, with a

good mix of everything else FEATURED DEALS / 2 for $8 on domestic beer and highballs DRINK OF CHOICE / Burt Reynolds shooter TOP EATS / The Gaslight burger and fries SOMETHING NEW / Saturday night jam, starting at 7pm

Photography by Jeff Hamon Photography – feedback@verbnews.com

15 OCT 12 – OCT 18 FACEBOOK.COM/VERBNEWSSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

FILM

STRANGER THAN FICTION

PHOTO: COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES

A taut, compelling political thriller, Argo tells a true story that delivers in a big way. BY ADAM HAWBOLDT

I

t’s 1979. In Iran, a group of militants storm the U.S. embassy, taking 52 people hostage. Of the individuals in the building, six manage to escape out the back door and seek refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor.

At Taylor’s place they become known as “houseguests,” but with each passing day the chance of them being found increases. Danger mounts. If they’re found the consequences won’t just be harsh — they’ll be deadly.

Okay. That’s the scenario. Now, let’s pretend for a moment you’ve been charged with getting those six diplomats out of Tehran and back home safely. What would you do?

If you’re CIA operative Tony Mendez, you put together a group of exfiltration specialists, pretend to be a film crew, get permission from the

And that, good reader, is the premise of Ben Affleck’s new movie Argo. Sound a little implausible?

Like a plot that’s being stretched too

Argo is also further proof that Ben Affleck is one of the finest directors working today.

ADAM HAWBOLDT

government to enter Tehran in order to scout locations for your new sci-fi flick, then try to rescue the hell out of the diplomats and head back home to the good ol’ U, S. of A.

far for Hollywood’s sake? Well, it’s not. It’s a true story.

And Argo tells it in a way that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re a nail biter, expect

your nails to be chewed down to the quick because Argo is an immaculately paced political thriller that you should watch.

Wait. No, scratch that. Argo is an immaculately paced political thriller that you have to watch.

Not only does it have a terrific cast (Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Ben Affleck, etc.), not only is the movie tense, intelligent and wonderfully acted, but Argo is also further proof that Ben Affleck is one of the finest directors working today.

Yes, you read that right.

The guy who starred in such fantastic movies as Gigli, Surviving Christmas and Daredevil has now become a top-of-the-heap director.

Seriously. Think about it. Gone Baby Gone was terrific. The Town was cool as all get out of here. And now with Argo, Affleck shows he’s a serious and undisputed talent behind the camera. How serious?

Well, let’s just say that Argo, in all probability, is going to be nominated for best picture come Oscar time.

That’s not saying that the film is going to win.

After all, there are still a lot of terrific looking movies on the not-too-

ARGO Ben Affleck Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman + Alan Arkin DIRECTED BY STARRING

128 MINUTES | PG

distant horizon (and a few that have already been released). But given how good this movie is, and given that it makes a smart comment on the current climate of U.S. geopolitical relations, there’s a good chance Argo will curry favour with the academy.

That’s not to say it’s a perfect movie. There’s an entire subplot about Mendez (played by Affleck) and his family that kind of detracts from the overall story arc. And, being Hollywood, certain historical accuracies are, shall we say, tossed by the wayside (Canada! Canada was involved!) But other than that, I must admit Argo is one of the best movies I’ve seen this year.

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@AdamHawboldt ahawboldt@verbnews.com

16 OCT 12 – OCT 18 ENTERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

PHOTO: COURTESY OF VARIANCE FILMS

HARD KNOCKS

Head Games, a new documentary about sports and concussions, is an eye-opening gem. BY ADAM HAWBOLDT

H

ow much are you willing to put on the line for a game?

That’s the driving question behind the new documentary Head Games — and it’s a damn good question, too.

Directed by Steve James (the same guy responsible for the terrific flick, Hoop Dreams), the documentary takes an up-close-and personal look at head injuries in sports, and the effect they are having on our brains.

At the centre of the story is Chris Nowinski, a guy who played football most of his life, graduated from Harvard, then wrestled under a pseudonym in the WWE. After suffering a severe concussion in the ring, Nowinski walked away from wrestling and wrote a book called Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis, which inspired the documentary.

But a doc about one man, well, that’s not Steve James’ style.

So along with Nowinski, James enlisted Alan Schwarz as another character/interviewee in his movie.

Schwarz, in case you’re wondering,

With these two acting as the principals, Head Games goes on to interview a host of doctors and athletes talking about sports and concussions, and their lasting effects. There’s former NHLer Wayne Primeau, talking

[W]e see how degenerative brain diseases, depression, even suicide, can result from … hitting your head…

ADAM HAWBOLDT

is a New York Times sports reporter whose beat is concussions, and who has researched and written numerous studies/articles about the head health of NFL players.

about the concussions that ended his career. There’s Anne McKee, a professor of neurology at Boston University, who cuts through the brains of dead NFL vets. There are ex-Olympic

soccer players, professional football players, you name it.

And therein lies one of the greatest strengths of Head Games — the eyeopening array of voices assembled.

From them we see how degenerative brain diseases, depression, even suicide, can result from repeatedly hitting your head while playing sports. As Schwarz says at one point: “It’s been known for a long time that banging your head over and over and over again can be a bad thing.”

Another strength is the framing device James uses. Instead of just letting all these health professionals and ex-athletes have their say, he sets the entire narrative around a football game at an elementary school in Chicago. There, with parents watching on, these little fellas hammer the ever-loving hell out of

HEAD GAMES DIRECTED BY Steve James STARRING Chris Nowinski 96 MINUTES | N/A

each other; this lends a lot of gravitas to the movie.

Touching and illuminating, this documentary hits home, and if you watch Head Games, you may never look at sports the same way again.

Head Games will be opening at the Regina Public Library on October 18.

Feedback? Text it! (306) 881 8372

@AdamHawboldt ahawboldt@verbnews.com

17 OCT 12 – OCT 18 @VERBSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

COMICS

© | Check onthebus.webcomic.ws/ for previous editions! © Elaine ElaineM. M.Will Will| blog.E2W-Illustration.com | blog.E2W-Illustration.com

18 OCT 12 – OCT 18 ENTERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

VERBNEWS.COM

TIMEOUT

CROSSWORD CANADIAN CRISS-CROSS 24. Playing marble 26. Speak well of 28. Exclamation used especially by children 31. Be the reason for 35. Serving receptacle 36. Charge per unit 38. Nothing 39. Be wrong with 40. Well ventilated 41. Lawyer’s charges 42. Have its place 44. Part of the Pleistocene epoch 46. Reluctant 47. Hospital worker 48. Court order

49. Inheritable factor

DOWN 1. Short pointed beard 2. With nothing on 3. Winning serve 4. Spasm of pain 5. Stanza 6. You, in the Bible 7. Large coffee maker 8. “Go away!”

9. Belief 11. Behave theatrically 12. Some cleaning supplies 14. Pitcher with a wide spout 17. Sully

20. Fruit of the blackthorn 21. Thirst-quencher 23. Painful 25. On one occasion 27. Ideal husband 28. Wound with a knife 29. Bay window 30. Fat used to make candles 32. Feeling of anxiety 33. Military operation 34. Different 37. Failing to win or lose 40. Dead set against 41. Plant without flowers 43. Paddle 45. Signal to speak

SUDOKU ANSWER KEY

A

B

6 3 2 9 5 4 1 7 8 1 4 9 2 7 8 6 5 3 7 5 8 6 3 1 9 4 2 9 7 4 5 8 6 3 2 1 8 2 1 7 4 3 5 9 6 3 6 5 1 9 2 7 8 4 5 1 6 8 2 9 4 3 7 4 8 7 3 1 5 2 6 9 2 9 3 4 6 7 8 1 5

1. Mosquito 5. Returned portion of a ticket 9. Put your hand on 10. Afternoon hour 12. Schoolbook 13. Change the title of 15. Poker player’s stake 16. Cousin of a bassoon 18. Kind of truck 19. Mild exclamation of surprise 20. Pass gradually through 21. Place where something stands 22. Advantageous purchase

3 9 4 6 1 7 8 2 5 7 1 8 5 2 4 3 9 6 5 6 2 9 8 3 4 7 1 8 3 7 2 4 6 5 1 9 9 2 1 7 3 5 6 4 8 6 4 5 8 9 1 7 3 2 4 8 9 3 5 2 1 6 7 2 7 3 1 6 8 9 5 4 1 5 6 4 7 9 2 8 3

ACROSS

© WALTER D. FEENER 2012

HOROSCOPES OCTOBER 12 – OCTOBER 18 ARIES March 21–April 19

LEO July 23–August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23–December 21

Better roll up your pants, Aries, because you’re going to be hit with a flood this week — of suggestions. Choose what’s best for you, and all will be cool.

There’s a world of difference between confident and cocky. Be sure to err on the side of confident this week, Leo — there’s no flies on you.

Is there another word for thesaurus?

Is it wrong for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers? With some consideration, you could find the big answers this week.

TAURUS April 20–May 20

VIRGO August 23–September 22

CAPRICORN December 22–January 19

You many experience tension between you and a loved one this week, Taurus. But don’t sweat it. Things will pass and all will balance out … eventually.

Dear Virgo, we know you care deeply about others, but forget them for a week. Make the next seven days all about you. You deserve it, champ!

People see you as practical, Capricorn. As pragmatic and sensible.

So if you want to have fun this week act a little crazy, then enjoy people’s reactions.

GEMINI May 21–June 20

LIBRA September 23–October 23

AQUARIUS January 20–February 19

Flexibility: that’s the key word for this week, Gemini. And we’re not talking about your ability to put your ankles behind your head, either. Savvy?

Ever try to balance a knife on your finger tip, Libra? It’s tricky. But nowhere near as tricky as the balancing act you’ve got coming up this week.

Take some “me” time this week, Aquarius. Relax, recharge the batteries, think about your life and where it’s going. This will benefit you in the long run.

CANCER June 21–July 22

SCORPIO October 24–November 22

PISCES February 20–March 20

Emotions will run strong this week; learn to harness their power or else you may end up weeping into a bag of chips watching reruns of Mad About You.

We know you like to play things cool, Scorpio, but this week do us a favour: pull down the mask and let people see the real you. Because you rock!

By nature you’re an easy going, laid back person, Pisces. Not this week, though. Something’s going to get stuck in your craw, but good luck getting it out.

SUDOKU 3 4 6 1 5 7 8 3 6 9 3 4 8 7 5 1 2 7 5 4 6 9 1 2 4 8 3 5 2 7 9 1 6 9 2 8

CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY

A

5 7 8 1 4 9 7 5 8 6 1 2 4 2 2 4 3 9 6 3 5 1 2 7 1 8 3 8 6 9 9 3 4 6 7 5

B

19 OCT 12 – OCT 18 FACEBOOK.COM/VERBNEWSSASKATOON

CONTENTS

LOCAL

EDITORIAL

COMMENTS

Q+A

ARTS

COVER

FOOD + DRINK

MUSIC

LISTINGS

NIGHTLIFE

FILM

COMICS

TIMEOUT

ENTERTAINMENT

VERBNEWS.COM