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Vue Weekly races into four-digits territory THE FUTURE OF EDMONTON GRIESBACH 5 • NEW YEAR’S EVE STYLE GUIDE 31

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2 UP FRONT

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

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Created

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ISSUE: 1000 DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014 COVER ILLUSTRATION: CURTIS HAUSER

LISTINGS

ARTS / 26 MUSIC / 47 EVENTS / 49 CLASSIFIED / 50 ADULT / 52

FRONT

4

"We have more eggs than we know what to do with." // 6

DISH

8

"A goopy pie interior means the whole thing threatens to rip apart if you're not careful." // 8

ARTS

20

"The piece I'm going to be showing at the salon is a persona that I've created, an elusive woman who's not really of this world." // 20

FILM

27

"I don't believe du Pont is so absolutely Machiavellian that he dissociates from his banter. It's his refuge." // 27

MUSIC

40

Live music 7 days a week

"He's my Yoda. He made me realize that it's OK to trust my instincts." // 42

1000th ISSUE! • 15

NEW YEAR'S STYLE GUIDE • 31

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

UP FRONT 3

NEWS EDITOR: REBECCA MEDEL REBECCA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEPOINT

REBECCA MEDEL REBECCA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

The wild, Wildrose

The Wildrose Party wants to join forces with the Conservatives.

Sure, it was only a few weeks ago that Danielle Smith was scolding now-former party members Kerry Towle and Ian Donovan for crossing the floor to the PCs, while this week she's thinking of leading at least half of the party there herself. Words don't mean much in politics; actions, however, speak volumes.

It seems the Wildrose Party has dealt with too many blunders to recover from in recent weeks: losing four byelections to Jim Prentice in October; Joe Anglin quitting the party before he could be fired for "secretly taping them"—which was never proved; party members voting to reject a policy to respect the rights of minorities—namely, the gay community; vice-president of communications in Calgary-Glenmore, Terry Lo, quitting the party after this policy was rejected.

Smith has even said she'll quit as leader if the Wildrose doesn't win the 2016 election. That doesn't seem like a likely win, so jumping ship and teaming up with Prentice is one way of saving face.

But what does this mean for the rest of the province? The PCs already hold 63 of the legislature's 87 seats. If they add even seven seats from the Wildrose, they'll hold 80 percent of seats— that's a lot of sway. There are just not enough alternate voices in the legislature with the Liberals' five, NDP's four and the nowindependent Joe Anglin. This could possibly give the Liberals back Official Opposition status, which the Wildrose has had since 2012.

The Conservatives have been in power in Alberta since 1971, the longest time in power for any party in Canada, and a merger with the Wildrose will only make them stronger and harder to replace. They may be more Red Tory than right-wing Conservative in many respects, but the stream of political thought in Alberta for the last four decades has been dominated by this one party.

At least with the Wildrose as opposition, there has been a continual check on the doings of the PCs. But if the party folds, the Liberals and the NDP will have a mega task before them to keep this new mega party in line. V

DYERSTRAIGHT

TONY LUONG // TONY@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Home for the holidays

Spending time with family is not pleasant for everyone I am filled with excitement in preparation for the holidays. Having said that, I understand that for many LGBT*Q+ folks, going home for the holidays does not necessarily represent warm, fuzzy feelings. Sometimes it can be a major source of anxiety or stress.

Living away from home, many folks take the opportunity to come out while in their new surroundings, so returning home can put some in an awkward position: like having to temporarily step back into the closet. It is always difficult when you cannot express yourself truly. This can even result in depression and loss of selfawareness.

There are those who are out to their families, but their identities have not been fully accepted by them. From my experience as a peer-supportive listener, I've heard that some families do overtly antagonistic things such as refusing to use the correct pronouns for trans* folk, pressuring them into

conversion therapy, refusing to let them bring their partner(s) to holiday functions and so on. What I hear the most is that a person might come out as queer to their family, only for the response to be silence, and an unwillingness to acknowledge who they truly are. Confusion arises when we are hurt by those we love, which may lead us to believe that we are to some extent unlovable by forces outside of our control. That said, it is important to remind ourselves that we are not to blame; it is not our fault.

Trans* writer Janet Mock pointed out that there are feelings of guilt and worthlessness from "having to hide those parts of ourselves; those parts that we all store away in boxes deep within, where they gather the dust of shame that clouds us." I want us to be able to open those boxes so that we can be accountable to our truth, but not if that means we have to give

up our personal safety. The common narrative in queer communities is that we need to be "out" in order to live a life of contentment and happiness, or that it is a personal obligation. However, we must take into account that this cannot be a reality for everyone. I think there are other ways to engage in a process of ongoing self-discovery by finding ways to affirm our selfworth outside of the home.

When going home is not an option, I think communities and chosen families can help support us when we are struggling to find love and acceptance.

It is important to give people the freedom to create their own families. Drag superstar RuPaul once said: "We love you, you are so welcomed here. You know we as [LGBT*Q+] people we get to choose our family.

We get to choose the people we're around. I am your family, we are family here. I love you." V

GWYNNE DYER // GWYNNE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Climate change: the impossible deal Developed countries started this mess and need to pitch in to get everyone out of it For "shall," substitute "may." For example, change "countries signing this climate-change treaty SHALL state how much they are going to cut their greenhouse emissions" to "countries signing this climate-change treaty MAY state how much they are going to cut their emissions if they feel like it, but if they don't, hey, no problem."

It's like the old Irish joke. A lost traveller comes up to a local resident and asks how to get to Dublin. "Well, sir," replies the local, "if that's where you want to get to, I wouldn't start from here."

If you ask anybody involved in the climate-change negotiations how to get to a global deal, you'll probably get the same answer. "If that's where you want to go, sir, you shouldn't start from here." But here is where we have to start from, like it or not, which is what makes the negotiations so difficult.

The last preliminary meeting on a global treaty to stop runaway climate change has just wound up in Lima, Peru, two days late. The final two days were spent watering down various parts of the text so that no country would just walk away. That's where SHALL was changed to MAY,

4 UP FRONT

not once but many times. So quite a lot of the substance has been lost even before the final negotiations begin in Paris next December.

It was bound to happen. That's what diplomacy is for: devising some way of making the problem a little less bad even when a comprehensive deal that really solves the problem is impossible.

But why is the comprehensive deal impossible? Because of the history.

There is a fair deal that wellinformed people in every country would accept, and everybody involved in the climate negotiations knows what it is. Most parts of this deal were on the table at the last big climate summit in Copenhagen in 2009, but its political implications were so big that many governments simply ran away. The deal collapsed and we lost five years.

Here's the only deal that would be fair to everybody. The "old rich" countries—those that became industrialized 100 years ago or more—would make big cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions starting now: say, 40-percent cuts in the next 10 years or four percent a year.

That's a lot, but it is achievable, because the demand for energy in most rich countries is already in decline and much of the energy they do produce is wasted. Getting the first 40 percent is not all that hard and cuts of that scale up front would give us much more time to work on the remaining emissions.

This is not the part of the deal that drives the governments of the developed countries into headlong flight. It's the other part, in which the developing countries (the other six-sevenths of the world's population) only have to cap their emissions for the next decade, not actually cut them.

You can legitimately ask the developing countries to cap their emissions, but you can't insist that they stay poor. Even the biggest developing countries like China, India, Brazil and Indonesia are still comparatively poor, and to give their people a developed-world living standard they will have to go on increasing their energy production for decades.

If they can't do that by building more fossil-fuel plants (because they have

capped their emissions), then they will have to do it by building more "clean" energy sources: wind, solar, nuclear, anything except coal, oil or gas.

Those "clean" energy sources are generally more expensive than the fossil fuels they used to depend on, so who covers the extra expense? Answer: the developed countries.

This is the deal killer. You cannot get the developing countries to cap their greenhouse gas emissions unless they get subsidies from the rich countries to help them build "clean" energy sources instead. And the developed countries regard this demand for subsidies ($100 billion a year was the figure on the table at Copenhagen five years ago) as outrageous.

It is not really outrageous at all. In view of the history of greenhouse gas emissions, it is quite fair. But almost nobody in the developed countries knows that history.

It's quite simple. The developed countries are rich because they started burning fossil fuels between 100 and 200 years ago and industrialized early. The developing countries only started burning fossil fuels in a big

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

way 30 or 40 years ago, and are still climbing out of poverty. SO 80-PERCENT OF THE GREENHOUSE GASES OF HUMAN ORIGIN IN THE ATMOSPHERE WERE PUT THERE BY THE RICH COUNTRIES. The rich countries caused this climate crisis; the developing countries only inherited it. So the responsibility for dealing with it—and paying for it—rests mostly with those who caused it.

Until public opinion in the developed world understands that this deal is fair, no government in the rich world will dare sign up for it. It would be political suicide. And until that deal is signed, no major developing country will agree to cap its emissions.

In the developing world, everybody who counts politically understands the history of greenhouse gas emissions very well. One does sometimes wonder if the rich world's apparent ignorance of this history is a little bit self-serving. V Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

NEWS // POLITICS

// Curtis Hauser

Goodbye Peter, hello what's-yer-name?

The newly created riding of Edmonton Griesbach is the one to watch now that Peter Goldring is retiring

W

hile Conservative MP Peter Goldring's press release warning of the risks of "consorting without protection" and urging his fellow MPs to protect themselves with "body-worn video recording equipment" became a countrywide joke late last month, many of his constituents, the people living in Edmonton East, hoped it might be the last time he made a fool of himself since being elected in 1997.

Janis Irwin is the NDP candidate in the newly created riding of Edmonton Griesbach, which will swallow most of Edmonton East under redistribution effective October 2015. She says that people in the riding have had enough.

"People, even Conservatives, were shaking their heads," she says, adding that the press release, issued indelicately in the midst of a sexualharassment scandal on Parliament Hill, "definitely caused a reaction at the doors, but it's really just one of a long string of embarrassing moments for the residents of Edmonton East."

Edmonton East resident Chris Craddock agrees.

"Peter Goldring was the worst," he says, enumerating a laundry list of complaints, including the MP's arrest in December 2011 for failing to provide a breathalyzer sample to Edmonton police following a fundraising event in his riding. "I'm very glad he's leaving, and my only regret is

that he had the job long enough to earn millions in pension."

Irwin says she's heard similar comments since securing her party's candidacy in a hotly contested nomination that brought out more than 300 members to vote at a meeting this past June.

The 30-year-old educator says she's spent the summer knocking on thousands of doors.

"Whether or not Goldring had decided to retire, I sense that people are ready for change," she explains.

"And it's not just Goldring they've had enough of. I'm sensing a real disenchantment with the Conservatives overall."

new boundaries had been in place.

According to them, there would have been little difference in the result in Edmonton Griesbach.

Undaunted by these numbers, Irwin thinks that a whole new slate of names on the ballot will shake the

in August. His acclamation was held in the same venue at the Alberta Avenue Community League, which was crammed with NDP members for its nomination two months prior.

"I don't want to get into specific numbers," he says. "I want to talk about how the Liberals are very strong in the riding right now, even though there was little interest in the last two election cycles. Our theme is that this is a new riding and it deserves a new approach."

Coles similarly dismisses the idea that because the nomination wasn't contested it indicates a lack of interest in or strength of his party in the riding.

Asked what issue he hears about most when door-knocking, he replies, "I think it can all be pinned down to a lack of national leadership, whether it be on pipelines, infrastructure or transportation."

He mentions sewers backing up in Northmount and potholes throughout the city. Acknowledging these are municipal issues, Coles says the federal government has a role to play in providing stable infrastructure funding to municipalities.

"I'm also encountering a lot of public-health issues, specifically mental health," he adds. "I want to be part of a government that is committed

I'm very glad he's leaving and my only regret is that he had the job long enough to earn millions in pension.

Edmonton East is a riding that has traversed the ideological spectrum in the past 25 years. Ross Harvey won the riding for the NDP in 1988 for one term, losing it to the Liberals' Judy Bethel in the 1993 election and giving the nod to Goldring the one after that. While the riding loses the Riverdale community, which becomes part of Edmonton Strathcona, it gains neighbourhoods west of 97 Street in the Calder area.

PollMaps.ca redistributed the results of the 2008 and 2011 elections to determine what percentage of the vote each party would have received if the

Conservatives' support, noting three of the four MLAs that represent provincial constituencies within the riding are held by New Democrats including MLA David Eggen, with whom she spent last weekend canvassing.

"People are used to seeing NDP candidates at their door and they are welcoming the message we are delivering," Irwin says. "The key issues I'm hearing about relate to affordability. Whether it's a lack of childcare, the high cost of prescription drugs or the housing market—people are struggling. Only the NDP are offering solutions."

Daniol Coles is a health-benefits associate for a multinational consulting firm who was acclaimed as the riding's Liberal Party candidate

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

to finding solutions to some of these problems, has some understanding."

Vying against Irwin and Coles to be the first MP sent from the new riding will be former journalist and one-term Ward 11 Edmonton city councillor Kerry Diotte, who squeaked to victory in a nomination vote held December 6 against Goldring-endorsed accountant, Omar Tarchichi. Diotte is the only candidate amongst the three who doesn't live in the riding, but he's hoping to capitalize on some of the support he received when he ran for mayor in 2013.

Despite his third-place finish in that race, when asked why he would choose a north-side riding to which he has no apparent ties, he points out that he did better in his mayoralty bid on the north side of the city than the south. In fact, the only ward besides his own where he managed to exceed 20-percent support was Ward 7, which takes up a large part of the federal riding. In an email thanking his supporters for the nomination, Diotte claims his team has brought the Conservative message to more than 10 Â 000 doors in the riding.

With the opposition candidates working just as hard, Edmonton Griesbach is measuring up to be one of the few ridings in Alberta next fall that earns a "One to Watch" label.

MIMI WILLIAMS

MIMI@VUEWEEKLY.COM

UP FRONT 5

FRONT NEWS // BACKYARD CHICKENS

'Tis the season to raise chickens Edmonton's urban-hen pilot project is full of supporters—and eggs

How eggciting! // Trina Moyles

N

ew holiday traditions are being made—and laid—in Linda and Troy Johnson's backyard this holiday season. Outside, the Christmas lights twinkle on the newly constructed chicken coop while inside, their family enjoys eggs harvested daily and mugfuls of homemade eggnog.

"We have more eggs than we know what to do with," Linda says with a

laugh, explaining that their family's four hens lay one to two eggs every day.

The Johnsons are homeowners in Rutherford and were overjoyed by city council's decision in August to approve an urban-hens pilot project.

The goal of the project is to generate data on the benefits and challenges of raising urban chickens in

WINTER/ SPRING

CONTINUING STUDIES | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | LIFELONG LEARNING

2015

Edmonton. City council will analyze the data and make a decision in late 2015 on whether to change the bylaw to allow people to keep urban hens.

"We had done a lot of reading and researching [on urban chickens] over the years, so we were really keen to participate," Linda says. "It just made sense to have our food close to home and to be able to use our kitchen waste and scraps to feed the hens."

Within 10 days of submitting their application, which included a blueprint plan for the coop and letters of consent from their neighbours, the city gave the Johnsons the green light to construct a henhouse for roughly $300 and bring home four feathered "ladies."

Over the past four months, the city has approved 25 different households to participate in the pilot project, and 18 are currently active in the city.

"We were looking for a diversity of locations and a combination of peo-

ple with different experience levels," explains Keith Scott, coordinator of the city's animal control centre.

Sarah and Mike Dickey, who live in King Edward Park with their two daughters, had never raised chickens before. They converted their daughters' old playhouse into a henhouse after receiving approval from the city in September.

"I admit that I was hesitant," says Sarah, who works part-time at the Cross Cancer Institute. "Because I stay part-time at home with our daughters, I thought I would be the one doing most of the work. But it's turned out to be less work than I thought."

The Dickeys are raising Isa Brown hens, a breed known to be less noisy and flighty—ideal for a city setting— and better-suited to endure Edmonton's coldest months.

According to Scott, the frigid temperatures are what sets Edmonton apart from warmer North American

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Believe it or not, chickens can also get frostbite.

"It's not like Vancouver or warmer municipalities where the chickens remain outside all the time, you don't have to insulate your coop, and the water doesn't freeze," Scott says.

Animal Control has played an important role in the pilot by conducting site visits and making sure the sizes of cages are large enough and that they are properly insulated to keep the birds warm through Edmonton's harsh winter.

But cold weather isn't giving Margaret Fisher the winter blues. She believes the colder temperatures could actually be advantageous for keeping urban chickens in Edmonton.

Fisher is an organizer with the River City Chickens Collective, an urbanhen advocacy and education group that was highly involved in lobbying city council to approve the pilot project. She is also a local veterinarian and expert in animal disease control.

"Edmonton's probably better than some other cities because we don't have a lot of diseases here—the cold weather is helpful in that regard," Fisher says. "There are respiratory and fungal diseases in other warmer parts of the world that we just don't see here."

Groups and city councillors who opposed the pilot project cited concerns over the risk of "bird flu," along with the potential for bad odours, noise and chickens getting loose, but Fisher is confident the outcome of the project will dispel these fears.

"If there are predator problems or disease problems, then those are all valid reasons to ask whether this is a good idea or not," Fisher adds. "But I don't think any of those things are going to happen."

Though Animal Control has received a few complaints from neighbours of the pilot sites over the past months, Scott says they've been able to mediate concerns by working directly with those making the complaints and siteowners to make changes.

But Johnson and Dickey both say they've experienced nothing but curiosity and enthusiasm from their neighbours over the past few months.

"The deal we have with our neighbours is that when we go away for the weekend, whoever takes care of the hens also gets to keep the eggs.

So our neighbours are also benefiting," Dickey explains. "It's something positive for everyone."

Edmonton's urban-hen pilot project is scheduled to continue until August 2015, when the city will evaluate the outcomes and make a decision whether to change the bylaw or not.

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cities like Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles where bylaws allow for backyard chickens.

TRINA MOYLES

TRINA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

CHEERS TO THE EDMONTON BARS, PUBS, LOUNGES, CASINOS AND CLUBS WHO’VE MET A

HIGHER STANDARD.

53 hardworking Edmonton venues have just achieved Best Bar None Accreditation for 2015. And it didn't come easy.

All Best Bar None venues have demonstrated a commitment to patron safety, responsible management and customer service.

This is their way of saying, “We’ve Got You Covered” on your nights out. Find out more at BESTBARNONE.AB.CA

They are committed to making a safe night out with friends that much more enjoyable.

They are Edmonton's best, bar none.

All Best Bar None venues have demonstrated a commitment to patron safety, responsible management and customer service. This is their way of saying, “We’ve Got You Covered” on your nights out.

Find out who they are at bestbarnone.ab.ca

HERE’S TO THE BEST! BAR / LOUNGE

LARGE PUB

WINNER Schanks Sports Grill 1ST RUNNER-UP The Old Strathcona Rack 2ND RUNNER-UP On The Rocks Flair Lounge - Mama Pizza (Millwoods) Squires The Billiard Club The Nest Taphouse Grill - Nait Tyson’s Sports Bar And Grill Zen Lounge

WINNER O’byrne’s Irish Pub 1ST RUNNER-UP Hudsons Canadian Tap House (Wem) 2ND RUNNER-UP Mercer Tavern The Druid Irish Pub The Pint Public House (Jasper Avenue) The Pint Public House (Whyte Avenue) The Rose And Crown Pub

CASINO

WINNER The Gaming Centre At Northlands Park Racetrack And Casino

CLUB

WINNER The Ranch Roadhouse 1ST RUNNER-UP Mixx Party Bar 2ND RUNNER-UP Cook County Saloon Diamonds Gentlemen’s Club Eden Pawn Shop Live Union Hall

1ST RUNNER-UP River Cree Resort & Casino (Tap 25 Sports Bar And Centre Bar) 2ND RUNNER-UP Century Casino

PUB

HOTEL / RESTAURANT LOUNGE

WINNER The Lion’s Head Pub - Radisson Edmonton South 1ST RUNNER-UP Teddy’s Palace 2ND RUNNER-UP Boston Pizza Lounge (Mill Woods) Boston Pizza Lounge (North Central) Boston Pizza Lounge (South Common) Nova Lounge - Chateau Nova Hotel And Suites Shades Bar And Grill - Smitty’s Kingsway Shades Bar And Grill - Smitty’s Manning Crossing Shades Bar And Grill - Smitty’s Mill Woods Shades Bar And Grill - Smitty’s Northgate Shades Bar And Grill - Smitty’s Westmount The Duke Of Argyll Pub - Four Points By Sheraton South Vinny’s Bar - Sicilian Pasta Kitchen South

WINNER Sherlock Holmes Pub (Rice Howard Way) 1ST RUNNER-UP Hudsons Canadian Tap House (South Common) 2ND RUNNER-UP Kelly’s Pub Atlantic Trap And Gill Danny Hacksaw’s Pub And Grub Duggan’s Boundary Irish Pub Filthy Mcnasty’s Hudsons Canadian Tap House (Whyte Avenue) Lee Garden Wok ‘N Pub Provincial Pub Sherlock Holmes Pub (Campus) The Buckingham The Hat Resto Pub

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

DISH 7

DISH EDITOR: MEL PRIESTLEY MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

FEATURE // CAKEPIE

T

urduckens are so 2008. The hottest food-stuffed-with-more-food craze is the cherpumple: three pies (typically cherry, pumpkin and apple, as indicated by the name's portmanteau) baked inside a cake. Hey—at least the cherpumple doesn't carry the threat of poisoning yourself and your victims guests with salmonella.

Vue's intrepid arts editor and resident baker, Paul Blinov, bravely attempted to craft his own cherpumple: what follows is his step-by-step foray into the final frontier of epic baking challenges. You have been warned.

Pump yourself up This is it. You're reaching the season's usual threshold of accepted gluttony and striving into uncharted territories.

Embrace your own bravery, steel your nerves and pre-emptively apologize to your arteries.

Imagine your dream team(s) Envision mixing and matching the cakes and pies together in different combinations. After you realize you've been physically salivating the entire time, make your final decisions. We settled with pumpkin pie/chocolate cake, strawberry-rhubarb pie/vanilla cake, and apple pie/butter-pecan cake.

Let two become one Fully prepare your pies and get your cake into its primordial batter stage.

Pour a bit of that batter into the cake dish, then get the first pie in there without breaking its shape too much.

(Put a plate on top of the pie to help flip it out of its tray, for starters.) Use the rest of the cake batter to cover up the pie, like it's a clue in a mystery you'll want to solve later. A flavour mystery.

Make or acquire pies and cake mix

Buy 'em or make 'em yourself—chef's choice. This attempt included pumpkin pie, apple pie and a particularly goopy strawberry-rhubarb pie. (The goopiness of which assuredly won't turn into a major hassle later. No way.)

Same goes for the cake mix: it can be purchased or homemade—your call, based on time and taste. Simple, store-bought cake mix gets the job done, though it will cost you a whole lotta eggs. Here we bought chocolate cake mix, vanilla mix and butter-pecan mix.

Liquid to solid state Let heat and batter do their thing. Use this time to do laundry, reflect on your life choices or brag on social media about what you're attempting to do.

Remove from oven Immediately question the structural integrity of the whole operation when the centre seems almost totally uncooked. That goopy pie ain't doing anyone any favours. Decide that it's definitely going to be the top layer, and that you probably should've consulted a real recipe instead of winging it in the kitchen like your dad always did.

Repeat Do steps four, five and six again, making two more cake/pie hybrids (piebrids?).

Allow your doubts regarding structural integrity to continue to mount with each successive layer. Ask yourself, “How are these going to hold together when I stack them up?” Realize there's no comfort in the answer.

Stack 'em Careful, now: a goopy pie interior means the whole thing threatens to rip apart if you're not careful. Put the first piebrid onto a tray. Manoeuvre the other two into position: try starting with your hand below the plate carrying the next piebrid, place your other hand on top of the thing, line up the corners with the layer below it, and then quickly (but carefully) slide it down into place. You washed your hands first, right?

Ice, ice, baby Start covering your monstrosity with icing.

Realize you don't have enough vanilla icing to cover the whole cube. Switch to chocolate icing and realize that even then, you still didn't buy enough. Curse, quietly, then again more forcefully. Settle for just doing the best you can.

Eat your delicious shame Not because it's shameful to be eating such a decadent thing, but because you did it so very poorly and didn't have time to make a better version before your deadline. Find comfort in the fact that it's so goopy, but so very, very delicious.

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

8 DISH

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

VUEWEEKLY.com/DISH CRICKETS HAVE ARRIVED IN EDMONTON (TO EAT!), RESTAURANTS ARE OPENING AND CLOSING, AND YOU COULD WIN A SWEET STAYCATION FOR MIXING UP THE CITY’S BEST DRINK. CHECK OUT THE CURRENT DISH WEEKLY ONLINE.

FEATURE // FORAGING

I

'm a dumpster diver. So is my girlfriend, along with the occasional curious friend.

We're not "freegans"—vegans who only eat tossed-away food as an anti-consumerist strategy to cripple capitalism. Nay, we dumpster dive because it provides us with a steady diet of healthy food. It just happens to be gloriously free—and we use the money saved on groceries to buy delicious, local food at Edmonton farmers markets.

Things we have eaten from dumpsters include: fair-trade organic bananas, gnocchi, tomatoes (both plum and on the vine), organic potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn meal, spinach, pineapple, canned artichoke hearts, pasta, breakfast crackers, organic yogurt, gourmet bread, kale, apples, mushrooms (portobello, button and shiitake), oranges, eggplant, broccoli, asparagus, almond cookies, peppers, avocados, pears, coffee, okra and pomegranates.

For something as gnarly as digging through trash, it has many moments of beauty: washing a whole bathtub's worth of kale and spinach, or jumping up and down with excitement upon discovering boxes of organic apples. And, of course, the moment you tuck into an amazing dinner that would've otherwise rotted in the dump.

Value Chain Management, an independent Canadian think tank, has been publishing reports on food waste since 2010. Their December 10, release "Food Waste In Canada—$27 Billion Revisited" states that Canadians toss $31-billion worth of groceries every year, a $4-billion increase from four years ago. Put in perspective, $31 billion is more than the combined GDP of the world's poorest 29 countries.

It's also 40 percent of all the food Canada produces. Using a formula for a more holistic cost—factoring energy, water, land labour, capital investment, transport and so on—the report states that annual food waste costs Canada more than $100 billion annually.

But why?

Attitude plays a big part in the equation. Consumers don't want a lumpy pepper; they want a perfect pepper, so the lumpy pepper rots. The long supply chain—field to truck to processing plant to another truck to grocery store—is a continuous beauty pageant that eliminates staggering amounts of perfectly good food at every stage.

And then there are "best before" dates. This is the date by which manufacturers guarantee the quality of their product—not the safety of

it. "Use by" dates on chicken, meat and fish should be respected—but almost anything, if it has been properly stored, can be safely eaten well past a best before date. But retailers and consumers are scared of food— especially if the calendar has rolled past those magic numbers.

This attitude is why there are dumpsters in Edmonton literally overflowing with good, healthy food. We check our urban trap line at least once a week, foraging for calories. Small and medium-sized grocers are ideal, as bigger chains tend to lock their dumpsters behind fences or indoors, preferring their waste to rot safely in a landfill or as compost. Stores often claim they donate food or repurpose it into soup, but the dumpsters don't lie: a ridiculous amount of good food is thrown away.

Essential dumpster-diving equipment includes a headlamp, good gloves and thick-soled boots. Dumpsters can contain rusty nails and broken glass—not stuff you want to encounter when wearing flip-flops. I also wouldn't recommended literally diving into a dumpster head first.

We've never gotten sick eating dumpster food. But, obviously, common sense dictates that a good washing is essential. A splash of vinegar in a sink of water is a great way to sanitize produce.

There's an old saying that if you save someone's life, you become responsible for them. The same goes for salvaged food: only take as much as you can practically eat, store or share.

It can be overwhelming to look at a kitchen overflowing with food that needs to be eaten or stored immediately, if not yesterday. Be picky in your diving: it should go without saying that mouldy and rotten things should be left in the dumpster.

Dumpster diving is legal in Canada, as trash is considered public domain—so long as you don't trespass or break and enter. I cannot stress this enough: be respectful. Do not make a mess. Leave the dumpster area as clean—or cleaner—than it was before you got there.

Dumpster diving is a total DIY experience: choose your own dumpster adventure. But whatever shall you do with those 10 bunches of asparagus or crates of tomatoes demanding your attention? Fear not! In the coming weeks I'll be sharing food storage tips and recipes to help you keep and eat your trashy scores.

In the meantime: get diving, Edmonton!

SCAVENGER STEVE

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

DISH 9

DISH REVUE // VEGETARIAN

Fake meat, really tasty

Loma House does vegetarian wonton soup, dim sum—even chicken drumsticks relies heavily on soy protein. Fish, shrimp, mutton, steak, beef, ham, chicken drumsticks—there's hardly a meat that doesn't have a soy avatar here.

Loma House also has some items that Padmanadi doesn't, like dim sum: vegetarians are usually SOL when it comes to the succulent little shrimp- or pork-stuffed Chinese snacks; ditto for wonton soup. At Loma, I was able to order both of these usually forbidden fruits.

Kao brought us some flowering tea while we waited for our meal: a small glass pot heated by a candle, which contained a bud that slowly unfurled in the hot water, yielding tea with a refreshing jasmine flavour.

Then came my wonton soup ($9). There were seven or eight

Loma House 9142 - 23 Avenue 780.466.8391 // Josh Marcellin

L

ife is surprisingly good for vegetarians in Edmonton, considering how beef-proud Alberta is. For this we can mostly thank immigrant Buddhists and Hindus, who have brought thousands of years of vegetarian cuisine to our city's strip malls.

Loma House has been quietly selling unpretentious vegetarian and vegan meals since 2009 in a particularly obscure, horseshoeshaped strip mall just south of the giant Costco in southeast Edmonton. I'd driven past the corner dozens of times and had no idea it was there: as far as I can determine, the restaurant does no advertising and relies solely on word-of-mouth.

Nonetheless, most of the restaurant's 26 seats were full when we visited on a Thursday evening.

The first thing you notice about the space is the quiet atmosphere.

There's no music, only the hum of the industrial freezers full of premade, takeout vegan and vegetarian meals for sale near the counter. With spartan furnishing and super-high ceilings, the space radiates calm.

Complementing that calm was our gracious server Jeff Kao, who also happens to be the owner. It's a family joint; his wife is in the back preparing meals every day. Upon arriving we were soon seated and poring over

the long menu of Chinese, Malay, Thai and Indian-inspired dishes.

Like Padmanadi, the much-loved vegan paradise on 101 Street downtown, the Loma House menu

dumplings jostling for space in a delicate broth amidst snap peas, broccoli and carrots. The wontons were stuffed with what tasted like mushrooms and flecked with

little bits of vegetarian ham. It was hearty and delicious, and my co-diner wolfed down half of it, despite my protests.

My dim sum combo ($11.50) came on a woven bamboo tray loaded with soy-based finger foods and a sweet Asian dipping sauce. The sticky rice wrap with steamed shiitake mushrooms wrapped in a lotus leaf was a savoury treat, as were the crunchy nibbles of my satay kebab.

But the real star here is the vegetarian special. For $13.50 you get a main dish with rice, soup, dessert and a pot of tea. Another of my codiners opted for the special with burdock, a minced root formed into balls. (Fun fact: the burdock plant's spiky burrs inspired Swiss inventor George de Mestral to invent Velcro in 1948.)

The burdock had a nutty texture, almost like a cashew meatball, and was paired with sautéed peppers, pineapple and mango next to steamed jasmine rice. My co-diner found the sweet and sour sauce a bit overpowering, but enjoyed the fruit and overall freshness of the food.

Inevitably, Loma House has to be compared with Padmanadi: I find the latter's soy offerings a bit tastier, texture- and flavourwise. Loma House is excellent in terms of friendliness of service, tastiness and value, but it doesn't knock Padmanadi off its throne as Faux Meat King of Edmonton.

Regardless, Loma House is a treasure for vegetarians living on the south side. I know I'll be back.

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

DISH 11

DISH VENI, VIDI, VINO

MEL PRIESTLEY // NAME@VUEWEEKLY.COM

What's in your glass?

Additives make cheap wine palatable, but not necessarily good It was a shocking shade of purple, and ry, but I'd be shocked if it didn't—that to render cheap wine more palatable: colour was simply too unnatural for a oak chips, staves and even oak powthere was no way it was natural. der are used in place of expensive oak Recently I tasted Carnivor, a Caber- wine of that price and quality.

Reports suggest that the vast ma- barrels to add oaky characteristics net Sauvignon from California produced by E & J Gallo. I discovered the jority of American wines under $20 to inexpensive wines, though invariwine at the recent Rocky Mountain use Mega Purple to ensure a stan- ably they come off reeking like fake Wine and Food Festival: I didn't taste dardized product. This figure makes vanilla extract instead of having that it then but I chortled at the gigantic sense: cheap wine is made from lovely toasty quality that comes from poster advertising it, which featured mass-produced bulk grapes and nor- true barrel aging. Other additives are a life-size, suit-clad fellow doing his mally tastes harsh and vegetal. Mega used to increase or decrease acidity, best Christian Grey impression. When Purple smoothes out the harsher tannin and alcohol content. Sulfur is wines put that much into market- characters of cheap wine and darkens added for preservation and to stop ing, it's usually to overcompensate the hue, which wine drinkers (espe- fermentation; due to lobbyists in the for inadequacies in the bottle; try- cially American ones) equate to high- '80s, any substance with more than ing Carnivor a couple of weeks later er quality. (If this were actually true, 10 parts per million of sulfites must confirmed this hypothesis. It wasn't Carnivor would be the most delicious state this on the label. To put this in perspective, wine averwine on the planet.) terrible but certainly ages about 150 ppm wasn't great: heavy per bottle, while on the upfront fruit Mega Purple is often added to cheaper wines dried fruit averages without much in the to enhance their colour, taste and body. Winover 1000 ppm; way of structure and only one percent a touch cloying. The eries are obviously reluctant to admit their of the population really remarkable use of Mega Purple and similar additives, as it has a sulfite althing about it was the understandably makes the wine seem inferior lergy, which causes colour: Carnivor is an impaired breathing inky purple, almost (and, well, it’s hard to argue otherwise). and anaphylaxis. black—a shade I've (So don't blame sulnever before seen in wine. Even the most full-bodied, ex- There are actually dozens of addi- fites for your red-wine headache.)

I suppose there's nothing inherently tracted reds have never come close tives that can be added to wine, and to this hue, and certainly not ones none of them have to be listed on "wrong" with wine additives, so long the label. (Hint: if the label mentions as they are safe and used judiciously. that retail for less than $20.

Enter Mega Purple: it sounds like "modern winemaking practices" this However, if a wine requires a slew a superhero, but it's actually a com- is code for "we use additives.") Per- of additives to render it palatable mon food additive derived from missible additives vary by region and (and even then, only marginally so), grapes. Mega Purple is often added type of wine; some places allow chap- perhaps this is a sign that we should to cheaper wines to enhance their talization—the addition of sugar to revaluate our wine-drinking habits. colour, taste and body. Wineries are fermenting wine in order to increase Drink less, drink better is a common obviously reluctant to admit their use alcohol content, while others ban it. refrain, but it holds true: cheap wine of Mega Purple and similar additives, Often the additives can be quite natu- is like cheap food, full of chemicals to as it understandably makes the wine ral: the overwhelming majority of trick you into thinking it tastes good. seem inferior (and, well, it's hard to wine is inoculated with a certain type Ignore the flashy facade and seek argue otherwise). It's difficult to con- of yeast strain (which varies based wines with actual substance. V firm which wines use it, as produc- on the grape and wine style, as each ers are not required to list it on the yeast produces different qualities), Mel Priestley is a certified sommelabel; I can't confirm whether or not rather than relying on wild yeasts, as lier and wine writer who also blogs Carnivor employs Mega Purple as the the latter yields unpredictable results. about wine, food and the arts at A host of other additives are used melpriestley.ca producer didn't return an email inqui-

beer, coffee, wine... the trinity

12 DISH

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

MOTHER’S FARMERS MARKET

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DISH 13

POINTS OF

HERE’S TO

MORE

780.431.0738 laurelsonwhyte.com

14 DISH

@LaurelsOnWhyte

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

As we hit out first four-digit issue, Vue gets reflective about getting there VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

1000 ISSUES! 15

1000th ISSUE COVER // A LOOK BACK

T

he first issue of Vue Weekly was made in a basement.

It was 1995, and the staff of See Magazine had all jumped ship on that publication together. Vue hit the streets the following week as if nothing had happened, save the swap of a name. And while housing a full weekly newspaper staff in the bowels of a residence doesn't exactly scream auspicious beginnings, well, here we are, 1000 issues deep. That's more than 19 years; I was eight years old when Vue Weekly began its unrelenting barrage of independence—critical thought, opinion, news, arts, music and film coverage. The paper's been a honing ground for many young writers and often their first paid writing gig.

“Vue has been very good to me for many, many years. Glad to see you guys are still rockin'! Independent media is more important than ever these days and I'm glad you guys are still fighting the good fight. Godspeed.”

Most other major publications in this city presently count at least one former Vue writer/staffer amongst their ranks, if not more.

It wasn't easy, though. Even in a time when the Internet wasn't in your pocket and cigarette ads could help paid the bills (and pages and pages of CD ads in a pre-iTunes era), there must have been a sense of being up against if not all the odds, certainly a whole lot of them: when I joined the editorial staff back in 2009, my paycheques arrived split into two separate cheques, just in case a lean month forced us to cash our pay in instalments while we waited for late ad revenue to refill the coffers. That never actually hap-

pened in my time, but there were plenty of stories of the years when it did.

Why would anyone stay in that sort of environment?

So, in a reflective 1000th issue, who better to walk through the paper's past and hit on the highlights than its founder, Ron Garth. The man who had an ass-length ponytail when I first met him agreed to meet up and reflect on the impetus, ideas and eras of Vue Weekly's 1000-issue existence, most of which he was there for as publisher.

By his own admittance, he never kept a diary, or documented much of the eras for himself; specific dates are a little hazy.

“Congratulations to Vue Weekly on your 1000th issue. You guys have been keeping it real for nearly 20 years.”

“In a time when fewer independent media sources seem to exist, it’s increasingly important to have a true community voice to promote the culture of our city. Edmonton has a strong media voice for the arts, and Vue is one of the key players in the fold.”

–Mayor Don Iveson, City of Edmonton

–Corb Lund, musician

–Darka Tarnawsky, Bottom Line Productions “Alternative media like Vue Weekly are still important because every arts scene needs a forum where one can find out what's going on. That will never change. In my capacity as a record store dude I often get asked by people visiting from out of town what's good to go see, what's good to do ... what's going on in this place ... what kind of place is this? Easy to deal with. While spewing everything I know verbally, I place a copy of Vue in their hands. Vue lays it out better than I can. Alternative media can afford to pay better attention to the local arts and underground music scenes—the daily papers have other priorities, so alternative media is crucial.”

–Mike McDonald, musician

“Vue Weekly! Thank you for providing Edmonton with a thousand points of Vue! And to thousands more! Congratulations and best wishes!”

–John Mackell, Laurel’s on Whyte

“Alternative media like Vue Weekly is still important to Edmontonians because as national media becomes more and more homogenous, local voices are being lost. Vue Weekly fills that gap.”

–Neil Herbst, co-owner Alley Kat Brewery

“Congratulations on your 1000th issue and continuing to keep Edmontonians up to speed with what’s new and cool. Keep up the good work and we look forward to the next 1000 issues!”

–Darren Brennan, The Bissell Centre

“Alternative media wins at community stories—it's simply more adept at connecting with arts, food, and culture than the big boys.”

–Kevin Kossowan, Edmonton Food Council

16 1000 ISSUES!

“Alternative media like Vue Weekly is still important to Edmontonians because as national media becomes more and more homogenous, local voices are being lost. Vue Weekly fills that gap.”

–Neil Herbst, co-owner Alley Kat Brewery

The seeds began to sprout in the early '80s. Garth, then running a music store on Whyte Avenue, among other things, started publishing a monthly listings collection. At the same time, then-biweekly arts-and-culture publication Bullet was approaching a terminal state, as the lucrative grant situation of the '80s dried up; Garth merged that publication into See in 1994, and found focus in independent and alternative coverage.

"Alternative press was something overdue for the city," Garth recalls.

"There were some 100 publications across Canada and the United States that were producing alternative press. The AAN [Association of Alternative Newsmedia] was going. ... I think there was lots of vibrancy in the arts, so it was time for Edmonton, for

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

sure. It wasn't a matter of inventing the wheel, it was already happening.

So the [public] acceptance of that was good."

That kept on for a couple of turbulent years. Then, when creditors were about to take control of See, Garth and the staff descended into the basement for the inaugural edition of Vue. "We put a paper on a street as if nothing had happened," he says.

"And nothing had happened, because the people who were there were still putting the paper out and continued to put it out. I guess the fact that everybody involved came together and saw the point in what we were doing, and didn't see it coming to an end for any reason.

That encouraged everyone."

Still, the creation of Vue meant Edmonton's media landscape split: suddenly there were two weekly arts and culture publications in a mid-sized city. And while the financial logistics of maintaining that are dubious—even a much larger market like Toronto seems to be unable to sustain two, with Now remaining that city's anchoring alt—both papers continued on in a weekly basis.

"I don't want to be too magnanimous; there's no fault attached to any of this," Garth says. "A newspaper war? It was and it wasn't; they were people doing their jobs and there became two sides to the coin. I think the city probably benefitted— the whole arts scene got reflected.

Once there became two sides to the coin, there [was] a lot more talent brought to the business. There's lots of things that weren't bad about it; there certainly weren't any bad guys or good guys in terms of the journalists. There was competition where there wasn't before."

But for Garth, the question was about what it means to be "alternative." Garth owned Vue (and for a time, it was co-owned by Vancouver's alt, The Georgia Straight); See became part of Conrad Black's Hollinger paper chain, which became problematic for Garth after Black renounced his Canadian citizenship "How does ownership affect these publications?" Garth says.

“Local food, local businesses, local economy and local media—all important! It all makes a healthy and vibrant community to live and work in.”

"Of course, it does, and if it does, how does corporate ownership affect alternative press? It's a bit of an oxymoron. If you're looking for a point of difference [between See and Vue], that's what was going on.

And, again, ... if the market's too small for two, there has to be a reason for one to exist, apart from the business aspect.

"I think there's a certain balance that needs to go on, in terms of point of view," he continues. "Politically and in all aspects. If ownership is influence and everything is owned by one publication ... you don't have a balance. You never know for sure what gets published and what doesn't."

“Thank you for two decades of local support! We appreciate all that you do for the community.”

–Adara Hair and Body Studio

–Michael Kalmanovitch, Earth’s General Store

“Alternative media is essential to Edmontonians. The articles within Vue are as astute and thought-provoking as they were when the paper was in its nascent days, because the writers are not shackled to the same four bedposts of obligation, political correctness, censoring and lowest-common denominator mass appeal as is mainstream media. This is a good thing, and these principles will continue to engage and intrigue readers for decades to come.”

–Liv Vors, blogger at The Good, The Bad, & The Hungry

“Growing up, Vue was my window and guide to smaller independent cultures that other media were not always highlighting. I could see my city! I still see alternative weeklies as a form that resonates with culture lovers and culture makers. It not only helps sift through what’s out there, but it also presents opportunities for local art and culture makers to be promoted in a meaningful way. Vue has given F&M the opportunity to not only share our music but to share knowledge (Musician’s Survival Guide). I have also worked recently in local box offices, and I can tell you that every day many people asked for a guide to what’s happening in this city. Vue is always at the top of my list of resources.”

–Rebecca Anderson, F&M

“Congratulations on the 1000th issue!”

“Every congratulatory note I come up with is either horribly corny or has been said too many times before. So ... how about this: Congratulations on 1000 issues Vue! Now, get to work on 1001.”

“Edmonton has always been a town all about community—we’re a city that cares about what’s happening in our neighbourhoods and with our friends. Vue Weekly does an awesome job of bringing those stories to us in a way that’s fun and engaging.”

–Josh Classen, chief meteorologist, CTV Edmonton

“Alternative media offers an engaging and accessible means of tapping into the pulse of our city—sparking conversations about everything from where the best place to have brunch is, to the ways in which people are implementing innovative ideas that make our city a better place to live, eat, work and play.”

–Jeremy Bryant, Mealshare

–Cathryn Sprague, Reclaim Urban Farm

“Since the inception of Vue Weekly, Vue has done an outstanding job of supporting the music and arts scene in Edmonton and surrounding district.”

–Jean Greenough, publicist “Congratulations on your 1000th issue! Our rabbits love your paper!”

–Edmonton Humane Society

–DDB Canada

The divide between the two weeklies partly defined the city's writing culture for a time, at least for its budding journalists: freelancers picked sides (or tried to scribe for both using pen names). Both papers found their particular voices emerging: early in the 2000s, University of Alberta's student newspaper The Gateway parodied both, framing See as an upper-crust lifestyle mag and Vue as a variable militant activist Bible. The two outlets would vie for coverage and stories.

"There are some good aspects to that [competition]," Garth says. "You always like to feel like you're doing a better job than the other guy. It makes you sharper and work harder."

That divide finally ended in 2011; first Vue Weekly, then See Magazine

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

were purchased by Bob Doull— someone Garth had known for years, who'd previously run the Calgary Straight—and brought the papers together under the Vue Weekly banner.

And what about now? We've moved into an era when digital is increasingly the way we take in our media, and the two major print publications in town are soon to be potentially owned by the same company. But in that media landscape, Garth thinks an alternative media source is more important than ever.

"There's more ownership and less competition than before," Garth notes. "It's maybe more important than ever to have a voice that's independent."

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

1000 ISSUES! 17

1000th ISSUE FEATURE // 1000TH ISSUE

MOREQUOTES

“On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, congratulations on publishing 1000 issues of Vue Weekly.”

“Vue is full of colour—it's not vanilla!”

“We just want to congratulate Vue Weekly on 20 incredible years of weird, wacky, alt and awesome. Thanks for sharing the many cool things that happen in our great city!”

–Tineke de Jong, Old Strathcona Business Association

–Henry's Purveryor of Fine Things

–Tyler Bedford, AUPE

“I know tons of people with issues but never anyone with 1000! Thanks for being fun even when it’s not appropriate to be. Cheers from your favourite Realtor®” –Steve Sedgwick, Royal LePage Noralta

–Ryan Mason, Reclaim Urban Farm

“On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, congratulations on publishing 1000 issues of Vue Weekly.”

–The Honourable Speaker

“From food to politics, music to film, Vue Weekly has kept our community in the loop for 1000 issues and it will continue to for 1000 more. Congratulations!”

–The Honourable Gene Zwozdesky, Speaker

“Alternative media captures grassroots issues at their nascence which helps promote social and environmental movements as well as provide the newest ‘dirt’ (pardon the pun) on Edmonton’s hot ticket food up-and-comers. Don’t forget all the great information they share about local community activities.”

Gene

Zwozdesky,

“Where would Edmonton be without Vue Weekly! Thank you for your most valuable support of our arts and culture industry” –Kennedy Jenson, executive director, Rock and Roll Society of Edmonton

“Vue Weekly is a unique window into the news, arts and social scene of our community. It provides a perspective we are missing from the national media and manages to mix a very sophisticated critical voice with a focus on issues and events that matter to people in Edmonton. I read it every week and enjoy the chance to find out what is really going on in my city.”

“While the Internet has opened up the world to us all, it’s also opened up a constant barrage of crappy art, music and film where the best tweeter wins attention of a very fickle or overwhelmed audience. In addition, big-budget mainstream content creators have learned how to manipulate their way into the online “alternative” media. It’s too much for me, and the oversaturation has cheapened the value of art. Anyone can make a record, but should you? That said, established writers and tastemakers are tasked to wade through the crap and find the gems that are worthwhile; it’s a form of vetting for people like me. I want to enjoy great new stuff but I won’t do the intense digging to find it all. Full-time or even part-time writers, such as at Vue, are tasked to vet the local and international art world to suggest new works. Vue has done this countless times for F&M. While we are not everyone’s cup of tea, Vue has gone out of its way to let people know that our little band from Edmonton will never be played on mainstream radio but they are worth your time. This helped us grow a small but loyal audience across Canada and internationally. This is appreciated.”

–Danny Turner, The Organic Box

–Ryan Anderson, F&M

“A big congratulations on Vue Weekly's 1000th issue! Hard to believe your creative staff have been entertaining Edmontonians for nearly 20 years. Time is flying by. I love the way you keep us up-to-date on everything this amazing city has to offer and spotlight the incredible people who make Edmonton such a wonderful place to call home. Here's to your next 1000 issues! Best wishes and Happy Holidays to all your readers.”

–Gord Steinke, news anchor/senior producer, Global Edmonton

Message from the Edmonton Police Service Chief Rod R. Knecht On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service, congratulations to Vue Weekly on 1000 issues of this successful and relevant publication.

This anniversary offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon the contributions you have made to thousands of Vue readers, both past and present.

Our city has benefited greatly from the contributions of the Vue Weekly community. As you leaf through the pages of this edition, reflect on the significant accomplishments of the past 999 issues and know that we share your pride.

On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service, I extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in contributing to this milestone. Congratulations on the 1000 issue of Vue Weekly.

Warmest regards, Rod R. Knecht Chief of Police 18 1000 ISSUES!

“Having worked a few tight deadlines myself I want to congratulate Vue magazine on 1000 issues.”

“Congratulations Vue Weekly! 20 years of building alternative media and enhancing our city’s rich social, cultural and political heritage. Bravo!”

“Why is alternative media like Vue Weekly still important? This question resonated with me considering I am part of a healthy community of long-haired metal heads. During my first year as a publicist trying to work with bands in Edmonton, I can remember being really intimidated by the media landscape. I didn’t really know anyone (writers, editors, etc) but the first media outlet that published a band that I was working with was Vue Weekly. They give the metal bands I work with their first exposure in Edmonton and first taste of seeing their name in print, an incredible feeling that will never go away!”

–Ryan Arcand, Iconoclast Koffiehuis

–Cara Ashbey, publicist

–City Councillor Scott McKeen, Ward 6

“Vue Weekly is like our local story book who has been with us along the path of life. You are a valued friend and community partner. On behalf of your friends at Edmonton’s Food Bank: “Happy Millennial!” We are looking forward to your next 1000 publications.”

–Tamisan Bencz-Knight, Manager of Strategic Relationships and Partnerships, Edmonton Food Bank

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

“So, Vue is 20 years old. Soon you'll be able to order a drink anywhere!

Congratulations on 1000 episodes!”

–Redbike

A RT I S T I C D I R E C TO R G E R RY M O R I TA G E N E R A L M A N A G E R TO N Y JA M E S

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

W W W. M I L E Z E R O D A N C E .C O M STA R R I N G M .C . C L I N TO N C A R E W JA M E S J O N E S PA M E L A TZ E N G K Y L E SY V E R S O N RO B E RT H A R P I N C H A K A N A K A Z I N Y E M BA A D O L FO R U I Z

COMING

P O E T RY B ROT H E L WITH ELLE REPUTE, C H E V Y DA RT, & T H E LO CO COYOT E & MO R E !

AGE A MILE ZERO DANCE S A LO N S P E C TA C L E DEC 19 AND 20 | 8 PM C -1 0 3 ( 8 5 2 9 G AT E WAY B LV D) THIS SALO N FE AT U RE S WORK FROM A VA RI E T Y OF A RT I ST I C ME D I A THAT ADDRESSES ISSUES OF AGING, DEVELOPMENT, BREAKTHROUGHS, DEATH, ETC . ASSOCIATED WITH THE THEME OF “COMING OF AGE ”.

$20 (ADULTS) / $15.00 (STUDENTS/MZD MEMBERS) Tickets at the door or at Tix on the Square, www.tixonthesquare.ca

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

ARTS 19

ARTS EDITOR: PAUL BLINOV PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // DANCE

REMOVING THE BOUNDARIES Mile Zero Dance curates a myriad mix of disciplines for its Coming of Age salon

A

Fri, Dec 19 – Sat, Dec 20 (8 pm) C103, $15 – $20 Pamela Tzeng // Vernon Rubiano

s the year winds to a close, many resolution-makers are reflecting on how the passage of time (and bad habits) affect the body. Or maybe it's just the kind of mood that sets in with the lack of daylight at this time of year.

Artists, too, are ruminating on the concept of aging as they prepare for Mile Zero Dance's Coming of Age salon this weekend.

The salon—a cabaret-style mix of dance, music, poetry, film and visual art—is a sampling platter for audiences to see what Edmonton's artists are up to. Some pieces are one-shot zings at the theme, others are works in progress, and others still are isolated bits from larger works.

For Calgary-based dancer and choreographer Pamela Tzeng, Mile Zero's current artist-in-residence, her presentation choice for the salon evolved out of her latest longform solo work, to be or not to be; A Very Important Verb.

Tzeng, who has visited Edmonton at the past two Expanse Festivals (As a matter of BOX in 2013, and the Kenji Takaji choreographed The BOX I Came In earlier this year), has been exploring ideas surrounding her CanadianTaiwanese identity over the past year with to be or not to be. What we'll see at the salon is a clip that explores assumptions around her heritage and the role of aging in femininity.

"The piece I'm going to be showing at the salon is a persona that I've created, an elusive woman who's not really of this world," Tzeng explains. "To create her character I've used a

lot of interesting crafting material, paper and other types of things like duct tape. I wanted to just craft a really peculiar costume for it."

She describes the piece as following this woman's coming of age, as the theme permits, to an adult feminine entity.

"I feel like there's some magic that happens, and at the end you might see a bit of a red reveal. It will come as a surprise, hopefully," she laughs.

Other works by artists at the salon will be knit together throughout the evening by emcee Clinton Carew. The lineup includes dance improv by Kyle Syverson of Saskatoon; Elle Repute, Chevy Dart and The Loco Coyote from Edmonton's Poetry Brothel; James Jones' hip-hop hoop moves; filmmaker Adolfo Ruiz; Robert Harpin with a visual-art installation; and music by Chakanaka Zinyemba.

As for Tzeng, the salon is a short respite from her residence work—but she'll be back in March to show Edmonton audiences the culmination of the residency project.

"I was really excited to receive this residency from Mile Zero because they're multi-disciplinary, and my work has been kind of two worlds, either dance theatre for the stage or something else that's a little more outside the borders," Tzeng says. "This was an opportunity to take away the boundaries that I sort of set for myself thus far in my theatre practice and allow myself to create something more fluid and in-between."

FAWNDA MITHRUSH

FAWNDA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // VISUAL ARTS

Obscure Inversions

Vancouver Hotel, 2013 // Colin Smith, courtesy of Peter Robertson Gallery

E

ach photograph invites the viewer into a dreamlike space.

You see an outdoor scene projected into a hotel room, but the photographs all look surreal: the outdoor scene is upside down, folding over

20 ARTS

the walls and the furniture.

"I think I like that the most, watching somebody standing there and slowly tilting their head trying to view the other image on top," says Colin Smith, the artist-photogra-

Until Sun, Mar 1 Works by Colin Smith Art Gallery of Alberta

pher behind Obscure Inversions.

To look at Smith's photographs, you would never guess how the Calgary-based artist-photographer creates them. The effect is not produced with a double exposure, and there is no digital manipulation involved. These are photographs taken of a process called camera obscura.

Camera obscura is a scientific phenomenon: "An image coming through a small hole creates an inverted image on the other end," Smith explains. This image-making technology was first used in China in about 400 BCE, and the first cameras also used this effect.

For Obscure Inversions, Smith's produced a series of camera obscuras inside hotel rooms across Western Canada, including one at the Hotel Macdonald here in Edmonton. The series looks at people's interaction with the space around them, exploring how the world reclaims places and time.

To create the images, Smith covers the windows with black plastic

to darken the entire room, then he cuts a small hole in the plastic and places a lens over it. The lens enhances the colour and crispness of the image, and the light coming through the small hole in the plastic casts an inverted projection of the scene outside into the room.

Smith brings his 4x5 Toyo film camera (the old-fashioned ones with the accordion-looking mid-section) inside the room to capture the image. "It's just like putting a camera inside a camera," Smith says.

He then sits in the darkened room with an exposure time of two to six hours to, hopefully, get one picture.

The limited light in the room and faintness of the camera obscura require this long exposure time.

Smith estimates about a 25-percent success rate for his work because the photographs require optimal sunlight—even 20 minutes of clouds can ruin them.

In the digital age, when we can instantly snap pics on our phones,

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

the concept of waiting an entire day to (maybe) capture one photograph is almost incomprehensible. But Smith describes camera obscura as a reawakening for both his photography and his perspective on life.

"During that whole process [of my earlier photography career], it was just on-the-go shooting hundreds of photographs a day," he says. "Then I built a camera obscura just for fun, for my daughter, and I fell in love with the process.

I decided to try and photograph them. And it became such a slow process; it takes me all day, and then weeks to plan and to get one image, if I'm lucky ... It just kind of slowed my whole perception down, and how I view the world and how I view art. It became just such a meditative spiritual process and I just can't do anything else.

Everything just kind of slowed down for me. It made me fall in love with photography again."

MICHELLE FALK

MICHELLE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

WHAT’S ON AT UALBERTA?

2015 EVENT LISTINGS

CURRENTLY SHOWING

FEBRUARY

Featuring work by Department of Art & Design contract teaching staff.

by Bertolt Brecht music by Kurt Weill translation by Marc Blitzstein A showcase for the musically talented BFA acting class of 2015.

50th Anniversary Exhibitions art & design 1.0 Until December 20 and January 6 - 10 FAB Gallery

JANUARY

what boundaries?

The Threepenny Opera

February 5 - 14 at 7:30 p.m. (no show Sunday) matinee Thursday, February 12 at 12:30 p.m.

U of A Studio Theatre, Timms Centre for the Arts

Raga Unveiled

U of A’s Indian Music Ensemble with special guests.

Presented in partnership with Edmonton’s Raga-Mala Society of Music.

Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m.

Winspear Centre

A Dream Play

by August Strindberg adaptation by Caryl Churchill Agnes, daughter of the Vedic god Indra, descends to Earth to bear witness to the human experience.

Beethoven Sonatas for Violin and Piano, Part Three

March 26 - April 4 at 7:30 p.m. (no show Sunday) matinee Thursday, April 2 at 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m.

Friday, February 6 at 8 p.m.

Eine Kleine Night Serenade

Jesse Thomas: Songs from the Labyrinth

Symphonic Wind Ensemble & the University of Alberta High School Honour Band

nOwAge pneUmas

New and recent works by faculty composers Howard Bashaw, Mark Hannesson, Scott Smallwood, Andriy Talpash. Special guests: David Schotzko (percussion) & Jen Mesch Dance Conspiracy.

Timms Centre for the Arts

January 20 - February 14 FAB Gallery

Joining Forces: New Music from the Single Reed Studios

An assortment of contemporary works from around the world. Allison Balcetis (saxophone) with Don Ross (clarinet).

Friday, January 30 at 8 p.m.

Convocation Hall

No. 6, no. 9 and no. 10. Jacques Després (piano) and Andrew Wan (violin).

Convocation Hall

Featuring the winner of the University of Alberta concerto competition.

Conductor: Angela Schroeder.

Sunday, February 8 at 3 p.m.

Winspear Centre

U of A Studio Theatre, Timms Centre for the Arts

Britten’s Serenade. Berlioz’s Love Scene. The University Symphony Orchestra featuring tenor John Tessier and Allene Hackleman (horn) Conductor: Petar Dundjerski

Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m.

Winspear Centre

Bachelor of Design 2015 graduation show March 31 - April 11

MFA graduation show

FAB Gallery

February 24 - March 21

APRIL/MAY

From China to Canada

April 21 - May 2

Darian Stahl, MFA Printmaking final visual presentation FAB Gallery

Experience superb violinist Yue Deng, one of China’s most outstanding artists and artist in residence at the U of A’s Department of Music. Holverson, Fung, Gershwin & more.

Friday, February 27 at 8 p.m.

Convocation Hall

Bachelor of Fine Arts 2015 graduation show FAB Gallery

Design Latitudes

Bonnie Sadler Takach, University of Alberta’s Art & Design faculty

MARCH

May 12 - June 6

Urban Requiem. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble celebrates Pulitzer Prize winning composer Michael Colgrass. Conductor: Angela Schroeder

Tribes

Winspear Centre

May 14 - 23 at 7:30 p.m. (no show Sunday) matinee Thursday, May 21 at 12:30 p.m.

The Music of Michael Colgrass Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m.

FAB Gallery

by Nina Raine Billy was raised to read lips rather than sign. He falls for Sylvia, a young woman who is becoming deaf herself.

U of A Studio Theatre, Timms Centre for the Arts

ualberta.ca/artshows VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

ARTS 21

ARTS PREVUE // THEATRE

Globe On Screen come in, and the qualities of sound recording have advanced so far, it's a much more attractive thing to do."

The original home of Shakespeare's works, the Globe Theatre, burned down in 1613 (and was subsequently rebuilt, only to be torn down in 1644 to make room for tenements). Since 1997, Shakespeare's Globe has sat approximately 750 feet from the original site, designed to be as authentic a recreation as possible—open air and all. Its newfound use of modern film technology with Globe on Screen (as well as a streaming service offering access to those filmed productions) is simply looking to take that preservative element Sat, Dec 20 (11 am) a step further.

Taming of the Shrew This year marks the first time with Globe On Landmark City Centre Cinemas those screenings Screen: recordings have found their of its performances, filmed in high-def and screened at way into Canadian theatres: Taming of the Shrew's up this weekend, with movie theatres across the world.

"I think in the old days, when people The Tempest, Macbeth and A Midfilmed stuff on video, it was so hor- summer Night's Dream following in rendously lifeless and dull that it consecutive months. put you off even the idea of capturing stuff in that way, or wanting to," The productions are filmed over artistic director Dominic Dromgoole two nights, with the film being an edexplains over the phone from his ited hybrid of both shows. But even London office. "Since high definition's when the cameras are on, DromBringing the Bard to the big screen

I

t's the sort of question that seems engineered to bring out the theatrical purists, torches a-blazing: can a filmed live performance hold up as a viable way of taking in theatre?

There are, to be sure, certain elements of performance that only really translate when you're in the same room, breathing the same air as the actors. But over in London at Shakespeare's Globe, the restoration-minded theatre is attempting to bridge the gap between live and filmed

goole is adamant that for the actors, nothing changes.

"We're very rigorous in trying to ensure that no one changes what they're doing, or their pitch, or their tone, to make it more filmic," he says.

"We're very keen that we carry on and do the theatre show, and the film is a recording of that event, rather than something halfway between the two. You'd get awful muddled if you were asking actors to repitch their performance to the camera when they've got 1500 peo-

ple in front of them."

And as for that certain liveness inherent to being in the room with a performance?

"You lose that, you gain some other stuff," Dromgoole audibly shrugs. "I think the ability to go in close on actors, the ability to hear very clearly, the ability to share into the private moments with them, is a plus that you can get on screen that you can't necessarily get on the stage."

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // RADIO PLAY

It's a Wonderful Life Old-timey storytellin'

PREVUE // MUSICAL STORYTELLING

The Christmas Carol Project

W

hat's Christmas without Dickens—lots of Dickens?

The Christmas Carol Project, now in its 19th year, is among the handful of annual local shows based on that most classic of all Christmas tales: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. This musical interpretation, initiated by producer John Armstrong, tells the story of Scrooge and the Cratchits through a set of songs written and performed by seven local musicians: Bill Bourne, Al Brant, Kevin Cook, Maria Dunn, Dale Ladouceur, Terry Morrison and Tom Roschkov.

"The first year was people sort of doing their more individual songs, and maybe adding instrumentation from someone else here and there," says Dunn, who grew up watching the Alastair Sim film version of A Christmas Carol. "It gradually gelled over the years into a band arrangement of

22 ARTS

Fri, Dec 19 & Sat, Dec 20 (8 pm) Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns, $37.50—$42.50

all of the songs, in what is a really rich presentation of them. The songs are tied together with narration by Dave Clarke, and it's excerpted from A Christmas Carol—so it shows Dickens' writing in all of its compassion and hilarity. It's a really wonderful way to use the original words to bind the whole thing together."

In previous years, The Christmas Carol Project has opened with a songwriter-in-the-round, where each of the artists performs one of the songs from their current repertoire, a format they're following for this year's instalment.

"There's a real variety of textures going on through the whole show," Dunn notes. "We take it from very simple, intimate arrangements of certain songs, to the big, all-out numbers."

While The Christmas Carol Project sees new audience members each year, the show also has its share of regulars. Dunn has become so known for her pieces in the show that she gets comments on it well outside the holiday season. Her song from the perspective of Tiny Tim, "God Bless Us Everyone," is even being featured in the new edition of the seminal Rise Up singing songbook published by Sing Out! folk magazine.

"It's a beautiful story of redemption, however you want to think of that," Dunn says. "It kind of reminds us of what is important about this holiday season and that is connecting with community and sharing our love with each other."

MEL PRIESTLEY

MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

I

t may be one of the lesser-known peared in the late '40s and early Christmas tales for younger gen- '50s; the Capitol is using Joe Landry's erations, but It's a Wonderful Life late '90s stage adaptation of It's a definitely resonates as one of the en- Wonderful Life, which is presented as a '40s-era radio show. Edmonton during tales of holiday redemption. audiences may "Most of the recall that Teatro people that are la Quindicina has involved are kind Thu, Dec 18 (8 pm & 12:30 pm previously done an of children of matinee), Fri, Dec 19 (12:30 pm annual production the '40s; every- matinee), Sat, Dec 20 (8 pm), of this same radio body loves that Sun, Dec 21 (2 pm matinee), stage show at the era," says Dana Tue, Dec 23 (8 pm & 12:30 pm Varscona, but have Andersen.

He's matinee) changed up that speaking of the Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton tradition this year. cast and crew Park, $12 – $18 "They're totally behind Capitol on script but Theatre's staged radio-play version of It's a Wonderful they're reacting to each other: what Life, following on the heels of their you hear on the radio and what's goHitchcock Radio Show from a couple ing on in the background is where you months ago. Staged radio plays are get the juxtaposition of what people one of the new shows that Andersen see and what people hear," Andersen has brought to the Capitol in his ten- explains. "We have old-timey radio ure as artistic director over the past ads, adapted for the Fort so we can advertise some of the stuff that's year and a half.

"I think it's just an old art form that coming to Fort Edmonton Park. The people don't think much about, but musician and the foley are on one when people actually hear [radio side of the stage doing the music and plays] they really enjoy them," An- sound; the foley is what makes the dersen says. "And I've heard them sound effects for the radio programs. still; they'll play old Lone Ranger epi- We'll have doors that open and slam, sodes or The Shadow or The Green bells and whistles, incidental music Hornet. There's even a modern one playing in the background.

"I think ours is a show that if grandcalled Afghanada, about soldiers in pa wants to come and close his eyes, Afghanistan, on CBC." he can listen to it and still get the A couple radio versions of Frank whole play, just like back in the day."

Capra's celebrated 1946 film ap- MEL PRIESTLEY

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

REVUE // BOOK

Now available

By Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky Image Comics, 96 pp, $14.99

Just The Tips

your Tumblr dashboard" while "also having some dude chow down on your muff." When the two authors do a Q&A on where exactly the clitoris is, Fraction provides a helpful screenshot from Google Maps.

S

ex is inherently funny, especially because it holds such a serious place in polite society. There's a whole industry devoted to making someone better in the boudoir—and almost all of that advice is unmitigated garbage at best, seriously harmful at worst.

Just The Tips, the new entry into the sexual self-help genre by Sex Criminals author-artist pair Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky, is a wildly hilarious skewering of the boneheaded sexpertise offered in Cosmo, Men's Health and sundry other mediocre books and magazines meant to make someone's sexy times even sexier.

Given the subject matter, Just The Tips is obviously raunchy and, at times, extremely immature. There's no high-falutin' literary references here; instead, there are parody movie posters for Poon (a rip-off of Duncan Jones' claustrophobic sci-fi film

Moon) and All That Jizz. It's ribald, raunchy and incredibly immature, but never mean-spirited.

The book is formatted into a shotgun blast of sections, with classic sex tips like "BDSM stands for BONDAGE DISCIPLINE SPIDER-MAN" and helpful pick-up lines like "Ooh, boy, are you an ice cream cone? Because I'd sure like to lick you and feel sick and regretful later." There's erotica—one story comes ever-so-close to infringing on Batman's copyright—and even wildly hilarious stories about sexual misadventures (one ends up with a gory tragic blowjob accident).

Where Just The Tips feels fresh is when it's poking fun at the increasing commingling of technology and sex.

Fraction and Zdarsky develop exciting new sex positions like tabbing, perfect for a "quick email sesh in-between dropping a sweet tweet straight to

Throughout Just The Tips, the most delightful parts come when Zdarsky (actually former National Post illustrator/columnist/goofball Steve Murray) uses his cartooning to great effect. The simply drawn humans contorting their bodies to achieve impossible positions like the "ReverseReverse Cowgirl" have smug, slightlydisinterested smirks—they look like they're so bored of their blasé, regular sex lives they need to try evercrazier sexual positions just to stave away their ennui.

In the dirty-talk portions, Zdarsky uses fine linework to illustrate realistic faces of randy, middle-aged men and women delivering dirty talk like, "Yeah, lick it like it's a stamp going on your angry letter to our socialist president." (Which is one of the more tame lines in the book.)

The grotesque filth coming out of their mouths is complemented by their absurdly chipper, utterly normal faces—one man has a thick, Tom Selleck-style moustache and a shit-eating grin, while another woman looks like a midwestern housewife in a Garfield sweater.

Just The Tips is the most honest sexual self-help book on the market— Zdarsky and Fraction know they're making up completely bizarre, impossible and at times plainly dangerous sex tips. They're the first to tell you that—and that honesty allows the two to delightfully lampoon the absurdity of modern sexuality.

JORDYN MARCELLUS

JORDYN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Colin Smith, Vancouver Hotel (detail), 2013 Acrylic mount photograph Courtesy of Peter Robertson Gallery

December 6, 2014 – March 1, 2015 RBC New Works Gallery

The RBC New Works Gallery features new artworks by Alberta artists. Initiated in 1998 and named the RBC New Works Gallery in 2008, this gallery space continues the Art Gallery of Alberta’s tradition of supporting Alberta artists. Presented with the support of the RBC Emerging Artists Project.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

Also open: View from a Window featuring photographs by Edward Burtynsky, Robin Collyer, Eamon MacMahon and Laura St. Pierre.

youraga.ca ARTS 23

ARTS PREVUE // THEATRE

PREVUE // FAMILY FESTIVAL

The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant ... Ever!

Yule Ave

Thu, Dec 18 – Mon, Dec 22 (7:30 pm; 2 pm Saturday and Sunday matinees) Directed by Cheryl Jameson Varscona Theatre, $20 – $24

'Tis the season

J

ust try and keep up with Frank Zotter's holiday zeal. Even he seems to be struggling under the breadth of it, particularly when it comes to Yule Ave, his seasonal project that alights Alberta Avenue for a weekend of seasonal sentiment.

"I just keep getting more and more ambitious," he laughs. "It's going great, but it's also pretty full-on for me. With every year I do it, it's just so rewarding, so I figure, why not make it fatter?"

Now in its third year, Yule Ave focuses in on 92nd Street on Alberta Avenue, its happenings primarily split between The Carrot, Alberta

New found love of the season

L

ard tunderin' bye's!

If that means anything to you, then you've likely met a Newfoundlander. The odds are good you have, as tens of thousands of Newfies—we say that endearingly—have moved from The Rock to Alberta for work.

Newfies have their own cuisine and culture, so it can be tough for our East Coast neighbours in Alberta when they can't make it home for Christmas. But fear not, because Whizgiggling Productions—Newfie slang for "acting silly or foolish"—is doing their annual production of The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant…Ever!

Cheryl Jameson is a mainlander, which is anyone who lives west of Newfoundland, but lived in St John's for four years. There, she performed in and fell in love with the show.

"Then my Newfoundland husband said, 'Let's move to Alberta,' because that's what you do," says Jameson, who acts in and produces this year's production. "When I was here I realized how expensive it can be for people to fly home, so I decided to bring the show here for Newfoundlanders who are landlocked for Christmas.

I've acted in it every year—except for one year when I was way too pregnant for it to be socially acceptable to play a 14-year-old."

The play, set in St John's, revolves around Mrs O'Brien's task of organizing the annual Christmas pageant after the regular director breaks her leg in an altercation with a moose—a nod to a classic Newfoundland problem. But the pageant gets complicat-

24 ARTS

ed when some ne'er-do-well youth, the Herdsmen, show up to audition because they heard there would be free food.

Hilarity ensues as the rapscallions turn the normally sedate pageant on its head. But everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of these misunderstood teens.

"The story is fantastic," Jameson says. "It's universally funny and sweet. And there are a few tears because it is quite touching. But you're crying in a beautiful way."

She says you can always tell when Newfies are in the audience because they laugh at the jokes that are specific to the culture. People have told her that watching the play is the "closest I'll get to being home this Christmas."

Besides the liberal salting of Newfie humour and language, the show also feature some regional delicacies like Jam Jams cookies.

"We had one guy who came out from the show and said the only thing that could make it better was if there were Jam Jams," Jameson says.

"And we had them; he was so excited.

We were like, 'nailed it!'"

Of course, Jameson says you don't have to be from Newfoundland to enjoy the show—but it will help you appreciate the special culture unique to the Maritime province.

"Everyone knows a Newfoundlander," she says. "Everyone works with one, or has one as a neighbour or a friend."

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Fri, Dec 19 – Sun, Dec 21 118 Ave and 92 Street, Free Schedule at yuleave.ca

Avenue Community League and the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts. And Zotter isn't kidding about expanding the festival's waistline: starting with Unsilent Night—an interactive sound installation to wander through around the area—the weekend includes a free chili dinner, a Christmas concert, a reprise of Tree Hugger—Ellie Heath and Alyson Dicey's recent Fringe Fest script tracing the friendship of a lonely kid and a Charlie Brown-ish Christmas tree. There's also art installations, Santa's snow village (with David Belke as Saint Nick), a decorationcreation station, horse-wagon rides, and, seriously, more stuff. It's pretty hands on, family friendly and totally free for those who attend.

Yule Ave follows on the heels of another Zotter initiative up on the Ave: outdoor movie screenings in the summer.

"I was doing these drive-ins, and then I thought, I want to do something bigger, I want to do something grand and fun," he says. "But also, I just get really pissed off at Christmas sometimes, because we spend

so much time marking off the things we need to buy, standing in line and succumbing to all the consumerism, when its essence, of charity and giving, is forgotten."

Attendance, Zotter notes, has grown over the past few years: Yule Ave, as well as other Alberta Avenue street festivals, now pull audiences from beyond just the avenue's residents.

"I think it should be something that the city celebrates, not just Alberta Avenue," he beams. "A municipal direction, for sure."

For Zotter, Yule Ave's centrepiece remains the Giving Tree: a decorated tree, wherein those with clothing donations to spare can hang them on the lower branches, where they can be claimed by any who need them.

"Essentially, I get really stoked that it goes right to the very centre, or the nerves, of real Christmas, in my mind," he says. "It kind of throws away all the consumerism for the sake of creating good family memories."

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // MUSICAL

West Side Story An updated Romeo and Juliet

I

f you're sick of all the holiday-themed shows this time of year, Festival Place has an alternative: Broadway musical classic West Side Story.

"Jerome Robbins is one of my idols— his choreography is absolutely amazing," says Shelley Tookey. It's hard not to be inspired by Robbins' Tony Award-winning choreography, she notes, and she's taken a big cue from that in designing her own for Festival Place's production. "His movements are very unpredictable, very exciting to watch. I'm trying to stay in the style of Jerome Robbins, and hopefully we'll bring just a little new perspective on it: my take on his work."

Tookey has been working with an ensemble cast of 40 to mount the

show, which is famously a contemporary version of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Set in mid-20thcentury New York, West Side Story's ill-fated lovers come from two opposing teenage street gangs: the Puerto Rican Sharks and the white Jets.

One of the major challenges of Festival Place's version, Tookey explains, is that this isn't a cast of professional actors, but rather regular folks with day jobs.

"We've got lawyers and doctors and paramedics and all kinds of great people involved because of their love of musical theatre," she says. "So it's a learning curve for all of them, but boy, what an exciting task."

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

Until Tue, Dec 30 (7:30 pm, 2 pm weekend matinees) Festival Place, Sherwood Park, $24 – $37 (meal add-ons additional)

To help the performers with the proper New York accent, Tookey brought in dialect acting coach Gene Gabriel, a Puerto Rican who was born in the Bronx—just like the characters themselves.

"It just made the show so much better, because of the understanding; the individual characters now are starting to come through," she notes. "We're paying attention to the details of the lyrics and making sure the movement is smooth and lyricallooking in a lot of aspects, but yet has the highlights of exciting jumps; we've worked a lot with lifts."

With so many bodies on stage and such a focus on movement, West Side Story looks to promise visual engagement.

"There's so much to see—you'll never be able to see everything because I have so many people going up and down scaffolding, jumping, fighting.

It's an exciting show. Yes, it doesn't have a Christmas flair, but it's such a renowned musical and I just think the music is phenomenal, so I think people should come for that reason."

MEL PRIESTLEY

MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

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ARTS 25

ARTS WEEKLY EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: lIStINGS@VueWeeKly.COM FAX: 780.426.2889 DEADLINE: FrIDay at 3PM

DANCE BOLSHOI BALLET–LIVE • Cineplex Theatres • The

theworks.ab.ca/places-media • Art in the heART of The City Visual Art Exhibit: Features artists who are creating in the inner city neighbourhoods of McCauley and Boyle • Dec 2-Dec 18

• Dec 13-29

GALLERY@501 • 501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park • 780.410.8585 • strathcona.ca/artgallery • THE BLUE HOUR: Megan Hahn's photo transparencies; Until Dec 21 • Lina Ma: oil; Dec 23-Jan 26

CREATIVE PRACTICES INSTITUTE • 10149-122 ST, 780.863.4040 • creativepracticesinstitute.com • BRIDGE: Works by Sergio Serrano; until Jan 17

GALLERY 7 • Bookstore on Perron, 7 Perron St, St Albert • 780.459.2525 • Oil paintings by Marina Bazox and Olga Duc • Until Dec 22

DAFFODIL GALLERY • 10412-124 St • 780.760.1278 • Christmas Group Show; Dec 9-24

GALLERY AT MILNER • Stanley A. Milner Library

DOUGLAS UDELL GALLERY (DUG) • 10332-124

Main Fl, Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.944.5383 • epl.ca/art-gallery • Gallery Walls: Water and Light: Photographs by Chan Hawkins; Dec 1-31

St • douglasudellgallery.com • WINTER SHOW: Latest work by gallery artists, Michael Batty, Graham Fowler, Jessica Korderas, John Macdonald, Erik Olson, Tim Okamura, Jim Park, Harry Savage, David Thauberger and more; Dec 13-24

HAPPY HARBOR COMICS • 10729-104 Ave • happyharborcomics.com • Artist-in-Residence: DANIEL HACKBORN; until Apr 25, 2015 • OPEN DOOR: Collective

Nutcracker • Dec 21, 1-3pm

CHRISTMAS WITH EDMONTON TAP COLLECTIVE • Mercury Room, 10575-114 St • Tap dancers

CONFUCIUS: City Edmonton Project, photogram-based floor pieces by Jing Yuan Huang • Until Jan 17

LOFT GALLERY • AJ Ottewell Gallery, 590 Broadmoor Blvd, Sherwood Park • 780.449.4443 • artstrathcona. com • Open: Fri-Sun 10-6pm • ACACA ALBERTA WIDE ART SHOW: Presented by the Alberta Community Art Clubs Association MACEWAN UNIVERSITY CAFÉ–City Centre Campus • Rm 7-266 • ARTIFACTS: Paintings by Michelle Lavoie • Until Jan 28

MCMULLEN GALLERY • U of A Hospital, 8440-112 St • 780.407.7152 • The Iconic Alberta Rose: Cindy Barratt and Susan Casault. Mixed media of Alberta’s provincial flower including paintings, drawings, and collections of historical items; Dec 11-Feb 1

MULTICULTURAL CENTRE PUBLIC ART GALLERY (MCPAG)–Stony Plain • 5411-51 St, Stony Plain • multicentre.org • Digital Photography by David Kleinsasser; Nov 29-Jan 2

and live musicians • Dec 22, 7:30pm • $15

MUSÉE HÉRITAGE MUSEUM–St Albert • 5

SUGAR FOOT SWING DANCE • Sugar Swing, 10545-81 Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • Swing Dance Social every Sat; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome. Occasional live music • $10, $2 lesson with entry

St Anne St, St Albert • 780.459.1528 • TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT: Explore St Albert through the lens of young photographers; Until Jan 18

NAESS GALLERY • Paint Spot, 10032-81 Ave • 780.432.0240 • paintspot.ca • Main: IMAGINE (a place of dwellings): Oil paintings by Cynthia Booth; until Dec 31 • artisan Nook: SMALL TEMPTATIONS: Group show of small art-works and hand-crafted objects; until Dec 31 • Sculptural Ornaments: Demo; Dec 18, 7-7:30pm

FILM CINEMA AT THE CENTRE • Stanley Milner Library Theatre, bsmt, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7070 • Film screening every Wed, 6:30pm • Home Alone (PG); Dec 17 • Free

NINA HAGGERTY CENTRE STOLLERY GALLERY

FROM BOOKS TO FILM • Stanley A. Milner, 7

• 9225-118 Ave • 780.474.7611 • thenina.ca • BEHOLD!: Artists from Youth Empowerment and Support Services • Nov 29-Dec 21

Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7000 • epl.ca • Films adapted from books every Fri afternoon at 2pm • The Grand Budapest Hotel (14A); Dec 19 • Scrooged (PG-13); Dec 24

PETER ROBERTSON GALLERY • 12304 Jasper Ave • 780.455.7479 • probertsongallery.com • Holiday Group Show: Featuring new work from gallery artists including Tricia Firmaniuk; Dec 13-Jan 6

‘

METRO • Metro at the Garneau Theatre, 8712-109 St • 780.425.9212 • REEL FAMILY CINEMA: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Dec 20 • CULT CINEMA: Say Anything; Dec 23 • FUNDRAISER: It’s A Wonderful Life; Dec 21, 1pm; Admission is free with a non-perishable food or monetary donation to Edmonton's Food Bank • SCIENCE IN THE CINEMA: 50/50; Jan 15 • XMas: Meet Me in St. Louis; Dec 19, 4:30pm & Dec 23, 7pm • SATURDAY MORNING ALLYOU- CAN-EAT CEREAL CARTOON PARTY: Dec 27, 10am • Metro BIZARRO: Last Night; Dec 17, 9:30pm

PRINCE OF WALES ARMOURIES HERITAGE CENTRE • 10440-108 Ave • Project Heroes: The Faces and Stories of Sacrifice: Get to know the Canadian soldiers who died in the Afghanistan war through their eyes, in photographs, videos and letters • Nov 3-Mar 4 • info@projectheroes.ca • projectheroes.ca

REMEDY CAFÉ–DT • 10279 Jasper Ave • GHOSTS

• Spoken Word Tuesdays: Weekly spoken word night presented by the Breath In Poetry Collective (BIP); info: E: breathinpoetry@gmail.com

ST. FAITH'S ANGLICAN CHURCH • 11725-93 St • Journey of the Magi: music and poetry of the season; Dec 28, 7:30pm & Jan 3, 7:30pm • Free or admission by donation UPPER CRUST CAFÉ • 10909-86 Ave • 780.422.8174 • strollofpoets.com • The Poets’ Haven Reading Series: Every Mon, 7pm; presented by the Stroll of Poets Society • $5 (door)

THEATRE THE 11 O'CLOCK NUMBER • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • 90 minutes of improvised entertainment that unveils scenes, songs and choreographed numbers completely off the cuff based on audience suggestions • Every Fri, until Jun 26, 11pm (no shows Dec 26, Jan 2, Jan 9) • $15 (online, at the door) • grindstonetheatre.ca BEST LITTLE NEWFOUNDLAND CHRISTMAS PAGEANT...EVER! • Varscona Theatre, 10329 - 83 Ave • What has the potential to be the worst Pageant ever turns out to be the best one as everyone learns the true meaning of Christmas • Dec 18-22, 7:30pm; 2pm on Dec 20-21) • $24, $20 Seniors/Students and children under 15 years & Matinees

CHRISTMAS CAROL PROJECT • Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns • A musical interpretation of Dickens’ classic tale and features original songs written from the perspectives of the various characters • Dec 19-20 • $37.50 (adv)/$42.50 (door) CHIMPROV • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828-101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Rapid Fire Theatre’s longform comedy show: improv formats, intricate narratives, and one-act plays • Every Sat, 10pm • $12 (door or buy in adv at TIX on the Square) • Until Jun 13

A CHRISTMAS CAROL • Citadel Maclab Theatre • Adapted by Tom Wood, based on the story by Charles Dickens, directed by Bob Baker, starring James MacDonald as Ebenezer Scrooge. Recommended for ages 7+ • Nov 29-Dec 23

CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES – NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW • Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park • fortedmontonpark.ca/events • A family friendly show loosely based on the well known fairy tale • Dec 31

THE SHORTEST DAY: COMEDY SHORT FILM CELEBRATION • Metro Cinema at the Garneau, 8712-

OF JERUSALEM: Abstract photography series • Nov 29-Dec 25

109 St • A one-day cross-country celebration of short films • Dec 21, 7pm • Free

ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM • 12845-102 Ave • 780.453.9100 • royalalbertamuseum.ca • WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Nov 28-Apr 12 • NOWHERE PEOPLE: Photos, giving a human face to the global issue of statelessness, by Greg Constantine; Dec 6-Mar 22

CINDERELLA • Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton • A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, a family friendly musical comedy production including songs, slapstick comedy and gender-crossing actors • Dec 10-Jan 3 • $12 (mat adult/senior/chld); $22 (evening, adult)/$18 (senior)/$15 (child under 12)

SNAP GALLERY • Society of Northern Alberta Print-

COMING OF AGE • C103 (formerly known as Catalyst

GALLERIES + MUSEUMS ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL GALLERY • 10186106 St • 780.488.6611 • albertacraft.ab.ca • Feature Gallery: Well in Hand: Craft artists explore their own horse connections; until Dec 24 ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA (AGA) • 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.422.6223 • youraga.ca • Strange Dream: Artworks by Jill Stanton; until Dec 31 • A Moving Image: until Jan 4 • 90 x 90: Celebrating Art in Alberta: Part 2: until Jan 4 • SONAR: Sound Art Explorations by Edmonton Artists; until Jan 4 • BMO World of Creativity: World of Boo: Jason Carter and Bridget Ryan; until Apr 16 • VIEW FROM A WINDOW: Photos by Edward Burtynsky, Robin Collyer, Eamon MacMahon, Laura St Pierre; Dec 6-Mar 1 • Future Station: 2015 Alberta Biennial Of Contemporary Art: Jan 24-May 3 • Lecture : Kristy Trinier: Making a Biennial, Jan 25; Curator’s Tour of Future Station, Feb 28 • art For lunch: Reinventing the Home with Sara French, Dec 18 • SUBURBIA: A MODEL LIFE (Photographs 1970s-80s); Dec 6-Mar 1 • rBC New Works Gallery: OBSCURE INVERSIONS: Colin Smith; Dec 6-Mar 1 • all Day Sundays: Art activities for all ages; Activities, 12-4pm; Tour; 2pm • late Night Wednesdays: Every Wed, 6-9pm

ART GALLERY OF ST ALBERT (AGSA) • 19 Perron St, St Albert • 780.460.4310 • artgalleryofstalbert.ca • OUR LUMINOUS LAND: Paintings by Jim Visser; Dec 4-Jan 31, 2015

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ART GALLERY OF ST ALBERT (AGSA) • art Ventures: Gallery Studio: 3D Landscapes; Dec 20, 1-4pm; drop-in art program for children ages 6-12; $6/$5.40 (Arts & Heritage member) • ageless art: Welcome to the Real World: Dec 18, 1-3pm; for mature adults; $15/$13.50 (Arts & Heritage member)

WWW.FORTEDMONTONPARK.CA

CHRISTMAS SHOW: New works by Jane Ash Poitras, Jason Carter, Linus Woods, and others; Dec 6-31 Main Fl, 10230-111 Ave • Daily 10am-8pm • 780.735.7999/403.949.4991 • WHITE: Photography series by Karen Lee, exploring the graphic and atmospheric elements of winter • Until Dec 31

BUGERA MATHESON GALLERY • 10345-124 St • bugeramathesongallery.com • ALL WRAPPED UP: Featuring works for the Holiday Season; Dec 6-25

CENTRE D’ARTS VISUELS DE L’ALBERTA (CAVA) • 9103-95 Ave • 780.461.3427 • savacava. com • MINIATURES AND MORE: More than 35 visual artists in an exhibition of minature paintings. Includes the artwork of Gilles Lavoie; Dec 5-23

CITY HALL • 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square •

26 ARTS

SPRUCE GROVE ART GALLERY • 35-5 Ave, Spruce Grove • 780.962.0664 • alliedartscouncil.com • Main Gallery: SNOW: Member Novelty Show; until Jan 24 • Fireplace room: Donna Fillion; through Dec

DRAWING ROOM • 10253-97 St • 780.760.7284 • TELEGRAPH HILL: Coup Boutique and Drawing Room present paintings by Charlotte Falk • Until Dec 24 ENTERPRISE SQUARE GALLERIES • 10230 Jasper Ave • Open: Thu-Fri, 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm • DISCOVERING DINOSAURS: until Jan 31 • aGa at enterprise Square Galleries: SONAR: Sound Art Explorations

by Edmonton Artists; until Jan 4 FAB GALLERY • 1-1 Fine Arts Bldg, 89 Ave, 112

HARCOURT HOUSE GALLERY • 3 Fl, 10215-112 St • 780.426.4180 • Main Space: Alison Hitner: This exhibition will concentrate on films set in worlds that have experienced distinct or drastic environmental alterations; Dec 11-Jan 22 • Front room: How Would Mary Feel? by Lori Victor; Dec 11-Jan 22

LANDO GALLERY • 103, 10310-124 St •

St • 780.492.2081 • Art & Design 50th Anniversary Exhibition curated show; Dec 9-20, Jan 2-10

780.990.1161 • landogallery.com • HOLIDAY EXHIBITION: New works by gallery artists and secondary market works • Opens Dec 3

FRONT GALLERY • 12312 Jasper Ave • thefrontgallery.com • Works by Kari Due and Tom Gale

LATITUDE 53 • 10242-106 St • 780.423.5353 • Main Space: CLASSROOM OF CULTURE REFLECTION—

DIE-NASTY • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave •

St • 780.496.1828 • Landscapes, birds, and still life paintings by Svetlana Troitskaia • Until Jan 2

TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE • 11211-142 St •

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW • Capitol

telusworldofscienceedmonton.com • GPS ADVENTURES CANADA EXHIBITION: Combining technology, nature, and hidden treasure; until Jun 1, 2015 • INDIANA JONES™ AND THE ADVENTURE OF ARCHAEOLOGY: until Apr 6, 2015; $26.50 (adult)/$19.50 (child 3-12)/$23.50 (youth 13-17), student, senior)

U OF A MUSEUMS • Human Ecology Bldg Gallery, Main Fl, 116 St, 89 Ave • LOIS HOLE: THE QUEEN OF HUGS; until Mar 22

VAA GALLERY • 3rd Fl, 10215-112 St • visualartsalberta.com • Violet Owen: Modern Woman; Dec 11-Jan 24

YMCA (Don Wheaton) • 10211-102 Ave • yMCa Community Canvas wall: Rotating year round exhibits

• UNCANNY BREACH: Works by Lucille Frost • Until Jan 2015

LITERARY of independent comic creators meet the 2nd & 4th Thu each month; 7pm

Theatre), 8529 Gateway Boulevard • Bringing together audiences and interdisciplinary artists from different media including painting, film, theatre, dance, and music.

Addresses issues of aging, development, breakthroughs, death and more • Dec 19-20 varsconatheatre.com • Live improvised soap opera • Runs Every Mon, 7:30pm • Until Jun 1; no show on Dec 22 and 29 • $13 or $9 with a $30 membership; at the door (cash) or at tixonthesquare.com

STRATHCONA PUBLIC LIBRARY • 8331-104

WEST END GALLERY • 12308 Jasper Ave • 780.488.4892 • westendgalleryltd.com • JINGLE & MINGLE: Group exhibit; Dec 6-31

BEARCLAW GALLERY • 10403-124 St •

BLUE CURVE GALLERY • Glenrose Hospital,

Artists, 10123-121 St • 780.423.1492 • snapartists. com • SNAP Members Show and Sale; Dec 6-20

EDMONTON STORY SLAM • Daravara, 10713-124 St • edmontonstoryslam.com • Great stories, interesting company, fabulous atmosphere. This month is a Christmas edition, with holiday stories, treats, a prize for the sweetest sweater • 3rd Wed each month • 7pm (sign-up); 7:30pm • $5 Donation to winner

SCRAMBLED YEG • Brittany's Lounge, 10225-97 St • 780.497.0011 • Open Genre Variety Stage: artists from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue-Fri, 5-8pm

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE • 9351-118 Ave • vzenari@gmail.com • Prose Creative Writing Group • Every Tue, 7-9pm ROUGE LOUNGE • 10111-117 St • 780.902.5900

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

Theatre, Fox Dr NW & Fort Edmonton Park Rd • A classic holiday tale of despair and redemption performed as a 1940s radio broadcast by a cast in full period costume with live music and sound effects • Dec 18-23 • $18

MAESTRO • Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave • Rapid Fire Theatre • Improv, a high-stakes game of elimination that will see 11 improvisers compete for audience approval until there is only one left standing • 1st Sat each month, 7:30-9:30pm • $12 (adv at rapidfiretheatre. com)/$15 (door) SHERLOCK HOLMES • Jubilations Dinner Theatre • The greatest detective in the world, Sherlock Holmes, is retiring and his old chum and confidant Dr. Watson is throwing a farewell dinner • Until Jan 31 THAT'S TERRIFIC • Varscona Theatre • Last Sat each month • Nov 29-Jul 25

TOP OF THE POPS: A BRITISH ROCK INVASION • Mayfield Dinner Theatre • Celebrating all things British.

From the '60s to the '70s, the new wave of the '80s, right up to the superstars of today, Top Of The Pops captures it all. With the Beatles, the Stones, the Hollies, the Who, Adele, Amy Winehouse and more • Until Feb 1

WEST SIDE STORY • Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park • Based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. West Side Story will feature a cast of 40 plus, a pit orchestra of 20 and much more • Dec 18-30 YULETIDE YETI • Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Boulevard Northwest • With no time to spare, Mrs. Claus and a yeti named George must learn to get alo ng and help each other through the storm so they can be re-united with their loved ones for Christmas • Dec 20; 12pm, 2pm, 4pm (includes access to puppet making craft activity area) • $15 or buy two get one free and are available through the Box Office

FILM EDITOR: PAUL BLINOV PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

REVUE // DRAMA

T

he gorgeously composed gloom sets in early in Foxcatcher and never really lets up. The film dramatizes the star-crossed convergence of fraternal Olympic wrestling champions Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo) and John du Pont (Steve Carell), the chemical company heir and precariously wealthy dilettante. Du Pont wanted to lead men, preferably handsome, buff, all-American, gladiatorial men, so he set about putting together a wrestling team, first enlisting Mark, setting him up in a chalet on the grounds of his vast Philadelphia fortress, and then charging this younger, lonelier, psychically frail brother with the task of luring the older one, a welladjusted family man. If you've heard anything about this story, which begins in the '80s and ends in the '90s, you know that du Pont became increasingly disappointed and deranged, and you know that things end tragically.

Does Foxcatcher make sense of this tragedy? I don't think that's it's purpose, and in any event Ruffalo is the only one whose character and performance invites us inside. Tatum does a superb job of burying Mark Schultz's desperation deep inside his hulking frame, and Carell's celebrated transformation into the condescending, rifle-sight-beaked, self-appointed coach is likewise an entirely external performance, chilling and opaque. But also fascinating. Directed

by Bennett Miller and written by E Max Frye and Dan Futterman (who scripted Miller's Capote), Foxcatcher seethes at the edges, letting slip doses of jetblack, deadpan comedy while using its true-crime horror story as something of a parable about old money and the sociopathic mindset that wealth's insulation cultivates. Du Pont is clearly deeply unhappy, and when a man possessing this level of entitlement gets unhappy the destruction of other people's lives means little.

Foxcatcher is Miller's fourth film, following the documentary The Cruise and the features Capote and Moneyball. All these films are grounded in true stories, which is a smart way of utilizing Miller's talent for atmospherics and suggesting metaphor without having to scrutinize plot mechanics: once we accept that these things really happened, we can focus our attention on what they might mean to us. I spoke with Miller during the Toronto International Film Festival.

He is a very thoughtful interviewee.

VUE WEEKLY: When does history lend

itself to story? What was it about the story of these three men that suggested itself as a viable work of factbased fiction?

BENNETT MILLER: When you become fascinated by a story, there's something about that story that's deeper than its specifics. It acquires the qualities of metaphor or fable. If I have an undying curiosity about a true story I accept that what resonates is bigger than the story itself. Capote is more than a guy writing a book. Foxcatcher is more than this very eccentric, disturbing, sensationalistic story. I've never been involved in a situation that resembled this story in any way, yet it felt familiar. The story's dynamics did not themselves feel like eccentric themes; they felt like the big themes of today, to do with class, entitlement and family.

VW: Patriotism is everything to du Pont, yet his patriotism cuts against so much of what we think of as the American character. He's anything but down to earth, a man of the people. Have you known someone like du Pont?

BM: I've met some. And you see them in the public arena. You see du Ponts in political campaigns, casting spells, making appeals made to the general public, stirring up nationalistic sentiment for private gain.

VW: Something people often cite as

a difference between Canadians and Americans is our relative paucity of patriotism. Watching Foxcatcher, it does make you wonder if the patriotism on display, which may or may not be a particularly American patriotism, isn't just a beard for some fundamental sense of inadequacy. Du Pont's patriotism seems grounded in a desire to lead men because he cannot be the man he'd like to be. What do you think? Is there anything genuine in du Pont's patriotism?

BM: I'd like to encourage you to write about that perspective. I wouldn't contradict it. I don't believe du Pont is so absolutely Machiavellian that he dissociates from his banter. It's his refuge.

Du Pont's father split when he was two.

Mark Schultz's father split when he was very young. These are men without fathers who are obsessed with father issues—founding-father issues. In that sense I think this patriotism is genuine.

VW: Do you consider yourself a patriot?

BM: I begin to drown in the complica-

tions. I find myself very moved by the story of how our constitution came to be, the fact that people risked and sacrificed their lives for freedoms we enjoy. They profoundly altered the course of civilization. But patriotism, like anything, like religion, can be exploited for ill purpose. I'm reluctant to sign up and belong to any kind of movement or party. I do feel that there's much that's worth appreciating and perpetuating. We've got quite a bit to evolve out of, too. Your observation about where this aggressiveness comes from and what it belies is what makes America so complicated.

VW: The physicality of Foxcatcher is

really interesting. All three leads each have incredibly distinctive gaits and postures. You could almost shoot them in silhouette and still tell the story.

BM: The actors have to take all the credit for that. It so happens that those characters possess those qualities. There's plenty of archival video of all of them. Not only do we have the finished documentaries that du Pont made of himself, we have the outtakes as well—it would have been hard to make this movie without them. Channing and Ruffalo steeped themselves in these individuals, in this bizarre subculture of wrestlers and wrestling. They studied how wrestlers carried themselves, how they related to each other. It was the same with du Pont. Steve was able to study him. When the first make-up tests were done I was in Pittsburgh and he was in Los Angeles, so they had to send me videos. Steve was in full makeup and a sweatsuit, jogging around the room. It was the first time I saw Steve begin to inhabit this physicality. It sent a chill.

VW: Given this abundance of archival

material, did you ever consider filming this story as documentary?

BM: Yes. But by the time I finished reading the first article about this story I knew I wanted to make it as a narrative feature. I knew this could be a phenomenal documentary, but one person who was an incredible support in this whole process was Nancy Schultz, Dave Schultz's widow, and she's undertaking a documentary project. She supported us and we're here to support her any way we can.

I think her film is going to be more about Dave than Mark.

VW: Does Foxcatcher have a protago-

nist? I feel like there are moments where any of the three main characters hold the centre. I'm very interested in that triangle, because it keeps you off-balance—like pretty much everything in the film.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

Opens Friday Foxcatcher Directed by Bennett Miller  BM: With this film I don't subscribe to any conventional narrative structure, but if I were to look at it fresh, I would say that it's Mark's story. He begins the film by appearing before a class of elementary school kids, talking about the virtues required to obtain a gold medal. He ends it climbing into a cage for this carnivalesque spectacle of bloodsport. Metaphorically, I was interested in his arc.

VW: All your films thus far are ground-

ed in true stories. Do you see true stories as a career-length investment?

BM: I don't know what I want to do from one thing to the next. I think I'd be just as happy to take on a totally fictional narrative project. And at some point something's going to happen and they're not going to let me make narrative movies anymore.

VW: You don't think so? You're doing

pretty well so far.

BM: I am. So far I feel very fortunate.

But, historically, that's what happens.

You get your window. So long as they let me continue to get away with it, I'll keep doing it. But part of me looks forward to the day when I lose my licence to practice and can go back to making documentaries.

VW: Is there someone whose career trajectory you look to as a model?

BM: Not at all. [Long pause] OK. Abraham Lincoln.

VW: His career didn't end so well.

BM: I think it ended perfectly. He did

what he needed to do. And then he was out.

JOSEF BRAUN JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

FILM 27

FILM

GIFT PASSES

REVUE // BIOPIC

ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE IN THE

GARNEAU THEATRE

The Imitation Game

6-PACK MOVIES A NIGHT AT THE

TICKETS & MORE! Gift purchases include a locally designed Xmas card!

Saturday Dec. 27 @ 10AM Over 2 hours of classic cartoons!

Adults $12 | Students & Seniors $10 Children 12 & under $8.

Admission includes cereal.

8712 - 109 ST | METROCINEMA.ORG

MARATHON AT METRO CINEMA!

DECEMBER 20-26, 2014

Opens Friday Directed by Morten Tyldum 

The world of Harry Potter is taking over Metro Cinema this holiday season. See all 8 movies with activities, treats, decorations, prizes and so much more! Come as your favourite character, and bring your trivia knowledge!

MATINEE PRICING!

ADULT $10 STUDENT/SENIOR/CHILD $6

See All 8 for one Low price! Adult pass $65 Student/Senior/Child pass $35 Passes on sale at shop.metrocinema.org

WIN ONE OF 4 DOUBLE MARATHON PASSES, GOOD FOR A SINGLE ADMISSION INTO

ALL 8 FILMS!

Contest closes December 21st!

Winners will be able to pick up their prize at the Metro Cinema Box Offce

PRESENTS

PRIDE THU @ 7:00, MON @ 9:00 LISTEN UP PHILIP THU @ 9:30 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

DEC 18 - DEC 24

HARRY POTTER MARATHON!

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE SAT @ 4:00

FRI @ 4:30, TUES @ 7:00 WALKING THE CAMINO: SIX WAYS TO HARRY POTTER AND THE SANTIAGO FRI @ 7:00, SAT @ 9:30, MON @ 7:15 CHAMBER OF SECRETS SUN @ 4:00 THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER FRI@ 9:15, SAT @ 6:45 JAPANESE W/ SUBTITLES OF AZKABAN MON @ 1:00 REEL FAMILY CINEMA HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET THE MUPPET OF FIRE MON @ 4:00 CHRISTMAS CAROL HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER SAT @ 2:00 FREE FOR KIDS 12 & UNDER! OF THE PHOENIX TUES @ 1:00 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE SUN @ 1:00 HARRY POTTER AND THE FREE ADMISSION WITH A DONATION TO EDMONTON’S FOOD BANK! HALF-BLOOD PRINCE TUES @ 4:00 THE SHORTEST DAY: COMEDY CULT CINEMA/// SHORT FILM CELEBRATION SUN @ 7:00 SAY ANYTHING TUES @ 9:30 DEAD SNOW 2: RED VS. DEAD SUN @ 9:30 DEC 24 & 25 CLOSED! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! NORWEGIAN W/ SUBTITLES

T

he title could be a summation of the conundrum of all biopics: slavishly imitate your biographical subject at your peril, though it is equally precarious to stray too far into fiction when dealing with the thorniness of facts. This handsome, well-paced prestige picture about Alan Turing, the English cryptanalyst who led the team that broke the Nazi's Enigma code, is a perfectly respectable dramatization of a secret triumph that helped the Allies win the Second World War. The film feels a lot less respectable when it comes to its depiction of Turing's troubles living as a homosexual in a culture of intolerance with an anti-sodomy law that only a few years after the war allowed Turing to be arrested and forced to choose between imprisonment and chemical castration. Written by Graham Moore and helmed by Norwegian director Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game works its way through its colourful, plotty depiction of the race to break Enigma and then winds down with a self-congratulatory but fairly tokenistic denouement depicting Turing's harassment by police and his apparent suicide at 41. (The film also barely mentions the innovative experiment that provides

Crackin' the code

its very title; Turing is considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.)

Able to be simultaneously stuffy and sort of adorable, Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect casting for Turing, who the film portrays as a possibly autistic genius math nerd with no special interest in the war itself—he seeks the code-breaking gig because he's confident he can meet the challenge. Turing is good with numbers, not people, so a lot of tension is built up around our protagonist's crash course in diplomacy and appreciation of teamwork. Our Turing also seems handicapped when it comes to love and marriage, and while it's suggested that he was fully resigned to his homosexuality by this point, he enters into a romantic relationship with crossword-puzzle master and general smarty-pants Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), who becomes the hidden female component of the code-breaking team. Her plight is something of a mirror to his: Turning can flaunt his intelligence but needs to hide his sexuality; Clarke can exploit her sexuality but has to hide her intelligence.

They have an interesting dynamic that speaks equally to feminist and LBGTQ interests and could have been

Metro Cinema at the Garneau: 8712-109 Street WWW.METROCINEMA.ORG

28 FILM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

explored further, but Clarke is underwritten and Knightley underused.

There are many things to like in The Imitation Game: the strong performers (among them Mark Strong); the punched-up earth tones of Oscar Faura's cinematography; the clever costume designs of Sammy Sheldon (notice the way she makes the patterns on Turing's clothes look more complicated than those of his cocryptanalysts when first they meet); and the excellent ping-pongy bits of dialogue in several scenes, such as the one depicting Turing's job interview. But these are the pleasures of old fashioned, well-made cinema, and they don't quite make up for what feels like the paucity of rigor applied to dealing with an ostensibly progressive theme, the complex and harrowing true story of a man persecuted for his sexual preference—a man who died before his wartime activities were de-classified and more than a handful of people could know the magnitude of his accomplishment.

Let's remember Alan Turning. But let's not limit our memory of him to what's in this movie.

JOSEF BRAUN

JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // MEMOIR

Wild

Opens Friday Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée 

came closer to immersing us in the strange, beautiful, hostile landscape that transforms its heroine. But really, Tracks and Wild suffer from the same lack of trust in the present tense, employing far too many flashbacks to explain things that a bolder, more wholly cinematic film would attempt to do by staying close to the heroine, her perceptions and feelings, as she moves along her journey.

Just a leisurely 1100-mile jaunt to find closure

B

ased on Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir of the same name, Wild chronicles the author's hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from Southern California to the Bridge of the Gods. Embodied with laudable spunk by Reese Witherspoon, underprepared Cheryl undertakes the topographically varied 1100-mile trek after the death of her mother (Laura Dern), an event which sent Cheryl spiraling into promiscu-

ity and drug use and spelled the end of her marriage to an apparently very nice man (Thomas Sadoski). Having hit rock bottom, Cheryl stores her belongings with her ex, purchases some perilously undersized boots, assembles a comically oversized backpack and sets out on a journey of renewal. Or so we assume. One of the shortcomings of this mostly compelling, well-intentioned adaptation is its perhaps inevitable inabil-

ity to convey an interior, emotional, philosophical narrative.

Wild shares many qualities with Tracks, which adapted Robyn Davidson's book of the same name, chronicling the author's 1977 trek across 1700 miles of Australian desert with four camels and a pooch. It was released earlier this year and starred Mia Wasikowska.

If I feel slightly friendlier toward Tracks it's only because that film

The screenplay, written by novelist Nick Hornby, takes an extremely literal-minded approach to looping past and present. Cheryl cries, "Come back!" to a fox she encounters before we cut to an image of her mother dying in hospital. Cheryl calls her brother and tells him to "walk a little," before we cut to an image of she and brother and mother walking merrily down a country road. Throughout Wild Cheryl randomly mutters lines from her past as she hikes and we then cut to the moment in her past when those lines were originally spoken. It gets to feeling like lazy screenwriting, the flashbacks working as a crutch to resolve questions that could be addressed in Cheryl's hike and her

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

various encounters with fellow travellers, things that we ourselves could feel and discover had the film offered more sustained passages of Cheryl on the PCT. Wild is Quebec director Jean-Marc Vallée's follow-up to Dallas Buyers Club. In both cases I appreciate Vallée's sexual frankness and his way of highlighting a strong lead performance with camerawork that's always attentive to an actor's most subtle but vital gestures. But Vallée also remains over-eager to inject flash wherever possible, so the soundtrack, featuring Portishead, Leonard Cohen, Lucinda Williams and a whole lot of Simon & Garfunkel's "El Condor Pasa," gets overused, and those flashbacks dazzle when they should simply light the way to some otherwise hidden corner of Cheryl's psyche.

I'm using the word "should," which gives the impression that my assessment would correct what I deem as flaws in Wild's execution. The truth is I'm not sure that this kind of story can ever be fully translated into cinema. There are still things only books can do.

JOSEF BRAUN

JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

FILM 29

FILM PREVUE // ANIMATED

A Ghibli masterpiece

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya GOLDEN GLOBE

he Tale of The Princess Kaguya, Studio Ghibli's 20th film (but perhaps penultimate) and Isao Takahata's fifth (but first for 15 years), is a watercolour re-telling of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Japan's oldest known narrative. The style's extraordinary, using white space to haunting effect even as the wispy, light colours suggest a dreamy delicacy to life and nature. The images recall traditional Japanese art—including inkwash and scroll paintings—but also picture books (Beatrix Potter's watercolours, say), even as they're ghostlier, more tender. Moments, and movements, enthrall: a baby's tumble; a girl's fizzing excitement as she tears around her new home; the melancholy, mythical ending.

Much like a Grimm story, this 10th-century fiction is fairy tale-ish yet grounded in the aspirations and

®

I N E E

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grudges of class realities. A bamboo cutter discovers a baby, swaddled in princess garb, in a glowing stalk (she's later named Kaguya ["shining light"]). He and his wife take her in; she sprouts quickly and, after the bamboo cutter discovers gold in another magical shoot, he travels to the city to buy a palace, setting up his adopted daughter in a style befitting her royal birthright. And so the girl, free and happy in nature, becomes more imprisoned and tamed by culture—largely because of her foolish father's obsession with status. She's confined, cosseted and cloistered; she's treated like a courtesan in this man's world, where one imperiously declares, "I still believe your happiness lies in being mine."

Yet our heroine is potent in her anguish and resolve (she cleverly

REVUE // EPIC

A

CHERYL STRAYED

grey 50%, white backgound

SCREENPLAY BY DIRECTED BY

NICK HORNBY

JEAN-MARC VALLÉE

THE DIRECTOR OF

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

SEXUALCONTENT, SUBSTANCE ABUSE

EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT STARTS FRIDAY! LANDMARK CINEMAS

Check theatre directory or go to www.tribute.ca for showtimes

30AIM_VUE_DEC18_QTR_WILD.pdf FILM

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wards off five suitors). In a dreamlike moment (here, life often seems a strange, wondrous dream), during a three-day celebration of her new name, as the innuendo of drunken men outside her bamboo blind gathers in crass force, the Princess rushes from the palace, hair flying, layers of regal dress scattered beneath a glowering moon—her fury comes in shattering, slashing sketches. It's one of Takahata's (and Ghibli's) most astounding sequences. Such flurries of expressiveness swirl into subtle shifts in style; it's these fiercely elemental illustrations of one girl's forbearance, defiance and longing which mark The Tale of The Princess Kaguya as the fourth (and possibly last) masterpiece from Japan's greatest film studio.

BRIAN GIBSON

BRIAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Now playing Directed by Ridley Scott 

Exodus: Gods and Kings

BASED ON THE INSPIRATIONAL BEST SELLER BY

Fri, Dec 19 – Wed, Jan 7 Directed by Isao Takahata Metro Cinema at the Garneau 

nd so it came to pass, in the year 2014 of Our Lord and Prophet, or Hollywood and Profit—whichsoever be greater—that a Biblical epic of quasi-brothers was madeth by a brother, Ridley Scott, and dedicatedeth to his dear departed brother, Tony ... even though that most hallowed quasi-brother, the Olden Timey/Old Testament prophet Moses (Christian Bale), never hath what ye may call a moment with his newfound, true brother, Aaron. Yet I say unto thee that the movie which hath arisen, Exodus: Gods and Kings, hath many other moments, which be good-ish enough, and watch-able enough and by-the-Book, and yet altogether smacketh of being too graven and tablet-y in their images.

For instance (I hereby skippeth over the plot, known unto all and sundry),

to Moses God appeareth as a boy.

This boy doth seemeth petulant, and altogether too well-spoken, and pettily, childishly vengeful. Lo, whither art thou, wrathful, adult God who wisheth to show the Pharaoh your might? He appeareth not; so shruggeth the scriptwriters.

And the sea doth not part but ebb away, then Mighty Surf Wave of Death back over the Egyptians and Ramses, yet Moses and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) somehow survive this torrent, as though verily a super-hero sequel entereth pre-production. And the heavens be often like as to the colours of lead and doom and Momentousness, and Sigourney Weaver hath but to utter three lines in the film entire, and there only be humour when Thin Scot (Ewen Brem-

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

ner), he of Trainspotting, appeareth (and it was goodly amusing), and certain words doth sound gratingly not BCE to mine ears, liketh so: “From an economic standpoint alone, what you're asking is problematic to say the least.”

But verily Bale granteth much gravitas and feeling to Moses (though Ramses be but a papyrus villain), and there be touching moments betwixt him and his beloved, and many of the plagues are Wow-y! (especially the Blood and Locusts, though the Lice getteth short shrift) and the movie seemeth created for CGI. If only that movie wereth not a moment-y megamovie but an actual, feeling-filled film ... but there is ever Noah, already among us on Blueth-ray.

BRIAN GIBSON

BRIAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

NEW YEAR’S EVE

2015 STYLE & PARTY GUIDE A

nother year is nearly in the books. Whether you've had a banner 2014 or a year you'd rather forget, New Year's Eve is your chance to go all out. Less is more does not apply here, so pile on the statement jewelry, sparkle and luxe fabrics. This is the night where you get to have fun and go for glam, so we've rounded up a few ideas to get you started.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE 31

ALE YARD TAP AND GRILL

BUNKERS SPORTS BAR

• 13310 - 137 Ave • 780.457.1300 • New Years Eve with Jimmy Whiffen • 7pm

• 615 Hermitage Rd • Danger Pay Feat Black Crimson; No minors (18+ only) • 8pm • $20 (available at venue)

APEX CASINO • 24 Boudreau Rd, Saint Albert • 780.460.8092 • New Year’s Eve with Elvis • 7pm (doors), 8pm (buffet dinner), 9pm (show & dancing)

ARTERY • 9535 Jasper Avenue • 780.441.6966 • theartery.ca • New Years Eve Massive featuring the Collective West • 9pm • $12 (adv), $15 (door)

ATLANTIC TRAP AND GILL • 7704 - 104 Street • New Years Eve with Jimmy Whiffen • 7pm

BAILEY THEATRE–CAMROSE • 5041-50 St, Camrose • 780.672.5510 • New Year's Eve Dance Party with Glovebox • 9pm

BIG AL’S HOUSE OF BLUES • 12402-118 Ave • 780.482.0202 • bigalshouseofblues.com • Ring in the New Year with Boogie Patrol • $80 (per person), $280 (table of 4), $50 (per person; includes appetizer and show)

BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE • 10425 Whyte Ave • 780.439.1082 • NYE at the Blackdog Freehouse featuring the Give ‘Em Hell Boys, Bombchan, and more. No minors (18+ only) • 7pm, 10pm (bands) • $15

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ • 9624 - 76 Avenue • 780.989.2861 • bluechair.ca • New Year's Eve Party: featuring Rooster Davis Group with Ann Vriend • 7pm-1am • $120 including show and 7-course dinner (reservations only)

BLUES ON WHYTE • 10329 - 82 Avenue • 780.439.3981 • bluesonwhyte.ca • JK & The Static; includes 11pm buffet • $25 (adv), $30 (door)

BOHEMIA • 10575 - 114 Street • artmuzak.ca • DARQ.NYE

BOURBON ROOM • 205 Carnegie Drive, St. Albert • 587.290.0071 • facebook.com/pages/The-BourbonRoom/191402807691561 • Featuring a DJ, dinner, dancing and live music • $40

THE BOWER • 10538 Jasper Ave • thebower.ca • Junior Brown & David Stone • 8pm (doors) • $10

BRIXX BAR • 10030-102 St • starliteroom.ca • I <3 NYE with SLYNK, KrisFoReal, Nattikk, Spenny B, Beat Burglar, D3VIANT • 9pm • $30

THE BUCKINGHAM • 10439-82 Ave • facebook.com/thebuckinghamonwhyte • Midnight Madness Crawl

CAFFREY’S IN THE PARK • 99 23349 Wye Road, Sherwood Park • 780.449.7468 • caffreys.ca • Featuring Vent • 7pm • $30 (dinner), $15 (party)

CAMROSE RESORT CASINO • 3201 - 48 Ave, Camrose • 780.679.0904 • camrose.westerncanadaresorts.com • The Rojo's

CAPITOL THEATRE • Fort Edmonton Park, 7000-143 St • Christmas Pantomimes – New Year’s Eve Show; Includes songs, slapstick comedy and gendercrossing actors. A family friendly show loosely based on the well known fairy tale • 2-4pm

CASINO EDMONTON • 7055 Argylll Road • 780.463.9467 • purecanadiangaming.com/casino-edmonton • New Year's Eve featuring 5 on the Side, and buffet style dinner • 6pm (dinner), 9pm-1am (entertainment) • $72 (includes 15% gratuity and GST)

CASINO YELLOWHEAD • 12464 - 153 Street • 780.424.9467 • purecanadiangaming.com/casino-yellowhead • New Year's Eve featuring Counterfitz, buffet style dinner • 6pm (dinner), 9pm-1am (entertainment) • $85 (includes 15% gratuity and GST)

CENTURY CASINO • 13103 Fort Road • 780.643.4000 • David Wilcox NYE Bash • 9:15pm • $79.95

CENTRAL LIONS SENIORS ASSOCIATION • 11113-113 St • Sirens Presents Nye Abba Again • 7:30pm

CLUB XO • 10004 Jasper Ave • 780.477.9737 • NYE 2015 Masquerade Ball • 8pm

COMIC STRIP • Bourbon St, WEM • 780.483.5999 • thecomicstrip.ca • Mike Vecchione New Years Party. Three acts, three packages to choose from • 7pm • $30, $56, $68

THE COMMON

On James Suit: Le 31 | Simons White Shirt: Le 31 | Simons Shoes: Gravity Pope Belt: Calvin Klein, Simons Tie: Simons

• 10124 - 124 Street • 780.452.7333 • thecommon.ca • NYE at The Common with Vinyl Ritchie (Van) • 5pm (doors) • $20

COOK COUNTY SALOON • 8010 - 103 Street • 780.432.2665 • cookcountysaloon.com • New Year’s Eve Party: The Dungarees Live Performance • 8pm (doors) • $15 (adv)

On Daria Dress: DKNY (West Edmonton Mall) Necklace: Aldo Accessories Shoes: Repetto, Gravity Pope

CRAFT BEER MARKET EDMONTON • 10013-101 Ave • 780.424.2337 • Best of 2014 New Year's Eve Brewmaster's Dinner & Dance. No minors (18+) • $10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 35 >>

32 NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE 33

34 NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

On James Tux: Le 31 | Simons Bow Tie: Le 31 | Simons Shirt: Le 31 | Simons Shoes: Mr Hare, Gravity Pope On Daria Dress: DKNY (West Edmonton Mall) Dress (White): LUXX Ready to Wear Hat: Simons Shoes: Aldo Faux-Fur Scarf: Simons Necklace: Aldo Accessories

NYE GUIDE 2015

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

CREOLE ENVIE • 6509-112 Ave • New Year's Seafood Boil with a gumbo, prawns, lobster and so much more • 5pm

DANNY HACKSAW’S PUB • 1503 Lakewood Road • NYE Featuring Rockzilla • 9:30pm

DELTA EDMONTON SOUTH HOTEL • 4404 Gateway Boulevard • 780.431.3457

• TOP OF THE INN: The Swing Kings With Sandro Dominelli & Shelley Jones • 5:30pm • GRAND BALLROOM: 15th Annual Latin New Years Gala; featuring Domenic Marte and Tremendo.

Includes 4 course sit down dinner • 6pm-2:30am • Dinner & Dance: $99/person; Dance only: $80

DENIZEN HALL • 10311-103 Ave • New Year's Eve Featuring Royal Tusk with Scenic Route to Alaska and Physical Copies • 7pm • $10 (adv), $15 (door)

DEVANEY’S IRISH PUB • 9013 - 88 Avenue • 780.465.4834 • Featuring Duff Robinson

DRUID IRISH PUB • 11606 Jasper Avenue • 780.454.9928 • thedruidedmonton.com • Ringing in New Year's Eve. No minors.

• 6pm • $30 (dinner & party), $10 (DJ & party); available at venue

DUGGAN’S BOUNDARY • 9013-88 Ave • sherlockshospitality.com/duggansboundary • Age limit of 18+. Featuring Duff Robinson • 7pm

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 >> VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE 35

NYE GUIDE 2015

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

DV8 • 8130 Gateway Blvd • facebook.com/groups/160955007413742 • Tighten Up! New Years Eve Spectacular Featuring Tighten Up • 9pm • $5 (door)

E BAR • 10018 - 105 St • 780.913.4312 • Glits & Glamour - Nye 2015 • $30 • 10pm

EARLY STAGE SALOON–Stony Plain • 780.963.0120 • theearlystagesaloon.com/page04.html • With the Saloon Boys, Bernie and Gary. No minors • 7pm

EDMONTON DOWNTOWN • Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton Arts District, Downtown 102 Avenue and 100 Street • 780.423.2822 • eventsedmonton.ca • CHURCHILL SQUARE: Music, ice skating and food concessions with fireworks; 10pm • CITY HALL: With kids’ crafts and activities, magicians, balloon artists, face painters and live music; 7pm • Free, non-alcoholic event

EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE • 7515 - 118 Avenue • edmontonexpocentre.com • A License to Thrill • 5:30pm

EDMONTON PETROLEUM CLUB • 11110 - 108 St • edpetroleumclub.com • A seven-course plated dinner, live band and dancing • 6pm (dinner & show), 9pm (show only) • $70

EDMONTON TRANSIT Take ETS to your NYE celebration. ETS service is free beginning at 6 pm until 3:30 am on Jan 1

ENCORE–WEM • 8882-170 St • 780.486.9494 • Kid Ink • 8pm

FANTASYLAND HOTEL–WEM • Beverly Hills Ballroom, WEM • edgala.com • 2015 Edmonton International New Years Eve Gala; featuring Former Cirque Du Soleil artists and DJ Tomski • 7pm (doors), 8pm (show) • $150

FORT EDMONTON PARK • 7000-143 St • 780.442.5311 • fortedmontonpark.ca • New Years Eve 2014: An Evening of Music and Magic. Featuring cocktails, a five course dinner, Dance and performances by the gypsy jazz Quintet Cam Neufeld, Beginner Swing Lessons by the Sugar Swing Dancers, and a countdown with champagne toast • 6:30pm-12:15am • $192.50 (per person)

On James Suit: Le 31 | Simons Shirt: Le 31 | Simons Shoes: Grenson, Gravity Pope Tie: Simons

HILLTOP PUB • 10544 Whyte Ave • Part of the Midnight Madness Crawl • 7pm

On Daria Dress: DKNY (West Edmonton Mall) Shoes: T & F Slack London, Gravity Pope Headband: Simons

HUDSON’S • hudsonstaphouse.com • WHYTE, 10307- 82 Ave, 780.439.4526 • DOWNTOWN, 11248 - 104 Ave, 780.428.5196 • BOURBON ST, WEM, 7870.489.3035 • SOUTH COMMON, 2104 - 99 St, 780.469.7007

JUBILATIONS DINNER THEATRE • #2690, 8882-170 St • 780.484.2424 • It's Elementary Sherlock

36 NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

On James Sweater: ONLY & SONS, Simons On Daria Jumpsuit: Le 31 | Simons Plaid Shirt: DKNY

L.B.’S PUB

MERCER TAVERN

O’MAILLES IRISH PUB & EATERY

• 23 Akins Drive, St Albert • 780.460.9100 • lbspub.ca • Jakked Live New Years Eve Extravaganza

• 10363-104 St • mercertavern.com • 587.521.1911 • Y2K New Years Eve Party at Mercer Tavern • 6pm

• #104, 398 St.Albert Rd. • 780.458.5700 • Ron Pederson live for NYE. No minors (18+ only) • 8pm

LEAF BAR & GRILL

ON THE ROCKS

• 9016-132 Ave • 780.757.2121 • The Cyril Sneer Experience • 9pm • $20 (includes, champagne & appitizers)

MERCURY ROOM

LIONS SENIORS CENTRE

MKT FRESH FOOD & BEER MARKET

• 11113 113 St • 780.246.4749 • abbaagain.com • Abba Again: a Tribute to Abba; with special guests the Rault Brothers Band. Includes delux buffet & complimentary champagne

• 8101 Gateway Blvd • 780.439.2337 • Brew Year’s Eve Party: featuring a live show with Shane Young, and more • 7:30pm (seating for drink, dine and dance), 8pm (drink & dance) • $70 (dine, drink & dance), $20 (adv, door, drink & dance), $30 (door, drink & dance)

LIZARD LOUNGE • 11827 St Albert Trail • 780.451.9180 • No minors (18+ only).

• 9pm • $5

MAYFIELD DINNER THEATRE • 16615 - 109 Avenue • mayfieldtheatre.ca • Top Of The Pops A British Rock Invasion • 6:30pm

MCDOUGALL CHURCH • 10025 - 101 Street • 780.428.1818 • mcdougallunited.com • New years Eve Concert & Fundraiser with performances by: Back Porch Swing, Braden Gates, The Carolines, Jim Findlay Trio, Marco Claveria, Scott Cook & The long week-ends • 7:30-10:30PM, 6:45PM (doors) • Admission at the door with a non perishable food item or donation to the Edmonton Food bank

• 11730 Jasper Avenue • 780.482.4767 • ontherocksedmonton.com • Funk In The New Year With The Superband: A nine pieve group • $40 (dinner), $25 (party)

• 10575 - 114 St • New Years Eve Dinner (buffet-style, no entertainment) • 5:30pm

MUTTART CONSERVATORY • 9626-96A St • 780.442.5311 • muttartconservatory.ca • Muttart Masquerade New Years Eve: Enjoy the live music, crafts, and fun activities • 10am-2pm • edmonton.ca

NEW WEST HOTEL • 15025-111 Ave • 780.489.2511 • Sonny &s The Hurricanes • 7pm

NORTHLANDS PARK • 73 Street, 116 Avenue • 780.491.3445 • A License to Thrill: includes glamour, prizes, intrigue and live racing action; 5:30pm-2am; To reserve tickets call 780.471.3380 • Harness Racing; 6:30-10:30pm

MELTING POT

O’BYRNE’S IRISH PUB

• 2920 Calgary Trail • New Years Eve Dinner with four courses, a picture of your group and more • 5pm

• 10616-82 Ave • 780.414.6766 • No minors. 18+ only

OVERTIME (SHERWOOD PARK)

• 101 Granada Blvd, Sherwood Park • overtimesherwoodpark.com • The Ultimate Black and White NYE party • 6-9pm (dinner), 9:30pm (dueling pianos)

PALACE CASINO WEM • 8882-179 St • 780.444.2112 • NYE 2015 with David Aron’s Tribute to Elvis. No minors (18+)

PAWN SHOP • 15120A (basement), Stony Plain Road • 780.756.6010 • pawnshoplive.ca • Punk Rock New Years Featuring A Wilhelm Scream with guest • $26 (adv) at Blackbyrd

THE PINT • 10125-109 St • thepint.ca • Part of the Edmonton NYE Club Crawl 2015 • 6:30pm

REDNEX BAR & GRILL • 10413 - 100 Ave, Morinville • 780.939.6955 • rednex.ca • Locked and Loaded – NYE Country rock. No minors (18+) • 8pm

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38 >> VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE 37

On James Tie: Tommy Hilfiger, Simons Shirt: Simons Suit: Simons Shoes: Church’s, Gravity Pope

On Daria Shoes: Gravity Pope Dress: DKNY (West Edmonton Mall) Faux-Fur Jacket: DKNY

NYE GUIDE 2015

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

RED PIANO • Bourbon Street, WEM • 780.486.7722 • theredpiano.ca • Gotham New Years Eve • 6pm (dinner & show), 9pm (show only) • $165 (dinner & show), $55 (show only)

RIVER CREE • 300 East Lapotac Boulevard • 780.484.2121 • rivercreeresort.com • The King starring Trent Carlini with special guest Joe Esposito; Must be 18+ • 5pm (doors), 7pm (show) • $39.50 (all tickets and packages are final sale)

THE SANDS HOTEL • 12340 Fort Road • 780.474.5476 • Mooney Bay • 8pm

SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE • 9797 Jasper Avenue • edmonton.com/shaw-conference-centre

38 NEW YEAR’S PARTY GUIDE

• Tiesto; no minors, 18+ only • 7pm

SIDELINERS PUB & PANTRY • 11018 - 127 St • sidelinerspub.ca/Home.html • Celeigh Cardinal Band with drink specials • 9pm •No cover

• 8882 - 170 Street • World Waterpark’s New Year’s Eve Beach Ball • 6pm-midnight

• 10545-81 Ave • sugarswing.com • Good Old Hollywood: A New Year’s Eve Gala • 7pm-2am

• 12315-118 Avenue • 780.455.8007 • Damn It Jim NYE Bash. No minors (18+) • 8pm • facebook.com/pages/SneakyPetes/28609325570

TOWER ON JASPER

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MUSIC 39

MUSIC EDITOR: MEAGHAN BAXTER MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // COUNTRY Sun, Dec 21 (7 pm) Edmonton Musician's Fundraiser in support of the Bissell Centre On the Rocks, $10; $5 for turkey dinner

Jay Sparrow goes country on Bluebird

J

ay Sparrow spent much of his childhood on the road. His father was a touring musician, so he got a taste of transient life early on and didn't lay down roots until seventh grade, when his family settled in New Sarepta, Alberta.

The small hamlet of just over 400 people is nestled in the countryside about half an hour from Edmonton, and Sparrow hosted a sold-out release show there for his latest album Blubird this past weekend. Sparrow had never played a show back home, and he has his doubts anyone's ever played a show at the New Sarepta Tavern, which also served as a backdrop for the final sequence in the video for "Radio," Bluebird's new single.

"There's maybe a dozen businesses in the whole town. For example, my high school out there has 150 kids in it and goes from Grade 7 to Grade 12. My grad class had 18 kids in it," Sparrow laughs. "I love that stuff, though. That's Canada. We're so spread out, and they put these schools in these communities because there has to be a school there. We're too far away to go to, you know, Sherwood Park or something, so it has to be there."

It seems fitting then that New Sarepta would star in the video for "Radio" which is all about relocating from a small town to the big city and how the radio informs different aspects of a person's life, regardless of where they came from. Sparrow, who directs most of his videos these days and works alongside cinematographer Dan Holden, spent about a week in the town capturing vignettes of the high school, local businesses and the hockey arena, the epicentre of many rural communities.

"The hockey arena is like the church. It's the meeting place that all of the families get to know each other at," Sparrow adds. "I

40 MUSIC

think it's the most expensive thing in hundreds of miles. They have a multi, multi-million-dollar arena in a town that has nothing else in it. It doesn't even have a gas station, so that's such a Canadian thing. The new record's been doing pretty well in Europe and stuff, so I thought if they're paying attention to me this would be cool thing; it would be an interesting, exotic thing for them to realize in these small towns in Canada how important hockey is, and it's a community-maker at the end of the day."

These down-home sentiments fit right in on Bluebird, Sparrow's sixth solo record in five years and his most country-influenced group of songs yet. He got his start in the punk-rock outfit Murder City Sparrows, but grew up listening to country stalwarts like Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Country may not have seemed like an obvious next step for the singer-songwriter, whose previous album, White, was rooted in electro-pop, but country influences began to creep in while writing Bluebird—recorded at Willie Nelson's Arlyn Studios with a band made up of Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar), Clayton Bellamy (The Road Hammers), Shawn Perreault (Wide Mouth Mason) and Chad Melchert (Gord Bamford).

"I don't say that I'm going to write a certain kind of record, probably to my own fault," says Sparrow, noting the songs started out punk and shifted naturally towards country. "I have a conversation with some kind of industry person at least a dozen times a year where they say the thing that could have potentially held you back in your career is that you change genre styles, record to record, so you alienate fans every time. At the end of the day I agree with VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

that, but I'm also kind of in it for exploration."

The result is a record filled with melodies that are undeniably country while maintaining a hint of ragged punk edge, coupled with lyrical content that runs from relationships to questions about religion and support for same-sex marriage.

"They're just things I'm exasperated with," Sparrow says of the heavier subject matter, such as that heard on "It Don't Matter," a song about it being OK to love who you love as long as you love 'em right. "It's ridiculous we're still having this conversation in the world. I feel like I don't have the fortitude to be an activist. I prefer to just say what I want to say in the songs and let it be that, so that's what I do, you know? Instead of me standing on a soap box I just try to make something artistic of my opinion on the subject."

Although, Sparrow notes music can be like a "Trojan horse," in that it enters people's lives innocuously and they can digest messages of social change without even realizing it. But it doesn't all have to be serious, either—"Not everything can be Radiohead, and if it was, the whole world would be a drag," he says. Bluebird has plenty of lighthearted party-starters, which were a first for Sparrow.

"I hadn't really wrote any strictly 'fun' songs before, mostly because I was always trying to say something profound or with gravity, but I realized over the last little while that it's OK for art to be light and escapism," he explains. "In fact, it could be therapeutic for both me and the listener. I think the best records have a balance between the dark and light. I'm always searching for that sweet spot."

MEAGHAN BAXTER

MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // POP

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Meaghan Smith T

ouring is a whole new experience for Meaghan Smith this time around. The Halifax-based songstress became a mother in August, and this will be the first time she takes her son River out on the road with her.

Smith concedes there's really no way to know what to expect and she's not quite sure how she's going to tackle hauling equipment, merch, luggage and baby gear, but she's been reaching out to fellow musician moms for any pearls of wisdom they may be able to impart. (Her husband doubles as a bandmate, so that's a plus.)

"They all had different advice, but the underlying commentary was, 'You will figure it out,'" says Smith during a brief reprieve in her hometown. "I've already been in situations where I don't know how I'm going to finish this and complete that and meet up with this person and get this out of the car and do it all, and when you get there you just figure it out. That's kind of like life, too. You can't really over-plan things—that's unfortunate for me because I really like to plan and be prepared. But, you know, in this situation you just kind of have to go with it."

This tour will be an adventure in parenting, that's for sure, but Smith is ready to get back out and perform

since a difficult pregnancy brought sic? To the average listener it seems the promotion of her new album incredibly simple, but it turns out Have a Heart to a halt earlier this that simplicity is exactly what makes year. Smith's upcoming show along- it so challenging.

"A really good pop song sounds so side the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and memstupidly simple bers of Kokopelli Fri, Dec 19 (8 pm) that everyone Choirs will focus en- With the Edmonton Symphony says to themtirely on Christmas Orchestra, Kokopelli Choirs selves, 'I could material with cov- Winspear Centre, $24 – $93 have written ers of classics, a that.' But when you actually couple of original tunes she wrote for the show and a sit down and try to write a really surprise guest to accompany her on simple song like that it is the hardest thing ever," she recalls, admitting "Baby, It's Cold Outside." she wasn't an avid pop-music listener But the old-school melodies that prior to writing this album but soon will permeate Smith's performance found herself dissecting tracks by and made up much of her previous al- chart-toppers like Katy Perry, Flo bum, The Cricket's Orchestra, are no- Rida, Taylor Swift and Ellie Goulding. where to be found on Have a Heart. "It is really, really difficult to try to Smith isn't one to stick to one genre write something that's unique but and found herself becoming bored as that everyone can relate to and that she worked on new material, so she has an interesting sound but that will decided to attempt something com- get people up and dancing. There's all those dichotomies that you have pletely out of her wheelhouse.

"I had a long talk with myself and to work around, and it was a really I was like, 'What's the scariest thing good exercise for me in terms of you can think to do?' and it was to growing as a songwriter and as an try and take my sound and interpret artist because I've been out of my it into a pop sound. Of course, as comfort zone a little bit on this one. soon as I realized that I had to try But I feel like this is the only way I'm and do it," Smith says with a slight going to grow is if I don't stay put and in the same spot always." chuckle.

BAXTER But what's so scary about pop mu- MEAGHAN MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

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MUSIC 41

MUSIC PREVUE // BLUES-NOIR

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AN EVENING WITH

SHANE KOYCZAN 42 MUSIC

andle Osborne is watching a blizzard in Montréal and hoping for some good luck.

She's supposed to catch a plane to Toronto to start a five-date western-Canada tour with her band, Kandle & The Krooks, and the crazy snowstorm could ground her flight.

She's had a string of misfortune: both of her cameras are currently broken (Osborne was originally a photographer before moving into music.); due to some management blunders she lost a $10 000 recording grant; and her guitar literally broke in half during the first song of her recent European tour.

"I had to borrow a different guitar every night of that tour," Osborne says. "I definitely cried like an eight-year-old who dropped her ice cream. And my other guitar that I've had since I was 16 was stolen in Toronto right after that."

But from the buzz the 24-yearold BC native is getting these days you'd think all the stars were aligning. Osborne is getting national attention for her debut full-length album In Flames, which includes guest spots from Can-rock mainstay Sam Roberts and wildly popular Francophone singer Cœur de pirate.

Osborne has a bright laugh and an easy sense of humour. But the songs and accompanying videos

for In Flames are dark and monochrome, with her searing voice and haunting, downtempo, minor-keys blues-noir.

"I guess I'm a darker person," she says. "I'm not always dark or sad or grumpy. But when I'm in those moods I write about it, and that's what comes out in my music. And I find myself writing a lot about people when I'm mad or concerned about them."

She points to the reverb-drenched stunner "Not Up To Me," a song she wrote about a friend who was struggling with depression.

"We were kind of losing her," Osborne says. "I wrote that song on a personal level and sent it to her. We ended up getting her some help and she got so much better. She pushed us to share that song and we released it to help young women who are going through emotional pain."

That single is turning heads outside of Montréal. But how does a BC girl with "non-existent" French end up making good as a musician in Quebec? Well, if your dad happens to be Neil Osborne, founding member and singer for Canadian FM-radio heros 54-40, you move away to escape from a family name.

Osborne said she sent her early demos around to her music-industry contacts in BC, which were her

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

father's contacts, and getting an almost universal: "good for you sweetheart—hey, remember your sixth birthday party?"

So when she had the opportunity to shoot some press photos for Broken Social Scene member Sam Goldberg, she got him to play on her record as payment. Osborne threw him into a basement recording studio and together they crafted her well-reviewed self-titled debut EP. "He said, 'This sounds pretty good; if you're ever in Montréal we should play this live,'" she says. "I guess he was a little surprised when I actually showed up. He put the band together with some of his awesome friends."

Now with her career rolling, she got her dad to help with recording In Flames. His presence was grounding, Osborne says, especially in an industry that can put a young artist through the pressure cooker.

"He's my Yoda," Osborne laughs.

"He made me realize that it's OK to trust my instincts. It's too easy for everyone to put in their opinion, like 'this song should be cut,' or 'you should change this tempo.' But he's like, 'No, listen to yourself—what do you think?' And I'm like, 'thanks, Yoda!'"

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

MUSIC 43

MUSIC PREVUE // AMERICANA

C

huck Ragan is busking on the corner of punk and folk.

The frontman of influential Gainesville, Florida punk band Hot Water Music is known better these days for his solo roots-revival Americana.

His voice has more gravel than a thousand backroads and he looks like a flannel-wearing Jesus—if Jesus was a whisky drinker, that is.

He's touring in support of his fourth solo album Till Midnight, 10 songs of Ragan's ragged voice backed by chorused vocals, cowboy chords, a lean drum kit and fiddles.

There are earnest and dusty songs of the road, sure, but it's also an album of love songs for his wife.

"A lot of those songs were written when I was at home, with my wife," Ragan says as he and his band, the Camaraderie, navigate a rainy, windy road somewhere be-

tween Northampton, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine. "I had three months off the road, which is the most time I had off in maybe 10 years. Man, it was just incredible.

It just felt really good to be connected with everything, spending quality time with my wife and our dogs and just reminding myself why I do everything."

Ragan says the transition from the distorted guitars of punk rock to the wood, wires and whisky of folk music was natural. Raised in an "old-school Southern Baptist" home, his earliest exposure to music was the traditional gospel songs of his father and the French-Cajun folk music of his mother.

But skateboarding changed everything. As a teenager, Ragan's shredder friends introduced him to Minor Threat, Bad Brains and the Germs.

At the same time, another friend was teaching him basic guitar chords with the songs of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Robert Johnson.

"Folk music can be very forthright, very political, very angry or very loving and is something that can pull people together and raise social awareness," Ragan says. "I can turn around and say the exact same thing about punk."

Fri, Dec 19 (8 pm) With Kandle & The Krooks Pawnshop, Sold out

Ragan started the Revival Tour in 2008, where he got rockers from Against Me!, the Gaslight Anthem, Rise Against, the Hold Steady and other bands to strip down their sound and belt folk songs over upright bass and fiddles. After annual Revival Tours, the travelling circus took 2014 off so Ragan could focus on Till Midnight.

"That's a big animal to wrangle," Ragan says of organizing the Revival Tour. "I have a tendency to get a whole lot of plates spinning, a whole lot of irons in the fire."

Indeed, on top of his solo work, Ragan joined up with Hot Water Music last fall for a 20th-anniversary American reunion tour. Despite his solo success, he says his breakthrough band will always exist "as long as the four of us are on this earth—it's Hot Water Music, man!"

There's a consistent optimism in Ragan the singer as well as Ragan the man. He talks of love and acceptance and community with such easy endorsement that you forget about the alternatives. It's that sincerity that's won him, his music and the Revival tour gangs of fans that sing along to every full-throated word.

That optimism wasn't handed to him, though.

"It comes from making a lot of mistakes," he laughs. "I'm sure my loved ones or people around me a lot see a different side—I'm sure I can be pretty unpleasant when I'm frustrated or too busy. But I've met people along the way who have taught me that life is a choice: what we do, how we feel, it all comes down to the choices we make. And that's why I keep getting up and putting my boots on."

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Roots, Rock, Ragan // Lisa Johnson

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MUSIC 45

MUSIC PREVUE // NEW SPACE

Mercury Room

A coat of paint and we're ready to rock // Josh Marcellin

New small-room venue aims to add to Edmonton's music and arts community

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13103 FORT RD • 643-4000 46 MUSIC

teve Derpack is sipping cold coffee out of a pint glass and surveying his kingdom.

The Mercury Room is half of the main floor of the Blue Skys Arts Lofts, a squat, two-storey bunker that spent the first 40 years of its life as a sportswear manufacturing and jacket factory outlet. The building, located on the corner of 105 Avenue and 114 Street, houses three tattoo parlours, commercial kitchens (one tenant is the vegan food truck Sailin' On) and a gluten-free caterer.

Derpack and his partners Trevor Belsher and Rylan Krause have run the Mercury Room since September. The trio want to turn the small room into something special, a venue like Wunderbar or the Artery that inspires and celebrates a community.

"It's not the bar or the venue or the physical space that makes a place special—it's the people who run it," Derpack says as he sits in his club, the sound and detritus of renovations surrounding us. "Craig Martell and his partners are the reason Wunderbar is successful, Philip Muz is the reason the Artery is successful, John F Kennedy is the reason Pawnshop is successful."

Derpack has been involved in Edmonton's music scene for decades, first as a the drummer for local band Mollys Reach then through his concert-promotion company JCL Productions. He's seen what makes a venue thrive. He's also seen many tombstones added to the city's graveyard of failed venues—he learned the lesson the hard way from his time at Avenue Theatre and the Haven Social Club, two venues that were much loved in Edmonton but eventually closed down.

In just 10 weeks, Derpack and his partners have booked the Mercury Room nearly solid through to March. They've got punk shows, poetry nights, folk musicians, book readings, hip-hop and metal shows—all without having a live website, instead hammering on social media to get people talking.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

10575 - 114 Street 780.425.1440

Derpack and his partners are doing a near-total renovation of the Mercury Room, basically only keeping the strandboard floor and the raw brick walls. They just knocked a hole through their north wall to connect with an L-shaped space that formerly housed Capital City Burlesque.

Krause, a red-seal chef, is planning to turn the space into a vegan restaurant. Belsher, a man with experience getting bars and restaurants up and running, is taking care of the nuts and bolts of the renos.

An ancillary room was converted into a green room for artists. They re-imagined the bar area and are eyeballing more walls to knock down. The idea is to have a flexible space that can be a haven for breaking new artists, as well as a brunch destination and a happyhour watering hole.

They're hoping to bump capacity from the current 150 to somewhere in the 250 range. And they've taken over the former Azimuth Theatre, a 50-seat room in the same building that Derpack hopes will attract improv groups and one-act plays. He says the restaurant should be open by early January and the theatre by mid to late January.

Derpack believes Edmonton can support—and truly needs—another strong arts and music venue.

"There's a place for everybody," he says. "We just wanted it to be another place that was cool that we could take our collective experience and do something fun. We're going to make a go of it."

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC

WEEKLY

EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM FAX: 780.426.2889 DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 3PM

THU DEC 18 ACCENT EUROPEAN LOUNGE Live

Music every Thu; 9pm ARTERY Annual Dandy Christmas

Jam Featuring Jesse Northey; 7:30pm; $8 (adv), $10 (door) BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Thirsty

Thursday singer-songwriter open jam with guest host Emo LeBlanc; 8-12pm BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Doctors

Without Boarders; Featuring Donna Durand, Rob Heath, Rebecca Lappa, Bill Bourne, Paul Woida, and John Spearn; 8pm; Fundraiser BILLIARD CLUB Jingle Bell Big

Rock with Russ Dawson; 8pm BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Wijit’s

JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 45th Annual Singing Christmas Tree Presents The Magic of Christmas; 7pm Dec 18-21 WINSPEAR A Lightly Classical

Christmas; 8pm

DJs BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Thu Main Fl:

Throwback Thu: Rock&Roll, Funk, Soul, R&B and 80s with DJ Thomas Culture; jamz that will make your backbone slide; Wooftop: Dig It! Thursdays. Electronic, roots and rare groove with DJ's Rootbeard, Raebot, Wijit and guests CENTURY ROOM Lucky 7: Retro

'80s with house DJ every Thu; 7pm-close THE COMMON The Common

PAWN SHOP Chuck Ragan with

Guests; 8pm; $20 (adv) RED PIANO BAR Hottest dueling

piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Fri; 9pm-2am SHERLOCK HOLMES–DOWNTOWN

Cody Mack SHERLOCK HOLMES–WEM Andrew

Scott TEMPLE Sweat: The Nu-Disco

Dance Party; 10pm TIRAMISU BISTRO Live music

every Thu FILTHY MCNASTY’S Taking Back

WESTBURY THEATRE Christmas

Thursdays KRUSH ULTRA LOUNGE Open stage;

Thursdays ON THE ROCKS Salsa Rocks: every

Thu; dance lessons at 8pm; Cuban Salsa DJ to follow

pop-up!; 6:30pm

UNION HALL 3 Four All Thursdays:

BRITTANY'S LOUNGE Scrambled

rock, dance, retro, top 40 with DJ Johnny Infamous

CAFE BLACKBIRD Benjamin

Band; 9pm

Presents Juicy J With Guests; 8:30pm, $49.99+

LEVEL 2 LOUNGE Funk Bunker

YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm

Industrial - Goth - Dark Electro with DJs the Gothfather and Zeio; 9pm; $5 (door); (every Sat except the 1st Sat of the month)

ON THE ROCKS Heather Mckenzie

ELECTRIC RODEO–Spruce Grove DJ

BLUES ON WHYTE Boogie Patrol

THE BUCKINGHAM Sailin' On Xmas

O'MAILLES A.J.; 8pm

Uncommon Thursday: Rotating Guests each week!

7pm; no cover

Parade (Experimental Music); 9pm; $5 (adults only)

afternoon: Jam with Back Door Dan; Boogie Patrol

every Fri

Birthday BOHEMIA Ramshackle HoliDay

The Christmas Massacre, Kancer & Blacklung With The Nasty Boys And Brothers Grim; 9pm; $15 (adv)

FRI DEC 19 APEX CASINO Vera; 9pm ATB FINANICAL BARNS The

UNION HALL Unionevent.Ca

Carol Project; 8pm; $37.50 (adv), $42.50 (door) WUNDERBAR Strangled (Ep

Release Show) With Glitter, Zebra Pulse, Caas & The Strap; 9pm YEG DANCE CLUB Official Unified

21 After Party At Yeg Dance Club With Dj Mike Tomas & Dj Off The Grid; 9pm

Classical JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 45th Annual Singing Christmas Tree Presents The Magic of Christmas; 7pm

Christmas!; 8pm

DJs

Farrell Band; 7pm; $15

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Every Friday DJs on all three levels

CHA ISLAND TEA CO Raised Fist

BLUES ON WHYTE Boogie Patrol

school and new school hip hop & R&B with DJ Twist, Sonny Grimez, and Marlon English; every Fri

Productions Presents Mitch Belot, With Van Funk, and Callum Walsh and With Olivia Rose; 8pm; $10 (door)

BOHEMIA Fiction Of Fate with The

THE COMMON Good Fridays: nu

Universe Machine and with Leap Year and Virgins; 9pm; $10 (door)

THE COMMON Uncommon Thursday featuring The Wet Secrets With Banshee and with Preyers; 9pm; Free

every Fri Night with Jared Sowan and Brittany Graling; 8pm

disco, hip hop, indie, electro, dance with weekly local and visiting DJs on rotation plus residents Echo and Justin Foosh

EARLY STAGE SALOON–Stony Plain

Open Jam Nights; no cover EXPRESSIONZ CAFE Open Stage;

1st Thu each month, 7:30pm10:30pm FIONN MACCOOL'S–CITY CENTRE

Craft Addict Thursdays Presents: Liam Trimble (all ages); 7pm; No cover J R BAR AND GRILL Live Jam

Thu; 9pm KELLY'S PUB Jameoke Night with

the Nervous Flirts (sing-along with a live band); every Thu, 9pm-1am; no cover L.B.'S PUB South Bound Freight

open jam with hosts: Rob Kaup, Leah Durelle MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Thu and Fri DJ and dance

floor; 9:30pm NAKED CYBERCAFÉ Thu open

stage; 8pm; all ages (15+) NORTH GLENORA HALL Jam by

Wild Rose Old Time Fiddlers every Thu; contact John Malka 780.447.5111 PAWN SHOP VUE 1000th Issue

Bash Featuring Slates with The Give 'Em Hell Boys and F&M and with Guests; 8:30pm; $10 (adv) RED PIANO Every Thu: Dueling pianos at 8pm RICHARD'S PUB Blue Thursdays (roots); hosted by Gord Matthews; 6:30-9pm RIC’S GRILL Peter Belec (jazz);

most Thursdays; 7-10pm SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Live Blues every Thur: rotating guests; 7-11pm TAVERN ON WHYTE Open stage

with Michael Gress (fr Self Evolution); every Thu; 9pm-2am

Classical

BRITTANY'S LOUNGE Scrambled

THE BOWER Strictly Goods: Old

Reynolds; 8pm CAFE BLACKBIRD Writer's Guild;

8-10pm; $10 CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK Hyjinx CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Live music

CENTURY CASINO Darrell Barr: 1st

Annual Christmas Party; 8-11pm; $38 DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Duff

Robinson DV8 3rd Annual Santa BLËED; 8pm ENCORE–WEM The Chainsmokers +

Project 46 + Elephante; 9pm FILTHY MCNASTY'S Free Afternoon

Concerts: this week with Labadoodle With Morals With Versions; 4pm FIONN MACCOOL'S–CITY CENTRE

ReWine Saturdays Presents: Wintercount (all ages); 8pm; No cover 8pm; Free

every Sat; 3:30-7pm HORIZON STAGE Christmas

Memories Featuring Jim Witter; 7:30pm; $40 (adult), $35 (students & seniors) LB'S PUB The Introverts; 9:30pm;

Free LEAF BAR AND GRILL Open Stage

Sat–It's the Sat Jam hosted by Darren Bartlett, 5pm LEGENDS Sat 3pm Jam and Open

Mic with Nick Samoil and guests

ELECTRIC RODEO–Spruce Grove DJ

Christmas Party with The Gibson Block, Hungry Hollow, The Wayne Maclellan Band & Black Phoenix Orchestra. 18+ only; 8pm (doors), $15

MERCER TAVERN Homegrown

BURNSY O'FLANNAGAN'S Todd

CASINO YELLOWHEAD Trace Jordan (rock by request); 9pm

MECURY ROOM Death By Robot

BRIXX BAR Bombchan with Con-

The Buck! (AC/DC cover set)

CASINO EDMONTON WOW (pop/

rock); 9pm

9pm

FLUID LOUNGE R&B, hip hop and dancehall with DJ Aiden Jamali; every Fri

THE BUCKINGHAM Dirty Dudes at

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Sat Open

mic; 7pm; $2

DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every Fri;

YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm cealer and the Deadly; 9pm

CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK Hyjinx

Jam: Mike Chenoweth

Band; 8:30-10:30pm; $12

BOURBON ROOM Dueling pianos

Trio; 8-10pm; $10

HILLTOP PUB Open Stage, Jam

Mic: All adult performers are welcome (music, song, spoken word); every Thu, 1:30-3pm

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ The Blue Chair

CAFE BLACKBIRD John Sweenie

GAS PUMP Saturday Homemade

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Sweet

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Thu Open

BURNSY O'FLANNAGAN'S Todd

Reynolds; 8pm

WINSPEAR We Wish You A Merry

CAFÉ HAVEN Music every Thu:

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Dylan

Sat Night with Jared Sowan and Brittany Graling; 8pm

GALLAGHER'S PUB Mindweiser;

Christmas Carol Project; 8pm; $37.40 (adv), $42.50 (door) Vintage Rides; 9pm

BOURBON ROOM Live Music every

WINSPEAR Christmas Bureau Caroling Sing-Along; 12pm

Williams; 7:30-9:30pm; $10 this week with No Such Thing As Ghosts; 7pm

BOHEMIA DARQ Saturdays:

every Fri

MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Live Local Bands every

Friday: with DJ Thomas Culture

Sat

THE PROVINCIAL PUB Friday Nights:

NOORISH The Art of Savasana with

Indie rock and dance with DJs Brad Wilkinson, the Hügonaut, and thomas Culture RED STAR Movin’ on Up: indie, rock, funk, soul, hip hop with DJ Gatto, DJ Mega Wattson; every Fri SOU KAWAII ZEN LOUNGE Amplified

Graham Parsons, live music by Marcus Fung; 3:30-5:30pm; $25 (adv), $30 (door) O’BYRNE’S Live band every Sat,

3-7pm; DJ every Sat, 9:30pm O'MAILLES A.J. ON THE ROCKS Heather Mckenzie

CASINO EDMONTON WOW (pop/

Fridays: Dubstep, house, trance, electro, hip hop breaks with DJ Aeiou, DJ Loose Beats, DJ Poindexter; 9:30pm (door)

rock); 9pm

UNION HALL Ladies Night every Fri

PAWN SHOP Raygun Cowboys with

CASINO YELLOWHEAD Choose Cherry Burlesque; 9pm

Y AFTERHOURS Foundation Fridays

The Get Down and Penetrator; 8pm $15 (adv)

CHA ISLAND Matchbreaker's Fifth

SAT DEC 20

RED PIANO BAR Hottest dueling

every Fri: this week with Darren Frank; all ages; 7pm; $5 (door)

Annual Acoustic Christmas Show; 7:30pm THE COMMON Golden Era Featuring Twist With Allout Djs And Justin Foosh And More; 9:30pm; $7 (door) DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Duff

APEX CASINO Vera; 9pm ATB FINANICAL BARNS The

Christmas Carol Project; 8pm; $37.40 (adv), $42.50 (door) ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Sweet

Vintage Rides; 9pm

Robinson

"B" STREET BAR Rockin Big Blues

DV8 The Mcgowan Family Band Holiday Party; 8pm

and Roots Open Jam: Every Sat afternoon hosted by the Jimmy Guiboche Band; 2-6pm

ENCORE–WEM Shlohmo - #Fvded Holidaze Tour; 9pm HORIZON STAGE Christmas

Memories Featuring Jim Witter; 7:30pm; $40 (adult), $35 (students & seniors) LB'S PUB Potatohed; 9:30pm; Free MCDOUGALL UNITED CHURCH

A Heebee-Jeebees X-Mess Edmonton; 8pm MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER

Band; 9pm PALACE CASINO–WEM Mojave

Iguanas; 9:30pm

piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Sat; 9pm-2am RICHARD'S PUB The Terry Evans Sat Jam (rock): every Sat; 4-8pm SANDS HOTEL Doug Bishop & The Hurtin' Horsemen Live; 9pm SHERLOCK HOLMES–DOWNTOWN

Cody Mack SHERLOCK HOLMES–WEM Andrew

Scott

Farrell Band; 7pm; $15

STARLITE ROOM J Phlip and Monty Luke; 9pm; $21

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

UNION HALL Stylust Beats; 9pm

Afternoon : Big Al's House of Blues

WESTBURY THEATRE Christmas Carol Project; 8pm; $37.50 (adv), $42.50 (door)

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Dylan

Wam Bam Thank you Jam: free chilli hosted by Rotten Dan and Sean Stephens; every Sat, 2-6pm BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Hair of the Dog: PandaCorn (live acoustic music every Sat); 4-6pm; no cover

MARKET Thu and Fri DJ and dance floor; 9:30pm

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Front Porch Roots Revue with Karla Anderson; 8:30pm-10:30pm; $15

MERCURY ROOM/BLUE SKYS CAFÉ

BLUES ON WHYTE Every Sat

WUNDERBAR Strangled (EP

Release Show) with Glitter, Zebra Pulse, Caas & The Strap; 9pm

Classical JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 45th Annual Singing Christmas Tree Presents The Magic of Christmas; 2pm

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

MUSIC 47

BLACKJACK'S ROADHOUSE–Nisku

& 7pm

Open mic every Sun hosted by Tim Lovett

WINSPEAR We Wish You A Merry

Christmas!; 8pm

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Brunch: this

DJs BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

The Menace Sessions: alt rock/ Electro/Trash with Miss Mannered; Wooftop: Sound It Up!: classic Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae with DJ Sonny Grimez & instigate; Underdog: Alternating DJs

DEC/20

NIGHT VISION PRESENTS

DEC/30

NIGHT VISION PRESENTS

THE BOWER For Those Who Know...: Deep House and disco with Junior Brown, David Stone, Austin, and guests; every Sat

J PHLIP

THE COMMON Get Down It's

A NEW YEARS EVE

PRE-PARTY W/ CYRIL HAHN STRIKER

✯ ✯ ✯✯ W/ FT/ THE ORDER OF CHAOS, ✯✯✯✯

DEATH TOLL RISING, RIOT CITY

JAN/19 JAN/20 JAN/24

DARK TRANQUILITY/ INSOMNIUM

BLACKALICIOUS

FEB/12

ALBERTA BEACH HOTEL Open stage Wed with Trace Jordan; 8pm-12

on the South Side: live bands; all ages; 7-10:30pm DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Celtic Music

DV8 T.F.W.O. Mondays: Roots

and Light show; We are Saturdays: Kindergarten

with Duggan's House Band 5-8pm

FLUID LOUNGE R&B, hip hop and

HOG'S DEN PUB Rockin' the Hog

dancehall with DJ Aiden Jamali; every Sat

Jam: Hosted by Tony Ruffo; every Sun, 3:30-7pm

LEVEL 2 LOUNGE Collective

NEWCASTLE PUB The Sunday Soul

O’BYRNE’S Open mic every Sun;

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Big

PAWN SHOP Transmission

ON THE ROCKS 5th Annual

I <3 NYE

Samara Von Rad; 2pm; $10 (adv), $12 (door) BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Sun

Electric Blues Jam and BBQ hosted by Marshall Lawrence and the Lazy Bastards; 4-8pm

WUNDERBAR Mayday And The

Beatcreeps, E Town Beatdown, Elder Abuse, Fire Next Time; 8pm

WINSPEAR We Wish You A Merry

Band YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm DRUID IRISH PUB Open Stage

Blue Jay’s Messy Nest: Mod, Brit Pop, New Wave & British Rock with DJ Blue Jay; Wooftop: Metal Mon: with Metal Phil (fr CJSR’s Heavy Metal Lunch Box) BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobsen

Band

OVERTIME–Sherwood Park Jason Greeley (acoustic rock, country, Top 40); 9pm-2am every Wed; no cover PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL

RED PIANO BAR Wed Night Live:

Jam: Trevor Mullen

NEW WEST HOTEL Tue

Sundays: Invinceable, Tnt, Rocky, Rocko, Akademic, weekly guest DJs; 9pm-3am

Open mic Wed: Hosted by Jordan Strand; every Wed, 9-12 jordanfstrand@gmail.com / 780655-8520

stage with Darrell Barr; 7-11pm

DJs

LEVEL 2 LOUNGE Stylus Industry

ORIGINAL JOE'S VARSITY ROW

LEAF BAR AND GRILL Tue Open

L.B.'S PUB Tue Variety Night Open

MERCER TAVERN Alt Tuesday with Kris Harvey and guests

Soul Sundays: A fantastic voyage through '60s and '70s funk, soul and R&B with DJ Zyppy

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Wed open mic with host Duff Robison

Acoustic Bluegrass jam presented by the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society; every Wed, 6:30-11pm; $2 (member)/$4 (non-member)

Tue: featuring this week: Scott Peters; 9pm

Christmas!; 2pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

Band BRITTANY'S LOUNGE Scrambled

Country Dance Lessons: 7-9pm O’BYRNE’S Celtic jam every

Tue; with Shannon Johnson and friends; 9:30pm OVERTIME–Sherwood Park Open

mic every Tue RED PIANO Every Tue: the Nervous

Flirts Jameoke Experience (sing-along with a live band); 7:30pm-12am; no cover; relaxed dress code RICHARD'S PUB Tue Live Music Showcase and Open Jam (blues) hosted by Mark Ammar; 7:30pm SANDS HOTEL Country music

dancing every Tue, featuring Country Music Legend Bev Munro every Tue, 8-11pm

hosted by dueling piano players; 8pm-1am; $5 ROSSDALE HALL Little Flower Open

Stage with Brian Gregg; 7:30pm (door); no cover ZEN LOUNGE Jazz Wednesdays: Kori Wray and Jeff Hendrick; every Wed; 7:30-10pm; no cover

DJs BILLIARD CLUB Why wait Wednesdays: Wed night party with DJ Alize every Wed; no cover BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

Alt '80s and '90s, Post Punk, New Wave, Garage, Brit, Mod, Rock and Roll witih LL Cool Joe and DJ Downtrodden on alternate Weds BRIXX BAR Eats and Beats THE COMMON The Wed Experience: Classics on Vinyl with Dane RED STAR Guest DJs every Wed

VENUEGUIDE

UGLY SWEAT-ER PARTY

SWEAT: FT/ DUSTY GROOVES

THE STARLITE ROOM IS A PRIVATE VENUE FOR OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS. IF YOU REQUIRE A MEMBERSHIP YOU CAN PURCHASE ONE AT THE VENUE PRIOR TO / OR AFTER THE DOOR TIMES FOR EACH SHOW.

ACCENT EUROPEAN LOUNGE 8223-104 St, 780.431.0179 ALE YARD TAP 13310-137 Ave ARTERY 9535 Jasper Ave "B" STREET BAR 11818-111 St BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES 12402-118 Ave BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE 1042582 Ave, 780.439.1082 BLACKJACK'S ROADHOUSE– Nisku 2110 Sparrow Dr, Nisku, 780.986.8522 BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ 9624-76 Ave, 780.989.2861 BLUES ON WHYTE 10329-82 Ave, 780.439.3981 BOHEMIA 10217-97 St BOURBON ROOM 205 Carnegie Dr, St Albert THE BOWER 10538 Jasper Ave, 780.423.425; info@thebower.ca BRITTANY'S LOUNGE 10225-97 St, 780.497.0011 BRIXX BAR 10030-102 St (downstairs), 780.428.1099 THE BUCKINGHAM 10439 82 Ave, 780.761.1002 http://thebuckingham.ca BUDDY’S 11725B Jasper Ave, 780.488.6636 CAFÉ HAVEN 9 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park, 780.417.5523, cafehaven.ca CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK 99,

48 MUSIC

presents: J.Phlip & Monty Luke; 9pm; $20 (adv)

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

ARTERY Beatles Night Featuring

UPPER LEVEL OF STARLITE DEC/19

STARLITE ROOM Night Vision

MON DEC 22

SUN DEC 21

W/ SLYNK FT/ KRISFOREAL, NATTIKK, SPENNY B, BEAT BURGLAR, D3VIANT

BRITTANY'S LOUNGE Scrambled

Singing Christmas Tree Presents The Magic of Christmas; 2pm

Y AFTERHOURS Release Saturdays

GGG

SHERLOCK HOLMES–U OF A Adam

Holm; 7pm

JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 45th Annual

every Sat hosted by DJ Johnny Infamous

G GG

BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobsen

Classical

Dance Party: Sugar Swing Dance Club every Sat, 8-12; no experience or partner needed, beginner lesson followed by social dance; sugarswing.com

Dreamer Sound jam hosted by Harry Gregg and Geoff HamdenO'brien; this weeks guest: Big Dreamer Sound Jam with guests Nadine Kellman every Tue 8pm-12am

RICHARD'S PUB Sunday Country Showcase and jam (country) hosted by Darren Gusnowsky

Your Famous Saturday with Crewshtopher, Tyler M

UNION HALL Celebrity Saturdays:

DEC/31

Fundraiser For The Bissell Centre; 7pm

SOU KAWAII ZEN LOUNGE

SUGAR FOOT BALLROOM Swing

BOMBCHAN W/ CONCEALER AND THE DEADLY

YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm

MERCER TAVERN DJ Mikey Wong

9:30pm-1am

Alt '80s and '90s, Post Punk, New Wave, Garage, Brit, Mod, Rock and Roll witih LL Cool Joe and DJ Downtrodden on alternate Weds BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobsen

TUE DEC 23

every Sat

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

TAVERN ON WHYTE Classic Hip hop with DJ Creeazn every Mon; 9pm-2am

Service: acoustic open stage every Sun

TAVERN ON WHYTE Soul, Motown, Funk, R&B and more with DJs Ben and Mitch; every Sat; 9pm-2am

DEC/19

industrial,Classic Punk, Rock, Electronic with Hair of the Dave

Saturdays underground: House and Techno

ROUGE LOUNGE Rouge Saturdays: global sound and Cosmopolitan Style Lounging with DJ Mkhai

AND

W/

RED STAR Swing, Funk, Soul, R&B, Rock&Roll and Electro/Disco sounds of the last 70 years with DJ Thomas Culture

Blue Jay’s Messy Nest: mod, brit pop, new wave, British rock with DJ Blue Jay

and electro every Sat with DJ Hot Philly and guests

AUGUST BURNS RED MISS MAY I, NORTHLANE ERRA

Night with Darrek Anderson from the Guaranteed; every Mon; 9pm

DV8 Creepy Tombsday: Psychobilly, Hallowe'en horrorpunk, deathrock with Abigail Asphixia and Mr Cadaver; every Tue

DIVERSION LOUNGE Sun Night Live

RED STAR Indie rock, hip hop,

UNION EVENTS PRESENTS

ROUGE RESTO-LOUNGE Open Mic

BRIXX Metal night every Tue

DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every Sat;

UNION EVENTS PRESENTS

REVENGE

Acoustic instrumental old time fiddle jam every Mon; hosted by the Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Society; 7pm; contact Vi Kallio 780.456.8510

WED DEC 24

THE PROVINCIAL PUB Saturday Nights: Indie rock and dance with DJs Maurice and Joses Martin

W/

PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL

Brit Pop, Synthpop, Alternative 90’s, Glam Rock with DJ Chris Bruce; Wooftop: Substance: alt retro and not-so-retro electronic and dance with Eddie LunchPail

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

W/ SPECIAL GUESTS

MAYHEM AND WATAIN

Deep Winter Song: A Mystical Evening of Music and Story; 7pm (doors), 7:30pm (start); $25 (adv, Earth's General Store), $30 (door), $15 (youth, 13-18yrs + low income individuals), $10 (kids, 10-12), free (9yrs and under), $65 (adv, family of 4), $75 (door, family of 4)

Monday Nights: Capital City Jammers, host Blueberry Norm; seasoned musicians; 7-10pm; $4

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

DJs

Saturdays: Indie rock, new wave, classic punk with DJ Blue Jay and Eddie Lunchpail; 9pm (door); free (before 10pm)/$5 (after 10pm); 1st Sat each month

TIMBRE CONCERTS AND HIPHOPCANADA PRESENT

CENTRE FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING

MERCURY ROOM Music Magic

DJs

CHA ISLAND TEA CO March Music Inc. Presents Live On The Island Open Mic with Rhea March; 7pm

ENCORE–WEM Every Sat: Sound

MIDNIGHT NYE 2014

BLUES ON WHYTE Boogie Patrol

Edmonton Tap Collective Featuring Edmonton Tap Collective; 7:30pm; $15 (adv)

Saturday Night: House and disco and everything in between with resident Dane 9pm

DEC/31 COUNT DOWN TO

week with Charlie Austin; 9am3pm; Donations

MERCURY ROOM Christmas With

23349 Wye Rd, Sherwood Park CARROT COFFEEHOUSE 9351118 Ave, 780.471.1580 CASINO EDMONTON 7055 Argylll Rd, 780.463.9467 CASINO YELLOWHEAD 12464153 St, 780.424 9467 CENTRAL SENIOR LIONS CENTRE 11113-113 St CENTURY CASINO 13103 Fort Rd, 780.643.4000 CHA ISLAND TEA CO 10332-81 Ave, 780.757.2482 COMMON 9910-109 St DARAVARA 10713 124 St, 587.520.4980 DIVERSION LOUNGE 3414 Gateway Blvd, 780.435.1922 DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY 9013-88 Ave, 780.465.4834 DRUID 11606 Jasper Ave, 780.454.9928 DUSTER’S PUB 6402-118 Ave, 780.474.5554 DV8 8130 Gateway Blvd EARLY STAGE SALOON– Stony Plain 4911-52 Ave, Stony Plain, 780.963.5998 ELECTRIC RODEO–Spruce Grove 121-1 Ave, Spruce Grove, 780.962.1411 ENCORE–WEM 2687, 8882-170 St EXPRESSIONZ CAFÉ 9938-70 Ave, 780.437.3667 FESTIVAL PLACE 100

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

Festival Way, Sherwood Park, 780.449.3378 FILTHY MCNASTY’S 10511-82 Ave, 780.916.1557 FLUID LOUNGE 10888 Jasper Ave, 780.429.0700 HILLTOP PUB 8220 106 Ave HOGS DEN PUB Yellow Head Tr, 142 St IRISH SPORTS CLUB 12546-126 St, 780.453.2249 J AND R 4003-106 St, 780.436.4403 JAVA XPRESS 110, 4300 South Park Dr, Stony Plain, 780.968.1860 KELLY'S PUB 10156-104 St L.B.’S PUB 23 Akins Dr, St Albert, 780.460.9100 LEAF BAR AND GRILL 9016-132 Ave, 780.757.2121 LEVEL 2 LOUNGE 11607 Jasper Ave, 2nd Fl, 780.447.4495 LIT ITALIAN WINE BAR 10132104 St MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET 8101 Gateway Blvd, 780.439.2337 MERCER TAVERN 10363 104 St, 587.521.1911 MERCURY ROOM 10575-114 St NAKED CYBERCAFÉ 10303-108 St, 780.425.9730 NEWCASTLE PUB 8170-50 St, 780.490.1999

NEW WEST HOTEL 15025-111 Ave NOORISH CAFÉ 8440-109 St NORTH GLENORA HALL 13535109A Ave O2'S–West 11066-156 St, 780.448.2255 O’BYRNE’S 10616-82 Ave, 780.414.6766 ORIGINAL JOE'S VARSITY ROW 8404-109 St O'MAILLES IRISH PUB 104, 398 St Albert Rd, St Albert ON THE ROCKS 11730 Jasper Ave, 780.482.4767 OVERTIME–Sherwood Park 100 Granada Blvd, Sherwood Park, 790.570.5588 PAWN SHOP 10551-82 Ave, Upstairs, 780.432.0814 PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL 10860-57 Ave THE PROVINCIAL PUB 160, 4211-106 St RED PIANO BAR 1638 Bourbon St, WEM, 8882-170 St, 780.486.7722 RED STAR 10538 Jasper Ave, 780.428.0825 RENDEZVOUS 10108-149 St RICHARD'S PUB 12150-161 Ave, 780.457.3118 RIC’S GRILL 24 Perron Street, St Albert, 780.460.6602 ROSEBOWL/ROUGE LOUNGE 10111-117 St, 780.482.5253

ROSE AND CROWN 10235-101 St SANDS HOTEL 12340 Fort Rd, 780.474.5476 SIDELINERS PUB 11018-127 St SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 10810-124 St, 587.521.6328 SOU KAWAII ZEN LOUNGE 1292397 St, 780.758.5924 STARLITE ROOM 10030-102 St, 780.428.1099 STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION 10940-166 A St SUGAR FOOT BALLROOM 10545-81 Ave TAVERN ON WHYTE 10507-82 Ave, 780.521.4404 TIRAMISU 10750-124 St VEE LOUNGE, APEX CASINO–St Albert 24 Boudreau Rd, St Albert, 780.460.8092, 780.590.1128 WINSPEAR CENTRE 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square; 780.28.1414 WUNDERBAR 8120-101 St, 780.436.2286 Y AFTERHOURS 10028-102 St, 780.994.3256, yafterhours.com YARDBIRD SUITE 11 Tommy Banks Way, 780.432.0428 YEG DANCE CLUB 11845 Wayne Gretzky Dr YESTERDAYS PUB 112, 205 Carnegie Dr, St Albert, 780.459.0295 ZEN LOUNGE 12923-97 St

EVENTS WEEKLY EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM FAX: 780.426.2889 DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 3PM

COMEDY Black Dog Freehouse • Underdog Comedy show: Alternating hosts • Every Thu, 8-11pm • No cover

each month

EDMONTON NATURE CLUB • King’s

University College, 9125-50 St • With Dr. Geoff Holroyd, retired research scientist with Environment Canada, and Edmonton Christmas Bird Count Guru. Teaching how winter bird populations in Edmonton have changed over the past century • Dec 19, 7pm • Admission by donation • hingston@telusplanet.net • 780.459.6389 Avonmore United Church Bsmt, 82 Ave, 79 St • edmNeedlecraftGuild.org • Classes/workshops, exhibitions, guest speakers, stitching groups for those interested in textile arts • Meet the 2nd Tue ea month, 7:30pm

780.481.9857 • Open Mic Night: Every Thu; 7:30-9pm

COMEDY FACTORY • Gateway Entertain-

EDMONTON UKULELE CIRCLE • Bogani

ment Centre, 34 Ave, Calgary Tr • Fri-Sat: 8:30pm • Brian Link; Dec 18-20 • Sean Baptiste; Dec 26-27 • Brian Work; Jan 2-3

Café, 2023-111 St • 780.440.3528 • 3rd Sun each month; 2:30-4pm • $5

COMIC STRIP • Bourbon St, WEM •

Church, 8424-95 Ave • 780.465.2019, 780.634.5526 • Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA), free 12-Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, under-eating, and bulimia • Meetings every Thu, 7pm

780.483.5999 • Wed-Fri, Sun 8pm; Fri-Sat 10:30pm • Hit or Miss Mondays: Amateurs and Professionals every Mon, 7:30pm • Battle to the Funny Bone; last Tue each month, 7:30pm • Chris Heward; Dec 18-20 • Ruben Paul; Dec 17-21 • Mike Vecchione; Dec 26-28 • Mike Vecchione New Years Party; Dec 31 • Ms.Pat; Jan 1-4

DRUID • 11606 Jasper Ave • 780.710.2119 • Comedy night open stage hosted by Lars Callieou • Every Sun, 9pm DJ to follow EMPRESS ALE HOUSE • 9912-82 Ave • Empress Comedy Night: featuring a professional headliner every week Every Sun, 9pm

AN EVENING WITH TV'S LESLIE JORDAN • Evolution Wonderlounge, 10220-103 St • Dec 26-27, 7pm • $40 (VIP) $20 (general) • yourgaybar.com

UNWRAPPED WITH LESLIE JORDAN • Evolution Wonderlounge, 10220-103 St • yourgaybar.com • 780.424.0077 • EmmyAward winning star of stage and screen Leslie Jordan is here to share his comedic musings • Dec 26, 7-11pm

FOOD ADDICTS • St Luke's Anglican

LOTUS QIGONG • 780.477.0683 • Downtown • Practice group meets every Thu MADELEINE SANAM FOUNDATION • Faculté St Jean, Rm 3-18 • 780.490.7332 • madeleine-sanam.org/en • Program for HIV-AID’S prevention, treatment and harm reduction in French, English and other African languages • 3rd and 4th Sat, 9am-5pm each month • Free (member)/$10 (membership); pre-register

NORTHERN ALBERTA WOOD CARVERS ASSOCIATION • Duggan Community Hall, 3728-106 St • 780.435.0845 • nawca.ca • Meet every Wed, 6:30pm

ORGANIZATION FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER (OBAD) • Grey Nuns Hospital, Rm 0651, 780.451.1755; Group meets every Thu, 7-9pm • Free

14 Ave • Dec 26, 7:30pm

POOR VOTE TURNOUT • Rossdale Hall, 10135-96 Ave • poorvoteturnout.ca • Public meetings: promoting voting by the poor • Every Wed, 7-8pm •

RIVER CREE–THE VENUE • The King

SAWA 12-STEP SUPPORT GROUP •

GERRY DEE " THE REAL MR. D" 2014 comeDy Tour • Jubilee Auditorium, 1415-

starring Trent Carlini with special guest Joe Esposito. 18+ only • Dec 31, 5pm (doors), 7pm (show) • $39.50

ROUGE LOUNGE • 10111-117 St • Comedy

Braeside Presbyterian Church bsmt, N. door, 6 Bernard Dr, St Albert • For adult children of alcoholic and dysfunctional families • Every Mon, 7:30pm

Groove every Wed; 9pm

SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY FAMILY SUPPORT DROP-IN GROUP •

GROUPS/CLUBS/MEETINGS

Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, 5215-87 St • schizophrenia.ab.ca • The Schizophrenia Society of Alberta-Edmonton branch provides a facilitated family support group for caregivers of a loved one living with schizophrenia. Free drop-in the 1st and 3rd Thu each month, 7-9pm

AIKIKAI AIKIDO CLUB • 10139-87 Ave, Old Strathcona Community League • Japanese Martial Art of Aikido • Every Tue 7:30-9:30pm; Thu 6-8pm

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL EDMONTON • 8307-109 St • edmontonamnesty.org • Meet the 4th Tue each month, 7:30pm (no meetings in Jul, Aug) E: amnesty@edmontonamnesty.org for more info • Free

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE AT FOOT NOTES STUDIO • Foot Notes Dance Studio (South side), 9708-45 Ave • 780.438.3207 • virenzi@shaw.ca • Argentine Tango with Tango Divino: beginners: 7-8pm; intermediate: 8-9pm; Tango Social Dance (Milonga): 9pm-12 • Every Fri, 7pm-midnight • $15

BRAIN TUMOUR PEER SUPPORT GROUP • Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 11533-135 St NW • braintumour.ca • 1.800.265.5106 ext. 234 • Support group for brain tumour survivors and their families and caregivers.

Must be 18 or over • 3rd Mon every month; 7-8:45pm • Free

CANADIAN INJURED WORKERS ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA (CIWAA) • Augustana Lutheran Church, 107 St, 99 Ave • canadianinjuredworkers.com • Meeting every 3rd Sat, 1-4pm • Injured Workers in Pursuit of Justice denied by WCB

EDMONTON ATHEISTS • Stanley Milner Library, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • Monthly roundtable discussion group. Topics change each month, please check the website for details, edmontonatheists.ca • 1st Tue, 7pm;

SEVENTIES FOREVER MUSIC SOCIETY • Call 587.520.3833 for location • deepsoul. ca • Combining music, garage sales, nature, common sense, and kindred karma to revitalize the inward persona • Every Wed, 7-8:30pm

SHERWOOD PARK WALKING GROUP + 50 • Meet inside Millennium Place, Sherwood Place • Weekly outdoor walking group; starts with a 10-min discussion, followed by a 30 to 40-min walk through Centennial Park, a cool down and stretch • Every Tue, 8:30am • $2/ session (goes to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta)

SONGWRITERS GROUP • The Carrot, 9351-118 Ave • 780.973.5311 • nashvillesongwriters.com • NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) meet the 2nd Mon each month, 7-9pm

SUGAR FOOT SWING DANCE • Sugar Swing, 10545-81 Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • Swing Dance Social every Sat; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome. Occasional live music–check the Sugar Swing website for info • $10, $2 lesson with entry

SUGAR FOOT BALLROOM • 10545-81 Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • Friday Night Stomp!: Swing and party music dance

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS) • Grace United Church annex, 6215-104 Ave • Low-cost, fun and friendly weight loss group • Every Mon, 6:30pm • Info: call Bob 780.479.5519

TIBETAN BUDDHIST MAHAMUDRA •

EDMONTON NEEDLECRAFT GUILD •

EDMONTON OUTDOOR CLUB (EOC) • edmontonoutdoorclub.com • Offering a variety of fun activities in and around Edmonton • Free to join; info at info@edmontonoutdoorclub.com

CENTURY CASINO • 13103 Fort Rd •

social every Fri; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome. Occasional live music–check web • $10, $2 (lesson with entry)

Karma Tashi Ling Society, 10502-70 Ave • Tranquility and insight meditation based on Very Ven. Thrangu Rinpoche's teachings.

Suitable for meditation practitioners with Buddhist leanings • Every Thu, 7-8:30pm • Donations; jamesk2004@hotmail.com

TOASTMASTERS • Club Bilingue Toastmasters Meetings: Campus

St; Jean: Pavillion McMahon; 780.467.6013, l.witzke@shaw.ca; fabulousfacilitators. toastmastersclubs.org; Meet every Tue, 12:05-1pm • Fabulous Facilitators Toastmasters Club: 2nd Fl, Canada Place, 9700 Jasper Ave; 780.467.6013, l.witzke@shaw.ca; fabulousfacilitators.toastmastersclubs. org; Meet every Tue, 12:05-1pm • N'Orators Toastmasters Club: Lower Level, McClure United Church, 13708-74 St: meet every Thu, 6:458:30pm; contact bradscherger@hotmail.com, 780.863.1962, norators.com • Upward Bound Toastmaster Club: Rm 7, 6 Fl, Edmonton Public Library–DT: Meets every Wed, 7-8:45pm; SepMay; upward.toastmastersclubs.org; reader1@ shaw.ca • Y Toastmasters Club: Queen Alexandra Community League, 10425 University Ave (N door, stairs to the left); Meet every Tue, 7-9pm except last Tue ea month; Contact: Antonio Balce, 780.463.5331

WICCAN ASSEMBLY • Ritchie Hall, 772798 St • The Congregationalist Wiccan Assembly of Alberta meets the 2nd Sun each month (except Aug), 6pm • Info: contact cwaalberta@ gmail.com

WILD ROSE ANTIQUE COLLECTORS SOCIETY • Delwood Community Hall, 7515 Delwood Rd • wildroseantiquecollectors.ca • Collecting and researching items from various periods in the history of Edmonton. Presentations after club business. Visitors welcome • Meets the 4th Mon of every month (except Jul & Dec), 7:30pm

WOMEN IN BLACK • In Front of the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market • Silent vigil the 1st and 3rd Sat, 10-11am, each month, stand in silence for a world without violence

YOUNG ADULT GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

• Pilgrims Hospice, 9808-148 St • Once a month drop-in support group for young adults (18-30) who would like to connect with others who have experienced a loss. Each group will explore different aspects related to grief and how individuals are coping with their loss • Dec 17 • Donations • info/register: Jesse McElheran at 780.413.9801, ext 307

LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS CHRISTMAS CENTREPIECE GARDEN WORKSHOP • Salisbury Greenhouse, 1 km south of Wye Road on RR 232 (Brentwood Blvd), Sherwood Park • salisburygreenhouse. com/get-involved/workshops • 780.467.5743 • Learn how to design a festive table piece and make one along side the experts • Instruction is free; $10 booking deposit (due to limited space) • Dec 20, 10-11:30am

SEEING IS ABOVE ALL • Acacia Hall, 10433-83 Ave, upstairs • 780.554.6133 • Free instruction in meditation on the Inner Light • Every Sun, 5pm QUEER AFFIRM SUNNYBROOK–Red Deer • Sunnybrook United Church, Red Deer • 403.347.6073 • Affirm welcome LGBTQ people and their friends, family, and allies meet the 2nd Tue, 7pm, each month

BEERS FOR QUEERS • Empress Ale House, 9912 Whyte Ave • Meet the last Thu each month

BISEXUAL WOMEN'S COFFEE GROUP • A social group for bi-curious and bisexual women every 2nd Tue each month, 8pm • groups.yahoo.com/group/bwedmonton

BUDDYS NITE CLUB • 11725 Jasper Ave • 780.488.6636 • Tue with DJ Arrow Chaser, free pool all night; 9pm (door); no cover • Wed with DJ Dust’n Time; 9pm (door); no cover •

Thu: Men’s Wet Underwear Contest, win prizes, hosted by Drag Queen DJ Phon3 Hom3; 9pm (door); no cover before 10pm • Fri Dance Party with DJ Arrow Chaser; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm • Sat: Feel the rhythm with DJ Phon3 Hom3; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm

EPLC FELLOWSHIP PAGAN STUDY GROUP • Pride Centre of Edmonton, 10608105 Ave • 780.488.3234 • eplc.webs.com • Free year long course; Family circle 3rd Sat each month • Everyone welcome

EVOLUTION WONDERLOUNGE • 10220103 St • 780.424.0077 • yourgaybar.com • Community Tue: partner with various local GLBT groups for different events; see online for details • Happy Hour Wed-Fri: 4-8pm • Wed Karaoke: with the Mystery Song Contest; 7pm-2am • Fri: DJ Evictor • Sat: DJ Jazzy • Sun: Beer Bash G.L.B.T. SPORTS AND RECREATION • teamedmonton.ca • Blazin' Bootcamp: Garneau Elementary School Gym, 10925-87 Ave; Every Mon and Thu, 7pm; $30/$15 (low income/student); E: bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca • Mindful Meditation: Pride Centre: Every Thu, 6pm; free weekly drop-in • Swimming–Making Waves: NAIT pool, 11762-106 St; E: swimming@teamedmonton.ca; makingwavesswimclub.ca • Martial Arts–Kung Fu and Kick Boxing: Every Tue and Thu, 6-7pm; GLBTQ inclusive adult classes at Sil-Lum Kung Fu; kungfu@teamedmonton.ca, kickboxing@ teamedmonton.ca, sillum.ca

G.L.B.T.Q SENIORS GROUP • S.A.G.E Bldg, Craftroom, 15 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.474.8240 • Meeting for gay seniors, and for any seniors who have gay family members and would like some guidance • Every Thu, 1-4pm • Info: E: Tuff69@telus.net

ILLUSIONS SOCIAL CLUB • Pride Centre, 10608-105 Ave • 780.387.3343 • edmontonillusions.ca • Crossdressers meet 2nd Fri each month, 7:30-9pm INSIDE/OUT • U of A Campus • Campusbased organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified and queer (LGBTQ) faculty, graduate student, academic, straight allies and support staff • 3rd Thu each month (fall/ winter terms): Speakers Series. E: kwells@ ualberta.ca

LIVING POSITIVE • #33, 9912-106 St • 780.424.2214 • livingpositivethroughpositiveliving.com • In office peer counseling, public speakers available for presentations, advocacy and resource materials available • Support group for gay men living with HIV: 2nd Mon each month, 7-9pm MAKING WAVES SWIMMING CLUB • geocities.com/makingwaves_edm • Recreational/competitive swimming. Socializing after practices • Every Tue/Thu PRIDE CENTRE OF EDMONTON • Pride Centre of Edmonton, 10608-105 Ave • 780.488.3234 • A safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental drop-in space, support programs and resources offered for members of the GLBTQ community, their families and friends • Daily: Community drop-in; support and resources. Queer library: borrowing privileges: Tue-Fri 12-9pm, Sat 2-6:30pm, closed Sun-Mon; Queer HangOUT (a.k.a. QH) youth drop-in: Tue-Fri 3-8pm, Sat 2-6:30pm, youth@pridecentreofedmonton.org • Counselling: Free, short-term by registered counsellors every Wed, 5:30-8:30pm, info/bookings: 780.488.3234 • Knotty Knitters: Knit and socialize in safe, accepting environment, all skill levels welcome; every Wed 6-8pm • QH Game Night: Meet people through board game fun; every Thu 6-8pm • QH Craft Night: every Wed, 6-8pm • QH Anime Night: Watch anime; every Fri, 6-8pm • Movie Night: Open to everyone; 2nd and 4th Fri each month, 6-9pm • Women’s Social Circle: Social support group for female-identified persons +18 years in the GLBT community; new members welcome; 2nd and 4th Thu, 7-9pm each month; andrea@ pridecentreofedmonton.org • Men Talking with Pride: Support and social group for gay and bisexual men; every Sun 7-9pm; robwells780@ hotmail.com • TTIQ: a support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family/supporters; 3rd Mon, 7-9pm, each month • HIV Support Group: Support and discussion group for gay men; 2nd Mon, 7-9pm, each month; huges@shaw.ca

orientations are welcome • Every Sun (10am worship)

WOMONSPACE • 780.482.1794 • womonspace.org, womonspace@gmail.com • A Non-profit lesbian social organization for Edmonton and surrounding area. Monthly activities, newsletter, reduced rates included with membership. Confidentiality assured WOODYS VIDEO BAR • 11723 Jasper Ave • 780.488.6557 • Mon: Amateur Strip Contest; prizes with Shawana • Tue: Kitchen 3-11pm • Wed: Karaoke with Tizzy 7pm-1am; Kitchen 3-11pm • Thu: Free pool all night; kitchen 3-11pm • Fri: Mocho Nacho Fri: 3pm (door), kitchen open 3-11pm

SPECIAL EVENTS ANNUAL NATIVITY DISPLAY • West End Christian Reformed Church, 10015-149 St • Tour through the wide array of Nativity scenes from around the world • Dec 18-20, 6pm-9pm • Free

CELEBRATE THE SEASON • Alberta Legislature and grounds, 9718-107 St • assembly. ab.ca/visitor/WhatsNew_ListEvents.html • A winter wonderland: 300 trees sparkling with lights; south grounds skating rink; free hot chocolate served in the rotunda in the evenings following the Dec 4 Light-up; choir performances at noon and 6pm daily • Dec 4-23 • Free

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE • North Pointe Community Church, 14025-167 Ave • Dec 24, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm • Free • northpointechurch.ca

CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND: A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT • Studio Church, 5305 Allard Way • studioyeg.com/christmasinwonderland • Re-experience the joys of Christmas once again • Dec 21, 2-5pm • Free

CHRISTMAS REFLECTIONS • Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 - 143 St • Shop for Christmas gifts in the heritage stores, warm up by a bonfire, savour a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate, visit costumed interpreters along the streets, sample baking from the wood stove, construct Christmas crafts and much more • Dec 12-Jan 3 • General admission: $18 (adult), $13 (child), $16 (student/senior), free (kids under 2)

DEEPSOUL.CA • 587.520.3833; call or text for Sunday jam locations: rare LIVE Rendevous Pub Rock Show Sat, Dec 6, 9pm • Every Sun: Sunday Jams with no Stan (CCR to Metallica), starring Chuck Prins on Les Paul Standard guitars; Pink Floydish originals plus great Covers of Classics: some FREE; Twilight Zone Lively Up Yourself Tour (with DJ Cool Breeze); all ages • Fundraising for local Canadian Disaster Relief, the hungry (world-wide through the Canadian Food Grains Bank)

EDMONTON MEALS ON WHEELS CHRISTMAS WITH FRIENDS • Edmonton Meals on Wheels, 11111-103 Ave • Showcases the work that Edmonton Meals on Wheels does on a daily basis, engaging the guests in the meal preparation, packaging, and delivering process. Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra will also be performing from 8:309:30am • Dec 17

ETS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR • City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Sqaure • See the wondeful Christmas lights that Edmonton has to offer • Dec 19-21 • Sold out FIESTA CALIENTE • BLVD Kitchen and Bar, 10765 Jasper Ave • A showcase of Samba Carnival, Bachata and Salsa. There will also be ree Salsa and Bachata lessons (no partner required). 18+ only • Dec 26, 8:30pm-2am • $10 MUTTART MASQUERADE NEW YEAR'S EVE • Muttart Conservatory • Edmonton.ca • Enjoy hourly midnight countdowns with treats to ring in 2015 • Dec 31, 10am-2pm • Regular admission

SCRAMBLED YEG • Brittany's Lounge, 10225-97 St • 780.497.0011 • Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue-Fri, 5-8pm SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE • Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave • Presented by Bill & Grace Knight • Dec 18-21

ST PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH • 11526-76 Ave • 780.436.1555 • People of all sexual

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

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To place an ad PHONE: 780.426.1996 / FAX: 780.426.2889 EMAIL: classifieds@vueweekly.com 0195.

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Courses/Classes

EPL Free Courses: Edmonton AB Check out the Free Online Interactive Instructor Led Courses offered through the Edmonton Public Library.

Some of the courses for visual artists would include: Creating WordPress Websites, Secrets of Better Photography Beginning Writer’s Workshop many more…

For a list of Free Courses visit: https://www.epl.ca/learn4life For information and instruction on how to get started https://www.epl.ca/learn4life

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Live-in caregiver required to care for two children Hourly: $10.25 for 44.0 hours / week Permanent Full-Time Completion of high school and experience in childcare required Apply to Sarah & Chris By e-mail: sodolot@hotmail.com

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Volunteers Wanted

Call for Volunteers A reminder that we are currently recruiting volunteers for International Week 2015!

This year I-Week runs from January 26-30, and we are looking for volunteers to fill various positions including: helping with event preparations, assisting with publicity campaigns on and off campus, introducing guest speakers, and helping to ensure that I-Week events run smoothly.

For more information or to apply online http://www.globaled.ualberta.c a/en/AboutGlobalEducation/Vo lunteer.aspx

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Volunteers Wanted

Call for Volunteers We are excited to begin recruiting our amazing team of volunteers for International Week 2015! This year I-Week runs from January 26-30, and we are looking for volunteers to fill various positions including: helping with event preparations, assisting with publicity campaigns on and off campus, introducing guest speakers, and helping to ensure that I-Week events run smoothly.

While volunteering you can make new friends, learn about topical world issues, develop new skill sets, work with likeminded people, and have fun in the process! Sign up to volunteer today and help make International Week 2015 a success!

For more information contact the Global Education Volunteer Coordinator Tatiana Duque at duqueval@ualberta.ca

Habitat for Humanity is having a t-shirt design contest!

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton invites you to submit a design for our “Hope Builder T-shirt”.

The winning design will be printed on the t-shirts given to volunteers who have accumulated 150 or more volunteer hours. Please complete and submit your design and a contest entry form by midnight, January 11, 2015. Check out our website at https://www.hfh.org/volunteer/ for contest details and contest entry form.

Help someone in crisis take those first steps towards a solution. The Support Network`s Crisis Support Centre is looking for volunteers for Edmonton`s 24-Hour Distress Line. Interested or want to learn more? Contact Lindsay at 780-732-6648 or visit our website: www.TheSupportNetwork.com

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Volunteers Wanted

Team Edmonton is run by volunteers, and we always welcome new people to help us promote LGBT sports and recreational activities.

Volunteers can assist during particular events or can take advantage of other short-term and ongoing opportunities.

We are currently seeking volunteers to spearhead new activities, take over for retired activity leaders (cross country ski and snowshoe, outdoor pursuits), and to join the Team Edmonton Board.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or if you would like more information, please contact volunteer@teamedmonton.ca.

Want to make a difference for patients and their families at the Cross Cancer Institute?

Volunteer with the Alberta Cancer Foundation today and help redefine the future of cancer in Alberta.

Opportunities are available throughout the year. www.albertacancer.ca/volunteer 1.866.412.4222

Wanted: Volunteers for our Long Term Care facility!

Individuals or groups welcome!

Vulnerable Sector search by EPS is required Please contact Janice Graff Volunteer Coordinator – Extendicare Eaux Claires for more information: jgraff@extendicare.com 780-472-1106 ext 202

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ACRYLIC ARTISTS! Don’t miss GOLDEN Working Artist Samantha WilliamsChapelsky’s lecture/demo on the 1001 ways you can use GOLDEN acrylic paints, mediums, gels & pastes, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, plus GST/HST 2015, 7-9PM in the Studio at The Paint Spot (10032-81 Avenue, Edmonton).

Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Admission, $10, confirms your toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 place and is refunded to you at email Help andrea@awna.com the Canadian Breast the event as a coupon. Plus, Cancer create a GOLDEN gives a generous or visit thisFoundation community newspaper future without breast cancer Just Paint goodies bag to all through volunteerism. attending artists! Further Contact 1-866-302-2223 or information or RSVP: ivolunteer@cbcf.org for 780.432.0240; 1-877-776-1660 current volunteer accounts@paintspot.ca; APPLY AT MONEYPROVIDER.COM opportunities www.paintspot.ca.

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Artist to Artist

ART GALLERY OF ST ALBERT CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR VAULT EXHIBIT SPACE seeks proposals from artists interested in utilizing this space for short term exhibitions of single artworks created or tailored for this space. Further details on the specifications of the space as well as images of this space can be found on our website.

ArtGalleryofStAlbert.com.

For more information please contact Jenny WillsonMcGrath, Exhibition Curator/ Interim Director jennyw@artgalleryofstalbert.ca 780.651.5741 Art in Transit is now accepting submissions for Sketching the Line, returning for its second year to screens in Spring 2015!

Sketching the Line is a public exhibition that showcases the work of Canadian and international artists who explore the inspiring and creative potential of their daily commute.

Submit your sketches for a chance to participate in the upcoming exhibition. Selected works will be featured on PATTISON Onestop screens in the Toronto transit system, Edmonton transit system and the Calgary Airport, reaching well over one million travellers each day. An honorarium will be awarded to all participating artists.

Deadline January 31,2015 http://www.artintransit.ca/archi ves/sketching-line-callsubmissions.html?mc_cid=925 2147d70&mc_eid=08064c2cf8 Art on the Patio will join art, music, and food, as artists and artisans display and sell their work during the very popular Festival Place Patio Series.

This is a free opportunity that will be scheduled for four dates this coming summer. Six artists per week will be scheduled.

Artists may book a maximum of two weeks.

This event will occur on Wednesday evenings. Set up time will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and take down after the evenings performance concludes (approximately 9:30-10:00 pm).

Interested in learning more?

Email artgallery@strathcona.ca ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: BUDAPEST The Open Call will begin on June 25, 2014, we have every months jury selection until April 15, 2015. Apply early!

HMC International Artist Residency Program, a not-forprofit arts organization based in Dallas, TX / Budapest, Hungary – provides national and international artists to produce new work while engaging with the arts community in Budapest, Hungary.

FOR APPLICATION FORM, questions please contact us.

Email: bszechy@yahoo.com Call For Exhibition Proposals: Red Deer, AB Harris-Warke Gallery, Red Deer Deadline: January 31 annually The gallery encourages exposure to a wide variety of Arts. In addition to painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and all combinations of mixed and multi-media, They hope to feature some of the less often exhibited art forms, such as literary art, landscape art, culinary art and music. We are open to an eclectic definition of art. In concert with this mandate, the downtown location facilitates a viewing public from various walks of life.

Questions and comments should be directed to: harriswarke@gmail.com

2005.

Call for One Act Play Submissions: Stage Struck! is a one-act play festival sponsored by the Alberta Drama Festival Association, Edmonton Region. The Festival will be held at La Cite on Feb 27-28, 2015. For more information or to request a registration package, contact Mary-Ellen Perley at 780-481-3716 or email at mperley@shaw.ca. Award winning playwright Vern Thiessen is our adjudicator this year!

Call For Submission: Directory Of Ukrainian Artists in Alberta Do you weave, embroider or make pottery ? Do you write stories, pysanky or music ? Do you direct a choir, dance group or play in a band ? The Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts would love to hear from you and everyone else involved in the arts.

The Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts is pleased to announce that we are accepting submissions for our new online “Directory of Ukrainian Artists in Alberta”.

Additional information and submission forms are available by contacting: Elena Scharabun Directory Coordinator, ACUA directory@acuarts.ca 780-975-3077

Call For Submissions for Prairie Wood Solutions Fair Award recognition for outstanding wood architecture.

New online submission process is now open, visit the following link to our website for information on the nomination process and to create and application.

Contact Communications Coordinator, Barbara Murray at 780-392-0761 or bmurray@wood-works.ca for more information. Important dates: Nomination deadline: January 23, 2015 Gala and award presentation on March 17, 2015 Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton, AB

Call for Visual Artists: Everything Cannot Be True: art with/in the everyday Taking place March 5 – 8, 2015, the exhibit will occupy the main gallery at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, 9225 – 118 Avenue This is a wonderful opportunity for your artwork to be presented to a diverse festival audience, partaking in Variety Showcases, Comedy, Theatre and Play Development, Music, Dance, Spoken Word, Visual Art, Artistic Collaborations, Yoga, and Family events.

Five artists will be chosen to display up to 3 works apiece, alongside two artists representing both the Nina Haggerty Centre and the SkirtsAfire Festival. We are looking for women working in all mediums, and hoping for as vast a range as possible.

Please read our prospectus below, for further details on the focus of the exhibit. Interested applicants will submit at least 3 to 5 high quality images of recently completed work, including a bio and artist statement.

Deadline for applications is Friday, December 19, 2014.

Chosen artists will be notified

by January 5, 2015. http://form.jotform.ca/form/430 18816035248

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

7/25/11 12:30 PM

Artist to Artist

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Artist to Artist

Loft Art Gallery and Gift Shop – Open November 1 to December 21 with smaller artworks by the artists of the Art Society of Strathcona County.

Open Saturdays 10 to 4 pm and Sundays 12 to 4 pm for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Unique art pieces and gifts for the holiday season.

Visit the A. J. Ottewell Community Centre, and enjoy!

NATIONAL CALL TO ARTISTS: Rogers Place Arena – Community Rink, Sculpture in the Landscape The Sculpture in the Landscape public art competition is a National Call open to all professional artists residing in Canada and is held in accordance with the City of Edmonton policy “Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas” (C458C).

Budget: $300,000.00 CAD (maximum, all inclusive) Deadline for Submissions: 4:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 Installation: August 2016 The EAC and the City of Edmonton invite artists to address any questions by email to abowes@edmontonarts.ca Opportunities for artists to exhibit in Budapest: Open call for book artists! Library Thoughts 5 :An exhibition of the Book as Art Artist’s Books and book-related art Deadline: March 1, 2015 fee: USD$ 35 Book as Art exhibition organized at MAMU Gallery, Budapest June 12 – July 3, 2015 . The exhibition curator Beata Szechy.

Part of the AIR/HMC, Budapest, International Artists in Residency program. info, application form e-mail Beata Szechy bszechy@yahoo.com http://www.hungarianmulticultural-center.com Facebook: Budapest International Artist Residency SKETCHBOOK SHOW – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS) We are looking for sketchbooks to show in a small exhibition that will open the New Year in our Artisan Nook Gallery at The Paint Spot (10032 81 Avenue, Edmonton).

If you have a sketchbook you’d like to share, please bring it into The Paint Spot before the end of December or let us know that you are planning to bring it in during the 1st week in January. Show runs January 5 to February 17, 2015.

We want to show the multitude of creative things you can do with a sketchbook. Especially if you use a variety of media or are the possessor of a strong drawing style – we need your books!

Please join us. For more information call us at 780.432.0240 or email accounts@paintspot.ca.

A perk: Exhibiting artists receive a 20% discount for the duration of the exhibition!

The Emmanuel College Art Department offers an eightweek artists residency to four artists each summer. The residency supports a diverse group of artists, providing time and space for established and emerging artists to develop their work.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 residency. All applications must be received by Feb 1st, 2015. http://www.emmanuel.edu/aca demics/programs-of-studydepartments/art/artist-inresidence.html

2005.

Artist to Artist

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FREEWILLASTROLOGY

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19): "Too much happiness can make you unhappy," reported journalist Marta Zaraska in the Washington Post. Citing research by psychologists, she concluded that being super-extra cheerful can make you selfish, gullible and more prone to stereotyped thinking. However, maintaining merely moderate levels of happiness is pretty damn good for your mental and physical health.

So here's the takeaway, Aries: the astrological omens suggest you're due for a surge of joy and pleasure. Just be careful it doesn't spill over into rash, delirious excess. Here's your watchword: well-grounded delight.

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20): In the 19th century, the Grimm brothers gathered moret than 200 old fairy tales from a variety of sources and published them in an unprecedented collection.

Many of their stories are still popular, including "Cinderella," "Snow White," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Rapunzel." Around the same time they did their work, a storyteller named Franz Xaver von Schönwerth assembled his own compendium of fantastic myths, fables and folklore. Unlike the Grimm brothers' book, his work faded into obscurity.

But it was rediscovered in 2011 and 500 lost fairy tales are now finding their way into newly published books. I foresee a comparable phenomenon happening for you in 2015, Taurus. Forgotten stories will return. Raw material from the depths will resurface. Interesting news from the past will come flowing into the present.

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20): Your first task is to ascertain the halftruth, the whole half-truth and nothing but the half-truth. Only then will you be able to find the other half of the truth. I realize it may be frustrating to use this approach. You'd probably prefer to avoid wrangling with the deceptions and misdirections. But I think it's the only way to jostle loose the hidden or missing information. For best results, be a cunning and unsentimental detective who's eager to solve the mystery. Don't focus on finding fault or assigning blame.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22): One of the ingredients that makes yoga mats so soft and springy is the chemical azodicarbonamide.

The same stuff is added to the soles of shoes. There's a third place where it's used: in the burger buns sold by McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and other fast-food joints. I'm not suggesting that you order a big supply of azodicarbonamide and ingest it.

But I do hope you will consider the metaphorical equivalent: doing whatever's necessary to make yourself bouncy and fluffy and pliable and supple and resilient.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

ROB BREZSNY FREEWILL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22): "There are two kinds of light," said author James Thurber, "the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures." Lately you have been an abundant source of that first kind of light, Leo. The fire in your heart and the gleam in your eyes have not only brightened the mood wherever you've gone.

They have also clarified confusing situations, warmed chilly attitudes and healed dispirited allies. Thank you! In the coming weeks, I'd love to see you continue on your hot streak. To help ensure that you do, keep your ego under control. Don't let it pretend that it owns the light you're emitting. With a little introspection, you will continue to generate illumination, not glare.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21): "A savage desire for strong emotions and sensations burns inside me: a rage against this soft-tinted, shallow, standardized and sterilized life." So says Harry Haller, the protagonist of Herman Hesse's novel Steppenwolf. His declaration could serve as an interesting point of reference for you in the coming months, Sagittarius—not as a mood for every-day use, but as a poetic inspiration that you periodically call on to invigorate your lust for life. My invitation has a caveat, however. I advise you not to adopt the rest of Haller's rant, in which he says that he also has "a mad craving to smash something up, a department store, or a cathedral, or myself."

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22): Studies suggest that 57 percent of all people with access to the Internet have engaged in the practice known as egosurfing.

This modern art form consists of searching Google for mentions of one's own name. This is a suspiciously low figure unless we factor in the data uncovered by my own research—which is that a disproportionately small amount of Virgos go egosurfing: only 21 percent. If you are one of the 79 percent of your tribe who does not indulge, I invite you to remedy the situation. It's an excellent time to risk exploring the potential benefits of increased self-interest and self-regard.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19): I have lived near an open-space preserve for five years. Up until the last two months, it has been a peaceful, quiet place. But then the coyotes moved in. Just after dusk every evening, a pack of them start yipping and yowling in the distance. At first I found the racket to be eerie and unsettling. It activated some primal unease in me. And yet the coyotes have never actually been a problem. They don't roam into my neighbourhood and try to bite people or prey on pets. So now I've come to relish the situation: the wild things are close and exciting, but not dangerous.

I'm guessing this has a metaphorical resemblance to what your life will be like in the next six months, Capricorn.

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22): When I started writing horoscopes many years ago, I was a good astrologer but an unexceptional writer. Eventually, the practice of composing 12 packets of pithy prose every week allowed me to improve my authorial skills. The stuff I composed in the early years wasn't bad, but I wouldn't want to present it as my work anymore. So should I feel guilty that I got paid and appreciated for those old efforts even though I was less than perfect? Did I get away with something I shouldn't have gotten away with? I don't think so. I was doing the best I could at the time. And even my unpolished astrological musings were helpful to many people.

Now, Libra, I invite you to apply these meditations to your own unfolding destiny.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): You may already know what I'm about to tell you. It's a core principle at the root of your Scorpio heritage. But I want to focus your attention on it. In the coming months, you'll be wise to keep it at the forefront of your conscious awareness. Here it is, courtesy of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: "You have it in your power to invest everything you have lived through—your experiments, false starts, errors, delusions, passions, your love and your hope—into your goal, with nothing left over."

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18): Stanstead, Quebec and Derby Line, Vermont are really a single town that straddles the border between the US and Canada.

Many of the people who live there have dual citizenship, but they're still supposed to carry their passports with them at all times. I suspect you may experience a metaphorical version of this split in the coming months, Aquarius. You will be in a situation that has a split down the middle or a seemingly unnatural division. Whether it turns out to be a problem or an opportunity will depend on your adaptability and flexibility.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20): When a dead tree topples over in the woods, its withered branches may get entangled with the branches of a living tree that's standing nearby. As years go by, the living tree must grow the best it can with the decaying wood trapped in its midst. Has something like that ever happened to you? Are you still carrying the rot that other people have burdened you with? If so, the coming months will be an excellent time to get disentangled.

A tree isn't capable of freeing itself from the dead weight of the past, but you are—especially in the first half of 2015. V AT THE BACK 51

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AT THE BACK 53

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

DAN SAVAGE SAVAGELOVE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

MATT JONES JONESINCROSSWORDS@VUEWEEKLY.COM

“Smooth Move”-- about to be pulled on you.

We just did a live taping of the Savage Lovecast at Seattle's Neptune Theatre. Audience members submitted more questions—anonymously, on index cards—than we could possibly answer during the Q&A segment of the show. So I'm answering some of the questions we didn't get to in this week's column. Here we go:

PEE PARTY

My partner wants me to pee on him.

I'm not so into it. Now what? Should I do the "one and done" thing or put it on the big "no way" list?

One and done—and with any luck, after seeing what a big nothing peeing on someone actually is, you'll have a change of heart and peeing on your partner will wind up on your "once in a while, if you're good, and only after I've had a few beers so it's basically just hot water" list.

fetish/sex clubs welcome only active players because they don't want to be overrun by voyeurs, gawkers or tourists. Most clubs have contact info on their websites, so your best course of action is to email the place you want to attend and ask them.

GIFT-GIVING CLUES

In the past, I've had boyfriends who were horrible gift-givers (Christmas, anniversary, birthday). Is the thought and time a guy puts into gift-giving an indicator of a good mate?

I'm a lousy gift-giver but a decent mate—at least that's what my husband tells me—so I may not be the

accesses the S&M community fairly frequently. She has shared with me that she often attends a dungeon in order for someone to inflict pain on her—not because she enjoys it, but because she's hoping they'll go far enough to put her life in jeopardy. She does not use the safe words provided to her. What are the ethics of this?

Unless the kinksters at the dungeon she attends are engaged in extremely risky forms of edge play—breath control, asphyxiation, fire play, gun play—her life is not in danger. (Suicide-by-cop is a thing, suicide-by-titclamp is not. So here's hoping she's bullshitting you.) But if she somehow managed to find the one public dungeon on Earth where tops rely on bottoms to use their safe words to prevent their own deaths during edge play: what your client is doing is unethical and unfair. A top's consent matters in a BDSM scene, too— and the people she's playing with consented to top her, not off her. Tell her to knock it off.

Suicide-by-cop is a thing, suicideby-tit-clamp is not. So here's hoping she's bullshitting you.

Across

1 Nicholas II of Russia, say 5 Close male friend 8 Curse word that’s “dropped,” for short 13 Yellowstone grazer 14 50 Cent piece?

15 Parts partner 16 Christmas present often regifted 18 Love to pieces 19 Drywall mineral 20 Google employee, often 22 Get your ducks in ___ 24 Island, in French 25 James Joyce novel with its own unique vocabulary 31 Hard-to-find book character 33 Performing ___ 34 Social-climbing type 35 Ex-”Saturday Night Live” player Gasteyer 36 Sports maneuver (and alternate title for this puzzle) 39 “All ___ day’s work” 40 “So what if ___?”

42 “I ___ little silhouetto of a man...”

43 Vox piece 45 It’s gripping 48 Assist 49 Hatcher who played Lois Lane 50 Epitome of deadness 55 Comprehend 59 “I Can’t Make You Love Me” singer Bonnie 60 Way to stop a bike 62 “Sesame Street” star 63 Title for a monk 64 Spitting nails 65 “No questions ___” 66 Despite everything 67 Dueling weapon

Down

1 Conservative in the House of Lords 2 Progresso product 3 “To reiterate...”

4 First two words in some movie sequel titles 5 Sports ___ 6 It leaves no leaves 7 Sign on a store

54 AT THE BACK

8 Thrashes about 9 “You didn’t get the job,” for example 10 Clarinet’s relative 11 “Encore!”

12 “Song of the South” title for Rabbit or Fox 13 Industrial activity, for short 17 “Let’s go!”

21 Infomercial knife brand 23 Undermine 25 Distinctive style 26 Avarice 27 “To the newlyweds!” opener 28 Ouzo ingredient 29 Hawaiian coffee region 30 StubHub’s parent company 31 Dickensian child, often 32 One on the “nay” side 37 Carne ___ 38 Like coupons and notebook paper 41 Wise guy 44 Vacation where you buy lift passes 46 Dropped clues 47 Weight 50 De Matteo of “Sons of Anarchy” 51 Rowboat accessories 52 “Old MacDonald” noise 53 Doubtful 54 Accumulated traditions 56 Eat, as a meal 57 “Grapes of Wrath” migrant 58 Pre-___ student 61 Grain in granola ©2014 Jonesin' Crosswords

PUPPY LOVE

My boyfriend seems to love the dog more than me. What gives?

Apparently the dog does.

BUMPS ALL OVER

My dick gets dry and kinda bumpy.

Lately, there have been more bumps.

Why? You might want to ask someone who reads braille to run their fingers over your cock—you know, just to rule out the possibility that Helen Keller is trying to communicate with you from the great beyond. You might also want to see a doctor—it could be HPV (sexually transmitted) or molluscum contagiosum (sometimes sexually transmitted), both of which require treatment, or it could simply be "pearly penile papules," which are harmless and do not require treatment.

HERE'S THE OFFER

Would you let a grateful, mostly straightish guy give you a handjob for all the good work you've done in the world? And would you let a straightish woman watch?

Yes and no.

PROF CONUNDRUM

Is it immoral to fuck an ex-professor who's married and has three kids if his wife hasn't fucked him since March?

Yes (if he's lying) and no (if he's not).

BIG OL' BYSTANDER

What is the proper etiquette at most fetish/sex clubs? Can you go and simply observe and not participate?

Some fetish/sex clubs allow people to observe on the theory that today's nervous newbie observer is tomorrow's confident active player. Other

best person to answer this question.

But you've had multiple boyfriends who were lousy gift-givers—so this may be a question you can answer for yourself. Set aside the gift-giving issues/lapses/horrors and ask yourself if your boyfriends are decent mates otherwise.

MIX IT UP

I have not come from a blowjob since I was a 17-year-old boy. Do I give up on my quest to orgasm in someone's mouth or do I continue to subject poor women to failure?

Mix blowjobs and handjobs together—jerk your cock to the point-of-inevitability place—and you'll not fail.

HIGH PRICE TO PAY

My gay husband of five years knew what he was getting when he got into our relationship: a total bottom.

Now he wants to find a top to play with, but he also knew that I was not "open to open." That was the price of admission. Can you tell him to stop annoying me?

The price of admission cuts both ways. The price of admission he had to pay to be with you: no other partners for him, no getting topped again, ever. But if he's not willing to keep paying that price, then you may have to decide whether you're willing to pay his price: he gets to play with another top—always safely, once in a great while, maybe with you—or he walks.

UGH, IT'S ONLY LUG

I'm a 25-year-old female. I started feeling attracted to girls in college and lost all attraction to men for three years. A year ago, I started feeling attracted to men again and lost all interest in women. What is going on?

LUGgage.

SAFETY FIRST

I provide counselling to a client who

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

WHERE'S THE VEG?

I'm a 40-year-old vegetarian guy living in a small college town and looking for an LTR. Sadly, most women my age eat meat. How do vegetarians and meat eaters compromise in LTRs? The meat eater agrees to keep a meat-free home; the vegetarian agrees to keep a Morrissey-free home.

SHATTERED DREAMS

I have a glass dildo that I love, but I worry it might break if I go at it too rough. Is this possible? I don't want to show up in the ER with glass in my vagina.

Glass dildos—quality ones—are safer than many other kinds of dildos (nonporous surfaces, no icky chemicals), and one would have to be dropped from a great height onto a very hard surface to actually shatter. So unless you have a diaphragm made of marble and you're relying on velocity to insert your glass dildo— your partner drops it from the top of a building, you catch it with your pussy—you're in no danger. *** Thanks to everyone who came to the live taping of the Savage Lovecast— including Adult Baby Jesus and the Human Menorah—and a very special thanks to the iTunes editorial team for naming the Savage Lovecast one of the iTunes Best of 2014, along with Serial, WTF, The Moth, and TED Radio Hour. Such amazing company!

The complete list of top podcasts is here: iTunes.com/bestpodcasts2014.

You can find the Lovecast at savagelovecast.com. V @fakedansavage on Twitter

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 18 – DEC 24, 2014

AT THE BACK 55

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