1001: Year In Review

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#1001 / dec 25 – JAN 7, 2014 vueweekly.com

POWERING PASSION

WHATEVER YOUR PASSION THERE’S A SCION FOR YOU FOR THE COMPETITOR

SCION tC

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VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

2014-09-15 11:28 AM

ISSUE: 1001 DEC 25 – JAN 7, 2014 COVER ILLUSTRATION: CHARLIE BIDDISCOMBE

LISTINGS

ARTS / 15 MUSIC / 31 EVENTS / 33 CLASSIFIED / 34 ADULT / 36

FRONT

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"Plagued by spending scandals and facing caucus revolt and a non-confidence vote, Alison Redford resigns." // 6

DISH

10

"The paleo diet craze has been around for a while now, but it hasn't had much uptake in Edmonton." // 10

ARTS

13

"She is mesmerizing as a performer; I yelled at the end of the piece I was so excited." // 13

FILM

16

"Jim's not exactly suicidal, but he does seem adrenalized by manning the kamikaze cockpit." // 18

MUSIC

22

Live music 7 days a week

"Today I'm just working on my Kegel exercises, then doing some Pilates and then my dance routine." // 26

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

2014-12-18 4:28 PM

FRONT

VUEPOINT

NEWS EDITOR : REBECCA MEDEL REBECCA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

RYAN STEPHENS RYANS@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Uber is über There are plenty of reasons for cities to dislike an encroaching business like Uber. The much-hyped ridesharing app could be a major blow to those who make their living in the unpredictable world of taxi driving.

But the speed, convenience and transparency that Uber promotes will finally place some power in the hands of consumers, and will, in all likelihood, give taxi services the quality boost it’s long needed.

It’s unsurprising that Uber has become the heavily scrutinized new kid on the block amidst locals and city administration. Garry Dziwenka, the city’s director of licensing, considers Uber cars “bandit cabs,” and he’s ready to hand out hefty fines to drivers the moment they start collecting fares. The city is quick to point to the apparent risks involved in using the unregulated service in which drivers have only standard driver’s licences, non-commercial insurance policies and the city can’t oversee criminal-record checks.

Whether the driver has a taxi licence or Uber credentials, getting into a car with another person comes with some risk, and both Uber and local taxis have had no shortage of bad press due to their drivers. Organizations can only do so much to pre-emptively ensure good service, yet passengers have long been held out of the evaluation process—this is where Uber’s responsiveness and transparency prevails. Drivers are instantly and repeatedly assessed by their passengers, and they’re removed from the program if they fail to maintain near-flawless scores. It’s a connection that has so far led to friendlier, smoother experiences for both driver and passenger.

In the taxi business, the recent focus has been on making the profession as safe and comfortable as possible for drivers, who admittedly carry their fair share of bad customers. But for the customers who routinely deal with unruly drivers, expensive fares, long wait times or being ignored on the side of the street, it’s time their voice was used to challenge the sub-par status quo of city taxis. The entire industry could only benefit from it. V

POLITICALINTERFERENCE

ASHLEY DRYBURGH // ASHLEY@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Coming out and staying in

A look back at the highs and lows in the queer community in 2014 It's hard to believe that we are already 15 years into our new millennium and somehow our little world keeps ticking. Before we look ahead to 2015 (is anyone else breathlessly awaiting Marty McFly and hoverboards in October?), let's take a look back at some notable events that shaped the queer world.

Locally, Edmonton Oilers captain Andrew Ference marched in the Pride parade—the first Oiler in Edmonton to do so—quickly followed by protracted discussions about where to move the parade (answer: Whyte Ave).

We also saw a whole bunch of folks emerge from the closet; from actors to models to businesspeople, the number of highprofile queers increased over the past 12 months. Notable on the queer list include actor Ellen Page, NFL player Michael Sam, Apple CEO Tim Cook, television broadcaster Robin Roberts, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn (who plays Hodor) and former Miss Kentucky Djuan Trent. Of course, countless others in our city came out this year as well; if that's you, congratulations!

2014 was a watershed year for trans* visibility. The most famous person to come out as trans* was probably Andreja Peijic, the Australian androgynous model, who announced in July that she is a woman.

Continuing the good news for trans* folk, in March India introduced a new law that grants formal, legal recognition to trans* Indians. Months later, Padmini Prakash became India's first out trans* TV anchor. In January, Against Me!, fronted by the kick-ass Laura Jane Grace, released Transgender Dysphoria Blues, an honest, searing, angry album about her experience transitioning.

Candy magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary last month by releasing a Vanity Fair-worthy cover shot of some of the most influential transwomen in our part of the world, featuring Janet Mock, Carmen Carrera and Laverne Cox. And what a year Cox has had! Not only did she make it to Edmonton in March for a talk and workshop, but in May she became the first out transperson (and a woman of colour, too!) to grace the cover of Time magazine and also the first to receive an acting Emmy nomination.

2014 also marked the passing of some trans* trailblazers, particularly Leslie Feinberg, author of Stone Butch Blues, who died in November. "Remember me as a revolutionary communist" are reported to be hir last words. Despite increasing visibility, heaven knows we have a long way to go before trans* folks are no longer harassed, murdered or discriminated against for being themselves.

Sadly, legal discrimination continued for queers around the world. Early in the year, Uganda, with the help of American Christian organizations, ratified a bill that made life in prison a possibility for queer Ugandans, although the bill was declared invalid in August. The February Sochi Olympics brought renewed attention to Russia's so-called "gay propaganda" law that forbade exposing children to content that positioned homosexuality as a norm in society.

Internationally, bars stopped serving Russian vodka and there were rainbow-coloured protests worldwide. Closer to home, the end of the year saw the introduction of Bill 10 in the Alberta legislature.

However, the fact the bill is currently on hiatus is hardly good news to the students who want to start a GSA. V

RICARDO ACUÑA // RICARDO@VUEWEEKLY.COM

The more things change

2014 has made for some interesting changes in Alberta's political scene

// Dave Cournoyer via Compfight

For a province where the same party has been in power for The scope of these changes is most shocking when you consider 43 years, it is surprising how interesting and dynamic Alberta that they came in a year where there was no general election and politics can actually be on occasion. The year 2014, it could not a single seat changed hands as a result of by-elections.

At this time last year, the party whose fortunes appeared to be be argued, has been more dynamic and interesting than most.

Think back just 12 months and you'll get a sense of how on the rise, and which was largely responsible for the toppling much has changed over the course of the year in Alberta of Redford's premiership, was the Wildrose Party. At one point in 2014, the Redford Tories fell to an approval rating of just politics.

As 2014 began, Alison Redford was Premier with a govern- 19 percent while the Wildrose shot up to 46 percent. Yet nine months later, the ment caucus of 60 memWildrose Party has bers. Danielle Smith and The chorus of voices yelling at the Premier to all but disappeared her 17-member caucus were cut deeper, cut faster and privatize more will and the Tories are the Official Opposition, Raj riding high.

Sherman and the Liberal now come from inside the governing caucus real question caucus were five members rather than from across the aisle, but they will toThe consider, howevstrong and Brian Mason led still be there. er, is whether anyan NDP caucus of four. thing has actually As I write this today, Jim changed or if we're Prentice, who was the third Conservative to lead the province in 2014, is Premier with a gov- just dealing with changes to cosmetics and nomenclature.

Certainly the PC dynasty in this province is as secure as it has ernment caucus of 72 members, a caucus that includes Smith and the former Wildrose house leader Rob Anderson. The Wil- ever been, and the implosion of the Wildrose Party will complidrose caucus, which currently has just five members, is without cate the electoral possibilities for some Liberal and NDP MLAs a leader and their role as Official Opposition is in question. And by removing the split in the right-wing vote. But what was really the four-member NDP caucus is now led by Edmonton Strath- changed beyond that?

The vast majority of MLAs in the legislature are on the far right cona MLA Rachel Notley. There is also one independent member sitting in the legislature. Who would have thought back of the ideological spectrum both fiscally and socially. Our over-dein January 2014 that the only party leader that would still be CONTINUED ON PAGE 08 >> standing 12 months later would be Raj Sherman?

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

UP FRONT 5

NEWS // YEAR IN REVIEW

FRONT

I

t was a year when media-hyped fears of an outbreak over here threatened to overshadow coverage of the actual Ebola epidemic rippling through Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, with 6000 dead and counting. The year a Malaysia Airlines plane, with 239 people on board, disappeared over the Indian Ocean; four months later, another MA plane was shot down by a missile in Ukraine airspace—all 298 people on board died, because of a conflict triggered when Vladimir Putin’s Russian Federation, just three days after the end of the Winter Olympics in Sochi (600 kilometres away), had annexed Crimea by force.

American drones kept striking “targets;” ISIS, a new terrorist group, rose up in parts of the Middle East. Israel launched another military operation in the Gaza Strip, this one lasting seven weeks, with 2100 Palestinians and 71 Israelis dead by the end (a bitter irony—2014 was the UN’s “International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People”).

In Ottawa, Stephen Harper remained untouched by scandals—Senate expenses, robocalls—but

Plagued by spending scandals (exorbitant jet-setting; high-salaried underlings; an unnaturally large security detail; the construction of a penthouse— ”Skypalace,” as it is known in the media—for her and her daughter in a government building) and facing caucus revolt and a non-confidence vote, Alison Redford resigns as Alberta’s Premier on March 23, then quits as MP in August, marking one of the sharpest, steepest, political plummets in Canadian history. In August, a special report by the Auditor General concludes that “Premier Redford and her office used public resources inappropriately” in large part because of “the aura of power around Redford and her office and the perception that the influence of the office should not be questioned.” By December, the four-plane fleet that Redford and company used was up for auction.

After it’s announced that political sideshow Rob Ford has been diagnosed with cancer and is dropping out of Toronto’s mayoral race, his brother Doug enters the campaign, registering one hour before the deadline. Despite over-enthusiastic electioneering—his campaign is fined $11 950 for staking down 478 illegal lawn signs—he loses the election to John Tory in October.

6 up front

NEWS EDITOR : REBECCA MEDEL REBECCA@vueweekly.com

was quick, along with the RCMP, to label Michael Zehaf-Bibeau’s killing of Cpl Nathan Cirillo a “terrorist act” and not simply criminal (though the killer had a history of petty crime, addiction and mental-health difficulties); the murder gave added impetus to Bill C-44, which was being tabled by the Tories and expands the powers of CSIS, along with introducing more anti-terrorism measures.

But do you know 2014 was also the year Belgium became the first nation to legalize euthanasia for terminally ill patients of any age? Or that two former Khmer Rouge leaders were found guilty of crimes against humanity for their part in the Cambodian genocide of 1975 – 79 and sentenced to life imprisonment? Or remember that 2014 marked the last page for three great writers: Maya Angelou, Nadine Gordimer and Gabriel García Márquez? Here’s looking back at some of the other major news stories that reared up during The Year of the Horse, here and abroad. brian gibson brian@vueweekly.com

The most-watched sporting event once again kicks the globe around from scandal to silliness to heartbreak to celebration. Uruguay’s Luis Suárez bites Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini—the chomp seen around the world—and Ghana’s team has its bonuses dispute resolved when the country’s president flies $3-million in cash over by private jet.

The host nation’s devastated by its 7-1 trouncing at the feet of Germany, who then spare Brazil the shame of arch-nemesis Argentina winning when Mario Götze flicks in a beauty in extra-time at the Maracanã. After $14-million spent on the tournament by Brazil, while FIFA keeps building its “reserve fund” of profits, the WC moves next to Russia and then Qatar—no vote buying or corruption or slush money there, then.

CBC’s radio-personality Jian Ghomeshi is let go by the network; accusations emerge, from 15 women, that he struck, choked, stifled and/or verbally abused them. It’s later revealed that the Q host was dismissed after he showed CBC employees video and text messages about bruising on a woman caused by a cracked rib. In late November, Ghomeshi surrenders to police and is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one of “choking.” Some pundits and media-analysts note CBC Radio hadn’t wished to tie its shows to a brand name or celebritypersona after the death of Peter Gzowski; the network’s eventual embrace of Ghomeshi horribly backfired.

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

After unarmed, black 18-yearold, Michael Brown, is killed on Canfield Drive in Ferguson, Missouri by a police officer— putting seven or eight bullets into him—on August 9, protests spring up and riots break out there. The outrage sweeps through other US cities on November 24 after it’s announced that a grand jury has decided not to indict officer Darren Wilson. Nine days later, a grand jury in Staten Island decides not to indict NYC officer Daniel Pantaleo after he had put Eric Garner in a chokehold—violating NYPD policy—on July 17 on a Bay Street sidewalk and the 43-year-old black man died (medical examiners ruled it a “homicide”), all caught on video, with Garner crying, nine times, “I can’t breathe!”. More protests; more outrage; still no sense of justice.

The 500-page executive summary of a Senate report on CIA torture during the Bush Administration is released, revealing the unlawful detainment, torture and abuse of supposed “enemy combatants” to be far more brutal than imagined. There was more waterboarding, with worse consequences (a “series of near drownings”), than previously disclosed.

Detainees had families threatened and one, mentally challenged, had his crying taped for “leverage to get a family member to provide information;” at least five prisoners were subjected to “rectal feeding;” some were made to wear diapers, just to humiliate them. A few died; others lost their minds. At least 26 of 119 held in CIA secret prisons should never have been there—and that’s the CIA’s own assessment. Footnote 32 details some of those innocent men; here are two: “Abu Hudhaifa ... subjected to ice water baths and 66 hours of standing sleep deprivation before being released because the CIA discovered he was likely not the person he was believed to be ... and Bismullah ... who was mistakenly arrested ... and later released with $[redacted] and told not to speak about his experience.”

NEWS // ENERGY EAST

Over a barrel, from Alberta to New Brunswick

The Energy East pipeline is causing turmoil among East Coast activists

// Stefano Campolo via Compfight

T

he oilsands may be 4600 kilometres away [from Halifax], but they'll feel a lot closer should the Energy East pipeline finally get built. The proposed TransCanada artery could carry over a million barrels of crude oil a day from the prairies to eastern Canada. But the cost may be too high.

TransCanada formally applied for federal approval of their $12-billion project earlier this fall. Unlike Keystone XL, which keeps getting rejected south of the border, all three federal parties in Canada (even the NDP) are behind Energy East. Opposition to the grand idea comes from smaller parties—the easily ignored voices of farmers, First Nations communities and environmentalists who don't have millions to spend on public relations.

A few of those voices are Stop Energy East Halifax. The grassroots organization is leveraging local voices to try and stop a far-off project. Though it begins in Alberta, Energy East will end in Saint John. In other words, it's going to be our headache too. In

New Brunswick alone, the pipeline will cross 900 waterways and watersheds, says SEEH's Kiki Wood.

"The spill zone is huge," she says.

"It's massive. The size of this pipeline—not only the length, but the size—puts the potential spill amount at nothing we've ever seen before."

against the project have sprung up across the country. That's useful, considering provincial governments have buckled. Ontario and Quebec initially proposed tight constrictions to limit greenhouse gas emissions from Energy East (which one think tank projects will spew 32 million

The spill zone is huge. It’s massive. The size of this pipeline—not only the length, but the size—puts the potential spill amount at nothing we’ve ever seen before.

Safety records for TransCanada's pipelines leave much to be desired.

Its first Keystone line had 14 leaks in its first year of operation. The company has had three "catastrophic failures" this year alone. One of those occurred in a Manitoba line which will be used for Energy East. A million litres of crude oil could spill from Energy East in 10 minutes, Wood says.

Meanwhile, resistance groups

extra tonnes into Canada's air).

But the two provinces have since lost their nerve, and claimed those restrictions are only for work in building the pipeline itself, not the "upstream emissions" that will come from the sands. New Brunswick, owned and operated by the Irvings (New Brunswick's oil family) has obviously been even quieter.

It should be noted that the oil companies are reeling right now as prices

hit a five-year low. Aside from throwing the general Canadian economy into panic, that also impacts the oilsands. Bitumen is not easy or cheap to extract. Energy East will be a big investment in the oilsands' future, but it's unlikely much of the oil will stay in Canada. The Alberta Federation of Labour estimates one million of the pipeline's 1.1 million daily barrels of crude are likely for export.

TransCanada is planning two tanker terminals, one in Saint John, which will ship all that black gold out of the country for refinement.

Ecologically, maybe even economically, the Energy East pipeline will likely be disastrous. Critical voices like Wood's haven't given up hope, though, that the pipeline idea will remain buried. Whether it's built or not, debate like this around energy is exactly what Canada needs as the nation sinks further down into the oilsands.

JACOB BOON

NEWS@THECOAST.CA

This article originally appeared in The Coast on December 11.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

UP FRONT 7

FRONT DYERSTRAIGHT

GWYNNE DYER // GWYNNE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

The Danish Santa

The Danes, Canadians and Russians are all trying to claim the North Pole

Good ol' St Nick // Creative Commons

Saint Nicholas (also known as Santa Claus, All five countries that border the Arctic Ocean fender of Canadian “rights” serves his conKris Kringle or Father Christmas) has had have been preparing similar claims to the sea- servative, nationalist agenda and plays well with the Canadian media. to put up with a lot over the years. After bed off their own coasts.

So when Harper’s minions belatedly realized Until last December, Canada made no claim the latest blow, he may not show up at all to the North Pole. It was only days before the that the government’s scientists and civil sernext week.

First they decided that he had to reside at country was due to submit its final claim to vants had not included the North Pole in Canathe North Pole, where the temperature of- the UN Commission on the Limits of the Con- da’s claim to the Commission, Harper slammed ten falls to 50 degrees below zero and there tinental Shelf that Prime Minister Stephen the brakes on and demanded they rewrite it.

He will have been told by the experts that are several months of complete darkness Harper’s government finally woke up.

The claim wasn’t in the original submission Canada has no legal case—but he also knows each year just when the workload peaks.

The south coast of what is now Turkey, because Canada has no real case in interna- that by the time that becomes clear to the where St Nick originally lived and worked, tional law. Even if the Commission ends up ac- public, many years from now, he will no longer cepting the contention by Russia, Canada and be in office. was much nicer.

Canada didn’t submit its final claim last DeThen, in a series of ads in the ‘30s, the Denmark (on behalf of its Greenland territory) cember after all. The poor bofCoca-Cola Company crystalfins in Ottawa are struggling lized his image as a fat old to reformulate it to include man wearing clothes that are It's getting ridiculous—but might it also be the North Pole, while Harper frankly a fashion disaster. And getting out of hand? trumpets his determination to now, as a final indignity, they protect Canadian “rights.” And are trying to make him a Danthe Danes, who were previously ish citizen.

On December 15, Denmark submitted doc- that the underwater Lomonosov Ridge ex- willing to let sleeping dogs lie, have now reuments claiming the North Pole as Danish tends their respective bits of the continental sponded by making their own rather more territory (since the Danish kingdom includes shelf into the central Arctic Ocean, the prin- plausible claim.

The Russians may be next. President VladiGreenland). It was a “historic and important ciple of “equidistance” would give the North mir Putin also likes to be photographed in the milestone” for Denmark, said Foreign Minis- Pole itself to the Danes or the Russians.

Arctic, surrounded by military kit and bravely ter Martin Lidegaard. It was also provocative and pointless, but he forgot to mention that. For the past nine years Harper has trav- defending Russian sovereignty. It’s getting riThe Danish government does not actually elled to the Canadian Arctic every summer diculous—but might it also be getting out of want or need the North Pole, and does not to give the Canadian media a “photo op.” He hand?

Probably not. There has been much loose imagine it would derive any practical benefit promises new ice-breakers and an Arctic nafrom “owning” it. It is just responding to the val base, he stands on a submarine as fight- talk about allegedly huge reserves of oil and equally baseless Canadian declaration last ers fly overhead, he sits in the cockpit of a gas under the Arctic seabed, but not much acDecember that the North Pole is sovereign Canadian F-18, he shoots a rifle in a military tual drilling is likely to happen in the challengCanadian territory, or at least that the sea- exercise—every year a new image of him ing conditions of the Arctic Ocean when the personally defending Canadian sovereignty oil price is below $80 per barrel. (It’s currently bed 4000 metres beneath it is. in the mid-$50s, and will probably be down The way that claim came about is quite from some unspecified threat.

There is no threat to Canadian territory, of there for a long time.) instructive. Canada has a huge archipelago There’s really nothing else up there that’s of Arctic islands, and for years Canadian course, and even in terms of seabed rights government scientists have been gathering Canada’s only serious dispute is with the worth fighting over. V evidence to support a Canadian claim to ex- United States (over a bit of seabed north clusive economic rights over the seabed of of the Yukon-Alaska border in the Beaufort Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist the Arctic Ocean adjacent to those islands. Sea). But Harper’s pose as the staunch de- whose articles are published in 45 countries.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 05

// K Ideas via Compfight

pendence on oil and gas will not change, despite the fact that once again it is about to bite us in the collective butt. The province's wealthy will continue to get an exorbitant tax break at the expense of the hard-working middle class. And oil and gas corporations in the province will continue to generate obscene profits on resources that we are practically giving away.

The chorus of voices yelling at the Premier to cut deeper, cut faster and privatize more will now come from inside the governing caucus rather than from across the aisle, but they will still be there. And they will have even more influence on actual policy than they did when they were in opposition. It is important to point out, however, that Prentice was heading in that direction regardless of Wildrose defections. This is not their change, but rather what comes from electing a

banker and former Harper Conservative to lead the province.

In the end, despite the changes in name plates, office doors and the legislature seating map, nothing of consequence has really changed in Alberta over the course of this year, because change will not come by electing one far-right conservative in place of the other, or giving him a super-super majority instead of just a majority. Real change will only come in this province when Albertans realize there are alterna-

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Ricardo Acuña is the executive director of the Parkland Institute, a non-partisan, public policy research institute housed at the University of Alberta. The views and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

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VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

up front 9

DISH

DISH EDITOR: MEL PRIESTLEY MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

YEAR IN REVIEW// FOOD

T

his year saw a number of fairly significant, progressive shifts foward in Edmonton's local food and drink culture.

Granted, corporate chains still feature prominently in the landscape, and we're always going to be playing catch-up to the bigger urban centres of Canada (let alone North America). Nonetheless, foundations have been laid for some pretty cool stuff that will undoubtedly continue to flourish in 2015. Call it (cautious) optimism, but there's really no denying Edmonton's food scene is quite unlike its incarnation five years ago and remarkably different from what it was at the turn of the century.

Fad foods: coming and going The life cycle of a faddish food is a trickle-down effect: it starts elsewhere in the trendier food spots around the globe and spreads through social and news media, eventually appearing in Edmonton's hipper spots and filtering down from there—when it hits the fast-food level, you know the fad is totally played out. (Sorry, guacamole: I knew your time had come when I saw you featured on a Subway billboard.)

A few years ago, quinoa was the "it" food proliferating on menus around town, from upscale fine dining to the most casual of cafes. Now that even non-foodies know how to pronounce it, the stage is set for a new grain to take over: amaranth, maybe? Millet? Local barley, at least among the indie crowd?

Kale continues its world domination as the leafy green we can't get enough of, though it's already made it down to the chain-restaurant level, so 2015 could easily see it land on fast-food menus and effectively snuff out its trendiness for good. Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts got a lot of love abroad and in the blogosphere in 2014, but not so much on local menus; it seems unlikely that either has the legs to step into kale's spot as the most beloved of the cruciferous vegetables.

Other trendy foods to spot in 2015: fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut, house-made pickles, edible insects (especially crickets), and artisanal toast (yes, seriously—and you thought a $5 cupcake was peak absurdity).

Diet du jour: paleo The paleo diet craze has been around for a while now, but it hasn't had much uptake in Edmonton. Noorish opened in 2011 as Edmonton's first eatery dedicated to raw foodism, years after the raw-food diet had been popular elsewhere. Gluten-free is no longer

10 DISH

the trend it once was (unless you're a legitimate celiac, of course—and then it's not a trend, it's survival). You could probably find "paleo-safe" menu items at most restaurants but given all the buzz about this diet, there's a decent chance Edmonton will soon get a place that puts paleo in the forefront of its branding.

DIY food: urban agriculture & locavores 2.0 The city's biggest food news in 2014 was the approval of pilot projects for both backyard bees and hens, so select residents are now able to (legally) keep beehives and chickens. There's a general confidence (supported by Mayor Don Iveson himself) that these pilots were only necessary technicalities and the bylaws will be approved soon.

The locavore movement also gained traction with the opening of Mother's Market in June 2014—Edmonton's first three-day, year-round farmers market. The Organic Box expanded yet again and SPUD rolled into town, clear signs of our city's continued hunger for fresh, local food. Interest in local and especially tip-to-tail eating will continue into 2015, with more restaurants focusing on funky cuts of meat (pork jowl, anyone?) and other businesses continuing to offer classes on related skills like sausage making and home butchering.

Local coffee's newest wave: crested?

Edmonton has seen a boom and bust cycle of indie coffee shops over the past few years, with shops opening and closing in waves. 2013 saw the closures of Roast in the Mercer Warehouse and Transcend's Jasper Avenue location, while 2014 saw a major surge in new java stops: District Coffee Co just west of the downtown core, Iconoclast Koffiehuis hidden behind Oliver Square, Transcend in the Mercer Warehouse, Credo's second location on 124 Street and Burrow in the Central LRT Station. With such explosive growth it seems likely that things will taper off in 2015. Hopefully the coffee scene will hold steady, though a closure or two wouldn't be overly surprising.

As for tea lovers: you're still out of luck, as Edmonton's tea scene languishes far behind coffee with no new tea-centric places in sight. That said, the indie coffee shops usually offer a pretty decent selection of real loose-leaf tea.

Cocktails: continued expansion Cocktail culture is quietly but assuredly gaining momentum in Edmonton. Bars and restaurants are devoting ever more

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

menu space and server attention to cocktails, while liquor stores are stocking craft spirits, bitters and other drink components in numbers previously unseen. 2014 saw the opening of El Cortez Tequila Bar & Kitchen, while Woodwork opened at the tail end of 2013; Edmonton is home to a couple of bartending schools and even a (not-so) secret cocktail club. 2015 will undoubtedly bring some more great new developments in the city's drink scene—be sure to keep an eye on Vue's Dish section in the coming months for expanded coverage on Edmonton's cocktail culture.

Beer: the craft cometh 2014 quietly laid the groundwork for a major expansion in Edmonton's craftbeer offerings; 2015 could be a year of craft-beer glory. Check out this week's beer column for the inside scoop from Vue's resident beer expert.

Wine lists: still boring and overpriced An unfortunate side effect of the increased attention on cocktail lists and craft beer means a corresponding decline, or at least stagnation, of Edmonton wine lists. The places that already have solid, well-priced lists will continue to maintain them, but in general, wine lists will remain largely full of the usual suspects: the ubiquitous Malbec, the bland but inoffensive Pinot Grigio.

These wines will seem overpriced because of their pervasiveness: I'm waiting for the day when restaurants will realize, en masse, that if they select interesting and distinctive wines rather than bland mass-marketed brands, customers will swallow that 300-percent markup a lot easier. Sadly, that's not going to happen any time soon.

More optimistically, we may see the odd mead pop up around town, due to continued interest in the revival of this medieval tipple. And there's an excellent chance it will be local, too, thanks to Alberta's handful of meaderies and bountiful honey supply.

MEL PRIESTLEY

MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

TO THE PINT

JASON FOSTER // JASON@VUEWEEKLY.COM

A year in brew Vue's beer guy weighs in on 2014

I want

As I sit and contemplate the year that was, quietly sipping a glass of the 2015 vintage of Alley Kat's Olde Deuteronomy Barley Wine, released just a few weeks ago in anticipation of the holiday season (and in celebration of their 20th anniversary next year), the past 12 months in beer look pretty good.

On the surface it was a fairly quiet year, with no openings of any new beer bars or Edmonton-area breweries, and generally few big beer occasions—yet things are happening, my friends.

One could say that 2014 was a "settling in" year. The new craftbeer bars are catching their stride, and local breweries continue doing what they do well: producing flavourful, interesting beer. But under the surface, change is afoot. I can see all the players subtly preparing themselves and upping their game; if you read the signs, most are expecting a big 2015.

For example, late this year Alley Kat reformulated its flagship Full Moon Pale Ale into an India Pale Ale, making it bigger and hoppier. Full Moon used to be on the edges of the average beer palate in this town; that Alley Kat had to shift it to something bitterer shows that consumers' palates have shifted significantly.

Two of the "big fish" in the American craft-beer community announced their arrival into the Alberta market this past year. California's Stone Brewing and Colorado's New Belgium Brewing have huge reputations for quality, experimentation and marketing. A few years ago, they would not have given Alberta a sniff. However, as craft beer expands in the province, our market has become much more

!

attractive. Stone and New Belgium are just the first in what I suspect will be an influx of American craft giants.

Rumours abound about the imminent arrival of Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker and others.

Finally, though we may not realize it yet, Edmonton and Alberta are about to see a significant rise in the number of local craft breweries. In late 2013, the Alberta government changed some policies that were widely perceived as blocking the establishment of new small breweries. One year later we have only seen three breweries open, all in southern Alberta, with three more in the process of opening. These are not huge numbers, but it takes more than a few months of work to make a brewery operational. Much more encouraging is that more than 30 groups have expressed interest to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission about applying for a brewery license. Even if only one third of those actually comes to fruition, that will be a big positive jump forwards in local brewing.

I personally know of three different groups in the Edmonton area trying to start up a new brewing operation and a couple more in smaller northern Alberta towns. It will happen, trust me.

Maybe it is appropriate that Alley Kat forward-dated a beer released in 2014 as their 2015 edition: we will likely reap the benefits in 2015 of all the hard work going on under the surface this year. V Jason Foster is the creator of onbeer.org, a website devoted to news and views on beer from the prairies and beyond.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Thanks for a great year, Edmonton!

Let’s do it again sometime.

Say, 2015?

11819 St Albert Trail | 780-455-4556 | sherbrookeliquor.com

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

DISH 11

DISH YEAR IN REVIEW // RESTAURANTS

E

WHYTE AVE GEM

dmonton's food scene seems to get better each month, but the end of the year imposes a duty upon this reviewer to single out a few high points.

I'm grateful to live in a place that spoils for choice.

Given last week's news, it's easy to say what I will miss most in 2015: one of my top restaurant experiences of the year, Larry and Melinda Stewart's lovely Tavern 1903 (where not a month ago I briefly slaked my craving for their unbelievable spinalis rib-eye roll) has called it a day. We still have their Hardware Grill by way of consolation, but there was something irreplaceable about that food (and those libations) at Tavern 1903.

Among the other top-of-mind meals from 2014, Cibo Bistro stands out for their spectacular third-anniversary dinner, which paired wines from Tuscan vineyard Terralsole with plates like supple grilled octopus, velvety carne cruda, hand-fashioned lamb-stuffed pasta and tender veal cheeks on polenta. More words would not do it justice, except to add that the winemaker himself was flown in to add context and colour to the evening.

One cannot subsist on fancy spreads alone, of course, which is when we sometimes turn to more exotic (and value-priced) cuisines. Afghan Chopan Kebab House is memorable for its mo-

saic of minute eccentricities, but also for its succulent morsels of marinated, grilled meat heaped onto mounds of fragrant pilaf and piping-hot spinach- and feta-filled flatbread served with minty yogurt dip. There was so much of everything that I left laden with to-go containers, which easily made another couple of meals—and all for under 40 bucks.

My long-overdue discovery of the year was Abyssinia, the charming and capable Ethiopian eatery smack in the middle of Little Italy. I'm sure the affordable twice-weekly vegan buffet ($15) is great, but omnivores will want to try a bit of everything, especially one of their excellent lamb dishes.

Italian restaurants are no longer so exotic in Edmonton's restosphere, which sometimes causes me to overlook them come meal time. This year, though, I highly enjoyed the products and services of Tasty Tomato and Ragazzi Bistro Italiano. I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention that my co-diner dubbed the gnocchi at Under the High Wheel as the best she has ever had.

As tacos continue to proliferate through our urban landscape, I think my favourite of the year might have come from the Casa12Doce food truck—my stomach rumbles even now at the thought of their juicy tacos al pastor;

WHYTE AVE (82 AVE)

12 dish

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

their impressive selection of hot sauces is not to be trifled with. Bully Food Truck generally took the rest of my lunch money with their hearty, meaty, gravy-smothered entrées.

As I cast my mind back over the year from here at the cold, dark end of it, I recall a happy place back in August, on the patio at Lendrum's Glass Monkey Gastropub. Gorgeous summer evening aside, the restaurant lived up to the promise of a gastropub with artful takes on shareable snacks and small plates (and entrées, if that's how you want to swing), along with a concise but thoughtful selection of pours to linger over. Who would have thought mere parsnip purée (whipped with mascarpone cheese and hazelnuts) would stay in the mind so long?

I could easily dredge up a dozen more instances of amazing food experienced in the past 12 months, but Edmonton's ever-shifting restaurant scene barely affords such reflection. I say bring on 2015—I'm starving! scott lingley

scott@vueweekly.com

ARTS

ARTS EDITOR : PAUL BLINOV PAUL@vueweekly.com

YEAR IN REVIEW // DANCE

A

s the 2014 calendar flipped by, Edmonton saw a number of interesting moments in dance: there was the unprecedented, populist response surrounding Toy Guns Dance Theatre and its storming of the Fringe with two sold-out, held-over shows; indie dancers were producing outside the parameters of the usual professionalprogramming suspects; and there were surprisingly good one-offs, like the scathing, provocative showing of Lara Kramer's Native Girl Syndrome as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission last March.

We polled YEG's dancers for their memorable moments, and here they be, in all their toe-tapping glory.

"In Goodbye by MAYDAY Danse, there were several times when the cast addressed the audience, but when the dancers asked the audience to describe, in one word, what made life meaningful to us, our silence was deafening for an awkwardly long time.

As people got up the courage to admit what we thought truly mattered in life, the cast praised each suggestion ("love, connection, success"), but for me it was very ambiguous as to whether or not the cast was mocking our responses. It was a surprisingly existential moment for me."

–Alida Nyquist-Schultz, Good Women Dance Collective ‎ "Our company première of Giselle highlighted the entire company with

Eleven Accords // Gunter Kravis

its extremely challenging choreography and profound theatrical ethos.

Old ballets are still the hardest to bring to life, and all legendary ballet stars had to climb Giselle's epic summit to attain immortality. Many unforgettably poignant moments were brought to life by our dancers with pristine world-class technique."

–Jean Grand-Maître, artistic director, Alberta Ballet "My favorite 2014 Edmonton dance moment was seeing Peggy Baker perform at City Hall in The Disappearance of Right and Left. She was magical in that space! Peggy's ability to hold her audience in the moment, moving simply and fully, was mesmerizing."

–Tamara Bliss, Orchesis Dance director "Being addicted to dance as I am, it's impossible for me to select only one performance! Two performances stick out for me and they both involve the ensemble of dancers. Alberta Ballet's performances of Don Quixote were amazing, overflowing with style, energy and so much fun. And then, Toronto Dance Theatre's performances of Eleven Accords were so beautiful, subtle and magical. Two ends of the spectrum!"

–Brian Webb, Brian Webb Dance Company "My favourite moments included Jeannie Vandekerkhove dancing with me at Sasquatch Gathering in Ode to

the Last Duck of Ft McMurray on the riverbank, with molasses and flour and all. Baking was never so bittersweet. Then Jen Mesch's oil-worker character dancing in Sho-Tel—in character for the entire duration, up close and personal. Finally, working with Farley Johansson on Static Electric at the Canoe Festival last January, when he danced to Volaré on the jukebox.

Sublime."

–Gerry Morita, artistic director, Mile Zero Dance "Becky Sawdon performed as part of Good Women's Convergence. She is mesmerizing as a performer; I yelled at the end of the piece I was so excited. It also included what may just be the best use of incorporating a set piece into the performance I have seen ... ever. [Sawdon danced a duet with a large, white table]."

–Murray Utas, festival director, Expanse Movement Arts Festival "Ballet is boring! But this September it slapped me in the face when Emily Docherty took the stage in the second act of Citie Ballet's Homage to Billie Holiday. The entire theatre lurched forward in their seats as she performed a comedic dance of seduction in pursuit of an unresponsive gentleman on stage. (PS: I love you, ballet!)"

–Jake Hastey, Toy Guns Dance Theatre Fawnda Mithrush

fawnda@vueweekly.com

YEAR IN REVIEW // THEATRE

Curtain trends

A look at some of the patterns of 2014's theatrical offerings

A

fter ruminating on the two halfseasons of theatre that comprised 2014—the tail-end of last season, and the frontload of the current one—Vue's two resident theatre critics sift through the wonderful and not so wonderful trends of the year of theatre that was.

Words by Paul Blinov (PB) and Mel Priestley (MP).

The continued rise of the one-act play Does a play really need to be three-plus hours long? Although there were a couple broodingly lengthy exceptions, 2014 generally saw an increase in the number of one-act shows—and several of them were among the season's best offerings.

It's hard to say whether this was just a random occurrence or a conscious decision made by theatre companies; regardless, it's often quite refreshing to see shows that spin their magic efficiently—and that don't monopolize the lion's share of your evening. MP

Playin' it safe (still) Aside from a couple of companies (particularly Surreal SoReal, The Maggie Tree and, more recently, Northern Light), Edmonton theatre companies played it pretty darn safe this year—a trend that has been fairly sustained for a while now. It's a lot of crowd-pleasing comedies and shows that offer general feel-goodness, and/ or those from celebrated playwrights and especially those that have already done very well elsewhere. The Citadel in particular has been playing it extremely safe since they got rid of the Rice Theatre series a few years back. Perhaps they'll pull out some edgier things for their 50th anniversary next year; perhaps not. Stick to the indie productions, NextFest, and the Fringe if you're into experimentation. (Also, Wicked came to town in the summer, and the sheer number of non-theatre-goers who shelled out hundreds of bucks for it is irre-

futable proof that way more people need to get out and see Edmonton's other theatrical offerings. Seriously, guys—we've got so much more on offer than the occasional Broadway blockbuster.) MP The mixing of dance and theatre With every year that passes, it seems narrative theatre and dance circle each other in tighter and tighter arcs, borrowing each other's strengths to form an effective hybrid: from the fusion of tech, story and movement in Surreal SoReal's The Genius Code to the circus arts-meets-storytelling offered by Firefly Theatre, or the burlesque-with-a-narrative works of Send in The Girls, theatre seemed at its most intriguing when it used the body as much as it did voice and story.

Not everything works, of course, but the continued sense of experimentation is bringing out some of most exciting local theatre in the city. PB

Local playwrights There was Beth Graham's The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, The Maggie Tree's collectively created Monstrosities and the already mentioned The Genius Code; some of the year's boldest, most potent pieces of theatre can be tracked back to playwrights here in Edmonton. It was a year that reminded us our stage writers can hold their own with the best of 'em. PB Indiegogo woes Maybe it isn't my place to bring up a gripe that isn't really about any of the art on display, but rather how it gets there. But, well ... when it comes to crowdfunding a project through Indiegogo or Kickstarter, the most successful projects offer genuine, unique perks to potential funders—which almost never happens in the ever-increasing amount of theatre projects turning to these funding methods. So many max out their offerings at thank-yous, a pair

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

of tickets to the show (usually for much more than the show would actually cost) and/or an empty "producer" credit in the program—which, unless you're actually going to give that funder some decision-making influence on your art, is a pretty hollow prize. Rather than utilizing the creative-bartering system that crowdfunding offers the opportunity for, it's usually comes across as a straight-up request for philanthropy.

What about teaching someone how to memorize and perform a love sonnet for their significant other? A few hours of free monologue or movement (or simply public speaking) coaching?

A song written in their name? A roving performance at a private party? Making a fundee some thank-you baked goods? The possibilities are wide-opensky endless, yet so often theatre artists seem content to just hold out the hand and hope for the best. You're the creative class! Inject a little creativity into your fundraising. PB arts 13

ARTS YEAR IN REVIEW // BOOKS

T

here's never enough time to read everything on my hit list or even on my shelf, whether it be Lawrence Wright's book on Camp David or Karl Ove Knausgaard's sprawling six-part biographical novel My Struggle (the literary counterpart to Boyhood?).

So this isn't any sort of authoritative rundown of the best books of 2014, but, rather, the best books I've read in 2014.

The Trio to Echo Spring: On Writers and Drinking (Picador) UK writer Olivia Laing traversed the US to explore the stomping grounds of six American authors whose lives and works were blighted by alcohol: Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Tennessee Williams, John Cheever, John Berryman and Raymond Carver. This fusion of literary criticism, addiction studies and (somewhat less successfully) memoir, binds its subjects through a sober, insightful survey of how booze changes minds and art in interesting and inevitably devastating ways. Her notes on Cheever's "The Swimmer" are especially fascinating.

Dept. of Speculation (Knopf) Jenny Offill's slim novel contains multitudes. Delivered in brief, firstperson aphoristic narrative shards, Dept. of Speculation chronicles a marriage turned asunder by thwarted "art monster" ambitions (the narrator is a writer), the challenges of parenting and, above all, "the wayward fog" that envelops a philandering spouse.

All ordinary things rendered with extraordinary grace and compaction in arresting, immediate, poetic prose.

The Interior Circuit: A Mexico City Chronicle (Grove) Francisco Goldman's follow-up to the haunting Say Her Name is a work of personal reportage from Mexico's metropolis, where Goldman has lived on and off for more than 20 years. He writes with cliché-dissolving acumen and tremendous affection about traffic, food, earthquakes, violence, corruption, cantinas, humour and, continuing from where Say Her Name left off, grief and how differently it's dealt with in Mexico City, where his beloved wife Aura was born and tragically died, as opposed to Brooklyn, Goldman's other home.

Limonov (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) Emmanuel Carrère (The Moustache, Lives Other Than My Own) is the great contemporary French writer almost no one over here has heard of.

His latest work is a deeply engrossing, often appalling biographical study of the picaresque adventures in art and politics of Russian poet, memoirist and "professional revolutionary" Eduard Limonov.

Pastoral (Coach House) The story of an Ottawa priest granted a parish in a small Southern Ontario town, Trinidadian-Canadian author André Alexis' novel pays tribute both to Beethoven's Sixth Symphony and to Lambton County, the place where Alexis was raised. As the title suggests, Pastoral is about atonement with nature, but it's also about human nature is all its glorious messiness.

The End of Days (New Directions) German author Jenny Erpenbeck's latest novel to be translated into English (by the gifted Susan Bernofsky) is divided into five parts, telling the story of an Austrian woman

WHAT’S ON AT UALBERTA?

who dies and is then given reprieve in four intermezzos that consider how she may have survived. The End of Days spans countries, political movements and much of the 20th century; Erpenbeck has an uncanny gift for sliding between macroscopic vistas and the tiniest, most fleeting sensory experiences.

ARTIFACTS

Given more space I would also get all enthusiastic in telling you about the great Denis Johnson's crazy Africa-set geopolitical intrigue buddy novel The Laughing Monsters, Joshua Ferris' existential dental comedy To Rise Again at a Decent Hour, Lorrie Moore's excellent story collection Bark, and filmmaker David Cronenberg's sculpturally wrought and very Ballardian first novel Consumed.

JOSEF BRAUN

JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PAUL BLINOV

// PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

50th Anniversary Exhibitions art & design 1.0 Jan 6 - 10 Featuring work by Department of Art & Design contract teaching staff.

FAB Gallery

what boundaries?

Jan 10

8 p.m.

nOwAge pneUmas

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

ualberta.ca/artshows 14 ARTS

An Evening of Music & Magic / Wed, Dec 31 (6:30 pm) Of the multitude of NYE options staring down at you from their confetti-drenched pedestals, few offer the time-travel esthetics on display down at Fort Edmonton Park's Hotel Selkirk: magician Ron Pearson will be performing his feats of wizardry, the Sugar Swing's lindy hop-loving dancers will teach you how to properly cut a rug and Cam Neufield will score the processions with the twirling sounds of "gypsy jazz," a genre born in 1930s France. Tip your hat to the past as you ring in the new.

(Hotel Selkirk, $192.50)

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

New Years' Eve Hangover Party Variety Show / Sat, Jan 3 (8 pm) You'll need something after your NYE party antics rage into the first daylight of 2015, after sleep finally comes to you later that day and after your subsequent consciousness brings only a blazing hangover two days later. That thing could be this: a scatter of local comedians and musicians offering you a place to laugh away the headache. Hosted by comic-music impresario duo Success 5000, it'll feature sketch, standup and a musical line-up that includes both Power Buddies and Physical Copies. (Mercury Room, $10 in advance, $12 at the door)

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

Dance 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

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 web • $10, $2 lesson with entry

FILM Enterprise square galleries • 10230 Jasper Ave • Open: Thu-Fri, 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm • Huge Tales: Dino Myths on the Silver Screen at the Metro; $10 (adult)/$8 (student/senior) at door/$6 (alumni/student/senior (adv); Jan 22, 7pm

Blue Curve Gallery • Glenrose Hospital, 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 • CHERYL FERAGEN: As the flowers unfold; Jan 13-Mar 3

Corridor Gallery–Red Deer • Downtown Recreation Centre • For the Love of Plein Air: Group show; Dec 1-Jan 28; Artist reception: Jan 2, 5-7pm

Creative Practices Institute • 10149-122 St, 780.863.4040 • creativepracticesinstitute.com • Bridge: Works by Sergio Serrano; until Jan 17

Daffodil Gallery • 10412-124 St • 780.760.1278 • Not Your Parents' Watercolour; Jan 21-Feb 15 • All The Flowers; Feb 25-Mar 18 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

From Books to Film • Stanley

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald •

Metro • Metro at the Garneau Theatre, 8712-109 St • 780.425.9212 • Reel Family Cinema: Hey There It's Yogi Bear;

Jan 3 • Cult Cinema: Léon: The Professional; Jan 27 • Science in the Cinema: 50/50; Jan 15 • DEDfest: Mortal Kombat; Jan 9 • Saturday Morning All-You- Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party :

Dec 27, 10am Crime Wave; Jan 20 • Gateway to Cinema: American Beauty; Jan 21 • Metro Bizarro: Vampyros Lesbos; Jan 21 • Crime Watch:

galLeries + Museums ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL GALLERY • 10186-106 St • 780.488.6611 • albertacraft.ab.ca • Feature Gallery: 15 on 35; Jan 17-Mar 28; Opening reception: Jan 17, 2-4pm 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 • Suburbia: A Model Life (Photographs 1970s-80s); Dec 6-Mar 1 • Curator’s Tour: Future Station, Feb 28 • 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

Art Gallery Of St Albert (AGSA) • Art Ventures: Runs the third Sat of the

month, 1-4pm; drop-in art program for children ages 6-12; $6/$5.40 (Arts & Heritage member) • Ageless Art: Runs the third Thu of the month, 1-3pm; for mature adults; $15/$13.50 (Arts & Heritage member) • Preschool Picasso: Plains of Plastic; Jan 10, 10:30-11:30am; for 3-5 yrs; pre-register; $10/$9 (Arts & Heritage member)

Bearclaw Gallery • 10403-124 St • Christmas Show: New works by Jane Ash Poitras, Jason Carter, Linus Woods, and others; Dec 6-31

Loft Gallery • AJ Ottewell Gallery,

• 780.488.4892 • westendgalleryltd.com • Jingle & Mingle: Group exhibit; Dec 6-31

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: Marjorie Wood Gallery–Red Deer • Kerry Wood Nature Centre • En Plein Air (Painting in the Open Air): Group show• Until Dec 31

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

Cinema Lab/Laboratoire Du Cinéma: Jan 11, Feb 9, Mar 8, Apr 12, 12-5pm; $450/$75 (individual drop-in); pre-register at 780.429.1671 A. Milner, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7000 • epl.ca • Films adapted from books every Fri afternoon at 2pm • Scrooged (PG-13); Dec 24

Woman; Dec 11-Jan 24

Paintings by Michelle Lavoie • Until Jan 28

FAb Gallery • 1-1 Fine Arts Bldg, 89 Ave, 112 St • 780.492.2081 • Art & Design 50th Anniversary Exhibition curated show; Jan 2-10 • Jesse Thomas: Alcuin Awards for Book Design; Jan 20-Feb 14; Opening reception: Jan 22, 7-10pm

FAVA • Ortona Arts Armoury, 9722-102 St •

pieces by Jing Yuan Huang; Until Jan 17 • WE: Jan 10-Feb 15; Opening Jan 10, 7pm

Empire Ballroom, 10065-100 St • Giselle Denis painting live during brunch; Dec 28; 10am-2pm

front gallery • 12312 Jasper Ave • thefrontgallery.com • Works by Kari Due and Tom Gale • Dec 13-29 Gallery@501 • 501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park • 780.410.8585 • strathcona.ca/artgallery • Lina Ma: oil; Dec 23-Jan 26 • Bev Bunker: Japanese emroidery; Jan 27-Feb 23 • Teresa Graham: watercolour; Feb 24-Mar 30 • Karen Blanchette: oil; Mar 31-May 4; reception: Apr 11, 1-4pm • Elsewhere; Jan 9-Feb 22

Gallery at Milner • Stanley A. Milner Library 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 • Serene Vistas: Paintings by Natasa Vretenar; Jan 2-31 • Gallery Display Cases: Speaking with Second Nature: Small watercolor work created by Yong Fei Guan; Jan 2-31 HAPPY HARBOR COMICS • 10729-104 Ave • happyharborcomics.com • Artist-inResidence: DANIEL HACKBORN; until Apr 25, 2015 • OPEN DOOR: Collective of independent comic creators meet the 2nd & 4th Thu each month; 7pm 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

Hub on Ross–Red Deer • Stock Up for Christmas: Works by Win Fuller and Echo Paton; until Nov 30 • Captured: Photos by TY Photography; Dec 1-31

Jeff Allen Art Gallery (JAAG) • Strathcona Place Senior Centre, 10831 University Ave, 109 St, 78 Ave • 780.433.5807 • seniorcentre.org • Artist Erin Cayley; Jan 5-Jan 28; Reception: Jan 14, 6:30-8:30pm Jurassic Forest/Learning Centre • 15 mins N of Edmonton off Hwy 28A, Township Rd 564 • Education-rich entertainment facility for all ages

Kiwanis Gallery–Red Deer • Red Deer Public Library • Starry Night: Red Deer Arts Council Members juried show • Until Dec 28

Lando Gallery • 103, 10310-124 St • 780.990.1161 • landogallery.com • Holiday Exhibition: New works by gallery artists and secondary market works • Opens Dec 3 Latitude 53 • 10242-106 St • 780.423.5353 • Main Space: Classroom of Culture Reflection—Confucius: City Edmonton Project, photogram-based floor

• 5411-51 St, Stony Plain • multicentre.org • Digital Photography by David Kleinsasser; Nov 29-Jan 2 • Cheryl and Brian Hepperle: Natural History Carving; Jan 3-Feb 11; Opening reception: Jan 4

Musée Héritage Museum–St Albert • 5 St Anne St, St Albert • 780.459.1528 • Take Your Best Shot: Explore St Albert through the lens of young photographers; Until Jan 18 • Wus’kwiy / Waskway: From Berry Baskets to Souvenirs; Jan 27-Apr 12

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

The Olive–Red Deer • 4928 Ross St, back in Art Alley • Whispers: Works by Emily Thompson; Dec 1-31 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

West End Gallery • 12308 Jasper Ave

YMCA (Don Wheaton) • 10211-102 Ave • YMCA Community Canvas wall: Rotating year round exhibits • Uncanny Breach: Works by Lucille Frost • Until Jan 2015

Literary Brown Bag Lunch Reading series: Ali Bryan • Student Lounge, Arts and Convocation Hall, U of A • Jan 21, 12pm

Edmonton Story Slam • Mercury Room,10575-114 St • edmontonstoryslam. com • facebook.com/mercuryroomyeg • Great stories, interesting company, fabulous atmosphere • 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

Naked Cyber Café • 10303-1008 St • The Spoken Word: Featuring writers and an open mic for performances for short stories, book excerpts, poems • 1st Wed ea month, 7:30pm

Alberta Print­- Artists, 10123-121 St • 780.423.1492 • snapartists.com • Eunkang Koh: The Human Shop; Jan 8-Feb 14, Opening reception: Jan 9, 7-9pm • Karen Cassidy: Daughter of a Dead Father; Jan 8-Feb 14, Opening reception: Jan 9, 7-9pm

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 • Raw Humanity: Ashleigh Spence; Jan 27-Feb 21; Opening reception: Jan 31, 1-3pm Strathcona Public Library • 8331-104 St • 780.496.1828 • Landscapes, birds, and still life paintings by Svetlana Troitskaia • Until Jan 2

Telus World of Science • 11211142 St • 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) • Dinosaurs Unearthed: May 15-Oct 11; $26.50 (adult), $19.50 (child), $23.50 (youth/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

MAESTRO • Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave • Rapid Fire Theatre • Improv, a highstakes 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)

SHOUT! The Mod Musical • C103 (formerly Catalyst Theatre), 8529 Gateway Boulevard • A high-energy journey through the infectious and soulful pop anthems and ballads • Jan 7-10, 8pm • $29.25 (including fees and taxes); available at Tix on the Square

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 Strathcona County Library

TALES–Monthly Storytelling Circle

sNAP Gallery • Society of Northern

780.453.2440 • theatrenetwork.ca • Theatre Network • Womanly talkshow/gameshow/varietyshow/sideshow starring Leona Brausen, Cathleen Rootsaert, Davina Stewart and Noel Taylor • $25 at TIX on the Square • Nov 28May 22, irregular performance dates • Feb 27, Apr 24, May 22, 2015, 8pm • $25 at TIX on the Square

SCRIPT SALON • Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Upper Arts Space, 10037-84 Ave • A Monthly Play Reading Series: 1st Sun ea month With A Different Play By A Different Playwright

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

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 • Questions and Collections V: Research at the Museum; Jan 28-Apr 8

Hey Ladies! • Roxy, 10708-124 St •

Sherlock Holmes • Jubilations Dinner

• 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park • 780.467.8189 • sclibrary.ab.ca

Royal Alberta Museum • 12845-102

Die-Nasty • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • 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

Rouge Lounge • 10111-117 St • 780.902.5900 • Spoken Word Tuesdays: Weekly spoken word night presented by the Breath In Poetry Collective (BIP); info: E: breathinpoetry@gmail.com

Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre • 10440-108 Ave • Project

Remedy Café–DT • 10279 Jasper Ave • Ghosts of Jerusalem: Abstract photography series • Nov 29-Dec 25

• shadowtheatre.org • Five lost strangers impulsively enroll in a community centre drama class not expecting that within the harmless theatre games more will be revealed than anyone could predict. Hearts will be quietly torn apart while tiny wars of epic proportions are waged. The author of last season’s hit comedy Body Awareness intricately crafts a hilarious diorama of overlooked lives swept up by subtle changes that lead to liberating transformations • Jan 14-Feb 1

• Parkallen Community Hall, 6510-111 St • Monthly TELLAROUND: 2nd Wed each month • Sep-Jun, 7-9pm • Free • Info: 780.437.7736; talesedmonton@hotmail.com

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

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 ea month • Nov 29-Jul 25 TheatreSports • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828-101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Improv • Every Fri, 7:30pm and 10pm • Jan 16-Jun 12 • $12/$10 (member) at TIX on the Square 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

Book of Mormon • Jubilee Auditorium, 1415-14 Ave • Mar 24-29 Canoe Theatre Festival 2015 • ATB Financial Arts Barns, Westbury Theatre and PCL Theatre, 10330-84 Ave • Cutting-edge works by local, national and international performing artists • Jan 28-Feb 1

Chimprov • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828101A 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

Christmas Pantomimes – New Year’s Eve Show • Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park • A family friendly show loosely based on the well known fairy tale • Dec 31 • fortedmontonpark.ca/events

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) • Christmas Pantomimes–New Year’s Eve Show Dec 31 2pm Circle Mirror Transformation • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

arts 15

YEAR IN REVIEW // FILM

FILM

T

he best films of 2014 were merciless on marriage (unless you’re a vampire), often obsessed with things of the past (most especially if you’re a vampire) and enveloped in profoundly evocative, inventive, hypnotic, ingeniously deployed music from the likes of Trent Reznor, Mica Levi, Jozef van Wissem, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood—music of the sort that rarely gets noticed by the awards people yet raises the atmospheres of their respective films to dizzying heights.

I’m alarmed by the dominance of US or UK films on this list of mine, which says something not about the quality of foreign-language films in 2014 but, rather, their increasingly neglectful distribution in Canada—I’ve made

Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel is a comic narcotic noir about love, drugs, corruption and real estate in 1970 Los Angeles, with each of its key characters—Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Katherine Waterston—representing a different aspect of that moment’s cultural sea change. Inherent Vice won’t open until next month, but it’s hitting the big cities now and will be in contention for 2014’s big awards, so it’s making my list.

FILM EDITOR : paul blinov paul@vueweekly.com

a list elsewhere of the year’s best films waiting for distribution and all of them are from other, non-Englishspeaking countries.

I hope you’ve seen some if not several of the films below (I kick things off with a no-brainer—don’t be calling me contrarian!), and that you feel compelled to seek out those you haven’t seen, or perhaps haven’t even heard of (jump to the last for the title that most likely lives in that category). As always, there’s no ranking, and I urge you to pay equal attention to the titles listed in that final paragraph—sometimes those “honourable mentions” have a funny way of sticking with you longer than some of the titles that leap immediately to the final cut.

Marriage is examined and diagnosed malignant in these two blackly comic, elegantly crafted but otherwise very different films, one a sprawling noir procedural about a missing woman from novelist Gillian Flynn and director David Fincher, the other a chilly chamber drama from Swedish director Ruben Östlund about a family ski vacation run horrendously off-track by a cowardly gesture made in a moment of panic.

That Richard Linklater’s 165-minute, 12-years-in-the-making chronicle of one reasonably ordinary kid coming of age in Texas turned out to be a major crowd-pleaser serves as a welcome antidote to the token cynicism that to draw an audience you need baroque mythologies and shit blowing up every 10 minutes—why not someone growing up every 10 minutes? At once epic and intimate, sweeping and absorbed with minutia and achingly fleeting moments, Boyhood broadens our notion of what movies can do—and Patricia Arquette’s turn here has stayed with me as one of 2014’s most moving supporting performances.

Speaking of Phoenix, the consistently under-loved American auteur James Gray’s latest features another truly remarkable performance from the actor, in a role that incrementally, fascinatingly migrates from the film’s fairly despicable villain to a figure of tremendous pathos. Of course, the star of this gorgeous, Cimino-esque melodrama is the magnificent Marion Cotillard, in another of the year’s best performances, playing a Polish woman attempting to forge a life in 1920s New York.

Jonathan Glazer’s adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel follows Scarlett Johansson as an alien hunter harvesting horny Scottish hunks before going perilously native. Deeply creepy in its tonal precision, with echoes of Kubrick and Roeg, and anthropological in its outsider view of life on Earth, this is science fiction without the token exposition. Jim Jarmusch’s latest, about non-violent vampires, is also a fantastical genre film, albeit one that forgoes most of its genre’s tropes in favour of the director’s trademark deadpan humour, nocturnal tours of Detroit and Tangiers, scenes of musical bliss and, in contrast to the preceding marriage-stinks narratives, a tender and insightful tribute to long-term love. (I mean, really, really long-term.)

YEAR IN REVIEW // FILM

L

eftovers first—a trio of sterling films, released late in 2013, that I couldn’t include on last year’s list because I only managed to catch up with them early in 2014: Alexander Payne’s near-silent road-comedy masterpiece Nebraska, David O Russell’s gloriously gung-ho ‘70s con-epic American Hustle, and the Coen brothers’ droll portrait of musician masochism, Inside Llewyn Davis.

Ultimately, this past year of feature-length fictionfilms offered the immense satisfaction of two English

directors more than fulfilling the promise of their early work, each making what will almost certainly be his magnum opus: a trip into a black-and-white but morally grey and shadowed Poland of the past; a journey into present-day Scotland through the eyes of an alien.

Ida and, above all, Under The Skin are my films of the year, with The Missing Picture the other in this tour de force trinity (see, online, my Best of 2014 Docs list). And stories of women dominate, too—a welcome sign in an industry still so male-dominated.

Framing tales within tales, Wes Anderson’s most political fable may also be at once his most madcap and most elegiac. Elegant, eloquent and ennui-tastic.

Paolo Sorrentino takes a luscious, satirical bite out of Italy’s capital in this love letter, poison penned, to Rome. The camera swoons and swoops through the city, gleaning conversations, character-studies, spoofs of artistic pretension, and surreal Vatican encounters ... and always glistening with Romanitas (Roman-ness). Toni Servillo is magnificent as our flâneur tour guide, Pep Gambardella, trapped in his own memories.

16 film

An eerie, oblique epic—touching on the Holocaust, the Bloc-ish loneliness of life in a socialist state, and the Church—with the feel and punch of a short film.

Masterfully framed and shot, its black-and-whiteness makes Communist-era Poland seem all the more stark and forbidding.

Silence—of reserved judgment, of recent Second World War history’s voids and horrible losses—pervades this odyssey as two women deal with past traumas and present-day revelations so very differently.

Jennifer Kent’s Freudian nightmare stomach-pits a frazzled, harried, unravelling single mom against her demanding, troublesome son. Torpid grief, toxic co-dependence and nagging resentment bubble into a boiling cauldron of Grimm-ness. After so much alarm and helplessness, motherhood’s inner rage comes out to play; the home’s the place where one’s worst fears stay.

1921 Ellis Island and the tenement slums of New York City as purgatory for a Polish refugee; the sad pursuit of happiness dwindles into self-loathing.

All the New World’s a rigged, slanted stage—vaudeville theatre of fate, self-interest, romance and illusion—in James Gray’s novelistic periodpiece. The first of Marion Cotillard’s two great 2014 performances.

An eerie, oblique epic—touching on the Holocaust, the Bloc-ish loneliness of life in a socialist state, and the Church— with the feel and punch of a short film.

Masterfully framed and shot, its blackand-whiteness makes Communist-era Poland seem all the more stark and forbidding. Silence—of reserved judgment, of recent Second World War history’s voids and horrible losses— pervades this odyssey as two women deal with past traumas and present-day revelations so very differently.

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

Clio Barnard’s tale of a young scrap-scavenger in the Midlands riffs loosely and poetically off Oscar Wilde’s 1890 short story.

Brilliant, gleaming kitchensink stuff.

Inspired by the fictions of Stefan Zweig, Wes Anderson’s frenetic, nostalgic, melancholy comedy is set in the 1930s, much of it in the titular alpine hotel nested in a fictional central European republic gradually falling prey to a thuggish foreign power. Dark times loom, yet at the Grand Budapest all efforts are made to stall time and maintain a rarified air. Ralph Fiennes gives one of his most dynamic and appealing performances as the dandyish proprietor and mentor to a young bellhop.

Nick Cave could be a cousin to Tom Hiddleston’s pale, raven-haired, brooding rocker in Only Lovers, but Cave is a living, breathing, touring, eating (more or less), aging, hardworking family man residing in Brighton. Which is to say he isn’t fictional—or is he? Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard’s enormously inventive, insightful feature debut is a documentary profile of the Australian-born singer-songwriter on his 20 000th day of existence, which involves car-bound conversations with ghosts, an aborted lunch with Warren Ellis, visits to his archive and his Foucault-lookalike shrink, and a recording session. “Higgs-Boson Blues” gives me chills.

For my last pick, can I please tell you about the best film of 2014 that never graced a single Edmonton screen?

Alain Guiraudie’s Stranger By the Lake is a starkly seductive, all-male, Hitchcockian thriller set entirely at a secluded nude beach and the surrounding woods used for cruising. One evening, after everyone else has left the beach, a man witnesses a murder—but this doesn’t keep him from coming back the next day and flirting with the killer. Death and eros are tangled up, yet the motives are as mysterious as the sex is explicit.

Some other films I’d be remiss to exclude from any look back on 2014: the great Paulina García gave my single-most favourite performance in Sebastián Lelio’s brilliant character study Gloria; Mark Ruffalo was for me the stand-out in a trio of remarkable performances in Bennett Miller’s bracingly bleak Foxcatcher; Agata Kulesza is wonderful, fierce, sad and ornery in Pawel Pawlikowski’s exquisite Ida; Kelly Reichardt makes a couple of tonal fumbles but still comes off as one of the US’s best filmmakers with Night Moves; Nicolas Cage gave a fearsome yet heartfelt performance in David Gordon Green’s Joe; and Petra Costa made one of the year’s most haunting and lovely doc feature debuts with her grief memoir Elena.

JOSEF BRAUN

JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Exquisite watercolours give pride of place to the foundling in Japan’s ancient Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, turning the story into one of a girl’s fierce defiance and resolution in the face of foolish or grasping men. Gorgeous animation saturated with both deep anguish and thrillingly light fancy.

Balancing the beautifully banal and hauntingly detached on a fingernail-edge, Jonathan Glazer’s Scottish-Gothic-docu-sci-fi is about seduction and pursuit but remains eerily sexless. A raven-haired siren (Scarlett Johansson in a role that turns her sexy-starlet persona inside out) reverses the male gaze, watching and luring men. From voids and viscous blackness to eyes and neutral observation, what’s astonishing is the film’s sense of intent and intentions. Finding the blur between fascination and horror, this is a pitiless work, drifting through Mica Levi’s brilliant soundscapes and riffing off concern versus heartlessness; it’s Kubrickian but also a feature-length Kuleshov effect, never showing human emotions (we only see solicitude, self-interest or a combination of the two) but disinterestedly provoking our instinctive, feeling reactions as viewers ... even turning them around on us by the film’s end, when hunter becomes hunted.

Honourable mentions: The Wind Rises, for its doom-laden, fictionalized biography of workaholic plane-designer Jiro Horikoshi, mingled with the dreamy designs and drawings of workaholic director Hayao Miyazaki; Snowpiercer (best mainstream film that was not a box-office hit); Gone Girl (best mainstream film that was a boxoffice hit); Nightcrawler, a gripping, glittering, reptilian update of Taxi Driver meets Network; Kelly Reichardt’s eerie eco-thriller Night Moves; Norte, The End of History, Lav Diaz’s lustrous, long take on Crime and Punishment; Coherence (best micro-budget film); The Drop (a fitting swansong for James Gandolfini); Child’s Pose and Gloria (for the main actresses, Luminiţa Gheorghiu and Paulina García, and the remarkable middle-aged women they portray); Stranger By The Lake, for its sun-dappled merging of anonymous sex and sudden death; peat bog-dark Calvary. Least disappointing sequel: The Trip To Italy. Best moody, film-like TV series—The Leftovers (runners-up: The Missing and Fargo).

BRIAN GIBSON

BRIAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

FILM 17

FILM REVUE // DRAMA

The Gambler Planet of the Apes, possesses some of that reflexivity. Unlike Monahan, Wyatt has a sense of humour and can take some much-needed distance from the material.

Let us amplify your message!

Bet it all on red

W

hat kind of guy is Jim Bennett?

Years ago he wrote a monograph on Camus and a novel that received much praise. Now he teaches creative writing to an enormous theatre of university students—and he teaches in an enormously theatrical style: flamboyant, cynical, rambling and not encouraging in the slightest. Jim no longer writes because he isn't a genius so why bother?

Jim barely teaches, in fact. What Jim does is lose money, lots of money, and accrue debts, usually to scary people.

At the start of The Gambler Jim sits at the deathbed of his grandfather, a

The Gambler is, truthfully, quite entertaining. The film is a cover and so is most of the soundtrack, with Billy Bragg doing Bob Dylan, a choir doing Radiohead and reggae versions of Dark Side of the Moon tunes. Jim's audacity and bravado is well handled by Mark Wahlberg, who once again finds himself in the unlikely role of a professor (remember The Happening?). Wahlberg is, as always, a bold, highly watchable actor, ready to hurl himself into the fire, and his facility with rapping no doubt aids his handling of the abundant dialogue, some of which, to give Monahan his due, really crackles.

Wahlberg's joined by a superb supporting cast: John Goodman, amusingly doing a bit of Apocalypse Brando with shaved head, towel around neck, and brilliantly spouted monologues of vulgar philosophy; The Wire's ever-dubious Michael K Williams, who has fun and even dances to Timber Timbre (which makes little sense with his character, but anyway ... ); and Jessica Lange, who somehow keeps Jim's mom grounded in real emotion even while performing scenes at a pitch because Toback, not unlike his contem- that coming from anyone else would porary Paul Schrader, could write in be gruellingly over-the-top. Brie Larson, such a way that his pretentious machis- however, though a good actress, is stuck 12345 mo is always undercut by neuroses and with the unenviable role of Jim's much vulnerability and a willingness to actu- younger student-protégée-love-interestally visit the conditions of madness and plaything. Her character is supposed to take the full tour. William Monahan, be a genius but she's woefully underAdd this feature to your next career ad booking who wrote this remake of The Gambler, written. Mainly, she gives Jim a place to who's most famous for scripting The run when he's got no one left to run to, Departed, is, alas, all over the preten- which itself rings false: at the end of The tious macho stuff, but hasn't a fraction Gambler Jim should be running to no of Toback's reflexivity, vulnerability or one but himself. Isn't that where he's requirk. Thankfully, director Rupert Wy- ally been going all this time? att, coming off of the enormous suc- JOSEF BRAUN JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM cess of the surprisingly good Rise of the

wealthy man who informs Jim that he's adrenalized by manning the kamikaze leaving him zilch. We see Jim go straight cockpit. He's a little samurai: he sets goals from grandpa's on which he can fofuneral to some Now playing cus; he never lies. He's private hillside Directed by Rupert Wyatt some stoic-romantic, mansion casino,  macho yet cultured/ where he tosses feminized/intellectual $80 000 on the masculine ideal. He's blackjack table without blinking an eye. basically how James Toback saw himself, He loses and then borrows so he can lose or what Toback wanted to be, when he still more. The guy he borrows from says, wrote the original version of The Gam"I think you're the kind of guy who likes bler, the one directed by Karel Reisz and to lose." Jim says, "Life's a losing proposi- starring James Caan, back when he was tion. Might as well get it over with." Jim's in his 20s. not exactly suicidal, but he does seem That earlier film is remarkable, in part

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e squeethezmost out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper Let amplify 12345 your andusprovince widemessage! with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

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Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association toll free 1-800-282-6903 x228 email andrea@awna.com or visit this community newspaper Add this feature to your next career ad booking

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e squeezthe most out of your advertising dollars Place your ad in this newspaper and12345 province wide $ with a combined circulation of over 800,000 for only...

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18 FILM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

Program-value-ad.indd 1

7/25/11 12:30

REVUE // DOCUMENTARY

Advanced Style

Fri, Dec 26 – Wed, Jan 7 Directed by Lina Plioplyte Metro Cinema at the Garneau 

Fabulous after fifty

A

dvanced Style begins with the bounce-and-flounce energy, the 'zazz and spark, you'd expect of a movie about seven New York gals stylin' it up on the Big Apple's sidewalks, streets, or even at home in their apartments or brownstones. But the movie's insistence on framing these chic grand dames through the fish-bowled lens of the blog and spin-off book that have made them celebrated figures crops out most of the background, family history and life stories that could make them glitter all the brighter.

Tziporah Salamon, 62, works in a vintage store and can take years to complete an outfit; she admits her bags

and clothes are substitute children.

Joyce Carpati, 80, worked on some of Hearst's fashion magazines. Lynn Dell Cohen, 79, runs a boutique store and is extroverted and straight-shootin'. Debra Rapoport, 67, is creatively thrifty: "I consider my body an armature, and then I just build up on it." Ilona Royce Smithkin, 93 (but, "I used to say, 'I'm between 50 and death'"), sports fake eyelashes made from her orange-dyed hair and is an artist and teacher. Jacquie "Tajah" Murdock, 81, was a dancer at the Apollo. Zelda Kaplan, 95 ("I think I was born happy. I was a 10-pound baby."), collects beautiful weaving and has it tailored into outfits.

But the doc, veering away from these women's style philosophies or witticisms or their families or health concerns or surely fascinating pasts, becomes promotional and proselytizing. Our superficial guide is Ari Seth Cohen, whose photos made these women well-known—is this doc just another media platform? The middle section follows them to a TV-show pitch, fashion shoots (the Lanvin Paris logo is twice given its own full-screen ad), and Ricki Lake's talk show. It's all rather America's Next Top Over-50 Model. A late return to the realities of old age seems tacked-on; there's been too much disingenuous "I feel wonderful" talk already. These women's personalities and styles get camerabrushed into one commercial gloss, a simplistic patina of fashionability. Even their witticisms are watered down— the last, virtually trademarked words before the credits are "Cheers, to another glorious, Advanced Style day," brand-name-dropping us back to the title of blog, book and movie.

VUE WEEKLY WANTS TO SEND YOU AND A FRIEND TO AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF:

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REVUE // THRILLER

Sorcerer

Scummy men in a desperate situation

T

he opening of Sorcerer, William Friedkin's 1977 remake of HenriGeorges Clouzot's 1953 masterpiece The Wages of Fear, itself an adaptation of George Arnaud's 1950 eponymous novel, whisks us on a world tour of criminal activity, starting in Veracruz before making stops in Jerusalem, Paris and New Jersey. What Friedkin's prelude takes great pains and many minutes to show us is something Clouzot's film dealt with in a handful of lines. This is the story of sundry scumbags who wind up in an unnamed, miserable-looking Latin American purgatory and take a gig transporting extremely sensi-

Friedkin was coming off of the massive success of The French Connection and The Exorcist. He considered Sorcerer a personal project destined to cement his auteur status, but his misadventures in the wilds of a developing country, his running way over budget, and the film's misfortune to open the same year as a little space opera called Star Wars doomed its prospects. Sorcerer is, in a sense, Friedkin's Apocalypse Now or Heaven's Gate, though it isn't nearly as ambitious or artistically Fri, Dec 26 – Mon, Dec 29 successful as either Directed by William Friedkin of those legendary Metro Cinema at the Garneau films made by his Originally released: 1977 peers. It's a confused movie with tive nitroglycerin across 320 kilo- fumbling existential visions and halfmetres of bumpy jungle and moun- hearted political statements. Having tain road; Friedkin and screenwriter said that, it's also extremely watchable, Walon Green want to know just captivatingly seedy, mesmerizing in its what kind of scumbags we're deal- use of locations, and features a most ing with, so they frontload Sorcerer excellent Tangerine Dream score. It has with loads of backstory, showing some spectacular, expertly executed our quartet to consist of a hitman set pieces and a handful of wonderful (Francisco Rabal), a terrorist (Ami- details that indeed speak to something dou), an embezzling investment that could be deemed singularly Friedkibanker (Bruno Cremer), and the nian. A restored director's cut of Sorcerdriver (Roy Scheider) for a gang er premièred at the Venice Film Festival who rob a church. In every case last year and has since been making the something's gone amiss that forc- rounds. It begins a short Metro Cinema es the characters to flee and hide run starting on Boxing Day. where their pursuers will hopefully JOSEF BRAUN JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM never look for them.

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FILM 19

SNOW ZONE

EDITOR: REBECCA MEDEL REBECCA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

FEATURE // OUTDOORS

T

here's so much to do in Edmonton for free this winter that it might not be a bad idea to stick around the city and take advantage of what your tax dollars (in some cases) are paying for. It's been a pretty mild December so far, so why not bundle up a little, grab your sleds, skis, skates and/or snowshoes and enjoy a little time outdoors over the holiday break?

// ©iStockphoto.com/sayu_k

SKATING That wading pool gracing the front of city hall in the summer? It's turned into ice in the winter. There's no better way to feel truly Albertan than perfecting your spins in the middle of the capital city's downtown.

At the bottom of all the stairs leading up to the legislature, nestled among the trees, is an ice surface that not enough people know about.

There aren't hundreds of windows facing in on you here, so falling on your ass won't be as embarrassing as in other public spots.

Down the hill a little bit more (although you're better off driving) in Victoria Park is another ice surface just waiting to make every limb in your body sore after a few laps.

Edmonton's river valley is a naturally blissful spot for those who are city born and those who miss their rural surroundings alike, and skating at

20 SNOW ZONE

Hawrelak Park is a good way to take in nature without driving for hours.

Not every outdoor rink is in downtown. Castle Downs in the north, Jackie Parker Park in the south and Rundle Park in the east all have cityoperated ice surfaces.

Stormwater Lakes are all over the city and can be used for skating, too.

Make sure to obey the signs warning about ice conditions, though, as they are not shallow, man-made ice rinks.

Does your neighbourhood have a community league? Then you most likely have an outdoor rink. There's too many to list, so visit efcl.org if you'd like to double-check before leaving the house.

SLEDDING Like any good fisherman knows, you never give away the location of your sweet spot. Can the same be said when it comes to sliding down a hill on a piece of plastic, rubber, metal or

wood? Undoubtedly there are hidden gems around the city we haven't got our sticky paws on yet, but we'll tell you about every spot we do know.

Central: Connor's Hill in Gallagher Park; Emily Murphy Park; Government House Park North: Beaumaris Hill in St Albert; Castle Downs Park; Powder Bowl at CFB Edmonton; Seven Hills in St Albert East: Mill Woods Golf Course; Rundle Park's ACT Hill and Walton's Mountain South: Whitemud Park's northern end West: Hamburger Hill in Spruce Grove; Laurier Bowl in Laurier Heights, not too far from the zoo; MacKenzie Ravine in Crestwood

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Start practising your scissor-leg action now, as cross-country skiing in Edmonton is about as easy as walking out your front door—just stay off the sidewalks with those skis on.

Central: Hawrelak Park; Kinsmen Park; Victoria Golf Course and Park North: Hermitage Park East: Capilano Park; Gold Bar Park; Goldstick Park; Mill Creek; Riverside Golf Course; Strathcona Science Park in Sherwood Park South: Terwillegar Park SNOWSHOEING If there's one thing cross-country skiers can't stand, it's finding footprints tramped into their perfectly groomed ski lines. Can't we all just get along?

Snowshoeing is a good alternative to

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

hiking if you like staying on top of the snow and staying friends with skiers.

Central: Emily Murphy Park; Hawrelak Park; Victoria Park North: Borden Park; Hermitage Park; McLeod Creek Farms, just a bit outside city limits South: Fort Edmonton Park; John Janzen Nature Centre next to Fort Edmonton Park; Terwillegar Park; Whitemud Park East: Capilano Park; Elk Island Provincial Park; Gold Bar Park; Jackie Parker Park; Mill Woods Park; Rundle Park; Strathcona Recreation Area in Sherwood Park West: Coronation Park

HART GOLBECK // HART@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Pond hockey with a view? Yes please! // Glynnis Golbeck

Lake Louise delivers the goods I spent some time ripping up the slopes at Lake Louise last weekend. Although warm temperatures had softened up the lower terrain, the upper slopes were in great shape, especially the soft powder coming off of the summit platter. After a few good rips down Larch, we headed to the platter where the runs between the snow fences where absolutely amazing. Soft moguls are great to ski, but my thighs were burning after three runs, and I was done for the day by 3 pm. We headed back to the cozy confines of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise where Christmas celebrations were in full swing.

Some of our media group with a little left-over energy even headed to the lake for pond hockey. The view and ambience was simply breathtaking. Staff walked around handing out hot chocolate to anyone needing a little extra warmth.

If you're planning a trip to Lake Louise this holiday season, I suggest you take in one of the Torchlight Dinner and Ski events. There are only three scheduled this winter, including two on December 25 and 31. Skiing at night by torchlight après drinks, appetizers and live music followed by a buffet dinner at the base is something to experience. Full package rates range from $49 – $74 while kids under five are free. Check out the Lake Louise website for full details at skilouise.com Marmot Basin is in the snowzone Steady snowfalls continue to hit Marmot Basin. An-

other 30-cm dump last week kept mountain operations staff going non-stop. This year, the Farmers' Almanac did not predict Marmot Basin's fortunes, but I don't think anyone truly minds. A 90-cm base heading into the holiday ski season is the best present Marmot could have ever expected.

I know this is a bit far in advance, but there's an exciting event coming up at Marmot in February. Highly decorated Alpine Skier and Ski Television host Edith Rozsa is coming to Marmot's slopes to host two one-day clinics.

Sorry, guys, but these clinics are for women only. Rozsa is a passionate skier who will be spreading her infectiously positive attitude and ski ability upon you. If you possess high to intermediate or advanced ski abilities, set aside $149 from your Christmas loot and register yourself. It sounds like you'll be spending some time on black runs and bumps.

Castle Mountain is open for biz Castle Mountain Resort, near Pincher Creek, turned on its lifts for the season last weekend.

Conditions are still early-season, but while every year is slow to start, Mother Nature delivers snow big-time and often. This season's opening was accompanied by the Judd Brothers delivering another ski film première titled Finding Balance. These homegrown skiers have turned a passion for filming themselves into their own little movie business. V VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

SNOW ZONE 21

MUSIC

MUSIC EDITOR: Meaghan Baxter Meaghan@vueweekly.com

PREVUE // TOPIC

It's difficult to keep up with the onslaught of albums released during any given year, but our contributors have waded through them for you and picked their top five favourites of 2014.

Reviews by Lee Boyes (LB), Chris Gee (CG), Jordyn Marcellus (JM) and Josef Braun (JF)

What we had on repeat during 2014

Kate Tempest Everybody Down (Big Dada) The Streets pretty much invented Cockney narrative driven rap, and that formula hits hard and heavy on Everybody Down—but you're immediately blindsided and captivated from the first scattered and warbled notes. "The Beigeness" stands out with the most straight-ahead composition and, unlike most of the album, actually feels like a song while everything else plays like cinematic beat poetry. Yet Tempest's strength is in her characters and their emotions, and she informs them in a concentrated, tactile way.

It's an impressive effort and one you need to investigate if you love storytellers. LB

Mike Boyd ...Note the Sarcasm (Halflife) The cover painting alone makes this album great, but Boyd's seemingly Canadian Slim Shady takes strong cadence and juvenile subject matter in a way that's almost entirely unoffensive, due to its Canuck politeness. This album is a musthave for any Canadian backpacker. "Fly Like a Butterfly" sees Boyd trying to keep up with himself in a way that grinds syllables with tooth-gnashing bitterness and it's just plain dope. While the goofy R&B sex-up of "Mr Romantic" is vulgar, it's so tongue-in-cheek with verbal dexterity that you simply have to join in on the joke. Produced by Classified and featuring the likes of Shad and Mad Child, it's a bright star for true-north hip hop in 2014. LB

The holy ghost to the Antichrist punk rock that is the Bronx, this third release by the LA group's Mexi-Cali alter ego finds them with more maturity than in the past. The songs still revolve around love, but the pace is more relaxed and reflective than its previous two releases, yet somehow more dynamic and expansive. As a result, tracks like "Wildfires" will stay in your head for days, while "High Tides", could be the most touching and gorgeous thing the band has ever done. LB

Parquet Courts Sunbathing Animal (Mom + Pop Music / What's Your Rupture?)

Tokyo Police Club Forcefield (Mom + Pop)

Real Ponchos Since I Let You Go (Independent)

This record blends pop-rock rippers and groovy hooks so flawlessly that by the end of it's 30-minute runtime you are left in the cozy blur of a sugary rush. Eightminute opener "Argentina" is definitely a song of the year candidate in the way it goes from explosion to resurrection like a phoenix, yet everything that follows proves just as energetic and fun. The song structures are interesting and varied and prove that these guys can challenge themselves and their genre in a way few bands are willing to try. LB

No real flash or singles, this country outfit hailing from Vancouver plays simply elegant and heartfelt songs driven by honest patience and melody. "Aged in Oak" has a lovely hook that reminds me of the calm that can come from long train rides, where the natural beauty simply coasts by at an inspiring and easily digested pace. Plucking guitars and sliding steel combine to give a warm listening experience. There's a rich country lineage running through these songs and it's a wonderful nod to the past while still managing to homestead the future. LB

22 music

Mariachi El Bronx III (White Drugs)

Many of Sunbathing Animal's songs drill spiky guitar riffs into your head while really mastering how catchy, simple-guitar interplay can be. Instead of sounding too repetitive, the quartet's second album focuses on rambling but captivating lyricism talk-sung by vocalist-guitarists Andrew Savage and Austin Brown. While Parquet Courts offers no real choruses or obvious hooks, countless moments on the record really stick—whether it's an explosion of guitar or globs of spewed-out phrases. cG

Mac DeMarco Salad Days (Captured Tracks)

Angel Olsen Burn Your Fire for No Witness (Jagjaguwar)

Long gone are the days of Makeout Videotape, Edmonton-bred Mac DeMarco is now indie-rock royalty. He's an enigma and an apparent contradiction; it often seems like his dirtbag jokester persona overshadows his tender, chill pop music. On DeMarco's second full-length, Salad Days, he hands out relationship advice with equal parts sincerity and cheese, weirdly carried by his signature carefree, jangly guitar sound. Whatever draws music fans to DeMarco is contagious and it's spreading around fast. cG

Burn Your Fire for No Witness is a heartbreaker. It's in Olsen's wavering sigh and it's in the bruised textures of her lethargic guitar. The second full-length from Olsen has two faces sonically: one side is stripped-down, delicate and hushed and the other side is grungy but deceivingly spry. However, Olsen delivers a potent vulnerability and unavoidable sadness throughout the record with her words and it feels like it could all fall apart in an instant. cG

Future Islands Singles (4AD) If you've spent any time perusing tastemaker websites this year, you'll have undoubtedly come across a video of a live Future Islands performance featuring frontman Samuel Herring's dramatic body movements and intense croon-to-snarl vocals. Singles, the band's fourth album and by far its slickest-sounding, exploded Future Island's popularity to festival-headliner status. The album is full of hygienic, new-wave-y danceable beats dirtied by Herring's fiercely passionate pop hooks— it's theatrical and demands attention. cG

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

Ought More Than Any Other Day (Constellation) Ought's debut album occupies the anxious, inner monologue of the mind—often articulate or lightly poetic, with sudden bouts of excitement but also with its share of sombre, reflective moments. The young band's vocalist-guitarist Tim Beeler is a fidgety talk-singer, drawing out his words in a bark-like whisper or volatile cries. Many of Ought's songs are loosely structured around Beeler's wandering lyrics, jangly guitar and skidding drums patiently building and snapping suddenly into focus, delivering a swirly ruckus of combustible pop hooks with explosive poise. More Than Any Other Day is an absolute post-punk gem— it's energetic, powerful and smart. cG

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 >>

Aunjanue

Ellis

Cuba

Gooding JR.

Louis

Gossett JR.

Lyriq

Bent

BEAUTY FADES. STRENGTH, YOU KEEP FOREVER.

THE EPIC 6-PART SERIES BASED ON THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NOVEL BY LAWRENCE HILL

PREMIERE JANUARY 7TH

WED

9 music 23

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CBC Radio Canada, English Communications 250 Front Street West P.O. Box 500, Station “A” Toronto, ON M5W 1E6 Print Production 416-205-3781

Colours

BON_05_4C_14_9.45x12.6_EdmonVue APPROVALS

MUSIC SLIDESHOW Vue's 1000th issue

Dec 16 - The artery / dec 18 - Pawn shop

BEATS OF THE YEAR

<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Honourable Mentions:

ready to quaver its way into a darkened wood, never to return, but it does return, desperate yet playful ("Hi-Five") or echoing in a whirlwind of reverb and tough-love consolation (the above-quoted "Lights Out"). jB

Sharon Van Etten, Are We There Caribou, Our Love Cloud Nothings, Here and Nowhere Else Tycho, Awake Rural Alberta Advantage, Mended With Gold cG

Jom Comyn In the Dark On 99 (Value Records)

Tanya Tagaq Animism (Six Shooter Records) Tanya Tagaq's fiercely political Animism shows how exciting Canadian music is.

Tagaq's unique variant of traditional Inuk throat singing is intoxicating, and the forward-thinking instrumentation lets Tagaq tell her story—and the story of her fellow First Nations sisters and brothers. This is a vital and important album that isn't always easy to listen to, but it is challenging and rewarding. jm

While the physical release of Edmontonian Jom Comyn's In The Dark On 99 only included eight tracks, the 15-track digital download is an outstanding epic that mimics a brutal Edmonton winter slowly thawing into spring. Produced by Renny Wilson and featuring guest vocals by Jessica Jalbert, Comyn's melancholic In The Dark On 99 is the perfect album to wallow in while struck by the winter blues. jm

Leonard Cohen Popular Problems (Sony) More rigorous, crisp and lucid than any record made by an octogenarian has a right to be, the perfectly titled Popular Problems transitions fluidly between gospel, pop and country tropes, with Leonard Cohen, good humoured yet never blithely ironic, always questioning, yearning and declaring in the world's most soulful, gravelly bass. jB

Teledrome Teledrome (Mammoth Cave Records)

lié Consent (That's Cool Records) The bleak Consent won't see many yearend lists: it was quietly released on December 1 to no fanfare. But lié's brutal blend of unrelenting dark punk is one of this year's best. The band is making waves in Europe but barely known in its native Canada—too bad, as the Vancouver trio have released a 27-minute album full of sound and fury that actually signifies something. jm

White Lung Deep Fantasy (Domino Records)

Teledrome's self-titled debut is a searing electro-punk album from Calgary's enigmatic Ryan Sadler. With sharp-angled guitar riffs, synthesizers stolen from '80s B science-fiction movies and Sadler's paranoid, wide-eyed vocal delivery. Standout track "Blood Dips" is genuinely creepy, thanks to Sadler's delivery. jm

Canada's most renowned soundsmith has made one of his finest records with this collection of alternately spacious and spectral, ambient and turbulent tunes.

The sometimes thunderous, sometimes otherworldly drumming of Brian Blade provides platforms for Lanois' guitars and electronics to construct elaborate landscapes that merit attentive visits. jB

Angel Olsen Burn Your Fire for No Witness (Jagjaguwar)

24 music

I've heard Annie Clark can really cut loose live. This sounds like a welcome contrast to her latest record, which is as tightly, neurotically wound as those platinum curls Clark sports on the cover. It's also jittery, kinky, adventurous and fun, feinting toward Robert Wyatt and Robert Fripp, Kraftwerk and Television, before bobbing back into its own singular centre-place. jB

Daniel Lanois Flesh and Machine (Anti-)

Mish Way may have moved to LA, but her music is still rooted in grungy Vancouver dive bars. Deep Fantasy's top-notch production makes Way's sneering vocals ooze out of the speakers, and the backing instrumentation from Hether Fortune, Kenneth William and Anne-Marie Vassiliou is heavier than ever. jm

VUEWEEKLY.COM/SLIDESHOWS >> for more of photos

St Vincent St Vincent (Loma Vista)

"Just when you thought you would turn all your lights out it shines / Some days all you need is one good thought strong in your mind." At times Angel Olsen's voice seems

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

William Onyeabor Who is William Onyeabor?

(Luaka Bop) Who is William Onyeabor? went the title of Luaka Bop's 2013 compilation. This magnificent new mega box set is said to contain everything ever recorded by the Nigerian polymath synthesizer genius and yet we still don't know much about him.

Except that he's gonna explode like an "Atomic Bomb" on my hi-fi over and over and over again for many years to come. jB

PREVUE // ROCK

Royal Tusk

// Matt Postal

'I

would say 2014 was a building jam sessions with now bandmates year—not like the Oilers, but a Motorbike James (keyboard), J Eyreal building year," laughs Royal Tusk genraam (guitar) and Calen Stuckel (drums) became the basis for Royal vocalist and guitarist Daniel Carriere.

The local alt-rock five-piece is cap- Tusk, which technically got its offiping off a year that included the re- cial start at the beginning of 2014. lease of its debut six-song EP Moun- (Carriere interjects a caveat that tain in June, steady airplay of the James and Eygenraam will not be infectious singles "Shadow of Love" playing at the Royal Tusk's New and "Smoke Rings," a packed gig cal- Year's Eve show due to prior comendar as well as touring in support of mitments, so fans are in for a slightBig Wreck and the Smalls—not bad ly different version of the band.) at all for a "building year."

"Those tours were entirely differ- Royal Tusk certainly had no shortent: what the music sounded like, age of material to pull from when it how it operated, the fan bases and came time to craft Mountain. Carriere everything," Carriere notes of what he had penned the nascent versions of took away from the experience. "But I some of the tracks as far back as 10 mean, it's my sentiment that the mo- years ago, but the songs became fully ment you stop learning, it's like that's developed by the group as a whole. the moment when you start growing The guys ended up with more than old and falling into a rut. But having 20 demos that were whittled down said that, it wasn't hard to learn any- to the final six with the help of New York-based prothing from those Wed, Dec 31 (7 pm) ducer Gus van Go tours. Those guys and serve as an have been doing With Physical Copies, Scenic introduction for a what I love to do Route to Alaska group that was, at for even longer Denizen Hall, $10 in advance, the time, finding than myself—es- $15 at the door its footing. pecially [from] the "The neat thing Big Wreck guys I learned how important practicing is. about Royal Tusk is it wasn't reverseThese guys are considered monster engineered from any one idea about players in their own right, and they what the band should be," Carriere expractice to this day. I was watching plains. "There's no idea we were chaseach member pretty much [practice] ing. It's as simple as this: these are my for four or five hours a day, so it's defi- songs and then I bring it to all the musicians I really adore and respect and nitely inspiring."

Carriere is no stranger to touring, like to play with and then we jammed having spent 12 years in the Juno- and created all these demos."

Mountain allowed Royal Tusk to nominated rock group Ten Second Epic along with Royal Tusk band- figure out who its fan base was and mate Sandy MacKinnon. Ten Sec- hone its sound, a varied range of altond Epic wrapped up its final tour rock-pop filled with punchy hooks at the end of May, but Royal Tusk and dynamic melodies. The guys are had been forming rather organically going to head out on a headlining in the background for some time. tour in late February and continue doCarriere and MacKinnon weren't ing more support for the record, but ready to pack it in yet and casual have already started work on mate-

rial for a full-length album to be released later in 2015.

"The EP was kind of fun because there was no strings attached and we were kind of following the hood ornament just seeing what happened," Carriere adds. "We've released an EP and received feedback and went on tour and kind of found out about ourselves while fans did, so now we have like a point of reference as to how we want to sound in the future, which made writing really fun. We've kind of learned what we're great at, what we're not so good at, what people respond to, what we like, you know, all that."

MEAGHAN BAXTER

MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

MUSIC 25

MUSIC PREVUE // METAL

Fri, Jan 2 (7 pm) With Hatebreed, Butcher Babies Shaw Conference Centre, $58

Wylde and untamed

Z

akk Wylde—the swaggering viking-biker heavy-metal guitar god of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society fame—is like a real-life cartoon character.

When he was just 19, his otherworldly guitar prowess earned him a full-time gig playing with Ozzy, placing the teenager next to legendary players like Tony Iommi and the late Randy Rhoads. In the decades since, Wylde's muscular, squealing guitar style and Thor persona have made him the archetypal heavy-metal shredder.

Hell, he's an actual playable character in the Guitar Hero franchise. The producers behind the 2001 movie Rock Star cast him as Steel Dragon's lead guitarist. And he appeared on

26 MUSIC

the oddball Adult Swim cartoon Aqua Teen Hunger Force as himself, riding through the streets shredding his battle-ax guitar on a chariot pulled by white stallions.

"Today I'm just working on my Kegel exercises, then doing some Pilates and then my dance routine," says Wylde from his home with his wife and four kids, relaxing before heading back out on tour. "After then it's just figuring out which fishnets go best with my leather."

That's Wylde the legend: irreverent bad-ass. But Wylde the man is mortal.

He's had a long relationship with the bottle and was urged into rehab by Ozzy's wife Sharon—but quickly left.

In 2009 he was abruptly replaced as the guitar player in Ozzy’s band. Later

that year, Wylde was hospitalized with dangerous blood clots in each of his lungs and one of his legs. He's been sober ever since, as his bloodthinner medication doesn't mix well with booze.

This is a big shift for a man who decorated one of his signature Les Pauls with beer-bottle caps and released albums and concert DVDs titled Boozed, Broozed and Broken-Boned and Alcohol Fueled Brewtality. But sobriety has sharpened his focus and it certainly hasn't affected his sense of humour.

"I sniff glue now," he jokes. "The results are the same: I still wake up in the morning with my pants around my ankles and the fellas telling me it was a great time."

Wylde and the rest of Black Label Society are touring in January behind the band’s latest album Catacombs of the Black Vatican. The record, the group's ninth, is typical Black Label Society with Wylde laying down his thunderous riffs and face-melting solos.

As evidenced by his monstrous chops, Wylde clearly takes the guitar seriously. He has sons named Sabbath and Hendrix Halen Michael Rhoads.

And, even though he's cemented his legacy as one of the best players in history, he still practices for hours every day.

"Every morning I get up and grab a guitar and run scales or grab my acoustic and jam," Wylde says. "I just enjoy doing it. Whether I'm watch-

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

ing a baseball game on TV or whatever, I'm always running scales. Or I'm learning some jazz stuff or writing and recording some cool riffs."

Wylde claims some pretty diverse inspiration when it comes to his songwriting, too.

"Basically, I'll just listen to the Carpenters or some Barry Manilow and play their records backward to hear the Satanic messages," Wylde says. "I just nick all that, then convert it to Catholicism. It's a lengthy process."

Black Label Society has rabid followers, a group Wylde calls "one giant dysfunctional family." And he's got one piece of timely advice for his Edmonton fans as they wait for the show: "Keep your genitals warm."

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

MUSIC 27

MUSIC PREVUE // ALT-FOLK

Daniel Moir

Blink and you'll miss it

D

developed, but it was worth the effort. aniel Moir has gone digital.

"I gave myself a two-month deadline Yes, the Edmonton-raised, Vancouver-based singer-songwriter has to do it," Moir says. "And I had to do it been tinkering with electronic music around other day-to-day stuff. So there since he released his third album Mon- were lots of 14-hour days. I became a day Morning in 2013, a contemplative, total monk and lived in isolation." folky disc that delves into relationships, philosophy and even quantum Sat, Dec 27 (8 pm) physics. But Moir's gone digital beWith Braden Gates, Billie Zizi yond his music: he was scanned to Artery, $10 advance, $12 at the door be a video-game character.

"I went in to EA Games and they His music has been described as alscanned me—it was like an hour and a half of work for really good money," terna-folk, although, the introspective Moir says from his home in Vancou- Moir isn't a fan of labels: "Why do peover. "I'm not allowed to say what ple want to put things in a little box?"

Moir's music features his kneegame it was since it hasn't been retapping acoustic-guitar playing, sawleased yet, though."

Moir's done quite a bit of hustling to ing fiddles and his innocent-sounding finance his career as an independent voice working through big ideas.

"I have one song exploring the idea of musician since moving to the West Coast—he was headed out to teach how everyone in the world is just doguitar lessons after our interview. ing their best," he says. "Usually people He's also bought and sold guitars and who are doing really bad things don't set out with the worst intentions." worked as an extra in movies.

But the most challenging job was Monday Morning, the first record he's Moir says his start as a prairie boy inproduced, mixed and engineered solo. fluenced his sound—and drizzly VanHe says diving headfirst into production couver seems to be doing the same.

"I've always been influenced by gewas intimidating, as his skills were un-

28 MUSIC

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

ography and landscapes, so Alberta gave me a country twinge," Moir says.

"I don't know, but maybe Vancouver is making my new stuff more contemporary. I've been exploring electronic beats and production."

It's a sound Moir is still developing, and he hasn't nailed down how it would sound live just yet.

"I try to keep live shows more organic," Moir says. "I like how alt-J plays around on production on the recording end of things, not their live show. I think that's how shows should be. Live music should be a showcase of musicianship, not playing around with a lot of backing tracks."

But Edmonton still holds a place for Moir. After all, it's where he grew up and where his family and friends still live. Playing gigs when Moir's in town is his way of filling a room with those loved ones.

"I love to play music," Moir adds.

"And since I'm here for the holidays anyway, it's a great excuse to get my friends, my family and the Edmonton music community together."

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

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he Unfortunates are grinders.

The rockers have been hustling in the local scene since 2010, playing sweaty, high-energy shows to steadily growing crowds. The boys put their skin in the game—sometimes even their broken bodies.

"I broke some ribs playing hockey four days before our cross-Canada tour, like an idiot," says lead singer Tanner Gordon. "But when you see people waiting for your show, you just go up there and kill yourself on stage and leave everything up there.

The drives after weren't as fun, though, when I was all pilled-up on whatever the doctors had me on."

The band, formerly known as Tanner Gordon and the Unfortunates, decided to simplify, lopping off Gordon's name last spring like a vestigial tail. It's more streamlined now, he says, and reflects the collaborative nature of the group as opposed to the days when he was the principal songwriter.

The band released its second album, Indie Films, this past spring. It's the sound of five young Edmonton men trying to make human connections with their instruments and their words.

"Like the song 'Brick by Brick'— that's about bullying," Gordon says.

"The suicide rates are high right now. Last night I was out driving and there were all kinds of cop cars on the High Level Bridge—there was probably a jumper, and that stuff happens every day."

With the band nearly half a decade old, Gordon says it's maturing as a group and tightening up its live show. Gone from its set are the Nirvana and Weezer covers—much to the devastation of bass player Tim Plamondon, Rivers Cuomo superfan—in favour of playing original material. Now, thanks to its growing and loyal fan base, Gordon says the Unfortunates' shows are some of the tightest, highest-energy sets you can see in Edmonton.

"This is a really exciting time for us," he says. "Every time we play it's packed and a lot of fun."

2014 saw the addition of guitarist Nathan Stamhuis, freeing Gordon from strumming duties live.

Gordon thought he'd miss having the guitar in his hands, as he's had it his whole performing career, but he

Fri, Jan 2 (8 pm) With the Most of August, Frankie McQueen, Three Brothers and a Bud Pawnshop, $10 soon realized it was easier to connect with audience without it.

"Our first performance without me playing guitar was the first time I saw the audience chanting along to our songs and mosh pits starting," Gordon says. "I thought I would miss it way more, but it's helped me be more real and personal live."

Stamhuis, a friend of lead guitarist Bryce Thornton's brother, was a fan of the Unfortunates before he got to join the group on stage. He's like Mark Wahlberg in Rock Star, except without the glorious flowing mane. "[Stamhuis] does have an unbelievable moustache, though, so our raw sex appeal is through the roof now," Gordon laughs. "There's a really cool picture of him watching our band back in 2013. He's in the crowd in the front row, throwing up his hands in this victory sign. And now a year later he's on stage with us doing the same thing."

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MUSIC 29

Let us amplify your message!

D'Angelo Black Messiah (RCA)

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Whoa, new D'Angelo! Fourteen years later! Out of nowhere! Turns out the dude's still as cool as a well-made cocktail, and Black Messiah certainly feels like the return of a deity: that R&B's slowjam prince can emerge from the darkness with an album— more than a decade in the making— that's so confidently singular and playful, even at its darkest, is a feat worth celebrating.

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He lets the trio loose and its warm soul vibes give tracks like "Here I Go Again" a beautiful '60s groove. It's a gift and a curse, depending on if you want to hear the Wu-Tang legend's rhymes or an up-and-coming soul outfit.

He brings his storytelling rhyme style, accompanied by fellow NYC rappers Kool G Rap and AZ. The three MCs weave a narrative of Tony Starks, GFK's superhero alterego, returning to Staten Island after nine years away to find his girlfriend with another man and his block overrun with violence and racist police. Murder and mayhem ensue: Starks ends up with a mask after a chemical explosion, à la his buddy and collaborator DOOM. But this record simply needs more Ghostface: he's absent on four full tracks. 36 Seasons is solid East Coast hip hop, but it's not essential.

 Montréal's Notta Comet make artyjazz-rock that's more than a little bizarre. Success With Houseplants is a confident debut, searing its unique point of view into listeners' brains.

The trio, which started as guitar/ vocalist Alex Williams's solo project, oozes manic, nervous energy on tracks like "Flower Song" and "Wino Threat." Songs are off-kilter, lurching uneasily in time signatures rarely used in typical guitar-rock, with Williams's spidery guitar offset by Evan Kaufman's spastic drumming.

Williams and bassist Crawford Smith trade vocal duties exploring paranoid —but funny—visions about technology ("Somebody Oughta Burn Down Ray Kurzweil's House"), colonialism ("Colonial Authorties" and religion ("Don't Upset My God"). Often apocalyptic and allegorically political, the lyrics make Notta Comet's sonic assault mean something and make Success With Houseplants compelling.

JORDYN MARCELLUS

JORDYN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

JOSH MARCELLIN

JOSH@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Four IN 140 of 2014

Beyoncé, Beyoncé (Columbia) @VueWeekly: This simply dropped so late in 2013 that it didn't make the lists. It should have, so it does now. Pop albums don't get more substantial, diverse & anti-marketed than this. alt-J, This is All Yours (Warner) @VueWeekly: Pining meticulously over every nuance, alt-J delivers somewhere between dreamlike & innovative. Best served over headphones.

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PAUL BLINOV

Notta Comet Success With Houseplants (Independent)

Beck, Morning Phase (Capitol) @VueWeekly: The brighter companion to Sea Change leaps in maturity & perspective. Honest and warm songs of a modern-day legend.

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NEW YEARS EVE

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GFK has always killed organic beats: in 11 studio albums he's dominated Al Green samples and hookups with future-jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD, and he hands Brooklyn soul revivalists the Revelations full production duties on 36 Seasons.

Black Messiah feels like it could've been made in total musical isolation: it feels disconnected with any of modern R&B's sonic preoccupations.

Its production values have more in tune with the late-'90s than 2014, but it still feels adventurous—as if Outkast had released The Love Below in the golden age of R&B. The single, "Sugah Daddy" lets a wandering piano line, handclap percussion and horn stabs carry the weight as much as D'Angelo's voice; "Back to the Future" (Part I)" is a lament for better days in ways equally slick and left wanting. "1000 Deaths"—one of the first Messiah tracks to leak, partly completed, years ago—is a claustrophobic, stuttering feverish track that still manages to ride a groove through all of its static. It's enough to makes you wish fewer artists chased populist styles and more embraced their inner guidance with this much control and poise. It's a Chinese Democracy that actually delivers.

Run the Jewels, Run the Jewels 2 (Mass Appeal) @VueWeekly: Rapid fire delivery. Quick-wit rhymes. A hostile, wellcollected rap album from two beast emcees that deserve your attention.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

THU DEC 25 Accent European Lounge Live

Music every Thu; 9pm Big Al’s House of Blues Thirsty

Thursday singer-songwriter open jam with guest host Emo LeBlanc; 8-12pm Brittany’s Lounge Scrambled YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage:

artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm

Evening: Rita Mcdade & The Fusion Blues Band; 9pm

Nights: Indie rock and dance with DJs Maurice and Joses Martin

Blues on Whyte Charlie Jacobsen

Blues on Whyte Every Sat

RED STAR Indie rock, hip hop,

Band

afternoon: Jam with Back Door Dan; Charlie Jacobsen Band

and electro every Sat with DJ Hot Philly and guests

Bohemia DARQ Saturdays:

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

Bohemia Locals Only Featuring

The Nasty Boys and Dirty Pride; 8pm; $5 (door) Bourbon Room Dueling pianos

every Fri Night with Jared Sowan and Brittany Graling; 8pm Brittany’s Lounge Scrambled

YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage:

artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations; Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm Carrot Coffeehouse Live music

every Fri; all ages; 7pm; $5 (door) CASINO EDMONTON Capital News;

9pm CASINO YELLOWHEAD Soul Train;

Café Haven Music every Thu; 7pm

9pm

Carrot Coffeehouse Thu Open

DV8 Mixed Signals: Boxing Day

Mic: All adult performers are welcome (music, song, spoken word); every Thu, 1:30-3pm cha island tea co Bring Your

Own Vinyl Night: Every Thu; 8pmlate; Edmonton Couchsurfing Meetup: Every Thu; 8pm Early Stage Saloon–Stony Plain

Edition Featuring The Dragon, Ben Disaster And Miss Christine; 9pm MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market Thu and Fri DJ and dance

floor; 9:30pm Mercer Tavern Boxing Day

2014; 8pm New West Hotel Boots & Boogie

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

Sat Night with Jared Sowan and Brittany Graling; 8pm Cafe Blackbird Lucas Chaisson;

8pm Carrot Coffeehouse Sat Open

mic; 7pm; $2 CASINO EDMONTON Capital News;

9pm CASINO YELLOWHEAD Soul Train;

9pm FILTHY McNASTY’S Free Afternoon

Concerts: Celeigh Cardinal and Mary-Lee Bird Band; 4pm Fionn MacCool–City Centre

ReWine Saturdays Presents: Andrew Scott; all ages; 8pm; No cover Gas Pump Saturday Homemade

Jam: Mike Chenoweth Hilltop Pub Open Stage, Jam

every Sat; 3:30-7pm

Open Jam Nights; no cover

Live

J R Bar and Grill Live Jam

On the Rocks The Ramifications

9:30pm

Palace Casino–WEM The Whiskey

Leaf bar and grill Open Stage

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+) New West Hotel Boots & Boogie

Live NORTH GLENORA HALL Jam by

Wild Rose Old Time Fiddlers every Thu; contact John Malka 780.447.5111 Red Piano Every Thu: Dueling

pianos at 8pm Richard’s Pub Blue Thursdays (roots); hosted by Gord Matthews; 6:30-9pm

Boyz; 9:30pm PAWN SHOP The Librarian with

Phanta$maand DJ Phatcatand with Jake Robertz, Daphithur, and more; 9pm; $15 (adv)

LB’s Dandy Little Orchestra;

Sat–It’s the Sat Jam hosted by Darren Bartlett, 5pm; Evening: Hit and Run Legends Sat 3pm Jam and Open Mic with Nick Samoil and guests

Red Piano Bar Hottest dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Fri; 9pm-2am

Mercury Room Whiskey Wagon

Tiramisu BISTRO Live music

MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market Live Local Bands every

every Fri Wunderbar Rude Nite Out Act Vi:

Boxxxing Day Blowout; 8pm

DJs

with Tiff Hall and Solid State Revolution; 8pm; $10 (adv) Sat

New West Hotel Boots & Boogie

Live

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Every

O’byrne’s Live band every Sat, 3-7pm; DJ every Sat, 9:30pm

Friday DJs on all three levels

On the Rocks The Ramifications

THE BOWER Strictly Goods: Old

Palace Casino–WEM The Whiskey

school and new school hip hop & R&B with DJ Twist, Sonny Grimez, and Marlon English; every Fri THE Common Good Fridays: nu

Boyz; 9:30pm Pawn Shop I Love 80s Dance

Party Featuring Nazz Nomadwith Blue Jay; 9pm; $5 (door)

most Thursdays; 7-10pm

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

Red Piano Bar Hottest dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Sat; 9pm-2am

Smokehouse BBQ Live Blues

Druid Irish Pub DJ every Fri;

Richard’s Pub The Terry Evans

Ric’s Grill Peter Belec (jazz);

every Thur: rotating guests; 7-11pm Tavern On Whyte Open stage

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

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

Uncommon Thursday: Rotating Guests each week! electric rodeo–Spruce Grove DJ

every Thu FILTHY McNASTY’S Taking Back

Thursdays Krush Ultra Lounge Open stage;

7pm; no cover Level 2 lounge Funk Bunker

Thursdays On The Rocks Salsa Rocks: every Thu; dance lessons at 8pm; Cuban Salsa DJ to follow Union Hall 3 Four All Thursdays: rock, dance, retro, top 40 with DJ Johnny Infamous

Tavern On Whyte Soul, Motown,

Funk, R&B and more with DJs Ben and Mitch; every Sat; 9pm-2am Union Hall Celebrity Saturdays:

every Sat hosted by DJ Johnny Infamous Y AFTERHOURS Release Saturdays

SUN DEC 28 Big Al’s House of Blues Sun

Electric Blues Jam and BBQ hosted by Marshall Lawrence and the Lazy Bastards; 4-8pm Blackjack’s Roadhouse–Nisku

Open mic every Sun hosted by Tim Lovett Blues on Whyte Charlie Jacobsen

Band Diversion Lounge Sun Night Live

on the South Side: live bands; all ages; 7-10:30pm Duggan’s Boundary Celtic Music

with Duggan’s House Band 5-8pm HOG’S DEN PUB Rockin’ the Hog

Jam: Hosted by Tony Ruffo; every Sun, 3:30-7pm Service: acoustic open stage every Sun

The Provincial Pub Friday

Nights: 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 Fridays: Dubstep, house, trance, electro, hip hop breaks with DJ Aeiou, DJ Loose Beats, DJ Poindexter; 9:30pm (door) Union Hall Ladies Night every Fri Y AFTERHOURS Foundation Fridays

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 THE BOWER For Those Who

Know...: Deep House and disco with Junior Brown, David Stone, Austin, and guests; every Sat THE Common Get Down It’s

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

SAT DEC 27

Druid Irish Pub DJ every Sat;

Apex Casino Mourning Wood

9pm

Artery Daniel Moir, Braden Gates, Billie Zizi (singer-songwriter); 8pm; $10 (adv)/$12 (door)

Encore–WEM Every Sat: Sound

Atlantic Trap & Gill Duff

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

Robison; 9pm “B” Street Bar Rockin Big Blues

and Roots Open Jam: Every Sat afternoon hosted by the Jimmy Guiboche Band; 2-6pm Black Dog Freehouse Hair of

Afternoon : Big Al’s House of Blues

Wam Bam Thank you Jam: free chilli hosted by Rotten Dan and Sean Stephens; every Sat, 2-6pm;

and Light show; We are Saturdays: Kindergarten

Level 2 Lounge Collective Saturdays underground: House and Techno Mercer Tavern DJ Mikey Wong

every Sat PAWN SHOP Transmission

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

SATURDAY & SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAMS

WE’RE MOVING!

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Thank you Edmonton for all your support! We also want to thank our staff and all of the artists who have made the year a success. We are looking Donna Durand, Rob Heath forward to our new home at the Yellowhead Inn a bigger and better venue, where we will be bringing the finest in dining, and the best local, national and international Blues/R&B/Soul and more, to the city!

Keep up with all the details at bigalshouseofblues.com or on our Facebook page @ Big Al's House of Blues

BIG AL’S NEW YEARS EVE BASH WITH BOOGIE PATROL

Lots of parking north of venue | 12402 118 Ave

FIND OUT MORE, visit us ON FB

St Faith’s Anglican Church

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

Mercer Tavern Homegrown Friday: with DJ Thomas Culture

TUESDAY EVENING BIG DREAMER JAM W/ COLLEEN BROWN

Classical

DJs

Opus 35 Christmas Fund Raising Concert Featuring Adam Boeker with Ewald Cheung; 6:30pm; $25 (door)

$10 cover TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH YEGLIVE.CA OR AT BIG AL’S

Together Alberta 2014, Featuring Zedd, Showtek, Dvbbs, Whats So Not, Thomas Jack; 8pm (doors)

Holy Trinity Anglican Church

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

and the

SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE Get

Classical

every Fri

Rita McDade Fusion Blues

LIMITED SEATING FOR DINNER • TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BIG AL'S

9:30pm-1am Showcase and jam (country) hosted by Darren Gusnowsky

EDMONTON’S FIRST LADY OF BLUES

BOOK FOR A TABLE OF 4 AND GET A DISCOUNT OF $280.00!

PLUS MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE, PARTY FAVOURS, PRIZES!

O’BYRNE’S Open mic every Sun; Richard’s Pub Sunday Country

Friday & saturday, dec 26th - 27th

4 COURSE DINNER AND SHOW / $80.00 PER PERSON SHOW TICKET(W/APPETIZER) / $50.00 PER PERSON

Newcastle Pub The Sunday Soul

Sat Jam (rock): every Sat; 4-8pm

Atlantic Trap & Gill Duff

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

9pm

Big Al’s House of Blues

Big Al’s House of Blues Rita

Sugar Foot Ballroom Swing

electric rodeo–Spruce Grove DJ

Apex Casino Mourning Wood

Robison; 9pm

Your Famous Saturday with Crewshtopher, Tyler M

Journey of the Magi: music and poetry of the season; 7:30-9pm; Admission by donation

the Dog: Samara Von Rad (live acoustic music every Sat); 4-6pm; no cover

FRI DEC 26

Sou Kawaii Zen Lounge

PERformance venue • Bar & GRill • call us at 780.482.0202

WEEKLY

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

Mcdade & The Fusion Blues Band; 9pm

BIG AL’S house of blues

MUSIC

Soul Sundays: A fantastic voyage through ‘60s and ‘70s funk, soul and R&B with DJ Zyppy LeveL 2 lounge Stylus Industry Sundays: Invinceable, Tnt, Rocky, Rocko, Akademic, weekly guest DJs; 9pm-3am

MON DEC 29 BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

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 JK & the Static The Common Spiltmilk; 9:30pm Duggan’s Boundary Monday

open mic Mercury Room Music Magic

Monday Nights: Capital City Jammers, host Blueberry Norm; seasoned musicians; 7-10pm; $4 New West Hotel Sonny and the

Hurricanes; 7pm PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL

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

Night with Darrek Anderson from the Guaranteed; every Mon; 9pm Sherlock Holmes–U of A Adam

Holm; 7pm Wunderbar Homeshake OJ

Pimpson Chill City Kyle Mccrea; 9pm

The Provincial Pub Saturday

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

music 31

DJs BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

Blue Jay’s Messy Nest: mod, brit pop, new wave, British rock with DJ Blue Jay DV8 T.F.W.O. Mondays: Roots

industrial,Classic Punk, Rock, Electronic with Hair of the Dave Tavern on Whyte Classic Hip

hop with DJ Creeazn every Mon; 9pm-2am

dec/30

night vision PrEsEnts

A New YeArs eve

TUE DEC 30

Pre-PArty W/ cyril hahN

Big Al’s House of Blues Big

Dreamer Sound jam hosted by Harry Gregg and Geoff HamdenO’brien; this weeks guest: every Tue 8pm-12am

dec/31 Count Down to

MidNight Nye 2014

OOOO

Striker

O O OO

w/ ft/ The Order Of ChaOs,

DeAth toll risiNG, riot citY

jan/19

ConCErtWorKs.Ca PrEsEnts

dark traNquility inSoMniuM

jan/20

jan/24

feb/12

feb/18

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

WED DEC 31 ALBERTA BEACH HOTEL Open stage

Apex Casino New Year’s Eve with

Elvis; 7pm (doors) Artery New Year’s Eve Featuring the Collective West, with Luke Thomson; 9pm B Street Pub Blast off with the Rusty Reed Band; 7pm (cocktails); $50 (per person) Bailey Theatre–Camrose New

Big Al’s House of Blues

Boogie Patrol; 8:30pm

Hell Boys & Bombchan; 7pm Blue Chair Cafe New Year’s Eve

Party Featuring Rooster Davis Group; 7pm; $120 (adv, 7-course dinner)

Mercer Tavern Alt Tuesday with Kris Harvey and guests

Blues on Whyte JK & the Static

New West Hotel Tue

Featuring The Gothfather; 9pm; $10 (door)

Bohemia DARQ NYE Birthday

Skiitour FuNkaNoMics

Country Dance Lessons: 7-9pm; Sonny and the Hurricanes; 7pm Dec 29-Jan 3

David Stone; 8pm (doors); $10

O’BYRNE’S Celtic jam every

Brittany’s Lounge Scrambled

Union EvEnts PrEsEnts

mic every Tue

MayheM aNd watain

Red Piano Every Tue: the

Nervous Flirts Jameoke Experience (sing-along with a live band); 7:30pm-12am; no cover; relaxed dress code

revenge

UBK & night vision PrEsEnt

kaStle LIndsAy LOWend August Burns red Miss May i, NorthlaNe erra Union EvEnts PrEsEnts

aNd

ConCErtWorKs.Ca PrEsEnts

NapalM death & voivoD

Sands Hotel Country music

dancing every Tue, featuring Country Music Legend Bev Munro every Tue, 8-11pm Starlite Room Night Vision

presents CYRIL HAHN (New Year’s Pre-Party); 9pm; $20 (adv)

DJs 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 BRIXX Metal night every Tue

ELLiott BrooD

YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage:

The Common NYE At The Common Featuring Vinyl Ritchie; 5pm Cook County Saloon New

New Grandball Room: 5th Annual

Latin New Years Gala; 6pm • Top of the Inn: Jazz New Year’s Celebration; 5:30pm Denizen Hall New Year’s Eve Featuring Royal Tusk, with Scenic Route to Alaska and Physical Copies; 7pm Druid New Year’s Eve Party; 9pm;

$10 (adv) Duggan’s Boundary Wed open mic with host Duff Robison DV8 Tighten Up! New Years Eve

Spectacular Featuring Tighten Up; 9pm Fort Edmonton Park 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) Glasshouse Bistro Dinner Under the Stars - Featuring the Dan Skakun Jazz Trio; 6pm; $120 (per person)

artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations; Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm

Irish Sports and Social Society

Brixx Bar I <3 NYE with SLYNK,

Mercury Room New Years Eve

KrisFoReal, Nattikk, Spenny B, Beat Burglar, D3VIANT; 9pm; $30 The Buckingham Buck To The

Future - Buckingham New Years Eve Party Caffrey’s in the Park NYE

Rocky Mountain Icehouse

Live music with the Icehouse Band and weekly guests; Every Tue, 9pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor:

JCL ProDUCtions PrEsEnts

Featuring Vent; 7pm; $30 (dinner), $15 (party) Capitol Theatre – Fort Edmonton Park Christmas

NYE Featuring Jukebox Leigh; 8pm Leaf Bar & Grill The Cyrij Sneer

experience; 9pm; $20 Dinner; 5:30pm; $35 (dinner only, adv) MKT Fresh Food & Beer Market

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)

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

Hurricanes; 7pm

Casino Edmonton 5 on the Side;

O’Mailles Irish Pub & Eatery

9pm Casino Yellowhead Counterfitz;

9pm

Muttart Conservatory Muttart

Masquerade New Years Eve: Enjoy the live music, crafts, and fun activities; 10am-2pm New West Hotel Sonny and the

Ron Pederson live for NYE. No minors (18+ only); 8pm On the Rocks New Years Eve with

the SuperBand Central Lions Seniors Citizens

Original Joe’s Varsity Row

Featuring A Wilhelm Scream with guests; 8pm Palace Casino–WEM David Aron’s

Tribute to Elvis; PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL

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

Loaded – NYE Country rock. No minors (18+); 8pm Red Piano Bar Gotham New Years Eve; 6pm (dinner & show), 9pm (show only); $165 (dinner & show), $55 (show only) River Cree The King starring Trent

Carlini; 7pm Rossdale Hall Little Flower Open

Stage with Brian Gregg; 7:30pm (door); no cover Shaw Conerence Centre Tiesto;

7pm; $119+ Starlite Room Count Down To Midnight Nye 2014 With Striker, The Order Of Chaos, Death Toll Rising, Riot City; 8pm (doors); $20-$25 Sugar Foot Ballroom Good Old

Hollywood: A New Year’s Eve Gala; 7pm-2am Union Hall Countdown NYE DJ

Grizz; 8pm; $19.95+ WUNDERBAR Wundi New Years

Eve House Party; 9pm Zen Lounge Jazz Wednesdays:

Kori Wray and Jeff Hendrick; every Wed; 7:30-10pm; no cover

Classical McDougall Church New Years Eve Concert & Fundraiser: featuring Back Porch Swing, Braden Gates, The Carolines, Jim Findlay Trio, Marco Claveria, Scott Cook & The long week-ends; 7:30-10:30pm; Admission at the door with a non perishable food item or donation to the Edmonton Food bank

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

tHe WILderness OF MAnItOBA

G GG

Richard’s Pub Tue Live Music Showcase and Open Jam (blues) hosted by Mark Ammar; 7:30pm

The Bower Junior Brown &

Year’s Bash; 7pm PAWN SHOP Punk Rock New Years

Eve; 7pm

Delta Edmonton South Hotel

Years Eve with Jimmy Whiffen; 7pm

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

Churchill Square New Year’s

Ale Yard Tap and Grill New

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Give ‘Em

Overtime–Sherwood Park Open

Century Casino David Wilcox

NYE Bash

Wed with Trace Jordan; 8pm-12

Druid Irish Pub Open Stage Tue:

Tue; with Shannon Johnson and friends; 9:30pm

Recreation Centre Abba Again (a tribute to Abba), with special guest the Rault Brothers

Year’s Eve Party Featuring the Dungarees; 8pm; $15 (adv)

Year’s Eve Dance Party with Glovebox; 9pm

Jam: Trevor Mullen

i <3 nye GGG

w/ Slynk Ft/ krisForeal, Nattikk, speNNy B, Beat Burglar, d3ViaNt

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.

32 music

RED STAR Swing, Funk, Soul,

artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations; Every Tue- Fri, 5-8pm

Leaf bar and grill Tue Open

UBK PrEsEnts WintEr BrEaKs

w/

dec/31

Brittany’s Lounge Scrambled YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage:

stage with Darrell Barr; 7-11pm

Blackalicious

w/

feb/15

Patrick Ennis, Featuring Music By Saund; 9pm; Free

featuring Dylan Ferrell; 9pm

timBrE ConCErts anD hiPhoPCanaDa PrEsEnt

w/

jan/30

bohemia Art Show Featuring

L.B.’s PUB Tue Variety Night Open

w/ speciAl Guests

jan/23

Blues on Whyte JK & the Static

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

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, 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 Festival Way, Sherwood Park,

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

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 Rocky Mountain Icehouse 10516 Jasper Ave, 780.424.3836 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

Century Casino • 13103 Fort Rd • 780.481.9857 • Open Mic Night: Every Thu; 7:30-9pm COMEDY FACTORY • Gateway Entertainment Centre, 34 Ave, Calgary Tr • FriSat: 8:30pm • Sean Baptiste; Dec 26-27 • Brian Work; Jan 2-3

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; each month Edmonton Needlecraft Guild • 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

EDMONTON OUTDOOR CLUB (EOC) • edmontonoutdoorclub.com • Offering a variety of fun activities in and around Edmonton • Free to join; info at info@ edmontonoutdoorclub.com

Edmonton Ukulele Circle • Bogani Café, 2023-111 St • 780.440.3528 • 3rd Sun each month; 2:30-4pm • $5

FOOD ADDICTS • St Luke's Anglican 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

Comic Strip • Bourbon St, WEM • 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 • Mike Vecchione; Dec 2628 • Mike Vecchione New Years Party; Dec 31 • Ms.Pat; Jan 1-4

Downtown • Practice group meets every Thu

DRUID • 11606 Jasper Ave •

MADELEINE SANAM FOUNDATION •

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, 10220103 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

Gerry Dee " The Real Mr. D" 2014 Comedy Tour • Jubilee Auditorium, 1415-14 Ave • Dec 26, 7:30pm

River Cree–The Venue • The King starring Trent Carlini with special guest Joe Esposito. 18+ only • Dec 31, 5pm (doors), 7pm (show) • $39.50

Rouge Lounge • 10111-117 St • Comedy Groove every Wed; 9pm Groups/CLUBS/meetings 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

Lotus Qigong • 780.477.0683 •

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, 9am5pm each month • Free (member)/$10 (membership); pre-register

Northern Alberta Wood Carvers Association • Duggan Commu-

sic dance social every Fri; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome.

Occasional live music–check web • $10, $2 (lesson with entry)

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 • 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, 6:45-8:30pm; 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; Sep-May; 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,

nity Hall, 3728-106 St • 780.435.0845 • nawca.ca • Meet every Wed, 6:30pm

7727-98 St • The Congregationalist Wiccan Assembly of Alberta meets the 2nd Sun each month (except Aug), 6pm • Info: contact cwaalberta@gmail.com

Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder (OBAD) • Grey

Wild Rose Antique Collectors Society • Delwood Community Hall,

Nuns Hospital, Rm 0651, 780.451.1755; Group meets every Thu, 7-9pm • Free

Poor Vote Turnout • Rossdale Hall, 10135-96 Ave • poorvoteturnout.ca • Public meetings: promoting voting by the poor • Every Wed, 7-8pm •

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

sAWA 12-STEP SUPPORT GROUP •

WOMEN IN BLACK • In Front of the

Braeside Presbyterian Church bsmt, N. door, 6 Bernard Dr, St Albert • For adult children of alcoholic and dysfunctional families • Every Mon, 7:30pm

Old Strathcona Farmers' Market • Silent vigil the 1st and 3rd Sat, 10-11am, each month, stand in silence for a world without violence

Schizophrenia Society Family Support Drop-in Group •

LECTURES/Presentations

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

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 mu-

GREAT EXPEDITIONS TRAVEL SLIDE

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, 10608-105 Ave • 780.488.3234 • eplc. webs.com • Free year long course; Family circle 3rd Sat each month • Everyone welcome

Evolution Wonderlounge • 10220-103 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, 1092587 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 • Campus-based 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

• St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 8424-95 Ave • Jan 5: South Africa & Zambia (2013) by Elvira Leibovitz • First Mon of the month, 7:30pm • Suggested donation of $3

MAKING WAVES SWIMMING CLUB •

Opera 101: The Magic Flute • Ju-

Pride Centre of Edmonton •

bilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave • Speakers from a variety of backgrounds, including musicologists, history, sociology and language professors, as well as members of the EO production and creative teams, provide context and background about The Magic Flute • Jan 14, 7-9pm • Free

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

geocities.com/makingwaves_edm • Recreational/competitive swimming. Socializing after practices • Every Tue/Thu 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

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

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

St Paul's United Church • 1152676 Ave • 780.436.1555 • People of all sexual 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 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)

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival: Return of the Vikings • Between 90-94 St on 118 Ave • Conquer the urban landscape and exceptional spaces on and around Alberta Avenue • Jan 10-11

DeepSoul.ca • 587.520.3833; call or text for Sunday jam locations • 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 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 It Takes Two • Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, 10155-105 St • ittakestwo2015. eventbrite.ca • 780.423.4102 ext. 245 • An evening of awareness raising, hope and healing. A fundraiser in support of those who have been impacted by sexual violence • Feb 11, 5:30-9pm 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

Nerd Nite #18 • The Club (Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave • Come to Nerd Nite 18 in your own onesie, you’ll be eligible to win fabulous prizes.

If you don’t come in a onesie… well, we’ll all know who the real nerds are. Celebrate a New Year with your fellow nerds. Children 17 & under will not be admitted) • Jan 21, 7:30pm (doors), 8pm (show) • $15.75 in advance (includes fees and GST); $23.40 (includes fees and GST) Opera Brunch: The Magic Flute • Edmonton Petroleum Club, 11110-108 St • edmontonopera.com/events/brunch • 780.429.1000 • Brunch prepared by the Edmonton Petroleum Club's executive chef is accompanied by intimate performances by the cast of The Magic Flute, featuring their favourite repertoire • Jan 18, 11am1pm • $85 for single tickets; subscriptions also available

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

at the back 33

CLASSIFIEDS

2005.

To place an ad PHONE: 780.426.1996 / FAX: 780.426.2889 EMAIL: classifieds@vueweekly.com 0195.

Personals

Attractive feminine classy TV, over 50 seeks tall, fit, selfaware, masculine white male over 50 for ???

10 am - 10 pm 780-604-7440. No Texts

400.

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

1005.

Help Wanted

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

1600.

Volunteers Wanted

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

1005.

1600.

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

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

Help Wanted

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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.

1600.

Volunteers Wanted

Help someone in crisis take those first steps towards a solution. The Support Network’s Crisis Support Centre is looking for volunteers! Interested or want to learn more? Contact Maura at 780-392-8723 or visit our website: www.TheSupportNetwork.com Help the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation create a future without breast cancer through volunteerism.

Contact 1-866-302-2223 or ivolunteer@cbcf.org for current volunteer opportunities 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

2001.

Acting Classes

FILM AND TV ACTING Learn from the pros how to act in Film and TV. Graduate with a diploma in 6 months!

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Artist to Artist

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, 2015, 7-9PM in the Studio at The Paint Spot (10032-81 Avenue, Edmonton).

Admission, $10, confirms your place and is refunded to you at the event as a coupon. Plus, GOLDEN gives a generous Just Paint goodies bag to all attending artists! Further information or RSVP: 780.432.0240; accounts@paintspot.ca; www.paintspot.ca.

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

34 AT THE BACK

2005.

Artist to Artist

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 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 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

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

2005.

Artist to Artist

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

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

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2005.

Artist to Artist

The From Our Dark Side competition is a national English-language contest seeking the best in Canadian female-driven genre film ideas, written by women.

Genre films can include thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, horror - or an imaginative combination of these.

We’re looking for the strongest and most original concepts that really grab us - we encourage writers to let the creative genie out of her bottle.

Writers are invited to submit their maximum 3-5 page outlines by January 15, 2015 for a chance to win a cash prize and a mentorship package designed to help them get their projects to the screen. Mentors include female genre directors such as Rachel Talalay (Dr. Who), Karen Lam (Evangeline) and Amanda Tapping (Continuum), as well as marketing expert Annelise Larson.

The competition is organized

by Women in Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV), and supported by Super Channel, Telefilm Canada and Creative BC. For contest rules & registration, visit our website at www.womeninfilm.ca

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Musicians Wanted

A band from the 80s called MILLIONS is now forming a new band called( ZILLIONS)drummer & bass player looking for 2 guitar players with vocals & a front lead vocalist,starting in the new year 2015,call 780-966-7394 time to ROCK Bassist, 53, needs lead guitarist for quiet blues in Leduc, backing tracks available. sirveggi@telus.net, 986-2940 Established alt-rock band ‘keep me safe’ seeks new guitarist for power trio.

Must be: A) a good person B) a gifted player C) with punk sensibilities D) who wants to commit & advance. contact field 780-885-9632 Guitarists, bassists, vocalists, pianists and drummers needed for good paying teaching jobs.

Please call 780-901-7677 Looking for players for blues rock Contact Derek at 780-577-0991

3100. Appliances/Furniture Old Appliance Removal Removal of unwanted appliances. Must be outside or in your garage.

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Manufacturer date: 2002 $650 Ph: 780.467.8658 or 587.520.9746

ALBERTA-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS •• auctions •• NEW YEARS DAY Antique and Collector Auction! 11 a.m., Thursday, January 1 at the Historic Wainwright Hotel on Main Street, Wainwright, Alberta.

Scribner Auction, 780-8425666; www.scribnernet.com.

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Amazing Chair Event! 40% Off! From Dec. 26 to Jan. 11. Dining chairs, rocking chairs, occasional chairs, recliners - all 40% Off! Call us today for details on our Amazing Chair Event!

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•• employment •• opportunities OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY requires full-time Heavy Duty Mechanic to repair fleet of track hoes, Cats, graders, heavy trucks. $40 plus/hour depending on experience. Must have valid driver’s licence. Send resume: wrenchitright@gmail.com.

JOURNEYMAN Heavy Duty Mechanic required for oilfield trucking company. Will consider 3rd year apprentice or higher. Full-time position.

Phone resume to: 780-8426444. Fax 780-842-6581.

Email: rigmove@telus.net.

JOURNALISTS, Graphic Artists, Marketing and more. Alberta’s weekly newspapers are looking for people like you. Post your resume online. Free. Visit: awna.com/for-job-seekers.

INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator School. In-theseat training. No simulators.

Real world tasks. Weekly start dates. Funding options. Weekly job board! Sign up online! iheschool.com. 1-866-399-3853.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have workat-home positions available.

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METAL ROOFING & SIDING. 30+ colours available at over 40 Distributors. 40 year warranty.

48 hour Express Service available at select supporting Distributors. Call 1-888-263-8254.

SEEKING A CAREER in the Community Newspaper business? Post your resume for FREE right where the publishers are looking.

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STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100, sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206; www. crownsteelbuildings.ca.

PCL ENERGY - Now hiring Journeyperson Structural Ironworkers, Pipefitters & B Pressure Welders (+$44/ hour) for an industrial project in Northern Alberta. Camp provided; travel paid to those who qualify. Benefits, pension plan and RRSPs offered. Apply with resume to: pclenergyjobs@ pcl.com or fax 1-888-398-0725.

EVERY WATER WELL on earth should have the patented “Kontinuous Shok” Chlorinator from Big Iron Drilling! Why? Save thousands of lives every year. www.1-800bigiron.com.

Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON.

•• manufactured •• homes 2013 SRI HOME 20 X 76: mint condition, 3 bedroom, 2 bath $125,000. 1995 Noble Acceptance 16 X 76: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, available immediately. $49,000. For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit us at www.unitedhomescanada.com.

•• motorcycles •• WIN - 2015 Harley-Davidson ST-Breakout FXSB103. 2nd $700/credit; 3rd - $300/credit.

Only 499 tickets sold. Three Early Bird Draws. $100/ticket.

June 19 draw. Proceeds support Motorcycle & Harley Programs, GPRC Fairview Campus. 1-888-539-4772; www. gprc.ab.ca. Licence #395479.

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LOGGING CONTRACTOR with mechanical equipment needed to harvest app.

20,000m3 or more of softwood & possibly some hardwood.

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204-689-2261; pokrant@ mts.net. Wabowden, MB. BLACK PRESS is looking for a Regional Editor for the Nelson Star and Castlegar News.

This is an amazing opportunity for the right person. For full details please go to: http:// blackpress.ca/2014/12/16/ regional-editor-west-kootenay.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have workat-home positions available.

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2013 SRI HOME 20 X 76: mint condition, 3 bedroom, 2 bath $125,000. 1995 Noble Acceptance 16 X 76: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, available immediately. $49,000. For more information call United Homes Canada 1-800-461-7632 or visit us at www.unitedhomescanada.com.

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TRENCHUK CATTLE CO. (in Smoky Lake) is currently hiring a Feed Truck Driver & the Hoe Operator $22-30/hour depending on experience or ability. Fax resume to 780-656-3962 or call Willy 780-656-0052.

OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY requires full-time Heavy Duty Mechanic to repair fleet of track hoes, Cats, graders, heavy trucks. $40 plus/hour depending on experience. Must have valid driver’s licence. Send resume: with a combined circulation wrenchitright@gmail.com. of over 800,000 for only...

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freewillastrology

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 19): "Hell is the suffering of being unable to love," wrote novelist J D Salinger. Using that definition, I'm happy to announce that you have a good chance of avoiding hell altogether in 2015. If there has been any deficiency in your power to express and bestow love, I think you will correct it. If you have been so intent on getting love that you have been neglectful in giving love, you will switch your focus. I invite you to keep a copy of this horoscope in your wallet for the next 12 months.

Regard it as your "Get Out of Hell Free" card.

TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20): Beetles are abundant and ubiquitous. Scientists have identified more than 350 000 species and they are always discovering new ones. In 2011, for example, they conferred official recognition on 3485 additional types of beetles.

I'm seeing a parallel development in your life, Taurus. A common phenomenon that you take for granted harbours mysteries that are worth exploring. Something you regard as quite familiar actually contains interesting features you don't know about. In 2015, I hope you will open your mind to the novelties and exotica that are hidden in plain sight.

GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20): Auguste Escoffier (1846 – 1935) was an influential French chef who defined and standardized the five "mother sauces." But he wasn't content to be a star in his own country. At the age of 44, he began his "conquest of London," bringing his spectacular dining experience to British restaurants.

He thought it might be hard to sell his new clientele on frogs' legs, a traditional French dish, so he resorted to trickery. On the menu, he listed it as "Nymphs of the Dawn." According to my reading of the omens, this is an example of the hocus-pocus that will be your specialty in 2015.

And I suspect you will get away with it every time as long as your intention is not selfish or manipulative, but rather generous and constructive.

CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22): The entomologist Charles P Alexander (1889 – 1981) devoted much of his professional life to analyzing the insect known as the crane fly. He identified more than 11 000 different species, drew 15 000 illustrations of the creatures and referred to his lab as "Crane Fly Haven." That's the kind of single-minded intention I'd love to see you adopt during the first six months of 2015, Cancerian. What I'm imagining is that you will choose a specific, well-defined area within which you will gleefully explore and experiment and improvise. Is there a subject or task or project you would have fun pursuing with that kind of intensity?

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22): In Don DeLillo's novel Underworld, Cotter Martin is a young boy living in New York in the '50s. The following description is about him. "In school they tell him sometimes to stop looking out the window.

This teacher or that teacher. The answer is not out there, they tell him. And he always wants to say that's exactly where the answer is." I propose we regard this passage as one of your themes in 2015, Leo. In other words, be skeptical of any authority who tells you where you should or should not be searching for the answers. Follow your own natural inclination, even if at first it seems to be nothing more than looking out the window.

VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22): "It is always important to know when something has reached its end," writes Paulo Coelho in his book The Zahir. Use this advice heroically in 2015, Virgo. Wield it to clear away anything that no longer serves you, that weighs you down or holds you back. Prepare the way for the new story that will begin for you around your next birthday. "Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters," Coelho says, "it doesn't matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over."

LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22): "On some nights I still believe," said rascal journalist Hunter S Thompson, "that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio." In 2015, I invite you to adopt some of that push-it-to-the-edge attitude for your personal use, Libra. Maybe not full-time; maybe not with the same manic intensity that Thompson did. Rather, simply tap into it as needed—whenever you've got to up your game or raise your intensity level or rouse the extra energy you need TO ACHIEVE TOTAL, WONDROUS, RESOUNDING VICTORY!!! The coming months will be your time to go all the way, hold nothing back, and quest for the best and the most and the highest.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Twenty miles long, the Onyx River is the longest body of moving water on the continent of Antarctica. Most of the year it's ice, though. It actually flows for just two or three months during the summer. Let's hope that continues to be the case for the foreseeable future. It would be a shame if global warming got so extreme that the Onyx melted permanently. But now let's talk about your own metaphorical equivalent of the Onyx: a potentially flowing part of your life that is often frozen. I'd love to see it heat up and thaw. I'd love it to be streaming and surging most of the time. And in 2015, I think that's a distinct possibility.

Consider making the following

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

7/25/11 12:30 PM

Rob Brezsny freewill@vueweekly.com

declaration your battle cry: I am the Flow Master!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21): "The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping is to make sure he never knows he's in prison." That quote is attributed to both Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky and Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Regardless of who said it, I urge you to keep it in mind throughout 2015. Like all of us, you are trapped in an invisible prison: a set of beliefs or conditioned responses or bad habits that limit your freedom to act. That's the bad news. The good news is that in the coming months, you are poised to discover the exact nature of your invisible prison, and then escape it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19): When he was 37 years old, actor Jack Nicholson found out that Ethel May, the woman he had always called his mother, was in fact his grandma. Furthermore, his "older sister" June was actually his mom, who had given birth to him when she was 17. His relatives had hidden the truth from him. I suspect that in 2015 you will uncover secrets and missing information that will rival Nicholson's experience. Although these revelations may initially be confusing or disruptive, in the long run they will heal and liberate you. Welcome them!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18): "Meupareunia" is an English word that refers to a sexual adventure in which only one of the participants has a good time. I'll be bold and predict that you will not experience a single instance of meupareunia in 2015. That's because I expect you'll be steadily upgrading your levels of empathy and your capacity for receptivity. You will be getting better and better at listening to your intimate allies and reading their emotional signals. I predict that synergy and symbiosis will be your specialties. Both your desire to please and your skill at giving pleasure will increase, as will your understanding of how many benefits you can reap by being a responsive partner.

PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20): "Be good and you will be lonesome," said Mark Twain. Do you agree?

I don't—at least as it applies to your life in 2015. According to my understanding of the long-term astrological omens, you will attract an abundance of love and luck by being good—by expressing generosity, deepening your compassion, cultivating integrity and working for justice and truth and beauty. That doesn't mean you should be a pushover or doormat. Your resolve to be good must be leavened by a determination to deepen your selfrespect. Your eagerness to do the right thing has to include a commitment to raising your levels of self-care. V at the back 35

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

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BRENDA KERBER BRENDA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Take two: sex apps

People don't want cheesy, misguided apps; they want a hookup Back in the summer of 2012, I compiled a list of useful, sex-related smartphone apps. It was a short list. With the exponential proliferation in the number of apps available and how much using them has become a part of our lives, I thought it was time to see how sex apps have changed. Turns out the answer is ... not much.

The only area where sex apps have really been successful is in dating and hookups. From Grindr to Tinder to OkCupid, the number of apps to help people find people has exploded. If you're not looking to get laid, however, sex apps are pretty disappointing. They generally fall into the three main categories.

First are the outright cheesy apps.

For example, there's Pickup Lines, chock full of opening lines to use at your local bar. It is as bad as it sounds. These are things no one should say to anyone, ever. There's also Lick This, which helps you develop your oral-sex skills by moving a virtual light switch up and down with your tongue. That's right, you practice by licking your phone. The app advises that you cover your phone with plastic wrap before you start. I guess this is safer sex for phone sex.

Second are the misguided apps

that sound good at first but won't work in real life. These include the ill-fated Good2Go which was supposed to help you determine whether you had consent to have sex with someone.

T h a n k f u l l y, shortly after approving it, Apple reversed its decision and took Good2Go out of the app store.

There's also MedXCom and Bump 2 Know which let you share your STI test results with prospective partners. To use them you have to have access to a lab or doctor that

will share your results with them (I'm not aware of any in Alberta).

There's also the fact that this only tells you a prospective partner's

no one really needs or that they already use more easily elsewhere.

These include The Poly Life, which allows people in polyamorous relationships to coordinate calendars and message each other, and Avocado, which does the same for couples.

This is why the hookup sites are so successful. They offer people an easier and more effective way to do something they do naturally. status on certain tests up to the date they were taken. This seems like an old-fashioned conversation and some condoms and dams might work better.

Third are the apps that do things

So far, sex apps have turned out the same way as high-tech sex toys. It seems like the perfect fit and lots of people are rushing to find the most innovative way to combine them. Yet somehow, all they do is make the

things we already do more complicated or give us the ability to do things we don't really want to do anyway. They don't integrate seamlessly into the ways we have sex.

This is why the hookup sites are so successful. They offer people an easier and more effective way to do something they do naturally. Until someone finds a way to make other apps do the same, sex apps will remain a novelty that you look at once and never use again. V Brenda Kerber is a sexual health educator who has worked with local not-for-profits since 1995. She is the owner of the Edmontonbased, sex-positive adult toy boutique the Traveling Tickle Trunk.

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JONESIN' CROSSWORD

Dan savage savagelove@vueweekly.com

matt jones jonesincrosswords@vueweekly.com

“Key Words”-- played on the piano.

SHORT AND SWEET

I'm a short guy and I need advice.

I don't want a small paragraph's worth of advice, like you gave "Below Their League" a few years ago.

I need advice beyond "Women like men taller than them, get over it!" I get it. I'm short (five foot two), and most women are taller than me. And women like tall dudes just like I like slender women. Fat women may have it hard, but at least they have their fans and their own sex-object abbreviation: BBW. But where can a short guy go to feel appreciated?

Is there an abbreviation or a dating website for us?

Jesus Christ, I'm Lonely

Across

1 Recipe amt.

4 Less leafy, like a tree 9 Govt. group with a director 12 Evening, in France 13 “___ of Two Cities” 14 “I got you good on that one!”

15 ___ extra charge 16 Mail-in payment 18 Caught the villain, on the piano?

20 “The Waste Land” poet 21 How-___ (instruction guides) 22 In ___ (hurried) 25 Free letters in the “Wheel of Fortune” bonus round 27 Audrey Tautou role 28 Cole slaw left out in the sun, on the piano?

32 Pet for Harry Potter 35 Prince’s unpronounceable symbol, for one 36 Boxing match div.

37 Make a pop star eat the meat dress she wore, on the piano?

42 Person with phobias 43 Roots expose it 47 Combine 48 Getaway spot 51 Winter month, in Mexico 52 “Stayin’ Alive” is suddenly unhip, on the piano?

55 Rips to shreds 57 Sea eagle variety 58 Storyline paths 59 Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, for one 60 Dipstick wipers 61 Bug 62 Full of lip 63 Sault ___ Marie Canals

Down

1 Wrecks (a car) 2 Encouragement to a vocalist 3 Woods’ field 4 Shakespeare, for one 5 Troubled 6 Filmdom’s “one man army” 7 Sewing machine inventor Howe 8 Like some generals: abbr.

9 2000s wireless company 10 Ltd., in the States 11 Mellow

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12 Swashbuckler’s sword 14 Croatian capital 17 Second side in a game, perhaps 19 Sicilian volcano 23 Omen 24 Pay attention to 26 Painter Degas 27 Reacted to a trapeze artist 29 Taina of “The Mirror Has Two Faces” 30 “___ think so?”

31 Annenberg/___ (non-profit behind educational programming) 32 “...long walk ___ short pier” 33 Stash stuff 34 Trace (to) 38 Substances that make paint set more quickly 39 Trait carriers 40 Gave the look to 41 Wheel covers 44 Be derisive to 45 “___ you glad I didn’t say ‘banana’?”

46 Indicates 48 Shade in old pictures 49 Rings out 50 Fuzzy ‘dos 53 Hiatuses 54 Court figure: abbr.

55 ___ chi 56 Mess up ©2014 Jonesin' Crosswords

more "unsolicited messages" than extremely short guys. And then there's this: "Women six feet or taller are either less attractive to men or are considered too intimidating to message," Rudder writes. "[But] the data also raises the interesting possibility that these tall women are much more likely to sleep with a man who does approach them.

Compare the 6'0" woman to her 5'4" counterpart: the taller woman gets hit on about two-thirds as much, yet has had slightly more sex partners."

The takeaway for you, JCIL: try hitting on taller women.

est person in the room. I wish this wasn't the case. Bottom line: I am extremely lonely. I have trouble relating to people, and they have trouble relating to me. I want to change how I relate to others, I want to be in a healthy relationship, and most of all I want to stop feeling so lonely, but I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't feel isolated. I don't even know where to start. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Alone And Afraid

You didn't mention seeking professional help, AAA, and maybe that's because you fear being smarter than ONLY THE LONELY the shrink in the room. But cognitive My last relationship—an abusive behavioural therapy is supposed "Below Their League," who wrote one—ended 13 years ago, and I've to be an effective treatment for to me in August of 2010, described been single for the last 10 years. I people with psychopathic tendenhimself as a short, slender guy who enjoy my life! And I get to wake up cies. The goal isn't to change you was only attracted to tall, butch in the morning happy, not afraid! or rewire your brain, as that's most women. He longed to be held in the However, I would like to share my likely impossible, but to change strong arms of a woman who could life with someone. I have not been how you approach and interact with snap him in two—and he wasn't asked on a date in years—sad—but people. Also, AAA, a lot of people having much luck. who are in relaThis was the totaltionships—even Happy, active and self-actualized people are ity of my advice for people who find him: "Most women more attractive and likelier to attract mates— it easy to interprefer men who are act with othso put up a few personal ads. taller than they are. ers—struggle It's a sad, unavoidwith feelings of able fact, BTL, one isolation. That's you'll have to accept (just as I had I go out to movies, dinner, etc, on my not uncommon. And there are tons to accept that most men prefer own. Do I have a list? Yes! My love of people out there who aren't psywomen), and you'll have to search should be happy, enjoy my company, chopaths (or on the scale) who can harder for the lady/lady arms of be able to support themself, be self- describe their romantic histories in your dreams. Not much else you can actualized, be capable of communi- the same apocalyptic terms that do about it." cating without violence of any kind you do. Get help, keep things in perI think that advice is solid, JCIL, but and have a sense of humour. I am spective, and borrow a page from I can see why it would be unsatisfy- physically fit, and although I'm not LASS's playbook: live your life, do ing. So here are a few bonus para- a beauty, I'm pretty enough! I snow- shit, go places, even if you have to graphs for you ... board and ride horses, I'm highly cre- go alone for now.

Some big, beautiful women resent ative—I have lots of energy for 52.5! their "fans," JCIL, aka "fat admirers" But is this it? Am I to be alone now? SOME YOU TIME (FAs), as they find the attentions of Lonely And Seeking Someone I am a college student just trying fat fetishists to be objectifying and to get through my senior year with emotionally fraught. (Particularly You may very well be alone for the some halfway-decent grades and when their "admirers" are struggling rest of your life, LASS, but you're a smidge of sanity. As such, I have with shame and want to date them already doing everything I urge basically given up the social scene. only on the down low.) But here's lonely people to do: you're get- I avoid sexual or romantic interacwhy fat women have their own sex- ting out there and living your life, tions. The problem is, while I recogobject abbreviation and their admir- you're being yourself, you're doing nize that I will have plenty of time ers have their own websites (both shit, you're going places. Happy, ac- for social stuff once I graduate (and porn and dating): because there's no tive and self-actualized people are some far better prospects available shortage of FAs. There are lots of more attractive and likelier to at- with a degree to my name), the rest guys out there who are into BBWs. tract mates—so put up a few per- of me is having trouble getting with Now, there may be a few women sonal ads and see if there's anyone the program. My weekends are a lot with a fetish for short guys— in your area who wants to join you quieter and my wallet is more comwomen who aren't just open to for dinner, snowboarding, horseback fortable, but sometimes I can't help dating short guys but filled with a riding, whatever. But more impor- feeling lonely. Is there anything in panty-dampening, crazy-making lust tantly, LASS, always remember this: your bag of tricks for this self-imfor short guys—but there aren't it's better to be a happy, active, and posed hermit? enough of them to form the criti- self-actualized single person than Losing Out Nearly Everyday cal mass necessary to sustain even a miserable, sedentary and the-opone website for short guys and the posite-of-self-actualized-whatever- Masturbate daily, LONE, and remind women who admire them. So it that-is partnered person. yourself before, during and after looks like you'll have to redouble blowing those loads that your isoyour efforts at regular dating web- RIGHT FOR ROMANCE lation is something you chose when sites, JCIL, ie, "search harder for the I am a straight male who has never you prioritized your education. It lady/lady arms of your dreams." been in a romantic relationship. I isn't something that was imposed Christian Rudder, one of the found- am not a virgin, but every romantic on you by circumstance or height or ers of OkCupid, took a look at the relationship I've tried to pursue has mental illness—it's also a problem impact height has on the dating ended in disaster. A few things you that will solve itself in six months. and mating success of the site's us- should know about me: while I am ers. It probably won't surprise you not a full-on clinical psychopath by This week, listen to the Lovecast to learn that taller guys have more a long shot, I am on that scale and live from Seattle's Neptune Theatre sex—just one measure of romantic do have psychopathic tendencies. at savagelovecast.com. V success—but it may surprise you to I know this makes me sound like learn that extremely tall guys (six an asshole (and I probably am an @fakedansavage on Twitter foot six and above) don't get many asshole), but I am often the smart-

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015

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40 1001: a vue odyssey

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 25, 2014 – JAN 7, 2015