1051: New Year's Style and Party Guide

FREE (SIMULATED GOLD FOIL)

#1051 / DEC 17 –DEC 23, 2015 VUEWEEKLY.COM

Rock around Ring in 2016 with our style and party guide We’ve got your Star Wars betting sheet ready 14 The Provincial Archive focuses on the soul of the songs 27

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

ISSUE: 1051 DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015 COVER PHOTO: MEAGHAN BAXTER

LISTINGS

ARTS / 13 MUSIC / 31 EVENTS / 33 CLASSIFIED / 34 ADULT / 36

FRONT

4

Baiting raptors for photography is a contentious issue, but what are the real impacts?// 5

DISH

8

Al Salam is a welcome part of Edmonton's culinary cultural mosaic // 8

ARTS

11

Edmonton Burlesque Events rings in the holidays with a mix of naughty and nice // 11

POP

14

We made a betting sheet for Star Wars: The Force Awakens // 14

A new home for your old furniture.

FILM

16

The Assassin is narratively opaque, but meticulously rewarding // 16

We pick up. No charge.

MUSIC

27

The Provincial Archive eases up on micro-managing for its self-titled new album // 27

sofas. chairs. tables. kitchen supplies. dressers. home electronics. books. gently-used household items.

NEW YEAR'S STYLE • 18

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UP FRONT 3

FRONT

NEWS EDITOR: MEL PRIESTLEY MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

ASHLEY DRYBURGH // ASHLEY@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Queermonton's annual holiday gift guide This year's edition includes booze, useful household stuff and gear for "me" time Herb kit Find a jar. Fill it with dirt. (I would never suggest you moonlight some dirt from a public space. Nope. Never.) Attach a packet of seeds (parsley is easy to grow; basil less so).

Welcome to the fourth-annual Queermonton Holiday Gift Guide for People Who are Broke and Not Crafty! (If you are new to this tradition, the title is pretty self-explanatory). To shake things up this year, I reached out to friends for some suggestions; a big thank-you to everyone who contributed ideas!

IOU gift certificate for a cheap breakfast meet-up No shame in cashing in a Groupon for this one. Kristy suggests Simply Done Café on 124 Street, the café in Central

DYERSTRAIGHT

Lions Seniors Centre, or Pho King on 118 Avenue as cheap hidden gems.

Eat More cookies This one's from Moira, and she promises it's delicious: buy an Eat More candy bar. Cut it into six pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lay your candy-bar pieces down, and pop them into a 350F oven for about five minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't melt/spread too much. Let cool and voila! Easy-peasy cookies.

Hot toddy kit From Jordan: tea, a tiny bottle of whisky, a lemon (or pick a lemonflavoured tea, if the gift needs to be 100-percent non-perishable) a cinnamon stick and a tiny jar of honey.

Cocktail-in-a-jar Jess suggests that if you are extra crafty, stick a can of pop in a mason jar and attach an appropriate mini bottle of booze (Cola and rum! Coffee and Bailey's! Red Bull and Vodka!) with some fancy string. If you are less crafty, just tape the two together. Attach a straw for extra glamour.

All-purpose cleaner This one requires a bit of forethought: start saving up your citrus peels (it's mandarin orange season!) until you

have a nice big jar that is at least half full. Pour white vinegar to the top, cover, and let it sit in a dark place for two weeks. Strain, discard the peels, and you're good to go. Jil suggests buying a spray bottle from the dollar store and attaching a homemade dishcloth for more crafty people, or just a sponge for those who aren't.

Painted tea towels Tash promises that this isn't that crafty: buy some white dishcloths, stencils, fabric paint and probably a brush or sponge of some kind. Paint your tea towels. Done.

Cabinet knobs Likewise, Lisa suggests buying some cabinet knobs, use masking tape to create stripes and paint away. If this seems like too much, substitute wooden spoons for cabinet knobs.

Scrabble desk plate This one requires some luck: if you can find an old Scrabble game (or have an extra one laying around),

use the letters to write the name of a friend with a fancy-pants office job.

Glue them to the tile rack and you've got an instant desk plate.

Spa-in-a-box This can be as gender neutral as you like. Lotion, loofah, face/hair mask, nail polish, scrub, cuticle cream, head massager, whatever you can think of.

This is also good for re-homing cosmetic samples.

USB key This one requires a minimum bit of tech-savviness. Buy a USB key and fill it with stuff your giftee might like: podcasts, films, movies, photos, porn, whatever.

Solo date night Gather some lube, porn (use your imagination: fan fiction, dirty magazine, European soft-core movie, that USB key you just made, etc), maybe a scented candle, and a bottle of beer/ wine and you've got yourself a fun evening in a box. V

GWYNNE DYER // GWYNNE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

COP21: Cheering and Fearing

The current climate deal won't change dangerous warming—until we start getting really scared The climate deal that almost 200 countries agreed to in Paris on Saturday was far better than most insiders dared to hope even one month ago.

The biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, China and the United States, are finally on board. There is real money on the table to help poor countries cut their emissions and cope with warming. They have even adopted a target of holding the warming to only +1.5C, instead of the limit of +2C that was the goal when the conference opened.

So the thousands of delegates who spent two weeks dickering over the details of the deal in a drafty exhibition hall north of Paris felt fully justified in cheering and congratulating one another on a job well done.

Given all that, it's a pity that the deal won't actually stop the warming.

The plus-two limit was always too high. It began as a scientific estimate of when natural feedbacks, triggered by the warming that human beings had caused, take over and start driving the temperature much, much higher. It was actually quite a fuzzy number: at somewhere between +1.75C and +2.25C, the feedbacks will kick in and it will be Game Over.

So +2.0C, for political purposes, became the limit. Beyond that, governments told us, we would have "dan-

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gerous warming." Nonsense. We are having dangerous warming now— bigger storms, worse floods, longer droughts—and we are only at +1.0C. At plus-two or thereabouts, what we get is catastrophe: runaway warming that can no longer be halted just by stopping human emissions of carbon dioxide. Nature will take over, and we will be trapped on a one-way escalator that is taking us up to plus-three, plus-four, plus-five, even plussix degrees.

Hundreds of millions or even billions of people would die as large parts of the planet ceased to be habitable by human beings.

If you don't want to risk unleashing that, then you don't want to go anywhere near plus-two, so the official adoption by the world's governments of +1.5C as the never-exceed limit is a major step forward. But note that they have only pledged "to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C," not to succeed. The hard-and-fast promise is still not to go past +2.0C—and

there is not even any guarantee that that will be achieved.

In order to avoid a debacle like the one at the last climate summit in Copenhagen six years ago, nobody even tried to put enforceable limits on national carbon dioxide emissions this time. Each country was just invited to submit the emission cuts that it is willing to make. The

Not necessarily.

Most of the negotiators know that the cuts which are politically impossible now may become quite possible in five or 10 years if the cost of renewable energy goes on dropping, if techniques like carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) become economically viable—and if people are sufficiently frightened by a climate that is getting wilder and less predictable by the year.

We are having dangerous warming now— bigger storms, worse floods, longer droughts—and we are only at +1.0C sum of all those promised cuts (if the promises are kept) is what we will get by way of global emission cuts in the next five years.

United Nations experts did the math, and concluded that these emission cuts fall far short of what is needed. If this is all that is done, then we are headed for at least +2.7C—or rather, for a lot more, because of the feedbacks.

None of the negotiations at the Paris conference changed those numbers, or even tried to. So are we doomed to runaway warming?

So there is a review process built into the treaty.

Every five years, starting in 2018, there will be a "stock-taking" exercise in which everybody's progress in cutting their emissions will be reviewed, and everybody will be encouraged to increase their commitments and speed up their cuts.

Whether they will actually do that depends on political, economic and technological factors that cannot yet be calculated, but fear is a great incentive, and there is no government on the planet that is not frightened by the prospect of major climate

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

change. In fact, most of them would have gone a lot further in Paris if they were not nervous about getting too far ahead of public opinion at home.

Public opinion will eventually change, because there is going to be a very large amount of damage and suffering in the world as we move past +1.0C and head up towards +1.5C. Will it change fast enough to allow governments to act decisively and in time? Nobody knows.

Will new green technologies simply sweep the field, making fossil fuels uneconomic and government intervention unnecessary? Nobody knows that either, although many people pin their hopes on it.

We are not out of the woods yet, but we are probably heading in the right direction—and it would be right at this point to put in a good word for that much maligned organization, the United Nations. It is the only arena in which global negotiations like this can be conducted, and its skills, traditions and people were indispensable in leading them to a more or less successful conclusion.V Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

FRONT // PHOTOGRAPHY

// Rutting Buck Imagery

A bird in the hand (or lens)

Baiting raptors for photography is a contentious issue, but what are the real impacts?

T

he owl swivels its head, fixing its unblinking yellow eyes on the tiny, wriggling form in the snow below it. With a quick flap of its powerful wings, it launches itself off the fence post, framed by the great expanse of its wingspan before it snatches the rodent and resettles on a nearby post to devour it. It's a rugged, natural scene—save for one element: the photographer right beside the fence, who tossed out that mouse as bait to capture the perfect shot of the owl in action.

Every year around this time, snowy owls begin arriving in Alberta and other areas throughout the southern portion of Canada after completing a long migration from the Arctic.

Their annual appearance causes a flurry of excitement amongst birders and wildlife photographers alike— and just like clockwork, shortly after pictures of these birds start filling the feeds of various online forums, the backlash begins.

"Everyone kind of jumped on me ... I was more just kind of offended how they just attack everyone and say that every picture is from baiting," Mitchell Kranz says. "I didn't post in any of the forums for a while, because every picture I would post after that, even without [baiting], everyone was kind of like, "Oh, he cheated to get these.'"

Kranz is an amateur photographer living in Calgary, who developed a passion for wildlife photography about five years ago. He has only

baited birds once before, in 2013: he happened to have some live mice in his car (for his pet snake) while he was out searching for snowy owls to photograph. He explains that he actually hadn't heard about baiting before, but assumed that an owl would willingly hunt a feeder mouse as readily as a wild one. That assumption proved correct with a snowy owl that he found in the middle of a farmer's field, and the end result was several great close-ups of the bird (including the one featured with this story). After he shared those photos online, however, he quickly discovered that not only was this practice quite common in the birdphotography world, it's also quite controversial.

One of the places in which Kranz shared his photos was the Alberta Birds group on Facebook, a very active group with well over 4000 members and a daily feed of new photos of bird sightings taken throughout the province. The group was started in 2012 by Charlotte Wasylik, an amateur birder and photographer, after she noticed a lack of online presence for Alberta's birding community. She verifies that the debate around raptor (birds of prey) baiting crops up every year around this time, both in her group and across other birding forums.

"I try to moderate it as best I can; this is the first time I've actually closed the commenting," she says over the phone from her home in

Vermilion, referring to a recent comment thread in the Alberta Birds group. "There are some rare times that I do delete comments, but it's never that much. It's pretty well able to moderate [itself], but sometimes it does get a little heated."

"It's a conversation that I think we should have, because it opens everyone's eyes to what baiting is and how some people go about doing it," she adds.

Admittedly, the practice is something that most people, outside the fairly small intersection of wildlife enthusiasts and photography circles, aren't aware of. The arguments against baiting birds, specifically raptors, are similar to those made against feeding other predatory animals: warnings against habituating the birds to human contact, which could make them dependent on humans for food and unable to forage for themselves, and/or result in their overfeeding or the spread of disease from the bait. There's also the argument that baiting a bird into the perfect photograph is "cheating"— levied by purists who believe in capturing nature in its most untouched state possible.

Others argue that baiting raptors for photography is no different than taking pictures of songbirds at a feeder.

"Philosophically, I see little difference between feeding a mouse to an owl and throwing peanuts out for

blue jays or filling my bird feeder for the chickadees," writes Gordon Court in an email. "It is seen the same way in the law. Feeding wildlife is not illegal in Alberta, unless specifically deemed unlawful in places like national and provincial parks."

Court is a provincial wildlife status biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Policy Division of Alberta Environment and Parks, and a self-described "raptor nut" since he was three years old. He has been baiting and capturing northern owls for about 20 years as part of permitted research activities, and he has extensively debated the pros and cons of feeding wildlife with the Fish and Wildlife enforcement staff. Anytime wildlife is fed, or has their behaviour otherwise altered by humans, he explains, it warrants careful consideration. Where raptors—and especially owls—are concerned, however, he notes that the potential drawbacks from baiting are actually quite low.

"The greatest potential downside to feeding/baiting that I can think of for the individual animal is that it becomes very tame," Court writes. "It goes without saying that this can be bad news in areas where the more dim-witted among us will destroy owls at any opportunity."

But such tame owls are actually quite rare: baiting raptors is a very uncommon practice, despite what one might be led to believe from online comments in birding communities, and Court has only known

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

of a handful of such birds over the past 20 years. Much of this has to do with the expense it would take to create such an animal, given the cost of feeder mice at pet stores (averaging $1 to $3 each).

Indeed, the few raptors that are baited by enthusiastic photographers might even benefit from the treatment, Court notes.

"Most of the birds that can be 'trained' in this way are unusually bold (and trainable) as a result of poor body condition (usually juvenile birds)," Court writes. "For most raptors, about half of all individuals born in any year will die in their first winter, mostly by starvation. ... There is probably an upside to supplemental feeding for the individual owl by feeding/baiting. Some undoubtedly avoid starvation."

Court also explains that overfeeding raptors is virtually impossible: "Once an individual has taken advantage of the food source, it will do you the honour of ignoring you and your mice completely," he writes.

Further, Court does not believe that the occasional feeding from a human will compromise a raptor's ability to forage afterwards, since they will encounter several instances of superabundant and easily captured prey during their lifetime anyway, during the high end of rodent cycles.

Care must be given not to unduly CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >> UP FRONT 5

FRONT // Rutting Buck Imagery

A bird in the hand (or lens) << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

stress any wildlife, especially raptors that might already be foodstressed during the cold season and/ or after a long migration—and the mere presence of a human can have an impact, whether they are actively baiting or not.

"Photographers who try to get close to foraging birds routinely will bump them from perches, where the bird moves away from its selected for-

aging spot," Court explains. "This all takes energy, so just because you are not baiting does not mean you are not having an impact on the animal."

Take the infamous pygmy owl paparazzi, for example. In January of this year, a northern pygmy owl— the smallest owl in the world and quite a rare species—was spotted in Fish Creek Provincial Park in Cal-

gary. The story was picked up by the local press and caused hundreds of people to flock to the area.

"Sometimes there'd be 100 photographers down there, all aiming at this one little owl," Kranz explains.

"Any given day for probably a month and a half there, this owl stuck around, and you could just follow the lenses and you'd be able to see where this bird was. It was literally

like paparazzi."

For this very reason, Wasylik does not permit people to post any photos of sensitive species or nesting birds to the Alberta Birds group, fearing it could cause potentially dangerous levels of human impact to those birds.

There are reports of people who will use fake mice, such as a cat toy on a string, in an attempt to lure raptors into a good photograph without having to bother with buying and transporting live rodents.

Court condemns such practices as wildlife harassment and encourages Fish and Wildlife enforcement officers to issue charges or warnings if they see this technique being used by anyone not holding a banding licence. The reason is simple: such activity could prove the tipping point for a wintering raptor, if they use up their remaining energy reserves chasing a target with no food reward. When raptors are caught for the purposes of scientific banding, Court explains, the bird is offered at least one mouse to offset the "inconvenience" of handling it.

Incidentally, these situations allow the opportunity for photography as well; Alberta Fish and Wildlife has used such photos in its promotional materials for years.

Regarding the issue of potential diseases spreading through wild bird populations from bait, Court notes

that he has not heard of any such examples with raptors—but, interestingly, there are proven instances of this from feeding songbirds. The province is also considering legislation that would ban feeding deer, due to the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease—and as any rural resident with a backyard feeder can tell you, deer will readily feed from bird feeders, especially in the winter months. It's still unclear what such legislation could mean for rural bird feeders.

Ultimately, the issue of baiting raptors is largely a matter of human ethics being applied to the animal kingdom, aside from a few very clear lines—it's illegal to feed any animal in a provincial or national park, and you should never bait a bird near roadways or with fake rodents. Consideration of the animal's welfare must be given first priority, Court emphasizes—something that any responsible birder and wildlife photographer will already have taken to heart.

"No photograph is worth compromising the welfare of the photographic subject, so whether you like sneaking up on your subject, hiding from them in a blind, baiting them with food—use common sense," Court writes. "Don't compromise your subject, and respect the rights of others who may be enjoying seeing the animal at the same time."

MEL PRIESTLEY

MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

COMMENTARY Yesterday's letters to the editor are today's web comments, and we've compiled some feedback on Vue's recent stories. Do you have something to say? Join the conversation at vueweekly.com. Comments will be edited for grammar and clarity.

Re: Canada's multi-million dollar horse meat industry on the verge

of change Agree wholeheartedly. The same goes for any over-breeding. Just look at how many dogs are euthanized each month, not just here in Canada but in the US. Backyard breeders have free rein and are "developing" these mixed breeds that have not been health checked, temperament checked, with mother dogs probably

being bred every year as opposed as to once every two. Most of these dogs end up in shelters because they develop health issues that owners aren't willing to deal with or they develop behavioural issues that, again, owners are not prepared to deal with.

We need new laws.

– Danyelle [Ms] Priestley, Thank you for your painfully honest article about this horrifically abusive business that must end. You put your finger on the number-one problem in your last paragraph ... overbreeding. In the US, some states even incentivize backyard breeding of horses, and this must stop. There needs to be a serious discussion in the horse industry about being responsible. Closing the doors on horse slaughter as well as their transport to slaughter will force them to. We also need our own USDA to wake up and enforce the laws that already exist in the US to protect our equines.

– Claudia Completely agree—I would go as far to support government regulation so that there is some control. These are animals, not widgets we are producing, and we should not produce more animals than can be cared for and loved.

– Liz Innes The very last sentence in this article hit the nail on the head— "responsibility would suddenly be a way of life."

Just think—no more outlets for irre-

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sponsible breeders and private owners and the racing industry (to name a few) to throw away innocent horses and discard them like they don't matter. Every life matters and has value!

–Susan Lindberg Re: Exposing our persistent transphobia: Criticize Caitlyn Jenner all you want, but stop calling her a man.

You are free to refer to this person in any way you choose, thus is your free speech right, and I am allowed to refer to them in any way I choose, thus is my free speech right. The difference between you and me is that I will not demand you stop referring to him as a woman, to sate my own opinions. As a "journalist" I would expect you to implicitly believe in non-censorship of any individual's thoughts, ideas, words and actions. Again Ms Dryburgh does an exceptional job of demonstrating her intolerance of opposing opinion, an attitude more suited for a preacher than a student or journalist (I use this term loosely as you write opinion articles). By all means, refer to this individual by the gender description you choose to believe applies, and I will do the same.

As a firm believer in the sciences, I see a Y chromosome in black and white terms, with no grey area. But again, I do not expect you to shut up and alter your speech to sate my needs, and would appreciate a recognizance of others' rights to do the same. To quote Hall, "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it!" That is what tolerance is—a pity your education

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

never covered the topic properly.

– James D VanKoughnett Re: VuePoint: Refugee profiling Sorry, but this article also misses the mark. Your article, because it doesn't explore the ways that single men might be more advantaged than families and LGBTQ members, portrays them as completely at the mercy of all the other groups, which kind of sounds like MRAs who complain about the lack of men's shelters in the wake of numerous women's shelters that have been or are being built.

What you, and they, are thus ignoring, is the fact that cis hetero men are intruding into safe spaces created for and by groups that are marginalized because of these very same cis-hetero men. It puts marginalized groups at further risk and does nothing to address the systemic racist and sexist ideologies that create the problems in the first place. Another way that (both) you (and MRAs) could contribute to a solution, therefore, is by acknowledging that cis hetero males (whether married or unmarried) have advantages that other groups don't have and don't need to rely on the same assistance that is granted to marginalized groups, especially at their expense.

Finally, ISIS is a very conservative and fundamentalist Muslim organization that demands strict allegiance and adherence to its tenets and laws.

I have a very hard time imagining that such a terrorist would pose as a homosexual even as a way to enter other countries, legally. Thanks.

– Carla

VUEPOINT

KATE BLACK KATE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Death threats Disturbing online threats against Premier Rachel Notley have recently garnered attention from the RCMP. If you've been following the online firestorm surrounding Bill 6, this information is, sadly, hardly anything out of the ordinary.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean condemned the most recent string of violent threats against Notley in a December 11 statement. Some of the threats were posted on his own Facebook page, and have run the gamut of offensiveness.

"Someone's gotta man up and kill her, dibs out," one suggested. An-

other said farmers ought to "burn down parliament and put a pitchfork through notleys [sic] neck."

The massive outpouring of dissent following the announcement of Bill 6 suggests the Notley government did not properly consult with the communities the bill will affect most deeply. Threats such as these, though, suggest that the dissenting community is engaging in no more than a battle of ideology—not a bona fide political debate. Few of the countless memes and exasperated posts on Facebook pages, such as "Albertans against the NDP" or the now-

closed "farmers against NDP Bill 6" group, actually grapple with the meat of the political debate and the specifics of the bill. Rather, we see belabouring of the oppression of "socialism" and complaints about a government infringing on the mythical "real Alberta."

Many Albertans expend their energy trying to dispel myths about rural Alberta: we aren't that close-minded and we care about more than just trucks, oil and cows. This petty, violent misogyny, however, isn't doing us any favours—and it must be taken seriously.V

Gift the simplest of traditions,

sharing a meal

Your act of kindness can impact a lifetime.

Please donate today. ChristmasBureau.ca Thank you to: RingMaster Creative; Imagine That! Photographics

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UP FRONT 7

REVUE // LEBANESE

DISH

DISH EDITOR: MEL PRIESTLEY MEL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

THE ZA'ATAR ON THE MAN'OUCHE

Al Salam is a welcome part of Edmonton's culinary cultural mosaic

P

rior to the still-unfolding horrors of the Syrian war and the refugee crisis it precipitated, Canada welcomed many people from Lebanon fleeing a similar internecine conflict who have since taken their rightful place in Edmonton's cultural mosaic. They are our friends, our neighbours, our civic peers and community leaders, and—most importantly for the purposes of this column—they sometimes open restaurants and serve their fellow citizens the delicious foodstuffs of their ancestral homeland.

Al Salam Bakery & Restaurant, a slightly ramshackle conflation of

8 DISH

Lebanese grocery, take-out counter and family restaurant, is just such a place and one that seems to be keeping it homestyle, judging by the predominately Arab clientele.

Of course Al Salam serves shawarma and falafel, but it also offers less-familiar comestibles, as well as curious beverages both sublime (non-alcoholic malted apple drink) and dubious (ayran, aka salty yogurt masquerading as a drink). And if the environs fall short of fancy—blingobsessed Lebanese pop videos notwithstanding—the service is fast and friendly.

Man'ouche, the ubiquitous flat-

bread street food of Lebanon, gets its own heading on the menu—ours had been baked with olive oil and za'atar (thyme, sumac, sesame seeds and salt) and cut in wedges, a few sour green olives and sliced Roma tomatoes strewn across its fragrant surface. It was barely cool enough to eat, but we dug in all the same, revelling in its steamy savour with scorched fingertips—all for a mere three bucks. While za'atar is said to improve mental clarity—and who couldn't use more of that?—the culturally curious may also want to try man'ouche with authentic toppings like kishk (dried yogurt) or akawie (a

Lebanese feta variant).

The rest of the menu comprises halal pizzas, various kinds of roasted or kabob'ed meats served in a wrap or on a plate, depending on the size of your appetite, and nibbles like warrak ayreesh (stuffed grape leaves) and kibbe (fried balls of ground beef and bulgur).

Co-diner opted for a falafel wrap ($7.95), which I failed to obtain a bite of, but which she characterized as some of the better falafel she's had: crunchy but moist, not oily, and rolled up with those purple and green pickles that often

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

accompany good Lebanese food.

Strangely, those pickles did not appear as part of my mixed shawarma plate ($15.95), but I can't complain about what came on the side. The moment the basket containing a golden pita, fresh from the oven and puffed to football dimensions by its own steam, landed next to my platter, my whole life seemed to take a turn for the better. It held its shape as I tore off crisp yet fluffy chunks to mop up the creamy hummus, and to load with aromatically seasoned beef and/or chicken and fattoush salad, slathering it all with stealthily potent garlic sauce. The pita ren-

dered the heap of rice an entirely superfluous carb, but I ate it anyway.

After lunch, we wandered the aisles of the adjacent grocery, pricing out sauj bread, halawa, melakhia and preserved lemons. If you have a Middle Eastern cookbook like Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi's excellent Jerusalem: A Cookbook, Al Salam is just the place to find some of the heretofore unknown ingredients the recipes call for. We actually spent more on groceries than we did on our meal.

I'm not suggesting that we should expect an upsurge in Syrian restaurants around town sometime in the

Al Salam Bakery & Restaurant 10141 - 34 Avenue 780.461.5982 alsalamedmonton.com future—though I'd love to discover what makes Syria's cuisine distinct— but only that welcoming people from that region in the past has enriched our communities in all kinds of ways. That some of those ways are delicious and budget-friendly is, to coin a phrase, the za'atar on the man'ouche.

6

SCOTT LINGLEY

SCOTT@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

DISH 9

DISH TO THE PINT

JASON FOSTER // JASON@VUEWEEKLY.COM

The "in beer" for the new year

Vue's beer columnist predicts some of the upcoming trends in craft beer

Alley Kat and Big Rock have a new brew in store. // Meaghan Baxter

With 2016 just around the corner, many are already contemplating the coming year's big trends in fashion, food, hairstyles and so on. But no one, as far as I know, is talking about where the world of craft beer will go in the next 12 months—so let me share with you what I think the next big trends in beer will be.

After a few years of a big love affair with hops, in which IPAs and Double IPAs were the in-thing, I think we will see a counter-trend

Barrel-aged beer isn't for everyone, but I think what we will see is an increased effort to create beer that adds barrel character without being overpowering. Innis & Gunn, which is a highly commercialized version, has given some direction to craft breweries trying to make an accessible barrel-aged beer.

The final trend has been lurking for a while, but I think it is due for a breakout. Saison is a complex, historic style that has slowly been witnessing a resurgence in consumer interest. It is a notoriously difficult style to brew, but it has a light body, delicate spiciness and a refreshing body that makes it an interesting summer beer. The key in a good saison is a light, grainy malt touch combined with a light pepper character in the finish.

Good examples these days include Hennepin, Saison Dupont (a classic of the style) and Boulevard Tank 7.

But what I know is that there are a number of other breweries who are trying to perfect their recipe, meaning we will soon see a lot more saisons on the market.

Not all will be winners—as I say, it is a notoriously difficult style to brew—but I am certain consumers will see more saison in pubs and liquor stores. And I am pretty sure you won't be disappointed as it is an interesting, complex yet refreshing beer.

These are just some of the hot trends in beer. I believe there will be others that we don't yet anticipate. Any way you look at it, 2016 will be a good year in beer. V

ticed that some of the new breweries about to open in Alberta, including Blindman and Bench Creek (more on those another day) are anchoring their lineup around beer with hop flavour without over-thetop bitterness. I predict 2016 will be the year of hop character without hop bitterness.

The second reaction to big hop bombs is the resurgence of the malty beer. For a number of years, brown ales, amber lagers and other similar styles have struggled to get any attention from the beer consumer. They seemed too pedestrian and lacked the pizzazz of a big IPA. As consumers start to tire of big hoppy beers, they will start to re-introduce themselves to darker, maltier beer. However, I suspect that these new dark beers will add a bit of hop character to match the new normal. An example of this trend is the new collaboration beer between Edmonton's Alley Kat and Big Rock. They have just released Big Brown Cat, which they call a Northwest Brown Ale, meaning it is a brown ale—with biscuit, toffee and nutty notes—that has a bit more hop character—in this case a floral, earthy hop.

in the coming year. It will take two different directions to satisfy different parts of the market.

First, there will be the hoppy but not bitter beer. Yes, I know that sounds odd, but stick with me. A huge segment of beer consumers have gotten quite accustomed to hops. They like the bitterness that comes with an IPA and, as time goes along, they find they want more and more of it. The issue is that big, bitter beer exhausts the palate. The first one or two are

great, but after a while one cannot simply appreciate a big hop bomb.

In response to this phenomenon, some breweries have started producing beer that offers hop flavour and aroma, but scales back the bitterness. If you pick the right hops, you can create a beer that has an attractive citrus, floral flavour but lacks the cheek-puckering aspect of bitterness. In the last few months I have started to see more beers aiming for that balance, including Phillips Bottle Rocket. I also no-

Over the past couple of years, barrel-aged beer has been a growing segment. These are beers that are stored in oak barrels, usually previously filled with wine, port, bourbon or scotch, to add an extra dimension to the flavour. Oak-aged beer develops the character of the beverage previously stored in the barrel, along with some oak notes, which can include vanilla, wood or smoke. Some can also develop a tart character, as organisms in the barrel work on the beer.

Jason Foster is the creator of onbeer.org, a website devoted to news and views on beer from the prairies and beyond.

Tasty reviews locally sourced, so you won’t mind paying a little extra… attention that is SERVED UP EACH WEEK IN

DISH

VUEWEEKLY.com/dish 10 DISH

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

ARTS

ARTS EDITOR: PAUL BLINOV PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // BURLESQUE

A VERY BURLESQUE CHRISTMAS Edmonton Burlesque Events rings in the holidays with a mix of naughty and nice

A

s a burlesque performer, Kiki Quinn is used to meeting people who don't understand her particular art form.

"It's really hard to define burlesque," she says. "And it's not [in] the box that a lot of people think it is, with comparing us to strippers or even to cabaret or vaudeville."

For Quinn, burlesque is a manyheaded beast that delights in appropriating and playing with more established forms, irreverently subverting expectations.

"Something I like to tell my students when I teach them is burlesque is an all-inclusive art form that likes to take anything it can get its hands on and bastardize it," she says.

For anyone craving some tasteful titillation over the holidays, the Edmonton Burlesque Events Christmas Special will bring this subversive spirit to bear on our beloved yuletide traditions. "[In] this show we will have mostly Christmas-themed striptease performances," Quinn says. "There's going to be cabaret-style singalongs.

Some vaudeville performances. Some outrageously ridiculous high-energy bouncing reindeers. But it's all got some tease. A lot of satire. And a lot of theatricality."

This Christmas will be extra festive for the Edmonton burlesque community, which has just scored a victory for gender equality. In November, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission revised its regulations so that the exposure of female breasts is no longer considered nudity.

"We were excited to be able to do kick-lines after we've taken off gloves," Quinn says, of her community's reaction to the change. "Or to be able to show the same amount of flesh that our male counterparts can

A bit of burlesque for the holidays

// Meneldor Photography

Fri, Dec 18 & Sat, Dec 19 (10 pm) Edmonton Burlesque Events Christmas Special Brittany's Lounge, $15 (advance), $20 (door) show. And now we can do that. We'll actually be having a group of girls doing a reindeer routine where they are topless throughout the whole thing, with pasties and tassels on. And they actually get to be close together for this—legally."

Still, it's not as though attitudes towards burlesque have completely thawed. Quinn tried to find a local charity to sponsor at the event, only to be turned down by a number of organizations.

"It's kind of hard because there is misconceptions about what we do. Not a lot of places want to take money from us," she says. "But the Edmonton Burlesque Centre, because of the recent recession, has been hit a little bit hard and is having problems making it through the first year. So any donations we receive are going to go help towards the Edmonton Burlesque Centre."

As for the show itself, Quinn hopes that it will be able to straddle the line between nostalgia and naughtiness.

"It's going to bring back all the warm and fuzzies that I had as a kid, and I hope to bring that out in everybody else that comes. But still make you feel an adult, because it's going to be a little dirty. We're going to have a photo booth and drink specials and a little something special for everybody in the audience. We want everybody to feel warm and special when they leave."

BRUCE CINNAMON

BRUCE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // DANCE

Sisters in the Wild W

hen they met roaming the Junior High wing at Victoria School, Nicole Schafenacker and Ashley Johnson didn't immediately like each other. But, soon realizing that their houses were on the same block, the then-fledgling movement artists ended up making the daily trudge home from school together—the rest, they explain, is a shared history.

"She was my only way home," Johnson laughs.

The two spent many a teenage night roaming their Greenfield neighbourhood after sneaking out of their bedrooms, wandering the quiet streets and forming the memories for what would inspire their first col-

laboration, Sisters in the Wild.

A dozen or so years after their Grade 8 introduction, both have seen their creative paths go in different directions. Schafenacker has been keeping up her playwriting and performing habits here in Edmonton, and is currently working with the Citadel's Playwright's forum and instructing yoga classes. Johnson is now based out of Saskatoon, but the pair had been intending for years to collaborate—they just weren't sure how to define what they wanted to do.

"We were interested in creating work that was not taxing in a way," Johnson says. "Not dance and not theatre; something that was both,

Sat, Dec 19 & Sun, Dec 20 (8 pm) True Yoga (10050 – 81 Ave), Pay what you can but something that was neither."

Schafenacker describes that the impetus for Prairie House—their yearold performance company—also came out of a concern for creative burnout.

"The first times we went into process we would do hours and hours of continuum movement," she says, emphasizing that the fluid, exploratory practice is a foundation for their work with somatic technique.

OK, OK (record screeching noise)— let's try a primer on somatic movement.

"Somatic practice is the ability to be able to go through a sensory awareness of what's going on. So it's not just doing, but sensing while you're doing," Johnson says. "A lot of so-

matic work that is created now is not terribly accessible, so we were really looking at doing something that is interesting and engaging— that is stimulating and is a little bit out there, but that really helps the audience drop into their bodies."

The resulting piece is a compendium of memories from growing up in Alberta. Sisters in the Wild combines dance, theatre, text and somatic practice, and toured through Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, and a somatic movement festival in Los Angeles, before making its final stop in Edmonton, where it all began. For the upcoming shows, the pair will be joined by opening acts, including

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

spoken-word poet Liam Coady and ukulele-accordion duo Elena Belyea and Sarah C Louise.

After their performance in LA, the two were surprised at how "northern" it seemed to the audience (they were wearing plaid, they admit).

"It gave us such a different sense of place, and how much we source from place," Schafenacker says. "How we use the winter and the landscape and the change through the seasons.

It has a lot to do with coming of age and awareness. With somatics we're really trying to get people to slow down, to get people to sink into the performance."

FAWNDA MITHRUSH

FAWNDA@VUEWEEKLY.COM

ARTS 11

ARTS ARTIFACTS

PAUL BLINOV

PREVUE // THEATRE

// Katie Cutting, Lazy Kitten Productions

// PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Rigby Muldoon: Time Traveller for Hire

I

f you have a regret or two in life, or maybe just one moment in your past you wish you could go back and change, you might be in need of Rigby Muldoon: Time Traveller for Hire. Rigby, at least in his theatrical form, is appearing in Edmonton for a one-night-only performance this weekend, following up on a sold-out run at this year's Edmonton International Fringe Festival.

"It kind of all came from the title," admits Robyn Slack, local playwright and founding member of the comedy duo Success 5000. "We had that before anything else. The idea of a time traveller for hire was the initial concept. Honestly, when we went into the Fringe lottery in the first place that was basically all we had. So once we got wait-listed for a main-stage venue, that got me in gear to actually write the show, just in case we happen to get one,

A disgruntled department-store elf in The Santaland Diaries

Yule Ave / Fri, Dec 18 – Sun, Dec 20 For the last three years, Yule Ave focused on imbuing Alberta Avenue with an accessible take on the holiday spirit. Its fourth year is no different, scattering a weekends' worth of free, festive activities around the neighbourhood, from a free chilli dinner to theatre—the award-winning Blarney Productions offering its take on David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries—from ornament making to a horse-drawn wagon ride, from art installations to Christmas carolling on the street. There's even "Blue Christmas," wherein space is given for grief and loss in a time of year that rarely makes room for that.

Full schedule at yuleave.ca. (Various locations around Alberta Avenue, free) Best Little NFLD Christmas Pageant ... Ever! / Until, Wed, Dec 23 (7:30 pm; 2 pm matinee on Sat, Dec 19) Back for a sixth year, Whizgiggling Productions brings the East Coast to Edmonton with a family friendly holiday tale: it follows one beleaguered teacher, forced to take charge of the Christmas pageant, who grapples to make it all work as the Herdmans— "the worst kids in the world"— don't quite share the same idea of holiday spirits. (Backstage Theatre, $20 – $25) V

which we ultimately did."

With a film-noir feel and a sci-fi story, the show got fantastic reviews at the Fringe, and it quickly became difficult to find a ticket for its initial run. Now it's back for those who missed out, but this particular show doubles as a fundraiser, as Slack and company plan to turn the play into a full-length feature film.

"Being a science fiction and time travel kind of a story, that lends itself to film really well," Slack says. "It was neat to adapt it for the stage and do some of those crazy special effects live. But ultimately, I think it will be really interesting to see how we serve that on film and play with those genre tropes a little bit more on the screen."

They already have a few sets staked out, the cast on board, and

Love that Mary Poppins lasts.

Sat, Dec 19 (7 pm) Directed by Olivia Latta The Roxy on Gateway (formerly C103), $15 Slack is mid-way through the process of converting the script into a screenplay. With the performance on Saturday, they are starting the process of getting the funding they need in place.

In addition to the show, there will be a reception featuring some classic '90s video games, a silent auction, a DJ and a screening of a number of short films produced by Success 5000. So if you were one of the unfortunate Fringers that missed out on tickets this summer, this is your chance to make it right—no time travel required.

KATHLEEN BELL

KATHLEEN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // THEATRE

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12 ARTS

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taging a musical which has been adapted into a famous movie always poses a challenge. On one hand, you're guaranteed an enthusiastic crowd—audiences are drawn to see a story that they already know and love. On the other hand, your audience comes into the theatre with certain expectations for how things should look and sound, how their beloved characters should be depicted on stage.

"It's been very difficult to not let that affect too much how I want to play her," says Gianna Read, who portrays the practically perfect protagonist in Mary Poppins. "You try and take what Julie Andrews has made so iconic and put your own spin on it while still staying true to what she built of this character."

Read says that working with the

Festival Players' large cast has helped her delve into her character and take the notorious nanny in a new direction. Her portrayal of Mary might be a little more spicy than people remember.

"In my opinion she's really quite sassy, and she always knows what's happening, so I always like the sarcastic aspects of her," Read explains.

"Everything she says is very tonguein-cheek, and it takes everybody a second longer to get it. So I really like playing her sassy moments—and there's quite a few of them with Mr Banks."

Despite this sharper take on the character, the production will still honour the Mary Poppins that we all remember. The set, costumes and special effects—including some high-

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

11/16/15 3:56 PM

Thu, Dec 17 – Wed, Dec 30 (7:30 pm) Directed by Brian Bast Festival Place (Sherwood Park), $25 – $39 flying performances from Read—are appropriately fantastical, without just being a cookie-cutter replication of the movie's magical moments.

"The stage show does take a lot from the movie," Read notes. "The quintessential songs that you know and love are in the musical: 'Jolly Holiday,' 'Supercalifragilistic,' 'Feed the Birds.' All of those big ones, they're all in there. But the way that they've set up the show also takes from the original books. So the storyline is actually slightly different than the movie, so already the audience is going to be taken on a completely different journey than the movie does."

BRUCE CINNAMON

BRUCE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

ARTS WEEKLY

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

Dance Clara’s Dream…A Ukrainian folk ballet based on The Nutcracker • Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave • 780.455.9559 • shumka.com • Featuring the dance group Ukrainian Shumka Dancers with guests from Citie Ballet, Virsky & Kyiv Ballet.

Not only is Clara’s Dream a luxurious Christmas production loved by all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities, it is a true “Edmonton Nutcracker,” produced and performed by local artists • Dec 29-30, 7pm (2pm matinee on Dec 30)

Come Join the Dance-Sacred Circle Dance • Riverdale Hall, 92 St & 100 Ave • sackerman1@me.com • sacredcircledance.com • Nurture the body, mind, and soul with a variety of songs, music and movements. All dances are taught. Open nights are for everyone. No partner required • Every 2nd Wed, 7-9pm • $10

dance crush • Mile Zero Dance Company, Spazio Performativo, 10816-95 St • 780.424.1573 • milezerodance.com • Kathy Ochoa; "Dig" • This season MZD produces four performances with some favourite movementbased artists from across Canada. • Jan 22-23, 8pm • $15 (MZD members), $20 (non-members)

Fortier Danse-Création • Timms Centre for the Arts, University of Alberta, 87 Ave & 112 St NW • Exploring intimate relationships as an equation with several unknowns. Are they Lovers?

Clowns? Companions? • Jan 14-15

Misfit Blues • Timms Centre for the Arts, 87 Ave-112 St • 780.420.1757 • bwdc.ca • Featuring dance group Fortier Danse-Creation.

Fortier’s latest dance features himself and Robin Poitras (Regina), with a set by celebrated Aboriginal and Eduoard Poitras • Jan 15-16, 8pm • $35 (general admission), $20 (student/senior)

Patent Leather Burlesque's Underground Showcase • DV8 Tavern, 8130 Gateway Blvd NW • Dec 20, 8pm • $10

Shaping sounds • Alberta Ballet • 780.428.6839 • albertaballet.com • Created by Emmy Award-nominated choreographers Travis Wall, Nick Lazarrini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, Shaping Sound is an electrifying mashup of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers • Jan 12-13, 7:30pm Sugar Foot Ballroom • 10545-81 Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • Friday Night Stomp!: Swing and party music dance social every Fri; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome. Occasional live music–check web; $10, $2 (lesson with entry) • 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

FILM Cinema at the Centre • Stanley Milner Library Theatre, bsmt, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7070 • Film screening every Wed, 6:30pm • Free • Schedule: Holiday Inn (Dec 23), The Poseidon Adventure (Dec 30) From Books to Film • Stanley A. Milner, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7000 • epl.ca • Films adapted from books every Fri afternoon at 2pm • Schedule: Forrest Gump (Dec 18), Babes in Toyland (Dec 24 - airing at noon) Metro • Metro at the Garneau Theatre, 8712109 St • 780.425.9212 • Reel Family Cinema: Home Alone 25th Anniversary (Dec 19), The Wizard of Oz (Dec 26) • Marilyn - A tribute to Marilyn Monroe: Some Like It Hot (Dec 19-21) • They Came from Projector X: The War of the Worlds (Dec 26, 27, 30) • DEDfest: A Christmas Horror Story (Dec 20, 22) • Turkey Shoot: Fantastic Four (Dec 17)

galLeries + Museums ACUA Gallery & Artisan Boutique • 9534-87 St • 780.488.8558 • info@acuarts.ca • acuarts.ca • Handmade Ukrainian Christmas ornaments workshop; Dec 19, 12-2:30pm; $40 (member), $45 (non-member)

ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL GALLERY • 10186-106 St • 780.488.6611 • albertacraft. ab.ca • Masterworks: signature pieces by some

of Alberta’s brightest fine craft stars; Oct 10-Dec 24 • A Place for Everything: artwork by Terry Hildebrand; Jan 9-Feb 6

Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) • 2 Sir

Multicultural Centre Public Art Gallery (MCPAG)–Stony Plain • 5411-51 St, Stony Plain • multicentre.org • Artificial Bionomics: artwork by Stephanie Jonsson; Nov 26-Jan 8

Winston Churchill Sq • 780.422.6223 • youraga. ca • Tyler Los-Jones: A Panorama Protects its View: until Jan 31 • Sincerely Yours: By Alberta artist Chris Cran; Sep 12-Jan 3 • Rough Country: The strangely familiar in mid-20th century Alberta art; Oct 3-Jan 31 • Living Building Thinking: Art and Expressionism; Oct 24-Feb 15 • She's All That: artwork by Dana Holst; Oct 24-Feb 15 • Fabric: Charrette Roulette; Nov 21-Apr 10 • Artist in Conversation: Western Medicine: Social justice, universal meaning and the role of art; Jan 20 • Curator’s Walkthrough: The Blur In Between; Jan 24 • Open Studio Adult Drop-In: Wed, 7-9pm; $18/$16 (AGA member) • All Day Sundays: Art activities for all ages; Activities, 12-4pm; Tour; 2pm • Late Night Wednesdays: Every Wed, 6-9pm • Art for Lunch: 3rd Thu of the month, 12:1012:50pm

• paintspot.ca • Artisan nook: Bishoujo Gallery: artwork by Chris Jugo’s exhibition of ‘the pretty gals of anime and manga; Nov 19-Jan 4 • Naess Gallery: Mighty Chroma!: artwork by Patricia Coulter, Meghan MacMillan, Michael Conforti; Nov 19-Jan 4

Art Gallery Of St Albert (AGSA) •

Peter Robertson Gallery • 12304

19 Perron St, St Albert • 780.460.4310 • artgalleryofstalbert.ca • Night Hours: artwork by The Collection of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts; Dec 3-Jan 30

Musée Héritage Museum • St Albert Place, 5 St Anne Street, St Albert • MuseeHeritage.ca • 780.459.1528 • museum@ artsandheritage.ca • Take Your Best Shot: Youth Photo Contest; Nov 20-Jan 24 Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts • 9225-118 Ave • 780.474.7611 • volunteer@ thenina.ca • Joyeux Visages: Ceramic masks from the Nina Collective; Nov 9-Dec 23

Paint Spot • 10032-81 Ave • 780.432.0240

Jasper Ave • 780.455.7479 • probertsongallery. com • Hold My Beer and Watch This...: Artwork by Scott Cumberland; Dec 5-Dec 22

Provincial Archives of Alberta

Bleeding Heart Art Space • 9132-118 Ave • dave@bleedingheartartspace.com • Waiting Room: A multimedia installation by Alysha Chreighton; Nov 21-Jan 16

• 8555 Roper Road • PAA@gov.ab.ca • 780.427.1750 • culture.alberta.ca/paa/ eventsandexhibits/default.aspx • Voices from Our Past: artwork by Katherine Braid; Sep 25-Jan 23

BUGERA MATHESON GALLERY • 10345-124

Scotia Place • Foyer, 10060 Jasper Ave

St • bugeramathesongallery.com •Winter Show: featuring gallery artists; Dec 12-31

Cafe Blackbird • 9640-142 St • 780.451.8890 • cafeblackbird.ca • Artwork by Bernadette McCormack; Nov 30-Jan 3

• Mountain High: artwork by Donna Miller.

Presenting an exhibition of recent large colourful acrylic on canvas paintings of Rocky Mountain moments • Nov 17-Jan 6

sNAP Gallery • Society of Northern Alberta Print­-Artists, 10123-121 St • 780.423.1492 • snapartists.com • Snap Members Show & Sale; Nov 21-Dec 19

Creative Practices Institute • 10149-122 St, 780.863.4040 • creativepracticesinstitute.com • Above the Clouds: artwork by Aryen Hoekstra; Jan 21-Feb 27; Opening reception: Jan 21, 7-9pm; Reading and discussion group: Jan 24

SPRUCE GROVE ART GALLERY • 35-5 Ave, Spruce Grove • 780.962.0664 • alliedartscouncil. com • Fireplace Room: Chico Bulmer; through Dec

dc3 Art Projects • 10567-111 St • 780.686.4211 • dc3artprojects.com • Exhibiting Sound; Oct 14-Nov 14 • Téte Jaune; Nov 18-Dec 19

Telus World of Science • 11211-142

124 St • douglasudellgallery.com • Art Collectors’ Starter Kit Show; Dec 12-26

St • telusworldofscienceedmonton.com • Free$117.95 • Beyond Rubik's Cube; Nov 7-Feb 15 • The Science Garage: new gallery opening in Dec • The International Exhibition Of Sherlock Holmes; Mar 25, 2016-Sep 5, 2016

Drawing Room • 10253-97 St •

U of A Museums • Human Ecology Bldg

Douglas Udell Gallery (DUG) • 10332-

780.760.7284 • admin@drawingroomedmonton. com • facebook.com/groups/unwindwednesday • Unwind Wednesdays: A weekly yarn circle.

Intended for both beginners and those proficient in craft. Affordable supplies will be available by donation to The Drawing Room, but please feel free to bring your own • Every Wed, 3-7pm until Dec 23 • Free (supplies available for purchase)

Enterprise square galleries • 10230 Jasper Ave • Open: Thu-Fri, 12-6pm, Sat 12-4pm • Do It Yourself: Collectivity and Collaboration in Edmonton; Nov 28-Mar 5

front gallery • 12323-104 Ave •

Gallery, Main Fl, 116 St, 89 Ave • museums@ ualberta.ca • museums.ualberta.ca • Thu-Fri: 12-6pm; Sat: 12-4pm • Brain Storms: UAlberta Creates: hundreds of creative and visually inspiring works from University of Alberta Alumni in support of the University of Alberta Alumni Association centenary; Sep 25-Jan 23

VAA Gallery • 3rd Fl, 10215-112 St • visualartsalberta.com • Gallery A: Cultural Exchange; Dec 3-Feb 27 • Gallery B: Alberta Artists Collect Alberta Art; Dec 3-Feb 27

VASA Gallery • 25 Sir Winston Churchill Ave, St Albert • 780.460.5990 • vasa-art.com • Members Winter Exhibition; Dec 1-Jan 29

thefrontgallery.com • Family Art Night & Live Music By 'Abandon Your Town'; Dec 17, 7-9pm

Gallery@501 • 501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park • 780.410.8585 • strathcona.ca/artgallery • Land Shadows: artwork by Annette Sicotte; Nov 6-Dec 20 • Lake, Land, and Sky: artwork by Annnette Sicotte; Nov 6-Dec 20

Gallery at Milner • Stanley A. Milner Library Main Fl, Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.944.5383 • epl.ca/art-gallery • Gallery at Milner walls: shrug: Graphite on paper drawings

by Glynis Wilson Boultbee; through Dec • Teak Cases: Illustrating the Journey of Rutherford the Time-Travelling Moose; through Dec • PlexiGlass Cubes: Just Christmas: crafts by artists involved with Just Christmas; through Dec

Harcourt House Gallery • 3 Fl, 10215112 St • 780.426.4180 • Main space: Natural Science: Jennifer Willet; Dec 3-Jan 21 • Riki Kuropatwa's Collide; Dec 3-Jan 22

Jurassic Forest/Learning Centre • 15 mins N of Edmonton off Hwy 28A, Township Rd 564 • Education-rich entertainment facility for all ages

West End Gallery • 10337-124 St • 780.488.4892 • westendgalleryltd.com • Annual Winter Collection Group Exhibition: featuring works by Peter Shostak, Annabelle Marquis, Claudette Castonguay, Peter Wyse and more; Nov 21-Dec 24 • Adorned with Art: Painters include Claudette Castongauy, Rod Charlesworth, Irene Klar, Richard Cole, Brent Laycock, Raynald Leclerc and more; Nov 28-Dec 31

Literary The Carrot’s Poetry Night • The Carrot,

Latitude 53 • 10242-106 St • 780.423.5353 • latitude53.org • Main Space: Clean, Fit, and Decease Free: artwork by Shan Kelley; Dec 4-Jan 16 • ProjEx Room: Win, Place, and Show: artwork by Lisa Turner; Dec 4-Jan 16

McMULLEN GALLERY • U of A Hospital, 8440-112 St • 780.407.7152 • friendsofuah. org/mcmullen-gallery • The Steamfitter's Guide: artwork by Robin Smith-Peck; Dec 12-Feb 7

life of a Santaland department store elf and other wildly inappropriate North Pole personalities • Dec 10-21, 7:30pm

SCRIPT SALON • Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Upper Arts Space, 10037-84 Ave • A monthly play reading series: 1st Sun each month with a different play by a different playwright

Die-Nasty • The Backstage Theatre at the ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330-83 Ave • communications@varsconatheatre.com • die-nasty.com • Live improvised soap opera • Runs every Mon, 7:30-9:30pm • Until May 30, 2016 (no show Dec 21 or 28) • $14 or $9 with a $30 membership; at the door (cash) or at tixonthesquare.com

TALES–Monthly Storytelling Circle • 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: Most Mon (except holidays), 7pm, Sep-Mar; presented by the Stroll of Poets Society • $5 (door)

Theatre 11 O'Clock Number • The Backstage Theatre, 10330-84 Ave (North Side of the ATB Financial Arts Barns) • 90 minutes of improvised entertainment that unveils scenes, songs and choreographed numbers completely off the cuff based on audience suggestions • Every Fri, starting Sep 25-Jun 25, 11pm (No performances on Dec 25 and Jan 1, 8 & 15) • $15 (online, at the door) • grindstonetheatre.ca

Amahl and the Night Visitors • South Pointe Community Centre, 11520 Ellerslie Road • operanuova.ca/amahl-and-the-night-visitors • The story focuses on a young boy, Amahl, who offers the only possession he has, his crutch, as a gift for the wise men to take to the Christ Child • Dec 18-19, 7:30-8:30pm • $22 (adult), $20 (senior), $15 (student), $10 (kids 10 and under)

A christmas carol • Shoctor Theatre, Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave • 780.425.1820 • citadeltheatre.com • Now in its 16th consecutive season, this beautiful adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a favourite holiday tradition for thousands of Edmonton families • Nov 28-Dec 23

Christmas Carol Project • Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330-84 Ave NW • carolproject.com • As part of their 20th anniversary farewell tour. A musical interpretation of Dickens’ classic tale • Dec 18, 7:30pm • $35 (adv), $40 (door)

Back To The 80S: A Most Excellent Musical Adventure • Mayfield Dinner Theatre, 16615-109 Ave NW • mayfieldtheatre.ca • Amongst all the bad movies, hairdos, fads and faux pas of this much maligned decade some of the greatest pop tunes of all time were realized • Nov 10-Jan 31

The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant....Ever! • Varscona Backstage Theatre, 10330-84 Ave • A seemingly dull task for Mrs. O’Brien, who has been put in charge of the pageant when the original leader, Mrs. Armstrong, breaks her leg. What could be so hard? It’s always the same Mary and Joseph and it’s always the same Christmas carols, but no one was expecting the Herdmans (the worst kids in the world) to show up for the auditions! What has the potential to be the worst pageant ever turns out to be the best one • Dec 17-23 • $21.75-$27

Bravo • Backstage Theatre 10330-84 Ave •

By Blaine Newton (a world premiere). A Japanese fisherman caught in the fall out of an American nuclear detonation. A dispassionate anthropologist teaching the effects of radiation on human populations. A cynical politician out to protect his country no matter what the cost. Weaving back and forth between the notorious 1954 Pacific nuclear tests and the present day, Bravo is a captivating drama that compassionately explores decisions that changed the world and their all too human consequences • Jan 20-Feb 7

9351-118 Ave • A wonderful time to share your work and enjoy a night out with an encouraging crowd • Dec 17, 7:30-9pm

canoe 2016 • Backstage Theatre,

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

ATB Financial Art Barns, 10330-84 Ave • 780.477.5955 • workshopwest.org • Presented

by Workshop West. This annual Mardi Gras of theatre once again will feature the best boundarybending theatre performances from around the corner to around the globe • Jan 27-Feb 7

Naked Cyber Café • 10303-1008 St • The

chelsea hotel • Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave • 780.425.1820 • citadeltheatre.com • With extraordinary new arrangements, six performers play 17 instruments in a knockout tribute to Leonard Cohen's most transcendent songs • Jan 13-24

Spoken Word: Featuring writers and an open mic for performances for short stories, book excerpts, poems • 1st Wed ea month, 7:30pm

Lando Gallery • 103, 10310-124 St • 780.990.1161 • landogallery.com • December Group Selling Exhibition; through Dec

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

Naked Girls Reading • Brittany's Lounge, 10225-97 St NW • 780.691.1691 • There will be different themes each month • Every 2nd Tue of month, 8:30-10:30pm • $20 (door); 18+ only 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

Scrambled YEG • Brittany's Lounge, 1022597 St • 780.497.0011 • Open Genre Variety

Chimprov • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828-101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Rapid Fire Theatre’s longform comedy show: improv formats, intricate narratives, and one-act plays • Every Sat, 10pm • $12 (door or buy in adv at TIX on the Square) • Until Jun

David Sedaris' Santaland Diaries • Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, 9225-118 Ave • yuhleave.ca • An adults-only play about the

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 17 – dec 23, 2015

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage • Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-87 Ave NW • It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort’s staff quarters, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort’s sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby’s life changes forever when she is thrown in to the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady, both on-stage and off • Jan 5-10

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins • Festival Place, 100 Festival Way • 780.449.3378 • festivalplace.ab.ca • Jane and Michael Banks have driven away just about every nanny that comes to the door, until Mary Poppins flies in! Along with the lovable chimney sweep Burt, she helps the Banks family find love and value in one another • Dec 17-30, 7:30pm (with 2pm matinees on Sat & Sun) • $25 (kids), $39 (adult)

flora & fawna's field trip • Northern Light Theatre, 201, 8908-99 St • 780.471.1586 • northernlighttheatre.com • In the Fringe smashhit play, best friends Flora and Fawna (along with their pal, Fleurette) are creating a safe place for girls just like them by launching the NaturElles, a social group with a difference. • Jan 15-23

Improv Open Jam • Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037-84 Ave • grindstonetheatreyeg@ gmail.com • grindstonetheatre.ca/openjam.html • A space to share, swap games and ideas. For all levels • Last Tue every month until Jun 28, 7-9:30pm • Free

It's a Wonderful Life • C103, 8529 Gateway Blvd • theatrenetwork.ca • A live radio drama • Dec 17-20 MAESTRO • Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A Ave • Rapid Fire Theatre • Improv, a high-stakes game of elimination that will see 11 improvisers compete for audience approval until there is only one left standing • 1st Sat each month, 7:30-9:30pm • $12 (adv at rapidfiretheatre.com)/$15 (door) The Social Scene • Citadel Theatre, 9828101A Ave • grindstonetheatreyeg@gmail.com • grindstonetheatre.ca/scenestudy.html • Fellow theatre lovers share excerpts of plays that they have been reading • First Mon of every month, 6-8pm; until Jun 6 • Free Star Warz: A Galactic Rock Comedy • Jubilations Dinner Theatre, West Edmonton Mall, Phase II West Edmonton Mall, 8882-170 St • jubilations.ca • It is a period of galactic civil war! There are rebels with spaceships, Jedi with lightsabers, a princess, a smuggler, and robots, the Evil Darth Vador and singing… yes you heard me… singing of your favorite galactic rock tunes of the 70’s and 80’s. May the force be with you • Oct 30-Jan 30

TeatroQ New Years • Backstage Theatre • 10330-84 Ave NW • 780.433.3399 • teatroq. com/new-years • A unique event, filled with elegant amusements, celebratory music, and a special premiere offering from Stewart Lemoinea small play with a very large cast • Dec 31 • $28, $25 (student/senior), $22 (subscribers) TheatreSports • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828-101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Improv • Every Fri, 7:30pm and 10pm • Sep-Jun • $12/$10 (member) at TIX on the Square Ursa major • Backstage Theatre, ATB Financial Art Barns, 10330 84 Ave • 780.477.5955 • workshopwest.org • Presented

by Workshop West. After a horrific car accident, a retired couple must decide how to best deal with the injuries they've sustained. Based on a true story of the Dart sister's grandparents, Ursa Major is a powerful and moving story of love and devotion, and the strange world that exists between consciousness and unconsciousness • Jan 27-Feb 7

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? • Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave • 780.425.1820 • citadeltheatre.com • An American theatre classic, Edward Albee's scorching tale of an embittered marriage was the Citadel's very first production in 1965. This new 50th-anniversary production will star prominent Canadian actors Brenda Robins and Tom Rooney • Jan 23-Feb 16

arts 13

POP // STAR WARS

H

oly hell, Star Wars! It's back!

This weekend!

Now that that's out of the way: The Force Awakens arrives in theatres to somewhat desperate, definitely massive expectations. They impose upon it like a Super Star Destroyer: the seventh entry in the legendary space-opera series, the first in the hands of director J J Abrams and Disney (and the first Star Wars film without George Lucas), follows the underwhelming prequel trilogy with what fans hope is the equivalent of a reset button and what Disney hopes is a cash-cow forevermore.

One part of that hoping seems virtually guaranteed: the film's box-office dominance is all but assured (there's somewhere around 100 opening-weekend screenings in Edmonton alone; the also-ran competition opening its up against this weekend is Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip and, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's new comedy, Sisters).

Actual, tangible plot information is pretty scarce, though, barring the reviews that are only now starting to trickle out: Abrams and company have kept particularly tight-lipped on plot points. We know the metadata—the cast, which actors are returning (if not how major their roles are), some new characters, and vague leitmotif-y ideas ("Who are you?")— and the trailers hint at the broad plot, but most has been left to our imaginations.

There was also no early Edmonton press screening for the movie, so we're going use that lack of information and run with it: this is our Star Wars: The Force Awakens plot-pointand-other-detail betting sheet. We've generated a mix of predictions for the film, ranging from actually kind of probable (I think, anyway) to a

14 POP

POP

ARTS EDITOR: PAUL BLINOV PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

little more outlandish in nature, and estimated their likelihood, in oddsagainst format.

It seems necessary to stress this here: there are no actual spoilers in this article, or at least not that we're aware of—if we're right on anything, well, pay up, betters. But it also references what's been seen in the trailers, so if that doesn't seem like your ideal pre-Force Awakens viewing read, maybe skip ahead. For the rest of you, though, feel free play along: Han never wanted to be told the odds, but, well, he was always broke and nearly dying.

Bets: If you see The Force Awakens on opening weekend, everyone cheers like giddy maniacs when the title scroll starts. (1:1. Like, I get it, but c'mon.)

There is no title scroll. (100:1) J J Abrams maintains George Lucas' tradition of swipe-based scene edits.

(3:1) In the aftermath of Return of the Jedi, The Rebel Alliance tried to form some sort of galactic government, but failed, leading us to a more-orless chaotic galaxy (4:1) …or it didn't fail, but either wasn't prepared for that, or became corrupted over time. Now it's basically another Empire, but with less money and control. (6:1) We visit any of the following planets: Tatooine (1:1), Coruscant (3:1), Dagobah (3:1), Naboo (3:1), Yavin-4 (5:1), Hoth (10:1), The Forest Moon of Endor (10:1), Endor itself (20:1— finally!).

Rey turns out to be the daughter of someone from the original films. (3:1)

Luke namedrops Yoda at some point.

(6:1)

Finn, featured prominently in the trailer in both Stormtrooper armor and more roguish garb, ends up piloting the Millennium Falcon. (4:1)

When Han says, "Chewie, we're home," it's because they've been lost in space for years. (50:1)

Someone is revealed as someone else's father. (5:1) "The Imperial March" plays if/when said revelation happens. (1:1) Mysterious, masked villain Kylo Ren is revealed to be Luke Skywalker gone full Sith Lord. (5:1) Adam Driver was effectively cast as Kylo Ren as a ruse to hide the nature of Mark Hamill's involvement. (10:1).

Someone says, "I've got a bad feeling about this." (8:1) Someone starts to say, "I've got a bad feeling about this," but gets cut off before they finish. (5:1; same goes for any other classic lines.)

Someone's bad feeling is thoroughly justified by whatever happens next.

(2:1) One the original trio of heroes (Han, Luke, Leia) dies before the end of the movie. (5:1) One of the major supporting cast— Chewie, C-3PO, etc—dies before the end of the movie. (4:1) A force ghost appears to give someone some philisophical, beyond-thegrave Jedi advice. (5:1) Is it Yoda? It's probably Yoda. (5:1)

When Han says, "Chewie, we're home," it's because they've been in some Jumanji-like space trap for years. (100:1) Either way, how's he been shaving?

With a blaster? (100:1; badass) A mummified Darth Vader skull has been issuing commands to Kylo Ren from beyond the grave like some vile force vampire. (80:1) Wedge shows up as part of a X-Wing squadron. (2:1) Boba Fett just plain shows up. (3:1; fan service!)

C-3PO seems to miss obvious connections between the events of previous films and this one, thus maintaining his role as the Star Wars universe's most unassuming and scatterbrained historian. (5:1; classic 3PO!) R2-D2 lies to someone in order to progress the plot. (5:1; classic R2!)

BB-8 takes on the R2 role of lying to someone in order to progress the plot. (6:1) A Gungan is mentioned, shown, or otherwise acknowledged as part of the canon. (50:1) Jar Jar Binks himself has a cameo.

(500:1)

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

Jar Jar turns out to be an integral part of the plot. (1000:1; damnit, Abrams) There is a post-credits Marvel tie-in ... (100:1) ... Featuring Thanos ... (200:1) ... Paving the way for the most massive multi-franchise tie-in ever recorded in history, much like Patton Oswalt predicted in that Parks and Recreation episode. (200:1; I mean, Disney does own Marvel studios ... ) The plot of The Force Awakens is verbatim what Patton Oswalt predicted in that Parks and Recreation episode.

(400:1) At the end of the movie, the events of The Force Awakens turn out to have all been a dream of Qui'Gon Jinn. He awakens en route to the Trade Federation ship and the events of The Phantom Menace, making The Force Awakens a prequel to the prequel movies. (100:1) But, like, a dream prequel, playing out in the dreamscape (force-scape?) that runs concurrent to the prequel movies, with the dream-world starting to threaten the waking one, setting the stage for episode eight or nine to be like Back to the Future 2, with the "dream" versions of characters trying not be seen by their waking selves. (3720:1) I mean, Master Jedi already have visions and can manifest as/see ghosts.

If they can transcend the limits of corporeal forms, why not the waking/ sleeping divide? (3720:1)

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

POPCULTURE HAPPENINGS

HEATHER SKINNER // SKINNER@VUEWEEKLY.COM

It's own-movie-clobberin' time!

Open Door Comics Creator Meetings / Thu, Dec 17, (7 pm) There are days when writer’s (or artist’s) block just happens—which can delay a story from seeing its true potential. Happy Harbor is hosting an event that allows artists and writers to meet up, gather new ideas and skills, and share projects that are in development. The event is aimed at those of any skill level. (Happy Harbor Comics, Free) Turkey Shoot: Fantastic Four / Thu, Dec 17, (9:30 pm) The 2015 reboot for the Fantastic Four performed so terribly at the box office that 20th Century Fox removed the planned sequel—which had been announced before this first film hit theatres—from its release schedule.

This box-office bomb will be joining Metro Cinema’s Turkey Shoot lineup, featuring a live nerd-rage commentary, trivia, prizes and more. (Metro Cinema at the Garneau)

Turkish Star Wars / Fri, Dec 18 (11:30 pm) & Sun, Dec 27 (9:15 pm) Back when it was released in 1982, Dünyayı Kurtaran Adam, better known as Turkish Star Wars, was panned by critics for an incoherent storyline, meager performances and the use of stock footage and music from a variety of movies and newsreel clips. Fast-forward to today, and the film enjoys a strong cult following. While it borrowed background footage from Star Wars— and despite the name—it’s actually completely unrelated: it follows two space cadets who crash-land on a desert planet, where an evil wizard seeks to take over the world.

(Metro Cinema at the Garneau) V

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POP 15

REVUE // WUXIA

FILM

FILM EDITOR: PAUL BLINOV PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Love or duty?

The Assassin is narratively opaque, but meticulously rewarding Fri, Dec 18 – Tue, Dec 29 The Assassin Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien Metro Cinema at the Garneau 

with the volleying of power within a scene of confrontation. Every other scene seems to be staged beneath a palimpsest of gauze. The Assassin is Hou's first wuxia film, and he embraces it with artisanal devotion, but this ancient populist genre's typically intricate but easily comprehendible plots are clearly not the basis of Hou's interest. Rather, it is the underlying primal ethical dilemma and the ritualistic viol=ence that animates The Assassin, and these forces build in tandem over the course of the film, climaxing with the unified might of a symphony.

N

ie Yinniang (Shu Qi) is our titular heroine, lithe, swift, beautiful and young, unwavering in gait or gesture, the one you would best choose to extinguish your life were you among the condemned and so lucky as to have your pick. We are in ninth-century China. Yinniang's home province of Weibo is in revolt against imperial authority. Yinniang is dispatched to Weibo to liquidate Tian

Ji'an (Chen Chang), a local sovereign who also happens to be Yinniang's cousin. To whom should Yinniang remain loyal, the quiet mentor to whom she has thus far been devoted and who has charged her with this brutal task? Or the blood relative who, after all, seems like an intelligent, accomplished, perhaps even fair-minded man?

I've opted to frontload this review

with a bit of synopsis because, characteristic of the films of Hou Hsiaohsien (Three Times, Millennium Mambo, Flowers of Shanghai), The Assassin, though based on a Tang Dynasty story, is fiercely reluctant to emphasize narrative, choosing instead to employ allusion and ellipses whenever possible and focus its energies on vivid yet hushed atmospherics, on tempered emotions and on the craft-

ing of truly exquisite soundscapes and images laden with countless details and ever-shifting light and colour. There is something deeply mesmerizing about, say, the placement of a pomegranate on a table under the undulating light coming from behind a diaphanous curtain, or the way the camera of Mark Lee Ping Bin (In the Mood for Love) pans woozily from side to side, just slightly out of synch

I know there are those who look to martial arts period films for certain bedrock generic thrills and thus may become frustrated by the narrative opacity of The Assassin. All I can suggest is to try and come to this extraordinary, rapturous work—as much a sequence of meticulous paintings and soundtracks as a movie per se—with expectations in check, eyes wide open and ears tuned in. Everything you really need to follow the story will be provided, but what satisfactions await you are so much more glorious and memorable than those of just another well-told tale.

JOSEF BRAUN

JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

REVUE // HISTORICAL DRAMA

In the Heart of the Sea A

Call me Ish—wait, what was that?

16 FILM

historical-drama take on Herman Melville's whale of an American tale, Moby-Dick, In the Heart of the Sea's helmed by Ron Howard, who's already played with fire (Backdraft), aerospace (Apollo 13) and the unearthly awful Da Vinci Code franchise. But it's the images here which lash and last; the story creaks and groans.

It's 1850; Melville (Ben Whishaw) visits former cabin-boy Thomas Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) for his story of the Essex. And so: there once was a man from Nantucket ... named Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth). Chase, born a "landsman," joins the refitted Essex in 1819 as first mate, under George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) because he was born with bluewater blood. (Yet Chase wrote the 1821 book about the Essex disaster that Melville relied much on for his masterpiece.)

Now playing Directed by Ron Howard  A squall damages the ship, but the men sail 'round the Horn, into the desolate midst of the South Pacific, still whale-hunting for oil, only to come upon a huge, mottled white beast ...

Anthony Dod Mantle's cinematography is brilliant here. The camera tilts at times, so we seem to be listing with the ship. Objects come to the foreground: a corncob licked by a dog on the street; a rope unwhipping around a post; scrimshaw carved below-deck; a block of fresh-cut whale blubber.

Adding to the Romantic gloom are blurred glimpses through windows, the sun-struck haze of seastranded sailors and the roil of ocean—as if we're looking back at this past through a water-sloshed spyglass, darkly.

modern, though. Nickerson's the veteran reluctant to tell his trauma; Chase's the doomed soldiertype off to battle. These whalers can swim when scant few could then. A post-spearing scene of blood-sprayed faces seems Greenpeacenik in its eco-shame. (In fact, an Essex sailor set fire, as a prank, to what's now Floreana Island, leaving it scorched-earth for years and likely hastening the extinction of a native tortoise and a native mockingbird.) Comparisons to today's oil-thirst are harpooned home— Nickerson says he's heard of "oil from the ground—fancy that." Ultimately, this sea-saga's rousing visually, but its "true story" is nowhere near as spirited as outright fiction can be—Melville's book is the great American proof of that.

The simpler story's too rote and

BRIAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

BRIAN GIBSON

5 EC 2IDAYS! D ED L

ASPECTRATIO

S O CLO PPY H

HA

JOSEF BRAUN // JOSEF@VUEWEEKLY.COM

LEGEND

FRI–WED 9:10PM SAT, SUN & THURS MATINEES 3:30PM

RATED: 14A COARSE LANGUAGE, BRUTAL VIOLENCE

TRUMBO

RATED: 14A MATURE SUBJECT MATTER

RATED: 14A COARSE LANGUAGE

Old Bull Lee

Burroughs illuminates the Beat author's troubling contradictions

illiam S Burroughs was never only a writer, at least not to those of us who grew up under the sway of his cryptic pronouncements, perverse provocations, satirical shtick and spare but immensely evocative odes to an irretrievable past. Burroughs, the author of Naked Lunch, Junky, Queer, The Wild Boys and Cities of the Red Night, among other titles, was a peculiarly gifted raconteur with perhaps the most distinctive cadences of any literary figure. His nasal drawl, phrasing and stillness mirrored the deadpan, often abbreviated nature of his prose, sentences that could be woven together or simply hover on their own in the air like heavy smoke. When giving readings, which he did often in the 1970s and '80s, sometimes at punk-rock clubs, he could come off as some charmingly sinister grandpa charged with the task of coolly reporting on the looming apocalypse.

Burroughs' practice was as much that of a jazz musician or stand-up comic as a man of letters: routines, characters and certain enigmatic strings of words could creep into anything he placed on paper or uttered for an audience, like motifs in the masternarrative that was his entire body of work. To emphasize the impact of Burroughs as performer isn't to diminish Burroughs' literary achievements—which are still commonly dismissed against the wrong criteria—or to reduce him to a counterculture celebrity; rather, it is simply

ROOM FRI–WED 6:45PM SAT, SUN & THURS MATINEES 1:00PM

FRI–WED 6:50PM & 9:20PM SAT, SUN & THURS MATINEES 2:30PM

Allen Ginsberg and William S Burroughs, just hangin' out

W

FRI, DEC. 18–THUR, DEC. 24

to celebrate the magnetic strangeness of the entire package of voice, image, words and presence that is Burroughs' art. Which is something that Howard Brookner's Burroughs: The Movie (1983) does beautifully.

This superbly engaging documentary portrait has recently been restored and is now available from Criterion.

Brookner began the film in 1978, enlisting the help of his friends and fellow NYU film students Jim Jarmusch and Tom DiCillo, who worked sound and camera respectively, as well as James Grauerholz, Burroughs' manager and most intimate friend by that point in his life. Looking at the material gathered and edited down to 90 minutes after over four years of shooting, it's clear that Brookner's interests in his subject went far beyond the lurid legend. Burroughs was (and is) as famous for his drug addiction, his complicated sexual identity and the accidental shooting of his wife, Joan Vollmer—which in some sense prompted him to become a writer— as he was for his frequently controversial texts. But Brookner endeared himself to Burroughs and earned his trust, so extremely troubling contradictions are addressed. Burroughs opens up about his profound regrets regarding Vollmer in one scene, yet cheerfully displays the firearms he continued to collect and use (on the firing range). He visits his St Louis childhood home and the family's bythen 89-year-old African-American

gardener, who fondly recalls how little William was always happy to help out in the yard and play with the gardener's son in an era when white folks of Burroughs' stature were not to get so cozy with blacks. We see Burroughs be very affectionate with friends—including Allen Ginsberg, who in the late '70s kind of looked like Bozo—yet struggle to relate to his brother or his own woefully neglected son, also a gifted writer who died far too young as a result of his own addictions. We see Burroughs, whose black humour seems never to be entirely absent from his speeches, offer inspired and incisive critiques of American hubris and violence in one scene and in the next offer up crackpot theories about aliens and orgone accumulators or, during what was obviously a drunken rant, the inauguration of a gay state on par with Israel.

The product of New York in the 1970s, a place of squalor, crime and seemingly endless artistic opportunity, Burroughs is also of tremendous value as a window into a bygone scene. The film is only a little over 30 years old now, yet almost everyone in it is gone: Ginsberg, Herbert Huncke, Terry Southern, Brion Gysin, Francis Bacon. Burroughs died of old age in 1997 after having spent an inordinate portion of his 83 years doing things that would've killed most people several times over. Tragically, Brookner himself died of AIDS in 1989. He was only 34. V

DEC 17 - DEC 23

PRESENTS

$5 MONDAYS!

DON VERDEAN THURS @ 7:00 TURKEY SHOOT!

18+

FANTASTIC FOUR (2015) THURS @ 9:30 BYE BYE BLUES FRI @ 4:00, SUN @ 2:15, MON @ 2:00, TUES @ 7:00 WED @ 2:00

THE ASSASSIN FRI @ 7:00, SAT @ 9:30, SUN @ 7:00, MON @ 4:30, TUES @ 2:30, WED @ 4:30

GRANDMA

FRI @ 9:15, MON @ 12:30, TUES @ 4:30, WED @ 12:30

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TURKISH STAR WARS FRI @ 11:30PM MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET WED @ 7:00 ADMISSION BY NON-PERISHABLE FOOD OR SATURDAY MORNING ALL-YOU-CAN- CASH DONATION TO EDMONTON’S FOOD BANK EAT-CEREAL CARTOON PARTY! GREMLINS WED @ 9:30 SAT @ 10:00 AM

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

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

FILM 17

Rock around JESSE JULIA

RING IN 2016 WITH VUE'S ANNUAL STYLE AND PARTY GUIDE New Year's Eve is nearly here, and it's time to start planning how you'll celebrate the start of 2016. So, what should you wear? Sequins and shine are often the go-to staples for the evening, but there are ways to go big for NYE that defy the usual suspects— slip a crinoline under party dresses for some extra volume, mix and match patterns or add a little bit of rock 'n' roll edge.

Credits Photography: Meaghan Baxter Styling: Janine Stowe Hair and makeup: Amber Prepchuk Models: Julia LeConte and Jesse Lipscombe Shot on location at The Photographer Studio Visit vueweekly.com for more photos and video by Les Sereda

18 STYLE

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

NYE STYLE & PARTY GUIDE

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SHIRT: Low Brow Art Company (Rowena) SKIRT: Pinup Couture (Rowena) CHAIN NECKLACE: Simons LONG NECKLACE: Annette & Simone (Bamboo Ballroom) HAND CHAIN: Annette & Simone (Bamboo Ballroom) RING: Model’s own

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SHIRT: Rockmount Ranch (Rowena) PANTS: Versace (Simons)

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OUTFIT NYE PARTY GUIDE 2015–16 9910

• 9910B - 109 St • NYE Spectacular with The Wet Secrets & Switches (Switches "All My Darlings" tape release) • 9 pm (doors) • $30

Alberta Legislature

• 10800 - 97 Ave • 780.427.2826 • assembly.ab.ca • Light up your life at the Legislature.

Walk around the lit-up grounds, skate in the park, listen to the choir caroling in the rotunda, sip hot chocolate and so much more • Runs from Dec 1 – 31 • Free

Apex Casino

• 24 Boudreau Rd, St Albert • 780.460.8092 • apexcasino.ca • VEE Banquet Room: New Year’s Eve Country Countdown with Colleen Rae & Cornerstone. Featuring a full buffet, and a late lunch; 6:30pm; $99 each • VEE Lounge: Rock In Nye; featuring entertainment, and full buffet; 6:30 pm; $75 each

Atlantic Trap & Gill

• 7704 - 104 St • 780.432.4611 • atlantictrapandgill.com/edmonton-yeg • With Duff Robison • 9:30 pm

Bailey Theatre

• 5041 - 50 St, Camrose • 780.672.5510 • baileytheatre.com • The Bailey Theatre Society presents: New Year's Eve Party featuring Ryan Lindsay and the River Jacks • 8 pm • $30 (adv), $35 (door)

Backstage Theatre

• 10330 - 84 Ave • 780.433.3399 • teatroq.com/new-years • A unique event, filled with elegant amusements, celebratory music, and • a special premiere offering from Stewart Lemoine—a small play with a very large cast

• $28, $25 (student/senior), $22 (subscribers)

Big Al's House of Blues

Huck and guests • 7 pm (doors), 10 pm (show) • $15 (access to all floors)

• 15004 Yellowhead Trail • 780.428.0202 • facebook.com/bigalshouse • New Year's Eve featuring Bobby Cameron • 9 pm • $50 and up

Blue Chair Cafe

Black Dog Freehouse

• 10329 Whyte Ave • 780.439.3981 • bluesonwhyte.com • Sam Spades • 9 pm

• 10425 - 82 Ave • 780.439.1082 • admin@blackdog.ca • facebook.com/blackdogfreehouse • Main Floor: The Velveteins & Fever Feel Wooftop Lounge: Dig It Thursdays New Year's Eve Dance Party with DJs Yuri &

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

• 9624 - 76 Ave • 780.989.2861 • bluechair.ca • New Year's Eve 2015 • 7 pm – midnight

Blues on Whyte

STYLE 19

NYE STYLE & PARTY GUIDE Bohemia

• 10217 - 97 St • bohemia@artmuzak.ca • artmuzak.ca • Night Comfort NYE

• camroseresortcasino.com • New Year's Eve featuring a performance by the Rojo's. Other events include: New Year's Eve Toast and Stay and a New Year's Eve buffet

Bourbon Room

Candy Cane Lane

• 205 Carnegie Drive, St. Albert • 587.290.0071 • bourbonroomstalbert.com • Theme Party: Prohibition NYE. Dress to impress. Featuring live music from Dahlia Wakefield and the Value Villians • $50 (adv; dinner & show), $25 (adv, no dinner)

Brittany's Lounge

• 10225 - 97 St • 780.497.0011 • Countdown to New Years 2016 • 7 pm • $20 • 18+

Broadmoor Lake Park, Community Centre and Festival Place

• Sherwood Park • strathcona.ca • With family friendly activities such as ice skating, an ice slide, shinny hockey, crafts, games, sleigh rides and more • 4 pm – 8pm • Free

The Buckingham

• 10439 - 82 Ave NW • 780.761.1002 • info@thebuckingham.ca • thebuckonwhyte.com • New Year's Eve: The Marriage of Mr Buckingham • 7 pm • $20

Bulyea Heights

• Riverbend area, SW • 780.474.9626 • edmontonsab@gymboreeclasses.com • gymboreeclasses.com • An afternoon of special family activities, crafts, parachute fun, bubbles and small snacks for children 0 – 5 years old • 1 pm – 2:30 pm • $15 (child), $10 (sibling)

Caffrey's-In the Park

• 1 - 99 Wye Road, Sherwood Park • 7even; personal bottle of Champagne and party favours for everyone; $1000 in cash and prizes to be drawn • 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (dinner), 9 pm (show) • $35 (dinner & show), $15 (show only)

Camrose Resort and Casino

• 3201 - 48 Ave, Camrose • 780.679.0904

20 STYLE

• 148 St, between 92 and 100 Ave • candycanelane.trav-graphics.com • Walk and take a sleigh ride, enjoy the festive decorations and lights • 5 pm – 11 pm (runs until Jan 2) • Bring a food donation for Edmonton's Food Bank

Casino Edmonton

• 7055 Argyll Road • 780.463.WINS • purecanadiangaming.com/casinoedmonton-pure-entertainment • New Year's Eve with Oil City Sound Machine • 6 pm – 8 pm; band starts at 9pm • $85 (per person)

Casino Yellohead

• 12464-153 St • 780.424.WINS • purecanadiangaming.com/casinoyellowhead-pure-entertainment • New Year's Eve with 5 on the Side • 6 pm – 8pm; band starts at 9pm • $85 (per person)

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Central Social Hall

• Downtown(10909 Jasper Ave) • $50 (dinner & party); $20 (party only) • St Albert (525 St Albert Trail) • $25 (dinner & party); no cover after 9 pm • centralsocialhall.com

Century Casino

• 13103 Fort Rd • 780.643.4000 • edmonton.cnty.com • Kenny Shields and Streetheart (blues/ pop/R&B) • 8:30 pm • $119.95 (dinner & show), 79.95 (show only)

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Comic Strip

JUMPSUIT: Hepburn (Rowena) HEADBAND: Simons EARRINGS: Simons RING: Model’s own SHIRT: Le31 (Simons) BOW TIE: Le31 (Simons) PANTS: Point Zero WATCH: Model’s own

• 1646 Bourbon St • 780.483.5999 • thecomicstrip.ca • Featuring comedy by Michael Malone • 7 pm (early show and/or buffet), 10 pm (late show and app buffet) • $26.95 (early show only), $42.95 (early show & buffet), $65 (late show & app buffet)

Cook County Saloon

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• 8010 - 103 St • 780.432.2665 • cookcountysaloon.com • New Years Eve with Drew Gregory live; black & white, dress to impress • 9 pm (doors) • $20

OUTFIT

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

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camroseresortcasino.com VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 23, 2015

STYLE 21

NYE STYLE & PARTY GUIDE

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OUTFIT 22 STYLE

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

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Denizen Hall 5

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Draft Country Nightclub

SHIRT: Soul of London (Simons) SCARF: Le31 (Simons) PANTS: Point Zero WATCH: Model’s own

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SHOES: Iron Fist (Rowena)

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CLUTCH: Loungefly (Rowena) BRACELET: Simons

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• 10311-103 Ave • New Year's Eve with Royal Tusk, Thrillhouse and Norell • 8 pm • $15 (adv), $20 (door) • 18+

DRESS: Hell Bunny (Rowena) CRINOLINE: Hell Bunny (Rowena) NECKLACE AND EARRING SET: Simons RING: Model’s own

• • • • •

12912 - 50 St 780.371.7272 New Year's celebration feat. Roger West 8 pm $42.50 (all night dinner & dance), $30 (dinner only), $15 (dance only; adv), $20 (door) • 18+

Druid Irish Pub • • • • • •

GLOVES: Simons EARRINGS: Simons PURSE: Rowena

Craft Beer Market Edmonton Delta Edmonton South Hotel • 10013-101 Ave • 780.424.2337 • Best of 2015 New Year's Eve Brewmaster's Dinner & Dance • 6:30 pm & 8 pm (dinner), 9 pm (dance) • $75 (dinner & dance), $20 (dance)

• 4404 Gateway Boulevard • 780.431.3457 • Top of the Inn: 16th Annual Latin New Year's; 5:30 pm; $35 • Grand Ballroom: Jazz New Year's 2016; 6pm; $110

11606 Jasper Ave 780.454.9928 thedruidedmonton.com The Druid New Year's Eve Party 9pm $10

Duggan's Boundary • • • •

9013 - 88 Ave 780.465.4834 Derina Harvey (Celtic/folk/rock) 9 pm

DV8

• 8130 Gateway Blvd • 587.989.1741

• dv8venue@gmail.com • DJs Heavy Boom, Fat Head, Lady Zapatoo and King Penn play rocksteady, ska, early reggae and soul to ring in the new year • Jan 1, 9 pm

Edmonton Downtown

• Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton Arts District, Downtown 102 Ave and 100 St • 780.423.2822 • eventsedmonton.ca • Churchill Square: Music, ice skating and food concessions with fireworks; 9:15 pm • City Hall: Kids' crafts and activities, magicians, balloon artists, face painters and live music; 7 pm • Free, non-alcoholic event

Edmonton Expo Centre

• 7515 - 118 Ave • edmontonexpocentre.com • A New Year’s Eve Celebration—Hollywood Style. Featuring a buffet • 6:30 pm • $75

Edmonton Transit

• 311 • edmonton.ca • Take ETS to your NYE celebration. ETS service is free beginning at 6 pm until 3:30 am on Jan 1

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

• DATS is free from 6 pm until 2 am on Jan 1 • Money collected in ETS fare boxes on New Year’s Eve will be given to the "Donate a Ride" campaign

El Cortez Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar • • • •

10322 - 83 Ave New Year's Eve 6 pm $60 (dinner, reservations required); $25 (party)

Emerald Hills

• 7000 Emerald Drive, Sherwood Park • A sampling of new and classic products from Forty Creek Whisky, including: Forty Creek Barrel Select. Forty Creek Spiked Honey Spiced Whisky. Forty Creek Cream • 12 pm

Fantasyland Hotel – WEM

• Beverly Hills Ballroom, WEM • edgala.com • 2016 Edmonton International New Year's Eve Gala featuring DJ Tomski. In support of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation • 7 pm (doors) • $160

STYLE 23

NYE STYLE & PARTY GUIDE

FINAL

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Fargos Capilano

• 5804 Terrace Rd NW • 780.466.7754 • fargos.ca • Monte Carlo Vegas Night • 7 pm (doors/dinner), 8 pm (games/ entertainment) • $65 (includes three-course dinner, midnight Champagne and all the night's entertainment)

Fort Edmonton Park

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Hellenic Hall

• 10450 - 116 Ave NW • New Year's Eve 2016 Party featuring Hellenic Canadian Community of Edmonton & Region • 8 pm • ADV: $70 (members), $80 (non-members); DOOR: $90, $50 (after 11:30pm), $25 (6 – 12 years old) • All ages

Heritage Park

• 7000 - 143 St • 780.442.5311 • fortedmontonpark.ca • Jack and the Beanstalk: a modern take on a new famous fairy tale • Matinee at 2 pm – 4 pm • $12.50 – $17.50

• 5100 - 41 Ave, Stony Plain • stonyplain.com • Family Fest: featuring family fun with live entertainment, crafts, outdoor skating, fireworks and much more • 6 pm – 9pm • Free

The Fort Lounge

Hudson's

• 13403 Fort Road • Gary Thomas with Mooney's Bay • 9 pm • No cover ($10 ticket for light snacks/desserts with Champagne) 24 STYLE

• hudsonstaphouse.com • Whyte, 10307 - 82 Ave, 780.439.4526 • Downtown, 11248 - 104 Ave, 780.428.5196 • Bourbon St, WEM, 780.489.3035 • South Common, 2104 - 99 St, 780.469.7007

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SUIT JACKET: The Tailored Man (Model’s own, custom) SHIRT: Le31 (Simons) BOW TIE: Le31 (Simons) PANTS: Le 31 (Simons) WATCH: Model’s own

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COAT: Hell Bunny (Rowena) GLOVES: Ralph Lauren (Simons) EARRINGS: Simons

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DRESS: Voodoo Vixen (Rowena) CRINOLINE: Banned Apparel (Rowena)

Jubilations Dinner Theatre • #2690, 8882 - 170 St • 780.484.2424 • Star Warz: A Galactic Rock Comedy

Knoxville’s Tavern (formerly Oil City Roadhouse) • 10736 Jasper Ave • 780.425.0012 • 8 pm • $20

Krush Ultralounge

• 16648 - 109 Ave NW • 780.444.7474 • New Year's Eve 2016: featuring resident DJs Ed, Jodi, Nasty and Iceman. With free Champagne and party favours at midnight • 6 pm (doors), 7 pm (dinner), 9 pm (party) • $90 (full dinner service with reserved VIP seating), $30 (standing room party) • 18+

LB's Pub

• 23 Akins Dr, St. Albert

• 780.460.9100 • Rock in 2016 with ChillFactor • 7 pm – 9 pm (dinner), 9:30 pm (dance) • $65 (dinner/dance), $25 (dance only)

Leaf Bar & Grill

• 9016 - 132 Ave • 780.757.2121 • New Year's Eve with Sudden Discharge • 9:30 pm • No cover • 18+

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

Mayfield Dinner Theatre

• 16615 - 109 Ave • mayfieldtheatre.ca • Back To The 80s: A Most Excellent Musical Adventure

McDougall Church

• 10025 - 101 St • 780.428.1818 • mcdougallunited.com • New Year’s Eve benefit concert with live

december 31, 2015 at the Northlands Expo Center

Edmonton’s premier new year’s eve gala specifically for the alternative lifestyle communities

We Don’t Do Shades Of Grey We Do TECHNICOLOR! Aimed directly at the diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (LGBTQ), Bondage & Quest discipline and Sadism & Masochism (BDSM), Leather and other alternative lifestyle communities, Spectrum 2016 is a premium event delivered with style and safety for all involved. This inaugural event will be the exclusive NYE celebration hosted at the cele Northlands Expo Center.

This Spectacular Event Features: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A plated 4 course meal & snacks A BDSM adult activity area Side One - 11 piece live band Door Prizes Dancing Cash Bars Champagne toast and chocolate covered strawberries at midngiht

@ Spectrum Gala @ SpectrumYEG @ SpectrumEventsEdmonton

for full event details and to purhase your tickets, please visit us at

www.SpectrumEdmonton.com VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

STYLE 25

NYE PARTY GUIDE CONTINUED

NYE STYLE & PARTY GUIDE performances by: Gateway Festival City Fiddlers, Back Porch Swing, Ken Stead, Erin Kay, Ben Sures Trio, Le Fuzz, Mohsin Zaman, Maria Dunn Trio and much more • 7:30 pm – 10:30pm • Admission at the door with a non perishable food item or donation to the Edmonton Food bank

Melting Pot

• 2920 Calgary Trail • NYE at The Melting Pot Masquerade Ball • 11 am – 2 pm

Mercer Tavern

• 10363 - 104 St • info@mercertavern.com • mercertavern.com • 587.521.1911 • Y2K NYE Bash: featuring '90s music, dancing and Champagne • 8 pm

Mission Park

• St Albert • See the fireworks • 8:30 pm

Muttart Conservatory

• 9626 - 96A St • 780.442.5311 • muttartconservatory.ca • Countdown at the Conservatory • 10 am – 2 pm • Regular admission • All ages

New West Hotel • 15025 - 111 Ave • 780.489.2511 • Trick Ryder • 7 pm

New Year's Eve Club Crawl 2016

• 1.888.868.7750 • newyearseveclubcrawl.com • Four clubs and New Year's Eve parties.

Starting at the Pint on Whyte • Check in at 6 pm at first bar • $25 • 18+

Northlands Edmonton Expo Centre

• 7515 - 118 Ave NW • 780.471.7377 • Spectrum 2016 Alternative Lifestyles: featuring a four-course plated dinner, 11-piece band, live LGBT entertainment, and much more • 6 pm • $18+; dress to impress

Northlands Park • 73 St, 116 Ave • 780.491.3445 • Harness Racing • 6:30 pm – 10:30pm

O'Byrne's Irish Pub • 10616 - 82 Ave 26 STYLE

• info@obyrnes.com • An Irish New Year's Eve: Celebrate New Year's Eve with an Irish twist. Dress in green. Featuring Paddy's Day hats, party favours and more • 4 pm (doors) • $10 (includes no line/cover, Irish party favours, Champagne and homemade Irish-themed small bites)

O'Mailles Irish Pub & Eatery • #104, 398 St Albert Rd. • 780.458.5700 • NYE with Matt Robertson • 8 pm • No cover

Oliver Community Hall

• 10326 - 118 St NW • New Year's Eve Party • LGBT and all couples welcome. For the benefit of Saint Vincent the Paul • 8 pm (doors) • $40

On The Rocks

• 11730 Jasper Ave • 780.482.4767 • ontherocksedmonton.com • Murder City Sparrows, with Owls by Nature and Jelly Bean • 9 pm • $25

Palace Casino WEM

• 8882 - 179 St • 780.444.2112 • palacecasino.com • New Year’s at Palace Casino. A prime rib buffet, includes a glass of Champagne.

• Simply Sinatra. The soulful sounds of Robert Young & his band as they pay tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes • 9:30 pm • $45

The Pint

• 10125 - 109 St • thepint.ca • Part of the Edmonton NYE Club Crawl 2016. See New Year's Eve Pub Crawl 2016 for more • 6 pm

Ramada Edmonton Hotel

• 11834 Kingsway NW • An evening full of Turkish music, dance and more • 7 pm

Red Piano

• Bourbon Street, WEM • 780.486.7722 • theredpiano.ca • Las Vegas New Years Eve theme party • $175 (dinner & show), $55 (show only)

Rendezvous Pub

• 10108 - 149 St • 780.444.1822 • New Year’s Masquerade Ball with • Bad Communicators, Medical Pilot,

Eastern Skies • 8 pm (door), 9 pm (show) • $10 (adv), $15 (door)

Rexall Place

• 7424 - 118 Ave • 780.471.7210/1.888.800.7275 • info@northlands.com • northlands.com • Enjoy a different kind of party as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Anaheim Ducks • 7 pm – 10pm

River Cree

• 300 East Lapotac Boulevard • 780.484.2121 • rivercreeresort.com • Featuring the Fab Four (adult contemporary/rock) • 6 pm & 10 pm • $39.50 (all tickets and packages are final sale)

Rocky Mountain Icehouse

• 10516 Jasper Ave • 780.424.3836 • Mayday and the Beatcreeps on New Year’s Eve • 8 pm • $20 • 18+

The Sands Hotel

• 12340 Fort Road • 780.474.5476 • Hurtin for New Years with Bev Munro (country) • $55 per person (includes meal, champagne and late night snack) • 18 + • 6 pm (buffet meal), 8 pm (dance)

Sherbrooke Community League • 13008-122 Ave • 2016 Brazilian New Years Party • 8pm

Sherlock Holmes –Downtown

• 10012 - 101A Ave • 780.426.7784 • Andrew Scott (alternative/country) • 9 pm

Sherlock Holmes–U of A • 8519 - 112 St • Adam Holm (folk/pop) • 9 pm

Starlite Room

• 10030 - 102 St • 780.428.1099 • starliteroom.ca • UBK NYE 2015: featuring four headliners • 9 pm • $25 – $40 • 18+

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

Sugar Foot Ballroom

• 10545 - 81 Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • New Year’s at the Savoy: Picture New York, 1936. Featuring vintage music, dancing from the swing era and much more • 8 pm • $45 regular; discounts for students and members

Union Hall

• 6240 - 99 St • 780.702.2582 • unionhall.ca • Back to the Countdown NYE 2016 featuring DJ Grizzand DJ Tyco • 8 pm • $19.90 and up • 18+

Westin Edmonton

• 10135 - 100 St • 780.426.3636 • Dance to one of Edmonton’s finest DJs playing today’s top hits and popular Portuguese music • 5:30 pm • $47 – $90

World Water Park

• 8882 - 170 St • World Waterpark’s New Year’s Eve Family Beach Ball • 6pm – midnight • $30 – $150 • All ages

Yuk Yuk’s Edmonton

• Century Casino, 13103 Fort Road • yukyuks.com • New Year’s Eve Special: featuring Howie Miller and more • 10:30 pm • $47.62

Zinc Restaurant

• Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square • 780.392.2501 • zincrestaurant.ca • Get the best view of the fireworks.

Featruing a five-course dinner (first seating) and a seven-course menu (second seating) • Two seatings: one from 5 pm – 8 pm and another at 8:30pm until late • $95 (first seating), $120 (second seating)

MUSIC

MUSIC EDITOR : MEAGHAN BAXTER MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // INDIE-ROCK

The soul of the songs The Provincial Archive eases up on micro-managing for its self-titled new album

I

t's a snowy Sunday evening in December. In the front room of Bramwell Park's home near Whyte Avenue, the Provincial Archive is rehearsing for one of the final times before the release of its fourth studio album on December 18.

At around 50 square-feet, it's a tight space. In the front-right corner, Park sits behind an emerald green drum kit.

To his right, Stephen Tchir holds an electric bass while standing in front of a keyboard. Against the near wall next to the door sits Craig Schram, holding a plugged-in acoustic. Cables run serpentine across the floor, coats are draped over almost everything, amps and instrument stands line the edges of the room. Schram leans back, beer bottle in hand, and with a sly grin cemented across his face he asks, "You want to hear a couple songs?"

The Provincial Archive's self-titled new record is a six-track departure from its earlier work. This becomes clear as the opening chords of "Church Clothes" cut through the amps. Moving away from the more technically involved components of the group's previous releases, these songs find their roots squarely in the aloof charm

of '90s lo-fi—imbued with the spirit of Weezer and backed by the charismatic mystery of Pavement. Sonically, it's a wide, toothy grin. Schram breaks into a solo over the song's bridge, invoking memories of smoking inside, loose fitting, single-colour T-shirts and brushing tragically long bangs out of your eyes. The self-referential lyrics are simultaneously dense and meaningless, coupled with guitar hooks that make you want to learn to play.

Speaking with Schram in the days leading up to the album's release, he's a thoughtful, if not evasive at times, subject. A new father, he's determined to leave his personal life out of view.

He's practically single-minded in explaining the methods behind his work and the change in the band's direction.

"Creatively, the path of this band was very production-oriented in the sense we would design songs," he begins.

"There was a lot of micromanagement, and it was super fun to do, but I think that was of the moment. That was basically how the recordings happened up until now ... I'm over it."

The Provincial Archive's three previous records: Nameless Places, Maybe

We Could Be Holy and It's All Shaken Wonder are in many significant ways great successes. Critically enjoyed, they've helped the band gain a strong and devoted following across Canada and Europe. But more to Schram's point, and to the focus of the band's current album, they're technically precise—they're the product of his management.

"When you start micromanaging every single element and break all the parts into their pieces, when we're doing pre-production with each member of the band and we're saying, 'Change that note, move this, push that'—all sorts of very minor changes—and although at the heart of your process you might have a great song, you lose that connection to your soul," he says.

And herein lies the dogmatic intensity to Schram's point of view over several hours of conversation: disconnection. It's a thought that's comically echoed by Tchir as he reinforces his commitment to the new album's direction, "It's about the songs, it's not about tweaking knobs," he says.

"When I listen back now, it's like, 'Oh, yeah! That's what I was doing, and I'm

proud of it.' Given that it was such a production-oriented thing, I look back and it's like, 'Yeah, that's exactly what I heard, I made it sound how I heard it,'" Schram says. "But at the same time, you forget that you're becoming disconnected from the song."

In the opening moments of the video for the album's first single, "Bad Connection," Tchir remarks to Schram, "But Craig, isn't rock 'n' roll dead?" Schram, bracing his forehead with his left hand, takes half a moment to consider the question and responds with a tone of voice and facial expression that places his tongue firmly in cheek. He answers, "Yeah."

This is a telling moment. Though a small gesture, it expresses a commitment to this point of view: rock 'n' roll might be dead, but who gives a shit, we're going to make a rock 'n' roll album. For Schram, Tchir and Park, this album is a chance to reconnect.

"You get into this position where you're creating this music, and in some ways you lose sight of the song, you lose sight of the fact that this is meant to be an outlet," Schram says.

"It's about my intention to speak."

Gone is the "knob turning" in favour

Fri, Dec 18 (9 pm) With Billie Zizi, Diamond Mind Studio 96, $13 (advance) $15 (door) of inline pedals, loud drums and an assortment of acoustic instruments.

Schram would grind his teeth at the use of the word authentic, but it's hard not to want to call the new record that. And while the band's past work may not be inauthentic, there are moments on this record that distill something that feels holistic.

"We recorded an Elliot Smith cover ['Son of Sam'] two years ago, tracked it live and did a live video in the studio," Schram recalls. "We listened back to it and were like, 'That's music: let's do that! Let's not design music, let's play. Let's connect with each other, let's have that philosophy, let's keep things true.'"

As the rattle of distorted guitar fades off the final seconds of the album's closing track, "Absorbed," it's hard not to imagine Schram grinning, satisfied in the sound his soul is making.

SHAWN BERNARD

SHAWN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // ANNIVERSARY

Freecloud Records celebrates 30 years I

n a time where Edmonton's music scene is evolving at such a rapid pace, it's a testament to be able to say your record store has been around for 30 years to witness it all. A big part of the success that Freecloud Records has enjoyed during its lengthy run is due to its treasure trove of return customers—that's how owner and "guy in charge" Richard Liukko first dipped his toes into what has become one of our city's foremost establishments to go to for music.

As one of the customers at the store's original location in the Molstad building in 1980, Liukko has adapted from geeky customer to employee to manager to owner. He is the poster

boy for vinyl worship, and seems to inspire the same enthusiasm in all who visit his shop.

"Thirty years is a pretty cool milestone, actually," he says. "To see other record stores come and go, meeting some amazing people through the years, and there's also the sad side to it. We've had some amazing customers through the years who have passed away, and I think a lot of them, especially on this anniversary."

Regular customers, like local scenester Christopher Zuk, visit the shop at least once a week for their vinyl fix.

"I've been coming to the store for 25 years," Zuk says. "It's where I get all my

vinyl. They have great staff, the best used stock. Everything used has been cleaned and is in really nice shape.

"And I guess Rich is an 'OK' guy," he adds with a laugh.

While it would be easy to simply look back on the good times, the question of the shop's future was also on Liukko's mind as he discussed the factors that make or break a record store.

"With the Canadian dollar going down and the cost of manufacturing vinyl going up in the processing plants, it's tough to figure out what the future will hold," he says. "Some of the record labels are trying to jack the prices up, saying vinyl should be a vanity pur-

chase. Smaller labels are disagreeing, arguing that it's an issue of promotion.

If you can get someone to buy the record of a band they like, they're more likely to show up at the gig and make a higher commitment. You don't buy a record, listen to it for a few months and get rid of it. You're buying something you like and want to keep. So if they keep that attitude, then the future looks good."

For Freecloud's 30th anniversary celebration, Liukko is hosting two parties featuring musicians who have contributed to the shop's legacy. Friday's party features Liukko's band, Mad Bomber Society, Cygnets, the Fuzz Kings and Ben Disaster, while Saturday's show

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

Fri, Dec 18 (8 pm) Rocky Mountain Icehouse, $12 Sat, Dec 19 (8 pm) Filthy McNasty's, $10 has the Whiz Kids, Mad Bomber Society, Wares, the Cutoffs and Abuse of Substance.

Whether the bands got their start perusing records during their high school lunch hour or worked in the shop for years, Liukko wants to showcase them, closing with a simple, "Thank you so much for being part of this."

BRITTANY RUDYCK

BRITTANY@VUEWEEKLY.COM

MUSIC 27

MUSIC PREVUE // CHRISTMAS SHOW

Sweety Pie Records' Holiday Fun Fest A bunch of festive Sweetys // Max Paran

E

ven if it wasn't the season of raised-glass revelries, Sweety Pie Records would still have plenty to celebrate. A quick rundown of the record label's first few months includes a trio of excellent releases—Physical Copies' The Weird Boys Are Here EP, Marlaena Moore's live at Wunderbar album and a label-spanning compilation tape—a cavalcade of shows and a spot selling its wares at Royal Bison.

The label's only existed since the summer, so calling this a benchmark year doesn't quite feel right—this is literally Sweety Pie setting its

benchmark—but still, there's plenty to celebrate. So to cap off 2015 in the spirit of the season, Sweety Pie is throwing a big ol' party.

"I've personally always loved a holiday-themed show that brings the community together," Marlaena Moore notes, sitting around a table with five other members of Sweety Pie: Power-Buddies Dustin Sebzda and Nolan Bossert; Gender Poutiners Andy Mulcair and Adrien Jian; and Lane Olsen, who performs as Rusty around town.

"A diverse show," she continues, "That brings more than one audience

out, and gets us all into a really big room for good ol' fashioned party."

It isn't just the music community that Sweety Pie is involving in its festivities: like Golden West Music Fest or Jon Mick's holiday extravaganzas of the past, the Holiday Fun Fest has music, yes—sets by Moore, Rusty and headlining slot by a full-band Jom Comyn—but mixed in with other forms of mirth: there's stand-up comedy from Tamara Appleton, Adam Dyck, Carina Morton and Mike Robertson (with the venerable Mick hosting the whole thing), and a special festive

performance from Good Women Dance Collective. And there may or may not be actual pie.

The Holiday Fun Fest sets out to be the sort of event that venn-diagrams together the various walks of Edmonton's creative community.

"There's definitely some cross-over [already]," Olsen says, of giving different disciplines a converging point like this. "But there's still a lot of people that will go to comedy that won't really come to music shows, I think. And the same the other way."

That sort of thinking, of acting as a bridge between scenes, is indicative of something larger at play here: Sweety Pie has a bevy of 2016 releases planned—including a Wares seven-inch, Moore's second solo album, a Gender Poutine/Julia Why? split release and "something" from Power Buddies—but the assembled sextet seems keen to emphasize that function of its local-label status is about opportunity-making as much as it is a means to purely pump-out-some-records-and-jam.

"I think it's made me more responsible," Sebzda offers, to some nods around him.

"It's definitely something that came out of all these previous things that have happened in the past," Mulcair says. "Wunderbar [had] a huge impact in that—a lot of us wouldn't really know each other without Wunderbar. I think a lot of people love getting behind the same idea that was behind Wunderbar, or that was behind the Artery, because it reflects exactly what the scene is about."

Fri, Dec 18 (8 pm) Ritchie Hall, $10 Moore picks up the thought: "Even the name, Sweety Pie, has really taken on a life of its own, because it really shows the Edmonton scene as just a group of strange, sweet, goodhearted people who do want really good things for the community."

"I guess it's just that we've laid the ground-work as people in the music scene, playing music for a long time," Bossert adds. "Everybody's involved in one way or another. As soon as we started it, people were taking interest, because they're interested in us as people—it feeds everything, back and forth."

Jian—who's been whispering that Radiohead is coming, unannounced, to the Christmas party, though nobody else will back him up on that—chimes in as well: "What we're doing here is just an extension of projects we've all already been involved in for years and years and years—just unifying that," he says.

"For me, I've been playing in the music community for a few years now; and when I first started playing music, no one was paying attention to us. But we relied on the support of other people who would just trust us for no really good reason."

That gets a rise around the table, before he continues: "I think people know who we are, and it's our turn to help with that side of things— help out other people."

PAUL BLINOV

PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // PSYCHOBILLY

Gutter Demons

Sat, Dec 19 (8:45 pm) With Raygun Cowboys Mercury Room, $20

28 MUSIC

I

t's been nearly eight years since a new album has surfaced from Gutter Demons.

The Montréal-based psychobilly trio went on hiatus following 2008's Misery Madness and Murder Lullabies, before regrouping in May 2014 and releasing the aptly titled record Unfinished Business earlier this month.

"We've been playing shows here and there in Canada, we played a little bit in the States and in Europe, and at some point people were asking us if there was going to be another record or if the whole thing was just playing a few shows and then going back to the grave," laughs frontman Johnny Töxik over the phone a few days after the album's official hometown launch show, which kicked off a string of tour dates.

The time away allowed Töxik to tend to aspects of his personal life that were out of sorts, and he admits that the band coming back together resulted in a few shaky rehearsal sessions—Gutter Demons also welcomed R-1 as its new drummer last May, solidifying the lineup alongside

original bassist Flipper—but it didn't take long for the group dynamic to feel natural again. The time apart also allowed the band members to grow and become "a little bit wiser," Töxik notes, in terms of how it balanced making music with its business obligations—now handled by Universal Canada.

"That was my main concern when we decided to get back together: let's do what we do best, which is playing music, playing shows, rehearsals and try to get as good as we can and do a great show like we used to," he explains. "Let's get some people to take care of everything else."

In hindsight, it was a smart move for the band to focus solely on its music, as Töxik grappled with some self doubt during the early writing stages of Unfinished Business. He was unsure if he would be able to replicate the quality of songwriting he had exhibited on the band's previous releases, particularly since he felt rusty after all those years away. But once his initial ideas started to flow, he soon

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

realized he was replete with things to say and songs to craft. Gutter Demons' past work has been driven by insightful, horror-tinged concepts (serial killers on its second album, Room 209, for example) that strive to avoid the genre's "zombie, hotrod, pin-up" tropes. This time, Töxik found inspiration in real-life events rather than the diabolical characters populating fright flicks and novels.

"What was going on in real life is scarier than in the movies, and with all the social media and everything you have less censorship going on, so you actually see footage," he says, referring to the often shaky eye-witness cellphone footage that is increasingly becoming an indelible accompaniment to news stories. "At some point you're like, fuck, man, this world is completely insane. You're still trying to find hope somehow, somewhere. ...

I was just mixing all kinds of things together, all kinds of bad stuff I could get my eyes on, and came up with ideas for the songs."

MEAGHAN BAXTER

MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // HIP-HOP

Tuffhouse Records

'T

he first step to get people to stay home [in Edmonton] is that we have to invest in ours," says Orville Green, founder of Tuffhouse Records. "The one thing Edmonton has always invested in is our sports.

When it comes to hockey, there are no more loyal fans than Edmonton's.

When it comes to the CFL, same

thing. So, when it comes to art, we've just got to put that same thing that is in us and invest it into music—not just rock, country and pop, but the urban side. The music scene is a family, but you can't advance [one] without the other."

In 1996, Green believed in Edmonton's music scene. In response to

the lack of an urban-music presence in the city—which resulted in many hip-hop artists relocating to more metropolitan centres like Toronto— Green decided to create something that would fill that void. The result was Tuffhouse Records, a label specializing in urban music. Green and his label were met with criticism and

doubt, but he preservered, believing that he could cultivate an urban scene in the city. Nineteen years later, Tuffhouse Records is still thriving, and it moved into a new location on Whyte Avenue this past April.

"We're not just about us, we're about the whole community," says Green, who raps under the name Wayz. "That's what gives us the longevity that we have."

Tuffhouse Records' new location is more than just a recording studio: it's a place for artists to create and develop their music. Within the studio is a makeshift green room, used for the label's own YouTube videos (Green also makes sport-review videos), music videos and photo shoots, and a space for artists to design clothing and other merchandise. While Tuffhouse helps launch the careers of hip-hop artists, Green notes that it is a place for any music genre, adding that country and rock artists have recorded at the studio as well.

"Art is one thing we stand behind," Green says. "At the end of the day, [Edmonton] is a full community of it, so I tell different artists at any given time that [Tuffhouse is] a place to meet people, it's a place to sit, it's a

Sat, Dec 19 (9 pm) Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino, $40 place to write, it's a place to practice, it's a place to keep advancing your craft."

Feed The Kids, the latest event from Tuffhouse Records, mirrors that of its former Hip Hop For Hunger initiative in that it's aimed at raising food donations for Edmonton's Food Bank while doubling as a celebration for the record label's 19th anniversary.

The one-night event will feature local and national hip-hop acts, including CMATT, KBH Ent, ABM, Danny Cash, Fayisha and more. "[Edmonton's] Food Bank still needs our help. A lot of people have come through the food bank system," Green says. "I'm a man where I don't forget where I came from ... the more success you have, the more you have to give back."

JASMINE SALAZAR

JASMINE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

PREVUE // INDIE ROCK

Caity Fisher & the Wastoids

C

aity Fisher released Final Frontier in the spring of 2014. After years as a solo folk performer, the album marked her first with a full band and a new sonic direction: a shift towards spacious, hook-laden indie rock, anchored by Fisher's deep and warbling voice, both literally and figuratively.

"I never consciously tried to make my voice sound a certain way. I feel like it's unique, but everyone has a unique voice," Fisher says, pausing for a moment. "I mean, all I'm really trying to do is sing well, to sing in tune. And that's it. Nothing else."

Recorded with a backing band of pals that bore the album's name, Caity Fisher and the Final Frontier underwent a few tweaks to personnel and gained a new batch of songs, resulting in the now more appropriately named Wastoids.

"The Wastoids is a reflection of the stuff we're playing now," Fisher explains. "The songs were written a while ago when I was going through a phase of getting wasted and partying all the time."

It's a period Fisher has transitioned out of now, but one she looks back on as formative.

"The songs were an exploration of the dynamics that happen in those situations—the different facets of the process from sobriety to hangover," she explains. "There's a primalness to it, a Dionysian sort of thing.

It's not really about self-destruction: it's a celebration of that intimacy that happens. But it's not something that I'm obsessed with anymore."

Also known for her work in TeeTahs, the material she writes and performs under her own name is different in subtle but significant ways.

While both projects skew towards a guitar-heavy sound, the music of TeeTahs is driving and flippant in the best kind of way, whereas her own material is more contemplative both in style and substance. There's a purposeful distinction, one that allows her to explore similar subjects through a different lens.

"They're two sides of the same songwriter. The Tee-Tahs is more about fooling around and being silly with friends," Fisher notes. "Not in a disingenuous way—more of a sarcastic thing. The Caity Fisher stuff is more focused on poetry, and a deeper exploration of those feelings. It's more serious, I guess."

Sat, Dec 19 (9 pm) With Napalmpom 9910, $13 (advance) $15 (door) size every year, but is ultimately calling it a day after three summertime happenings. Fisher looks back fondly on her years at the festival.

"It was so nice, having that kind of sense of community—just sitting in the grass and listening to all your friends playing amazing music. I didn't

Saturday's show also marks the final hurrah under the Golden West Music Fest banner. The annual music festival out in Ardmore, AB grew in scope and

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

even really think of it as a festival, it was like a retreat for musicians or something," Fisher laughs. " I loved it all, just having all my best friends in one place."

JAMES STEWART

JAMES@VUEWEEKLY.COM

holiday schedule Dec 17 Karaoke Thursday Dec 18 & 19 Sweet Tequila Dec 20 No Jam due to private function Dec 24–27 No live entertainment, jam or karaoke Dec 31 Dirt Road Angels Jan 2 Sunday Jam returns!

Fort RD • sandshoteledmonton.com 12340 MUSIC 29

MUSIC

10442 whyte ave 439.1273 10442 whyte ave 439.1273 CD / LP

KENDRICK LAMAR

HOW TO PIMP A BUTTERFLY

MUSIC NOTES

JASMINE SALAZAR // JASMINE@VUEWEEKLY.COM

CAPTAIN TRACTOR XMESS PARTY / FRI, DEC 18 (8 PM)

The folk-rock group has a gift to give its fans: a new album, Live at the Roxy Theatre, which will be released at this show. (Mercury Room, $20)

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BODYPOLITIC / FRI, DEC 18 (9 PM)

The holidays aren't quite the holidays without a good ol' dance party. Music provided by DJ Junior Brown, Allout Djs, Dane, Gold Blooded DJs, Bron, David Stone, Austin and Tanner.

(9910/The Common)

MATCHBREAKER / SAT, DEC 19 (7 PM)

This Edmonton-based group started off as an acoustic duo, but it has recently expanded to full-fleged rock band with the additions of a drummer and bassist. (Bohemia, $10)

PUZZLED MINDS / SAT, DEC 19 (4 PM)

Puzzled Minds plays something akin to hard rock, R&B and funk. (Filthy McNasty's, Free)

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS: A CHRISTMAS CONCERT WITH A CONSCIENCE / FRI, DEC 18 (7 PM)

Local musicians such as Alana Levandoski, Ann Vriend & the Rooster Davis Trio, Jade O'Riley, Erin Kay & Ken Stead, Kat Danser, Tzadeka and more are coming together to raise funds to help those less fortunate locally and abroad. The money raised will be donated to the McCauley Seniors Drop-In Centre, Jasper Place Wellness Centre and the Refugee Response Collective. (Yardbird Suite, $25 for adults, free for kids)

BETTY SUE'S A TRAMP / SAT, DEC 19 (9:30 PM)

Gift idea under $20: Two tickets, for you and a friend/significant other/co-worker-you-go-for-beerswith, to this punk-rock show. Support acts are the Reckless Heroes, Balderdash and Newschooled.

(Rendezvous Pub, $10)

WILDWOOD / SAT, DEC 19 (4 PM)

Country-rockabilly outfit Wildwood is a new band, having formed just last year, but the members have been touring and performing for a good while to make them raconteurs at their craft. (Blackdog, Free)

COMEDY AT THE CENTURY CASINO

Call 780.481.YUKS FOR TICKETS & INFO .....................................................................

THE MARWILLS / SUN, DEC 20 (7:30 PM)

JOY TO THE WORLD / SUN, DEC 20 (7:00 PM)

Rhea March and a slew of local talent, including Braden Gates, Eva Foote, Jenny Thai Nolan and Cayley Thomas, are performing in support of the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta (ACT).

Visit actalberta.ca for more information about the organization. (Trinity Baptist Church, $15)

Icebreaker: Buy Marwills frontman James Law a Guinness before the rock band performs. (Mercury Room, $10)

LISA BAKER

SWAMP MUSIC

A LYNYRD SKYNYRD TRIBUTE

SAT DEC 19

DEC 18 & 19

THUR DEC 31

MILLIE / MON, DEC 21 (7 PM)

SAT JAN 16

The locally based singer-songwriter is inspired by the likes of Daughter, Ingrid Michaelson, Ella Tyre and T-Swift. Yep, she makes pop-country hits. (Brixx, $10)

ALBERTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA / WED, DEC 23 (7:30 PM)

The Alberta Symphony Orchestra brings the sounds of classical music to Albertan cities via its Premiere Tour of Alberta. The group is celebrating the holiday season with a special performance of some familiar Christmas hits. (Alberta Legislature)

COMING SOON: CHILLIWACK, HONEYMOON SUITE, GEORGE CANYON AND MORE!

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CENTURY CASINO AND TICKETMASTER

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DON BERNER BIG BAND / WED, DEC 23

EDMONTON.CNTY.COM 13103 FORT RD • 643-4000 30 MUSIC

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

Canadian jazz saxophonist Don Berner is playing a special tribute to Frank Sinatra for the late musician’s 100th birthday. (All Saints Anglican Church, $27.50 adults, $22 seniors/students)

MUSIC

WEEKLY

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

THU DEC 17 ACCENT EUROPEAN LOUNGE

Live Music every Thu; 9pm

Tree; 7pm LEGISLATURE GROUNDS

WINSPEAR CENTRE Early:

rock); 9pm; No cover

ESO & Winspear Overture Tour; 12-1pm • Later: Christmas Classics; 8pm; $24-$79

mic with Stan Gallant; 9pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Thu

BLUES ON WHYTE Great

Main Fl: Throwback Thu:

Scrambled YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every TueFri, 5-8pm THE BUCKINGHAM We Were

Friends Album Funraiser featuring We Were Friends with Lutra Lutra; 7pm; $8 (adv) CAFE BLACKBIRD Von Bieker;

7:30pm; $6 CAFÉ HAVEN Music every

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

DV8 Math Debate with

DJs

BRITTANY'S LOUNGE

THE BOWER Strictly Goods:

Harvey; 9pm

Celebrate The Season featuring Edmonton Area Grade School Music; 12pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm; Free

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Open

North Blues Band; 9pm

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Derina

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

Thu; 7pm

Back Thursdays

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE

KRUSH ULTRA LOUNGE Open

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

ON THE ROCKS Salsa Rocks:

stage; 7pm; no cover every Thu; dance lessons

guests (metal/hard rock/ punk); 9pm; No minors

dance floor; 9:30pm

THE COMMON Good Fridays: nu disco, hip hop, indie, electro, dance with weekly local and visiting DJs on rotation plus residents Echo and Justin Foosh

MERCURY ROOM Captain

DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every

LB'S PUB Radioactive (pop/ MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Thu and Fri DJ and

Tractor Xmess Party with Collective West; 8pm (door), 9pm (show); $20 (adv) NEW WEST HOTEL Silverado ON THE ROCKS Mourning

Wood RENDEZVOUS PUB The

Forge Presents Our Darkest Moments (metal) with Forsaken Rite and Bury Me Jack; 9pm; $15 (door) STUDIO 96 The Provincial

Archive release party and Annual Holiday Shaker with Billie Zizi and Diamond Mind; 7:30pm; $13 (adv), $15 (door) RED PIANO BAR Hottest

dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Fri; 9pm-2am RENDEZVOUS PUB Our Darkest Moments, Forsaken Rite, Bury Me Jack; 8pm

Fri; 9pm EL CORTEZ Sweat with Dan

Pezim and Joses Martin; 9:30pm; No cover ELECTRIC RODEO–Spruce Grove DJ every Fri THE PROVINCIAL PUB Friday

Nights: Indie rock and dance with DJ Brodeep 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

Jeremy Dallas (rock/pop/ indie); 8pm DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Derina

Harvey; 9pm DV8 Santa BLËED 4 (metal/

hard rock/punk); 8pm; $10; No minors FILTHY MCNASTY'S Free Afternoon Concerts: this week with Puzzled Minds and Debutaunt; 4pm; No cover GAS PUMP Saturday Homemade Jam: Mike Chenoweth HILLTOP PUB Open Stage, Jam every Sat; 3:30-7pm LB'S PUB The Demographics

(pop/rock); 9:30pm LEAF BAR AND GRILL Open

Stage Sat–It's the Sat Jam hosted by Darren Bartlett, 5pm MERCURY ROOM Tribal

Nation presents: Rebirth, ft.

2Lucid; 8:30pm MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Live Local Bands

every Sat NEW WEST HOTEL Silverado O’BYRNE’S Live band every Sat, 3-7pm; DJ every Sat, 9:30pm ON THE ROCKS Mourning

Wood ORLANDO'S 1 Bands perform every week; $10

CHA ISLAND TEA CO Bring

Your Own Vinyl Night: Every Thu; 8pm-late; Edmonton Couchsurfing Meetup: Every Thu; 8pm

RED PIANO BAR Hottest

THE COMMON An Uncommon Christmas Party featuring Mitchmatic with Gray and The Honorroll with Bud Frasier & The Electric Razors; 7pm; No cover

RENDEZVOUS PUB

dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Sat; 9pm-2am Betty Sue’s A Tramp, The Reckless Heroes, BalderDash; 8pm SHERLOCK HOLMES– DOWNTOWN Andrew Scott

CORAL DE CUBA Beach Bar:

(alt/country)

northlands.com

Beach Party Jam hosted by the Barefoot Kings; Ukulele lessons 7:30pm followed by Jam at 8:30pm

SHERLOCK HOLMES–U OF A Joanne Janzen (adult

contemporary/country/ pop); 9pm

DV8 TAVERN #YEG Hip Hop

Weekly (hip hop/ rap); 9pm; No minors J R BAR AND GRILL Live

Jam Thu; 9pm KRUSH ULTRA LOUNGE Open

stage with One Percent (R&B/soul); 8pm every Thu

at 8pm; Cuban Salsa DJ to follow UNION HALL 3 Four All

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

L.B.'S PUB South Bound Freight open jam with hosts: Rob Kaup, Leah Durelle

FRI DEC 18

MERCURY ROOM Jesse

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

Werkman (alt/electronic/ folk) with Mad Orca and Between Brothers; 8pm; $10 (adv), $12 (door) MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Thu and Fri DJ and

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Dirty

Pool; 9pm Danita (rock/country); 9pm; $10; 18+ only BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Front

Porch Roots Revue; 8:3010:30pm; $15 BLUES ON WHYTE Great

dance floor; 9:30pm

North Blues Band; 9pm

NAKED CYBERCAFÉ Thu open

BOHEMIA The Universe Ma-

stage; 8pm; all ages (15+) NEW WEST HOTEL Silverado NORTH GLENORA HALL

Jam by Wild Rose Old Time Fiddlers every Thu; 7pm; contact Gary 780.998.4904 RED PIANO Every Thu:

Dueling pianos at 8pm RIC’S GRILL Peter Belec

(jazz); most Thursdays; 7-10pm RICHARD'S PUB The Big Daddy Thursday Jam hosted by Randy Forsberg; Every Thu; 7:30-11pm

chine (alt/rock) with Weight and People Call It Home; 9pm; $10 (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 TueFri, 5-8pm CAFE BLACKBIRD Hansen,

Patterson & Wood Featuring Mallory Chipman; 8pm; $10

STARLITE ROOM Home For The Holidays Ft. Cyril Hahn, Walker & Royce; 9pm (doors); $15-$25; 18+ only

CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK

SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Live

THE CARROT Jingle Jammin'

Blues every Thur: rotating guests; 7-11pm TAVERN ON WHYTE Open

stage with Michael Gress (fr Self Evolution); every Thu; 9pm-2am YARDBIRD SUITE A River

City Christmas; 7:30pm; $22

Classical JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 46th

Annual Singing Christmas

7Even Christmas Caroling; 6pm CASINO EDMONTON Beat Generation (pop); 9pm CASINO YELLOWHEAD Wow

(pop); 9pm CENTURY CASINO Swamp

SHERLOCK HOLMES–WEM

Cody Mack (alt/rock); 9pm ROCKY MOUNTAIN ICEHOUSE

Freecloud Records 30th Anniversary Christmas Party featuring Mad Bomber Society (punk/reggae/ska) and guests; 8pm; $12 (adv)

9910 Golden West Music

Fest. Last Show Ever With Napalmpom; 9pm; $13 (adv), $15 (door)

SHERLOCK HOLMES– DOWNTOWN Andrew Scott

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Dirty

(alt/country)

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

SHERLOCK HOLMES–U OF A Joanne Janzen (adult

Rusty Reed; 9pm; $15; 18+ only

contemporary/country/ pop); 9pm Cody Mack (alt/rock); 9pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Hair of the Dog: Wildwood (live acoustic music every Sat); 4-6pm; no cover

STUDIO 96 Frostival: Church

BLUE CHAIR CAFE Blue Chair

SHERLOCK HOLMES–WEM

Pool; 9pm

Street Concert; 7-10pm

Band; 8:30-10:30pm; $15

TIRAMISU BISTRO Live

BLUES ON WHYTE Every Sat

music every Fri WILD EARTH BAKERY– MILLCREEK Constant

Promise at Wild Earth; 8-10pm; $5

Classical AVENUE COMMUNITY LEAGUE Yule Ave: A Merry

Christmas JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 46th

Annual Singing Christmas Tree; 7pm LEGISLATURE GROUNDS

Celebrate The Season featuring Edmonton Area Grade School Music; 12pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm; Free SOUTH POINTE COMMUNITY CENTRE Amahl & the Night

Visitors (presented by Opera NUOVA); 7:30pm; $10-$22 WINSPEAR CENTRE Early:

Christmas Bureau Caroling Sing-Along; 12pm • Later: We Wish You A Merry Christmas; $24-$93

Music - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute; 7pm (doors); $29.95; No minors

DJs

DRAFT COUNTRY NIGHTCLUB

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE

Jeremy Dallas (rock/pop/ indie); 8pm

SAT DEC 19

Every Friday DJs on all three levels

afternoon: Jam with Back Door Dan; Later: Great North Blues Band; 9pm BOHEMIA Matchbreaker's

6th Annual Acoustic Christmas Show Featuring Matchbreaker and Ed Blicq; 7pm; $10 (door) BOURBON ROOM Live Music

every Sat Night with Jared Sowan and Brittany Graling; 8pm BRIXX BAR The Mcgowan Family Band Holiday Party, Jay Gilday Band, Hooch; 8pm (door), 9pm (show); $10; 18+ only CAFE BLACKBIRD Alfie

Zappacosta -- Christmas For All; 8pm; $35

SNEAKY PETE'S Sinder

Sparks K-DJ Show; 9pm-1am STARLITE ROOM Raygun Cowboys with the Gutterdemons, and guests; 8pm (doors), 8:45pm (show); $20; 18+ only YEG DANCE CLUB Whipped Cream, Jabonesio, Triggs, Pill Dickle; 9pm

Classical AVENUE COMMUNITY LEAGUE Yule Ave: A Merry

Christmas HORIZON STAGE Christmas

with River City Big Band; 7:30pm; $35 (adult), $30 (student/senior) JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 46th

Annual Singing Christmas Tree; 7pm LEGISLATURE GROUNDS

Celebrate The Season featuring Edmonton Area Grade School Music; 12pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm; Free MCDOUGALL UNITED CHURCH Aurora; 2pm &

7pm; $11.75-$22 ROBERTSON-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH Songs of Christmas Old and New; 7:30-9:30pm; $5-$15 SOUTH POINTE COMMUNITY CENTRE Amahl & the Night

7Even

Visitors (presented by Opera NUOVA); 7:30pm; $10-$22

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Sat

WINSPEAR CENTRE We Wish

CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK

Open mic; 7pm; $2 CASINO EDMONTON Beat

Generation (pop); 9pm CASINO YELLOWHEAD Wow

(pop); 9pm CHA ISLAND TEA CO Didgin'

For Rainbows (alt/other) with NEK Trio and Hey Listen; 8pm; $10 (door) DRAFT COUNTRY NIGHTCLUB

You A Merry Christmas; $24-$93

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

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

MUSIC 31

Grimez & instigate; Underdog: Alternating DJs

Every Sun, 11:30am12:30pm

THE BOWER For Those Who

DIVERSION LOUNGE Sun

Know...: Deep House and disco with Junior Brown, David Stone, Austin, and guests; every Sat

Night Live on the South Side: live bands; all ages; 7-10:30pm

THE COMMON Get Down

DEC/31

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

UBK NYE 2015 W/ LOCAL GUEST DJ’S

JAN/9 JAN/22 JAN/28

CONCERTWORKS.CA PRESENTS

ENFORCER & WARBRINGER

FEB/10

MERCER TAVERN DJ Mikey

O’BYRNE’S Open mic every Sun; 9:30pm-1am

Saturday Nights: Indie rock and dance with DJ Maurice

ON THE ROCKS Host to the Bissell Centre Fundraiser with a multitude of bands

RED STAR Indie rock, hip

RICHARD'S PUB Sunday

hop, and electro every Sat with DJ Hot Philly and guests

Jam hosted by Mark Ammar; 4-8pm

ROUGE LOUNGE Rouge

Perry (jazz); 11:30pm

Saturdays: global sound and Cosmopolitan Style Lounging with DJ Mkhai

Classical

THE MOOD MACHINE PRESENTS

THIEVERY COPORATION’S ROB GARZA

SUGAR FOOT BALLROOM

CENTRE FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Deep Winter Song: A

Motown, Funk, R&B and more with DJs Ben and Mitch; every Sat; 9pm-2am UNION HALL Blueprint, Peep

BILLY KENNY & WILL CLARKE TRIVIUM

This And Union Hall Present featuring Baauer with Zeal vs. Killups and Kenny James; 9pm; $20 (adv) Y AFTERHOURS Release

Saturdays

CONCERTWORKS.CA PRESENTS

SUN DEC 20

W/ THE ORDER OF CHAOS & GUESTS

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

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.

Sun BBQ jam hosted with the Marshall Lawrence Band; 4pm

CYRIL HAHN W/ WALKER & ROYCE

DEC/21

ONE LAST JAM BEFORE CHRISTAMS!

MILLIE

W/ VERY SPECIAL GUESTS BLACK&BLEU & JENNA&LAUREN

JAN/1

DZEJ I RULE

REPRIZA NOVE GODINE W/ DŽEJ RAMADANOVSKI

JAN/2

EDMONTON POTTERWATCH INSTITUTE FOR CHARITY

THE EPIC BASH W/ AMY VOYER

JAN/9

ZUK TIL YOU PUKE

MINSTRELS ON SPEED W/ NIGHT COMMITTEE (CALGARY), COUNTERFEIT JEANS AND WARES

FEB/5

32 MUSIC

JCL PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

THE BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR

Annual Singing Christmas Tree; 7pm LEGISLATURE GROUNDS

Celebrate The Season featuring Edmonton Area Grade School Music; 12pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm; Free TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

Joy To The World featuring Rhea March (canadian/folk/workshop); 7pm; $15 (adv) WINSPEAR CENTRE We Wish

You A Merry Christmas; $24-$93

DJs BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE

BLUE CHAIR CAFE Brunch -

Main Floor: Soul Sundays:

BOHEMIA Gender Poutine, Max Uhlich, Girlfrend; 9pm; $10; 18+ only

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FT.

JUBILEE AUDITORIUM 46th

hosted by Tim Lovett

BLUES ON WHYTE Great North Blues Band; 9pm

DEC/18

Mystical Evening of Music and Story; 7pm; $25 (adv), $30 (door), $15 (youth; 13-18yrs), $10 (children; 10-12); free (children 9yrs and under)

BLACKJACK'S ROADHOUSE– Nisku Open mic every Sun

Charlie Austin; 9am-3pm; Cover by donation

NIGHT VISION PRESENTS

AVENUE COMMUNITY LEAGUE Early: Yule Ave: A

Merry Christmas • Later: Unsilent Night, 4:15pm

TAVERN ON WHYTE Soul,

UBK, NIGHT VISION, AND DIRTYBIRD PRESENT

YELLOWHEAD BREWERY PJ

Your Famous Saturday with Crewshtopher, Tyler M Swing Dance Party: Sugar Swing Dance Club every Sat, 8-12; no experience or partner needed, beginner lesson followed by social dance; sugarswing.com

W/ BETTER LIVING DJ’S, SWIM, DAN PEZIM

FEB/5

NEWCASTLE PUB The Sunday Soul Service: acoustic open stage every Sun

SOU KAWAII ZEN LOUNGE

W/ CAULDRON & EXMORTUS

JAN/29

ENCORE–WEM Every Sat: Sound and Light show; We are Saturdays: Kindergarten

THE PROVINCIAL PUB

ALBUM RELEASE W/ GUESTS

MERCURY ROOM The

Marwills (rock) with Alex Vissia and Elliot Thomas; 7:30pm; $10 (adv)

Wong every Sat

LANDMARK EVENTS SHOWCASE STRIKER

Music with Duggan's House Band 5-8pm

Sat; 9pm

DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every

FEAT. TAIKI NULIGHT, HUGLIFE, SPACE JESUS, FLAVOURS

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Celtic

CAFE BLACKBIRD Alfie

Zappacosta -- Christmas For All; 7pm; $35 DANCE CODE STUDIO

Flamenco Guitar Classes;

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

MON DEC 21 BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

Blue Mondays with Jimmy and the Sleepers; 8-11pm BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Blue Jay’s Messy Nest:

Jay; Wooftop: Metal Mon: with Metal Phil (fr CJSR’s Heavy Metal Lunch Box) BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie

Jacobson; 9pm BRIXX BAR One Last Jam Before Christams! Millie with very special guests Black & Bleu and Jenna & Lauren; 6pm (door), 7pm (show); $10; 18+ only DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY

Monday open mic MERCURY ROOM Music

BRITTANY'S LOUNGE

every Wed

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

BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

DRUID IRISH PUB Open

Stage Tue: featuring this week: Scott Peters; 9pm L.B.'S PUB Tue Variety Night Open stage with Darrell Barr; 7-11pm

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

LEAF BAR AND GRILL Tue

NEW WEST HOTEL Nash

Acoustiholics (folk); 7pm

Ramblers PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Wild Rose Old Tyme

Fiddlers Association: Acoustic instrumental old time fiddle jam every Mon; hosted by the Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Society; 7pm; contact Vi 780.456.8510 ROUGE RESTO-LOUNGE

Open Mic Night with Darrek Anderson from the Guaranteed; every Mon; 9pm SHERLOCK HOLMES–U OF A

Open Mic Night hosted by Adam Holm; Every Mon SIDELINERS PUB Singer/ Songwriter Monday Night Open Stage; Hosted by Celeigh Cardinal; Every Mon (except long weekends), 8:30-11:30pm; Free

Open Jam: Trevor Mullen MACLAB CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The MERCER TAVERN Alt Tuesday

with Kris Harvey and guests NEW WEST HOTEL Tue

Country Dance Lessons: 7-9pm • This week: Nash Ramblers O’BYRNE’S Celtic jam every Tue; with Shannon Johnson and friends; 9:30pm OVERTIME–Sherwood Park

Bingo Toonz every Tue ROCKY MOUNTAIN ICEHOUSE Live music

with the Icehouse Band and weekly guests; Every Tue, 9pm SANDS HOTEL Country

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

Classical

Classical

CENTRE FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING Winter Solstice

JUBILEE AUDITORIUM Mel

Mantra and Laser Light Experience featuring Karl Anthony; 6:30pm; $25 (adv) WINSPEAR CENTRE Candy

Cane Family Christmas; 7pm; $29 (adult), $15 (youth; age 17 & under)

Tillis Country Christmas; 7pm; $68.50 WINSPEAR CENTRE Candy

Cane Family Christmas; 7pm; $29 (adult), $15 (youth; age 17 & under)

DJs

DJs

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Brit Pop, Synthpop,

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Blue Jay’s Messy Nest:

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

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

TUE DEC 22 BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES

BRIXX Metal night every Tue DV8 Creepy Tombsday:

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

WED DEC 23

Wailin' Wednesdays Jam; Every Wed, 7:30pm; All ages 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 BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie

Jacobson; 9pm BRITTANY'S LOUNGE

Scrambled YEG: Open Genre Variety Stage: artist from all mediums are encouraged to occupy the stage and share their creations • Every TueFri, 5-8pm DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Wed

open mic with host Duff Robison NEW WEST HOTEL Nash

Ramblers ORIGINAL JOE'S VARSITY ROW Open mic Wed: Hosted

by Jordan Strand; every Wed, 9-12 jordanfstrand@gmail.com / 780-655-8520 OVERTIME–Sherwood Park

Jason Greeley (acoustic rock, country, Top 40); 9pm2am every Wed; no cover PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Acoustic Bluegrass jam presented by the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society; every Wed, 6:30-11pm; $2 (member)/$4 (non-member) RED PIANO BAR Wed Night

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

Flower Open Stage with Brian Gregg; 7:30pm (door); no cover ZEN LOUNGE Jazz

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

DJs BILLIARD CLUB Why wait Wednesdays: Wed night party with DJ Alize every Wed; no cover BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Alt '80s and '90s, Post

Punk, New Wave, Garage, Brit, Mod, Rock and Roll witih LL Cool Joe and DJ Downtrodden on alternate Weds BRIXX BAR Eats and Beats

Tuesday Night Jam with host Harry Gregg and Geoffrey O'Brien; 8-11pm

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH A Perfectly Frank

THE COMMON The Wed Experience: Classics on Vinyl with Dane

Christmas; 7pm

BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie

RED STAR Guest DJs every

B STREET BAR Live Music

Wed

Mod, Brit Pop, New Wave & British Rock with DJ Blue

Jacobson; 9pm

with Lyle Hobbs; 8-11pm,

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 CENTRE FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING 7621-101 Ave 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 DRAFT COUNTRY NIGHTCLUB 12912-50 St 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 EL CORTEZ 8230 Gateway Blvd NW ELECTRIC RODEO–Spruce Grove 121-1 Ave, Spruce Grove, 780.962.1411 ENCORE–WEM 2687, 8882-170 St FESTIVAL PLACE 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park, 780.449.3378

FILTHY MCNASTY’S 10511-82 Ave, 780.916.1557 HILLTOP PUB 8220 106 Ave HORIZON STAGE 1001 Calahoo Rd, Spruce Grove 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 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 ORLANDO'S 1 15163-121 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 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 ROBERTSON-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH 10209-123 St NW 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 SHERLOCK HOLMES– DOWNTOWN 10012-101A Ave SHERLOCK HOLMES–U OF A 8519-112 St SHERLOCK HOLMES–WEM 1650-8882-170 St SIDELINERS PUB 11018-127 St SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 10810-124 St, 587.521.6328

VENUEGUIDE 9910 9910B-109 St ACCENT EUROPEAN LOUNGE 8223-104 St, 780.431.0179 ALE YARD TAP 13310-137 Ave ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH 10035-103 St AVENUE COMMUNITY LEAGUE 9210-118 Ave NW "B" STREET BAR 11818-111 St BIG AL'S HOUSE OF BLUES Yellowhead Inn, 15004 Yellowhead Trail BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE 1042582 Ave, 780.439.1082 BLACKJACK'S ROADHOUSE– Nisku 2110 Sparrow Dr, Nisku, 780.955.2336 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, thebuckingham.ca CAFÉ HAVEN 9 Sioux Rd, Sherwood Park, 780.417.5523, cafehaven.ca CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK 99, 23349 Wye Rd, Sherwood Park

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

SNEAKY PETE'S 12315-118 Ave SOU KAWAII ZEN LOUNGE 1292397 St, 780.758.5924 SOUTH POINTE COMMUNITY CENTRE 11520 Ellerslie Road SW STARLITE ROOM 10030-102 St, 780.428.1099 STUDIO 96 10909-96 St 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 TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH 22550 Twp Rd 530, Sherwood Park UPTOWN FOLK CLUB 7308-76 Ave, 780.436.1554 VEE LOUNGE, APEX CASINO–St Albert 24 Boudreau Rd, St Albert, 780.460.8092, 780.590.1128 WILD EARTH BAKERY– MILLCREEK 8902-99 St, wildearthbakery.com WINSPEAR CENTRE 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square; 780.28.1414 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 • Fri-Sat: 8:30pm • Bob Angeli; Dec 17-19

Comic Strip • Bourbon St, WEM • 780.483.5999 • Wed-Fri, Sun 7:30pm; FriSat 9:45pm • Battle to the Funny Bone; every Mon at 7:30pm • Triple Threat Tuesday; every Tue at 7:30pm • John Roy; Dec 16-20 • Mike Dambra; Dec 23, Dec 26-27

DRUID • 11606 Jasper Ave • 780.710.2119 • Comedy night open stage hosted by Lars Callieou • Every Sun, 9pm DJ to follow

Empress Ale House • 9912-82 Ave • Empress Comedy Night: featuring a professional headliner every week Every Sun, 9pm 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

edmontonoutdoorclub.com

Edmonton Photographic Historial Society • Call for location • 780.436.3878 • Gather and marvel over the latest finds in photography, discussions, and much more. This month features a dinner meeting with an under $10 gift exchange • 3rd Wed each month, call for time

Edmonton Ukulele Circle • Bogani Café, 2023-111 St • 780.440.3528 • 3rd Sun each month; 2:30-4pm • $5 Done Cafe), 17028-124 St • 780.718.7133 (or 403.506.4695 after 7pm) • 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

Fort Saskatchewan 45+ Singles Coffee Group • A&W, 10101-88 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan • 780.907.0201 (Brenda) • A mixed group, all for conversation and friendship • Every Sun, 2pm

Illness support and solutions • Robertson Wesley United Church Library, 10209-123 St • 780.235.5911 • Crohn's Colitis, I.B.D. Support and Solutions • Every 2nd and 4th Tue, 7-9pm

Lotus Qigong • 780.477.0683 • Downtown • Practice group meets every Thu MADELEINE SANAM FOUNDATION • Faculté St Jean, Rm 3-18 • 780.490.7332 • madeleine-sanam.orgs/en • Program for HIV-AID’S prevention, treatment and harm reduction in French, English and other African languages • 3rd and 4th Sat, 9am-5pm each month • Free (member)/$10 (membership); pre-register

Northern Alberta Wood Carvers Association • Duggan Community Hall, 3728-106 St • nawca.ca • Meet every Wed, 6:30pm

Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder (OBAD) • Grey Nuns Hospital, Rm 0651, obad@shaw.ca; 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

sAWA 12-STEP SUPPORT GROUP •

Babes In Arms • The Carrot, 9351-118

Schizophrenia Society Family Support Drop-in Group •

Ave • A casual parent group • Every Fri, 10am-12pm

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

Carrot Board Games Night • The Carrot, 9351-118 Ave • An evening of lattes, laughs and board games! Bring your favourite board games to share or choose one from the Carrot's collection • Dec 22, 7-9pm • All ages

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@

Evolution Wonderlounge • 10220-

Ave • 587.786.6554 • sugarswing.com • Friday Night Stomp!: Swing and party music dance social every Fri; beginner lesson starts at 8pm. All ages and levels welcome.

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

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (TOPS)

FOOD ADDICTS • Alano Club (& Simply

(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

Sugar Foot Ballroom • 10545-81

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

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

Sensational Ladies Night • Warp 1 Comics & Games, 9917-82 Ave • 780.433.7119 • facebook.com/sensational. ladies.night • A night dedicated to women indulging in various geekeries with other women once a month in a friendly and safe environment. Featuring a book club, board game nights, art jam and much more. No prior geekery knowledge required • 3rd Wed of every month, 6-8pm • Free

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,

• 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

Toastmasters Campus St. Jean: Pavillion McMahon; 780.667.6105 (Willard); clubbilingue.toastmastersclubs. org; Meet every Tue, 7pm

• Club Bilingue Toastmasters Meetings:

• Fabulous Facilitators Toastmasters Club:

2nd Fl, Canada Place Rm 217, 9700 Jasper Ave; Carisa: divdgov2014_15@outlook. com, 780.439.3852; 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 • Terrified of Public Speaking: Norwood Legion Edmonton, 11150-82 St NW; Every Thu until 7:30-9:30pm; Free; contact jnwafula@ yahoo.com; norwoodtoastmasters.org • 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

WEDNESDAY NITE Faith Focus • First Presbyterian Church, 10025-105 St • 780.422.2937 • firstpresbyterian.ca • fpc@ telus.net • Continuing in-depth examination of the action-packed ‘Acts of the Apostles’ • Every Wed until Nov, 6:30-8pm Wiccan Assembly • Ritchie Hall, 7727-98 St • The Congregationalist Wiccan Assembly of Alberta meets the 2nd Sun each month (except Aug), 6pm • Info: contact cwaalberta@gmail.com

Wild Rose Antique Collectors Society • Delwood Community Hall, 7515 Delwood Rd • wildroseantiquecollectors. ca • Collecting and researching items from various periods in the history of Edmonton.

Presentations after club business. Visitors welcome • Meets the 4th Mon of every month (except Jul & Dec), 7:30pm

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

LECTURES/Presentations Fertility Awareness Charting Circle • Remedy Cafe, 8631-109 St • faccedmonton@gmail.com • fertilityawarenesschartingcircle.org • First Mon each month (Oct-May), 6:30-8:30pm • $10 (suggested donation) • RSVP at faccedmonton@ gmail.com

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 Beers for Queers • Empress Ale House, 9912 Whyte Ave • Meet the last Thu each month

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

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

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

G.L.B.T.Q Seniors Group • S.A.G.E Bldg, Craftroom, 15 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.474.8240 • Meeting for gay seniors, and for any seniors who have gay family members and would like some guidance • Every Thu, 1-4pm • Info: E: Tuff69@telus.net Illusions Social Club • Pride Centre, 10608-105 Ave • 780.387.3343 • edmontonillusions.ca • Crossdressers meet 2nd Fri each month, 7:30-9pm INSIDE/OUT • U of A Campus • Campusbased organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified and queer (LGBTQ) faculty, graduate student, academic, straight allies and support staff • 3rd Thu each month (fall/winter terms): Speakers Series.

E: kwells@ualberta.ca

LIVING POSITIVE • #33, 9912-106 St • 780.424.2214 • livingpositivethroughpositiveliving.com • In office peer counseling, public speakers available for presentations, advocacy and resource materials available • Support group for gay men living with HIV: 2nd Mon each month, 7-9pm

Pride Centre of Edmonton • Pride Centre of Edmonton, 10608-105 Ave • 780.488.3234 • A safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental drop-in space, support programs and resources offered for members of the GLBTQ community, their families and friends • Daily: Community drop-in; support and resources. Queer library: borrowing privileges: Tue-Fri 12-9pm, Sat 2-6:30pm, closed Sun-Mon; Queer HangOUT (a.k.a. QH) youth drop-in: Tue-Fri 3-8pm, Sat 2-6:30pm, youth@pridecentreofedmonton. org • Counselling: Free, short-term by registered counsellors every Wed, 5:30-8:30pm, info/bookings: 780.488.3234 • Knotty Knitters: Knit and socialize in safe, accepting environment, all skill levels welcome; every Wed 6-8pm • QH Game Night: Meet people through board game fun; every Thu 6-8pm • QH Craft Night: every Wed, 6-8pm • QH Anime Night: Watch anime; every Fri, 6-8pm • Movie Night: Open to everyone; 2nd and 4th Fri each month, 6-9pm • Women’s Social Circle: Social support group for female-identified persons +18 years in the GLBT community; new members welcome; 2nd and 4th Thu, 7-9pm each month; andrea@pridecentreofedmonton.org • Men Talking with Pride: Support and social group for gay and bisexual men; every Sun 7-9pm; robwells780@hotmail.com • TTIQ: a support and information group for all those who fall under the transgender umbrella and their family/supporters; 3rd Mon, 7-9pm, each month • HIV Support Group: Support and discussion group for gay men; 2nd Mon, 7-9pm, each month; huges@shaw.ca St Paul's United Church • 1152676 Ave • 780.436.1555 • People of all sexual orientations are welcome • Every Sun (10am worship)

Team Edmonton • Various sports and recreation activities • All-Bodies Swim: Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre, 8648-81 St NW; pridecentreofedmonton.org; Every 3rd Sat of the month, 9:30-10:30pm • Badminton: Oliver School, 10227-118 St; badminton@teamedmonton.ca; Every Wed (until Feb 24); $5 (drop-in) • Board Game Group: Underground Tap & Grill, 10004 Jasper Ave; Monthly on a Sun, 3-7pm; RSVP to boardgames@teamedmonton.ca • Bootcamp: Oliver Community Hall, 10326-118 St; bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca; Every Thu, 7pm; $30 (full season), $15 (low income or students) • Equal, Fit, Fierce, and Fabulous: Pride Centre, 10608-105 Ave; pridecentreofedmonton.org/calendar; Drop in games and activities for youth; Every other Tue, 4:30-6pm

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

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 17 – dec 23, 2015

Woodys Video Bar • 11723 Jasper Ave • 780.488.6557 • Sun: Last Sun each month, Woodys Jam Session with the talented regular customers; Jugs of Canadian or Kokanee only $13 • Mon: Massive Mondays features talented comedians • Tue: Domestic bottle beer special only $3.75 all night long • Wed: Jugs of Canadian and Kokanee for $13; Karaoke with Shirley from 7pm-12:30am • Thu: Highballs on special only $3.75 all night long; Karaoke with Bubbles 7pm-12:30am • Fri: Comming soon: DJ Arrow Chaser's new TGIF Party • Sat: Pool Tournement, 4pm; Jager shots on special only $4; Coming soon, DJ Jazzy SPECIAL EVENTS Candy Cane Lane • 148 St, between 92 Ave and 100 Ave • candycanelane. trav-graphics.com • Walk and see how the community gets their Christmas on, or take in a sleigh ride • Dec 12-Jan 2, 5-11pm • Free (donations for the Food Bank accepted)

Celebrate the Season • Alberta Legislature Grounds • assembly.ab.ca • Get in the Christmas spirit with the many Christmas lights that surround the grounds.

Includes choir performances and much more • Through Dec

Christmas Reflections • Fort Edmonton Park, 7000-143 St • Take a leap back in time and see how people hosted each other during the Christmas season, what they did for recreation and so much more • Dec 11-30 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

Frostival: Hot Chestnut Roasting • Italian Grocery Centre, 10878-95 St • Taste what winter is with hot chestnuts roasting • Every Sat-Sun, 11am-2pm (until Christmas)

Hay Rides & Santa Photos • Marketplace at Callingwood, 6650-177 St • info@callingwoodmarketplace.com • callingwoodmarketplace.com • Visit Santa, colour some festive pictures, decorate cookies and then hop on a horse drawn hay ride • Dec 19, 11am-3pm • Free Jingle Jammin' Christmas Caroling • Meet at the Carrot Coffeehouse, 9351-118 Ave • thecarrot.ca • Meet for chili (vegetarian or meat) and dress for the weather. Bring your lanterns and flashlights and sing the night away • Dec 18, 6pm (dinner), 7pm (caroling)

Pets Pics with Santa at the Edmonton Humane Society • Edmonton Humane Society, 13620-163 St NW • edmontonhumanecosiety.com • Dec 1-24 (Wed-Sun only); 4-7pm (weekday), 125pm (weekend) • $10 (Retro Polaroids with EHS Christmas Card), $20 (Digital Photos on a flash drive)

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 See us on Candy Cane Lane Pilgrims Hospice Holiday Open House • Pilgrims Hospice, 9808-148 St • 780.413.9801 ext 113 • lizb@pilgrimshospice.com • pilgrimshospice.com • Find out more about the spot, drop by to say hello, come in for hot chocolate, cookies, festive music and warmth, as you take in the delights of Candy Cane Lane • Dec 18, 6:30-8:30pm • Free

"Sharing the Light" Winter Solstice Celebration • Edmonton City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square • info@ westwoodunitarian.ca • westwoodunitarian. ca • Featuring ritual, refreshment, song & harpist Gordon Ritchie with a touch of drama • Dec 21, 7-8pm

Wild Things in Winter • John Janzen Nature Centre, 7000-143 St • 311 • edmonton.ca • Enjoy the winter cold! Events include snowshoeing, winterscaping and much more • Sat-Sun through Dec at the back 33

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Coming Events

Singles Mixer and Christmas Cheer Let’s celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with a cool mixer during Happy Hour on December 17th, 5-8 pm at Draft Country Nightclub 12912-50 Street. Happy Hour drink and food specials.

Specialty Christmas Shooter (Polar Bears $4). Get to meet other singles and mingle! Door prizes courtesy of Edmonton Speed Dating - Date n’ Dash.

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Drummer Wanted Black/Death Metal Band will pay $150 per show for session drummer. Contact www.facebook.com/anthroplaq ue or call 780.292.3397.

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FREEWILLASTROLOGY ARIES (MAR 21 – APR 19): The Neanderthals were a different human species that co-existed with our ancestors, Homo sapiens, for at least 5000 years.

But they eventually died out while our people thrived. Why? One reason, says science writer Marcus Chown, is that we alone invented sewing needles. Our newborn babies had well-made clothes to keep them warm and healthy through frigid winters.

Neanderthal infants, covered with ill-fitting animal skins, had a lower survival rate. Chown suggests that although this provided us with a mere one-percent survival advantage, that turned out to be significant. I think you're ready to find and use a small yet ultimately crucial edge like that over your competitors, Aries.

TAURUS (APR 20 – MAY 20): Artist Robert Barry created "30 Pieces," an installation that consisted of pieces of paper on which he had typed the following statement: "something which is very near in place and time, but not yet known to me." According to my reading of the astrological omens, this theme captures the spirit of the phase you're now entering. But I think it will evolve in the coming weeks. First it'll be "something which is very near in place and time, and is becoming known to me." By mid-January it could turn into "something which is very near and dear, and has become known to me."

GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUN 20): "There is in every one of us, even those who seem to be most moderate, a type of desire that is uncanny, wild and lawless." Greek philosopher Plato wrote that in his book The Republic, and I'm bringing it to your attention just in time for your Season of Awakening and Deepening Desire. The coming days will be a time when you can, if you choose, more fully tune in to the uncanny, wild and lawless aspects of your primal yearnings. But wait a minute! I'm not suggesting you should immediately take action to gratify them. For now, just feel them and observe them. Find out what they have to teach you. Wait until the new year before you consider the possibility of expressing them.

CANCER (JUN 21 – JUL 22): Congratulations! You have broken all your previous records for doing boring tasks that are good for you. On behalf of the other 11 signs, I thank you for your heroic, if unexciting, campaign of selfimprovement. You have not only purified your emotional resources and cleared out some breathing room for yourself, but you have also made it easier for people to help you and feel close to you. Your duty has not yet been completed, however. There are a few more details to take care of before the gods of healthy tedium will be finished with you. But start looking for signs of your big

ROB BREZSNY FREEWILL@VUEWEEKLY.COM

chance to make a break for freedom. They'll arrive soon.

LEO (JUL 23 – AUG 22): The English word "fluke" means "lucky stroke." It was originally used in the game of billiards when a player made a good shot that he or she wasn't even trying to accomplish. Later, its definition expanded to include any fortuitous event that happens by chance rather than because of skill: good fortune generated accidentally. I suspect that you are about to be the beneficiary of what may seem to be a series of flukes, Leo. In at least one case, though, your lucky break will have been earned by the steady work you've done without any fanfare.

VIRGO (AUG 23 – SEP 22): You may not have to use a literal crowbar in the coming weeks, but this rough tool will serve you well as a metaphor. Wherever you go, imagine that you've got one with you. Why? It's time to jimmy open glued-shut portals, to pry loose mental blocks, to coax unyielding influences to budge, to nudge intransigent people free of their fixations. Anything that is stuck or jammed needs to get unstuck or unjammed through the power of your willful intervention.

LIBRA (SEP 23 – OCT 22): The coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to consort with hidden depths and unknown riches.

In every way you can imagine, I urge you to go deeper down and further in. Cultivate a more conscious connection with the core resources you sometimes take for granted. This is one time when delving into the darkness can lead you to pleasure and treasure. As you explore, keep in mind this advice from author T Harv Eker: "In every forest, on every farm, in every orchard on earth, what's under the ground creates what's above the ground. That's why placing your attention on the fruits you have already grown is futile. You can't change the fruits that are already hanging on the tree. But you can change tomorrow's fruits. To do so, you will have to dig below the ground and strengthen the roots."

SCORPIO (OCT 23 – NOV 21): In the coming weeks, the pursuit of pleasure could drain your creative powers, diminish your collaborative possibilities, and wear you out. But it's also possible that the pursuit of pleasure will enhance your creative powers, synergize your alliances and lead you to new opportunities. Which way will you go? It all depends on the kinds of pleasures you pursue. The dumb, numbing, mediocre type will shrink your soul.

The smart, intriguing, invigorating variety will expand your mind.

Got all that? Say "hell, no" to trivializing decadence so you can say "wow, yes" to uplifting bliss.

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

"We've Got U Surrounding"—vowel play from both sides.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 – DEC 21): Garnets are considered less valuable than diamonds. But out in the wild, there's an intimate connection between these two gemstones. Wherever you find garnets near the surface of the earth, you can be reasonably sure that diamonds are buried deeper down in the same location. Let's use this relationship as a metaphor for your life, Sagittarius. I suspect you have recently chanced upon a metaphorical version of garnets, or will do so soon. Maybe you should make plans to search for the bigger treasure towards which they point the way.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 – JAN 19): Ready for the Cool Anger Contest? You can earn maximum points by expressing your dissatisfaction in ways that generate the most constructive transformations. Bonus points will be awarded for your ability to tactfully articulate complicated feelings, as well as for your emotionally intelligent analyses that inspire people to respond empathetically rather than defensively.

What are the prizes? First prize is a breakthrough in your relationship with an ally who could be crucial to your expansion in 2016.

Second prize is a liberation from one of your limiting beliefs.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 – FEB 18): A fourth-century monk named Martin was a pioneer winemaker in France. He founded the Marmoutier Abbey and planted vineyards on the surrounding land.

According to legend, Martin's donkey had a crucial role in lifting viticulture out of its primitive state. Midway through one growing season, the beast escaped its tether and nibbled on a lot of the grapevines. All the monks freaked out, fearing that the crop was wrecked. But ultimately the grapes grew better than they had in previous years, and the wine they produced was fabulous. Thus was born the practice of pruning, which became de rigueur for all grape-growers.

What's your equivalent of Martin's donkey, Aquarius? I bet it'll exert its influence very soon.

PISCES (FEB 19 – MAR 20): "The deepest urge in human nature is the desire to be important," said educator John Dewey. If that's true, Pisces, you are on the verge of having your deepest urge fulfilled more than it has in a long time. The astrological alignments suggest that you are reaching the peak of your value to other people. You're unusually likely to be seen and appreciated and acknowledged for who you really are. If you have been underestimating your worth, I doubt you will be able to continue doing so.

Here's your homework: take a realistic inventory of the ways your life has had a positive impact on the lives of people you have known.V

MATT JONES JONESINCROSSWORDS@VUEWEEKLY.COM

Across

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67 Maze runner 68 Gees' predecessors 69 1/6 of a fl. oz.

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Down

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 17 – DEC 23, 2015

AT THE BACK 37

SEX-OLOGY

tami-lee duncan tami-lee@vueweekly.com

Sexy holiday fun

Don't forget to bring holiday magic into the bedroom The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and I have an overwhelming urge to curl up next to my fireplace sipping hot cocoa and listening to Burl Ives: it must be Christmas time.

As much as I love the season, there are a lot of things that bug me about the holidays—the looming darkness, malls, the hit to my bank account.

Perhaps a less common complaint is the strain this time of year can put on relationships. With all the stress, spending, overstuffed tummies and potentially tense family time, there isn't enough focus on sex. Here are a few ideas on how to bring Christmas magic into the bedroom.

Sexy presents When we talk about Christmas morning, we always emphasize the eyes of little children lighting up at the sight of colourful presents under the tree.

That's great and all, but why isn't there more emphasis on your boyfriend's erection growing in his holiday PJs as

he opens a box of sex toys? Sexy presents aren't a novel idea, nor are they necessarily appropriate for Christmas morning family time, but they can be a fun way of keeping the focus where it should be: on the adults. Have a little fun with it and make sure that at least one or two presents under the tree are something you'll be excited to "play with."

waxy stale chocolate—and it's a great way to expand your sexual repertoire and reinvigorate your sex life. Warning: much like with the chocolates, you may find yourself tempted to try them all at once!

up and cuddling next to a glittering Christmas tree or flickering menorah.

Gifts are also a good way to deepen intimacy. I'm not talking about the usual consumer bullshit—it's not about quantity or cost, it's about being thoughtful. You will feel closer to your partner as you focus on them, appreciate them and think of ways to show them how special they are to you.

And when they see how thoughtful you've been, they will want to show you their appreciation ... potentially with their body.

Sexy presents aren't a novel idea, nor are they necessarily appropriate for Christmas morning family time, but they can be a fun way of keeping the focus where it should be: on the adults.

Make a sexy game Remember advent calendars, the boxes with numbered doors that you open each day leading up to Christmas? What if, when you opened the little door, you got a sexy note detailing a different sexual act, position or fantasy to be played out that evening? That sounds way better than

Be emotionally intimate This may sound a bit lame, but truthfully, the best way to improve your sex life is to build intimacy—despite the chaos, the holidays provide a lot of opportunity for that. The dark, cold nights are perfect for cozying

Think about sex—then have it The holiday season is full of social obligations: some are super fun and

enjoyable, others not so much. Either way, they are a great opportunity for couples to refresh their connection.

Make a point to make it sexy and special. Plant the seed early in the night (figuratively ... then perhaps literally), so that sexy time is top of mind. Dress up for each other. Show each other off. Flirt. Dance. Touch.

And know that at the end of the night, you are going home together for some adult fun.

With that said, I wish you all a very sexy Christmas and a pleasurable New Year! V Tami-lee Duncan is a Registered Psychologist in Edmonton, specializing in sexual health. Please note that the information and advice given above is not a substitute for therapeutic treatment with a licensed professional. For information or to submit a question, please contact tami-lee@vueweekly.com. Follow on Twitter @SexOlogyYEG. Dan savage savagelove@vueweekly.com

ROUGHLY SPEAKING

I'm a straight 26-year-old man who wants advice on helping my fiancée realize a particular fantasy. We have been dating for three years and are in a happy monogamous relationship. I was always vanilla, but she enjoys rougher sex and light bondage. We've incorporated some of this into our sex lives, and we are both happy with how fun it is. She has expressed interest in a rape fantasy. Both of us want to be safe when we do this, and we trust each other completely. But I cannot think of a way in which she can get the experience she desires while still maintaining a safe dynamic. I am wondering if you have advice on how I can help act out her fantasy in a way that we both have fun.

SEEking Erotic Advice Now You and the fiancée are obviously capable of communicating about varsity-level sex play, SEAN; your track record with bondage and rougher sex demonstrates that. Now you just have to use the same interpersonal skills that made your past kinky fuckfests possible—along with the same respect for limits, boundaries and each other—to negotiate and realize your fiancée's edgy-butthoroughly-common fantasy.

I recommend reading "Rape Fantasy: How to Carry It Out Safely," a long and thoughtful post at Slut Lessons (slutlessons.wordpress.com), an engaging sex blog that's sadly no longer being updated. The first recommendation from Educated Slut, the site's anonymous author: maybe we shouldn't call them "rape fantasies" at all.

"A rape fantasy is almost invari-

38 at the back

ably more about forced sex and not a desire to actually BE raped by someone," Educated Slut writes.

"Very few people have the desire to be put through the physical and emotional trauma of a real rape.

This is the primary reason I refer to this as 'forced sex fantasy' rather than rape fantasy; it just gives the wrong impression to some people."

You might to be one of those people, SEAN. You seem to be under the impression that there's something inherently more dangerous about realizing/role-playing your way through a forced-sex scenario.

And it may be more dangerous and/or triggering on an emotional level—talking through any past traumas or fears will be important—but slapping the label "rape fantasy" on rough(er) sex shouldn't result in you having some sort of out-of-body experience that leads you to go apeshit on your helpless fiancée. Talk things through in advance, just like you have before, agree on a safe word—a word that stops the action cold should either of you utter it—and take it slow the first few times you go for it.

SNEAKY FETISHES

I'm a single straight guy and this is probably going to sound really stupid, but ... I basically stumbled over the cuckold fetish and I can't get it out of my mind. I've tried to stay away from it because I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to feel like garbage after enjoying porn.

But I can't get it out of my head. It's worrying, since I fear that one day it might end up spoiling things when I fall in love with someone since I'm

a bit of a jealous person. The idea of a cheating woman is really hot in spite of all of that. But there's this lingering feeling of disgust surrounding the whole thing. Is it possible to have a fetish you hate?

Baffled About Romantic Future Don't you just hate it when someone leaves a fetish sitting on the steps and then you come along and stumble over it and—bam!—you fall and hit your head and when you come to you've got a brandnew fetish?

Yeah, no. We don't know exactly where people's fetishes and kinks come from—how or why someone's erotic imagination snaps on an inanimate object (high heels, leather gear, rubber masks) or a particular sexual scenario (cuckolding, role-play, outdoor sex)—but we can safely say that people don't stumble into their fetishes or kinks.

Forgive me for being a pedantic asshole, BARF—I'm sure you didn't mean you literally stumbled over a cuckold. But misinformed, sexnegative, kink-negative pornophobes routinely talk about fetishes and kinks—and fetish/kink porn—like a moment's exposure can transform an innocent person with purely vanilla tastes into a horned-up, slobbering, gimp-outfit-wearing kink monster.

And that's not the way it happens.

So what did happen to you, BARF? You found some cuckold porn online, and your dick said: "DUDE. THIS IS IT. THIS IS WHAT WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR. RUN WITH THIS." Your particular kink was already in there somewhere, already rattling around in your erotic subconscious, but you couldn't articu-

late it—it didn't take shape—until you finally "stumbled over" the images and narratives you were looking for all along. And your kink, like the kinks of so many other people (see SEAN's fiancée, above), seems to be grounded in insecurity and fear—you're the jealous type, you fear being cheated on, and your erotic imagination/reptile brain took your fears and spun them into a kink. Congrats.

On to your question: yes, you can have a fetish you hate, ie, you can have a kink you don't want to act on because the fantasy can't be realized for moral or ethical reasons (it involves children, nonconsensual acts, Donald Trump) or because you're fairly certain doing so would suck for emotional or physical reasons (potentially traumatizing, physically dangerous, Donald Trump).

But if your only issue with your kink are those lingering feelings of disgust, BARF, those feelings may diminish the more time you spend thinking/jacking about your newly revealed kink. Time will determine if your feelings of disgust are merely your run-of-the-mill, beneficialto-overcome kink negativity or if they're a sign cuckolding should remain a go-to masturbatory fantasy for you, BARF, without ever become a cheating-woman reality.

PAINFUL PUBES

I've been dating a girl for a while, and I take our relationship seriously. Sometimes sex is a little difficult because of her pubic hair. She shaves it close to the labia, which is right where my cock is going in and out, and it's very prickly. I don't mean lightly prickly—it's like a

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 17 – dec 23, 2015

bunch of wooden chopsticks have been filed down and shaped into a cylinder, and I've been asked to let them clench my dick. I brought it up once and tried to gently suggest a waxing or letting the hair grow back. She didn't want to talk about it. I get it: Nobody likes having their genital area critiqued. But the problem keeps recurring. I understand that I don't really have the right to dictate her grooming habits. And if waxing is out of the question for her—maybe there are philosophical implications I'm not up to speed on—how can I suggest that maybe there are other solutions?

Seeks Counsel Regarding Agonizing Penile Exfoliation The only solution is your girlfriend letting her pubic hair grow back permanently, SCRAPE, since waxed labia will eventually become stubble-covered labia. Here's how you suggest letting those pubes grow back: start by letting your girlfriend know you're aware that women have had to endure millennia of misogynistic/religious garbage about their genitals—but you shouldn't have to silently endure painful sex because that garbage has made discussing her choices around genital grooming unnecessarily fraught. This isn't about appearance or preferences or clashing philosophies about pubic grooming. You're in pain. Address the matter directly. V On the Lovecast, Peter Staley on the benefits and dangers of PrEP: savagelovecast.com. @fakedansavage on Twitter

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