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Political Interference

Post secondary austerity

Alberta advanced education minister’s press release offers no specificity towards pressing matters

O

n November 30 of this year, Alberta’s Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt, announced that the government would be extending the post-secondary tuition freeze for a fourth year to cover the 2018-2019 academic year.

Schmidt also announced that the government would provide Alberta’s universities and colleges sufficient funding to back-fill any foregone revenue resulting from the freeze.

The press release announcing the extension of the freeze on tuition and fees and the corresponding compensation boasted that, “This delivers on the government’s commitment to affordability and stability within the post-secondary education system and ensures that institutions are able to maintain programs and spaces for students.”

The very next day, however,

Schmidt sent a letter to the province’s universities and colleges giving them two weeks to come up with a “discretionary spending restraint plan” that identifies spending cuts that are not already included in their current year budgets. These are cuts that would be implemented immediately and be maintained in future years as well.

The letter did not specify where those cuts are to be made or how much is to be cut, only that the focus needed to be on “discretionary spending.”

No definition whatsoever was provided for the term “discretionary,” leaving it entirely up to university and college administrators to interpret the term for themselves.

The letter did provide some suggestions based on what government departments are doing, including “hiring restraint, deferring

non-essential grants and limiting travel, hosting, advertising, working sessions and conferences that do not directly impact the provision of services and programs to Albertans.”

When pushed by reporters, Schmidt insisted that neither the request nor the timelines were unreasonable, and asserted the government position that these cuts are to be done in a way that puts students first and minimizes impact on those students.

Beyond the absurdity of both the timeline and the expectation that institutions who are currently in the midst of preparations for next year’s budget can change gears to essentially re-write a budget that they are halfway through implementing, the suggestion that this can be done with minimal impact on students shows an unfortunate

lack of understanding of both the nature and current state of postsecondary education in Alberta.

The post-secondary sector in Alberta took a significant beating with the election of Ralph Klein as Premier in 1993—a beating that continued throughout the PC’s tenure in government with almost constant cuts, reduced student funding, and rising tuition.

Most recently, the sector was dealt a cut of almost seven percent in 2013 followed by a further cut of 1.3 percent in 2014.

The PC’s final budget, delivered

by Jim Prentice in March 2015 just before the election, included a further cut of 1.4 percent and proposed another cut of 2.7 percent for the following year.

Universities and colleges dealt with those cuts by doing things like laying off front-line support staff, cancelling library subscriptions to academic journals and databases, taking office phones away from many professors, greatly reducing photocopying and printing budgets, and reducing access to travel and conferences for academic staff as well as graduate and undergraduate students. Institutions also greatly increased the proportion of teaching being done by precarious contract academics and reduced the number of tenure track professors being hired.

While the New Democrats moved quickly to reverse some of the most recent cuts when they came to power, the province’s institutions have still not fully recovered from the impact of decades of underfunding and neglect.

Given that background and con-

text, the harsh reality is that every single dollar cut by these institutions will have a direct and lasting impact on the quality of education received by students, the level of services provided to them, and the overall richness of their postsecondary experience.

Further cuts will also impact Alberta’s ability to attract the best and brightest academics and reduce the significant contribution that academic research is able to make to the public interest. Funds spent on travel, conferences, support staff and resources, grants, and collaborative projects all directly benefits students and their education, and removing them would have serious consequences.

While it is undeniably true that there is ample room to cut in both the salary levels and numbers of senior administrators in the post-secondary sector across the province, both of which have grown exponentially in the last two decades, Schmidt’s lack of direction and specificity in this regard makes it highly unlikely that administrators will identify their own salaries and jobs as discretionary.

This government has articulated repeatedly the ways in which a world-class post-secondary sector contributes to the public interest and overall quality of life in Alberta. Getting there will require significant investment in the sector going forward. This call for austerity marks a concerted move in the wrong direction and should be reversed.

Ricardo Acuña ricardo@vueweekly.com

Dyer Straight

Islamic State: Is it over?

With Vladimir Putin in power of Russia, the conflict will most likely rage on

L

ate last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin met the leaders of Iran, Turkey and Syria, allegedly to discuss a final peace settlement in the Syrian civil war. On Monday he was in Syria to announce a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from the country because they had inflicted a “total rout” on the jihadist militants of Islamic State. Is the war really over?

Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, no longer exists as an actual, physical state in either Iraq or Syria. Last summer it lost Mosul, Iraq’s second city, to Iraqi troops backed by U.S. air power. Over the past four months it has lost all of eastern Syria, including its capital Raqqa, to a variety of forces including Kurdish, Syrian, and Iranian troops and American and Russian bombers.

Just one year ago, Islamic State controlled a territory the size of Belgium and the Netherlands, with 7 or 8 million people. Now it is homeless, and even its propaganda output has

dropped by 90 percent as its video production facilities were overrun one after the other. Its credibility among the faithful has taken an even bigger hit.

When the ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the re-founding of the traditional Islamic Caliphate in the territory controlled by ISIS in mid-2014, he was claiming quite specifically that the enterprise had God’s blessing. So it’s deeply embarrassing when it loses all that territory again within 30 months to the local ‘enemies of God’ and their infidel foreign allies.

The standard tactic of prophets, when their prophecies don’t come true, is to say that God is just testing people’s faith. We are already seeing some of this in ISIS propaganda, but the people who watch it are not complete fools. If they are fanatics interested in waging jihad, they will not abandon the idea, but they will look for some other organization that has a better claim to divine support.

That alternative organization, at least in Syria, is al-Qaeda. It

still has credibility because it planned and carried out the 9/11 attacks, and its Syrian branch still controls most of the province of Idlib in North-Western Syria. It was never as interested as Islamic State in attracting foreign volunteers, but if you’re a Syrian jihadi, it’s now the destination of choice.

The Syria branch of al-Qaeda was known as al-Nusra for a long time, but in the past two years it has changed its name approximately every second weekend in a bid to disguise its origins. It wasn’t trying to hide its loyalties from potential recruits. It was pretending to be a ‘moderate’ rebel group so that it wouldn’t get hit by American bombers.

This didn’t actually fool the Americans, of course, but it did allow them to denounce the Russians—who were bombing al-Nusra/al-Qaeda—as evil allies of Syrian dictator Bashar alAssad who were killing ‘good’ rebels. Oh, and killing innocent civilians, too, as if American bombs never hit civilians.

Al-Nusra was the Russians’

main target because it was a bigger threat to the survival of the Syrian government than Islamic State. It was al-Nusra, for example, that controlled the eastern half of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city, until Assad’s forces took it back a year ago with the help of Russian bombers and artillery.

Remember how the Western media covered the end of that siege? They never mentioned al-Qaeda or al-Nusra, and you never saw a fighter in the video clips coming out of east Aleppo. They just ran the footage of suffering civilians without any further comment or context.

It was hard to tell whether Barack Obama’s State Department was being delusional or merely hypocritical, but it insisted that there was a ‘third force’ of non-jihadi Syrians that was also trying to overthrow Assad. The U.S. was supporting them, and the wicked Russians were trying to kill them. But the ‘third force’ didn’t exist: it had been swallowed up by alNusra years ago.

VUEWEEKLY.com | dec 21 – dec 27, 2017

So the U.S. bombed Islamic State and nobody else, while the Russians only did that occasionally. Instead, they concentrated on bombing al-Nusra, which held territory much closer to Syria’s big cities. And Washington scored propaganda points by claiming that the Russians were bombing innocent civilians and ‘good’ rebels.

Now, with Islamic State defeated, the U.S. forces will probably leave Eastern Syria. (They have no legal status there, since they were never invited in by the Syrian government or authorized to intervene by the United Nations.)

But most of the Russian forces will stay, because it will probably take another year to destroy al-Nusra in Idlib province.

So why was Putin in Syria to announce a Russian troop withdrawal? Because there’s a presidential election coming up in Russia, and he wanted to declare a victory and bring some troops home now. But the war goes on.

Gwynne Dyer gwynne@vueweekly.com front 3

HOLIDAY BEER

T

/ Adobe Stock

There are many custom brews to enjoy this holiday season, just don’t try them all at once

he holiday season can be a funny one for the beer world. Your average pale lager or even favourite IPA may not seem, well, festive enough to mark the occasion.

There is a reason people brew up mulled cider or rum eggnog for holiday parties, but this year, consumers want something more.

In recent years, craft brewers have become increasingly inventive with what they do with their releases around the holidays. In short, they are upping their game around finding beers that are well suited for holiday celebration.

I argue there are three types of holiday season beer available: the winter warmer, the spiced beer and the experimental beer.

The winter warmer is the most straightforward. It is a darker, maltier brew, often with a higher alcohol content designed for cold winter nights. British breweries have long brewed winter warmers as part of their regular rotation and more recently, many North American craft breweries have jumped on the bandwagon.

If you want a classic warmer style, look no further than Samuel Smith’s Winter Warmer, with its classic combination of caramel, molasses, chocolate, dark fruit, and full body. A more American interpretation comes from B.C.’s Bridge Brewing and its Sleigh Booster. It has similar malt flavours, but draws in an assertive American-hop bitterness.

Looking closer to home, Edson’s Bench Creek Legend Extra Old Ale (another name for winter warmer) is both lighter in colour and body, adding a noted hop character in the

background for balance. Clocking in at 11.8 percent, it certainly does the job of warming up your insides.

The second group is spiced beers.

There are actually two sub-categories here. The first is beer with the addition of holiday spices. The additions usually include cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and vanilla—similar to the spices added for mulled cider or wine—but can also include ginger, anise, licorice, citrus fruits, and other earthy spices.

The result can be quite mixed depending on how heavily dosed the spices are and the relative merits of the base beer. Some more commercial examples, like Granville Island’s Lions Winter Ale, go heavy on the sweetness and vanilla character. Others find a way to achieve a more palatable balance. Howe Sound’s Father John Winter Ale is one that balances a rich, chocolatey beer with a noted level of mulled spices, making it richly complex. Notable, renowned American craft pioneer Anchor Brewing releases a new version of their Xmas Ale each year with a different combination of spices.

The second sub-category adds no spices at all but still finds a way to impart similar flavours. These breweries figured, ‘why go to the trouble of creating a new beer with spices when you need not look any further than a dark Belgian Abbey-style ale?’ This longstanding style uses yeast strain to produce earthy, rounded spice characters without any special addition. Any Belgian dark ale, including Dubbels or Quadrupels, are perfect for the bill. St. Bernardus always releases

a Christmas Ale that brings the power of its ABT12, bringing out the spiciness just that much more.

De Rank and Gouden Carolus also offer annual Christmas versions of their strong, funky beer.

The third category didn’t really exist a few years ago. But, I think many craft brewers started to get bored with the whole holiday spices thing and started looking at other flavours they could use. We are seeing non-traditional approaches and styles that still leave the beer with a celebratory feel.

First in on the experimental act may have been Deschutes with their annual Jubel Celebration Ale. It uses some of the traditional spices, but adds interesting hops and often the beer is aged in oak barrels prior to release, creating a complex, style-straddling winter ale.

Other more fascinating creations are Alley Kat’s recent Long Johns, a salted caramel ale attempting to replicate the flavour of a chocolate treat. Along a similar vein, Bench Creek (its second holiday beer of the year) with Veruca Salted Brownie Oat Stout. Fernie Brewing may go the furthest this year with their Black Mammoth Winter Ale complete with Seville orange peel, oak spirals soaked in Triple Sec, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder.

Whether your tastes go for the more traditional holiday flavours or the more adventurous, there is a festive beer waiting for you.

Be safe this holiday season and if having more than one or two of these brews, be sure to make other travel arrangements.

Jason Foster dish@vueweekly.com

I wa

nt

7

!

THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION PROUDLY PRESENTS

Santa at City Market Downtown in City Hall on Saturday Dec 23 from 11am to 2pm.

(Line-up to see Santa ends at 1:45pm, so plan to arrive early!)

Take a photo with Santa, shop the 60+ vendors on site, and don’t forget to bring a donation for the Food Bank!

Park in the heated City Hall parkade for only 50 cents/hr

city-market.ca

4 dish

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jonas St. Michael explores nature of representation in his newest exhibit, Bandaneira

Until Sat., Jan. 20 Bandaneira Harcourt House Main Gallery

T

he Bandas are a remote group of volcanic islands in the Indonesian Peninsula that were once an important hub of the global spice trade.

This is where artist Jonas St. Michael first imagined the idea behind his photography exhibition Bandaneira.

The centre of the island patchwork, Banda Neira—where Bandaneira borrows its title from—was the administrative centre of the trade hub. But in relatively recent history, the area’s vital position fell into obscurity most often as a mere tourist destination, with the local population living much different lives from its Western visitors.

“Those scenes were in the back of my mind when I was making these pictures—the idea of the Western photographer and this kind of exchange I was very aware of when I was doing the pictures,” he says thinking back to the visuals of trade exploitation that he had found in Indonesia. “It was sort of problematic for me at the beginning, but I wanted to confront those problematics in the work, like this sort of transactional exchange I had with people.”

The “problematics” St. Michael speaks of are complex questions inherent to photography for as long as the medium has been around: questions of personal encroachment or violation, power relations, transaction, or captured existence as the subjects are put on display afterward in art galleries across the world for months and sometimes years.

Although he ended up shooting the images during an artist residency in Mumbai, St. Michael felt the ideas explored by the pieces is less beholden to place and more an abstract dissection of the nature of representation that is so inherent to his bodies of work.

“This problem is not just necessarily people who are in India or in Asia,” he adds, “I think it’s just a question of photography in general; it was more about an idea than a specific place.”

While much of his past work has been in North America and Europe, St. Michael’s artistic practice has always been inspired by the nature of photography and its ability to build new

relationships between reality and appearance, or perhaps in this case, a semi-fictional reality.

Rather than wander around shooting what he saw on the streets of Mumbai, St. Michael decided to recreate images he had curated in his head with people he found in the area.

“My studio was based in ... a sort of slum or shanty town, so there’s definitely a kind of social element that’s in all of the pictures,” he says. “All the images in this particular project are constructed using actors or figures to create a fictional element. It’s somewhere in between a documentary and fiction.”

By doing this, the images became more deliberate and thought-out, perhaps transposing a feeling of awareness and knowledge in each image, rather than an incidental exchange.

Though there isn’t a concise message, each large-scale photograph layers upon the last to create a narrative that St. Michael says is ultimately up to the viewer to determine for themselves.

Sierra Bilton sierra@vueweekly.com

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

Photo from Bandaneira / Jonas St. Michael

arts 5

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ARTS

BETTER TOGETHER Alchemy II showcases local collaboration featuring poetry, music and dance

Brandon Wint / Anna Koustas

Wed., Dec. 27 (8 pm) Alchemy II: A Night of Poetry, Music and Dance Sewing Machine Factory $15 or pay what you can

C

ollaboration between different mediums of art can offer new meaning and insightful reflections for both the performers and artists. It’s under this principle that poet and spoken word artist Brandon Wint hosts

his event, Alchemy II: A Night of Poetry, Music, and Dance.

“Edmonton is very open to interarts, cross-genre collaboration and events that bring together various forms of artistry,” Wint says.

This will be the second iteration of Alchemy since the multi-disciplinary arts event made its debut at Studio 96.

“I wanted to use my capacity as an artist and organizer to bring some beauty to that space,” Wint

says. “Now it will be at the Sewing Machine Factory. It’s definitely an event worth continuing.”

Wint and dance/theatre artist Lebogang Disele will be performing a piece that has to do with “blackness and political resistance.”

Wint says he has really enjoyed learning how dance choreography comes together and is excited to use his wordsmith talents to create an interactive piece of spoken art.

Until Sun., Dec. 24 Burning Bluebeard The Roxy on Gateway, $22

FINDING JOY IN A BURNING THEATRE

ghosts remerge in the dilapidated framework of the Iroquois to showcase the musical that started the deadly blaze in 1903, each desperately attempting to make it right and avoid catastrophe.

It’s a curious little production that provides audiences with a mélange of performance artistry and historical tidbits—mild clowning, Vaudevillian one-liners, lip-syncing Amy Winehouse, and even a rap about turn-of-the-century fire codes.

Three days later, I’m still left grasping for words when discussing it. At first glance, it seems to take a scattergun approach to entertainment, blasting the audience with a range of performances in the hopes that one might hit the mark.

Burning Bluebeard is a crowd-pleaser despite taking a scattergun approach

F

6 arts

Wint cannot pinpoint the exact moment he became a poet— he has been writing poems since his youth—but does remem-

Performer, Stephanie Wolfe / Dave DeGagné and Brad Gibbons

THEATRE REVUE

rom the outset, we know we’re doomed. As soon as the Edison lights dim, a cast of singed spectres inform us that we’ve left the galvanized confines of The Roxy behind and are now sitting in the charred remains of the Chicago Iroquois Theatre. They want us to enjoy

“The forms of intelligence that come together to create dance or theatre are really different to poetry,” he says. “It’s really intriguing. The more often we can share space, there’s this process of osmosis where we can learn things from one another.”

ber when he became immersed within the poetic subculture.

“I was in my second year of University at Carlton,” he says. “I was in my dorm and I was bored, so I went looking for poetry and I found it. I’d always been a writer as an English major so it wasn’t a total leap of faith to move into spoken word.”

Wint has released batches of recordings in which he performs his poems alongside an assortment of musical arrangements. Although the musicianship is quite impressive, Wint’s voice and flow stand out as the core ingredient.

“I think that as a spoken word artist, there’s a live context and an emphasis that is given to the voice,” Wint says. “It’s hard to replicate in books, even though I love reading poems. But for spoken word, the voice needs to be heard. So bringing it into a recorded context feels appropriate for me. I’m really interested in understanding the range of my voice.

What does my voice do when I’m dropped into the context of classical music? Or, what if I apply it to hip hop or to blues?”

Beyond Wint, Alchemy II will also host singer-songwriters Eva Foote and Amelia Leclair.

“Shows like this that expose you to a little bit of the music community, a little bit of the dance community, a little bit of theatre, are poignant reminders of the potential that this city has,” Wint says. “It’s really a community-building project, this event. Whatever positive energy you receive at the show, I want you to harness it for other parts of your life.”

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com

the show (God, do they ever), but consistently remind us that

by Act Two, we’re all going to die.

It’s a great pitch, to say the least: threatening to kill your audience with fire in the first five minutes is a brilliant way to get us invested—truly Burning Bluebeard’s greatest attribute. But, beyond

this macabre opening, it struggles to find any real meaning within its loose structure.

The play—billed as a Christmas pantomime—centres around ghosts from Chicago’s Iroquois Theatre, home to one of the deadliest fires in American History (at least 600 dead). Each year, these

However, in the same breath, I find myself considering that maybe it’s just meta—a vaudevillian show about a vaudevillian show.

In that case, it’s brilliant. Possibly.

It’s somewhat vexing that Burning Bluebeard has been marketed as a Christmas show. It certainly isn’t one in the traditional sense, and that’s fine. But there’s noth-

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

ing, aside from the calendrical proximity to December 25, that screams “Christmas,” or any other seasonal holiday for that matter. It would be just as at home before Lent or Groundhog Day. But, perhaps I’m overthinking it.

Perhaps Burning Bluebeard finds its holiday spirit in the effect that it has on audiences. Though it should come as no great surprise that I won’t personally be tub-thumping for “Bluebeard” any time soon, I’m in a minority (albeit a vocal one). My fellow theatregoers were all smiles as they filed out in awe at the creative spectacle they had just witnessed.

There was a real feeling of shared joy in the experience, and I think that’s something that is unique to the holidays: a common feeling of happiness that permeates throughout society, and brings people together. It’s a great feeling knowing that other people are finding the same joy in something that you do; it rings of collective understanding and peace.

At the very least, Dave Horak and the admittedly talented cast can pride themselves in delivering something that makes people happy—just as long as they don’t overthink it too much.

Buchanan Hunter arts@vueweekly.com

The

SHORT

Story

Calendar

ADVENT INTERVIEWS

ADVENT # 19 THE FRIEND Since returning

to writing after a dreadful stint as a Wall Street banker, Lindsay Hatton realizes she is an analytical person.

Not so much in the sense that she’s good with numbers, but more so that she’s organized and has a brain that works similarly to John Nash in A Beautiful Mind.

“Something that propels my writing forward, but also sometimes hinders me, is the analytical process I do in my own head of making connections that excite me but may not excite the reader at all,” Hatton says. “In the movie ... when he has all the things up on the wall and he’s connecting it

all with yarn, that’s kind of what my head looks like when I’m writing something.”

Hatton’s husband had one condition of them marrying at the time he proposed to her.

“He says, ‘I’m not gonna marry you unless you do what you wanna do,’” she explains. “So I said,

‘All right, I will marry you and start writing again.’”

Now, the author of Monterey Bay, a story that follows marine biologist Ed Ricketts—a central character from John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row—she finds sticky areas that exist within fiction itself.

“It’s the simultaneous escape and the parallel kind of immersion in reality through imagination. Which is just kind of a complicated way of saying, ‘I like to work things out on the page with characters who are not me.’”

Hatton finds that writing fiction indulges a freedom or “blurring of the lines” which she finds very cathartic. However, there is a limit to the blurring of lines, as she’s found throughout her career.

“My first novel dealt in certain aspects of historical fiction, but other aspects of speculative fictions kind of blurred the lines in a way that made perfect sense for me, but didn’t make sense for a lot of readers,” she says.

Hatton has used aspects of history in her work in order to challenge herself as a writer. She

CHRISTMAS FOLKLORE

finds this helps her better understand the invisible lines that exist in each genre.

“I sometimes put real historical figures in my fiction and I find that the line moves there pretty dramatically according to how well-known that person actually is,” she says.

In her upcoming novel, Hatton has been careful to leave out real-life characters in hopes of heightening her imagination.

Another strange limit she’s found while working on her new fiction novel is the amount of research she undertook.

“It’s almost like being on a weird diet—not too much, not too little. There’s a process where you don’t want to binge and you don’t want to restrict,” Hatton says.

“I’m still trying to figure that out for myself.”

Her story in the advent calendar, The Friend, echoes these themes as she skillfully crafts a blurred line between what’s real and what’s not, in this tale of curious friendship and human limitations.

Sierra Bilton sierra@vueweekly.com Icelandic holiday myth, Grýla / Curtis Hauser

NIGHTMARES OF CHRISTMAS Europe’s diabolic folklore juxtaposes North American holiday legends and traditions

C

hristmas—a yearly reminder that we as a society allow a robust, bearded man in a red suit to break into our homes and deliver presents for the young’uns—is nearly upon us.

A North American Christmas is a time for whimsy, joy, and capitalism, where hills of presents are ushered underneath a pine tree and family comes from far and wide to be together for a few days while the environment is coated in sheets of white powder.

It’s what many, including Andy Williams and Harry Connick Jr., like to call, “the most wonderful time of the year.”

However, in other parts of the world, the holidays are a little more sinister and in some cases, nightmarish, leading to countless pieces of gothic-inspired art.

Devil-like goat beasts, trolls, and witches prowl the streets looking for naughty children to beat, scold, and sometimes devour whole.

Many have at least heard of Austria and Germany’s Krampus, an anthropomorphic bloodshot, half-goat, half-demon who takes pleasure in beating misbehaving children with birch sticks, throwing them in his sack of horrors, and hauling them off to his cavernous lair to be eaten.

In Europe, Krampus is a cultural tradition with its own festival, Krampusnacht. But in

the last few years, he’s made his way to North America and submerged himself in our pop culture through art, music, film, video games, and mini Krampusnacht festivals.

But, Krampus is not the only European Christmas horror worth noting. Many countries have their own legends to scare their children.

“In the Slavic parts of the world there is Malanka, which can be a parade—like Krampus with ghost figures, the devil, and other scary and comical figures,” says University of Alberta professor and Kule Chair in Ukrainian Ethnography, Natalie Kononenko. “It can also be a play where Malanka (sometimes a goat and sometimes a guy dressed as a woman) dies, to be ‘resurrected.’”

In Wales, there is the wassailing (door-to-door) custom called Mari Lwyd.

“This involves parading with a horse skull,” Kononenko says.

“This is a festival of death and resurrection, sort of like the old and new year and it features a great deal of dark imagery.”

Iceland has its own heap of Christmas terrors, but the two that stand out are Jólaköttur (The Yule Cat) and Grýla (a giantess that lives in the Icelandic mountains).

The Yule Cat, sometimes called The Christmas Cat of Iceland, is an enormous demonic feline that consumes anyone who does not receive a new piece of clothing for Christmas. It is said to be the pet of Grýla who scoops up disorderly children and, you guessed it—eats them. Only she makes a nice children-filled stew.

Actually, many of these European legends involve eating or

beating wicked children. It’s the more extreme version of gifting kids with lumps of coal.

Perhaps the most terrifying of these Christmas nightmares is Eastern Europe’s Christmas witch, Frau Perchta. She isn’t as well known as Krampus, which is a shame because this knifewielding crone is much more malevolent. She pops up quite a bit in European folklore, but

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

on Christmas, she seeks out lazy parents and bad children to disembowels them. Afterward, she replaces their organs with hay, rocks, and garbage—pleasant isn’t it?

So the next time you’re disappointed with the gift you received during the holidays, remember Frau Perchta is watching.

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com arts 7

ARTS WEEKLY EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 12PM

ALBERTA LEGISLATURE AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY VISITOR CENTRE • 9820107 St • 780.415.1839 • jeanette.dotimas@ assembly.ab.ca • assembly.ab.ca/visitorcentre/ borealis/LegionHalls.html • Legion Halls: photography by Tobi Asmoucha; Oct 13-Jan 2

ALLIED ARTS COUNCIL OF SPRUCE GROVE

• Melcor Cultural Centre, 35-5th Ave, Spruce Grove • 780.962.0664 • alliedartscouncil.com • Novelty Show; Dec 4-Jan 19

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA (AGA) • 2 Sir

Central Lions Recreation Center, 11113-113 St • 780.893.6828 • ebda.ca • An evening of ballroom, latin, country dancing • First Sat of every month, 8pm (doors)

CLARA'S DREAM • Jubilee Auditorium,

ART GALLERY OF ST ALBERT (AGSA) • 19

ARGENTINE TANGO DANCE AT FOOT NOTES STUDIO • Foot Notes Dance Studio (South side), 9708-45 Ave • 780.438.3207 • virenzi@shaw. ca • Argentine Tango with Tango Divino: beginners: 7-8pm; intermediate: 8-9pm; Tango Social Dance (Milonga): 9pm-12 • Every Fri, 7pm-midnight • $15

BALLROOM DANCE ASSOCIATION •

11455-87 Ave • Shumka's Nutcracker, "Clara's Dream" returns. A holiday classic, this production features ballet, folk dance, and character dance in a celebration of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score • Dec 29-30, 7:30pm, 2pm (Dec 30 only) • $20-$80

DANCE CLASSES WITH GOOD WOMEN DANCE COLLECTIVE • Muriel Taylor Studio at Ruth Carse Centre for Dance, 11205-107 Ave • info@goodwomen.ca • goodwomen.ca/classes • Every Tue, Thu, Fri; 10-11:30am • $15 (drop-in), $65 (5 class pack), $100 (10 class pack)

FLAMENCO DANCE CLASSES (BEGINNER OR ADVANCED) • Dance Code Studio,

10575-115 St NW #204 • 780.349.4843 • judithgarcia07@gmail.com • flamencoenvivo.com • Every Sun until Jun 10, 11:30am-12:30pm

MILE ZERO DANCE DROP-IN DANCE & MOVEMENT CLASSES • Spazio Performativo, 10816-95

St • 780.424.1573 • mzdsociety@gmail.com • milezerodance.com/classes • Mile Zero Dance holds a number of drop-in dance & movement classes for people of all experience levels & ages; Mon: Professional Technique (10-11:30am), Contact Improv (7-9pm); Tue: Kids 6-10 (4:30-5:15pm), Toonie Yoga (5:30-6:45pm), Butoh (7-9pm); Wed: Noguchi Taiso (10-11:30am); Thu: Preschool 3-5 (10-10:45am), Beginner Contemporary (56:15pm); Sat: House (7-9pm) • $15 (regular), $12 (members), 10-class cards available for $100

THE SASH MAKER • Spazio Performativo,

Perron St, St Albert • 780.460.4310 • artgalleryofstalbert.ca • Outrospectives: artwork by Nathalie Daoust, Florin Hategan and Edwin Janzen; Dec 7-Jan 27

• latitude53.org • Persistence of Vision: artwork

by Brandon A. Dalmer; Dec 8-Jan 20 • Latitude Invitational: by various artists; Dec 8-Jan 20

LOFT ART GALLERY • 590 Broadmoor

Blvd, Sherwood Park • artsoc@telus.net • artstrathcona.com • Open Fri-Sun, Sep 9-Dec, 10-4pm • Artwork from local artists of the Society

PETER ROBERTSON GALLERY • 12323-104

Ave • 780.455.7479 • probertsongallery.com • Group Show: Includes new artists and their new works; Nov 9-Dec 31 • Giving Context: artwork by Steve Driscoll; Nov 25-Dec 30 • Raw Materials: artwork by Phil Darrah; Dec 14-Jan 6

PICTURE THIS! FRAMING & GALLERY • 959

Ordze Rd, Sherwood Park • 780.467.3038 • info@picturethisgallery.com • picturethisgallery. com • The Winter Art Show: artwork by Roger Arndt, Luke Buck, Charity Dakin, Trisha Romance and more; Dec 1-Feb 28 • Christmas Open House–A Picture This Christmas; Dec 15-23

MCMULLEN GALLERY • U of A Hospital,

8440-112 St • 780.407.7152 • friendsofuah. org/mcmullen-gallery • Holiday Show & Sale 2017; Dec 7-21

PROVINCIAL ARCHIVES OF ALBERTA • 8555 Roper Road • PAA@gov.ab.ca • 780.427.1750 • culture.alberta.ca/paa/eventsandexhibits/ default.aspx • Open Tue-Sat, 9am

MUSÉE HÉRITAGE MUSEUM • St Albert Place,

SNAP GALLERY • Society of Northern Alberta

5 St Anne Street, St Albert • MuseeHeritage.ca • 780.459.1528 • museum@artsandheritage.ca •The Michel Band: curated by members of the Michel Band Council; Sep 19-Jan 7

Print-Artists, 10123-121 St • 780.423.1492 • snapartists.com • Community Gallery: artwork

by Jonathan S. Green; Jan 5-Feb 10 • Main Gallery: Tara Cooper; Jan 5-Feb 10

PAINT SPOT • 10032-81 Ave • 780.432.0240 • paintspot.ca • Naess Gallery: The Aging Chalice: artwork by Sarah C. Louise Jackson and Sara Norquay; Nov 23-Jan 4 • Artistan Nook: Chapmans Create: artwork by Michelle and Josh Chapman; Nov 23-Jan 4

TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE • 11211-142

St • telusworldofscienceedmonton.com • Daily activities, demonstrations and experiments • The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition; Until Jan 7 • POPnology Exhibition; Feb 9-May 6

UDELL XHIBITIONS • 10332-124 St NW •

780.488.4445 • Open Tues to Sat 10am-5 pm • udellxhibitions.com • Winter Group Show; Dec 9-23

BLEEDING HEART ART SPACE • 9132-118 Ave •

WEST END GALLERY • 10337-124 St •

780.488.4892 • westendgalleryltd.com • Edmonton Calendar Show; Nov 25-Dec 23

dave@bleedingheartartspace. com • Origin Stories: artwork

by Jenny Hawkinson; Jan 8-27

Downtown Edmonton Community League, 10042-103 St • facebook.com/declorg • Open to anyone who lives, works, or plays downtown and wants to meet new people, have great conversations, and read cool stuff • Every 2nd Wed, 7-8:30pm

TheatreSports Citadel’s Zeidler Hall Every Fri., 7:30pm and 10 pm Sept. 9 - June 8 $15

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

BOREALIS GALLERY •

9820-107 St • assembly.ab.ca/ visitorcentre/borealis.html • Legion Halls: produced by the Canadian War Museum; Oct 13-Jan 2

ROUGE POETRY SLAM HOSTED BY BREATH IN POETRY COLLECTIVE • BLVD

BRUCE PEEL SPECIAL COLLECTIONS • Lower

level, Rutherford South, University of Alberta • bpsc.library.ualberta.ca • Salt, Sword, and Crozier: Books and Coins from the Prince-Bishopric of Salzburg (c.1500-c.1800); Sep 26-Dec24, Jan 2-Feb 7

SUGAR FOOT STOMP! • Sugar Swing Ballroom,

BUGERA MATHESON GALLERY • 10345-124 St •

Supper x Club, 10765 Jasper Ave • Every Tue

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

bugeramathesongallery.com • Radioactive Core: artwork

by Scott Plear; Dec 8-24

UPPER CRUST CAFÉ • 10909-86 Ave •

SACRED CIRCLE DANCE • Riverdale Hall, 9231-100 Ave • Dances are taught to a variety of songs and music. No partner required • Every Wed, 7-9pm • $10

CAVA GALLERY • 9103-95

780.422.8174 • strollofpoets.com • The Poets’ Haven Reading Series • Most Mon (except holidays), 7pm, Sep 18-Mar; presented by the Stroll of Poets Society • $5 (door)

SUBARTIC IMPROV & EXPERIMENTAL ARTS • Spazio Performativo, 10816-95 St • milezerodance.com • Co-curated by Jen Mesch and Allison Balcetis, these unique events combine forces of local and visiting artists, who share with the audience to a melange of dance, visual art, music, and text • Jan 12 • $15 or best offer at the door

DC3 ART PROJECTS • 10567-

THEATRE

FILM METRO • Metro at the Garneau Theatre, 8712-

109 St • 780.425.9212 • metrocinema.org • Visit metrocinema.org for daily listings • CANADA ON SCREEN: Black Christmas (1974) (Dec 22) • METRO RETRO: The Crow (Dec 28) • QUOTE-ALONG SERIES: Die Hard (Dec 23) • REEL FAMILY CINEMA: Elf (Dec 23), The Wizard of OZ (Dec 30) • STRANGE CANADA: The Silent Partner (Dec 21)

SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC •

Horizon Stage, 1001 Calahoo Road, Spruce Grove • 780.962.8995 • horizonstage.com • A host will lead the audience through a vocal warm up and give you a comprehensive guide to the accompanying actions for this sing-a-long movie event • Jan 20, 2pm

GALLERIES + MUSEUMS ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL GALLERY • 10186-106 St • 780.488.6611 • albertacraft. ab.ca • Landmarks: artwork by Julia Reimer, Tyler Rock and Katherine Russell; Sep 2-Dec 24 • Process; Thinking Through: artwork by Charles Lewton-Brain; Jan 20-Apr 21

8 arts

Ave • 780.461.3427 • galeriecava.com • Miniatures Show Galerie; Dec 1-23 111 St • 780.686.4211 • dc3artprojects. com • Isachsen: artwork by various artists; Jan 12-Feb 17

11 O'CLOCK NUMBER • Basement Theatre at Holy Trinity, 10037-84 Ave • grindstonetheatre. ca • This completely improvised musical comedy is based on the suggestions from the audience who will get to experience a brand new story unfold in front of them, complete with impromptu songs, dance breaks and show stopping numbers • Every Fri, Oct 13-Dec 15, 11pm

FAB GALLERY • Fine Arts Building Gallery,1-1 FAB (University of Alberta) • ualberta.ca/artshows • MFA Sculpture: artwork by TJ McLachlan; Dec 19-23 & Jan 2-13 • The Light Through the Window: artwork by Noemi De Brujn; Dec 19-23 & Jan 2-13 • Feeling the Flesh of the Other as Our Own: artwork by Angela Marino; Jan 23-Feb 10 • Alcuin Awards for Book Design in Canada 2016; Jan 23-Feb 10

GALLERY@501 • 501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park • 780.410.8585 • strathcona.ca/artgallery • Light in the Land–the Nature of Canada: artwork by Dr. Roberta Bondar; Nov 10-Dec 21

HARCOURT HOUSE GALLERY • 3 Fl, 10215-112 St • 780.426.4180 • harcourthouse.ab.ca • 1984 Cranes: artwork by Bonnie Patton; Dec 7-Jan 19 • Bandaneira: artwork by Jonas St. Michael; Dec 7-Jan 19 of Alberta 1-15, Human Ecology Building • 780.492.3824 • Imagining a Better World: The Artwork of Nelly Toll; Sep 28-Mar 11

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • A seemingly a dull task for Mrs. O’Brien, who has been put in charge when the original leader hits a moose with her car. When the Herdmans, "the worst kids in the history of the entire universe", show up for the auditions, things could go sideways • Dec 20-23 (7:30pm); Dec 16 & 23 (2pm) • $28.95 (adults), $22.95 (students and kids under 17), $24.95 (seniors 60+); Available at TIX on the Square

BEWITCHING ELVIS • Jubilations Dinner

Theatre, West Edmonton Mall, #2061 8882-170 St • 780.484.2424 • edmonton.jubilations.ca • Samantha Stephens and her husband Darren are trying to live a normal married life, but Samantha’s witch mother, Endora, doesn’t make it very easy for them. Samantha throws a party and is greeted by the real Elvis • Jan 26-Apr 1

BURNING BLUEBEARD • The Roxy on

Gateway, 8529 Gateway Blvd • Tells the tale of six singed clowns who emerge from the burnt remains of a theatre to perform their spectacular Christmas Pantomime • Dec 12-23

CHIMPROV • Citadel's Zeidler Hall, 9828-

101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Rapid Fire Theatre’s long form comedy show: improv formats, intricate narratives, and one-act plays • Every Sat, 10pm; Sep 10-Jun 9 • $15 (door or buy in adv at TIX on the Square) • die-nasty.com • Live improvised soap opera.

Join the whole Die-Nasty family REBORN, for a whole season of great artists, earth-shaking discovery, glorious music, hilarious hi jinx...but mostly Machiavellian Intrigue • Runs every Mon, 6:30pm (doors), 7:30-9:30pm • Oct 23-May 29

EMPIRE OF THE SON • Citadel Theatre, 9828-

101A Ave • citadeltheatre.com • A dynamic solo performance about an emotionally distant father whose legacy is felt beyond his lifetime • Jan 31-Feb 18

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF • Festival Place, 100

Festival Way, Sherwood Park • 780.449.3378 • festivalplace.ab.ca • The heartwarming musical story about fathers, daughters, husbands and wives, life, love and acceptance • Dec 15-30

THE HUMANS • Citadel Theatre, 9828-101A

Ave • citadeltheatre.com • A family reunion at Thanksgiving causes tensions to rise to the surface as secrets and hardships are revealed • Jan 6-28

THE LISTENING ROOM • ATB Financial Art

Barns, 10330-84 Ave • 780.471.1586 • In an isolated and post-apocalyptic desert, a group of four teenagers use radio telescopes to salvage fragments of earlier civilizations still ricocheting between stars, desperately searching for connections to a past that has faded from both memory and record • Jan 18-28

ONEGIN • Maclab Theatre at the Citadel, 9828101A Ave • 780.425.1820 • A new indie-rock musical. Tells the story of Eugene Onegin, a wealthy Russian playboy who, bored with seducing women in Moscow, sees a chance for a change when he inherits a country estate.

He soon becomes fast friends with Vladimir, his new neighbour, who introduces Onegin to the love of his life, Olga • Jan 17-28, 7:30pm (nightly), 2pm (weekends) • $17

OPEN JAM • Holy Trinity Church, 10037-84 Ave • 780.907.2975 • grindstonetheatre.ca • Facilitated by Grindstone Theatre. Swap games and ideas and get an opportunity to play. For those of all levels • Last Tue of each month ORANGE IS THE NEW PINK • Jubilations

9828-101A Ave • citadeltheatre.com • Three Ghosts of Christmas show Scrooge the value of giving. A heart-warming family classic to raise the holiday spirits • Dec 1-23

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS •

PURPLE PIRATE’S MAGIC PIRATE SHIP

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Sanctuary, 10037-84 Ave • trinityplayersyeg@gmail. com • In this one hour, family friendly opera we follow the epic journey of the three quirky wise men following the star to visit the Christ child. On the way, they take refuge in the home of Amahl and his mother and miracles ensue • Dec 27-28, 6:30-7:30pm • $15 (adult), $35 (family, two adults + up to three children), $5 (single child); available at Eventbrite

BACK TO THE 80S PART 2: THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES • Mayfield

HUMAN ECOLOGY GALLERY • University

THE BEST LITTLE NEWFOUNDLAND CHRISTMAS PAGEANT...EVER! • Varscona

Dinner Theatre, West Edmonton Mall, #2061, 8882-170 St • 780.484.2424 • edmonton. jubilations.ca • Piper is pretty in pink and the life of every party. But when this queen of the New York party scene takes it a bit too far, she’s forced to trade in the pink party dress for an orange prison suit • Oct 20-Jan 20

A CHRISTMAS CAROL • Citadel Theatre,

FRONT GALLERY • 10402-124 St • thefrontgallery.com • The Heritage Collection: artwork by Kari Duke; Jan 11, 7-9pm • Fallen Star Cars: artwork by Steve Coffey; Feb 8, 7-9pm

as they blast back to the '80s to relive the bad hairdos, spandex pants, iconic characters and, of course, it’s most excellent mix-tape of memorable music. • Nov 7-Jan 28

DIE-NASTY • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave

LITERARY DOWNTOWN EDMONTON BOOK CLUB •

10816-95 St • milezerodance.com • In collaboration with Aboriginal Arts Alberta, Rebecca Sadowski uses Metis traditional sash weaving as an entry point to exploring her own heritage through movement • Jan 19-20 • $15 or best offer at the door 10019-80 Ave NW • 587.786.6554 • dance@ sugarswing.com • sugarswing.com • Swing dance social • Every Fri-Sat, 8pm (beginner lesson begins) • $12, $2 (lesson with entry) • All ages

780.990.1161 • landogallery.com • Holiday Group Selling Exhibition: featuring Lando Gallery artists; Until the end of Dec

LATITUDE 53 • Latitude 53, 10242-106 St NW

Winston Churchill Sq • 780.422.6223 • youraga. ca • Turbulent Landings: The NGC 2017 Canadian Biennial: curated by Catherine Crowston, Josee Drouin-Brisebois and Jonathan Shaughnessy; Sep 30-Jan 7 • Monument: artwork by Dara Humniski and Sergio Serrano; Oct 14-Feb 19 • Calling Stones (Conversations): artwork by Faye HeavyShield; Oct 28-Feb 19 • WordMark: A New Chapter Acquisition Project; Oct 28-Mar 25 • WEEKLY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: Tours for Tots, Every Wed, 10-11am • Youth Workshops, ages 13-17, Every Thu, 4-6pm • Kids’ Open Studio, Every Sat, 1-3pm • Exhibition Tours; Every Sat-Sun, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm • Art for Lunch; 3rd Thu of the month, 12-1pm • VIBE; 3rd Fri of the month, 5-9pm

DANCE

LANDO GALLERY • 103, 10310-124 St •

Dinner Theatre, 16615-109 Ave • 780.483.4051 • mayfieldtheatre. ca • Join Bill and Ted in their time traveling phone booth

• Horizon Stage, 1001 Calahoo Road, Spruce Grove • 780.962.8995 • horizonstage.com • This voyage will have adults laughing and children leaping to their feet to volunteer with the world’s friendliest buccaneer, The Purple Pirate • Jan 29, 10am

SLUMBERLAND MOTEL • Varscona

Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • 780.433.3399 • shadowtheatre.org • While overnighting in a seedy roadside motel, two down on their luck vacuum cleaner salesmen’s lives are changed by a mysterious woman • Jan 17-Feb 4

THEATRESPORTS • Citadel's Zeidler Hall,

9828-101A Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Improv • Every Fri, 7:30pm and 10pm • Sep 9-Jun 8 • $15

FILM REVUE

BASTARDIZING THE FORCE

F

Star Wars: The Last Jedi proves the well can run dry for a beloved franchise

rom the original trinity and three prequels to the spinoffs and sequels-trilogy, George Lucas’ space-opera franchise has taken on a box office-busting force of its own. Disney is determined to keep that “galaxy far, far away” near and dear to cineplexers’ hearts each year. But as an actual down-toearth movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is box-tickingly formulaic. Its story flat and stretched-out, it’s filmmaking is a series of choreographed ‘mega-F/Xtravaganzas (the production—budget undisclosed—involved 125 sets on 14 sound stages).

Resistance to the ‘Jediverse’ may be futile, but the Resistance’s struggle against the First Order continues. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) leads General Leia Organa’s

(Carrie Fisher) forces against one of Supreme Leader Snoke’s dreadnoughts. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) arrives on Ahch-To—the planet that sounds like a suppressed sneeze—to be taught by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), but Snoke’s protégé Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) begins communicating with her in visions.

Amid the incessant score, that talk’s a big problem. Lines of dialogue are often story-signposts in bold 48-point font (action cliché serif or blatantly obvious sansserif). On a cliff’s edge, with foes approaching, Resistance fighters Finn (John Bayega) and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) declare, “We’re trapped!” When the two make it back to base, Poe proclaims, “You’re alive!” And so, banally on.

Many shots are overdone closeups: sneering or steely faces, hands, Ren’s gloved fist, Rose’s medallion.

The quasi-Biblical allusions (a flaming tree of knowledge; Skywalker’s Crusoe-like guru in the wilderness) and mysticism of “The Force” (talk of balance in the universe; astral projections) clunk and clang. There are the requisite droids, cutesy critters (guinea pig-like, with big black eyes), and Yoda—uttering motivational-poster clichés in his trademark syntax (“The greatest teacher, failure is”).

There’s one inspired alien—whose udders Skywalker milks—but the humour’s usually pat or an in-joke that makes for more self-mythologizing; the storybook-epilogue refutes Leia’s worry that “the galaxy

Rey and Luke Skywalker / Supplied

has lost its hope.” As super-slick as this eighth episode looks, its only sequence with real snap is the first lightsaber battle.

The movie’s political stab? Disgust with arms-dealing ... pretty rich when Resistance fighters express awe at the enemy’s “big gun,” Kylo Ren has Skywalker blitzed by cannons, and heavy weapons bombard scene after scene. By the time Star Wars: The Last Jedi emp-

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Directed by Rian Johnson Now playing  ties its rounds, the overall saga’s only inched forward—this movie feels like a TIE fighter on the fritz, spinning in circles as it fires off one light-show after another.

Brian Gibson film@vueweekly.com

FRI, DEC 22–THUR, DEC 28

FILM REVUE

CANADIAN NEO-NOIR SLEEPER The Silent Partner’s dated ‘70s sterotypes squander its potential Thu., Dec. 21 (7 pm) The Silent Partner Directed by Daryl Duke Original release: 1978 Metro Cinema

I

t begins among shoppers mingling in Toronto’s Eaton Centre, but what a strange brew bubbles beneath heist flick The Silent Partner (1978).

It was financed under a controversial tax-shelter program (the Capital Cost Allowance), produced by a Jewish-Canadian impresario, Cineplex co-founder, and businessman convicted of fraud and forgery decades later (Garth Drabinsky). It was directed by a Vancouver-born CBC producer who’d helm The Thornbirds—America’s second mostwatched TV-miniseries ever—and remakes a Danish novel-turned-film, adapted by the American writer-director later behind L.A. Confidential (Curtis Hanson). The score’s melo-

dies composed by a jazz-pianist born to West Indies immigrants and raised in Montreal (Oscar Peterson).

The story—sussing out a plan by a mall Santa to rob his bank, vault teller Miles Cullen (Elliott Gould) takes advantage, stealing a large cash deposit—is stodgy at first, but picks up as it plot-twists and starts unlocking Cullen. He seems nebbish, even nerdy (he’s a tropical fish enthusiast), but turns out to be a suave, even crafty opportunist.

That thieving Kris Kringle, Harry Reikle (Christopher Plummer, icily malevolent), soon pursues Miles for that money and isn’t just an antisocial type, but a misogynist psycho.

The portrait of ladies, and male attitudes to them, in late ’70s urban North America is disturbing (especially when capped by a beheading which, reportedly, director Duke didn’t agree with).

It’s less free love and women’s lib and more muddled relation-

ships and retrograde sexual mores.

The femme fatale’s somehow in thrall to sadistic Reikle. The branch boss’ wife ignores his affair with employee Julie Carver (Susannah York), whom the boss keeps entrusting Miles “to look after.” The branch’s blonde (who, when single, wears close-fitting T-shirts declaring: “bankers do it with interest” and “penalty for early withdrawal”) cheats on her teller-boyfriend (John Candy) with another co-worker.

Julie hangs mistletoe on her desk lamp and, pointing it out to Miles, says, “Everyone else has had a turn.” After the robbery and police station interviews, she asks him, “Does it get you in the same way? Do you feel excited?”

If only The Silent Partner had been less sexy-thriller frolics and more sexual politics, it could have been a Hitchcockian neonoir of real interest.

Brian Gibson film@vueweekly.com

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

FRI: 7:00 & 9:30PM SAT: 1:00, 3:30, 7:00 & 9:30PM SUN: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00PM RATED: PG, NRFYC

THE SHAPE OF WATER FRI & TUES TO THURS: 6:45 & 9:15PM SAT: 1:00, 3:45, 6:45 & 9:15PM SUN: 1:00, 3:45, 6:15PM MONDAY CLOSED RATED: 14A, V, SC, NRFC

LADY BIRD

TUES TO THURS: 7:00 & 9:00PM RATED: 14A, CL, SC

PRESENTS

THE BREADWINNER THUR @ 4:30, THUR @ 9:30, SAT @ 12:00, TUES @ 2:00 STRANGE CANADA

THE SILENT PARTNER THUR @ 7:00 THE FLORIDA PROJECT FRI @ 4:30, WED @ 7:00 CANADA ON SCREEN

BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974) FRI @ 7:00 FREE ADMISSION

DEC 21 - DEC 27 REEL FAMILY CINEMA

ELF SAT @ 2:00

FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 12 & UNDER

LOVING VINCENT SAT @ 4:15, WED @ 2:00 QUOTE-A-LONG

DIE HARD SAT @ 7:00 IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE SUN @ 1:00 BATMAN RETURNS SUN @ 4:00 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

KEDI TUES @ 4:00

TURKISH WITH SUBTITLES FREE ADMISSION

THE DISASTER ARTIST FRI @ 9:15, SAT @ 9:30, TUES @ 9:30, WED @ 4:30, WED @ 9:15 THE ROOM FRI @ 11:30

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

IT (2017) TUES @ 7:00 FREE ADMISSION

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

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

film 9

/ Supplied

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

Cross country skiiers are running short on trail options due to lack of snow

W

arm weather and barely enough snow to ski on has severely hampered the cross country trails in and around Edmonton so far this winter.

As we head into the second half of December, many Nordic ski trails are closed and the few that are open have limited terrain and poor conditions.

“The season has been delayed as that last warm spell really hurt us,” reports Dave Storey, head groomer with the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club. “We were losing bits and pieces daily there for a while.”

The Edmonton Nordic Ski Club maintains trails at Capilano, Gold Bar, and Goldstick Parks, as well as the biathlon centre at the Strathcona Science Provincial Park on the eastern edge of the city (near the Sunridge Ski Area).

This winter will be the second season for snowmaking at Gold Bar Park and while some snowmaking was done during cold stretches in November, the warm weather made snowmaking impossible during the first half of December.

“We had big hopes for this year,” Storey says. “We had 240 hours of snowmaking in by Christmas and New Year’s last year. We have a second snow gun this year but we’ve still only got 80 hours in so far.”

Installing the lines to cover the approximately three kilometre of trails with snowmaking was a joint venture between the volunteer-run Edmonton Nordic Ski Club and the City of Edmonton. The project was 10 years in the making and cost $1.4 million. The project makes use of

specially designed snow guns that can cover narrow trails and specific areas, much different than conventional snowmaking guns, which produce large mounds of snow that are then flattened and spread onto the desired areas.

“We have different challenges than alpine skiing area do,” he adds.

Elsewhere around Edmonton, Nordic trails are maintained by the city and no grooming has been done yet, as conditions have not allowed for it.

VUEWEEKLY would like to send you and a friend to Snow Valley!

Head to VUEWEEKLY.com/contests for a chance to win Two Free Area Passes.

We'll be choosing a new winner each week through to the end of February!

10 snow zone

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

“We require a large amount of snow to groom and the little snow we had melted due to the warm weather, so we haven’t been able to start,” says Suzzette Mellado, a communications advisor with the city.

Areas surrounding the city, such as the Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area north of Stony Plain, and trail systems in Leduc, St. Albert and Devon are all reporting similar poor conditions. A couple of bright spots are the Strathcona Wilderness Centre east of Sherwood Park and the Pembina Nordic Ski Club out in Drayton Valley, where trails are in surprisingly good condition.

The big daddy of Nordic events in Alberta, the Canadian Birkebeiner and the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival, is set for February 10 this winter at the Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area east of Edmonton.

Since the first Birkie in 1985, the event has grown into the biggest classic-style cross-country ski festival in Canada, with five different distance events all taking place on one day.

The Birkie, in collaboration with the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club, is adding a new family event this year on Sunday, Feb. 11 at Gold Bar Park. Short sprints, relays and other fun family-friendly activities are planned in an effort to have a dedicated family event that doesn’t coincide with the Saturday races.

Steve Kenworthy editor@vueweekly.com

The Bighorn Backcountry west of Edmonton provides 88% of the city’s water. We have a chance to protect wildlife, water, and non-motorized recreation opportunities by creating a Wildland Park.

Show some love for the Bighorn.

Go to loveyourheadwaters.ca

Photo: Jody Hilti.

to find out how you can express your support for a Bighorn Wildland Park.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

snow zone 11

TERRAIN ADDITIONS

Snow Valley creates new terrain features to enhance skiing and boarding experiences

S / Supplied by Snow Valley

now Valley is changing it up this ski and snowboard season with a set of new terrain features on two of its runs. The team over at Snow Valley has created berms (raised banks) to create a diversified snow terrain.

“If you see downhill mountain bikers and there’s a curve of dirt on a 45-degree slant, that’s what a berm is, except with snow,” says Snow Valley marketing and communications supervisor William Fraser. “It’s an obstacle on the hill, used primarily in racing. There are also events that use them to mimic a skatepark.”

Currently, the berms are situated in the terrain park and the Cascade run.

“We’re hoping to expand and put one on old road as well, but that depends on the snow,” Fraser says.

Snow Valley drew inspiration from Holy Bowly, an international week-long event for champion snowboarders to race and compete.

“They host contests all throughout the globe,” he says.

“Next year is in Japan, but what they do is make a sort of skatepark with berms and bowls for snowboarding. This year, we were working with [Edmontonbased snowboard company] Easy Rider, wondering how we can make the hill more diverse, offering a feeling like Holy Bowly, but not quite as aggressive. I mean, Holy Bowly is for world-class riders.”

And the berms weren’t cheap, as they require much more snow than a standard run or feature.

“You have this regular hill covered in snow, but when you

want to build these features, you’re going to have blow a little bit extra snow and a little more pack time to push the snow into the feature you want,” Fraser says.

The goal was to create a terrain that could be comparable to a mountain run and something different from the standard flat, and somewhat boring, ski runs in Edmonton.

“We’re hoping to offer a bit of diversity allowing people at younger ages to engage in things that will push them a little bit,” Fraser says. “Also allowing advanced skiers and snowboarders to have some fun on the hill as well. When the terrain is flat there’s not a lot of space to play or challenge yourself.”

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com

FALL LINES

WHEREVER I MAY SHRED

Skiing and boarding resort options for those hitting the slopes this winter

Winter is Back This week Environment Canada issued several weather alerts for the Alberta Rockies and Southern Alberta. Although not great news for people commuting through these areas, it is great news for the ski resorts that have gone without significant snow since December 1. After an incredibly snowy start to the season, unseasonably warm weather contributed to many active runs getting a bit icy.

Fresh snow changes everything, in particular at Castle Mountain where their December 15 opening started on a 15 centimetre base at their lower lodge. Even Kicking Horse and Revelstoke, who are typically powder crazy this time of the year, have been lacking for the last couple of weeks. That’s all about to change, if it hasn’t already. The most recent weather alerts predict 20 to 40 centimetres of new snow, a blessing just before the heavy-traffic Christmas season.

12 snow zone

Stuck in a rut for gift ideas?

If you’re stuck for Christmas gifts and your loved ones are skiers or boarders, there are numerous snow resort-related gift options you may consider. Resort cards are a great gift for those intending to head to the mountains for more than one weekend. Depending on which resort you choose, they range from $75-$109, and several are even linked to our local Edmonton hills. For example, the Marmot Basin Escape card is $75, and with it lift tickets at Marmot Basin and Edmonton Hills are 50 percent off each time you go. There are no blackouts, so holidays or not, the savings are there. Additionally, accommodations in Jasper can be had at 50 percent rates with savings for on-hill food and high performance ski rentals as well.

If you’re seeking a unique gift for an avid snow enthusiast, check out the trail signs in the Marmot Basin gift shop. I’m guessing Tres Hombres is going to be very popular this year.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

Mark your event calendar The list of events at our mountain resorts is growing and I can provide only a few highlights. At Lake Louise, Torchlight Dinner and Ski nights are scheduled for December 25 and 31. The evening starts with appetizers, drinks, and live music at mid-mountain followed by a moonlit run and dinner at the base lodge. Cost is $81 but think of all the memories you’ll generate.

Closer to Banff at Sunshine Village, the Borgeau base area is going to be the place you want to be after a busy day on the slopes. There will be a bonfire with refreshments, a little music, and if you’re too tired to lug your gear to the far reaches of the parking lot, you can catch a free ride in a brand new Toyota.

Additionally, if you dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus on Christmas Day, you ski for free.

Hart Golbeck editor@vueweekly.com

LOCAL STUDIO

TEN YEARS OF TONE

Doug Organ / Hero Images

Thu., Dec. 21 (7 pm) Edmontone 10 Year Anniversary Show Edmontone Studio Must RSVP online

Edmontone Studio looks back on a decade of local and international recordings

A

round 10 years ago, local musician and recording engineer Doug Organ would drive around various industrial districts for months, looking for the perfect “concrete box” to house his prospective upstart recording studio.

At the time, Organ was operating out of a tiny studio that he had outgrown both professionally and physically. It was time for a change.

“Recording was part of my living and most of the recording budget was going towards the studio rentals. So, I decided that if I built my own studio that was half decent, I could hang onto some of that budget,” Organ says from his studio chair.

That decision created Edmontone Studio, the ubiquitous holy grail for local and international

musicians to have their work recorded, mixed, and mastered.

The build took six months, with Organ reaching out to friends for help in exchange for future recording time.

“My old friend TJ is the contractor who actually built the place,” Organ says. “He and I designed the place. I knew what I wanted acoustically and he was the person who could tell me what was and wasn’t possible. We just ate a lot of shawarma and drew a lot of drawings.”

It was a big deal when Edmontone Studio opened in downtown Edmonton in 2007. Since his jump into music through various projects, Organ has always been a huge supporter of the local music scene.

“I had some kind of name back then, but being open to record-

ing absolutely anything over the years has gone a long way for convincing people to come work with me,” Organ says. “I’m not there to pass judgment on the band or its sound.”

Since his initial exploration into the different facets of music recording, Organ has worked and interned with the likes of Steve Albini (who has recorded albums with Nirvana, The Pixies, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant), spent time in both Abbey Road Studios and France’s Studio La Fabrique, and mixed the newest album A Sting in the Tale for the classic blues/rock-gods Ten Years After.

“It turns out that I befriended one of their newer members awhile ago,” Organ says. “We were playing shows in England

for like a pint or whatever, and we kept in touch over the years and he asked me if I’d be down to mix the new album. I messaged him back saying, ‘Yes, and under any circumstances.’”

Even though Organ has instances of international success, he chooses to remain in Edmonton for a number of reasons.

“Even if it was just a financial decision, that would be enough,” Organ says. “I’ve got 30 years of contacts here and it seems to be the key in this industry, at least for me.”

He has embedded himself within the music scene and the city’s many artistic outlets.

“People all seem to have this love/ hate relationship with Edmonton, but I think the music scene is really good at getting its head cut off and growing it back,” he says.

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

The upcoming anniversary show is both a celebration and reflective look back on Organ’s work through Edmontone Studio. In 2017 he has worked with a number of prospering artists giving his year many highlights.

“More work with Ruth B was great. When she first came to the studio a couple years ago, it was her first time in a recording studio ever,” he says. “This year she came back a few times and she was in a very different place. But it was awesome working on the Tegan and Sara The Con X: Covers album that Ruth B was on.”

Edmontone Studio has become a friendly and welcoming staple for the music community in the past decade. Here’s to 10 more years.

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com

music 13

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CONVERSATION WITH A POP WIZARD

Cecil Frena / Supplied

Cecil Frena discusses his strange sound and new album, The Gridlock

E

xperimental art-pop conjurer Cecil Frena had time to chat about his new project and songwriting process before his upcoming performance at The Sewing Machine Factory.

Vue Weekly: I know you had Gobble Gobble and then the Born Gold project going for a while. What happened with that and what made you want to restart Cecil Frena?

Cecil Frena: The songs called for it. I started writing material that begged to be represented in live arrangements. The songs grew more lyrical and I began to see the work as a songwriting project. [It was] time to own it under my own name.

VW: Could you explain what the song “All of My Heroes” on the upcoming album The Gridlock is about?

CF: There has been a lot of research over the past few years looking at the impact of doing music full-time on life expectancy and mental health. Whether you’re successful or not, the effects are pretty staggering.

I came upon a lot of that research just as I was going through a pretty difficult period in my personal life and struggling with the question of whether I should do music at all?

Reading it hit me hard and really cast a lot of my influences in a new light. Many of the people I idolized as a kid ultimately died very young or treated other people terribly. I’m not interested in being righteous about that so much as wrestling with the fact that these are the people who were the fabric of my dreams for most of my teenage and adult life. They are a part of my DNA, of my self-understanding. So the song is a call to resist fate and a cautionary tale about influence.

VW: The album art of the bald man in stripes is a fantastic image. Is there a story behind

14 music

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

Sat., Dec. 23 (7 pm) Cecil Frena w/ Faith Healer, Aladean Kheroufi, and Hood Joplin The Sewing Machine Factory $15, All ages the album cover and that piece of art?

CF: The album is a narrative work of autobiographical fiction. The character depicted is named “Noeyes,” who is the lead in the accompanying art book. I collaborated with Edmonton illustrator Tallulah Fontaine to create a 24-page living comic around that character, with three panels illustrating the narrative action of each song alongside the lyrics.

VW: You seem to hop genres between each song and even during some of the songs. Has this always been an aspect in your music?

CF: Genre isn’t a very useful way of thinking for me. I like to write songs that are in conversation with each other.

VW: If you could explain your sound with a metaphor, what would it be?

CF: There is blood on your white nightshirt and you can’t get it off.

VW: How has the tour with Faith Healer been so far?

CF: It’s been old pals from Edmonton raiding the shitty dive bars and basements of America together. It’s been beaches in Florida and whiteouts in Ottawa. It’s been real.

VW: What’s your goal with the Cecil Frena project?

CF: You have to leave to really come home. I’m still leaving.

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com

(From left) Stacey Burnett and Tanisha Arthur / Karen Green

SLUDGE DOOM

CATHARTIC CARNAGE Edmonton’s Truster know how to scare off the creeps

E

dmonton sludge-doom band Truster hit the scene this year with its self-released debut EP. The four-song collection came out with a crash and a ring.

The opening track “Unheard” is a metaphorical tug of war between vocalist Stacey Burnett’s bloodcurdling screams, while cacophonous sound is spewed around her by bassist Jade Gionet and drummer Tanisha Arthur.

“It’s such a weird, stop-start juxtaposition of a song, that for awhile the song was just titled “Tanisha’s a Huge Bitch,” because I kept yelling at Stacey to get the timing right,” Arthur says. “I’m not quite sure what the lyrics in that song are, but for us it’s hilarious because it’s so difficult and we don’t know why we still do it to ourselves to play it.”

Rotating between grunge and avante-garde distortion dregs, the raw emotion is easily heard in Truster’s tracks. The spectrum of brash sounds and peaceful reprieves compliment one another.

The trio formed out of Burnett and Arthur’s long-time ‘jam seshes’ that first caught the spotlight at Not Enough Fest—a festival for queer, trans, and women— but bonded over a mutual love for No Doubt and Gwen Stefani’s out-of-this-world vocals.

“Me and Stacey had been hanging out together for maybe two months at that point and had just been sharing music,” Arthur

says. “We were really into bands like King Woman, Big Brave, and True Widow, and wanted to do something in line with that, but our own.”

Truster prides itself on the ability to keep away roaming creeps at shows because of their eerie and intimidating sound, making them and their fans happier for it.

“My favourite story is one time we were playing a ‘Rockin’ for Dollars’ one night at The Buckingham and our friend Patrick was outside and he came up to us after and said that some guy walked up to him and was like, ‘Hey man, is there any hot chicks in there?’

Patrick was just like, ‘Uhh, I don’t know man, go in and look.’ So he went upstairs and we were playing that song [“Unheard”] and I guess the guy came out immediately and was like, ‘Yeah, they’re scary’ and left,” she laughs. “So it felt really good that we scared away some creepy dude.”

If anything, the band’s music is meant to be cathartic, both during the writing process, playing the tracks—Arthur playing drums and Burnett burying her vocals in the sludge—or even for fans listening to their one-of-akind version of sludgy doom.

“A lot of the content Stacy touches on in her lyrics has to do with healing from trauma and, [in] a lot of cases, relating to abuse and just taking back your-

10442 whyte ave 439.1273 10442 whyte ave 439.1273

self,” Arthur says.

The tenacious queer trio use those purgative sounds to help sew themselves together again.

“This kind of music, it’s really special to play just because it is so cathartic and it is very much a form of therapy; it’s the only music I listen to just because it is a very cheap form of getting all your shit out and it feels very powerful,” Arthur adds.

Truster’s sound is a much needed breath of fresh air, forming a mystifying puzzle that keeps fans on their toes.

“We have a lot of people that come up to us after shows that say, ‘we really like your band’ but it makes them feel weird and puts them in a weird place,” she says.

The place Arthur references is a place of grimy dredge from bringing up traumatic memories and negative emotions from the past. But the beauty of it all is the seering cauterizing that happens during the process.

With plans to put together a grant application for a full-length album, Truster will undoubtedly continue on in the direction they’ve been going without flinching back in the least.

Sierra Bilton sierra@vueweekly.com

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

CD / LP

JIM JAMES

Thu., Dec. 21 (9 pm) Physical Copies, Truster, and The Whitsundays The Common, Free

TRIBUTE TO 2

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South Edmonton Common

Must be of legal drinking age. The Rec Room is owned by Cineplex Entertainment L. P.

music 15

CELTIC ROCK

Derina Harvey Band / Supplied

EAST COAST KITCHEN PARTY T

Sun., Dec. 31 (6:30 pm) Derina Harvey Band Clymont Hall, Spruce Grove $55 in advance only

Derina Harvey adds a backing band to expand her sound and increase gig opportunites

here’s something magical about a traditional Celtic-rock jig or ballad. Edmonton’s own Derina Harvey Band taps into that power with every live performance, playing a unique twist on traditional Celtic, Gaelic, and traditional East Coast Canadian Maritime music.

The five-piece East-Coasters formed after Harvey was told she needed a full band to increase opportunities for show bookings.

16 music

“I was performing as a solo piece and a venue owner approached me and said, ‘Derina you’re good, but if you want to play on the weekends, all you need is a band.’”

She formed a group with her husband and a few musicians friends, and practiced Celtic standards to perform for future audiences.

“Being from the East Coast, I love to entertain and it seems that I can convey that music with

authenticity,” she says. “It comes from the heart and from truth.”

Harvey’s fiery and powerful voice has range that gives Adele a run for her money. You can hear Harvey’s voice on CKUA every Friday during her new radio show Waves.

“The concept is that it starts with more traditional East Coast music and by the end, we’re listening to rock, country, blues— any genre that’s coming out of

the East Coast,” she says. “It’s just a pilot, so hopefully they want to keep it and keep me as a host.”

Her band has released two albums, with the most recent being last year’s Rove and Go. While many of the tunes on the album are Celtic standards, the title track is an original written by Harvey and her band.

The song is a historical teaching about Newfoundland and Lab-

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

rador’s resettlement program, which in the early ‘50s to the late ‘70s forced many Newfoundlanders to relocate their homes to a more central location.

“The government decided that the smaller communities were no longer necessary and decided that everyone should move to the bigger city centres for more structure and access,” Harvey says. “The song is about the strength through adversity of the people who, in some cases, had to move their houses. There’s a house being towed across the water on the album cover and that’s what actually happened.”

It’s a highly interesting story that demands a quick search on the historical program after listening to the song. As Harvey says, a quick Google search brings up countless images of families using ropes and boats to drag full-sized houses across bodies of water.

“I like writing stories and I thought the story of moving a house was a unique one, but very familiar to people from the East Coast,” Harvey says. “It’s vague enough that it doesn’t mention any particular place name, so it could reach a number of people.”

The Derina Harvey Band is making waves throughout Canada and more recently the United States, where they played a 12-minute showcase and took home an award.

If you’re looking for a unique take on some classic Celtic tunes and an East Coast kitchen party, look no further than the Derina Harvey Band.

“We haven’t got anything released as far as new material, but we’re going back to the studio in 2018 and hopefully we release something then, too,” Harvey says. “I never like to say exactly when. I wanna have some stuff in my hands so I don’t make any false promises.”

Stephan Boissonneault stephan@vueweekly.com

ATMOSPHERIC ROCK

e

h t n i g n Ri

r a e Y New at

! s ’ k u Yuk Y

(From left) Josh McKenney, Dustin Rogers, Kevin Kusiak and Jeff Savage / Josh Sahunta

PASSION IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Backcurrents uses both audio and visual elements to create a grandiose performance Fri., Dec. 22 (8 pm) Backcurrents w/ Holiday Monday and Focused The Forge on Whyte, $10

D

o what you love. While what that is is totally up to you, Dustin Rogers, bassist and lead vocalist for Backcurrents, speaks from a position of selfreflection and his experience in past musical ventures. His current project mixes audio and visual components to provide audiences a flurry of stimulation.

As a relatively new project in the Edmonton music scene, Backcurrents is still in the process of carving out their sound.

In doing so, the band is “focused on creating atmospheres” for the audience.

The audio features twinkly guitar melodies, power-chord rhythms, and angsty vocals, but it is the visuals that truly allow Backcurrents to stand apart from their contemporaries.

“For our live show we incorporate a projector, so we all have film that we use ourselves and have it portraying over top of us on stage,” says guitarist Josh

Mckenney. “It’s the sound of the instrumental that puts you into a different place and we want the images to correlate with that.”

Accepting that it can be hard for a new local band to draw a crowd out to shows, the group incorporates this visual aspect with their live show to generate a context for their songs and add a unique element to their set.

“The video is all stuff that our other guitarist Kevin [Kusiak] shoots himself,” Rogers says.

“He takes atmospheric-type shots throughout the city. [He] tries to keep it local … no Getty Images, no Getty video. We all sort of bring our other passions and try to mix it with the band.”

A self-proclaimed do-it-yourself-er, Rogers brings his carpentry skills to the group in the role of a custom-pedal-board-maker.

“The Mothership,” as it is endearingly referred to by the other band members, is a massive pedal board sporting built-in lights and over 20 pedals played by Kusiak.

Other pursuits for McKenney include a budding entrepreneurial career as part-owner

of High Score, Edmonton’s ESports Bar and Gaming Lounge.

Rogers explains how a group of creative individuals pursuing various outlets manage to focus their priorities.

“I personally look at the band as a lot of people look at their fitness. For example, a lot of people need to go to the gym twice a week, or whatever it is, to keep things toned or to keep in shape. That’s the way that I approach the band in terms of my weekly responsibilities. [If you] don’t get in there, you’re not stretching that muscle.”

Rogers has been down that road before with previous projects that had fallen by the wayside.

“It’s easy for projects to fall apart if you lose that emotional attachment,” Rogers says. “To be passionate about the music you’re doing … feels really good.”

Backcurrents plans to get in there and stretch their studio muscle next year and look forward to the creative process of collaborating with a producer. You can expect the band’s upcoming debut album release sometime in 2018.

Lacey Pochynok music@vueweekly.com

KS Call 780.481.YU For Tickets!

December 31ST

Dinner and Show $85 • Show Only $50 Some conditions may apply. Promotion subject to change without notice and AGLC approval.

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VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

music 17

MUSIC WEEKLY EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 12PM

THU DEC 21 ACCENT LOUNGE Punchable Faces; 9:30-11pm; $12

door (free drink with admission); 18+ ARIA'S BISTRO Open mic with Garrett James; 6-10pm; All ages AUSSIE RULES KITCHEN & PIANO BAR Piano Show;

Every Thu, 8pm B-STREET BAR Karaoke; Every Thu-Sat, 9:30pm BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobson; 9pm BLVD SUPPER X CLUB B**ch A Little, Wine Alot

LEAF BAR AND GRILL Karoake at the Leaf; Every Fri,

9pm; Free ON THE ROCKS Mourning Wood; 9pm REC ROOM–SOUTH EDMONTON COMMON Small Town

Knife Fight; 9pm; Free REC ROOM–WEST EDMONTON MALL Sam Spades;

9:30pm; Free

All; 7pm; $35 FIDDLER'S ROOST Acoustic Circle Jam; 7:30-11:30pm HAVE MERCY Thigh Thursdays with El Niven & The

Alibi and friends; Every Thu, 8:30pm; No cover LB'S PUB Open Jam hosted by Russell Johnston NAKED CYBERCAFÉ Thu open stage; 7pm

SHERBROOKE PUB Jam hosted by Rockin' Rod

Jewell; Every Thu, 7-11pm SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Live Blues every Thu: rotating

SHAKERS ROADHOUSE King Mammoth; 9pm; $10

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: DJ Zyppy; Every Sun

SHERLOCK HOLMES–DOWNTOWN Joanne Janzen; 9pm

GAS PUMP Kizomba-DJ; 8pm

SIDELINER’S PUB Friday Night Bands: live music; Every Fri

MON DEC 25

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WINSPEAR CENTRE A Very Merry Christmas; 8pm;

DJs BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: DJ Late Fee; Every Fri; Wooftop: Selection Fridays with Remo, Noosh, Fingertips & guests; Underdog: Rap, House,

SUN DEC 24

THE COMMON Quality Control Fridays with DJ Echo

ALIBI PUB AND EATERY Open mic night; Every Sun,

6-9pm

& Freshlan EL CORTEZ MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR

SAT DEC 23

BORDERLINE SPORTS PUB Karaoke/DJ; Every

Thu-Sat, 9pm CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK Monkeys Uncle; 9pm

Classical

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Sat Open mic; 7pm; $2

10:30pm; $15 BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobson; 9pm

Sammy Loso; 8pm; $12 (adv at YEG Live) MKT FRESH FOOD AND BEER MARKET Live Local

/ Photo supplied

Bands every Sat ON THE ROCKS Mourning Wood; 9pm

VENUEGUIDE

REC ROOM–WEST EDMONTON MALL DBL DIP;

9:30pm; Free ROCKY MOUNTAIN ICEHOUSE An East Coast

rens; 8pm; $10; 18+ only CAFE BLACKBIRD Alfie Zappacosta's Christmas For

SHAKERS ROADHOUSE Right in the Eye; 9pm; No minors SHERLOCK HOLMES–DOWNTOWN Joanne Janzen; 9pm

Classical

ages; 7pm; $5 (door)

WINSPEAR CENTRE A Very Merry Christmas; 2pm &

CASINO EDMONTON Robin Kelly; 9pm

8pm; $15-$96

CENTURY CASINO–ST. ALBERT Nervous Flirts; 9pm

DJs

DENIZEN HALL Champ City Soundtrack; Every Fri-Sat

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: DJ Chris Bruce spins britpop/punk/garage/indie; Every Sat; Wooftop:

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Jake Buckley; 9pm THE FORGE ON WHYTE Backcurrents with Holiday Monday; 8pm; $10 (adv), $15 (door); No minors HAVE MERCY Resident DJs playing outlaw country,

rock and retro classics; Every Fri-Sat, 10pm; No cover LB'S PUB Ruby and the Hitmen; 9pm; No minors

18 music

Every Wed

MERCURY ROOM Khaled Rahime with Tarik, and

SEWING MACHINE FACTORY Cecil Frena, Faith Healer, Aladean Kheroufi, Hood Joplin; 7-11pm; $12 (adv), $15 (doors); All ages

CARROT COFFEEHOUSE Live music every Fri; all

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: DJ Late Fee;

LEAF BAR AND GRILL Homemade Jam; 3-7pm; Free

ROSE & CROWN PUB Adam Holm; 9pm

CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK Monkeys Uncle; 9pm

DJs

LB'S PUB The Steve Spencer Band; 9pm; No minors

BORDERLINE SPORTS PUB Karaoke/DJ; Every

All; 8pm; $35

TUE DEC 26

HILLTOP PUB Open stage hosted by Simon, Dan and Pascal; Every Sat, 4-7pm; Free • Kemo Treats with Electric Audrey 2; 9pm; $10 (door)

Christmas featuring Derina Harvey; 8pm; $9 (adv at YEG Live)

BRIXX BAR Tallest To Shortest, Mandaku, Pine Bar-

TAVERN ON WHYTE Karaoke; 9pm

HAVE MERCY Resident DJs playing outlaw country, rock and retro classics; Every Fri-Sat, 10pm; No cover

BOHEMIA Joey and the Bah Humbugs

Thu-Sat, 9pm

SHAKERS ROADHOUSE Country Jam with 4 Dollar Bill

every Mon; 9pm-2am

DENIZEN HALL Champ City Soundtrack; Every Fri-Sat EMPRESS ALE HOUSE Bands at the Empress; Every Sat, 4-6pm; Free; 18+ only

Every Fri, 9pm

Eddie Lunchpail TAVERN ON WHYTE Classic hip-hop with DJ Creeazn

SEWING MACHINE FACTORY Alchemy II: A Night of Poetry, Music and Dance; 8-10:30pm; $15 or pay what you can

CENTURY CASINO–ST. ALBERT Nervous Flirts; 9pm

DJs

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Borrowed and Blue; 8:30-

THE PROVINCIAL PUB Karaoke Wednesday

CASK AND BARREL Stovetop; 4-6pm; Free

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Jake Buckley; 9pm

AUSSIE RULES KITCHEN & PIANO BAR Piano Show;

Bluegrass jam presented by the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society; Guests and newcomers always welcome; every Wed, 7pm; $2 (donation, per person), free coffee available

CASINO EDMONTON Robin Kelly; 9pm

Conducted by Robert Bernhardt; 8pm; $15-$87

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Stan Gallant; 8:30pm

Open Stage; Hosted by Celeigh Cardinal; Every Mon (except long weekends), 8:30pm

PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Acoustic

8:30-10:30pm; $15

month, 7-8:30pm; No cover (donations welcome)

FRI DEC 22

SIDELINER’S PUB Singer/Songwriter Monday Night

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Hair of the Dog: Samara Von

WOODRACK CAFÉ Birdie on a Branch; 2nd Thu of every

lessons at 8pm; Cuban Salsa DJ to follow

ON THE ROCKS Karaoke Wednesdays hosted by ED; Every Wed, 9pm

AUSSIE RULES KITCHEN & PIANO BAR Piano Show;

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

Rotating guests each week

PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Wild Rose Old

Every Sat, 9pm

BLUES ON WHYTE Charlie Jacobson; 9pm Dec 18-23

ON THE ROCKS Salsa Rocks: every Thu; dance

LEAF BAR & GRILL Wang Dang Wednesdays; Every Wed, 7-11pm; Free

ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL Stan Gallant; 8:30pm

TAVERN ON WHYTE Open stage with Michael Gress

THE COMMON The Common Uncommon Thursday:

Jam hosted by the Dylan Farrell Ban; Every Mon, 8:30pm (sign up); No cover

Studios; Every Sat, 12-3pm

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ VISSIA, Jenie Thai, Eva Foote;

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Thu Main Fl: Rock N' Roll, Funk & Soul with DJ Modest Mike; Every Thu; Wooftop Lounge: Dear Hip Hop with Freshlan; Underdog: Underdog Comedy Show

HAVE MERCY Whiskey Wednesdays Live Piano Karaoke featuring the Fab Tiff Hall; Every Wed, 8:30pm

HAVE MERCY Mississippi Monday Night Blues

BLUES ON WHYTE Jenie Thai; 9pm

ALIBI PUB & EATERY Rising Star Showcase of Cooper

Robison; 8pm

FIDDLER'S ROOST Open Stage; 7-11pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Substance with

Nervous Flirts Century Casino (St. Albert) Dec. 22-23, 9 pm

THE PROVINCIAL PUB Video Music DJ; 9pm-2am

DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY Wed open mic with host Duff GAS PUMP Karaoke; 9:30pm

DJs

Resident DJs playing the best in hip-hop, dance and classics; Every Fri-Sat, 9pm; No cover

BLUES ON WHYTE Jenie Thai; 9pm

9pm; Free

Tyme Fiddlers Association: Acoustic instrumental old time fiddle jam every Mon; hosted by the Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Society; 7pm

Hip-Hop with DJ Babr; every Fri

SQUARE 1 COFFEE Singer/Songwriter Open Mic Hosted by Tommy Barker; Every Thu, 7-9:30pm

WINSPEAR CENTRE A Lightly Classical Christmas–

WED DEC 27

DEVANEY'S IRISH PUB Karaoke night; Every Mon,

Fridays; Each Fri, 8-10pm; $5 suggested donation

EL CORTEZ MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR Taco

Tuesday with resident DJs

with Metal Phil from CJSR's Heavy Metal Lunchbox

WILD EARTH BAKERY–MILLCREEK Live Music

DJs britpop/punk/garage/indie; Every Tue

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Wooftop: Metal Mondays

$25; No minors

STARLITE ROOM Sinistarr, Greazus, Jake Robertz with 40oz, Arson, Thrd Wrld, HighSobriety, Lofreq, Pyper, JFC; 9pm; $20; 18+ only

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Chris Bruce spins

DJs

UNION HALL Barely Alive x Virtual Riot; 9pm; $20-

LB'S PUB Tuesday Night Open Jam Hosted by Darrell Barr; 7-11pm; No charge SHAKERS ROADHOUSE Rod Jewell Band Open stage

Every Fri, 9pm

Rad; 4-6pm; no cover

concert series - flute and harpsichord; 12-1pm; Freewill offering for the performers and the Robertson-Wesley Music Society

HAVE MERCY YEG Music presents “Compete With The Beat”; Every Sun, 6pm; $10

SANDS INN & SUITES Open Jam; Every Sun, 7-11pm

guests; 7-11pm

ROBERTSON-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH Advent

pianist Charlie Austin; 9am-2:30pm

THE PROVINCIAL PUB Saturday Nights: Indie rock

Y AFTERHOURS Live DJs; Every Fri-Sat

Y AFTERHOURS Live DJs; Every Fri-Sat

Every Thu, 9pm-1am

BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Christmas Eve Brunch– featuring

MERCER TAVERN DJ Mikey Wong every Sat

SANDS INN & SUITES Karaoke with entertainment,

O'BYRNE'S IRISH PUB Marco Claveria Project;

SANDS INN & SUITES Karaoke Thursdays with JR;

GAS PUMP Karaoke; 9:30pm

ROSE & CROWN PUB Adam Holm; 9pm

GAS PUMP Live DJ; 10pm

REC ROOM–SOUTH EDMONTON COMMON Karaoke with live band, The Nervous Flirts; Every other Thu, 7pm

AUSSIE RULES KITCHEN & PIANO BAR Piano Show;

Every Sun, 9pm

NEWCASTLE PUB Sunday Soul Service: acoustic open stage; Every Sun, 3pm

NORTH GLENORA HALL Jam by Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers every Thu; 7pm

8:30pm; Free

11:30pm

more with DJs Ben and Mitch; every Sat; 9pm-2am

$15-$96

CAFE BLACKBIRD Alfie Zappacosta's Christmas For

throwbacks and club anthems

FIDDLER'S ROOST Fiddle Jam Circle; 7:30-

March; Every Sun, 6:30-10pm; Free

TAVERN ON WHYTE Soul, motown, funk, R&B and

BORDERLINE SPORTS PUB Karaoke/DJ; Every

Thursday Jam & Open Mic; Every Thu, 8pm

ENVY NIGHT CLUB Resolution Saturdays: top 40,

THE ALMANAC Sunday Song Stage Hosted by Rhea

Rolling Stones, with The Payback and DJ Modest Mike; 8pm; $12 (adv, YEG Live)

Classical

BRICK & WHISKEY PUBLIC HOUSE Big Rockin'

Resident DJs playing the best in hip-hop, dance and classics; Every Fri-Sat, 9pm; No cover

and dance with DJ Maurice; 9pm-2am

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ICEHOUSE The Beatles vs The

(house, hip-hop and reggae music); Every Thu; No cover Thu-Sat, 9pm

EL CORTEZ MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR

Sound It Up! with DJ Sonny Grimezz spinning classic hip-hop and reggae; Underdog: hip-hop open Mic followed by DJ Marack THE COMMON Get Down It's Saturday Night: House

and disco and everything in between with Wright & Wong, Dane

ALIBI PUB & EATERY 17328 Stony Plain Rd THE ALMANAC 10351-82 Ave, 780.760.4567, almanaconwhyte. com ARIA'S BISTRO 10332-81 Ave, 780.972.4842, ariasbistro.com ATLANTIC TRAP & GILL 7704 Calgary Trail South, 780.432.4611, atlantictrapandgill.com AUSSIE RULES KITCHEN & PIANO BAR #1638, 8882-170 St, 780.486.7722, aussierulesedmonton.com B-STREET BAR 11818-111 Ave BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE 1042582 Ave, 780.439.1082 BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ 9624-76 Ave, 780.989.2861 BLUES ON WHYTE 10329-82 Ave, 780.439.3981 BLVD SUPPER X CLUB 10765 Jasper Ave BOHEMIA 10217-97 St BORDERLINE SPORTS PUB 322682 St, 780.462.1888 BRICK & WHISKEY PUBLIC HOUSE 8937-82 Ave

BRIXX BAR 10030-102 St (downstairs), 780.428.1099 CAFE BLACKBIRD 9640-142 St NW, 780.451.8890, cafeblackbird.ca CAFFREY'S IN THE PARK 99, 23349 Wye Rd, Sherwood Park CARROT COFFEEHOUSE 9351118 Ave, 780.471.1580 CASINO EDMONTON 7055 Argylll Rd, 780.463.9467 CASK AND BARREL 10041104 St; 780.498.1224, thecaskandbarrel.ca CENTURY CASINO–ST. ALBERT 24 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert, 780.460.8092 COMMON 9910-109 St DENIZEN HALL 10311-103 Ave, 780.424.8215, thedenizenhall. com DEVANEY'S IRISH PUB 1111387 Ave NW, devaneyspub.com DUGGAN'S BOUNDARY 9013-88 Ave, 780.465.4834 EL CORTEZ MEXICAN KITCHEN + TEQUILA BAR 8230 Gateway Blvd, elcortezcantina.com

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

EMPRESS ALE HOUSE 9912-82 Ave NW ENVY NIGHT CLUB West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 St FIDDLER'S ROOST 7308-76 Ave, 780.439.9788, fiddlersroost.ca THE FORGE ON WHYTE 1054982 Ave (Whyte Ave) GAS PUMP NIGHT CLUB & BAR 10166-114 St HAVE MERCY SOUTHERN TABLE + BAR 8232 Gateway Blvd, havemercy.ca HILLTOP PUB 8220-106 Ave NW L.B.’S PUB 23 Akins Dr, St Albert, 780.460.9100 LEAF BAR & GRILL 9016132 Ave 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

NORTH GLENORA HALL 13535109A Ave O'BRYNE'S IRISH PUB 10616-82 Ave NW ON THE ROCKS 11730 Jasper Ave, 780.482.4767 PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL 10860-57 Ave THE PROVINCIAL PUB 160, 4211-106 St REC ROOM–SOUTH EDMONTON COMMON 172599 St NW REC ROOM–WEST EDMONTON MALL 8882-170 St NW ROBERTSON-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH 10209-123 St NW ROCKY MOUNTAIN ICEHOUSE 10516 Jasper Ave ROSE AND CROWN 10235-101 St SANDS INN & SUITES 12340 Fort Rd, sandshoteledmonton.com SEWING MACHINE FACTORY 9560-82 Ave NW SHAKERS ROADHOUSE Yellowhead Inn, 15004 Yellowhead Trail

SHERBROOKE PUB 13160118 Ave NW SHERLOCK HOLMES–DOWNTOWN 10012-101 A Ave, 780.426.7784, sherlockshospitality.com SIDELINERS PUB 11018-127 St SMOKEHOUSE BBQ 10810-124 St, 587.521.6328 SQUARE 1 COFFEE 15 Fairway Drive STARLITE ROOM 10030-102 St, 780.428.1099 TAVERN ON WHYTE 10507-82 Ave, 780.521.4404 UNION HALL 6240-99 St NW, 780.702-2582, unionhall.ca WILD EARTH BAKERY– MILLCREEK 8902-99 St, wildearthbakery.com WINSPEAR CENTRE 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square; 780.28.1414 WOODRACK CAFE 7603109 St, 780. 757.0380, thewoodrackcafe.com Y AFTERHOURS 10028-102 St, 780.994.3256, yafterhours.com

EVENTS

WEEKLY EMAIL YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO: LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 12PM

COMEDY BIG ROCK PRESENTS: DEVANEY’S COMEDY NIGHT • Devaney's, 11113-87 Ave • 780.433.6364 • stephen.f.mcgovern@gmail.com • Weekly open-mic hosted by Stephen McGovern • Sep 6-Apr 25, Every Wed, 8:30pm • Free

BIG ROCK PRESENTS: URBAN TAVERN COMEDY NIGHT HOSTED BY LARS CALLIEOU • Urban Tavern, 11606 Jasper Ave • Every Sun, 8pm

BLACK DOG FREEHOUSE • 10425-82 Ave • Underdog Comedy Show • Every Thu

COLIN MOCHRIE AND DEBMCRATH • Shell Theatre, Dow Centennial Centre, 8700-84 St, Fort Saskatchewan • 780.992.6400 • shelltheatre.ca • Colin Mochrie from Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Debra McGrath from Little Mosque on the Prairie present their acclaimed one couple show based on their 27 years of marriage • Jan 31, 7:30pm

COMEDY FACTORY • Gateway Entertainment Centre, 34 Ave, Calgary Tr • Thu-Fri: 8pm; Sat: 7:30pm & 10pm (until Apr) • Chris Sadleir; Dec 22-23 • Brian Link; Dec 28-30

COMIC STRIP • Bourbon St, WEM • 780.483.5999 • Steve Simeone; Dec 19-23 • Jamie Lissow; Dec 27-30

EMPRESS ALE HOUSE • 9912-82 Ave • Empress Comedy Night: Highlighting the best stand-up Edmonton has to offer. New headliner every week • Every Sun, 9pm • Free

RON & WAYNE'S END OF THE YEAR CLEARANCE SALE: AN EVENING OF COMEDY & MUSIC • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • johnwaynejones11@gmail.com • Edmonton comedic stalwarts Ron Pederson and Wayne Jones are having a clearance sale on all their best jokes • Dec 28, 7:30-9pm • $20 (adv plus fees, at Eventbrite), $25 (door)

GROUPS/CLUBS/MEETINGS ADULT DANCE CLASSES • Quantum Leap Dance, 11232-163 St • 780.974.0309 • MON: Adult Tap, 7-8pm; Stretch & Strength with Jazz, 8-9:15pm • Wed: Floor Barre 6:45-7:45, Adult Ballet 7:45-9:15pm • Drop in Rate $15.75 (inc.

GST); 5, 10, 15 Class passes available

AIKIKAI AIKIDO CLUB • 10139-87 Ave, Old Strathcona Community League • Japanese Martial Art of Aikido • Every Tue, Thu; 7-9pm

THE CARROT COFFEE FRIENDSHIP CLUB • Carrot Coffeehouse, 9351-118 Ave • Have a cup of coffee with 55+ individuals single, divorced, or widowed who are looking to make new friends with neighbours in our local communities of: Delton, Eastwood, Parkdale – Cromdale, Westwood, Spruce Ave, and Alberta Avenue • Every Wed, 11am

DEEPSOUL.CA • 780.217.2464; call or text for Sunday jam locations • Most Sun: Sunday Jams with no Stan (CCR to Metallica), starring Chuck Prins and Les Paul Standard; Pink Floyd-ish originals plus great covers of classics: some free; Twilight Zone Lively Up Yourself Tour (with DJ Cool Breeze); all ages DROP-IN D&D • Hexagon Board Game Café, 10123 Whyte Ave • 780.757.3105 • info@ thehexcafe.com • thehexcafe.com • Each night will be a single campaign that fits in a larger story arc. For all levels of gamers and those brand new or experienced to D&D • Every Tue & Wed, 7pm • $5 (with drink purchase)

DROP-IN LARP • Jackie Parker Park • westernwinds.summerfrost.ca • Battle games and fighter practice using provided safe weapon boffer. An exciting way to get exercise while meeting new people with similar passions • Every Sat, 1:15pm • Free

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 each month, 7:30pm

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

FOOD ADDICTS • Alano Club (& Simply Done Cafe), 10728-124 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 offering conversation and friendship • Every Sun, 2pm

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VOLUNTEER INFORMATION NIGHT • Habitat for Humanity Prefab Shop, 14135-128 Ave • 780.451.3416 ext. 236 • vbatten@hfh.org • hfh.org/volunteer/ vin • Learn about taking the next steps and what opportunities are available at Habitat for Humanity • Every 3rd Thu of the month, excluding Dec; 6-7pm • Free

LOTUS QIGONG • SAGE downtown 15 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.695.4588 • Attendees can raise their vital energy with a weekly Yixue practice • Every Fri, 2-3:30pm • Free MONDAY MINGLE • Hexagon Board Game Cafe, 10123 Whyte Ave • 780.757.3105 • info@ thehexcafe.com • thehexcafe.com • Meet new gamers. Go to the event solo or with a group • Every Mon, 5-11pm • $5 (one drink per person)

NORTHERN ALBERTA WOOD CARVERS ASSOCIATION • Duggan Community Hall, 3728-106 St • nawca.ca • Meet every Wed, 6:30pm

GLASSBLOWING CLASSES WITH PIXIE GLASSWORKS • Pixie Glassworks, 9322-60 Ave • 780.436.4460 • pixieglassworks.com/ pages/classes • Offering three levels in each of: hollow body work, implosions, sculpture, pipe-making and beads. Call to book • Every Mon, Wed, Thu, 6-9pm (no classes on holidays) • $150 (plus GST)

GREAT EXPEDITIONS TRAVEL SLIDE • St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 84240-95 Ave • 780.469.3270 (Gerry Staring), 780.435.6406 (John Woollard), 780.454.6216 (Sylvia Krogh) • Spain - Extremadura (Jan 8) • First Mon of the month, 7:30pm • $3 donation (guests are asked to bring snacks to share); everyone welcome OPERA 101: HMS PINAFORE • CKUA Radio Network, 9804 Jasper Ave • An evening of discussion surrounding Edmonton Opera's upcoming production of Gilbert and Sullivan's worldwide favourite operetta HMS Pinafore.

Learn more about our 1920s jazz-inspired concept and what to look forward to • Jan 17, 7pm • Free (register at Eventbrite) QUEER AFFIRM GROUP • garysdeskcom@hotmail. com • mcdougallunited.com • Part of the United Church network supporting LGBTQ men and women • Meet the last Sun of every month at State & Main (101 St and Jasper Ave) for coffee and conversation at 12:30pm; Special speaker events are held throughout the year over lunch at McDougall Church

BEERS FOR QUEERS • Empress Ale House,

OPEN DOOR COMIC CREATOR MEETINGS • Happy Harbor Comics, 10729-104 Ave • 780.452.8211 • happyharborcomics.com • Open to any skill level. Meet other artists and writers, glean tricks of the trade and gain tips to help your own work, or share what you've already done • 2nd and 4th Thu of every month, 7pm

9912-82 Ave • With DJ Jos • Last Thu of every month • Free • 18+ only

EVOLUTION WONDERLOUNGE • 10220-

Nuns Hospital, Rm 0651, obad@shaw.ca; Group meets every Thu, 7-9pm • Free

103 St • 780.424.0077 • yourgaybar.com • Mon: Drag Race in the White Room; 7pm • Wed: Monthly games night/trivia • Thu: Happy hour, 6-8pm; Karaoke, 7-12:30am • Fri: Flashback Friday with your favourite hits of the 80s/90s/2000s; rotating drag and burlesque events • Sat: Rotating DJs Velix and Suco • Sun: Weekly drag show, 10:30pm

PAINTING FOR PLEASURE • McDougall United Church, 10086 Macdonald Drive (south entrance) • 780.428.1818 • karenbishopartist@gmail.com • mcdougallunited.com • A weekly group for those who like to paint, draw or otherwise be creative on paper • Every Thu, 10am-noon

G.L.B.T.Q SENIORS GROUP • S.A.G.E Bldg, main floor Cafe, 15 Sir Winston Churchill Square • 780.4235510 (Sage) • tuff69@telus.net • Meeting for gay seniors, and for any seniors who have gay family members and would like some guidance • Every Tue, 1-4pm

RODA DE CAPOEIRA • Capoeira Academy,

PRIDE CENTRE OF EDMONTON • Pride Centre of Edmonton, 10608-105 Ave • 780.488.3234 • pridecentreofedmonton.org/calendar.html • DROP IN HOURS: Mon-Fri 12-7pm; Closed Sat-Sun and holidays • YOGA: (all ages), 4th Mon of every month, for any stage • TTIQ: (18+ Trans* Group) 2nd Mon of every month, 7-9pm • TRANS YOUTH TALKING: (24 and under) 3rd Mon of every month, for trans youth and supportive people in their lives • FIERCE FUN: (24 and under) Alternating Tue, 7-9pm, games and activities for youth • JAMOUT: (12-24) Alternating Tue, 7-8:30pm, music mentorship and instruction for youth • TWO SPIRIT GATHERING: 4th Wedof every month, 6-8pm, gathering for First Nations Two Spirit people • MEDITATION: (all ages) 3rd Thu of each month, 5:30-6:45pm • MEN’S SOCIAL CIRCLE: (18+) 1st and 3rd Thu, 7-9pm, for anyone masculine-identified

ORGANIZATION FOR BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER (OBAD) • Grey

#103-10324-82 Ave • capoeiraacademy.ca • Brazil's traditional game of agility and trickery • Every Sat, 2:30pm • Free • All ages

SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY FAMILY SUPPORT DROP-IN GROUP • Schizophrenia Society of Alberta, 5215-87 St • 780.452.4661 • schizophrenia.ab.ca • The Schizophrenia Society of Alberta offers a variety of services and support programs for those who are living with the illness, family members, caregivers, and friends • 1st and 3rd Thu each month, 7-9pm • Free

SEEING IS ABOVE ALL • Acacia Hall, 1043383 Ave NW • 780.554.6133 • Instruction into the meditation on the Inner Light. Learn a simple technique that will lift you above life's stresses • Every Sun, 5pm • 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

YOGA WITH JENNIFER • 780.439.6950 • ThreeBattles.com • A traditional approach with lots of individual attention. Free introductory classes • Tue evenings & Sat mornings

Child Care

1600.

Child care need, 4 hours a day.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, while I am at work. $20 per hour, interested applicants please e-mail: danaestpowell@gmail.com

ANITA SARKEESIAN: THE REAL WORLD OF ONLINE HARASSMENT • Chateau

BUILT POP-UP SHOP • Kingsway Mall, 1 Kingsway Garden Mall NW • external@thesda. ca • thesda.ca/poppop • This year’s design shop will have work from over 50 local designers in one convenient location, exhibiting the talents of art and design students from the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, and Alumni of the programs • Dec 8-22

CANDY CANE LANE • 148 St, between 92 & 100 Ave • Laughing all the way with life-size Santas, reindeer, Christmas trees, snowmen, decorations and thousands and thousands of lights • Dec 8-31 • Donations for the Edmonton Food Bank

CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT ALBERTA LEGISLATURE • Alberta Legislature, 10800-

1600.

Volunteers Wanted

DARK MATTERS GAME ON! • TELUS World Be an “Elf Captain” at Bissell Centre’s gift wrap fundraiser at Southgate Mall. Shifts are available everyday, November 24 - December 24. Minimum age: 16. Visit

bissellcentre.org/bissellelfcaptain

or email giftwrap@bissellcentre.org

LIGHT WALK • Muttart Conservatory, 962696a St NW • edmonton.ca • Take a stroll under the stars as you walk through the Temperate Pyramid surrounded by nature and other breathtaking wonders • Every Thu, Nov-Dec, 5-9pm • Regular admission MAGIC OF LIGHTS • Castrol Raceway, AB-19, Leduc County • castrolraceway.com • A 2 km 'drive through' experience from the comfort of your own vehicle. Multiple holiday themes come to life with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights • Dec 1-Jan 6 OPERA BRUNCH: HMS PINAFORE • Royal Glenora Club, 11160 River Valley Road • 780.429.1000 • Featuring fantastic food and intimate recitals by the artists starring in the upcoming production • Jan 21, 11am-1:30pm • $85 (adult), $35 (child); online at edmontonopera.com

RUBABOO ABORIGINAL ARTS FESTIVAL • La Cité Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury • albertaaboriginalarts.com • Rubaboo is a multi‐disciplinary festival, showcasing theatre, music, dance, visual art, food, and workshops. Rubaboo is the only major Aboriginal arts festival in Alberta, committed to giving artists a platform to bring audiences of all backgrounds together to enjoy the vast artistic expressions that exist in Aboriginal culture • Jan 29-Feb 3

SHARING THE LIGHT–WESTWOOD'S 30TH ANNUAL WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION • Edmonton City Hall - Atrium, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square • westwoodunitarian. ca/worship/solstice-at-westwood • anne@ westwoodunitarian.ca • Dec 21, 7-9pm • Free • All ages Elk Island National Park • 780.922.5790 • bit. ly/2iZcFmp • Trek over snow and gaze into a star-filled sky. Following a short guided hike on snowshoes, attendees will enjoy snacks around a fire and learn about the night sky above • Jan 13; 7-9pm • $29.80 (book via phone)

THURSDAYS TBD TO BE DISCOVERED • Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre, Edmonton Federal Building, Main floor, 9820-107 St • 780.427.7362 • assembly.ab.ca/visitorcentre/ events.html • Visitors can look forward to an array of guest speakers, film screenings, free concerts and more • Every Thu, Oct 5-Mar 1, 6-8pm • Free WHYTE WISHES IN OLD STRATHCONA •

97 Ave NW • Walk around the lit up grounds, skate in the park or listen to the choir carolling in the rotunda • Dec 7-23

Old Strathcona • oldstrathcona.ca/whytewishes • Experience the magic of the season on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, meet Santa and give him a list, and support local businesses in the process • Nov 13-Dec 24

GLOW IN THE DARK AXE THROWING

ZOOMINESCENCE, A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

• Jack Axe, 9785-45 Ave • 780.628.1874 • jack-axe.ca • Festive themed glow in the axe throwing • Dec 23-Jan 7

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S NEW YEAR'S DAY LEVEE • Government House, 12845-102 Ave • 780.427.7243 • ltgov@gov.ab.ca • lieutenantgovernor.ab.ca • The levee is an opportunity to meet the Lieutenant Governor, visit

Volunteers Wanted

Help Someone Who Can’t!

Volunteer 2 hours a week and help someone improve their Reading, Writing, Math or English Speaking Skills.

2005.

Artist to Artist

ART CLASSES FOR ADULTS, YOUTH, AND CHILDREN Check The Paint Spot’s website, paintspot.ca/events/workshops for up-to-date information on art classes for all ages, beginner and intermediate.

Register in person, by phone or online.

Contact: 780.432.0240 email: accounts@paintspot.ca

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

• Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road (87 Ave) • 311 • edmonton.ca • For almost two weeks, the zoo will illuminate the spirit of winter with a spectacular exhibition of artistic light installations within the unique setting of the venue • Dec 22-24, 26-31; 5-9pm • $5-$7.50 (Eventbrite)

To Book Your Classifieds, Call 780.426.1996 or email classifieds@vueweekly.com

Call Moncia at P.A.L.S. 780-424-5514 or email volunteers@palsedmonton.ca

Lacombe, 10111 Bellamy Hill Rd NW • Anita Sarkeesian is a media critic and the creator of Feminist Frequency, a video webseries that explores the representations of women in pop culture narratives • Jan 24, 7-8:30pm • $10$75 (at Eventbrite)

historic Government House and enjoy music and light refreshments • Jan 1, 1:30-3:30pm • Free

SNOWSHOE & STARGAZE • Astotin Lake,

SPECIAL EVENTS

Can You Read This?

LECTURES/PRESENTATIONS

of Science, 11211-142 St • 780.451.3344 • telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/dark-matters • Battle for first place in the IMAX Theatre, test strategies at the Table Top Board Game Café, and prototype local student-made games. Also exploring the math, technology, and physics behind everyone’s favourite games • Jan 25, 7-10pm • $19.95 (adv), $25.95 (door)

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SAVAGELOVE EXPOUNDING

I am a 22-year-old Italian man, 100 percent straight, sensitive and sporty. I have been reading Savage Love for years in Internazionale. I have one question for you: Why do I always fall in love with lesbians? Why do I instantly fall in love with girls who have that something more in their eyes? Something melancholy and perhaps insecure? Girls whom I’d rather protect and embrace than take to bed? The last three girls who fit this description all turned out to be lesbians. The last girl with whom this happened told me it was my “Red Cross” mindset that made me fall in love with girls who are insecure/sad/melancholy, so I have a sort of selection bias that excludes most straight girls I meet. I do not believe this, because the world is full of straight girls who need saving. So why then, Dan? WHY? I have a girlfriend. I truly love her. Since September, we have been living in two different cities because she went away to study. I am afraid that one day she is going to tell me she’s gay too. She always talks with me about a new supercute female friend. Is she a lesbian? I have recently met another girl, super empathetic. She is gay, and I knew it after an all-night conversation in my car listening to Cigarettes After Sex. Why do I always fall in love with gay girls?

Can I love two people at the same time? This is the fourth time that this has happened. Is my girlfriend gay? Why do I find lesbians so attractive? I’m freaking.

INCREASINGLY TORMENTED ABOUT LESBIAN YEARNINGS There’s a lot going on in your letter, ITALY, so I’m going to take your questions one at a time…

1. Maybe you always fall in love with lesbians or maybe this was a series of coincidences—by pure chance you fell for more than one woman who turned out to be a lesbian—and hey, since you’re probably going to love a few more women over the course of your life, ITALY, that “always” seems a bit premature. It’s also possible you find women with a certain degree of masculine energy and/or swagger attractive, and women with that swagger are somewhat likelier to be lesbians, slightly upping your chances of falling in love with four girlswho-turned-out-to-be-lesbians in a row.

Personally, ITALY, I’m attracted to guys with a certain degree of feminine swagger and, needless to say, these guys are likelier to be gay. But while almost all effeminate guys are gay—so stigmatized is femininity in males (even in the gay community)—masculine swagger in women is less stigmatized and therefore somewhat less likely to correlate as strongly with lesbianism. Women with masculine swagger and men

ALBERTA-WIDECLASSIFIEDS

Dan Savage savagelove@vueweekly.com

with feminine swagger are also likely to be self-conscious about their gender-nonconforming traits, particularly when they’re young and/or not yet out, and that can read as melancholy and/ or insecurity.

2. Women—straight or bi or lesbian—don’t need “saving.” They need respect, they need to be taken seriously, they need bodily autonomy, and they need loving partners and political allies.

3. Your girlfriend may be a lesbian—anyone could in these highly fluid days, even me. But if your girlfriend isn’t straight, ITALY, she’s likelier to be bisexual, seeing as there are roughly three times as many bi women as there are lesbian women. And if she seems gayer now than when you met, that could be because you landed a straight girl who had been suppressing her masculine swagger—which many men don’t find attractive—and she’s consciously or subconsciously come to the realization that she doesn’t have to play the girly girl around you to hold your attention. Quite the opposite, in fact.

4. It’s entirely possible to love more than one person at a time.

Just as we are capable of loving more than one parent, child, sibling, friend, and television show at a time (you know I love you both equally, Lady Dynamite and The Crown), we can love more than one romantic partner at a time. But we’re told that romantic love is a zero-sum game so often—if someone wins, someone else loses—it has become a selffulfilling/relationship-destroying prophecy. It’s a myth that harms not just people who might want to be with two people, but partnered monogamous people as well. A person who is convinced he can feel romantic love for only one person at a time will doubt his love for a long-term partner if he develops a crush on someone new. He’ll say to himself, “I couldn’t possibly feel this way about this barista if I was still in love with my partner of 10 years.”

But those feelings can exist side by side—stable, secure, lasting love for a long-term partner and an intense infatuation (most likely fleeting) for a new person.

5. Cigarettes After Sex were on a boat in the Arabian Sea—they sent the pics to prove it—when I reached them about your dilemma. Drummer Jacob Tomsky said: “About loving more than one person at the same time, a Gabriel García Márquez quote from Love in the Time of Cholera comes to mind: ‘My heart has more rooms than a whorehouse.’ Your heart will surprise you with its duplicity.” Or its capacity. Keyboardist Phillip Tubbs wanted to share a Morrissey line with you: “’Cause I want the one I can’t have and it’s driving me mad.” Lead singer Greg Gonzalez declined to comment.

6. Maybe it’s not an accident

that you keep falling for lesbians.

There are lots of straight men out there who have a thing for dykes.

It’s entirely possible that you aren’t worried your girlfriend is a lesbian, ITALY, but secretly hoping she is. Good luck!

BAD DICK PICS

My boyfriend and I have been together for five years. We have had an open relationship from fairly early on, but it’s only in the last six months that he’s started using various gentlemen’s apps for meeting new guys. We don’t share apps or have threesomes; our dalliances are solo affairs and that works for us. I snuck a look at his phone and I was horrified—the dick pics he’s sharing are terrible. Poorly lit and with bad angles, they completely do not do justice to his cock. His face pics are great, but I really feel like he’s underselling what else he has to offer. How can I help him take better junk shots without revealing that I’ve been looking at his phone?

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You could tell your boyfriend you made a joint appointment with a photographer—perhaps as a Hanukkah/Solstice/Christmas/Kwanzaa/Ramadan present—because you thought you should both have Sears-Portrait-Studio-quality-or-better dick pics to share with your prospective hookups, DICPICS, or you could let your boyfriend’s hookups be pleasantly surprised when your boyfriend drops his drawers.

SAVAGE CLAP BACK

Are you really whining about having a president you don’t like in office? Is that so terrible that you have to get little digs in every week? That’s the problem with you liberals—you’re a bunch of wimps. Man up, dude.

MAKE AMERICA STRONG AGAIN Gee, I don’t recall any whining from you right-wing he-men back when a black guy who didn’t collude with a hostile foreign power and wasn’t poisoning our air and water and didn’t undermine our Democratic norms and wasn’t surrounded by a cadre of deeply corrupt sycophants was president—you guys were so stoic during the Obama years, so hemanly. You ova’d up, you didn’t whine or moan, you didn’t spread wild conspiracy theories or march on Washington waving signs that proved you were every bit as misinformed as you are illiterate.

(Wake up, dude.)

Give the gift of the magnum Savage Lovecast at savagelovecast.com! mail@savagelove.net @fakedansavage on Twitter ITMFA.org

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

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FREEWILLASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your life in the first half of 2018 will be like a psychological boot camp that’s designed to beef up your emotional intelligence.

Here’s another way to visualize your oncoming adventures: They will constitute a friendly nudge from the cosmos, pushing you to be energetic and ingenious in creating the kind of partnerships you want for the rest of your long life. As you go through your interesting tests and riddles, be on the lookout for glimpses of what your daily experience could be like in five years if you begin now to deepen your commitment to love and collaboration.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’ll soon have a chance to glide out into the frontier. I suggest you pack your bag of tricks.

Bring gifts with you, too, just in case you must curry favour in the frontiers where the rules are a bit loose. How are your improvisational instincts? Be sure they’re in top shape. How willing are you to summon spontaneity and deal with unpredictability and try impromptu experiments?

I hope you’re very willing. This may sound like a lot of work, but I swear it’ll be in a good cause.

If you’re well-prepared as you wander in the borderlands, you’ll score sweet secrets and magic cookies. Here’s more good news: Your explorations will position you well to take advantage of the opportunities that’ll become available throughout 2018.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): These days it’s not unusual to see male celebrities who shave their heads. Bruce Willis, Dwayne Johnson, Seal, Tyrese Gibson, and Vin Diesel are among them. But in the 20th century, the bare-headed style was rare. One famous case was actor Yul Brynner. By age 30, he’d begun to go bald. In 1951, for his role as the King of Siam in the Broadway play The King and I, he decided to shave off all his hair. From then on, the nakedheaded look became his trademark as he plied a successful acting career. So he capitalized on what many in his profession considered a liability. He built his power and success by embracing an apparent disadvantage. I recommend you practice your own version of this strategy in 2018.

The coming weeks will be an excellent time to begin.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the Northern Hemisphere, where 88 percent of the world’s population resides, this is a quiescent time for the natural world. Less sunlight is available, and plants’ metabolisms slow down as photosynthesis diminishes. Deciduous trees lose their leaves, and even many evergreens approach dormancy. And yet in the midst of this stasis, Cancerian, you are beginning to flourish. Gradually at first, but with increasing ur-

22 at the back

Rob Brezsny freewill@vueweekly.com

gency, you’re embarking on an unprecedented phase of growth.

I foresee that 2018 will be your Year of Blossoming.

depths, and vice versa. You’ll help allies open doors that they can’t open by themselves. The rest of us thank you in advance!

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you’ve had an unfulfilled curiosity about genealogy or your ancestors or the riddles of your past, 2018 will be a favourable time to investigate. Out-of-touch relatives will be easier to locate than usual.

Lost heirlooms, too. You may be able to track down and make use of a neglected legacy. Even family secrets could leak into view -both the awkward and the charming kinds. If you think you have everything figured out about the people you grew up with and the history of where you came from, you’re in for surprises.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The blunt fact is that you can’t be delivered from the old demoralizing pattern that has repeated and repeated itself— until you forgive yourself completely. For that matter, you probably can’t move on to the next chapter of your life story until you compensate yourself for at least some of the unnecessary torment you’ve inflicted on yourself. Now here’s the good news: 2018 will be an excellent time to accomplish this healing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Most of us regard our ring fingers as the least important of our digits.

What are they good for? Is there any activity for which they’re useful? But our ancestors had a stronger relationship with their fourth fingers. There was a folk belief that a special vein connected the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. That’s why a tradition arose around the wedding ring being worn there.

It may have also been a reason why pharmacists regarded their fourth fingers as having an aptitude for discerning useful blends of herbs. I bring this up, Virgo, because I think it’s an apt metaphor for one of 2018’s important themes: A resource you have underestimated or neglected will be especially valuable—and may even redefine your understanding of what’s truly valuable.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In fairy tales, characters are often rewarded for their acts of kindness. They may be given magical objects that serve as protection, like cloaks of invisibility or shoes that enable them to flee trouble.

Or the blessings they receive may be life-enhancing, like enchanted cauldrons that provide a neverending supply of delicious food or musical instruments that have the power to summon delightful playmates. I bring this up, Libra, because I suspect that a similar principle will be very active in your life during 2018. You’ll find it easier and more natural than usual to express kindness, empathy, and compassion. If you consistently capitalize on this predilection, life will readily provide you with the resources you need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Like all of us, you go through mediocre phases when you’re not functioning at peak efficiency. But I suspect that in 2018 you will experience fewer of these blah times. We will see a lot of you at your best. Even more than usual, you’ll be an interesting catalyst who energizes and ripens collaborative projects. You’ll demonstrate why the sweet bracing brightness needs the deep dark

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 2018, one of your primary missions will be to practice what you preach; to walk your talk; to be ambitious and masterful in all the ways a soulful human can and should be ambitious and masterful. Live up to your hype in the coming months, Capricorn! Do what you have promised! Stop postponing your dreams! Fulfill the noble expectations you have for yourself! Don’t be shy about using exclamation points to express your visions of what’s right and good and just!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Years ago, when I started my career as a horoscope writer, my editor counselled me, “Always give priority to the Big Three.

Romance, money, and power are what people care about most.”

After a few months, he was disgruntled to realize that I wrote about how to cultivate psychological health and nourish spiritual aspirations as much as his Big Three. He would have replaced me if he could have found another astrology writer whose spelling and grammar were as good as mine. But his edict traumatized me a bit. Even today, I worry that I don’t provide you with enough help concerning the Big Three.

Fortunately, that’s not relevant now, since I can sincerely declare that 2018 will bring you chances to become more powerful by working hard on your psychological health ... and to grow wealthier by cultivating your spiritual aspirations ... and to generate more love by being wise and ethical in your quest for money and power.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): What binds you? What keeps you closed down and locked up? I urge you to ponder those questions, Pisces. Once you get useful answers, the next step will be to meditate on how you can undo the binds. Fantasize and brainstorm about the specific actions you can take to unlock and unclose yourself. This project will be excellent preparation for the opportunities that the coming months will make available to you. I’m happy to announce that 2018 will be your personal year of liberation.

JONESIN’ CROSSWORD

Matt Jones jonesincrosswords@vueweekly.com

“Not That Exciting” _ no wait, the puzzle’s exciting, I promise!

Across

1 Actor Oscar of “Ex Machina” 6 Like some potato salads 10 Rating unit 14 “That Girl” actress ___ Thomas 15 Felt bad about 16 It works in the wind 17 Carrie Underwood’s 2005 debut album 19 Apple that turns 20 in 2018 20 The next U.S. one will be in 2020 21 Donizetti work, e.g.

22 “___ you serious?”

25 66, for one (abbr.)

26 Uncooked 28 Where pagers were worn 29 Showtime series about a killer of killers 31 Cash, slangily 33 Figure at the pump 34 Slippery, as winter roads 35 “One” on some coins 38 Go pop 39 Word that I guess is hidden in the theme answers, but whatever 40 Scribbled down 41 Picked-over substances 42 Animal in the Bacardi logo 43 Magna ___ (1215 document) (var.)

44 Field docs 46 “Annie” star Quinn 47 Low digit?

49 Stamp pad stuff 50 Montana hrs.

51 Like some wines 52 One of the Coen brothers 54 Overdid the acting 57 Footfall 58 Dwelling with a skeleton of timbers 62 Type of year 2020 will be?

63 Letterman’s rival, once 64 Earliest stage 65 What turns STEM to STEAM? 66 See 3-Down 67 Cold weather range

Down

1 Contacts via Skype, maybe 2 ___ TomÈ and PrÌncipe 3 66-Across’s location 4 Current “Match Game” host Baldwin

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

5 Making sense 6 Get rid of 7 Spiritual advisor of sorts 8 Makes a lot of dough 9 Fabric measures (abbr.)

10 Leave out 11 Long-standing, like many traditions 12 Pong creator 13 Sum up 18 ___ nous (confidentially) 21 Be indebted 22 Marinade in some Spanish cuisine 23 Make a comeback 24 Health problem on some summer days 27 Random quantity 30 CafÈ au lait container 31 Regimens that may be faddish 32 Out in the country 36 Say 37 John Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen ___” 39 Holy fish?

40 Glowing brightly 42 Coal receptacle 43 Rigid social system 45 “You’re a better man than I am, Gunga ___!”: Kipling 47 Elon Musk’s company 48 Sleek river swimmer 50 Jason of “Game of Thrones” 53 Smartphone programs 55 Michael who directed “Miami Vice” 56 Over it 58 Reason for a shot 59 Expend 60 Title for Doug Jones of Ala. 61 Aliens, for short

CURTIS HAUSER

VUEWEEKLY.com | DEC 21 – DEC 27, 2017

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