FREE
# 842 / DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011 vueweekly.com
FILM: INTERRUPTERS! ARTS: NUTCRACKER! MUSIC: USS!
C
Visit us at Southgate Centre For more information, visit crateandbarrel.ca or call 780.436.1454
D6656_VueWeekly_CAN_HOL.indd 1
2 UP FRONT
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
11/25/11 9:59 AM
MEMBERS GET
A HOT NEW BLACKBERRY WITH EXCLUSIVE MUSIC BENEFITS. Get BBM Music on us for up to 90 days when you buy a new BlackBerry. Create a music profile, then share it with your BBM friends. The more friends you have, the more music you collect. TM
TM
16999
0
$
7999
$
$
Get hot BlackBerry plans from $45/mo. Visit virginmobile.ca for details.
Limited time offer. Taxes not included. In-store credits highlighted available at Virgin Mobile stores only. In-store credits and gift cards may vary by retailer. Only valid on new activations with a 3-year term or on the Virgin Mobile SuperTabTM. Cannot be combined with any other offers, unless otherwise indicated. Some phone models and colours may not be available at retailers. BBM Music offer valid from Dec 1-31, 2011. New BBM Music users only. See virginmobile.ca for complete details and restrictions. Member Benefits may change without notice. The VIRGIN trademark and family of associated marks are owned by Virgin Enterprises Limited and used under licence. All other trademarks are trademarks of Virgin Mobile Canada or trademarks and property of the respective owners.
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
File Name:
VIRFRQP12488_BBM_Vue_Edm_P08583T4.indd
Docket #:
VIR_FRQ _P12488
Trim Size:
10.25˝w x 13.75˝h
Signoffs Creative Team
UP FRONT 3
T:10.1”
“If you’re tired of the Big 3 nickel and dime-ing you with all those fees, give WIND a try.” Ken C. of Ottawa
WIND CUSTOMER SINCE SEPT 2010
29
UNLIMITED CANADA-WIDE
$
TALK + TEXT + DATA
per month for 1 year
Our Oh Canada Plan includes Unlimited Canada-wide talk, text & data from anywhere on our network, plus all our plans include Caller ID.
T:13.5”
249
$
WITH
WINDtab+™
0
0
$
$
WITH
WITH
WINDtab+™
WINDtab+™ Nexus S from Google
NEW
LG Optimus 2X Superphone
HTC Amaze
Get the latest smartphones with no term contract. Love WIND? Tell us why at
WINDmobile.ca Limited time offer. Conditions apply to WINDtab+. To learn more about WINDtab+ and how to get a $0 phone with no term contract go to WINDmobile.ca. WINDtab+ is only available at participating locations. Conditions apply to Oh Canada Plan. Learn more at WINDmobile.ca. Data services subject to WIND’s Fair Usage Policy and Internet Traffic Management Policy. All services subject to WIND’s Terms of Service and are for personal use by an individual. WIND, WIND MOBILE and WINDtab+ are trademarks of Wind Telecommunicazioni S.p.A. and are used under license in Canada by Globalive Wireless Management Corp. ©2011 WIND Mobile. Portions of this imagery are reproduced from work created and shared by Google according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. LG and the LG logos are registered trademarks of LG Electronics and its affiliates. ©2011 LG Electronics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
4 UP FRONT
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
MAC11209-WND11035-2B-4C-11-KEN.indd
WND11035-2B-4C-11-KEN
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
UP FRONT 5
Telus AuThorized deAlers downtown 9915 108A Ave. NW 11315 104th Ave.
Malls Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre City Centre Mall Kingsway Garden Mall Londonderry Mall Mill Woods Town Centre
See mommy kissing cable goodbye.
Northgate Mall South Edmonton Common Southgate Centre TELUS Plaza North West Edmonton Mall
West end 14903 118th Ave. NW 14220 Yellowhead Trail 10429 178th St. 17508 Stony Plain Rd.
North 9624 165th Ave. 12714 137th Ave.
south 10309 34th Ave. NW 5912 104th St. 5926 99th St. 8708 51st Ave. 4515 Gateway Blvd.
leduc 5906 50th St. 5311 Discovery Way
Morinville 9918 100 St.
st. Albert St. Albert Centre 20A Muir Dr.
Get a free HD PVR rental and Samsung GALAXY tablet.*
sherwood Park
Sign up for Optik™ TV and Internet for only
®
Sherwood Park Mall 973 Ordze Rd.
$40/mo.
975 Broadmoor Blvd.
spruce Grove
†
Westland Market Mall 96 Campsite Rd.
for the first 6 months.
Fort saskatchewan 9542 86th Ave. 9914 103rd St.
Whitecourt 3904 38th Ave. 4214 42nd Ave. 3475 35th St.
Westlock
Call 310-MYTV (6988). Go to telus.com/optik. Or visit an authorized dealer.
10007 106th St. ®
Barrhead 5024 50th St. Offers available until December 31, 2011, on a 3 year TELUS TV and Internet service agreement to clients who have not subscribed to TELUS TV and Internet service in the past 90 days. Final eligibility will be determined by a TELUS representative at point of installation. Minimum system requirements apply. *Current PVR rental rates will apply at the end of the 3 year term. HDTV input equipped television is required to watch HD. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement and will be $10 for TV services and $13 for Internet services, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Equipment must be returned upon cancellation of service. Tablet offer available while quantities last. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Samsung GALAXY TAB 10.1 is $499. TELUS and Samsung reserve the right to substitute an equivalent or better tablet without notice. †Offer includes Optik TV Essentials and Optik Internet. Regular bundle rate of $65/month starts on month 7 for Optik TV and Internet. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik, Optik TV, Optik Internet and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Samsung and the Samsung logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Canada. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. © 2011 TELUS.
CLIENT
6 UP FRONT
TAXI Canada InC
TELUS – FFH
CREATED
14/11/2011
CREATIVE
george L
AD SIZE
10.5" x 13.75"
VUEWEEKLYFFH111187BC_7_EdmontnVue.VEVU.indd DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011 MAC ARTIST INSERTION DATE(S)
darina K nov 17
ACCOUNT PRODUCER
Lora L Leah F (ext. 238)
APPROVALS ArT dirEcTor/dESignEr:
wriTEr
ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA CHEVROLET DEALERS. AlbertaChevrolet.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. ††/¥†/~/*Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS Sedan (1JU69, 1SA) equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offer available to retail customers in Canada between September 1, 2011 and October 31, 2011. Limited quantities of 2011 models available. See dealer for details. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Alberta Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. GMCL, Ally Credit or TD Financing Services may modify, extend or terminate this offer in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See Chevrolet dealer for details. ††4.29% purchase financing offered on approved credit by Ally Credit for 72 months on new or demonstrator 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LS Sedan. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 4.29% APR, the monthly payment is $157.78 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $1,359.92, total obligation is $11,359.92. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight ($1,495) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers only. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ¥†No purchase necessary. Contest open to Canadian residents with a valid driver’s license who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest runs from November 1, 2011 to January 16, 2012. Credit Awards include applicable taxes and can only be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2011 or 2012 MY GM vehicle delivered from dealer stock, excluding Chevrolet Volt on or before January 16, 2012. 20 Vehicle Awards consist of either a 2012 GMC Terrain SLE2 FWD + 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels, Chrome Appearance Package and Rear Cargo Security Cover or a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT FWD + 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels. Factory order may be required for Vehicle Awards. Approximate retail value of each Vehicle Award is Equinox / Terrain [$32,775 MSRP / $32,480 MSRP] CDN, including freight. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. Correct answer to skill testing question required to claim an award. Some examples of odds are: to receive a $1,000 base award, 1 in 1; to receive a total award of $1,200, 1 in 30; to receive a total award of $10,000, 1 in 10,000; to receive a Vehicle Award, 1 in 20,000 (total awards and vehicle awards include the $1,000 base award). See your GM dealer, visit gm.ca or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE for full contest rules. ▼Based on Natural Resources Canada’s 2011 Fuel Consumption Guide ratings. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. ~ OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery) wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Subscription Service Agreement required. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.ca for OnStar’s Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and details and system limitations. Additional information can be found in the OnStar Owner’s Guide.
T:10.3”
IT’S FUN. TURBOCHARGED. With a 1.4 L Turbocharged Engine, the 2012 Sonic is shockingly powerful and ridiculously fuel efficient. The best of both worlds, mastered for yours.
C I N SO • Turbocharged 1.4L ECOTEC® 4-cylinder engine with 148 lb.-ft. of torque available • Motorcycle-inspired gauge cluster • OnStar~ RemoteLink™ mobile app Remote Start, Unlock and More • Bluetooth® Wireless Audio Streaming, USB Port, 6-Speaker Audio System and More • Remote keyless entry system • Steering Wheel-Mounted Bluetooth® and Audio System Controls • Available heated cloth seats • 17-inch aluminum wheels
E L O R V E H 2012 C
50 MPG HIGHWAY
5.6 L/100 km HWY 7.7 L/100 km CITY T:13.7857”
PURCHASE PRICE
T
t
5-Door Model Shown Sedan Model also available
2012 SONIC SEDAN LS
FREIGHT & PDI INCLUDED PLUS $1,000 CONNECT AND WIN CONTEST BASE AWARD AWARD¥†
$ 15,140 $ 108
*
OWN IT FOR
OR
AT
4.29 %
PURCHASE FINANCING††
BI-WEEKLY / 72 MONTHS $299 DOWN PAYMENT
ALBERTACHEVROLET.COM
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
CAC11228.SON.101.4C.VUE.indd
CAC11228.SON.101.4C
SCAN HERE TO FIND YOURS
UP FRONT 7
Three degrees in January? Start your MacEwan University degree in arts, nursing or science this January. Don’t stay out in the cold. Visit www.MacEwan.ca/StartInJanuary for more information.
Grant MacEwan University www.MacEwan.ca/StartInJanuary
STYLE SPOTLIGHT
C[baX 780·756·9311
7717 · 85 street
edmonton ab
jjj!UTeUXe[T!Vb` o jjj!`XafUTeUXe\aZ!Vb`
To book your ad in the Style Spotlight call Erin at 780.426.1996 8 UP FRONT
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
LISTINGS: EVENTS /13 FILM /16 ARTS /24 MUSIC /42 CLASSIFIEDS: GENERAL /47 ADULT /48
IssuE: 842 DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Hroses
"For a play that's so magical, it came out of a very personal place for me."
17
Photo by Craig Janzen
11 Caganer 28 with his turds. big two medium" 39 turn me on free 50 fucked-up system
"The fact that the rich countries ignore their huge historical responsibility for the warming is the reason why a global deal on avoiding large-scale climate change is still close to impossible." "Perched in the corner, the squats with his posterior over his heels and his pants around his ankles, fertilizing the ground "
"It's at least
"What would
and a
if I could get ?"
of the whole
VUEWEEKLY #200, 11230 - 119 street, edmonton, ab t5g 2x3 | t: 780.426.1996 F: 780.426.2889 FOUNDING Editor / Publisher Ron Garth.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ron@vueweekly.com PUBLISHER ROBERT W DOULL.........................................................................................................................................................................................................rwdoull@vueweekly.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / Managing Editor Eden Munro...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... eden@vueweekly.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / SALES & MARKETING MANAGER ROB LIGHTFOOT....................................................................................................................................................................................................................rob@vueweekly.com Associate Managing Editor / Dish EDITOR Bryan Birtles.. ................................................................................................................bryan@vueweekly.com News EDITOR Samantha Power.. ..............................................................................................samantha@vueweekly.com Arts & Film EDITOR Paul Blinov.. ................................................................................................................... paul@vueweekly.com Music EDITOR Eden Munro.. ................................................................................................................. eden@vueweekly.com Snow Zone Editor Kate Irwin........................................................................................................................ kate@vueweekly.com LISTINGS Glenys Switzer........................................................................................................ listings@vueweekly.com Production Manager Mike Siek.. ........................................................................................................................ mike@vueweekly.com Production Pete Nguyen...................................................................................................................pete@vueweekly.com Craig Janzen.................................................................................................................. craig@vueweekly.com Production INTERN TYLER VAN BRABANT........................................................................................................ tyler@vueweekly.com Advertising Representatives Erin Campbell....................................................................................................... ecampbell@vueweekly.com Andy Cookson........................................................................................................ acookson@vueweekly.com Distribution Manager Michael Garth........................................................................................................... michael@vueweekly.com
Available at over 1200 locations
E: office@vueweekly.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kathleen Bell, Chelsea Boos, Josef Braun, Rob Brezsny, Alexa DeGagne, Jeremy Derksen, Gwynne Dyer, Joshua Estabrooks, Jason Foster, Brian Gibson, Hart Golbeck, James Grasdal, Fish Griwkowsky, Matt Jones, Fawnda Mithrush, Mel Priestley, Dan Savage, Mike Winters, Dave Young Distribution Shane Bennett, Barrett DeLaBarre, Aaron Getz, Justin Shaw, Wally Yanish
Vue Weekly is available free of charge at well over 1200 locations throughout Edmonton. We are funded solely through the support of our advertisers. Vue Weekly is a division of Postvue Publishing LP (Robert W. Doull, President) and is published every Thursday. Vue Weekly is available free of charge throughout Greater Edmonton and Northern Alberta, limited to one copy per reader. Vue Weekly may be distributed only by Vue Weekly's authorized independent contractors and employees. No person may, without prior written permission of Vue Weekly, take more than one copy of each Vue Weekly issue. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40022989. If undeliverable, return to: Vue Weekly #200, 11230 - 119 St, Edmonton, ab T5G 2X3
w: vueweekly.com
T: @VUEWEEKLY
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
UP FRONT 9
UP FRONT
VUEPOINT
Bryan Birtles
GRASDAL'S VUE
// bryan@vueweekly.com
To scrap the act? In the wake of the media attention surrounding the ongoing tragedy at Attawapiskat and many other reserves, Shawn Atleo, head of the Assembly of First Nations has continued his call for the end of the Indian Act. It's a course of action he believes will allow for a reset of the relationship between Canada’s First Nations and the national government. Something desperately needs to be done to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in this country. The fact that people live in conditions that make the developing world look enticing is a national disgrace—but pitching the Indian Act may not be the best way to go about it. Such a strategy was tried once before: in 1969, the federal government delivered the "Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian policy," commonly known as the White Paper. It outlined a plan to do away with the Indian Act, transfer control of Aboriginal land held in trust by the government to Aboriginal peoples and shift the responsibilities that the federal government has for Aboriginal peoples—such as health and education—to provincial governments. The White Paper didn't come out of a vacuum: it was a policy paper developed after a year of consultations with Aboriginal groups nationwide. It was a response to conditions that are similar to ones we see today: lack of access to running water, adequate housing and insufficient
political power. The White Paper ignited a firestorm in Canadian society. Harold Cardinal's "Citizens Plus" document, delivered as a rebuttal by the National Indian Brotherhood—the group that became the Assembly of First Nations—argued that Aboriginals already had access to the same services as other Canadians and also had other rights and privileges by virtue of the Indian Act. These historical and legal rights were not being fulfilled by the government, but Cardinal argued that solutions should be found within the context of the act—that the act itself wasn't the problem. Atleo is certainly not suggesting the same course of action as the White Paper and there is no doubt that Canada and its First Nations desperately need to renegotiate their relationship: the land claims, treaty rights and lack of selfdetermination that plagued First Nations in 1969 continue to plague First Nations today. But caution should be exercised before doing away with a more-than200-year-old law that guarantees the special relationship that Aboriginals—as the original inhabitants of Canada—have with the Crown. Solve the problems within the act—do away with the paternalistic and discriminatory provisions, settle land claims and deliver self-government—but scrapping the entire thing may not be the answer. V
NewsRoundup A LARGER CRISIS The crisis on the Attawapiskat reserve will continue to gain international attention as the Assembly of First Nations voted to ask for UN intervention. At the annual meeting of the AFN, a special resolution passed unanimously asking the UN to appoint a "special rapporteur" to investigate the federal government’s actions to meet Aboriginal rights and living conditions under international treaty. The call comes after the Attawapiskat leadership sent away the third-party manager the federal government sent to take control of finances away from the band council and begin an audit. The crisis has thrown the issue of Aboriginal self-governance and reformation of the Indian Act into the spotlight. Prime Minister Harper is finally delivering on a year-old promise to meet with Aboriginal leaders from across Canada and begin talking about the Indian Act. "It is more and more evident to everyone that we need action to deal with the long-standing problems fac-
10 UP FRONT
SAMANTHA POWER // samantha@vueweekly.com
CYCLING THE CITY ing First Nations and Canada," said Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo. "We have communities in crisis that need action now, but we must stop lurching from crisis to crisis. This requires action and commitment to address systemic problems, and it requires that we work together. It is time to reset the relationship to the one formed at the time of treaty— based on partnership and respect." The meeting between the federal government and Aboriginal leadership will take place January 24, 2012, a full year-and-a-half after it was called for. The AFN press release calls for the meeting to look at "First Nations driven change for progress recognizing and respecting mutual responsibilities and accountability." It refers to the responsibilities listed under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Red Cross workers also arrived in Attawapiskat on Monday to assist the families that continue to suffer from the housing shortage.
In city council on Friday, Councilors Don Iveson and Ben Henderson moved that $22 million be allocated toward active transportation. Council voted on an active transportation strategy in 2009 that would see investment in building and maintaining bicycle infrastructure up to 2022.
The transportation plan called for five percent of the transportation budget be dedicated toward active transportation. It's estimated the program requires $30 million in the 2012 – 2014 budget, which is currently under debate. At the start of budget deliberations,
the active transportation strategy had zero dollars allocated toward its implementation. The Iveson/Henderson motion was passed on Monday, October 5 and $20 million is now dedicated in the capital budget over the next three years. Council will be debating the budget until December 9.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK "The ultimate goal for a comprehensive and binding climate change agreement may be beyond our reach for now." —UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the Durban climate conference negotiations Associated Press Dec 6, 2011
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
FRONT // FINANCE
The bailout of Canadian banks
The Canadian financial sector was assisted by the federal government in 2009
O
nce upon a time modern capitalism was laughing all the way to the banks, which it owned. That is until it hit a pile of toxic garbage that it had dumped: a mass-default on mortgages. Suddenly, the good ship finance was full of holes, sucking in water and sinking quickly—and only "Big Government" was there to help. Everywhere except in Canada, of course. For the past several months, rightwing, free-trade advocates in Canada's Conservative Party have been bragging about strong regulation defending Canadian banking from the crisis caused by supposedly laissez-faire American financiers, but that regulation couldn't prevent the foundation of Canadian capitalism from disintegration. Agreeing with a FOX News interviewer in 2009 that no Canadian banks needed a bailout, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said (as reported by CBC): "I know in Canada there have been some criticisms in the past that we were perhaps too activist, intervening too much, but we're emerging from this probably with the only truly free market financial system in the world." It's a comment that builds on his statement in 2008: the government's handling of the banks was "not
a bailout; this is a market transaction that will cost the government nothing." But that cost-free market transaction had a price tag of $25 billion to secure mortgages from Canadian banks in the autumn of 2008. Through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the federal government purchased $125 billion in insured mortgage pools. That and a $200 billion line of credit from the federal government to Canada's chartered banks were built into the 2009 federal budget with little media attention. "The banks needed the bailout, but the regulations we had in Canada were important," says Jim Stanford an economist with the Canadian Auto Workers, and author of Economics for Everyone, a street-level guide to understanding how the economy and why the super rich just keep getting super richer. "Other countries should implement [Canadian-style] regulations, and we should strengthen those regulations." In the autumn of 2008, the US subprime mortgage crisis metastasized across the American and then global economies, notably with the collapse of the investment bank Lehman Broth-
ers. "That was when world banks, fearing for their survival, stopped lending, including to each other," says Stanford. "Canadian banks were caught in that mess, worried that there might be a run. [They're] relatively stronger than in other countries," but they're still fundamentally vulnerable because of how leveraged they are. Leveraged? Imagine at the bar one night that 10 friends get you to hold $100 each for the night to keep them from blowing it. Now you've got $1000. Seeing a good thing, you tell a hundred strangers you'll spot them each a hundred for the low fee of ten bucks. So you run a tab for $10 000 of drinks, handing the barkeep the original thousand as proof of future payment, so later you can collect a glittering grand in profit. A brilliant plan—unless your 10 friends want their money back right then. Result: broken promises. And broken teeth. Canadian banks did that kind of "leveraging" themselves. Except instead of lending out 10 times what they held, they lent it out 20 times. Legally. But that's nothing: American and European banks made loans up to 50 times what they possessed. "The banks are still fragile," says Stanford, but because of Canadian
regulations, they're not as precarious as the banks in those other countries. An institution of the government, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation not only inspects mortgage quality to deny risky, US-style unfair lending, it guarantees all the mortgages it approves. You pay your mortgage, and the banks keep the interest. But you default, and the public pays the bank. Socialized risk, but private profit. And there's one other way, of course, that the free market, free trade, laissez-faire Harper Conservatives (and the Liberals before them) put the Canadian banking system on steroids: protectionism. "The federal government prohibited any foreign takeovers of Canadian banks, even during the good years," says Stanford. Without such protectionism, "At least a couple of our big banks would've been taken over by companies like Citibank or Bank of America when they were booming in the early 2000s before the whole crisis hit. All of those regulations long predate the Harper government [so it] can't claim credit for any of [the money-saving results]." Canadian banks thrived because of protectionism and federal mortgage
insurance, but Canadian bankers don't want their foreign rivals to enjoy such privileges. "Canadian banks are pretty aggressive internationally," says Stanford. "They've used their protected, profitable home base as a platform to go to [unprotected banking sectors of] the US and developing countries. The other thing that our banks have done that's very unsavoury is used tax havens. Countries such as Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are big bases for Canadian banks to take advantage of very low or zero taxes. Internationally, Canadian banks don't have a lot to be proud of. They're in those countries to profit from the local citizenry, or to evade taxes they would otherwise be paying in Canada." To Stanford, those ethics—relying on Canadians to protect them while ducking their responsibilities—sums up the needed fix. "Why do we take an important service like banking and the creation of credit that we need for our economy, but give it over to private companies whose interest is maximizing their profit? They're always going to end up doing some very unsavoury, damaging things, whether it's in Canada or [in developing countries]." malcolm azania // malcolm@vueweekly.com
COMMENT >> CLIMATE
Rearguard action in Durban
The West is held to a false public opinion at Durban climate talks The plans for a new global deal on well that the danger of runaway globclimate change lie broken and abanal warming is real and large. Their own doned. The usual suspects are meeting scientists tell them so, and their own again, this time in Durban, but there is military forces are drawing up plans even less hope of progress than to deal the consequences. But there was in Cancun last year. they do not act on their The shadow of the disasknowledge, because the trous failure in Copenhagen politics around energy ism o .c weekly e@vue in 2009 still looms over the sues is poisonous. gwynn e Gwynn proceedings like a shroud. Take Barack Obama, for inDyer stance. Look at the people he Indeed, even to talk of "progress" is to miss the point. All the hired to advise him on climate and effort in Durban is going into preventenergy, and it's clear that he knows exing further backsliding on the commitactly how bad the situation is. But he ments that were made 14 years ago in wants to be re-elected next year, and the Kyoto Protocol to cut the greenthe climate change denial lobby has house gas emissions of the developed been so effective in the United States countries. The idea of a better, bolder that he can’t afford to say out loud treaty is dead, and even the extenthat he takes it very seriously. sion of the modest Kyoto targets for Above all, he cannot deviate from emission reductions beyond 2012 is the line first taken by George W Bush, gravely in doubt. who withdrew from the Kyoto treaty. So the real world of physics and Bush vowed that he would never sign a chemistry and global heat balances treaty mandating emissions cuts by the will just have to wait 10 or 20 years United States so long as big developing while we human beings sort out our countries like China and India did not politics and diplomacy. If it won't wait, have to make similar cuts. Obama says then we will pay a very high price inthe same, because to do anything else deed. How did we get into this mess? would be political suicide. Every government in Durban, even His position is fully in tune with public those of "rogue states" on climate isopinion in the West, and especially in sues like China, Canada, Russia and the United States, which sees the rapthe United States, knows perfectly idly developing countries like China, In-
dia and Brazil as the heart of the problem. Their emissions are growing very fast because their economies are also growing fast, whereas the "old rich" countries have relatively stable emissions because their economies grow more slowly and they have already built their infrastructure. It's true, as far as it goes. The bulk of the astounding six percent increase in global greenhouse gas emissions last year came from China and the other
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
R DYEIG HT
STRA
developed countries, which have been burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale for 200 years. They are the real source of the global warming threat, even though they have now more or less stabilized their emissions. Indeed, if the developed countries had not filled the atmosphere with their emissions for the past 200 years, there would be plenty of room for China and the other developing countries to grow their economies for decades
The fact that the rich countries ignore their huge historical responsibility for the warming is the reason why a global deal on avoiding large-scale climate change is still close to impossible.
emerging economies. China now emits as much carbon dioxide as the United States (though only a quarter as much per citizen). But that's only what Western countries see, because it serves their purposes to be blind to the other side of the argument. The view from China or India is quite different. They stress the fact that 80 percent of the greenhouse gases of human origin that are now in the atmosphere came from the small group of
to come, even using fossil fuels on a very large scale, without causing any significant warming. To the developing countries, this is the most important fact of all. They are right, and the fact that the rich countries ignore their huge historical responsibility for the warming is the reason why a global deal on avoiding large-scale climate change is still close to impossible. You can't insist that everybody must make equal cuts in their emissions when one group bears much
more responsibility for the problem than the other. Everybody at Durban knows what a climate deal would look like if it ever got signed. It would require deep cuts in emissions from the developed countries (40 percent in 10 years, perhaps), while only asking the emerging economies to cap their emissions where they are now. Even if they cap their emissions, they would be unwilling to halt their economic growth, so they would need more energy supplies. The new energy would have to come from "clean" power sources like wind, solar and nuclear, and those are more expensive than just burning fossil fuels. Who would cover the difference in cost? The richer countries, of course, because they bear the burden of historical responsibility. People care a lot about fairness, and only a fair deal that recognizes the importance of this history will ever get signed. Since most people in the West don't even know the history, and their governments show no sign of wanting to enlighten them, the deal is not going to get signed any time soon. V Gwynne Dyer is a London-based journalist. His column appears every week in Vue Weekly.
UP FRONT 11
COMMENT >> ENVIRONMENT
COMMENT >> HOCKEY
Alberta and Canada tell dirty stories at the Durban climate conference
The NHL hits the chiropractor
This week political leaders, environtion targets. Then, of course, they will But those targets will allow Alberta's ment ministers and bureaucrats from tell the media they don't understand emissions from the oil sands to triple around the world are heading to why they keep getting branded over the next decade or so, the Audithe UN conference on climate as obstructionist and disruptor General just reported that there change. Held in Durban, tive on the international enis no reliable way of verifying that the ENCE vironment front. R E F South Africa, world leaders off-sets invested in are legitimate, and R INTE vueweekly.com @ will attempt to figure out o the carbon capture money has yet to rd rica o Ricard how the world can move forNone of this is surprising, be spent. Acuña of course, coming from a govward on the task of reducing The real story of Canada and Alberta's global greenhouse gas emissions ernment where many of the elect"leadership" on the environment is that once the implementation period for the ed MPs do not actually believe in the we did not even come close to meeting Kyoto Accord ends at the end of 2012. science of climate change, and whose our Kyoto targets, and we are actually Well, that's why most of the politileader once referred to the Kyoto Acperfectly happy to let our total emiscians and bureaucrats heading to Durcord as a "socialist plot." sions continue to rise over the next deban will be there. Canada's environMr Kent and the federal government cades, if not beyond that. ment minister, Peter Kent, is actually are not going to Durban alone. AlberCanada already has among the highest there for a different reason. He told ta's Minister of Environment and Waper-capita emissions in the world, and as reporters last week that he is heading to the UN summit to "defend Alberta's The Government of Canada will be working to oil sands" and let the world know that brand, market and sell oil at a summit whose main they are an "ethical" and reliable enpurpose is to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. ergy source. In other words, the Government of Canada will be working to brand, market and sell oil at a summit whose main purpose is to reduce emissions from ter, Diana McQueen, will also be there. the Edmonton Journal's Graham Thomfossil fuels. It's a little like a gun salesAnd if you had any dreams about Alison son pointed out in a recent column, if man hocking his wares at a conference Redford's government being more enAlberta were a country unto itself, we designed to end violent crime. lightened and green than the ones that would have the highest per-capita emisBesides going to Durban to market preceded it, you better think again. sions of any country on the planet. Alberta's oil, Mr Kent has also made Ms McQueen told media in Edmonton In the end, if Canada and Alberta it clear that Canada's delegation will last week that she will be going to Durwere sincere about their desire to do everything in its power to stop ban to tell the "great story that Alberta see genuine progress on emissions any agreement which doesn't impose has." Apparently, Ms McQueen has and climate change, they would realthe same limits and targets on every determined that "Alberta and Canada ize that they best way for them to do country on the planet. And while have been making great progress and this would be to stay home instead of he's at it, he'll be working to conhave been leaders with regard to reducspending millions of dollars to go to vince other countries to pull out of tions and wanting to move forward." Durban to sell oil, block progress and the Kyoto Accord along with Canada That would be a great story, if it were tell the world lies about what we are later this month. true. The sad reality is that Alberta's doing at home. Perhaps then the rest While other countries are coming "progress" on emissions is actually a of world would actually have a shot forward with concrete proposals stempublic relations smokescreen. Yes, on at moving forward. V ming from a desire to bring the world paper, Alberta has enforceable emisRicardo Acuña is the executive director back from the precipice of serious sions targets, a "tax" for companies that of the Parkland Institute, a non-pardamage, Canada will be there to sell surpass those emissions, a program of tisan, public policy research institute oil, stop progress and weaken the only off-sets, and has vowed to invest $2 housed at the University of Alberta. existing binding agreement with reducbillion in carbon capture in storage.
The Oilers had three home games in four ends (Gretzky, Orr, Howe, Lemieux) or days last week and wound up with three something else entirely. Please, NHL, completely different results. The Minnedo not sell the conference names to sota Wild handed the Oilers a shootout corporate partners. I don't want to loss. Early in that game the Oilers had see our Oilers playing in the McDona 2-0 lead. The Columbus Blue ald's Conference. • What to do with the existing Jackets proved less formidable; Campbell and Wales trophies Edmonton soundly beat Co(you know, the great old trolumbus 6-3. Then the Flames ly.com eweek u v phies no one wants to touch came to town for a Hockey @ x o intheb oung & after winning the Eastern or Night in Canada showdown Dave Y Birtles Bryan Western Conferences). DY and our poor Oilers fell 5-3. Edmonton had a 2-0 lead in that game after just three minutes.
We should have stayed home Realignment CAL POLITI
IN THE
BOX
The good, the bad, the ugly The New NHL
The NHL Board of Governors, the brain trust and overseers of the league, worked quickly to sort out the Atlanta/ Winnipeg move by re-shuffling the NHL deck. Next year, teams will compete in four new divisions/conferences, rather than the existing six divisions, split into the East and West Conferences. Here are the yet-untitled divisions/conferences: 1) Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Colorado, LA, Phoenix 2) Winnipeg, Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, St Louis, Minnesota, Dallas, Nashville 3) Montréal, Toronto, Ottawa, Boston, Buffalo, Florida, Tampa Bay 4) New Jersey, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Carolina The top four teams from each group make the playoffs and face each other in the first two rounds, leaving four top teams from each division to face off in the final two playoff rounds. Here's what we don't know yet: • The names of each division/conference/group. They could be named geographically (East, Pacific, etc), nostalgically (Smythe, Adams, Norris, Patrick), honouring more recent leg-
The Good: It's nice that we'll see some inside-the-division/conference (whatever they call it) playoff games that are guaranteed. The Oilers haven't played the Flames in the playoffs since 1991 and that's a real shame, because that would be some hockey. The Bad: What's with the confusion about calling things divisions or conferences? Every other major league sport— except baseball which has its own wacky stuff going on—has two conferences with divisions inside of those. Some days I can barely remember my phone number, please, let's not make this difficult for no discernible benefit. The Ugly: I hadn't even thought about selling conference names to corporations. But I did just barf in my own mouth a little when it got mentioned. BB
What if?
If the new alignment and playoff structure were used last season, Los Angeles would have missed the playoffs (and five teams that finished with less points than the Kings would have made the playoffs) and Dallas would have made it, rather than sitting out. And Edmonton would still have finished in last place. DY
8 CLASSIC WINDOW DISPLAYS WITH TONS OF HOLIDAY FUN INCLUDING LATE NIGHT SHOPPING AND HOLIDAY SPECIALS. ON SATURDAYS JOIN SANTA FOR FREE HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES. FIND SANTA’S HELPERS FOR CANDY CANES AND CLUES TO THE INTERACTIVE SCAVENGER HUNT. SANTA IS ON WHYTE NOVEMBER 26, DECEMBER 3, 10 AND 17 FROM NOON TO 3PM.
Rain? Snow? Dress up? Dress down? Blundstone boots take it all in stride. Try all-season, all-terrain, all-world Blundstone boots. Laces? Who n| eeds ’em?
WWW.RETURNOFTHEMAGIC.COM The Chisel Toe available in Brown, Black and Crazy Horse Brown
Gravity Pope 10442 Whyte Ave 439-1637 Kunitz Shoes 23rd Avenue & 114 Street 438-4259 Wener Shoes 10322 Jasper Avenue 422-2718 Campers Village 10951-170 Street NW 484-2700
12 UP FRONT
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Campers Village South Point 479-2267 Soft Moc West Edmonton Mall 489-5616
EVENTS WEEKLY FAX YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO 780.426.2889 OR EMAIL LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 3 PM
COMEDY Brixx Bar • 10030-102 St • 780.428.1099 • Troubadour Tuesdays with comedy and music Ceili's • 10338-109 St • 780.426.5555 • Comedy Night: every Tue, 9:30pm • No cover
Century Casino • 13103 Fort Rd • 780.481.9857 • Open amateur night every Thu, 7:30pm COMEDY FACTORY • Gateway Entertainment Centre, 34 Ave, Calgary Tr • Dennis Ross; Dec 8-10 • Bob Angeli; Dec 15-17
Comic Strip • Bourbon St, WEM •
Edmonton Needlecraft Guild
Y TOASTMASTERS CLUB • Edmonton
• Avonmore United Church Basement, 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
Federation of Community Leagues, 7103105 St • ytoastmasterclub.ca • 1st and 3rd Tue, 7-9pm; every month
Fair Vote Alberta • Strathcona Library, Community Rm (upstairs), 104 St, 84 Ave • fairvotealberta.org • Monthly meeting • 2nd Thu each month; 7pm
FOOD ADDICTS • St Luke's Anglican Church, 8424-95 Ave • 780.465.2019/780.634.5526 • Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA), free 12-Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, under-eating, and bulimia • Meetings every Thu, 7pm
Great Expeditions • St Luke’s Anglican Church, 8424-95 Ave • 780.454.6216 • 3rd Mon every month, 7:30pm • Christmas Potluck, 6:30pm. Bring drinks, potluck, dish and favourite photos or slides-for others to guess location • Dec 19 • $3
780.483.5999 • Wed-Fri, Sun 8pm; Fri-Sat 10:30pm • Steve White; until Dec 11 • Hit or Miss Monday: Dec 12, 8pm; $7 • Stand Up Edmonton; Dec 13, 8pm; $12 • Steve Rannazzisi Special Presentation; Dec 14-18 • Hit or Miss Monday: Dec 19, 8pm; $7 • Stand Up Edmonton; Dec 20, 8pm; $12
Home–Energizing Spiritual Community for Passionate Living
DRUID • 11606 Jasper Ave • 780.710.2119
Lotus Qigong • 780.477.0683 •
• Garneau/Ashbourne Assisted Living Place, 11148-84 Ave • Home: Blends music, drama, creativity and reflection on sacred texts to energize you for passionate living • Every Sun 3-5pm
• Comedy night open stage hosted by Lars Callieou • Every Sun, 9pm
Downtown • Practice group meets every Thu
Filthy McNasty's • 10511-82 •
MEDITATION • Strathcona Library, 8331-
780.996.1778 • Stand Up Sundays: Stand-up comedy night every Sun with a different headliner every week; 9pm; no cover
104 St; meditationedmonton.org; Drop-in every Thu 7-8:30pm; Sherwood Park Library: Drop-in every Mon, 7-8:30pm
laugh shop–Sherwood Park
Northern Alberta Wood Carvers Association • Duggan
• 4 Blackfoot Road, Sherwood Park • 780.417.9777 • laughinthepark.ca • Open Wed-Sat • Dave Merheje; Dec 8-10 • Scott Belford; Dec 15-17
Community Hall, 3728-106 St • 780.458.6352, 780.467.6093 • nawca.ca • Meet every Wed, 6:30pm
River Cree–The Venue • rivercreere-
Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorder (OBAD) • Grey
sort.com • Norm Macdonald • Fri, Dec 9, 8pm • $29.50
Groups/CLUBS/meetings Aikikai Aikido Club • 10139-87 Ave, Old Strathcona Community League • Japanese Martial Art of Aikido • Every Tue 7:30-9:30pm; Thu 6-8pm
Audreys Travel Club • Audreys, 8103-104 St • 780.439.3096 • Free travel talk on Peru • Dec 13, 7pm
AWA 12-STEP SUPPORT GROUP • Braeside Presbyterian Church bsmt, N. door, 6 Bernard Dr, Bishop St, Sir Winston Churchill Ave, St Albert • For adult children of alcoholic and dysfunctional families • Every Mon 7:30pm
Brain Tumour Peer Support Group • Woodcroft Branch Library, 13420-114 Ave • braintumour.ca • 1.800.265.5106 ext 234 • Support group for brain tumour survivors and their families and caregivers. Must be 18 or over • 3rd Tue every month; 7-8:45pm • Free
Cha Island Tea Co • 10332-81 Ave • Games Night: Board games, and card games • Every Mon, 7pm
Edmonton Bike Art Nights • BikeWorks, 10047-80 Ave, back alley entrance • Art Nights • Every Wed, 6-9pm
Nuns Hospital, Rm 0651, 780.451.1755; Group meets every Thu 7-9pm • Free
Sherwood Park Walking Group + 50 • Meet inside Millennium Place, Sherwood Place • Weekly outdoor walking group; starts with a 10 min discussion, followed by a 30-40 minute walk through Centennial Park, a cool down and stretch • Every Tue, 8:30am • $2/session (goes to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta)
Society of Edmonton Atheists • Stanley Milner Library, Rm 6-7 • edmontonatheists.ca • Meet the 1st Tue every month, 7pm
Sugarswing Dance Club • Orange Hall, 10335-84 Ave or Pleasantview Hall, 10860-57 Ave • 780.604.7572 • Swing Dance at Sugar Foot Stomp: beginner lesson followed by dance every Sat, 8pm (door) at Orange Hall or Pleasantview Hall
Vegetarians of Alberta • Bonnie Doon Community Hall, 9240-93 St • vofa.ca/category/events • Monthly Potluck: Bring a vegan, dish to serve 8 people, your own plate, cup, cutlery, serving spoon • Sun, Dec 11 • $3 (member)/$5 (non-member)
WOMEN IN BLACK • In Front of the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market • Silent vigil the 1st and 3rd Sat, 10-11am, each month, stand in silence for a world without violence
LECTURES/Presentations Edmonton Nature Club • King's University College, Atrium, 9125-50 St (rear entrance) • Monthly meeting speaker series: Northern Saw-whet Owl Monitoring at Beaverhill Lake-lessons to be learned from the first decade, with Lisa and Chuck Priestley; Fri, Dec 16, 7pm (refreshments), 7:30pm (presentation) • The Edmonton Christmas Bird Count; Sun, Dec 18; admission by donation Verge Permaculture • Expressionz Café, 9938-70 Ave, 780.437.3667 • Free info session; Fri, Dec 9, 6:30-8pm • Fundamentals of Permaculture, Sat, Dec 10, 9am-5pm; pre-register at vergepermaculture.ca
QUEER AFFIRM SUNNYBROOK–Red Deer • Sunnybrook United Church, Red Deer • 403.347.6073 • Affirm welcome LGBTQ people and their friends, family, and allies meet the 2nd Tue, 7pm, each month
Bisexual Women's Coffee Group • A social group for bi-curious and bisexual women every 2nd Tue each month, 8pm • groups.yahoo.com/group/ bwedmonton
BUDDYS NITE CLUB • 11725B Jasper Ave • 780.488.6636 • Tue with DJ Arrow Chaser, free pool all night; 9pm (door); no cover • Wed with DJ Dust’n Time; 9pm (door); no cover • Thu: Men’s Wet Underwear Contest, win prizes, hosted by Drag Queen DJ Phon3 Hom3; 9pm (door); no cover before 10pm • Fri Dance Party with DJ Arrow Chaser; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm • Sat: Feel the rhythm with DJ Phon3 Hom3; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm EDMONTON PRIME TIMERS (EPT) • Unitarian Church of Edmonton, 10804119 St • A group of older gay men who have common interests meet the 2nd Sun, 2:30pm, for a social period, short meeting and guest speaker, discussion panel or potluck supper. Special interest groups meet for other social activities throughout the month. E: edmontonpt@yahoo.ca
EPLC Fellowship Pagan Study Group • Pride Centre of Edmonton • eplc.webs.com • Free year long course; Family circle 3rd Sat each month • Everyone welcome
FLASH Night Club • 10018-105 St • 780.969.9965 • Thu Goth + Industrial Night: Indust:real Assembly with DJ Nanuck; 10pm (door); no cover • Triple Threat Fridays: DJ Thunder, Femcee DJ Eden Lixx • DJ Suco beats every Sat • E: vip@flashnightclub.com
G.L.B.T.Q. (gay) African Group Drop-In) • Pride Centre, moving • 780.488.3234 • Group for gay refugees from all around the World, friends, and families • 1st and Last Sun every month • Info: E: fred@pridecentreofedmonton.org, jeff@ pridecentreofedmonton.org
G.L.B.T.Q Sage bowling club • 780.474.8240, E: Tuff@shaw.ca • Every Wed, 1:30-3:30pm
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
GLBT sports and recreation • teamedmonton.ca • Badminton, Women's Drop-In Recreational: St Vincent School, 10530-138 St; E: badminton.women@ teamedmonton.ca, every Wed 6-7:30pm, until Apr 25; $7 (drop-in fee) • Co-ed Bellydancing: bellydancing@teamedmonton.ca • Bootcamp: Garneau Elementary, 10925-87 Ave. at 7pm; bootcamp@teamedmonton.ca • Bowling: Ed's Rec Centre, West Edmonton Mall, Tue 6:45pm; bowling@ teamedmonton.ca • Curling: Granite Curling Club; 780.463.5942 • Running: Kinsmen; running@teamedmonton.ca • Spinning: MacEwan Centre, 109 Street and 104 Ave; spin@teamedmonton.ca • Swimming: NAIT pool, 11762-106 St; swimming@teamedmonton.ca • Volleyball: every Tue, 7-9pm; St. Catherine School, 10915-110 St; every Thu, 7:30-9:30pm at Amiskiwiciy Academy, 101 Airport Rd • Gay/Lesbian Yoga: at Lion's Breath Yoga Studio, 206, 10350-124 St; every Wed, 7:30-9pm; until Dec 21; yoga@teamedmonton.ca. G.L.B.T.Q Seniors Group • S.A.G.E Bldg, Craftroom, 15 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.474.8240 • Meeting for gay seniors, and for any seniors who have gay family members and would like some guidance • Every Thu, 1-4:30pm • Info: T: Jeff Bovee 780.488.3234, E: tuff @shaw.ca
Illusions Social Club • The Junction, 10242-106 St • groups.yahoo.com/group/ edmonton_illusions • 780.387.3343 • Crossdressers meet 2nd Fri every month, 8:30pm
INSIDE/OUT • U of A Campus • Campusbased organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified and queer (LGBTQ) faculty, graduate student, academic, straight allies and support staff • 3rd Thu each month (fall/ winter terms): Speakers Series. E: kwells@ ualberta.ca the junction bar • 10242-106 St
solution-focused counselling, provided by professionally trained counsellorsevery Wed, 6-9pm; admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org • STD Testing: Last Thu every month, 3-6pm; free; admin@pridecentreofedmonton.org • Youth Movie: Every Thu, 6:30-8:30pm; jess@ pridecentreofedmonton.org
PrimeTimers/sage Games • Unitarian Church, 10804-119 St • 780.474.8240 • Every 2nd and last Fri each Month, 7-10:30pm
St Paul's United Church • 11526-76 Ave • 780.436.1555 • People of all sexual orientations are welcome • Every Sun (10am worship) WOMONSPACE • 780.482.1794 • womonspace.ca, womonspace@gmail.com • A Non-profit lesbian social organization for Edmonton and surrounding area. Monthly activities, newsletter, reduced rates included with membership. Confidentiality assured
Woodys Video Bar • 11723 Jasper Ave • 780.488.6557 • Mon: Amateur Strip Contest; prizes with Shawana • Tue: Kitchen 3-11pm • Wed: Karaoke with Tizzy 7pm-1am; Kitchen 3-11pm • Thu: Free pool all night; kitchen 3-11pm • Fri: Mocho Nacho Fri: 3pm (door), kitchen open 3-11pm
SPECIAL EVENTS Human Rights Awards • City Hall • jhcentre.org/hrawards • Honouring Edmontonians in 5 categories (Individual, Youth, Business, Organization and New/Emerging) for their work in making Edmonton a true human rights city and contributing to their communities. Also features a keynote speaker, a silent auction and reception • Fri, Dec 9, 7pm • Admission by donation at door
Kids with Cancer Society Fundraiser • The Druid, 11606 Jasper Ave • 780.426.4649 • Silent auction • Dec 10, 3-7pm • $10
• 780.756.5667 • Free pool daily 4-8pm; Taco Tue: 5-9pm; Wing Wed: 5-9pm; Wed karaoke: 9pm-12; Thu 2-4-1 burgers: 5-9pm; Fri steak night: 5-9pm; DJs Fri and Sat at 10pm
Marketplace at Callingwood •
LIVING POSITIVE • 404, 10408124 St • edmlivingpositive.ca • 1.877.975.9448/780.488.5768 • Confidential peer support to people living with HIV • Tue, 7-9pm: Support group • Daily drop-in, peer counselling
MINKHA Sweater Sale/Open
MAKING WAVES SWIMMING CLUB • geocities.com/makingwaves_edm • Recreational/competitive swimming. Socializing after practices • Every Tue/Thu
Pride Centre of Edmonton • Moving • 780.488.3234 • Daily: YouthSpace (Youth Drop-in): Tue-Fri: 3-7pm; Sat: 2-6:30pm; jess@pridecentreofedmonton.org • Men Talking with Pride: Support group for gay, bisexual and transgendered men to discuss current issues; Sun: 7-9pm; robwells780@ hotmail.com • HIV Support Group: for people living with HIV/AIDS; 2nd Mon each month, 7-9pm; huges@shaw.ca • TTIQ: Education and support group for transgender, transsexual, intersexed and questioning people, their friends, families and allies; 2nd Tue each month, 7:30-9:30pm; admin@ pridecentreofedmonton.org • Community Potluck: For members of the LGBTQ community; last Tue each month, 6-9pm; tuff@ shaw.ca • Counselling: Free, short-term,
Lobby of Professional Centre, 6650-177 St • Santa's Workshop: Family holiday event with face-painting, balloons, carolers, crafts, hayrides • Dec 10, 17
House • Windsor Park Community Hall, 11840-87 Ave • 780.434.8105 • minkhasweaters.com • Hand knit sweaters, shawls, scarves from a women’s cooperative in Bolivia. Fair Trade, all proceeds are returned to knitters • Sat, Dec 10, 9am-3pm
A Prairie Christmas festival • 56311 Lily Lake Rd, Bon Accord • 780.921.2272 • PrairieChristmas.ca • Hosted by Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm: family fun with traditional country Christmas activities • Weekends until Dec 18, 11am-4pm • $9.95/free (child 2 and under)
Singing Christmas Tree • Jubilee Auditorium • edmontonsingingchristmastree.com • Proceeds to Edmonton’s Santas Anonymous • Dec 16-18, Fri-Sun 7pm, Sat-Sun 3pm Unsilent Night Edmonton • Meet at the mini pyramids in front of the Timms Centre, 112 St, 87 Ave • unsilent night.com • Phil Kline's composition, written to be heard outdoors in December takes the form of a street promenade in which the audience becomes the performer • Sun, Dec 11, 6-7pm, meet at 5:45pm
UP FRONT 13
FILM
REVUE // RISKY ANALYSIS
Economic hubris
Though strangely paced, Margin Call finds some truth in its exploration of big business back dealing Opens Friday Margin Call Written and directed by JC Chandor Princess Theatre
M
argin Call opens with layoffs at a conspicuously Lehman Brothers-like firm. High on their own myopic hubris, the execs have opted to toss out their top risk analyst (Stanley Tucci) without so much as a farewell hug at the water cooler— despite the fact that he's been honing a project that forecasts immediate catastrophe thanks to the company's recent habits of shamelessly trading on bunk. The rest of the film takes place over roughly the subsequent 36 hours and consists mainly of damage control, meaning a bunch of really nefarious people in suits trying to convince some slightly less nefarious people in suits to have a fire sale first thing in the morning and let the chips fall where they may. Which is, you know, to some degree or other, all over the world. The year in 2008. Coming after Inside Job, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and The Company Men, Margin Call, the feature debut of writer/director JC Chandor is the latest cinematic postmortem on the financial crisis. With the exception of Inside Job, it's probably the most insightful—and I'm not just saying that because it's kind of dull. In fact its dullness is less a matter of shop talk—of which there's not really all that much—than it is of sheer bagginess. I admire the fact that Chandor
It's probably bad news
apparently aspired to get inside the network of anxieties and alliances behind such ruthless disaster-making, but there's a rather astonishing glut of scenes of people just hanging out while waiting for the guillotine to fall, scenes of cabs stuck in traffic, hitting
the peeler bar or going up to the roof for a smoke, scenes where people keep reminding us of the gravity of the situation, of how "normal people" are going to suffer. In the hands of a filmmaker more invested in character and behaviour these scenes could have brought some real grit to the proceedings, but as written and, more importantly, as paced in the often mopey Margin Call, they're largely overcooked and drawn out. Not that the ensemble cast fails to do their part. Trading floor manager Kevin Spacey's gestures are a little phony, but his soul-deep discomfort with what's being asked of him by Jeremy Irons' bloodless CEO feels like the real thing. Paul Bettany is especially good as the man in the room
14 FILM
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
who can justify anything even when he knows better than anyone how awful it is. Coproducer Zachary Quinto is a bit of a blank as the rocket sci-
worthwhile above all is the way it cumulatively builds up to something like a revelation, one that isn't novel but feels very true. As Tom Waits
What ultimately makes Margin Call worthwhile above all is the way it cumulatively builds up to something like a revelation, one that isn't novel but feels very true.
entist protégé who interprets Tucci's figures for the upper echelon, but I guess that's not inappropriate. Only Demi Moore is a little bafflingly cast. Her face rarely moves, yet she's still hard to take completely seriously, and the sub-Mamet corporate speak doesn't do anyone any favours. What ultimately makes Margin Call
once sang, "You know the story / Here it comes again": big business holds far too much control over the fates of all of us, and all it takes is one bullying shit looking to hold his personal assets at all costs to sell us all down the river. Josef Braun
// josef@vueweekly.com
REVUE // WIRE-RIGGED ACTION
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame Fri, Dec 9 – Tue, Dec 13 Directed by Tsui Hark Metro Cinema at the Garneau
D
i Renjie (630 – 700) has found more lives 1300 years after his death. An official of the Tang Dynasty who was credited with softening Empress Wu Zetian's hard-edged reign, Di was reborn in an 18th-century Chinese novel whose 20th-century English translator, a Dutchman, turned him into Judge Dee for a series of novels and comics in the 1950s and 1960s (with new mysteries now by a French author). He's been resurrected, for his film incarnation, by Tsui Hark's sweeping wuxia (Chinese martial-arts hero) epic, set among CGI and lavish sets recreating China, 689 AD. As the Towering Buddha statue's being finished, officials are consumed by fiery deaths—they seem to burn out from the inside. The Empress (Carina Lau) grudgingly frees Dee (Andy Lau), a dissident in jail, to solve the series of spontaneous combustions. Shangguan Jing'er (Li
Dragon Ball Dee
Bingbing), a rope-whipping righthand woman to the Empress, and Pei Donglai (Chao Deng) try to keep watch on Dee. Shifting suspicions and developing
theories spark up the picture sometimes, as Dee uses his sense of science and magic to counter superstition and spookiness. There are some keen, glinting political machinations
and power plays. And some of the grand sets—the statue and a Hadeslike underworld—are impressive in their attempt at myth. But much of the movie is just a
fighting-team-on-a-quest picture with some wire-rigged action scenes in vast spaces. The romantic undercurrent, between Dee and Jing'er, swells simplistically, while certain scenes are overstated, melodramatically and musically. Some effects are rather lumbering (enchanted deer seem more twee than fantastical) and the big budget's taken seriously—there's little sense of play in the procedural. The historical grandeur seems in the service of present-day patriotism. Even though the Empress has murdered many, Dee presses on, a "good" dissenter, helping her solve the case out of allegiance to a grand old China. This is the kind of blindfaith nationalist epic that studios in the US or India bankroll, too, and its lack of moral complexity—true artistic dissent—makes Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame about as forgettable as any other big-budget historical drama from any other entertainment empire these days. Brian Gibson
// brian@vueweekly.com
REVUE // EVERYDAY HEROES
The Interrupters ing artist who is haunted by the life he himself took. James's decision to focus strictly on the subject of the violence interrupters is a tough one to stick to, but it also makes the film a tense, often poignant and overwhelmingly human foray into the issue. And sometimes James even allows a little comic relief, like when a gangbanger hell bent on revenge can't
bend down to retrieve his dropped cell phone due to the gun stowed in his baggy pants. The tag line is "Every city needs its heroes." And if the definition of a hero can be summarized by how readily they step into harms' way to save a life, this is a movie replete with super heroes. Kathleen Bell
// kathleen@vueweekly.com
A few of the interrupters
Fri, Dec 9 – Wed, Dec 14 Directed by Steve James Metro Cinema at the Garneau
A
rising death toll. Gang related. A police system struggling. Sound like Edmonton? Well, compared to the systemic violence that has seized communities in the city of Chicago, we aren't doing so bad. Chicago, on the other hand, needs a hug. Filmed over 14 months beginning in the spring of 2009, The Interrupters doesn't so much try to dig up the root cause of the violence or
make any kind of grand social thesis as much as simply follow the group of people who are trying to stop it—the violence interrupters. A collection of former convicts, including murders, drug dealers and gang enforcers, the violence interrupters step into conflict, trying to cool heads before a gun is pulled. With a merciless murder rate (we hear 28 public school students in a year at the beginning of the film) these individuals are dealing with very real danger and have a very real goal: stop killings. Save a life. Self-described as a band-aid solu-
tion, the interrupters have had serious success in the communities they step into. In some cases, their presence has lead to a 67 percent drop in the murder rate. But it's not statistics that make this film captivating; it is those individuals that stand their ground in the face of mindless rage and senseless pride, in the hopes of stemming further conflict. Director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) follows three interrupters in particular: Ameena, the charismatic gangster's daughter and former enforcer; Cobe, a light-hearted and patient individual who has spent half his life in jail; and Eddie, a polo-shirt wear-
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
FILM 15
Still Showing FILM WEEKLY Fri, DEC 9, 2011 – Thu, DEC 15, 2011
The Descendants Princess Theatre
CHABA THEATRE–JASPER 6094 Connaught Dr, Jasper, 780.852.4749
Arthur Christmas (G) Fri-Sat 7:00, 9:00; Sun-Thu 8:00; Sat-Sun 1:30 New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) FriSat 7:00, 9:00; Sun-thu 8:00; Sat-Sun 1:30 DUGGAN CINEMA–CAMROSE 6601-48 Ave, Camrose, 780.608.2144
New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) Daily 7:00 9:20; Sat-Sun 2:05 The Sitter (14A course language, sexual content) Daily 7:15 9:05; Sat-Sun 2:15 Hugo (PG) Daily 7:20; Sat-Sun 1:50 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Daily 9:10 THE MUPPETS (G) Daily 7:05, 9:15; SatSun 2:00 Arthur Christmas (G) Daily 7:10; SatSun 2:10 CINEMA CITY MOVIES 12 5074-130 Ave, 780.472.9779
Against striking vistas of Hawaii, The Descendants dwells on, better than any film in years, how just beneath the surface of that teenager who seems a shrugging idiot or that woman who seems an everyday mom, rustles an undergrowth of pain, or loss, or heartache.
Hugo
The Smurfs (G) Daily 1:55, 4:20 Contagion (14A) Daily 1:35, 7:20 The Three Musketeers 3d (PG violence)Daily 1:20, 3:45, 6:40, 9:30 What's Your Number? (14A language may offend) Daily 7:10, 9:45 Dolphin Tale 3d (G) Daily 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:25 The Help (PG mature subject matter, language may offend) Daily 12:55, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 Paranormal Activity 3 (14A frightening scenes) Daily 1:40, 4:30, 7:20, 9:45 Johnny English Reborn (PG) Daily 1:20, 4:35, 6:50, 9:15 Moneyball (PG coarse language) Daily 1:15, 4:10, 7:05, 10:00 Drive (18A brutal violence) DaiLy 1:25, 4:25, 7:15, 9:35 Killer Elite (14A brutal violence) Daily 4:15, 9:55 Ladies Vs. Ricky Bahl (STC) Hindi W/E.S.T. DaiLy 1:05, 4:00, 6:55, 9:50 Desi Boyz (PG not recommended for young children) Hindi W/E.S.T. Daily 1:30, 4:05, 6:45, 9:20 The Dirty Picture (14A) Hindi W/E.S.T. Daily 12:55, 3:55, 7:05, 10:05 CINEPLEX ODEON NORTH 14231-137 Ave, 780.732.2236
Not quite a kid's film, Martin Scorsese's latest taps into his own childlike passion for film to deliver a late-period masterpiece.
The Muppets
Jason Segel's update of The Muppets is an unabashedly nostalgic experience: it's sure to overload the pleasure centres of your brain connected to old memories, but it doesn't really stretch its felted hand elsewhere.
16 FILM
A VERY HAROLD KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (18A substance abuse, crude content) FriSun 5:10, 8:00, 10:20 HAPPY FEET TWO (G) Fri-Sun 12:15, 2:40 HAPPY FEET TWO 3D (G) Daily 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:15 PUSS IN BOOTS (G) Daily 12:10, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:10 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) Digital Cinema Daily 12:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) Daily 2:20, 4:50, 7:25, 9:45 IMMORTALS 3D (18A gory brutal violence) Fri-Sat, Tue-Thu 2:00, 5:00, 7:50, 10:30; Sun 5:00, 7:50, 10:30 HUGO 3D (PG) Daily 1:00, 3:50, 7:15, 10:05 THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) No passes Fri-Tue, Thu 1:50, 4:00, 6:40, 8:40, 10:40; Wed 4:00, 6:40, 8:40, 10:40; Star & Strollers Screening, No passes Wed 1:00 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (STC) Digital Cinema, No passes Thu 10:00 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) Ultraavx, No passes Daily 1:20, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00 THE MUPPETS (G) Fri-Tue 12:50, 3:30, 6:50, 9:30; Digital Cinema Wed-Thu 12:50, 3:30, 6:50, 9:30 JACK AND JILL (PG) Fri, Sun-Wed 1:10, 4:10, 7:30, 9:55; Sat 4:10, 7:30, 9:55; Digital Cinema: Thu 1:10, 4:10, 7:30 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Fri-Mon 12:30, 1:30, 3:20, 4:30, 6:30, 7:20, 9:20, 10:10; Tue 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10; Digital Cinema: Wed 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10; Thu 12:30, 1:30, 3:20, 4:30, 6:30, 7:20, 9:20, 10:10 TOWER HEIST (PG coarse language) FriMon 1:40, 4:40, 7:40, 10:15; Digital Cinema Tue-Thu 1:40, 4:40, 7:40, 10:15 THE DESCENDANTS (14A) Fri-Tue, Thu 12:40, 3:40, 7:05, 9:50; Wed 3:40, 7:05, 9:50; Star & Strollers Screening: Wed 1:00 White Christmas (STC) Digital Cinema Sun 1:00 The Metropolitan Opera: Faust– Live (Classification not available) Sat 10:55 CINEPLEX ODEON SOUTH 1525-99 St, 780.436.8585
A VERY HAROLD KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (18A substance abuse, crude content) Digital Cinema Fri 1:20, 3:40, 6:20, 8:40, 11:00; Sat 6:20, 8:40, 11:00; Sun 4:45, 7:35, 10:00; Mon-Wed 2:00, 4:45, 8:00, 10:20; Thu 2:00, 4:45, 7:15 HAPPY FEET TWO (G) Digital Cinema FriSat 11:40; Sun 12:00; Mon-Thu 12:50 HAPPY FEET TWO 3D (G) Fri-Sat 12:05, 2:45, 5:20, 7:55, 10:30; Sun 1:30, 4:15, 7:00, 9:35; Mon-Thu 1:40, 4:25, 7:20, 9:55 PUSS IN BOOTS (G) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 12:35, 3:00, 5:50, 8:10, 10:35; Sun 12:40, 3:05, 5:40, 8:00, 10:25; Mon-Thu 12:50, 3:10, 6:20, 8:50 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 12:25; Sun-Thu 1:45 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) Fri-Sat 2:55, 5:25, 7:55, 10:20; Sun 4:35, 7:25, 9:45; MonThu 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 IMMORTALS 3D (18A gory brutal violence) Fri-Sat 11:50, 2:30, 5:10, 8:15, 10:55; Sun 1:40, 4:25, 7:10, 10:05; Mon-Tue, Thu 1:25, 4:35, 7:25, 10:10; Wed 1:25, 4:25, 10:10 HUGO (PG) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 12:50; Sun 12:10; Mon-Thu 12:45 HUGO 3D (PG) Fri-Sat 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:25; Sun 12:30, 3:20, 6:10, 9:20; Mon-Tue, Thu 1:15, 4:05, 6:55, 9:45; Wed 1:15, 4:05, 7:05, 10:00 Mission: Impossible–Ghost Protocol (STC) Ultraavx, No passes Thu 12:05, 9:00 THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) No passes Digital Cinema: Fri-Sat 1:45, 4:00, 6:15, 8:30, 10:40; Sun 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:15, 9:25; Mon-Tue 1:00, 3:20, 5:30, 7:50, 10:00; Wed 1:00, 3:20, 6:00, 8:15, 10:00; Thu 3:20, 5:30, 7:50, 10:00; Star & Strollers Screening: Thu 1:00 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) No passes Ultraavx: Fri-Sat 11:30, 2:25, 5:15, 8:10, 11:00; Sun 1:15, 4:30, 7:30, 10:20; Mon-Wed 1:20, 4:30, 7:30, 10:20; Thu 1:20, 4:30; Digital Cinema: Thu 7:30, 10:20 THE MUPPETS (G) Digital Cinema Fri 11:45, 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:10; Sat 11:45, 2:30, 4:50, 7:25, 10:10; Sun 1:00, 3:50, 6:30, 9:15; MonWed 1:30, 4:15, 7:15, 9:55; Thu 4:15, 7:15, 9:55; Star & Strollers Screening: Thu 1:00 JACK AND JILL (PG) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 11:55, 2:20, 4:45, 7:15, 9:35; Sun 12:55, 3:45, 6:00, 8:40; Mon-Thu 2:20, 5:00, 7:55, 10:30 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 12:30, 1:00, 3:20, 4:10, 6:35, 7:05, 9:25, 10:00; Sun 12:40, 1:35, 3:40, 4:40, 6:40, 7:40, 9:30, 10:30; Mon-Tue 12:40, 1:40, 3:40, 4:40, 6:40, 7:40, 9:30, 10:30; Wed 12:30, 1:40, 3:15, 4:40, 7:40, 10:25, 10:30; Thu 12:40, 1:40, 3:40, 4:40, 7:40, 10:30 TOWER HEIST (PG coarse language) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 12:25, 3:00, 5:40, 8:20, 10:55; Sun 1:25, 4:00, 6:35, 9:50; Mon-Thu 2:15, 5:10, 7:45, 10:15 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (STC) Digital Cinema, No passes Thu 10:00 THE DESCENDANTS (14A) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 11:30, 2:20, 5:10, 8:00, 10:50; Sun 1:10, 4:05, 7:20, 10:10; Mon-Thu 2:05, 4:50, 7:35, 10:25 White Christmas (STC) Digital Cinema Sun 1:00 MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (14A) Digital Cinema Fri-Sat 2:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50; Sun 2:35, 5:05, 7:45, 10:15; Mon-Thu 4:20, 7:00, 9:35 The Metropolitan Opera: Faust–Live (Classification not available) Sat 10:55 J. EDGAR (PG language may offend) Digital Cinema Fri-Sun 3:35, 6:45, 9:55; Mon-Thu 3:35, 7:05, 10:05 CITY CENTRE 9 10200-102 Ave, 780.421.7020
THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) Closed Captioned, Dolby Stereo Digital, Stadium Seating Daily 12:45, 3:45, 7:15, 10:15 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) Closed Captioned, Dolby Stereo Digital, No passes, Stadium Seating Daily 12:15, 3:15, 6:45, 9:45 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Dolby Stereo Digital, Stadium Seating, Closed Captioned Daily 12:25, 3:25, 6:55, 9:55 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (STC) Dolby Stereo Digital, No passes, Stadium Seating Thu 10:10 HUGO 3D (PG) Stadium Seating, DTS Digital Daily 12:30, 3:30, 7:00, 10:00 THE WAY (PG substance abuse) Stadium Seating, DTS Digital Daily 12:10, 3:10, 6:40, 9:40 J. EDGAR (PG language may offend) Closed Captioned, Stadium Seating, DTS Digital, Fri-Wed 12:40, 3:40, 7:10, 10:10; Thu 12:40, 3:40, 7:10 IMMORTALS 3D (18A gory brutal violence) Dolby Stereo Digital, Stadium Seating, Closed Captioned Daily 1:15, 4:15, 7:35, 10:35 THE MUPPETS (G) Closed Captioned, Stadium Seating, DTS Digital Daily 1:00, 4:00, 7:30, 10:30 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) Digital Presentation, DTS Digital, Stadium Seating Daily 12:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) DTS Digital, Stadium Seating Daily 3:00, 6:30, 9:30
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
CLAREVIEW 10 4211-139 Ave, 780.472.7600
JACK AND JILL (PG) Digital Presentation Fri 7:15, 9:45; Sat-Sun 1:50, 4:10, 7:15, 9:45; Mon-Thu 5:40, 8:15 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Digital Presentation Fri 6:40, 9:25; Sat-Sun 1:00, 3:45, 6:40, 9:25; Mon-Thu 5:00, 7:45 HAPPY FEET TWO (G) Digital Presentation Sat-Sun 1:20 THE MUPPETS (G) Digital Presentation Fri 6:45, 9:20; Sat-Sun 1:30, 4:10, 6:45, 9:20; Mon-Thu 5:00, 7:50 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) Fri 6:35, 9:00; Sat-Sun 3:30, 6:35, 9:00; Mon-Thu 5:10, 7:40 IMMORTALS 3D (18A gory brutal violence) Digital Presentation Fri 7:00, 9:40; Sat-Sun 1:35, 4:15, 7:00, 9:40; Mon-Thu 5:30, 8:10 TOWER HEIST (PG coarse language) Digital Presentation Fri-Sun 9:10; Mon-Thu 7:35 PUSS IN BOOTS (G) Digital Presentation Fri 6:55; Sat-Sun 1:40, 4:00, 6:55; Mon-Thu 5:20 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) Digital Presentation Sat-Sun 1:00 HAPPY FEET TWO (G) Fri 6:25, 9:10; SatSun 3:55, 6:25, 9:10; Mon-Thu 4:50, 7:30 HUGO 3D (PG) Fri 6:30, 9:20; Sat-Sun 3:40, 6:30, 9:20; Mon-Thu 4:55, 7:50 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) Digital Presentation Fri 6:50, 9:35; Sat-Sun 1:10, 4:00, 6:50, 9:35; Mon-Thu 5:10, 8:00 THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) Digital Presentation Fri 7:10, 9:30; Sat-Sun 2:00, 4:15, 7:10, 9:30; Mon-Thu 5:30, 8:15 HUGO (PG) Digital Presentation Sat-Sun 12:50 GALAXY–SHERWOOD PARK 2020 Sherwood Dr, Sherwood Park 780.416.0150
HAPPY FEET TWO 3D (G) Fri 3:30, 6:30, 9:10; Sat-Sun 12:40, 3:30, 6:30, 9:10; MonThu 6:30, 9:10 PUSS IN BOOTS G) Fri, Mon-Thu 7:00; Sat-Sun 1:30, 7:00 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) Fri-Sun 3:50, 6:40, 9:20; Mon-Thu 6:40, 9:20 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (G) Digital Cinema Sat-Sun 1:10 IMMORTALS (18A gory brutal violence) FriSun 4:10, 9:30; Mon-Thu 9:30 HUGO 3D (PG) Fri 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; Sat-Sun 12:50, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45; Mon-Thu 6:45, 9:45 THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) No passes Fri 4:30, 7:30, 9:40; SatSun 2:00, 4:30, 7:30, 9:40; Mon-Thu 7:30, 9:40 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) No passes Fri 4:00, 7:20, 10:10; Sat-Sun 1:00, 4:00, 7:20, 10:10; Mon-Thu 7:20, 10:10 THE MUPPETS (G) Fri 4:20, 7:10, 9:50; Sat-Sun 1:20, 4:20, 7:10, 9:50; Mon-Thu 7:10, 9:50 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (STC) No passes Thu 10:05 JACK AND JILL (PG) Fri 4:40, 7:40, 10:20; Sat-Sun 1:50, 4:40, 7:40, 10:20; Mon-Wed 7:40, 10:20; Thu 7:40 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Fri 3:40, 6:50, 10:00; Sat-Sun 12:30, 3:40, 6:50, 10:00; MonThu 6:50, 10:00 TOWER HEIST (PG coarse language) Fri 4:50, 7:50, 10:30; Sat-Sun 1:40, 4:50, 7:50, 10:30; Mon-Thu 7:50, 10:30 GRANDIN THEATRE–St Albert Grandin Mall, Sir Winston Churchill Ave, St Albert, 780.458.9822
Happy Feet Two (G) Daily 1:00 3:05 5:10 7:25
THE MUPPETS (G) Daily 1:10 3:20 5:20 7:20 9:20 IMMORTALS (18A gory brutal violence) Daily 9:25 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Daily 1:45, 4:25, 7:00, 9:15 Arthur Christmas (G) Daily 12:45, 2:45, 4:50, 7:05 JACK AND JILL (PG) Daily 9:05 New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) No passes Daily 12:30, 2:50, 5:05, 7:15, 9:30 LEDUC CINEMAS Leduc, 780.352.3922
New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) Daily 7:00 pm and 9:30; Sat-Sun 1:00, 3:30 Hugo (PG) Daily 6:50, 9:25; Sat-Sun, 12:50, 3:25 Arthur Christmas (G) daily 6:55; SatSun 12:55, 3:20 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Daily 9:15 THE MUPPETS (G) Daily 7:05, 9:20; SatSun 1:05, 3:20
METRO CINEMA at the Garneau Metro at the Garneau: 8712-109 St, 780.425.9212
The Interrupters (14A coarse language, mature subject matter) FRI, SUN, TUE 7:00; SAT, MON, WED 9:15; SUN 4:00 Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame (14A) FRI, SUN, TUE 9:20; SAT, MON 4:00 DEDfest: Black Christmas (R extremely foul language) FRI 11:30 Slow Food Edmonton presents: A Matter of Taste (14A) Sat 1:00 Pickford: My Best Girl (STC) SAT 7:00; SUN 2:00 Special Event (STC) WED 7:00 Educated Reel: Northern Visions (STC) THU 7:00 PARKLAND CINEMA 7 130 Century Crossing, Spruce Grove, 780.972.2332 (Spruce Grove, Stony Plain; Parkland County)
New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) Daily 7:05, 9:25; Sat-Sun, Tue 1:05, 3:25 The Sitter (14A course language, sexual content) Daily 7:10, 8:55; Sat-Sun, Tue 1:10, 2:55 Hugo (PG) Daily 6:40; 9:10; Sat-Sun, Tue 12:40, 3:10 Arthur Christmas 3d (G) Daily 7:00, 9:05; Sat-Sun, Tue 1:00, 3:05; Movies for Mommies: Tue 1:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Daily 6:55, 9:20; Sat-Sun, Tue 12:55, 3:20 Happy Feet Two 3D (G) Daily 6:45, 8:50; Sat-Sun, Tue 12:45, 2:50 The Muppets (G) Daily 6:50, 9:00; SatSun, Tue 12:50, 3:00 PRINCESS 10337-82 Ave, 780.433.0728
The Descendants (14A) Daily 6:50 9:10; Sat-Sun 2:00 Margin Call (14A coarse language) Daily 7:00, 9:20; Sat-Sun 2:30; Wed, Dec 14: no 7:00 show SCOTIABANK THEATRE WEM WEM, 8882-170 St, 780.444.2400
A VERY HAROLD KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (18A substance abuse, crude content) Digital Cinema Fri-Wed 9:45; Thu 10:45 HAPPY FEET TWO (G) Digital Cinema Daily 12:30, 3:30 PUSS IN BOOTS 3D (G) Fri-Wed 1:20, 4:10, 7:10; Thu 1:20, 4:10 ARTHUR CHRISTMAS 3D (G) Daily 12:45, 3:45, 6:30, 9:10 IMMORTALS 3D (18A gory brutal violence) Ultraavx Daily 2:00, 4:50, 7:45, 10:30 HUGO 3D (PG) Daily 12:40, 3:40, 6:40, 9:40 THE SITTER (14A course language, sexual content) No passes Digital Cinema FriTue, Thu 1:10, 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:20; Wed 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:20; Star & Strollers Screening: Wed 1:00 NEW YEAR'S EVE (PG coarse language) No passes Digital Cinema Fri-Tue, Thu 12:50, 3:50, 6:50, 9:50; Wed 3:50, 6:50, 9:25; Star & Strollers Screening: Wed 1:00 THE MUPPETS (G) Digital Cinema Daily 1:00, 4:00, 6:45, 9:20 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows (STC) Digital Cinema, No passes Thu 10:15 JACK AND JILL (PG) Digital Cinema Daily 7:50, 10:15 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (PG disturbing content not recommended for young children) Digital Cinema Fri-Tue 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 6:30, 7:30, 9:30, 10:30; Wed-Thu 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:00, 10:30 TOWER HEIST (PG coarse language) Digital Cinema Fri-Wed 1:50, 4:40, 7:40, 10:10; Thu 1:50, 4:40, 7:40 IN TIME (PG violence, coarse language) Digital Cinema Fri, Sun, Tue-Thu 1:40, 4:20, 7:20, 10:00; Sat 4:20, 7:20, 10:00; Mon 1:40, 4:20, 10:00 HAPPY FEET TWO: An Imax 3d Experience (G) Fri-Mon, Wed 1:15, 4:15, 7:00, 9:30; Tue 1:15, 4:15, 7:00 The Metropolitan Opera: Faust– Live (Classification not available) Sat 10:55 Top Gun (STC) Mon 7:00 Mission: Impossible–Ghost Protocol: The Imax Experience (STC) No passes Thu 12:01 WETASKIWIN CINEMAS Wetaskiwin, 780.352.3922
New Year's Eve (PG coarse language) Daily 7:00, 9:35; Sat-Sun 1:00, 3:35 Arthur Christmas (G) daily 7:10, 9:25; Sat-Sun 1:10, 3:25 THE MUPPETS (G) Daily 6:55, 9:20; SatSun 12:55, 3:20 Hugo (PG) Daily 6:50, 9:30; Sat-Sun, 12:50, 3:20
ARTS
COVER // MAGICAL REALISM
The ending in the beginning
Hroses defies reason in a moment between star-crossed lovers Thu, Dec 8 – Sun, Dec 18 (8 pm; Sun matinees at 2 pm) Hroses: An Affront to Reason Directed by Vanessa Sabourin TransAlta Arts Barns, PCL Studio, $12 – $15 "I imagined meeting you hundreds of times, over and over, like waves on the ocean. Sometimes you were very sweet to me, and sometimes you were not. I didn’t mind, either way." –Lily t's a line, embedded deep in Hroses: An Affront to Reason that perhaps best echoes the total sentiment of the script: a romance that's more recurring dream than reality, its darker undercurrents left ignored by those caught in its invisible riptide. From the first moment of connection between Ellerly and Lilly—he born underground, working in a sugar mine, she above, at a paper mill— we're given the blueprint for their entire future. They meet by chance, drawn out by the appearance of the Hrose—the play's namesake's spelling is a purposeful defiance against the pre-established world—and from there we clip along their timeline together, glimpsing moments in the middle, beginning and end, in a script that revels in its magical realism, its not-exactly-rational bent heightening its exploration of a single moment's implications. "I wanted to write a play where all time occurred at once," playwright Jill Connell explains. "Where the first moment of the play, the moment the two lovers see each other, is also the moment of their death: where, in a sense, they destroy each other." Sitting in a Whyte Ave cafe, Vanessa Sabourin beside her, Connell explains that Hroses was inspired by "this epic love affair" she had while at that the National Theatre School in Montréal (she's since graduated from the school's reputed playwriting program). It didn't exactly pan out, but the idea of its potency lingered on. "This relationship felt very quantum to me," she says. "It felt very unreal in some ways, and almost hyper real. And this idea that it was beautiful and also tragic, tragic being in it, tragic that it didn't work out—but it was only tragic 'cause inside it, anyways, it felt like such a beautiful love affair. But it was totally insane. "For a play that's so magical, it came out of a very personal place for me," she continues. "In the wake of that relationship, this was the only thing I wanted to write. It was based in a very personal, visceral experience, which then inspired a very magical world.
// Craig Janzen
I
Hroses: not a typo
But the human interactions—I hope they're very universal. I do believe that the further you go into your own experience of what it is to be human, or your own things that seem unreasonable or that you don't understand about life—I feel the closer I'm working beside those questions, hopefully the closer I get to something universal, that is important to share." Originally from Nepean, Ontario (a city that's since been amalgamated into Ottawa), Connell's found Edmonton to be a receptive place for her work: an early glimpse, The Shark Tumour Collection, debuted in 2007 at Nextfest. In 2009, Azimuth Theatre presented The Tall Building, an absurd comedy she wrote about the three residents of an apartment complex towering above a post-apocalyptic city. So exploring left-of-centre stories
isn't an issue for her, but bringing them off the page while maintaining a heightened state takes nuance. "It's always been my dream to have the other elements in a production be equally as important as the text," she notes. "Which I think is what we seem to be aiming towards, to have this total
To do that, Connell's paired with The Maggie Tree, a theatre company co-run by Sabourin and Kristi Hansen (the former's directing here; the latter, performing as Lily). Connell and Sabourin formerly shared a cubicle while working at Theatre Alberta, and here, have constructed a collaborative team
It was beautiful and also tragic, tragic being in it, tragic that it didn't work out—but it was only tragic 'cause inside it, anyways, it felt like such a beautiful love affair. But it was totally insane.
production experience where the text and story are one element that we're paying a lot of attention to, but then to be, 'Okay, how do we make the staging equally as beautiful as the world as the movement and the sound?' As a text person, that's a dream."
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
around them. Within the Fringe's Arts at the Barns season, Azimuth Theatre is presenting; designer Tessa Stamp built a "jungle gym" horse to Sabourin's specifications and Amber Borotsik lent her eye to the choreography. Sound designer
Aaron Macri, Connell and Sabourin note, has given the thrust stage surround sound. Hansen, as Lily, was paired with Sheldon Elter, and the pre-existing chemistry between the two—they're married—allowed the production to focus on developing the rest of the world around them. "The thing about the team is that everybody is multi-faceted in their experience of theatre, or performance in some ways," adds Sabourin. "Tessa's a designer, but has also been in dance; Aaron, I went to school with him, he was in acting with me ... Jill has movement experience in [her] past." "It has a lot of old-friends feel," Connell adds. "Just this very safe place to do this wild experiment." Connell's been in the rehearsal room too, revising her script and clarifying ideas alongside the rest. It's somewhat unusual for a playwright to stay so close to a production as it enters the rehearsal process, but both Connell and Sabourin note it's been vital to understanding the questions that have arisen. "Jill was like, 'I really want to know how movement and all these other design elements work with text,'" Sabourin explains. "That's something for me personally as an artist and for The Maggie Tree in general that we've just been wanting to explore, and just to constantly be learning in those areas. I think it's really beautiful when it comes together well, but you have to spend a lot of time to learn how to do that. Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you fail, but it doesn't matter because it's all about learning that relationship." There's a sense of inevitability that hangs over Hroses, of cycling back to the start, beginning again. Not just between these characters, but within its larger implications, of our very nature. "It's not fatalistic—these characters do try—but the idea that even if you knew, in the first moment you met, that it will be so difficult that in a sense it results in your own death, say, that difficult, how you would choose to do it anyways," Connell explains. "The idea of these cycles we see in the world, like how do we operate together ... and even war and territory, no matter how hard we try, history does repeat itself to a certain degree, in terms of like these relationships and the things that we seem somehow compelled to take on. "Which is why it's an affront to reason," she adds. "How truly unreasonable things are just everyday." Paul Blinov // paul@vueweekly.com
ARTS 17
PREVUE // CHILDREN'S CLASSIC
PREVUE // CLASSIC DANCE
The Velveteen Rabbit
The Nutcracker Fri, Dec 9 – Sun, Dec 11 (7 pm); Sat & Sun matinees (1:30 pm) Jubilee Auditorium, $20 – $106
// Craig Janzen
C
A rabbit who wants to be real
Fri, Dec 9 – Fri, Dec 23 Directed by Amanda Bergen Capitol Theatre, $7.50 – $25
T
here's plenty of Christmas traditions that return to Edmonton stages every Yuletide season—multiple versions of A Christmas Carol are only the start of the stack. But as it closes out its first season as a newly developed performance space, Capitol Theatre in Fort Edmonton Park is adding an adaptation of The Velveteen Rabbit to the list, its bittersweet sentiment and nostalgia looking to round out the festive season with a different sort of holiday show. "I was thinking of the other shows, other stories that come around
18 ARTS
Christmas—Nutcracker, Christmas Carol—and I just wanted something a little different, " says director Amanda Bergen. "The Velveteen Rabbit, I totally remember reading it, and being really sad and really happy at the end. So, good structure." She brought playwright Chris Craddock on board to adapt Margery Williams' beloved tale of companionship between a boy and his stuffed rabbit that hopes to become real. From Craddock came the use of puppets (crafted for the production by Green Fools Theatre in Calgary) and the framing of the show, of a father reading the story to his daughter à la The Princess Bride. Bergen notes that Craddock's also
been able to walk the fine line of keeping children's entertainment accessible to adults in his handling of the tale. "There's a lot of stuff that adults will find a connection with, parents that are kind of at a loss with their kids and how fast they're growing up and everything, and The Velveteen Rabbit lends itself to the same storyline of time passing and things changing," Bergen says. "We bookend that with that dad and his daughter growing up. It's got a really great balance; parents will enjoy the story just as much. And they'll have nostalgia about it just as well." PAUL BLINOV // PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
all it the Christmas Carol of the dance world. Or maybe How the Grinch Stole Christmas from any ballet dancer wanting to hang out with their families over the holidays. Yes, to the surprise of pretty much no one, The Nutcracker is back. In the spirit of keeping things fresh, we thought it would be a fun time to fill readers in on some lesser known facts about the mostproduced ballet in North America (well, Swan Lake is up there too, especially after that darn crazy movie last year—but the holiday hit is definitely the stand-by, family-friendly cash cow for most ballet companies). With the help of Blair Puente, Alberta Ballet's Company Manager—who takes on the role of Drosselmeyer in this year's Nutcracker—we happily present you with the following Nutcracker nibbles: The first-ever performance of The Nutcracker was a complete critical and box-office bomb. Russian audiences that witnessed its 1892 St Petersburg debut hated the original ballet, choreographed (arguably, so say ballet historians) by both Maurice Petipas and Lev Ivanov. Mostly, there were complaints of the narrative's themes seeming childish and amateur. The Sugar Plum Fairy was called "pudgy" by one critic, and other characters were referred to as simply "insipid." Tchaikovsy's score, on the other hand, was hailed as a rich and inspired creation— which is likely the main reason the ballet survived at all. Tchaikovsky, the ballet's composer, never saw The Nutcracker again after its awful debut. Sadly, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky passed away less than one year after the ballet's unveiling, at the age of 53. Though a critically lauded
composer in his time—particularly of ballets, as his Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty were great successes before The Nutcracker—he struggled with long bouts of depression, a terrible marriage (and repressed sexuality). His death is often attributed to cholera, though suspicions of suicide have never been put to rest. The "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is one of the most recognizable, wordless holiday tunes around. You know you've heard it before; the Fairy's claim to fame has been dropped into everything from Canadian Tire commercials to Disney Christmas specials to The Simpsons and beyond. The dainty, tinkling sound is produced with a celesta, an instrument that might be described as a very miniature piano. Tchaikovsky wanted the fairy to have her own "heavenly sweet" sound, so he used the instrument only for pieces where her character was featured. It wasn't until George Balanchine reworked it for New York City Ballet in 1954 that The Nutcracker saw real commercial success. And that's when it started being performed annually over the holiday season, too. What would we have ever done without Balanchine, hey? Alberta Ballet now does it's own version, choreographed by Edmund Stripe. The Nutcracker is usually the very first time a young ballet dancer gets to perform on the mainstage—with adults! Puente remembers his first Nutcracker with the National Ballet of Canada when he was 11 years old. "I remember being absolutely thrilled because I was wearing Jeremy Ransom's costume," he says. The NBC, for which Ransom served as a principle dancer until 2002, had kept the same name tags from the original wearers of the party children's costumes, and lucky young Puente was tickled at the coincidence. FAWNDA MITHRUSH // FAWNDA@VUEWEEKLY.COM
PREVUE // ENDANGERED RELATIONSHIPS
The Survival Of Pigeons As Studied By Human Lovers Lachlan Stewart's script that unfolds almost unconsciously, aided by director Vincent Forcier's inclusion of a physicality that explores both human and animal relationships. The titular birds act as both an analogy for and a foil to their human counterparts; even the grey-toned hues of the characters' clothing are suggestive of their winged adversaries. Anna is a nester, preoccupied with painting the apartment's walls and organizing her Ikea furniture, yet she is revolted when a group of pigeons treat the balcony in a similar manner. Of course, after ordering Alex to take care of them, it becomes apparent that he feels just the opposite.
Not just about the birds
Until Sat, Dec 10 (7:30 pm; Saturday matinees 2 pm) Directed by Vincent Forcier Varscona Theatre, $15
I
t's a curious thing, witnessing the progression of a piece of drama through the local theatre circuit. Surreal SoReal's poignant one-act, The Survival of Pigeons as Studied by Human Lovers, has just evolved into its third incarnation since its debut at last year's Nextfest. Local playwright Jon Lachlan Stewart has had a year to tinker with his script and refine its ambiguous elements. Indeed, from the moment we meet meek, tongue-tied Alex (Colin Matty) and belligerently single-minded Claire (Kyla Shinkewski) interviewing with their new landlord, their clenched jaws and forced laughter suggests that they themselves know their relationship has an expiry date. And yet Stewart has included just enough uncertainty to make it seem like they might, just maybe, have a chance. There's a subtle pathology to
Presented in part as an "Animal Kingdom"-style documentary, both Claire and Alex's relationship and the pigeons' antics are narrated by a smugly authoritative voiceover, which serves to keep the tone refreshingly light—the material is inherently somber and it would be too easy to dwell in moroseness; instead there are a surprising number of truly hilarious moments. "The only predator to human beings is insignificant self-reflection," states the narrator. It's a pervasively disconcerting sentiment, and yet this advice could prove to be just the anathema to the disintegration of so many romantic relationships—if we can recognize it's not just about the birds. Mel Priestley
// mel@vueweekly.com
20=0380= <034 ?>>; C01;4B BC0AC8=6 0C !! * 0;; C01;4B 8=2;D34 0 34;DG4 %$ 0224BB>AH ?02:064 34;8E4A43 8=BC0;;43 9DBC 8= C8<4 5>A 27A8BC<0B
+ FRIENDS
@
re d pony
consignment
10139 - 82 {Whyte} Ave.
FEATURING EDMONTON DESIGNERS:
Fridget Apparel by Bridget Smatlan Jessica Halabi Fashion by Jessica Halabi Molina Design Studio by Laura Molina Cruz by Gabriela Cruz | Parasol by Corinna Chow Cloud+Lolly by Cheryl Currie BangBang Bijoux by Rachel Bingham
" 2>=E4=84=C
;>20C8>=B
.BEF JO $BOBEB
sat., dec. 10th ~ 10am to 6pm sun., dec. 11th ~ noon to 5pm
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 14, 2011
ARRTS 19
PREVUE // CHRISTMAS TRADITION
A Christmas Carol
Until Fri, Dec 23 (7:30 pm) Directed by Bob Baker Citadel Theatre, $20 – $103.95
O
Julien Arnold as kindly Bob Cratchit
f the 12 consecutive A Christmas Carols that have gone up at the Citadel theatre—by now, it's yearly run is a Christmas tradition unto itself— Julien Arnold has donned Dickensian garb to be a part of 10 of them. His Bob Cratchit is one of the longstanding cornerstones of the production, and dusting off the role every year to take his part in the tale—Ebenezer Scrooge's nightlong journey into his hopeful past, bitter present and darkened future, leading to his subsequent, festive redemption—has yet to grow too stagnant for the actor. "It's an interesting acting exercise, to come back to the same role every year, 12 years later," he says, on a break from rehearsal. "It's neat, because you get to experiment a little. Not too much, but
you get to revisit a role—usually you do something once or twice at the most. I've thought of it as kind of an acting clinic for myself. "It's neat to be able to apply some of the theories that you have about acting, about yourself," Arnold continues. "When you're in a flurry of doing a threeweek rehearsal for a one-off show, you get caught up in the blocking, remembering the blocking, remembering the lines, getting used to the story. It's a bit of a whirlwind, as you might imagine. There's a lot to learn, so it's neat to come back to something where you don't have to worry about the lines at all, or the blocking ... you can concentrate on the other stuff, the pure acting part." Still, the show has seen shifts and changes over its now dozen-year run, and the biggest was a recent one. Last year Tom Wood passed the central, curmudgeonly role of Scrooge on to a new
face, Richard McMillan. Arnold notes that within the well-established staging of the show, the two men play their Ebenezer's differently, inadvertently changing the tone slightly to suit their own respective versions of the miser. "Tom Wood originated the role, and he was brilliant: I just loved working with him. But something I was thinking about just a few days ago—because also James MacDonald is understudying Scrooge, and he's great at it—but I realize that even though the blocking and the lines are the same, every actor has to have their own thought process. You can't completely imitate another actor's performance. It's impossible. You have to find your own thought process through the lines. It's very different; I find it quite different acting with Richard than it was with Tom. Different, but equally as rich." Paul Blinov
// paul@vueweekly.com
REVUE // A FESTIVE DRAG
With Bells On
Someone decked the halls, all right
Until Sun, Dec 11 (8 pm) Written and directed by Darrin Hagen Roxy Theatre, $11 – $21
W
ith his back turned to us, head tilted up while the somber tones of Charlie Brown's "Christmas Time Is Here" play like theme music, He (James Hamilton) really could be a grown up, real-world version of Charles Schultz's blockhead. On the awkward side of gawky, he seems like someone you'd perpetually describe as "nice, but ... ." Somewhat recently singled and alone, He doesn't seem to have much going for him as he starts to exit his apartment. "Hold the elevator!" someone cries. He obliges. Then She (Paul Welch), enters the Roxy theatre, donned in what might be the most over-the-top, tinseland-bell-crafted piece of costuming to appear in this or any other season. I mean, really, look at the photo accompanying this article. Seriously. It is no small entrance; simply entering the theatre gets her an applause break usually reserved for walk-ons on sitcoms. It's the first of several such breaks in Darrin Hagen's rollicking comedy, With Bells On, a show that decks the Guys in Disguise style in seasonal apparel and succeeds in delivering the company's usual brand of quick
20 ARTS
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
wit with a new festive heart. The two of them standing next to each other—She, closing in on seven feet tall, He, seeming to barely reach the mid-five zone—is something we never grow weary of, which is good: when the elevator breaks on the slow ride down, they're trapped together in a tiny metal box impervious to cellphone conditions and with an ineffective emergency button. He's content to sit and wait for it, but she's decked up with reason, and the clock is ticking away. Their assessment of the situation, attempts to escape it and eventual budding interest in learning about each other is a whole lot of fun to watch. She spouts out witty banter and quickresponse punch lines fit for a Queen, and as portrayed by Welch, She is a snappy comic performance of timing and talent. Hamilton's bumbling He is pretty simple, but he makes us feel for him without it seeming cheap. His eventual turn is simple and satisfying, which is perhaps the best summary of the production itself: With Bells On is only an hour long, but manages to be witty, poignant and unending fun for all of that span. Paul Blinov
// paul@vueweekly.com
NEW WORKS by S
Velveteen
The
Rabbit
adapted by Chris Craddock.
A beautiful tale of imagination, love and transformation about a little boy and his velveteen rabbit. Bring your family to see this story come to life on the Capitol Theatre stage this Christmas.
Weekday Matinees: December 12, 14, 19 and 21 at 12:30-2:15pm
Weekend Matinees: December 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 an 24 at 1:30pm
Evening offerings: December 9 (opening) and December 23 at 8pm
Buy your tickets online at www.fortedmontonpark.ca
Up-coming exhibit
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
Arrows and Bullets Comb my Hair
New Image Creations.ca
Jan 9 - Feb 27, 2012 Featuring: Â&#x203A; 9cX`i 9i\eeXe Â&#x203A; I`Z_Xi[ 9flc\k Â&#x203A; GXki`Zb A I\\[ Ă&#x2C6;Bfq^eX Lgjlk_ ('Ă&#x2030; 9p GXki`Zb A I\\[
,'( =\jk`mXc 8m\el\# J_\inff[ GXib 780-410-8585 nnn%jkiXk_ZfeX%ZX&Xik^Xcc\ip
~ thomas merton
ART SOCIETY OF STRATHCONA COUNTY
Workshops:
Bridal â&#x20AC;˘ Portrait â&#x20AC;˘ Grad Intimate â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial
Fabric Sculpting Watercolors/Acrylics Pastels Watercolors
Loft Art Gallery and Gift Shop, Saturdays 10 to 4 pm. and Sunday noon to 4 pm! Original artwork and gifts by local artists! Membership meetings every second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. includes speakers or demos, at the A. J. Ottewell Centre, 590 Broadmoor Blvd, Sherwood Park. Guests welcome. Membership fee is $30 annually.
November 2 - 22, 2011
780-952-7617 NEW WORKS by Samantha Williams-Chapelsky steve@newimagecreations.ca All events at the Ottewell Centre on Broadmoor. Ottewell Center also available for rentals. Studio or on location Phone: 780 449 4443 Email: artsoc@telus.net Web: www.artstrathcona.com
mber 2 - 22, 2011
Fantastic Art Available Throughout Edmonton
The Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park presents:
Twelve Days of Christmas Opening reception
Thursday November 10 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
NEW WORKS byour Samantha Williams-Chapelsky Artists in attendance Saturday November 12 shopping 2:00 to 4:00da p.m.?? Join us and many of artists for 12 special ys Gallery hours Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations for Hope Mission gratefully accepted 10412 - 124 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta Opening reception Artists in attendance Gallery hours
780.760.1ART (1278) 9 daffodilgallery.ca Thursday November 10 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. info@daffodilgallery.ca Saturday November 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.?? Follow us on12 Twitter @DaffodilGallery us on Facebook: The Daffodil Tuesday toLike Saturday 10:30 a.m. toGallery 5:00 p.m.
- 124 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 10412 14, 2011 780.760.1ART (1278) 9 daffodilgallery.ca info@daffodilgallery.ca
ARTS 21
REVUE // HOUSE OF MIRRORS
// Ed Ellis
Fuddy Meers
Gettin' absurd all up in here
Until Sat, Dec 10 (7:30 pm; matinee Dec 8, 12:30 pm) Directed by Ron Jenkins Timms Centre for the Arts ($10 – $20)
I
Ti
ts e k c
o
al s n
e
W NO
!
January 5 @ 8:00 PM Winspear Centre Tickets available at: Winspear Centre Box Office 780-428-1414 or 1-800-563-5081 winspearcentre.com
CONCERTS 22 ARTS
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
f the title doesn't do it, the set design might: the stage of Studio Theatre's production of Fuddy Meers is populated by a single large tree adorned with a tire swing, above which dangles an assortment of objects like some bizarre mobile. The rest of the space is empty and open, allowing for a parade of moveable props to be wheeled on stage during scene shifts punctuated by thumping disco music and flashing lights. A fast-paced black comedy spiced with a generous dollop of absurdity, the humour in David LindsayAbaire's script might not appeal to everyone; there's nothing subtle in the antics of this Douglas Coupland-esque family. Like the play's central theme, this is a warped and distorted, fun-house mirror version of reality. Amnesiac Claire (Laura Metcalfe) wakes up every day having completely forgotten everything about herself and her life, so it's up to her husband Richard (Brent Gill) and son Kenny (Evan Hall) to bring her up to speed every morning. That this particular day seems different is obvious from the moment Claire asks about the traumatic source of her amnesia; when a lisping, limping man (Perry Gratton)
breaks into her bedroom and kidnaps her a few moments later, it is confirmed. The audience is placed in the same disoriented position of Claire, trying to assemble the pieces of her eye-wateringly bizarre past—but it's your own individual penchant for farcical absurdity that will determine whether you will be able to remain as well-adjusted as Claire. The dark heart of this show is
The audience is placed in the same disoriented position of Claire, trying to assemble the pieces of her eye-wateringly bizarre past. unsettlingly disturbing, giving the comedy a sobering edge; much of it stems from poking fun at infirmity with every character on stage suffering from some form of trauma, whether physical or psychological, which lends an irreverent, almost offensive air to their outlandish exploits. But perhaps Fuddy Meers doesn't warrant such a reading; perhaps it is best to treat it as that proverbial fun house—laugh at the reflections in those funny mirrors, then move on. Mel Priestley
// mel@vueweekly.com
ARTIFACTS PAUL BLINOV // PAUL@vueweekly.com
Jay and Silent Bob Get Old / Thu, Dec 8 (7:30 pm) What effects have age had on slacker-film duo Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes? For starters, Smith's just a two-part film away from retiring from cinema (he swears it), while Mewes has gotten past previous drug habits. Expect both to come up in among all the hilarious irreverence as this live weekly podcast rolls through town. (McDougall United Church, $50)
Splice / Thu, Dec 8 (7 pm) As his tenure as Edmonton Public Library Writer in Residence comes to its conclusion, Marty Chan's putting on an event blending some of our finest literary voices with top-notch artists: readings from the likes of Lynn Coady, Myrna Kostache and our newest poet laureate Anna-Marie Sewell will be given a live improvised score from guitarist/composer Paul Morgan Donald. Plus, there's a screening of Trevor Anderson's "The High Level Bridge," some sketch comedy from Peter Brown and the unveiling of Chan's successor to the EPL Writer in Residence title. (Stanley A Milner Library, Lower Level)
BRIGHTEN YOUR HOLIDAYS ENTER TO WIN A LEXUS HYBRID ®
Enter at exclusive kiosks in Kingsway Mall.* Plus, look for bonus entry codes at Lexus ® of Edmonton, daily in the Edmonton Sun and on Global Edmonton for even more chances to win!†
Full details at kingswaymall.com
*
Enter in person only. †One entry per person per code.
1110-17812 VW Dec8 v1.indd 1
DATE: 11 Nov 2011
11/11/11 11:23 AM
CITADEL THEATRE F I L E
C Produced by
410, 318 - 11 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 0Y2 Phone: 403.233.2282 Fax: 403.233.2232
N A M E S
A R E
F O R
I N T E R N A L
U S E
ROB B I N S
ACADEM Y
A hristmas CAROL
LANDMARK GROUP MAINSTAGE SERIES ROBBINS FAMILY SERIES
File Name 1110-17812 VW Dec8 v1.indd Publication Vue Weekly Insertion Dec 8, 2011 Client Kingsway Mall Size 8.1” x 6.75” Fonts used Helvetica, Futura Picture info Producer GS Revision # Reference #
Page #1 of file T H I S
DO NOT ALTER THIS ARTWORK WITHOUT CONTACTING TAG ADVERTISING
F I L E
I S
P R I N T E D
I N
F U L L
STARRING RICHARD
C O L O R
M C MILLAN ADAPTED BY TOM WOOD DIRECTED BY BOB BAKER AND GEOFFREY BRUMLIK BASED ON THE STORY BY CHARLES DICKENS
TICKETS START AT $
Dec 2-23/11
780 425 1820
RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN 7 YEARS OF AGE AND UP
O N LY
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
20
•
•
citadeltheatre.com ARTS 23
ARTS WEEKLY
Cinema At the Centre • Library Theatre,
Stanley A. Milner Library basement, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.496.7000 • Centre for Reading and the Arts showcases little-known films every month • Gremlins (1984, 14A); Wed, Dec 14, 6:30pm
GALLERIES + MUSEUMS
FAX YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO 780.426.2889 OR EMAIL LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 3pm
Agnes Bugera Gallery • 12310 Jasper Ave •
Dance
ALBERTA CRAFT COUNCIL GALLERY •
Alberta Ballet • Jubilee Auditorium, 11455-
87 Ave • 780.428.6839 • The Nutcracker: Choreography by Edmund Stripe, music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, accompanied by and featuring the music of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Sugar Plum parties Christmas crafts, dress-up, and treats for the children prior to the performance • Dec 9-11, 7pm, 1:30pm
Kathleen Hughes Dance Production •
Avenue Theatre, 9030-118 Ave • Herstory • Dec 9, 8pm • Tickets at TIX on the Square
Moves Studio • Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square • Jingle Belles: performances from students, professional and emerging artists • Sun, Dec 11, 6:15pm (door) • $15 (adv at Move Studios)/$20 (door)
FILM Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) • Sir
Winston Churchill Sq • 780.422.6223 • Film: Picture of Light: at Garneau Theatre, 8712-109 St; film presented with Metro Cinema; Thu, Dec 8, 7pm; $10/$8 (student/senior/AGA/Metro member)
780.482.2854 • Winter's Eve: Artworks by Gallery Artists • Dec 8-22 • Reception: Thu, Dec 8, 5-8pm; Christmas shortbread and sherry 10186-106 St • 780.488.6611 • Natural Flow: Contemporary Alberta Glass: until Dec 24 • Discovery Gallery: SalTalk: Clayworks by Jim Etzkorn; until Dec 23
Simon Dybbroe Møller (Denmark), Ragnar Kjartansson (Iceland), and Kevin Schmidt (Canada); until Jan 8 • Art for Lunch: Last Best West; Thu, Dec 15, 12:10-12:50pm; free • All Day Sunday: Art activities for all ages 3rd Sun every month, 12-4pm; free with admission • Holly Ball: Special event: Sun, Dec 11, 6pm; $500/ticket, $5000/table • Our Wilderness is Wisdom…: Ledcor Theatre Lobby: Premiere of the most recent exhibition in the AGA’s Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX); until Jan 2 • Studio Y Youth Drop-in: Screen: Screen Printing Poster Making: Thu, Dec 8, 3:30-5:30pm, $10 • Adult Drop-in: Appropriate: Mixed Media Painting: Thu, Dec 8, 7-9pm, $15/$12 (member)
Art Gallery Of St Albert (AGSA) • 19
780.422.8174 • The Poets’ Haven Weekly Reading Series: every Mon, 7pm presented by the Stroll of Poets Society
Michif Cultural and Métis Resource Institute • 9 Mission Ave, St
WunderBar on Whyte • 8120-101 St • 780.436.2286 • The poets of Nothing, For Now: poetry workshop and jam every Sun • No minors
Mildwood Gallery • 426, 6655-178 St •
THEATRE
Albert • 780.651.8176 • Aboriginal Veterans Display • Gift Shop • Finger weaving and sash display by Celina Loyer • Ongoing Mel Heath, Joan Healey, Fran Heath, Larraine Oberg, Terry Kehoe, Darlene Adams, Sandy Cross and Victoria, Pottery by Naboro Kubo and Victor Harrison • Ongoing
Misericordia Community Hospital • 16940-87 Ave • Year End Show and Sale: Artworks by members of the Edmonton Art Club • Until Jan 28
Playhouse, 10322-83 Ave • 780.426.0072 • Wyrd Sisters–The Exhibition: Artworks by five women exploring themes from the novel Wyrd Sisters • Until Dec 10
Perron St, St Albert • 780.460.4310 • Lost and Found: Photos by Paul Burwell; drawings and sculptures by Cynthia Fuhrer; until Jan 28 • Artist at Heart: Winter White 3D Collage; Dec 17, 10am-12pm; $15, Pre-register • Artventures: Drop-in art for ages 6-12 yrs; Buried Treasure: Dec 17, 1-4pm; $5
St, Stony Plain • 780.963.9935 • Paintings by Marjan Assai • Until Jan 4
Art Beat Gallery • 26 St Anne St, St Albert
Bibliothèque Saint-Jean • 1-12, Pavillon
Musée Héritage Museum–St Albert • 5
CENTRE D’ARTS VISUELS DE L’ALBERTA •
Naess Gallery • Paint Spot, 10032-81 Ave
Alberta Society of Artists • Walterdale
• 780.459.3679 • Christmas Around the World: Artworks by Angela McIntosh, guest artists and gallery artists • Through Dec
Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) • 2 Sir
Winston Churchill Sq • 780.422.6223 • BMO World of Creativity: Drawn Outside: especially for kids; Until Jan 29 • 19th Century French Photographs: until Jan 29 • Prairie Life: Settlement and the Last Best West, 19301955: until Jan 29 • A Passion for Nature: Landscape Painting from 19th Century France: until Feb 20 • State of Nature: until Feb 20 • RBC New Works Gallery: Arlene Wasylynchuk: Saltus Illuminati: until Jan 15 • UP NORTH: Artworks by four contemporary artists from three circumpolar countries: Jacob Dahl Jürgensen,
TransCanada’s
Alberta Backstage Series
McMahon, 8406, rue Marie-Anne Gaboury, 91 St • Los indignados se quitan la careta/The indignant remove their mask: Exhibit of masks • Until Dec 22 during library hours 9103-95 Ave • 780.461.3427 • Miniatures and Plus: Miniatures and artworks by Ernest and Doreen Poitras, Deborah Lenihan • Dec 9-21 • Reception: Dec 9, 7-8:30pm
Crooked Pot Gallery–Stony Plain • 4912-
51 Ave, Stony Plain • 780.963.9573 • Sleigh Bells Ring: Holiday themed pottery and giftware • Until Dec 30
Daffodil Gallery • 10412-124 St, 780.482-
2854 • Twelve Days of Christmas • Until Dec 17
Enterprise Square • 2nd Fl Enterprise Sq,
10230 Jasper Ave • ArtsMASH!: Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta Presents residential interior design projects and fine arts student artwork; readings by Women's Words Postcard contest winners; hors d'oeuvres, desserts. Feature presentation about the Alley of Light presented by members of Edmonton on the Edge at 6pm • Dec 8, 5:30-8:30pm
elm café • 10140-117 St • 780.756.3356 • Super
Photo Friends (SPF) Photography Collective works; Café patrons can bid on work daily or opt to buynow, for a premium preset price; silent auction in support of Oliver School • Until Dec 10
Expressionz Café • 9938-70 Ave•
780.437.3667 • Group show, admission by donation • Through Dec, Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm
FAB Gallery • Department of Art and Design, U of A, Rm 3-98 Fine Arts Bldg • 780.492.2081 • Ann-Marie King: MFA Drawing and Intermedia; Anna Gaby-Trotz: MFA Printmaking • Dec 13-22; Jan 3-14 Gallery at Milner • Stanley A. Milner Library
Main Fl, Sir Winston Churchill Sq • 780.944.5383 • The Light of the Lakeland: Watercolour landscapes by Patricia Coulter • In A Minute: Drawings by Charalene Denton in the display cases • Until Dec 31
Gallery IS–Red Deer • 5123-48 St, Alexander Way, Red Deer • 403.341.4641 • Gallery closes Dec 24
Gallerie Pava • 9524-87 St, 780.461.3427 • second Regard II: Photos by Denise Parent • Until Jan 11 Haggerty Centre–Stollery Gallery • Nina
Haggerty Centre for the Arts, 9225-118 Ave • 780.474.7611 • Fruit off the Looms: Arworks by the NHCA Collective • Until Dec 23
Harcourt House • 3rd Fl, 10215-112 St •
Multicultural Centre Public Art Gallery (MCPAG)–Stony Plain • 5411-51
St Anne St, St Albert • 780.459.1528 • St Albert History Gallery: Artifacts dating back 5,000 years • Take Your Best Shot: Photos by youth (8-18 yrs old) • Until Feb 5
• 780.432.0240 • Artworks by Reece Schulte • Through Dec
Peter Robertson Gallery • 12304 Jasper Ave • 780.455.7479 • Landscape paintings by Marcia Harris and Robert Wiseman; until Dec 10 • Winter Group Show: New artworks by gallery artists; Dec 17-Feb 4 Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery
• 4525-47A Ave • Farm Show: Harvest: artworks; through Dec • For You the War is Over: Second World War POW Experiences; through Dec • Prisoner of War: Stories from Red Deer and District; through Dec
Royal Alberta Museum • 12845-102 Ave • 780.453.9100 • A River Runs Through It: Until Feb 5 • Narrative Quest: Until Apr 29 SCOTT GALLERY 10411-124 St • 780.488.3619 • Scott Gallery’s 25th Anniversary Exhibition: Artworks by all gallery artists • Until Dec 23 SPRUCE GROVE ART GALLERY • 35-5 Ave, Spruce Grove • 780.962.0664 • Christmas Store: Fine art, jewellery, clay works, and wood turnings • Until Dec 24 Strathcona County Art Gallery • 501 Festival Ave, Sherwood Park •
780.410.8585 • Half-Breed Mythology; until Dec 30 • Sitting Bull and the Moose Jaw Sioux by Dana Claxton; until Dec 30
TELUS World of Science • 11211-142 St • Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition: human stories told through artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the Titanic and extensive room re-creations; until Feb 20 • Total Lunar Eclipse: Sat, Dec 10, telescopes set-up at the Observatory 5-8:30am VAAA Gallery • 3rd Fl, 10215-112 St •
780.421.1731 • Gallery A: Pictographs by Seka Owen; Dec 8-Jan 21, opening reception: Thu, Dec 8, 7-9:30pm • Gallery B: PerceptionLife on Venus/Life on Mars: Photographs by Anne Marie Resta; Dec 8-Jan 21, reception: Thu, Dec 8, 7-9:30pm
Centre, 10831 University Ave • 780.433.5807 • Instructors and students Christmas show and sale • Until Dec 23
Jurassic Forest/Learning Centre • 15 mins N of Edmonton off Hwy 28A, Township Rd 564 • Education-rich entertainment facility for all ages Kiwanis Gallery–Red Deer • Red Deer
Library • 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts Group show • Through Dec
Latitude 53 • 10248-106 St • 780.423.5353 •
ProjEx Room: taxonomia: Maria Whiteman’s Science-fantasy photographs • Both shows: until Dec 17
Loft Gallery • A. J. Ottewell Art Centre, 590
Broadmoor Blvd, Sherwood Park • 780.922.6324 • Art by local artists • Until Dec 24; Sat 10-4pm, Sun 12-4pm
McMULLEN GALLERY • U of A Hospital, 8440-
Corner Gassed 2 • Jubilations Dinner
Theatre, 2690, 8882-170 St, Phase II WEM Upper Level • 780.484.2424 • Brent and the rest of the town find themselves stuck in the middle when Owen and his best friend Frank both decide to run for Mayor of Cat Creek • Until Jan 21
A Christmas Carol • Citadel Maclab
Theatre, 9828-101 A Ave • 780.428.2117 • Adapted by Tom Wood, directed by Bob Baker and Geoffrey Brumlik, starring Richard McMillan. Tom Wood’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale • Until Dec 23
The Christmas Carol Project •
TransAlta Arts Barns, Westbury Theatre, 10330-84 Ave • 780.409.1910 • Arts At The Barns: Brass Monkey Productions • Dec 28-29 • $30 (adv at fringetheatre.ca)/$35 (door)
DIE-NASTY • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave • 780.433.3399 • Improvised soap opera • Every Mon, until May, 7:30pm (subject to change) • Tickets at the box office
Fuddy Meers • Timms Centre, U of A • Studio Theatre • By David Lindsay-Abaire • Until Dec 10 • Tickets at TIX on the Square HRoses: An Affront to Reason •
TransAlta Arts Barns, PCL Studio Theatre, 10330-84 Ave • 780.409.1910 • Azimuth Theatre A timeless story about star-crossed lovers told through the kaleidoscope of magic realism • Dec 8-18 • Tickets at fringetheatre. ca; 780.409.1910
A Ronnie Jimmie Christmas • Roxy,
10708-124 St • 780.453.2440 • attheroxy.com • Theatre Network • Mostly Water Xmas Special: Peter Brown, Mike and Rob Angus (Wheatpool), join Ronnie Jimmie for a Christmas comedy, directed by Bradley Moss • Dec 16-17 • Tickets at Theatre Network’s box office, 780.453.2440
The Survival of Pigeons as Studied by Human Lovers • Varscona Theatre,
10329-83 Ave • Surreal SoReal Theatre; heartfelt comedy by Jon Lachlan Stewart, directed by Vincent Forcier, stars Kyla Shinkewski and Colin Matty • Until Dec 10 • $15 at TIX on the Square
TheatreSports • Varscona Theatre,
10329-83 Ave • rapidfiretheatre.com • Improv runs every Fri, until Jul, 11pm (subsject to occasional change) • $10/$8 (member)
The Velveteen Rabbit • Capitol Theatre,
Vernon God Little • Grant MacEwan
780.488.4892 • 2011 Winter Collection • Dec 8-23 • Special evening: special viewing of 2011 Winter Collection: Thu, Dec 8, 5-8pm
Audreys Books • 10702 Jasper Ave •
780.423.3487 • CAA Writer in Residence Jannie Edwards in the store every Wed; until Dec 14; Jan 18-Apr 25, 12-1:30pm • Story Slam: 2nd Wed each month
Haven Social Club • 15120 Stony Plain Rd •
780.915.8869 • Edmonton Story Slam followed by a music jam; no minors; 7pm (sign-up), 7:30pm (show), 3rd Wed of every month • Dec 21, 7pm (sign-up); 7:30pm (show) • $5 (registration from writers to support the Society)
Leva Cappucino Bar • 11053-86 Ave •
The Olive Poetry Reading Series: 2nd Tue each month; Sep-Apr, 7pm, open mic to follow
Riverdale • 9917-87 St • Creative Word Jam •
Every 3rd Sun of the month, 6-10pm • facebook. com/group.php?gid=264777964410 E: creative. word.jam@gmail.com
Rouge Lounge • 10111-117 St • 780.902.5900 • Poetry every Tue with Edmonton's local poets Stanley Milner Library • Edmonton Room, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq • Writers Guild of Alberta–Splice: Readings by Lynn Coady, Myrna Kostash, Anna-Marie Sewell; musician improvises a soundscape to these readings and a visual artist sketches a response. Screening of Trevor Anderson’s short film. Comic-book presentation by Daniel Schneider. Comedy sketch with Peter Brown, reading by Marty Chan • Thu, Dec 8, 7-10pm, 6:30pm (door) • Free; pre-register: splice2011.eventbrite.com T.A.L.E.S. MONTHLY STORYTELLING CIRCLE • Venue T.B.A. • 780.932.4409 • Tell
112 St • 780.407.7152 • Nature: Paintings inspired by poet Chon Sang-Pyon’s poem, Back to Heaven; artworks by Kyung Hee Hogg • Dec 10-Feb 5 • Opening reception: Thu, Dec 15, 7-9pm
stories or come to listen • 2nd Wed of the month; until Jun, 7-9pm • Free event
Mezzanine Gallery • Glenrose Rehabilitation
Upper Crust Café • 10909-86 Ave •
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
• Rapid Fire Theatre’s longform comedy show: improv formats, intricate narratives, and oneact plays • First three Sat every month, 11pm, until Jul • $10/$5 (high school student)/$8 (RFT member at the door only)
Artworks by Sandy Proseillo • Through Dec
Blue Chair Café • 9624-76 Ave • 780.469.8755
Jeff Allen Art Gallery • Strathcona Seniors
Chimprov • Varscona Theatre, 10329-83 Ave
West End Gallery • 12308 Jasper Ave •
Harris-Warke Gallery–Red Deer • Sun-
Deer • 403.340.4869 • Belonging: Group show from Art from the Streets • Through Dec
Anne Street, St Albert • 780.459.1542 • Thu, Dec 15, 7:30pm • Tickets at Arden box office
Fort Edmonton Park, Fox Dr, Whitemud Dr • fortedmontonpark.ca • Dec 9-24 • $25 (adult)/$15 (post-secondary students)/$10 (child)
LITERARY
Hub on Ross–Red Deer • 4936 Ross St, Red
Amazing Kreskin • Arden Theatre, 5 St
Velvet Olive–Red Deer • 4928 Ross St •
780.426.4180 • Main Gallery: Mind Control Tricks: Paul Freeman • Front Room Gallery: forma: Wenda Salomons • Dec 8-Jan 21 • Opening: Thu, Dec 8, 8-10pm • Artist talks: opening night: Wenda Salomons at 6:30pm; Paul Freeman at 7:15pm works Home and Garden Store, Ross St, Red Deer • 403.346.8937 • firmamentum: Paintings by Paul Harris • Until Dec 23 • Closing reception: Fri, Dec 23, 6-8pm
24 ARTS
Hospital, 10230-111 Ave • Disappearing Sentinals–The Changing Alberta Landscape: Paintings by Kristina Steinbring • Until Dec 31
University Theatre Lab, 10045-155 St • Grant MacEwan University Theatre • Comedy, graphic language and Country and Western music • Until Dec 10 • Tickets at TIX on the Square
THE WEDDING SINGER • Mayfield Dinner
Theatre, 16615-109 Ave • 780.483.4051 • With a brand-new score that pays homage to pop songs of the '80s • Until Feb 5
With Bells On • Roxy, 10708-124 St, and
various other venues throughout Edmonton • 780.453.2440 • Theatre Network • An inventive and unique holiday comedy, presented by Guys in Disguise; by Darrin Hagen, starring James Hamilton and Paul Welch; directed by Darrin Hagen • Until Dec 11 • Tickets at Theatre Network’s box office, 780.453.2440
The Wizard of Oz • Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park, 780.464.2852 • By L. Frank Baum, music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, background music by Herbert Stothart, dance and vocal arrangements by Peter Howard, orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company • Dec 16-23, Dec 26-30, 7:30pm; 2pm matinées Dec 17, Dec 18, Dec 26 • Meals are available for some shows of this production, for a separate additional charge • Dinner: Dec 16, Dec 23, 5:30pm; $32 (adult)/$16 (child 12 and under) • Brunch: Dec 18, Dec 26, 12:30pm; $28 (adult)/$14 (child 12 and under); for meal arrangements contact Festival Place, 780.449.3378 at least 48 hours prior to show IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE • Devon Community Centre, 20 Haven Ave, Devon • 587.783.3760 • Dinner Theatre: East of Sixty Productions (E60) bring the original 1940s radio play to the stage in Devon • Dec 16-17, 6pm: $35; Dec 18, 11.30am: $30 Wyrd Sisters • Walterdale Playhouse, 10322-83 Ave • 780.439.2845 • By Terry Pratchett, adapted by Stephen Briggs, directed by J. Nelson Niwa • Until Dec 10 • $12-$16 at TIX on the Square
DISH
Find a restaurant
ONLINE AT DISHWEEKLY.CA
DISH // CHRISTMAS
Happy MeXmas
Yuletide traditions in a land of no snow
j Luminaria i DEVONIAN BOTANIC GARDEN December 10-11, 2011 – 5 to 9pm
C
hristmas in Canada, to a great extent, is pigeonholed into snowy scenes of spruce trees decked with sparkly lights and colourful ornaments, substantial suppers of turkey and cranberries, and mythical flying reindeer that transport Santa Claus to rooftops and chimneys of wellbehaved children around the world. These scenes are nostalgic and traditional for many, but they overlook the rich tapestry of Yuletide practices that prevail in tropical, snow-free climes. Mexico reigns as a warm country rich in Christmas traditions; these conventions weave together indigenous and Spanish beliefs, mythologies and cuisines. Daniel Braun, coowner of downtown taqueria Tres Carnales, grew up in Mexico and explains, "According to the Aztec calendar, the Aztecs celebrated the birth of their god Huitzilopoxtli in midDecember. The Catholic missionaries took advantage of these festivities to teach the native Indians the mystery of the birth of Jesus Christ and thus replaced the indigenous tradition
with the Christian tradition. "Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the Convent of San Acolman Augustine, achieved this tradition by obtaining permission from Pope Sixtus V to celebrate the 'Aguinaldo' masses," continues Braun. "These masses are performed from December 16th to the 24th and each day refers to one of the nine months of Mary's pregnancy. The last one is Christmas Eve, which is the reason why the dinner on the 24th is given more importance than
notes Braun. Each evening, groups of people parade through the streets, knocking on neighbourhood doors, and singing traditional songs about Mary and Joseph's journey. Occupants of each house will refuse entry to the pilgrims, thereby reflecting the actions of Bethlehem innkeepers. The pilgrims eventually reach their destination: a neighbourhood home that will host a supper that usually consists of buñuelos and hot punch made with hibiscus flowers and sugar cane.
Piñatas traditionally had seven peaks that represent the seven deadly sins. The person who hits the piñata represents the believer. The covering of the eyes represents faith, which is blind, and the stick represents the grace and help of God. the morning of the 25th," he reveals. Posadas occur each of these evenings, and these entail a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's trek around Bethlehem in search of lodging. "You could, in theory, go to nine parties over the course of those days,"
"Buñuelos are a sweet pastry that is cut like a pizza, fried in oil, and then broken into shards. They are eaten with a cornmeal dish called atole," recalls Braun, adding, "It can be many CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >>
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Stroll in peace and light along the paths of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Cider by the bonfires. Snow Sprites. Strolling carollers. Thousands of candles and millions of stars.
780-987-3054 | www.devonian.ualberta.ca | Located 5 kms north of Devon on Hwy 60. Print material sponsored by:
DISH 25
HAPPY MEXMAS
<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
different sweet flavours like strawberry or other fruits." Piñatas are rich with religious symbolism and were originally used by Spanish missionaries to teach the indigenous Aztecs about Christian beliefs. "Piñatas traditionally had seven peaks that represent the seven deadly sins. The person who hits the piñata represents the believer. The covering of the eyes represents faith, which is blind, and the stick represents the grace and help of God," explains Braun. The breaking of the piñata symbolizes the release of the blessings, talents and virtues inherent in each person. Braun notes that piñatas were traditionally filled with oranges, apples, sugar cane and peanuts. "These were not everyday food, so they were considered rich. Nowadays, piñatas are filled with candy and you don't see the traditional fillings so much. "For me personally, Christmas is tamales with atole," reminisces Braun. "It's very simple, just a concoction of boiled fruits and milk thickened with masa [cornmeal]. My favourite has chocolate in it. It's amazing." Indeed, tamales exist in multiple sweet incarnations and are served as a dessert as well as a main course. "The dessert tamales are the ones I really like," confesses Braun. "Christmas traditions in Mexico are simple and to the point," Braun says. He adds, "There is always food and it is tied to the church." Indeed, in a country where poverty is rampant, Christmas traditions are a great equalizer. Braun explains, "The nicest thing, with Mexico being the country that it is and a huge rift existing between the rich and poor, is that at Christmas everybody tries to be a better person. Everybody celebrates together and the whole idea of peace among brothers is evident." LS VORS
// VORS@VUEWEEKLY.COM
BOYSENBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE SCONE TOAST
www.gotorickys.com
SOUTH EDMONTON COMMON 10004 21ST AVE NW Spruce Grove • Mill Woods • St. Albert Westlawn • Edmonton City Centre Leduc • Red Deer • Jasper Avenue Namao • Ft. Saskatchewan • Kingsway
NT GIFT RICKY’S INSTA r Ask in store fo
26 DISH
CARDS
details
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
BEER
Christmas beer
Going beyond cinnamon in seasonal offerings
feel the need to cut back on the hops to make it more wintery. A beer I could drink any season, but that will still go well with Christmas turkey.
It is a newish beer tradition among craft brewers to brew up a beer designed for Christmas and winter. Most of the time this will consist of either a hearty stronger m ale or a dark ale spiced with ekly.co vuewe pint@ cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla tothe Jason and similar holiday spices. I enFoster joy those beer, but I find myself growing tired of the cascade of cookie, mulled spice flavours. However, as the shipments of Christmas beer have been making their way onto the shelves this year, a few jumped out at me because they didn't seem to fit that regular mould. I grabbed three that particularly stood out. Let's start across the pond with independent Scottish brewer Harviestoun. In recent years I have become a huge fan of Harviestoun for its consistently firstclass beer, including the impressive Old Engine Oil and the sublime Ola Dubh series. The brewery's entry into Christmas beer, complete with a snowman on the logo, is Mr Sno'balls. Officially, it's considered a winter seasonal more than a Christmas beer, but either way it is no The flavour brings out milk chocolate ordinary winter warmer. It pours a light and toffee up front with some nuttiness chestnut brown offering a thin off-white to keep it from being too sweet. The head that clings to the glass. The aroma beer sharpens mid-palate as some citis mild chocolate and toffee with a soft rusy hop flavour breaks through. It fingrassy hop contrast. That is my first clue ishes dry with a noted lemony bitterness this is no ordinary winter ale. and a touch of roast at the back of the
Next up is a beer from a BC brewery with the quirkiest branding and marketing ever. Aldergrove's Dead Frog Brewery fronts its image with a dead frog on the label. Its Christmas Beeracle drew me in in part due to its name and packaging—a gift-wrapped look including a gift tag—and in part to a shot of instinct. Dead Frog is nothing if not unpredictable. I expected something angular and out of the ordinary in terms of ingredients. Nothing on the label gave away what it might be. I would have to taste it to find out. It pours light amber with a thin white head. The aroma is fairly traditional Christmas—nutmeg, cardamom, some ginger, cinnamon and brown sugar. The taste brings out a strong spice character that reminds me of gingerbread and pumpkin pie. I suspect the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and ginger. The base beer is sweet but too thin to hold up the spices. I get a bit of bitterness at the finish, but that could be hop or another spice addition. It finishes sweet and sugary. Not what I was hoping for. Beeracle presents as an ordinary Christmas beer, and not a particularly good example. It needs to cut the sweetness and bring up the base beer to hold the spices. In particular I was hoping for something new and creative.
TO TH
E
PINT
throat. I also pick up a peppery spiciness in the finish, most likely from the type of hops used. With its citrusy hop presence, Mr Sno'balls presents more like a pale ale with some added dark malt. A Dark Pale Ale, if you will forgive the oxymoron. I like how Harviestoun didn't
The third beer may be the most interesting. Earlier this year local mainstay Alley Kat launched its Big Bottle Series, which is a set of single-batch, one-time special beer released in 650 mL bottles. The latest release, just in time for Christmas, is Cringer, a ginger-cranberry beer. Ginger is not unheard of in Christmas beer, but the decision to add cranberry, despite its obvious holiday connection, is original. Plus, the beer is very light and summery making the release rather counter-intuitive. It pours a cloudy pale yellow offering a decent white head. The aroma is dominated by a spicy, pungent ginger accented by a light fruitiness and sharp malt sweetness. The flavour is similar, starting with a soft graininess blending with an earthy ginger spiciness. A bit of fruit plays in the background. The middle draws in some tartness and a fruity character. The finish has a sharp, spicy ginger along with a tart dryness. The body is light and refreshing. The ginger has a bigger presence than the cranberry, which lends a generic fruitiness and adds to the tartness of the beer. It may not seem, at first, to be a good fit for Christmas, but as I sip it I can see myself eating it with my holiday meal. The pungent ginger would accent the turkey in the same way dressing does, and the cranberry is a natural fit. Three beer, each offering a different interpretation on the holiday. All only around for a few weeks. A nice range for you to decide which will work best with your holiday traditions. Happy holidays! V
The Christmas Miracle! This Christmas, bring Mom more than a bag of laundry.
For more gift ideas, view our online guide at holesonline.com/giftguide
Text enjoy to 77777 for directions or visit enjoycentre.ca
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
101 Riel Drive, St. Albert
DISH 27
CO
NENTAL TRE I T N Fine Bistro
PROVENANCE
AT
BRYAN BIRTLES // BRYAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM
Six strange Christmas traditions to make Zwarte Piet more politically correct have led to some organizations claiming that his face is black because he's a chimney sweep but, even so, Canada's largest Sinterklaas celebration— held every year since 1985—was cancelled this year over complaints about Zwarte Piet.
A Taste of Europe
100 Specialty European Beers 10560-82 Avenue Edmonton 780.433.7432 • www.ctfinebistro.com
ROLLER DERBY TIÓ DE NADAL In Catalonia (an autonomous region in northwest Spain) the tradition of Tió de Nadal—Christmas Log—is as bizarre as it is widespread. Beginning on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, a little bit of "food" is placed every night into the log, which is then covered with a blanket so it doesn't get cold. The "food" is candies, nuts and dried figs. On Christmas Day, the Tió de Nadal—also known as Caga tió or "Shitting Log"—is placed into the fire and beat with sticks so that the previously placed objects are "shit" out while songs are sung that implore it to "shit well." To signal that it is finished, the log shits out a salt herring, head of garlic or an onion.
KENTUCKY FRIED CHRISTMAS In Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken has proven to be an extremely popular holiday meal. Most in-demand as a Christ-
mas Eve feast, the fried chicken purveyor—which first entered the Japanese market in the 1970s—sees its sales on December 23, 24 and 25 equal to half that of a normal month. It is so popular that long lines form outside of franchises and some restaurants take orders up to two months in advance.
CAGANER Nativity scenes are traditions for plenty of cultures during the Christmas holidays, but in Catalonia the tradition has taken a wacky turn. Since at least the 18th century, Catalan nativity scenes have included an extra figure nestled in amongst Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Three Wise Men: the Caganer, or "Shitter." Perched in the corner, the Caganer squats with his posterior over his heels and his pants around his ankles, fertilizing the ground with his turds. Traditionally, the Caganer was dressed in Catalan costume, but in recent years all manner of celebrity Caganers—from Santa Claus to the Queen of England, Spiderman to Barack Obama—have been created.
ZWARTE PIET In the Netherlands, St Nicholas (Sinterklaas) isn't accompanied by an elf or even any reindeer. Instead, he's accompanied by his slave, known as Zwarte Piet in Dutch—Black Peter in English. The character is almost always played by a Caucasian in black face and has come under criticism in recent years. Attempts
Now Including
Haweli
WE DELIVER! 780-756-6000 (delivery only)
w w w.newa si a nv i l l a ge.com
Buy One Entree and Get $10 Off Your Second Entree or 10% off of Daily Lunch or Dinner Buffet DINE IN ONLY, BRING IN COUPON FOR
10% OFF NEW ASIAN VILLAGE EXPRESS
ORIGINAL (SASK DRIVE) SHERWOOD PARK 10143 Saskatchewan Dr. 10A Main Bld (Broadmoor) 433.3804 / 434.8303 464.6662 SOUTH WEST NEW ASIAN VILLAGE EXPRESS 9308 34 ave 17507 100 ave Southgate Mall 463.9997 488.6666 / 488.0111 485.0092 DOWNTOWN ST. ALBERT NORTH LITTLE INDIA 10220 1030st 81 A Liberton Drive 320 Manning Crossing 9250 34 ave NW 421.8100 459.4808 473.7777 437.1118
NINE GREAT LOCATIONS
28 DISH
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Between December 16 and December 24, a special, early-morning mass is held all over Venezuela. While that might not seem so strange, residents of the capital city of Caracas get themselves to mass by roller skating—the city even closes many of its streets prior to 8 am so caraqueños can do so safely. In addition, during the time these roller skate masses are held, the children of Caracas each tie a string to their big toe and dangle the other end out the window before they go to bed. In the morning, skaters tug on every string they see, waking up children throughout the city.
WAIT, WHAT? Throughout much of North America, Christmas is celebrated by bringing an evergreen tree indoors and decorating it with electric lights, glass baubles and tinsel. Then, on December 24, families invite a rotund magician who lives in the North Pole to enter their houses through their chimneys, eat milk and cookies that have been left out for him, then leave presents for children who have behaved themselves throughout the year. This man—known as Santa Claus—travels throughout the world on a sled pulled by eight flying reindeer, and the gifts that he brings are created in his northern workshop by a team of magical elves. According to a popular folk song from the area, Santa Claus kissed your mother last night while your father was somewhere else. V
T:10.25”
alberta
.com
T:2.1”
PRESENTS Proudly supported by your Alberta
SNOW ZONE CAP11165.SNOW.101.4C.VUE.REV.indd
11-16-2011 4:04 PM
CALMCL-DMX7272
Cyan,
Magenta,
Yellow,
Black
Sandra Menge
SNOW ZONE // DRIVING
None
100%
SPEC ORIGINALLY GENERATED: Dal
Road warrior reboot 10.25” x 2.1”
dealers
CAP11165.SNOW.101.4C.REV Vue Weekly Insertion Date: Nov 17, 2011 General Motors APD11035
PAGE: 1
SAFETY: None TRIM: 10.25” x 2.1” Bleed: None
Gotham Rounded (Bold; OpenType), Trade Gothic LT Std (Bold; OpenType), Times (Regular; True Type)
Surviving winter driving in the mountains
W
e skiers like to imagine ourselves as road warriors. The mountains are our domain, those narrow, curving roads ascending beside rocky precipices are our stairways to heaven. Staring through two windshieldscraped moguls into dark Atari space, we egg each other on with that age-old skier motto: bad driving means good skiing. But then you get a commute like the one on the Yellowhead Highway on November 26. The skiing at Marmot Basin that Sunday was, to use a ski cliché, epic. But as snow fell on the mountains above, sheets of freezing rain were transforming the road home into a curling rink, says Curtis Hrdlicka, assistant manager at Backside Tours. "There were cars in the ditch the whole way down," he recalls. "The highway was all rippled with the effect of the freezing rain. So I stuck it in four-wheel drive and started a train of cars going 60 kilometres an hour." Hrdlicka made it through without incident, but not everyone did. Near Hinton, catastrophe struck: a charter bus carrying 23 hockey players lost control and ended up flipping onto its roof, sending all the passengers to hospital.
It's one thing for a car to spin out, but it's rare for a bus to lose control in such a fashion, as the weight differential makes it one of the most stable vehicles on the road, explains Terry McGinnis, a professional coach driver who regularly navigates the high mountain passes for Backside Tours. When a bus tips, you know conditions are bad. Part of the problem is that changing conditions often catch drivers unaware, suggests Don Szarko, Alberta Motor Association spokesperson. "On longer drives you might very well encounter three or four different climate zones and temperatures," he stresses, "from bare, dry roads to slippery, icy roads to snowcovered roads—especially if you're headed into the mountains." Skier or not, treacherous conditions are part of driving during a Western Canadian winter. Every individual has to examine their motivation on days when the conditions are horrendous—but remember the flip side of the equation: good, maybe even great skiing. So what to do? Stay home and never venture out, or take a risk on the roads in hopes of reaching powder glory? You're right, of course,
the question doesn't even bear asking, but even a hardened road warrior has to consider the precautions and measures necessary to ensure safe travel. Hinton incident aside, bus travel may be the safest way to get to the slopes. "Beyond the eco-friendliness and the social aspect of it, there's a safety aspect as well," Hrdlicka points out. Though he was driving a private vehicle on that scary Sunday a couple of weeks ago, more often than not he opts for the bus. "We have the best drivers in the world to drive us through the worst roads in the world. They're trained to drive on those roads. I get onto a bus and I automatically feel relaxed." No matter where you're going, a bus can be a good choice if the price and schedule suit your needs. But for many, driving is still the easiest alternative. It represents a certain liberation, freedom to go when and where you choose, roads and weather be damned. Wrapped up in the intoxication of a powder day, however, it can be easy to get carried away. Powder is like an invisible tether for skiers. The irresistible pull of the mountains draws you forward, your sights trained on your destination. A foot depresses the gas pedal, your brain ignores the obvious warnings and, before long, you are spinning into the ditch. Finding yourself buried in a snowdrift in the dark, with howling winds and freezing temperatures and no guarantee of swift rescue quickly obliterates that carefree feeling. "Most of the accidents we see are because somebody is following too closely, driving too fast and steps on the brakes," Szarko says. "You can't drive highway speeds when it's icy." On a typical winter day in Alberta, the Alberta Motor Association can average up to 1200 to 1400 calls for vehicle assistance, reports Szarko. Despite its best efforts, the high call volume may mean a multi-hour wait
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Production Contact Numbers: 403 261 7161 403 261 7152
for a tow during peak times. Complicating matters is the fact that approximately 24 percent of those calls are from people who have locked their keys in the car, Szarko says. "In extreme weather we only have so many trucks," he explains. "It's not that we don't want to come out and help you but if we do ... somebody else sitting in a ditch somewhere, perhaps a mother and child, has to wait an extra 40 to 80 minutes." Regardless of wait times, Szarko stresses, it's best to stay by the vehicle. Walking for help in harsh conditions risks frostbite or hypothermia, and chances are you won't reach help sooner. Keeping a fullycharged cell phone handy, travelling with more than half a tank of gas and carrying an emergency road kit with extra supplies are also recommended, Szarko suggests. For Hrdlicka, smart winter driving is about being responsible and considerate, and slowing down. "You
see someone passing at 120 km and then 15 or 20 kilometres down the road they're asking the person who was going 60 to pull them out." Whether you're driving from your house to the grocery store or over Roger's Pass, there is a certain inevitability to winter driving that must be faced with practicality, because it isn't going to change. Especially for skiers. "Powder is a craving we can't satisfy in Edmonton," Hrdlicka says. "Once you've had that taste you're willing to drive 14 hours to Revelstoke on bad roads just to get a taste of it." More important than being willing, though, is being ready for when it turns nasty, he says. "The world can turn on you in the flick of a switch and you need to respect that and take that into account." Maybe it's time to add a caveat to that old adage: bad driving equals good skiing, provided you get there safely. JEREMY DERKSEN
// JEREMY@VUEWEEKLY.COM
WINTER DRIVING WITH THE PROS Backside Tours' veteran driver Terry McGinnis and the Alberta Motor Association 's Don Szarko gave Vue Weekly some recommendations for winter driving preparedness and safety. Be prepared • Check road conditions immediately prior to departure (not the night before) • Keep a fully charged cell phone in the vehicle • Bring a spare car key • Fit certified winter tires • Have your night vision/acuity checked • Always carry an emergency road kit Drive smart • Slow down and use brakes sparingly • Leave a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front • Travel on the top half of your tank • Drive on the rumble strip to orient yourself if you're caught in a whiteout • If you have an accident, stay with the vehicle Road conditions reports ama.ab.ca/road-reports on Twitter @AMARoadReports For more on winter driving, check out Jeremy Derksen's blog, outdoorsinsider.ca
SNOW ZONE 29
SNOW ZONE // CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Exploring Calgary Seeing the city by ski power
With a healthy dusting of snow over Calgary, the simple pleasure of a cross-country ski trip is a great way to get out and explore the city's pathways and parks. Last weekend, Vue staffer Craig Janzen headed out with his girlfriend Chelsey to capture some of the wintery wonders in North Glenmore Park
Checking the map because we are lost.
Putting on really warm socks (we overdressed).
Stepping into ski's for the first time (it took a couple tries to figure out how they work).
It's much easier to ski when the trail is already made.
The first of a couple falls for Chelsey.
The sun setting over the Glenmore reservoir.
Cross-country skiing To check the current conditions and predicted opening dates for all cross-country trails in Edmonton, visit edmonton.ca and click the Attractions and Recreation tab.
30 SNOW ZONE
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 14, 2011
Capilano Park 109 Ave and 50 St Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
Snow Valley Ski Club 119 St off Whitemud Freeway Trails: Beginner-advanced Type: Classical, skate and night skiing
Gold Bar Park 109 Ave and 50 St Trails: Beginner-advanced Type: Classical, skate and night skiing
Terwillegar Park (no shelters) Rabbit Hill Road West Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
Goldstick Park 42 St and 101 Ave Trails: Advanced Type: Classical, skate and night skiing
Victoria Park 116 St and River Valley Road Trails: Beginner Type: Classical and skate
Kinsmen Park 91 Ave and 108 St Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical, skate and night skiing
William Hawrelak Park 9330 Groat Road Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
Riverside Golf Course (no washrooms or shelters) Rowland Road and 84 St Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
Argyll Park at Mill Creek (no shelters) 69 Ave and 88 St Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
Strathcona Science Provincial Park 17 St NW Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Skate
Twin Brooks Natural Area 119 St and 16 Ave (Twin Brooks Close) Trails: Beginner-intermediate Type: Classical and skate
ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA BUICK GMC DEALERS. Albertagmc.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. x/W/â&#x20AC; â&#x20AC; /+/*Offers apply to the purchase of a 2012 GMC Terrain SLE-1 FWD (R7A) and 2012 GMC Acadia SLE-1 FWD (R7C) equipped as described. Freight included ($1,495). License, insurance, registration, PPSA, administration fees and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offer available to retail customers in Canada between November 1, 2011 and January 16, 2012. See dealer for details. x$3,700 manufacturer to dealer delivery credit available on 2012 GMC Acadia SLE-1 FWD LS (tax exclusive) for retail customers only. Other cash credits available on most models. See your GM dealer for details. â&#x20AC; â&#x20AC; 3.75%/3.99% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Credit for 72 months on new or demonstrator 2012 GMC Terrain FWD/2012 GMC Acadia FWD. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 3.75%/3.99% APR, the monthly payment is $155.32/$156.41 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $1182.70/$1261.25, total obligation is $11,182.70/$11,261.25. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight ($1,495) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers only. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ÂĽ*To qualify for GMCLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cash For Clunkers incentive, you must: turn in a 2005 or older MY vehicle that is in running condition and has been registered and properly insured in your name, or under a small business name, for the last 3 months. GMCL will provide eligible consumers with an incentive to be used towards the purchase or lease of a new eligible 2011 or 2012 MY Buick/Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac vehicle delivered between October 1, 2011 and January 3, 2012. Incentive amount ranges from $500 to $3,000 (tax inclusive), depending on model purchased; incentive may not be combined with certain other offers. By participating in GMCLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cash For Clunkers program your vehicle will not be eligible for any trade-in value. See your participating GM dealer for additional program details. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate program in whole or in part at any time without notice. ÂĽâ&#x20AC; No purchase necessary. Contest open to Canadian residents with a valid driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest runs from November 1, 2011 to January 16, 2012. Credit Awards include applicable taxes and can only be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2011 or 2012 MY GM vehicle delivered from dealer stock, excluding Chevrolet Volt on or before January 16, 2012. 20 Vehicle Awards consist of either a 2012 GMC Terrain SLE2 FWD + 18â&#x20AC;? Machined Aluminum Wheels, Chrome Appearance Package and Rear Cargo Security Cover or a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT FWD + 18â&#x20AC;? Machined Aluminum Wheels. Factory order may be required for Vehicle Awards. Approximate retail value of each Vehicle Award is Equinox / Terrain [$32,775 MSRP / $32,480 MSRP] CDN, including freight. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. Correct answer to skill testing question required to claim an award. Some examples of odds are: to receive a $1,000 base award, 1 in 1; to receive a total award of $1,200, 1 in 30; to receive a total award of $10,000, 1 in 10,000; to receive a Vehicle Award, 1 in 20,000 (total awards and vehicle awards include the $1,000 base award). See your GM dealer, visit gm.ca or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE for full contest rules. WFuel consumption ratings based on Natural Resources Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. +The Best Buy seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC,used under licence. *â&#x20AC; Comparison based on the latest competitive data available. Excludes other GM brands. ** 2012 GMC Terrain FWD equipped with standard 2.4L ECOTEC I-4 engine fuel consumption based on GM Testing in accordance with Transport Canada testing methods. Competitive fuel consumption ratings based on Natural Resources Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Fuel Consumption Guide. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. ~ OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery) wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Subscription Service Agreement required. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.ca for OnStarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and details and system limitations. Additional information can be found in the OnStar Ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide.
T:10.25â&#x20AC;?
2012
$
$ PURCHASE PRICE
INCLUDES FREIGHT & PDI, PLUS:
28,795
$
198
$
238 *
AT
2012
34,995 PURCHASE PRICE
AT
"4, "#065 T:13.75â&#x20AC;?
WIN $4,000WIN $1,500WIN $3,000WIN $6,000WIN $3,500WIN $9,000WIN $2,500WIN $5,000
EVERYONEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A WINNER WITH
FEATURES
ÂŽ
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
1 OF 10 2012 TERRAIN OR
ÂĽâ&#x20AC;
$
WIN AN AWARD OF UP TO
PLAY TODAY AT YOUR GMC DEALER
10,000
OFF YOUR PURCHASE OR LEASE.
WIN $4,000WIN $1,500WIN $3,000WIN $6,000WIN $3,500WIN $9,000WIN $2,500WIN $5,000
TERRAIN
$1,000 CONNECT & WIN BASE AWARD ÂĽâ&#x20AC;
OR OWN IT FOR
3.75 %
PURCHASE FINANCINGâ&#x20AC; â&#x20AC;
BI-WEEKLY / 72 MONTHS $1,199 DOWN PAYMENT
46 MPG
â&#x20AC;˘ 182 hp 2.4L V6 Engine â&#x20AC;˘ Onstar with 6-month plan â&#x20AC;˘ 6 speed automatic transmission â&#x20AC;˘ StabilitrakÂŽ Electronic Stability Control â&#x20AC;˘ 17 inch aluminum wheels â&#x20AC;˘ 7â&#x20AC;? colour touch screen with XM radio, Bluetooth, USB display and rear vision camera ~
â&#x20AC;˘ 288 hp 3.6L V6 Engine â&#x20AC;˘ Onstar ÂŽ with 6-month plan â&#x20AC;˘ 6 speed automatic transmission â&#x20AC;˘ StabilitrakÂŽ Electronic Stability Control â&#x20AC;˘ 8 passenger seating â&#x20AC;˘ 18-inch wheels
~
61 50
albertagmc.com
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 14, 2011 HWY: 6.1L/100KM â&#x20AC;˘ 46MPG CITY: 9.2L/100KM â&#x20AC;˘ 31MPGďż˝
Terrain gets better highway fuel efficiency than CR-V, RAV4 or even Escape Hybrid.**
ACADIA
*
INCLUDES FREIGHT & PDI, PLUS:
$3,700 CASH CREDITS X & $1,000 CONNECT & WIN BASE AWARD ÂĽâ&#x20AC;
OR OWN IT FOR
3.99%
PURCHASE FINANCINGâ&#x20AC; â&#x20AC;
BI-WEEKLY / 72 MONTHS $1,999 DOWN PAYMENT
34 MPG
FEATURES
HWY: 8.4L/100KM â&#x20AC;˘ 34MPG CITY: 12.7L/100KM â&#x20AC;˘ 22MPGďż˝
Acadia has 30% more cargo capacity than Honda Pilot.*â&#x20AC;
3&$&*7&
HIGHEST POSSIBLE U.S. GOVERNMENT CRASH SAFETY RATINGâ&#x2014;&#x160;
8)&/ :06 3&$:$-& :063 e 03 0-%&3 7&)*$-&
SCAN HERE TO FIND YOURS
SNOW ZONE 31
SNOW ZONE // KIDS
Simple ski games for kids (and big kids) Master the basics and you'll soon be on the chairlift
K
ick-start the learning process and add these ski games to your repertoire to help your kids (and you) master some of the basics. Practise first on flat ground or a very gentle slope and then increase the incline once you're feeling comfortable. It is crucial to remain alert of other skiers and riders using the slopes. Get your kids to help you look uphill for hazards before entering a run and pick a wide, empty slope which your kids can ski easily when trying new games. Leaving your ski poles in a safe spot is recommended. These games should be played to complement or improve skills gained in a professionally instructed beginner-low intermediate ski lesson.
ing off with your free foot and gliding a little way on your ski. Remove the ski, switch feet and repeat. As confidence builds you can see how far you can glide, pick up the pace or have a relay race. Quick tip: The vast majority of skis do not have a left and right, so you can use the same ski on both feet.
Food for thought
tle and your weight leaning forward. Push the back of your skis out without lifting your feet and the tips should come together—but not touch— forming a V shape. This is known as a snowplow or pizza. Now slide your skis back to parallel; these are your french fries. A big pizza slice will slow you down and an even bigger one will stop you, while moving the skis closer to parallel—french fries—will cause you to pick up speed. Try varying the
ible from above and create a straightforward slalom course by placing ski poles or large snowballs on the snow in a well-spaced straight line. Have children ski through the slalom course making turns around each ski pole. On the next go round, have them ski the course the opposite way to last time. You can vary the difficulty by placing poles closer together or by patterning them in a zig-zag line down the slope, forcing your student to make wider turns. Quick tip: Use lightweight or soft items to create your slalom course so no injuries are causing by a wayward skier crashing into them.
Airplane turns
slope. While standing on flat ground, crouch down by bending your knees, hips and ankles, while your upper body remains upright. Do a little jump up into the air and see if you can lift the entire length of your skis off the snow an inch or two. Once you're comfortable, try this while traversing a gentle slope. Bunny hops are an excellent way to get comfortable with moving more on your skis and a good way to perfect the correct stance. If you're leaning too far forward or back, you won't be able to lift both the tips and tails of your ski when you jump. Quick tip: Once you've mastered bunny hops while traversing a slope, then try them while turning.
Ride the skateboard
Get a grip on sliding on snow with one ski on before you tackle two. While on flat ground, clip one ski on by pressing the toe into the front of the ski binding, lining up your foot and stomping down with the heel. You'll hear a click and a piece will pop up at the back of the ski once you're clipped in. With your weight on your free foot, try sliding the ski back and forth along the snow a few times. Then try push-
Figure 8s
Practise speed control and stopping using a snowplow or pizza. Start on flat ground with your skis hip width apart, your knees bent a lit-
MOUNTAINS OF
GOOD TIMES!
Bring in 2012
IN BEAUTIFUL JASPER NATIONAL PARK
GOURMET NEW YEAR PACKAGE FROM
$
339
FAMILY NEW YEAR PACKAGE FROM
PER PERSON*
$
size of the pizza slice until you're comfortable with speed control and stopping. Tell children you're feeling very hungry and only a giant slice of pizza will do, then a smaller slice, then add in some fries. Quick tip: Once kids start to master stopping and skiing slowly, continue the fun with a game of red light, green light. Skiers set off fast when you shout green light, ski slowly for a yellow light and stop for a red one.
Slalom
Use an easy slalom course to practise your turns. Find a wide area of slope easily vis-
304 PER PERSON*
Practise turning with the weight on your outside—or downhill—ski. Once you're starting to gain confidence with turning, zoom down the hill like an airplane to practise shifting your weight from one side to another—a key ingredient of a successful turn. While traversing a slope, hold your hands straight out from your sides like an airplane. As you approach a turn to the right, create a nice big snowplow to control your speed and bend down to touch your left knee as you turn, coming back to centre once you're facing across the slope again. On a turn to the left, bend down and touch your right knee. Quick tip: Children can get confused as to which knee to touch, so get them to follow behind you in a spaced out line and copy your actions.
Bunny hops
WWW.SAWRIDGEJASPER.COM
1-888-729-7343
Practise stance and balance using little bunny hops as you traverse a
*Priced per adult per two day package, based on double occupancy. Subject to availability, taxes apply. Visit our website for complete package details.
32 SNOW ZONE
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Performed in a snowplow or with parallel skis, figure 8s are a great way to practise teamwork, observation and turning. This game is best played with slightly older children, ages seven and up. Form pairs and spread each team well apart across the slope, keeping an eye on traffic from higher up the hill. Appoint a leader, who will ski slowly down, making nice round turns. The follower will ski a turn or two behind them and try to mirror the turns, forming a string of figure 8s in the snow. If your leader makes their first turn to the right the follower will turn to the left and then cross the leader's tracks in the centre. Before setting off, select a stopping point where the leader and follower will switch. Have your skiers examine their tracks in the snow to see how well they did. Quick tip: When playing figure 8s, try to match the speed of the two skiers or ask them to go slowly so that nobody is rushing to keep up. Kate Irwin
// kate@vueweekly.com
So GOOD even your
grandma would be JEALOUS open 6 am daily 4 Cedar Aveue 780-852-3233 www.bearspawbakery.com
2 NEW lifts for 2011-12 Paradise High Speed Quad & School House Triple Chair
Come get your snow on
50 Runs and 6 lifts Open -New Paradise High Speed Quad Chair NOW OPEN! Marmot Sales Centre Get lift tickets, lessons and rentals all in advance at the new Marmot Sales Centre located in downtown Jasper at 611 Patricia St. Rent from the Marmot Sales Centre and get FREE overnight storage. Equipment will be ready and waiting for you at the mountain!
skimarmot.com 1-866-952-3816 VueWeekDec1-2.indd 1
11/27/2011 9:27:23 AM
SKIING JUST GOT EASIER WITH OUR ROCKERED SKI TECHNOLOGY RENTAL SKIS
BearHillLodge.com
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 14, 2011
SNOW ZONE 33
FALLLINES
HART GOLBECK // HART@vueweekly.com
Great deals at local ski hills
Two of our local hills are offering up some great deals for the winter season if you want to get out and carve some turns with your friends without breaking the bank. On Tuesday
Snatch up some resort card savings
nights at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort you can purchase a lift ticket to ski or snowboard from 6 pm – 9 pm, slip into some rentals and eat supper for $6. That's a pretty good night for
under $10. If you're more into family skiing, then Thursday is your night at Rabbit Hill. A family of four can ski and ride from 5 pm – 9 pm for $79, including rentals. If you're more into snowbound weekends, then the resort's six-day Flexi Pass may be right for you. For $139 – $149 you can get out for six full days—a $50 – $70 savings compared to regular rates. The pass is also fully transferable and can be used for lift tickets or ski rentals. In town, Snow Valley Ski Club will once again offer its Food Bank Friday special. Bring a nonperishable food item and $5 along and your lift ticket is taken care of for the night. This special starts at 5 pm, so you can get in a full night of turns or some serious grind time in the terrain park.
Our local resorts aren't the only ones trying to attract first timers and seasoned snow sports veterans. Rocky Mountain Resorts has been tweaking its ski card specials for years
and once again it has created something a little bit special. If you head to the hills more than once a year, all you need to decide is which resort fits best for you, because these deals are a definite no brainer. The Sunshine Marmot card is $84.95 and can be used at either resort, with the first, fourth and seventh days on the slopes free. The card, which can be purchased at any Safeway or AMA office, also offers deals on regular lift tickets throughout the season. The Louise Plus Card costs a little more at $99, but can be used at four resorts: Lake Louise, Castle Mountain, Kicking Horse and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Buy online and collect when you arrive at the hill to access three free ski days, money off your regular lift pass and savings on other winter activities. Both ski card deals are only available to residents of Western Canada.
T:10.25”
EVERYONE’S A WINNER WITH
¥†
2012
OWN IT FOR
PLAY TODAY AT YOUR GMC DEALER
3.99%
PURCHASE FINANCING††
BI-WEEKLY / 72 MONTHS $1,999 DOWN PAYMENT
ALBERTA
.COM
ON NOW AT YOUR ALBERTA BUICK GMC DEALERS. Albertagmc.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. GMC is a brand of General Motors of Canada. ††3.99% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Credit for 72 months on new or demonstrator 2012 GMC Acadia FWD. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit maybe required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $10,000 at 3.99% APR, the monthly payment is $156.41 for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $1261.25, total obligation is $11,261.25. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight ($1,495) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and fees not included. Based on a purchase price of $34,995. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Offers apply to qualified retail customers only. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GMCL may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ¥† No purchase necessary. Contest open to Canadian residents with a valid driver’s license who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Contest runs from November 1, 2011 to January 16, 2012. Credit Awards include applicable taxes and can only be applied to the purchase or lease of a new 2011 or 2012 MY GM vehicle delivered from dealer stock, excluding Chevrolet Volt on or before January 16, 2012. 20 Vehicle Awards consist of either a 2012 GMC Terrain SLE2 FWD + 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels, Chrome Appearance Package and Rear Cargo Security Cover or a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT FWD + 18” Machined Aluminum Wheels. Factory order may be required for Vehicle Awards. Approximate retail value of each Vehicle Award is Equinox / Terrain [$32,775 MSRP / $32,480 MSRP] CDN, including freight. Not all awards have the same odds of winning. Correct answer to skill testing question required to claim an award. Some examples of odds are: to receive a $1,000 base award, 1 in 1; to receive a total award of $1,200, 1 in 30; to receive a total award of $10,000, 1 in 10,000; to receive a Vehicle Award, 1 in 20,000 (total awards and vehicle awards include the $1,000 base award). See your GM dealer, visit gm.ca or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE for full contest rules.
34 SNOW ZONE
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
CAP11175.SNOW.103.4C.VUE.indd
CAP11175.SNOW.103.4C
T:2.1”
ACADIA FWD
238
$
AT
SNOW ZONE // GONE TO THE DOGS
Going to the dogs T
he popularity of dog sledding in Canada is an easy concept to grasp: the excitement of exploring a tranquil Canadian wilderness blanketed in snow, the crisp whoosh of the sled's runners, the steady panting of the hard-working dog team and the age-old partnership between riders and man's best friend. In the Arctic regions of the world, sled dogs were one of the main methods of transportation for many thousand of years before the invention of motorized vehicles. Survival in remote areas like Northern Canada wouldn't even have been possible without this special relationship between man and dog. While the Inuit used dogs for transportation, hunting excursions and fishing trips, as communities and outposts sprang up in Northern Canada the dogs' role grew to include the delivery of mail, supplies, news and even medication. But in the modern day, the sled dog's role of pulling cargo has become secondary to another purpose: winter recreation. "It's pure freedom, that's the beauty of it," says Connie Arsenault, owner and founder of Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours in Canmore. "Dog sledding is a huge part of our Canadian history ... a very natural, environmentallyfriendly sport that connects you with the wilderness and nature." One of the advantages of the sport, she explains, is the relative ease with which you can get started. New riders are encouraged to take an active role in proceedings and to learn how to work with their team of dogs and try steering the sled. A few simple commands and a keen sense of balance can find you rushing through the snow with your own dog team within half an hour. The real magic comes from the
close working relationship between human and dog, Arsenault says. Unlike horse riding, where you try to control the horse with reins, dog sledding is about developing mutual trust, a true interdependent relationship between riders and dogs which ensures their cooperation. "I love the bond between you and the huskies," Arsenault enthuses. "It's a real unshakable bond of love and respect. Our guests get to experience that when they come out on a trip." And while the economic slump may be slowing the stream of international visitors sampling the sport, dog sledding is becoming a more popular activity for Canadians, explains Amanda Sinclair, owner of Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding in Valemount, B.C. "It's something a lot of Canadians haven't tried yet and it's definitely on a lot of bucket lists, we're gaining more and more regional visitors," she says. "Once people have come once they come back over and over again. It is truly a Canadian thing to do, right in your own backyard, and allows you to reconnect with nature." Suitable for all ages and physical ability levels, dog sled tours can last anything from a one-hour introductory trip to a multi-day trek in the backcountry. Along with guided adventures, many operators also offer team building trips, time to interact with the dogs and frosty, moonlit tours. "For me it's about getting away from ringing phones and modern living and being out there enjoying time to myself and the area in which we live," Sinclair adds. "I'd encourage everyone to try it."
// Joshua Estabrooks
Take some supercharged walkies with a sled dog team
This team from Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding enjoys a ride along Small River in the Robson Valley
In the local area, dog sled companies operate in and around Canmore, Fernie, Jasper, Lake Louise and Perryvale. KATE IRWIN
// KATE@VUEWEEKLY.COM
NOW 3 DAYS FREE There is still time to get your Crusin’ the Castle Card. This year get the 1st, 4th, & 7th day FREE & save $ 20 a day on FULL-DAY lift tickets during the 2011/12 season. Ask about the Direct to Lift upgrade! On sale to Dec 26th, 2011.
MORE INFO Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours: snowyowltours.com Cold Fire Creek Dogsledding: dogsleddinginjasper.com
Lake Louise will offer Cruisin’ the Castle Cardholders $20 discount on a full day lift ticket for the 2011/12 season.
Pacesetter
Available in Edmonton
Sundance
h t 0 1 C E D N E P O skicastle.ca
st value st terrain • be best snow • be
Start your alpine adventure Visit www.castlevacations.ca
Alberta’s Only Cat Skiing
powderstagecoach.ca VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
CMR_Crusin_VueBW_PRINTnew.indd 1
SNOW ZONE 35
11-12-05 2:47 PM
MUSIC
PREVUE // EAST COAST FOLK
Back to the studio
// Gregg Locke
Kim Stockwood brings her first album in five years to Edmonton
Kim Stockwood plays three shows in the Edmonton area this weekend
Kim Stockwood Thu, Dec 8 (7:30 pm) Shell Theatre, Fort Saskatchewan Fri, Dec 9 & Sat, Dec 10 (7:30 pm) Arden Theatre, St Albert
A
member of the Juno-nominated pop group Shaye until its 2009 break-up, Kim Stockwood's solo work was what brought her acclaim in the first place. Having released Back to the Water—her first solo album in five years, consisting largely of her favourite Newfoundland-penned songs— this past March, and with upcoming shows around the capital city, Stockwood took the time to talk about her latest endeavour. How long did it take to make Back to the Water from the initial songwriting through to the end of the recording? Kim Stockwood: Well I guess it took Vue Weekly:
36 MUSIC
10 years, and a lifetime in a way. I've always dreamed of doing it. The only original on Back to the Water was started about 10 years ago and only finished during the recording. VW: When you were writing the songs,
did you come at them in a particular way? Lyrics first? Music first? KS: I only wrote a handful of songs for the record. Only one original made it. Every song is different, some start with lyrics some with music.
was done off the floor and then other tracks added. VW: Were there any other songs written that were left off the album? KS: There was one original that was left off, I guess because it wasn't 100 percent finished. Sometimes songs are not ready to be recorded. But I know it will be some day.
foundland songs and there were so many! They all revealed themselves in some way, we tried a whole bunch and some just didn't sound right or just didn't work out. I knew I wanted this record to be the most acoustic record I've ever done. I'm very thankful it turned out the way it did! VW: You tapped Glen Tilley to produce
We had to do it in bits and pieces because I live in Toronto and I was pretty adamant that everything was done in St John's.
VW: What were the recording sessions
like for this album? Is this the kind of thing you recorded live off the floor or did you piece it together one track at a time? Why? KS: The recording was an incredible experience. It took us over seven months to finish. We had to do it in bits and pieces because I live in Toronto and I was pretty adamant that everything was done in St John's. A lot
VW: How did you decide which songs to include on the album? Did you have an idea of what you wanted Back to the Water to be when you started, or did the finished shape emerge as the writing and recording went along? KS: Choosing the songs for this record was the most difficult thing. I wanted to record my favourite New-
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
the album. What drew you to him and what did he bring to the process? KS: I'd known Glen Tilley through his work with CBC Radio for years. Always respected him and his work. My manager suggested him and I'm so glad she did. I trusted him completely with these songs. Recording songs that have been recorded a lot
over the years is a difficult task. I loved his vision. It would have been a far different record if he wasn't the producer. If you were to trace the musical map that led you to Back to the Water, what would it look like? KS: Wow, cool question. I guess in a lot of ways I have gone right back to the beginning. The first song I ever demoed was "The St John's Waltz" [and] it was the first song I recorded for this record. With every record I've made I knew I wanted to do something more and more acoustic/ voice based. With Shaye, my favourite songs were those that were a bit more traditional/roots based. I think one of the best things about getting older is that you know what you want to do. I'm so happy I got to make this record the way I did. VW:
Bryan Birtles
// bryan@vueweekly.com
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
MUSIC 37
PREVUE // MODERN ROCK
USS
end up next.' Being an independent musician in Canada, you have to find any sort of way to survive once you're inside your passion. Living in Toronto, it's like starting a band in Edmonton: starting in a metropolis and trying to pursue it, you can't really anticipate what the outcome's going to be, no matter how much you put into it or what your expectations are."
A radio hit helped USS find ubiquity
Fri, Dec 9 (7 pm) USS With Mass Choir, Dreamface Edmonton Event Centre, $23.50
T
hat Toronto's Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker is still outputting music is something of an anomaly, an unexpect-
ed remainder that seems most of all unexpected by its own members. Ashley Buchholz and Jason Parsons were starting to look in other directions after the release of 2007's Welding the C:/, the band's inaugural six-song EP and a first release that seemed just as ready to be a parting album.
"We did all we thought we could do," Parsons explains in a call from Toronto. "We said, 'OK, let's put on the breaks, let's recharge our batteries and reset and go back into the real world and see where everything takes us, and allow patience and let time run its course and see where we
It's worth noting that Parsons doesn't use the term "broke up" when discussing that time, but the pair did effectively walk away from the active band status: Parsons moved to Bonnyville, Alberta to work on the oilfields while Buchholz went travelling in America. Then they both got the call that Toronto radio station The Edge had put the EP's single, "Hollow Point Sniper Hyperbole," into heavy rotation. "We were both basically forced to come back and deal with what would now become the reality that was USS," Parsons notes. That reality's turned out to be a lasting one, now encompassing two further releases and a far more sustainable future in music for the duo. USS boosts its take on modern guitar rock with techno flourishes, turntable scratches and Buchholz's overflowing-stream-of-consciousness lyrics, aiming somewhere between dance-
FIRSTS, LASTS, FAVOURITES
floor groove and moshpit rock. After its first full-length, Questamation, Parsons and Buchholz paired with producer Thomas "Tawgs" Salter to assist on the follow up. Parsons notes he's helped rein in some of the band's more wall-of-sound tendencies. "We never really claimed to know what we were doing," Parsons offers about the band's previous releases, "A lot of it's kind of busy. "He helped us: we came out of a crazy world, creatively," he continues. "We were just sort of, 'Oh, we can do whatever we want.' Especially Ash; he really has no limits to what he wants to put out, whether it works or it doesn't work. That's what I greatly admire about him, and I've always loved about even his songwriting— the sorts of sounds that we had on our first two records. But then meeting Tawgs, ... we just [realized], 'OK, we need to focus on the songs and chip in where we've come from and then move on forward, because we've realized with his guidance ... we didn't have to be like the kid at the birthday party that screams and jumps around and busts all the toys, and just does what they want to do. We could actually just comfortably enter this new echelon for us as a band." Paul Blinov
// paul@vueweekly.com
bryan birtles // bryan@vueweekly.com
Don Berner Sextet Fri, Dec 9 (8 pm) Yardbird Suite, $16 – $20 The list of places that Don Berner has played is long and interesting. In addition to stages in America, Canada and Mexico, Berner has performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. This week he'll grace the Yardbird Suite's stage for an up close and personal show with his sextet.
First album
That's tricky—my folks started building a record collection for me by two to use with my Winnie the Pooh record player, so by six I had a pretty good library of Disney read-alongs, ABBA, Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong and Beethoven. I also had a bunch of cassettes and don't remember what the first one of those I bought was. The first vinyl I actually remember buying was Mike and the Mechanics [single] "All I Need is a Miracle." Not exactly deep listening but I was pretty happy with my purchase.
First concert
The first concert I remember seeing would've been Roger Whittaker or the ESO (I think I was 3?) or maybe both together—it gets a little blurry that young. Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny may have been there as well (now I'm sure I'm misremembering).
Blow as deep as you want to blow
made for a nice road trip. Last concert
That gets a little tricky too. The last live music I saw was the AB Trio at the Yardbird Suite this past Tuesday. That's a concert venue although I think that'd probably be considered a gig rather than a concert?
Favourite album
I have a copy of the Woody Herman Big Band live on Broadway on vinyl that features much-missed Edmonton resident trombonist Bob Stroup. I'm really enjoying that right now. Also, awesome screaming trumpets. If you don't play high, loud and fast I don't understand what appeals to you about playing trumpet.
Musical guilty pleasure Last album
I'm pretty sure the last album I bought (as opposed to single tracks on iTunes) was a Cannonball Adderley re-issue at Barnes and Noble in the States in August. Good stuff—
38 MUSIC
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
I'm the only musician I know who thinks that "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is the best written tune of all time. Melodically, harmonically and lyrically it's got everything you need in a tune. That or dancing to Scissor Sisters in my living room.
PREVUE // THREE ON THREE ON THREE
Paul Bellows Sat, Dec 10 (8 pm) With Ben Sures, Mike McDonald Haven Social Club, $10
T
here's something to be said for the versatility of the rock trio. A relatively simple set-up for live music, it doesn't afford much luxury of excess, but that to-the-point structure highlights its own raw edge: whatever tricks three musicians can trade between each other, that's what they've got to go with. There's no wall of sound to hide behind, no extra sonic crutch to bolster you. Now a trio of locals seem ready to prove good things come in threes: for the first time, wry storyteller Ben Sures, progenitor cowpunk Mike McDonald and folk rocker Paul Bellows are all together on the same bill, each backed by two others, looks to offer three varied takes on the three-cornered form. "It's at least big two and a medium," Bellows kids, of the Big Three title. "This is our first show together: I've done a show with Mike, I've done lots of shows with Ben, but I don't know if Ben and Mike have done a show together." Bellows notes that the three of them, though longtime friends— Bellows recalls that Sures and McDonald were two of the first people he met and played music with in Edmonton—all have varied spins on songwriting and form. "Ben sorta comes from the Tom Waits-y bluesy roots school, Mike is of course the inventor of Cowpunk, basically, in North America, and I sort of come from somewhere in-between the two—a little bit of the rock punk side and probably a lot more of the folk than someone like Mike," he says. "Three different
Paul Bellows blowing bubbles in the tub—this time with his nose!
takes to the approach of the trio." Bellows, a warm conversationalist, has been releasing albums for more than a decade. His fourth, Shipwreck Looking Out for a Beach was released earlier this year, as the follow-up to 2005's Tape Deck Classics. That sixyear gap in releases was broken by a Rawlco Radio grant that promised
him funding but gave him a deadline. At that point in time, Bellows had only a handful of songs finished. "I had to write the rest of the record and make the record in six months," he recalls. "Suddenly the pressure of time became my muse. But it was actually great, because I had these three or four songs—not all of them made it to the record—
but I had to write the entire rest of the record in a short period of time. So I locked myself away for a summer and did the entire record, which is the first time I've done that: usually it'll be, two years goes by, you write a song every month or two, and then you've got about a dozen, so you go make a record. But I'd stepped away from the studio for a
little bit. It was just really nice to have to sit down and think about it cohesively; it wasn't just song by song by song, it was the whole record at once, [the songs] all sort of relate. It was cool to have the opportunity to create something that had a theme."
want to continue to experiment with new sounds," adds Anderson.
is why we asked her to design the cover artwork. Originally Reuben and I were drawn to a piece with a train and one with a grain elevator, but when I saw her collage pieces, we all agreed it fit," says
Paul Blinov
// paul@vueweekly.com
PREVUE // SASSY WASHBOARDS? CHECK.
The Living Daylights Sat, Dec 10 (9 pm) With Nadine Kellman & Brian Gregg Chris Daly Brixx Bar & Grill, $10
For the album, that means a mix of covers and originals, the band's core
C
ollage, the title local folk band the Living Daylights has given its fulllength debut, seems a perfect summary of the band's piecemeal approach to making music. Originally a simpler, acoustic duo— co-founded by Kimberley MacGregor and Reuben Anderson—the band now bolsters its main sound with drums and saxophone, and continues to add in instruments and friends wherever it can fit them in. (Full disclosure: the saxophonist in question is Vue's distribution manager, Mike Garth.) In an email exchange with both MacGregor and Anderson, though, the two note that expanding their sound had been the plan
I'm not sure I feel we have a rigidly defined personal sound, even now. I really want to continue to experiment with new sounds.
A-ha! The Living Daylights
from the start. "Reuben and I had a clear picture from the beginning that we wanted to play a variety of music with a variety of musicians," explains MacGregor. "We loved
the idea of a collective, and wanted to play with different sounds and instrumentation." "I'm not sure I feel we have a rigidly defined personal sound, even now. I really
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
four seeing backing from banjos, ukuleles, fiddles, harmonicas and what MacGregor notes as a "a sassy washboard," (many of which are likely to join the band onstage at their release party). The eclectic mix of sounds is getting an like-minded treatment in its artwork. "The title is also inspired by Holly Raubenheimer's original artwork, which
MacGregor. "Collage is neutral in genre to the many pieces of art that make it up. Also, every step of making the record included friends of ours generously volunteering their talents and time and that became part of the collage. It frankly wouldn't exist any other way." Paul blinov
// Paul@vueweekly.com
MUSIC 39
NEWSOUNDS
Chris Cornell Songbook (Universal)
David Lynch Crazy Clown Time (PIAS) Full disclosure: I'm a pretty big fan of David Lynch the filmmaker. But that just makes it more painful to have to say Crazy Clown Time, Lynch the musician's first full release after a inexplicably dropping a couple of songs last year, offers mostly creeping mood and not much else. As pop music—which, at its heart, seems to be what its trying to be—it works intermittently, such as opener "Pinky's Dream," where guest vocals by
Karen O meet a propulsive sort of urgency in the echoing guitars and driving drums. Same with "Good Day Today," where lapping synths play against Lynch's vocoder vocals, blending together into something at once trancelike and unsettling. But mostly Crazy Clown Time just coasts on a somewhat-skewed vibe for its close to 80-minute runtime, a long chain of whispered or processed vocals, programmed drums, slowly quivering synths. The mood created by all those combinations conjures up a common Lynch image, of high-beams tracing across a highway at night, scanning the darkness but finding little to remember. Paul Blinov
// paul@vueweekly.com
40 MUSIC
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Chris Cornell has returned to more familiar ground after the oddball urban collaboration with Timbaland that was Scream. His new live record is drawn from the dates on a solo acoustic tour (along with a single new track to close the album), and the set is a mix of songs from solo albums, Soundgarden and Audioslave, with a couple of covers thrown into the mix. Cornell's always had a powerful voice that would seem perfect in the spotlight, but even when he's kept things understated, as on his first couple of solo albums, there's been a fair amount of instrumentation offering counterpoints to his voice. There's nothing to be embarrassed about on this album, but there's not much in the way of fireworks, either. Some of it is quite good—Soundgarden "Fell on Black Days" and the solo track "Can't Change Me" take on moodier vibes then their studio counterparts—but most of it just sounds like a singer strumming demos that would benefit from a little interaction with a band. Eden Munro // eden@vueweekly.com
Korn The Path of Totality (Roadrunner Records) One of the most strangely enduring of all the original numetal giants—remember, Korn has two Grammys to its name—has abandoned the genre and set its sights on dubstep. Except, if there's one thing The Path of Totality proves, it's that the new trimmings suit Korn no better or worse than nu-metal did. Which is
to say, for all the talk of genre-swap here, this still sounds like the same band it always has. You get your spooky melodies ("My Wall"), repetitive rhythms ("Kill Mercy Within") and Jonathan Davis's offkilter vocals (every song). Its appeal is in pretty much all the same ways that a more traditional Korn album would appeal, just with less angry guitar, and more angry distorted synth. You could argue the blueprints for this have existed since the band's beginning—is the breakdown in "Freak On A Leash" anything but a pre-dubstep dubstep drop, when you line it up in your mind?—but that just means it's doubtful Totality will alter your preexisting feelings on Korn in the slightest. The band has switched up the mechanics, but the output remains effectively the same— these freaks are still very much on the same leash. Also, the drops here suck. Paul Blinov // paul@vueweekly.com
Adam Cohen Like a Man (EMI) On Like a Man, Adam Cohen pays tribute to the influence of his father on his own artistic output. In a series of songs about love—calling them "love songs" would be a bit simplistic—he makes music the same way Leonard Cohen did on his first couple albums, before someone showed him what a synthesizer is: they are quiet, acoustic-guitar-driven works of great intelligence and depth. I was prepared to hate it—I had a whole joke ready to go about how Adam Cohen is "no Jakob Dylan"—but Like a Man is not only a compelling tribute to the "family business" that Adam Cohen finds himself in, it's also a record that stands on its own two feet. Bryan Birtles // bryan@vueweekly.com
LOONIE BIN Karen O, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross "Immigrant Song" Led Zeppelin's viking anthem gets the 21st century treatment by Reznor and Ross, the pairing behind the Oscar-winning The Social Network soundtrack and the upcoming American remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, where this particular tune is plucked from. A synthesized beat replaces John Bonham's drums and, given prominent placement in the mix, updates the original's relentless drive, while Karen O's yelps coast over angry guitars to give it a rough-to-the-core feel.
PAUL BLINOV // PAUL@VUEWEEKLY.COM
The Killers "Don't Shoot Me Santa" The Killers has been putting out a Christmas offering for a few years now, and the (RED) Christmas EP collects all of them. This particular cut, a strange "Santa don't kill me" spin on a holiday banter between the apparently not-so-jolly-old Saint Nick and a killer child is wacky without much payoff, banking mostly on a bland Killers chorus and Brandon Flowers' between-skit vocals to keep it afloat for four minutes.
Hawksley Workman "Claire Fontaine" Hawksley Workman's re-recorded Almost a Full Moon, a Christmas album he put out a decade ago, and age and a slower pace seems a better fit for these songs: a lot of the quirky youthful energy he was pumping into albums gets replaced with a stronger, slower take, that conjures up more emotion where only energy was before. "Claire Fontaine" is one of the best examples: what was once a bouncy piano ballad on the wackier side finds new gravity when it's stripped down to acoustic guitar and slowed a few paces.
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DEC 14, 2011
10442 whyte ave 439.127310442 whyte ave 439.1273
The Black keys
CD + LP
el camino
bblackbyrd lackbyrd M Y O O Z I K M
Y
O
O
Z
I
K
ww ww ww . b . bl la ac ck kbb yy r r dd .. cc aa SEE MAG: Jan 3, 1c x 2â&#x20AC;?/ 28 AG RB: BLACKBYRD MYOOZIK SALES:Samantha H S01367
MUSIC 41
WAR STORIES // MUSIC
Unearth
MUSIC WEEKLY
THAT'S AROMA Open stage hosted by Carrie Day and Kyler Schogen; alternate weeks; 7-9pm
DEADLINE: FRIDAY AT 3PM
WILD BILL’S–Red Deer TJ the DJ every Thu and Fri; 10pmclose
THU DEC 8
WILD WEST SALOON Jordan Doell
FAX YOUR FREE LISTINGS TO 780.426.2889 OR EMAIL LISTINGS@VUEWEEKLY.COM
ACCENT EUROPEAN LOUNGE Alex Vissia and Jenie Thai (singersongwriter/jazz); 9:30pm-11:30pm; no minors; no cover BLUES ON WHYTE Jason Elmore, Hoodoo Witch
// Jason Zucco Photography
CARROT CAFÉ Zoomers Thu afternoon open mic; 1-4pm
S
ince the late-'90s, Massachusetts metalcore band Unearth has been attempting to break down boundaries between metal and hardcore. One boundary the group had trouble breaking was the Canadian/US border on a previous tour of Western Canada. Vocalist Trevor Phipps gave Vue Weekly the band's war story ... "A few years ago we had a tour manager, who will remain nameless, that got along 'well' with a lady friend after a show in Western Canada. At bus call he escorted her off the bus quickly and we were on our way. Slo [bassist John 'Slo' Maggard] looked out the window as we were driving down the street and started laughing and said, 'Hey man, she must really like you because she is chasing the bus.' We all laughed and for some reason blindly thought she just liked our tour manager a lot. An hour or two later we get to the US/Canadian border to cross back into the US and our tour manager sees a woman's purse on the bus ... it belonged to his 'lady friend.' Instead of doing the honest thing and keeping it out for border patrol to see so he could explain, he decided to throw it in the bus trash barrel! As the band is going through immigration, two border patrol agents come in and ask
why there is a woman's purse in our garbage. We explain the situation, but the border patrol now wants proof of life before we cross the border as throwing away a 'friend's' purse, wallet and cell phone isn't normal behaviour. At this point the band is freaking out because now we are under suspicion of foul play. Nobody had any way to contact this person and we had to jump through hoops to find a number to someone who might know the
As the band is going through immigration, two border patrol agents come in and ask why there is a woman's purse in our garbage.
'missing' girl. About four hours later and many intense questions by the authorities, there is finally contact with the girl and we are set free. It is something we still laugh about to this day, but it wasn't funny being interrogated about a missing person at an international border for hours at that time. Lesson learned!" BRYAN BIRTLES
// BRYAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM
Classical LEGISLATURE St Albert Youth Musical Association 7-8pm; Praise the Lord Choir 8-9pm
OVERTIME– Downtown Thursdays at Eleven: Electronic Techno and Dub Step RENDEZVOUS Metal night every Thu SPORTSWORLD Roller Skating Disco: Thu Retro Nights; 7-10:30pm; sportsworld.ca TAPHOUSE–St Albert Eclectic mix every Thu with DJ Dusty Grooves UNION HALL 3 Four All Thursdays: rock, dance, retro, top 40 with DJ Johnny Infamous
DJs
DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every Thu at 9pm
180 DEGREES DJ every Thu BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Underdog: Underdog Sound Revue: garage, soul, blues with Stu Chel; Main Floor: Soul/reggae/punk/ funk/junk with DJ Jaime Del Norte; Wooftop Lounge: Various musical flavas including funk, indie dance/nu disco, breaks, drum and bass and house with DJ Gundam
FRI DEC 9
DV8 Acoustic Chaos Thursdays: bring your guitars, basses, drums, whatever and play some tunes
HAVEN SOCIAL CLUB Sweatshop Union with Pigeon Hole, Joe Gurba <robothuman@gmail. com> DJ Def3; 8pm; $12 (adv at Blackbyrd)/$15 (door) J R BAR AND GRILL Live Jam Thu; 9pm JEFFREY'S CAFÉ Painting With Ella (folk trio); $10 L.B.'S PUB Open jam with Kenny Skoreyko, Fred LaRose and Gordy Mathews (Shaved Posse) every Thu; 9pm1am LIT ITALIAN WINE BAR Diana Stable; 8pm; no cover MARYBETH'S COFFEE HOUSE– Beaumont Open mic every Thu; 7pm MCDOUGALL CHURCH Jay and Silent Bob Get Old; $54 at Blackbyrd NEW CITY LEGION Bingo is Back every Thu starting 9pm; followed by Behind The Red Door at 10:30pm; no minors; no cover NOLA CREOLE KITCHEN & MUSIC HOUSE Late Show: Every Thursday Night: Nick Martin, 10pm Early Show: Wipeout, 6-9pm NORTH GLENORA HALL Jam by Wild Rose Old Time Fiddlers every Thu PAWN SHOP Future Roots Schools Out Dubstep Massive: Featuring Warrior Music, Daphütur, Squalidsquad, Phatcat, Elliot Mars; $10 (adv) at Foosh RIC’S GRILL Peter Belec (jazz); most Thursdays; 7-10pm ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM THEATRE Terry McDade and The McDades; 8pm; tickets at TIX on the Square, Blackbyrd SECOND CUP– Varscona Live music every Thu night; 7-9pm
42 MUSIC
YARDBIRD SUITE Gateway Big Band; 7pm (door), 8pm (show)
ON THE ROCKS Salsaholic: every Thu; dance lessons at 8pm; salsa DJ to follow
WILD BILL’S–Red Deer TJ the DJ every Thu and Fri; 10pmclose
FESTIVAL PLACE A Wright Christmas: Michelle Wright; 7:30pm
The usual suspects
Mon, Dec 12 (8 pm) Starlite Room, $26
CHA ISLAND TEA CO Live on the Island: Rhea March hosts open mic and Songwriter's stage; starts with a jam session; 7pm
WUNDERBAR Joe Nolan, Spencer Jo and the Mandrill, Jon Irving; 8:30pm
with DJ Mike Tomas
BRIXX Radio Brixx with Tommy Grimes spinning Rock n Roll; 8pm (door); no cover CENTURY ROOM Lucky 7: Retro '80s with house DJ every Thu; 7pm-close CHROME LOUNGE 123 Ko every Thu THE COMMON So Necessary: Hip hop, classic hip hop, funk, soul, r&b, '80s, oldies and everything in between with Sonny Grimezz, Shortround, Twist every Thu CROWN PUB Breakdown @ the crown with This Side Up! hosted by Atomatik and Kalmplxx DJ DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every Thu; 9pm ELECTRIC RODEO– Spruce Grove DJ every Thu FILTHY MCNASTY’S Something Diffrent every Thursday with DJ Ryan Kill FLASH NIGHT CLUB Indust:real Assembly: Goth and Industrial Night with DJ Nanuck; no minors; 10pm (door); no cover FLUID LOUNGE Thirsty Thursdays: Electro breaks Cup; no cover all night FUNKY BUDDHA– Whyte Ave Requests every Thu with DJ Damian HALO Fo Sho: every Thu with Allout DJs DJ Degree, Junior Brown KAS BAR Urban House: every Thu with DJ Mark Stevens; 9pm LEVEL 2 LOUNGE Funk Bunker Thursdays LUCKY 13 Sin Thu
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
ARDEN THEATRE I Love Santa: Kim Stockwood; 8pm; $38; pre-show wine tasting 7pm ARTERY Last Chance Hollywood, Taking Juno, Attention to the Wounded; 8pm; $5 (adv at Blackbyrd)/$7 (door) BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ Marco Claveria Quartet; 8.30pm; $15 BLUES ON WHYTE Jason Elmore, Hoodoo Witch BRIXX BAR Early show: Van Funk and the Lebarons, Swear by the Moon; 7pm (door) CARROT Live music every Fri; all ages; 7pm; $5 (door) CASINO EDMONTON Sarah Beth Keeley CASINO YELLOWHEAD Doc Holiday COAST TO COAST Open stage every Fri; 9:30pm THE COMMON Neighbour; 9pm DV8 TAVERN Raygun Cowboys; 9pm
Whiskey Rose, guests; 8pm; $10 (adv at Blackbyrd)/$12 (door)
IRISH CLUB Jam session every Fri; 8pm; no cover JEFFREY'S CAFÉ Barbara Leah Meyer (jazz singer; $15 JEKYLL AND HYDE PUB SWAK Singers Christmas Concert: Faye, Colleen, Kamilla and Marleigh; an evening of 4-part harmony Christmas carols, solos and singalongs; 7:30pm; $10 L.B.'S PUB Dandy Little Orchestra; 9:30pm-2am LIZARD LOUNGE Rock 'n' roll open mic every Fri; 8:30pm; no cover NEW CITY The Greys, The Left Behinds, Vevlumeel, Zane Noble; no minors; 7pm (door); $8 NOLA CREOLE KITCHEN & MUSIC HOUSE Early Show: Wipeout, 6-9pm; Late show: Robert Walsh and the Fabs, 9:30-midnight ON THE ROCKS Love Junk PAWN SHOP Villainizer (CD release), Secret Rivals, E-town Beatdown, Bogue Brigade, Tarantuja; 8pm; $5 (adv) at Blackbyrd RED PIANO BAR Hottest dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Fri; 9pm-2am STARLITE ROOM KLUB OMFG; 9pm WILD BILL’S–Red Deer TJ the DJ every Thu and Fri; 10pmclose WILD WEST SALOON Jordan Doell WUNDERBAR Another Old Ugly Christmas Album Release Ft. The Joe, Mikey Maybe, Mitchmatic, Jessica Jalbert YARDBIRD SUITE Don Berner Sextet; 7:30pm (door), 8pm (show); $5
no cover
BUDDY’S DJ Arrow Chaser every Fri; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm BUFFALO UNDERGROUND R U Aware Friday: Featuring Neon Nights CHROME LOUNGE Platinum VIP every Fri THE COMMON Boom The Box: every Fri; nu disco, hip hop, indie, electro, dance with weekly local and visiting DJs on rotation plus residents Echo and Shortround THE DRUID IRISH PUB DJ every Fri; 9pm ELECTRIC RODEO– Spruce Grove DJ every Fri FILTHY MCNASTY'S Shake yo ass every Fri with DJ SAWG FLUID LOUNGE Hip hop and dancehall; every Fri FUNKY BUDDHA– Whyte Ave Top tracks, rock, retro with DJ Damian; every Fri GAS PUMP DJ Christian; every Fri; 9:30pm-2am JUNCTION BAR AND EATERY LGBT Community: Rotating DJs Fri and Sat; 10pm NEWCASTLE PUB House, dance mix every Fri with DJ Donovan OVERTIME– Downtown Fridays at Eleven: Rock hip hop, country, top forty, techno REDNEX–Morinville DJ Gravy from the Source 98.5 every Fri RED STAR Movin’ on Up: indie, rock, funk, soul, hip hop with DJ Gatto, DJ Mega Wattson; every Fri SOU Kawaii Zen Lounge FUZZION FRIDAY: WITH CREWSHTopher, Tyler M, guests; no cover SPORTSWORLD Roller Skating Disco Fri Nights; 7-10:30pm; sports-world.ca
EARLY STAGE SALOON –Stony Plain Jenny Thai with a cool jazz jump band; 8-9pm start; $5
Classical LEGISLATURE Junior High School Band 121pm; Axios Men's Choir 7-8pm
SUEDE LOUNGE Juicy DJ spins every Fri
EDDIE SHORTS Help send Breezy Brian Gregg to Memphis, guest Nadine Kellman; 9pm
STUDIO 27–FINE ARTS BLDG The U of A Guitar Ensemble; 8-9pm; admission by donation
TEMPLE Options with Greg Gory and Eddie Lunchpail; every Fri
EDMONTON EVENT CENTRE Jingle Bell Rock 2011: Featuring USS, Mass Choir, Dreamface; all ages; 7pm (door); $23.50 at unionevents.com, ticketmaster.ca EMPRESS BALLROOM Boodang presents Ghost Face Killah FESTIVAL PLACE Café Series: B3 Kings with Denzal Sinclaire; 7:30pm; $18 at Festival Place box office, TicketMaster FRESH START BISTRO live music every Fri; Marrisa Rae; 7-10pm; $10 GAS PUMP The Uptown Jammers (house band); every Fri; 5:30-9pm HAVEN SOCIAL CLUB Go for the Eyes,
DJs 180 DEGREES DJ every Fri AZUCAR PICANTE DJ Papi and DJ Latin Sensation every Fri BANK ULTRA LOUNGE Connected Fri: 91.7 The Bounce, Nestor Delano, Luke Morrison every Fri BAR-B-BAR DJ James; every Fri; no cover BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Every Friday DJs spin on the main floor, Underdog and the Wooftop BLACKSHEEP PUB Bash: DJ spinning retro to rock classics to current BONEYARD ALE HOUSE The Rock Mash-up: DJ NAK spins videos every Fri; 9pm;
SUITE 69 Every Fri Sat with DJ Randall-A
TREASURY In Style Fri: DJ Tyco and Ernest Ledi; no line no cover for ladies all night long UNION HALL Ladies Night every Fri VINYL SDANCE LOUNGE Connected Las Vegas Fridays Y AFTERHOURS Foundation Fridays
SAT DEC 10 ALBERTA BEACH HOTEL Open stage with Trace Jordan 1st and 3rd Sat; 7pm-12 ARDEN THEATRE I Love Santa: Kim Stockwood; 8pm; $38 ARTERY The Collective West hosts a Formal Christmas Ball: The Collective West, guests; 8:30pm; $10 (adv at Blackbyrd)/$15 (door)
Avenue Theatre Tanner Gordon and the Unfortunates (alt folk, CD wrap-up party); no minors; 8pm; $10 (door) BlackDog Freehouse Hair of the Dog: David Shepard (live acoustic music every Sat); 4-6pm; no cover Blues on Whyte Every Sat afternoon: Jam with Back Door Dan; Late show: Jason Elmore, Hoodoo Witch Blue Chair Café Highway 3 Roots Revue: Leeroy Stagger, John Wort Hannam, Dave McCann; 8.30pm; $20 Brixx Bar The Living Daylights (CD release), Nadine Kellman, Chris Daly; 8pm Bunker Sports Pub Open Jam every Sat afternoon; hosted by the Recollection Blues Band; 3pm; Audition at Sat jams for bookings in 2012 (blues, classic rock, country groups); 3-7pm CASINO EDMONTON Sarah Beth Keeley CASINO YELLOWHEAD Doc Holiday Coast to Coast Live bands every Sat; 9:30pm The Common Danksoul: HRDVSION! Live!; 9pm
Crown Pub Acoustic blues open stage with Marshall Lawrence, every Sat, 2-6pm; every Sat, 12-2am THE DISH NEK Trio (jazz); every Sat, 6pm DV8 Tavern PiNd reunion show, Prisoner Cinema, The Blame It's; 9pm Early Stage Saloon –Stony Plain Jenny Thai with a cool jazz jump band; 8-9pm start; $5 Eddie Shorts Saucy Wenches every Sat Edmonton Event Centre Doc Walker Expressionz Café Open stage for original songs, hosted by Karyn Sterling and Randall Walsh; 2-5pm; admission by donation Festival Place Songs of John: Mark Sterling plays the music of John Lennon; 7:30pm; $36 (table)/$34 (box)/$30 (theatre) at the Festival Place box office, TicketMaster Filthy McNasty's Joe Nolan, Justin Dery; 4pm; no cover Gas Pump Blues jam/ open stage every Sat 3:30-7pm Haven Social Club The Big Three: Ben Sures, Paul Bellows, Mike McDonald; 8pm; $10 (adv at Blackbyrd)/$12 (door)
afternoon roots jam with Pascal, Simon and Dan, 3:30-6:30pm; evening
Hooliganz Live music every Sat Iron Boar Pub Jazz in Wetaskiwin featuring jazz trios the 1st Sat each month; $10 Jekyll and Hyde Pub SWAK Singers Christmas Concert: Faye, Colleen, Kamilla and Marleigh; an evening of 4-part harmony Christmas carols, solos and singalongs; 7:30pm; $10 John Walter Museum Candlelight Christmas: The McDades; 7:30-9:30pm; $23/$14 (child 2-14) L.B.'s Pub Sat afternoon Jam with Gator and Friends, 5-9pm; Late show: Big Daddy and the Blues Hounds, 9:30pm-2am Level 2 lounge Selectro Saturdaze: Jacked Up Productions from Red Deer; 9:30pm new city Rock 4 Santa: Looking East, Gunshy, Silo, Jezibelle, Dual Side, Catalyst Imprint; no minors New West Hotel Country jam every Sat; 3-6pm
HillTop Pub Sat
NOLA Creole Kitchen & Music House Early Show: Wipeout, 6-9pm; Late show: Robert Walsh & The Fabs, 9:30-
Diesel Ultra Lounge
haven social club
midnight
ca
O’byrne’s Live band every Sat, 3-7pm; DJ every Sat, 9:30pm
Wunderbar Fire Next Time, Bitterweed Draw, White Beauty, Nebraska, Joe Vickers and Spencer Jo
On the Rocks Love Junk Pawn Shop Balcony TV 1 year Anniversary Party; 6pm Red Piano Bar Hottest dueling piano show featuring the Red Piano Players every Sat; 9pm-2am River Cree–The Venue George Canyon; $44.50 Sideliners Pub Sat open stage; 3-7pm Starlite Room Christmas is F*cking Awesome: Capital City Burlesque; 9pm; $15 (door) The Studio Music Foundation Colour In Conflict, Ocean tree, Mad Young Darlings, Fire For Effect, The Vertigos; all ages; 9pm (show); $10 (members and invited guests only, memberships available) West Side Pub West Side Pub Sat Afternoon: Dirty Jam: Tye Jones (host), all styles, 3-7pm Wild West Saloon Jordan Doell William Lutsky YMCA Saturday with Santa: Peter Puffin’s Whale Tales (family singalong concert); 1:30 and 2:30pm; free (YMCA member)/$10 (non-member); puffin.
Yardbird Suite Johanna Sillanpaa; 7:30pm (door), 8pm (show); $5
PREVUE PiND
Sat, Dec 10 / DV8 Tavern
Classical First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Choir Advent and Christmas Concert: First Presbyterian Choir, Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers, Robert de Frece (conductor); 4pm; $15 (adv)/$20 (door) Legislature Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra 7-8pm; Sturgeon Unity Singers 8-9pm McDougall United Church Wintersong: Kokopelli; 2pm and 7pm; tickets at TIX on the Square
Jake Ian takes a break from the alt-country of the Haymakers to reunite with his old pop-punk band for a couple of shows in Edmonton and Hinton.
RobertsonWesley United Church Heart Safari II: Sing-Along Concert (tea and silent auction) Robert Tegler Student Centre Winter Concert: Festival City Winds Music Society; 7:30pm Stanley A. Milner Library Carols for Christmas: The U of A Mixed Chorus
VENUE GUIDE 180 Degrees 10730-107
St, 780.414.0233
Accent European Lounge 8223-104 St,
780.431.0179
11845 Wayne Gretzky Drive, 780.704.CLUB Devaney’s Irish Pub 9013-88 Ave,
ARTery 9535 Jasper Ave Avenue Theatre 9030-
780.465.4834 THE DISH 12417 Stony Plain Rd, 780.488.6641
BANK ULTRA LOUNGE
Dow's Shell Theatre– Fort Saskatchewan 8700-
118 Ave, 780.477.2149 10765 Jasper Ave, 780.420.9098
BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE
10425-82 Ave, 780.439.1082
Blackjack's Roadhouse–Nisku 2110
Sparrow Drive, Nisku, 780.986.8522 Blacksheep Pub 11026 Jasper Ave, 780.420.0448 BLUE CHAIR CAFÉ 962476 Ave, 780.989.2861 Blue Pear Restaurant
10643-123 St, 780.482.7178
BLUES ON WHYTE
10329-82 Ave, 780.439.3981
Boneyard Ale House 9216-34 Ave,
780.437.2663
Bunker Sports Pub 615
Hermitage Rd Brixx Bar 10030102 St (downstairs), 780.428.1099 BUDDY’S 11725B Jasper Ave, 780.488.6636 Casino Edmonton
7055 Argylll Rd, 780.463.9467
Casino Yellowhead
12464-153 St, 780 424 9467 Century grill
3975 Calgary Tr NW, 780.431.0303 Cha Island Tea Co 10332-81 Ave,
780.757.2482
CHROME LOUNGE 132
Ave, Victoria Trail
Coast to Coast 5552
Calgary Tr, 780.439.8675
Common Lounge
10124-124 St Convocation Hall
Arts Bldg, U of A, 780.492.3611 Crown Pub 10709-109 St, 780.428.5618
84 St, Fort Saskatchewan, 780.992.6400 DRUID 11606 Jasper Ave, 780.454.9928 DUSTER’S PUB 6402-118 Ave, 780.474.5554 DV8 8307-99 St Early Stage Saloon
4911-52 Ave, Stony Plain Eddie Shorts 10713124 St, 780.453.3663 EDMONTON EVENTS
CENTRE WEM Phase III, 780.489.SHOW Electric Rodeo– Spruce Grove 121-1
Ave, Spruce Grove, 780.962.1411
Elephant and Castle–Whyte Ave 10314
Whyte Ave
Expressionz Café 9938-70 Ave,
780.437.3667 FIDDLER’S ROOST 8906-
99 St
FILTHY MCNASTY’S
15120A (basement), Stony Plain Rd, 780.756.6010 HillTop Pub 8220-106 Ave, 780.490.7359 Hogs Den Pub 9, 14220 Yellowhead Tr HOOLIGANZ 10704-124 St, 780.995.7110 Hydeaway 10209-100 Ave, 780.426.5381 Iron Boar Pub 491151st St, Wetaskiwin JAMMERS PUB 11948127 Ave, 780.451.8779 J AND R 4003-106 St, 780.436.4403 jeffrey’s café 9640 142 St, 780.451.8890 JEKYLL AND HYDE
10209-100 Ave, 780.426.5381
John Walter Museum
10661-91A Ave
junction bar and
eatery 10242-106 St, 780.756.5667 KAS BAR 10444-82 Ave, 780.433.6768 L.B.’s Pub 23 Akins Dr, St Albert, 780.460.9100 LEGENDS PUB 6104-172 St, 780.481.2786 LEVEL 2 LOUNGE 11607 Jasper Ave, 2nd Fl, 780.447.4495
10511-82 Ave, 780.916.1557
Lit Italian Wine Bar
First Baptist Church Edmonton 10031-109
Lizard Lounge 13160-
St, 780.422.2214
FLASH Night Club 10018-105 St,
780.996.1778
FLOW Lounge 11815
Wayne Gretzky Dr, 780.604.CLUB
First Presbyterian Church 10025-105 St Fluid Lounge 10888
Jasper Ave, 780.429.0700 FUNKY BUDDHA 1034182 Ave, 780.433.9676 GAS PUMP 10166-114 St, 780.488.4841 Good Earth Coffee House and Bakery
9942-108 St HALO 10538 Jasper Ave, 780.423.HALO
10132-104 St
ON THE ROCKS 11730 Jasper Ave, 780.482.4767 Orlando's 1 15163121 St Overtime–Downtown
10304-111 St, 780.465.6800 Overtime Whitemud Crossing, 4211-106 St, 780.485.1717 PAWN SHOP 1055182 Ave, Upstairs, 780.432.0814 Playback Pub 594 Hermitage Rd, 130 Ave, 40 St Pleasantview Community Hall
10860-57 Ave
Pourhouse Bier Bistro 10354 Whyte
Ave, pourhouseonwhyte. ca
REDNEX BAR–Morinville
10413-100 Ave, Morinville, 780.939.6955 Red Piano Bar 1638 Bourbon St, WEM, 8882170 St, 780.486.7722 RED STAR 10538 Jasper Ave, 780.428.0825 Rendezvous 10108149 St Ric’s Grill 24 Perron Street, St Albert, 780.460.6602 Robert Tegler Student Centre
Concordia University College Of Alberta
118 Ave
ROSEBOWL/ROUGE LOUNGE 10111-117 St,
Marybeth's Coffee House–Beaumont
Rose and Crown
5001-30 Ave, Beaumont, 780.929.2203 McDougall United Church 10025-101 St Newcastle PuB 6108-
90 Ave, 780.490.1999 New City Legion 8130 Gateway Boulevard (Red Door) Nisku Inn 1101-4 St NOLA Creole Kitchen & Music House 11802-
124 St, 780.451.1390, experiencenola.com
NORTH GLENORA HALL
13535-109A Ave O’BYRNE’S 10616-82 Ave, 780.414.6766
780.482.5253
10235-101 St R Pub 16753-100 St, 780.457.1266 Second Cup–Mountain Equipment 12336-102
Ave, 780.451.7574;
Stanley Milner Library
7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq; Varscona, Varscona Hotel, 106 St, Whyte Ave Second Cup–89 Ave
8906-149 St
Second Cup– Sherwood Park 4005
Cloverbar Rd, Sherwood Park, 780.988.1929 • Summerwood
Summerwood Centre, Sherwood Park,
780.988.1929 Sideliners Pub 11018-
127 St, 780.453.6006
Sou Kawaii Zen Lounge 12923-97 St,
780.758.5924
Sportsworld 13710-
104 St
Sportsman's Lounge
8170-50 St
Stanley A. Milner Library 7 Sir Winston
Churchill Square
STARLITE ROOM 10030-
102 St, 780.428.1099
STEEPS TEA LOUNGE– Whyte Ave 11116-82 Ave The Studio Music Foundation 10940-
166A St, 780.484.0099
Suede Lounge 11806
Jasper Ave, 780.482.0707 Suite 69 2 Fl, 8232 Gateway Blvd, 780.439.6969 Taphouse 9020 McKenney Ave, St Albert, 780.458.0860 Treasury 10004 Jasper Ave, 7870.990.1255, thetreasurey.ca Unitarian Church of Edmonton 10804-
119 St
Vinyl Dance Lounge
10740 Jasper Ave, 780.428.8655
Wild Bill’s–Red Deer
Quality Inn North Hill, 7150-50 Ave, Red Deer, 403.343.8800 WILD WEST SALOON
12912-50 St, 780.476.3388
William Lutsky YMCA
1975-111 St, 780.439. YMCA Winspear Centre 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square; 780.28.1414 WUNDERBAR 8120-101 St, 780.436.2286 Y AFTERHOURS 10028102 St, 780.994.3256, yafterhours.com
Yellowhead Brewery 10229-105 St,
780.423.3333
Yesterdays Pub 112,
205 Carnegie Dr, St Albert, 780.459.0295
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
MUSIC 43
Caroling Choir; all ages; 1pm; free
9pm (door); free (before 10pm)/$5 (after 10pm)
(acoustic jam): Willy James and Crawdad Cantera; 3-6:30pm
Winspear Salvation Army's Festival of Carols; 7pm; free
RED STAR Indie rock, hip hop, and electro every Sat with DJ Hot Philly and guests
NEW CITY LEGION DIY Sunday Afternoons: 4pm (door), 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm (bands)
DJs 180 Degrees Street VIBS: Reggae night every Sat AZUCAR PICANTE DJ Touch It, hosted by DJ Papi; every Sat Bank Ultra Lounge Sold Out Sat: with DJ Russell James, Mike Tomas; 8pm (door); no line, no cover for ladies before 11pm BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Saturday evenings feature DJs on three levels; Main Floor: The Menace Sessions: Alt rock/ Electro/Trash with Miss Mannered; Wooftop: Sound It Up!: classic hip-hop and reggae with DJ Sonny Grimezz Blacksheep Pub DJ every Sat Boneyard Ale House DJ Sinistra Saturdays: 9pm BUDDY'S Feel the rhythm every Sat with DJ Phon3 Hom3; 8pm (door); no cover before 10pm
Sou Kawaii Zen Lounge Your Famous Saturday with Crewshtopher, Tyler M SPORTSWORLD Roller Skating Disco every Sat; 1pm-4:30pm and 7-10:30pm Suede Lounge DJ Nic-E spins every Sat Suite 69 Every Fri Sat with DJ Randall-A TEMPLE Oh Snap! Oh Snap with Degree, Cobra Commander, Battery, Jake Roberts, Ten-O, Cool Beans, Hotspur Pop and P-Rex; every Sat Union Hall DJ Crunch Vinyl Dance Lounge Signature Saturdays Y AFTERHOURS Release Saturdays
Buffalo Underground Head Mashed In Saturday: Mashup Night
SUN DEC 11
Druid Irish Pub DJ every Sat; 9pm
Blackjack's Roadhouse–Nisku Open mic every Sun hosted by Tim Lovett
electric rodeo– Spruce Grove DJ every Sat FILTHY McNASTY'S Fire up the your night every Saturday with DJ SAWG Fluid Lounge Scene Saturday's Relaunch: Party; hip-hop, R&B and Dancehall with DJ Aiden Jamali FUNKY BUDDHA– Whyte Ave Top tracks, rock, retro every Sat with DJ Damian GAS PUMP DJ Christian every Sat HALO For Those Who Know: house every Sat with DJ Junior Brown, Luke Morrison, Nestor Delano, Ari Rhodes junction bar and eatery LGBT Community: Rotating DJs Fri and Sat; 10pm Newcastle Pub Top 40 requests every Sat with DJ Sheri New City Legion Polished Chrome: every Sat with DJs Blue Jay, The Gothfather, Dervish, Anonymouse; no minors; free (5-8pm)/$5 (ladies)/$8 (gents after 8pm) Overtime– Downtown Saturdays at Eleven: R'n'B, hip hop, reggae, Old School Palace Casino Show Lounge DJ every Sat PAWN SHOP Transmission Saturdays: Indie rock, new wave, classic punk with DJ Blue Jay and Eddie Lunchpail;
44 MUSIC
ROUGE LOUNGE Rouge Saturdays: global sound and Cosmopolitan Style Lounging with DJ Rezzo, DJ Mkhai
Beer Hunter–St Albert Open stage/ jam every Sun; 2-6pm
Blue Chair Café Sunday Brunch: Farley Scott's Jazz Passages trio; 10:30am-2:30pm; donations Blue Pear Restaurant Jazz on the Side Sun: Audrey Ochoa; 6pm; $25 if not dining Blues on Whyte Christmas Bow: Hot Cottage, The Raults, Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues, Pete Turland, Dave Babcock, Rotten Dan of Boogie Patrol, Always Often, 40 Below, The Blueshounds, Marshall Lawrence, Kyler Schogen Band, Graham Guest, Gray Cats Blues Band, hosted Tim Kaslo; 2pm-midnight; $15 at bar); food item for Food Bank; proceeds to Edmonton Food Bank DEVANEY’S IRISH PUB Celtic open stage every Sun with Keri-Lynne Zwicker; 5:30pm; no cover Double D's Open jam every Sun; 3-8pm Eddie Shorts Acoustic jam every Sun; 9pm FILTHY McNASTY'S Rock and Soul Sundays with DJ Sadeeq Hogs Den Pub Dirty Jam: hosted by Tye Jones; open jam every Sun, all styles welcome; 4-8pm
O’BYRNE’S Open mic every Sun; 9:30pm-1am On the Rocks Third Brach and Makeshift Innocence ORLANDO'S 2 PUB Open stage jam every Sun; 4pm Pourhouse Bier Bistro Singersongwriter open stage with Jay Gilday; every Sun, 9pm-close Second Cup– Mountain Equipment Co-op Live music every Sun; 2-4pm Wunderbar Wilder Than We, Dead Red Pine, Sai Yellowhead Brewery Open Stage: Every Sun, 8pm Classical First Baptist Church Edmonton Christmas Choral Concert: First Baptist Church Choir; 7:30pm; free Legislature Edmonton Sackbone Express 7-8pm; St George´s Ukrainian Church Choir 8-9pm McDougall United Church Chorale Saint-Jean, Les Chantamis; 3pm; fundraiser for Les Choralies Edmonton 2012; tickets at Librairie le Carrefour, Cité Francophone, 780.466.1066 SouthminsterSteinhauer United Church Edmonton Vocal Minority; 10am Winspear Centre Christmas Concert–A Ceremony Of Carols by Benjamin Britten: Cantilon Choirs; 2:30pm; $20 (adult)/$17 (child/ student) at TIX on the Square DJs BACKSTAGE TAP AND GRILL Industry Night: every Sun with Atomic Improv, Jameoki and DJ Tim BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Soul Sundays: A fantastic voyage through '60s and '70s funk, soul and R&B with DJ Zyppy. Dance parties have been known to erupt FLOW Lounge Stylus Sun SAVOY MARTINI LOUNGE Reggae on Whyte: RnR Sun with DJ IceMan; no minors; 9pm; no cover Sportsworld Roller Skating Disco Sun; 1-4:30pm; sports-world.ca
MON DEC 12
John Walter Museum Candlelight Christmas: The McDades; 7:309:30pm; $23/$14 (child 2-14)
BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Sleeman Mon: live music monthly; no cover
Newcastle Pub Sun Soul Service
Carrot Café
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
Blues on Whyte Funkafeelya
Nashville songwriters; 7pm
Jubilee Auditorium Paul Brandt, High Valley; 7:30pm (show); $32.50, $47.50, $79.50 at TicketMaster Devaney's Irish Pub Singer/ songwriter open stage every Mon; 8pm NOLA Creole Kitchen & Music House Early Show: Dave Babcock Trio, 6-9pm PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Acoustic instrumental old time fiddle jam every Mon; hosted by the Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Society; 7pm Rose Bowl/Rouge Lounge Acoustic open stage every Mon; 9pm Starlite Room Unearth, Chimeria, Skeleton Witch; 8pm; $26 at Blackbyrd, Brixx Wunderbar Delicatessen of Jokes and General Funnery Classical Convocation Hall Undergraduate Composers Concert featuring Contempo New Music Ensemble, Dr Andriy Talpash (conductor); 7-9pm; admission by donation First Presbyterian Church The Many Moods of Christmas: Greenwood Singers, the U of A Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers, Marnie Giesbrecht (organ), Helen Stuart (piano), Jeff Johnson (bass), Murray Smith (drums); 8pm; $20 (adult)/$18 (student/ senior) at TIX on the Square, door John Walter Museum Candlelight Christmas: The McDades; 7:309:30pm and 2-4pm; $23/$14 (child 2-14) Legislature York Elementary 1212:30pm; St Martin Children's Strings 12:30-1pm; Edmonton Endpins 7-8pm; Edmonton Concert Pops 8-9pm Unitarian Church of Edmonton Making Spirits Bright: Edmonton Vocal Minority, Chorealis, carol sing; 7pm; free DJs BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Blue Jay’s Messy Nest: mod, brit pop, new wave, British rock with DJ Blue Jay Crown Pub Minefield Mondays/ House/Breaks/Trance and more with host DJ Phoenix, 9pm FILTHY McNASTY'S Metal Mondays with DJ Tyson Lucky 13 Industry Night every Mon with DJ Chad Cook NEW CITY LEGION Madhouse Mon: Punk/ metal/etc with DJ Smart Alex
TUE DEC 13 Blues on Whyte Funkafeelya Brixx Bar Ruby Tuesdays: Enter Medic, Matchbreaker with Mark Feduk Druid Irish Pub Open stage every Tue; with Chris Wynters; 9pm L.B.'s Pub Tue Blues Jam with Ammar; 9pm-1am NOLA Creole Kitchen & Music House Early Show: Dave Babcock Trio, 6-9pm O’BYRNE’S Celtic jam every Tue; with Shannon Johnson and friends; 9:30pm Padmanadi Open stage every Tue; with Mark Davis; all ages; 7:30-10:30pm Rexall Place Prince; 8pm (show); all ages; 7pm (door); tickets: $45/$69.50/$115/$195 at TicketMaster R Pub Open stage jam every Tue; hosted by Gary and the Facemakers; 8pm Second Cup–124 Street Open mic every Tue; 8-10pm SEcond Cup– Stanley Milner Library Open mic every Tue; 7-9pm Second Cup– Summerwood Open stage/open mic every Tue; 7:30pm; no cover Wunderbar Dreamaura, Flint, Magik Spells Classical Legislature Suzuki Charter School Choir 12-12:30 p.m, Suzuki Charter School Choir 12:30-1 p.m; Gateway Chorus of the Sweet Adelines 7-8pm; Ritchie Trombone Choir 8-9pm Studio 27–Fine Arts Bldg Graduate Student Composers Concert featuring The Enterprise Quartet, Dr Andriy Talpash (conductor); 7-9pm; admission by donation DJs BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: alternative retro and not-so-retro, electronic and Euro with Eddie Lunchpail; Wooftop: One Too Many Tuesdays with Rootbeard Brixx Bar Troubadour Tue: hosted by Mark Feduk; 9pm; $8 Buddys DJ Arrow Chaser every CRown Pub Live hip hop and open mic with DJs Xaolin, Dirty Needlz, Frank Brown, and guests; no cover DV8 Creepy Tombsday: Psychobilly, Hallowe'en horrorpunk, deathrock with Abigail Asphixia and Mr Cadaver; every Tue NEW CITY LEGION High Anxiety Variety Society Bingo vs. karaoke with Ben Disaster, Anonymouse every Tue; no minors;
4pm-3am; no cover
RED STAR Experimental Indie Rock, Hip Hop, Electro with DJ Hot Philly; every Tue
WED DEC 14 The Bailey Theatre– Camrose Terry McDade and The McDades; 7:30pm; tickets at the Bailey box-office BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: Glitter Gulch: live music once a month
Castle–Whyte Ave Open mic every Wed (unless there's an Oilers game); no cover
Playback Pub Open Stage every Wed hosted by JTB; 9pm-1am
Fiddler's Roost Little Flower Open Stage every Wed with Brian Gregg; 8pm-12
PLEASANTVIEW COMMUNITY HALL Acoustic Bluegrass jam presented by the Northern Bluegrass Circle Music Society; Slow pitch for beginners on the 1st and 3rd Wed prior to regular jam every Wed, 6.30pm; $2 (member)/$4 (nonmember)
Good Earth Coffee House and Bakery Good Earth Coffee House and Bakery Breezy Brian Gregg; every Wed; 12-1pm HAVEN SOCIAL Club Open stage every Wed with Jonny Mac, 8:30pm, free
Blues on Whyte Funkafeelya
HOOLIGANZ Open stage every Wed with host Cody Nouta; 9pm
Cha Island Tea Co Whyte Noise Drum Circle: Join local drummers for a few hours of beats and fun; 6pm
Nisku Inn Troubadours and Tales: 1st Wed every month; with Tim Harwill, guests; 8-10pm
eddie shorts Acoustic jam every Wed, 9pm; no cover
NOLA Creole Kitchen & Music House Early Show: Dave Babcock Trio, 6-9pm
Elephant and
Red Piano Bar Wed Night Live: hosted by dueling piano players; 8pm-1am; $5 Second Cup–89 Ave Rick Mogg (country) Second Cup–Mountain Equipment Open mic every Wed; 8-10pm Wunderbar Jesse D and Jacqui B, Swear By The Moon, Lou Wreath
Classical Legislature Suzuki Charter School Choir 12-12:30pm; Suzuki Charter School Choir 12:30-1pm; Sound Opportunity 8-9pm DJs BANK ULTRA LOUNGE Rev'd Up Wed: with DJ Mike Tomas upstairs; 8pm BLACKDOG FREEHOUSE Main Floor: RetroActive Radio: Alternative '80s and '90s, post punk, new wave, garage, Brit, mod, rock and roll with LL Cool Joe; Wooftop: Soul/Breaks with Dr. Erick Brixx Bar Really Good... Eats and Beats: every Wed with DJ Degree and Friends BUDDY'S DJ Dust 'n' Time every Wed; 9pm (door); no cover The Common Treehouse Wednesdays
Diesel Ultra Lounge Wind-up Wed: R&B, hiphop, reggae, old skool, reggaeton with InVinceable, Touch It, weekly guest DJs
LIVE MUSIC
DEC 9 & 10, ALESHA & BRENDON DEC 12, SCOTT COOK DEC 16 & 17, LYLE HOBBS edmontonpubs.com
FILTHY McNASTY'S Pint Night Wednesdays with DJ SAWG FUNKY BUDDHA– Whyte Ave Latin and Salsa music every Tue; dance lessons 8-10pm LEGENDS PUB Hip hop/R&B with DJ Spincycle NEW CITY LEGION Wed Pints 4 Punks: with DJ Nick; no minors; 4pm-3am; no cover NIKKI DIAMONDS Punk and ‘80s metal every Wed RED STAR Guest DJs every Wed TEMPLE Wild Style Wed: Hip hop open mic hosted by Kaz and Orv; $5
DEVANEY’S IRISH PUB
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DAY OF THE WEEK? SATURDAY & SUNDAY, BREAKFAST UNTIL 4PM SUNDAY, CELTIC MUSIC MONDAY, SINGER SONG WRITER TUESDAY, WING NIGHT WEDNESDAY, OPEN STAGE, PIZZA w/ JUG NIGHT THURSDAY, CHEAP JUG NIGHT
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS CD RELEASE PARTY with
Nadine Kellman, Brian Gregg, & Chris Daly DECEMBER 10th at BRIXX BAR & GRILL 10030 – 102 Street
DOWNTOWN
Dec 8-10, LYLE HOBBS • Dec 13-17, DUANE ALLEN NEW HAPPY HOUR MENU • EDMONTONPUBS.COM
DOORS at 9:00 SHOW 9:30 $10 COVER
WEM
Dec 8-10, DERINA HARVEY • Dec 13-17, STAN GALLANT SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE • FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
A 12 SONG COLLECTION INCLUDES PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED TRACKS, THE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS OF EXISTING SONGS AND HER FINAL STUDIO SESSIONS
DEC 9 & 10
MARK McGarrigle
DEC 16 & 17
the salesmen
AMYWINEHOUSE.COM
In Sutton Place Hotel #195, 10235 101 Street, EDMONTONPUBS.COM
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
MUSIC 45
Ho Down
Ho Ho
SLIDESHOW Imaginary Cities Wed, Nov 30 / Starlite Room
Featuring
VUEWEEKLY.COM/SLIDESHOWS >> for more of Paul Blinov's photos
10:00pm No Cover!
$4.25
Steam Whistle pints
JONESIN'CROSSWORD
"Art Colony"—wear your work proudly
Across 1 Drum from India 6 In a bygone time 9 Lithuania, once: abbr. 12 Erotic diarist Nin 13 Camera output, slangily 14 Bridge material 16 Demand that Kissinger squeal like a pig? 18 What things could always be 19 Judged 20 Joint 21 Melville character 23 Learn about all things rosy-colored? 25 Lean and muscular 27 Put in one's piehole 28 Body part that may be "on the line" 29 Time Warner launch of 1996 30 Gross-looking delicacy 32 Where 16-across, 23-across, 46across and 55-across all got their work done 38 Finds work for 39 Hill of the Clarence Thomas scandal 41 Cash cow, so to speak 44 Holy folk, for short
46 MUSIC
MATT JONES // JONESINCROSSWORDS@vueweekly.com
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
45 Shellfish considered an aphrodisiac 46 Do the nasty with Jeter? 50 Flour measurements 51 Rapper's greeting 52 Japanese historical period that ended in 1868 54 Creed lead singer Scott ___ 55 Ice skating area that's totally green? 58 Conversational switch 59 Title for a Khan 60 Singer Cruz 61 Noise 62 Printer's measures 63 "I put a spell ___..." Down 1 Concept embodying yin and yang 2 Folk singer DiFranco 3 Biker's headwear: var. 4 Favor over other options 5 Tennis legend Arthur 6 It may cause snoring 7 Braces (for) 8 Acne-fighting brand 9 Bend down low 10 Novak Djokovic's country
11 Varnish ingredients 14 Said some bad words 15 Shallot relatives 17 One of many for "Mad Men" 20 Put off 21 Cameraman's certification, for short 22 Help breaking into a puzzle 24 "Save the ___" (breast cancer awareness phrase) 26 Ability to say clever things 30 One's homies 31 Mimic 33 Show up 34 Put (down) 35 Like duos Dharma & Greg or Mike & Molly 36 In a traditional way 37 Rung 40 "___ Poetica" 41 Deep hole 42 Played the horn 43 "The Karate Kid" guy who catches flies with chopsticks 44 Online call service 45 "All right, I get it already!" 47 "___ intended" 48 Sit on the throne 49 Krabappel and Ferber 53 Kitchen gadget and cookware company 55 Singer Corinne Bailey ___ 56 Mark Tatulli comic strip 57 Former "Survivor" contestant ___-Man Chan ©2011 Jonesin' Crosswords
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
CLASSIFIEDS
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ROB BREZSNY // FREEWILL@vueweekly.com
To place an ad Phone: 780.426.1996 / Fax: 780.426.2889 Email: classifieds@vueweekly.com 0515.
Notices
The Following Individual has recorded their Secured Party Creditor documents at the Washington State UCC Office, Joseph Albert Moyah
1600.
Volunteers Wanted
Are you looking for an opportunity to present your ideas to an audience of over 500 people? Edmonton's NextGen is currently accepting presentation submissions for Pecha Kucha Night 12, to be held on February 2, at Metro Cinema at the Garneau. For more information please visit www.edmontonnextgen.ca Deadline for submissions is December 16th 2011 Bells will be ringing November 17th - December 24th for the 2011 Christmas Kettle Campaign. We are looking for volunteers to come out and ring in Christmas to help us reach our goal of $450,000. We have 9000 volunteer hours to fill. If you have some time we would love to have you out Call 780-423-2111 ext 241 or email: edmonton_kettles@can.salvation army.org "How you found out about your parent's divorce?" Family therapist Vikki Stark is conducting a study of the impact in children of how they learned about their parent's divorce. If you are an adult who was a child/teen when your parents were divorced or are currently a child/teen of divorce - help kids in the future through your participation! Visit: SurveyMonkey.com/s/ChildDivorce to access the Study questionnaire online P.A.L.S. Project Adult Literacy Society needs volunteers to work with adult students in: Literacy, English As A Second Language and Math Literacy. For more information please contact (780)424-5514 or email palsvolunteers2003@yahoo.ca The Deep Freeze Byzantine Winter Festival is seeking volunteers for their annual festival (January 7 & 8, 2012). Become an ambassador for your community while sharing your talents,commitment and enthusiasm. A variety of positions are available, for more info please contact: deepfreezevolunteers@gmail.com
2001.
2190.
Writers
The Writers Guild Of Alberta (WGA) is gearing up for the 2012 Alberta Literary Awards. Writers form across Alberta are invited to check out and submit to this year's award categories. The deadline for submissions to the Alberta Literary Awards is December 31, 2011. For more info visit: www.writersguild.ab.ca
2200.
Massage Therapy
RELAX AND LET GO Therapeutic massage. Appointments only. Deena 780-999-7510
7205.
Psychics
Psychic Readings with Jason D. Kilsch Tarot, Psychic, Intuitive Medium $30/half-hour or $60/hour Reiki sessions Stress Reduction ($30/hr) Leave msg 780-292-4489
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING YOUR INTUITION? Intuition by Design is hosting an introductory class on December 17th from 5pm until 8:30 pm. Please call 780-264-4477 for registration/information. (Investment $49.00)
8310.
Carpentry/Handyman
Professional carpenter - doors, railings, custom work, displays, framing, renovations, kick ass drummer iamjayder2@live.com
METROPOLIS Volunteers needed! For our heated pavilions on Churchill Square we are looking for volunteers indoors on Friday nights and weekends throughout the festival for the Children’s Pavilion, our Volunteer Room and to serve in crowd control.
Help us launch METROPOLIS Edmonton International Winter festival. Events Edmonton, producers of ‘A Taste of Edmonton’, is launching a one-of-a-kind winter festival. This is your chance to be a part of something historic in downtown Edmonton! Starting New Year’s Eve and running through Family day, February 20, 2012, four pavilions will fill Sir Winston Churchill Square. These pavilions will be heated and will bring light and colour to downtown Edmonton in a unique winter experience. Tens of thousands of Edmontonians will take part! For Additional Information: Marion Clark, Volunteer Manager
phone: 780-423-2822 (ex.22) | mclark@eventsedmonton.ca
PsychicJason Readings D. Kilsch with
reiki teacher and practitioner
turning non-believers into believers Daily appointments at Mandolin Books (6419 - 112 Ave.) $30/half-hour - $60/hour • $30/hour for Reiki therapy Call (780) 479-4050 Or call Jason (780) 292-4489
Acting Classes
Artist to Artist
Expressionz Cafe Art Gallery Show your work with us! Call 780-437-3667 Sculptor's Association of Alberta presents: Snow Sculpting Workshop at Snow Valley Ski Hill on Dec 17th from 10 am - 5pm. Cost is $40 and includes a free SAA membership, $10 for current members. For more information contact: info@sculptorsassociation.ca
2010.
Musicians Available
Drummer looking to join an already formed metal or hard rock band. Double kick, 12 yrs exp, 8 yrs in Edm indie band, 7 albums, 250 live shows, good stage presence, dedicated, catch on quick, no kids, hard drug free. 780.916.2155
2020.
Musicians Wanted
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Researchers at the University of Oregon claim that in certain circumstances, they can make water flow uphill. I'm not qualified to evaluate their evidence, but I do know that in the coming week you will have the power to accomplish the metaphorical equivalent of what they say they did. Don't squander this magic on trivial matters. Use it to facilitate a transformation that's important to your long-term well-being.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): At Chow. com, food critic L Nightshade gathered "The 78 Most Annoying Words to Read in a Restaurant Review." Among the worst offenders: "meltingly tender," "yummilicious," "crazy delicious," "orgasmic," and "party in your mouth." I don't mind borrow-
Guitarists, bassists, vocalists, pianists and drummers needed for good paying teaching jobs. Please call 780-901-7677 Professional seasoned keyboard player or blues harp player required for gigging Blues group, lead and harmony vocals a must, bookings only on weekends around Edmonton. Contact Dan at 780-988-6247 for details and audition
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "Not to dream boldly may turn out to be irresponsible," said educator George Leonard. I certainly think that will be true for you in the coming months. You have a sacred duty not only to yourself, but also to the people you care about, to use your imagination more aggressively as you contemplate what might lie ahead for you. You simply cannot afford to remain safely ensconced within your comfort zone, shielded from the big ideas and tempting fantasies that have started calling and calling and calling to you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): "Dear Rob: Is there any way to access your horoscope archives going back to 1943? I'm writing a novel about World War II and need to see your astrological writings from back then. —Creative Cancerian." Dear Creative: To be honest, I wasn't writing horoscopes back in 1943, since I wasn't anywhere near being born yet. On the other hand, I give you permission to make stuff up for your novel and say I wrote it back in 1943. Most of you Cancerians have good imaginations about the past, and you're currently going through a phase when that talent is amplified. While you're tinkering with my history, have fun with yours, too. This is an excellent time for members of your tribe to breath new life and fresh spin into a whole slew of your own personal memories.
FILM AND TV ACTING Learn from the pros how to act in Film and TV Full Time Training 1-866-231-8232 www.vadastudios.com
2005.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): What's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in your life? To answer that question is your first assignment. It's OK if you can't decide. What's important is to keep visions of those amazements dancing in the back of your mind for the next few days. Play with them in your imagination. Regard them as beacons that will attract other ravishing marvels into your sphere. Your second assignment: Be alert for a new "most beautiful thing."
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
ing this predictable word-smithing to hint at your immediate future. What you experience may be more like a "party in your head" than a "party in your mouth," and "crazy delicious" may describe events and adventures rather than flavors, per se. But I think you're in for a yummilicious time. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In "Nan You're a Window Shopper," British recording artist Lily Allen sings, "The bottom feels so much better than the top." She means it ironically; the person she's describing in the song is neurotic and insecure. But in using that declaration as a theme for your horoscope this week I mean it sincerely. What you have imagined as being superior may turn out to be mediocre, illusory, or undesirable. Conversely, a state of affairs that you once considered to be low, beneath your notice, or not valuable could become rather interesting. And if you truly open your mind to the possibilities, it may even evolve into something that's quite useful. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Emily Rubin invited authors to write about a specific theme for a literary reading she organized in New York last September: stains. "What is your favorite stain?" she asked prospective participants, enticing them to imagine a stain as a good thing, or at least as an interesting twist. Included in her own list were chocolate, candle wax, lipstick, grass, mud, wine, and tomato sauce. What are yours, Libra? This would be an excellent time to sing the praises of your best-loved or most provocative blotches, and have fun stirring up some new ones. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mickey Mouse is a Scorpio, born November 18, 1928. Bugs Bunny is a Leo, coming into the world on July 27, 1940. In their long and storied careers, these two iconic cartoon heroes have made only one joint appearance. It was in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit. They got equal billing and spoke the same number of words. I'm predicting that a comparable event will soon take place in your world, Scorpio: a conjunction of two stars, a blend of two strong flavors, or a coming together of iconic elements that have never before mixed. Sounds like you're in for a splashy time. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Harvey Ball was a commercial artist who dreamed up the iconic image of the smiley face. He whipped it out in 10 minutes one day in 1963. Unfortunately, he didn't trademark or copyright his creation, and as a result made only $45 from it, even as it became an archetypal image CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 >>
BACK 47
ADULTCLASSIFIEDS To place an ad Phone: 780.426.1996 / Fax: 780.426.2889 / Email: classifieds@vueweekly.com 9420.
Adult Services
BELLA ESCORTS AND COMPANIONS "Edmonton's finest upscale & affordable companions"
9450.
PASSIONS SPA
Happy Hour Every Hour!
780 - 423 - 5528 (hiring) www.bellaescorts.ca
9160.
Adult Personals
Very feminine, attractive TV seeks sensual white man 40-60. 780-604-7440. Days - No Texts
9450.
Adult Massage
#1 ADULT MASSAGE MEN'S ENTERTAINMENT IT ALL STARTS AT 7 a.m. HIRING NOW! JOIN THE FUN FOR A GOOD TIME CALL!! 780-452-7440 ATM NORTHSIDE STUDIO 11910 - 127 AVE. ALYSON - Slim Fit Redhead Offers real therapeutic massage INCALL at TEMPTATIONS 15122 Stony Plain Road (780) 938-3644 text or call to book Must be 18+ Adult Entertainment Licence Number :66873614-001
Book your Adult Classified Ad Today Call Andy Cookson • 780.426.1996
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47
used millions of times all over the world. Keep his story in the back of your mind during the coming weeks. I have a feeling you will be coming up with some innovative moves and I would be sad if you didn't get proper credit and recognition for your work. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There are 501 possible solutions to your current dilemma. At least 10 of them would bring you a modicum of peace, a bit of relief, and a touch of satisfaction. Most of the rest wouldn't feel fantastic, but would at least allow you to mostly put the angst behind you and move on with your life. But only one of those
48 BACK
potential fixes can generate a purgative and purifying success that will extract the greatest possible learning from the situation and give you access to all of the motivational energy it has to offer. Be very choosy. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The quality of your consciousness is the source of the primary impact you make on other human beings. So here's my first question: How would you characterize the quality of your consciousness? The answer is complicated, of course. But there must be eight to 10 words that capture the essence of the vibes you beam out wherever you go. Now comes my second question: Are you satisfied with the way you contribute to life on earth with the quality of your consciousness? It's an excel-
Kassi 780-945-3384
Adult Massage
Crissy - Gorgeous blue-eyed California Barbie. Very busty, tanned and toned. Mae-Ling - Sweet and sexy, Chinese Geisha doll with a slender figure. Candy - Petite, busty, bilingual African princess. Claire -Tall,slim, sophisticated, playful brunette Faith Extremely busty flirtatious blonde, that will leave you wanting more. AhanaDelightful, petite, naturally busty, blue-eyed brunette specializing in fetishes Mercedes - Exotic, sexy, young Puerto Rican sweetheart, busty with green eyes. Angelika - 5'11" Busty Russian runway model Kasha - Girl next door, naturally busty, European cutie. Monica - Slim, busty, caramel, Latina beauty. Jewel - Playful, energetic brown-eyed brunette with curves in all the right places. Carly - Tall, busty, European cutie.
Bootylicious, slim build, long black hair and tempting curves! Will travel to hotels: Edmonton / Leduc / Nisku / Devon *Open Minded & Willing to Please*
9947 - 63 Ave, Argyll Plaza www.passionsspa.com
Lic. # 7313555-001
lent time to contemplate these primal matters. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Some martial artists unleash a sharp percussive shout as they strike a blow or make a dramatic move—a battle cry that helps channel their will into an explosive, concise expression of force. The Japanese term for this is kiai. A few women's tennis players invoke a similar sound as they smack the ball with their racquet. Maria Sharapova holds the record for loudest shriek at 105 decibels. The coming weeks would be an excellent time for you to call on your own version of kiai. As you raise your game to the next level, it would make perfect sense for you to get your entire body involved in exerting some powerful, highly-focused master strokes. V
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
780-414-6521 42987342
9450.
Adult Massage
Temptations Massage 15122 Stony Plain Road (780) 483-6955 Open 7am-11pm Everyday Early Bird Specials 7am-10am www.thenexttemptation.com Visit our website for photos Over 15 Girls To Choose From! Edmonton's Girl Next Door Studio! # 68956959-001
9640.
Fetishes
For all Bondage & Fetishes Call Desire - (780) 964 - 2725 MISTRESS MORGANNA (780) 454 - 1726
9300.
Adult Talk
Absolutely HOT chat! 18+ free to try. Local singles waiting. 780.669.2323 403.770.0990 ALL HOT SEXY BABES talk dirty on After Hours! Try it FREE! 18+ 780.665.0808 403.313.3330 MEET SOMEONE TONIGHT! Local Singles are calling GRAPEVINE. It’s the easy way for busy people to meet and it’s FREE to try! 18+ (780) 702-2223 The Best Selection of Real, Local Singles Try Free! Call 780-490-2257 Or 800-210-1010 www.livelinks.com
Amy
780-999-3244 A must see
COMMENT >> LGBTQ
Forgotten populations
Government fails to address HIV/AIDS in marginalized groups This year's World AIDS Day on Desexualized and raced populations. The nine percent of the total HIV infeccember 1 marks 30 years since Acgovernment's failure to provide leadtions, yet they represented only three quired Immunodeficiency Synership in addressing the disease repercent of Canada’s population (Public drome (AIDS) was diagnosed sulted in the death of tens of Health Agency of Canada). The Harper in 1981. thousands of people during government has failed to respond to The ways in which societthe 1980s and '90s. these realities. Federal funds for HIV/ m o ies respond to diseases reAIDS research, health services and .c ly ek vuewe alexa@ veal fundamental cultural, Over the past 30 years prevention have not been adjusted to Alexa social and moral values. The North American queer comdeal with the reality that HIV/AIDS is e n DeGag metaphors that surrounded munities have responded to on the rise among Aboriginal populathis emerging epidemic were fueled government neglect and social stigtions. While the federal government by the fact that the causes of AIDS ma by creating communities of care, claims it is committed to funding prowere closely related to human behaviour. As HIV/AIDS can be transmitted North American governments erred on the side of through sex, intravenous drug use and public fear, racism and homophobia. blood transfusions, people began to associate the disease with their fear of sex, social deviance and death. In the early 1980s scientists referred to AIDS patients as belonging to the educating each other about sexual grams that specifically address the "Four-H Club" which reflected the scisafety, and orchestrating radical and needs of Aboriginal people, there is entists' beliefs that AIDS only effecteffective political protests. These efvery little new money and as a result ed homosexuals, hemophiliacs, heroin forts are reflective of the great powseveral Aboriginal AIDS organizations addicts and Haitians. As a result of er, determination and will to survive have already had to shut down. this, homophobia and racism began that exists in our queer communities. North America's gay communities to define the disease. People began to Moreover, rates of infection have have been a stigmatized population believe that these groups, rather than fallen since our communities began whose health has been consciously iga virus, transmitted HIV/AIDS. This protecting and educating each other, nored by the government and society. ideologically laden understanding of and demanding government interWhile the disease may shift among AIDS transmission gave new meanvention. In the face of these decreaspopulations, we must keep caring for ing to sexual identities and new life ing rates of infection, a few people each other and pressuring our governto prejudices. A moral panic emerged in our communities wish to sever the ments to ensure the health of all peoin which people not only feared HIV/ tie between HIV/AIDS and homosexple regardless of sexuality or race. V AIDS but also feared the populations uality as they claim that gay commuof people that were thought to carry nities should no longer be defined by and transmit the disease. this disease. Historian Randy Shilts contends that But our community knows all too "The bitter truth was that AIDS did well that when particular raced or not just happen to America—it was sexualized populations are stigmaallowed to happen by an array of institized by society, it is easier for govtutions, all of which failed to perform ernments to turn a blind eye to their their appropriate tasks to safeguard suffering. According to a 2001 Health the public health." More specifically, Canada report, between 1996 and North American governments erred 1999 the total number of Aboriginal on the side of public fear, racism and people in Canada with HIV increased homophobia, and accordingly refused by 91 percent. By 2006, Aboriginal to protect the health of particular people accounted for approximately
EERN Q UN TO MO
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
BACK 49
COMMENT >> SEX
Swinging under the radar
There's a happily married flinging couple for every divorce I'm a happily married woman. I have a TPS could present—or become—a great sex life with my husband of many threat to the stability of your happy, years. He's helped me discover things GGG marriage. So could a complete I didn't know about myself sexually. stranger you met on the street or The problem: three years ago, my online, of course, but the emofirst love contacted me after tional stakes and potenE SAVAG 23 years. He was married at tial for complications are the time, although he didn't much, much higher with m ekly.co vuewe @ want to be, and told me TPS than they would be e v lo savage that he never stopped lovwith some other dude. Dan Savage ing me. We have been having So before you do TPS, sexy e-chats ever since. My loving, CW2D, you need to think brainGGG husband says that I can help my hard about these issues and discuss old flame out if I wish. What would them at length with your husband. you do in this situation? And if you decide to go ahead with it CHICK WITH 2 DICKS after hashing this shit out with your husband, CW2D, be clear with TPS What would I do? Besides thank my about what it is you want. If all you're lucky stars, kiss my loving, GGG husinterested in is a friendship, some band, and fuck the shit out of the affection and a little non-cyber sex other guy? for old time's sake—if leaving your A few things, CW2D. husband, or being poly, is out of the I would think hard—brainhard, not question—TPS needs to know that junkhard—about the potential powbefore you "help him out." derkegginess of the situation. Not (A note to everyone already comthe powderkegginess of the havingposing angry emails about the qualisex-with-someone-other-than-myfied "go for it" I gave to CW2D: yes, husband-with-my-husband's-consent yes, every couple you know who's situation, but the possible-shitstormever had a three-way or OK'd a that-could-ensue-after-fucking-thisfling wound up divorced. And that particular-someone-who-isn't-mymay be true—of the couples whose husband situation. three-ways and flings you know This Particular Someone says he's about. You know lots of couples still in love with you, CW2D. That's who've had three-ways and flings nice. Are you still in love with TPS? who aren't divorced, but you don't If not, what happens if fucking TPS know you know them. Most marreignites dormant feelings for TPS ried couples want to be perceived as that, oh, three years (!) of texting monogamous even—especially!— and sexting haven't? Even if you when they're not. So your friends don't feel any more strongly for TPS who aren't divorcing as the result of after fucking him, CW2D, what if a disastrous fling, affair, swinging exTPS decides that you really are the perience, three-way, etc, aren't going one-and-only love of his life and that to tell you about all the successful he absolutely, positively has to have flings, affairs, etc, they've enjoyed.) you all to himself? TPS isn't some rando, as the kids say. I am 22, standing in a bookstore You two share a history, CW2D, and on Castro Street—this is many
LOVE
years ago, just after I dropped out of Bible college and hitchhiked to San Francisco—looking at a gay BDSM magazine for the first time in my life, trying to hide my erection, reading a story about a Master who makes his naked slave carry to his Master's friends a six-pack of beer that's hanging from a rope that's tied to his nuts. To my horror, I shoot a load in my pants without touching myself.
Power, as a gross old man once observed, is the ultimate aphrodisiac.
My problem: a bit older now, I'm still very much that boy in the bookstore. The things that turn me on are what my own mind—still brainwashed by Southern Baptists—deems "bad." I tell myself it's OK to embrace my "kinks." I tell myself to stop analyzing why I'm turned on by forced-exhibitionisticsex-slave fantasies and just accept them. The problem is that I perceive my fantasies as reactionary: they exist by definition in reaction to my upbringing. What is my hard-on but a big "fuck you" to the preachers, prudes and family members who made me miserable? What would turn me on if I could get free of the whole fucked-up system? Am I asking questions that shouldn't be asked? Should I just enjoy the fact that I'm turned on by humiliation and seek safe and sane situations to act out my fantasies? HAVING A ROUGH DAY
There are people who do not share your craycrayfundy/biblestudy life experiences, HARD, who are nevertheless turned on by the exact
meet real women tonight try for
free
780.490.2257 www.livelinks.com
50 BACK
same things you are. Human beings are primates, our cultures and societies involve all sorts of overt and covert power dynamics, and almost all humans wind up eroticizing those power dynamics to greater or lesser extents. Some of us eroticize them in subtle ways (pleasure taken in "servicing" a partner, a desire to be held down, a mild foot fetish), others more baroquely (elaborate D/s scenarios complete
More Local Numbers: 1.800.210.1010 • 18+
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
with props, costumes and clearly defined roles), but power, as a gross old man once observed, is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Even if we could determine that your kinks were shaped by your upbringing, HARD, the shit that turns you on is still going to turn you on. And if your kinks are a "fuck you" to the preachers, prudes and family members who made you miserable—that's a "fuck you" they earned. Let them have it. (I mean it: take pictures. Mail 'em to that preacher.) And remember: there are people out there having vanilla, hetero, missionary intercourse in unhealthy, abusive relationships, HARD. You can explore your sexuality in healthy or unhealthy ways, just like vanilla breeders can explore their sexualities in healthy or unhealthy ways, but you can't escape who you are and what turns you on. So stop beating yourself up, HARD, and go find a nice, kinky guy who takes that responsibility off your hands. (Here's some great advice for gay guys just beginning to explore BDSM: tinyurl.com/bensten.)
Reading your column made me a supporter of the LGBT community. I got your back in formal political debates and drunken bar discussions. The LGBT community deserves equal rights, just like any other group of citizens. Period. However, I must protest Kate Bornstein's comments in a recent column. She said that sex-positive heterosexuals who support the LBGT community—guys like me and FRAUD—are not "straight" men, but "queer heterosexual" men. Sometimes it's hard for me to get people who are not gay to support LGBT equality because they're afraid that someone will call their straightness into question. Don't make it harder. LIBERAL AND STRAIGHT
Being a big ol' queer myself, LAS, I viewed Kate's suggestion as a compliment. But your point is well taken, everyone gets to choose his or her own label, and you're straight in my book. DID YOU MAKE AN "IT GETS BETTER" VIDEO? If you identify as LGBT, you're 18 years of age or older, and you made or appeared in an "It Gets Better" video, science—science!—wants to hear from you about your perspectives and experiences. If you have 15 – 20 minutes to spare, please take this survey: z.umn.edu/itgetsbetter. ARE YOU MARRIED? Have you had successful flings, affairs, swinging experiences and three-ways that your friends and family members will never know about? Send me an email, share your story, and I'll publish it in an upcoming column. V Find the Savage Lovecast (my weekly podcast) every Tuesday at thestranger.com/savage.
BOB THE ANGRY FLOWER
backwords
chelsea boos // chelsea@vueweekly.com
// Kirsta Franke
Gateway to the North
Edmonton is the northernmost city in North America with a metropolitan population over one million, making it a fitting place to stage an international discussion of how the Canadian North inspires us to find new concepts for urban living. The Luxury of the North project is a collaboration between the Amsterdam-based design company Droog Lab and local designer Tim Antoniuk from the University of Alberta. The results of 12 days of study on survival in the Canadian Arctic, speaking with government officials and locals of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, as well as interacting with wildlife and the changing surroundings of the North, are being presented this Thursday, December 8, at the Telus Centre. It’s co-presented by M.A.D.E. in Edmonton and will feature guest speakers Agata Jaworska of Droog, Pirjo Haikola of The Why Factory, and Christien Meinderts-
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011
ma. It will be followed by a panel discussion with Tim Antoniuk as well as some warming spirits. The evening of lecture and debate will address the ideas of the Canadian North being “simultaneously characterized by scarcity and abundance. Its extreme qualities—extreme coldness, remoteness, lightness, darkness, feasts and famines—shape people’s living practices and ways of using resources.” Renny Ramakers, co-founder and director of Droog and initiator of the project says, “The Canadian North is known to be harsh. We wanted to see how its extreme qualities might influence new city concepts and urban luxuries elsewhere. V Chelsea Boos is a multidisciplinary visual artist and flâneur. Back words is a discussion of her dérives and a photographic diary of the local visual culture.
BACK 51
52 BACK
VUEWEEKLY DEC 8 – DEC 14, 2011