OVER 60,000 CO PIES CIRCULATED EVERY

Transcription

OVER 60,000 CO PIES CIRCULATED EVERY
westernfairdistrict.com
Get tickets online,
at the District or
*Advance online sales available till Thursday Sept. 10 @ 11:55pm
#WesternFair2015
@WesternFair
FREE
AUG 27 - SEP 23, 2015
EDITION 742
OVER 60,000 COPIES CIRCULATED EVERY ISSUE!
®
t h i s i s s u e
SOCIAL LIFE
4
Features>
• Class in session: Back to School 2015
• The west is the best: Western Fair returns
to London
` Three Days ` FOUR Outdoor Stages ` 52 Artists `
Social Digest
Social Life Listings
N E WS 7
Features >
• Ride on: London Pulse Spin Studio’s
Big Bike Giveaway
• Setting the stage for the 2015 federal election
Local & Provincial Digest
City Hall: Public and Political Input Meetings
Local Crime Report
National & International Digest
P O P C U LT U R E 11
Features >
• Back to the books
• TURF’s got talent
• Riot Fest ready to rock TO
• Grinning Gator: London’s Coolest
Nightspot
• Fifty years of blues & boogie
London’s Indie Pop Beat
Scene&Heard
Listings >
Concerts /Limited Engagements
• House Bands / DJ’s / Karaoke
lord huron 7 lucinda williams
desaparecidos 7 shakey graves
st. paul and the broken bones
built to spill 7 punch brothers
the strumbellas 7 ron sexsmith
will butler 7 fishbone
single day
tickets
$
89.50
single day
VIP tickets
$
139.50
3 Day
Pass
$
189.50
3 Day
VIP FOS
Pass
$
289.50
PH YS I C A L R E V I E WS 19
• Pop CDs
• Classical CDs
• Books
• Movie DVDs & Blu-rays
T H E CL A SS I F I E DS 2 2
PE R S O N A L L I F E 2 3
Advice Goddess by Amy Alkon
3 Day
VIP pluS
Pass
$
389.50
TICKETS On Sale at ticketfly.com rotate this soundscapes
Earlybird ends WED JULY 29 @ Midnight ` Plus service and facility fees
Full lineup and schedule at www.torontourbanrootsfest.com
2
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
T H E A RT S 2 4
Features>
• Fall into the Arts
• LYTE fall & winter programs at the Palace
Theatre
• Calling all tenors, altos, and conductors:
London Pro Musica wants you!
Art Beat
London’s Indie Art
Listings > Visual Arts • Performing Arts •
Literary • Museums
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
featuring
THE TEA PARTY
Natural Factors
and
Webber Naturals
SUPERIOR PRODUCTS
Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(519) 672-3340
www.turnerdrugstore.com
E-mail: turner@turnerdrugs.com
52 Grand Avenue at Carfrae Crescent
Western Homecoming presents
2CD DELUXE EDITION includes the original album re-mastered
+ 2nd disc of demos, live & previously un-released studio tracks!
2LP 180 Gram vinyl includes the original album remastered
September 08 at the London Music Hall
for tickets & info visit www.teaparty.com
Saturday, September 26, 2015
UC Hill, Western University Campus
NEW to Western Homecoming 2015! #HOCOonthehill a full-day concert experience on Western’s campus.
EVENING CONCERT - GATES AT 6 P.M.
Ticket prices*:
Students - $35
Alumni and friends - $45
*
Prices are subject to per ticket fees and taxes
Our Lady Peace, one of the most successful bands in
Canada, headlines an all-Canadian lineup of chart-topping
artists featuring Sloan and Coleman Hell.
More information and tickets are available at:
HOCOonthehill.ca
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
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201 5
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
3
BACK
social life
FEATURE
TO SCHOOL
CLASS IN SESSION:
BACK TO SCHOOL 2015
B
roadly speaking, we all know
what Back to School means.
But on an individual level,
the phrase implies different things
for different people – especially in
London, which is home to two large
post-secondary learning institutions.
Whether you’re among the thousands of undergraduates attending
Western University or Fanshawe College - living away from home for the
first time - or the entrepreneur relying
on the patronage students provide to
your local business, Back to School is
one time of the year that can be genuinely life-changing.
For kids and teens, however, Back
to School is often more about reconnecting with friends, in addition to
acquiring some new clothes, stationary and/or tech.
According to present style arbiters,
retro chic fashion from the ‘70s to the
‘90s is enjoying a revival for Back to
School 2015.
There’s plenty of denim and suede
in this year’s wardrobe, as well as
knee-high boots, flannel shirts, flared
jeans and overalls. Circle skirts and
sporty chic are also au current, with
the hot accessories for the season being choker and statement necklaces.
School supplies are already on store
shelves and purchasers have more
product choices this year than ever.
Top of the list in 2015 are eco-friendly
supplies like 100 percent recycled paper, and notebooks with animal and
plant-inspired designs.
Lunch boxes, plastic food containers
and sports bottle are also available in
eco-friendly formats.
Teachers and parents are preparing
for Back-to-School as well, and there
are various products to help get them
sorted, including file crates, planners,
calendars and desktop organizers.
Look for items using rustic wire, faux
leather and charcoal finishers.
If you are one of the thousands of
university and college students arriving in London for the 2015-2016
school year, you’ll likely spend the
first few weeks acclimating to your
new surroundings.
For Western students, Homecoming
(September 25-27) is an important
part of this process. This year, the
Western Mustangs face off against
Carleton Ravens for a football game at
1pm on September 26 at TD Stadium.
Later on that day, veteran Canadian
band Our Lady Peace will electrify the
air with their blend of uplifting anthems and full-on rockers.
But whether or not you’re a Western
student, school events – no matter
how well attended – aren’t going
to tell you very much about the city
where you’ll be residing for the next
year.
For that info, you’ll need to do some
recon.
A home to nearly half-a-million
people, London is a diverse community that offers residents and visitors a
wide selection of cultural, dining and
entertainment destinations.
Many of these spots are located in
and around the downtown core, on
a stretch of road known as Richmond
Row. Richmond Row is the central
hub of student activity in London and
the heart of the city’s nightlife.
The neighborhoods surrounding
downtown have a lot to offer students as well. For example, Wortley
Village – located just a few minutes
southwest of the core – is a picturesque setting that features numerous
specialty dining and shopping opportunities.
If you’re a jogger, biker, walker,
skater or roller-blader, Springbank
Park will be the place for you. Located
along the Thames River, the park
boasts 140-hectares of natural woodlands and well-maintained garden
settings that can be traversed using a
network of paved pathways.
It’s unfortunate that information on
London’s fine restaurants, galleries,
dance clubs, theatres and taverns in
the city won’t fit in this article.
However, every issue of SCENE –
published monthly – contains listings
of venues and happenings throughout London.
Pick-up SCENE in the black distribution boxes citywide - or at one of
numerous businesses that are kind
enough to dispense them – and
events, quite literally, will be at your
fingertips.
Whether you are an elementary,
secondary or post-secondary student, teacher, support staff, school
bus driver or parent, Back to School
marks the beginning of a new chapter
in your life.
Learn all you can.
- Chris Morgan
SEPTEMBER 8 IS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS IN ONTARIO
4
A
THE WEST IS THE
BEST: WESTERN FAIR
RETURNS TO LONDON
nyone who has lived in London for a few years
knows that September’s arrival marks two
things.
Back to school – an occasion met with derision or
enthusiasm, depending on individual disposition - and
the opening of the Western Fair, which - almost uniformly - is celebrated by all.
This year marks the 147th edition of the fair, which
runs from September 11-20 at the grounds of Western
Fair District. Visitors will note changes about the way
including the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster, Niagara Falls
Water Flume, the 110-foot Giant Ferris Wheel and the
Mega Drop Tower.
Spidermania, Undersea Adventure and the Lollipop
Swing are among the new rides for kids.
Music has played a big part in Western Fair programming for years, and this year is no exception.
Check out musicians, dancers, singers and entertainers in the Rise 2 Fame quarter and semi-finals, with
youth qualifiers from across the region competing on
THE WESTERN FAIR RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 11-20
this year’s fair looks as soon as they arrive at one of
five main entrances; admission points have been organized around different themes.
The Rectory Street entrance has become Lil Thrill
Park Gateway; the King Street gate transformed into
Treat Street (“just follow your nose”).
The Dundas Street entrance leads to Imagination
Park; Carnival Gateway – boasting a new midway – is
located on Florence Street; and the Agriplex (845 Florence Street) hosts the Down on the Farm Gateway.
Historically, the Western Fair was an agricultural
event organized around the end of harvest season. It’s
an aspect of the fair that continues to play an important part in its ongoing popularity.
Visitors to the Agriplex this year can enjoy numerous
live events and presentations, as well as displays and
interactive exhibits that highlight farming and rural
life in Southwestern Ontario.
As well as a new layout, the Agriplex has a large
inflatable corn maze, family farm attractions - not to
mention Full Metal Jousting and various rodeo events.
Agriculture Day is Saturday, September 12, and visitors are invited to enjoy 4-H horse, dairy, beef, sheep,
swine, rabbits, as well as crop and field competitions in
the Agriplex Arena.
Arguably the biggest change to Western Fair 2015 is
the updated midway.
There are 14 new adult rides to experience this year,
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
the Anne Eadie Park Stage for top-spot at fair
Home-grown music takes center stage at Western
Fair this year. Local musicians and artists will open
nightly for live tribute bands on the OLG Music Stage.
Tributes to Shania Twain (Shania Twin), Johnny Cash
(We Walk the Line), The Rolling Stones (Hot Rocks),
and the Eagles (Hotel California) are among the acts
scheduled to perform.
Depending on how often a visitor plans to attend the
fair and when, there are several different promotions
geared towards admission prices.
Families and thrifty fairgoers will want to take advantage of the $5 before 5, Monday-Thursday admission price. Bring your squad between 3pm-5pm and
everyone is admitted for only $5 dollars each - that’s
$10 savings per person!
The Western Fair Superpass ($40.00 for all ages) and
the Family Superpass ($150 for all ages) is available
in advance of the fair’s opening only, until Sept. 10,
11:59pm.
(Single Superpass includes one admission and one
Ride-All-Day pass; Family Superpass includes four fair
admissions and four Ride-All-Day passes.)
Front of Line Midway Ride Access is $10 in advance
or $15.00 at the gate. Check out the Western Fair District online for all the admission details. And have fun,
London!
- Chris Morgan
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
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201 5
social life
DIGEST
PUBLISHER &
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
2015 NASH Cup:
Sept. 14 - 20
Bret Downe
bret@scenemagazine.com
ph: 519 642 4780
CO-ORDINATOR
Alma Bernardo Downe
alma@scenemagazine.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Diane White
diane@scenemagazine.com
EDITORIAL & LISTINGS
ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
John Sharpe
Chris Morgan
ph: 519 642 4780
fax: 519 642 0737
SCENE has been
published continuously
since March 23, 1989
PUBLICATION SCHEDULE:
Every forth Thursday
13 times each year
ADVERTISING SALES
ads@scenemagazine.com
ph: 519 642 4780
NEXT ISSUE:
September 24, 2015
ADVERTISING
TARGET DATE:
September 18, 2015
EDITORIAL POLICY:
SCENE editorial includes opinions,
news, music, the arts and movies, and
strives to provide our readers with a
variety of points of view, to entertain,
from right across our community.
Please note that these points of view
may or may not represent the points of
view of the Publisher.
LETTERS: Your letters are most
appreciated. SCENE reserves the right
to edit for length, clarity and language.
Please provide your printed name and
telephone number for verification.
Anonymous letters will not be
published. Please either mail
your letters to:
SCENE, P.O. Box 27048, London ON
N5X 3X5 or email to:
letters@scenemagazine.com
SCENE Communications, Limited.
Copyright©2015. All rights reserved.
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
The 2015 NASH Cup is coming to London Squash and Fitness Club from September 14 to 20. Now in its 8th year,
the cup is world-class professional
squash event, attracting top athletes
from around the world to London.
There will be professional matches
Monday through Saturday at various
times, and amateur matches from
4pm Friday to 12pm Sunday. Professional admission is $25/seat (Monday
and Tuesday); $50/seat (Wednesday
to Saturday); amateur spectators are
free. The London Squash and Fitness
Club is located downtown at 76 Albert
Street.
Our Lady
Peace to play
Homecoming
#HOCOonthehill is a full day of Western Homecoming festivities beginning at 9am on September 26 with an
electronic dance concert, followed by
a football game and a great music act
in the evening. Canadian brothers and
DJ/producer duo Chris and Alex Andre,
better known as DVBBS, will perform
in the morning at 9am, and Our Lady
Peace is headlining in the evening.
Gates open for the main show at 6pm.
The multi-award winning rock band’s
bassist, Duncan Coutts, is a Western
alumnus. Their latest album, Curve,
debuted in the Top 10 of Canada’s
national album sales chart, and their
past albums have sold more than five
million worldwide. Tickets are $45
for alumni, faculty and staff (a valid
Western ID is required for purchases;
students may bring up to three nonstudent guests). Sloan and Coleman
Hell are the evening’s special guests.
Tickets are available through the USC
site.
Feel the
power of London
Comic Con
Comic, gaming, sci-fi and fantasy
fans of London, rejoice - The London
Comic Con comes to the Western Fair
Progress Building (900 King Street)
from September 25-27. The three-day
celebration of pop culture, entertainment and art offers plenty for visitors,
including celebrity guests, displays,
OUR LADY PEACE WILL PLAY AT WESTERN ON SEPTEMBER 26
and events aimed at fans of all ages
and genres. Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy, Pacific Rim), Michael
Biehn (Aliens, The Abyss, Terminator),
Jeff Kober (The Walking Dead, Sons
of Anarchy) and Nicole deBoer (Cube,
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Dead
Zone) are among the guests scheduled
to appear at the con. Artists expected
to be in attendance include Marvel
and DC heavyweights Scott Hepburn
and Jason Moore, independent press
superstars Tony Gray and Alfonso Espinos, and award-winning illustrator
Anthony Wallace. For more information on the event – including ticket
prices and show hours – visit London
Comic Con online.
Wellspring
London: walking
with purpose
Wellspring London - the volunteerdriven, community-based organization
that aids cancer patients – is hosting
an event intended to bring attention
to the plight of those afflicted with
the disease. The Boardwalk Walk for
Wellspring is a 5k supportive walk to
recognize individuals living with cancer and those who care for them. This
event is open to friends, families, children, colleagues, businesses and other
stakeholders to Wellspring London.
Receiving no government, United Way
or YMCA funding, the Boardwalk Walk
for Wellspring helps ensure the organization’s active membership of 1,500
individuals receive the support they
need. This year’s walk begins at 8am
on September 12 at Citi-Plaza (355
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
Wellington Street). Participants will
follow a circuit around the downtown
core before returning to the start line.
For more information, visit the Walk for
Wellspring website.
Leafs prospects
to play
Bud Gardens
Sept. 11 - 13
On August 6, the Toronto Maple Leafs
announced the 28-player roster that
will participate in the Rookie Tournament hosted by Budweiser Gardens.
Prospects from the Ottawa Senators,
Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh
Penguins hockey teams will each play
three games beginning on September 11. This year’s Maple Leaf team is
highlighted by Toronto’s first-round
selection in this year’s NHL entry draft,
Mitch Marner. Joining Marner are former first-round selections William Nylander, Kasperi Kapanen, and Frederik
Gauthier. Toronto Marlies head coach
Sheldon Keefe will handle coaching
responsibilities, along with Marlies
associate coach Gord Dineen, assistant
A.J. MacLean, and Orlando Solar Bears
coach Anthony Noreen. Single game
tickets are $19.50/adults, $14.50/
students, seniors, and kids; a 2-game
pack is $30/$25; the all-event package
is $87/$72; and Leafs Nation and Habs
Fan packages are $51/$38.50 each. Call
1-866-455-2849.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
& Chris Morgan
5
THE LISTINGS
ACFO DE LONDON-SARNIA (495 Richmond St.,
Suite 200) - English Conversation Group, Sat, once
a month, 10 am – 11:30 am. Open to newcomers
with permanent residence interested in learning &
improving their English speaking. The group is open
to all levels. Once a month, the group discusses different subjects. 519-850-2236 x 223.
BATL, THE HOME OF AXE THROWING (3 Church Street,
#604) - BATL Axe Throwing, to Sept. 2 (Sun – Wed),
5 – 9 pm. Come out & learn how to throw an axe.
Free. Email: London@batlgrounds.com
BEACOCK LIBRARY (1280 Huron St) on Tues & The
Family Centre (335 Belfield Dr.) on Thurs - Shared Beginnings Program, 9:30-11:00 am. A family literacy
based play group for adults & their infant, toddler,
preschool & kindergarten aged children (0-6 years) crafts, stories, songs, rhymes & fun in a safe & caring
setting. 519-452-1466.
BEACOCK LIBRARY (1280 Huron St.) - Coffee & Games
Fun Group meets every Fri, 10 am- noon for Euchre,
Cribbage, Scrabble, Chess & lots of other card/board
games available. We also offer bi-weekly Craft projects, Tatting lessons, & Line Dancing from 11amnoon. Casual, friendly & inclusive atmosphere; Open
to All Ages. All activities, lessons & materials are free.
519-451-1840.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LONDON & AREA (543
Ridout St.) - Start something BIG by donating your
time at Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area
Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area enriches
lives by providing quality mentoring relationships
to young people in need, helping to create strong
& productive community members. 519-438-7065
x 6223.
BUDWEISER GARDENS (99 Dundas St) - 2015 Rookie
Tournament, Sept 11 - 13. This year, Toronto Maple
Leafs’ prospects will face off in three games beginning Friday, September 11 versus rookie teams from
the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and rival
Montreal Canadiens. Call for ticket info 1-866-4552849
CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY (St. George St.) – Shop
to Stop Cancer: Your Stuff can save lives, to Sept. 30, 8
am – 8 pm. 519-432-1137.
CARLING HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CENTRE (656 Elizabeth St.) - Community Aikido Club, every Sat., 10 am.
Free trial class. 519-636-8482.
CENTENNIAL HALL (Wellington St.) - Women’s Canadian Club speaker series, Sept. 10, 2 – 3 pm. The
beginning event in 2015-2016 WCC speakers’ series
presents Dr. Peter Jaffe, Academic Director & Barb
MacQuarrie, Communications Director, Centre of
Research & Education on Violence Again Women &
Children at Western University discussing “The Impact of Domestic Violence on the Workplace. $20.
519-471-5038.
CENTRAL LIBRARY (3/F Arts Dept.) - Forest City Backgammon Club weekly meeting, every Thurs, 5 – 9
pm. New or experienced players, young or old, all are
welcome. 519-719-4615.
CITI PLAZA (355 Wellington St) - Walk for Wellspring,
Sept 12, 8:00am. The Boardwalk Walk for Wellspring
is a 5k supportive walk to recognize individuals living
with cancer, and those who care for them. Free. Call
519-438-7379
DUCHESS OF KENT LEGION (499 Hill St.) – Mixed Dart
League, every Mon, 7 pm. 519-204-3775.
DUTCH CANADIAN CLUB (Gore & Clark Rds.) - London Philatelic Society meets 2nd & 4th Tues, 7:00
pm Contact Sherwin 519-472-5786. Everyone welcome!
EASTERN STAR TEMPLE (800 Fanshawe Park Rd E) Yard Sale And Bake Table, Sept 26, 730am - noon.
BBQ Hot Dogs & Refreshments, sponsored by the
Daughters of the Nile, London Sewing Circle.
EAST VILLAGE ARTS COLLECTIVE (757 Dundas St.)
- Black Flag Anarchist Free School, Every Wed, 5-9
pm. Free classes on a variety of topics. // Safe Space
London, Every Mon & Tues, 6-11 pm. Drop- in centre
for women in crisis.
FANSHAWE PIONEER VILLAGE (1424 Clarke Rd.) – A
day for the Dogs, Sept. 13, 10 am – 4:30 pm. Bring
your four legged family members to a special day
just for them. Meet groomers, rescue organizations
& local services for your pet. Vendors will showcase
doggie toys, fashion, food & more. 519-457-1296.
FANSHAWE CONSERVATION AREA, BEACH PAVILION
(1424 Clarke Rd.) – Commemorative Butterfly Release Event, Sept. 20, 11 am – 2:30 pm. This event
will honour the lives lost in pregnancy & infancy. The
day includes a ceremony, silent auction, family &
children activities, including a children’s grief activitiy. Pregnancy & Infant Loss Network (PAIL) will host
the event. 519-905-472-1807 x 5325.
FANSHAWE CONSERVATION AREA and FANSHAWE
PIONEER VILLAGE (1424 Clarke Rd) - Xtremely Amazing Warrior Race (fundraiser for Jesse’s Journey), Sept
26, Registration at 8:00am – event starts at 9:30am.
Teams of 4 will run at least 8k’s, while getting muddy
and using their strength, brains and senses of humour! Registration is required. Call 519-645-8855
GERMAN CANADIAN CLUB (1 Cove Rd) - Accordion
Club of London Get Together, every fourth Thurs, 7
pm. Bring you accordion & play a few tunes or just sit
back & enjoy the music. $5. 519-439-9314.
GERMAN CANADIAN CLUB (1 Cove Rd.) - Saturday
Night Dance, Sept. 12, 7:30 – 11:30 pm. Join us for
an evening of dancing. Entertainment provided by
The Core 4 featuring Julia Haggarty. 519-433-2901.
GIBBONS PARK - Kidney Walk, Sept 27, Registration
10 a.m. / Walk Start 11:15 a.m. Walk for someone
you love at London’s Kidney Walk and become part of
EMAIL YOUR LISTINGS TO SCENE
Email: news@scenemagazine.com. Please Include: Venue Name, Address, Event
Title, Date, Time, Brief Description, Admission Fee and Phone Number. Deadline for
September 24, 2015 issue~September 18, 2015~Alma Bernardo Downe
6
the largest community event raising funds for kidney
research and programs supporting Canadians living
with kidney disease. Call 519-850-5362 ext. 21
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES (255 Horton St.) - SoHo
Friday Night Farmers & Artisans Market, to Oct. 16,
4 – 8 pm. The SoHo Community Association, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, presents a weekly
Friday Night Farmers & Artisans Market. Fresh local
produce, organic products, hand spun wool, all natural products & now carrying Y.O.U. Jams & preserves.
519-661-8581.
GREENHILLS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB (4838 Colonel
Talbot Rd) - 14th Annual London Brain Injury Charity
Golf Classic 2015, Sept 17. A day filled with fun, great
food and prizes for 144 golfers of all skill levels. Free.
Call (519) 642-4539
HIDDEN HISTORY OF HAMILTON ROAD (550 Hamilton
Rd.) - Lost Rivers of the Hamilton Road Area, Sept. 17,
7 pm. Development causes water courses to change
over time, please join Pat Donnelly to learn about the
effect in the Hamilton Road area. 519-455-4533.
IMPACT CHURCH OF LONDON (220 Adelaide St.)
- Healing Rooms, every Thurs, 7:30–9 pm; Sat,
10:30 – noon. Come & be healed by a group of welltrained, caring people. 519-438-7036.
LONDON BLOOD DONOR CLINIC (820 Wharncliffe Rd.
S) - Canadian Blood Services, Whole Blood Clinic
Hours: Mon, Tue & Thurs 3 –7 pm, Wed noon – 8 pm,
Fri & Sat 9 am – 1 pm; Plasma Clinic Hours: Tues &
Wed 12:30 - 7:30 pm, Thurs & Fri 7 am – 1pm, Sat
9 am – noon. Platelet Clinic Hours: 519-690-3929.
LONDON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (85 Charles St) - Game
On: Sports & active games for children with neurological conditions, Sat. mornings, 9:30 am - 12:30
pm. Game on provides children with neurological
conditions & opportunity to learn physical literacy
skills in a safe, fun, & inclusive environment. $60.
519-433-4073 x 204.
LONDON CITY HALL (300 Dufferin Ave.) - Toastmasters Meeting, every Thurs, noon–1 pm. Come visit
us & see how we hone our communication & leadership skills to utilize them in our work, home & social
life. $40 initiation, plus $72 yearly. 519-661-2500 x
4879.
LONDON CONVENTION CENTRE (300 York St) - The
London Fall Bridal Show, Sept 12 - 13. With more
than 70 exhibitors featuring bridal wear, cakes, flowers, music, bridal registry, formal wear, travel and
so much more, the London Fall Bridal Show has everything you need to plan your special day. $12. Call
519) 455-5888
LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARY, Central Branch, Stevenson
Hunt Hall (251 Dundas St) - Changing the World to
Save the Cheetah, Sept 30, 530 - 930pm. Dr. Laurier
Marker, TIME Magazine’s ‘Hero for the Planet’ and
Founder/Executive Director of Cheetah Conservation Fund (Namibia). Dr. Marker will present her
25 year journey working with local communities
and governments to protect the wild cheetah and
its ecosystems. 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Opportunity to
meet Dr. Marker at an intimate reception serving
social life
hors d’oeuvres. Reception to be held at the CentralTonda Room. 7:30pm – 9:30 pm. Lecture and Q&A
session with Dr. Laurie Marker. Cost: $10-$100. Call
(519) 697-9512 or email info@cheetahconservationfund.ca
LONDON SQUASH & FITNESS CLUB (76 Albert St) 2015 NASH Cup Squash Tournament, Sept 14-19.
Men’s and Women’s professional squash tournament. Seating Mon/Tues $25; Wed / Sat $50; Standing $10. LSFC 519-433-0691
MIDDLESEX-LONDON HEALTH UNIT (50 King St.)
- Community Emergency Response Volunteer training sessions, Sept 10, Sept17, Sept 24, 1:00pm until
3:00pm. The Middlesex-London Health Unit is offering weekly training sessions in Emergency Management. Free. email lynn.vandervloet@mlhu.on.ca
POACHER’S ARMS (171 Queens Ave.) - GOES Presents:
Super Smash Bros Night @ The Poacher’s Arms, Sept.
20, 4 pm – midnight. Come join Team GOES, for an
evening of video game fun, great food & good times.
All ages are welcome. $10. Email: gameonservice@
gmail.com
POLISH HALL, UPPER BALLROOM (554 Hill St.) - FREE
Beginner West Coast Swing Lesson, Sept. 8, 7 – 8
pm. West Coast Swing London, in partnership with
Instructor Larry Hough, are offering a FREE 1-Hour
Beginner West Coast Swing dance lesson! Email:
swinglondon.wcs@gmail.com
ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH (1246 Oxford St.
W) - Silver Saints Seniors Lunch, Sept. 9, 11:30 am
Following Service. Silver Saints is a newly founded
outreach ministry formed by St. Aidan’s aimed at
serving the pastoral needs of seniors in Northwest
London.519-471-1430.
ST. JUDE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH (1537 Adelaide St.) Rwandan Orphan Adoption Fundraiser, Sept. 19, 4
– 8 pm. Come & support a unique cause to help raise
funds to bring four Rwandan orphans to Canada.
$10. 226- 235-1124.
SPRINGBANK GARDENS - Parkinson SuperWalk, Sept.
12, 10 am – 2 pm. Parkinson SuperWalk is the largest national fundraising event for Parkinson Society
Canada (PSC) & its regional partners. Approximately
14,000 people from coast-to-coast both organize &
take part in Parkinson SuperWalk. This year marks
the 25th Anniversary of this nationwide event! 519858-4290.
SPRINGBANK GARDENS (285 Wonderland Rd. S) 2015 CNIB Night Steps London, Sept. 18, 5 am. Join
us for CNIB Night Steps, a 5km fundraising walk
under the stars. Funds raised will help CNIB ensure
more individuals who are blind or partially sighted
have an opportunity to experience CNIB’s Lake Joseph Centre, an accessible lakefront facility in the
heart of Muskoka. Pledges will also bring the joy of
reading to adults & children living with vision loss,
& every gift will empower members of your community with the skills, confidence & opportunities they
need to fully participate in life. Register at cnibnightsteps.ca. Email: nightstepslondon@cnib.ca
TOBOGGAN BREWING COMPANY (585 Richmond St) -
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
Oktoberfest Fundraiser for Investing in Children, Sept
30, doors Open at 5:00pm. Join us for a fun evening
complete with live entertainment, an auction and
plenty of food and drink in support of Investing in
Children’s local programs. $80. Call to pre-purchase
your ticket 519-433-8996
VICTORY LEGION (311 Oakland Ave.) – Euchre, every
Tues, 1 pm; Cribbage, every Thurs; Bridge, every Wed
& Thurs. An afternoon for seniors 55 & older. $3. 519649-2910.
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT (900 King St) - The 2015
Western Fair, Sept 11 - 20. Featuring the world’s
largest carnival operator, Mach 3 and other sensational rides, The Pirate & Princess Play at Imagination
Park, Live Animals and the Corn Maze. Call 519-4387203.
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT, Progress building (900 King
St) - London Comic Con, Sept. 25, 26 and 27, Friday
4pm to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday
10am to 4pm. Tickets: Weekend Pass - $49 to $75
for a deluxe pass. Single day passes - $20 for either
Friday or Sunday and $30 for Saturday. Kids 12 and
under are Free when accompanied by an adult. For
more info call 519-777-2908
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT Agriplex (845 Florence
St) - 2015 World Clydesdale Show, Sept 29 - Oct 3.
Hundreds of the world’s best Clydesdale horses including the internationally famous Budweiser
Clydesdale Eight Horse Hitch - will gather for a week
of exciting competition as the feather-footed, gentle
giants drive, ride and run for the title of Supreme
Champion. The World Clydesdale Show is held just
once every four years, and it is proudly returning to
Canadian soil at the Agriplex at London’s Western Fair
District for the first time in nearly two decades. $15
Adults. Call 519-438-7203
WESTERN UNIVERSITY (1151 Richmond St) - Homecoming 2015, Sept 25 - 27. Electronic dance concert
headlined by DVBBS on Sept 26 at 9am. The football
game between the Western Mustangs and the Carleton Ravens, kicks off at 1 p.m.Gates open at 6pm
for the festival-format evening concert featuring Our
Lady Peace, Sloan and Coleman Hell. For tickets call
661-2111 x85283
WESTERN UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, ROOM
117 (1151 Richmond St) - Italian Conversation Club,
every Wed., 2:30 – 4:30 pm. For those who want to
practice their Italian. All levels are welcomed! Free.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY, STEVENSON HALL BUILDING
ROOM 3101 - La Tertulia, in the summer every Wed,
4:30 – 9:30 pm. Spanish conversation group addressed to everybody. Email:tertulia@uwo.ca.
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
LABOUR DAY - Sep 7
ROSH HASHANA - Sep 14
YOM KIPPUR - Sep 23
Sept EQUINOX - Sep 23
EID-AL-ADHA - Sep 24
FIRST DAY OF SUKKOT - Sep 28
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
news RIDE ON: LONDON
PULSE SPIN STUDIO’S
BIG BIKE GIVEAWAY
L
ondon’s Pulse Spin Studio (80 Tecumseh Ave.) is
preparing for their 2nd annual Big Bike Giveaway
and they are asking for the community’s help to
make it happen.
The charity event – which last year saw over 100 free
bikes given away to members of the public – takes
place in October.
This time around, organizers have reached out to individuals and business to assist in the effort.
“It’s our mandate to encourage others to cycle as a
mode of transportation,” Pulse Spin Studio owner and
operator Shayne Hodgson said.
“This responsibility includes teaching the community
about bicycle and road safety, and ensuring that we do
all that we can do to give those less fortunate an op-
“We are aiming to collect as many used, working bicycles as we can by the end of September,” Hodgson
said.
“In addition, we are calling out to London and area
businesses to provide monetary donations so we can
purchase 50-80 more low-cost bikes for the event,” he
said.
Any London resident is welcome to attend the event
in October (date is TBA) and get sized-up for a free bicycle. The concept is simple, first-come-first-serve and
there will only be one ride issued to each person.
As well, individuals must be in attendance to receive
a bike.
There are few things that can compare with the
simple pleasure of riding a bicycle. Arriving at a destination under your own power is
a rewarding accomplishment,
and it’s just part of the reason
why events like the Big Bike
Giveaway can change lives for
the better.
“We met this amazing guy
who used to be a bike thief,”
event co-organizer (and
Shayne’s spouse) Monica Hodgson told SCENE in a recent correspondence.
“He told us two things had
made him ‘change his ways’.
First thing, his own bike got
stolen; Second thing, the Big
Bike Giveaway event,” Hodgson
recalled.
“He told us that he now knew
what it felt like to have a prized
possession taken, and that he
was absolutely inspired by the
bike giveaway concept of ‘sharing the joy of cycling’,” she said.
“Pulse is honored to be a part
of that positive change,” she
added.
Last year, community partners for the event included
SHAYNE HODGSON CHECKS OUT A BIKE DURING
Lululemon, Old South Business
Association, TREA, Ken Jones Signs
LAST YEARʼS BIG BIKE GIVEAWA
and First Cycleworks.
portunity to cycle,” he said.
The Hodgsons are hopeful these same organizations
“Through our research, we found that people needed will be supportive again.
bikes to get to work and school for various reasons,” he
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) London, Old South
added.
Community Organization, SHIFT, Middlesex Health
This insight into the value of owning a bicycle was Unit and the YMCA in Wortley Village are among the
enough to persuade Hodgson to start the charity last groups and businesses being approached as potential
year. He repaired bikes that had been donated to him partners this time around.
over the years, and offered them to people without
Pulse Spin Studio is now accepting donations for the
their own ride.
Big Bike Giveaway via gofundme (online), by calling
But this year, Hodgson and the studio haven’t col- 519-200-5496, or by emailing pulsespinstudio@mail.
lected as many bikes as they need, so the call has gone com.
out asking the community to aid in the cause.
- Chris Morgan
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
THE RACE IS ON! SETTING
THE STAGE FOR THE 2015
FEDERAL ELECTION
I
n early August, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper fessed-up to
the worst-kept secret in Canadian politics.
He made a visit to Governor
General David Johnston’s Rideau
Hall residence on the morning of
August 2, and shortly afterwards,
announced Canadians would be
headed to the polls on October 19.
“Canadians will make a critical
decision about the direction of our
country, a decision with real consequences, a decision about who
has the proven experience today
to keep our economy strong and
our country safe,” Harper said following his meeting with the govCANADIANS GO TO THE POLLS TO
ernor general.
ELECT A NEW GOVERNMENT ON OCTOBER 19
“This is no time for risky plans
that could harm our future. It is
held 34 seats after the last election.
time to stay the course and stick to our plan,” he said.
Trudeau – a teacher – was first elected MP for the
It’s hard to believe that Harper – whose political val- riding of Papineau, Quebec in 2008 and again in 2011.
ues are touted as fiscal prudence and caucus discipline
His public image suffered early on from criticism
– is also the same man who called the longest and that he was politically inexperienced, although a falikely most expensive election campaign in Canadian vourable performance at the English leaders debate in
history. But there it is, and now the race is underway.
Toronto on August 6 went some way towards mitigatObservers have suggested that the Conservative ing that perception.
‘extended campaign’ strategy may be intended to adGreen Party leader Elizabeth May, meanwhile, is
dress the voluminous media coverage devoted to the running for the prime minister’s job for the third time
Mike Duffy trial.
since the 2008 election.
If so, then it’s hoped the fervor surrounding the conAlthough the Greens are unlikely to form either the
troversial case – involving former and current staff of government or official opposition, they have become a
the Prime Minister’s Office – will die down after con- growing concern for the so-called ‘major’ parties, estroversial testimony is offered into evidence.
pecially under May’s long-time leadership.
Harper is a known commodity, which can be both an
On the local front, candidates in London’s four fedadvantage and disadvantage for the incumbent candi- eral ridings are already busy taking it to the hustings.
date. In 2006, when he led the Conservatives to form a
In the riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London, Conserminority government, change was his ally.
vative candidate Karen Vecchio, New Democrat Fred
Now, change - or at least unwanted change – is the Sinclair and Liberal candidate Lori Baldwin-Sands will
enemy.
face off in an electoral district that has been painted
As far as the other main three contenders for prime Tory blue since 2004.
minister, it’s an interesting field, comprised of two
In the riding of London-Fanshawe, incumbant Irene
new applicants for the job and a veteran party leader Mathyssen of the NDP will try to fend off challenges
taking another run at the PMO.
from Liberal Khalil Ramal, Conservative Suzanna DiThomas Mulcair inherited a rejuvenated New Demo- eleman and Green Party candidate Matthew Peloza.
crat Party when he took over leadership in 2012, folIn the riding of London North Centre, current Conlowing the death of former leader Jack Layton.
servative MP Susan Truppe faces Liberal candidate PeDuring the last federal election, Layton brought the ter Fragiskatos, New Democrat German Gutierrez and
NDP its best showing ever at the polls, winning 103 Carol Dyck of the Green Party.
seats in a unprecedented show of support pundits
In the riding of London West, incumbent Conservadubbed ‘the Orange Crush’.
tive MP Ed Holder will compete against Liberal canA lawyer by training, Mulcair has made effective use didate Kate Young and the NDP’s Matthew Rowlinson.
of the dodge-and-perry atmosphere of Parliament’s
For more information on the 42nd Canadian general
question period in his role as leader of the official op- election, including poll locations, lists of candidates
position.
and other voter information, visit the Elections Canada
Federal Liberals, meanwhile, are hopeful that Jus- website.
tin Trudeau can revive their party fortunes after their
- Chris Morgan
dismal showing in 2011, which left the organization
cash-strapped and in third-party status, having only
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
7
LOCAL&PROVINCIAL DIGEST
Unemployment
rises in July
The London-St. Thomas jobless rate was up sharply
in July, marking the first time the index rose since the
start of the year. According to StatsCan, unemployment
across the region jumped to 6.3 percent in July, up from
5.9 percent in June. Numbers suggest the change is due
to an increase in the labour force - it expanded by 3,800
while an additional 1,200 people claimed unemployment benefits. StatsCan also reported that 2,500 jobs
were created in London last month. Jobless numbers in
Ontario were virtually unchanged in July, falling from
6.5 to 6.4 percent, the lowest rate since September
2008. Both Ontario and London remain below the national unemployment average, which held steady at 6.8
percent for the sixth month in a row.
Teachers set
to vote on new
contract
On August 21, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers
Federation (OSSTF) leadership endorsed a tentative labour agreement with the province’s education ministry.
Public high school teachers will vote en masse in September on whether to ratify the deal. Due to endorsement by union leadership, central strike action has been
suspended and the school year will start with the normal slate of extra-curricular activities. The agreement
reportedly contains no changes to class sizes, assigned
time, overtime workload or additional professional assignments. There will be one addition P.A. day added to
the school year and the salary grid will be fully restored
as of September 1, with teachers receiving a 1 percent
lump sum payment this year, and a 1 percent raise in
2016.
Parapan Am
Games: Most
successful ever
Team Canada won a record 168 medals at the Toronto
2015 Parapan Am Games - athletes from Ontario accounting for 63 of those - helping Canada to finish
second overall. More than 90,000 tickets were sold for
the 445 events in 15 sports, the most events ever at a
Parapan Am Games. Furthermore, the games were the
most accessible to date. “It has been wonderful to see
people from across Ontario getting behind the Parapan
Am Games, helping to make them the best ever. I want
to thank the athletes, guides, officials, volunteers and
other participants for everything they have done to
make this year’s games such a great success story. I also
want to thank the entire TO2015 team for its outstanding work to make this a summer to remember,” Ontario
Premier Kathleen Wynne remarked.
Uber arrives
in town, dreams of a
robotic future
Uber is now in London amid much controversy.
The ride-sharing company - whereby people needing a ride can access and pay for one via an app on
their smartphones - broached the London market
in late July despite warnings from city officials that
charges would be laid against drivers operating
without a taxi license. Launched in San Francisco in
2009, the Uber service is in 300 cities worldwide,
many of which have cited similar concerns about
safety and the impact on established taxi cab companies. If Uber is able to bring its more ambitious
goals to fruition, however, it will roll out driverless
cars in the future. In February, Uber announced a
partnership with Carnegie Mellon University to develop robotic vehicles, a strategy that would ostensibly make the service cheaper and eliminate the
need for real drivers.
Anti-community
mailbox petitions
delivered to city hall
Londoners for Door to Door, a collective opposed
to Canada Post’s new self-serve mailboxes, delivered
2,867 signatures to council on August 11. The communal mailboxes have been cropping up on streets
across London despite concerns about the cessation
of home mail delivery and other related issues. “We
have heard loudly and clearly from community members that nobody wants Canada Post to impose these
self-serve mailboxes in our neighbourhoods. Instead,
we want to protect jobs and maintain a public service that makes money for Canadians and provides
door-to-door mail delivery,” spokesperson Wendy
8
SIGNS SUCH AS THIS CAN BE FOUND ON MANY
LAWNS IN LONDON AND BEYOND
Goldsmith said. “It is unprecedented for a G8 country
to propose this kind of mail service cut, all thanks to
the Harper Conservatives and their drive for austerity,” she added. The petitions were delivered to the
city clerk’s office; the issue is up for discussion at the
next strategic priorities and policy committee meeting on August 31.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
and Chris Morgan
CITY HALL
Public and Political
Input Meetings
Provincial funds to
benefit area hospital
upgrades, social
services
Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund,
the province is investing in upgrades to four community hospitals including London Health Sciences Centre, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, St. Thomas-Elgin
General Hospital, and Strathroy Middlesex General
Hospital. This funding - part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history with upwards of
$130 billion over 10 years - will address many needs
including roof replacements, upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and improvements to back-up generators and fire alarm systems.
Furthermore, Ontario is providing $29,800 in new
funding for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Treatment Centre at St. Joseph’s - money that will be
used for counselling services for survivors of sexual
assault and domestic violence. There was also a recent announcement of $139,117 to the London Cross
Cultural Learner Centre for the implementation of
physical activity programs for new Canadians.
news
Ah, those lazy, hazy days of summer
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
• Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee - Aug 31
• Transportation Advisory Committee - Sept 1
• Council - Sept 1
• Advisory Committee on the Environment - Sept 2
• Corporate Services Committee - Sept 8
• London Housing Advisory Committee - Sept 8
• Planning and Environment Committee - Sept 8
• Civic Works Committee - Sept 9
• Advisory Committee on Heritage - Sept 9
• Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee - Sept 14
• Council - Sept 15
• Cycling Advisory Committee - Sept 16
• Agricultural Advisory Committee - Sept 16
• London Diversity and Race Relations Advisory •
Committee - Sept 17
• Environmental and Ecological Planning Advisory
Committee - Sept 17
• Planning and Environment Committee - Sept 21
• Corporate Services Committee - Sept 22
• Community & Protective Services Committee - Sept 22
• Trees and Forests Advisory Committee - Sept 23
• Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory
Committee - Sept 24
• Accessibility Advisory Committee - Sept 24
• Governance Working Group - Sept 28
• Council - Sept 29
Call 519-661-2500 x 4937
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
news LOCAL CRIME REPORT
Teen improperly
released from EMDC
recaptured
A 19-year-old inmate improperly released from ElginMiddlesex Detention Centre after posing as his cellmate
on July 22 has been rearrested. Justin Kunz, of London,
walked away from the maximum-security facility after he
had disguised himself as another prisoner who was about
to be released from custody. Kunz had been serving time
for drug and weapons offences dating from late last year.
The ROPE (Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement) Squad
and the Investigation Response Unit worked jointly to locate him, and did so just after 1pm on August 5 at a Centre
Street residence. He was taken to Police Headquarters and
appeared in court the following day.
Woman charged with
human trafficking
A woman has been charged with multiple offences
related to human trafficking and prostitution after her
victim came forward following months of abuse. Amy
Dykes, 40, of Brampton, had been acquainted with the
victim - a 20-year-old female with an intellectual disability - and had been prostituting her since last February.
It is alleged that Dykes convinced the victim to move in
with her, assumed control of the victim’s finances and introduced her to prostitution. It is further alleged that the
accused threatened and assaulted the victim on a number of occasions, manipulating her control through fear
of repeated physical repercussion if she did not comply.
The victim was transported throughout southwestern Ontario, including hotels in Brampton, Windsor, Mississauga
and London, for the purpose of prostitution. As a result
of anti-human trafficking operations carried out by the
London Police Community Oriented Response (COR) Unit,
the victim eventually went to authorities, and Dykes was
arrested by Peel Regional Police on July 22. She has been
charged with trafficking in persons, receiving financial
benefit from trafficking, assault, assault with a weapon,
forcible confinement, procuring illicit sexual intercourse,
procuring a person to be a prostitute, exercising control
of a person for the purpose of prostitution, extortion, and
sexual exploitation of a person with disability. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this
case or in relation to these types of incidents is asked to
call London Police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in
anonymously online.
Playground arsons
cause havoc; one
arrested
A teenager arrested after a fire was set to the playground equipment at Jack Chambers Public School does
not appear to be responsible for similar arsons that have
been occurring recently in the city. The 19-year-old was
detained close to the school, located at 1650 Hastings
Drive, just after 5:30am on August 19, less than a half
hour after the playground was set ablaze. Damage was
pegged at $6,000, and police are withholding the suspect’s identity due to concerns for his safety. He is charged
with arson causing property damage and was released
from custody with a court date of October 1. There is no
indication that there is a connection between this incident and the early morning fires to the playgrounds on
Viscount Road - Arthur Ford Park on July 12, which caused
$25,000 damage; St. Jude School on July 31, $1,000 damage; and Jesse Davidson Park on August 5 which resulted
in the equipment having to be taken down. Police have
released photos of evidence - gloves, and scraps of a scarf
and a cloth found at Jesse Davidson Park, in the hopes of
THE FIRE AT JESSE DAVIDSON PARK, AUGUST 5, WITH INLAID PHOTOS OF EVIDENCE FOUND AT THE SCENE
finding the suspect(s). Anyone with information is urged
to call London Police at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers
at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Charges laid
after bar brawl
Four men have been charged in connection to an early
morning disturbance outside of bar. Police were called to
Gordy’s Brewhouse, located at 1631 Oxford Street East,
just before 2am on August 21. The victim - a 42-year-old
man - was taken to hospital with injuries to his head and
neck. He received several stitches and was listed in good
condition. Jamal Ali, 51, Ahmed Hassan, 31, and Jamal
Yousuf, 19, all of London; and Abdi Ahmed, 35, of Edmonton, all face charges of aggravated assault.
Teen dies after
being found near
Fanshawe College
A 19-year-old died after being found unresponsive in a
home adjacent to Fanshawe College. Police attended the
area of Thurman Circle and Farnsborough Crescent on August 9 around 2:30pm where they located the man. He
was transported from the scene by ambulance to hospital
where he was pronounced dead. The investigation into
the circumstances surrounding the death is being led by
the Office of Coroner with support from the Major Crime
Section, though foul play is not suspected. His identity
was not released.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
Contact Sheila Creighton at sheila@reforestlondon.ca or phone 519-936-9548 x228
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
9
news
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL DIGEST
China threatens
US companies
and expatriates
China is “the most dominant threat” to
US companies, according to the FBI, which
blamed China for a 53 percent rise in economic espionage cases and suggested
the government in Beijing played a “significant role”. The FBI estimates hundreds
of billions of dollars are lost each year by
American companies from theft of trade
secrets, intellectual property, and company data. Recent actions on behalf of
China’s government, including cybercrime,
territorial claims, economic issues and Beijing’s crackdown on civil liberties have left
the Obama administration divided over
how publicly and aggressively to respond.
Further straining relations is a recent
White House warning about covert Chinese agents entering the US to convince
… some interesting facts
Chinese expatriates to return home, often
using intimidation tactics. Chinese officials insist their agents comply with local
laws, but the head of what the Chinese
call Operation Fox Hunt noted, “whether
or not there is an agreement in place, as
long as there is information that there is a
criminal suspect, we will chase them over
there.” A spokesman with the American
Justice Department said that while the
US doesn’t want international fugitives,
they won’t help hunt them down without
evidence that Beijing has so far refused to
provide.
One prominent suspect sought by Fox
Hunt is Ling Wancheng, a businessman
with connections to China’s Communist
Party who fled to the US earlier this year
and may be seeking political asylum. Ling
Wancheng’s older brother was director of
the Party’s General Office until removed
and arrested for corruption and allegedly
“accepting huge bribes personally and
through his family”.
Iran nuclear deal
faces hurdles
American President Barack Obama continued calls for the US Congress to support
the Iran nuclear deal, including an August
letter to Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who has endorsed the deal
as the best chance the world has to stop
Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Although written to an ally, the letter
was meant to reassure worried lawmakers, promising that “should Iran seek to
dash toward a nuclear weapon, all of the
options available to the United States,
including the military option, will remain
available”. Republicans have already
vowed to block the deal in September, but
some Democrats are also opposed, provid-
Average circulation for
the 12 month period ending
December 2014, in the census
metropolitan area of London
r
The London Free Press
r4BUVSEBZ
CHINA HAS DEMANDED THE US RETURN LING WANGCHENG,
WHO HAS HIGH-LEVEL COMMUNIST PARTY CONNECTIONS
ing enough potential votes to override
any presidential veto by Obama. The deal,
already approved by Britain, France, China, Germany and Russia, requires Iran to
significantly reduce uranium enrichment
and open military sites to inspectors. In
return, sanctions by the six world powers
that have crippled the Iranian economy
would be reduced.
Complicating Obama’s efforts is a recent
report of a side agreement between the
UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) and Tehran that would allow Iran to
use its own inspectors to investigate several sites, including the secretive Parchin.
The head of the IAEA and the US State Department were quick to state the reports
misrepresented the IAEA deal, and that
Tehran would not be solely responsible
for inspections searching for evidence of
nuclear weapons.
UIFEBZPGUIFXFFLXJUIUIFIJHIFTUDJSDVMBUJPO
r
To speak with an Advertising
representative call
(519) 642-4780
ads@scenemagazine.com
10
IRAN WILL ALLOW IAEA INSPECTION OF PARCHIN, A SECRETIVE MILITARY TESTING COMPLEX
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
Canadian
recession likely
won’t last long
Although official numbers won’t be published until a September 1 Statistics Canada GDP report, most economists believe
Canada’s economy contracted for a second
consecutive quarter, meeting the technical definition of a recession in the first half
of 2015. Canada’s economy had a relatively strong 2014, but economic slowdown in
the US and China, combined with low oil
prices, combined to cause problems. The
issue has already been significant on the
federal campaign trail, with opposition
MPs quick to blame ruling Conservatives
for the slump.
Stronger June numbers released by
StatsCan, however, have economists optimistic that the recession, if indeed there
was one, will be short. Retail, manufacturing, and wholesale sales rose in June,
along with GDP and exports. And while
economists say a strong June will not likely prevent a recession diagnosis, it should
fuel third-quarter growth. US economic
improvement has played a significant role,
but experts caution that improvements
have been fragile and that a potential
housing downturn or decline in consumer
spending could cause issues. The recession
discussion has also revealed a rift between
the laymen’s “two-consecutive-quarters”
definition and that used by many economists, who have factored Canada’s addition of 100,000 jobs since January to disqualify the country from recession status.
- Adam Shirley and Chris Morgan
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
pop culture BACK
TO SCHOOL
BACK TO THE BOOKS
Y
es, it’s that time of year again. Time to pack away the
bathing suits and unpack the books. The transition
from summer back to school can be tough, but fear
not, Scene is here to help. To help ease the stress of getting back to the classroom, especially if you’re from outof-town, here’s a handy guide to help you find the best
entertainment options.
THE BIG O
From September 25 to 27 it’s Homecoming Weekend at
Western. A full day of orientation programming is set for
Saturday, September 26, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a
performance by Canadian electronic duo DVBBS on UC Hill,
followed by a homecoming football game between the
Western Mustangs and the Carleton Ravens at TD Stadium
at 1:00 p.m. and wrapping up with a concert back at the
UC Hill with Our Lady Peace, Sloan and Coleman Hell at
6:00 p.m. “Homecoming on the hill is about creating an
unforgettable Western Homecoming experience for students, alumni and members of the London community,”
said Trista Walker, Executive Director, Alumni Relations.
“Everyone can expect a memorable event with world-class
talent.” Fanshawe College’s orientation concert will take
place on Thursday, September 10, 8:00 p.m. at the J Gym.
Country stars Dallas Smith and Petric will be performing at
this year’s event.
ON THE TOWN
If you’re looking for a night on the town, London has plenty
on hot nightspots ready to entertain you. On campus, The
Spoke (UCC Building) has been Western’s favourite meeting place for decades. Those looking for hot, live bands
should check out Molly Bloom’s (700 Richmond St.), Winks
Eatery (551 Richmond St.), Fitzray’s (110 Dundas St.), APK
(347 Clarence St.), The London Music Club (470 Colborne
St.), the Grinning Gator (391 Richmond St.), Poacher’s
Arms (171 Queens Ave.), Richmond Tavern (370 Richmond
St.), Scots Corner (268 Dundas St.), The Wortley Roadhouse
(190 Wortley Rd.), The London Ale House (288 Dundas St.),
the Talbot St. Whiskey House (580 Talbot St.), the Eastside
Bar & Grill (750 Hamilton Rd.) and Call The Office (216 York
St.). If you love dance clubs, be sure to visit The Barking
Frog (209 John St.), Jack’s/Tabu (539 Richmond St.), Cobra
(359 Talbot St.), Robinson Hall (398 Talbot St.) and Lavish (238 Dundas St.). Closer to Fanshawe, good sounds
can be found at Norma Jean’s (1332 Huron St.), The Roxbury (1165 Oxford St. E.), Carey’s (1569 Oxford St. E.) and
Gordy’s Brewhouse (1631 Oxford St. E.). And keep an eye
on the London Music Hall/Rum Runners (185 Queens Ave.)
for regular concerts by big-time artists.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC
Downloading music may be all the rage, but those in the
know will tell you vinyl’s the way to go. Whether you love
rock, country, hip-hop, jazz or blues, London still has several great shops where you can spend hours searching the
LP bins for 12-inch treasures. Known as London’s ‘coolest
indie record store,’ Grooves (353 Clarence St.) features new
and used vinyl, CDs, and music DVDs. The Village Idiot (135
Wortley Rd.) also carries new and used vinyl and CDs. If
you’re a jazz/blues fan, the Idiot may have the best selection of rare and classic records in town. Finally, Speed City
Records (299 Springbank Dr.) is London’s longest running
indie record store. Expect to find tons of new and used
vinyl covering all genres. And, for those on a budget, be
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
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ELECTRONIC DUO DVBBS -- CHRIS CHRONICLES AND ALEX
ANDRE -- WILL PERFORM ON SEPTEMBER 26 AS PART OF
WESTERN UNIVERSITYʼS HOMECOMING 2015
sure to check out Speed City’s well-stocked bargain bins. If
you’re on a mall crawl, HMV (Masonville Place) and Sunrise
Records (White Oaks Mall) are worth a look.
ON THE DIAL
If you’re driving in your car or relaxing in your dorm room
and want to hear some tunes, tune your radio dial to one
of London’s many fine stations. Western’s on-campus radio station, CHRW (94.9FM) may be one of the finest in
Canada. Blues, jazz, country, hip-hop, electronic and indie
rock can all be heard at various times throughout the week
on the ‘Mighty RW.’ Fanshawe College also broadcasts
on campus via The X (106.9). If you’re looking for ‘today’s country,’ tune into BX93 (92.7FM). The biggest hits
from today’s biggest artists can be found on Fresh Radio
(103.1FM), Virgin Radio (97.5FM) and FM96 (95.9FM),
while ‘golden oldies’ can be heard on Free (98.1FM), and
Jack (102.3FM).
COME TO THE FAIR
Cotton candy, midway rides, games of chance, agricultural
exhibits and much more are all part of the 147th Edition
of the Western Fair (September 11-20). Of course, music
also plays a big role in providing entertainment to fairgoers. This year, the Western Fair will present a number of live
tribute bands, supported by local talent, at its Free Music
Stage. The schedule is as follows: Sept. 11 Shania Twin,
Sept. 12 We Walk The Line, Sept. 13 Hot Rocks, Sept.
14 Hotel California, Sept. 15 The Dixie Chicklets, Sept. 16 Practically Hip, Sept. 17 Tim E. Hendry, Sept. 18 Rattles and
Sept. 19 Thunderstruck.
ON THE SCENE
For London’s best arts and entertainment listings, as well
as news and features on what’s happening around town,
be sure to pick up Scene at your favourite retail outlet or
one of our numerous street boxes located throughout the
city.
- John Sharpe
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
11
pop culture
FEATURES
N
TURF’S
GOT
TALENT
ow in its third year, the Toronto Urban Roots Fest
(TURF) is fast becoming one of the highlights of the
festival season in the GTA. Already known for its relaxed atmosphere and the wide range of acts available for the
delectation of music lovers, the 2015 iteration of this event is
one to mark on the calendar.
This year’s gathering will be located in parkland adjacent to
venerable historic landmark and popular Ontario tourist attraction, Fort York. Festival president Jeff Cohen has worked
on many shows at the fort during his decades-long career in
the live concert business, but he took on the new venue for
the shows with a different approach to the status quo.
“For years people have been using the inside of the fort and
there’s all this beautiful park land especially on the west side
I always felt that our audience was a little bit older and I
thought we might get more young people with everybody
going back to school in September. If it wasn’t for the Pan Am
Games I think we’d still be in July, but I think we’re better off
in September and our ticket sales this year are bigger than
they’ve been any other year. I think that people like the idea
that we’re the last one. I’m all for staying in September and I
think that’s where we’re going to settle into.”
The festival’s organizers applied for government grants to
make more financial resources available to take things to the
next level talent-wise. Consequently, each weekend schedule
will feature two headlining acts amongst a field of entertainers including Pixies, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Cake, Neko Case, Of Monsters And Men, Edward
Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros and many more.
“Our goal this year was to work with provincial granting
bodies to help us get some more headliners and we took the
approach that each of the three days needed two headliners.
So the granting body is responsible for four of our six headliners. Without that grant we wouldn’t have the line-up that we
have. I think my team did a really good job of taking those
funds and spending them to up the calibre of our talent.”
WILCO IS JUST ONE OF MANY BANDS FEATURED AT THE 2015 EDITION OF TURF
and there’s not a lot of residences around there. I thought this
would be a perfect place to make noise without too many
people complaining. So I approached them and I guess city
money was starting to get tight, so we became the first
people to rent it out. It’s extra money for the city, our rental
money will probably bring in about sixty thousand dollars for
the city. It’s a natural, it’s a little west of downtown Toronto,
but it’s downtown Toronto. For years nobody was doing anything in downtown Toronto, it had to be Barrie or whatever,”
said Cohen.
Another new aspect to the upcoming festival’s vital statistics will be the fact that it is scheduled to take place September 16-21 instead of its previous July timeframe. Initially the
change in dates was influenced by the shadow cast by this
year’s Pan Am Games in Toronto but as Cohen looked into the
idea of a September time slot other good reasons to make the
adjustment presented themselves.
“I thought that TURF attendance was average last year.
i
As is the case with more music festivals each year, TURF will
also be featuring a healthy schedule of club dates slated to be
played by acts performing on the outdoor stages thus creating a growing add-on to the entertainment available. Cohen
sees this as a win-win situation for both music lovers and the
thriving local club scene in the GTA.
“It started in year one. It sort of stuck and now we’ve almost made it a bit of a requirement. Some of the bands we
say ‘Okay, you’re going to do one show indoors and one show
outdoors.’ We were looking through our ticket manifest in
year one and we were sort of shocked when we found out
that fifty-five percent of our ticket buyers were not from the
Greater Toronto Area. So part of it is there’s a whole bunch of
people who are saying ‘Let’s go to Toronto’ so part of the thing
is what are they going to do when the grounds are closed at
eleven o’clock. Now they have more reason to go see more live
music. So about twenty-five percent of the artists are doing
two shows now.”
- Rod Nicholson
Fort York/Garrison Common. TURF 2015 takes place from September
18-20. This year’s line-up features over 45 artists performing on
four stages. Tickets available via the TURF website.
12
RIOT FEST
READY TO ROCK TO
O
ne of the more trend-setting
entertainment ideas to come
out of Chicago since The Second
City Theatre changed the landscape
of TV comedy forever is Riot Fest. In
the years it has been in existence, the
Riot Fest organization has gained a
well-deserved reputation for putting
together events that are not only enjoyable for the casual listener but also offer tasty treats for connoisseurs as well.
One-off performances, band reunions,
guest performers and concerts featurALEXISONFIRE WILL COME TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE
ing bands doing entire run-throughs of
their classic albums have become the
2012 TO PERFORM AT TORONTOʼS RIOT FEST & EXPOSITION
norm.
rejoice at the chance to check out such bands as D.O.A.,
Founded by fans of underground music who decided
All Time Low, Cancer Bats, Moneen, The Dead Milkmen,
to take things into their own hands and put together
The OBGMs and Die Mannequin.
a DIY festival offering low ticket prices, the first Riot
It’s important also to note that folks who have a seFest took place in a variety of club venues during its
lection of bands in their musical bucket list will have
first seven years in existence. In 2012, Riot Fest moved
the opportunity to cross quite a few names off after
out of the clubs and into an outdoor venue at Chicago’s
attending this year’s fest. On hand will be Thurston
Humboldt Park and was marketed as Riot Fest & CarniMoore Band, The Prodigy, Eagles Of Death Metal (feaval, with rides, games and wrestling. Following along
turing Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homin the wake of the success of the flagship Windy City
me), Weezer, GWAR, Echo & The Bunnymen, Wu-Tang
edition are two other iterations taking place each year
Clan, Rancid and Babes In Toyland.
in Denver and Toronto that are quickly making themMany genres across a wide spectrum including and
selves equally well-known.
beyond punk, alternative, hip-hop and metal can also
One of the more enduring differences for years bebe sampled at this year’s Toronto Riot Fest by anyone
tween Riot Fest presentations and the usual summer
who has the sheer stamina to take it all in. Performmusic festivals has been the ambience the organizers
ers who’ll also be on hand include Fidlar, Bayside, The
have tried to create to take things to a different level.
Dirty Nil, Tyler The Creator, Yelawolf, Doomtree, Nova
Along with the memorable musical experiences on
Rockafeller, Against Me!, Jazz Cartier, Courage My Love,
hand those attending can enjoy sideshow performers
Tasha The Amazon, Partycat and Alexisonfire,.
and a host of vendors offering a wide menu of food
“It is perfect thing for us to be headlining a homechoices to choose from.
town show, at a great festival (Riot Fest Toronto), with
This year’s event in Toronto, scheduled to take place
a ton of amazing bands. I know all of the shows are
September 19-20 at Downsview Park, has been dubbed
going to be absolutely amazing. I don’t know, I’m
Riot Fest And Exposition with an antiquated carnival
just excited to play. I think it’s going to be great. We
theme added to its print and online promotional madefinitely didn’t see this alexis-update-tour happenterial. Music lovers who make the journey to take part
ing. Two months ago, Alexisonfire was broken up, so
in the festivities can certainly look forward to a strong
who knows where this will take us,” said Alexisonfire
line-up of performers including many big-name acts.
guitarist/vocalist Wade MacNeil in an interview with
The festival is billing itself as one of the most varied
sonic1029.com.
aggregations of live acts available this summer, speThose with deep pockets and plenty of leisure time
cializing in punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop
who can’t get enough live music could potentially
acts from Canada and around the world. This year’s Riot
take in all three of this year’s Riot Fest presentations if
Fest And Exposition will also be boasting comeback
they so desired and end the festival season fully sated.
and reunion shows from several acts that have gained
However, London music fans can rest assured that Riot
semi-legendary status over the last few decades in
Fest And Exposition 2015 in Toronto will more than fill
their respective genres.
the bill as a great capper to a summer that’s already
Those whose tastes run to the heavier side of things
offered an amazing assortment of entertainment opcan take in acts such as Motorhead, Coheed And Camportunities.
bria, Thrice, Ritual and Black Mastiff. Fans of a more
- Rod Nicholson
punkish flavour of sonic treats on the other hand can
i
Downsview Park-Toronto. The Riot Fest and Exposition takes place
September 19 & 20. Gates open 11am. Tickets available via the Riot
Fest website.
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pop culture GRINNING GATOR: LONDON’S
COOLEST NIGHTSPOT
F
ormerly known as Friday Knight Lights, the
club was purchased about a year ago by
Jimmy Ferreira, who promptly changed its
name to The Grinning Gator. The manner by which
the Grinning Gator (391 Richmond St.) acquired
its new name sounds like something straight out
of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. According to a history
page posted on its website, construction workers in
1826 were building a subway in downtown London
when all the tunnels began filling with water. One
brave soul ventured into the darkness and claimed
he came upon, you guessed it, a large, laughing alligator with a mouth full of teeth. Hence, the Grinning Gator.
Since he purchased the club, Ferreira and his staff
have worked hard to make The Grinning Gator a safe
and fun place. Changes have been made, both inside and out. In addition, the club upgraded its food
and drink menus. In fact, true to its name, you can
actually order Gator Bits, made from real alligator
meat, if that suits your palate.
“Jim works hard at everything he does and
bought the club because he loves the industry. He’s
very social and loves to please people, especially
if that means having a great time at The Grinning
Gator,” said Gator Manager Shannon Melissa. “We
have done a ton of renovations since the club first
NEW INDONESIAN SHIPMENT FOR
TRIBAL MOUNTAIN
IS IN STORES NOW
UNIQUE CRAFTS
opened. The one big change we made was to the
outside patio. We didn’t just change it, we built a
whole new patio and it’s really beautiful.”
The one thing that makes the Grinning Gator
unique to the local club scene is that it provides live
entertainment seven days a week, with a focus on
various local bands every weekend.
“Throughout the week we have Open Mic Jams
where up-and-coming musicians can practice and
play in front of people. We have Comedy Nights on
the last Friday of each month and then we have live
music and karaoke after that. We book comedians
from Montreal, Ottawa and London on a monthly
basis, as well. Once a month we host Soundbar for
those who enjoy the sounds of reggae, hip-hop and
R&B. Wednesday nights our house band Ragged
Company, led by guitarist/vocalist Stuart Warrick,
performs.”
Not only does Melissa work hard as a manager,
but she also does double-duty hosting karaoke
nights.
“Right now I do karaoke on Monday and Thursday
nights. Bill Savage assumes that role on Sundays.
We have a lot of fun with it and it’s something I really enjoy doing.”
For more information, please call (519) 672-5050.
- John Sharpe
GRINNING GATOR OWNER
JIMMY FERREIRA RAISES A TOAST TO
THE CLUBʼS SHINY NEW OUTDOOR PATIO
FROM INDO ARTISANS
Tribal
Mountain
deals directly
with artisans
in their
communities
and villages
Established
hundreds of
years ago
maintaining
tradition and
history in the
Indonesian way
Last year we worked with over 67 families in
Indonesia alone and 48 families in Thailand
TRIBAL MOUNTAIN TRADE
5,&+021'675((7‡
:+,7(2$.60$//‡
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
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201 5
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
13
pop culture
LO N D O N ’ S I N D I E
PO P B E AT
FIFTY
YEARS OF
BLUES &
BOOGIE
Kingston’s
dynamic
DIY duo
B
reak out your die-dyes, Canned Heat are
coming to town. Currently celebrating
their 50th Anniversary, Canned Heat,
wsg Cecile Doo-Kingue, will continue their
musical journey when they play The Aeolian
Hall (795 Dundas St.) on Sunday, September
13, 8:00 p.m. Although Canned Heat had
achieved a fair amount of success prior to
their 1969 performance at Woodstock, their
popularity exploded shortly thereafter. As
historic as their performance was, long-time
drummer/band leader Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra
claims he nearly skipped the festival in upstate
New York. “Well, one of the funny things was,
I didn’t want to go,” recalls de la Parra. “I was
really exhausted. I didn’t know how important that gig was going to be. To me, it’s just
another gig. So that night, I was really tired.
I didn’t want to go, and I fought it, but Skip
Taylor actually got a key for my room, and if
he hadn’t been in my room, I wouldn’t have
gotten out of bed. So, he got the duplicate
key and started turning the TV on, and ‘Look
CANNED HEAT TOOK THEIR NAME FROM AMERICAN DELTA BLUES MUSICIAN
TOMMY JOHNSONʼS 1928 TUNE, ʻCANNED HEAT BLUES
at this! There are all these people out there.
This is going to be a great gig. Come on, let’s
go!’ I hate to play when I’m exhausted, and
part of being on the road is being always tired
and always hungry. So, he basically pulled me
out of bed – he was bigger than me anyway
– and dressed me up… and we finally took
off. When we were in the helicopter, finally, a
few hours later, and we made it to the festival,
that’s when I realized, ‘My God. Look at these
people.’ And that’s when I realized I’m glad
he got me out of bed.” Though the band was
tense, according to de la Parra, its energy was
electric, and the group’s show is often cited as
one of the highlights of the event. “I think we
got the best ovation of the festival.” Founded
by Bob “The Bear” Hite and Alan “Blind Owl”
Wilson, two blues historians and record collectors, Canned Heat scored worldwide hits with
‘On The Road Again’ (1968), ‘Let’s Work Together’ (1970) and ‘Going Up The Country’ (1969),
with the later being adopted as the unofficial
theme song for the film Woodstock and the
‘Woodstock Generation.’ “There are two things
that Canned Heat did that you cannot deny,”
says de la Parra. “One thing that was very important was that we put blues-oriented music
in the ears of the white audiences by having
hit records worldwide. And the other one was,
Canned Heat is the band that married country
blues with rock ‘n’ roll.” For tickets and info,
please call (519) 672-7950.
- John Sharpe
Although folk duo Kris Abbott and Dee McNeil now reside in Kingston, Ontario, both
women have strong ties to the
Forest City. “I lived in London
for about 15 years. I went to
Western and graduated with
my degree in Physiotherapy
and then worked for 12 years
at London Health Sciences
Centre. During that time I
played drums and then bass
KRIS ABBOTT (L) AND DEE MCNEIL
in The Strap-Ons, an all-girl altWERE MARRIED IN 2005 AND HAVE BEEN WRITING
pop band. In 2003 we met Kris
at a show we played in Toronto.
AND PERFORMING AS A DUO SINCE 2007
She was still playing guitar for
The Pursuit of Happiness but we convinced (i.e. begged) her to play a show with us. She eventually joined
the band and spent weekends in London with us either gigging or rehearsing, which was very familiar
to her since she has family in London,” said Dee. Currently, Kris & Dee are touring in support of their third
release, Great Long Game. A mixture of pop, folk, rock, country and even digital influences, the album
reflects the duo’s philosophy of living the ‘simple life’ and the effect living in Kingston has had on their
songwriting. “We bought a house in Kingston just steps away from Lake Ontario and the first thing we did
was put together a recording studio. But I think the biggest impact living in Kingston has had on our music
is the proximity to the water itself. We like to take our fold-up chairs down to the beach and sit and watch
the water and it’s a really great place to work out songs. We’re basically always working on a song, so the
proximity to the water means that the tempo of the waves makes its way into our songs. And also the
phrasing. As each wave rolls in and we’re working on the lyrics it’s a really hypnotic way to get the words
and the phrasing just right.” Kris & Dee, accompanied by Wil McGonegal (bass), Van Sheen (atmospheric
guitars) and Duncan Holt (drums), will celebrate the release of Great Long Game at the London Music Club
(470 Colborne St.) on Saturday, September 19, 10:00 p.m. Call (519) 640-6996.
- John Sharpe
Deb Matthews, MPP
London North Centre
Working hard for
o
a stronger Ontario
242 Piccadilly Street | 519-432-7339 | debmatthews.ca
14
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pop culture SCENE& HEARD
A Joyful Noise
Formed in 1965, the Nihilist Spasm Band first attracted public attention
when they began playing their totally unique brand of ‘anti-music’ at the old
York Hotel (now Call The Office) in May, 1966. Long-time member John Boyle
recalls that York patrons did not always take kindly to the cacophonous sound
emanating from the band’s mix of kazoos, handmade and adapted instruments. “At first we were playing in Greg Curnoe’s studio, which was kind of the
gathering place for people, and then we moved to the York,” Boyle told aux.
tv. “That wasn’t too far away in downtown London, and Monday nights were
a time when not much was happening except for a few drunks asleep at the
tables. They were persuaded to let us play. I don’t think many of the regulars
liked us particularly, and the owners didn’t like our stuff either, but it was very
unique of course: A bunch of guys who didn’t know how to play music making squawks and things on various instruments.” Eventually, word spread and
much to the surprise of the group, they began drawing large crowds for their
Monday night jams. “Our performances started to attract attention through
articles in the local paper and local TV. We developed a reputation and people started coming from outside of London to see or hear this strange band.
It wasn’t very long before the York was full on Monday nights. I’m not sure
whether or not people liked us, but it was kind of a weird evening to come
ner Musicians Helping The Legion, Woodcock and Grant are organizing a musical event that would feature live music being played in every Legion branch
and Canadian Corps location from coast to coast on Saturday November 7,
2015. “The purpose of this event is to act as a fundraiser for the Legion and
Corps branches across Canada. The need to help the remaining active Legion
branches has never been greater. Our goal is to have musicians start playing at
noon hour in Newfoundland and as noon hits every province, have the musicians start playing. We would love to have music in every Legion Canada wide.
The plan is to have a donation box set at the entrance of each Legion. Money
raised will stay in that Legion,” said Woodcock in an online statement. Grant
added: “This is a huge project, but we will win and help out veterans. We need
our Legions. Tim and I started this project in October, 2013. Since that date,
six Legions have had to close their doors. God Bless each and every one of you
musicians for participating in this project to help keep our Legions open.” If
you play in a band or perform as a solo entertainer, Tim and Edith would love
to hear from you. You can message them via their Facebook page, Musicians
Helping The Legion, with your contact information.
Fun With Friends
BRIAN & LYNDA VOLLMER HEAD TO SUNNY FLORIDA
DURING THE SECOND INSTALMENT OF THEIR REALITY SHOW
PHOTO CREDIT: LAURA EXLEY
THE NIHILIST SPASM BAND IS (L-R) JOHN BOYLE, BILL EXLEY,
ART PRATTEN, MURRAY FAVRO, JOHN CLEMENT AND AYA OHNISHI
down and have shouted conversations while the band roared on.” Fifty years
on, the Nihilist Spasm Band are still at it and will celebrate that milestone anniversary with a special performance at Museum London on Friday, September
18, 7:00 p.m. The show will feature a special guest performance by New Yorkbased musician Joe McPhee (saxophones/pocket trumpet), who appeared on
the band’s double CD of live and studio recordings, No Borders (2000). For
more info, please call (519) 661-0333.
little bit of a hit because of how I’m filming, but it is of secondary importance
to the story line.” Not only does the Vollmer’s Reality Show give viewers an
often humorous look into the live of Brian and Lynda as they rubbed elbows
with the famous and not so famous, but it also allows them an opportunity to
showcase the music of Helix to a wider audience. “The really great thing about
the show is that it acts as a vehicle to expose Helix music. In Episode 2, for
instance, I used ‘Get Up!’ (from the Power of Rock and Roll CD), ‘Billy Oxygen’
(from Breaking Loose), ‘Wrong Side of Bed’ (from It’s A Business Doing Pleasure) and ‘Wild In The Streets’ (from Smash Hits Unplugged). The first episode
was viewed over 6,000 times. We don’t get heard on radio that much in a year!
For us it means adapting to the internet and using it to promote ourselves. It’s
a constant thing but at least with this I’m enjoying myself.”
Musicians Helping The Legion
In many parts of Canada, membership at Royal Canadian Legions has been
declining because older veterans from the Second World War and Korean War
are dying and modern-day veterans aren’t joining. In the mid-1980s, Canada’s
largest veterans’ organization boasted 6,800 branches and 600,000 members.
Those numbers have dwindled to 1,500 branches and 340,000 members. Locally, blues musician Tim Woodcock and London music enthusiast Edith Grant
are doing their part to help Legions across Canada stay afloat. Under the ban-
Vollmers On The Road, Again
If you haven’t done so already, you need to head over to YouTube and check
out the latest instalment of the Vollmer’s Reality Show. The brainchild of Helix
lead singer Brian Vollmer and his wife Lynda, the show’s first episode followed
the couple as they travelled to Cuba, while the second episode, Brian & Lynda
Go To Florida, catches the rock couple as they vacation in the sunny south. “I
call it my unreality reality show. On one hand we live in a blue collar district of
East London and live a very normal life, but it’s punctuated with some pretty
unreality things. It’s bizarre when you think about it,” said Brian. A real DIY
project, Vollmer films and edits the Vollmer’s Reality Show himself. “The show
is filmed almost entirely on my handheld Sony camera. There is no script to the
show; I shoot as I go along. We loosely know where we’re going to be and who
were going to be with, but that’s about it. The sound and film quality take a
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
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The 22nd season of Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club kicks off at Chaucer’s Pub (122
Carling St.) on Sunday, September 13, 7:30 p.m. with a visit from Friends of
Fiddler’s Green. An appearance by the Friends is always cause for celebration, but this concert carries the added attraction of marking the release of
the group’s brand new CD, Old Inventions, their first recording in 18 years. The
Friends first got together in 1971 at Toronto’s Fiddler’s Green coffeehouse and
FRIENDS OF FIDDLERʼS GREEN ARE (L-R) ALISTAIR BROWN, IAN ROBB,
IAN BELL, GRIT LASKIN, JEFF MCCLINTOCK AND LAURENCE STEVENSON
they’ve remained together, with very few personnel changes, ever since. Recipients of the 2003 Estelle Klein Award for service to folk music in Ontario, the
Friends have always been known for their humour, powerful vocal harmony,
great musicianship, social commentary and unpredictable performances. Nobody, not even the Friends themselves, can predict what might happen during
one of their concerts. “The format has been pretty much the same all the way
through. The whole element with Friends of Fiddler’s Green of taking the other
band members by surprise has been there from the beginning because we’re
all individual performers. So, you’ll be up there and Ian will sing a song or Grit
will sing a song and you’re never really quite sure what it’s going to be. I mean,
we’ll have things we rehearse. Before we go on we may say, ‘I’ve got this song
and it’s got a great chorus and it’s got guitars,’ something like that. But then
often something will arise, suddenly there’s something you weren’t expecting.
So we were as much audience as presenters and still are,” said vocalist, melodeon and harmonica player Alistair Brown in a recent interview. For more info,
please call (519) 473-2099.
MUSICIANS HELPING THE LEGION PROMOTERS EDITH GRANT
AND TIM WOODCOCK POSE WITH THE FORMER PRESIDENT
OF THE VICTORY LEGION CASPER KOEVOETS
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
- John Sharpe
15
pop culture
THE LISTINGS
CONCERTS/LIMITED
ENGAGEMENTS
NORMA JEAN’S- The Jamie Williams Band
(SEE ALSO HOUSE BANDS, DJS, KARAOKE)
POACHER’S ARMS- Drop Pocket
THURS. AUG. 27
RICHMOND-100 Proof/Last Ch4nc3/Jetfighter
APK- Strada Armonia/Autumn Kings/House Of Cards
ROOSEVELT ROOM-Fresh Czz/DJ Cubix/DJ King C
OLIVE R. TWISTS-Greg Lirette (5-9pm)
FIREROASTED COFFEE-Fog Lake/Molly Drag/Danielle
Fricke (8pm)
FOX & FIDDLE-Three Penny Piece
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Big League Comedy
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
LAVISH-DJ Eddy
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- The Big Rock Electric Jam
(8:30pm)/Pete Denomme/Shaun Sanders/Simple Joy/
Victoria Gydov/Lakeside/Eclectic Voice (8pm)
ROXBURY-DJ Hex
RUM RUNNERS-Rob Moir & The Great Lakes/Northern
Saints/Slow Down Molasses (10pm)
YUK YUK’S- Garrett Clark/Sean Emeny/Caitlin Langelier
FRI. SEPT. 4
MON. SEPT. 7
SUN. AUG. 30
APK-Prophets/Cardinals Pride
APK- Acoustic Jam (3-7pm)/Sex Toy Bingo (8pm)
APK-Kevin Greene & The Awesome Sauce/Partners In
Health
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Blues Jam (3-7pm)
BACKDRAFTS-Geoff Masse Band
McCABES-Jason Mercer
FITZRAYS-Care-aoke For Parkinsons w/Jeffy B (8pm)
DAWGHOUSE PUB-Smokin’ Dave
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Karaoke
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Jam
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Drew Nelson
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic Comedy
GRINNING GATOR-Frank Ridsdale (3-6pm)/Karaoke
EAST VILLAGE ARTS COLLECTIVE-EVAC Acoustic Jam Night
(7-9pm)
RICHMOND-Karaoke
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Stu’s Sunday Jam (3-8pm)
LAVISH-DJ Pablo
POACHER’S ARMS-Board Game Night
FITZRAYS-Greg Lirette
FOX & FIDDLE-Karaoke w/Joe
GRINNING GATOR- JT & The Starting Point
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke w/Shannon Melissa
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.-Pat Maloney
TUES. SEPT. 8
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Mic Night
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Patrick James Clarke (4-8pm)/Hearstrings
RICHMOND-Karaoke w/Lizzy & Markus
SCOTS CORNER- Chris & Sarah
VIBRAFUSION LAB-So Young/Babysitter/Hagface
VICTORY LEGION-DJ Wolfman (8pm)
WINKS EATERY-Karaoke
WINDERMERE MANOR-Jen Thorpe & Charlie Rallo (7pm)
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Mike O’Brien Band
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Open Acoustic Jam (7-11pm)
NORMA JEAN’S-Tommy Solo
WINKS EATERY-R&R Bingo w/Eedy
OLIVE R. TWISTS-Greg Lirette (5-9pm)
WED. SEPT. 9
POACHER’S ARMS- The Villains
APK- Comedy Night
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Open Jam w/The After 8 Band
(8pm)
SPRINGBANK GARDENS-The Bettys (2-4pm)
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY – Karaoke w/Maggie
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- Acoustyle Open Mic (8pm)
LONDON MUSIC HALL-Akon/Karl Wolf/Bae/Peter Jackson
(8pm)
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL-Shawn Cowan
WORTLEY-Tom Cat Prowl
MOLLY BLOOM’S – Mike O’Brien Band
YUK YUK’S- Garrett Clark/Sean Emeny/Caitlin Langelier
WORTLEY VILLAGE-Wortley Village Jazz & Blues Festival w/Soul Sausage/Parallax/Ken Foster Quartet/Tom
Lockwood/L’il Chicago/Floating Point/Chuckee & The
Crawdaddies/Uptown Dixieland Jazz/5 Piece Groove
Band (2-8:00pm)
NORMA JEAN’S – Nasty Alex Live Band Karaoke
SAT. AUG. 29
MON. AUG. 31
POACHER’S ARMS-The Fairmonts
ROXBURY-DJ Ruckus
APK-Artificial Dissemination/Gatgas/Synthetic Lout
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke w/Shannon Melissa
RICHMOND-Open Mic w/Billy Paton
WINKS EATERY-David Usselman
GRINNING GATOR-Stu’s Open Mic
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Karaoke w/Maggie (8pm)
LONDON MUSIC HALL-The Tea Party (7pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-Trivia w/Richie
CALL THE OFFICE-Motown Party w/The Good Kids
LAVISH-DJ Pablo Ramirez
RUM RUNNERS-Hill Valley Lightning/Hiroshima Hearts/
The Black Frame Spectacle
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Jeffy B. (4-8pm)
CANADIAN CORPS.-Acoustic Jam (3-6pm)
McCABES-Jason Mercer
SCOTS CORNER-The Gurriers/The MacNificents
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Karaoke
WINKS EATERY-Open Mic w/David Usselman
CROSSINGS GRILL (HYDE PARK)-Chris Schramek
POACHER’S ARMS-The Funny Comedy Show
WINKS EATERY—David Usselman
GRINNING GATOR-Gator House Band
FRI. AUG. 28
CROSSINGS GRILL (LAMBETH)-Jesse Parent
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.-Pat Maloney
WORTLEY-Journeymen Of Soul
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Smokin’ Dave
APK-Fresh Fridays Rap Nite
DUTCH CANADIAN CLUB-DJ Wolfeman (8pm)
TUES. SEPT. 1
SAT. SEPT. 5
NORMA JEAN’S-Open Jam w/Vinnie
BACKDRAFTS- AskHer
DUCHESS OF KENT-Barley Bob (3-6pm)
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Mic Night
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (8pm)
BYRON LEGION-Trivia Night w/Jeff (7-10pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Jaydee Bixby w/Chelsea Crites
GRINNING GATOR-Stu’s Open Mic
APK-Stratos/Flidas/Atrophic Visions/The Ocean Cure
(7pm)
CALL THE OFFICE-The Dyadics/Deni Gauthier/Ivan Rivers
FITZRAYS-Jim McGinley
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Karaoke w/Maggie (8pm)
BLACK PEARL PUB-Karaoke w/Jimmy Angus
ROXBURY-Open Mic w/Shawn Cowan
DAWGHOUSE PUB- Sofa King Slick
GRINNING GATOR- Vultures Playing Ruckus
POACHER’S ARMS-Trivia w/Richie
CALL THE OFFICE-Bryce Clifford & Brother Superior/Limiter
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Ev’s Bar Choir (8pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL –Altered Ego
JACK’S-Jason Mercer
WINKS EATERY-Rock ’n’ Roll Bingo w/Eedy
CROSSINGS GRILL (HYDE PARK)-Jesse Parent
WINKS EATERY-Trivia w/Mike (8:30pm)
EAST VILLAGE ARTS-Revive The Rose/Honey Beard
(8:30pm)
LONDON MUSIC CLUB-Deni Gauthier/Patrick James Clark/
Hillary Watson (8pm)
WED. SEPT. 2
CROSSINGS GRILL (LAMBETH)-Bob Cameron
THURS. SEPT. 10
DAWGHOUSE PUB-Larryoke
APK-The James Clark Institute/Westminster Park
FITZRAYS- Shaun Sanders
MOLLY BLOOM’S – Mike O’Brien Band
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL- Open Jam w/The After 8 Band
(8pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL- Loose Cannon
FANSHAWE COLLEGE-Dallas Smith/Petric (8pm)
FLAVURS-Paul Langille
MOOSE LODGE-The Tutwiller Blues Train (1-4pm)
FOX & FIDDLE-Hey Loretta (7pm)
FITZRAYS-Dustbin Flowers
FOX & FIDDLE-Three Penny Piece
FOX & FIDDLE-Karaoke w/Joe
NORMA JEAN’S-Howzat
GRINNING GATOR-Gator House Band
GRINNING GATOR-Outcasts
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Big League Comedy Night
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Off The Wagon
POACHER’S ARMS-Live Music
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Smokin’ Dave
JACK’S-Jason Mercer
GRINNING GATOR- Karaoke
GRINNING GATOR- Comedy Show w/John Moses (8pm)/
Karaoke (10:30pm)
RICHMOND- Bloodless Child/Tijuana Crackwhore/Titanium Blade
LAVISH-DJ Pablo Ramirez
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Mike O’Brien Band
LAVISH-DJ Eddy
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY – Karaoke w/Maggie
NORMA JEAN’S-Open Jam w/Vinnie
MOOSE LODGE-Truelove Ways (1-4pm)
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Outcasts (3-7pm)
NORMA JEAN’S-Electric Popsicle
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- The Big Rock Electric Jam
(8:30pm)/Larry Smith (8pm)
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- Acoustyle Open Mic w/DeRoK
(8pm)/Rick Taylor & Michael Schatte
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (8pm)
STROKERS BILLIARDS-DJ Hex (7pm)
POACHER’S ARMS- Open Mic w/J-Me
ONYX-DJ Energy
LONDON MUSIC HALL-Modest Mouse (7:30pm)
VICTORY LEGION-Allen James (2-6pm)/County Road &
Friends (8pm)
ROXBURY-Open Jam w/Shawn Cowan
PLAYERS ATHLETIC LAGER-UFC
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL-Shawn Cowan
WINKS EATERY-Pub Stumpers Trivia (8:30pm)
POACHER’S ARMS- Verbal Karate
MOLLY BLOOM’S – Mike O’Brien Band
THURS. SEPT. 3
POLISH HALL-DJ Wolfeman
NORMA JEAN’S – Nasty Alex Live Band Karaoke
APK-Splitfist/Partycat (7pm)
RICHMOND- The Pits/Have You Seen Syd/Spencer Frost
POACHER’S ARMS-The Fairmonts
CALL THE OFFICE-The Penske File/Yeah Bud/Bet Your Life
VICTORY LEGION- Bridlington Road (2-6pm)/Bobby Allan
& Richard Wolfe Tribute Show (8pm)
RICHMOND-Open Mic w/Billy Paton
WINKS EATERY-UFC
WINKS EATERY-Open Mic w/Sarah Smith Duo
WORTLEY- Journeymen Of Soul
FRI. SEPT. 11
SUN. SEPT. 6
APK-Drum ’n’ Bass Sunday
301 YORK ST.-BlockParty London w/Tiesto/Dzeko & Torres
(6-11pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
APK-Fresh Fridays
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Stu’s Sunday Jam (3-8pm)
BACKDRAFTS- The Monkey Junkies
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Karaoke w/Axle
CALL THE OFFICE-DJ Wolf Pup
RICHMOND-Karaoke w/Lizzy & Markus
DAWGHOUSE PUB- Howzat
WINKS EATERY-Karaoke
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL –AskHer
LONDON MUSIC HALL-Northlane/Like Moths To Flames/In
Hearts Wake/Oceans Ate Alaska (7pm)
MOLLY BLOOM’S – Mike O’Brien Band
WINKS EATERY-Brother Time
WORTLEY-Tom Cat Prowl
470 Colborne St, London
(519) 640-6996
londonmusicclub.com
Book the LMC for your special
event or release debute!
F E A T U R E S H O W S:
3*$, 5":-03 .*$)"&- 4$)"55& "6( t KEN
YATES- SEP 12t30/)"8,*/4-*;453*/(&34&1
t MIKE EVIN / THE MARRIEDS - SEP 17 t "%".
$3044-&: 4&1 t KRIS & DEE
- SEP 19 t +&3&.: 13*$& +";;
'-65& 0$5 t KEITH HALLETT OCT 2 t 4&"/ .$$"// 4&1 t
SURVIVORMAN LES STROUD - SEP 13
16
FOX & FIDDLE-Three Penny Piece
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Big League Comedy Night
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
LAVISH-Karaoke w/DJ Amy
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- The Big Rock Electric Jam (8pm)
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL-Shawn Cowan
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Mike O’Brien Band
NORMA JEAN’S – Nasty Alex Live Band Karaoke
POACHER’S ARMS- The Fairmonts
RICHMOND-Open Mic w/Billy Paton
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Jeffy B. (4-8pm)
THERAPY-Tony Matterhorn
WINKS EATERY-Open Mic w/David Usselman
FOX & FIDDLE-Hey Loretta (7pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic w/J-Me
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Jeffy B. (4-8pm)
EMAIL YOUR LISTINGS TO SCENE
Email: music@scenemagazine.com. Please Include: Venue Name, Address, Event Title, Date, Time,
Brief Description, Admission Fee and Phone Number.
Deadline for September 24, 2015 issue~September 18, 2015 ~ John Sharpe
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
pop culture EAST VILLAGE ARTS COLLECTIVE-EVAC Acoustic Jam Night
(7-9pm)
Worthington
FITZRAYS-Social Stone
FORK YORK GARRISON COMMON (Toronto)-TURF 2015
CAREY’S-Open Mic Night
FORK YORK GARRISON COMMON (Toronto)-TURF 2015
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
FITZRAYS- Sweet Leaf Garrett
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke w/Shannon Melissa
FOX & FIDDLE-Karaoke w/Joe
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Stu’s Sunday Jam (3-8pm)
FRIDAYS
FOX & FIDDLE-Karaoke w/Joe
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic Comedy Night
GRINNING GATOR-Live Music
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Karaoke w/Axle
BARNEY’S- Samurai Night Fever
GRINNING GATOR-Live Music
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.-Pat Maloney
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY – Karaoke w/Maggie
CANADIAN CORPS.-Karaoke w/DJ Cowboy Shea (8pm)
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY – Karaoke w/Maggie
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Hotel California/Cuda Highway
(7pm)
LAVISH-DJ Zoltan
NORMA JEAN’S-Mourning Sun/The Tracks/Seek Reality/
White Summit/Limberlost/Gatling (6pm)
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- Acoustyle Open Mic (8pm)/Adam
Crossley (6:30pm)/London Poetry Slam (7pm)/Mark Henning (7:30pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-Video Game Day
CELLO SUPPER CLUB-DJ EverFresh
RICHMOND-Karaoke w/Lizzy & Markus
CEEPS-DJ
SPRINGBANK GARDENS- (2-4pm)
LONDON MUSIC HALL-Bunji Garlin/DJ Soca Sweetness
COWBOYS RANCH-Freedom Friday
VICTORY LEGION-Jamboree (1pm)
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Drive
FATTY PATTY’S-Karaoke w/Sharpe Sound
WINKS EATERY-Karaoke
MUSEUM LONDON- Nihilist Spasm Band w/Joe McPhee
(7pm)
FOX & FIDDLE-Karaoke w/Joe (10pm)
MON. SEPT. 21
GRINNING GATOR-DJ Dominic
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke w/Shannon Melissa
HUSTLER BILLIARDS-Karaoke w/Pepsi Pete
McCABES-Jason Mercer
JACK’S-Graham & Kailen
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Karaoke
JOE KOOLS-DJ Jamie Allen
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic Comedy
LAVISH- DJ Zoltan
RICHMOND-Karaoke
McCABE’S IRISH PUB-Verbal Karate
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.-Pat Maloney
MONGOLIAN MARTINI BAR-Empyrean Productions House
DJs
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- Acoustyle Open Mic (8pm)/Shut
The Front Door Improv (7 & 9:30pm)
MOLLY BLOOM’S – Silk Tonic
TUES. SEPT. 15
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Mic Night
NORMA JEAN’S- Live Music
GRINNING GATOR-Stu’s Open Mic
OLIVE R. TWISTS-Greg Lirette (5-9pm)
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Karaoke w/Maggie (8pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-The Spoonmen
POACHER’S ARMS-Trivia w/Richie
RICHMOND- Fun Fact/Old Town Soul/Shushlang
ROXBURY-Comedy Open Mic (8pm)
ROXBURY-DJ Hex
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Open Acoustic Jam (7-11pm)
SCOTS CORNER- Live Music
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Shania Twin/Eric Ethridge Band (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-Samuri Night Fever
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-The Dixie Chicklets/Julia Haggarty (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-R&R Bingo w/Eedy
WORTLEY-Funk Eh
WED. SEPT. 16
SAT. SEPT. 12
APK-SOL Comedy
NORMA JEAN’S-Dave’s Not Here/The Ultrasounds
OLIVE R. TWISTS-Greg Lirette (5-9pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-Live Music
RICHMOND-James Alfonse
ROXBURY-DJ Ruckus
RUM RUNNERS-Tandem Eagle/Crown Lands/Bodhi Jar
SCOTS CORNER-Andrew Priechard
301 YORK ST.-BlockParty London w/Zeds Dead/Ruby
Rose/Destructo/Wax Motif (3-11pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL- Open Jam w/The After 8 Band
(8pm)
APK-Alun Piggins/Duke Sedan/Ten Heads/The Jiggawatts/Black ‘n’ Bluegrass/Thunder Bitchin’
FOX & FIDDLE-Hey Loretta (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-Smokin’ Dave
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Karaoke
WOLF PERFORMANCE HALL-Elvis/Buddy Holly/Orbison
Tribute Show (8pm)
BUDAPEST-Jim Chapman & The Incontinentals (7-10pm)
CANADIAN CORPS.-Acoustic Jam (3-6pm)
SILVER SPUR-Karaoke w/Rob Middleton
SAT. SEPT. 19
WINKS EATERY-R&R Bingo w/Eedy
SPOKE (UWO)-Coffee House Night
AEOLIAN HALL-Scarlett Jane (8pm)
WED. SEPT. 23
SWAG LOUNGE-DJ
APK-Indie Rock Revival (5pm)
APK- Queerspace Burlesque Show
TALBOT ST. WHISKY HOUSE-Zach Macabe
CROSSINGS GRILL (HYDE PARK)-Justin Plet/Chris Schramek
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Open Jam w/The After 8 Band
(8pm)
TIGER JACKS - DJ Sebastian
CROSSINGS GRILL (LAMBETH)-Doug Varty
FOX & FIDDLE-Hey Loretta (7pm)
A.N.A.F. – Karaoke w/Leeann
DAWGHOUSE PUB-Larryoke
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Karaoke
BACKDRAFTS-Karaoke
DOWNSVIEW PARK (Toronto)-RIOT Fest
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Smokin’ Dave
BARNEY’S-The Fairmonts
DUTCH CANADIAN CLUB-DJ Wolfeman (8pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Gator House Band
CEEPS-DJ
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL- Katmandu
NORMA JEAN’S-Open Jam w/Vinnie
COBRA-Spotlight Saturdays
FITZRAYS-Deep Purple Tribute Show
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (8pm)
COWBOYS RANCH-BX93 Night w/Heidi Reichert
FORK YORK GARRISON COMMON (Toronto)-TURF 2015
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic w/J-Me
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL- Karaoke w/Ken Richardson (6-9pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Live Music
ROXBURY-Open Mic w/Shawn Cowan
HOOPS HOUSE PUB-Karaoke w/Jukebox Jeannie (9pm)
JACK’S-Jason Mercer
WINKS EATERY-Pub Stumpers Trivia w/Mike (8:30pm)
JACK’S-Jason Mercer
LONDON CONVENTION CENTRE-Jeans ’n’ Classics: The Music Of Abbey Road (8pm)
HOUSE BANDS/DJS/KARAOKE
KUBBY’S BAR & GRILL-Bill Savage (8pm)
THURSDAYS
LONDON MUSIC CLUB-Dark Horse (7pm)/Kris & Dee
(10pm)
LAVISH-Seductive Saturdays w/DJ Pablo Ramirez
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL-Shawn Cowan
CEEPS-DJ
McCABE’S IRISH PUB-Black Belt Jones
MOLLY BLOOM’S- Mike O’Brien Band
LONDON MUSIC HALL-Keys ‘n’ Krates
COBRA-Top 40 & Hip-Hop
NORMA JEAN’S – Nasty Alex Live Band Karaoke
MOLLY BLOOM’S-Half Hour City
FOX & FIDDLE-Three Penny Piece
MONGOLIAN MARTINI BAR-Empyrean Productions House
DJs
POACHER’S ARMS-The Fairmonts
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic w/J-Me
FITZRAYS-Last Bullet
ROXBURY-Open Jam w/Shawn Cowan
GRINNING GATOR- Apathy & Celph Titled/Robbie G &
Woodlawn Warriors
JACK’S-Jason Mercer
LONDON MUSIC CLUB-Ken Yates (6:30pm)/Ron Hawkins/
Liz Stringer
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Practically Hip (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-Pub Stumpers Trivia (8:30pm)
THURS. SEPT. 17
APK-Jacqui Brown Music/Neon Attix
MOLLY BLOOM’S –Silk Tonic
CALL THE OFFICE-Bloodshot Bill
MOOSE LODGE-Gary McGill (1-4pm)
FOX & FIDDLE-Three Penny Piece
NORMA JEAN’S- Bender
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Big League Comedy Night
POACHER’S ARMS-Vultures Without Wings
GRINNING GATOR- Karaoke
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Engine 89 w/Allison Brown
LAVISH-Karaoke w/DJ Amy
STROKERS BILLIARDS-DJ Hex (7pm)
LONDON MUSIC CLUB- The Big Rock Electric Jam (8pm)/
Mike Evin/The Marrieds (8:30pm)
VICTORY LEGION- CW Country (2-6pm)/Country Classics (8pm)
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-We Walk The Line (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-Verbal Karate
WORTLEY- Funk Eh
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (9pm)
ROXBURY-DJ Hex
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (8pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Butch Haller
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Karaoke w/Maggie
MOOSE LODGE-Karaoke w/Doug Tucker & Karen Turner
(8pm)
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Open Acoustic Jam (7-11pm)
NORMA JEAN’S-Open Jam w/Vinnie
CROSSINGS GRILL (LAMBETH)-Nathan Ouellette
GRINNING GATOR-Stu’s Open Jam
POACHER’S ARMS-Trivia w/Richie
LAVISH-DJ Pablo Ramirez
CROSSINGS GRILL (HYDE PARK)- Bob Cameron
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Mic Night
COBRA-Dirty Disko
WORTLEY-Wrif Wraf
GRINNING GATOR-Gator House Band
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Smokin’ Dave
CALL THE OFFICE-Fake Palms/S.M./Tournament
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-The Rattles (7pm)
TUES. SEPT. 22
TALBOT ST. WHISKEY HOUSE-Jamie Baldwin: The Electric
Violinist
SATURDAYS
MOOSE LODGE-The Les Holmes Band (1-4pm)
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Big League Comedy Night
ROXBURY - DJ Mystic
RICHMOND-Open Mic w/Billy Paton
NORMA JEAN’S- Super Falcon
DAWGHOUSE PUB-Smokin’ Dave
SCOTS CORNER-Karaoke
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Jeffy B. (4-8pm)
ONYX-DJ Energy
GRAD CLUB (UWO)-Rick McGhie (6pm)
SPOKE (UWO)-Coffee House Night
POACHER’S ARMS-Sole Motive
GRINNING GATOR-Smokin’ Dave Open Mic
SWAG LOUNGE-DJ
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Tuerto Loco
HOOPS HOUSE PUB-Karaoke w/Greg (8:30pm)
TALBOT ST. WHISKY HOUSE-Darrin Berg/Paul Rivard
VICTORY LEGION-County Road (2-6pm)/James McDermaind (7pm)
JACK ASTOR’S (RICHMOND ROW)-Extracurricular Thursdays
TIGER JACKS - DJ Sebastian
FRI. SEPT.18
JOE KOOL’S-Sweet Leaf Garrett
SUNDAYS
APK- JR Fillion/Sharky/Jux Cain/TKP/Sean White/Lyrical
Mind/Eric Hall/Hive Mind Collective/Casper & Kehmak
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Thunderstruck/Abandoned
Souls (7pm)
LAVISH-Karaoke w/DJ Amy
BARNEY’S-Open Jam w/The Audio Device
BACKDRAFTS-Hurtin’ Merv
LONDON MUSIC CLUB-Trivia Night
CALL THE OFFICE – RayGun (9pm)
WINKS EATERY-Brother Time
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
VICTORY LEGION-Sunday Jamboree (1-4pm)
CROSSINGS GRILL (HYDE PARK)-Chris Casserly/Rhapsody
Rebelz
WORTLEY- Wrif Wraf
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL-Shawn Cowan (8:30pm)
NORMA JEAN’S- Live Band Karaoke w/Nasty Alex
LONDON ALE HOUSE-BuzztimeTrivia Nite w/Chris
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Hot Rocks/Hwy 19 (7pm)
DAWGHOUSE PUB-Geoff Masse
POACHER’S ARMS-The Fairmonts
McCABE’S IRISH PUB-Black Belt Jones
WINKS EATERY-Karaoke
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Wednesdays Engine
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Jeffy B. (4-8pm)
RICHMOND-Karaoke w/Lizzy & Markus
MON. SEPT. 14
EAST VILLAGE ARTS COLLECTIVE-EVAC Acoustic Jam Night
(7-9pm)
SUN. SEPT. 13
AEOLIAN HALL-Canned Heat/Cecile Doo-Kingue (8pm)
APK-Acoustic Jam (3-7pm)/DJ Cuz Green
CHAUCER’S PUB-Friends Of Fiddler’s Green (7:30pm)
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Road To Memphis Blues Challenge
(3-8pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke
JIMBO’S PUB & EATERY –Stu’s Sunday Jam (3-8pm)
LAVISH-DJ Pablo
POACHER’S ARMS-Board Game Night
APK-David R. Elliott & The Novellas/Cedric Noel/JoJo
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT-Tim E. & The Yes Men/The Stanley Brown Blues Band (7pm)
WINKS EATERY-Open Mic w/Jason Mercer
SUN. SEPT. 20
APK-Indie Rock Revival (3pm)
DOWNSVIEW PARK (Toronto)-RIOT Fest
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Road To Memphis Blues Challenge
(3-8pm)
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
SCOTS CORNER-Iain Marais
THE LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
SPOKE (UWO)-Trivia Night
17
pop culture
THE LISTINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
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WEEKENDS
ROXBURY- Karaoke w/DJ Tatz
SCOTS CORNER-Casey Jones (8pm)
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MONDAYS
APK-Mosh Mondays
FIRST ST. ANDREWS UNITED CHURCH-Southern Ontario
Ukulele Players Open Jam (7pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Karaoke w/Shannon M
JACK’S-Mike Todd
MONGOLIAN MARTINI BAR-DJ Double Down
MORRISSEY HOUSE-Team Pub Quiz
NORMA JEAN’S- Open Band w/Shepherds Pie
ST. REGIS TAVERN-Acoustic Open Mic (7pm)
TALBOT ST. WHISKEY HOUSE-Pubstumpers Trivia
(8:30pm)
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.-Pat Maloney
TUESDAYS
BACKDRAFTS-Karaoke
FITZRAYS-Sundown Tuesdays w/Becky & Jeffy B. (710pm)
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE-Open Mic Night
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POACHER’S ARMS-Trivia Night w/Richie
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WEDNESDAYS
CALL THE OFFICE-PunkPins
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL-Open Jam Nite (8pm)
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GRAD CLUB-Open Mic (8-11pm)
GRINNING GATOR-Gator House Band
JACK’S- DJ Dani & DJ Rick O’Shea
JOE KOOL’S-The Mammals
LONDON ALE HOUSE-Karaoke w/Amy (10pm)
McCABE’S IRISH PUB-Jessie & Jordan
MONGOLIAN MARTINI BAR-Jeffy B
MOLLY BLOOM’S –Pub Stumpers Trivia (7-9pm)
O’MALLEY’S-Karaoke w/Music Central (8pm)
POACHER’S ARMS-Open Mic w/J-Me
ROXBURY-Open Mic w/Shawn Cowan
SPOKE (UWO)- Rick McGhie (9pm)
TALBOT ST. WHISKEY HOUSE-Laura Palumbo
VENUE•INDEX
AEOLIAN HALL 795 DUNDAS ST. 672-7950
AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION 2155 CRUMLIN RD. 455-0430
A.N.A.F. 797 YORK ST. 432-0104
APK 347 CLARENCE ST. 858-9900
BACKDRAFTS 1101 JALNA BLVD. 649-7110
BARKING FROG 209 JOHN ST. 850-3764
BLACK DIAMOND PUB 1440 JALNA BLVD. (226) 663-3263
18
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
BLACK PEARL PUB 705 FANSHAWE PK. RD. W. 601-4782
BUDAPEST 348 DUNDAS ST. 439-3431
BUDWEISER GARDENS 99 DUNDAS ST. 667-5700
BYRON LEGION 1276 COMMISSIONERS RD. W. 472-3300
CANADIAN CORPS. 1051 DUNDAS ST. 455-7530
CAREY’S BAR & GRILL 1569 OXFORD ST. E. 951-6886
CASEY’S BAR AND GRILL 310 CLARKE RD. 455-4392
CEEPS AND BARNEY’S 671 RICHMOND ST. 432-1232
CELLO SUPPER CLUB 99 KING ST. 850-8000
CHAUCER’S PUB 122 CARLING ST. 679-9940
CHRISTINA’S PUB 1131 RICHMOND ST. 660-8778
COBRA LONDON 359 TALBOT ST. 661-0761
COWBOY’S RANCH 60 WHARNCLIFFE RD. N. 679-0101
CROSSINGS GRILL 2300 WHARNCLIFFE RD. S. 652-4020
CROSSINGS GRILL 1269 HYDE PARK RD. 472-3020
DAWGHOUSE PUB 699 WILKINS ST. 685-0640
DUCHESS OF KENT 499 HILL ST. 438-6521
DUTCH CANADIAN CLUB 1738 GORE RD. 433-2579
EASTSIDE BAR & GRILL 750 HAMILTON RD. 951-6462
EAST VILLAGE ARTS COLLECTIVE 757 DUNDAS ST.
EAST VILLAGE COFFEEHOUSE 754 DUNDAS ST. 226-271-6141
FACTORY 89 KING ST. 645-2582
FATTY PATTY’S 390 SPRINGBANK DR. 473-5521
FIRESIDE GRILL 1166 COMMISSIONERS RD. E 680-9899
FIRE ROASTED COFFEE CO. 105 KING ST. 438-5225
FITZRAYS 110 DUNDAS ST. 646-1112
FLAVURS 855 WELLINGTON RD. 649-1103
FOREST CITY GALLERY 258 RICHMOND ST. 434-5875
FOX & FIDDLE 355 WELLINGTON ST. 679-4238
GATSBY 50 PICADILLY ST. 495-3014
GORDY’S BREWHOUSE 1631 OXFORD ST. E. 601-4673
GRINNING GATOR 391 RICHMOND ST. 672-5050
GROOVES 353 CLARENCE ST. 640-6714
HOOPS HOUSE PUB 924 OXFORD ST. 659-6766
HUSTLER BILLIARDS 1116 DEARNESS DR. 649-2138
JACK’S 539 RICHMOND ST. 438-1876
JACK ASTOR’S 660 RICHMOND ST. 642-0708
JIMBO’S PUB AND EATERY 920 COMMISSIONERS RD. E. 204-7991
KUBBY’S BAR & GRILL 312 COMMISSIONERS RD. W. 472-9455
LAVISH NIGHTCLUB 238 DUNDAS ST.
1286 JALNA BLVD. 680-5001
LOCKER ROOM
LONDON ALE HOUSE 288 DUNDAS ST. 204-2426
LONDON CONCERT THEATRE 60 WHARNCLIFFE RD. N.
LONDON MUSIC CLUB 470 COLBORNE ST. 640-6996
LONDON MUSIC HALL 185 QUEENS AVE. 432-1107
LONE STAR TEXAS GRILL 660 RICHMOND ST. 434-4663
MCCABES IRISH PUB 739 RICHMOND ST. 858-8485
MOLLY BLOOM’S 700 RICHMOND ST. 675-1212
MONGOLIAN 645 RICHMOND ST. 645-6400
MOOSE LODGE 6 WESTON ST. 434-9361
MORRISSEY HOUSE 359 DUNDAS ST. 204-9220
MUSIC BOX 1472 DUNDAS ST. (226) 236-3877
MUSTANG SALLY’S 99 BELMONT DRIVE 649-7688
MYKONOS RESTAURANT 572 ADELAIDE ST. N. 434-6736
NORMA JEAN’S 1332 HURON ST. 455-7711
O’MALLEY’S IRISH PUB 99 BELMONT AVE. 649-7688
OLD SOUTH VILLAGE PUB 149 WORTLEY RD. 645-1166
OLIVE R. TWISTS 130 KING ST. 204-9184
PLAYERS ATHLETIC LAGER CO. 1749 DUNDAS ST. E. 452-1030
POACHER’S ARMS 171 QUEENS ST. 432-7888
POLISH HALL 554 HILL ST. 434-2576
RICHMOND TAVERN 370 RICHMOND ST. 679-9777
ROOSEVELT ROOM 2010 DUNDAS ST. 870-5222
ROXBURY BAR & GRILL 1165 OXFORD ST. E. 951-0665
RUM RUNNERS 176 DUNDAS ST. 432-1107
SADDLE UP BAR & EATERY 93 KING ST.
ST. REGIS TAVERN 625 DUNDAS ST. 432-0162
SCOTS CORNER 268 DUNDAS ST. 667-2277
SHOELESS JOE’S 805 WONDERLAND RD. S. 474-9505
SILVER SPUR 771 SOUTHDALE RD. E. 681-5161
SWAG LOUNGE WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT 438-7203
TALBOT ST. WHISKEY HOUSE 580 TALBOT ST. 601-2589
THERAPY 335 RICHMOND 860-2582
TIGER JACKS 842 WHARNCLIFFE RD. S. 690-0292 TOBOGGAN BREWERY 585 RICHMOND ST. 433-2337
TOWN & COUNTRY SALOON 765 DUNDAS ST. 433-4741
VIBRAFUSIONLAB 355 CLARENCE ST. (226) 272-5185
VICTORY LEGION 311 OAKLAND AVE. 455-2331
WINKS EATERY 551 RICHMOND ST. 936-5079
WOLF PERFORMANCE HALL 251 DUNDAS ST. 661-5120
WORTLEY ROADHOUSE 190 WORTLEY RD. 438-5141
YUK YUK’S 900 KING ST. 936-2309
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
HOT INDIE
HOT INDIE
HOT INDIE
HOT INDIE
Mike Evin • Life
As A Lover
Produced by Juno nominee Howie Beck, Canadian
piano-pop songwriter Mike Evin describes his
latest release as “an ode to finding love and
learning to live with loves past.” While most of
the album presents a positive outlook on pop music’s favourite subject, tracks
like ‘If I Stay This Lonely’ present a melancholy take on the one that got away.
Among the album’s many highlights is Evin’s new single ‘Al Green’ where he
dreams that ‘Someday I wanna be in love and sing like Al Green.’ Supported
by handclaps, finger-snaps, and a cooing backup chorus, Evin’s own vocals are
strong throughout. And his work on various keyboards is certainly the equal of
his vocal and songwriting talents. Editor’s Note: Mike Evin, wsg The Marrieds,
plays the London Music Club on Thursday, September 17. – John Sharpe
> Performance: B+/Production: B+
> Indie
HOT INDIE
The Black Fever •
Midnight Century
Based in Toronto, The Black Fever is an indie rock
band, with heavy punk leanings, comprised of
Sumon Mukherjee (vocals/guitar), Pat Bramm
(bass, back-up vocals), and Dan Purpura (drums).
Mukherjee’s swirling guitar sounds and vocals
dominate the album’s 10 tracks, three of which were previously released on their
2014 EP, A Little Help. While much of the album deals in a raucous manner with the
angst and hardships of living in our modern world, the band wisely mixes things
up by toning down the volume and tempos on tracks like ‘Materiel Girl,’‘Never Took
You For Granted’ and ‘She Said No.’ Tracks like this stand in stark contrast to the
rapid-fire aggression of tunes like ‘Second Coming.’ It’s the songwriting that sets
The Black Fever apart from other groups of their ilk. -- John Sharpe
> Performance: B/Production: B
> Indie
Tom Lockwood •
Ace In The Hole
Andrea Zonn •
Rise
After a 12-year run as a member of James Taylor’s
band, violinist/vocalist Andrea Zonn steps into
the spotlight with her first album of originals,
Rise. Trading on her deep connections within
the Nashville music community, Zonn was able
to assemble a number of guest artists, including Taylor, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’,
Trace Adkins, Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown and Steve Gadd, to assist her with
this deeply personal collection. Much of Rise could be categorized as folk-rock,
but Zonn shows her versatility on the gentle jazz ditty ‘Another Swing And A
Miss,’ and the country-tinged ballad ‘You Make Me Whole.’ But the real standout
here is the album’s title track, which deals with the courage Zonn found when
she was dealing with her son’s life-threatening brain operations. Inspirational.
– John Sharpe
> Performance: B+/Production: B+
> Compass
Rockabilly Hall of Famer Buzz Cason’s latest release,
Record Machine begins with the sound of a needle
hitting the first groove on a vinyl record and then
we’re off to the races with the album’s title track. A
homage to vinyl and the good ol’ days, Cason notes that he’s “got Rock ‘n’ Roll, R&B,
and everything between…on my record machine.” Currently celebrating his sixth
decade in the music biz, Cason may not be a household name, but he’s regarded
as a living legend in Nashville. In fact, his career covers so many bases, his resume
includes a stint as the voice of Alvin in Alvin and The Chipmunks. Cason’s vocals are
appealing, his songwriting is sharp and full of humour and his band is chockfull
of crack soloists. Americana doesn’t get much better than this. Dare I say, Record
Machine is definitely Buzz-worthy! – John Sharpe
>Performance: A/Production: A
> Plowboy
HOT INDIE
Seattle’s Motopony made a name for themselves
on the indie outskirts as a glam/folk unit that
might well manage to break out of the pack if
given a chance. Welcome You proves that the
ol’ sophomore album curse doesn’t always hold sway. While there are some
instances where they nearly trip over their own shoelaces after straying just a
bit too far off course in a quest for originality, the fact that they’ve learned their
lessons so well from their numerous influences always pulls them back from the
edge. A challenging listen to be sure but repeat run-throughs bring this one
clearly into focus as a strong effort showing much potential if they go a little
further along with the ideas they work on here. -- Rod Nicholson
> B+
> eOne
Buzz Cason •
Record Machine
Chatham-based guitar virtuoso Tom Lockwood’s
fluency in a number of genres -- jazz, rock, classical
and world music – has been duly noted by both
critics and his peers in the biz. For his latest release,
Ace In The Hole, Lockwood turns to the blues for
inspiration. Backed by Mark Tremblay (keys), Brent Hunter (bass), Mark Wolfe
(drums) and vocalist Dan Taylor (who’s a strong presence on four tunes), Lockwood
runs through a 12-track collection split evenly between originals and covers. Guest
vocalist Jaimee Paul adds a sultry, bluesy twist to both Del Shannon’s pop classic
‘Runaway’ and a tune closely associated with Mr. Sinatra, ‘Angel Eyes.’ Far from a
one-man show, Lockwood is generous enough to let his sidemen shine, adding his
razor sharp guitar licks in a very judicious and thoughtful manner. Well recorded in
London at EMAC Studio, Ace In The Hole wins hands down. Editor’s Note: The Tom
Lockwood Band performs at the Wortley Jazz & Blues Fest on August 30. – John
Sharpe
> Performance: B+/Production: B+
> Indie
Iris Dement • The
Trackless Woods
There are probably at most a handful of artists who
could have had the audacity and core talent to put
the sadly forthright work of Russian poet Anna
Akhmatova to music and not completely miss the
mark. The Trackless Woods is one of those unadorned gems that come by every so
often and puts to shame the great mass of nonsense driven by ego and money that
masquerades as ‘art’ these days. Though the subject matter is often dark, Dement’s
beautiful voice (so often reminiscent here of the wonderful Kate McGarrigle) brings
a richness and a sense of the willow-strength of the soul that wrote these words
to the fore and places it before the listener like a gift. Genuinely magnificent work
that’s deserving of classic status. -- Rod Nicholson
> Performance: A+/Production: A
> Flariella
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
HOT INDIE
Motopony •
Welcome You
POP CDs
HOT INDIE
On her solo debut Grace Potter has stepped
out from her role as lead singer/polarizing
personality of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
and taken some chances. Midnight finds her
still holding on to the soulful witch-queen base she so clearly excels at while
letting go of the guard rail with one hand to see what happens. It’s hard to know
if producer Eric Valentine was the instigator but the album’s only weakness is
the manner in which Potter caroms about trying on some electro-pop/metal
trappings that more often than not sonically fail to underpin the lyrics of these
tunes or the way that Potter is singing them. Nonetheless, Grace kills all the
way vocally here and pulls this record up hard by the bootstraps. Recommended.
-- Rod Nicholson
> B+
> Universal
HOT INDIE
Grace Potter •
Midnight
HOT INDIE
NEW RELEASE
NEW RELEASE
physical reviews
Deradoorian •
The Expanding
Flower Planet
Angela Deradoorian has already established
herself in her roles as Dirty Projectors bassist
and vocalist/foil extraordinaire for performers such as Brandon Flowers
and The Roots as a force to be reckoned with. On this solo debut album
Deradoorian vividly demonstrates that her vocal abilities and musical
imagination are a perfect match for each other. The Expanding Flower
Planet has been described as ‘psychedelic’ (and it’s true there’s plenty of
that on tap) but the compositions and performances here would be better
described as audacious and totally free of pretension or cliché. The manner
in which she has built these tracks from bass and drum underpinnings is
nothing short of brilliant with the real light coming from her incredible
voice. A revelation from start to finish. -- Rod Nicholson
> Performance: A/Production: A
> Anticon
Jackie Greene •
Back To Birth
There’s a fine line between sincerity and
road apples when an artist’s intentions
surpass their abilities to take things to the
place they’d like to get to. Jackie Greene’s
latest album Back To Birth, produced by
Los Lobos alumnus Steve Berlin (a man of no small talent or sense of
sonic adventure) is a textbook case of something so carefully crafted
that its flaws are hidden in plain sight. While Greene’s talents are highly
developed he never escapes the gravitational pull of his influences but
articulates them in such loving detail that you can’t hold it against him,
and the positive glow that permeates this record mitigates all of its many
shortcomings. Imagine John Mayer if he genuinely meant any of the songs
he writes. -- Rod Nicholson
> Performance: B/Production: B+
> Yep Roc
Dale Watson •
Call Me Insane
Although there are more than a few
pretenders out there, it’s a sad fact that there
just aren’t very many country artists who
well and truly know what the genre is really
about. Dale Watson is definitely one of them
and it’s probably no coincidence that the man sees country as music for
adults. Call Me Insane is his newest release and it’s a strong effort from
opening track ‘A Day At A Time’ through to his rendition of Tony Joe White’s
classic ‘Mamas Don’t Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be Babies.’ Watson
manages to pull the whole thing off without any false moves because it
all comes to him naturally. This one’s a joy for anyone tired of the pop in
boots stuff. -- Rod Nicholson
> Performance: B+/Production: B+
> Ameripolitan
Chelsea Wolfe
• Abyss
As John Lennon sang, ‘Let me take you
down’ - folks like to talk about the dark side
of things and there’s some folks who are in
bands that are supposed to be ‘heavy’ or
‘doom-metal’ or what have you. Then there
are the folks who really do take the downward path into the dark and
they are not kidding. One thinks of Swans or the truly daunting Diamanda
Galas but one now has to add Chelsea Wolfe to this exclusive group. Abyss
takes the listener on a black as night psychic voyage way past any vestiges
of ironically smug pretension or posturing and reveals that there’s a
beauty to be found even in extreme sonic environments that make early
NIN sound like a mere entrée. -- Rod Nicholson
> Performance: A/Production: B+
> Sargent House
19
physical reviews
ORCHESTRA
Kenneth Fuchs – Falling Man
The events of September 11, 2001 changed the world forever and ever since,
artists have been exploring the complex reality of that day. Falling Man –
American composer Kenneth Fuchs’ series of arias and interludes scored for
baritone and full orchestra (in this case, Roderick Williams and the London
Symphony Orchestra) – is an example of such a work. Music inspired by the
attacks in New York and Washington could easily be tempestuous and dissonant.
But these compositions are somehow comforting, a virtue that acknowledges the
horror of the occasion without being drawn into the madness of it again. Other pieces on this CD include Movie House
- a cycle featuring settings of seven poems by John Updike - and Songs of Innocence and of Experience, a quartet of
composition inspired by English poet William Blake’s iconic two-part illustrated collection of poems.
– Chris Morgan
> London Symphony Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta (conductor)
> Naxos, 2015
EXPERIMENTAL
Derek Clarke: Tundra Songs
This new Centrediscs release combines the innovative music of Juno Awardwinning composer Derek Clarke with the progressive sounds of the Kronos
Quartet and the vocal stylings of Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq. The resulting
collaboration is an expansive recording that is both visionary and visceral. Tagaq
leads the quartet through selections from Inuit Throat Song Games, where the
players use a combination of techniques to mimic the singer’s voice. Clarke makes
use of field recordings in his compositions – specifically Cercle du Nord III and
Tundra Songs - summoning Canada’s vast openness with sounds from nature, which Tagaq and the quartet imitate in
turn. Rather than revisit stately European symphonies said to be inspired by the north, this is a new sound, as rugged
and raw as the land and people it describes. Tagaq – one of the most important Canadian voices to emerge on the
national scene in the last ten years – is in good company here, while the Kronos Quartet maintains its mandate to
embrace the best that contemporary classical music has to offer. Northern lights, indeed.
– Chris Morgan
> Kronos Quartet, Tanya Tagaq (voice)
> Centrediscs, 2015
VOCAL JAZZ
Got a Little Rhythm
Nineteen tuneful gems from the Great American Songbook have found a home
on this recent Bridge Records release. Vocalists Amy Burton and Patrick Mason,
accompanied by pianist John Musto, recreate the smoky ambiance of early 20th
century jazz clubs with classic tunes from some of the most revered songwriters
of the time, including George Gershwin (‘Fascinating Rhythm’, ‘Little Jazz Bird’,
‘Embraceable You’, ‘By Strauss’, ‘I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise’), Cole Porter
(‘Tale of the Oyster’), Irving Berlin (‘Lazy’, ‘I’ll See You in C-U-B-A’, ‘What I’ll Do’)
and Hoagy Carmichael (‘The Nearness of You’). Impeccable musicianship courtesy of Musto and playful, engaging
performances from both singers make this CD a worthwhile addition to any collector’s library where the music of
young America figures prominently.
– Chris Morgan
> Amy Burton (soprano), Patrick Mason (baritone)
> Bridge Records, 2015
20
NON-FIC TION
This recent release from Bridge Records is the sixteenth volume in a series
collecting the work of American avant-garde composer George Crumb. The
program here features two distinct sets; the first of these – entitled Sun and
Shadow - is based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca, the Spanish poet,
playwright and theatre director. It’s a moody, engaging selection of tunes,
thoughtfully interpreted by pianist Marcantonio Barone and sung with focused intensity by soprano Ann Crumb (who
is also the composer’s daughter). The second set of songs – Voices from the Heartland – offers a showcase of early
American songcraft, re-imagined in Crumb’s own inimitable fashion. Challenging, yet ultimately rewarding music
that should prove enjoyable to both students and fans of Crumb’s oeuvre.
– Chris Morgan
> Orchestra 2001, James Freeman (conductor)
> Bridge Records, 2015
the BRICOLEUR & his
SENTENCES
“Even a casual reflection shows that the business of a character, biography
or autobiography, is a lot more complicated than a person might think,” Stan
Dragland writes in his latest book, the sprawling BRICOLEUR & his SENTENCES.
“I got to thinking about this when Michael Ondaatje asked me to send him
my bundle of sentences, because it’s personal and quirky and not meant to
be shared without commentary […] Then I began to think about the word
‘bricoleur’ as regularly applied to me by Don McKay. Might it fit not only my
gathering and making of odd things, but also my puddle-jumping mind? Does
it describe me all too well?” As this passage might suggest, this book is difficult
to classify in any particular genre, as it roams from memories and bits of stories
to sharing lines from prose and poetical writings of various artists. Dragland
explores sentences – their use, their meaning, the meaning behind that meaning, discovering sentences about
sentences, where they have come from and where they could lead. The bricoleur is a “jack-of-all-trades”, using a set of
generalized tools for many purposes; Dragland uses language and his beloved sentences in this fashion; engineering
sentences into foundations and tracks, building towards a purpose as yet unknown.
- Merry Hakin
> Stan Dragland
> Pedlar Press, 2014 • 192 pages
Short Talks
POETRY
George Crumb
Voices from the Heartland
B O O KS
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Brick Books is publishing new editions of their
back-catalogue favourites. It’s a chance to discover the writers you missed the
first time around. Anne Carson’s sweet and playful collection of verse, Short Talks
is an ideal choice for the Canadian press. Carson’s writing is full of wordplay, with
dry humour and irrepressible smiles, each poem begging to be squirrelled away
in the reader’s memory. “I went travelling to a wreck of a place,” she writes in her
‘Short Talk On Where To Travel’. “There were three gates standing ajar and a fence
that broke off. It was not the wreck of anything else in particular. A place came
there and crashed. After that it remained the wreck of a place. Light fell on it.”
Often charmingly succinct, each poem reads like a hidden love note, humid and
heady; or an old list hastily scribbled on a scrap and tucked away in a book, only
to be happened upon years later, evidence of the thrilling hum of life. Carson’s
poetry made me laugh with delight. In a ‘Short Talk On the Sensation of Aeroplane Takeoff ’, she writes: “Well you know
I wonder, it could be love running towards my life with its arms up yelling let’s buy it what a bargain!” In their brief
poignancies, these timeless poems are unbearably real; a glimpse of something majestic in those last moments before
an experience passes out of sight.
- Amy Andersen
> Anne Carson
> Brick Books, 2015 • 75 pages
Safely Home Western Pacific
P O E T RY
VOCAL & PIANO
CLASSICAL CDS
In Safely Home Western Pacific, Jeff Latosik takes the reader on a series of
journeys - long and short, temporary and permanent - through space, time
and memory. With elegant words, the poet frames questions any would-be
traveler must face: Will things be the same if and when they return? Will they
change so much that home will no longer be home? Is the journey worth the
risk? Every reader has faced the dilemma of “the voice that anchors me to here”
or an escape to parts unknown, reaching for new locales or new technologies.
Latosik takes for granted that patterns of life, choices and travels form the history
of a person, experiences that make us what and who we are, becoming the lens
through which we view reality. His descriptions of times and places long ago left
behind taps into a nostalgia readers will understand - a ‘what if?’ inherent in
reflections on our own lives, our own travels and our own choices. While human
relationships are important to Latosik’s poetry, they often play second fiddle to time, place and thing. This lack of focus
on sensory descriptions and emotion makes Latosik’s poetry stand out as he weaves technology, science, geography
and history together.
- Adam Shirley
> Jeff Latosik
> Goose Lane Editions, 2015 • 70 Pages
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
physical reviews
MOVIE DVDs
Helix: Season 2
HORROR
COMEDY
Aloha
A celebrated military contractor (Bradley Cooper) returns to the site of
his greatest career triumphs -- Honolulu, Hawaii -- and reconnects with a
long-ago love (Rachel McAdams) while unexpectedly falling for the hardcharging Air Force watchdog (Emma Stone) assigned to him.
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Rating: PG
> Run Time:105 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Director: Cameron Crowe
> Actors: Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride
For decades, ex-government agent Raymond “Red” Reddington (James
Spader) has been one of the FBI’s Most Wanted fugitives. Last season, he
mysteriously surrendered to the FBI but now the FBI work for him as he
identifies a “blacklist” of politicians, mobsters, spies and international terrorists. He will help catch them all… with the caveat that Elizabeth “Liz”
Keen (Megan Boone) continues as his partner… whether she wants to or
not.
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Rating: 14A
> Run Time: 937 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Director: Joe Carnahan
> Actors: Ryan Eggold, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff, James Spader
Anacondas large enough to crush an SUV. Crocodiles strong enough
to leap onto speedboats. When they’re not hunting for human prey,
they’re more than willing to take on each other. Get ready for a non-stop
bloodbath unlike anything you’ve seen before in this heart-pounding
battle between mutated crocodiles and genetically engineered anacondas. Packed with hot sorority girls, big guns, and jaws massive enough
to swallow a human in one bite, this is one screaming good time!
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Rating: 14A
> Run Time: 92 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Director: A.B. Stone
> Actors: Corin Nemec, Yancy Butler, Stephen Billington, Skye Lourie, Olivier Walker, Ali Eagle, Annabel
Wright, Laura Dale, Georgina Philipps, Nigel Barber, Robert Englund
HORROR
Into The Grizzly Maze
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
Shortly after the release of their World On Fire album
(their second collaborative effort), guitarist extraordinaire Slash took the stage with Myles Kennedy (of Alter
Bridge fame) & The Conspirators at the legendary Roxy Theatre on Sunset Strip in West
Hollywood. A staple of rock history that helped birth countless bands, including Guns
‘N’ Roses, the atmospheric venue gave fans a brilliant opportunity to see the band up
close as they delivered a set packed with more recent solo tracks, including several from
the new album, and classics from Slash’s days with Guns ‘n’ Roses and Velvet Revolver:
“Ghost,” “Back From Cali,” “World On Fire,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Anastasia,” “Paradise
City,” “Slither,” “Nightrain,” and many more. The intimate setting inspired the band to
deliver a scintillating, dynamic performance that is brilliantly captured on Live At The
Roxy 9/25/14.
- Review courtesy of slashonline.com
> Rating: Unrated
> Run Time: 109 minutes
> Distributor: Eagle Vision / Universal Music
> Director: Derek Manning and Bart Peters
> Actors: Slash with Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators
Lambert & Stamp
DOCUMENTARY
HORROR
Lake Placid vs.
Anaconda
James Marsden, Thomas Jane, Piper Perabo and Academy Award®
winner Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade, 1997) star in this action-packed
adventure set in the Alaskan wilderness. After a relentless grizzly starts
to wreak havoc on a small town, the sheriff heads into the forest to find
his ecologist wife but instead crosses paths with his estranged, ex-con
brother. They soon find themselves on the run from the massive killer bear.
The hunted become the hunter in this edge-of-your seat thriller about the
power of nature and the smell of blood.
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Rating: R
> Genre: Action & Adventure, Horror
> Run Time: 90 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Director: David Hackl
> Actors: Billy Thornton, James Marsden, Piper Perabo, Scott Glenn
> Rating: PG
> Run Time: 536 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Creator: Cameron Porsandeh
> Actors: Billy Campbell, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kyra Zagorsky, Mark Ghanimé, Jordan Hayes,
Matt Long, Neil Napier, Meegwun Fairbrother
Slash Featuring
Myles Kennedy &
The Conspirators
Live at The Roxy
CONCERT
DR AMA
The Blacklist: The
Complete Second Season
After barely escaping with their lives, the survivors
of Season One attempt to move on from the horrors
that took place at Arctic Biosystems. But when their
work takes them to a mysterious and remote wooded
island, they quickly discover the Ilaria Corporation’s
reach is deeper and darker than anyone imagined, and
a deadly new virus will present a threat that no one
thought possible.
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Aspiring filmmakers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert
set out to find a subject for their underground movie,
one that will reflect the way it feels to be young and
dissatisfied in postwar London. This unlikely partnership of two men from vastly different backgrounds
was inspired by the burgeoning youth culture of the
early 1960s. Lambert and Stamp searched for months
and finally found in a band called the High Numbers a
rebellious restlessness that was just what they were looking for. Abandoning their plans
to make a film, they instead decided to mentor and manage this group, which evolved
into the iconic band known as the Who. The result was rock ‘n’ roll history.
- Review courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Rating: 14+
> Run Time: 117 minutes
> Distributor: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
> Director: James D. Cooper
> Actors: Christopher Stamp, Kit Lambert, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Terence
Stamp, Heather Daltrey
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
21
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NEXT ISSUE: SEPT 24 | DEADLINE: SEPT 18
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519-472-1541 x 232
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Illustrations, renderings, storyboards, vector drawings, pencil portraits, mini pet paintings,
cartoons & commissioned paintings.
Email Nick White at whiteworksinfo@gmail.com or visit www.whiteworks.ca
22
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
personal life
Gone Juan
I’m a 20-year-old woman, and
for three months last year, I dated a 21-year-old guy. Suddenly,
out of the blue, he stopped returning my calls. I spent about
a month trying to find out what
had happened, but he wouldn’t
respond to texts or email, either.
Well, last week, I ran into him,
and he said he’d just gotten really busy with school. He wants
to date again, and I really cared
about him, so I’m tempted.
--Please Talk Me Out Of It
“Really busy with school,” huh?
When…150 years ago, when there
were no phones in the one-room
schoolhouse in “Little House on the
Prairie”?
There’s playing hard to get, and
then there’s being impossible to
locate. The first is a canny strategy; the second is casual cruelty
in action. In this case, after three
months of dating, a breakup phone
call (in lieu of face-to-face) would
have been semi-appropriate. A text
would have been better than nothing. A telegram would at least have
had historical flair. Yet, there you
were, repeatedly trying to track
him down and getting the reception most of us give random collect
calls from “guests” in the long-term
bed-and-breakfasts known as federal prisons.
As for your toying with the absolutely absurd notion of dating
him again, your slacker of a brain
is partly to blame. Admittedly, our
brains require a lot of energy to operate, so they like to take energysaving shortcuts whenever they
can. They do this with what I call
“thinkpacks” -- the brain’s version
of those Lunchables combo boxes
-- prepackaged thinking sets that
allow us to act automatically (with-
?
A D V I C E G O D D E S S
out thinking through every last
little detail). These come in handy
when, for example, we’re dining
and we can just pick up a fork and
use it; we don’t have to wonder
what a fork is and whether we use
the pointy bits to stab the food or
the person next to us.
But in psychologically complicated situations, these mental shortcuts can get us in trouble. Take the
state that social psychologist Leon
Festinger named “cognitive dissonance” -- our simultaneously holding contradictory beliefs, such as
“He’s not that into me!” and ”He’d
make a great boyfriend!” Well, the
inconsistency makes us very uncomfortable, so our mind wants
to smooth it out pronto. So, easy
peasy, no problemo -- it typically
just up and erases whichever belief
goes most poorly with our ego. Unfortunately, reality isn’t so simply
dispensed with, and before long,
“He’s not that into me!” is back and
“He’d make a great boyfriend!” is
facedown in the storm drain behind the dive bar.
A way to avoid reality erasing is by
getting in the habit of “metacognition” -- basically, thinking about
your thinking. The guy who came
up with the term, developmental
psychologist John Flavell, called
it “a kind of quality control.” In this
case, you unpack your thinking
about this guy: “He’d make a great
boyfriend!” and your wanting to
believe things could be different.
Lay those out on the bed next to
the facts -- how he behaved -- because what you do reflects who
you are and what you’re likely to do
in the future. In other words, what
you can trust about this guy is that
you can’t trust him to show even
the most minimal concern for your
feelings -- not with even so much
as a poop emoji goodbye.
Err Of Mystery
I’m a 28-year-old guy, newly
single after the end of my relationship from college, and all of
my dates have been busts. I ask
girls out, and they say yes, but I
must be doing something wrong
on first dates, because I can’t
G OT A PROBLEM ? W RITE A MY A LKON , 171 P IER A VE , #280, S ANTA M ONICA , CA
90405, OR E - MAIL A DVICE A MY @ AOL . COM ( WWW . ADVICEGODDESS . COM ) W EEKLY RADIO
SHOW : BLOGTALKRADIO . COM / AMYALKON
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
seem to score a second one. Like,
ever. They go out with me once,
and goodbye. I’m a gentleman,
enthusiastic,
complimentary,
affectionate. What could be the
problem?
--Puzzled
There’s a chance you’re overdoing
it in the Enthusiastic! Complimentary! Affectionate! department. (It’s
good to keep a woman guessing
a little, but not, “Am I on a date, or
is this guy trying to enroll me in a
pyramid scheme?”)
Consider “the principle of least
interest,” sociologist Willard Waller’s
term for how, in any relationship,
the person who shows the least
interest has the most power. Conversely, the person who comes on
with all the subtle nonchalance of
a “Cash For Gold!” sign spinner -especially before they even know
the other person -- has the aura of
a needy suck-up.
Try something: Cool it on your
next five dates. This doesn’t mean
acting catatonic. It just means waiting to see whether a woman actually is exciting and worth getting
to know -- as opposed to being excited by her mere presence: “Wow
-- to be out with a real woman! I
usually just have candlelit dinners
with a pillow with a wig on it!”
You Luddite Up
My Life
My boyfriend will text if he’s
running late but says texting
“isn’t real communication.” He
says that if I need to talk, I should
call him. I get that anything serious should be discussed via
phone. However, we live separately, and sometimes I just want
to reach out in a small way with a
funny photo or a word or two and
get a word or two back. When
he doesn’t respond or grudgingly responds a day later, I get
more and more hurt and angry
and want to break up with him.
I know he cares about me. Am I
being unreasonable?
--Upset
We get it: You spend an entire day
making a small but very accurate
Voodoo doll of him and then have
to dispose of it when he finally
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
texts back.
There are many who share your
boyfriend’s
techno-snobbery,
claiming that texting isn’t “real
communication” (perhaps because
it doesn’t require Socratic oratory
or chasing a goose to pluck a quill).
But say one person texts “i love u”
and the other texts back, “k.” That
communicates plenty. And say you
and your boyfriend were in the
same room and you held up a tiny
fern in a pot: “Look! A plant that has
yet to commit suicide on me!” It
would be pretty cold -- and surely
he’d think so -- if he just kept silently clipping his toenails or whittling
his corncob pipe or whatever.
It’s one thing if you’re sending
him iTunes user agreement-length
texts and expecting him to text
back in kind. But this sort of texted
“yoo-hoo!” you’re sending him is
one of the seemingly unimportant
reach-outs that relationships researcher John Gottman calls “bids
for connection.” These “bids” are attempts -- often made in small and
mundane ways -- to get your partner’s attention, affection, humor, or
support.
Gottman observes that these are
effectively little “trust tests” leading to “a tiny turning point -- an
opportunity, or a lost opportunity,
for connection.” In a study by Gottman and cognitive psychologist
Janice Driver, the newlyweds who
remained married to their partners
six years later were the responsive
ones -- those who had “turned toward” their partner’s bids, on average, 86 percent of the time. Those
who’d responded only 33 percent
of the time were divorced by the
six-year mark.
Explain the “bid for connection”
thing so your boyfriend can understand why it’s so important that he
come through for you -- or, rather, 4
u. But also keep in mind, as I write
in “Good Manners for Nice People
Who Sometimes Say the F-word,”
that “technology makes a nearly instant response possible; it doesn’t
mandate it.”
Let him know that you aren’t looking to start some relationship reign
of terror -- like if he doesn’t text you
back in 60 seconds, his phone and/
or the relationship will explode. It’s
just that seeing him making an effort would mean a lot to you (and
keep you from Googling genital
death spells). It’s also the sort of
thing that keeps romance alive. As
Gottman points out, you do that
not with “Gone With the Wind” embraces or a bunch of loot on Valentine’s Day but with little daily shows
of love. In this case, it’s those three
little…uh, letters -- LOL -- after you
text him a cat with a gunslinger
mustache or a dachshund in a lobster suit.
Generation Text
I’ve been texting a lot with
this guy for a few weeks, but he
never calls me. We’ve been on a
few dates that were really nice.
My girlfriends tell me that if he
really liked me, he’d call me. But
one of my friends is about to get
married, and their whole courtship was basically conducted via
text. How important is the whole
calling versus texting thing?
--Worried
Spoken-word telephone conversation does have its merits, like
how you’re unlikely to find yourself
asking your grandma to send you a
better photo of her penis.
There’s an assumption many
women make that if a guy’s only
texting you and not calling you,
he’s not that into you. But context
matters. Like whether “whassup
gorjuss?” comes in at 1:17 a.m. or at
9:30 a.m. as you’re riding the elevator up to work. And content especially matters -- in a guy’s texts and
when you’re together. For example,
on dates, is he looking into your
eyes as you two talk for hours or
looking into his phone as you stare
into your napkin? In short, the medium is not the message. The message is the message -- like if someone’s on the phone with you and
simultaneously organizing his sock
drawer, pondering a zit in the mirror, and bidding on a vintage beer
sign on eBay: “Sorry, what was that
about your childhood trauma?”
©
2015, Amy Alkon, all rights
reserved.
Order Amy Alkon’s new book,
“Good Manners For Nice People Who
Sometimes Say The F-Word” (St. Martin’s Press, June 3, 2014).
23
BACK
S
this September is no exception.
The legendary group Nihilist Spasm
Band will play a 50th anniversary
concert at the museum on September 18 with founding members John
Boyle, John Clement, Art Pratten,
Bill Exley, Murray Favro, as well as
“permanent guest artist” Aya Onishi,
and stage-mate Joe McPhee in attendance.
The band will be at the Rhino
Lounge at 5pm for a meet-and-greet
with the concert slated to begin at
7:30pm ($12/adv; $15/door). Good
times!
TORONTO AUTHOR TANIS RIDEOUT IS WESTERNʼS DEPT. OF ENGLISH
WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE STARTING IN SEPTEMBER 2015
town to support the back-to-school
frenzy - despite how one may feel
about school!
Attracting secondary school-aged
youth from all over London and surrounding communities, the Grand
Theatre’s High School Project (HSP)
is a fantastic way to get your motor
running for the school season ahead.
Tickets are available now for this
year’s fall HSP offering, Hello, Dolly!,
a classic Broadway musical that never
fails to uplift.
The HSP is an internationally recognized, innovative program that
teaches students all aspects of putting on a live show at the professional
level. Participants are auditioned for
roles both on and off the stage and
take with them lessons and friendships they’ll have for a lifetime.
There is always something of interest going on at Museum London, and
Culture Days also takes place
around back-to-school time, and this
year on September 26 and 27, there
will be much to do around town. A
nationwide initiative, Culture Days is
the largest arts festival in many cities,
including London.
A lot of planning goes into this
weekend to ensure there is something to fit everyone’s idea of culture.
There will be over 100 arts and
heritage activities across 40 sites in
London alone – all offered at no cost
to you (many Culture Days events actually begin on the 25th, so check out
the many online resources available
to schedule accordingly).
In keeping with years past, poets,
novelists, playwrights and other
wordsmiths can benefit from meeting with Western University’s Writerin-Residence.
This year’s writer is Tanis Rideout,
24
ART BEAT
TO SCHOOL
FALL INTO THE ARTS
eptember - it never fails to make
us giggle or groan.
Back-to-school is either eagerly anticipated or highly dreaded by
students across the board (the former
emotion being the one generally experienced by parents).
September usually also means back
to cultural programming by various arts organizations, keen to catch
onto the wave of the return of ‘backto-normal’ schedules and a palpable
increase in interest in all things enriching.
There are many offerings around
the ar ts
author of Delineation (2005, poetry),
and Above All Things (2012, novel).
Rideout will meet with writers from
the university as well as the wider
community on campus and at the
Central Library to give feedback on
creative writing projects. To book an
appointment with the author, contact Vivian Foglton at vivian.foglton@
uwo.ca or 519-661-3403.
There are also events catering exclusively to the poetically-minded
among us. Poetry London has long
held free poetry readings at the Landon Library each month, bringing in
acclaimed poets from all over Canada.
The next reading will feature Michael Crummey of Newfoundland,
September 16 in the Landon lower
level. There is always a workshop for
writers and non-writers alike with the
poets prior to the reading (workshops
begin at 6:30pm, the reading starts at
7:30pm).
The ever-welcoming London Open
Mic Poetry Night series starts up again
on October 7 with featured poet Madeline Bassnett. The reads take place at
Mykonos Restaurant and anyone can
take to the mic on a first-come, firstserved basis. Just show up, sign up
and prepare for a good five minutes
for which to share your poems in front
of a captive audience.
Grant writing is a necessary part of
sustaining one’s self as an artist, and
preparing your application for financial assistance is invariably a part of
back-to-school time. Upcoming deadlines are October 1 (Canada Council
for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council
for mid-career and established artists), and November 3 (Ontario Arts
Council emerging artists).
A workshop with a focus on grant
writing for media arts hosted by the
London Ontario Media Arts Association (LOMAA) can help with this process. It is scheduled for September 12
at VibraFusionLab. Interested parties
must register online at LOMAA’s site
by September 3 and submit a draft
project description by September 4
($30/$20 members).
Happy September London - and
don’t forget to make the arts a part of
your back-to-school experience.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
Shake, shake, shake
with The Müze
London’s new inclusive dance and living arts hub, The
Müze, is holding their first-ever monthly dance party at the
grand opening celebration on September 26. Located downtown at 1-242 Dundas Street (beside Attic Books), the community-oriented business invites everyone to come and get
a groove on, right there on the street from 11am to 3pm. The
‘Gatsby-inspired gala’ will feature live performances, classes,
and more fun than you can shake your tail feathers at. The focus of this company, headed by dancers Dorit Osher and Leah
Getchell, is to offer classes in a non-competitive and vibrant
environment. Dancers of all skill levels and backgrounds are
welcome. Admission is $10 per dancer, check out The Müze: A
Dance and Living Arts Hub online or on Facebook to register.
Scotiabank Nuit
Blanche: 10 for 10th
It’s the 10th anniversary of Toronto’s ‘contemporary all-night
arts thing,’ and title sponsor Scotiabank is pulling out all the
stops. From sunset to sunrise on October 3, more than 130 art
projects of all kinds will be exhibited across the city, with select
projects remaining on view to the public through Thanksgiving
weekend to October 12. This year’s city-produced Nuit Blanche
exhibitions include HTUOS/HTRON: The New Coordinates of the
Americas, curated by renowned art historian Agustin Pérez
Rubio. Based on a 1943 drawing by Joaquin Torres Garcia, ‘Inverted America,’ this exhibition inverts the pan-American peninsula, removes its boundaries, reverses the flow of time and
presents 12 projects that subvert the hegemonic geo-political
ideology of our time. The exhibition includes Alfredo Jaar (Santiago) with ‘Music (Everything I know I learned the day my son
was born)’, and Tania Brugera (Havana) with ‘Tatlin’s Whisper,
2015.’ Black and White Night, by acclaimed New York/Parisbased artist JR, will consist of the majority of projects featuring Torontonians located in and around City Hall and down
Bay Street. Projects include ‘Inside Out,’ which has become a
social phenomenon worldwide and the Canadian premiere of
JR’s new film Les Bosquets, a personal, in-depth exploration
of one of his first exhibitions, entitled Portrait of a Generation.
The Work of Wind, curated by Toronto director Christine Shaw,
will be an operatic experience of the elemental forces, compositional forms and geopolitical processes, whereby the Beaufort Scale of Wind Force becomes a diagram of prediction and
premonition of the 21st century. Thirteen projects unfurl the 13
forces, from 0 (Calm) to 12 (Hurricane), along the waterfront
between York and Parliament Streets. Artists include Mary
Mattingly (New York) with ‘Torus’ and Los Carpinteros’ (Havana
and Madrid) with ‘Frio Estudio del Desastre (Frozen Study of
Disaster).’ Lastly, in honour of the event’s 10th anniversary, curator Che Kothari presents ‘10 for 10th – Memory Lane,’ featuring 10 projects spread throughout the city in partnership with
10 cultural organizations and explores the textured terrain of
memory, dissolving the lines between space, place and time.
Nuit Blanche’s independent projects are also responding to Kothari’s ‘Memory Lane’ curatorial theme and are located around
the exhibitions and other neighbourhoods throughout the city.
There are many travel packages offered and a downloadable
app for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche navigation available online.
Museum London
serves ample food
for thought
Join artists and art enthusiasts on September 25, 8pm,
when Museum London’s fall series of food-based exhibitions officially open. New shows include Food-Water-Life, by
Lucy+Jorge Orta. Making its only Canadian stop, the show organized by Tufts University Art Gallery, Massachusetts - explores the husband and wife team’s unique visual language
in tackling global issues (on display commencing August 29).
Acquired Tastes (September 5 to January 24) is a mixed-media collection dealing with the complex human relationships
surrounding food. Local artist Ron Benner’s must-see show
In Digestion (September 12 to January 31) is a monumental
installation in keeping with his interest in world food politics
and industrialized agriculture. The exhibition utilizes photographs that trace the journey of two boxes of bell peppers
sold at London’s Covent Garden Market to their points of origin in Florida and Mexico. The viewer will take in hundreds
of pictures contrasting contemporary transportation systems
with the ancient trade routes of the Americas. With support
from the London Community Foundation, the last foodrelated show, entitled Let’s Eat! (September 19 to January
17) explores where we have acquired our ingredients, how
we prepared them and why we did it that way. It delves into
how the choices we make about what to eat and how we eat
it reveals something about who we are.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
RON BENNER, IN DIGESTION, 1992-95 (DETAIL), COLLECTION OF MUSEUM LONDON
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
the ar t s FEATURES
T
he boards at the Palace Theatre are positively creaking with excitement as the summer winds down.
Participants of London Community Players’ (LCP)
youth theatre education program, LYTE, just wrapped its
summer session with a rousing performance of Dr. Frankenstrudel’s Lemon-Fresh Laboratory of Horrors, which
delighted the audience on August 21.
LYTE campers are divided into three programs based on
age - ‘minis’ (5 - 7), ‘juniors’ (8 - 10), and ‘seniors’ (11+).
The popular program introduces kids to all aspects of the
art of theatre and culminates in the presentation of a
show on the main stage.
“We have a lot of new and exciting stuff going on; in
previous years the program was combined, so all of our
kids did a massive show over March Break, this year we’ve
decided to split the program,” LYTE coordinator John McKenzie explained.
“So, our minis and juniors will have their own shows
that they will do over Christmas for the winter session - it
will be a showcase with a lot of smaller scenes, ensemble
and choral work. Then, the seniors will have a show that’s
entirely theirs over March Break,” McKenzie added.
Registration is now open for LYTE’s fall and winter programs (go online for more info and downloadable forms).
As for other Palace activity, Will Eno’s Middletown which is being presented outside of the regular season
from September 17 - 26 - will be followed by Steel Magnolias in October.
“I love pieces that touch the heart and, let’s face it, this
one is a world champion for that. I love that it features
six brilliant parts for women and that it really celebrates
friendship among women,” remarked the show’s director
Dinah Watts.
The play is set in a beauty shop where men dare not
enter.
“Truvy’s beauty shop is the gathering place for six powerful women from a small town in Louisiana. Here, they
share stories and opinions about life’s joys and misfor-
tunes,” Watts explained.
“As the play opens, Truvy hires a new assistant: Annelle.
She’s new in town and has an extraordinary tale to tell.
Then the usual customers arrive: Clairee - the late mayor’s
wife and a force of hilarity and wisdom; Shelby, with her
mother M’Lynn - they are getting ready for Shelby’s wedding that afternoon; and finally, Ouiser who is full of passion and bluster. She’s not crazy, she’s just ‘been in a bad
mood for 40 years’,” Watts added.
The cast includes Norah Cuzzocrea (as M’Lynn), Andrea
Hutchison (Annelle), Sookie Mei (Truvy), Kelsea Meredith
(Shelby), Deborah Mitchell (Ouiser), and Megan Moorhouse (Clairee).
“As the story unfolds, we learn that the bride, Shelby,
is a diabetic who wants to have a baby. And she is determined to do so despite the danger it poses to her health.
Tragedy follows, but as playwright Robert Harling says,
‘even in the darkest hours there’s stuff that makes you
giggle’,” Watts said.
Certainly, the play will appeal to fans of the 1989 film
adaptation, which garnered an Academy Award nomination for a then-unknown Julia Roberts for her portrayal of
Shelby. But it will also speak to those who are unfamiliar
with the story - men included!
The LCP production’s strong cast will leave audiences
feeling deeply moved and laughing hard.
“The characters and the story are all based on real people and actual events which I believe make it so compelling. There are moments that will break your heart, but, as
PHOTO CREDIT: DINAH WATT
LOOKING FORWARD TO
STEEL MAGNOLIAS, LYTE
FALL & WINTER PROGRAMS
AT THE PALACE THEATRE
THE CAST OF STEEL MAGNOLIAS, L-R: KELSEA MEREDITH,
ANDREA HUTCHISON, DEBORAH MITCHELL, MEGAN
MOORHOUSE, SOOKIE MEI, AND NORAH CUZZOCREA
Truvy would say, ‘laughter through tears is my favourite
emotion’,” Watts remarked.
Steel Magnolias runs October 8 - 18.
The remainder of LCP’s season is All the King’s Women
(October 29 - November 8), The Trials of Robin Hood (December 3 - 20), The Catering Queen (February 4 - 14), August: Osage County (April 7 - 17), and ending with Noel
Coward’s Present Laughter (May 12 - 22).
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
i
Call the Palace box office at 519-432-1029
for tickets, subscriptions, and info about
upcoming London Youth Theatre Education
(LYTE) Programs.
T
here are changes afoot for London Pro Musica
(LPM) – the city’s oldest, unaffiliated community choir - that will present unique opportunities for music lovers.
LPM’s director for the past three seasons, Dr. Vicki
St. Pierre, has accepted a position at Mt. Allison
University in Sackville, NB. St. Pierre’s departure
leaves a spot for an energetic and qualified individual to take up the LPM baton starting next July.
Interest has come from all over the world, including one candidate from Rome.
“It’s a real loss for us, but Vicki has brought the
choir certainly to a fabulous position, with the
sound and the feel that we have now. We’re sorry
that she is gone, but we are very grateful to her.
There have been some amazing applicants so far,”
choir president Nancy Knowles remarked.
“There are a lot of purely classical choirs around,
i
London Pro Musica & Huron Country
Playhouse Guild present Glory, Hallelujah! at
Huron Country Playhouse (RR 1, 70689 B Line,
Grand Bend), September 26, 7:30pm. Tickets
are $25. Call 519-238-6000.
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
but we are happy to do a wide variety of music. The
diversity of the repertoire is a big draw for people
to Pro Musica,” she added.
LPM have been an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric for 45 years, and has overcome challenges that most long-term arts organizations
face, such as attracting personalities that work well
together and finding a place in the community.
“It’s become a choir of joy, and we really are a
choir that people look forward to coming to and
rehearsing and singing together every week. It’s a
very welcoming choir. The quality of the sound of
the choir continues to increase,” Knowles said.
With that in mind, they are actively looking for
tenors and altos.
“Anyone who wants to sing is, of course, welcome
to come and audition for our assistant director, Rod
Culham. But we are definitely in need of tenors and
alto voices. Auditions are one piece that you bring,
and one piece that Rod will provide to sight-read,”
Knowles explained (visit their website for more
info).
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL KNOWLES
CALLING ALL
TENORS, ALTOS, AND
CONDUCTORS: LONDON
PRO MUSICA WANTS YOU!
BE PART OF LONDON PRO MUSICAʼS 2015-16 SEASON!
As for musical performances this season, the choir
is excited to remount their popular Glory, Hallelujah! concert in Grand Bend this September.
London’s first lady of jazz Denise Pelley joins the
group for a major fundraiser in support of LPM and
Huron Country Playhouse. The concert takes place
on the 26th at 7:30pm and will feature traditional
spirituals alongside contemporary tunes.
“It is a fabulous concert, even for people who
aren’t really into gospel music; this is gospel-style
music, and with Denise, it rocks and swings and
everybody just has a great time. We will do old
favourites like ‘Jesus on the Line’ right through to
stuff like ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. Denise does
a great ‘Man in the Mirror’ that will bring down the
house,” Knowles remarked.
The live band includes Cambridge bassist Junior
Riggan and guitarist Earl Filsinger from Stratford.
Tickets are on sale at the Huron Country Playhouse
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
box office (519-238-6000, or online).
“You will get an unbelievable concert for $25!”
Knowles enthused.
LPM have long dedicated itself to community
outreach and benefit performances, and will once
again hold the Dickens Christmas Carol fundraiser
for the Out of the Cold program at Bishop Cronyn
Memorial Church this December.
Last year’s event, which featured Stratford luminaries Martha Henry, Rod Beattie, Brian Tree, and
Michael Therriault, raised $6,000. The actors are all
on board again for this year’s reading.
The group is also planning collaborations with
#WePlayOn, the former musicians of Orchestra London, for a seasonal Messiah and a Brahms concert
in spring 2016.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
25
London Pro Musica Choir
and
The Huron Country
Playhouse Guild present
Glory,
Hallelujah!
Saturday,
September 26,
2015 at 7:30pm
Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend (RR 1,
the“B Line”, Grand Bend, Ontario N0M 1T0)
Tickets: $25 each
Book Your Tickets Online:
www.huroncountryplayhouse.com
Phone: (519) 238-6000 or
Toll Free: 1-855-372-9866
Special guest
Denise Pelley
is looking for
Tenors and
Altos!
the ar ts
LONDON’S INDIE ART
Badger Bites
Bear: 100
performances
in 100 venues
in support of
Unity Project
London playwright Jason Rip
recently premiered his new solo
show Badger Bites Bear, the first
of 100 performances in 100 unique
venues over the course of the next
year in support of homelessness
relief. Rip plays Uncle Burly, a “kind
of” friendly man who has fallen on
tough times. He is attempting to
reclaim part of each day through
the writing and reading of children’s books, where the good animals are bears, the bad animals are
badgers, and the suicidal animals
are goldfish. All of the books are
illustrated by his mentally troubled
friend Horse Shriek. “I’m an artist,
so I know what it is like to be poor
and unappreciated. Plus, I’ve done
fieldwork talking to people on the
street. Badger Bites Bear is not
a heavy-handed play just about
homelessness; rather, it’s about the
stories we tell and about what people have to offer,” Rip said. He aims
to hold the one-act show in 100
different settings – be it at a home,
backyard, workplace, church, cafe
or gym - anywhere other than a
theatre. Those interested in hosting a performance can email Rip
at theatrenemesis@gmail.com.
Proceeds from each show will
JASON RIPʼS NEW PROJECT, BADGER BITES BEAR, PREMIERED AUGUST 24
Mini Pet
Paintings
Custom
PaintinPget
Special
O
$
nly 40
2 pets
London Pro Musica Choir
60
They are your
BEST FRIENDS!
They are always there for you!
CHERISH THEM
FOREVER
with a unique
HAND PA INTED
Samples on display at
The Arts Centre in Westmount Mall
t
5" x 7" stretched canvas
Comes with mini easel
t
Contact Nick at whiteworksinfo@gmail.com
or 519-657-2432twww.whiteworks.ca
is an auditioned, 50-voice, self-governing choir
known for presenting varied and dynamic concerts
with passion and conviction.
Our season introduces audiences to
choral music ranging from classical to jazz,
and from folk to gospel -- music that is exciting
and fresh but always embedded in the
ancient art of choral singing.
$
By Nick White
mini painting!
Do you love to sing, and want to be part of an
exciting, friendly, enthusiastic choir?
benefit the Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness, a shelter for
men, women and youth experiencing homelessness - a cause that
Uncle Burly believes in. The Unity
Project provides crisis services to
over 1,000 people yearly including emergency shelter, transitional
housing and various programs for
those in need. For info on upcoming Badger Bites Bear shows, stay
tuned to the Unity Project’s website. This show marks the 111th
that Rip has penned.
public by guided tour.
- Amie Ronald-Morgan
G et yo u g u ide to
eve r y t h i n g h appe n i n g
t h i s Fa l l !
Pick up yo u r c opy of the Sept 24 issue
at yo u r favo u rite distri bution lo cation, or
click it up at w w w.scenemagazi ne.c om!
For more information, or to arrange for an audition,
please contact us today!
www.londonpromusica.ca
26
OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
the ar t s THE LISTINGS
VISUAL ARTS
ART WITH PANACHE (Located inside
Talbot Centre, 140 Fullarton St) Annette Gypsy Dutton: Joy in Art,
Sept 2 - 14. Reception Sept 2, all
day. 226-378-2587.
THE ARTS CENTRE (Westmount Mall,
785 Wonderland Rd) - Used Books!
Come flip through our gently used
books & let your mind & imagination soar! Many different genres &
age groups! We are always looking
for book donations. Drop off at the
Arts Centre. // Events: “Fore: An art
event” A collection of art from local
artisans featured from Sep 1-15.
Free // “Rock Painting Event” Local
artisans will be painting live Sat,
Sep 19 between 11am-4pm. Come
watch! Painting will be up for auction and for sale // “Adult Colouring
Networking Workshop” - Free Thu
Sep 24: 6-8pm // Art Classes: “Alcohol Ink Painting Class” - $30 Wed,
Sep 2: 6-8pm // “Open Studio: Adult
Drop-In and Workshops” $25/class.
Starts Wed, Sep 9 for 8 wks: 2-4pm
// To register email westart785@
gmail.com or call 226-884-8620
or drop into the Arts Centre (across
from Stokes)
THE ARTS PROJECT (203 Dundas St) Tatau: until Aug 29. Art for Planners:
Aug 31 - Sept 12. Reception Aug 31,
7pm-9pm. Upstairs Downstairs:
Sept 15 - Oct 2. Reception Sept 17,
6pm-8pm. 519-642-2767.
FOREST CITY GALLERY (258 Richmond St) - Uncooperative / Biennial
Emerging Artist Exhibition: Sept 4 Oct 9. Reception Sept 12, 6pm-9pm.
519-434-4575.
FRINGE CUSTOM FRAMING & GALLERY (1742 Hyde Park Rd) - Amy
Creighton: Rewind, Sept 1 - Oct 28.
Reception: Sept 10, 6pm-9pm. 519204-0404.
KIWANIS PARK (Hale Street entrance) - 4th Annual Argyle Art-inthe-Park: Jewellery, pottery, photography, carving, painting, sewing,
knitting, recycled crafts and more
by local artists, live music, food and
kids’ activities. Aug 29, 11am-5pm.
Free.
MCINTOSH GALLERY (Elgin Drive,
Western University) - Matt Tarini:
Liminal Space & Mike Pszczonak:
Hand-eye, until Sept 12. Closing
reception: Sept 11, 5:30pm. 519661-3181.
MICHAEL GIBSON GALLERY (157
Carling St) – Erik Olsen: Oct 1 - 31.
519-439-0451.
MUSEUM LONDON (421 Ridout St N)
- Events - Walking Tours: Unsettling
the Thames, Aug 29. Free, meet on
the front lawn at 10:30am. Exhibitions - Reading the Talk: Until Aug
30. Souterrain Impressions, until
Sept 7. London’s First World War:
Until Sept 13. Lucy+Jorge Orta:
Food-Water-Life, Aug 29 - Dec 6.
Acquired Tastes: Sept 5 - Jan 24.
Ron Benner: In Digestion Sept 12
- Jan 31. Let’s Eat!: Sept 19 - Jan
17. Opening reception for all new
shows: Sept 25, 8pm. Work and
Perseverance: Paintings by Women
Artists, until Nov 8. Visible Storage
Project: Ongoing. 519-661-0333.
SPRINGBANK PARK (1085 Commissioners Rd W, near west entrance)
- Art in the Park: Sundays, weather
permitting, all summer. 10am-4pm.
Free.
THIELSEN GALLERIES (1038 Adelaide
St N) – Group Exhibition featuring
Johnnene Maddison, Frank Caprani,
Patrick Landsley, and Ron Milton:
Until Sept 28. 519-434-7681.
WESTLAND GALLERY (156 Wortley
Rd) - Bijan Ghalehpardaz, Brian
Dirks, Eric Sytler and Radek Vizina: 1
+ 1 = ONE, until Sept 12. Reception
Aug 28, 7:30pm. 519-601-4420.
PERFORMING ARTS
AEOLIAN HALL (795 Dundas Street) Robert Bruce performs his live original score to the 1926 classic silent
film The General, Sept 17, 7:30pm.
$20/Gen. 519-672-7950.
CENTRAL LIBRARY (251 Dundas St)
- The Third Floor Playwrights: Love
Shorts, three short plays. Sept 26,
11am-2pm. Free, drop-in. 519-6614600.
CHAUCER’S PUB/CUCKOO’S NEST
FOLK CLUB (122 Carling St) - Friends
of Fiddler’s Green: Sept 13, 7:30pm.
$15/Adv; $18/Door. 519-473-2099.
GRAND THEATRE (471 Richmond
St) - Fall High School Project: Hello
Dolly! Sept 22 - Oct 3. $26 -$43.
519-672-8800.
HARMONY MANOR (55 MacKay Ave)
– London Chorus Sweet Adelines is
offering women singers in the area
an opportunity to perform with the
chorus in preparation to sing on the
Las Vegas competition stage. Interested ladies are welcomed to attend
guest night, Sept 2, 7pm-9:30pm.
For more information call Cathy at
519-472-0488/cathy.pickering@
sympatico.ca. The London Men of
Accord: Ready, set, sing for men of
all ages! Learn to sing for free every Monday evening, 7:30pm-9pm.
EMAIL YOUR LISTINGS TO SCENE
Email: arts@scenemagazine.com. Please Include: Venue Name, Address, Event Title,
Date, Time, Brief Description, Admission Fee and Phone Number. Deadline for September
24, 2015 issue~September 18, 2015 ~ Amie Ronald-Morgan/Chris Morgan
AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 23
•
201 5
More info or register at menofaccord.com/ 519-667-1418.
HILLSIDE CHURCH (250 Commissioners Rd E) - Find your voice! If you
love to sing, check out the Shades of
Harmony (ladies acappella chorus)
practice Monday evenings 7pm10pm. Experience and ability to
read music an asset, not required.
Come and see if we are a good fit
for you. Call Mary at 519-686-6618
or Donna at 519-290-0948 for more
information.
HURON COUNTY PLAYHOUSE (RR 1,
70689 B Line, Grand Bend) - London
Pro Musica: Glory, Hallelujah! Sept
26, 7:30pm. $25/Gen. 519-2386000.
KOLYFE ART CREATION (233 Wellington St) - KoLyfe Art Creation and
DRnR Studios: The I LeVeL Experience Show Season Five: Sundays,
2pm-5:30pm, until Sept 13. Live
recording weekly for upcoming albums; join in on the music, or just
listen as songs are created. Private
tours of the Art House available during and after the jam session. Free
community event.
THE MUZE (1-242 Dundas St) Grand Opening Dance Party: Sept
26, 11am-3pm. $10/Gen. 519-3173337.
PALACE THEATRE (710 Dundas
St) - London Community Players:
Middletown, Sept 17 - 26. $23/
Adult; $20/Sr&St; $12/Youth. 519432-1029.
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL (472 Richmond St) – Noon Hour Organ Recital Series: Every Tuesday at 12pm
- Please note there are no recitals
in August. Sept 1: Andrew Keegan
Mackriell. Sept 8: Joel VanderZee.
Sept 15: Thomas Gonder. Sept 22:
Stephanie Burgoyne. Sept 29: Angus Sinclair. Oct 6: David Troiano.
Oct 13: John Vandertuin. All free.
519-432-3475 x 225.
WOLF PERFORMANCE HALL (251
Dundas St) - Jews on Broadway
featuring David Wall, Yvette Tollar,
and Marilyn Lerner. Oct 17, 7:30pm.
$30/Adv; $36/Door; $25/St. 519858-4400.
LITERARY
CHAPTERS SOUTH (1037 Wellington
Rd S) - Book reading & signing: Renee Francis, author of Visit from the
Good Night Fairy, Sept 26, 11am1pm. 519-685-1008.
INDIGO CHAPTERS NORTH (86 Fanshawe Park Rd E) - Book reading
& signing: Renee Francis, author
of Visit from the Good Night Fairy,
Sept 12, 11am-1pm. Book signing:
Shawn Geris, author of Buried in the
Maple Leaves: The Untold Story of
North American Wrestling Legend
Harry Geris. Sept 19, 1pm. Free.
519-672-6781.
STRATHROY & AREA SENIORS
CENTRE (137 Frank St, Strathroy)
- Event: Michael Arntfield, author
of the book Murder City. Aug 28,
6:30pm. Call/visit the Strathroy
Library to reserve your free ticket.
Tickets must be picked up at the
Strathroy Library prior to the event.
519-245-1290.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY DEPT. ENGLISH AND WRITING STUDIES (University campus AHB 2G02) – Starting
in September, Writer-in-Residence
Tanis Rideout will hold weekly office hours to offer feedback to, and
consultation with, creative writers
from the university and the London
community. Free. 519-661-3403.
MUSEUMS
BACKUS-PAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
(29424 Lakeview Line, Wallacetown) - Explore the life of an 1850s
family in the Talbot Settlement
within a Georgian-style brick house.
Heritage Farm Show: Sept 12,
10am-4pm & Sept 13, 9am-4pm.
Historic farming demonstrations &
exhibits, antique equipment, musical entertainment, food booth,
vendors, children’s activities and
Sunday morning breakfast available
for purchase. $6/Person, 12 and
under free. Regular admission: $5/
Adults; $2/Students, children. 519762-3072.
BANTING HOUSE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA (442 Adelaide St
N) – Explore the Birthplace of Insulin and learn about the discovery
that saved millions of lives. Regular
admission: $5/Gen; $4/St&Sr; $12/
Family. 519-673-1752. CANADIAN MEDICAL HALL OF FAME
(267 Dundas St, Suite 202) – The
only national organization dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Canada’s medical heroes.
Admission by donation. 519-4882003.
ELDON HOUSE (481 Ridout St N) –
London’s oldest residence is a provincial historic site preserved from
the 1830s. Exhibition: Milly Takes
a Holiday, through Aug. Events Summer Tea Program: Until Aug
30, Tuesday through Sunday, 2pm3pm. Tea, scones and jams with fruit
and cream are served on the lawns
of Eldon House. Reservations highly
recommended. $12/Adults; $6/Kids.
Regular admission: by donation.
519-661-5169.
FANSHAWE PIONEER VILLAGE (1424
Clarke Rd, use Fanshawe Conservation Area entrance) – A reconstruction of rural communities in the
former townships of Westminster,
London, North Dorchester, Delaware, West Nissouri and Lobo in
CE L E B R AT IN G 26 Y E A R S!
Middlesex County from 1820 to
1920. Exhibition - The Rotary Club
of London: Celebrating 100 Years of
Service, until Dec 11. Events - Doors
Open & Culture Days: Sept 26 & 27.
Free admission. Fanshawe 1812: The Invasion of Upper Canada, Oct 3
& 4. Thanksgiving at the Village: Oct
12. New exhibit in the Historic Village- Dr. Jones’ House: the Practice
of a Rural Doctor. Ongoing. Regular
admission: $7/Person, kids 3 and
under free. 519-457-1296.
1st HUSSARS MUSEUM (1 Dundas
St) - Displaying the history of London’s oldest regiment. See artifacts
from 1st Hussars participation in
20th century conflicts, including
D-Day Invasion during WWII. Open
Saturdays and holidays, 1pm-4pm.
Free. 519-455-4533.
LONDON REGIONAL CHILDREN’S
MUSEUM (21 Wharncliffe Rd S) – A
playful learning environment that
engages children through hands-on
exhibits and interactive experiences. Regular admission: $7/Gen; $2/1
– 2 years old; members and kids
under 2 admitted free. Free admission Friday evenings from 5-8pm.
519-434-5726. MUSEUM OF ONTARIO ARCHAEOLOGY (1600 Attawandaron Rd) –
Devoted to the study, display, and
interpretation of the human occupation of Southwestern Ontario
over the past 11,000 years. Exhibition - Santee Smith: No Word For
Art. Regular admission: $5/Gen; $4/
St&Sr; $3/5-12yrs; $12/Family. 519473-1360. SECRETS OF RADAR MUSEUM (930
Western Counties Rd) – Preserves
the history, stories and experiences
of the men and women who helped
develop military radar in Canada
and abroad. Regular hours: ThursSat 10am-4pm. Admission by donation. 519-691-5922. THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT
MUSEUM AT WOLSELEY BARRACKS
(701 Oxford St E) – Celebrates the
achievements of Canada’s oldest
regular infantry. Regular hours:
Open Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm; Thu
10am-8pm; Sun & Sat 12pm-4pm.
Regular admission: Free for general
public, please call for group visits.
Financial donations much appreciated. 519-660-5275/5524 or 519660-5102.
MISCELLANEOUS
ACFO DE LONDON-SARNIA (495
Richmond St, Suite 200) – English
Conversation Group, Saturdays once
a month, 10am-11:30am. Open to
people interested in learning & improving their English speaking, all
levels. Volunteers are also needed to
help newcomers to integrate in the
community. 519-850-2236 x 223.
DOORS OPEN LONDON (Various locations) - London’s largest collective
celebration of culture. This event
features over 100 arts and heritage
activities across 40 sites throughout
London. Sept 26 & 27. Free.
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL (472 Richmond St) – Knitting for Peace meet
weekly on Saturday mornings from
10am-Noon. Knitters of all abilities,
including those who want to learn,
are welcome. Free. 519-951-8385.
WESTERN UNIVERSITY (Stevenson
Hall Building, rm 3101) - La Tertulia:
Spanish conversation group open to
all. Every Wednesday in the summer, 4:30pm-7:30pm. Free. tertulia@uwo.ca.
Cantorion Choir – Call for
Tenors, Baritones and Basses!
Cantorion is an excellent London community choir looking for new
members, especially Tenors, Baritones, and Basses. This 50-member
mixed choir works hard and has fun singing together and contributing
to the community through benefit concerts. The repertoire is wideranging; from Broadway, through folk songs and madrigals, to pieces
in other languages. The choir has been a part of the music fabric
of London since 1981; originally as the London Welsh Singers now
Cantorion, broadening both its repertoire and membership.
Cantorion is inclusive; no auditions required. Some members read
music, some don’t. We practice every Tuesday from September 15th to
the end of May from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Knollwood Park Public School.
Join us for a practice any Tuesday night to check us out.
For more information, call Burton Moon at (519) 438-8648; visit
our website at www.cantorionchoir.ca; or send an e-mail to
cantorionchoir@gmail.com.
If you think you can sing; you can!
27
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Oct 3, 2015
Parallax
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Yvette Mattern, 2014
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OV E R 60,000 COPIE S CIRC U L AT E D E V E RY ISSU E!
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