Please click here to MAC`s 2010 Limelight Magazine.

2010
Issue 2
Breakout Year for The Framework
Mississauga band breaks out
and gains national recognition
I
ndie rock band The Framework
has quickly gained recognition
for their heart-pumping music,
shows and videos. Their music
blends pop hooks with indie guitar textures to create a powerful
and original sound, that recalls
the soaring melodies of The Killers and the earlier albums of The Stills.
The Framework, formed in 2006 by five
artists sharing a passion for emotionally infused music, achieved instant success with
their new-wave inspired sound. Through the
years, the band has established a strong
following of fans that sing along and dance
to every track. Their live act, which infuses
a polished indie rock sound with elements
of glam rock, earned them sold-out-shows
in Toronto, Ottawa and New York City.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Ryan Isojima
has a commanding voice that strikes a
gripping balance between clean tones and
rough edge. Lead guitarist Chris Ghraham has strong songwriting abilities and
provides a firm foundation for the band.
With Ryan’s voice and the band’s dynamic instrumentals, The Framework’s music
conjures images of a dark city night illuminated by bright neon lights. This atmosphere is perfectly encapsulated in their
newest single and video “Starlight,” featuring Kristen Prout of Twilight: Eclipse.
IN THIS ISSUE
Capturing a similar mood is “Always Left
Behind,” the single and video from their
first album, Before Tonight. This vibrant
3
4
EnviroFriendly
Fashion
Stressed
Out? Get
Creative!
Limelight 2010
From Left to Right: Jon, Rayanne, Scott, Ryan, Chris. Photo Credit: Miz Monday 2010
video reached #3 on the MuchMoreMusic
Top 10 Video Countdown for six weeks.
With a hit music video playing on MuchMusic, Before Tonight ranked #4 in sales on
the Toronto Best Selling Records Top 10 List
during the week of Aug 18, 2009. The Framework was also ranked in the top five bands
at the North by Northeast Festival in 2008
and placed third in the Virgin Festival Road
to V contest. Their latest accomplishment
is having “Starlight” played during the 2010
FIFA World Cup Post Game Show on CBC.
6
Mississauga
Indie Bands
To learn more about The Framework
visit their MySpace page or visit theframework.ca. Turn to page four to read
about The Framework’s synth player
Rayanne and to page six to read more
about rockin’ Mississauga indie bands.
“The Framework has carved a niche
as one of Canada’s most soughtafter indie acts.”
- Chris Atchison
8
Artist
Profiles
1
Editor’s Message
MISSISSAUGA ARTS COUNCIL
300 CITY CENTRE DR., SUITE 1055
MISSISSAUGA ON L5B 3C9
TEL: 905-615-4278
HOURS: MON-FRI 9-4:30
INFO@MISSISSAUGAARTSCOUNCIL.COM
MISSISSAUGAARTSCOUNCIL.COM
CHARITABLE REGISTRATION
NO. BN13127-5711-RR0001
THE MISSISSAUGA ARTS COUNCIL IS A NOTFOR-PROFIT, REGISTERED CHARITY THAT
EXISTS TO FOSTER AND DEVELOP, SUPPORT
AND CHAMPION A VIBRANT, DYNAMIC ARTS
COMMUNITY IN THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA
THROUGH SERVICES TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF
ITS CITIZENS.
THE ARTS COUNCIL RELIES
ON MEMBERSHIPS, PUBLIC FUNDING, PRIVATE
AND CORPORATE DONATIONS FOR SURVIVAL.
S
ummer’s
here
and
it’s the perfect
time to bask in
the sunlight. Hot
young
artists,
meanwhile, are
also basking in
the
Limelight.
The Mississauga
Arts Council is
proud to release
the second issue of Limelight Magazine. It’s my second
summer at the arts council and I’ve put
together an issue that’s bigger and better. With each issue I hope to profile and
interview more artists so that an increasing number of emerging artists receive the
exposure and recognition they deserve.
Pursuing artistic aspirations takes commitment, creativity and courage—the “C’s
to success. Through Limelight Magazine,
it’s my objective to support and encourage
those artists who possess the “C’s. I hope
that you, the readers, will join me in my
mission to create a collective support system for emerging artists. Sometimes having a few extra bodies at a show or a few
more website hits strengthens and inspires
artists to continue and improve their craft.
With the continuing support of artists and
the Mississauga community, the Mississauga Art Council’s Limelight initiative continues to offer opportunities for young artists.
I’d like to thank all those who have participated in Limelight events and those who
have made this project a success. Please
continue reading for more details about
Limelight and what it has to offer. Cheers.
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING.
LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE
ISSUE 2
EDITOR IN CHIEF: NATALIE D’URBANO
EDITOR: CHRIS CARRIERE
LAYOUT/DESIGN: NATALIE D’URBANO
LOGO DESIGN: CHRIS CARRIERE
CONTRIBUTORS: IAN CARNEVALE, CHRIS
CARRIERE, KYNAN DESOUZA, WALI SHAH,
JOSH TRICHILLO
MAC STAFF:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: LINDA THOMAS
MEMBERSHIP/OFFICE MANAGER:
GRACE DONATI
COMMUNICATIONS: HEATHER BRISSENDEN
FUND DEVELOPMENT AND EVENTS
COORDINATOR: SONYA POWESKA
SUMMER INTERN: NATALIE D’URBANO
CIRCULATION:
THE LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE IS EXPECTED TO
BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY IN THE SUMMER AND
DISTRIBUTED TO SIX THOUSAND
ARTS-FRIENDLY HOUSEHOLDS AND
BUSINESSES ELECTRONICALLY.
Get in the Limelight
Mississauga’s association of young artists
L
imelight
is
Mississauga’s
only
association of young artists. It strives
to create a nurturing and stable foundation
for youth artists in the community. We
connect young aspiring artists and provide
them with the support, recognition and
opportunities required for success. As a
branch of the Mississauga Arts Council,
Limelight offers various opportunities for
artists to hone their skills, perform for live
audiences and network with other artists.
Limelight’s goal is to create a sense of
community between young artists in
Mississauga and to provide them with
new opportunities. Whether you are an
artist looking to take the plunge into the
boundless and rich world of the arts or
an established artist looking for more
opportunities and engagement, Limelight
is for you. We provide support, resources,
and recognition to all young, eager artists.
Open Mic Nights
Open Mic Nights are a collaborative effort
between the Mississauga Arts Council
and our partner, Rehearsal Pro. Open
Mic Nights bring together artists from
across the city for a relaxed, fun evening
of performance. The show is occasionally
hosted by a veteran musician from the
Mississauga community such as Chris
Graham and Mike Celia. Open Mic Night
is a great opportunity to experience
performing on stage and to gain confidence.
Youth Showcase
The annual Mississauga Youth Art
Showcase highlights young visual and
performing artists from across the city.
The showcase acts as an opportunity for
youth to be recognized and celebrated
while gaining experience in the arts
community. Past themes have included
green
initiative
and
biodiversity.
Limelight has so much more to offer! To
learn more and become a member please
fill out the membership application form on
page 12 and mail it to the Mississauga Arts
Council or call Grace at 905-615-4278.
2
Mississauga Arts Council
A Passion for Fashion
Dianne DeBarros designs the future of enviro-friendly fashion
By Natalie D’Urbano
M
ulti-media artist Dianne DeBarros specializes in fashion, textiles and graphic
design. At the age of 21, Dianne already has
many accomplishments to her credit, including graduating from Seneca College, having
her most recent collection shown in Beijing
and having interned at Sayra Leather in Bolivia. This innovative designer offers funky,
edgy, futuristic fashion made from recycled
materials. Her vibrant designs are sure to appeal to confident young females with an eye
for style and an environmental conscience.
Dianne recently graduated from Seneca college with an Advanced Diploma in Fashion
Arts. During her last year at Seneca, Dianne
designed and created a five piece collection
as her final project. Following the advice of
her professor, she submitted her fashion line
to a competition in China called the Hempel
Awards - 18th International Young Fashion
Designers Contest. The prestigious contest, founded in 1993, receives applicants
from over 40 countries. A mere 28 designers were selected out of thousands to compete and show off their creative talent and
fresh outlooks. With Dianne’s focus on environmentally friendly fabrics and modern designs, she was selected to represent Canada. Her Heartbreaker Collection was shown
at the opening of Beijing Fashion Week.
Heartbreaker, by Dianne DeBarros, is a line
of clothing made from recyclable material
such as melted garbage bags and electrical wire. She was inspired to create an ecoLimelight 2010
friendly line in the summer of 2009 while interning at Sayra Leather in Bolivia. To get to
work, Dianne had to take an hour- and-ahalf bus ride every morning, which gave her
time to observe Bolivia’s rampant pollution
and consider its effects. Having always taken an interest in recycling (she was voted
Most Likely to Hug a Tree in high school) and
having seen a website that melted garbage
bags into purses, Dianne started to mentally
construct her clothing line. Young DeBarros
not only wanted her clothing to be environmentally conscious, but also empowering
for women. Her designs are hard-edged
and colourful. They embody confidence, attitude and independence. Looking back to
her high school years at Iona Catholic Secondary School, Dianne described herself
as being different. She recalls not being accepted, but now sees her individuality as an
empowering asset and wants to encourage
all young females to embrace their different and unique qualities. “I wouldn’t make
anything I wouldn’t wear myself,” she says.
While in Bolivia, Dianne interned at Sayra
Leather and later became the head designer for the Spring/Summer 2010 purse
collection. She designed 13 purses that
are currently in production. Her internship was funded by Global Edge, a government program that allows students to
travel outside their home country to gain
valuable work experience. “Fashion is a
way to see the world,” Dianne says. This
is certainly true for her having traveled to
both China and Bolivia free of charge.
DeBarros also participated in MAC’s Biodiversity Through Art Showcase, putting
on a runway show displaying her envirosmart Heartbreaker Collection. This collection fit perfectly with the green theme
of the showcase. Dianne plans to continue
her eco-friendly designs with her next collection that will incorporate used clothing.
This collection will be displayed at Fashion Jam in October at the El Mocambo.
Dianne is currently living in Toronto and
studying at The Ontario College of Arts
and Design (OCAD) for Material Arts and
Design. She is thankful for the support she
experienced growing up in Mississauga. To
learn more about Dianne DeBarros, cheek
out
diannedebarros.carbonmade.com.
3
Stressed Out? Get Creative.
Alleviate your stress with creative activities
By Natalie D’Urbano
L
ife can be stressful. The pressure of
school, work and relationships can really weigh you down. Living with stress is
unhealthy; it can cause anxiety, tension
and a clouded mind. It’s important to take
some time to unwind when the pressure is
building up, so try doing a creative activity.
It takes your mind off stressful daily responsibilities and gives you a sense of accomplishment. In creatively expressing your
stress and frustration, you release negative
feelings in a safe, physical manner, so that
it no longer burdens your mind. You’ll feel
liberated while you do it and calm and happy afterward. Art is truly therapeutic. Here
are a few suggestions to conquer stress.
Chant It Out
A peculiar yet effective and fast method
of alleviating stress is chanting. It might
seem odd, but it’s really freeing and invigorating. Chanting can increase circulation, which in turn reduces the physical
symptoms of stress: shortness of breath,
increased heart rate, dizziness and muscle
tension. Oxygen is also crucial to brain
function, so if you have irregular breathing patterns due to stress, your thinking
will be impaired. Chanting is also great
because the powerful sounds come from
deep within and expel some of the pent-up
negative energy. Try chanting a positive and
motivating statement. Make it into a sort of
song; find the rhythm and the melody in
the words, and repeat it the way you would
the chorus of a hip-hop song. It’ll transform constructive words into affirmative
feelings. Also, try chanting without words:
use vowel sounds instead. This method is
great because the sounds have no definition or meaning except for the one you give
them. Chanting not only helps with stress,
but can take you on a journey, enrich your
spirituality and release your inhibitions.
“Lesedi Cultural Village” by Squashimondo
“There are thousands of causes
of stress, and one antidote
to stress is self-expression.”
-Garson Kanin
Colour Your World
“Sometimes You Just Have To Dance” by
Stephen Poff
Just Dance!
When Lady Gaga says, “just dance, gonna
be okay,” she’s not lying. Dancing is a terrific way to relieve stress. You’re sure to “be
okay” afterwards--if not spectacular! If you
are feeling down or frustrated, put on your
favorite album or playlist and dance away. It
works best if the music is cranked, but don’t
tell your parents or roommate I said so. Be
sure you are alone and the curtains are
drawn, so that you won’t worry about others
seeing and judging you. Sing along and let
your body move in whatever way feels right.
Don’t pretend you’re at a school dance or
club; that will limit your freedom. Don’t be
afraid of looking silly. Just let go and let your
body do all the thinking and talking. Let the
music run through your body and feel the
beat electrify and energize each limb. You
may feel physically exhausted afterwards,
but you’ll be mentally rejuvenated. So,
“spin that record babe,” and “just dance!”
Sometimes the most satisfying way to relieve stress is by throwing things and making
a mess; however, this is not always the smartest idea. The ensuing danger, repercussions and cleanup can cause the reverse of the intended effect and actually worsen
your stress and frustration. Splatter painting and finger/body painting is a productive
and safe alternative. When you start to become overwhelmed, get an array of non-toxic
paint, a few paint brushes and a white bed sheet, large piece of paper, or canvas. Get
on some grubby clothes you don’t mind ruining and find an appropriate, grassy area outside (preferably your own backyard). Then let the fun begin! Splatter, splash and slap
paint onto your canvas. Use your hands and body to slather and smudge abstract designs. Flinging paint and getting a little dirty will help take your mind away from negative
thoughts. Once you’re done you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll have a piece of art as well.
Hang it somewhere, and when you look at it, remember the rejeuvenating experience.
“Splash of Colour” by nsaplayer
4
Mississauga Arts Council
Meet TEDD
TEDD launches sky-high with single “Rocketship”
“I’ve got a
destination/ Build
me a rocketship.”
Photography for the band’s CD and
website by Mississauga’s Theron
Lane.
(www.theronlane.com)
Graphic design was by Mississauga’s
Michael Bryan.
(www.modgraphic.com)
1
M
eet TEDD. They’re a Mississauga
band looking to heat up the airwaves
with their new single, “Rocketship.” It’s
hard to pin down their sound, but you might
describe it as a combination of acoustic dance-pop and multilayered ballads.
TEDD’s high energy performances and
feel-good music gets audiences grooving.
Who’s Who!
(1) TEDD.
(2) Phil Irvine - Vocals, Lyrics
(3) Nika Smith - Vocals, Lyrics, Acoustics
(4) James Jarosil - Guitars, Vocals, Lyrics
(5) Joash Paul - Drums
(6) Jason Cabanaw - Bass, 8 String, Vocals
(7) Jaro Jarosil - Cellos
This is no ordinary band. TEDD creates
an innovative and original sound by integrating the orchestral tones of the cello,
the folk intimacy of the acoustic guitar and
the unconventional flourish of an eight
string guitar. Of course, they’ve also go the
usual pop bases covered: electric guitar,
bass and drums. Their four part harmonies round off TEDD’s rich, vibrant sound.
The TEDD EP titled Pick Up Your Feet is set
to release mid August 2010 with their latest
single “Rocketship.” Catch TEDD on Aug 6
@ Less Than Level (Oakville) and Sept 4
@ Lee’s Palace (Toronto). TEDD encourages everyone to visit TEDDtheband.com.
22
Summer 2010
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55
6
3
44
5
Streetsville Speaks
Artists on Streetsville, art and Marcello
1
The Meadowvale show happened during the age of innocence. Masonic Lodge,
the Streetsville music venue that played
host to Alexisonfire and Billy Talent long
before Dallas Green was a household
name in this country, was the epicenter
of a vibrant Mississauga music community. Kids turned out in droves, looking
for the next big thing. Hopeful musicians
turned out in droves, looking to be the next
big thing. Or to play alongside it, at least.
You’d be hard-pressed to miss the nostalgia in the voices of the people who remember it. In conversation with them, you get a
sense of lost youth and infinite possibility.
Anthony Tropea, from El ‘Cid, puts in more
simply: “There was a real sense of community,” he says, “That’s something you can’t
get in downtown Toronto, where there are
so many venues and so many shows every
night. It’s so hard to get that group dynamic
where something important is going on.”
1
By Chris Carriere
S
ometime in 2005, the Mississauga Arts
Council hosted a show featuring young
musicians in Meadowvale. It was a success. The turnout was great, the energy
was great; the kids who were there, many in
high school or just finished, still remember
it to this day. A band called the White Pandas of Fury were there. So were members
of the Pin Up Boys. There were also a number of bands there that did not exist, except
in the future. Without knowing it, dozens of
young people were forming long-term musical partnerships. Today, it’s the future,
and many of them still play music together.
Of course, the Mississauga Arts Council
show wasn’t the only thing happening in the
Mississauga music scene at the time. The
Junction was probably playing somewhere;
The Hidden Cameras had just released
their third studio album. Mississauga has
generated plenty of successful bands, all
deserving of their recognition. This article,
on the other hand, is about the underdogs.
We spoke to The Imports, El ‘Cid, and Pidgin--three great bands who haven’t made
it yet, all of whom were there that day.
6
play loud, inept, pretentious music. But the
three bands we spoke to can, in fact, play
their instruments. All have had a musical
education that goes far beyond rock and
roll. In fact, you might say that what unites
these three acts—who would, otherwise,
seem to have little in common—is that
they are passionate, articulate, thoughtful young men with something to say.
Pidgin, for example, is currently a threepiece act patiently laying the groundwork
for a grand, cinematic, genre-busting vision.
Their new name comes from Hemingway’s
masterpiece, For Whom the Bell Tolls,
where it is described as the third language
that comes into being when two cultures intersect. All three musicians are of Chinese
descent. Guitarist Corey Wong describes
their music as an attempt to communicate
by any means necessary. (He also teaches guitar: see www.wongwaymusic.com.)
The Masonic Lodge, since then, has been
closed down. The musicians that we spoke
to offered different explanations, but it boils
down to the same rock-and-roll problems
that plague every venue. Of course, there’s
no shortage of bars willing to pay technically
adept bands to play covers of popular songs.
The problem was, and is, finding venues
that are willing to let you play your music
without going downtown. “People are afraid
to,” explains Roydin of The Imports. “They’re
afraid that the place will get trashed, or that
they won’t make enough money at the bar.”
The three have played together for five
years, and their sound is driven by a lifetime
of musical learning. Inventive, jazz-influenced chord structures are woven together
with the visceral excitement of an upbeat
punk rock band and iced with Corey’s overdriven guitar textures. Pidgin avoids classification, “but if you had to classify us, I’d
say that we’re cinematic. Our songs move
like films. They’re built to suggest visuals
through sound, and they’re built to suggest
other instruments; a bigger, symphonic
sound. Half of my guitar lines were really
written for piano, brass, violin,” says Corey.
Enter Marcello’s Bar and Grill—right in
the heart of Streetsville, at the intersection of Queen Street and Thomas. The
Imports remember the man himself all the
way back when he worked at the Duke of
Marlborough, a Cawthra-Dundas bar that
also hosted live musical acts. “We’ve had
a relationship with Marcello for a long time.
He treats us well, and he trusts us. He
lets us run the bill and pick our openers.”
Singer and rhythm guitarist Jason Li shares
his larger vision. In fact, his goal is to create an artistic project that goes beyond the
music itself, something that invites every
sort of artist to add to it. They’ve discussed
the possibility of integrating video DJing,
live poetry, and even dancing into their act.
“Our goal is to make an interesting playground,” Jay says, “Something that other
artists will instinctively know how to add to.”
We asked each of the bands we interviewed why they play at Marcello’s. The
answer was unanimous: because it’s the
only place to play. Week after week, Marcello’s Bar and Grill hosts live, original
music. Week after week, audiences turn
up. The place does not get trashed, and
it does indeed make money at the bar.
Check the Bands Out Online
Justly or unjustly, the term indie rock often
conjures images of antisocial hipsters that
The Imports: myspace.com/theimports
Pidgin: youtube.com/pidginmusic
El ‘Cid: myspace.com/elcidtunes
Who’s Who!
(1) Marcello’s Bar and Grill.
(2) El ‘Cid.
(3) The Imports. Photo By: jeffreychantin.
Mississauga Arts Council
El ‘Cid has a vision, as well. “The modern listener is a lot less musically educated than they would’ve been in, say,
the thirties or forties,” says keyboardist
and singer Anthony. “It used to be that every home had a piano in it. Now, musical
education has been taken out of schools.”
El ‘Cid are a creative fusion of classic rock,
hard rock, funk, jazz—the list could go on.
No two songs on their upcoming album,
they say, will be alike. The tracks currently
on their MySpace confirm this. One is an instrumental guitar piece with a Spanish flair.
One is Pink Floyd-style progressive jam.
Anthony’s keys frequently recall The Doors.
Sometimes, all of these things collide over
the course of a single song. “I guess that
pop has its cookie-cutter brilliance,” Anthony says, “but our goal is to create something completely original. And, to encourage other bands to do the same thing.”
The Imports might be the most accessible of the bands that we interviewed.
They’ve got many of the ingredients of a
popular band: catchy hooks, a commanding lead singer, and lyrics that stick in your
ear like silly putty. But on the night that we
spoke to them, they’d thrown an At The
Drive-In cover into their set—a band which
is, for the most part, distinctly not radiofriendly. “We’re very influenced by bands
like At The Drive-In and The Mars Volta.”
The Imports have the feel of a band that
would be fully capable of writing pop hits,
if they wanted to do that. Yet their songs
stretch into the five to six minute range,
integrating inventive arrangements and unexpected changes in dynamic. They build
tension-and-release much higher than most
pop bands ever try to. “If you want to go the
radio route, I guess that’s one way that you
can go,” says Roydin. “I’ve often wondered
what it’s like to sit down with a songwriter
who tells you, ‘Okay, this is what we’re go-
2
ing to do,’ but I’d find that a bit insulting.”
3
The artistic community that’s sprung up
around Marcello’s Bar and Grill is full of surprises. On the last Tuesday of every month
there’s an open-mic poetry night, organized
by Matt Miller (who, along with Farrell Tremblay, also books bands at Marcello’s). In
place of a loud rock band, a procession of
twentysomethings get behind a microphone
and deliver personal confessions, political
rants and secular meditations. The place is
packed, wall-to-wall, with a respectfully silent audience that applauds furiously at the
end of each and every poem. “I used to do
stand-up downtown,” Miller says. “I got good
at it, and then I got tired of making people
laugh, you know? These days, for me, it’s all
about slam poetry.” Mississauga, he says,
is a fertile ground. There’s an artist on every
corner. “I got very tired of hearing the same
things over and over again [downtown].
There are a lot of great acts there who just
do the same five minute set over and over
again. To me, if you’ve got those five minutes
and you know they work, great. Move on.”
“Mississauga is
fertile ground.
There’s an artist on
every corner.”
As we’re talking to Matt, open mic host
Daniel Wilson, along with the evening’s
headliner—Spencer Butt, a fast-talking
Toronto poet that blends confession with
lightning-round humor—wander outside
and sit down with us. “Mississauga is virgin territory in a way,” Butt agrees. “You get
used to what you see in the Toronto poetry scene. But here, you have a two-hour
open mic, and there are a lot of surprises.”
Right at the center of this story is, of course,
Marcello himself. Our Hollywood sensibilities have taught us to expect, and even
want, a series of warm-and-fuzzy platitudes
from a man that provides young artists a
place to hone their skills. Marcello doesn’t
have any to offer. When asked if he’s aware
that some young people consider him as a
sort of patriarch, he replies that he doesn’t
think of himself that way. When I try to lead
him into expounding on his benevolence, he
falls silent or changes the subject. His eyes
light up, though, when I ask him about music. He’s eager to describe his 1000-strong
vinyl collection, the centerpiece of which
are about fifty Rolling Stones records, and
equally eager to discuss the delicate art of
bootlegging. He’s a classic rock kind of guy.
To hear him tell it, Marcello is just a businessman, making a living in the way he
knows best. When the Duke of Marlborough
was sold to a new owner that ran it into the
ground, he came to Streetsville and “bought
himself a job,” purchasing what was the
Honey Bistro and continuing to do just what
he’d always done: hosting live acts. “I do like
giving the underdog a shot,” he says. That’s
the closest I can get him to admitting that
there’s anything selfless in what he does.
Marcello encourages bands interested in
playing to e-mail Farrell at peartreeproductions@gmail.com or Matt at laughstock@
hotmail.com and for all to join his Facebook
group, Marcello’s to stay updated on shows
and events. Marcello’s Bar and Grill is located at 235 Queen St S (905 567-1566).
Limelight 2010
7
Artists in the Limelight
30 and under, bringing the thunder
T
anya Birl
Age: 26
Art Medium: Dancer/Singer/Actor
I have always had a larger than life personality and just needed the medium to express it. Dance was it! I grew up
competing with The Dance Factory and then continued with modern dance at Cawthra Park Secondary School. This
has allowed me to be versatile as a dancer and performer. Now I’m living my dream, dancing on Broadway and living
with my husband in NYC!
Past Projects: Finian’s Rainbow - original Broadway cast, The Wiz - dance captain @ NY City Center, West Side Story
- West End, London, The Lion King - Broadway 1st national tour
Upcoming Projects: Currently performing in Broadway musical Memphis, HBO Piolt: Top 20 Broadway Dancers
W
ali ‘Flo’ Shah
Age: 15
Art Medium: Poetry/Spoken Word/Rap
Ever since I first listened to “Mockingbird” by Eminem, I knew I wanted to be a rapper, and now
I am... Dreams are only far away if you let them be. I always strive for the best, and make my
dreams a reality. Rhythm and Poetry (RAP) is my life.
Past Projects: Tick Tick Talent, Teen Poetry Slam @ Central Library, Green Arts Youth Showcase, Anything Goes Slam @ The Drake Hotel
Upcoming Projects: Releasing my first album late this year
Website: youtube.com/user/iFloRite
R
ayanne Lepieszo from The Framework
Age: 28
Art Medium: Musician (Keyboards)
During my teenage years living in Mississauga (where I attended Erindale Secondary School), I began my music career
as an acoustic singer/songwriter playing the local live music circuit. Eventually I wanted to explore other musical genres
and I happily signed on in 2006 as a member of the rock group The Framework as the keyboard player.
Past Projects: The Framework released Before Tonight in August 2009 and had the #4 selling album in Toronto the week
of the album’s release. In June 2010 The Framework released their new single and video for the song “Starlight.” The
music video for The Framework’s single “Starlight” features Twilight: Eclipse star Kirsten Prout.
Upcoming Projects: Recording new material with The Framework
Website: www.theframework.ca
D
j Zedvantz aka Lance C
Age: 29
Art Medium: Producer/Remixer/Dj/Beat Digger
I’m a primarily a DJ. I’m known for digging up old records and combining them in new and undexpected ways. My jazz and break-heavy mixes have captured the hearts and ears of music
enthusiasts both locally and internationally.
Past Projects: Mixtapes: Turntable Jazz (2007), Fresh Obsessed (2008), Death Mix(2009)
Upcoming Projects: The Devil’s Tahitian Drummers Release Party July 23 @Veglia lounge, Dj
Zedvantz & Special Guest Aug 12 @ Spice Lounge, Dan Steep Film Premier Aug 18 @ Drake
Hotel, QFO Turntable Wizardry Demonstration Aug 30 @ Nomarkit Studios
T
anaz Bhathena
Age: 25
Art Medium: Literary (Fiction)
I write Middle-Eastern and South Asian fiction. In 2009, I won the Whidbey MFA Student Choice Contest and the MARTY
Award for Emerging Literary Arts. My stories have appeared in various literary journals, including Sotto Voce, Asia Literary Review and Room Magazine.
Upcoming Projects: A book of interconnected stories on the social, cultural and psychological conflicts faced by middleclass Arabs and expatriates in Saudi Arabia, with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts
Council.
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Mississauga Arts Council
M
ichael Ciufo
Age: 24
Art Medium: Opera/Classical-Crossover
I am blessed to have the ability to communicate with others through music. As a creator (songwriter) and interpreter (opera), I always try to give the most sincere and honest performance. I am excited to bring my classical
training and love of the golden age of singing into my original work. I feel strongly about my responsibility to share
the music I love with my audience and therefore am developing a style that seamlessly incorporated the classical
with the current.
Past Projects: 2009 Mayor’s Gala (Opened for Howie Mandel); Roméo in Gounod’s opera, Roméo et Juliette
with Opera NUOVA; released Vieni Sul Mar: A Collection of Italian Song in 2006 which to date has sold over 2000
copies through word-of-mouth and off-stage sales primarily
Upcoming Projects: Recording in fall of 2010 and touring in January 2010 to promote the record, including a
show on Jan 15 at Mississauga’s Living Arts Centre!
Website: www.michaelciufo.com
J
ade Lee Portelli
Age: 30
Art Medium: Photography
My interest in photography began at the age of eight, when I received a camera as a gift
from my parents. I am a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design and have exhibited in Toronto. My continuous photographic series explores and documents the ephemeral
beauty of the old, abandoned and desolate. I find inspiration in the ability to create compelling photographs out of ordinary surroundings.
1
Past Projects: CONTACT 2010, Sunday Mornings (solo exhibition, Dec 2009)
Upcoming Projects: Pikto Gallery (solo show, Dec 2010)
Website: www.jadeleeportelli.com
E
van Alexander Smith
Age: 21
Art Medium: Actor
I grew up in Mississauga where I attended Cawthra Park Secondary School’s art program. After high school I pursued classical theatre at George Brown Theatre School in Toronto. Since graduating in 2009, I’ve been working
steadily in theatre, television, and animation. Most recently, I was nominated for a 2010 Dora Mavor Moore Award
for Outstanding Performance by a Male in a Musical for my performance in The Toxic Avenger Musical.
Past Projects: Global’s Television’s “Cold Blood;” Matt in The Fantasticks at The Red Barn Theatre; The title
character in The Toxic Avenger Musical for Dancap Productions; The Subway Songs
Upcoming Projects: Woody in “Toy Story: The Musical” for Disney Entertainment
Website: Blog: http://evanalexandersmith.blogspot.com
J
ennifer Cortez
Age: 29
Art Medium: Singer/Songwriter
I come from a long line of musical performers. My family is originally from Quito, Ecuador.
My vocal instructor is Falconer Abraham, who has taught artists such as Melanie Fiona and
JUNO-award winners Jully Black and Snow. In 2008, my single “The Latin Anthem” was
added to the playlists of several radio stations. In March 2010, I released my first album
Through the Rain. The success of this album has been overwhelming and I hope to inspire
women to go after their dreams.
Past Projects: Bead 4 Health Jewelry line showcase performance; INTY RAMYI - Festival
Del Sol (June 2010); Amnesty International Mother’s Day Fundraiser; TEMfest (All female
Showcase - top 50 indie females) CD Release party Jennifer Cortez’s Through the Rain;
AM 1610 RADIO - Haiti Fundraiser
Website: www.myspace.com/jennifercortez1280
P
amela Litton aka Dundee
Age: 26
Art Medium: Wushu (Martial Artist)/Traditional Lion Dancer/Street Dancer
I am a dancer specializing in House Dance. As a member of many dance teams including, Ground Illusionz,
Canadian Wushu Team and WayLand Li Wushu Center Elite Team, I have performed across Canada and the
USA. I studied architecture at the California College of Arts and graduated in 2005. I am currently moving to Mississauga.
Past Projects: Former Member of Hip Hop Crew “SoulForce” (San Francisco); Dancer for the Rap Group “Mr.
Lexicon” (San Francisco); Dragon Dancer for Disney’s MGM studios (Orlando, FL); House Dancer for the “6th
Annual Talent Defined Dance Festival” @ the Al Green Theater (Toronto)
Upcoming Projects: Representing Canada for the 8th Pan American Games Wushu Championship in Argentina (October 2010), House Dance Performance Artist for “Dusk Dances Earlscourt Park” (Toronto, Aug 19-22)
Limelight 2010
9
Click. Snap. Type. Speak.
A graphic designer, photograper, poet and spoken word artist share their art
Of Deep Regions
By Josh Trichillo
What becomes of the silent dialogue
That we have with ourselves? What becomes of
Those quiet whispers and soft, silken
Utterances, which drip from stone into
Cool cave ponds within our minds that caress
The insides of our brains like a lover
Or a vile, malevolent seducer,
Those shaded, secret things that rustle in
And through the tangled reaches of our thoughts?
We feel them tickle our ear, we hear them
Vibrate our bones, and stretch our nerves and guts.
Some are made in the darkest and dankest
Of deep regions, born in a room full of
Gloom and dull hues, followed by soft coos of
Complaint and a body, hunched, cold, twisted.
Some are made under the light of the sun,
The heat of the air accented strongly
By the exact scent of a musty old
Oak tree, while dark green shadows dance on a
Body, tense, tight and poised, ready, anxious.
And what escapes from our clumsy lips and
Fickle tongues are ruled, arranged, pitiless
Patterns, the final audible echo,
Its origin the eclectic hum of
Our beaten skull, limp, stone, mute, deafening.
We are examples of ourselves.
What hope is there for the explicit form?
Hope, so often like the glimmer of an
Uncrested wave lit by the sun’s beam or
Moon’s reflection, a glimmer so hard to
Capture and once grasped trickles from your
Hands into the mass from which it came,
Only to be sought for again.
Flux Cut
By Kynan Desouza
korruptdesigns.webs.com
kynandesouza@live.com
10
Field of Focus
By Ian Carnevale
www.petalstudio.com
service@petalstudio.com
Solving Problems
By Wali ‘Flo’ Shah
Everybody tells me to fight my own battles, why can’t we
all fight, world hunger, poverty and democratic scandals,
this world has no handles, Palestinians have to walk with
rocks in their sandals and terrorists with their hands on
some bombs bro, and you may never hear this is songs
though, this world is confused between its rights, and its
wrongs yo, so, why can’t we solve problems, take it slow,
and oh, don’t act you didn’t know. Some of our streets is
pitiful, where their greatest achievement may be winning a
high school divisional; and I could spit a full, book of rhymes
to portrait the crimes by what people call criminal minds, in
these sinister times, when all we’re doing is spitting these
lines, and making our dimes, no where close to those fines
or confines, this world is mines, and OURS. I spit game for
every second, minute and hours, my positive energy showers and overpowers, it never sours, the ones who don’t take
action are the real cowards. See there is a power of one,
powered by all, united we stand, divided we fall, together
we big, isolated we small, I wish life was like widows I’d just
install, a new copy, all problems solved on one floppy, you
can mock me, do you remember, why we wear a poppy?
To remember, what happened to our brave soldiers in November and acknowledge, what happened nine years ago in
September. Let me refresh your memory, its been a sketchy
century, maybe this sh*t was never meant for me. Moving steadily, unreadily, unprepared mentally or physically,
man I’m just taking care of my business see, everybody
misses me, I’m blind to my own ambitions b. I got stories
to tell if you wanna hear, you’ll need to move closer, come
near, Flo’s gone in a moment, but right now, I’m still here…
Mississauga Arts Council
Mississauga Future Star
Who sung and who won at Mississauga’s local singing competition
1
Coming in second was Kristen Anzele,
who performed her own original songs.
In third was Sean Sroka who also sang
original compositions while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. Other finalists included Alana Xin, Brittni Kenny,
Jake Robertson, Sahaj Shah, Stephanie
Welton, Steve Luxton, and Victoria Kern.
By Natalie D’Urbano
T
alented Mississauga youth singers and
songwriters took the stage at the Mississauga Waterfront Festival in Port Credit
on Father’s Day to compete for the title of
Mississauga’s Future Star. The ten finalists sang two songs each in attempt to impress judges Marshall Dane, Alex George
of IT Radio, and vocal trainer Rikki Rumball.
world of music and talent is evolving. I was
just honoured to be called back to be a part of
it all and witness the event first hand and meet
all of the wonderful talented performers!”
3
Dale Luacra, the 2009 Future Star winner,
hosted the event. He also performed to inspire the finalists and entertain the Waterfront crowd. “This year’s competition was
overflowing with natural talent,” Dale told
us. “All the contestants did an amazing job
with their performances! I was really impressed with some of the vocal ability and
even more impressed with the original song
writing capabilities. It’s a new day and the
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The competition was fierce. The contestants wowed the judges and the audience alike with their vocal range,
control, confidence, and charisma. Candace Santos won the judges’ votes with
her soothing, classically-trained voice.
Sixteen-year-old Candace received a
$2000 cash prize, $3000 worth of recording time at Metalworks Studios, and the
opportunity to showcase at Canadian
Music Week 2010. “When I won, I really
didn’t expect it at all,” Candace says, “especially with all the unbelievable artists
who performed throughout the competition. I felt truly overwhelmed and excited.”
Who’s Who!
(1) Candace Santos, 1st Place Winner
(2) Kristen Anzele, 2nd Place Winner
(3) Sean Sroka, 3rd Place Winner
The MACpac wishes to thank photographer
Michael Seeh who took excellent photos of
the event. For more event photos visit
mississaugaartscouncil.com.
Summer 2010
11
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OUR EVENTS INCLUDE:
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Mississauga Arts Council