Live on the Drive: Broadway Skytrain Station

I spent some time yesterday perched on a stool at Blendz, attempting a little work and wanting a slight change of scenery from Waves - my usual Commercial Drive branch office.
Blendz itself makes decent coffee and the service is always very pleasant, but man, especially on a dull, day like yesterday was, that is a bleak place to people watch. That particular corner is a true hotbed of crime. It is littered with school-aged kids, many with babies, who should be in school. There was even a dealer who had set up shop in the cafe, dealing right in the store!
One would think that, after the repeat stabbing incident a couple of weeks back, there would be a stronger police presence looming about, but that didn't seem to be the case.
What's with this corner? Perhaps it needs a smudging.
Those who remember that corner when there was a billard hall will recall that even then it felt like a troubled place. Although I liked it when that pool hall started selling used books, too. Might have even bought a hot dog there.

Theatre: Pink Floyd The Wall Live Stage Show @ the Rio

Opens Thursday November 5th at The Rio Theatre!

Live Band! Live Singers! Live ACTION!!

Reprising their critically acclaimed production from Boston in 1996, LiveStage has assembled a killer cast of incredible singers and musicians from the Vancouver music scene to create a theatrical masterpiece of rock and roll that's guaranteed to breathe new life into the realm of the theatre, and give audiences a thrilling, one-of-a-kind, multimedia rock show experience!

Shows Times:
November 5, 6, 7 and 8
and November 11, 12, 13 and 14
doors @ 7:30 show starts @ 8pm

Check out our cast and crew photos and bios!
http://www.livestageperformance.net/Wall_Cast.html

Tickets are selling fast so get yours now at Brown Paper Tickets!

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/79981
OR stop by The Rio Theatre to buy tix! (On sale Oct 22!)

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=scout&init=quick#/event.php?eid=149741407563&ref=ts

Watch for exclusive interviews with the director Doug Thom and lead Mark Downey coming soon to Commercial Drive - Live!

Film: Where the Wild Things Are @ The Rio

The Rio Theatre proudly presents a Special Midnight Premiere Screening of Spike Jonze's adaptation of the Maurice Sendak classic "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE."

PRIZE FOR BEST COSTUME! Hosted by Paul Anthony.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (Spike Jonze - 2009)
An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story. Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386117/

Admission: $10 for Adults, $8 for Students, $7 for Seniors & Kids. (Please note: passes will not be accepted for the Special Midnight Premiere.) Regular showtimes begin Friday Oct 16 (TBA).

RIO THEATRE 1660 East Broadway (at Commercial Drive; Broadway Skytrain) www.riotheatre.ca (60...

Special Event: Downchild Blues Band @ The Rio ~ Sat. Oct. 17

Select: All, Read, None

Show: AllUnread

Chaudiere Books Events October 14 at 8:30am

a recent review of marcus mccann's soft where by aaron tucker; http://www.agorareview.ca/?q=node/227 rob

Wanda John-Kehewin October 13 at 10:56pm

(no subject) Sure give me a call when you feel better.

Ocean of Sound- House concert with Pepe Danza and Friends! October 13 at 6:54pm

Ocean Of Sound Reminder Hey Everyone Just sending a reminder that the concert is this Friday at 7pm,...

The Age of Stupid Comes to UBC October 13 at 11:12am

The Age of Stupid Comes to UBC Hi All, So, tomorrow's the big day, for The Age of Stupid at UBC anyway. I ...

Brendan McLeod and Candelabra Collective at Cafe Deux Soleils October 13 at 10:26am

Regarding what happened after the show... Hello everyone, Many of you might have heard about what transpired on the s...

Norah Holtby October 12 at 9:37pm

Prophouse Cafe Info Prophouse Cafe 1636 Venables Vancouver BC V5L 2H2 tel 604 733 5665 web SEEKOO...

RIO THEATRE October 11 at 4:29pm

Downchild Blues Band and The Blues Brothers 'There would be no Blues Brothers if it weren't for Downchild.'— Dan Aykroyd ...

Maureen Kruger October 11 at 1:08am

(no subject) Yes I'm fine. How bout you? S.

Julie , Lauren, Bodhi October 10 at 9:50pm

bodhi needs your help :) moi aussi

Bowen Arrow productions October 10 at 8:47pm

April wine Hey there Do any of you know the band April Wine personally or how to reach ...

Rocco De Giacomo October 10 at 6:08pm

roccodg.com Hey All, I'd like to remind you once more of my upcoming book launch - just ...

5th annual Masquerade Ball - Work Less Party PARTY October 10 at 1:25am

The 5th Annual Masquerade Ball - Work Less Party PARTY - Just 7 more days till the craziest party of all time -------------- The 5th...

Tone Indbryn October 9 at 11:50pm

song lyrics hey where do I put song lyrics in the blog?

Brendan McLeod and Candelabra Collective at Cafe Deux Soleils October 9 at 6:24pm

Holy Guacomole - The Show is Tomorrow! Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I'm just preparing to head out the door t...

The People's Co-op Bookstore October 9 at 5:46pm

Book Launch - "Rasie Shit!" Bud Osborn, Donald MacPherson, and Susan Boyd have just released an important...

THE EPICS @The Fairview THIS FRIDAY ! OCT 9th October 9 at 5:33pm

Reminder!!! Old School R&B/Soul Dance TONIGHT!!! at the Fairview Hey all!! Just a friendly reminder about Reminder!!! Old School R&B/Soul Danc...

DollHouse Studios & Sweet Soul Burlesque = SASS October 9 at 5:29pm

TOMORROW NIGHT @ DOLLHOUSE - The Return of Oktoburlesque w/ Josh Martinez & Sweet Soul Burlesque Alright Sasgluzzlers, First off, HOLY BLUE PARTY...I'm a seasoned grrl & EV...

AMSTERDAM BURLESQUE FESTIVAL 2009 October 9 at 1:25pm

WIN VIP Passes to Amsterdam Burlesque Festival Greetings Worldwide. ABF 2009 will be giving away 2 full VIP Passes on Octo...

The People's Co-op Bookstore October 9 at 12:15pm

Defend BC's Writers and Publishers http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=148926547819&ref=nf

Angus Adair October 9 at 8:55am

Wax Poetic righty-o.

Downchild Blues Band and The Blues Brothers

'There would be no Blues Brothers if it weren't for Downchild.'— Dan Aykroyd

Aykroyd met Walsh in Toronto in the early '70s and immediately became a fan. Soon afterward, Aykroyd met John Belushi while tending bar at the 505 Club, a now-defunct after-hours night spot that Aykroyd ran for the members of comedy troupe Second City and "anyone else who wanted to drop in."

Belushi came in to recruit for the National Lampoon Radio Hour, and he and Aykroyd chatted over some tunes.

"We were sitting there, listening to the Downchild record Straight Up,"' he said. "And it had the shot glass with a briefcase on (the cover).

"Right there we tried to concoct the idea of doing a blues act. We ended up calling our record Briefcase Full of Blues."

That album, released by Belushi and Aykroyd as the Blues Brothers in 1978, contained two songs written by Walsh — Shot Gun Blues and (I Got Everything I Need) Almost — and Flip, Flop & Fly, which was derived from a Walsh cover.

see link for full story:
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2009/10/09/downchild-walsh.html

Downchild Blues Band with special guest Colin Linden @ the Rio Sat Oct. 17th 9pm tickets on sale now! http://www.ticketweb.ca

News: Homeless Man Set On Fire

From the Globe and Mail

A man was set on fire Saturday night by three assailants after he fell asleep on a couch on a sidewalk just around the corner from the Commercial Drive bar where he had been drinking with friends.

The 26-year-old Filipino man from New Westminster suffered minor burns to his chest and right wrist, saved from a worse outcome because witnesses quickly intervened. The first witness, a homeless man, ran to help and got in a fight with the three white attackers. Another witness approached and the men ran away.

Speculation about the motive for the attack and whether a hate crime had been committed was rampant yesterday. The description of the men - white, dressed all in black with tattoos and piercings, one with a bald or shaved head - evoked the image of racist skinheads.

Read the full story here >>>

Full-time Sales Associate (Commercial Dr)

Dream Designs (www.dreamdesigns.ca) is a Vancouver-based company that has been providing stylish and sustainable products since 1981. Our three retail stores and wholesale division offer a fantastic selection of "green" bedding, home decor, clothing, meditation and spa products.

We are now hiring for a permanent full-time sales associate position at our flagship Commercial Drive location. The position offers 38 hours per week (weekends mandatory), with a generous staff discount, benefits package and sales bonus after a probationary period. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic, energetic and self-motivated with a desire to grow with the company. Previous retail or customer service experience required.

Please apply in person with resume and cover letter at 956 Commercial Drive. Questions may be referred to a manager at 604-254-5012.
Reference: http://ping.fm/uh4KF

Film: Dust & Illusions @ the Rio

Dust & Illusions, a documentary that explores 30 years of Burning Man "evolution" is playing this saturday 10/10 in Vancouver.

The pre-sales will end around 8pm friday 10/9.

Door will be $15/$20 depending on what tickets are left.

TICKETS: http://dustandillusions.com/blog/last-screening-in-vancouver-oct-10th

See you at the RIO.

Live on the Drive: Storm Brewing Hits 15!

Guten tag!
The Germans had the right idea when they decided that the best way to deal with the dread of the long winter approaching was to drink beer, and lots of it.
Hence Octoberfest was spawned.
Right here in East Van, we have our own beer making tradition called Storm Brewing, which, just last weekend celebrated fifteen years of making beer at it's CD location. We visited Storm and spent a few minutes with owner/operater James Walton discussing what he does and what it's like to run your own brewery.

Storm is served at various Drive locations and can be bought by the keg for your next fundraiser and private shindig.
So check out their website www.stormbrewing.org or give James a call at 604-255-9119 and be sure to hoist a glass for me.

Special Event: Comedy Competition @Zawa's

These days, we could all use a good belly laugh. 17 year veteran laughmaster Carter Hortie thinks so anyway, and is putting his money where his mouth is by hosting a competition between 40 local stand up comedians all vying for a $750 brass ring, not to mention a chance for a paid headline spot on Hortie' regular "Drive By Comedy" night.
Now in it's fifth week, this competition is clearly heating up. We sat down with Carter and let him tell us a bit about his show and how the contest works. Plus we gave you a little taste of last night's competition.
Drive By Comedy happens every Thursday night at 9pm @ Zawa's.
WARNING: Strong language and questionable subject matter. Viewer discretion is definitely advised.


For complete info join the Facebook group "Drive By Comedy".

Coming up on Thursday, Oct. 1st:
Semi Final

Headliner: Darcy Michael
plus semi-finalists:
1 Seth Perry
2 Ivan Decker
3 Byron Bertram
4 Watermelon
5 James Masters
6 Andrew Von Rosenbach
7 Lauren McGibbon
8 Zack Hershfield
9 Russ Kennedy
10 Danny Mendlow

Special Event: Microscopic, No Hitting & Velour Bunker @ The Cultch

Get to The Cultch on Sunday, September 27th for the second installment of Vancouver's newest, raddest performing arts series.
Cultch Curator in Residence, Aaron Joyce, brings a night of improvised music and dance:
The Microscopic CD release party (guitar, cello, weissenborn, tabla...what?)
No Hitting (7 dancers + 7 musicians = total madness)
Velour Bunker (Leah Abramson, Jeff Younger and Tommy Babin interpret the songs of Nico)Sunday, September 27th 2009
The VanCity Culture Lab @ The Cultch
Show starts at 7:30pm SHARP!$10 (cheap!)
Listen to Aaron talk about the show and his curatorship with Lisa Christiansen on CBC Radio 3 this evening (Friday) at 5:30pm. http://radio3.cbc.ca/See you on Sunday!

Photo of the Day: Peter Valentine

Commercial Drive looking North from onboard Skytrain.

Special Event: Bellies to Babies Celebration

Sunday, September 27th, 11 am – 4 pm, Auditorium I, Main Level, Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, VancouverHere’s a chance for new and expectant parents and grandparents to shop for baby and connect with community resources and support services. Plus the first 100 moms in attendance will receive a complimentary diaper baby thanks to New & Green Baby Co.: www.belliestobabiescelebration.com

Special Event: New Trout Lake Rink Opens

Thursday, September 24th, 5:15 pm – 8 pm, Trout Lake Rink, near Victoria Drive just South of East 12th Avenue, VancouverJust in case you haven’t heard, the Olympics are coming! And with them comes some great new venues, including the Trout Lake Rink and it’s official opening will include a free public skate with mascots from 6:30 – 8 pm and more: vancouver.ca

CANCELLED -: Marnie Mains @ St. Augustine's

Gary Hendry photo
Marnie emailed to say her show had been cancelled because of a fire in the kitchen of St. Augustine's.

Check her music out anyway at one of the sites listed below.

S.

http://www.marniemains.com
http://www.myspace.com/marniemainsmusic
http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/marniem...
http://www.sellaband.com/marniemains

Theatre: Word Wear @ The Fringe

COME ONE, COME ALL!

WEAR CLOTHES!

Welcome to Word Wear – Theatre Terrific’s newest offering at the Vancouver Fringe Festival. A look at the language of clothes, Word Wear is directed and devised by Susanna Uchatius, Theatre Terrific’s Artistic Director, with Joanna Garfinkel as Dramaturg and Assistant Director, and Theatre Terrific students as collaborators.

Date and Time: Performances will take place Sept. 16 to 19 at 8:00 pm, with a matinée on September 19 at 2:00 pm.

Location: Vancouver Japanese United Church, 4010 Victoria at East 23rd Avenue. Click here for map.

Tickets: Tickets are $10 for weekday shows and $12 for weekend shows plus an additional $2 for advance tickets purchases. A one-time $5 Fringe membership is required and can be purchased at any Fringe performance, or through the Fringe. To order online go to www.vancouverfringe.com. For ticket information call (604) 637-6380.

Formed in 1985, Theatre Terrific is Western Canada’s oldest theatre company for people with disabilities, with a mission is to provide inclusive opportunities to transform lives through the power of theatre.

Music: The Morgan Childs Trio @ Falconetti's

Tuesday, September 22nd and 29th 9:30pm-midnight @ Falconetti's the Morgan Childs Trio - chad makela on saxophone Adam Robert Thomas on bass.
This is Morgan's last month before he moves to Toronto, so come on down!
Here's a video with Adam playing as part of Queso Blanco, recorded at the Libra Room.

Public Meeting: New Trout Lake Centre to be Discussed

A public meeting next week will be the perfect opportunity to offer your two cents regarding the redevelopment of the Trout Lake Community Centre.

The meeting is scheduled to discuss the second phase of the project with park board staff and project architects. Phase one of the project included the construction of a new ice rink, which will be used as a practice rink for figure skating during the 2010 Olympic Games.

The new community centre will replace the aging facility built in 1964.

Funding for the new centre was approved as part of the park board's 2009-2011 capital plan, but it wasn't included in the plan until the public loudly protested the centre's initial omission. The meeting takes place Sept. 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the community centre, 3350 Victoria Dr. More project details are available on the park board's website at vancouverparks.ca.

Read the full story here >>>

Visual Art: Famous Empty Sky @ Havana Gallery

Sept 27 - Oct 10

New work by artist Famous Empty Sky. "Beyond the Secret Garden" florals with a modern twist: mixed media collage paintings at Havana Gallery. 1212 Commercial Drive.
604-253-9119.

Special Event: Didjeridu Workshop

Come and learn to play Didjeridu.Circular breathing, Traditional and contemporary rhythms. Open to all levels with group and one on one instruction

Price: $75
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Britannia Community centre

604251514
Email:
Shine_like_thesun@hotmail.com
Description

News: One-time B.C. Lion Charged with Sexual Assault Near Commercial Drive

VANCOUVER — Former B.C. Lions football player Joshua Joseph Boden faces one charge of sexual assault after a number of women reported being groped by a man on the streets of Vancouver.

On Monday of this week, Boden was arrested near Commercial Drive and Broadway in Vancouver and charged with sex assault and resisting or obstructing police.
Vancouver police Const. Lindsey Houghton said Thursday that Boden, 22, allegedly groped a woman earlier that evening in the same neighbourhood and that officers had "observed" the incident.

Read the full story here >>>

Upcoming on Wax Poetic: Rowan Lipkovits

Accordion Guru and CFRO radio host Rowan Lipkovits is this week's guest on Wednesday at 2pm to talk about the 2nd annual Accordion Noir festival happeing this weekend at the WISE Hall. (See Thursday, Sept. 3rd's post)

Music: Xtra West Cultural Series @ Cafe Deux Soleils

Xtra West, Vancouver's Gay & Lesbian Biweekly presents an ongoing monthly showcase of queer music, film, readings, poetry, performance art and more.

This month featuring:

Singer/songwriter Catherine McNeil
Filmmaker Magali Gauthier's FYT
Pop quartet Locus

If interested in performing contact mark.kowalk@xtra.ca

Music: Accordion Noir Festival @ The WISE Hall

The second annual Accordion Noir Festival is coming up September 10-12 in Vancouver.

For more details:
www.SqueezeboxCircle.org
www.accordionnoir.org
www.geoffberner.com

Here's the schedule perversely in reverse order:

WISE HALL, main event:
Saturday, 8 PM, Sept 12th
1882 Adanac St. at Victoria
Jason Webley (Seattle)
Geoff Berner (Vancouver)
Story (Halifax)
and more!

Also on Saturday, Sept. 12th,
Accordion Workshops:
4:15 pm at The WISE Hall
Squeezebox movies, history, song-writing, and repair!
Full day of workshops
and Saturday concert: $20
Concert at the door: $15
Pre-sale at Highlife:
all-day $15

And don't miss the Accordion Parade:
Also on Saturday, Sept. 12th,
Grandview Park to the WISE Hall 4 pm (weather permitting)

Other Day's events:

Cafe Montmartre,
Fri, Sept 11th
4362 Main Street
Squeezebox from
8 pm ‘till late!
Joanna Chapman-Smith
The Creaking Planks
Barbara Adler
Andy Fielding
Dawn Zoe
Tina Tew

and

Friday, Sept 11th:
Accordion Noir Radio,
With Geoff Berner live!
9:30-10:30 pm, 102.7 FM.

Finally, start your festival right with:

Thurs, Sept 10th, 8-10 PM
Vancouver Squeezebox Circle
Open stage at Spartacus Books
684 E. Hastings St.

News: Teacher Cuts Student's Hair With A Knife, Parents Want Answers

Family Seeks Community Help for Police to InvestigateVancouver BC - August, 2009.
Abraham and Emy Belay are the parents of nine year old grade 4 pupils at Laura Second Elementary School in the Vancouver School District. They are seeking the support of members of the African/Black communities, human rights advocates, the media and the public, in their effort to get the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to investigate a complaint by one of their sons that his teacher cut his hair in class with a knife.
According to the parents, this strange event occurred in early June after they met with Vancouver School Board officials to lodge complaints against school officials, including the teacher in question on June 1st 2009.Like many African/Black parents, Emy and Abraham have for the past two years been dealing with various issues related to what they have described as discrimination by school officials against their sons.
Until the hair cutting incident came to light, they had pursued their concerns via internal structures within the school system. Asked why they are going public now, Emy stated that “the assault on my son in class crossed the line, and the lack of interest in investigating this by both the School police as well as the VPD left us no option”.
The African Canadian parents, owners of the popular Afro Hair Studio on Commercial Drive noted that they were shocked at the lack of responds to investigate the report they made to the VPD. According to the parents, their son told them that his teacher came to class with a knife, saying “I am going to hurt someone”, walked to his desk, cut his hair with the knife and clipped it on the board for all the students to see. The boy only informed his parents about this incident two weeks later as a result of another incident on June 19th, 2009, in which he and his brother were locked up in separate rooms by the vice principal and forced to take a test called Essential Diagnostic Tools for Mental Math and Basic Operations. Earlier, the parents had previously objected to their children taking a psycho-educational test. “We told the twins not to take a test unrelated to their class work without our permission, and we made this known to school officials in an earlier meeting” they added.
According to Abraham, he cannot understand why a VPD Constable came to their shop on July 2nd, 2009, said nothing, gave them a file number and took off. He added that they called many more times to find out why nothing was being done and why no one from the VPD came to interview their son regarding the complaint. “We persisted and got another number from the non-emergency line to call”, added Emy. The parents called and left a message at this new number, and got a call back the next day. “The officer who picked up the phone was very aggressive on the phone, not interested in hearing my complaint regarding the teacher cutting the hair of my son in class. I was shocked beyond belief when this officer told me my kids misbehaved that is why, I could not believe it”. That was not all; the officer said to me "you are jerking up my ass"“We want the VPD to investigate this matter, Abraham and Emmy pay their taxes and expect the police to give them the same level of protection and service, how would you feel if your son came home to tell you such a story” Dr. C. Apaak, a Vancouver based human rights and social justice advocate noted. According to the parents, the reluctance of the VPD to investigate has caused them to remove their children from the school as they do not feel their kids will be safe. They now think that their son was attacked by the teacher because he and his brother were the only black kids in the class, as revenge for their complaint to the school board. “They are just kids, only nine years old and they are psychologically hurt, I have seen them”, according to Dr. Apaak. African/Black community leader and human rights advocates will be contacting all those who know about this issue, and will like to know why the VPD has yet to look into this issue. Dr. Apaak is currently reviewing two binders of material given to him by the parents to explore other ways to help them get to the bottom of this rather disturbing issue.
For More Information Contact:
Dr. C. Apaak: 778-895-9242
Abraham and Amy: 604-251-2512
Messia Ditshimba: 778-887-1098/604-272-1035
Source:Charles N. Nkansah
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/diaspora/artikel.php?ID=167856

Music: Coco Love Alcorn @ Havana Tonight!

The ever sultry and talented Coco Love Alcornn takes to the stage in a rare appearance right here on Commercial Drive.
The show starts at 8pm and shouldn't be missed.
Find out more about her here >>>

News: Aboriginal Man Dies in Grandview Park on Hottest Day of Year

I came across this distressing release that i thought readers might find interesting.

VANCOUVER, BC, MEDIA RELEASE -- (Marketwire - Aug. 14, 2009) On Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at 9:00 am, an Aboriginal man was spotted and appeared to be sleeping by Eric Schweig (renowned Aboriginal actor) in Grandview Park. At 4pm on the same day, Eric was again walking by and noticed the same man was lying in the same position but was in obvious physical distress (convulsing). This was the hottest day in Vancouver history, so the heat was very intense. When Eric checked on the man (later identified as Curtis Brick) he was convulsing and did not look in good shape. Eric immediately called 911 and one of our Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services outreach workers to attend. Jennifer (VATJSS employee) attended and they began wetting Curtis down with cold water until 45 minutes later help came.

During the waiting time, Eric was able to get out of the man, his name and that he had drunken alcohol earlier that day. The fire truck was first on scene, two fireman jumped out of the truck, Eric began to explain his condition and that Curtis...had nodded that he had [drunk]...earlier that day and Eric told the fireman that he thinks it [was] maybe Lysol, the fireman than commented toward Curtis, "[T]hat's what you get for drinking Lysol". Eric than proceeded to explain that people are addicted to Lysol for various reasons. The other fireman proceeded to walk up to Curtis and with his foot pushed Curtis' leg and told him to "Get up!"

There was no response from Curtis because he was convulsing, they attempted to holler at him, trying to wake him up, no response, and two minutes later the ambulance attended and came on scene (47 minutes from first call and two calls to 911 later). They again were attempting to wake him up and they couldn't so they put an oxygen mask on Curtis but the VATJSS employee (Jen) said "[T]hey put it on so rough that they caused his nose to bleed profusely! It was horrible". They loaded him onto the stretcher, put him into the Ambulance, another witness (homeless client of VATJSS) said "[T]hey didn't even work on him, the lights were all off in the ambulance, they closed the door and just drove off, no lights. Two days later VATJSS Jennifer and actor Eric Schweig were contacted by VPD Homicide Squad detective Will Cho (Detective 1800) and questioned.

Eric Schweig's statement was that it was like...[a] twisted movie plot, here are children playing, hippies playing love songs (50 yards away), people laughing and playing in the water park, business all around, and here was Curtis Brick waiting for someone to care enough to help him as he dies. This stuff only happens in the Desert, not on Commercial Drive with a park full of people, unless you're a homeless ABORIGINAL man."

Facts

* At this point we know that Curtis Brick was in need of help for approximately 6-8 hours in Grandview Park (Britannia Park on Commercial Drive) and nobody assisted him.

* We know that on this day, it was the hottest day in Vancouver history and the park was full.

* We know that Curtis slowly died in the park not more than a 100 yards from the Grandview-Woodland Policing Centre.

* Curtis died less than 50 feet from a water park (where Eric and Jennifer wet the towels trying to save Curtis life).

* We don't know what happened to Curtis after he was taken away in the Ambulance: did they treat him better once they got to the hospital? Or did they leave him in the hall to wait his turn?

* Why did [people], for 6-8 hours people in the park, walk right by Curtis, [e]ven when he was in distress[?]

* When help arrived they treated him horribly and commented to him that he deserved this.

I have contacted Kat Norris who is one of our respected Advocates/Organizers in our Aboriginal Community in Vancouver. A gathering organized by Kat Norris will be taking place at Grandview Park, to bring awareness to this horrible tragedy. We are inviting all Aboriginal leaders, we have invited the Mayor, media and our community at large to mourn his death, bring awareness about his death and to hold everyone accountable that should have helped and treated Curtis Brick with the respect that he and all Aboriginal people deserve. We having been trying to locate Curtis Brick's family, we are certain that they have not been provided the full story of what happened to their loved one. Please forward the family to Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services tel (60... or Cell (604) 340-6197.

For more information, please contact:

Christine Smith-Parnell, Executive Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society
Primary Phone: 604-340-6197

Live on the Drive: Interview with Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival organizers

Recorded July, 18, 2009

My interview with Bonnie Nish and Rhonda Milne, organizers of the 6th Annual Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival, held August 19th to 29th. For more info on the event go to www.pandorascollective.com/sdrfestival.

Thanks t.o Lynn Wilson for operating the camera on the intro.

LOST: Very precious GOLD BANGLE

14kt round w/clasp. On, or in vicinity of the Drive, afternoon of August 13. Huge sentimental value. Reward $100. Please call 604-874-6571.

Vancouver car-free Sundays hit a red light

An experimental program to ban cars and open selected Vancouver streets to pedestrians-only on Sundays in the summer has ended prematurely in one of its prime locations.

The city-sponsored program dubbed Summer Spaces has been cancelled on trendy Commercial Drive, on Vancouver's east side, after complaints from area merchants.

One of the program's originators told CBC News that results of a survey of retailers by the local business improvement association effectively ended the local program.

Read the full story here>>>

News: Young Female Assaulted in Early Hours

Police issued warnings Wednesday about an early morning sexual assault.

The attack occurred around 2:30 a.m. in a back lane of the 1500 block of East Fifth Ave., west of Commercial Drive.

The 13-year-old victim was travelling on the No. 20 city bus — which goes between West Hastings downtown and Victoria Drive to Southeast Marine Drive — when a man boarded and sat down beside her. Police say the man threatened her with a weapon and directed her to get off the bus.

The man then led the girl to an alley behind some apartment buildings, where he sexually assaulted her before walking away. The girl reported the incident to a family friend who called 911.

The suspect is described as a 20-to-25-year-old, clean-shaven man with light or medium-coloured skin, and short black hair. He was wearing a white tank top and blue jeans.

Police weren’t commenting Wednesday on whether the attack may be linked to a series of earlier sex assaults on young girls in the Metro region.

Read the full story here>>>

News: Commercial Drive Actress Dies of Cancer

From the Georgia Straight
Amidst all the news about celebrity deaths this past week, the Canadian theatre, film, and TV industries suffered a loss when local actor Lorena Gale succumbed to abdominal cancer on June 21.

Earlier this year, in February, the local theatre community rallied around her to support her during her battle with cancer.

Gale racked up an extensive number of roles on-stage and on-screen, in TV shows such as Battlestar Galactica, Smallville, The X-Files, and The Outer Limits and movies ranging from Things We Lost in the Fire to The Chronicles of Riddick.

She was also a dramatist whose Angélique, about a black slave hanged in 1734 after being accused of starting a blaze that destroyed Montreal, and Je me souviens, an autobiographical solo play that explored linguistic and cultural tensions in Quebec, were important contributions to Canadian theatre. In both her work and opinions, she addressed racial issues in Canadian society.

Read the full story here >>>

Special Event: Artful Sundays @ Napier Square

Special Event: Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival

Volunteers Wanted:

The 6^th Annual

Summer Dream

Literary Arts Festival

Aug.19-Aug.29, 2009

Presented by Pandora’s Collective

Summer Dream was created to raise public awareness about on-going literary events, programs and resources available in the local writing community.

Now in its sixth year, the festival proudly features over 100 of the West Coast’s best authors, musicians and performers, including Governor General nominee Evelyn Lau, Vancouver’s first Poet Laureate George McWhirter, Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize winner Rita Wong, quirky Commercial Drive anti-heroes Al Mader AKA “The Minimalist Jug band” and the surreal RC Weslowski, plus Seattle spoken word legend Jack McCarthy, to name just a handful.

Summer Dream incorporates literary performances, dancers, local bands, panel discussions, open mics and a children’s area with puppet shows, music, story tellers, face painting and craft tables. There are also information tables showcasing community groups and resources like the Vancouver Public Library and The Federation of BC Writers.

Preparations are now well-underway for the event that local critics have called “Vancouver’s best-kept summer secret!”

Festival organizers Bonnie Nish and Rhonda Milne are anxious to meet people who want to be a part of this engaging, entertaining, family-friendly celebration of literary-based art.

”There’s always lots do,” Nish, the festival’s Executive Director, pointed out in a recent interview. “We need people to lend a hand with everything from spreading the word before the event, to helping out with set-up and tear-down on Saturday’s big outdoor happening.”

Milne, who acts as Volunteer Coordinator for the festivities, was quick to add, that what first convinced her to become involved was the sense of “camaraderie and community” that the festival fostered.

“The first time I got involved with Summer Dream,” Milne said, “I was inspired all the great talent and great people who really go out of their way to make you feel like your part of something very special and important. It’s like a big family!”

For volunteer opportunities you can contact Rhonda Milne at rhondamsel@yahoo.ca 778-928-1147

For media information and full festival details visit http://www.pandorascollective.com/sdrfestival.html or call Steve Duncan at 604-788-8340. srduncan@shaw.ca.

For all other inquiries contact Bonnie Nish at Bonnie Nish at 778-322-4039 blnish_pandoras@yahoo.ca

Pandora’s Collective would like to thank the following sponsors for making this event possible: Giest, Vancouver Review, Subterrain, Event, Room With A View, 3 Day Novel Contest, Prism, Capilano Review, One Cool Word, Vancouver Story Tellers, Vancouver Public Library, Quills, Nestor's Market, Graphic design by CWCLCOGY with Wera, Vancouver Parks Board, 2008 Celebrations Grant c/o The City of Vancouver and The Office of Cultural Affairs, CBS Outdoor, Starbucks, VanCity, Christianne's Lyceum, Coast Capital Savings, The Federation of BC Writers, Burnaby Writers Society, Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company, BC Poetry, Jaffer Speech and Language Services, Irene Livingston, Don Simpson, Joyce Statton, Randy Jacobs, Bernice Lever, Andrea Winterbottom and Robin Susanto.

Special Event: Alice in Wonderland Festival @ Trout Lake

The 15th Annual Alice in Wonderland Festival at Trout Lake, SUNDAY, July 12th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Come as ANY character from Alice in Wonderland -

AND:

The World's Largest Gathering of ALICES, SATURDAY, July 4th at 1:30 p.m., English Bay

Yes, coming up one week from today - A World Record Challenge! If you've always wanted to be ALICE,

please attend! You still have time to assemble the basic Alice costume - blue dress, white pinafore, headband,

and a crinoline if you got one! All Alices must go to the website and state your Intent to Appear.

Please see our websites for full details:

http://www.aliceinwonderlandfestival.com

http://www.communityartsworkshop.com

Volunteers are always needed - many hands make delight work -

so please contact us if you'd like to be involved.

Hope to see you there!

And please forward this invite to all interested parties!

Yours in Wonderland,

The Hatter

hatter@communityartsworkshop.com

The Community Arts Workshop Society Invites You to Attend
The 15th Annual Alice in Wonderland Festival

Sunday, July 12th, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM at Trout Lake Park

"Curiouser and Curiouser!"

Lewis Carroll's delightful characters come to life at Vancouver’s 15th Annual Alice in Wonderland Festival, July 12th starting at 1:00 PM at Trout Lake (John Hendry Park, 15^th and Victoria).

On that special Sunday the east side of Trout Lake becomes an enchanted "Wonderland", complete with an impossibly long 30 foot table for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, giant tea pots, the Queen of Hearts Castle and dozens of characters roaming the Park in fantastic costumes.

This community festival boasts a cast of more than 50 actors, including Gina Bastone, Dan Vie, Kuei-Ming Lin, Christopher Sumpton, and Jim Sands, with musical refreshments provided by The Carnival Band, Toot-A-Lute, Gamelan Madu Sari and The End Tree.

Come dressed up as your favorite Lewis Carroll character and travel with Alice as she meets Humpty Dumpty and the Cheshire Cat, joins in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, plays a wicked game of croquet with the Queen of Hearts, learns life lessons from the Caterpillar and dances the Lobster Quadrille. It’s all in good fun!

This free event offers participatory activities for adults and children. Come in costume, or get character make up and make costumes on the spot at our Imagination Station. Meet knights in real armor, visit with Queen Victoria, exchange riddles with the Mad Hatter, and have your picture taken by Lewis Carroll - plus meet the real-life ancestors of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell. Bring a family picnic and join in tea, biscuits and wild speculation at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Don’t forget to bring your favorite pink flamingo! No tickets are required, just bring a smile and come down to the park.

In the case of inclement weather, the festival will occur at Trout Lake the following Sunday, June 19th at 1:00 PM.

Please Note: As a warm up to the Festival, you are also invited to the Alices Everywhere Event. On Saturday, July 4th at English Bay, we shall attempt to achieve a world’s record for the largest assembly of people ever dressed as Alice in Wonderland. Please see www.aliceinwonderlandfestival.com for more photos, video, Registration details.

Theatre: Stripes @ Havana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=498JnSU5sh4&feature=player_embedded

Creator/Performer Sarah Hayward tells us why we should see

Stripes: The Mystery Circus

Written and Performed by: Sarah Hayward

In collaboration with: Marguerite Witvoet and Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg

Presented by: Mystery Circus Media

A radically unique one woman show celebrating the comic circus of life.

“With a booming voice and a rocking bod, Sarah Hayward is a master of the small stage. Her solo theatrical cabaret about a woman auditioning to be seven different circus acts enchants the audience with its spunk and skill. ” – E.G.A. (EG ANDERSON).
An energetic, exciting, piece of theatre, Stripes: The Mystery Circus stars Sarah Hayward, as seen on TV in Smallville, The L Word and Robson Arms, and in the Films Hellraiser and Miracle.
Stripes toured the Fringe Festival circuit with great success, with performances in Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria.

At the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive

One week limited engagement: July 14 to 18, 2009, 8 pm

Tickets available from Tickets Tonight: 604.684.2787

email: info@ticketstonight.ca

Special Event: Mythical One-Acts at Cedar Cottage Community Gardens

FREE! - Our Last Vancouver Date - FREE!
Sunday, July 5th, 2009 - Curtain 4 pm

Nuclear Fall-In by Ed Ballou Photo by Steve Duncan

Jack Benny & The Angels by Jason Logan Photo by Peter Valentine

VENUE: Cedar Cottage Community Garden
Under the Sky Train at the big red “A”
at Victoria Drive & Hull Street, Vancouver

Beginning with the Musical Act:
E.C. Salazar on Folk Guitar with Mouth Trumpet
"Tunes in the Key of Little Mountain"

And, the One-Act PLAYS we'll present:
Nuclear Fall-In and Jack Benny & The Angels

Free Outdoor Event - Rain or Shine!
• Link to Google Map to Cedar Cottage Community Garden >>

So, what do ya call a misplaced forearm that's gone awry… and a winged Jack Benny on assignment?

It’s our “Festival of Mythical Plays and Winning One-Acts”... A 2009 Summer Lower Mainland Mini-Tour of original One-Act Plays...

>> A little bit about the Plays...

1. Nuclear Fall-In by Ed Ballou - an original winning One-Act Play – A nuclear family is living/working too close to a leaky nuclear plant. (no pun intended) Mutation of living creatures is on the rise. This play has a number of way out surprises and something “loaded” to say.

"...We don't want to believe what we already know..."

2. Jack Benny & The Angels by Jason Logan - an original One-Act Myth Radio Play – Jack is back but as an angel with an important job to do! Visiting earth, he interviews a whole slew of wacky characters who happen to reside in BC believe it or not. Is humanity worth saving is the question?

"...This show has a hilarious cast! - Not to be missed! ...You'll be on the grass in laughter... plus... a historical piece of Vancouver I never knew!..."

Directed by our own Jay Hamburger, artistic director of Theatre In the Raw.

Free... Free... Free...

Please help us spread the word to your friends and family...
We'd really appreciate it! ...Hope to see you there!

Thank You to... Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House Small Grants, The City of Vancouver - Office of Cultural Affairs, The BC Gaming Commission, The Vancouver Foundation, The McLean Foundation, Joanne Mackinnon - CCEC Credit Union, Theatre In the Raw Society, Vancouver Co-op Radio 102.7 FM - Arts Rational Show and Canadian Actor's Equity

Special Event: Summer Spaces Happening All Seeson

Summer Spaces is looking for performers, musicians, actors, jugglers, non-profits, clowns, visual artists, dancers, creative souls and community lovers to participate in East Vancouver’s first regular street closure (or opening if you want to look at it that way) !!!!

That’s right folks, every Sunday for July and August Commercial Drive will be closed to car traffic and open for the community to enjoy! All the way from Venables to 1st Ave.

The excitement starts at Noon and all activity must be clear of the street by 7pm.

Summer Spaces will be much smaller than the Car Free Festival. There will be little pre-programmed activity. Everyone is welcome to come down and enjoy this space responsibly. To make sure everyone is enjoying themselves we have thrown down a few guidelines; so please read, and ENJOY!

Guidelines:

-You are welcome to transform the street into anything you wish! Build a giant board game, start a hockey game, use it as a yoga studio, draw on the streets, roll out a living room, create a free store, write, play, sing, dance, perform street theatre, ride a crazy bike, juggle or build a street garden……the possibilities are endless!

-Performance for donations is permitted.

-Non-Profits are invited to come down and participate.

-Preference will be given to local artists and community based organizations.

-No equipment will be provided.

-Local merchants will be expanding their shops onto the street, however no 3rd party vendors will be permitted.

-Please remember this is public space for the whole community.

-If the activity you plan will be amplified (although non amplified performances are preferred) or will have a large impact please inform Amy our Community Liaison, of your plans prior to the event at openstreets@carfreevancouv

er.org


Thank you for participating in East Vancouver’s first regular street opening!
If you have any other questions email Amy, our Community Liaison at openstreets@carfreevancouver.org

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=96858481025&ref=mf

Special Event: Power @ Rhizome

MISCELLANEOUS Productions presents

POWER
A performance cabaret featuring culturally diverse youth
In collaboration with professional artists

June 4-6, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Rhizome Café
317 East Broadway at Scotia
Admission at the door only: $1-$10 sliding scale
Doors open at 7 pm

In a groundbreaking project developed by MISCELLANEOUS Productions (creators of e-race, What You Carry With You, THE REENA PROJECT: Outcasts & Angels and Stock Characters: The Cooking Show), a group of multi-barriered youth are collaborating with a team of professional artists on POWER: an evening of solo performance pieces, ensemble drumming and dance numbers, all of which take a raw, honest look at the things that matter to youth in the community: power, racism, immigration, poverty, violence, sexism, addiction and love.

Building on workshops and outreach initiatives conducted through 2008, a casting call in January 2009 drew youth from Eastside high schools, community centres and workplaces. Since then, under the guidance of Director/Writer Elaine Carol and other professional artists, the eight youth performers - Michael Cheng, Gloria Dominguez, Roberto Hidalgo, Kai Sulin Lee, Daniela Madrazo, Natasha Pheko, Dakota Prince and Megan Solis - have had intensive training in interdisciplinary performance art, solo performance, theatrical monologue, stand-up comedy, Slam poetry, ritual performance, World music, hip hop music and dance.

“For most, if not all, of the multicultural, immigrant and Indigenous multi-barriered youth we work with, POWER is be the first and only access they have had to the arts,” says MISCELLANEOUS Productions’ Artistic Director Elaine Carol. “These are young people who have, in some cases, fallen through the cracks of the educational, social and justice systems of our society. Through this project we hope they will learn to use art as a vehicle for healthy, lasting personal and social change.”

POWER is directed by Elaine Carol with music by hip-hop artist Ndidi Cascade and percussionist Paul Bray; choreography by Carla Catherwood; costumes by Marina Szijarto; and set design by Yvan Morissette. Esther Oh and Karen Ausejo Cooper (Consulting Social Workers), Eric D. Wong (Diversity Consultant), Sheryl Gregoire (Producer/Production Manager), Hedyeh Bozorgzadeh, Sarah Sawatsky and Jonathan Teague (Assistant Directors) have also helped to bring POWER to the stage.

Media contacts: Melanie Thompson, 604-224-6201 or melaniethompson@shaw.ca
Elaine Carol, 604-873-6522 or elaine-c@mdi.ca

Web Site: www.miscellaneous-inc.org

Film: Movies this weekend @ the Rio

One Last week of Star Trek:
Show times are: Daily 7pm + 9:45pm
4:20pm weekend matinees

Friday Midnight Horror Double Bill:
May 29th FEAST 1 + FEAST 2

Sat Midnight cult classicDouble BIll:
May 30th BLUE VELVET + LOST HIGHWAY
hosted by Teddy Smooth

Good times @ the Rio!

Special Event: Pat's Plant Sale

Visual Art: Kelley Montgomery @ Britannia Art Gallery

Click on the above image for a larger version.

Special Event: Chalk Up the Vote

Saturday May 9th
12:30 pm to 6 pm
meet in Grandview Park (Commercial and Charles)

This is an unfunded unofficial grassroots event for artists to help raise awareness of the upcoming referendum on BC-STV on May 12th. And yes, it's pretty last minute too.

The idea is to cover the sidewalks of Commercial Drive (as much as possible) with chalk artwork and promote BC-STV in doing so. No one is required to write slogans or draw vote-related artwork. Creativity is the watchword and those inclined to can chalk up the reminders about the upcoming vote. We want to have chalk for members of the public to join in, and again, they aren't forced to draw or write anything pro-STV, just to create as they wish. The point is personal choice, personal power, and personal expression.

We'll meet at 12:30 pm in Grandview Park and go from there. Bring chalk if you can, but I'll try to get as much as possible so it's not a requirement.

Musicians and performers can simply play and perform. We'll probably try and get volunteers with the pamphlets near you when you do.

Come down whenever you can, but the more people we have at the start, the easier it'll be to get things going. If you come later in the day and can't find us, feel free to call my cell at 778.859.0899 — I do not give out that number and that's only for the day of. If you need to contact me in the meantime, you can reach me by e-mail or at 604.451.7353.

If you can think of anything else you'd like to do that would help, please do. This is an open-ended event. If you just drop off chalk, bring food for the participants, whatever comes to mind, it's welcome. If you're coming in from a distance and can give people a ride in or back home (for this or the Friday night party), please let me know.

Anyone and everyone is welcome. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please let them know.

And of course, get out and vote on May 12th!
Campaign website: www.stv.ca

Campaign office: 604-637-3551, 305-1770 W.7th Ave. in the Spence Diamonds building Volunteers and donations are of course always needed.
Presenting STV Rocks!! @ the Cambrian Hall.

Here are the details:
Friday, May 8th
Cambrian Hall: 215 17th Avenue East
8pm - 1am
$5-10 sliding scale at the door - but BC-STV volunteers get in free! Just let us know which events you've participated in (or sign up now for an hour's shift at the door or at the bar, and spend the rest of the night at the party!)

Sweet lineup of musicians and performers including:
- The incredible DJ Timothy Wisdom
- The funk rock style of Jack Fruit
- ... and the glorious voice and cords of Chelsea Johnson and the New Ones!

Stuart Parker and comedian Charlie Demers will be your hosts/MCs for the evening.

Please email me at events@stv.ca if you can volunteer for an hour or two.
Look forward to seeing you there!

Kael Deverell
British Columbians for BC-STV

Literary: Almost Anything Goes @ The Vancouver Poetry Slam

Almost anything goes Anarchy Slam May 11th
THE VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM CONTINUES
http://vancouverpoetryhouse.com/
@
CAFÉ DEUX SOLEILS:
2096 COMMERCIAL DRIVE
(5TH AND COMMERCIAL)
EVERY MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH
THE NEXT "ALT" SLAM IS THE ANNUAL CHAOS/ANARCHY SLAM
MONDAY MAY 11TH
(there is no advance sign up but due to a limited amount of time and space if you could let me know if you are planning to perform then that would help out with organizing the night. And if you are not enhancing your performance by breaking any of our rules then you will kindly be asked not to read to make way for those who are embracing the theme of the evening.)
FEATURING WINNIPEG'S LEIF NORMAN
http://leifnorman.com/Home_Page.html
Leif Norman has been doing performance poetry for nearly ten years now, and he has just recently started to get good at it. He enjoys perusing his dictionary collection for new and subtle definitions for words such as; surreal, platitudinous, and diatribe to add literal fuel to his metaphorical fire. He is currently working on a 100 page book of research based poetry with the working title of "The Title of the Book dot com" which will be an investigation into diacritic symbols, phonetics, recipes where the only ingredient is bacon and an anthropological breakdown of Slam poetry
TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT THE SLAM RULES GET BROKEN
PERFORM IN A COSTUME, WITH PROPS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, GROUP PIECES, IN THE NUDE, TELL A STORY, DO A COVER POEM, DO MORE THAN 1 POEM, PLAY A VIDEO POEM, DO A POEM MIXING POETRY AND BURLESQUE, USE SOCK PUPPETS, JUGGLE, STAND UP, CALL FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD AND DO YOUR POEM ON A CELL PHONE OR JUST COME UP WITH SOMETHING EXCITING AND WEIRD THE ONLY RULES ARE THERE IS A 5 MINUTE TIME LIMIT (IF YOU GO OVER YOU GET HONKED OFF THE STAGE)
!AND NO HATE!
1 ROUND
NO OPEN MIC
$5
SIGN UP AT 8PM
SLAM STARTS AT 9 O'CLOCK
604 215 9230 for more info (if you are bringing and instrument and you need to set up/plug in please come early to get ready and be good to go when your name is called)

Special Event: Got Craft

…because MALL is a four letter word.

With over 50 handmade vendors ranging from clothing to jewelry to ceramics and wall art, Got Craft? is Vancouver's largest indie craft fair, this Sunday, May 3rd.

Now it's your turn to pledge handmade and shop local. Why? It helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint, it keeps your hard earned money in the community and it supports Vancouver's handmade revolution!

First 30 people through the door receive a FREE, handmade swag bag stuffed full of goodies from all of our vendors. Make sure you arrive early!

Royal Canadian Legion
@ 2205 Commercial Drive (at E. 6th Ave.), Vancouver, BC

Find out more…

directions: Google Map transit info: Translink

Courier Looks back to the Drive Circa 1951

Commercial Drive and Broadway. Friendly family neighbourhood--or crime-ridden intersection?

In the early 1950s, that depended on which issue of the Highland Echo you'd just read. On Jan. 18, 1951, the newspaper, which served the Grandview neighbourhood, ran an editorial extolling the virtues of Commercial Drive, a "friendly street."

"Friendly people work in the stores on this street," it said. "Little groups of children encircle the policeman on the corner and laugh and chat gaily."

Read the full article by Lisa Smedman here>>>

Special Event: 14th Annual Stone Soup Festival ‘celebrating our global food community’

Britannia Community Centre is pleased to announce another great Stone Soup Festival bringing community together in celebration of food, the environment and community itself.
More than ever, people are aware of the issues of food security, the benefits of sharing resources, and eating ‘local’.
Stone Soup will celebrate the global diversity of food, the environment and its importance to the ‘culture’ of our community.
In the spirit of celebrating our global food community, Britannia is working to build a more inclusive and diverse festival with even more food security information tables, food venders, artists, musicians, and presentations.
This year, they are especially pleased to partner with the Multicultural Family Centre in bringing the Fiesta de las Madres (Mothers Day Festival) to Stone Soup in celebration of the food and cultural traditions of Latin America.
Additional features at this year’s Stone Soup include:
● Special presentations by the UBC Farm, Raising Backyard Chickens, and Robin Wheeler, author of “Food Security for the Faint of Heart”.
● Buen Provecho! – Cookbook Launch and Photo Exhibit: Buen Provecho! is an intergenerational project involving Britannia Latin American Youth and elders from the Multicultural Family Center to collect food recipes and stories representing the food stories and traditions of Latin America.
● Art works that will include the theme of food, environment and recycled materials from neighbourhood artists. Works will include jewellery, textiles, collage, ceramics, paintings, stationary, concrete works, photography and more!
● Miscellaneous Productions presents “POWER”, an interactive performance by culturally diverse youth on issues of importance in youth lives
● Stanley Park Cozy Project: Artist Shirley Wiebe invites you to participate in a collaborative artwork that will be installed along the South Creek Path in Stanley Park. Participants will be inscribing vine maple “cookies” that will then take the form of a giant afghan that will be draped over a 10 foot high stump of a Douglas Fir tree.
● The Lost and Found Puppet Company with Maggie Winston who will tell the Stone Soup Story.
● The Arts of Resistance from Tundra to Tropics: A forum in conjunction with Stone Soup with artists Haruko Okano, Joyce Majiski, and social activist Erika Del Carmen Fuchs who will address the social and artist resistance to globalization, the extinction of corn as a principal food group, climate change, GMO, bio-fuel, migration and dislocation. Wed. April 22, 7 -9pm

Saturday, May 9th, 2009 12pm – 5pm

Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier St @ Napier & Commercial Dr.

For more information contact 604)718-5800

www.britanniacentre.org

Film: The Big Lebowski @ the Rio

This Cohen brothers comedy stars John Goodman, Steve Bucemi and Jeff Bridges as Jeff Lebowski aka The Dude.
Come check it out at the Rio.
Special bonus;
Yours truly, SR Duncan, will be channeling the Dude prior to the show, for your fucking entertainment.

When looked in my closet for a costume, I realized that i had everything. I actually am the Dude. Ask Watermelon, she's my neighbor and has seen me many a time on my patio in my boxers and dressing gown.

The doors open at 8pm. Best costume wins prizes.

Drive Denizen: Ruth Kozak

Veteran Driver Ruth Kozak has lived here with her family since 1947. She works as a writer for http://thevancouverguide.planeteye.com/ and has done several stories on our neighbourhood. She is also writes travel articles and historical fiction.
She teaches the writing craft to people of all ages. Her travel exploits can be found at http://travelthroughhistory.blogspot.com/

Special Event: Night of the Indies

For the April 15 event, Night at the Indies will be presenting RC Weslowski, a veteran performer and organizer of the Vancouver Slam Poetry scene. RC hosts the Vancouver Poetry Slam at the Café Deux Soleils. He can also be heard on Wednesday afternoons as a host of "Wax Poetic" on CFRO 102.7.
Also featuring will be Janet Panic as the music act this month. Janet is a local singer/song writer and will be coming after her highly successful appearance at the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in Winnipeg, Manitoba in March. She has released the CD "The Girl Who Passed For Normal" and will be releasing "You Look Good Naked" sometime this summer.
The Short Film Slam will be continuing, where aspiring filmmakers can screen their short films with the audience choosing their favourite which will then screen at next month's Night at the Indies in Toronto. Veteran local independent artist John Pippus and his trio will bring their eclectic mix of musical styles to our stage. "I am really thrilled by the quality of acts that are joining us", local producer David Maidman expressed, "I am also excited to see how the Short Film Slam is playing out." Filmmakers are welcome to bring their short films (under 10 minute) on the third Wednesday with registration beginning at 8:00 p.m. Participation will be on a first come basis.
Night at the Indies was started over two years ago by Gurbeen Bhasin of Meow Films in Toronto, Ontario as a way of bringing together independent artists from various art forms in order to promote their talents and create a supportive community. After Night at the Indies' incredible success in Toronto she joined with David Maidman of Pumpkinhead Productions to bring this concept to the independent arts community in Vancouver.
The event consists of a spoken word act, a film screening and a musical act. "It is really great to see the audiences for the various art forms come together and support one another's efforts", said Gurbeen. "I became involved with Gurbeen when she decided to screen my film "Think Peace: Portrait of a 21st Century Movement" at one of her events and I was excited to see if Night at the Indies would fly in Vancouver", stated David Maidman.Held on the third Wednesday of every month at the Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial Drive, Night at the Indies has featured such diverse talents as poets Stephen Lytton and Leigh Harris from the Downtown Eastside, author Betty Krawczyk, and musical acts such as Maria in the Shower, Mr. M and the Allnighters and Fuzzcat, as well as screening a variety of films. Admission is $5.00 to $10.00 sliding scale at the door and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Night at the Indies invites anyone who wants to become part of a growing, vibrant community and support the independent arts and artists to come on out.
Contact Information: Dave Maidman
Office: (604) 515-1947
Cell: (778) 996-1944
Email: indiesvancouver@gmail.com
http://www.nightattheindies.com/vancouver.asp

Literary: Atticus Thenn @ The End Cafe

Due to last minute renovations at Cafe Deux Soleils this event is now being moved to the End Cafe at 2360 Commercial Drive. Hope to see you all there.

Sean and Lisa (your friendly slammasters)

The Vancouver Poetry Slam is very proud to present 2009 Semi Finals Part #1
including in no particular order...
Steve Miller, Vitamin F, Spillious The Ridiculous One, Nora Smithhisler, R.C. Weslowski, Clint "Father Goose" Wilson, Ed Word and Zaccheus Jackson

And Featuring Atticus Thenn...

Atticus Thenn is a shadow poet. He moves between form and sinister dissipation. He wears Apollo's wingtips on his cowboy boots and soars with the heart of Icarus into, through and beyond every star and super nova in the universe. He flosses with silly string theory and burns rubber in the desert with Las Vegas minstrel whores. Atticus Thenn promises a trip down memory lane into a lifetime you never knew you had forgotten. He also gives a good massage.

You have never experiences anything like Atticus Thenn

www.myspace.com/atticusthenn

This show will sell out. Come early and unfortunately we will not be able to reserve or save seats for this show.

Doors at 7:30 PM
Open Mic at 8:30 PM
Slam at 9:00 PM

$5-10

And this is one of the last chances to buy advance Van Slam Finals Night at the Rio tickets. $10 in advance, $15 at the door as the slam welcomes back 4 time Van Slam Champ Shane Koyczan. Please talk to Lisa Slater or Sean McGarragle for tickets.

Special Event: Wax Poetic/Co-op Radio Fundraiser

Nestled mid-week between an alternative health program and a hiphop show, Wax Poetic has been holding its own since the early nineties, bringing some of the best and often most underappreciated spoken word artists from the local and international scenes, to CFRO radio listeners in a half hour “appointment with the muse”!

On Tuesday, April 7^th, the poetry staple celebrates 16 years of broadcasting by inviting their guests and listening audience together for a special “real world” hook up on Commercial Drive, the undisputed cradle of spoken word in the lower mainland.

Wax Poetic is the longest running radio program dedicated to the spoken word in Vancouver (and internationally), heard every Wednesday afternoon from 2-2:30 pm on Co Op Radio 102.7 FM with hosts Diane Laloge, SR Duncan and RC Weslowski.

To keep in the spirit of live radio, the broadcasters will also be turning Café Deux Soleils into an on-air studio, recording a 30 minute show in front of a live audience for future broadcast. The “studio” audience is in for quite the treat, as none other than Vancouver’s first poet-laureate George McWhirter takes the hot seat, reading his work and fielding questions from the hosts and the crowd.

This will mark one of the last readings for the poet in his position as laureate. His two-year term ends soon.

Founded in ’93 by poet Diane Laloge and performance poet Justin McGrail, Wax Poetic has been airing almost every week since then.

Engineering and programming duties are shared by the two “rookies” on the team, Steven R. Duncan (9 years) and RC Weslowski (6 years). Weslowski (AKA Randy Jacobs) is a familiar voice on local commercial radio, while Duncan worked on a similar program at Simon Fraser’s CJSF prior to coming on board Wax Poetic.

Other feature performances at the fundraiser will come from veteran artists Tanya Evanson, Susan Cormier, Rowan Lipkovits, Duncan Shields. Laloge will be reading from her recently released book of poems “I Am A War”, and Duncan and Weslowski also be performing.

”The Candyman” - Daniel Mark Patterson is scheduled to take the stage as well.

“We’re thrilled by this line-up,” comments Laloge.

“It’s just like our show – very diverse, thought-provoking and yet just plain fun at the same time. It’s also nice to get out and meet the people who tune in and listen to us from time to time face to face.”

There will also be an open mic, a raffle and a meat draw. Yes a meat draw - just in time for Easter. Actually, co-producer Duncan admits that it’s really a Tofu Turkey Draw.

“Weslowski and I had to compromise on this one. I wanted a full on meat draw for a big chunk of meat, because I think it’s so kitch, and I’d love to win a piece of meat, But he was dead – excuse the pun – set against it, being a vegetarian.

“So I said I’d spring for the tofu turkey and he said he’d bring a rubber chicken.”

The show starts at 7:30pm at Cafe Deux Soleils (2096 Commercial Drive)

. All the money raised on April 7^th will go to support Co Op Radio and keep Wax Poetic on the air. Memberships will be available.

You can sign up to attend on their Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/event.php?eid=59853480876&ref=ts

Or you can get more info by calling 604-788-8340 or emailing srduncan@shaw.ca

Theatre: The Map To Zochrot

Staged Reading
March 22nd, 2009
7:00 pm

Havana Theatre
1212 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, Unceded Coast Salish Territory

$10.00 - $20.00 sliding scale.
Tickets can be reserved by email and will be sold at the door. Seating is limited so to ensure that you'll have seats do RSVP. Partial proceeds to Shiraa, Labourer's Association for Studies & Development, Bethlehem, Palestine.

Question-answer and discussion to follow performance.

The Map To Zochrot is an intensely personal exploration of the themes of loyalty, betrayal, "nation," identity, history, military occupation, colonization, and resistance as they have marked Palestine/Israel. Explored through the eyes one Israeli-born, Vancouver-based community organizer, this interdisciplinary play seeks to speak difficult silences on Palestine/Israel. The piece incorporates spoken word, storytelling, journalistic reporting, visuals and music.

Written by mia amir
Direction and dramaturgy by Carmen Aguirre
Featuring mia amir, Angelo Moroni, Sindy Angel

For more information or to reserve tickets contact maptozochrot@gmail.com / 604.780.8463

Poster design by C Carr: thesamebeat@gmail.com

Literature: Chris Walter

Junkie past informs Chris Walter's punk prose

By Allan MacInnis - The Georgia Straight

Vancouver novelist Chris Walter's best-selling title, 2004's East Van, begins with a strung-out junkie, Dill, trying to sell books he found in a garbage bin to an unimpressed used-bookstore clerk. The description of the transaction is remarkably true to life, making one think that the 6-4, amply tattooed writer has some experience trolling back lanes with a shopping cart. Walter, however, reveals that he “just faked that stuff”.

“But I'm an addict, and I've pawned or sold all manner of items but books,” he says, talking with the Straight at the kitchen table of his spacious, two-bedroom apartment off Commercial Drive. “And I was never a full-time binner—I'd just check the odd dumpster as I walked past. Despite what my friends told me, I think that occupation would be hard on the self-esteem.”

Read more here >>>

Film: Spike and Mike's Sick & Twisted @ The Rio

The best Spike & Mike Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation that may ever come to Vancouver! Uncensored!!

Opens Feb 20th – March 5th 2009
Daily 7 and 9 pm; weekend matinees 4:30
Special MIDNIGHT screenings Fri & Sat (Feb. 20 & 21)
Bar Service for late shows opening weekend provided by R & B Brewing!


" Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Animation Festival is like Disney with tits." - Robin Williams, Actor

It’s been over ten years since Spike himself made the trip up to Vancouver. He WILL be present opening weekend to sign “everything” & introduce the show. The show will include a few of the all time classics plus a ton of premieres! Spike handpicked the films himself and invites everyone to watch 90 min of the sickest, most brilliant, artistic and funniest animation shorts he’s ever put together!

Midnight shows are BACK!! Spike & Mike are BACK!! From the people that theatrically premiered Beavis & Butthead, South Park, Wallace & Gromit as well as the first Pixar animation shorts ever produced!

Look out for our colorful flyers with Emek artwork around town! Watch for Spike… every day will be different crazy hat day! Vancouver is well represented by such titles as: “Yellow Sticky Notes”, “Stillwaters”, & “Odious Lepus”. Over 22 animated films including great titles such as the recently acquired masterpiece “Eleven Roses”, “Home Honey, I’m High”, “Fantaisie in Bubblewrap”, “Happy Tree Friends”, “Washington”, “Crab Revolution” “The Mosquito Who Gave Up Blood” & “Dr. Tran”!!


FREE Spike & Mike DVD’s to the first 25 people Fri & Sat night as well as free Happy Tree Friends swag!

Get in FREE if you bring your refrigerator with one of our flyers attached to it!!

At intermission we are going to have the best ass contest! WIN a complete set of S&M DVD’s and a Sick & Twisted thong!!

S&M’s way to saying thanks to Vancouver B.C. for over 20 years of support!


NEW location at The RIO Theatre
1660 East Broadway and Commercial Drive
(604) 879-3456
www.riotheatre.ca
www.spikeandmike.com

Music: Lily Come Down with Blackberry Wood

TONIGHT
Back for the first time in 9 months (what have you been up to for 9 months ladies....?) - Lily Come Down with friends Blackberry Wood

Come down for a night of great music, warm company and good times.

Cafe Deux Soleil‎ - more info »

2096 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2, Canada‎ - (604) 254-1195

News: Two SkyTrain stations closed Tuesday night after body found on tracks

By Kelly Sinoski,
Vancouver Sun

The Commercial Drive and VCC Clark SkyTrain stations were closed Tuesday night after an accident on the tracks.

TransLink spokesman Drew Snider said a body was found on the tracks under the articulated joint of a two-car train at 8:20 p.m. The cause of the incident is not known.

The incident is under investigation.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Film: Cannibal Holocaust & I Spit on Your Grave @ The Rio

Ruggero Deodato's Cannibal Holocaust.

WARNING: Adult content. Nudity, Violence and Cannibalism.

1660 Broadway (Cornerof Commercial, and across from Skytrain)
Keep the popcorn container handy. You'll need a vomit bag.

S.

Visual Art: Zhana Nedelheva @ Britannia

Community Events: Ziggy Books Closes Thursday Forever!

Thats right! The Drive's most eclectic bookstore is closing soon. Great deals of up to 5o% off!
The more you buy, the better the deal!!
Lots of fantastic books in great condition.
Open from noon until 10pm everyday. Don't miss out!!
Ziggy Books is located at 3rd and Commercial right next to Belgian Fries.
Dealers welcome!!!
604-723-5384.

Special Event: Life's Basics - Fundraiser 2009

Commercial Drive & Friends Care

WHAT?
“Life’s Basics”- a fundraiser bringing awareness to essential basic needs of all people. Our focus is mainly surrounding water, and the need for clean, pure drinking water for everyone, but especially those living in under-developed nations.

WHY?

Everyone has a right to basic needs of water, food and shelter/protection. Unfortunately, there are so many people on this planet who do not have access to these rights. Queen Victoria Annex Elementary has been raising money to fund water-well building in Africa. Currently, they have almost raised enough to build a well in Tanzania. This well will allow children to attend schools, instead of spending their days collecting unclean and unhealthy drinking water for their families. Water collecting is usually a female job, therefore causing girls to miss or be late for school. A well will give everyone access to a basic right that they have been unable to have in the past.

Life’s Basics will help raise enough money to fund the completion and maintenance of this well in Tanzania. It will also help raise awareness for other issues such as everyone’s right to naturally grown foods free of GMOs and other harmful chemicals, as well as fairly-traded goods, shelter and protection and issues regarding sustainability.

WHO?

Anyone can be involved. Our goal is to unite businesses and members of the community from The Drive, Greater Vancouver as well as globally to come together and support this important cause. Not only will this be a successful fundraiser, but also an opportunity for businesses and people in the community to connect.

WHEN?

February 8, 2009. This is purposely scheduled close to Valentine’s Day to bring awareness to the harm that the holiday does to the planet. Flowers are covered in pesticides and soils for food are depleted with the fertilizers. Non fair-trade chocolates support cash crops, which are a large contributor to the feast and famine crisis that this planet has endured. Trees for bleached cards that are then covered with ink. We want to encourage ethical consumerism that is fair to all involved.

WHERE?

On Commercial Drive at 4 venues – the Grandview Legion, A Small World, WaaZuBee, and The Libra Room

However, all the businesses on the drive are invited and can participate as much as they like through promotion of fair trade & sustainable products and a percentage of the sales that day on that product, donated to the water well project. Another suggestion would be a silent auction item donation that is taking place at the 4 main venues participating. A great idea for a business as well, is sponsoring a part of the event and utilizing the exposure as well as tax-deduction advantages.

Venue Information - February 8th 2009

Tickets available for all venues (Pan African Forum is free)

1. Grandview Legion: Noon-3:30 pm (2205 Commercial Dr.) $15 Family/$5 Child/$6 Adult

• Kid’s Dance & Masquerade

• Poetry Slam (feat. Scruffmouth, Sonya Littlejohn, Relevant & Taslyim Li)
• Drumming & Live Music feat. Warless & Chelsea Johnson
• Raffle
• Recycled Costumes/Masks encouraged!
  

2. A Small World: 3pm-6pm (2120 Commercial Drive) Free

• 2^nd Annual Pan African Forum hosted by Black Dot Roots & Culture Collective
• Silent Auction
• Raffle

3. WaaZuBee: 7pm-Midnight (1622 Commercial Drive) $8

• Sustainable Fashion Show
• DJ
• Silent Auction
• Raffle

4. The Libra Room: 7pm-1am (1608 Commercial Drive) $15

• Live Music feat. Chelsea Johnson, Ghost Brothers, & Pacifika
• Sustainable Fashion Show
• Silent Auction
• Raffle

If you would like to become a sponsor or donor for this event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Jem or Katie at 604-630-2337 or

778-892-4044. Tickets are also available at Vancity

(East 1^st Ave. @ Commercial Drive)

Community Events: People's Coop Annual Sale - January 24-31st

20% off All Books -

January 24-31st.

Is there a book you've been eyeing that you can't afford? Want to stock up on winter reading? Check out People's Co-op Bookstore's Annual 20% off sale. Starts Saturday January 24th and ends Saturday January 31st.

People's Co-op Bookstore (est 1945)
1391 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5L 3X5
Tel/Fax 604-253-6442
Toll Free 1-888-511-5556

coopbks@telus.net
www.peoplescoopbookstore.com

Film: Upcoming at the Rio...

Opening Friday Jan 23rd:

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD directed by Sam Mendes with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet this one's up for a few awards....word is it's one of the best performances from both actors. Showtimes Daily: 7pm and 9:30 pm weekend matinee Sunday 4:30pm (sat show is canceled for a private screening)

Friday Jan 23rd Midnight DBL Feature:
The Fly and Videodrome

Sat Jan 24th Midnight Dbl Cult Classic:
Clock work Orange and the Warriors
(this show is going to be busy so get here early to get a good seat!)

From now on All midnight movies start on time with a 15 min intermission so don't come late! That's right Horror nights will no longer take half an hour to get going!!!... we'll only sacrifice one virgin per night!!!

More info at

http://www.riotheatre.ca

Looking for People Who Use Electric-Assist Bikes

Writer Chris Keam is looking for people who use electric-assist bikes for an article he's writing for Momentum magazine.

Here's a note from Chris:
I'm especially hoping to get in touch with parents who might be using them to help with pulling a child trailer/trail-a-bike, or people with physical or age-related limitations that would make using a regular bike impractical or too onerous.

If you know of someone who would be amenable to answering a few questions (see below), please forward this message, or pass along their contact information.

The questions I'd like to ask are:

When did you start using an e-bike?

What prompted your decision?

What do you like about using an e-bike?

Are there any warnings or caveats you would like other people who are considering e-bikes to know about?

Do you have any pictures of yourself and your e-bike? If so, would it be possible to use one in the article?

thanks in advance,

Chris Keam
info(AT)chriskeam.com
604-780-6125
http://www.chriskeam.com/
chris is a member of the Momentum Magazine group:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=843330004&ref=ts

The Politics of Food Film Festival Seeks Project Coordinator

We are seeking a project coordinator and volunteers to help organize this film festival to be held in the Commercial Drive area in the spring. Support is needed in the area of sourcing out films, developing a local sponsorship program, and outreach and publicity. This will be a very fun project to help organize.For more info contact Ian @ 604-718-5895

Music: "Precariously" by Jess Hill

Local songtress, Jess Hill sings a beautiful ballad. Recorded live on January 17, 2009.

News: Community Police Office Vandalized Again

Katharine Kitts VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) | Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 3:52 pm

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre on Commercial Drive has once again been targeted by vandals. And now the non-profit centre is asking for the public's help to recoup their losses.

Volunteer Eileen Mosca says over the last 10 years they've endured three arson attempts and four smashed windows. Faced with an outstanding bill of over $2,000, they've turned to cell phone recycler, Pitch In Canada that offers non-profit organizations $1 for every discarded cell phone they collect.

They hope people will donate their old phones to help pay for the damage. For more information, call 604-717-2932 .

Music: Opera Pro Cantanti @ the Wise Hall - TONIGHT

Theatre: Wired @ the Culch Feb 5 - 8

Damien is unnoticed in his cliquish grade, and that’s just the way this shy, self-proclaimed “goof” prefers it. Damien is jacked into a cooler version of himself through online role-playing games, social networking sites, and a multitude of virtual friends. But when he has a seemingly innocent run-in with a girl at school, Damien finds himself in the cross-hairs of a humiliating cyberbullying campaign. Just because it’s virtual makes it no less real. The online, alternate world he created to escape to is now something he needs to escape from.

Literary: Floetics

Saturday, January 31, 2009
Time:6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location:Bump N`Grind Cafe
Street:916 Commercial Drive
City/Town:Vancouver, BC

A night were 4 AMAZING spoken word artist go up and do their thing.

We got:

*Chris Gilpin (aka Faust McKenzie)
A member of the 2007-08 Vancouver Poetry Slam Team, the runner-up in the 2008 Vancouver Individual Poetry Slam competition, and the champion of Vancouver's 2008 Haiku Death Match. His sources of inspiration have come from such various sources as snooze buttons, donair, and arbutus trees. In the summer of 2006, he toured the Canadian Fringe circuit with his play "87% True: The Lies That Bind", co-created with Rosemary Rowe. His literary work has been published in Vancouver Review, Forget Magazine, 42opus, The GIG, and others. Chris always encourages the audience to stick their finger in the wonder socket.

*Magpie Ulysses
Has been called "One of Vancouver's most prolific and dynamic performers.” She has been a member of three Vancouver poetry slam teams, including two Canadian champion teams at ‘The Canadian Festival Of Spoken Word’, and is the winner of Vancouver's 2008 CBC Poetry face-off. Magpie has performed at festivals, poetry slams, fundraisers and house parties across Canada and throughout the United States. Magpie's poems and stories have been published in Common Ground Magazine, and two self-published chapbooks; "Tinfoil, Twist-ties & Other Shiny Things; Love poems from the aviary" 2005, and "School Of Etiquette." (2006)
She spits hot fire and is always happy to see you.

*Sean McGarragle
A poet and storyteller operating in East Vancouver. He helps out with the Vancouver Poetry Slam, The Main Street Slam, The Vancouver Story Slam, is the founder of the West Coast Poetry Festival, sits on the board of the Vancouver Poetry House, was a member of the 2007 Vancouver Poetry Slam team and the 2006 Story Slam Champion and has shared stages with the likes of juno winning dub-poet Lillian Allen, cowboy poet Ken Mitchell, Jazz poet/spoken word mama Sheri-D Wilson, slam champions Shane Koyczan and Brendon Macleod while touring Canada and the US. He is still looking but has a new pair of glasses.

*RC Weslowski
A clown mouth full of x ray visions attempting to get at the heart of things. A juggler of silly-balls and tart infused rhetoric RC was most recently given the 2008 Canadian Festival of Spoken Word Male Poet of Honour Award in Calgary. RC is also a member of the multi media clown rock combo: Awesome Face who has been playing in Vancouver to sell out crowds since November 2008. They are the most under hyped band ever. In 2007 representing Canada, RC finished 2nd in the world at the World Cup of Poetry Slam Competition in Bobigny, France.

*We also have the musical stylings of the lovely Chelsea D.E Johnson. She is a resident Commercial Drive songstress, constantly aamazing people with her voice and stage pressance.

$5 Bucks at the door

Sighn up for open mic @ 5:30pm

Show Starts @ 6:30pm

Theatre Terrific Classes Start Soon

Develop your performance skills by taking a Theatre Terrific theatre class this Winter. Classes start soon! Both classes take place at the Vancouver Japanese United Church, 4010 Victoria Dr at 23rd Avenue. Some bursaries available.

To register call 604 222-4020 today!

The Squawk Ensemble
with Joel DeStefano

Experience different and exciting ways of making sound. The class will focus on listening skills, rhythm and performing as a group. The ensemble will create and perform music through improvisation, vocal exercises, singing and drumming. Come and explore the diverse ways in which we communicate through sound with an ear for the unexpected.

Date: Thursday evenings, 6 - 8 pm
January 22 - March 26, 10 weeks
Cost: $120

Joel is a composer, musician and teacher who has written numerous musical scores for local theatre productions, including Theatre Terrific's Naked Oranges, doGs, SLOWrunning, workin' and All Sorts. Joel was nominated for a Jessie for 'best original music' for Lounge in 2006. He is co-founder of Proximity Labs, a cross-disciplinary group.

Let's Work With Our Guts
with Michelle Bruce and Sindy Angel

Be real, be honest, be yourself, nothing else, nobody else. You are the instrument: your soul, your body, your mind, just you. In this class we will work from the gut, from our deep inside. Our gut will be the muse, the place of inspiration. Michelle and Sindy will lead a class where you will discover new ways of expression and creation using just yourself and everything you are inside and outside.

Dates: Tuesday evenings, 7 - 9 pm
January 20 - March 10, 8 weeks
Cost: $95

Michelle Bruce has been teaching dynamic classes with Theatre Terrific for two years, bringing together her pssion for theatre and for working with diverse challenges. Sindy Angel is an actor trained in Columbia. Since arriving in Canada two years ago she has been cast as "Daughter" in Theatre Terrific's The House of Seikilos, and performed in HIVE at the Magnetic North Theatre Festival.

Theatre Terrific is a Vancouver-based theatre company dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in the world of theatre. TT envisions a world where artists with disabilities are heard, seen, challenged and respected.

To be taken off of this email list, reply with Please Remove in the subject line. Thank you!

Cathy McDonald
General Manager
Theatre Terrific Society
phone: 604 222-4020
email: info@theatreterrific.ca
web: www.theatreterrific.ca

Transforming lives through the power of theatre

Ziggy Books Closes January 10th!

If you haven't checked out this amazing estate sale, you need to get there soon because it won't be here long.

The more books you buy, the better the deal!

The store is open 7 days a week from 11am -8pm.

1883 Commercial Drive (3rd and Commercial)

Tel. 604 723-5384

For more info about this unique little store go here:

http://thedriveisalive.blogspot.com/search?q=ziggy+books

or go here to their own website:

http://ziggybooks.blogspot.com

Visual Art: "In the Neighborhood" @ Turks

Artist and poet Leanne Sjodin is pleased to present "In the Neighbourhood" currently exhibited at Turks Coffee Lounge at 1276 Commercial Drive. Linda and Brian Turko are keen supporters of local artists. Turks is a community unto itself. Stop by to see this art show, drink some damn good coffee,and pick up on the local vibe.

Find more of her work and poetry here: http://raptinaspectrum.blogspot.com/

Literary: Ditmars, Gavrilovich and Jones @ Ziggy Books

Click anywhere above for a larger version.

Live on the Drive: Elves Annouce Strike on Commercial Drive

Here are some highlights from RC Weslowski's Christmas Special, December 16th. Including a surprise announcement from Jinxy the Elf, shop steward at Santa's workshop.

Last minute talks between Labor and Claus averted, what would have been a Christmas disaster for countless millions of boys and girls worldwide.

Watch for a cameo by spoken word artist Shannon Rayne, as a vampy fairie!

Video footage supplied by Warren Fulton (who bears a striking resemblance to Jinxy the Elf, by the way).

This week on Wax Poetic

Tune in Wednesday, December 31, at 2pm to Co-op Radio, 102.7 fm for a little taste of what Commercial Drive is becoming famous for internationally. This New Year's special features the cohosts' favourite spoken word recordings of 2008.
No doubt there will be some local legends on the playlist.

Check out the website for more details:
http://poetryradio.blogspot.com

Best of the Season...

Commercial Drive - Live!

Special Event: New Years Eve Burlesque @ The WISE

Chaz Royal's 4th Annual
New Years Eve Burlesque Bash
December 31st 2008
2 Shows, 7pm & 11pm

Appearing at:
The W.I.S.E. Hall, 1882 Adanac, East Vancouver

Tickets exclusively at: Clubzone.com
http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/118954/newyearseve


For interview & photo requests please contact Chaz Royal by email at chazroyal@hotmail.com
or call during business hours at (604) 722-6141


Producer Chaz Royal is a name that sets the precedent in Burlesque entertainment worldwide
having produced Burlesque eve

STARRING A CAST OF INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE BEAUTIES!

~PERLE NOIRE~ *Direct from New Orleans*

Winner of 'Best New Debut' Miss Exotic World '08

-The Black Pearl is a naturally gifted dancer who helped shape New Orleans Burlesque Nouveau. She pays tribute to the Great Josephine Baker with New Orleans own "Bustout Burlesque". She has been featured in the L.A Times, Times Picayune and recently won Best Debut at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Pageant. Perle Noire is a show stopper & one of the World's best kept secrets!

~FUCHSIA FOXXX~ *Direct from Seattle*
Voted Seattle's Best Bellydancer '07-08

-Fuchsia FoXXX has fused a variety of traditions and experiences creating her own unique hybrid of exotic dance. Pulling inspiration from ancient dance to contemporary musical influences, a background and degree in the visual arts, Roller Derby training in John Waters stomping ground, and almost 10 Years of Belly Dance performing. Fuchsia brings passion, decadence and crisp execution to stages across the globe!

*LOCAL STARLETS INCLUDE:

*CECILIA BRAVO*

-Cecilia Bravo is a Vancouver Burlesque Pioneer, having produced the legendary Fluffgirl Burlesque Revue, originally appearing at the W.I.S.E. Hall over a decade ago. She is known for her saucy stage shows & elaborate costuming. After performing this past year across Europe, her Vancouver return will be a highlight of the NYE Burlesque Bash.

*BURGUNDY BRIXX*

-Burgundy Brixx, producer of Kitty Nights brings her glamorous and polished sense of coy showmanship to every performance. Heavily influenced by the fantastically feathered showgirls and Hollywood glamour-gals of the 1920's, 30's and 40's, as well as by classic burlesque, vaudeville, magic, and european circus acts. Burgundy Brixx has a big bag of Trixx, so when you come out to watch, be prepared to be delighted...and to expect the unexpected!

*SHABOOBIE BOOBERELLA*

-An animated performer of Burlesque, Go-Go, Disco, Polynesian, African, Cabaret and a touch of tap, Shaboobie is a gal who knows how to 'Shimmy & Shake'! Descending from the land down under, she is now a Vancouver native with her own show Pink Flamingo. Having this special achiever on board will make for a well rounded NYE party!

*LADY AURORA*

-An original Femme Fetale, Lady Aurora brings the classic art of the tease! While vamping it up on stage, this glitter girly can bring down the house with her tantalizing tassle twirls. This creative cutie returns bringing her special style for another NYE Burlesque Bash for the history books!

*JAMOCHA*

-Jamocha is a skilled dancer who brings classic elements to her signature show with a modern twist. She has competed in several competitions across the country & returns to Vancouver for an exclusive engagement with the NYE Burlesque Bash. This vivacious vixen is best shaken, not stirred.

GO GO DANCING with

*JENNY MAGENTA*

Hosted by ~ARMITAGE SHANKS~ *Seattle, NYC, London*

-Armitage Shanks is an entertainer to be reckoned with! He has the dark, satirical humour of a traditional, twisted ringmaster; the bold energy, charm and wit that could give any contemporary comedian a run for his money; and the true showmanship that will guarantee to keep the show flowing, and command the attention of the crowd to run with it. He is your quintessential compere for any occasion. Credits include Seattle's Circus Contraption & host of Chaz Royal's London Burlesque Festival & Sexy Circus Sideshow.

*DJ Purrrfessor*

-Producer of Kitty Nights, Vancouver's weekly Burlesque Revue, The Purrrfessor will be sharing the DJ decks bringing a wicked blend of trashy euro dance tunes to compliment the high energy of the infamous after dance party!

*DJ Chaz Royale*

-Chaz Royal is known in many circles as one of the driving forces behind today's international burlesque scene. Through his ongoing travels Chaz has aquired a rare & unique collection of music that includes exciting selections of tracks from the past 100 years.



*MIDNIGHT AMATEUR BURLESQUE
STRIP TEASE CONTEST
$300 CASH PURSE, WINNER TAKE ALL!

Please email for registration details. Deadline Dec 30th. Email ChazRoyal@Hotmail.com

Subject: NYE Burlesque Contest/ Vancouver

Live on the Drive: Events at Ziggy Books

Sunday evening I went to an interesting salon at Ziggy Books.
Jocelyne Robinson discussed her recycled art work and Zophia Kiefer talked about her amazing story of going from a glamourous life to living in a tent in Science World's tent city.


Also upcoming at Ziggy's this month:
Check out these other fun and interesting events taking place there in the next little while, or go to their website at www.ziggybooks.blogspot.com.

Music: Clancy's Angels @ the Wise

Clancy's Angels;
are 20 singers and players who perform BIG rock Anthems (oh ya, and most of them are hot babes! -ed.)


HARMONIZER 3
Clancy's Angels and special guests
Saturday December 13th, 8pm - Midnight
@ the WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac Street @ Victoria Drive

Tickets: $15.00 @ Highlife Records,
1317 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5L 3X5
(604) 251-6964

Or contact info@clancysangels.ca

Special Event: Chaz Royal's 4th Annual New Years Eve Burlesque Bash

Chaz Royal's 4th Annual
New Years Eve Burlesque Bash
December 31st 2008
2 Shows, 7pm & 11pm

Appearing at:
The W.I.S.E. Hall, 1882 Adanac, East Vancouver

Tickets exclusively at: Clubzone.com
http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/118954/newyearseve

STARRING A CAST OF INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE BEAUTIES!
including
~PERLE NOIRE~
*Direct from New Orleans* Winner of 'Best New Debut' Miss Exotic World '08
Producer Chaz Royal is a name that sets the precedent in Burlesque entertainment worldwide
having produced Burlesque eve

*MIDNIGHT AMATEUR BURLESQUE
STRIP TEASE CONTEST
$300 CASH PURSE, WINNER TAKE ALL!

Please email for registration details. Deadline Dec 30th. Email ChazRoyal@Hotmail.com

Subject: NYE Burlesque Contest/ Vancouver

Music: Opera Pro Cantanti @ the Wise Hall

Canada's only repertoire opera company calls the Wise Hall at Victoria and Adanac home, alternating 5 classical operas through its season.

On Tuesday, December 9th, 7:00 pm, they present our stirring new production of I Puritani. Bellini`s Bel Canto masterpiece, I Puritani is an English Civil War tale of political heroism, love, madness and lovers reunited. I Puritani was Bellini's last great melodic masterpiece. Come and hear Julie Duerichen in the role made famous by Callas and Sutherland.

Then on Sunday, December 14th they present a matinée (2:00 pm) performance of our much-loved Lucia di Lammermoor. With its famous mad scene, Lucia di Lammermoor is one of the crowning glories of the Bel Canto repertoire. Clan rivalry and family pride intersect with passionate love to create a compelling tragedy. The work is also the source of opera's most famous sextet and a number of its most famous arias.

Show times and info on their website: http://www.operaprocantanti.com

Here's a small sample from their production of La Triviata.

Special Event: RC Weslowski's 3rd Annual Christmas Special

As you know (hopefully) the first half of the night will be family friendly with stuff suitable for kids. And then we send them off to bed to get a bit naughty.

Feel free to dress up in something suitable for a special occasion. There will be some sort of prize for best outfit.

We're also going to have a candy cane suck off! See who can make Rudolph's nose glow first. (Start practising!) Also added...holiday wisdom from drunken Uncle Marty. JR will be playing the jangle balls. You can sit on Santa's face to win a present from Bobby the Elf. And much more silliness. We might even have time for communal story time.

We start at 8pm. Break about 9:15. And then come back at 9:30 for the second half.

I hope to see you there in your holiday flair.

Date:	Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Time:	8:00pm - 11:00pm
Location:	Cafe Deux Soleils
Street:	2096 Commercial Drive (5th ave and Commercial)
City/Town:	Vancouver, BC
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Contact Info

Phone:	6042159230
Email:	weslowhiskey@direct.ca

Literary: 2004 Daemon"s Revenge

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(Click the above type for larger version)

Note: The author will be reading from his work on Co-op Radio 102.7 fm, on Wednesday, December 10th at 2pm on Wax Poetic. Find out more at www.poetryradio.blogspot.com

Community Profile: Tim Ho's Hits the Drive

This week saw the opening of the Drive's first Tim Hortons in the El Mercato. Bavarian Cream anyone?

Picture of the Day: Red Sky @ Night

Click the image to see a larger version

Special Event: Got Craft @ Legion

Click the image for a larger view.

Visual Art: Turning Point and Germano @ Brittania

Click the image for a larger view.

Special Event: Guest Director @ the Rio

Josh Gilbert (seen here with Tommy and wife Shelby Chong) director of AKA Tommy Chong the documentary the Us Government doesn't want you to see...will be @ the Rio Theatre Sat night Dec 6th for our Cheech and Chong Tribute
Show starts at midnight $15 @ the door
We'll do a Q&A after the screening of AKA and then we'll show Up in Smoke! Rumor has it Tommy Chong might make an appearance...we'll keep you posted..

http://www.akatommychong.com/trailer.htm

Live on the Drive: Out on the Town

I've been out and about a great deal lately, and thought I'd share with you some of the faces i've run into.






Caught the very last performance of Blind God at Falconetti's recently. The band was a bit too much for neighbors and so the boys bid adieu, temporarily, at least. These are a couple of perspectives of Blind God frontman Dave "Deadman " Olajide.























Kali Jones, owner of Ziggy Books, featured in an earlier Commercial Drive - Live story, immerses herself in some great reading from her father's collection.













Social butterflies, Corrine Ellington (left), who recently started work as a handy-person for a not-for-profit social services org, and Michelle Hersey, owner operator of the D'Hersey Dance Co., a company specializing in dance for young people.








Dave Gowan of the near-legendary Buttless Chaps did his best to work the crowd with a pelting of 80's top 40 at the Wise Hall's 40th anniversary party.

News: Anti-Gay Church Stays Away

Andrea Macpherson

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Demonstrators gathered on Commercial Drive to show support for a controversial play about the killing of a gay man in Wyoming. Even though police were standing by, there's no sign of Pastor Fred Phelps and his anti-gay Westboro Church congregation.

The anti-hate rally was peaceful with no sign of the anti-gay group from Kansas who vowed to protest the "Laramie Project", a play about a murdered gay man. This man says the group would have been very out numbered seeing as a couple hundred people showed support in the rain and mud.

Read the full story here>>>

Go here for a first-hand report on the event by Jak King >>>

Music: Pawnshop Diamond releases new CD

Just got this email from the lovely Katie Ormston about the release of her band's new CD.
Here's what she had to say:

...BUT we are super excited for our show next week at Commercial Drive's own legion. Liquor license paid for, kegs and wine ordered, decorations debated and discussed... Let the party begin!

Doors open at 8 and the rockin Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles will kick start the night at 9pm sharp.

For those who like small gifts from local bands, make sure to hunt down your favourite Pawnshop band member for an official Ticketmaster advance ticket so that you can receive the latest of our Songbird West Songwriting Contest prizes - a free Pawnshop Diamond pin!

FYI- we have a band bet on who will sell the most tickets and bass player Lynn is in the lead. Help us beat the pants off him and give us a call for your ticket today! (eh hem.. my number is 778 855 2344)

Lastly, if you haven't had the chance to check out the inside peek into our new record and the life of my Pa, check out the youtube link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS91SM53naU

For more
of the new record, check out our myspace page.

Merci beaucoup!!!

Katie and
the band.

--
www.pawnshopdiamond.com

Community Profile: Ziggy Books

The Drive is home to a brand new bookstore with an interesting story of it's own to tell.

The owner, Kali Jones, was recently found herself in a dilema.
Her father passed away and left her and her stepbrother Frank with a staggering legacy - a private collection of well over 5000 books, mostly hardcover and non-fiction, all in nearly mint condition.
"He was just a collector and he wanted to encourage me to read, too."
The problem was, Jones spends most of her time since leaving East Vancouver, living in Sicily, and Frank calls Calgary home, so neither could afford to take over the library. What to do?
Open a bookstore on Commercial Drive!
She discovered that the store at 3rd and Commercial where the Money Mart was was available, and so they set up shop.
Not long after it opened, the store got a boost when a CBC reporter was passing by and dropped in.
The subsequent story definately helped business and the ecclectic selection has brought out a few serious collectors with varied and exotic tastes.
She's even making money online, shipping books she advertises to Europe and beyond.
Some of the topics you'll find include:

OCCULT * ESOTERICA * PHILOSOPHY *PSYCHOLOGY * ART * PHOTOGRAPHY * HISTORY * BIOGRAPHIES *SCIENCE * BEAUTIFUL COFFEE TABLE BOOKS * CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Jones, a visual artist, is also taking the opportunity to display some of her works as well.
The store is open 7 days a week from 11am -8pm.

1883 Commercial Drive (3rd and Commercial)

Tel. 604 723-5384

This store is only open until Christmas, so you need to get there soon.

News: Community Efforts to Cut Crime Axed

Residents instead told to approach Hornby office

Joey Thompson, The Province

Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Cheeky YouTube showcases a video of the annual Dykes March while other websites pitch Commercial Drive as the city's hippest hangout for artists, activists, hippies and all things arcane.

But a sub-cluster of panhandlers, drunks, crackheads, pushers and street slime had also staked out a chunk of sidewalk in what was Vancouver's Little Italy, forcing a handful of bold citizens in the area to seek novel ways to clean up the spill from the greasy Downtown Eastside nearby.

Read the full story here>>>

News: US Hate Group To Protest Play at Havana

KRISTEN THOMPSON/METRO VANCOUVER


MP Libby Davies has joined the fight to keep an American church group, which plans to protest a Vancouver play about a murdered gay man, from crossing the border.

“Hatred, bigotry and harassment are not welcome in our communities,” Davies said of the “viciously homophobic hate group.”

Read the full story here>>>

Theatre: Video from Bruce the Musical @ The Russian Hall

Came across a video from Bruce the musical that someone in the audience took and uploaded onto YouTube. The video is very blurry, but the audio will definately give you an idea of what to expect. For more info or tickets, go to the Theatre In The Raw website at www.theatreintheraw.ca.

Spoken Word: Relevant

Came across this great little video from the Vancouver Poetry Slam of local wordsmith Relevant. We were fortunate to have him on our show, Wax Poetic, a couple of weeks ago www.poetryradio.blogspot.com and we'll have some pics and video online soon.

Theatre: Bruce Opens to Full House and Thumbs Up From Libby Davies

We wandered slightly off-Drive last night for the premiere of Bob Sarti's new work Bruce the Musical, produced by Commercial Drive's own, Theatre in the Raw.




Libby Davies, a central character in the story of her charismatic activist/politician husband Bruce Ericksen, was onhand to see the show, answer questions and autograph programs.



This production has everything: humor, tragedy, hope and my favorite - dancing cockroaches. Featuring great music and lyrics by Earle Peach and Bill Sample (who is on stage during the the performance with a stand-up bass player, and saxaphonist), Bruce runs until November 16 at the Russian Hall (600 Campbell Ave.) tickets are available online at www.theatreintheraw.ca or at Urban Empire on Commercial Drive.

Special Event: Welcome Obama Party

Tuesday 4^th November 2008

WELCOME OBAMA PARTY at Zawa’s, 910 Commercial Dr (at Venables) with

The Creaking Planks (accordions, kitchen utensils, sea shanties)

Sister DJ’s Radio Band (joyfully demented cabaret band)

Riel Hahn (comedy singer-songwriter)

The Ahs (high school harmonizers)

MC Dave Malicki and election coverage on the big screen TV

Doors at 7pm. Show from 8 – 11pm. Bar closes at about midnight. Five Bucks only.

Theatre: Bruce the Musical! Tix on Sale @ Urban Empire

Just a reminder that tickets for this great new production have gone on sale at Urban Empire (1108 Commercial Drive) or can be purchased online at www.theatreintheraw.ca


A full schedule is available online.


Bruce Eriksen is back in time for civic elections!

Special Event: Day of the Dead

Vancouver Public Library presents

Day Of The Dead Celebration


November 1 12:00 am – 1:30 pm
Britannia Library
1661 Napier Street
Admission is free
All are welcome
For more information about this event, call 604-665-2222
The Day of the Dead is a Latin-American celebration to celebrate, remember and honour those who have departed. On this day in Mexico, the cemeteries are filled with music, flowers, and food. At home families make altars and place offerings of food such as “pan de muertos” and read poems, “calacas”, dedicated to the dead and to love ones. Britannia invites you to celebrate this traditional Mexican celebration with your family at the library. This program is offered in Spanish.

Spoken Word: Floetics - Tonight!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time:	7:00pm - 9:30pm
Location:	Bump N' Grind Cafe
Street:	916 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
City/Town:	Vancouver, BC
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Contact Info

Phone:

6045693362

Description

A night were 4 AMAZING spoken word artist go up and do their thing.
We got:

Scruffmouth
THE 2008 VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM GRAND CHAMPION!!!
Enough said...

Sasha Langford
Sasha Langford was selected as one of five poets to represent Vancouver in the 2008 CBC Poetry Face Off, opened for Canadian Folk Music Award nominees the Fugitives as part of the 2007 Jewish Book Festival, was invited to perform at two Annual Sistahood Slams as part of Women's month, was the second runner up for the title of Women of the World Vancouver champion, graced the Vancouver Poetry Slam semi-finals stage, and featured at the Vancouver Poetry Slam, The Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam, the Spillious Speak 'n Sing and the Maple Ridge poetry slam both individually and as part of the Vancouver Youth Poetry Slam Team, all before the age of 19.

Spillious
Spillious is a respected member of the Vancouver poetry scene. He regularly hosts the Vancouver Poetry Slam, aswell as featured at many slams. Spillious is also behind organizing many events, such as the Spillious Speak n' Sing.

Tanya Evanson
Tanya Evanson is a Caribbean-Quebecoise Lover, Writer, Oral Poet, Vocalist and Director of MotherTongue Media. Her oral poetry career spans almost 15 years in Canada where she has worked stageslarge and small, backed by delicious Jazz and World Music artists. After four years in Istanbul,where she toured Europe as a whirling dervish dancer with Mercan Dede, she returns to her belovedVancouver to launch “The Memorists” thanks to a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. Afollow-up to her 2004 spoken word release “Invisible World,” the album was recorded in Istanbuland Vancouver - a treasure in your chest of poetry and song with music jewels of Africa, Anatoliaand Arabia: spoken world music. Open your arms if you want to be held www.mothertonguemedia.com

$5 Bucks at the door
with all proceeds going towards an up-coming spoken word feature film.

Sighn up for open mic @ 6:30pm

Show Starts @ 7:00pm

Special Event: Tariq Ali

Come hear world renowned writer, historian, commentator, and film maker Tariq Ali speak on his latest book, 'The Duel: Pakistan on
the Flight Path of American Power.

8 November 7:30 pm
Vancouver
World Peace Forum: '1918-2008'
Maritime Labour Centre
Keynote address: ‘Is another World war Possible?’ tickets $15-25
For more info: Contact Mabel Elmore, mightymabel@hotmail.com.

New Business:

ZIGGY Books 2 MONTHS ONLY : November - December GRAND OPENING November 5th!!! OCCULT * ESOTERICA * PHILOSOPHY *PSYCHOLOGY * ART * PHOTOGRAPHY * HISTORY * BIOGRAPHIES *SCIENCE * BEAUTIFUL