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CULTURALLY DIVERSE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Today on Wax Poetic


This week on Wax Poetic - Slam team champion, Scruffmouth.
Scruffmouth a.k.a. Kevan Cameron is a scribe, poet, and a performer. He was a member of the 2007 Vancouver Poetry Slam team and has been slamming, since 2004. In addition to slam poetry and spoken word, Scruffmouth is an avid writer, thinker, and dub poet. When he is not playing the beautiful game or involved in revolutionary activities, he may be working in the film industry or trying to find new ways to achieve creative freedom. Kevan Cameron graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree of General Studies. He turned down a lucrative offer to flip fries for a living in order to be a poet. It seems to be working out for him so far.

Visit our all-new blog www.poetryradio.blogspot.com with pics, videos and audio from past shows and spoken word events around town.

S.

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Literary: CBC Poetry Face Off at the Slam

THE VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM

"poetry that doesn't suck unless you say it does…"

http://www.myspace.com/vancouverpoetryslam

REGULAR SEASON SLAMS CONTINUE

@

CAFÉ DEUX SOLEILS: 2096 COMMERCIAL DRIVE

THE 1ST, 3RD, AND 5TH MONDAY OF EACH MONTH

THE NEXT REGULAR SEASON SLAM IS

MONDAY FEBRUARY 4TH

FEATURING

2007 VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM TEAM MEMBER

SCRUFFMOUTH

Scruffmouth a.k.a. Kevan Cameron is a scribe, poet, and a performer. He was a member of the 2007 Vancouver Poetry Slam team and has been slamming, since 2004. In addition to slam poetry and spoken word, Scruffmouth is an avid writer, thinker, and dub poet. When he is not playing the beautiful game or involved in revolutionary activities, he may be working in the film industry or trying to find new ways to achieve creative freedom. Kevan Cameron graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree of General Studies. He turned down a lucrative offer to flip fries for a living in order to be a poet. It seems to be working out for him so far.

THIS IS ALSO ANOTHER QUALIFYING SLAM TO MAKE THE VAN SLAM PLAYOFFS IN APRIL AND MAY

AND FOR A SHOT TO MAKE THE 2008 VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM TEAM

ALL POETS AND POETIC STYLES ARE WELCOME

PLUS

TONIGHT WILL ALSO FEATURE THE 2008 EDITION OF THE CBC POETRY FACE OFF

www.cbc.ca/poetryfaceoff

FEATURING

ZACCHEUS JACKSON, MAGPIE ULYSSES, SCRUFFMOUTH, SASHA LANGFORD AND RC WESLOWSKI

WITH YOUR HOSTS

SHERYL MacKAY

&

BARBARA ADLER

DOORS AT 7PM WITH SIGN UP FOR THE SLAM AT 7:15

FACE OFF AT 8PM

SLAM AT 9 O'CLOCK

ONLY $5

604 215 9230 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Sunday, January 27, 2008


Here's something for the moms out there to take into the new week


William Tell Mom - video powered by Metacafe

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Live On The Drive: Gather & Give'r Party

Here are some highlights of a great party for a great cause I went to on Friday at the Libra Room.
Part birthday party for Commercial Drive's Riot clothing store owner, Brenda Mcguire, and part fundraiser for Gather & Give, a registered non-profit organization providing a variety of support services to organizations working with those in need: the homeless, those in transition, refugees, immigrants and individuals and families in crisis.
It was a night of great food, entertainment and people!


Elizabeth Mazzoni with DJ Michael Louw.


The Libra Room's Carly Tennant and Joee Brassard-Dejardins.



Wine girl, Elizabeth Mazzoni, tells me to talk to the hand.

Such a brilliant evening, I needed shades, so I borrow a pair.


Jennifer Lee, Executive Director of Gather & Give seemed very happy with this night's take.

Guitarist/producer Stephen Nikleva with mortgage broker Becky Burnham and songstress Monica Lee.

How cute can you get? Becky Burnham poses with ESL school Director Michelle Ronback.

The always charming Carly Tennant was one of the evening's MC's.

Riot birthday girl Brenda Mcguire gives a lucky, unidentified party'er a little sugar.

Fashion and colour consultant Corinne Ellingson.

Beautiful burlesque girl Corinne Lea gives us a taste of what's in store for later.

Musician Bruno Hubert looking very dapper.

Kameyo Melina from Riot's Main St. sister store, Hotbox Accessories.


Party goers Avery Cochrane & Dexter Fergie.

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Saturday, January 26, 2008

Visual Art: Haruko Okano & Sylvia Oates

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008
STARTS @ 7PM

INSIDE THE ROLE OF THE CURATOR
AND
WHAT MAKES AN EXHIBITION

Haruko Okano and Sylvia Oates

In the Conference Room of the Britannia Information Centre
1661 Napier St., Vancouver (just west of Commercial Dr)
Artists and the general public are often unaware of what a curator’s role and
responsibilities are. Here is an opportunity for everyone to explore the wide range of
approaches to developing and mounting an exhibition.
This presentation is based on the mandate of the Britannia Art Gallery which is a
community based gallery serving those in its catchment. Its territory extends from the
south shore of Burrard Inlet to Broadway Street and from Main Street to Nanaimo Street.
Although we begin based on the curator’s role at Britannia Art Gallery much of the
information and discussion is relevant to understanding the development of exhibitions
in other galleries, museums and exhibition venues.
Sylvia Oates is the founding curator of the Britannia Art Gallery that was created in
the early 90’s. She is a visual artist in her own rights. A long standing active member
of the Britannia Community Centre she is also the manager of the Britannia Centre’s
Banner Project.
Haruko Okano is the present curator taking over from Leah Decter in 2005. Okano is
an established interdisciplinary artist who received her curatorial training through the
Grunt Gallery’s 2 year internship. She has worked as an independent curator creating
exhibitions for The Harrison Festival of the Arts, The Alliance of Pacific Visual Artists
and organizing and touring her own artwork.
Past and present curators of the Britannia Art Gallery

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2008
STARTS @ 7PM
A presentation by the Britannia Art Gallery
Space is limited so come on time!!

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Friday, January 25, 2008

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: Britannia Public Library
Street: 1661 Napier / off Commercial Drive@ Venables
City/Town: Vancouver, BC

Lovely jazz chanteuse Alita Dupray, headlines for our tribute to the strong roots of Black hair in a set with James Forrest. Other special guests for the evening include MC Patricia Whittaker of CIIA, bassist James Forrest, stylists Abraham and Emy of Afro Hair , Jamaaican poet Nadine Chambers, U. Ebony Johnson of the Vancouver Pan African Film Festival who will show the short animated film "Wormhead".

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Special Event: Inheritance


Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: Britannia Public Library
Street: 1661 Napier / off Commercial Drive@ Venables
City/Town: Vancouver, BC

Lovely jazz chanteuse Alita Dupray, headlines for our tribute to the strong roots of Black hair in a set with James Forrest. Other special guests for the evening include MC Patricia Whittaker of CIIA, bassist James Forrest, stylists Abraham and Emy of Afro Hair , Jamaaican poet Nadine Chambers, U. Ebony Johnson of the Vancouver Pan African Film Festival who will show the short animated film "Wormhead".

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Special Event: Inheritance


Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: Britannia Public Library
Street: 1661 Napier / off Commercial Drive@ Venables
City/Town: Vancouver, BC

Lovely jazz chanteuse Alita Dupray, headlines for our tribute to the strong roots of Black hair in a set with James Forrest. Other special guests for the evening include MC Patricia Whittaker of CIIA, bassist James Forrest, stylists Abraham and Emy of Afro Hair , Jamaaican poet Nadine Chambers, U. Ebony Johnson of the Vancouver Pan African Film Festival who will show the short animated film "Wormhead".

Contact Info
Phone:
6046652222
Email:
maryduf@vpl.ca

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Special Event: Rollergirls Open Scrimmage

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Live on the Drive: The Libra Room

Thursday night is always a great night at the Libra Room with the Monica Lee Band. Stay tuned to www.thedriveisalive.blogspot.com for word on their release of live music recorded at the Libra Room.





The ever-versatile Monica Lee on viola.

Here's some video of the band performing "Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be MC's":


See more Commercial Drive videos by tuning into our YouTube playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=478EF0B433DBB8C3


Libra Room promoter Joée Brassard-Desjardins with Monica Lee and Christina Cottell of IFG Creative Marketing



The vibrant Judy Lea tries on my fedora.


My hat got more action than I did! Elizabeth Mazzoni in the foreground and musician Bruno Hubert in the back.


Libra Room hostess Carly Tennant gives the camera a sly look!

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Special Event: Sir William McDonald Elementary Hosts Dinner & Lecture

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A Small World Is Officially Online!!



That’s right, it’s official!!!
A Small World Online is OPEN!!!
After a considerable amount of preparation, some kink ironing and a few bumps along the way, we are pleased to say that our secure e-commerce capable site is finally up and running.
We still have a long way to go however we’re off to a great start. That being said we do anticipate a few hiccups along the way and would appreciate your kind consideration. ASW encourages and values any and all feedback regarding our business and now our presence online. We look forward to serving both our in store and on line customers.
Log-on and log-in, become a registered user on our new website.

A Small World Shop & Gallery
2120 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC.
604-215-0279
Trading Earth Conscious Commodities
www.asmallworldonline.com >>

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

People: Staying Put




Susan Hollis, Vancouver Courier
Published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008


Jean and Charles Russell have lived in a tiny home on Commercial Drive for more than 60 years on what is now a rich piece of real estate. Realtors are hounding them to sell, but they can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Photograph by : Photo-Dan Toulgoet


There is a large patch of grass tucked behind a peeling, boarded-up building on Commercial Drive. The land sits east on the street between McSpadden and Fifth, and is an anomaly amidst the rows of stores and eateries. Not a park, not public land of any kind, it is separated from the hustle by little more than a waist-high shrub, but manages to maintain its privacy. The yard is green and lovingly maintained, though more observant passersby will notice that the once-flourishing gardens have grown sparse over recent years.


Read the full story here.

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Music: Leonard & the Lab Rats

Head down to End Cafe tonight to check out the Thursday night house band Leonard & the Lab Rats. Here's a video from last week's show.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

News: Rapist Escapes, Frequents Commercial Drive


RAPIST ESCAPES A man convicted of aggravated sexual assault fled from a halfway house over the weekend. A Canada wide warrant was issued for Norman Eli Larue, an aboriginal described as 6'2", 240 lbs. with long dark hair. Police say Larue is known to frequent the Commercial Drive area. He has a bulldog tattoo on his neck.

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Music: Erin Graves @ The End Cafe

Just got a tip to check this young woman out at The End Cafe tonight!! Take a look at this video, and then head down to the End and check her out. Just one block North of Sky Train.


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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Sale At The People's Co-op Bookstore

Just a reminder - our annual sale starts this Thursday January the 24th and runs through the following Thursday 31st. All books are 20% off.

Our hours are 10-6 except Fridays 10-8pm and Sundays 1-5.

A number of last year's important books are out in paperback now...such as Richard Dawkins - "God Delusion" and Barbara Ehrenreich's "Dancing in the Streets".

http://www.peoplescoopbookstore.com/


604.253.6442

1391 Commercial Drive


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Monday, January 21, 2008

News: Commercial Drive Theatre Still At Risk

Friday, January 18, 2008
Vancouver Courier
By Cheryl Rossi

Time is running out for those keen to save the York Theatre

The York Theatre on Commercial Drive once home to Vancouver Little Theatre Society - Photo - Dan Toulgoet

If city council doesn’t get behind a campaign to save the building that was most recently the Raja Cinema, it could be demolished within four months, says Tom Durrie.

That’s why Durrie, founder of the Save the York Theatre Task Force and former manager of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, is arranging meetings with individual councillors. Tom Durrie heads up the task force that hopes to save the York Theatre, more recently known as the Raja Cinema, which was built in 1913.

The group is urging citizens to send letters of support for the retention of the theatre to city council. It’s also seeking “bridge funding”–most likely, money from an individual to buy the building, which in October sold for $960,000–and is developing business and fundraising plans.

Read more here:

http://www.vancouverartsandculturesforum.com/development-could-mean-curtains-for-york.html



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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Literary: Vancouver Poetry Slam Features Boston's Brian Ellis

THE VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
REGULAR SEASON CONTINUES
@
CAFÉ DEUX SOLEILS: 2096 COMMERCIAL DRIVE
THE 1ST, 3RD AND 5TH MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH
THE NEXT REGULAR SEASON SLAM IS MONDAY JANUARY 21ST
FEATURING BOSTON'S BRIAN ELLIS

Brian Ellis has represented Boston's Cantab Lounge in both the National and Individual World Poetry Slam. His newest book, "Pharmakos," was published by the prestigious Destructible Heart Press. He currently lives in the Whitehaus, a large home filled with artists, writers, musicians and their various subordinates.

PLUS A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE FROM BELLINGHAM'S RYLER DUSTIN
THIS WILL BE ANOTHER QUALIFYING SLAM TO MAKE THE VAN SLAM PLAYOFFS THIS APRIL AND MAY FOR A CHANCE TO MAKE THE 2008 VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM TEAM
DOORS AND SIGN UP ARE AT 8PM
OPEN MIC AT 8:45
SLAM STARTS AT 9 O'CLOCK
STILL ONLY $5 TO GET IN
COME BE A JUDGE
COME SLAM FOR THE FIRST TIME
ALL POETS AND POETIC STYLES ARE WELCOME
604 215 9230 FOR MORE INFO
AND DON'T FORGET THE VANCOUVER YOUTH SLAM HAPPENS ON JANUARY 28TH FEATURING BARBARA ADLER
PLUS THE NEXT "ALT SLAM" IS MONDAY FEB 11TH
THE PAN AFRICAN SLAM FEATURING: BOONAA MOHAMMED

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Upcoming on Wax Poetic: Tameem Barakat




Co-0p listeners will recognize next week's guest as one of the hosts of "No Apologies Necessary" - the show that follows right after Wax Poetic on Wednesday afternoons at 2:30pm.

Tameem Barakat is also front man for indy cult group Threat From Outer Space. (Seen here with fellow band members Dennis Chan, Ryan Cranston, Matt Creed, Kristian Naso).

Find out more at http://poetryradio.blogspot.com

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Friday, January 18, 2008

News: Missing Person Story Has Happy Ending

You may remember the plea, back in October from Chris Bishop's brother Dave, who was looking desperately for the 31 year old man.

Good news came via this Facebook note:


Hey everyone, we found him!! He walked right by my dad on commercial
drive, they talked, had dinner, and i had breakfast with them the next day. Just
like that, I got my brother back!! He's lookin alright, a little worn, but alive
and well.


I really want to again thank EVERYONE here. You're support has been
more than incredible. I'm still blown away with the number of responses i got to
this group. All the sightings and good thoughts have been overwhelming. You guys
really kept the hope alive and i can't thank you all enough for that.

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Live On The Drive @ The End Cafe

Last night I spent some time at the End Cafe, listening to Leonard and the Lab Rats. They are a tight, funky blues band from right here in Vancouver. http://www.myspace.com/leonardandthelabrats

They were joined on stage by Natalie von Rotsburg, who belted out a few great songs to an appreciative audience. Watch her version of "Black Magic Woman" below.





















































Jeff Ellis, Jhayne Holmes and Natalie von Rotsburg.


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Thursday, January 17, 2008

News: Fatality at Skytrain Station Slows Service

Jan, 17 2008 - 1:10 AM
VANCOUVER/CKNW(AM980) - The Broadway Skytrain Station has reopened and service has returned to normal. Skytrain was running turnback trains at both Main and Nanaimo Stations with a bus bridge linking Nanaimo with Broadway and another between Main and Broadway.
The issue began just before 9 o'clock when a passenger fell onto the tracks as a train entered the station.The unidentified person did not survive the incident.

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Wax Poetic: Max Tell



This week's guest will be local children's entertainer Max Tell, to talk about his participation in the 16th Annual Vancouver Storytelling Festival.

Check out his bio on www.poetryradio.blogspot.com.

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Music: Sillken, John Pippus & Mojave at Cafe Deux Soliels

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Live On The Drive

I took advantage of a Sunday afternoon without rain to snap some pictures. It was a great day on the Drive for sure.




As i walked, I ran into a group of BCIT students practicing some street interviews.
I stopped and let them ask questions.


After that, I gave Brooke, my interviewer (seen here), a Commercial Drive T-shirt, compliments of the Commercial Drive BIA.

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

Picture of the Day by Steven R. Duncan


A sunny moment on a brooding day.

Taken across the street from JJ Bean Coffee (2206 Commercial Drive).

For more pictures of the day click on the "picture of the day" tag below.

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Theatre: Special Offer for Push Fans

Sponsor a Haircut for $100 and Win a Pair of Tickets to Hey Girl!

Please help PuSh present Haircuts By Children, a whimsical piece that puts faith in children and asks adults to surrender their preconceptions, their vanity and their scalps! For the price of a (high end) haircut, you can underwrite this unique experience. Please make a donation of $100 online today. If you give before January 18 you will be entered a draw to win two tickets to the opening night of Hey Girl!

Your $100 donation will help ensure that the PuSh Festival flourishes. By becoming a donor you’ll help us animate Vancouver with genre-bending, original art from all over the world. You will receive a tax receipt and special thanks at Haircuts By Children.

Haircuts By Children takes places on January 26 and 27 from 12 to 4 pm at NuNu’s Salon and Spa on Commercial Drive. Under the direction of a professional stylist, children from Bridgeview Elementary School will give haircuts to 70 brave participants. This piece explores the enfranchisement of children and the trust we afford them. It creates a reversal of power, placing adults in the midst of a youth experience and testing their faith in the leaders of the future.

Click here to sponsor a haircut through our secure site. Thank you!

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Literary: Odditory Presence Features @ The Slam

THE VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM PRESENTS

THE FIRST "ALT SLAM' OF 2008

@

CAFÉ DEUX SOLIELS: 2096 COMMERCIAL DRIVE

THE FIRST "ALT SLAM" WILL BE A TEAM PIECE SLAM

MONDAY JANUARY 14TH

FEATURING

ODDITORY PRESENCE FROM VICTORIA

http://www.myspace.com/odditorypresence

THIS WILL BE A SLAM WITH POETS IN GROUPS OF 2-5 PERFORMING

TEAM PIECES, GROUP PIECES, POLYPHONIC PIECES

WHATEVER THEY CAN COME UP WITH

FOR CASH AND PRIZES

HOSTED BY NORA SMITHHISLER AND

JEREMY AND JERMIAH ALEXANDER

DOORS AND SIGN UP AT 8PM

OPEN MIC AT 8:45

SLAM AT 9 O'CLOCK

ONLY $5

PUT A TEAM TOGHETHER, ROCK OUR SOCKS AND

COME ON OUT AND HAVE A GOOOOOOD TIME AT THE SLAM

UPCOMING "ALT SLAMS" INCLUDE

THE PAN AFRICAN SLAM ON FEBRUARY 11TH FEATURING BOONA

AND

THE 4TH ANNUAL SISTAHOOD WOMEN'S INVITATIONAL POETRY SLAM ON MARCH 10TH

FEATURING

AMANDA HEIBERT AND KRYSTLE MULLIN

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Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Picture of the Day by Steven R. Duncan

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Music: Wyckham Porteous @ Lime


Wyckham Porteous and His Stellar Band of Neighbors plays at Lime (formerly Rime) at 9pm on Thursday, January 10th.
Porteous will be performing songs from his critically acclaimed album, "3AM".

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