Special Event: Fearless Festival Sets Its Stages!

Hip, young rapping sisters Genetics are just one of the great acts getting ready to kick off the 1^st Annual Fearless Festival happening July 1^st at Pigeon Park.

The line-ups on both the Pigeon Park main stage and the Coop Radio Courageous Words stage at Sunday’s event is eclectic and rapid-fire.

Other main stage acts include performances by City Opera, Poco Locos, The Rockin’ Guys, Dalannah Bowen, Heidi Morgan and Nightlife, which features Michelle Richard, who will also MC the day’s mainstage event.

Commercial Drive poet Leanne Sjodin, coordinator and host of the Coop Radio “Courageous Words” stage has also assembled an impressive roster of talent, including Roger Blenman & Chris Perrotte, Slam favourites Sean McGarragle and Brendan McLeod, plus Kevin Wilkie, Anne Miles, Adam Sheepbelly, Kagan Goh, Peter LaGrand and Bryn Williams. This stage will be broadcast live on Coop Radio 102.7fm and will feature the premiere performance of two new radio plays by East Vancouver’s notorious Theatre in the Raw.

There will be stuff for kids, bicycle decorating, break dancing demonstrations and more. The fun starts at 3pm at Pigeon Park with opening ceremonies and the national anthem led by Michelle Richard.

For a complete list of events, go here…

On July 1^st, Be Fearless!

Proudly supported by the City of Vancouver, Office of Cultural Affairs, The British Columbia Arts Council The Community Arts Council of Vancouver, the Community Arts Network and the Canadian Unitarian Council.

http://FEARLESSFEST.blogspot.com

Terminal City Rollergirls Take On Security At Fearless Fest

Andi Struction (Andrea Fraser), Machine Gun Sally (Sonia Nielsen), Candy Scrapple (Tonee Venittelli) and league president Micki Mercury (Michelle Lamouroux – pictured below) of the Terminal City Rollergirls don the Fearless Fest brand in preparation for the July 1^st festivities. Photos: Manuel Avila

Vancouver, BC

In a bold move, the Fearless Festival - held on East Hastings St., in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside - asks members of the Terminal City Rollergirls to head up Security for the Canada Day event.

“The organizers of the festival were adamant that Security not be dealt with in a heavy-handed or militaristic kind of way,” coordinator for the event, Steve Duncan said.

“While they recognise personal safety and security are important issues, particularly in that neighbourhood, they saw no need to deal with it in a way that would be intimidating to the people who make the area their home. When one committee member suggested an all-girl security team, the first thing that popped into my head was ‘Who are more fearless than the Rollergirls?”

“I think having them on board sends out a really good message to the community …and to other people who might be considering volunteering but may be concerned about safety, too.”

“I was glad that they could fit us into their busy schedule,” Duncan said. The East Vancouver flat-track derby league has lots of events underway, including their own benefit on July 4^th at the Marine Club, to help send the members of the league to a bout in Edmonton.

When concerns were voiced that the Rollergirls might not be trained to deal with the numerous possible problems that could present themselves, Duncan agreed.

“That’s why we are bringing in experts from Carnegie Community Centre for several years and who know what to expect. They’ll be speaking at the volunteer orientations, and answering any questions people might come up with. Besides, we’re not asking anyone to do the police’s job. They’ll be close at hand - if we need them.”

For more information about the Terminal City Rollergirls, check out their website at www.terminalcityrollergirls.com.

About the Fearless Festival

On July 1^st Pigeon park and Hastings Street from Carrall to Columbia is party central - celebrating the creativity, talent and history of the Downtown Eastside with music, story, art and dance featuring performances from City Opera, Dalannah Gail Bowen, Carnegie’s Rockin’ Guys, Pocos Locos - and so much more.

For more info call 604-788-8340, email srduncan@shaw.ca or check out the festival blog, http://fearlessfest.blospot.com.

If you are interested in helping out and being fearless like the Rollergirls, come to one of our Volunteer orientations at Carnegie Centre either on Tuesday, June 19^th at 7pm or Saturday, June 23 at noon, or email Barb Fairbrother at barb.fairbrother@gmail.com .

Review: Terminal City Rollergirls Rock Royal City Curling Club

Last night history was made with the very first bout of our very own Terminal City Rollergirls. For those that made the trek to New Westminster and the Royal City Curling club (and there were a lot who did!), it was quite the treat. When intrepid photographer, Heather Smythe and I got to the rink before the game, the party was already in full swing. And let me tell you, the Rollergirls know how to throw a party: Fishnets, skimpy uniforms, great music, BMX bikes and beer seem to be the perfect combination for the capacity crowd that came out to show their support. As sexy as it was, it is certainly no game for sissies. More than one girl found herself sliding into the stands after taking a hit that would make an NHL player cry. The John’s Ambulance parked outside was put to good use when a player aggravated an old back injury and got herself a free ride to Royal Columbian. Perhaps more amazing was how someone on roller skates could take that kind of bone-crushing hit and keep on her wheels. It was an almost gravity-defying sight.

The fledgling league normally consists of four teams, The Faster Pussycats, The Bad Reputations, The Girls From Bad Homes and The Riot Girls, but for last night’s event they amalgamated into just two, calling themselves the Red Rollitas and the Black Banditas.

The action-packed, fast-paced game kept the audience on the edge of their seats right to the last minute when it came down to a two point difference and a victory for the Banditas. For Michelle “Mickey Mercury” Lamoureux - donning the black uniform for the night - the win was doubly sweet. Lamoureux started the league two years ago, inspired by the hit reality show Rollergirls, and has been the driving force ever since. Last night’s game proved Vancouver is truly ready to rumble! Watch your back!