I♥Edmonton

Burgerthon, Episode 2/ Rodeo Burger

2012-02-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Homemade relish, low prices, friendly service...how could you go wrong?! By grilling a burger that's only a'ight, that's how!

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

I'VE lived in Edmonton ALL my life, 32 years total, so it always amazes me when I still, steadily stumble upon places in town that I've never been to before. Places I've never even heard of, actually. Case in point, Rodeo Burger, just across the street from the University Hospital (8525B-112 St./ 780-435-6733). Apparently, it's been there for about two years, but it's certainly brand new to me.

You can also follow Rodeo Burger on
Facebook or Twitter.

Despite it's big red sign, and being street front on a road that has taken me to or from Whyte Avenue many a time...oh, and specializing in burgers(!)...I had yet to make my acquaintance with this place, which I'm sure is frequented by the on-a-budget U of A students on their lunch, coffee, or pot breaks. Good on Rodeo for taking up residence before the fused Tim Horton's/ Wendy's just steps away, and nestled comfortably in between a taco joint and a pizza joint. No wonder we're all so fat!

Standing outside Rodeo Burger I could not only determine how many fellow grease gurus I'd have to seat compete with, but through the wall-to-wall window I could even see right into the open kitchen, where diligent staff crafted hungry clients' burgers quick and fresh. Just how I like it.

I put my order in, the Rodeo Burger ($4.89), with cheese ($0.50) and bacon ($0.50), combo (add $4), totalling $9.89 (+ tax). Myself being an intimidated Rodeo virgin with a rather cowardly stomach, passed on options like The Western (bacon guacamole), The Aussie (egg on top), and The Outlaw (mushroom patty), and went straight for their signature sandwich, sided with a serve-yourself soda and fries that almost outdo the greasier-than-anticipated burgers themselves.

From my eyes' point of view the Rodeo Burger was top of the class, but it lacked any real originality, other than the homemade relish, "made with fresh cucumber multiple times a day." Especially for a place that especialized in these things! Yes, the bacon was crisp, the cheddar was melted, and the onions were caramelized, but the headliners (the meat 'n' buns) were comparatively half-assed.

Rodeo Burger's The Rodeo Burger comes complete with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions,
and homemade relish; add cheese and bacon (& fries) for your best results!

Don't get me wrong, I scarfed it down like there was no tomorrow (or like I was one of those U of A kids on his pot break!), but there's really no necessity in me coming back here, especially considering that the taunting delights of Deluxe Burger and the Burger Joint are just so damn plausible.

But there are other things to consider here. Again, them "healthier & tastier" fries--made from Canadian-grown taters and cooked in 100% sun-flower oil--are reason enough. Plus, they're licensed, which means you can enjoy a cold beer (domestic or imported) or a glass of wine with your meal. Rodeo also offers flat-screen TVs, inspiring dips, sauces, and seasonings, chocolate, toffee or caramel cookies ($0.69 each), and friendly, speedy service. These days, that latter one can be hard to come by!

The Rodeo Burger/ 3 outta 5

New Works Festival, 2012

2012-02-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Alberta's future leading playwrights and thespians are tapping their in-training talents in an annual Fringe-esque fest

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The 12th annual New Works Festival runs Feb. 7-12.

IT'S almost like the Fringe's little brother, a theatrical occasion thrown together every February by the University of Alberta's Department of Drama. It's called the New Works Festival, and it's now in its 12th year hosting live theatre that'll help develop young actors, directors, designers, and dramaturges.

A half-dozen productions will make up the 2012 season, including Ben Dextraze's A Fire in Their Eyes, Lisa Lorentz's Sitter, Priscilla Yakielashek's Felix and Max (all part of 'Night A'), Evan Tsitsias' Murmuration of Starlings, Sydney Gross' Laundry Cycle, and Bevin Dooley's The Playmates (all part of 'Night B').

"For the past 12 years, the New Works Festival has been committed to helping emerging playwrights develop and stage their work, all of which at varying stages in the process of creation," reads a NWF statement. "What audiences will see at the festival is works in all stages of development; some staged readings, some full productions, some 3 months-old work, some year-old work, and all of it, very exciting."

The 12th annual New Works Festival kicked off last Tuesday at 7:30PM, and runs until Feb. 12 (Sunday), at the Second Playing Space at the Timms Centre for Arts (112 St. & 87 Ave.). Tickets are just $10 for the night, or $5 per individual show, and are available at the door (cash only please).

Trio of Edmontonians Up for Junos

2012-02-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Canada's Grammys, essentially, recognize a few homegrown talents for the 2012 Juno Awards!

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

In February 2011 Alyssa Reid reached #1 on Billboard's
'Canadian Emerging Artists' list, where she remained
for a record 33 consecutive weeks!

THEY aren't exactly the Grammys, no, but the Junos are at least its Canadian equivalent, in case you were outta the loop. Since 1970 the Juno Awards have been presented annually (excluding 1988) to acknowledge the best in Canadian music, as determined (mostly) by members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. This year sees several Edmontonians up for some national hardware, which were announced yesterday (Feb. 7) in Toronto. 41 categories in all.

Going up against Mother Mother, Hey Rosetta!, Braids, and The Sheepdogs for New Group of the Year is the Rural Alberta Advantage, fronted by Edmonton's own Nils Edenloff, who is now based outta Toronto. Of course. The band's had a great year, launching their Departing album and gaining south-of-the-border buzz with a "Breaking Out" featurette in SPIN magazine. The RAA are also in the running for Video of the Year for "Stamp" (see below).

Edmonton-born singer-songwriter Alyssa Reid, who turns the big 1-9 next month, has been recognized for her huge pop hit "Alone Again"--which broke into the Top 3 in both Canada and the UK--garnering her a nod for New Artist of the Year. She'll have to fend off fellow Canuck candidates Dan Mangan, Lindi Ortega, JRDN, and Diamond Rings.

In addition to music videos, Michael Maxxis has also directed TV commercials and short films,
including '8 for Infinity,' 'Steak & Milk,' and 'Where's the Sea.'

And last, but certainly not least, is homegrown Michael Maxxis, who is (again) up for Video of the Year, for directing Toronto band Hollerado's "Good Day at the Races" (see below). "This is a very exciting nomination for me," Maxxis admitted, "because of all the videos I've directed, this is one of the few that is truly reflective of my personal tastes and sensibilities as a director.

"We are super excited to be nominated for 2 Juno Awards! Crazy."
-The Rural Alberta Advantage tweet

"Usually the music and the record label's requests steer me away from my own absurd concepts, but this was one of the few exceptions," continued Maxxis, who's also helmed clips for the likes of City and Colour, Alexisonfire, Hot Hot Heat, P.O.D., Bedouin Soundclash, Three Days Grace, Moneen, and Billy Talent, the latter of which also earned him a Juno nomination last year. "Hollerado basically let me do whatever I want, and this is what came from it. This is a project I am very proud of."

Maxxis and Hollerado are going up against the RAA's "Stamp," Mother Mother's "The Stand," The Sadies' "Rumbleseat," and Dan Mangan's "Rows of Houses."

The 42nd annual Juno Awards will be handed out on April 1 at Ottawa's Scotiabank Place, and will be hosted by the one and only William Shatner. For the complete list of nominees click here.

Below is the Juno-nominated video for Hollerado's "Good Day at the Races," which was directed by Edmonton's Michael Maxxis.

Below is the video for the Rural Alberta Advantage's "Stamp," which is up for Video of the Year at the 2012 Juno Awards.

Edmonton Gets Its Read On!

2012-02-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Despite the endless stream of free music, movies, articles, and stories online, Edmonton continues to keep librarians on their toes

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel 'The Help' was turned into
a 2011 feature film starring Emma Stone, which went
on to make over $200 million at the box office.

I SWEAR that every time I go to my local library (the Lois Hole branch, FYI) I struggle to find a parking stall. I either have to pounce on an idling vehicle who may or may not be about to forfeit his spot, or I circle the lot until someone clears a stall. I might even have to park in the adjacent lot for the YMCA, or even in the area earmarked for staff. Once, I even dared nestling in the supplied 'car pool' spot (which I think is a bullshit stall btw)! I know, right?!

It's just so damn busy there, and it doesn't matter the time of the day, or the day of the week. As it turns out, Edmonton likes to get its read on! Good for you, though. Especially because reading can almost be like pulling teeth for myself (I'm there exclusively for their extensive CD stock, in case you were wondering), even though I rely on just that (the reading, that is) from all y'all. Such a hypocrite, I know. But I'm steering off topic as usual, so....

According to a recent article in the Edmonton Journal, Edmontonians have checked out a ridiculous 13.5 million items, give or take, last year from local libraries (17 in all)! That's crazy, peeps! Not so good for your local book stores however.

Actually, those millions of freebies weren't just books. Nope. You also borrowed and renewed, and renewed again, shit loads of CDs, DVDs, and now video games from the EPL (Edmonton Public Library), and even thousands of online ebooks that were downloaded via smartphones, eReaders, or your old school computers.

Here, in case you're interested, were the most popular titles in Edmonton libraries for 2011 (as well as the number of check-outs):

Adult Fiction:

Jodi Picoult's 2010 novel is about a
boy with Asperger's Syndrome who is
accused of murder.

1. The Help (1,387)
2. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (1,202)
3. House Rules (1,159)
4. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (1,099)
5. The Girl Who Played With Fire (1,073)
6. Room (862)
7. The Book of Negroes (744)
8. The Fifth Witness (739)
9. Smokin' Seventeen, A Stephanie Plum Novel (705)
10. The Lost Symbol (691)

Juvenile Fiction:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules (1,318)
2. 11 Birthdays (1,309)
3. Scat (1,217)
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (1,092)
5. Geronimo Sitlton, Singing Sensation (1,050)
6. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (1,008)
7. Jack Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow (994)
8. Happenstance Found (957)
9. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (943)
10. The Greenest Day (872)

DVDs:
1. Up (3,463)
2. Julie and Julia (2,742)
3. The Hurt Locker (2,471)
4. Duplicity (2,257)
5. The King's Speech (2,064)
6. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2,015)
7. Charlie and Lola (1,976)
8. Food, Inc. (1,974)
9. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (1,846)
10. My Sister's Keeper (1,716)

CDs:
1. Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster (1,301)
2. Glee soundtrack, Season One (922)
3. Michael Buble's Crazy Love (829)
4. Dan Gibson's Solitudes Environmental Sound Experiences (810)
5. Kesha's Animal (656)
6. Lady Gaga's The Fame (655)
7. Black Eyed Pea's The E.N.D. (640)
8. Lady Antebellum's Need You Now (587)
9. Glee soundtrack, Season Two (557)
10. Adele's 21 (538)

Video Games:
1. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (990)
2. Super Mario Galaxy (964)
3. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing (854)
4. How to Train Your Dragon (791)
5. Captain America: Super Soldier (754)
6. Family Party, 30 Great Games: Winter Fun (725)
7. Super Paper Mario (707)
8. Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters (633)
9. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (631)
10. Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 (613)

Below is the official trailer for 'Up,' the most popular movie at Edmonton libraries for 2011!

Burgerthon, Episode 1/ The Burger Joint

2012-02-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Customize the ultimate burger to "fit your personality" at what'll very likely become one of your favourite burger joints in town

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

There is just one Burger Joint location in Edmonton,
tucked away at 9132-23 avenue.

IF you're a vegetarian, I kind've feel sorry for you. At times, I just don't get you. I love meat! & now that you've retrieved your minds from the gutter, I'm clearly referring to the likes of juicy sirloin steak, buckets of fried chicken, mountains of crisp bacon, and of course, the classic cheeseburger!

Mmmmm.

So you can imagine my surging delight when I heard about The Burger Joint, a magical, whimsical place where you create the ultimate burger of your wildest fantasies. Okay, so maybe I'm being melodramatic, but we are talking about burgers, right?! Endless configurations of meats, toppings, and sauces (oh my!) at one's disposal, and all for no more than what you could easily pay for a KFC combo or a Quiznos sub. That's The Burger Joint in a nutshell.

Located just short of the South Edmonton Common hysteria (9132-23 ave., to be exact), The Burger Joint is not your typical burger joint. When you walk up to the friendly counter dude guy you have two choices. Order from their signature menu--which includes pre-determined recipes like the Donair Burger with Cheese, the Lamb Deluxe, and even the Veggie Explosion (I had the B.J. Burger btw)--or tackle their "Build Your Burger" option.

If you go with the latter, step 1 is to "choose your meat," any of 10 that range from your basic 7oz., not frozen, all beef patty ($6.99) to grilled, breaded, buffalo, or hot jerky chicken ($7.50-7.99). Step 2 is where you "choose your sauce," a variety of nearly 20 options, including the staples (ketchup, mustard, relish, bla bla bla) and the obscure (blue cheese, garlic donair, 1000 islands, bla bla bla).

Step 3 is where things really start to get interesting, because this is when you "choose your toppings," a selection that offers all the usual suspects, in addition to some...let's say...unique choices. Grilled pineapple, roasted corn, coleslaw, cucumbers, carrot strings, or even red cabbage are all at your disposal. As much or as many as you desire!

A picture says a thousand words!

The final step, though not mandatory, in building quite possibly the bestest burger this side of the Whitemud, is deciding on any "premium toppings" you might fancy. There are more than a dozen "premium" decisions that'll set you back 50 cents to a dollar, including bacon, a sunny side egg, Portobello mushroom, fried squid rings, grilled ham, guacamole, donair meat, or your choice of 7 types of cheese!

Okay, so you've made up your mind, now they'll make it for you fresh, as you have a seat. They'll bring it right to you soon after. Add a pop and fries/ curly fries/ salad, to make it a combo for an extra $3.99, served with complimentary salsa and tartar sauce. And enjoy. I know I did.

Take a look at the photo and you'll see exactly why I liked it, and why I'm sure you will too. The Burger Joint (780-435-0008), which opened only last April, is open 7 days a week (11AM-9PM, Mon-Sat/ Noon-7PM, Sun). Yum!

B.J. Burger/ 4.5 outta 5

Music Clip of the Month/ 02-12

2012-02-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

Colleen Brown's "Baby Blue Eyes" (2011)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Colleen Brown will perform at the
Winspear Centre on April 2, 2012, as part
of 'Mayor's Celebration of the Arts.'

"THE idea for the song was planted while I was working the beer tub at the Atlantic Trap & Gill," admitted local singer-songwriter Colleen Brown, referring to "Baby Blues Eyes," from her third full-length album Dirt (2011). "I was watching a mass of people around the dance floor to the song "Brown Eyed Girl" and thought, 'Geez! I'd love for people to get that excited about one of my songs.'

"I was thinking about what it was that was so powerful about the song," she continued. "Maybe how universal it is. Around the same time I was wrestling with an on/off relationship that seemed perhaps better left to a strictly dancing state. A blue-eyed boy...."

Last October Brown launched Dirt at St. Albert's Arden Theatre, alongside a 10-piece band and CBC cameras. The 13-song folk-pop set inspired enthusiastic reviews coast to coast, garnering her national buzz, regional awards & accolades (including the Harvard Broadcasting/New Music West 2011 Songwriting Award for "Fight! Fight! Fight!"), and justified comparisons to the likes of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Edmonton-born k.d. lang. Not too shabby!

Below is a clip of Brown's "Baby Blue Eyes," recorded at CBC Toronto's Studio 210, as part of a Drive session. "I Heart" would also like to congratulate Brown on her five nods at the upcoming 2012 Edmonton Music Awards (April 28), including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Dirt), and the People's Choice Award. Good luck, Colleen!

Edmonton Music Awards Nominees, 2012

2012-02-04T15:47:00.005-07:00

The nominations for the 2012 EMAs have been announced! If you don't recognize at least one of the acts, your bad!

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

"THE vision of the Edmonton Music Awards is to acknowledge, celebrate and promote Edmonton music and musicians in all forms," reads the mission statement for the 2012, second annual Edmonton Music Awards, which will take place Saturday, April 28th at the Royal Alberta Museum. "Awards such as the Junos and Breakout West recognize artists on a national level, but we strongly believe there are artists locally that deserve recognition for their work and the success they have achieved on both the local and national level.

The 2nd annual Edmonton Music Awards will take place April 28th
(that's a Saturday!) at the Royal Alberta Museum.

"The Edmonton Music Awards is dedicated to the goal of annually celebrating, honouring and rewarding creativity and diversity in the Edmonton music community." Nice, and we agree 100%! Edmonton has so many amazing, yet relatively unknown acts who are making great music in every genre imaginable. Why not celebrate that?!

The official after party for the 2012 EMAs will be held at the Haven Social Club (where the entire event was held last year). Here are the nominations, announced yesterday (Feb. 3), for the 2nd annual Edmonton Music Awards:

White Lightning's 'See It All', nominated for
Album of the Year at the 2012 EMAs.

Album of the Year
-Dirt (Colleen Brown)
-Caught Up In the Excess (Tupelo Honey)
-See It All (White Lightning) (right)
-I Try and I Try and I Don't Know What to Do...The Plan Was Set Some Time Ago, And We Must Follow Through (Boogie Patrol)
-Better Off (Ten Second Epic)

Male Artist of the Year
-Nathan Carroll
-Bill Bourne
-Scott Cook
-Doug Hoyer
-Bryan Finlay

Female Artist of the Year
-Ann Vriend
-Colleen Brown
-Samantha Schultz
-Michelle Molineux
-Danielle Lowe

Group of the Year

The Joe's 'Float or Fail' is up for Rap/ Hip-
Hop Album of the Year at the EMAs

-White Lightning
-Tupelo Honey
-Ten Second Epic
-Mars & Venus
-Boogie Patrol

Single of the Year
-"Fallin'" (Tupelo Honey)
-"Good Girls" (Colleen Brown)
-"Satisfaction" (White Lightning)
-"If You Were Here" (Ann Vriend)
-"New Earth" (Zerbin)

Music Video of the Year
-"Honeybee" (Wool on Wolves)
-"No Need for Alarm" (Death by Robot)
-"Shades of White" (Mars & Venus)
-"Fallin'" (Tupelo Honey)
-"New Earth" (Zerbin) (see below)

Pop Album of the Year
-Walks with the Tender and Growing Night (Doug Hoyer)
-Dirt (Colleen Brown)
-Make Today (Radio for Help)
-Life on Hold (Se7en Sided)
-Prairie Belle (Lisa Nicole Grace)

Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year
-Change Starts Here (AOK)
-Float or Fail (The Joe)
-Change Starts Here (Planit Sound)

Country Album of the Year
-Blue Moon Away (Myrol)
-Off Limits (Danielle Lowe)
-You Won't Be Lonely Long (Shawn & Dee)

Roots/Folk Album of the Year
-Hollow Ponds (100 Mile House)
-Things We Do (The Collective West)
-Love & Other Messes (Ann Vriend)
-Bluesland (Bill Bourne & The Free Radio Band)
-Mercy Is a Bird (Nathan Carroll)

Rock Album of the Year
-Backed In a Corner (Old Wives)
-Caught Up In the Excess (Tupelo Honey)
-Killinger (Killinger)
-Better Off (Ten Second Epic)
-See It All (White Lightning)

Metal Album of the Year
-The Oracle: What Was, Is and Could Have Been (All Else Fails)
-Victus Mortuus (Jezibelle)
-From Me to You (No Heat Tomorrow)
-Burning Dreams (The Order of Chaos)
-I Bomb New York (Villainizer)

Blues Album of the Year
-Naturally (Harpdog Brown)
-Reclaim Your Land (Hip Shakin Mama & The Leg Men)
-I Try and I Try and I Don't Know What to Do...The Plan Was Set
Some Time Ago, and We Must Follow Through (Boogie Patrol)
-Ink to Paper (Samantha Schultz)
-Bluesland (Bill Bourne & The Free Radio Band)

Jazz Album of the Year
-Just the Sun (Mieke Maligne)
-Frozen (Mike Morrisseau)

R&B/Soul Album of the Year
-I Try and I Try and I Don't Know What to Do...The Plan Was Set
Some Time Ago, and We Must Follow Through (Boogie Patrol)
-The Golden Story EP (Manuela)
-Pythia (Ghibli)

Although Ann Vriend was born in
Vancouver, she is based outta Edmonton!

Artist to Watch*
-Alice Kos
-Livy Jeanne
-Shelbi
-Dawn In the City
-The Burning Streets
-The Shakedowns
-The Frolics
-Van Funk & The LeBarons
-One Way State
-The Bridle Party

People's Choice*
-Ann Vriend (right)
-Colleen Brown
-Old Wives
-Heaviside
-Killinger
-Tupelo Honey
-White Lightning
-Michelle Molineux
-Boogie Patrol
-Ten Second Epic

*The winners of these categories are determined by online voting...by you!

Below is the EMA-nominated video for Zerbin's "New Earth."

@themovies/ 'The Grey'

2012-01-30T22:20:00.002-07:00

Liam Neeson and a pack of territorial wolves may be on the forefront here, but it's our fundamental pursuit to survive that Joe Carnahan's thriller is truly based on

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

'The Grey' was made for a reported
$25 million, and earned more than
$20 million during its opening weekend.

"ONCE more into the fray. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. Live and die on this day...live and die on this day." That's not only a poem from Joe Carnahan's The Grey, but perhaps the film's thesis. It's a theme that flows along this scarcely musty, delightfully indelible action-thriller feature set in an unforgiving region of Alaska.

Liam Neeson, who'll turn 60 this summer, is John Ottway, lonely and in despair, working as part of an oil drilling team, hunting wolves who pose a real threat to his men. It's just minutes into the 2-hour film that Ottway, on the final day of his mission, places the barrel of his gun into his mouth, a letter to his wife Ana in his coat pocket. A wolf howls in the background, and he pulls the rifle away. He'll leave that for another day, perhaps.

Instead, Ottway boards a plane home the next morning in the middle of an Alaskan blizzard. The plane goes down in a snowy desert, and Ottway awakens--alive and well--metres from the wreckage and the bodies of his crew. Seven survive the crash, but are promptly enlightened to a new threat, as a pack of vicious gray wolves make their presence and intentions very clear.

And then there were six.

One by one, the wolves brazenly kill off these unwelcome guests, with no real intent on feeding on their flesh. It ain't about that, and Ottway & co. are quickly made aware of it. They head for the far off trees, now a group of five, and continue building fires as their only means of survival. Hours turn into days, five men becomes four, and they're interiorly determined to make it home, to hospitably appreciate what they've taken for granted. But their numbers keep dwindling, as do their already narrow resources, and more importantly, their hope.

So as to not totally ruin the movie for you, I'll hold off there. You'll have to either chalk up the cash, illegally download a version, or ask one of your friends who've already seen it in order to see what happens to Ottway, who was on the verge of ending it all just prior, and who's now bent on surviving.

PETA and WildEarth Guardians boycotted 'The Grey' because of its portrayal of wolves. The
film also raised controversy when 'The Province' published an article claiming that the
producers of the film purchased four wolf carcasses from a local trapper, to use as props and
and for the cast to eat!

Carnahan (Narc, Smokin' Aces) also scripted and co-produced The Grey--based on Ian Mackenzie Jeffers' short story "Ghost Walker"--and is at his best here, observing detailed characters with plenty of vices, but substance too. He shelters this story with an agenda on man's inner struggle to survive at all means, to uncover one's own drive, no matter how submerged it may be.

Many may find the ending unresolved, but I think we all know what happens here, as Ottway--about to take on the alpha male of the descending wolf pack--whispers those words to himself again: "Once more into the fray. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. Live and die on this day...live and die on this day." The screen goes black.

4 stars outta 5

For Edmonton & area showtimes of The Grey, click here.

Below is the official trailer for Joe Carnahan's 'The Grey.'

New Arena Pics?

2012-01-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

A picture says a thousand words, as they say, but I'm guessing that in this case most of those words are going to be curse words...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

JUST in case you haven't heard enough about the proposed downtown arena district, here's more! Last Thursday (Jan. 19) ICON Venue Group, the project managers of the new area, released conceptual illustrations of what the project could look like. Not a guaranteed blueprint, but rather some ideas to play around with.

Bistro bars and sushi joints are amongst the proposals for the new arena, which would
allow much more variety than the current Rexall Place.

Personally, I think they look pretty cool. But, of course, there'll be plenty of folks who'll beg to differ, some just because they can. But that's alright, we're a free country afterall. All I am saying is don't get all caught up in the politics of this whole issue, or the 'propaganda' mumbo jumbo, or whatever other accusations others may brainstorm along the way. Just be a little more open-minded is all I'm asking.

Large windows would allow natural sunlight to filter in.

On their website ICON explained their concept behind the design of the new arena: "Fundamentally, the new Edmonton arena must be much more than a hockey facility. It must be designed to accommodate all manner of sports and cultural events and to quickly transition from one to another. It must provide world-class fan experiences and a vehicle to take entertainment in the Capital Region to another level. It must integrate into the downtown core, function as a catalyst for broader redevelopment and have the flexibility to evolve over the decades to come."

To be honest, I don't really give a shit about how much more cash Daryl Katz will be pocketing with this arena district, or anybody's personal agenda for that matter. I just want a new fucking arena for my hometown (see, curse words!), and one that'll subsequently allow the downtown--and thus the city as a whole--to prosper. How could it not?!

Unique seating arrangements would allow a new experience to watching a hockey game
while having a drink and/or a bite to eat.

Anyways, I've already said my piece on this issue, which you can read more about here, in case you're interested. So, for the time being, I'm just gonna sit back and continue looking forward to what will most likely be our city's best investment plan yet. Fingers crossed.

@themovies/ 'Haywire'

2012-01-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Former Gladiator TV star is better than to be expected in Soderbergh's worldly action take, though the tough girl route is starting to wear thin

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The music in this film was done by David Holmes, who also supplied
the music for five other Soderbergh films. Actually, it was supposed to
be six, but after hearing what he had come up for 2006's 'The Good
Soldier,' but Soderbergh rejected it.

IT'S pretty much its own genre these days. Leading ladies who kick ass, a strain of action cinema that started when Sigourney Weaver scowled, "Get away from her, you bitch!" in James Cameron's Aliens, circa 1986. Okay, so it started seven years prior, with its 1979 predecessor Alien. I just wanted to say that sweet line, so....

Some might say these kick-assinerators were born even earlier than that though (i.e. Pam Grier), but Weaver arguably paved the way, setting the stage for the likes of torch bearer Linda Hamilton, a.k.a. Sarah Connor, in the Terminator films. Over the years we've seen similar representations by everyone from Charlize Theron (AEon Flux) and Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider) to Kate Beckinsale (Underworld series) and even 13-year-old Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass). Even as recent as last year we were introduced to alike assassins in Hanna's Saoirse Ronan, Colombiana's Zoe Saldana, and Sucker Punch's Emily Browning.

And now, we've Gina Carano of Haywire, an actual former mixed martial arts fighter (& American Gladiator) who sheds the titles for her red carpet premiere. And to be honest, it kind've shows. Her too-sleak comebacks and one-liners lingered on the tiresome side far too soon into this 93-minute Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Traffic) effort. But that was forgivable, considering.

Carano is Mallory Kane here, a black ops super soldier who is after retribution for being betrayed by the very man (Ewan McGregor) who hires her for a comparably simmered mission, posing as the wife of a British agent (the always awesome Michael Fassbender). It gets mildly confusing at times, quickly confirming itself as one of those movies in which you gotta pay attention to! No sidetracking to the bathroom or to get more butter for your overpriced popcorn, or even to check a text message from your BFF. You just might get lost in this fuzzy story.

Intense--and sometimes too clearly-choreographed--scrap scenes help escort you along the way without dosing off, and the David Holmes music--which could almost be right at home in a '60s B&W detective film--refused to mesh appropriately with most of the scenery. No biggie though. Familiar faces, in Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, and Bill Paxton, also lent reason to stay put. Kinda.

Other than that, this well-received, $23 million production was just okay. Not exactly one I'll remember for years to come. Months, maybe.

2.5 stars outta 5

For Edmonton & area showtimes of Haywire, click here.

Below is the official trailer for Steven Soderbergh's 'Haywire'

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Edmonton's Biggest Challenge

2012-01-23T20:45:00.001-07:00

An unconventional branding blueprint for Edmonton

BY RANDY BROSOSKY

AS I write this, it's our last night in Cozumel. Soft sands, gorgeous skies. The friendliest fish this side of Caribbean--a diver's paradise. As I site here, the cool evening breeze is taking just enough edge off of the heat of the day to make it blissfully comfortable. Tomorrow we travel home. In the space of twelve hours, the temperature we experience will drop by over sixty degrees celsius. Eeep. But that's okay. Why?

I'm going home. To Edmonton. YEG as many of you know it. Where the heart is. And I love it.

My love affair with Edmonton started as any other would. As a kid coming from a small town I was infatuated by the possibilities of the 'big city.' It grew on me. Close enough to my parents to have ready support. Far enough to enjoy independence. And in the last couple years, I have really started to make fascinating, valuable connections with amazing people. Driven people. People of vision. Of passion. People who resolutely call Edmonton home and cherish it for the rich community that makes up its heart.

So what do people think when they hear Edmonton? This:

Last September 25-year-old graphic designer Mike Kendrick created &
shared this poster that sparked up lots of local conversation. "Edmonton
is very much a winter city," he said. "We should be embracing that with
pride, rather than being angry or insecure about it."

This image was passed around 'the internets' a month or so ago. Many people shared it, commenting on how funny but true it was. Chuckling. LOL-ing. 'Liking' it and Tweeting it. People found it quite entertaining.

I didn't laugh when I saw it. I felt quite different indeed. A lump in my stomach. A sense of defeat. A hopeless psychic shrug. It doesn't matter how many fascinating people I meet. How many great plans and initiatives are started. How much drive and ambition we have.

This is how we are known. Worse, this was mostly shared by Edmontonians. This is how we see ourselves.

I've written about Edmonton's branding problem before. I am far from the only one. Todd Babiak has written and spoken about it as well. All these vibrant people. All these fantastic ideas. StartUp Edmonton, ArtsScene, #YEGalleyburger, Festival City, some of the best damn recycling programs in the world, WhatTheTruck?!, a river valley that is the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America, an IT and media community that is collaborative instead of competitive, an incredibly talented film community, more theatre per capita than anywhere else in North America. And the poster above is how we see ourselves. That's what resonates with people. That's what gets shared on Facebook. That's what we identify with.

I stared at my computer in stunned silence for a while. I considered moving. I have the belief that Edmonton can become a vibrant place that is world renowned--for tangible reasons, not for the crap that usually comes raining down on us from the mouths of politicians pushing agenda. That belief went out like a candle in a rainstorm. Work that I had already been postponing sat on my desk with no hope of catching my interest ever again.

This was it. This was our 'brand.' This was who we are. This was everything we didn't want to be.

Hmmmmm.

I stared. I listened to the radiators creak. The sun went behind a cloud and my office seemed colder.

Everything we didn't want to be.

Everything we didn't want.

Huh.

Well would you look at that.

Here's a checklist of all the problems with our image. Our identity. Neatly laid out. And there were two ways to look at it: something to be depressed about, or something to inform change.

Here's a side-by-side shot of Randy's trip to Cozumel, Mexico
and his return home to Edmonton, within the same week!

We can't come up with an identity on a piece of paper and then follow it. No city can. We have no choice but to find ourselves--new-agey as that might sound. But that doesn't mean we have to do it without guidance. I look at the poster in a new light. This is it. This is the Edmonton that we don't want. Much as businesses look at their vision statement to decide what actions will drive the company toward their goals, we can look at this to make decisions that will drive us away from what we don't want to be. What we cannot afford to believe in. An image of Edmonton that we ourselves mock mercilessly.

I started to smile. Whoever designed this little poster perfectly encapsulated what we want to steer away from.

I thought about it. Why was there so much resistance to the plans for the new museum? Because it will look exactly like the pedestrian outdated buildings that this poster mocks. Sure, there was resistance to the new Art Gallery too, but there is resistance to everything. Ask any politician. The questions becomes, what resistance is worth putting up with? What battles do you fight, what hills do you die on to make the world a better place than it was when you got there. How many people do you hear still complaining about the AGA vs. the number of people who speak positively about it?

Why was there so much furor over the airport development? It was a mix of this same resistance to change, plus a generous heap of hope that what will come out of it steers us away from the idea in this poster.

We're not sure who we want to be when we grow up. We're still young, in the scope of the world. But we certainly know who we don't want to be.

So here's your mission, should you choose to accept it. Save that poster on your computer. Hell, print it out. Just put it somewhere where you can see it every couple of days. Look at it. Learn it. And if you ever make any decision or choice that has even the remotest chance of affecting Edmonton, steer as brightly and boldly away from the idea in that poster as you can. The trap is not choosing. The trap is safe decisions and non-decisions. (Capital Ex anyone?) The sides of the trap are laced with the belief that others will decide and that there is nothing you can do. The bottom of the trap is flooded with complacency and inertia. This is not just about what councillor you vote for or being on your condo board. This is about a philosophy, a belief, that we can be more than "Alberta's own frozen wasteland" and it is a belief you need to embrace deeply, and to act on. In every way you can. The opportunities may be few or frequent, but there is nothing more powerful than an idea. And once that idea catches on, we can make Edmonton the city that it is capable of being.

Tonight I leave Cozumel--home of the friendliest fish this side of the Caribbean, the diver's paradise. Tomorrow I return to Edmonton. What am I coming home to? It is not the world's biggest social bubble. But changing that idea is up to all of us.

We can shed the shackles of the 'cards we're dealt' and start making new rules to the game. We can be the captains of our destiny, without having to be rich enough to own a hockey team. Let's make it our mission that some day, soon, people will look at this poster and say "Really? Edmonton used to be like that?" Let's make this image, this negative idea, a thing of the past.

Who's with me?

READ MORE »

@themovies/ 'The Devil Inside'

2012-01-17T18:19:00.004-07:00

There doesn't seem to be a year that goes by in which Hollywood drops an exorcism movie on us...this year is no exception, except that this year's is far from exceptional

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

MORE than 12 years ago we eagerly welcomed in a new breed of scary movies, when The Blair Witch Project made composed fear seem real. In fact, they all but told us it was. The hand-held camera effect had become the technique to turn to when filmmakers truly wanted to taunt our nearly immune nerves. And it worked.

'The Devil Inside' was released by Insurge
Pictures, who's parent company is Paramount,
the same studio that distributed the
'Paranormal Activity' trilogy.

And so that's why director and co-writer William Brent Bell (Stay Alive) chose the "found footage" route that is already starting to get a lil' old. But Bell's supernatural horror feature, which is not based on true events, neglected to offer up anything fresh to pass on to the next generation of documentary-styled scary movies (precautions if anything!). And I assure you, there'll be plenty more.

If you haven't already seen the previews or read the endless bad press or had your buddy insist you skip it and rent the Paranormal trilogy instead, then I'll give you a brief synopsis: Isabella (Fernanda Andrade) heads to Rome to track down her mother Maria (Suzan Crowley), who has been in a Catholic psychiatric hospital since she murdered three people during an exorcism performed on her 20 years ago. She finds her belligerent mother...bla bla bla...others become possessed...bla bla bla...death and chaos ensues...bla bla bla...you get the idea.

Then it ends abruptly, less than 90 minutes from when it began, with no resolution. No explanation. No implication. There was, however, plenty of opportunity for a sequel. And with a #1 opening weekend at the box office, that's a likely scenario. Ugh.

I will admit, though, that The Devil Inside, God-damn shaky camera and all, had its moments. Rare, yes, but the few that were at least memorable were also unnerving. Others that were meant to be simply weren't. Afterall, there is a reason why the producers of this "micro-budget" ($1 million) indie effort chose not to screen it for critics and audiences prior to its wide release. That's always a red flag.

If you like scary movies, like me, then The Devil Inside isn't a total waste of your 12 bucks, I guess. Not exactly a full-fledged endorsement, but rather a half-assed suggestion.

1.5 outta 5 stars

For showtimes in Edmonton for The Devil Inside, click here.

Below is the official trailer for William Brent Bell's 'The Devil Inside.'

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Localities

2012-01-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Some of the latest happenings in Edmonton (winter festivals, Bridal Fair, Motorcycle Show...)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

THE United States, China, the Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Latvia, and of course, Canada will have appointed teams who'll be competing in this year's ice carving competitions for the annual Ice On Whyte Festival. Mexico?! Anyways, the 11-day event will also include a skating rink, ice slides, an interactive children's play area, the indoor YESS Cafe, and the Northlands Stage featuring live storytelling and music, from Thursday, January 12 to Sunday, January 22 (2-10PM Mon-Fri/ 10AM-10PM Sat-Sun). $5 tickets ($2.50 ages 2-12/ free under 2) are available at the gate, which has relocated this season to the end of Steel Park, at 103 St. & Tommy Banks Way.

Victoria, B.C. sculptor Delayne Corbett has been carving ice
sculptures in Edmonton since 1999. Photo courtesy of
the Edmonton Journal.

Speaking of winter festivals, Alberta Avenue (between 92 and 94 St.) will soon welcome Deep Freeze-A Byzantine Winter Festival, the free family celebration from Saturday, January 7 to Sunday, January 8. The 5th annual showcase is here to "celebrate the Russian/ Ukrainian 'Ode New Year' and embrace the cold northern climate by melding artistic panache with authentic cultural and heritage winter games and fun." This year's theme is "Surf's Up: A Snow to Sand Winter Adventure." Please bring a food donation for the Edmonton Food Bank.

More than 100 exhibitors will be at this year's Edmonton Bridal Fair, hosted by the Shaw Conference Centre on Sunday, January 15 (10AM-5PM). The one-day only event will offer fashion shows, professional advice, free samples, prizes, and more, all for $18 a pop (save $2 if you buy online).

The Edmonton Motorcycle Show will take over the Edmonton Expo Centre (Northlands) from Friday, January 13 to Sunday, January 15. The all-ages 3-day event will include exhibitors, stunt rides, autograph sessions (Team Empire), workshops, prizes, and live performances by Clayton Bellamy of The Road Hammers. Biker TV will be onsite at the show, Team Empire will perform stunts, and you can enter to win a 2012 Triumph America Motorcycle. Admission for the show are $13 for adults, $9.50 for juniors (6-15), and free for children under 6, although family passes (2 adults, 2 juniors) are also available for $35.

On Saturday, January 14 (7:30PM) the Alberta Avenue Community Hall will host Cnwa Monster Pro Wrestling. Doors open at 6:30, and ringside seats are available for $14.95 at Ticketmaster. The show will return to the Hall on the first Saturday of February-May.

If you're just in the mood for some music, then there's plenty of upcoming concerts in January: Sean Sonego (see video below) @ the Haven Social Club (the 6th @ 8PM), The Jim Cuddy Band with Doug Paisley @ the Jubilee Auditorium (the 13th @ 8PM), Dead in Memphis @ the Brixx Bar & Grill (the 20th @ 7PM), Run Stop Run @ the Yardbird Suite (the 21st @ 9PM), Catgut @ Wunderbar (the 22nd @ 8:30PM), City and Colour @ the Jubilee (the 25th & 26th @ 8PM), Theory of a Deadman @ the Jubilee (the 27th @ 7:30PM), Second EdJe @ the Yardbird (the 27th @ 9PM), Neal McCoy @ Century Casino (the 28th @ 8PM), and the Ori Dakari Quartet @ the Yardbird (the 28th @ 9PM). Tickets for most of these shows are available @ Ticketmaster.

New movies this Friday include The Devil Inside (wide release), Players @ Movies 12, The Bridge on the River Kwai @ North Cineplex, and Hansel & Gretel @ South Edmonton Common. For all other movies and showtimes in and around Edmonton click here.

Below is an original composition by 18-year-old Edmonton singer-songwriter Sean Sonego, who will be performing January 6th at the Haven Social Club (8PM).

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@themovies/ 'We Bought a Zoo'

2012-01-02T22:42:00.003-07:00

Matt Damon tries on a new hat as a single dad-slash-zookeeper in this family-friendly (but not overly friendly) Cameron Crowe drama, and although it disguises itself as though it offers something new, it really doesn't

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

I'M sure there'll be all sorts of film critic puns for this befittingly-titled Matt Damon family drama, so I'll sidestep that (for now) and get right into it. You're probably not going to like this movie if: a) you despise movies with non-talking animals, b) you want to be caught off guard by a dramatic plot twist, or c) you like Matt Damon movies. But, if you don't really care about any of that stuff, then you just might like a trip to Damon's Zoo.

Cameron Crowe's 'We Bought a Zoo' is actually based on a real zoo,
the Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England. The zoo used in the
film is also real, the Rosemoor Wildlife Park in California.

Damon's not solving ludicrous math equations, dodging innocent bystanders in an erratic car chase, or being stuck to Greg Kinnear, but he's comfortable in his role as a vulnerable father of a 14-year-old son (Colin Ford) and a 7-year-old daughter (Maggie Elizabeth Jones) who lost their mother six months ago. Now Benjamin Mee (that's Damon btw), still grieving over the loss, quits his job, packs up his kids, and moves into a...if you haven't guessed by now....

A zoo, just in case you were still unclear.

While dealing with the loss of the love of his life, a defiant son who doodles corrupt images of detailed decapitations, a cynical brother (Thomas Haden Church), and a strained bank account, Benjamin struggles to rehabilitate this California enclosure for lions, tigers, and bears. And 44 other species. Oh, and he's falling for the too-pretty-to-be-a-zookeeper zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson). Let's just say (SPOILER ALERT) that it all comes together in the end. No real surprises here.

Actually, the backbone of this sometimes gummy plot is quite similar to that of his Syriana and Ocean's trilogy cohort George Clooney's The Descendants (which I thought was better...just sayin'). Minus the zoo, of course. And with a few more four-legged co-stars...and that's not another reference to the movie Stuck On You!

But it made me laugh at times, and maybe...perhaps...could of...made me tear up a bit? Okay, okay! But just a little bit, I swear! Plus, some of that jonsi-heavy soundtrack was pretty sweet.

Sure, it ran a bit too long (2 hours), it could've done without a mis-cast John Michael Higgins as the cartoonish zoo inspector, and there were a few eye roll moments, but it held up until its stretched-out conclusion. Good for the kiddies, too, but make sure they shut up during the movie. Just kidding...kinda.

3 outta 5 stars

Click here for Edmonton showtimes.

Below is the official trailer for Cameron Crowe's 'We Bought a Zoo'
(20th Century Fox)

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A Few Minutes With...Stephen Mandel

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Did the Mayor just serenade me? Not exactly, but he did tell me that he wants to travel more, that he doubts his kids will follow his political footsteps, and that he probably doesn't even know what a PVR is...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

That's me chillin' with the Mayor, Stephen Mandel, at City Hall.
Mandel was born in July 1945 in Windsor, Ontario,
and moved to Edmonton in 1972.

IT seemed as though he didn't really want to be there--as though me and my casual questions were just another laborious errand in a day earmarked with 'em--when he sat down next to me in his very own boardroom. I can't say that I blamed him though, considering just how many folks like me he answers questions for...and I'm sure a lot of the very same ones. He is the Mayor, afterall.

Erica, his (I assume) personal assistant, sat across from us with a notepad in her lap, and remained practically mute for the 30-minute appointment. I set my tiny digital recorder on the table in between my seat and the Mayor's, and then read off the first question I scribbled down in my own notepad.

His voice was quiet a lot of the time, and there were moments when Stephen Mandel seemed to struggle to remember the names of people and shows that he wanted to give as his answers to some of my more irregular questions. He's not good with names, he professed. But all the while Mandel warranted my obliging patience and my candid respect, never once suggesting that he was feeding me bullshit. I knew everything that came from his mouth was true, and real.

Never more so than when he told me, "My Mom and Dad," almost before I even finished asking him who he'd like to spend one full day with, dead or alive, past or present. That's when the interview stopped feeling so scheduled and obligated. Stephen, a father of two, told me he missed his parents, both of whom have passed on, and when I mentioned to him that I had recently lost my father, too, that's when he seemed to alter any precipitated perceptions he may have had of me. Or it could just be me.

"Edmonton has more choices than people can shake a stick at."

He asked me when my father died. "September," I told him. "Oh, that's really recent," Stephen said. "I'm sorry to hear that." Erica spoke up then, whispering an appropriate, yet genuine, "Sorry." The Mayor and I had found a connection, albeit tragic, and that allowed some common ground, and I seemed to relax even more than I already was. He did, too.

We discovered further mutual views on things like the downtown arena district proposal, on Edmonton's vast selection of events & affairs, in improving issues in the Aboriginal community and revering its heritage (btw, I'm Metis), and even the literary work of one George Orwell. "When that pig stood up for the first time, I got goosebumps," I confessed to him, conversing about the classic Animal Farm.

Mandel is appointed the mayor of Edmonton for a
third consecutive term, in 2010.

By that time the Mayor had rested his feet--wrapped in shiny black dress shoes probably more expensive than my last bonus...actually, probably not!--on the adjacent coffee table, like I'm sure he does when he's at home about to watch his favourite TV show. Scratch that, as I soon discovered, Mr. Mandel doesn't even watch TV. That's just crazy!

But he loves cinema! Mostly "older ones," he insisted, as I soon realized I uncovered a guilty pleasure of his. Minus the guilty. Mandel's demeanour shifted slightly, like it does for me when somebody wants to discuss The Office, zombie movies, or Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (that's a shout-out!). "Oh gosh, that's a tough one, because I love movies," he admitted when I asked him what his favourite movie of all-time is.

For the next minute and a half Mandel listed off some favoured Hollywood standards and actors he'd admired throughout the years--namely Bogart and Gable--and even couldn't help himself reciting a musical note from Doris Day's 1953 classic Calamity Jane: "Whip crack-away! Whip crack-away! Whip crack-away!," he cooed. "The windy city is a mighty city." I had to laugh.

It was a definite relief and a certain pleasure to see Mandel, our city's mayor since '04, be himself, to indulge in conversation I hope he enjoyed. Rather than ho-hum chatter on fiscal budgets and Edmonton's over-the-top murder rates. It was unnecessary. I didn't need to, or want to for that matter, hear about those all-too-familiar topics, of current affairs and council congregations & concerns. To be honest, I'd rather learn about the best concert Mr. Mandel ever attended. FYI, he couldn't remember the act's name. "Richie something."

And I think--I hope--that the Mayor enjoyed that as well. From then I briefed him on 'I Heart Edmonton,' took advantage of a couple photo ops, and then we said our thank-you's and goodbyes, before me, my notepad and my trusty Canon strolled back to my vehicle, somewhat smug in my unbeknown ability to have our mayor warm up to lil' ole me. But I still can't get over the fact that he doesn't watch TV! Craziness.

The Questions, Part I:

Mandel was first elected to Edmonton City Council
in 2001, as Councillor for Ward 1.

I understand you moved to Edmonton in 1972, from Ontario. What brought you here and what made you stay? "Well my father had been in business here for a number of years, and so I came out to work with him."

And that's what made you stay as well, I guess? "I also liked it here, too. So I stayed because I liked it, not because I had to."

What made you decide to run for mayor of Edmonton? "Running for mayor in 2004 I felt that the city had been treading water for too many years, and that we weren't moving ahead and doing things, and taking advantage of the 'Alberta opportunity'. And also, during that election, I felt that a more positive campaign was necessary rather than a negative campaign."

What did you do to celebrate when you were elected mayor? "It was a fun night. Just being there with my friends and family...my mom was there, which was great. You know, the first time you do things it's very special, and we were the big underdog; nobody thought we were ever gonna win, and so we ended up winning. It was a very, very special time. We had our campaign team and all our supporters at the celebration location, and that's what we did...kind've hung around, talked. I mean, I don't drink much...I don't know if I even had a drink...talking to my friends, in hoping what we would accomplish. Just having my family there was nice."

If you weren't in politics, what do you think you would be doing? "Now I'd be just travelling. We do a lot of travelling, I'd probably still do some business, but not too much. I think travelling, seeing the world, volunteering for some organizations ([my wife's] a much better volunteer than I am)...that's probably what I would do."

What would you tell your children if one of them wanted to get into politics? "My children would never want to get into politics. They see it from the dark side of things, rather than the positive side sometimes. You know, they see criticisms and it's their dad, and they don't like that. Our house was never a political home to begin with; we didn't decide to do these things until my kids were quite a bit older, so they don't have that motivation for politics in their system. Not that I had that much. I think from a distance both kids like to keep it there."

"My children would never want to get into politics. They see it from the dark side of things."

That's probably a good thing? "Well I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing; I think it's been great being the mayor and a councillor, and I've enjoyed it thoroughly. You know, that's up to them in time. My guess is they won't."

In terms of your work as Edmonton's mayor, what are you most proud of, and why? "There's different kinds of things you're proud of...I'm proud this council was the first one to actually build more LRT in 30 years. I'm very proud that we're building not only one line, but we continue to build two lines, and funding the design of a third. I think that's vitally important for the psyche of the city. I think I'm very proud of the infrastructure that's been built...rec centres, libraries...for 30-odd years nothings was built.

I guess if I have to say a couple things I'm most proud of would be some of the social programs we try to put in place: the 10-year plan to end homelessness is going so well; the Africa Centre; the new Abbotsfield Recreation Centre. I think the social issues give me way more satisfaction in helping people accomplish what they would like to accomplish. That's our job, to be facilitators, to act as creators of opportunity for people. I think that's probably my most satisfying part of the job."

Mandel is a fan of the Edmonton Oilers, and was vocal in his
approval of the controversial downtown arena district.

What is one thing about Edmonton that you think stands out from other Canadian cities? "The people. I think Edmonton is an incredibly friendly city, and I attribute that because we're a northern city and so we have to be more self-contained. I'll compare it to our southern neighbour, which is a great city, but in Calgary people can hop in their car and in 45 minutes be at the mountains. They can drive the 2-1/2 hours from southern B.C., so the structure of their community is different. Our city has really needed to be more self-contained, because we're a more northern city and so we have a far more advanced cultural community, far more advanced arts community, a very strong community-based organization with community leagues.

I think the volunteerism is a result of that, and the friendliness of people. People come here and [are told] 'oh, why are you gonna go there?'...when they come here and they meet the people they don't want to leave. Now, people leave...I mean, there's no question about that...but they always have a very strong fondness with the city of Edmonton, because it is a very friendly, warm place. It's an amazing city when it comes to those things."

What do you think are the biggest obstacles our city is facing in moving forward? "I think one of the real challenges is learning how to deal with a changing population, which are different than the challenges those people faced 100 years ago, 'cause society's a lot more complicated today than it was 100 years ago. I think that's one challenge that we have to face and find solutions to. Another one is to celebrate the great history of our First Nations people. I think that's something we've not done well enough, and I don't think given them the kind of credit and support necessary to allow them to have more pride in who they are, what they're about. I think they're an incredible community.

"We don't celebrate the successes. We tend to want to celebrate the failures, which is ridiculous."

I go to events and I hear the drums, the spirit of the people...it's remarkable. But we don't celebrate it enough; we don't celebrate the successes. We tend to want to celebrate the failures, which is ridiculous. So we hope to do a bunch of things to help celebrate that and work with the community. We've got the Accord, we've got Wicihitowin, we got a new business group we funded which we hope will help move some things down the road. It's a great community; a bit disorganized...that's part of the problem. Some communities are better organized, but the reason is they got different reservations, different tribes, so different groups of people."

Why do you feel it is important that the arts are an integral part of our city's identity? "Well I think it's the same reason, that we're a northern city. Arts and culture form a foundation of defining who you are and what you're about, and it creates an opportunity for people to express themselves. And those who don't express them very well, like myself, enjoy that expression; so to go a concert, to go to a play, to go to an art gallery, to go to a pow-wow, to go to these things are a part of our arts and culture, and so I think they make the mosaic up of your city. And that mosaic attracts other people, because they see that mosaic working. I think arts and culture are also great at attracting and retaining people. If you have a city that doesn't have any arts and culture and more cultural facilities, people tend to leave. And you think of the challenges some of these smaller northern communities is what's there for a younger person?

Edmonton has more choices than people can shake a stick at. But the younger generation knows. People know what's here and what isn't here, those who wanna search it out; and we're doing more and more and more. I think that's a big part, arts and culture...it's foundational to growing a city, attracting people, and retaining people."

If you could spend a full day with anybody in the world, dead or alive, past or present, who would it be, and why? "My Mom and Dad. My Mom and Dad have passed away, so if I could have another day with them that would be far more important than anything else."

Do you know if you will seek a 4th term as Edmonton's mayor? "Not sure, too early. Even if I didn't want to do it now, I might wanna do it then, and vice versa. It's too early to tell."

And if not, what do you think you would do with yourself? "Probably travel."

The Questions, Part II:

Mandel's favourite movie growing up
was Doris Day's 'Calamity Jane' (1953).

Favourite movie of all-time? "Oh gosh, that's a tough one, because I love movies. For the first number of years of my life I would say 'Calamity Jane,' with Doris Day. I love Doris Day. Was in love with Doris Day. As I've gotten older that movie isn't my favourite anymore, but I've seen the movie probably like 20 times. 'Whip crack-away! Whip crack-away! Whip crack-away! The windy city is a mighty city!' I guess another one would be 'Schindler's List.' I really thought that was a phenomenal movie, a remarkable movie. I love old movies. I mean, I love 'Casablanca', any of the movies by Bogart; I love Clark Gable. I love old movies, that's all I watch."

Last album you bought? "I don't buy a lot of music, but my favourite last album I think I bought was the music to 'Les Miserable.' Seen that play eight times, listened to the tape 10 million times. I love that play."

Do you remember the first album you ever bought? "You know--growing up in Windsor--it might have been some of the Motown people."

Best concert you ever attended? "Oh, wow, that's a tough one. We had one here quite a while ago, it was a great concert at the Jube, with Richie Havens. No, it wasn't Richie Havens...oh, shit...it was Josh...he was the pre-show...can't think of his bloody name. It was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. It was at the Jubilee Auditorium, which fits like 2,500 people; there was like 70 people there...there was no one there! I thought it was Richie...Richie, Richie...or was it Josh White, Jr.? Anyways, doesn't matter. There was only a few of us there and it was just such a great concert. I'll never forget that. I don't remember the damn name...I have it on the tip of my tongue...bald guy, plays a guitar...."

Favourite book? "There's all kinds of books, I don't think I have a favourite book. I mean, different books interest you at different times. I think one of the most relevant books would be 'Animal Farm.' But I just read a really fascinating book about the Israeli economy...I don't remember the name of the book, or the author...but it was a really interesting book. But 'Animal Farm' I always thought was a fascinating book; you know, some animals are always more equal than other animals. I would never say that Shakespeare is one of my favourites, I hate Shakespeare."

Best Christmas gift you ever received? "I used to give myself a lot of gifts. I used to put, 'To Dad, From Anonymous'...a pair of shoes. Just having all my family together would be the best, because there's really nothing I could be given that I can't go buy; so I would think just having my family at Christmas is really the most enjoyable part about it."

Best show on TV right now? "I don't watch TV."

You don't watch TV?! "The only thing I watch on TV is older movies. I go to bed at night, channel 227, Turner Classic Movies."

Alcoholic drink of choice? "If I have a drink it'd be a Crown Royal and water. Crown Royal, a little ice, and water."

Mac or PC? "Well, I have a Mac, but as far as either one, I could care less. I'm not a techy! But I have a Mac iPad."

Motto you live by? "'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you', maybe...I don't know."

Thank you, Mr. Mandel.
READ MORE »

Happy New Year, Edmonton!

2011-12-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

10, 9, 8, 7, 6....

IT'S only hours before we say goodbye (& good riddance) to 2011, and gladly welcome in 2012. I know many of you have already begun the festivities & celebrations, and others are in fact days in. Others, not so much. Whatever the case, 'I Heart Edmonton' wants to say thank you for all your support in '11, Edmonton. I know we were only half-assin' it this year, but we're gonna try and full-ass it this time 'round. That's right, I just say FULL-ASS!! Also, we hope 2012 is good to all of you, better or even better than 2011 was.

Please continue to check in when you can, don't drink & drive, play safe, use protection, don't eat yellow snow, no means no, and all that other hoopla. Take care, Edmonton, and see you in the new year. Happy 2012!!!!

Emil Tiedemann,
"I Heart Edmonton"
December 31, 2011

Edmonton Looks Back on 2011

2011-12-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

The time when we come up with exciting (& exhausted) resolutions only to have them peter out is near, so 'I Heart' wanted to reflect on a year that was, apparently, pretty good for some local folks...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

It's almost 2012, people! Time flies way too fast, let me tell you. I remember when Alanis Morissette and Hootie & the Blowfish were the shit, and when Jennifer Lopez decided that she could sing, too. I remember the craze over the Y2K bug, Pokeman, and of course 9/11. I remember when Barack Obama became President of the United States and when Michael Jackson died. Ok, that wasn't so long ago, but wow...why does it all seem to go by so damn quickly?!

My amazing father, Robert Emil Tiedemann (1944-2011).
I love & miss you, and am so proud to be your son!

And now, here we are...about to say goodbye to yet another year. One that was no good to me, to say the least...so good riddance! But that doesn't mean that 2011 wasn't good to others, or at least parts of it. So I wanted to ask some local well-knowns and/or well-to-dos what their favourite memories and/or experiences of 2011 were. Feel free to leave a comment below on what your own favourite memory/ experience was for the year; we'd be happy to hear from you.

Hope you enjoy the good news, and I hope that 2012 will be a good year for you, Edmonton. Thank you to all of you who participated in our lil' year-end celebration. Goodbye, 2011. RIP, Dad (I love you!).

The Question: "What was your favourite memory/ experience of 2011?"...

Darlene Adams/ artist, Artwerks By Darlene
"#1: Meeting my new little granddaughter Lilly for the first time in California and of course being with my family. #2: Getting a phone call from The Agora Gallery in New York City to show my artwork for a year, and going to New York for the opening reception. This could have only been a pipe dream for me, if it wasn't for all my wonderful friends and family who organized two fundraising events to get me there...I will always remember the love and support of sooo many people. #3: All the media coverage and wonderful media friends I have met. Thanks to CityTV, Global Edmonton, Shaw TV, The Devon Dispatch, and Alternative Trends Magazine...you are all wonderful! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone in the city of Edmonton!"

Stacey Brotzel/ news anchor, CityTV Edmonton
"I have lots of great memories related to my little girl...but those are too many to count. But one life-changing experience was a trip to the Philippines in February. I went along with a group of Castledowns volunteers who paid their way to get there. They were bringing with them old playground equipment to put up in a small village in the Philippines. They put countless hours in taking the equipment down, refurbishing it, organizing fundraisers, packing it in a container and soliciting donations of clothing and sports equipment. We all went on our own dime to this little village Gerona. No one had ever been to the Philippines. One volunteer, in his 40's, had never been out of North America and actually took his first flight just 2 years before. It made us realize how fortunate we all are. We all saw the world in a new light. Seeing real poverty first hand and not just seeing it on TV, it opened our eyes to how much work needs to be done. To be able to hear a child giggle...knowing you helped evoke that laughter...makes your day. Makes your year. I am so proud of that group...a group of everyday Edmontonians who made a difference...which is what everyone strives for in their lifetime. In fact, they got so much out of it that they are planning another playground trip. This time to Vietnam."

CityTV news reporter Stacey Brotzel on a trip to the Philippines, where she and a group of fellow
Edmontonians delivered donated and refurbished playground equipment.

Josh Classen/ meteorologist, CTV News
"Watching my sons learn to ride their bikes; one without training wheels, one WITH training wheels, and one on a tricycle. It was a great summer day."

Colin Close/ singer-songwriter, musician
"Being able to enjoy fall 'til December! That and all the great shows! The great people! The venues that let me tell my stories to their patrons! Oh!!! And finally finishing up my new record Confidence Trickster and releasing it on business cards instead of CDs!!!!" (Listen to the record's "One Night Girlfriend" below).

Local singer-musician Colin Close released his last record, 'Confidence Trickster,' on a business
card in 2011, and you can listen to some of it here.

Daniel Costa/ professional chef, Corso 32
"I would actually say NYE 2011 at Corso. We just opened the restaurant, the pressure and stress was so high. We listened to Lou Reed-Perfect Day probably 15 times that night to calm us down. Then we finished with the entire restaurant full of my closest friends. It was amazing. I hope it is the same for 2012."

Joe Gurba/ rapper (a.k.a. 'The Joe'), label head, Old Ugly Records
"The Old Ugly Folk Fire. A ton of us went down to our spot beside the river and had an unplugged folk show. It was glorious."

Christian Hansen/ singer, musician, Christian Hansen & the Autistics
"I think a favourite memory from 2011 was playing our last show in Edmonton at the Avenue Theatre in September. It was all ages. The kids were so excited, and going so crazy. I know for a fact that the show was some of those kids' first rock concert EVER, and that is a big-time honour. In this business it's easy to get cynical, but playing in front of 300 teenagers pretty much blows that out of the water, and lets you know that anything is possible. I always knew our band was blessed to have the local support, but until we got to Toronto, I don't think I fully understood how valuable that is. It's everything."

Christian Hansen & the Autistics played their last show in hometown Edmonton (at the
Avenue Theatre) on September 23rd before heading off to Toronto.

Mitch Holtby/ rapper, musician
"Just recently at the Old Ugly & Friends Christmas Party Release show. As often is the case when Mikey, Joe and I perform together, things decayed into a sloppy mess of fun, terror and strained relationships."

Vassy Kapelos/ political reporter, Global Edmonton
"I'm relatively new to Edmonton, but my favourite memory of the last year was when me Dad came to visit. We hadn't ever spent so much time together just the two of us...and it was great to show him the city that has become home. We're from Toronto--so we're not known for being open-minded--but my dad got a great impression of the city and my life here...everything from an Eskimos game to a visit to my favourite Edmonton spot: the Legislature. It was neat to see the city through someone else's eyes and great to spend time with my Dad."

Patrick LaForge/ President & CEO, Edmonton Oilers
"When City Council voted 10-3 in favour of a new downtown arena."

City Council votes 10-3 in favour of the controversial new downtown arena district Oct. 25
(Photo by Ed Kaiser, Edmonton Journal).

Stephen Mandel/ Mayor of Edmonton (2004-)
"I'm not much of a sentimentalist when it comes to those things. I don't really pay much attention to them. I went to Israel; actually, we went twice, it was kinda fun. Met the Prime Minister, [Benjamin] Netanyahu...we enjoyed that. That's a high point."

Darryl Matthews/ musician, singer-songwriter
"My favourite memory was the two days of Open Sky Music Festival by far! An amazing weekend with great music and awesome people."

Guitar extraordinaire Darryl Matthews performed at the 2nd annual Open Sky Music Festival
this past August, a two-day event celebrating surf rock, reggae and roots music in Edmonton.

Howie Miller/ comedian, actor, Caution: May Contain Nuts
"My birthday in July rocked...most of my friends and all my sons were there. I love it when my family is together...nothing tops that."

Layne Mitchell/ radio host, SONIC 102.9
"Ironically my favourite experience of 2011 was one most people may find to be of little consequence. However, it was a moment that renewed my faith in humanity and puts a smile on my face to this day. My wife and I were hopelessly trying to cram a large painting we'd bought into the back of her little car when a complete stranger approached us and offered to drive it to our home for free. SUPER nice! Three months later my wife and I were in my truck when we encountered a stranger in that very parking lot in the same predicament. The poor woman was frustrated to tears; the picture was too big to put in her car, but the parking lot was wet and so she couldn't even set it down. We couldn't resist offering our help, which she graciously accepted. There's no doubt in my mind she reciprocated that kindness we passed along to another fellow Edmontonian."

Jeff Morris/ musician, singer-songwriter
"Winning the 2011 Edmonton Music Award for Best Solo Artist. I believe it was March 28th at the Haven Social Club. It felt great to get a little bit of recognition within the Edmonton music community."

Singer-songwriter Jeff Morris wins Best Solo Artist at the
first annual Edmonton Music Awards in 2011
(Photo by Christy Dean).

Ryan Parker/ actor, comedian, musician, singer, The Be-Arthurs
"In mid-October I took a trip out east to Toronto. I was sharing a nomination for Best Ensemble, with the rest of my cast of 'Caution: May Contain Nuts, for the Canadian Comedy Awards. The entire week was a crazy whirlwind of fun with some of the closest friends I've ever had. The morning after the awards, we all shared a cab back to the Pearson Airport; my flight wasn't until very late that evening, and so I decided to make a trip I'd been meaning to take for a very, very long time. I rented a car (forking over the extra change for GPS) and drove southwest for two hours until I hit a small town called Port Colborne. Then with the help of Google, my iPhone, and a little fate, I found the place my father had been resting at for the last twenty seven years. This was my 30th birthday and my father passed away when he was 30. I didn't even realize until I walked up to his gravestone and did the math. It was a peaceful, serendipitous place. I stood there and a monarch butterfly flew by my face. My dad loved nature. He knew everything about birds. I had time so I grabbed my camera and went for a walk, to acquaint myself with my father's home. Just north of the graveyard was a bird sanctuary. My heart dropped. I walked down the road and to a small passage through some bush, which led to Reed's Bay, and found myself at the edge of the Great Lake Erie. It was a perfect day that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Ryan Parker's 'A Passage to Reed's Bay.' Ryan took this stunning photo
while visiting his father's gravesite in Ontario earlier this year. It is also a part
of a photo challenge he is embarking on, in which he posts here a photo every
day for an entire year! Good luck, Ryan!

Alison Redford/ Premier of Alberta (2011-)
"Without a doubt, my favourite memory from 2011 is the Progressive Conservative Leadership campaign. It was exhausting--and nothing short of wonderful. I had the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the province and meet Albertans from every walk of life. Listening to them talk about their lives, hopes and dreams was truly inspirational. It gave me a real sense of Alberta's potential, and filled me with pride in our home and future. Despite the long hours, the campaign was an exhilarating experience that I will remember for the rest of my life."

On October 1, 2011 Alison Redord was elected the first female Premier of Alberta, as leader of the
Progressive Conservative Party (Photo by Dan Riedlhuber).

Steven Sandor/ editor, Avenue magazine
"I guess my favourite experience, in terms of covering a story, was how Avenue covered the Edmonton and Calgary investors who backstopped Kevin Smith's film, Red State. Going down to Sundance with Albertans who were behind the project was thrilling, and something that the papers were slow to pick up on."

Justina Smith/ painter, blogger, Just Little Art
"There were several. I guess the one that sticks out most at the moment is putting a call out on Twitter for fan #315 to like my Facebook fan page for my work...and then coincidentally meeting him the next day in person at the cafe when I was working...and then receiving a very lovely email from him a few weeks later when he and his wife were back home in B.C. The email was saying how he found me and my paintings and my blogging inspiring. I dig how my work is inspiring more people to either start creating their own things...or to get BACK to creating after a long hiatus due to life!"

Colin Close's "One Night Girlfriend" (2011):

READ MORE »

Merry Christmas, Edmonton!

2011-12-25T08:15:00.001-07:00

HI there, Edmonton! It's December 25th, so 'I Heart Edmonton' wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. Empty that slightly-spoiled milk you left for Santa, tear open those gifts that you spent hours wrapping, and enjoy your turkey-slash-ham-slash-IHOP dinner. But most of all, I hope the best for you and your family & friends this Christmas. Take care and happy holidays!

Christmas in Edmonton, 2011

2011-12-12T11:28:00.002-07:00

In between dodging fellow shoppers at the mall and decorating your fake Christmas trees, indulge in some of these suggestions on how to relax during the holiday season in festive fashion...

Candy Cane Lane runs until January 2, 2012

Last Friday (Dec. 9) Candy Cane Lane officially went into effect, which means the 8-block strip of holiday hues will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors over the next few weeks. Walk, drive, or book a horse-guided sleigh ride ($12-14/ kids free) down 148th Street, between 92nd and 100th Avenues, and bring a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank if possible. The Lane runs until midnight on January 2, 2012.

The 42nd annual 'Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree' is just days away from taking center stage at the Jubilee (11455-87 Ave.) for a 5-date presentation (Dec. 16-18), featuring special guest Ruben Studdard (American Idol). The beloved tradition will feature more than 150 singers and a live orchestra performing within a 35-foot 'Christmas tree', adorned with thousands of gleaming lights and decorations. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and range from $15-55, with all proceeds going to Santas Anonymous.

Although Fort Edmonton Park's 'Festival Christmas Afternoon Tea' and 'Christmas in the Park Buffet Dinner' events are now sold out, the recently-renovated locale still has room for anyone interested in checking out the all-ages 'Christmas Reflections' showcase ($16/ free for children under 2), until December 23. Fort Edmonton's new Capitol Theatre will also be hosting The Velveteen Rabbit up until Christmas Eve ($10-25). The show stars Fringe favourite Chris Craddock.

'Maisie's Magical Christmas House' is located at
9619-144 Ave.

If, like me, you're low on funds, then there's always 'Maisie's Magical Christmas House,' where something like a quarter of a million glimmering lights will be persuading Edmontonians to stop in and hopefully drop off a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank. Located at 9619-144 Ave., 'Maisie's House' was officially inaugurated in 2008, and will be casting its holiday spirit until beginning of the new year. See video below.

Celebrating the more than 70-year history of Edmonton's Christmas Bureau, the 11th annual 'Christmas Bureau Sing-A-Long' will take over the Winspear Centre's Enmax Hall on Friday, December 16 (12-1PM). The free event will feature Christmas carolling by local choirs, and will accept donations for the Bureau until 2PM that afternoon.

The Winspear will also welcome Edmonton's own Linda Perillo, Frances Jellard, John Tessier, and Nathan Berg (with conductor William Eddins) for 'Handel's Messiah,' an annual holiday performance of song & scripture. Tickets for the two-day event go from $20-75. Berg will also join conductor Stuart Chafetz and the Richard Eaton Singers for Winspear's 'A Lightly Classical Christmas,' on Wednesday, December 21 (7:30PM), with tix at $20-75.

The Marketplace At Callingwood (69 Ave. & 178 St.) will host the all-ages 'Santa's Workshop', where you can participate in free horse-drawn hayrides, carolling, crafts, and face-painting, have your picture taken with Santa, or enter to win prizes from SONIC 102.9. The event runs from Noon until 4PM on Saturday, December 17. The first 25 people to get their photo taken with St. Nick will receive a $20 gift card to the nearby Muggn'z Family Restaurant.

'A Christmas Carol' is at The Citadel until December 23

Until Friday, December 23, the Citadel's Maclab Theatre (9828-101A Ave.) presents the Bob Baker-directed A Christmas Carol, the legendary Charles Dickens tale that has become a Citadel seasonal staple. The 2.5-hour show, which stars Richard McMillan as Scrooge, has been one of Edmonton's favourite Christmas traditions for a decade now, but there are just 10 shows left! Tickets are as low as $20, and are available at 780-425-1820.

The 6th annual 'Christmas Bureau of Edmonton Radiothon' is set to take over Up!99.3 radio on Friday, December 16, where you can hear Christmas favourites and inspirational stories from families that have been helped by the Christmas Bureau. Up! will be broadcasting live from the rotunda of the Edmonton Journal in the downtown (10006-101 St.), raising funds to provide underprivileged Edmontonians with festive food hampers.

For only 10 bucks ($8 for kids) you can take in holiday carols during 'The Holiday Half-Time Show' at the Avenue Theatre (9030-118 Ave.) on Christmas Eve (10:30AM-1:30PM). The Saturday show is part of the Snow Globe Festival of Children's Theatre, a 5-day event (Dec. 20-24) centering around three plays, in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Miss Electricity, and The Fairy Catcher's Companion.

If you're in the mood to give, and I hope you are, then feel free to drop of frozen turkeys for the 'CBC Turkey Drive' (Dec. 12-19), at the CBC studio (10062-102 Ave.) until 6PM, or at the Edmonton Food Bank from Monday to Friday (8:30AM-4:30PM).

Below is a video featuring Edmonton's popular 'Maisie's Magical Christmas House.'

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Edmonton. And drive safe! Cheers.
READ MORE »

E-Spot/ Bistro India

2011-12-10T12:36:00.001-07:00

Up against dozens of like-minded eateries scattered throughout Edmonton, Bistro India manages to distinguish itself by focusing on a region overlooked by all the rest

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

"THERE are 46 other Indian restaurants in Edmonton, and all of them specialize in Punjabi dishes." I'm paraphrasing here, but that's pretty much what the guy told us after we settled our bill at Bistro India, apparently the only Indian eatery in town with authentic South Indian delicacies on the menu.

Bistro India is Edmonton's only restaurant that
specializes in eats from the South Indian region.

The funny thing is we only came for drinks. Okay, so it's not that funny, but it's true. My buddy and I had stumbled past this incognito den after a night of wings 'n' rum on Jasper Ave. We insisted on stopping in at some point, as part of our haphazard mission to wet our whistles at each and every "pub" in town. Talk about aspirations!

Back to the Bistro. If not for the cavalier signage and casual lighting, we'd have never known this place even existed, virtually camouflaged amongst the just-off-Jasper residences. We parked in the cosy lot and walked up the steps of this century-old historic building in the downtown. It was nothing like I would've imagined, had I had a pre-existing mental picture.

A surprisingly trendy backlit bar greeted us at the door, flaunting its selection of liquors and liqueurs. A server took the two of us to a table for four, busied with ready-to-use cutlery, wine & water glasses, and patiently-folded cloth napkins resting on shiny white plates. In fact, there was almost no room to scour the reasonably-priced menu of South Indian dishes, as well as fusion options like baked salmon, the Tikka burger, and their ginger & yogurt-marinated rack of lamb.

"Bistro India was borne from a passion to bring South India and Indian fusion flavours to Edmonton's dining scene," reads the bistro's web page. "Edmonton's vast array of popular North Indian (Mughal style) restaurants reflect the flavours of only a single region in India. Bistro India is on a mission to popularize South Indian food in Edmonton."

Unfortunately, we ate already, so passed on the tempting (& slightly intimidating) cuisine and its "sophisticated and subtle use of spices, herbs and flavourings," and went straight for the booze. I ordered a rum & Coke (big surprise!), and my buddy spontied it up (ask me what that means) and asked for a bottle of Tusker beer, a brew imported from Kenya. No complaints.

If you're too chicken shit to snack on authentic Indian food,
then the Bistro offers fusion options as well, such as spiced jumbo
prawns and baked butterfly lobster tail.

Before we even finished our solo drinks, we were left the only patrons in the upscale dining room, though messy'd tabletops hinted that we had arrived just shortly after a crowd of diners had departed. That at least told us that this year-old eatery wasn't neglected by hungry Edmontonians who could just as easily spend their dollars in any of the dozens of other, less unapparent Indian spots.

It was less than half an hour before close (11AM-10PM seven days a week) when the owner, an architect by day, came to say hi. He briefed us on his unique, magnifique Indian food boutique, answered any questions we had, and then continued to take us on a tour of the second floor, where you could book private functions (780-482-1700) or indulge in live dosa cooking. Don't ask me what that is.

We thanked the gentleman for his time and courtesy, and insisted we'd be back...for the food next time. If you'd like to check out Bistro India for yourself, enter 10203-116 St. in your GPS device, and don't be afraid to sample their eclectic menu. Oh, and they deliver, too!

The Deets:
:Address/ 10203-116 St.
:Phone/ 780-482-1700
:Hours/ 11AM-10PM (Mon-Sun)
:Email/ bistroindia2010@gmail.com
READ MORE »

EDvent/ Edmonton Comedy Festival, 2011

2011-10-26T21:48:00.002-06:00

Etown gets its laugh-on with the first annual Edmonton Comedy Festival, and it's been a long time coming according to the event's sold-out crowds...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

AT times the tool in front of us was somehow more entertaining than the stand-up chatter itself, but mostly when the emcee served as the night's intermission. Not that this Saturday night performance of the 1st annual Edmonton Comedy Festival was not worth our 25 bucks and two hours, but this guy was a discreet diversion of the guilty pleasure kind.

Yes, I know...another festival! But this is one Edmonton's
been waiting for for a long, long time. The first annual
Edmonton Comedy Festival!

Draft beer may have amped his nuisance, but it couldn't be the sole fall guy for his abrasive over-laughing and (actual) knee-slapping, taunting the patience of his own company. People!

But enough about that guy, because my buddy and I were there for something entirely different. Coast to coast comics testing our senses of humour with their scripted and seemingly impromptu punchlines as part of the 5-day ECF (presented by ATB Financial, btw), yet another Etown festival, but one that had us wondering, "What the fuck took so damn long?!"

"We have some of the best comedians in the world right here and it's about time they had a festival stage in their own backyard," said Graham Neil, President of the ECF, and that guy from CTV News. You know, he does the entertainment segments...'member?! "We have a rich comedy history in the city from the late, great Leslie Nielsen, to SCTV, to Die-Nasty, to national headlining comics including Andrew Grose and Sean Lecomber."

"What the fuck took so damn long?!"

And now, to carry on the tradition, the it's-about-time Edmonton Comedy Festival. From last Wednesday (Oct. 19) to this past Sunday (Oct. 23), a half-dozen venues (including Northlands Park, the Westin, and the Citadel) hosted something like 30 acts from across the country, including Mike Bullard, Gerry Dee, Debra DiGiovanni, John Wing, Joe Flaherty, Erica Sigurdson, and Edmonton's own comedy troupes Die-Nasty and Caution: May Contain Nuts.

Flaherty, an original performer and writer of SCTV, hosted the Edmonton Homecoming Gala at the Citadel's Maclab Theatre to kickoff the inaugural ECF on Wednesday evening. It, like all two dozen shows held during the city-wide (as well as St. Albert) festival, was sold-out, excluding the free V.I.P. Kids Show on Saturday morning and the cover-only Sidetrack Reunion Show that concluded the event on Sunday night.

My tipsy buddy Lonnie with Graham Neil,
local news personality and the man responsible
for the inaugural ECF.

So it seemed natural for me--someone who loves to lol and who hearts this here town--to check out this new, hopefully annual, tradition.

And so I did. But it wasn't until day four when my buddy and I headed to the Southside to sit at the same table as that aforementioned douche and wash down my BBQ sauce-soiled potato skins with rum 'n' Coke, while Lars Callieou, Brad Muise, Darcy Michael, and Big Daddy Tazz (in that order) fed us their humoured tales of fatherhood, dating, and daily shenanigans in the life of a gay pothead.

Every seat was occupied during the Paul Sveen-emceed performance at the Four Points by Sheraton's Our Duke of Argyll Pub (7230 Argyll Road), admittedly a joint I didn't even know existed. And that's coming from a guy who likes to get his drink-on, so..... It was an intimate hideaway that easily suited the bloated, yet appeased crowd, all of which I'm sure had no regrets about shelling out the $25 price tag.

In fact, my buddy and I were impressed enough to return to the event the very next night, which also happened to be the final day of the 2011 Edmonton Comedy Festival. We got to On the Rocks (11740-Jasper Ave.) at around 7:30, apparently early enough to slip past the $5 cover charge. We ordered the drink specials and got a bite to eat as we waited for the ECF wrap-up party.

Mr. Sveen took to the mic 15 minutes past schedule, serving as emcee again, and sharing nearly all of last night's routine with this somewhat older crowd. Saskatchewan's Boyd Banks was up first, reminiscing about Edmonton's late, great Sidetrack Cafe, and missing the mark with his quips on abortion and Hitler. I guess it just wasn't his night.

One of the dozens of nationwide comics
who showed up at the ECF was Darcy
Michael, one of 'dem "undercover gays."

Sveen repeated his last-night jokes & jabs before the local Atomic Improv--made up of Donovan Workun and Mark Meer--involved the slightly more inebriated crowd with their improvisational games, asking us to shout out colours, job titles, and names of towns to help them along. They were clearly the highlight of this dim show.

Then it was time for local comic vet Tim Koslo, who struggled to keep some of us interested, including when he "reluctantly" agreed to resurrect some Jamaican-Newfie character clad in denim, from his "Sidetrack days." I hate to sound like a dick, but I guess you get what you pay for.

It wasn't until halfway through that I realized I was sitting right next to Graham Neil that night. I look back now and know that even though three quarters of the acts that night were less than appreciated, it was only part of the big picture here. And that's the fact that Edmonton now, and finally, has its very own comedy festival, which I'm sure will only grow each season, much like the Fringe or Folk Fest have. That's something I can appreciate.

"It's great to celebrate all of that and make some more history ourselves in the process," Neil stated. "And remember laughter is the best medicine unless of course you have a rash that won't go away. Then seriously go to a doctor."

Gross. And, I am.

Below is a clip featuring Edmonton Comedy Festival President Graham Neil and local comedian Andrew Grose telling is about the first annual event...

Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival, 2011

2011-08-09T21:32:00.003-06:00

The groundbreaking E-town Fringe Fest turns 30, and invites all y'all to come celebrate with the world's most outskirted stage junkies...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The 30th annual Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival will take over
Old Strathcona from August 11th to the 21st!

I REMEMBER when I turned 30. It wasn't anything I had exactly been looking forward to, or would even consider celebrating. Kind've a shitty mess, really. But I'm over it now...ish.

So, I know exactly how the 2011 Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival feels, as it approaches the big 3-0. But the mood'll be somewhat--or drastically--less sombre than that of my self-depricating pity party...and this I'm actually looking forward to!

From Thursday, August 11th until Sunday the 21st, the 30th annual Edmonton Fringe will take over Old Strathcona, hosting more than 1,200 local, national, and international performances during the 11-day world-renowned celebration.

When you think about it, it's almost like a metro within a metro, hence this year's "Fringeopolis" theme, which "represents the city within a city that comes alive each August," said Fringe Executive Director Julian Mayne. "A metropolis born of the creativity, artistic talent, innovation, and experimentation our festival was founded on."

Nearly half a million folks are logically expected to turn out for North America's largest and oldest fringe festival, (for the most part) put together this season by some 1,200 volunteers who have or will have donated more than 20,000 hours of their time.

This year will see over 180 productions in 42 venues (not all of which are located in the vicinity of Whyte Ave. btw), which means there's pretty much something for everyone, unless you're one of those guys (or gals) who only listens to Nickelback-esque bands, and who doesn't miss a single UFC event, and who's super cab 4x4 has a set of balls hanging from its back fender. You know who you are!

Only the Edinburgh Fringe (Scotland) is bigger and older than
Edmonton's Fringe, celebrating 64 years this August!

"We welcome you, and encourage you to explore your city," insisted Sam Jenkins, President of Fringe Theatre Adventures. "Please, take a chance; this is the essence of our festival, and your right as a citizen of the Fringe! This year, the festival offers a diversity unlike anything you may be expecting, with productions from home and abroad, with something for just about everyone!"

That's what I said, but whatever....

But if you're just not into this kinda shit, then don't think there's nothing else for you at the Fringe. Sustainival, the "world's first green carnival," will offer up carnival rides running on vegetable oil, in addition to carnie games & eco-conscious prizes, and a local DJ lounge powered by...you guessed it....veggie oil! It runs daily from noon to midnight, and daily passes will go for $30 a pop, or $3-$5 per ride.

A $70 "Sustainival all-Fringe-long Unlimited Ride Pass" (that's hard to say) will also be available, allowing you to ride as much as your eco-friendly heart desires.

Then there's KidsFringe ("Kidopolis"), of course...a free getaway for those folks (ages 0-12) who don't have to pay ridiculous gas rates, worry about bills and mortgages, or derailing your all-too-familiar relationships...uhh, it seems as though I've gotten off topic....

Anyhoo, KidsFringe will take effect August 12th, and will run until the 21st from 9:30AM to 5PM (weekdays) and from 11AM to 6PM (weekends), offering arts & crafts, games, puppets, storytelling, workshops, and interactive performances by the Fringe's own Youth Troupe. All kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. "Kidopolis" is located at 104th Street between 85th and 86th Avenues.

Tickets for the Fringe are now available in person (TransAlta Arts Barns), online, or by phone (780-409-1910), and go for $6-$12 for single tickets (a $2 Capital Replacement Fee will be added to each ticket), though Frequent Fringer Passes and Double Fringer Passes have been sold out. "Sorry." The Central Box Office is located at the TransAlta Arts Barns (10330-84 Ave.).

Programs are $7 and are currently available at the Central Box Office, online, TIX on the Square, onsite Fringe Newsstands, or at Audreys Books, Greenwoods' Bookshoppe, or any Edmonton Safeway store.

Happy Fringing, Edmonton!

A Few Minutes With...Christian Hansen

2011-05-26T01:46:00.007-06:00

Ever wondered who local singer Christian Hansen's man crush was, or perhaps what his guiltiest of guilty pleasures is? Me neither, but you're about to find out...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Christian Hansen, who in 2009 won an award for
Support Worker of the Year from the Autism Society of Edmonton.
Hansen was selected for his work with and awareness for
autism and other diseases

"I'M glad to see they responded to the obvious shortage by opening a donair shop where Megatunes used to be." That was the first Twitter update I read when I clicked the "Follow" button on Christian Hansen & the Autistics' page. In those 20 words I got a pretty good sense of what kind of guy Hansen, smirk and all, is. Well, the 20 questions he answered for 'I♥E' below kinda helped, too.

Hansen, frontman and one third of the local "dazzle of disco mixed with the immediacy of punk rock" musicianship, seems to have his nose to the ground when it comes to the know of local music, and he has a genuine adoration for it, and an appreciation for our support of it. Hence his disfavour over local music institution Megatunes closing its doors to make room for a place that most likely sells Falafel. Or maybe I don't know what the hell I'm talking about?!

"We owe everything to Etown's music scene," Hansen tells us. "It's open, diverse, passionate, and accepting. It's filled with a bunch of people who do whatever the fuck they want, without regard to the music industry, trends, etc., and that always makes a vibrant scene." I couldn't have said it better, or more bluntly, myself.

"It all culminated with some guy in the audience calling us faggots. He was picking my microphone out of his forehead for the next week."

Hansen speaks from experience, soaking in all the love we Edmontonians have shown him and his cohorts--keyboardists Ava Jane Markus and wife Molly Flood--since they released their 3-song EP, Power Leopard, just three years ago. Since then CHATA (that's an acronym, btw) was chosen as Sonic 102.9's Band of the Month (February 2009), earned a Best New Artist nod from XM Radio, were voted one of Edmonton's Favourite Bands by SEE magazine readers, and the Edmonton Journal selected their "Cocaine Trade" as Song of the Year (2008).

Christian Hansen & the Autistics, which includes
keyboardist Molly Flood. Hansen and Flood met at the University
of Alberta, and were married September 5, 2009

The Autistics, who all (including former bassist Scott Shpeley) met while studying acting at the University of Alberta, used a $10,000 development grant from Rawlco Radio to stretch out that 3-song EP into their 11-song (including a Matthew Skopyk remix of their indie radio hit "Cocaine Trade") LP, also christened Power Leopard (March 2009).

The Journal bragged that the record is "giddy electro pop with biting, risque lyrics," while Vue Weekly boasted about how they assembled "deceptively simplistic, playfully layered dance music that harkens back to the supremely cheeseball house of late '80s/early '90s." In other words, it be good!

That's why I had to ask Hansen himself--the namesake of one of the most gloriously devilish-pop testimonies to indie scene liberation in and around town--some questions about himself, that name, and the music that will surely someday garner attention beyond the border. It has to!

Now, read on as I scarf down my Falafel!

Part I:

I♥E/ What are three words that you would use to describe Christian Hansen & the Autistics?

CH/ Better than most.

I♥E/ Did the Autistics all meet at the U of A, or were any of you acquainted with each other prior?

CH/ Basically we all met through U of A. I met Molly, who is also my wife, there. We met Ava through Scott. We all have degrees in Acting.

CHATA on the cover of SEE magazine, readers
of which voted them one of their Favourite
Local Acts last year

I♥E/ I realize that the band's name is a tribute to those who suffer from autism, but have you ever gotten slack or hate mail from folks who thought otherwise?

CH/ Sometimes people react in a negative way to the name, but once they realize the context for the name, they seem to get it. The name is designed to be provocative, to create a surprise and to make people think. Just like good rock 'n' roll and good art.

I♥E/ Were there any other band names you had seriously considered?

CH/ We didn't consider any other band names.

I♥E/ What do you have to say about Edmonton's own music community and our support of it?

CH/ We owe everything to Etown's music scene. It's open, diverse, passionate, and accepting. It's filled with a bunch of people who do whatever the fuck they want, without regard to the music industry, trends, etc., and that always makes for a vibrant scene.

I♥E/ How did you get the beautiful Bridget Ryan to direct your video for "Cocaine Trade"?

CH/ Bridget's husband directed Molly and I in a play for the Edmonton Fringe Fest. She was a fan and was looking to do the first vid for her production company. I'm not sure how it worked out so amazingly, but she is a talented, professional lady that we were blessed to work with.

I♥E/ Would you say choreography is an important part of your music, or it just something that simply comes with the whole package?

CH/ You have to honour your impulses, as long as they're not telling you to kill people. For us, the impulse is to dance and move, so we just listen to the impulse. So many bands just stand and play their instruments; we want to do something different.

I♥E/ Tell us about your worst experience so far, in terms of recording, touring, or performing.

CH/ Worst experience was playing in Kamloops. Half the audience loved us and the other half wanted to string us up. It all culminated with some guy in the audience calling us faggots. He was picking my microphone out of his forehead for the next week.

I♥E/ And the best?

CH/ The best was selling out the Starlite in Edmonton. So much hometown love.

I♥E/ What can you tell us about a sophomore full-length album?

CH/ The next full-length is way different than Power Leopard. Much more rock 'n' roll. It's sadder. It's badder. It's better. Still lots of great beats and synths, but more guitar and more rock.

Part II/ Quick Q's:

I♥E/ First concert you attended?
CH/ Lenny Kravitz and Blind Melon in Vancouver.

I♥E/ Last CD you bought?
CH/ UGK, Best of UGK.

The Autistics' premiere full-length album Power Leopard (2009),
which was followed in 2010 by a 4-song EP called Swans

I♥E/ Favourite movie of all time?
CH/ A toss up between Stand By Me and Pulp Fiction.

I♥E/ Favourite album of all time?
CH/ Is This It, The Strokes.

I♥E/ PC or Mac?
CH/ Mac, because I don't learn it, it learns me.

I♥E/ Celebrity crush?
CH/ Ben Affleck

I♥E/ TV show you don't miss?
CH/ We don't have a TV, we watch everything online: Breaking Bad. Mad Men. Heavy.

I♥E/ Best book you've read?
CH/ The Great Gatsby.

I♥E/ Dream vacation destination?
CH/ New York for two months. Sept. and Oct.

I♥E/ Most embarrassing guilty pleasure?
CH/ I have many...but probably binging on wine gums from Bulk Barn. I eat my feelings. It's a problem.

Thanks, Christian!

Christian Hansen & the Autistics' next show will be at The Marquee Room in Calgary, on Thursday, July 7. Click here to follow the band on Facebook.

Below is the official video for Christian Hansen & the Autistics' "Cocaine Trade," directed by Bridget Ryan, shot & edited by Jason Carter.

Music Clip of the Month/ 5-11

2011-05-25T01:35:00.003-06:00

Sister Gray's "Close the Night" (2010)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

I SWEAR we're not just ripping off Sonic's Band of the Month...really! Yes, this clip just happens to be filmed at Sonic 102.9's studio, and by Sonic 102.9's own staff, and featuring Sonic 102.9's February 2011 BOTM (Band of the Month) Sister Gray, but that's all simply a coincidence! For the most part.

Sisters Jenesse and Brittany Graling are Sister Gray, said to
have a sound that blends Muse, Metric, and Joan Jett

Okay, I confess: some of our Music Clips of the Month were easily inspired by former Sonic BandsOTM (i.e. The Weekend Kids, Christian Hansen & The Autistics), but what else can I say except that Sonic features some good local shit?! Case in point, Sister Gray.

"It's been six years, but it's taken us this long to have a female-fronted Band of the Month," said Rick Lee, the Sonic on-air personality who also happened to direct and edit the clip below. "Congratulations," he continued. That's a pretty long time to wait, which at least warrants some credibility to Sister Gray's quality of homegrown music.

Sisters Jenesse and Brittany Graling--"slightly crazed, neurotic female musicians surging with angst and inspiration"--grew up in Millet, Alberta, about 40km south of Edmonton, where they started playing music together more than a decade ago. They uprooted to our city and graduated from Grant MacEwan's music program, before forming Sister Gray in '07, eventually completing the line-up with bassist Ajay Paterson, guitarist Mike Morrisseau, and drummer Kurtis Schultz.

Last year Sister Gray launched their premiere EP, Close the Night, on their own label, fusing pop-rock and adult alternative singer-songwriterish charms pulled from the influences of Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Bush, Sam Roberts, and other alike alum. The 5-song set, which you can purchase or listen to here, features the title track, which also happens to be our May 2011 Music Clip of the Month.

You can also follow the band on Facebook.

Below is an live version of Sister Gray's "Close the Night," filmed at the studios of Sonic 102.9 back in February 2011.

Suit Yourself Clothing Swap & Silent Auction

2011-05-24T19:51:00.002-06:00

Local charity makes sure low-income women are dressed for success

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Edmonton lawyer Karmen Masson began women's charity
'Suit Yourself' in 2002, helping some 1,700 local and
low-income women dress for success since

"ALONG with a handful of friends and family who volunteered weekly, we helped about 100 women that first year," remembers Karmen Masson, Executive Director of Edmonton-based charitable organization "Suit Yourself." She was referring to 2002, when she set up a makeshift refuge for low-income women seeking employment or transitioning into the workforce, and in need of free quality clothing.

"My parents used to own a 90-year-old walk-up apartment building in the downtown area," explains Masson, "and there was a vacant space in the basement." That's where Masson, a full-time lawyer and mother, began collecting and distributing professional, fashionable, and free clothes for a cause unique to our city, one that might have you wondering, "Why didn't anyone think of this before?!"

"Over 10 years ago I was looking to create some good karma in my life," Masson continues. "I was leaving a bad relationship and trying to devote my energies into doing good for others. I was searching for a volunteer activity that would supplement my career as a lawyer and exercise my creative talents. I loved clothes and fashion, and I realized as a young lawyer at that time that I felt more confident and respected when I was well dressed."

Since those humble beginnings, Masson was able to upgrade from her folks' basement boutique to "an underpopulated school in a central location that was willing to lease us a classroom for an affordable rate," and finally--as of Fall '09--into a street-front commercial space in Little Italy. "My dreams had come true!"

'Suit Yourself' Executive Director Karmen Masson, who was
selected last year as one of Avenue magazine's
"Top 40 Under 40" Edmontonians making a difference

And it's that vision that has allowed the dreams of other local women to come true, too.

"I love hearing from clients about their success stories," Masson says. "One woman told me that she was so inspired by the volunteers who suited her, that she called a former employer and asked if they had any job opportunities. Her former boss offered her a job, and when her wage was discussed, she felt confident enough to ask for a substantial increase in salary...and they gave it to her!"

These are the kinds of stories that occur on a regular basis, because of Masson and the volunteers over at "Suit Yourself" (10746-95 St./ 780-488-9930), which is why it's vital to keep their doors open. This Saturday (May 28) professional image consultant Joanne Blake and her "Style Power" team will host a "Clothing Swap & Silent Auction" from 11AM to 4PM, at the Quality Inn (West Harvest) on 178th Street and Stoney Plain Road.

"They have called it a clothing swap, but they are simply collecting quality business attire and accessories in advance of the event, and then they will be selling the items for very reasonable prices." All of the proceeds will be donated to "Suit Yourself."

To donate or attend the "Clothing Swap & Silent Auction," call Paula at 780-701-2990, or contact her via email at paula@creatingpeoplepower.ca.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF AVENUE MAGAZINE)

Below is a video clip from the CBC, featuring Masson and 'Suit Yourself,' from 2010.

Heart of the City Music & Arts Festival 2011

2011-05-15T14:29:00.000-06:00

More than 40 artists are scheduled to appear at the 8th annual HOTC fest, which will kickoff Edmonton's bustling festival season

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

What: Free music & arts festival
When: Saturday, June 4 (11AM-8PM)-Sunday, June 5 (11AM-7PM)
Where: Giovanni Caboto Park (corner of 108A Ave. & 95 St.)

8th annual HOTC Festival is June4-5

IT'S that time of year, when Edmonton becomes the place to be for festivals, as events overlap each other each and every day of the week. One of the first up for the season is the 8th annual Heart of The City Music & Arts Festival, which will take over Giovanni Caboto Park the first weekend of June. Oh, and it's FREE!

Andrew Scott, Darryl Matthews, Julie Jonas, Colin Close, New Youth Edmonton, Jenie Thai, and The Magpies are amongst the Edmonton-affliated artists who will be showcased at the 2-day festival in Little Italy, joining other emerging and pro acts for original, live, and local entertainment. For the full 2011 line-up of acts and artists click here.

Located in an area that offers cafes, shops, and a small waterpark, the festival will also feature artist-hosted art workshops, artwork & crafts vendors, and a collaborative sculpture that'll be worked on throughout the weekend. Children can also find something to do at the ArtStart tent, where they can take in art workshops and crafts.

For more information on the family-focused, alcohol-free event check out their Facebook page.

EDvent/ Shad Concert & Interview

2011-05-11T16:14:00.001-06:00

Juno-winning hip-hop elite Shad graces E-town, and graciously answers our questions about Canadian rap, kicking Drake's ass, and most importantly, his favourite beer!

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Juno-winning rapper Shad

I WAS led into the back entryway of the Brixx Bar & Grill, past the secondary bathrooms, down a short hallway, through the kitchen, and then into the backest of back rooms. That's right, I said backest! That's where I'd spend the next 10 minutes, asking Kenya-born, Ontario-raised, Vancouver-residing Rwandan rapper Shad (rhymes with 'Chad' FYI) some questions about his recent Juno win, his musical influences, and what his favourite beer is.

Heineken, by the way.

I was the last interviewer that Thursday (May 5) night, so I could imagine Shad's anticipation to get this over with. But it was impossible to tell, as Shad patiently acknowledged each of my inquiries like a pro, making me feel like I was talking to a long-time buddy of mine. Maybe one day, no?! One who's opened for Common, owns a business degree, and been nominated for the coveted Polaris Prize...twice!

After the interview (which you can read in full below, if you care to) I went back to my seat and sipped on the rest of my rum & Coke, as my sister and I awaited the first opening act, Transit, to begin. Daniel Bennett, one-half of the Calgary-based hip-hop duo, made our acquaintance earlier in the evening, briefing us on Transit and his praise over opening for one of Canada's most potent emcees.

Transit took to the Brixx stage shortly before 10PM, assaulting the crowd with a half-hour set of indie DJ-meets-emcee chants, rhyming to the lively beats of one DJ Crosswalk. The audience seemed most appreciative of "My Own Terms," a track they penned, tongue-in-cheek, after turning down a "sell-out" record deal with...wait for it...Gene Simmons!

They were done by a quarter past 10, making room for the next act, Miracle Fortress. This six-year-old Polaris-nominated pop-electronic twosome shifted tones, tinting the mood and relaxing the lighting in lieu of gyrating gleams of coloured spots and rays you might easily find at a techno club. Their "psychedelic shoegazey-pop" riffs and cries were benumbing, soaking the swelling crowd in soothing and uniform beats of synth-pop, compared to the likes of...well, no one I can think of right now. In other words, I likey!

Shad's fourth album, TSOL (2010)

It was somewhere near 11:30 by the time the Brixx must've reached capacity, and erupted into a collective cheer-off for Shad--modestly clad in blue jeans, a black T, and camouflage cap--who embraced their praise, obliging their hurrahs with his award-winning, self-deprecating, socially-aware rhymes.

To be honest, I felt out of the loop, to say the least. I had only recently been briefed on Shad's style of hip-hop, though the bloating crowd that night at the Brixx were not only familiarized with it, but were enthralled, able to croon alongside his beat-Drake-for-the-Juno lyricism. I was ambushed with this crowd's awareness and their sheer admiration for one of Canada's most skilled and progressive emcees, yet one of our most unsung--by comparison--hip-hop talents.

Shad shared testimonies from his four-disc catalogue, focusing his sweat and sways on his most recent, TSOL (Black Box Recordings), the set that had him shortlisted for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize, and that garnered him the 2011 Juno for Rap Recording of the Year. It was even ranked the No.2 hip-hop collection of the year by Exclaim! magazine, squeezed in between The Roots (#3) and Outkast's Big Boi. Not too shabby!

Unfortunately, it was a Thursday night and my inviting pillows and coaxing sheets were beckoning me, so my sis and I had to sneak out, past throngs of seemingly misplaced patrons, and into the midnight streets, shortly before Shad himself called it a night. But despite the early send-off, it was easily a night to remember, and Shad hijacked at least one more unsuspecting devotee. Me!

Now, on to the interview...

(above video filmed by Romy Warren, edited by Miles Jay),

Part I:

I♥E/ Before you got into the hip-hop scene, was there something else you were interested in that you thought you might wanna do for the rest of your life?

Shad/ I don't know what I was really thinking about. That's a good question. Well, I went to school for business, so I thought maybe there's something in that broad field that I could sort of do. I'm still interested in, maybe down the road, teaching or something like that. I like kids and I think that there's some kind of important things I would enjoy; sort of like sharing and discussing. So those are kind of options for down the road, I don't know. Before I started getting more and more involved in music, music was the thing that was interesting the most, for sure. So I'm glad I get to do that.

I♥E/ How did you find yourself in the hip-hop industry?

Shad/ I started out really just like a fan, you know, and just freestyling with friends...and then that just sort of went from there to like home recordings with friends to playing a few shows; and then I got the chance to make my own solo album after that in like my third or fourth year. And so, from there, I can sorta like play shows...get the ball rolling...got signed and made a second one, made a third...,

I♥E/ How would you describe your music, your last album (TSOL) in particular?

Shad/ I'd say my style is pretty rooted in what I would call classic hip-hop, which is sort of like soul samples, you know? Lyrically, my stuff kind of goes in a lot of different directions; that's always sort of been my approach and always sort of been what comes natural to me...some serious stuff, some lighter stuff, you know, just because I feel like that reflects life, really. There's ups & downs, there's funny things, there's more serious things, and there's no reason why you can't express all of it in music.

I♥E/ How would you describe the current state of hip-hop in Canada, and how it differs from that in the States?

Shad at The Brixx Bar & Grill

Shad/ I'd say, in Canada right now, things are as exciting as they've been since I've started playing, for sure. That's been cool to see. It's been cool to see all the support underground. Fans are really just down with hip-hop, wherever it comes from. There is always this sort of idea that Canadian hip-hop was a little bit second-rate, or worse. But now, it's cool to see a lot of fans are just down. If they like you, they just like you; they don't think, 'This is the separate class of artists that I also like.' Whether it's K'naan, or whether it's 50 Cent, if they like it they like it. So that's been cool to see. It's definitely an exciting time.

I♥E/ Do you remember the first thing that went through your head when your name was called as the winner of the Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year?

Shad/ Yeah, I was like, 'Really?' That's the first thing that kinda came to my head. 'Cause I definitely wasn't expecting to win. I was quite surprised, wasn't really sure what was going on.

I♥E/ Where do you keep your Juno?

Shad/ Actually, they have to mail it to you, so I haven't gotten mine yet. They give you one to like talk with when you're there, and then they take it back from you right away. I'll probably keep it in my apartment or something like that.

I♥E/ Did you ever think you could win against the Juno host and international star Drake?

Shad/ No, not at all. I mean, he's had an incredible run and he's sold a lot of copies, and he's done extremely well, so I was definitely not expecting that.

I♥E/ Do you own his album (Thank Me Later)?

Shad/ I don't own his album, but I do think he's incredibly talented and charismatic; and he killed it hosting the Junos. I'm very surprised he didn't take something home, considering he was up for six awards and did such a great job hosting in his hometown. He's an incredibly talented guy.

I♥E/ Who would you love to work with in the music industry, dead or alive?

Shad/ Dead or alive? Any genre? That's a good question. Ah...see, there's people I'm a huge fan of...I don't know if I'd really wanna work with them though. Growing up, Lauryn Hill was always the most talented person in music, you know, so working with her...but I don't know if I could really work with her and turn out something that would be particularly good. But definitely, all-time, I'm a huge fan of hers. Common was like my favourite rapper in high school. I think Kanye, what he's doing right now, is pretty far ahead of anyone else. So those are all people I would love to be in the studio with at some point and learn from, if nothing else. I don't know if we would turn out something great together, but I'd love to sit with them in the studio and just...session.

I♥E/ I know you're studying for your master's degree in liberal studies, so what do you think you'll be doing five years from now?

Shad/ I have no idea. No five-year plan. But we'll see; I mean I still love music, I still feel like I have room to get better. I still feel like I have things on my mind that I'm interested in sharing...I think are worth sharing. So, I'm still interested in music...down the road, we'll see.

Part II:

I♥E/ First concert you attended?

Shad/ Far Side in London, Ontario.

I♥E/ Favourite movie of all-time?

Shad/ That's a tough one. For some reason I've always liked V For Vendetta.

I♥E/ Last CD you bought?

Shad/ That's a tough question. I don't know what the last CD I bought was. Probably something I bought at a concert. That's usually when I end up buying albums is at a concert.

I♥E/ If you could hang out with a famous person for one day, who would it be?

Shad/ Michael Jordan

I♥E/ Favourite beer?

Shad/ I don't really have a favourite beer. Maybe Heineken.

Thanks for your time, Shad! BTW, Shad is currently on a Spring tour across Canada, presented by Scion. For dates and further info. click here.

Below is Shad's video clip for "Rose Garden."

@ the Movies/ The High Cost of Living

2011-05-04T07:15:00.001-06:00

First-time director Chow breeds despair--and occasional diversion from it--in a movie most will never even hear of, let alone see

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

'The High Cost of Living'

I'D be the first to admit that it can be the most unlikely candidate who ends up your closest friend. But this casual testimony is an understatement--if there ever was one--when it comes to Deborah Chow's indie drama The High Cost of Living, set in the winter of Montreal.

Zach Braff (Scrubs) is Henry, an illegal dealer of legal narcotics sorting out his assorted life in Montreal-via-New York. Isabelle Blais (Borderline) is Nathalie, a nearly-due pregnant Francophone, half-ass complacent in her settled-for marriage to a man who spends more time absent than present.

Their opposing worlds collide when Nathalie, standing in the night streets awaiting a taxi, is run down by Henry's car, one stockpiled with orders for his shady clientele. He panics and flees, anonymously calls an ambulance, and then searches for a way to settle his guilt.

Meanwhile, Nathalie awakens in a hospital bed, moments away from realizing that she's lost her unborn child. Grief, despair, and all the usual suspects kick in, and Nathalie is at a loss, barely able to make sense of this senseless misdeed, or find her place in a world that's all but abandoned her.

That is, however, until Henry intentionally crosses her path, eager to comfort the misery he's unintentionally stricken. Nathalie, still carrying her deceased child and unaware of Henry's connection, takes solace in the stranger's condolences, allowing her to at least see past her stand-still life in peril.

Henry's motives to ease his conscious are soon superseded by genuine fondness for Nathalie, to mend the misery he's induced. Her appreciation soon elevates, as does Henry's guilt, until the whole truth unravels in a dirty mess.

Zach Braff & Isabelle Blais

Both Braff and Blais present impressive performances in this little film, which stirred audiences when it premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival. It risks being clouded in a tone of gloom and despair, but somehow mostly avoids it and rather fosters a cross of off-beat charm and fortuitous redemption.

It allows an authentic peek into our oppressive truths, into our bleak burdens that most Hollywood tales sidestep for the sake of engaging wider audiences. Chow graciously dares the dark side with her 93-minute feature film debut that abruptly reveals the shit that life can throw at us at any given moment, and how the most improbable companion can ease us out of it.

4 outta 5 stars

The High Cost of Living is currently playing at the Princess II Theatre (10337-82 Ave.) in Edmonton ($10). Call 780-433-0728 for showtimes or click here.

Below is the official trailer for Deborah Chow's 'The High Cost of Living.'

Music Clip of the Month/ 4-11

2011-04-27T20:53:00.003-06:00

Cousin's "Champion Song" (2011)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

Slave Lake rapper Cousin

GROWING up in the northern Alberta town of Slave Lake--population 6,703--Mouhamed Mouallem was practically forced to get used to the twang of Dwight Yoakam, John Michael Montgomery, and fellow cowboy hat serenaders. But Mouallem, now 27, broadened his musical palette, soon taking in the beats & flows of Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Common, Emilio Rojas, and others.

By 2008 Mouallem, later christening himself Cousin, started writing his own raps, storytelling alongside hip-hop beats and via his own personal brand of "braggadocio and self-deprecation." The end result of the Lebanese-Canadian's diverse and evolving antics were finally realized in this summer's Martyr's Circus: The Freequel, which features the handiwork of Canuck producers/ artists like Omar "A.O.K." Mouallem, Nidal Mourad, Metawon, Sample Jockey, and Engineer.

The "pizzeria owner by day" is also piecing together the tracks for a sophomore project, Sinners, Saints and Superheroes, tentatively set for release this fall or winter. Cousin is now based outta Edmonton, as you can easily tell by his premiere music video "Champion Song." For more information on Cousin you can follow him on his Facebook page.

Over the Top Swap 2011

2011-04-07T22:32:00.004-06:00

"Spring is the season of inspiration and renewal. It's the perfect time to de-clutter and start fresh"

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

What: City-wide fashion swap
When: Saturday, April 30 (10AM-6PM)-Sunday, May 1 (11AM-5PM)
Where: Telus Field (10233-96 Ave.)

Over the Top Swap 2011

THE other day at work I wore a Doors T-shirt that my buddy had intended to toss out, simply because he'd begun to stretch Mr. Morrison's facial features beyond recognition. If you're in the same boat, exaggerating the threads of your old shirts or pants, then you've now got another option, rather than re-gifting 'em to your thinner friends.

Anyone is welcome to bring in their "no longer needed, but still fashionable" clothing and accessories to swap for "swap tokens," which can then be traded in for anything from the swap. Not a penny spent! It's called Over the Top Swap, and it's Edmonton's only city-wide premium clothing swap for both men and women, now in its second year.

"You'll be able to find one-of-a-kind clothing gems and feel the rush of a shopping spree; all the while going easy on your wallet," says the event's organizers. "It's one of the more affordable ways to upgrade your wardrobe."

The two-day swap will also offer a bustling marketplace (featuring members of the Handmade Mafia, Edmonton's only monthly craft market), on-site wellness, beauty & health services (including massages, complimentary hairstyling, and makeovers!), a fashion show, djs, food & drinks, and more. All within the concourse, club house, and executive box seats over at Telus Field, in the heart of the river valley. Proceeds from purchased tokens go directly to the event's volunteer operations and various charities, including the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Bissel Centre.

Tickets for the Over the Top Swap range from $10-$25 (free admission for children under 12), though you can receive $5 off regular admission by dropping your clothes off early. For more information on early drop-off registration click here. See you there!

Localities

2011-03-13T17:29:00.001-06:00

Some of the latest happenings in Edmonton (Transcend II, Wonderland V, Dragon's Den VI)...

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The 5th annual Wonderland Fest

Last Monday (March 7) Transcend Coffee opened its newest location, in downtown Edmonton (10349-Jasper Avenue), in the former Axis Cafe building. In addition to their popular coffee, the locally-based brewers will offer a small selection of beer and wine, as well as South American street food prepared in-house by Red Seal chef Chad Moss. The 3-floor outlet will also consider taking advantage of its spacious basement, perhaps a potential venue for live music? The other two Transcend locations are at Garneau (8708-109 St.) and the original Argyll (9869-62 Ave.). Jasper's locale will open its doors each morning at 7:30.

Free beer! There, now I have your attention. 46 liters of home-brewed ale will be served to those who pay the 10 bucks to take in Old Ugly Recordings' CD release party for local acts DoT and Layne L'Heureux. The 3-hour shindig will celebrate the brand new acts and their premiere recordings at..."Doug & Mikey's House!" Yep, in fact, you need to email Old Ugly (theyreoldugly@gmail.com) for the address to the concert, which will start at 8:30PM this Saturday (March 19). The show will also feature performances by Caily Fisher, Jessica Jalbert, and Isaac Haines.

The 5th annual Wonderland Electronic Music Festival, one of the longest-running in Western Canada, will take over the Edmonton Event Centre (West Edmonton Mall) on Thursday, April 21 (Friday is a holiday!) at 9PM. "Wonderland promises to take you through a journey filled with awe inspiring visual effects, decor and sound," they tell us. "We welcome you to join us as the tradition continues; you won't be disappointed!" Tickets are now on sale and go for $47+ and up. The 2011 line-up includes Laidback Luke, AvicII, Cosmic Gate, Jack Beats, Felguk, Felix Cartal, Kush Arora, David Stone, Intricate, Phatcat, Cool Beans, P-Rex, and others. You can check out their Facebook page for more information.

The producers of CBC's Dragon's Den were in Edmonton on Saturday (March 12) in hopes to find the next big thing. The show, which scours Canadian entrepreneurs to discover ideas and inventive products to invest in, held dozens of "auditions" at downtown's Westin Hotel. Dragon's Den, the network's 2nd most-watched series, will see up to 200 spots for the sixth season, which will begin to tape in the middle of April. Producers will return to Edmonton on March 30.

Nancy Yowney & Tara Murray of Tidy Bottoms

If you have five bucks to spare and nothing to do on a Tuesday night (March 22, actually), then consider Skitz-O-Frenzie, presented by Belmont Productions. Skip Worthington and Meter Man will make an appearance at downtown's The Hydeaway Comedy Lounge (10209-100 Ave.). Edmonton stand-ups Neil Rhodes and Scott Belford will headline the night of sketch comedy, which begins at 9PM. Doors open at 8:30.

Nine-year-old chesapeake bay retriever Toby, a local volunteer rescue k-9 with prior behaviour problems, may potentially become Edmonton's latest movie star. Not that we have many of those. Back in '07 Chris & Charmaine Hammond adopted Toby from foster care, only to discover that his "destructive" and "anxious" behaviour would lead to the professional training sessions that made the Hammond's realize that their pet needed "a purpose." Over the last three years Toby has volunteered every Wednesday at Alberta Hospital, working as a pet-assisted therapy dog to mentally ill patients, as part of The Chimo Animal Assisted Therapy Project. Charmaine put pen to paper and inked out, first, a story of Toby's journey in an '09 edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and second, in a book titled On Toby's Terms. That led to a book tour and an actual movie offer from Impact Motion Pictures, out of California. The film project is currently in screenplay territory, and Toby is expected to make a cameo. IMP has also stated that at least part of the film may be shot right here in Edmonton. See the video below.

Even though he was here for a comedy gig, Jackass star Steve-O made a quick stop at the Edmonton Valley Zoo on Friday (March 11) to show his support for the whole "Save Lucy the Elephant" debacle. Steve-O, who's real name if Stephen Glover, told local press that he once worked in the circus circuit and adopted an appreciation for the proper care of these animals while there. Steve-O was supporting some of his friends who belong to the PETA organization.

For all you folks with the expendable cash (must be nice!) there are a bunch of upcoming concerts you might wanna spend it on, including Born Ruffians and The Ruby Suns @ the Starlite Room on March 17 (Thur/7PM), Fred Eaglesmith @ Century Casino on March 17 (Thur/ 8PM), Electric Six and Birthday Boys @ Starlite on March 18 (Fri/9PM), Nelly @ Edmonton Event Centre on March 19 (Sat/9PM), NOA @ Yardbird Suite on March 20 (Sun/8PM), The Residents @ Myer Horowitz Theatre on March 21 (Mon/8PM), Jeff Dunham @ Rexall Place on March 24 (Thur/7:30PM), Shen Yun @ Jubilee Auditorium March 24-26 (Thur-Sat), Dr. Hook and Ray Sawyer @ Century Casino on March 24 (Thur/8PM), T-Pain @ EEC on March 25 (Fri/9PM), Jackson Browne @ Jubilee on March 28 (Mon/8PM), The Dodos @ Starlite on March 29 (Tues/8:30PM), Alan Jackson @ Rexall on March 30 (Wed/7PM), and Mother Mother @ EEC on March 31 (Thur/7PM). Tickets for all of these events are available at Ticketmaster.

Below is the trailer for the book 'On Toby's Terms.'

Music Clip of the Month/ 2-11

2011-02-28T23:07:00.001-07:00

The Weekend Kids' "Twenty-Something" (2010)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

WE simply don't have the time to discuss Edmonton indie rockers The Weekend Kids, so we're just gonna go ahead and show you their clip for "Twenty-Something," which is currently up for Best Single and Best Music Video at the inaugural Edmonton Music Awards. The trophies will be handed out on Monday, March 28 at the Haven Social Club.

Local Film Shows Up At Sundance

2011-02-21T15:21:00.006-07:00

Trevor Anderson's The High Level Bridge opens discussion for suicide and how it's been swept under the rug...until now

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The High Level Bridge

"IT is a beautiful and gracious film, an artistic tribute to those who have jumped from the bridge, and also a poetic contemplation of the High Level Bridge itself and its role within the city's collective psyche." That's what the Edmonton Sun's Graham Hicks had to say about Trevor Anderson's 5-minute documentary short The High Level Bridge, an official selection at both the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance.

But it was Hicks who, in the same breath, confessed his concern over a potential "copy cat" response to the film's often-taboo subject matter: suicide. Hicks worries that "making a direct link between the High Level Bridge and its suicides may be very emotionally painful to the families and friends of victims other than those to whom the film is dedicated."

There were about two dozen comments posted on the online version of the Sun article (including a couple by Anderson himself), and well over 100,000 YouTube hits, which goes to show how much fuss this little film from our own backyard has stirred. Both positive and negative.

The High Level Bridge, in which Anderson himself drops his "consumer-grade" camera from the infamous platform "in memory of those who have jumped," was even mentioned a Best Live Action Short Film selection during the 2010 American Film Institute Festival, in Hollywood. It also screened here, at the Edmonton International Film Festival last October.

Filmmaker Trevor Anderson

Whether the responses to the film's touchy topic are good or bad, The High Level Bridge--made with local writer and music critic Fish Griwkowsky (director of photography)--is 250 seconds of sometimes-humorous, sometimes-sentimental footage of an ominous structure with many secrets of its own. Secrets traditionally kept hidden, for the most part, thanks to a media "code of honour" that avoids reporting every "run-of-the-mill" High Level suicide.

Perhaps that's why when Anderson claimed that "everybody around here knows at least a couple of people who've jumped," I had no idea what he was talking about. I had never known anyone who took their own life by jumping from the bridge--or any bridge for that matter--and couldn't even recall hearing about such an incident. At least specifically referencing the High Level.

But, according to Anderson's film, "It's where people who live in Edmonton go when we're finally ready to kill ourselves." This film was not made to exploit such prohibited territory, but perhaps rather to acknowledge it and pay tribute to those who used the bridge to end their lives. After watching this film, don't be surprised if you pay attention to the bridge's dark history every time you cross it.

I do.

Below is Trevor Anderson's short documentary 'The High Level Bridge,' which he gave us permission to post on 'I Heart Edmonton.'

EDvent/ Edmonton Comedy Battle, Episode I

2011-02-19T15:15:00.007-07:00

A dozen of Edmonton's most foul-mouthed comics battle for bragging rights at this first-ever prickapalooza showdown

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

WARNING: If you can't handle a few curse words and touchy subjects, I recommend you skip over this post. Seriously...and don't say I didn't warn ya!

David Dempsey

LET'S see who's the biggest asshole! Essentially, that's what we found out at last week's inaugural Edmonton Comedy Battle (Feb. 8), hosted by The Hydeaway (10209-100 Ave.). As it turns out, Kelly Soloduka is the biggest prick of them all!

Not exactly surprising, if you know the bastard.

But, to be fair, there were plenty of other sons of bitches razing each other during the mockathon, an insult free-for-all slapped together by Aussie David "moved-here-for-a-girl" Dempsey and local comic Scott Belford.

"Belford and I were inspired to do this since they run a similar event in Calgary," Dempsey told I Heart. "Scott was going down to take on some Calgarian comedians in a two-on-two battle with another Edmonton comic, and we thought it would be a cool concept to try at the Hydeaway with some local Edmonton guys."

And that's exactly what they did, rallying up some of Edmonton's more foul-mouthed stand-ups to provoke each other with an onslaught of bitter--and some rather tame--insults. And nothing was off limits.

It was nearing 8:30PM when Dempsey, cloaked in ink and a pair of sneakers straight out of an episode of Glee, warmed up the mic, quipping briefly on how he followed a girl here from down under, though he denied us an explanation for them flashy runners of his. I joke, I kid.

Dempsey's keen in-between banter preceded every one-on-one battle of wits, five shameless showdowns in all. First up was my friend Fidge Ballantyne and her Toronto-born roomie Neil Rhodes, who took the brunt of the cunt-fest. And not just in that initial barrage against the lady who'll graciously take him home laterwards, but also...well, I'll get to that later.

Winner: Ballantyne.

Fidge Ballantyne

No more than 10 minutes later it was Chris Ade vs. Ken Hicks. I'd seen both comics prior to tonight's grill, and so wasn't at all surprised when Hicks--ironically--KO'd former MMA fighter Ade. Not that he didn't put up a good fight, partially rapping his way through, but Ade lacked the necessary sharp tongue that could pierce through Hicks' unforgiving ASSault. "He's wrecked more vaginas than cervical cancer," Hicks blistered, teasing Ade for his "pretty boy" presence.

Winner: Hicks.

Inside jokes continued to baffle the modest crowd, seemingly made up of local comics who all knew each other or at least of each other. They continued right into act III, when Kent Tilley went up against Welby Santos. Again, I had seen these guys in action before, so was eager to see them toss each other's salads, so to speak.

I've never seen such a placid onset ravage so entertainingly as that of Tilley's, his humdrum chops stealing the scrimmage. But the ethnically-ambiguous Santos was no door mat, sweating out offensive taunts as though he'd been studying them for weeks ahead of time. Perhaps he was his own weakest link though, laughing intensively at the expense of himself. Even he knew Tilley had it in the bag.

Winner: Tilley.

Kelly Soloduka, a guy I've known for about three years now (that's three more than I'd care to admit), was next in line, sharing the stage with one Jason Cooper. I'd been introduced to Cooper, of Nova Scotia (I know!), when Soloduka headlined The Hydeaway-hosted "Fuck You Comedy Show" last June, so was pretty confident in his upset.

But Cooper had definitely polished up his arsenal since "F.U.C.S.," holding his own up against the former "Funniest Person With a Day Job" runner-up. No, Soloduka couldn't win that, but he undoubtedly prick'd his way through to the next round this evening.

Winner: Soloduka.

Kelly Soloduka

The world's most inappropriate kindergarten teacher, Drew Behm--yet another a-hole I'd been exposed to before--had default to thank when he was announced victor for his mockery debate. Sterling Scott, the most "typical black guy" he's met, was M.I.A. And I'm not talking about the Sri Lankan rapper...I mean the SOB didn't even show up! Well, that's not entirely true. He walked through the doors once all acts had made their cases.

In his place was Rhodes, who amiably volunteered to--like Wayne Brady--"act black" and mimic Mr. Scott. It proved an advantage for Behm, who bit back like a pitbull in heat, though much of Rhodes' shame was self-inducing. Dempsey quickly congratulated Behm for going "up against the only guy who he could beat...no one."

Winner: Behm. (This may be the only time Behm sees the word "winner" preceding his name! I joke, I kid).

Somewhere amongst my 2nd or 3rd rum 'n' Coke, and recovering from the joint's unimpressive chicken-nacho platter, "meant to be alone forever" Matt Alaeddine broke things up with a 15-minute-ish stint that criss-crossed funny and ehh! Don't get me wrong, the guy's funny as fuck, but either he was a lil' off for the night or it just wasn't his crowd. For the most part, he won us over; it must've been his excessive self-mutilation, puncturing his ego with self-hating unpleasantries regarding mostly his blubbery physique. His words. Okay, my words.

It was during Alaeddine's set that Scott mosied in from the cold, too late to offend anyone from behind the mic. Oh well.

The five top dogs (Ballantyne, Hicks, Tilley, Soloduka, and Behm) swarmed the stage, and were each given the opportunity to degrade their peers, over illegal marriages, diabetes, and even something about a pigtail pussy?! From there, Dempsey narrowed the group down to the best of the worst, leaving the crowd's applause to vote between Soloduka and Hicks.

Overall Winner: Soloduka.

Turns out it was worth leaving class early for, laughing out loud at the expense of others. If you'd like a chance to see the next crop of local comics ripping into each other, stay tuned and we'll keep you updated on the next Edmonton Comedy Battle.

If you'd like to check out Dempsey (& 'dem shoes), he's headlining a show at The Hydeaway on Tuesday, February 22. But, on that same night, Soloduka will be part of "Comedy & Music Collide 3," at The Brixx Bar & Grill. Flip a coin, folks. As for Tilley, he'll be MC'ing a pair of shows in Sherwood Park tonight...stalk him via Facebook if you'd like the details.

Below is a video clip of Paul Brown introducing "Funniest Person With a Day Job" contestant Kent Tilley, at The Comic Strip in West Edmonton Mall.

EDvent/ Sidney York @ The Artery

2011-02-15T07:53:00.002-07:00

Downtown's Artery set the stage for a memorable night of indie melodies and torrid compositions by way of Sid York, et al

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

The Artery

THERE were two curious bright red doors that seemed painted onto the back wall of The Artery, decal'd in what some might suspect is alleyway graffiti. I entered through the left one, enticed by what was on the other side.

A pretty, young woman greeted me from behind some counter, and then put a checkmark beside my name on the guest list, confirming my arrival. But I had to wait for my cohort to show up before I could probe the rest of this rooted-yet-new-to-me venue I'd been invited to before, though had yet to accept.

When he arrived we shuffled along some sort of plywood(ish) floor, making our way past a quasi-make-do bar with a limited option of hootch. But what mattered was that they served my option of hootch.

We made our way into this comparably-spacious room with a ready-to-go stage, a booth for the lighting & sound crew, assorted candlelit tables & fold-up chairs, and artwork I could only distinguish as abstract. At the side of the stage, my buddy and I found an empty table, as the Artery filled up with alike live music partisans.

It was shortly past 9PM by the time Vancouver's beekeeper settled behind their particular instruments and tore into their lively set. Frontman Devon Lougheed essentially carried the show, parading the stage like some veteran rock star, and blistering the mic with punk-fused pop tales that had him invoking Isaac Brock from time to time.

Over screeching from a heavy bass and the peeling of the violin, Lougheed solicited an audience presence, feeding us uptempo songs that lasted as short as 40 seconds, yet no longer than a few minutes, while we chugged back complimentary cans of Big Rock. They warmed up the crowd, no doubt, testing our energy with their own. His own.

beekeeper's Devon Lougheed with Sidney York

Kaley Bird

But it proved unnecessary, as follow-up Kaley Bird--who helped organize last year's inaugural SOS Fest--simmered our pep with her low-key scene. Bird, shoeless and draped for a more formal occasion, handled her songlist with shameless familiarity, strumming through cuts like "Ghost Town," "Where Does That Leave Me Now?," and the misleading "Happy Birthday."

The only hiccup was a possibly, probably misconstrued "SLUT!" that was bellowed from the back of the room somewhere, just before Bird broke into only her second song. The crowd fell momentarily silent, an awkward rush that paralyzed everyone for a brief instant. "That was rude," Bird tactfully answered back. "My mom's in the audience and she'll kick your ass!" We laughed it off.

Sidney York & co.

There was a 20-minute intermission before headliner--and co-SOS Fest organizer--Sidney York, clad in a body-gripping dress and heels, borrowed the mic to lend us earshots of mostly new songs from her upcoming Apocalyptic Radio Cynic album. Songs built around affairs & encounters, road trip adventures, and even a swine flu episode (the rumbling "Doctor Doctor"), and surrendered via 6-piece pulsations of the drums, the bass, an electric guitar, an intermittent ukulele, and even alike oboe and bassoon. Actually, York even braved the French horn, despite her alleged, and then apparent callowness of the uncustomary instrument.

But the most commanding musical apparatus had to be the rhythmic hand clapping, the foot stomps on the hardwood stage, and of course, York's lucid vocals, assuring us of the legitimacy of her lyricism and the authenticity of her delivery. At times, the stage trembled, such as in "Mile High Love," a song heightened by a carefree tambourine and the "You get me" chants from York's accompanying crooners.

It was near midnight when the stage fell silent and York left the room. The lights remained dim, and the standing-room-only crowd finished off their drinks and conversations. My friend and I went to leave, but not before the customary "congrats" and "thanks," and a bonus hug from York herself. How can one ask for a better end to a stellar night? Seriously, I'm asking!

If you wanna pre-order York's soon-to-be-released record, Apocalyptic Radio Cynic (April 12)--and why wouldn't you?--click here.

Below is a clip of Sidney York's "Stalker."

And the Nominees Are...

2011-02-06T14:12:00.004-07:00

Diverse musicians and singers are up for hardware at the first-ever Edmonton Music Awards, to be handed out March 28

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

IT seems like every time I ask random strangers or district music makers, "What do you think of Edmonton's own music community?," the responses are generally the same: Vibrant. Thriving. Untypical.

Everybody knows somebody who's in a band here, and Facebook is faithfully overflowing with local events promoting open mics, acoustic showcases, or CD release parties. So, it comes as no surprise that homegrown musicians and songwriters, singers and bands will be honoured for their untypical contributions to this miscellaneous musical scene.

"It was great to see how many people are paying attention to the local scene," said area producer, musician, and promoter Danny Fournier, referring to the more than 1,100 fans and musicians who submitted nominations to the first annual Edmonton Music Awards.

They voted for the best in Edmonton's rock, pop, country, hip-hop, metal, folk, dance, and roots styles, during a 2-month submission period last year. But fans will only determine the winners of a few, online-casting categories (People's Choice, Artist to Watch, and Best Live Performance), while a panel of non-local music industry pros--collectively, the Edmonton Music Council--will select victors for the remaining ones.

Jeff Morris

According to Fournier, having winners chosen by experts from outside our city limits will allow everyone an equal chance, based purely on talent, and nothing else. "To me, that helps eliminate any potential bias," he suggested.

Singer-songwriter Jeff Morris--who's Original Songs on a Borrowed Guitar album I purchased at random early last year--is up for six (of 13) awards, more than any other act. But, with five, pop vocalist Cara Albo is not far behind. They will compete against each other for Best Solo Artist, Best Live Performance, and the People's Choice pick...all categories for which I, a substandard car radio serenader, was overlooked!

Other notable names up for honours during the March 28th show (@ The Haven Social Club) include Christian Hansen & The Autistics, DRT, Hot Panda, Jezibelle, Wool On Wolves, Fire Next Time, and of course, Corb Lund. But, noticeably vacant from the list of nominees are electro rockers Shout Out Out Out Out, blues players Boogie Patrol, and rapper and sitting poet laureate Cadence Weapon. Not to mention Lund's lack of acknowledgement.

If you'd like to vote for one of the online-based categories, click here. Simply because of the meagre size of the Haven, the actual ceremony (March 28, a Monday) will most likely be an event for the officials and nominees only. But, the evening prior (March 27, a Sunday) is going to feature videos and live performances for fans and friends. For more information, check out the EMA's Facebook page.

Below is a full list of the nominees for the inaugural, 2011 Edmonton Music Awards, presented by Oddball Productions:

Fire Next Time's Wild Rose Sorrow

Best Album:
-Swans (Christian Hansen & The Autistics)
-Wild Rose Sorrow (Fire Next Time)
-How Come I'm Dead (Hot Panda)
-Original Songs on a Borrowed Guitar (Jeff Morris)
-Grey Matter (Wool On Wolves)

Best Single:
-"Blue Sky Falls" (Jeff Morris)
-"Public Display" (Jezibelle)
-"Just Say Go" (Michelle Molineux)
-"The Long Kiss Goodnight" (Mockteerah)
-"Twenty Something" (The Weekend Kids)

Best Group:
-Christian Hansen & The Autistics
-Mass Choir
-The Provincial Archive
-The Wheat Pool
-Wool On Wolves

Christian Hansen & The Autistics

Best Solo Artist:
-Al Brant
-Cara Albo
-Douglas Mitchell
-Fendercase
-Jeff Morris
-Ky Babyn

Best Female Artist:
-Ann Vriend
-Cara Albo
-Colleen Brown
-Dani Jean
-Kayla Patrick

People's Choice:
-Al Brant
-Cara Albo
-DRT

Jezibelle

-Jeff Morris
-Jezibelle
-Kayla Patrick
-Kemo Treats
-Ky Babyn
-Michelle Molineux
-The Red Threat

Best Pop/Hip-Hop/Dance Artist:
-Cara Albo
-Christian Hansen & The Autistics
-Fendercase
-Kemo Treats
-Michelle Molineux

Best Country Artist:
-Al Brant
-Corb Lund
-Hey Romeo
-Kayla Patrick
-The Wheat Pool

Cara Albo

Best Metal/Hard Rock Artist:
-DRT
-Hollywood Assassyn
-Jezibelle
-Mockteerah
-One Soul Thrust

Best Roots/Folk Artist:
-Eamon McGrath
-Fire Next Time
-Jeff Morris
-Ky Babyn
-The Provincial Archive
-Wool On Wolves

Artist to Watch:
-All Else Fails
-Demon Republic

Wool On Wolves

-Erica Viegas
-Heaviside
-Lisa Nicole Grace
-Mars & Venus
-Maryland
-Micelli
-Red Shag Carpet
-The Flash Jam
-The Frolics

Best Music Video:
-"The Long Kiss Goodnight" (Mockteerah)
-"Please Don't Say It's So" (My Sister Ocean)
-"It's Not Me, It's You" (Radio For Help)
-"Robb Angus" (Skidoo 32)
-"Twenty Something" (The Weekend Kids)

Best Live Performance:
-Acronycal @ The Starlite Room
-Cara Albo @ Lyve On Whyte
-DRT @ The Banger at the Hanger
-Fire Next Time @ The Wunderbar
-Jeff Morris @ Axis Cafe
-Jezibelle @ The Taphouse
-One Way State @ The Pawn Shop
-Radio For Help @ The Pawn Shop
-The Red Threat @ The Avenue Theatre
-White Lightning @ On the Rocks

Below is Best Music Video nominees Mockteerah, and their clip for "The Long Kiss Goodnight."

Good luck, nominees!

I♥Art/ Justina Smith

2011-01-30T19:09:00.003-07:00

"The Right Track (Edmonton High Level Bridge Trolley)"

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

WE'RE gonna try something new @ I Heart Edmonton, because it seems there's a shortfall when it comes to promoting one particular art scene. There's a ridiculous abundance of talented (& under appreciated) local artists whose craft starts at the tip of a paintbrush (etc.), and perhaps takes a backseat to area exhibits of music, theatre, and film.

Local artist Justina Smith

So, I recently asked Justina Smith (pictured left), who we had previously profiled almost a year ago, if she'd be willing to let us spotlight her mixed media piece "The Right Track" (pictured below) to kick off "I ♥ Art."

"This painting was inspired by a walk I took in the river valley last fall," Smith told I Heart. "I was just looking for interesting shots of things to paint. I like painting old buildings and vintage vehicles, and thought having a painting of the trolley car in a show housed in an old garage-turned-stellar eatery would be the perfect place to showcase a painting like this."

That stellar eatery Smith is referring to is the Sugarbowl on 109th & 77th ave., where it will soon be on display--along with some of Smith's other pieces--as part of their "In & Out of Town" series showcase.

"Plus, it's a little piece of Edmonton history, and who knows how long it will be around," Smith continued, alluding to that aforementioned trolley.

"['The Right Track' is] a mixed media piece, so that means I'm using acrylic ink, bits of patterned paper, gel, paints, and various pages from a 1918 edition of Rod & Gun. I like the texture the words create when they poke out from underneath the paint and ink. Sometimes the articles used for a painting are chosen at random, but this time I managed to find articles that had to do with trains and their schedules, and thought it would be particularly fitting for this piece.

"Mixed media typically takes me longer to complete than just a painting," Smith continued, "and this has to do with waiting for the various layers to dry before I continue onto the next step."

'The Right Track (Edmonton High Level Bridge Trolley)'

"The Right Track" will be on display at the Sugarbowl for the whole month of February. If you want to purchase it ($900), then check it out in person or contact Justina at justina@justlittleart.com.

Thanks, Justina.

ARTWORK PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM ARTIST.

A Few Minutes With...Garner Andrews

2011-01-24T22:34:00.012-07:00

Want to know why Edmonton's most beloved radio personality scours Craigslist, owes the Hives an apology, and fantasizes about tackling our nation's narcissism epidemic? Then keep reading.

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

"I LOVE my life right now," boasts Garner Andrews, the man behind that voice you hear on your all-too-familiar morning commute, saluting substandard service and asking you to refrain from using debit cards in Tim Horton's drive-thru's. That is, of course, if your dial is tuned to 102.9 FM (and it's The Garner Andrews Show). And why wouldn't it be?!

And why wouldn't Garner love his life? The self-proclaimed "white, chubby, balding male Oprah" married his high school sweetheart, is the proud father of two little girls, and is one of our city's most sought-after media personalities. And apparently, he can play a mean banjo to boot?!

Actually, Garner's local adoration became clear-cut when, in 2006, he was voted "#1 radio personality in Edmonton" by SEE magazine readers. But this was no passing phase, as the weekly periodical declared Garner's reign for '07, '08, '09, and for a fifth consecutive year, in 2010.

It comes as no real surprise either, if you're a Sonic listener; Garner's topical and immersing discussions and rants, his ingenious on-air concepts (okay, maybe Tradio isn't that shrewd!)--and uttered with that made-for-radio voice--keep his billions of listeners returning to 102.9 FM every weekday morning (from 6-10 in the AM).

That's speed dial No.1 in my beat-up Neon, so....yeah.

That's why I Heart wanted to get to know this...wait for it...Saskatchewan-born (I KNOW!), Chuck Klosterman-reading, Devo-listening, reality-watching, Sleeman Original Drought-sippin' wannabe treasure hunter with a trophy wife. And so I asked him a question or two...or 20:

Part I:

'Champion Radio'*

You were born and raised in Saskatchewan, so when and how did you end up in Edmonton? "I left Saskatchewan in the spring of 1991 to take a radio job in Victoria, B.C. at 100.3 The Q. I stayed for five years, but my wife and I really missed our prairie roots (we're both from the SK). In 1996 we quit our perfectly good jobs and moved to Calgary so I could live the dream and start my own radio production/ freelance company. Fortunately for us and our bank account, The Q later ownership (OK Radio) believed in me enough and signed up as my first client. Almost nine years later, when OK Radio won the license to start a modern rock station here in Edmonton, I put up my hands and said, 'Can I do the morning show?' Again, the big guys at OK Radio (Stu Morton and Roger Charest) saw fit to grant me yet another radio wish and hired me for the job I have today. I really, really owe OK Radio a fruit basket."

If you weren't in the radio business, what do you think you'd be doing instead? "I have always enjoyed writing and creating stuff. I would love to write a book or a TV show or paint pictures or sing songs that I've written, but I have two little girls that would probably starve. In all honesty, I love auctions and wheeling & dealing and looking for hidden treasures in Kijiji, Craigslist and garage sales. I don't know if there is a career in that, but I think the closest thing might be auctioneer. I love stories about people that unwittingly buy Picasso's or Pollock's at flea markets only to discover they're worth tens of millions. (Now that I've said these words out loud--and it sounds ridiculous--I guess the answer to your question is: treasure hunter)."

How much say do you have in what you play during 'The Garner Andrews Show'? "I don't really stick my nose into that area at all. If a certain song or artist is getting an unusual amount of positive or negative reaction on the phone, I'll let Sonic music director Adam Thompson know, but for the most part I prefer to just let him do his job. There's a running joke around the building that if I like a song too much or if I heap too much praise on a song, it's the kiss-of-death for that song. Sorry, last Hives album, perhaps I loved you just a bit too much."

Can you tell us about your strangest or scariest caller while working at Sonic? "During my time at Sonic I have never had a face-to-face confrontation with a listener; there have been a few on the phone, but nothing in my face. There was an instance where a young guy started a fire inside his van outside the studio window. That kind of rattled me. He wasn't injured and, to this day, I'm not quite sure what that was all about, but it was upsetting. There was one other instance where a guy in a BMW came roaring up in front of the building, parked the car on the sidewalk and came storming in demanding to see me. Again, I'm not sure what it was all about--and I don't think he did either--but it does tend to throw you off a bit. In both cases it was obvious that there were some mental issues that needed to be dealt with and I sincerely hope they both got the help they needed."

'Shut Up, Monocle Man'

You're somewhat known as an advocate for positive change in our city. What three issues would you like to tackle most if you were mayor of Edmonton? "I feel foolish when it comes to talking about the changes I'd like to see. They don't seem lofty enough, but I don't feel qualified to talk about issues like homelessness, the oilsands or the environment. They are extremely complex issues and it drives me nuts when I hear beauty pageant contestants, or people like me, oversimplifying them. The changes I'd like to see tend to be more personal changes. I'd love to curb the epidemic of narcissism that seems to be plaguing our nation. It's not an Edmonton-centric problem--it's everywhere--people walking around with giant 'I'm #1' foam fingers on both hands, living in their me first bubbles. How hard would it be to throw up your hand and thank the guy behind you for letting you merge, or make eye-contact with the person that just bagged your groceries? I'm not saying that we all need to be best friends, but a 'Hello!' and a 'Thank you!' have become rare commodities for some reason. I'm probably coming off sounding like I want to live in some fairy tale Mayberry utopia, but holy crap, somewhere along the way we were all lead to believe that we are special, that we're number one. The truth is this: you are special to your parents and that's it. The guy in the polyester uniform that you just yelled at because someone in the kitchen put mustard on your burger doesn't care what your parents think. To him you're just another douchebag with an overactive superiority gland."

What do you think about Edmonton's own music community, and our support of it? "I've been fortunate enough to live in several different cities in Western Canada and I have never lived anywhere with a more vibrant music community than Edmonton. I love the fact that whenever you go to a party or a bar, someone you talk to is in a band, starting a band, or learning to play an instrument. I've never met so many adults that have decided to take up an instrument as I have here in Edmonton and that says something about our musical environment. People are products of their environment and if they're starting bands, sweating it out in a club for very little pay or learning an instrument, than the local musical community has done it's job: inspire them and give them a launch pad."

If you had the chance to organize your own music festival, what would you call it and what bands would you want to play it? "The guys that I started Sonic with--Al Ford, Jason Manning, Adam Thompson--and I used to sit around in our old trailer and talk about how awesome it would be to have a modern rock festival in Edmonton. With the help of Union Events, that dream came true back in 2009 with the Sonic Boom Festival. We did it again in 2010 with Rise Against, Bad Religion, Weezer, City & Colour, Mother Mother and Wintersleep, and right now the 2011 edition of Sonic Boom is being mapped out. Personally (and I'm not making any promises--you asked me who I'd like to see), I would love to see Beastie Boys or Beck show up. And Social Distortion and Cake."

If there was a famous person you could trade lives with for one week, who would it be and why? "If I could trade lives with someone for one week it would probably be writer Chuck Klosterman, circa 2005, when he wrote 'Killing Yourself to Live.' As an assignment he was told to rent a car, drive around the U.S. and visit the locations where some of rock's greatest tragedies went down. I loved that book. Perhaps I'm just getting nostalgic for a time when I had all the freedom in the world just to hit the road; but packing a notebook and a week's worth of road snacks into the passenger seat of a rental car and just hitting the road is very, very appealing."

'Champion Robot'

What kinds of things do you do in your spare time? "I have two little girls so I spend a lot of my time doing dad things. When it comes to 'me' time, I love to play the guitar, watch movies with my wife, listen to music, go for beers and wings with my friends, or just read. I've also recently started painting [pictured left and above]. I should have started painting years ago. Not that I'm good at it, but I thought about it for 10 or 15 years before I dove in and now I can't get enough. It's actually a dream of mine to display my paintings somewhere and have someone actually buy one. I sold one to some friends of mine in December. Actually, I gave one to some friends of mine because they babysat for us one night so my wife and I could go to my Christmas party. That's the closest I've come to selling one. Hey, do you wanna buy a painting?"

Where (in life) do you want to be ten years from now? "Ten years from now I still want to be talking on the radio and in podcasts. I really have no desire to do anything else as far as media goes. I love my life right now. One thing I can hopefully tell you ten years from now is that I actually finished one of the dozens of books and screenplays and teleplays that I've started over the years. I was born with a motor--I like to get things started--I love to create stuff. Unfortunately, I wasn't born with the 'finish what you started' gene. That needs to change."

Part II/ Rapid Fire Q's:

First concert? "Bay City Rollers with my older sister (Buffalo Days, Regina, SK, mid-'70s)."
Last concert? "Sonic Boom."
Favourite band/artist of all-time? "Devo, Alice in Chains, Beck, Neil Young, The Police (tie)."
Favourite new band/artist? "Mother Mother."
Favourite movie? "Pulp Fiction, Anchorman (tie)."
TV show you don't miss? "Any show where 'America votes'."
Best local festival? "Sonic Boom (natch)."
Last book you read? "'Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned' (Wells Tower)."
Motto you live by? "'Don't expect to be thanked for your good deeds, but they were appreciated'."
Preferred beer? "Sleeman Original Draught."

*The above three paintings are originals by Garner Andrews. You can also follow Garner on Twitter or Facebook, like I am.

Thanks, Garner!

ARTWORK PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM ARTIST.

Music Clip of the Month/ 1-11

2011-01-10T04:42:00.003-07:00

Old Wives' "Teen Commandements" (2010)

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

LAST February (as in 2010), Liam Harvey (lead vocals), Ryan Dix (bass), T.S. (guitar) and The DRRN (drums)--collectively known as pop-punk players Old Wives--were featured as the Band of the Month on local radio station Sonic 102.9.

That's how many Edmontonians, this guy included, first heard of these "three dudes from Edmonton and one random from Halifax that play awesome pop punk together."

Formed in about '07, these mostly homeschooled brothers with a pastor father have been playing in bands for the last decade or so. In August '09 they travelled to the States to do their first shows there, and to record an album (See You In Hell) at the same studio where Rise Against and Alkaline Trio have set down tracks.

The video clip below featured Old Wives performing the album's track "Teen Commandments" at the Vue Weekly Studio last April. The band will play Edmonton next on February 5th (a Saturday) at the DV8 Tavern (8307-99 St.), with Weekend Kids, Freshman Years, and the Mange.

Edmonton Festival Scene Welcomes New Kid on the Block

2011-01-09T13:21:00.002-07:00

Our privileged city, world famous for its festival line-up, is getting ready to premiere a new comedy fest this fall

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

EDMONTON is no stranger to virgin festivals trying to get their piece of our city's viral festival community, one that remains active all year long. Every year it seems new events are popping up to celebrate and promote some art form, whether it be music, film, theatre, literary work, or even ice sculpting.

Edmonton Comedy Festival organizer Andrew Grose

But there's always been something lacking on the local festival scene (despite the little-known Improvaganza Fest in June), a theme familiar in world class events around the world, yet practically foreign to our own. That is, until now.

Homegrown(ish) comics will take center stage at what has been christened the inaugural ATB Financial Edmonton Comedy Festival, set to make us actually lol from October 19-22, at various locations in the downtown, including the Stanley A. Milner Library, the Citadel Theatre, and the parkade of the Edmonton City Centre Mall.

"You know, one of the things about Edmonton that I just love is that we have a mayor who loves comedy," said Andrew Grose (pictured above), the ECF organizer and co-host of 630 CHED Afternoon News. "The original idea for a festival came from city hall, and we've just run with it."

"I think we really need to take a look at how we raise the level of our profile in the country," Mayor Stephen Mandel commented late last year. "I think arts is one way to do that. Sports teams are another, architectural design is another one.... We need to look at what we can do to raise our game."

At around the same time, Mandel organized a team of area comedians who would raise $100,000 to help make this concept a reality. But he refused to identify who was on this so-called team.

Grose, also an Edmonton-based comic who's performed at Montreal's Just For Laughs Festival eight times, has promised that the event's priority will be in showcasing local comics, though it will also welcome national and international talent, in standup & sketch comedy, improv, and even musicians.

"This is a really active place for comedy, and I don't think Edmontonians have any idea that that's true," Grose said. "Maybe the lack of a festival is what's caused people not to realize it, but among comedians--and I mean all comedians: standup, improv, sketch--everyone knows that Edmonton just has this wealth of talent."

ATB Financial, the ECC's named sponsor, has offered up enough cash to fund this 4-day event for the next three years, at least. More information regarding tickets, performers and venues will be made available in the next couple of weeks.

@ the Movies/ Black Swan

2011-01-03T14:04:00.003-07:00

Aronofsky explores the cruel realisms of that thirst for perfection in this dark thriller, a pinnacle role for its layered star Natalie Portman

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

IT'S that mounting pressure to eclipse all rivalry and maintain that seemingly implausible stature in one's craft that breeds a compulsive, exhaustive hunger; one that can gradually take over. It was that particular hunger that steadily eroded ballet dancer Nina Sayers (played deftly by Natalie Portman) in Darren Aronofsky's arcane psychological thriller Black Swan. It is a part that very much validated Portman's positioning atop Hollywood's leading lady elite, much like how Aronofsky's The Wrestler blazed Mickey Rourke's comeback in '08.

Black Swan was nominated for a record 12
Critics Choice Awards

Actually, it's Portman's encompassing role that seizes most of the glory here, conjuring up steady awards buzz for this new year. In Black Swan she demonstrates the persistence and determination she pledged in order to play a young woman tortured by her own fixation for absolute perfection, even spending several months learning how to dance ballet.

Nina lives with her domineering mother Erica (Barbara Hershey)--who failed to cut it in the ballet world herself--in a small New York apartment. Nina's focused her full attention to preparing for and landing the role of the White and Black Swan in the production of Swan Lake, a performance priorly owned by prima ballerina Beth McIntyre (played by an almost out-of-place Winona Ryder).

Although Nina seems a precise match for the portrayal of the White Swan, the show's director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) is hesitant in casting her in the lead, because she lacks the necessary grit to inhabit its Black counterpart. That is until a chance moment in which Nina exhibits the darkened passion and intensity that is essential for this schizo fowl.

It's then that Thomas hands her the role, though with it comes the agony of seizing the essence of its clashing dispositions, and torturous delusions that Nina can't seem to distinguish from fantasy and reality. Neither can we, the audience, but the mystic imagery of these sometimes unsettling illusions stimulate Aronofsky's tale of a fully engrossed, overly committed young woman.

Portman wears the part like a glove, shifting traits like it's second nature to her, and even braving the inelegance of a carnal lesbian scene with her character's charismatic understudy Lily (Mila Kunis). This marks brand new territory for the young actress, whom we all knew had the potential all along.

If you don't mind a little blood, graces of disturbing fantasy, and an unforgiving girl-on-girl rouse, then do yourself the favour and spend the 12 bucks to see this one. Just don't go into it, and I don't know why anyone would want to, expecting a movie about ballet. Really, that's just a stage prop.

4 outta 5 stars

Black Swan is currently playing in Edmonton @
-Cineplex Odeon North (780-732-2223)
-Garneau Theatre (780-433-0728)
-South Edmonton Common (780-436-8585)

Below is the official trailer for Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan.

Oil + Octane

2010-12-14T22:31:00.003-07:00

Our Oilers welcome Canada's first NHL cheer team, the Octane

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

19 beautiful young ladies stepped out onto the ice at Rexall Place tonight, to perform as Canada's first cheer team in hockey. The squad, christened Oilers Octane, will appear at Oilers home games, special events, and charity functions as ambassadors of both Edmonton and the Oilers Hockey Club.

Meant to "enhance the in-game experience," according to Oilers president Patrick LaForge, Octane are nothing new to the National Hockey League though, joining 23 other squads in the league. All south of the border. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Calgary jumps on board.

Aged 18-29, the ladies competed amongst more than 100 hopefuls, and were selected with the help of some of the Oilers' wives. All but two are from Alberta, including 13 from the Edmonton area. You can watch videos, check out photos, or buy Octane merchandise at their official club page.

By the way, the Oilers lost 4-1 to the Maple Leafs. Fuck.

Music Clip of the Month/ 12-10

2010-12-12T18:04:00.001-07:00

Colin Close's "I Don't Need (Your Bentley's)" (2010)

"IT was only just this morning when local musician Colin Close was "talking with a friend of mine who is really gonna run the world he lives, plays, and works in someday soon. He was having a hard morning," Close explains. "And some stuff had gotten him down. So he asked me, 'how many Bentley's you want when things go good?,' and all I could say was 'I don't need no Bentley's, man'."

Close, who participated in an interview with I Heart Edmonton back in May, told me that when he got off the phone with his buddy, "I started thinking about my own life, and all the things I don't really need." And, in the words of one Emeril Lagasse, 'BAM!' A song was born.

In his humble apartment, Close picked up his guitar, set up his camera, and shot this video earlier today. When he posted it on Facebook I suggested he name the untitled song "Luxuries" (I know, pretty good, right?!). Despite Close graciously declining the request, I thought I'd post the clip anyways. I forgive you, Colin.

By the way, Close will be performing next at the Avenue Theatre (9030-118 Ave.), on Wednesday, December 29 (8:30PM). Tickets are just $5 at the door.