November Fix Magazine

SARNIA-LAMBTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

November, 2009 • volume 1.8 ComplemeNtary • $4.50 with subsCriptioN

relocating to former Saks buildingGallery Lambton

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SARNIA-LAMBTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

We’ve gone Fix Magazine is now being printed on Forest Stewardship Council of Canada approved paper from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources. That means that when trees are cut down to make this magazine, more are planted to replace them. For more information on FSC-certification and how you can be involved in preserving our forests for the next generation, please visit www.fsccanada.org. Look for the FSC logo on this and upcoming issues of Fix!

A video component has been added to our website! We are working with a professional videographer to bring you video coverage of events around the county. Video coverage is meant to work in partnership with articles you will find in our print version to bring you even more information about your favourite happenings. We are also offering filmed commericals. Check out www.fixmagazine.ca. Rates for filmed commercials or for Fix to bring our video services to your next event are available by emailing [email protected].

video component!

green!

Graphic Designand LayoutCCI StudiosDarryl GrahamAnnette HoveyKevin MurphyBryan ReidSTiRLINGPhotographyCat CabajarKen DruiettAllan KirklandJessica PedlarDavid PuzakNina RennieMelissa UpfoldCover ArtMelissa UpfoldSales Jessica PedlarKristin Ray

Our Contributors:Writers

Margaret BirdSammie Brimmer

Cat CabajarKevin Forbes

Dane HansenCarol Kennedy

Allan KirklandShelby LeClair

Peter NobleJessica Pedlar

Lily PlumtreMelissa UpfoldAdministration

Kristin RaySpecial thanks to

Melissa Upfoldfor her tireless efforts in

making this issue possible

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Fix Magazine105 S. Christina St.

P.O. Box 111Sarnia, Ontario N7T 2M6

519•384•3491www.fixmagazine.ca

photo fixin the galleryperformance artwrite fixmusic fixfix reviewsreel fixon the runwaycalendar of eventstheatre fixation

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I was recently innundated with computer problems. With my stress level rising, amount of sleep decreasing and coffee shortages hap-pening at the most inopportune times, I needed some sort of relief. Pacing around the house wasn’t helping anything and (surprize!) complaining wasn’t actually solving anything so I sat and looked out the window. For the first time in quite some time, I decided to take a half hour break and go outside. I brought my camera with me and started snapping. I must say, it was the best stress reliever I could have possibly experienced. Autumn is upon us. I would like to invite you to capture the sea-son. Encapsulate all that is autumn. The kaleidoscope of colours, the crisp smells, the breeze. Take it all in. Press leaves in books. Take photographs of rustic colours in rich landscapes. Watch the last leaf fall from the maple outside your window. Don’t blink though. A colder season is right around the corner. Welcome winter and the intricate snowflakes as they fall, sparkling onto a waiting world, a child’s mitten, a bare tree branch. I can’t tell you what a treat it is to be able to take photographs, bring them home, look through and edit them. Moments frozen in

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Yours truly,

Jessica Pedlar, Publisher/Editor

time that I can look back on any time I like make me realize how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. Whether it’s raining, snowing or the sun is shining as you read this, I hope that you will go outside today and take some photos of the scenery that surrounds you. Let these photos remind you that each day is a gift. Allow them to help you remember the simple elegance of nature. Preserve memories forever with the click of a camera. I hope that you will take some photographs and that they will help you to relax and take a break from the bustle of everyday life.

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1 - Michael Brainstorm Cassidy at Trinity Lounge2 - Funk Eh! at Ups N’ Downs3 - Panic Room at Puck Around4 - Spoken Word5 - Fright Night at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia6 - Volcanoless in Canada at Paddy Flaherty’s7 - Dan Mangan Band at Paddy Flaherty’s8 - The Peace Leeches at Trinity Lounge9 - See Spot Run at Cathcart Elementary School10 - The Waxbills at Paddy Flaherty’s 11 - The Imperial Theatre 12 - Hey Ocean at Paddy Flaherty’s13 - See Spot Run at Cathcart Elementary School 1 & 2 - Jessica Pedlar 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10 to 13 - Melissa Upfold 5 - Provided by the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia 9 - Cheryl Grey

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At a joint news conference with the federal govern-ment, it was announced that Gallery Lambton, cur-rently situated in the Bayside Mall, will be relocating to the former Sak’s building at the corner of Lochiel and Christina Streets in Sarnia. Through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, the gallery received funding in the amount of $3 million from the federal government to help with the approximate $9.2 million projected cost of the project. More funding has been applied for from the Ontario government’s Infrastruc-ture Stimulus Fund. In a press release, Lambton County Warden Jim Burns had much to say. “We are fortunate to have an outstanding collection of art and these pieces will now have a permantent home in a state-of-the-art, environ-mentally controlled building - one that preserves the historically significant facade of an important archi-tectural landmark in downtown Sarnia,” he said. “The arts community is thriving like never before in Lamb-ton County and this announcement of both funding and a new location is building on the excitement and momentum we have been experiencing over the last 18 months.” The new gallery, which will be 17,400 square feet, will maintain its Category A designation. In order to receive such a designation, strict guidelines must be made by the institution such as actively obtaining artwork that is of “outstanding significance and national importance” as established under the Cultural Property Export and Import Act. “Category A ensures that we will be able to continue to attract and care for significant works of art that come into the gallery through our donation program,” said Gallery Lambton Curator Lisa Daniels. “In addi-tion, the new gallery will offer another level of oppor-tunity for practicing artists i our region.” It is expected that the renovations to convert the Sak’s building into the new home of Gallery Lambton will be completed by 2011 in time for Gallery Lambton’s 50th anniversary. For more information, please visit www.lambtononline.ca.

Gallery Lambton receives funding for relocation projectthe long-awaited restoration of the former Sak’s building begins

Melissa Upfold

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After ten years of school at the Emily Carr University, including photography, classical and computer animation and digital editing, advanced human anatomy for drawing, script development and story-boarding for short films, artist Brent Ray Fraser is setting up shop at Artopia for the month of November with his show opening on First Friday, November 6. A self-taught painter, Brent has travelled all the way from Fort Langley, British Columbia where he lives in a Butler grain silo on a hundred acre farm. The silo, which he has lived in for six years, doubles as his art studio and he finds that overwhelming inspiration, creativity and little disruption comes from the simple atmosphere. “My art has been growing there and for some reason, nothing has ever come close to mimicking the inspiration found within,” says Brent. “Except trips to New York of course,” he jokes. Brent was happy to talk about his show at Artopia. “My original idea was to create an atmosphere that replicates the experience of shopping for luxury products.,” he said. “In this exhibition, I chose to focus on suit jackets and women’s hand bags. Luxury hand bags caught my attention due to their consumeris-tic popularity. They are highly collected and extremely expensive, depending on the brand of course. I find it intriguing that a simple utilitarian object such as a purse, can be so engaging, highly sought after and at the same time can alter the way a woman is perceived by society,” Brent added. “The same goes for a business suit, except that the suit jacket carries a deeper connotation for me, especially during a time of economic recession. They reflect a world of money, a society of social status and can change the way you are perceived by those around you. Everything else aside, they are very rewarding to use as a painting surface. There is something to be said for applying paint to an expensive suit or purse.” Inspiration for creating the pieces in the show come from Brent’s inspiration from people and the choices we all make. “Being a visual person, I analyze my surroundings and the things I experience daily. Taking it all in. You can find out a lot about your-self by learning about others,” he commented. Having never been to Sarnia before, Brent is excited that his art will call the city home for the next month. “Sarnia was a place I had never heard of. It’s a bit of a mystery for me. A place where the un-expected can happen,” said Brent. He added, “it’s also very exciting to have the opportunity to step into a world of unknown specta-tors. Art is created to be experienced and I’m honored to have fresh eyes gazing upon my art.” The pieces in the show have all been created from original luxury brand garments and accessories. Acrylic paints, aerosol paints, busi-ness section newspaper articles, National Enquirer articles, 1952 Post Magazine articles, 1910 Sears catalogue pages, car manuals and various arbitrary images. The Hugo Boss suit jacket stamp is the artist’s favourite, he admits. “It’s the original image that manifested in my head before the show was created. I had a vision of a suit jacket being overcome by business section newspaper articles. I love them all but this piece reflects the original idea and for me is most visually appealing of the group.” Through the course of his career, Brent’s work has been shown in art exhibitions in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver and showcased

in private collections around the world. Brent has big projects planned for the future. “Im planning on creating a large body of work that incorporates elements from this exhibition. I’ve also been focusing on my short films and video art. Soon, you will be able to view works that are based on infomercials, the shopping channel and a wide variety of videos that deal with the body as art,” Brent explained. In closing, Brent shared a few thoughts. “I always insist on an open mind. Look past the obvious and you may find what you’ve been looking for all along.” For more information, please visit www.brentrayfraser.com or contact the artist directly at [email protected]. Brent’s show can be viewed at Artopia Gallery and Fram-ing located at 136 Christina Street North in Sarnia from November 6 through the end of the month.

Brent Ray Frasertaking it all in and finding inspiration from people and the choices we make

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AJessica Pedlar

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Artist Kathryn Moserwatercolours full of life and vibrant colour

“My paintings are mostly inspired by the view of the Sarnia-Lamb-ton area, where ‘land meets water.’ I believe inspiration comes naturally when there is a link between artist and subject.” Kathryn’s clients are from the corporate world and private col-lectors. She has been commissioned by churches, government, industry, and private individuals, to paint anything from buildings to landscapes to portraits, and galleries have bought her work at auctions. One of Kathryn’s commissions was from Patrick Swayzeto paint his prize possessions – his horses. Ms. Moser’s work is very diverse and covers all genres in existence from commercial artistic impressions for industry’s plants, to presidential mosaic collages for government officials...she has a flare for the unexpected! For more information on Kathryn Moser’s work, you can contact the artist at: [email protected]

Margaret Bird

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Fix: How long have you been in the photography business? Allan: I’ve been taking pictures for about 15 years now. It’s only been in the last year that I’ve dropped all the other jobs and become a full time photographer. Photography is all I do now.Fix: What training/background do you have in the field?Allan: I was pretty big into video for a while, with some corporate stuff and documentaries for World Vision. I loved video, but the creative process was a lengthy process. It took a long time to get from concept to finished product, so I moved over to photography. Now I feel I approach photography with a cinematic style, as many of the same techniques translate into single frame photography when you’re setting a shot or looking for the feeling in a scene. I think a lot of the cinematic style I developed in video has effected my photography. I really like a shot that looks like it’s a still frame from a film. But one of the biggest assets to my portfolio is my editing with Photoshop. I do all my editing, having used Photoshop for over 15 years.Fix: What has been the most exciting shoot you have been on to date?Allan: I would say the Yanomamö Indians in the Amazon. Three hours flying over the Amazon to land on a grass runway in the middle of the rainforest, then a lengthy trip up the river in a dugout canoe. The heat was so intense I could only last about 30 minutes before I had to jump in the river to cool off. Which also had it’s own set of concerns.... Fix: Where/what do you primarily shoot?Allan: People. I love to catch the uniqueness of an individual or couple and combine it with an artful approach or effect. Every person, love story, and life is a single and unique story. I really enjoy capturing the love of a wedding. I know some photographers that shoot weddings to pay bills. I shoot them to capture that love story, to record someone’s most important day. And I like to do

something no one else has thought of before. My movie poster is an ex-ample of how I try to think outside the box. Tell me your favourite movie, and I’ll make a custom poster with the couple around that theme. The Notebook, Gone With The Wind, even the Sopranos, you

pick. It looks just like a movie poster star-ing the couple, and It’s printed 24x36 and mounted on foam core ready for hanging. You can check out an example on my web page. As for my work, It’s great to be a part of someone’s special day, and mix it with art and something unique. Fix: How did you come up with the name BEMA Design? Allan: I always love that question. It’s named after my two children Ben and Emma. First part of Ben, last part of Emma, pronounced Bee-ma. Of course, now the kids think it’s their company....Fix: Anything else you’d like for people to know about you?Allan: Actually, yes, the design part of my company name means that we offer more than just a photo session. One of our packages actually includes custom Thank You cards and Wedding Programs. Magnets, on site printing, and other unique stuff.... it’s pretty cool what we can include that can save a couple money and add value to our package.Fix: How can people contact you?Allan: My website is the easiest way, as it lets you view my work and slip over to the contact page. The site is: www.bemadesign.com Ive got a flickr site as well with updates and recent work. www.flickr.com/photos/bemaphotos. And the good old telephone. 519•330•1712.

Allan Kirklandphotography and design

you got me spinnin’ round & roundxoxo110 Christina St. S. • Sarnia • 519-336-8088

Lola’s Lounge

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ADDING COOL TEXT EFFECTSTo your photographs and designBy Allan Kirkland. Photoshop Dude.

Photoshop can do a lot of

cool stuff. It has some great filters

that can transform photos and

text with pretty much a click of a

button. One of the easiest things

to do is to add textures to

photographs to give them an

altered appearance. Antique it,

add sepia, a water effect... you get

the idea. But you can quickly add

those texture effects to text as well.

There are a few ways to do this,

but I like creating a new object

out of the texture layer. Lemmie

show you....

Fire up photoshop and find a

water texture online. I googled

“Water Texture” and selected

images. Copy it, and paste it into

Photoshop. Select a really bold

text to show lots of the image

through for the best results.

“Impact” is a good choice and is a

free font probably already on your

computer. I typed both words on

separate layers to move them

around as shown below. With the

“wet” layer selected, CTRL

+Click on the “T”. It will outline

the text. Now switch layers to the

texture layer and hit CTRL+C to

copy that outline from the texture.

You will see the selection appear.

Then simply hit CTRL+V to

paste that selection on a new layer.

Presto... wet water. (Hide the

original water texture to see it.) To

give it a bit more gusto I went

under “Filter” in the menu bar

and selected “Distort” then

“Wave”. Play with the slider bars

to give it more or less effect. I also

added a bevel effect to the edge,

you can do that by double clicking

on the layer to bring up the

property box. Now find a stone

texture, and make a rugged font.

Have fun!

Pssst... It’s easy.

MIX TEXT WITH PHOTOS

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Strands of Time

Local writer Bob McCarthy brings Sarnia-Lambton’s history to life in Strands of Time. This collection of stories, told as historical fiction, is based on fact and local lore. Just a few of the stories told include the changing sands at the source of the river named after the Lady Sainte Clare, the sounds and notes in the life of a violin created from a maple tree on the Faethorne Estate, the confession of a three-fingered kidnapper, the memories of a decorated soldier of The Great War, the visit of a princess at the time of Sarnia’s incorporation as a City and the story of Canada’s most notorious criminal. Strands of Time is receiving great support from area community figures. “Sarnia-Lambton’s history comes alive in Strands of Time, capturing in a fascinating and personal way the magic of our history,”said Mike Bradley, Mayor of the City of Sarnia. Robert Tremain, Curator of the Lambton Heritage Museum said “author Bob McCarthy weaves a tapestry of history for his reader, pulling together various ‘strands’ known to us as factual. The result is a delightful ramble through our community’s past.” You can join Bob at the Lawrence House Centre for the Arts every Tuesday in November from 2:00 to 4:00pm for a workshop designed to tell The Story of You. For more information, please see the advertisement below or visit the Lawrence House online at www.lawrencehouse.ca.

brings together our community’s past through historical fiction

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I knew they would be blue, I knew they would be banging on things, other than that I had no idea what to expect when I purchased my ticket a few months ago for the Blue Man Group Megastar World Tour. What I did experience this October at the RBC Theatre was a one-of-a-kind, multi-media non-stop comedic live performance from three very blue and shiny men. Even though there was a full band complete with vocals backing them up, these alien child-like dudes stole the show from the minute the curtain dropped. With an underlying theme of “be yourself ” and “don’t

follow the rat-race” the night was filled with an orchestra of pipes, tubing, trash cans, plastic rods and was highlighted with a fantastic light show. If you get the chance, definitely pick up a ticket to see this hilarious trio but buyer beware - if you’re in the front row or even remotely close to the stage, they will find a way of incorporat-ing you into their antics. One show-goer found this out the hard way when they rummaged through her purse with a video camera to find her credit card...absolutely priceless!

In living (blue) colourthe Blue Man Group comes to town Performance

artCat Cabajar Cat Cabajar and Ken Druiett

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Melissa Upfold • Books generously provided by The Book Keeper.

Rex Murphy’s Canada and Other Matters of Opinion is a collection of articles written during his long career as a weekly commentator on CBC’s The National, as the host of CBC Radio’s Country Checkup, and as a weekly columnist for The Globe and Mail. With these essays, Murphy delves into a variety of issues from celebrity gossip and Obama’s rise to president to bad english and the environment.

In his unforgiving way he introduces the readers to his commentaries, referring to himself as a person who enjoys expressing his own opinion regardless of the cost. Stating the idea that writing should be entertaining, he takes the readers on a ride throughout modern culture that is both satirical and informing. As he tackles the issues that make the headlines it is clear that he will not follow the “rigid in form and flow news” he so hatefully rejects, but rather his viewpoint will take him and the readers where it will. Throughout the book the lines of the truth and opinion can become hazy and Murphy tends to be intense with his beliefs though this seems to be the very thesis of the book

itself: he wants to mock, or in his own terms to “rail against, parse, or idly just note in passing the various ‘occasions’ in our national life” with no consequence, admitting even that this is his intent.

The book is a witty and sardonic read and is easy to pick up as it is divided into both individual stories and categories. If looking for a dose of current events coming from a strong Canadian voice that is both well-versed and opinionated, Rex Murphy’s Canada and Other Matters of Opinion is a recommended read. Come see Rex Murphy speak on November 17 in support of the Children’s Literacy Programs in Sarnia-Lambton at the Sarnia Library Auditorium.

book reviewsCanada and Other Matters of OpinionRex Murphy (Doubleday Canada)

WWhen Margaret Atwood wrote her book Oryx & Crake six years ago, there was much that was left to the imagination. With her new book, The Year of the Flood, Atwood posits the question of what happened before, during and after the plot of Oryx & Crake. In this book, we find Atwood using a combination of narrative, sermons and ‘oral hymns’ to create a mythology that describes the lives of those involved in a small religious sect, The Gardeners.

The book is divided between two separate voices, which is an element commonly found in many of Atwood’s previous books. Here she tells the story of two women, Ren and Toby, who provide varying accounts of society, their religion and their journey. As the book unfolds their stories are paralleled with that of The Gardeners, a group to which both are involved. The group worships the belief of a “waterless flood” that will end modern civilization and clean the slate, so to speak.

The two books, The Year of the Flood and Oryx & Crake are linked together and the storylines are lapped and paralleled but can be read independently or in the order of ones choosing. Atwood manages to pull together a vast history that began with Oryx & Crake and simply continues on into an ever more complex and intriguing manifestation in this book.

The Year of the Flood is methodical and stirring, providing much information to old readers who are yearning to learn more about the events Atwood created in Oryx & Crake and will provide new readers with a book as equally rich and full as its predecessor. Thoroughly enjoyable, full of beautiful prose and compelling characters, The Year of the Flood does not disappoint.

The Year of the FloodMargaret Atwood (McClelland & Stewart)

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I suppose i never told you how the weight of you knocks me over,

or how lyrics to songs come to mind when i taste your skin

melissa upfold.

1. So the good lord found me you, drowning but kicking with feet sticking in the mud. In the air was the scent of suggestion;

a. argument: I bet this will end well with the two of us walking off hand in hand. b. response: This will end in a fire, an earthquake, a flood.

2. Fear it claws at my older wounds, the ones that were there from before & i do not give in to them, I dare not test any limitations.

a. argument: & normally i don’t But i get butterflies now when I see you, pounding & rattling my rib cage. Fluttering in my tummy

b. response: more a motion of exclamation marks, of comas usually comes forth, an over analysis, pause to each slow revelation.

the ending: The sound of a knife tearing into the hide; there is no other way.

Sonnet 2 Dane Hansen

At times the night is lonelier than hell,the flames of passion are doused in an agedespite your best efforts surely they’ll swellup only to be culled by cold disengage

at times your passion becomes self mock’rydamning your self to these nights spent alonethe touch of a woman locked by a keyheld by a part of the soul thats unknown

at times summer feels like cold decemberlust leaves its human form unsatisfiedas your flames of wanting are quelled to emberslowly charing from naked love denied

you ask yourself if its time for a changetill lust again forces love to

with night in the city.

melissa upfold.

the burden that bends my shoulders down is shifting my back into old habits.

my sockets have grown heavier lately as if fishing weights were sewn to my eyelashes, bending like the big catch,

a small fire lights the wall,

it lights the wall and casts shadows in the darkest corners that close in on me that squeeze me into the smallest corner where I quietly wait until morning.

where did I start to go wrong.

I’m erasing the scent of you from each limb, one at a time.

a widower left waiting by a

a window left open

the wind coiling & crying letting the city in.

concurrent regrets

Kevin Forbes

from the springs underneath your bed through the searing yards of electrical wire behind the fault lines of your walls its like yesterdays returned to claim today looking down from the rooftops on littered streets chasing the remains left by the vacuum of morning

traffic abandoning a dream for a sudden invitation amidst the

vacant sky highlighting the broken orbit of flustered stars hidden behind city lights and a sighing moon

David Puzak

Poetry generously provided by variations zine. For more information visit www.myspace.com/varia-tionszine. To submit, please email [email protected] with the subject line Fix Poetry.

Poetry

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Dreams and ambitions emerge from deep-seated roots. The first six years of Debbie Okun Hill’s life were spent in a three-room house with no running water, in a rural prairie setting outside Win-nipeg, Manitoba. In her teens, she had a dream to read every book in her school library, including the A-Z encyclopaedia. At the time, her favourite author was Agatha Christie. Debbie has a Diploma in Applied Arts, Creative Communication Program from Red River Community College, a BA from Lakehead University, plus additional on-line college courses on creative writ-ing and poetry through Lambton College. After working as a bank teller, Debbie decided that words would better suit her creative mind. The passion and strength for dark-side metaphorical and societal-underdog poetry came much later as a result of much strong encouragement from her writer colleagues. From high school editorial assignments for their newspaper and yearbook in the late 1970’s to her journalistic work for several rural newspapers and later as a communications specialist with The Win-nipeg Art Gallery, Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and Fan-shawe College in London, Debbie has accumulated many publishing credits. She has also interviewed many well-known people (artists Ivan Eyre and Robert Bateman; scientist David Suzuki; former Imperial Oil Limited Chariman, President and CEO Arden Haynes, and Canadian Astronauts Bjarni Tryggvason and Marc Garneau. Debbie Hill’s work has appeared in Sarnia publications as well as

international books – Chicken Soup for the Soul: Healthy Living - Diabe-tes; Living with Diabetes: A Family Affair by Julie V.Wason; and Life is Incredible, edited by Geraldine V. Lightfoot. Since Fall 2004, more than 140 of Debbie’s poems have been, or will be, published in over 60 different Canadian anthologies, web-sites and magazines, including Quill’s Canadian Poetry Magazine, Ascent Aspirations Magazine, anthologies published by Cranberry Tree Press, Tower Poetry, Leaf Press, ‘Monday’s Poem,’ www.feathertale.com, Perspectives Magazine, Aborealis, and several TOP membership anthologies. Her work has also appeared in the New York based MOBIUS and her free-verse poem In a Hospital Garden was translated /printed in Chinese in North American Maple. Debbie’s first published chapbook, Swaddled in Comet Dust, is a col-lection of award-winning poems and is part of The Ontario Poetry Society’s Stanza Break Chapbook Series #27 (ISBN 978-1-897497-10-4). Debbie is a member of the Canadian Poetry Association (CPA), an executive member of The Ontario Poetry Society (TOPS), an associate member of The League of Canadian Poets and a member of Sarnia’s Writers in Transition (WIT). Two of her published short stories received an honourable mention (one by the CAA, and the other by the Canadian Writer’s Journal).[See http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/Memberprofile009.htm for additional information]. Ms Hill is a winner of several poetry awards, including the 2007 recipient of the Ted Plantos Memorial Award and The Ontario Po-etry Society’s Member of the Year for 2007. She has read her poetry in numerous events in Sarnia, Wyoming, London, St. Catharines, Oakville, Toronto, Whitby, Brighton, and Windsor and has been invited to speak in Calgary and Vancouver. Debbie enjoys promoting the work of other writers and for the past four years, has co-hosted Spoken Word – a monthly open-mic event for poets and storytellers in the Sarnia-Lambton area. Hoping to start writing many short stories soon, Debbie says, “there is never a shortage of projects to work on” and she is currently seeking a publisher for four different poetry chapbook manuscripts and a full-length book of poems.

Debbie Okun HillPrairie-born award-winning poet and freelance writer

and TOPS Member of the Year for 2007Margaret Bird Melissa Upfold

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Stop in today for details on our registry and custom framing.

Bridal/Gift Registry now available at Artopia!

136 Christina St. N. • Sarnia • 519•332•0278 • [email protected]

Comprised of Andrew Lennox (guitar, vocals), Zach Hoffman (bass, vocals), Devon McCurry (percussion), Nathan Lamb (percus-sion), Joseph Thorner (guitar, synthesizer), Edward Murphy (guitar, synthesizer, percussion), Brenden Fraser (trumpet) and Andrew James (trumpet), Wild Domestic has been playing music together since the fall of 2007. Formerly Kid Skeleton, these Sarnia-born boys now call London their home but are back to Lambton County often to play gigs. The name change from Kid Skeleton to Wild Domestic officially hap-pened near the end of the summer of this year with the addition of three new members (Nathan, Brenden and Andrew). One of the main reasons for the name change was because Kid Skeleton wasn’t supported by everyone in the band. “We felt that if everyone did not support our name, then how could we expect to be productive and succeed to our fullest poten-tial?” Andrew explained. “It got to the point where we realized that we were arguing so much about band names that we forgot why we were playing music together in the first place. So we fell upon Wild Domestic and the name stuck. Wild Domestic actually came from a song we wrote called What Once Ran Wild. With the addition of new members our band dynamic and our writing process changed drastically. Be-cause of this, the name Wild Domestic justified our new approach to writing and playing music,” he explained. Wild Domestic’s unique sound is hard to describe and both the band and this writer find it difficult and unnecessary to place the group into any specific genre. “It’s almost like it’s limiting the scope of creativity we allow our-selves,” added Andrew. “We’ve always believed that our music is an extention of our deepest emotions that we can’t express with our words. To put it bluntly, we sound like Winston Churchill and Zeus having an arm wrestling match.” With an album coming out in December, 2009, the band explains that there isn’t a certain theme or feel to the record. They just came together as a group to make music and they hope that their thoughts and feelings translate into something people will appreci-ate. “Leaving such an open palate enabled us to write music inspired by things such as the things we hear, voluntarily and involuntarily,

the lives we’ve led and choose to lead, the family and friends that surround us, the world that surrounds us and ourselves,” they said. The band admits they don’t have the best routine before a show and that it is something they would like to improve upon in the future. “We are all so busy lately,” said Andrew. “We try to practice two or three times as a whole band leading up to the show with a quick run-through of the set on the day of.” You can most often find Wild Domestic playing in Sarnia and London. Check www.myspace.com/wilddomestic for details about upcoming shows. Five are booked for November and December at present but more shows could be added to the roster at any time. “On top of shows, we are in the midst of pre-production for our upcoming release and we will be starting to record in our own stu-dio,” said the band. “You can also be expecting a website from Wild Domestic in the near future and we have been working on some merchandise ideas so keep on the look out for some Wild Domestic swag.” To contact the band, please visit their MySpace page or sonicbids.com/wilddomestic. They also invite you to add band members on Facebook or email [email protected] for events and bookings.

Wild Domestica Winston Churchill arm-wrestles

Zeus kinda soundJessica Pedlar Melissa Upfold

CMUSIC

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Autumn photosfrom around Lambton including the

Brigden Fall Fair

Melissa Upfold and Jessica Pedlar

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Plume BalloonWest Memphis SuicideSurprize special guest

On Saturday, November 14presents

live at Adam’s Apple

featuring

with art by Annette Hovey

Melissa Upfold

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At Fix Magazine’s Pandemonium goes Hip-Hop show, we were all floored by the talent that exuded off the stage from the Freestyling Fiends, Michael Brainstorm Cassidy and Academy. We were lucky enough to sit down with the Freestyling boys to hear their thoughs on hip-hop and the future of their group. The Freestyling Fiends are Mack Magic (Karl Adamek), Ill Eagle (Talon Moddejonge) and Don Kronic (Kieron Martin). The trio began their hip-hop careers together six years ago with Mack Magic having started rapping six years before that respectively. The group shared success together in high school as what started out as beat-boxing and rapping the hallways. “People started putting money in our hats,” recalled Ill Eagle. “Everyone from country fans to punks with mohawks have seen us and been able to get really into us.” “We used to have huge crowds in the hallways at school,” said Don Kronic. “A few years ago, we played a show at Trinity Lounge. We had around 40 or 50 people there. Now we tend to see about 150 to 200 people out at hip-hop shows in Sarnia and we get big crowds out at house parties as well.” “There’s no better feeling than being on stage when you’re per-forming,” Mack Magic said. “A lot of people freeze when they hit the stage. I get nervous before I go on but as soon as I grab the mic, I’m good.” The group told of their frustration about the lack of knowledge about the hip-hop scene in the area. “It’s depressing that people don’t know there’s a hip-hop scene here,” said Mack Magic. “There are so many older people who write it off and so many kids think it’s a joke.” “Rappers from Sarnia are no different from rappers in other cities like Detroit or New York,” added Ill Eagle. “It’s not where you’re from, it’s how you come. People from Sarnia are getting better and better. We don’t like glorifying things like crack and guns. Rap doesn’t all have to be about that.” The Fiends can be seen on most weekends rapping recreationally at house parties and challenge other rappers who want to revive the hip-hop scene to “step up their game. The competition around town is pretty weak!” The three say they hope to do a home-recording that they would like to have out in the new year. For this album, the group will have a few of their old songs and hope to write some new lyrics and beats specifically for the album. You can see the Freestyling boys in action on December 11 at Trinity Lounge. Headlining will be Saginaw rapper Young Stylez with a DJ in from Detroit. Tickets are $7 before December 10 and $9 at the door. The Freestyling Fiends will also be featured in January’s Rap Idol run by Epademik Clothing Co. in Sarnia. Read upcoming issues of Fix for more about the growing hip-hop scene in Sarnia as we welcome Karl Adamek to our team of writers. Karl will be writing a monthly col-umn starting in December, 2009. To contact the Freestyling Fiends, please email them at [email protected].

Ill Eagle, Mack Magic and Don KronicareFreestyling Fiends

make some noise if you like to party

Freestyling Fiends Ill Eagle, Mack Magic and Don Kronic at Trinity Lounge for Fix Magazine’s Pandemonium goes Hip-Hop show

Academy

AcademyTrilla of Academy 18

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After spending the month of September touring through the West Coast of Canada, Marty Oblak is at it again, only this time it will be far more colourful. The 23 year-old Corunna musician has been making himself known among the Ontario music scene since his high school days with the band, Miles Fault. Since then, Marty has worked on perfecting his solo acoustic project and completed several success-ful tours across Canada. Accompanying Marty on his East Coast tour is 22 year-old tattoo artist, Kari Cook. After opening Kari’s Tattoo’s in 2006, Kari has been making herself known as one of the most sought after, up-and-coming tattoo artists in Sarnia. Pleased with her success, Kari has decided to take on Eastern Canada and expand her client base and popularity. “I have been ready to take my talents on the road for a while now but the timing was never quite right,” Kari stated. “I met Marty and we both had the same goals and plans so it made sense to team up.” The tour kicks off November 4th in Sarnia, Ontario and stretches as far as Prince Edward Island, hitting every major city along the way. Check out www.myspace.com/martyoblak or www.myspace.com/karistattoos for more information and a tour date near you. To contact Marty, please call (519)466•3287. To contact Kari Cook, call (519)381•4618.

East Coast tour planned for local musician and artistShelby LeClair Nina Rennie, Tiffany Freitas

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See Spot Run visits area elementary schools

When Fix heard that Montreal’s See Spot Run were visiting sev-eral Sarnia-Lambton elementary schools to promote the arts, we wanted to see what all the hype was about. To tell the story, we thought, ‘who better to tell about the experience than a student?’ A writing contest was held and Cathcart Boulevard Public School grade six student Sammie Brimmer’s article was chosen. Here’s what she thought of the show: It was an incredible day on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Cathcart Boulevard School. Our principal approved a concert by the band See Spot Run as a reward for doing so well on class assignments, report card marks, Diagnostic Reading Assess-ment (DRA) and Education, Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) grades. It was like a gift for our ears as they played for us for over an hour and became like a true rock concert when everyone rushed the stage after the second song. The band even took the time to sign autographs for everyone after the concert. I know for a fact that See Spot Run has a whole school full of new fans. With fists pumping, girls screaming and heads bopping, it was the coolest reward any of us have every had for doing well on our school work.

Sammie Brimmer Melissa Upfold

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Top photo. See Spot Run is (left to right): Dave Fudge, Chris Brodbeck, Randy Bowen and Aaron Little.

East Coast tour planned for local musician and artist

It’s all about

and trying to incorporate all of the visual elements that they feel the music projects. “We will be taking the next couple of months and working out all of the digital and video aspects of the show so we will be hitting the rehearsal room, gearing up for some shows in January includ-ing our official CD release party (date to be announced),” Dwayne explained. There is much in the works for Executive Monkey and fans should expect yet another album shortly. “Executive Monkey is one of those projects where the wheels never stop turning,” said Dwayne. “We have a backlog of music that is already screaming to get out. We expect to be back in the studio in the next few weeks and are excited to push the whole thing over the edge with the next CD. We have already started to incorporate some of the new songs into our set list and we are getting some great responses on our over all direction. This band loves to make music. We love to agonize over the smallest little spaces in the music and that one twisted metaphor that brings it all to life.” To contact the band or hear their tunes, check out www.myspace.com/theexecu-tivemonkey, join their Facebook group or email Dwayne directly at [email protected].

In the 1950s, scientist Joseph V. Brady conducted experiments on monkeys for which he placed two monkeys in restraints. Shock treatments were administered every 20 sec-onds unless one monkey, the Executive Monkey, pushed a lever that only he had control over in the same time period to stop the shocks. The stress that

the Executive Monkeys suffered quickly caused ulcers which lead to their eventual demise. Cruel experiment? We think so as does Dwayne Cloes, the guitar/keyboard player for a band that boasts the name Executive Monkey. The band, however, thought the name was a good one for a group of musicians. The band is comprised of Dwayne, a power engineer for Trans-Alta, Stephanie Hyde (guitar), a worker in the social service field, Jay Dahlke, a singer for this and two other bands (Ebony and Ivory and Two Hog Night), Dave Doyle (bass), the manager of an auto parts store and Jim Miles (percussion), an ironworker. The band feels their sound was best described by Fix CD reviewer Ian Alexander as “a funkadelic dark trip.” “We love it when we can catch that dark groove,” said Dwayne. “It’s important to all of us that the piece is able to move you in some way as well as give you something interesting in the shadowy corners to contemplate.” The band recently celebrated the win of a K106.3 radio contest to have a track put on a compilation CD. The CD will feature the Executive Monkey track Angel as well as songs from Thornley, The Trews, The Joys and more. The win was great exposure for the band. “It’s always an incredible feeling when people you don’t even know come out of nowhere to tell you that they heard you on the radio or read about you or enjoyed one of your shows,” Dwayne relayed. The band says that right now, their focus is really on the live show

Jessica Pedlar Melissa Upfold

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Ithe monkey business

TThis collection of songs is available on M.C. Huey & The Collection of Cups’ website, http://www.myspace.com/mchuey-andthecollectionofcups. It is a five song set with a powerful rhythm section of Roy Tennyson on bass and Nick McKinlay on drums. This duo propels the opener, Stink of Love and the fills between verses are top notch as is the solo in the middle of the song.

They also provide a great, wandering funk phrase on the slower tempo of The Power of Phonics. This accompaniment works well with Dane Hansen’s guitar lick, who doesn’t need a whole lot of notes to come up with a great guitar hook. The other element of interest in this band is Brad Huey, the vocalist. At times, he has the rap-funk stylings of the Red Hot Chili Peppers (Power of Phonics), the country-ish rap of Kid Rock (We Blame Your Mother) and almost a John Fogerty hoarseness on I’m A Willow. This demo recording is a great set of songs and shows great promise for a talented group of individuals. The highlight for me in listening to these songs is the instrumentation. Tennyson and McKinlay work incredibly well together and that foundation allows a great showcase for Hansen’s guitar hooks.

M.C. Huey & The Collection of CupsExtra Planets (Demo) TThe ubiquitous Justin

Gray & The USB Or-chestra (this is the third recording to appear in Fix Magazine since its launch) recorded Down The Stairs: Volume II this summer and re-leased this album before putting this version of the band on indefinite hiatus. This album fol-lows along in a similar vein to Down The Stairs Volume I and Gray has harnessed the synthesiz-ers to much better effect. The songs have an organic feel and while layered, almost have a minimal approach to them, whether it’s the single notes of the piano in Part VI or the mixing in Divertimento. Andrew Borek contributes some rhythm guitar on Part III which also has a three-layered violin effect, as the instrument is bowed, plucked and scratched. A highlight of this album include the wonderful Coda (the best song goes last, go figure), with a good hook provided from the guitar in its upper registers and a sound reminiscent of Broken Social Scene’s Looks Just Like The Sun or Do Make Say Think. Another highlight is Part VIII which features a dominant drum fill and guitar riff that would not be out of place if Pink Floyd’s Ummagumma contained more music. The Broken Social Scene influence can also be heard on Part IX which has a “chirp” to the keyboards and a guitar phrase that recalls Sonic Youth’s Teenage Riot.

Justin Gray & The USB Orchestra

Down The Stairs: Volume IIREVIEWS

Peter Noble

Peter Noble

R Running Red Lights recently released their debut EP Forever and Ever to the delight of their loyal following. With a style that we feel is best described as 80’s new wave Euro power-pop, the EP has an air of Corey Hart mystery that makes us want to wear our sunglass-es at night, bust out our Varnay jackets and perm our hair. Nova Scotia-born Scarlett Flynn’s seemingly Cyndi Lauper-meets-Madonna-style vocals on Back It Up and So Lonely are fantastic. This writer is not sure how this lovely lady can do such amazing things with her voice. Kevin Howley’s sharp, pulsing percussion on this disc are reminiscent of an old tune by Genesis or The Police - fabulous. The hypnotic bass-line in Hoochie on the Dance Floor by Andy Powell are dominant and deep. Dave Puzak’s prominant gui-tar on the title track has a sound comparable to The George Baker Selection’s Little Green Bag. With a feel that brings back memories of everything from The Cure to The Killers, an extremely strong synergy between the musi-cians and the tight overall sound make Forever and Ever a must-have. Live, Scarlett’s choreographed dance moves and the energy from the whole band are undeniable. Talented musicians, some of the group members as individuals have side-projects that are certainly worth checking out. Visit www.

Running Red LightsForever and Ever (EP)

myspace.com/thek-evinhowleyproject and www.myspace.com/puzakmuzak. Get ready to give your bangs an over-dose of Aquanet because you can see Running Red Lights at the Industry The-atre on November 6 at 9:00pm when they play the Rex In The City benefit for the Sarnia Humane Society.

The Toronto-based Sarnia-native quartet will be offering a limited time free download of Forever and Ever via their website www.runningredlights.com until their appearance at the Rex In The City fundraiser.

Music from their EP deftly blends disparate electronic elements with a moody and layered atmospheric texture topped with poignant storytelling.

Limited time free download

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Mark McNabb directs and produces a local film that explores the genres of suspense and mystery. Sister’s Keeper stars Stepha-nie Nethery as Sara Ramsey, a young professional climbing the corporate ladder whose sister Emily (Taryn Anderson), arrives at her door unexpectedly, looking for a place to stay and seemingly in trouble. Before Sara can discern what the problem is with her sister, Emily goes missing from the apartment leaving in her wake a trail of unanswered questions. In search of answers, Sara and her boyfriend Paul’s (Arik Evers) search leads them to her hometown where things become dangerous. After an ex-boyfriend of Emily’s is fingered as a potential threat, Sara turns towards the local police officer Neal Rouble (Levi Oliver) for help. Although the cinematography is on par with many of the inde-pendant Canadian films in this genre today, the movie is wrought with problems. Barely held together with a flimsy plotline, the story becomes only more convoluted as it progresses. The characters seem to have no real connection to each other and the dialogue feels stiff and forced. The relationship between the two sisters was especially artificial and lacking in chemistry. The times the film truly shines are during the action and fight scenes. The makeup and effects are well done, with scenes of hair pulling and fake punches flying. Though the movie drags and drones on with pointlesss sequences and unrealistic plot twists lead-ing to an ending that is dissapointing and grasping at straws.

McNabb’s talents as a director far exceed this film. It is interest-ing to see a local director try a different genre for once, and in that sense this film is refreshing. However nice shots and quick one liners do not make a film.

Sister’s KeeperMark McNabb

MWant to see your album re-viewed in ?Send hard copies toFix Magazine105 Christina St. S. PO Box 111Sarnia, ON N7T 2M6

REEL

Little-known fact: Sister’s Keeper actor Arik Evers also made an appearance as an extra in Spiderman.

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This year’s Wearable Wonderland, presented by The Lawrence House Centre for the Arts and the Raw Sista Collective, packed the Sarnia Library Theatre for an evening of fashion for a good cause. All proceeds from the event went directly to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Wearable art took to the stage as models dressed in everything from book pages to lights to things that you might find in your back yard. Faces painted, hair sprayed and music cued, audience members were wowed by each performance and were particularily

T surprized when organizer Holliby Ross of the Raw Sista Collec-tive and her then boyfriend, now husband Jonah, were married on stage (for real!) in a Renegade Wedding. Winning entries for Wearable Wonderland were created by Bree Ross, Courtney Cummins and Hailey McHarg.

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• Open Mic with Rick Steeves at Ups N’ Downs, Sarnia• Karaoke/Guitar Hero at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Open Mic at Puck Around, Sarnia

• A Novel Way to Tell Your Family History with Bob McCarthy at the Lawrence House, Sarnia (2:00 to 4:00pm)

• FIRST FRIDAY CULTURAL WALKABOUT IN DOWNTOWN SARNIA

• Gutiar Hero at Puck Around, Sarnia

• 42nd Street presented by Theatre Sarnia Musical and Dance Extravaganza at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Funk Eh! at Ups N’ Downs, Sarnia

• Live entertainment at Puck Around, Sarnia• Bob Kerrigan Acoustic Wednesday at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• The Backyardigans - Sea Deep in Adventure presented by Paquin Entertainment at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia• The Waxbills with Romney Getty at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• Karaoke at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Ray Whaling Band at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• Remembrance Day• Nic Swales Acoustic Wednesday at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia• Jim Chevalier at Cupper’s Cove, Sarnia

• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Name That Tune at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Shoshana Telner presented by the Sarnia Concert Association at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Stealin’ Third at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia

• A Novel Way to Tell Your Family History with Bob McCarthy at the Lawrence House, Sarnia (2:00 to 4:00pm)

HOSTS

• Jim Chevalier at Cupper’s Cove, Sarnia • Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia

• Playfair Music Open Jam at Boomerangs, Sarnia• Karaoke at Puck Around and Two Amigo’s, Sarnia

• Running Red Lights at Sarnia Humane Society Rex In the City fundraiser at Industry Theatre, Sarnia

• Singles dance at the Polish Hall, Sarnia more listings online

• Live entertainment at Boomerangs and Puck Around, Sarnia• Open Mic with Rick Steeves at Ups N’ Downs, Sarnia• Karaoke/Guitar Hero at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Open Mic at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Gutiar Hero at Puck Around, Sarnia


• Guitar Hero Night at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Open Mic with Rick Steeves at Ups N’ Downs• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Open Mic at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Playfair Music Open Jam at Boomerangs, Sarnia• Karaoke at Puck Around and Two Amigo’s, Sarnia

• Live entertainment at Puck Around, Sarnia • Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia

• The Paper Lions with SPG The Junction at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia • Stealin’ Third at the Balmoral, Point Edward

• Current Swell at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• 42nd Street presented by Theatre Sarnia Musical and Dance Extravaganza at the Imperial Theatre, SarniaPandemonium! featuring West Memphis Suicide, Plume Balloon and surprize guest at Adam’s Apple (9:00pm)

• Singles dance at the Polish Hall, Sarnia• Karaoke at Picadilly’s and Two Amigo’s, Sarnia • Live entertainment at Boomerangs and Puck Around, Sarnia

more listings online


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• Ron Sexsmith in concert at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

• Live Entertainment at Puck Around and Boomerangs, Sarnia• Karaoke at Two Amigo’s and Picadilly’s, Sarnia• The Day The Music Died - A tribute to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens at the VPP (8:00pm)

• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Art & Jeff Acoustic Wednesday at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia• Live entertainment at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Wild Domestic at Trinity Lounge, Sarnia• Jeff Redinger Band at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• Live Entertainment at Puck Around and Boomerangs, Sarnia• SCITS Stock at SCI&TS High School featuring art show, film festival and live music, Sarnia (6:00pm)

December Details may change. Before you travel,

please check with venues to confirm

events are still taking place.

To submit a listing, email [email protected] event details and updates, visit www.fixmagazine.ca

• Running Red Lights at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• Starbright Christmas at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia

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• Showcase Literacy 2009 featuring Rex Murphy at the Sarnia Library Auditorium, Sarnia• A Novel Way to Tell Your Family History with Bob McCarthy at the Lawrence House, Sarnia (2:00 to 4:00pm)• Karaoke/Guitar Hero at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• 42nd Street presented by Theatre Sarnia Musical and Dance Extravaganza at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Live entertainment at Puck Around, Sarnia• Jim Chevalier at Cupper’s Cove, Sarnia

• Jim Chevalier at Cupper’s Cove, Sarnia

• Name That Tune at Puck Around, Sarnia

let us do your running around519•381•6261

• Stealin’ Third at Boomerangs, Sarnia


• Jeff Redinger Acoustic Wednesday at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia

• 42nd Street presented by Theatre Sarnia Musical and Dance Extravaganza at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia• Karaoke at Two Amigo’s and Puck Around, Sarnia• Playfair Music Open Jam at Boomerangs


• The Spades at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia• Lawrence House noon concert series, Sarnia

more listings online

• 42nd Street presented by Theatre Sarnia Musical and Dance Extravaganza at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia• Live entertainment at Puck Around

• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Open Mic at Puck Around, Sarnia• Open Mic with Rick Steeves at Ups N’ Downs

23 • Guitar Hero at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Barrage in Concert presented by Imperial Theatre Presentation at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia• A Novel Way to Tell Your Family History with Bob McCarthy at the Lawrence House, Sarnia (2:00 to 4:00pm)• Karaoke/Guitar Hero at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia • Name That Tune at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Karaoke at Two Amigo’s and Puck Around, Sarnia• Playfair Music Open Jam at Boomerangs

• Karaoke at Two Amigo’s and Picadilly’s, Sarnia more listings online

• Live Entertainment at Puck Around and Boomerangs, Sarnia• Running Red Lights at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia



• Singles Dance at the Polish Hall, Sarnia

• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Open Mic at Puck Around, Sarnia• Open Mic with Rick Steeves at Ups N’ Downs

• Guitar Hero at Puck Around, Sarnia

• Jim Chevalier at Cupper’s Cove, Sarnia• Karaoke/Guitar Hero Night at Two Amigo’s, Sarnia• Live entertainment at Puck Around• Art & Jeff Acoustic Wednesday at Paddy Flaherty’s, Sarnia 28

It’s A Wonderful Life

What’s the buzz? Well, from November 13 to 21, Theatre Sarnia’s production of 42nd Street will sing, dance and strut its way across the stage of The Imperial Theatre. This extravaganza consists of approximately 75 cast, crew and orchestra members from areas in and around Sarnia-Lambton. 42nd Street began as a 1933 Warner Bros. musical film that was very successful at the box office. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1934. The 1980 Broadway production won the Tony Award for the Best Musical and became a long-run-ning hit. The 2001 Broadway revival also won the Tony for Best Revival. This big, bold musical celebrates the stuff that dreams are made of with lots of great songs and an emphasis on splashy production dance numbers including We’re in The Money, Lullaby of Broadway, You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me, Shuffle Off To Buffalo, and of course the title number, 42nd Street. Many of Theatre Sarnia’s cast are experienced song-and-dance performers and will be familiar to local audiences. Award winning director, Henri Canino, is pleased with the hard work and dedica-tion of this group. “All of the characters are great,” says Henri. “They are talented actors who will make you laugh. A lot of the dialogue is fast-paced and snappy and these characters deliver with precision. The story centres around the efforts of director Julian Marsh to mount a successful stage production at the height of the Great Depression. John Worthington plays Julian. Holly Mayea, Stephanie Smith, Mike Czechowitz, Phil Bedard, Lindsay Marshall and Larry Capp are also cast in leading roles. It is interesting to note that our Peggy and Billy are played by the husband/wife team of Tia and Andrew Col-bourne – they are delightful. The supporting cast is amazing as well. I wish I had room to name them all but I can tell you that audiences will be thrilled.” Theatre Sarnia is very fortunate to have Shirley Schram as the choreographer for 42nd Street. This show features high-powered dancing and Shirley has been busy designing and teaching dances full of energy and variety. Several of her students are part of the dance chorus. This skilled troupe provides dazzling synchronized

tap numbers which are sure to impress theatre-goers. “When I was approached by Theatre Sarnia to choreograph

42nd Street, I was excited to be involved as I knew the musical was renowned for its show-stopping tap routines,” says Shirley. “The dancers especially love performing the classic We’re In The Money as they dance on giant coins, which is a challenge in itself. I have ac-tors with little or no tap training and yet I am amazed how far they have come because of their commitment and sheer determination. Everyone has worked incredibly hard over the past three months to perfect the routines and they can’t wait to step on stage on opening night.” Tim Hummel is the Music Director and he too has had a busy few weeks teaching the songs and organizing the musicians. He has worked with many of the cast and crew in past shows and is well-known and respected in the local musical theatre community. The 13-piece orchestra are members of the Bluewater Big Band which includes many of our local secondary school music teachers – Frank Brennan, Tessa Catton, Chris Coyle, Ken VanEwyk, Geoff Gander, Rick McGregor and Dave Williams. The orchestra will be featured on the stage rather than in the pit, adding to the wow fac-tor. “I am thrilled to be working with such an accomplished group of musicians and friends, and the very lively 42nd Street score,” says Tim. “The audience will love the dancing, the toe-tapping tunes and leave each show with familiar melodies running through their heads. This show is a crowd pleaser for sure!” Volumes could be written about the hours spent on Set Construc-tion, Wardrobe, Props, Lighting, Sound and all of the other behind-the-scenes jobs that breathe life into this sensational production. When you browse through the program, pay special attention to the names Walt Farr and Norma Wenning. Our area is filled with tal-ented folks who believe in community theatre and receive very little recognition. We give these dedicated volunteers a standing ovation! 42nd Street is a musical treat. It can be viewed as a family show, a date show, a ladies’ night out show, an older couple’s show and a very hip show. The script was written during the Great Depression of the 1930’s to offer hope and pure entertainment to audiences. Timely, indeed! For more information, please call the Imperial Theatre box office 519•344•SHOW or visit www.imperialtheatre.net.

Carol Kennedy

42nd Streettaps into the Imperial Theatre

The Petrolia Community Theatre is currently rehearsing for their upcoming performance of It’s a Wonderful Life – that classic story that causes each of us to smile and remember fondly Christmases past. Director Richard Teskey relates that the version of the story being presented is radio veteran Tony Palermo’s faithful adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film about dreams, sacrifice and redemption in small town America. It’s an imaginative radio edition that has been performed by Hollywood professionals, radio stations, community theatre troupes and schools across North America. This radio-on-stage version is sure to delight audiences and offer a unique twist to the theatre experience. The show is set in a typi-cal 1940’s radio studio where the audience will participate in a live broadcast of the story. The crowd will meet the quirky cast of

actors who give voice to the characters and be transported back in time to an age where sound effects were made by human works instead of computers. True to the era when radio broadcasts were often performed in front of a live audience, theatre-goes will be encouraged to laugh along with George Bailey as he woos Mary, sigh along with him as he misses another opportunity to escape small town life and cry along with him as he discovers what life would have been like had he never been born. Tickets can be obtained by calling 519•844•2148 or by emailing [email protected].

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November Fix Magazine

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