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The West Kootenay’s Entertainment Guide

NEW RIDERS pg. 3

Reincarnated psychedelic rock group celebrates decades of music

2 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b }

Features2 Celtic Music

3 New Riders

4/5 Event Listings

7 16th Annual Tech

9 Prevail – Hip Hop

10 Burlesque

Th e Nelson Star, 514 Hall Street, Nelson BC

Phone:250.352.1890

Email: editor@nelsonstar.com

Publisher: KarenEditorial: Kevin, Tamara, Will Sales: Tara, Kiomi, LisaCirculation: LizOffi ce Administrator: Cheryl{vurb} is published monthly by Black Press. Th e points of views

or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily refl ect the views of the publisher of {vurb}

more onlinewww.nelsonstar.comFacebook.com/KootenayVurbTwitter.com/Kootenay Vurb

WELCOME TO THE REGIONAL {VURB}{vurb} will showcase the many local West Kootenay events that are happening around you. Get ready for editorial on events, food, fashion and technology. {vurb} covers the latest and upcoming events in the arts and entertainment industry.

The Rossland Council for Arts and Culture annual Performance Series continues on Saturday, November 8. There is an updated time and venue for this performance: 4 pm at the Rossland Art Gallery.

Through the Performance Series RCAC aims to continuously present a wide variety of high calibre artists with a variety performing arts styles. This year is no exception, with performances ranging from Celtic music to masked theatre. The second performance of the 2014/15 series will be Lizzy Hoyt, a multi-award-winning Canadian vocalist and songwriter who ranks among the top Celtic instrumentalists in the country. Lizzy delivers music and stories with soaring melodies rooted in Celtic and folk traditions. Her mastery of the � ddle, harp, and guitar combined with the voice of an angel keep the audience hooked, body and soul, throughout her entire performance.

“Lizzy Hoyt is exactly the kind of show we love to present,” says Renate Fleming, president of the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture, “an award winning, unique, Canadian artist who will delight the

audience with her soulful performance.” Lizzy’s music has been recognized on both the national and international level. She won “Best Female Artist” at the 8th International Acoustic Music Awards, was a Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee for Traditional Singer of the Year and has been named a � nalist in both the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the USA Songwriting Competition. In addition to these, Lizzy was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada for her outstanding contribution to commemorating Canadian veterans and history through music.

The performance will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Rossland Art Gallery. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the show will start at 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at Out of the Cellar on Columbia Ave. in Rossland or at the Charles Bailey Theatre box of� ce in Trail. Information on the RCAC Performance Series and upcoming shows can be found at rosslandartscouncil.com.

To submit editorial for the December edition,

email editor@nelsonstar.com before November 17.

celtic Music in RosslAnd!

2 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b } N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b } 3[ fee-cher stohr-ee]

Outlaw rockers The New Riders of the Purple Sage may be, in their own words, lonesome L.A. cowboys, hanging out and hanging on.

But they’ve been hard at work on some new songs. And on November 21 and 22, the five-piece reincarnation of the band founded by Grateful Dead guru Jerry Garcia will play two and a half hours of bluegrass-infused California country rock at the Capitol.

“This was and always has been an outlaw band,” said Captain Toast, who has been the Riders’ manager for the last ten years, since the band re-assembled with founding members David Nelson and Buddy Cage and newcomers Michael Falzarano, Johnny Markowski and Ronnie Penque.

The group, which first emerged from the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene in 1969, may be getting on in years, but they haven’t given up their hippy-rebel personas.

“We’re pretty tickled to be playing with David and Buddy, going strong in their 60s and 70s. These guys are old hippies and musicians that were drawn together by Michael, a long-haired freak like us. Some of us may prefer coffee over a joint these days, but songs like Lonesome L.A. Cowboy, Henry and Panama Red still cause thousands and millions of joints to be smoked, and that’s something we’re pretty proud of,” said Toast.

He said the concert, which will feature two

75-minute sets with a half hour intermission, will feature “New Riders old, new, borrowed and blue.”

“You’re going to see it all. The way we like to write the set list, I feel like it’s a fair representation of where we’re at now: the greatest cosmic rock and roll band in the universe. We’ve got a country side, some folk roots. It’s a very jammy, electric band and that’s why we’ve been pushing ten years with this collaboration,” he said.

“We’re going to play a fair bit of original material, but we’ll still do Dead Flowers by the Stones, we’ll cover some Dylan material, stuff that’s important. Garcia’s covered,” he said.

The Riders have stayed together through a number of trials, including health scares. The group has nearly 20 former members, including Garcia, some of whom have now passed on.

“Buddy likes to say ‘once a New Rider, always a New Rider’,” said Toast.

Cage recently survived a bout with blood cancer, and Toast is thrilled that he’s back on the road with the Riders.

“He’s going strong. He got a stem cell transplant and he kicked its ass. I see many more years of playing music with my friend.”

The group released their latest album 17 Pine Avenue two years ago. They’re already back in the studio working on new projects, slated for release in 2015.

Paul Hinrichs of On the Road Management said he’s thrilled the Riders are coming to town, and thinks their generation-hopping appeal is unique.

“Amazing that a band from 40-ish years ago can still convert new minds. I’m really looking forward to this one,” he said.

For more information visit thenewriders.com

Tickets for the show are $39.50 and are available at the Capitol box office or online at capitoltheatre.bc.ca. Tickets are also available at Eclectic Circus (460 Ward Street). For each ticket sold $1.50 will be donated to the REX Foundation.

There will also be a silent auction, all proceeds of which will go to the Rex Foundation.

by Will Johnson, Nelson Star

NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE WILL BE IN NELSON FOR TWO NIGHTS OF CAPITOL CONCERTS

New Riders

Of The Purple Sage

Live At The Capitol Theatre

Nov 21st & 22nd

Tickets On-sale now!

$1.50 from every ticket will be granted

to a local arts organization!

SATURDAY SUNDAY1ST

Ellison’s Cafe Acoustic Unplugged Sessions1 – 3 p.m.Mr. Aardvark is an eclectic Blues cat. His band, Flaming Aardvarks, have been playing around the Kootenay for decades. These days, you might see Mr. Aardvark, un-plugged. A smooth, acoustic (slide) guitar blended with piecing harmonica riffs and powerful vocal stylings. Mr. Aardvark, who is also a story teller, walks you through a session of covers and originals as we go deep into the Delta of Blues. Next up, Red Haven combines the gyspy-jazz madness honed by Jennifer Charters (various sizes of saxophone/vocals), and Ryan Triggs (drums) from their years in the vaudevillian Blackberry Wood and the folky-blues tendencies of Brendan Steele (guitar/vox) and Nathan Turner (vox/upright bass).The songs They write and perform have been heavily infl uenced by two genres coming from opposite sides of the continent: the ecstatic swing of New Orleans, and the rural folk of the Canadian

woods.

Quickdraw7 – 9 p.m.: Touchstones, NelsonQuick Draw brings together a fantastic collection of original drawings by local artists. Every Quick Draw ticket guarantees you an original drawing. Only 100 drawings are available which means only 100 Quick Draw tickets will be sold. Featured artists include Carol Reynolds, Deb Thompson, Murray Kimber, Kate Bridger, Boujke Elzinga, Brent Bukowski, Maya Heringa, Terry Huva, Chris Kolmel, Keira Zaslove, John Cooper, Kathleen Pemberton, and over eighty more contributors. This special evening will be hosted by Lucas Myers. Ticket holders will also have exclusive access to a silent auction Mark Mizgala’s photo-based art series, Monument.

1ST & 2ND

A Duet For One8 p.m.: Capitol TheatreThis immensely moving play won the London Theatre Critics Award for best play of 1980. Both Anne Bancroft and Julie Andrews have played the role of a famous concert violinist who is stricken with MS which necessitates her retirement from the stage and threatens her marriage as well. The play is structured as a series of interviews between the violinist and her psychiatrist in which she tries to cope with her illness and its effect on her life.

22ND

Reuben and the Dark9:30 p.m.: Flying Steamshovel, Rossland

Selkirk College Gala6 p.m.: Mary Hall, Nelson

8TH

Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce GalaPrestige Lakeside, Nelson

2014 Scupturewalk Awards Gala7 p.m.: Element Club Bar & Grill, Castlegar Come and Celebrate Sculpturewalk 2014 with the 5th Annual Awards Gala. The Castlegar Sculpturewalk has become the pride of our City as we are now offi cially named the Sculpture Capital of Canada. Come join us for a night of entertainment with the Awards Ceremony and a night of Cabaret featuring: Lucas Myers (Actor/Comedian), Bessie Wapp & Friends (Singer/Actress) and the Circus Act Insomniacs (Vaudeville/Circus)!

Whiskey Jacks9:30 p.m.: Flying Steamshovel, Rossland

Lizzy Hoyt4 p.m.: Rossland Art Gallery

PumpkinSpiritbar, NelsonNicholas “Pumpkin” Alvarado is your new favorite music producer/DJ. His spot-on song selections, special remixes and original productions have made for unforgettable live sets that seamlessly span every genre and eschew the latest trends in favor of timeless melodies that will melt your heart and leave you wanting more.

15TH

Robogames10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Mary Hall, Nelson For info go to robogames.ca

Daisy Dukes & Cowboy BootsElement Club, Bar & Grill, Castlegar Ettinger & The Big 50 Band is back again by popular demand! Canada’s Top Cover band is back here with a night of Kickin’ Country. All your favourite Country hits played live on stage! Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots… Wear your cowboy boots, hat and plaid and dance to your favourite country hits all night long!

AphroditeSpiritbar, Nelson

29TH

Ellison’s Cafe Acoustic Unplugged Sessions1 – 3 p.m.Alissa Arnason returns to Ellison’s Cafe Acoustic Unplugged Sessions from Saskatchewan. Her music is instantly familiar and comforting while the melodies and lyrics are diverse enough to make you want to hug your mother, stomp your feet, and sit down and cry. She is both a storyteller and a soldier laying herself bare for those who are brave enough to look, listen and love while life unfolds. Next up, The Kitchen Players, made up of Shannon Sargent, Matt Osborne, Philip Seagram, and Carlo Alcos — four Nelsonites brought together by their love of acoustic music and singing harmonies. Besides the blending of voices you can expect the accompaniment of guitars, ukulele, mandolin, harmonica, and maybe even a banjo.

2ND

Sunday Cinema presents The Trip to Italy4:30 p.m.: Charles Bailey Theatre, TrailRob Brydon & Steve Coogan pair up for a new culinary road trip, retracing the steps of the Romantic poets’ grand tour of Italy and indulging in some sparkling banter and impersonation-offs. Rewhetting our palates from The Trip, the characters enjoy mouth watering meals in gorgeous settings while rif fi ng on subjects as varied as Batman’s vocal register, the artistic merits of Jagged Little

Pill, and, of course, the virtue of sequels.

Kiss-off Cancer Cook Off5 – 8 p.m.: Prestige Inn, RosslandRossland’s Biggest and Healthiest Gourmet Potluck Dinner! Celebrity chefs will create scrumptious dishes with foods that prevent cancer. All the delicious dishes will be available for tasting. Community cooks also show off your favourite healthy dish.

9TH

World of Flapp - Children’s Series2 p.m.: Charles Bailey Theatre, TrailMajor Flapps provides “splendid family entertainment” (CBC) whether singing and fi ddling comic send-ups of country & western, Maritime tunes or rhythm & blues. Climb aboard and join the outrageous fun!

Sunday Cinema presents Love is Strange5 p.m.: Charles Bailey Theatre, TrailAfter 39 years together, Ben and George fi nally tie the knot. But when news of their marriage reaches the Catholic school where George works, he is fi red from his job and the couple can no longer afford their New York City apartment. As a temporary solution, George moves in neighbours, while Ben moves to Brooklyn to live with his nephew. As Ben and George struggle to secure a new apartment, the pain of living apart test s the resilienceand relationships of all involved.

22ND

A1 presents JPOD the Beat ChefSpiritbar, Nelson

23RD

Nelson Overture Soceity Concert Series presents Anagnoson & Kinton2 p.m.: Capitol Theatre, Nelson

4 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4

�rts and Entertainment ListingsNovember 2014MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

6TH

KSA Then & Now7 – 9 p.m.: Touchstones, NelsonA special reception for KSA alumni, faculty and students in conjunction with the exhibition Zelkjo Kujundzic and the Early Years of KSA. Share your KSA memories, stories and photos. Celebrate the history and continued success of Nelson’s iconic art education institution.

20TH

TSPA presents Les Violons du RoyCharles Bailey Theatre, TrailThe chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy borrows its name from the renowned string orchestra of the court of the French kings. The group, which has a core membership of fi fteen players, was brought together in 1984 by music director Bernard Labadie and specializes in the vast repertoire of music for chamber orchestra, performed in the stylistic manner most appropriate to each era.

Highs with John Lee Hooker9:30 pm: Flying Steamshovel, Rossland

Fishing by the Light of the Ancestors7:30 pm: Capitol Theatre, NelsonCD Release Concert featuring Allison Girvan and Don MacDonald.

Elephant Man with Mama Sa & Selectah MeszenjahSpiritbar, NelsonThe most anticipated dancehall reggae tour of 2014 is hitting Spiritbar Events this fall! The legendary ElephantMan makes his Nelson debut as he makes his way across Canada. Locals Mama Sa and Selectah Meszenjah fi ll out the night.

18TH

The Barra McNeil’s Celtic ChristmasCharles Bailey Theatre, TrailAs a group, the six MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture and history. One of the most beloved concerts on the seasonal circuit, the Barra MacNeils Christmas shows always feature a highly entertaining brand of seasonal fare mixed with entertaining stories, and stamped with their lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings.

5TH

Screening of Occupied Cascadia7 p.m.: Nelson Civic TheatreOccupied Cascadia is a documentary fi lm exploring the deep questions about what it means to be human and how we relate with our environment. A recent review said the photography and editing are some of the best quality and the score is Oscar quality. The cast, including authors Derrick Jensen, Jeannette Armstrong and Charles Eisenstein, is a pantheon of articulate thought leaders. The fi lm links the issues facing our bioregion with concepts springing from the Occupy and Idle No More Movements. The fi lmmakers are from Bend, Oregon. The producer, Casey Bryan Corcoran will be in person at the Nelson screening. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jumbo Wild campaign and the Sinixt Nation.

19TH - 23RD

Rossland Mountain Film FestivalVarious locations, Rossland

6TH - 8TH

A Duet For One8 p.m.: Capitol Theatre, NelsonThis immensely moving play won the London Theatre Critics Award for best play of 1980. Both Anne Bancroft and Julie Andrews have played the role of a famous concert violinist who is stricken with MS which necessitates her retirement from the stage and threatens her marriage as well. The play is structured as a series of interviews between the violinist and her psychiatrist in which she tries to cope with her illness and its effect on her life.

3RD & 4TH

The SmallsSpiritbar, NelsonReuniting after a 14-year absence, the original lineup (Mike Caldwell, Corb Lund, Dug Bevans, and Terry Johnson) is hitting the road this fall, and for fans of the

DIY indie punk/heavy metal band – this is long overdue.

10TH

Buck 65 with GuestsSpiritbar, NelsonTwo-time Juno-award winner Buck 65 will once again drop into Nelson this fall. In support of his newest album Neverlove – we’re sure that this will be a Remembrance Day performance you won’t soon forget. Winnipeg indie pop duo Sc Mira will be opening the show.

Mir Peace Cafe: Resource Extraction Industries in the South and the North7 p.m.: Mir Centre for Peace, CastlegarJoin Selkirk staff and other community members who toured Guatemala earlier this year exploring the impact of Canadian mining operations on local Mayan communities. The aim of this dialogue series will be to foster constructive communication with stake holders around how these large-scale resource extraction projects seriously impact Guatemalan and Canadian communities alike. Admission is by donation.

17TH

Tokyo Police Club with Said the Whale & The Pack A.D.Spiritbar, NelsonThe Spiritbar was thrilled to announce that they are a part of Tokyo Police Club’s western Canadian tour! The two-week long tour, which includes two shows in both Vancouver and Edmonton, will feature support from Vancouver-based indie rock band Said The Whale and Vancouver garage-rock duo The Pack AD.

4TH

Selkirk College Open House4 – 6:30 p.m.: Castlegar Campus- PIT

4 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b } 5

THURSDAY

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�rts and Entertainment ListingsOctober 2014 - Ongoing Events

7TH

Mir Centre for Peace Lecture Series presents Lawrence Hill7 p.m.: Mary Hall, NelsonLawrence Hill is the author of nine books, including The Book of Negroes, winner of various awards including The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and both the English and French Canadian versions of CBC Radio’s Canada Reads. He travelled across Canada to deliver the 2013 Massey Lectures, based on his new non-fi ction book Blood: The Stuff of Life. He is fi nishing a new novel and has co-written the adaptation for a six-part television miniseries of The Book of Negroes.

14TH

Room to Live: Ward Street Place Renewal Benefi t7:30 p.m.: Capitol Theatre, NelsonThe Kootenays is very fortunate to be home for so many talented female vocalists in many genres. To hear the singers we love on one stage in one night will be truly unforgettable! Backing them will be a six piece band of Nelson’s fi nest musicians lead by saxophonist Clinton Swanson. All proceeds go to Nelson CARES Society, Room To Live campaign.

Christmas at the GalleryKootenay Gallery, CastlegarAn exhibition and sale of hand-crafted items by over 100 local artists and craftspeople.

21ST

The Crooked Brothers with James LambSpiritbar, Nelson

21ST & 22ND

New Riders of the Purple Sage8 p.m.: Capitol Theatre, NelsonOn The Road Management and Productions and The Rex Foundation proudly present New Riders of the Purple Sage. Originally formed in 1969, NRPS are a cornerstone in the San Francisco psychedelic scene. Formed by Jerry Garcia and David Nelson, The New Riders went on to become one of the most infl uential bands to emerge from San Francisco. While many members have come & gone, we are thrilled to welcome original member David Nelson and Buddy Cage, who replaced Garcia in 1971. Joining them are Michael Flazarano (Hot Tuna), Ronnie Penque (JGB), and Johnny Markowski who each bring with them a lifetime of experience playing the storied NRPS catalogue.

28TH

Blue Night – Art & Culture Crawl, NelsonNelson’s Art and Business communities join to present a multiple venue celebration of arts. Exhibitions, performances, live music, and more at venues across downtown Nelson.Contact us at bluenight.nelson@gmail.com and watch for updates at Blue Night Nelson on facebook.

FRIDAY

Ongoing until November 8

Let Them Run, The Salmon Century ExhibitionVarious media by Columbia Basin Artists : Kootenay Gallery, CastlegarTwenty-one Columbia Basin artists created work inspired by a weekend of learning held in the spring of this year at beautiful Hidden Creek in the Salmo River Watershed. The intention was to provide outdoor, interactive experiences to get them “thinking like a watershed” and the possibility of a future with salmon returning to our rivers.

Ongoing until November 8

Nature in Flux: Biodiversity and Invasive Species Art ExhibitionKootenay Gallery, Castlegar

The Capitol Theatre Kids Series Presents

6 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b } 7

for information on upcoming performances and events go to

rosslandartscouncil.com

16th AnnuAl teck RosslAnd MountAin FilM FestivAl Announces ARt Auction, events

The Teck Rossland Mountain Film Festival program promises an exciting variety of local and international films from November 19 to 23. Now in its 16th year, this annual celebration of mountain culture in Rossland offers a slew of events for film fans, including five days of premieres, events, and live music.

The annual Teck Mountain Gala and Silent Art Auction takes place on Friday, November 21, with Jonathan Provencal as MC and the musical stylings of Jonathon, Sue and Gabe from The Toques. Proceeds from this year’s art auction will go to the Rossland Skatepark Association. If you’d like to donate a piece of art to this cause, please contact Mike Greene at canadianmike@gmail.com.

Saturday, November 22 programming includes some afternoon community film-making workshops, and the Nelson and District Credit Union Mountain Film Party at the Miners’ Hall, kicking off at 7 p.m. Festival goers can look forward to lively entertainment provided by “violinist extremist” Kytami and emceed by mountain bike hall-of-famer Brent Tippie. Tickets are $25.

Sunday, November 23 programs include films and the legendary backcountry skier Greg Hill as keynote speaker at the Ross Thompson Ballroom at the Prestige.

Want to catch some films for free? Volunteering at the Teck Rossland Mountain Film Festival is a great experience. Contact gala.dediego.martin@gmail.com if you’re able to lend a hand.

Tickets for this year’s Festival will be available soon. Visit rosslandmountainfilmfestival.com for trailers, ticket information, and event updates.

October 2014 - Ongoing Events

La Dolce Vita 8 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b }

Bob Johnson couldn’t contain his smile when I dropped in for a visit to Creston’s Baillie-Grohman Estate Winery on Sunday. In his pocket were two medals from the recent BC Wine Awards. One, a Platinum, feted Baillie-Grohman’s 2012 Cabernet Franc as one of the best six wines in the province (five platinum medals were awarded and another was bumped up to Wine of the Year). But it is the Gold that really thrills him.

“Only two Pinot Noirs in the province were awarded Gold medals,” he beamed. “If there was any doubt about our ability to grow quality grapes in the Creston Valley, it’s gone now.”

Baillie-Grohman is on a run with its Pinot Noir, with a string of fine vintages and each getting better as the vineyards, now seeing their sixth harvest, mature. Johnson believes that the area will become known for Pinot Noir. And it’s hard to argue with him. Creston’s other two wineries at this point — Skimmerhorn and Wynnwood — have both had success growing the Heartbreak Grape.

So what is it about the Gold medal that thrills Johnson even more than the Platinum? It’s easy, it turns out. The Cabernet Franc is made with grapes grown in Osoyoos, on a vineyard that is proving that it just might be situated in the best Cab Franc location in the province. But the Pinot Noir is grown right in Erickson, on the hillside behind the Baillie-Grohman winery. It’s a testament to the location, viticulture practices (Bob’s wife, Petra Flaa, manages the vineyards) and the winemaker’s abilities.

“It’s all in the fruit,” Dan Barker insists.

“No,’ it’s a combination of great fruit and great winemaking,” Johnson counters.

Barker? It’s a bit of a surprise that he is here at all. Like Skimmerhorn’s winemaker, Mark Rattray, Barker wasn’t sure until the eleventh hour that he would be allowed to return to make this vintage. He and Rattray are New Zealanders, and are the only winemakers their respective contractors

have ever had. But they were caught up in the controversy generated by employers like Tim Hortons bringing in for-eign workers, and the issue had both winery owners biting their fingernails.

And it’s not like the owners simply prefer to have Kiwis making their wines, even though they have both had great success.

“We have never had a single application from a Canadian winemaker, not one,” Johnson says. He isn’t just referring to applications coming in over the transom — Baillie-Grohman and Skimmerhorn have to prove to immigration officials that they have advertised extensively within Canada. Qualified Canadian winemakers are busy working in the Okanagan, Southern Ontario, Vancouver Island and other grape-grow-ing regions and in no way could anyone worth his or her salt justify taking a six to eight week job hundreds of miles from other wineries.

Kiwis, though, are an emu of a different colour. These fel-lows are happy to come to Canada in their off-season for a couple of months. It’s added income but, perhaps just as importantly, it adds to their professional experience base. Check the resumes of most top winemakers and they will show experience working in more than one region. Different regions, different climates, different grapes, different wines, different challenges. It all adds up to a quality of experience that one simply can’t get in one place.

I left Baillie-Grohman after a very happy visit, but not before Johnson, Barker and I hopped in a four-wheeler and drove the length of the vineyards, stopping to taste grapes as we moved along. Most are at or near their desired ripeness, though winemakers like to push the envelope, letting the grapes develop more intense flavours as well as sugar.

Barker’s observation sums up why he enjoys making wine half way around the world from his award-winning Moana Park Winery.

“In New Zealand a great week of ripening can add nearly one brix of sweetness to the grapes,” he says. “Here, last week, we had grapes that ripened more than four brix — it’s astonishing, completely different than we get back home.”

I left the pair promising to return later in the week to take more photos, and to pick a row of grapes. Hard to refuse the offer when in my hands are bottles of Platinum and Gold medal winning wines.

That evening, unable to wait, I opened the 2012 Cab Franc. At their worst, Cab Francs are thin and grassy. At their best, they are full-bodied, aromatic, and complex, with a softness that balances out the tannins. This was unquestionably the latter. More earth than tobacco and leather — two common Cab Franc characteristics — the 2012 version has a marvel-ous balance, is wonderful on the nose and boasts a finish that just won’t quit. It is an outstanding example of what this grape can become.

Just a little teaser before I close. Stacked on a couple of pallets in the tasting room (B-G is now closed for the season) are cases of the winery’s first ever sparkling wines, soon to be transported to Summerland for disgorgement, dosage and re-capping. Rich in colour and four years in the bottle, this one is due for release in November. It will be our New Year’s bubbly, and I can hardly wait.

When gold trumps platinum By Lorne Eckersley

“Only two Pinot Noirs in the province were awarded Gold medals,” he

beamed. “If there was any doubt about our ability to grow quality grapes in the Creston Valley, it’s gone now.”

When it comes to beer you can usually tell the season by the colour of a brewery’s seasonal brew.

Summers are light in colour, and have lighter notes, think orange, lemon and possibly blood orange.

In winter the beers get darker and the flavours of vanilla and chocolate start making their way to the shelves. Not much is better than a nice darker slightly sweet beer to warm with beside a fire.

This month we’ll take a look at three beers for you to get acquainted, or reacquainted with.

Nelson Brewing Company Faceplant Organic Winter Ale

Nine years in and Faceplant continues to be one of the brewery’s flag ship ales with the vast majority of it sold right here in the Kootenays. It definitely has become a Kootenay thing conjuring images of powder days at Whitewater and back country cabins. What sets Faceplant apart from other winter ales is that it isn’t terribly sweet. It’s the perfect balance between the organic brown sugar and black strap molasses that leaves a great clean aftertaste

with just a little bite.

It’s no wonder it’s an easy decision for the whole table to choose for a jug. Keep your eyes peeled, later in November, for the return of Blisstank Organic Triple Chocolate Stout, another great dark beer just in time for the holidays!

Cannery Blackberry Porter

Penticton’s Cannery Brewing makes a wide range of great beers, including a few that involve fruit, which makes good sense considering its Okanagan location.

This rich, creamy, dark beer has all the great roasted malt character of a strong porter along with a big blackberry nose and just a hint of berry sweetness in the background of the beer.

Granville Island Brewery Lions Winter Ale

Some don’t consider Granville a craft brewery any longer since it was bought by the Molson Coors subsidiary 6 Pints. The decision on that point we leave to you the consumer.

Lions Winter Ale is one of the oldest winter ales in the province and the recipe has been left mostly alone from what we can tell. If you’re a fan of vanilla in your beer this one’s for you. It’s a good entry-level beer for people that may be on the fence with dark beers.

As the number of craft breweries continues to expand in BC make sure to keep an eye on the shelves especially leading up to Christmas. We are about to get inundated with new beers every week this season.

You have to love winter in the Kootenays, what better place on earth for winter ales?

by Chad HansenNelson Brewing Company

GENTLY USED FASHIONS

New and gently used children’s costumes arriving daily, right up to Halloween!

Visit us at 807 Baker Street, Nelson. Learn more at playitagainkids.ca • 250-505-5300

Presents

Lizzy HoytCeltic Folk Music

Saturday, November 8Rossland Art Gallery

Doors open at 3:30pm Show at 4:00pm

Tickets $20 available at Out of the Cellar (Rossland)

and the Charles Bailey Theatre Box Office (Trail).

RCAC Members get $2 off.

Share your KSA memories, stories and photos. Celebrate the history and continued success of Nelson’s iconic art education institution.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONEmail Jessica Demers, jessica@touchstonesnelson.ca

KSA Then & NowThursday, November 6, 7 - 9 pm

A special reception for KSA alumni, students and faculty in conjunction with the exhibition Zeljko Kujundzic and the early years of KSA.

8 N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b } N o v e m b e r e D I T I o N 2 0 1 4 { v u r b }

Canadian hip hop star Prevail can remember clearly the moment his school teacher came in to his classroom to announce that he was now an uncle.

His older sister Tantrelle had given birth while he was in class, and he felt all the eyes in the room turn in his direction.

“I was only 14 at the time, but I instantly became the oldest kid in class,” said Prevail, who is best known as a member of Swollen Members. The Juno-winning rapper will hit Nelson for an energetic set at Spiritbar on Nov. 14.

“There’s been a connection there between us since he was born. Neph really has his head on straight. He’s a young kid, 25, and he’s been watching my career grow. He’s had a view into that life, the industry side of thing. He’s uniquely positioned, amazingly skilled and really studying.”

That’s why Prevail, while embarking on a solo career, has also started performing and writing alongside his nephew who is, yes, known as Neph.

For his latest album, Alpha Omega, which is scheduled to be released in early 2015, Prevail teamed up with beat artists Tyler Durden and Professional Sinnerz. He said the creative process was extremely satisfying, as he could work with Neph from a place of mutual respect and understanding.

“We were about nine songs in and we thought `let’s keep recording’. That was always the Swollen mantra. If you’re on a roll, why stop? The goal is to make a better song every time you step into the studio, and keep your work ethic up.”

Prevail describes the album as high-energy, with some songs having a “powerful, almost apocalyptic feel.”

The Spiritbar show will be Nelson residents’ first opportunity to hear the new tracks. The pair will also perform some of their earlier work.

“I’m going to be doing some Prevail stuff, some Swollen stuff, and Neph and I will have an Alpha Omega set embedded within,” said Prevail.

He said he’s extremely grateful for the network of fans, known as Battle Axe Warriors, who fanatically follow Swollen Members.

“It’s a crew of very loyal people. We pay each other this mutual respect all across the board, and now it’s grown to so many members around the world. I love to have a chance to meet fans, sign autographs, but it’s more about conversation and dialogue. Nobody’s going to be more honest than they are,” he said.

Some expressed reservations about him pursuing a solo career, but Prevail said the trajectory falls in line with his original plans.

“We had a very clear conversation from the beginning about everybody’s aspirations and where we’re at in life. We want to help each other and help each other be better, to explore our individual creativity. We support each other,” he said, noting that his relationship with rapper Madchild is lifelong.

He said he’s still working on perfecting his act, and getting used to a more solo-based career and he’s feeling optimistic creatively.

“Every show you learn something,” he said.

For more information visit prevailprevail.com or follow him on Twitter @prevailprevail. Tickets are available from the Hume Hotel.

Prevail headlines nelson show

by: Will Johnson, Nelson Star

NELSONArt & Culture CrawlFriday, November 28buenight.nelson@gmail.com

Blue Night Nelson on fb

GENERATIONS OF BURLESQUE

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Upcoming show features performers Judith Stein, Scarlet Mary Rose and Crystal Precious

Legendary performer Judith Stein is once again taking the stage, this time with Nelsonite Scar-let Mary Rose and her bevy of burlesque babes at the Capitol Th eatre on November 18.“Th e local ladies are really upping their game and I’m really proud of them,” said the 66-year-old burlesque icon, who is also known as Mama Beaver. She started performing when she was 25, quit at the age of 40, but eventually resur-faced as character Kootenay Kate once moving to Nelson.Stein has been inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, and has travelled and performed extensively. And though her art form is primarily associated with sexual provocation, she said she’s attracted to it for a number of diff erent reasons.“I started out in burlesque not for being cre-ative. It was because it was fast, easy money to go to university,” said Stein, who studied art history. “I had seen strippers, and I worked as a go-go girl. I could see the creativity that was coming about. It was still tease, it was still big and luscious costumes at honky tonks. And some of the women were fabulous dancers, some were totally beautiful, but the ones that always got my attention were the ones who were entertainers.”

Stein said one of the best performers she ever knew was a local drag queen named Annie Fannie, a 350-pound stripper. She said includ-ing people of all shapes and sizes, such as little person performer Mandy Pandy, is an integral part of the inclusive nature of burlesque.“It seemed like when I started everyone was doing traditional burlesque with gowns, stock-ings, gloves. I never did that well. I was a bit of a goof on stage. I took off my clothes and people laughed,” said Stein.Stein has mentored a number of performers, including Rose, and it’s these generation-span-ning relationships that have helped the Koote-nay burlesque scene to grow. Stein teaches her charges about her unique brand of feminism, and demonstrates her politics with her lifestyle.“As far as a political statement, mine was I start-ed in the midst of the feminist changeover. I was a radical feminist, and me taking off my clothes and performing what I want to perform and doing what I wanted to do seemed like a damn good political statement to me.”Rose has also started a Kootenay burlesque training camp, called Boob Camp, and her students will be on stage for a few numbers during the show, which also features Vancouver performer Crystal Precious.

“I’ve very proud and happy to say Judith is my burlesque mama. She’s our Mama Beave,” said Rose.“I’m always happy to have her perform in my shows because not everybody knows what a big star she is. She led the way.”Burlesque rapper Crystal Precious said it’s fe-male solidarity and personal empowerment that she’s most interested in.“One of the most important elements of the burlesque community is the DIY component. It means that having burlesque be a focus for women to put their creative, performer-type energy, to work on their personal development and their relationship with their sexuality,” said Precious.“I’m not up there being like tell me how hot I am. I’m doing something that feels really natural to me. I’ve always been really sexual, and this is an authentic manifestation of my creative juices.”Th e show is fantasy-themed, with unicorns and fantastical elements.“What’s your fantasy?” asked Rose. It starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For more information visit capitoltheatre.bc.ca.

by Will Johnson, Nelson Star

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What’s Hot? MEN & Women

Get ready for the winter

with colourful prints of blue, red and white.

BIG HERO 6

A computer-animated super hero fi lm set in a fi ctional city called San Fransokyo. Hiro Hamada, the young prodigy, and his self-created robot, Baymax, uncover a criminal plot and must join a team of inexperienced crime fi ghters.

What’sHot?Check out the lists:

NOV. MOVIES

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 1

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice, but even though she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry and wants revenge.

BOOK WORM

TV ADDICTCOMMUNITY

Community is an American television sitcom created by Dan Harmon that premiered on NBC on September 17, 2009. The series follows a group of students at a community college in the fi ctional locale of Greendale, Colorado.

ALMOST HUMAN

Almost Human is an American science fi ction/crime drama. In 2048, the uncontrollable evolution of science and technology has caused crime rates to rise 400 per cent. To combat this, the overwhelmed police force has implemented a new policy: every human police offi cer is paired with a lifelike combat-model android.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS - PHILIP PULLMAN

Here lives an orphaned ward named Lyra Belacqua, whose carefree life among the scholars at Oxford’s Jordan College is shattered by the arrival of two powerful visitors.

JANE EYRE – CHARLOTTE BRONTË, MICHAEL MASON

Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead, subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school, Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit and integrity.

250-362-53332063 Washington St,

Rossland

Wide range of books and local artwork.

Café Books West

selkirk college gala 2014Partnershipsin success

WHEN

6:00 pm Saturday November 22, 2014

WHERE

Mary Hall, Tenth Street Campus, Nelson, BC

TICKETS

$70.00 per person | $520.00 Table of 8

RSVP

Reserve your seat: email events@selkirk.ca

or call 250.365.1360.

Lawrence Hill is the son of American immigrants — a black father and a white mother — who came to Canada the day after they married in 1953 in Washington, D.C.

On his father’s side, Hill’s grandfather and great grandfather were university-educated, ordained ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother came from a Republican family in Oak Park, Illinois, graduated from Oberlin College and went on to become a civil rights activist in D.C. Growing up in the predominantly white suburb of Don Mills, Ontario in the sixties, Hill was greatly influenced by his parents’ work in the human rights movement. Much of Hill’s writing touches on issues of identity and belonging.

Hill’s first passion was running, and as a boy he dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal in the 5,000 meters. But despite years of intense training and thousands of kilometers, he never managed to run quite fast enough. As a teenager, he consoled himself by deciding to become a writer instead, and at 14 he wrote his first story on his mother’s L.C. Smith typewriter. It was a bad story, and a good beginning.

Hill is now the author of nine books of fiction and non-fiction. In 2005, he won his first honour for his work, a National Magazine Award for the article “Is Africa’s Pain Black America’s Burden?” But it was his third novel, The Book of Negroes published in some countries as Someone Knows My Name and in French as Aminata that brought his writing to broad public attention. The novel won several awards, including The Rogers/Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, both CBC Radio’s

Canada Reads and Radio Canada’s Le Combat des livres, and The Commonwealth Prize for Best Book, which came with a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II. The Book of Negroes television miniseries, which Lawrence Hill co-wrote with director Clement Virgo, is in production in South Africa and Canada.

Lawrence Hill’s newest non-fiction book, Blood: The Stuff of Life was published in September 2013 and is now available in Canadian stores. Blood is a personal consideration of the physical, social, cultural and psychological aspects of blood, and how it defines, unites and divides us. Hill drew from the book to deliver the 2013 Massey Lectures across Canada. The lectures were broadcast on the CBC Radio Ideas program.

“Blood runs red through all of us and carries the same life-giving energy to every human being.  We’ve learned a lot about the science of blood, but it is as complex and mysterious as ever. Culturally, blood has a mystique all its own, and what it stands for — tribe, family, race, gender — has divided us since the beginning of time. Blood pulses through our religions, through literature and the visual arts, and every time it pools or spills, we learn a little more about what brings human beings together and what divides us.”

Hill will be speaking at the Mir Centre for Peace Lecture Series upcoming evening. He will be in Nelson on Friday, November 7 at Mary Hall. Tickets are $15 and available at the Selkirk College Castlegar Bookstore; phone orders available by calling 250.365.1281. In Nelson, tickets available at Otter Books (cash or cheque only).

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author sPeaks