tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69469564908211863682024-03-12T20:32:13.743-07:00SceneRazRSceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-9556374107964817842017-02-20T20:05:00.000-08:002017-02-20T20:05:22.437-08:00Spring Brings: Writers, Artists and More<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings, Maniacs - hopefully some of you are taking advantage of the warmer weather to crawl out of hibernation, shake off the winter slumbers, and wade into the Ottawa-Gatineau scene >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm sure winter still has some ugly to work off, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the talent taking place all over the chilly capital. Coming up fast: <i>Phantom of the Opry</i> at the <a href="http://www.thegladstone.ca/the-phantom-of-the-opry/"><span style="color: red;">Gladstone Theatre</span>!</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Written, scored, directed and performed by local creators. Please support this creative musical theatre twist on a revered classic. Playing February 22 - 27, get your tickets now... matinee and evening performances are scheduled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">File this under "If I'd-a known about it, I'd-a blogged about it:" last Friday at the last minute I attended a brilliant performance of <i>Schoolhouse</i> at the <a href="http://www.kanatatheatre.com/"><span style="color: red;">Kanata Theatre</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A thought-provoking play, performed with authenticity, warmth, humour and lots of heart. The Ron Maslin playhouse is well-known for recruiting excellent talent both in front of and behind the scenes, so <i>SceneRazR </i>will be on the ball next time so we can give you a heads-up about what's on their calendar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of which: What's next for <i>SceneRazr</i>? Please keep an eye on this page, as there is an interview in the hopper with Ottawa writer <a href="https://mattmoorewrites.com/"><span style="color: red;">Matt Moore</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matt's oeuvre of choice is "dark genre" short fiction - a passion which has also led to him becoming co-Chair of the Ottawa <a href="http://chiseries.webs.com/"><span style="color: red;">Chiaroscuro Reading Series</span></a>. Full-length interview with Matt is coming shortly >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Response was so favourable to the post we did with <a href="https://www.kimvalentine.ca/"><span style="color: red;">Kim Valentine</span></a> that we had to hustle up more Ottawa artists to share their stories. More info as we get these lined up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So fear not the Ides of March... lots of wicked this way comes...</span><br />
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<br />SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-74485190217528521592017-01-13T01:01:00.001-08:002017-01-13T01:01:41.536-08:00Local Horror Films...Going Live!<div id="m_7756162682538620702yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1481595510868_4214" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
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<span class="im" style="color: #500050; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1448482/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" style="color: red;">Brett Kelly</a> <span style="color: white;">is a local tour de force of artistic creativity. He has been one of the local scene's most prolific filmmakers, and markets his films worldwide. While he has made films in diverse genres, he is especially well-known for his horror films. Fans of the genre may recognize such Kelly titles as <i>Raiders of the Lost Shark, The Bonesetter</i>, and <i>My Fair Zombie, </i>which he also wound up producing for live performance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Brett has made it possible for numerous Ottawa/Gatineau actors to get a screen debut, sometimes in conjunction with appearances by onscreen notables such as</span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.kevinsorbo.net/" style="font-family: helveticaneue, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Kevin Sorbo </span></a><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">(remember </span><i style="font-family: helveticaneue, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">Hercules</i><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">??) and </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0261724/" style="font-family: helveticaneue, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Joe Estevez</span></a><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">. </span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">These days, he is busy preparing his second live musical, </span><i style="font-family: helveticaneue, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">Phantom of the Opry, </i><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">which debuts</span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> at the </span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.thegladstone.ca/the-phantom-of-the-opry/">Gladstone Theatre</a> </span><span style="font-family: "helveticaneue" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">next month (see the link for tickets!), running from February 22 to 25. Fun crossover fact: the music was written by Joel Elliott, aka <a href="http://scenerazr.blogspot.ca/2016/11/interview-with-jumpin-joel-flash.html"><span style="color: red;">Jumpin' Joel Flash,</span></a> who was interviewed on this blog in an<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://scenerazr.blogspot.ca/2016/11/interview-with-jumpin-joel-flash.html">earlier post</a>.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sneak peek of the Phantom >:]</span></b></div>
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<span class="im" style="color: white; font-size: large;">Below, Brett gives us some background on the new production, talks about what he'll be releasing in 2017, and shares a fun fact about his past :)</span></div>
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<span class="im" style="color: white; font-size: large;"><i><b>SceneRazr: </b></i>You're a prolific film director who typically wraps multiple full-length films every year, and you have a busy family life as well. Musical theatre performances have demanding time commitments - what prompted you to add them to your dance card?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Brett Kelly:</b> </i>I just felt like flexing a different muscle. My background is in theatre and it's a great outlet that has many of the same perks as film except the benefit of immediate response from an actor or an audience. It's nice to mix it up a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>SR: </i></b>With your first musical theatre production, <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/myfairzombie/">My Fair Zombie</a>, </i>you created a film version first. Can we look forward to a film version of <i>Phantom of the Opry</i> at some point?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Not your average Cockney zombie flower girl...</span></b></div>
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<i><b>BK:</b> </i>I hadn't really thought of it. Never say never I suppose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>SR: </i></b>The theatre production of <i>My Fair Zombie</i> was, like your film version, faithful in many ways to the classic story it parodies. Without giving any spoilers, would you say that <i>Phantom of the Opry </i>draws on <i>Phantom of the Opera</i> to a similar degree?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK:</b> </i>This one is much less faithful to <i>Phantom of the Opera</i>. I dipped into several different adaptations for inspiration. This one is set in a country and western show in Calgary, not quite Paris. LOL It's good old silly fun. Laughs and catchy tunes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>SR</i>: </b>I've heard you say that, of all the possible jobs in filmmaking, you enjoy acting the least. Yet, you are a gifted and engaging actor. Would you consider taking a role in one of your own live theatre productions?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK:</b> </i>Thanks, that's very kind. I like acting, just not in my own productions. Directing is a job that takes all my attention. I'd happily act for other directors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b><b style="font-style: italic;">SR: </b>About your creative process: does the medium you're creating for (film versus live theatre) dictate how you create your stories? Or do you create the story and find a way to make the medium fit with the story you want to tell?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-style: italic;">BK: </b>Good question. I guess for me it's all about the title. A catchy title with a hook inspires me. Usually I think of the medium first, then the title, then the rest comes naturally I suppose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>SR:</b> </i>It is notoriously difficult for people in the creative arts field to be successful in a town better known for politics and hockey. What would you say has been the key factor in your ability to work and develop in your field?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK:</b> </i>It's certainly not easy to create in Ottawa but we do what we must to scratch that itch. The key factor is that i'm stubborn and once I get an idea in my head, no one can tell me that I can't get it done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">SR: </i>Do you think that more can be done, at a municipal, provincial, federal or community level, to support creative arts in Ottawa? If so, what would you suggest?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK: </b></i>Sure, more can always be done to support the arts. I'd put the onus on the general public. Don't depend on the government to pay for your entertainment. Support independent art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">SR: </i>Amen to that. Tell us a bit about what 2017 looks like for you. Will you be releasing films? Any plans for more musicals?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK:</b> </i>In 2017 we should have the movie GHASTLIES out on DVD and VOD. It's an 80s inspired Creature Feature. We also hope to have the film COUNTRYCIDE playing festivals. We are also planning a Christmas theatre production. Not sure yet how musical it will be but it will no doubt involve music in some capacity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>BK:</b> </i>No resolutions in the traditional sense. I'd like to maybe play a few hair metal shows. LOL Long story.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've actually seen Brett wail to some of these bands >:] </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>SR: </b></i>Ah yes... you have a rock and roll past in addition to your other talents. And it's not uncommon for you to be invited to get onstage and take the mic at local metal shows these days. Care to tell us more about your mad, bad rocker side? And will you be putting a band together any time soon?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>BK: </b></i>When i was younger I sang in what is now known as a hair band. Occasionally I entertain the notion of doing some fun shows a la Steel Panther but with legit love for the genre. We'll see if i can get something going or if i chicken out. I have the range of a daisy air rifle but i have a blast. Lol</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>SR: </i></b>It was great to hear about the new production and your upcoming films... and we'll keep our ears stretched for any hair metal efforts >:] All the best for 2017, Brett!</span></div>
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SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-58672141490310937322017-01-01T21:17:00.000-08:002017-01-01T21:17:22.306-08:00Roots and Vines with Kim Valentine: Local Painter Inspired by Nature<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SceneRazR</i> had the opportunity in late October to attend a vernissage of Kim Valentine's work at <a href="http://www.theteapartycafe.com/ottawacafes/"><span style="color: red;">The Tea Party</span></a> in the Byward Market. Tea Party is a lovely establishment that sells a wide variety of loose tea, makes delicious food, and brews a comforting cup of coffee if you are stumbling in with wet sneakers on the night of the NCR's first heavy snowfall. Snow before Hallowe'en? Not cool man, not cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Which is what I'd have to do if there weren't awesome places like </b></span><a href="http://www.theteapartycafe.com/ottawacafes/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="color: red;">The Tea Party</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kim is a local artist and performer who uses palette knife and oils to create dynamic interpretations of Nature. Palette knife painting is not necessarily the first go-to method for oil painters, but certainly not unheard of. Give the people at <a href="http://paletteknifepainters.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: red;">Palette Knife Painters</span></a> a follow to learn more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Kim Valentine's weapon of choice!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read on to find out what inspires Kim as an artist, and to learn more about what she'll be creating in 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>SceneRazR: What inspires you to grab your palette knife and start creating something?</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Kim Valentine: </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This sounds so cheesy... </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really love nature. I mean trees are just so crazy. They just take up as much space as they can, so unapologetically. I love them so much. I love watching the way grass, or leaves, or flowers move in the breeze. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes, it’s just a colour that I spot somewhere, and I’ll have to get to the studio and start playing with similar colours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Kim with one of her choice creations :)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: There is a very dynamic energy to your work. I overheard a remark from a guest at your vernissage: "Her paintings look like she had so much fun creating them." How do you feel during your creative process? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV:</i></b> Oh, I love hearing that! I am definitely having fun while I paint. I used to have some serious anxiety issues. I couldn’t do anything without feeling anxious about what other people would think. It prevented me from even trying art for a long time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I discovered painting I’ve been able let go of all that. I paint for me. It makes me happy, and I think that maybe that’s coming out in the art.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: Are there other artists who inspire or influence your work?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV: </i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is a hard one. There are soo many awesome artists around. I love Nava Waxman, Stephen Frew, Brenda Dunn, Alison Fowler. There are so many more. I just think that art inspires more art. When I see something great that someone else has made, I feel totally inspired by their creativity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: Describe your ideal creative environment - as in: what's your best time of day/night to work? How is your studio set up? Do you have music playing? Do you work best in isolation?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV:</i></b> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d probably describe my studio as a mix between a ten year old’s bedroom, and a hippie’s living room. Full of soft lamps, and Christmas lights hanging all over the place. I have a ton of plants filling the window, and a stupid cat yelling at me when I pay too much attention to the canvas. Other than the cat, I prefer to be alone while I paint. Except for the cat. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love listening to music while I paint. Specifically instrumentals. They allow me to get into my head, and swim around in there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m a big fan of mornings. I feel most productive, and usually crazy inspired first thing in the morning. I think a dream would be to have a studio with a window facing the sunrise. I could paint with the sunrise, and drink an obnoxious amount of coffee. I’d never get tired of that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: The majority of your work portrays plant life, but you have also done pieces featuring still life and animals. Do you see yourself focusing more on non-flora based work in the future?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV:</i></b> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think so. I have a few things that I’ve been playing with lately that are more elemental than flora based. I’m really excited about where these thoughts are going, and I’m looking forward to sharing them in the new year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: Do you do commissions?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV:</i></b> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do! Commissions are so fun. It’s so nice getting to know the people who order a commission, and creating something with them in mind. It feels so nice to hand over that piece of original art in the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>SR: In addition to your painting, you have several acting credits under your belt, and you play ukulele as well. Are there other creative avenues you'd like to explore?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>KV: </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel like you can never have enough art in your life. I wrote a feature recently for <a href="http://thestatusmagazine.com/"><span style="color: red;">STATUS</span></a>, which is a local online publication. I interviewed Frank Sukhoo about his designs. I really had fun with that, so I’m going to see where else that can take me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently joined a local band with my ukulele - which is crazy to me. We started performing a song that I helped co-write. I didn’t realize that performing your own original music could give you such a rush. I’m hooked on it. I’m going to spend a lot more time exploring music writing and performing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>SR: You've just completed a vernissage at The Tea Party Cafe in the Byward Market - congratulations! Please tell us of any upcoming installations and let </i>SceneRazR <i>readers know where and how they can obtain your paintings.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38;"><i><b>KV: </b></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.carbenrestaurant.com/"><span style="color: red;">Carben Food + Drink</span></a> is a restaurant in Hintonburg that will be hosting some of my pieces for a while. That started on December 5, and will be ongoing. I’m going to be involved with the Hintonburg Happening, which is a really cool new festival happening May 3 - 6 at different locations throughout that neighbourhood. There’ll be a month long show at <a href="http://irenespub.ca/"><span style="color: red;">Irene’s Pub</span></a> on Bank St. starting June 4, 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a few other things in the works right now, but I’m keeping quiet for now. Once details are nailed down, I’ll let you know!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>SR: Thanks so much, Kim! For all the maniacs reading this, you can stay current with Kim's creations via the social media links below. It sounds like we'll be hearing much more from Kim in 2017!</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep up with Kim Valentine on:</span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/kimvalentineart?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor"><span style="color: red;">Twitter</span></a> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kimvalentineart/"><span style="color: red;">Facebook</span></a> </span></span><br />
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SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-46531272425825388492016-12-10T11:40:00.003-08:002016-12-10T18:07:06.680-08:00The Bells are Jingling...On Bellydancers, Not Reindeer!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for something different to do this holiday season, why not ring it in with belly chains and finger chimes? Start planning your New Year's resolutions early and <a href="https://halyma.com/classes/"><span style="color: red;">sign up for belly dancing classes</span></a> with one of Ottawa's middle-eastern and north-African dance fusion experts, <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://halyma.com/classes/"><span style="color: red;">Halyma</span></a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halyma (aka Tracey Vibert) has practiced dance since childhood, and began focusing on belly dance method in 1995. She has since fused her own style, and teaches and performs in the Ottawa area. I think, when you view Halyma's performance at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxyttNJwlg4&feature=youtu.be"><span style="color: red;">this clip</span></a>, you will appreciate that she is bringing together quite the eclectic mix of influences in an engaging way. (She had me at "Rock the Casbah..." big Clash fan here!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition to her dance talents, Halyma is a gifted wardrobe designer, creating unique and beautiful clothing and costumes for private clients, dancers, and film productions. <i>SceneRazR </i>will be interviewing her for a future post, focusing on her <a href="https://halyma.com/tracey-designer-event-organizer-owner-tav-creations/"><span style="color: red;">TAV Creations</span></a> services.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halyma is also offering a semi-private Community Class Party event on December 14th - limited number of tickets available. Please click <a href="https://halyma.com/hireadancer/occp/"><span style="color: red;">here</span></a> for details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So you all have your fitness and entertainment lined up for 2017, right? You're welcome >:]</span><br />
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SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-70467802673489477752016-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:002017-01-06T03:36:39.644-08:00LIVE on Elgin: Small Club Fills a Big Gap in the Scene.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recently, <i>SceneRazR</i> was fortunate to obtain some time with Lawrence Evenchick, who is one very busy dude. Jointly with his son, Jon, Lawrence runs an independent performance space - <a href="http://www.liveonelgin.com/"><span style="color: red;">LIVE on Elgin</span></a> - at 220 Elgin Street, just upstairs from Dunn's Deli. LIVE on Elgin hosts a variety of performance/artistic entertainment seven nights a week, nearly every night of the year (although in December their calendar indicates that they'll at least take Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off - good call, gentlemen!). Knowing that Lawrence is a very in-demand actor for local theatre and films, I asked whether owning a busy performance space has cut back on his ability to nurture his acting career. (Note: it would be a tragedy if this were the case. Lawrence is a talented and supremely entertaining actor.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Lawrence Evenchick, actor and</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>venue proprietor extraordinair</b>e</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lawrence assured me that being part owner of LIVE on Elgin has not interfered with his acting projects. He went on to supply a very in-depth look at what local entrepreneurs may encounter when launching a live performance venue in the NCR, beginning with a guided tour of the premises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tour revealed some pleasing surprises. Often, the second-storey premises in older Ottawa buildings feel claustrophobic and seem almost more like second thoughts than second storeys. To be sure, LIVE on Elgin is accessible only by a long narrow flight of stairs, but this was a necessity: the space is a sublet from Dunn's Deli on the floor below. Once you arrive at the top of the stairs, however, you are in a fairly generous space. There is a lounge area bordered with sofas and a flatscreen TV, with a medium-sized service bar opposite. (All photos are courtesy of LIVE on Elgin and photo credits for the interior shots go to Dave Di Ubaldo, Worn Leather Media.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paintings by local artists grace the walls, the decor is attractive, and the amenities are very up-to-date.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Lounge area</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Bar area - yes, they're licensed!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Past the lounge and bar area is the performance studio which is where the magic takes place. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the far right-hand end of the room is a slightly elevated stage that is big enough to house an upright piano plus performance space that comes close to that of some of the smaller theatres in Ottawa. The stage feels almost as deep as it is wide, and has hosted musical groups, theatrical performances, burlesque shows, choirs, fan-fiction reading nights, improv theatre performances, and much more. Lawrence added that room has also been used for children's birthday parties, video shoots, and trivia nights. To get an idea of LIVE on Elgin's performance lineup you can view their calendar <a href="http://www.liveonelgin.com/"><span style="color: red;">here.</span></a></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The official stage area (although some acts, e.g. the poetry slams, prefer to perform on the dance floor - and LIVE on Elgin lets them do their thing their way).</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As Lawrence explained, it's a very flexible space that lends itself to a variety of performances and uses. The tables and chairs are all mobile (no bolted down tables or booths) so they can modify the seating to make room for dancing, painting parties, or cabaret-style evenings, depending on the type of event or performance that is taking place. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> Flexible seating - tables and chairs can be repositioned or removed.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition to the size and flexibility of the performance area, other pluses are the "artist preparation" areas where performers can close a door or a curtain and get their war paint on, put on their costumes (or, in the case of burlesque dancers and naked choral groups, take OFF their costumes) and just generally have a place where they can get their heads in the game privately before taking the stage. Believe me: very few of the smaller performance venues in Ottawa offer this luxury, and it really IS a luxury.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the tour and an offer of tea, Lawrence and I settled ourselves in the lounge area to talk inspiration, influences, and the challenges of doing business in the local performance community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SceneRazR: You've stated that LIVE on Elgin was created because you and Jon Evenchick perceived a "gap" in the local entertainment scene. Your calendar is full every night of the week, so you were clearly correct. How did you settle on this particular format and venue to address that gap?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Lawrence Evenchick:</i> "Jon's background is in music, mine is theatre. We thought we could cater to both." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lawrence noted that the gap in the music scene is primarily that, while many venues incorporate musical performance, not many are dedicated to music. To elaborate, he explained that many venues will have bands play, but there are still big screen TVs showing hockey or ball games while the band is "pushed off in the corner," so that the music isn't necessarily the sole focus. "That," said Lawrence, "is the niche we wanted to fill."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In terms of local theatre, Lawrence pointed out that there really are no small spaces. There are independent theatres of course, accommodating 200 to perhaps 600 patrons, but no smaller spaces where performers can hope to launch a performance and also walk away with some money in their pocket... the larger venues are simply not affordable propositions for the smaller and fringe acts that permeate the artistic scene. There are plenty of performers, Lawrence noted, who can sell 50 to 60 tickets - which would be a financial fail if they want to rent the larger theatres, but could look (and feel, in a smaller room) like a complete success in an establishment the size of LIVE on Elgin. Lawrence wanted these performers to have a venue, a voice, and a chance to generate some income. The solution, clearly, was a cabaret-style space in an area where there would be decent urban traffic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The idea crystallized when Lawrence attended a house concert (yes, a concert in someone's house) by <span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/232946476897301/"><span style="color: red;">Craig Cardiff</span></a>,</span> an Ottawa musician. Lawrence learned that </span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Craig enjoys playing house concerts because so few music venues are structured to focus on the performance. Often the musicians are an afterthought.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Craig Cardiff doing his thang (photo property of Craig Cardiff)</b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">About the same time as the conversation with Craig, Lawrence heard from a couple of friends who had visited New Orleans. They told him that they had attended a drama performance at a bar: the admission tickets were affordable, so patrons showed up for the show but still had some discretionary dollars left over to buy a few drinks. Thus, the bar profited and there was still some money to throw to the actors at the end of the night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Lawrence and Jon Evenchick, this sounded like a win-win format for everyone. The mission was clear: create a space that can house the smaller event populations; offer drinks at an affordable price; make sure the artists have the space to do what they require and have the space to host their audiences. And pay the bills on the space while they achieve all this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SR: Brilliant idea! What was the biggest challenge you faced in getting it launched?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>LE:</i> (laughing) "The biggest challenge? The city!" (more laughter).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"It was touch and go... building permits, we've never renovated to meet building standards before." Some modifications to the space at 220 Elgin were simply cosmetic, but others were structural and more complicated. In terms of the permits, Lawrence listed them off: building, fire, health... and then there were the permits that had to be managed by exception (because, after all, LIVE on Elgin is an exceptional place). Lawrence had worked liquor establishments before, and figured he was on solid ground in terms of fulfilling the conditions for a liquor licence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"I know all about liquor licences," Lawrence said. "I've known about SmartServe for a long time, I've worked bars for years, but you have to fulfill other conditions and also guarantee some guaranteed parking, which we can't do as it's all on-street parking. So we had to go to a variance committee." However, with his experience in the beverage industry, Lawrence felt he was on solid ground and was confident about LIVE on Elgin's chances for approval. "I thought it would be a slam-dunk," he admitted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. The committee was split on whether to approve - the dissenters had reasons which were really irrational, according to Lawrence - and it eventually came down to a tiebreaker that the Chair of the committee had to decide. Lawrence recalls that the variance committee managed to keep LIVE on Elgin's liquor licence in a holding pattern well past the club's launch date while it contemplated the application. As a result, the first week that the club was open, they served soda pop only because their liquor licence application had not yet been approved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>City variance committee member?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were other issues: the building inspector was not an easy person to deal with.</span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He misread the plans causing a misunderstanding about washroom capacity, which further delayed the permits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That hasn't stopped many local musicians, poetry slammers, comedians, or theatre troupes from showing up at LIVE on Elgin. In fact, many local performers were supporting it before the venue got all their city approvals. "There were over fifty letters of support that were sent to the variance committee," Lawrence recalled. "From performers, musicians, producers...saying that we are the kind of venue that this city needs." It was encouraging that getting the support from the artistic community was easy: it was a sure signal that Lawrence and Jon were on the right track. "We hit the ground running, and we had a lot of really good support from Day One." They still do, and their reputation is growing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SR: what would be the farthest "fringe" or niche performance that has ever graced the LIVE on Elgin stage?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>LE:</i> "The fan fiction night is... crazy!" Apparently, fan fiction can get pretty randy, and listening to the actors read it aloud sends the audience into hysterics. Lawrence added that other fringe performances are equally popular. "</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Improv Nights are unbelievable. And </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/700724443366992/"><span style="color: red;"><span id="goog_1224168935"></span>Les Bunheads</span> </a>- they've auditioned for <i>America's Got Talent</i>! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the Ottawa burlesque community consider us their home." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Unconventional ballet duo "Les Bunheads!"</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many of the LIVE on Elgin events definitely cater to niche communities. As an example, the burlesque night is a dedicated performance once per month: therefore, it isn't competing with another performance genre. At LIVE on Elgin, catering to what works for the artists is key. "We've stuck with the artists rather than the producers, and artists feel at home here because it's a performance space," Lawrence noted. So far, it is working out well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LIVE on Elgin has demonstrated considerable resiliency in terms of facing down city opposition and gaining and retaining support from the artistic community. Lawrence emphatically credits the participation from Ottawa's diverse performance community as the backbone of LIVE on Elgin's success. Rogers Cable have taken an interest, recording live music performances at the club and editing them down to be broadcast on YouTube - which is great for the musicians in terms of building their presence and broadening their audience. The segments air Sunday nights on Rogers Cable at 9 o'clock, and Lawrence estimates they have several months' worth of footage already in the can. It's another encouraging example of how arts and performance communities can support and cross-promote one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SR:</i> <i>A recent article in the </i><a href="http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts/hot-gigs-this-week-12"><span style="color: red;">Ottawa Citizen</span></a><i> pointed out that both Zaphod's and Barrymore's had sold-out shows that week - mind you, one of those was Sebastian Bach! - and that this speaks to the need for more music venues in the NCR. However, when there are bars and clubs that struggle Monday to Thursday in terms of filling seats, do you think we need more venues or more support </i><b>for</b><i> the venues?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>LE: "</i>I think we need more support for the venues that we have." Lawrence pointed out that many people shell out big money to see out-of-town performers at the National Arts Centre, "...and then get squeamish about paying $35 or $40 to see local performers who are equally as talented." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SR: And the NAC have pretty aggressive telemarketers as well! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>LE: </i>"Extremely, extremely aggressive telemarketers. The people at the Gladstone Theatre, they can't <i>afford</i> to do that." He noted the irony of NAC patrons paying in the neighbourhood of $140 per ticket to see performers who don't live here or work here, and then balking at paying a decent price to support local performers. He feels it's partly due to an unfounded and incorrect assumption that the local talent is somehow inferior to the touring performers. Clearly there is money to be spent on art and performance, but patrons are choosing to support non-local entertainers. "It's really backwards," he observed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> In addition to better support for local talent, Lawrence believes </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">that the NCR needs more variety in terms of the size of the performance establishments.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He noted that a lot of touring acts skip Ottawa between Toronto and Montreal because the NCR offers a choice between two gigantic stadiums, or smaller clubs the size of Ritual, for example. For certain performers, these venue sizes are too polarized and there is no mid-size that would suit the capacity that they are likely to draw. Lawrence's son and business partner, Jon, originally wanted to create a venue to meet that niche: 800 to 1000 seats, with a flexible space that could accommodate cabaret style seating or traditional theatre set-ups. LIVE on Elgin is proving to keep Jon busy enough, however, so the larger venue is part of his "Ten Year Plan." Lawrence agrees that it would help fit a need for music and theatrical performances alike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SR: So we won't be seeing a "LIVE on Bank Street" or "LIVE on Woodroffe" anytime soon?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>LE: </i>"I think the next step is getting LIVE better known by the general public." Lawrence said that the arts and performance community are really locking in with the venue, and his hope is that people who don't move in the artistic circles will still make LIVE on Elgin their "go-to" for good entertainment at reasonable prices. Given how quickly the venue has caught on, the outcome is promising.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"I think we've met our goal," said Lawrence, "in terms of providing a space where performers are free to show up. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have built a space where many local performance acts feel they have a home." They feel they belong, here, he said, because it is an environment that is a performance space first and foremost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SceneRazR</i> loves a happy ending, and wishes LIVE on Elgin continued longevity and popularity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>SceneRazR</i> is very grateful to Lawrence for giving so much of his time to tell his story and give us a guided tour. LIVE on Elgin is definitely worth some space on your calendar. Please visit <a href="http://www.liveonelgin.com/"><span style="color: red;">LIVE on Elgin</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to see what floats your fancy - you will not be disappointed! >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-60394810378006631762016-11-30T21:26:00.003-08:002016-11-30T21:28:20.403-08:00Does Ottawa need MORE music clubs? Or does it need more SUPPORT for the clubs it already has?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was great to see so many sold-out gigs on the Ottawa scene recently - a fact that was picked up and highlighted by <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/local-arts/hot-gigs-this-week-12">Ottawa Citizen</a> </span>arts reporter <a href="mailto:kendemann@postmedia.com">Kirsten E. Endemann</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Baz" sold out Bazmore's</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Citing acts such as <a href="http://www.colemanhell.com/"><span style="color: red;">Coleman Hell</span></a> and <a href="http://www.riamae.com/"><span style="color: red;">Ria Mae</span></a>, who sold out <a href="http://zaphods.ca/"><span style="color: red;">Zaphod Beeblebrox</span></a> on November 24, and <a href="http://sebastian-bach-ws45.squarespace.com/"><span style="color: red;">Sebastian Bac</span>h</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">who sold out <span style="color: red;">Barrymore's Music Hall</span> on November 26, Ms Endemann offered the opinion that these performances are <span style="background-color: black;">"...</span></span><span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">evidence Ottawa needs more music venues, not fewer of them."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: white;"><b>The nightclub at the end of the universe (or the middle of the Byward Market...)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">Hmmm. My personal sentiment is that, we have plenty of Ottawa/Gatineau venues... we just need more of them to be sell-out shows. If we have clubs that are sitting empty on many nights, despite the fact that they are offering quality entertainment, I don't think we need more empty clubs. What needs to happen? More support for small business from the city? More support from art consumers? More grants for artistic enterprise?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">Well I don't run a local entertainment business, so I don't want to speculate too closely ... instead, I'm interviewing some real local club owners who will tell us what is actually going on in and behind the scene, and what they think would make the Ottawa arts community more healthy and vibrant - with tons more sold-out shows. Coming up shortly, dear readers!</span></span></span>SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-44410119599867517392016-11-26T22:16:00.000-08:002016-11-27T00:45:17.197-08:00Interview with Jumpin' Joel Flash!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As promised, readers, here is an update on what <a href="http://jumpinjoelflash.wixsite.com/splash">Jumpin' Joel Flash</a> is about, is doing, and will be doing in the near future. Joel is a quadruple threat combo of vocalist, instrumentalist, actor and songwriter... and all-round killer entertainer. So I guess he's a quintuple threat? Anyway, math ain't <i>SceneRazR</i>'s strong suit, hot local art scene is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please follow Joel on the links listed below to check in on his gigs and other happenings (especially you awkward first date aficionados >:] ).</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">SceneRazr: There is a lot going on in a Jumpin’ Joel Flash performance – not just musically, but in terms of performance art and improvisation. When you build your show, do you have a particular goal in mind in terms of what you want the audience to take away with them?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jumpin' Joel Flash:</i></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Above all else, I’m looking to entertain. People could be doing anything else with their evening… other shows, movies, dinners, art, Netflix, etc... If someone has taken the time to leave their house, travel to the venue, pay cover, and wait patiently for the act to start, I think we, as performers, owe it to them to deliver something to remember. I want people to leave saying “wow”. It’s happened every time so far. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: black;">Joel Bringin' It</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">(credit </span><a href="https://ryanlindseyphoto.com/" style="color: red;">Ryan Lindsey Photography</a><span style="color: white;">)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white; font-style: italic;">JJF:</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>I’ve always been a classic rock nut. It was actually Weird Al that got me into it… his “Hot Rocks Polka” turned me onto the Stones and it snowballed from there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In college, I joined a local cover band called </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Barrelhouse</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Playing with them changed how I looked at music, and for the better. I wasn’t afraid or turned off by things that sounded like they were recorded after 1980. We played a metric ton of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Allman Brothers</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but could also play full sets of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Steely Dan</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Intricate, complex tunes that gave me an appreciation for wildly different styles and grooves. At one point, we were playing the entirety of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abbey Road</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> front to back. It was madness. But it all worked. And it was a stupid amount of fun. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Their influence remains with me. I like the southern crunchy jams and grooves of The Allmans mixed with fun harmonies and odd song structure of Steely. It all comes back to the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Stones</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> though. If my act could sound like </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exile on Main Street</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> then I’d be in a very happy place.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: black;">From left to right: Brad Cutler, Joel, Zoe Elizabeth and Robin Hodge</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: black;">(as backing vocalists "The Ghost Lights")</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">(credit</span></b><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://ryanlindseyphoto.com/"><span style="color: red;">Ryan Lindsey Photography</span></a><span style="color: white;">)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">SR: In addition to performing in various musical acts, you’ve recently explored acting – and now you have also developed the score for an original musical – </span><a href="http://www.thegladstone.ca/the-phantom-of-the-opry/"><span style="color: red;">Phantom of the Opry</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: white;">– that will be staged in Ottawa in the near future. Could you walk us through how that evolved?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>JJF:</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">My wife began starring in a number of Local Director </span><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://brettkellyentertainment.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: red;">Brett Kelly</span>’</a></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s films, including</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p86gmC5CztM"><span style="color: red;">Homicycle</span></a>,</span> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIkfytIRIeQ"><span style="color: red;">Raiders of the Lost Shark</span></a></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqTySDEXE4M&t=4s"><span style="color: red;">SpyFall</span></a><span style="color: white;">. </span></i></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I began hanging around the sets and was eventually asked to try out for a couple of roles. Then I saw the open casting call for </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/myfairzombie">My Fair Zombie</a></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My experience with musical theatre was absolute zero, but I dig zombies and I can sing, so I thought I’d give it a go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I auditioned and got in, which was both a wonderful surprise, and a dreadful feeling of doom. I’d never acted….let’s say ‘theatrically’ before. Luckily, I was surrounded by such an amazing group of people that were happy to answer all my questions and guide me through the process. I was awed by their talent every time I saw them. I’m happy to call them all friends. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>My Fair Zombie</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was over, Brett asked if I had any interest in writing the score for Phantom. Having never composed for theatre before, and having no musical director experience, I of course said yes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>SR:</i> </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">As well as being an insanely gifted singer, you play guitar in Jumpin’ Joel Flash, and play occasional trumpet in </span><a href="http://www.fuzzybunnyslaughterhouse.com/"><span style="color: red;">Fuzzy Bunny Slaughterhouse </span></a><span style="color: white;">– also in Barrelhouse, your erstwhile blues lineup. Any other instrumental talents you haven’t told us about?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>JJF: </i></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can beatbox, but I haven’t yet figured out how to channel it into a performance. I also do a great impression of Stuart MacLean. Maybe they should be mixed? Vinyl Cafe R-r-r-r-r-remix? </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxSybtHPlrkbrTDNfumMjCmvgfF9QlrL7z7hTVWjGvfXvdTFzTC1SKeCDXxGxX_Sg1kJ_9_KewvBT5Z6mIvWpLM2SIwXmnAICwJ5A9GIhbt6lPDzHjfQO6jsPYLybnAoi_UfImXFtpVY/s1600/559712_466357416763536_1467674252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxSybtHPlrkbrTDNfumMjCmvgfF9QlrL7z7hTVWjGvfXvdTFzTC1SKeCDXxGxX_Sg1kJ_9_KewvBT5Z6mIvWpLM2SIwXmnAICwJ5A9GIhbt6lPDzHjfQO6jsPYLybnAoi_UfImXFtpVY/s320/559712_466357416763536_1467674252_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joel manifesting some of his multi-instrumental talents in Fuzzy Bunny Slaughterhouse (Ottawa's premier rabbit-themed rock band)</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If i could get my hands on a keytar, I bet i could play that as well. Only if it’s hot pink though. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SR: That kerfuffle in the House of Commons where one MP made a fart simile during Question Period, and another MP said she was out of line: are you on “Team Fart,” or do you fall firmly on the lines of observing the timeless traditional courtesies of parliamentary procedure?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>JJF: </i></span><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(insert ‘hot air in parliament’ joke here)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SR: What’s next for Jumpin' Joel Flash? Recording? More gigs? Let SceneRazR readers know when and where to find you :)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>JJF: </i></span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More gigs fo’ sho’... I’m hoping to play around town as much as possible in 2017! The band is growing and is currently made up of some insane talent: The guitar stylings of Brad Cutler make everything we do all the more ethereal and epic and insert another ‘e’ word here. And I can’t go on enough about the vocal and performance stylings of </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ghost Lights…</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Zoe Elizabeth and Robin Hodge give our act a major dose of energy... their theatre background shines brightly in everything they do. They sound incredible and put on a show you won’t forget. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And definitely people should come and check out </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Phantom of the Opry</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at The Gladstone this February! The actors are wonderful, the script is hilarious, and the 10 original songs I’ve composed will get stuck in your head! Lord knows they’re stuck in mine. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also looking to record my first album! There is more than enough material… it’s just finding the time at this point. Also will need to get a few session players… or permanent band members perhaps? Always interested in applications! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: white; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">SR: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Joel, and please continue to keep SceneRazR looped in with your future projects and performances. Our esteemed readers can find Jumpin' Joel Flash </span><span style="line-height: 33px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: white;">updates at </span><a href="http://www.jumpinjoelflash.ca/"><span style="color: red;">www.jumpinjoelflash.ca</span></a><span style="color: white;"> or contact him at </span><a href="mailto:jumpinjoelflash@gmail.com"><span style="color: red;">jumpinjoelflash@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: white;">. In terms of band auditions, Joel is currently looking for keys and horns, so all you keyists and hornists should get in touch with him without delay!</span></span></i></span></div>
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SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-25773290221574660692016-11-26T11:12:00.000-08:002016-11-26T19:55:46.403-08:00Little Rebels Stick it to the Big Kids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqW6_hHAKMCmQvcP_pt4QvvMfwELPbK15tc2rSC8E0qmBBcsPPkS-hreWt0RFb-02BrmwWGzif5oNKZszslCL2cW8wVOYjFFu71cj2dUTWxMCKHszjIHZHtFDMcXcgwx7XbpHBAHPQQw/s1600/Rebel+Flash+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqW6_hHAKMCmQvcP_pt4QvvMfwELPbK15tc2rSC8E0qmBBcsPPkS-hreWt0RFb-02BrmwWGzif5oNKZszslCL2cW8wVOYjFFu71cj2dUTWxMCKHszjIHZHtFDMcXcgwx7XbpHBAHPQQw/s320/Rebel+Flash+1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can I just say how COOL it is that Ottawa once again has a "real rock" station? And may I emphasize how HELLA-COOL it is that they're independently owned and operated? This is major. What <a href="ttp://rebel1017.com">Rebel 101.7</a> calls "The Evil Empire" (monolithic media giants) have been eroding the quality and integrity of journalism, reporting and media content for decades now. It is so bloody refreshing to hear Rebel voices on the air, bringing real rock back to the NCR.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rebel's tune selection is very refreshing if you get tired of hearing the same old hits people have been spinning over the last 40 years or so. Not only do they play cuts that I haven't heard on mainstream radio ever in my lifetime (Butthole Surfers? I've never heard them anywhere outside my own record collection!), they also play local talent and are diligent about plugging local artists' music and shows. Just because. This is something that other so-called rock stations (sorry, if you play Neil Young at me you're not a real rock station) - the ones owned by the corpulent big-media companies - are not well known for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you don't already tune in, please dial up Rebel 101.7, and help them fly their freaky flag for all time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://rebel1017.com</span><br />
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<br />SceneRazRhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640683983515196983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-23616733426441609792016-11-24T18:33:00.003-08:002016-11-26T21:16:23.541-08:00Rushin' (Russian?) with Jumpin' Joel Flash<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hey Maniacs, I have a must-see for you if you want crazy vox, belly laughs, and a feast for the ears and eyes. I'm talking about <a href="http://www.jumpinjoelflash.ca/">Jumpin' Joel Flash</a>, a musical act that is taking the acoustic pub circuit by storm - and that will soon be moving to bigger and louder venues as the band's lineup expands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jumpin' Joel Flash took the stage at the <a href="http://www.avantgardebar.com/">Avant Garde Bar</a> last Friday as the second of three bands, playing to a very packed house. In fact, it was so packed that the only pictures I could take were of the back of other peoples' heads.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M0HOoPQdW4THJ7WGmxQ3IxsEBP3AJRieCMZk4wdlC6eK4zebk2946UFpWZ4L9bUlLi0wGOQctU2qYRNk2labuJjStPDDOZnBTYZ6sfMx9qSK93X5PZcf8OFssHdBV_TKJmz6MdLcXVw/s1600/IMG_1767-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M0HOoPQdW4THJ7WGmxQ3IxsEBP3AJRieCMZk4wdlC6eK4zebk2946UFpWZ4L9bUlLi0wGOQctU2qYRNk2labuJjStPDDOZnBTYZ6sfMx9qSK93X5PZcf8OFssHdBV_TKJmz6MdLcXVw/s320/IMG_1767-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the Avant Garde Bar. I'm a major Russophile, and Avant Garde is a Russian-themed cafe/bar that has a very hammer-and-sickle art vibe going on with lots of pre-perestroika era propaganda posters on the walls. The bar is small but well-stocked and there was a large and thirsty population crowding about it when I arrived. Ochen' kruto! (Russian for: Very cool!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzprTZD_gj-Qg9zX9P1WdjokYH9evmgbgp8UwhroF6Qnyo_ZsxzwZ41m0WJx0i24aAqO7xd4bwmmo-2zXxT5kbJdgw2KEzaPqdPuW_1flIDCF4p6JjogRWm213-k8gDd3vkUtCcHMZzhg/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzprTZD_gj-Qg9zX9P1WdjokYH9evmgbgp8UwhroF6Qnyo_ZsxzwZ41m0WJx0i24aAqO7xd4bwmmo-2zXxT5kbJdgw2KEzaPqdPuW_1flIDCF4p6JjogRWm213-k8gDd3vkUtCcHMZzhg/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Because Kandinsky</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jumpin' Joel Flash consist of the eponymous Joel handling emcee, guitar and lead vocals, Robin Hodge and Zoe Elizabeth as the backing vocal group Ghostlights, Brad Cutler on second guitar and as Head Fall Boy for a few comedic setups, and Kim Valentine on ukulele. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1ATFI1iCqyT0aaxnEPEH9PfYz7MusV_B-v3Q1dj5mrk3om4lhlEQGXgpw1VstlEvmf2D5Xsj7ef3VTaL_oT6JwD2dZDRNkloyYJ1gYUgp2VT1Mbj4JHpypcAzMWosUOW7TNW8BaaSLM/s1600/IMG_1764-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1ATFI1iCqyT0aaxnEPEH9PfYz7MusV_B-v3Q1dj5mrk3om4lhlEQGXgpw1VstlEvmf2D5Xsj7ef3VTaL_oT6JwD2dZDRNkloyYJ1gYUgp2VT1Mbj4JHpypcAzMWosUOW7TNW8BaaSLM/s320/IMG_1764-2.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Joel plus Robin and Zoe</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the performance rolled out, it struck me that this band is the PERFECT act to see if you are going on that awkward first date - the one your brother/sister/best friend/(god forbid) MOM set you up on because "I know you don't know him/her very well but you two would be PERFECT together" and so you meet up with mister or miss Perfect and find out that you have NOTHING TO TALK ABOUT and spend the first three quarters of the date in agonizing attempts to find common ground so you can actually have a conversation. Or that first date you set up yourself where you feel very triumphant but are dying with anxiety, hoping that all goes well, and are second-guessing yourself because you are worried you won't be smart/funny/entertaining enough. Well, problems solved, dear people: make a Jumpin' Joel Flash gig your first date destination of choice. Here's why: there is so much going on during the show that you will a) be so entertained that you will not have to make conversation; b) be able to laugh together at the genuinely hilarious byplay onstage (laughing together = raised endorphins = major attraction); c) be so blown away that you will have plenty to talk about after the gig. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8_Pp77zjFx1WrUj1tB0JAildIhhoYb1D6-NV2gii-KRkjBfLJAhWLQd_-3sV6gDUPswnl-ZCgEeYsujn7So70RpqebZYSpNalS_ii_iidx3897qALgV5EYqlmSYJ3101KM2TTL2CWtQ/s1600/awkward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8_Pp77zjFx1WrUj1tB0JAildIhhoYb1D6-NV2gii-KRkjBfLJAhWLQd_-3sV6gDUPswnl-ZCgEeYsujn7So70RpqebZYSpNalS_ii_iidx3897qALgV5EYqlmSYJ3101KM2TTL2CWtQ/s1600/awkward.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Don't be like these people! Go see JJF!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joel starts off with a wickedly entertaining takeoff on a classic Johnny Cash tune, and segues into pop tunes, Disney tunes, original tunes, all peppered with frequent jokes, improvs and audience participation sequences - propped up with entertaining interplay with his backing vocalists and musicians. Make no mistake: to really appreciate it, you HAVE to see it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With this in mind, <i>SceneRazR</i> managed to catch up with this very busy dude after the gig to get more info on who he is, what drives his shows, and where to stay on top of his performance schedule (awkward first daters take note!). Interview to follow, dear readers. Meanwhile please visit </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.jumpinjoelflash.ca&source=gmail&ust=1480055087142000&usg=AFQjCNH21QkQm8ymX7PH1ApMKuBHQSbjBw" href="http://www.jumpinjoelflash.ca/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">www.jumpinjoelflash.ca</a> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to get up-to-date on Joel's latest and greatest events!</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-76983989147663806932016-11-15T22:49:00.000-08:002016-11-21T19:44:36.910-08:00Ottawa Rockers BIG JEEZUS TRUCK open for legendary DIAMOND HEAD at the Brass Monkey<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hunt up your earplugs for this one, Maniacs >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This Wednesday, November 23, local rock icons <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://BIG JeeZus TRUCK"><span style="color: red;">BIG JEEZUS TRUCK</span></a> </span>will be winding up the crowd at Ottawa's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/167023847032911/"><span style="color: red;">Brass Monkey</span></a> for none other than Brit metal legends <a href="http://www.diamond-head.net/"><span style="color: red;">Diamond Head</span></a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEivKHNN7mmPnZwE1lZeXFnYiC-I0VOse7NiJ17SH9vCMEWnbdROJVMSLILT-nBTociKKKB9Czj9m_LolAs5ZHV8WquFrfHl4Rh6lMd3QJdHUBKBX5_oaJlhnP0oEx99XSDcL-q3QTHGQ/s1600/IMG_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEivKHNN7mmPnZwE1lZeXFnYiC-I0VOse7NiJ17SH9vCMEWnbdROJVMSLILT-nBTociKKKB9Czj9m_LolAs5ZHV8WquFrfHl4Rh6lMd3QJdHUBKBX5_oaJlhnP0oEx99XSDcL-q3QTHGQ/s320/IMG_0372.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slim Reaper of BJT</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If history is anything to go by, this will be a ripping show. >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past year, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brassmonkeybilliards/"><span style="color: red;">Brass Monkey</span></a> has been under new ownership and has undertaken some amazing renovations to the stage setup and the audience space. The vibe is cool yet laid back, there is still a large pool and darts area plus a private party room, and the owners remain committed to bringing in classic rock acts in a classy space. Make sure you friend them on Facebook and bookmark their events so you don't miss a trick in the Monkey cage!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6946956490821186368.post-22040864918908442282016-11-15T21:33:00.000-08:002016-11-20T19:07:42.038-08:00Welcome to SceneRazr - Spotlight on the Baddest and Raddest Entertainment in the NCR!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to <i>SceneRazR</i>, Maniacs >:]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To paraphrase an infamous person who inhabits the country south of our green and pleasant land: it's time to make things "great." With this in mind, <i>SceneRazR</i> will shine a huge spotlight on the spiciest, sparkiest, shiniest and darkest music, art, writing, film, theatre and performances/entertainment in the Ottawa-Gatineau area - with a major focus on LOCAL talent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Follow us here at <i>SceneRazR</i> for links to primo events, interviews, and overviews of local artists and shows. Contact us at SceneRazR@gmail.com if you have anything you'd like us to promote in your local arts scene.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking forward to kicking it up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>-- Editor</i></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0