There are many Edmonton-based projects to look forward to in 2015. Here is a sneak peek into five of them:
Winter Shake-Up Festival
Interested in helping to re-energize Edmonton’s urban winter life? Join urban planners, designers, entrepremeurs, and community organizers for three days of exciting presentations, local field trips, and brainstorming sessions!
When: January 28-30, 2015
Where: Shaw Conference Centre
More details: http://www.wintercitiesconference.com/
Red Bull Crashed Ice
Red Bull’s annual Crashed Ice competition will be hosted in Edmonton on March 14, 2015. Come to see skaters plunge downhill on an ice ramp at over 60 km/hr; filled with hairpin turns, sharp jumps, and unexpected curves.
When: March 14, 2015
Where: Shaw Conference Centre
More details: http://www.redbullcrashedice.com/en_CA/event/edmonton
Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Tradeshow
This year’s largest municipal conference in Canada takes place in Edmonton. Take part in dynamic workshops, seminars, and a final tradeshow. This will be a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn about strategies to strengthen our community.
When: June 5-8, 2015
Where: Shaw Conference Centre
More details: http://www.fcm.ca/home/events/annual-conference-and-trade-show.htm
Edmonton’s Metro LRT Line
The City expects to have the LRT expansion to NAIT open early 2015. The new line will have stations at MacEwan Univeristy, Kingsway/Royal Alexandra Hospital, and NAIT–adding approximately 13,200 riders to Edmonton’s LRT network. Visit the City of Edmonton’s website for more details.
Pecha Kucha Night 21
Hear from incredible speakers on issues that impact our city. Each presentation is six minutes and 40 seconds; a format that is fast-paced, energizing, and entertaining
Where: Colours Restaurant in Northlands Park
When: March 5, 2015
More details on Pecha Kucha: http://www.pechakucha.org/
Premiering at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival this year, The Hollywoodland Burlesques has had a great response from audiences so far. Ellen Chorley wrote the script and stars in the lead role as Gossip Queen Louella Parsons. Here’s what she had to say about the show:
1)What inspired the idea for The Hollywoodland Burlesques?
As a theatre company, Send in the Girls has looked for historical stories to present as burlesque. We like that the vintage feel really lends itself to the format we work with (a traditional play with burlesque storytelling). We look for historical characters who bring dramatic or scandalous stories to the stage, and then use our imaginations to fill in the blanks when the history books don’t give enough details. We were attracted to the idea of the feud of Hollywood reporters Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons—and so I started researching into the era and the big stories of the period—which is where I stumbled upon the tragic tales of Jean Harlow and Peg Entwhistle. I think, ultimately, we wanted to show the dark side of Tinseltown—a theme that is just as prevalent in 1932 as it is today.
2)Give us three reasons why audiences can’t miss this show at the Fringe.
#1: I think the story is very compelling, the show looks beautiful— the costumes, wigs, tuxedos and corsets are divine (there is nothing like Old Hollywood glamour), and the performances are both flashy and extremely real.
#2: I think Send in the Girls’ work is hugely based on experimentation and collaboration, which makes our company quite unique in Western Canada— especially since we work with burlesque.
#3: Coming to the see the show supports us creators and independent artists!
3) Why did you decide to use 1930s Hollywood as a backdrop?
We picked the characters first and then placed the show in the time period these characters existed.
4) What about the The Hollywoodland Burlesques are you most proud of?
As well as serving as Co-Artistic Director/ Playwright in Residence for Send in the Girls Burlesque, I am also the Artistic Director of a children’s theatre company, so a lot of the work I do is quite light and playful. I think the writing of The Hollywoodland Burlesques really captures a darker feel and I love that.
5) What did you find most challenging?
This is so silly, but honestly the most challenging thing about performing the show is smoking and drinking on stage. It’s been really hard to handle my cigarettes, lighters, matches and champagne glasses all while keeping up with the scene. I poured ‘champagne’ (sparkling apple juice) down the front of my dress last night.
6) Are there any lessons or takeaways you want audiences of the show to walk out of the theatre with?
I just think that society has a huge obsession with celebrity and fame, and I guess it’s just interesting to think that celebrities are humans too—and that fame doesn’t get you everything that you want.
7) How is the show being received by audiences so far?
We have had great houses and very enthusiastic audiences so far, which is very exciting because we are performing off of the main site this year in the French Quarter (which is about a 10 minute drive from the main Fringe site).
8) Why do you think theatre in Edmonton is important?
Theatre itself is important because creating it allows us to share our stories, practice empathy and have conversations. Theatre in Edmonton is important because supports our community.
9) Do you have any other recommendations for shows at the Fringe this year?
Tons:
Ligature Marks
Flora and Fawna’s Field Trip
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman
John Cusack
Zanna Don’t
3…2…1
Trickstars
Letters to Laura
Tree Hugger
Love and Death (or If We are Treading on Thin Ice, We Might As Well Dance)
All in the Timing
Sweet Lies
… and I make a cameo appearance in a play called Kurt Mann: Buyer and Seller of Souls.
10) Is there an opportunity to see The Hollywood Burlesques after the Fringe? What are some other projects we can look forward to seeing from you?
We don’t have plans to remount The Hollywoodland Burleques quite yet, but we have had the awesome opportunities to remount our other two burlesque plays (Tudor Queens: A Burlesque and A Bronte Burlesque) within the main theatre season, so hopefully we will be able to find another opportunity like that for The Hollywoodland Burlesques. This next year, I’ll be performing in a cabaret in November and then mounting my children’s play Birdie on the Wrong Bus in January 2015.
Tickets for The Hollywoodland Burlesques can be purchased online or at a Fringe box office.
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend PARK’s first one-day conference in Edmonton. PARK, which stands for “Promoting Artists, Redefining Kulture”, works to support and mentor emerging artists within the community. The conference was a means to bring these creative minds together for a day of discussion, collaboration, and exploration. The topic of entrepreneurship was particularly focused on throughout the day; providing all attendees with information on successfully launching and growing a creative business.
If you missed it, you missed out. I can only imagine what a foreigner — who knew nothing about Edmonton and just wandered into the conference — would have thought of the day. He or she probably would have blown away by how much talent this City encompasses; as well the humility and unpretentiousness of our incredible artists. Everyone there, no matter what stage they were in their career, really just had the desire to learn and grow—which was met, wholeheartedly, by all of the speakers.
Just getting started
The Highlights
Justine Barber, Co-founder of Poppy Barleystarted the show with her insights onDesigning a Creative Business. She shared that “the reality of starting a creative business is that it requires a lot of non-creative work.” Coming from a business background, her advice for participants focused on first building a foundation, finding your brand’s creative niche, and fully analyzing your business’ viability.
Malorie Urbanovitch and Michael Meneghetti, Founders of Malorie Urbanovitch Ready to Wear presented next on the topic Cultivating Your Aesthetic: Defining Your Mission and Brand. Their talk was sincere and humble— conveying what lessons they have learned along the way from launching and nurturing their own brand. Tips, including, “take what others have to say, but trust your instincts”, and “create an aesthetic that is discernible and has a clear voice”, resonated well with the audience.
Kari Haddad, Co-founder of Workhall Boutique took to the stage to present on Creating a Successful Sales Model. She emphasized the importance on building an image that people will trust and relate to. The importance of embodying your brand was also articulated well in her presentation, as well as clearly defining why people will want to purchase your product.
Caroline Gault, Alberta Editor of FASHION Magazine delivered an entertaining talk on How to Pitch your Brand to Media. Her wealth of experience shone through and her guidance appeared to be exactly what the audience was looking for. Caroline looks for a few key things when deciding whether or not to write about someone, including: whether they have a website, a look book or quality photos, and if they are prompt and professional.
Caroline Gault: “How to Pitch Your Brand to Media”
Josh Holinaty, Designer, Illustrator and Instructor at Guru Digital Arts College, burst into the room with heaps of energy. His presentation on Making it as an Illustrator was filled with his incredible illustrations and nuggets of wisdom. Josh stressed why it’s important to take risks and get out of your comfort zone.
Josh Holinaty: “Making it as an Illustrator”
Nicole Campre, Founder and Designer at Campre Clothing and Workhall Boutique, was next and skillfully presented on her own journey: Two Years In —The Journey of an Emerging Clothing Designer. She shared how important connecting with the community was in her own career, as well as building a team of supporters.
Nicole Campre: “The Journey of an Emerging Clothing Designer”
The last presentation of the day was fromKen Bautista, Founder of Startup Edmonton. As a successful entrepreneur himself, his delivery ofThe Artist as an Entrepreneurwas well-received and greatly appreciated by the room of aspiring business professionals. Ken feels that there are a lot of similarities between being an artist and being an entrepreneur, some of which are: creativity, passion and vision. He also shared how important it is to continually focus on your brand’s overall value: “Get people talking about the value, not the cost.”
The Startup Edmonton studio was abuzz with the energy of new ideas throughout the day. The breaks and lunch also provided all participants with the opportunity to mingle with the presenters and other artists. The overall length of the day could have been shortened, but it was a fantastic conference, full of inspiration and creativity. Thanks to PARK for providing a great resource for Edmonton’s emerging talent. Hope you come back to Edmonton again soon.
(Special mention to sponsors Startup Edmonton, Poppy Barley, and Mercer Tavern.)
On June 4th, citizens of Edmonton gathered on a rainy Wednesday evening at Latitude 53 for the Kick-off event for NextGen Month. Here is a quick recap of the night’s events. (more…)
NextGen Month unites and celebrates a new wave of volunteer organizations dedicated to making Edmonton a place that young people choose to live, learn and work now and in the future.
At a variety of events throughout the month of June, Edmontonians ages 18 – 40 can connect with Edmonton’s next gen community, get involved, share ideas, be creative, meet new people or help shape the city’s future.
Are you hosting an event this June that you think may be a fit to be promoted as part of our NextGen Month? Let us know about it.
NextGen is proud to be working with the City of Edmonton and TD to create and promote this year’s calendar of events. NextGen Month is an exciting time to connect with young people in Edmonton, and we want to help like-minded organizations throughout the City be a part of that success.
If you have an event in the month of June that focuses on engaging next gener’s in YEG and you would like to propose it for addition to the June calendar, please email details to nextgen@edmonton.ca by Thursday, May 8.
Early NextGen Month Highlights
June 4| NextGen Month Kick-off with a proclamation by Mayor Don Iveson
June 5| Pecha Kucha Night 19
June 6| Mercer Summer SuperParty
June 7| Edmonton’s NextGen at the Pride Parade
The tastiest event to hit downtown Edmonton is back. In its 11th year, Downtown Dining Week, presented by the Downtown Business Association, begins Friday, March 14 continuing through Sunday, March 23. Restaurants located in downtown Edmonton will offer up lip-smacking lunch menus at $15, and delectable dinner menus for $25 or $50. These reduced fixed prices offer diners to try new restaurants, places one might normally consider out of price range, or out of the normal dining area.
Green Drinks is a monthly event held on the first Wednesday of every month presented by The Local Good and hosted at Yellowhead Brewery. Each month covers a different topical theme. Past topics have included: the municipal election, alternative energy and ‘What’s Missing in Edmonton’. ‘Local Food’ was the theme for March.
The Ideas4Yeg project closed with over 55 entries of creative proposals to showcase Edmonton. The variety of imaginative ideas is itself a demonstration of the energy that is increasingly more common when people talk about Edmonton. Here at NextGen, we are excited to announce the three proposals that you have voted to be the next big ideas for YEG! (more…)
Thank you to everyone who came out to Designing Downtown activities on October 5, 2013!
This inspiring day of activities, fostered and made possible by the vision of the Designing Downtown movement, is a testament to the incredible people, organizations and businesses committed to conversations around the development of urban cores.
On October 15 & 16, 2013, Edmonton’s NextGen, the City of Edmonton’s Youth Council, The Students’ Association of MacEwan University, and the U of A’s Student Union invite you to attend the 4th Annual CANDI(DATE), a speed-dating style event focused around engaging young voters. Candi(DATE) has been well-attended in the past and represents an opportunity to connect with young voters, hear their ideas and visions, and share yours.
Our city is growing at a rapid pace, both in population and infrastructure development. Increased access to public transportation, revitalizing the downtown core and community growth are issues attracting major attention in the media and on the street. CANDI(DATE) provides a space for you to reach out directly to Edmonton’s young voter population and share your thoughts and perspectives.
Each 15 minute session will allow you to sit down with small groups and speak candidly about your platform and vision for the future of Edmonton. This face-time with candidates allows young voters the opportunity to ask questions on issues that impact their decision to make Edmonton the city they choose to live, work, learn and play in for future years.
Candi(date) North:
When: Tuesday, October 15th 5 PM – 7 PM
Where: Heart of the Robbins (Main Floor, Robbins Building) Grant MacEwan University (10910- 104 Ave.)
Who will be there: Candidates from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 and Edmonton Mayoral Candidate
To RSVP http://candi-date.eventbrite.com/
Candi(date) South:
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Where: SUBStage, Students Union Building, University of Alberta (8900-114 St.)
Who will be there: Candidates from Wards 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 and Edmonton Mayoral Candidates
by Carlie Pochynok, Communications Co-Chair0 comments
June is NextGen Month! Just in time for some serious sunny weather and long days at the park or on the patio, NextGen and our partners are proud to host some great events this month to celebrate all that is vibrant and fresh in Edmonton (that’s you, by the way).
We’ve got some great stuff going on and can’t wait to see all of you out making the most of what our city has to offer. Mayor Mandel will be proclaiming NextGen Month at Pecha Kucha Night on June 13th, so make sure you stop by and check out some of our events:
Pecha Kucha Night 16 | Thursday, June 13th, Citadel’s MacLab Theatre - Buy your tickets here
DIYalogue Talks Fashion | Tuesday, June 25th, ATB Financial Arts Barns (formerly TransAlta) - Buy your tickets here
Looking forward to seeing all of you out and about this month!
by Carlie Pochynok, Communications Co-Chair3 comments
In a city well known for only having two seasons (winter and kinda winter), it takes a lot of effort on our part as Edmontonians to make sure we look good when we leave the house in the blowing snow in the morning , to when we get home at the end of the day and it’s +25C in the shade.
Enter: A formidable force of creative prowess, industrious genius, and just some all around awesome folks who substantially contribute to the distinct vibrancy of our city. That’s right, Edmonton’s fashion industry wants to hang out with YOU, you fashionable cat, you. Edmonton’s NextGen presents: DIYalogue Talks Fashion, the next of the 15 minute speed-mentoring sessions that connect you with your community.
Join us on Tuesday, June 25th from 7:00-9:00pm at the ATB Financial Arts Barns (formerly known as the TransAlta Arts Barns), and connect with some of Edmonton’s leading players in our local fashion community. We’ve got a great line up of mentors, so check ‘em out below:
Kendall Barber – Co-Founder of Poppy Barley Footwear | www.poppybarley.com
Caroline Gault – Alberta Editor for FASHION Magazine | www.fashionmagazine.com
Andrea Wong, Heather Speers & Robyn Currie , Master Recyclers
Kelly Bula, Davines Freelance Artist, prior owner YESS Hair Salon
Robyn Currie, Andrea Wong & Heather Speers, Clothing Swap Master Recyclers
Amanda Diaz, Fashion Photographer
Featuring Girls Club DJs and their vintage fashion line, Heirloom Vintage
We’re pretty sure that amazing line up is the only reason you’ll need to grab some tickets and head down with your friends to connect with some of our best and brightest fashionistas, models and local talent.
Advanced ticket for this event ($8 + fees) can be bought online or in person at the Pawn Shop (10551 Whyte Ave) and the Avenue Theatre (9030 – 118 Ave). Tickets will also be available at the door for $10 (cash only).
What’s more, is that by attending our events, you’re also supporting local talent and you know how much we love local talent over here at Edmonton’s NextGen. (hint: A LOT!)
Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook for mentor updates and some other cool surprises that we might throw your way closer to the event, and as always – The Twitter! – @EdmNextGen.
Can’t wait to see you guys on June 25th for a night of couture, Go-See-crets, glamour and FUN!
Ignite presents Ideas for Edmonton, a crowd funding model with a twist! Community members who are passionate about making Edmonton a better place to live are encouraged to post their project on the Ideas for Edmonton website – backers throw their support for projects with votes rather than donations. Edmonton’s NextGen, and a host of sponsors, kick-in the financial backing with $10,000 in funding available.
“Have you ever wanted to make a difference in your community but didn’t know where to start? You are not alone,” says Sherman Tsang, Ignite Co-Chair. “Ideas for Edmonton is a local social incubator, a tool to help turn thoughts into actions. Any city resident, looking to make Edmonton a better place to live, can submit a single idea that could be turned into reality!”
Ideasforedmonton.com is an easy-to-use on-line portal where the public can register ideas, search out interesting projects, discuss opportunities and cast votes.
Voting is tallied in three ways:
A single vote is counted when an individual comments on an idea (a single vote per user, not per comment);
A single vote is counted when an individual clicks on the +1 Give Vote link on an idea page;
Two votes are counted when an individual clicks on the +2 Give Time link on an idea page.
Individuals that click this option will be contacted by NextGen following the competition to connect with fellow voters for potential volunteer opportunities to make a specific project move forward.
Idea submissions and Round 1 votes are accepted until April 21st. The top 10 ideas, as calculated by total votes, will go on to Round 2 where a panel of judges will select one or two ideas to receive funding, volunteer support (as sourced through the +2 Give Time voters) and additional mentoring from established makers in the community. Edmonton’s NextGen is proud to foster the success of a variety of community projects and lend its planning expertise to the winning projects. Final winners will be announced in early May, 2013.
Timeline
Round 1: Voting
March 21st, 2013: Launch, Submissions open for ideasforEdmonton.com
March 22nd, 2013 (Noon): Winners for the Blue Plate Diner gift certificates + New Balance Acupuncture treatment are drawn
March 24th, 2013 (11:59PM): Top Voted Idea by this point is automatically selected as 1 of 10 Top Voted Ideas going into Round 2
April 21st, 2013 (11:59 PM): Voting Stops, end of Round #1
Round 2: Judging
April 23rd, 2013: Top 10 Voted Ideas Announced, Round 2 Forms provided
Round 2 Forms to be provided to Top 10 by Ignite. These forms serve as your application for funding and support from Edmonton’s NextGen Ignite. Completed forms must be completed by deadline to qualify for consideration.
April 28th, 2013 (11:59 PM): Deadline for filling in Round 2 Forms/Documents
May 2nd, 2013: Winner(s) Announced!
Ideas for Edmonton is proud to be a Make Something Edmonton project! #makesomethingyeg = a show & tell of cool projects #ideas4yeg = funding & resources to help make cool projects reality. Visit our project page at www.makesomethingedmonton.ca.
Edmonton’s NextGen presents Pecha Kucha Night 15 on March 7, 2013 at Northlands’ Edmonton EXPO Centre in the Alberta Ballroom. PKN 15 features presentations on local ideas, projects and musings in the 20 slides x 20 second per slide format made popular world-wide by Klein Dytham Architecture. Tickets are on-sale now via TIX on the Square, charge by phone at 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca. Tickets are $10 for students (with I.D.) and $12 for adults. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 7:30 p.m.
More than 150 presentations have been given at Edmonton Pecha Kucha Nights to-date on wide ranging topics, from Showing nature’s naughty bits to Light it up, #yeg! and everything in between. New for PKN 15, Edmonton’s NextGen welcomes Firefly Theatre & Circus for a special aerial performance and music provided by Girls Club. Famoso Neapolitan Pizza returns with gift cards for all ticket holders.
Pecha Kucha Night 15 presentations include:
Jason Lee Norman | Writer, Dreamer | The 40 Below Project
Jonathan Christenson and Bretta Gerecke | Artistic Director & Resident Designer, Catalyst Theatre | Creative Catalysts
Stuart Cullum | Vice President, Agriculture, Northlands | Debunking Myths
Caylie Gnyra | Language Ally | Little Cree Books
Greg Whistance-Smith | Architecture Student | Changing the Game
Steven Hodges | Full Frontal Nerd | Full Frontal NERDity 101
Owen Brierley | Executive Director, Guru Digital Arts College | Cross-disciplinary Arts
Michael Carlos | Physiotherapist | Braving Alberta’s Winter Roads
Neil Burkard | Public Education Specialist, City of Edmonton | Waste to Energy in Edmonton
Gilman Cardinal and Tashina Makokis | Elder & Youth, Wicihitowin: Circle of Shared Responsibility and Stewardship | Merging of Generations
Brian Webb | Artistic Director, Brian Webb Dance Company | Dance: A Life of Discipline for Hedonists
Michelle Lam | Student | Project Three Six Five
*Presenters appear in the order they will present
Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture first devised Pecha Kucha, the Japanese phrase for “the sound of chitchat” in 2003, as a night for young designers to meet, network, and discuss their projects. The catch: each designer gives a presentation containing only 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a total presentation length of six minutes 40 seconds. Conceived as a venue through which young designers could meet, show their work, exchange ideas, and network, the format keeps presentations concise, fast-paced and entertaining.
Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yegpkn.
PKN 15 is sponsored by: Capital Power Corporation, City of Edmonton, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria, Graphos, and Klein Dytham.
Edmonton’s NextGen presents DIYalogue Talks Quality Play, a cultural mix-and-mingle in the style of NextGen’s popular Candi{date} series, 7-9 PM on Thursday, January 24, 2013 at The Billiard Club, 10502-82 Avenue. Tickets are $10.00 plus service fees and available online at www.yeglive.ca
DIYalogue Talks Quality Play is inspired by the worlds of gaming, game-playing and healthy competition. Participants connect to mentors in 15 minute speed-dating sessions to converse with local businesses, organizations and teams in hopes of spending some quality time playing in new ways.
Confirmed speed mentors include:
Trent Oster, Beamdog | www.beamdog.com
Mike Isaac, Edmonton Board Gaming League | www.ebgl.org
Edmonton’s NextGen, in partnership with Public House, invites Edmontonians to help ring in the holiday season with its first-ever Holiday Patio Party, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM on Saturday, December 8 at the Public House patio, 10765 Jasper Avenue. Please note this event is 18+.
Guests are invited to cozy up under a canopy of lights and enjoy a unique collaboration between the Urban Monks and VJ’s from Guru Digital Arts as they create interactive, winter-themed live projections. No need to worry about the weather, hot appetizers, warm seasonal drinks and warming stations will be provided to keep everyone toasty warm no matter the temperature!
Held in conjunction with the Public House, Winter City Strategy Think Tank and Downtown Edmonton Community League, admission to the Holiday Patio Party is free. Hot soup and chili will be sold for $2 to raise funds for one of Edmonton’s inner city charities.
For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/116446401852974/
Office of the Councillors
2nd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
RE: Growth Coordination Strategy
Dear Mayor Mandel and City Council,
Edmonton’s NextGen Steering Committee requests that Executive Committee consider postponing item 6.15, Growth Coordination Strategy, to the next Executive Committee meeting. This will allow for sufficient time to review and comment on the new draft Growth Coordination Strategy which wasn’t released until November 15, 2012.
Over the course of developing this strategy NextGen has made several attempts to provide input as the outcomes of Edmonton’s Growth Coordination will have a substantial impact on future Edmontonians. To date, there has not been a clear or meaningful way for NextGen to engage its membership and provide this necessary feedback. We are hopeful that through Council’s review of this strategy and the creation of the implementation plan, NextGen is incorporated into the public engagement of this strategy.
We are aware that two drafts of the Growth Coordination Strategy have been made available for public review. The first in May 2012 and the current report which was released just last week. We have done an initial review of the current draft and have noted that there are substantial differences between the two documents. Some of the most concerning deletions from the new draft include strategies and actions to promote infill development and create new sustainable communities.
Future growth of the city including, competing infrastructure demands, will greatly impact our generation. As such, we feel strongly that our input and consultation is crucial in the development of a Growth Coordination Strategy and subsequent implementation plans. The Growth Coordination strategy must take a holistic approach to managing sustainable growth in Edmonton, including the management of infill development to meet the targets set out in the Municipal Development Plan.
It is our hope that you will allow NextGen and the community adequate time to review and provide feedback on the draft strategy prior to it returning to Executive Committee. We would like to thank you for your time and consideration of our request. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact us at tegan.martindrysdale@redmontonnextgen.ca and brian.murray@edmontonnextgen.ca.
Best Regards,
Tegan Martin-Drysdale
Edmonton’s NextGen Committee
Community Co-Chair
Brian Murray
Edmonton’s NextGen Committee
Civic Co-Chair
cc: Gary Klassen, General Manager, Sustainable Development
Peter Ohm, Manager, Urban Planning and Environment, Sustainable Development
Kathy Barnhart, Manager, Community and Social Development, Community Services
Note for our Edmonton NextGen website readers: For more information on the Growth Coordination Strategy and to read the November 2012 draft, visit http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/growth-coordination-strategy.aspx.
Who is Lars Callieou? The little fat headed kid with the annoying voice from the children’s cartoon? No, but you’re close. The fat headed adult comedian from Edmonton, with the slightly less than annoying voice.
When I received an email from Edmonton’s NextGen blog I was intrigued. They said, “We like to have guest bloggers from ‘authorities’ on Edmonton’s entertainment scene”. I’ll start by saying I’m proud of comedy in Edmonton. From The Comic Strip, an A room in North America, to Yuk Yuk’s to the Comedy Factory (over a decade in the business), we have more comedy clubs than Toronto and as many as Vancouver.
Edmonton has a legit comedy scene, which I just made less legit by using the word legit.
Jay Leno has been to Edmonton. Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Joan Rivers, Dane Cook, Russell Peters – they all put us on their tour schedule. If Edmonton were a city in the United States, we’d be the 9th biggest city in the country. With 1.2 million people, we’re a REAL city. We often think of ourselves as ‘small time’ but we have a lot to be proud of. The second largest Fringe Festival in the world, more theatre seats per capita than anywhere in Canada and a comedy festival that hit the ground running last year (ATB Edmonton Comedy Festival). Our comedy scene should be proud of itself (not too proud because everyone hates a braggart comedian).
What makes me an authority on comedy in Edmonton? I’ve stuck around longer than most of my generation. Guys who started 9 years ago, they’re in Toronto, LA, Vancouver or England. I like to think of myself as the Bull Durham of Edmonton. I’m close to the record for home runs in the minor leagues (that’s a reference to the Kevin Costner movie and not a review of my shows). It’s not really a record you want, but I too, have been to the show.
I’m going to assume you’ve been to a comedy show in Edmonton in the last decade. When you were at said comedy show, whether in a club or a theatre or at an amateur night, you were pleasantly surprised. The comedians were funny. You might have been surprised to learn most were homegrown. There are GREAT comics in our city. Sean Lecomber, Sterling Scott, Kathleen McGee (off to LA soon), Kenny Valgardson… great comics. Names you might not recognize but people who have had you in stitches if you stumbled upon a comedy night they were on.
I was going to use this opportunity on Edmonton’s Next Gen to talk about how
stand up comedy is the bastard stepchild of the entertainment world.
I’d put us ahead of mimes and clowns, unless you’re a mime clown, then you’re above a comic on the proverbial entertainment ladder. They gave us an opportunity at The Works Festival this year, between bands, while equipment was being set up. It’s a start.
Want to find out what the arts world thinks about stand up comedy, put a straight stand up show in a Fringe Festival. You’ll get panned in reviews worse than Michael Richards at the Apollo Theatre. They don’t think we ‘belong’. After 4 straight years in the Fringe, they gave us a little love, we found a little acceptance. For that, I’m grateful.
Sam Kinison said, “If you want to be a success in comedy, don’t go away.” Our city supports the arts. Folk, Blues, theatre, Jazz, comedy, they love it. I believe Edmonton to be an oasis, like Austin or Minneapolis. It’s surprising how great the crowds can be. So Instead of complaining, I want to say, give stand up a try.
With all the great options for entertainment, give comedy a chance.
There are comedy open mics every night:
The Druid Pub – Sunday
O2 156 ST – Monday
Overtime – Tuesday
Rouge Lounge and/or Hydeaway Pub – Wednesday
Yuk Yuk’s – Thursday
Those are just the open mics. Amateur nights so to speak. Want to see a pro show, go to a club on the weekend. You’ll see your own comics opening for the likes of Nikki Payne, Brad Garrett, Damon Wayans or Rob Schneider. You’ll leave saying, “That was great! Why don’t we do that more often?”
Live comedy, when done correctly, is the BEST form of entertainment (in my VERY biased opinion). Laugh yourself silly for 90 minutes, then tell me that wasn’t the best experience you’ve had in a long time. You’ll laugh more than any movie, play or concert. To quote Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption, “If you’ve made it this far, perhaps you’re willing to come a little farther.”
Check out a comedy night, give them your attention, don’t text or talk.
Most comedians have poured their heart and soul into each word, into crafting each joke, we just want to make you laugh.
Why you ask? So you’ll leave and say, “The fourth comedian was my favorite.” We’re just trying to be a random number in your program, but number one in your hearts. Until then, we’re happy to be on the edge of the arts, looking in, wondering if they’ll ever ask us to be with the musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers, writers or poets.
An unknown Jazz musician quote was once told to me third person, Mike Wilmont told Dan Brodribb who told it to me, I wish I could attribute it to an author but I haven’t been able to. Here it is: “There are day people and there are night people. Day people work all day just so they can give their money to night people.”
I’ll see you at a show sometime, you’ll recognize me as comic number 3, your second favorite.
Bio:
Lars Callieou
Lars has been a stand up comic in Edmonton for 9 years. He’s been to the Just for Laughs Festival and has a comedy special on the Comedy Network. He hosts The Druid Comedy Night every Sunday and DJs a comedy radio show Wednesdays at midnight on CJSR 88.5 FM. He loves his Mom and is on Twitter. @extralars
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.
I’m very fortunate to work alongside artists; helping share their work with audiences. Art, specifically dance, is such an influential force in my life and the idea of bringing artists & audiences together is still a constant thrill.
Just like birthdays, family reunions and Christmas mornings, there are dance moments that measure milestones in my life, evoke memories and shape the way I navigate the world:
Standing in a dance studio, geared up head-to-toe in ballet gear, and having no clue what was going to happen next
The waltz scene by the river in An American in Paris
Seeing La La La Human Steps at the Jubilee for my big 15th birthday
Finding out the hanging meat & underpants performance I convinced myself I made up was in fact a reality, courtesy of Brian Webb
These dance moments reflected the experiences of others, the possibilities of the moving body* and the courage to express opinions and feelings in a way nothing else has or likely will for me.
Ben Cameron, Program Director, Arts, at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, when he was in town as part of the Percolate Speaker Series spoke about the importance of arts participation. He shared an insight that Americans were, in part, so invested in sport because they saw many images of J.F.K. participating in sporting activities and mirrored that in their own lives. This notion really struck a chord with me: one of the reasons I was so drawn to dance was that it was easy for me to transport the dancers’ experience to my own.
It got me thinking that the opportunity to experience dance from a young age, both as a student and an audience member, also gave me the confidence to participate in other types of art, whether it was going to an opera or a gallery.
Having a connection to one art form made it easy to put my trust in all artists that their work would inspire, challenge and entertain.
Just as we trust dentists to keep our teeth healthy, police officers to keep us safe and teachers to educate us – I trust artists to share their stories, to find the amazing connections that bring us all together and archive the human experience in all its permutations. It’s an incredible calling that takes sacrifice, bravery and dedication.
The third item on my list of memorable dance moments, La La La Human Steps, came full circle this year when Louise Lacavalier returned to Edmonton to perform new work as part of the BWDC season.
Image reprinted with the Author’s Permission by Brian Webb Dance Company on August 8, 2012
As a teenager I was amazed by her strength, precision and sexuality on stage. Frankly, I was shocked that my parents would send me off to see the show. As an adult, watching her perform was equally awe inspiring. Rather than being moved by the sheer physicality of her performance, it was the incredible ability to reign in her body that gave power to the emotional elements of the work. On the way home from the theatre and the days that followed, I thought often of how fortunate I was that someone was willing to share that kind of honesty and commitment with roomfuls of strangers.
As we move closer to the 2012-2013 arts season,
I encourage you to put your trust in artists and try something new.
Dance might not be your cup of tea but in Edmonton’s thriving cultural communities there’s a bounty of options to choose from!
*The moving body is a favourite phrase of Brian Webb, Artistic Director of the Brian Webb Dance Company.
Bio:
Stephanie Enders
Stephanie is ecstatic about promoting the arts in Canada and is currently a Project Manager at Bottom Line Productions, a marketing and communications agency with a focus on arts and not-for-profit clients. Stephanie is passionate about the arts and thrilled to be working in an industry where the main focus is on supporting creativity. A long-time Next Gen volunteer, Stephanie values the opportunity to shape the city she chooses to live, learn and work in.
Disclaimer
NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.
August’s NextGen Speaks Out! theme will be the Arts
The Arts are in the air during the summer and most of us have caught the bug. Whether you are headed out to a festival or block party, are hitting up an improv show, going out to a see a band play, or watching a street performer on the street you are bound to come up against Edmonton’s arts scence.
This month we will be bringing you posts on and about Edmonton’s arts scene in Edmonton. Edmonton artists and supporters will be sharing their perspectives about Edmonton art scene in all shapes and forms. An artist thrives on expression and needs your help to support their art.
We also want you to engage in discussion. Come on nextgener’s we know you have opinions and thoughts on these themes too. We’d love for you to comment, start a discussion, and share these posts with your networks.
Check back weekly as we will be adding new NextGen Speaks Out! posts regularly. We’re looking forward to it and hope you do too!
Disclaimer NextGen Speaks Out, our guest blogging series, is envisioned as a hub for information and discussion. NextGen is a non-political, non-denominational organization focused on giving all nextgeners a voice. NextGen does not represent the opinions expressed by the individual columnists.
The problem, I find, with the food industry is that…
Soon after you feed your customers, they are hungry again and they come back for more.
This pressure of continual hunger from your customers has put a great strain on the industry, encouraging businesses to fill that hunger need with whatever means possible. This pressure is true not only for the little local minded food businesses, but also for the large multinational food corporations.
You can go into a fast food chain and find the same hamburger across North America because of the demand for consistency for that hamburger. And you can also find chefs of small restaurants sacrificing sleep whilst they scour the city for a bag of locally grown onions for tomorrows special because there is a demand for the knowledge of where your food comes from. The pressure is the same for all sectors of the food industry.
It’s official: the backlash against local food has begun. May it be as short-lived as it is ill-conceived.
Earlier this year, a Toronto couple released ‘The Localvore’s Dilemma’, critiquing the localvore movement and turning on its head many of the valorous claims it made. Lower carbon footprint? More ethically sourced? All quantifiably bunk, say authors Pierre Desrochers and Hiroko Shimizu.
But they miss the most important motivating factor of the local food movement.
It’s never been about quantitative trade-offs on miles-trucked or litres-of-pesticide-sprayed. It’s about satisfying a deep, emotional desire to feel connected to what’s on our plate.
Two years ago, at Pecha Kucha night 8, I delivered a talk about some of the tensions of local food – the need to overcome the geographic barriers of our cold, continental climate; the fickleness of the tastemakers that deem local food trendy and authentic; and the risk of cooption from bigger players in the agrifood business. But in my talk, I forgot one divisive, and perhaps unsolvable challenge: isolation.
“We as a society and as an economy need to start optimizing for a large number of small things, not just relying on a small number of large things.”
– Woody Tasch, Founder of Slow Money Alliance.
This quote would resonate with most people who are thinking about the next generation. So then, what is the direction of restaurants in this next generation going to be? Are we happy eating at any establishment that is not a chain, a ‘large thing’? I think we can do better than that. I like this quote mainly because of the word ‘optimizing’ and I will explain myself.
