Regina April/May
2014 | Issue 13
Xenofon Gargatzidis LIFE ON A PLATE
Jennifer Britton
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F UReNginEa VthEis NspTrinSg
A CROWN JEWEL IN THE QUEEN CITY
7 TWEEPS
Worth Following
in
7 CONCERTS
You Don’t Want To Miss
10 NEW MOVIES You Gotta See
Issue 13 | April/May 2014
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CONTENTS
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Jennifer Britton
Sections ---------------------------------------------------
06 Meet 07 Tweeps & Top 5 08 Check Out 10 Events 14 Music 20 Movies 48 Local Pro
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Xenofon Gargatzidis
08 Check Out
10 Events
14 Music
18 Movies
47 Local Pro
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
From the Editor: The great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” While we at City Slicker magazine have no illusions of grandeur in regards to changing the world, we recognize that for all that we’ve accomplished in the past 26 months we still have a ways to go in becoming the magazine we wish to be. If you would have asked us then what we wanted to accomplish we’d now be looking back at most of our goals and honestly say we’ve hit them. That said we’re still the proverbial infants finding our footing as we look at improving the magazine now that we know what is possible. We want to feature more of the people and things that make this city the place that the people we feature love to call home.
(BEHIND THE SCENES) ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Sales@CitySlicker.ca ----------------------------------------------------------- PUBLISHER Jaco van Heerden @jacoooza
----------------------------------------------------------- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & COPY EDITOR Bryce Aubert @BryceAubert ----------------------------------------------------------- DESIGN & LAYOUT Brianna Coffin @bricoffin
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Returning this month, after a lengthy absence, is our “Meet” section where we feature a local resident who’s involved in their community in any number of ways. We also revisit our “Local Pro” section where you’re introduced to some of the brightest and best Regina has to offer in their industry. We think you’ll like this issue’s pro.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Graham
As far as our features, we try to go in depth on stories about some of the people and places that shape our city. J.J. Elliott writes this month about an up and coming mover and shaker in the province’s political scene, while our other feature focuses on a personable baker who’s done everything and anything and learned a few life lessons on his path to baking the perfect loaf of bread.
-----------------------------------------------------------Follow us on Twitter (@CitySlickerMag)
We thank you for continuing to pick up your copy of City Slicker and we hope to continue to earn your interest as we persist in making each and every issue better than the last. Feedback is always encouraged, good or bad, as well as your ideas for stories that you want to read about.
Cydney Toth @CydneyTothPhoto
Featured
Writers
----------------------------------------------------------- Dan Nicholls @dannicholls Music, Movies, Check Out, Cover
----------------------------------------------------------- Bryce Aubert @BryceAubert Music, Editorial, Meet
----------------------------------------------------------- JJ Elliott
Thanks for reading.
Bryce Aubert Bryce Aubert
@JJ_Ramone Music, Movies, Events, Copy Editing, Feature
----------------------------------------------------------- Ali Thompson @AliLaurenCS Music, Movies
----------------------------------------------------------- Ashley Kilback
Editor-in-Chief City Slicker
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@AshKilback Events City Slicker Magazine
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Meet
Kevin Spagrud G ifted a digital camera from his girlfriend Pamla, Kevin Spagrud began a love affair only matched by his affection for his girlfriendturned-fiancée, dog Valo, and family.
A million photos shot and hundreds of hours spent playing around with Photoshop later, Spagrud shares his enthusiasm for the photography with fellow Reginans as President of the Regina Photo Club. With approximately 150 members as young as 14, others old enough to earn Old Age Security, and with skills ranging from new users to professionals, the club recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. The association is also home to the reigning SaskAmateur “Best of Show” winner Heather Loewenhardt, who also volunteers as a member of the photo club’s executive committee. As Spagrud explains, it’s a great opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals to talk about and experiment with photography without fear of “boring them to death.” While others specialize in landscapes, wildlife and glamour shots, Spagrud focuses his attention on candids, animals, weddings and street- based photography. The club meets regularly, often hosting internal and open competitions, and presentations from notable local photographers like Troy Fleece, Greg Johnson and Kiriako Iatridis. They’ve also hosted workshops with experts like Mike Roshuk, Kristin MacPherson, and Keith Nordal, among others. “The club’s main purpose is to improve its members’ photographic skills through the sharing of ideas and experiences,” Spagrud explains. “It really is a great way to meet people and have fun learning more about the art of photography.” —Bryce Aubert www.reginaphotoclub.com
(306) 737-8385 Photo Credit: Cydney Toth City Slicker Magazine
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
Top 5
Follow
7 Tweeps
Ways to Jump into
Spring
You should follow on Twitter
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Mary Ear @ear_mary Always sporting a smile, Mary is into all things health – working out, nutrition, and living well. Enjoy this health nut’s tweets and feel better because of it.
The Lancaster @thelancaster_ca Located in a business hub dubbed The Grasslands, The Lancaster is a great place to dine, check out cool bands, and enjoy a pint or five. Don’t miss their movie nights.
Lowell Dean @lolofilm Writer and Director of the upcoming movie WolfCop, Dean is a Saskatoon-born and Regina-raised cinema dude who’s destined for big things.
Regina Car Share @ReginaCarShare Making transportation convenient and affordable for those looking to eschew the trials and tribulations of ownership, when the bus isn’t an option.
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Catch a Regina Red Sox game - The Sox didn’t accomplish a three-peat last year but the local boys of spring had won the last two Western Major Baseball League championships before that. Dollar for dollar, the atmosphere and excitement outdoors at a Sox game beats any sporting event in the city. .
Take a walk around Wascana Park - As the last of the snow melts there’s nothing within the city limits that feels as refreshing as a jaunt around the city’s crown jewel as it renews itself after winter. Hop on a bike or take your dog out – just please be mindful of others.
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Grab a cone - The Milky Way likely isn’t open yet, but in the meantime get your lactose on with ice cream cone at Dessart, Coney Island, DQ, or wherever you prefer to haunt. Can’t stomach the stuff? Grab a soy or coconut ice cone and get in the warm weather spirit.
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Get in the car and drive - The highways are
clear and as soon as the dirt roads aren’t mess get out there and put the pedal to the metal (within legal limits). There’s something about driving around the back roads around Regina that have the ability to clear one’s head. Do some mental spring-cleaning and clear out the junk that needs to go.
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Tidy up your life - An old proverb states
Fallon Maz @fallonmaz Owner and operator of Queen V Fashion House on Broad Street knows inspired clothing and accessories for trendsetters and tastemakers.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness but even for the less devout there’s something that feels good about fixing up your surroundings. Finish that yard work you didn’t get done before the first snow, or start your 2014 project and get a head start. Don’t have a yard? Redecorate or adjust your furniture – it’s amazing what small changes will do.
—Bryce Aubert
Allan Hall @Allan_Hall A University of Regina student, by way of Lethbridge, Allan tweets about everything from underappreciated TV shows to nonprofit organizations. Always interesting.
The Artful Dodger @ArtfulDodgeCafe A café, music venue, art gallery and so much more. No fibs, this place has some of the tastiest treats you’ll find downtown and there’s always something happening. —Bryce Aubert
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Check Out
Orphan Black:
Season Two
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egina’s own Tatiana Maslany has gained a vast amount of praise and attention thanks to her performance on TV’s Orphan Black. The show’s first season earned Maslany the admiration of a slew of critics in addition to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Drama). While she didn’t take home the gold, she did announce herself as a major new talent on the small screen. It’s easy to see why the science-fiction series Orphan Black, and Maslany’s acting in particular, has garnered so much acclaim: Maslany plays ten clones of the same person, each with their own distinct personalities, dialects and mannerisms. Maslany’s characters all feel like real individuals, and it’s impressive just how easy she makes it look even throughout the show’s many twists and turns. It’s a golden age for writing and acting on television, and the addictive Orphan Black rightfully earns a spot near the top of TV’s “must-watch” list. The show’s second season kicks off its ten episode run on April 19 on Space. —DAN NICHOLLS
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
Coney Island Cafe Although its specific creator and birthplace in Quebec are heavily disputed, poutine has become as Canadian as maple syrup since its invention in the late 1950s. Golden french fries topped with a light gravy-like sauce and curds of squeaky cheese shouldn’t work as a dish, yet the delicacy can be found in fast food joints, greasy diners, and high-end restaurants all across the Great White North. With a unique take on the edible cultural icon, Coney Island Café, located on Dewdney Avenue across the street from Luther High School, ups the gastronomical ante, turning the erstwhile standard dish into a versatile base for culinary creativity. Customers are able to add interesting additions to their poutines like perogies, onion rings, cheeseburgers, honey garlic boneless ribs, pulled pork and even taco ingredients, so there’s a concoction for those looking for more than just their basic dish. A recent addition is the Chinese Takeout poutine which includes a spring roll, a couple chicken balls, and a couple pieces of breaded pork over poutine. As eyebrow-raising as many seem, somehow they work, especially if you give credence to the smiling faces in the often packed restaurant. Coney Island Café has burgers, hot dogs, wraps, milkshakes, and everything you’d expect walking the boardwalk of the café’s namesake, yet like their poutines, they’re not afraid to experiment with any of them. Try the Elvis burger, if you dare, with peanut butter as the primary condiment. —Bryce Aubert
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Events
5FUN EVENTS spring s i h t a n i g e in R
PRAIRIE MOBILE’S
TASTE OF SPRING
May 9th - 10th - Evraz Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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fter months of hibernating underneath winter’s snowy blanket; it’s been a while since we’ve been able to feel the warm welcome of spring in our presence. We have survived winter’s icy cold wrath once again and that’s something worth celebrating, don’t you think? It might be a couple months before spring officially decides to visit, but it will get here, and when it does, we’ll be ready for it.
overstayed welcome and you’re all invited. Prairie Mobile’s annual Taste of Spring is taking over Evraz place on May 9 & 10 to bring you the best celebration of fine wines, spirits and food. Indulge in some of the latest and greatest alcoholic beverages for the spring/summer season, dabble in some delicious local food or take full advantage of the opportunity and go for dinner and a party. What could possibly be more enticing than that?
It just so happens that spring is already a step ahead of us and has prepared a welcoming party in lieu of winter’s
Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur of alcoholic beverages or your just looking for some good quality
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fun, Taste of Spring is the place to be. It’s perfect for a night out with friends or even a potential option for a date night. So let’s all give winter the sendoff it deserves and acknowledge spring for throwing the coolest party of the season. Mark your calendars; this is an event that you don’t want to miss!
Tickets are still available for Friday and Saturday. They’re $45 each and going like hot cakes, so get them soon! Tickets for Taste of Spring can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca —Ashley Kilback
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MAJESTICS CAR SHOW April 12th - 13th - Evraz Place -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------One sure fire sign that spring is finally here is when the annual Majestics Car Show arrives. Car enthusiasts from all over Saskatchewan will have the exciting opportunity to check out a cool collection of restored and souped up hot rods and classic cars by members of the Majestics Car Club.
Celebrating its 48th year, the Majestics Car Show will once again feature an impressive selection of vintage rides that will make everyone in attendance feel the sudden urge to cruise around town, hit up a drive thru and order a burger and milkshake. Taking place at Evraz Place, this two day event is a car show run by car lovers for car lovers. As a special treat, Danny and Kevin from TV’s Counting Cars will be on hand to sign autographs. Plus, proceeds from ticket sales will go to KidSport. —JJ Elliott
GLOBE THEATRE –
MAN OF LA MANCHA April 23rd - May 11th - Globe Theatre --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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n April 23rd, the Globe Theatre is bringing a historic Broadway musical to the stage. Written by Dale Wasserman, the Man of La Mancha takes you on a journey to Spain during the sixteenth century where a man by the name of Miguel de Cervantes and his manservant find themselves thrown in prison. Cervantes then proposes to plead his innocence by acting out a play. The Governor accepts his proposal and the play begins. Cervantes becomes the character of Don Quixote, a delusional man that pretends to be a knight. His manservant plays the role of his squire, Sancho. Don Quixote and Sancho embark on a musical journey where battles are fought and romance is discovered through the expression of song. The iconic song, “The Impossible Dream” symbolizes Don’s love for a woman named Aldonza and his willingness to serve her in hopes of conquering the quest he’s been set on. Full of whimsical sounds, adventure and romance, Man of La Mancha is a play that will have you captivated from beginning to end. Don’t miss out on being a part of this surely fantastic production! To purchase tickets for Man of La Mancha go to www.globetheatrelive.com. —Ashley Kilback
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FAN EXPO May 3rd - 4th - Evraz Place ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
W
hether you’re a proud geek, or if you’re still bashful about displaying your inner nerd, prepare to fully geek out like never before when Fan Expo hits Regina for the very first time this May. For two days at Canada Centre at Evraz Place, fans (and fanatics) of comics, anime, movies and television will get to check out ultra cool memorabilia and purchase things they don’t really need but absolutely MUST have. From Batman and The Avengers to Star Wars and Star Trek to Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, there is sure to be something for almost everyone to get excited about.
Fan Expo is celebrating 20 years in Canada, but this will be the inaugural edition here in Regina. The organizers have done a fantastic job putting together an exciting lineup of celebrity
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guests to hang out, sign autographs, and get their pictures taken with fans. The star power includes Ray Park (Darth Maul from Star Wars Episode 1), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), Martina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation), and IronE Singleton (The Walking Dead). Plus, Tia Carrere from Wayne’s World is scheduled to be on hand, so there’s a good chance that you have “Dream Weaver” stuck in your head right now... and you probably just said “Schwing!”
Comic book fans will have the chance to take part in panels and workshops with some of the best comic book writers and artists in the world. As well, cosplay aficionados will have the perfect excuse to bust out their Darth Vader, Joker, or Wonder Woman costumes instead of waiting for Halloween. Add in Q & A sessions with the stars, nonstop shopping, and much more, Fan Expo Regina looks like it will become an annual event in the Queen City. —JJ Elliott
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
5 CATHEDRAL A R T S F E S T I VA L May 3rd - 4th - Evraz Place ----------------------------------------------------------
I
t’s that time of the year again where postwinter excitement begins to settle in and the anticipation builds for outdoor activities to be wind chill free and in the warm, caring hands of the sun. Well the good news is, we’re just a few short months away from the season that brings an abundance of outdoor festivities.
And speaking of outdoor festivities, the annual Cathedral Arts Festival is set to kick off from Monday, May 19 to Saturday, May 24 in the heart of the Cathedral village on 13th avenue. The festival is a celebration of local culture and community that showcases Regina’s best musicians and artists. Rumor has it that copious amounts of fun are involved, so mark your calendars off in advance, this is an event that you don’t want to miss!
For more information on the festival check out www.cathedralartsfestival.ca. —Ashley Kilback
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Music
Kings of Leon April 4th - Credit Union Centre -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ings of Leon, the popular rock group that broke out with the massive mainstream success of the album Only by the Night six years ago, is back on a major stadium headlining tour. The group is hitting the road in support of its most recent album, 2013’s Mechanical Bull, with a stop scheduled at Saskatoon’s Credit Union Centre on April 4th.
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The four Followill relatives that comprise the band (Caleb, Nathan, Jared, and Matthew) started playing together in 1999. Their first three albums flew relatively under the radar while still managing to garner the group a loyal underground following. As everyone knows, the band waved goodbye to its underdog status when the song “Sex on Fire” was released in 2008 and Kings of Leon became ubiquitous on rock radio stations and at music festivals around the world.
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Those who have seen the band live before already know that the guys from Tennessee pull out all the stops and bring all the rock with them on stage. It’s practically guaranteed to be one of the biggest concerts of the spring, and a sweet Friday night show is the perfect excuse for a road trip at the end of a long week. —DAN NICHOLLS
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
Kataklysm April 9th - The Exchange
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he walls of The Exhange just might crumble when Kataklysm unleash their ‘northern hyperblast’ brand of melodic death metal upon a sea of metal fans in Regina. These French Canadian metal monsters are coming through town in support of their latest album Waiting for the End to Come, which is another collection of pulverizing, eardrum-shattering metal.
With a bill that also includes Aborted, Untimely Demise, and Deadrot, fans at The Exchange are in for a full night of metal mayhem. I’m not a fortune teller but I can guarantee that the mosh pit will be brutally insane and the crowd will love every second of it. —JJ Elliott
Queen City Rocks Finals April 17th - The Exchange This year marks the second year for 104.9 The Wolf’s Queen City Rocks “battle of the bands” competition. Last year, Indigo Joseph wowed the crowds and the judges to emerge victorious. This time around, 25 bands are showcasing their talents over 5 nights for the chance to make it to the finals. The winner gets a song in heavy rotation on The Wolf, plus a killer prize package that includes a cover story in this very magazine. —JJ Elliott
Black Sabbath April 18th - Credit Union Centre -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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he Ozzman and his cohorts in legendary metal gods Black Sabbath cometh to Saskatoon! Well, three quarters of the original lineup anyways. Purists are surely disappointed that original drummer Bill Ward isn’t a part of this reunion due to pesky legal issues, but this just might be the last time people around these parts will ever get to see
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and hear Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, and Geezer Butler belt out classics like “War Pigs” and “Paranoid.” While most bands at this stage of the game are content to only rehearse and play the obvious hits for their fans, Black Sabbath actually have the solid album 13 to support. Singles like “God is Dead?” and “Loner” have been
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all over rock radio in recent months, proving that these elder statesmen can still compete with the Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Ages of the world. You may need an interpreter to understand what Ozzy says between songs, but this iconic band will still put on a killer show and teach the kids how it’s done. —JJ Elliott
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
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Florida Georgia Line April 19th - Brandt Centre
T
yler Hubbard and Brian Kelley make up the pop country band, Florida Georgia Line. These two are currently touring with Jason Aldean’s, Night Train tour, but once they hit Canada in early April they will be headlining their own show on their Here’s To The Good Times tour. And, with over 2.6 million fans on Facebook, it’s not surprising they are consistently selling out venues along the way. The duo has had great success with the release of their first studio album, This Is How We Roll, with the extended version released in November of 2013.
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With multiple singles released from that album including “Get Your Shine On”, “Round Here”, and “Stay”, it is their single “Cruise” which has gained them the most recognition. “Cruise” broke records and is currently the longest running #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Hubbard and Kelley are taking a fresh approach to Country music with poprock inspired sounds and changing the look of the genre by replacing traditional cowboy hats with tattoos which is quickly gaining them a dedicated following. —Ali Thompson
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More Music
Close Talker May 2nd - O’Hanlon’s Pub ---------------------------------------------------------------------After a busy tour schedule last summer, Saskatoon band, Close Talker recorded a beautiful four-song EP titled Slow Weather to cap off 2013 and now the quartet are back in the Queen City bringing their indie rock sound to Regina. The band, consisting of Will Quiring (vocals and guitar), Matthew Kopperud (guitar and vocals), Jeremy Olson (bass), and Chris Morien (drums), call Saskatoon home, but played numerous shows on their Western tour and at festivals throughout the summer of 2013. Have garnered a large local following in Regina they bring their self-described ‘spacey sounds’ and a ‘limitless vision’ for an evening of indie rock in the capital city. —Ali Thompson
Comeback Kid May 15th - The Exchange ---------------------------------------------------------------
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est known for their smash sophomore album Wake the Dead, Winnipeg hardcore group Comeback Kid return to the Queen City this May.
Touring on the heels of the release of their sixth full-length album, Die Knowing, the quintet have once again adjusted their lineup adding former Misery Signals guitarist/Living With Lions vocalist Stu Ross on rhythm guitar. The change has apparently helped re-stoke the band’s collective fire as Die Knowing displays a band sounding at, or at least near, the top of their game. Long a favourite of local punk and hardcore fans, Comeback Kid always deliver a show that seems to outdo their last, expending every ounce of energy to satiate their adoring fans. The fact that the show is in a smaller venue like The Exchange will only heighten the experience further.
—Bryce Aubert
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Movies
Captain America:
The Winter Soldier In theatres April 4th
A
summer filled with comic book heroes gets started early and in a big way this year when Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters on April 4. Chris Evans once again dons the famous mask and shield as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, the stars-and-stripes-clad super soldier who has become a major player in the sprawling Marvel Universe.
Facing off Captain America with his Russian equivalent, the Winter Soldier, would appear to be a formidable matching of strengths - until Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) are added into the mix. Captain America: The Winter Soldier looks like it will satiate fans’ thirst for some Avengers action until Avengers: Age of Ultron arrives in 2015. —DAN NICHOLLS
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
Draft Day In theatres April 11th
K
evin Costner and sports movies seem to go together like peanut butter & jelly, eggs & bacon, and Donny & Marie. Since starring as Crash Davis in 1988’s hit baseball flick Bull Durham, Costner has starred in Field of Dreams, Tin Cup, For the Love of the Game, and stars in the upcoming track and field movie McFarland. Taking his first foray in a football film, the versatile actor takes the lead in director Ivan Reitman’s NFL flick Draft Day. Based on the annual rite of passage where the top college football players get drafted to the big league, the movie intends to offer a dramatized glimpse of a process that can make or break a team’s fortunes for the next decade. Costner is cast as Sonny Weaver Jr., General Manager of the putrid in real life Cleveland Browns, with Denis Leary as his antagonistic coach, and Jennifer Garner, Ellen Burstyn, Sam Elliott, and Tom Welling in supporting roles. While previews show promise, football fans are hoping Draft Day is more Peyton Manning than Ryan Leaf by the time the credits roll. —Bryce Aubert
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Transcendence In theatres April 18th
T
ranscendence, opening April 18, is another science fiction film that explores man’s ongoing fascination with artificial intelligence. It’s a techno-thriller with a top shelf cast led by Johnny Depp and rounded out with acclaimed actors like Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany, and Rebecca Hall.
Depp stars as a terminally ill scientist named Will. Staring down death, Will is driven to find a way to meld his human mind with computer technology to live forever. Will, through the magic of science fiction storytelling, is able to download his consciousness onto a computer network and this new intelligent being that’s created inside the machine becomes strong, powerful and dangerous.
First-time director Wally Pfister has worked as cinematographer on all of Christopher Nolan’s films since 2000’s Memento. Pfister has hopefully picked up more than a few tips and tricks from Nolan over the years, and being a protégé of Hollywood’s most artistically and commercially successful filmmaker certainly helps to open up the doors of possibility. Transcendence looks, if nothing else, like an ambitious project with a high curiosity factor. —DAN NICHOLLS
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More Movies
THE OTHER WOMAN In theatres April 25th ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Director Nick Cassavetes is best known for bringing audiences to tears with dramas like The Notebook and My Sister’s Keeper, but he’s telling a relatively lighter tale in his new movie, The Other Woman (opening April 25). It’s a comedy about a friendship formed between a trio of scorned women (Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, and Kate Upton) when they team up to exact revenge on the man who spurned each of them. The film is already notable for marking the first big co-starring role for supermodel Kate Upton. The major big screen debut of Upton might factor into making The Other Woman a solid compromise for both him and her as an option for a date night at the movies. —DAN NICHOLLS
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 In theatres May 2nd
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Andrew Garfield returns for another round as Peter Parker and his famed web-slinging alter ego in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (opening May 2). Emma Stone also returns as Parker’s girlfriend Gwen Stacy, but this time they’re in danger from not one but three supervillains: Jamie Foxx’s Electro, Dane DeHaan’s Green Goblin,
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and Paul Giamatti’s The Rhino. It seems the filmmakers are hoping that more bad guys equals more tickets purchased, and it’s been reported that this film lays the groundwork for a plethora of sequels and spin-offs yet to come. —DAN NICHOLLS
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In theatres May 9th
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young couple, played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, find their domestic bliss disrupted when the house next door is sold to a fraternity in Neighbors, opening on May 9. It’s “family versus frat” when Rogen’s character butts heads with the frat’s leader, played by Zac Efron, and a battle for neighborhood supremacy begins. Outlandish pranks, property damage, and loud parties ensue as the bros throw down against the “old people” trying to harsh their good times.
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The big selling point of the movie is by far the seemingly odd pairing of Rogen and Efron. While the film’s concept sounds like a perfect match for Rogen’s brand of humor, it will be interesting to see how Efron holds up in a raunchy, R-rated comedy. The former High School Musical teenage dream has had his share of troubles recently, and his box office clout has all but completely evaporated; Neighbors could be the career boost the falling star needs right now.
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Director Nicholas Stoller has a resume that includes Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek so Neighbors can likely be counted on to provide at least a few hearty laughs. There are also few funnymen as consistently reliable as Rogen, so it’s not a stretch to expect that Neighbors will shine as a comedy highlight this summer. —DAN NICHOLLS
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Godzilla In theatres May 16th ------------------------------------------------------------------------
B
ryan Cranston is in the new Godzilla movie. That’s right, Walter Freakin’ White is in the next God-freakin’-zilla movie. Anything I write after this is pretty much a moot point. Needless to say, this will be a tremendous upgrade from the 1998 version starring Ferris Bueller, where Puff Daddy violated Led Zeppelin on the soundtrack.
Judging by the trailers, director Gareth Edwards appears to have finally delivered the Godzilla movie that people have been longing for. Throw in Aaron TaylorJohnson, star of the Kick Ass movies, and it looks like we have the ultimate popcorn movie experience on our hands. —JJ Elliott
X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST In theatres May 23rd
X
-Men: Days of Future Past is a rare movie that acts as two sequels in one; it’s the highly anticipated amalgamation of the two streams of the X-Men motion picture franchise. The film combines much of director Bryan Singer’s original cast (including Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart) with the actors from 2011’s prequel, X-Men: First Class.
The plot, which has been speculated about endlessly online, concerns the “future” X-Men sending Wolverine (Jackman) back in time to change history and stop a catastrophic event from destroying the mutant race. It sounds like a premise with plenty of opportunity for inventiveness alongside expected fan service, but it also sounds more than a little confusing. But, Bryan Singer’s largely viewed as the father of the X-Men films, having started the series strongly with the first two entries in the franchise, and having him back in the director’s seat can only help to inspire confidence in skeptics.
What could perhaps turn out to be the biggest superhero movie of the year arrives on May 23. —DAN NICHOLLS
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Maleficent
In theatres May 30th ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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isney continues their live-action reboot trend of classic animated movies with Maleficent. Perfectly cast, Angelia Jolie appears to have walked directly out of the 1959 classic to play the role of one of Disney’s most wicked villains of the same name. The re-imagining of this familiar tale differentiates itself from its cartoon likelihood by telling the tale from Evil’s point of view. Aside from that, the entire film seems to have been remade to mirror its original counterpart, from the casting of Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora to the storyline and setting. Fidelity to its time-honored original will not be a concern with this movie; Maleficent is sure to please nostalgic audiences who grew up with the film. —Ali Thompson
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Feature
Jennifer Britton: A Crown Jewel in the Queen City
By: JJ Elliott
Photo Credit: Cydney Toth
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n the age of social media, it is easy to share a meme on Facebook, retweet something on Twitter, or sign an online petition to show your support for a social issue and then carry on with your day. However, it takes much more effort and conviction to back up one’s beliefs with action. When it comes to Jennifer Britton, it is safe to say that she is more activist than slacktivist and is making her presence felt in Regina.
Since 2009, Jennifer Britton has been acting as the Coordinator for SOS Crowns (Save Our Saskatchewan Crowns). According to its website, SOS Crowns is a coalition of concerned citizens “aimed at educating the people of Saskatchewan on the importance of preserving and growing the Crowns, by ensuring all aspects of the Crowns remain in the hands of the public.” Through her prominent work with SOS Crowns, it is evident that Britton is driven and is passionate about doing what it takes to make the Queen City an even better place.
A self-described “north-ender for life,” Britton was born and raised in Regina, where she spent her formative high school years at Winston Knoll
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Collegiate. From there, she went to the University of Regina, graduating with a business degree. Like most university students, Britton needed to find employment while taking classes so she began working for SaskTel. Britton says, “I started in the call centre in direct sales and then moved into different roles there before moving to the SaskTel Store at the Cornwall.”
Britton is still proud to have SaskTel as her daytime gig and looks back at her time with this Crown corporation fondly: “Starting in high school I worked various precarious jobs and had some really terrible employment experiences. When I was hired by SaskTel it was my first real experience in a unionized position.”
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t was during her early years at SaskTel when she had a TSN Turning Point, so to speak, where she got inspired to become more actively involved in the community: “When I look back over the last number of years, I guess I have always been an ‘activist’ and have been involved in my community. When I was 18 and a full-time university student, I was hired by SaskTel. So I would attend business classes during the day, and work evenings and weekends at SaskTel. My eyes were ‘opened’, you could say, to the business model that SaskTel works under.”
Through her various roles at SaskTel over the years, Britton has loved the chance to actively engage with people from all walks of life in Saskatchewan,
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getting a full perspective of where a Crown’s money comes from and where it winds up: “I became really proud to talk to customers about where their money goes. With a Crown corporation your bill pays for your service and the rest is invested back into the province through direct dividends, community investment and infrastructure development. This made sense to me. I can honestly say that I love being from Saskatchewan and I’m proud of the fact that our public enterprise has been so strong over the years.”
It is this pride in her work that helped spur Britton to want to raise awareness in the community about what she feels are the many benefits of Crown corporations. As a result, she became involved in SOS Crowns, where she
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relishes her role as Coordinator. Britton stresses the importance of people doing their part to create the change they want to see in society. She says, “I really admire the power that citizens have in our society. I support social democracy.”
Regardless of where one stands on the political spectrum, Britton is proof positive that, as Patti Smith once sang, people have the power. Britton’s tireless work with SOS Crowns has gotten her noticed amongst political circles in Saskatchewan, so it is apparent that people are listening to her message. When asked if she has any political aspirations any time down the road, Britton replies, “I would say the door is open to my involvement in politics but right now I love the work I am doing.”
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“I really admire the power that citizens have in our society. I support social democracy.�
Photo Credit: Cydney Toth Issue 13 | April/May 2014
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“We need to start having a more long term focus - our future is threatened when we are locked into multi-year agreements with private companies that will control our utilities and natural resources.�
Photo Credit: Cydney Toth Issue 13 | April/May 2014
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er work with SOS Crowns, SaskTel, as well as her involvement in the labour movement on the local, national and international levels certainly keeps her busy. However, Britton understands that life is all about balance. The biggest incentive for her to be so active in the community stems from a desire to help build a bright future for her family. However, she still makes sure to make time with her loved ones a priority. She says, “My family is incredibly important to me and plays a large role in my life.” In fact, her family has even expanded a wee bit recently: “I was recently married last fall and have a wonderful dog-child, a four pound Chihuahua named Stella who I am absolutely obsessed with.”
During her free time, there is a good chance you might see Britton and her husband Steve at a local live venue checking out a band: “I love live music of any kind, particularly local bands.” Her music tastes are all over the map, but she counts Amy Nelson, Rah Rah and Library Voices as some of her favourite musical acts from the YQR. Also, when pressed with the life or death choice between The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, she astutely gives the correct answer: “The Beatles, definitely.”
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If she is not out a show, she favours culinary delights: “I enjoy going out for a nice dinner and having a glass of good wine.” Some of her favourite dining destinations include Abstractions, Fireside Bistro and Taste of Tuscany. Word on the street is that the pizza at Taste of Tuscany is a little taste of heaven.
With her roots firmly planted in Regina, Britton is concerned about the future for the Queen City: “Regina, and Saskatchewan as a whole definitely have major potential. We need to start having a more long term focus - our future is threatened when we are locked into multi-year agreements with private companies that will control our utilities and natural resources.” However, with her passion and willingness to be a part of the solution instead of sitting back and whining about problems behind a keyboard, Jennifer Britton is doing her part to ensure our city and province has a bright future.
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CitySlickerMag IssueCydney 13 | April/May 2014 Photo Credit: Toth
“My family is incredibly important to me and plays a large role in my life.�
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Issue 13 | April/May 2014
Xenofon Gargatzidis, better known by his friends and family as Xen (pronounced Zen), has held almost every type of job imaginable in his short life, yet his budding passion for baking bread has taken him on a new path that’s feeding him physically and spiritually. Originally making his name in the Regina music scene as vocalist of the rock group Mrs. Svenson, still beloved two decades after their demise, Gargatzidis stepped back from the microphone to learn live and recorded sound engineering in Calgary. He also worked with Country Music Television, All Star Show Industries in concert production, and toured as a roadie with bands including punk legends SNFU.
Making his way to the west coast of Canada and back, the lively musician tried his hand working on ships, was a caretaker in hotels, worked at a roastery learning how to properly roast coffee beans, performed manual labour in construction and concrete, worked in restaurants as a cook and server, ran an EBay store, and worked in the movies and television as a production assistant.
Working in Saskatchewan’s then-burgeoning movie industry, the easygoing Greek was noticed and cast as an extra in a few projects and commercials. It was there the likeable and somewhat hyper Reginan was cast in a reality television show on Canada’s Life Network as an English teacher in Taiwan simply titled English Teachers. His season was so popular it was even nominated for a Gemini Award.
Photo Credit: Chris Graham
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Despite his vast and diverse work history, Gargatzidis, lovingly nicknamed the Greek Sheik by some, stumbled into his latest venture by happenstance.
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self-described glutton, and having developed an allergy to wheat and yeast, the 42-year old researched the Internet to find healthier bread he could eat compared to the mass-produced options available in most grocery stores.
My champagne buns use champagne in the recipe instead of water as my liquid. They were amazing but it was while I was studying and learning about this old style of breadmaking that is hand spun and hand massaged. There are no rolling pins and no mixers; it’s all manpower.”
After 4 years of testing recipes, and wasting what he estimates to be $10,000 in ingredients, he finally developed his recipes.
Although he notes his breads aren’t gluten-free as he’s yet to find a glutenfree bread he enjoys, Gargatzidis claims that by working with his product solely by hand, eliminating mixers and rolling pins, he’s been able to really limit the gluten content while still delivering a moist, delicious product.
“[Eating bread] affected me greatly when I ate processed flours, so when I found organic untreated flours I realized I wasn’t having the same problems. The longer I fermented the bread the fewer problems I was having. I was finally feeling healthy.”
“I do a 24-hour leavening process and then it is triple fermented. The first 24 hours are the first fermentation and then I ferment for another length of time, then I massage it with my hands. No mixers or rolling pins – all by hand. After that, I ferment it one last time for a specific length of time before I put into the oven. The internal temperature of the bread never reaches 110 degrees so I never kill any of the enzymes which makes the bread probiotic.”
As far as the gains, Gargatzidis quickly pulls up a number of sites on the Internet that confirm the healthy benefits.
“The bacteria that is already in our stomachs is what we’ve depleted from eating garbage,” he explains, “and now everyone’s trying to put healthy bacteria back into their stomachs with probiotics. All of my breads are sourdough, which is all about the content and the fermentation process.”
“I do one bread that’s fermented for 72-hours and it was the first bread I learned how to make four years ago.
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Holding onto other work, he started making loaves of bread for his friends, before becoming bombarded with regular orders out of his home.
“I started giving my bread to other people and they started feeling better,” he states proudly. “They would tell me that they used to get heartburn from bread, and now they don’t get it, or they would feel sick after eating it and now they didn’t. Highly processed food isn’t very good for people and we really shouldn’t be eating it but as a society we’ve gone off the rails with it so to speak. People have gotten into the habit of just grabbing something to eat on the go, so they’re not eating healthy despite their best attempts to.” “The way I look at it is this – the food that our grandparents and greatgrandparents ate was healthy. They were staples – food from the ground with nutrients in it. There weren’t genetically modified organisms in the foods to replace nutrients that were already naturally occurring. If there are no longer nutrients in the ground from factory farming we’re not going to get the proper nutrients because they’re no longer there. That means to get enough nutrients we have to eat more and more of it and that means we’re ingesting more bad stuff too.”
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“T no d a n r. ” ns e pi pow ng n lli a ro l l m a no s e it’ ar s; re e r he mix Photo Credit: Chris Graham
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“I w ne hi v ch er m kil ak l a es ny th of e th br e ea e d nzy pr m ob e io s tic .” Photo Credit: Chris Graham
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H br e do ea ha se ds s st s b an u om d t h ac no e h w trie ca he d nc ca min er n e an en an d jo d ca y c n’ br an t ea e sto d at m ag it ac ai in h n. ”
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s word of Gargatzidis’ bread got around, he was approached by a local chain to sell his breads there.
Using only organic flour, a minute amount of salt, and one-eighth of the normal amount of yeast found in most bread, the culinary creator limits his ingredients to the bare necessities.
“People are either going to spend money on unhealthy breads where it contains [a laundry list] of ingredients you don’t even know what they are and what they do, or you can buy bread that doesn’t. You don’t need that stuff. My bread on the shelf lasts seven days before you have to freeze it and before it goes bad. I had someone cut into one of my loaves ten days later and the centre was still fresh like the day they got it. So why then are we putting that other stuff into our body?”
“When I’m working in the bakery kitchen early in the morning and it feels like a pain to be up so early, I think of an older friend of mine who was a sound engineer, who worked on an album I did. He has stomach cancer and can’t stomach breads but he tried mine and can eat it in doses and now he can enjoy bread again. If that’s not reason enough to make me feel proud, I don’t know what would.”
Photo Credit: Chris Graham
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“I have another friend,” he continues, “who has never been able to eat bread in their life but after taking one of my loaves to their doctor they tried it and were able to have bread for the first time in their life. People who couldn’t eat bread are now eating my breads and people who had intolerances are also able to eat my breads because it’s a sourdough, has a good fermentation process, and has probiotics that are actually helping them. It’s easy on their stomach. Not only is it good for them but it’s repopulating the good bacteria in their guts which strengthens their immune system.”
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“That’s why we are what we eat because our stomach is our immune system. If we heal that we’re healing the rest of our body by extension.”
Since February, Gargatzidis temporarily operated Artixen Bakery out of local grocery chain selling his bread and premium versions of it but has since decided to open up a retail location of his own in the upcoming months. He’s been kept busy with his baking as clients have clamored to pick up olive bread, pecan explosion bread, maple walnut bread, unpasteurized cheese breads, and his spectacular dill & unpasteurized cheese bread, and continue to do so through his website www.artixen.com. He also produces cinnamon buns, cookies, and his mouth-watering paninos (he’s quick to note paninis is the plural spelling of the word) that can be ordered through his site. While word of mouth hasn’t hit the masses as of yet, Artixen makes arguably the best paninos in the city, perfectly grilled with the right amount of oil, unpasteurized cheese, fresh vegetables, and organic meats. At $6.99 and more than large enough to satiate a healthy appetite, there’s few healthy options in the city that compare at that price point.
His “galaxy spirals” are the ideal snack for those craving pizza, or slices of his pizza can also be purchased at the store and he claims all are made with the same probiotic cooking process.
Gargatzidis, like most Greek children, developed his love and appreciation of food at an early age.
“My love for cooking comes from watching my grandmother in the kitchen. My grandmother brought me up the first 10 years of my life because my parents were very busy working trying to provide for my brother and I. My grandmother wasn’t working at the time and she came over and took care of us and I would watch my grandmother bake. She would do it all the time by
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hand, kneading the dough with her hands, and one day I saw a bead of her sweat fall into it.”
“I freaked out and I thought it was so gross but she looked at me and said, ‘You’ve been eating my sweat for how many years and now you’re complaining?’”
“Right then and there I realized it takes a lot of hard work to make nice bread, to make nice sandwiches, and to make good food. Even growing up, I was experimenting with ways to make the best bacon cheeseburgers, or hot dogs, and trying to make them look nice.”
“I’ve never been professionally trained although I’ve worked in plenty of kitchens,” he admits, “but my education all started with my grandmother Maria. That’s when I learned to be excited by food because I would watch her smile while she was working, and then as I got older I recognized those same skills in my mother Fotini as well. Even my brother Tommy preceded me and is an elite Chef in Beirut, Lebanon and is unbelievably good at what he does.As former Director of Culinary Operations for the middle eastern restaurant chain Casper and Gambini’s, Tommy turned what was one small sandwich shop into a world famous destination. Presently he’s a sought-after restaurant consultant with his own company in the Middle East.”
Impressed with Xenofon’s baking, Gargatzidis’ parents were still somewhat skeptical when he decided he was going to bake full time and be his own boss.
“At first they were like, ‘Oh my goodness, here’s another of Xen’s obsessions,” he laughs. “He’s going to be a baker – ya, whatever. When is he going to figure it out?’
“I grew up with great parents and I’m fortunate because I have a lot of friends
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who didn’t get to grow up with their parents around. Not only am I fortunate but I’m indebted to the fact that they were around, stayed strong, and were such a good example for me.”
“I come from a traditional Greek family and I was lucky because they were pretty lenient with me at times and could been a lot harder but my dad was always a bit of a hardass. I love him for it because that’s what has made me a good person. He would always tell me to enjoy life but be careful doing it.”
“One day my dad Jack called me and said, ‘Xen, God bless your hands.’ That’s when I knew that although my dad is a hard one to crack that’s a good sign and I’m on the right path. He’s picky, so that’s amazing.”
the streets and say this is what I have to offer? Here are my true colors.”
Asked if he had found his life’s calling, the personable baker replied with the only truthful answer he could.
“I’m just this really jumbled up guy,” he smiles, “who has tried everything and now I’ve found something that I love. Will I still be doing this when I’m in my sunset years? I don’t know – I may find something else that I love more but right now I’m extremely happy doing what I’m doing.” www.artixen.com
(306) 757-9064
“Mom is over the moon. She’s excited that I’ve found something that I really appreciate and that I’m truly putting my heart and sole into. For her it’s a no brainer – she’s happy that I’m finally finding something that I really enjoy that she can see me doing in my sunset years.”
“They know that I’m a wild heart,” he adds after a pause. “They know I’m a good person and all that stuff but they also know I’m this wild spirit that always needs to be on the go. Everyone always told me that I had to complete everything I tried but I don’t think success is solely measured on completion. Success is in the attempt. When you attempt things you’re successful. If you keep falling and keep trying, eventually you’re going to find your path and those previous attempts will make you successful.”
“If you love what you’re doing every day and eventually die feeling that way then you win and you are successful. So is success really about completion then, or is it about finding out through trials and tribulations how we can be the best people we can be and spill into
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ev “If en yo tu u al lo ly ve di w e h f a yo eel t y u ing ou a r t ’ re e ha d su t o cc wa ing es y sf the eve ul n ry .” y d ou ay w an in d an d Photo Credit: Chris Graham
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Local Pro
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f you have ever warbled a stirring rendition of “Friends in Low Places” at a karaoke joint in Regina, you have likely met the man they call Zubazz. In fact, if you look up ‘karaoke’ on Wikipedia you might even see his picture.
After getting the karaoke bug at Bart’s On Broad back in the day, Ryan “Zubazz” Read hosted karaoke at The Pump Roadhouse for several years. A couple years ago, Zubazz fulfilled his dream of being able to quit his daytime office job to solely focus on hosting karaoke, DJing, and singing with ‘80s cover band Dangerous Cheese.
Whatever the reason, people like to go to karaoke. I try to figure that out and make it the best experience for them.
According to Zubazz, “It has always been my goal to create the best karaoke experience possible. One thing that I do differently than anybody else is that I try to get to know my customers. Some like to go for the attention. Some treat the karaoke stage as a holiday from their life. Some like the friends they meet. Some sing as if they are trying to get discovered by an agent. Some singers might be there just to keep up their chops. Whatever the reason, people like to go to karaoke. I try to figure that out and make it the best experience for them.”
The next time you get the urge to have a pint and belt out “Don’t Stop Believing,” Zubazz will help make you sound like a rock star. You can catch his karaoke show Mondays at O’Hanlon’s, Wednesdays at 4 Seasons, and Thursdays and Sundays at The Sip Nightclub. —JJ Elliott www.facebook.com/zubazzEntertainment
(306) 539-3955 Photo Credit: Zubazz Entertainment
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