June 2012 by The Walleye Magazine

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Thunder Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arts & culture alternative

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An Eye on Public Art

The Man Behind The Moose p 8

Rock Camp p 21

John Fogerty p 25

Nowadays p 36

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Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative

Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Rebekah Skochinski Senior Editor Tiffany Jarva Copy Editors Amy Jones, Nancy Saunders Marketing & Sales Manager: Logan Wright: sales@thewalleye.ca Photographers Darren McChristie, John-Paul Marion, Storm Carroll, Chris Merkley, Shannon Lepere, Dave Koski, Tara George, Amy Vervoort, Uriel Lubuk, Tyler Sklazeski Art Director Dave Koski, R.G.D.: production@thewalleye.ca Business Manager Doug McChristie Ad Designer: Jessica Gagnon Advertising Sales Tracy Sadgrove: tracy.thewalleye@gmail.com The Walleye is a free monthly publication distributed on racks throughout Thunder Bay and region. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission is strictly forbidden. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Copyright © 2012 by Superior Outdoors Inc. All Rights Reserved. Editorial and Advertising: Submissions must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Superior Outdoors cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. Superior Outdoors Inc. Suite 242, 1100 Memorial Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 4A3 Telephone (807) 624-1215 ; Fax (807) 623-5122 E-mail: info@superioroutdoors.ca Printed in Canada Superior Outdoors Inc donates 1% of all sales to 1% for the Planet

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On the Cover The Concrete Moose. Photo by Darren McChristie

Ready, Set... Summer It’s no secret that I love summer. And it’s probably because of the great childhood summer memories I have: trying to catch fireflies in mason jars and spraying grasshoppers with the garden hose; playing badminton until the birdie finally disappeared into the dark sky after sailing over the net “one last time”; and all the car rides to Kakabeka Beach for a swim and a stop for ice cream. And while my days aren’t nearly as carefree as they once were, I still love summer—and in particular, the month of June. The air is never smoggy or too thick with humidity. The water sparkles, everything that is supposed to be green is green, and we’re on the ascent into the longest day of the year, when it’s impossible to get any shuteye because the sun is constantly pressing against the window. There is something else about June that gives it an edge over the others: a moose. What’s so special about a swamp donkey, you ask? In addition to being quintessentially northern, it is the inspiration for the concrete moose that mysteriously pop up in local parks. We’re very excited to have Tiffany Jarva give us the scoop on the man behind the moose, and his plans to deliver more of his statues this month. We also share another artist’s predilection for polka dots, and highlight some of the many public art installations in our fair city. Because Thunder Bay isn’t just bursting with natural beauty—we have plenty of public art that is worthy of attention. So grab your sandals and sunscreen and see some of it up close. If I still haven’t convinced you, there is yet another reason to cheer: beer! Jay Dampier speaks to the owners of Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. to update us on the local (and incredibly tasty) brews they will be offering, and Jeannie Dubois shares some summer beer pairings perfect for the barbecue. Need more? Thunder Pride returns for its second year, Justyna Kondakow sets us straight on street style, and our art section has been completely overrun by zombies. Once you’re done reading cover to cover, tell us what you like so much about this season in the Bay on Facebook or by email (info@thewalleye.ca). We love hearing from you. And certainly let us know if you’re lucky enough to land yourself a moose! Me? I’ll be trying to sop up as much summer as possible. And maybe I’ll hose down some grasshoppers. For old time’s sake. ~RS The Walleye

Contents

11 FEATURES

■

6 CoverStory: The Importance of Public Art

■ 8 The Man Behind

the Concrete Moose

■ 9 Celebrating the Art of Roy Thomas

■ 10 The Pagoda Man ■ 11 Mac’s Gets “Paint Bombed” CITYSCENE

■ 12 Tara Tries Out... Archery ■ 13 Street Style ■ 15 The Other 10% Prom ■ 16 Thunder Pride

FOOD

■ 18 Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. ■ 19 Barbeque & Beer O’clock ■ 20 Super Spinach MUSIC

■ 21 Rock & Roll Summer ■ 22 Five Alarm Funk ■ 23 Bryan Adams ■ 25 John Fogerty ■ 26 Songs for the Animals ■ 26 Erin Junkala ■ 28 Burnin’ to the Sky: Erin Junkala

■ 29 Beethoven’s Piano Legs ■ 32 Canadian Celtic Celebration

■ 33 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Health

■ 34 A Brief History of Bike Lanes ■ 35 Nutrition Willpower THE ARTS

■ 36 Nowadays - Chris Merkley & Kurt Martell

FILM&THEATRE

■ 41 Dave Clement ■ 43 The Pineville Heist ■ 19 Drink of the Month ■ 30 Off the Wall Reviews ■ 42 ZYGOTE bop ■ 44 June EVENTS ■ 45 The Wall ■ 46 The Eye

LIVING GREEN

■ 38 EcoSuperior question of the month

■ 39 Lars on Homes ■ 40 The Bat Men

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Vision Circle: The Art of Roy Thomas Thunder Bay Art Gallery June 7 (opening)

After years of planning and months of preparation, Vision Circle: The Art of Roy Thomas will open on June 7. The opening reception will begin with a drum ceremony and blessing by artist and elder Ahmoo Angeconeb of Lac Seul—a colleague and friend of Roy Thomas—and include a talk by guest curator, Dr. Elizabeth McLuhan, as well as music and traditional Ojibway food. The exhibition constitutes the first critical examination of Roy Thomas’ work and illustrates the unique character of his contribution to the Woodland School of Art. It runs until September 9. www.theag.ca

TOPfive

Canadian Celtic Celebration Various Locations June 22–24

This year marks the 11th anniversary of the Canadian Celtic Celebration—a weekend of Celtic music and dance featuring Pierre Schryer, Merrie Klazek, Olivia Korkola, and other top Celtic performers from across Canada. Highlights include the Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) Dance at the Port Arthur Polish Hall (June 22, 7:30 pm) and the feature concert at the TBCA (June 24, 7:30 pm). The collaboration celebrates Franco-Ontarian and Canadian Celtic heritage and stretches into new creative territory while keeping its roots in Brittany, Scotland, and Ireland.

Thunder Pride Various Locations June 10–17

www.canadiancelticcelebration.com

Once again, Thunder Bay will be showing its pride by holding a weeklong festival to embrace our wonderfully diverse population. Events include an awareness breakfast, literary night, film night, walk of healing, drag show, and Pride in the Park—an afternoon family festival, picnic, and concert featuring Jane Siberry. The goal of Thunder Pride is to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Thunder Bay’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning (LBGTQ) community and provide support, encouragement, and education to people, family, and friends in Northwestern Ontario.

Darren McChristie

Rossport Islands Sea Kayak Festival Rossport June 21–24

The Rossport Islands Sea Kayak Festival is the largest gathering of sea kayakers in Northern Ontario. With a series of workshops and guided tours, the festival is great for beginners looking to try an introductory lesson or advanced paddlers looking to hone new skills with the help of experienced instructors. There will also be Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) demos and workshops, voyageur canoe tours, and an Iron Chef Camp Cook-off. If you don’t feel like driving to or from Rossport, you can sail there with Sail Superior; there will also be sailing excursions during the festival. Of course, the festivities continue on land with great food and entertainment. www.rossportsymposium.ca

Darren McChristie

www.thunderpride.ca

Thunder Bay Potters’ Guild Pottery Fair West Arthur Community Centre June 23

Thunder Bay is home to a talented group of potters who create an impressive variety of goods. The Potters’ Guild Spring Fair & Sale is an opportunity to interact with local potters through demonstrations. There will also be a “claypen” and mosaic art project for children, and a bake sale. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the event that runs from 10 am–4 pm, rain or shine. www.tbpottersguild.jimdo.com

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CoverStory Q&A

The Importance of Public Art By Rebekah Skochinski

We speak with Reana Mussato, Public Art Coordinator with the City of Thunder Bay, about the definition of public art, recent initiatives, the controversy that surrounds it, and ultimately how it helps to shape and identify us as a city, and as a community. What is public art? And what is its purpose in our community, or any community? The most basic definition of public art is that it is any artistic expression carried out in a public venue. Many recognize public art as large scale, permanent works of art such as sculptures or murals installed in publicly accessible spaces. In reality, it encompasses a staggering variety of media, styles, and scales. It includes both temporary and permanent installations, and can range from those solid, tangible works to much more fleeting things like light, projection, or sound.

Darren McChristie

Public art is not restricted to works commissioned by the City. Any work of art installed in a publicly accessible venue, whether by the owner of the space or by the artist, would be considered public art. Government, community groups and organizations, and businesses commission public art because it contributes to a visually dynamic environment and creates public spaces that celebrate, engage, and stimulate. Public art enriches our everyday lives, can bring to light social issues and political events, creates an appreciation of culture and heritage, and teaches us about our surroundings. It beautifies cities, gives meaning to place, and builds community identity. Is there something unique about the public art installations in Thunder Bay? How do we rate when it comes to other cities and their installations? The City of Thunder Bay’s Public Art Program has grown rapidly over the last five years. This is due to the implementation of the City’s Clean, Green & Beautiful Policy, which provides standards and incentives for inclusion of public art in City projects; the waterfront development, which included a public art plan representing 2% of the total project budget; and the increased focus put on the City’s Public Art Program through the creation of a Cultural Services & Events section in the Recreation & Culture Division. Thanks to these initiatives, there were over a dozen competitions and 40 individual works of art installed in 2011 alone, compared to only three

The Walleye

major installations between 1981 and 2000. As a result of this rapid development, Thunder Bay’s public art collection has gained a reputation for being progressive, experimental, and thriving. Quite often, public art can be controversial. Can you speak to why that is? Controversy can ebb and flow, and opinions are subject to change over time. It can be based in lack of understanding of the project or process, personal taste, or personal views on how public funds should be spent. Changes in societal values can also create or reduce controversy—art once considered scandalous can become celebrated, and vice versa. As part of the cultural realm, some members of the public view public art as a “soft-service,” and pit it against “essentials” such as police, pipes, and pavement. This view is increasingly being challenged at the national, provincial, and local levels, where culture, including public art, is being viewed as the fourth pillar of a sustainable community right along with the economy, environment, and social fabric. Over a million Canadians work in the culture sector, which is more than the forestry and mining sectors combined. In Ontario, cultural initiatives generate more to the provincial GDP than the provincial energy industry. One item often cited locally is that installations are not always by local artists. One reason may be that most artists, even those with a postsecondary education in Fine Arts, have not received any training in public art, and it can be daunting. This is especially the case in Thunder Bay where public art opportunities have been limited until very recently. In response to feedback from local artists, the City has held workshops where experienced public artists offer insights to those considering a project, has partnered with Lakehead University to offer a credit course in Public Art, and has worked closely with artists and the City’s Supply Management Division to create a process that is as artist-friendly as possible. Why do you feel that public art is so important? Public art creates a stronger and more diversified economy, beautifies the City, increases community pride, builds upon community identity and contributes to a strong quality of life. Creative, innovative people and businesses are drawn to places that support arts and culture. In a world where technology allows us to live and work out of anywhere, an investment in art offers Thunder Bay a competitive advantage. What’s your favourite piece of public art? Drop us a line at info@thewalleye.ca or tell us on Facebook.

CoverStory

1 3 1. Island Drive Bridge Artist: Sean Randall Material: Steel plate Installation Date: 2002 Location: Island Drive 2. Animikii - Flies the Thunder Artist: Anne Allardyce Material: Stainless steel, copper/bronze, stone, concrete, black granite Installation Date: October 1992 Location: Kaministiquia River Heritage Park 3. John & Catherine Vickers Artist: John Books Material: Bronze plate, stainless steel, cast bronze Installation Date: August 31, 2009 Location:Vickers Street bridge 4. Traveller’s Return Artist: Andy Davies Material: Aluminum Installation Date: October 2011 Location: Prince Arthur’s Landing - in front of Mariner’s Hall 5. Lyon’s View Artist: Roly Martin Material: Steel, cedar Installation Date: September 2010 Location: Boulevard Lake Sculpture Garden 6. Diatom Whisper: Alchemy Artist: Ingrid Koivukangas Material: Cast and fused glass Installation Date: June 19, 2009 Location: Prince Arthur’s Landing - Marina Park Skateboard/BMX Plaza

All photos: Darren McChristie

6 The Walleye

CoverStory

Concrete Moose Public Art Promoting Generosity and Hospitality

All photos: Darren McChristie

For the past five years, sometime around the summer solstice, The Society of the Concrete Moose, clad in hoodies and masks, pile into a truck in the middle of the night to drop off hundreds of moose sculptures in local parks in the Thunder Bay area. Now, for the first time, the artist behind the moose, Paul Wolfe, takes off his mask for The Walleye, and opens up his studio doors to show us the moose-making process. By Tiffany Jarva

Code of the Concrete Moose • Concrete Moose may not be bought or sold. • Concrete Moose are to be traded or given as gifts to new friends. • No person may care for more than one Concrete Moose at a time. • Concrete Moose may only leave or remain outside of the City of Thunder Bay in the care of a resident or former resident. • Concrete Moose are to be decorated and personalized by each caregiver. • It is generally considered uncool to keep your Concrete Moose for more than one year. If you are unable to give your Concrete Moose to a new friend within a year, you should bring it to a a park in Thunder Bay some time near Summer Solstice and leave it for someone else to find.

The Walleye

Laid-back in a concrete-splattered green hoodie, Carhartt pants, and baseball cap, artist Paul Wolfe would like you to believe creating the mainly selffunded Concrete Moose public art project was “just something to do.” But it’s clear that he is also trying to send a message about promoting generosity and hospitality in Thunder Bay, especially to newcomers. He encourages people who have found moose to hand them over to new friends within a year. “If you look at the code, it’s designed to bring people together,” says Wolfe. “My family goes back five generations, so I know Thunder Bay sometimes has an island mentality and it’s hard for new people to break in.”

intended unfinished look—unless you find one of the more rare multi-coloured moose made from reusing the remnants. Wolfe refers to these as the “crap moose,” even though they are quite striking, and are the ones that polish up really nicely. Wolfe encourages new “caretakers” to decorate the moose as they see fit.

Wolfe has caught glimpses of his iconic moose around town, lingering in people’s gardens, front yards, and living rooms, and even knows of a moose “caretaker” who brought her moose on a trip to see the north shore of Lake Superior. With an obvious appreciation for Kevin Belmore (the local First Nations artist’s paintings hang on Wolfe’s walls) he says the moose are “a nod to Aboriginal Woodlands art.”

Paul Wolfe’s concrete sculpture “Mother Partridge” is installed as part of the Boulevard Lake Sculpture Park. To find out more Concrete Moose news, check out concretemoose.ca Got a Concrete Moose story? Share it with us on Facebook.

Having never sculpted before, Wolfe relied heavily on YouTube and trial and error. The first year, Wolfe built the pieces by hand, one at a time (it would take him two days to make one moose!) and still managed to put out around 360 in local parks. Today, creating a batch of 15 moose takes about an hour to mix and pour using a concrete mixer, and about 12–15 hours to set. Each moose weighs about nine pounds and a single nail is used to help strengthen the antler when it emerges from the rubber mold. A wet polisher is used to finish, but overall the moose have an

Since the beginning of this project, The Society has consisted of Wolfe’s son and daughter, still in elementary school when the project started, along with some of their friends. “Doing this project has been so much fun, especially doing it with the kids.” This June, The Society will continue to get masked and hooded, dropping off the moose sometime after the sun goes down…

CoverStory

Spirit of Anishnabe Art Time and Life Series: Visiting Water Spirits

Celebrating The Art of Roy Thomas By Ally Arnone

Roy Thomas (1949-2004) was an important aboriginal artist who came onto the scene in the early seventies and worked in the style known as the Woodland School, of which Norval Morrisseau was the founder. The Woodland School is known for its depiction of the spirit within creatures and objects, drawing on the oral history of the Ojibwa culture, pictographs, petrographs, and birch bark scrolls as inspiration. Thomas’ work uses bold colours and precise thick outlines to create images that shimmer in the foreground. His paintings have a dream-like quality because of the stylized way he presents animals and figures. The colours are oblate and striking, with an emphasis on contrast and harmony through repetition. Thomas signed all of his paintings with his name and a black bird as a tribute to his Grandmother Margaret, who told him the stories of his people and encouraged him from a young age to express himself through art. One piece in particular stands out for me because we had a long discussion about it when I visited his wife, Louise Thomas, at the Ahnisnabae Art Gallery. Louise opened the gallery after her husband’s passing so that she

could share his work and support other aboriginal artists. The painting is called “Visiting Water Spirits (Relatives)” from the Life and Time cycle and is available as a print or in the 2012 Life and Time calendar. The four colours of people are depicted in a canoe, representing his relatives and how they inspire him, making this painting a “thank you” to the people who supported him. Within the canoe are the spirits of the Earth—fire represented as the sun, sky as a bird and the moon, earth as a bear and water as a fish—to remind us that these elements give us life and that we are responsible for preserving them. Thomas repeats many of the same animal im-

We’re all in the same boat

ages in this cycle to show how the seasons, the cardinal directions, and life are bound together. The butterflies arching above the canoe represent healing and can be seen throughout his later work, symbolizing Thomas’ optimism as he neared the end of his

life. When I asked Louise Thomas if it was hard to spend time in the studio without him, she told me that it was good because she felt him all around her. The conversations I had with Louise Thomas taught me that each of her husband’s paintings is rich with symbolism—not only in the content of his works, but also in his choice of colour, line, and composition. He carefully arranged each painting and deliberately repeated elements from one work to another in order to create a visual language that would express the cultural information he wished to share. Be sure to visit the Thunder Bay Art Gallery this summer to view Vision Circle: The Art of Roy Thomas—A Retrospective Exhibition, which runs June 7 to September 9. With more than 80 paintings, this exhibit, guest curated by Elizabeth McLuhan, is an excellent introduction to Roy Thomas and, for those who are familiar with him, an opportunity to revisit his beautiful art. Also, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is producing a map of public works of art for those interested in taking a tour of Roy Thomas’ work, along with the work of his son, Randy Thomas, an accomplished artist in his own right. To see more of Roy’s work visit the Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 1500 James Street South, or the gallery website: www.ahnisnabae-art.com. For more information about Vision Circle contact the Thunder Bay Art Gallery 577-6427 or theag.ca. The Walleye

CoverStory About 25 years ago, the Pagoda underwent a facelift that, to Dad’s dismay, included a shiny new spotless roof. Being an artist who loves a challenge, Dad didn’t need another brave band under the cover of night to get those dots back on for him. So, with a salute to those who, in the past, knew exactly what the Pagoda was missing, Dad’s polka-dot project began to take shape. Dad already had a workshop at home brimming with clay, canvas, and ideas, but he quickly made room for his next project. Soon, there were polkadotted Pagoda birdhouses, feeders, and tree ornaments, key chains and earrings, even little Pagoda boxes for trinkets. His enthusiasm touched a lot of people and it’s a passion that still exists today. Last year, more than a century after local architect H. R. Halton designed the Pagoda, Dad made a presentation to the Heritage Advisory Committee championing a return of the dots. His ideas received a “thumbs up,” allowing for polka dots on special occasions. In response, he has created a stack of removable polka dots to help ring in the New Year, Canada Day, or any celebration here in the Lakehead.

The Pagoda Man By Lori Bentz-Sim

So, why all this Pagoda passion, you ask? Well, the “project” may have started a quarter century ago, but the passion, I found out, did not. When he was 17, my father walked from the Pagoda (which, at this time, was right on the lakefront) out onto the frozen harbour with some friends. He fell through the ice and became very sick. Almost died. Of course, I knew the story but never made the connection. Changed my life, he said recently after having downplayed the event for decades as “nothing, really.” I can appreciate now that my father sees the Pagoda not only as an important symbol for his city, but also for himself.

Polka dots are playful, childlike. Their presence signals to us that something interesting might be going on. Just like my dad. So, if you happen to see a man with a ladder and measuring tape hanging around the Pagoda, don’t be alarmed: it’s just The Pagoda Man hard at work. Paul Bentz is a painter, sculptor, and writer. To see his work visit paulbentz.com.

Do you remember the polka dots on the Pagoda? You have to be of a certain age, of course. But most of us have at least heard about our city’s most famous caper. (Spoiler alert: the polka dots were originally the mischievous handywork of the local Jaycees.) 10

The Walleye

All photos: Shannon Lepere

My father, Paul Bentz, remembers fondly both a pre- and post-polka-dotted Pagoda. He’s always loved our city’s most unusual structure: the bell-like cupola and umbrella-shaped roof, the beaver bas-relief, Grecian-like columns, and the joyful quirkiness of all these elements coming together for something as conventional as an Information Bureau. But, like many, he especially loved the dots.

CoverStory

Mac’s Gets “ Paint Bombed”

Darren McChristie

By Amy Jones

If you’ve spent any time wandering through the alleyways near May and Dease in the past month, you might have noticed something a little different about the neighbourhood. It’s being called a “paint bomb” and it’s a large public art project undertaken by Die Active, Definitely Superior Art Gallery’s youth art collective, in partnership with Mac’s Convenience Stores and the City of Thunder Bay’s Crime Prevention Council. And it’s getting a lot of attention. Between May 1–5, eight artists from the collective—under the guidance of local professional graffiti artists—transformed the outside back wall of the Mac’s into a large scale contemporary art piece, using a variety of painting techniques. The project culminated with a party in the Mac’s parking lot on May 5, with free pizza from Eat Local and music from DJ Classic Roots. The goal of the project was not only to help the young artists improve their skills, but also to have a positive, lasting effect on the community. “We hope that this mural encourages young people to participate in positive art projects where they can improve their abilities with the help from other artists,” said Wendy Landry, Crime Prevention Council Chair. And judging by the enthusiastic crowd at the party, the project is already having a positive impact—not only on young people, but on the entire community. To learn more about Die Active projects or how to get involved, visit www.definitelysuperior.com The Walleye

CityScene

Tara Tries Out... Archery Photos and Story By Tara George

“ When’s the last time you tried something new?” My mother occasionally asks me this, and it always gets me thinking—when is the last time I tried something new? Well, this summer I will have an answer, as I’ve decided to pursue a new outdoor activity each month. The idea to try archery was prompted by the popular book and movie The Hunger Games, as well as a story in the March issue of The Walleye about John Belanger. I was intrigued by Belanger’s passion for his craft, and well, as far as The Hunger Games—who doesn’t want to be as kick-ass as Katniss Everdeen and shoot an apple out of a pig’s mouth? Archery isn’t actually entirely new to me. I tried it once in high school gym class; however, my only recollection was an unfortunate line of bruises down my forearm. So with no real expectations, I headed out to John’s place for a quick lesson. I was kindly greeted with one of his handcrafted bows (a 35 lb elm recurve self bow) and arrows, and we got right to it. I admit I was slightly intimidated the first time I pulled back the bow string. A flashback of the forearm sting jolted forward from deep within my memory, and I couldn’t actually bring myself to let go of the string—a failed first attempt. But with further instruction and encouraging words from Belanger, I managed to get the hang of it, and what do you know—I wasn’t so bad at it! My quick lesson grew longer as I began to test the limits of my burgeoning skill. I found the whole experience to be quite relaxing, with all outside thoughts being pushed away by the repetition of the movement, the focus on the target, and the satisfaction of a good shot. So, with the exception of having to ice the tips of my swollen, non-trained “trigger” fingers, I escaped bruise-free, and found an activity that I would definitely like to pursue further. In the future, Belanger would like to initiative a primitive shooting group. If you are interested contact him on Facebook at Bow Jangles or at 626-4285.

The Walleye

All photos: Shannon Lepere

CityScene

Street Style: Honk If You’re Stylish By Justyna Kondakow

Whether you are sartorially challenged or a self-proclaimed fashion-fanatic, one rule always applies: you must obey the elements. And when you do step outdoors to go to work, to school, or simply to frolic, there are two important factors that you should consider when formulating garb—practicality, and individuality. Marrying the two is what street-style is all about. But this marriage can be difficult for fashion freaks like me. The tight stitching, four-figure handbags, and feather boas that grace the runways might be considered, in other cities, part of street-style culture, but applying them to your daily style becomes an interesting creative challenge in Thunder Bay. For me, a day of running errands in the city means maintaining a sense of style, but trust me: hobbling in heels from Waverly Street to Algoma Street is not worth the bunions. On the other hand, I often see locals clad in quick-dry, earth tone threads, strutting around the city like off-duty park rangers. And that’s okay if you’re constantly anticipating rainfall and a bear fight. It’s all about the balance of high and low style, quality and practicality. Opening the door to your funky style requires confidence that supersedes any trend. The downtown streets of Thunder Bay are loaded with kitschy shops and local flair that is both comfortable and fashionable. So don’t be shy, and keep your peepers peeled. All of us are representatives of Thunder Bay, and translating yourself through style should be considered an act of city pride. Next time you go out, ask yourself, “Should I really wear those shoes in public?” Clothing should make us feel comfortable and confident, especially on long days of being out and about in the city. After all, you never know who is watching. Follow Justyna’s stylish adventures at lamodeoperandi.com The Walleye

2012 Shuttle Buses Available!

FREE Summer Concerts! Wednesday Nights • 6:00pm – 9:00pm June 27 to August 15

Get ready for another great summer of FREE weekly musical concerts featuring fabulous local talent. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music Wednesday evenings at the Band Shell at Marina Park. Food concessions are available along with face painting and games for the kids. This year’s Summer in the Parks opening concert is Wednesday June 27, 2012! For more information, call 625-2351 or visit www.thunderbay.ca/sitp * All concerts subject to change and weather permitting.

JA ZZ

C E LT I C

BI G B A ND

COUN TR Y

B LU ES

RO CK

FOLK

DIXI E LA ND

POLK A

ACAPE LL A

Ahnisnabae Art Gallery 7-1500 James St. S Thunder Bay, ON 807-577-2656

www.ahnisnabae-art.com

Jackie Traverse The Flirt Acrylic on Canvas 36" x 12"

The Quebec Lodge

Red Rock, ON “A unique and intimate setting for your wedding.”

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Food CityScene

All-Dressed: The Other 10% Prom By Julia MacArthur

When we do it, we do it all the way. The Other 10% is a group of LGBTTIQ + Questioning young people. We meet twice a month to hang out, talk, and come up with ideas for fun stuff to do. The Other 10% Prom is one of them. You might have had the good fortune to party with the Queers but we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the chance yet, because most of us are under 19. So we are here to make it happen. Our way. Finally, a night when the only reason someone is going to stare at you is because you look so good just the way you are. Friday June 8, at the Centre for Change Auditorium (96 N. High St.) we are bringing it. Fabulous Dave is going to play the best music in the whole world, and we are going to dance and party all night . Doors open at 6:30, cover is $5, tickets are available in advance and at the door. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all ages, drug and alcohol-free. Friends of Dorothy and friends of friends of Dorothy are welcome. Bring your tuxes and your dresses and your tuxdresses, and leave your judgments at home. Dresscode: optional!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, 2-Spirit, Intersex, Queer People who are questioning what LGBTTIQ means in their lives Queer: n. A political statement, as well as a sexual orientation, which advocates breaking binary thinking and seeing both sexual orientation and gender identity as potentially fluid; a simple label to explain a complex set of sexual behaviors and desires. The former Hillcrest High School. Fabulous Dave is a local DJ who really knows how to get down. Until 10:30. LGBTTIQ peeps. Allies and supporters of LBGTTIQ peeps. No no homo. No trans-haters.

The Walleye

Margaret Evans

CityScene

Thunder Pride Festival with a “Giant” Heart By Amy Jones

Zoe Whittall is looking forward to seeing a bit more of Thunder Bay this visit. “The last time I was in Thunder Bay was in 1998 and I was just at the bus station for a few hours waiting to get back on the bus going west,” she says. “I remember thinking the landscape was beautiful, but there was a Bible reading over the intercom in the station and I remember being a bit scared.” Over a decade later, the Toronto-based, Lambda Literary Award-winning novelist and poet is coming back to town to participate in Literary Pride Night on June 12 at the Mary J.L. Black Library. The event, which will also showcase local writers Susan Goldberg, Rachel Mishenene, Ray Moonias and Ma-Nee Chacaby, is part of Thunder Pride’s week-long lineup of festivities that includes a film festival, a drag show, and the day-long Pride in the Park, featuring a concert headlined by the iconic Jane Siberry. And while Thunder Pride may not have the size and flash of pride events in other cities, Whittall says this can be a good thing. “I love reading or performing at pride events in smaller cities,” she says. “We can get so jaded in the bigger cities at the more corporate events.” That being said, Thunder Pride might not stay small for long. According to Whittall, our reputation as a cultural hub is growing. “I’ve heard that Thunder Bay is a great city for artists to visit, and I’ve heard that the Northern Woman’s Bookstore is fantastic.” And as for that bus station stopover, it’s all in the past. “Luckily that was a long time ago,” she says. “I’m looking forward to making new memories of T-Bay.” Thunder Pride 2012 runs from June 10–17. For more information, visit thunderpride.ca.

Going Green Starts Here! Get Your Rain Barrel While They Last… Regular price just $65, includes spigot, overflow hose, mosquito-proof lid and simple set up instructions. A limited number of $20 discounts for City of Thunder Bay water customers still available—don’t miss out! Limit one discount per household. When they’re gone, they’re gone! Reduce your load on garbage day—Get a Composter! For just $25 you can reduce household garbage by 30 percent of more AND create a free supply of great fertilizer for your gardens, with an easy-to-use composter. Waste Reduction and Wise Water Use Programs are funded by The City of Thunder Bay and delivered by EcoSuperior

Visit us on-line or at the office for details on upcoming events. Sign up for our on-line newsletter so you’ll be the first to know!

ecosuperior.org | 807 624 2140 562 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 1H3 Zoe Whittall

The Walleye

SP D

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AN R

TO TH

VISION CIRCLE: THE ART OF

wa lley E EX e HI B the

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& cu

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ive

ROY THOMAS A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION

JUNE 7 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE

OPENING RECEPTION JUNE 7, 7:30 PM AND THE FOLLOWING EVENTS: FRIDAY, JUNE 8 - 7:30 pm Walking Tour of the exhibition by Guest Curator, Dr. Elizabeth McLuhan THURSDAY, JUNE 28 - 7:30 pm Looking Back, Moving Forward - Panel Discussion and Launch of Exhibition Catalogue Launch of Roy Thomas Retrospective catalogue (Hardcover, full colour, 96 pgs). This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Thunder Bay Art Gallery Curator Nadia Kurd with three emerging and mid-career Aboriginal artists from the region. The panel will discuss the influence of pioneers like Roy Thomas on artists working today. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – 7:30 pm The Life and Times of Roy Thomas Just prior to the closing of the exhibition, Louise Thomas will present a talk focused on the last works produced by Roy - The Time and Life Series.

Roy Thomas, Spirit of Ahnisnabae Art #1, 1997, Acrylic on Canvas, 244 x 122 cm, Collection of Thunder Bay Art Gallery

DAILY WALKING TOURS of the exhibition will occur Tuesday through Sunday at 1:00 pm in the months of July and August.

ONTARIO CULTURAL ATTR ACTIONS FUND LE FONDS POUR LES MANIFESTATIONS CULTURELLES DE L’ONTARIO

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The Walleye 12-05-23

11:40 AM

Food

L-R: Sleeping Giant Team in front of their storefront, with a painting of the Brewery’s logo, painted by Drea. L-R: Drea Mulligan, Kerry Berlinquette, Kyle Mulligan, Rob Berlinquette

Three preliminary brews Kyle made on his home system.

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. Hopes to Awaken Thunder Bay’s Beer Culture

The Beer Lineup, with stats for beer geeks

Story & Photos by Jay Dampier

When the Port Arthur Brewery closed a few years ago, it left a void in the local microbrewing scene. But thanks to four friendsturned-entrepreneurs, the beer landscape is changing in Thunder Bay with the opening of Sleeping Giant Brewing Co. Tucked in behind the Husky Truck Stop on Balmoral is where the magic happens. You’ll be warmly welcomed by staff manning two taps, where you can try a small sample before you buy. Drea Mulligan, one of the brewery’s owners, is excited to provide fresh beer to Thunder Bay. “I look forward to meeting the people who’ll drink our beer,” she says. “The freshest beer in Thunder Bay will be here and customers can take a growler or two home.” In addition to buying beer directly from the brewery, “people will be able to find our beers throughout the city at bars and restaurants,” co-owner Kerry Berlinquette explains. Head Brewer Kyle Mulligan acknowledges that there have been failed breweries in the city over the years. However, he and his partners feel that the timing is right. “With establishments such as The Sovereign Room offering a very wide selection of beers, to an emerging home brewing community throughout the city, to Niagara College’s recently launched two year brewing program, I think we’re getting into this at the right time,” he says. Rob Berlinquette, who oversees the mechanical side of the operation, adds, “Thunder Bay is a beer town and we’re hoping the city will support local beer like the way they support our local hockey teams.”

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Mulligan has been a home brewer for many years, perfecting his recipes and techniques. He and Rob Berlinquette brewed their first batch over seven years ago, and over the past 16 months Mulligan has brewed twenty-six batches on his home system. In preparing to make the leap from his 38 litre home set up to a commercial 1760 litre system, Mulligan studied brewing at the Seibel Institute of Technology’s World Brewing Academy, which is based out of Chicago and Munich. A big part of the brewery’s approach is to use local ingredients. This is accomplished by using base grains from local maltsters at Canada Malting, honey from locally raised bees, hops from within Ontario, and yeast cultured at the brewery. After the grains are used to make beer, they are given to local farmers to use as pig and goat feed. In addition to the three regularly offered house beers (see box), they also plan to brew limited edition beers. “These will be beers that Rob and I like, so if it doesn’t sell, we can have it for ourselves,” Mulligan jokes. On a more serious note, an important motto for the brewery is Earn Your Beer, which seems to fit in with Thunder Bay’s outdoor culture. “Beer can be part of a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle. Do something to earn it,” Kerry Berlinquette says, “Enjoy it after a hike, or a productive day at work.”

Note: Mirella Amato, a cicerone from Toronto who owns and operates beerology.ca will be in town for an event at the brewery on Thursday June 14. Tickets will be limited and go on sale at the beginning of June. Information can be found at: sleepinggiantbrewing.ca Jay Dampier is a freelance writer, amateur brewer and self-proclaimed beer geek.

360 Ale, Available year round A cross between English and American Pale Ales, with English Pale Ale yeast, and North American grains and hops. A solid brew with citrus and caramel notes. Bitterness: Moderate bitterness, 38 IBUs Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation, 2.1 volumes of CO2/L Colour: Light amber, 6 SRM Strength: 5.0% ABV

Elevator Wheat, Available spring and summer

An American-style wheat beer. Has a characteristic haze and head retention found in most wheat beers. Hints of subtle breadiness as well as lemon and grapefruit with a refreshingly clean citrus finish.

Bitterness: Moderately low bitterness, 28 IBUs Mouthfeel: Moderate body with high carbonation, 2.8 volumes of CO2/L Colour: Straw-coloured, 4 SRM Strength: 4.5% ABV

Skullrock Stout, Available fall and winter

A smooth oatmeal stout with a subtle roast flavour. The hop bitterness is well-balanced with a complex malt backbone which includes hints of chocolate and coffee.

Bitterness: Moderate to moderately low bitterness, 32 IBUs Colour: Blackish dark brown, 28 SRM Mouthfeel: Medium to full body with moderate carbonation, 2.0 volumes of CO2/L Strength: 5.0% ABV

Chris Merkley

Food

Chris Merkley

Barbecue and Beer O’clock in the Bay Drink of the Month Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini

Lot 66

By Rebekah Skochinski

Celebrating the arrival of summer with something sweet seems like an ideal way to welcome a season that gives us so much sunshine and sheer optimism (school’s out and shorts are in). Lot 66 has a tempting array of cocktails featuring dessert-flavoured vodkas. We like their Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini for its tasty trio of cake vodka (yum!), butter ripple schnapps, and pineapple juice. There is all the indulgence of a treat (including a graham cracker crumb “crust”) without ever needing a fork. Whether you enjoy this after dinner, however, or have it as your starter, well, that’s up to you. After all, who says you can’t have your cake and drink it, too?

Start summer off right at Lot 66, 66 South Court Street.

By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Sommelier

There must be truth to the saying that you can take the girl out of Thunder Bay, but you can’t take Thunder Bay out of the girl. Because even after 10 years in the budding vineyards and developing wineries in Niagara, nothing can turn this sommelier’s head like the crack of a cool, frothy can of beer being opened. Born and raised in one of the highest per capita beer-sluggin’ cities in the country, I honed my love of brew at an early age, toddling around at camp finishing off the warm remains of Papa’s bottles of Old Vienna around the horseshoe pits. Needless to say, sommelier schooling aside, my taste in beer has evolved from those pre-school days, and my palate for brew has grown to encompass the vast array of bubbling goodness that we hold so near and dear to our hearts. Whether chillin’ with a crisp lager or heftin’ back a hearty ale, nothing says beer in the summer like the sizzle of the barbecue as the perfect partner in crime for whiling away a sunny afternoon. Fortunately, the new crop of flavoured beers are extremely food-friendly, and are worthy of a test run at your next get together around the grill. Wish a fond farewell to the lemon and lime laden lagers of last summer and give a warm Thunder Bay welcome to this year’s fresh fruit and floral flavoured beers. Or, hop on the brew bandwagon and give the iced tea flavoured beer by Coors, which was pioneered last year by Mill Street, a swig. Try: Crabbies Original Ginger Beer (LCBO No. 272807 - $3.65 for 500 ml) with spicy, grilled Jamaican jerk chicken. Coors Light Iced T (LCBO No. 283903 - $2.35 for 473 ml) with barbecued curried shrimp and mango in coconut milk. Fruli Strawberry Beer (LCBO No. 698548 - $2.50 for 250 ml) with grilled beet salad, goat cheese and endive in a citrus dressing. For beer or recipe details, drop me a line at jeannie.unbottled@gmail.com. Cheers! The Walleye

Food

Super Spinach By Rachel Globensky

How do I love thee, spinach? Let me count the ways… Labeled a “superfood” for its amazing nutritional prowess, spinach is anything but dreary and bland. Folded into phyllo-wrapped spanakopita, simply sautéed with olive oil & garlic and served up with crusty bread, or as fresh baby leaves tossed in a bowl with strawberries, nuts, red onions, and a balsamic dressing, it can taste downright sinful. My fellow Fernieite chef-friend, Heather, dreamed up this spinach soup up one day, and I have done my best to recreate it here. Enjoy!

Spinach, Feta & Almond Soup Serves 8

6 Tablespoons butter ½ cup finely diced onion 2 cloves minced garlic ½ cup all-purpose flour 3 cups good stock (chicken or veggie) 2 lbs chopped fresh spinach (it’ll cook down a lot!) 2 cups milk 1 cup 35% (whipping) cream Pinch of each: nutmeg, thyme & cayenne Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup toasted slivered almonds ½ cup crumbled feta

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, melt butter over medium heat; sauté onions till translucent. Add in garlic and stir around for 30 seconds or so. Sprinkle in flour and stir resulting roux with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring constantly, until it gives off a good, almost nutty aroma. Whisk in stock and chopped spinach. It’ll thicken a bit at this point—just make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom! Whisk in milk, cream, and seasonings. Heat through gently and add in almonds and feta. Serve with fresh biscuits or a thick slice of good bread. Rachel Globensky is the chef/owner of Grinning Belly, located in the Thunder Bay Centre for Change, where she serves up tempting culinary classics with a twist.

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The Great Northwest Coffee meets the Outdoors! A Great Combination!

Urban Ostrom & LUG Bags (807) 473 - 4499 313 Victoria Ave. East (Beside Fresh Air Experience)

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Smart advice to grow your wealth Studies* show that clients of financial advisors tend to start saving earlier and have higher net worth. , can With The Plan by Investors Group™ help you save tax and better weather unpredictable markets. Contact me for your copy of “The value of The Plan” and get started today. * Value of Financial Planning. Study by the Financial Planning Standards Council, 2010 ™Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. MP1559 (12/2010)

Tami Nesbit-Stephenson

Consultant tami.stephenson@investorsgroup.com (807) 345-6363

Investors Group Financial Services Inc.

Music

Rock and Roll Summer All photos: Amy Vervoort

Superior Rock Camp Helps Shape Future Stars By Melanie Thompson

Your

perfect night starts now.

This summer, local kids and teens can put away their swim attire for a week and learn to become a rock star instead. Thunder Bay’s Superior Rock Camp offers a genuine rock and roll experience for kids aged 7 to 18. The day camp, which operates from Lakehead University’s Department of Music, offers a junior program for the younger, more inexperienced crowd, and one for teens looking to round out their skill set. Students learn performance techniques, songwriting, music video production, sound recording, band promotion, and rock history. Don’t expect to be sitting behind a desk simply soaking up information, however. Director Sebastien Guilbeault says the camp, which was founded in 2008, was designed with kids’ preferences in mind. “We tried to model it after if we were 14, 15 again.,” he says. Budding musicians have the opportunity to sing and rock out with their instrument of choice in bands with their peers. They collaboratively write original music and learn cover songs. Special clinics allow students to perform with instructors and guest artists. For the older group, an end-ofcamp concert is held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium to raise money for P.R.O. Kids, a non-profit organization which enables financially disadvantaged children and youth to have access to community activities. The camp, which recently opened its official headquarters at the Centre of Change, will be operating week-long programs in July, and are looking to expand in the near future to operate for an entire semester. Guilbeault says kids keep coming back because the camp offers a life-changing, positive experience, builds their confidence, and allows them to learn more about rock music in one week than they do all year on their own—all while using professional equipment under the guidance of professional musicians and technicians.

kegsteakhouse.com

735 Hewitson Street (807) 623-1960

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. For more information and to register, visit superiorrockcamp.com. The Walleye

Darren McChristie

Music

Five Alarm Funk Rocking the Bay on a Hump Day By Michelle McChristie

Just as they promised during their last show in Thunder Bay, Five Alarm Funk is coming back to Crocks on June 6. If you’ve seen this band before, we know you’ll be there to check out the songs from their brand new release, Rock the Sky. If you’ve never seen this band, buy your tickets and tell your boss you’ll be late (or absent) on June 7. Five Alarm Funk takes their show a few steps beyond funky to a kind of spastic (in a good way) Afro-funk delirium. Each member of this ten-piece band—four percussionists, two guitars, a bass, a saxophone, a trumpet, and a trombone—packs a musical punch and their stage act, complete with costumes, aerobics and other antics, completes the presentation. But their energetic performances do not overshadow their music. Make no mistake: Five Alarm Funk delivers a tight performance while leaving plenty of room for jams. Rock the Sky comes on the heels of Five Alarm Funk’s 2011 release, Anything is Possible. Listen online at fivealarmfunk.com.

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collection reminder service Never miss your garbage and recycling pick up collection again! Sign up for the Recollect Reminder Service. We’ll send an email reminder or Tweet to the email address of your choice before collection day. It’s easy to sign up and it’s FREE! FoR moRE iNFoRmatioN, coNtact iNFRastRuctuRE & opERatioNs at 625-2195 or visit www.thunderbay.ca/recollect

Music

Bryan Adams

Going for Broke at the Gardens By Michelle McChristie

As part of his first cross-Canada tour in over 20 years, Bryan Adams played to a full house at Fort William Gardens on May 9. Adams belted out a string of hits, backed by bandmates Keith Scott on lead guitar and vocals, Mickey Curry on drums, Norm Fisher on bass, and Gary Breit on keyboards. Scott and Curry have been with Adams since the beginning, and the rapport between them was like that of boyhood friends reunited to party after years apart. Adams and Scott gave a fierce performance that peaked during “Hearts on Fire” with high-fives and dueling guitars. The audience was out of their seats for most of the concert as they sang along to the lyrics etched in their memories, clapped with their hands overhead, and raised cell phones and lighters during the ballads for which Adams is so revered. The band brought out an assortment of pots, pans, and pails for “Touch the Hand.” This song was a crowd favourite, especially for the denim-clad couple on the floor. Had they been closer to the front, they would have stolen the show with their dance moves. (Hawaiian shirt, orange t-shirt... you know who you are!) Adams closed the show with a solo performance of “All for Love”— for fans of Bryan Adams, this was a perfect ending to a perfect show.

2012-05_ad_Layout 1 5/10/2012 3:27 PM Page 1

Thunder Bay Site ● 807‐622‐8235 Longlac Site ● 807‐876‐2271 Armstrong Sites ● 807‐583‐1145 Mobile Unit/Diabetes Mobile ● 807‐626‐8474

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Every One Matters. The Walleye

Downtown Volkswagen 591 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5R5 (807) 344-9700 www.downtownvw.com

Music

John Fogerty Up Around the Bend By Hubert O’Hearn

In his speech inducting John Fogerty into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 1993, Bruce Springsteen said this: “He was an Old Testament, shaggy-haired prophet, a fatalist. Funny too. He was severe, he was precise, he said what he had to say and he got out of there.” Fogerty, the songwriter, lead guitar player, and vocalist for Creedence Clearwater Revival has “got out of there” a few times in his 67 years of life. He largely vanished from music after CCR’s break-up in 1972, with two middling solo albums leading to a first retirement from 1976-1985. 1985 saw a thundering comeback with Centerfield. Besides the wellknown title track, the album’s first single, “The Old Man Down the Road” had one of the greatest videos ever made, with the camera tracking a skittering path before ending finally with a view of Fogerty. A less-successful follow-up album led to more getting out of there, until reappearances in 1997 and 2004. Fogerty has re-embraced his CCR legacy (“Proud Mary,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Fortunate Son”—it’s a long list). Touring in support of Wrote a Song for Everyone, a collaborative effort of CCR covers featuring Fogerty backed by or in duet with Foo Fighters, Keith Urban, and Bob Seger, among the notables. He will be playing the complete album at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on July 18.

Nela Koenig

Tickets for John Fogerty go on sale June 15. Visit tbca.com for more details.

Larry Hogard

Certified Home Inspector Energy Advisor

ASSOCIATE MEMBER

807.620.3886 larry@superiorinspections.ca www.superiorinspections.ca

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Residential Home Inspections • Energy Assessments • Home Energy Savings Serving Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario since 2008

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4/17/12 6:31:04 PM

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Music

JUNE 22•23•24, 2012

Bert Rowson

PIERRE SCHRYER’S 11th ANNUAL

Songs for the Animals Swept Away by Dulcisono By Meghan Jewell

FIDDLE BAGPIPE PIANO GUITAR BODHRAN STEPDANCE WHISTLE

Thunder Bay woman’s choir, Dulcisono, directed by Susan Marrier, captivated audiences on May 6 at Hilldale Luthern Church. Their concert, entitled “All Creatures Great and Small,” honoured all living things, with 10% of the ticket sales going to the Field Naturalist organization, which protects habitats around Thunder Bay. The concert was lively and fun and included a variety of genres such as traditional, modern, and blues. The choir kicked things off by standing in a ring around the audience to perform “A Place in the Choir” by Bill Staines, their beautiful harmonies filling every corner of the church. Several special guests joined Dulcisono for the concert, including CBC broadcaster and Walleye columnist Gord Ellis, flautist Rob Van Wyck, and 2012 Caddo Cup winner Irina Medvedeva, whose highly trained voice brought a true richness to the overall performance. The concert concluded with a playful tune, “Never Polka With a Porcupine”— strong words of advice from the Mark Burrow’s Collection. This song left the audience singing along in their seats and laughing out the door. Dulcisono Woman’s Choir has a great program lined up for next year, its tenth anniversary. For more information, visit dulcisono.org.

Erin Junkala Charms at Ruby Moon By Hubert O’Hearn

The greatest pleasure in reviewing is encountering a fresh young artist and being thrilled. Erin Junkala is a delight to the ears. She is quite skilled on the guitar, and it was refreshing to hear just the instrument, her voice, and a selection of songs that she made her own. She didn’t do so by over-dressing the salad with a lot of vocal whiz-bangery, but just by letting her loose-limbed charm and glorious smile translate the words and music into something fresh. I’ve always hated the “so who’s she like” question, although that is the one most asked. If my feet and hands were put to the fire and keyboard respectively (it wouldn’t work well otherwise), I’d describe her as the love child Neil Young and Joni Mitchell never had. She has Mitchell’s swing phrasing, even on rigorous folk standards like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” while her set really took off when she covered Young’s “The Needle and the Damage Done.” The atmosphere was truly campfire-good-times joyous by the time she completed her solo set, with The Beatles’ “I’ve Just Seen a Face.”

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FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Ceilidh Dance • General $15 • Children (6 - 12 yrs) $5

Port Arthur Polish Hall, Court St. S. - 7:30pm

Tickets available at Colosimo’s Music Store or online.

Roll up your sleeves and kick up your heels with dance caller Dan Gorno. Live music from the celebrated performers of the 2012 Canadian Celtic Celebration.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Celtic Music and Dance Workshops • $10 per class

La Verendrye School, High St. N. - 10am to 4:30pm Register online at www.CanadianCelticCelebration.com.

Come and learn a tune or a few dance steps! Choose from over 20 different workshops for all ages and all levels. Each class is 50 minutes long.

FEATURE CONCERT SUNDAY, JUNE 24

General $29 • Student $19

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - 7:30pm Tickets available at TBCA Box Office or www.tbca.com.

Don’t miss Thunder Bay’s premiere Celtic event! Pierre Schryer has joined together 12 top rate performers, including Quebec’s “Raz de Marée” and “Two-Tap Trio” from Minneapolis, for a spectacular show.

CANADIANCELTICCELEBRATION.COM

VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

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Music

17 11

STARTERS

DIFFERENT STEAKS FROM $21

DIFFERENT SAUCES

SIDE CHOICES

WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER

S T E A K LO U N G E

erinjunkalapics

STEAK WITH A SIDE OF STYLE

Located in the Valhalla Inn | 1 Valhalla Inn Road | 577.1121 ext R25 Erin Junkala busking in Dublin, Ireland, spring 2012

Burnin’ to the Sky By Gord Ellis

Erin Junkala: Adventures in Busking

GE: You just came back from your trip to Europe. Where else did you busk there? EJ: Besides Dublin, there was Venice, Italy and Brussels, Belgium. And what an amazing experience each and every one was. GE: What was the best experience there?

Busking is an activity that requires equal amounts intestinal fortitude, belief in self, and ability to take criticism easily. It also helps if you can deal with all types of weather and still strum a guitar. I’ve watched buskers in Thunder Bay with a mixture of pity and awe as they slammed away on their six strings in weather that could spawn glaciers. Thunder Bay singer-songwriter Erin Junkala apparently has all the coping skills required to perform outdoors to complete strangers. The 25 year old recently busked her way through Europe and lived to tell about it. Burnin’ to the Sky was all ears. GE: Where and when did you first busk and what song did you play? EJ: My first time busking was in Ireland just a few months ago. Played a little show at a café, headed out for drinks after with some friends and the live music in the bar amped me to get out on the street and play. It was rainy and wet, typical Irish weather. I don’t remember what the first song was because I was too busy observing my surroundings, taking it all in

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EJ: Ha! I’m busking on a bridge overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice, the most beautiful, romantic setting you can imagine. I’m drinking red wine from a tetra pack, playing away, loving it. A man walks up and throws something down while I’m playing, I smile and continue singing. He then comes back and says, “This should help you out some more.” He smiles and then walks away. I try to stop and say thank you but before I know it, he’s gone. I get back to the hotel, look inside my case and find two bills that are folded up. I take them out and it’s a twenty and a one hundred dollar bill. I jumped with joy because I was slowly running out of money and that just paid for the hotel, both nights. All together that night I made just about $200 Canadian in less than two hours. It was awesome! GE: What was the worst? EJ: I haven’t had a bad time busking. That just seems wrong.

GE: Who’s the best busker you’ve ever heard? EJ: There was a really sweet guy playing Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen tunes while I was in Barcelona. But then there was also a deadly band down by the harbour that had the crowd going. For me, it’s all about the experience you let yourself have when you’re listening. It’s not about who is better. GE: What’s the biggest misconception about it? EJ: That people are out there “begging.” I guess you can call it what you want. But if you’re on the other side listening, allowing yourself to enjoy what’s going on, is it really that wrong of you to chuck some change? It’s a form of art, it’s there to share. GE: What advice would you give someone who wants to hit a street corner, guitar in hand? EJ: Just let it happen. GE: You ever see a day when you won’t do it? EJ: Nah. I’ll always be that grungy looking girl sitting on the curb somewhere singing away, making my funny faces and loving it. Why not, right? Life’s too short. Note: You can find Erin Junkala and her music on Youtube, Soundcloud and Facebook.

Music

Beethoven’s Piano Legs Giving Musicians a Leg Up Story and Photo by Kathryn Lyzun

For independent musicians, the digital revolution is both a blessing and curse. On one hand, thanks to affordable technology and social media, musicians need little more than talent and a laptop to record, produce, and promote themselves to a vast global audience. However, because it’s so easy to produce and distribute music, the market is swollen with artists struggling to be heard above the din. And therein lies the challenge: you’ve written the songs, recorded the tracks, and can now choose from endless channels through which to promote your sound. But how do you choose? Is there a right path? And seeing as you can broadcast yourself just as easily from Dinorwic as you can from Montreal, in the end is it still necessary to move to a major city to make it big? As a local musician trying to find his own path while juggling promotion, tours, and gig bookings, Lucas Jewitt saw an opportunity to help other local musicians sort out the business and promotion end of a career in the music industry. “I was motivated to start this business because I believe there’s a lot of musical talent here in Thunder Bay that’s not receiving the attention it deserves. I wanted to work with local artists who are trying to build a career in music without moving out of town,” he says.

Through a grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Jewitt set up Beethoven’s Piano Legs—a small recording studio and artist services centre focused on helping local musicians cut through the clutter and make a mark on the larger music scene. He currently works with a small number of local artists (Siblings of Glory, Isaac Matthews, Melody & the Playboys) to book gigs, plan tours, market their music, and apply for grants. “There are a tonne of people doing great work locally to promote music and the arts in Thunder Bay, but for many musicians accessing and utilizing all of these potential supports can be overwhelming. The idea with Beethoven’s Piano Legs was to start an artist services company that would help local artists with the business side of their career while staying right here in Northwestern Ontario,” Jewitt says. For more information about Beethoven’s Piano Legs, find them on Facebook or email Lucas at lucasjewitt@gmail.com.

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REVIEWS

OfftheWall

Books Music Video Vinyl

The Lost Sessions 1974

Peter Appleyard and the Jazz Giants (Linus 270135)

Re-issues are one thing, but a previously unreleased blow session is another. This album comes to us 38 years after it was recorded at RCA’s Toronto studio. This is Benny Goodman’s band, and the lineup on this record is extraordinary— Peter Appleyard (vibe), Hank Jones (piano), Zoot Sims (sax), Bobby Hackett (cornet), Mel Lewis (drum), Urbie Green (trombone), and Slam Stewart (bass).

Whitehorse

Whitehorse Every now and again two artists will come together, each bringing with them very different perspectives and styles— a marriage of minds creating the perfect duet. Husband and wife musicians Luke Doucet (Veal) and Melissa McClelland have done just that. The result, Whitehorse, is a collaborative endeavor flavoured with hints of folk, indie rock, and country, flowing with new material as well as covers of each other’s work. McClelland’s “Passenger 24,” re-recorded with a distinctly raw, rock-infused back beat, and Doucet’s “Broken” are prime examples of this. A cover of Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” breathes new life into the iconic ballad. The album blends genres seamlessly into a tapestry sure to secure approval from both artists’ fan base.

The album is unusually close to the way it was recorded—as if it is one step away from the studio. This is good and bad: it’s interesting to hear how the sausage is made, but it’s sloppily presented here, and the track at the end with outtakes is forgettable. The playing overshadows any criticism of the production, fortunately, and to hear this group of professionals crank out tunes is, for the afficionado, a treat. - DMK

Here Come the Brides!: Reflections on Lesbian Love and Marriage Edited by Audrey Bilger and Michele Kort

- Tracy Sadgrove

Published at a point in history when same-sex weddings are becoming more and more common and society’s definition of marriage is beginning to slowly but decidedly shift, the anthology Here Come the Brides! could not be more timely. Alternately funny, poignant, thought-provoking and deeply personal, this collection features stories, poems and artwork illustrating a variety of different viewpoints on lesbian marriage—including those of Thunder Bay writer Susan Goldberg, whose personal essay, “Four (same-sex) Weddings and a Funeral” will, in inimitable Goldberg style, make you laugh while breaking your heart. Here Come the Brides! is essential reading for anyone interested in LGBTQ issues, marriage equality, or understanding how the legalization of same-sex marriages has changed the ways lesbians think about their relationships—or for anyone who simply loves a good love story, because above all else, that’s what this book is really about. - Amy Jones

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What Are We Waiting For

James Struthers

I was listening to James Struthers’ self-titled second album when the ghost of John Sebastian came floating through the room. This was particularly shocking as Sebastian is not actually dead. However the hallucination was explainable, as any of Struthers’ cheerily romantic songs could be slid in between the tracks of The Lovin’ Spoonful and Herman’s Hermits on a 1960s compilation and I defy anyone to tell the difference. At the time of this review, the first single off What Are We Waiting For had risen to Canada’s Top 50. There is absolutely no wonder about that success, as the song is as colourful, light, and catchy as butterflies. Now, Struthers is not an intense lyricist. “A little white horse for you in the stable/ A dozen red roses on the kitchen table/ My girl, what are we waiting for?”—Bob Dylan sleeps well tonight. However, if you’re looking for background music with which to gaze at a first love, this pop’s for you. - Hubert O’Hearn

Style Wars

Directed by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant Style Wars is a 1983 documentary that explores the early days of hip hop culture in New York. In the early 80s, breakdancing, rap and graffiti had emerged as forms of self-expression by inner-city youth and the film presents their perspective, which is strikingly innocent. The film is kind of a “Hip Hop 101” and the breakdancing footage is awesome (don’t try this at home). With emphasis on graffiti, the film shows the artists, mostly ages 10-16, struggling to express themselves and shares the views of the mayor of New York City, disgruntled transit riders and one of the artist’s mothers— she doesn’t see her son as an artist at all and is appalled at his disrespect for the property of others. What might come as a surprise is the level of organization among the graffiti artists. The film shows the artists sketching ideas at home, organizing themselves into teams and planning out the details. Scenes featuring their work on trains inevitably provokes thought about whether it is an eyesore and a crime or art—a debate that continues today. A winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, Style Wars is considered to be one of the best hip hop films ever made. The DVD, released in 2006, includes previously unreleased outtakes and “where are they now” footage. - Darren McChristie

The Bungalow by Sarah Jio

and Public Art in Canada

ed. by Annie Gerin and James S. McLean Serendipitously, I heard about the theme of this issue after finishing an intriguing book a friend lent me in which a piece of public art has an important role. The Bungalow by Sarah Jio (Plume, 2012) is a sweet yet complicated story of romance, war, mystery, and friendship. One of its themes is that true love really does survive, and the main character in this book regularly walks by a sculpture without realizing its significance. Public art’s significance to Canadians is given thoughtful analysis in the collection Public Art in Canada: Critical Perspectives (University of Toronto Press, 2009), edited by Annie Gerin and James S. McLean. From the popularization of road trips to Niagara Falls in the 1930s, to the growth of airports in the 1950s, the essays in this collection provide insight into how our history influenced the way our shared spaces have developed artistically. -Joanna Aegard The Walleye

Music

Saturday, June 30th 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Canadian Celtic Celebration Feature Concert By Michelle McChristie

The Canadian Celtic Celebration culminates with a feature concert at the TBCA on June 24. The concert is Thunder Bay’s premiere Celtic event and will showcase internationally renowned fiddler Pierre Schryer with 12 of his top rate colleagues from around the continent. Schryer, who lives in Thunder Bay, holds titles such as Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion and North American Irish Fiddle Champion. He and his wife, Merrie Klazek, organize the Canadian Celtic Celebration, a multi-day festival. Klazek is familiar to fans of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra as their principal trumpet. Among the talented musicians on stage will be Olivia Korkola, fresh from her first year of study at the Berklee College of Music. Celtic music celebrates joie de vivre with energetic rhythms— its spirit is infectious. Performers include the Two-Tap Trio from Minneapolis, Rachel Aucoin and Sabin Jacques from Quebec, and champion step-dancer Tiffany Fewster.

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Tickets are $19 for students and $29 for adults and available at www.TBCA.com or at the box office, 6844444. For the complete schedule for the Canadian Celtic Celebration visit www.CanadianCelticCelebration.com.

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Darren McChristie

Architecture

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

409 Victoria Avenue South Built: 1911 Architect: Victor D. Horsburgh Superintendent of construction: Robert Alford, Seaman & Pennimen, General Contractors Fort William Heritage Designation: May 9, 1994

“...an ornament to the street and a structure constructed along such imposing lines that it would be a credit to any city of whatever size.” (The Times Journal, Fort William 12 April 1911) When it was built in the spring of 1911, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce building on Victoria Avenue inspired civic pride and confidence in the bank. The Times Journal described it as airy and grand—an impressive piece of real estate. Marble floors, fluted columns, ornamental ceilings, and bronze window frames decorated the space inside. A lobby illuminated by skylights, with teller’s cages and fixtures constructed of Honduras mahogany—the richness of it all is imaginable as you stand in front of the massive 25 foot Doric columns of the remaining façade. At the time, the new branch replaced the landmark Albion Hotel as the area developed into the financial hub of Fort William. The magnificence of the building was boasted about widely in newspaper articles, described as both imposing and impressive. On January 7, 1911, The Daily News (Port Arthur) described the main

entrance, with its large bronze doors five by twelve feet and “a large extra fancy colored transom” and explained that “the cornice over the second story windows will be a massive copper structure and of a very expensive design.” Ontario’s Beaux-Arts style of eclectic grand Classical principles, developed during the last decades of the 19th century, was clearly demonstrated by the Grecian Doric design of the front façade and the generous 15-foot ceilings on the first floor. Bank manager A.A. Wilson was a driving force behind the new building and securing its location; his private office was furnished in the same affluent style as the counting room. Separate office suites on the second floor were accessed by the lobby staircase, with additional private street access to accommodate the growing business core. In February 2007, fire devastated the former bank. Demolition of the once-airy banking hall was unavoidable, but the façade was saved and will be incorporated into any future development. The façade is made up of fired terracotta imported from Leeds, England, with Grecian floral embellishments framing the doorways and windows. Four columns, each standing out four feet from the main wall, support a third floor frieze and the windows of the banking offices, and are the only of their kind left in Thunder Bay.

There is a group of community-minded people working to gain funding to begin transforming this space into a sculptural garden. To learn more about their efforts and to contribute your ideas or support, search Bank Scultpure Garden and Greenspace on Facebook By Amy Vervoort with thanks to Troy Tronrud at The Thunder Bay Museum. The Walleye

Health

A Brief History of Bike Lanes By Marlene Wandel Bike lanes in Thunder Bay have enjoyed a certain level of infamy, with public commentary from both fans and detractors. Adam Krupper, Active Transportation Coordinator, helpfully shared some information with us about the history and future of bike lanes in Thunder Bay. The City of Thunder Bay’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee formed the Active Transportation Plan in 2008. The plan mapped out 120 km of bike lanes. The first lanes were delineated in May 2010, and to date there are 17.5 km of bike lanes, as well as 2.5 km of shared use lanes. The distinction is important—bike lanes are for bicycle use only, and are marked by a bicycle, a diamond, and arrow symbols. Vehicles may legally travel in shared use lanes; these are indicated by a bicycle with two chevrons.

be known is whether the increase in bicycle traffic in bike lanes is due to an increase in overall bicycle commuting in Thunder Bay, or whether cyclists are emerging from the relatively safe but inefficient residential routes. Another interesting tidbit from the fountain of Active Transportation knowledge: the average commute in Thunder Bay is just under 5 km, not an unreasonable cycling distance. The city council meeting on June 4 is slated to receive motions from the Engineering Division to accept proposed bike lane routes, and to approve the attendant parking restrictions. The same meeting is expected to see motions to remove bike lanes from Thunder Bay’s streets, and to amend by-laws in such a way that cyclists would be forced to ride on sidewalks. For riders, cyclists, and drivers, the outcome will be significant.

Data collected by the city since 2004 shows an 80% decrease in bicycle-vehicle collisions on streets with bike lanes. Every street endowed with a bike lane has shown an increase in bicycle traffic, from modest increases of 6% to dramatic gains of over 500%. It is noteworthy that Victoria Avenue, with the most controversial bike lane, shows the most profound increase in bicycle traffic. What cannot

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With sturdy 304 stainless construction and 62,500 BTUs of “grill power,” this five burner grill is the ultimate choice for serious grill aficionados. Available in all stainless or stainless and black enamel, the Heritage VCS500 cart model is a rugged addition to any outdoor space. Standard features on this top-of-the-line grill include 20,000 BTU rotisserie burner, 15,000 BTU side burner, 937 square inches of cooking surface, five main burners with single source ignition, grill light, rotisserie kit, 304 stainless steel sear plates, casters, stainless towel bars, condiment trays, side shelves and doors, smoker box and cast iron grids.

Health

Nutrition Willpower: Why It Doesn’t Work By Paul Hemsworth

I’m sure many of us have used the excuse that we just don’t have the willpower to make nutritional changes. The truth is, most people flat-out suck at having self-control and willpower. This is not an opinion, it’s a scientific fact— self-control is actually an exhaustible resource, according to Chip and Dan Heath, authors of the ground-breaking book on change called Switch. Think of self-control as you would doing a bench press: with each successive repetition, it gets harder until you can’t do it anymore. It turns out that humans have a certain amount of self-control that becomes harder and harder to harness as we get busier and more stressed. If we “switch” our mindsets from relying on willpower to shaping our own path for success, we will be more likely to achieve a lasting change in the kitchen. Our kitchens should be our safe haven, where we can go and know

that we have the tools to eat healthy. If we want a treat, we’ll have to make it. And that’s okay: after all, we are human beings and can indulge once in a while. However, if we think that we can buy chips, cookies, and ice cream and they will just “sit there for company,” we are fooling ourselves, my friends. The first step after deciding that you do indeed want eat healthier is to start to rid your pantry of boxed items, processed foods, and pre-packaged foods, and replacing it with fresh produce, lean meats, and a good set of pots, pans, and knives. Learning to cook can be as easy as following a recipe, and once you get the ball rolling, you’ll be feeling better and actually enjoying the kitchen! Paul Hemsworth is a strength and wellness coach. For more info, go to hemsworthstrength.com.

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Eat-in or take-out Mon - Sat 11-7pm

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theArts

Nowadays

Not just another zombie tale By Tiffany Jarva

Nowadays, a new graphic novel by writer Kurt Martell and illustrator Chris Merkley, is a morality story set in Northwestern Ontario, complete with photos shot on location and plot based on the northern experience—including, of course, a gritty nod to tree planting subculture. A graduate of the Confederation College Film Production program, Martell initially started penning Nowadays as a screenplay after moving to Toronto over a decade ago. “I wanted to try to re-invent the zombie genre,” he says. “In 2000 there were no new zombie movies—at least nothing really new to satisfy.” Martell started reading comics, discovering that many of the original backstories to popular reads like Batman were more dark than he had initially realized. His goal had always been to present fullycoherent zombie characters who have to make tough moral decisions in order to survive, paralleling the tormented take on the vampire genre. Martell says that his storyboarding skills improved as a result of reading more comics, and he eventually shifted from wanting to create a film to wanting to create a comic/graphic novel. He knew he would have to find the right illustrator, but also thought it might be logistically easier to do a comic as opposed to a film. Martell glances over at Merkley, “Or maybe it’s just easier for the writer?” “Yeah, I thought it was going to save me time but it didn’t really,” says Merkley. Merkley and Martell reconnected in Thunder Bay after years of moving around, and when Martell described the project to him, Merkley, who studied Fine Arts at Lakehead University, was interested. “I love zombies and Kurt pitched a story that changes. It’s not a black and white story. It’s a moral story, and I love tough moral stories.” In Nowadays, situations even arise where zombies and humans have to work together. Martell adds, “I wanted [the reader] to have sympathy for the monster. It’s more tragic this way.” Unlike Martell, Merkley grew up reading comics. “It’s very different to do—kind of the bastard child of film and literature. There’s a certain amount of emotion, and a certain kind of openness unique to comics. They’re more visual but also more difficult to make into a cohesive story.” His goal is to approach comics “with an art sensibility.” Three years ago, thanks to a grant from the Ontario Arts Council, Merkley started scouting locations from Beardmore to Thunder Bay for Nowadays, taking thousands of photos along the way—photos that became the backdrop in the book for the traditionally ink-drawn characters. Northwestern Ontario readers will get a kick out of recognizing some of the places, from the interior and exterior of AJ’s Trading Post to the McKenzie Inn. By taking photos on location (including stumbling on a Dodge 440, which was perfect for a specific scene Merkley had in mind, and ended up by pure chance, being owned by someone he was related to!), and using real people in the community as models for the characters, Nowadays is not only a unique zombie tale set in Northwestern Ontario—over the years it has also evolved into a project with a strong sense of community connections. Nowadays is set to launch in October 2012. Because their grant doesn’t cover printing, Merkley and Martell are hoping to raise funds to help with their publishing costs through Indiegogo. If you’re interested in helping with this project, visit indiegogo.com/nowadays.

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theArts

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LIVINGGREEN Q- I am trying to use my car less and cycle more, but I find it frustrating when I get to a business and there is no bicycle rack to secure my bike. Why don’t more businesses have bicycle parking? A – That’s a great question and one you need to ask every business you patronize. The more requests received from customers, the more likely that a business or office will invest in bike parking. The City of Thunder Bay has developed Bicycle Parking Guidelines to help businesses make the right choice about bike parking, and there is also a new program called Bike Racks for Business which simplifies the process of buying and installing bike racks. Through the Bike Racks for Business program, businesses and organizations can apply for a high quality, artistic bike rack. Also included in the program is professional consultation on rack placement, help getting the required permits, and a professional installation. Hopefully this program will result in a more cyclist-friendly community. As an additional benefit, the bike racks will feature distinctive circular panels depicting artwork produced by local artists Caroline Kajorinne, Jean Marshall, Luke Nicol, and Jennifer Nichols. The four designs were selected as part of an open competition administered by Thunder Bay’s Recreation and Culture Division. The designs strengthen the visual identity of the city and enhance our daily experience of walking or cycling. An investment in these bike racks is equally an investment in the arts, and demonstrates clear support for local artists. If you notice that one of your favourite stores or organizations lacks bike parking, suggest that they call Lee Amelia, City of Thunder Bay Active Transportation Intern, at 625-2295. Lee can help get them rolling with great bike parking. - Ellen Mortfield

Art on the shores of Lake Superior

Grand Marais arts

Festival

72 Booths • Artist Demos • HAnDs-on Activities • Live music

Organized & Juried by the Grand Marais Art Colony, a nonprofit art center dedicated to nurturing creativity for 65 years.

July

14 & 15, AntHony HounDer

Betsy Bowen

w w w

r A n D

2 0 1 2

LAurA stone

r t

A r A i s

BenjAmin oLson

o L o n y

o r G

120 West 3rd Ave • Grand Marais • Minnesota • (218) 387-2737

A FY2012 recipient of the MN Festival Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the arts & cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the MN State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of MN on Nov. 4, 2008.

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LIVINGGREEN

McVicar Manor with its ornate entablature and pinnacled turret Lars on Homes

T he Art and Architecture of a Home

Bungalow with bell-cast eaves featured on www.ontarioarchitecture.com

By Larry Hogard

Besides being practical, a home can have artistic appeal. Much of this attraction is in the architectural style of both its exterior and interior features. Whether artistic design is practical or not, it is meant to please the eye and the heart. People fall in love with a house because of the way it looks and feels to them. Floor plans, roof shapes, chimneys, dormers, window and door styles, and interior finishes are all examples of details that enhance the appearance of a home. In the Thunder Bay area, there are dozens of residential building designs. These include the bungalow, split-level, ranch, modern, saltbox, log, post and timber frame, the town/row house, and one and a half story, just to name a few. As well, there are hundreds of building shapes and details that form architectural focal points and uniquely define the artistic style of a home. Larry Hogard

The first impression anyone will have of a house usually comes from its exterior appearance. Features such as porches, decks, balconies, garages and carports, as well as materials used for roofing and wall cladding and any decorative trim all influence a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughts and reactions when looking at a house. The same thing happens when walking through the interior. Floor, wall and ceiling designs, paint colours, finishes such as trim, cabinets and counters, stairs, fireplaces and skylights all transform a house into a home and, sometimes, a work of art. There are endless combinations of design techniques that can be employed into a home. With research and the help of an architectural or interior designer, a home can be modeled into a piece of art that is pleasing to both the eye and the heart. A non-profit, educational website for architecture in Ontario is ontarioarchitecture.com. Featured on this website for its unique design, under the bungalow category, is a local Thunder Bay home. Larry Hogard is a Certified Home Inspector and Energy Advisor with Superior Inspections Inc. He can be contacted at larry@superiorinspections.ca.

Wood shingled gable with a turret at left and cupola at right.

Stone chimney with lead-pane windows and bell-cast eaves

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LIVINGGREEN

The Bat Men

organic herbs

By Bonnie Schiedel

books & journals organic shea butter & african black soaps

Raili Roy

fairy & fantasy gifts

spices & teas

tarot and oracle cards

crystals for crystal healing sage & smudge accessories

189 S. Algoma Street Thunder Bay, ON 807-983-2122 www.fairygarden.ca

You can’t help but hear the Batman theme song in your head when you talk to Ron Bates, co-owner of Canadian Bat Houses. He and his brother Gregg founded the company almost by accident eight years ago, when a family member asked them to build a high-quality bat house—a small rectangular structure that is mounted on a building or in a yard, designed to be an attractive home for bug-eating bats. (A single little brown bat, the species that roost in bat houses, can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes in an hour.) The brothers looked at the existing bat houses on the market and realized they weren’t watertight. Since bats need warm, dry homes, they drew on their professional backgrounds—both are certified licensed roofers—and built a bat house covered with a black rubber membrane. “It never leaks, never needs maintenance and as a bonus, absorbs the sun’s heat so the house stays warm,” explains Bates. Their first house was a huge success and led to more orders. Today they sell about 150 houses a year to residential, government, and corporate customers, and their sales figures have increased by 30 per cent each year. They offer four different-sized models, with the most popular being the “Nursery,” which holds 300 bats. Bates’ wife Jo-Anne helms the office, taking orders from around the world—Italy, Bermuda, Australia, and of course right here at home in Thunder Bay. They just shipped 10 to the City of Vancouver for its municipal golf courses, and are currently filling an order for 40 going to Haiti. (Bats not included—yes, that is a common question, says Bates!) The bat houses are the only ones in Canada that have been certified by Bat Conservation International, a conservation group based in Austin, TX that is a world leader in bat research and conservation. And bats need all the help they can get: little brown bats, found widely around the world including Northwestern Ontario, are facing both habitat loss and a devastating disease called white nose syndrome that is killing them by the millions. (The disease is not known to spread to humans or other animals. It has not been found in the northwest but the first cases in Timmins and Wawa were reported in 2011.) Whether you’re looking for bug-control without nasty pesticides or zappers, would like to encourage bats to relocate from an existing building on your property, or just want to celebrate 2012 as the Year of the Bat as declared by the United Nations Environment Programme, consider adding a bat house to your real estate portfolio. To learn more visit canadianbathouses.com

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Painted Turtle 29th ANNIVERSARY

SALE

JUNE 4th to 9th

29% OFF

all regular priced art supplies Check our website for classes &workshops

33 S CUMBERLAND 344-4636

www.paintedturtleart.com

FILMTheatre

Dave Clement

Cinematographer of the Year

Sweet Pea’s

By Melanie Thompson

Restaurant

A local drama and documentary filmmaker is being recognized for his skilled cinematography. On April 28, Dave Clement, co-owner of Thunder Bay’s Thunderstone Pictures, was awarded Music and Film in Motion’s Cinematographer of the Year Award for Return to Manomin. The 72-minute documentary, directed by Michelle Derosier, chronicles four generations of an Anishinabek family as they struggle to rekindle their ancient wild rice traditions. The award gala, honouring the work of Northern Ontario musicians and filmmakers, was hosted by Survivorman Les Stroud and was held at Sudbury’s Laurentian University.

252 Algoma St. South

Clement notes his surprise that the three-year project won in its category, even when nominated with IMAX films and dramas, which are filmed in more controlled environments. “A documentary is not like that,” says Clement. “You’re working with the light that is presenting itself. You’re framing reality as it happens. There’s no chance for second takes.”

344-8543 We are now licenced

sweetpeascatering@shaw.ca www.sweetpeashomecatering.com

Cinematographer of the Year” Dave Clement with Les Stroud (Survivorman). Stroud hosted the 2012 Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards.

This earth scientist-turned journalist stumbled into filmmaking by accident about ten years ago, and hasn’t looked back. Clement recognizes the talent in Northern Ontario and encourages anyone working in music and film to submit their work for next year’s awards. He is convinced that the talent in this region can compete with the best.

THUNDER BAY POTTERS’ GUILD

POTTERY FAIR

Saturday June 23, 2012 (10 am – 4 pm) 1914 arthur street, west West arthur community centre Pottery firings & sales Demos Children’s crafts refreshments

Thunderstone Pictures Cinematographer Dave Clement with Director Michelle Derosier. Clement won Cinematographer of the Year for his work on Derosier’s film “Return To Manomin”

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CHANGES consignment boutique

New and gently used clothing, footwear, jewelery, purses and accessories, Youth, ladies and men’s wear.

Make a “change” today

113 S. May St., (807) 285-0791

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FILMTheatre

Start the day with Lisa Laco for breaking news, weather, daily events and compelling stories.

Weekdays starting at 6am

The Pineville Heist Reaches Extraordinary Heights By Amy Jones

This spring has been an exciting one for Thunder Bay writer and filmmaker Lee Chambers. During a free online promotion in April, his novel—the young adult thriller The Pineville Heist, based on the award-winning screenplay he wrote with Todd Gordon—rocketed to the number one spot on the Kindle store in both the thriller and YA thriller categories, as well as the third spot on Amazon’s overall bestseller list. And since the promotion ended, downloads have continued to climb. “The Pineville Heist sold more in eight hours than the previous eight months on all sales channels, combined,” says Chambers. “Pretty impressive considering the book’s ranking the night before was 188,423!” Chambers—a professor of Film Production at Confederation College, who recently won a NOMFA award for Screenwriter of the Year for his short film Hugh Jackson Saves the World—has a few more tricks up his sleeve. “Plans are now underway to make the movie version with Twilight’s Booboo Stewart [Seth Clearwater] attached to star,” he says. And with over 27,000 ebook downloads to his credit, a Hollywood star on his team, and an award or two on his shelf, you can bet it won’t be long before those plans come to fruition.

cbc.ca/superiormorning

For more information, visit pinevilleheist.com.

CBC Radio Canada, English Communications treet West P.O. Box 500, Station ì Aî Toronto, ON M5W 1E6 Print Production 416-205-3781

Don’t let your household hazardous waste end up here. throwing hazardous waste in the garbage or down the drain is dangerous to the environment. Bring it to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot free of charge.

www.thunderbay.ca

For more inFormation call inFrastructure & operations – 625-2195 The Walleye

JuneEventsGuide June 2–3, 10 am–5 pm

June 8–June 10

June 9, 10 am

June 15, 7 pm–8 pm

June 21, 12 noon

Spring Round Up

Benny Birch’s Birthday Party

Pet Charity Leash-a-thon

Live Reptile Show

Confederation College 20th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

Fort William Historical Park Kick off the summer right at FWHP! Join them on the farm to meet animals old and new (including the new baby lambs that were named during Winter Carnival!) Visit their garden and plant a seed, paddle a canoe on the Kam River, learn about historic and organic farming and much more.  fwhp.ca June 2

Thunder Bay Roller Derby’s Debutante Brawl

Delaney Arena Join the Girls for their very first intraleague bout, as they unleash their new home teams upon the world: Elle Capones vs Grizzly Madams.  tbayrollergirls.com June 3–20

Spring Workshops

Vintage Pixie Studios Learn to make mosaics, a cobblestone faerie cottage, and more. All workshops are for ages 16 and up.  vintagepixiestudio.blogspot.com June 3, 9 am

Walk to Cure Diabetes

Boulevard Lake Charity walk to raise funds for diabetes research.  jdrf.ca June 4, 5 pm

WineSations

Bistro One Come on out to WineSations, a fabulous wine tasting event in support of children’s mental health in our community. Tickets are $100 and are available at Bistro One and Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, 283 Lisgar Street. ) 473-6167 June 7, 7:30 pm

Vision Circle: The Art of Roy Thomas - Opening Reception

Thunder Bay Art Gallery The exhibition constitutes the first critical examination of Roy Thomas’ work and illustrates the unique character of his contribution to the Woodland School of Art. A public, community event will launch the exhibition, and will include a drum ceremony, music, traditional Ojibwa food, and special guests.  theag.ca June 7, 14, 21, 28, 7 pm–10 pm

Bluegrass Jammin’ Night

North Neebing Community Centre Come on out and join the fun every Thursday night throughout the summer! Bring your own instrument or just sit and listen. Light refreshments available. Admission is $2. ) 473-7540 or 623-8119

Chippewa Park Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy great food, fun games, local entertainment, the Chippewa Park rides and Wildlife Park, plus much more! Local service clubs and charities, artisans and vendors participate by offering everything from candy floss and hot dogs to crafts and face painting.  sjcg.net

Boulevard Lake The Thunder Bay Veterinary Hospital is hosting its 17th Annual Pet Charity Leash-a-thon, consisting of a dog/ pet walk around Boulevard Lake followed by a barbecue picnic and awards ceremony at Current River Park. Registration forms available at Thunder Bay Veterinary Hospital or online.  tbvet.com

June 8, 6:30–10:30 pm

June 9, 7pm

All-Dressed: The Other 10% Prom

Henry Rollins: The Long March Tour

Thunder Bay Centre for Change Auditorium A party for LGBTTIQ and allied youth, featuring DJ Fabulous Dave. Cover is $5 and tickets are available in advance and at the door. All ages, drug and alcohol-free. ) 343-6373 June 8–9

Future Star Youth Talent Search

CLE Think you’ve got what it takes to be a Future Star? Can you sing, dance, or play an instrument like nobody’s business? Northern Ontario Youth Talent search proudly presents Future Star, with $3000 in cash prizes! Juniors are ages 6–12 with a $15 entry fee, seniors are 13–21 with an entry fee of $20. Preliminary competitions are June 8 and 9 with the final competitions Sunday, August 12.  cle.on.ca June 8–9, 7:30 pm

Willy Wonka Jr.

Paramount Theatre Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children. ) 285-3324 June 9, 9 am–3pm

Giant Yard Sale for Local Dog Rescue

221 Bay St. This year’s giant yard sale, with proceeds to Local Dog Rescue, will be held in the parking lot of CrossFit SubZero on the corner of Bay and Water. There will be tonnes of baby items, clothing, housewares, electronics, and more!  localdogrescue.com June 9, 10 am–3 pm

Spring Garden Tour

Various locations St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church presents their Spring Garden Tour, featuring six gardens and two workshops. Come out and enjoy the scenery and pick up some gardening tips. Tickets are available at Landale Gardens and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. ) 622-4273

Crocks For the first time in Thunder Bay, see the author, poet, and punk rock legend in a special spoken word engagement. Theatre-style seating, limited advanced tickets at $25.  loffredo.ca

Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area & Nature Centre Come out and see some of the most amazing creatures on the planet! Both native species and exotic species of reptiles will be on display. Pre-registration is required.  lakeheadca.com June 15, 7pm

Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

Fort William Historical Park An all-night fundraising event to celebrate the lives of those who are living with cancer, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and fight back against the disease.  relayforlife.ca June 18, 8 pm

Guess Who’s Laughing

Kabab Village Come and enjoy a four course lebanese dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients. Authentic bellydance entertainment by internationally acclaimed dance Dahab from the World Dance Centre. $40 dollars includes dinner, shows, coffee and dessert. Tickets available at Kabab Village and the World Dance Centre.  kababvillage.com

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium See two of the best stand-up comedians in the business: Alonzo Bodden, season three winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and John Caponera, a seasoned veteran of comedy throughout North America. The show is in support of the Northern Cancer Fund and is in honour of Michael Antcliffe who has been battling cancer for three years. Tickets are $30.  tbca.com

June 10–17

June 19, 7 pm

Thunder Pride

Senior Star

June 9

Beirut Night

Various Locations Events include an awareness breakfast, literary night, film night, walk of healing, drag show, and Pride in the Park—an afternoon family festival, picnic, and concert featuring Jane Siberry.  thunderpride.ca June 10, 10 am–1 pm

2012 Walk to Fight Arthritis

Chapples Park Thousands of people in 21 communities across Canada will come together to raise funds for this very important cause.  walktofightarthritis.ca June 12, 6 pm–9 pm

Photography Workshop

Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area & Nature Centre Join Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority Staff and local professional photographer Storm Carroll for a three hour workshop. Topics include basic theory, gear management, and tips for wildlife/nature/landscape photography. Cost is $25 per person. There is limited space available, so be sure to register early!  lakeheadca.com

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Join us for this fun-filled event! Cheer on your favourite Senior Star participant at our regional musical competition. General admission; tickets are $5 at the door.  tbca.com

Canadian Celtic Celebration

Various Locations A weekend of Celtic music and dance featuring Pierre Schryer, Merrie Klazek, Olivia Korkola, and other top Celtic performers from across Canada. Highlights include the Ceilidh at the Port Arthur Polish Hall on June 22, 7:30 pm, and the feature concert at the TBCA June 24, 7:30 pm.  canadiancelticcelebration.com June 23, 10 am–4 pm

Thunder Bay Potters’ Guild Pottery Fair

West Arthur Community Centre Thunder Bay is home to a talented group of potters who create an impressive variety of goods. The Spring Fair & Sale is an opportunity to interact with local potters through demonstrations. There will also be a “claypen” and mosaic art project for children, and a bake sale.  tbpottersguild.jimdo.com June 29-30

Retro Rock Revue

Rossport The Rossport Islands Sea Kayak Festival offers workshops and guided tours, Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) demos and workshops, voyageur canoe tours, sailing excursions with Sail Superior, an Iron Chef Camp Cookoff, great food, and entertainment.  rossportsymposium.ca June 21–23

June 29–July 1

Rossport Islands Sea Kayak Festival

Canadian Society for Spirituality and Social Work Spirituality Conference

Lakehead University This international conference will bring together academics, practitioners, and students to discuss and explore the importance of spirituality for individuals throughout their lifetimes, and its significance in relation to overall mental health and well-being.  socialwork.lakeheadu.ca/ projects/sswc2012

GENERAL FOOD ART SPORTS MUSIC The Walleye

June 22–24

Grand Portage Lodge, MN This celebration of music from the 70s, 80s and 90s kicks off with the Hoolies and Kiss Army Live on Friday night and continues on Saturday with Boogie Wonderland, The Zep Show and Smash Mouth (think “All Star” from Shrek). Tickets are $10 for Friday or $25 for the weekend; available at Grand Portage Lodge, Happy Time Tours, Solbada, The Urban Boutique and The Bean Fiend.  www.grandportage.com

June 21–24

EVENTS GUIDE KEY

Chapples Golf Course Our 9 hole, scramble format tournament kicks off at noon with a complementary BBQ lunch on the patio at Chapples. The day concludes at Confederation College’s Ryan Hall with a delicious dinner prepared by our culinary faculty. The net proceeds from this event go directly to financially assist students pursuing their education at Confederation College.  confederationc.on.ca/alumni/ golf

Squatchberry Literary Festival

Geraldton Community Centre A literary festival of regional authors, to coincide with Geraldton’s 75th Anniversary celebrations. More than a dozen published writers from Greenstone and Thunder Bay will offer readings of their works and lead workshops and panel discussions.  squatchberryfestival.ca June 30, 11 am–3 pm

Birthday Party

Bombardier The entire community is invited to the Bombardier plant for their 100th anniversary. There will be something for the entire family: food, live bands, bouncy castles, plant tours, historic showcases, and more.  bombardier.com

theWall

June 1

Scientists of Sound with JeanPaul De Roover and DJ RKill Crocks $8, 19+, 9 pm

An Evening of Rock and Roll featuring The Auditor General and Down Converter Black Pirates Pub $5, 19+, 10 pm June 2

Gdubz Album Release Party with Gdubz, The V@xx!ne, Xombi Black Pirates Pub $5, 19+, 9 pm June 6

Five Alarm Funk with The Communication

June 13

Everyone Everywhere with The Auditor General and guests

June 16

In the Eye of the Beholder

Irie Island Party featuring DJ Elaty & Big D

By Marlene Wandel

Black Pirates Pub $8, 19+, 10 pm June 15

Rusty Water & the Broken Troubadours Black Pirates Pub $TBA, 19+, 8 pm

Crocks $5, 19+, 9 pm June 16

Rusty Water & the Broken Troubadours Ruby Moon $TBA, 19+, 8 pm

Crocks $15, 19+, 8 pm

June 17

June 8

Black Pirates Pub $TBA, 19+, 8 pm

Art of Rhyme: Hip Hop Showcase and DJ Dance Party Crocks $5, 19+, 8:30 pm June 9

JC Wilkinson

Gargoyle’s Grille and Ale $TBA, 19+, 7 pm June 11

Kardinal Offishall Crocks $15, 19+, 9 pm June 12

Brasstronauts with Útidúr Crocks $10, 19+, 8 pm June 13

Kim Churchill with Asheigh Mannix and Juliann Robbins Crocks $15, 19+, 9 pm

Larry and his Flask

Cover Me Canada Winners Whosarmy Crocks $10, 19+, 9 pm June 23

The Cactus Blossoms

Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais $15/$7, All Ages, 7:30 pm June 26

John Mellencamp

Fort William Gardens $49.50–$89.50, All Ages, 7 pm June 29

Sunday Wilde

The Apollo Bar $TBA, 19+, 6:30 pm June 29-30

Retro Rock Revue

Grand Portage $10-Friday, $25-weekend

Marlene Wandel

June Music Events

I cover a lot of ground at slow speed. Walking, running, cycling, I encounter all kinds of messages meant for everyone to see. Searing neon letters on black backgrounds that advertise all manner of goods and services to walkers and drivers alike along Memorial Ave, litter on the ground encouraging me to buy that very same disposable item, spray-painted messages of love and hate, murals on store walls, and dragons on the side of a bridge. There is a Tyrannosaurus Rex under the highway bridge at Centennial Park who may or may not sport a signature—it’s hard to tell, looking at him across a river, through a fence. One wonders whether the artist’s feet got wet, like the T. Rex’s. This is our rotating outdoor gallery of graffiti images. Some is legal and sanctioned; some is graffiti, and quickly obliterated. But while the messages of hate, words of profanity, and images that no one can argue are anything but vulgar surely deserve the white-out of the Graffiti Guard, some of the images that blossom on the concrete underbelly of bridges and overpasses are beautiful and decorative. Graffiti is ephemeral; in time, it will fade, flake and crumble away, or disappear beneath the strokes of another nocturnal artist. It gives one pause to imagine the process: that no one is ever seen making it inspires an image of furtive urgency, of passion to express, of creativity in choosing a location that is visible, but not so accessible to be easily defaced. In theory, graffiti is vandalism. But vandalism smacks more of breakage, of destruction. Recently, two green porcelain masks appeared at two Port Arthur parks, with no word of explanation. A week later, the one at ground level was shattered. Is it vandalism if you destroy something that was, technically, vandalism? Another two weeks later, nothing remains but a shred of the cement that held the mask to the wall. Some displays in the gallery of graffiti are more short-lived than others. The walking path along McVicar Creek has been home to some fascinating creatures for some time. A dragon and a nesting doll shared space comfortably with some five-foot-tall letters. Along came a swastika and some words that would make anyone shudder, and days later, the whole gang is shrouded in grey, the wall another blank slate. Billboards, designed to take driver’s eyes off the road, are often hideous. Graffiti—an act of vandalism, sometimes beautiful, sometimes terrible—is defined by its unsanctioned presence on a canvas to which the artist has no claim. Graffiti is a form of expression that has nothing to do with sales or money. Depending which way the wind is blowing, painting a poem on the underground wall might be seen by thousands, or by one lone walker, who hates it and calls it in to the Graffiti Guard—or who loves it, and keeps it as their own special secret.

The Walleye

Marlene Wandel

TheEYE - Art?

The Walleye

THE OUTDOORS JUST GOT THAT MUCH BETTER

WE’VE GOT ENTERTAINMENT DOWN TO AN ART FORM With a year-round schedule of unmissable events and festivals, we know what it takes to transform an event into an experience.

Always something to celebrate – It’s in our nature.

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