20 Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Friday, November 15, 2013
World-class cellist gracing St. Mike’s
ON STAGE
The Village Voice has reviewed its share of Bach recordings. So this is worth repeating. “Michael Kevin Jones’ Bach Cello Suites is a must-have version no matter how many other recordings you have of this immortal work,” it wrote in a 2009 review. “Jones’ authentic approach to the Baroque dance form comes as a
true revelation.” Jones is the guest of honour at the next instalment of the St. Michael’s Presents Chemainus Classical Concert on Sunday. A Musical Fantasy will feature a virtuoso selection of cello music, including Bach’s suites and Joaquin Rodrigo’s sparkling Como una Fantasia. British-born cellist Jones started to play at
the age of 13, soon progressing to the Royal College of Music, international scholarships and a show for the royal family. The music starts at 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door from the usual outlets, or by calling 250-7488383.
Comedy not up for debate
Stand-up act: Expect live and current from Canadian funny man Steve Patterson Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
F
act is funnier than fiction to comic Steve Patterson. He’ll share why Saturday in the Cowichan Theatre during his stand-up routine This Is Not Debatable — a twist on Patterson’s hosting of CBC Radio’s popular The Debaters. “Everything I do is based on things that happened to me, or things I think, so I don’t have to make up much,” he told the News Leader Pictorial from Toronto. “Obviously, there’s definitely crafting that goes into the performance, but the funniest stuff has a basis in truth,’ said Patterson, 42. “I break into song periodically; I sometimes write letters to inanimate things; I try and treat each show so people are somehow personally involved.” Sometimes crowd members are brought on stage. “I start the show with new material about the town from newspapers, and local things I find out about.” Or Guinea-pigging the audience. “I try introducing new things as much as possible — things that are current. If not, you might as well act with a script. I directly address people in the crowd (by name).” Canadian politics is in his heckling cross hairs. “There’s really never been a more rich time for comedy in
Canadian politics than what’s going on right now; we’ve turned American in our stupidity. “You can’t make fun of the Americans anymore when their counterparts are here,” he said. “We’re on CNN and Americans can relate to us. “The only person I’d rather be in Canada now, other than me, is (NDP Opposition leader) Thomas Mulchair; he’s made me always tune into Question Period.” Still, Patterson gets mad about parliamentary silliness. “Some stuff I get so angry about, I’m not sure I can make it funny. What do Senators do? That’s what everyone should be asking. It’s early retirement.” But there’s always pot laws to parody. “Legalization of marijuana is certainly getting closer, and something I’ll have to touch on in B.C. It’s the number-one export out there. Have you ever smoked lumber?” Patterson’s act is clean, though “spicier” than heard on CBC, “but I’m not Andrew Dice Clay.” He fumbled naming his influential comedians. “Derek Edwards, hands down, pound for pound; K. Trevor Wilson is a mountain man of comedy story-telling; and there’s the classics: John Cleese, and Billy Connolly.” He also cited Ivan Decker and Mike Wilmot as guys whose act seems spontaneous, not scripted. “There should be things going on for people in a room. If not, it’s a play; good comedy is fresh,
made up on the spot. I never do the exact same show twice.” But Patterson follows some stage protocols. “A general rule with the best comics is to poke fun at the haves, not the have-nots — people who deserve to be brought down. “No one will have empathy for Mike Duffy who put himself there (Senate mess).” Don’t mock tragedies. Never say you’re the funniest performer. “Let others decide that: if they say that, I know for a fact they’re not that good.” And be genuine. “The most successful are the most down-to-earth. I always treat club staff like family.” Wise guy Patterson hit the stage from a dare, started with Just For Laughs in 1999, globetrotted the comedy world, and began hosting The Debaters’ ‘funny-and-fact’ format in ‘07. He earned a Gemini Award for his JFL performance in 2011, then won Best Male Stand-up at the Canadian Comedy Awards. It all bounces back to respect. “Be nice to everyone, be decent to people, and watch other comics perform,” he advised budding comics. Your ticket What: Steve Patterson’s This Is Not Debatable When: Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. Where: Cowichan Theatre Tickets; $42. Call 250-748-7529.
courtesy Steve Patterson
Steve Patterson is best-known as the host of CBC’s fun-and-fact radio show The Debaters, but he brings an edgier style to his stand-up act.
Faulks’ talent goes coast to coast
Peter W. Rusland
News Leader Pictorial
A Courtesy Sean Mayer
Cowichan players Ganjo Bassman (left) and Sean Mayer with rap star Matisyahu (centre) during Oct. 23 gig in Mexico City’s José Cuervo Saloon.
weekly compilation of facts, figures, and fascinating Cowichan culture: • Linda Faulks, Cowichan High’s retired, longtime art teacher tells us she’s working on a mural “tracing the medical history of Newfoundland” at the province’s Memorial University. The East Coast mural is the 10th Faulks has undertaken since retiring from CSS. Others include murals in Montreal, and in the Okanagan. • ReThreads’ Custom Clothing Company owner Sue Lindgren seeks artists to exhibit work in her free one-night Art Exposures
each Saturday night. 7 to 9 p.m., until Christmas. She was inspired by pieces by metal worker Donnick during downtown Duncan’s recent Under The Red Umbrella arts event. “This got us excited enough to do a test run with none other than Glenn Spicer,” she told us of the Maple Bay sculptor, photographer and stained glassman. Art Exposures are also by invitation, “meaning your name must be on our list for you to gain entrance,” she said. • Hudson’s on First toasted its one-year anniversary Nov. 7 — the same day Duncan chef Daniel Hudson competed in the prestigious Gold Medal Plates competition in Victoria. Plates is the first leg toward the Canadian Culinary Championships. “As
ARTSBEAT
one of the few selected chefs to compete, this is an honour and an exciting achievement,” Dan wrote us. Just two days later he was a guest chef in Experience B.C.’s Perfect Pairings Event in Whistler. It showcases culinary talent working with premium provincial ingredients, partnered with award-winning B.C. VQA wines. • Lensman Greg Glover has hung 15 photos in his Naked Confessions show at downtown Duncan’s Old Firehouse Wine Bar until Dec. 4. The Victorian’s first solo exhibit sees nude models expose their feelings about life and relationships in Glover’s
colourful prints. • Duncan’s Valley Medical Clinic (off Ingram Street) cheers patients with a regular cycle of art exhibits. Currently on display in the waiting room and hallways are healthy works by Rae Rhodes, Scott McIvor, Irma Livingstone, Shirley Harding, Janice Fennell, Susan Law, Pat Fischer, Bev Mountain, Maureen Kenward, and Kelly Schindle. Peter W. Rusland has been covering Cowichan’s arts and entertainment community for two decades. If you’d like to add to this column, reach him at arts@ cowichannewsleader.com.