A28
FRIDAY, November 22, 2019
www.kamloopsthisweek.com
arts&entertainment
kamloopsthisweek.com @kamthisweek
Record label’s mental health offering a step in the right direction
K
amloops recently had one of the giants of Canadian indy rock, Hollerado, come through town on their farewell tour. While the band is breaking up, the members will continue to make music and run their record label, Royal Mountain Records. Hollerado lead singer Menno Versteeg has amassed an impressive roster for his label, including Canadian stalwarts like Mac DeMarco, Orville Peck and Alvvays, as well as international bands like Congolese world-rockers Kokoko. Their roster is about to get a unique benefit from being on the small label: mental health coverage. As of Feb. 1, 2020, all artists signed to Royal Mountain will have $1,500 to spend on mental health expenses, which the bands do not have to pay back, nor do they need to pay into a fund to get the money. Royal Mountain may be the first independent record label to offer mental health coverage, with even the bigger names in music and in business balking at provid-
STEVE MARLOW
RADIO EDIT
ing money for mental health. Recently, Starbucks made a historic step to provide $5,000 for mental health issues to every Canadian employee. In September, Starbucks held a North American conference that included two sessions on improving mental health resourced for their employees, becoming one of the first franchises in North America to provide money for mental health. Royal Mountain is not a big record label, and $1,500 may not be much, but the label views it
as a start and a move in the right direction. Versteeg notes that the stereotype of the tortured artist is endemic in music, but that artists need not suffer for their art. Two private donors have approached the record label to donate more money to the label’s own layout of money for mental health. Musicians on small labels, and even on larger labels, act much like independent contractors and often must pay for their health care out of their own pockets. Versteeg would like to see all record labels treat mental health seriously and provide money for mental health and hopes that Royal Mountain’s innovation will set a precedent for other record labels to do the same for their own artists. It’s thought that one in every five adults will deal with mental health problems during their lifetimes. Steve Marlow is the program co-ordinator at CFBX, an independent radio station in Kamloops. Tune in at 92.5 FM on the dial or go online to thex.ca.
CONTENTat Valentine’sSPONSORED Weekend
WELCOME TO THe Holmes Is WHere
Most people know by now that first date conversations should not include politics and religion. Even if you are a minister or an elected official, there are so many other fun and playful topics that can be discussed. Another dangerous topic that should be avoided is money. While religion and politics are easy to avoid on a first date, money can’t really be completely ignored as there is going to be an upfront cost for coffee. Let’s face it, money can make everyone feel a little awkward. In this ever-changing world of women wanting pay equity in the workforce, it can be a bit confusing for both sexes when it comes to paying for dates. Experts suggest that in today’s modern dating world, the person initiating the date should be the one to pay for it. That just won’t fly in my business because, even though I meet women who are confident, independent and successful, most still feel a man needs to make the first move. Studies also show that 78 per cent of people still expect men to at least pay for the first date. I have written a previous column on this topic and I have many opinions on it, but rather than focusing on statistics and experts, here are some reminders for those who have been out of the dating game for some time:
because, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. 4. Don’t talk about money on your first date. Don’t even talk about it if you have lots of it. You may be seen as being pretentious and narcissistic. Women care more about health than wealth, so in the early stages, you need not flaunt it. 5. Don’t ever assume a man has to buy or pay for all of the dates. No matter how old-fashioned or traditional you are, it is absolutely archaic to expect this. 6. Try some dates that aren’t expensive. A previous column of mine contained many great suggestions from readers on fun free date ideas that don’t cost a thing and are actually more meaningful than the usual dinner and a movie If you would like to see that list, let me know and I will send it to you. 7. After a few dates and activities, you will know each other better — and that’s when you can dig a little deeper and find out what kind of relationship your potential match has with money. Some people save and invest and are very frugal. In some cases, they are so obsessed with having plenty of money at the end of their lives that they forget to enjoy it during their life. Then there’s the other side of the coin, those who live paycheque to paycheque, never worry about having
Is
enough to retire and feel like everything will work out for them. Hopefully, finding a place in the middle of these two would be ideal. 8. In the early days of dating, men should never complain about having to pay child support and women should never complain about ex-husbands who don’t pay child support. If you are in either of those two scenarios, you should not be dating. 9. If you happen to be wealthy and want to treat your partner to your first vacation together, go for it. I feel that for most people, when it’s time for that step, pick a vacation you can both afford and save up and split the costs. 10. If you have an unhealthy relationship with dough (and I am not suggesting you go on a Keto diet), seek counselling. I know people who are rich and unhappy and always wanting more. I see others who live modest lives and are at peace. Lastly, remember that time is more valuable than money. You can always get more money, but you can’t get more time. If you are happy, single and have a healthy relationship with money, contact me by email at holmes@ wheretheheartis.ca and I will take you for coffee. I will wait for you to arrive before ordering — and it’s my treat.
kamloopsthisweek kamloopsthisweek
Irish dance and magic show coming early next year KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK
A show combining modern Irish dance and magic, will come to Kamloops in February. Celtic Illusion takes performers from two classic dance performances — Riverdance and Lord of the Dance — and adds magic. Kamloops audiences can catch the show on Feb. 27, 2020, at Sandman Centre. The show premiered in 2011 and is directed and produced by Anthony Street, who is also the
show’s lead dancer and choreographer. Street was the first Australian to perform the lead role in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. “Audiences will be impressed by some of the fastest tap dancing in the world, not to mention an incredible soundtrack composed by a stellar team,” Street said in a release to media. Tickets for the show will go on sale online at ticketmaster.ca on Friday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m.
Cirque returns on ice KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK
Cirque du Soleil is returning to Kamloops — this time, on ice. The touring performance group’s new show is called Axel — named after the show’s main character, a young graphic artist and musician who dives into his own hand-drawn universe. What follows is an epic fantasy combining graphic art, music and a love story all told on the ice.
The music will provide the narrative to the show, while lights and lasers will dazzle, with creators taking inspiration from the atmosphere of big arena concerts. The show will feature freestyle skating, traditional pairs, solo and adagio work. Its Kamloops run will take place June 18 to June 21 at Sandman Centre. Ticket pre-sales began Tuesday, available online at ticketmaster.ca.
BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES, BIG OR SMALL!
Enjoy lunch or dinner while overlooking theTARA best view in Kamloops! HOLMES
matchmaker
mAsTer
1. If you arrive first for your coffee date, find a seat and wait patiently. It’s a common courtesy to show respect. Getting your coffee first does not leave a good impression. 2. Knowing most women like the idea of a man treating on the first date, guys should just do it. Maybe the woman will suggest she prefers to go Dutch, or maybe she will say thank you and offer to pay for the next coffee date. Yes ladies, you can also treat sometimes. 3. While on a date, never complain about how much something costs. You won’t get a second date if you do. Men and women who come to me for matchmaking should be financially independent and not need someone to look after them. If you don’t think you have money to date, you should log onto Plenty of Fish
y $58.00 per couple!
Finest Lunch & Dinner Buffet in Town!
DON’T FORGET NEW YEAR’S EVE RESERVATIONS TOO! Lunch Buffet
Dinner
TUES-FRI 11:30am - 2pm TUES-SUN 4:30pm - 9pm
Dinner Hours
TUESDAY-SUNDAY • 4:30pm - 9pm
610 West Columbia St. (at the Panorama Inn) 250-374-0340 • flavoursofindiakamloops.com
L