walleye the
Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative
Looking Ahead and the year in review
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Stock Boys. p 9
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TBay Gyms. p 22
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Winter Ventilation. p 35
ARTS CULTURE MUSIC FOOD FILM
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JANUARY
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Judo Champion. p 26 The Walleye
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walleye the
Thunder Bay’s arts & culture alternative
Editor-in-chief Darren McChristie Editor Tiffany Jarva Contributing Editor Rebekah Skochinski Photographers Darren McChristie, John-Paul Marion Art Director Dave Koski Copy Editors Amy Jones, Nancy Saunders Business Manager Doug McChristie Advertising Sales Tracy Sadgrove 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 © 2011 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.
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On the Cover 2011: Year of the Rabbit, Tablet and the Forest Original artwork by Derek Khani
Editor’s Letter
The Janus Vibe
The Beauty of Being Two-Faced It is natural in January to want to look back at the past year and reflect, but also to look ahead—sometimes with trepidation, sometimes with wonder and excitement, and sometimes with intermingled feelings. Janus (the namesake of January) is known as the two-faced Roman god and the god of gates and doors, representing many things including endings and new beginnings, and opposites such as sacred and profane, good and bad. He is often represented with two faces (one at the front and another at the back) because of his ability to reflect on the passing year and also look into the future. In this issue, we project the Janus vibe and put on two faces in our Year in Review and Year Ahead cover story, and in John-Paul Marion’s take on the year in The Wall. Our music writer Nancy Ewachow shares her favourite live music show of the year, and she surveys sound guys, managers, and bar owners and learns about their favourite shows in 2010. The new year is synonymous with new beginnings and of course resolutions. Dating back to early Roman days, people would ask forgiveness from Janus for deeds in the year past, and would make promises for the new year to come–the beginning of what we know as resolutions. More often than not, when it comes to resolutions, at the top of the list is our health: get in shape, eat better, stop smoking, drink less alcohol, and so on. Writer Tara George looks at local gyms and what they offer to personalize your own workout. Food writer Patrick Thompson writes a farewell letter to the hamburger after falling for a healthier veggie burger. To help inspire, we profile local Judo Olympian and World Champion Sandra Greaves. For those of us feeling chilled, and grumbling when it’s minus 35 with the windchill, meet Maso from Japan, who has been coming to Thunder Bay for New Year’s for the last 16 years because he loves our winters, our city, our people and our culture. Thanks Masa for the reminder of what we have to be grateful for in this northern city we all call home. At The Walleye, our resolutions include continuing to share local stories and engage our readers—watch for subscription opportunities and more online coverage in the year to come. Here’s to 2011. Happy New Year! -TJ The Walleye
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Contents
the
Jory Nash is a Toronto-based, independent singer-songwriter whose music blends elements of folk, jazz, pop, country, soul & blues. Nash is a past recipient of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals’ “Songs From The Heart” songwriting award and he has recorded six solo albums. His most recent release, New Blue Day, is a mixture of ear-catching and multi-layered songs. The concert is being presented by the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society. www.sleepinggiant.ca
The Year that Was ■ 8 The Year Ahead ■ 9 2010 Music Highlights LIFESTYLE ■ 20 Urban Fit ■ 21 Sandra Greaves ■ 24 Drive to Quit
MUSIC ■ 12 Music Reviews
Finger Eleven Alexis on Fire Last Band Standing White Cowbell Oklahoma
THE ARTS ■ 26 Alanna Forslund ■ 27 “Steeling the Gaze” ■ 27 Tim Alexander
LIVING GREEN ■ 16 Winter Ventilation ■ 17 Tea Time ■ 17 EcoSuperior’s question of the month:
CITY SCENE ■ 18 Q&A with MP Bruce Hyer ■ 19 Why Thunder Bay?
Going Off-Grid
■ 13 Music Previews
Sarah Harmer Bay City Sound Collective The Jon Cohen Experimental Twilight Hotel
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The Wizard of Oz
Saturday, January 15 Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Black Pirates Pub
Brace yourself for a night of fashion, music and performance unlike anything you have seen before. Derelicte will feature the work of seven local fashion houses, 15 wearable art fashion exhibitions, 15 performance acts, five live bands, two DJs, 70 artists/models, prizes for the best DIY fashion costume, and much more! The ten dollar cover charge will help support Definitely Superior Art Gallery and LU Radio. Over 550 people attended the event in 2010, so don’t miss out! www.definitelysuperior.com
Billed as “the greatest family musical of all time,” the Wizard of Oz is touching down in Thunder Bay as part of NETworks Presentations’ North American tour. The production is based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939 MGM movie and combines breathtaking special effects with the classic music score. A much beloved story, this is a show that will captivate children and adults alike. www.tbca.com
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ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! 30x Zoom (24-720mm eq.)
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■ 14 Drink of the Month ■ 29 The Wall ■ 28 January EVENT Calendar ■ 30 The EYE
Submitted
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The Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games January 20 – 23
In the 1960s, a Toronto researcher and professor, Dr. Frank Hayden, pioneered research on the cause of low fitness levels among people with intellectual disabilities. He demonstrated that, given the opportunity, intellectually disabled people could become physically fit and acquire the skills necessary to participate in sport; his efforts led to the creation of the Special Olympics. Thunder Bay is proud to host over 400 athletes and coaches for the 2011 Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games. Show your support by attending the opening ceremonies and various sporting events. www.specialolympics2011games.com
FERNANDE L SAVARD
6 CoverStory:
FILM & THEATRE ■ 10 NOSFA Films of the Month ■ 11 Stockboys
Submitted
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FOOD ■ 14 The Organic Garden Café ■ 15 The Hot Toddy ■ 15 The Pleasure of Food
Derelicte 3 - A Fashion Odyssey
From the film ‘Crossing the Ditch’
Derek Khani
FEATURES
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Saturday, January 8 Finlandia Club
Saturday, January 22
DefSup
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Jory Nash
TOPfive
Banff Mountain Film Festival Sunday, January 23 Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Hosted by the local chapter of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour features a selection of award-winning films from the film festival held in Banff each November. For the past 20 years, the ACC has selected a variety of films that reflect the interests of our community with jaw-dropping athletic feats, breathtaking scenery and inspiring stories about mountain culture, outdoor adventure and nature conservation. Thunder Bay has bragging rights as one of the largest stops on the festival’s North American deal with one of the best venues for picture and sound quality. With over two hours of films and incredible door prizes, this event is a deal tickets are $17 at the TBCA box office. www.acctbay.ca
The Walleye
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CoverStory
CoverStory
2010
Darren McChristie
The year also marked what seems to be a phenomenal growth in local food options. Local markets throughout the city and outlying areas are hopping, specialized restaurants and shops like the Growing Season, Bonobos, Grinning Belly and True North Co-Op are popping up around the city, making it easier for us to eat local.
This was also a banner year for the local film industry (which doesn’t seem to be showing any sign of slowing down), with a couple of big budget films, Dwira’s 10-57 and Saxberg’s Big Finn Hall, calling Thunder Bay home. The end of the year marked the swearing in of new mayor Keith Hobbs and the death of Bill C-311 (Climate Change Accountability Act) championed by local MP Bruce Hyer (see this issue’s Q+A). We take a look at the year that was, and a peek at the year ahead.
Burnz N Hell’s runaway hit “My Hometown” was the music story of the year. The Matt Popowich-directed video made us feel like it was cool to be from a chilly northern town, especially if you play hockey on outdoor rinks and/or drink Crystal beer.
Film
Tall Ship
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The Walleye
-TJ
On a sweltering day in August, thousands lined up to tour the squarerigged HMS Bounty at the Port Arthur Marina. A replica of the original HMS Bounty, well known for a mutiny over 200 years ago, was built in 1960 for the movie version of Mutiny on the Bounty, which starred Marlon Brando. The Bounty’s visit was part of a campaign to raise awareness about threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Weather 2010
Originally built in the 1930s, the Port Arthur General Hospital was demolished in 2010. It was closed in 2004, when it was made obsolete by the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
HMS “Bounty”, built for Marlon Brando’s1962 remake of the historical drama Mutiny on the Bounty payed a visit to the Thunder Bay to raise awareness about aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.
-PT
Thunder Bay hosted the 2010 IBAF World Junior Baseball Championships.
THE CENTURY CLUB This past year marked the 100th anniversary of the Pagoda, the Finlandia Club and the Ten Mile Road Race. The Pagoda and Finlandia Club were designed by local architects and remain significant landmarks in the city. The spirit of the Ten Mile Road Race to promote “healthy and clean sport at the head of the lakes” remains as strong as ever - approximately 1000 runners participated in the event in 2010.
52,000 attend the 2010 Cavendish University Cup, completing Thunder Bay’s two year commitment as host. Economic impact over the two years is estimated at $3.5 million.
Darren McChristie
After our warmest winter on record according to Environment Canada, our other seasons in 2010 seemed to last forever…because they did. Spring was our warmest, summer our 5th warmest and autumn our 12th warmest. Tragic though it may be, fun it also was. Sorry, Mr. Suzuki, I sympathize, really, I do.
Darren McChristie
In November the Inntowner was torn down. A popular hangout since the 50s, “The Towner” was at its peak in the late-80s and early-90s, hosting live bands like Heart and Trooper. The Port Arthur General Hospital, around since 1930, was also demolished, along with Centrefolds and Holsum Bakery (well, most of it has been demolished at the point of writing this piece).
Art
A new curator, Nadia Kurd, joins the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Definitely Superior Art Gallery is nominated for the 2010 Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Arts (the first time an arts group from northwestern Ontario has been acknowledged). DefSup also continues to support emerging artists in the region, growing their popular community events like Random Acts of Poetry, Derelicte fashion show, and The Hunger Cabaret.
The 2nd Annual Biindigaate Film Festival proves that Thunder Bay can host a successful event showcasing world-class indigenous films. The Bay Street Film Festival continues to grow and local director Paul Moralee’s new Bicycles for Humanity documentary set in Africa, Where on Earth is My Bike?, hits a chord with local audiences.
Demolished
A pilot public art installation at the former CIBC heritage property.
Darren McChristie
We continue to prove that we can host world-class sporting events - remember the days when we used to host World Cup ski jumping? In March, for the second year in a row, Lakehead Athletics and Thunderwolves Hockey hosted university hockey teams competing for the Cavendish Cup. We also show that we can effectively host an international event like the World Junior Baseball Championships.
Darren McChristie
Sport
Darren McChristie
Taj Mahal headlines The Blues Fest. Tom Cochrane plays with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s new artistic director Arthur Post, launching their 50th Anniversary season. Local aboriginal singer Shy-Anne Hovorka headlines the 2010 Indigenous Festival with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Closes the G-8 Interfaith Summit and nabs two Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards: Female Entertainer of the Year and Best Producer/Engineer. Lights plays to a sold-out crowd at the new Crocks. And record-breaking numbers (approximately 2100) attend DefSup’s Hunger V.5 Cabaret Halloween fundraiser featuring over 135 artists.
Darren McChristie
Music
The Thunder Bay region experienced the earliest start to the fire season ever.
Darren McChristie
“My Hometown” Music Video
Sixty sailors from the US, Canada, Poland and Germany came to Thunder Bay for the 2010 DN Iceboat North American Championships in March.
JP Marion
Westfort Films
Setting the tone early on in February, the viral YouTube hit “My Hometown” struck a chord with local residents and expats alike – to date there have been almost half-a-million hits. 2010 also ushered in new bike lanes, the rising star of aboriginal singer Shy-Anne Hovorka, the expansion of Bay + Algoma, and the much-anticipated reopening of Crocks - punctuating the growth of an already emerging entertainment district with new music and art options.
Darren McChristie
The Year that Was
Canadian indie rock band Tokyo Police Club performed to sold out crowd at Crocks.
Thunder Bay sent a contingent of athletes, as well as technical experts for Nordic sports, to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics including The Walleye photographer John-Paul Marion.
Australian Kim Churchill performed during the 2010 Red Rock Folk Festival which saw the largest crowds ever attending the three day event held annually on the shores of Lake Superior. The Walleye
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CoverStory
2010 Local Music Highlights
The Year Ahead By Patrick Thompson & Michelle McChristie
On April 6, 2011, Bruce Cockburn, an icon of Canadian folk music will play at the TBCA. Over 40 years ago, Cockburn made his first solo appearance at the Mariposa Folk Festival (the headliner, Neil Young, cancelled to play Woodstock). Cockburn is not only revered as a song-writer and musician, he has also earned respect for his work as an environmental activist. As stated by Cockburn upon his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, his job is to “try to trap the spirit of things in the scratches of pen on paper, in the pulling of notes out of metal.” Without question, this is a job Cockburn continues to do proficiently.
On the Chinese calendar, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit - a reflective year that will enable us to catch our breath as we say goodbye to the tiger and prepare to welcome the dragon. People born under the sign of the rabbit are said to be intelligent, talented, modest and kind - perhaps the rest of us should seek a rabbit mentor.
Supplied
So you want an evening with a smart, funny and handsome Newfie, and Danny Williams isn’t available? Well, don’t worry, the pride and joy of the Rock is coming to town: that lovable townie Rick Mercer. He appears at the Community Auditorium on June 9, so get caught up on what’s going on with the government if you’re going. Your funny bone will thank you.
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The Walleye
Supplied
Dave Koski
With input from club owners and their soundtechs, the list continues:
Supplied
Jackson Browne The Doobie Brothers
Rick Mercer
My pick is the August 5th fundraising concert for The Bridge Theatre (an all inclusive arts festival at Waverley Park), a rock ’n’ roll circus hosted by a happy MC named Jolene at the Black Pirate’s Pub. Organized by Jake Vailliant, there was a juggler (of fire and knives no less), a bearded lady, a strongman, and a very theatrical dancer. The music was mostly original, created by everyone from young emerging players, to side projects of symphony players, jam bands, and ending with a DJ. A tired but happy crowd knew that they raised some money to make next year’s Bridge Theatre even better. A very inspiring event.
The Apollo’s soundman, Alex, nominates The Braids, describing them as “an experimental group from Montreal. Their hypnotic soundscapes fused ambient electronics with enchanting vocals, striking a perfect balance between noise and pop. They used electronics tastefully, and created everything on the spot with no pre-recorded samples. For a young group their music is light-years ahead of their peers. It was a transcendental night of music - pure candy for the ears.”
Shy-Anne
Supplied
On the local scene, here are some marquis events that you’ll want to add to your calendar:
On July 28-30 Thunder Bay will host upwards of 1000 Harley Davidson enthusiasts at the 23rd Ontario Provincial H.O.G. Rally - “Thunder in the Bay.”
If you missed out on the Wizard of Oz, have no fears as NETworks productions will be back in Thunder Bay on May 29, 2011 with their production of Beauty and the Beast. I’m sure most of you know the story: a young woman, Belle, meets a Beast who is really a young prince trapped in an evil spell that can only be broken if he is loved and feels love for another. This is a show that will charm young and old alike – do not procrastinate and buy your tickets early.
The Doobie Brothers will bring their brand of classic rock to Thunder Bay on May 19, 2011. Although the band is best known for hits like “China Grove,” “Listen to the Music,” and “Black Water,” they are touring in support of their latest release, World Gone Crazy (September 2010). The album is available as part of a deluxe edition that includes a 40-year retrospective, rare photos and footage, and a behindthe-scenes look at the making of World Gone Crazy. Despite some changes in the band’s members, the Doobie Brothers have remained true to their original sound – check out their new release so that you can sing along.
As part of his solo acoustic tour, Jackson Browne will be stopping in Thunder Bay on April 3, 2011. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Browne has sold 17 million albums in the United States. His biggest commercial success came with the 1977 release of Running on Empty. In his ongoing effort to be green, his 2011 tour seeks to reduce environmental impacts. Browne’s tour bus and truck run on biodiesel, the stage lighting utilizes LED lights, and there is no plastic backstage. Since 2008, it is estimated that his tours have saved more than 50,738 plastic bottles.
Kilroy’s owner, Jean-Luc Tourigny weighs in: “The Choclair show in October was simply amazing. The Last Band Standing finals show at Kilroy’s was also very, very good. The Bison BC was also an amazing show. The Against Me show was also very good. It would probably be in this order I believe.” Hard choices.
Woodstock for the patchouli perfumed has a new reason to celebrate this year - Shy-Anne Hovorka gets to entertain the 100 000+ throng going to Earth Day Brazil, tentatively to be held in Rio from April 22-24. The pride of Red Lake will show the Green movement we aren’t all enjoying Harper’s environmental policies, or our fourth straight Fossil of the Year award at the Copenhagen summit this year. Thank you Shy-Anne!
Darren, manager at Jack’s, nominates his two favourites: locals Doobsie’s Band, and out-of-towners Library Voices who played a triple bill in October. Black Pirate’s Pub owner Oner Altinbilek didn’t have a problem recalling White Cowbell of Oklahoma with Big John Bates and the Shomberg Fair in November, who he says are “some of the most unique, best touring Canadian bands, with high energy. They’re artistic, and everything you want to see in a live show….all the bells and whistles.”
Music this year
With bookending acts Sarah Harmer (Jan. 23) and Gordon Lightfoot (Dec. 14), 2011 is proving to be the year to beat for live acts in Thunder Bay. Whether you love classic rock (Doobie Brothers, Jackson Browne), comedy (Rick Mercer, Bill Engvall) or the harsher auditory climes (DevilDriver, Cancer Bats, Baptized In Blood), our little Trans Canada oasis has something for everyone. Don’t worry, our events listings will tell you when.
Experience Fantastic Cuisine
Frank Loffredo at Crocks nominates Hank Williams III, who played in July, not just because he was surprised by the size of the audience the show drew, but because he felt privileged to get to promote one of his favourite musicians: “He’s like my Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer combined. I’m a big fan, and it was a personal coup to get him here.” Second on his list was Five Alarm Funk.
116 South Syndicate Ave. tuesday to saturday 11am-4pm
good food lives here
Chris Merkley
Bruce Cockburn
In recognition of the fact that tablets, such as the iPad and RIM’s soonto-be released PlayBook, are expected to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world, this year has been dubbed the Year of the Tablet. This fits nicely with the UN’s declaration of the International Year of the Forest since tablet users are generally not paper fiends. The UN declaration is an effort to raise awareness about the sustainable management of all types of forests - a topic that hits close to home in Northwestern Ontario.
Thunder in the Bay
Beauty and the Beast
The Walleye is just six months old and as such, covered only half the year’s music. While I’ll share my picks of the best of what I saw, for the rest of the list I thought it better to ask club owners and their sound engineers, who saw it all.
Supplied
Supplied
Joan Marcus
At The Walleye headquarters, we’ve completed a global scan of 2011 and determined that this year will be a mix of tablets, forests and rabbits.
By Nancy Ewachow
The Walleye
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Ahnisnabae Art Gallery
NEW FOUND CASH PAWN BROKERS
Teri-Lynn Drebit
NOSFA Films of the Month
WE BUY & SELL FURNITURE
Bring your Student Card for savings!!
Supplied
Mid-August Lunch is a charming comedy by Italian filmmaker Gianni Di Gregorio, who not only wrote and directed, but also starred in it.
Mid-August Lunch (Pranzo di ferragosto) January 6, 7 pm & 9 pm Silvercity Theatre
314 Victoria Ave. E (807)622-1311
Italian filmmaker Gianni Di Gregorio has woven together a charming and tender film about a man in his late 50s who is inept at making a living but is a good son caring for his at-times demanding elderly mother. Sinking into debt, the son (Gianni) agrees to watch the condo manager’s mother during Parnzo di Ferragosto, the mid-August holidays, in exchange for some of the money that is owed.
Creating an Appreciation and Awareness of Native Culture through Art
Weekdays 6 to 8:37 am
7-1500 James St. S Thunder Bay, ON 807-577-2656 cbc.ca/thegreatnorthwest
- Natasha Senjanovic, Hollywood Reporter CBC Radio Canada, English Communications 250 Front Street West P.O. Box 500, Station ì Aî Toronto, ON M5W 1E6 Print Production 416-205-3781
welcome to the thunder bay film experience.
Supplied
Actress Noomi Repace plays formidable hacker Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - based on the first book in the runaway bestselling Millenium series by Swedish author Stieg Larsson.
January 20, 7 pm & 9:20 pm Silvercity Theatre
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a compelling thriller to begin with, but it adds the rare quality of having a heroine more fascinating than the story. “ - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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The Walleye
www.Ahnisnabae-Art.com
Laughs at Skaf’s
Locally produced television show, Stockboys, is in the works Melissa Gaudette Finding humour in a work environment is the focus of Stockboys, a new situational comedy filmed in Thunder Bay. Stockboys follows the hilarious work interactions of employees at a small-town grocery store. Written and directed by local talent Jen Skaf, Stockboys promises laughs with each episode. When her father pitched the series idea, Skaf debated creating the show because of the amount of work that would be involved, but she loved the idea of the constant creative opportunities. “There’s a lot of crazy things that go on in the store,” she laughs. After committing to the project, Skaf has not regretted a moment of it. Skaf ’s passion for production has extended into writing, directing, filming, and editing Stockboys. It’s a heavy workload. She loves her work and remains focused. “I know what I want to do and I know what I want to get done.”
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is based on the first book of Stieg Larsson’s popular Millennium trilogy. We are introduced to a cast of characters that include: the fallen investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nykvist), wealthy industrialist Henrik Vanger (Sven-Bertil Taube) who’s niece, Harriet Vanger, disappeared some 40 years ago, and whip-smart, anti-social computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace). Blomkvist and Salander join forces to help solve the mystery of the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, with many compelling twists along the way.
STOCKBOYS
Join host Lisa Laco, every weekday morning, for breaking news, weather, community events and more.
The Great Northwest
“Charming and gently hilarious film features extraordinary cast of elderly characters...a gem whose intelligent, gentle, deadpan humour is entirely irresistible...”
Stockboys’ Derek Khani (as Andy) and Danielle Pollari (as Laura)
Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) P.O. Box 800 Suite 201, 34 Cumberland Street North Thunder Bay, Ontario CANADA P7C 5K4 tel: (807) 625-3960 toll Free: 1-800-668-9360 fax: (807) 623-3962 e-mail: develop@thunderbay.ca website: www.ThunderBayCEDC.ca
Working with the lighting of the store, Skaf uses one camera to film the show in the crowded aisles of the small Skaf ’s Just Basics. The store still runs as a business so Skaf films at night; right before closing, the cast and crew run through rehearsals – much to the confusion, and subsequent walking congestion, of shoppers. Skaf states that she’s lucky to have found such a dedicated group of individuals with whom to work. The cast and crew are all volunteering their time (and often weekend nights) to film the show. “Everyone is very passionate about what we’re doing. They want it to have a good result and they all work really hard and I’m very proud of them.” Stockboys will be released later in January and Skaf will see her hard work come into fruition. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun.” Stockboys is always looking for volunteers. If you’re interested in acting or production, email info@jennylynnproductions.ca The Walleye
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Food MusicReviews
Sarah Harmer
Finger Eleven The Burlington boys are back
Plays The Outpost By Nancy Ewachow
Just over one year since their last show at The Outpost, Alexisonfire came back to play Thunder Bay Community Auditorium in December. They played a crowd- pleasing set consisting of songs mainly from their past two albums: Old Crows Young Cardinals and Crisis. After an hour-long set and a minute of silence, Alexisonfire came back out to play a three-song encore ending with “Happiness By The Kilowatt.” Like always, Alexisonfire put on a loud and energetic concert and are sure to be back soon.
Damien Gilbert
The second annual Battle of the Bands-type competition at this venue offered up six finalists, each providing their version of that experience. As a side note, I noticed a few people wearing protective earplugs. After all, you are born with only so many cilia in your inner ears. And so, the play-by-play:
Chainsaws and Toilet Paper The Charms of White Cowbell Oklahoma
By Tracy Sadgrove
Chris Merkley
I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell - White Cowbell Oklahoma that is. Such was the case recently when the Black Pirates Pub was rocked to its foundation when triple threat Schomberg Fair, Big John Bates & the Voodoo Dollz and the eclectic six pack WCO, played to a full house on a snowy Tuesday night. Riffs flavoured à la Blackmore, downhome southern rock reminiscent of Skynard, and crowd pleasin’ favourites such as the song “Put the South
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The Walleye
The Bay City Sound Collective By Greg Carveth
Thunder Bay, met up with the boys which resulted in an impromptu jam session. All too soon, the two-hour set was over, leaving in its wake the decimated remnants of toilet paper, the faint scent of gasoline and a new collective of fans eagerly anticipating the next show. Still pondering the draw that enables the band to pack the house on a school night? Fellow WCO enthusiast Lou says it best - “They are energy pure and simple…fun bar rock!” So do yourself a favour: next time they’re in town (they’ve been to TBay numerous times playing to enthusiastic crowds and will be back) come experience the southern-fried flavour of WCO, the only prescription for my fever.
The Bay City Sound Collective has managed to make a connection within this dichotomy and, unlike the progressive rockers, they have maintained a strong female fan base. Born out of late night / early morning Nugent Street jam sessions in downtown Thunder Bay, the collective is composed of Kyle Shushack (guitar), Jenn Bryan (violin), Jon Kivinen (bass) and Dan Tremblay (djiembe). A crew made up of four formidable musicians whose technical skills are out of this world, within all their complexity they still manage to maintain the tribal grooves that please the popular ear.
The Jon Cohen Experimental
And in the end: the recording time at Dining Room Studios was granted to Love Candy. They are all winners for getting up on stage and we are all winners for having so much raw local talent that should be supported as they develop their sounds. See you next weekend. Polish your fangs.
in Your Mouth” abounded. Just as I thought, “This can’t get any better,” Chainsaw Charlie took to the stage, and, with chainsaw in hand, showered the awestruck crowd with toilet paper. The Toronto-based band has been captivating audiences both audibly and visually for the past decade. Now in their 11th year and with a well-established fan base not limited to the Great White North, WCO have acquired quite a new following stateside, as well as in Europe. The new-found popularity prompted the release of their fourth CD Viva Live Locos: Alive at the Burg Herzberg Festival. As the Jager flowed simultaneously with the music, Bay fans were treated to the vocal talents of past band member “The Sarge” who, travelling through
There exists an unjustified divide between the composed music of a classical age and the bleary-eyed soul pouring out of your local bar, the black symbols on a page as opposed to the grit and grime of the poorly paid, gigging rocker. The era of progressive rock touched upon this divide, with some bands composing themselves into obscurity while others rocketed to fame by turning down the technical (à la Phil Collins).
Uriel Lubuk & Sarah Furlotte
Our town has its very own “Cavern Club” similar, I’m sure, to ones in Liverpool, Hamburg and the world over. It is cavernous, dark but for a few red spots, and a perfect place to meet weekend vampires—friendly ones. Ones who grit their fangs, gird their loins and enjoy teeth-rattling, bone-crunching rock bent on demolishing society and sticking it to “the Man.”
Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the LUSU office, The Outpost, The Bean Fiend and Ozone: $15 students / $20 general in advance, $5 more at the door (HST extra).
Liam Maloney
By Peter Jabs
First up was Artesian Wells—fledgling great blue herons. I enjoyed the duet between the drums and bass called “Tuning” while the guitarist was slightly offstage. Engaged Transmission was just that: transmitting rolling thunder. Morbid Atrophy played Viking metal, deep guttural vocals on a rant: save us all, slay those dragons, sons. Love Candy delivered flashy 80’s rock welcoming us to the jungle and its fevers, with a very professional performance by the singer. Ultimatum: AC/DC TNT with another talented vocalist blasting away. And finally, the subtler Z3 was able to communicate lyric content via dynamic loud/quiet shifts for those still possessing hearing function.
Anita Doran
Travis Setala
Everyone’s favourite Sarah Harmer comes to Lakehead University’s Outpost on January 23rd, bringing her band of four players and a new album Oh Little Fire. Harmer played in Thunder Bay many times over the years as a member of Weeping Tile. The night promises more rock than folk with Toronto’s Gentleman Reg as the opening act, who sings a swooning melancholy backed up by driving and danceable arrangements.
Montreal’s Jon Cohen (a former member of The Dears and The Social Register) of The Jon Cohen Experimental is currently on a solo tour of western Canada and the U.S., promoting the sound of the band’s sophomore album, Behold. Produced by Dave Draves (Kathleen Edwards, Angela Desveaux, Octoberman), Behold is a layered pop rock indie album, three years in the making, featuring musical guests like Murray Lightburn from The Dears, Evan Cranley from Stars and Broken Social Scene, and Liam O’Neil from The Stills. Difficult to define, this is modern alternative pop that is lyrical with a bit of a psychedelic edge (think a dash of Pink Floyd mixed with a pinch of The Beatles in their later years). The Jon Cohen Experimental will be playing in Thunder Bay at the Apollo on Thursday, January 13th.
The Bay City Sound Collective brings a unique arrangement of music to the Thunder Bay music scene. They combine the harmonies of J.S. Bach with a tight dance beat. They play fiery Iron Maiden lead licks on a violin and take a Daft Punk song out of the realm of electro into the world of instrumentation. Blues and jazz standards can also be heard from the Collective as well as some originals that elicit responses such as “Excuse me?” and “Wow!” You can catch the Bay City Sound Collective playing for the Thunder Bay Dog-Aid fundraiser at the Black Pirate’s Pub on January 15th, 2011.
Twilight Hotel Touring New Album
By Nancy Ewachow
Supplied
Alexisonfire
Last Band Standing
Love Candy won 2010’s Last Band Standing competition at Kilroy’s.
Www.stormcarroll.com
Burlington’ s finest are back. Get ready to rock when Canada’s Juno Award-winning Finger Eleven hits the stage January 30th at The Outpost to promote Life Turns Electric, their sixth album to date. With a sound best described as post-grunge metal rock, Finger Eleven achieved international stardom with hits “One Thing” (2003), and chart-topping “Paralyzer” (2007). Tickets are $20 (students) & $22 (general) in advance and are available at The Outpost, Ozone, the S.U.C.C.I. office and online @ ticketbreak.com. What better way to usher in 2011 than with decibel-pumping favourites and soon-to-be faves? -Tracy Sadgrove
MusicPreviews
Twilight Hotel, winners of several roots music awards, are releasing a new album this month and are touring in Canada and Europe. They’re playing at Gargoyles on February 2nd and at The Cornerstone in Kenora the next day. This duo of Brandy Zdan and Dave Quanbury hails from Winnipeg, but has relocated to Austin, Texas. Their new album When the Wolves Go Blind has some impressive players on it: Stephen Hodges (Tom Waits) and John Whynot (Blue Rodeo). While the band tours Canada, Thunder Bay native Pat Phillips will be in the drummer’s seat. The Walleye
13
Food
Food
The Organic Garden Café
Winter Warmer
The Hot Toddy
By Patrick Thompson It is hard to break ties with a love that you have enjoyed having around for a good chunk of your life. The memory of being with them, of enjoying their company, of how they made you feel inside and how they were so perfect even when they hurt you, is hard to let go of.
While the origins of the name of the delicious winter warmer, the Hot Toddy, are somewhat disputed to this day, the fact remains that nothing banishes a chill like a steaming mug of seasoned hot Scotch. It has been suggested that a drink of fermented palm sap from India made its way to Scotland via the British East India Company and evolved into the Toddy as we know it today. I prefer the explanation that Tod’s Well, a tributary of Edinburgh’s water supply, became the eponymous source of Scotland’s Hot Toddy.
But life must move on, and I with it. I must grow and accept that I can’t be with you Hamburger, because you wound me. I have met someone else, someone new, someone who loves me as much as you did, but more, because they don’t hurt me, not like you did. Her name is “The Organic Cafe Veggie Burger” (I think her parents are hippies). She is delicious and carefree, not seedy or mushy, and does not make my stomach turn or burn later when I think of her again. I like being with her friends, a locally raised sweet pepper and onion salad and fresh pineapple juice, more than yours, whose salty attitudes and oily potato-faced demeanours were only fun when I was younger, and more foolish.
Once used as a common treatment for cold or flu symptoms before being tucked into bed, the Toddy is now served as a cure for cold fingers and toes after a round of pond hockey, tobogganing, snow angel making or any other Thunder Bay pastime that exposes one to the brittle outdoor chill. Traditionally made with Scotch, it is now en vogue to prepare your Toddy with any variety of whiskey, be it Rye, Bourbon, Japanese or Irish. Choose your own poison and follow this recipe to keep warm this winter.
Ingredients
I am sorry Hamburger, if I am being harsh, but I need something new. Your stale and sterile homes can’t match the small but cozy French paysanne look hers has at the Organic Café, with her friendly and unique servers who seem to love having me over more than your teenage handlers and surly cooks.
1 tsp. honey 2 ounces boiling water 1 ½ ounces whiskey of your choice 3 whole cloves
I am finishing this letter to you, Hamburger, not in the hope that you will change, but that you might know that I did once love you above all. Though we may meat again, understand that my heart loves another now, and her name is Veggie.
1 cinnamon stick
Drink of the Month Wildberry Zinger
The Organic Garden Café serves veggie burgers on Friday evenings only, 5pm to close. Seating is limited. Take out is available. 807-3441917; Tue-Thurs, 11:30-6pm; Fri, 11:30-8pm. 415 Fort William Road
316 Bay St. 766-9087 14
The Walleye
What better way to start the year than to charge your taste buds with a fruit smoothie from the juice bar at Kelly’s Nutrition Centre. The Wildberry Zinger is an energizing blend of pineapple, apple, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry. Prepared fresh, the fruit is reduced to a luscious shade of purple, a texture that is smooth (save for the raspberry seeds!), with a taste that is refreshingly sweet. Load up on antioxidants and your daily servings of fruit with every satisfying slurp. Christopher Merkley
January drink feature: GINGERBREAD MOCHA Fresh local baking PIES CAKES COOKIES
By Rebekah Skochinski
Mon-Fri 7:30am-10:30pm Sat-Sun 8:30am-10:30pm
*Be sure to scope out the various wholesome and flavourful choices on the menu including protein shakes, vegetable juice blends, and wheat grass shots.
1 slice lemon 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Preparation
Pour honey, boiling water and whiskey into a mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon and put in the slice of lemon. Let mixture stand for five minutes to allow flavours to mingle, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.
Kevin Belluz
By Jeannie Dubois, Certified Sommelier
The Pleasure of Food A Terra Madre Moment in Italy By Marianne Stewart “We are propelled by the rocket fuel of pleasure,” says Raj Patel in a rousing speech at the closing ceremonies of Terra Madre, a Slow Food International conference. Terra Madre, meaning “mother earth”, is a biannual gathering of the worldwide food community dedicated to defending biodiversity and creating a sustainable food system. Six thousand delegates from 163 nations descend on the city of Turin, Italy to immerse themselves in the Slow Food movement and return home rejuvenated to fight for good, clean and fair food production for their respective communities. Slow Food Superior, our local convivium, sent four delegates and two observers - all local food producers and activists - to the third edition of the conference. As I ordered another espresso in the Lavazza coffee line, I pondered my responsibilities as a delegate. I found others who shared my passion for sustainable production in the “Less Meat, Better Meat” seminar and a sense of urgency for change at the Canada meeting; but it was at the closing ceremonies where eight leading thinkers presented their policies for sustainable food future that I had my “Terra Madre moment”. By promoting the pleasure of food, we can defend our rural food systems and culture in Thunder Bay, and contribute to the protection of biodiversity worldwide. For more information on the local movement visit www. slowfoodsuperior.ca.
Santé!
‘Best Bag of Fries in Town!’
s ’ y b b a G Spudz & More
Corner of Franklin & Walsh
The Walleye
15
Food LIVINGGREEN
LIVINGGREEN
Should I Go Off-Grid? Use exhaust fans to get rid of moisture
Air Exchanger or Heat Recovery Ventilator
Winter Ventilation A Breath of Fresh Air Tiffany Jarva
Health and safety in the home is important every month of the year, but during the winter, when your house is sealed up from the cold, poor indoor air quality can cause you and your home some serious problems.
Tea Time
By Larry Hogard
By Tiffany Jarva Home ventilation is important for a healthy and safe living environment. Without proper ventilation, indoor air pollutants such as odours, allergens, moisture and mould can cause problems to your health and home.
Boreal Forest Teas is a small, locally owned organic herbal tea business that blends wild boreal forest plants and berries with organic cultivated herbs to handcraft eight delicious, northern-inspired teas. “We support First Nations Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) initiatives and small Canadian organic growers, and donate five percent of our proceeds to support Nature Canada’s conservation efforts in Canada’s boreal forest,” says owner Lee-Ann Chevrette. Boreal Forest Teas are available at Thunder Bay Country Market, the Bean Fiend Coffee House, True North Community Coop, Bonobo’s Foods, and online at www.borealforestteas.ca.
Ventilation is the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air. It can happen either naturally (through openings and gaps in the building) or mechanically (fan assisted). Your home and family should be getting a balanced air exchange at all times. Fresh air should be coming into your home and moist, stale air should be exhausted outdoors. If indoor air isn’t changed enough then moisture problems can start to appear.
Lee-Ann Chevrette, owner of Boreal Forest Teas, is an ecologist and herbalist living in Thunder Bay. She is completing a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies at Lakehead University.
Moisture comes from a variety of sources. It comes from people breathing, cooking, washing and bathing. It also comes from pets, plants, humidifiers, dirty laundry and clothes drying indoors. Signs of moisture problems and poor ventilation include lingering odours, stuffy air, window condensation, and mould or stains, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and cold areas on walls, window frames or closets. To help control moisture, humidity levels in the home during cold, winter months should be under 40%. Exhausting moisture and bringing fresh air back into the home can happen through cracks, gaps, holes and chimneys. It can also be accomplished by cracking open a couple of windows or periodically turning on an exhaust fan or two. If your home is too airtight then installing an air exchanger, such as an HRV or ERV, should be a priority. Many respiratory problems are associated with poor indoor air quality. Fresh air needs to be inside the home all year round. Our homes need to breathe…and so do we.
RECYCLING FIVE PLASTIC BOTTLES WILL STUFF ONE SKI JACKET
A plastic bottle will sit in the landfill for hundreds of years before it will even start to decompose. Recycling saves valuable natural resource, energy, time and money.
ONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE www.thunderbay.ca
16
The Walleye
Do you dream of living in a world where you can safely open your mailbox without having to worry about being ambushed by one of those pesky utility bills? Well, with some dedication of your time and money this dream can become a reality. Going-off-grid is one way to ensure that you will never have to come faceto-face with one of these bills again and with the continuous increase of energy costs, the sooner the better. But, if saving money is your main concern and you don’t have much to invest then going offgrid may not be the solution for you. There is a lot to take into consideration before you can remove your house from the grid.
To go off-grid, you must first take stock of your current energy usage (the average Canadian household uses close to 35 kWh per day; to support yourself off-grid you should probably be using under 10 kWh per day). To bring your consumption down you can outfit your house with energy saving appliances such as Energy Star products. You will also have to adjust some of your energy use habits such as trying not to run two appliances at the same time, and doing without some needless energy-consuming products (electric can opener? Clothes dryer?). Once you have achieved your minimum energy consumption level, you will be ready to determine what size and combination of solar and wind generation project your household will require. To shift your energy dependence off of the provincial electrical grid you will need to employ renewable energy options. Solar panels and small scale wind turbines
are costly investments which can eventually pay off if your house is situated in an area that allows for maximal solar or wind energy production. If you have a good south-facing roof (maximizing sun-exposure) then your house will be well-suited for the use of solar panels. If you are not restricted by funds then wind power is a good second or additional option, especially if you live in a wide-open area. In most cases, completely off grid living is only financially viable in remote areas where the costs of connecting to the grid are prohibitive or impossible. If you are currently a Thunder Bay Hydro or Ontario Hydro customer, but are keen on renewable energy, you may want to look into Ontario’s MicroFIT program. This program pays you for electricity that you produce from your own solar or wind generation, thereby offsetting your usage. The province is issuing 20-year contracts to purchase the energy you produce, making it an attractive offer from an investment point of view. From this eco-friendly investment you can expect to see a return over several years. You will also be able to sleep more soundly at night knowing that you are potentially reducing your carbon foot-print. Whether you choose an offgrid or a MicroFIT experience, there is one thing you need to keep in mind. The most cost-efficient form of energy is conservation. Learning to minimize your energy consumption will always have a positive impact on your energy costs. For unbiased information about renewable energy, you can check out a local organization, Superior Renewable Energy Cooperative (www.srecsun.ca). The Walleye
17
CITYScene Travel
CITYScene Food
Www.stormcarroll.com
Q:What do you like to do in Thunder Bay when you have a chance to relax?
An American by birth, MP Bruce Hyer knew from a young age that he wanted to move to Canada and live in a log cabin. He did just that in 1976, in a remote wilderness area outside of Armstong. A pioneer in ecotourism before it was a word, Hyer began WildWaters Nature Tours during those early years and continued it until two years ago, when he was elected to Parliament. A biologist and conservationist, Hyer pushed for Bill C-311 (The Climate Change Accountability Act), which was passed by the House but killed in the Senate without any debate – a first in Canadian history.
Q: On your website there is a quote from Iain Angus, Councillor at Large, that describes you as a “committed northerner.” What does being a committed northerner mean to you? It’s a state of mind. I wasn’t born here, but I’m a Canadian by choice and I chose to live here in northwestern Ontario. I was born in Connecticut. I always knew I wanted to move to Canada and I settled in on northwestern Ontario. I lived for two years in the wilderness from 1976 to 1978, 25 miles from the nearest road, where I lived for one year in a tipi and one year in a cabin. I lived mostly on moose and fish and blueberries and wild rice. From the time I was five I told everyone I was going to move to Canada and live in a log cabin and after you tell hundreds of people this is what you’re going to do at some point you have to do it.
Q: Tell me a little bit about your life as an ecologist and running wilderness adventures and ecotours. What would be your most memorable moments during this time? I was in the ecotourism business before it was a word. I ran WildWaters Nature Tours from 1976 until about two years ago when I was elected and now I have managers running it out of Armstrong. I miss canoeing. I miss the wilderness and I miss flying float planes. One late night in winter I was heading to my wilderness cabin and I got off the train, it’s about an hour train ride from Armstrong, and started the mile and half walk down the lake. I’d paddle in the summertime and in
18
The Walleye
the winter I would walk on the ice. I got hit by a blizzard and it was a total white-out and cold. I circled around for a while. It was two a.m. and I ended up under a big spruce tree, built a fire and spent the night in a snow bank. I wasn’t going to die or anything but it was memorable.
Q: Obviously the environment is a big concern of yours. Can you comment on Bill C-311 (The Climate Change Accountability Act), what it meant to you personally and how you felt when the Senate killed it after it passed through the House? I was frustrated. It was the only climate change bill before this parliament. It was a year and a half of my life persuading, discussing, cajoling and lobbying other members of parliament to vote for it. At the end of the day the majority of Parliamentarians voted for it, which was gratifying. And then it got stuck in the senate for 193 days. That was bad and we hoped that eventually, if there wasn’t an election to kill it, it would at least be dealt with. It was never sent to committee; there was not one minute of debate on it—it was just stalled. Harper ordered it to be stalled and then he ordered it to be killed. It’s of concern that Canada is not taking action on climate change—it has no plan, no strategy, no bill, no regulations—but what is even more worrisome is that Canada is becoming less democratic. This is the first time in the history of Canada that the senate has killed a bill with no debate. It has only killed a bill five or six times ever. It’s not their role. They usually tinker and then send it back. They’ve done it a few times but after intensive debate and
I always buy tickets to the symphony. I go out and listen to jazz. Actually, my New Year’s resolution is to practise on my saxophone. My mother was an opera singer in New York, Boston and Connecticut. My grandmother played piano in silent movies. I used to sing with the symphony orchestra before I got elected, and I really miss that because it’s really therapeutic.
Q: What is your favourite cultural event or events in the city? I don’t have to think about it. They’re all good but I’m a Leo and my birthday is in August and my present to myself for the last decade most years is to go to Live from the Rock folk festival.
Q: Plans for the future? The three biggest things I’d like to do for this region is to bring economic prosperity back to all parts of our region, number two is electoral democratic reform, get rid of the unelected, unaccountable senate and get proportional representation, and number three is very specific—and some people think I’m unrealistic on this but I’m not going to give up on it—and that’s to bring VIA rail back on the north shore and to Thunder Bay, and bring back passenger rail in general to Canada. A conservative that I wish I had gotten to meet was Sir John A. Macdonald—he created Canada and one of the ways he created Canada was he knit us together using CP Rail. It’s eroded and we need to get it back. If they can do it Finland, if they can do it in Japan, if they can do it across Europe, and if they can even do it in China—my goodness, what’s wrong with this picture?
Why Thunder Bay? Masa from Japan answers…
By Tanya Gouthro
Barb Strickland
Q+A with MP Bruce Hyer
agonizing over it. So that’s a dubious honour to be the author of the only bill in the history of Canada to have been killed in the senate without debate.
Those of us who have elected to stay here and make lives for ourselves in Thunder Bay understand the draw of this place. However, it is often difficult to explain to others why one would choose this particular spot as a vacation destination or potential home, particularly when the temperatures are plummeting to 28 degrees below zero--usually around New Year’s. Masaaki Kato, who is affectionately known as Masa, makes his home in Gifu, Japan, sister city to Thunder Bay. And he has something to say about this.
By Tiffany Jarva
•
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John W. Atwood Gilbert L. Labine* Christopher M. Arnone** Neil J. McCartney Terry-Lynn Miettinen Michael D. Ballantyne Kate D. Brindley
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Specializing in Criminal Law Gilbert L. Labine* - After hrs: 767-7255 Neil J. McCartney - After hrs: 626-6428 Kate D. Brindley - After hrs: 623-4342 *Certified by the Law Society as a Specialist in Criminal Law ** Member of the Collaborative Family Law Group
501 Donald Street E. Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6N6
Phone: 623.4342 Fax: 623.2098 www.alamlaw.ca
Masa is an office worker in charge of the exports department at a textile company, whose travel is mainly work-related. He first visited Thunder Bay in 1992 with the GIFU exchange program, where he lived and studied with a group of 42 other students and learned English. Here’s where it gets interesting: Masa returned to Thunder Bay in 1994, and, with only one exception, has been here every year since. There have actually been two years, 2002 and 2003, when he came to Thunder Bay twice- once in the summer, and once in the winter. Still more fascinatingly, since 2004 he has chosen to make his annual voyage in time for New Year’s, embracing the cold and stepping off the plane full of excitement and a feeling of coming home. He arrives well-stocked with gifts for friends and family. Says Masa: “In Japan, New Year’s Day is the most important day in our culture. I bring some traditional Japanese New Year’s decorations and food and snacks, like a Japanese ambassador at a civic level.”
Each trip that Masa takes involves approximately 17 hours of travel and costs upwards of 270 000 Japanese Yen, which translates to just under $3500 Canadian. That’s no quick Porter flight to Toronto. Masa cites several reasons for his love for this city, among them his desire to practice his English, meet new people, and enjoy all things uniquely Canadian. These are all things he could do anywhere in Canada, but Masa chooses Thunder Bay. While here, Masa makes every effort to purchase only Canadian items, and loves getting outside with the friends he now considers part of his family. Confirming that he will continue to return to Thunder Bay, he smiles and says, “It is something like my second home town.” During the time when he’s at home in Gifu, Masa maintains constant contact with his friends here, and is so connected to our city that he is often known to inform Thunder Bay locals of the weather and road conditions which await them for the day. Thanks to the internet and the webcam at Marina Park, he has checked Thunder Bay weather and news and taken his daily peek at the Sleeping Giant long before we have. Masa’s 16th trip takes place over the New Year, and will have him returning to Japan on January 3rd, where he will immediately, as he has done for over 15 years, begin to plan the next trip back to our snow-covered city: Thunder Bay, the place he is proud to call his home away from home. Someone else’s perspective always allows one--challenges one, in fact--to see things just a little differently. Thank you, Masa, for allowing all of us to see where we live with such love. The Walleye
19
LIFEStyle
Food LIFEStyle
Sandra Greaves
Judo Charm
Urban Fit
Local athlete Sandra Greaves has won countless medals from around the world while competing in Judo. She was inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame and was the first woman in Canada to compete in Judo at the Olympics.
A guide to finding a gym in the city that fits your needs Story and Photos by Tara George
By Melissa Thivierge
Canada Games Complex is a city-run centre that offers something for everyone. The Complex boasts a 77metre pool that is equipped for diving, and lane and recreational swimming. Squash courts, multi-training areas, fitness classes, and babysitting facilities are also available. Drop-ins are welcome. 420 Winnipeg Ave., 684-3311.
Confederation College Fitness Centre boasts “The Bubble,” which includes an indoor running track that encircles tennis, volleyball, badminton, and basketball courts. The Fitness Centre also has fitness classes, and weight and cardio training areas. Drop-ins are welcome. 1450 Nakina Drive, 475-6398.
Push is a customer service-based gym that is locally owned and operated. Members have access to cardio and weight areas, as well as all fitness classes. Qualified personal trainers, childcare, and day passes are also available at Push. 406 Fort William Rd., 344-4300
The Athletic Club offers their members a variety of fitness options. Some highlights of the Club include group fitness classes (included in membership price), a women-only area, an aquatic facility, a childcare centre, and personal training. 1185 Arthur St. W, 623-6223.
Fit4Less by GoodLife, is best suited for those fitness enthusiasts who only require the basics, and don’t want to pay for frills. 24-hour use of cardio machines, weights, and a stretching area is all yours for the low price of $0.49 or $0.69 per day. 1186 Memorial Ave., 623-0222. CrossFit Subzero is a training centre that offers back-to-the-basics fitness at a high intensity level. A certified instructor is available on the floor to coach and encourage you through a daily workout that can be found on a huge black board. All fitness levels are welcome at this personalized gym. 221 Bay St., 252-1773.
Curves for Women is a circuit program that provides a full body workout in 30 minutes. CurvesSmart personal coaching system is an option for those interested in electronically tracking their fitness progress. Women are able to achieve their fitness goals in a friendly and supportive environment. Two locations (north and south): 820 Red River Rd, 344-8117 and 1715 Victoria Ave. E., 623-5488.
Some people may think that Judo is a rough sport but Greaves says, “It’s a total misconception. Judo means ‘The Gentle Way’.” The throws, chokes, arm locks and grappling you learn are for self-defense and physical education, and are very technical. Judo
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has structure, values and follows the principles of mutual welfare and maximum efficiency with minimum effort. Judo is a lifelong sport for all ages. Greaves says, “There’s something in Judo for everyone.” In Judo you must work with a partner, which makes it easy for children to make new friends and learn about teamwork. Greaves’ club also offers a women’s fit class, a fun and social activity where you gain general fitness and learn basic knowledge of Judo.
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20
The Walleye
Margaret Demillo
January is the month of change and new beginnings. It is the ultimate month for those of us who vow every Monday morning that “this week will be different!” Well, enough of those Monday morning promises. Now is the time to implement your health and fitness resolutions. There are several different fitness facilities throughout Thunder Bay that can assist in achieving a healthier you, while suiting your lifestyle and personal taste.
When Sandra Greaves was twelve, her big sister introduced her to Judo; when her sister quit two weeks later, Sandra stuck with it and excelled. Greaves has had many accomplishments throughout her Judo career but her most recent is the opening of her very own Judo Club, Tokage Budokan, which means “House of the Way of the Warrior Lizard”. Greaves has a fifth degree black belt, is a certified Level 3 coach and has won countless medals. She was the first woman in Canada to compete in Judo at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea, and has travelled all over the world. She was inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame, the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and she even has a star at the Victoriaville Mall Walk of Fame. Greaves is proud of her notable accomplishments yet very modest and down to earth.
As Greaves reminisces about being at the Olympics she recalls, “Seeing the Olympic torch was surreal; the opening ceremonies was an electric event. It was difficult to focus on competing because you just get blown away.” When preparing for a match Greaves would relax and pretend she didn’t care about it at all, then as she stepped onto the mat she would say to herself, “These are the last four minutes of my life.” She describes her passion for Judo as “something I couldn’t get enough of.” She is prepared to take her students as far as they want to go, whether to the provincial or national level and she says, “I will do my best to remove any road blocks that are along the way.” For more information about Tokage Budokan and the classes that are offered, visit www.tokagebudokan.ca
OfftheWall
REVIEWS PRAISE FOR
THE BEGGAR’S GARDEN “Imagine Galileo was alive today. Imagine he was living out of dumpsters, writing his memoirs and saying to hell with the stars. Then you might discover in his tearstained pages the level of wonder and intellect at play in the teeming world of The Beggar’s Garden.” —HEATHER O’NEILL , author of Lullabies for Little Criminals “A terrific collection. Michael Christie’s writing is strong and vibrant, and these stories show a side of human experience rarely seen in literature. An impressive, arresting debut.” —STEVEN GALLOWAY , author of The Cellist of Sarajevo “Michael Christie’s collection makes the stuff of myth out of all life’s slips and falls, tragedies small and large—his language picks you back up again and dusts you off, his wise-dumb characters become your new friends, and their stories remind you of the strange, funny struggle that is written on our collective heart.” —LEE HENDERSON , author of The Man Game
BE GG A R ’S G A R DE N
Brilliantly sure-footed, strikingly original, tender and funny, this memorable collection of nine linked stories follows a diverse group of curiously interrelated characters—from bank manager to crackhead to retired Samaritan to mental patient to web designer to car thief—as they drift through each other’s lives like ghosts in Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. These darkly comic and intoxicating stories, gleefully free of moral judgment, are about people searching in the jagged margins of life—for homes, drugs, love, forgiveness. They range from the tragically funny opening story “Emergency Contact” to the audacious, drug-fuelled rush of “Goodbye Porkpie Hat” to the deranged and thrilling extreme of “King Me.” The Beggar’s Garden is a powerful and affecting debut, written with an exceptional eye and ear and heart.
01/11
MI C HA EL C HRI S T I E
THE POWERFUL AND AFFECTING DEBUT OF AN ORIGINAL NEW VOICE IN CANADIAN FICTION
U N C O R R E C T E D P RO O F N O T F O R R E S A L E
MIC H AEL C H R IS TIE The
BEGG AR’S G ARDEN
The Beggar’s Garden (HarperCollins)
By Michael Christie
in a homeless shelter in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and provided outreach to the severely mentally ill. Along with being a nearly washed-up professional skateboarder, he’s currently a senior writer for Color Magazine, an award-winning skateboarding/arts publication. He lives in Victoria, B.C.
ISBN: 978-1-55468-829-6 • SHIPPING IN JANUARY • FICTION • CAN $21.99 HARDCOVER Ph: 416.321.2241 • Fax: 416.321.3033 • Toll-Free Ph: 1.800.387.0117 • Toll-Free Fax: 1.800.668.5788
For marketing and publicity information, contact Carolyn Ovell at 416.975.9334 xxx or carolyn.ovell@harpercollins.com
This is an advance reading copy of the uncorrected proofs. Readers are reminded that changes may be made to the copy before publication and that all quotations for review must be checked against the final bound book.
Valhalla Rising Hallucinatory, trippy, hyper-violent and paced with more speeds than a city bus with a crazy driver, this film is a challenge to watch. Though it only has about 120 lines of dialogue, it is so packed with allusion and imagery, both mythological and historic, that you might need an intermission during viewing. (I did). Do not be fooled by the previews that imply an action movie or the DVD case blurb that makes you think it is the next Gladiator... Director Nicolas Winding-Refn’s eerily quiet movie is Art House at its most confabulatingly bewildering. You will love it or hate it. There will be no in-betweens.
Supporting Local Arts & Culture
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Small Craft on a Milk Sea
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The history of recorded music in the twentieth century and beyond has to take into account Brian Eno’s artistic and scientific contributions to the field: working behind the levers of electronic acoustics, composing using “treated” instruments and electronics, producing albums, and for a time, playing in rock bands. He has set the bar very high, creating works on his own and in collaboration that, no matter your taste, can be appreciated for their sonic qualities and for their intellectual playfulness. As is the case with many pioneers, the world has caught up with him, and so his methods don’t appear as radical as they did thirty or more years ago. But my, he does it well. Small Craft on a Milk Sea is one of Eno’s ambient albums, written with movie soundtracks in mind; two younger musicians, Leo Abrahams and Jon Hopkins, contribute. It’s not as beautiful as when Robert Fripp joined Eno, but it does provide a seascape upon which some kind of drama unfolds.
Gasoline Rainbows
Various Artists Proceeds to go to Global Green The newly released compilation album, Gasoline Rainbows, features a new unreleased track from singer-songwriter Damien Rice and tracks by The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend and Canadian indie darlings Tegan and Sara. 100 % of the proceeds go to Global Green to benefit communities and ecosystems affected by the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico - good music for a good cause. -TJ The Walleye
MP
Thunder Bay-Superior North
Brian Eno
-PT
22
Hyer
Contact Bruce for help with issues like:
Stories
Watch for the The Beggar’s Garden (January 14), a collection of stories by Michael Christie, who has recently moved back to Thunder Bay after a stint living in Vancouver. Described as an original new voice in Canadian Fiction, Christie’s interrelated stories follow diverse characters in Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside - from the tragically comic to the thrillingly deranged. A graduate of UBC’s MFA Creative Writing program, Christie has been published in numerous Canadian journals, was nominated for the Journey Prize (Canada’s best short story award) and is a senior writer for Color Magazine – an award-winning skateboarding/arts publication in Vancouver. MICHAEL CHRISTIE received his MFA in Creative Writing from UBC. Prior to this, he worked
Film&Theatre
Bruce
Deadmau5 4x4=12
Deadmau5’s newest release, 4x4=12, seems like an album made solely for a rave. With no standout tracks, this is a good album to listen to as background music at a party. The electro/house DJ has kept the complexity of the tracks to a minimum, sacrificing mood and creating a type of album difficult to sit down and listen to on its own without getting bored.
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www.TheWalleye.ca Introducing Thunder Bay’s Newest Multipurpose meeting & Banquet Facility
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The Walleye
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Food LIFEStyle
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Drive to Quit you longer.’ The anticipation for a reward is a factor, but the real reward is quitting.” Alana used nicotine gum and sought the support of her two daughters to help her quit.
By Simon Hoad Northwestern Ontario has smoking rates that are consistently four or five per cent above the provincial average of 18%. Our large blue-collar workforce and resource-based industries encourage a work-hard, play-hard philosophy. Young adults often disregard the implications of their smoking habit, imagining that quitting will be a snap. By age 35 most smokers are feeling the impacts of their addiction. Financially, a pack-a-day smoker blows through $3,000 a year. The money factor and health concerns become the push to quit.
Check out DrivenToQuit.ca for contest details. For smokers who need an extra push, the Bay Credit Union will now pay Thunder Bay residents to butt out! Those registered for the Driven to Quit Challenge can reward themselves every day by saving their cigarette money. Keep up the special D2Q account for one year and the Bay Credit Union will top it up with 5% interest. Visit BayCreditUnion. com to learn more.
Most smokers can quit and become non-smokers on their first or second serious quit attempt. Yet, a significant number of smokers will need multiple tries as they learn their personal triggers to smoke and practice ways to sustain their new smoke-free lifestyle.
Once a smoker quits, their immune system starts to recover, damaged tissue is repaired and their risk of having a stroke or heart attack drops dramatically within six months. Health benefits happen no matter what the age of the ‘quitter’. Imagine that quitting smoking at 65 will double a person’s chance of seeing 75. The annual Driven to Quit Challenge can provide smokers with the motivation to kick the habit. District of Thunder Bay smokers register at three times our proportion of the smoking population, higher than any other region in Ontario. Interested smokers sign up with a ‘buddy’ and successfully quit smoking for the month of March to be eligible to win a new hybrid car or one of seven $2,000 MasterCard gift cards. Buddies can also receive prizes. Alana Stones, of Thunder Bay, who won a $2,000 MasterCard gift card last year said, “My daughter told me if I quit ‘you’ll live longer, so we can be with
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The Walleye
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The Walleye
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Steeling the Gaze: Portraits by Aboriginal Artists Until February 27 By Rebekah Skochinski
Duncan Weller
This compelling exhibition, featuring the works of twelve celebrated Aboriginal artists, is travelling from the National Gallery of Canada to make its first stop here in Thunder Bay. “Our Gallery is committed to showcasing and fostering the work of contemporary First Nations artists,” shares Nadia Kurd, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery. “We decided to bring Steeling the Gaze to the Gallery because it offers Thunder Bay audiences both the complex and nuanced ways contemporary Aboriginal artists portray identity through photography.”
Lantern Keeper
The Art of Alana Forslund
Pairing the past with the present, this modern reexamination allows us as viewers to look both through the lens, and back at the lens; challenging the way we define others and the way we define ourselves. “The artists in this exhibition are quite conscious of the historical and photographic depictions of Aboriginal peoples and work against the static, historic framings of their culture, families and life.”
Alana Forslund
With the aid of a grant from the Ontario Arts Council, Forslund was given enough time to play with these ideas in her wonderful new paintings. “Lantern Keeper”, featuring a barefoot woman in the forest with her jar of fireflies, is a good example of her new work. Forslund’s deft handling of oil paint (“amazing mush” she calls it) is a joy to observe. Backgrounds are complete works, not filler, and Forslund uses them to great effect to place her subjects in real and allegorical settings. Light and shadow dance over the skin of her subjects, reacting and setting the characters firmly within a story - a happening of some sort, where the subjects are absorbed in their playful activity. Much is alluded to but nothing is resolved, much like the act of playing itself. These moody images, focusing on a singular character, inspire the viewer to ask, “What’s her story?”
“Lantern Keeper,” featuring a barefoot woman in the forest with her jar of fireflies, is a good example of local artist Alana Forslund’s new work.
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The Walleye
Alana felt that the love her friends used to have for childhood activities were fading in their memories. “Losing memories is normal. Memories are fluid. They make us human, but losing them is also sort of scary,” Alana says. That tone of thought can be seen in other paintings where striating interference lines scratch the surface, obscuring some of the imagery and reminding the viewer that something not quite real is going on. Thankfully the strength of the images, the wonderment and enjoyment the subjects find in their activity indicate that Forslund is an optimist. There’s enough hope and resolve to keep positive memories alive; these make Fordlund’s work brilliantly humanist, and make her paintings and career worth great attention.
Dana Claxton, Daddy’s Gotta New Ride
Join Andrea Kunard, Associate Curator, Canadian Museum of Photography, for a guest curator talk on Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m.at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
Wave Bottle
By Tim Alexander Stoneware
11 inches (height) By Tiffany Jarva
Potter Tim Alexander’s Lakebed series explores the rhythm of waves and colour changes found in the waters of Lake Superior. “The surface of spaced gestural lines repeated quickly reproduces the rhythm of waves as I experience them in my kayak in rough weather,” explains Alexander. This bottle was made on a potter’s wheel in several stages. Beginning as a cylinder, it was compressed into a flattened oval, whereupon it was combined with hand-built and wheel-thrown elements. Pairs of lines were filled with wax resist before dipping the pot in a copper saturate glaze. The resultant unglazed sections are impacted by the accumulation of salt and wood ash from a wood firing kiln in Rossport. Tones vary from the rich and earthy to the intense sea-greens. “I love this copper glaze because it is so sensitive to the idiosyncrasies of the firing process - from oxygen saturation and cooling rate to the minute temperature gradations within the kiln,” says Alexander. “When I un-brick the kiln after two days of cooling I never know precisely what I’ll get.” Tim Alexander Island Pottery Thunder Bay by appointment 807-345-9073 Island Pottery Rossport is open daily from the end of May to early October
Tim Alexander
Alana Forslund is concerned that we adults are losing the best parts of ourselves. Our childhood memories, along with our imagination and our ability to play, are being overrun with the pressures of living the day-to-day adult life.
Dana Claxton
By Duncan Weller
talexanderpotter59@gmail.com
The Walleye
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JanuaryeEventsGuide Food
theWall
January 15, 2pm & 8pm
January 22, 8pm - 2am
Mid-August Lunch (Pranzo di ferragosto) NOFSA
The Wizard of Oz
Derelicte 3 - A Fashion Odyssey
Silvercity Theatre Italian filmmaker Gianni Di Gregorio has woven together a charming and tender film about a man in his late 50’s who is inept at making a living but is a good son caring for his attimes demanding elderly mother. Sinking into debt, the son (Gianni) agrees to watch the condo manager’s mother during Pranzo di ferragosto, the mid-August holidays, in exchange for some of the money that is owed. Until January 8
Evolation - 22nd Anniversary Regional Juried Exhibition
Definitely Superior Art Gallery Featuring 25-30 individual, eclectic and diverse contemporary artists in the only professional paid juried format exhibition in the region and one of the best multi-disciplinary shows of the year www.definitelysuperior.com Until January 8
Break of Day Sarah Furlotte-Paintings /Mixed Media
Definitely Superior Art Gallery First solo exhibition of exciting new paintings and box art forms in various mediums. As Furlotte explains, she likes to approach a piece of work uninhibited, free of constraints and has learned it takes longer to free yourself than to attempt to render realism. Until January 8
Spooks of Hazard Vov Abraxas-MusicMultimedia Performance
Definitely Superior Art Gallery Spooks of Hazard and Vov Abraxas provide a Multimedia performative experience with their consistently original and innovative musical stylings and video works. www.definitelysuperior.com www.youtube.com/ thevovabraxas www.myspace.com/vovabraxas January 13, 8pm
Ryan David Hilariously Hypnotic show
Port Arthur Ukrainian Prosvita Cultural Centre Under the influence of a hypnotic haze, you just never know where the evening will take you, but one thing is guaranteed: lots of laughs. Presented by the Thunder Bay Lions Club; tickets are $25. January 14
Glenn Nolan: Engaged: A Photographic Journey Through Latin America Thunder Bay Art Gallery Chase away winter’s chill through a picture story that explores the people, places and things discovered south of the border. Opening reception and artist talk, 7:30 p.m.
Travel the yellow brick road with the colourful characters of this classic tale. Music, magic and a mantra of ‘there’s no place like home’ played out on the stage is sure to entertain. 807-684.4444 www.tbca.com January 18, 8pm
Jeans’n Classics
Don your denim for a casual evening of the TBSO playing classics from the beloved Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Also on the program, Let it Be, Eleanor Rigby, The Long and Winding Road and more. Adults: $38. Children 12 & under: $13. 807-684.4444 www.tbca.com January 20, 7pm & 9:20 pm
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo NOFSA
Silvercity Theatre The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is based on the first book of Stieg Larsson’s popular Millenium trilogy. We are introduced to a cast of characters that include: the fallen investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nykvist), wealthy industrialist Henrik Vanger (SvenBertil Taube) who’s niece, Harriet Vanger, disappeared some 40 years ago, and whip-smart, anti-social computer hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace). Blomkvist and Salander join forces to help solve the mystery of the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, with many compelling twists along the way. January 20 - 22
2011 Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games
Athletes will congregate and compete at various locations in the city. Watch cross-country & downhill skiing, snowshoeing, speed skating & figure skating and curling. Free admission. Check out their website for the complete schedule.
www.specialolympics2011games.com
January 22 - April 30
Urban Infill-Art in The Core Presented by Definitely Superior Art Gallery
The next evolution of creative possibilities! Revitalizing our downtown north core by capitalizing on assets of arts/culture and linking/ reinforcing connections through accessible empty spaces and existing arts/commercial/business/social spaces. Featuring 17 multi-disciplinary art projects between January and April by 350 regional/national/international artists at 15 downtown locations. Re-discover ‘The Waterfront District’ through contemporary art. www.definitelysuperior.com
Black Pirates Pub Presented by Definitely Superior Art Gallery One extreme night of wearable art, fashion, music and performance on the catwalk. Featuring: 7 local fashion houses;15 “wearable art” fashion exhibitions; 5 performance acts; 5 live bands; 2 DJ’s; hundreds in raffle/ best D.I.Y. fashion/costume prizes and more. 550 people attended last year. What’s your fashion tribe? Be Haute! Be Derelicte! A fundraiser for Definitely Superior Art Gallery and LU Radio 102.7fm. www.definitelysuperior.com January 23, 8am
Thunderwolves Indoor Marathon
LU Hangar Participate in a full or team relay marathon, half marathon, or 10 km run with guaranteed perfect weather at the LU Hangar. A setting for both competitive and non-competitive runners or walkers it promises to be a fun event with a DJ, prizes, costumes are encouraged. Register online until January 18. Proceeds support Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay. www.thunderwolves.ca/ indoormarathon January 23, 7pm
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Audiences usually pack the auditorium to see the best in mountain films. Show up at 6 for symposium and displays. $14 gets you in to see the films and to win some pretty great door prizes. January 27 - February 12
The (Post) Mistress
Magnus Theatre See the world premiere of this musical by playwright, novelist and composer, Tomson Highway. It’s a tale of a smalltown postmistress who reveals the contents of the letters (through song) and lives she has encountered while working at the post office. Directed by Mario Crudo. 807-345-5552 www.magnus.on.ca Until January 30
“Water as Metaphor” Thunder Bay Art Gallery
807-577-6427 www.theag.ca amackay@theag.ca
MUSIC SCENE January 4-13 (Tues/Thurs)
Band Wars
Black Pirates Pub $5, All Ages January 7
Zachary Lucky The Apollo TBA January 8
Justin Lacroix The Apollo TBA January 9
Trench Foot Kilroys $0, 19+
January 22
Consortium Aurora Borealis Extravaganza Italiana: Ravishing Italian Baroque St. Paul’s United Church donation January 23
Sarah Harmer The Outpost $15 adv., 19+ January 24
Sirens & Serenades Kilroys TBA, 19+
January 26
The Wild Turkeys Black Pirates Pub $8,19+ January 28
The Joys
Black Pirates Pub TBA
January 13
TBSO - Masterworks III Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $13/37
Querkus/Jon Cohen Experimental The Apollo TBA
January 14
Jory Nash
Finlandia Hall $20/25
Fuji Hakayito The Apollo TBA
New Music North Sbot N Wo
The Communication and Friends Black Pirates Pub TBA January 29 TBSO
Liberace Revisited
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $13/38
Querkus
The Apollo TBA January 30
Finger Eleven
The Outpost $ 20/22, All Ages
SuGaR sHaKeDoWn - Winter Edition Black Pirates Pub $5, 19+
Jean McNulty Recital Hall advance $5/door $10
January 31
January 15
The Office/Crocks $20, All Ages
Clay Breiland CD Release
Devil Driver/Cancer Bats
The Apollo TBA
The Walleye
John-Paul Marion
Yes, it’s another new year. Have we made lofty resolutions that are once again doomed to fail? What happened in Thunder Bay in 2010 to celebrate, and what do we look forward to in 2011? Thanks to El Niño, we experienced a long-overdue mild winter, early spring, and blessedly hot summer. The fall was kind of short and sweet but November put an extra spring in our steps with record-breaking warmth. Since then, we have been hit with slushy snow, rain, flash freezes, ice pellets and a preChristmas deep freeze—thanks in part to El Niños’ evil sister, El Niña. Such is the nature of this place we call home.
Hopefully it was a happy and safe holiday season for all, with lots of eggnog and gut-busting turkey and overflowing with the true cream of the season, gravy. Now it’s time to get out and work off some of the excesses with skating, skiing (of all types), tobogganing, snowshoeing, or any winter activity that gets us outside enjoying the pleasure to be found during these cold, cold days. Perhaps one might want to take a stroll at Marina Park, where you can check out the, er, progress of our metamorphisizing waterfront. True, it doesn’t look so inspiring at present but remember the skate park with all of its opposition. The skeptics have been proven wrong as the skate park is both
TBSO Plays The Music of The Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Thunder Bay Community Auditorium $13/43
Blowout Sale
Steeling the Gaze: Portraits by Aboriginal Artists
We are closing our doors
Everything must go EVENTS GUIDE KEY GENERAL FOOD ART SPORTS MUSIC
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Past Reflections + Future Promises
January 18
Until February 27
Thunder Bay Art Gallery This exhibition explores images of Aboriginal peoples; created by twelve celebrated Aboriginal artists. A guest curator talk will be held on January 26 at 7:30. 807-577-6427 www.theag.ca amackay@theag.ca
Darren McChristie
January 6, 7pm & 9pm
December 27– January 7
504 E Victoria Ave.
The entertainment scene in Thunder Bay continues to grow and glow. Lakehead University is booming, the medical research community is growing, Bombardier looks confidently to the future (hold your breath) and, despite the continuing slide of the forest industry, this community keeps on keepin’ on.
department, as it looks like the large solar installation will go ahead at the Thunder Bay International Airport. 2010 was the year of alternative energy in the city.
beautiful and extremely popular. Let’s think positive about the “big” development, hoping to soon stroll through a lovely hub of shops and sailboats that is at least as good or better than what we had just a short while ago.
One big highlight of the past year was the very successful World Junior Baseball Championships, while 2011 presents the honour of hosting the Ontario Special Winter Olympics. Be sure to come out and support these athletes. Lappe Nordic will also host national trials in January, with up to 400 athletes vying for spots at the World Junior Nordic Games later this winter. Rick Mercer will be here in June, Gordon Lightfoot in December, and there will be so much more. 2011 looks promising, and another 2010 creation, THE WALLEYE, will be here to help guide you along. Good luck with those New Year’s resolutions, so long to the Inntowner, and goodnight to the Port Arthur General hospital.
This year, Big Thunder crept back into the public eye again. With the Winter Olympic Games on Canadian soil, nordic sport fans around the country were excited about the possibility of resurrecting this worldclass facility. This past year may have been its last chance. Of course, there was really never any hope, as we now know. However, despite the fact that the company that wants to install a wind farm at Big Thunder is suing the city, it would be good to see some progressive action in the wind energy
The entertainment scene in Thunder Bay continues to grow and glow. Lakehead University is booming, the medical research community is growing, Bombardier looks confidently to the future (hold your breath) and, despite the continuing slide of the forest industry, this community keeps on keepin’ on.
The Walleye
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EVENTCalendar
theEYE TOPfive
the
All photos: Darren McChristie
Skiers and snowboarders enjoying an afternoon on the slopes of Thunder Bay.
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The Walleye
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