Solvent Magazine Issue #6

Contents

pg. 4

pg. 8

Mike Pearce: Canadian Soldier ......... 4

Comic Jam at the Whitewater ................... 6

The Cat Comes Back ... ... Again ........................ 8

pg. 14

The Minstrel of Mattawa .................. 9

Events Listings ......10-13 ......16-22 pg. 24

SAB Rocks .................14

John Weiss .................23

The Fishin` Musician ..................24

pg. 26

MBM Entertainment ..................26

business reviews

events listings

editorials take-out menus

www.solventmagazine.com local news free classifieds

updated daily... 03

There is nothing that Solvent anticipates with as much eagerness as doing a follow up interview with a healthy and happy Cpl. Mike Pearce. He has recently been deployed to Afghanistan, and agreed to do the following interview before he left. As Mike has said, people tend to see the uniform, and not the man, so he was glad to provide North Bay with an opportunity to know a man that wears the uniform. It is difficult for people to avoid equating the soldiers that fight the war with the politics that have given birth to it, when disingenuous politicans hide behind the soldiers to avoid criticism. “Support the Troops” is interpreted as “Support the War”, and that guarantees soldiers will get flak from the anti-war movement. Regardless of whether this war is just, or necessary, Canadians should be proud to have a guy like Mike in our Forces. It is impossible to say whether all soldiers are deserving of our support, but one thing for sure, is that this man is deserving.

S: How do the Armed Forces choose which troops to send to Afghanistan? MP: The army will say that there are a certain number of slots in a task force. Notification will go out to all the Units and all the Regiments. The Units and Regiments, will be allotted, based on their size, a number of troops that will be allowed to attend tour. From there it is up to the Unit to decided specifically who is best suited to go.

posed to war and fighting, and the Army. I used to watch the news and I saw all this fighting and all this war, and it changed me inside. I was opposed to the fighting, but I saw suffering and dying, and it disturbed me to the point where I had a realization. I said to myself: “As unfortunate as it is that we have fighting and war, someone has to do something about the atrocities that are committed on a daily basis.” It drove me to the point where I said I am that “someone”.

S: You volunteered?

S: So it was a sense of duty that propelled you.

MP: Yes.

MP: Sure it was a sense of duty. I don’t know if it was duty [arising from the fact that] I didn’t have a job, but it was certainly a point of honour. It is honour that drives me to do the things that I do now. It never

S: So even though you are already in the forces, combat deployment is still voluntary? MP: At my level, yes. There are two components to the Armed Forces, reg forces and reserve. Since I am a reserve, I have the opportunity to decline or just not put my name in. S: What is the difference between the reg forces and reserve forces? MP: The intensity and regularity of training. S: Will you join the reg forces eventually? MP: That’s my plan. I’m comfortable where I am, and I can gain experience before I fully commit to a career. The reserves is an excellent opportunity. S: When did you realize that you want to be a soldier? MP: When I was a young man, I was very op-

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S: You saw an important and dangerous job that needed to be done, and because of your sense of honour, you decided that it was not a job you could ask someone to do on your behalf, you would instead do it on the behalf of others. MP: I felt responsible to take the situation into my own hands. There are people out there who want change, but aren’t capable of doing something about it. S: Will you spend your entire career in the army? MP: At this point in my life, I think so. The army has changed me spiritually and fundamentally right down to my sense of ethics. Every component of my life and my being has been changed by the army. I’ve been in so long now, that it is the only thing that I know. I don’t know if I could go back to doing a civilian job.

S: How would you describe the difference between Mike Pearce and Cpl Mike Pearce? MP: Before I was in the military, I wasn’t very athletic. I was overweight. I wasn’t very intelligent. I had no wit. I was very plain, very simple, very ordinary. Immediately after I joined the army, I dropped 40 pounds, and I gained a lot of muscle. I gained integrity and discipline. The army will teach you to do things that no normal person would ever do. I was changed in a big way. S: By virtue of your training in the Canadian Armed Forces, you have become a better person, not only physically, and mentally, but also ethically? MP: Yes, and at first I tried to fight the changes. At first I tried to resist. It’s an instinct to resist change and not take on things that are new. I was so fundamentally against it at first. But then … as soon as I … I guess the word I would use is “break”. So once I “broke” from training, spiritually, and mentally, even physically, that was it. S: Do other soldiers experience the same point of “breaking”? MP: That is what they call it, and it is part of the training process. Everyone in this profession experiences it for sure. S: Before “breaking” you were resisting the changes that were occurring in you and after breaking, you stopped resisting? MP: You don’t want to lose your sense of individuality. You are who you are and no one can take

that away from you. Someone can change you and shape you into something new though. That’s what they try to do to you in training. Now that I have undergone that process, I couldn’t imagine my life otherwise. I don’t know where I’d be or what I’d be doing. I don’t even want to know. I’m very thankful for how I am today. S: You made an allusion to your spirituality earlier. Has your training created your spirituality within you or has it reinforced your pre-existing spirituality? MP: It is definitely something new. Spirituality is difficult to comment on, because it is difficult to relate in words how someone feels inside, but I am overwhelmed every day when I wake up. I am overwhelmed with a sense of duty, and my integrity drives me to protect people everyday. Whether I am walking downtown, and I see something happen, I am completely compelled to help people all the time. I want to help and protect those in need. S: When you say “spirituality”, so you separate that term from its religious applications? MP: You could call it religion, spirituality, or maybe, if you’re not a believer, you could call it ethics or morals. I’m not sure what it is, but it drives me. S: What weapons are you trained on?

many counselors to help you deal with combat stress. Our forces are dedicated to helping soldiers through whatever difficulties they may have. I feel safe knowing that no matter what happens to me, I will always have someone to take care of me. S: You deserve no less for what you are putting on the line for us civilians. Have you envisioned combat and how your training will hold up under the extreme pressure of combat? MP: At this point in my career, I have had enough training that my job has become second nature to me. When you begin training, you are overwhelmed, because there is so much stuff to do and remember, and it is physically exhausting. After a while, it all becomes natural, and your reactions become instinctive almost. S: How does your family feel about you being a soldier? MP: My family was supportive of me joining, because my family has a several generations of history in the military. My father was certainly a big influence. Now that a combat deployment is coming closer, it is different. They never thought that I would be going overseas, into danger, putting my life on the line. S: So their attitude has changed now that they know that you will be seeing combat?

MP: It changes over the years, as weapons systems you already know get phased out, and new ones are brought in that you learn. I am trained on 9 or 10 weapons systems. All small arms weapons ranging from pistols, shot guns, rifles, and various machine guns. I also know anti-armor weapons, indirect fire weapons such as mortar, grenade launchers, and many different kinds of hand grenades.

MP: Definitely. They say things like: “What did you do today at work?” And I say something like “I got issued body armor to protect myself when I am overseas”. They don’t say much. They’ll say “Oh, that’s nice”. When I talk about the fact that I have to go and fight in a war, they don’t say anything. They are very quiet.

S: Do you have a specialty?

MP: Absolutely. They are terrified. I can see it in their eyes. I think they are trying to pretend that it isn’t happening. They are trying to pretend that their son isn’t going overseas to fight a war.

MP: In my platoon, I am the general purpose machine gunner. S: You guys aren’t so specialized that someone else in your platoon can’t do your job if you go down. MP: Our training program is designed so that every soldier can fill a variety of roles. Let’s say that I am taken out in combat, be it mortality or wounded or whatever the case may be, there are any number of others who can pick up my weapon and replace me. S: Is this unique to the Canadian Armed Forces or do soldiers in all armies have that level of flexibility? MP: Not all forces are based around the idea that each soldier should be able to do anything. That is because it is expensive to train soldiers as thoroughly as Canadian soldiers are trained. S: So Afghanistan will be your first combat deployment? MP: Live fire combat? The real deal? Yes, it will be. S: Obviously, you would not be a human being if you did not think about the perils you will face. How does your training prepare you to face danger? MP: We have a lot of support groups. There are

S: From the lack of reaction, do you sense worry?

S: I imagine that one of the things that gives you strength as you are preparing to go is the shared experience with your fellow soldiers. Do you feel the bond between yourself and your brothers in arms strengthening as your deployment approaches? MP: For sure. You use the term brothers in arms, and it is something I hear often. In the military, you suffer with these human beings that you work with every waking moment of every day. You grow bonds with them. The people that you refer to as my brothers in arms, are just brothers to me. There are people that I have suffered with through my entire career, and I don’t call them by their name or their rank, I call them “Brother”. I have a very hard time describing in words the bond that is created when you are in a trench with someone for 10 days. S: The bond you have with someone with whom you will face danger, must be entirely different than bonds you can have with anyone else. MP: I only know one person that isn’t in the army that I can relate to on the same level as I can with my brothers in the army, and that is only because I have known him my whole life. S: Speaking of a bond between soldiers that is intrinsic to the fact that you share experiences with them, do you think that your existence as a

soldier creates a separation between yourself and the civilians that you are sworn to protect, who can’t possibly understand what you will be going through in Afghanistan? MP: Certainly. All joking aside, and I have to say that I am not speaking on behalf of everyone, but there are people in the military who regard civilians as little more than an irritation. Personally, I believe that anyone who is physically and mentally capable of protecting those in need, is obligated to do so. My whole belief system is based on this. S: Your motives as a soldier are based on your sense of honour and your sense of duty. Now, you just described citizens as little more than irritants, but those are the people that you are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for. MP: I didn’t say that I consider them to be an irritant, but it is very difficult for me to talk about civilians. I have walked down the street in my uniform and I have been spat on, and I have been called things like “warmonger”. I have had people that I have never met in my life flip me the middle finger and throw shit at me. Every time it happens, I question myself. Why should I protect someone who has that kind of attitude? S: You are prepared to sacrifice yourself for someone who might show nothing but scorn for your efforts. MP: It bothers me to think that without hesitation I will stand in front of bullets for these people. I care about them, and it rattles me in my foundation to be treated like this. I just don’t understand it. S: By the same token, you must encounter a lot of people who are thankful for what you do. MP: People come up to me all the time and thank me. People shake my hand and say thanks for doing a great job. I’ve been hugged. People try to give me gifts sometimes. The pros certainly outweigh the cons. I admit that I get more positive than negative. But I have had completely ignorant people come up to me and say “ Canada should stay the fuck out of Iraq !!” Immediately, I think “You’re a silly goose, because we are not in Iraq.” I’ve put up with a lot of garbage because people are ignorant. S: Would it make a difference to you if the job that you are doing on behalf of our country was better recognized by the average person you meet in the street? MP: No S: Your gratitude is not one of your motives. MP: I might question myself more if everyone was against me, but I would still honour my obligations and do my job. S: Do you feel that some people who are against war, are against you because you are the manifestation of war that they see in the street? MP: Yes, I am a symbol to them. I am not a human being that has feelings. I am just a uniform to them. S: Take care of yourself Corporal, and thanks for your efforts.

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T he C at

m o C

. . k . c A a g a B i n s e

From Left: Tim Bionda, Tiff Broome-McLean, Tyler Chartrand All good things must come to an end. But sometimes they come to an end, and a beginning, before going to Deep River shrouded in mystery. Not long after 3 Legged Cat supposedly reunion/final show at Cecil’s, a 3 Legged Cat CD Release Party was announced for June 14 - also at Cecil’s. At this event, fans of the band will be able to purchase a live CD recorded at the farewell show. Three Legged Cat got their start at the Cecil’s Jam Night. When Tiff Broome-Mclean had just started working there as a server, Dave Moffat was playing an acoustic show there one night. As he performed the song “Creep” by Radiohead, Tiff was overheard by John “JP” Parnell, saying that she could also play that song - perhaps better than Moffat. JP, who at the time was the booking manager at Cecil’s, immediately challenged Tiff to back up her words on stage at the next Jam Night. Tiff says that getting on stage for that first time was tough, but not as tough as JP was making it not to get on stage. A star was born at Cecil’s Jam Night, and Tiff gives much credit to JP for getting her started. Tim Bionda, guitarist for Three Legged Cat was working as the live sound engineer at Cecil’s at the time. Tim fondly recollects the moment that he decided that he might like to become musically involved with Tiff. “She would tip toe to the mic, put her head down, and play very quietly, but I always thought

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the songs were pretty and I thought she was good. Nothing really clicked until I saw her play one of the same songs in her living room, and she played it with no inhibition at all. She just belted it out, and I knew right then that I have to play in a band with this person.” The band needed a drummer so Tim recruited Tyler Chartrand, formerly of Skrote, Humphrey Bogart, Inhumane, Empyrean Plague, and Genitile. “I knew Timmy, who was in Humphrey Bogart and Skrote with me way back, and he told me he knew this amazingly hot beautiful singer that was also an awesome singer, so ...” say Chartrand when asked how and why he joined this band. Tim and Tyler are influenced by punk and metal respectively, and these influences come out in their playing. Bringing a classic rock and top 40 influence to the band, is the other guitarist, Damien Thibodeau, aka “The Shredder”, who reputedly knows every radio song ever written. For the upcoming show, 3 Legged Cat will be joined by Jake Rockburn on bass, formerly of Red and White, and Alicia Turner a vocalist from the band Indecent. The band is very pleased with the live album and looks forward to making it available to the public at their June 14th show at Cecil’s. To guarantee a copy, fans of Three Legged Cat would be advised to join their group on Facebook, and pre-order a copy.

Ronnie Lafrance, front house engineer, and Chris Blackwell who did the mixing and mastering both did a great job says Bionda. Lisa Gibson from SAB and the Family Band, did the graphic design. For years, 3 Legged Cat was a fixture on the North Bay scene. They had a long run hosting a very successful jam night at Cecil’s, and twice made the finals of Northern Ontario Band Wars sponsored by Molson. In 2003 it was at a place called the Falcon in Garson. “That place was great.” Bionda says wistfully, “They took Canadian Tire money. You could buy beer with Canadian Tire money!!!” The next year the finals were held at 100 Georges in Sudbury on two of the coldest days of the year. “We spent about 200 bucks on gas running the van in the parking lot.” Bionda claims, and when asked why the van was running in the parking lot so much, he replied: “It was our dressing room, but I will admit that there was smoke seen billowing from our dressing room.” The reunion show at which the album was recorded, was supposed to also be a farewell show, as Tiff is leaving to go live in Alaska with her husband Tim, who is with the Air Force. This CD Release Party is now officially the last show of 3 Legged Cat, but there is a persistent rumour about Deep River. Before Tiff divulges too many details about the mysterious Deep River gig, Tim cuts in to conclude that” You never know how long it’ll be gone, but the Cat always comes back.”

The Minstrel of Mattawa Very often, downtown is enlivened by the sounds of Roger Boulanger playing his violin on the sidewalk between TD Bank and Cheapskates. Hailing from Mattawa, Roger has been bowing the strings for 6 years. As a career landscaper, now retired, he describes himself as an outdoors person, and busking is a great excuse to be outside, meeting people, and enjoying the summer weather. The response that Roger has gotten from people, and merchants in the DIA, has been gratifying and is what keeps him coming back. Jeff Serran of the DIA, is credited with helping Roger find the best place to share his talent with passers-by. When asked why he thinks there aren’t more buskers out on Main St, he speculates that people are nervous about playing publicly. He hopes that he inspires some other musicians to give it a shot. During his busking sessions, Roger has already met quite a few musicians and is thinking that there might be some collaborative busking in his future. Making friends is definitely not least among reasons that Roger plays music for people. He is quick to relate experiences he has had meeting new people on the street. “There are family services next to the bank, so that brings a lot of mothers with their kids. They stop and the mother explains to the kids what I am doing. They tell the kids what a violin is, and why I have the case open in front of me. Sometimes they are only about 18 months old, and the mother will give them some coins to put in the case. But sometimes the kids don’t want to part with the coins, and the mother has to pry the hand open so the coins fall into the case. Sometimes when the kids catch on to what it is, every time the mother and child come by me, the child asks for money to put in the case.” Next time you see Roger perpetrating some music on Main St., don’t be a stranger.

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Events Saturday, June 7, 2008

Monday, June 9, 2008

Dig Newton Cecil’s 3$ Cover 10 PM

Colin Cecil’s 10 PM No Cover

The Cronics The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Klassic Kountry The Fraser Saturday Matinee Cody Allen Renee’s Cafe Northern Ontario native Cody Allen has been gaining recognition as a distinct solo artist with an insightful, funky style. He accompanies himself on acoustic guitar and creates his own style and sound, a cross between rock, folk and country. His memorable voice & powerful lyrics create music that sounds both natural and vintage. Cody has been compared to to Raine Maida, the lead singer of Our Lady Peace. Some of the artists who inspire him are Jeff Buckley, Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Matthew Good, Blue Rodeo and Tomi Swick. Cody Allen plays pubs, concert halls and festivals and has opened for Faber Drive, Hello Operator, Pat Robitaille, Suzie McNeil, Autoswitch, Trooper, Rides Again, Flatlined & more. Tunes from his CD, Little Things Mean So Much (2005) have seen National airplay and his second CD will be available soon. 8:00 PM 7$ Cover

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 Johnny Williams Cecil’s No Cover 10 PM

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Free Wing Night Moose’s Loose Change Lodge 1 Free Pound of Wings after 11PM 3$ Cover Live DJ Jake Thomas Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM Hump Day The Fraser 12.75 Pitchers No Cover 9:30 PM

Thursday, June 12, 2008 Hit and Run 100 Georges Featuring MIC PRO 10:00 PM No Cover

UFC 85 : Bedlam at Boston Pizza / The Moose Hughes vs. Alves in the main event. Fights shown free at both of these locations Molson Karaoke Night Check ufc.com for details The Fraser Draw date for the following prizes will be Super Saturdays held on June 26th - must be present to win The Zoo 1st - 2 people will each win $500 A different party every Saturday. 2nd - Karaoke Machine 10:00 PM 3rd - Coors Light Leather Barstools There will also be tons of giveaways for Book Signing everyone! Gulliver’s Books 10:00 PM Celebrate the launch of Wynterblue Publishing’s Confabulation, a compilation 2$ cover of works by local writers, many of whom will be present to meet you and sign their Tyler Hall and the Easy 3 Cecil’s work. Wynterblue is a new publishing No Cover house in North Bay. Meet Karin Lacroix, 10:00 PM its prime mover. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Margaret Trudeau Capitol Centre Raising Voices and Changing Lives Sunday, June 8, 2008 Together, the Northeast Mental Health Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association - Nipissing Regional Branch, Karaoke and Wing Night present former First Lady of Canada, Cecil’s Margaret Trudeau to share her inspirational 39 cent wings journey about living with a mental illness. 10:00 PM We invite you to participate in an evening No Cover of hope, understanding, awareness & acceptance. Industry Night Special performance by the North Bay The Fraser Interlink Choir 12.75 Pitchers Tickets: $15.00 No Cover 7:00 PM Reel Big Show Superstar Thursdays Refueled Capitol Centre The Zoo Movie Night at Capitol Centre Presented by MBM Entertainment check www.capitolcentre.ca for details. DJ Femme Fatale (top 40, hip hop, reggae) 7:00 PM DJ Jimbo (hip hop, house)

3$ with flyer 4$ without sponsored by: Exodus

Friday June 13, 2008 Peter Cliche Band Cecil’s 3$ Cover 10:00 PM MLC The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Shrine Circus Memorial Gardens There will be two performances - one at 4:00 PM and another at 7:30 PM. Buy one ticket at $17.50 and receive a second ticket free!!! Call the box office for details at 474-3770 Deadline for Band Wars Registration Capitol Centre Event is on June 28, deadline to register is the 13th. Sarah Craig & James Matt Renee’s Cafe Blues meets Bluegrass with Sarah Craig & James Matt A self-described ‘Sudbury girl’, Sarah Craig (see sarahcraig.ca) performs jazz as tasty and clean as Ramsey Lake water. In the tradition of Billie Holiday, her smoky vocals set the stage for her bluegrass- and gospel-inspired jazz songs. The Laurentianeducated musician played with the Sultry Jazz Trio, The Sudbury Jazz Orchestra and indie-rocker OX, which allowed her to tour the British Isles and Canada. Her upcoming release is ‘The Threshing Floor’ produced by Paul Dunn. Roots don’t get much more country than Jim Matt’s. With his big smile, big boots and big country guitar licks, he leans into his tunes as if his life depended on getting it across just right. Growing up in Englehart, he put his hands to pencil and fingers to fret, writing sweet down-home melodies and playing songs for many years. Then he was picked up by multi platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning producer Pete Anderson (he handles Dwight Yoakam,kd lang, Roy Orbison, Blue Rodeo and now, Jim Matt). Pete described Matt’s voice as ‘purebred country crisp and clean as a summer morning on a pristine lake. Jim represents the sort of talent that comes along only every ten years. He’s so focused it’s a gift’. Recorded in LA, Jim’s album ‘All My Wild Oats’ is a fresh take on C&W backed up by Dwight Yoakam’s band, including Sudbury fiddler Donnie Reed. 8:00 PM 10$ Cover New Movies at Galaxy Galaxy Cinemas The Happening Director: M. Night Shyamalan Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo A man takes his family on the run when the world turns upside and a cataclysmic natural crisis threatens to end the world. The Incredible Hulk Director: Louis Leterrier Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth The Incredible Hulk kicks off an all-new, explosive and action-packed epic of one of

the most popular superheroes of all time. In this new beginning, scientist Bruce Banner (Edward Norton) desperately hunts for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him: The Hulk. Living in the shadows -- cut off from a life he knew and the woman he loves, Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) -- Banner struggles to avoid the obsessive pursuit of his nemesis, General Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), and the military machinery that seeks to capture him and brutally exploit his power. Young People F...ing Director: Martin Gero Starring: Aaron Abrams, Diora Baird, Sonja Bennett Each of live stories traces a single sexual encounter between each couple, leading from “Foreplay” through to “Afterglow”. Each couple’s attempt to have ex is met with an endless stream of complications. The Couple, Abby (KRISTEN BOOTH) and Andrew (JOHN DEAN), try to spice up their stale love life, only to discover that things are worse than they thought. Matt (AARON ABRAMS) and Kristen (CARLY POPE) are The Friends, lifelong buddies, one sick and the other sick of love. Their plan to sleep together goes off the rails when romance rears its ugly head. The Exes, Mia (SONJA BENNETT) and Eric (JOSH COOKE), hook up again for old time’s sake, while trying to hide the feelings they still have for one another. In The First Date, world-class playboy Ken (CALLUM BLUE) comes clean about his history to his nave young date Jamie (DIORA BAIRD), learning some of her secrets in the process. The Roommates, Dave (PETER OLDRING) and Gord (ENNIS ESMER) are normally at each other’s throats, but set aside their differences for a threesome with Gord’s girlfriend Inez (NATALIE LISINSKA). In each case, the couple (and trio) discovers that sex isn’t always simple. We Pay You Fridays The Zoo It’s about time students got paid to party. Enter before midnight, and The Zoo will give you 5$ to do with, whatever you wish. 10:00 PM

Saturday, June 14, 2008 3 Legged Cat Cecil’s CD Release Party 3$ Cover 10:00 PM MLC The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Rural Roots The Fraser Saturday Matinee North Bay Downtown Farmers’ Market Parking lot(McIntyre St.)across from City Hall Pastries and breads, honeys and jams, and a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables are carefully arranged for you. Handmade crafts are gently set out. Proudly we show our wares, including pottery, fabric crafts, jewellery, toys, and soaps. Open 8:30 to 13:00 every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend.

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Events Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Waterfront - Kate Pace Way 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Jimbo Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM

Nipissing Motorcycle Ride for Governor General’s Fellowship Canadian Tire Register online or at Canadian Tire parking Capitol Centre lot Friday 2 till 8pm, or Saturday morning 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM before 10am. Parade leaves CTC at 10:30, to be followed by poker run. Free meal at Tuesday, June 17, 2008 end of ride for first 200 registrants. For more info, call Chopper Cameron (7525566) or Terry Daigle (497-7520) Johnny Williams Cecil’s Matthew Good and His Band No Cover Capitol Centre 10:00 PM Opening act: The Spades 7:30 PM Charley Pride in Concert Memorial Gardens Northern Biosphere 7:30pm. All seats are reserved. Tickets are WKP Kennedy Gallery already on sale at a cost of $67.75 each for An exhibition of new works from the the first 10 rows of floor seats and $59.75 Permanent Collection. Including a selecfor all other seats. Purchase 20 tickets or tion of works by Doug Donley and some recent acquisitions by Paul Kelly and Jane more and receive a $2 per ticket discount along with one complimentary seat to the Bonnell. show. Call the box office at (705) 4743770 to order over the phone with Visa or Garry White Mastercard or stop in between the hours of Renee’s Cafe 10am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. Join us for a delicious dinner and enjoy beautiful instrumental music featuring Garry & Renée. Or stop by later to enjoy their music over drinks and dessert. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 White played professionally for many years on the Toronto jazz scene including Free Wing Night stints with The Platters, Tommy Hunter, Moose’s Loose Change Lodge Hagood Hardy, Moe Koffman and other 1 Free Pound of Wings after 11:00 PM jazz legends. He is a gifted player with a dynamic guitar sound. His influences range 3$ Cover from Chet Atkins to Lennie Breau and Wes Live DJ Montgomery. This show with bassist Renée Jimbo and Colin White includes jazz, blues, Latin, 60’s Cecil’s rock’n’roll, folk and traditional. No Cover 7:00 PM 10:00 PM No Cover Summer Blues Cruises: David Rotundo Chief Commanda II One of Canada’s premier harmonica players returns to the Chief this summer with his brand of “swinging blues”. www.davidrotundo.com. Come and see Jake Thomas on the Upper Deck. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Summer Stroll Downtown North Bay 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Life. Money and Illusion The Hibou Boutique Join Mike Nickerson, author of the new book “Life, Money & Illusion; Living on Earth as if we want to stay,” for a discussion at Hibou Boutique, about choosing our future. *Please, B.Y.O.C. - Bring your own chair/ lawn/folding chair to this event - Thank you! 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Karaoke and Wing Night Cecil’s 39 cent wings 10:00 PM No Cover

Hit and Run 100 Georges Featuring MIC PRO 10:00 PM No Cover

Industry Night The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover

Molson Karaoke Night The Fraser Draw date for the following prizes will be held on June 26th - must be present to win 1st - 2 people will each win $500 2nd - Karaoke Machine 3rd - Coors Light Leather Barstools There will also be tons of giveaways for everyone! 10:00 PM 2$ cover

Super Saturdays The Zoo A different party every Saturday. 10:00 PM

Reel Big Show Capitol Centre Movie Night at Capitol Centre check www.capitolcentre.ca for details. 7:00 PM Monday, June 16, 2008

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Hump Day The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover 9:30 PM

Superstar Thursdays Refueled The Zoo

Presented by MBM Entertainment DJ Femme Fatale (top 40, hip hop, reggae) DJ Jimbo (hip hop, house) 3$ with flyer 4$ without sponsored by: Exodus

The WKP Kennedy Gallery and Near North Mobile Media Lab present Canadian multi-instrumentalists and songwriters Bob Wiseman and Ruth Minnikin Doors: 8:00 PM Performance: 9:00 PM Tickets: 8$

Friday, June 20, 2008

The Baked Potatoes Folk Band Renee’s Cafe The band consists of Michelle Dawney (vocals), Allison Long (vocals), Ryan Fogarty (bass, piano, guitar, backup vocals), Shane Bryson (guitar, bass, backup vocals) and Ian Paul (violin, guitar, bass, percussion, keys, backup vocals). The group will play acoustically-oriented folk/blues/jazz songs, including many cover tunes and some original material. They have a very laid-back, easy-listening sound. 8:00 PM 7$ Cover

Capones Cecil’s 3$ Cover 10:00 PM After the Lounge The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Relay For Life CFB North Bay 22 wing Celebrate: the lives of those who have had cancer Remember: loved ones and their battle against cancer Fight Back: against a disesase that takes too many. Join the biggest cancer event to make the biggest diference. Experience the Magic! Volunteer - donate your time and make it an event to remember. Participate - join a team to raise money for the cause. Register on line or call Susan at 705-4729072 ext 224 or visit us at 147 McIntyre St W, unit 101 North Bay On. Experience the exitement of being part of a nationwide event raising funds in over 480 locations across Canada. You’’ve never felt better staying up all night!

New Movies at the Galaxy Galaxy Cinemas

Get Smart Director: Peter Segal Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin When the headquarters of U.S. spy agency Control is attacked and the identities of its agents compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) has no choice but to promote his ever-eager analyst Maxwell Smart, who has always dreamt of working in the field alongside stalwart superstar Agent 23 (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). Smart is partnered instead with the only other agent whose identity has not been compromised: the lovely-but-lethal veteran Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway). As Smart and 99 get closer to unraveling KAOS’ master plan - and each other - they discover that key KAOS operative Siegfried (Terence Stamp) King of the Hill Dragway and his sidekick Shtarker (Kenneth DaviJack Garland Airport tian) are scheming to cash in with their netJune 20 - 22, 2008 marks the 6th annual work of terror. Given little field experience King of the Hill Dragway. Drag racers and even less time, Smart - armed with from Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, and New nothing but a few spy-tech gadgets and his York will compete for over $40,000 in unbridled enthusiasm - must defeat KAOS prize money. This year’s event will be big- if he is to save the day. ger and better as racing starts at 12:00 noon on Friday for all classes. Special attractions Global Metal include Jet Cars, Gamblers Race, Classic Director: Scot McFadyen Car Show and much more. $130,000 raised In GLOBAL METAL, directors Scot Mcto date for the new North Bay General Fadyen and Sam Dunn set out to discover Hospital. how the West’s most maligned musical genre -- heavy metal -- has impacted the LAST DAY: Chaos in the Colour world’s cultures beyond Europe and North WKP Kennedy Gallery America. The film follows metal fan and Art by Jacqueline Amber Carter anthropologist Sam Dunn on a whirlwind May 31 - June 20 journey through Asia, South America and The exhibition depicts figures calm against the Middle East as he explores the una turbulent sea of color. Aspects of this derbelly of the world’s emerging extreme exhibition are autobiographical document- music scenes -- from Indonesian death ing the struggle of the individual against metal to Chinese black metal to Iranian external forces beyond one’s control; this is thrash metal, GLOBAL METAL reveals a where the exhibition gets its title “Chaos in worldwide community of metalheads who the Color”. The title of the exhibition relays aren’t just absorbing metal from the West what is being communicated between the -- they’re transforming it. Creating a new spokes of the color wheel to the audience. form of cultural expression in societies Each piece acts as a conversation in color dominated by conflict, corruption and with the viewer; captivating the audience massconsumerism. with radiating reds and vibrant oranges, color is the tool being used to convey the The Love Guru spectrum of feelings felt by the artist to Director: Marco Schnabel the viewer. The works in the show focus Starring: Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Justin primarily on the colors with which the fig- Timberlake ures are placed against rather than engulfed Pitka (Myers) is an American who was left in. This placement of the figures in each at the gates of an ashram in India as a child piece makes the backgrounds of the works and raised by gurus. He moves back to the convey the meaning for each work, while U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world each figure acts to anchor the viewer in the of self-help and spirituality. His unorthosea of colors. dox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between Toronto Maple Bob Wiseman and Ruth Minnikin Leafs star hockey player Darren Roanoke WKP Kennedy Gallery (Malco) and his estranged wife. After the

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Events

split, Roanoke’s wife starts dating L.A. Kings star Jacques Grande (Timberlake) out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid - to the horror of the teams’ owner Jane Bullard (Alba) and Coach Cherkov (Troyer). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old “Bullard Curse” and win the Stanley Cup.

Sears Court, Northgate ‘’Midsummers Dream’’ Flower & Vegetable Show. Themed exhibits & displays. 11:00 to 4:00

Amy Speace Renees Cafe Rising star Amy Speace is a street-smart folk/Americana artist with an edge, prompting comparisons to artists like Neko Case, Lucinda Williams and Roseanne We Pay You Fridays Cash. A world-class voice, award-winning at The Zoo songs and an engaging stage presence led It’s about time students got paid to party. the North American Folk Music Alliance Enter before midnight, and The Zoo will to nominate her as their “Emerging Artist give you 5$ to do with, whatever you wish. of the Year.” Folk music icon Judy Collins 10:00 PM calls Amy Speace “one of my favorite new songwriters.” Amy will be featured on Judy Collins’ upcoming all-star tribute album, Saturday, June 21, 2008 Born to the Breed which includes artists such as Joan Baez, Rufus Wainwright, Dolly Parton, Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin, Capones Leonard Cohen and Arlo Guthrie. A city Cecil’s girl who grew up on old country music 3$ Cover and immersed herself in everything from 10:00 PM opera to garage rock, Amy writes smart, genre-bending songs, infused with empathy After the Lounge and a poetic directness, that bridge the gap The Fraser between folk, country and rock. Heavy 3$ Cover touring in the United States and Europe has 9:30 PM propelled her into the international spotlight. “Amy Speace is a one-in-a-million Aftica With Richard Kennedy artist. Voice, tunes, spirit, charisma . . . the The Fraser whole package.” – Mark Wehner, Producer, Saturday Matinee Nashville’s Americana Tonight. 8:00 PM North Bay Downtown Farmers Market 10$ Cover Parking lot(McIntyre St.)across from City Hall Super Saturdays Pastries and breads, honeys and jams, and The Zoo a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables A different party every Saturday. are carefully arranged for you. Handmade 10:00 PM crafts are gently set out. Proudly we show our wares, including pottery, fabric crafts, jewellery, toys, and soaps. Sunday, June 22, 2008 Open 8:30 to 13:00 every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend. Karaoke and Wing Night Cecil’s Relay For Life 39 cent wings CFB North Bay 22 wing 10:00 PM Celebrate: the lives of those who have had No Cover cancer Remember: loved ones and their battle Industry Night against cancer The Fraser Fight Back: against a disesase that takes 12.75 Pitchers too many. No Cover Join the biggest cancer event to make the biggest diference. King of the Hill Dragway Experience the Magic! Jack Garland Airport Volunteer - donate your time and make it June 20 - 22, 2008 marks the 6th annual an event to remember. King of the Hill Dragway. Drag racers Participate - join a team to raise money for from Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, and New the cause. York will compete for over $40,000 in Register on line or call Susan at 705-472- prize money. This year’s event will be big9072 ext 224 ger and better as racing starts at 12:00 noon or visit us at 147 McIntyre St W, unit 101 on Friday for all classes. Special attractions North Bay On. include Jet Cars, Gamblers Race, Classic Experience the exitement of being part of a Car Show and much more. $130,000 raised nationwide event raising funds in over 480 to date for the new North Bay General locations across Canada. You’’ve never felt Hospital. better staying up all night! Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation King of the Hill Dragway Kate Pace Way Jack Garland Airport 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM June 20 - 22, 2008 marks the 6th annual King of the Hill Dragway. Drag racers Reel Big Show from Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, and New Capitol Centre York will compete for over $40,000 in Movie Night at Capitol Centre prize money. This year’s event will be big- check www.capitolcentre.ca for details. ger and better as racing starts at 12:00 noon 7:00 PM on Friday for all classes. Special attractions include Jet Cars, Gamblers Race, Classic Car Show and much more. $130,000 raised Monday, June 23, 2008 to date for the new North Bay General Hospital. Colin Flower and Vegetable Show Cecil’s

No Cover 10:00 PM

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Johnny Williams Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM North Bay Horticultural Society Christ Church, 890 Vimy Street General Meeting at 7:00 PM. Strawberry Social & Guest speaker Jim Aldridge on Bees.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Free Wing Night Moose’s Loose Change Lodge 1 Free Pound of Wings after 11PM 3$ Cover Live DJ Peter Cliche Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM Hump Day at The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover 9:30 PM

Thursday, June 26, 2008 Hit and Run 100 Georges Featuring MIC PRO 10:00 PM No Cover Molson Karaoke Night The Fraser Draw date for the following prizes will be held on June 26th - must be present to win 1st - 2 people will each win $500 2nd - Karaoke Machine 3rd - Coors Light Leather Barstools There will also be tons of giveaways for everyone! 10:00 PM 2$ cover

in time, sooner or later we come to this very thing: people sitting around listening while a story weaves a magical trance in language, somewhere between conversation and singing. That’s why this ‘telling’ is called WORDMUSIC. DAVID CALDERISI has been an actor, theatre director, and teacher for more than 40 years. Recent appearances include the Patriarch of Jerusalem in Soulpepper’s “Nathan the Wise”, Pantalone in Pleiades Theatre’s “The Amorous Servant”, and in the title role of Vittorio Rossi’s “The Carpenter” for Centaur Theatre in Montreal. He has also appeared in feature films, series television, and performed in hundreds of radio plays. Feature film credits include, “Power Play”, with Peter O’Toole and Donald Pleasance; “High Point”, with Richard Harris and Christopher Plummer; and “Brown Bread Sandwiches”, starring Giancarlo Giannini. He played featured roles in such television series as “The Saint”, “Dr. Who”, “The New Avengers”, “The Littlest Hobo”, “Night Heat”, “Top Cops”, “Forever Knight”, “Secret Service”, “Street Legal”, “La Femme Nikita”, “Traders”, “Fast Track”, “Earth: Final Conflict”, “The Associates (in which he was a regular) and others. He is heard regularly as actor and poetry reader on CBC radio. 8:00 PM No Cover Superstar Thursdays Refueled The Zoo Presented by MBM Entertainment DJ Femme Fatale (top 40, hip hop, reggae) DJ Jimbo (hip hop, house) 3$ with flyer 4$ without sponsored by: Exodus

Friday, June 27, 2008 Tera Cain Cecil’s 3$ Cover 10:00 PM Brasstastic The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Chippewa Secondary School’s 5oth Reunion Memorial Gardens Chippewa Secondary School is hosting its 50th Reunion from June 26 to June 29, 2008. Register now at www.chippewaraiders.com

Chippewa Secondary School’s 50th Reunion Memorial Gardens Chippewa Secondary School is hosting its 50th Reunion from June 26 to June 29, Dr Jazz North 2008. Register now at www.chippewaraid- Renee’s Cafe ers.com A hot band, playing dixieland, traditional jazz, Latin, bebop and more. Band leader WORDMUSIC and dynamic performer Chris Portinari fell Renee’s Cafe in love with jazz as a teenager growing up WORDMUSIC is based on the idea that in London, England. Moving to Canada, WORDS composed by gifted poets, when he became a prominent figure on the jazz TOLD by gifted actors, become, in effect, scene in Ottawa, leading the orchestra at MUSIC. Well-respected Canadian actor the prestigious Chateau Laurier Hotel, and David Calderisi has performed on stage, producing the first Ottawa International screen and radio for decades. He brings Jazz Festival. He has toured the country you tonight’s program, consisting of five with the National Press and Allied Workpieces chosen because each of them tells a ers Jazz Band as well as leading bands in very evocative story. Few people, it seems, Mexico, the Bahamas and other Caribbean have experienced poetry in this way. Most venues for Club Med. poetry recitals are READINGS, whereas Lead guitarist Garry White is a veteran for this event, there is no paper in sight. of the Toronto jazz scene and a versatile, The performer sits on a stool and TELLS gifted player. His inspiring guitar sound the stories. Judging by responses to earlier shows many influences, ranging from Chet performances it seems this touches a very Atkins to Lennie Breau, Ed Bickert and deep root in all our memories. No matter Wes Montgomery. He has played with The which culture we come from, if we go back Platters, Tommy Hunter, Hagood Hardy,

Events

Guido Basso, Moe Koffman, Peter Appleyard, Ed Bickert, Norm Amadeo and many other jazz greats. 8:00 PM 10$ Cover New Movies at the Galaxy Galaxy Cinemas Wall-E Director: Andrew Stanton Starring: Fred Willard, Jeff Garlin, Ben Burtt The Earth is now an uninhabitable trash heap and humans have hired an inept company to clean it up. The only problem is, of the hundreds of thousands of robots, called WALL-E’s, sent to pick up the trash, only one remains operational. That is until another robot mysteriously arrives and changes everything. Wanted Director: Timur Bekmambetov Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp After the murder of a father he never knew, Wes discovers powers beyond his dreams. He becomes the latest recruit in the Fraternity - a secret society of assassins and develops lightning-quick reflexes with superhuman agility. Wes soon learns his league of henchmen has but one mission: carry out the death orders of the mythological Fates, weavers of every man’s lifeline. We Pay You Fridays The Zoo It’s about time students got paid to party. Enter before midnight, and The Zoo will give you 5$ to do with, whatever you wish. 10:00 PM

Saturday, June 28, 2008 Tera Cain Cecil’s 3$ Cover 10:00 PM Brasstastic The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Klassic Kountry The Fraser Saturday Matinee North Bay Downtown Farmers Market Parking lot(McIntyre St.)across from City Hall Pastries and breads, honeys and jams, and a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables are carefully arranged for you. Handmade crafts are gently set out. Proudly we show our wares, including pottery, fabric crafts, jewellery, toys, and soaps. Open 8:30 to 13:00 every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend.

when we are wrong ... please inform us, and send photo submissions, articles, editorials, to [email protected] keep us posted about your upcoming events [email protected]

18

Registration 7:30 till 8:30 Starts: 9:00 a.m. Viewpoints WKP Kennedy Gallery “I believe the Nipissing Shores & foothills of the Laurentians to be one of the most beautiful areas on this planet. However, beauty can be found wherever nature is allowed to survive unspoiled by the hands of men. The difference is beautiful. During the month of April, 2007, I was fortunate enough to travel though the southern United States (Arizona, Nevada & California), and found the changing landscape of the desert, the vegetation, the forests, the animals, the legends, history and the incredible geology of the whole region to be inspirational and at times almost spiritual. The most awe-inspiring experience was the Grand Canyon, where I was able to view the canyon and the Colorado River from several vantage points before it began to snow. The appearance of the canyon radically changed in the space of about 15 minutes, presenting an unbelievable sight of snow laden trees and totally transformed vistas. The legends and history of the area give one a glimpse into what life must have been like when settlers first arrived. I was most interested in the ancient native dwellings and was able to view one built into a huge red/orange rock surrounded by acres of sand and also “Montezuma Castle” carved into a cliff. Apparently it had been built on the shore of a lake at one time. This lake has since dried, leaving the dwelling high above. Both areas are protected as they are considered “at risk”. Beautiful native pottery, silver & turquoise jewelery, woven baskets, etc. could be found in shops and on roadsides in different areas. I was and am very impressed by the artistic talent of the southwestern natives. Using acrylic, collage and plaster to create 3-dimensional effects I have attempted to depict some of the “viewpoints” encountered on this journey from Mesa, Arizona to San Francisco, California.” - Freda Barret Opening Reception: 1 PM - 4 PM Wet T-Shirt Contest Fanny’s Local Contestants Great Prizes Start: 11:00 PM contestants show early to register

Ragged But Right Renee’s Cafe Ragged But Right consists of performers Kathy Reid-Naiman and Arnie Naiman. Expect a dazzling, fun and intimate evening of entertainment complete with beautiful duet harmony singing and expert acoustic instrumental playing from a duo that has been on the folk music scene for more than 30 years! Their repertoire is filled with wonderful and tasteful old-time and bluegrass gems of long ago. Chippewa Secondary School’s 50th Arnie Naiman is mostly known as one of Reunion Canada’s finest clawhammer banjo playMemorial Gardens ers for his previous banjo recordings and Chippewa Secondary School is hosting performances with Chris Coole, The Banjo its 50th Reunion from June 26 to June 29, Special, and fiddler Erynn Marshall and 2008. Register now at www.chippewaraid- most recently part of a Rounder Record ers.com banjo compilation “Old Time Banjo Festival”. Kathy Reid-Naiman is known North Bay Triathlon for her award winning children’s music Olmstead Beach recordings including “A Smooth Road To Registration 2 till 4 p.m., Kids Tri 4 till 6 London Town” which was distributed to p.m. new families throughout Ontario as part of Sunday June 29 the government’s Newborn Literacy Kit. Adult Triathlon Acoustic guitars, banjos, dulcimer, banjo,

uke and nothing but great songs all evening! Their latest CD is Down Harmony Road 8:00 PM 10$ Cover

TONS OF GIVEAWAYS...EVERY 20 MINUTES $10 ADVANCED TICKETS $15 AT THE DOOR

Super Saturdays The Zoo Reoccurs weekly on Saturday A different party every Saturday. 10:00 PM

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Sunday, June 29, 2008 Karaoke and Wing Night Cecil’s 39 cent wings 10:00 PM No Cover Industry Night The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover Chippewa Secondary School’s 50th Reunion Memorial Gardens Chippewa Secondary School is hosting its 50th Reunion from June 26 to June 29, 2008. Register now at www.chippewaraiders.com North Bay Triathlon Olmstead Beach Registration 2 till 4 p.m., Kids Tri 4 till 6 p.m. Sunday June 29 Adult Triathlon registration 7;30 till 8:30 Starts: 9:00 a.m. Reel Big Show Capitol Centre Movie Night at Capitol Centre check www.capitolcentre.ca for details. 7:00 PM

Monday, June 30, 2008 Karaoke Cecil’s 10:00 PM No Cover Official Canada Day Stoplight The Zoo CANADA DAY STOP LIGHT PARTY Whats that you ask.... When you come into the club you will be given the option of taking a red, yellow, or green glow stick. If your in a relationship or simply are not interested in hooking up then take a red glow stick. Grab a yellow glow stick if your not sure what you want to do but want to keep your options open, and a green glow stick if your single and ready to mingle. Crazy DJ Lineup DJ FEMME FATALE - 90’s, Dancehall, Soca DJ JIMBO - Top 40, Hip Hop DJ ELLIPTICAL - House LIVE PERFORMANCES PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIAL GRAND PRIZE DRESS 2 IMPRESS - CLEAN, SEXY, COOL SPONSORS: Secret waxing Tanamania Maddhatter tattoo’s EXODUS And many more soon to be announced!!!!

Johnny Williams Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM HBC Run for Canada Algonquin Park- Mew Lake HBC Run for Canada at Algonquin Park. Join friends, family and thousands of other proud Canadians and get a running start on your Canada Day celebrations. Location: Mew Lake Campground in Algonquin Park. The 6th Annual HBC Run for Canada which raises money for Canadian athletes. The day includes a scenic 10km run, a 3km walk and a 1km kids run. For more information please visit www.hbcrunforcanada. ca or call 1-866-JULY-1st. Canada Day Celebrations Waterfront - A.C.T. Shelter This year’s Canada Day Festivities kick off at 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Official cake cutting ceremonies; suprvised sporting activities for children hosted by Kidsport; musical entertainment, food vendors and carousel rides. A fireworks finale will complete the celebration at 10:00 a.m. Fireworks cruise from 8:30 p.m. - 10:30. tickets $18.00 available at Chief Ticket Office on Government Dock or call 494-8167. All Heat Pet Rescue Garage Sale Benjamin James Parking Lot Please come out and support All Heart Pet Rescue while “shopping” for the perfect deal!! Help raise money to cover vet bills and purchase new fencing for the shelter. 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Have you been burned, beaten or outsmarted by a local business? would you like to prevent the same thing from happening to others? have you received exceptional value or service from a local business? would you like to recommend this business to others? check out the business reviews section of the solvent web-site.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Free Wing Night Moose’s Loose Change Lodge 1 Free Pound of Wings after 11PM 3$ Cover Live DJ Hump Day The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover 9:30 PM NBMCA Enviro Daycamp Conservation Authority, 15 Jan The NBMCA’s Summer Enviro Daycamps are designed to provide children aged 6-12 years old with a fun filled outdoor (and indoor) experience. Each day has a different environmentally based theme. Campers can register for a single day or for the entire week (Monday to Friday)and have the option of additional before or after care. The daycamp is held in the NBMCA’s Natural Classroom at 15 Janey Avenue in North Bay. Outdoor activities take place onsite at the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area. The camp costs $105/week or $26/day. Optional before (8:30 am-10:00 am) and after (3:00 pm -4:30 pm) care are available at $3.00/session. New Movies at the Galaxy Galaxy Cinemas

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Events

Hancock Director: Peter Berg Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Director: Patricia Rozema Starring: Stanley Tucci, Abigail Breslin, Joan Cusack Kit Kittredge, a 9-year old girl, endures hardships growing up during the Great Depression.

Thursday, July 3, 2008 Hit and Run 100 Georges Featuring MIC PRO 10:00 PM No Cover Molson Karaoke Night The Fraser Draw date for the following prizes will be held on June 26th - must be present to win 1st - 2 people will each win $500 2nd - Karaoke Machine 3rd - Coors Light Leather Barstools There will also be tons of giveaways for everyone! 10:00 PM 2$ Cover LAST DAY: Florida - A Feast of Flowers Ferneyhough Gallery Clemes - Fullerton - Gouin - La Pierre Superstar Thursdays Refueled The Zoo Reoccurs weekly on Thursday Presented by MBM Entertainment DJ Femme Fatale (top 40, hip hop, reggae) DJ Jimbo (hip hop, house) 3$ with flyer 4$ without sponsored by: Exodus

Friday, July, 4, 2008 Axis Theory The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM 2008 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Contact for Location License-free fishing week-end. For more information, please visit http://ontariosnearnorth.on.ca/eventsnewmonth. php?activemonth=July The Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is run in conjunction with National Fishing Week, July 5-13, 2008.

when we are wrong ... please inform us send photo submissions, articles, editorials, to [email protected] keep up posted about your upcoming events [email protected]

www.solventmagazine.com 20

Carole Davidson: Transfiguration Renee’s Cafe Come meet the artist and see ‘TRANSFIGURATION’ her exciting three-dimensional show. This is Copper, brass, aluminum and sliver solder in a decidedly artistic state! Her art produces a most harmonious presentation of tasteful and attractive works. This is Carole’s second solo show here and she has also had very successful shows elsewhere, including at the Kennedy Gallery. Also enjoy live instrumental music featuring great guitarist Garry White, with bassist Renée White. 7:30 PM No Cover We Pay You Fridays The Zoo

It’s about time students got paid to party. Enter before midnight, and The Zoo will give you 5$ to do with, whatever you wish. 10:00 PM

Saturday, July 5, 2008 Axis Theory The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Rural Roots The Fraser Saturday Matinee North Bay Downtown Farmers Market Parking lot(McIntyre St.)across from City Hall Pastries and breads, honeys and jams, and a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables are carefully arranged for you. Handmade crafts are gently set out. Proudly we show our wares, including pottery, fabric crafts, jewellery, toys, and soaps. Open 8:30 to 13:00 every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend. 2008 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Contact for Location License-free fishing week-end. For more information, please visit http://ontariosnearnorth.on.ca/eventsnewmonth. php?activemonth=July The Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is run in conjunction with National Fishing Week, July 5-13, 2008. Shirantha Beddage Renee’s Cafe Join us for a wonderful night of instrumental jazz featuring Shirantha Beddage on baritone sax, Garry White on guitar and Renée White on bass. Shirantha Beddage is an emerging talent who is swiftly making his mark as an accomplished multi-reed instrumentalist, pianist, composer, instructor and bandleader. He is currently the Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Professor of Theory at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music in Columbus, Georgia. Originally from Ontario, Canada, he received his Doctorate in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, under the tutelage of Ramon Ricker, Harold Danko, Bill Dobbins and others. Mr. Beddage holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from William Paterson University in New Jersey, where he studied under baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan. During his undergraduate studies at Toronto’s Humber College, Shirantha studied with saxophonist Pat LaBarbera. Shirantha’s debut album, “Roots and Branches”, is available worldwide through Jazz Excursion Records. The Rochester release of the album was accompanied by a feature performance at the Rochester International Jazz Festival 2006. He has performed extensively with jazz, classical and pop groups in Canada and the United States, including Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, the Steve Houghton/Brian Lillos Jazz Orchestra, Harold Danko and the National Youth Band of Canada. He recently participated in the world premiere performance of William Fastenow’s “Efflorescence” with the North Bay Symphony Orchestra (North Bay, Canada, 2006). He is a contributing author to the text, “Jazz Pedagogy: A Canadian Perspective” (edited by Brian Lillos), available through Jamey Aebersold Publishing. Please see www. shiranthabeddage.com. Dr. Shirantha Bed-

dage Director of Jazz Studies, Columbus State University 8:00 PM 10$ Cover UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin Boston Pizza / The Moose Rampage vs. Forrest Griffin in the main event. Fights shown free at Boston Pizza and The Moose 10:00 PM Super Saturdays The Zoo A different party every Saturday. 10:00 PM Book Signing Gulliver’s Books Meet Port Loring author George Walters, and his illustrator, wife Ruth Walters, signing copies of his story collection One More Story. 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Sunday, July 6, 2008 Karaoke and Wing Night Cecil’s 39 cent wings 10:00 PM No Cover

Featuring MIC PRO 10:00 PM No Cover Molson Karaoke Night The Fraser Draw date for the following prizes will be held on June 26th - must be present to win 1st - 2 people will each win $500 2nd - Karaoke Machine 3rd - Coors Light Leather Barstools There will also be tons of giveaways for everyone! 10:00 pm 2$ Cover Superstar Thursdays Refueled The Zoo Presented by MBM Entertainment DJ Femme Fatale (top 40, hip hop, reggae) DJ Jimbo (hip hop, house) 3$ with flyer 4$ without sponsored by: Exodus

Friday, July 11, 2008 Euphoria The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM

Thursday, July 10, 2008

LAST DAY: Viewpoints WKP Kennedy Gallery I believe the Nipissing Shores & foothills of the Laurentians to be one of the most beautiful areas on this planet. However, beauty can be found wherever nature is allowed to survive unspoiled by the hands of men. The difference is beautiful. During the month of April, 2007, I was fortunate enough to travel though the southern United States (Arizona, Nevada & California), and found the changing landscape of the desert, the vegetation, the forests, the animals, the legends, history and the incredible geology of the whole region to be inspirational and at times almost spiritual. The most awe-inspiring experience was the Grand Canyon, where I was able to view the canyon and the Colorado River from several vantage points before it began to snow. The appearance of the canyon radically changed in the space of about 15 minutes, presenting an unbelievable sight of snow laden trees and totally transformed vistas. The legends and history of the area give one a glimpse into what life must have been like when settlers first arrived. I was most interested in the ancient native dwellings and was able to view one built into a huge red/orange rock surrounded by acres of sand and also “Montezuma Castle” carved into a cliff. Apparently it had been built on the shore of a lake at one time. This lake has since dried, leaving the dwelling high above. Both areas are protected as they are considered “at risk”. Beautiful native pottery, silver & turquoise jewelery, woven baskets, etc. could be found in shops and on roadsides in different areas. I was and am very impressed by the artistic talent of the southwestern natives. Using acrylic, collage and plaster to create 3-dimensional effects I have attempted to depict some of the “viewpoints” encountered on this journey from Mesa, Arizona to San Francisco, California.” - Freda Barrett

Hit and Run 100 Georges

We Pay You Fridays The Zoo It’s about time students got paid to party.

Industry Night The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover 2008 Ontario Family Fishing Weekend Contact for Location License-free fishing week-end. For more information, please visit http://ontariosnearnorth.on.ca/eventsnewmonth. php?activemonth=July The Ontario Family Fishing Weekend is run in conjunction with National Fishing Week, July 5-13, 2008. Reel Big Show Capitol Centre Movie Night at Capitol Centre check www.capitolcentre.ca for details. 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Johnny Williams Cecil’s No Cover 10:00 PM

Wednesday, July 9 Free Wing Night Moose’s Loose Change Lodge 1 Free Pound of Wings after 11PM 3$ Cover Live DJ Hump Day The Fraser $12.75 Pitchers No Cover 9:30 PM

Events

John Weiss

Enter before midnight, and The Zoo will give you 5$ to do with, whatever you wish. 10:00 PM

Saturday, July 12, 2008 Euphoria The Fraser 3$ Cover 9:30 PM Aftica with Richard Kennedy The Fraser Saturday Matinee North Bay Downtown Farmers’Market Parking lot(McIntyre St.)acros Pastries and breads, honeys and jams, and a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables are carefully arranged for you. Handmade crafts are gently set out. Proudly we show our wares, including pottery, fabric crafts, jewellery, toys, and soaps. Open 8:30 to 13:00 every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving weekend. Rick Fines Renee’s Cafe At 44, Canadian folk artist Rick Fines is a veteran of the folk and blues circuits in North America. He tours from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic, from BC to NYC this year alone, bringing his understanding of blues, finger-style and bottleneck guitar. He has eight Maple Blues Award nominations and won for Acoustic Act Of The Year twice and won Songwriter of the Year this year with Suzie Vinnick. Rick took first place in the Sweetgum Bottom Acoustic Blues Competition (Alabama, Oct 2005), and his song “Riley Wants His Life Back” won first place in the blues category of 2003 International Songwriting Competition, with B.B. King one of the judges! His work with Jackson Delta (for 15 years) brought nominations from both the Juno and the Handy Awards. He has played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, folk icon Penny Lang and many others. This show is brought to Renee’s Cafe by Michele Bateman/Decent Exposure Music. 8:00 PM 12$ Cover

John Weiss and Altared States curator, Ian-Patrick McAllister

Super Saturdays The Zoo A different party every Saturday. 10:00 PM

VENUE DIRECTORY 100 Georges 246 First Ave. W 476-2666

Altared States

Boston Pizza 50 Josephine 494-9191 Capitol Centre 150 Main St. E 474-4747 Cecil’s Eatery and Beer Society 300 Wyld St. 472-7510 Ferneyhough Gallery 157 First Ave. 476-1534 The Fraser Tavern 680 Fraser 476-2100 Galaxy Cinemas 300 Lakeshore Dr. 476-6151

Photos by David Bentley

Leo’s 112 Spencer

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John Weiss John Weiss, is by any measure, an institution within the North Bay art scene. Having taught at W.J. Fricker for 30 years, he has inspired generations in this community with a love of art. Recently, his art was shown at Flux Gallery in a show called “Altared States”, which was curated by Ian Patrick McAllister. Look for his next show in the fall at WKP Kennedy Gallery. Solvent (S): I guess the worst way to start off an interview like this would be to ask a broad general question such as “What do you think of your art”? John Weiss (JW): I wouldn’t want to answer that question. I’d rather find out what you are thinking and feeling about one of my paintings, than for me to tell you anything about them. Art is what you get out of it. (S): You believe the relationship between artist and audience is interactive rather than dictatorial. I can imagine that it’s difficult when someone experiences your art, and still looks to you to articulate a set of impressions for them. (JW): If a person has ideas and an open mind, then a conversation is like an elastic, it can go in all different directions. Otherwise, it just isn’t happening. (S) I noticed that the response that a lot ofpeople had upon entering the Altared States opening was an emotional one, it was mood altering. (JW): It was more like a celebration and my art has that attitude. (S): Part of what you were able to accomplish with this show was to radically change a person’s context. You transported people. People walk in off the street, enter “Altared States”, and leave “Hockeyville” a long way behind.

it on occasion. Ian did too. He got stabbed within months of moving here. (S): That wasn’t a very good welcome to North Bay. (JW): I like nature and I like where I live, and I like the people here, but you won’t find me at closing time outside of a bar, in case someone doesn’t like the shirt I’m wearing or the fact that his girl was dancing with me. I’d rather go to Toronto and be in a club with 3000 like-minded people, or Gay Pride in Montreal or any fetish party where people tend to do their thing, whatever that is, with respect. You might encounter someone who is acting like a dog, and that’s his thing. And you can do whatever you want. Bottom line is if you aren’t paying my bills, I’m not fucking you, and I’m not in love with you, then I don’t give a shit what you do. (S): You just mentioned Ian Patrick McAllister, the curator of Altared States. I think it is interesting that you have lived in North Bay for 30-something years, become an institution within this community, and then a relative newcomer is the one who has a vision of how to express your work that he wants to present to the public. Did it take the perspective of someone from outside of this community to see your work the way Ian has? (JW): I don’t think it was that. Although we attended 20 years apart, we both graduated from Ontario College of Art, and had many of the same teachers and influence while we were there. I think it was our common background and influences that gave him insight into my work and what I am trying to do. (S): One of the fun things about your opening was the fact that a lot of your former students showed up, and it was the first time they met you in a social setting. (JW): That made the opening feel like a performance piece.

(JW): We could have been in the Village, we could have been on Queen St., we could have been in Berlin. We could be anywhere, and it is also timeless. That is what I like about showing art.

(S): Back to Ian again, and his role as curator. He said that your house is a piece of art unto itself. One of things he wanted to accomplish was to recreate the attitude that your house has, in a gallery environment.

(S): Do you think that your role as citizen, teacher and artist in North Bay has been to bring some cosmopolitan attitude here to Hockeyville?

(JW): That was totally his idea, and I thought it was great. I asked him what he wanted, and he said “Basically I want this, that, your art, your spirit, and your mind.” He took my art, furniture, and things that I collect and have lying around my house, to represent me and my environment.

(JW): It certainly isn’t a mission or anything, but I am what I am, I am who I am, and this is my world. (S): So the cosmopolitan exposure is a happy accident of your existence here. (JW): It is more like a collision than a happy accident. This is in fact Bambi-killerville, or Hockeyville as you say it. I have collided with

(S): Ian told me that the whole concept of the show revolves around the idea that you are inseparable from your art. One should not be considered separately from the other. (JW): Yes, and then there is the concept of the Altars. I was raised as a German

Lutheran, so I got the guilt and the punishment. These Altars are placed at the foot of my paintings, and objects of interest are placed on them because I am honouring the things I love. I don’t want people to see dead animals on these Altars, I want them to see the lost spirits. I love nature. In my paintings there are tribal references that work with the arrangements on these altars. It is about nature and life. My art shows reverence for those things. (S): There is a lot of Marlene Dietrich reverence in your art. (JW): I’m German born, and she was a decadent German lesbian goddess. She was androgynous, and wore a top hat, and a tuxedo. She carried a cane, and smoked. She was really over the top for her time. Now it wouldn’t be a big deal. (S): So you pay homage to pioneering spirit of Marlene Dietrich. During the Altared States exhibition, you had former students, who are still making art, bring their art in to show you. Did you ever feel tempted to give them a mark on it? (JW): No. I never wanted to give marks on art. I’d rather give an encouraging comment like: “You’ve succeeded”, or “You’ve gone beyond yourself since the last time I saw your work”, or “You are into a new phase now.” Well, hello how are you? (In greeting to Jessica Roy who enters the gallery) Jessica Roy (JR): Great now that I am done for the week. (S): Take off your clothes and stay awhile and look around. (JR): Take off my clothes? It’s not that kind of visit is it? (JW): No no. (JR): I love all the big murals. (JW): All of this is my work. The whole thing. You’ve basically just walked into my house. Except it is an art lounge on Main St. (JR): Suddenly North Bay feels so cultured. (JW): We try. (JR): Now can you do something about Tim Hortons? (S): John hasn’t defeated Hockeyville quite yet. (JW): But I did defeat a guy with a space between his two front teeth that he used to shoot spit through. So, take a look at all the art, and if you would like to chat about it, the artist is right here.

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steph leroux is...

the fishin’ musician If determination and enthusiasm count for anything in this world, Steph Leroux will eventually have a successful fishing show on network TV. His show will feature fellow musicians who are also avid anglers. With a show that features his own passion for and knowledge of fishing in the north, and the unique personalities that make up the Northern Ontario music scene, Steph seems to have a winning formula. Episodes of The Fishin’ Musician can be found at www.stephsfishinline.com.

(S): Doing episodes of the fishing show right from your own dock must be nice. You can get those fish right onto the BBQ before the inspector comes along. (SL): That’s why there’s nothing in my freezer. (S): No one’s going to get evidence against you without doing an autopsy. (SL): I can do a lot of these shows right where I live. I did the “Shallow Casting” episode off my dock. I did the “How to Build an Ice Shack” right in my yard.

(S): The fish get one whiff of that and jump right on your BBQ eh? You should combine drum lessons with your live bait tutorials. (SL): You know it. Fishin’ and drummin’ is my whole life. (S): One thing with the shallow water casting video… (SL): In that video I purposefully fouled an overhand cast because I want people to see … (S): Are you sure that was on purpose?

(S): You have good ice fishing at your place?

(SL): I’m sure.

(SL): Oh yeah. I got 4 shacks out this winter, and 2 of them are right in front of my house. I’m also doing the smoke-house cookery shoot at my place.

(S): Easy to say that after the fact.

(S): I watched the salmon rowe instructional you did from your kitchen. That was informative. I didn’t even know what that was. (SL): That is an amazing bait. A killer bait. I’ve heard there are new regulations coming in. They might ban it. It’s too good. There’s a constant flow of flavour coming off of that rowe sack.

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(SL): The avid fisherman is going to pick that up. I purposely did it because I wanted to show that in a tight shallow water situation, I wanted people to see that the overhand cast is the wrong choice in technique. (S): It also will show your viewers that you are human and can make mistakes just like anyone else. But your second cast went to within an inch of where you wanted it. (SL): I practice target casting and I can put a

lure on top of a loonie at 40 feet. (S): I guess in the shallow water, you can see the fish, and you want to put that lure in its mouth if possible. (SL): Presentation of the bait has to be very specific. If bait doesn’t seem natural, an 8 to 10 pound Rainbow isn’t going to bite. It’s a very smart animal. It didn’t get that big because it is easily fooled. (S): One of the fascinating things about fishing is that it is a mind game between you and your quarry, but your quarry is unseen. At least when you are hunting a deer, you can follow the tracks, track it down, see it, and shoot it. The drama plays out visually. But, with a fish, a lot of the action takes place in your imagination. One of the things you said in your shallow casting video is that you present the bait perfectly, then you walk it back a foot at a time to simulate a wounded minnow. To be as effective as you are as a fisherman, you must be able to visualize the drama playing out between the fish and the bait, without being able to see the action. (SL): I’ve studied a lot of predator/prey relationships. What fish do is … they will sit in a secluded area, whether it be a weed bed or under a log, and they know that ambush

point. When they sit in a structure, and when a bait fish comes by, they ambush really quickly without any notification to the bait fish. Depending on the species of fish, the strike can be extremely fast. I’ve seen salmon and trout attack flies and come 3 and 4 feet out of the water. They have their attack perfectly planned out and they don’t hesitate when the presentation is exactly right. (S): This under-the-surface drama that you can’t see play out, but you are an actor in, is it ever useful for you to become the bait? Become as one with your bait and see the underwater environment from the perspective of bait? (SL): This goes back to the days when my dad put the mask, fins, and snorkel on me and got me underwater to take a look at aquatic life. I actually envisioned myself as a small fish swimming along. Sitting at the mouth of a stream in Trout Lake I remember watching as a pike took a small perch. That really opened my eyes to the underwater feeding situations that happen. I thought to myself, what if I were a small fish swimming along and all of a sudden this huge fish came up from behind me and attacked me. Thinking like that, I eventually learned to move my line in the way that I moved as a small fish underwater. The bait has to move in an uncertain way in order to entice the big fish hiding in his ambush point, to attack. (S): I saw on the site the interview you did with the Paul-Martin brothers down at Rockwell Music. Are those guys fishermen as well as musicians? (SL): The Paul-Martin brothers are from Sudbury but they are originally from way up North and their family harvested by nets and by spears for many years. (S): Spears? (SL): Ya, that’s the native way. (S): You should do an episode on spear fishing. (SL): Well, there are regulations against that. As sport fishers, we can’t use that technique. We can’t spear game fish, but we can spear coarse fish like suckers and the like. (S): Is it easier to use a spear than a rod? (SL): I wouldn’t say it’s easier … (S): You have to get in the water to use a spear … (SL): Ya, you have to get up close to use a spear. I witnessed something that was incredible when we were on a salmon run a

few years back on the north shore of Huron. We pulled into this spot called Whitefish Falls and there was an old chap sitting there on a rock with two young boys. He had two long nylon cords going out into the water. The boys had these long spears, and the spearhead was not attached to the spear, it was attached to the nylon cord. The boys would walk out and drive the spear into a huge salmon and the old man would stand there and pull it in. By the time the boy walked back in, the old man had the fish landed and the spearhead free to reattach to the spear and the boy went right back out.

website and your TV show can play here in the North is to promote the area and bring some tourists up this way to enjoy the great fishing? (SL): Absolutely, there is great fishing up here and great places to stay like Torbay Cottages and the Waltonian Inn. (S): And when you combine the great fishin’ with the personalities up here in the music scene that like to fish, you might have a golden formula.

(SL): They had a good pile of fish. Of course, they were native, and they had no limits. It was an interesting thing to see.

(SL): With characters like Donny Boissoneault, Danny Colomby, and Peter Cliché in the music scene here, there are lots of interesting people that I want to get on the show. There are lots of fishin’ musicians around here.

(S): Have you ever seen them go at it with nets during a salmon run?

(S): What about SAB? I heard he likes to boat the odd bass.

(SL): I have seen a few native harvests happen with nets, and I just think they should be a little more discreet about it. They take everything they want. I respect it, being part native myself, I do respect it. But that having been said, I think the big females should go back. At least put those back.

(SL): SAB, of course. He’s got a beautiful spot up there on Lady Evelyn Lake. We want to connect sometime, and do a show up there. That’ll be interesting. People say that I’m a lot like him. We’ve even been mistaken for brothers.

(S): Mass production.

(S): I’ve seen natives outside of New Hazleton in B.C. net off a fish ladder during a salmon run. Loading truck after truck with every fish going up that river to spawn. (SL): That’s harmful. Those are prime spotters. They’re there for a reason. I agree with their harvesting rights. No problem, but they’ve got to be conservation minded. (S): Wiping out a river by netting off a fish ladder ain’t conservation minded that’s for sure. (SL): That’s right. We were in Thornbury a few years ago and saw an amazing rainbow run. There wasn’t a fish under 5 pounds. They have such healthy stocks of rainbow in Thornbury and all across that shore from Collingwood, right to Owen Sound. The runs are incredible in the spring over there, and it’s because the MNR has put limitations on native harvesting. I wish some control was exercised all the way around the Great Lakes. I’m glad we’re moving in the right direction here locally as well. The netting has stopped on Nipissing, and we’re starting to see some nice pickerel making a comeback. Well, netting has been cut down quite a bit, but I wouldn’t say it’s been completely stopped. But, we see some nice pickerel catches now and some nice whitefish catches now that we weren’t seeing ten years ago. (S): Do you think that one of the roles your

(S): Is SAB a better musician, or fisherman? (SL): I’d have to say he’s a better musician, because I haven’t seen any of his catches. He tells me he rakes them in, but… I don’t know. I haven’t seen any pictures. I’m looking forward to bringing up people like Chuck Jackson from Downchild Blues Band, Danny Todd from Honeymoon Suite, Skip Prokop and his son Jamie from Lighthouse, and Jason McCoy from the Roadhammers. Some local guys I want to have on the show are guys like Russell Collins from the Sobriety’s Rejects. (S): Ruggy would be a wild fisherman. You should get him out there spear fishing. (SL): I don’t know if I want to put a spear in his hand. But, I’m going to have Ben and Paul from the Rejects as well. There are all kinds of local personalities here to work with. I’ll never run out. (S): So where do we see Steph Leroux in five years from now as a result of these endeavours? (SL): You’ll see me on OLN, you’ll see me on TSN, you’ll see me on all the big ones, that’s what I’m aiming for. I want to get international exposure for our community out of this. (S): No one that talks to you or sees one of your shows will ever doubt it. Good luck Steph.

From left: Gam Cooper, Umberto Pizzoferato, Sherrel Thomas Culture travels with those who migrate out of the big cities and move into the smaller centres. This dynamic has rewarded North Bay with the arrival of Umberto Pizzoferrato, Sherrel Thomas, originally of Toronto, and Gam Dolo-Cooper from Ottawa, who have joined to create MBM Entertainment. Paul Williams of Madsick Graphics has been working with MBM since the beginning and is responsible for the creative and unique visuals that represent the company. MBM has been organizing Superstar Thursday Refueled at the Zoo Niteclub since February 28, and due to the success of these nights, has been asked to do their Canada Day Party. The mission statement of MBM Entertainment is “to bring new things to places that don’t get exposed to new things” says Pizzoferrato. “I’ve been here for 5 years, and I was hearing the same shit all the time. Now, at the Zoo, we have a platform to do something new, and share it with the people of North

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Bay. The Zoo gave us a chance, and they’ve been great to work with, especially Johnny and Julie.” Umberto, Sherrel, and Gam started out by throwing underground parties locally, and they grew to the point where they thought they could do well hosting similar events in a high profile mainstream club. The management of the Zoo, who are always open to exploring new concepts in the interest of staying current, gave MBM a shot, and they haven’t looked back. Sherell aka DJ Femme Fatale spins old school hip hop, reggae, soca and dancehall. Gam is an MC and hypeman, and goes by the name Goliath. Jeremy Kamau spins hip hop and house music as DJ Jimbo, and is not to be confused with Jimbo of “Jimbo and Colin”, and “Karaoke and Wing Nite with Jimbo” fame. The line up for the Canada Day Stop Light Party has been finalized and the special

guest performer has been announced. Residents, DJ Femme Fatale and DJ Jimbo will play along with DJ Elliptical who spins house. JD Era who recently charted as high as #2 on rap city with “Paper Chase”. He has garnered critical acclaim for his Black Market Mixtape Series. His new album, out in June is called, “Coming to America”. Umberto looking forward to bringing this emerging Canadian hip hop star to North Bay. “I respect him, and I respect his management, for the amount of work they put into the albums and into the shows. If you heard this guy’s mixtapes you’d understand the money and work put into them. One man respects another man’s hustle.” MBM stands for Mixed But Matched. When asked how the group decided on this name, Sherrel explains: “We’re mixed. Umberto is Italian, Gam is Gambian, and I’m Jamaican. We’re from mixed cultures but we are matched by our common interest in music, hence Mixed But Matched Entertainment”