Issue 35 August 2012

London Salsa Academy SillWill Studios Mashup Kids

thebeatmagazine.cathetthheh bebeeaatmtmat gazine.ca | 1 August, 2012

contents theatre August 2012

4 On Stage Kathy Rumleski – Kyle Blair stars at Stratford 6 Dance Susan Scott – Some like it hot 8 Tech Beat Jay Menard – mindyourmind 10 Visual Arts Beth Stewart – Rock, water, canvas

MUSIC DIRECTOR 12 Indie Chris Loblaw – Comic book duo music 1414 Word Richard Young – Adventures with Bruce 1515 Word Richard Young – Th e Beggar’s Opera 1616 Feature Jill Ellis – A cultural mash up 2012/13 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS: 1188 News & Views Phil McLeod – When no means maybe Beethoven’s Eroica 20 Nooks ‘n Crannies Jason Rip – Hanging tough 22 Sound Bites Bob Klanac – Th e Sugar Shack Beethoven’s 9th 2424 Classical Beat Nicole Laidler – Bach rocks Summer Music festivals visual arts Vivaldi’s Four Seasons 2626 Art on the Arts Art Fidler – An Open Door 2828 Pegg’s World Robert Pegg – Retro sexism? Hammerstein & Friends 3030 Final Frame London through the lens of Linda Simpson

Movie Magic OnO the cover: Head over heels for Salsa. See story on page 6. Barenaked Ladies PhotoPh by Deborah Zuskan.

Chantal Kreviazuk OnlineO features @ www.thebeatmagazine.ca DISHingDI with Donald | What’s On? | Contests & Promotions | Rants & Raves

SINGLE TICKETS BehindB The Beat CONTACT INFORMATION:

Publisher/ Richard Young The Beat Magazine festivals ON SALE AUG 20! ManagingM Editor [email protected] PO Box 25294 Editor Nicole Laidler London, Ontario N6C 6B1 [email protected] The Beat Magazine is published monthly and has a Online Theatre Donald D’Haene circulation of 8,000 magazines. Reproduction of any words Editor [email protected] material published in The Beat Magazine is strictly Arts Calendar Valerie Cavalini prohibited without written permission from the [email protected] managing editor. The views and opinions expressed 519-870-0846 in The Beat Magazine’s contents and advertisements are those of the authors and do not necessarily Advertising/ Richard Young refl ect those of the managing editor. Marketing [email protected] 519-870-2328 Copy Editor Beth Stewart Photography Deborah Zuskan fi lm Art Director Lionel Morise Website Renaissance Monkey Design Printing Wonderland Printing Ltd. orchestralondon.ca2 | thebeatmagazine.ca 519-679-8778 thebeatmagazine.ca | 3 August, 2012 on stage

FestivalFest for its 60th season from the Shaw “I was just so star struck with the actor that FFestival,est which celebrated its 50th anniversary lived next door to grandma and grandpa,” he laslastt year. And when Stratford hit the big 5-0, remembers. “It’s a neat bookmark for me to be BBlairla was part of the company then as well. here playing the part that he was playing.” ““It’sIt’s amazing to see these places develop and Blair is also thrilled to be working with his life thethey’rey both such an important part of the Kyle Blair starss partner Kyle Golemba, also acting in both of CaCanadiann theatre scene,” he says. “Th ey’re at Stratfordd bbothot incredible places to learn as an artist.” his shows. “We were a bit hesitant to see how it would go, but it’s actually been fantastic. As a child, Blair spent many days in Stratford By Kathy Rumleskiki It’s amazing to have your support network so at ttheh home of his grandparents, Peggy and EEwartwa Morris. Th e couple has passed on, but close,” says Blair. Kyle Blair is glad he took a chance andd BlBlaira has dedicated this season to them. Kathy Rumleski is a London fr eelance auditioned for Th e Pirates of Penzancee. “Th ey both were really big fans of G&S and journalist and writer. Visit her blog at http:// thetheyy brought me to see Th e Mikado here, kathyrumleski.wordpress.com Photo by Cylla von TiedemannCylla von by Photo Photo by Cyllavon Tiedemann inin (1993)( … one of my fi rst memories of the theatre.thea I thought it was special that I was When Kyle Blair received word from his agent A former member of London’s famed Amabilee comingcom to do a G&S.” What: The Pirates of Penzance that the Stratford Shakespeare Festival wanted Boys Choir and Lester B. Pearson School for When: Until October 27 Interestingly,Inte actor Jeff Hyslop, who also him to audition for the lead role in Th e Pirates the Arts graduate, Blair says he’s always felt What: 42nd Street playedplay Frederic at Stratford and was in one of Penzance, he was stupefi ed. the rhythm in his body. But he only started When: Until October 28 of BBlair’s favourite TV series, Today’s Special, dancing in his fi nal year at Oakridge secondaryry Contact: www.stratfordfestival.ca “I laughed and said, ‘Clearly I’m the wrong renrentedt the house beside his grandparents. guy,’” Blair recalls on a recent day off from his school for the musical Crazy For You. Aft er festival work, which also includes the musical high school he did several tap musicals at 42nd Street. Huron Country Playhouse, including 42nd Street. “I mostly learned on the job,” he says. Th e London native felt the role of Frederic in Pirates Now Blair dances with the wasn’t his style, but he best of them in 42nd Street still wanted the chance to at Stratford. And when he’s audition. He’s glad he did. “It performing “We’re in the forced me to grow as an artist Money” with the cast in and a singer,” he says. glittering gold costumes andd tap shoes, you can see that His role of Billy Lawlor Blair has become a triple in 42nd Street – where he threat. shows off his dancing chops too – also had Blair fearful. And he’s getting to the heartt “Th ey both sort of scared of who he is. me,” he admits of the Gilbert “What I like about this and Sullivan operetta and business and about this art iss Harry Warren musical. that it’s an exploration of thee “Th ey are two musicals that self. I fi nd the more I keep are very, very diff erent. G working and growing, the &S requires legitimate tone. more I learn about myself It’s a big score and vocally it’s and come closer to being at 635 Richmond St. very challenging and 42nd HouDavid by Photo Photo David by Hou the centre of who I am.” Street is more of a physical Kyle Blair and Cynthia Dale Blair was wooed back to challenge.” in Stratford’s production of the Stratford Shakespeare 4 | thebeatmagazine.ca 42nd Street. thebeatmagazine.ca | 5 dance August, 2012 Printingg Made Simple Some like it hott www.wonddlerland diiprinting.com By Susan Scotttt Photo by Deborah Zuskan Deborah by Deborah by Photo Photo Zuskan Ross Todorovic and his team Salsa up a storm in downtown London.

Thanks to television shows like Dancing One diff erence, however, occurs right at the With the Stars, Salsa is on a roll these days. And start. In On1, the lead dancer steps forward Londoners can learn this spirited dance – with on the fi rst beat of music. In On2, the lead its fast footwork, fancy lift s, dips, spins, and dancer steps in place on the fi rst beat then stepss turns – right in the heart of downtown. backwards on the second. On2 also tends to bee Th e London Salsa Academy teaches Club-Style funkier and allows dancers more creativity withh Salsa dancing, which is a more relaxed and their movements. varied version of the formal Ballroom-Style Although Salsa dancing is partner-based, depicted on shows like DWTS, explains Todorovic says 85 per cent of students take the academy founder and director, Ross Todorovic. group classes on their own. Classes run year- “It’s funny the way Salsa appeals to people,” round at Th e Organic Oscars on Dundas Street,t, he says. “Some fi nd the music addictive and are with the Academy off ering weekly Beginner, driven to it for that reason. Dancing is a lot of fun Intermediate, and Advanced Team Training and when people see Salsa dancers who dance sessions. Students are graded on their dance really well, they think ‘I wish I could do that.’ profi ciency before moving on to the next level. Others think it’s a great way to meet people.” “Advanced Team Training is for those A London native, Todorovic has been a dedicated enough to get to a level where they professional dancer for 15 years. can perform,” Todorovic explains. “It’s not a He has worked in fi lms, performed on cruise requirement but performing is another part off “How can we ships, trained dance teams, and performed with learning to dance better.” help with your the Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. From 2002- 2006, he ran Studio Tango here, but closed it Todorovic, his two instructors, and talented next print job?” to work south-of-the-border until returning in advanced students typically perform six to ten 2010. “London is where I started in my dance times a year. Th is is helping to spread the word C M Y profession,” he says. “I wanted to come back that the Salsa is not only fun to watch, it’s fun and be closer to family and friends again.” to dance. Oh yes, and it’s a great way to spice upp Th e Academy teaches two types of Salsa: On1 your life. and On2. Both share Latin American and Susan Scott is an arts writer and visual artist. 519.681.2171 Cuban origins, dance in a track linear system, [email protected] and use dance patterns with delightful names 647 WILTON GROVE RD., UNIT 6 like Canopener, Waterpump, and Pretzel Turn. Contact: www.salsaacademy-londonontario.com LONDON, ON N6N 1N7 6 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 7 tech beat August, 2012 AVAILABLE TICKETS NOW! ARE mindyourmind By Jay Menard

Jeans ‘n Classics is Back at their new home the London Convention Centre Mindyourmind.ca harnesses the power of the internet to reach teens struggling withh mental health issues.

There’s a lot of truth to the old stereotype And as important as getting the right message suggesting all teens feel they’re invincible and out in the right voice is, it means nothing if image is everything. Th e combination of both those who need to hear it don’t fi nd it. So again,n, can make it very challenging for youth suff ering they turned to young people to make sure the from mental health issues to come forward and message hit its mark. ask for help. “YouTube is the third-largest search engine By harnessing the power – and the anonymity for youth,” said Miko-Kelly. “Th ey’re using – of the Internet, the folks at mindyourmind.ca YouTube to search for ‘schizophrenia’ and our hope to be able to reach the people who are in video is third on that list. We’ve received over greatest need for information and support. a million views for it with no marketing or advertising strategy behind it.” “We’re targeted predominantly to 14 to Initially managed and sponsored by the 25-year-olds,” Heather Miko-Kelly, the London Mental Health Crisis Service, youth projects and volunteer co-ordinator, mindyourmind.ca became part of Family said. “Whether they’re having panic attacks, Service Th ames Valley in 2006. depression, anxiety, typically they won’t go to a professional or family member. Th ose who visit mindyourmind.ca will fi nd information, artwork, and personal success stories.es. “What we know is that 99 per cent of “It helps them realize they’re not alone,” Miko- Canadian youth are on-line … and we needed Kelly said. “When they see someone’s story of to be on-line too.” recovery, they realize that they can get better too.”” Four show subscription - $250 JnC Handstands: Mindyourmind is not intended to be a referral The Very Best Of Band interviews have proven to be popular andd Single Concert Tickets - $70 Jeans ‘n Classics service, or off er diagnosis and treatment, all eff orts are designed to remove the stigma off Table seating of 10, book early September 29, 2012 Miko-Kelly explained. Instead, the organization mental illness. “Suicide is the second-leading to reserve a fantastic seat. Rockin’ Christmas 2012 is focused on increasing awareness around cause of death of this age group,” she explained.d. December 22, 2012 mental health. And success in this has come “We hope the more people talk about these Tickets available now! An Evening Of Queen from committing to getting the message out the issues, the fewer stigmas there will be ... and thee Purchase today at February 9, 2013 right way. more likely it will be that they get help.” aroseinmybook.com An Age of Innocence “All of our messaging is created with youth and May 4, 2013 Jay Menard is a corporate communications teens. Th ey’re involved along every step of the writer with a focus on social media and way,” she said. “If we don’t include them, we’re fr eelance writer. See more of his work at www. just not going to reach the target audience.” jaymenard.com

8 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 9 visual arts August, 2012 motivation.”mot And it is this spirit of experi- mentationmen that drives her current work. VeldstraVeld paints in acrylic on canvas because of thethe diverse ways she can apply and manipulate thethe medium. “I“I uuse no references with the exception of gengeneralized guidelines of my own devising based on mmy personal observations of nature,” she says. Rock, water, canvas HerHer paintings are literally built with multiple By Beth Stewart llayersaye of paint. “E“Eacha layer answers a question,” the artist says. ““ThTh e early underpainting develops layout and cchallengesha me on how I will portray dimension. “Gentle Light” by Sharon Veldstra, acrylic on canvas, 48 by 24 inches, 2012. Th e middle layers develop lighting and build ccolour.olo Th e water layers create movement and The birth of twins six years ago kicked Sharon “I used to crave recognition of my skills, fl oow.w Finally, the detail layers add a sense that Veldstra’s creativity into overdrive aft er the and would beam when people commented tthishis could be real and create a feeling of place.” mother of four quit her day job in favour of that they thought one of my paintings was a UUpp until now, many of her pieces have been in tending home and hearth. photograph,” she says. tthehe small-to-medium range to accommodate Amongst diaper and bottle duty, the former It was only aft er she met Bateman at a tthehe display spaces that have been available graphic design student from St. Lawrence conference in London, Ontario that she ttoo her,h but an August exhibition at Th e Art College in Cornwall, Ontario somehow found decided a change was needed. “As a child ExExchangec coupled with an Ontario Arts time to rekindle her passion for art. Bateman was my idol,” she comments. CCouncilou exhibition grant has allowed her the “Meeting him three years ago and having him ffreedomree to go big. It wasn’t easy – for the fi rst three years her react favorably to my wildlife paintings was a FoForr the exhibition, Veldstra has created 20 new kitchen doubled as her studio and she painted personal pinnacle.” on top of the stove – but it paid off . ppiecesiec over the past six months. All except one Within a week, however, she began to explore ddepictep what she aff ectionately calls her “jelly Her initial focus was on natural settings and and experiment with form and colour rather bbeanea rocks.” wildlife. Being Canadian, “and the child of than subject. HHerer goal as an artist is to foster an appreciation environmentally minded parents,” Veldstra ooff theth natural world and encourage people to says she was strongly infl uenced by the Group It was the old “been there, done that,” she says. sslowlow down enough to enjoy it. “I want them to of Seven and Emily Carr, but she found solace “I wanted to loosen up how I was painting. I ffeeleel calmed and refreshed … like they have sat working in a photo-realistic way that paid needed to break through and come up with something that came from me.” bbyy tthe shore and had their spirits washed by the tribute to Robert Bateman. ssoothingoot sounds of the waves,” says Veldstra. “I selected two simple elements: rock, which too ““ThTh at, I feel, is the magic of water.” me represents structure and order, and water, which expresses chaotic energy, movement, andd BethBeet Stewart is a secondary school teacher, the creative process; and endeavored to exploree vivisualssu artist and writer. She is one of the core as many possibilities as I could.” ororganizersrgga of the London Artist’s Studio Tour By playing with rocks and water she found a anandnd a champion of the VisualFringe. basic theme that she “could go anywhere with.”” Now she’s known as the rock-and-water lady. Who:W Sharon Veldstra: Exhibition & Sale WWhen: To August 18 Veldstra says, “Memory and life observations WWhere: The Art Exchange (247 Wortley Road) “Pool in the Breakwall” by Sharon Veldstra, undoubtedly creep in to create a platform, CoContact: www.theartexchange.caV acrylic on canvas, 24 by 12 inches, 2012. but curiosity to see what happens ‘if’ is my 10 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 11 indie August, 2012 Comic book duo By Chris Loblaw

Th e brother and sister team of Alison and A. Jaye Williams recently launched a new webcomic, Th e Adventures of Astrodog. Time London’s SillWill Studios is out to make its mark in the comic book industry, a for your next print job? David versus Goliath challenge that doesn’t intimidate Alison and A. Jaye Williams. Th e daring duo began collaborating years ago, sending art and writing samples to major comic publishers like Marvel and DC. “Eventually, they both admitted that they didn’t hire off the street; they’d only hire established artists and writers who had already been published,” “We’re so says A. Jaye. very appreciative Instead of giving up, the brother and sister team of our fans,” says A. Jaye. “Th e big decided to take things into their own hands, publishers have hundreds of thousands of fans,, founding SillWill Press in 1998. so an individual fan isn’t noticed. But for us, each fan is a part of our community, and we feelel It was a steep learning curve. Neither Alison lucky for their support.” nor A. Jaye had any background in business or marketing. “I remember when I was Current creative eff orts are focused on their learning illustration at Sheridan College, I webcomic, Th e Adventures of Astrodog, with a kept asking for business courses to be added to new strip published each week, but there’s no Contact Brian Webb Today! shortage of future projects to work on. the curriculum, like bookkeeping or contract Ask about our Short and Long Run Capabilities negotiation, but they wouldn’t cover it. So we According to Alison, the biggest challenge is had to learn on-the-job,” Alison recalls. fi nding the time to do it all. “Hopefully, we’ll Come see why more people are making But with perseverance they’ve grown and reach a point in the next few years where we Wonderland Printing Limited their printer of choice. built a loyal audience. And with the changes can grow the business to include additional www.wonderlandprinting.com in digital media over the last decade, the employees, and work with other local artists,” process of independent publishing has become she says. “With just the two of us, there’s a remarkably easier. Instead of time-consuming limit to how many stories we can tell, without hands-on preparation and shipping, they can stretching ourselves too thin.” send the fi nished book pages to their printer SillWill publications are available at London’s via email, while the shift to print-on-demand independent comic book retailers, or online at CMY eliminated the need to order a large number of Amazon.com copies for every project. Chris Loblaw is a fr eelance journalist and Th e emergence of social media has also been an author. He’s currently working on the sequel too incredible asset for these indie artists. SillWill his novel “WitchKids.” 519.681.2171 Studios builds relationships with their fans [email protected] across the world – and with every fan they earn, 647 WILTON GROVE RD., UNIT 6 Contact: www.sillwill.com the worth-of-mouth accolades spread. LONDON, ON N6N 1N7 12 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 13 word word August, 2012

Adventures TheTh Beggar’s Opera with Bruce by Peggy Blair by Steve Hainsworth ReviewedRev by Richard Young Reviewed by Richard Young InIn hher impressive debut crime novel, Th e Beggar’sBegg Opera, Ottawa author Peggy Blair Hands up if you have spent any time on ttakesake her readers beyond the luxury resorts Southern Ontario’s Bruce Trail. Leave them up of ssunnyu Cuba to reveal a world of corrupt if you travelled the famed footpath’s full 885 ppoliceoli offi cials, sex tourism, and bureaucratic kilometres. How many hands are still raised? ineineptitude,p centring her story around the brutal Well, former Londoner and adventure rrapeape and murder of Arturo Montenegro – a journalist, Steve Hainsworth, took 30 days yoyoungu Cuban street beggar in Old Havana. out of his life in the summer of 2010 to battle BBlair’slai investigator, Inspector Ricardo Ramirez, humidity and mosquitoes along Canada’s hheadea of the Havana Major Crimes Unit, is longest continuous trail, starting at its southern aassignedssi to the case to bring about a quick terminus in Queenston and ending in cconviction.on Ramirez is apparently dying from Tobermory. aann iinherited disease that causes hallucinations Along the way, he took trail notes and snapped – wwhich just happen to be the ghosts of the photographs which culminated in his 108 page At times Hainsworth is a solitary fi gure on vvictimsict of murders he is investigating. Blair introduces readers to an intriguing cast self-published travelogue, Adventures With the trail, while at other times he is joined by of characters, including pathologist Hector Th e main suspect, a vacationing Canadian Bruce (2011). friends and relatives, like his wife Melinda, andd Apiro and prostitute Maria Vasquez who is not polpoliceman,i Mike Ellis, is in Cuba trying to Mischa and Kate from Guelph, who keep him all she seems to be, and various doormen and Written in the present tense in a conversational patch up his failing marriage. Aft er his wife motivated when the going gets tough. patc bartenders – all of whom seem to be on the fi rst-person narrative, Adventures With Bruce is ababruptlyru returns to Canada, Ellis goes on a In an earlier time, hand-drawn sketches would make. a very readable daily account of Hainsworth’s CChristmashr Eve bender in the company of a local have adorned a book like this, but thanks to trek. Along the way, he spends time with a proprostitute, soon fi nding himself behind bars Th e Beggar’s Opera will resonate best with modern technology, Adventures With Bruce menagerie of “backpackers and birdwatchers, mimiredr in what appears to be an open and shut readers who have spent some time in Cuba, includes a generous number of full colour especially those who have wandered off their trail runners and dog-walkers, skinny-dippers mumurderr case. [and] rock climbers and retirees,” not to photographs illuminating the natural beauty resorts to visit Old Havana and walk the fabled mention coyotes and other assorted wildlife. of the trail’s geography. A few of them look likee EEnternt Ottawa attorney, Celia Jones, who Malecon, the book’s primary setting. they belong in the family photo album, but we ggrapplesrap with the vagarities of Cuban law, Organized into nine geographical sections, the Blair is highly critical of Cuba’s dysfunctional can cut Hainsworth some slack. He did, aft er ccorruptorr police offi cials, and wary Cuban book should appeal to the serious and casual society and its political leaders as evidenced by all, hike 885 kilometres and live to tell the story!y! cciviliansivi to uncover the truth within an hiker alike. Having spent some time on the trail her “editorializing” throughout the story. But, imimposedp 72 hour time frame. myself in the Wiarton to Tobermory section, Readers looking for something to do this perhaps I’m reading too much into it. She may I found myself nodding with recognition summer or fall should fi nd Adventures With WiWithoutt giving too much of the story away, simply be trying to make Canadian vacationers throughout the book. Bruce inspiring, while not necessarily riveting, let’let’ss just say Jones and Inspector Ramirez join more aware of what goes on beyond the walls of reading. forforcesc to solve the case by the novel’s end. Along their four-star resorts. Hainsworth shares the history of the Bruce the way, Blair throws numerous plot twists Richard Young is the publisher/ managing editorr the Richard Young is the publisher/ managing editor Trail – which celebrates its 50th anniversary at readers – all guaranteed to keep them up of Th e Beat Magazine. Aft er reading this book, hee at re of Th e Beat Magazine and an avid reader of this year – with interesting anecdotes about reading into the wee hours. local landmarks and some of the colourful got an itch to set out on the Bruce Trail again. read crime and mystery novels. characters who have hiked it and those who Th e book’s last few chapters reveal surprise aft er Contact: www.adventureswithbruce.com Contact: http://peggyblair.wordpress.com/ continue to walk it today. sursurprisep as the story’s loose ends are wrapped up.

14 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 15 feature August, 2012

MiMirren,r Rachel McAdams, LeeAnn Rimes, for us,” says Wright. “I would like to see this as WiWilll Ferrell, Lindsay Lohan, Colin Ferrell and a creative hub for London with the doors open mamanyn others. and the waiting area as a place where students HHerer latest honor is to be named a Beat DISH can just hang out. We’d like to engage parents AAwards Musical Judge. while the kids are in class with activities of their own, like a movement class.” RaRasmussens hails from New York City, where sheshe’s’ worked in theatre for 17 years during her Rasmussen says the wholehearted acceptance A cultural mash upp 30-year30-y career. She has experience in all kinds that they’ve felt from other downtown merchants bodes well for the business. “We’re By Jill Ellisis of musicalm styles, including jazz, opera and ppop.op sponsored by Original Kids and off er coupons that downtown merchants have given us, so we Mashup Kids off ers a wide range of aft er-school programs for kids. BBesideses teaching and performing, she’s also are off ering those to people who register early.” wwrittenri a book called Meant To Be Heard, for Mashup Kids is about teaching creative To fi nd good professional theatre or dance as “small class size is critical for the kind of wwhichhi she’s seeking a publisher. “It’s nonfi ction aandnd explores the way that the voice interacts process, so the emphasis is off performance performances, Londoners must head to experience we want to provide.” and on innovation, but there will be end-of- Toronto, right? wwithith the rest of the body. If you decide to Th e school off ers dance, acting, spoken word, sosoundu happier then you can be happier,” she term shows that are literally “mashups” of the Th at hasn’t been true for a very long time, visual art, digital design, fi lm making, audio diff erent disciplines. “We might and now you don’t have to go to Toronto for recording, broadcasting and singing classes forr take sound bites of the music professional art, theatre or dance training, children in grades one through 12. Th ey have written by students and mash it either. plans to off er preschool, mommy and baby andd up with art they’ve created,” says master classes, also. Rasmussen. “We want to see what Amy Wright and Jocelyn Rasmussen recently will evolve and what the children opened Mashup Kids in downtown London. Wright will be teaching acting and dance will think of.” Th ey see their role as Th is dynamic duo has impressive professional classes, while Rasmussen will instruct singing teachers as that of coordinators and resumes, and they have packaged all that and spoken word. Th ere are seven other staff the children as originators for these experience to come up with a new concept in members to handle the other classes. All are shows. theatrical education for young hopefuls. working artists in their fi elds. She adds that the whole approach Seeing a gap in London’s theatre/ dance/ Th e two principles have a wealth of to Mashup Kids is child-centred. art scene, the two decided to join forces and professional experience behind them. Right “We really want to have a child- fi ll the void with Mashup Kids. “Th ere are now, Wright is working on a television series driven program. We want to see performance opportunities for children, for Family Channel called Th e Next Step, who’s in class and how they are like Original Kids, but there’s no place for which follows 10 dancers as they get ready motivated and let that drive the them to go for [theatrical] training,” explains for a national dance contest. She’s the casting AmyAAm Wright and Jocelyn Rasmussen bring curriculum.” Rasmussen. director, choreographer and consulting theirtthe years of professional experience to the Wright encourages families to producer. Wright agrees, saying, “Th ere are plenty of hearthhea of downtown London. attend one of the open houses, places to go in Toronto for acting lessons Wright moved to London nine years ago to bee off ered throughout August and the or professional dance classes, but none in with her husband, who is the head electrician eexplains.xp It is the result of her experiences and fi rst week of September to get a real feel for the London, and we wanted to change that.” at Th e Grand Th eatre. She also choreographs tthoseho of others, uncovered during her research. space, the curriculum and the teaching staff . dances for many of the Grand’s musical ShShee taught at New York Open Center, Mashup Kids is an integrated arts school, Jill Ellis is a London-based fr eelance writer as Rasmussen describes it, with “the whole productions, and is involved with Original LaLaGuardiaG College and Th e New Triad Kids Th eatre. FoFoundation.u and chief communicator for Write.On multi-media interface, but we want a strong Communications International (www. underpinning in traditional arts, and for Besides choreographing for many television BBecauseec they hope to make Mashup Kids a writedoton.com) students to get the compositional and shows (So You Th ink You Can Dance Canada, cculturalult centre, the duo decided to house their expressive basics fi rst.” She adds that classes Being Erica and Degrassi TNG) and movies, neneww enterprise downtown. “We like the heart will be restricted to 10 or fewer children, she’s worked with some heavy hitters: Helen of tthe city and love this space; it’s custom made Contact: www.mashupkids.com 16 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 17 news & views August, 2012 ApplicationApp of the time-for-change mantra Loving iinn thet discussion about hours and noise levels Bayfield When no for summer festivals at downtown parks is the iissuessu which has proven the most diffi cult to THIRD ANNUAL EXHIBIT Aug 10-26 means maybe ununderstand,d if for no other reason than it seems By Phil McLeod to vviolate a core ethical principle previously emembracedb by our elected leaders. Th at principle iiss toto engage the public openly and honestly. HOME OF THE ONTARIO ARTIST JMRgallery.com OvOvere the past several years the civic aadministrationdm has endeavored to do so in cracraftft ing rules of play for the big events at VicVictoria and Harris parks. Each fall, event propromoters (longer hours, louder music), nearby Voters should quiz candidates about their intentions. resiresidents (shorter hours, quieter music), and the pupublicb at large (a bit of both) get a chance to ask In politics, development on this historic London landmark when governments change so oft en, k fforor changes to the rules. Proposed changes, if so do a lot of other things. property for a generation. anany,y come to council in the spring. As voters, we expect that at the national and Suddenly, though, it was all change at Th e Hill.l. AAndnd so they did. Mayor Fontana, a drummer provincial level, parties create extensive policy Both Mayor Fontana and Councillor Swan platforms and campaign openly on their action joined the pro-developer contingent supportingg at hearth and a resident in life of far away Arva, promises. an application that, in eff ect, had been rejectedd pupusheds so hard for longer and louder that hhee forcedf the administration to go away and So when Stephen Harper, as prime minister three times before by council and twice by the revreviewi its proposals. Th ey came back with three CHERI ROBINSON @ of a majority government, does away with the Ontario Municipal Board. long gun registry we might be disappointed but Th e mayor justifi ed his decision with the altalternativese – midnight and louder (what the surely not surprised. Th at’s exactly what he said somewhat tenuous rationale the proposed mamayory wanted); the current 11 p.m. and louder; he would do. apartment building would create jobs – anandd no change. At the local level, though, change can be however short-term they might be. And duringg A publicp meeting argued for no change, and a more unexpected and frustrating because the election campaign, he certainly promised cocouncilu committee more or less agreed. Aft er LIVING he would create jobs. elections are fought individually, not on a party coconsiderablen debate, city council voted to keep WITH platform, and the full extent of a winner’s Th e jobs argument couldn’t be applied to the current rules but ease up on enforcement. political ambitions is never revealed. another series of stunning changes produced Th e mayor has vowed to continue pushing. ABUNDANCE For example, although he spent almost 20 years by this council. Sweeping aside a decades WiWitht this council, change is constant and oft en in Ottawa as a kick-ass Liberal, how many old community plan for the area around AN AR T EXHIB IT voters expected Joe Fontana to show such Sunningdale and Richmond in north London,, ununexpected.e resolve in battling for successive years of zero council approved high rises where medium OOnen obvious consequence is that in 2014 August 7-25 tax increases? Or that he would be backed with density development had been planned – a vvotersote will need to be very specifi c in quizzing such enthusiasm by Joe Swan, once a candidate diff erence, if you live across the road and were cacandidatesn about their intentions. How high is looking at six storeys versus 12. for the New Democrats? Or by Sandy White, hhigh,igh how loud is loud, and when does no mean who in a previous term on council had been Th e mantra here was: it’s time for change. mamaybe?y very much a left y? Since just about every candidate in the 2010 Reservoir Hill was never raised as an election said that in one way or another, you PhPhilhi McLeod writes regularly on civic aff airs at election issue by anyone, hardly unexpected can imagine the confusion this particular wwwwww.themcleodreport.ca. You can email him since successive city councils had opposed application of the notion caused. aatt [email protected] 18 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 19 nooks ‘n crannies August, 2012 techniquestech – he liked to spring the hatch at the momomentm when the attending clergyman recited the line “Deliver us from evil.” He was keenly aware, perhaps even ashamed, of Hanging tough hhisis outcast status, and, when he wasn’t at work, livelived quietly in Toronto with his mother. He By Jason Rip earearnedn an annual salary of $700, and on his tax records is listed as a civil servant. He was ononee of the few professional hangmen confi dent enougheno not to operate under a pseudonym and notnot to wear a hood. Th e job of hangman would, in many ways, bebe tthe ideal career choice for a sociopath, an “Th e only merciful thing is to do them right.” – John Radclive emptyemp soul untroubled by nightmares and guilt.guil Unfortunately, John Radclive was no The recent conviction of child murderer his earliest training was hanging pirates in the sociopath.soci “I feel sorry for the poor blighters,” Michael Raff erty has prompted rumblings South Seas as a member of the Royal Navy. hehe aadmitted. And eventually he came to regret about the return of the death penalty to When he fretted about the state of his soul laterer hishis livelihood, saying: “I don’t believe in it now, Canada. Before it was abolished permanently in life, Radclive admitted that he had hanged nono matterm how heinous the crime.” in 1976, 710 Canadians – 697 men and 13 over 200 people. JasonJasso Rip is the artistic director of Th eatre women – were executed by hanging, the only Nemesis,Nem a fr eelance writer and the co-creator Radclive claimed that he never botched a job. method of dispatch available for non-military off London’sL Lost Soul Stroll, now in its eighth Th ere was that 18-minute strangulation in crimes. year.yeaar the Oxford County Jail, but that was the fault Up to 132 of that number were plunged of one of those new and cruel “jerk ‘em up ExperienceE Elgin’s Finest into eternity by Canada’s fi rst professional gallows.” Th ere was that woman in Manitoba Visual Arts Attractions on the hangman, John Radclive. who asked him to hold her skirt, so fearful Let’s address the obvious fi rst: this is not a line was she of exposure in death, and, worst of all, of work that everyone is equally suited for. that elderly man in Quebec whose heart gave Th e hangman is doomed to be a social pariah; out as he was marched to the gallows. Radclive arriving just before the execution, weighing and was told to break the neck of the corpse if he measuring the condemned to ensure a cleanly wanted to get paid. broken neck, and then catching the next train Canada’s fi rst hangman didn’t ask for much: out of town. From original paintings to an empty cell to recuperate in and a full bottle pottery, the studios and Although they were considered a “social of brandy. Alcohol turned out to be Radclive’s galleries that comprise the necessity,” hangmen oft en had few friends, were primary personal demon, cirrhosis of the liver arts trail are ready to take inclined to drink heavily, and were shunned putting an end to him at 55, but well before visitors on an imaginative and from all respectable social circles – the Grim this fi nal closure, he was plagued with bouts off unforgettable journey. Reaper sans cloak and scythe. regret and moral anguish: “Now at night whenn Th ere was never a college of execution arts: I lie down, I start up with a roar as victim aft er interested candidates found a competent noose- victim comes up before me. Th ey haunt me andd man and arranged for an apprenticeship. taunt me until I am nearly crazy with unearthlyly fear.” Radclive worked under the English hangman William Marwood, who was notorious enough Radclive never wrote a memoir but he did leavee to be immortalized in Punch & Judy puppet behind some interesting observations – he hadd shows and in a children’s skipping song (“If never heard of a condemned person declining www.elginartstrail.caw li Pa killed Ma, who’d kill Pa? Marwood!”), but their fi nal breakfast – and some interesting 20 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 21 sound bites August, 2012

As such,s Th e Sugar Shack is rapidly becoming a ddestinatione for fl edging indie musicians in muchmuc the same way that Magoffi n’s House of The Sugar Shackk MiraclesMir was. By Bob Klanacac “Th“Th e work that I’m doing now is consistently gettinggett better,” comments Larochette. “I think it’s ggettingett better to the point that people come in here aandnd they’re really, really happy. And then they tell Richmond and Fullarton ttheirhei friends to come here and they’re happy.” Monday - Friday 8 - 5 AndAnd he is adamant that Th e Sugar Shack not becomebec identifi ed with any one genre of music. He loves working in all of them and does not Simon Larochette’s Sugar Shack is quickly becoming the go-to recording studio for wantwan to become pigeonholed. “It happens really London musicians. easily,”easi he says. “All I want to do is record music forfor people.p Th at’s it.” It’s an unassuming single story house almost He leapfrogged from OIART to a year in theirr MalcolmMa Gladwell wrote an essay some years www.foodandshops.com artfully hidden by an overgrown tree on intern program, then set up a studio in the backback about success and experience, noting that Wellington St just north of the Th ames. But London Music Hall while gigging with Olenkaa mostmos accomplished individuals put in about what happens inside this modest dwelling is in Krakus as an Autumn Lover. 10,00010,0 hours of work in their area of expertise. ' LarochetteLar knows the theory and believes that If we don t change, stark contrast to its bland street presence. “When I left OIART I never wanted to start his ' Gail Sheehy Engineer/ producer/ musician Simon recording right away,” he explains. “I wanted too his career backs it up. we don t grow. Larochette has made it home to Th e Sugar be a musician for a few years. If I’m in a touringg “If“If I hadn’t put in the hours to make that poetry visual arts Shack, London’s latest recording Mecca for band it’s going to help me understand the LondonLon Music Club studio work and made local coverage s literature young musicians looking to convert their industry, it’s going to help me understand the a lilivingv off of it, then I would never have met writerswriters onstage dynamism into equally dynamic guy on the other side of the glass.” AndyAnd and he would never have off ered me this Ƥlm estival f recorded music. It was during a tour with Olenka that fate hhouse,”ou he says. “But when he did I was ready.” i i art galleries

Th ose artists have included Melissa Lundy, came to him with a sweetheart off er from LaLarochetter admits that he has been lucky, but designers

Olenka and the Autumn Lovers, More More, London-based indie producer Andy Magoffi n. hhardard work is crucial to those nice breaks. y

Firehorse, the late lamented Handsome Dan His House of Miracles studio was relocating musicians rtisans “Th at’s the key: you always have to be prepared. arts performing industr and His Gallimauphry and Liam Isaac – and to Cambridge and he off ered Larochette the a If ssomeoneo says here’s this great opportunity the list grows longer each week. opportunity to rent the former space. theatre photography butbut you’ve been sitting on your ass, you’re not journalists musicals music ands Th e studio is the logical next-step for 24-year- Larochette jumped at the off er. He threw openn goinggoin to be ready to do it.” b Q&A old Larochette, who’s been building his career the Sugar Shack doors last November, buildingg since his teens. the business through word-of-mouth. BobBoob Klanac has been scribbling about music Watch for changes to sisinncnce he was young enough to know better. For the beat magazine and Born in France, Larochette lived in Th under But customer service comes easily for more,moor go to klanac.blogspot.com Bay and Nova Scotia before landing at Larochette. He’s attentive to what his website starting next month. London’s Ontario Institute of Audio musicians want out of the session and his Keep your eye on Recording Technology with the goal of aff able, tactful manner makes for a good Contact:Co www.simonlarochette.com thebeatmagazine.ca to learn more. becoming a recording engineer and producer. working environment. 22 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 23 classical beat August, 2012 Time betweenbetw artist Phil Richards and broadcaster Release LLloydloy Robertson. “How did [Richards] get the ccommission?om What was it like to work with the QQueen?u It’s a very interesting story,” comments MiMiller.l Th e sights and sounds of the 1953 Coronation PhotoPhotoPhoto by Cylla by Cylla by Cylla Von Tiedmann Von Tiedmann Von Tiedmann wilwilll be recreated August 11 and 12, thanks ttoo archivala BBC footage and a live choir, two London’s oorganists,rga and musicians from the Canadian Corner Drug Store ArArmedm Forces. since 1938 Th e festival’s tradition of presenting a wide Natural Factors varvarietyi of musical genres contiues, with Bach rockss LLondon’son Antler River Project, New Brunswick Vitamin C - 1000mg Summer Musicc ccountryou and western group Th e Divorcees, Th e Time Released CCultureul Kids of Trinidad and Tobago, and the BONUS SIZE 210 TABLETS - 30 FREE Tablets Antioxidant and Infection-fighting Properties By Nicole Laidlerer LLondonon Fire Fighters Pipe Band all playing free Promotes wound repair, strong bones and teeth, and healthy. gums ooutdoorut concerts on the Music Barge. Th a at’s in addition to the Juno Jazz Salute series Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra makes its Stratford Summer Music debut.t. at Th e Church Restaurant, and the intimate brbrunchu off erings at Music at Rundles. Bach is back at Stratford Summer Music this He hopes that Stratford will become the month as the festival continues its tribute to ensemble’s new summer home. AsAspiringp rock ‘n rollers of all ages have the Glenn Gould. cchanceha to take part in the School of Rawk, Th is year’s festival also salutes Queen Elizabethh ppresentedres by Speed Control from Whitehorse, In fact, four of the world’s pre-eminent II’s Diamond Jubilee by displaying a copy of YuYukon,k August 20 to 24. “It’s a hands-on class, keyboardists – Simone Dinnerstein (August 1), Canada’s new offi cial portrait of Her Majesty, anandd kids don’t even have to have an instrument, and by hosting a conversation about the work Jean-Effl am Bavouzet (August 8), David Jalbert bbecauseec Yamaha is supplying them for us,” says (August 15), and Gabriela Montero (August MiMiller.l “It just emphasises that we’re not all 22) –will pay homage to this great Canadian clclassicalas music, or all choral music, or all piano pianist, who would have celebrated his 80th mmusic.u We’re a comprehensive festival, and that birthday this year. mmeansea there should be a place for rock ‘n roll.” “Th ere will be a lot of Bach, but not all Bach,” HHalfal of the festival events are free, and music notes Stratford Summer Music artistic sstudentstud can purchase tickets to any concert for producer, John Miller. For instance, Montero oonlynly $5. “It’s very important to us to keep the – who performed at Barak Obama’s 2009 ffestivalest accessible,” notes Miller, who is already inauguration – is known for improvising on a pplanninglan ahead for 2013. “Each festival is the theme, oft en supplied by the audience. cclimaxlim of a couple of year’s work,” he says. “It’s highighh energy but high delights as well.” Bach will take centre stage when Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra makes NiNicolec Laidler is the editor of Th e Beat and a its Stratford Summer Music debut with LoLondonon fr eelance writer and copywriter. Visit countertenor Daniel Taylor and baritone Tyler heherer at www.spilledink.ca Duncan, August 18 and 19. “For 19 years they’ve been going to Germany in August to What:Wh Stratford Summer Music play at a music festival,” explains Miller. “Th at Speed Controls’ School of Rawk is for Where:Wh Stratford, Ontario festival has ended, so I went and made a pitch When:Wh To August 26 aspiring rock ‘n rollers. to them to come to southwestern Ontario.” Contact:Co www.stratfordsummermusic.ca

24 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 25 art on the arts August, 2012

An Open Door By Art Fidler

Art Fidler says the arts have always provided a bright light for high school misfi ts.

Earlier this year, I posted a new Facebook “Good insight Art! I fi rmly believe drama was a status: “Lots of chatter on CBC radio this haven for every type of misfi t in high school. Itt a.m. about inclusiveness and Gay-Straight was a kind of catch-all inclusive-be-who-ye-be Alliances in schools. I think we sort of had sanctuary if you in any way marched to the them for decades, but just called them drama class, drama club or the school show.” beat of your own drummer. No judgment or persecution for being diff erent; there was Th e response was immediate and massive. always something you could do, excel at and Here’s a sampling of the posts – all of which were positive: take pride in; so many of us owe that class a piece of who we are.” “Ah yes!! Here’s to the courageous ones at Vancouver Tech who made a laughingstock “Maybe drama club can get provincial fundingg of homophobia.” (Investigation revealed now?” that this concerned a 1976 school show production of Grease.) I heard from masses of students past and present, parents, drama, dance and music “...Yeah...and let’s in include music class and dance class...” teachers, people who never took a theatre course but helped on a school show. “LOL. Greatest post of all time. Hallelujah!” Th is outpouring reaffi rmed for me that “Priceless comment ... and so true!! Yeah for the arts, Art!” inclusiveness is the great gift of the arts for young people, and what they take away aft er “An open door, a hug, friends, a place to relax, be safe, take risks, and explore who we are the games, the evaluations, the assignments, thehe and what makes us tick! Th anks, Art, for this audience huzzahs, and the fun have faded away.y. wonderful reminder!” Th is is the bedrock of our mission as artists andd Finally, here are my three favourite posts, all as arts educators, to help to build a beautiful from students of mine from the 1980s: city – to brighten the corner where we are. “Dang! I really should have taken your drama class, Art. I guess I was just too jockish...and Art Fidler is the director of marketing for then...it was too late! Luckily, there was still the Original Kids Th eatre Company and a school show.” grandfather of six. 26 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 27 pegg’s world August, 2012 VILLAGE HARVEST BAKERY Retro sexism? By Robert Pegg

Although inspired by Elvgren, the pose is unmistakably Vargas – her long legs giving the illusion that she’s fl ying through air. Th e WeW make 32 different kinds of bread. accompanying slogan on this billboard is “Suree 519.495.8109 14514 Wortley Road, London 519-667-1199 www.renaissancemonkey.ca Beats Looking at Your Buddies.” GRAPHIC DESIGN | WEB DEVELOPMENT 4PIEWIRSXI 2YXWEVIYWIHMRWSQISJSYVTVSHYGXW Of course none of this “retro sexism” is going over well with feminist watchdogs who see the advertising campaign as yet another off ensive example of women being used as sex objects to Pottery sell beer. Yeah, well no kidding. Gosh, the thought of a beer company using pretty girls to sell their Classes... product – what a revolutionary concept! Can you imagine what might happen if Budweiser Comeplay in ever gets wind of this idea? Pin-up art from the post-war era was a Is it art, or an off ensive example of women celebration of the female form and the girl nextt the mud! being used as sex objects? door. Th ey were sexy, they were cute – and theyy were all wearing clothes! Is there anything more beautiful on a hot Th at’s something which makes the current summer day than the sight of a cold can of beer, outrage so ludicrous. Th ese girls are wearing Fall 519-434-166451 condensation glistening like sweat all up and more fabric than you will fi nd at the beach or Pottery down its tall smooth body? any television beer commercial. Classes Yes – that same can adorned with an image of All of which makes little diff erence to the a 1940s era pin-up girl, which is what you get morality police. You suspect that these same London Clay Art Centre when you buy Old Milwaukee. Th e only thing people would prefer Botticelli have Venus rise more mouthwatering is that girl larger than life out of the sea wearing a tasteful pant suit in www.londonpottersguild.orgw on a billboard promoting the same beer. Th e Birth of Venus; would put a bra on You may have seen these billboards around Madonna and Child; corset those Reubens’ town. Th e most common is a redhead in a babes, and cover the Venus de Milo with a nicee skimpy dress with the slogan “A Beauty of sweater vest. /RQGRQªVRQO\ a Price.” She’s all legs and if you know your pin-up art, it’s obviously a knockoff of Alberto Meanwhile, Old Milwaukee is brewed by the 79WDONVKRZ Vargas’ monthly contribution to the March good people at Sleemans. Address all praise andd 1946 issue of Esquire magazine. compliments to them. Th e girl in the current ad campaign is dressed Robert Pegg is a published author, currently in nautical attire. Wearing a sailor outfi t working on his autobiography, “Living in the and cap, her creators took their cue from Gil Past.” Visit sonnydrysdalepresents.blogspot.comm :HHNGD\V$03030 &$%/( Elvgren’s famous “Skirts Ahoy.” for more of his musings. 28 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 29 fi nal frame August, 2012

London writer, editor and photographer, Linda Simpson, enjoys capturing the elements of everyday life that are not oft en retained. She snapped this high wire act on the corner of Wharncliff e Road and Mt. Pleasant Avenue.

30 | thebeatmagazine.ca thebeatmagazine.ca | 31 August, 2012

HIGHHIGH SCSCHOOLH OOL PROJECTPROJECT MY FAIR LADY BOOK AND LYRICS BY ALAN JAY LERNER MUSIC BY FREDERICK LOEWE ADAPTED FROM GEORGE BERNARD SHAW’S PLAY AND GABRIEL PASCAL’S MOTION PICTURE ‘PYGMALION’

SEPTEMBER 18 - 29 Enjoy lively dance numbers and memorable music as London’s talented teens bring to life this story of the Cockney flower seller who is transformed into a lady. Musical favourites include “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Get Me to the Church On Time” and “On the Street Where You Live.”

TITLE SPONSOR 519.672.8800 grandtheatre.com 32 | thebeatmagazine.ca