UNIVERSITY OF

VOLUME 49 | ISSUE NO. 10 | AUGUST 7 | 2008

DAVEDAVE TAYLORTAYLOR MOMO ELSALHYELSALHY THE LIBERALS NEED TO REBUILD THEIR PARTY. SO FAR TWO MEN HAVE STEPPED FORWARD TO TAKE A RUN AT THE HELM. PAGE 3.

Cover by Paul Baker editorial and letters August 07 2008 Editor-in-Chief: Jon Roe 220-7752 [email protected]

News Editor: Sarelle Azuelos 220-4318 Social change in the era of cool [email protected] Entertainment: Amanda Hu 220-4376 niversities were the hotbed of politi- notion that liberalized capitalist democracies are While there are elements of fashion to [email protected] cal activism and social change. Th ese the end all, be all of political systems. hipsterism, more than anything it’s an entire Sports: Brad Halasz 220-4376 U institutions of higher learning were the Capitalism has worked its way into every nook social phenomenon. It’s pseudo-intellectual- [email protected] places where counterculture brewed and young and cranny of our society. Th e market has become ism at the cost of meaningful content and the Opinions: Cam Cotton-O’Brien 220-4376 [email protected] intellectuals fought against the norms of their the panacea to our economic woes and any non- desire to party for peace. It’s the conde- Features: Katy Anderson 220-4318 more conservative elders. As time has gone on, mainstream ideas have become a simple niche for scending belief that there’s no way to better [email protected] the counterculture has been slowly and insidiously teenage rebellion and an exploitative source for cool- society, as it’s inherently corrupt and how the Photography: Paul Baker 220-4376 co-opted until it was nothing more than a fashion- est new clothing trends. Th is is the fi rst generation people in the mainstream are just pathetic [email protected] able choice and a shallow attitude about sticking of youths who have grown up under the ideology “sheeple.” Production: Ryan May 220-4376 it to some formless authority fi gure. of all-encompassing capitalism and now rebellion Th is is where the eff ect on students comes in. [email protected] Th is shallow form of pop culture consumption is a commodity that can be bought and sold. Much has been made about the lack of student Illustrations: Gina Freeman 220-4376 [email protected] has infected the attitude of youth. Now universi- Hipsterism is the perfect representation of this involvement and the apathy that permeates the Business Manager: Evelyn Cone 220-7380 ties are full of so-called “hipsters,” more obsessed movement of capitalism-infl uenced, wannabe-cul- University of Calgary campus. People are more up [email protected] with buying the coolest new print of Converse tural insurgency. As westernized free enterprise in arms about prices of the pitchers of beer at the Advertising Manager: John Harbidge 220-7751 hi-tops than trying to change the world. Th e latest economics homogenizes and dulls the uniqueness Den then they are about the Darfur confl ict. Th e [email protected] Adbusters attempts to tackle the selling-out of the of a particular subculture—Avril Lavigne-ing punk lack of credit card payment for tuition is more of Graphic Artist: Ken Clarke 220-7755 counterculture in their latest issue, the cover story rock and Souljah Boy-ing hip-hop—advertisers an issue than the lack of aff ordable housing [email protected] titled, “Th e Hipster: the Dead End of Western have a thirst for more and more unique and or treatment of women in the workplace. Network Manager: Ben Li Civilization.” It’s an overwrought and whining alternative sub-cultures to co-opt. Students used to be pissed off about Contributors Asma Chaudhry • Ben Hoffman • Jordyn Marcellus attempt at a polemic against the movement, but But once something becomes too main- important things—then they’d at least Daniel Pagan • Ryan Pike • Ændrew Rininsland the backing idea is that capitalism has co-opted stream and is no longer cool, the corpora- try to show a little backbone. Now Chris Wanamaker and pacifi ed the counterculture since the end of tions must fi nd a new source of trendiness the only way the Students’ Union Golden Spatula Chris Wanamaker, for getting an awesome-tastic fi rst story. the Cold War and has made rebellion against the to suck on like a vampire. Hipsterism can get anyone involved is with the Furor Arma Ministrat status quo a trendy thing to do for the – set. is the epitome of it. promise of free pancakes or some kind Room 319, MacEwan Students’ Centre University of Calgary Ever since the Berlin Wall fell, the domi- of party-atmosphere. Just look at 2500 University Drive, NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 nant ideology in the world has been Political Action Week. No General inquires: 220-7750 capitalism-driven liberal democracy. one cares. Why should they? http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca The Gauntlet is the offi cial student newspaper of the University of Calgary, published most Thursdays throughout the year by the Gauntlet Publications Society, an autonomous, Very few in university now have ever Th ere’s a sale on at American incorporated body. Membership in the society is open to undergraduate students at the U of C, but all members of the university community are encouraged to contribute. Opinions contained herein are those of individual writers, and do not necessarily represent the had to deal with a battle of clearly Apparel. views of the entire Gauntlet staff. Editorials are chosen by a majority of the editorial board. The Gauntlet is a forum open to all U of C students but may refuse any submission judged to be racist, sexist, homophobic, libelous, or containing attacks of a strictly personal nature. defi ned ideologies like those that We reserve the right to edit for brevity. Grievances regarding the Gauntlet follow a three- step process which requires written decisions from the Editor, the GPS Board of Directors, and the Ombudsboard. The complete Grievance Policy is online at: gauntlet.ucalgary.ca. erupted during the Cold War Jordyn Marcellus The Gauntlet is printed on recycled paper and uses angry, bitter wannabe cool kid-type ink. We urge you to recycle/use the Gauntlet as a towel for end-of-summer beach parties. and have grown up under the Gauntlet Staff GAUNTLET AUGUST 07.08 3 news Editor: Sarelle Azuelos—[email protected] The race to be leader of the Liberals Jon Roe Editor-in-Chief “I think [communication] is a skill we absolutely need if we’re going to be hey lost seven seats in March, a leader in June and successful in explaining ourselves, in building T now have six months to pick relationships with ordinary Albertans and, someone to reorganize and rebuild their party. hopefully, winning elections.” Th e Liberal Party has had -Dave Taylor, a trying few months. Th ey dropped Calgary-Currie MLA and Liberal leadership contender from  seats in the legislature to nine in March’s provincial election—even aft er polls showed Albertans wanted change from the -year-old reign of the Progressive Conservative party. Th ey are saddled with almost , in debt, and at the end of June, , party leader since , announced he would be step- ping aside. But both and Dave Taylor, the only two so far to announce their intentions to run in the party leadership election in December, think not everything is as bad as it seems and that the Liberals taking gov- ernment is not an impossible feat. Taylor has been an MLA since  in Calgary-Currie and a broadcaster Katy Anderson/the Gauntlet previously. He feels his ability to com- Both Calgary MLA Dave Taylor, above, and former MLA Mo Elsalhy have put their names into the Liberal leadership race. municate is why he would make a great leader. “I understand marketing and the Party did and what I build itself an identity that Albertans View MLA is among the “I think [communication] is a skill importance of one-on-one connec- hope to do in Alberta.” can trust and votes will follow. Th e potential candidates, but, according we absolutely need if we’re going to tions,” Elsalhy explained. “I know Mount Royal College instructor of Progressive Conservatives main- to Taylor, is undecided between run- be successful in the importance of building trust policy studies Keith Brownsey said, tained their dominance of rural ning for the Liberal leadership and explaining our- and relationships with people. I did regardless of who wins the leader- Alberta in the last election and the pursuing a new “united left ” political selves, in build- it as a health professional and as a ship, the party needs to rebuild in Liberals will have to win seats outside party that would combine members ing relationships small business person.” all  ridings and put together con- of urban centres in order to have a of the Liberals, the Alberta NDP and with ordinary Th e Liberal party has not formed stituency organizations that a win- hope at forming government. the —an idea Albertans and, a government since the s and ning campaign can be built upon. Taylor explained that this comes that Brownsey thinks is absurd. hopefully, win- in the last four elections have fl uctu- He added that the Liberals have a back to identifying what the Liberals “All the united left movement ning elections,” ated between seven and  seats, as realistic shot at government even as stand for and developing more agri- would do is weaken any opposition to said Taylor. well as going through fi ve diff erent early as . cultural policies, an area he admitted the Conservatives,” said Brownsey. Elsalhy was Mo Elsalhy. leaders. Taft was the fi rst leader since “Th e Conservatives actually got the party has been light on. It is still early, with six months to first elected in the late ’s and , more votes than they did in “Th ere’s not a hope in hell of rural go before the Liberal convention, but in the  election, defeating early ’s to lead the party into more ,” said Brownsey. “Well, why Albertans voting Liberal, until they the race should be interesting, as it’s a Conservative minister to take than one election. Similarly, Elsalhy did they get that? They were well know who we are, until they’ve had important for Albertans, he said. Edmonton-McClung before he is looking long term. organized. Th ey managed to identify the chance to meet us face-to-face,” “Th e Conservative government has a was unseated in March by another “I am working towards  and their vote and get their vote out on said Taylor. number of proposals that will be rather Conservative. He feels being the if we could do it by , I would be election day. Th e Liberals failed at Th ough only Taylor and Elsalhy controversial that will be introduced youngest of the candidates, both the happiest person on earth,” he said. this task, which is the fundamental have offi cially declared their inten- this fall,” he added. “Th e government declared and rumoured, and his “Realistically speaking, it takes this of any election campaign, they failed tions, there are a handful of rumoured itself seems to be somewhat adrift . background in business make him long to organize and prepare for the at this task miserably.” candidates interested in taking the People forget that Mr. Stelmach is a a good choice for leader. groundwork. Th is is exactly what the For Taylor, the party needs to helm of the party. Calgary-Mountain very, very conservative individual.” Call friends, surf the web, listen to music and . . . save lives?

Sarelle Azuelos Currently, doctors must be at a , woman who was being treated for stroke in by Informatics Circle of Research Excellence, News Editor workstation to see D MRIs or scans of patient’s the emergency department at Foothills and it Calgary Scientifi c Inc. and the U of C. iCORE, organs. Mitchell succeeded a year and a half ago took too long to get D reconstructions of the founded by the Government of Alberta to fund Th e new G Apple iPhone can now add in building a server that does the same work as blood vessels in her brain,” he said. “As part  research chairs, contributed , and saving lives to its extensive list of features. these stations and then sends the images in real of the iCORE chair, I got one of these servers has helped raise more. Dr. Ross Mitchell, a newly appointed industry time to a laptop. Now his team of research asso- in my lab and we wondered, ‘If it can drive a “Mitchell is in a position where he can chair in medical imaging informatics at the ciates and graduate students have programmed web browser, I wonder if it can drive the new take computer science and turn it into some- University of Calgary is working to let doctors similar soft ware for iPhones. iPhone G.’” thing of commercial value with his partners use their phones to diagnose patients faster. “We ran into a problem one day with a Mitchell and his server project are funded see idoctor, page  4 AUGUST 07.08 GAUNTLET NEWS Security shenanigans The ‘quiet’ summer months have kept campus 5-o on their toes for the school year Daniel Pagan Gauntlet News

ampus Security dealt with lost children, a city bylaw sticker hoax, C students attempting to climb a crane, break dancers gone wild and a moose dur- ing what should be the quietest part of their year. Even with many students gone for the summer, the University of Calgary is still full with conference guests and children attend- ing day camps. Th ere was a scare in April when a male stu- dent received verbal threats and his residence was shot in a drive-by. U of C Campus Security director Lanny Fritz said the shooting led to administration canceling students’ exams, while Campus Security and the Calgary Police Service searched the campus. Aff ected students wrote their exams a month later. Bermuda Shorts Day came and went with no problems. Fritz applauded the eff orts of Daniel Pagan/the Gauntlet Students’ Union event staff , Campus Security Campus Security safely patrolled the school, dealing with a loose moose, a high altitude dare and a bylaw bathroom hoax. offi cers and CPS offi cers in policing the famed campus event. Only one ambulance was called without telling anyone, which results in sev- down from climbing the construction crane near the Reeve Th eatre on July . Fritz said for an intoxicated student. eral hours of anxious moments for parents and in the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House the Fish and Wildlife Department was called in “Due to the police check stop program searchers,” said Fritz. site. He said he assumed the stunt was done to deal with the situation. With the assistance initiated aft er the BSD event, there were no Campus Security was called to deal with a on a dare, but said the students were very co- of the CPS, Fish and Wildlife officers were impaired driving charges and no -hour sticky situation when someone posted City of operative with Campus Security. able to tranquilize the moose and return it to suspensions, which is a first in the last  Calgary bylaw stickers in Kinesiology bath- Th ey also had to close down a break dancers’ Bragg Creek. years,” said Fritz. rooms over urinals and toilets, warning users show in MacEwan Hall aft er SU staff made a “Th is incident ended on a high note, because He explained that during the summer, they were being observed by cameras. Security request for their removal. Th e dancers wanted the moose was returned to its natural habitat,” Campus Security gets a lot of calls for lost personnel inspected the area for several days to show off their moves and an audience was Fritz said. “Th ere were no injuries and there children due to the large number of children and determined there were no cameras. gathering around, but an event was scheduled was no disruption on campus.” attending day camps. “I believe that the stickers placed in the in the space. In April, May and June  incidents were “Out of the , children on campus dur- washroom was simply someone’s idea of a Finally, the U of C got an unexpected visit reported, at a cost of , to the campus ing the summer, there is always two or three bad joke,” said Fritz. from a moose that wandered on to campus due to stolen property, vandalism and other children who decide to leave and walk home Campus Security had to talk two students and broke through a window in the hallway accidents. Student says urban natives face similar challenges worldwide Chris Wanamaker Gauntlet News on a graduate exchange program Traditional elders do not want to lack of rights have had the eff ect of ing, the experience can be harsh. scholarship to complete her thesis give up their power to urban aborigi- making many of the social problems “Some fall through the cracks, When Diana Barrientos left the titled “Urban Native Identity,” she nals, she said. Th e gap has widened experienced by aboriginal people, give up their studies and go back small, wintry city of Punta Arenas, has discovered indigenous people between aboriginals living on reserves such as homelessness, alcohol and home,” said Chagnon-Greyeyes. “It Chile to do her masters degree in the worldwide encounter the same and in smaller communities and drug abuse and high incarceration leads some to the bottle.” thriving Chilean city of Santiago, she identity issues when they move to urban aboriginals, who have dif- rates, worse. Such problems have not The Native Centre, located in was surprised at the discrimination the city. fi culty relating to a more traditional been helped by the failure of research the MacEwan Student Centre, is she encountered. When she visited her boyfriend’s identity that oft en includes cultural to recognize the impact of city life on working on developing a transition “Th ey laughed at my accent, told home in Inuvik, Northwest drums, dancing and clothing. the aboriginal experience, she said. program so new students can easily me I was diff erent,” she said, noting Territories—amazingly similar “Th e city homogenizes culture,” The U of C’s Native Centre access cultural supports and services. she many faced stereotypes about her to her home town in climate and said Barrientos. “In the th century administrative co-ordinator Cheryle Th e centre seeks to supplement the life in southern Chile. “Th ey asked me geography—she discovered aborigi- the idea was created of one nation, Chagnon-Greyeyes called the dis- experience of students’ home com- if penguins walked on the street or if nal people in oft en shared one culture, one language. So in both crimination faced by aboriginal munities with cultural events, access I drank frozen beer. I felt intimidated her experience. A move to the city Canada and Chile, urban aborigi- students “blatant.” to elders, a smudge room, counsel- and lonely.” in hopes of seeking educational nal people do not have enough “Th ey are stereotyped as poor, hav- ling, outreach programs and scholar- Even with her unique heritage of opportunities can mean a loss of rights.” ing no talent or gift s,” she said. ship information, as well as a service Scottish and ethnic Huilliche roots, the benefits of living in a smaller To avoid the problem of giv- Students who come from small that links graduates with employers, Barrientos said she had never ques- community. ing rights to one group and not communities where they have been said Chagnon-Greyeyes. tioned her identity before her move Barrientos also said she has another, Barrientos said that as a unquestioningly included can fi nd Native Centre student advisor to the city. found very few grants for projects political strategy the government the systemic discrimination they Carole Tucker said the centre has However, her studies in history and targeting aboriginal people in edu- recognized the rights of the indig- encounter in Calgary frightening, two binders full of scholarship infor- culture led her to see her identity cri- cation, health and tourism in urban enous and French in their commu- said Chagnon-Greyeyes. When they mation from organizations such as sis as a larger societal issue. areas, something she said she has nities, but not in the city. encounter larger problems such as Health Canada, Shell Canada and Now at the University of Calgary seen in smaller communities. Th e resulting homogenization and aff ordable housing, food and cloth- see model, page  GAUNTLET NEWS AUGUST 07.08 5 CJSW volleys for world music record DJ plays 103 songs in just one hour in basement of the U of C’s Mac Hall Jordyn Marcellus Gauntlet Staff

he lads and lasses down at CJSW have sent out a new campus radio challenge T across North American airwaves. CJSW librarian and host of the Tuesday night show “Each One Teach One” Devin Friesen has set an unoffi cial record for the most songs played within an hour-long period last week. “Th e initial idea was started by an EP I own by a band called Parts and Labour,” explained Friesen. “It has  songs in  minutes. I’ve played the band on my show a couple times, but I began to wonder how I could play the songs from the EP. I fi gured that I could probably play  or  in a row, then said, ‘Why don’t I just have a show full of these kinds of songs?’” One hundred and three songs later, the goalposts have been set. With songs by local favourites like the now broken-up Sudden Infant Dance Syndrome and the still-thriving Women, like all programming on CJSW, the show had a distinctly local fl air. Station manager Chad Saunders said that while the challenge was all in good fun, it showed how much more Katy Anderson/the Gauntlet freedom campus radio has to do something CJSW station manager Chad Saunders said the record-setting feat showcases the freedom of independent radio. diff erent than their corporate peers. “It’s a cry for attention,” laughed Saunders. Friesen explained it would be almost impos- everything together and pre-produce most said Jersey City and Winnipeg have attempted “Not on Devin’s behalf—we’re asking people sible for him to normally play all  tracks—on of it before the show,” he said. “Th ere were a to beat the record, but there was an especially to listen to CJSW. Our friends in commercial both vinyl and compact disc—in the DJ booth handful of things I played regularly, but for the cheeky message coming out of Vancouver. radio probably play  songs a week, we’re and so he had to turn to other means to get most part, I just had to press play and watch “CiTR in Vancouver told us, ‘Okay Saunders, doing  in an hour. We’ve got more musi- the show off the ground. the volume levels.” the battle is on,’” he added . “‘[Music Director] cal diversity in an hour than any commercial “I prepared everything on my computer Competition from other campus radio Luke [Meat] and I will try and one up you. radio in the country in a week.” using multi-track recording soft ware to mix stations is already beginning to heat up. Saunders Consider yourself served.’” iDoctor, continued from page 2 at Calgary Scientifi c,” said iCORE just gives them easy access to criti- cancer and these things help people. president Dr. Randy Goebel. “He’s cal data wherever and whenever they I’m just trying to make things a little an instance of someone who has been want.” bit better.” able to create things in a laboratory Mitchell explained the switch from and clinical setting that actually conventional processors to graphics make a diff erence in reality.” cards in the server will make the iCORE has committed  million technology more accessible. Some in the last  years to public research. of the workstations will be replaced Calgary Scientifi c provided  mil- with servers that run on  to  lion and the U of C , to graphics cards. Mitchell. “Th e gaming industry is a multi- Aft er the server was up, making billion dollar industry and that’s it iPhone compatible was relatively where millions of dollars go into the inexpensive. Senior research associ- development of the gaming cards,” ate Mark Simpson wrote most of the said Mitchell. “We’re leveraging this soft ware. inexpensive and ubiquitous comput- “It was about two months of work ing power and trying to use it for compressed into four weeks, a lot of medical purposes rather than just late nights,” he said, pointing out fi rst-person shooters.” the phone could just barely run the Simpson’s next project involves complex program. “Right now they virtual biospying, which would have to transport the patient to the allow doctors to use scans to diag- machine or they just don’t show the nose cancers instead of more invasive patient the scan, but with this, the Paul Baker/the Gauntlet procedures. doctor can take the scan right to the “Every time you drill a hole into patient bedside and show them.” on the phones and very strict security me and said it could be equivalent somebody there are complications Mitchell ensured patients that no protocols were followed. to the stethoscope, something they like infection,” he said. “My grand- personal information would be saved “Some of [the physicians] came to all carry in their pocket,” he said. “It mother had a stroke, my father had 6 AUGUST 07.08 GAUNTLET NNEWSE W S Model, Dragons: nnotot mmystical,ystical, bbutut aacademiccademic cont’d from Asma Chaudhry page 4 Gauntlet News

he Royal Alberta Museum CIBC, but some remain untouched is in the midst of an excit- because students don’t know about T ing summer exhibition that them or don’t apply. draws on people’s fascination with Recognizing the systemic nature dragons in a fun yet academic way. of the problem, Barrientos sees the Running until Sept. , the series Inuvialuit and Gwich’in’s successful opened mid-June and is showcas- achievement of land claims and self- ing an exhibition that originated in government in Inuvik as a model that the Natural History Museum of Paris courtesy Creative Commons urban aboriginals in both Canada and and travelled around the globe. Th e The Royal Alberta Museum is presenting an exhibit called Dragons, Between Science and Fiction. Chile can use. museum has a mandate for dealing In Inuvik, Aurora College has with both natural and cultural his- visitors have asked for, Robinson said. in the Harry Potter Series by Edmund agricultural cycle in Asian cultures. served as a focal point for groups tory, which makes the dragon—living International exhibitions have been Kern to Dragons and Cryptozoology Illustrators made drawings of images to meet, communicate and eff ec- in both of those worlds—the perfect brought to the Albertan museum for by Loren Coleman. Dr. Paula Swart she was showing during her talk and tively organize. Similarly, the U of C creature to explore. the past  years. gave a talk about mythical creatures proved to her the interest held by her could help urban aboriginal groups “[The series] covers the entire “It’s nothing new for us to bring in in diff erent cultures of Asia, includ- audience. unite and focus their eff orts, she range of everything to do with feature exhibitions,” said Robinson. ing the dragon—which she says is “If we talk about these mythical said. dragons—the cultural aspects, the “We have a couple of galleries dedi- regarded as a symbol of wisdom, creatures, we think, ‘Oh well, this is “It’s absolutely possible for aborigi- natural history aspects, subject cated to these travelling exhibitions power and goodness. something from the past,’” said Swart. nal people to combine a new urban matter that might appeal more to that people enjoy seeing and might Noticing an important theme aft er “But it’s alive and well in Asia. We see identity with traditional culture,” she adults, subject matter that appeals not see otherwise.” looking at First Nations and Inuit it in theatre, in story telling, in the art, explained. more to children,” said Royal Alberta Unique to the Royal Alberta art depicting water spirits, Swart fi ction, these creatures are everywhere. Barrientos said she’s excited Museum director of communica- Museum exhibition is a special lecture directed her talk towards water and You can’t dismiss it as something that some aboriginal groups have tions Chris Robinson. series Sunday aft ernoons called “Here the importance of fertility to cultures from the past, it’s right here around achieved the right to draft affi rma- The Dragons, Between Science be dragons . . . and other creatures” rather than the importance of crea- us, which I fi nd fascinating.” tive action policies and control their and Fiction exhibit has strong that will be running until Sept. . tures. Creatures, such as dragons, own research noting that indigenous French roots and is presented in Th e  topics lectured on include represent various aspects of water peoples in Chile could benefi t by fol- both English and French, something Th e Role and Symbolism of Dragons or weather that revolve around the Tickets with valid student ID cost $7 at the door. lowing their lead. GAUNTLET AUGUST 07.08 7 eentertainmentn t e r t a i n m e n t Editor: Amanda Hu—[email protected]

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ChooseYerOwn the summer and how they avoided explains Leif. “People are bringing shows and concerts throughout the munity is just a microcosm of the meticulously and rigidly planning out projects that they don’t have a city. Th ese projects, like the festival, city. It’s hard to bring everybody festivalpreview out the events. venue for that would be interest- are oft en a creative and entertaining together and to make people aware “It’s not [the Summerwood ing to see. There’s a breakfast at blend of youthful exuberance and of what kind of things are going on Jordyn Marcellus Warren] programming it,” she says. someone’s house where they’ve inclusive interaction between the around the city. Th e community, in Gauntlet Staff “Th e community is programming it. invited their landlord and they’ll artists and the audience. Anyone the way that I see it, is having people We just had an open call for submis- answer questions to the public. who has been to a show can’t help understand what is going on, being n the summer of glitzy, sions, so anyone who was interested It’s called, ‘Ask Our Landlord Ken but leave with a smile and the warm connected in a way that you talk to a ginormous music festivals, was able to do whatever they wanted. Lee: Breakfast Cereal Edition,’ where fuzzies tingling up their spine. neighbour. Th ere is a sort of mutual I the Summerwood Warren We’re really trying to make sure we awareness of other people that you is bringing something com- don’t have to say ‘no’ to anyone. We live around, what they do and what pletely different to the table. make sure that everything is legal “There is a sort of mutual they create.” Instead of needless swag, sparkly and follows the guidelines we put up In a place where most people wristbands or fancy laminated on our website, but that’s the only awareness of other people that seem to think—at least when it badges for people who drop thou- level of intervention that we really comes to the artistic identity of sands of dollars so they can get access had for the events.” you live around, what they do and the city—that the grass is much into the VIP lounge, they deliver Where Virgin Fest pushed buzz greener all over the country, the the goods with jubilant events like about their “greening” of the festival, what they create.” Summerwood Warren’s Choose a bicycle obstacle course, vegan the Summerwood crew—thanks to -Neil Moignard, Yer Own festival is fi lling an entirely potlucks and even an opportunity a partnership with the Good Life different niche than what other to make your own robot costume— Bike Shop—have ensured that all Choose Yer Own festival co-organizer Calgarian festivals provide. Nowhere with a bit of light robot play fi ghting their events are within an easy bike else in Calgary will you see a bike right aft erward. ride of the C-Train stations around people can ask whatever questions Th e group’s inclusionary attitude is parade, lemonade-fuelled dance Laura Leif and Neil Moignard, two town, making for a lack of carbon they have about anything to a land- a testament to the idea of establishing party or watch the meteor shower of the numerous co-organizers of the emissions that puts Richard Branson lord. We’ve also got a drum circle for a creative community for new and underneath the stars with a live event, describe how the community to shame. Th e greater artistic com- people with drum kits too.” emerging artists, where they can share violin serenade by Woodpigeon’s collaboration aspect of the Choose munity is also attempting to experi- While Summerwood is most oft en ideas and their creative enterprises. Foon Yap. Yer Own festival worked while sit- ment with some new and innovative associated with the bevy of young local Moignard explains the artistic com- ting at the Weeds café in Capitol Hill. ideas that couldn’t fi nd a home in a bands like Knots, the Consonant C munity in the city is there and thriv- The festival runs from Aug. 7–10 all around town, Leif explains the major diff erence typical festival setting. and the Neighbourhood Council, the ing, but needs to be fostered. with intro sessions at the Good Life Bike Shop near the south end of the Eau Claire Market. Check between this event and numerous “We’ve got really creative per- collective has also been involved in “We’re a very large city with few out www.summerwoodwarren.com for more info others that have run throughout formance and interactive events,” numerous multidisciplinary art centres,” he says. “Th e artistic com- and a full schedule of events. 8 AUGUST 07.08 GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT Calgary’s indie music babies The Neighbourhood Council spreads its wings to embark on new musical adventures NeighbourhoodCouncil festivalpreview

Jordyn Marcellus Gauntlet Staff

algarians all across the city will soon know the sadness C of an empty nest as local indie darlings the Neighbourhood Council leave for Montreal in the fall. In one short year, the band has burst into the consciousness of music fans with the release of their Set Pieces EP and their recent mention in the “Bands to Watch” column on music blog Stereogum. As the perfect culmination of this whirlwind year in Calgary, they will have one last epic farewell party at the Artlife Gallery on Tuesday. “Austin [Tuft] has this idea that, by the time we’re done university, we’ll do a world tour and take the world by storm,” laughs Council member Katie Lee. “We’re pretty courtesy Marc Rimmer much taking [our lives] day by day. We all have our own personal goals There must be something pretty interesting outside, by the looks of it. we want to accomplish. We don’t have a set plan. The only set plan, Even though Tuft jokes about tions in the community. and what you put in, they just get to see all the different creative really, is to play music with each taking the world by storm, the “Raffi [Standell-Preston] winning keep asking for more,” he says. “It processes around town. Azeda other for as long as possible.” possibility of seeing these kids as the songwriting competition at Folk was kind of nice to see how well Booth, Woodpigeon, Women all a headliner at a major outdoor Fest helped us a lot,” explains Lee. we were received. Every time we’d have a different process and they’re European festival in five years—fans “Meeting [Woodpigeon’s] Mark play a show, we’d get [asked to play] all different than our own. Being as far as the eye can see, soaked in Hamilton has done a lot of things more and it would snowball from really good friends and playing with mud—is not far-fetched. To some, for us—he helped get us into Sled there. The more shows we went to, them all the time allows us to see their music is an explosion of pop Island. We just kept going to the more shows we played, the more into their creative process and it’s joy with an eye to the experimental, shows, meeting a bunch of local people we met. It just resulted in us really interesting to see how other an absolutely delicious mix of noise acts around town and having them expanding our connections.” people do it.” that can sound like the roaring surf ask us to play.” Anyone who has looked at the “They’ve helped inspire us to at dusk or as delicate as a porcelain The buzz the band has received list of shows the band has played write awesome music,” adds Lee. ballerina attempting a pirouette. isn’t just puffed-up hype either. can see how well-connected Like a mother crying over her The first rumblings about the Much has been said about their they are in Calgary and beyond. baby son finally leaving the safety band surfaced after member young age, but they wear maturity They’ve played with Azeda of a small-town life for the big city Raphaelle Standell-Preston won and humility on their sleeves, which Booth, opened for Woodpigeon university, the Calgary indie music the youth songwriting competi- helps to explain their willingness and even got a shot to play with scene will definitely feel loss over tion in , back when the band to work hard to get where they internationally renowned bands the departure of the Neighbourhood was a quintet instead of the current want to go. like Deerhunter at the Sled Island Council. But don’t shed a tear— four. Losing a member to McGill Tuft explains the ethos the group festival. It has allowed these young they’ll continue to play music. For University, their sound evolved into had when it came to becoming adults a chance to see other people’s now, it’s time for one last great party their current incarnation. With this established in Calgary, a testament creative processes and given them in the name of the Neighbourhood small boost, doors started to open to the best kind of bootstraps men- further motivation to write truly Council. for the band to meet people involved tality that dominates the city. great tunes. in the local scene, giving them an “If you work your ass off with “We’re listening to them and The Neighbourhood Council plays with Knots and opportunity for shows and even the few shows you get, then when playing with them,” Tuft says. “It’s Azeda Booth at the Artlife Gallery on Tuesday at more chances to make connec- people see your performances mind-opening in the sense that you 8 p.m. GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 07.08 9 Of singing, stereotypes and sex FringeFestportraying the production’s wanted tributes in the basement. cabaret style, but fails to exhibit any- festivalreview thing other than that, leaving it a little Debbie Does Dallas: the Musical lackluster and cliché. Cheerleader Debbie’s quest to Amanda Hu Overall, Use Me shows the inklings become a Dallas Cowgirl started in Entertainment Editor of talent in all areas and acts as a porn and moved to musical in  fantastic jumping point for future for the New York Fringe. Director he Calgary Fringe Festival is in musicals. David Gallant’s version of the infa- full swing and there are many mous story features some innovative T productions to choose from, Pussy Sushi shift s that manage to add to a story spanning from one-person show to The exploration of stereotypes about whoring out your teenage body musical, to puppet show and beyond. abounds in this two-woman show for money. Here is the Gauntlet’s look at some of about moving from the trailer Th e show incorporates some of the what the festival has off ered so far. parks of small-town Alberta to other Fringe artists as well as improv the glowing lights of Calgary. moments, some of which are done sur- Use Me: An Undead Musical The problem is Emiko Muraki prisingly well, and manages to fl ow in Th ere’s a fi rst for everything. In the and Laura Whyte don’t work to courtesy Anna Chan and out of the scripted content with case of Use Me: An Undead Musical, explore anything new, resulting in Use Me’s Alex Plouffe (r) acting outweighs his singing. some ease. there was a fi rst-time musical direc- an hour-long cliché fest that doesn’t Erin Ward does a fair job as the tor, fi rst-time musical playwright and deliver in innovation. Les Ms. jokes poking fun at the original, like a title character, eff ectively portraying some fi rst-time composers. Th e result There are some laughable Les Miserables is an undeniable friend who recites lines from a well- a signature ditzy attitude. Her sing- is a chuckle-worthy production that moments—a lingering picture of cult sensation that has its place in known sitcom and thinks they’re ing voice, also of note, did, however, has some noticeable jitters to work an octopus “pleasuring” an anime pop culture history. Th at said, one funny for doing it. face some problems synching with through. girl and a strategically placed clip of should think twice about embarking Both women are ferociously tal- the track, leading to some precarious As the audience moves through a Japanese Hulk Hogan ad, among on a production paying tribute to the ented singers—as they work to point moments in the musical interludes. the story of incomplete dead look- others—that could be honed into a play because their friends said it was out in Lamb’s very oddly placed, Th is silly, over-the-top production ing to rest, Alex Plouff e shines play- more workable show in the future, but funny when they did a scene in the somber rendition of “Bring Him works well in conveying Calgary ing Alistair, conveying the emotions barring that, the audience is left with basement one time. Home”—and do a lot of justice to Fringe’s community attitude. of his character with great skill, many haphazard scenes that were This was the inspiration for the songs they sing, but aft er watch- but misses the mark in the musical not useful to developing any sort of Robyn Lamb and Lisel Forst’s ing Les Ms., they should focus their Fringe Fest runs until Aug. 10. Check out interludes, wavering in and out of message or adding real entertainment offering at Fringe. The tribute, talents on their voices and keep their www.calgaryfringe.ca for schedules and tickets. key unpredictably. Playwright Jeff value. with its sort-of endearing doing-a- Kubik’s words feature a marked wit, Pussy Sushi scratches the surface play-in-your-basement feel does, if but rush through some moments and of a workable commentary, but anything, act as a good synopsis of the overarching message he’s trying definitely needs some refinement the original work. Unfortunately, to express comes off slightly muddled and focus if it wants to stand out the humour of Lamb and Forst’s and hard to decipher. from redneck-mocking one-liners production comes mainly from one- As for the music itself, it does well and Japanese game show spoofs. off , “Remember when this happened?” 10 AUGUST 07.08 GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT MFA graduates become the masters of their art MFAExhibition interpretation of one memorial.” Forsyth explains that there was no artpreview common theme in the artists’ work, save for the fact that all of them came Daniel Pagan to the U of C to work toward a com- Gauntlet Entertainment mon goal: the completion of their MFA degrees. Culmination seemed like an ulmination can mean diff erent apt theme. things for diff erent people. It Blair agrees, adding that all the art- C can relate to reaching a high ists also learned that things can change peak, astronomy or arriving at the quickly—she was planning on making final stage of a journey. For artists prints when she started, but ended up involved in the Master of Fine Arts running a rust factory out of her studio. Th esis Exhibition, it means coming to She says that experiences like this have the end of a long academic endeavour. greatly benefi tted the artists. As they prepare to leave a mark on the “Initially, the word held little mean- Nickle Arts Museum, there is refl ection, ing to me, but as I was working on joy, sadness and, of course, art. my thesis, I realized that this isn’t just Th e exhibition showcases varied the climax of my undergrad and MFA inspirations in painting and print- Daniel Pagan/the Gauntlet work, but also a new beginning,” she making in the seven graduate students’ MFA artist Marnie Blair stands by her work, “Models (for the Imaginary).” says. “Aft er graduation from the MFA theses, like Jennifer Forsyth’s paint- program, there are many possibilities ing and props to display mankind’s “Th e rust on the surface has been fl ak- ings so they resemble moving boxes to museums and curatorial practices. such as pursuing PhDs, teaching, impact on materials. Marnie Blair was ing off and many museums can not show the human compulsion to order “Th ere are several ways a museum being a studio technician, going into unconventional with the creation of accept it, due to their duty of preserv- their things. She also painted roadside can engage with the people and its administrative work in the fi eld and her metal sculpture, oxidizing the ing artifacts.” memorials and graffi ti on metal with space, such as preserving archives then there is the starving artist route. steel pieces to display how the human Forsyth took a more sustainable oil to show how people leave marks and how art can engage with the Seriously though, there are many condition plays a role in the process route by painting her entire collection on purpose. museum in different ways,” she emerging artists in Calgary making of creation. of snapshots onto diskettes resembling As the liaison between the Nickle explains. “Aft er being put in museums, a good living selling their art.” “Normally, my steel piece sculpture Polaroids, displaying people’s desire Arts, the fi ne arts department and an object can have a ‘second life’ in is not really appealing due to its poor to collect. She collected and painted graduate students, Forsyth gets to a museum context, like how people Culmination: MFA Thesis Exhibition runs Aug. 8 to shape and its short lifespan,” she says. boxes with shipping labels and mark- explore her interest in the working of and their loved ones have a diff erent Sept. 13 at the Nickle Arts Museum. GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT AUGUST 07.08 11 Songstress breaks down the barriers Calgary’s Lindsay Ell proves that girls can kick it with the cool blues cats too LindsayEllber and Canadian music forefather Randy Bachman saw Ell’s skills as so musicinterview formidable that he took her under his wing and is now producing her work. Amanda Hu Ell says Bachman’s involvement has Entertainment Editor been an invaluable experience for many reasons. he world of blues music “With Randy having  years of has the old boys club set- experience, he points things out to T up perfected. Th e genre is me that I normally wouldn’t see defi ned by hardened hands picking within a song,” she says. “Sometimes, at tattered strings that belong to a simpler is better. We all say it and weathered man who knows the ways know it, but when you’re heavy into of the world. Despite this, up-and- a song, you sometimes forget that. comer Lindsay Ell is taking Calgary’s He’ll shorten up lines to make them blues scene by storm. more concise and really pound out The -year-old has struggled with the pre- conceptions surrounding “Music is a huge focus in my life blues for her entire young but growing career. She right now and I’m kind of at the prides herself on guitar- driven tunes and soulful point where I’ve decided to walk lyrics chronicling her experiences, something down this road.” not always associated with someone so young or even that hook. It’s just little things here with the female musician. and there, but the little things make “The typical thing is, ‘Oh, you all the diff erence.” play guitar? You play electric gui- With the new songs and the tar? Th at’s so interesting,’” she says. recent attention at this year’s Juno “It’s a really important thing to me stop in Calgary, buzz around the to make a strong case that girls can musician is starting to come to a courtesy Dustin Rabin play guitar too. I feel like [females head. Ell says the experience not Not only does she pose with a guitar, but she plays it well too! in blues] are becoming more promi- only enriched her place in the city’s nent with people like Bonnie Raitt growing blues scene, but fostered and see live music again and there the coming years in her music and and those inspirations behind us. music in general. are so many venues that opened up with that change, more success. Th ere are more and more girls pick- “All these festivals like Folk Fest and so many other bands playing “Music is a huge focus in my life ing up guitar and not only playing and Blues Fest have been going on live shows weekly now.” right now and I’m kind of at the singer-songwriter choruses, but get- for years and years and years, but With a stronger community to point where I’ve decided to walk ting into the music, which is what I recently, with the Junos being in play in and develop with, Ell is down this road,” she says. “It’s in really focus on.” Calgary, I think the music scene looking forward to a long future my heart and my passion and what I Many who have seen Ell in action is seeing a signifi cant change,” she in the music industry and the want to do for the rest of my life.” have picked up on her talent. Most explains. “It’s going to be so nice world of blues. While she’s already notably, former Guess Who and because the Junos and Junofest told accomplished a lot in a short time, Lindsay Ell kicks off the Calgary International Blues Bachman Turner Overdrive mem- everyone that it was okay to go out she still hopes for further growth in Fest on Aug. 7. 12 AUGUST 07.08 GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT Family ties flourish at this year’s Blues Fest JohnsonFamily musicinterview

Ken Clarke Gauntlet Entertainment

his year, the Calgary International Blues Festival T is adding a family connec- tion to its musical one. One featured artist on the lineup is a familiar name to local blues lovers—Calgary-based Donald Ray Johnson. Internationally Ken Clarke/the Gauntlet renowned for his deep blues vocals Donald Ray Johnson at last year’s Blues Fest. Johnson plays with his daughter at this year’s event. and power-driven drumming, Johnson will be musically reunited Christ. I like to sing about things that G: I’d love to hear the two of that. It’s just a matter of choosing they embraced me. with his singer-songwriter daughter people can feel and leave a positive you record together. I think your the songs. This whole thing, as far Panzie Johnson. A celebrity in her impression on someone’s life. voices would really compliment as I’m concerned, is to introduce Donald Ray Johnson plays the Calgary own right, Texas-born Panzie has Donald: Down in Bryan, [Texas], each other. Panzie to Canada. I’m sure that International Blues Festival on Aug. 9 at 9:30 p.m. made countless concert and televi- where we’re from, we all grew up D: We both feel strongly about Canada will embrace her just like Panzie Johnson’s set is Aug. 10 at 12 p.m. sion appearances and has toured for in the church. Panzie’s grandma  years as a backing vocalist for was an evangelist. Her mom’s an Stevie Wonder. Now focusing her evangelist. Somehow down the solo career on southern-based gospel line, I’m kind of thinking that my music, Panzie will be performing a baby girl’s probably going to end separate solo set at the Blues Festival up being a preacher too. and will be joined by her father on G: I suppose in a way she already drums. Th e Gauntlet spoke recently is. on the phone with Donald in Calgary D: Oh yeah, she’s spreading the and was joined on a second line from good news. San Antonio with Panzie. P: And I enjoy every minute of it! It’s a joy to do something Gauntlet: Have you worked much and see the lives of so many with your father? people change because of maybe Panzie: I’ve done a lot of work one word or a line in one song. with my father and it’s been an It cuts to the core of your heart. honour. All of the times I toured Even if I never got a dime, I’m so with Stevie, he’d give me pointers. happy to see someone’s life change It’s been an awesome experience and for the better. I’m very fortunate. G: That’s a refreshing attitude, G: Did the two of you make music because the music industry is not together when you were a child? always about that. P: Absolutely. My father was P: No, it’s not. If you’re going to always there and a lot of the things preach, talk and sing about it, you we did together were, of course, should at least be about it. There’s a gospel. passion behind what I do and that’s G: When was the last time you the love of God. were in Calgary? D: Told you she was gonna be P: Believe it or not, this visit will be a preacher. my fi rst. I’m thrilled and am looking P: I thank God that He gave me forward to it. an opportunity to be a vessel. G: Touring with Stevie must G: I get the feeling that’s all you’ve have been a real eye-opening expe- ever wanted to do. rience. P: All I’ve ever wanted to do is P: It was. He was very open with allow God to use me. I can be true sharing things that, as artists, we to who I am. needed to know. I know this sounds G: Does it bother you that other weird, but I didn’t start at the bot- people in the music industry don’t tom. God allowed me to start off with necessarily share your viewpoint? a legendary icon. I learnt a lot from a P: I’m used to it. It doesn’t bother man at the top of his game. I’m now me because I know God for myself. doing a lot of writing and getting I do see the impact I make on other ready to go back into the studio. I people. toured with Stevie for  years, so I G: I know you have a new CD felt like I needed to change my course coming out in September. Are and concentrate on Panzie. you planning to tour? G: What motivated you to pursue P: I would love to tour the United gospel music? States and Europe, and Canada for P: For me, it’s the love of Jesus the opportunity to see my father.