Fjord Rowboat/Versoma/Red Sparrowes Show

Checked out Versoma and the Red Sparrowes on Saturday at Lee's Palace.

Unfortunately I missed Fjord Rowboat's set, but heard from others it was fab. Sorry I couldn't post pics, I just didn't feel like lugging the camera out. But, I think I saw Frank there, he may post some pics in the upcoming days.

Versoma was, without hyperbole, the loudest band that I've ever seen (in a club show), that title being formerly held by C'mon. I had to move back from the stage twice! Not sure if its because I'm getting old or what (although they almost asked me for id...how flattering!), but I think earplugs are now in order. Anyhoo, despite the intense volume, Versoma was really good. Very heavy, but good minor key melodies going on. The funny thing about them was that they all (except for the bald, heavily sweating guitarist) looked like cuddly emo-listening-cardigan-wearing boys. Good on them. Highly recommended live, with earplugs.

The Red Sparrowes exceeded all my expectations....like Godspeed You Black Emporer but better in the sense that they can limit their soundscapes to less than 20 minutes. I wasn't surprised to learn that one of their members used to be in metal band Neurosis, who I used to be a big fan of. beautiful lush, heavy stuff with great backing images on a projector screen behind them. I think I'm in love with their amazing bassist. Make sure to catch them on their next trip to Toronto, they're from L.A.

Festival of South Asia 2006

On Saturday I checked out the Festival of South Asia in Little India. The rain held out, and we got to take in soe great dance, music and food. The beautiful Kathak dancer below was the best I've ever seen. This is my fave kind of Indian dance because the bells on the ankles add an interesting element, and it takes incredible skill. My dad commented that you could tell how good she was because at certain points her feet were moving so fast that it looked like she was levitating!
















Other pics below are of some (pre roasting) corn, and a Punjabi Bhangra dance troop. I really have to start doing ore Bhangra dancing, its so much fun!

Alleyjaunt 2006 - Post # 2

I didn't get to see what was in the garage (the door never opened, you had to lay down like these folk to see what was in there), but I thought this looked neat!



This garage was amazing. The inside of it was completely covered in this aluminum like material, which was much more airy and flexible than aluminum. What you see here is some metal posts that were knocking in rhythm against the material on this spinning record player.

Can't remember the name of this collective, but these ladies have spent the last year or so making the city of their dreams in textiles. Can't say enough good things about this one: beautiful, inventive, cute, the urbanists' dream work in textiles. Got the pics in the wrong order, but they're the one below, and the last one.

This one (I believe the people are called the Quicksand Collective) are pushing quicksand awareness.

Alleyjaunt 2006 - Post # 1

Checked out the Alleyjaunt (installations and artwork in the garages and alleyways around Trinity-Bellwoods Park) last weekend. Divided into two posts for your viewing pleasure.

This one was great. A little tent that had this video playing on a drop down screen set to great 30's jazz. Click to enlarge the pic, and you can see that there is a chair set up in front of the screen, and the figure sitting in it is the same one in the video. It was great, because you felt totally removed from the sunny park outside, and felt like you were transported to another place. It really reminded me of those old-school video booths they used to have in malls when I was a kid, that had cartoons playing.


This is a pic of the ceiling of one garage used in an installation. I just thought the colours of the various pipes and wood was great in and of itself. The guy that "donated" his garage to an artist to do his thing was this old fella named George. He was so entertaining that my friend Don thought that HE was the installation. Hilarious.

This is from the same garage. Hurray for paint chips that can brighten a day so easily!

This one was just too cute: little wire urban animals with tiny stylish clothes (seen on the next pic below). The gals were great, and we discussed the virtues of well dressed urban animals soe length....a much underdisscussed topic!

Yet Another Anti-War Rally

I believe that these weekly rallies have stopped because of the cease fire, although Israel has been at it again. These pics are from a rally a couple weeks ago.

Picnic on Ward's Island

A couple weeks ago I got together some friends for a picnic on Ward's Island. Ducks...is there anything they can't do?


This swan was looking particularly regal. Click on the pic to see the larger version to note the drop of water dripping off of its bill.



This one is a bit stereotypical, but I just had to do it! Forgive me.

Mexican Fishermen Rescue

I'm so fascinated by those 'lost at sea" stories, here's a real life one. These guys were at sea for about 9 months, surviving on rainwater and raw seabirds and fish. More here.

Temporary Disruption

Having some camera problems, so I'll be offline for a (hopefully) short period. Check back in a week or so, I have lots of pics from recent events to upload! Above is one from lovely Fergus Ontario to tide you over!

George Galloway Interview

So refreshing to hear someone speak the truth about Israel being a terrorist state! See the approx. 9 minute long interview here.