The director of Hamilton’s Fringe Festival says there’s “nothing like the real thing” with in-person shows returning after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.
“Being in a theater with real people, seeing the same show together and … that rush, there’s nothing like it,” Christopher Stanton told 900 CHML’s Good Morning Hamilton.
The festival kicked off Wednesday and boasts 14 stages across Hamilton with more than 350 performances on tap from more than 60 artistic companies.
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An outdoor stage at Theatre Aquarius was the starting point with a preview event highlighting performances during the 12-day long festival.
Writer and performer Carly Anna Billings who stars in the “storytelling, culinary” production ‘Meat(less) Loaf’ says the online-only digital fringe offered last year paled in comparison to standing on a stage with live audience.
“Just doing tech the other day (before the show) I was getting teary eyed,” said Billings. “Standing in the light, you know, waiting for my next cue … I was like, ‘this is the thing.’
Porch Light Theatre and Industry.
Stanton says the entire festival is a “monster’ when it comes to planning, a year-round exercise requiring a core of five executives.
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“The other piece of it is ‘be flexible’ because stuff is going to happen,” Stanton said.
“At the kickoff, we had to stop mid-show because of thunder and lightning. We had to shelter in place, which felt so very fringy.”
The festival includes a family hub at the Bridgeworks event space with family-friendly shows and kids workshops during the weekdays.
Weekend Entertainment
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The Family Fringe Carnival Day happens July 30, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., under a big tent. The kids craft event will take place during the same hours on Sunday July 31.
Artists Eve Beauchamp and Caity Smyck, on the fringe circuit across Ontario, will bring their comedy Unmatched to the Bridgeworks stage Sunday night.
The duo, from Ottawa’s Levity Theatre Company, are first-timers to Hamilton’s festival and say they were originally scheduled for last year’s festival but were halted by the pandemic.
In 2022, the two have once again resumed in-person shows hitting festivals in Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton before heading over to the west coast for more performances.
Unmatched tells seven unsuccessful first date stories the pair once heard from friends, colleagues and family.
“So the different dates we portray on stage, they run the gamut of lighthearted and quirky, to just bizarre and like potentially dangerous,” Smyck said.
The shows title stems from dating app terminology describing an action from a subscriber when facing a “no go” scenario.
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“It’s also kind of like a play on … combinations of people that just are not working out for whatever reason,” Beauchamp said.
Tickets to in-person shows can be bought on the festival’s website or at the main box office just outside of Theatre Aquarius at 191 King William St.
Most advance tickets can be purchased until one hour prior to showtime.
Every fringe patron over the age of 12 will require a Fringe Backer Button to access paid in-person shows. The Backer Button is a one-time purchase of $5.
From family adventures to date nights, concert events to local getaways, our Bell Media Weekender has the inside scoop on the best events in the region.
For your year-long guide to what’s happening in Ottawa, watch CTV every Thursday to Saturday for local updates.
LANSING, Mich. — Here’s a look at a few ACE, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, events for the week of July 11 through July 17.
EVENT: Play in the Park with Joel Tacey DATE: Tuesday, July 12 LOCATION: Valley Court Park, East Lansing WEBSITE: www.cityofeastlansing.com
EVENT: Meridian Parks and Rec Free Summer Concert Series DATE: Wednesday, July 13 LOCATION: Meridian Farmers Market, Okemos WEBSITE: www.meridian.mi.us/
EVENT: DAM JAM Music Festival DATE: Thursday, July 14 through Saturday, July 16 LOCATION: Brenke Fish Ladder, Old Town Lansing WEBSITE: www.lansing501.com
Lansing 5:01
Dam Jam Music Festival
EVENT: Ionia County Free Fair DATE: Friday, July 15 LOCATION: Ionia Fair Grounds, Ionia WEBSITE: www.ioniafreefair.com
THURSDAY, JULY 7 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 10 and WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Museum exhibit: Featuring a new ’70s exhibit, open Wednesdays to Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Chemainus Valley Museum, 9799 Waterwheel Cres.
THURSDAY, JULY 7 THROUGH SATURDAY, JULY 9 and WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Blue and Yellow for Ukraine: Show and fundraiser, all 2D artwork and 3D pieces participating, 50 to 100 per cent of all sale prices will be donated to help the people of Ukraine, Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (hours may change), Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow St., Chemainus.
NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, AUG. 21
Classic Country Roads: Walk a country mile with comedic hosts in this old-time, fun lovin’ hayride of a revue that takes you through genres from classic country, western, bluegrass, honky tonk, rockabilly, country waltz, old-time country and the many others from the Grand Ole Opry; go to http://tickets.chemainustheatrefestival.ca to reserve, Chemainus Theatre Festival.
DAILY THROUGHOUT JULY
Crofton Old School Museum: Exhibits from the once-thriving copper smelter and the years of old school class pictures are the favourites of many, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., admission by donation, Queen Street and Joan Avenue, Crofton.
SUNDAYS DURING JULY AND AUGUST
Community Flea Market: Call 250-246-2372 to reserve your space, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Antique Barn parking lot, 3088 Henry Rd., Chemainus.
FRIDAY, JULY 8
Vancouver Island Symphony Pop-Up Concert Series: Summer series of four concerts in six beautiful private gardens, beginning with Friendly Folk Strings, 3 p.m., Saltair, more information available at www.vancouverislandsymphony.com/summer-pop-up-concerts/
Bingo: Doors open at 5 p.m., games start at 6 p.m., Chemainus Legion 191 Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd.
SATURDAY, JULY 9
Chemainus Giant Street Market: Long-time popular event makes its return, shop and eat, more than 150 vendors and local merchants, 8 a.m.-3 p.m, Willow Street, Chemainus.
Chemainus Rotary Club bottle drop: Refundables accepted to support local programs and charitable causes, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rotary bunker, Chemainus Road (across from Subway).
Artist Talk/Meet and Greet: featured artist Mary Ann Gerwing will be bringing in printmaking tools to discuss her process, noon-3 p.m., Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow St., Chemainus.
Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society Summer Series: Black Moon Valley, fabulous rocking country, 2:30 p.m., Waterwheel Park, Chemainus.
Vancouver Island Pickleball Association: Skinny Singles Shootout, women’s singles start at 9:30 a.m., men’s singles start at 1 p.m., Fuller Lake Park pickleball courts.
Music In The Park: The Naden Band, presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society, 7 p.m., Waterwheel Park.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
Chemainus Wednesday market: Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m., a Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce event, Waterwheel Square.
Crofton Sea Walk: 20th anniversary celebrations, hosted by the Crofton Community Centre Society and Municipality of North Cowichan, with speeches, cake, music, 4-8 p.m., Joan Ave., Crofton.
(To have your event listed, send an email to don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca.)
Jeff Plankenhorn performing at the Chemainus Valley Blues Festival. (Photo by Bev Knight)
Hank Lionhart and The Kingpins at last weekend’s Chemainus Valley Blues Festival. (Photo by Bev Knight)
Bill Johnson performing at last weekend’s Chemainus Valley Blues Festival. (Photo by Bev Knight)
Jack Lavin on the bass guitar. He played in two bands during the Saturday portion of last weekend’s Chemainus Valley Blues Festival. (Photo by JoHannah Knight)
THE IMITATION GAME: VISUAL CULTURE IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Exhibition surveys the extraordinary uses (and abuses) of AI in the production of modern and contemporary visual culture around the world. To Oct 23, Vancouver Art Gallery.
KINKY BOOTS Tony Award–winning musical that celebrates compassion and acceptance. To Jul 31, Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. From $43.
XICANX: DREAMERS + CHANGEMAKERS / SOÑADORES + CREADORES DEL CAMBIO Exhibition showcases, for the first time in Canada, the rich traditions of 33 Xicanx artists. To Jan 1, Museum of Anthropology at UBC.
BEADED NOSTALGIA Exhibition exploring the use of contemporary beadwork as a way of honouring the past. To Oct 23, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
GHOSTS OF THE MACHINE An exhibition about humans, technology, and ecology, curated by Elliott Ramsey. To Aug 14, Polygon Gallery. By donation.
YEOMANS TRILOGY: ENDURING SPIRITS EXHIBITION Multi-media collection of works by Haida artist Don Yeomans, wife Trace (Haida + Ukrainian), and their son Kyran. To Jul 15, Coastal Peoples Gallery. Free.
WE WERE SO FAR AWAY: THE INUIT EXPERIENCE OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS Travelling exhibition uses first-person narratives and archival images to tell stories of the Inuit residential school experience. To Nov 27, Vancouver Maritime Museum. $13.50 adult/$11 senior.
TAPESTRY OF CHANGE: INUIT ART IN CONTEXT An exhibition of Inuit textiles, prints, and flat artwork from the collections. To Oct 2, Vancouver Maritime Museum. $13.50 adults/$11 seniors.
COMMON GROUND EXHIBITION Artists Sara-Jeanne Bourget, Robin Gleason, and Mark Johnsen explore the built-up boundary between body and earth in the urban environment. To Jul 30, Cityscape Community Art Space. Free.
THEATRESPORTS Two teams of improv comedians compete for the laughs and support of audience judges. To Aug 27, The Improv Centre. $24.50-$31.50.
UNINVITED: CANADIAN WOMEN ARTISTS IN THE MODERN MOMENT Major exhibition gathering more than 200 works of art by a generation of painters, photographers, weavers, bead workers, and sculptors. To Jan 8, Vancouver Art Gallery.
TRUE TO PLACE: STÍMETSTEXW TEL XÉLTEL Exhibition curated by artist and muralist Xémontalót Carrielynn Victor (Stó:lō) examines the artistic practice of 10 Northwest Coast Indigenous artists. To Mar 19, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
LOVE YOUR MOTHER: JENNIE THWINGJennie Thwing uses animation, sculpture and installation to create imaginary narratives that reference the confusing world we live in. To Jul 21, Port Moody Arts Centre. Free.
START SOMEWHERE ELSE: WORKS FROM THE COLLECTION Collection exhibition centring around Krista Belle Stewart‘s video installation Seraphine, Seraphine also includes works by Rebecca Belmore, Brian Jungen, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. To Aug 14, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery.
QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL 2022: HAUNTINGS Three weeks of dynamic performance, music, theatre and literary events. To Jul 8, various Vancouver venues. Free-$30, festival passes $69.
SUMMER GROUP EXHIBITION Paintings, photography, and limited editions by local and international artists. To Jul 15, 10 am–5 pm, Lipont Gallery. Free.
AROUND US Photography by Olga Abeleva, Rebecca Bair,Dennis Ha, Shizen Jambor, Jake Kimble, Katie Kozak, Sylvain Sailly, and Gloria Wong. To Aug 6, 12 pm–5 am, Burrard Arts Foundation (BAF). Free.
ANYTHING GOES Tony Award-winning musical featuring many of Cole Porter‘s most famous songs. To Jul 10, 7:30-10 pm, Surrey Arts Centre. $25-34.
Theatre Under the Stars presents We Will Rock You at Malkin Bowl.
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS TUTS presents performances of the musicals Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You, running alternate evenings. Jul 2–Aug 27, Malkin Bowl.
ARTS UMBRELLA SUMMER SESSION Summer programs in art, design, dance, theatre, music, and film for young people aged three to 19. Jul 4–Aug 26, Arts Umbrella.
WEST COAST MODERN WEEK A celebration of West Coast Modernism, a distinct architectural style with deep roots in West Vancouver. Jul 5-10, 6-8 pm, West Vancouver Museum. $0-$150.
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs the epic score live with the film. Jul 6, 7, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
34TH ANNUAL DANCING ON THE EDGE FESTIVAL World premieres, North American and Western Canadian debuts, and works-in-progress from contemporary choreographers. Jul 7-16, Firehall Arts Centre. $15 to $30.
POLAR OPPOSITESBurnaby Summer Theatre presents a theatre production for young audiences. Jul 7–Aug 25, 12:30 pm, Burnaby Arts Council Deer Lake Gallery. By donation.
KILL THE RIPPER A darkly comic female-led Victorian era revenge-fantasy set during Jack the Ripper’s infamous 1888 murder spree. Jul 7-16, 8-10 pm, Rio Theatre. $25.
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UKRAINE Classical, choral, and jazz music by Melanie Adams, the Heistek/Plato Duo, Donella & Stephen Robb, Stephen Smith, and Sarah Westwick, with proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. Jul 8, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $10 minimum donation.
SPIRIT OF INDIAShiamak Vancouver presents a celebration of India through music and dance. Jul 8, 7:30 pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs the score live-to-picture. Jul 8, 9, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
CEDAR BRACELET WEAVING WORKSHOP AT KHATSAHLANO Join Rita Kompst for an in-person workshop on traditional Coast Salish cedar weaving. Jul 9, 11 am–12 pm, 1-2 pm, West 4th Avenue. $50 for non-members.
CARNAVAL DEL SOL 2022 Live music, food, arts, and culture. Jul 9-10, 12-10 pm, Jonathan Rogers Park. $11.04-$16.27.
MOZAICO FLAMENCO PRESENTS RUMBA RUMBLEBailaora Kasandra “La China” and Irish tapper Joel Hanna perform in a footwork showdown. Jul 10, 7:30-9:30 pm, Anne MacDonald Studio. $20-25.
BENDELACREME Global drag icon blends burlesque, comedy, and original music. Jul 13, Vogue Theatre. $55.
HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 IN CONCERT The Vancouver Symphony performs Alexandre Desplat’s epic score live-to-picture. Jul 13-15, 7:30 pm, Orpheum Theatre. Various.
MAINALLEY POP UP GALLERY PROJECTReVision (the art of recycling group) and the Sculpture Society of BC present an exhibition highlighting climate disaster. Jul 14–Aug 31, MAINalley. Free.
GLINT The Dance Centre presents new works by Erika Mitsuhashi,Francesca Frewer, and Alexa Mardon as part of the Dancing on the Edge Festival. Jul 14-16, 5-10 pm, Scotiabank Dance Centre. $15~$35.
VANCOUVER METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra performs classics and popular works at a free concert. Jul 14, 7-9:30 pm, Jack Poole Plaza. Free.
VANCOUVER STORY SLAM Ten storytellers share original short stories. Jul 14, 8 pm, Hero’s Welcome Pub. $6.
Guitar great Robben Ford is among the performers at the Vancouver Folk Fest.
45TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL Community-based celebration of folk and roots music features artists from Korea, Chile, Mexico, Taiwan, India, Finland, the USA, and Canada. Jul 15-17, 3-11 pm, Jericho Beach Park. $46.97-$221.58.
TD VANCOUVER CHINATOWN FESTIVAL Free, family-friendly event features a variety of multicultural food vendors and performers. Jul 16-17, Vancouver Chinatown Festival .
ROBIN HOOD Lakeside Players present a lighthearted adaptation of the Robin Hood tales. Jul 16-23, Presentation House Theatre. $22/$18/$15.
SURREY LATIN FESTIVAL Event includes a tribute to Frida Khalo, live music, Mexican and Latin food, activities for children, and salsa classes. Jul 16-17, 11 am, Surrey Civic Plaza .
VANCOUVER CLASSICAL GUITAR FESTIVAL Classical guitarists and music lovers immerse themselves in a week of concerts, masterclasses, and workshops. Jul 16-21, 2 pm, Vancouver Academy of Music. From $30.
THE VSO AT DEER LAKE The Vancouver Symphony performs a free, open-air concert in Burnaby. Jul 16, 7 pm, Deer Lake Park. Free.
FORT LANGLEY JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL Festival features 60 bands on eight indoor and outdoor stages, plus visual art and kids’ entertainment. Jul 21-24, Fort Langley National Historic Site of Canada.
SAL VULCANO American improvisational and standup comedian and actor. Jul 22, Vogue Theatre.
DANCE DANCE DANCE Free outdoor Latin dance classes on Friday nights. Jul 22–Aug 12, 6:30-9:30 pm, Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. Free.
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE WITH SANGRE MORENA Latin and flamenco duo Sangre Morena performs in Heritage Square. Jul 22, 7-8 pm, Mackin Heritage Home and Toy Museum. Free.
CREATE! ARTS FESTIVAL The Eastside Arts Society presents a multi-disciplinary and interactive art-making event. Jul 23-24, 10 am, Eastside Arts Society.
RONDEAU Fundraiser for Early Music Vancouver features emcee Bill Richardson, poet Fiona Tinwei Lam, and musicians David Greenberg, David McGuinness, and Lucas Harris. Jul 26, Sage Bistro. $225.
EBB AND FLOW Opening concert of the 2022 Vancouver Bach Festival is a musical celebration of water, featuring the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Vancouver poet Fiona T. Lam, and artists-in-residence David McGuinness and David Greenberg. Jul 27, 7:30 pm, The Chan Centre. Earlybird $22.50-$60.
MADE IN ITALY The Arts Club‘s musical coming-of-age story about a second-generation Italian teen struggling to find his place in Jasper, Alberta, is back by popular demand. Jul 28–Aug 21, Granville Island Stage. From $39.
A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF TUNES This Vancouver Bach Festival event explores the repertoire of Scottish tunes and their relationship with other traditions. Jul 28, 1 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $15-$30.
HIGH PHRASE LIVEThe High Phrase Podcast hosts a night of live music and standup comedy. Jul 28, 7-10 pm, Levels Nightclub. $20.
RESOUNDING HILDEGARD: ECHOES OF THE ABBESS IN PRESENT DAYEnsemble Arkora explores the connections between past and present with a project of new works by Canadian composers and ancient masterworks. Jul 28, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $18-$75.
THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMEREnsemble Arkora explores the connections between past and present with a project of new works by Canadian composers and ancient masterworks. Jul 29, 1 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $15-$30.
LES NATIONSVancouver Bach Festival concert featuring Contrasto Armonico led by Marco Vitale. Jul 29, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Cathedral. $18-$75.
VANCOUVER STREET DANCE FESTIVAL 2022 (10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY) Free all-day family-friendly outdoor festival features dance battles, performances, workshops, and live DJ and band music. Jul 30, 11 am–8 pm, Robson Square. Free.
ONE NIGHT STAND-UP | VANCOUVER PRIDE FESTIVAL Showcase of Vancouver queer comedians as part of the Vancouver Pride Festival. Jul 30, 8-9:30 pm, Ocean Art Works. Earlybird $20/regular $25.
THE NEXT GENERATION: BAROQUE INNOVATIONS A baroque concert presented by Early Music Vancouver in the historic parlour of Roedde House Museum. Jul 31, 11 am–12 pm, Roedde House Museum. $35.
A woman whom Ezra Miller appeared to choke and attack in Iceland in April 2020 is coming forward with her allegations of the bizarre incident.
Amid mounting controversy surrounding the Flash star, the woman opened up about her run-in with Miller outside a bar in Reykjavík, where Miller — who identifies as nonbinary and uses “they/them” pronouns — regularly frequented.
Speaking with Variety in a report published on Thursday, the woman recalled meeting Miller at the pub and sparking a conversation with the actor. The woman recalls seeing wounds on Miller’s sandal-clad feet, and the actor claiming the injuries were the result of a fight.
The woman said she jokingly told Miller, “But just so you know, I could take you in a fight.” She claims Miller replied, “You really want to fight?” Thinking Miller was playing along, the woman told the actor to meet her in the smoking area outside in two minutes.
She claims Miller initially took her remarks as a joke, but one of the woman’s friends proceeded to instigate the situation, telling Miller that the actor didn’t want to fight, and allegedly antagonizing him. “My friend didn’t have to say that… It was just a joke, obviously — but [Miller] took that literally and got super mad and came running outside.”
The woman responds by putting her arms up as Miller approaches her and appears to grab her by the neck. Miller then appears to push the woman to the ground while holding on to her shoulder and neck.
“I think it’s just fun and games — but then it wasn’t,” the woman stated. “All of a sudden, [they’re] on top of me, choking me, still screaming in my face if I want to fight. My friend who’s filming sees [they’re] obviously not joking and it’s actually serious, so he stops filming, and pushes [them] off me as [they’re] still trying to fight me. Two guy friends of mine are actually holding [Miller] back as [they’re] screaming, ‘This is what you wanted! This is what you wanted!’”
The altercation was broken up by a bartender, Reynir, who claims Miller grabbed him by the throat and spit in his face — notably during the early, pre-vaccine days of the coronavirus pandemic.
“[Miller] grabs me by the throat as I’m trying to usher them out the [back] door and tells me they’re not leaving,” Reynir alleged, adding that the actor claimed the woman’s friends had pushed them, “Which they didn’t.”
“They proceeded to spit in my face several times, so with the final push I closed and locked the door,” Reynir told Variety.
The report also included an interview with a woman, Nadia, who detailed an incident she claims to have had with Miller at her home in Berlin this past February.
Nadia states that she and Miller had a consensual sexual encounter in early 2020, and had remained in contact and friendly with one another over the proceeding two years. Then, in February, Miller came to her apartment.
Nadia claims that their interaction was friendly, but that Miller’s mood soured immediately when she said she didn’t want them smoking in her apartment.
“That just set them off,” Nadia told Variety. “I asked them to leave about 20 times, maybe more. They started insulting me. I’m a ‘transphobic piece of shit.’ I’m a ‘Nazi.’ It became so, so stressful for me. They were going around my house, looking at everything, touching everything, spreading tobacco leaves on the floor. It felt disgusting and very intrusive.”
“I asked them if they remember I told them I’m a descendant of Holocaust survivors, so why would they say that to me?” Nadia stated. “They answered, screaming at me, ‘Yes, but how many people of my family died?’ Because many people in their family died. I was like, Oh, OK, this is a game of who’s got the most trauma.”
Nadia also claims that Miller went on an angry tirade, and told her, in part, “I’m a maker of planets. Tobacco is sacred.” Nadia claims she persisted in telling Miller to leave for nearly half an hour and even called the police before Miller finally exited her apartment. She filed a police report and has since blocked the actor’s number and has not had contact since that night.
Earlier this month, a Rolling Stone expose alleged that Miller has also been housing a woman and her children on a farm in Vermont in shockingly unsafe living conditions — including loaded guns laying around the house, accessible by the children.
Miller has not yet publicly commented on the allegations leveled against him in recent months.
News today that SXSW, a creative person’s paradise, will hit Sydney next October has musicians, influencers and fans jumping for joy.
But what is SXSW? Why is it heading to Australia? And how can you be part of the action?
Read on to find out.
What is SXSW?
Billie Eilish, Melinda Gates, Snoop Dogg, Barack Obama, Jordan Peele, Dave Grohl, Michelle Obama, Taika Waititi, Brené Brown, Steven Spielberg, Lady Gaga, Prince, Ava DuVernay.
These are just some of the prominent people who have attended SXSW in the past.
It’s pronounced “south by south-west” and also referred to in colloquial terms as “south by”.
SXSW has also attracted big name Aussies. Guy Sebastian, Troye Sivan and Peking Duk are among some of the stars who’ve made the trip to Austin, Texas, in the past to be part of the event.
It’s been going since 1987 and was the first event of its kind when it kicked off in March that year.
Music was its original focus, but it has since expanded to include film and interactive events, making it an annual get-together where people working in music, film, animation, gaming, media, technology and culture converge for a number of conferences, shows, festivals and events.
SXSW is basically a place to get noticed if you’re an emerging music artist or creative.
It’s also an environment to network. The big wigs are all there. In fact, tens of thousands of people usually descend on Austin each year for the event.
It was started by a small group of people in the city who felt local talent had limited exposure – and they wanted to change that.
And change that they did. The event has since grown to boast the largest music festival of its kind in the world.
SXSW went online last year and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic preventing in-person attendance. But it is returning to its former glory in March this year.
Why is it coming to Australia?
The event will still take place in the US next year. But Sydney has been chosen as the city to represent the Asia Pacific with a separate SXSW festival.
This is probably the biggest thing to hit Sydney since the Olympics in 2000 and it will mark the first time SXSW has been hosted outside North America.
This will mark the first time SXSW has ventured away from its North American home.(Destination NSW)
Destination NSW, which is the NSW government’s tourism and events agency, has managed to secure Sydney as the Asia-Pacific arm of SXSW, meaning this event will not be a one-off.
The plan is for an annual Sydney event to compliment the Texas one.
It’s a great opportunity for artists in the region to shine. SXSW has proven to be the boost some artists need to go from obscurity to household names. So this is huge for creatives in the Asia-Pacific region.
“It will put a spotlight on Sydney as the major events and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific, as well as being its premier business and lifestyle destination,” NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said.
SXSW Sydney will run for a week from October 15 to 22, 2023. That’s seven days and seven nights of action.
How can I take part or get tickets?
A SXSW Sydney website has been set up to register your interest and find out how you can get involved.
Northern Health has issued a toxic drug alert, covering the Terrace area, after an increase in overdose events in the community.
Being sold as down, in both powder and pebble form, the purple substance contains highly toxic levels of both fentanyl and benzodiazepines.
Users are urged not to use alone or mix with alcohol, know your tolerance, start low and go slow, and to make use of overdose prevention sites.
Terrace’s local overdose prevention site is operated by the Intensive Case Management Team, at 4450 Grieg Avenue, and is open from noon to 4:00 Monday to Friday, except holidays.
Museum exhibit: Featuring a new ’70s exhibit, open Thursdays to Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Chemainus Valley Museum, 9799 Waterwheel Crescent.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 25 and WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
Blue and Yellow for Ukraine: Show and fundraiser, all 2D artwork and 3D pieces participating, 50 to 100 per cent of all sale prices will be donated to help the people of Ukraine, Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (hours may change), Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow Street, Chemainus.
NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, AUG. 21
Classic Country Roads: Walk a country mile with comedic hosts in this old-time, fun lovin’ hayride of a revue that takes you through genres from classic country, western, bluegrass, honky tonk, rockabilly, country waltz, old-time country and the many others from the Grand Ole Opry; go to http://tickets.chemainustheatrefestival.ca to reserve, Chemainus Theatre Festival.
Bingo: Doors open at 4 p.m., games until 6:30 p.m., Chemainus Legion 191 Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd.
SATURDAY, JUNE 25
Chemainus Summer Fest: Literary giveaway, ages 16 and younger, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Doc The Barber, 9745 Willow St.; hot dog giveaway, everyone welcome, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chemainus Legion, 9775 Chemainus Rd.; watch for more in the community from the Chemainus Rotary Club.
Chemainus Rotary Club bottle drop: Refundables accepted to support local programs and charitable causes, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rotary bunker, Chemainus Road (across from Subway).
Thetis Community Day: A day for all Thetis Islanders to gather and learn about the different island groups, societies and associations, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Forbes Hall, Thetis Island.
Museum open: Exhibits from the once-thriving copper smelter and the years of old school class pictures are the favourites of many, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., admission by donation, Crofton Old School Museum, Queen Street and Joan Avenue.
Calvary Baptist Church 125-year celebration: Free event for the community with live bands, a wiener roast, games for kids and adults, a bouncy castle, historical highlights and more, Calvary Baptist Church, 3318 River Rd., Chemainus.
Live music: 5 Whiskeys Deep, hard-hitting and electrifying classic rock, tickets $15 at eventbrite.ca, 7 p.m., Osborne Bay Pub, the Cowichan Valley’s live music destination, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton.
SUNDAY, JUNE 26
Museum open: Crofton Old School Museum, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., admission by donation, Queen Street and Joan Avenue.
Museum exhibit: Featuring a new ’70s exhibit, open Thursdays to Sundays 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Chemainus Valley Museum, 9799 Waterwheel Crescent.
THURSDAY, JUNE 16 THROUGH SATURDAY, JUNE 18 and WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22
Blue and Yellow for Ukraine: Show and fundraiser, all 2D artwork and 3D pieces participating, 50 to 100 per cent of all sale prices will be donated to help the people of Ukraine, Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (hours may change), Rainforest Arts, 9781 Willow Street, Chemainus.
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 THROUGH SUNDAY, AUG. 21
Classic Country Roads: Walk a country mile with comedic hosts in this old-time, fun lovin’ hayride of a revue that takes you through genres from classic country, western, bluegrass, honky tonk, rockabilly, country waltz, old-time country and the many others from the Grand Ole Opry; go to http://tickets.chemainustheatrefestival.ca to reserve, Chemainus Theatre Festival.
Bingo: Doors open at 4 p.m., games until 6:30 p.m., Chemainus Legion 191 Hall, 9775 Chemainus Rd.
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Chemainus Rotary Club bottle drop: Refundables accepted to support local programs and charitable causes, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rotary bunker, Chemainus Road (across from Subway).
Museum open: Exhibits from the once-thriving copper smelter and the years of old school class pictures are the favourites of many, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m., admission by donation, Crofton Old School Museum, Queen Street and Joan Avenue.
Chemainus Village Square Chili Contest: $25 for the bowl, fill it up at each vendor and then vote for your favourite, all proceeds to the Chemainus Harvest House Food Bank, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Chemainus Village Square,
Live music: The Fabulous B-Sides, tickets $15 at eventbrite.ca, 7 p.m., Osborne Bay Pub, the Cowichan Valley’s live music destination, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton.
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Museum open: Crofton Old School Museum, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., admission by donation, Queen Street and Joan Avenue.
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Activities include opening prayer, Tzinqwa Singers, Stz’uminus youth songs and dance; entertainment by Ed Peekeekoot, Cactus Cadillacs, Mitchell Sisters, Keanu Ienco; starting at noon at Water Wheel Park; also opening of Wu’Laam Forest Trail, book signing by Penelakut elder Raymond Tony Charlie, presented by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.
