#coda toronto

[trevlad-sounds]

Invisible Waves 53

05.01.2025

Christian Wittman – First Dawn (From the album: “A Strange Light”) – 00:00 Hollie Kenniff – Surface – 09:35 Jogging House – Grammar – 17:56 Nation of Language – Auld Lang Sine Wave – 24:57 Die Partei – Süd-Nord-Fahrt – 32:11 Masayoshi Fujita, Moor Mother – Our Mother’s Lights – 35:27 Ogle – Through the Window – 39:39 marine eyes – ink – 47:06 Coda Nautica – Coral – 49:59

[dustedmagazine]

Godspeed You! Black Emperor — "NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD" (Constellation)

The night of the election in America, Godspeed You! Black Emperor played a show in Toronto. As they almost always do, they said nothing. No interaction beyond playing music and then expressing wordless thanks to the crowd as each stepped off stage to the roaring feedback surge that closed out “Piss Crowns Are Trebled” and the concert. Even if they’d taken a moment to check the news that night, what was there to say? As suggested last time here, the ineffable, unspeakable power of the Montreal collective can be read at least partially as the only possible response to the deranged and deranging power of repression and evil in the world. 2021 felt dark. Suffice it to say that things have not gotten better and appear set on getting quite a bit worse.

The title this time, of course, is a reference to the verified (and thus almost certainly lower than actual) death toll of the genocide in Gaza at the time of creation. Associate and Constellation labelmate Jessica Moss released her own powerful statement on the same issue this year, and again, things have not improved in the meantime. It’s enough to lead to a rare appearance of lyrics, with “RAINDROPS CAST IN LEAD” featuring a poem in Spanish read (and written? as always, the band remains gnomic) by Michele Fiedler Fuentes. Of course the current album will be viewed in light of current events (they almost beg you to do so, from track titles and statements on down), and while no Godspeed You! Black Emperor record is exactly drowning in levity, they cast a particularly grim panic over affairs here.

If G_d's Pee AT STATE'S END! frequently felt like the massive, sweeping motions of some sort of gestalt entity, it’s fitting that things here feel fractured at times, if no less cohesive. Halfway through “PALE SPECTATOR TAKES PHOTOGRAPHS” it feels like there’s a fire alarm going on behind the banks of sound. One of the guitarists frequently sounds as if they’re trying to pickaxe their way through a boulder (especially on parts of “BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD”). The opening “SUN IS A HOLE SUN IS VAPORS” sounds equally as if they might be tuning up for most of its length and like it’s a shame they’d already gotten around to using the name “Anthem for No State” as a title.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor has always been oriented towards apocalypse (the machine has been bleeding to death since their first album as a group, if not long before), and it continues to be queasily terrifying how swiftly the world rushes to meet them there. These are always someone’s last days; the rest of us wake up each morning and fall a little further down. They themselves say, this time, “what gestures make sense while tiny bodies fall? what context? what broken melody?” That may be the reason they close with “GREY RUBBLE - GREEN SHOOTS,” a tidy just-under-seven-minutes that presents both a stirring crescendo and an aching coda. Determined as always to nurture what is left growing after all the valedictions and maledictions are handed out. Every triumphant moment here feels wrested from the jaws of death, all too aware of who still gets claimed. They, and we, have to keep going.

Ian Mathers

[antonhyde]

Sinca - Live from Coda [Toronto, CA] - April 2022

[glenngaylord]

Plaza Sweet - Film Review: My Old Ass ★★★½

What happens when a stoner comedy with a stoner comedy title and and a stoner comedy premise turns out to be an unabashedly sentimental and decidedly queer coming of age drama? Well, folks, allow me to introduce you to My Old Ass. Writer/Director Megan Park, with her feature debut, has assembled all the usual parts to make you think you’re in for a film to light up to, but upends your expectations by ripping your heart out instead.

Featuring a breakthrough performance by Maisy Stella along with a beautifully grounded supporting cast, Stella plays Elliott, a soon-to-be University of Toronto freshman, who spends the last days of summer on her family’s cranberry farm. She has a girlfriend she’ll be leaving behind, but otherwise feels ready to start her life. The film opens with Elliott and her best friends Ro (Kerrice Brooks) and Ruthie (Maddie Ziegler) camping out in the woods for a last blowout involving magic mushrooms. During her narcotics trip, Elliott encounters her 39-year-old self in the form of Aubrey Plaza, who oddly bears zero resemblance to her younger self. I suppose it doesn’t really matter. When Aubrey Plaza wants to appear in your film, you say “Yes, Aubrey Plaza!” every single time. She can make any film worth seeing. I’m talking to you Megalopolis!

Older Elliott imparts some wisdom on her young protege, telling her to pay closer attention to her loved ones and to stay away from a guy named Chad. Of course, she’ll soon meet Chad (a delightful Percy Hynes White), an intern at her farm, and do her best to push him away. This proves more challenging with every encounter. His charming presence causes her to question her sexuality and dares her to tempt fate. She does heed Plaza’s advice, however, by spending more time with her family, including her mother Kathy (a wonderful Maria Dizzia), and her much more conservative brother Max (a fine, funny turn by Seth Isaac Johnson). So what starts out as a wacky drug-fueled evening in the woods, soon morphs into the story of a young woman discovering her place in the world and what matters the most. I feel all sappy and gooey even writing that sentence, but Park and her cast navigate these slushy waters with immense charm and a surprising depth of emotion. As such, the film reminded me of Best Picture Oscar winner Coda, but with 100% more hallucinogens.

Stella gives a rich, vibrant, star making performance, filled with exuberant sexuality, intense temperament, and a mature, loving side she’s hesitant to confront. Unapologetically queer, Stella incorporates her emerging feelings into her existing persona by recognizing the spectrum of her sexual identity. A comedic role with such rich, soulful layers feels rare these days, so savoring this one has been one of the great joys of the year. Add Plaza to that sentiment, who really only appears briefly, but shows us something new. Usually so sardonic and deadpan, such as her turn as April Ludgate on Parks And Recreation, Plaza plays things fairly straight here and managed to reduce me to a puddle of tears. Again, not what I expected when I saw her name on the label!

Special mention must go to Cinematographer Kristen Correll, also making her feature debut. She shoots the film’s numerous boating scenes with a sweeping panache and gives everything a lovely, late summer glow. Sure, My Old Ass may end up feeling like an elevated Afterschool Special in the long run, somewhat basic and predictable, but if you key into Stella and Plaza’s wonderful work and embrace its conventions, you may find yourself swooning just a little bit.

My Old Ass is currently showing in theaters in the US and UK.

[internationaldentistcanada]

Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Everything you need to know about Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT).

About Internationally trained Dentists interested in applying to advance dental education or post-graduate training programs in USA and Canada, need to take Advance Dental Admission Test (ADAT). ADAT along with other selection criteria helps you to secure admission into more than 400 advanced dental programs across American and Canadian dental schools. Recently from the 2021 University of Toronto and McGill University started accepting ADAT result for admission to their International Dentists Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) and DMD Advanced Sanding for Foreign-Trained Dentist pathway respectively instead of Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).

ADAT is Governed by American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on Dental Education and Licensure (CDEL) and administered by Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) across USA and Canada only. Pearson VUE is the deliverer of computer-based tests. ADAT test assesses an applicant’s relative potential in success of various advance dental programs. The duration of the test is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Who should take ADAT? ADAT is a test of choice for – a. Dental students in their final year interested in specialty programs in USA and Canada, b. Practicing Dentists in Canada And USA interested in specialty programs, c. Internationally trained dentists (Apart from USA and Canada) applying to advanced dental education programs like Degree completion programs in the University of Toronto and McGill University.

Structure ADAT consists of three sections 1. Biomedical Sciences (80 items) – anatomic sciences (20 items), biochemistry and physiology (20 items), microbiology and pathology (20 items), dental anatomy, and occlusion (20 items). 2. Clinical sciences (80 stand alone and Case-based items) include endodontics, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, oral diagnosis, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, pharmacology, principles of ethics, and patient management. 3. Data, Research interpretation, and Evidence-based dentistry (40 items).

Eligibility and Registration Candidates from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredited programs and non-accredited programs can be eligible to take ADAT. Before registering for ADAT candidates need to have their DENTPIN.

DENTPIN DENTal Personal Identifier Number (DENTPIN) helps protect your personal identification number like Social Security Number (USA) and Canada Social Insurance Number (SIN) by replacing it with unique eight-digit number. Apart from ADAT, candidates can use DENTPIN number to apply for various American Dental Association (ADA) examinations like the Dental Admission Test (DAT), Admission Test for Dental Hygienists (ATDH), National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), National Board Dental Examination (NBDE II), Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and DLOSCE. Please note while registering for DENTPIN you must enter your name exactly mentioned in your official IDs and educational credentials. You can use link to register for DENTPIN.

Dental students from CODA and CDAC Accredited Dental Schools  The dean of the school should confirm that the student is in good standing and is in process of actively applying to the advance dental education program.

Dental Students from Non-accredited Dental Schools Dental students who are studying in non-accredited dental schools need to submit a Certification of Eligibility Form (not for graduated dentists). The form should be signed by the Dean or Registrar of the university where they are studying. Dental students and Dentists who have obtained degree from non-accredited schools need to verify their educational credentials (transcripts) by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE). Candidates should request ECE to send the report directly to ADAT program.

Practicing Dentists Graduated from CODA and CDAC Accredited Dental Schools Dentist who has graduated from CODA or CDAC accredited dental schools should submit verification that he or she is a Dentist. This verification should be in the form of a Letter of Recommendation from one of the following:

The secretary of a board of dentistry of a United States licensing jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed or eligible for licensure as a dentist.

The dean or registrar of an accredited dental school from which the dentist graduated.

The dean, director, or registrar of a CODA-accredited advanced dental education program in which the dentist studied or is studying at the postgraduate level.

The dean of an accredited advanced dental education program to which the dentist is applying for admission with advanced standing.

The letter must state the name of the school that granted the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, the exact degree granted, and when it was granted.

[yessadirichards]

What's streaming this week: Donald Glover, Run-D.M.C., 'Choir' and bye to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'

LOS ANGELES

The final, cringeworthy season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a documentary on Run-D.M.C. are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Donald Glover starring as a spy in the new TV series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and a documentary about the making of the charity megahit “We Are the World.”

— Regardless of whether you think the 1985 charity anthem “We Are the World” is great or not, the making of it is fascinating. Director Bao Nguyen got access to never-before-seen footage and new interviews with Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen and Cyndi Lauper to help tell the story of how famous musicians, including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder, got together one night for a marathon recording session. Nguyen told the AP in a recent interview that “The Greatest Night In Pop" humanizes "some of these icons that we’ve sort of idolized over many generations.” It’s on Netflix.

��� So Greta Gerwig didn’t get a best director nomination, but the good news is that the Criterion Channel has a new series starting Thursday about some of the “Lady Bird” and “Barbie” director’s favorite films. Gerwig’s “adventures in moviegoing” includes David Lean’s “Brief Encounter,” Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s “The Red Shoes,” Max Ophüls’ "The Earrings of Madame de…” and Claire Denis’ “Beau travail.” The channel also has a series on “Interdimensional Romance” with films like “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Wings of Desire,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and both versions of “Solaris.”

— And for those who were curious about “Dicks: The Musical,” but not enough to bite the bullet on a movie ticket, it will be streaming on Max starting Friday. In an article about the movie out of the Toronto Film Festival, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that this “Dadaist riff on ‘The Parent Trap’ … may be the most demented riff on a familiar story yet. The film … has been called the most gonzo movie of the year. It’s lewd, ridiculous and surreal. Hanna-Barbera was an inspiration.” Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson star alongside Bowen Yang as God, Megan Thee Stallion, Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

— Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Clash, Beastie Boys — what do these legendary artists have in common? They owe much to Lee “Scratch” Perry, a pioneer of the dub music scene celebrated as one of reggae’s founding fathers. Perry (real name Rainford Hugh Perry) died in 2021 — but during the pandemic, he worked on new music material, which will be posthumously released in his final album, “King Perry,” out Friday, Feb 2. It features guest performances from Greentea Peng, Shaun Ryder, Tricky, Marta, Rose Waite and Fifi Rong. The final track, appropriately titled “Goodbye,” is Perry’s final vocal recording — an ambitious and celebratory song that features Perry repeating his farewell over and over again. It’s a fitting coda, and still an experiment, bringing his reggae into synth wave, drum’n’bass, big beat, and electronica. Even in death, Perry is looking towards the future.

— When you’re done streaming “The Greatest Night in Pop” (see above), stay in the musical mid-’80s with “Kings from Queens: The RUN DMC Story.” This Peacock original documentary offers a close look at the early days of Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell's revolutionary group — finding inspiration in the streets, bringing hip-hop to the masses, and, in doing so, validating and legitimizing what will soon become the most popular style of music — and assisting in turning it into a billion-dollar business. Let’s face it, “It’s Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that’s right on time,” is both an earworm for the ages — and some astute musical analysis.

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

— The new Amazon Prime Video series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is not your 2005 “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” Instead, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine star as two stranger spies who meet and are required to marry for their cover. The series was created by Glover and Francesca Sloane, who says she looked to reality TV like “Love is Blind” and “90 Day Fiancé” for inspiration. All eight episodes will be ready to binge on Friday.

— “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fans are pretty pretty pretty disappointed because the show begins its final season on Sunday, on HBO. The irreverent comedy stars Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself who lands in awkward situations at every turn. Recurring favorites Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Cheryl Hines, and J.B. Smoove will be back.

— A new Disney+ docuseries called “Choir” follows the Detroit Youth Choir — who first made a splash appearing on “America’s Got Talent” in 2019 — as members audition and prepare to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. All six episodes drop Wednesday.

— UK comedian Sir Lenny Henry used his own family history to create “Three Little Birds,” a BritBox series that follows three women moving from Jamaica to London in the 1950s. Henry says the show’s immigration story is universally relatable because all immigrants understand that it’s difficult to start over and build a new life. “Three Little Birds” premieres Thursday.

— Past seasons of National Geographic’s “Genius” anthology series covered Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso and Aretha Franklin. Season 4 focuses on two civil rights legends, the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. “Genius: MLK/X” delves into each man’s formative years, rise to influence and differing philosophies. The first two episodes drop Thursday on National Geographic. It will also stream on Hulu and Disney+.

— Don’t worry, “Dateline” hosts, your jobs are safe. For now. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino of “Jersey Shore” has entered the chat. He’s hosting “Statute of Limitations,” a new true crime show where everyday people who have committed nonviolent crimes tell their story. (Think: A thief who used a hot air balloon as a getaway vehicle.) What’s more, their statute of limitations has run out so they’re free and clear to talk. In 2019, Sorrentino served eight months in prison for lying on his taxes. “Statute of Limitations” will be available to stream beginning Thursday on platforms including Tubi, YouTube and The Roku Channel.

— Alicia Rancilio

— England’s Rocksteady Studios built its reputation on 2009’s dazzling Batman: Arkham Asylum. Alas, the developer is turning to the dark side of the DC Universe with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Rather than soloing as the Caped Crusader, you’re now invited to team up with friends as members of Task Force X: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark. What do they have against Superman, the Flash and their buddies? Well, Brainiac has brainwashed the superheroes and now it’s up to the supervillains to save Metropolis. You can expect guest appearances by the likes of Lex Luthor, the Penguin and the Riddler, and publisher Warner Bros. Games is promising a steady flow of downloadable scoundrels in the future. The brawling begins Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

— Lou Kesten

[bergeronprocess]

The funniest coda to the Tyler Bertuzzi saga would be if Toronto required him to get vaccinated before taking the ice

[mizmegs]

Saturday October 20 Domestic @ Coda FREE before 11:30 on guestlist

Weeee the Domestic crew is back at it again. It's free before 11:30 pm so make sure you get at me to get on my guestlist. Email me at guestlist@mizmegs.com.

DJs: Addy Miz Megs b2b Ticky Ty Quim Bout It Coda 794 Bathurst St Toronto

[compariisonkills]

Shades of Grey🖤

@crescent-moonlightt @sunnset-blvdd

[meggobytez-blog]

Ｖｉｂｅｓ　曖めケ

Instagram: meggobytez

[festpop]

An Ode(a) to CODA - Celebrating Four Years of Dancing!

An Ode(a) to CODA – Celebrating Four Years of Dancing!

CODA, Toronto’s dance music sanctuary and successor to the legendary Footwork, turns 4 this year, and we couldn’t be happier to celebrate! If you’re a techno titan or a house head, a visit or two to CODA is a must while in Toronto. Over the past four years, the club has boasted incredible bookings like Dubfire, Tale of Us, Richie Hawtin, Maya Jane Coles, Maceo Plex… we could go on and on – not…

[intothecrowdmagazine]

Preview: Honey Dijon @ CODA | Toronto, ON

Honey Dijon returns to Coda to celebrate the clubs four year anniversary with a massive seven hour open to close set this Saturday. Honey Dijon has been a regular booking for the club since opening its doors in 2014, and her ecstatic style has kept her high in demand for promoters in the city. Dijonstill always returns to throw it down at Coda, possibly as an act of homage for the backing she…

[weathereyehorizon]

Fic Master List

A master list of all my soft and silly little stories!

weathereyehorizon on AO3.

Schitt's Creek

AUs

Body Count rate T, 2232 words

David meets up with Patrick, his barterswap match and almost immediately feels off balance. Neither of them seem to know what the hell is going on. But David does know he likes him.

Under Summer Skies rated T, 4988 words

Patrick Brewer is Toronto's newest starting catcher. He's cocky, confident and looking to lead the Jays to a World Series. If only he can keep his eyes out of the stands and his head in the game.

If I Could Melt Your Heart rated T, 2360 words

David had just completed the combination spin Ronnie had wanted him to work on, when he registered a low whistle from across the rink. He wobbled for a moment looking around to try to find where the unwelcome interruption had come from. David narrowed his eyes when he spotted someone at the far entrance.

.........

Codas, Fix-Its & Canon Compliant

You Might Say I'm Here for You rated G, 3260

Patrick and David take a weekend trip to The Brewers, prior to the wedding. Patrick and Clint have some important conversations and Clint witnesses his son's happiness first hand.

Or

5 questions Patrick doesn't ask Clint and one that he does

Bein' a Villain, for a While rated T, 5970 words

Patrick wasn't at his best supportive button self during Love Letters. David and Stevie, though hilarious, weren't exactly at their best either. What if everyone had responded differently?

.........

Crack & Funnies

Ernesto rated T, 1675 words

The neighbourhood kids have a lot of questions about who is delivering pizza to David and Patrick’s cottage.

Firefly rated T, 2675 words

It's Patrick's day, and they're doing what Patrick wants. David surprises Patrick with a trip to the local fire hall for his birthday. Stevie tags along and is about as helpful as you would expect. Lots of hot fire fighter thirsting and innuendo ensues.

I Don't Know How It Happened But I'm All Shook Up rated T, 965 words

Patrick attempts to have a quiet moment in the kitchen with his husband.

She Sees You When You're Sleeping (with your husband) rated E, 2478 words

5 times Marcy walks in on the boys and 1 time she doesn't - Holiday edition

Sneakers & Cookies rated M, 1119 words

David is very upset over something "terrible" that Patrick has done. Stevie never helps.

I Had My Reservations About Banana rated T, 1018 words

Fic Tropes Bot Prompt: David Rose and Patrick Brewer sensually eat bananas in Texas because there was only one bed.

.........

Epistolary Fics

I'm Gonna Be With You Right Here 'Til the Very End rated T, 916

A fluffy, texting-only fic where Patrick makes everything okay.

Ray Butani: Undercover Matchmaker rated G, 1784 words

It was no coincidence that Patrick took that fateful B13 appointment, but rather an expertly executed plan by Ray Butani: Schitt's Creek’s Undercover Matchmaker.

.........

Fluff & Smutt

What Kind of People Are Afraid of the Rain? rated E, 4277

Stevie helps these idiots figure out their feelings and Patrick is wet for the entirety of this fic.

Let Me Count the Ways rated M, 1690 words

David Rose doesn't say “I love you”. Except for that one time…and those couple of other times. But, by and large, David Rose doesn't say “I love you”.

It's Bedtime David rated E, 2077 words

Neither of them liked to go to bed without the other, but some nights when David was ready earlier, and Patrick was particularly restless, they would adjust their typical routine to accommodate. On those occasions, Patrick always took care of his husband before continuing with his evening endeavours.

Without a Glare but with a Smile rated T, 1005 words

David has a gift for Patrick and it doesn't go over the way he thinks it will.

.........

Song Fics

What a Good Boy rated T, 1029 words

Patrick reflects on his love for David, and what it means to be a good man.

Good Enough rated M, 1936 words

Sebastien Raine visits Schitt's Creek on the same day as Open Mic Night at the Apothecary.

.........

Stevie & Patrick are Buds Series

Happy Hour is Here G, 1190

Stevie is still figuring out David’s new business partner but she’s learned a few things: how much he loves baseball, that Ronnie is going to be his enemy for life, and what his preferences are. The only question is whether some other guy is going to catch Patrick’s eye before David does.

It's Always Who You Least Eggspect rated G, 297 words

Stevie talks Patrick into some petty crime.

Welcome To The Party, Pal rated M, 1626 words

Patrick and Stevie spend Christmas Eve together after the Rose's Christmas Party.

In the Meantime rated T, 1249 words

Stevie gets dropped off at Patrick's apartment after the Hospies.

Looking Good and Feeling Fine rated T, 486 words

Stevie and Patrick return to the motel after a couple of drinks.

Orange rated T, 577 words

Stevie takes Patrick to the spa.

Confession rated G, 312 words

Stevie and Patrick chat at the store.

.........

Poetry

Black & Blue rated G, 16 words

An anniversary poem.

........................................................

Other Fandoms

Outer Range

Can't Make the Same Mistake This Time rated E, 1097 words

They’re too old for this shit, he knows but the animosity between the Abbotts and the Tillersons runs deep, and they’ve all accepted it as the natural order of things. Billy and he are the exception. They are drawn to each other inescapably, as surely as the rest of them seem to repel each other.

There's Peace, I'm Sure rated E, 1629 words

Rhett pays Billy a visit following Trevor's funeral.

.........

Game Changers

When You Hold Me, I'm Alive rated E, 3023 words

A couple of years ago he’d told Shane, as casually as possible, that if he wanted to have sex with other men when they were apart—which was most of the time—he could. ~The Long Game

No Teasing, You Waited Long Enough rated E, 100 words

Three weeks is too fucking long.

i came to win, to fight rated T, 1252 words

Shane has his first NHL fight.

[brian-in-finance]

Kenneth Branagh at the Academy Awards on Sunday. GETTY

Kenneth Branagh's Oscar win was long overdue

For a time it looked as if Branagh may be an odd man out as the nominations flooded in over the decades, eight in all in various categories. But none led to an Oscar.

“This story is the search for joy and hope in the face of violence and loss,” Kenneth Branagh said from the stage at the Oscars on Sunday, holding his long-overdue statuette which defines every actor’s career in terms of whether he or she wins one. Branagh’s inspired screenplay for his movie Belfast had finally won the day.

For a time it looked as if Branagh may be an odd man out as the nominations flooded in over the decades, eight in all in various categories. But none led to an Oscar.

Then Branagh did what great artists can do. He pulled from somewhere deep inside himself the narrative of his childhood, which in his case was the trauma of growing up in a city about to explode in violence.

He won for his screenplay, mainly autobiographical, about the outbreak of The Troubles in Northern Ireland in 1968 as seen through the eyes of an inventive young child whose life changes forever on one terrible day when his city erupts.

Branagh’s Oscar acceptance comments about the search for hope in the midst of misery were a not-so-subtle reference to Ukraine as well. For decades Belfast was the most violent city in Europe. Thousands died, a sad reminder of what happens when borders are drawn by an arbitrary line on a map and those who want no part of that state resist it.

Branagh’s family become internal refugees, forced to flee to England when the local troublemakers targeted them. It is a tale told in Belfast, Sarajevo, Ukraine; the true victims of war are often the least culpable. We do well to remember that today as millions flee Vladimir Putin, a demented dictator intent on restoring an empire that never was and creating a Greater Russia that will never be.

Branagh brought alive that reality as it pertained to Northern Ireland, but with a typical Hollywood pathos and a happy ending.

Some critics saw his film as overly bland in its depiction of Belfast at the height of The Troubles. Others, however, saw a well-crafted childhood memoir that exposed what urban warfare really can do to harden hearts and minds.

In the end, Belfast worked in securing Branagh his professional due at last. It was slightly ironic that the Belfast-born actor, who despite his Irish birth is considered a quintessential British classical actor, won his biggest prize by reprising his brief childhood years spent in Belfast before moving to Britain.

The lack of other Oscars for his film gives testament to the drawback of being fastest out of the gate. Adored at the Toronto International Film Festival and the early frontrunner for the Best Picture Oscar, Belfast inevitably faded as the Oscars date loomed.

Branagh, a Shakespearean actor par excellence, might have quoted the bard who wrote “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,” from Shakespeare’s Henry IV.

Indeed, Branagh was not the only Irish-born actor to step on the Oscar stage. Ferdia Walsh-Peelo from Wicklow played Miles, the singing partner, and love interest of Ruby (Emilia Jones) in the Best Picture winner CODA, and he surely has a bright future, but one cannot say the same about the Oscar show itself.

The show was way long with too much virtue signaling. Too self-important by half, the show was once again bloated and pretty boring, until the now infamous punch was thrown by Will Smith on Chris Rock’s face.

Perhaps that was such a knockout that Oscar organizers may finally fix a format that currently is too wieldy. But we won’t hold our breath!

https://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/niallodowd/kenneth-branagh-oscar-win-overdue

Remember… for decades Belfast was the most violent city in Europe. Thousands died, a sad reminder of what happens when borders are drawn by an arbitrary line on a map and those who want no part of that state resist it. — Irish Central

[yegarts]

EAC celebrates the Outstanding Achievements of 20 Local Professional Artists

The Edmonton Arts Council, City of Edmonton and Edmonton Community Foundation are pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund awards.

“We are delighted to celebrate 20 remarkable local artists that call the Edmonton region home” said Sanjay Shahani, Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council. “These artists excel in their disciplines and are constantly working to broaden and promote the Edmonton arts community. The recipients help make Edmonton a vibrant and engaging city, alive with arts and culture.”

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients,” said Martin Garber-Conrad, CEO of Edmonton Community Foundation. “We look forward to watching these artists’ careers grow as they continue shaping our city.”

The Edmonton Artists' Trust Fund (EATF) recognizes an artist’s work and contribution to the community. The $15,000 awards provide financial stability for artists to renew, develop, create or experiment. These awards are supported by the proceeds from the Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund, held by the Edmonton Community Foundation. In 2017 the Eldon and Anne Foote family fund began making contributions directly, to allow for an increased value and number of awards. This stands now at $120,000 annually, committed through 2021. In addition, in the fall of 2020 an anonymous, private donation of $100,000 was received via the Edmonton Community Foundation to invest directly in artists though the EATF process.

More information about the Edmonton Arts Council’s grants and award programs can be found at: grants.edmontonarts.ca 

Recipients of the 2020 Edmonton Artists’ Trust Fund Award:

Former Edmonton Poet Laureate Ahmed Ali, AKA Knowmadic, is a community organizer, public speaker, youth worker, poet and musician who strives to empower diverse communities across the globe. Knowmadic is co-founder and former Artistic Director of Edmonton’s only spoken word collective, Breath In Poetry.

Alma Visscher is an installation artist whose actions and built environments are inserted into the landscape. Her work is influenced by traditional dye methods, notions of vastness and intermediary spaces, and surface architecture.

Andrea Bellegarde-Courchene is a skilled fiber artist from Little Black Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 who truly brings vision to form. Through her traditional star blankets and ribbon skirts she transmits her gift of artistic expression and a healing resurgence of her Cree/Ojibway culture.

A long-time fixture in the Edmonton music scene, Cam Neufeld has played his own style of fiddle music in clubs and festivals across the prairies and around the world. From the street to the concert hall, his musical journey has spanned the gamut of styles from traditional fiddling to jazz.

Celeigh Cardinal is a multi-award-winning Métis singer-songwriter. With numerous accolades to her name, several highlights include taking home awards at the 2020 Juno Awards, the 2018 Western Canadian Music Awards, multiple Edmonton Music Awards, and recently she received two nominations for the 2020 Western Canadian Music Awards for Indigenous Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

As a musician and sound designer, Dave Clarke has composed and produced music and sound designs for over 500 projects in theatre, film, dance and multi-media. He is also a playwright, whose multi-award-winning Theatre for Young Audiences piece, Songs My Mother Never Sung Me, draws on his experience growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).

Josh Languedoc is an Anishinaabe playwright, theatre artist, and educator. Josh has toured across Canada with his solo storytelling show Rocko and Nakota: Tales From the Land, and is currently studying at the University of Alberta, working on his Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Practices with a research interest in Indigenous playwriting and storytelling.

Kristi Hansen is a prolific theatre artist whose work includes dramaturgy, direction, stage management, administration, and teaching. She is also the co-founder of Edmonton’s all-female theatre company, The Maggie Tree, whose mandate is to support the development and visibility of female-identifying humans in creative leadership roles in the arts, and was until recently the co-Artistic Producer with Azimuth Theatre.

Leona Brausen is a multi-talented actor, writer, costume designer, and improviser. As a costume designer, she has worked for Mayfield Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Shadow Theatre and Teatro La Quindicina where she's an Artistic Associate. Her work has garnered her both Sterling nominations and awards.

Marty Chan is a children's author with a background in theatre, radio, and television. Using a combination of storytelling, improv, humour, and stage magic, he shares his love of words with audiences young and old, inspiring the next generation of lifelong readers and writers.

Matthew MacKenzie is a multi-award-winning Métis playwright. MacKenzie founded Pyretic Productions in Edmonton in 2008, which produces new works with strong socio-political themes. In 2018, his play Bears won Doras for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production, was named a co-winner of the Toronto Theatre Critics Outstanding New Canadian Play Award and won the Playwright Guild of Canada’s Carol Bolt National Playwriting Award.

Matthew Stepanic is a freelance writer, poet, editor of The Glass Buffalo, and poetry editor for Eighteen Bridges. Stepanic also co-manages Glass Bookshop, Edmonton’s newest bookstore that focuses on Canadian writing with special attention paid to LGBTQ2SIA and IBPOC writers, as well as the independent publishers who help to produce their work.

Matthew Wood, AKA Creeasian, is an entrepreneur, youth educator, dancer, DJ, producer, and tours as a dancer with the Juno Award winning group A Tribe Called Red. He is committed to bridging hip-hop and Indigenous culture, using the arts to empower and unite youth.  

Megan Dart is a playwright, poet, and the co-Artistic Producer of the award-winning indie company Catch the Keys Productions, best known for its site-specific, immersive theatre creations. Dart is also the co-Artistic Producer of Common Ground Arts Society, the Communications Specialist with Fringe Theatre, and a member of The Edmonton Poetry Brothel.

Swiss native Michael Zaugg is the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the professional chamber choir Pro Coro Canada. A passionate pedagogue, Zaugg is strongly committed to his work with choirs and emerging artists.

Michele Vance Hehir is an accomplished playwright. She won first place in the 2017 annual Alberta Playwrights’ Network competition for her full-length play, The Blue Hour, which received its premiere production at Edmonton’s Skirts Afire Festival in 2020.

Shannon Blanchet has appeared on stages across Canada, off-Broadway and in London's West End.  Off the stage, Blanchet is a teacher and coach with the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama and has recently completed a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Voice Pedagogy at the University of Alberta, where her interdisciplinary research focused on the neurological correlates of Voice and Speech Training.

Sharmila Mathur is the Director of the Indian Music Ensemble in the Department of Music at the University of Alberta and the founder of the Indian Music Academy. Through her music instruction and performances, she shares the rich tradition of classical Indian music, and continues to collaborate with musicians from other cultures to create fusion music showcasing the diversity of our community.

For over two decades, Timothy Bowling’s fiction, non-fiction, and poetry has been regularly published and recognized for its excellence, garnering numerous national, provincial and civic honours. In 2008, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awarded Bowling a fellowship recognizing his entire body of work. As an active member of Edmonton’s literary community Bowling has worked closely with many local writers as a mentor, writer-in-residence and Sessional instructor in literature and creative writing.

Zach Polis is a writer, filmmaker, and photographer, and former Poet Laureate of St. Albert. He has performed in New York City, as well as on CBC Radio. His poems have been recognized on Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue, and he recently completed a spoken word residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.