Spring 2007 Photographs

Performers / Schedule / Art / Venues / Sponsors / Memberships / Photos / Home / Contact

 

January 5th
Titillating Tails

Get ready for an evening of scintillating seduction. Burlesque, drag queens, puppet striptease, It's all here! It's a sexy, fun, and crazy show!

Little Woo: Little Woo is a performance artist and spiritual counselor in Vancouver, BC who offers a series of workshops in Spiritual Alchemy (energy-based teachings).  She is also the creator of Burlesque Yoga, with has been prominently featured in publications such as the Georgia Straight and in the Vancouver Sun.  Her workshops help to empower and inspire, with practical teachings about how to work with energy and how to feel more bliss in your life. 

Randy Andy: Andre Russo, aka Randy Andy, has a deep passion for music and dance. He's been dancing recreationally for the last 6 to 7 years in styles ranging from ballroom, salsa to west coast swing. He also teaches and DJ's for the Urban Beat Dance Company in Vancouver and is known for his cheeky West Coast Swing dance routines.
Malaika Millions: A body language poetess articulating her titillating assets, Malaika Millions takes her Words off in a Script-Tease of incomparable style! Studied in Poetry Performance and Impersonation, her hybrid personality dazzles and surprises. A versatile performer of Hottlesque Cheese Cake Burlesque and Conceptual Satire Burlesque, this femme fatale is also a motorcycle-riding, Chihuahua-toting, cute but vitriolic vixen. She's got enough self-penned quips to keep you quoting long after the show.
Teddy Smooth: "Teddy Smooth, the Boylesque sensation that rocked a nation!  His unforgettable performance as "Chef Teddy" blasted Teddy onto the burlesque scene and had audiences hot for more.  His combination a slick, smooth style and laugh out loud antics have quickly rocketed Teddy into Sass-dom, a combination of Sassiness and Stardom. Often seen teamed up with sassy ladies Teddy Smooth, the Boylesque Casanova, leaves it all on stage, giving the audience his first, his last, his everything.  If you haven't seen a Teddy Smooth show then come on out and get yourself a treat."

Sticky Fingers: Sticky Fingers was created to bring new works of puppetry to Vancouver audiences. Enlisting diverse members from the performing and visual arts, the group began working together in 2005. Combining movement, theatre, sculpture and puppetry, Sticky Fingers began to shape its premiere production about a bathtub, a man without an imagination, and a magical journey.  Down the Drain premiered at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in September 2006 to glowing reviews from young and old alike. Critics called it “charming,” “irreverent” and “wickedly inventive.” 

Sticky Fingers brings you puppetry with no strings attached! After a successful run in the 2006 Vancouver Fringe Festival with their acclaimed debut "Down the Drain," Sticky Fingers does what anyone else would do: TAKE IT OFF! Sticky Fingers' own siren Tara Goerzen brings sexy back to the world of inanimate objects. Created by Tara Goerzen/Sticky Fingers Productions.


photo: Toni Latour,
www.three-dollar-bill.com
Buster Cherry: Buster Cherry first appeared on the scene about 10 years ago, doing a Michael Jackson tune at the Lotus. The high of performing has never worn off, and since then he's done a lot of work at different venues around town. His musical repertoire has expanded to include funk, rap and reggae (50 years of careful listening has finally paid off.) But the real feather in his cap was being voted Emperor XXXII of the Dogwood Monarchist Society this March. It's been a busy year for Buster, but he always finds the time to have a decent beer at his favourite pub and talk about the good old dykes. Ahem...days.
 
Both Sides of the Coin: Chris Murdoch: Chris is a firm believer in magic. Not illusions of hocus-pocus, but the magic of human potential. He has been studying the performing arts for nearly fifteen years, and has toured across Australia and Canada. Chris’ performance is at times mystifying, powerful and inspiring. He weaves a spell of enchantment with a crytal ball contact juggling act, Polynesian fire dancing, and rhythm instruments from around the world.

Jake West, BA: From class clown to professional performer, Jake has been making people laugh since day one. Intensely creative, he has designed interactive performances delighting audiences all over the world.
Complimenting his comedic ability, Jake is also an accomplished diaboloist, contact juggler, fire manipulator and percussionist.

A high energy eclectic blend of global influences – cutting edge prop manipulation, multi-national music, original audience participation and an undeniable presecence, both sides of the coin was born from two minds and one goal: to make people happy!
The Family Stump: THE FAMILY STUMP, Vancouver’s funniest and most inappropriate all-original country band, serves up salty classics like “Keep It In The Family”, “Daddy’s Got Himself A Big One, Baby”, and “Have You Seen My Taint?”, along with bushels of morally suspect, improvised redneck banter. Pa, Kitty, Rusty, Dusty, Bjorn and Chastity Stump will make you cringe, groan, violate your parole conditions, and laugh your face off. Spread the love and avoid the authorities.
February 5th
Journey to Asia

Explore the wide range of culture that Asia has to offer. The evening will start off with a delectable, savory Thai dinner. Music and dance will be on the menu afterwards.

Takeo Yamashiro : Born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1943, Takeo Yamashiro studied the shakuhachi for seven years with Master Shuzan Yamashita in Kyoto and in 1971, was promoted to uchideshi (protege and successor) to Master Koku Kikusui in Kyoto. With this mastership, he was awarded the professional name, Rempu, which means Lotus Wind. Living in Vancouver since 1972, Takeo has remained committed to the shakuhachi and has introduced Japanese music and the shakuhachi to thousands through his performances across North America.

"...It brings to one's mind the haunting music of bygone days and traditions. It is music that is always pleasant, music that soothes and hypnotises the listener in a most beguiling way. And the way Yamashiro performs on his instrument simply transforms us into his distinctive tradition, transcending the mundane in our life into a realm of magical beauty." - CHQM 1320 (Vancouver, Canada)

 
Orchid Ensemble : The Orchid Ensemble blends ancient musical instruments and traditions from China and beyond, creating a beautiful new sound that is both creative and distinct. The ensemble has embraced a variety of musical styles to its repertoire, ranging from the traditional and contemporary music of China, World Music, New Music to Jazz and Creative Improvisation. The energetic yet endearing performance style of the ensemble consistently intrigues and delights its audiences, consistently receiving standing ovations. Acclaimed as 'One of the brightest blossoms on the world music scene' (Georgia Straight), the Orchid Ensemble has been tirelessly developing an innovative musical genre based on the cultural exchange between Western and Asian musicians.
Vancouver Korean Dance Society: This dance troupe will dazzle you with their vivid costumes and their graceful movements. Come and experience the beauty of Korean classical dance. The intricate beauty of Korean dance is characterized by stunning silk costumes, detailed fans and exquisite choreographic detail.
March 5th
Bust a Gut

Laugh yourself to tears with this fun evening of comedy and improv by "The Sunday Service"
www.myspace.com/sundayserviceturbo

Ryan Beil: Ryan Beil has just graduated with a BFA in Acting from the University of British Columbia, and recently won a Jessie Richardson Award for being an outstanding newcomer. Recent Theatrical credits include Transit Lounge, Village of Idiots, Anne Frank and the 4H Club. Ryan also performs with the improv duo Storytellers.

Taz VanRassel: Taz has been performing improvised theatre for over 10 years. He is a regular staple on the Vancouver comedy scene; performing with Urban Improv, Vancouver Theatresports and with Instant Theatre Co. Recent accomplishments include First place in both the Edmonton TheatreSports Tournament and Toronto’s Tournament of Wonders. Taz has trained, performed and taught throughout Canada, the USA, Australia and Europe.

Kevin Lee: As both a stand-up and improv comedian Kevin has won awards at the UBC Improv Tournament, !nstant Theatre’s Cage Match and Vancouver’s Best New Comic Competition. His unique stage presence and absurdist characterizations have made him a hit at both the Vancouver International Comedy Festival and the Vancouver International Improv Festival.

Aaron Read: This will be Aaron's 4th year performing Improvised theater. He has shared his excitement and eagerness for Improvisation with accomplished groups AKA Improv co and The Storytellers. Aaron's recent achievements have included a Nomination with AKA at the Canadian comedy awards in London, Ontario and has recently completed a 30 minute improvised solo-longform. He has also studied in a series of challenging conservatory classes directed by Alistair cook.
April 5th
Escape / Remix

A Co.ERASGA presentation of mix dance work featuring a glimpse of Alvin Erasga Tolentino's latest creation BodyGlass

Co. ERASGA is a Vancouver based contemporary dance company under the directorship of Filipino/Canadian choreographer and dancer, Alvin Erasga Tolentino. The mission of Co. ERASGA is to produce, present and promote original contemporary dance to a broad public audience across British Columbia, Canada and internationally with special emphasis on: fostering the development of innovative new works, the spiritual realm as an integral part of the human experience and the Asian heritage within the Canadian multicultural context. For more information, please visit: www.companyerasgadance.ca

Alvin Erasga Tolentino – Choreographer/ Dancer:
As one of Canada’s leading Asian/Canadian contemporary dance artists, Alvin Erasga Tolentino continues to bring a fresh voice to both national and international audiences. He formed ERASGA in 2000, and to date, the company has presented 15 of his solo and full-length pieces: Sola 1998, BATO/Stone and Minori 2001, Volt 2002, Field 2003, She Said and OrienTik/Portrait 2004/05. This spring he remounts his full-length solo Field for a five-city, national tour in Canada and then to the Philippines in the summer. He is also co-creating a new work entitled, BODYGlass with Toronto’s acclaimed Peter Chin to be featured in July 2007 at Centre A (International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art), and begins an international collaboration on a new solo dance with French composer Emmanuel Mailley (St. Aubain) in Laon, France for the Fall.

Alison Denham – Dancer
Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Alison Denham moved to Vancouver to pursue professional dance training at Arts Umbrella and then at the Ballet BC Mentor Program. As an independent dance artist she has worked with the following companies: Dance Arts Vancouver, Kinesis Dance, Dance Theatre David Earle, Dancers Dancing, Pro Arte Danza, and independent choreographers Andrea Nann and Michael Trent. From 2001-05 she was a company member with the Toronto based Dancemakers under Artistic Director Serge Bennathan. She was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the B.C. Arts Council to attend the Impulstanz Festival in Vienna, 2006. Alison also explores choreography and has created for performance and for film. She will be presenting an original commission in the Chutzpah! Festival, 2007. Alison is currently living in Vancouver, BC and dancing with Wen Wei Dance and Co. ERASGA.

Deanna Peters – Dancer
Deanna is a graduate of the dance programs at Grant MacEwan College and Simon Fraser University.  Professionally she has danced for Paul-Andre Fortier, Bill Coleman, Barbara Bourget, Heidi Bunting Dance, Co. ERASGA, Peter Chin, Kokoro Dance Theatre and Karen Jamieson Dance.  She has performed her own choreography at 12 Minutes Max and Dances for a Small Stage.

 

photo: Steven Lemay
Eileen Kage – Taiko drummer/ Percussionist
Eileen Kage has been working with the taiko since the 1980's, composing, touring and collaborating with artists in various disciplines over the years. She is a founding member of local groups  Uzume Taiko, Sawagi Taiko and LOUD.  In addition to her work with Nishihara & Kage Duo, she currently works with taiko master Tiffany Tamaribuchi in her group JODAIKO and with veteran electric guitarist Elaine Stef as LOUD.
May 5th
Jesters, Jugglers, and Jousters

In the House is going back in time to the Medieval period. Join us for a banquet and some performances that you will never forget. Jousting, swordplay, fire juggling, music, royalty... it's all there. The banquet is prepared by Heidi Birk.

Toot-a-Lute: Men in lace and frock coats, women in all-out Renaissance and Regency dresses, all singing, dancing, and playing like there’s no tomorrow. We come bearing a slinky black saxophone, a button accordion, a fiddle, two clarinets, a mini tuba, a mandolin, tin whistles, and a bewildering variety of drums and percussion instruments. Two matched dance leaders will lead you through easy-to-learn dances from another time and another world. Singers of every flavour, including fugitives from some pretty famous choirs and operas, will turn your event from satisfactory to smashing. You can’t categorize the music we play. Old-world music from every corner of the globe, folk dance tunes that gets toes tapping and people hopping, romantic waltzes, cheery polkas, Irish country songs, simple yet graceful medieval court dances you can learn to do in two minutes, hauntingly lovely original melodies and a few oddball piece for unique occasions – we have something for everyone!
Jesters by Playmore Theatre Co.: Jesting services for the evening will be provided by Chris Ross and Jack Garton, founding members of the PlayMore theatre Co. Since being formed in 2006 to produce the bombastically entertaining "Church of Pointless Consumerism", PlayMore has been religiously committed to buffoonery, spanking and physical fitness; performing when you least expect it. Jack performs regularly with Maria in the Shower, a jazz/film/body-art ensemble, and the Vancouver Fool's Society (The Mad Tea Party, Fool's Day Parade). Chris has been pioneering in the realms of interactive and all-ages theatre, producing plays with children and promoting moustache-wearing as an act of real world theatre among young men and women.  
Lesley Phillips: Psychic Biography: Lesley Phillips is a professional clairvoyant, healer and spiritual teacher, with over 10 years experience giving healings and readings to satisfied clients. She received her training as a healer from the School of Insight and Intuition, Richmond, UK and from the CDM Psychic Institute, Vancouver Canada. She has also graduated from a two year clairvoyant training program and a one year spiritual teacher training program taught by the CDM Psychic Institute, Everett, WA. Lesley’s focus is on helping her clients to increase their self awareness so they can consciously take charge of their lives.

Did You Have a Past Life in Medieval Times?: Find out by booking a past life reading with Lesley Phillips. We will look at relevant past lives, including sex, location and lifestyle, plus we shall provide information on major life lessons that are pertinent to understanding your current life circumstances.  The readings will last for 15 minutes and the cost per reading is $20.

Click here to sign up for a reading

King Edmund and Queen Catherine: King Edmund and Queen Catherine will grace us with their presence during dinner. As they are sure that all who attend this revelry have done good deeds they have agreed to knight all who wish it. Come prepared with one good deed that you have done and take home a keepsake of your knighting. Remember. Both women and men can be knighted. They are equal opportunity Royalty.

Characters are being provided by: The BC Renaissance Festival

Academie Duello: Devon Boorman has been playing with swords since he was a small child. His formal education in swordplay began with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), an organization devoted to the study and recreation of medieval and renaissance arts. Devon recently trained actors on the television series Smallville and served as a historical combat consultant for the Discovery Channel. A highly accomplished martial artist, Devon has won more than 30 European martial arts competitions, and worked on both stage and screen as a stunt person and choreographer.

Randy Packer also discovered Renaissance swordplay through the SCA. He was instantly hooked, having been a fan of the Three Musketeers since childhood. He is a devoted daily practitioner of the arts of the rapier, longsword, backsword, Italian grappling, and Renaissance European philosophy. Randy has been an avid martial artist since 1980, studying European martial arts as well as most of the major Asian styles. Randy is active in the European martial arts research community, and plays a leading role in bringing these arts back to life.
Ariel Amara: Ariel has been exploring various forms of art and performance for over 5 years. She has been dancing since she could walk, and has dabbled in many different movement arts throughout her life. Ariel has found her passion in practicing hoop dance, object manipulation, and intimate interaction with the elements. Inspired by life in a creative community she continues to cultivate her skills and body awareness.

“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.”
-Rumi

 

 

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!\