Not so abstract

I love watching black-and-white films - I’m in awe of how these films stack up, given that the technology available to make today’s films was not available then. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of current films as well - but there’s majesty and intrigue in the black and white. Some of these films that later became available in colour lost some of its charm and grandeur.

One of the reasons I an a fan of Quentin’s Tarantino’s Kill Bill series was his use of black-and-white imagery. I am not a film expert or critic by any means - there are some movies that I like, which would make a film critic gasp, but I am drawn to certain films and that’s that.

Some of the black-and-white films I’ve seen over and over again are: Roman Holiday, Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Philadelphia Story, Arsenic and Old Lace and To Kill a Mockingbird, to name some.

But, so many movies have come since then - a list too long to summarize in this column, but certain ones — both black and white and in colour – stand out in my mind. From Here to Eternity, An Affair to Remember, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Baby Boom, When Harry Met Sally, Mystic Pizza, Chasing Amy, Say Anything, Batman, Goodfellas and Benny & Joon and Ocean’s 11, to name a few.

So what are some of your favourite films — black-and-white films, or in colour?

Speaking of making old things new again, the BBC released an archived interview with John Lennon and Paul McCartney talking about their songwriting process. I can’t wait to listen to the entire interview, being the devout Beatles fan that I am. The most famous and successful pairing in music history is brought back to life, even if for a mere moment. 

Apparently, I don’t “seem” the type that listens to classic rock - Led Zep, Queen, Joplin, The Who, Hendrix, etc. But, looks can be deceiving - especially when it comes to music. Just ask the Wilson sisters from Heart, one of my all-time favourite bands blast-from-the-past bands. When they first started out as musicians, and then joining the band that eventually became Heart, women were not really considered to be rockers. But that would soon change.

I’m hoping that will be one of the topics talked about in the book by Jake Brown, Heart: In the Studio. The book promises to offer fans a “backstage pass” to the writing and recording of Heart’s hit singles and albums, as well as interviews with the Wilson sisters and other band members. It will be added to my reading list, no doubt!

But, classic rock is not my sole indulgence. I’m mad about jazz too! The TD-Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival will ’straighten up and fly right’- I had to use it - from June 19-29, with a special event on July 1. ‘It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing’ … okay, that’s the last of my cliché references to jazz! But, truly both great jazz tunes, sung by various artists over the years.

I am hoping to score tickets to the Al Green concert on June 19, but I may be a little late. If not, I’ll just pop into local venues around town over the festival and sample its offerings. I covered the festival for the Web last year, mainly a preview and then profiles of some artists during the festival - Chris Botti, Lina Allemano and Eliana Cuevas, to name three.

On a completely different note, I so wanted to watch the new CBC show, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, which debuted Sunday night. It’s based on the BBC series by Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian - the same producers have teamed up with Mirvish Productions to bring The Sound of Music to the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto this fall. It’s about time that Canadian music reality shows venture beyond the now stale Canadian Idol.

Bathroom Divas on Bravo is another great series, featuring those opera star wannabes who have dreamed of performing with an orchestra, in front of a packed concert hall. The second season ended last year, so I am hoping another one is in the works. I think the show offered insight into the grueling and unappreciated form of music. Most people think that opera is boring or uptight, but it’s actually passionate and raw - especially the arias.

Last, but not least, I am looking forward to the release of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends on June 17. I haven’t really listen to any clips yet from CDUniverse or Amazon, since I want to be surprised. RollingStone magazine gave it 3.5 stars out of 5, which is quite good, so I’m optimistic.

Sadly, I didn’t get to do anything “luminato” this weekend as I had planned - too many errands and chores got in the way of my having fun! I hope you were able to though. There’s still a week left, in case you didn’t get around to it this weekend.

On another note, I got a comment from a reader last week asking my thoughts on the Sex and the City movie as a fan. I saw the movie on Friday, the day it opened. I can’t believe my friends and I got tickets, considering it was already sold out at other theatres the day before. Anyway, I was quiet for a week, since I was waiting for a co-worker to see the flick - she didn’t want to read or see any reviews of the movie, until she saw it. But, now that she’s seen it, all is fair in love and Sex.

For those Sex fans who still haven’t seen it, but plan to, I won’t be revealing much, in terms of spoilers, so not to worry. First off, I went into the movie as a Sex fan, but without the high expectations most people have when they see a highly anticipated movie. I also didn’t go to see the movie as a film buff or critic, waiting to dissect a movie’s flaws, such as character, script, production, direction, etc. - what would be the fun in that? I went into it simply as a fan of the TV show. And well, I loved it! As my co-worker put it, “I laughed and cried throughout.” As did I, as did I.

I went to see it at the Rainbow Cinemas in a theatre that only seated 100 people. It was an intimate gathering of Sex fans and their friends. You could hear bouts of laughter and silent sobs at various scenes. I know, you’re probably thinking, what’s there to cry about? Well, see it, and you’ll find out. You have to also think about this way: The six-year series ended much quicker than most shows do, so fans couldn’t wait to see what their favourite gals were up to after three years. The emotions were a catharsis of sorts, pent up after three years of waiting and hoping for the movie to be made. And, with the series, each half-hour episode led you wanting more and more Sex, so the prospect of two hours was so appealing!

The series ended on a high note - fans still wanted more Sex, and well, let’s just say that with this movie, they got it! While the movie stayed true to the heart of the series, I wasn’t fond of some differences. First, I didn’t like having the designer brand names thrown in my face during the movie. There was more of a subtlety with the series. The music was not as original and unique as with the series. I also saw less of New York City - its people, streets, cafes, restaurants, and architecture, etc., since the movie shifted to Los Angeles at times and to Mexico. There also seemed to be less of Carrie’s narration during the movie.

But, in all honestly, those differences didn’t phase my opinion of the movie. And while I heard some criticism of how old Carrie — a.k.a. Sarah Jessica Parker — seemed in the movie, or distaste for her outrageous outfits and wild hair, I thought see looked great, as usual. I’ve always admired Carrie’s signature carefree personality, funky wardrobe, wavy hair and big style.

So, if you go to see the movie, don’t view it from a film critic’s perspective - just go to the movie for the sake of having fun, for goodness sakes, and you’ll enjoy it. In the end, I got “carried” away with Sex.  Honest.

Luminato - the city’s festival of arts and creativity - is back! From June 6-15, the city will be illuminated with visual arts, theatre performances, music and dance. The city is literally transformed into beams of light, both in his appearance and vibrant event offerings. It all starts with a party at Yonge-Dundas Square on June 6.

This year, there’ll be more dance and theatrical exhibits, with a mix of art installations and interactive displays. I remember walking down the lakefront during Luminato’s wrap-up free festivities last year, after taking the L’Art boat cruise that roamed adrift of the Harbourfront area, and was intrigued by these cut-off trailers with arts installations inside. People had to walk into them, one or two at a time, and stare into the abyss, figuratively. Freaky cool. Propped in the middle of Harbourfront was a Mardi Gras party - part of Carnivalissima - I still have my purple beads from that night.

The people I went with, including me, all thought we were in “bizarro world” or something, at “the nexus of the universe” - to use some Superman and Seinfeld lingo - a riddle wrapped up around a mystery. It was a mysterious night for sure and we had a hoot, even though it was damp and rainy. There’s nothing like venturing around the city in the rain, everything seems to look so different. Just be sure to carry a sweater, since the cool lakefront air could leave you wanting to run inside for warmth, and what would be the point in that?

So, are you planning to check out Luminato this year? Did you last year? Feel free to share your Luminato stories here.

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I never had a chance to comment on last week’s Rolling Stonemagazine’s list of the best 100 guitar rock songs of all time. Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode was ranked as number, with good reason. Do you agree with it? I do - it was one of those songs that just had the punch and rhythm to get you off your feel and practice some air guitar! It was one the first songs I listened to as a kid that got me hooked to rock ‘n’ roll.

Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without some Beatles tunes, Led Zep, Jimi, Elvis, the Who, Queen, Clapton, Springsteen, U2, AC/DC, etc. I was surprised to see Prince’s Purple Rain on the list of guitar rock songs, but who doesn’t love Prince? He should be on every “best of” list! To check out the Rolling Stone article, click here.

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On Monday, I will have my take on the Sex and the City movie — I’ve just been waiting for a colleague (That’s me! And I’m seeing it tonight, pre-purchased tickets!!! — Ed.) to finish seeing it, who doesn’t want to read or hear anything about the movie until she’s seen it. She’s a Sex fan too — who can blame her? All I’ll say is that if you go to see the movie as a fan, without any pre-conceived expectations, then you’ll enjoy it for sure!

I know, I know, this is supposed to be a column about the arts, but how I could not write about today’s release of the Sex and the City movie? It’s the long-awaited continuation of the television series, which captured various aspects of the arts, from fashion, music, avant-gardism, architecture, and channelled itself into the arts as well.

The show did not set fashion trends, in my opinion, but rather, created pieces of fashion art with each item of clothing, shoe, accessory, etc., and styles unique to each character. A trend is just a phase that is soon forgotten, but who can forget what Carrie wore and when? What she wore became immortalized in the fashion hall of fame. I am sure the movie will have the same impact. I can’t wait to see it!

There was also great music featured in Sex and the City, from lesser-known artists to well-known ones as well. HBO’s website has a list of music featured on each episode since season four. Carrie also happened to date a musician, who introduced her to jazz, and of course, visual artist Aleksandr Petrovsky, who she leaves for Big in the series finale.

I love NYC, so I was thrilled each week to see what “New York” restaurant, event, music club, café, etc. would be featured each week. I even went to couple when I was there, in particular Magnolia Bakery! Scenes of NYC’s architecture, old and new and its museums, from MoMA to the Met, also drew my attention.

I just read a comment written by a priest in a Toronto newspaper who dissected the show excessively, criticizing the four women’s “adolescent” behaviour and the “emptiness” of the show. But, come one, what we loved about the television series was that the women didn’t take themselves so seriously. But more so, the fact that the women relied on each when things were in the pits — these were the relationships they came to depend on in the end, so that’s hardly empty or adolescent.

So, here’s to Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte - the gals of Sex and the City who lived live large and to the fullest. And now…I sip my Cosmo.

Rumours have been circulating that 70s classic rock band, Led Zeppelin, will be stopping in Toronto this August for several shows at the Rogers Centre. This was according to a MuchMusic blogger, who attributed the information to an unnamed “reliable source.” For a huge Led Zep fan like myself, I would be in groupie heaven.

If I had lived through the band’s peak years, I’d no doubt be a crazed disciple - although I would rather be the teen in Almost Famous, who follows a band on their tour for a feature story in RollingStone magazine. Tickets to the show will most likely be hard to come by, but I’ve been waiting for this moment since the first time I heard a Led Zep tune as a pre-teen. I was hooked from the first coda.

But, this may be just a dream on everyone’s part. The National Post, The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star talked to concert promoters and a spokesperson at the Rogers Centre, who suggested this was not the case, although they wouldn’t rule anything out. So is this just a dazed and confused fantasy on our parts? Or a communication breakdown? Let me know your thoughts.

After the band reunited for a one-time concert at London, England’s O2 arena in December 2007, fans and the media have been drooling over the possibility of a tour. I know I have. Those who saw the band perform before their break up in 1980, they’d relieve the good times, bad times of their past through the music. Others like me - who was only two-years-old in 1980 - would be able to witness rock royalty.

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While we wait in anticipation of possible tour dates in Toronto, there are a few things to do in the city this weekend and into early next week that will engage your interest:

Doors Open: This ninth annual event opens doors to architecture, history and culture in the city.
www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

Green Toronto Festival: The city’s annual mayhem of all things green, for two days only - May 23-24.
www.toronto.ca/greentorontofestival

Streetsville Arts Collective: Over 85 artists will be on-hand at the first annual two-week Streetsville Arts Fest. Opening night is on May 23.
www.streetsvillearts.com/artsfest.html

De Colores Festival of New Works: On May 25-26, explore works by Latin-Canadian/American playwrights.
www.alamedatheatre.com/decolores.htm

“When I was your age, television was called books,” says the pensive old man to his grandson in the movie, The Princess Bride, which I saw again over the long weekend. Sure, I like to escape to the movies, but I like to be distracted with a good book. As I write this, I’m reading Stephen Davis’ Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga. Before this read, I had my head buried in A Room Full of Mirrors, by Charles R. Cross — an engrossing biography of Jimi Hendrix, which kept me in a purple hazy delight.

Okay, so I can’t get enough of books on musicians and music. But, I also drown my thoughts in classic literature, books on the Elizabethan reign, mystery novels, first-person journalism, etc. I used to read a lot of fiction, but have been on a non-fiction path over the past couple of years — not self-help or celebrity biographies - but anything on history, war, stories on heroic struggles, and so on.

I am completely enraptured by the book I am reading now, the biography of Led Zeppelin — one of my favourite bands. It’s not just a regular bio of who did what and when, but a fascinating tale filled with scrumptious details and musical notes. I like biographies that are interwoven with stories, anecdotes and dialogue, such as Bob Dylan’s Chronicles Volume I, which also has some riveting time shifts — no doubt Dylan is great writer.

Is there a biography you’ve read that you enjoyed, or maybe one you want to read? What other books are on your read and readings lists? Let me share some of my other favourite reads:

-The Face of War, by Martha Gelhorn
-The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup, by Susan Orlean
-The Hours, by Michael Cunningham
-Iran Awakening, by Shirin Ebadi
-The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence
-The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
-Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
-All the President’s Men, by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein

They are a couple of books on my to-read list: Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, Best American Travel Writing, by various authors, and I’m sure more will be added on. Lately, I’ve become interested in books on Arthurian legends and medieval history. If you have suggestions for possible reads, please do send them my way.

If you’re looking for next reads and book events, check out these sites:

-Chapters-Indigo community zone

-Toronto Public Library book:
Events
Recommendations

-TorontoOnline.org (by the Toronto Arts Council)

-New York Times book lists

-The Globe and Mail book lists

Escape to the arts this Victoria Day long weekend wherever you decide to spend it, in town or elsewhere.

If you’re staying in town, the city has an array of music, theatre, gallery and literary offerings that will tickle your creative palate. In the mood for a day trip, the Stratford Festival may be an option. But, even venturing down to your neighbourhood watering hole, coffeehouse or bookstore might offer up some pleasers as well.

For those eager cottage-trekkers, a song or two around a campfire can bring out artsy side in just about anyone, even if there is no one plays the guitar. Although this may sound corny, try out your silent acting skills with a little charades. Check out the nearby town as well or any local arts events as well.

If you have an arts event that people should check out this long weekend, please feel free share!

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So, if you’re staying in the city, below are just a few of the possible escapades:

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-Drake Hotel-

In Support of Living + Picturesound - electro/indie group, In Support of Living, perform soundscapes that evoke emotive music. Picturesound draw on inspiration from Brit pop of the mid-’90s, the mod ’60s and other pop sounds to create melodic music.

Get Riddim — Get connected with the roots of urban music, as Get Riddim’ DJs spin reggae, dub, and favourites.

For more go to: www.thedrakehotel.ca/events

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-Gladstone Hotel-

I am Elvis Exhibition - the collection features intimate portraits of Elvis impersonators who were part of the 2007 Collingwood Elvis Festival.

Exposed: Depictions, Discoverines, Discussions and Debate - the exhibit features the work of 39 contemporary photographers who focus on personal or social history, as well as personal and collective memory.
 
For more, go to:

www.gladstonehotel.com/events

www.gladstonehotel.com/exhibitions.cfm

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-Royal Ontario Museum-

The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland - the largest sapphires in the world will be on display, as well as a six-point black star sapphire.

Early Typewriters - the exhibit will showcase 20 antique typewriters and their unique designs.

For more go to: www.rom.on.ca/exhibitions/current.php

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-The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar-

If you’re in the mood for all that jazz, head down to the Rex, where the Dave Young Quintet, Abbey’s Meltdown Gypsy-Swing Jazz, the Laura Hubert Band and the New Excelsior Traditional Dixieland Band, among others, will dazzle the stage.

For more go to: www.jazzintoronto.com

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-Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival-

Indulge in some Hispanic-American cinema, at Canada’s well-known and longest-running Spanish language film festival, which will feature film dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
 
For more go to: www.thaff.com

Do you have a favourite musician in the city who you think deserves a lot more recognition? Or do you have a much-loved venue in town, where you go to listen to up-and-coming talent? I would love to hear what you think. People have such strong opinions about music; what they like, what they don’t like, but it has a way of bringing us together. So, share away!

Now, let me tell you about my favourite musician in the city.

Poetic, luminous, imaginative, lush and inventive are some of the words used to describe the music of Toronto-based singer-songwriter Lori Cullen. Her reflective voice has garnered much praise in the local and national music scene. Cullen has played at various local venues across the city and will open for Ron Sexsmith at his October 23 stop at Massey Hall. She’ll also be performing at Hugh’s Room on May 17 and 23.

I first saw Cullen perform at WinterCity in early 2003, with the Ron Davis Trio. The trio has just released their jazz-influenced CD, So Much, in the fall of 2002. I was completely blown away by her incredibly crisp and lyrical voice. She definitely wasn’t just another vocalist singing jazz tunes — what was great about his CD though was that it had a mix of standards, rock and pop tunes, infused with jazz sensibilities.

So Much was a bit of a departure from her debut album, Garden Path, which was more folk derived, featuring Cullen’s honest voice, her acoustic guitar and depth for songwriting. Her unique sense for harmonies and movement was carried through her 2005 release, Uneven Hill — an art-pop record.

She returned to the jazz vibe with Calling for Rain, which was nominated or a 2007 Juno Award for ‘best vocal jazz album.’ She also sang at the ceremony the night before the awards, performing with two other nominees in the category. “The best part was being able to connect with other musicians and people I knew. It was very much an industry thing,” Cullen said, when we spoke in late-November 2007.

Her new album, Buttercup Bugle, only has three covers on this album, the rest are original songs written by Cullen. “I wanted to get back to my songwriting and remind people and myself and I am a songwriter; it’s where I come from,” she said. Cullen noted that Uneven Hill was “very intricate; there’s lots of chords, lots of movement.” With her new CD, she said she was “trying to write things that were optimistic…upbeat and lighter than I normally write.”

Cullen is in a company of superb musicians across the city, artists who are true to their craft and contribute to a vibrant local music scene. So, what are your thoughts on music in the city?

More information about Cullen:

Cullen’s site:
LoriCullen.com

Music samples:
MySpace.com

CDBaby.com

Not so abstract arts; no frills, no fuss, no muss. That’s how accessing the arts should be.

The arts are everywhere; in concert stadiums or concert halls, at art galleries or photography exhibits, in the park or on the street, at your nearby coffeehouse or bar, in libraries or bookstores, at comedy clubs…well, you get the picture.

Forget the stereotype of the arts being this hoity-toity, froufrou, think-they’re-too-good-for-me, snooty, form of expression that is out of your reach.

To me, the arts include the music of Led Zeppelin or Toronto singer-songwriter, Lori Cullen, Susan Orleans’ colourful short-stories, the synchronized “Jet Song” dance sequences in West Side Story, a 13-year-old’s journal capturing the angst of teenage-dom, a young child’s first attempt at finger-painting, silent or horror movies – even the original Friday the 13th flick, although honestly, the rest of the franchise’s series is up for debate – a trapeze artist or contortionist performing mind-boggling stunts. The list goes on.

But, I’m not saying that you have to love everything the arts have to offer. Maybe you prefer one form of dance to another, or find the spoken word non-sensical; while you might prefer the sounds of classical music to rock anthems, or have visions of watercolours dancing in your head – to each their own; explore what you want. The arts should not be preachy.

That’s what my column is set out to accomplish – dishing out the arts, whatever medium it may channel itself into – old and new music, book launches, gallery openings, arts and street festivals, off-the-wall plays, local arts programs, artist profiles, up-and-coming artists, new art-forms, poetry-on-the go, not-so-mainstream movies…so much to talk about, many entries to follow!