Get In On the Action: CiTR 101.9FM Fundrive is Taking Over Vancouver

If you
a) live in Vancouver, and
b) enjoy fun, then you most definitely will want to
c) be in the know of CiTR's intense November calendar of Fundrive related events.

On November 12, CiTR will launch its 4th Annual Fundrive, encouraging listeners to “Own Your Frequency.” Over the two-week period, CiTR DJs will be taking their message to the airways, asking listeners all hours of the day and night to support the station’s independent programming. This two-week funding drive will raise necessary funds to cover operating expenses, equipment purchases, and much needed studio upgrades.

Although CiTR is partially funded by UBC student fees, CiTR needs funds raised through the Fundrive to cover operational expenses, upgrade studios, and launch community projects. CiTR exceeded its 2008 Fundrive goal of $15,000 – raising a stunning $23,000 – due to the generous contributions of listeners and local businesses.

Film, poetry readings, book tours, shows, live radio, dance parties, DJ's, and general partying are about to abound, and you can help CiTR meet its 2009 goal of $24 000 by attending the events going down.

- become a fan of the Fundrive on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/CiTR-1019-FM-Fundrive/178331172125?ref=ts) for up to date info on all the events

- follow the drive on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CiTRradio

- check out http://www.citr.ca/ for updates and http://www.citr.ca/index.php/get-involved/donate/ to donate any time you like

Mark your Google calendars! Join in:

Thursday, November 12 -
That DJ Competition, 8:00pm @ the Pit Pub (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174088735889&index=1)

Monday, November 16 -
CiTR Queer Film Night presents I Can't Think Straight, 7:00pm @ Vancouver International Film Centre
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170346303340&index=1)

Tuesday, November 17 -
CiTR SHiNDiG Semi Final #1 feat. aunts and uncles, Half Chinese & The LIVING DEADBEATS", 9:00pm @ The Railway Club (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171876587900&index=1)

Thursday, November 19 -
PEACE & WALTER TV live on Thunderbird Radio Hell, 8:00pm @ the Gallery Lounge, Student Union Building and on 101.9fm, at the SAME time!
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161764415266&index=1)

Thursday, November 19 -
Audiotext Poetry Night, 9:00pm @ St. Augustine’s, 2360 Commercial Drive
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175812612431&index=1)

Wednesday, November 25-
Amy Goodman in Vancouver, 6:30pm @ Vancouver Public Library in the Alice MacKay Room, 350 West Georgia St
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174542287859&index=1)

Friday, November 27 -
CiTR Fundrive Finale!!!, 8:00pm @ The Wise Hall
(http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204066800990&index=1)

Phew. Feel in the loop yet?

Help Save Toronto Venue Rolly's Garage: Vote Daily

An effort is underway through Aviva to save Rolly's Garage, which has to be Toronto's least pretentious venue. If you don't know Rolly's Garage was an auto-mechanic garage on Ossington for nearly two decades. Over the past year it has been transformed, a little. It has become a home for emerging and established artists and the only renovations that have been done are 1) Taking out the cars and tools and 2) sweeping the floor.

"Rolly’s daughter {Robin Orbeta-Lacambra} and her partner in good vibes {Tiffany Naval} are dedicated to celebrating the arts in whatever form they come, making it accessible and proving to aspiring artists that it is possible to make a career out of their craft. Rolly’s has hosted such a wide array of creative events, ranging from art exhibitions to plays and crazy parties, giving artists of all kinds a safe space to realize their dreams, adding to the diverse cultural fabric of Toronto.

Rolly’s aim is to continue providing affordable space to help artists launch their careers as professional artists and encourage their professional development. In addition to wallspace, performance and studio space, Rolly’s wishes to offer floor space for fashion arts and furniture design, literally accommodating all types of artistic expressions."

If you've been to any of the Daps Duo shows this year (to see people like Bonjay, Oh No Forest Fires, the Bicycles, Spiral Beach, Laura Barrett, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, Pick a Piper, Boxes & Bags, Kat Burns, Graham Wright etc., etc.,) then you know the place.
Whether or not you know the palce though, Toronto needs it: Here's what you can do:

1) Go to Aviva, sign up and Vote!.

2) If you're afraid you might forget to vote every day join the Facebook Group Here, where they will bug the crap out of you for as long as the voting is ongoing and there are some events they'll tell you about too.

3) Pass this on and make your friends do it too. Sign up for other people and vote for them. (just kidding) (but not really). = )

Laura Barrett & Rebekah Higgs - Robot Ponies @ Rolly's



Kat Burns and Emily Bennett @ Rolly's



Fire (Springsteen cover) - Skeleton Me @ Rolly's



Whitsundays @ Rolly's



Bonjay @ Rolly's



Goldengirls @ Rolly's



Styrofoam Ones @ Rolly's



etc.,
etc.,
etc.,

3 Acoustic Shows to Help Spiral Beach Get to Europe

Toronto's Spiral Beach are playing three shows to help them pay for an upcoming European Trip (European dates at bottom):

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3 - Donlands & Mortimer have asked us to join them for one of their weekly shows at C'est What (67 Front St E) - come early, we're on first! 19+, PWYC

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6 - our longtime tour manager, friend and "fifth member" Ryan Tonkin has opened an artists' consignment shop called Repsycho - this is THE COOLEST SPOT in Toronto, anyone who is interested in art, zines, music, and DIY culture in general NEEDS to check it out. (676 College St, between Grace and Crawford) We're playing around midnight. all ages, $5

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7 - The Only Cafe (972 Danforth Ave) Dorian runs shit here. He will flip your pancake, pour your drink, and brighten your darkest hour any time of the day... except today cause we're playing around 11pm. 19+, PWYC, with The People Of Canada

They are offering up some all-new special merch at the shows to raise funds - like for example:

TOUR POSTER – $2
FIRST ISSUE OF MADDY’S COMIC “STRICTLY HYENA” – $8
COPY OF DANIEL’S HANDWRITTEN LYRIC BOOK – $8
”THE ONLY REALLY THING” PHOTO BOOK – $8
”BALL” and “THE ONLY REALLY THING” CD’s – $15
”THE ONLY REALLY THING” 12″ LP – $20
PYLON or “THE ONLY REALLY THING” T-SHIRTS – $20

So, if you've got the time and some funds show up and support the home team!

Spiral Beach - Made of Stone



Euro Tour Dates:

November 12 – Dundalk, IE / The Spirit Store / George’s Quay / with FRED
November 13 – Mullingar, IE / The Stables / 11 Domonick St / with FRED
November 14 – Dublin, IE / The Academy / 57 Middle St / with FRED
November 19 – Limerick, IE / Dolan’s Warehouse / 3-4 Dock Road / with FRED
November 20 – Galway, IE / The Roisin Dubh / Domonick St / with FRED
November 21 – Tralee, IE / Horans / with FRED
November 24 – London, UK / The Queen Of Hoxton / 1 Curtain Rd / with Hey Rosetta + guests
November 28 – Munich, DE / On3Radio Festival (http://www.on3-radio.de)

Halifax Musicians Help Make a Movie

Canadian music is more popular than it has ever been, inside and outside of Canada. Smart Canadian filmmakers, who are always strapped for cash and desperate for publicity have figured this out and are incorporating Canadian music into their films.

2007 Ed Gass-Donnelly incorporated an amazing soundtrack featuring Sunparlour Players, Buck 65, the Ghost is Dancing, Shad, and others into his film This Beautiful City

2007 Bruce McDonald, who previously made the rock mockumentary Hard Core Logo (Toronto band Billy Talent takes it's name from one of the characters) convinces Broken Social Scene to score his new film the Tracey Fragments. If Hollywood had any taste this would have been taken the Best Picture Oscar.

2008 Michael McGowan not only puts together an amazing soundtrack of Canadian music for his film One Week but the film also features cameo appearances from people like Gord Downie, Emm Gryner and Joel Plaskett.

Laura Dawe's first feature film "The Inevitability of Something That Once Felt Impossible" may put them all to shame before she's done though.

The film is about three "art kids" who, in the midst of an economic depression and gas crisis, move to a house in the country to try to build a sustainable, self-sufficient life for themselves. The Halifax music community, in support of Dawe, her idea, and the possibility of having films made in the maritimes have latched onto it in an unprecedented way.

Artists like Dog Day, Jane Vain and the Dark Matter, Ruby Jean and the Thoughtful Bees, Jon McKiel, Jenn Grant and others have donated songs to the soundtrack. Beyond that many of the same people are doing what they can to promote the film and holding fundraisers to get Dawe the money to finish making it.

It has been featured on Rebekah Higgs Sobama radio show on CKDU - especially Episode 5 which is devoted entirely to talking with Dawe about the film and trying to raise funds for it.

Jenn Grant has turned her brithday party into a fundraiser for the film.

"My birthday wish this year is to have a music party with lots of friends and cupcakes to help to raise money for Laura Dawe's first feature film so she can finish it. Everyone! is! Invited! Please come. Musical guests will include Ruth Minnikin, Ryan MacGrath, Dance Movie, Daniel Ledwell, John Mullane, Klarka Weinwurm, Rebekah Higgs, Jon Mckiel, Alright Already, Acres and Acres and Zac Crouse. Oh yeah, i am a white ninja and laura is a black ninja. we are going to fight in a dual. i will wear flowers in my hair but she will probably wear evil crystals to try and deflect my awesome powers. It is required that you dress up as either a black or white ninja. eat my words as well as my knife."

Details are at the Facebook Event Page.

Local independent press from the Coast to Herohill have also been lending a hand.

Smart Canadian filmmakers have learned the value of using Canadian music to draw a wider audience but as far as I know this is the first time that Canadian musicians have been so directly involved with the funding and creation of the film. Canadians have recently become more interested in their own stories and their own voices. Perhaps the unprecedented popularity of Canadian music is only the first step toward a more prosperous and prolific Canadian arts and media on the whole.

I've sent a message asking how others can get involved, keep up with the project and make donations to the cause but haven't gotten word yet. I'll let you know if I hear anything.

On Edit: Those wishing to donate who cannot attend the fundraisers can paypal or donate an email money transfer to [email protected] - There wasn't a permanent Facebook group so I made one (with Laura Dawe's approval - see http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115527373251.

First time filmmaker Laura Dawe and Birthday Girl Jenn Grant ninja it up.

Brendan Canning, Lisa Lobsinger, Geddy Lee & Others Stand up for the Walrus

Canadian musicians Brendan Canning and Lisa Lobsinger of Broken Social Scene and Geddy Lee of Rush have joined others from across Canada's arts and culture spectrum on behalf of 'the Walrus' magazine. According to the Wikipedia entry the magazine launched in 2003 with the hope of becoming the Canadian equivalent of such American titles as Harper's, the Atlantic Monthly, and the New Yorker. According to the the Walrus itself their mandate is to "be a Canadian general-interest magazine with an international outlook. We are committed to publishing the best work by the best writers from Canada and elsewhere on a wide range of topics for readers who are curious about the world." However, unlike the American magazines mentioned above the Walrus is a charity (funded by the Walrus Foundation.) That means that they are limited to 30% advertising and with recession-era ad dollars plummeting the Walrus is in some trouble.

Joining our musical friends in the appeal are film directors Atom Egoyan and Bruce McDonald, authors Margaret Atwood and Camilla Gibb, MTV Canada's Jessi Cruickshank, Soulpepper Theatre founder Albert Schultz, actor Sonja Smits, and fashion designer Jeremy Laing.

So, I guess if you want to know why all these people have to say about it or if you're just a Canadian who is curious about the world. You should watch the video below and check out http://www.walrusmagazine.com/weneedthewalrus/

Why We Need The Walrus from The Walrus Magazine on Vimeo.

Girls Rock Camp Vancouver Needs Intruments

Via the CBC Radio 3 Twitter, a Vancouver rock camp for girls needs instruments - either donations or a one week loan. Girls Rock Camp Vancouver is:

As a new project for female youth, Girls Rock Camp Vancouver is an empowering journey to allow females from ages 8-18 years, to have the opportunity to explore, access and play music with positive mentors, surroundings and workshops. As our society continues to push unattainable body image values, we want to reassure the leaders of tomorrow that there is more than a microphone and 0 waistline. At Girls Rock Camp Vancouver we want the young ladies to pick up the guitars and rock out.

Girls Rock Camp Vancouver is currently in the process of joining the Girls Rock Camp Alliance and in doing so we will be part of an established community of camps that are spread all around North America. GRCV’s application as a non-profit is pending and we anticipate approval within the month.

(Psst Ladysound you should be all over this!)

They are looking for "Bass Guitars, Bass Amps, Electric Guitars, Guitar Amps, Keyboards, PA’s, Mic’s and Mic cables (mostly vocal mic’s), patch cords, pedals, random percussive things, tuners, anything else you think would be rad." So if you can help get in touch with them at girlsrockcampvancouver.ca and/or pass it on.

Indie Rockers and Others Fill Cameras for Charity

Some of your favorite Canadian indie rockers and other celebrities have filled disposable cameras to support DOXA. DOXA is a documentary festival presented by the Documentary Media Society of Vancouver. To raise funds the festival (who's 2009 fest. launched on Friday) is auctioning off some used single use cameras. Those cameras were filled by Jason Collett, Bob Wiseman, the Weakerthans, Ladyhawk, Tegan Quinn, Stars, Nardwuar the Human Serviette, Great Lake Swimmers, Veda Hille and even CBC folk like Peter Mansbridge, Mary Walsh, George Stromboulopoulos, Colin Mocherie, Brent Bambury and Ian Hanomansing.

So what's on the cameras? What did they take pictures of? They're not saying but bidding on all the Cameras opened on Friday and will continue until Sunday May 31, 2009.

Shad, Brasstronaut & Twin Crystals play Kids Benefit in Van.

One June 6th at the Astoria in downtown Vancouver Shad, Brasstronaut and Twin Crystals and DJ Expendable Youth will be playing a benefit show for Rock and Roll is Good for Kids. RRFFK is "a non-profit group committed to supporting after school programs for children in Vancouver's Downtown East Side"

I know what you're thinking. The B.C. and/or Federal Government should be paying for this, after school programs may be expensive but they are less expensive than either prison or rehab. But until governments learn to do math, it's up to the community.

For more information on this event check out rockandrollisgoodforkids.com and/or check out the Facebook Event Page

Shad - Brother (Watching)

the Yellow Bird Project: Indie Rock T-shirts for Charity

The Yellow Bird Project sells t-shirts, but not just any t-shirts. They sell unique t-shirts that you won't find at shows. T-shirts designed by prominent indie rockers with the proceeds going to charity.

Just today there is a new shirt from the Dears the shirt was designed by Natalia Yanchak and Murray Lightburn's three year old daughter Neptune. Proceeds from the shirt go to the Pablove Foundation, which is dedicated to helping children fight cancer with love.



While you are lookling at the shirt you can also grab a free MP3 of the acoustic version of 'Whites Only Party'.

Then you can go check out shirts by the Stars, the New Pornographers and Immaculate Machine, K-Os, Broken Social Scene and others.

Help Save I (Heart) Music from SOCAN

Sometimes, ok most of the time, I think that SOCAN exists for the good of SOCAN and not for the good of music, musicians or songwriters. The latest victim of SOCAN is the blog I (Heart) Music (one of Canada's elite music blogs.)

From a post today:

"Here's the problem: yesterday I was contacted by SOCAN, the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. It turns out that anytime a concert happens in which at least one member of any of the bands is also a member of SOCAN, the person promoting the show is legally required to pay fees to the Society to cover copyright royalties associated with the live performance of SOCAN-member songs. It doesn't matter if the band in question has already been paid directly for their performance, under Canadian copyright law SOCAN is legally entitled to either 3% of the door or $35, whichever is greater.

This isn't something I'd ever done, since I was once told, years ago, that if a show doesn't make any profit, then it doesn't matter. (Evidently the person who told me that didn't know the difference between "gross" and "net".) And, operating under that principle -- coupled with a firm belief that since no one's at a show to see me, I don't really deserve a cut of the door -- I've always made an effort to pay out any money received at the door to the bands who actually performed and got people out. In cases where there wasn't enough from the door to cover those costs, I've dipped into my own pocket to pay -- after all, as I said, concert-goers are there to see the band, not whoever organized it, so there's really not much reason for me to benefit financially from the hard work of the musicians on stage.Because of this, of the approximately 70 shows I've promoted over the last three years, there's only a handful from which I can say I actually made any kind of money.

Obviously, that's no defence. Being ignorant of a law doesn't make that law any less valid, and, as such, whatever the total comes to I'll pay, whether I can afford it or not.

Unfortunately, given that the royalty fees are going to be somewhere in the neighbourhood of $2,000, this is something that falls a whole lot closer to "not afford". It's a lot amount of money, particularly when you factor in finances that are already stretched thin by a wedding that's less than three months away."

You can read the full post at I (Heart) Music.

At the top of the right hand column of that blog is a new donate button to try to raise the $2000 that SoCan feels they are entitled to (although as you read the musicians already got all of the money from the shows.) Please give what you can, if you don't want to visit the blog the donate button links to this.

Also if you are a musician or songwriter, you might want to think twice about SOCAN membership as it may get alot harder to get shows if you're a member. Nothing against unions or professional organizations generally but, after this incident, some promoters may see all the money +3% as excessive.

Elliott Brood Cancer Fundraiser at Dakota Tavern

Directly from Elliott Brood's Myspace Blog:

"Hey All

This coming Wednesday night April 15th we will be playing a show at the Dakota Tavern in downtown Toronto to raise money for the Cure for Cancer. All proceeds from the show will be donated. We will also be raffling off donated items from the Maple Leafs and Raptors to raise some extra cash. The Dakota Tavern have made a commemorative poster which you can also purchase for the cause. Also we are very happy to announce that The Perpetrators will be opening up the night with some killer tunes. This is going to be a great evening so tell anyone and everyone. Remember to come early as it will most likely fill up quickly.

Hope to see you there.

THE BROOD"

Elliott Brood - Oh Alberta

LIFE SUPPORT Leukemia Fundraiser Brings Montreal Musicians Together

Hey Guys,

I wanted to spread the word about a great event we are helping out with this weekend. It is a Leukemia Fundraiser at Foufs. Hexes & Ohs, Barton Fink, First You Get the Sugar and Straight to Memphis are playing.

If you're interested, check out the details. Should be a lot of fun!

Tickets are available at http://www.indiemontreal.ca/

Cheers!

One More Bit on Library Voices

David wrote an excellent post about Library Voices just a few minutes ago. The band definitely must have some kind of buzz going on because at the time I saw the post I had been contemplating what I should put in a post about Library Voices. David covered it all very well but there is one more thing I would add.

This Friday in Saskatoon, Libary Voices is having a fundraiser along with Volcanoless in Canada, Andy Shauf
and Matt Goud they are trying to raise money to buy new gear after $10,000 worth of their stuff was stolen recently in Vancouver.

So, if you can go, go they are also looking for donations of gear that you're not using. See the Facebook event page for details. After I got wind of this I wrote to the band and offered to do a nationwide fundraiser - get 10,000 people to each send them $1 but they said no. They wouldn't feel right taking people's money without giving something back so...if you can't go to the official fundraiser consider clicking over to Zunior and buying their EP for $5.55 (you won't be sorry and the new album will no doubt come faster if they have some instruments to play.)

You should also check out Screaming Stone - The Stolen Music Instrument Recovery Project - remember people who steal gear and people who buy or sell stolen gear are not real musicians, they are not music fans, they are just thieves and they threaten to put real musicians out of business. If you know anything about anyone who steals gear or buys/sells stolen gear turn them in.