Brighton, UK, in pictures.

Last Saturday, my brother and I decided to hop a train to Brighton (about an hour away from London, UK). The closer we got to the coastal city, the sunnier it became. Needless to say, we were very glad we picked that day.
When we got to Brighton train station, we were directed out, which my brother and I found strange; it made us wonder what was going on. We found out soon enough: gay pride! That also explained why the train was packed with gays and lesbians *facepalm*

We checked out a little stretch of beach to kill time before the parade started. My brother was looking for gems, and I was snapping some pics - including the one above.

My brother and I had fun watching the parade, people (and their pets) and enjoyed the sunshine, too. It was a short parade, but a nice one. When it was over, I noticed I was hungry (I had a small breakfast). Arnold knew of a place and we walked to it: my brother is currently dating a (Dutch) girl and took her to Brighton for a few days before I came over. It was obvious he was familiar with the surroundings, so I totally trusted on him to show me all the good places. I like the fact that Brighton is small and compact, and everything is within walking distance.
My brother took me to a little health food place (he said he spotted body builders who went to the place for their (proteine) shakes). Lunch was fresh and delicious!

My brother knew of a place where they have pedis with fishes, so I decided that was our next stop. It was an interesting experience! I'm glad my brother warned me to not take my feet out the tank once the little fish start nibbling away: it tickles. I opted for a 20-minute-pedi (time flew by!), after which our feet got a quick shower, and we were given some citrus smelling lotion to rub into them. I can't remember my feet being so smooth ever - like a baby's bum.

After walking around the narrow streets, my brother took me to a little place called "Naked" for some delicious tea. It's one of those places that locals know of, but tourists walk by. I had excellent rose tea with a slice of freshly baked slice of apple walnut pie. My brother had some kind of tea emperors in the olden days used to drink - with a bag of crisps. Then it was off for more exploring.

Kemp Town (a little neighborhood) aka Camp Town started to the right of that building. No surprise, eh?
My brother and I actually found an Indonesian restaurant! I'm not sure why it's called "Shop seven" - "Resto seven" would have made more sense to me. I liked the little bilingual sign that said they were closed (tutup - open is "buka").

You know how time flies when you're having fun. That Saturday flew by like a little breeze! Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. I mentioned a place called Terre a Terre before flying out to London, UK, and he said he had several meals there (it's his favorite restaurant in Brighton - and now it's mine, too) so it wouldn't be a problem to take me there for a bite.
He recommended the tapas, which we shared. The food was absolutely delicious! As was the cocktails: I had a Salty Dog, my brother had a Raspberry Kir.

Texas in concert at "Bospop" (July 8, 2011)

Several days after watching The Trews play an excellent show at Alderney Landing I was on my way to Europe: a Scottish band called Texas were scheduled to play the first day of a Dutch classic rock festival called Bospop. I’m not sure why it’s called Bospop; “bos” is Dutch for forest, but the festival site was in the middle of a meadow. By the way: I saw a guy sporting a Trews T-shirt, but I didn't get the chance to find out whether he's Canadian or not.


Still jetlagged, I met a couple of friends at the entrance of the festival site. It was sunny and I was looking forward to spending time with them, catching up and enjoying the music. Among the better known bands playing that day were The Faces, Foreigner and Journey. I have to admit I didn’t care enough to check them out all the bands. I was there to see Texas: it’s been several years since I last seen them in concert (the first time I saw them live was some time in the early 90s as Bryan Adams’s opening act).
The band played the smaller stage (in a huge tent) between Journey and closing act Joe Cocker (both on the main stage), and I didn’t have any problems with skipping Journey in favour of getting a spot at the front row - or as close as I could get - at the Texas gig. (In case you were wondering: I managed to get a spot in the second/third row throughout the concert.)
I could tell by eavesdropping on conversations most of the people in the front rows were fans. What I liked about the festival is the fact that people who had (never) heard of the band had the opportunity to check them out. 



 



Texas did not disappoint: even though their set was short (they weren’t headlining) they made sure to play their biggest hits, and gave it their all while doing so.
Guitarist Ally McErlaine, who suffered a brain aneurysm a few years ago and recovered, has been on the band’s current tour: Bospop was one of their dates on their schedule. It was great to see him back. This was their setlist that night:  


I Don't Want A Lover
Everyday Now
In Demand (yes, that’s professor Snape dancing)
Black Eyed Boy
Halo
In Our Lifetime
When We Are Together
Summer Son
The Conversation (a new song)
Say What You Want
Inner Smile
Suspicious Minds (yes, an Elvis cover)


Before I knew it their show was over, and Joe Cocker was about to start on the main stage. I knew that high of having enjoyed a good show was going to wear off soon, and then my jetlag will hit me even harder, so I decided to go home. I can’t wait for their new album, and a new tour.

Toronto and Peterborough, ON

I was in Toronto and Peterborough about a month ago, and instead of blogging about it, I figured I recap through posting a few pictures. Here goes:

I really wanted that T-shirt. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it in my size....




Chocolate!




Cool drinks with Sean and Moose.




Hot day: some offices had their windows opened, some not.




Detail of wooden staircase at the AGO.




Serena Ryder's mom, Barb, posing with Moose and me!




The infamous lift lock (the main reason I visited Peterborough - besides hanging out with Sean, and meeting Serena Ryder's mom).




I have my own street! ;)




Pretty lights (at a movie theater).

Bad Monkey plays Serena Ryder's "Stumbling over you"

After recording Bad Monkey's first rough demo in April, we realized there's plenty of room for improvement. I suggested we focus on playing other songs (new stuff) before going back and rehearsing the songs we want to record for the final demo. It works for me, and singer Mirthe attested it works for her, too. The drummer and bass player are fine with it and go along. We all suggested some songs we wanted to play and eventually picked 4 songs for the next rehearsals - which were last weekend.
I made one suggestion, shortly before I went on a short vacation: Serena Ryder's "Stumbling over you".

A couple of years ago, I had given Mirthe's boyfriend EJ a copy/complilation of Serena Ryder songs off all her albums, knowing he'd like it. So Mirthe's familiar with her music, but in order for the other two to rehearse the song I had to send them an MP3 file of the song (which I incidentally have).
I figured, since the last rehearsals would be amongst trips of various band members (everybody but the singer) and we had very little time to practice before getting together, you'd want a song to be simple - or easy to play. Hence my suggestion.

After playing a couple of songs to warm up Mirthe's vocal chords we played "Stumbling over you". I was pleased we had it down after two takes, but imagine my surprised when the others praised me for picked such a good song. They love it because it's (fairly) easy to play, but they also love the song for the song itself!

We unanimously decided that this song is going to be recorded for the final demo! :D

Afterwards we had dinner at a lovely place, where we reflected on the rehearsals and planned ahead. Knowing bass player Ester is also a Melissa Etheridge fan I sent her Serena Ryder's duet with Melissa called "Broken heart sun" via blue tooth, which Ester immediately made her new ring tone (her previous one is some Madonna song). Ester is now "converted" and a Serena fan as well. Her last album "Is it O.K." is (still) not available in the Netherlands, so Ester had to order it.

Join Dal in the Halifax Pride Parade

The Halifax Pride Parade is coming up fast, and Dal wants you to come show your pride by marching with us in the Parade. The theme this year is "Better Together" and will celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Parade. This year Dalhousie has been given the honour of carrying Ottawa's Pride flag, which measured 30' by 60' and covers almost a full city block! We are looking for a large, strong, Dalhousie contingent to participate in the parade as the Flag itself requires 40 people!

When: July 23rd, Parade Starts at 1:30 (meet at Noon)
Where: Bottom of Cornwallis and Upper Water Street

What does it mean if I march in the Parade?

Your participation in the pride parade demonstrates that you actively support the  Rainbow Community at Dalhousie and in the larger community. We encourage you to show your support for our diverse campus community. You are not outing yourself by marching in the parade because the parade is open to the LGBTTQ community and allies/supporters. As well, your family and friends are more than welcome to march with us. The more the merrier!


For more information please contact Sarah-Jo, in the Office of Human Rights, Equity and Harassment Prevention, at sarah.briand@dal.ca. Hope to see you there!!

Now you see it, now you don't

This was originally posted on April 17, 2011.

The other day my friend Sarah and I talked about how the Hollywood adaptation of Akira was being whitewashed: we were having problems with the fact Caucasian actors were being cast for parts that are supposed to be played by Asian actors. A couple days later The Advocate ran an article on how George Takei was taking on WB for whitewashing (Takei’s tweet was what got my friend upset). Her husband thinks a large part of it might be that the studio execs are lazy and think that trying to fill such a film with an all, or mostly, Asian cast filled with high profile stars would be too hard. So they take the easy way and recast the movie. He also thinks that the real stupidity of it is that they're taking a story that's well known and loved by a large group of people and that (if done well) would be well received by critics, and then taking actions that likely ensure  the movie under performs.

I understand their need to want to get big names, so the movie is almost guaranteed to be a financial hit with the investors. But, really, with plenty of great and talented Asian actors out there, Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake is reason enough for me to skip the Akira remake.

You might wonder why it bothers me so much. Well, let’s put it this way: how do you feel whenever you read about a possible queer lady in a particular movie - only to find out her part is pretty insignificant (ten seconds of screen time and about three lines), diminished (a brief shot of her sitting next to a lady) or entirely changed (into another straight character). The odds of a straight actress cast in a role of a gay lady is also very likely, and in the event an out actress is cast to play a queer lady the media is sure to report that over and over, like it should matter. I’m sure many of you have read interviews with Heather Peace (aka DS Sam Murray in Lip Service) in which the fact she is a lesbian is often the main topic.

I think in this day and age both Asians and queer ladies are underrepresented in movies and on TV. Whenever there are parts in movies or television shows, chances are they’re stereotypes. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Do you think any (even if it’s bad) visibility is better than no visibility at all, or do you demand quality writing?

K’s Choice: Echo Mountain tour at Effenaar, Eindhoven (the Netherlands)

Originally posted on March 6, 2011.

K's Choice was supposed to play Effenaar shortly before Christmas 2010, but I heard their American record company planned a US promo tour, which took precedent to their European one, so part of their European tour got postponed to a later date. I was informed the Eindhoven date was set for March 2nd, 2011. That was fine with me until I found out Serena Ryder and Melissa Etheridge were going to play Halifax Metro Centre the exact same day. Well, poop!

They kicked off the Eindhoven concert with “Favorite adventure”. And it was very clear that the audience showed up to see K’s Choice - even though they gave opening act Arid, fellow Belgians, a shot. I have heard of them, and the one song I recognized off their setlist was “Too late tonight” (which they played early on, but judging from the response from the audience, it might have been better if they played it towards the end of their set).

Singer Sarah announced at the start that this show consisted of two parts: an acoustic set and a full on “rock and roll” set. It’s very much like their latest album Echo Mountain of which the first disc contains uptempo songs, and the second one consists of the slower songs and ballads. I was glad they decided to turn that around for the show and start off with the acoustic set first to get everybody warmed up and ready to rock out later.

The acoustic set lasted about half an hour (it seemed shorter) after which the band took a quick break, allowing their roadies to ready the stage for a regular rock concert.

I was pleasantly surprised when the band also played “Virgin state of mind”: Buffy fans may recognize this song from an episode in which K’s Choice had a cameo. They, of course, played their biggest hit - worldwide - “Not an addict” as well.

I had a great time people watching: it almost felt like Pride. The audience consisted of people of all ages (anything from teenagers to your mom and dad), straight couples, lots of queer women. I eavesdropped on a conversation happening behind me where a straight guy introduced his lesbian friend to K’s Choice. (He, too, appreciated Sarah Bettens’s singing voice.)

K’s Choice came back for two encores. The first one was kicked off by Gert performing “Shadowman”, a song which (in a past tour) he had paired up with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. It’s a slightly haunting song, and in total contrast to the rest of the show, but a good indicator the show is coming to an end. Both encores consisted of songs that are slower and have a more intimate feel to them.

If I remember correctly they ended the show with “God in my bed”. People in the audience either hummed along, or were silently listening. And I was reminded of the fact there once was a time where smoking at venues and public spaces was still allowed: moments like these lended themselves to fish out one’s lighters and sway along to the music. Not anymore. People didn’t even took out their cell phones do to something similar.

Sarah thanked the audience for coming out (no pun intended), and playing at a sold out venue on their first date back in the Netherlands felt like wonderful welcome to them. I had a great evening.

In case you’re interested I found a slide show of band pictures taken at the Eindhoven show here.

Tweet-tweet!

Originally posted on March 4th, 2011.


Serena tweeted this pic a couple of days ago.

 

I really like the fact Serena's smiling on most of her pictures. Genuine joy is shown in this one, if you ask me.

I came across a couple more articles. Read them here and here.

Skunk Anansie: Wonderlustre tour at HMH, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)

This was originally posted on March 3rd, 2011.

While taking a break from The Great Lunenburg Schooner Race last year (I was crew on the Avenger), I received an E-mail from my friend EJ. He informed me that SA was planning to tour Europe, and asked me if I would like to see them. I can assure you I was looking forward to February 25th ever since EJ told me he managed to get tickets to the concert.

The Virgin Marys, fellow Brits, were Skunk Anansie’s opening act. The music was alright, albeit mediocre. The singer’s vocal abilities were pretty much limited to one style of singing, and I was wondering how he could have been performing all this time without completely losing his voice (especially, after noticing how he sounded like towards the end of their set). Anyway, I think the drummer was entertaining to look at for a while (think “Animal” of The Muppets). Right then, it wasn’t really showing the SA concert was sold out: there was plenty of empty space towards the back - in front of the seated area. (Have a behind the scenes peek here, with guitarist Ace joking around a bit at the end.)

Then, finally: Skunk Anansie time! After an intro where the band made a grand entrance, they kicked off with a song off their debut album (check out the Amsterdam set list here). It was obvious Skunk Anansie was ready to blow their audience away, and that they had planned on having a good time. By the time the band finished their first song the venue was packed.

Singer Skin needed about three songs to get her vocal chords properly warmed up. Little time was wasted in between songs for meaningless chit chat, which only added to their high energy performance.

Their second song (“Charlie Big Potato”) is one of my favorites off the “Post Orgasmic Chill” album: after a Drum n’ Bass inspired intro, the song takes you on a little musical roller coaster ride. (If you haven’t checked out the video through the set list, you might want to do that now to get what I mean.)

“I can dream” is another one of my SA favorites (“Selling Jesus” is my other fave off their debut album, but they didn’t play that one) and is blatantly sexual. When I heard the opening riff to “Twisted (Everyday hurts)” I was super thrilled: that bass line still kills in my opinion.

The band made up an excellent set list in my opinion: uptempo rock songs were followed by poppier songs or ballads in an inconspicuous way. The audience was in for the ride and having a great time. Skunk Anansie treated us to a new song (“I don’t want to kill you”), which I found to sound promising (another Skunk Anansie album in progress?).

Even though the sign to NOT crowd surf were clearly visible, Skin had no problem ignoring them, and the audience in the front rows love her for that: they made sure she didn’t fall. She did, however, trip about halfway through the show and came close to landing ungraciously on the floor. But she quickly regained her balance and continued singing.

When it was time to introduce the band, Skin had a little fun with the guys in the band, and they each had their moment in the spotlights. Literally. (I have to admit I was envious of Mark’s drum kit: what a beauty!)

I noticed that the Dutch audience just seem to love their ballads, which I found interesting.

The band came back for two encores, ending the show with an acoustic rendition of “You’ll follow me down”. Again, Skin’s sense of humor shines through, when she made a reference to her trip earlier that evening.

And just like that, the concert’s over. Skunk Anansie played a great show, and I had an excellent time.

Accident prone?

Originally posted on March 1st, 2011.

You probably can't really tell by looking at me, but I'm generally an active person. The interesting thing is that most of my more serious injuries happen when I'm not at the gym working out, but when I'm relaxing. That's when I my middle name could be "accident prone". Dislocated shoulder, badly sprained back... At the start of a weekend, visiting a friend in Lisbon, Portugal, respectively. I like walking around bare feet in the Summer, but I tend to stub my toes. Not just once, but several times - on one day.
What did just happen? I sprained my ankle on Saturday morning. I was visiting friends at their new house, and rushed down the stairs for breakfast. No, I didn't fall down, I simply mis-stepped (not noticing a difference in level between carpeting and wooden floor - about half an inch). Combine that with rounding a corner to the left... My ankle sort of gave out and before I knew it, I was on the floor. Great. I eventually managed to get up, but walking hurt. I didn't think of asking for an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) to try and prevent any major swelling.
The later it got, the more I started limping. And when I got home and removed my sneaker, I was greeted by a swelling the size of half a golfball.
I never realized how often I take the stairs to get to one floor to the next. I prefer to take the stairs instead of an elevator, but still... I have been taking elevator rides consciously since Sunday (whenever possible) since walking stairs and inclines (down) hurts. Most of the swelling has gone down, and hopefully my ankle will recover quickly.