A lightbulb, a chair and a bowl
It must be a magic trick, because Andy Massingham is going to hold the attention of a Yukon Arts Centre audience for one hour with […]
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Paradigm shift slips on a plastic bag
“Paper or plastic?” has become a cliché for those no-win decisions we must make everyday: plastic is an oil-based product that chokes wildlife and is
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Saluting those crazy enough to lead
As I watched Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama duke it out in the United States, I found I was getting more and more jealous of
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Leaping Feats: on stage and screen
Andrea Simpson-Fowler has a choice for audiences: if you want to see cute little kids and a mix of entertainment, come to the recreational show;
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The thinking-man’s folksinger
There’s a new folksinger passing through the Yukon … and he’s prepared. He may never have been North before, but Cort Delano’s “got my tin
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Ich Bin Ein Yukoner
Happy Birthday, Canada! You have come into your own these past 141 years, warmly regarded as a place of strong values, freedom and a sense
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Singles group enjoying success
Simonne Chalifoux is well on her way to becoming an expert on the single scene in Whitehorse. As the founder/organizer/host/everything else of the Whitehorse Singles
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The haunting Post-it Note
It is the one thing in my otherwise stress-free life that is causing me anxiety. It is a Post-it Note with today’s date on it
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The boulder you get
The sport of bouldering does not end with “conquering” a boulder but, rather, “understanding” it. The sport’s founder is a mathematician and accomplished gymnast, while
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What’s new for you
Soooo, notice anything different about today’s paper? We have found a new printer: Webco Leduc. It is a company that has come highly recommended and
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The nations of the Yukon celebrated
A long time ago, Deb Jutra was at the T&M Hotel when a visitor said to her, “This is amazing, I see seven different cultures
The nations of the Yukon celebrated Read More »
Audiences get the story they ask for
Did you just say, “storysmithing”? “Yeah,” says Aaron Janke, his arms still stretched out in the telling of his upcoming introactive theatre project. But he
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Bigger muscles are not always better
Bodybuilders, to state the obvious, have big muscles. Freakishly big muscles … with veins and tendons sticking out in such ways that remind you that
Bigger muscles are not always better Read More »
A ‘different’ type of artist
Marilyn Wolovick brings two coffees to her husband’s studio. The cups are comfortable to hold, lovely to look at and each slightly different. Her husband,
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Lunch, where everybody knows your name
It’s an oasis of quiet? Rebekah Bell lets slip a laugh and then struggles to compose herself. We are, after all, discussing the popularity of
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What I did on my summer vacation
To get away from the rain here in Whitehorse, Daisy and I went to Vancouver for our vacation. I have used this line many times
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Artful stories of the Children of Gaia
Of the thousands of photos from the devastation of Sept. 11, photo editors around the world chose one photo that would tell the story of
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Kidd Pivot Is the dance you want it to be
Crystal Pite knows that audiences will watch her contemporary dance company, Kidd Pivot, with trepidation. “They feel they don’t have enough knowledge to get something
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The Yukon’s own Lilith Fair
It isn’t easy to mount the Yukon’s own version of Lilith Fair. “It was a lot, a lot, a lot of work,” says President Erica
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Government-imposed one-on-one time
Did you know that new drivers in the Yukon need 50 hours of instruction before they can take their road test? I didn’t know that.
Government-imposed one-on-one time Read More »
Roman Danylo knows how to make you laugh
Buy your tickets early for Thursday night’s comedy show at the Yukon Arts Centre so that you can get a good seat in the back.
Roman Danylo knows how to make you laugh Read More »
Countdown to the hoopla
When does Christmas start? Of course it is December 25, but when can the hoopla begin? Back in 1991, I was volunteered to play Santa
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Jazz, as good then as it is now
Jazz On The Wing has reached back to the early 1900s for its show Nov. 9 at the Yukon Arts Centre. New Orleans flair and Louis
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Confessions of a political junkie
It is not as if I am addicted to it, rather it is just that it is sooo available. That computer, with its vast assortment
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My Canada Includes art
I am loving this controversy over arts funding cuts because it is one of the few times that smart, eloquent, passionate people stand up and
My Canada Includes art Read More »
Beautiful music begins with a Squeak & Squawk
It was 8 p.m. and the hallways of Porter Creek Secondary School had seldom been more clogged. Anxious faces, nervous chatter, hands gripping shiny new
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NAC orchestra’s long reach
“We have ‘National’ in front of our name,” says Douglas Burden over the phone, explaining why the National Arts Centre Orchestra would pick its entire
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The strength and grace of Irish dance
Irish dancing is known by its row of stiff upper bodies and crazy strong legs moving in quick union. But Andrew Vickers, lead male dancer
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A sex farce well told
Colin Heath was chatting online with Eric Epstein, the artistic director of The Guild. They were playing Scrabulous at the time because they both love
A sex farce well told Read More »
Laughing at the unlaughable
Bruce Horak no longer needs the catharsis that his play, This is Cancer?, has been for him. But other people do and, so, he will
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Exploring Personhood and the Permanent Collection
The latest exhibitions at the Yukon Arts Centre are possibly best described as “revealing”. About one half of the Public Art Gallery is dedicated to
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Varietease is so baaaad, it’s good
Burlesque cabaret uses psychology in such a delicious way: it is a naughty place and we feel naughty being there. So we throw decorum to
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Timber Rabbits has a big heart and flat feet
I push the potatoes around in my cup of Timber Rabbit Stew and find no timber rabbit meat. Oh, I get it. I’m supposed to
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Grocery shopping can be fun
The cheery fire warmed Misty as she curled up in front of the fireplace while our Midnight Sun Muleskinner-blend coffee warmed our insides. Talk among
Grocery shopping can be fun Read More »
We get the theatre we deserve
When you think of plays, you think of The Guild and Nakai Theatre. More and more people are thinking of Music Arts and Drama at
We get the theatre we deserve Read More »
The societal imperative of coffee shops
I met an old co-worker downtown the other day and, as luck would have it, I had a spare half-hour. Maybe we could grab a
The societal imperative of coffee shops Read More »
The very human story of Frankenstein
Just as the movie Twilight surprised the film industry, the success of Catalyst Theatre’s Frankenstein is surprising theatre watchers. Both are a hit with teenagers.
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Fish & Game banquet offers a taste
The chef at the High Country Inn is getting very excited. It is time, once again, for the Yukon Fish and Game Association’s Banquet, Award
Fish & Game banquet offers a taste Read More »
My annual forgiveness tour
Finally, you sinners have reached that one special moment of the year when I consider whether or not I will forgive you for making my
My annual forgiveness tour Read More »
The many faces of a Yukoner
The first Yukoner I ever met was Rodger Thorlakson. It was 19 years ago and I was two days “Inside”. Sure, I met other people
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Music Teacher Gets the Entire Family Involved
Squinting her left eye a little in emphasis, Danette Readman says she started her introduction to the Suzuki Method of musical instruction with a grain
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The comfort and joy of Fred Penner
Adults of all ages will be thrilled to hear that Nakai Theatre is bringing Fred Penner to Whitehorse. Sadly, many children today haven’t had the
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Memories, though invisible, are very real
“Go easy on the references to the Holocaust,” Jonathon Young says to me over the phone. “People will go into the theatre expecting it. “This
Memories, though invisible, are very real Read More »
The many ‘faces’ of the Pivot Festival
When David Skelton discusses the upcoming Pivot Festival, he keeps coming back to the example of Joseph Tisiga. The young Yukon First Nations artist is
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It’s gonna be a ‘blue’ folklore
Skookum Jim Friendship Centre is doing something different this year with its 2009 Folklore Show on Saturday, Jan. 31: it will be A Night of
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One actor, 37 characters
“I don’t want someone who can do 37 voices,” says director David Mackay. “I want 37 characters.” Therein lies the magic he hopes to capture
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Sasquatch Prom Date will have fun at Frostbite
The bearded man shrugged on his Carhartt jacket and then levelled a gaze at Genesee Keevil. She was sitting by the window, wearing a cover-your-eyes
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Julius Caesar: A very Shakespearean Shakespeare
“Et tu, Brute?” A famous line uttered by even those who don’t know it is Shakespeare. It is spoken when one friend betrays another. Does
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Assignment: Fred Penner
About six years ago, Fred Penner came to town and I was very excited. I was freelancing for the Yukon News at the time and
Assignment: Fred Penner Read More »
Hello again
I know what you are thinking: Hmmm, there is something different about this issue of What’s Up Yukon. Allow me to unburden you: the very
Something new to brighten Dark Days
It is all original art and none of it existed before last December. So, the creative process took place during the darkest days of a
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Re-imagining the value system
I was watching one of the Sunday-morning news shows and heard something that crystallized, in my mind, what is wrong with the financial sector. A
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Perhaps we aren’t doomed …
Early in January, I received a press release that excited me greatly. It was from Yukon Energy and it announced it received $125,000 in funding
Perhaps we aren’t doomed … Read More »
Montréal Danse: Up close and personal
It will be an unusual connection between the audience at the Yukon Arts Centre and the dancers of Montréal Danse when it presents On the
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Musical benefit for Richard Godson
A man who has helped Yukon musicians for years — as a key organizer of the Alsek Music Festival and as a music teacher at
Musical benefit for Richard Godson Read More »
Make some noise for Brandi Disterheft
Jazz Yukon had already told Brandi Disterheft what “On The Wing” means, and she is looking forward to it. “It is definitely one of my
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Yukoners are bigger than the snow
It almost happened. That one sickening moment when we Yukoners look out the window and say, “That’s it … no more.” It was the morning
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Where sex meets the ice
There are four corners of a net that hockey players shoot for to score a goal. The ‘Five Hole’ is that other spot that could
Where sex meets the ice Read More »
This couple makes beautiful music
Individually, the members of Duo Diorama are expert and greatly respected. Winston Choi, the pianist, was laureate of the 2003 Honens International Piano Competition and
This couple makes beautiful music Read More »
A case of questionable identity
It is in the fall, off-season for a ski chalet, yet there is still excitement. A woman has disappeared. She returns, but it is not
A case of questionable identity Read More »
The fresh sound of jazz
Sienna Dahlen has that classical jazz sound in her voice. That is to say, it is what you think of when you think of small,
The fresh sound of jazz Read More »
A new and improved cultural touchstone
Blessed be the good people at Tim Hortons and their Roll Up The Rim contest. If it were not for them, how would we Yukoners
A new and improved cultural touchstone Read More »
Earnestly seeking that second dimension
We are familiar with the concept of “a face only a mother could love”. Well, The Mighty Carlins has three characters that, possibly, only the
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Winter blues will burn
there is something infinitely satisfying about being a part of a torch-carrying mob on its determined way to burn a false god
Winter blues will burn Read More »
Stories of the scientific nude
Yes, they know it is cold in the Yukon. The cast of Studies in Motion has been checking out the temperatures here daily. Yet they
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An artistic director returns with a dream cast
He had been in Baked Café for only one minute and had already said hi to three people, and one of them got a hug.
An artistic director returns with a dream cast Read More »
A ‘rase’ by any other name …
Q: What do Brian Fidler, Barbara Chamberlin and Harreson Tanner have in common? A: Those of us in the media often spell their names wrong.
A ‘rase’ by any other name … Read More »
24-hour contest can be a whacky first step
Bringing a play from the idea stage to the big stage can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Who is there to help? What the
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Top 10 movies: A walk on the mild side
(Part 2 of 2) Last week I began listing my favourite movies of all time. I only got to six of them and they all
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One guy’s opinion of the best movies: Part 1 of 2
(Part 1 of 2) My brother and I were on a road trip and, to pass the time away, we tried to list the Top
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On this stage, everyone is ‘Ynkluded’
It was like walking onto the set of High School Musical … there are people milling about, laughing and joking around, spinning playfully in wheelchairs
On this stage, everyone is ‘Ynkluded’ Read More »
A marriage of funk and soul
“I’ve always wanted to come back and share what Yukoners have helped me build,” says Jesse Peters. “Hey, you guys got me started and here
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The tweets of one twit’s twittering
Silly me. I thought the public wants intelligent discourse, all sides of a story and alternative, respectful arguments. So, I go to journalism school, I
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Bold, dark theatre returns
After a decade of collecting dust in the Guild Society office, the script for Cabaret is finally being used and will be presented at the
Bold, dark theatre returns Read More »
Barn Dance comes to the city
There is an age when children don’t like to touch each other’s hands. This can be a problem when you are a dance caller and
Barn Dance comes to the city Read More »
It’s worth the paper it’s written on
I remember back in the day when you could buy a great hamburger … a great hamburger as defined as a handful of meat, infused
It’s worth the paper it’s written on Read More »
Jazz great’s 70-year journey north
After a career of 70 years playing jazz piano, on every continent in the world, Oliver Jones is finally coming to the Yukon. “I guess
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Sweet music, weird instruments
The first question had him stumped. Justin Haynes didn’t know the combined number of CDs that he, Jean Martin and Ryan Driver have produced. “Oh
Sweet music, weird instruments Read More »
A grand-slam week for music lovers
If you are a lover of music, this is one fantastic week to be a Yukoner. Check it out: you have Justin Haynes, Jean Martin
A grand-slam week for music lovers Read More »
The science and fun of Mining and Geology Week
Joanne Rice wants everyone to know that May 11 to 17 is Mining … and Geology … Week. “It’s because when people think of mining
The science and fun of Mining and Geology Week Read More »
Real entertainment from Fred Eaglesmith and Gordie Tentrees
You have to be thrilled for Gordie Tentrees. The first time his ears perked up to enjoy a folk tune, it was at a Fred
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The folly of a four-day workweek
I watched the city worker dump my garbage into that “trash compactor on wheels” and I found myself wondering: Does he get to work four
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Peters Drury Trio—then and now
If you lived in the Yukon in the 90s, then you know the Peters Drury Trio. There was Caroline Drury with her crystal-clear voice; there
Peters Drury Trio—then and now Read More »
Dancing around the issue
I don’t like to dance and I don’t know why. For many years, I just assumed it was because I’m a guy. To dance, you
Dancing around the issue Read More »
The manly art of cooking
Rob Millar is my hero. He writes our Barbe-Yukon column which means, of course, he is an expert barbecuer. Right there, that makes him more
The manly art of cooking Read More »
Still funny after 500 years
In Italy, about 500 years ago, the lower classes liked to present plays that made fun of the higher classes. And the higher classes enjoyed
Still funny after 500 years Read More »
Being safe is just overreacting
Back when I was a high school student, I faced a conundrum every time an exam came around. Do I study for it or not?
Being safe is just overreacting Read More »
An alcohol-free life
May I just say this once and never have to revisit it again? I am not an alcoholic. Just because I don’t drink, it doesn’t
An alcohol-free life Read More »
Faro fetes its 40th
Faro turns 40 on July 1. When you’re a mining town with no mine, every anniversary is special. But this one is more so.
Faro fetes its 40th Read More »
June 2009 – Watson Lake turns 25
The Yukon’s Gateway, Watson Lake, turns 25 years old this weekend. And, to celebrate, the town’s residents will be throwing a carnival in Wye Lake
June 2009 – Watson Lake turns 25 Read More »
Supporting the art of dance
As far as this paper’s mandate reaches – arts, culture, entertainment and recreation – the biggest news of the week is the creation of the
Supporting the art of dance Read More »
Happy Anniversary, Faro!
When the world thinks of Canada, they think of the Yukon. When Yukoners think of the Yukon, they think of Faro. When the world is
Happy Anniversary, Faro! Read More »
What’s the ‘Rush’?
“I have a lot of fun with Dot,” says Trish Barclay, her eyes squinting into a voice that sounds like it belongs to a pirate.
What’s the ‘Rush’? Read More »
Yeah, but who’s counting?
I’m going on vacation soon and I am very excited. Daisy and I are going to Ontario to visit my side of the family, courtesy
Yeah, but who’s counting? Read More »
Peel Watershed is not reserved for elite slobs
As every Yukoner should, I have been following the debate over the Peel Watershed Draft Land-Use Plan. It is a debate that will decide what
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Lipizzaner Stallions take the leap to Whitehorse
It is probably one of the most-asked questions surrounding the visit of the “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions on Wednesday, July 22: “How do they get
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The audience-friendly DCMF
“Last year there were lineups,” says Amy-Lynn Karchut, Dawson City Music Festival’s producer. “And that is against our mandate; we are not about lineups.” And
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The cozy, friendly music festival
The intimate “anti-stadium” music festival, that is the Atlin Arts & Music Festival, has gotten even smaller this year, July 10 to 12. The performing
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The Old Fire Hall ‘blazes’ with films
Firehall Films, like most ventures, had humble beginnings. It began in a tent at LePage Park, back in 2002-03, with a loaned big-screen television from
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The kids are alright
If you fear for the future – the future of a world threatened by environmental, economic and moral collapse – then I know just the
The kids are alright Read More »