What's On!!

Wanted: Up-and-coming young musicians to compete in the Battle of the Bands, Sunday, July 1, as part of the St. Albert Celebrates Canada Day event. Interested bands must submit three songs that they wish to play on Canada Day on a demo CD or provide a YouTube link to their video.Six finalists will be chosen from all entries. Each band will play for 20 minutes at the 2012 Battle of the Bands competition and will be eligible to win great prizes. To apply, bands must submit their demo CD or YouTube link, a completed application form and a $20 non-refundable deposit to the City of St. Albert Community & Protective Services Office, 5 St. Anne Street. Deadline for submissions is Monday, May 21, 2012 by 4 p.m. Selected bands will be notified by June 18, 2012. Entry forms available at: Innovations Music, 580 St. Albert Trail;City of St. Albert, Community & Protective Services office, 5 St. Anne Street or online: www.stalbert.ca/battle-of-the-bands Complete rules at www.stalbert.ca/battle-of-the-bands. All band members must be 21 or younger as of July 1, 2012. 

Discover an array of garden inspired treasures at the St. Albert Botanic Park’s gift shop. We’re open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Browse a fabulous selection of home and garden decor, gardening books, cards, jewelry and artisan pieces. The annual rose sale has been moved to June 1, 2 and 3. Perennial sales throughout May and June – be sure to stop by. Compost is also available. The St. Albert Botanic Park is a non-profit organization entirely run by volunteers. All profits support the park. Visit us online: www.stalbertbotanicpark.com or call 780-458-7163 for more information.

Interested in gardening, but have no space at home? Want to grow your own fresh veggies? Gate Avenue Neighbourhood Garden has 24 4x4 square-foot plots available, located at 12 Gate Ave, on the Christian Reformed Church property. If you would like a plot of your own this summer, call Lynn at 780-458-7568, email admin@crcsa.org, or call Johanna at 780-458-8127. Come out and meet other gardeners!  Share seeds and gardening tips and stories. Planting night Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. (weather permitting)! 

Join us for our weekly luncheon. This week, enjoy roast beef with mashed potatoes and roasted veg, with coconut cream pie for dessert. Join us on Thursday, May 24; lunch is at noon. Please sign up by noon, Wednesday, May 23. Call 780-459-0433. Cost: $6.50/members; $7.50/non-members. St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club, 7 Taché St. 

Get  yourself  down to the last Hey Ladies! Of the season.  You will be bombarded by the hostesses with the mostesses or    the sea hags of info-tainment, Miss Cathleen, Miss Davina and Miss Leona! Hey Ladies! is the comedy info-tainment, game, interview, crafty booze-tinged magazine show extravaganza, blazing the trail for midlife feminine comedy high-jinx.Warning adult content! Tons of fun! Loads of prizes! Don’t miss out! Friday, May 25 at 8 p.m. at the Roxy Theatre, 10708 – 124 St. For ticket info call 780-420-1757 or go online to: www.tixonthesquare.ca 

The Rainmaker will continue its tradition of being one of Alberta’s most popular and anticipated events for the whole family. Watch the colour and excitement of the Rainmaker Rodeo & Exhibition parade at 9:30 a.m., Saturday. The parade starts on Liberton Drive and winds down St. Vital Avenue through to downtown St. Albert on Perron Street, in front of City Hall and then along Sir Winston Churchill Avenue ending at Lions Park. Then head to the rodeo grounds for the ground-pounding excitement of Alberta’s largest semi-pro rodeo events. Take in The Coppertown Clown
and his Muttley Crew! Take a pack of trained dogs, a wacky sense of humor and a clown barrel – stir in a rodeo crowd anticipating fun and entertainment – and you have the perfect ingredients for a zany performance by Bert Davis, better known as the Coppertown Clown. Familyentertainment also includes Dynamo Dogs, a petting zoo and the West Coast Lumberjacks.Everyone will want to take in the thrills of the midway. Visit the Marketplace and Showcase Stage too. Runs May 25 to 27! Stay tuned to the rodeo’s official website: www.rainmaker.ab.ca for updated information. 

The evening will feature a wind ensemble made up of 23 performers of the Edmonton professional music community, including some members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra,  with support from a bevy of instrumentalists drawn from the capital region's busy classical and jazz ensembles. The concert's theme will centre around the music of American Composer George Gershwin and his contemporaries. Rhapsody in Blue, his most popular piano work will be performed by Johnathan Raine, of Yellowknife, currently studying with Dr Milton Schlosser at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta. Also featured will be vocal presentations by Kathleen Corcoran, soprano. The accompanying ensemble will be conducted by William Dimmer, long time member of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and conductor of Nova Musica, an Edmonton community orchestra. Saturday, May 26, pre-concert discussion with the conductor at 7 p.m. Concert time: 8 p.m. Ticket info: tixonthesquare.ca or call toll free 1-877-888-1757. Morinville Cultural Centre, 9502 100 Ave., Morinville. 

Kipohtakaw Education Centre (located on the Alexander First Nation 17 km west of Morinville) would like to invite all surrounding communities to attend its 2nd Annual Powwow on Saturday, May the 26. The event is scheduled to begin with a grand entry at noon in the school gymnasium, followed by performances by native dancers and drum groups. Native arts and crafts will also be on display and for sale throughout the school. The pow wow is scheduled to continue until 10 p.m., with a break for dinner at 5 p.m. A fully stocked concession will be on site with a variety of snack and meal options being served. All proceeds from the concession, as well as some from the arts and crafts sale, will be used to benefit the school and its students. Saturday, May 26 from noon to 10 p.m. at Kipohtakaw Education Centre, Alexander First Nation. 

Our Business Registry is a collection of small and home-based businesses run by military members or their partners. Stop by for great prizes and shop the excellent selection of beauty products, cookware, household items and so much more! The Business Registry also includes businesses that take care of your pets, your vehicle, your home, your musical interests etc. The Military Family Resource Centre are the hosts for this fair on Saturday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 780-973-4011 ext. 2285. 

This performing dance event is a fundraiser for the Village of Hope orphans in Zambia. Orphans in Africa live in extreme poverty and suffer unimaginable despair with little hope. They’ve witnessed their parents die and are left vulnerable to disease, starvation and despair. Good wishes are not enough. Village of Hope orphans need our money! 80 elite dance students from Edmonton will compete for the honour of performing live at 10:30 p.m. for the Zambian orphans via satellite. Don’t miss this heartwarming evening. Orphans dance live for us and we dance live for them via satellite and iPad technology. Special performance by African Tribal Drummers. Delicious appetizers. Cash bar. Tickets: $75 ($25 tax deductible receipt). Saturday, May 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Westin Hotel, Edmonton. Purchase your tickets online at http://danceforafrica.eventbrite.com/ or call Sharon at 780-233 6398. 

The arresting beauty and surprising diversity of moths from the Ottawa region are unveiled in a number of impressive, large-format prints of moths by Ottawa photographer Jim des Rivières. Three of the pieces in the show reach almost two metres, enablingvisitors to see both front and back of the moth in startling detail. A seemingly dull brown moth spotted from a distance can prove to be a complex, colourful treasure when viewed up close.  Des Rivièrescreated these fascinating, larger than life images by placing each moth specimen on a flatbed scanner. He scanned them at the very high resolution of 4800 dpi. The results are spectacular— huge images revealing unexpected colours and intricate patterns.Opens Feb. 18 and runs until Sept. 3 at the Royal Alberta Museum, 12845-102 Ave. For more info, visit www.royalalbertamuseum.ca. 

Focusing on the work of ten women artists, all born by the end of 1918, this exhibit shines new light on the establishment of modernism in the province. Working largely in Edmonton and Calgary, the work of these artists reveals the important role women played in the development of modernism, particularly early forms of abstraction, in Alberta. While the artists represented in Alberta Mistresses of the Modern: 1935-1975were largely painters (oil, watercolour and later acrylic) and/or printmakers (linocuts, woodcuts, etching, silkscreen and clay prints), the exhibition also includes ceramics. Guest-curated for the AGA by Mary-Beth Laviolette, Alberta Mistresses of the Modern features more than 80 works on loan from more than 15 different private and public collections. Continues until June 3. Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. For more info, including hours and admission fees, visit the website: www.youraga.ca 

The starting point of this exhibition is a photograph from 1947 by Bill Gibbons of the faculty of the Banff School of Fine Arts, a summer program that had been established by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Extension. The program brought in adult students from across the country to study with established artists from different disciplines. The visual arts program began with A.C. Leighton and H.G. Glyde, and then expanded to bring in other Prairie-based educators such as Walter J. Phillips and Marion Nicoll. Soon, the school’s faculty expanded to include out-of-province artists such as the Toronto’s A.Y. Jackson, Vancouver’s J.W.G. Macdonald and Kingston’s André Biéler. The 1947 photograph is a fascinating image of artist networks at play and the spheres of  influence that were created. While these artists would shape the practice of their students, they would also impact each other’s production. This exhibition showcases works produced by these artists during this period of time. These works will be contextualized by photographs, archival documents and film footage from the period.Continues until June 3.Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. For more info, including hours and admission fees, visit the website: www.youraga.ca 

The exhibit marks the completion of a five-year heritage project by the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society. It explores the reasons Estonians chose to immigrate to Alberta, highlights Estonian communities and contributions to Alberta, and features social, political, cultural and economic history and personal stories. The heritage project also involved the production of a 30-minute documentary and a richly illustrated, 300-page book about Alberta’s Estonian community. A comprehensive heritage website was also completed. All archival materials collected for the project have been donated to the Provincial Archives to ensure public access to this rich historical information. An official exhibit opening will take place at the Provincial Archives on Wednesday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m., with the official program beginning at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to 780-427-1750 before Monday, April 2 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access within Alberta). The exhibit can be viewed during the archives’ regular opening hours until June 1. The Provincial Archives of Alberta is located at 8555 Roper Road (corner of 86th Street and 51st Avenue) in Edmonton. It is open Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays to 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more info visit www.provincialarchives.alberta.ca For more info about the Alberta Estonian Heritage Society, including the Heritage Project, visit www.aehs.ca.     

In many ways we create and maintain the world we live in through the language we speak, the text and the colloquialisms we use, and the explications that are part of our being through repetitive usage. Prettie’s work investigates text as image, and image as metaphor, to refashion the way that one looks at familiar things and to allow the mind to explore the new and multi-layered understandings that may result. Runs from April 19 to May 26. Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday, April 19 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. VAAA Gallery, 3rd floor, 10215 – 112 St. 

This exhibition is a “model curated show” that is based around a group of model sessions that Andrea Owen Lewis organized and modelled for in the summer of 2011. This show is composed of various works by artists both professional, and beginner that all use Lewis as their subject. Lewis describes that, “although many people do not experience pregnancy, life compels everyone to face times of change and uncertainty. Bidding us to grow and emerge into new people ready to face new challenges and joy.” Runs from April 19 to May 26. Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday, April 19 from 8 to 10 p.m. Artist Talk on opening night: Andrea Owen Lewis at 6:30 p.m. Harcourt House Gallery, 3^rd floor, 10215 – 112 St. Visit us online at www.harcourthouse.ab.ca 

Join us for the 17th St. Albert high school student exhibition. Talented young artists from Bellerose Composite, École Secondaire Paul Kane, St. Albert Catholic,École Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d'Youvilleand Outreach high schools showcase their artworks and present collaborative installations inspired by the concept of conversation.Exhibit runs from May 3 to June 2. Opening reception on May 3 from 6 to 9 p.m.Art Gallery of St. Albert, 19 Perron St. Phone 780-460-4310.

Robin DuPont's current body of work evolves from the intensive research into soda and wood firing techniques and skills that he has developed over the past 15 years, but in particular drawing from recent research he experimented with at Utah State University. The exhibition illustrates his research into atmospheric firing: manipulation of the flame in the firing process so that it becomes a tool in and of itself. Manipulating and adjusting forms and the spaces between the forms Robin recorded the critical turning points and variables during the firing process in relation to surface effects. Applying these findings or this ‘painting with fire,’ Robin creates extraordinary and unique surface palettes on his sensual forms. Runs May 12 to June 16. Alberta Craft Council Gallery, 10186 – 106 St. Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, May 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Alberta artist Brendan McGillicuddy takes inspiration from a 19th-century painting created by German Romantic artist Casper David Friedrich in 1823-1824.  The painting, entitled Das Eismeer (The Sea of Ice), depicts a vessel barely visible, crushed beneath a mountain of jagged ice. McGillicuddy’s work Anthropocene, created using fiberglass and styrene foam, comments on the shifting relation of power personified in the work, and the ongoing and frequent occurrence between nature and humanity from the 19thto the 21stcenturies, in which humankind has come to be a force of nature in its own right, with enormous geological impact. Runs from May 18 to July 1. Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. For more info, including hours and admission fees, visit the website: www.youraga.ca 

Featuring over 90 works, including many never before seen paintings and drawings from private and public collections across Canada, this highly anticipated exhibition offers a retrospective of work from the artist, dating from the early 1960s to a selection of Janvier’s most recent work produced in 2012. Formally trained, Janvier graduated with honours from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Art (now the Alberta College of Art + Design) in 1960 and has influenced generations of younger artists.  In 2008, he received the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, recognizing his contribution to the arts in Canada.  In 2009, Janvier was named one of Alberta's Most Influential People by Alberta Venture Magazine and in 2011, received life-time achievements award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, the Tribal Chiefs Institute and Cold Lake First Nations. Runs from May 18 to Aug. 19. Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square. For more info, including hours and admission fees, visit the website: www.youraga.ca 

In this show, hopeful couples will be inspired by an enormous array of colours and sights that will create the picture perfect wedding experience. There are plenty of vignettes for the happy couples to pose and create the perfect picture. Running from April 21 to June 17. Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A St. 

Go back in time more than 150 years and walk through the days of the fur trade, and the pioneer years of 1885, 1905 and 1920. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life, answer your questions and invite you to experience the best of the period. Take a ride on a steam train, play pioneer games, bake bread the old-fashioned way, shop 'til you drop, or hit the midway for rides, games and more fun! Bring your friends and family to celebrate the opening weekend! Enjoy games, activities, musical performances and more all throughout the park – be sure to pick up your event outline at the door! Located at the corner of Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive. Runs Saturday, May 19 to Monday, May 21. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance to the Park is located on Fox Drive on the north side of the drive (7000 - 143 Street). 

Where were you in '48? It's been 64 years since mighty CN 9000, queen of the diesels, conqueror of the steam engine, came to Canada. 9000, the engine that changed history: able to pull long trains without a single puff, no dirty coal required, no shoveling needed. Visit the Alberta Railway Museum this Victoria Day long weekend to see the queen in action. While she won't be wearing a tiara, she will be pulling a train, and you're invited to climb aboard for a ride into history. Saturday May 19, Sunday May 20, and Monday May 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alberta Railway Museum, 24215 - 34 St. Admission: $5/adults; $3.50/students and seniors; $2/children; kids 2 and under free. Information: 780 472 6229 or www.AlbertaRailwayMuseum.com 

Family program. Young children love to explore our amazing world, and during this outdoor adventure, they will learn about plants, bugs, birds, and anything else that might pop up!  An outdoor sensory experience; discovery in its most natural form – meeting at and exploring a different outdoor location each week, beginning with Kingswood Park. Wednesdays, May 23 to June 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. Fees: Members: $30/family; non-members: $50/family. St. Albert Family Resource Centre, #10, 215 Carnegie Dr. Call 780-459-7377 to register or for more info. 

Let Pinocchio captivate you with this lively musical theatre rendition of the classic fairy tale presented by Alberta Opera Musical Theatre for Young People. Friday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m., Morinville Community Cultural Centre, 9502 – 100 Ave. Tickets: $10; available at tixonthesquare.ca, morinvillecentre.ca and at the door. 

Through the power of IMAX®, audiences will be transported to one of the most remote and spectacularly beautiful places in the world and experience an emotional story of love, family and hope. An extraordinary journey to the top of the world as few people have ever seen it, the documentary adventure To The Arctic tells a compelling tale of survival, with global implications. Narrated by Oscar® winner Meryl Streep, the film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family's struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks. The film has been rated G and has a run time of 40 minutes. Now showing at the Telus World of Science, 11211 142 St. For information on tickets and showtimes, please visit the website at www.edmontonscience.com or call 780-451-3344.  

If you enjoy playing this fun card game, please join us at the St. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club on Monday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. For additional info, contact the seniors’ club at 780-459-0433 or check the website at www.stalbertseniorsclub.org 

Join our chess club, which meets on Fridays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 271, 6 Taché St. Must know North American chess rules. All ages welcome; minors must be accompanied by a parent. If you plan to attend, please call Martin in advance, at 780-460-7402.

What is an installation? Check out new exhibitions to investigate the art of installation. Look, share and make during this fun and interactive program in which we will be creating a collaborative project in the atrium. Drop-in for a family fun adventure with art! Visits include art-making, story time, scavenger hunts, and more! Each art adventure has a different theme related to current exhibitions. For kids aged 3 to 5, accompanied by an adult. Wednesday, May 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. Free with gallery admission. Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square.  Visit us online: www.youraga.ca

Marshmallow sculptures and breadstick battles – here is your chance to play with your food!  Kids in grades one to six — join us for this fun program on Saturday, May 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. and we’ll have a well-balanced feast of games, stories and songs. Register in advance by visiting or calling the children’s desk at 780-459-1532. St. Albert Public Library, 5 St. Anne Street. 

The St. Albert Triathlon Association is hosting the 21st annual Kids of Steel Triathlon and the Junior Elite and Under 23 Triathlon at Fountain Park Recreation Centre. Children between four and 19 years old can participate as an individual or as a team on a swim-bike-run course that varies in distance according to age group. The Junior Triathlon is a bike draft legal race for athletes 16-19 years and the Under 23 event for athletes up to age 23 years. The individual races will be Provincial Championships and a qualifier for the Alberta Summer Games for Zone 5 and 6. Takes place on Sunday June 10;  please register by June 3. For more info, contact Wietske at 780-459-2066 or email: kidsofsteel@gmail.com Website: https://sites.google.com/site/stalbertkidsofsteel/ To volunteer phone Ingrid at 780-418-1937. 

The St. Albert Botanic Park is extremely pleased to present Dr. Ieuan Evans, an expert with an extensive background in soil science, chemistry and plant disease as the last speaker in the St. Albert Botanic Park’s spring  “How does your Garden Grow?” series. Dr. Evans has agreed to provide a session dealing with: growing and maintaining healthy lawns; the selection and use of pesticides; ways of dealing with pests such as ants and aphids and common plant diseases (downy and powdery mildew, black knot  and fire blight). Held at the John Beedle Centre, 265 Sturgeon Road, on Wednesday, May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. $25/non-members; $15/members. To register, call 780-458-7163 or email sabotpk@telus.net. A fundraiser for the St. Albert Botanic Park. 

Learning a new language is fun and easy with Mango – the library’s online language-learning tutor. Sign up for this one-hour session and our librarians will show you how easy it is to get started. Then you can continue learning at your own pace at the library or at home. (A valid library card is needed to log-in from your own computer.) Saturday, May 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. Register in advance by visiting or callingthe second floor information desk, 780-459-1682. St. Albert Public Library, 5 St. Anne Street. 

Fort Air Partnership AGM with keynote speaker to follow. Bob Myrick from Alberta Environment and Water will talk about why Alberta made the transition to the new index and much more. Join us Monday, May 28 – AGM starts at 6:30 p.m., keynote at 7:30, Pioneer House, Fort Saskatchewan. Everyone welcome. Visit www.fortair.org for details and to RSVP.

Do you, a family member or friend have Parkinsons?  Come and learn more about resources available in your community, share common experiences, ask questions in a safe environment and receive the latest information about Parkinson disease. Join us on Tuesday May 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the St. Albert North Save On Foods Community Room. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Cathy Girard, Client Services Coordinator, Parkinson Alberta Society at 780-425-6400. 

Annual General Meeting: Business Meeting and Nominations; Report on ARTA Goals. STARTA Choir; Zumba – (exercise/dance to music). Members dress for participating in a 20 min. activity. This will be our last Friday breakfast of the season. Join us Friday May 25 at the Apex Casino. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., breakfast at 9 a.m. Cost: $18/person. Cost: $18/person; $5 to renew yearly membership. New members welcome; first year membership free! Phone Gail Kosinksi for more info: 780-458-9124. 

Bon Iver (pronounced: bone ee-VARE) French for "good winter" is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. It's a new statement of an artist moving on and establishing the groundwork for a lasting career. Justin Vernon, the primary force behind the band, continues to test his boundaries to the max and doing so has managed to break free from any pre- cursed or finished forms. 
Monday, May 21 at 8 p.m. Jubilee Auditorium. For ticket info, call Ticketmaster, 1-855-985-5000. 

American blues rock legend, George Thorogood returns to promote a new album, 2120 South Michigan Avenue.

2120 South Michigan Avenue, was home to Chicago's Chess Records, immortalized in the Rolling Stones' like-named instrumental and recorded at Chess in June 1964. Thorogood's new effort is a salute to the Chess label and its immortal artists.
Thorogood has been essaying the Chess repertoire since his 1977 debut album, which included songs by Elmore James and Bo Diddley that originated on the label. He has cut 18 Chess covers over the years — on 2120 South Michigan Avenue, he offers a full-length homage to the label that bred his style with interpretations of 10 Chess classics.
Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. Jubilee Auditorium. For ticket info, call Ticketmaster, 1-855-985-5000. 

Canadian violinist Marc Destrubé has an international reputation as a performer of baroque and classical music on period instruments. At the same time he is actively performing on modern violin, particularly music of the 20th century and new music. An exceptionally versatile musician, he appears in chamber music, as soloist, as concertmaster or director of orchestrason modern and period instruments.Destrubé makes his ESO debut performing outstanding violin concertos by Bach and Leclair. Colourful programmatic works by Haydn and Beethoven will also be heard. Lucas Waldin and the ESO, with special guest, violinist Marc Destrubé, will perform on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Winspear Centre for Music. For ticket info, call the Winspear box office, 780-428-1414. 

An exploration of Satie's music composed during La Belle Époque. During this beautiful era, Satie developed his unique musical expression that influenced the early modernists and continues to inspire artists today. Satie's genius is brought to light with shadow play, original art and historic images in a Concert Theatre setting. The Chat Blanc Collective features: Animateur/Musical Director: Roxanne Classen; Image/Shadow Play Director: Eva Colmers; Performers: Timothy Anderson, Mireille Rijavec and Laura Jones; Illustrations: Caitlin Richards; Ambient music: Bill Richards. Runs Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday, May 27 matinee performance at 2 p.m. at Campus Saint-Jean Auditorium McMahon Pavillion, 8406-91 Street. There will be a wine bar at the Friday and Saturday evening performances. For ticket info, call 780-420-1757 or purchase online: www.tixonthesquare.ca 

Donna Marie Baratta’s MFA Directing thesishas brought her to Medea: a woman who loves deeply, who is proud and who makes awful and conflicted decisions when faced with loss and heartbreak. Baratta has also added five Medea Variations to this production to represent Medea’s divided self and express her internal struggle. Runs from May 17 to 26 at Timms Centre for the Arts, 87 Ave. and 112 St., Edmonton. For ticket info, call 780-420-1757 or go online to: www.tixonthesquare.ca 

In this ‘unauthorized parody’ of the Peanuts cartoons, CB finds himself questioning the existence of an afterlife following the unfortunate death of his dog. His best friend is too ‘blitzed’ to give any comfort, his sister has her own identity crisis to deal with, his girlfriend has been institutionalized, and his other friends are too inebriated to care. Finding solace is a challenge in a world where even the advice from parents sounds like nothing more than a muted trombone. However, a chance meeting with an artistic outcast from the group changes everything while forging a friendship that could push the surrounding teen angst to the edge.Winner of the 2004 Best Overall production at the New York Fringe, this production also features an all-star cast of emerging professionals including David Johnston, Zachary Parsons-Lozinski, C.J. Rowein, Cayley McConaghy, Jaimi Reese, Chelsea Cooksey, Arielle Ballance, and Evan Hall. Warning: This production deals with mature themes and is not recommended for children.Rabid Marmot Productions is an Edmonton Based Theatre Company dedicated towards presenting a new breed of socially relevant theatrical innovation, through the voices of emerging Canadian playwrights and established productions.Runs from May 17 to 27 at Studio Theatre, 10330 – 84 Ave., Edmonton. For ticket info, call 780-420-1757 or go online to: www.tixonthesquare.ca

Marion and Alf are moving from their long-time family home with the help of their two adult daughters. But when an unexpected phone call exposes an unrevealed family fact, it unleashes a comedic torrent of unacknowledged family revelations that challenges every character. A bright and witty domestic comedy of unexpected secrets, family love and overcoming the past. Starring Belinda Cornish, Nicola Elbro, Glenn Nelson. Runs May 23 to June 10 at ShadowTheatre, 10329 83rd Ave., Edmonton. For ticket info, call 780-420-1757 or go online to: www.tixonthesquare.ca 

The teen line is a telephone and internet service manned by teens and young adult staff and volunteers, who have participated in a 40-hour training. They are available to talk, chat, or just listen when you want to talk to someone your age. Volunteers are between the ages of 15 and 25 years old and are trained to be there for teens and the issues that they face. Often just talking about what’s going on with someone who is non-judgmental and caring is all a person needs. If you need help or just want to talk with someone, the teen line is here. Teen line offers referrals for further support to youth organizations, counseling, social service agencies, and follow-up to those as the need dictates. Confidentiality, privacy and safety are of utmost importance and procedures are in place to build and maintain trust between the callers and the teen line workers. Volunteers obtain hands-on experience within a well-known Christian ministry. Many of the volunteers are college/university students who receive the training and donate dozens of hours, giving them credit in their college curriculum, preparing them for jobs in social work, pastoral care, chaplaincy or other types of community support job functions. Teen Support Line hours including phone and chat:Tuesday to Saturday 5 to 9 p.m. MST. Phone: 780-488-1414. Website: www.teensupportline.net

Come out and join the St. Albert Trekkers Volkssport Club for a guided walk through residential streets and walking trails. 5- and 10-km available. When: May 22. Registration 6:30 p.m. Start 7 p.m. Where: Tri Leisure Centre 221 Campsite Road, Spruce Grove. Directions: From Edmonton take Hwy 16 west past Spruce Grove to Jennifer Heil Way. Turn left into centre. Contact: David Hall 780-464-6932; davidhall@telus.net For more information about this and other walks: www.trekkerswalks.ca 

This workshop is helpful to all people who wish to understand what people at risk of suicide are needing from the caregiver.  This model does not assess risk but takes the view that all people who are having thoughts of suicide need some type of intervention.  This program is designed for all people interested in learning suicide first aid skills. As in CPR skills, the more individuals that have these skills the greater the likelihood of decreasing suicidal rates. Our community, and society as a whole, is then better prepared, more ready, willing and able to recognize and appropriately respond to the needs of the person at risk of suicide.  ASIST is a standardized program that provides awareness, tools, a model and a common language that is applicable to formal and informal caregivers. It is not therapy but many people who are learning these skills may be feeling depressed or have had thoughts of suicide and we do not discourage talking about this. Part of ASIST mandate is that the stigma and taboo surrounding suicide will cease to exist through open and honest disclosure and discussion on the topic of suicide. ASIST is a two-day, intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course developed by LivingWorks Education. It is designed to help caregivers recognize risk and learn how to intervene to prevent immediate risk of suicide. The ASIST workshop helps to 1) understand attitudes towards suicide 2) recognize and assess risk of suicide 3) learn suicide intervention techniques 4) practice intervention skills and 5) access local resources and people that can help during a crisis. ASIST workshop is designed for professionals, caregivers, and individuals who may work or be in contact with people-at-risk for suicide. These may include but not be limited to: counsellors, volunteers, teachers, medical staff, police, clergy, and youth workers.  Please note that the ASIST workshop is not a therapy session for people who are feeling suicidal or depressed. Certified ASIST Suicide Intervention Trainers:  Debbie Hart and Dixie Estrin. To register, please contact Kari Boult at 780-420-6081, email: kari.boult@catholicsocialservices.ab.ca Cost: $185/person. Runs May 24 & 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Catholic Social Services East Office, 8212 – 118 Ave. in Room 035 and the Genesis Room. 

This workshop is designed to help you learn how to handle your anger effectively. The goal is to learn to express anger in a healthy way without hurting others, yourself or your relationships. By the end of the program, you will have practised and begun to integrate new behaviours in communication and personal problem solving and become aware of the underlying “triggers” for your anger. Topics included are: anger and its uses, sources of anger, understanding the anger cycle, becoming familiar with what makes us angry, learning alternative ways of expressing anger and dealing with rage, and learning how to use anger appropriately to enhance your relationships at work and in your personal life. Cost: $300/person. Runs from May 24 to July 26 (10 Thursday evenings) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Catholic Social Services East Office, 8212 – 118 Ave. in Room 035. Limited subsidies/payment plans may be available. For more info, or to register, call Kari Boult, FLP Coordinator, 780-420-6081.