The historic Garneau Theatre, which has a long history of presenting alternative, unique and offbeat films and videos, is the new home of Metro Cinema.
In August, Metro will settle in with a full schedule of screenings, seven days a week. As they test drive the new digs and find their footing in the magnificent 1940s movie palace, several screen highlights are planned. They are:
• The Big Lebowski, a Coen brothers film about an unemployed slacker/bowler who, in a case of mistaken identity, becomes involved in a kidnapping. Free admission with a non-perishable item or monetary donation for the food bank. Friday, Aug. 5 at 11 p.m.
• Meek’s Cutoff, fresh off the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, is a tale of an 1845 wagon train of families that becomes lost and disoriented on the Oregon Trail until a Native American crosses their path. Aug. 5, 7, 9, 11 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 6, 8, 10 at 9 p.m., Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 4 p.m.
• The Future is Now is a documentary that goes inside government research labs to view products to be used in the near future. Aug. 12, 13, 18 at 7 p.m., Aug. 14, 15, 16 at 9 p.m., Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.
• Kuroneko (Black Cat) is a restored 35mm print of a 1968 Japanese masterpiece that blends illusion, passion and revenge. It is a tale of two women who are raped, followed by a couple of samurai bodies discovered with their throats cut out.
The Garneau is at 8712 - 109 St. in Edmonton. A full list of screenings is available at www.metrocinema.org.
For six years straight, Kokopelli has taken over Bogani CafĂ© for a non-stop 24-hour celebration of music. Proceeds from this rollicking fundraiser go to support Kokopelli’s twin choirs in Africa.
“We provide money for print music, uniforms, transportation, school tuition and medical expenses,” says Kokopelli artistic director Scott Leithead describing Namibia’s Mascato Youth Choir and South Africa’s Siyacula Youth Choir.
The singing marathon started Friday at 8 p.m., went straight through the night and continues until 8 p.m. tonight.
Fans can donate in person at Bogani’s, located at 23 Ave. and 111 St., or online at www.CanadaHelps.org. Be sure to use the keyword “Kokopelli.”
Roger Daltrey, lead vocalist from the iconic The Who, kicks off a six-week tour that stops at Rexall Place on Saturday, Oct. 29.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will perform The Who’s legendary rock opera Tommy from start to finish.
Tommy is one of the defining works of the rock era and has resonated with millions of fans and spawned a successful self-titled film. Expect to hear Pinball Wizard, The Acid Queen, I’m Free and See Me, Feel Me.
In addition to the majestic score, Daltrey will also sing some of The Who’s other classics.
Tickets are available at 780-451-8000 or online at www.tickemaster.ca
What could be better than an acoustic night of blues? Perhaps an evening with three fluid blues musicians that have helped raise the musical bar in St. Albert.
Three of LB’s Pub favourites — Simon Bennett (vocals/guitar), Chris Durand (guitar) and Paul Finn (bass) — brew up some of their magic potion this coming Tuesday at Mark Ammar’s Open Stage.
Bennett, the former owner of Castle Rock Pub, was a major influence on the St. Albert music scene, importing a plethora of artists, says Ammar.
“Players started to come from major rooms in Edmonton to his Saturday Open Stage and he put on five nights and two afternoons of live music on stage for years.”
Now with the band Deadly Pretty, Bennett continues to be force to be reckoned with, “a very strong powerful front man and vocalist with a lot of stamina.”
Durand, a flexible musician, has a high-energy feel that he brings to his gigs when playing with The Garage Guys, Pascal Lecours’ band and Eric Martin. “Chris can sit in with almost any style.”
Finn instead, is bit of travellin’ man who has worked from the east coast to the west. He is currently part of a four-piece that had their first gig at Rusty Reed’s House of Blues in Edmonton with Joe Piccolo, Glen Yorga and Greg Petty.
If you can play the 12-bar blues on any instrument, there’s a place for you at the jam. It starts at 9 p.m. No cover.
