ACWW Community Builders Awards

The Asian Canadian Writers’ Workshop presents its 3rd annual Community Builders Awards Dinner on November 6, 2004 in recognition of the continued success and influence of Asian Canadian writers and publishers in Canada.

The 2004 ACWW Community Builders Awards recipients are pioneer Asian Canadian writer Joy Kogawa and publisher Scott McIntyre of the Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group.

Introductory remarks will be made by Roy Miki, recipient of the 2002 Governor General’s Award for Poetry and 2003 ACWW Community Builders Award.

Margaret Gallagher (CBC Radio) will be the special host for the evening.

This year’s event also includes a special publishing information Workshop at 4:00pm (on the same day at the restaurant) entitled “After signing on the dotted line: The editing process from the publisher's point of view” led by Douglas & McIntyre’s Senior Editor, Saeko Usukawa. The topic “What happens after your manuscript is accepted by a publisher?” will be examined and explained.

This workshop is free to all ACWW members and all dinner guests. There is a $10 charge for non-members and those not attending the dinner.

The Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society/explorASIAN is a Community Partner for this special celebration.

When: Saturday - November 6, 2004
Workshop from 4:00 to 6:00pm
Cash Bar Reception at 6:00pm
Dinner starts at 6:30pm

Where: Fraser Flamingo Restaurant 3469 Fraser Street, Vancouver Phone: 604.877.1231

What: Publishing Workshop, 10 Course Chinese Banquet Style Dinner, Book Signing, Door Prizes

Tickets: $50/person - Workshop & Dinner.
Bonus offer – Receive a one year gift subscription to Ricepaper Magazine

$10/person for Publishing Workshop only.

Advance Tickets can be purchased from ACWW, Ricepaper Magazine, and the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society. Limited number of tickets available at the door.

Last year’s dinner was a sold out event so get your tickets early. Groups of 10 can reserve tables in advance for priority seating. Payment in advance for group tables is required. No refunds. VISA accepted. Please call 604.488.0119 to pay by VISA.

For tickets, please contact:
Sid Tan 604.433.6169 sidtan@vcn.bc.ca
Jim Wong-Chu 604.322.6616 jwongchu@shaw.ca
Don Montgomery 604.878.6888 don@explorasian.org

More info: http://www.asiancanadianwritersworkshop.com/

EVELYN LAU

When: 7pm Tues. Oct. 5
Where: Tigers, 2133 Granville St.
Who: EVELYN LAU
Also: AL POPE
And: ANNABEL LYON
Open mike for PROSE at 7pm followed by An Armchair Chat and 3 readings at 8pm:

FEATURED author is EVELYN LAU. Her next collection of poetry
will be appearing in the spring of 2005 with Raincoast Books and we'll get a
sneak preview of that and a recent prose essay. LAU's last book was a
collection of essays and memoir, "Inside Out--Reflections of a Life so Far"
(Random House 2001). Previous to that she has written "Fresh Girls and Other
Stories", "Other Women", "Runaway- Diary of a Street Kid", and three
collections of poetry, "You are Not Who You Claim", "Oedipal Dreams" and "In
the House of Slaves".

"BOLTS OF FICTION" ORGANIZATION
823 1/2 Prior St.
254-0355)
Email: boltsoffiction@hotmail.com

The Last of The Nees (or Why I Don't Smile)

Friday, October 1 & Saturday, October 2, 2004
7:30pm and 9:30pm nightly
@ The Roundhouse Performance Centre (Pacific Blvd & Davie)
$15 in advance by calling 778.885.1973 OR $20 cash on day of show

Phil Nee's one-man show is a funny yet reflective account of growing up Asian in North America. His autobiographical show explores Nee’s responsibility to carry on the family name, along with his inability to express joy (not necessarily related, he points out). It has played to enthusiastic crowds in LA and New York, and promises a night full of laughter and revelation. Hosted by Tom Chin with Opening Act, Jeffery Yu, winner of 2002 Funniest Comic with a Day Job. www.vact.ca

KAI CHAN: A WALK IN THE WILDERNESS

Curated by Sarah Quinton

September 22, 2004 - January 2, 2005

Artist's Tour: Wednesday September 22, 6:00 pm
Opening Reception: Wednesday September 22, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Media Preview: September 21, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

The Textile Museum of Canada announces a solo exhibition by Toronto-based artist Kai Chan. A Walk in the Wilderness features new works, which relate to artifacts Chan has selected from the Textile Museum's permanent collection. A Walk in the Wilderness is an investigation of identity, and how it is shaped through environments, rituals, space and time. The works reflect a personal journey, referencing the artist's homes in Hong Kong and China, his travels abroad, his recent Canada Council studio residency in Paris, and his current home in Toronto.

Kai Chan's materials, which include toothpicks, incense sticks, wood shavings and burnt wood, may seem far removed from the textile artifacts on display. However, Chan suggests that these materials - like thread - can be woven, interlaced and sewn in very similar ways. The reusable and readily-available nature of these materials is also of great significance to Chan and his practice. As the artist explains, "Material was very precious in my family. We didn't have much. I grew up surrounded by recycling."

Kai Chan: A Walk in the Wilderness is sponsored by the Anne Angus Contemporary Program Fund. The support of Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. is gratefully acknowledged.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:

Artist's Tour Wednesday September 22, 6:00 pm
Join artist Kai Chan for a preview of the exhibition on the evening of the opening reception. Free Admission.

Artist's Talk Friday October 15, 6:30 pm
Kai Chan offers insights into his practice and artistic career. Free for members. $8 Non-Members, Students- Pay What You Can.

Workshop: Free Form Basket Construction Saturday October 30 & Sunday October 31, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Explore the very essence of making with artist Kai Chan. This workshop will broaden your vision of whatever medium you work in. As we construct a free form container/basket with a variety of materials and skills, we will explore skeletal forms as the basis for the structure. Participants may bring in any material they wish for this workshop. $75 Members, $95 Non-Members, $60 Students. Advance registration required - please call 416.599.5321 x 2221.

Dance Performance: Trace Wednesday November 3, 7:00 pm
Dance artist Michelle Silagy returns to the Textile Museum to perform excerpts from Trace - a dance investigation of Kai Chan's work with original music performed by Brian Barlow. Chan and Silagy are continuing a dialogue they initiated in the 2003 dance, Watermark: Visible When Held Again Light, which also featured set and costume enhancements by Chan. $6 Members, $8 Non-Members, Students - Pay What You Can.

For additional information, interviews or images please contact Jennifer Grant, Public Relations and Communications Manager, at 416.599.5321 x 2239, or jgrant@textilemuseum.ca

Textile Museum of Canada
55 Centre Ave (Dundas & University at St. Patrick Subway)
Toronto, ON M5G 2H5
T: 416.599.5321
Museum Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 11 am - 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

FASHIONISTA!

Explore the left bank of fashion, invest in artist-run culture

Saturday, September 25, 2004
Pigeon Park Savings, 92 East Hastings at Columbia
Doors at 8pm, Fashion Show at 9pm
Tickets $10

For one spectacular night, a collection of this fall's art couture will be available for viewing at Pigeon Park Savings. On the runway will be creations by Vancouver's finest fashionistas, each garment a statement of hard couture currency. You can begin diversif yingyourfashionportfolioat8pmthroughsilentauction. The market closes at 11pm.

Allison Wonderland * Anti Social * Robert Arndt * Grant Arnold * Erin Boniferro * Lorna Brown * Mark Buck * Dadabase * Dust * Geoffrey Farmer * Sarah Edmonds and Sydney Hermant * Eugene Choo * Chris Gergley * Devon Gifford * Carly Haddon * Colleen Heslin * Hadley Howes and Maxwell Stevens * Catriona Jeffries * Vanessa Kwan * Robyn Laba * Tracey Lawrence * Tim Lee * Phil McCrum * Jason McLean * Jean MacRea * Luanne Martineau * Sara Mameni * Eric Metcalfe and Sarah Turner * Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman * Maggie Moore * Damian Moppett * Motherland/Pleasant Girl * Emilie O'Brien * Helga Pakasaar * Mat Pasch * Isabelle Pauwels * Natalie Purschwitz * Kerri Reid * Gerald Richardson * Cate Rimmer * Georgie Russell and Erin Stanley * Melinda Santillan * Igor Santizo * Aurel Schmidt * Corin Sworn * Ahmad Tabrizi * Erin Templeton * Althea Thauberger * Michael Turner * Holly Ward * Jonathan Wells * Elizabeth Zvonar * and more!
MC: Mark Buck DJ: Jeremy Mendes

This event is a fundraiser for Artspeak. Artspeak is one of Canada's finest artist-run centres and has been operating in the Downtown Eastside for eighteen years.

Parking is available at Tinseltown Cinemas, 88 West Pender. For further information and advance ticket purchase please contact Artspeak at 604.688.0051

Many thanks to the artists, designers, curators, volunteers, sponsors and the Portland Hotel Society.

ARTSPEAK
233 Carrall Street
Vancouver British Columbia
Canada V6B 2J2

T (604) 688-0051
F (604) 685-1912
E artspeak@artspeak.ca
W http://www.artspeak.ca

"Dragon Ladies and Kung Fu Masters: (re)Constructing Asian American Sexuality"

Saturday, Sept. 18th, 11pm PST on cable 13 in Vancouver, and Chum in
Toronto (repeats on Sunday, same time) on their half hour 'SexTV' show.
The show, is season 6, episode 30:

Further details can be found at:

www.sextelevision.net or www.chumtv.com

TRUE CANADIANS: THE NEXT GENERATION

A HOT TYPE SPECIAL ON MULTICULTURALISM
SEPTEMBER 26, 1 PM, CBC-TV

Are there defining characteristics that make someone Canadian? Does multiculturalism
lead to an identity crisis? Hot Type host Adrian Harewood (counterSpin, SpinOff)
tackles these questions with insightful interviews with independent filmmaker
Mina Shum, University of Toronto historian Michael Bliss and Professor Sherene
Razack, and Vancouver musicians Tandava. The one-hour special looks at dual identities,
Canada's policy of multiculturalism, and cultural tolerance. The inspiration
for this program came from an IDEAS radio broadcast featuring Mina Shum at the
inaugural UBC Lecture on Multiculturalism earlier this summer.

True Canadians: The Next Generation airs September 26, 1 pm on CBC-TV.

CBC Studio One Book Clubs

CBC Studio One Book Clubs - The only way to get in is to win!
October 1, 13, 20, 22 and November 5

October 1 - Roddy Doyle with Oh, Play That Thing
October 13 - Ian Rankin with Fleshmarket Close
October 20 - Wayson Choy with All That Matters
October 22 - Susanna Clark with Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
November 5 - Anthony Bourdain with Les Halles Cookbook

The CBC Studio One Book Club is an intimate gathering of only 120 contest winners.
It is hosted by Sheryl MacKay of CBC Radio and John Burns of the Georgia Straight,
and is recorded for broadcast on North by Northwest and other CBC Radio programs.
Active audience participation is a key component of every CBC Studio One Book
Club, and your questions and observations are encouraged!

Listen to North by NorthWest, weekends from 6 to 9 am on CBC Radio One 690 AM
for details or visit http://cbc.ca/vancouver/studioone/ and find out how to win
to get in!

QUEEN WEST ART CRAWL

QUEEN WEST ART CRAWL
September 17 - 19, 2004
A Weekend-Long Festival Celebrating the Arts on Queen Street West

Hey all, CBC radio one 99.1FM will be playing an interview and several of our demo tracks over the next few days.

1. Catch us on Metro Morning Fri Sept 17 sometime between 6 and 8:30am eastern standard time. You can also tune in on the internet at cbc.ca. For all you early riser with tape recorders, tape this show for us if you can!

2. We'll also be on Big City Small World Sat Sept 18 from 5-6pm!

3. On Sun Sept 19 we'll be playing at the Queen West Art Crawl

Language Lounge
Sunday, September 19, 2004 8:30 p.m.
Mitzi's Sister, 1554 Queen St West (West of Lansdowne)
Pay What You Can (suggested $5)

Curated & Hosted by Sandra Alland
Featuring: Jemeni, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha,
ahdri zhina mandiela, maewon,
and poetry-music blind dates between Stuart Ross & John Farah
and Terence Go & DJ Verlia
www.torontoartscape.on.ca/qwac

Planet in Focus

The 5th annual edition of Planet in Focus, Canada's only international environmental film and video festival will take place in Toronto from September 28 to October 3, 2004. The expanded line-up for 2004 features 81 films and videos (including 32 Canadian premieres, and 8 World premieres), from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Spain, South Africa, the USA, and the UK. The festival screens a diversity of genres - documentaries, feature films, short drama, animation, and experimental works.

Back by popular demand are the Multi-Faith Environmental Celebration, Organic Pancake Brunch, Chris McKhool's Earth, Seas, and Air Concert, and the Eco Fair. New additions to the programme for filmmakers include The Ecology of the Marketplace panel on getting distribution, and a Brown Bag Round-table with attending filmmakers.

The festival launches with peace advocate and author Dr. Helen Caldicott on Wednesday September 22 at 7:00 pm at the OISE Auditorium, 252 Bloor St. W. This will be in conjunction with the screening of the powerful documentary Helen's War - Portrait of a Dissident on Saturday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Al Green Theatre, 750 Spadina Avenue. Please visit our Website at www.planetinfocus.org for the festival schedule and box office information.

Planet in Focus: International Environmental Film & Video Festival
New Address:
455 Spadina Avenue, Suite 304
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2G8
phone: 416-531-1769
fax: 416-913-2310

KILLING CAESAR

Rubicon Theatre Co-op presents
KILLING CAESAR
Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar rudely adapted by Charles Marowitz

Tickets $10/ $12 advance
604-257-0366
www.festivalboxoffice.com

If you haven’t already, I hope you get a chance to see an amazing show that I’m a part of. It’s called Killing Caesar and we are playing at the Waterfront Theatre as part of the Fringe Festival. We have had very positive response from both audience members and critics alike.

Our last show is this Sunday at 4:45 pm.
Come and Check It Out!

adrienne wong

Call for Asian Playwright

Toronto Choreographer, Jeffrey Chan, looking for Asian playwrite for collaboration in a theatre project about "The Rape of Nanking" to be premiered in 2005. This project is meant to be a multi-media work involving dance, acting and visual art. However the cast will be small, three dancers and one actor/actress, with interchange of roles between victim, survivor and witness. Currently I am applying funding for this project through OAC.

When Mr. Chan immigrated from Hong Kong to Canada, he brought with him dance experiences in Chinese classical and minority folk dances, South East Asian folk dances as well as classical ballet and modern dance techniques. He has involved with most of dance companies in the Toronto Chinese dance community as dancer, teacher, choreographer and stage manager. A graduate of The London Contemporary Dance School’s one year special program, he has furthered his modern dance training with local teachers such as: Patricia Beatty, Kim Puil, Helen Jones, Pat Miner and Peggy Baker.

Mr. Chan founded Wu Ming Dance Project in 1995 to present his own choreography in modern dance, which has strong Asian colour and themes. Major works presented in different revues in Toronto include: “Eight Tones” a full-length work, “A Toast to Li Po”, “I” (in English: Changes), “Visitors”, “Letter from Home”, “Lunar Traces” and “Temptation of the Monk”.

mailto:wumingdp@hotmail.com

CineCity: Vancouver's Stories

CITYTV VANCOUVER ANNOUNCES 3RD ANNUAL CINECITY: VANCOUVER'S STORIES
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Citytv Vancouver is putting out its 3rd annual call for submissions for CineCity: Vancouver's Stories. Through CineCity, Citytv continues its history of supporting emerging Canadian filmmakers.

CineCity: Vancouver's Stories supports the development and production of short, dramatic films by visible-minority & aboriginal filmmakers. Citytv Vancouver will ultimately broadcast the finished projects during primetime.

The 2004 approach is different from year's past since this year's call for submission takes emerging writers through the writing process from one-page outlines to treatment and then to full script for a short-dramatic film. Citytv will also provide workshops for marketing and publicity for chosen producers.

In its two-year history, CineCity: Vancouver's Stories has received 80 submissions and produced six short films. Six additional short films are currently in production. Citytv has aired four one-hour specials in 2003 and 2004 premiering the short films on Canadian television.

Several of the films produced have been official selections at local and international festivals including: Chika's Bird at the ReelWorld Film Festival and Sprockets, Out for Bubble Tea at the San Francisco International Lesbian And Gay Film Festival and Fortune for Dim Sum at the 2004 Vancouver International Film Festival.

"Our goal for this project is to increase cultural diversity in the local film community and support new talent," says Prem Gill, Citytv Vancouver's Director of Public Affairs. "The quality of submissions and finished projects has exceeded our expectations."

Complete guidelines for submissions and applications forms are available at www.citytv.com and at reception at Citytv Vancouver, 180 West 2nd Avenue. Deadline for submission is 5:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2004.

Citytv Vancouver, Cable 13, is owned and operated by CHUM Limited (TSX SYMBOL:CHM CHM.B, <>>), one of Canada's leading media companies and content providers with radio and television stations across Canada.

For more information contact:
Julia Caslin
Regional Publicist
Citytv Vancouver/The New VI
604-872-6326 (direct)/604-862-2191 (cell)

Canadian Premiere of Cheuk Kwan's "Chinese Restaurants: Song of the Exile"

Saturday, September 25, 2004, Screening Time Starts at 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Eatons Lecture Hall, Rogers Communications Centre, Ryerson University
80 Gould Street, Toronto
Price: $10 per ticket

After screenings in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Cheuk Kwan's Chinese
Restaurants will make its debut in Canada this Fall in a fundraising
screening on behalf of the Chinese Canadian National Council.

Chinese Restaurants tells the story of the Chinese Diaspora through its most
recognizable and enduring icon ?the family-run Chinese restaurant. In this
13-part documentary series, Toronto-based filmmaker Cheuk Kwan takes us on a
tour of restaurants around the world, bringing us into the lives of
extraordinary families as they share moving stories of struggle, courage,
displacement and belonging; and what it means to be "Chinese?today.

Song of the Exile, the first feature-length film from the series, will have
its Canadian debut in Toronto on September 25 at a benefit gala for the
Chinese Canadian National Council. The film recounts the extraordinary
tales of immigrant families in Israel, South Africa, and Turkey. It will
also be shown at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (November 5-8).

As you may know, Cheuk was one of the founding members of the Ad Hoc
Committee Against W5, formed 25 years ago and which led to the establishment
of the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC).

For more information about this event, or to reserve tickets: please contact
Victor Wong, Executive Director (national@ccnc.ca), or Sam Chow, Project
Coordinator (sam@ccnc.ca) at (416) 977-9871. Tickets may be also obtained
at the door.

China Doll by Marjorie Chan

SCIROCCO DRAMA presents the launch of
China Doll by Marjorie Chan
at TheatreBooks, 11 St. Thomas St., Toronto
Thursday, September 23, 7:30 p.m.

In China Doll, Marjorie Chan's first play, Ibsen is a catalyst for a young woman who comes to see her future in terms other than those laid out for her by the patriarchal society in which she lives. Su-Ling, an openand intelligent young woman in Shanghai, has her feet bound by her grandmother, Poa-Poa. Despite the pain and the crippling effects, custom decrees that the smaller and daintier the foot, the more marriageable the woman. (The most desirable, lotus feet, fit into lotus shoes only 3-4 inches long.) Poa-Poa has high hopes that her granddaughter will marry well and bring prosperity to them both. Then Su-Ling meets the merchant Li, who enlarges her world by teaching her to read. As Su-Ling grows into womanhood, she makes choices that lead her toward independence, and which have consequences for everyone in her world.

ISBN: 0-920486-83-5
Nominated For "OUTSTANDING NEW PLAY" Dora Mavor Moore Awards 2004

MARJORIE CHAN is a playwright/performer based in Toronto. "China Doll" is her debut as a playwright and began as a short radio drama for the Banff Centre and CBC Radio. She has been awarded the 2004 K.M. Hunter Artist Award in Theatre and was nominated for several Doras both as an actor and a writer, winning for Outstanding Performance in Theatre for Young Audiences. Her next play is entitled "Sweet Protest" and is set in Toronto, 1947.

For more information about China Doll, contact Karen Green at Scirocco Drama, (204) 779-6967 or jgshill@allstream.net, PO Box 86, RPO Corydon Ave., Winnipeg MB R3M 3S3 www.jgshillingford.com

DRAKE HOTEL SCREENING TO SHOWCASE WOMEN DIRECTORS' TALENTS

WomenDirect, a newly-formed group of women film and television directors,
will host an afternoon of short films at The Drake Hotel on Sunday,
September 19th, 2004 from 2 to 5 pm. Come and check out 11 films by 11
women, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and think.

The short film screening during the Toronto International Film Festival week
is the first WomenDirect event, and will kick off the group's official
monthly meetings.

Less than a month old, WomenDirect is an eclectic mix of bright talented
female directors who are joining together to make a splash in the film and
television industries, united by a single purpose - work! Developing and
creating projects independently and together, their first joint effort is a
proposed series of witty commercials which challenge stereotypes and give
plenty of reasons to hire a woman director.

Created by women directors looking for an inspired environment in which to
talk about their projects and share information and experience, WomenDirect
is a forum for continual expression that also provides a focus for fun,
action, and change.

The rapidly growing membership currently includes: Denise Blinn, Sarah
Michelle Brown, Jennifer Calvert, Andrea Dorfman, Anita Doron, Leslie Ann
Coles, Semi Chellas, Danis Goulet, Monica Guddat, Kris Lefcoe, Sharon Lewis,
Darlene Lim, Shelley Mansell, Sheona McDonald, Alisa Palmer, Michale Raske,
Patricia Harris Seeley, Katie Tallo, Paula Tiberius, and Dawn Wilkinson.

For more information, please contact Anita Doron:
anita@avalanchefilms.comToronto.

RAW Returns

A night of music, beats, images, word, song and thunder with Raging Asian Women
RAW) Taiko Drummers and friends (Maewon, The Cliks, Pomegranate, LAL, Vicky
Manuel-Paul & missruckus).

Thursday, October 7th, 2004
at Tequila Lounge
794 Bathurst St. at Bloor (upstairs)
Doors at 9pm, show starts promptly at 9:30pm

$7-$10 sliding scale in advance / $12 at the door
Advance tickets available at Toronto Women's Bookstore
73 Harbord St. at Spadina

To win a pair of tickets be the 7th and 17th correct answer (by email) to
this skill-testing query: Name one TWB staff member who will be performing
at the RAW Returns evening. Hint: There are multiple correct answers!
Contest closes Sunday September 19th at midnight. Winners will be notified
by email. Only one entry per email address please! And of course spelling counts!

“For Love of Community” an evening of Choral Music ( Series 1 )

Saturday October 9th. 2004, an evening of choral music will be presented at

National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre ( NNM&HC) at 6688 southoaks Crescent, Burnaby. NNM&HC was a dream project of Japanese Canadian - where the Japanese Canadian history and heritages are preserved. The Centre welcomes all peoples from all ethnic communities. There will be three different groups presented.

Cattleya Chorus – Japanese Canadian mothers’ chorus from Greater Vancouver. The choir have been singing for community for over 10 years. For last few years their singing style have become very dynamic and powerful with precisional harmony. Their beautifully arranged popular Japanense songs – you can feel the messages! 20 members will be joining for this presentation. Music director – Mrs Kuniko Naito.

Vancouver Womens Choir ( Korea ) – Korean ladies choir. The choir conist of 40 ladies. The choir was founded in 2002. The choir welcomes people from all background and keeps amateur status. Their choice of Korean songs: traditional, musical, childrens’ and songs of Buddhism. The choir have held annual performance in 2003 and two special performances – dinner show for Park Ji Won and tea house show for parents. The fund raised was donated to Potter’ Mieeion Place on Hastings and Vancouver Korean School. Music director - Mr. Yoo, Dong Yul

4 Gentlemen and Grace Chan – Four gentlemen are: Dave Alger, John Iseli, Bruce Arneson and Bill Konnert. The harmony – base, baritones and tenor – is so beautiful and pleasing. Grace Chan – trained at the University of Brititsh Columbia in Voice and Opera Performance. Grace is the recipient of numerous awards including the first place winner in the West Coast Opera Competition. She performs extensively in opera stages and concert halls, not only in Canada, but also in Asia and Europe. She has represented Canada and has performed for international dignitaries. In Vancouver, she has performed on the main stages of the Vancouver Opera, the Burnaby Lyric Opera, Viva Musica, and with Vancouver Symphony, the Sinfonia among others. As a flexible artist, Grace’s repertoire includes oratorio works, masses, song cycles and orchestrial lieder as well as a variety of chamber works, world music including soul music and popular musicals. Watch out for their surprise performances and more….

Come and join us at:
National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Advance ticket: NNM&HC 604-777-7000 Cheque, Cash, Visa, MC
Tickets: $12.00 Tickets are also available at door or from member of choral groups.

Children 16 and under - $6.00 (Tickets only available at the door or from NNM&HC.)
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm ( doors 6:30 pm ) Oct. 9, 2004.
Ethnic pastries and snacks to be sold from 6:30 pm

Our thanks go to all performers for donating their valuable time and their talents for this event. Their help and commitment for better communities are most welcome by those who believe in unite the community movement. Our sincere thanks!

The performace is put together by UNITE THE COMMUNITY for registered charitable organization: National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Center and Pacific Rim Intercultural Action Society of Burnaby, B.C.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR LUNCH ON SEPTEMBER 23rd?

Toronto Arts Coalition and Mayor David Miller invite you to the Mayor's Giant ArtsWeek KickOff, on September 23rd from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Nathan Phillips Square.

WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTEND:

Mayor David Miller is giving a landmark address on the arts in Toronto - and it's crucial that we have many supporters in the audience to demonstrate to the City of Toronto that arts are an important issue. It's time to rally the troops!!

This is the biggest event that the Coalition will produce this year - please forward this message to your friends, co-workers, contacts and database - and urge them to attend. The larger the audience, the greater the media coverage of this important event.

Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Atwood, Veronica Tennant, Molly Johnson, Jackie Burroughs, Russell Smith, Sonja Smits and dozens of other prominent artists will be on stage to show their support - we hope you will be there too.

ARTSWEEK IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER - IS YOUR ART EVENT LISTED?

ArtsWeek will promote your art event for FREE!!

Tell us about your event that is happening during ArtsWeek (September 23 - October 3), and we will promote it on your behalf, for free. All events are listed on the ArtsWeek site and are supported by an extensive marketing and media campaign.

List your ArtsWeek event at www.artsweek.ca/list.php

Showcasing over 60 artists and arts organizations - including a visual arts exhibition, three stages with music and dance, and a sneak preview of The Word on the Street festival. Lunch available for under $5.

Don't miss it.
For more information please contact: Stacey@torontoartscouncil.org
http://www.artsweek.ca/list.php

NEW GEISHA MEMOIR LOST IN ADAPTATION

Craig Takeuchi's article entitled, "New Geisha Memoir Lost In
Adaptation" is now available to view on the Georgia Straight web
site: http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=4738

ON THE BIG SCREEN: QAY MOVIES AND GAMES NITE

September 25, 2004 (7 - 11 pm)
ACAS
33 Isabella Street
Suite 107 - Buzzer 526
(3 blocks south of Bloor, just east of Yonge) Toronto

For: queer/lesbian/transsexual/gay/bisexual/pansexual/undecided
/questioning/straight/transgender East and Southeast Asian youth
and their friends!

Freeeeeeeeeeee!!! It's a POTLUCK! Bring your favourite food to
share or bring nothing and just feast! Movies on the BIG SCREEN and
interactive GAMES! Meet new people! Come alone or bring friends!
Very friendly atmosphere!

For more info, contact:
Florence
Telephone: (416) 963-4300 ext.29
E-mail: youth@acas.org
Web site: http://www.acas.org/QAY

Wanna volunteer? Next QAY meeting: September 13, 2004 (6 - 8 pm)

BANFF-CALGARY INTERNATIONAL WORDFEST

Various Authors, Dates, Times, and Locations

1) Ange Zhang is an author, a highly regarded illustrator and an
internationally known theatre designer who once worked for
the Beijing Opera Company. He has illustrated many children's
books, including Thor by W.D. Valgardson which won the Mr.
Christie's Book Award, and now brings his artistic talents to bear
on his own work in Red Land, Yellow River: A Story from the Cultural
Revolution. It is a book that tells the story of Mao Zedong's
Cultural Revolution and its wrenching, devastating impact on the
lives of ordinary people, in particular the life of the Zhang
family. Ange now lives with his family in Toronto. He will be
reading at the following events:

a) A Tale of Two Countries
October 14, 2004 (1:30 - 2:30 pm)
Vertigo Theatre Studio
161-115, 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
(ages 9-11, grades 4-6)

Watch the diverse worlds of Canada and China come together...

b) Far Away, So Close
October 15, 2004 (10 - 11 am)
Uptown Stage
612 - 8 Ave. SW, Calgary
(ages 9-11, grades 4-6)

Fascinating tales of the faraway and the everyday.

2) Hiromi Goto was born in Chiba-ken, Japan, and immigrated to Canada
with her family in 1969, eventually arriving in Alberta. Since
publishing her groundbreaking first novel - Chorus of Mushrooms in
1995, a regional winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best
First Book and co-winner of the Japan-Canada Book Award - Hiromi has
released two further novels and garnered the James Tiptree, Jr.
Award and a Sunburst Award nomination. She returns to WordFest with
the short fiction Hopeful Monsters, a fearless collection that
confronts the often strange and inexplicable nature of everyday
life. Hiromi is currently Writer-in-Residence at the Emily Carr
Institute of Art + Design. She will be reading at the following events:

a) A Word to the West
October 14, 2004 (7 - 8 pm)
The Banff Book & Art Den
94 Banff Avenue, Banff

Montréal moxie comes together with the finest in Western Canadian literature!

b) Love is a Verb
October 16, 2004 (1 - 2:30 pm)
Vertigo Theatre Studio
161-115, 9th Ave. SE, Calgary

The twists, turns and paradoxes of one of humanity's most complex
emotions stand at the heart of these writers' work.

3) Wayson Choy has earned lavish critical praise and many awards for
his haunting, richly-detailed evocations of Vancouver's Chinatown -
a place that he brought vividly to life through his memoir Paper
Shadows and the acclaimed first novel, The Jade Peony, both of which
he presented at WordFest. He returns to the Festival with All That
Matters, the long-awaited sequel to his début novel - a continued
story of the Chen family, who form a fragile microcosm of the larger
world in the turbulent era of the '30s and '40s. Wayson lives
and writes in Toronto, where he teaches at the Humber School for Writers.
He will be reading at the following events:

a) Friday Night Showcase
October 15, 2004 (7 - 9 pm)
Vertigo Theatre Playhouse
161-115, 9th Ave. SE, Calgary

Leading literary talents from around the world give new meaning to
the phrase "thanks goodness it's Friday!"

b) Soul in the City
October 16, 2004 (3 - 4:30 pm)
Engineered Air Theatre
EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts
200-9 Ave SE, Calgary

An engaging discussion about all the ways a city where a writer
lives, or about which they write, can influence and shape their work.

BANGKOK LADYBOYZ: AN EAST-MEETS-WEST EXPERIENCE

October 20 & 21, 2004 (Doors at 9 pm / Showtime at 10 pm)
Plush @ Plaza of Nations, Vancouver

Gender-bending is everywhere these days in our metro-sexual, poly-
sexual, omni-sexual world, and fresh from the hottest nightclubs and
showrooms of Bangkok comes a new twist to the confusion, Bangkok
Ladyboyz! In two glamorous evenings of Vegas show lounge glitz and
contemporary hip-hop pop music infused with the famed sexuality of
Thailand, five celebrated performers from the most famous nightclubs
of Bangkok will raise temperatures and pique curiosity in a show
that can scarcely be compared to anything else on stage anywhere.

With an evening featuring white-hot dance music from one of
Vancouver's best-known DJs before and after the show, the Vancouver
appearance of Bangkok Ladyboyz promises to be the most exciting
sizzle of the season!

Tickets ($45) are now available online at http://www.supertickets.ca
or in person at two downtown locations: Tropika on Robson (1128
Robson Street) and Gyu Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant (219 - 755
Burrard Street). For further information and some colourful footage
of the Bangkok Ladyboyz, visit http://www.bkkladyboyz.com

JAPANESE MASTER MUSICIANS

1) Concert: September 29, 2004 (8 pm)
Vancouver East Cultural Centre
1895 Venables St, at Victoria Drive, Vancouver

(Tickets $20/14 at http://www.Ticketmaster.ca or or call (604) 280-3311)

2) Other Appearances:

a) September 28, 2004 (12:30 pm)
Langara College
Lecture/Demo

b) September 28, 2004 (4 pm)
UBC - Asian Bldg
Lecture/Demo

c) September 29, 2004 (12 pm)
SFU, Harbour Ctr.
Lecture/Demo

4) September 30, 2004 (12 pm)
SFU Theatre
Mini-concert

The Grand Master of Japan's rarest and most essential Zen instrument
will perform a powerful evening of contemporary and traditional
music of depth, profundity, and introspection. Issui Minegishi will
make her debut Canadian appearance on the ichigenkin, and will be
accompanied by fellow Tokyo resident Ichiyo Saito, and local artists
Mei Han and Randy Raine-Reusch.

One of Japan's rarest and most subtle musical instruments, the
ichigenkin (one string zither) will be featured in performances by
Issui Minegishi, the hereditary grand master of the Seikyodo style of
ichigenkin and Ichoyo Saito and head teacher of the style. This
powerful yet subtle instrument is heavily influenced by Zen
philosophy, and was an instrument of refinement during the Edo
Period (1603-1867) used by samurai, literati and high priests.
Today, there are only a handful of performers that play the
instrument and in an effort to keep the instrument alive, the
Seikyodo tradition have commissioned some of Japan's most prominent
composers to write new works that maintain the essence of the
instrument through a contemporary voice. Minegishi and Saito will
present a program of both traditional and contemporary works
for ichigenkin and voice. Canadian multi-instrumentalist Randy
Raine-Reusch, who has been playing in the Seikyodo tradition for
over ten years, will provide a brief introduction to the instrument.

KATARI TAIKO CONCERTS

1) September 17, 2004 (8 pm)
The Heritage Centre
Nikkei Place
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

2) October 16, 2004 (8 pm)
Vancouver East Cultural Centre
1895 Venables Street, Vancouver

Katari Taiko celebrates its 25th Anniversary with two evening
concerts. Each concert will featuring the dynamic and inspiring
drumming of Katari Taiko.

1) September 17 Concert
Tickets: $12 (general admission) at Nikkei Place (604) 777-7000 /
http://www.nikkeiplace.org,
call (604) 683-8240 or e-mail: info@dkam.ca

This concert, part of Nikkei Week 2004, will feature the nine-member
Katari Taiko, plus guest appearances by the unique eisa (Okinawan-
style) dance-music ensemble Okinawa Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko and
shamisen player, Tomoyoshi Ukita. The concert program will include
an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, including
the premiere of a new piece by Sachiko Yamaguchi entitled Mamemaki,
named after the Japanese ritual which celebrates the coming of
spring. Guests Okinawa Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko group will bring a
different dynamic to the taiko stage with their hand-held drums,
athletic dance choreography and folk/pop music soundtrack.
Tomoyoshi Ukita will perform a solo shamisen performance as well as
interludes throughout Katari Taiko's set.

2) October 16 Concert

Tickets: $15 (general admission) plus applicable service charges
through Ticketmaster (604) 280-3311.

This multi-media concert will feature all nine performing members of
Katari Taiko plus guest appearances by Katari Taiko Alumni and by
shamisen player Tomoyoshi Ukita. The Cultch concert will include a
diverse program of new works including Yamaguchi's Mamemaki and some
old chestnuts as well as a visual celebration of Katari Taiko's long
and fabulous history.

For more information, contact:
Katari Taiko Drum Group Association
Telephone: (604) 683-8240
Fax: (604) 683-7911
E-mail: info@dkam.ca
Web site: http://www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

SUGIMOTO HIROSHI: A PILGRIMAGE TO ANCIENT CITIES

Opening Reception: September 16, 2004 (Reception at 7:30 pm)
Exhibition: September 17 - November 21, 2004
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
1040 Moss Street, Victoria BC

Sugimoto Hiroshi: A Pilgrimage to Ancient Cities is an exhibition of
over 35 captivating large-format paintings by esteemed contemporary
Japanese artist Sugimoto Hiroshi. Sugimoto Hiroshi's large format
paintings fill an entire wall with the captivating scenes of
architectural grandeur from across Asia.

Sugimoto is known for his subtle yet effective colours to create
breathtaking works. His knowledge of ancient architecture instructs
his aesthetic judgements. His knowledge and skill are much sought
after for commissions. He has painted large doors and screens for a
number of important historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in
Japan. Sugimoto studied at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts
and Music and has held numerous major exhibitions across Japan.

For more information about Sugimoto Hiroshi: A Pilgrimage to Ancient
Cities, visit our web site: http://www.aggv.bc.ca/exhibitions.asp#1987

Inquiries:
Telephone - Programs/Information: (250) 384-4101
Web site: http://www.aggv.bc.ca/
E-mail: aggv@aggv.bc.ca

Gallery Hours: Monday to Sunday (10 am - 5 pm), Thursday (10 am - 9 pm)
Admission: Adult - $6.00, Senior / Student - $4.00
By donation on Mondays

Banana Boys

Dearest friends and supporters of fu-GEN,
So, remember that night a little over a year ago, when five Asian
Canadian guys were auctioned off at Down One Lounge as a fundraising
event? Or how about that night last summer, when you came to that
reading at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre? There was pizza, and those same
five guys read a play . remember? Well . they're back.

The full production of Banana Boys by Leon Aureus, the world premiere
stage adaptation of the novel by Terry Woo, is here. Banana Boys is the
story of five Asian-Canadian guys trying to find their place in the
chaos. It's a smart, contemporary, wickedly funny play that breaks down
stereotypes and paints a candid picture of what it is to be an
Asian-Canadian male.

Bringing Banana Boys to the stage has been a two year venture for
fu-GEN, and it marks our inaugural full production. Award winning
director Nina Aquino leads the five talented Asian Canadian actors who
have come to be known as "The Boys" (at least to the Second Cup staff at
King & Adelaide): In-Surp Choi, Derek Kwan, Richard Lee, David Yee &
Dale Yim. Set and costume designer Camellia Koo, Dora award-winning
lighting designer Michelle Ramsay, multimedia designer Guy Bertrand, and
sound designer/musical director/composer Romeo Candido round out the
stunning creative team involved in this production.

We invite you all to join us, as we bring new definitions of
Asian-Canadianism to the stage. For those of you who have been following
this project from the start, and those who are joining our program
already in progress . thank you for your continued support and
patronage. We hope to see you next week . when The Boys take the stage.

Banana Boys
Presented by fu-GEN Theatre Company
in association with Factory Theatre and Hastings Park Foundation
Factory Studio Theatre
125 Bathurst Street (corner of Bathurst & Adelaide)
Previews September 17, Opens September 18 to October 3, 2004
Preview 8pm PWYC, Tuesday 8pm $10, Wednesday - Thursday 8pm $21,
Friday - Saturday 8pm $26, Saturday 2:30pm $13, Sunday 2:30pm PWYC
(Pay What You Can suggested minimum of $10)- adult content -

For ticket reservations, call 416.504.9971
For more information, visit www.fu-gen.org

In Your Face: The Culture of Beauty and You

Toronto Women's Bookstore Proudly Presents:
A Book Launch for "In Your Face: The Culture of Beauty and You"
by Shari Graydon; author, educator and former president of MediaWatch

What's the difference between bound feet and pointy-toed stilettos? How is
it that breasts can be declared in and out of fashion? "In Your Face - The
Culture of Beauty and You", by best-selling author and former president of
MediaWatch, Shari Graydon, provides some humour-inflected, teen-directed
perspective on everything from "centerfold syndrome" to six-pack abs.

Shari Graydon has been a TV producer, radio commentator, newspaper columnist
and university instructor. In her keynote presentations, she shamelessly
exploits provocative media images and uses humour to engage and
enrage her audiences.

Join us at the exciting launch of this book at a slide-supported
presentation and discussion about the impact of cultural beauty pressures
and practices on teens' self-image and self-esteem. A reception will follow
upstairs.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 14 at 6pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John St.
Free admission
Wheelchair accessible

Co-sponsored by Annick Press, Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario,
MediaWatch and the National Film Board

The author and TWB would like to thank the NFB for its generous support of
this event.

Toronto Women's Bookstore
73 Harbord Street
Toronto ON M5S 1G4
ph: 416.922.8744 / toll-free: 800.861.8233
fax: 416.922.1417
www.womensbookstore.com

City of Vancouver Book Award

2004 BOOK AWARDS
2004 Finalists and Honourable Mentions announced!

The City of Vancouver Book Award is a $2,000 prize that has been presented annually since 1989 to authors of books in any genre that demonstrate excellence and contribute to the appreciation and understanding of Vancouver's history, unique character or the achievements of its residents.

The book may be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama written for adults or children and may deal with any aspects of the city: history, geography, current affairs, or the arts. The winning book must also exhibit excellence in content, illustration, design, and/or format.

The finalists and winner are decided by an independent panel of judges. This year's judges are: George Fetherling, author; Keith Bunnell, UBC librarian; Crystal Allen, bookseller.

The prize is funded by interest earned from the City's Publishing Reserve which was established in 1977 as a permanent legacy for writers and publishers. The fund receives royalties generated from Vancouver's First Century: a photo history of Vancouver edited by City staff. The third edition of the book, renamed Vancouver: A City Album, continues to generate royalty payments for the fund.

The deadline for 2005 entries will be in May 2005.

The short list for the 2004 City of Vancouver Book Award has been chosen by an independent jury. The works range from a biography, to a compilation of three novellas, to juvenile fiction. This year, the judges wanted also to acknowledge three authors to receive an honourable mention for their important contribution to the body of work published about Vancouver.

Mayor Larry Campbell will present the award to the winning author in Council Chamber at City Hall on Tuesday, October 19, 2004.

Watch for additional information about upcoming Special Events including: author readings and events at Word on the Street on September 26, 2004 and at Fireside Books in early October.

The finalists for the 2004 City of Vancouver Book Award are:

• Daniel Francis
L.D.: Mayor Louis Taylor and the Rise of Vancouver | Arsenal Pulp Press
A lively, though serious, history of Vancouver from the city's near beginnings presented in a biography of our most persistent mayor who matched this rowdy and growing city step for step. [more information]

• Annabel Lyon
The Best Thing for You | McClelland & Stewart
Three subtle but evocative novellas about Vancouver in different eras, each with their own temper and mood, but all deftly handled with discipline, richness and economy of form. [more information]

• Paul Yee
The Bone Collector's Son | Tradewind Books
A great ghost story, assembled with masterful prose and a sense of history that draws you into 1907 Chinatown and the journey of this fantastic young hero. [more information]

The 2004 authors receiving honourable-mention are:

• Caroline Adderson
Sitting Practice | Thomas Allen Publishers

• Maggie de Vries
Missing Sarah | Penguin Canada

• John Punter
The Vancouver Achievement: Urban Planning & Design | UBC Press

http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/oca/Awards/index.htm

Asia Pacific Summit

October 13 & 14, 2004

The Asia Pacific Summit is Canada's premiere business conference examining the outlook for Asia and the evolving nature of the Canada-Asia relationship. Organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Summit brings together Canadian and Asian business leaders, government ministers, diplomats and trade officials, for two days of high-level dialogue sessions and networking events.

On the occasion of the Asia Pacific Foundation's 20th Anniversary, this year's Summit will provide an opportunity to reflect on twenty years of Canada-Asia relations and chart a course for strengthening Canadian commercial ties with the region in the future.

Canada's Heads of Missions in Asia Pacific will be returning to Vancouver for Summit 2004, providing the latest intelligence on economic and political developments in key Asian markets. Canada's Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade have also been invited to speak at this year's Summit.

http://www.asiapacific.ca/apsummit/index.cfm

Telefilm Canada launches second edition of its Spark Plug Program

Telefilm Canada would like to announce that it will be holding the second edition of its Spark Plug Program, which is intended to provide increased support for visible minority and Aboriginal television producers. The deadline for project applications is October 13, 2004.

“Programs such as Spark Plug usually achieve concrete results over the long term,” said Carolle Brabant, Telefilm’s Interim Executive Director. “We are proud to see that this initiative has already opened doors for last year’s successful candidates, resulting in partnerships with broadcasters. This is very encouraging and shows that change is taking place in the Canadian audiovisual landscape. Television programming will gain an increasingly diversified range of stories, which will reflect our country’s cultural wealth.”

The three-year Spark Plug Program is part of the Spark Initiative developed by Canadian Heritage.

Telefilm encourages producers from culturally diverse and Aboriginal communities, with experience in television production, to submit a dramatic television project by October 13. Information on the second edition of the program is available on Telefilm’s Web site at
http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/03/311.asp?lang=en&doc_id=229&fond_id=5

Telefilm Canada, a cultural investor in film, television, new media and music
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian film, television, new media and music industries. With the objective of building larger audiences for Canadian cultural products, the Corporation acts as a partner to the private sector through investments in diverse productions with wide appeal.

Information:
Jeanine Basile, Communications and Public Affairs Manager
basilej@telefilm.gc.ca
Ginette Pépin, Training Sector Head
peping@telefilm.gc.ca
(514) 283-6363 or 1 800 567-0890

Rethinking Chinatown: Urbanism Mediated Through Community

The year-long lectures series "Rethinking Chinatown: Urbanism
Mediated Through Community," which is a continuation of the summer
series, begins next Monday nightatUBC's GreenCollege. Thefirst
speaker will be Larry Beasley, the City of Vancouver planner who has
been instrumental in the city's urban development for the last thirty
years. His talk will be titled "Chinatown: Tomorrow's Community by
Design Today." The second talk, roughly a month later on October 18,
will be given by Prof. Henry Yu, entitled "The New Vancouver:
Migration and How Chinatown Has Changed Canada."

Each of the Green College talks will begin at 5:00pm on Monday, and
attendees have the opportunity to join the speakers for dinner
afterwards at the Green College dining hall. If you would like to
attend dinner, please phone Green College at 604-822-8660 by Thursday
of the week before to reserve a pre-paid $13.50 spot. Although it may
still be possible to join dinner after the talk without a prior
reservation, spaces are limited so please phone ahead to ensure a spot.

Cecil Green College is one of UBC's vibrant residential graduate
colleges with its own rich intellectual life and a beautiful setting
on the Point Grey peninsula. It is a signature honour that Green
College has chosen from a competitive pool of applications to host
the "Rethinking Chinatown" speakers for its year-long lecture series,
and we are happy that the subject of Chinatown will have such a high
profile all year on UBC campus. Please join us once a month on UBC
campus to continue the engaged dialogue begun during our summer
series at SFU-Harbour Centre.

For more information, please email Jana Tyner of UBC's Department
of Architecture or Henry Yu
of UBC's Department of History.

All the Way to the Edge

The annual Queen Street Art Crawl will extend all the way to the far western reaches of the downtown core when Simone Interiors, 1605 Queen Street West (just east of Roncesvalles), presents the work of several artists from September 17 - 19th.

Yam Lau and Tania Ursomarzo will debut their mobile bookstore/kiosk, When the Front is Also the Back. The store, originally designed as a detachable unit installed in Lau's car, will feature books and multiples by a number of artists, including Gordon Lebredt, Brian Groombridge, Michael Maranda, Becky Singleton, Lau and Ursomarzo.

Painter/printmaker Melody Starkweather explores issues of identity, preservation and remembrance through various media, focusing on the role of two-dimensional images in embodying these experiences. Starkweather, who is in her final year of the visual studies program at the University of Toronto, will exhibit two paintings and several prints.

Simone Gibson is a Toronto High School student who works in several media. She will be showing small portrait paintings from two recent series: Magazine Women and The Tribe. Several of Gibson's earlier paintings and drawings will also be exhibited.

Andy Patton's series of paintings, Studies for a Painting of the World, was conceived on daily ferry crossings to the Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Islands. The image is always exactly the same: the canvas weave magnified enormously. The colours come from the water, the atmospheric haze, the sky and the vegetation on the islands as seen from a distance on any specific day.

Simone Interiors is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information please contact us at:
416.530.2948
info@simoneinteriors.com

CENTRE A presents DARR

CENTRE A presents DARR: 37 Conversations Samina Mansuri

Exhibition: September 11 - October 9, 2004
Opening: Saturday, September 11, 2004, 4-9pm
Artist Talk: Sunday, September 12, 2pm
Curated by Alice Ming Wai Jim

In conjunction with SWARM, September 9-11, 2004, and New Forms Festival,
October 14-28, 2004

Samina Mansuri's solo exhibition "DARR: 37 Conversations" (darr, meaning
"fear" in Urdu) is a timely inquiry into the discourse of fear on the
third anniversary of 9/11. It presents Mansuri's first feature-length
video comprised of 37 conversations filmed during the IntraNation artist
residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 2004. The work documents the
participants' responses to fear in relation to nationalism, globalization,
and cultural identity. Many of the speakers, cultural activists,
politically-engaged artists and writers, critique the construction of fear
in society, speaking to the problems of representation that underlie it
and implications for understanding social realities.

A basic human emotion, fear is pervasive today in popular culture, public
discourse and the news media. "DARR" explores today's culture of fear not
only as a symbolic construction generated by theoretical discussions, the
public sphere, and the media's use of "fear frames," but also as a real
experience of everyday life. The deliberate candid dialogues in real-time,
overlays of quiet scenic settings, artists' projects and various shot
types challenge conventional media formats. In effect, "DARR" is as much
about the media, as it is made possible through its use. In exploring the
many faces of fear, it offers insights into the expectation of danger
central to a "risk society" and potential courses of action within.

Born in Pakistan, Samina Mansuri recently immigrated to Canada and is
currently residing in Toronto. She is an internationally recognized artist
and art educator. Mansuri's works incorporate painting, drawing, sculpture
and mixed media works. She began her studies in Pakistan then moved to New
York in 1982, where she obtained her BFA from Pratt Institute and
subsequently studied at the New York Studio School. In 1990, she returned
to Pakistan to take up a teaching position at the Indus Valley School of
Art and Architecture. For the past twelve years, Mansuri has exhibited her
work internationally in important curated shows, including "Pakistan -
Another Vision: 50 Years of Painting and Sculpture" (UK 2000), "Open
Wounds" (New Delhi, India 1997), and "An Intelligent Rebellion: Women
Artists of Pakistan" (UK 1995). She has organized and co-curated
exhibitions in Karachi and is a founding member of the VASL International
Artists Workshop, under the umbrella of the Triangle Arts Trust (a
worldwide network of workshops organized by artists for artists). Mansuri
has participated in residencies at Gasworks in London in 1999 and, most
recently, the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta in 2004.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue with texts by Samina Mansuri,
Ashok Mathur and Alice Ming Wai Jim. The artist thanks the participating
interviewees and the IntraNation Project for their collaboration and support.

Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
849 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 2W2
tel: 604-683-8326; fax: 604-683-8632
email: centrea@centrea.org; website: www.centrea.org
gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

'First Woman of Philippine Literature' to launch latest book in Vancouver

Internationally-acclaimed, award-winning Filipino novelist
and 'First Woman of Philippine Literature' Ninotchka Rosca will be in
Vancouver to launch her latest book on Saturday September 18, 6:30pm at the
Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue.

Jose Maria Sison: At Home in the World, Portrait of a Revolutionary, Rosca's
sixth book, is the newest and perhaps most thorough incarnation to chronicle
the life of exiled Philippine revolutionary, Jose Maria Sison. Part
biography, part history lesson and part literary anthology, At Home in the
World frames the acheivements of Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist
Party of the Philippines, and Chief Political Consultant of the Negotiating
Panel of National Democratic Front of the Philippines within the history and
context of the Philippines' struggle for national liberation. The book also
includes the former English Professor's award winning poems.

Today, Sison is branded as a terrorist by the US and the European Union and
has consequently lost his housing, health and allowance benefits all of
which are granted to political refugees.

Rosca delivers a solid and humble portrayal of a man who has been often
tagged with terror and chaos. "When the European Parliament called him a
terrorist, he sued them and demanded damages because they had tarnished his
reputation. He's not one to be intimidated, no matter who the enemy. That'
s the Sison Way," Rosca shared at a recent book launch in the Philippines.

"The book launch is not only an exciting event but will be an excellent
educational opportunity," explains Beth Dollaga, of the BC Committee for
Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP). "Her relationship with Jose Maria
Sison goes back almost 40 years and is not solely an emotional and personal
bond. Their friendship is political as well as intellectual, and she has
seen him mature on both levels," concludes Dollaga.

A former political prisoner under the Marcos Dictatorship, Rosca has written
numerous works of fiction, and is the 1993 winner of the American Book Award
for her novel, Twice Blessed. She has appeared in several publications
including the Village Voice, Q, Ms. Magazine and the International. She is
the Founding chair of Gabriela Network, solidarity organization for Filipino
women, and the International spokesperson for the Purple Rose Campaign to
end the sex trafficking of Filipino women and children and is a lecturer for
the Institute of Social Change (Speak Out) on women's rights.

The book launch will feature a short reading by Rosca followed by a question
and answer period. The author will be available for book signings and photo
opportunities.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Ms. Rosca, please
contact Charlene or Beth at 604-215-1103.

Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada / Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance
451 Powell Street, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
p// 604.215.1103
e// ukpc_fcya@telus.net
w// www.ugnayan.ca or kalayaancentre.net
Understanding our roots, serving the people, struggling for freedom!

The Last of the Nees (or Why I Don’t Smile)

A comedian who doesn’t smile…
Veteran comic Phil Nee brings his evocative one-man show to Vancouver

LA-based comedian Phil Nee had so much fun slinging White Spot jokes last time he was in Vancouver, he just had to come back for more. His first visit was in March 2003, as one of three comedians featured in Diss-Oriented, a comedy night sponsored by Vancouver Asian-Canadian Theatre (VACT). He was such a hit that VACT had no hesitation sponsoring a second performance – this time as a headline act.

His one-man show, The Last of the Nees (or Why I Don’t Smile), is a funny yet reflective account of growing up Asian and American. “Phil Nee has an ability to make you laugh until your sides hurt, while also touching on issues that really hit home with his audience,” says Joyce Lam, VACT President. “He is a true talent, and we are so delighted that to present him to Vancouver audience once again, this time with a whole show to himself.”

Nee’s talent and crowd-pleasing ability is beyond question. For the past 20 years he’s toured the continent delivering his incisive brand of comedy to delighted audiences. His stand-up comedy talents have been showcased on A&E’s Caroline’s Comedy Hour, Comedy Central, The MTV 1/2 hour Comedy Hour, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, and Star Search (he was a semi-finalist). Efforts to flex his acting muscles have been successful as well: Nee has appeared in Law and Order, Martial Law, NY Undercover, Becker, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

The Last of the Nees is an autobiographical show exploring Nee’s responsibility to carry on the family name, along with his inability to express joy (not necessarily related, he points out). Asian-Canadian audiences will recognize elements of their own life, while non-Asians will find a new world opened up for them. It has played to enthusiastic crowds in LA and New York, and promises a night full of laughter and revelation.

Vancouverites are invited to meet The Last of the Nees on Friday, October 1st, and Saturday, October 2nd at the Roundhouse Performance Centre. (Pacific Blvd & Davie)

Showtimes are:
Friday, October 1st at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
Saturday, October 2nd at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm

PG-rated

Tickets: $15 in advance (call 778-885-1973) OR $20 cash at the door

Please note all tickets on the day of the show are $20
and can only be purchased at the door.

CBC Emerging Screenwriter Award

Application Deadline: September 21, 2004

Since 1994, the CBC Emerging Screenwriter Award has been an essential tool in building the careers of emerging female writers in Canada. This national competitive award gives one talented Canadian female screenwriter the invaluable opportunity to receive creative support from CBC Television, a $5000 cash award and national promotion at the 2004 Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon.

The CBC Emerging Screenwriter Award competition is a national initiative and open to emerging Canadian female screenwriters working in television. Eligible applicants for the award:
• must be a Full or Associate WIFT-T member from any Canadian chapter (may join upon applying);
• may have a maximum of 2 hours of produced screen credits, though produced screen credits are not required.

The Deadline for Applications is September 21, 2004. Eligibility criteria, full guidelines and application forms are available from the WIFT-T website at www.wift.com. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of industry representatives with final decisions announced in early October 2004.

A FINE CABARET

CELEBRATE THE MUSIC, POETRY AND STORIES OF SOUTH ASIAN ARTISTS AT THE SURREY ARTS CENTRE - FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17 AT 7:30 PM

A sitar and a Scottish fiddle. Saris and hip-hop dance moves. Shadow puppets and story telling. Old and new blend Friday September 17 at 7:30 pm at the Surrey Arts Centre when CBC Radio presents From the Indian Ocean To The Pacific Shore, an evening celebrating artists of South Asian heritage. Admission is free, but tickets must be picked up in advance. For information call 604-501-5566. The Surrey Arts Centre is located at 13750 – 88 Street.

Imagine opera mixed with hip-hop and traditional chants from India. Add in jazz dance movements, silken costumes and a love of art that crosses the barriers between stage and audience. Meet Veera devi Khare, a classically trained singer, songwriter and producer. Born in Prince George, her versatility is legendary encompassing all areas of music and performance. She divides her time between Vancouver, New York and soon will be in Las Vegas developing new projects.

Vishwa’s three young musicians fuse Indian classical music with Celtic styles. Sunny Mathara, Neetu Mathara and Max Ngai play sitar, tabala and violin. They performed the original music that threads its way behind the radio drama A Fine Balance, which airs at 10 pm October 3 on CBC Radio One 690. The group has just released their first CD called Vishwa, which has been getting airplay across Canada.

The Maharaja’s Daughter is a fabulous true story based on the meeting between the daughter of an Indian Maharaja and a village girl in Gujarat, India at the turn of the 20th century. This meeting resulted in all the village women being taught to read at a time when very few peasants could even dream of being literate. Using shadow puppets, one of South Asia’s oldest form of entertainment and storytelling, a collaboration of Vancouver artists has created an inspiring piece. Composer and musician Joelysa Pankanea is the great-granddaughter of the village girl.

"CyberRAJ" is the collaboration of Paul Pahal and Stefan Cilhelka. Their interest in writing, producing and performing has evolved around the ideas of both western based electronic music and the classical traditional elements of Indian music. Their philosophy is simple, to blend, connect and intermingle many aspects of music into one. CyberRaj incorporates modern 'CYBER' technology with the traditional "RAJ" culture where Computers and Drum Machines share the stage with live musicians.

Actor Raahul Singh reads from The Cripple and his Talismans, a novel by Vancouver author Anosh Irani.

Two very funny characters from A Fine Balance play host to our evening of entertainment. Actors Seth Ranaweera and Parm Soor in the guise of Ishvar and Omprakash make lighthearted fun of the proceedings as they lead us from act to act.

For more information:
Joan Athey, Program marketing Coordinator
CBC Radio British Columbia 604-662-6605 joan_athey@cbc.ca

Bollywood Fashion Show

Hello beautiful people of all ethnicity!

After the successful Bollywood Fashion Show by Neeta Lulla (Devdas
Designer) this is a CALL for models(5'8"minimum height requirement),
dancers, coreographers, model co-ordinator and back-end help for a
FASHION event with a yet known Bollywood Designer for a very high-end
charity program to be held on 5th November @ the Pearson Convention
Centre.

There is a small token of appreciation for all talents involved and
descent publicity of course.

Auditions will be held on Saturday 25th September in downtown. Those
who express interest will be sent an email with the exact place and
time information. There will be 10-12 rehearsals in the month of
October and all talents will be required on the 4th & 5th of November.

For more info, please send your contact info and headshots at
mukta_71@yahoo.com

Best regards,
Tushar
www.tusharunadkat.com

10th Annual East Asian Festival

November 4-6, 2004

Renison College, University of Waterloo
240 Westmount Rd. N.
Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 3G4

Tastes of East Asia Lunch
11:30 - 1:00 PM; Great Hall

Literary Luncheon
Featuring: Judy Fong Bates and her newest release "Midnight at the Dragon Café"
Thursday, November 4, 2004
12:00-1:00PM; Chapel Lounge

Culture & Family Day
Sat, November 6, 2004; 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Closing Gala & Silent Auction
Sat, November 6, 2004; 6:00 - 10:00 PM; Federation Hall

For more information contact:
Brandi Gillett; (519) 884-4404 ext. 657
email: bgillett@renison.uwaterloo.ca
Website: http://www.renison.uwaterloo.ca/content/main/special.html

Mid Autumn Harvest Moon Festival 2004

Presented by: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greatre Toronto

Saturday, September 25, 2004; 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto,
5183 Sheppard Ave East (East of Markham Road)
Scarborough, Ontario

Admission: Free

This is one of the very big event in Chinese culture which celebrates the big harvest in produce duri