November 10, 2004

Arts Page 10

Not So Underground Anymore

Blues makes a comeback with the Blues Underground Network

BY BELINDA LI STAFF WRITER

The genre of blues music has quite literally been hidden under- ground since its beginnings with African-Americans during the early 20th century. Though its pop- ularity grew with time, especially in Europe, blues has not quite made it into the mainstream popu- lar music culture yet in Canada. However, for those blues-loving Canadians who are yearning for

some quality gigs or looking for

some people with common musi- cal interests, the Blues Underground Network is like a gift from the heavens.

The first Blues Underground Network chapter started in Kamloops three years ago and has grown to more than 700 members. Last spring, Earl Krushelnicki decided to start the Prince George Chapter of the Blues Underground Network. Currently the member-

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PHOTO BY BELINDA LI Mike Footitt gave an outstanding live performance in the CFUR Studio as a guest artist for the Blues Underground Network’s weekly radio show.

ship consists of roughly 40 people, but he hopes that it will exceed 100 members by, June.

The annual membership fee is $20 and gives perks such as a $5 discount off any dance or concert put on by the Blues Underground Network in Prince George or Kamloops and the first chance to buy tickets.

The Blues Underground Network will be putting on eight shows this year at various venues

such as Artspace, the Prince George Golf and Country Club, the Casino, and the Legion Hall. “Most of our shows are dances. Whether it’s blues, or blues with a rock-tinted flavour to it, or even more traditional blues, it’s all danceable kinds of music. We go into swing and we might get into Cajun music,” stated Krushelnicki.

The shows, which cost about $10 to $15 for members, feature talent from the region and also from across the Canada and the States. World-renowned artists such as Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Waynes, who has been nominated for several Juno awards, will be stopping by Prince George in the coming months. Krushelnicki expects to

-have quite a few prominent blues

artists to perform on a regular basis despite the city’s remote loca- tion. “Bands tend to play. in Vancouver and then Edmonton when they’re on tour. We can often get a band here when they are on their way to Edmonton,” explained Krushelnicki.

Aside from organizing dances and shows for the Blues Underground _ Network, Krushelnicki also hosts a radio show on CFUR called the “Blues Underground,” which runs on Thursdays from.7pm to 9pm. On his show Krushelnicki highlights a variety of blues genres and inter- views guest artists on occasion as well. According to Krushelnicki, “If anybody wants to know what blues music is, they should listen to the show.”

The Blues Underground Network also puts on workshops to promote blues music and edu- cate young musicians about the music industry. “We want to give

to young musicians. We want to help them develop skills in the music business,” said Krushelnicki. Some of these work- shops include visits by renowned blues musicians such as Rita Chiarelli to local high schools, where students can broaden their

“Most of our shows are dances. Whether it’s blues, or blues with a rock-tinted tlavour to it, or even more tradi- tional blues, it’s all danceable kinds of music. We go into swing and we might get into Cajun music.”

~ Earl Krushel nicki

knowledge of this rather hidden music genre. Krushelnicki com- mented, “If you are in classical or jazz, you get some help, but if you are in bfues’or réck, you Soin the garage and figure it out yourself.”

Krushelnicki hopes that blues will be a more popular genre of music in Canada as organizations such as the Blues Underground Network grow. According to Krushelnicki, blues is a type of music for all‘ages and, “basically, it’s for anyone who is interested music, dancing, and having a good time.”

Celebrating 10 years at the Northern Women’s Centre at UNBC

BY JULIA POLSON VOLUNTEER AT THE NWC

On November 2, 1994, UNBC opened the Women’s Centre’s doors for the first time.

The Women’s Centre project was at that time headed by Ms. Carey Mastre and some Professors who thought it would be a good idea to have a women’s ONLY space; a space where women would always feel wel- come, a place where women in cri- sis could turn-to for help. Over the years this women’s only space has been the centre of heated contro- versies.

The controversies stem from confusion as to why women should have access to a “women only space,” and why in turn, there was not a “men.only space” (or the usual women’s centre vs. men’s centre). This topic is still a hotly debated topic.

Currently the —Northern Women’s Centre (NWC) is run by a Coordinator, Sarah Boyd-Noel,

founding

and many volunteers who sit on the Board and at the Collective Meetings.

The facility’s aim is to provide a safe physical and social environ- ment for all women on campus and in the community of Prince George.

It is for that reason that the NWC is aWOMEN’S ONLY space. The NWC is a space for women to seek refuge from issues such as harassment, chill out, meet women with similar interests, discuss ideas-or issues, network or to just use the couch to catch up on some much needed zzzz’s.

Also, this centre caters to women in crisis providing them with a place to spend the night if they require a safe place to sleep.

In the past two months, the Women’s Centre has seen women who have experienced sexual harassment (in the classroom, by their peers, etc.), stalking (of the criminal nature), custody issues, daycare issues, women who have

been sexually assaulted, and so

forth.

Since its conception back in 1994, the need for a Women’s Centre has only grown through the years. To the women who do use this centre and who are in crisis, this centre is a place where they can get referrals (custody battles, counseling, etc) or just simply sup- port from their fellow women.

As of 2004, the NWC takes part in a whole host of events and activ- ities that are community related.

Some examples of those activi ties and events are: “Take Back the

Night”, Multi. Cultural Day, Women’s “Herstory” month and The Women’s Centre’s 10th Anniversary.

As for upcoming events, the Northern Women’s Centre is cur- rently looking at ideas to com- memorate December 6th (the mur- der of 14 women at the Universite de Montreal Polytechnique). This day is also used to raise awareness

about. violence against women.

Finally, in March the NWC is going to celebrate International Women’s Day. There’s something to look for- ward too for sure!! I'll keep ya updated “-’

Alas, on November 2nd 2004, the Women’s Centre celebrated its 10th birthday by inviting a panel of speakers to address some of the most important issues women have faced over the past decade.

The panel of speakers consisted of Professor Anita Valliancourt, Dr. Jacqueline Holler, and Dr. Rhonda Semple. The topics covered youth indifference towards feminism, women and poverty, and violence against women.

The panel discussion was then followed up by an open house at the Centre where snacks and coffee were offered. It was a success on all accounts and the NWC looks forward to the next 10 years!!!

The hot issue for women in this decade...I'll have to get back to you on that ;)

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