1. The rockin rootsy singer songwriter is playing at the Crystal Lounge, this Friday and Saturday nights.
2. These shows will be her first village gigs this winter since she became Creeksides own queen of the acoustic, based at Hozs pub.
3. She can play the oboe. In high school she oboed in concert bands. She topped her music class too.
4. Shes been making up songs since she was two, from little ditties in her head she can still remember to pieces on the recorder to fully-fledged CDs as an adult.
5. Leannes just been appointed to the board of AWARE.
6. Shes a world-class windsurfer. She used to be on the national team and during summer you can catch her surfing the Howe Sound on a regular basis.
7. She has a burning desire to do a duet with a didgeridoo player. She has Aussie didge expert Xavier Rudd, who will soon appear at the Boot, in her sights.
8. Shes got a thing for punk music, especially Vancouvers Exithiside, Torontos Sum 41 and L.As Green Day. "Im a huge fan of any music that doesnt take itself too seriously. I love the high energy of all these guys," she said.
9. Leannes a ski instructor, teaching teens in the Ride Tribe.
10. She is the organizer of Whistlers Earth Day concert in Town Plaza in late April. "Anybody interested in playing for this event come and see me at the Crystal and say hi," she said.
The Collective are coming back
Anyone who supported Crowd Control Collective for their inaugural Whistler gig last month will be happy to hear this news: the Triple C are back at the Crab Shack. This eclectic, revolving mix of improvising artists created an energy in the Shack that only musical experimentation could bring, and it seems everyone wants more.
Producer of the group and drummer, Tim Proznik explained: "Its so much fun to be a part of both on stage and on the dance floor because we leave it very open to go wherever the crowd and the crew wants it to and whoever wants to shine can do so."
Theres no set formula for most of the Collectives show and its not really necessary. Each member comes armed with a multitude of talent and experience that makes their merger work like magic. Any talented MCs or musicians in the crowd can also get up and get involved.
The gig this Saturday night, Jan. 25 will bring together Proznik with DJ Mat the Alien, trumpeter-brassist JP Carter, keyboardist Scott Sanft and bass player Scott Tucker. Several of these guys play in the citys popular Millennium Project.
Crowd Control Collective: Jazzy urban styles with hip hop sounds and nu skool soulful lyrics, a fine fusion of talent that should not be missed. Tickets available from the Crab Shack. Doors open at 10 p.m.
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Ministry of Sound at Tommys
Ministry of Sound DJ Gary Moore will be gracing the DJ Booth in Tommy Africas for two feature shows next week: Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Feb. 1. This is the popular follow-up to last seasons Tall Paul show. Gary has been performing in the U.K. with Ministry and Po Na Na since 95, as well as playing international gigs in France, Thailand & Australia.
His funk fuelled breaks and house sets combine rare musicianship and style known only to top DJs around the world. Gary has played alongside Little Louis Vega, Kenny Dope Gonzales, Tall Paul, Freddy Fresh, the legendary Keb Darge, Pee Wee Ferris and many more. Garys last tour in 2001 took him to Sydney, Australia. Thats when Tommy Africas Club Manager Jon Tischuk met and signed Gary for his 2003 Whistler appearance.
"Garys ability to inspire massive dance crowds with such unique tracks is what originally hooked me. He goes nuts behind the decks with rows of dance fans praising his work. It was unreal," said Tischuk.
The first show this Wednesday is a TRIBE party, by invite only. Limited tickets are being sold for $15. TRIBE delivers top dance parties with its own unique urban culture. The second show on Saturday, Feb. 1 is open to everyone for $20. Tickets are available at Bestsellers, Snomotion and Tommy Africas.