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Entertainments Briefs

Andreas Schroeder lecture reveals writer’s secrets First draft no-no’s A lively Andreas Schroeder doled out some novel writing tips during a one hour lecture at the Whistler Hostel on Aug. 17.

Andreas Schroeder lecture reveals writer’s secrets

First draft no-no’s

A lively Andreas Schroeder doled out some novel writing tips during a one hour lecture at the Whistler Hostel on Aug. 17.

"Talking about your first draft is not a good idea – it’s like letting the wind out of your sails of a creative project," said Schroeder, who also emphasized that character believability is key to attracting readership. This could be just one quality or descriptive trait, part of a carrying a metaphor common to strong prose.

"All incidents of dramatic possibility… torque reality. Literature has to find it and create it. The power (of a good story) is in the suggestion," said Schroeder. He added that effective storytelling lets the reader imagine their own possibilities, without "over-describing."

Other tips to the aspiring writers included: get to the heart of the story matter right away; don’t fret if you know nothing about what story you’ll write when you sit down with the pen; and, in a pseudo-religious beckoning, look for the guts of the story and you shall find.

The lecture was part of a weekend workshop presented by the Whistler Writer’s Group.

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WDC win right to open Snow Jam

Whistler’s Whole Damn County, or WDC, take centre stage Aug. 24 at the Molson Canadian Snow Jam in Vancouver, after being named co-winners in the online Battle of the Bands.

The Snow Jam event kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday with Superjaded – co-winners of the Battle of the Bands – opening. WDC will open Saturday’s show at noon. Snow Jam also includes bands like Swollen Members, 54-40 and Pennywise.

"We’re excited to play," says Pete Couillard, one fourth of the band.

After winning the CFOX Seeds contest this past year WDC was automatically entered in this year’s Battle of the Bands, where five up and coming Vancouver bands were showcased online for two weeks in July at Web site www.iam.ca . Listeners plugged in 1,400 votes, with WDC and Superjaded tying for top spot.

Vice-president, marketing of Molson Joey Bergstein says: "We’re excited to offer both these bands the chance to thrill the fans at Molson Canadian Snow Jam."

WDC, half based in Whistler and half in Vancouver, continues to break new ground.

"There’s tons of great stuff going on, and something new comes up every week," says Pete.

With representation from Feldman and Associates, WDC is poised for the big time. A new distribution deal is being confirmed and MuchMusic recently organized the band’s first video, for Another Saturday Night, shot on location in Delta at a former warehouse. Pete says he was pleased with the way the video turned out, and the band heads to Toronto next to discuss its airplay.

He adds that the single Stays the Same has been receiving extensive airplay on Vancouver rock stations.

"Whistler’s favourite cover band" earned their name with gigs at the Crystal Lounge, the Mallard Lounge, Moe Joe’s and the Shack, where they honed their ability to read the audience and rev the crowd.

The WDC lineup includes Chad Oliver, Steve Ballstadt, and Jason Bonnell.

Snow Jam is billed as a celebration of music, extreme sport and culture. Snow Jams take place in nine North American cities.

Pemberton Galleria opens

Kyle Bubbs, of Molten Metalworks, kicks off his newest business venture, a new art gallery known as the Galleria, on Aug. 24.

Opening reception runs from 3 to 8 p.m. The Galleria is located off Highway 99 in Pemberton at 7326 Clover Road.

The unique venue, a heritage house that has been renovated, includes modern works in steel from Bubbs (some traditional blacksmith work too), pottery flowers from artist Borgi Rayen, mirror work with some urban touches from Christie Fever, as well as glass works from Gabriola Island’s Emmet and Lynn Burns.

"For me, metalworking is my work – there isn't a lot of hemming and hawing involved, I just come up with an idea and do it," says Bubbs.

"The gallery was part of a dream at the start when I purchased the property," adds Bubbs. "All the work is from friends – everyone’s art is there to complement someone else’s art."

Works range from a steel post double bed frame, around $3,000, to crushed blue glass and mirror frames from $50.

The house and its acreage location are an inviting daytrip for interested art keeners.

"I want to have the gallery at the point where I can have regular summer hours, and promote local artists. It’s all about locals," adds Bubbs.

For information contact Bubbs the Galleria at Molten Metalworks at 604-894-3651.

 

Film festival returns

The seventh annual Sea to Sky film festival is looking for volunteers to help out.

The festival, which features independent films and keynote speakers, takes place on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Eagle Eye Theatre in Squamish. Awards will be presented in four categories of film: best comedy, drama, documentary, and experimental film.

For more information contact Adriane Polo at 604-898-5930.

Irish soul

The Commitments hit town on Aug. 28 at the GLC with their full ensemble of soul tunes imported from Ireland.

The band has been touring since the hit film of the same name from director Alan Parker was released in 1991.

Maxx pix avail.

Hip Hop night at Maxx taps into the vibe

A packed dance floor after-midnight competed with crowds near each bar at Wednesday’s hip hop night at the Fish, where the music genre has been gaining its own theme nights in recent years.

Stylishly dressed women, a younger crowd, milled about at the weekly themed night. Busy but not hyper, the venue combines a dreamscape kind of feel with the tunes of the month hip hop fans want to hear.