What: Words & Stories: Tales from Whistler
Where: MY Place
When: Saturday, April 12
Whistler’s stories have always been larger than life, so who better to recount the legends and laughs than some of the biggest names in the adventure sports media and literary world?
Award-winning writers Michel Beaudry, Susan Reifer, Peter Oliver, G.D. Maxwell and Leslie Anthony are each picking their favourite Whistler yarn to spin into a storytelling stage spectacular, like you've never heard before.
Their choices are a secret but you can bet they’ll be a collection of the funny, freaky and downright unforgettable moments that have made this town what it is.
Organizer Michel Beaudry said the idea for Words & Stories came about after the huge response to his recently published book Whistler: Against All Odds.
"People couldn’t believe some of the stories and many of them are just the tip of the iceberg. Plus there are so many incredible writers and creative minds living part or full time in Whistler that I wanted a chance to showcase them. If the night goes well I’d like to turn this into a regular event with other talented types," he said. "We wanted to celebrate mountain culture as not just sports but words and pictures too."
Each individual storyteller will have 15 minutes to tell a very distinctive tale, ranging from action-adventure to life and death to personal relationships and observations.
Beaudry, an accomplished journalist for magazines and newspapers around the world and contributing editor to Ski Magazine tipped he would be reading an excerpt from his recent book.
G.D. Maxwell, affectionately known as Max, wouldn’t budge on his offering. The Pique columnist and feature writer for seven years is also the senior editor for Ski Press Magazine. The self-confessed party dude said he is a "corporate drop-out who moved to Whistler to race with a different breed of rats." Rumour has it the popular scruffy scribe was once a sensibly-attired lawyer and banker. Now there’s a Whistler story in itself.
Leslie Anthony is a well-known ski and mountain writer based in Whistler. He is the creative source behind arguably the world’s most progressive magazine, Skier, and is a contributor to Powder and many others.
Peter Oliver is from Stowe, Vermont, where he just completed a book. He’s a contributor to Skiing Magazine and is a well-known reporter writing on all aspects of both summer and winter sports.
Susan Reifer is a California transplant to Whistler and she’ll bring the feminine perspective to the evening. She’s had her work published in Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine and is considered one of the best sports action writers around.
Words & Stories: Tales from Whistler is presented by Pique Newsmagazine and the WSSF. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 at MY Place or Ticketmaster and all proceeds will be going to the Whistler Library.
