Author Archives: Deanna Kouris

Canucks still fighting for their first win of the season

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The Vancouver Canucks are back on the ice and have officially commenced their new season, however it’s already off to a shaky start.

The much anticipated first few games of the new season looked promising, as the Canucks embarked on their 5-game road trip, however they just had their second loss in a row against Philadelphia Saturday afternoon. It looked hopeful as the Canucks started off with a promising early lead of 2-0 until the Flyers impressively came back with Travis Konecny locking in a win of 3-2 with just over 6 minutes left in the third period.

 

This is the second loss in a row for the Vancouver Canucks since the series kicked off against the Edmonton Oilers on October 12th, which saw a similar situation where they lost a multi-goal lead to the other team. The first time in franchise history where they have kicked off the season with two straight losses. 

With the loss of Tucker Poolman in the game’s second period of the game due to an undisclosed injury, the Canucks are already short another defensemen as the season kicks off, which could be another reason to them not being able to maintain a consistent lead. Still, fans are worried that the promises of this years success will not come to fruition.

There’s still hope for a comeback this week as they head out to Washington to face the Capitals on Monday night. The Capitals had a first game loss to Toronto for their season opener and just came back with a 3-1 win yesterday evening against the Montreal Canadians.

 

Calgary gets their redemption as the Battle of Alberta reignites this season

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The last time we saw a “Battle Of Alberta” take place was last playoff season, where both of Alberta’s NHL teams went face to face for a shot at the Stanley cup. It was an exiting moment for Canadian hockey, despite the fact that neither took home the coveted trophy. But the battle was reignited once again yesterday in game 2 of the season as they took to the ice to take up where they left off. Calgary, coming off their 5-3 season opening win against the Colorado Avalanche, found some playoff revenge yesterday as they went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-3 Victoria last night. 

Michael Stone had a goal and two assists and Nazem Kadri added a goal and an assist in Calgary’s four-goal first period. Oiler’s powerhouse player Connor McDavid, Ryan McLoed and Cody Ceci had goals for the oilers but it wasn’t enough to fight a win from the Flames. 

This is the first time since the 2009-2010 season that the Flames have won their first two games of the NHL regular season. They took the lead in the lead in the first period which they maintained steadily throughout the game, something that the Vancouver Canucks have not been able to do since starting this season. One thing is for sure, Calgary is looking for redemption and have their eyes set on the playoffs again this season. 

The game was one of just three regular-season matchups between the bitter provincial rivals and the only one in Edmonton. The two teams will play in Calgary on Oct. 29 and they’ll again play in Calgary on Dec. 27 to conclude the Battle of Alberta for this season.

BC Lions “roaring in” another victory

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The BC lions are one step closer to a first place standing as they defeated the league-leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers yesterday. Although the Lions struggled offensively for much of the game and couldn’t move the ball consistently at times, they didn’t really need to because kick returner Terry Williams did everything necessary to secure them a crucial 40-32 victory.

The win moved the Lions into the second spot in the Western Division. They now stand two points ahead of the third place Calgary Stampeders with two weeks remaining in the regular season. Holding on to the position through the final two games of the regular season would secure B.C. a home playoff game, much to the excitement of Lions fans. 

This win, coupled with the Calgary Stampeders’ loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, means the Lions just have to beat the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium next week.

The Edmonton Elks have been in an unfortunate position as they’ve had a historic sixteen game losing streak. They looked to break that streak in their last game when they finally had a solid lead but ended up losing it in the fourth quarter with only 27 seconds left, as the Toronto Argonauts barely clenched a win at 28-23. With much at stake for both the Lions and the Elks it will be interesting to see if Edmonton can finally overcome their losing streak and if the Lions will be able to maintain their victory streak.

 

Crumlin’s very own “Mr Travelbug” makes his mark on the local Hip Hop scene

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Max Aere, locally known as “Mr Travelbug”…is the Vancouver Hip Hop scene’s diamond in the rough. He’s only been living in the city for four years and already he’s on his way to becoming the top Hip Hop event organizer in the lower mainland. I met Max a few months ago and his hustle and motivation to help artists brings hope to people like me. I had a chance to sit down with Max yesterday and chat about his journey to Vancouver, what his experience has been like here and what inspires him to do what he does.

Max –  born in raised in Ireland’s inner city of Dublin, had an affinity for Hip Hop since his teenage years. At fifteen a friend gave him a mixtape of some rap classics…Eminem, Nas, Wutang…and his love for Hip Hop was history. He began working at underground Hip Hop shows in the Dublin scene, being mentored by event organizers and learning the ropes he would soon master himself. After a few years of hard work he wanted to do more on a bigger scale, and travel was on the horizon.

“I wanted adventure and change so I said to myself why don’t I just save some money and live my dreams,” he said.

His nickname, Mr Travelbug, came about from his travels through Europe and the Unites States, eventually leading him to Canada on a two-year work visa.

Max, a talented videographer and photographer, started going to local hip hop shows alone with just a few bucks in his pocket and his camera in hand to get an ear for the local scene. 

“I’d go up to artists I liked after their set and said “Hi my name is Max, I don’t know if you have anyone taking pictures or videos for you tonight – if you’d like to share your email I’ll send what I’ve taken to you.”

Turns out most artists Max connected with didn’t have anyone on hand at the show taking good quality videos and pictures. Max managed to connect and network with over one hundred Vancouver artists in this way. 

Before the Pandemic Max organized a two day, twelve act live event at Vancouver’s Avant Garden venue…a huge feat for someone new to the city’s music scene and a true testament to his hustle and networking skills. 

Fast forward two years later, after a global pandemic shut down the local live music scene and just a month after mandates and restrictions were lifted in the city….he’s back and bigger than ever planning a three day, eighteen live act event at the end May.

“I’m a very collaborative person.. I want to see artists grow” he expressed to me. 

Max is actively giving local artists like myself a chance to perform, gain exposure and feel apart of the hip hop community again. With his relentless work ethic, his charismatic personality, and savvy business skills, there’s no telling the heights he will reach while also propelling and igniting the artists he works with. 

Check out this incredible rap Cypher he put together with some of the freshest up-and-coming hip hop acts the city has to offer…

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CKAoxs7DBFo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

 

 

Raveena Aurora brings her sultry sound to Vancouver

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Raveena Aurora, the smooth and sexy Indian-American RNB singer is performing at The Imperial tonight (April 30) in Vancouver….I’ll be there and this is why you should too.

Believe it or not, I was first introduced to Raveena’s music on Tiktok…yes Tiktok. During the height of the pandemic in March 2020, when big arena events were shut down overnight and myself and hundreds of Ticketmaster employees were laid off, I had A LOT of free time on my hands. I spent a lot of that free time researching new artists and finding new sounds to get inspired by, and one of the places I surprisingly ended up finding that was on Tiktok. I happened to stumble across a video of someone using Raveena’s song “Honey” as the audio on a trending video on my fyp and fell in love with her voice and songwriting style immediately. It’s the kind of sound that lingers for hours and days in a mesmerizing way after the first listen. Soulful and sweet, like milk and honey…I had to listen to more.

Her first album “Shanti” is an instant classic. She echoes her south asian style in her music and brand and plays with so many different musical elements. You can hear the influence that Bollywood music has had on her as an artist as well as influences from RNB artists like Erykah Badu and Macy Gray.

In her new album ‘Asha’s Awakening’ released in January 2022, she embodies a character throughout. Think Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce…but queer sultry Punjabi space Princess. It’s anything I’ve ever heard. 

What I love most about her is how brave her choices are. I can identify with being a female singer-songwriter who has cultural origins that hold some adversity and resistance with regards to being someone that identifies as queer and I love how unapologetically herself she is. 

From her writing, her style, her message and her voice…Raveena is one to look out for.

Grab some tickets to tonights show while you still can:

http://https://www.ticketsonsale.com/tickets/raveena-imperial-vancouver-vancouver-4-30-2022-3867116

The VSO brings classical music to our ears

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The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is back in full swing. If you are a fan of classical and looking for something to do this weekend there are some amazing shows lined up in the next 3 days!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (April 29-30, May 1st) you can catch the music of Beethoven’s magnum opus with local treasure pianist Angela Cheng and a new VSO co-commission from Canadian composer Samy Moussa.

I have some wonderful memories attending concerts at the VSO growing up. It instilled in me a love for classical which helped fuelled ignite my passion for songwriting. Whether I was attending the symphony with my elementary school class or out for a weekend concert date with my mom, I always enjoyed every experience at the VSO. I feel like classical music opens up the imagination of the listener. Whenever I go to a live symphony performance I always imagine stories unfolding in my mind. One of my fondest memories at the VSO was when my mother took me to see their rendition of Vivaldi’s four seasons…I felt like the sounds of the strings made me come alive. I could picture each season unfolding in my mind as the symphony progressed. 

This summer and fall line up ranges from Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and other classical greats…but it’s not only limited to classical! Coming to the VSO in the fall you can hear the  the music of such classic acts as Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, The Police and even the magical sounds of Harry Potter. The coming fall season is full of surprises and it’s just getting started. 

 

 

 

BC’s Snotty Nose Rez Kids set to hit the Juno stage on May 15

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The Juno Awards have announced more performers for their upcoming event at Toronto’s Budeweiser stage and and BC’s own Snotty Nose Rez kids are joining to roster. 

I first saw Snotty Nose Rez Kids four years ago at Skookum Music Festival and since then I’ve been a huge fan. Their potent-quick witted rapping style, incredible stage presence not to mention powerful lyrics with a meaningful cultural message hooked me from the start.

Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce are from the Haisla Nation in B.C. and grew up in Kitimaat Village. Now the rap duo is shaking up the music world.

Inspired by some of hip-hop’s greats, they knew they had their own message to tell Canada and the world. 

They began writing songs about the importance of Indigenous identity, Indigenous sovereignty, and defending the land. A message which is more important now than ever after hundreds of unmarked indigenous graves have been uncovered both in BC and the rest of Canada over the last year. Since then the world has been witnessing Canada face the devastating history of it’s residential school system which was nothing short of cultural genocide. 

Snotty Nose Rez kids are not only talented artists but also activists and advocates for indigenous voices, speaking for those who cannot through their powerful music. I am so happy that they are receiving the mass recognition they deserve and look forward to tuning in to see them perform at this years Juno Awards on May 15.

 

Vancouver Folk Fest is back! Live music with an ocean-side view…what more could you want?

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Nothing makes me think of summer in Vancouver more than the Vancouver Folk Fest. Growing up in the heart of Kitsilano, the Folk Fest at Jericho Beach was a summertime staple for myself, my family and friends. Maybe it’s the relaxed tunes, maybe it’s the oceanside setting… whatever the reason, the folk fest is the perfect synthesis of community and connection…and not to mention the music! So its return to our city this summer is quite literally music to my ears.

A lot of people don’t know this but when the festival was first founded in 1978 it was actually Stanley Park! It relocated to Jericho Beach Park in its second year and has been there ever since. The festival was initially sponsored by the city and then came under the control of the newly established non-profit Vancouver Folk Music Festival Society in late 1979. In the Festival’s early years, it even established and ran its own record label and distribution company called Festival Records.

What I love about the Folk Fest is that it really helps play a key role in getting regional artists a chance to be heard. Over the years, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival has played a key role in the development of artists and audiences on a regional, national, and international level. There is always such a diverse range of diverse emerging artists making the culture surrounding it one of inclusivity and community. 

This year the line up boasts acts such as Taj Mahal, Asleep At The Wheel and The New Pornographers just to name a few. Grab your cooler, throw on some flip flops and meet me there!

Get your tickets by clicking the link below!

http://http://https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vancouver-folk-music-festival-2022-tickets-272348811627

 

 

Live Nation announces “Concert Week”…grab tickets to see your favourite artist perform for only $25!

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If you want to see your favourite artists live in concert but don’t want to empty your wallet, now’s your chance.

This is BIG for anyone wanting to snag the hottest tickets in town this summer.

Live nation just announced today that from May 4th to 10th, the entertainment company is holding “Concert Week”, offering tickets to over 3,700 shows for only $25 dollars…yes you read that right….TWENTY-FIVE BUCKS.

As someone that used to work for Ticketmaster/Live Nation…sales this low happen only once in a blue moon. Knowing how big of a hit the company took during the pandemic it’s no surprise that they need to take some big risks in order to get individuals back in large arena venues. People are definitely still apprehensive despite the BC government dismantling the COVID 19 vaccine passport mandates for restaurants, bars and live events last month.

With acts spanning genres including country, pop, hip-hop, alternative, among others, and available shows taking place in venues ranging from small clubs to giant stadiums, Live Nation is offering options for every music lover during Concert Week.

Participating artists whose concert tickets will be available at this discounted rate include Alanis Morissette, Alicia Keys, Backstreet boys, Ben Platt, Big Time Rush, Brad Paisley, Brandi Carlile, Duran Duran, HAIM, Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Jack White, Jonas Brothers, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Machine Gun Kelly, Miranda Lambert, and Little Big Town, Santana and Earth, Wind and Fire, Shania Twain, Shawn Mendes, The Wu-Tang and Nas and many more…

 

ARC program offers exciting opportunity for local artists to shine

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B.C. musicians finally have a few opportunities emerging to lift our spirits after the pandemic halted our dreams for some time. In order to encourage us back into the rhythm of performing and career-building after a pandemic-induced curtain call, Music BC is offering emerging local artists various grants to help us pick up where we left off in terms of business and creative development. One of the newly announced initiatives that is now open for submission is the ARC program. 

According to Music BC’s website the ARC program has the intention of advancing the business, creative and technical skills of recording artists in the province to help them build a career in the music industry here in BC and abroad. 

Arc is an initiative that is supported by a three-year funding commitment of $600,000 from the BC government to fifteen selected musicians in the province.

For local artists, this is great news. Many of us need a lot of help to get back on our feet as the performance world shut down during the pandemic. Initiatives like ARC can provide the financial assistance that can help artists propel their career in the increasingly competitive climate of the local music industry.

ARC includes three components throughout July-September for the lucky recipients:

  • The Clinic:  a multi-day training intensive where participants will attend business-focused workshops on revenue streams, branding and building a business plan, followed by assignments for continued learning and progress check-ins with ARC mentors.
  • The Retreat: another multi-day intensive comprised of one-on-one and group mentorship sessions with world-class industry leaders, with a focus on all the creative components that go into growing and sustaining an audience and brand, including writing, recording, vocal and live performance training.
  • The Show: an opportunity for participants to perform in front of a live audience of fans, local and international industry members.

It’s important to take advantage of these opportunities before it’s too late, I for one will be applying right away!!

Follow the link below to apply… (But don’t because I need this more than you)

http://https://arcprogrambc.com/