How to Douglas

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[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: May 20th Weekend

Hi. Nice to see you again. No promises. Chase me in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Snapchat (rudenudesdudes) for more frequent updates.

Out and about

FRIDAY:

7pm (food) Epic Ramen Pop-Up with Chef Chris Tom-Kee (Get Cooking - 11050 104 Ave) Come eat noodles with me before you go see Beyoncé.

9pm (show) All Tease All Shade: Dirty Little Secret (Evolution Wonderlounge - 10220 103 Street) Bargain alert: $5 for a downtown drag/burlesque show.

SATURDAY:

4-10pm (music) Not Enough Fest 2016, Day 1 (Ritchie Community League Hall - 7727 98 Street) Women, queer, and trans music festival, and the best show for your dollar all weekend.

8pm-2am (music) Whitey Houston, the Archaics, Bud Frasier and the Electric Razors (9910B 109 Street)

SUNDAY:

4-10pm (music) Not Enough Fest 2016, Day 2 (Ritchie Community League Hall - 7727 98 Street) The number of new bands NEF lauches total into the dozens. This is the second day of your chance to peek into the city's musical future.

10pm (music) Orphan Mothers, Symfan, and Maude (The Buckingham - 10439 82 Ave)

Sights and sounds

(video) KAYTRANADA - “Lite Spots”

(video) Dilly Dally - “Know Yourself” (Drake cover) “You know how that should go. You know how that shit goes.”

Deuces, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: March 11th Weekend

Cuties,

I'm in Las Vegas right now, for the first time in my life, and flying back to you imminently. Scratching this down in the moments between larger moments. A friend gave me $20 to compete in games of chance and skill to win his daughter a stuffed animal. An artificial intelligence beat a human at a game. I stood in a hotel gift shop for twenty one minutes trying to figure out what would be the best thing to show you that I was here, that you were in mind, and nothing seemed good enough. Another friend gave me $5 to spend on the gaudiest slots imaginable. I bought three Egg McMuffins for less than $5 after 10pm. I’ve seen every episode of Cops ever aired and the ones in this town always come to mind fastest. I wish I could tell you what I’m even doing here. But I’m home soon.

Like an event or song below? → Share it with a friend!

Out and about

FRIDAY: (Happy birthday Miss Mayor)

8pm Out of the Hat: A Magical Burlesque Revue

8pm-11pm Joel Plaskett solo w/Borscht solo (The Needle - 10524 Jasper Ave)

SATURDAY:

11am Wild Heart Brunch Club (Mercury Room - 10575 114 Street)

7pm-10pm Break the Ice - Concert with F&M and Tyler Butler (Studio96 - 10909 96 Street)

8pm Shout Out Out Out Out w/Teledrome, Boosh and Anzu (DJ set) (The Needle - 10524 Jasper Ave) Shout Out Out Out Out is back!!!! The Needle, newly open, has some amazing shows coming up.

8pm Latitude 53 Presents: Parka Patio (Latitude 53 - 10242 106 Street)

SUNDAY:

Nothing on the books! Stay cozy, sleep in, and get a sweet breakfast.

Sights and sounds

(poem) Emily Kelsall - “Boys”

(poem) Andrea Gibson - “Pansies” (full poem)

“Our hearts beat so loud the neighbours think we’re fucking when I’m just trying to find the nerve to touch your face You don’t ask God how long this will last I don’t care about any of the words on the map besides You are here”

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: March 4th Weekend

Cuties,

What a beautiful week! Super warm temperatures have brought an abrupt end to winter, as the Ice Castle was shut down for the season (went anyway), and Hawrelak Park ice rink closed (saw it anyway). It's time to get those bikes out of storage and start planning some mountain visits and spring picnics.

Big weekend ahead, here. If all has gone well by the time you receive this note, I'm in a new house, internet is set up, and my new bed is super cozy. I'm still gonna do my best to keep this going, in busy times or when out of town, but if you don't hear from me, make sure to have some fun.

Out and about

FRIDAY:

7pm (art) Opening Reception: Ingrid Ledent, Fractions and Dara Humniski, Nothing but us (SNAP - 10123 121 Street) I'm excited to see this new work. This is only the opening show, but the exhibit will be on display until mid-April.

8:30pm (music) Jenie Thai, Alex Vissia, Colleen Brown at The Blue Chair (The Blue Chair - 9624 76 Ave)

11:30pm (film) The Room (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street) The Room is best known for being a poorly made and poorly-acted film written, produced, directed, and starring one man, Tommy Wiseau. To say more would ruin it further. Show up early to get your seat, as these screenings tend to fill quickly.

SATURDAY:

10am (market) Ritchie Bazaar - Art Sale (Ritchie Community League - 7727 98 Street)

2pm (film) The Labyrinth (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street) We'll all remember David Bowie as a musician (duh), but what most won't remember, and what this documentary by Jim Henson shows, is that in the 1980s David Bowie was also a goblin king who kidnapped babies into a maze. Never forget what he has done. Never again.

6:39pm (music) Labour, Altameda, Mercy Funk, Everyday Things (Studio96 - 10909 96 Street)

8pm (art/music/party) Drink & Draw: HOUSE PARTY (SNAP - 10123 121 Street) These events are always a lot of fun. Drawing Games, cocktails, and always a live band.

9pm (music) Shooting Guns, Betrayers, Low Levels, The Switching Yard, Gender Poutine (The Almanac - 10351 82 Ave) Five great bands for ten dollars? You're in for a heck of a fun night! BYOLSD.

SUNDAY:

3pm-8pm (record swap) Bring Out Your Dead (CKUA Radio Network - 9804 Jasper Avenue)

9:15pm (film) Romeo + Juliet (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street)

Sights and sounds

This week's music mix is the happiest I've been with one in a couple months. I hope you enjoy these!

(video) Sonic Youth - “Sunday” Forever a classic in my heart. A song to get your weekend morning started.

(video) Golden Panda - “Time Eater” Beautiful video full of 'empty' spaces in the dead of night. I've been traveling a lot lately, and too much of this feels too familiar. Can't wait for a new Golden Panda album, this music is perfect for those late hours.

(video) Massive Attack, Young Fathers - “Voodoo In My Blood”

(video) Minor Victories - “A Hundred Ropes”

(video) Parquet Courts - “Berlin Got Blurry”

(video) White Lung - “Hungry” Vancouver content! Female-fronted band! Gimme a whole new album, please!

Here we go, another week, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: February 26th Weekend

How to Douglas

Cuties,

It’s been busy times, as usual, but I’m catching up.

Recomended reading

“Social media is where losers go to feel important” —Charles Barkley

“It is argued that one of the key determinants of group biases is the need to improve self-esteem. That is individuals will find a reason, no matter how insignificant, to prove to themselves why their group is superior.” (look into Henri Tajfel’s findings on social identity theory in the minimal group paradigm and 'ingroups/outgroups')

Out and about

SATURDAY and SUNDAY:

The Edmonton Bike Show makes its debut at the Butterdome (11500 87 Ave). Potentially a lot to be seen.

FRIDAY:

10:30am-3pm (food) Sailin' On lunch pop up (Earth's General Store - 10150 104 Street) Our summer favorites making an appearance in winter. Bring your cash.

7pm (film) Cartel Land (Garneau Theatre - 8712 109 Street)

7pm (art) Entanglement by Diane Connors (Closing Reception) (Drawing Room - 10253 97 Street)

9pm-2am (dance) RECONNECT: Kris Harvey Bday Pt.1 (The Chvrch of John - 10260 103 Street)

SATURDAY:

7pm (Roller Derby) Slice Girls vs Las Pistolitas (The Edmonton Sportsdome - 10104 32 Avenue)

8pm (music) Jill Pollock Music/Art show with Cayley Thomas and Billie Zizi (Bohemia - 10217 97 Street)

9pm (music) Counterfeit Jeans, Versions, Street League, and Thick Lines (The Almanac - 10351 82 Avenue)

9:30pm (fun) Weird Al Karaoke - Leap Year’s Eve Eve (Cha Island - 10332 81 Ave)

SUNDAY:

5pm (event) Academy Awards Night at the Garneau (Garneau Theatre - 8712 109 Street) Projecting the big show, and a chance to win prizes by dressing as your favourite actor or movie character.

1pm-4pm Swing ‘n’ Skate (City Hall) The final Swing 'n' Skate of the season! Surely spring is near.

Sights and sounds

(video) Lush - “Out of Control” A beautifully-shot song that came up on a shuffle/auto-play.

(video) FKA Twigs - “Good to Love” “Just let me love, it’s good to love, it’s good to love.”

(video) Aesop Rock - “Rings” I haven't heard much out of this camp in a while, so it's good to not only see a video come my way, but word of a new album at the end of April. This song, in a lot of ways may point to what's brought on that long silence. “I let my fears materialize. I let my skills deteriorate. Haunted by the thought of what I shoulda been, continuing a mission that was rooted in a twenty-year affinity and rickety condition and an ID crisis.”

(video) Jeff Rosenstock - “Nausea” The Aesop Rock song, previous, reminded me of the Jeff Rosenstock song Nausea, with the line “I got so tired of discussing my future / I’ve started avoiding the people I love / Evenings of silence and mornings of nausea”

FOUR-PACK o’ NEW MUSIC Seth Bogart is someone you may be familiar with from Hunx / Hunx and his Punx, my favorite purveyor of what I call Young Oldies. Well, he has a solo album now out accompanying four music videos, and it's been good to see not only the good tunes continue but to see the overall style mature a little, but only a little.

“Hollywood Squares”

“Plastic”

“Eating Makeup”

“Forgotten Fantazy”

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: February 19th Weekend

How to Douglas

Cuties,

I’m writing most of this on the morning of Valentine's Day. I woke up pretty energized and was so curious about the week ahead that I decided to get hunting for fun early. Then I got caught in a YouTube wormhole for about and hour, drank some coffee, and got distracted further with social media. C'est la mort.

Some choice reading follows

— The Art of Focus — "Try to say “yes” to the subject that arouses a terrifying longing, and let the terrifying longing crowd out everything else."

— Social Media: Destroyer or Creator? — "Question: Does it turn out that social media is better at breaking things than at making things?" 

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

The Edmonton Ice Castle is soon coming to a close. We have about ten days at this point to check it out in Hawrelak Park, if you haven't, as I haven't.

This is the final weekend of the Silver Skate Festival for the year. Stop by Hawrelak Park before the 21st and enjoy skate races, snow sculpture, and fire sculpture!

FRIDAY:

8pm Bellevue Social Club presents Old Wives + Gateway Blvd (Bellevue Community League - 7308 112 Avenue)

8pm February Walking Pub Crawl (Oliver Community League Hall - 10326 118 Street)

SATURDAY:

10am-5pm Dragons’ Den Auditions (Stollery Executive Development Centre, 5th Floor, Business Building, 11211 Saskatchewan Drive) Have an entrepreneurial idea you'd like to potentially put in front of a national audience? Here you are.

2pm Artist Talk: Lisa Jones (Latitude 53 - 10242 106 Street) “Edmonton artist Lisa Jones is drawn to the circus and its exploitation of performers and animals for family entertainment, and in her dark oil paintings, luminous inter-species characters grit their teeth in pain or effort as they perform”

6pm-10pm Under the Covers Zine Party // Gender Poutine EP Release (Drawing Room 10253 97 Street & Bohemia 10217 97 Street) Basically take a dozen of my favorite people and put them across two interesting events, and you have this.

8pm Road to Django Concert (Fort Edmonton Park) “The Road to Django explores the music of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France extrapolating backward along the gypsy trail through the Balkans, Turkey all the way to India – the original homeland of the Roma people.”

9pm Evan Symons, Maude, High Tides, Faith Crisis (Clever Rabbit - 10724 124 Street)

SUNDAY:

1pm-4pm Swing ‘n’ Skate (City Hall) Another chance to Swing 'n’ Skate! This week presents us with a performance by C-Jam Big Band while skating is available in front of City Hall.

6:30pm Collaboration Dinner w/Top Chef Canada's Rene Rodriguez (Rostizado - 10359 104 Street)

Sights and sounds

(video) Mr Oizo - “Hand In The Fire” (Feat. Charli XCX) I shared this last week, but I know too few people saw it. Fun song and video!

(video) Kevin Morby - “I Have Been To The Mountain” The dead can dance.

(video) LOLO - “Not Gonna Let You Walk Away” “If you wanna keep the diamonds that you bought me, you can have them. It'll give your mom a reason to smile. / And we can keep on talkin about how all we need is magic, but the misdirection followed the miles.”

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: February 12th Weekend

Cuties,

Valentines Day weekend has arrived! I don't care if you hate it. Find a way to use the day to make sure those you care about really know so.

I like newsletters. If you're reading this, you probably like them as well. I signed up for seven new ones in the last week alone. One I want to recommend is the Progress Alberta Report. Alberta is the rightful target of much ridicule, but there's a definite lack of awareness over just how forward-thinking our province has been and is. A weekly-roundup of progressive news, because we have a lot over which to be proud, and I'd rather share that with people when they ask about Alberta than just “Oilers and tar sand.”

Like an event or song below? → Share it with a friend!

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

The Edmonton Ice Castle runs until March in Hawrelak Park.

Silver Skate Festival returns also to Hawrelak Park this month until the 21st. Stop by to check out the skate races, snow sculpture, and fire sculpture!

FRIDAY:

8pm (music) Moonmuseum / Space Classic / Morewine (Filthy McNasty's - 10511 82 Ave)

9pm (music) Sweety Pie Records Presents: Betrayers / Archaics / Power Buddies (9910 - 9910B 109 Street) This is a fantastic lineup. Never miss a Betrayers show if you hear of one coming.

SATURDAY:

10am-4pm (food) Wild Heart Brunch Club: Market + Cabaret (Mercury Room - 10575 114 Street) Market and brunch all in one.

11am-6pm (art) Print Your Heart Out (SNAP - 10123 121 Street) My favorite craft event of the year. Stop by SNAP, and for $20 you can learn how to create lino block carved and letter-pressed valentines. Walk away with four of your original work.

1pm (fundraiser) The Aviary Book Sale & Open House! (9314 111 Ave) The Artery we've known and loved has been reborn.

8pm (comedy) Cupid Can Suck It: Comedy Cabaret (Bohemia - 10217 97 Street)

9pm-midnight (party) The Violette Underground CKUA building - 9804 Jasper Ave With no two events alike, this is your pre-Valentines Valentine treat.

SUNDAY:

1pm-9pm Swing ‘n’ Skate (City Hall) Another chance to Swing 'n’ Skate! This week is an extended show, with Read Fenton and His Happy Hep Cats performing from 1-3pm, Don Berner’s Little Big Band between 3-5pm, and ECC’s Valentine Disco Skate from 5-9pm.

7pm (film) The Princess Bride Quote-A-Long (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street)

Sights and sounds

(video) Mr Oizo - “Hand In The Fire” (Feat. Charli XCX)

(video) Cat’s Eyes - “Chamelion Queen” A brand new band to me with a song that sounds like the softer side of Spiritualized. I'm in, and eager to hear more.

(video) Leon Bridges - “River” Wait until dark and play it loudly over speakers, not headphones.

(song) Death Grips - “Hot Head” Cleaner production on each release from the perpetually-finished act.

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: February 5th Weekend

Cuties,

I’m tentatively calling this winter done. Let’s consider spring started. Are you planning a garden? Go for it! This will be the fourth year I've had one going, and I feel more ambitious each year. We’ll talk more about Valentine’s Day next week, but if you're already looking for a fine night out with your person, check out the Violette Underground item below.

Like an event or song below? → Share it with a friend!

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

Been to that Edmonton Ice Castle yet? Check it out. Get your tickets online to avoid showing up to a sold out day, too. Until March, the Ice Castle is open every day but Tuesdays in Hawrelak Park.

The Ice on Whyte festival also begins this weekend, but has been really inconsistent in years past. Warm weather only does the displays harm, so be prepared.

FRIDAY:

10am-5pm (market) Gathering Good Gang's Valentine Market (Salgado Fenwick - 10842B 124 Street) Designers, artists, and other Edmonton creative spirits bringing their latest and greatest Friday and Saturday.

9pm (music) Dri Hiev with Hellen and Florals (Bohemia - 10217 97 Street)

6pm-midnight (adventure/party) Flying Canoë Volant (Mill Creek Ravine) “In the spirit of a great winter city, the Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, cultural event, designed to celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Loosely-based on the legend of The Flying Canoe and on French, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event celebrates Edmonton's beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the newly-established French Quarter. Come celebrate your inner voyageur with light, music, legends and dance!”

SATURDAY:

10am-5pm (market) Gathering Good Gang's Valentine Market (Salgado Fenwick - 10842B 124 Street)

2pm (rowdiness) Monster Jam (Rexall Place) I’m going to see monster trucks. You can, too.

4pm-8pm (music) Latcho Drom / Dagan Harding / the Singularities (Mercury Room - 10575 114 Street)

6pm-midnight (adventure/party) Flying Canoë Volant (Mill Creek Ravine)

SUNDAY:

4pm Swing ‘n’ Skate (City Hall) Another Sunday, another chance to Swing 'n’ Skate! This week the Bullies of Basin Street are keeping the music going as you listen inside or skate out front.

Sights and sounds

Downtempo tracks are on the menu this week.

(video) Massive Attack - “Take it There” This track from the new Massive Attack EP is a return to the Tricky-led and musically-dark format I prefer.

(song) DRALMS - “Shook”

(song) Chelou - “Aneurysm” (Nirvana cover)

(song) Swell - “I’m Sorry”

Your pal, Douglas

[howtodouglas]

The Violette Underground

When: Sat, Feb 13 Where: CKUA building downtown (9804 Jasper Ave NW) Doors at: 8pm (shows happening every 20-30 minutes from 9pm until midnight) Tickets at: http://www.violettecoquette.com/violette-underground-tickets/feb13

The Violette Underground is a unique cross between a secret speakeasy club and a philosophical salon. Expect artisan cocktails, spoken word, fortune telling, dancing, philosophical conversations and (of course) burlesque! This is a mix of party and show without the separation of stage - all the acts are integrated throughout the room: any seat can be a front-row seat!

No two Violette Undergrounds are alike. Each one is uniquely curated, created and located. This one? Think dark valentines (but in a funny way) and how delightful it could be to pretend to be someone you're not for a night... we encourage guests to arrive at the party (or create through the night, we're not fussy) as a made-up character, a persona with an outlandish costume and/or back story ("My name is Evansphere Codswallop and I am consort to the Queen!") — or come as yourself and leave everyone guessing ("No, no, my name is actually Don Iveson and I'm the mayor of Edmonton. Really!!"). If you're single, feel free to pretend you're taken; if you've come with your romantic mate, both of you can pretend that you've come separately and meet for the first time. The point is to not take life too seriously for a night and let yourself play.

To learn more (and see a video of the previous Violette Underground) visit http://www.violettecoquette.com/upcoming-events/

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: January 22nd Weekend

Cuties,

I’m a tired guy this week! For the first time in a very long time, I have to say I can’t quite keep up. I'll be taking next week of How to Douglas off while likely moving into a new home, and I’ll be back to digging into what this city has for us again right afterward. (Follow your heart and you’ll find things to do! And you should then share them with me, as always.)

Like an event or song below? → Share it with a friend!

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

Been to that Edmonton Ice Castle yet? Check it out. Get your tickets online to avoid showing up to a sold out day, too. Until March, the Ice Castle is open every day but Tuesdays in Hawrelak Park.

The Ice on Whyte festival also begins this weekend, but has been really inconsistent. Only go if the weather is cold.

FRIDAY:

9:30pm (film) Dark Star: H.R. Giger's World (Metro Cinema) Giger’s a weird cat. You’ll recognize his art from the Alien films, no doubt.

9pm (dance) EKALI, w/Nick Degree & Dane (9910B 109 Street) Ekali’s remix of Gallant’s "Weight in Gold" kept me company on a lot of latenight summer walks in 2015. This should be a fun show.

SATURDAY:

4pm (film) Dark Star: H.R. Giger's World (Metro Cinema) A re-showing of the documentary.

4pm-8pm (event) Lunar New Year & Fireworks (Muttart Conservatory - 9626-96A Street)

6:30pm-whenever (party/fundraiser) Bagelrama 8.2: Bagelbather (Clint’s place - 9922 79 Ave) Bring food for the food bank and money (minimum $5 please) for the Sexual Assault Centre to this house show with a massive lineup of some of Edmonton’s best.

9:30pm (party) Carepackage Launch Party ♡ (Latitude 53 - 10242 106 Street) Carepackage is an arts collective (music, design and visual art) started by friends, aiming to create and celebrate safe spaces within marginalized and underrepresented communities in Edmonton. This is their first event and you're in for a great time if you show up.

SUNDAY:

9:30pm (film) Lemmy (Metro Cinema) Lemmy Kilmister was a man who lived hard and fast and foolishly and …surprisingly long considering all he'd done. This feature-length documentary helps bring more info on the man than just that “Ace of Spades” song you know him from.

4pm Swing 'n’ Skate (City Hall) Another Sunday, another chance to Swing 'n' Skate! This week the Littlebirds Big Band will keep the music going as you listen inside or skate out front.

Sights and sounds

(video) Your Friend - “Come Back From It” The most beautiful song I've heard all month, easily. Slow dance with your sweet person, if you've got one.

(video) The Coathangers - “Watch Your Back” Favorite “new” find of the month. The Coathangers are a female trio making quick and snappy rock songs that you'll be humming all day long. Watch your back!

(video) The Coathangers - “Hurricane” The Coathangers have a bunch of albums, too. You can see from this 2011 track they've been making good songs for years.

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: January 15th Weekend

Cuties,

A friend brought up an idea last week of starting the year with a list of things you know you won't get to. A To-Don’t list. We all say “maybe” or “yes” when we know full well we don’t have the time, so I enjoy this idea of saying this is the year I am definitely not going to bother learning that new thing or doing that other thing until I can give it the time they deserve.

Sorry Norwegian, Dutch, and American Sign Language, this isn't your year. Again. And that's good to know.

Like an event or song below? → Share it with a friend!

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

Edmonton Ice Castle. Some of the photos coming from this have been amazing. Buy your tickets online to avoid disappointment in what seems to be a frequently sold-out experience. Until March, the Ice Castle is open every day but Tuesdays in Hawrelak Park.

FRIDAY:

5pm-10pm Campus Saint-Jean Winter Festival (8406, rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 Street)) Thank you Mina for letting me know about this one! $5 for concerts, hot chocolate, and entertainment. CS-J events are always lovely, and this is a bargain.

7pm Fred Penner with The Willy Nillies and Rusty (The Buckingham - 10439 82 Ave) Your childhood favorite and mine, Fred Penner, returns!

9pm Crystal Eyes, Gender Poutine, Strange Fires, Shukov (9910B 109 Street)

SATURDAY:

11am Sneak Peek of Rogers Place (104 Ave / 101 Street) I’m no fan of the upcoming arena, but this is a really special event. “This 'sneak peek' will give people the opportunity to get a rink-side view of the entire bowl, and a chance to see the Downtown Community Arena.”

8pm N3K Album Release Show with Will Scott Band (The Almanac - 10351 82 Ave) Our favorite jazzyboys, N3K are releasing an album and it sounds great. This is also a chance to check out the new venue, The Almanac.

SUNDAY:

ALL DAY World Snow Day I hadn't heard of this before, but Snow Valley seems to be in the spirit!

4pm Swing 'n' Skate (City Hall) Rollanda Lee and the Canadian Hot Stars Jazz Band play tunes while you listen inside or skate out front.

6pm-8pm Wiseguy Foods Burger Bash (Dovetail Deli - 10721 124 Street) Secrets and food combine tonight, where for two hours Dovetai turns into a secret burger place. Says one fan, “(Robin, the pop-up chef) makes the best burgers in the Northwest Territories, and he is in the running for best in Alberta this week, IMHO”.

Sights and sounds

(video) METZ - “Eraser”

(video) Stormzy - “Shut Up” This track's been out for almost a year and the backing tune pops back into min every couple months.

(video) Tate Kobang - “Wave Hi” Not nearly enough people have seen this great lil two-parter.

Your pal, Douglas

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p>P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: January 8th Weekend

Cuties,

In the hustle-bustle of the holiday season I forgot to mention that this newsletter has now been around for more than two full years. Thanks for sticking around!

As you read this I’m in another country. I’ve now completed four days of a new job, and if we really want to get technical I’m also homeless until I come back and rent a place. All is all right, but what happens next is mostly unknown. Life’s kinda weird like that. I ate four kinds of tortilla on Wednesday, and swam outdoors under a cloudy sky last night trying (and failing) to remember a poem from a few years ago.

I’ll be back in Edmonton this weekend, though, so here’s what we should do when I’m not catching up on sleep or trying to remember a line from poetry which likely never existed.

Like it? → Share it!

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

Falling Into Place: Four Films by Satoshi Kon (Metro Cinema) Films through Saturday and Sunday

Edmonton Ice Castle. A reminder of this magic. Until March, every day but Tuesdays, there’s a remarkable ice castle in Hawrelak Park. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m declaring it a must-see. You can buy tickets for it online, and you should, as I've heard its sold out quickly thus far.

FRIDAY:

8pm (art) The Lebret Residential Petroglyphs (SNAP Gallery - 10123 121 Street)

9pm Stepmothers and Hellen (Bohemia - 10217 97 Street)

SATURDAY:

9pm Zuk Til You Puke III (???) The yearly birthday show in honor of Christopher Zuk, the man you see at (far) more shows than me. I can’t share where this is, but you might see posters around town.

SUNDAY:

1pm-4pm Swing 'n' Skate (City Hall) Skate outside to the tunes of the Trocadero Orchestra, or keep warm inside and watch the performance.

7pm Alex Vissia with Carter Felker, Peter Gardner, and Troy & Cayley (The Buckingham - 10432 82 Ave) A heck of a folkie line up from some of my favorites.

Sights and sounds

Let's go with fun music this week.

(song) Ra RA Riot - “Absolutely”

(song) TEEN - “Tokyo”

(video) Savages - “Adore” I have yet to see or hear a track from Savages I haven't felt excited about. This band needs to be much better-known.

Need more? I like these as well.

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

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How to Douglas: January 1st Weekend

Cuties,

If you’re reading this Friday, welcome to a fresh year! If you’re getting this on Thursday, well, tonight's the night you leave whatever you wish behind. I hope you’ve avoided setting hard rules or resolutions for yourself in 2016, and are instead spending your time on fostering good feelings and patterns. Remember, you're not a robot- aim for goals, not rules.

There’s not much on the go this weekend, which gives us plenty of time to play. So we’re gonna start the year with drag shows, amateur wrestling, skating to jazz music, and anything else that reminds us that Edmonton can be simultaneously familiar and whatever we wish to make it.

Out and about

ALL WEEKEND:

Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict plays at the Metro Cinema (9712 109 Street) three times this weekend (Friday at 4pm, Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 2pm). Guggenheim is responsible for the protection and collection of the important art of the 20th century, and without her keen eye and desires, the world of art would have been left in a much less interesting place.

Edmonton Ice Castle. Okay, this is something of a little magic. Until March, every day but Tuesdays, there's a remarkable ice castle in Hawrelak Park. I haven't seen it yet, but I’m declaring it a must-see.

FRIDAY:

Go for Dim Sum with friends. Start your year off well.

6:45pm Double feature with The Martian & Mad Max: Fury Road (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street) I’ve seen both of these films, and I’ll be happy to see them again back to back. If you want to view the manufactured triumph of the human spirit over extreme adversity, this is the evening for us!

SATURDAY:

7:30pm Monster Pro Wrestling (Alberta Avenue Community Centre - 9210 118 Ave) Wow! I’d heard there were TV-style wrestling events going on Edmonton but hadn’t seen one set up until this one.

SUNDAY:

1pm-4pm Swing ‘n’ Skate with The Emeralds (City Hall) Swing ‘n’ Skate features live swing, jazz and big band music in the City Room of City Hall. Music will also be playing outside so you can get a nice skate on right outside City Hall!

3pm-8pm Bring Out Your Dead (Filthy McNasty’s - 10511 82 Ave) Buy, sell, or trade records! Have a beer, share some tunes, and buy, sell, or trade some records.

9pm The Sunday Revue - Lip Service (Evolution Wonderlounge - 10220 103 Street) Kick off the start of 2016 with a late-night drag show.

Sights and sounds

(video) Tegan and Sara - “Living Room” “I hope I never figure out who broke your heart. And if I do, if I do, I'd spend all night losing sleep.” A personal favorite.

(song) Future Islands - “Last Christmas” (Wham! cover)

(song) The Hold Steady - “Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You” (Billy Squier cover) New track from The Hold Steady! Haven't heard from these guys in a while, and while I don’t expect a new album any time soon, this is like a card from the cold.

(video) Pusha T - “M.F.T.R.” (More Famous than Rich) New Push!

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.

[howtodouglas]

Concept for local signage / Edmonton For The World, (2015) by Douglas Dollars

“Concept for local signage / Edmonton For The World,” (2015) by Douglas Dollars

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[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: December 18th Weekend

Cuties,

Snow has settled in, and more blankets have been pulled from the closet, it’s now truly winter in Edmonton. We’ve been lucky with things staying mild so far, but now is definitely not the time to stay inside if you have the choice.

There won’t be a newsletter next week, because of holiday complications, so combine your favorite things and make sure to do them more next weekend.

ALL WEEKEND:

Friday and Saturday night Brittany's Lounge at 10225 97 Street is home to the Edmonton Burlesque Events Christmas Special. Each night, at 9 p.m. we'll be treated to a special one-night-only act, and some other treats the warm us on a winter night.

FRIDAY:

8:30am-10:30am (talk) Douglas Dollars Talks Time (Latitude 53 - 10242 106 Street) This is going to be a tough thing, emotionally. There's a whole lot going on in life that I’ll tell you about later. That's the funny thing about time, it’s always later.

10:30am-3pm (food) Sailin’ On Lunch pop-up (Earth's General Store - 10150 104 Street) Cash only, with a menu of your food truck favorites, one afternoon only in a downtown grocery spot.

8pm (concert) Sweety Pie Records Holiday Fun Fest (Ritchie Hall - 7727 98 Street) Sweety Pie is a small new record label in town. Despite only existing for four months they've released four albums and have a roster containing some of the city's best talent. This show, featuring comedy sets, live dance performances, and sets from Marlaena Moore and Rusty is where you want to be tonight.

9:35pm (dance) The Ugly SWEAT-er Party (El Cortez - 8230 Gateway Blvd) The nu-disco dynamos of SWEAT bring you a party to wear your ugliest sweater and sweat it out on the dance floor.

SATURDAY:

10am (party) Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat-Cereal Cartoon Party (Metro Cinema - 8712 109 Street) It's exactly what you think it is. This event sells out fast so grab your ticket as soon as you can.

10am-4pm (market) Edmonton Witches Market (King Edward Community League - 7708 85 Street) I don't know what we're in store for with this one, but I'm too curious to not find out.

12pm-8pm Celebrate the Season (The Alberta Legislature - 10800 97 Avenue) One of the most beautiful sights on winter nights is hundreds of trees adorned with lights.

1pm-5pm Old Strathcona Horse-Drawn Sleigh (Old Strathcona) Two sleighs will be making their way through Old Strathcona today.

SUNDAY:

5pm-9pm (event) Festival of Light (Valley Zoo - 13315 Buena Vista Road) My favorite events of the Valley Zoo are the ones that take place at night. This one might feel a little like magic.

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p>8pm-3am (fundraiser) Deathspoke Fundraiser and Christmas Party (Denizen Hall - 10311 103 Ave) Deathspoke isn't a typical bike gang, in that they are a bicycle gang and they also combine parties and concerts to raise money for good causes.

[howtodouglas]

Have you spotted any must-see decorated homes or winter sights? Share them my way. I know the season can (and does) still weigh a lot on many of us, so let’s share the good stuff!

[howtodouglas]

How to Douglas: December 11th Weekend

Cuties,

Remember last week, when I gave away all those gift cards? It went very well! Thank you to the two people who said if they won to donate their cards to YESS. For those looking to also be helpful to those in need, please check out Barber Ha's event on Sunday (listed below).

FRIDAY:

5pm-10pm (event) Candy Cane Lane opening (9915 148 Street) An Edmonton tradition, a neighborhood full of decorated houses in the winter that at one point was suggesting the city should pay them for creating this attraction. Show up, smile at the beautifully-decorated homes, and laugh at the hubris.

8pm (music) Power Buddies / Racket / Gender Poutine (Cha Island - 10332 81 Ave) Two of Edmonton’s new favorites join Calgary's Racket for a night of fun rock in a small tea shop.

8pm (dance) Christmas Disco (10724 124 Street)

9pm (dance) Uncle Outrage / Cygnets / Boosh! / MoonMuseum (Bohemia - 10217 97 street) A night of new wave and electronic dance. Bring your energy.

9pm (burlesque) BAH HUMBUG!: Queer Cabaret (Evolution Wonderlounge - 10220 103 Street)

SATURDAY:

11am-4pm (community) 124 Street Cash Mob [phone] Street) The Cash Mob helps bring relief to struggling local businesses, and turns them into fun community events at the same time.

12pm (film) A Christmas Story (Metro Cinema) A holiday classic.

4pm-6pm (music) 100 Mile House and the AwesomeHots Annual Christmas Shindig (Empress Ale House - 9912 82 Ave) Never miss an AwesomeHots show if you can, their style frontier music and tale-telling is something absolutely unique to Edmonton. This free event is also raising funds and non-perishable goods for the Edmonton Food Bank, so do your best.

6pm (food) Sailin’ On pop-up (Dovetail Delicatessen - 10721 124 Street) New menu items and old favorites from the Sailin’ On crew who we don't get to see enough during the winter.

7pm (film) Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Metro Cinema) I haven't seen many film with Marilyn Monroe, so let's see one where she's a transatlantic cruisin' showgirl.

8pm (music) Stepmothers w/Counterfeit Jeans (9910B 109 Street) Non-boring rock is making a big comeback in Edmonton the last year or so, and I'm happy to see both these acts in one place. You will be, too.

SUNDAY:

12pm-4pm (craft/plants) Snowflake Sunday (Muttart Conservatory - 9626 96A Street) Bring the family or your someone sweet to an afternoon of making snowflakes, planting Christmas cacti, and checking out some holiday scenes in the big pyramid.

12pm-6pm (event) Barbering for Syrian Refugees (Barber Ha - 10011 82 Ave) Always one to step to help others, Barber Ha is working to sponsor and support a Syrian family for a year. Show up at the shop between noon and six, get your hair cut, buy some baked goods or other limited-edition merchandise, and all the money goes toward refugee sponsorship.

Sights and Sounds

(song) Bronson - “My Idle Bed” “Are my hands unclean, is this soiled heart too much?”

(video) Chairlift - “Romeo” WANTED THIS.

(video) Charles Bradley - “Changes” NEEDED THIS.

(video) METZ - “Spit You Out”

Need more? I like these as well.

Your pal, Douglas

P.S.: What has you excited? Hit reply or text 780-964-3684 and let me know.