If you have spent any time at Alberta Avenue festivals, you have probably been mesmerized by Sangea, a high energy, colourful, and talented African drum and dance troupe.
Last fall, my friend Gerard Forget and I attended a Leaders in the Community meeting hosted by the Avenue Initiative Revitalization. The purpose was for people to share ideas and brainstorm implementation of new projects that would benefit the community.
A mindfulness meditation class is held every Tuesday between 7 and 8:30 pm at Parkdale-Cromdale Community League (11335 85 Street). This free class gives neighbourhood residents an opportunity to explore how sitting meditation practice can help you become more calm. Over time, meditation helps develop serenity not only during class, but also in everyday life. People practicing mindfulness meditation use a relaxed yet upright posture and pay attention to the natural flow of breath. All are invited to attend.
For many people, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to wear green and celebrate Irish culture, but organizers of Serca Festival are hoping to engage Edmontonians in Irish theatre.
Mark Henderson, the creative director and founder of Serca, explained the festival goes beyond a literal definition of Irish theatre. The plays featured at the festival could be about Ireland or by Irish playwrights, or they could be translations of non-Irish plays by Irish playwrights. They could also, as festival producer Michael Clark said, “be about the Irish experience.”
The Secretaries are having brunch in Amy van Keeken’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, before rehearsal. Happy dogs lie at their feet. It’s a cozy domestic scene, but don’t be mistaken—this band isn’t made up of shrinking violets.
Colleen Brown, Natasha Fryzuk and Amy van Keeken work hard for the money (so hard for it, honey).
“We just wanted to jam,” said guitarist van Keeken. Six people showed up at their first session, but by the second, the band was distilled to its core members.
Owners Philip (pictured) and Mark Muz hope to open The Aviary this spring at 9314 111 Ave. The Aviary is an all-ages arts venue and café with space for about 100 people. You can help by buying Aviary Victory Bonds for $20 or attending their fundraiser concert at Studio96 on March 5. Details at facebook.com/arteryyeg/. Look for a full article on The Aviary soon.
The Nina (n-eye-na) is an art-making centre for adults with developmental disabilities. If you have ever walked by and looked through our windows during the week, you likely saw a room full of people drawing and painting. If you came through the doors to visit, you probably saw our textile, ceramics, and printing studios bursting with activity. Over 170 people belong to the Nina’s collective of artists.
At the Nina, we love being part of Alberta Avenue’s thriving art scene and we offer free drop-in Community Art Nights on Tuesdays and Family Art Nights on Wednesdays for anyone wanting to create art. In the Stollery Gallery, we host 15 or more exhibits a year from other groups and individuals as well as Nina artists.
Now there’s a new project that’s all about community, and we’d like to invite you to join us.
Some months ago, I believe you ran a story about a local female plumber. Would you be able let me know who that was and/or the name of her plumbing company? Thank you.
Keep up the good work, by the way. We pick up a copy of your paper every edition and yes, we try to give business to advertisers in your paper when we can. Hope the Rat Creek Press remains running for many years to come.
