Monday March 26, 2012
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Daybreak Again: March 24/25, 2012
Well, some say it took awhile, but the city of Calgary finally has its own Poet Laureate. The inaugural position was taken up on March 19 by musician and writer, Kris Demeanor. He's been active in the arts community for 13 years through the release of 6 albums, extensive touring, spoken word performances and co-writing a stage show. Calgary Arts Development spearheaded selecting the Poet Laureate after City Council passed a resolution in July of 2011 endorsing the idea. Calgary follows in the footsteps of Edmonton, Toronto and the National Parliament in having a Poet Laureate for official events. Kris Demeanor spoke first with Russell Bowers about his 2-year commission and about his upbring in Calgary.
Darrin Rose was brought up by a tough guy dad who never hugged him and a big brother who was always beating him at everything. But he has managed to find the humour in it and wear a cardigan while doing it. And a comic book t-shirt. Darrin Rose is about to perform shows in Edmonton on March 31 and Calgary on April 20 as part of Chasing Manhood Tour, a one- man show about the challenges of being raised by a big burly father and a tough older brother. Darrin Rose is also one of the stars on the CBC-TV series Mr D and he spoke with Russell.
It's been sixteen years since the demise of the Juno-winning band, Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet. But thanks to a Lethbridge-based record label, the band is gearing up for a resurgence. Founding member Don Pyle spoke to Daybreak's Chris dela Torre about the band's upcoming reunion and the re-release of its full-length albums.
New York-based playwright Stephen Massicote is back in his hometown of Calgary for the tenth anniversary of his hit play, Mary's Wedding. The play debuted at Alberta Theatre Projects' Playrites Festival in 2002, and his been staged around the world ever since. Massicote spoke with Chris in the Daybreak studio.
Alberta Ballet is taking on what is perhaps the most beloved ballet in history. Daybreak's Nola Keeler spoke with choreographer Kirk Peterson and dancer Kelly McKinlay about Alberta Ballet's production of Swan Lake.
Alyssa Reid released her debut album The Game, in 2011 and the lead single, Alone Again went double platinum, In February, the Edmonton native was nominated for her first Juno Award for New Artist of the Year. Alone Again has become the #1 searched song on Shazam in the United Kingdom for three weeks running also hit #1 in UK radio airplay. It's alot to take in for a young performer, but when Russell Bowers caught with Alyssa, she was poolside in Miami, taking some if it in stride. They started by listening to her hit Canadian single.
