2019 Alphabet
It's time for my annual alphabet of things that happened in the year:
Annora - I've seen Annora perform a number of times and always enjoyed it. I know she's working on an album, so hopefully that will come out in the new year.
Betrayal - The day I arrived in New York, I went to see Betrayal starring Tom Hiddleston.
Critters - On a cool day in November, Allan Dotson had his book launch for his graphic novel Critters at the Art Gallery of Regina. It was a reasonably quiet affair but I ran into a couple of people I haven't seen in ages.
Danielle Knibbe - I saw Danielle play at the Artesian twice this year. Once in the basement lounge and once on the stage upstairs. She and her band put on a really fun show. Go see them next time they are in town.
Everywhere We Go - My favourite of the ballets I saw while in New York. Choreographed by Justin Peck, it's a very contemporary and high energy piece.
Festivals - I attended the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, the Chamber Music Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the Regina Folk Festival this year.
General Hospital - My dad suffered another small stroke and spent a few days in hospital. He's fine now although moving a bit slower.
Hamilton - I wasn't expecting to be able to see Hamilton when I went to New York. It's basically been sold out since it opened, but there was a special Sunday night show that happened to be added when I was there and a few balcony seats were still available. There's a lot of American history in the show that I didn't really follow, but it's quite an impressive show.
Indifference - After trying and failing to find someone to date early in the year, I've become indifferent to the whole idea. I'm still open to possibilities, just not looking to manufacture them right now.
Jenn Grant - Always delightful, Jenn Grant performed at the Artesian in May.
Kinky Boots - A number of broadway musicals were shown at the Conexus Arts Centre this year including Kinky Boots. I hope they continue to bring in these touring shows.
Local Group - In early June, the Artesian had a show featuring Dylan Cooper, The Local Group, and, one of my favourites, Ellen Froese.
Meagan & Amy - Amy Hillis and Meagan Milatz are a violin and piano duo who play a mix of traditional classical music and newer contemporary works particularly by Canadian composers. They put on an album release show at Westminster United in November that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Nutcracker - I went to the Great Russian Nutcracker in November. It's not my favourite version of it, but it was the only one I could get to this year. I did enjoy it and had the bonus of sitting next to some serious fans who I made friends with.
Old - There have been a lot of medical appointments this year (and more to come next year) and it's making me feel old.
Parasite - A Korean film that tells the story of a poor family that manipulates their way into the a wealthy home. I thought of it as a commentary on capitalism and how easy it is for the wealthy to be completely oblivious to the struggles of the poor.
Quiet - I've been in the mood for more quiet nights of late.
Rah Rah - I stayed up well past my normal bed time watching the second last ever Rah Rah performance. A great show by a great band who will be missed.
Streamroller printing - It was a cold and snowy day in September when Articulate Ink put on their latest version of steamroller printing as part of culture days, but the warehouse location was perfect for the weather.
Tarts & Turnovers - I'm still baking a lot of tarts and took a course at Saltine on that. Ashley is so helpful an encouraging. If you want to learn more about naturally leavened bread or tarts and turnovers I believe she is offering more workshops soon.
Unusual - Probably the oddest event I attended all year was a fashion show for glasses held at a brewery. Put on by Spex by Ryan and Rebellion as a fundraiser, I ended up sitting with a group of hairdressers who work at the Junction. I should probably go to more weird things that are outside my comfort zone.
Valencia and Valentine - Suzy Krause's book Valencia and Valentine was released this summer. There was a wonderful party at Paper Umbrella to celebrate. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to her next book Sorry I Missed You which is due out in June.
Wedding - I went as far from Regina as I've ever been. A friend I've known since high school was getting married in the Philippines. Going there required far more time in planes and airports than I would have liked and I ended up spending most of my time in a resort, so I didn't get to see a whole lot, but I'm glad I went.
X years - One of these years, some band will come through town with a name starting with an X. In the mean time, roman numerals. It's the end of the decade. I suppose this list could have been a decade in review list instead of just a year in review, but that seems like more work.
Yellow Argyle Art Garage - As part of the CVAF, William put on an art exhibit in his garage. Consisting of a set of drawings and a performance piece, it was quite the fun afternoon.
Zachary Lucky - Country/Folk artist Zachary Lucky bookmarked the year with concerts both in January, as part of Winterruption, and November.
Annora - I've seen Annora perform a number of times and always enjoyed it. I know she's working on an album, so hopefully that will come out in the new year.
Betrayal - The day I arrived in New York, I went to see Betrayal starring Tom Hiddleston.
Critters - On a cool day in November, Allan Dotson had his book launch for his graphic novel Critters at the Art Gallery of Regina. It was a reasonably quiet affair but I ran into a couple of people I haven't seen in ages.
Danielle Knibbe - I saw Danielle play at the Artesian twice this year. Once in the basement lounge and once on the stage upstairs. She and her band put on a really fun show. Go see them next time they are in town.
Everywhere We Go - My favourite of the ballets I saw while in New York. Choreographed by Justin Peck, it's a very contemporary and high energy piece.
Festivals - I attended the Cathedral Village Arts Festival, the Chamber Music Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the Regina Folk Festival this year.
General Hospital - My dad suffered another small stroke and spent a few days in hospital. He's fine now although moving a bit slower.
Hamilton - I wasn't expecting to be able to see Hamilton when I went to New York. It's basically been sold out since it opened, but there was a special Sunday night show that happened to be added when I was there and a few balcony seats were still available. There's a lot of American history in the show that I didn't really follow, but it's quite an impressive show.
Indifference - After trying and failing to find someone to date early in the year, I've become indifferent to the whole idea. I'm still open to possibilities, just not looking to manufacture them right now.
Jenn Grant - Always delightful, Jenn Grant performed at the Artesian in May.
Kinky Boots - A number of broadway musicals were shown at the Conexus Arts Centre this year including Kinky Boots. I hope they continue to bring in these touring shows.
Local Group - In early June, the Artesian had a show featuring Dylan Cooper, The Local Group, and, one of my favourites, Ellen Froese.
Meagan & Amy - Amy Hillis and Meagan Milatz are a violin and piano duo who play a mix of traditional classical music and newer contemporary works particularly by Canadian composers. They put on an album release show at Westminster United in November that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Nutcracker - I went to the Great Russian Nutcracker in November. It's not my favourite version of it, but it was the only one I could get to this year. I did enjoy it and had the bonus of sitting next to some serious fans who I made friends with.
Old - There have been a lot of medical appointments this year (and more to come next year) and it's making me feel old.
Parasite - A Korean film that tells the story of a poor family that manipulates their way into the a wealthy home. I thought of it as a commentary on capitalism and how easy it is for the wealthy to be completely oblivious to the struggles of the poor.
Quiet - I've been in the mood for more quiet nights of late.
Rah Rah - I stayed up well past my normal bed time watching the second last ever Rah Rah performance. A great show by a great band who will be missed.
Streamroller printing - It was a cold and snowy day in September when Articulate Ink put on their latest version of steamroller printing as part of culture days, but the warehouse location was perfect for the weather.
Tarts & Turnovers - I'm still baking a lot of tarts and took a course at Saltine on that. Ashley is so helpful an encouraging. If you want to learn more about naturally leavened bread or tarts and turnovers I believe she is offering more workshops soon.
Unusual - Probably the oddest event I attended all year was a fashion show for glasses held at a brewery. Put on by Spex by Ryan and Rebellion as a fundraiser, I ended up sitting with a group of hairdressers who work at the Junction. I should probably go to more weird things that are outside my comfort zone.
Valencia and Valentine - Suzy Krause's book Valencia and Valentine was released this summer. There was a wonderful party at Paper Umbrella to celebrate. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to her next book Sorry I Missed You which is due out in June.
Wedding - I went as far from Regina as I've ever been. A friend I've known since high school was getting married in the Philippines. Going there required far more time in planes and airports than I would have liked and I ended up spending most of my time in a resort, so I didn't get to see a whole lot, but I'm glad I went.
X years - One of these years, some band will come through town with a name starting with an X. In the mean time, roman numerals. It's the end of the decade. I suppose this list could have been a decade in review list instead of just a year in review, but that seems like more work.
Yellow Argyle Art Garage - As part of the CVAF, William put on an art exhibit in his garage. Consisting of a set of drawings and a performance piece, it was quite the fun afternoon.
Zachary Lucky - Country/Folk artist Zachary Lucky bookmarked the year with concerts both in January, as part of Winterruption, and November.
