Tag: LondonON

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…and then, The Northern Lights. London ON

Kirby: “How many of you have been called ‘faggot’ on the streets of London?”

More than half the room raise their hands.

Kirby: “Thanks for coming out tonight.”

Nothing is more essential then spaces free from violence to gather, love, play, celebrate.

And, there was nothing more celebratory than this past Friday night at The Variety Café, London ON (home of the famous disco washroom) where brave queer artists meet, create occasions, “make things pretty.”

Thanks to Late Bloomers (Kyle, Donovan, Andrés, & Co) for welcoming Stevie Manning & I into the fold, an extraordinary night of vibrant gaiety including a rare appearance of the Northern Lights on the patio!

“It’s all about the lighting,” Kirby smiles.

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This is good good.

I’ve been tardy in posting of late, but attending this studio tour and meeting the resident artists at Good Sport [London ON] has been a highlight of my year thus far. Amazing digs/vibes, shared camaraderie, and wondrous work. Downtown London ain’t the easiest of terrains, but together these creatives make this community/corner sing. In awe. She bows.

GOOD SPORT 405.5 Richmond Street [Upper left] London, ON

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London Days. Part Two.

London Days. Part Two. Everything you want on a successful roadtrip: Brilliant travel companions, Bee & Finner. A killer used bookshop with a 1/2 price basement sale. An invite to a famous local artist’s home to peruse through her work while devouring hot chocolate buns. A cordial host in a stunning downtown performance space. An expert in-house technician, Jack. A full-house of old friends and new friends. Two dear friends sharing portraits of lives that touched them, including each other. A warm reception. Michael Gira guiding us through a snow squall home.

Thanks to our hosts Kevin Heslop (42×81) and the team at TAP. To Emma & booksellers at the Attic. I love Angie V. Quick. The publishers at Rose Garden. David, Shane, Karen and all who held space with us. And my beloved friend Don Pyle, so glad we’re here to do this thing.

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London days. Part One.

London Days. Part One. Travelling with dear poet/friend JESSICA JOY HIEMSTRA to visit Baseline Press publisher, KAREN SCHINDLER who recently realized Jessica’s new chapbook for Exile Editions, The Thinking Heart: The Etty Drawings (1983-1984) celebrating the work of artist, Claire Wilks (to be launched at KFB this spring). Then we hooked up with artist/friend ANGIE V. QUICK (in the current issue of NOT YOUR BEST) who had some work up at Westland Gallery followed by coffee at the Black Walnut and this glorious croissant topped/filled with the most decadent cream (apropos).