Those were good times

by Allan Wigney

Oh, I could list the best albums of 2011, but it's been done. Odd, really, as it's Jan. 1, 2012, and chronologically speaking it is not possible for one to accurately sum up 2011 before this day. But media have no time for such inconveniences when there are deadlines to meet. And if it's all a bit like reporting the final score of a game 15 minutes into the third period, so be it.

Punk rock (1968-2011)

by Allan Wigney

RIP punk rock, pronounced dead Tuesday, following a prolonged illness. Cause of death is believed to have been an extended drum solo during a set by Whitby’s would be punks/metalheads Protest the Hero. Attempts to administer punk energy by veteran rapper Buck 65 and rocker John Fogerty ― including the former rapping over one of the latter’s tunes ― proved unsuccessful.

Relaxation songs

by Allan Wigney

Pleading guilty to not being able to keep track of the multitude of local summer festivals, my pal Bijon recently proposed the city consolidate said celebrations into two month-long events: “Drunken Yahoofest and Lawnchair Fascistfest.”

No prizes for guessing which one got underway this week.

A State of The Wig address

June 3, 2011

June is here and with it an increased schedule of things for your to-do list in Ottawa. It’s a month that starts with a children’s festival, ends with a jazz festival of sorts and finds room in between for everything from two theatre festivals (the flashy Magnetic North and the plucky Fringe) to Doors Open to a relatively new art festival cleverly dubbed The New Art Festival.

Poll dance

by Allan Wigney

In less than two weeks, Canadians by the handful will voice a desire for what looks to be something akin to the status quo. Democracy in action, folks. And as the election approaches, it seems issues — like, you know, corruption and contempt and such — are eliciting yawns from the populace. Less so, a photo of Stephen Harper and the Nickelback guy — perhaps the most polarizing public personalities in the country.

Insert your favourite act here

by Allan Wigney

Robert Plant is coming to Bluesfest.

I know this to be true: I have heard it from more than one semi-trusted source. And as any journalist will tell you, two sources are enough to turn rumour to fact. Hell, in the age of TMZ even one source will suffice — sometimes none.

Genies in a bubble

by Allan Wigney

This ain’t Hollywood.

Thursday’s rainy/snowy/slushy weather drives that point home, lest anyone be lost in the glitz and glamour of the Genie awards. Holding the celebration of Canadian film — complete with red carpet arrivals — at this time of year, organizers can hardly have been surprised by the greeting Mother Nature had prepared for them.