Why I’m not “pretty for a black girl”
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]o, this isn’t an article for me to vent all my outrage and disappointment at the way black women are depicted by our society — although that would be one heck of an article (maybe I’ll save it for next time). I’d simply like to raise awareness of a certain topic that takes up only a fraction of my disappointment: casual racism disguised as ‘compliments.’
There are many forms of discrimination, and some are less obvious than others. Casual racism happens to me often, like when people think that it’s acceptable to use phrases such as, “Oh, you’re pretty for a black girl.” It might be hard to believe, but I have received such comments numerous times, from men and women of different racial backgrounds — including black men.
When will people understand that this is in no way a compliment? Don’t get me wrong, I totally understand that some people genuinely believe they’re just being nice. But just because racism is accidental doesn’t make it any less harmful.
I’ve been in situations where the person is genuinely trying to compliment me, and just to be polite I’ll return a wry smile. Some people just don’t know any better. Honestly, how do you expect someone to respond when you’ve insulted them, intentionally or not?
There are other backhanded compliments that we should just entirely eliminate from our vocabulary. “You’re pretty smart for a black girl.” “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl.” (Let’s not get started there, it’s disgusting.) “Your English is so good.” “You speak so well.” “You’re so white!”
To sum it up, any compliment that ends in “for a black girl” is a big no. These statements are built off the negative assumption that there is something fundamentally wrong with being a black woman. I think we all know that it is most certainly not OK to go up to someone and say, “Oh, you’re good-looking for a white boy,” or “You’re nice for an asshole” — at least, I hope most of you know that this isn’t OK.
In response, I’d like to say that I’m a woman, not a girl. Just as it can be degrading to call a man a boy, I feel the same way about labelling a woman a “girl.”
By telling me that I’m pretty for a black girl, you imply that black women do not naturally possess the quality of being beautiful. These statements make me feel like an exception to some kind of rule that says black women are not seen as attractive. Was there a poll taken that I didn’t know about? When were black women classified as being unattractive? Did I not get the memo?
So, the next time you want to compliment anyone, don’t include the colour of their skin. Tell me I’m pretty, or just give me a compliment that isn’t based on my looks. Leave my racial identity out of it.
Amazing Grace N. Howl: 3,000 Miles to Graceland
It’s been a long and tedious few weeks of data entry. Co-op was always advertised as something fun and refreshing, and I feel like I have fallen victim to false advertising. I was more refreshed in my Hellenic Studies lectures than I am here.
So I told my supervisor just that. Either they had to step up their game and give me something more interesting to do, or I would quit. Daddy paid thousands of dollars for me to pursue an education and put it to good use. Daddy would absolutely hate the fact that the City of Surrey was wasting my incredible talent and precious time. After all, I could always wander over to Langley or Coquitlam and put my domination skills to good use there.
But clearly, I was joking. I was only kidding! I was merely practicing my acting skills. But the look in my supervisor’s eyes was just priceless. She shrank back, mouth dropping open. The woman whimpered like a little girl and started nodding vigorously. It was only later that I heard her say to one of my fellow colleagues, “Grace is a monster.”
Monster? Please. I am a graceful butterfly. But I guess my words sting worse than a bee.
My pathetic supervisor finally gave me the big break I was looking for. At first I thought it was a chance to talk to the Big Boss (a.k.a. the mayor), but I was disappointed yet again. I wore my best powersuit and showed up early to the boardroom, only to find my supervisor (who, by the way, was still shaking) and her boss, who is no more than a city councillor. Please. It was almost as if the mayor didn’t have enough time in her day for me, so she sent one of her trolls to sit in and pretend like they have the power. Yeah, right.
But I presented with great confidence and vigour. Like my days in politics, I captivated that boardroom. Instead of calling it Surrey, I told them, “let’s call it Graceland. My daddy has already written out the cheques to buy out every single city building, the transit system, the roadways — everything. Surrey is cool, but Graceland is even cooler. It’s going to be a hipper, trendier city, with Uber. And I will rule over it with an iron fist, kick TransLink to the curb, and make sure that Graceland rocks, so much so that residents of Coquitlam will be paying us money to cross over the Port Mann and visit.
“It’s going to be great,” I told them. But apparently, Graceland exists somewhere else. Who is this Elvis guy, and how dare he steal my city name?!
*All documentation has been personally received by Rachel Wong*
SFU doesn’t offer enough healthy choices for low- income students
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lthough the suggested number of daily servings for fruits and vegetables varies by sex, age, and physical activity, many dieticians and nutritionists recommend that, in general, five to nine or more servings per day is essential for good health. Eating enough produce has been linked to a lowered risk of chronic disease, a lowered risk of heart problems, improved mental health — the benefits are endless.
Unfortunately for those plagued by low budgets and food insecurity, eating a healthy diet is nearly impossible. Marguerite Nowak, the manager of a busy San Francisco food bank, told SFGate that “food is often the first to go” when money is tight. You can skip meals, but “you can’t pay half your rent or utility bills if you want a place to live.”
Fresh produce, now at exorbitant prices, is often skipped in favour of microwavable dinners, processed junk food, and meat and dairy products. Because of recent price inflations due to environmental factors, this has become even more of an issue.
In January, The New York Times described Canada’s expensive grocery predicament as the result of an oil-dependent economy. When the price of oil drops, so does the Canadian dollar, making imports such as produce seem like a luxury. Factors like droughts in California, where a lot of Canada’s produce comes from, don’t help either.
Dairy, poultry, and egg prices do not see as drastic of price inflations because they, unlike fruits and vegetables, are protected by a combination of government-sanctioned cartels and high tariffs on imports. This is to keep competition from other countries low and to keep the demand for local meat and dairy producers steady.
Nowhere on campus do we have a fresh fruit stand or a place to purchase grilled vegetables at reasonable prices.
With all of these factors combined, university students — who not only have to worry about rent and bills, but also tuition, university fees, and textbooks — are left especially vulnerable. While SFU does have a food voucher program where students in need can receive a $25-voucher to Nester’s Market, these rising food prices are reminders that it’s simply not enough. Not only is $25 hardly enough money to make a noticeable difference to one’s monthly grocery bill, but Nester’s is also notoriously pricey.
If SFU wants to help students eat healthier, they need to make a number of changes. For students on the meal plan, the Dining Hall requires a makeover. The only fruits offered that don’t come from a can are bland apples and bananas. Apart from salad bar vegetables, fresh produce is scarce.
Bringing an increased variety of produce to the Dining Hall would boost both student health and morale. Trust me — nobody living in residence is excited to go to the Dining Hall after the third week.
We also need more healthy food options on campus. At Burnaby Mountain, we have two Starbucks within walking distance of campus, a Tim Hortons, and a Renaissance Coffee, but nowhere do we have a fresh fruit stand or a place to purchase grilled vegetables at reasonable prices. We miss out on essential nutrients, such as vitamins, iron, and fibre when we don’t consume fruits and vegetables. These nutrients help to stabilize moods, increase our attention spans, and give us enough energy to carry on with our day.
According to a study conducted by the University of Alberta in 2009, children who ate healthy diets were more likely to do well on exams and succeed in school. If SFU wants to see more of their students succeed, a good starting point would be to help us help ourselves: providing cheap and healthy food alternatives to what’s currently available.
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY
By: Courtney Miller, Jessica Pickering, and Jessica Whitesel
Follow The Peak on Spotify to stay up to date on New Music Friday.
“Good Grief” – Bastille
Jessica Whitesel: Holy crap this is so damn pop-y. But not in a bad way. It reminds me of an updated ’80s new-wave pop song. It’s catchy as hell and just makes you want to dance and sing along. My only complaint is the weird talking that sounds like it was pulled from a B-movie.
Courtney Miller: My love for Bastille knows no bounds, and I’m definitely not disappointed with their latest offering. That feel-good bass, Dan’s crisp vocals, and classic Bastille clever lyrics make this a solid winner in my book. If you liked Bad Blood you’ll like this. The musicality in this band floors me all the time.
Jessica Pickering: Bastille is trying something new and I’m not sure about it. The music is way more upbeat than I’m used to from them and I’m trying to adjust. The good news is that’s all they’ve really changed: the lyrics and vocals are classic Bastille, including asking a question in the pre-chorus. After listening to the whole song, I think I love it.
“Better Love” – Hozier
JW: Like I get that this is for a movie so it needs to be big and sweeping, but it just gets too big for its own good. Hozier has an amazing voice and it just gets lost in the heavy instrumentals. Maybe Warner Bros. wanted to tie musically to the Disney-animated Tarzan, I don’t know, but as a song overall it just needs to tone it down a couple of notches.
CM: The focus on percussion and Hozier’s emotive yet calming voice make this a strong song. I can easily picture a well-choreographed interpretive dance done to this — there’s a complexity to the music that would make that work really well.
JP: Hozier’s so hit and miss for me. It took me two months before I liked “Take Me to Church” and I think it might take me that long to like this song too (if I ever do). I think Hozier fans will like this song, and I don’t think I’m ever going to understand the appeal.
“Titus Was Born” – Young the Giant
JW: I want to like this song but it sounds too forced. I’ve tried to sing notes out of my vocal range before and it sounds like most of this song: forced and painful. When Sameer Gadhia slips back into his actual vocal range the song is just so much better. So let this be a lesson kids, don’t try to sing in a range that isn’t natural.
CM: The muted guitar and soft, wispy vocals make this a dreamy kind of song. It builds into a powerful tune that would be great for chilling to. It’s also got a laid-back kind of catchiness, like it’s gently inviting you to sing along instead of demanding it, which I enjoy.
JP: This kind of reminds me of a kids’ TV show. It’s very calming and it’s Fueled By Ramen produced so that appeals to sixth-grader me — and current me, because I’m trash. I really like this song. I keep picturing Titus Andromedon filming a music video to this which makes it even better.
“Champions” – Kanye West feat. Gucci Mane, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Travi$ Scott, Yo Gotti, Quavo, and Desiigner
JW: Oh man. This is a new song, but sounds like it would have been made in the mid-’00s. The production feels old, the rapping feels stale, and like why do we need to have eight people on a song? If you are in love with all of these guys and have been waiting for them to all be on a track together then by all means listen to this, but anybody else should take a pass.
CM: The intro music I really like, which is surprising. But it all goes downhill after that. I am a big fan of liberal use of profanity and cusses, but there should be at least a semblance of necessity. In this song, it’s just sprayed throughout — stop referring to women as bitches already, I’m over it. Whoever is vocalizing at 4:45 needs to stop because that was whiny as fuck.
JP: I’m not a big Kanye fan to begin with; really, I only like him when he’s with Jay Z, and this song is no exception. It’s a lot of simple rhymes without much substance. I like my rappers to have clever rhymes, and this flow’s just not doing it for me (I say while being the whitest girl alive).
“Somebody’s Love” – Passenger
JW: This song is classic Passenger. Normally I would be annoyed at the long instrumental intro, but having seen him live, he is an immensely talented guitarist and it is nice that he chose to feature that. As always he is vocally and lyrically on point. I will definitely listen to this again.
CM: It’s super chill and very melodic. I’d study to this in a heartbeat.
JP: I like everything about Passenger except the sound of the guy’s voice. I think it’s too high-pitched for the style. I really like when he sings certain parts and his voice suddenly gets so much deeper so I’m holding out for a moment when that happens in this song. Update: it kind of happened so I like this song a little better now.
“Lavender” – BadBadNotGood feat. KAYTRANADA
JW: I am not loving the ‘80s video game/action movie sound of this. I’m waiting for there to be some sort of hokey car chase, guys with bad hair wearing pastel suits ducking in and out of a warehouse, and the bad guy doing blow off of a hooker. Great job on creating a mood, but not so much on creating an enjoyable song. So, it actually was BadBadNotGood.
CM: I love that this has no vocals. It’s upbeat, but also chill enough to be good relaxation music. It’s easy to nod along to, or tap your toes to the rhythm without investing too much effort.
JP: This is not what I was expecting. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t bass and what sounds like a trumpet, that’s for sure. This was almost three and a half minutes of conflicting music styles and no vocals. I think the band’s name should have been a hint.
“For Free” – DJ Khaled feat. Drake
JW: DJ Khaled is a living meme. Within the first 15 seconds he dropped every single catchphrase he is known for, but lyrically this song is kind of a mess. Thinking that your girl is so good at sex that you have to question why you are getting it for free is maybe-kinda-probably-just-a-little problematic.
CM: It’s not bad? But it’s not good either. I mean it’s fine, but nothing special. The voices leave a lot to be desired, to be honest.
JP: Am I a bad Canadian if I think Drake is overrated? He’s solidly OK and he seems really good at maintaining it. This song is average Drake, so I guess that’s good. If you like Drake, you’ll like this song. If you don’t like Drake, this song isn’t about to change that.
“Flowerchild” – Coleman Hell
JW: This song is fun and catchy as hell. It makes me want to embrace the whole frollicking in fields, dancing under the sun, happy stereotypical flowerchild lifestyle. Then the song ends and I remember that I’m not a huge fan of the outdoors, or spending time in fields. So if I can forget that for a few minutes then this is a pretty powerful song.
CM: I find this to be a fun beachside jam of a tune, with a great beat and melodic lyrics. Great for a waterfront hangout, or making you long for the ocean as you pore over notes at your desk. The vocals match the music really well, it’s well put together.
JP: I think this song is a good choice if you want to hear something upbeat, not pay much attention, and still feel a little happier at the end of it. I especially like the line “high in the ‘70s”; it makes me think of That ‘70s Show when they sit in the circle in Forman’s basement.
“You Don’t Get Me High Anymore” – Phantogram
JW: I’m not loving this song. It just feels like it has too many things going on with it in terms of the backing track. I mean, I get that they probably didn’t want to make it too dark, but they really should have just gone there. Also the “we-ooo, we-ooo” just sounds like a toddler trying to be a firetruck.
CM: There’s a lot of vocal ability showcased in this song. The song doesn’t stay in one place too long, and so even though it’s not my usual style, it’s growing on me with every listen.
JP: I feel like I’ve heard the opening somewhere before, like in a car commercial. It’s not bad, but it’s not what I would listen to. It sounds like it has a lot of reverb? I don’t know if that’s the word. I’m probably in the minority on this but it’s too edgy for me.
“Hallelujah” – Alicia Keys
JW: I fully expected this to be another cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and, while I fully appreciate that it isn’t, I was really looking forward to hearing Keys’ powerful voice tackle that song. Don’t get me wrong, this is a really good song, I just really, really, really wanted to hear her version of it.
CM: Keys has a lot of emotive power behind her vocals, which is nice, and the music doesn’t detract from that. Her voice is clearly the focal point of her music, and it holds up to the scrutiny that entails. It needs to be listened to after something devastating has happened, preferably in a torrential downpour to really set the scene.
JP: I really don’t like Alicia Keys, but this isn’t bad. I think it’s because she’s in her lower range. I also don’t hate the music so that helps. I love the addition of violins — I’m a sucker for them added into pop songs. This is probably my favourite Alicia Keys song.
“Hey Hey, My My” – Fjord
JW: Oh man. I sure did get my cover. But I have never ever wanted an electronified Neil Young. By making this song not a rock song I feel they are kind of losing the message that he was trying to convey with the original. Also, I want Young’s take on this song since he is kind of an angry “Hey, get off of my lawn” kind of old man.
CM: It builds only a little bit. I would like a little more development because it does get repetitive by the end of the song. It’s just kind of ‘meh’ for me.
JP: I’m so young, I had to Google who this was a cover of. I also just realized that was a pun, so I’m garbage today. So without ever hearing the original, I’m going to say I like this cover. My very limited knowledge of Neil Young tells me the tempo is right, but fans may not like the techno-ish add-ons.
“Race to the Bottom” – Dan Mangan
JW: I like this one. It has a fun rock vibe that isn’t metal-influenced or super folky — even though I love folk, like a little too much. It’s up-tempo, and even though the lyrics might not really follow that vibe fully, if I’m racing to the bottom it might as well be fun.
CM: “Nostalgia just ain’t what it used to be.” I think Mangan is criminally underrated. A serious but fun dynamic song that gets you up and tapping along at the very least. Good stuff.
JP: I really like this song. The music is a bit more upbeat than the vocals but it works really well. I don’t know if I like it enough to actively download it but I would definitely listen to it again. This is probably my third favourite song on this week’s playlist.
From one queer to another
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]arly on June 12, another gun-related tragedy struck Florida. This time at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Pulse, that was hosting a Latin night. One man walked in, fully armed, and took hostages. He wanted nothing other than to hurt the people in that club. By the end of the three-hour police situation, 49 people were dead and more than 50 others were injured. As of publication time, six people are still in critical condition. Now, before the pain and suffering has settled, around the world, people are talking about what happened in Orlando.
It is the biggest mass shooting in the US since the start of the 21st century.
In the aftermath, the outcry online has been overwhelming. Queer people have watched in horror as names have been released, along with the final videos, voicemails, and texts sent that night. Blood was needed to help aid the survivors, and many of us couldn’t be there to donate to save others like us, to save our friends, though we so desperately wanted to be there. We watched as news reports rolled in, as the media tried to focus the story on the assailant, and his radical ideologies, rather than the survivors, their stories, and the assault on the LGBTQA+ community.
We watched as two facts were covered up by people in suits: that it was Latin night, and that the celebration was led by trans* women. Some outlets mentioned Latin night in passing, but they overlook the importance of the theme night. I remember reading update after update online, and when the names and pictures of the dead started to crop up, most of the first names and pictures released were of Latin heritage. By the end of the tally, more than half of the 49 “were of Puerto Rican descent,” as Reuters reported.
One of the very first reports I came across mentioned that Pulse’s Latin night was being hosted by trans* women. After that, the information was lost amid details, like getting a background on the shooter and showing traumatic footage of loved ones calling out for the dead. Trans* humans are part of the queer spectrum and do not deserve to be overlooked. This night, and this location was chosen for a reason. It’s not a random attack, this attack was meant to shake two communities that all to often are plagued by discrimination and hate.
Maybe the media assumes we’ll figure that out for ourselves, but they do their profession and their audience a disservice by quieting any talk that race may have been a factor. The people covering this tragedy on the major news networks are so focused on the shooter, Omar Mateen. They only care that he self-identified with ISIS. . . too many people put on blinders as soon as they hear that. They neglect to consider other issues like homophobia, transphobia, and race. Issues such as these always get put on the back-burner, and as a result we end up fanning the flames of Islamophobia.
This attack was devastating. The legacy it leaves will be destructive. The tears we shed on behalf of the victims, survivors, and their families because of this hate crime will become scars on our skin that never fully heal. They will hurt long after they have begun to fade with the bittersweet erasure of time.
It didn’t happen here in Vancouver. It didn’t happen here at SFU. But even though we are not on the front lines, do not think for one second that this traumatic event does not affect us. Do not think it does not affect the queer population of Vancouver and SFU.
My mom tried to talk to me about what happened. She could see that I was upset and when I told her, her face fell a little and she got sad, too. “Any loss of life is tragic, Courtney,” she said, in that ‘Mom’ tone of voice that’s part commiseration but mostly reprimand. As though I valued the queer lives lost in this tragedy more than those lost in any other, simply because this was the one that I couldn’t help crying for.
But I wasn’t just crying for the lives that had already been lost. I was crying because there will be so many more losses to come in the wake of this violent crime. The attack at Pulse sparks potential for attacks elsewhere. And those attacks, the spillover of one man’s hate, won’t get included in the final count. They probably won’t even make the news.
We say that we will not hide, but the sad truth is that some of us will
Being a member of the queer community at SFU is a different experience for everybody. My time here has been full of acceptance and support, and that is what we need more of at this time. Any time I have mentioned my girlfriend, or brought her with me to an event, people have been nothing short of fantastic fellow queers and allies. No dirty looks, slurs, or violence has befallen me because of whom I’ve had the greatest pleasure to love.
As we all know — from Orlando, from the dime-a-dozen stories of queer kids being bullied and beaten and killed for being who they are — that’s not the typical story a person like me has. My mother does not support me or understand the life I need to lead in order to be honest with myself and with others. The friends that I’ve made here at SFU have filled that void in my life. Care, acceptance, support, and understanding is what the SFU community has given me.
As so many people — celebrities, activists, and students included — have stated, this is a time when we need to show everyone that love conquers all. I can think of no better environment to show that ideal, than SFU. Peace does not spawn from fear.
But there are many people who are scared, and who will continue to be scared for a long time to come. All queer spaces, be it a gay club or a group like Out on Campus (OOC), are supposed to be a safe space. If you don’t feel safe at home, at work, wherever, then these queer-friendly spaces are where you’re supposed to be able to find comfort.
If a queer person should be safe at any time, it’s at a queer event during Pride month. This tragedy has shattered our illusions of safety. My friends’ parents have asked them not to go to any Pride events out of fear. And though the message across Vancouver’s queer community is that love will conquer all and that we will not hide, some of us will.
Some of us have been hiding for a long time, waiting in the shadows of OOC’s door, in the wings of a support group. And it’s hard to imagine they will want to stop hiding anytime soon now that these previously safe spaces no longer feel all that safe. People who need these support systems will be denied access through fear of being found out and targeted, or through fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Some of us are realizing that there are targets on our backs for the first time, while others have seen and lived through this kind of demoralizing, fearful time before. The fear of being persecuted for loving someone is real, and although we may not see a lot of blatant homophobia present on campus or in Vancouver at large, it’s still out there.
As a member of the queer community, I am here to tell you that the open environment we have cultivated at SFU and especially at OOC allows us to keep feeling safe. It’s alright if you’re afraid, if you’re nervous — I am too.
But I want you to remember something: it was one man. He did a lot of damage and ruined a lot of lives, but he is so greatly outnumbered by every person who believes that love is love is love. He is one person who will never amount to what we can do if we can work together to heal and create a better world for us all.
The message all around is that the queer community will overcome this tragedy, any kind of domino effect it might have. With the added news that a man with assault rifles and explosives was arrested on his way to LA Pride the very same day of the shootings in Orlando, people may not feel safe being out or coming out. And if we exert more caution in light of recent events, that’s OK. Do whatever makes you feel safe.
We will mourn the losses of our friends in Florida, but we will still be here. We will be strong and we will be seen. We may fear, but it will not rule us. Some say that to feel fear is to be weak. That’s a lie. True strength comes from knowing that you are afraid — knowing, but standing tall despite the risk.
To paraphrase poet and writer Dylan Thomas, we will not go gentle into that good night. We will continue to be visible, continue to love and be loved, and we will look forward to the day that we as humans are no longer divided by society based on who we love or the colour of our skin.
Top 10 NHL Draft picks for 2016
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]’ve often said that the NHL Draft is my favourite time of the hockey calendar. I love the suspense when a trade is announced, and I enjoy projecting where players could go and what role they could eventually play.
With no Canadian NHL teams making the playoffs, the top 10 positions of the Draft will feature a lot of presence from the Great White North. Four Canadian teams are in the top five, with Toronto and Winnipeg occupying the first two spots. Six of the seven Canadian teams are in the top 10, so instead of trying to predict the whole first round, I’m going to try and predict the top 10 picks.
1st Overall, Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews
I believe the Leafs have narrowed down their selection to two choices: Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine. Matthews is projected to be a legitimate number one centre, something the Leafs haven’t had since Mats Sundin left town. Matthews has been the projected number one pick since September, and the fact that he plays centre definitely helps his case. As shown by the two Stanley Cup finalists this year, you have to be good down the middle to succeed in the NHL.
2nd Overall, Winnipeg Jets: Patrik Laine
The Jets have it easy this draft, as they are going to pick either Matthews or Laine, depending on what the Leafs do. Back in the fall, I predicted that Laine would be drafted between the 5th and 7th spots. Well, all he’s done since then is win the World Junior Championships with Finland while finishing the tournament with seven goals in seven games, win the SM-Liiga and the Jarri Kurri Trophy (the Finnish league equivalent of the Conn Smythe), and be named best forward at this year’s world championship. He has the potential to become a 40-goal scorer in the NHL, and the Jets are very fortunate that they will be able to draft him.
3rd Overall, Columbus Blue Jackets: Jesse Puljujarvi
At the beginning of the year, most places had Puljujarvi as the clear second overall selection. However, Laine has played so well that he knocked fellow countryman Puljujarvi down into the clear-cut third place. Not only did he also win the World Junior Championship with Laine, he was named best forward and the MVP of the tournament, as well as leading the tournament in scoring with a whopping 17 points in seven games. He’s been compared to Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, as his 6’3’’ frame makes him very tough to play against.
4th Overall, Edmonton Oilers: Matthew Tkachuk
For this piece, we’re assuming that no team will trade their pick, though I suspect Edmonton might just do so. In any event, if they do keep it, it’s a bit of a stretch to take a defenceman here, so I think they will take the best player available in Tkachuk. He impressed mightily in the OHL with the London Knights this year, scoring 107 points in 57 regular season games, and 48 points in 22 postseason games as the Knights went on to win the Memorial Cup. Perhaps a player like Jordan Eberle will be traded to make room for Tkachuk.
5th Overall, Vancouver Canucks: Pierre Luc Dubois
Jim Benning loves his big, two-way players, and Dubois fits the mould perfectly. Compared to Anze Kopitar, he put up 99 points in 62 games with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL, scoring 42 goals. His versatility is also a big asset, as he can play either on the wing or at centre. This player is the perfect fit for the Canucks and what they are currently trying to do.
6th Overall, Calgary Flames: Olli Juolevi
The Flames have a plethora of young forwards, but they lack a true number one defenceman — something they need to become true contenders in the league. Juolevi could be that player, but he won’t jump into the NHL right away. He’s a great skater, and with patience, I think he can soon become the player on the blue line the Flames desperately need.
7th Overall, Arizona Coyotes: Jakob Chychrun
Back in November, I had Chychrun pencilled in at second overall. He’s fallen significantly since then, but he’s still had a good season with 49 points in 62 games. It’s simply a case of players such as Laine and Tkachuk playing very well, causing him to fall down a bit in the rankings. Besides Oliver Ekman-Larsson, the Coyotes don’t have much on defence, so I think this pick makes a ton of sense.
8th Overall, Buffalo Sabres: Mikhail Sergachev
Sergachev has been linked by multiple sites to the Sabres, and it’s easy to see why it’s a natural fit. Buffalo looks set upfront, with the likes of Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, and Ryan O’Reilly; now they have to improve on the blue line if they want to contend. Sergachev put up close to a point per game in the OHL last season, and could be a solid fit alongside Rasmus Ristolainen.
9th Overall, Montreal Canadiens: Alexander Nylander
One of the biggest problems for Montreal last season (besides losing Carey Price) was the lack of high-scoring wingers. Nylander is a potential solution to that problem. The younger brother of William Nylander, Alexander was named CHL rookie of the year after putting up 75 points in 57 games for the Mississauga Steelheads. He may not be ready to be in the NHL next season, but he could be a big contributor for the Canadiens going forward.
10th Overall, Colorado Avalanche: Michael McLeod
Labelled as a two-way centre, McLeod seems like the perfect replacement for Ryan O’Reilly. Having only put up 61 points in 57 games hurts his draft stock, although he did play for an average Steelheads side alongside Alexander Nylander. Ultimately, McLeod would be a good fit with the Avalanche.
CENTRE STAGE: BroadWHAT?! brings musical improv to the masses and How to Survive an Apocalypse is a witty rom-com for the end times
BroadWHAT?!
Off Key Improv
June 15 – 19; Studio 1398
Most people have heard of Theatresports or been to one of their hilarious improv shows on Granville Island, but musical improv is still relatively new to our city. Off Key Improv plans to bring it to the masses with their new show, BroadWHAT?!.
In this completely improvised Broadway show, the cast will take audience information and answers to specific questions to create original characters and plots, while using the stereotypes, tropes, and song structures of Broadway classics. Producer and artistic director Jennifer Pielak explained that this is the biggest show her company has ever done. After the success of last winter’s Love, Musically (an improvised musical version of Love, Actually), they wanted to do a full-length musical with wide appeal.
It may seem impossible to rehearse for something like this, but Pielak explained that the company studies musicals: from the upbeat opening number to the climactic revolutionary song, they try to replicate musicals using other characters and an original plot. They have also been studying the dance moves used in musicals in order to incorporate them at the appropriate times as well. They will reference hits such as Les Misérables, Rent, Wicked, and Grease.
The cast of this show has to think on their feet, and Pielak said it’s a bit like acting, directing, and writing the show all at the same time while on stage. The company began with most members coming from an improv background but, especially for this show, Pielak felt it was important to bring in some new members with musical theatre training to complement the group. Now they are learning from each other and joining forces for this musical improv project.
Lighting director Jordan Boivin and stage manager Linnea Perry are both SFU alumni, as well as music director Peter Abando. For any musical theatre fan, this show is sure to delight, and for those new to the genre it will be a fun way to be introduced to the sights and sounds of Broadway.
How to Survive an Apocalypse
Touchstone Theatre, Firehall Arts Centre, Playwrights’ Theatre Centre
June 2-11; Firehall Arts Centre
“The apocalypse will not be gluten-free,” says Jen as she packs containers of rice into a large plastic tub. With little storage in the one-bedroom apartment she shares with her husband, Jen has replaced their ottoman with two packs of bottled water and is prepping for any kind of environmental or natural disaster — or for the end of the world if it comes to that.
This new play by Jordan Hall is a witty romantic comedy that deals with themes of preparing for the end of times and the importance of self-reliance. It is also a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of modern urban life for someone in their twenties. I found it to be an accurate, although exaggerated, depiction of that lifestyle.
Jen (Claire Hesselgrave) and Tim (Sebastien Archibald) have been married for a few years. Jen is a magazine editor struggling to keep her publication alive, and Tim is an unemployed game designer who eventually decides to devote his time to creating an end of the world simulation featuring the two of them. They are both unsure how their lives ended up this way, and Jen begins to question her marriage, feeling like she settled for Tim when she should have been with someone more daring or less “nice.”
As Jen learns about prepping for the end of days from the hot new consultant sent to save her magazine, she tries her best to impress him with her new foraging skills while convincing herself she is not attracted to him at all.
I enjoyed the witty one-liners and relevancy of the struggle that seems to plague my generation. It is so hard to grow up expecting to be able to own a house and have a stable job in your profession of choice and then finding it inordinately difficult to do so. Not living up to the vision you have of your future self is one of the most difficult things to come to terms with, and these characters all grapple with it in their own ways.
Aside from falling into the predictable adultery and rom-com ending, this was a stellar play from an emerging playwright. How to Survive an Apocalypse shows that as much as we may try to prepare for the end of the world or the onset of climate change, there are some things in life we can never be prepared for.
City and Colour will never be called a Fragile Bird
It’s not often that the opener gets called back for an encore, but the stadium was hungry for Shakey Graves when he started packing up. He gestured to his wrist by way of excuse, but thanked everyone for liking him that much.
Graves opened for City and Colour at Rogers Arena. A mix of blues, rock, and folk, Graves and his band were well-loved by the folks waiting for City and Colour. This was his first arena show, and he killed it. Smooth guitar, dulcet yet powerful vocals, and fantastic drums — particularly on “Dearly Departed” which turned out to be a huge fan favourite. This guy was a great time, with his signature suitcase drum and laidback style. “Only Son” was another winner with the audience.
Ontario-native Dallas Green’s City and Colour was quite the contrast to the big rock sound of Shakey Graves, opening with the nine-minute “Woman” off of his latest If I Should Go Before You. The soulful alternative rock project featured spectacular lights as an accompaniment to the gainful guitar and swaying bass. As a result, stage movement was limited, but City and Colour more than made up for it with audience interaction.
Green’s ensemble played favourites “Sleeping Sickness” and “Waiting . . .” as well as a few off the latest album. There was dancing in the aisles to the smooth vocals. Though it was pretty difficult to tell what the lyrics were, Green’s voice fits the music so well that it almost doesn’t matter. They closed out the group portion of the evening with “As Much as I Ever Could,” that is a great closing out song from Bring Me Your Love.
Then Green did some solo performances: “Bobcaygeon” (a Tragically Hip cover), “Save Your Scissors,” and the popular love song “The Girl,” which the band came back on for. He handled the stage as well alone as he did in the group, and the audience loved every second.
As soon as they left the stage, the stadium was calling them back for more, and City and Colour delivered in spades. They came right back in with “Fragile Bird,” a more upbeat, groovy song that once again saw the audience on their feet and swaying to that bassline. The night ended for real on “Sorrowing Man,” a melancholy rock ballad with a lot of powerful emotion in both music and vocals.
It was not the kind of concert that sees the audience on their feet for the entire time — aside from the floor seats, because once one guy stands up, everyone else needs to in order to see. It was a chill, but massively enjoyable time for all. This was a show about the music, and coming together as a group of people who appreciate excellent songwriting.
Jessy Lanza avoids being a conservative radio icon
Jessy Lanza, an R&B synth-pop artist from Hamilton, Ontario, released her first solo album Pull My Hair Back in 2013. Since then, she’s gone on to collaborate with musical groups including Caribou, Mezzanine, and Ikonika. On May 13, she released her second album, Oh No. Lanza clearly has talent, and with each new release she displays more and more solidity as a performer and artist.
The Peak had the pleasure of talking to Lanza, and got to ask her a few questions about school, and the nature of top 40 music.
The Peak: Did you always know that you wanted to study music formally, or was it something you chose from other competing options?
Jessy Lanza: I was always making music from the time when I was a little kid, but I think when it came time to choose if I was going to go to school — I just didn’t really know what else to do. I wasn’t really good at anything else [. . .] but I just decided to go for it. It seems like it made the most sense — at the time.
P: What would you say is the most valuable thing you gained from school, from your experience there?
JL: I think when I was at school for jazz piano especially, all the people who are teaching and all the people around you, they’re all just obsessed with music and a lot of obscure jazz music as well. So I got exposed to a lot of artists and records that I never would have heard before. So I think it gave me this appreciation for digging a bit deeper than what is on the radio or what is considered the canon of really great albums. It kind of pushes you to search a bit deeper.
P: I read another interview that you had where you said that you sort of aim to write radio hits, like “Umbrella” for example, but then what you end up producing maybe falls short of that and then that ends up being your record.
JL: Yeah, I mean, I think that both Jeremy [Greenspan, Lanza’s songwriting partner] and I think we both have too much of an interest in music that is just not quite straightforward enough to be on the radio — it wasn’t always like that. Maybe if Jeremy and I were releasing music in a different time maybe we could get our music on the radio. I feel like people’s limit for what can be radio music or top 40’s music is just something really conservative in the past 25 years. I think like 30 years ago it was a lot more open.
P: So is that, you think, a product of the people working for radio not wanting to take a risk and play music that isn’t successful right now, or is it more about the listeners not wanting variety? Is it more the actual radio employees or the listeners do you think that’s causing the restriction?
JL: It’s hard to say. I think it’s just a weird time for people working in media, whether you’re in TV or radio — I don’t mean hard — I mean it’s like transitional, things are changing and old methods that used to make people a lot of money . . . it’s just not the same anymore. So I think people are being a bit safer and less willing to take a risk if they don’t think it’s going to make money because everyone’s so afraid of becoming totally irrelevant and obsolete. But yeah, it is a very safe kind of time in a lot of ways unfortunately . . . but it always changes! Things always cycle back.
Be sure to catch Lanza’s show on June 21 at Alexander Gastown.
