VANCOUVER. (Por José Amaro Campos).- Interpretando obras de afamados compositores españoles, alemanes, canadienses, brasileños, mexicanos, y sus propias composiciones, el pianista mexicano Ezequiel S. Barrera deleitó con su arte y maestría a los asistentes a su concierto.      La velada musical tuvo lugar el viernes 4 de mayo en el Roy Barnett Recital Hall con el auspicio de la Escuela de Música de la Universidad de British Columbia, el Consulado de México en Vancouver y corporación Aurcana.      Luego de la bienvenida al evento por el Cónsul de México en Vancouver, Angel Villalobos, el pianista dio inicio a su programa esa noche integrado por obras de su propia autoría, así como clásicas musicales de Issac Albéniz, Johannes Brahms, Alexander Rappoport, Heitor Villa-Lobos y Manuel M. Ponce.

Ezequiel S. Barrera es originario de la Ciudad de México.  Empieza a descubrir sus aptitudes musicales con la guitarra, bajo la guía de sus padres, inclinándose finalmente por el estudio del piano. Su disposición, dedicación e interés en el instrumento fueron motivos para que el eminente pianista y maestro José Antonio Morales aceptara dirigir sus estudios pianísticos a partir de 1995, destacando en su cátedra como uno de sus mejores alumnos.      En 1997 fue seleccionado para participar en las Jornadas Culturales Musicales de Manhatan, California. A partir de entonces se ha presentado en diversos escenarios.     En el 2000 se traslada a Toronto para continuar su formación profesional y es aceptado en “The Glenn Gould School of Music of the Royal Conservatory of Music”. En 2005 la Universidad de Toronto le otorga el título de “Bachelor of Music in Performance”.

A partir de su encuentro con el compositor canadiense Alexander Rapoport, en 2004,  se despierta su interés por la composición. Entre sus obras destacan los tres cuadernos de colección “Miniaturas” para piano solo; los “Preludios para guitarra”; y la “Fantasía Mexicana” comisionada para su grabación por “Trío Mexicano de Guitarras”. Públicos diversos coinciden en su refinada ejecución de autores como Albéniz, Brahms, Villa-Lobos, Schubert, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart,Schumman, Bach y otros. amarocampos@hotmail.com   PIE DE FOTO   El pianista mexicano Ezequiel S. Barrera en el concierto. (Foto: José Amaro Campos)

Six Shooter!      By ROBERT WALDMAN

Family values go out the window, or do they, in Edwin Boyn Citizen Gangster, an impressive feat from EOne Entertainment now shooting for customers at the International Village Cinemas and elsewhere inBritish Columbia.  Not to be missed, for once we have a Canadian movie with a Canadian subject that’s actually entertaining.  No, not just because this 105 minute production has the occasional gun play.

Known in theUnited Statessimply as Citizen Gangster, Edwin Boyd is a movie whose title really says it all.  Set in the aftermath of World War II this film charts the troubled life of Edwin Boyd.  Cast as the Canadian vet is Scott Speedman who runs with the role of the family man trying to make ends meet.  Struggle confounds Edwin who does his best to please his attractive well-meaning wife Doreen and two young children.  Actress Kelly Reilly.

Just like today desperate times lead to desperate actions and our Edwin fancies himself as an actor.  Well, fiction turns to real life as the master of disguise uses his thespian talents to engage in criminal pursuits. Torontopolice are at first confounded as this modern eraClydefashions himself  in the best tradition of those folksy American sharpshooters who kept authorities south of the boarder at bay.  Here there is no female counterpart to Bonnie but the charisma and aw shucks charm of Boyd rather endears himself to bank employees as he goes about robbing financial institutions with reckless abandon.

No true gangster can do it all alone so a gang is assembled which leads to all sorts of added chaos for Boyd, the authorities and his family.  Smart and fun to behold Edwin Boyd Citizen Gangster is an interesting piece of true Canadiana that rocks.  Solid performances and a quality script by director Nathan Morlando make this movie a good time.  Members of Boyd’s gang all add their two cents to the proceedings with Kevin Durand particularly effective as smooth operator Lenny Jackson.

Fresh and a good period piece, this film also smartly include some great commentary from Canadian television icon Lorne Greene who’se unmistakable timbre resonates long before he became Pa Cartwright on the Queen’s favourite television show Bonanza.

Check out Edwin Boyd Citizen Gangster, arguably an honest look atCanada’s own version of a Bonnie andClydecrime wave that came to captivate a nation.

Paying tribute to individuals, past or present, who have shaped the vibrant culinary industry in British Columbia.

Deadline for nominations: Friday May 25, 2012 at 4:30 pm

AWARD CATEGORY

Pioneer: celebrates the pioneers of the BC restaurant industry, either retired or deceased.

Active Restaurateur: celebrates the exceptional restaurateur who is currently active in the BC restaurant industry.

Friend of the Industry: (supplier, Media, or politician who has consistently supported BC’s restaurant industry) — an individual who has provided exceptional support to the restaurant industry.

Industry Award: (chef, server, manager, bartender, etc. – 2 awards – Front of house & Back of house ) An individual — retired, deceased or active who is or has been a chef, server, manager, bartender and who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant industry. These individuals will be recognized for making their restaurant a special experience for customers.

Back of the House Front of the House Builder (Including Supplier, Administrator, or Entrepreneur) — This special recognition award is presented from time to time to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry in British Columbia, but who may not otherwise qualify for induction into the Hall of Fame.

AWARD CRITERIA Criteria for all categories of awards: All nominees must have attained a high level of excellence and brought honour to British Columbia’s hospitality industry through ongoing dedication to the development of the industry. The candidate must exemplify good character and dedication, and provide inspiration to present and future generations. How do I nominate someone? Ensure the nominee meets the eligibility criteria.

Complete the online nomination form.    BCRFA – Hall of Fame Nominating Committee 439 Helmcken Street  Vancouver, BC V6B 2E6  Tel: 604.669.2239 Fax: 604.669.6175  Email: stulk@bcrfa.com

Highlight events include:    Playing with Fire (June 8, 8pm at The Orpheum Annex): Duos of singers and pianists perform an evening of world premieres created by composer and poet teams from SONGFIRE’s Art Song Lab.

Songs of Here & Now (June 9, 8pm at UBC’s Roy Barnett Recital Hall): A selection of works by BC composers, including Leslie Uyeda, Lloyd Burrit, Jean Coulthard, and more.

Close Encounters (June 10, 8pm at West Vancouver United Church): VISI heads to the North Shore for an intimate programme of vocal chamber and choral music. Featuring special guest performers EnChor, conducted by Diane Loomer.

Arts of Conscience Symposium & Film Series (June 11-16 at The VanCity Theatre): A week-long retreat features day-time workshops and sessions with community artist activists. Five evenings of lectures (at 5:30pm) will be presented by internationally renowned activists in arts for social change, followed by selected films featuring the power of arts in transforming communities. Session leaders include choreographer Judith Marcuse, Order of Canada Officer Max Wyman, Headlines Theatre Director David Diamond, and Music Therapy of Association of BC President Susan Summers.

Sir Thomas Allen in Concert (June 13, 8pm at UBC’s Chan Centre): Master of the Art Song genre and ‘Britain’s favourite baritone’ presents an immensely moving evening of Art Song fare, including much-loved English repertoire, works by Schubert and Beethoven, and a rare selection of Northumbrian folk arrangements. Joining Allen is pianist Joseph Middleton, hailed by The Times as, “the cream of the new generation”. Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster.ca

Harold Brown Tribute Concert (June 19, 8pm at Unitarian Church of Vancouver): VISI honours the spirit of one of Vancouver’s most beloved Art Song advocates with a moving evening of song. Featuring baritone Tyler Duncan and pianist Erika Switzer.

VISI at the Waterfront (June 24, 8pm at The Waterfront Theatre): Featuring the premiere of ‘Seaworthy,”- a new SONGFIRE Theatre work with songs from across two centuries, script by Brenda Sparks, directed by Dr. Gayle Shay, inspired by the mystery of the ghost ship ‘Mary Celeste’. Also on the program, a powerfully staged performance of Composer Thomas Pasatieri’s Monologue from ‘Lady Macbeth’.

2012 SONGFIRE Festival of Song tickets are on sale April 26 (with the exception of Sir Thomas Allen, which are on sale now) and range in price from FREE events to $40 (plus applicable taxes) at www.songfire.ca.

Full details on all festival events can be found at www.songfire.ca.

About Vancouver International Song Institute   VISI was ignited in 2006 as a renegade revolution to sustain Art Song for future generations. Through daring innovation partnered with artistic integrity, VISI has become the global nexus for groundbreaking interdisciplinary research, training, and multi-media creation. As one of the largest Art Song programs, students come from across North America and Europe for mentorship from great artists and scholars. Its new SONGFIRE Theatre is the first of its kind in the world, and 2012 launches Arts of Conscience, for studies in arts-based global service.

Each June VISI opens its doors to everyone who would like to experience Art Song, through an immense spectrum of fascinating lectures, masterclasses, workshops, and concerts.

VISI’s home at the UBC School of Music and its advocacy from the Faculty of Arts, the Office of the Vice President of Research, and the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies has generated links across UBC and affiliations with many prestigious universities and institutions around the world.  VISI is artist-run and exists – against all odds – through the extraordinary efforts of many partners and volunteers.

Evelyn Cervera (Ivy) y Sylvia Ortega son las fundadoras de este programa en Metro Vancouver, sus raíces latinas las han motivado a hacer del baile una experiencia inolvidable para aquellos y aquellas que quieren hacer del ejercicio una rutina divertida, alegre y llena de energía.

Actualmente la academia cuenta con cuatro instructores calificados con los que se han desarrollado distintos programas de Zumba en diferentes niveles de intensidad,  Zumba para niños, adultos mayores y mujeres embarazadas,  incluyendo también  diferentes  clases como Cardio Reggaetón, una clase inventada por Ivy y Silvia que únicamente se encuentra en el Latin Fitness Ztudio, Cardio Kickboxing y Rutina de  Abdominales; todo esto sin dejar de lado la alegría, entusiasmo, diversión, sabor  y entretenimiento que proporciona la buena música latina en cualquier lugar del mundo.

Cambia la experiencia de 60 minutos de ejercicio cotidiano por 60 minutos de diversión y ejercicio total. Aprovecha la gran oportunidad de ser parte de este  grupo, y ponte a bailar con las  Mexi Mexi Girls.

Si deseas obtener mayor información de las clases de Zumba en el  el Latin Fitness  Ztudio,  no dudes en llamar al 778-995-9426, o acércate a la siguiente dirección Unit A-5595 Kingsway (at MacPherson) V5H 2G3, Burnaby BC

The act shifts the $1-billion PharmaCare program from one which relies on government policy, to a program protected by legislation. PharmaCare helps British Columbians with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies, and provides reasonable access to drug therapy through seven drug plans.

The act also creates the framework to allow the Ministry of Health to regulate and further lower drug prices for all patients in B.C. Patients and the public health-care system can expect to save significant amounts of money on the cost of prescription drugs this year.

As of April 2, 2012, generic drugs cost 35 per cent of the brand name price. Through legislation, the Province plans to lower generic drug prices to be in line with other jurisdictions.

While the legislation is being introduced today, throughout the summer the ministry will be drafting the regulations related to drug pricing under this act, which will involve consulting with stakeholders and others. Regulations provide further details on how the act will be implemented and enforced.

GANO EL WHITECAPS

El equipo profesional de futbol de la provincia de British Columbia, ¨El Vancouver Whitecaps¨, alineo total y completamente diferente a la formación de jugadores que presento en la ultima derrota el miércoles 18 de 3 goles a 1 frente al Sporting KC, este y el del sábado recién pasado, ambos encuentros jugados en el BC Stadium.

Nos referimos al refrescante triunfo logrado ante 18 mil espectadores por la cuenta mínima obtenido el sábado 21 de abril frente a uno de los buenos equipos de la MLS, el FC Dallas, combinado que cuenta con casi una docena de latinos, pero solo 3 de ellos viajaron hasta la ciudad de Vancouver para este importante encuentro, lo que deja al cuadro local del Whitecaps momentáneamente en la tercera posición de la división oeste con 11 puntos.

A pesar de que se gano por 1 a 0, entre el 18 y el 21 de abril se dieron cita mas de 33 mil almas que no deja de ser una buena asistencia y por consiguiente una aceptable recaudación.

Las buenas noticias llegaron después de las malas que habían quedado atrás 3 dias atrás cuando el director técnico del equipo blanco azul Martin Rennie decidió modificar la alineación con figuras frescas y con deseos de marcar la diferencia ganándose un lugar en el equipo según las palabras del técnico Rennie. Eso dio origen a cambios en el medio campo y la línea delantera.

La sorpresa la brindo la joven figura México-americano de solo 18 años de edad Omar Salgado, que entro en la oncena titular remplazando a Hassly, e intercambiando posiciones con el brasilero Sanvezzo, ambos como delanteros mentirosos invirtiendo posiciones de mediocampo a delantero según las condiciones lo requeridas.

Tampoco fue de la partida el talentoso jugador suizo Chiumiento ni del mediocampista Harris que fue muy bien remplazado por Davidson. Todas estas variantes potenciaron confianza del mediocampo hacia arriba creando la tercera y mas peligrosa ocasión de gol que llego a los 11 minutos de juego que concreto el hábil Camilo Sanvezzo luego de una asistencia del defensa Lee.

La cuenta mínima se mantuvo en forma regular de los 11 minutos iniciales hasta el final del encuentro creando expectativa de un empate en cualquier minuto lo que para suerte del equipo local nunca llego atesorando los 3 puntos que le da proyección y tranquilidad para el encuentro de pasado mañana sábado 28 en Ohio cuando enfrente al Columbus Crew.

De regreso volverá hasta la provincia de Alberta para enfrentar por el inicio de lo que son las clasificaciones de la concachampions al Edmonton FC el miércoles 2 de mayo en el Commonwealth Stadium, para jugar el segundo partido el miércoles 9 de mayo aqui en el BC Stadium.

Soul Survivor!   By ROBERT WALDAN

Trust Disney to pull off another winner for the kid in all of us.  Upstart film division Disney Nature continues its tradition with Chimpanzee, a fully functional and lively film that is set in darkAfrica.  Check it out at Cineplex Theatres around B.C.

Awesome photography is the highlight in this 90 minute tale that follows the worldly plight of a monkey called Oscar.  Much of this little guy’s life revolves around his family and his extended clan.  Photographers get up close and personal as we “track” this friendly creature and how he “bonds” with his tribe.  Unfortunately not all is well on the range as Oscar’s collective family are in a power struggle with some rival monkeys.

Led by the mercurial Scar it’s a fight to the finish as Oscar’s friends are laid siege to the evil forces of Scar and his legion of followers.  Power is everything in the jungle and Chimpanzee successfully shows how one little chimp manages to survive against all odds.  Aided by a romanticized score and some ultra corny dialogue Chimpanzee is a tale the little ones should enjoy.  There’s clever shots in the jungle and the bond of family is well in evidence in this animal kingdom