A few months back someone tweeted that The Swell Season was coming to town. I'm sure there was more to the tweet than that, perhaps some mention of "Once", a great littel film from a few years ago, because The Swell Season is a group made up of Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová - the two lovers in "Once".

I picked up a pair of tickets, intending on going with a girlfriend who decided to bail on the show when she discovered it landed in the middle of the week (can't say I blame her - she lives out in Surrey) so I harnessed the power of Twitter once more and landed a date with the very awesome KC Dyer, a local author of children's lit.

I've been to The Centre a few times in the past but never sat in one of the alcoves which, by the way, are the best seats in the house. Here's our view of the stage from our seats:

And here's the view of the main seating area (floor) down below:


The show started with a performance from New York artist Thomas Bartlett. He's the voice behind Doveman, an artist collective which has released a few albums. Bartlett played an assortment of tunes from his new album "The Conformist." He was a chatty character but very entertaining and his music was mournful and romantic. It's a bit dark in this photo but KC noted that he plays curled over, much like Glenn Gould:


The Swell Season took the stage after a short break and rocked the house for the next two hours. It was an amazing show which included an assortment of songs from the band's new album "Strict Joy," from the "Once" soundtrack and even a few tunes from "The Frames" which joined the duo on stage and played accompaniment for most of the show. At one point, the band left the stage and Glen unplugged and stepped down off the stage. He told a wonderful story about a woman and a coat, played a little ditty and then stepped back on the stage. It was a wonderful moment. Again, hard to see but yes, that is Glen all alone...


At one point, Colm Mac Con Iomaire (of The Frames), came out to play a gorgeous, tear inducing rendition of an Irish love song on his violin. It was truly breathtaking. I look forward to taking in more form Iomaire when I get my hands on his new album titled "The Hare's Corner" which you can buy (ah ha!) right here! Good thing too because I waited in a huge merch line after the show only to get up front and find that those CDs were all gone.

The show wrapped at 10:30ish after two well deserved standing ovations.

I've had a great year for shows but this was definitely the highlight. The music was fantastic (even if Glen and Markéta seem a little awkward around each other) and the venue beautifully showcased both of their voices. A night I won't forget any time soon and yes, I'd spend good money to see them at it again.

I know. New Moon doesn't "officially" open until tomorrow but across the world (if not the universe), people everywhere are taking in midnight screenings (which are actually taking place at 10PM). I am one of the millions that will be partaking in the event. So much so that I even took tomorrow morning off to recuperate.

So what's the plan for tonight? Well, a local Twilighter has put together a pre-party which I'll be attending from 6PM to 7PM and then, off to the theater to brave the sure-to-be-insane line-up. It's bound to be a fun night, even if initial reaction to the film has been less than stellar. My review should be up tomorrow morning.

As for the blog, I promise to be back soon. I have lots (LOTS!) to share!

This may explain a few things...

If my twi-obsessed blog isn't enough, I have something else for you...how about an event?

I was hoping to be able to screen a print of "Twilight" prior to a midnight "New Moon" screening but the stars simply didn't align so that plan fell through. Lucky for me, John, our great and regular host, at La Fontana (a little, and very highly recommended) coffee shop in Burnaby, was kind enough to provide a bit of time in November that we'll be able to show the film on his huge 70+ inch screen (or at least it feels that big!).

Here are the event details:

When: Sunday, November 8th, 1PM to 5PM
Where: La Fontana Cafe, 3701 Hastings St, Burnaby

Event is free and open to all ages though I'm asking that folks come prepared to purchase food/beverage to support the shop. Doors will open at 1PM, film will start at 2PM and door prizes will be awarded after the film!

Feel free to share the event (actually, I'd much appreciate it if you could tweet it, blog it or facebook it!) and if you're looking to RSVP, you can do so on the official Facebook Event Page or by leaving a comment below!

Sometimes, I feel like a traitor. Though I have issues with the body image portrayed by dolls such as Barbie, the adult collector in me who can see beyond the toy can't help but get all giggly at opportunity to collect a few dolls which highlight something I love and so, whenever I make my way into a store with a toy section, I take a walk through the Barbie selection in search of something unique to add to my collection.
I was at the mall with hubby over the weekend and whenever we're in this particular section of Metrotown, we head into a few shops I love including the comic shop and (it's next door so how could I resist?) Toys 'R Us. It was during a walk through the doll isle here that I came across what I'm dubbing "The Barbie Collector's Corner" since, in a few short shelves, it manages to squeeze in a whole slew of collectors dolls.

I feel bad. I've been neglecting my blog. Not that stuff hasn't been happening, it's been a great few weeks of concerts, birthday celebrations and general fun but I've been so busy actually living life that writing about it has been left by the wayside.

I'm determined to get back in the groove of things but not for a few more weeks. You see, the Vancouver International Film Festival is about to kick off and I'm about to start drowning in movies. Two weeks of solid "things to watch in every spare moment" means not a lot of time for anything (or anyone) else. So, until my return in two weeks time (unless something happens between now and then that sparks an early return), I direct you to my Twitter account which is, and will continue to be, very active and, if you'r looking for VIFF coverage, you can do so at Row Three.

See you on the other side!