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Purple heroin, MMIWG Report, Diplomats lose visas to Venezuela
Luca Caruso-Moro
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LOCAL
A notoriously dangerous mix of pharmaceuticals and street drugs known as Purple Heroin may have found its way into Montreal.
The purple powder mixture is known to contain Fentanyl, as well as heroin and OxyContin.
Montreal and Quebec police say they are aware of the drug, but have not made any arrests.
There are no recorded overdoses.
NATIONAL
“We call upon all governments to ensure that all Indigenous communities receive immediate and necessary resources...”
An excerpt from the newly released final report from the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
The 1200 page report calls for immediate government action to address the disproportionate rate of violence against Indigenous Women and Girls.
Marion Buller, chief Commissioner of the Inquiry.
Marion Buller “An absolute paradigm shift is required to dismantle colonialism in Canadian Society.”
The report outlines 231 steps to address a situation the Inquiry defines as Canadian Genocide.
The report: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
INTERNATIONAL
In international news,
Canada has closed its embassy in Venezuela.
According to government officials, Canadian diplomats will no longer hold visas by the end of this month.
Canada and the US have withdrawn their ambassadors from Venezuela following an election that they and other countries consider illegitimate.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU “We are going to continue to fight for peace, democracy and stability in a country that was once the most successful and prosperous country in South America and is now a terrible humanitarian crisis.”
That’s Trudeau speaking earlier this year in support of Venezuelan Opposition leader Juan Guaidó.
Gualdó seeks the help of Venezuela’s military to stage a coup against current leader Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro has criticized wealthier countries, saying the US is interested in Venezuela’s oil and gas reserves.
Alberta wildfires, Canadian garbage, Concordia tuition hike
Voiced by Allison O’Reilly
Stories by Luca Caruso-Moro
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NATIONAL
CHRISTIE TUCKER “the last 24 hours have been an extremely challenging time for firefighters in Alberta.”
That’s Christie Tucker of Alberta Wildfire.
Over ten thousand people have been evacuated as over 9 wildfires sweep across large areas of Alberta.
The situation has been classified as a level 4 emergency, compelling all provincial government departments to aid in relief.
Residents near the area have been advised to stay on high alert, and to be ready to evacuate within 8 hours notice.
INTERNATIONAL
Large shipments of garbage are being returned to Canada from the Philippines.
It’s the next step in an unfolding story of years of exported illegal Canadian waste labelled as recycling.
This shipment is costing Ottawa over one million dollars.
But, costs to taxpayers could grow as more countries are coming forward accusing Canada of illegally shipping waste to their shores.
Fringe 2019: CJLO's Top Picks
The CJLO Magazine crew will be hitting up all sorts Fringe Fest performances over the next two weeks. To get you ready for this year’s edition, here are some top picks from our contributors Erica, Chris, and Fiona!
Erica’s Picks
This year’s Fringe-For-All showcased so much incredible talent and so many hilarious, exciting, and intense shows that narrowing down my top picks is challenge. Here are a few that stuck by the end of the night.
L’appel du vide by rats?!
Natasha Perry-Fagant has been putting on award-winning Fringe shows for years now, and somehow I’ve missed all of them. This is probably because horror isn't really my scene. However, this feels like the year to branch out and try new things, and there is something about a grieving witch trying to find inner peace by ending the world that is strangely relatable.
Fairy Fails by Twinkles and Twirls
On a lighter note, Dot Dot Dot from House of Laureen will be telling the story of a fairy attempting to achieve the miracle of flight. I’ve seen their work in the past and it is always fun and adorable. I am expecting no different from such a delightful premise executed by such a talented performer.
The Carrot: Sex, Shit, Death by The Carrot Company
I am uncertain what this is about, but the two minutes they had at the Fringe-For-All was some of the hardest I laughed all night. It was a fabulous combination slapstick comedy and surrealist puppetry. And carrots. I am looking forward to finding out what it’s about.
Erica Bridgeman has covered the Montreal Fringe Festival for CJLO since 2016, and hosted the F Hole on CJLO 1690 AM from 2013 to 2017
Chris’ Picks
Bath/Ory
This show might be perfect for a metalhead and true crime fan like me. It tells the tale Elizabeth Bathory’s life, using dance and theatre. For those who don’t know, Bathory was a 16th century serial killer who would bathe in the blood of virgin girls to retain her youth. It would be interesting to see how it’s pulled off in a theatrical setting.
Is That How Clowns Keep You Up All Night?
I absolutely loved Ms. Bea Haven’s queer clown sex-ed show from last year’s Fringe. Her character was hilarious and adorable, and I actually learned more about safe sex and gender than I did in my high school sex-ed class. This year, Beatrice will be hosting a clown sex talk show. Audience participation is likely encouraged.
Zack Adams: Love Songs For Future Girl
Australia’s own Shane Adamczak is back in Montreal! Over the years, he injected the festival with a wild energy in a multitude of different zany shows. Adamczak’s absence was felt in last year’s edition, but I’m excited to see him return, and bring back a character he introduced in 2006, Zack Adams.
Chris Aitkens has covered the Montreal Fringe Festival since 2016 and hosts Sewer Spewer, Monday 12 to 1 p.m. on CJLO 1690 AM
Fiona’s Picks
Touche Pas À Mes Cheveux
I'm really interested in this play. The premise is that an African-American woman decides to create class to teach the general public that it is not okay to just touch black woman's hair, even if you're intrigued about the texture or how exotic it looks. While this one of the main subjects of the class, her plan is also to address other racist stereotypes or actions that are directed towards black woman. Although the production is covering a serious topic, it still finds a way to tell its story with a comedic edge.
House of Laureen Presents: MX. Queerdo MTL
With performers list fill with top Montreal drag queens, there is no way this show will have a dull moment. I'm excited to see what each act has planned and to get more acquainted with the Montreal drag scene. Created by Uma Ghad and a handful of other queens, we're in for a night of pageantry and weird drag. You definitely don't want to miss out!
Life Lessons Live Comedy Talk Show
They say comedy is the best medicine. Hosted by Keith Waterfield and Leighland Beckman, I'm sure I'll be caught off guard by some interesting stories and the jokes that will follow.
Fiona Harrison-Roberts is covering the Montreal Fringe Fest for the first time, and co-hosts Moonstruck, Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. on CJLO 1690 AM
Legal Fights Against Noise Pollution, Toll-Free Hotline For Victims Of Human Trafficking, Facebook Refuses To Remove False Content
Hosted by Ahmad Moujtahed
Stories by Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
Residents of the West Island of Montreal joined the legal fight against Aéroport de Montréal, NAV Canada and Transport Canada demanding financial compensation due to damages caused by aircraft noise pollution.
In April 2018, a group of homeowners living along Trudeau airport’s flight paths, namely residents of Saint Laurent and Ahunstic-Cartierville, filed a lawsuit to which Quebec Superior Court judge gave the green light.
The lawsuit demanded financial compensation regarding aircraft noise pollution. Many residents claimed that they were regularly woken up by the sounds of planes flying overhead, with noise levels reaching up to 90 decibels.
According to Les Pollués de Montréal-Trudeau, up to 300,000 Montrealers living along the flight path are subjected to aircraft noise pollution. While compensation would be nice, what most residents want is for airport authorities to strictly enforce the take off and landing curfew from midnight to 7 a.m.
NATIONAL
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking launched a national hotline to help victims and survivors of human trafficking.
The line is meant to help victims of human trafficking by connecting them with community resources and law enforcement officers. The line is also open to members of the public who want to learn more about the issue.
The toll-free hotline will be available 24 hours a day throughout the year. Call takers will be able to field queries in more than 200 languages, including a number of Indigenous languages.
The line can be reached at: 1-833-900-1010.
INTERNATIONAL
In the International Grand Committee on Big Data, Privacy and Democracy, Facebook announced that it will not remove any false or misleading content from the platform during Canada’s upcoming federal election campaign
Facebook’s decision to refuse to take down false content was a response to pointed questions about why Facebook is allowing a doctored video of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which was slowed down to make her sound impaired, to be shared across its platform.
Representatives for the social media giant said that Facebook has taken a position to inform people when content is fake, but it’s not Facebook’s role to decide the line between “free speech” and “censorship.”
Facebook representatives also bore the committee's frustration as to why Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg did not appear before the committee.
Fringe For All : Top Picks
L’appel du vide by rats?!
Natasha Perry-Fagant has been putting on award-winning Fringe shows for years now, and somehow I’ve missed all of them. This is probably because horror isn't really my scene. However, this feels like the year to branch out and try new things, and there is something about a grieving witch trying to find inner peace by ending the world that is strangely relatable.
Fairy Fails by Twinkles and Twirls
On a lighter note, Dot Dot Dot from House of Laureen will be telling the story of a fairy attempting to achieve the miracle of flight. I’ve seen their work in the past and it is always fun and adorable. I am expecting no different from such a delightful premise executed by such a talented performer.
The Carrot: Sex, Shit Death by The Carrot Company
I am uncertain what this is about, but the two minutes they had at the Fringe-For-All was some of the hardest I laughed all night. It was a fabulous combination of slapstick comedy and surrealist puppetry. And carrots. I am looking forward to finding out what it’s about.
Musical Musings: Gloom Influx & Perturbator, May 13, 2019
The day had barely ended, but the sky was as dark as pitch. Light rain fell over a city awash in gunmetal greys and damp taupes. I leaned against the wall, half-finished drink in hand, and waited for my friends. Garish neon lights of blue and green flashed out from the Société des arts technologiques and lit up the raindrops in freefall. Heady baselines thumped through the wall, and I took the repeated slaps on the back until I spotted my entourage. We traded in our tickets at the door, held out our wrists for branding, and set foot inside the S.A.T for a Monday night show.
The first act was Gloom Influx, a local boy by the name of Luc Leclerc, who had a penchant for multitasking. Truly, I was amazed when I peered through the line of shadowy heads before me to see Gloom Influx handling a guitar, keyboard, and laptop all by himself. Through a haze of smoke, lights, and shadow, Influx’s music whisked me away to a world I had never experienced before. It was a world of bell-like chimes layered on top of threatening bass, sugary melodies melting into deep and sure beats. It put me in the mind of a half-lucid dream, where the landscape could change at any minute, and there was something strange but not unwelcome lurking around every corner. It was my first time hearing anything from this artist, and his music sucked me in and whetted my appetite for the cyberpunk nightmare that was to come.
I had seen the main act before but was just as excited as the first time. The man behind the madness, James Kent, took up his position at stage right (his live drummer took centre stage) and wasted no time in immersing his audience in the world of Perturbator. I was delighted to hear my two favorite songs, “Neo Tokyo” and “Perturbator’s Theme”, at the beginning and end of the show respectively. Blinded by the prism of lights that accompanied the music, I danced. I forgot the world of our Neo-Montreal outside, the friends whose company I kept, and even myself. The frantic, grinding, threatening synths, and the metal-inspired progressions moved through the crowd and stirred our souls. The music dragged me down the alleyways of nameless industrial cities, over crumbling cement rooftops, and through dark warehouses where shadowy figures hung around the edges of my imagination. I was all too happy to follow where the self-induced aural psychosis led.
My friends and I often refer to the music of Perturbator and Gloom Influx as “electronic music for metalheads.” Indeed, the crowd that night boasted many a denim kutte and faded Napalm Death decal. However, there were also girls in flowing black dresses, men in plaid button downs, and even some folks who preferred to keep their rain jackets on. No matter what subculture the audience members identified with, we were united in our love for the music. As someone who often straddles the lines between subcultures, I have always seen Perturbator as a crossroads of various alternative scenes. It is electronic music for metalheads, but also for goths, punks, scene kids, rivetheads, and anyone who feels called to its dark atmosphere.
The night ended with a tasteful encore that left the audience satisfied without keeping them past their bedtimes. My friends and I retrieved our coats, discussing the show, the lights, and Perturbator’s involvement in the Hotline Miami soundtrack. As we stepped out into the cold and wet night again, we bade our goodbyes and parted ways. I walked home riding a “concert high”, a sort of elation one experiences after a particularly fun concert. And, despite the miserable weather, the neon lights and flickering streetlamps of Neo-Montreal lit my path all the way home.
Brittany Wright is the host of Something Wicked on CJLO, airing every Monday evening at 10 pm.
Smino Brings his Hoopti Tour to L’Astral
On May 14, 2019 Smino brought his Hoopti tour to Montreal, performing to a full house a L’Astral. This was one of the last stops of the 30-date trek, but you couldn’t tell from the amount of energy Smino and his band brought with them.
If you’ve ever listened to Smino, the one thing you can say about his music is that it is hard to categories. Yes, the St-Louis native is very much a rapper, but his constant blend of signing, rapping, and his unique taste in production makes it difficult for anyone to describe his sound in a nutshell. Last night’s show proved that not being in a box has its advantages. I had no idea what to expect from his live set. I am aware of how complex the production is on his latest LP NOIR, yet the last thing I was expecting was a live band. Smino brought along a talented group of instrumentalists who seemed to be enjoy the music just as much as the crowd. The synergy was evident between the group and Smino. Damn near 30 shows can either make or break a team. It seems that Smino, his DJ/Hypeman, and the band found their pocket like the Golden State Warriors. Smino also brought along a very talented vocalist who sang background vocals. She added a lot the show and started off with one of the best mic checks I’ve seen in a while.
To call this show a “rap” show would be a disservice. The vibes went from reggae, to jazz, funk, and even a hint of classical. Sometimes these genre switches would all happen in the same song. Smino also had great crowd control. At one point in the show he was able to get the whole venue to be quiet on command, and moments later have them turning up to his bangers.
The one flaw of the show was how dark the venue was. Smino pointed out several times how this was the darkest room he ever performed in; my Nikon shots can attest to that.
Smino’s Montreal leg of the tour gave his fans what they wanted. He performed all his best songs, a few classics, and had the band to back him up.
You can catch Smino’s tour in both Toronto and Detroit: the last two stops of the Hoopti tour.
Akeem Johnson Pierre is the host of The Kitchen, the new home of rap and RnB, every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.
Zoo Owner Faces Criminal Charges, Investments In Pride Festivals, Venezuela's Crisis
Hosted by Ahmad Moujtahed
Stories by Ahmad Moujtahed
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LOCAL
This was Sophie Gaillard, lawyer and spokeswoman for the SPCA referring to Norman Trahand owner of St-Édouard Zoo in Trois Rivières, who was arrested by SPCA officers and the SQ on charges of animal neglect and cruelty.
After evaluating the condition of the animals at the zoo, a senior campaign manager told a news conference that most animals remained in dilapidated enclosures, had limited access to food and water, and appeared to be in need of veterinary care.
The charges stem from a visit in August 2018, when the SPCA said it noted several alleged violations. In a subsequent visit in October, officials seized two alpacas that were in poor health and found four deceased animals, including two tigers.
A resident who lives nearby the zoo told CTV news that he has seen dead or dying animals on the property. He said residents would bring apples for the deer in winter out of fear they weren’t being well fed.
If convicted, the owner of the zoo could face a maximum of five years in jail and a lifetime ban on owning animals
NATIONAL
Canadian Minister of Tourism announced investments in support of Pride festivals across Canada, including major investments in Pride Toronto, Fierté Montréal, and the Vancouver Pride Society.
Regional economic development agencies will work with Fierté Canada Pride to support even more Pride events across the country.
Other projects will include LGBTQ diversity training and market readiness programs in order to provide safe and respectful sites across Canada that everyone can enjoy.
These investments, part of the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF), foster values of diversity and equity making Canada a welcoming destination for LGBTQ travellers.
INTERNATIONAL
In a statement, the UN Refugee Agency said that “given the worsening political, economic, human rights and humanitarian situation” in Venezuela, the U.N. “now considers that the majority of those fleeing the country are in need of international refugee protection.”
The new guidelines underscore the growing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela that is forcing people to take desperate journeys in search of food, medicine and other basic necessities.
The crisis comes as the country is locked in a political struggle between Juan Guaidó, leader of the National Assembly of Venezuela and Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
Blaze Bayley at Piranha Bar, May 12 2019
From the 94-99 era of Iron Maiden.
Blaze Bayley was truly an interesting headliner, hailing from the United Kingdom, Blaze brought some flare to Montreal as he stepped on to the stage.
Showcasing the Infinite Entanglement Series, along with a few classics from his back catalogue, Blaze sure knows how to please a crowd and get them energetic and moving. Singing along to shreddy guitar melodies and solos, it was almost, but not quite, an Iron Maiden concert in a small bar. I will always remember the fact that Blaze Bayley almost spat on me as he gave a aggressive stare, shouting aggressively i'm Blaze f*king Bayley!
It caught me off guard, making me almost afraid of his menacing face, but I know it was all part of the show.
They had a few technical problems during “Lord of the Flies” when the guitar cut out, but managed to save themselves, handling it professionally. Although, I don't know if it was because of stage antics and hijinks they were pulling off, but the chemestry of the band was definitely strong: they looked like they were having fun.
The energy of the band was crazy: I’ve never seen such a highly energetic band who have been in the showbiz for a long time. They’ve still got it, especially during the maiden songs and earlier Blaze songs. However, due to repetitiveness around the middle of the show, I became tired and wanted something more aggressive and fast: my pleas were heard and it picked up again.
Near the end of the show, I saw the art and appreciation that Blaze Bayley puts into his shows. You can forget the outside and focus what's happening in the music. Overall, I enjoyed the show and was wondering to myself what I could have seen if I was born to witness Blaze Bayley as the old iron maiden singer: well now I know.
Dissymmetry is a brand new up and coming power metal band, fronted by Agender Guitarist Ace Baldwin. They promised so much potential in this new slew of local bands that are up and coming in the montreal scene: seeing their launch show last month at Turbo Haus, I was generally impressed.
Seeing them again for a second time, opening for Blaze Bayley, was exhilarating and fresh. Not only did Dissymmetry give us crunching, blistering guitar solos and headbaging riffs, but something new, fresh and original that has not been thrown on the table before. I really enjoyed a lot of their set, and they have so much potential as a band, so hopefully they follow it into their future.
Thrash la Raine was an interesting and weird combination: I hadn’t heard french metal in a while, yet their sound was similar to a band like Tribunal. Their songs ranged in subject from the plains of Abraham in Quebec, to dragons: this band has it all. I honestly don't know if this is a side project of some other band, but it was fun and enjoyable to watch.
Second to last up was Fractal Cypher, who I was most looking forward too the most. Building up to the show, I listened to them excessively at the gym, which made me even more pumped to hear them live. Throughout their performance, I was in awe of how much technicality they had as a band. They were really tight and delivered a promising show. Their launch show was a few months ago, where I only managed to catch 4 songs before I had to go home, but this time I was in for the full ride. Honestly it was worth seeing Fractal Cypher in this venue alone, showcasing much of their two current albums 'The Human Paradox' and now recently released 'A Prelude to an impending outcome'.
Set List:
1. “From the above and to the stars”
2. “Final Abode”
3. “Grandeur of it all”
4. “Idle Words”
5. “Lost”
Phil Aveline - Host of Turn On The Darkness , Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Amazing Grace: The Spiritual Musical
Letterboxd Review “Sends You on a Spiritual Musical High”
Amazing Grace is a gospel hymn that is as iconic as the American national anthem. It is also the title of a live album that Aretha Franklin recorded in Los Angeles, January of 1972. As well as being the best selling album for Franklin, it is the highest selling gospel album of all time. Originally Warner Brothers created a documentary film, directed by Sydney Pollack. It was Constructed as footage of the recording album set to be released in 1972, but it was later shelved. This lost footage is now finished in this documentary from director Alan Elliot and Editor Jeff Buchanan. Pollack is credited as a director for this documentary.
At the point depicted in the film, Aretha Franklin was at the height of her career with many top songs and accolades, but was looking to do something different for her next album. The live performance was spaced out over the course of two nights at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Night one is seen more as an intimate performance due to the fact that there wasn’t a big crowd. Pollack was able to capture the set up to the live performance, taking you behind the scenes backstage with the gospel choir group that would back up Aretha. There is no rest as Aretha steps right in and goes for the classic hymns and original soul gospel compositions, only to pause when James Cleveland asks for a water break. As night one closes, Cleveland states that the closing number needs no introduction, leaving Franklin into a soul rising rendition of Amazing Grace. Night Two sees a bigger crowd in the audience including gospel singer Clara Ward, who inspired Aretha, and Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger. Aretha’s father reverend C.L Franklin makes a speech about his daughter being rooted in gospel music. Seeing the bigger audience James Cleveland tells them to let the camera capture their emotions: we see more audience members get up and start dancing to the songs.
Amazing Grace is a musical and spiritual power-house of a documentary film. You will leave the theatre on a high not only from the spiritual nature of this film, but as well the soul and gospel music of Aretha Franklin. Her music is a spiritually transcendent experience. You even get to see Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger losing himself in this musical journey.
4/5 Stars
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