Poster for Vazaleen by Michael Comeau, Toronto poster artiste + screenprinter extraordinaire

Like every poser in the '90s, I published two measley issues of a 'zine and am slightly embarrassed to even mention them. But Michael Comeau, one of the trailblazers in the Toronto 'zine scene, is still reprezentin' and continues to take inspiration from the tactile, mash-up culture of this self-publishing era: his screenprints and poster creations are densely layered and downright dizzying. I don't know if it's a sense of nostalgia or what, but I'm actually pretty excited about his book launch and screenprint extravaganza, set for this Saturday evening at the Gaff Gallery (684 E. Hastings).

Californian experimentalists The Breezy Days Band and art folkers Cryptacize -- the collaborative effort of Chris Cohen (ex-Deerhoof) and the sweet Nedelle (Nedelle & Thom) -- will be providing the juicy aural entertainment for the evening.

The Carnival Band @ Winter Solstice

Ah, yes, The Fairview Pub. It's a place I know primarily for its wine shop, which has come in mighty handy on those select last-minute-party emergencies. But to see an actual live band at the Fairview never even crossed my mind. I mean, really. Heading to this uninspiring strip of West Broadway on a happening weekend night would be asking a lot.

But this Saturday our city's ubiquitous party band -- the constantly evolving and expanding Carnival Band -- may be the magnet that finally gets me exploring this mysterious venue. Besides, my ears are warmed up from all the free jazz festival gigs, and I'm certainly ready for some mo' funk-jazz-world-beats-let-my-guard-down action.

Waiting for the National was a test in patience from the get-go. I headed to Richard's around 930 to join the expanding line-up of people dying to drink and were right annoyed they couldn't. It wasn't until the line started moving that I (and this parched bunch) learned:

1. the National had arrived late and were still engaged in a bit of flustered soundchecking and...
2. the opening band, The Broken West, was denied entry at the border

I was slightly irritated I couldn't see The Broken West and wondered if I should go for a walk around the block to waste time. But when the National teased us with a soundcheck version of my personal favourite -- "Secret Meeting" -- I clung tightly to the stage and stood wide-eyed for so long my eyes nearly crystallized.

The star of the gala evening: Awkwardness and the Blue Martini

I have a love-hate relationship with networking, and an equally ambivalent relationship with dressing up. Needless to say, my invitation to last night's Women in Film & Video Vancouver's Femme Fatale Spotlight Awards had me nothing short of hyperventilating.

On one hand, I considered the potentially orgasmic array of free food and the opportunity to frolic in Hycroft Mansion. On my other trembling and clammy hand, I was paralyzed with a sickening feeling that this just wasn't my scene. For a week prior to this self-congratulatory, self-aggrandizing industry event, I was so anxiety ridden that friends nearly had to hose me down.

Calvin Johnson & Julie Doiron

If the perspiration oozing from my forehead was any indication, Video In Studios was definitely the "it" place to be on Thursday night. I made a bad judgment call and assumed the Julie Doiron, Calvin Johnson, and Rose Melberg gig would be sparsely attended. I should've figured otherwise: after all, local promoter Vanity's got the finger on the pulse, and I suppose I'd be a little loopy to doubt their discerning taste in live music gigs.

This was more than a simple evening of talented singer-songwriters, though: it was a night honouring mid-'90s mix tapes, an in-the-flesh compilation of indie iconoclasts I'd been waiting to see for at least a decade now. If you're edging into your 30s, too, you must know what I mean. Heck, you've probably even scored a mix tape yourself with at least one song from the line-up's respective ex-bands (Eric's Trip, Beat Happening, and the Softies). If not, you obviously didn't have friends who cared.

I don't know how Shearwater slipped under my musical radar. Hailing from Texas, this alt-country-folk group features members of Okkervil River and boasts a touring schedule that has included indie experimentalists Xiu Xiu and one of my personal favourites, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. The music reviewin' bigwigs -- Pop Matters, The Onion AV Club, The New York Times -- are slobbering over them, too, and even discerning Pitchfork Media has included the band's last release on their list of Overlooked Records of 2006. That's a heck of a lot of quality buzz.

CD + TICKET GIVEAWAY
Now, if you want in on the scene, too, here's your chance: Beyond Robson and Beggars Group are giving away 2 Shearwater prize packages including: a CD and a pair of tickets to see them live this Sunday, June 24th, at Richard's on Richards. Just answer the following question:

What is the name of Shearwater's new album?
(Hint: Visit shearwatermusic.com for the answer.)