Archive 1997-2016
Today, fashion and creativity are polar opposites. Stylish clothes are no longer an artistic expression, they’re just something we’re forced to look at in malls.
Ahhh, suburban life. It has long represented the end of coolness and creativity for many in the arts community. The cookie-cutter houses and white picket fences typical of many North American suburbs, just don’t scream dynamic artistic expression. And that is one reason why major arts events still tend to be held in the hip downtown areas we expect them to be.
Imagine expressing pride in your sexuality while crooning “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” in front of a large audience. This Christmas, gay men around Ottawa will get to belt out a variety of tunes and affirm their identities at the same time.
It is summer in the mid-1980s and the Rainbow Bistro is packed during one of its first big acts. Blues musician Albert Collins is playing and the patrons are going nuts.