>>>CULTURE

What’s on around town
(May 15 — June 12)

Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor

Concerts:

Ahhh...the summer concert scene! We are
approaching that time of year when there are
plenty of artists on tour.

May 16 finds OP favourite Rich Hope taking a
break from his band John Ford to play a gig at
The Main. Also that night Atlas Strategic and
Nicely Nicely rock out at Ms. T’s. If you want to
shake your ass on the 16th rather than rock out,
DJ super-god Mark Farina spins at Sonar in
support of his new album.

Local hip-hop duo Swollen Members play two
gigs at the Commodore May 18: One show in
the afternoon for those underage and one later
that evening for those who want to drink. From
what | heard of the debauchery that took place
back stage at Arts County Fair, you might want
to keep your teenage girls at home though.

Monday May 20 finds folkie Beth Orton at
Richard’s in support of her latest album while
Tuesday May 21 offers up some tough deci-
sions as Cornershop (Wow! They're still togeth-
er?) plays a gig at Sonar for those of you into
eastern influenced beat heavy alt rock.
Meanwhile Frank Black and the Catholics play
at Richard's that night as well. May 22 finds the
Cash Brothers at the Railway while the next

         

ment Sir Mix-a-lot plays Area 51 out in
Chilliwack on May 30. Its worth the drive. |
swear to [GJod. June 1 finds the ultra hyped
Hives playing a gig at Richard’s with Mooney
Suzaki (who’s new album, Electric Sweat, is
tasty and delicious) with local punk rockers the
New Town Animals opening.

The reigning king and queen of rock, grace
Vancouver as the White Stripes play a sold out
show at the Commodore June 9. If you are an
indie rock fan and don’t have a ticket you are
shit out of luck and really one has to wonder
what rock you've been living under. | mean it’s
one thing to miss a show at the Pic, but a hyped
up show at the Commodore?

Are these guys still alive? The Eagles have
once again put their personal differences aside
to milk their fans for a little more cash as they
play GM Place on June 12. Perhaps a better
(and a whole lot cheaper) choice for the
evening would be Queen of the Stone Age at
Richard's.

Movies:

Ahh...summer, the time for the blockbuster
films to start pouring out of Hollywood. Turn off
your brain and enjoy some big screen
escapism. Spiderman was the first out of the
chute, but the next Stars Wars vehicle Attack of

ihe Clones opens. May 17. Young Darth and.
coe May 23, my favorite ee omale a

n getting it on, Obi-Wan, and

Theatre (on Granville Island) until July 6. Agatha
Christie’s classic whodunnit The Mousetrap, cel-
ebrating it's 50th anniversary, opens May 22 at
The Stanley and runs through July 21. Both are
presented by the Arts Club Theatre with tickets
available through Ticketmaster.

The Surrey Arts Centre Theatre presents
Bernard Slade’s Romantic Comedy from May
15-28. A romantic comedy (duh!) filled with witty
one-liners, dry humour, and physical comedy,
the play follows the romance between arrogant,
self-centred and _ sharp-tongued Jason
Carmichael, and mousy Vermont schoolteacher
and budding playwright Phoebe Craddock as
they carefully keep their feelings a secret, but
only from each other. For more info call
604.501.5566

Ballet:

Ballet BC presents the world premiere of John
Alleyne’s Orpheus at the QE Theatre May 23-
25. Based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and
Eurydice, in which Orpheus, a young poet and
musician, travels to the underworld to search for
his dead wife and the challenges he faces in try-
ing to bring her back to the surface. Tickets are
available through Ticketmaster.

Literary:
Respected ange pes environmental lan-