Igniting February -It's working so far

It's working so far! We started last weekend with the Gala for the Reelout Film Fest, which seemed very well attended - and had superb company, food and music -- and then I caught one (sadly only one) of the films, Hannah Free. I did overhear, though, that a couple of others were absolutely dynamite, particularly the one by John Greyson - which he attended. "And Then Came Lola" is a sexy-looking re-look at Run Lola Run, this Thursday, and the festival is on through next weekend. www.reelout.com

Monday night, I got a "sneak preview" of the great cast of King's Conscience, as they were all also at the extraordinary performances by Swamp Ward Orchestra and Vagabond Opera at the Mansion. Now, if you like great spaces and mind-meddling talent, both the Mansion and this Theatre Kingston/Salon Theatre production of King's Conscience (a hip hop Hamlet) at the Baby Grand should really be seen. Really.

First,The Mansion is actually inspiring me to stay up late - on weeknights -- the stuff there is so good. Swamp Ward Orchestra is more brilliant all the time and some smart person should put them in a film- sexy, clever, lotsa francais. I loved a song about a Russian nightspot and Laura Murray's new accordion work. And Vagabond Opera was extraordinary. People actually came from Ottawa to see them! A couple of real operatic voices, and an approach to performance that blew everyone away.

King's C - on 3rd to 20th - the Baby Grand Theatre is going to be transformed in amazing ways, apparently ..including bringing your drinks into the theatre. And having late-night weekend shows. Rockne Corrigan and Anna Sudac are rumoured to be blowing the roof off anyone's idea of what Hamlet could be.

TONIGHT Basia Bulat at Sydenham St. United Church. Next week - Too much to choose from, but hot off the press, a Cuban band is going to be playing at Confederation Place Hotel on Thurs. Feb. 11 (Next week seems to be Valentine's Week. I'll have to do a whole list of things later this week.) Tix at Brian's or Tara. Proceeds go to the Cuba for Haiti fund.