FFWD Weekly
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Splice by FFWD Staff Mellencamp: Paintings and Reflections The term "renaissance man" gets bandied about far too often. Can you believe that some people use it to describe hapless ’80s hairbag musician-turned weak-ass ’90s indie film star Jon Bon Jovi? Music and acting equals renaissance man? Ludicrous! All of that over-use only weakens it when it’s used on a true renaissance man like John Mellencamp. Music? Oh, he sings his little ditties. Acting? Done it. No, the clincher is JM’s new book of Art (yes, with a capital "A") called Mellencamp: Paintings and Reflections (HarperCollins). The master uses his perceptive eye to capture on canvas such timeless subjects as clowns (the cryin’ on the inside kind), fat guys, topless women, and, of course, the artist himself. And the way he can take any subject and give them the exact same dull, emotionless gaze is not only remarkable – it’s uncanny (and not unlike his music)! Is there nothing John Mellencamp can’t do.... well? No, probably not. Web watch January 15 marked the 25th anniversary of one of televison’s most popular shows, Happy Days. From its origins as a playlette on Love American Style to its final episode in 1984, the sitcom has become an institution etching the characters of Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Mr. and Mrs. C, and the Fonz on the psyche of popular culture. The Happy Days Online page is a massive undertaking dedicated to documenting all aspects of the show’s 255 episodes. More a factual archive than a fan-based page (links to the fan club’s site are available, though), the site includes an extensive episode guide, pages on the show’s spinoffs (Joanie Loves Chachi, Mork and Mindy, Laverne and Shirley), a complete cast list including biographies, trivia and a list of notable guest appearances (Hank Aaron, Crispin Glover, Tom Hanks and Richard Moll). While the show’s theme song plays in the background, you can learn more about Happy Days than you ever thought possible. Ayyy! Free stuff! The Johnny Favourite Swing Orchestra will be playing MacEwan Hall, U of C on Friday, February 5. Check out the ad in this week’s issue for your chance to win tickets, CDs and an opportunity to meet the band! Win passes to the advance screening of She’s All That, playing at the Eau Claire Cinema on Wednesday, January 27 at 7:30 p.m. She’s All That is a story about a teenage boy who makes a bet that he can turn the school’s geekiest girl into the prom queen... problem is that he ends up fallin’ head over heals in love. This romantic comedy stars Freddie Prinze, Kieran Culkin, Clea DuVall and Usher. Check out the ad in this issue for details. The Joe Sealy Quartet will be playing live at the Margaret Greenham Theatre, Banff Centre on Saturday, January 30. Mixing jazz, blues and gospel-inspired music, this performance is a musical odyssey dedicated to the people and black community of Africville in Halifax. To win a pair of tickets, be the first to call the Fast Forward office and name two musicians from Halifax (no phone calls before 9 a.m. Friday, and callers must reach the receptionist as voice mail responses will not be accepted). Enjoy an exquisite night out on the town with dinner for four at The Belvedere and four tickets to Theatre Calgary’s opening night of The Fox on Fiday, January 29. Check out the ad to find out how to win. PanCanadian playRites ’99 is finally here – look for the contest ad to find out how to win prizes and discounted ticket prices to Alberta Theatre Projects annual festvial of new Canadian plays. Free stuff can be picked up starting the Friday following publication. Only those who have not won free stuff in the past four weeks (excluding movie passes) are eligible to win. Office hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

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