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The educator and writer Holly Flauto discusses their debut poetry collection Permission to Settle (Anvil Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. Permission to Settle by Holly Flauto (Anvil Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Permission to Settle Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Holly Flauto joins me now. As we read in Holly’s debut poetry collection, Permission to Settle, she chronicles the travails of applying for Permanent Residency in Canada, and takes all the anxieties, hopes, memories of the past, interrogations of identity, as well as reflections of home, family, history, and memory, and a lot more, and works them out as responses to otherwise mundane or objective forms or questions on forms. It’s a marvelous way to reflect what’s deeply personal amidst questions that are impersonal. The collection is a gift as Holly bares a great deal, some that’s deeply personal, and allows the reader to reflect on their own questions of self between the poems in the book. The collection also offers insights into Holly’s love of language. Holly Flauto is a poet, storyteller, learner, and instructor. Her fiction and creative writing has previously been published in The Ex-Puritan, Joyland, and The Rusty Toque. They also perform as Stella Palermo on local story and poetry slam stages. Visit www.hollyflauto.com for more. The collection is published by Anvil Press. We spoke last week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Holly Flauto; Holly, good morning.The post Holly Flauto first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The award-winning writer and journalist andrea bennett discusses their new book Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence (ECW Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence by andrea bennett (ECW Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Hearty Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. andrea bennett joins me now. They’ve just published a terrific book, Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence. andrea’s essays are not just on food, but they’re also marvelous entry points to other areas of investigation, whether it’s the people who harvest and keep seeds, or who grow sustainably in our communities, the food media we consume on television and now online, as well as andrea’s own life, their family and their history. For example, andrea looks at food that they’ve grown up with and wonders how it came to be, like their grandmother’s chutney. It’s fascinating to see andrea figure out how it might have come to the palates of either their grandmother or even earlier. There’s a lot of food for thought in the book, like how our habits are shaped by structural effects around us, how much waste there is, as well as what we might be able to grow wherever we live. I’ll ask andrea about cooking too. andrea bennett is a National Magazine Award-winning writer, and a senior editor at The Tyee. Their writing has been published by The Walrus, Chatelaine, The Atlantic, and the Globe and Mail, among other outlets. Their first book of essays Like a Boy but Not a Boy was one of CBC Books’s 2020 picks for the top Canadian nonfiction of the year. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, andrea lives in Powell River, BC, where they joined me from last week. This new book is published by ECW Press. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, andrea bennett; andrea, good morning.The post andrea bennett first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The writer and poet Cathy Stonehouse discusses their acclaimed poetry collection Dream House (Nightwood Editions, 2023), with Joseph Planta. Dream House by Cathy Stonehouse (Nightwood Editions, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Dream House Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Cathy Stonehouse joins me now. The poet, writer, teacher, and visual artist discusses their 2023 book Dream House, which was a recent finalist for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. I’ll ask Cathy about the long poem in six sections. We’ll talk about home, as well as the seasons of the year that are particularly affecting. We’ll talk about words, and about loss and grief. There’s a lot in this collection. Cathy migrated as a young adult from Margaret Thatcher’s England to Vancouver, the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations. Among Cathy’s other works include a novel, The Causes, a collection of short fiction Something About the Animal, and two previous collections of poetry, Grace Shiver, and The Words I Know. Cathy is a previous editor of EVENT magazine, and currently teaches creative writing and interdisciplinary arts at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Visit www.cathystonehouse.com for more. Dream House is published by Nightwood Editions. We taped this interview in early October. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Cathy Stonehouse; Ms. Stonehouse, good morning.The post Cathy Stonehouse first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The author and founder of Monster House Publishing Paul McAllister discusses publishing and more, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Paul McAllister had a lifelong dream to publish a children’s story. He shopped it around to publishers in and around Atlantic Canada, but he soon realised he could do it himself. There and Back Again, A Herman Tale, which was illustrated with Emily Brown, was published in 2014, and soon other authors and illustrators sought to realise their own dreams, and Monster House Publishing was born. Paul joins me now, and I’ll get him to tell us his story about creating this publishing house, and what he wants to accomplish. He also shares his personal story of growing up with ADHD and Dysgraphia. I’ll also ask Paul about publishing from that side of the country, and what young readers want. The website for more is at www.monsterhousepublishing.com. We talked last month, with Paul joining me from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Paul McAllister; Mr. McAllister, good morning.  The post Paul McAllister first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The writer Aaron Williams discusses his memoir The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era (Harbour Publishing, 2024), with Joseph Planta. The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era by Aaron Williams (Harbour Publishing, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: The Last Logging Show Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. A terrific book published this year is the memoir from Aaron Williams, The Last Logging Show: A Forestry Family at the End of an Era. A few years ago, just out of university, Aaron takes a job in the logging industry, where both his father and grandfather worked. His great-grandfather built trestles in the 1920s. So perhaps it was inevitable that Aaron would get into forestry, but he was getting into it at a time when there were a lot of changes thanks to forest practices, as well as technology. I’ll ask Aaron about what he’s chronicled in this book, not just his time, but the end of his father’s time in the industry. The book takes us to Haida Gwaii and illustrates how spectacular a place it is. As well we meet some memorable characters, people that Mr. Williams hasn’t forgotten and which colour his memories of the hard, often dangerous work. He’s a terrific storyteller as you’ll read in the book, and hear shortly. Aaron Williams has been published in newspapers like the Globe and Mail and the Halifax Chronicle Herald. He has an MFA in creative non-fiction writing from King’s College. His first book, Chasing Smoke, was based on his experience fighting forest fires through the Pacific Northwest, as well as Idaho, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. The Last Logging Show is from Harbour Publishing. We spoke in June, with Aaron joining me from Halifax, where he now lives. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Aaron Williams; Mr. Williams, good morning.The post Aaron Williams first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

A principal skater for Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars Matthew King, previews the show ahead of playing in Vancouver (27 November-01 December 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Disney On Ice returns to the Pacific Coliseum next week, Wednesday, 27 November 2024 through to December 1st. Fifty-six favourite Disney stars shine in Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars. There’s high-flying acrobatics, stunts, lighting and special effects, not to mention, costumes, set design, and of course figure skating. One of the production’s principal skaters, Matthew King joins me now. I’ll get him to tell us about working with Feld Entertainment on these shows, the reaction from audiences, kids of all ages, and the memorable music and characters we all know from timeless Disney works. I’ll also ask him about skating, how long he’s done it and what benefits one might derive from taking it up. Visit www.disneyonice.com for tickets and information. We spoke two weeks ago, with Matthew joining me from Portland, Oregon, while on tour with the show. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Matthew King; Mr. King, good morning.The post Matthew King first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The acclaimed musician Jens Lindemann will be performing at the Kay Meek Arts Centre’s 20th Anniversary Gala (Saturday, 23 November 2024); he discusses that, playing the trumpet, musicianship, as well as his new album Live @ Larry’s, with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.   Jens Lindemann joins me now. The world-renowned trumpet virtuoso is part of the Kay Meek Arts Centre 20th anniversary gala, this Saturday, 23 November 2024. As the cornerstone for arts and community events in West Vancouver celebrates bringing world-class arts as it has, it’ll do the same this Saturday with a dinner and concert. There are two events, a concert at 8pm headlined by the Trans-Canada Highwaymen, hosted by Lisa Christiansen and Grant Lawrence. But earlier in the evening, Jens Lindeman and pianist, also a Kay Meek Arts Centre advisor Ian Parker, will entertain guests at an elegant dinner. Visit www.kaymeek.com for tickets and information. I talked to Jens last week about his storied career as a musician, how he approaches performing, as well as a new album, Live @ Larry’s. It’s a terrific album of jazz and pop standards featuring Jens and his trumpet and flugelhorn, as well as Robi Botos, Mike Downes, and Kristan Alexandrov. It’s available everywhere you get your tunes, like Apple Music. Jens Lindemann has played jazz and classical in every major concert venue in the world, not to mention sporting events like the 2010 Olympics, the Rose Bowl, as well as Madison Square Garden for a New York Rangers game, among many others. He’s recorded with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as well as performed at a solo command performance for Queen Elizabeth II. He played lead trumpet with the Canadian Brass, as well as won accolades like the Grammy, Juno nominations, the Echo Klassik, and International Brass Personality of the Year from Brass Herald. He’s received several honorary doctorates, and is a Member of the Order of Canada. Visit www.trumpetsolo.com for more information. He joined me while on vacation in Maui last week. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jens Lindemann; Mr. Lindemann, good morning.  The post Jens Lindemann first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The artistic director of Pacific Theatre Kaitlin Williams previews their latest production, the world premiere of The Hobbit (13 November-21 December 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Kaitlin Williams joins me now. The Artistic Director of Pacific Theatre previews their latest production, the world premiere of The Hobbit. Based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien, this production adapted by playwright Kim Selody, with additional dialogue by Tim Carlson and Peter Carlone, brings theatregoers to Middle Earth with the rich settings, adventures and unforgettable characters from Tolkien’s imagination. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Carlone star in this show, and I’ll ask Kaitlin about what to expect on the Pacific Theatre’s stage between tomorrow night, (Wednesday, 13 November 2024) when the show opens, through to December 21st. Visit www.pacifictheatre.org for tickets and information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Kaitlin Williams; Ms. Williams, good morning.The post Kaitlin Williams first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The actor, singer, and dancer Vince Kelley discusses playing Blanche in the touring stage show Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue (at the Vancouver Playhouse 12-16 November 2024), with Joseph Planta. Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. One of the more robust cultural touchstones is making its way to Vancouver next week. Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is a stage show bringing back the unforgettable characters from the 1980s hit sitcom to 2024. It’s got an all-male cast: Ryan Bernier as Dorothy, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Vince Kelley, who joins me now, as Blanche. This show has been travelling across the United States, with sold out performances and rave reviews, making for a fine tribute to the beloved sitcom. I’ll get Vince to preview the show, to tell us where the girls find themselves in 2024’s Miami, and hilarity that ensues as there’s a drug ring, and a dating app. Vince Kelley is a Detroit native, who joined me from his hometown last week. He attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and The New School. I’ll ask him about portraying this southerner, Blanche, and what it’s like to pay tribute to Rue McLanahan nightly. I’ll also ask Vince about his own experience watching The Golden Girls growing up. Visit www.goldengirlstour.com for tickets and information. It’ll be at the Vancouver Playhouse starting next Tuesday, 12 November 2024, running until November 16th. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Vince Kelley; Mr. Kelley, good morning. The post Vince Kelley first appeared on thecommentary.ca.

The filmmaker and author Chase Joynt discusses his new book Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2024), with Joseph Planta. Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir by Chase Joynt (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2024). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Vantage Points Text of the introduction by Joseph Planta: I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca. Chase Joynt has just published a provocative, fascinating book, Vantage Points: On Media as Trans Memoir. As you’ll hear, a box of family mementos arrives and a heretofore unknown connection to Marshall McLuhan comes up. Joynt finds out all he can about distant relations, and using McLuhan’s seminal Understanding Media as an inciting framework, writes this book that looks at the legacy of childhood sexual abuse, masculinity, family, creativity, film, art, transition, gender, and more. It’s a rich book of vignettes, an often exciting tapestry of montage-like essays and illustrations. Chase joins me now, and I’ll ask him about what it was like looking back at abuse at the hands of an uncle and neglect from his father, among other traumas, and finding a way through media to understand what happened, or glean some explanation of the experiences. And as you’ll hear, the experience of the book, not just reading, but thinking about it, and looking at it, will likely glean, for the reader, some wisdom or even connection or reflection. Chase Joynt is a director and writer whose films have won a number of awards internationally. His latest documentary feature, Framing Agnes, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the NEXT Innovator Award, and the NEXT Audience Award. He is the co-author of the Lambda Literary Award finalist You Only Live Twice, and Boys Don’t Cry. This new book is from Arsenal Pulp Press. We spoke one week ago, with Chase joining me from Los Angeles, California. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Chase Joynt; Chase, good morning.The post Chase Joynt first appeared on thecommentary.ca.