Category Archives: Announcement

Wha Happened?

by Announcement, Shows •

 

If you’re a regular attendee of my events you might have heard that there is no Say Wha?! in December. If you haven’t heard, I’m sorry to break the news to you so late in the month. See, I’ve been busy. 

For the first time in a while I’ve been working on a full-time contract.  It turns out that producing Say Wha?!, Dance Dance Party Party, Teen Angst, performing randomly at Vancouver Theater Sports League’s Rookie Night and all the other events/ performances I do is pretty much a full-time job. I can’t possibly hold down two full-time jobs and keep my sanity. So, I had to make a very hard decision and cancel all my shows in December. 

Such is the life of a struggling artist. I hope you’ll understand and be there when the next show happens.

In the meanwhile, my job is researching for a new TV show and part of that research involves finding funny things on Youtube; I post the best stuff on Twitter, so you can get some laughs from me there. 

Olio Festival Presents Say Wha?!

by Announcement, Say Wha • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday September 22 is a very special day. It’s the last day of summer (boo hoo!), it’s the first day of the Olio Festival which celebrates the best local and international independent talent in music, art, comedy, skate & film but, most importantly, September 22 is the next Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing show … and it’s part of the Olio Festival!

At 8pm the show will kick off at Guilt and Co. (1 Alexander – under the Chill Winston) in Gastown. Tickets are available through the festival or for $10 at the door until we sell out. (That means get there early!)

If you’ve never been to Say Wha?! before THIS is the show to see. We’ll be back on our regular schedule – the third Wednesday of every month at the Cottage Bistro – on October 19.

I’m thrilled to announce this amazing line up of some of Vancouver’s most charming and comedic minds. These are people in Vancouver that make me giggle and I’m so excited to hear their readings. I hope to see you there. Oh yeah, and I’ll be hosting and reading something too.


Chip Ellis is an improviser imported from the American Midwest.  He is a founding member of both The Fictionals and the Who-Tang Clan improv troupes.  He also performs with the Vancouver TheatreSports Rookie League, and he produces weekly shows with Urban Improv.  Chip also does standup and comedy readings.

Dina Del Bucchia has one of those MFA things. When not busy being unemployed she writes for Canada Arts Connect Magazine and bakes away her feelings. Her work has been published in some fine literary journals. Currently, she’s at work on a novel and a collection of poetry. She would like to be friends with Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.


Eric Fell is a writer, comedian, and actor.  He performs hundreds of comedy shows every year, many with the Vancouver TheatreSports League. He has written for CBC Radio and movieset.com, and created comedy formats for VTSL and The Justice Pals Improv Group. His festival appearances include the Vancouver Comedy Festival, The Vancouver International Improv Festival, and the Vancouver Poetry Festival.  In addition to his comedic performances, Eric co-hosts the Anzabonanza Pub Quiz (held the 1st Friday of the month) and the Justice Pals Podcast. When Eric grows up he wants to be Doctor Who or Buckaroo Banzai.


Devon Lougheed is the Andy Kaufmann of the Vancouver music scene, at least according to his manager, Rockin’ Robin. He is one-third of Vancouver indie post-pop darlings beekeeper, and is the musical force behind Talent Time, Ghost Jail Theatre, and Pump Trolley. He does stand-up comedy and takes pictures of toilets. He is falling in love with you right now.

Adam Pateman is a comedian based out of Vancouver and New York who loves bull-dogs, curry, and writing bios in the third-person. He recently starred in his first national half-hour comedy special, Comedy Now! and has been featured on XM Radio, Rooftopcomedy.com,
various TV commercials, and the film Nightmare at the End of the Hall. He is very funny.

Kaitlin Fontana is a National Magazine and Mayor’s Arts award-winning writer and comedian living in Vancouver, BC. Her work has appeared in the Walrus, Maisonneuve, Event, Room, SPIN, Rolling Stone, and Exclaim! among many other publications. On October 1, her first book, Fresh at Twenty: The Oral History of Mint Records will be released on ECW Press. Please buy it.

Charles Demers is a stand-up comedian, novelist and essayist. In addition to having performed at the Just For Laughs festival and as a regular guest on CBC’s ‘The Debaters,’ he is the author of the books ‘The Prescription Errors’ and ‘Vancouver Special,’ that latter of which was shortlisted for the Hubert Evans BC Bookprize for Non-Fiction.

September Shows

by Announcement, Say Wha, Shows, Teen Angst • Tags: , , , , , , ,

Holy moly September is going to rock. It’s basically the month of all my shows times two.

A Very Brave Woman does this much in one month!

Here’s a quick run down:

Friday, September 9 – Say Wha?! at the Vancouver Fringe Bar 8-10pm

Saturday, September 10- Teen Angst at the Vancouver Fringe Bar 8-9:30

Saturday, September 10 – Literary Death Match 2 – 10pm at W2 – I’m judging

Thursday, September 15 – Dance Dance Party Party FREE Class. Mt Pleasant Community Centre, 1 Kingsway, 8:30-9:30pm – FREE!

Wednesday,  September 21 – Teen Angst Night – Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street, 8-10 pm, $5 at the door. Email me if you want to read!

Thursday, September 22 – Say Wha?! Olio Festival, Guilt and Co, $10 at the door. Amazing line up!

Thursday, September 22 – First drop-in Dance Dance Party Party $7 with assistant Den Mother Keli aka DJ Sparklepuss

I’m sure there will be more show. Just watch this blog for updates.

Watch this to find out more about me and what I’m up to. Plus I say some rather silly things. I can’t figure out how to embed it so just click the link. http://artshuffle.ca/video.php?id=1995

Get Ready to Dance!

by Announcement, Silly • Tags: , ,

Dance Dance Party Party is a girls-only free-form dance class with a emphasis on fun that I’m the Den Mother for. DDPP was started by a coupled of amazing ladies named Glennis McMurray and Marcy Girt. These two friends loved dancing at the clubs with gal pals, but loathed cover charges, getting hit on and reeking of alcohol and cigarettes the next day (remember when that used to happen?).

So, they got some friends together and rented a dance studio and Dance Dance Party Party was born. Now there are DDPP Chapters across the USA, Canada and one just started in London, England!

Vancouver’s DDPP is currently on Summer Break but it will be back soon. On September 15 we will have a FREE class for all of you who ever wanted to check it out but somewhat didn’t or those of you who’ve been before and love it – it’s is my gift to you!

After September 15 we’ll be back to our ‘regular’ class schedule, which you can register for by contacting the Mt Pleasant Community Centre. DDPP VanCity is every Thursday from 8:30 -9:30 pm.

The last Dance Dance Party Party we had was in late June, which really wasn’t that long ago, but damn, do I ever miss it. There is something I get from dancing that I’m addicted to. If you’re like me, or you know someone with the same affliction then I hope you’ll tell them all about Dance Dance Party Party Vancouver

One Year of Say Wha?!

by Announcement, Say Wha • Tags: , , , , ,

Poster design by Robin Greenwood.

In June of 2010 a new show was born; part literary reading, part stand-up comedy, 100% takin’ the piss out of publishing. Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing has been a strongly attended monthly show and was included in the programming of BOTH the Vancouver Comedy Festival and the Vancouver International Poetry Festival.

On Wednesday July 20, 2011 Say Wha?! is celebrating it’s one year anniversary at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street.

At Say Wha?! Vancouver’s most engaging and lovable performers put their comedic spin on some of the most cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing in print.

Over the year we’ve heard from ‘writers’ who never should have been given publishing deals. People like: JWOWW, Pamela Anderson, Chuck Norris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Motely Crew, Andre Agassi, The Rock and Jann Arden.

We’ve ventured into non-fiction with an essay from an Erotic Art show from Winnipeg, readings of Craigslist posts, etiquette books from the 1940s, even a book titled HOW TO GOOD-BYE DEPRESSION: If You Constrict Anus 100 Times Everyday. Malarkey? or Effective Way?

We’ve made fun of popular literature: Twilight, Elizabeth ‘It’s all about me’ Gilbert’s Committed, Literary super star Tao Lin and even Grimms Fairy Tales.

Really, no genre is safe from Say Wha?! Over the last twelve months and 14 shows we have been celebrating the very worst in publishing.

Please join us for our belated one year anniversary show July 20, 2011

Why belated?  Well, it was supposed to be June 15 then damn Game 7 happened and this city decided hockey and rioting was better than arts, culture and sanity.

On July 20 let’s celebrate something good, something Say Wha?!

Our talented line up of performers:
David Bloom
Rob Brownridge
Ivan Decker
Eric Fell
Jeff Gladstone
Alicia Tobin
Taz Vanrassel
Darren Williams

What more do you need to know?

$10 at the door

Show: 8-10:30 pm

Arrive by 7:30 to get a good seat, this will fill up fast!

Say Wha?! One Year Anniversary Show

by Announcement, Say Wha •

Happy Birthday Say Wha?!

In June of 2010 a new show was born; part literary reading, part stand-up comedy, 100% takin’ the piss out of publishing. Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing has has been a strongly attended monthly show and was included in the programming of BOTH the Vancouver Comedy Festival and the Vancouver International Poetry Festival.

And I want to thank you dear fans for helping it be the success it’s been.

On June 15, 2011 Say Wha?! is celebrating it’s one year anniversary at the Cottage Bistro, 4470 Main Street.

At Say Wha?! Vancouver’s most engaging and lovable performers put their comedic spin on some of the most cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing in print.

Over the year we’ve heard from people who never should have been given publishing deals. People like: JWOWW, Pamela Anderson, Chuck Norris, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Motely Crew, Andre Agassi, The Rock and Jann Arden.

We’ve ventured into non-fiction with an essay from an Erotic Art show from Winnipeg, readings of Craigslist posts, etiquette books from the 1940s, even a book titled ‘HOW TO GOOD-BYE DEPRESSION: If You Constrict Anus 100 Times Everyday. Malarkey? or Effective Way?’

We’ve made fun of popular literature like Twilight, Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, Literary super star Tao Lin and even Grimms Fairy Tales.

Really, no genre is safe from Say Wha?! Over the last twelve months and 14 shows we have been celebrating the very worst in publishing, and people seem to like it.

Please join us for our one year anniversary show June 15, 2011

Reading at this show is an eclectic mix of Vancouver’s best comedic minds:

Ivan Decker – one of Vancouver’s finest stand-up comedians
Ken Hegan – MSN Travel writer, director and man-about-town
Tom Hill – improvisor with Pump Trolly and Hip Bang
Lauren McGibbon – stand-up comedian
Sam Mullins-  sketch comedian and storyteller
Adam Pateman – beloved comedian freshly returned from NYC!
Darren Williams-  Sketch comedian with The Skinny

Hosted by Sara Bynoe

DETAILS
Say Wha?! One Year Anniversary Show
Where: Cottage Bistro – 4470 Main Street (at 29 Ave)
Show: 8-10:30 pm
Tickets: $10 cash at the door

April Shows

by Announcement, Say Wha, Shows •

After spending the last two weeks in London (the real one, in the UK) I am inspired and ready to get up on stage this month. Luckily I’ve got four very exciting shows and three of them are Say Wha?! I hope to see you in the audience.

Sara Bynoe - Photo Credit Judy Chee www.JudyChee.com

Tuesday April 12 - 8pm show
The Swear Jar – Storytelling
Spectral Theatre – 350 Powell St
$5
Featuring: Rachel Aberle, Andrew Bailey, Sara Bynoe, TJ Dawe, Devon Edmondson, Sean Hewlett, Jane Sanden, Chris Wilson, and Sam S Mullins.

Thursday April 21-  7pm doors 8 pm show
Vancouver International Poetry Festival
The Best of Say Wha?!  http://vancouverpoetryfestival.com/say-wha/
Roots Lounge -1025 Commercial Dr
$10
Readers include: Eric Fell, Chip Ellis, Riel Hahn, Lauren McGibbon and Steve Pelton.

Tuesday April 26 – 8 pm show
Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing – monthly show
Cottage Bistro – 4470 Main Street
$5-10 at the door
Readers include: Paul Anthony, Margret Nyfors, Bradley Duffy, Beth Garner, Jeff Gladstone, Duncan Paterson and Shaun Stewart.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119487288129034&ref=ts

Friday April 29 – 8 pm show
Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing hits Victoria
Co-produced by Sara Bynoe Entertainment and Not Your Grandma’s Poetry
Cabin 12 – 607 Pandora Ave,  Victoria, BC
$10 at the door
Readers include: Pamela Bethel, Morgan Cranny, Dave Morris, Christina Patterson, Matthew Payne, Missie Peters, Chris Vickers andAlex Walsenko

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171780772866505&ref=mf

February Say Wha?!

by Announcement, Say Wha, Shows •

In case you were new to me and my blog. Say Wha?! is the new comedy show I produce and host where I get funny people to find THE WORST books they can find and we read them to a loving and attentive audience.

As February is the month of Love (or lube as the case may be) my readers and I have rampaged book stores, libraries and the Internet for shitty romance novels, crazy romance novels, fucked-up dating advice books and best sellers like Committed by one of the most self-involved writers ever, Elizabeth Gilbert.

The show is Wednesday February 16 at the Cottage Bistro – 4470 Main Street. Show starts at 8 pm and ends at 10 pm (because I respect people with normal jobs and bedtimes). It’s only $10 at the door so some of the best laughs you’ll find in this town.

If you’re on crackbook here’s the EVENT PAGE

February’s Say Wha? features this talented cast of readers

Robyn Daye Edwards
Eric Fell
Riel Hahn
Ken Hegan
Devon R Lougheed
Cameron Macleod
Lauren McGibbon
Sarah Szloboda

Eric Fell has found a romance novel with a plot that takes place at the end of the Mayan calendar (aka doomsday, aka 2012) and involves vampires and sexy men with the souls of dinosaurs. MEN WITH THE SOULS OF DINOSAURS!

It’s going to be a great show. Don’t miss it!

Teen Angst is back!

by Announcement, Shows, Teen Angst •

Hey blog reader,

I’m sorry I’ve been so busy I forgot about you. I went to San Fran, got hit on and then I started 2011, the PuSh Festival happened and today was here before I knew it. I promise you, dear blog reader, that I’ll pay you more attention soon, and give you a Story Time Tuesday in the near future, but FIRST I have some wonderful news.

Today I’m hosting the return of Teen Angst Night in Vancouver, just in time for the angstiest day of the year; Valentine’s Day!

Teen Angst Night – Thank Goodness We’re No Longer Teenagers Show!

It’s a “More than like: and “I will never love again” themed show.

Somewhere in the back of your closet gathering dust and turning yellow with age is comedic gold. Those old journals, poems, and essays you wrote as a teenager when you thought you could do no wrong, would probably make you cringe at your former feelings if you were to read them today. Now, imagine sharing them in front of an audience. That’s exactly what happens at Teen Angst.

Teen Angst Night is an open mic comedic reading series where everyday people read from their embarrassing old journals, poems, songs, essays (and more).

Readers can share anything (poetry, songs, letters, journals, diaries, essays, stories, plays, lists, etc) so long as it follows these rules:

1- The work must be your own.
2- You must have written by you between the ages of 10-19.
3- It’s best if the work is at least 4 years old. Meaning you can’t read something you wrote two years ago. Readers should have distance from the work and all must be 19 years or older.
4- If you cringe while reading it- it’s worth sharing! The more embarrassing the better!

$5 at the door or FREE if you read on the show, but you’ve got to book in advance. (Sorry, it’s all booked up already!)

I’ll also be on CBC Radio Pacific at 3:40pm on the show On The Coast talking about why you should get your cute bum down to the Cottage Bistro for laughs and to witness total strangers sharing diaries from their melodramatic pasts! You can find out how to listen by going to CBC Radio’s site.

Crazy 8s

1
by Announcement •

Yesterday I got some wonderful news that set my film-making dreams ablaze!

A short about Sparkle Bunny that I pitched with director Matthew Kowalchuk  has made it to the final 13 semi-finalist at Crazy8s Film Fest! Actually we did two pitches; one video and one in-person to two separate juries.

From their website:

120 filmmakers signed up to present their short film idea in a 5-minute video.

42 semi-finalists pitched in person to a jury of industry professionals.

13 finalists will workshop their script with a professional story editor.

The 6 winners will have 8 days and $800 to make their films.

It’s ever so exciting!

But how, you’re asking, how did this all come about? Well, those of you who follow my blog might remember this post: Resurrecting Sparkle Bunny that I wrote in late November. Matthew Kowalchuck, whom I attended Studio 58 with, contacted me about pitching for Crazy 8s. It turns out that a few years ago I’d shared a treatment for a short or feature film I’d written about Sparkle Bunny. He saw my blog post re-post on Facebook and the connection was made.

Of course we’re not in the clear yet. Only 6 films will get made this year, so we’ve still got a lot of work ahead. But I’m happy to have my character Sparkle Bunny, someone I created back in 2003, so well received.

Check out this Georgia Straight link to find about about the other amazing and talented semi-finalists. It’s going to be difficult to narrow it down.

I’ve got my fingers crossed for Sparkle Bunny, after all this is the year of the Rabbit.

 

My lesson to you is this: put it out there, you never know who’s watching your feed and looking for a project to work on.