People power

Text and photo by Mike Parker

What: The third annual CFMH Artists On Vinyl fundraiser, a silent auction to support community radio in Saint John.

When: Saturday June 6, 2009, 3:20 pm.

Where: Bean Books, 122 Germain Street.

Why: Community radio stations in Canada provide a forum for issues and ideas that are often ignored or over looked by mainstream media. Volunteer driven and free of commercial interests, they provide a cultural counterpoint to mainstream ideas and serve as a training ground for people interested in a career in radio.   Artists On Vinyl is a unique chance for people to support community radio in Saint John by bidding on original works of art that incorporate old records or LPs. You can view the art and place your bids at Bean Books, 122 Germain Street during normal business hours. And then be sure to attend the closing party this Saturday June 13 featuring DJ Hawk, also at Bean Books.

Picture worth a thousand words: A working harbour

Text and photo by Mike Parker.

What: Fishing boats moored at Harbour Passage.

When: Sunday afternoon.

Where: Long Wharf, Harbour Passage.

Why: For as long as most residents can remember, local fisherman have been using Long Wharf as a convenient spot to tie up their boats. Now, Irving Oil plans to construct a new headquaters on Long Wharf. The project is currently waiting for federal approval but if it moves ahead then the area will be developed for cruiseship passengers and the public.

A picture worth a thousand words

Text and photo by Mike Parker

Who: Local businesswoman and arts advocate Sarah Jones.

When: Saturday afternoon.

Where: Bean Books, 122 Germain Street, Saint John.

Why: Jones, a long time supporter and volunteer in the city’s arts community, recently took the plunge and opened Bean Books in the city’s uptown. A second hand bookstore that specializes in works of fiction, the store is quickly proving to be a popular destination for bibliophiles of all ages.

A picture worth a thousand words

Text and picture by Mike Parker

Who: The Penny Blacks, a local indie band. Check out their music here
When: Wednesday April 22, 2009  11:00 pm, moments before the Blacks opened for the alt-country band Elliot Brood.
Where: The Akord bar on Water Street.
Why: On a night when the crowd showed up to see main act Elliot Brood, the Penny Blacks delivered a performance worthy of a headliner.