Role models lead workshops
It’s a bit of an odd combination — CBC radio host and rap artist — but Wab Kinew pulls it off. On Wednesday, at the Lakeside Inn, Kinew spent the afternoon offering advice to students from First Nation schools, then took to the stage for an evening performance.
“I was born in Kenora, so getting asked to do a show where I’m from is awesome,” he said.
In fact, things are going very well for the 24 year-old Onigaming band member. As the host of Live by the Drum, he has become a voice for aboriginal people on CBC Radio 2.
As a musician, he released a CD and video last month, with more to come. He also has plans to work more with award-winning guitarist Billy Joe Green from Shoal Lake and his son Jesse, who joined Kinew on stage last night at the Best Western.
“I’m really excited about that,” he said, noting they all seem to be on the same page.
Green’s last album had a strong message for audience related to his experiences as a First Nations artist, which Kinew is also tapping into.
When it comes to offering practical advice for his young charges, though, Kinew was more pragmatic. As the father of a young son, he noted the added effort it takes to get ahead in his career. He also emphasized the importance of practice and investing time in your goal.
“Work hard at it and treat it like a business. Invest your time and money in it. There’s no substitute for practice… There’’s no shortcuts,” he said, following Wednesday night’s show.
He acknowledged there are a number of other aspiring rappers in the area, and he encouraged them to keep at it, while staying in school.
Students at the workshops also had a chance to meet with the partners behind Red Works photography, Nadya Kwandibens and Adrienne Fox-Keesic, as well as actor and producer Waawaate Fobister.
Kwandibens, from Northwest Angle, has had her work displayed in the Smithsonian Institution for the North American Indian in New York City. Fox-Keesic is a professionally-trained photographer with 15 years of experience, including work with Wawatay News.
Together, they created their own company last fall, and are touring North American covering events, shooting portraits and providing support for aspiring artists.
“It’s going very well. We’’re getting interest from across Canada and into the U.S.,” said Kwandibens.
In their session, they described such important elements as composition and balance, colour and tonal value, as well as opportunities for working within your means with the equipment that’s available. Whether it’s an entry-level pointy-and-shoot model or a sophisticated system with lenses and soft boxes, there are ways to create arresting images.
Theatre as outlet
Fobister has come an incredible distance in a very short time. The Grassy Narrows member recently produced his own play in Toronto that good impressive reviews in both the Star and Globe and Mail.
He’s also had a number of grants from both the Ontario and Canada Council, not to mention credits for work at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Last spring, he brought together an impressive array of talent for an original production in Kenora.
Thursday afternoon, he performed part of his most recent work that relates to his experiences growing up in the area.
Please note: This news story was reproduced from: Kenora Miner and News.
