My apologies and my two cents

To Nyx and Natrix:

I'm so sorry to hear that you two had such a disappointing time! I knew from talking to you, Natrix, that you were looking forward to this festival and it does seriously blow that it was such a flop. I mean come on.... half an hour to go from elated to apathetic? Not a good sign for any festival!

To Nyx: I agree with you on your thoughts about the arts in Calgary. I mean, as much as I don't like Edmonton, I must admit that Edmonton has a much more lively and coherent arts scene. Maybe the main reason for this is because Edmonton ONLY has Whyte Ave and nowhere else for the Bohemians, the students and the artists to congregate... I mean, the only other place is West Edmonton Mall (which gets very boring after going there twice...) and downtown (which is DEAD on the weekends).

As much as I dislike the hobos (pardon the term, Nyx) and the "questionable" people (ie. Drunks on a Friday/Saturday night) that hang around Whyte, I like Whyte Ave for it's Bohemian spirit... the fact that this street leads smack dab straight to the university and runs through the area where a lot of young people live brings a certain energy to the place.... there's at least three different theatres that show all sorts of funky independent films, play houses and theatres (my favourite is the Improv Club at Varscona) and chic cafés to gather around with friends (like Starbucks! or Death by Chocolate! or Steeps!).

Alas, for what it's worth, Nyx, if you're around Edmonton in August next summer, we'll go to the EDMONTON Fringe Festival... until then, maybe you, Twill and I can gather one Friday night to go to Varscona and enjoy a night of improv!!! And Natrix, if you get to come to Edmonton sometime next year, give me a call and I'll show you around Whyte... I think that you'll like it for it's spirit!

Cheers!
~Rubin