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// March 2006

Dear Subscriber

This month, we highlight the best jazz venues in Canada, tell you What's News about lost luggage, and provide the skinny on the hottest events going on in cities from Victoria to Halifax.

What's Hot in March:

Calgary

The Olympics may be over, but there are more medals to go round as the world's best arrive to compete in both the ISU Figure Skating (Mar 20 to 26) and Allround Speed Skating (Mar 18, 19) World Championships. See our chat with Canada's Speed Skating Queen, Cindy Klassen.

Winnipeg

The popular NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival is back for another showcase of short and feature-length Canadian films Mar 1 to 4. Or else watch death-defying circus acts as part of the Festival of Fools, at the Forks Market Mar 26 to Apr 2.

Vancouver

The grand old Commodore Ballroom, world-famous for its sprung dance floor, plays host to Motown Meltdown, Mar 11. This AIDs fundraiser attracts over 30 musicians, from country stars to folkies and jazzsters, including Coco Love Alcorn, Tom Lavin from Powder Blues Band and Canadian Idol's Shane Wiebe.

Halifax

Halifax takes centre stage from Mar 30 to Apr 2, as the 2006 Juno Awards honour Canada's top musical talent. International stars Coldplay are among the confirmed performers.

Canadian Rockies

Check out some great photos at the Whyte Musuem of the Canadian Rockies during their Exposure 2006 festival. It focuses on the printing techniques photographers use to express artistic depth. Exhibits and lectures run til Apr 16.

Victoria

Much-anticipated this spring is the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria's fabulous Art in Bloom, Mar 21 to 25. Green thumbs and art lovers can enjoy five days of demonstrations, speakers, a silent auction, and more. There's also an exhibit featuring floral displays inspired by gallery pieces.

Ottawa

Dance lovers won't want to miss the opening of Le Groupe Dance Lab's new season. Toronto choreographer Ame Henderson takes to the stage Mar 3, 4 while Marie Claire Forte, Alanna Kraaijeveld, Walter Kubanek, and Koichi Yano feature new in-house work Mar 29 to Apr 1.

Toronto

Delight in the floral offerings of spring with Canadian designer Jeannie Lottie's spring/summer Botanical Garden handbag collection in fresh prints of yellow, orange and turquoise.

Edmonton

Be transported to "Gay Paree" in one of the most beloved operas of all time, with the Edmonton Opera's production of Puccini's La Boheme, on at the Jubilee Auditorium, Mar 18, 21 & 23.

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The WHERE List:

We polled our regional editors from coast to coast for their picks of the hippest jazz clubs and venues in their towns. So no matter where you go across the country, you'll know where to find the cats with the chops.

Toronto

The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar is the place to hear the smooth sounds of the saxophone. Glowingly touted as the place "where jazz musicians come to hear jazz," the Rex features eighteen shows a week, meaning there's something for everyone. For more on Toronto's jazz scene, also read our feature, "We've Got the Beat."

Canadian Rockies

Who knew that Tex-Mex and jazz went together so well? Bandoleer's owner Charlie Butler—that's who. Every Friday and Saturday (call ahead for other days), this cozy restaurant features jazz and blues standards (plus Latin, Island and R&B) of the Charlie Butler Trio alongside authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and the smoothest margaritas around.

Vancouver

Vancouver has so many cool jazz spots, it's impossible to choose just one. Jazz aficionados tend to head to the cozy Cellar, the quietly sophisticated O'Doul's, or one of the two locations of Rossini's. On the east side of town, jazz is just one of many types of music you might hear at the bohemian eatery, Rime.

Edmonton

As one of Edmonton's oldest and most cherished music hotspots, The Yardbird Suite is the perfect choice for the jazz aficionado. Decidedly intimate, sultry and dimly lit, this popular locale attracts local and international artists, including the likes of pianist Tommy Banks. Today, it is considered one of the top jazz venues in Canada.

Winnipeg

At Cafe 232, you can enjoy jazz in a beautiful café setting, with comfy leather chairs, gourmet coffees and a selection of cheesecakes. The smooth jazz Walle Larsson Band plays with various guest artists from 7 pm to 10 pm on the first Sunday of every month.

Calgary

For true vintage jazz, head down to the subterranean lounge, Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club. A thriving haunt for jazz lovers, Beat Niq has the sexy atmosphere of a New York club, and features the best local and touring jazz music talents.

Halifax

Pull up a groove and get fabulous at Halifax's hippest club: local art adorns the walls at the Economy Shoe Shop as the city's top musicians strut their stuff during the Monday Night Jazz Series

Ottawa

Anyone who is hip to smooth jazz will find the perfect groove at Café Paradiso (199 Bank St., 613-565-0657)—local and visiting artists such as Karen Oxorn, Gerry Shatford, George Evans, Brian Browne, and Mike Rud grace the stage

TRAVEL SPECIALS

As a service to readers and our tourism partners, here's a selection of special travel deals. For more information or to book, please contact the providers directly.

Congratulations Canada Seat Sale

Fly from Vancouver to Maui for $269 CAD. In honour of Canada's Olympic athletes, Harmony Airways is offering discounted fares to favourite destinations if you book before March 7, 2006.

Delta Hotels - Check In to Win Contest

Your odds are fantastic as Delta is giving away more than 2 million dollars worth of guaranteed instant prizes. Each time you check-in, you can collect a key card. Then, it's as simple as entering your code to unlock up to 7 doors. Every door is a guaranteed instant winner! You can visit www.deltacheckintowin.com to find out more and register for this incredible promotion.

Ottawa Hotels, Third Night Discount

At select Ottawa hotels, stay three consecutive nights and get the third night for half price. Offer valid until April 30, 2006; click here for details.

(All prices in Canadian dollars. WHERE accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or availability of these packages. Please contact package supplier directly.)

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