WHEREmail

// March 2009

Dear Subscriber

In March, cities across the country are lined up with hot events like legendary rock group performances, Tony Award-winning musicals and eclectic art festivals. Inside this issue, we tell you where to find haute couture in a city near you, how you can win a night out on the town in Calgary, and where the world's longest natural beach is. Also, if you're looking to travel on a dime, be sure to check out our travel deals section.

WHAT'S HOT IN MARCH:

Vancouver

The 2009 Juno Awards are rolling in for a weekend of musical fun March 27 to 29 that includes autograph sessions with musicians, a street party, a charity hockey game, and dozens of concerts by the who's-who of the Canadian music industry. The awards ceremony, hosted by funnyman Russell Peters and held at GM Place, will feature performances by Sarah McLachlan, Nickelback, and Simple Plan.

Ottawa

Legendary group Fleetwood Mac hits town to perform classic hits such as "Dreams" and "The Chain," March 23. Dorothy, Toto, and all their friends travel down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz—a stage presentation of the iconic film, March 10 to 15.

Winnipeg

Literature's most tragic love story moves to the music of Serge Prokofiev in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Romeo and Juliet. The bitter feud between the Capulets and Montagues is set to a stunning backdrop of 15th century Verona, Italy. The classic tale of young love and revenge will make you swoon in your seat March 11 to 15. From March 12 to April 4 Doubt, A Parable is a psychological battle of wits where truth and lies collide. You will be guessing until the end as characters risk everything for vindication.

Canadian Rockies

Stunning photographs of nature transformed through industry are displayed during the Edward Burtynski: The Residual Landscapes exhibit at Banff's Whyte Museum. The strangely beautiful yet repulsive images of recycling yards, quarries and refineries are meant to provoke thoughts on the dichotomy of the consumption of natural resources and concern for the health of our planet.

Calgary

This year, Calgary hosts the 2009 Tim Hortons Brier—the most prestigious men's curling event in Canada. Twelve teams compete at the Pengrowth Saddledome, the homebase of the Calgary Flames, from March 7 to 15. The classic tale of Dan Juan gets a revamp from Calgary's Old Trout Puppet Workshop and Alberta Theatre Projects with Don Juan: The Greatest Lover in the World, March 24 to April 11.

Whistler

The Wild at Art Festival, March 6 to 15, brings a splash of colour to nearby Squamish. Appropriately enough, this year's theme is "Local Colour," which is sure to be provided by local musicians, dancers, artists, and chefs.

Halifax

Nashville legend Kris Kristofferson makes a rare visit to the Maritimes, with two intimate shows at Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street. He takes the stage on March 26 and 27.

Victoria

Victoria's Belfry Theatre presents its annual Spark Festival, March 9 to 22, providing audiences the opportunity to take in an array of modern, Canadian productions, all from within the charming atmosphere of this intimate, historic theatre.

Toronto

Catch Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation, Spring Awakening, from March 17 to April 19 at Canon Theatre. Set in repressive, late 19th-century Germany, this timeless coming-of-age story energetically captures the angst of youth with a rock-and-roll score. From March 5 to 8 immerse yourself in contemporary fine art by more than 150 independent painters, photographers and sculptors with The Artist Project, an annual exhibition and sale at the Liberty Grand.

Edmonton

The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers have become a cherished Canadian institution since they first defied gravity in 1959. With eye-candy costumes, gymnastic manoeuvres and heavenly music, they've toured the world. See their 50th Anniversary Concert March 19 to 20 at the Jubilee Auditorium. The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra bares its inner buckaroo as it saddles up for a gallop with Riders in the Sky, the hilarious foursome of Ranger Doug, Too Slim, Woody Paul and Joey. They perform March 16 at Winspear Centre.

The WHERE List:

HAUTE COUTURE

Our editors from coast to coast have rounded up some of their favourite places to find high fashion items around their city—whether you're looking for big-name brands or indie local labels.

Victoria

In Victoria, high fashion is as close as Sunday's Snowflakes and Baden-Baden Boutiques. Both offer two locations, and everything from classic casual wear to stunning, party-perfect fashions with collections from such names as Simon Chang, Linda Lundstrom, and Spanner.

Ottawa

Some of the hippest and coolest brands for men and women can be found at Trustfund. This chic boutique carries labels like Ella Moss, Citizens of Humanity, Splendid, Graham and Spencer and more.

Halifax

Mills on Spring Garden Road is a haven for Halifax's discerning fashionistas. The stylish department store boasts a MICHAEL Michael Kors boutique and carries an array of exclusive lines, including designs by Sunny Choi and Chanel Beauté.

Toronto

Start your spending spree at internationally renowned department store Holt Renfrew, where you can find the most prestigious brands such as Missoni and Paul Smith, original designers and even a café for respite between splurges. For something a little more sassy, look no further than Girl Friday. Local designer Rebecca Nixon's showcase boutique carries modern, feminine clothes using vintage fabrics that will satisfy hip, boho-chic working gals.

Vancouver

Vancouver fashionistas with money to burn head straight to the Heritage District on West Hastings. This shopping mecca has everything from Chanel to Tiffany to Louis Vuitton. Just don't forget your credit cards.

Edmonton

Kissara Fashions carries high-end evening wear, sportswear, casual and swimwear lines in sizes 6-20. The designs of Laise Adzer and Anna Bella are featured, as well as sweater, skirt and pant co-ordinates. Who Cares Wear offers levels of fashion catering to women of all ages and stages of life. Designer lines—Sarah Pacini, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, Nougat, Susana Monaco, Hudson, Betsey Johnson— are featured throughout this Jasper Avenue boutique.

Winnipeg

The sexy red space at Candie & Dolls carries trendy businesswear, fun dresses and flirty tops. Lines featured by many Canadian designers as well as labels like Sinequanone and Betsey Johnson. A small selection of bags and jewellery. At Luxe Label find a collection of exclusive lines like Black Halo, BA&SH and CLU. Also carries Canadian labels like Montreal's Mackage and Toronto's Smythe, 1693 Corydon Ave, (204) 415-1415.

Canadian Rockies

Canadian Rockies clothing stores are better known for rugged styles that complement a mountain lifestyle than haute couture. But fashion seekers will be impressed with the fine Canadian cashmere, leather and fur designs featured at Banff's Snowflake, as well as the selection of high end international labels such as Michael Kors, Mackage and Creenstone at Open Country Clothing Co in Banff or Jasper.

Calgary

At Harry Rosen in TD Square, men have two levels of dapper designer suits to choose from with labels like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Etro. Meanwhile, Henry, one of Calgary's boutiques for young hipsters, offers high fashion casual wear from brands like Diesel and Stella McCartney.

Whistler

High fashion in Whistler means choosing between Gore-Tex or fleece for an evening out. Fortunately for snow bunnies who haven't packed enough gear, the mountain town has plenty of stores that sell both.