Pushing boundaries

I remember. Today, December 6 is the 30th anniversary of the Montréal Polytechnique Massacre. A man who proclaimed his rage at feminists shot and killed 14 engineering students, women who were pushing boundaries. So that he never wins, we remember: Geneviève Bergeron (1968–1989), civil engineering student Hélène Colgan (1966–1989), mechanical engineering student Nathalie Croteau (1966–1989), mechanical engineering student Barbara Daigneault (1967–1989), mechanical engineering student Anne-Marie Edward (1968–1989), chemical engineering student Maud Haviernick (1960–1989), materials engineering student Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (1958–1989), nursing student Maryse Laganière (1964–1989), budget clerk at the school’s finance department Maryse Leclair (1966–1989), materials engineering student Anne-Marie Lemay (1967–1989), mechanical engineering student Sonia Pelletier (1961–1989), mechanical engineering student Michèle Richard (1968–1989), materials engineering student Annie St-Arneault (1966–1989), mechanical engineering student Annie Turcotte (1969–1989), materials engineering student #polytechniquemassacre

Loved Oakland Symphony's "Notes from Korea" at The Paramount Friday night!

Everything a community symphony should be. And pure joy as members of the Oakland Symphony (ever-so-musically) rustle paper, slap their instruments, pop balloons, and blow bubbles. "Notes from Korea" is an ambitious celebration of who makes Oakland that embraces young Korean artists, local and international. That's what Musical Director Michael Morgan does. Watch for these! Pianist Chang-Yong Shin shines in Fauré and Grieg. Local composer Jean Ahn's work for the traditional Korean two-string haegeum and orchestra spotlighted Soo Yeon Lyuh, the instrument's range and thrilling vocal capacities. Composer Texu Kim incorporates everyday sounds as he explores the complex roots of modern Korea.

Terrific audience last night for TOLERANCE?! This show has legs!

After one of my shows at the San Francisco Fringe Festival in September I was invited by a group of young women in the audience to perform at an event organized by Speak Out Now for Women's History Month at the South Berkeley Senior Center, the kind of initiative I want to encourage. Terrific audience! Laughing, groaning, just the response a performer hopes for. Followed by discussion, and then more and more discussion. Teachers, machinists, plumbers, stationary engineers and airline workers. This show has legs!

Photos by Robert Kopec