May 2000

Toronto Music Scene News

GAS STATION DEMONSTRATION
On Friday, April 28, about 30 musicians gathered in front of the offices of the Allied Canadian Corporation, for a demonstration against that company's decision to evict their longtime tenants, the Gas Station Studio. Run by Dale Morningstar of The Dinner Is Ruined and Don Kerr of the Rheostatics, the Gas Station had always been a popular choice among Toronto's musical community, for its laidback vibe and the creativity which Dale and Don were able to coax out the artists who booked time there. The Gas Station's eviction is a flashpoint for larger issues in Toronto, namely the driving out of independent artists by the gentrification of the warehouse district, and the lack of protection for renters. Angry though the protest was, it was an unbelievably fun and joyous afternoon of jamming and carefree silliness on the sidewalk on the most beautiful day of the year. Meanwhile, Dale and Don's search for a new studio location outside the city continues...

HENRI PIGNAPPED!
Wavelength pay-what-you-can pig Henri vanished mysteriously on April 16. A threatening note was soon discovered. A week later, this photo was sent to W.L. H.Q. On April 30, Doc Pickles found Henri wandering dazed in his flower bed. His incompetent abductors have yet to reveal themselves...