Calgary's PechaKucha #8

Devised in Tokyo in 2003, PechaKucha Nights are now taking place in over 380 cities around the world. Drawing their name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat," PechaKucha Nights are based on a simple presentation format: speakers present 20 slides each, for only 20 seconds per slide. It's a format that makes presentations concise and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

Held on Monday the 27th, I got a phone call from a friend who had just found out it was to be held that very evening. I had just returned home from a weekend away and we were out at our cabin that day on flood watch but decided to take it in. The theme of this PechaKucha Night was INSPIRE.

It was held at downtown, at the Grand Theatre, a lovely renovated theatre that is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The invited speakers were:

• Dean Bareham, Co-Artistic Director, Green Fools Physical Theatre
• Suzanne Boss, Project Manager, applying for Cultural Capital of Canada 2012
• Ken Cameron, Playwright/Persuasive Presentation Specialist
• Aviv Fried, Owner/Baker, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
• Ken Greenberg, Architect/Urban Designer, former Director of Urban Design and Architecture for the City of Toronto
• Kristina Groves, Four-Time Olympic Medalist, Speed Skating
• Kevin Kent, President/Chief Knife Nerd, Knifewear Inc.
• Tony Luppino, Executive Director, Leighton Art Centre
• Dan Meades, Director, Vibrant Communities Calgary, people living in poverty in Calgary
• Lara Presber, Fashion Designer inspired by architecture

It was another wonderful evening and so entertaining! Kevin Kent, the knife nerd was definitely the best presenter with his references to punk musical history tying into Japanese knives. Olympian Kristina Groves also knew how to captivate an audience with her tale of running the Olympic Torch relay. Always a great night out!!

Calgary's PechaKucha #7

Devised in Tokyo in 2003, PechaKucha Nights are now taking place in over 380 cities around the world. Drawing their name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat," PechaKucha Nights are based on a simple presentation format: speakers present 20 slides each, for only 20 seconds per slide. It's a format that makes presentations concise and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

The seventh version of this night in Calgary occurred on Valentine's Day and had the theme of LOVE.

It was held at the Lantern Community Church in Inglewood. Hosted by Wil Knoll, the speakers included:

- marbella anne carlos, visual artist
- Jamie Hobbs, creator, "I Love Love" community art project
- Paul Hughes, community organizer/conceptualist
- Jacqulynn Mulyk, City Repair facilitator
- Steve Nagy, traveler/photographer/dabbler
- Art Proctor, artist/activist/love doctor
- Lady Seraphina, professional domme
- Tim Tamashiro, entertainer/jazz lover
- Sheri-D Wilson, poet

It was a wonderful evening with many speakers about written word, visual art, the power of love in our lives, doing what you love, getting love in various ways (a dominatrix spoke on this!) – always an evening of many interests. I took my husband to this one and he is very interested in attending the next session. It is such a diverse evening!