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VIIF (hearts) V.I.A. 2:AL Connors

AL Connors is an improviser from Ottawa. He’s a performer/producer with Crush Improv, and has performed all over Canada (and in China in 2008).

This is the second in a weekly series of VIIF (Hearts) VIA posts leading up to the Vancouver International Improv Festival, happening October 5-9, 2010 at Performance Works on Granville Island. AL Connors (and many other awesome people) will be there! Visit vancouverimprovfest.com for more info..

AL Connors is an improviser from Ottawa. He’s a performer/producer with Crush Improv, and has performed all over Canada (and in China in 2008). AL is part of the Vancouver International Improv Festival’s Ensemble, and he will be performing between October 5-9, 2010. For more on the VIIF, visit vancouverimprovfest.com.

Dear Vancouver is Awesome,

My name’s AL Connors and I am SO looking forward to my trip from my hometown of Ottawa to the west coast! My Vancouver to do list includes: a slice from Uncle Fhatis, a trip to La Casa Gelato, some great sushi… hmm, I guess this is all food-related. Just so you know where I’m coming from, here’s a tour of my neighbourhood in O-town.

From my place, a 7-minute walk West (including a stop for delicious Bridgehead Coffee) gets you to the National Gallery of Canada. The Gallery (which is hosting the Canadian Improv Games’ Cup Finals) is guarded by a huge bronze spider. Answer the Spider’s riddles and you may pass safely. You can see the Parliament Buildings in the background.

Just south of here is the Byward Market, the tourism heart of Ottawa. There is a farmer’s market in the summer, tons of crafty goods for sale and great food of all flavours. President Obama bought a maple cookie from the Market Bakery back in ’08 and, legend has it, the bakery sold 3000 of those cookies in the following couple days. To be fair, those cookies are indeed amazing.

If you need stuff on the cheap, like shampoo, fake Birkenstocks, beach towels or candy, and you live in Ontario, you’re probably going to visit a Giant Tiger. The George st. in the Market is home to all 3-floors of the Original “GT Boutique”. Classy.

Another block south is this great little Russian bar called Avant Garde which has become a nice little Arts hangout! Enjoy a bottle of Baltika and anything from the ridiculously deep menu of what seems like Russian tapas. The club next-door is where I last saw Vancouver/Toronto based Woodhands rock out with Junior Boys.

And as my 15 minute walking tour draws to a close I’m back in front of my building. Also, if anyone is looking to buy that sweet 1993 Chevy Lumina APV, come and see me after a VIIF show and make me an offer!

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had the chance to really see the sights in Vancouver. Those sights also include all the fantastic local performers I’ve come to know and love: The Sunday Service, Rosa Parks, Pump Trolley, VTSL etc. Gimme a call, Vancouver, let’s hang out! Also, I’m serious about selling my van.

Love,

AL Connors

This is the second in a weekly series of VIIF (Hearts) VIA posts leading up to the Vancouver International Improv Festival, happening October 5-9, 2010 at Performance Works on Granville Island. AL Connors (and many other awesome people) will be there! Visit a href="http://www.vancouverimprovfest.com" target="_blank">vancouverimprovfest.com for more info.