As some of you already know, the Edmonton Cohenites have been holding our own annual festival separate from the international events for the last 6 or so years. We are a mostly publicly funded festival, and as such like to prove that we are oh-so-much-more than just people who like Cohen.

We are people inspired by Cohen!

The mandate of our festival is to help people discover (and rediscover) the joys of Leonard Cohen’s poetry and music through performances by amateur and professionals alike. In addition to performances of Cohen’s songs, we also have a visual arts show featuring art inspired by Cohen’s work, which has varied wildly over the years. We are expanding in 2008 to include open mike sessions for Cohen-based poems and songs.

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There are also a couple of hostels in both the downtown and Whyte Ave areas. I personally prefer Hi Hostel (along Whyte Ave, near the university, and about a 10 minute bus ride from the main venues) http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel011010.en.htm But there is also a new hostel about 6 blocks from the Westin called Go! Backpackers Hostel (http://www.gohostels.ca/)

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“Dance Me” Visual Arts Display

by Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn at Citadel Theatre 

“Dance Me” … a multi-media arts collaboration is currently being created by Edmonton artist Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn. Cohen’s words are often inseparable from his music. This series of 15 paintings - inspired by words, music, song and dance will be unveiled next July in the Rice Theatre as part of the 2008 International Leonard Cohen Festival. A special event will feature several of Larisa’s paintings being brought to life by the staff, students and alumi of the dance department of Victoria School.
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