Work in Progress

Q For Thought

When I’m working in the office, a highlight of my day is the 90 minute time slot every morning when I pop in my ear buds. I tune out the noise around me so that I can tune in to the CBC Radio One Arts and Culture show, Q. The show  is a smart and interesting tour through personalities and cultural issues, hosted by award-winning Canadian broadcaster, writer, musician and producer Jian Ghomeshi.

Not only does Jian have an incredible knack for asking the right questions and pressing the right points, he also possesses a brilliant ability to establish a rapport with his guests and then build upon it, enabling them to be direct and candid. Jian has a sincere love and respect for the human spirit, which is revealed in the thought provoking conversations he has with his guests. He’s able to draw out and nurture their thoughts and feelings on any topic you can imagine. The result is captivating. Jian has really defined arts, culture and entertainment with his program and I definitely have him to thank for uncovering so many hidden artistic gems for me.

Earlier this week as Leah and I ran around the city enjoying an epic Olympic night o’ fun, I was telling her how bummed I was that I had missed out on the two Vancouver Meet and Greets with Jian. Just as the words were passing through my lips, my eyes darted forward. I did a double take. I couldn’t believe it! It was Jian, right next to us. As he passed, I nudged Leah and she immediately called out his name. He spun around and grinned at us. We struck up a conversation right there in the middle of Georgia Street.  At his suggestion, we briefly considered taking a photo Notebook style before he invited us to walk with him. We spent the next while chatting him up, as we guided him to The Orpheum Theatre, where he was going to see Feist. I can do nothing but gush about how cool, funny and sweet Mr. Ghomeshi is.

Big thanks to Leah for so beautifully capturing the moment in this photo. Giddy schoolgirl much?

The next day, I was lucky enough to be able to attend a special live edition of Q, which was recorded at CBC Vancouver. Being a daily listener, it was extra special to have the opportunity to see how they make it all happen behind the scenes. It just so happened to be a stellar lineup too: Quebec theatre creator Robert LePage, comedian Brent Butt, and multimedia artist Laurie Anderson. Plus, live performances of new music from Stars (I’m an insta-fan) and Mother Mother (who are fabulous). The completely adorable Canadian Gold Medalist Alexandre Bilodeau, CBC’s Peter Mansbridge and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson were also part of the show. I was so thrilled to be there.

The Olympics, a City and Colour concert and quality time with Jian…this may just have been the BEST week ever!

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