Star-Phoenix from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada • 19

I 1717 QTT JIL 111 J-m-J A year's worth omemorie 1 FINAL POTTER BOOK J.K. Rowling expects to have a busy year when I write the final book in the Harry Potter series." The sixth instalment of Rowling's fantasy series, Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, came out last summer. It has sold more than 10 million copies in the United States alone. Total -worldwide sales of the Harry Potter books top 300 million. The arts and entertainment year contained the usual mix of highs and lows mostly highs with an overriding feeling of excitement floating over it all That was, of course, because 2005 was the Saskatchewan centennial, which gave rise to its own moments like the Lieutenant Governor's centennial gala, the National Arts Centre Orchestra tour, and Greystone Theatre's Joni Mitchell revue, Songs of a Prairie Girl.

Here's a peek back at a few highlights, and lowlights. Showing Canada what we're about: I originally had my doubts about the Lieutenant Governor's Centennial Gala, but once I saw it (on TV), I was sold. Saskatchewan looked really good out there. Andrea Menard was I luminous JOANNE PAULSON and sang, as usual, gorgeously; Megan Lane and Colin James rocked; Brent Off Broadway Children Holiday Variety Show. Off Broadway Arts Centre.

Doors 1 1 :30 a.m. A Christmas Carol. Wide Open Escapades. Saskatoon Pilates Centre. 3 and 7 p.m.

The Butterfingers Angel. Off Broadway Dinner Theatre. Doors 6:15 p.m. Features Editor 1 1 1 Butt was funny, as ever, the Joni Mitchell tribute came across really well. There were a few moments that were not entirely inspiring (Leslie Nielsen's bit was lame, for instance) but otherwise, what a show.

Even the Queen was there. Happy centennial, everyone. Biggest announcement: There aren't even any run-ners-up in this category. It has to be the Junos. Landing the Junos is not lite landing the Olympics, to be sure: the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), to its credit, now has a policy of hosting the awards in cities across Canada.

Just the same, it's an incredibly big deal. Huge numbers of stars will descend on our city; people from all over will come to see the show; autographs are possible even likely, if you go to the "meet the musicians" event; and big money will be spent, on tickets, limousines, restaurant meals, hotel rooms and, undoubtedly, beer. It will be the biggest arts and entertainment event ever held in Saskatoon. In 2007, you better go. Worst weather for music (it's a tie): 1.

Driving out to the Rod Stewart concert on sheer ice in March was bizarre. Hans Brinker on his skates could have made it to Credit Union Centre faster. Luckily, it was a good ft. I fP i. i if concert.

Stewart was generous with the audience, and presented a great two-parter, with his rock hits in the first half and his more-recent crooner stuff in the second 2. Arturo Sandoval, the great jazz trumpeter, was held up by nasty thunderstorms somewhere during his flights from New York to Toronto to Winnipeg to Saskatoon. Mid-afternoon, Jazz Festival organizers were not sure he would get CAPITOL THEATRE (6534737): Fun With Dick jane, 1 2: 1 5, 2:30.4:43,7:15,9:30 p.m. Wolf Creek, 1 2:20, 2:40, 5, 7:25, 9:50 p.m. 'Chronicles Of Narnla, 12:30, 6:45, 9:45 p.m.

Rumour Has It noon, 2: 1 5, 4:30, 7, 9:15 p.m. PACIFIC CINEMAS (244-7330): The Family Stone, 12:40, 3:20, 6:50,9:20 p.m. King Kong, 1,5,9 p.m. Memoirs of a Geisha, 12:30, 3:29, 6:30, 9:30 p.m Walk The Line, 12:50,3:40,6:40, 9:40 p.m. CENTRE CINEMAS (244-7330): The Ringer, 1 2:50, 3:50, 6:50, 9:50 p.m.

(. Cheaper by the Dozen 2, 1 2:40, 3, p.m. Fun With Dick Jane, 1 3: 1 0, 5:10,7:20,9:20 p.m. The Producers, 1 2:30, 3:30, 6:40, 9:30 p.m. King Kong, noon, 4, 8 p.m.

Chronicles Of Narnla, 12:10,3:20, 6:30,9:40 p.m. Syriana, 10:10 p.m. Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, 1 2:20, 3:40, 7 p.m. RAINBOW CINEMAS (955-8642): Wallace And Gromlt, 12:50, 2:50, 4:50 p.m. -1 a A0 Year Old Virgin, 7, 30f STf Jarhead, 7:05, 9:35 p.m.

Four Brothers, 7: 1 0, 9:40 p.m. Zathura, 1:30,3:55 p.m. 'Rent, 1:10,3:45,6:50 p.m. Saw 2, 9:50 p.m. Wedding Crashers, 7:05, 9:25 p.m.

Christmas with the Kranks, 12:55,2:55.4:55 p.m. Flightplan, 12:45,2:45,4:45,7:20, 9:45 p.m. Elizabethtown, 1:15, 6:55 p.m. Dreamer, 1:35,4 p.m. Into the Blue, 3:50, 9:25 p.m., Just Friends, 1 3, 5, 7:25, 9:55 p.m.

ROXY THEATRE (955-8642): Pride and Prejudice, 7: 10, 9:30 p.m. The Legend of Zorro, 7, 9:20 p.m. BROADWAY THEATRE (384-3456): Her Majesty, 7 p.m. Night Owls of Coventry, 9 p.m. Stewart here -at alL-But, arriving at the last minute, Sandoval did manage to get set up and sound- SP File Photos Andrea Menard wowed the crowd at the Centennial Gala at Credit Union Centre I 1 A W1 checked at the Broadway heatre tor a late start It promised to be one of the best concerts of the year, judging by the first half-hour, unfortunately, press time came far too soon.

Both Stewart and Sandoval had the grace to thank their audiences for, in the former's case, making it out on such a lousy night, and in the latter's case, for waiting more than an hour and a half for the concert to begin. Class acts. Deserving awards: I. Tasha Hubbard, the University of Saskatchewan student who doubles as a documentary won the Canada Award Gemini for Two Worlds Colliding. The 49-minute documentary examines the relationship between Saskatoon police and the aboriginal community.

The work also won the Golden Sheaf award for best aboriginal film at the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival. Hubbard is one to watch. 2. Michael Hosaluk, the Saskatoon wood turner with an international presence his work appears in Queen Elizabeth collection won the Saidye Bronfman award for fine crafts this year, which includes a $25,000 prize. Amazing concerts: 1.

Top prize goes to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, which played at the Centennial Auditorium in November. This incredible orchestra's concert was a major highlight of the concert season, and conductor Pinchas Zukerman's violin was spectacular. The best part of its trip to Saskatchewan, however, was the spotlight that Zukerman and the: musicians shone on the importance of music education for children. It can't be overstated, and the NAC helped elevate the issue in this province and in Alberta. 2.

Arturo Sandoval. See above. 3. B. B.

King. It was only partly about the music. The great blues musician's concert was more like gathering in his basement for a good chat. What a sweetheart. Two favourite plays: Scorched Ice by Mansel Robinson, produced by Last Exit Theatre, proves that Saskatchewan theatre need never take a third-balcony seat to anyone.

Tour de force acting by Robert Benz and Jamie Lee Shebelski made this an edge-of-your seater, and a heart-render. Back at the Fringe, one of the best scripts in some time was The Cloud Factory, also performed with a deep understanding of the play issues by Alix Sobler. flSMp Ik Global News VlKeyiniewrnan Entertainment Tonight E-Ring Ifs Great Game Regenesis 1 A Entertainment Tonight Canada Global News Robert Benz in Scorched Ice Worst of the year: The CBC strike punctured big holes in Canadan journalism for far too long. The travelling show Grease was terrible: it was hard to care about anybody, and you should at least care about Tony and Sandy getting together. That being said, it was pretty cool to clap eyes on FrankieAvalon.

Cool things worth mentioning: Local actor Ryan Boyko went to Stratford; high school phe-nom Jennifer Wang appeared as guest host on As It Happens; Josh Palmer made it into the Top 10 at Canadian Idol; Life of Pi author Yann Martel moved back to Saskatoon. Andrea Menard got to make a movie out of her one-woman musical The Velvet Devil. The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra turns 75 this musical season. The SSO Megan Lane at Taste of Saskatchewan and Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan are making huge strides on the financial side, both having been in some trouble not too long ago. Great things keep happening here.

I can't wait to see what 2006 Saskatoon's centennial will bring. 1 Xtoday 'JCHIIJ ALLJLATiS -iJ JACKET AlE sc-e as low as 50off selected styles $20 off HOODIES PULL OVER REG. TO $76 $59 FUUZ1P REG.T0 $120 $69 $79 T-SHIRTS lOO's to choose tram One Rack Short Sleeve Long Sleeve $QS9 $24" $23" I I A urn clothing equipment Preston 8th St E. S5S2381 Comer of Aw. 22nd St.

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