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Derby girls tackle fundraiser

On Saturday, Feb. 4, I attended the Nickel City Roller Derby's (NCRD) first fundraising event of 2012, which was an evening of music and art, held at Little Montreal on Elgin Street.
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Dani Taillefer poses with her art donation, a depiction of Derby Girl, Smashley. Photo by Janet Young.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, I attended the Nickel City Roller Derby's (NCRD) first fundraising event of 2012, which was an evening of music and art, held at Little Montreal on Elgin Street.

Fundraisers are necessary to help offset some of the costs involved in running a league, like renting the venue for practices and the arena for bouts, the costs associated with putting on events, printing posters and tickets, etc.

A silent auction took place and I was blown away with the quality of unique "derby-inspired art" pieces which were generously donated by local artists, each representing a different expertise.

I immediately noticed something wildly intriguing - two tattooed pigs feet; a brightly coloured roller skate inked on one and a skull with bright-green derby helmet on the other, the handiwork of Hugh from Live Once Tattoo. What a great conversation piece for the winning bidder.

The pencil and watercolour drawings of local artist and musician Giovanni Presenza caught my eye next, and I was compelled to look closer. I have long been an art lover, and I especially appreciate the work of the famed Group of Seven and paintings created during the impressionist period.

Although I realize the appreciation of art is subjective to one's own taste, I know good work when I see it. Giovanni's mixed media creations of some members of the derby team impressed me so much, I had to visit his website www.giovannipresenza.weebly.com.

I learned that he is multi-talented. In addition to his mad drawing and painting skills, he is also a member of a drum circle and is a djembe drummer. You can also find his page on Facebook by searching "Giovanni Presenza Fine art.”

The next item I looked at was a "derby doll,” handmade by Lesley Comyn Lippold, who owns a business called Lellyrella. Lesley explained to me that she makes all her whimsical sock dolls using 100-per-cent upcycled materials and all her dolls are fully customizable. You can view her handmade creations, each with a personality all its own, on her Facebook page, "Lellyrella by Lesley Comyn.” Lesley is amazingly creative and puts her best into every creation she makes.

There were beautiful paintings and drawings done by Dani Taillefer and Elle Hoar, and amazing posters and prints donated by the talented gals at Design de Plume, a locally owned and operated graphic design firm. Their work is incredibly fresh and innovative. You can find them at www.deplume.ca.

During and after the auction, patrons were entertained by talented local singers/songwriters Stef Paquette and Don Kunto. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of "What a Good Boy" by Barenaked Ladies and, in fact, had that song in my head for two days afterwards. It’s funny how music can take you back to a time and a place.

I listened as local rockers, "Lightmares" performed an energetic set that had the crowd on their feet, dancing and absorbing the powerful beats. One of the bandmates told me they had been playing together for eight years. They displayed a lot of energy onstage while singing original songs they had written. What a treat it was, to be out on a Sudbury Saturday night, enjoying amazing music, art and company. Sudbury isn't all about nickel and hockey, and you don't have to go to bigger cities to find soul-lifting entertainment like this in your neighbourhood.

After all this, the audience cheered as the Statues owned the stage. I was told the Statues only come to Sudbury to play about once a year, and judging by the crowd's response, they have quite a fan following, who come from far and wide to see them perform.

This event was clearly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. According to NCRD's coach, Adam Daviau, it was a great success, with all expectations being met and exceeded.

If you're interested in donating to the Nickel City Roller Derby league, you can visit www.NCRD.ca and click the "donate" button, which is secure through PayPal.

I would love to see flat-track roller derby grow in popularity; it's one more thing our city can offer residents and tourists, who might want to see "something fresh and exciting."

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians. 


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