July 23rd-We’ve hit the middle of week two and are doing pretty well in covering everything with over 120 shows reviewed.

Huge thanks to all who have contributed reviews, it is great to get additional points of view on shows and reviews for ones we haven’t got out to yet. Also a big thank you to Dave Pruden who makes us look good with the fantastic cartoons.

Share a Table with Jenny!—Since seating is going to be limited at this year’s Jenny Awards, we have decided to set aside one table of four for the winner of our new contest for Instagram followers. Here is how it will work: at the end of each day we will create a list of people who have liked or shared our #AreYouReadyForJenny Instagram posts from that day featuring the adventures of our roaming donkey. On Saturday July 26th we will compile all these lists and randomly select a winner who will be awarded the table. So the more posts you have liked the more chances you will have to win. We have already put together the entries from previous posts prior to today.

Keep on Fringing everyone and enjoy the next five days.

-Murray Hunter

And now some words about shopping local from Ray.

I look forward to the Fringe run every season; it’s one of my favourite times of the year. Not only is there a bevy of local, national and international talent in the Festival with a wealth of enjoyment, it’s one of the few times when the downtown is alive and buzzing with thousands of people in the streets. I feel safe and secure walking almost everywhere within the Festival venues, even after dark.

As Jenny staff, we see a lot of shows, and the scheduling often leaves idle hours in between acts. The Cube is a wonderful place to sit, relax, enjoy a drink, or grab a bite to eat. It’s always fun to stop by food staples like India Palace or try something new. Miss Christine’s has been around for a couple of years, which is great exposure for them. Not many people know about their little hole-in-the-wall outlet serving some of the best jerk in the city. Why? Because they share hotel space with the notorious strip club Teasers.

Although Old Market Square is a fantastic place to laze to the free shows (tip the Performers fairly if you watch their acts!), or people-watch while you wait for your next play to start, don’t forget about all the other local gems around. I stumbled onto a little grocery store called Ashdown Market in the Ashdown Warehouse, and enjoyed one of the best South American meals I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing in this city. The bistro is called Ashdown Flame. They also serve delicious pizzas if you’re not as adventurous. As a bonus, instead of having to schlep out your ID at the Liquor Mart, you can buy wine and local craft beers for off-sales here too.

Get out there, support The Fringe, watch some shows, enjoy The Cube, but also support our local, small businesses. There’s a lot here that you may not have known about and so much is good!

Happy Fringe!

Ray Yuen
Review Coordinator