Since Avila first stepped into the spotlight in 2006, she has been steadily proving that dreams can become reality. Her debut album Somewhere Else grabbed the number six spot on the Canadian Album charts upon its release. It also generated three hit singles, including the double-platinum digital single “Meant to Fly,” which hit the number one spot on the Single Sales Charts and helped Avila land a 2007 JUNO nomination for New Artist of the Year.

And when the call to join Beyoncé on the Canadian leg of her tour came, 21 year-old Avila was more than ready. She sat down recently with VancouverBC.com for an exclusive one-on-one chat.

Michelle Branch).

VancouverBC.com: This has been an incredible year for you—you’ve toured with Beyoncé! Describe for us how you found out you would be joining her for some of her Canadian dates, and the feeling of being on stage.

Eva Avila: Well, I found out about this six days before the first show! My manager called me up and when he told me the news, I couldn’t believe it. I was filled with excitement and I was totally giddy. We were doing a short set of five songs, which we had already performed plenty of times, so we knew we were ready. However, being the opening act for an artist of that calibre brought on a lot of pressure. She is, without a doubt, one of the most successful female artists out there, and I felt so privileged to be able to share the stage with her. On the first night in Edmonton, I got the opportunity to meet her. She gave me a big hug and seemed delighted to meet me! Woah. The four shows went amazing. The rush of adrenaline I felt on that stage was like euphoria almost. It was so much fun to play in front of arenas filled with thousands of people. Traveling around the country with my band was a blast, too—we have so much fun together. We’re like a family, as clichéd as it sounds. After the last show in Vancouver, we all watched her show from beginning to end. She is a stellar performer; she carries herself with such poise and charisma. Her entire concert inspired all of my band, and especially me. She is definitely my new idol. It was an amazing week.

VBC: What are some of the other big moments you’ve had so far this year?

EA: Touring with Beyoncé was definitely the highlight of the year so far, and the Junos were lots of fun, too. I always feel very privileged to be attending these types of events. My show in my hometown was so special as well—that was another highlight.

VBC: As a young singer with an increasing fan base and fame, how have you dealt with the rise in popularity, and is there anything you wish wasn’t part of the job?

EA: It sounds weird when people call me a celebrity, because I really don’t consider myself one. It’s always very flattering when someone stops me on the street or in public places. It reminds me that I love my job and it’s great to be recognized for it. Makes me smile and warms my heart. I feel so blessed to be doing my dream job, but yes, there are times when it gets a little crazy. Whether it’s a photo or video shoot, an autograph signing or a media event, you sometimes feel like you should be in 45 places at once. Or when on tour, it can be very exhausting. Always waking up super early, going from hotel room to hotel room, all that traveling…it’s hard physically and mentally. But I’ve dreamed about this since I was a little girl, so I don’t allow myself to complain. I try my very best to cherish every single moment of it.

VBC: Songs like “Damned” are the kind that one can easily relate to, maybe laugh at. What is your best behind-the-song story?

EA: Last year I wrote over 40 songs. Some were autobiographical, but not all of them. On my last record, I co-wrote a song called “Run.” I took a lot from my past personal experience and wrote a story about moving on, leaving the rest behind, running to a better place, etc. It was a lot of fun to write; it came very naturally. I’m also a very big fan of the song “I’m Sorry”—also on the new record. I didn’t write it, but it sounds like I did. The vulnerability and the honesty in that song is very me. I love that one a lot.

VBC: What’s next for Eva?

EA: Touring, doing some festivals and the Calgary Stampede and this winter I will be in Ross Petty’s Robin Hood musical. I am so excited about that. I did a lot of musical theatre when I was younger and I’ve been dying to get back into that. Hopefully it’ll open some doors for me in the acting world. The next step in 2010 will most likely be working on a French album.

Grammy and Academy Award-winning artists will be amongst the performers at the intimate 2,400-seat Tulalip Amphitheatre, with hard-rockin’, no-apologies country musician Gary Allan kicking off the summer concert series on Thursday, July 9. Jonny Lang, with his unique voice, impressive guitar solos and amazing blend of blues, gospel and rock will grace the amphitheatre on July 16, and local favourites Spike & The Impalers will present their classic rock covers and cheeky on-stage shenanigans July 24. The Beach Boys will play their greatest hits, including, “Fun, Fun Fun,”—an inspiration for Tulalip’s entertainment philosophy—on August 9, with multiple award-winning artists Melissa Etheridge, Al Green and The Doobie Brothers finishing off the series on August 17, August 27 and September 2.

You’ll be able to get the most out of your concert experience—including premier seating and hotel savings—with Tulalip’s concert packages. The concert package includes overnight accommodations for two in one of the resort’s deluxe guest rooms, two premier location concert tickets at the Tulalip Amphitheatre and two vouchers for snack items at the concert. Guests may elect to upgrade to the Premium Concert Package, which includes all of the above along with exclusive seating in close proximity to the stage in rows three or four, plus breakfast for two at Eagles Buffet. The Concert Package starts at $199 and the Premium Concert Package starts at $269.  All guest rooms are spacious and chic with generous amenities including 47” HD televisions, premium pillowtop beds, large walk-in showers with three body sprays and 24-hour room service.

“Our concert packages are perfect for the music appreciator who wants to enjoy world-class entertainment in an intimate outdoor venue,” says Ken Kettler, president and COO of Tulalip Resort Casino. “Following the show, guests can keep the fun alive at any of our establishments or simply unwind in the comfort of a luxurious guest room.”

Guests can further indulge in everything from casino gaming and nightly entertainment to a full-service spa and five dining venues. The 192,000 square-foot gaming facility offers the best odds, best game selection and the best cash back of any Northwest casino, with more than 2,000 slot machines and 50 table games. Enjoy dancing and mingling at the sleek Mpulse Lounge and nightly entertainment at Canoes Cabaret, or for a more relaxing escape visit the T Spa, which offers a full range of services inspired by Tulalip tribal traditions and rituals.

To book your concert package call 866-716-7162 to speak to a reservations specialist. Concert packages may only be booked via telephone and restrictions apply. Visit tulalipresort.com for more information.

Tulalip Resort Casino
10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip, WA 98271
Telephone: 360-716-6500

This year marks the Bard’s 20th year in Vancouver and they are still running strong. It has become a summer tradition for many Vancouver-ites. The sold out 2007 season saw an impressive 87,271 seats sold. Founded in 1990 with a rented tent, the first play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream debuted. This year four plays are now playing, under several tents with sponsorship from Starbuck’s. This year’s lineup consists of four classic plays: The Comedy of Errors, Othello, All’s Well That Ends Well and Richard II. The plays run every evening except Monday, with matinee’s on selected dates until September 26th.

All’s Well That Ends Well began with the tradition of Christopher Gaze (Bard’s Artistic Director) welcoming the audience and introducing the play. Set in the smaller of the tents it was cozy and intimate. We sat to the left of the stage with an excellent view of the entire stage and set. With the way the stage was positioned, it was impossible to have a bad seat. Helena (played by Lois Anderson) is deeply in love with Bertram (played by Craig Erickson). Her deceased father, a physician, had developed a cure for the ailment that plagues the King. She convinces the King to allow her to treat him, he is cured and as a result grants her the hand of any nobleman of her choosing. She picks the unwilling and uninterested Bertram. After the eve of their wedding he flees for Italy before consummating the marriage. Helena follows Bertram to Florence and with the help of Diana (played by Celine Stubel), the young woman Bertram has been attempting to seduce since his arrival in Italy, devises a plot to trick Bertram into realizing his love for Helena and to return home to her. What follows is a series of mishaps and hilarious situations. Full of comedy and innuendo’s, this is easily on of my favorite Shakespeare plays.

The acting was great, my favorite character would have to have been Mariana, the pregnant neighbor of Diana, played by Haig Sutherland, complete with belly, rouge and a five o’clock shadow. An excellent twist that produced many giggles from the audience. The stage and scenery designer Pam Johnson did an excellent job, using only a few, but versatile props to create the various scenes that set the mood of the 1600’s accurately. The costumes by Mara Gottler were awe-inspiring. Made from intricate and opulent fabrics the dresses, petticoats, jewelry and hats were absolutely beautiful.

Make sure to bring a sweater and a blanket as it tends to get chilly as the sun sets, and be sure to pickup some hot cocoa, tea or coffee during intermission provided by everyone’s favorite Starbuck’s.

For more information or ticket purchase visit: www.bardonthebeach.org

The public knows her from the fifth season of Canadian Idol-she made it to the final three. Zac Wagner said, “Carly Rae is undeniably world class. She’s got it.” She is climbing the show business ladder slowly: Canadian Idol, Canadian tour, recording an album-she knows that music is her big chance. Will she take advantage of it?

Vancouver View: When you took part in Canadian Idol you were a 21-year-old who came from a small town and worked as a waitress. In a matter of a few weeks you had to grow up fast…

Carly Rae Jepsen: It was a surprise more than anything. My drama teacher from high school had called me the night before and threatened to kidnap me for the audition and I was feeling tired and depressed…well, I didn’t want to go. I was in a rut to be honest, and Canadian Idol was a nice little curve ball thrown my way. When they mentioned the free trip to Toronto I perked right up! Thought…maybe I’ll go away for a while and use the free flight as a fresh start. It became sort of comical that each week I wasn’t eliminated. I’d be on the phone to my parents saying…”Oh, I’m sure I’ll be off next time.” Couldn’t have timed a surprise like that better in my life.

VV: Was it hard?

CRJ: It wasn’t hard. It was the sort of challenge that I craved. There is the part everyone sees, which is the singing…but it’s also a reality TV show, and that always makes things more complicated. Behind the scenes it’s how you treat the people working with you, it’s communicating with band members, picking the right song, doing something each week that will keep you around. The pressure is huge and I thinking putting that part in perspective is where a lot of people have trouble. At the end of the day it’s only a show and it’s supposed to be fun.

VV: When you thought about a career in show business I’m sure you imagined how it would be. What surprised you the most about the reality of show business?

CRJ: I imagined one day getting a CD out. That’s as far as I let myself run with it, so having a real go at the business side of it has been a huge wake-up call. Strangely enough, I discovered I like that part, too. My parents were always hoping I’d get my act together on that end because it isn’t my forte, but it’s critical if you want to make a career in this. I have managers now and that helps, but I also read a lot, bring my book full of questions to the lawyer meetings and I’m starting to get a grasp on a very complicated business.

VV: How much of the pre-Idol Carly is left in you?

CRJ: Who I am pre- or post-Idol is exactly the same. The only difference is my work ethic. Now I actually have one.

VV: So success didn’t change you?

CRJ: It’s thrilling to see some success come from something you have been working at. For me, deciding to put out a CD was a huge decision. I did a victory dance at HMV when I found my CD there for the first time. But I know life’s going to be full of ups and downs. So I try not to identify my worth in it. This is tricky…for a while I avoided all newspaper articles, Web posts or pictures. Mostly because I learned how easily swayed I am by other peoples’ opinions. Now, I just focus on the music and think “bonus!” if people like it. And now if I come across something media related…I get excited.

VV: It did change your life quite a lot, didn’t it?

CRJ: It doesn’t feel that different. I like not knowing what’s going to happen next and there’s definitely more possibility for that now. I enjoy the extremes of this career. Found out today we’re going to NYC, and next month’s a tour. I love meeting new people and going different places. Who doesn’t?

VV: How did your friends react to your success?

CRJ: My friends voted their fingers off. My brother and his friends had little voting parties! So I really felt supported, but I still missed them. I wrote my best friend a song about missing her so bad while I was away. It’s called “Worldly Matters.”

VV: And your parents?

CRJ: My parents have always been so encouraging. They flew down to Toronto to see the show live. It was wonderful to have them there with me. They know how long I’ve been working at it.

VV: Let’s talk about now. Do you miss the media blitz that accompanied you during Idol?

CRJ: It happened so quickly and I was so unprepared that I have to admit to feeling a bit relieved when it let up. That was odd for me because as the attention-seeking, tutu-wearing child that I was, I thought media attention would be my cup of tea. I realized I like my privacy. If I ever got really famous, I would hide in wigs and disguises all the time.

VV: What is going on in your life now?

CRJ: I have a CD called Tug of War out in stores across Canada. ”Sunshine on
My Shoulders,” a John Denver cover, hit top-20 for radio play, and last week I opened for David Usher at the Commodore. Also, we are going on tour in February.

VV: Are you happy with Tug of War?

CRJ: Yes. It was a pleasure to make. Ryan Stewart is an amazing producer and it was dream writing and working with him. Also the time surrounding making the CD was a real treasure. How often do you get to wake up and write music all day? It’s a lovely sort of existence.

VV: Which of the songs is your favourite?

CRJ: I like “Tug of War” because the lyrics came to me in the middle of the night and they felt so sad and simple. I showed it to Ryan and we found this rhythm and pretty soon it had a dance flavour to it. Such a crazy transformation to witness. Also, I have a soft spot for ”Heavy Lifting.” I wrote it for my boyfriend Alex.

VV: Can a young singer just starting out survive just by singing?

CRJ: I can and I can’t. Depends on how smart I am and I what I put into it. I have done the Bohemian starving-artist thing and I went to Toronto and lived in a mansion with an indoor basketball court. I loved both extremes, and learned that all styles of living have their challenges. My recent one has been surviving sans basketball court! Ha.

VV: What would you like to spend your earnings on?

CRJ: Clothes. If I could be guiltlessly greedy I would shop away every last penny on fancy things! I do have a ridiculous shoe collection started! Honestly, I just moved recently and did the count of flats to heels. The ratio difference was ridiculous. Fifty-five pairs of heels and two flats. I’m 5′2″, so can you blame me?

VV: On stage you look like the girl next door, nothing overly extravagant…

CRJ: Ah yes, well, ‘the girl next door’ is a sweet idea, but no one is that boring. I like experimenting with all sorts of different styles and my friends have gotten used to not knowing what to expect from me. I think its fun to have that freedom.

VV: How do you dress daily?

CRJ: I wear lots of red and I like layers. I would love to learn more about fashion as I get older…It’s a secret fantasy that I would have my own lingerie line one day.

VV: Do you have someone you like to dress up for?

CRJ: I dress up for no particular reason sometimes. If I’m in a particularly bad mood I spruce it up!

VV:  I remember that in one of your interviews you said that you love cooking but you’re not too good at it and it all ends up in the garbage afterward.

CRJ: Hey…I’m getting better. I will have you know I make a mean lasagna. I enjoy making food when lots of people are going to enjoy it. Half the fun is seeing them oooh and ahhh over your creation!

VV: What do you do when you aren’t singing, writing songs, and cooking?

CRJ: I watch [The] Sopranos. I am going to become a gangster if none of this works out.

VV: Are you proud of yourself?

CRJ: Yes and no. I am proud that I am giving this a real go and that I’ve chosen to take a road with no rules or guarantees…but there’s a lot more I would like to do before I will feel really proud. That list is embarrassingly long and sort of crazy sounding. I want to try everything.

VV: Do you have a Plan B in case show business doesn’t work out?

CRJ: In all seriousness, I would make a lousy gangster. I guess singing is it for me.

Stylist/Interview: Karolina Jez (karolinajez.com)
Photographer: Trevor Brady (trevorbrady.com)
Model: Carly Rae Jepsen (myspace.com/carlyraemusic)
Hair Stylist: Carolynne Collyer (ccollyer@live.ca)
Makeup Artist: Suzanna Chun (suzannachun.com)
Store: All clothing courtesy of HOLT RENFREW
Location: Chintz & Co.

NKOTB…For those not down with the lingo-New Kids On The Block. Now “The Old Kids,” they played to a packed audience at GM Place a couple of weeks ago. Their grueling tour schedule has definitely taken a toll on them. It was just reported that Hangin’ Tough member Donnie Wahlberg had a close call and should thank his guardian angels. Wahlberg said: “I nearly crashed my car last week after the show. I was driving from San Diego to Los Angeles and I had been on the road for three hours. I was so tired that my eyes kept closing. Then I fell asleep at the wheel and it was raining. I was like, ‘Whoa’, and I have been quiet ever since. I’m so tired.”

You can’t say Cuba Gooding Jr. without also saying, “Show me the money!” Cuba was spotted at Sanafir restaurant on Granville Street.

The ultra gorgeous couple Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry was seen enjoying dinner at Cactus Club in Yaletown. Berry is in town filming the feature Frankie and Alice. A psychological drama, the movie is about a woman that suffers from multiple personalities.

Star of the recently cancelled series Corner Gas, Gabrielle Miller was spotted having din din at Cin Cin on Robson Street.

Born to a musical family in Belgrade, Serbia, Téa and her family decided to all move to Vancouver when Téa was in her early teens.  She wrote her first song when she was just 15 and continues to write when the inspiration hits her.  “I don’t have a radio or a CD player in my car so I tend to come up with a lot of melodies and lyrics while I’m driving.  Lyrics for me, are a very subjective, somewhat philosophical and often ‘diary style’ part of music, so I appreciate it immensely when people tell me they relate to the words I write.” Always looking to be creative with her live shows, in the future Téa would love to eventually add a horn section and a DJ to her band.

In the past, Téa has worked with various producers and award winning songwriters.  But it was the collaboration with producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan and Sara, 54-40, New Pornographers, Mother Mother), which resulted in the EP Method to the Madness that is…true Téa.

She has, as I would describe, the ‘it factor’.  A genuine talent that I can’t believe has not been discovered…yet.

http://www.myspace.com/teasmuse

Upcoming Shows:

Every Thursdays
8pm
Yew York – 1602 Yew Street

Dec.  2/08
8pm
The Cellar Jazz Club -  3611 West Broadway

Dec. 10/08
10pm
The Backstage Lounge – 1585 Johnston Street, Granville Island

This busy actress will also be returning as Traci Prager for the second season of Global Television’s popular drama Durham County. A 2008 Leo Award winner and Gemini nominee, her work on the show has definitely not gone unnoticed.

For such a short time in the acting world, Sonya has some impressive credits on her resume. She has landed recurring and lead roles on series such as Dark Angel, The L Word, Stargate SG-1, Andromeda, Dead Like Me, Glory Days, and Flash Gordon. Also, she has numerous movies of the week and feature films under her belt, like Thralls, House of the Dead, The Ties that Bind, Fatal Reunion and the much-anticipated upcoming release Watchmen.

Sonya is married to actor Warren Christie. They split their time living in both Vancouver and Los Angeles. The couple is expecting their first child.

On again couple Lost co-stars Evangeline Lilly and Dominic Monaghan

were spotted in Gastown enjoying a romantic dinner for two at So.Cial at Le Magasin on Water Street.  Evangeline started her career in Vancouver before landing the role as Kate Austen on the popular TV series Lost.

As we already know, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is still in town filming The Tooth Fairy. But we have another WWF wrestler-turned-actor gracing our beautiful city-”Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He’s in town working on the action film Damage.

Following the recent hairstyle changes of Rihanna, Katie Holmes and Eva Longoria, Vancouver native Kristin Kreuk has also decided to chop off her lovely locks. Kreuk, with her new short hairdo, was spotted on Vancouver’s West Side taking her little black puppy for a walk. The ex-Smallville star just finished filming Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li.

The talented John Cusack is still in town filming Farwell Atlantis, aka 2012.  Cusack has been spotted strolling along Thurlow Street and chatting on his cell on Robson.

Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger was seen at the Vancouver airport. He was on his way to Los Angeles where he will be shooting his latest music video. Look out for his new CD, which will be in stores this December.

Miracles do happen! It only took a little over two decades, but the Queen of Pop, Madonna, finally played in Vancouver for the first time on October 30 at BC Place. I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends with comments from, “It was Amazing!” and “Loved it!” to “Ahhh, it was alright” to “She so butchered some of her old hits!” Also, I heard she didn’t even play one of my favourite songs-”Lucky Star.” Personally, her first album-yes old-school album-is still one of my favs.

Check out this clip of Madonna and her Vancouver fans singing the hit “Like a Virgin.”

Funny man George Lopez was seen shopping for some groceries at the Safeway on West 4th in Kitsilano. George just finished filming in Vancouver.

Jesse Metcalfe, famed hot gardener from Desperate Housewives, was spotted in Yaletown playing a little b-ball with the boys. Rumour also has it that he had a little run-in with the bouncers at Bar None. I guess they wouldn’t let him butt in front of the line and tempers started to flare. Jesse is in town filming with co-star Erika Christensen.

Back in town is Canadian actress Tricia Helfer. She is filming a new pilot for the Fox Network called Inseparable and is also working on the new Battlestar Galactica TV movie. Helfer played Cyclon Six in the Battlestar series, which was recently cancelled after four seasons.

Robbins plays geek tech-wiz Henry Foss, a weapons designer and computer specialist. His technical expertise keeps the Sanctuary at maximum security…most of the time. Henry is outspoken, witty and undeniably brilliant. But like most residents of Sanctuary, there is more to Henry than meets the eye.