Local Arts

No. 2's Madeleine Sami performs all nine roles in piece she helped create

EMPIRE ESPLANADE 6 200 West Esplanade, North Vancouver 604-983-2762 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (G) - Fri, Mon-Thur 7, 10; Sat-Sun 1, 4, 7, 10 p.m.

Living in the USA: "I'm affected by my surroundings. Living throughout the year in New York City it's different in the U.S. because A) there's a much larger population and B) there's less social services so you see the people really struggle.

- Man on a Ledge. Directed by Asger Leth. Starring Sam Worthington, Ed Harris and Elizabeth Banks. Rating: 5 (out of 10) A genuinely suicidal man threatening to jump from a high building would make for a really boring feature film.

LEGEND Bargain Fare ($5-8) $ Inexpensive ($9-12) $ $ Moderate ($13-15) $ $ $ Fine Dining ($15-25) $ $ $ $ Live Music Open Mic/Karaoke DJ Big Screen Sports WiFi Wheelchair Accessible AUSTRIAN Jagerhof Restaurant $ $ $ Best Little Schnitzel House in To

Spend more than $1,500 on your next trip to Whistler and Enjoy Whistler is offering a choice of unique Whistler experiences to choose from at no extra expense.

SO you want to get away from it all? Try Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), Canada's most remote archipelago, formidably protected by the punishing Hecate Strait and eye-watering airfares.

It's been a week since I visited the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and the braid of cedar around my wrist is still there. The bracelet reminds me to breathe more deeply.

In a town known for oversized parties 2012 marks a special occasion for the Whistler Arts Council. "We're celebrating our 30th anniversary this year," says Arts Council director Doti Niedermeyer.

COMIC Roman Danylo hosts The Ultimate Comedy Show, featuring sketch pieces, stand-up and improv, at Centennial Theatre Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7: 30 p.m.