Nov 28, 2008 - 04:30 AM

By William McGuirk

In these economically uncertain times, we should take note of the great big love shown Great Big Sea last Saturday at the GM Centre.

It was full to bursting, sold out to the doors. Their loyal following has as much to do with geography as the music. The Newfie diaspora support their own. They've learned through hard times that it is neighbours and family, friends who one can turn to for help.

Here in Oshawa, we need to ask whether we support our own enough. As we head into the holiday season, I would suggest we all rethink our shopping strategies. Instead of beelining for a boxstore each time, choose one time (or twice) to go downtown and check out the small businesses there. They are your neighbours, too, and are the least likely to make a bolt for the border should things get worse (knock on wood).

The City has done its part by attracting the big entertainment venues such as the GM Centre and the Regent. There are galleries, museums, restaurants all within walking distance of each other. It's a green Christmas trip.

I'm pleased to tell you that the Memorial Park open mic which ran during October has been offered a weekly winter home by Wes Evans, owner of the jazz restaurant Fosse. Starting this Saturday, Nov. 29, we have a room in which to showcase local, independent music and art. It's clean, serviced, glass-fronted and right smack in the middle of the entertainment district. It's being called PLAN B, (Plan A is the Bandshell). So bring your instruments and your portfolios. Prepare to share and get engaged. Opening day we have the lovely Lauren Heenan hosting from noon until 4 p.m. when she has to leave to practise for her own show at the Atria that same night. Patrick Dorie, Gay Fog, Kites and the Cheng and Heenan Experience are on that bill.

So how about this... start with coffee at Isabella's, browse Star Records, stroll slowly through the Park, borrow some DVDs from the library, stop into the Gallery for the Approaching Histories Symposium (1 p.m. with author Helen Humphreys, filmmaker John Greyson, artist Nina Levitt and historian Shelley Hornstein, moderated by NOW magazine ent. editor Susan Cole). Then hang at PLAN B till close, maybe have dinner at EuroChef, saunter down to Rileys for a pint and some pool and then finish up at the Atria for the gig. Thus the money you spend here, stays here and your neighbours will thank you.

William McGuirk is a freelance writer and longtime Oshawa resident. He can be contacted at wmacg@yahoo.com.