I Now Declare the Games OPEN

... Or so stated our Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, before the blinding glory of CANADA overwhelmed spectators around the world over.

I mean, if a man hurtling through an explosive version of the Olympic Rings on a snowboard was not enough of an introduction, then, I don't know what is. Though, I'm curious to know who wrote the prologue for the televised event. You remember the montage of Canadian scenery right before the ceremonies started? I seem to recall Vancouver being described as the "emerald" of the nation and there was something about "sugar-coated peaks" for mountains? What? I.... sure. Sure, narrator. You just keep on.... reading those bizarre descriptions.

I have to admit, I was a little torn over the ceremonies. I had moments were my national pride was practically bleeding out my eyes, but there were other times where I felt..... somehow irked.

On one hand, the presentation of our natural wonders and iconic Canadian geographical features was gorgeous; on the other hand, we've sold most of our natural resources to the Americans and, in the GTA, we're taking a stance of overdevelopment and swelling urban centres.

On one hand, we focused on Canada's indigenous roots and incorporated Aboriginal culture into welcoming athletes and visitors from around the world; on the other hand, we as a nation have left Native populations completely disadvantaged when the world isn't watching.

Our Governor General officially opened the Games, a woman who represents our lingering ties with Britain (again, a vestige of the colonial mentality); our Prime Minister had ample time to take in the Opening Ceremonies since he's, you know, not working (good ol' prorogued Parliament); and.... um, actually, I think those are all the points that irked me most.

Hmm, perhaps I'm just having an off evening. I mean, there were some gorgeous elements to the entire evening: I was stunned with the stage and the effects created through those massive, multi-layered screens; the chill, blue atmosphere of the stadium was at once refreshing and peaceful; the crowd was an integral part of the show's success as their presence was used for lighting and other designs; and, of course, watching the faces of the Olympians as they entered the stadium behind the flags of their nations was inspiring and uplifting all in one.

But, I wonder how far we've come when we roll out all those stereotypical images in front of international company. It's like we took out the fine china from the 1800s to impress our guests. The Mounties in red, the majestic and rugged geographical features paraded about, even the snow-covered stage -- almost all of the alpine events were cancelled today on account of the fact that Vancouver can't produce the weather to sustain the events. The fake stage snow is about all the snow in Vancouver at the moment.

Now, all that bitching aside -- I do believe one performer managed to capture the essence of Canada. Of course, I refer to spoken word artist, Shane Koyczan, and his impressive, inspirational piece, "We Are More." I found one section in particular resonated loudest:

"But we are more than genteel or civilized

We are an idea in the process of being realized

We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry

And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history"

I love this concept of Canada. I love the idea that we are not bound by a single, overbearing national identity. It seems like Canada has more room when it comes to what we are. I like that we still have debates over what defines a Canadian and what our culture is.

In a sense, it feels similar to the word "Queer." Our national identity unites us, but it gives us flexibility and allows us to still self-define. Ha, I know quite a few Conservatives would take offense to me likening our national identity to anything queer-related, but I can see the similarities.

Oh, and speaking of Queer, we had quite the representation last night:

• Ashley MacIsaac kicked it with "The Devil in the Kitchen" during the fiddler section of the Opening Ceremonies
• k.d. lang effectively stole the evening with her breathtaking rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"

I must be psychic considering I profiled k.d. lang all of three days earlier for Tunes for Tuesdays. It must be those latent gaydar capabilities of mine. I would also like to note that both MacIsaac and lang were the first performers who were NOT dubbed with a pre-recorded version of their songs. I know, I'd never seen dubbed fiddle music before, but, there's a first for everything, I suppose.

So, all in all.... I am all over the map on this one. I was confirmed and alienated in one shot.

Another question for readers out there: Were the Opening Ceremonies a boost to the Canadian ego, or were they a pageant of stereotypes? Did you feel inadequate compared to the show or was your national pride reinforced? I am definitely interested to hear opinions on this one, kids.

Folkin' Classic: The Great Canadian Song Quest

It's a project of national proportions. Picture it: Thirteen unique musicians challenged to write a new, original song about one location in one Canadian province/territory.

The catch? Listeners voted for the song content and which artist would pen the next Canadian classic.

CBC Radio 2's Great Canadian Song Quest set out to accomplish all that and more. During the latter half of last month, the songs were released for the public and, I have to say, the ladies are representing on this one.

Out of thirteen artists selected for the project, SEVEN were solo singer-songwriters of the female persuasion. I can't even grasp the words to explain how wonderful, exciting, and brilliant this news is to me. And, as a blogette who worships the ground all the ladies walk on, I am compelled to tune you in to these tracks.

Not a bad way to make up for the Tunes for Tuesdays negligence, am I right?

So, let's start our trip across Canada and introduce you to the female finalists of The Great Canadian Song Quest. Prepare thyself for some folkin' fantastic new tracks (and yes, I mean "folk" as in "Canada has a lot of alt-folk-rock content"):

British Columbia: Oh Susanna, "Tough City" (about Tofino, BC)

She's an alt-country Canadian gal with American roots and a penchant for the poetic. She's got a cinematic quality to her sound that has garnered acclaim within and without these borders. Her latest album, Short Stories, explores the process of finding a fresh start after a sullen stretch of darkness, transforming those negative situations into safer spaces.

Tofino, BC: Tofino is a village located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. With under 2,000 residents in the winter months, Tofino continues to attract escapists year-round to the scenic Long Beach section of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the gorgeous hot springs at Maquinna Marine Provincial Park.

Manitoba: Chantal Kreviazuk, "In Waskada Somewhere" (about Waskada, MB)

She's one of Canada's golden girls when it comes to irresistible, piano-driven music and she's been graced with a voice that balances a delicate vulnerability with a raw, powerful edge. Ms. Kreviazuk earns some major recognition for her participation in the 1998 Lilith Fair music festival where she dominated with her track, "Surrounded." International listeners might recall her cover of "Leaving on a Jet Plane" that was included on the Armageddon soundtrack (come on, I know you remember that movie!)

Waskada, MB: Waskada is yet another small, Canadian village located in the southwestern corner of Manitoba, close to the U.S. border. For the 2006 census, Waskada boasted a population of 199 residents. I'm guessing a track like this might inspire Kreviazuk fans to take a trip or two to the small town for themselves.

Quebec: Martha Wainwright, "Four Black Sheep In The Night" (about The Black Sheep Inn)

Readers, rest assure -- I will profile Martha Wainwright for a future Tunes for Tuesdays post. I love her and her singer-songwriter brass. She is explosive with her language and unapologetic. She's got a voice that cuts close to the heart, especially with the intense and personal tracks from her self-titled debut album. She comes from well-established music roots as the daughter of American folk/blues musician Loudon Wainwright III and Canadian folk singer-songwriter Kate McGarrigle. And, you may have heard of her brother -- does Rufus Wainwright ring a bell?

The Black Sheep Inn: Located in Wakefield, Quebec, The Black Sheep Inn (aka Auberge Mouton Noir) is the award-winning juke joint cabaret that is a living testament to the diverse cultural expression of the belle province itself. At once intimate and legendary, this bar ranks as one of the top ten locations to visit while touring this land of ours.

P.E.I. : Catherine MacLellan, "Singing Sands" (about Singing Sands Beach)

She's the pure, sweet, and poetic voice of the gorgeous Prince Edward Island. In 2008, she was voted as the "Critics Favourite New Discovery" by Penguin Eggs magazine and she has continued to woo a broad collection of listeners across Canada and the globe. Her last album, Church Bell Blues, shot to number one on the Roots Canada iTunes chart and this singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down.

Singing Sands Beach, P.E.I.: Located at Basin Head on Prince Edward Island, this beach is well-known for the mystery that lives in the very sand itself. Walking along the white sands produces a sound akin to singing, a phenomenon created by the rounded and spherical quartz found in the grains. Seems as though this location was begging to have a song written about it and MacLellan produces a true gem.

Northwest Territories: Dana Sipos, "Time Before Bones" (about the Tuktoyaktuk Pingos)

She's the lyrical, satirical poet with a tinge of blues and folk in addition to a distinct hip hop, pop, and jazzy swagger. What can I say, she's a musical chameleon. Her music is melancholic and leans toward the dramatic even while its upbeat and swinging. It's undeniable she's got a mysterious edge to her. Perhaps its the cold of the north that crafts such a delicate and subtle sound after all.

Tuktoyaktuk Pingos: Tuktoyaktuk is an Inuvialuit hamlet located in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories. The settlement lies north of the Arctic Circle on the shore of the Arctic Ocean and the name (Tuktoyaktuk) translates roughly to "it resembles a caribou." The pingos are small, cone-shaped hills with hearts of ice that grow from the permafrost of the region. These frozen mounds are formed by the pressure of subterranean water forcing the ground upward -- and yes, there are nearly 1,400 of them in Tuktoyaktuk. Majestic, indeed.

Yukon: Kim Barlow, "Dawson City" (about Dawson City, Yukon)

Her roots are in the dark, cold climate of the Yukon. She balances the blues with an oddly dark, yet optimistic, approach to life. She's got a wry wit with tracks that showcase down-to-earth vocals and a rich, atmospheric sound. She can pull off the bittersweet smile with ease and her quiet style is sure to win over fans of the Canadian folk scene.

Dawson City, Yukon: The first association that should spring to mind is the Gold Rush of the late 19th-century. It was the heart of the rush for American and Canadian prospectors seeking their fortunes and it continues to draw tourists interested in the rich history the city has to offer.

Nunavut: Lucie Idlout, "The Road to Nowhere" (about The Road to Nowhere, Nunavut)

At last, the first rockstar of the list. Idlout lived most of her early life in the High Arctic on North Baffin Island, lands that now fall within the borders of Nunavut. She's got a tough, sharp exterior with a brash voice and kicks it. And heck, her sophomore album is titled Swagger. I mean, I love her already for that alone. She adds some much needed electricity to a list dominated by the folk/roots/alt-country set.

The Road to Nowhere, Nunavut: Yes, there is a road that ends abruptly in Nunavut and has earned the moniker "Road to Nowhere." As you can imagine, it's quite expensive to own a car while living in the northernmost reaches of Canada -- it's difficult to maintain roads in such cold conditions, let alone preserving a car. This road is the subject of numerous jokes as it tends to symbolize the vast government expenditures dumped into the territory upon its creation. It's a road that leads to the tundra and leaves you there in the cold. Ah, what an excellent image to provide for a rocker.

***

Wow, what a Canadian tour-de-force all laid out there. I do believe it's taken me two and a half hours to research and write all of this. I hope you appreciate the effort as much as I had fun looking into it all. Visit the Great Canadian Song Quest player to check out 30-second clips of the winning songs and make sure to check out more of these artists original work.

Oh, Canada -- you are certainly a place to celebrate.