So, while I’m taking this holiday Monday here in Canada to keep the ball rolling for issue #7 submissions (you have sent in a pitch, right?), feel free to listen to what we had to say about YouTube cat videos, Canada, Newfoundland, Ontario, PETA (I’ll give you two guesses how this topic went), and so much more.

Red Radio Ep. 39: Shootin’ the T.O.F.U. with Ryan Patey

Has it really been seven months? Like so many big shifts in one’s life, it seems like both shorter and longer in many ways. For better or for worse, a lot of things have changed in my life, and that means a lot of things have changed for the magazine too.

First and foremost, the attention that the last issue received, and even still receives now, has been overwhelming. So much so that I’ve decided I will continue with the magazine. In fact, a month or so ago I was struck with an idea for the cover to issue seven, but my decision to move back to Canada led to that being put on the backburner.

Rest assured, the new issue will happen, and hopefully in a much more efficient manner than the last few. However, I hope you will all bear with me as I make yet another move with my minimal belongings to once again try to settle. I’m moving to Winnipeg, Manitoba for plenty of reasons, and one of them is certainly all of the support the magazine (and I) have seen over the years from the veg folks there.

I’m looking forward to becoming more involved with the veg community in the Peg, as well as the community around the world. I know this blog has gone unattended for far too long, and I keep promising to do better, but if you have a chance to check out the Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts you’ll notice I’m doing something at least!

So, as the clock ticks down for my time here on the other side of the world (29 days!), I promise it is also counting down to the time when I will be able to shift to focusing on a new issue. Building on the momentum of the last one, the focus issues will be tough, the recipes will be great, and the words inside will be from vegans all around the world. And yes, that’s where you come in!

thanks for sticking around,
Ryan

Fri, Aug. 12th
Toronto, Ontario
The Tranzac (292 Brunswick Avenue)
10pm | Pay What You Can
Facebook Event

Tues, Aug. 16th
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Mondragon Cafe (91 Albert St.)
7:30pm | Pay What You Can
Facebook Event

Wed, Aug. 24th
New Westminster, British Columbia
Karmavore (610 Columbia St.)
7:00pm | Pay What You Can
Facebook Event

I wish it could be longer, but things didn’t quite work out as planned. Sorry to those who are unable to attend, and I hope those of you who can will come and introduce yourselves.

On a related note, the new issue should be out really soon. Due to being sick, moving and a few other things we were delayed, but hopefully we can get back on track this week. I just need to get rid of this nasty cough!

With that in mind, here’s the catch: we’re poor.

I know, you’re shocked. How could a magazine that depends on vegan-friendly companies and folks like yourself to support it be poor, right? Well, apparently life can be expensive, especially when you throw in student loans, rent, and a few other things (like food).

Of course, this means we’re trying to get across the country as cheaply as possible, while still maintaining a schedule so that we can book venues in cities along the way. Thus, biking and hitchhiking are out.

Luckily, this is where you come in! Here’s a PROPOSED list of the tour, followed by a list of what we’re in need of at each stop. If you think you can help in any way wherever you live, drop us a line.

Possible T.O.F.U. tour stops

Halifax
Moncton
Saint John
Fredericton
Quebec City
Montreal
Ottawa
Toronto
Winnipeg
Brandon
Regina or Saskatoon
Calgary or Edmonton
Vancouver

Things we need help with

• Venues to hold the event (preferably with a speaker system to allow live music)
• Musicians (preferably at least one veg*n member in each act)
• Local organizations to table and promote awareness of the work they do (should be appropriate for a vegan event)
• Couch/floor/reclining chair to sleep in

If you think you have an answer to any of these, feel we should host an event in your area, or just want to be involved but don’t quite know what to do, email us (ryan at ilovetofu.ca) and we’ll start working on this together.

T.O.F.U. Tour 2009 Photos (facebook.com)

Here’s hoping we have just as much fun in August when the magazine hits the road once again.

Although they may not seem like the most obvious vegan-friendly shop, they have a great selection of vegan lit, and some of the staff walk the walk. So, if you ever find yourself in Winnipeg, be sure to add Kustom to your list of things to see and do. Ask for Cass, and tell her Ryan sent you.
 

Why run a vegan-friendly business?
Crazy not to.

How long have you been in business?
Sixteen years.

Favourite part about it?
The feeling like you’re doing the right thing.

Anything new people should know about?
“They” are using cat & dog fur for faux fur! Fuckers!

Who would win in a fight: Quinoa or Cous Cous?
Quinoa = complete protein.

What’s THE thing a vegan has to do in your town?
Participate in THE fart party!

So, I’m not surprised at all to see Portland in the number one spot for the States, and I guess seeing Vancouver as the best in Canada shouldn’t drop any jaws.

However, I have to say I’m surprised at how the prairies make their way on the list. Calgary beats out Winnipeg, really? What is there that I don’t know about Calgary compared to what I know about one of my favourite veg* places in Canada? Is it possible that there is another anarchist cafe/bookstore/venue there that is better than the almighty Mondragon? Or do they have a Chinese restaurant with over 100 vegan items that compares to Delicious?

If so, wow. I had no idea. If not, then step down Calgary and let Winnipeg take its rightful place!

I’m so sorry for the lack of updates. My computer has been acting strangely and we have spent more time driving in the van than sitting at people’s houses, so here we are days into the tour with no videos and little words.

My apologies.

On the bright side, thanks so much for those who have been coming out and all the great support we have had. We’re already halfway across Canada and we have yet to fight or leave one another on the side of the road.

=-p

Alright, I have to get out to Kustom Kulture to leave a few copies of the mag and perhaps some shirts, and then we need to eat before Mondragon tonight. So excited to be back in Winnipeg.

RP

Also, we’re still looking for veg* musicians, in bands or solo, that would be interested in playing a date or two with us. So, if you are in a city where we seem to need help, drop me a line and we’ll work something out.

See you somewhere out there,
Ryan

Dates in bold are in need of help.

Canada

Thurs, Apr.30th – Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Wooden Monkey
Sat, May.2nd – Saint John, New Brunswick – A Khord

Sun, May.3rd – Quebec City, Quebec
Mon, May.4th – Montreal, Quebec

Tues, May.5th – Ottawa, Ontario – Umi Cafe
Wed, May.6th – Toronto, Ontario – The Boat
Thurs, May.7th – Guelph, Ontario – Van Gogh’s Ear

Fri, May.8th – DAY OFF – DRIVING
Sat, May.9th – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Mondragon Cafe
Sun, May.10th - Regina, Saskatchewan – BeetRoot Organics

Mon, May.11th – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Tues, May.12th – Edmonton, Alberta – Hydeaway All-Ages Art Space

Wed, May13 – Calgary, Alberta
Thurs, May.14th – Vancouver, British Columbia

US

Fri, May.15th – Seattle, Washington – Holy Mountain
Sat, May.16th – Spokane, Washington- Caterina Winery
Sun, May.17th – Portland, Oregon – Laughing Horse Books

Mon, May.18th – DAY OFF – REDWOOD FOREST

Tues, May.19th – San Francisco, California

Wed, May.20th – Echo Park, California – Echo Curio
Thurs, May.21st – Los Angeles, California – Unknown Cafe
Fri, May.22nd – DAY OFF – Los Angeles, California
Sat, May.23rd – Los Angeles, California – Genghis Cohen
Sun,May.24th – Phoenix, Arizona – Ruby Room

Mon, May.25th – Northern Arizona
Tues, May.26th – New Mexico (Albuquerque or Santa Fe)

Wed, May.27th – Denver, Colorado – Quixote’s
Thurs, May.28th – Nebraska – HOLDING FOR SADDLE CREEK BAR

Fri, May.29th – Topeka or Kansas City

Sat, May.30th – Wichita, Kansas – Fisch Haus

Sun, May.31st – Des Moins
Mon, June.1st – Indianapolis

Tues, June.2nd – Mansfield,Ohio – House Show
Wed, June.3rd – PA,NY or NJ – On Hold

Thurs, June.4th – New York City, NY

Fri, June.5th – Long Island, New York – On Hold

=-p