Visit the EMP website THOUGH the Experience Music Project doesn’t physically open for almost 18 months, it’s been accepting visirors on a virtual basis for almose two years on the world wide web. EMP’s site, , has won numerous high- profile aw. ards for its innovative design and content. it’s essentially an online preview of what you'll be able to sec and hear at Seattle Centre next year. @ lf you've got an ISDN or TE connection to the net, you can access the hi-fi version, Make sure vou’ve got the latest Netseape or Internet Explorer browser along with Shockwave and RealPlayer plug-ins. A low bandwidth version, which is no less exciting, ex for those with standard 28.8 modems. @ Expect a big, rockin’ party when EMP opens. Performers at the sod-turning ceremony in 1997 included the Presidents of the United States of America, Mudhoney and the reunited Kingsmen. EMP founder and chief investor Paul Allen evea jammed with the latter group, which gained fame for record- ing the definitive version of Louie, Louse. @ There will be a sneak preview of EMP somexime this year, However, EMP officials are keeping tight-lipped for now. Some of the 70,000 artifacts acquired by EMP over the years have been displayed at Seartle Centre on two occasions. See more page 31 Tues. Jan. 19 7:30pm West Van Seniors' Centre Wed. Jan. 27 7:30pm | $2 admission for Ringms School Fuad. A 60 min. slide show of | our fall service guided treks to remote and popular regiens of | the Himalaya. For info cali 731-7650. Seates! limited. Only Beautyrest Pocket Coils FLOOR MODEL CLEARANCE Prices slashed on all models¥ “Twin sets from $399 , Hurry for best selection. Once they gone - they're gone COLONY HOME FURNISHINGS Saving you money since 1969 1075 Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver (2 blocks behind Avalon Hotel) Mon - Thurs 9 - 5:30, Fri 9 - 9, Saturday 9 - 5:30, Sun 12-4 Photos Frank O. Gehry and Arsociates A modei of the Experience Music Project, designed by California architect Frank O. Gehry. The blue, red, gold, silver and purple roof panels refer to the colours of classic 1960s electric guitars from Fender and Les Paul. $60-miliion music museum opening next year in Seaitle Bob Mackin Contributing Writer IF you’ve been to Seattle recently, you may still be won- dering what that massive, odd- looking complex is that’s tak- ing shape by the foot of the Space Needle. It’s definitely not a “castle made of sand.” Bur it is connected to the fate Seattle musician who sang those words, It’s Experience Music Project (EMP), a $60-million, 12,600-square metre interactive music museum slated to open in mid-2000. It was supposed to welcome its first visitors later this year, but builders say they need more time to perfect architect Frank O. Gehry’s one-of-a-kind design. EMP is the brainchild of Paul Allen, the Microsoft co- founder who counts himself among the world’s biggest fans of legendary local guitarist Jimi Hendrix. About eight years ago, Allen declared his intent to open a museum to show off his collection of Hendrix guitars, clothes and miscellany. Ideas began to fly fast and furiously, like youths in a mosh pit, and the Hendnx museum mushroomed into EMr. EMP will feature clements of a traditional library, museum, school and performance space in a not-so-traditional edifice, Certain restrictions apply Alaska Cruises Holland America Westerdam 7 day round trip Alaska ¢ May 8, 1999 $1419 end $1659 end Prices based on double occupancy plus taxes SOOHSKOSHHSHSHSSSHOSCHHSSSHOHOSFOEOHORAGCSBRERHCAETEOSSEIASLCE SEES 922-9683 Park Royal North ¢ 922-9683 or call toll-free 1-800-991-1919 Inside Cabin from Outside Cabin from Bay Travel Park Royal MODEL showing inside the lobby of the 1 2,600-square metre interactive music museum. The one-of-a-kind complex has no straight ines. says design and construction project manager Paul Zumwalt. net can’t be pigeonholed,” he says. “It’s all about rock and roll.” Zumwalt alls it a very unusual, complex and exciting build- ing. And he’s not kidding. =~ “It’s the type that has never been done before,” he boasts. “This is the farthest out that Frank (Gehry) has ever gone, both: pushing the edge of design and technology.” See EMP page WA | Best Value Deluxe Condo/Hotel Professional, friendly and helpful front desk on site. Spacious I, 2 & 3 br. condos, top floor lofts. Fully equipped kitchens with d/ws & micros. Cozy gas frpis., color TVs & VCRs. Large outdeor hot tub J open year round. Large out- door poo) with spectacular min. view, open seasonally. Elevator & laundry rm. in bidg. Free, secure indoor pkg. for cars & bicycles. 1-800-275-4386 www.wildwortiodge.com