Arts Commons Magazine Fall 2017

A new musical delves into the world of social media. p.4 | The Sachal Ensemble...from anonymity to worldwide fame. p.18 | Michael Bernard Fitzgerald performs for millions in an empty hall. p.22

M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 1 7 | #07

more Learn e Sachal t Th n abou emble o s n !

E 18 page

LETTER FROM JOHANN

Y

ou are reading this message in a communication format that is almost six centuries old, although other forms of printing were already used more than a millennium before the Gutenberg Press was invented in the mid-15th century. In the past few decades, technology (and specifically digital technology) has developed at an exponential pace, and in some applications, print is simply not used anymore. Today we connect instantly, and communicate globally through ever-expanding digital platforms.

“Performing Arts”, as we have gotten to know it, is about physically gathering together to experience some form of communication (music, dance, spoken word etc.) in one location.

Artists by their very creative nature look at “what is,” and imagine “what could be”. Having access to all the new digital technology gives creators an almost unlimited toolbox, and we are getting used to new expressions: “Virtual Reality”, “Augmented Reality”, “Mixed Reality”, “Artificial Intelligence”, and more. Digital technology could isolate human beings (think headphones, mobile screens), but in the hands of a good artist it is a means to an end – it is about finding new ways to use these tools to enhance the poetic idea, and to have communion with the live audience.

At the recent Canadian Arts Summit in Charlottetown P.E.I., Robert Lepage (highly decorated French Canadian playwright, actor, film director, and stage director) said that the performing arts world is often late in adopting new ideas. In order to benefit from the latest technology, his team creates new shows “in blind faith that technology would catch up” to their creativity by opening night. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, the Honourable Melanie Joly, talked about the “digital disruption” that is having a profound impact on both the arts and our culture.

In this issue of the Arts Commons Magazine we highlight a number of stories of artists grappling with this new reality, and finding new ways to connect with you. In the end, that is what matters most.

Johann F. Zietsman President & CEO, Arts Commons

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

1

contents

4

18

You are what you share, or are you? Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age tackles the good, the bad, and the all too familiar of social networks.

One viral video launched The Sachal Ensemble from anonymity to performing on stage with Jazz at Lincoln Centre in a bid to save their traditional music.

The Irreplaceable Power of Live

The Ticketless Concert

Anthem for the (dis)Connected

Take Five

8

22

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald performs live, in the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The catch?

The auditorium is empty and the concert is only live online.

However brilliant the latest Netflix binge watch might be, nothing replaces live performance.

24

10

Bringing the House Down with Ian Tyson

The Art of Sound Delve into the mechanics and process of auditory art creation with sound artists Shawn Pinchbeck and Tona Ohama.

The call went out, and 10,000 people answered, filling Olympic Plaza for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to perform with a legend.

14

26

Shining a Light on Talent

What's On at Arts Commons

A 14-year veteran of Arts Commons talks about her path and how she came to work in a job she never knew existed.

What's new and notable this fall at Arts Commons.

43

16

Banking on our Future

Wordfest Goes Digital

RBC’s Jeff Boyd knows the recipe for success, including the importance of investing in the cultural strength of your community.

Whether she’s talking about athletes or writers, Wordfest’s CEO Shelley Youngblut applies an interesting metaphor to the business of books.

S MMON R TS CO IN E !

A G A Z IN ONL H IS A M VA IL B A L E , YES! T sharing IS A y E b IN e c Z M AG A our experien is publication y th Expand and enjoying ns.ca o , reading it artscomm Vis mons online. rtscom

#a rts @yyca

2

Arts Commons Fall 2017

44

Music Picks: Fall 2017 Arts Commons music aficionado Jodi Lucas makes some recommendations on what new albums you should check out this season.

contributors

Shone Thistle

TASHA KOMERY Editor-In-Chief

In addition to being a professional fundraiser, Shone is a spoken word artist, poet and painter. Her creative work has been highlighted in multiple magazines and anthologies, including Mic Check, the Canadian Anthology of Spoken Word, and she recently performed in both Calgary and Lethbridge’s 2017 Coming Out Monologues.

Other fun facts about Shone are: she loves a good solo dance party and until her mid-twenties thought skunks only lived in France because of Pepe Le Pew.

ALEX BONYUN Managing Editor

KAIJA DIRKSON Creative Manager

ERIN BELTON Graphic Design

Hilary Angrove, Alex Bonyun, Stephen Hunt, Tasha Komery, Jodi Lucas, Chimedum Ohaegbu, Logan Peters, Ariane Terado, Shone Thistle, and Johann Zietsman

Chimedum Ohaegbu

©Logan Peters

CONTRIBUTORS

Chimedum Ohaegbu is a second year student at UBC and a summer intern with Calgary’s Wordfest. Enamored by all forms of storytelling, she’s written short stories, journalistic pieces, and (partially) a videogame. When not writing, reading, or explaining that she “actually won’t officially be an English major until the end of second year”, she’s usually practicing the trumpet – or meaning to, anyway.

RESIDENT COMPANIES Alberta Theatre Projects, Arts Commons Presents, Calgary International Children’s Festival, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit, and Theatre Calgary

Logan Peters Logan is a student of journalism at Mount Royal University and a lucky employee of Wordfest. When she's not making podcasts she's either sketching in her notebook or reading a book. She is a fan of murder mysteries, short stories and strong female leads.

PUBLISHED BY Arts Commons 205 8th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 0K9 Phone: 403-294-7455 Fax: 403-294-7457 artscommons.ca © Copyright 2017 by Arts Commons; may not be reprinted without expressed permission.

The opinions expressed herein are those of the respective authors and not necessarily those of Arts Commons.

Arts Commons will not be liable for any damages or losses, howsoever sustained, as a result of the reliance on, or use by a reader or any other person of, any information, opinions or products expressed, advertised or otherwise contained herein.

Whew… glad we got that out there, now enjoy the magazine.

y to ...from anonymit Sachal Ensemble online. p.22 media. p.4 | The streams it live world of social empty hall and delves into the performs to an A new musical Bernard Fitzgerald p.18 | Michael worldwide fame.

I N E M A G AA LZL 2 0 1 7 | # 0 7 F

ON THE COVER Edith Piaf is reborn in the upcoming concert PIAF! The Show, starring Anne Carrere as the legendray french chanteuse. Learn more about this blockbuster performance kicking off the BD&P World Music 2017-18 season on page 30.

PLEASE ADD FSC LOGO

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

3

Anthem for the (dis)Connected Written by Hilary Angrove

4

Arts Commons Fall 2017

S

ocial media and the Internet have forever changed the landscape of human interaction, which can be a very polarizing topic. On one side, digitization creates more opportunities to engage and increases our willingness to reach out, even if from behind a screen.

Others feel melancholy at the thought of news breaking in 140 characters or less, and the lack of depth in communicating via emoji.

Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age, presented by Theatre Calgary and Forte Musical Theatre, finds the good, the sad, and the hilarious in technology’s impact on our lives, and how it brings us together but yet can also make us feel alone.

The musical, first produced by Calgary’s Forte Musical Theatre Guild, had its initial run in 2014, winning three Calgary Critics Awards, including Best Production of a Musical, and a Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Musical Direction. Musical Director Joe Slabé found inspiration for the production whilst recognizing the sheer amount of time Facebook was taking up in his life.

“Everyone was portraying this perfect Facebook life, but the reality was everyone was comparing their online lives. It was envy and still everyone feeds in, projecting an ideological version of themselves.”

“...the songs expose the underbelly of society’s feats and struggles with technology; together funny, charming, depressing, and all too familiar.”

Slabé wasn’t the only one who found it an interesting theme, the tight knit group of musical theatre playwrights across the country jumped on board, and 16 different writers from Halifax to Vancouver are featured in Touch Me. Luckily, Director JP Thibodeau does an excellent job of bringing unity to the many songs and perspectives whose omniscient representation of human connection in a digital world seems to strike the perfect chord.

father’s Facebook profile, or a Victor Hugo Les Mis-esque performance on a movement to save Canada Post, the songs expose the underbelly of society’s feats and struggles with technology; together funny, charming, depressing, and all too familiar.

So whether you’re technologically obsessed or have a dystopian view of future connections, without a NOT-SO-FAST button to stall technology, Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age is a very topical, not to miss production. This will be a popular ticket, so catch it early in the run!

With technological advancements doubling every two years, it seemed fitting that Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age be revamped with new songs and associated “technological updates” for a 2017 audience. And, according to Slabé, this production is for all types of audiences, “at least those who can watch PG13 movies.”

what

The carefully selected cast of four take on many characters to tell an ensemble of stories, each with their own song and soaring vocals to match. Whether it’s a funny sketch about adults learning to navigate dating apps, a heartfelt account of a girl who finds her estranged biological

Opposite: Lisa Lennox, Scott Shpeley, Selina Wong and Christian Goutsis from Forte Musical Theatre's 2014 production of "Touch Me". Top, left: Lisa Lennox, Scott Shpeley, Christian Goutsis and Selina Wong in Forte Musical Theatre's 2014 production of "Touch Me". Top, right: Lisa Lennox in Forte Musical Theatre's 2014 production of "Touch Me".

All photos ©Kristian Jones Photography

Theatre Calgary

who

when

Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age

September 26 – October 7, 2017

where tickets

Big Secret Theatre

theatrecalgary.com

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

5

TD is proud to support Jazz and Music Festivals across Canada.

We are working together with Arts Commons to bring people together through a shared love of music.

ÂŽ

6

The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Arts Commons Fall 2017

M05234 (0216)

Supporting those who brighten our lives.

Arts and culture have a unique capacity for creating community spirit and bringing people together. A thriving creative scene not only provides entertainment, but also inspires fresh ideas and perspectives. At Cenovus, we’re big fans of those.

Cenovus Energy. A Canadian oil company.

New ideas. New approaches.

cenovus.com

|

BUILDINGS

|

CIVIL

INFRASTRUCTURE

|

SPECIAL

PROJECTS

|

Proud suPPorter of the pCl blues series.

Shown: Rocky Ridge Recreation Facility

Explorers help us find the future.

Watch us build at PCL.com

Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals proudly supports National Geographic Live, a speaker series that introduces new ideas, amazing sights and behind-thelens perspectives.

saskatchewanminerals.com

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

7

WRITTEN BY STEPHEN HUNT

8

Arts Commons Fall 2017

W

ith the advent of streaming media and video-ondemand subscriptions like Netflix and CraveTV, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for performing arts organizations to get bums off the couch and into the concert hall. That’s the bad news. The good news? However brilliant the latest Netflix binge watch might be, nothing replaces live performance.

For six decades, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has delivered thousands of live performances for millions of Calgarians, including everything from Bach and Brahms to True North (a 2017 world premiere by a variety of Canadian composers), to performing alongside a screening of the Oscar winning La La Land.

“One of the great things about live music,” CPO President and CEO Paul Dornian says, “is the interactivity. It’s a wholly interactive experience – and we have to recognize, that’s why people will come to a concert rather than sit at home and listen to a recording, or watch something on TV." “You become part of the show,” he says.

“You’re there, it’s happening live, artists interact with the audience and often respond to the audience and the energy they’re getting back – so I think it’s really quite a different experience to go to a concert (from watching one on a screen), and we’re always looking at ways to provide that connectivity with our audience.”

That’s the challenge, or as Dornian puts it, “the million-dollar question”: how does a non-profit arts organization with a limited communications budget get that message out in a marketplace awash in digital culture?

For Dornian, the answer lies partly in viewing digital culture as an ally – and even an inexpensive, accessible secret weapon – to help the organization recruit new audiences.

“One of the great things about live music...is the interactivity.”

During the past few CPO seasons, the orchestra screened Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, in addition to Raiders of the Lost Ark and its popular video game concert series.

and edgy, and staying in front of that curve for… 30 years,” Dornian says, “and the reason why is they just keep listening to new music and absolutely maintaining this connection with what’s the new thing for string quartets and quartet repertoire.”

There’s outreach, which involves performing at places like a Polish community centre in a northeast Calgary business park, or alongside students at Western Canada High School, or during happy hour Rush Hour concerts, where social media addicts sit in Tweet Seats and interact with the show as much as they sit and listen to it.

As for the True North world premiere, it’s something on a scale and scope that exceeds any new commission the CPO has ever undertaken.

“As far as we know, nobody’s ever done something like this before,” he says.

“This will be one of the real events this fall in Calgary.”

“I want the orchestra to be relevant to the whole community,” Dornian says. “I want us to be an item of civic identity and civic pride. That means you have to do (different and innovative) things that create value and create connection with the broader community.”

“I’d love to go and do a concert at the airport,” he says. “We’re totally open to anything.”

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

who

That includes, during the upcoming 2017-18 season, presenting The Kronos Quartet, as well as the world premiere, on October 29th, of True North, featuring new work from five Canadian composers and choreography by former Alberta Ballet standout Yukichi Hattori.

what when

True North Festival

October 12 – November 11, 2017

where tickets

Jack Singer Concert Hall

calgaryphil.com

“The Kronos Quartet have done what is almost impossible, which is to be the hot new thing—the champions—of what’s new

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

9

WRITTEN BY TASHA KOMERY

10

Arts Commons Fall 2017

I

f you haven’t heard of sound art yet, you are now amongst the minority.

That’s not a criticism or a slight, but rather a reality. While in the past, sound has typically been a by-product of video or performance art, sound is now moving up the ranks, being recognized as an independent art form.

Expressions of art through sound can be traced back to the early 20th century, during the time of the Futurist and Dadaist movements. However, the term “Sound Art” was not coined until 1983. The assumption for its latecomer label is because it has been difficult to qualify, as it can take many forms. Some sound artists employ music to communicate their vision, some use solely electronic elements, some create sculptures to generate their sounds (becoming at once a visual, tactile, and auditory artwork), and others record and mix sounds that they experience in their natural environment, be it the sound of the wind through the trees, the noise of a factory at work, or the commonplace sounds that we encounter through our day to day lives. Sound is all around us, all the time. We hear, but we rarely take notice and listen. Sound art encourages the act of listening as an artistic experience unto itself.

Shawn Pinchbeck is an Alberta-based electroacoustic music composer, media artist, and curator, as well as a member of the Alberta College of Art and Design

"Sound art encourages the act of listening as an artistic experience unto itself."

Faculty. Pinchbeck has been teaching sound art for the past 15 years at universities in Europe and Canada. When asked how he teaches sound art, he starts with how to consume it versus how to create it. “I have a lot of listening exercises to help students tune their ears to sounds. In our daily lives we learn how to tune out and ignore the general chatter and sound in our lives. As a sound art teacher, I teach students how to open their ears.”

in 1975, when he discovered his first monophonic synthesizer. “I was fascinated by the sliders and the process of creating sounds electronically.” Ohama began making his own ambient music tracks after hearing the ambient sounds of Music for Airports

by Brian Eno, in 1978, but chose not to go down the musical path. “I’ve never considered myself a musician. I am an electronic recording artist.” When asked what he loves about sound art, Ohama says, “When I make music, it is for me to listen to what I’d like to hear. The soundscape at Arts Commons is meant to be a meditative experience. Field recordings and piano notes, the soundscape creates a circular motion, like meditation, where thoughts can come in, then there is the process of noticing them and then allowing them to leave.”

Pinchbeck’s introduction to sound art was at a very young age (5 to be exact), when he received his first tape recorder – an Ocean cassette player – which he still has to this day. “By the time I was in my early teens I was composing early soundscapes of tape loops and circuit bending, although I didn’t realize that was what I was doing at the time. I was just really fascinated by the weird sounds transistor radios would make when I would stick metal objects into them and how short circuiting these machines would create these unique sounds,” says Pinchbeck.

––

You can experience Pinchbeck and Ohama’s work first-hand by walking the +15 Soundscape in Arts Commons from September 2 – January 5, 2018, featuring Shawn Pinchbeck’s Pathways, and March 1 – June 29, 2018, featuring Tona Ohama’s A Moment Of Quiet Reflection.

Tona Ohama is a Japanese-Canadian Synth artist whose journey through sound began

Go online to listen to Tona Ohama's audio tour at artscommons.ca/ohama

Top right: Shawn Pinchbeck Left: Tona Ohama in his Calgary studio

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

11

Kenny Neal FRI / SAT SEP 29 & 30 2017

FRI / SAT OCT 27 & 28 2017

Dawn Tyler Watson FRI / SAT NOV 24 & 25 2017

Mr. Sipp FRI / SAT JAN 19 & 20 2018

Roy Book Binder FRI / SAT MAR 2 & 3 2018

Title Sponsor

Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show featuring Sugar Brown

Toronzo Cannon

Public Sector Support

Arts Commons Box Office Sponsor

November 27, 2017

Arts Commons, 6–9pm Mezzanine Level

COUNTERCULTURE AND IDENTITY Learn more and invite your friends at artscommons.ca/happenings

12

Arts Commons Fall 2017

FRI / SAT MAY 11 & 12 2018 Official Suppliers

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

403-294-9494 artscommons.ca/blues

Investing in our communities Repsol is a proud sponsor of Arts Commons’ National Geographic Live educational program.

Photo by Mark Thiessen

www.bdplaw.com

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

13

WRITTEN BY ALEX BONYUN

14

Arts Commons Fall 2017

M

ost arts centres around the world make it regular practice to support local artists and bring visiting artists from around the world, to their city to perform in their venues.

It’s an important part of the cultural enrichment of a city, and it supports financial growth and vitality for both the city and the arts centre. But that is far from the whole story.

Programming Director for Arts Commons, Jennifer Johnson, started her career with the organization over 14 years ago; embarking on a lifelong passion to put her love for the arts into her day to day life.

“I hate to admit that Arts Administration wasn’t even taught when I was in postsecondary. When I began working in theatre I quickly learned that there were so many other careers behind the scenes; so many different arts communities, and a whole universe of not-for-profit industries,” says Jennifer Johnson. “I learned on the job, first through venue and event management, and working with programmers, presenters, and community from that side of things, and later transitioned to Director of Programming.”

Always encouraged to follow her creative side by her parents, Jennifer learned piano and flute, and took dance and visual arts classes. In college, she studied Theatre focusing on Stage Management. From there, the opportunity that the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts (now Arts Commons) offered was like a dream come true.

In her time with Arts Commons, Jennifer has seen the ebb and flow of the programming in the building, ever adjusting to Calgary’s changing cultural scene.

“It’s amazing to see the Calgary arts scene evolve and grow,” says Johnson. “As an arts centre, one of our many roles is to support this progression, to amplify local artists work and supplement artistic diversity in our city.”

why they wrote the song, we can connect with the music in new and different ways.

It’s our privilege to help make those moments happen.”

When asked, Johnson would definitely say that it’s one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Witnessing great moments, when a couple smiles at each other and holds hands to their favourite song, expressions

Programmatic evolution in Jennifer’s time at Arts Commons is reflected through the ongoing commitment to Calgary as a

“It's amazing to see the Calgary arts scene evolve and grow.”

hotbed of blues music. With the support of PCL Construction, who is the title sponsor of the PCL Blues series at Arts Commons, “we bring great blues talent to Calgary and present them in an intimate acoustic theatre setting where they get the very best technical support,” says Johnson. “It’s about shining a light on their talent.” Arts Commons visual and media arts, education and local partnerships flourish with the support of a talented programming team and organizational investment in community.

morphing when memories are triggered.

When feet tap and heads bop in sheer pleasure and when the atmosphere is charged with emotion and appreciation of artistic brilliance. From the incredible repartee of Lila Downs with Spanishspeaking fans in the audience, to the solo vocal performance of Mariza where the true acoustic brilliance of the Jack Singer Concert Hall was allowed to shine, and being a part of bringing those moments to the community, is what makes it all worthwhile.

Johnson works with a network of North American arts centres, agents and artists to support touring music; often bringing shows to the Jack Singer Concert Hall that would otherwise not perform in our city due to complex logistics and the financial support required.

“I never set out to make a career out of arts administration, but I can say now that I’m very glad I did.”

“For artists, it is so important to tour and perform live, to connect with their fans and reach new audiences,” says Johnson.

“I love that the nature of live performance is that it’s always different. When an artist is speaking directly to the audience about

Opposite: Arts Commons Director of Programming, Jennifer Johnson, in the Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby.

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

15

Wordfest Goes Digital WRITTEN BY CHIMEDUM OHAEGBU & LOGAN PETERS

16

Arts Commons Fall 2017

Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest’s CEO & creative ringleader, put up her hand to take on the leadership position in the spring of 2015. Tapping into an impressive career in the magazine industry – Youngblut was the

when to make a joke, and when to shut up,” Youngblut says. (And yes, she’s talking about authors, not athletes.)

Leading up to events is when the Wordfest team researches authors and their books to prepare the audience for the moment when the author and reader share a live experience.

The organization’s events, which include everything from author readings and signings to Literary Death Matches and trivia nights, create spaces for community involvement for readers of all ages and interests. Wordfest deploys strategic

©Ryan Karr

W

ordfest, Calgary’s premier literary festival, has 22 years worth of colourful, signed novels lining the walls in the Memorial Park Library. Established in 1996, Wordfest’s transition into the digital age has been a way of both expanding and keeping true to its mission statement of connecting Calgarians to life-changing ideas.

Above: Wordfest CEO Shelley Youngblut on stage with American author George Saunders.

of keeping the community and fandom love going after an event. Youngblut says her role as ‘creative ringleader’ is the best part of her job, because she gets to inspire, mentor, and work with people who bring different skills to Wordfest’s toolbox.

“We are that moment when you interact with an idea in real time”

Globe and Mail’s Western Editor, Swerve Magazine’s founding editor, and part of the team that created ESPN the Magazine – she brings an innovative entrepreneurial perspective to what had once been a weeklong literary festival. Her decade in New York working with The Worldwide Leader in Sports is at the heart of her strategy for making Wordfest relevant year-round.

“I think about things in a pre-game, game, post-game metaphor,” Youngblut says. The pre-game is where digital comes in: “We see ourselves as being the person in the stands next to you who knows when to tell you a stat, when to tell you an anecdote,

approaches to engage its diverse audiences via various multimedia platforms such as podcasts, while also keeping the intimacy of the author-reader connection at its core.

“We are that moment where you interact with an idea in real time,” Youngblut explains. “In a weird way, we’re actually the antithesis of the digital experience.”

It is easy to feel disembodied in a world where information is available at the touch of a button, but Wordfest wants to give readers a tangible experience. “Our goal, more than anything else, is that if you come to one of our events and there’s no other thing you’d rather be doing at that moment, that has to be ephemeral,” Youngblut says.

“It has to have that sense of being rare and something that you can’t miss out on.”

Continuing with a sports metaphor, she says that her team works from a place of authentic enthusiasm. “I throw the ball, they catch it, and then they go off in new directions and suddenly we’re playing tennis.” Essential to the post-game mission is the creative minds that craft fresh ways

Wordfest

who what when

Wordfest 2017

October 10 – 15, 2017

where tickets

Venues vary

wordfest.com

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

17

E V I F E K A T

BONYUN

BY ALEX N E T IT R W

18

Arts Commons Fall 2017

HOW A VIRAL VIDEO HELPED SAVE TRADITIONAL PAKISTANI MUSIC

F

irst brought into the public eye by a viral video, The Sachal Ensemble has made waves in the global music community. Their unique sound embodies a modern sensibility, with their traditional Pakistani music taking on a new flavour, influenced by a jazz sound from halfway around the globe. As musicians around the world struggle with the illegal downloading of their music and the transformation of the industry into a digital realm, inspiring stories like the rise of The Sachal Ensemble remind us of the positive influence of digital and that change can often be constructive.

“There was a time when people used to come to Lahore from all over the world to hear its musicians,” says member of The Sachal Ensemble, Saleem Khan (quote

In a leap of faith, they began to learn, rehearse, and perform Western music, in their own unique style using traditional instruments to “create music that was global, and rooted in Lahore.” They delved deeply into jazz and recorded the results, after which the famous Take Five viral video was born. The BBC picked up the video and broadcast it on national television, making them a worldwide sensation. As of the writing of this article, the video has had 1,168,428 views.

alongside one of the foremost jazz orchestras in the world was a powerful moment. Apprehensive and excited, they travelled from Pakistan to the United States to perform with Jazz at Lincoln Center. It wasn’t easy. Many of The Sachal Ensemble musicians didn’t read music, and they had to learn in a very short time how to perform together.

“When people are soulful, and they want to come together, they do,” says Marsalis.

“And the feeling of playing with them, we loved that.”

Wynton Marsalis, Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, saw the video for the first time in 2011, when it was originally published, and knew that he wanted them to perform alongside his musicians in New York.

It was their determination that saw them through. They found common ground in habanera rhythm, common in many forms of music, including jazz, as well as their shared love for the music. After the concert with Jazz at Lincoln Center, calls flooded in from around the world, including India, the United States, and Canada, with invitations to perform.

“...God willing, this will be a change for musicians in Pakistan .”

“God willing, this will be a change for musicians in Pakistan,” says Saleem Khan. translated from Urdu). “And now we can’t even find someone to repair a violin.” With the fate of their cultural heritage hanging in the balance, businessman and devoted music lover, Izzat Majeed, stepped up and formed a new studio called Sachal Studios to employ musicians to keep their traditions alive.

“We were losing our musicians, we were losing our instruments, we were losing our culture. And something had to be done about it,” says Majeed.

Although his passion was fierce, Majeed quickly discovered that there was no audience for their traditional music.

“I liked the fact that it wasn’t really commercial electronic music. It sounded like musicians who came from a long tradition of music,” Marsalis recalls. “Jazz is a music that is always open to different things, because it came from a group of people who were always being persecuted.

One of our objectives in our music is to extend ourselves to our fellow man, and say “Yeah”. That “Yeah” is very powerful in music.”

––

Arts Commons is grateful for the support of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer, LLP.

Arts Commons Presents

who what

when

For The Sachal Ensemble, a group struggling to keep their music alive in the face of radical Islamic violence and suppression, the invitation to perform

BD&P World Music: The Sachal Ensemble – Song of Lahore

November 7, 2017

where tickets

Jack Singer Concert Hall

artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

19

Arts Commons is proud to be home to these theatre and performance companies, festivals, and services.

EVENT SPACES INFUSED WITH THE ARTS Book one of our venues today! artscommons.ca/yourevent

20

Arts Commons Fall 2017

The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.

There’s no better place to start making a difference than close to home. As part of our communities, naturally we want to see them thrive. For that reason, we’re actively involved in them, including supporting programs like National Geographic Live at the Arts Commons. Every community has a Someday™ — together we can make it happen.

TM

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada.

90780A (01/2016)

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

21

The Ticketless Concert WRITTEN BY SHONE THISTLE

22

Arts Commons Fall 2017

MICHAEL BERNARD FITZGERALD PERFORMS ON A SCREEN NEAR YOU

H

ave you ever had that moment at a concert where you feel like your favourite artist is singing directly to you? Is it possible to replicate that remotely? Is it possible to teleport yourself from the privacy of your own bedroom into a spectacle of a songwriting genius, sold-out show, for a party of one? And is it possible to get lost in that experience from thousands of miles away?

for his earliest album cover (Arts Commons has a policy about only allowing that for artists that have played on the stage, so he was turned down). Since that time, MBF has released multiple albums, sold out the Jack a few times, and even brought over 200 other musicians on stage with him to play there. Today, he is no stranger to the Jack Singer Concert Hall, and nearly ten years later, there are plenty of pictures of him playing on it. That said, he still finds some of his biggest fans in smaller venues he plays in New York City, Montreal, and Los Angeles.

It sounds like a scene from Netflix’s recently cancelled, but highly acclaimed series, Sense8.

“And how cool would it be,” he asks, “to provide small town fans with a big city, immersive, audio and visual experience, via their smart phone, living room TV, or on a big screen at their favourite pub?”

When Arts Commons heard from Michael Bernard Fitzgerald (MBF) that these were questions he was trying to answer with friend, director, and co-conspirator Brock Mitchell of Deluxe Design Group (DDG), we knew we wanted to come along for the ride.

“The project is still unfolding, but I’m excited about all the people working on it and fully believe in the end product.”

Fitzgerald goes on to talk about his belief in the end project, and how easy it is to trust a director he spent days driving around the desert with while creating his video for I Wanna Make It With You. That said, many of the questions we explored were answered with a simple and earnest, “I don’t know. The project is still unfolding, but I’m excited about all the people working on it and fully believe in the end product.” I was awed by his willingness to trust others with his art and reminded of the Brene Brown quote, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”

I should clarify that when we met at local coffee roaster’s Phil and Sebastian in Mission, MBF didn’t refer to himself as a songwriting genius, he’s far too humble for that, so I’m saying it for him. What he did say was that he is interested in anything that enriches his story, life’s story, the story of music, and getting to know people.

Slated to correspond with early sales to MBF’s next creative release, he and Brock will be broadcasting a tour date to potentially the largest audience the Jack Singer Concert Hall, at Arts Commons, has ever had, without a single bum in a single seat in the house.

Maybe this experiment will change the face of modern music consumption? One thing is for certain – with an empty Jack Singer Concert Hall on September 3, MBF will be singing straight to every audience member over the streaming airwaves and I, for one, won’t be missing out.

Why, you ask? According to MBF, among the many reasons to experiment and collaborate with his audience, he sees this as a great opportunity to do something musically different and to show off the world class concert hall that exists right here in Calgary, his home town. It’s also poetic that MBF shared a story about asking to get his photo taken on the stage of the Jack

To learn more about concert details and how to “be there,” visit: facebook.com/ ilovembf

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

23

“

“I will never forget the 150th birthday!

Thank you Ian, thank you event makers and thank you Canada! ” –Deborah Gallant

Bringing O the House Down with ian tyson WRITTEN BY ARIANE TERADO

24

Arts Commons Fall 2017

n July 1st we celebrated Canada’s 150th birthday along with many other towns and cities across Canada. As part of our celebrations, Arts Commons and The City of Calgary, in partnership with Canadian Heritage, hosted Strum n Sing with the legendary Ian Tyson at Olympic Plaza. The Plaza was packed with string instruments ranging from ukuleles and guitars, to cellos and fiddles. According to the City, an estimated 10,000 people were present for the momentous occasion.

Before the Strum n Sing portion of the celebration even started, you could feel the crowd’s eagerness to jam along with the Alberta legend, to the tune of Alberta’s unofficial anthem, Four Strong Winds. As the crowd started to sing and play in unison, the sight was truly breathtaking and inspiring.

It was unbelievable to see such an event come to life and it has become a memorable experience for everyone who was present.

Some had tears in their eyes and most had

big smiles across their faces in awe of how our community came together to participate in something so simple, yet so powerful.

Mr. Tyson acknowledged that his voice had seen better days, but it was with pride and love that the crowd supported him and sang with him, in what could be one of his last large, public performances. When the song was over, guitars and ukes were raised in the air in appreciation of the Alberta musician.

Ian Tyson joked that even if as a group they couldn’t make it through Calgary’s Got Talent, they would all be welcomed to perform with him at the Longview Bar, near Tyson’s home, the following week.

A video of the inspiring event can be found on www.artscommons.ca.

––

Arts Commons would like to thank the Calgary Downtown Association for their support of this event.

“

“…The perfect way to celebrate Canada Day in Calgary with Ian Tyson! Thank you for making it possible!”

–Corrine Adams

“

“What a great way to spend Canada Day! We loved it!

Thanks Arts Commons and especially Ian Tyson!”

–Sandra McLaren

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

25

©May G N

what’s on

September 4, 2017 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

Life Drawing

Register today for a unique life drawing experience. Curated by local artist and instructor Mark Vazquez MacKay, these free sessions are inspired by the rich world of burlesque, with professional models in costume, and instruction by our host.

w and e n s t a s Wh ble thi a t o n s what ason Fall se

where when info

visual and media arts

comedy

Arts Commons Presents

EJD Productions

Super Impose

Alay Sa Manggagawang Pilipino 2017

Super Impose repurposes the Lightbox Studio into a generator and showcase for artist May G N to create projects and printed matter, exposing the world as queer and unclear.

EJD Productions Inc. and Great Impact Productions Inc. have teamed together to bring joy to Filipino workers and immigrants whose families are in the Philippines. The event will feature three of the Philippines well-known comedians and TV personalities bringing “Alay” (joy) to the workers and immigrants (“Manggagawa”).

where when info

artscommons.ca

September 2, 2017 – January 5, 2018 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

Pathways

Pathways, by Alberta-based electroacoustic music composer Shawn Pinchbeck, takes you on a sonic journey exploring aspects of sounds, compositional structures, frequency, and space. where when info

+15 Soundscape

Always open artscommons.ca

september 26

Arts Commons Fall 2017

Always open artscommons.ca

visual and media arts

©Chloe Kinsella

Lightbox Studio

September 4 – November 24, 2017

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 6pm info

6:30pm – 8:30pm artscommons.ca

September 4 – October 27, 2017

September 1, 2017

where

Arts Learning Centre

Arts Commons Presents

Body Dysmorphia Through this exhibit, artists Khrysta Lloren and Nine Kennedy examine how cultural idealizations have an impact on our understanding of bodies and sexuality. where when info

The Ledge Gallery

Always open artscommons.ca

September 4 – November 27, 2017 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

The Event Pictured, Fallen, V, and Past Witness photographic impressions of identity and the nature of the feminine image by artists Chloe Kinsella, Haley Craw, Natalie Lauchlan, and Pamela Norrish. where when info

Window Galleries

Always open artscommons.ca

September 4 – November 27, 2017

September 7, 2017

visual and media arts

music

Arts Commons Presents

Honens

BABYGURL, HILA, and BREATHING

2017 Honens Festival: Montrose Trio

Three short films by media artists BabyGurl$, Bianca Hlywa, and Adam Bentley examine a spectrum of topics from identity, gender and sexuality, to movement, breath, and the nature of life. where when info

Formed in 2014, the Montrose Trio is a collaboration stemming from a long and fruitful relationship between pianist Jon Kimura Parker and the Tokyo String Quartet.

Mr. Parker was the quartet’s final guest pianist, and a backstage conversation with violinist Martin Beaver and cellist Clive Greensmith led to the Montrose Trio’s creation.

Broadcast Lab

Always open artscommons.ca

September 5 – 30, 2017

where when

theatre

Jack Singer Concert Hall

7:30pm

artscommons.ca

Theatre Calgary

tickets

A profound, playful, and magical new Canadian play about three generations of Calgarians as they struggle to come together to keep from going under as a raging flood threatens them.

September 8, 2017

Blow Wind High Water

where

music

Honens

2017 Honens Festival: Cecilia String Quartet and Luca Buratto

Max Bell Theatre

The Toronto-based Cecilia String Quartet (CSQ) is applauded for their “powerful” (Chicago Sun-Times) and “dauntingly perfect” (Berliner Zeitung) performances. Join them as they put a spotlight on a ‘quartet’ of immensely talented female Canadian composers from which it commissioned the creation of four new works, one of which will be premiered at this concert.

Show times vary tickets theatrecalgary.com when

September 6, 2017 comedy

Live Nation

Lewis Black & Kathleen Madigan: The 49th Parallel Tour

where

GRAMMY® Award-winning stand-up comedian and one of the most prolific and popular performers working today, Lewis Black comes together with Kathleen Madigan, who has performed on nearly every late night show ever made, for a night of cathartic laughter. where

when

tickets

7:30pm artscommons.ca

music

Beyond Infinity Productions

Mary Kate Aquino and Daryl Ong

Jack Singer Concert Hall

Multi-talented and multi-award winning R&B heartthrob Daryl Ong performs back-to-back with the sensational singer, songwriter, and dancer, Mary Kate Aquino. where when

tickets

Artists, dates and programs subject to change. Listings within is as of time of press.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

September 9, 2017

8pm tickets artscommons.ca when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

7pm artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

27

September 9 & December 16, 2017

September 16, 2017

music

music

Oliver Miguel

ANCOP International Canada

Best known for his contemporary saxophone sound, multi-instrumentalist Oliver Miguel is equally comfortable performing live or working in the recording studio, playing guitar, keyboard, composing, arranging and producing.

Featuring well-known Filipino (now Canadian) artists Ms. Joey Albert & Mr. Ray-An Fuentes, this benefit concert aims to raise funds to help the poorest of the poor through Community Development, Child Sponsorship, and Humanitarian Relief Programs.

Oliver Miguel

Engineered Air Theatre

where when

8pm

tickets

artscommons.ca

Answering the Cry of the Poor

where when info

September 12 – 30, 2017 theatre

Alberta Theatre Projects

The Last Wife

A modern-day Katherine Parr marries the most dangerous man in England, King Henry VIII, only to find herself locked in a fierce battle of wills for her ideals and her life.

Martha Cohen Theatre

where when

Show times vary

tickets

ATPlive.com

September 13, 2017

7pm artscommons.ca

September 20, 2017 film

Calgary International Film Festival

Opening Gala

The Calgary International Film Festival’s 2017 Opening Gala film is the romance biopic MAUDIE, celebrating the life and career of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. Shining a light on marquee films, galas celebrate the year’s highest accomplishments with a screening and a party. where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

7:30pm

tickets

speaker

Jack Singer Concert Hall

artscommons.ca

Beakerhead

The Ape In You Led by an expert primatologist and a gaggle of Calgary’s best improv actors, learn about and witness the behavioural norms of our primate brethren. Prepare for one of those existential crisis moments where you realize you’re not so different from a gorilla, except maybe you have less body hair. Maybe…

Engineered Air Theatre

where when

tickets

7:30pm artscommons.ca

September 20 – October 8, 2017 theatre

Storybook Theatre

PINKALICIOUS! The Musical Based on the popular book, Pinkalicious!

The Musical is about a young girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true or a pink predicament? where when info

september 28

Arts Commons Fall 2017

Engineered Air Theatre

Show times vary artscommons.ca

September 21, 2017

September 26 – October 7, 2017

music

theatre

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Theatre Calgary

La La Land

Touch Me: Songs for a (dis)Connected Age

Experience the award winning musical film on the big screen as the score is performed live by your Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra! Winner of six Academy® Awards including Best Original Score, La La Land is an original musical about everyday life that explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. Presented in partnership with Calgary International Film Festival. where when

where when

tickets

Big Secret Theatre

Show times vary theatrecalgary.com

Jack Singer Concert Hall

8pm

tickets

Equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching, this modern musical revue impresses with its soaring vocals and refreshingly true depictions of our most private technological transgressions.

September 29 & 30, 2017

calgaryphil.com

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

September 22, 2017

Brahms & Mahler with Jan Lisiecki

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Maestro Rune Bergmann opens his highly anticipated first season as Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s Music Director with two epic works. Brahms’ first Piano Concerto unites orchestra and soloist seamlessly as triumphant partners and Mahler’s First Symphony provides some of the most picturesque music of the 19th century. Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm

A Taste of the Calgary Philharmonic

Take a whirlwind tour through some highlights of the Orchestra’s 2017-18 Season!

Led by Resident Conductor Karl Hirzer, this evening showcases selections from classic masterworks – Stravinsky’s blazing Firebird Suite and Dvorak's thunderous New World Symphony – as well as Jimi Hendrix’s iconic Purple Haze. when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

8pm

tickets

calgaryphil.com

when

©Steve Shaffer

where

where

tickets

8pm calgaryphil.com

music

Arts Commons Presents

PCL Blues: Kenny Neal

theatre

Attic Players

Right off his 2017 GRAMMY® nominated album release Bloodline, Kenny Neal comes to Calgary for a night of Baton Rouge swamp blues. Kenny Neal is a true blues triple threat, with sizzling guitar, mature beyondhis-years vocals, and killer harmonica.

Genesis: The Mary Shelley Story Co-produced with Artist Collective Theatre, and directed by Amanda Cutting, join Attic Players for an intimate performance delving into the world of Mary Shelley.

where

Motel Theatre

when

Show times vary tickets artscommons.ca when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

September 29 & 30, 2017

September 22 – 30, 2017

where

tickets

Engineered Air Theatre

8pm artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

29

October 2, 2017

October 6 & 7, 2017

visual and media arts

music

Arts Commons Presents

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Life Drawing

Disney in Concert: The Little Mermaid

Register today for a unique life drawing experience. Curated by local artist and instructor Mark Vazquez MacKay, these free sessions are inspired by the rich world of burlesque, with professional models in costume, and instruction by our host.

Arts Learning Centre

where when

Relive the magic of Disney’s timeless fulllength animated feature The Little Mermaid, accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic performing Alan Menken’s Academy Award winning score. Join us in this family-friendly, symphonic cinema event that takes you to Ariel’s enchanting world under the sea!

info

6:30pm – 8:30pm artscommons.ca

where when

tickets

October 3, 2017 opera

The Grand Salute to Bob McPhee concert

theatre

Wordfest

Evening Showcases

Celebrate with Calgary Opera, Calgary Opera Chorus, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and a star-studded cast of Canada's foremost opera performers, as we pay tribute to W.R. (Bob) McPhee, C.M., LLD (Hon).

Wordfest transforms the Big Secret Theatre and Motel into a hub of tasty and timely Wordy Goodness. Evening showcases include Bionic Women Writers and the always soldout Literary Death Match.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

Motel and Big Secret Theatres Show times vary tickets wordfest.com where

7pm tickets calgaryopera.com

October 4, 2017 music

Arts Commons Presents

BD&P World Music: PIAF! The Show The powerful and moving celebration of the life and music of legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf, starring Anne Carrere, showcases famous songs such as L’Hymne à L’Amour and La Vie en Rose.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

where

7:30pm tickets artscommons.ca when

october 30

Arts Commons Fall 2017

when

©Alain Biguet

when

7:30pm calgaryphil.com

October 10 – 15, 2017

Calgary Opera

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

October 10 – November 4, 2017 theatre

Theatre Calgary

Sisters: The Belles Soeurs Musical The new English-language musical adaptation about Germaine Lauzon, a working-class housewife in 1960s Montreal. She has just won the jackpot of one million trading stamps and her jealous family and neighbours come over for an amusing stamp-sticking party.

Max Bell Theatre Show times vary tickets theatrecalgary.com where when

October 12, 2017

October 17 – 28, 2017

music

theatre

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Urban Stories

Fifty For The Future With Kronos Quartet

The Mary Mink Story Delve into the true story behind the urban legend of Mary Mink, daughter of the affluent African Canadian James Mink in 1840s Toronto.

One of the greatest forces in the string quartet world for the past 40 years, the Kronos Quartet unites with Calgary’s own Lincoln Park Quartet, an elite ensemble cultivated at the Mount Royal Conservatory.

This cross-generational collaboration is on the breaking edge of classical chamber music (Please Note: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and its musicians do not play on this program).

Jack Singer Concert Hall

8pm tickets calgaryphil.com when

when

theatre

Alberta Theatre Projects

To the Light

A surreal and dreamlike play inspired by Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse that examines the power of friendships in forging our sense of identity.

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

where

New World Symphony & Kronos Quartet

where when

tickets

when

Martha Cohen Theatre

tickets

Show times vary ATPlive.com

October 20 & 21, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Music of the Ice: Skating's Greatest Hits

©Nick Suttle

Jack Singer Concert Hall

2pm & 7:30pm urbanstoriestheatre.org

October 17 – November 4, 2017

October 13 & 14, 2017

Montréal-based composer Nicole Lizée’s electronics-influenced works skip, stutter, and then soar. Her Black MIDI is performed by the Kronos Quartet, recognized as one of the most influential new-music groups of our time. The evening closes with Dvorák’s wildly popular “New World” Symphony, his tribute to American folk music. Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm

Motel Theatre

tickets

©Sara Jewell

where

where

World Champion and Olympic gold medalist Jamie Salé hosts this unforgettable evening of figure skating’s greatest hits with a spectacular video journey of famous routines from past and present, to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Glen Miller, and iconic works such as Ravel’s Boléro.

8pm calgaryphil.com

October 17, 2017

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

music

when

Arts Commons Presents

tickets

TD Jazz: HUDSON Jack DeJonette • Larry Grenadier John Medeski • John Scofield

8pm calgaryphil.com

To celebrate legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette’s 75th birthday, he has invited bassist Larry Grenadier, keyboardist John Medeski, and guitarist John Scofield to join him in an amazing new collaboration called HUDSON. where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

7:30pm artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

31

October 22, 2017

October 27 & 28, 2017

music

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Arts Commons Presents

Fred Penner with Orchestra For over 25 years, renowned Canadian family entertainer Fred Penner has worked to bring positive, inspiring messages to children of all ages. Two-time JUNO® Award winner and Order of Canada recipient, Penner sings and entertains with a charm that has endeared him to a generation.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

where when

tickets

3pm calgaryphil.com

PCL Blues: Harpdog Brown & the Travelin’ Blues Show featuring Sugar Brown From his swagger, twang, and killer harmonica, you’d never know that Harpdog Brown wasn’t from the far south but rather proudly Albertan, with the two-time win as Harmonica Player of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards. where when

Engineered Air Theatre

tickets

October 26, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

National Arts Centre Orchestra: Life Reflected Four riveting new Canadian works based on the inspiring lives of Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro, anti-bullying advocate Amanda Todd, astronaut Roberta Bondar, and Mi’kmaw elder Rita Joe. Canada’s biggest orchestral production ever conceived told through music, photography, motion picture, and 3D immersion. Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm Jack Singer Concert Hall

where

8pm tickets artscommons.ca when

8pm artscommons.ca

October 28, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

True North – Symphonic Ballet True North captures Canada’s cultural mosaic in majestic, symphonic scope. This ground-breaking collaboration between five Canadian composers, choreographed

by Yukichi Hattori, was commissioned in celebration of Canada 150. Rounding out the evening is the dazzling 1812 Overture and a new work by Calgary’s own Allan Gordon Bell.

Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

8pm calgaryphil.com

October 27, 2017

October 29, 2017

music /discussion

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Calgary Civic Symphony

Canadian composer and conductor Gary Kulesha leads a discussion with the five leading Canadian composers who created True North, a monumental work for orchestra and dancers. Through this unique experience you will learn from the creators and view an original documentary about the work.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday, Calgary Civic Symphony’s first concert of the season will feature Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear, proclaimed “a phenomenon” by the Los Angeles Times and “one of the best pianists of his generation” by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Road to the True North

Jack Singer Concert Hall

where

8pm tickets calgaryphil.com when

oct/nov 32

Arts Commons Fall 2017

Oh! Canada (150, eh?)

where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

2:30pm artscommons.ca

October 31, 2017

November 3, 2017

music

visual and media arts

The Wiggles

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

The Wiggles’ BIG SHOW! Tour

Michael Bernard Fitzgerald with Orchestra

Bigger, brighter, and wigglier than ever, Australia's favourite children's music group brings their new live performance, The Wiggles' BIG SHOW! to Calgary. where when

Calgary’s own Michael Bernard Fitzgerald joins the Calgary Phil for an evening of hopelined pop songs paired with the powerful, sweeping sounds of the orchestra.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

6:30pm artscommons.ca

where when

info

November 1 – 4, 2017 Curiously Canadian Improv Guild

visual and media arts

An Improv Terminator

Arts Commons Presents

Recognition… Validation…

Reassurance…Art + Mental Wellness

Each night the audience directs the story of the assassin cyborg bent on the destruction of mankind and particularly Sarah Connor, in this off-the-wall comedy experience filled with blood and laughs. when

This collaboration between artist Dick Averns and SPARK Disability Arts Festival to utilize spaces in and around Arts Commons, will engage public audiences on the topic of mental wellness.

Engineered Air Theatre

tickets

8pm calgaryphil.com

November 3, 2017 – January 2, 2018

comedy

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

Show times vary artscommons.ca

where when

November 1 – 4, 2017

info

Lightbox Studio

Always open artscommons.ca

dance

Cloudsway Dance Theatre

November 4, 2017

Sansei: The Storyteller Sansei: The Storyteller uses dance, theatre, and humour to tell the story of one of Canada’s darkest decisions and how the rampant racism of past generations still affects the Japanese community today. where when

music

Annerin Productions

Let It Be

The end of The Beatles era was never thought to be in sight when The Beatles played their last show on the roof of Apple Offices in 1969. Imagine what would have been if The Beatles continued their journey.

Motel Theatre

tickets

Show times vary artscommons.ca

where when

November 2, 2017

info

Jack Singer Concert Hall

8pm artscommons.ca

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Corb Lund

With a JUNO® and countless other awards to his name, one of Canada’s most decorated country western artists Corb Lund joins the Calgary Phil in a concert that is part hometown honkytonk and part blazing city lights. where when info

Jack Singer Concert Hall

8pm calgaryphil.com

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

33

speaker series

Arts Commons Presents

National Geographic Live: Pink Boots and a Machete with Mireya Mayor

©Mark Thiessen

November 5 & 6, 2017

Respected primatologist, intrepid explorer, and Emmy® Award nominee Mireya Mayor has explored some of the wildest and most remote places on earth. Experience her adventures with all of the dangers of life in the field, along with the moments that make it all worthwhile, including the discovery of a rare new species of mouse lemur.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

where when

artscommons.ca

November 5 – 18, 2017 theatre

Verb Theatre

Blackbird Fifteen years ago Una and Ray had an illegal relationship. They haven't set eyes on each other since. Now, fifteen years later, she's found him again and she's not the 12-yr-old he once knew.

Motel Theatre

where

Show times vary

tickets

verbtheatre.com

when

music

Arts Commons Presents

BD&P World Music: The Sachal Ensemble – Song of Lahore A perfect symbiosis of jazz and traditional Pakistani music, The Sachal Ensemble performs Song of Lahore – inspired by the acclaimed documentary film of the same name, and genre-defying language of jazz. where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

7:30pm artscommons.ca

7pm

tickets

November 7, 2017

November 10 & 11, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation Jeffrey Ryan’s powerful work, Afghanistan: Requiem for a Generation, returns to Calgary for the first time since its highly acclaimed 2012 premiere, commemorating the end of Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan.

The work pays tribute to the lives torn apart and brought together by war.

Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm

November 6, 2017 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

Life Drawing

Join us for a unique life drawing experience.

Curated by local artist and instructor Mark Vazquez MacKay, these free sessions are inspired by the rich world of burlesque, with professional models in costume, and instruction by our host.

Arts Learning Centre

where when info

6:30pm – 8:30pm artscommons.ca

november 34

Arts Commons Fall 2017

artscommons.ca

tickets

November 12, 2017 comedy

Just For Laughs

Just For Laughs: Comedy Tour Just For Laughs: Comedy Tour returns to Calgary with its biggest tour ever! This year’s spectacular edition will feature some of the biggest and brightest names in comedy! where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 7:30pm tickets

artscommons.ca

November 16, 2017

November 18, 2017

theatre

ballet

Schizophrenia Society of Alberta

Moscow Ballet

Schizophrenia Society: Starry Starry Night

Great Russian Nutcracker Moscow Ballet's 25th Anniversary Tour of Great Russian Nutcracker features overthe-top production and world class Russian artists. This larger than life show brings the Christmas spirit to life.

Written by a group of individuals living with schizophrenia who had all faced intense stigma and misconception from the community, Starry Starry Night gives a glimpse at how it feels to live with schizophrenia. Hundreds of performances later, it continues to educate, encourage empathy, and impact audiences across Alberta. where

where when

tickets

Engineered Air Theatre

when

7:30pm artscommons.ca

November 19, 2017

Show times vary artscommons.ca

tickets

Jack Singer Concert Hall

speaker

Live Nation

Peter Mansbridge

November 16, 2017

English-born Canadian Peter Mansbridge has had an unprecedented journalism career and is one of Canada’s most beloved media personalities. See him live at Arts Commons.

music

Choir Alberta

Alberta Big Sing The first ever Alberta Big Sing will bring together 500 choristers belonging to youth choirs (ages 14-25) from Calgary and around the province! Under the direction of renowned Canadian composer and conductor Dr. Mark Sirett, participants will spend the day singing together in a massed choir, a treble choir, and a lower voice choir. where

where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

8pm artscommons.ca

November 21 – December 31, 2017 theatre

Alberta Theatre Projects

Charlotte’s Web

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 7:30pm

November 17, 2017

A music-filled stage adaptation for the whole family, E.B. White’s classic tale about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider called Charlotte.

music

where

Arts Commons Presents

when

artscommons.ca

tickets

TD Jazz: Ramsey Lewis – A Night of Chicago Jazz

Martha Cohen Theatre

tickets

Show times vary ATPlive.com

American jazz composer, pianist, radio personality, and three-time GRAMMY® Award winning musician Ramsey Lewis is a jazz legend. Though he moves seamlessly through the genres from pop-covers to funk stylings, he has always stayed true to his jazz roots. where when

Jack Singer Concert Hall

tickets

7:30pm artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

35

November 23, 2017

November 24 & 25, 2017

music

music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Arts Commons Presents

Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich boldly claimed that “you'll have a good, secure life… when the mood of Beethoven's music becomes the mood of your whole life.”

The Calgary Philharmonic wholeheartedly agrees and presents you Beethoven’s towering Fifth Symphony.

Canadian blues treasure Dawn Tyler Watson comes to Calgary fresh off of her first place win at the 2017 International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis, her latest in a string of prestigious blues and folk music awards.

Blockbusters You Know & Love

where

PCL Blues: Dawn Tyler Watson

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 6:30pm tickets

tickets

November 25, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

theatre

Greatest Classical Hits

Theatre Calgary

A Christmas Carol Celebrating 31 years of spirited tradition, this Dicken’s family favourite holiday production is back to delight young and old.

Max Bell Theatre

when tickets

artscommons.ca

calgaryphil.com

November 23 – December 24, 2017

where

Engineered Air Theatre

when 8pm

TC Christmas Carol

Show times vary theatrecalgary.com

Hailed as “one of the most significant pianists of his generation,” Andrew Brownell tackles Rachmaninoff’s vibrant and showy Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol continues the Romantic decadence, and the evening comes to a thunderous conclusion with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Pre-concert Chat: 7:05pm. where

November 24, 2017

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm tickets

comedy

calgaryphil.com

Shantero Productions

Ron James

Award winning comedian Ron James has been selling out theatres for 15 years with his side-splitting performances. With eight critically acclaimed one-hour comedy specials under his belt, plus five seasons of his own series, Canada’s #1 road warrior is back doing what he does best: delivering laughs coast to coast! where

November 27, 2017 art party

Arts Commons Presents

Ron James

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 7:30pm tickets

artscommons.ca

Happenings 10: Counterculture and Identity Based around the current exhibitions at Arts Commons, the conversation of identity, gender, race, and sexuality are examined through interactive art, conversation, and music. where

Arts Commons,

Mezzanine Level

when 6–9pm info

november 36

Arts Commons Fall 2017

artscommons.ca

December 1 & 2, 2017

December 4, 2017

music

visual and media arts

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Arts Commons Presents

Join us for one of Calgary’s most beloved Christmas traditions. Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Calgary Philharmonic Chorus Master Timothy Shantz, is a profound work of faith and hope featuring an outstanding cast of guest soloists and the voices of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.

Register today for a unique life drawing experience. Curated by local artist and instructor Mark Vazquez MacKay, these free sessions are inspired by the rich world of burlesque, with professional models in costume, and instruction by our host.

Handel's Messiah

where

Life Drawing

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when

when 7:30pm

December 1, 2017 – February 23, 2018 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

December 4, 2017 – February 23, 2018 visual and media arts

Arts Commons Presents

Beneath, Site & Studio, Mutable Immobiles, and I Am So Emulsional

Omip.Pip, Membrana Mortis (Dead Film), and BUILT

Artists Cameron Young, Cody Cox, Heather Close, and Sebastian Jarmula explore unique analog photographic techniques, the relationship we have with our structures, our environment, and our city.

Three short films by media artists Kyle Whitehead, Maziar Ghaderi, and Emmanuel Ho explore the visual representation of music, fragment of damaged film, and the cost of building a megacity.

Broadcast Lab

when

where

Always open artscommons.ca

info

December 3, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

when info

©Megan Dyck

where

Arts Commons Presents

Benign Antonyms Exploring form versus function, Megan Dyck’s Benign Antonyms makes clever use of sculpture and textiles to re-contextualize familiar surfaces and forms to make the viewer reconsider the way in which they would interact with that object.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

where

when 2pm

when

calgaryphil.com

december

Always open artscommons.ca

visual and media arts

Sing along with the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and guest soloists in this exhilarating annual holiday tradition. Bring your own score, purchase one in the lobby, or just surround yourself in the glorious music as hundreds of Calgarians raise the rafters of the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

tickets

Window Galleries

December 4, 2017 - February 23, 2018

Sing-Along Messiah

where

6:30pm – 8:30pm artscommons.ca

calgaryphil.com ©Emmanuel Ho

tickets

info

Arts Learning Centre

info

The Ledge Gallery

Always open artscommons.ca

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

37

December 5, 2017

December 8 & 9, 2017

music

music

Live Nation

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Diana Krall

A Swinging Little Christmas with Tony Desare

GRAMMY® and JUNO® Award-winning Canadian Jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall brings her new album, Turn up the Quiet, to the Jack Singer Concert Hall for one night only as part of her Turn up the Quiet World Tour. where

Celebrate the holiday season with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and acclaimed vocalist and pianist, Tony DeSare.

Performing in the enduring crooner style of Sinatra and Bing Crosby, he’ll perform songs including I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and The Christmas Song.

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm tickets

artscommons.ca

where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm

December 6, 2017

tickets

calgaryphil.com

music

Legacy Kitchens

December 10, 2017

Legacy Kitchens: 2017 Music for a Winter Evening

music

Calgary Civic Symphony

Please join Legacy Kitchens at the Jack Singer Concert Hall for an unforgettable evening with the 16th Annual Music for a Winter Evening concert to benefit The Calgary Dream Centre. where

Icetime

The short story, The Hockey Sweater, by Québec writer Roch Carrier, has become an iconic piece of Canada’s winter heritage.

Join Roch and the orchestra as we recreate this story of the youthful trauma of wearing the wrong sweater in the Les Canadiens dominated hockey culture of Québec!

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 7:30pm

artscommons.ca

December 7, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Yo-Yo Ma in Concert

For over five decades, Yo-Yo Ma has pursued a musical career unsurpassed in its accomplishment and versatility. With over 100 albums and 18 GRAMMY® Awards, this cellist and cultural icon joins the Calgary Philharmonic in Dvorak’s cello concerto for one of the most highly anticipated evenings of the season! where

where

©Michael O’Neill

tickets

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm tickets

calgaryphil.com

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 2:30pm tickets

artscommons.ca

December 13 & 14, 2017 music

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

A Jann Arden Christmas Calgary-born multi-platinum singersongwriter Jann Arden catapulted to international musical acclaim with her 1994 hit single Insensitive. Peppered with her signature humour, one of Canada’s great singers will bring you joy and good cheer in this special holiday concert! where

Jack Singer Concert Hall

when 8pm tickets

december 38

Arts Commons Fall 2017

calgaryphil.com

The Beatles – Abbey Road WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018

Public Sector Support

Media Sponsors

Official Suppliers

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Join today! 403-294-7455 ext.1465 artscommons.ca/founderscircle

Arts Commons Box Office Sponsor

Become a member of Founders Circle and discover exceptional benefits and exclusive offers.

Arts Commons, Jack Singer Concert Hall, 7:30pm

403-294-9494 artscommons.ca/classicalbumslive

We believe the arts inspire innovative communities Imperial supports Arts Commons’ Happenings, the celebration of the visual and media arts. Visit imperialoil.ca/arts to learn more.

5 5

Become a member of Founders Circle and discover exceptional benefits and exclusive offers, all while helping us share the transformative power of the arts with many more in our community.

Join today!

403-294-7455 ext. 1465 or artscommons.ca/founderscircle FOUNDERS CIRCLE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Become a member of Founders Circle

and discover Become a member of Founders Circle exceptional benefits and exclusive offers, all while helping us and discover exceptional benefits and exclusive offers, all while helping share theustransformative power of the share the transformative power of the arts with many more in our community. arts with many more in our community.

Become Become a a member member of of Founders Founders Circle Circle and discover exceptional benefits and and discover exceptional benefits and Join today!

Join today! exclusive offers.

403-294-7455 ext.

1465 ora member exclusive offers.

Become ofext.

Founders Circle 403-294-7455 1465 or

Become a member of Founders Circle artscommons.ca/founderscircle and discover exceptional benefits and artscommons.ca/founderscircle and discover exceptional benefits and Join today!

403-294-7455 ext.

1441 403-294-7455 ext.1465 exclusive offers, all while helping us ext.1465 Join 403-294-7455 exclusive offers, all while helping us today! artscommons.ca/founderscircle FOUNDERS CIRCLE GENEROUSLY share the transformative power of the artscommons.ca/founderscircle share the transformative power of the SUPPORTED BY FOUNDERS GENEROUSLY arts withCIRCLE many more in our community. arts with many more in our community.

SUPPORTED BY

All photos ©Will Young

All photos © Will Young

photos © Will Young Join Alltoday!

Join today!

403-294-7455 ext. 1465 or 403-294-7455 ext. 1465 or All photos © Will Young artscommons.ca/founderscircle

Fall 2017 Arts Commons artscommons.ca/founderscircle

FOUNDERS CIRCLE GENEROUSLY

FOUNDERS CIRCLE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

39

We deliver more than ink on paper.

Formerly known as McAra Unicom, CBN Commercial Solutions is about more than ink on paper.

We’re about you.

OFFSET & DIGITAL PRINTING | WIDE FORMAT | DIRECT MAIL | PREPRESS | BINDERY

(403) 250.9510 | CBNCS.com CBNCS Arts Commons ad 7.25x2 v3.indd 1

40 Arts Commons Fall 2017

Proud supplier of Arts Commons

2016-11-07 12:46 PM

Helping to Create Well-Rounded Citizens Supporting youth and education is a vital part of ConocoPhillips’ contribution to communities where we operate, for today and for the future. That’s why we support Arts Commons’ efforts to bring arts and culture to students and teachers.

www.conocophillips.ca © ConocoPhillips Company 2017. All rights reserved.

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

41

thank you

Arts Commons wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the following corporations, foundations, governments, and passionate community leaders who give generously to support Arts Commons as we play a key role in the social, economic, cultural, and intellectual life and well-being of Calgarians and visitors.

CORPORATE SPONSORS & FOUNDATION PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS AND SPONSORED GOODS OR SERVICES

ALSA Road Construction Ltd. Supporting Sponsor,

Founders Circle

Founders Circle is the premiere donor engagement program at Arts Commons.

BD&P World Music and TD Jazz

CBC Media Sponsor

Arts Commons Endowment Fund through the Calgary Foundation

CTV Media Sponsor

Big Rock Brewery Inc. Official Brewery

Dr. Martha Cohen, CM, LLD (in memoriam) Sandra LeBlanc Vera Swanson, OC

Calgary Herald Media Sponsor

LEGACY BUILDER MEMBERS

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP Title Sponsor, BD&P World Music

Great Events Catering Sponsor, VIP Receptions, TD Jazz

CBN Commercial Solutions Official Printer

Bob & Sue Benzen Betty & David Smith Henry Sykes, QC & Molly Naber-Sykes

Hotel Arts Sponsor, VIP Receptions,

PIONEER MEMBERS

Calgary Foundation Partner, Community Accessibility Initiative Cenovus Energy Inc. Student Engagement Sponsor,

National Geographic Live

Hyatt Regency Calgary Official Hotel

National Geographic Live

Our Daily Brett Sponsor, VIP Receptions, BD&P World Music

Community Foundations of Canada & Calgary Foundation Partners, Visual and Media Arts

Pattison Outdoor Media Sponsor

ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp.

Major Sponsor, Arts Commons Box Office

Teatro Sponsor, Founders Circle

Student Engagement Sponsor, National Geographic Live Sponsor, Hub for Inspired Learning

GOVERNMENT

Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary Supporting Partner, Hub for Inspired Learning

of Canadian Heritage, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Service Canada

Imperial Sponsor, Visual and Media Arts Keyera Corp.

Sponsor, EXPLORE National Geographic PCL Construction Management Inc. Title Sponsor, PCL Blues Repsol Oil & Gas Canada Inc. Sponsor, EXPLORE National Geographic Royal Bank of Canada Series Presenting Sponsor,

National Geographic Live

Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals Inc.

Sponsor, EXPLORE National Geographic

SerVantage Services Inc. Supporting Sponsor, BD&P World Music

Government of Canada through the Departments

Government of Alberta through the Department

of Culture and Tourism, and Alberta Foundation for the Arts

The City of Calgary through the Department

of Community Services and Protective Services Arts Commons would also like to express our gratitude to The City of Calgary for a grant through the Capital Civic Partner Grant Program, the Government of Alberta for a grant through the Community Facility Enhancement Program, and the Government of Canada for two grants through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund that enables us to undertake critical lifecycle initiatives that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the 560,665 square foot Arts Commons facility.

TD Bank Group Title Sponsorship, TD Jazz

Title Sponsorship, TD Arts Access Pass

Please note that only gifts of $10,000 or more are listed above. For a complete list of corporate, foundation and government supporters of Arts Commons, please visit our website at artscommons.ca.

To inquire about becoming a supporter of Arts Commons, please contact Ms. Shone Thistle at 403-294-7455, ext.1468 or sthistle@artscommons.ca.

42

Arts Commons Fall 2017

HONOURARY MEMBERS

Don Douglas & Betty Dunphy Douglas David & Roxanne Dunlop Maureen Fielding R. Scott Hutcheson Gregory & Alexa Kudar

VISIONARY MEMBERS

Anonymous Michel Bourque & Bryan Clarke Patricia Dalk & Terry Burton Greg Epton & Greg Robertson Ken Havard John McWilliams, QC & Susan McWilliams Brian Mills & Susan Tyrrell Randy & Luba Pettipas Stuart & Vicki Reid C.A. Siebens Roderick Villanueva & Jennifer Kingsbury Tharrie & Johann Zietsman

MEMBERS

Anonymous Colin & Wendy Anderson Joanna Barstad Leslie Biles & Robert Armstrong Carri Clarke & Reid Brodylo Norm & Colleen Dickson Leslie & Joe Dort Jane Golubev & Igor Tesker Brian & Annette Hester Wes Jenkins Jennifer Johnson & Trev Habekost Tasha Komery Arun & Roopa Lakra Nicole Latimer & David Gustafson M. Ann McCaig Rodney & Karen McCann James & Janice Morton Joe & Judy Osinski Jock & Diana Osler Holly Schile & David Nielsen Dr. Jeremy Quickfall Alane Smith Marg Southern Daryl & Cindy Stepanic Shone Thistle & Heather Shaw

WRITTEN BY SHONE THISTLE

Explorers Circle

Members of Explorers Circle help Arts Commons bring the National Geographic Live speakers’ messages of exploration, discovery, and conservation to Calgary, and help National Geographic to inspire people to care about the planet.

ENGAGEMENT SPONSORS Bob & Sue Benzen, Pink Boots and a Machete with primatologist Mireya Mayor Ken Havard, View From Above with NASA astronaut Terry Virts Michel Bourque & Bryan Clarke, A Wild Life with photographer Bertie Gregory Doug Flaig & Helen Timmons, Standing at the Water's Edge with marine biologist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier

MEMBERS Maureen Armitage & Shane Matthews Sandra & Simon Barker Cabra Consulting Ltd. Antony, Kathleen & Alexander Deakin David & Roxanne Dunlop Jane Durango & Dr. Beverly Frizzell Greg Epton & Greg Robertson Lloyd & Riona Freeman Jane Golubev & Igor Tesker Brian & Annette Hester Janine LaBossiere Jordan & Nyssa Moore Devin & Shelley Spackman Shone Thistle & Heather Shaw Joyce Warren & Vanessa Arrate Please note that only gifts of $1,000 or more are listed above. For a complete list of individual donors through Founders Circle and Explorers Circle, please visit our website at artscommons.ca.

To inquire about becoming a member of Founders Circle or Explorers Circle, please contact Mr. Daniel Mills at 403-294-7455, extension 1441, or dmills@artscommons.ca.

A

rts Commons supporter, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), has built a reputation for giving back to Canadians and Calgarians.

We wanted to know what motivates them to be so generous, so we reached out to our friends at RBC who said we should talk to Jeff Boyd.

Boyd, now Regional President for Alberta, has been with RBC for over 22 years, and in a world where people change careers so rapidly, I started our conversation by asking him:

Jeff Boyd on the Jack Singer Concert Hall stage

and simply be part of a truly important conversation about Earth’s future.

Q: What keeps it fresh and exciting?

A: I work with an amazing team of people who are passionate about helping our clients thrive. And I’m inspired by the organization’s commitment to serve our clients with integrity. We help create prosperity – for individuals, businesses and communities.

All things I proudly embrace.

Q: Why does RBC support Arts Commons? And why the National Geographic Live series?

A: The arts play a pivotal role in building vibrant communities and strengthening economies, and Arts Commons is a terrific partner that provides artists, from every genre, opportunities to bring their talent and vision to life.

With specific regard to National Geographic Live, as a global financial institution, we recognize that our success depends on the health and prosperity of the clients and communities we serve.

That includes the health of our planet.

National Geographic Live is an amazing way to create a dialogue about the challenges our planet is facing and the beauty within it. Every time I see a National Geographic Live presentation, I am inspired to learn more, do more,

Q: Do you have a National Geographic Live memory that stands out?

A: It would have to be the first presentation I attended – On the Trail of Big Cats by Steve Winter. I was awed by the images that flashed on the giant screen and the stories told about capturing them. Winter spoke about the painstaking effort to set up time lapse cameras at a watering hole – and then we saw the almost playful way the tigers sniffed out the equipment. In the end, he had breathtaking photos of these enormous cats in their natural habitat.

The other powerful image for me was of the rare snow leopard; made that much more impressive by Winter’s story about the solitary effort it took to capture beautiful images of a rarely seen animal.

Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?

A: Just that we are deeply grateful to be in a position to give back to organizations like Arts Commons, thanks to the trust and partnership of our clients.

Thanks Jeff! We’re grateful to RBC clients too. We hope that your colleagues and clients take pride in their partnership with Arts Commons.

Fall 2017 Arts Commons

43

From blues and jazz, to world and even classic albums, Arts Commons is passionate about music, bringing fantastic artists from near and far to perform in Calgary. For our fall issue, we asked Programming Associate

Jodi Lucas, a member of Arts Commons Programming team, to select a couple of winning albums you won’t want to miss having a listen to.

WRITTEN BY JODI LUCAS

Y® RAMM 2017 GD WINNER AWAR ntemporary Best Co es Album Blu

THE SOURCE Tony Allen genre: Jazz, World release date: September 8, 2017

THE LAST DAYS OF OAKLAND Fantastic Negrito genre: Contemporary Blues release date: June 3, 2016

The Source marks 77 year old Afrobeat icon Tony Allen’s full-length debut with venerable jazz label Blue Note Records. Well known for being Fela Kuti’s collaborator, musical director, and drummer, Tony Allen could be described as a musical architect with drum patterns that are captivating as well as precise and textured. No one plays a drum kit quite like Tony Allen. His long-term collaborator saxophonist Yann Jankielewicz observes: “Tony has never played drums as well as this,” quite a statement considering the incredible range of Allen’s 50 year career.

Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz or Fantastic Negrito has had no easy ride. One of 15 children in an orthodox Muslim household, he grew up on the infamous streets of Oakland, California. He struggled to achieve a disastrous million dollar record deal, then walked away from the industry after a near fatal car accident that left him in a coma for a month. Later, Dphrepaulezz returned to music, inspired by the Blues of the Mississippi Delta.

But The Source is no traditional jazz album.

Contemplative and insistent, Allen channels the swing of American masters like Art Blakey and Max Roach along with formidable doses of Afrobeat, funk and spirit.

Buoyed by a roster of 11 musicians, along with guest Damon Albarn on track Cool Cats, its genre-busting arrangements on tracks like Push and Pull are languid but bright and sparkling. Listen to this album when you are in need of a giant hit of the truest of cool.

44

Arts Commons Fall 2017

Negrito leaves the original sounds of artists like Lead Belly and Skip Woods intact and builds bridges to modernity by sampling his own live instruments, respecting black roots music and the contribution of its offspring musically and culturally. In 2015, he won NPR’s prestigious Tiny Desk Concert contest which led to multiple opportunities for the late Chris Cornell.

His album, The Last Days of Oakland, reissued in 2017, reflects “…the end of something and the beginning of something…” channeling the vitality, urgency, and compassion of early blues artists, and inspired by a life overcoming adversity.

OUR LOCATION Our address is 205 8th Ave SE. Our main entrance is located off Stephen Avenue, one block east of the Calgary Tower and across from Olympic Plaza.

Located in the heart of Calgary’s vibrant downtown core, Arts Commons is home to the city’s premier performance venues. Offering public art spaces and six distinct performance venues, including the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons is home to a variety of artists and an array of resident companies that include the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and annual events such as the Calgary International Children’s Festival.

GETTING HERE BY LRT Calgary’s LRT (light rail train) will take you to City Hall station, one block north of Arts Commons.

GETTING HERE BY CAR

P1

Arts Commons offers underground parking. Enter off Macleod Trail between 9th and 8th Avenues.

$5

OPEN EVENI NGS & WE EKENDS

P U RC H AS E T IC K E TS AT O U R B OX O F F IC E : C E N T RE CO U RT, 2 2 5 8 T H AV E S E

SEE A SHOW

10 to 6

AM

PM

Sundays

CLOSE D

403-294-9494 artscommons.ca

Other parking options include:

P2

Civic Plaza Parkade

P3

TELUS Convention Centre

P4

Palliser Square (access Arts Commons via the +15 network)

P5

Surface parking lots in the 200, 300 and 400 blocks on the south side of 9th Avenue SE

LANDMARKS Calgary Tower

P3

Olympic Plaza TELUS Convention Centre Hyatt Regency Calgary

P1

P4

P5

P2

P5

Glenbow Museum Marriott Hotel City Hall

BE SOC I AL

JO I N US O N FACEB O O K OR FO L LOW U S O N TW IT T E R FO R CO NCERT A NNO UNCEM E N TS , S P EC IA L O F F E RS , A N D M O RE .

#artscommons @yycARTS

Pink Boots and a Machete Ph

oto

ŠH isto ry

Ch

ann

el

with primatologist and TV correspondent Mireya Mayor

Sun. November 5, 2017 at 2pm & Mon. November 6, 2017 at 7pm Arts Commons, Jack Singer Concert Hall Series Presenting Sponsor

Student Engagement Sponsors

Public Sector Support

Media Sponsors

Engagement Sponsor Mireya Mayor – Pink Boots and a Machete

EXPLORE National Geographic Sponsors

Official Suppliers

Arts Commons Box Office Sponsor

Explorers Circle & VIP Reception Sponsor

Follow us #artscommons @yycARTS

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 403-294-9494 artscommons.ca/NGL