WORDFEST IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER — WITH MORE THAN 50 AUTHORS OVER 7 DAYS — INCLUDING HEATHER O’NEILL!
THE LITERARY SCENE EVENTS
THINGS TO DO ARTS MUSIC BOOKS
12 COVER
Now a full week long, Wordfest will feature more than 30 events celebrating books and the folks who read them and write them.
We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
4 ACT 1, SCENE 1
What to do and see this month including our guide to Halloween week.
10 THEATRE SCENE
With fun and educational programming that goes off-script and off-stage, Calgary Opera is working hard to make opera easier to love.
11 PROFILE
Suzette Mayr shares her inspiration.
15 LITERARY SCENE
Though they be little, they are fierce — Calgary’s Little Free Library community continues to thrive.
16 SCENE’S GUIDE TO CHEAP EATS
From cozy neighbourhood spots to trendy downtown eateries, Calgary offers a range of affordable dining options that don’t sacrifice quality or flavour.
Cover Photo: Writer Heather O’Neill appears at Wordfest in the Literary Death Match October 18 and A Celebration of Heather O’Neill October 19.
Photo: Heather Saitz
Publisher and Acting Editor Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Sarah Comber, Cam Hayden, Arroy (AJ) Jacob, Viancy Salubre, Krista Sylvester, Mary-Lynn Wardle, Abbey Whitehead
Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur
Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt
Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten
Administrative and HR Manager Tara Brand
CEO and co-owner Roger Jewett
President and co-owner Käthe Lemon Design Director Steve Collins
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada
The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards.
redpointmedia.ca
1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7
18 FOOD SCENE
Crossroads Market is a lively hub of community, bargain hunting, and great eats for the budget conscious.
20 MUSIC SCENE
Quebec singer-songrwiter Mia Kelly comes to Calgary fresh off a win for Canadian Folk Music Awards Emerging Artist of the Year. And a dream of a new local music magazine becomes a reality with Reverie.
22 Cam Hayden
What to do in October
BY VIANCY SALUBRE
SLOWBURN BOOKS FALL MOVIE NIGHT
Turn up the heat with Slow Burn Books as they host their first fall movie night on October 1 at 5:45 p.m. at The Plaza Theatre with their showing of You’ve Got Mail. This classic romantic comedy follows a pair of business rivals sparring with kitschy technology. Enjoy cocktails and snacks all within the pink walls of The Plaza’s retro theatre.Visit slowburnbooks.ca for more information.
OKTOBERFEST AT BOW RIVER BREWING
Join the Bow River Brewing Company in celebrating Oktoberfest with German music, performances, food, and, most importantly, beer. More of its refreshing spins on traditional beer will be available at its sixth consecutive cele-
bration of Oktoberfest on October 4, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Visit bowriverbrewing.com to grab your tickets.
STATE OF ART YYC
On October 4 to 5, indulge in art made by local artists courtesy of State of Art YYC, an annual event that has proudly nurtured the arts in Calgary for over 15 years. The two-day art display occurs at the Strathcona Community Centre, open to view from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 5. Visit stateofartyyc.com for more information.
SCREAMFEST
ScreamFest is returning to the Stampede Grounds from October 11 to 31. A concoction of six haunted houses, horror films, thrilling rides, and interactive zombies can indeed brew a scream out of you this Halloween. Begin your scary journey at screamfest.ca.
MOVIE NIGHTS, GUIDED PAINT CLASSES, AND DANCE FESTIVALS MAKE THIS OCTOBER IN CALGARY ONE TO REMEMBER.
CALGARY NATIONAL BANK TOURNAMENT CHALLENGER
The Calgary National Bank Challenger Tournament celebrates its 5th anniversary with a tournament packed with tennis matches between rising stars in Alberta. Check out the action from October 13 to 20. October 12 is a free community day with the opportunity to learn from tennis pros. Visit calgary.nationalbankchallenger.com and get your tennis on.
ZINE FEST
The Calgary Public Library collaborates with Vibrant Communities Calgary to display its “Enough For All Futures Community Zine” mural at the Zine Fest on October 17. Enjoy some food, drinks, and performances from artists all over the city at this vibrant event. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/zinefest to learn more.
ALBERTA BALLET: GRIMM
The Alberta Ballet has commissioned Stefania Ballone — a rising star choreographer — to create a more twisted retelling of the Brothers Grimm classics. The show connects the bleaker origins with bewitching expressive movements, sure to incite all the creeps just in time for Halloween. GRIMM will be at the Jubilee from October 17 to 19 Visit albertaballet.com/grimm to learn more and get tickets.
FLUID FESTIVAL
Be moved by dances at Springboard Perfomance’s Fluid Festival from October 22 to November 7 this year. The Fluid Festival includes ten dance performances that will take place at various venues, including the new Erratics Indie Arts Club in the Beltline. Check out springboardperformance.com to learn more.
PALAK STUDIO INK: PAINT & SIP NIGHTS
At Palak Studio Ink, everyone is an artist, and everyone can make something beautiful. These guided painting classes run from 4:30 to 6:30 on Saturdays at The Mash, and tickets (only $35!) include all the art materials needed to make your masterpiece. Visit palakstudioink.com to find the next Sip Night.
12-HOUR HALLOWEEN MOVIE MARATHON
Test your horror movie mettle at Calgary Underground Film Festival’s annual 12-Hour Halloween Movie Marathon on October 26. Enjoy familiar favourites and undiscovered gems in the ambiance of Globe Cinema. The seven-movie lineup will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with complimentary breakfast for the last participants standing and prizes for best-dressed costumes! Visit calgaryundergroundfilm.org for more information
PHOTO: CAITLIND R.C. BROWN
PHOTO: MARTIN KNOWLES
CUFF’s 2023 12-Hour Halloween Horror Movie Marathon
James-Amzin Nahirnick at Fluid Fest
Direct from your radio pals at 90.9 FM, here is a snapshot of the current artists & albums topping the charts at CJSW. Tune in, turn it up and enjoy.
1. Ghostkeeper - Cîpayak Joy** (Victory Pool Records)
2. Osees - SORCS 80 (Castle Face)
3. NxWorries - Why Lawd? (Stones Throw)
4. Potatohead People - Eat Your Heart Out* (Bastard Jazz)
5. ATOMIS - Welcome to the Void* (Public Library)
6. The Sour Patch Men - Pucker** (Self-Released)
7. Bad Bodies - Bad Bodies EP** (Self-Released)
8. Falcon Jane - Legacy* (Darling Recordings)
9. Night Court + The Dumpies* - Shit Split Part Duh (Hovercraft Records)
10. Motorists - Touched by the Stuff* (We Are Time)
11. Annie-Claude Deschênes - LES MANIÈRES DE TABLE* (Bonsound / Italians Do It Better)
12. Kronos Quartet and Friends - Outer Space Incorporated: Kronos Quartet and Friends meet Sun Ra (Red Hot Org)
13. Meridian Brothers - Mi Latinoamerica Sufre (Ansonia Records)
14. Hakushi Hasegawa - Mahōgakkō (Brainfeeder)
15. Johnny Blue Skies / Sturgill Simpson - Passage Du Desir (High Top Mtn)
16. Sea of Lettuce - Any Day Now** (Self-Released)
17. Oonga - Cracher le feu* (Mtl Sauce Piquante co.)
18. Cola - The Gloss* (Fire Talk)
19. Wyatt C. Louis - Chandler* (Royal Mountain)
20. Combo Daguerre - Fracassines (Barbès Records)
21. Chris Cohen - Paint a Room (Sub Pop / Hardly Art)
22. Bridgeland - Automate** (Self-Released)
23. Alex Cuba - Voces De Mi Familia* (Caracol Records)
GET SONICALLY AGNOSTIC THIS MONTH WITH EDM + ORCHESTRA COLLABORATIONS, GRUNGY POPPUNK, AND A WHOLE LOT OF METAL.
BY NATHAN ILES
DUSKUS
This London-based producer makes his first Calgary appearance with a bangin’ set of house and blood-and-thunder kicks that never lose sight of the hooks and melodies. October 3, 9 p.m. at Commonwealth, 731 10 Ave. S.W., commonwealthbar.ca
THE STORY OF MERLE HAGGARD
JUNO-nominated singer Jess Lee hosts a celebration of one of country music’s enduring stars, with live renditions interwoven with stories from Haggard’s life that echo his working-class anthems. October 4, 7 p.m. at Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., jubileeauditorium.com
KIESZA + ORCHESTRA
Homegrown pop star Kiesza makes a special ap-
pearance with Calgary Phil this fall, performing orchestral-pop mashups of her hit songs like “Phantom on the Dancefloor.”
October 5, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer, 205 8 Ave. S.E., calgaryphil.com
THE GALACTICAS W/ TERRIBLE PEOPLE, SELF HELP BOOKS & THE LOST LONELY SOULS
Riding the high of their fourth album Planned Obsolescence, local pop-rockers The Galacticas return to one of Calgary’s grungiest venues for a night of ear-splitting punk racket. October 5, 7 p.m. at Vern’s, 622 8 Ave. S.W., facebook.com/vernscalgary
Crushing deathcore and brutal riffs are on the menu of this jam-packed wall shaker. Carnifex’s hard-hitting metal explores both personal themes and supernatural musings. October 12, 5:30 p.m. at MacEwan Ballroom, 2500 University Dr. N.W., macewancentre.com
PHOTO: KIESZA
Kiesza
UPCOMING EVENTS:
ANCIIENTS & BISON W/ SPECIAL GUESTS
JUNO Award-winning Anciients joins forces with Vancouver headbangers Bison, bringing melodic shreds, sludge-y riffs, and crushing heaviness to the western edge of downtown Calgary.
October 15, 7 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Avenue S.W., dickensyyc.com
TERRA LIGHTFOOT W/ THE HI-TOPS
With JUNO and Polaris nominations to her name, Terra Lightfoot is a celebrated purveyor of distinctly Canadian pop-rock, joined by the hard rock crunch of The Hi-Tops. October 17, 7 p.m. at Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave. S.E., calgaryfolkfest.com/festival-hall
EVANESCENCE W/ HALESTORM & THE WARNING
Led by Amy Lee’s soaring vocals, Evanescence specializes in a unique take on metal that incorporates goth, industrial, and operatic influences. They’ve won Grammys and scored movie trailers, and now they’re hitting the Dome.
October 18, 6 p.m. at the Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., scotiabanksaddledome.com
BUGOY DRILON
This Filipino crooner explores a variety of genres—from ballads to R&B and reggae—with heartfelt emotion and a velvet-smooth voice that must be heard. October 19, 7 p.m. at Crown Banquet Hall, 3730 108 Ave. N.E., crownbanquet.ca
SAWYER BROWN W/ SHENANDOAH & GEORGE FOX
Expect a warm night of throwback Western jams when Sawyer Brown brings its 40th-anniversary tour to Calgary, joined by Canadian country legend George Fox. October 24, 7 p.m. at Winsport Event Centre, 140 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., winsport.ca
POLTERGEIST W/ DA’AT, CLOSETALKERS & NON ULTRAS
Local goth-rockers Poltergeist are celebrating the release of their debut album Nachtmusik with a stacked night of atmospheric heaviness featuring bands downstairs and DJs upstairs all night. October 25, 8 p.m. at the Palomino, 109 7 Avenue S.W., thepalomino.ca
SCI-FI SPECTACULAR: INTERSTELLAR, STAR WARS + BEYOND
Interstellar, Star Wars and Arrival are just a few of the iconic movie themes Calgary Phil brings to life this fall. October 25/26, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer, 205 8 Ave S.E., calgaryphil.com
BONOBO
Whether at Boiler Room sets or in clubs worldwide, Bonobo’s fusion of trip-hop and world music is the kind of jams that bust your subwoofer and get your hips moving. November 2, 9 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca
D E C E M B E R 1 4
Pre-sale tickets on sale now until November 1. STUDIOBELL.CA/WHATS-ON
The Beatles in Canada
FROM ME TO YOU
Experience a nostalgic tribute to The Beatles’ transformative years upon arriving in Canada for the first time. Revisit the frenzied excitement that swept the nation.
DECEMBER 13
Tickets on sale October 16. STUDIOBELL.CA/WHATS-ON
EXHIBITIONS ON NOW:
IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE NMC FUNDRAISER:
A new temporary exhibition honouring the “Godfather of Canadian hip-hop.” 2024 INDUCTEE MAESTRO FRESH WES
Featuring 2024 Artist inductee and Builder inductee
FEATURING
7 Days of Halloween in Calgary
LET THE SCENE PLAN THE SPOOKIEST WEEK OF THE YEAR FOR YOU
NATHAN ILES
At some point, Halloween in Calgary evolved from a single night of costumed fun to a whole month of chills… and without a plan, it can be overwhelming. Fear Not! Here’s our guide to a full week of ghoulish fun for all.
OCTOBER 24
Ghoulish Grown-ups: It’s adult night at Screamfest, which means you can sip a cocktail while exploring numerous haunted houses and more. screamfest.ca.
Frightful Families: Ghouls’ Night Out offers monster meet-and-greets, haunted tours and more for the whole family at Heritage Park. heritagepark.ca.
Bargain Banshees: Take a tour through the haunt-
ed corners of Lougheed House. Superstitions and Secrets: The Dark Side of Victorian Society is only $15. lougheedhouse.com.
OCTOBER 25
Ghoulish Grown-ups: The Big Tiddy Goth Girls Halloween Variety Show promises interactive activities and terrifyingly hilarious comedy at The Blox Arts Centre. theblox.ca.
Frightful Families: Enjoy barnyard activities and grab a fresh pumpkin at Calgary Farmyard’s Fall Days. calgaryfarmyard.com.
Bargain Banshees: The Haunted Frat House Party at the Back Alley offers free admission before 10 p.m.! Register ahead at gary.com.
OCTOBER 26
Ghoulish Grown-ups: wild Halloween party options, we recommend the annual CJSW x Sled Island Halloween Party at #1 Royal Canadian Legion.
Frightful Families: Calgary’s Dash of Doom is a family (and pet!) friendly night race in support of AARCS. runyyc.ca.
Bargain Banshees: the YYC teams up with the Calgary Association of Paranormal Investi gations to guide free tours of Calgary’s most haunted corners. historywranglertours.ca
OCTOBER 27
Ghoulish Grown-ups: Catch Vertigo Theatre’s spooky production of gothic horror story The Woman In Black. vertigotheatre.com
Frightful Families: Halloween Family Skate at the Olympic Oval includes stamp collecting and treats for the young ones. oval.ucalgary.ca
Bargain Banshees: Head to Crossroads Market, take pictures with the giant skeletons that guard the halls, and grab a farm-fresh pumpkin to carve up in the evening.
OCTOBER
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Ghoulish Grown-ups: Start the week with a cocktail at Shelter and enjoy the sinister
Load the family in the car and cruise around, checking out Halloween decorations. I’ve seen some in Lynwood, Mount Royal, Cresand Rocky Ridge.
Bargain Banshees: Get ready for Halloween with a cheap costume date! Hit Goodwill or Women in Need and grab a pre-made costume, or a bed sheet and activate your inner ghost.
OCTOBER
29
Ghoulish Grown-ups: Cauldron Comedy is an open-mic comedy show every Tuesday at
The Potion Room, a magic-themed cocktail bar. Frightful Families: Pumpkins After Dark features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins. calgary. pumpkinsafterdark.com.
Bargain Banshees: Grab a friend for a DIY haunted pub crawl! The Hose and Hound, Elephant & Castle (formerly Rose & Crown) and Rouge Restaurant are just a few allegedly haunted spots.
OCTOBER 30
Ghoulish Grown-ups: The Black Lagoon Halloween pop-up is in full swing at Blind Tiger, featuring creepy cocktails with a spooky ambiance. Follow @blindtigeryyc on Instagram for updates. Frightful Families: Enjoy live renditions of music from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice at the Candlelight Orchestra: Halloween Special. candlelightexperience.com.
Bargain Banshees: Horror Movie Trivia at Dickens is only $5, and you might even see the writer of this article co-hosting! Pro-tip: brush up on John Carpenter.
HALLOWEEN
Ghoulish Grown-ups: The Train of Terror, Canada’s only moving haunted house, is the perfect way to spend Halloween night. aspencrossing.com. Frightful Families: Take the kids to Okotoks for Nightmare In The Campground, a series of outdoor haunted houses at the Lions Campground. Then, trick or treat to your heart’s content. Bargain Banshees: Resurrect those movie rental vibes. Hit Rough Cut Video or Video Game Trader for a cheap Halloween DVD (I recommend Trick ‘R Treat), grab some cheap snacks from Dollarama, turn the lights off and have a fang-tastic night.
BY ARROY (AJ) JACOB
Calgary Opera is flipping the script on how we interact with this 400-yearold art form.
Sue Elliot, the organization’s General Director and CEO since last fall, built her career around spearheading initiatives that speak to her community. “I’ve produced a lot of very dynamic programming for people who consider themselves opera experts and also for people who are coming to operas for the first time,” she says. And after stints with the Houston Grand Opera and the Seattle Opera, her community is now the Blue Sky City.
This isn’t your grandmother’s opera — all are welcome, and theatre goes beyond the stage.
ARIAS & ALES
Enjoy opera without getting your Sunday best cleaned. Aria & Ales infuses the casual fun of a bar hang-out with the magic of opera compositions.
Step into Best of Kin Social and enjoy curated bites and beers as musicians and singers perform opera right in the bar. It’s perfect for a date night or anyone seeking an accessible way to hear some opera.
The next Aria & Ales event is on November 24, with tickets available for 5:30 and 7:30 showings. Tickets are only $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
OPERA BUDDIES
Calgary Opera also offers Opera Buddies, a series of four-part classes open to all ages. These classes aim to uncover hidden meanings specific to their productions in a fun, inclusive way. Led by a professional opera teacher, each Opera Buddies session starts with two classes at McDougall United Church: an introduction to opera and a primer on the specific opera you’ll be attending. Next, enjoy a dress rehearsal of the opera with a live orchestra, soloists, and chorus. The final class is a guided reflection on what you saw and suggestions for further learning.
Opera Out of Bounds
CALGARY OPERA TAKES TO THE STREETS
Each 4-class Opera Buddies session is just $20 and includes one ticket to the dress rehearsal. After participating in one session, participants can become Opera Buddies Ambassadors and regularly attend Calgary Opera dress rehearsals with a pal for only $20.
The next session starts on October 17 and focuses on Calgary Opera’s fall production of Don Giovanni, which runs November 2, 6 and 8.
UP CLOSE & OVER EASY
Imagine “Aria & Ales,” but swap the beer for mimosas and the burgers for breakfast food! Up Close and Over Easy brings brunch and opera to the Calgary Petroleum Club. Guest stars from around the globe, along with Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artists, share heartfelt music and stories — the perfect start to anyone’s afternoon.
Each year, the McPhee program provides up to eight early-career opera singers with the
chance to study with world-renowned opera singers at Calgary Opera… and at Up Close & Over Easy they apply their craft over your breakfast orders! It’s a win-win: Patrons receive exceptional entertainment, and the singers receive invaluable practice.
The next Up Close & Over Easy is on October 20. Tickets start at $55 for kiddos and $95 for adults, with breakfast included.
OTHER EVENTS
Calgary Opera has introduced several other events aimed at democratizing the art form and making it relevant to modern audiences.
Unpacking Opera is an ongoing event series that helps adults get the most out of an upcoming Calgary Opera main-stage performance. Registration is free and the events take place at the Mamdani Opera Centre about a month before each show they relate to. The next event is January 10 and focuses on Don Pasquale.
Around the Piano sessions explore the music of each main-stage performance with artistic director Jonathan Brandani. The next session is October 10.
The Spotlight On series gives participants a look at what it takes to run Calgary Opera. The first session in the series “Nothing to See Here” will look at design, artistry and problem solving and takes place November 14 at the Mamdani Opera Centre. There are three sessions in the series and you can buy a package of tickets to all three for $60 or individual sessions for $25 each. The Masterclass events take place on Sunday afternoons at the Mamdani Opera Centre in the Beltline and feature the McPhee Program singers along with other students. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for general admission. The next event Masterclass takes place October 27
Visit calgaryopera.com to find your opera entry point.
PHOTO: TAYLOR MATHESON
Anna Draper sings at Arias & Ales with Jonathan Brandani
BY SARAH COMBER
Calgary author Suzette Mayr has published multiple novels including her most recent, The Sleeping Car Porter (2022), which received many accolades, including the 2022 Giller Prize. But her path to literary success was not necessarily direct.
At 10 years old, Mayr was an avid reader, eagerly turning the pages of beloved books — with firm favourites like Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh and The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck.
Her early writing during these formative years was like fan-fiction, and it wasn’t until university that Mayr truly began finding her voice.
Initially pursuing science — with an interest in biology and zoology — Mayr was “forced” to take an English class as part of her studies at the University of Calgary. This class reawakened her childhood love of fiction. Mayr then applied for, and was accepted to, a poetry writing class that sparked the opportunity to learn from a series of creative writing instructors who furthered her passion.
One of Mayr’s earliest mentors was Aritha van Herk (The Tent Peg). Van Herk worked with Mayr on her first manuscript, and subsequently first published novel, Moon Honey (1995). The novel’s Landmark Edition was republished last month, and features an author interview with Karina Vernon, an associate professor at The University of Toronto, and an afterword by award-winning poet and novelist Kaie Kellough (Dominoes at the Crossroads).
“Ever since then I’ve just been writing, because it’s what I like to do,” says Mayr, who is also a creative writing professor at the University of Calgary. Mayr has since published an additional five novels.
“I’ve always been of the mind that I don’t ever want to write the same thing twice,” says Mayr. She adds that “long and unwieldy” sentences, influenced by her poetry background, are a common thread in her writing — along with a penchant for the supernatural.
Catching Butterflies
AWARD-WINNING CALGARY AUTHOR SUZETTE MAYR SHARES WHAT
SPARKED HER PASSION FOR WRITING AND HOW INSPIRATION FINDS HER
“THAT’S WHAT I THINK ABOUT — THE GOTHIC IDEA OF LIVING IN A HOUSE WHERE THE DEAD ARE PRESENT AND VIBRANT .
“I grew up in a haunted house. Well, haunted in a metaphorical way,” says Mayr, whose maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather died before she was born. “That’s what I think about — the Gothic idea of living in a house where the
dead are present and vibrant.”
“[Suzette] is able to mash together high literature, pop culture, horror and social significance all into one package in a way that I don’t come across very often,” says Alana Wilcox, editorial
director at Coach House Books, and Mayr’s editor and publisher.
Wilcox, who has worked with Mayr since 2009, adds that as a person Mayr is smart but approachable and as a writer, she is incredibly dedicated.
“I think the Suzette you encounter in your books is the Suzette you meet; and I mean that as the highest of compliments,” says Wilcox. “I’m only ever surprised by how she exceeds my expectations.”
Wilcox’s expectations were particularly exceeded with The Sleeping Car Porter. Mayr had worked on the novel’s manuscript for 20 years.
“I try to make it a habit, if I can, to always overlap novels,” says Mayr. “I tend to get quite depressed when I don’t have a project on the go.”
Since The Sleeping Car Porter had been Mayr’s “backup plan” for so long, with the award-winning book now published, the novelist notes she is “in a bit of a panic.”
“I’m not sure what the next book will be, but I’m hunting.”
Mayr likens “hunting” for inspiration to holding a butterfly net and hoping something flies into it. She sees these figurative butterflies as sparking an idea, and these ideas often lead her down a rabbit hole of research until a novel emerges.
“It feels to me like seeing snakes in the grass, and chasing the tails and hoping one takes you to someplace interesting,” she says.
Mayr’s role as a professor provides her with a lot of research support, including archive access — which is fortuitous, as her body of work tends to focus on Southern Alberta. Teaching also offers a touch-point with the world — Mayr notes that seeing how other people live and interact provides additional material to write about.
“And the other thing I love [about teaching] is that I get to meet young writers. Actually, I also love meeting students who aren’t creative writers,” says Mayr. “Even if you’re going into medicine, having an imagination is important — which is why fiction is important.”
Mayr’s advice for those young writers? “Follow the joy.”
PHOTO: HEATHER SAITZ
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
reat news, book lovers! Imaginarium, Wordfest’s celebrated annual literary festival, has expanded this year with a full week of events from October 15 to 21. The venues include the Memorial Park and downtown Central Libraries and DJD Dance Centre. You can buy a festival pass, individual event tickets, or enjoy some of the many free events. With over 30 shows across the week there’s a lot to take in, so here is just a sampling of events we’re excited about — one for every day of the week.
WORDFEST
IMAGINATION THRIVES AT WORDFEST’S IMAGINARIUM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 7:30 P.M.
Susanne Craig
PHOTO: NASUNA STUART-ULIN
LUCKY LOSER: HOW DONALD TRUMP CREATED THE ILLUSION OF SUCCESS
Starring Susanne Craig. Hosted by Zain Velji
Patricia A. Whelan Theatre, Central Library
Calgary-raised Susanne Craig’s extensive sleuthing as a New York Times reporter deconstructed Trump’s story of being a self-made billionaire for the myth it is, thus throwing into question Trump’s claims that his business expertise qualifies him to lead the United States.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7:30 P.M.
THE KRIS DEMEANOR & DEBORAH WILLIS VARIETY SHOW
Starring Carleigh Baker, Sig Burwash, Leah Hennel and Clem Martini
DJD Dance Centre
When you think of a literary festival, you likely don’t think of a cabaret-style show, but that’s what you’ll get when Calgary poet, songwriter (and writer of poetic songs) and actor Kris Demeanor and partner Deborah Willis, whose book Girlfriend on Mars earned a recent gushing review in the New York Times, anchor this show. Throw in talents like Leah Hennel, whose photos make meaning of life by holding moments aloft from time, playwright, novelist and screenwriter Clem Martini, graphic novelist Sig Burwash (also lauded by the NYT) and add ice – well, Icelandic/nêhiyaw writer Carleigh Baker and blend. You’re not sure what you’ll get, but this Kool-Aid will be worth drinking.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 7:30 P.M.
TURTLE ISLAND READS (NEW SHOW)
Starring Carleigh Baker, Shashi Bhat, Fanny Britt, Sig Burwash, Anne Fleming, Richard Kelly Kemick & Conor Kerr. Hosted by Paula Turcotte
DJD Dance Centre
French, English, First Nations and Métis writers from coast to coast expand on their take on plays, stories and poems informed but not restrained by the boundaries of time and place.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7:30 P.M.
LITERARY DEATH MATCH
Hosted by Adrian Todd Zuniga
Starring Shashi Bhat, JD Derbyshire, Roddy Doyle, Catherine Hernandez, Alice Kuipers, Heather O’Neill, Nita Prose & Alice Winn
DJD Dance Centre
The title intrigues, but beyond is a jewelled array of authors of short stories, novels, plays and children’s books from Ireland to authors across Canada, and across landscapes from cis-gender to non-binary. This varied mix of writers will like-
ly offer an anything-goes session with surprises in store.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1 PM
OUR GREEN HEARTS
Starring Diana Beresford-Kroeger & Kate Neville
Hosted Rosemary Griebel
Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
At press time there were 11 Wordfest events scheduled on Saturday, so this is a tough call. Diana Beresford-Kroeger specializes in medical biochemistry botany. But as a young girl, she
PHOTO: DAVID KOTSIBIE
Literary Death Match
Kris Demeanor
was the last child in Ireland to receive a Druidic education, so reading her newest book, Our Green Heart: The Soul and Science of Forests, is like experiencing a parallel Braiding Sweetgrass universe across oceans. Paired with U of T professor Kate Neville, whose recent book Going to Seed: Essays on Idleness, Nature & Sustainable Work brings a lovely blend of personal reflection, science, literature and poetry to a look at a just future, this session will surely bring joy, introspection, and food for actionable thought.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 3:30 P.M.
TEGAN & SARA CRUSH BOOK LAUNCH
Hosted by Sonia Clement
Patricia A. Whelan Theatre, Central Library
Whether you’ve been listening to their music for decades or just fell in love with them while watching High School, the series based on their memoir, hometown heroes
Tegan and Sara have given voice to thousands of teens and beyond finding their way through life’s clouds and quagmires. Crush, a delightful graphic novel updated to reflect the impact of technology on teen lives, continues to illuminate that journey.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 7:30 P.M.
AN EVENING WITH RACHEL KUSHNER
Hosted by Eric Volmers Memorial Park Library, 2nd Floor
Rachel Kushner is one of Calgary Herald entertainment writer Eric Volmers’ favourite authors. But there’ll be no fanboying at this session, just a focused, fun exploration of Los Angeles-based Kushner’s secret-agent focused novel, Creation Lake, and her many books beyond.
Find the complete Imaginarium schedule at wordfest.com.
READINGS ALL YEAR LONG
JUST LIKE BREATHING, READING IS A YEAR-ROUND THING
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
The giddy, compact treat of having many writers, books and events to enjoy during Wordfest’s Imaginarium each October is sweet, but Calgary is blessed with year-round literary events by Wordfest and the four-decade-old Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society (AWCS), as well as many local independent booksellers who host readings by authors.
When Wordfest CEO and creative ringleader Shelley Youngblut joined Wordfest in 2015, she noticed that other literary festivals spotlighting a week each year were struggling. “I started thinking if publishers are publishing books all year round, why are we only presenting them for one weekend?” She also wondered how to keep Wordfest in the minds of Calgarians yearround when the authors’ fest only occurred once annually.
In expanding Wordfest’s offerings throughout the year, Youngblut helped more authors and readers connect. “One of the reasons most literary festivals are struggling is they are going after exactly one kind of reader. We aren’t – we’re going after every person who is curious. And who am I to say what you should be curious about? All I want to do is give you many options.”
To this end, last month Wordfest presented longtime Calgary writer Jeremy Klaszus, who wrote The Hollowing of the Calgary Herald, which captures a currently universal theme of established media outlets becoming less relevant as less credible news sources run rampant online. On September 25th, Wordfest presented Alex Sarian, the president and CEO of Arts Commons and his new book, The Audacity of Relevance. Before Wordfest starts this month, on October 2, spy genre star Ben Macintyre brings his wisdom on creating gripping stories to the downtown Central Library.
While Wordfest typically focuses on the curiosity of readers, the AWCS creates programming for local writers.
Precious de Leon, AWCS Program Director of Community Engagement explains the AWCS programming. “We have a staff of four working
to provide classes and events to almost 700 adult and youth members. Because we offer online and in-person programs, we can tap into the literary community across Canada. Our courses are taught by established authors and literary professionals in Calgary and Edmonton, as well as in places like BC and Nova Scotia.”
AWCS presents several key events through the year. When Words Collide, a festival for writers, readers, artists, and publishers of fiction across genres, reaches over 800 participants yearly. The next festival will be August 15 to 17, 2025
The Annual Writers Retreat takes place at the URSA Retreat Centre north of Cochrane during the summer.
Programming also includes workshops like Chapter by Chapter, a 10-month writing project including weekly sessions focused on discussions, skill-building and workshopping.
If you’re looking for a lower level of commitment, try Lit Lunch and Lit Nights sessions covering constructive critiques and finding your literary voice, held in person at CSpace Marda Loop. Edmonton’s Daisy Chain Books also collaborates by offering in-person sessions. Online sessions with folks from places like Cochrane and Lethbridge add to the mix.
“At AWCS, we strive to foster that sense of community in the arts, welcoming anyone who is open to learn and grow with our writers,” de Leon says.
For information on Alexandra Writers’ Centre, visit alexandrawriters.org. Find more about Wordfest at wordfest.com.
Shelley Youngblut, Wordfest CEO and creative ringleader
PHOTO: NASUNA STUART-ULIN
Diana Beresford-Kroeger
Tegan & Sara Quin
Deborah Willis
CONOR KERR
THE AUTHOR’S ETHEREAL BISON POPULATE EDMONTON’S RIVER VALLEY AND OUR IMAGINATIONS
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
Edmonton-raised author Conor Kerr has stacked up several accolades over a short time. His debut novel, Avenue of Champions, won the ReLit Award, was shortlisted for the Amazon Canada 2022 First Novel Award and longlisted for the 2022 Giller Prize. His poetry collection Old Gods was a finalist for the 2023 Governor General’s Literary Awards in Poetry. In 2022, he was named one of CBC’s Writers to Watch.
His latest novel, Prairie Edge, which came out in April, was longlisted for the 2024 Giller (the winner will be announced in November).
In Prairie Edge, an activist and a slightly lost soul who learned to comply through foster homes and youth jails, steal bison from Elk Island Park and release them into Edmonton’s River Valley.
“There was a herd of bison that got loose in Camrose and were stampeding down main street at 5 in the morning and some guy just driving to get a coffee saw this herd of bison. I always thought what a cool image that was,” Kerr says. It was later, while joking with friends, that he wondered what it would look like if a herd of bison was loose in downtown Edmonton. “That was the initial imagery behind the book.”
While the sense of place becomes another character in the story, the two main characters are so strongly drawn that readers will feel a sense of familiarity with them. Grey is an educated activist female Métis character. Ezzy, a Métis youth who yearns for family connections, will pull heartstrings of anyone who has worked with youth in schools, group homes, foster care, and street outreach.
“They’re both composite characters based around people I grew up with or knew or at some point when I was working with students at NorQuest [College],” says Kerr. “He’s kind of a composite character of all that. He comes from that system of always being told what to do and then when he doesn’t have that happening, he’s kind of waiting once again for somebody to tell
“My family held a lot of the old stories and teachings close. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She was a very fierce and proud Métis lady.”
CONOR KERR
him what to do.”
But social services and the justice system aren’t the systems that assign roles, Kerr observes. “It kind of goes back a long time ago to
when the Métis were on bison hunts, you’d have your job and your role. That got taken away from Métis people.”
This is a theme of the novel as both Ezzy
and Grey experience long periods of seemingly directionless time while waiting for their lives to unfold.
Kerr grew up experiencing his strong Métis heritage, especially through his grandmother.
“My family held a lot of the old stories and teachings close. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother. She was a very fierce and proud Métis lady.”
In contrast to Ezzy, Grey has strong ties to her mother, father, and family, but also searches for meaning.
“She’s kind of based around a lot of people I know who have set up and built these organizations that advocate for Indigenous rights. I was hoping with a character like Grey, you’d see the person acting behind the scenes who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight but does the work in the background,” says Kerr. “I also wanted to kind of showcase the sides to people, too. You have these characters that might appear to be incredible but there’s not so good people on either side of the protests; [they’re] not all altruistic because they have these kinds of motivations.”
Kerr says he’s not a planner when it comes to writing, so these characters develop as he progresses. One of the novel’s many strengths is letting the characters’ lives fall where they may in ways that might not satisfy all.
“I did want to show that for a lot of people there’s just one little thing that can put them into homelessness there. It’s pretty tough.”
So, how would Kerr feel if he opened up the paper one morning and saw that a copycat group had released bison in city parks across the country? “I’d be very, very, very excited. There’s actually a really cool organization called International Buffalo Relations Institute, and they’re out of southern Alberta but also Calgary and Edmonton. They’re working on restoring bison to the southern prairie. And for the first time in 150 years, they had a bison herd that crossed between the nations and crossed over the borders. That’s pretty cool work they’re doing.”
Conor Kerr appears at Wordfest’s Imaginarium October 17 and 18. For more information and tickets, visit wordfest.com.
PHOTO: JORDON+HON
Little Free Libraries began as a grassroots initiative inspired by the “take a book, return a book” concept. They have blossomed across Calgary over the past decade since the late Cheri Macaulay spearheaded the local movement by creating the first Calgary Little Library in her front yard. Although Macaulay passed away in 2019, her work inspired hundreds across the city, says Maureen Pyne, who runs the Little Free Libraries Calgary Facebook group.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
CALGARY’S LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES ARE VOLUMINOUS
BY KRISTA SYLVESTER
It was important to Shupe to include the little library theme in her book to help inspire children to read — and maybe become patrons and stewards themselves one day. She also included her late West Highland Terrier dog in the book.
Though Pyne says the movement has tapered off locally, there are still over 2,200 Facebook members in her group, a mix of Little Library stewards and those who patronize the city’s Little Library network.
“I started my own Little Library right on the cusp of when it really just started blooming. Shortly after, I thought it would be a fun thing for stewards to be able to talk to each other or share ideas,” she says.
Pyne also created a Google map that marks the location of over 330 local Little Libraries — and that only includes the locations of people who register their library with her.
“A lot of people report that once they have a Little Library, they get to meet their neighbours more because people are stopping by,” Pyne says. “Some libraries chisel out their own identity. For example, some just want to offer children’s books. Some specialize in banned books. Some have their own Little Free Library Facebook page where they can post pictures of what’s on their shelf on any given day.”
Calgary children’s book author Lana Shupe stewards the Tusslewood Heights library and Facebook group, and she also just published her second book in mid-September, titled The Book Witch, the Wee White Dog, and the Little Free Library.
“We always visited all the little libraries in Tuscany. And if he went in the car with me anywhere, we always tried to stop at any little libraries that we knew along the way,” Shupe says. “I wanted everyone to know about little free libraries and how big of a community builder they can be. I thought, what better place to start than with a picture book for little children and their families reading the book? Maybe it would inspire them to make their own little library.”
Both Shupe and Pyne say it’s been relatively easy keeping their libraries stocked because of the generosity of donations.
Avid reader and Little Library lover Rachel Anderson enjoys visiting different communities to donate books to, but she also likes to visit Little Free Libraries in other cities to see what they’re up to.
“In some communities, you’re more likely to find French books or children’s books and there are some businesses that also use Little Libraries to share resources or like-minded books,” Anderson says. In Montreal, she found an arts and crafts supply exchange library. Closer to home, she found non-perishable food items and photos in an Okotoks library.
“One of my favourite libraries in Calgary is one in Chaparral that turned an old British phone booth into a Little Library. I also really like this one that looks like a house and then beside it, they made a bird feeder that acts as a garage to the house. It’s so cute.”
Anderson has found everything from a first edition book from the 1950s to a new release
“A lot of people report that once they have a Little Library, they get to meet their neighbours more because people are stopping by,”
MAUREEN PYNE
hardcover only a few months old in local Little Libraries.
“I like having a local resource where I can donate my books to that gives people a chance to read things they may not normally have access to,” Anderson adds.
For those who want to make their own Little Libraries, Pyne has some tips.
“The first thing to think about is what kind of structure you’re going to have and what your vision is for what your Little Library looks like,”
she says, encouraging people to think of reusing old items or connecting with people who may be re-homing their Little Libraries. “You can think outside of the box. It doesn’t have to be a little wooden birdhouse-type thing. You can think about some other kinds of things to repurpose. I’ve seen some people use a microwave or an old bar fridge. Some people in Calgary were able to get a hold of old newspaper boxes.”
One more important tip courtesy of Pyne. “Call before you dig!”
Lana Shupe’s Tusslewood Heights Little Library.
THE SCENE’S GUIDE TO CHEAP EATS
FROM COZY NEIGHBOURHOOD SPOTS TO TRENDY DOWNTOWN EATERIES, CALGARY OFFERS A RANGE OF AFFORDABLE DINING OPTIONS THAT DON’T SACRIFICE QUALITY OR FLAVOUR.
WBY ABBEY WHITEHEAD
hether you’re a student seeking budget-friendly bites, a family looking to dine out without overspending, or a savvy deal hunter, Calgary’s culinary scene is bursting with affordable options to satisfy every craving. While the ever-increasing food prices may mean that nothing is truly “cheap” anymore, these deals at least make the cost of living liveable.
MIDDAY MUNCHIES
BUSSIN BURGER
For a lunch that’s easy on your wallet and packed with flavour, swing by Bussin Burger! From Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can snag a delicious burger, wrap or chicken strip with fries and a drink for $11.99 — perfect for satisfying those midday hunger pangs without breaking the bank. 715 17 Ave. S.W. and 1121 9 Ave. S.E., bussin.ca
COLD BEER AND PIZZA
Looking for a lunch deal with a twist? Cold Beer and Pizza offers a slice and a beer combo for $11 until 2 p.m. daily. Dig into the Dirty Mel, topped with roasted garlic, eggplant, a cheese blend, whipped ricotta, or the Tate Tot, loaded with Yukon potato, a cheese blend, and thyme. Stick around for Appy Hour from 2 to 5 p.m. to score $5 pints of their Cold Beer and $6 pints of everything else on tap. 102, 1019 17 Ave. S.W., coldbeerandpizza.com
BLANCO
If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican, Blanco’s has you covered with their $17 lunch deal. Choose between two classic tacos or a hearty burrito for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With three locations around the city, it’s the perfect place to get your Mexican food fix. 1140 Kensington Rd. N.W.; 723 17 Ave. S.W.; and 8537 Broadcast Ave. S.W., blancocantina.ca
SIDE STREET PUB AND GRILL
Nestled in the heart of Kensington, Side Street Pub and Grill offers a welcoming, dog-friendly patio and rippin’ deals! Every day of the week, you’ll find different specials on their menu, including half price wings on Mondays and Saturdays, $10 tacos in a bag on Tuesdays, and any burger on the menu for just $9.99 on Thursdays. If you’re craving something else, most of their menu items are under $20, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a great meal any day of the week. 1167 Kensington Cres. N.W., sidestreet.com
CHIANTI’S
Chianti’s has you covered for lunch and dinner with their Pasta Frenzy, where you can enjoy any of their 30+ signature pasta dishes for just $14.99 every day. Whether dining in or taking out, this deal offers unbeatable value for pasta lovers. For a lunchtime treat, Chantis in Crowfoot has their half-size pasta and half-size salad for only $13.99, available from noon to 4 p.m. 10816, 444 Macleod Trail S.E. and 300, 20 Crowfoot Crescent N.W., chianticafe.ca
CHARCUT
Charcut is an award-winning restaurant downtown headed up by chefs Connie DeSousa (of Top Chef fame) and John Jackson. It’s the kind of place that you can easily spend a lot — but you can also spend a little! Their Lunch-All-At-Once deal offers diners a speedy lunch at a great price. Try the daily sandwich on housebaked focaccia with soup and parmesan fries for only $19.75. They also offer a butcher shop rotisserie feature with wild greens and parmesan fries for $29.75 or fresh-made pasta with wild greens for $26.75. Plus, every meal includes a bag of warm cookies to go. 899 Centre St. S.W. and 4150 University Ave. N.W., charcut.com
SPOLUMBO’S FINE FOOD & ITALIAN MARKET
This deli in the heart of Inglewood has wicked grab-and-go lunch options for those looking for a fast, cheap meal. Grab a classic deli sandwich, a hot panini, or an Italian cold cut — all under $14 for a filling meal. They also have salads, soups, and veggie trays. 1308 9 Ave. S.E., Spolumbos.com
SPICE HUT
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can grab lunch at Spice Hut for only nine bucks. Butter Chicken, mixed vegetables, veggie pakora, plain naan, and rice are served with yogurt chutney and a spicy onion sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying and affordable midday meal. 6554 4 St. N.E., spicehut.com
PHOTO: JORDAN CRAIG
PHOTO: JORDAN CRAIG
Cold Beer & Pizza
Cold Beer & Pizza
HAPPY HOUR HITS
THE PARK
With two locations in Aspen and Quarry Park, The Park offers daily features to make your mouth drool. Start your week with $6 tacos on Mondays and $4 off burgers after 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Wednesdays, bring half-priced wine bottles and $4 off pizzas after 2 p.m., perfect for a midweek treat. On Saturdays, indulge in a $25 pasta dish paired with a glass of wine after 2 p.m. Whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, or pasta, The Park has something for everyone. 1200, 163 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E. and 114, 326 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., parkkitchen.ca
BLUE STAR DINER
Blue Star Diner offers fantastic daily dine-in features. From 3 p.m. to close on Taco Tuesdays, indulge in $4 tacos, $6 Mexican lagers, and $8 margaritas. Enjoy a $10 double burger and beer for a hearty deal on Wednesdays, or sip on $6 Blue Star Blonde while trying their $17 burgers and sandwiches. Pasta & Wine Thursdays features a $19 weekly pasta special with gluten-free options and half-price bottles of wine, plus happy hour glass pours from 3 p.m. to close. 809 1 Ave. N.E., bluestardiner.ca
THE HIGHWOOD
The Highwood offers a happy hour starting at 4:30 p.m., making it an ideal spot for affordable, high-quality dining. With food options
ranging from $7 to $32, you can enjoy a fine dining experience without breaking the bank. Located on the SAIT campus and with food prepared by students, it’s the perfect choice for those who want to indulge in a gourmet meal on a budget. 1301 16 Ave. N.W. (SAIT John Ware building), sait.ca/the-highwood
CRAFT BEER MARKET
Enjoy the view of the Calgary Tower with happy hour specials all day Sundays and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at Craft Beer Market. For a light snack, enjoy $6 yam fries, $10 deep-fried pickles, or $10 chips and guac. For something more filling, try the $16 classic burger, $16 Cali bowls or $6 Fish tacos.
345 10 Ave. S.W., craftbeermarket.ca
THE TROPICAL
From Tuesday to Thursday (and on weekends, too), grab favourites like $12 Guac & Chips, $11 Chilaquiles, or the $6 Tinga Tostada at the Tropical. Don’t miss the $3 Empanadas or the $7 Quesabirria, a tasty birria-style beef taco with melted cheese and a side of broth. They also have half-priced cocktails. With these unbeatable prices, The Tropical is the perfect spot for great eats that are easy on your wallet. 1011 1 St. S.W., tropicalyyc.ca
AFTER-HOURS EATS
PIGEONHOLE
Pigeonhole is the place to be for late-night bites. On Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until close, grab half-priced chilled seafood like Victoria’s Seafood Platter, half-priced bottles of wine, and $5 glizzies. It’s a spot to unwind with delicious food and drinks without spending a fortune. 306 17 Ave. S.W., pigeonhole.ca
AUSSIE RULES DUELING PIANO BAR
For a night of fun and affordable eats, check out Aussie Rules Dueling Piano Bar. Grab small fries for just $3, with mains all priced under $16.Take advantage of their $5 Fridays, where you can score some great food and drink deals while enjoying the lively entertainment of duelling pianos from 6 to 8 p.m. 1002 37 St. S.W., aussierules.ca
EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
El Furniture Warehouse offers unbeatable cheap food in the heart of downtown. Every item on their menu is priced under $12, with tons of options ranging from burgers and pasta to tacos and shareable plates. Plus, they have a daily Power Hour from 2 to 5 pm, featuring $4.95 drinks — perfect for unwinding after work. 107 Stephen Ave. S.W., elfurniture.ca
EARLS
Earls restaurants have killer deals every day after 9 p.m. Dig into their roast beef sliders for $17, a half-dozen oysters for $18, or a 6 oz steak frites for $24. If you’re craving something simpler, grab a side of French fries for just $6 or truffle fries for $8. 315 8 Ave. S.W.; 1110 - 16th Ave. N.W.; and 3030 23 St. N.E., earls.ca
COMERY BLOCK
Comery Block’s got you covered with half-priced for a half pound of meats after 10 p.m. Head to 17th Ave. S.W. and sink your teeth into their brisket, pulled pork, or turkey — all half off. It’s the perfect excuse for a meaty midnight feast. 638 17 Ave. S.W., comeryblock.com
PHOTO: MATTHEW DAVIS
Victoria’s Seafood Platter at Pigeonhole
PHOTO: COURTESY BLUE STAR
Blue Star Diner Pasta + Wine special
BY NATHAN ILES
DTHE PEOPLE’S MARKET
CROSROADS MARKET IS A HUB OF COMMUNITY, BARGAIN HUNTING, AND GREAT EATS.
espite the storms of inflation and changing trends, Crossroads Market still creates a space for bargain-hungry Calgarians every weekend.
Founded in 1987, the market provides a home to more than 150 local vendors who set up shop every week inside, and outside in the warmer months, from farmers selling produce outside to record collectors shilling cheap wax within the flea market.
“We’ve just got that grit about us,” says manager Nicole Schon. “We’re not afraid to make mistakes, and we’re not polished… Every day, we’re still evolving.”
At the centre of the building is the food hall, which stretches down a narrow alley full of takeaway stands offering meals that span price points and cultures. “Here, you’re dealing with small business owners, and they’re physically… in the booths,” says Schon. “Things have more passion attached to them, and the [vendors] are trying to meld and collaborate with the neighbours.”
THE BEST DEALS AT CROSSROADS
ASAHI SUSHI
Despite the name, Asahi Sushi offers much more than California rolls and sashimi. This family-owned stand also specializes in Korean specialties like fried chicken and bibimbap! What to eat? One of the better-priced options is the grilled bowl, which nets you a massive bowl of protein over rice with sweet reduction and sesame seeds for only $15.
FRESH IN THE CITY
One of the newer stands at Crossroads, Fresh in the City is a baked goods stand next to Old Munich.
What to eat? Grab a massive hunk of handmade carrot cake for seven bucks, and share it with a friend. Operator Garret Remdel uses his mom’s recipe!
DEEPAK’S DHABA
Initially opening in 2016 to sell founder Deepak Kalsi’s chai spices, Deepak’s Dhaba specializes in sumptuous Indian dishes made with local ingredients.
What to eat? Daily curry plates start at just $12.95 and include rice or a half-portion of naan. And the sauces are a real bargain, starting at $12.95 for a large container that includes meats.
MOLCAJETE AUTHENTIC MEXICAN
Molcajete has a restaurant on one side of the food hall and a takeout stall with a wide selection of handmade salsas and chips to grab for home across the aisle.
What to eat? Grab a “Movie Night In” kit from the salsa stand: $23.95 gets you a large bag of handmade totopos, pico de gallo, guacamole, a pair of drinks and candy.
OLD MUNICH GERMAN SAUSAGE HOUSE
With over 35 years of history at Crossroads, Old Munich is a hidden Calgary classic offering a better alternative to those pocket dogs you get at the ‘Dome.
What to eat? The currywurst is a must-try: fresh bratwurst covered in curry ketchup and mustard inside a French baguette, and at only seven bucks, you might as well get a drink with it for another dollar. And on Fridays, you can get any sausage for only $6!
ROCKY’S BURGER BUS
Established in ‘95 and operating out of a big red bus outside of Crossroads for the last 11 years, Rocky’s Burger Bus is a bona fide Calgary icon.
What to eat? Owner-operator Jim Rockwell thinks all visitors should start with Rocky’s Special. “You get a little bit of everything,” he says. “A burger, a pop, and fries made with potatoes from the Hutterite Colony right here at the market.” The combo may seem pricey at $17, but the portions are massive and made with fresh, local produce.
PB AND J
One of the market’s newest vendors, PB and J is a local biz that creates panini-grilled sandwiches with freshly ground peanuts, cashews, and almond butter.
What to eat? These sandwich artists offer specials every Sunday, from 30 per cent off a jar of almond butter to a gourmet grilledcheese-and-tomato-soup combo for under 10 bucks.
NILA’S TASTE OF INDONESIA
From kare ayam curry to coconut beef soup, this little stall in the middle of the food hall is a must-try for those seeking something different.
What to eat? Nila’s most popular dish is the beef rendang, a massive plate of beef curry, coconut yellow rice, gado-gado salad, and sambal. It’s $14.50, and is easily shared.
YENNY DELIGHTS
Led by executive chef Toyin Adepoju, Yenny Delights is a must-try for Afro-Caribbean treats to stay or to go.
What to eat? The chicken and beef patties are to die for; at only $4.99, they pack a satisfying hunger punch. The small to-go lunch box is another killer deal at only $11.99.
Check out what’s going on at Crossroads Market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PHOTO: COURTESY CROSSROADS MARKET
Asahi Sushi
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
Garret Remdel, operator at Fresh in the City
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
Yenny Delights
Mia Kelly
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
Quebec songwriter Mia Kelly’s musical journey leaves her voice, gorgeous in both French and English, hanging nakedly over a cliff of scant instrumentation. But with a voice like Kelly’s, you don’t need too much courage to leave your vocals exposed.
Kelly, who hails from Gatineau, started getting serious about her music when she was 14. Just a couple of years later she was all in, funding her first project.
“I was waitressing and doing a ton of house concerts,” Kelly says from her home province. “I didn’t pitch it that way but everyone knew [the money] was going directly towards an EP I was making, and I was paying my musicians, paying the producers, paying for my album art to be done. There’re so many expenses that come with a project like that.”
Her luscious voice gained wider fans with her 2022 debut album, Garden Through the War.
She was gigging in Estonia with her manager this year when she learned she’d been named the Emerging Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. “It’s so validating of all these years of work. I really dedicated myself to this career wholeheartedly.
“My music has been taking me to so many really wicked and random places [lately]. This time last year I was in the Democratic Republic of Congo for two weeks for the Francophone Games. I was their representative of Canada, which is pretty awesome and such an odd and amazing position to be in, and an amazing experience to be surrounded by other musicians from around the world, and athletes.”
Kelly got the travel bug while exploring places with her family, then finished two years of post-secondary schooling.
“I decided to take a gap year, which turned into a gap life. I recorded a full-length album, then went to Chile backpacking for six weeks, then wanted to learn to surf so I went to Nicaragua for three months, then Costa Rica
“ A lot of the songs are inspired by real stories, whether they’re my own or stories of people I’ve met along the way.ˮ
MIA KELLY
THE QUEBEC SONGWRITER’S ORGANIC MUSIC GROWS FROM AUTHENTIC ROOTS
after that. I just learned so much about myself and made so many connections and those experiences and that growing turned into this album.” The new album, To Be Clear, comes out October 4.
“A lot of the songs are inspired by real stories, whether they’re my own or stories of people I’ve met along the way. Some of them are like twisted — themes I’ve experienced in my life that I’ve twisted into stories. A lot of them are experience based or second-hand experience based where someone has told me their lived experience of hardship.”
One of these songs, Bonefish Boys, leads off the upcoming album.
“It’s a song about a man who lived in the navy. I met him in Nicaragua and he told me all about his life in the British navy in the ‘60s. We spent a lot of time and he told me all about his life in the navy. Some of the lyrics from that song are direct pull quotes from our conversations together that I remember writing down as we chatted, and then sneaking them into a song later.
“So, it’s borrowed stories and also digging up some of my own, being really vulnerable
and it all just sort of spills out whenever I’m not looking.”
As for the irony of earning an emerging artist award while she has been seriously gigging since she was 14, Kelly is open-hearted. “I love the way it’s going. It’s slow and really organic and it doesn’t feel rushed or anything. So, my career has grown with me and it feels like a nice progression.”
Mia Kelly plays The King Eddy November 1 and with The Good Lovelies at Festival Hall November 16. She appears in 2025 with Stephen Fearing at River Park Church March 22.
PHOTO: JEN SQUIRES
LIVING IN REVERIE
CALGARY’S NEWEST PRINT MAGAZINE IS A DREAMY TRIBUTE TO OUR VIBRANT MUSIC SCENE
BY NATHAN ILES
Maybe you spotted the melted yellow logo on the counter of the Ship & Anchor. Or the unsettling cover featuring four uniformed individuals with lightbulbs in their faces caught your eye while you were grabbing vinyl at Sloth Records. Attendees of this past year’s edition of the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival saw stacks of it while grabbing passes from the backroom of the Delta Hotel.
If you’ve spent time in downtown Calgary in the last three months, you’ve likely spotted Reverie — Calgary’s newest music magazine — out in the wild. And if you’ve flipped through its pages, you’re officially a part of Calgary’s vibrant live music scene.
“Maybe you’re not really involved, and you don’t go to a lot of shows; well, this is an access point for you to now do so,” says editorin-chief Jess Arcand. “I want to be more and more accessible and
grow into this beautiful hub of creatives.”
Reverie started as an idea tossed around between Arcand and UCalgary student Gabrielle Cadiang over brews at I Love You Coffee Shop. The two met while hosting radio shows on CJSW and quickly formulated the idea for a blog focused on hyper-local music coverage. “We’re way more interested in the little pockets and gems of the city that are just not being talked about that much,” says Arcand.
For Cadiang — who still contributes digital content to Reverie while studying political science and communications — the publication is an opportunity to connect Calgary’s youth with the arts in the city the way she had been. “I would not be in Calgary if I didn’t discover so many great things about Calgary’s arts and entertainment scene,” she says. “If more people knew about all these incredible areas and spaces where people can go in and just do whatever the hell they want, more of Calgary’s youth would be staying in Calgary for post-secondary and would not be so keen on just getting the hell out of here once you graduate high school.”
Local photographer Shannon Johnston soon approached the two about getting involved. While rocking at South by Southwest in Austin last March, Arcand and Johnston envisioned physically bringing Reverie to magazine stands across Calgary.
“We have this passion to lift [Calgary’s] music community into the foreground,” says Johnston. “We are kind of in the middle of nowhere, and a lot of big tours don’t necessarily come [to Calgary]. But there are bands all around us that need a platform and need a voice.” Johnston now serves as Reverie’s photography lead, and her moodily lit compositions adorn the covers and various pages of the first issue. On the front cover is the aforementioned creeps with lightbulbs, the local post-punk band Brain Bent (of which this writer is a member). On the back cover is ½ of local art rock heroes Sunglaciers, standing in the middle of a blue and yellow cyclone that seems to suck readers in.
“Print media, for me, is this tangible moment of time,” says Johnston. “We’re archiving what’s happening here in Calgary and the things we cover.” Flipping through the pages of that first issue captures a broad swath of ‘24 Calgary counter-culture; hometown DJ Johnathan Crane explores our city’s burgeoning grassroots rave scene, artists like local
“WE HAVE THIS PASSION TO LIFT [CALGARY’S]
MUSIC COMMUNITY
INTO THE FOREGROUND,”
SHANNON JOHNSTON
guitar freaks Cheer to LA outfit Sextile reflect on the creative process, and Hemen Tor-Agbidye speaks about his journey from attending Sled Island to becoming its festival manager. In fact, Reverie’s first issue was launched at this year’s Sled Island, with a show on June 20 at the Ship & Anchor featuring performances from Mox Jet, Kue Varo, Samantha Savage Smith, and Heaven For Real.
“When [Calgarians] set our minds to do something, whether it be a band, whether it be us with a magazine, whether it be a promoter, even if it’s a DIY promoter, the bar is so high, “ says Johnston. “But there’s this passion within that says, ‘No, I’m going to do it anyway. I know I live in Calgary, and I don’t say I live in Toronto, LA, or New York. Yeah, I’m in Calgary. So what? I’m going to do it anyway.’”
Arcand agrees, and it’s why she loves the city. “What sets [Calgary] apart is the way our music community uplifts one another,” she says. “You can find your footing, and people are really eager to share and learn and collaborate… and that could be harder in other cities. There’s a lot of opportunity for growth and trying new things and falling on your face or succeeding and doing well. You can really do anything in Calgary.”
Reverie’s second print issue hits stands on October 16. Read the blog at reverie-online.com.
