CONTENTS
16 THEATRE SCENE
Community theatre groups fuelled by volunteer elbow grease are struggling with funding challenges.
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.
10 COVER
Cheapskate’s Nightlife Guide
The nights are long and the pockets aren’t deep — so we share all our top tips on going out without going broke.
4 ACT 1, SCENE 1
What to do and see this month across the city.
7
BAR SCENE
From Kevin Bacon-themed rounds to quirky minigames, Talespin Trivia transforms quiz nights.
8 PROFILE
Steve Conde, the founder of FlipSide Theatre, a group dedicated to Filipino representation in the arts, talks to us about risk taking and creativity.
14 GIFT SCENE
Get in the spirit of the holidays by giving spirits — or beer or wine — from these locally available seasonal offerings.
Cover: Hang the DJ at Dickens by Shannon Johnston
Publisher and Acting Editor Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Founding Editor Mike Bell
Designer Kris Twyman
Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich
Editorial Assistant Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Cam Hayden, Evelina Pak, Viancy Salubre, Don Tse, 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 Alberta and 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 MUSIC SCENE
Fish Creek Concerts, Cornerstone Music Cafe and Congress Coffee are just a few of the organizations bringing live music to the burbs.
20 VENUE
Home of the Disco Nap Happier Hour, Sweet Loretta is a Beltline venue that takes its responsibility to provide a good time very seriously.
22 Cam Hayden
PHOTO: HANNAH ANSON
ACT 1
What to do in December
GOAT YOGA
Stretch out a b-a-a-a-a-a-d back at Goat Yoga until December 15. Granary Road is offering its popular yoga classes with goats for the holiday season. Bring a Christmas sweater and a yoga mat to join the goats for a day of zen in their beautiful greenhouse. The guided yoga sessions with in-class goats are guaranteed to create lasting memories and Christmas cards. Find more information at granaryroad.com/ goat-yoga
BRIT ROCK 6
Bolder Climbing Community presents a threefilm showcase called Brit Rock 6 on December 4 Each film documents a climbing journey through various infamous bouldering sites. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Globe Cinema, general admission tickets cost $30! Find trailers and tickets at eventbrite.ca/brit-rock-6.
HOLIDAY PAIRING DINNER
Eighty-Eight Brewing Company will serve five delicious courses perfectly paired with five refreshing beers at its Holiday Pairing Dinner
on December 4. A founder of the local brewing company will guide the taste journey as Portland Street Pizza, the company’s in-house kitchen, serves up some slices. Enjoy the spread from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit eightyeightbrewing.ca.
MARKET COLLECTIVE: HOLIDAY MARKET SERIES 2024
For two weekends in December, Market Collective returns to Calgary for another year of local galleries, workshops, and vendors. On December 6 to 8 and December 13 to 15, wander through 150+ market stalls at the BMO Centre. The market will be jam-packed to satisfy taste buds and captivate the eyes, with tickets going for $7 for the whole weekend. Visit marketcollective. ca/2024 for more information.
GRINCH TREE WORKSHOP
On December 7 and 13, branch out with Bloom Culture to make your very own Grinch Tree! The first workshop is at First Alliance Church, while the second one is at Bloom Culture. Steal your spot at bloomculture.ca.
CHRISTMOOSE CAROL
BY VIANCY SALUBRE
Since 1996, Loose Moose has twisted the timeless holiday story and adapted it for its Calgary audience. The play combines other infamous literary tales and characters to retell Charles Dicken’s classic holiday story. Sherlock Homes played Ebenezer Scrooge in last year’s amusing rendition of the play! Visit Crossroads Market from December 12 to December 21 for a night of heartwarming laughs. For more information, visit loosemoose.com.
SPARK AFTER DARK: GREATEST HITS
On December 13, Telus Spark transforms into an adult playground for Spark After Dark. The event has full bar service, magnetic entertainment, and astronaut ice cream from 6 p.m. to midnight. Their last +18 event of the year brings together Telus Spark’s best attractions, like interactive VR tattoo art or the “Death by AI” show, for one night of science and thrills, with a free limo ride home to all transit taking attendees to the Calgary Zoo LRT station. Visit sparkscience.ca to learn more.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
A three-person jazz quartet performs the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, originally by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The precious voices of two children’s groups accompany the charming performance choruses: the Montessori School of Calgary and the Kids & Music youth singers. Join Charlie and the gang at the beautiful Engineered Air Theatre on December 18 Find showtimes and more information at artscommons.ca.
THE POLAR EXPRESS AT THE ALBERTA PRAIRIE RAILWAY
All aboard the Polar Express! In an enchanting train ride, the Alberta Prairie Railway transports you to the magic of the beloved holiday story. Until December 23, riders can expect a warm cup of hot chocolate while reliving all the movie’s charm with singing chefs, carolling elves, and sleigh bells. This unforgettable trip to the North Pole will make anyone believe in the magic of Christmas again. Visit absteamtrain.com/polar-express for times and events.
The Claire Butler Trio: Claire Butler (L), Kodi Hutchinson, and Jim Johnston (R).
PHOTO: JAMIE PARKINSON
BLOXING DAY 2024
It’s the season of giving at the Rodney Oyster House on December 27. The BLOXing Day Gift Festival brings together multiple businesses in the Beltline neighbourhood for a chance to win prizes in a thrilling game of White Elephant. The Blox Arts Centre aims to give back to its community with over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won. Tickets go fast at $10 a piece! Get your tickets at showpass.com/ bloxing-day-2024.
HOLIDAY TEA AT HERITAGE PARK
From December 27 to 29, delight in the holiday flavours of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla with this cozy tea tasting at the Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women. The tea party has pastries and finger foods to satisfy your appetite. All tickets include free admission into Gasoline Alley Museum to visit after steeping in all the Christmas cravings. Visit heritagepark.ca to have a tea-rific time!
HANG THE DJ NYE: ‘80S VS. ‘90S
End the year with a bang at Dickens’ highly anticipated New Year’s Eve bash! Hang The DJ rings in 2025 with an all-night party of ‘80s versus ‘90s tracks, from Britpop to post-punk and everything in between. Dress up and get ready to dance all night on December 31 Check out their Instagram for more information: @dickensyyc.
AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT
Yip Yip! The Last Airbender soars into action on January 3. The performance strings together the series’ best scenes on screen with the spectacular orchestra accompaniment, playing the iconic soundtrack by Jeremy Zuckerman. Join Aang to bring peace to all four nations at the Jubilee Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Visit calgary-theatre.com/avatar-the-last-airbender for more information.
Christmas Tour
December 19 & 20, 2024
Jack Singer Concert Hall at Arts Commons
PHOTO: KEVIN MITCHELL
Holiday Pairing Dinner at Eighty-Eight Brewing
Onstage This Month
ALL-AGER RAGER FUNDRAISER FOR THE CALGARY FOODBANK
Bring the whole family to rock and raise money for a good cause, with Julius Sumner Miller, Riot Grrlz, Tori Morley and more. Bring a donation for reduced door cover, and enjoy free pinball all day! December 1, 2 p.m. at Pin-Bar, 501 17 Ave. S.W., pinbaryyc.com
SELIAS W/ SLEEPY & THE BUGS, TIPLESS, & PROHIBITOR
The AB Annilihation tour hits Calgary, led by the groovy melodic death metal of Toronto’s SELIAS. It’s an afternoon all-ages show, so bring the kids (with head phones)! December 1, 3 p.m. at BLOX Arts Centre, 834 11 Ave. S.W., bloxartscentre.ca
BETABOYS NEW WAVE HOLIDAY SPECIAL W/ THE ASHLEY HUNDRED & THE VARMOORS
Local sweethearts BETABOYS are throwing another holiday bash, where synthesizers mesh with sleigh bells for sweet Christmas times. December 6, 7 p.m. at Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave S.E., festhall.ca
MARKUS SCHULZ
In 2012, German producer Markus Schulz was crowned America’s number one DJ by DJ Times.
Grab a free ticket online and find out why!
December 6, 10:30 p.m. at Back Alley, 4630 Macleod Tr. S.W., backalleycalgary.com
CALGARY OPERA
HOLIDAY CABARET
Take in performances from Calgary Opera’s McPhee Development Program artists in a relaxed cabaret setting, where holiday cheer is irresistible. December 12 and 13, 7 p.m. at Mamdani Opera Centre, 1315 7 St. S.W., calgaryopera.com
SUNDAYS WITH THE BROADVIEW TRIO
End the week with one of Calgary’s newest jazz trios. Featuring two music scene veterans (and a young buck on the stand-up bass), The Broadview Trio bring together sounds both old and new. December 8 and 22, 7 p.m. at Betty Lou’s Library, 908 17 Ave. S.W., bettylouslibrary.com
BLACK ICE FESTIVAL
One of Calgary’s newest (and loudest) music festivals, Black Ice is a week-long barrage of harsh noise and heaviness with acts like Gortek and the Microchips, RATFUCK, and The Exit Bags as well as a screening of the documentary Don’t Fall in Love With Yourself. December 8 to 14 at Loophole Coffee Bar, 1040 8 Ave. S.W., loophole-coffee-bar.com
BY NATHAN ILES
MARIANAS TRENCH W/ LØLØ
Canadian pop-punk pioneers Marianas Trench are bringing The Force of Nature tour to Calgary, hot on the heels of their latest album, Haven. December 10, 7 p.m. at Grey Eagle, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., greyeagleresortandcasino.ca
AUDIEN W/ PALMER & ME N Ü AND JAXX
Trance, progressive house, and big-room trap bangers are just a few of the sounds Audien deals in, with a good remix or two thrown in the mix. December 13, 9 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca
PERFECTLY FRANK CHRISTMAS
The 18-piece Calgary Jazz Orchestra fills the Bella with smooth Sinatra standards, jazz standards, and festive vibes. December 18, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Bella Concert Hall, 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W., calgaryjazzorchestra.com
ONE BAD SON W/ JADE ELEPHANT
Saskatoon’s One Bad Son are purveyors of brawny, meaty rock ‘n roll that’s fit for any party or backyard fire. And they’ve been doing it for 20 years! December 20, 10 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com
10 YEARS OF JUNGLE CAKES W/ BENNY PAGE, DEEKLINE & ED SOLO
D&B legend Deekline leads the Hot Cakes/Jungle Cakes collective of producers and DJs, and this white-hot night of breakbeat is a testament to a decade of speaker-busting parties. December 20, 10 p.m. at Sub Rosa, 209 Stephen Ave. S.W., subrosayyc.com
DALLAS SMITH
You might know Dallas from fronting the band Default, but his platinum-certified solo country anthems demand your attention this time. December 30, 6:30 p.m. at Grey Eagle, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., greyeagleresortandcasino.ca
TOQUE
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the rock snarl of Toque, a bonafide supergroup featuring the touring bandmates of Shania Twain, Slash, and Kelly Clarkson. December 31, 9 p.m. at Deerfoot Inn & Casino, 1000 - 11500 35 St. S.E., deerfootinn.com
BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL (MUSICAL, MUSICAL)
The ghost-with-the-most comes to Alberta in Broadway-Across-Canada musical form and ready to get lodged in your head. January 7 to 12 at the Jubilee, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgary.broadway.com
PHOTO: MATTHEW MURPHY
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
Broadway Across Canada present Beetlejuice: The Musical (Musical, Musical)
The Broadview Trio
Talespin Trivia
WHERE CALGARY COMES TO QUIZ
MORE CALGARY TRIVIA NIGHTS
Quiz Shoe
BY ABBEY WHITEHEAD
From Kevin Bacon-themed rounds to quirky mini-games, Talespin Trivia transforms your average quiz night into an unforgettably Calgarian experience. With themed nights for die-hard fans and unpredictable questions that challenge even the sharpest minds, Talespin has grown into one of Calgary’s quirkiest trivia nights, where stakes are high, laughs are endless, and a devoted crew keep coming back for more.
“[Trivia] started to become a passion of mine,” says founder and host Alan Johnson. “I realised what kind of trivia I wanted to see in the city, and I realised a lot of that wasn’t happening, so I decided to just create it myself.”
After Johnson’s friend James Wade returned to Calgary from a trip to New York years ago, he couldn’t stop raving about the city’s abundance of movie trivia nights. Inspired by their mutual love for film, Wade and Johnson launched what would become Talespin Trivia at Dickens in 2017. While Wade has since taken a step back, Johnson runs the show to this day with a revolving door of co-hosts that includes Ife Abiola, Joanna Iles, and various special guests for themed nights.
“We try to think outside the box,” says Iles. “We make it more than just trivia.”
Case-in-point is the “Cookin’ with Bacon” round, which kicks off every edition of movie trivia. “We like to start the round with a question about Kevin Bacon. I’ll use that question as inspiration to write the next question,” says Iles. “We use it as inspiration from the ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ concept, which is that every single person is six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.”
Talespin also adds a unique twist by incorporating mini-games that level the playing field, giving everyone a chance to win — even if trivia isn’t your strong suit. From “Name That Tune” challenges to guessing movie trailers, each round keeps players on their toes.
“We want anyone who comes to feel like they’re having a good time,” says Johnson. “Even if they don’t walk away with the trophy.”
“We try to think outside the box. We make it more than just trivia.”
JOANNA ILES
According to Iles, trivia nights provide a fun escape from daily stresses and allow participants to relax and enjoy the evening. She and Johnson strive to create a welcoming, book-club-esque atmosphere with a good dose of humour.
While competitive, the vibe remains lighthearted, with a mix of easy, challenging, and “improbable” questions. “Have a drink, have some fries, hang out with your friends, and laugh the night away,” said Iles. “It’s a nice way to escape.”
Talespin hosts multiple unique trivia events around Calgary, including Trivia Killed the Radio Star, a monthly music trivia event held at Dickens Pub. Twice a month, they bring the fun to Citizen Brewing Company with Citizen Trivia Night. They host regular events at The Establishment Brewing Company, and Johnson recently added a trivia night at Two Pillars Brewing.
“I think you’d be surprised how much you actually know,” said Johnson. “Grab a couple of friends and come check it out and see how well you do.”
For details and upcoming events, give them a follow on Instagram at @yyctrivia.
You might remember Quiz Shoe from Broken City (R.I.P). The hosts have relocated to Tubby’s and are keeping the quizzing spirit alive. Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Tubby’s, @quizshoe on Instagram
WOO HOO! YYC Classic Simpsons Trivia
WOO HOO! features three rounds of questions about Simpsons seasons 1 to 11 — the “good seasons.” Various dates at Dickens, @woohooyyc on Instagram
Penny Black Brunch Trivia
Hosted by Tremendous Trivia, this event features the deadly combination of mimosas and trivia at Penny Black Kitchen & Bar. Sundays at 1 p.m., tremendoustrivia.com
Name That Tune @ Cabin Brewing
Join Trivia Daddy at Cabin for “Name That Tune.” Various dates, cabinbrewing.ca
Madisons Restaurant & Bar
Arrive early to catch happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m., then test your knowledge and compete for prizes. Mondays at 7 p.m., madisonspub.ca
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino
Take a break from the slots every Saturday evening with trivia games, great food, and affordable drinks. Saturdays at 7 p.m., cnty.com
Bowness Pub
Bowness Pub hosts six rounds of trivia, Name That Tune, and offers great food and drink specials. Wednesdays at 7 p.m., bownesspub.com
Canadian Brewhouse (University District)
Join in to win prizes and a trophy for the top team while enjoying their daily specials — like tacos! Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m., thecanadianbrewhouse.com
Southland Yard Bar and Table
Compete to win prizes in general knowledge and “Name That Tune” rounds at Southland Yard. Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Southlandyard.com
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
Joanna Iles & Alan Johnson, Talespin Trivia
BY EVELINA PAK
IExploring Light and Dark
STEVEN CONDE’S VISION FOR THEATRE
n the era of digital storytelling, Steven Conde’s approach to live theatre highlights its transformative power, exploring both the light and dark sides of the human experience.
With his background bridging Filipino and Canadian theatre, Conde’s work spans from producing for the TD Amplify Series to creating children’s theatre productions at Wagonstage Theatre. He is also the founder of FlipSide Theatre Collective, which promotes Filipino representation in the arts.
Conde sat down with The Scene to talk about his background, what he’s excited about, and where he is headed with his work.
FROM ACTOR TO DIRECTOR
“I think I always wanted to direct. Even as a kid, I played with Lego pieces and created characters, costumes, and stories for them.
“It’s also about a sense of control: as an actor, you’re often at the mercy of the people behind the scenes; as a director, you realize there’s still a lot beyond your control, but I find it rewarding to help shape a show. Once you’ve built a strong foundation, you can trust the actors to bring the world you created to life.”
ACROSS CULTURES
“In my experience, some traditional theatre practices in the Philippines take a more hierarchical approach to rehearsals, where directors and producers are revered, and questions from actors are less common. In Canada, I appreciate everyone having a voice in the room and being able to assert themselves.
“As a director, I’ve learned to question things more deeply — ‘Why am I doing this? Why follow this?’ Striking a balance is key — having an opinion while respecting authority.
“At FlipSide Theatre, I want actors to feel safe to create, explore, and make mistakes. In some rehearsal rooms, there is a tendency to be per-
fectionist and afraid of making mistakes. I prefer a culture that allows mistakes to happen, because we cultivate more creativity out of them.”
DARK THEMES
“I’m drawn to plays that impact communities. For example, A Monster Calls addresses how families deal with grief. Rather than just focusing on themes specific to my Filipino background, I look for themes that resonate with me.
“I tend to lean towards darker themes — I like the contrast between light and dark. When you show the ugliness of human nature, it creates an opportunity to let light shine through.
“In terms of technique, my approach doesn’t change much between genres; I adapt more based on the people I work with. For instance, I approach direction differently with young, emerging artists than seasoned actors, though my core process remains the same.”
YOUNG AUDIENCES
“A lot of what we do at Wagon Stage is improvisation and games. The cast plays around with their characters, finding ways to make them clear to the audience but also truthful to the role.
“A common misconception is that you must exaggerate everything — make it big and broad. Of course, you need to account for different age groups and psychological levels, but I believe in respecting kids’ intelligence. You should treat them as capable of understanding and processing complex ideas, just like any other audience.”
COMPETING WITH DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
“The level of engagement kids derive from theatre they won’t get from their screens. Theatre is three-dimensional — there are real people right in front of them. They can clap, shake hands, or even hug.
“In Calgary, children’s theatre companies are doing great work by bringing the theatre to the kids. We don’t just wait for them to come because
QUICK TAKES:
they have so many other things to think about.
“Once a child experiences good, engaging theatre, they won’t be able to compare it to what’s on their phones. It’s just about giving them that experience.”
NEW DIRECTIONS
“I’d love to explore more devising — creating work from scratch. Usually, I work with a script, and we build from there. But I’d like to create something from just ideas, images, or questions rather than words. I think that kind of experimental theatre is something I haven’t delved into much yet.”
WHY THEATRE?
“If you want to feel alive and you’re scared of skydiving or bungee jumping, theatre is the next best thing. Nothing beats a live performance — having a storyteller pouring their heart out right in front of you, breathing the same air, being in the same moment — that’s priceless. You won’t get that from any media. Theatre has the potential to change you in a way nothing else can. It’s powerful, emotional, and deeply human.”
This article is part of a collaboration with Arts Commons. Together, we aim to foster more dialogue around the arts in Calgary.
To learn more about Steven Conde’s work, follow him on Instagram at @calgarydirector.
Three plays everyone should watch in their lifetime:
• Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim, 1979
• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, 2018
• Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal, 1887
WORK YOU ARE MOST PROUD
OF:
Suicide Incorporated
“I remember one audience member telling me that it changed his mind about taking his life. That experience solidified for me why I do what I do.”
UPCOMING PROJECTS 2025:
• Kensuke’s Kingdom
StoryBook Theatre, Director
• A Killing at La Cucina
Vertigo Theatre, Assistant Director
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Stratford Festival (Ontario), Assistant Director
Cheapskate’s GUIDE TO NIGHTLIFE
It takes a professional partier to enjoy Calgary’s nightlife on a budget. Lucky for you, The Scene is home to some pro-level cheapskates who still like to live the night up. Welcome to the cheapskates guide to nightlife!
BY NATHAN ILES
LATE-NIGHT EATS & DRINKS
Start the night right with these late-night eats, sips, and happy hours.
LAST BEST BREWING & DISTILLING
With its central location on what used to be Electric Avenue and plush interior, Last Best is a great spot to start or end your night. Split a $15 pizza (the pepperoni with hot honey is my favourite) or some wings and wash it down with a $6.50 glass of Tokyo Drift or any of LB’s other tasty beverages during their late-night happy hour.
Monday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to close, Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 607 11 Ave. S.W., lastbestbrewing.com
CIBO ON 17TH
The 3-to-5 happy hour options at Cibo are legendary, but did you know it goes late into the night as well? From 10 p.m. until close, build yourself a nighttime game changer on 17th Avenue with $5 pizza, $3 scodellina, $5 antipasti, and $5 draft. Bon appétit!
Monday to Thursday from 9 p.m. to close; Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. to close, 1012 17 Ave. S.W., cibo17th.com
SHIP & ANCHOR
You saw this one coming. The Ship & Anchor is Calgary’s melting pot and the perfect spot for pre-gaming or afters. The Late Night Snacks menu only goes into effect after 9 p.m. and includes ginger chicken wings, spicy Hawaiian pizza, and even a poutine hot dog. Grab a Ship Boat to complete the savings: pick five of any can or bottle and save $5 on the total price! Open until 2 a.m. any night of the week, 534 17 Ave. S.W., shipandanchor.com
BLOWERS & GRAFTON (MISSION)
Got a hankering for donair, pizza, or garlic fingers at a low price? Blowers & Grafton has been bringing a taste of Nova Scotia to Calgary since 2017, and their late-night “Hali hour” is to die for. Their Grafton Street lager is only five bucks, and their $10.95 eight-inch pepperoni pizza is perfect for soaking up a night of drinking… not that I know from personal experience or anything. 9 p.m. to close every day of the week, 2120 4th St. S.W., blowersgrafton.com
PHOTO: COURTESY LAST BEST
Last Best Brewing & Distilling
TUBBY’S
It warms my heart that the neon spirit of Tubby Dog still lives on through ridiculous hot dogs served late. Tubby’s may be “just a bar” these days, but you can still grab a Tubby Dog or (my personal favourite) an A-Bomb piled high with crushed chips and bacon for only $7 (add a buck if you wanna take it to go). However, with the impressive cocktail and craft beer selection on deck, it’s hard not to make a night of it. Kitchen open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 12 a.m. on weekends, 100A, 1210 8 St. S.W., tubbybar.com
COLD GARDEN
Long after most craft breweries in town have closed, Cold Garden keeps the party going in Inglewood. The (dog-friendly) taproom and patio are open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and massive 20-oz pints go for only seven bucks! I like to grab the Pool Party Blonde and a cheap bag of chips here before heading to the nearby Inglewood 9th Ave strip to party further on a budget.
Open until 1 a.m. on weekends and midnight all other days, 1100 11 St. S.E., coldgarden.ca
CENTRAL TAPS + FOOD
The aptly named “Power Hour” is when the night heats up at Central. From 10 to 11 p.m., highballs and OG Shaft on Draft are only five bucks, while plates of sushi rolls and cheeseburger sliders
drop down to a wicked price. Located in the new-ish District at Beltline area, Central makes a great leaping-off point for a night of shenanigans. 10 p.m to 11 p.m. every day, 224 12 Ave. S.W., centralrestaurants.ca
SHAWARMA-LICIOUS
You can’t go wrong with shawarma, right?
“Shawarma-Licious is stumbling distance from Calgary haunts like Pinbar and the Ship, and it’s open until 4 a.m. on weekends. Nothing pregames a quiet ride home in an Uber like a spicy chicken wrap with falafel and sweet sauce. The pricing isn’t half bad either because you’ll likely have leftovers for the hangover.
Open until 3 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 502 17 Ave. S.W., 403 283 0309
HAYDEN BLOCK
I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out Hayden Block. Yes, the barbecue is smoked for 10-to-14 hours, and dozens of whiskeys are poured daily… but the real draw for us cheapskates lies in the evening. From 10 p.m. until closing, you can grab pulled pork, sausage, and other meats at Hayden Block for half price while supplies last. In my experience, they don’t last long, so head to Kensington and start the night with some brisket drizzled in that sumptuous espresso sauce!
Any day after 10 p.m., 1136 Kensington Rd. N.W., haydenblockyyc.com
Nightlife hacks
THESE LOCAL PARTIERS
SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AND HAVING A RAGER OF A
NIGHT
BRING CASH
We live in an increasingly cash-free world where small pieces of plastic rule all. But at the rock show, “Cash is king,” according to local bartender and musician Kalen Baker. “Debit transactions during a busy rush greatly slow down your bartender,” he says. “Starting a tab or paying cash will help you and everyone else get served much faster.” Stone cold cash is also the quickest way to ensure you’re not racking up a huge and unexpected bill. A tab, meanwhile, makes the process of ordering a drink a breeze, and allows you to further streamline things if you are buying for multiple people.
KEEP
A PHONE CHARGER ON HAND
A dead phone is basically an expensive brick. Local entrepreneur and avid concertgoer Lily Peterson says, “I’d rather not be stuck without my phone in case I need to call a friend or get a cab home at the end of the night.” You also never know when you will want to follow a DJ’s socials, grab a cheeky selfie, or Shazam that banger you’re dancing to. A portable power source is easy to carry to ensure you are always covered and can stay safe.
DON’T FORGET EARPLUGS
Hearing protection might be the most important thing you bring out the door. “Hearing damage is real,” says local partier Maya Simon. “It may not affect you right away, but live music decibel levels can impact you immensely down the road.” You can buy foam plugs at any hardware store at a bargain, but pricier musician earplugs will preserve the quality of sound. Hearing loss clinics can provide custom moulded earplugs if you want to splurge. No matter what you choose, it will be preferable to a lifetime of tinnitus.
WEAR COMFY SHOES
Those strappy heels might look cooler, but trust us; you’ll regret them before the night ends. Local rocker and Hang the DJ
regular Mike Ackman advises, “Function over fashion is key if you’re going to be standing or flailing around on your feet for most of the night.” In other words? “Blisters suck, and don’t wear sandals. You’ll never see your toenails again.” Wear something with good arch support and decent protection to keep your feet as happy as your ears. Even a well-worn set of sneakers will serve you well.
USE A GOOD BAG
It might sound obvious, but having a bag is essential to keep your valuables on hand. As Chloe Bunn says, “It holds my water bottle, inhaler and all the other goodies I need for long nights of five-band stacked shows. It’s also great to hold all the merch I buy before the show so I can skip the line after and go home right away.” If your purse is too small or your backpack too unwieldy, consider a canvas reusable tote bag from one of your favourite organizations. Just be prepared; some bigger venues enforce a mandatory bag check.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR PROMOTIONS
The vigilant partier can grab sweet deals online, according to local raver and flowdancer Jess Semeniuk. “Boodang and Blueprint are two in Calgary that I follow,” she says. “They’ll post free shows before 10:30 or 11, and you don’t even buy a ticket! You just go online, put your email in, and they send you a free ticket, and that right there, you’re saving $30 at the door to get in. Sure, you have to go a little earlier than normal, but you save that price point on the ticket, which is awesome.”
HIT THE PRE-GAME
There’s no way around it: drinks at the bar are expensive in 2024, so self-professed local party wizard Ben Blue recommends you have a few drinks before and after your night out. “The pre-game is always good, and the after-party house party is the way to go,” he says. “You can go to someone’s house at 10, go someplace at 11:30, and only pay top dollar for a couple of hours.” As for stocking the home bar? “I can’t recommend Costco liquor enough. You can get five drinks [at the bar] for $50 or a giant bottle from Costco for the same price!” And guess what, Scenesters? You don’t even need a Costco membership to buy from their liquor stores.
PHOTO: COURTESY TUBBY’S
Tubby’s
NIGHTLIFE
DANCE ON A BUDGET
Clubbing doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some affordable ways to shake your money maker.
THE BACK ALLEY NIGHTCLUB
It’s been quite a journey for the Back Alley. For 25 years, The Alley was a greasy party hotspot in Calgary until it closed its doors in 2013. They briefly re-opened in 2019 before closing again during the pandemic. But since 2021, the club has been going strong again and bringing the noise to Macleod Trail every weekend. The $3 Power Hour is a wicked deal, but here’s the real move: many of their events (like Markus Schulz on Dec. 6) offer free admission before 10:30 p.m. if you register beforehand!
4630 MacLeod Tr. S.W., backalleycalgary.com
HANG THE DJ
It doesn’t matter how light your wallet is: Dickens wants you on the dancefloor, grooving your face off to Depeche Mode. Hang The DJ is their monthly dance night, featuring DJ Greycell — aka owner Chris Hewitt — spinning new wave, electro, and more until the wee hours. Entry is only $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after, and the atmosphere includes all. The next regular HTDJ is on Dec. 14, and there’s a massive New Year’s Eve party that features ‘80s tracks going up against the ‘90s!1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com
SWEET LORETTA
It’s officially disco December, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Sweet Loretta (learn more about this venue on page 20). With a funked-out main level and a tiki-bar rave cave in the basement, it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite spots to bust a move. The best part? A night out at Sweet Loretta doesn’t have to break the bank. Disco Nap Happier Hour is from 5 to 7 p.m. and you can often sign up for the guest list ahead of time and grab a free RSVP to one of their events. Save the dollars for a drink; I recommend the Fresh as Fuck gin highball! 715 11 Ave. S.W., sweetlorettabar.ca
PANSY CLUB
Unapologetically queer and always putting on a good time, Pansy Club is an ongoing series of pop-up dance parties at venues like Dickens, TRUCK Contemporary Art, The BLOX, and more. Cover is usually $10, but they also accommodate pay-what-you-can offerings if things are tight for you. The important thing is you get in the space and lose yourself in the drag-and-DJ madness. Follow Pansy Club’s Instagram profile for the next event: @pansyclubyyc
SILENT TENSION
The spirit of old-school Calgary raves is alive and well thanks to groups like Silent Tension, a local collective that promotes and books EDM shows and international DJs. Their ongoing Dungeon Dance Club series has brought the likes of Takaaki Itoh (Japan) and Ryan James Ford (Germany). They often offer cheaper admission before 10 p.m. and always ensure a safe space to rave until the morning.
Follow Silent Tension’s Instagram profile for upcoming events: @silent.tension
MODERN LOVE
It was a sad day when Broken City shut its doors, but Modern Love has brought a different vibe to the space and is keeping the former Electric Avenue bumping. Fridays feature Emo Night anthems, smash burgers are $2 on Tuesdays, and they do tons of themed events ranging from Halloween to Charli XCX devoted nights. Entry varies, but $10 is the standard, with many events offering free admission! Keep an eye on their socials and hop on down 11th Ave. 613 11 Ave. S.W., modern-love.ca
RAVE MAMA
Technically speaking, Rave Mama has been doing events in Calgary for a year (the first-anniversary party was on Nov. 15), but they were putting stuff on for six years in Hong Kong before making their way west. Either way, we’re all the better for having accessible techno-bangers, trance shows, and all-night tunnel parties. Rave Mama often does tiered ticket pricing that starts as low as $1, so get on their mailing list and hop on tickets ahead of time for an affordable time with a great community.
More details can be found at linktr.ee/ravemama
TWISTED ELEMENT
Whether at the Friday’s With Benefits drag show or the Spectacular Saturday dance parties, Calgary’s premiere gay club is always a party on the weekend. Tickets start at around $10, and attendees of all backgrounds are welcome. Plus, a hot dog stand usually sets up next to the venue late at night, and it’s a cheap way to kill those late-night drunk cravings.
1006 11 Ave. S.W., twistedelement.club
PHOTO: SHANNON JOHNSTON
Hang the DJ at Dickens.
PHOTO: VICTOR TOBER
The Back Alley
One Yellow Rabbit’s 39th Annual
CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING
Team Building eventsON THE BEACH Kick off your shoes and info@thebeachyyc.ca
January 14 to February 2, 2025
Ronnie Burkett in Wonderful Joe
Mump & Smoot in Exit
Lucy Darling in Indulgence
Ten Minute Play Festival | Day Player Machine
403-475-4031
Mother Nature | Flux in the City | Rat Academy
Denise Clarke's Salon | BeautifulYoungArtists Cabaret
I Don't Even Miss You | Hot Dyke Party | Scratch Party
Taylor Mac in Conversation with Denise Clarke
CRM&PNSHMNT | Echoes of the Land
Alexandrov, Nava and Nielsen | Call and Response
Mozart's Birthday Party | Unplugged: Nirvana Reimagined
The First Bad Man | Ribstone | Words in Progress
ProArts Concerts | Closing Night Party | Laycraft Lounge
BOOZY
Gift Guide 2024
BY DON TSE
Cash might be king, but when it comes to sharing the holiday spirit, spirits (not to mention beer and wine) are also a perennially popular choice. Whether the booze hound in your life is a beer geek, cork dork or spirit animal, you’ll be sure to find something for them in our boozy gift guide.
CABIN BREWING FLIGHT CLUB
Beer fans love flights of beers and the Cabin Brewing taproom is a great place to enjoy them. Cabin even offers a Flight Club membership. For $119.95, members get a punch card redeemable for 12 flights of Cabin beer to be enjoyed throughout 2025, a Flight Club pin and sticker and a 10% discount on all food and beverage in the taproom. Flight Club will give wings to your tastebuds! cabinbrewing.ca
CONFLUENCE
WINTER SPICE GIN
Confluence makes great spirits. Their Amaro recently won Avenue magazine’s Made in Alberta Awards in the alcoholic beverage category. For the holidays, Confluence has released Winter Spice Gin, inspired by ginger snap cookies. Featuring flavour notes of baking spices, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, Confluence Winter Spice Gin is available for $49.99 from the distillery (right next door to Cabin Brewing) or at finer liquor stores. confluencedistilling.ca
BRIDGELAND DISTILLERY GIFT PACKS
Bridgeland Distillery is one of the most interesting local distilleries, eschewing the usual offerings of vodka and gin and making unique drinks like amaro, limoncello and single-varietal brandy, in addition to whiskies made from local grains. Bridgeland offers two- and three-pack gift packs in various themes: whisky packs, brandy packs, Italian packs and cocktail packs. The two-packs come in a wooden box holding 375ml bottles and range from $74 to $94. Three-packs contain 200ml bottles and range from $62 to $89. bridgelanddistillery.com
XHALE CHRISTMAS PUDDING PORTER
This rich, dark porter features flavours of toasted bread, burnt toffee, dark cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and figs. It’s inspired by a century-old Christmas pudding recipe from XhAle’s founder’s Aunt Rene. But the holidays aren’t just about food and beverage; they are about family and charity.
PHOTO: JOHANN VINCENT
Cabin Brewing Company
In honour of Aunt Rene, partial proceeds from the sale of XhAle Christmas Pudding Porter (approx. $18/4-pack) are donated to the Alberta Cancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness. xhalebrewco.ca
WILD LIFE DISTILLERY FAIRMONT MOUNTAIN SIGNATURE SERIES
Canmore’s Wild Life Distillery has partnered with Fairmont Hotels to create a series of signature bottled cocktails. For the Banff Springs Hotel, the Wildflower cocktail combines Rundle Bar Gin, elderberry, mint and lime for a refreshing twist on a Gin Gimlet. The Chateau Lake Louise Iconic Peak is a spin on an Old Fashioned, made from Untamed Signature Rye, smoked black tea and Wild Life aromatic bitters. Finally, Jasper Park Lodge Emerald Glow is a Collins-style cocktail made from Wild Life Vodka, sencha green tea, lemon, sage and green apple. The set of cocktails costs $55 and is available only at the hotels and through the distillery. wildlifedistillery.ca
CRAFT BEER IMPORTERS CANADA’S CRAFT BEER ADVENT CALENDAR
Boozy advent calendars have been very popular in recent years, but the first was the Craft BeerAdvent Calendar. Every year, this calendar features 24 different beers that have never been sold in Canada before. And it is the only beer calendar sold across Canada, so friends and loved ones across the nation can share a cold one together throughout December. Approximately $170 at finer liquor stores. (Full disclosure: I’m the owner of Craft Beer Importers Canada Inc., which makes the calendar.) craftbeerimports.ca/beer-advent
UNCOMMON CIDER EVERYTHING NICE CIDER
This seasonal cider from one of Calgary’s favourite cideries is a blend of naturally fermented apple cider and BC-grown cranberries. The cider is infused with mulling spices giving it a blush colour and flavours of cinnamon, apple pie and citrus. In a wonderful season twist, Everything
Nice Cider can be enjoyed cold or mulled! Available at the Uncommon taproom or from Calgary Co-Op Wine Spirits Beer for approximately $22/4-pack. uncommoncider.com
KENSINGTON WINE MARKET NOT-AN-ADVENT WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR
Kensington Wine Market is globally recognized for its whisky selection. And for the last several years, they have assembled an exclusive advent calendar of fine and rare drams. In a twist, this year, Kensington Wine Market is offering five tasting kits, each containing five 28ml samples of premium whisky. If you purchase all five kits, for a total of 25 drams, the kits come together just like an advent calendar. The entire five-kit set is $330 while individual kits are $70. kensingtonwinemarket.com
BLANCO CANTINA MARGARITA KITS
Calgary-based Blanco Cantina features great
Mexican-inspired food, but is equally loved for their margaritas. Available at each of their locations, Blanco offers kits with all the ingredients needed to bring the fiesta home. Available in five flavours, each kit makes six margaritas and range from $50 to $60. blancocantina.ca/en/ margarita-kits
IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA
If you can’t splurge for the holidays, when can you splurge? For about $96, this iconic wine from Rioja, Spain will please any wine lover. At 85% Tempranillo with Garnacha and Mazuelo providing support, this wine is a true classic, having been produced since 1920. Made only in the best vintages and then aged for 24 months in French and American Oak with additional bottle aging, Imperial Gran Reserva is rich and complex with a nose of dark fruits, licorice, cigar and sweet spice. Available at Craft Cellars, Willow Park Wines & Spirits, Zyn the Wine Market and BSW Liquor. cvne.com/en/wines/ imperial-gran-reserva
Confluence Winter Spice Gin
Bridgeland Distillery Gift Pack
Imperial Gran Reserva
2024 Canadian Craft Beer Advent Calendar
XhAle Christmas Pudding Porter
THEATRE SCENE
INDIE THEATRE UNDER FIRE
CALGARY’S COMMUNITY AND INDIE THEATRES ARE BATTLING FINANCIAL PRESSURES AND A SHORTAGE OF AFFORDABLE SPACES AS THEY PUSH CREATIVE BOUNDARIES TO KEEP THE CITY’S ARTS SCENE THRIVING.
BY ABBEY WHITEHEAD
Calgary’s community and independent theatres face mounting financial pressures and a lack of affordable rehearsal and performance spaces. As small companies like Scorpio, Morpheus, and Full Circle Theatre navigate these challenges, they continue to push the boundaries of creativity, striving to keep the city’s vibrant arts scene alive.
Scorpio Theatre — founded in 2000 to bring original plays to Calgary — is fighting to survive.
“Over the last couple of years, the biggest challenges have been financial,” said Stuart Bentley, recently elected president of Scorpio Theatre. “We didn’t have any money left in the bank and did fundraisers. We asked for donations from other theatre companies to keep our lights on and doors open.”
The founders of Scorpio Theater aimed to produce edgier drama and new works for Calgary’s stages, but since 2020, the theatre has faced major financial strains, lost societal status, and experienced turbulence within its leadership. In response to mounting financial pressures,
Scorpio is now working toward becoming a registered charity, which could unlock corporate sponsorships and provide much-needed stability.
Additionally, the theatre is exploring the possibility of re-opening a casino fundraiser to create a steady revenue stream, ensuring its productions can continue for years to come.
No one at Scorpio is paid: they do theatre for the love of it. “Everyone’s a volunteer — board members, cast members, directors, designers, and crew,” said Stuart. “This is a labour of love.”
Similarly, Morpheus Theatre, another volunteer-based community theatre in Calgary, is facing challenges to bring art to the stage.
Ginette Simonot, operations manager and actor with Morpheus, shared that recruiting enough volunteers is an ongoing struggle.
“We lost our set designer of 20 years,” said Simonot. “We’re always looking for production volunteers, including set builders, prop and costume makers, and lighting and sound designers.”
Morpheus’ vision is to act as a “supportive family” within the arts community, providing affordable productions and resources. Next year marks 30 years of theatre production for the company.
“We like to think that we have a place for
everybody if they want to be involved,” says Simonot. “The most important thing to Morpheus Theatre is that we’re giving people the opportunity to learn these skills and to perform.”
Producing theatre in the wake of a pandemic and rising inflation is an uphill battle. But there are still hard-won triumphs to celebrate.
Companies such as Forte Musical Theatre have celebrated remarkable successes. Forte recently marked the 10th and final edition of its beloved holiday show, Naughty... but Nice! The show ended on a high note with record attendance, making it the company’s most successful season yet. They also debuted Buy Me a Drink, Joe, a new production that received significant acclaim and won four Betty Mitchell Awards for excellence in Calgary’s theatre scene.
However, despite these achievements, funding remains a significant challenge. Joe Slabe, Artistic Director of Forte Musical Theatre, notes that financial stability is still an ongoing struggle, underscoring the economic barriers many small theatres face, even amidst artistic success and community support.
“Funding is always a challenge,” says Slabe. “The challenge is to have lots of different income streams to be able to do what we do.”
This financial strain is a common challenge across Calgary’s community theatres. Many need help with stable funding to continue bringing art to Calgarians.
“We applied for societal status with the government last August, and we still haven’t heard back,” says Erin Weir, co-founder of Full Circle Theatre. “Most of what we do is funded out of my and Claire [Bolton, our co-founder]’s savings.”
Founded in 2010, Full Circle Theatre is a Calgary-based collective celebrating women in theatre. Recently, they staged Riverona, an inventive adaptation blending Romeo and Juliet with the vibes of Riverdale and One Tree Hill.
Weir describes the show, which was presented in four parts, as “an extravaganza of theatre.” Riverona earned a CAT Award for Best New Script in August, underscoring the group’s creative influence within Calgary’s theatre scene.
The arts scene in Calgary is expanding, with many new companies joining the community, says Weir.
“It’s really exciting right now,” she says.
“There are all these new, self-supported theatre companies pushing the boundaries of form, and there’s room for everyone.”
However, many companies still struggle to
PHOTO: HANNAH ANSON
Full Circle Theatre
PHOTO: TARRAGON THEATRE
Makambe K. Simamba in Our Fathers, Tarragon Theatre
find reliable spaces to practice and perform. The need for more affordable stages to cross has added another layer of difficulty, making it harder for emerging groups to sustain their productions and reach audiences.
“FUNDING IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE. THE CHALLENGE IS TO HAVE LOTS OF DIFFERENT INCOME STREAMS TO BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE DO.”
JOE SLABE, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, FORTE MUSICAL THEATRE
“There are limited venues,” says Slabe. “Certain venues are priced too high for independent theatre companies. I feel like maybe there should be, you know, an indie rate or charitable rate for some of the venues that are going to sit empty anyway because no one can afford to rent them.”
Currently, theatres like Morpheus and Evergreen are stepping up to create accessible rehearsal areas, but they’re nearly maxed out, with Morpheus often booked year-round, says Weir. This lack of space limits many groups, even as funding becomes available.
Weir suggests that corporations with unused rooms on evenings and weekends help fill this gap by allowing performers to use their spaces to rehearse.
“Maybe there’s a place for partnership there if they actually want to put their money where their mouth is and support the arts,” says Weir. “Throwing money at us is great, but the money doesn’t help me if I don’t have anywhere I can go and rehearse.”
Handsome Alice echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the theatre community needs
accessible spaces for productions and presentations.
With limited venues available, competition for these spaces has become fierce.
“There are lots of really large venues, but it’s not appropriate for us to be renting the Jubilee auditorium, for example, or like the Saddledome,” says Meg Farhall, Artistic Producer of Handsome Alice. “We need something that’s a 100-seat house. The venues that are like that in the city are always booked up so it’s quite competitive to get a spot.”
Bentley suggests that additional government funding would benefit local theatres struggling with funding and space issues.
“The government seems very ready to support and throw money behind larger professional companies,” he says. “It’s very hard to get any kind of assistance with building theatres or maintaining theatres.”
Although the challenges seem overwhelming, many of these companies remain optimistic about the future of community theatre, with new shows lined up for the 2025 season.
“There are so many incredible companies doing groundbreaking, risk-taking, innovative work, and it’s so exciting to go out and support local theatre,” says Farhall. “It is alive, and it is exciting.”
Learn more about your theatre scene at calgary-acts.com and artscommons.ca.
CJSW December Chartlist
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. Sleepkit - Camp Emotion (Aubox Records)
2. Bitter Fictions - Phantoms (Shaking Box)
3. Witch Victim - Witch Victim (Self-Released)
4. Tendavillage - The Tenda Dimension (Unbound by Sound)
5. Falcon Jane - Legacy (Darling Recordings)
6. Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz is Dead 021 (Jazz Is Dead)
7. Various Artists - Sounds of Radiotown: Live Sessions From CJSW 2024 (Self-Released)
8. Skinny Dyck - Easygoing (Victory Pool Records)
9. The Submissives - Live At Value Sound Studios (Celluloid Lunch Records)
10. Sunset Rubdown - Always Happy To Explode (Pronounced Kroog)
11. Boy Golden - For Eden (Six Shooter Records)
12. Kaytranada - Timeless (RCA)
13. Pøltergeist - Nachtmusik (Bad Omen Records)
14. Orville Peck - Stampede (Warner Music Canada)
15. Madeleine Roger - Nerve (Birthday Cake Records)
16. Blue Moon Marquee - New Orleans Sessions (SelfReleased)
17. Snotty Nose Rez Kids - RED FUTURE (Savage Mob Records)
18. Cola - The Gloss (Fire Talk)
19. Jealous Yellow - Czech Vampires (Erste Theke Tonträger)
20. Memorials - Memorial Waterslides (Fire Records)
21. The Smile - Cutouts (XL)
22. Aaron Frazer - Into The Blue (Dead Oceans)
23. Ollee Owens - Nowhere to Hide (Ollee Music)
24. Wyzaker - Doverville EP. 2 (City of Fire)
25. Underground Wires - A Kiss To Wake Soundtrack (Self-Released)
26. Eldritch Priest - Dormitive Virtue (Halocene Trance)
27. Feeling Figures - Everything Around You (K / Perennial Records)
28. ASKO - ASKO (Dine Alone Records)
29. Oonga - Cracher le feu (Mtl Sauce Piquante co.)
30. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) (Record Kicks)
** Local
* Canadian
PHOTO: TIM NGUYEN
Forte Musical Theatre Guild
MUSIC SCENE
Music on the Edge (of the city)
LIVE MUSIC IS ALIVE AND WELL IN THE SUBURBS
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
While Music Mile offers a dozen places to hear live music clustered in the inner city, music lovers who live far from downtown need not miss out.
That was the thought of Vic Bell, who founded Fish Creek Concerts in 2006, when he moved away from the core to Canyon Meadows. Bell ended up singing in a choir at Southwood and made a mental note that it was a perfect room for music. So when Edmonton’s Northern Lights Folk Club needed a venue for Roy Forbes, Bell suggested they hold the concert there. Things “snowballed” after that — Bell began offering live music regularly at Southwood United Church (10690 Elbow Dr. S.W.) and also at River Park Church (3818 14a St. S.W.).
“Part of it is that when people drive home from the downtown core, the last thing they want to do is drive all the way back,” Bell says. “I was getting larger crowds than Southwood could comfortably hold. More than 300, or 320 people. I’ve never been comfortable with people packed in like sardines. I wanted to get into a bigger space where they could spread out. River Park Church is about 150 more seats, 450 people with really comfortable chairs.”
Bell’s long history in the music industry informs his choice of artists. He was a founder
of Calgary’s Nickelodeon Folk Club 46 years ago, served on the Calgary folk fest board, and travelled to many festivals and folk alliances.
Upcoming Fish Creek Concerts include the duo Madison Violet on January 24 and Catherine MacLellan & Mama’s Broke on February 7, both at Southwood, with more coming later in the season.
Bell is clear on what listeners can expect. “Fish Creek Concerts is about quality music at good venues that are comfortable with good acoustics, ample parking and accessibility.”
Cornerstone Music Café (139, 14919 Deer Ridge Dr. S.E.) picked up Fish Creek Concerts’ welcoming vibe and rolled with it, offering a one-stop shop for live music, food, beverage and making good memories, yes, but also for music and art lessons, rehearsal space, recording, and shopping for pre-made meals. This place really puts their space to work. The completion of the ring road has brought music lovers in from all corners of the city.
Co-owner Sylvia Johnston (whose partner is her husband Jim Johnston, also an accomplished drummer and instructor at Cornerstone) worked in administration in the building in 2004 when it only offered music lessons.
“I used to sit at the front desk and dream about what the place could be,” Johnston says. “It was a music studio, and it had that doctor’s office feel to it with the parents sitting and waiting for their kids to be done with their music
lessons. When there were quiet days, all the teachers would be sitting around having fun together. There would be a great big jam and lots of laughs, and I decided to build on that.”
When the Johnstons founded Cornerstone, that vision expanded. “We decided to add a café to the front, and slowly built. We’ve been in business for 12 years and we’re just getting to the place we want to be. We offer art and music classes. Our current artists that perform here use it as a rehearsal space, we even have records recorded in here. Our musicians have meetings here with other musicians that are collaborating, there are mentorships going on; it’s really become quite a hub.”
A reno last year doubled the space at Cornerstone. Pre-made meals in the fridge means parents can come for their children’s lesson, stay and enjoy music on the stage, and pick up graband-go soups or curries for dinner that evening.
“What strikes people when they come in is the sense of community,” says Johnston. “We strive to know people’s names and greet them when they come in. One of my biggest wants is when people come in they have that Cheers moment, you know, when Norm walks in the door and everyone says ‘Norm!’”
Cornerstone hosts an arts market December 7 featuring the music of singer/guitarist Alice Jane, and a Spring Break Music Camp in March. Thursday evenings feature a jazz jam, and other events occur throughout the week.
Tucked into the semi-industrial area of Highland Park, Congress Coffee Company (1A 215 36 Ave. N.E.) has also updated their offerings recently. El Faro Flamenco Tablao with Anastassiia Alexander (music and dance) are on offer the first Friday of the month. The second Wednesday each month features an acoustic open mic with Busker Bob. And Klezmerovitz (Klezmer music & storytelling with Allan Merkowitz) is usually onstage the first Sunday afternoon each month.
“We have [also] been seeing tons of interest in using the space for queer events,” says owner Johanna Schwartz. These include Dice Dynasty (D&D Drag show by Fake Moustache), Housing Crisis (monthly drag show with Comrade Yulia Borscht & Dani Phantom) and, on the final Saturday of the month, Drag is for All Ages with Shane Onyou. The menu continues to feature favourites like breakfast bagels, panini, and soup, and of course the famous Congress Coffee available on site or delivered to you as beans or ready to take home with you from the event you enjoy there. With Mikey’s in Bowness now in full swing and Congress, Cornerstone and Fish Creek all just a short road trip away, folks who want to enjoy a venue outside of downtown now have several options. Clearly, the city’s cultural footprint is expanding and bringing live music to the suburbs, so keep your eyes peeled for events at these locations and others.
Learn more at congresscoffeeshop.com, cornerstonemusic.ca and fishcreekconcerts.com.
Congress Coffee
Cornerstone Music Café Fish Creek Concerts
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The first hint that Sweet Loretta is not your average venue is the Disco Nap Happier Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, when everything on the menu is 54% off. Joe Dort, director of brand and special projects for Concorde Group (owners of Sweet Loretta, as well as the Palomino, the seasonal Wildhorse Saloon and many local restaurants) explains the rational for 54% and its connection to Sweet Loretta’s vision.
“We have a happy hour every day, 54% off everything in honour of [the New York 1970s club] Studio 54. That’s our less than subtle homage to some pioneers,” says Dort. “Studio 54 was the front runner of a lot of the things we’re talking about regarding social contracts between establishments and guests.”
One of those social contracts is the commit-
SWEET LORETTA
GET BACK TO WHERE YOU ONCE BELONGED
BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE
ment to honouring local artists and creating space for connection. “This is a project that is sort of a return to where the company started. The roots of [Concorde Group] are based in Calgary — very heavily based in the nightlife scene,” Dort says. “Some of the very first Concorde venues, The Beach and Republik, have gone by the wayside over the past 20 or 30 years and there was a strong desire to rekindle that energy
that existed in those days, particularly creating spaces where people can come together to share ideas, to collaborate.”
Dort and the Concorde team also noticed a gap in the market for a place that could be a lounge and restaurant that transitioned into a nightlife venue later in the evenings, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A sample of one nightlife lineup features Cal-
gary staple DJ Rob Faust vibing in the basement, while the lounge and main areas offered hip hop and soul simultaneously with disco and pop. Upand-comers like DJ Hannah are also featured, as Sweet Loretta pays homage to the past while still moving into the future.
“We want to be eclectic in the type of music, genres, different styles we are supporting. There’s a focus on the golden age of disco but also the hip-hop, soul, and funk styles as well,” says Dort.
The mandate to support local artists also shows up in details like the bar top tiles, which were created by Calgary’s Becky McMaster. Sweet Loretta also hosts monthly arts markets and events like the Beltline Record Club, sponsored by Blackbyrd Myoozic, explores themes like goth and Britpop through seminars and music.
PHOTOS: COURTESY CONCORDE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
While music and support of the arts are key, they’re best enjoyed while sampling the culinary delights of the restaurant and lounge that features North African and Mediterranean influences in the cuisine. Pita, halloumi, and cucumber salad augment homemade hummus and whipped feta. One of Dort’s favourites, chicken or lamb skewers cooked over charcoal, blends layers of warm spices with light charred flavours. The cocktail menu also echoes the Studio 54 era, right down to an updated take on that nearly gone but now revived 70s stalwart, the Harvey Wallbanger.
“The menu is in line with the whole ethos of the venue,” says Dort. “It’s meant to be shared. It’s presented in a manner so people can order a variety of things and have it be [arrayed] on the table.”
A piece of the social contract Dort mentioned between patron and venue is Sweet Loretta’s dress code. The Sweet Loretta website describes the dress code as Dress to Impress, and they urge you to up your game and channel your inner Studio 54 as you arrive in chic, sharp ensembles. They prefer you leave your cowboy hats
vibe worth dressing up for
and sports jerseys at home (although they will happily check them for you for free if you arrive without understanding the dressy vibe they are encouraging).
Basically the contract is, you dress up — they provide a vibe worth dressing up for. “We’re going to hold up our end of the bargain by giving you a well-curated and intentional experience, and we ask in return you be mindful about how you’re showing up,” Dort says.
There are echoes of the old Republik as Dort summarizes the venue, noting the name Sweet Loretta (taken from a line in The Beatles’ 1970 hit Get Back) came from an era that pushed back
against established norms.
“Sweet Loretta is an incredible spot to come socialize and have a cocktail; it’s a hangout spot from 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday,” says Dort. “It’s a place that can bring people together without pretension but is presented in a way that also challenges people and gets their wheels turning. In our city, it’s often the case that a new idea will come forward and then there’s a lot of imitators and it tends to gravitate towards a state of being homogenized. This is an attempt at pushing back against that.”
Sweet Loretta, 715 11 Ave. S.W., sweetlorettabar.ca
