SCENE July 2023

People Person.

COMPLETE COVERAGE INSIDE

INDIGENOUS RELAY RACING P8

LOCAL BEER AND BUBBLES P12

MUSIC OFF THE MIDWAY P26

Shane Ghostkeeper making music for folks

BIG WINTER CLASSIC PRESENTS

REASON THE CITIZEN • OGB X THE DIRTY SAMPLE

B*LES & THE SUEDE • WITH HOST SABO FORTE

JULY 25 • DOORS 7PM • SHOW 8PM THE BLOX ARTS CENTRE: #150 - 625 11TH AVE SW • TICKETS ON SALE NOW

WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE BLOX? VISIT THEBLOX.CA • @THEBLOXYYC

CONTENTS

FFWD

6. Calgary’s other claim to fame, the Caesar, is ready for your Stampede pleasure … and its cure

LIVEWIRE

7. City set to shut down popular downtown cycle track on 3 Ave.

SPORTS

8. The Indigenous Relay Race at the Stampede has fast become a fan favourite, showcasing history and horsepower

FOOD

10. Check out the buffet Calgary’s culinary community is offering with these new, notable restaurants

BOOZE

12. Calgary breweries embrace the natural carbonation, and Eau Claire Distillery offers a sip of the Stampede with their award-winning whisky

BITS

13. Summer on 17th, a deep dive into the sea, eats from around the world and more

CITY

14. New arts hub for everyone pops up in the city’s Beltline

28. MATT BERRY

30. CAM HAYDEN

COVER

18. Local musician Shane Ghostkeeper makes music for the folks who’ve been a big part of his life

Editor-in-Chief Mike Bell mbell@redpointmedia.ca

Design Kris Twyman

Print/Digital Production Manager

Mike Matovich

Cover: Shane Ghostkeepr

Illustration: Kelly Sutherland

CONTRIBUTORS

Cyana Jo. Andalis

Tom Bagley

Sebastian Buzzalino

Autumn Fox

Nicole Gruszecki

Kim Guttormson

Cam Hayden

Leah Hennel

Nick Johnson

Jeanne Kwong

Darren Krause

Christopher Landry

Hamish MacAulay

Teresa Maillie

Joe McFarland

Nathan Millar

Lori Montgomery

THEATRE

15. Alladin set to grant wishes of local theatregoers and Theatre Calgary offers some Bard on the fly

FOLK FEST

22. Helping you navigate the 2023 Calgary Folk Music Festival

24. Acclaimed bluesman Buffalo Nichols is coming from an honest place

MUSIC

26. Best of what you can hear should you step out of the Stampede LIFESTYLE

27. Not a fan of the rodeo season in the city? Here are some options to get you out of the house without a cowboy hat

We acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. And we thank them.

Jay Nelson

Adora Nwofor

Rick Overwater

Mike Platt

Shea Proulx

Caroline Russell-King

Jenna Shummoogum

Jared Sych

John Tebbutt

Don Tse

Krista Sylvester

Zoltan Varadi

David Veitch

Mary-Lynn Wardle

Alanna Willerton

Ian Wilson

CEO, Co-owner Roger Jewett President, Co-owner Käthe Lemon klemon@redpointmedia.can

Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur ameilleur@redpointmedia.ca

Account Executives

Michaela Brownlee, mbrownlee@redpointmedia.ca

Jocelyn Erhardt, jerhardt@redpointmedia.ca

Accountant Jeanette Vanderveen jvanderveen@redpointmedia.ca

Administrative and HR Manager

Tara Brand, tbrand@redpointmedia.ca

redpointmedia.ca

1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7

Calgary’s other claim to fame

The Caesar is a great substitute for bad Stampede beer

Ten days of bad beer and worse music.

That’s one cynical way to describe the Stampede, although if you’re in a tent buying a can from a tub with a nondescript group of white guys on a stage it’s also a pretty fair summation. But a decade ago longtime local booze writer Mike Tessier looked into an alternative and cure for one of those things, the Calgary-born beverage the Caesar. Good for the evening before or the morning after, it’s a drink with a long, local history that’s once again worth revisiting as we head into the July office holiday.

July 4,

2013by Mike Tessier

Whether you like it or not, the Calgary Stampede is the city’s global claim to fame. It’s our Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest all rolled up into 10 big days of hoedowns and hootenannies.

It took a while for this easterner to warm up to “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and its surrounding shindigs, and while avoiding the lame selection of beers at most of these functions, I have discovered what should be Calgary’s other claim to fame: the tangy, zesty drink invented in our fair city: the Caesar.

In 1969, Walter Chell concocted the new drink at The Calgary Inn (now The Westin) for two reasons: first to be a signature cocktail for their new Italian restaurant, Marco’s; and second, as an homage to one of Walter’s favourite Italian dishes — Spaghetti Vongole (or spaghetti with clams in tomato sauce).

The unique tipple caught on like a prairie fire, and soon became Calgary’s most popular cocktail. In the drink’s 44-year existence, it has grown in popularity to the point that now 350 million Caesars are consumed yearly in Canada — that is roughly 12 to 13 per year for those of legal drinking age.

Largely unknown outside of Canada, the Calgary creation has become the country’s unofficial national cocktail — and when the beer selection sucks it’s what this scribe sips back.

Interestingly Chell’s clam juice/tomato juice combo predates the invention of Mott’s Clamato juice by one year. Mott’s hired Chell both to advise on a pre-mixed version of the blended juices and as a spokesperson for some of Mott’s early ad campaigns.

For Stampede partiers the Caesar is a popular hangover cure — and as a bonus you can think of it as a (somewhat) healthy salad in a glass. There are more varieties of Caesars than you can shake a fiddle bow at as vodka is no longer the only spirit in the mix. I’ve had

Caesars made with tequila, gin, rum and — the most interesting and maybe sacrilegious to some whisky fans — a great version made with the big peaty whisky Ardbeg. This smoky, peaty, whisky matches well with the clams in the juice.

One of the fun things about Caesars is the variety of garnishes available to customize your cocktail and make it unique like your very own single-serve yuckaflux. Anything and everything goes — from shrimp pickled

Maple BBQ Caesar

Accessories:

Glass mason jar

Garnish lime wedge (optional)

Assorted cheese cubed

Maple bacon knot on a skewer

Rim fresh cracked salt and pepper

Bacon bits (optional)

Ingredients:

veggies and varieties of salted rims to bacon strips and skewered clams — so each mixologist can put their own signature on the drink.

To get you started here is Wikipedia’s take on the classic:

“Basic preparation of a Caesar follows the ‘one, two, three, four” rule. The recipe calls for 1–1.5 ounces of vodka, two dashes of hot sauce, three dashes of salt and pepper, four dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and topped

with 4–6 ounces of Clamato, and served with ice. The ingredients are poured into a glass rimmed with celery salt, or a mixture of salt and pepper, and garnished with a celery stalk and lime. The Caesar is an unusual drink in that it can be mixed in bulk and stored for a period of time before drinking.”

The recipe for the Maple BBQ Caesar (pictured) was submitted to Mott’s Clamato by @CaesarClint.

1 oz. Canadian whisky

1 spoon Maple bbq sauce

2 dashes Hot sauce

3 dashes Worcestershire

3 dashes Fresh cracked salt and pepper

4 oz. Mott’s Clamato

Instructions:

Rim the jar glass. Fill with ice. Add ingredients in order. Stir. Garnish.

Anything and everything goes — from shrimp pickled veggies and varieties of salted rims to bacon strips and skewered clams — so each mixologist can put their own signature on the drink.

PHOTO: JARED SYCH

Planned removal of popular 3 Avenue downtown Calgary detour prompts petition

By Darren Krause

Plans to remove a popular temporary cycle track detour along 3 Ave. South in downtown Calgary is the subject of a growing petition from a local civic advocacy group.

Project Calgary has launched a petition and information page to “Save 3 Ave. South Downtown Cycle Track,” and organizers are questioning why the City of Calgary would remove a successful mobility project. The temporary track runs from Centre St. to 8 St. S.W.

Peter Oliver with Project Calgary said if you review all of the information they’ve compiled – much of it through Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) requests – it doesn’t make sense that the city would tear out the corridor.

“I mean, the decision to put these in in the first place is completely backed up by all the city policy that has anything to do about the downtown,” Oliver said.

He notes it’s in the Downtown Strategy, cited as a strategic investment in the Chinatown ARP, it’s aligned with the climate emergency declaration and the climate strategy, and the Calgary Transportation Plan. Many of these documents are or have been included on project pages and the engagement page.

“This is all policy that has been created by both past and present city councils, so the direction to administration is there to be doing this work. Yet, here we have them sort of pursuing some other, like, alternative agenda,” Oliver said.

The Project Calgary page includes unreleased city reports showing an increase in the number of cyclists in the area, plus post-installation survey results showing users feeling safer user the streets.

It also includes another as-yet-unreleased report on the impact to parkades, including recommendations to deal with potential issues. Finally, it also has 17 letters of support from community associations, local organizations and both Shaw and Rogers, who have offices on 3 Ave.

According to the City, however, the detour was just a temporary rerouting of traffic while work was done on Eau Claire Area Improvements that forced the closure of sections of the Bow River Pathway.

Detour ‘functioning very well’

Dennis Hoffart, project manager with urban and community systems at the City of Calgary said once work on the Bow River Pathway through Eau Claire and under Centre Street Bridge is complete, they will remove the detour.

That’s expected to happen later this summer or early fall.

The FAQ on the project page for the 3 Ave. detour shows that once there’s “full, uninterrupted public access” to the Eau Claire Promenade and associated river pathways, the detour would be removed.

Hoffart said the city is pleased with the success of the detour.

“It does go to highlight the amount of work

that was put into the project and the successful outcome there,” he said.

When asked about the success in the number of riders, the local support and the fact there’s a long-term plan for mobility infrastructure in the area, Hoffart said the data only shows it’s been successful as a detour.

“The river pathway is very successful as well in its own right,” he said.

“There are thousands of users of that pathway system. Directing all of those specifically to Third Avenue may create a false representation of success of a permanent project.”

The project was designed to be temporary, too. Hoffart said that some of the elements put in place were made from materials best

suited to be temporary and are nearing the end of their life cycle.

Further, some of the pedestrian infrastructure in the area, including traffic signal additions and ramp and sidewalk improvements will be permanent, Hoffart said.

Future plans for mobility infrastructure

Hoffart said that a cycle track, or other mobility improvements, have been identified as a future permanent upgrade for the 3 Ave. corridor.

The Engage page for the project had a line that indicated that 3 Ave. South was “one of the busiest roads for cycling in Calgary (at the west end).” It also connects cycling infrastructure on 5 and 7 St. S.W.

For now, Hoffart said the nearest east-west mobility corridor aside from the pathway system is 8 Avenue S.

Upgrades for 3 Ave. weren’t included in the city’s most recent four-year budget. They would also require functional planning and business cases to support before they could move ahead, Hoffart said.

Oliver said the other element in play is that 3 Ave. is a prime drag for city conversion projects. He questioned the idea of trying to create a community without safe places to walk or bike.

The fact people have to go down to 8 Ave. or to the river pathway system lacks convenience, Oliver said.

“They’re saying is that if you would like to cycle in the downtown, you can do so by exiting the downtown and cycling around the downtown, and then maybe walking or driving in,” he said.

“It completely flies in the face of the downtown strategy and all this policy that we’ve cited in the petition.”

At the very least, Oliver said they want more participation in the decision-making process on the future of the 3 Avenue detour. He said these things have always been an iterative process, one that includes public engagement.

“I think it’s clear here that the city has some explaining to do and probably needs to have a close re-evaluation of this decision,” he said.

“There are thousands of users of that pathway system. Directing all of those specifically to Third Avenue may create a false representation of success of a permanent project.”

DENNIS HOFFART

Traditional heritage gallops into the present

By Mary-Lynn Wardle

The first time Tsuu T’ina Nation member Tonya Crowchild saw Indian relay racing was on the Niitsitapi Nation’s Kainai Reserve about five years back. Although Crowchild came from a rodeo family (one uncle was a world champion bronc rider and team roper; another, Gordon Crowchild, is in the Canadian Cowboy Hall of Fame; and her late grandfather, David Crowchild, and late uncle, Edwin Crane, each drove chuckwagons at the Calgary Stampede), she still had an intense reaction when she first saw the fast, colourful, traditional race. “I’d had no clue what relay was. [I saw] it down in Kainai [Reservation], and I was like, ‘Holy, these Indians are crazy!’

“But, you know, I grew up on a racetrack. I grew up at Calgary Stampede [one of her grandfathers had a teepee there at the former Indian Village, now Elbow River Camp]. I went to the racetrack with my parents, and my uncles, and my aunties and my grandparents.”

Well, no wonder that even after decades around electrifying sports, Crowchild exclaimed when she first saw Indian relay racing (note: The Calgary Stampede is using the term Indigenous relay racing this year; Crowchild and many of the teams refer to it as Indian relay racing). It’s like foot relay racing, but in this case, but in this case, the rider in each team acts as a human baton being passed from horse to horse.

Four teams race each other each heat, with the rider is mounted on the first horse while two other horses per team are held near the starting line. The riders, often with painted faces, mounted bareback on brightly painted horses, tear off around the track. That is thrilling!

But it gets livelier as the horses tear across the starting line again while veering towards the held horses. Then riders fly off their first mounts and leap on — bareback, remember, no stirrup to help them up — and gallop off again. This exchange happens with all teams in a small zone often simultaneously. Suffice to say, these exchanges aren’t always smooth, with horses leaping up or occasionally running off riderless. The best exchanges, however, are so quick and smooth if you sneeze, you’ll miss them.

The sport gained prominence after it was

added to the North American Indigenous Games, held in Edmonton, in 2017; before that, it was practiced on a smaller scale on tracks on various First Nations, including chiefs’ races, youth races on miniature horses, and the lady warrior category. There are currently over 30 teams in Canada; 10 of them appear at this year’s Stampede.

Fast forward five years after those Kainai races and Crowchild’s a partner on the TK Farrier Services relay team, with team captain Tyson Head, based at Mistawasis First Nation, Saskatchewan. Head is a farrier (horseshoer), hence the team’s name, and manages the horses. “I handle the administrative and management stuff,” Crowchild says from her Tsuu T’ina home. “[Tyson] started young at 15 at the Saskatoon track galloping horses and got into farrier and [equine] chiropractic type stuff. So, the horses are well looked after.”

Crowchild met Head through Facebook in May, 2019. “He said, you know, Indian relay and I said, ’It’s that crazy Indians jumping off

of horses bareback and riding again.’ He started laughing. Because I come from a rodeo community, everyone has saddles.”

The team had won the first world championship (at those North American Indigenous Games in 2017) at the Enoch Nation track. Crowchild suggested they needed a fan page, and as Head and his son Kolton, who now at 22 has his own team, White Lightning Express, weren’t tech savvy, Crowchild ended up creating the first Indian relay team FaceBook page in Canada for them.

That’s but sliver of what she does as part of the team. For years she went on the road with them, helping and videoing races for their fan page until lupus slowed her down. However, that hasn’t stopped her from making sure the team’s vests are in mint condition, sewing loincloths and armbands for her team (she makes gorgeous ribbon skirts and sells them across North America on her Tonya Crowchild FaceBook page), and prepping for the Stampede.

“Well, I have to make sure we have a suppli-

er for our horse feed, make sure we have accommodations, that our meals are lined up, so I’m looking for a caterer right now here within my nation to feed our team, because everything is costly down there (on the grounds). It’s a real expense to bring our teams there, and to look after everybody, make sure everybody has somewhere comfortable to sleep at night, that the horses are well looked after. Everything that’s needed prior to getting to Stampede is looked after.”

The Stampede will feature two relay races nightly, plus, new this year, a lady warrior race as well, with women racing their horses around the track. Crowchild says they are allowed to use saddles but most ride bareback. She figures the Stampede added this after a member of Siksika’s Old Sun team was injured last year and Logan Red Crow, the daughter of the team’s owner, filled in, showing “the Stampede guys” that woman do this sport, too.

The TK horses are thoroughbreds Head finds on racetracks or buys from and sells

to chuckwagon outfits. He and Kolton are downsizing from their current herd of 15. Crowchild has some favourites. “We have our old veteran Kabrassy — he’s 20 years old, but he’s still loves what he does. Thoroughbreds love what they do. They’re born and bred to race.

“And, Sacred Mission. We got her at the track in Saskatoon. She is fast on the track. She is the most gentle horse ever. I can walk up, she let’s me hug her, pet her; she is the sweetest gentlest giant. But you get her on that track and she is a totally different horse. She fires up and she knows what she’s going to do and she gets super excited.”

The mare is now Head’s 13-year-old son Tyson Jr.’s horse. After years of relay racing miniature horses, he has been a “back holder” (holding the horses that are waiting for their turn) in the adult races this year, although his age dictates he is not allowed on the track at the Stampede; he’ll be caring for them the minute they step off the track, though. Youth involvement is key in the sport, with Crowchild and Head bringing in many youth over the years to participate. A very important part of Indian relay is involvement, with kids looking after the horses including mixing feed,

daily riding, helping the teams, and learning to race the minis.

In a country that seems to think more government involvement will solve everything, relay race teams offer an authentic unofficial grassroots youth program. “Tyson opens his house year-round. After school, he’s got kids non-stop. The kids even go to the store on their horses. It keeps our kids busy and out of trouble, away from drugs and alcohol.”

Crowchild is especially excited that TK will have their first lady warrior rider at the Stampede, Paulina Alexis (Wagiya Cizhan) of Alberta’s Alexis First Nation, who started race riding last year. Alexis appears on the

hit FX series Reservoir Dogs. Jay Peeaychew from Red Pheasant First Nation in Saskatchewan and Joshua Jackson from Good Fish Lake and Saddle Lake Cree Nations are the two relay riders.

Tsuu T’ina is the only Treaty 7 member that doesn’t have a relay team. With the Nation sharing a long border with Calgary and Crowchild’s partnership with Head, that makes the TK team almost local, giving Calgarians a home team to cheer for. “I’ve been involved ever since, and now Tyson and I make decisions together. He always says that I’m co-owner because he can’t make a decision without me.

But we have fun working together, we split

the costs, obviously. I have paid for half of some of [the horses]. Sacred Mission was the best e-transfer I ever sent.”

Echoing warriors being knocked off their horses in battle and getting back on, before the reserves and their tracks, the sport was practiced on flat ground with tribes gathering to race each other. “Tribes would travel from all over to compete against each other. Sometimes it was for horses, sometimes it was for materialistic things because we didn’t have money back then. You know, hides, maybe it was a teepee that they were racing for.

“For as long as we’ve had horses, it’s been a thing. And showcasing our horse culture is so important to able to share something of us. It’s not just song and dance. It’s also horse culture ... And showing our warrior skills on the track to non-Indigenous communities brings a whole other light to who we are and we get to share that.

“And it brings out the crowds. I used to say chuckwagons always bring out the crowds. But Indian relay brings out a bigger crowd now.”

The Indigenous relay races are part of the Calgary Stampede evening show July 7 to 16. For information and tickets, go to calgarystampede.com .

“For as long as we’ve had horses, it’s been a thing. ... It’s not just song and dance. It’s also horse culture ... And showing our warrior skills on the track to nonIndigenous communities brings a whole other light to who we are and we get to share that.” TYSON HEAD

Get it while it’s hot

New restaurants to try out this month

By Alana Willerton

Abbey’s Creations

Abbey’s Creations continues to expand in and around Alberta with the opening of its seventh Calgary location in Kensington. Pop in for a milkshake, treats like the brownie sundae or a scoop of ice cream in Asian-inspired flavours including strawberry matcha and Canadian classics like butter tart. 405 10 St. N.W., abbeys-creations.square.site

The Banquet

The Banquet, which already has a location in the University District, is now also open in Mahogany. The bar offers plenty of food and drinks to fill up your night, but one of the most appealing things about it is the variety of games you can play while you’re there. Try your hand at 10-pin bowling, ping pong, darts or arcade games either before or after your meal. 1000, 80 Mahogany Rd. S.E., thebanquetbar.com

Bar Chouette

The Beltline has a new French-influenced dining destination. Located in Fire & Flora’s former space in The District at Beltline, Bar Chouette is chef Duncan Ly’s new wine and cocktail bar. A few must-try dishes include Le 1608 Cheese Soufflé, the carrot “hot dog” and the steak frites. 227 11 Ave. S.W., barchouette.ca

Begonia Bakehouse

Located in Bread Culture’s former space on 14th Street just north of 17th Avenue, this new bakery offers a wide range of baked goods ranging from sourdough baguettes and milk bread to croissants and madeleines. Pop in to pick up some treats from Thursday to Sunday. 1502 14 St. S.W., 587-355-7768, begoniabakehouse.com

Bubble Tea Brewers

Bubble Tea Brewers, a local bubble tea shop that has locations in Airdrie and Cochrane already, can now be found in Calgary’s Glamorgan neighbourhood as well. Pop in to enjoy a croffle with drinks like a green apple and lychee smoothie, a mango yakult milk tea or the Banana Chocolate Explosion that’s decked

out in candy. 1, 3919 Richmond Rd. S.W., bubbleteabrewers.ca

Chef’s Earth

You may have tried Chef’s Earth’s hearty wraps and bowls at its Calgary Farmers’ Market location — now you can also pick some up in the Beltline. The eatery’s new second location celebrated its grand opening on May 8 and offers a mix of healthy and quick breakfast and lunch options. 1019 8 St. S.W., chefsearth.ca

Cinnaholic

This popular cinnamon roll chain has added a second Calgary location. Stop by the new South Trail Crossing location to pick up cinnamon buns in flavours like blueberry pie or Cookie Monster, as well as other treats like scoops of cookie dough, brownies and more.

(The first Calgary Cinnaholic location is on 5th Street S.W. just north of 17th Avenue.)

15, 4307 130 Ave. S.E., 403-460-2462, cinnaholic.com

Clique and Sounds

Clique & Sounds Restaurant celebrated its grand opening on May 5. The Sunridge restaurant specializes in Filipino and Western cuisine, with dishes including adobo pork belly, burgers, seafood cioppino, rib-eye steak and more. There’s also a live jazz band on Friday nights. 2121 36 St. N.E., cliqueandsoundsrestaurant.com

The Continental Restaurant YYC

One of Kensington’s newest restaurants, The Continental specializes in upscale French and European fare. Start off with a classic Caesar salad made tableside before digging into entrees like Chicken Suprême, truffle gnocchi or Brome Lake duck breast. You can also check out happy hour every day from 4 to 6 p.m., or all night on Tuesdays and Sundays. 1131 Kensington Rd. N.W., 587-319-6776, continentalyyc.ca

Deng’s Dumpling

Fill up on dumplings at the Instagram famous Deng’s Dumpling’s new second location in Crescent Heights. The menu includes steamed

dumplings, steamed pork siomai, boiled pork dumplings and wonton soup. 130, 1000 Centre St. N.E., facebook.com

Egg & Spoon

Located in Kingsland, Egg & Spoon offers something for everyone (including younger guests, thanks to its Little Spoons menu for children). Executive chef Jason Moore and his team will help start your day off right with hearty dishes that include zesty lemon thyme buttermilk waffles, breakfast huevos nachos and the Ultimate Breakfast Club Sandwich. One of the restaurant’s signature items is its gourmet deviled eggs, which come with your choice of toppings like chives, candied jalapeño, house-made chorizo or even caviar. There are also several gluten-free options between the breakfast and lunch menus. 7729 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-300-3347, eggandspoon.ca

Greedy Donut

Calgarians have been flocking to this new doughnut shop in droves ever since it opened on Macleod Trail in early March. Along with a selection of drinks, the shop offers doughnuts in flavours like lemon, Oreo cream cheese, strawberry cream, London Fog and sweet corn. The shop makes its doughnuts in two batches, which are available fresh at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 106, 6008 Macleod Tr. S.W., @ greedydonut_yyc

Hancook

This new Korean restaurant shares a location with Space Robo Chicken. Bring a few friends to dig into the hearty menu together, which includes wanggalbi tang (beef short rib Korean soup), mul-naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles with sliced brisket, vegetables, egg and beef broth), savoury Korean pancakes and more. 6008 Macleod Tr. S.W., @hancook_ korean_cuisine

Honjin Izakaya

This Japanese izakaya is located above Tokyo Street Market’s newest location along Macleod Trail. Head upstairs and take a seat in the expansive dining room, where you can tuck into appetizers like beef tataki and gyoza, sashimi, several kinds of oshizushi, yakitori, stone-grilled Japanese wagyu and more. 5828 Macleod Tr. S.W., 587-356-3288, honjinizakaya.com

The Lodge

Located in Hillhurst, The Lodge menu offers something for everyone, with options ranging from chicken yakitori to a steak sandwich. You can also pop in for deals on snacks and drinks during après hour, which runs from 3:18 p.m. to 6:21 p.m. on weekdays. 1918 Kensington Rd. N.W., 587-352-1918, thelodge1918.com

Munch

A new spot for sandwiches and other bites has opened in the space that used to be home

Veranda PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER LANDRY

to Tubby Dog along 17 Ave. S.W. Run by the former owner of Sandwiched at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, Munch offers an everchanging menu that has recently included a spicy chicken sandwich, New England steak tips, a meatloaf parm sandwich and more. 1022 17 Ave. S.W., @munch_yyc

Ngon 17

Located in Chemical Steve’s former space, Ngon 17 brings a new Vietnamese food option to the Beltline. The expansive menu includes beef rice noodle soups, vermicelli, Vietnamese subs, stir-fries, rice dishes like curry chicken rice and more. Bonus: The restaurant is open late daily, which means you can satisfy your late-night cravings, too. 1, 718 17 Ave. S.W., 587-349-3939, ngon17vietnamesekitchen.ca

Primary Colours

The team behind Monogram Coffee has opened a new restaurant and café called Primary Colours, located right beside Monogram’s Britannia location. Chef Matthias Fong, who you may remember from his time at River Café and Deane House, is behind the menu here. The morning brunch menu provides options like a shrimp tamago omelette or French toast with a mushroom and brie filling. For dinner, you can dine on plates of ginger beets, smoked arctic char or lamb roast. There’s also a small selection of toasts and sandwiches at the counter that you can get to go or enjoy at the café throughout the day. 802 49 Ave. S.W., primarycolours.cafe

Ranchi Cafe + Bistro

Inside Ranchi Cafe + Bistro’s bright and open downtown dining room, guests can enjoy a wide range of savoury and sweet dishes including a fried chicken apple compote waffle, lobster eggs Benedict, strawberry banana French toast, omelettes, sandwiches and more. If you’re having a busy day and can’t stay, chef Sandy and his team also offer a small grab-and-go menu of sandwiches. 475 8 St. S.W., 403-714-3800, ranchicafe.com

Satsuki

There’s a new Japanese dining destination in Kensington. Opt for an appetizer, choose from the wide selection of sushi and small/large rolls, or consider trying the chef’s signature dish, sakekasu miso sablefish risotto. You can also put yourself in the chef’s knowledgeable hands by ordering the chef’s menu (omakase), which is available with limited seating at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 100, 1130 Kensington Rd. N.W., satsuki.ca

Side Hustle

The team behind local brunch spot Diner Deluxe opened a new location in Marda Loop in 2022. Last month, the team launched Side Hustle, a new cocktail spot and eatery that’s around the corner from that Diner Deluxe location. Order a well-crafted cocktail with bites like the DBL cheeseburger or soft pretzel with rarebit. In the alley at 2252 33 Ave. S.W., @ side.hustle.yyc

Stonyslope Brewing Company

This new Haysboro brewery is named after a one-room schoolhouse that used to be on the owners’ Alberta family farm. Drop in to sip on a glass of sour cherry sour or dry Irish stout, which can be paired with some borsch, perogies and sausage or venison mac and cheese. 9620 Elbow Dr., stonyslope.com

Sweet Loretta Bar

Concorde Group’s newest Beltline hot spot combines a snack bar and lounge with DJs and live music. Enjoy sharing plates of beef tartare, tuna crudo, lemon pepper fries, halloumi and more while listening to the wide range of music (from disco, to soul, to jazz) in the front lounge and upstairs dance floor. 715 11 Ave. S.W., sweetlorettabar.ca

Tokyo Street Market

The next time you’re craving Japanese food, head to Tokyo Street Market’s newest location along Macleod Trail. There, you’ll find Japanese pastas like creamy lobster shrimp fettuccine and squid ink truffle shrimp spaghetti, eight kinds of ramen, rice bowls, gyoza,

takoyaki and more. The restaurant also offers a selection of grab-and-go Japanese drinks, snacks, sushi and other treats. 5828 Macleod Tr. S.W., @tokyostreetmarket.macleod

Veranda

The teams behind Burwood Distillery and Vaycay Brew Co have come together to open “a collaborative spirit lounge and taproom.” Along with beers and cocktails from each company, guests can snack on handmade pasta, pizza, sandwiches, chicken wings and share plates like garlicky spiced prawns and bourbon crab dip. 2566 Flanders Ave. S.W., @ verandayyc

Vivaan’s Yummies

Vada pav, dahi puri, prawn malbari, goat biryani, cheese chili naan — these are just a few of the mouthwatering dishes you can enjoy at this new Ranchlands restaurant that specializes in modern Indian cuisine. Complete your meal with mango mastani (an Indian-style mango milkshake) and gulab jamun with ice cream for dessert. Yummies, indeed! 1829 Ranchlands Blvd. N.W., 403-452-8963, @vivaansyummiesnw

Wonder Donuts

Head to Discovery Ridge for a sweet treat from the newly opened Wonder Donuts. There, you can pair drinks like lemonade, milk tea or coffee with doughnut options like the Grizzly Bear Claw, eclairs, twists, cinnamon rolls, glazed doughnuts and more. 902, 10 Discovery Ridge Hill S.W., 587-3518999, wonderdonuts.ca

Wonder Donuts

IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BEER MORE DELICIOUS?

Local breweries making a difference with natural carbonation

By Don Tse

"We did some sensory testing and it's definitely a positive," says Jonas Hurtig, head brewer at Cabin Brewing (505 36 Ave SE; www.cabinbrewing.ca).

Hurtig is talking about carbonating beer with the natural carbon dioxide produced from fermentation, rather than injecting CO2 from another (purchased) source. When yeast ferments the sugars in beer, it produces not only alcohol, but CO2. Usually, that CO2 is allowed to vent to atmosphere. If you've ever toured a brewery and noticed a hose bubbling in a bucket of water, you've witnessed CO2 venting.

The nature of brewing, which involves moving beer from tank to tank (a process that itself uses CO2) and changing the temperature of beer (CO2 is more soluble in colder liquids, which is why beer and soda go flat when warm) means that retaining natural carbonation in beer is burdensome. But many believe natural carbonation not only saves some money, but produces better beer.

"When yeast is off-gassing, it's not just gas. There are aromas and flavours in those bubbles, so by keeping the natural CO2, you get more depth of flavour," explains Hurtig. "We also noticed better foam. We get tighter bubbles; it looks more like meringue."

Blake Enemark, head brewer at Tailgunner Brewing (1602 10th Avenue SW; www. tailgunnerbrewing.ca) takes the idea one step further. "When you walk through a taproom, if you see a nice, tight foam cap on all the beers, you know you can trust any beer that brewery

makes. With natural carbonation, you get smaller, finer bubbles, better mouthfeel, better head retention and better lacing (the foam left clinging to the side of the glass).”

But not all beer can be naturally carbonated. CO2, being a waste product of the yeast, is "poisonous" to yeast and some strains tolerate it better than others. Lager yeasts tend to fair better with natural carbonation than ale yeasts do. Conversely, dry-hopped beers are rarely naturally carbonated since the dry hopping process releases most of the gas in

solution unless specialized equipment is used, something many breweries cannot afford.

When beer can be naturally carbonated, about 80 per cent of the final beer's gas can come from fermentation, preventing the release of that greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. It is a beautiful and delicious way for breweries to reduce their carbon footprint.

At Cabin, Luminosity German Pil is naturally carbonated. At Tailgunner, all of their lagers are. You can also try naturally carbonated beers at Annex Ales (some of their small batch beers such as Bitter Division, Borrowed Time and Subtle Type are naturally carbonated), Bitter Sisters (Uncle Philsner Pilsner), Dandy Brewing (Dandy Premium Lager, Dandy Light and a soon-to-be-released west coast DIPA), Eighty-Eight Brewing (all lagers and their current seasonal Cruise Control West Coast IPA, and Establishment Brewing (all lagers, bottled wild beers and their new line of canned wild beers such as Chaise Longue).

Try these beers and see if you can see and taste the difference.

Stampede Canadian Rye Whisky the perfect sip to celebrate summer

By Mary-Lynn Wardle

The partnership of The Calgary Stampede and Eau Claire Distillery is a natural. After all, both openly value and preserve the pioneer spirit and history of the area. Eau Claire founder David Farran, whose love of draft horses plays out with the distillery using horses to harvest some of its barley, also sits on the Stampede board.

So it was a fantastic surprise while ordering a whisky and Coke at last year’s chuckwagon races (followed by the thrilling Indigenous relay races, about the only thing that can follow the chucks) to find that a big-name American brand was no longer in place, but Eau Claire Distillery’s Stampede Canadian Rye Whisky was. Well, local supporting local can’t be beat when your local happens to be Alberta.

One factor of ordering one (well, OK, several) at the Stampede is that you don’t get a

good look at the beautiful bottle and label or the whisky’s pleasing, light golden colour. The label, featuring a golden bucking horse with Calgary and the Stampede in the background to the left and the Rockies to the right, is a delightful work of art. No wonder Stampede Whisky won a SIP gold medal for Individual Bottle Design, complementing its concurrent SIP gold medal for Canadian Rye Whisky.

The label art makes the whisky even more alluring to give as gifts (booze – always the right size and colour) or for people to keep as a memento of their Stampede or Alberta experience, perhaps opening it up during holiday season and remembering summer moments on those long winter nights.

The whisky itself lives up to the beautiful packaging. Swirling the glass brings aromas of malt and toffee with a hint of nutmeg which perfectly compliment the taste as the beverage passes through your lips and you enjoy notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar

(so lovely together) and chocolate. It’s a rather smooth whisky with just a feather touch of bite to it.

`Its flavours are fantastic in rye and Coke and also in that Canadian staple, rye and ginger ale, but you might just want to savour it and enjoy this 80-proof beverage on the rocks or neat to let all the notes sing.

Eau Claire prides itself on using local crops (remarkable fact: most of the world’s whiskies use Alberta barley) of barley for a soft sweetness and rye for spiciness, combined with glacier-fed mountain water from the Sheep River basin. The Sheep itself also flows just down the road from the distillery, which has a tasting room and Speakeasy restaurant as well. The whisky has been aged three years plus a day in compliance with Canadian law. All these things have come together to create a tasting experience that won the aforementioned awards as well as gold medals in both the New York International Spirits Competition and San Francisco World Spirits competition. All it needs now is for Corb Lund to write a song about it.

Stampede Canadian Rye Whisky is available online or in person at Eau Claire Distillery and at fine liquor stores. For more information, go to eauclairedistillery.ca .

Hello, Birdie

We all have elementary school memories of batting a birdie over the net in tight, tight shorts.

It was one of those co-ed, gym-class events we all looked forward to, just kind of half-assing it and hoping like it looked as if we were putting any effort into it.

Badminton was the slackers volleyball. With less physical effort or downside. Well, that was then.

Now? Well, now, when you get out of grade school, it gets a little more serious.

Look to the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 YONEX Canada Open. The event, North America’s most prestigious badminton tournament, will be held at WinSport Event Centre, and is expected to welcome 3,000 spectators from all over the world.

According to organizers, “The HSBC BWF World Tour is a circuit consisting of 31 tournaments across the globe. The tournament is divided into levels, the Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300, and Super 100. The tournaments are considered as a pathway for competing players to qualify for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.”

Participants at this year’s event include Canadian Michelle Li — a four-time champion of YONEX Canada Open — as well as current men’s singles reigning world champ and Olympic Gold Medalist, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, as well as the No.1 women’s singles player Akane Yamaguchi of Japan

BITS

“There is so much about Calgary and Canada that we want to introduce to our international players and the world,” Jeff Bell, tournament director and badminton Alberta executive director, said in a release.

“We are more than just a hockey, speedskating, and skiing hub. Calgary is North America’s new badminton hot spot, and we’re thrilled to establish that within the community.”

The event runs July 4 to 9, 2023. For more information, please go to canadaopen.net.

Feel the Pulse of the Planet

While the idea of deep sea diving has taken on a rather ominous tone these past couple of weeks, Deep See is something a little more welcoming and safer.

The event Deep See is part of the Esker Foundation’s new exhibition Mel O’Callaghan’s Pulse of the Planet.

It’s a “major solo exhibition by Paris/Sydney-based artist Mel O’Callaghan that synthesizes several years of collaborations and ways of knowing.

“For the last 20 years of her practice, O’Callaghan has explored resonant objects, spaces, and tools — namely how they affect, codify, and connect bodies. By working alongside experts in other fields, O’Callaghan seeks to pose new questions through her artistic practice, to highlight the natural synergies between disciplines.”

As part of the exhibit, which runs from you can join curator Shauna Thompson on July 20

from 6 to 7 p.m. for a tour of Pulse of the Planet. Submerge yourself and enjoy.

The event runs until August 22, 2023. For more information, visit eskerfoundation.com.

Hot town, summer in the city

Getting a little hot and sticky out there, isn’t it?

Especially when you’re deep in Calgary’s concrete jungle, walking along 17th Ave. S.W. and in need of a little relief.

Thankfully, the 17th Ave. BRZ has brought back their Summer on 17th free music and arts festival on the strip and in Tompkins Park. It’s an oasis for those who want to get out of the hustle and bustle, with films, musical acts, theatrical performances, fitness classes and other ways to engage with your neighbours in a sort-of-natural setting in the centre of the city.

The full schedule is at 17thave.ca/summer, but some highlights include performances by local talent such as Ben Rose Trio, Bravo Circus, Shari Chaskin and Jon Day, and Peter and the Wolves.

Free. Fun. Fantastic.

Food and culture from around the World

We’re now at the point in summer when everyone wants to come out to play, and share who they are, where they came from and what they have to offer.

And that means many people who make up this multicultural prairie berg we call Calgary are getting set to showcase the tastes and trad-

itions from the shores from where they came.

Let’s look at the MexiFest, July 7 to 9 at CPA (Calgary Parking Authority) parking lot 6 in downtown Calgary (311 8 St S.W.).

It’s an annual, “family-oriented, multicultural arts and entertainment festival highlighting the Mexican Culture.” Visit mexifest.ca for all the details. Enjoy.

Also in July, is the Afro-Caribbean Food Festival, which takes place July 22 and 23 at Celebration Square (C-Square, 508 7 Ave. S.E.).

What more do you need to know?

“The festival offers a range of cultural experiences, including live music, performances, family-friendly activities, and a wide array of delicious Caribbean and African foods. It aims to promote healthy food habits, celebrate diversity, and raise awareness and support for the not-for-profit Yard Core Seeds of Life Association.”

And if your tastebuds are looking for another place and occassion in the core to savour, something a little spicier this summer, there’s also Fiestaval, Festival Latino, which takes place at Olympic Plaza on the weekend of July 21 to 23.

“Come and enjoy the three hottest days of the summer with over 30 authentic food vendors, hundreds of national and international performers, artisan market, kids area, beer gardens and lots of fun.

“Let us share our beautiful culture with you and your family!” Go to fiestaval.ca for tickets and more information.

Summer on 17th

Pulse of the Planet at Esker

Beltline association’s new hub a building BLOX for the inner city artistic community

By Mike Bell

Consider it a community centre. Or, maybe even better, a clubhouse. Where everyone’s invited, all are welcome.

The BLOX Arts Centre.

The new Beltline spot at 625 11 Ave. S.W. is hoping to become a much used and valued central venue for the entire Calgary arts and culture community.

The room is the work of BLOX, a community of businesses, opportunities, and experiences nestled in the heart of Calgary’s historic Beltline District, and the Beltline Business Improvement Association.

The project has been spearheaded by Adrian Urlacher, the executive director of BLOX, and also the man behind winter music festival BIG! Winter Classic.

Featuring rooms available for visual art exhibits, small concerts, etc., everyone in the arts community — be they creator or consumer — should make it a regular room to view it all.

We talked to Urlacher about the venue, what it’s for, who it’s for, and what they hope to achieve with it

What exactly is it or what do you envision it being, becoming?

The BLOX Arts Centre was brought to life by a passionate team of community leaders, artists and city builders who believe in the transformative power of the arts. Through their shared vision this centre aspires to invigorate the local arts scene, nurture emerging talents, and create a welcoming space where creativity can flourish.

The centre boasts a variety of versatile spaces, including a spacious gallery, performance stage, podcast room, and bar. These multipurpose areas are designed to accommodate diverse artistic endeavours, allowing for exhibitions, workshops, rehearsals, and performances.

BAC has already hosted numerous events during its first month in operation, including the SkunkWorks Invitational Jiu Jitsu

Tournament, AAWEAR’s launch of Alberta’s first federally funded drug checking program and multiple album release parties for local Calgary bands.

In total the centre has welcomed over 1,500 people through its doors to enjoy the arts and the Beltline BIA expects that number to multiply exponentially throughout the remainder of the 2023.

Who is it for and how can they access it?

Anyone and everyone — arts- and culture-based programming is our core mandate.

What do you hope comes from it?

Downtown vibrancy and economic return for the Beltline. More people on the streets. At one point Electric Avenue defined this city’s entertainment and nightlife. We are hoping to achieve a fresh, new and mature renaissance for the Beltline.

Why do you think it’s important?

Calgary has been losing live, connective spaces for years in the downtown. Having an inclusive space that caters to all ages, nationalities and preference is key to the revitalization of our city. BLOX Arts Centre is here to help mentor and host events, shows, workshops, seminars and beyond with the least amount of financial restrictions.

For more information, please go to www. theblox.ca/blox-arts-centre.

JUNE - SEPT ON THE BOULEVARD ROLLER SKATING | ART INSTALLATION | GAMES | PATIO SPACE + MORE

[It's for] anyone and everyone — artsand culture-based programming is our core mandate.

ADRIAN URLACHER

Your wish is granted

Broadway Across Canada brings Disney’s Aladdin to Calgary

By Krista Sylvester

If you’ve ever wanted to see the lovable Aladdin, lovely Princess Jasmine, and the wisecracking genie of Disney’s Aladdin on stage then you’re in luck. Broadway Across Canada is bringing the popular touring production of Aladdin to Calgary as part of its 2022-2023 season. Celebrating its ninth anniversary on Broadway, the animated film that inspired the musical was released in 1992 and has been one of Disney’s most popular films to date.

Marcus M. Martin plays the role of the genie and is earning rave reviews as the popular, wisecracking larger-than-life character. Audiences will be delighted with catchy and familiar songs including Prince Ali, Arabian Nights, Friend Like Me, and, of course, A Whole New World. Martin credits his co-stars with pushing him to be the best he can be night after night. When he isn’t playing the blue man himself on stage, Martin can be found watching sports on TV or playing sports games on his PlayStation 5 or spending time with his fiancée.

We spoke with Martin to get a glimpse into what went into playing this iconic role.

What can audiences expect with Broadway Across Canada’s presentation of Disney’s Aladdin?

Our show has everything people love about Broadway musicals. A touching love story, great songs that will be stuck in your head, flashy costumes, big dance numbers and comedy. Our show really has it all. Audiences can also expect our show to carry the DNA of the legendary film, but not be a carbon copy. There are some awesome new songs and characters that take the story to the next level.

How did it become your dream to play the Genie?

I decided that I was going to be the Genie someday the night I watched James Monroe Iglehart perform Friend Like Me live at the Tony Awards as a teenager. To see a Black, plus-size actor in a role like this gave me permission to dream in a new way.

How did you prepare yourself to play such a larger-than-life, iconic role?

I had about five months between getting cast and starting rehearsals to prepare. The first step was developing the stamina to perform Friend Like Me eight times a week. I would run on the treadmill while singing Friend Like Me every day for months. I also watched a lot of old standup comedy specials and I studied the way comedians like Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and Eddie Murphy worked the crowd. I studied the way they paced their jokes throughout their sets. I also watched a lot of old Cab Calloway videos to study his showmanship.

What is your favourite part about playing the Genie?

Getting to bring joy to our audiences. Putting a smile on people’s faces and making them laugh. If someone leaves the theatre happier than they were when they walked in, I’m happy. I also love giving people an opportunity to relive their childhood. So many people who grew up with the animated feature have a deep, emotional, nostalgic connection to these characters, so helping people embrace their inner child is special.

Broadway Across Canada’s production of Aladdin runs at Jubilee Auditorium from July 18 to July 23.

I decided that I was going to be the Genie someday the night I watched James Monroe Iglehart perform Friend Like Me... as a teenager. To see a Black, plus-size actor in a role like this gave me permission to dream in a new way.

MARCUS M. MARTIN

PHOTO: DEE VAN MEER, DISNEY

THEATRE

Shakespeare on the Go Returns With A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Shakespearean classic returns to Theatre Calgary’s travelling stage this July

By Deaniell Cordero

Love looks not with the eyes, but from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair, your favourite drink in hand and the notorious vernacular of the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare is in the air. This summer, you and your loved ones can catch Theatre Calgary’s rendition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the annual Shakespeare on the Go program from July 14 to August 6.

A Midsummer’s Night Dream takes place on a midsummer’s night on the eve of a wedding between the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, but it’s the entangling of four young Athenians in love, a squabbling fairy King and Queen of the forest and the larking of Puck that proves true love really doesn’t run smoothly.

The opening show takes place at Inglewood’s Jack Long Park at 7:00 p.m. July 14, with recurring shows at Jack Long every Friday at 7 p.m. Heritage Park will host the travelling show in the front plaza Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Brookfield Residential, Qualico and other community associations will also host the show, but they are subject to change so to best keep track of the shows and if they’re coming to your community, check Theatre Calgary’s website (theatrecalgary.com).

This year’s show was adapted by Anna Cummer, taking inspiration from vaudeville. Director Kelli Fox, is a reliable, trusted hand for this production says Theatre Calgary’s Artistic Director, Stafford Arima.

“Kelli is not only a superb performer but an exquisite director. She is an artist with an acute understanding of language, and that understanding of language gives her a deep understanding of Shakespeare’s prose which gives way for beautiful accessibility to his poetry for the audience.”

Seven emerging artists will take the stage for this production. While the actors weren’t confirmed at the time of writing, Chris Loach of Theatre Calgary said that they are looking for those who aren’t mid-program at a post-secondary institution and can’t have more than six years of experience in theatre after finishing school. He described their ideal

artist as hungry, up-and-coming talent who want a platform to showcase their abilities on a renowned stage as well as bolster Calgary’s growing arts culture.

Let this show steal you awhile when it premieres on July 14.

Go Like a Pro

How to best enjoy Shakespeare on the Go Ready for the show? Here’s how to prepare yourself before showtime starts for the best experience.

First, make sure you know which show

you’ll be going to. This production will be hosted at Jake Long Park, Heritage Park’s front plaza, and several community associations around the city on different days, so prepare for the travel. Be aware that these locations may also change, so keep an eye on Theatre Calgary’s page for updates.

Pack your choice of snacks and drinks because there won’t be any concessions on-site. Additionally, mind the heat this summer and have a can of bug spray, sunscreen and hats ready for you and your loved ones attending.

When you’re there and are ready to set up for the show, make sure you’re as comfortable as you can be with your favourite lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Depending on where you’re watching, be considerate of the shade and set yourself up in a comfortable spot. The only thing worse than a bad sunburn is having your head turned into that of a donkey’s (sorry, Bottom).

Most importantly, be mindful of those around you and make sure you’re not obstructing anyone’s view especially if you are in a lawnchair. Enjoy the show!

Keeper of Ghosts. Teller of Tales.

By Autumn Fox

Alistener could be forgiven for assuming, based on exactly the first minute of Into the Night, track one of Shane Ghostkeeper’s new solo album, Songs For My People, that this might be his most ambitious, esoteric and experimental work yet.

The haunting, clicking, droning sounds cut with a low rumbling of vocal intonations brings to mind a drive through the woods of northern Alberta. Sitting low in the passenger seat, watching the light flickering through the passing trees like the film of a Super 8 camera.

And then suddenly, our storyteller cuts in with a twang, and we’re off — on what really is, in its own way, Ghostkeeper’s most ambitious, esoteric, experimental, and, in his words, “normal” work yet.

“I have my family up north, in the surrounding communities of Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, High Level, Rocky Lane, and even as far away as Fort Vermillion,” he says. “It’s where I was raised, and I grew up with a country music-loving family, and the odd classic rocker. So this just became an exploration of all the music I was raised on, as a way to honour my people up north — as a gift, I suppose.

“I spent most of my career making experimental pop, folk rock stuff, so it’s been a long time coming. Basically my family’s been waiting for me to write something ‘normal’traditional music.”

The easy associations here are Johnny Cash, Lou Reed, even a hint of Leonard Cohen. But Ghostkeeper says the influences run much deeper.

“I’ll always cherish all the old time country — the really older stuff like Hank Williams Jr. that my grandpa was always listening to. I used to spend so much time with my grandpa out on the farm during the summer holidays

and on weekends, and then also with my grandma, and she’d always be listening to, or teaching me, or playing on the piano — gospel songs, country gospel. So it’s pretty wellsteeped in those melodies and styles.

“And then, as I got older, with my dad and my mom, and with the '70s stuff, you know, Tanya Tucker and Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings. So I was just really immersed in that earlier classic country stuff.”

Songs for My People is, at its heart, a way

to process profound loss. The songs’ upbeat, cheerful, honky-tonk melodies betray themes of hopeless romanticism, grief, and existential uncertainty manifesting as physical burden.

In this way, Ghostkeeper really is a keeper of ghosts; a storyteller, a preservationist tasked with honouring those gone before — and those who remain.

“Definitely Sunbeam is more of a very recent sentiment — it was written for my uncle who passed away from cancer a couple years ago, during COVID. And that was definitely, totally, exactly a way for me to get through that, and also, I guess, reconcile the fact that I couldn’t make it up to the funeral during COVID. So it’s kind of like a gift for my auntie, who remains.

“In place of me being there at the funeral, where usually I am the guy that sings a couple of songs, playing guitar at the Catholic church — the Ghostkeepers, the elders are all Catholics — I’m usually the funeral singer,

and I couldn’t make it, so that song came out instead, as a gift to her.”

The album’s toe-tapper first single, Hunger Strike, is a southern gothic love story that could have just as easily sprung from the mind of William Faulkner or Carson McCullers, when it is in fact, a true story about Ghostkeeper’s grandparents.

“To start with, my grandma and my grandpa were both legendary dancers. They showed up at every do, and wedding, and danced

“And so, one day, a few years after her passing, he called us all up, he called me, and said he’d had enough, that he was done. He was going to stop eating and stop drinking, and was going on a hunger strike until he passed away. I think he lasted about a week like that, or so.

“I was able to make it up north, my first son was able to meet him, he was only about a year, I guess. Everyone was able to make it up to see him. He lasted about a week on his

all night long with such stamina beyond everyone else. And they were very showy, and very fancy about it, and they both loved it. They were a very sweet couple that way, and romantic. So the couple of songs that are dedicated to them, and their relationship specifically, are meant to be good dance songs—- which was an important agenda for me, to honour them.

“And Hunger Strike, specifically, is about my grandpa’s passing. My grandma passed before he did, just barely a few years before he did. They had lived an entire life together, built their home together out on the farm. Basically they were homesteaders.

“When she passed away, he was just so heartbroken. It was just killing him. And he was turning into a real self-proclaimed grouch, and he was just getting miserable. He was well aware of it — he often spoke about it, and vented about it — that he was lonesome and tired of it.

hunger strike. And then in the hospital, his family by his side, he took his last breath. And that’s when my mom told me that afternoon, that day was his and my grandma’s wedding anniversary.

“I was floored. The immense love and romance that my grandpa was able to show in his last days and his last breath was very incredible. I just had to share that with the world and honour that as best I could. Because it’s a story that will be passed down in my family for generations I imagine.”

Although grief figures prominently throughout Songs For My People, the stories of those still living aren’t overlooked. Ghostkeeper honours his wife, artist and Ghostkeeper bandmate, Sarah Houle, with the song he used to propose to her, One More Name.

Meanwhile, V Chill is a letter written from a father to a son — in this case, the couple’s eldest son, Vittal — about what it means to be a

Continued on page 26

Shane Ghostkeeper really is a keeper of ghosts; a storyteller, a preservationist tasked with honouring those gone before — and those who remain.

PHOTO: HEATHER SAITZ

Continued from page 24

good person, to live a meaningful life, to give of oneself without conceding one’s internal strength, and without prospect of reward.

“Dedication to family is something that’s been instilled in me for as long as I can remember, and I just try and carry that forward and on with Sarah and my two sons. So far it’s been special, and an honour to be a father, and Sarah’s partner, and it’s always been, every day. We were raised by a really strong, tight-knit, Métis community up north, and that’s what this record is all about — honouring that. Honouring my childhood, honouring the people I’m surrounded by who are huge factors in my strength, in my pride, in my spirituality, I suppose.

“There’s some strength and pride, and some real-life, modern success stories, I’d say. Obviously not in terms of finances, or accolades, or awards, or anything like that, but just a modern, Métis, romantic family success story.”

So why now? Why was this the right time to step back from Ghostkeeper the band, and to metamorphosize into Shane Ghostkeeper, the honky-tonk singer-songwriter?

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a while for my family. And they have been waiting a long time — and especially now so much. We’re starting to lose our elders, so it was really pressing time to get something sweet out, you know? And something that isn’t experimental, something where I didn’t have to be trying so hard to make interesting, unpredictable, experimental music, and making social commentary statements.

“I didn’t labour over weird time signatures, or really hard, complicated guitar riffs. I just strummed chords, used normal sounding chords in the vein of country music as the backdrop, and just focused on storytelling and trying to be sweet and fun and light as a way to help channel the grief and loss, and to glorify and romanticize the people that I was so fortunate to be raised by.”

Ghostkeeper says one main ideological difference between his solo work Songs For My People and Ghostkeeper the band’s creative output is the conscious choice he made not to make Indigenous activism his lodestar, and instead focus on the importance of normalizing the image of thriving Indigenous families. To honour them, he says, in a more human way — something that is often lost in discussions of decolonization and reconciliation.

“What I tried to do specifically in this one, to set it apart from the Ghostkeeper stuff, is trying to leave the greater politics out of it —

in terms, of activism, I mean. And then just get down to the core of my familial relationships.

“Sarah and I have been doing this activism through song thing for a while now, we’re on our fifth record now or something, and now that it’s such a big thing — truth and reconciliation, and Indigenous issues being at the forefront — it definitely felt time for me to just set that aside for a bit because it’s happening enough, there’s enough artists out there on that agenda, and on that road right now, which is great. It’s awesome that people are finding strength to go down that road.

“But we’ve been there a bunch, and now just feels like the right time to show the world that I come from very strong, very proud and determined and resilient people. That’s how Sarah and I made it down here and got into music in the first place; we were fortunate enough to be raised by very strong, healthy, Cree-Métis people. It’s important for me to share that with the world.

“The whole political environment around Indigenous issues set a huge fire under me to just sit back. Multidimensional Culture (Ghostkeeper’s 2022 album) definitely had a lot of

social commentary and sarcasm and cheekiness and humour. And so it was important for me, for my own spiritual, artistic journey, to just sit back and be sweet, and to honour my family. To not so much be a warrior, or an activist warrior. I think my soul was just really needing to take it easy and to be sweet.”

Ghostkeeper says Songs For My People is a celebration for him, and for his family. And the lightness of the songs was intentional. He wanted to make a record his beloved grandparents could have danced to — as such, the equally endearing videos for both singles, Hunger Strike and I Know How heavily feature dance.

But much like the album’s opening minute, Ghostkeeper consciously chose to close out Songs For My People on a surprisingly sombre, but reverent note, with a cover of Just a Closer Walk With Thee, a song with its origins rooted in southern gospel, and which later came to be covered dozens of times, particularly by country artists, many of whom were direct influences.

“That seems to be the most popular country gospel for everyone up north — especially my grandma. So that’s kind of like an ode to

my grandmother. One last performance of that song for her. I’ve had to sing it a number of times at funerals throughout my days, since I first started playing when I was a teenager. The melody is just so strong. I’m so grateful to be exposed to those country gospel melodies. They’re so haunting.”

Ghostkeeper says despite coming from a predominantly Catholic background, he was given the freedom to choose his own direction and beliefs from an early age.

“When it was time for me to join my cousins in the Catholic church to do confirmation — the process you have to go through in order to drink the wine and eat the bread — well, I was always more drawn to the Indigenous spiritual practices and ceremonies. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by that as well. And that was the path I always felt was right for me. I always felt strong connections to the land up north; my power spots were up there.”

For Ghostkeeper, his family’s farm — the homestead his grandparents built in Rocky Lane — is where he draws the most strength.

“When I was a little kid, I just loved it, I was attracted to it, I felt connected to creation. To the creator, I suppose, if you want to call it that. I don’t know if I can really describe it in religious terms, but it’s just the place I always felt connected. Connected to the universe, to creation. I didn’t feel like I was without. I didn’t feel afraid of death or uncertainty. Those places nourished me that way, and my soul, in a way that I didn’t need a bunch of rules, didn’t need to follow a bunch of rules in a book from a colonial institution. And that’s something that I’ll always feel. I hate to use the word ‘pride’ — maybe not pride, maybe fortunate, and grateful for those power spots. And that’s why I call them power spots, because they gave me strength to not need religion, or to be searching for something that I was without. That’s why I call them my power spots, because they never left me without anything.”

And as for his grandparents themselves, his aunts and uncles gone before, who he also drew power from, and by whom he was nurtured and loved? What would they think of Songs For My People?

“I think they’d get a good chuckle. I think they’d think it was pretty outrageous that I get to do this for a living. I think it’d put a real big smile on all their faces.”

Songs For My People will be released by Victory Pool Music on July 28. Catch Ghostkeeper the band at this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival on Prince’s Island Park July 29 and 30.

PHOTO: JARED SYCH

(Ghostkeeper) wanted to make a record his beloved grandparents could have danced to...

Finger Pickin’ Good

Find your bliss with these artists at the 44th Calgary Folk Fest

By Mary-Lynn Wardle

It’s almost too much. Having Tanya Tucker, Emmylou Harris, Jeff Tweedy, Sierra Ferrell, Matt Mays, Art Bergmann and so many sweet musical souls all shoved into 15 hectares and 77 hours at Prince’s Island Park from July 27 to 30 during the 44th Annual Calgary Folk Music Festival is almost too much. Almost. But we’ll take it. Greedily. Gleefully.

Because you can’t be everywhere at once, the SCENE offers ideas to assist with figuring out where you might best find your bliss.

Thursday, July 27

Digable Planets

ATB Mainstage, 7:45 to 8.55 p.m.

In the fest’s tradition of past featured hip-hop pioneers and weekend fan faves such as Arrested Development, this jazzy New York trio known for their groundbreaking 1993 debut

Reachin’ (A Refutation of Time and Space), with its Grammy-winning single Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat), should have everyone on the island up on their feet and outta their minds.

Emmylou Harris

ATB Mainstage, 9:10 to 10:30 p.m. She sells shivers by the C(algary) shore.

Friday, July 28

Buffalo Nichols

National – Stage 4 (Twiokaylight Stage), 6:15 to 7:10 p.m.

Yep, he captured attention for telling it like it is – that many overblown Top 40 white boys who hijacked the blues have been pissing in the same pond so often that it’s a biohazard. Witness him setting that right as he’s likely to be all piss and vinegar, not pissing in the wind.

Colleen Brown and Major Love

Rigstar – Stage 5, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

If you missed them at Summer Serenades in 2021, for heaven’s sake don’t miss them now. This powerhouse Alberta band holds Colleen Brown’s powerhouse vocals aloft, from ballads to chunky 70s captured rock. A delight.

Tanya Tucker

ATB Mainstage, 8:55 to 10:05 p.m.

Tucker’s mathematical abilities are said to be quite strong. After all, she put the count back in country. Or, well, something like that. In any case, a legend not to be missed.

Saturday, July 29

Lucky Sonne

National – Stage 4, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

It’s true the SCENE can’t get enough of the tuneful, clever but never cloying, soulful song writing by Luke Colborne as played by his Cal-

gary band. Sure, it seems tough to get out of bed and be on the island this early, and, yeah, I know, parking and blah blah blah. But. Do it. The vibe this band delivers will guarantee your Saturday blasts off into bliss.

Barn Raising

Altitude Communications – Stage 2, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

OK, so parking took a little longer than you thought? You can still savour this workshop with Del Barber, Sammy Volkov, Carter Felker and Boy Golden. Some great heartfelt heartland and local vibe there.

A Family Affair

Field Law — Stage 3 12:55 to 2:05 p.m.

The Garrys, The Sadies, and Kacy & Clayton deliver music that romps through a sneeze of Carole King fairy dust, some gothic garage country-something, and homespun harmonies that drew in Jeff Tweedy like a television preacher to a telethon.

Lived Through That

Altitude Communications — Stage 2, 4:20 to 5:30 p.m.

Sure, Art Bergmann is back after a horrid year last year with the passing of his wife and muse, but he’s also found love again. But even in love, this Canadian folk hero and survivor of

Art Bergmann

Digable Planets

the punk rock trenches is about as predictable as a tornado in August with a dozen trailer parks to choose from. Good thing Calgary veterans The Lovebullies can roll with whatever comes their way. So can Métis songwriter Cynthia Hamar, who never blinked at anything life threw at her, but instead bundled it up inside her music. As for queer Filipina collective Pantayo, well, you can imagine. This should be fun.

Thoughts and Players

Community Natural Foods - Stage 6, 1:55 to 3:05 p.m.

You can’t play with Matt Mays for long without soaking up melodic, gotcha songs as Mays’ keyboardist Adam Baldwin proves. He joins otherworldly chanteuse Sierra Ferrell with Hurray for the Riff Raff; perhaps these two will compare notes of their train-hopping days while trading songs. The swirly fun of The Paper Kites will be perfect punctuation.

Fantastic Negrito

ATB Mainstage, 9:05 to 10:10 p.m.

With his Princely guitar licks and mind-meld mastery with genres galore, Fantastic Negrito needs to be heard, not read about. Try just one song. Gotcha!

And, of course, Matt Mays (10:25 to 11:30 p.m.). There’s a reason that every time my streaming service tosses in one of his songs, I stop what I’m doing and go, “Who’s that?!”

If he plays Cocaine Cowgirl with its heart

stopping waterfall of a riff, an already unreal day just got better.

Sunday, July 30

We the (un) Common Community Natural Foods — Stage 6, 1:55 to 3:05 p.m.

Under the radar songwriter Jim Bryson has been quietly putting out perfect songs for decades. Placing him on the other end of the musical teeter-totter with another Canadian hidden gem, The Weather Station, and mixing in Matt Mays and local lovelies Ghostkeeper pulls this bracelet of sweet diamonds to the top of the monkey bars to shine, shine, shine.

The Power and the Story National – Stage 4, 4:20 to 5:30 p.m.

It’s tradition. Over decades, Stage 4 on Sunday at 4:20 p.m. (hey, Beavis, she said 4-20, hehehehe) has been a cornerstone event, having, over the years, mixed some high-powered musical artists with underdogs and up and comers in ways that delight, enlighten, and awe. It’s like artistic director Kerry Clarke wants to give everyone one more massive musical hallelujah that later becomes layered into memories to keep folks warm all the way through winter, and the one after that, and after that, and on.

This year, mixing Buffalo Nichols (soak him up, folks, he’s already putting boundaries on his time) with musical shape shifter Fantastic Negrito will create ground zero intensity. Add-

ing traditional Columbian ensemble Bejuco and Tennessee’s Amythyst Kiah, who leans on old forms of music to create something that’s her own, means this gathering can take songs in any direction, but all of those directions with lead you home.

Sierra Ferrell

ATB Mainstage 6:35 to 7:25 p.m.

Big breath. She’s really here! My longsuffering husband’s been telling me Ferrell needs to play this fest for over half a decade. Well, finally, we get to hear her remarkable voice and ace musicianship as she swirls old-

timey sounds together with any thing her train-jumping, state-travelling, open-eared and big-hearted soul can absorb. It’s like she’s creating home spun musical cotton candy that grabs anything in her path, then offering it to us to delight in and savour for years to come. She can play without flash, or gussy herself up for the Grand Ole Opry. It doesn’t matter. This talent runs deeper than Rumi’s poems.

The Calgary Folk Music Festival is on Prince’s Island Park July 27 to 30. For tickets and information, check out calgaryfolkfest.com.

Sierra Ferrell

Jim Bryson

Buffalo Nichols: Heads you win, tails you win listening to sweet blues music

By Mary-Lynn Wardle

The first surprise in speaking with Carl “Buffalo” Nichols from his hotel at a tour stop in San Diego is the time of the interview — 9 a.m., a rare time to chat with musicians — what they call “the other 9 o’clock” because many are seldom awake to experience it. But the Houston-born, Milwaukee-raised Nichols has experience with early mornings.

“I’ve never been a morning person but I’ve always worked the kind of jobs that require you to get up early, so I’m used to that,” Nichols says. He’s worked 12-hour shifts, starting at 5 a.m., making cages for small animals and was also a dishwasher at an airport, meaning more 5 a.m. shifts.

Which leads him to the next surprising thing, based on the fact the 9 a.m. interview he graciously made time for is slotted into an already full day. “But those little idle moments where music comes from often — when you’re putting out an album — they all become filled up so it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. You see it a lot. People might not always necessarily be upfront about it, but a lot of people are overwhelmed. It’s great to have an album that people enjoy, but if you want to make another one you really need to be careful about how busy you are.”

That’s a lot of wisdom earned with the release of Nichols’ first, self-titled album in 2021 on Fat Possum Records. The label’s founder, Matthew Johnson, has stated it’s the first blues record the label has released in two decades. Well. No surprise – Nichols’ music gently elbows its way into the party and demands attention without being arrogant or vain. The eight tracks are a journey of self-reflection and observation that turn the lens from the private to the public, especially in the song Another Man, capturing yet one more shooting death of a black person at the hands of an American cop, lamenting: “Don’t need to hide behind a white hood when a badge works just as good.”

The music is direct, tactful and impactful, leaning on Nichols’ mesmerizing, spacious guitar stylings and emotions filled in by the listener rather than the musician. Perhaps that’s a by-product of his varie-

gated musical heritage, from playing guitar at church gigs in Milwaukee to discovering his mom’s Keb Mo’ and Son House records when he was a youth adrift in a sea of Hanson to playing bars in the Wisconsin punk scene (more like hardcore and metal core, he says, but the ethic aligns with the early Delta blues musicians who resonate with him).

He also travelled to Senegal and played music there shortly after high school, inspired by many Senegalese friends from his hometown. “I didn’t take it all in as much as I wished I would have, but I still learned a lot. It was so great to see things that were so different and to experience music and culture in a different way.”

So, how did these many silos of experience impact his music? “I just feel like early on I was learning — learning songs and learning techniques and learning instruments — and absorbed a lot of what I’d just come across. But at this point I’ve just learned really the value of art and culture. I’m not any longer at a point where, you know, I really wanted to be at one point a guitar player in an African music band, and I really wanted to be a bluegrass guitar player, and at this point as long as I find something that’s like me and true to myself, I can help move my own culture forward.

Instead of trying to be a part of something else I should try to figure out how to create what’s next and what’s alive and what’s part of me.”

Being true to himself connects with that piece about not letting the whole machinery of the industry engulf him; Nichols says his second album is now ready for release after touring and playing in support of the first one for two years. “Right now, I’m just really trying to figure out a better balance, because this is my first foray into the, you know, proper music industry. I’ve been just independent, just making music on my own terms for so long and now I’m dealing with schedules and all these different kinds of things. So, after this next album, even during this next album I’m going to slow down and try and remember why I’m doing all this.”

In staying true to his muse, Nichols has also tried to shelter the muses of others working in hidden bars, country churches, and backroads hamlets by speaking up about his intimate journey with music.

Last year he drew flack for telling Rolling Stone that for people under 35, getting into the blues is a struggle due to a pack of older white guys making awful music and taking up more than their share of space.

“Oh, yeah, I got backlash, and this was over a year ago. Still to this day I get occasional messages about things that I said. But it’s kind of strange to me because I never mentioned ‘the list’ (of older white guys playing awful blues for a lot of money) because I don’t think there’s any barrier to who can listen to the blues, to music. If it feels good to you, you should be able to enjoy it.

“That’s never been a thing that I’ve talked about, but I have been pretty vocal about who controls the channels. Who decides who gets to make the records, who is going to decide who is really going to have a sustainable career and even who is a hit — who is getting the best air time and everything. That is controlled not by just white men but by very capitalist minded white men.”

“So, it made people really upset but I stand by what I said. The further I get along the more I see that it’s true. It’s very much like the culture has been co-opted in a way that if you are non-white and you are not coming from a middle-class background it’s going to be very difficult to even get in to the blues as far as making a living at it. It’s been cut off from the people who created it. And it’s not a secret, so I don’t know why people are upset that I said it. That’s the way it is.”

This simple statement connects all the guideposts on Nichols’ journey from his time in Africa with grass roots musicians to being immersed in the DIY culture of the Milwaukee punk scene (“Nobody really had dreams of being a superstar because it was not realistic. People just did this because they liked it.”) to discovering and absorbing old southern blues.

“The blues is to me, and to a lot of people, it’s all about the feeling. And there’s always been great guitar players and great instrumentalists in the blues, but that was, like, the icing on the cake. The thing that came first was the passion and the feeling and the singing. When you take that away, you have something different. And maybe that’s valid too but I don’t think people who are making passionate music should have to compete with people who are having a guitar competition.”

Buffalo Nichols plays the Calgary Folk Music Festival July 27 to July 30 at Prince’s Island Park.

Buffalo Nichols

5 Non-Stampede Stampede Concerts to Stampede to

By Mike Bell

One of the biggest arguments about our need to support the Calgary Stampede as hard as we do is that it supports the city and its economy at large. Which means, you know, should you want to perhaps venture off of the grounds in search of some sounds that you won’t catch on the midway, there are several options.

(That said, the lineups at the Stampede venues are fantastic, such as: the Coca-Cola Stage, which boasts, among others, Death From Above 1979, Orville Peck, Tegan and Sara, Broken Social Scene and Mother Mother, along with local independent acts as openers; Nashville North has a stacked bill with Jess Moskaluke, Dallas Smith and High Valley; and the Big 4 Roadhouse offers, Lord Huron, Big Boi and Cypress Hill, and Diesel, or Shaquille O’Neal.)

For those who venture off of the midway, here are five of the best non-Stampede Stampede concerts to see.

July 5

The Rural Alberta Advantage at the Wildhorse Saloon

The Toronto trio (with local Wild Rose roots) continue to climb the list of most reliably wonderful CanCon rockers. A little prairie, a lotta pop, the band can go from club packers to arena openers effortlessly. This Wildhorse show meets them halfway in the middle,

which is perhaps where they’re most successful. Supporting their latest post-pop production, 2022’s The Rise EP, the threesome move the goals on mainstream and make it a little more challenging, a little more rewarding.

July 10

Social Distortion and the BellRays at MacEwan Ballroom

Yes, most in the room will be there to see American punk icons Social D, and their enigmatic singer Mike Ness. And yes, they have always been worth it, their blend of spit and leather alt-rock pleases any audience thirsty enough to get in front of it. But. However much you’ve spent on tickets will be returned threefold by openers The BellRays. The Cali punk ’n’ soul combo are, quite literally, one of the best live acts on the planet. Trust me. Vocalist Lisa Kekaula is a GD bad-ass frontwoman, who is part Aretha, part Tina, and all fucking Foxy Brown. If you value live music, if you love live music, this is a don’t-miss evening of awesome.

July 13

Counterparts at Commonwealth Bar & Stage

Hamilton hardcore heroes return with 2022’s A Eulogy for Those Still Here, a kidney punch of screamo and doom that is literally the musical antithesis of Stampede sounds. Riding the fine line between Billy Talent and Alex-

isonfire, there’s enough rage in this cage to poke a stick at. Good thing is, most Commonwealth shows are early, giving you the rest of the night to get your country on, should you so choose.

July 14

Oxford STOMP with Sam Roberts Band, The Strumbellas and Alan Doyle at The Wildhorse Saloon

It is the corporate Stampede party where you go to be seen and see some of North America’s finest acts. Oxford STOMP is Calgary’s longest running corporate, charity ’Pede event which supports the Calgary Food Bank. Previous performers at Oxford Stomp include Bryan Adams, Black Crowes and John Fogerty. While this year’s event will be on a slightly

smaller scale — not at the usual Shaw Millennium Park or Fort Calgary — talent is still topnotch, especially headliners the Sam Roberts Band, one of this country’s best.

July 16

Ice Cube, Steve Aoki and 24kGoldn at Cowboys OK, maybe Counterparts aren’t the complete opposite of what you expect from Stampede sonics. Maybe it’s actually this allstar collection of hip-hop and EDM talent in the Cowboys Music Festival, which helps wrap up the 2023 edition of the Calgary Stampede. Yeah, the transitions may be a little jarring — midling rapper, house-rocking DJ, legendary hip-hop artist — but you know you’ll have an excuse to take a Stampede sick day come Monday morning.

Ice Cube... obviously!

Sam Roberts Band Bellray

Options for around town and off the grounds

By Erika Ravnsborg

Well cowpokes, July is upon us once again. You look outside your window and can see bright skies, perfect views of the mountains, and western-themed décor showing up everywhere you look. This means that the Calgary Stampede is here again. This year it will be our 110th exhibition (one was cancelled due to Covid-19) and that means millions of people will be there yelling, “Ya-hoo!”

This will get loud, rowdy and expensive. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just not for everybody. Lots of people want to avoid participating in the Calgary Stampede and that is OK. There are things you can do that are still fun and a good way to enjoy our summer weather. Here are 9 things you can do instead of Stampeding, be you a visitor to the city or a resident

Go Hiking in the Mountains

As any Calgarian will tell you, the best way to get far from the madding crowd is to spend a day exploring the natural wonders in our backyard. One of the main reasons why people are so attracted to our beautiful city is because we are so close to the mountains. It is easy and convenient to just get in your car and go on a wild adventure. Besides, there is no better way to recharge than to get out and explore nature.

Go Swimming in Neighbourhood Pools

In July, things really heat up and the best way to cool off is to find a cool pool to jump in. Whether outdoor or indoor, going swimming is not only a great way to stay in shape but to unwind and even make a few new friends. In Calgary, we have swimming areas in several different neighbourhoods. Most of them are walking distance from our homes. Just take some time and see what your options are by going to the City of Calgary website.

Get in Touch with your Inner Scientist

Telus Spark is the perfect place where fun and imagination come to life thanks to a mixture of both art and science. This year the Spark has a massive outdoor park called the Brainasium that includes a 65-foot slide. Also, in honour of Alberta’s Indigenous populationthere is a Gathering Circle to attend where stories will be told

along with an Indigenous plant garden to check out. Don’t forget that they also have their own superhero team called Sacred Defenders of the Universe in their Wonderspaces section. Perfect for the kids and the kids-at-heart.

Touch the Sky at Winsport

Have you ever wanted to feel like a race-car driver or go tobogganing in the summer? At Winsport, you can do these things thanks to the Skyluge. You can purchase a ticket, sit on one of their downhill karts, and fly down the hill at any speed you want. This fun, fast-paced activity can be done by any age or ability. If you are not looking for any speed, they also have mini-golf course where it is just as enjoyable and joyful.

Take your Bike on the Trails

When it comes to getting around in Calgary, biking is one of the best ways to do it. With 3724 cycle routes found throughout the city, you can get everywhere and anywhere that you would want to. Not to mention that when you ride your bike you get to see some amazing scenes along the way. A good way to get some fresh air, discover new places, and feel a sense of pleasure that can only be found on two wheels. If you don’t have a bike, you can always rent one in several rental places and ride like the wind.

Get to Know the Animals at the Zoo

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the idea is to conserve our natural resources and the wildlife from all over the world. There is so much to explore at the zoo, from the Penguin Plunge to the Prehistoric Park. They have all kinds of food and retail stores to check out. It’s like traveling the world and through time but in one handy location. The possibilities are endless; you can wave to the newborn gorilla in Destination Africa or have a butterfly land on you in the Conservatory. Just make sure that you don’t hug a grizzly bear in the Canadian Wilds.

Have a Lazy Day on the Bow River

On these long sunny days, there is nothing more satisfying than floating down the Bow in a raft. Whether you have your own boat or plan to rent one from local vendors, being able to ride these small waves is a calm and soothing experience. If you are looking for a way to get off of social media for a while, this is the best way to detox. You can tell this is true when you catch sight of all the wild birds flying overhead. It makes you think that this is what Sheryl Crow meant when she was “soaking up the sun.”

Rent a Scooter and Roll

You have seen them all over the place. When it comes to these beautiful days of sunshine,

sometimes you just want to ride around and see the city. Whichever company you choose whether it is Neuron, Bird, etc. this is an inexpensive way to kill some time and have a little excitement. It is safe for all ages to jump on and makes a good family activity. It never hurts to try something new (even if you do fall off the first time).

Take Yourself on an Ice Cream Tour

In the summertime, when a person feels the heat and wants a treat, the first thought that comes to mind is ice cream. Calgary is blessed with many local shops that make their own sweet sensations right in the store. Some are in walkable inner city neighbourhoods but there are some that are hidden. No worries because no matter what, you will find a gem. Even the pickiest of ice cream connoisseurs will have their taste buds melting when they step inside.

The Stampede is a big part of our heritage and is a great boost to our economy but everybody needs a break. That’s why we have all kinds of activities, places to go, and things to do when you are feeling overwhelmed by it all. So, there is no pressure to participate, nor is there any shame in taking some time to step away from it. Just don’t be afraid to go outside and be active on your own.

Make this your own special 10 days!

Floating the Bow Downhill karting at Winsport

Radio Waves of Emotion

Whenever we introduce a new song on the air, I’m reminded of a memory from my teenage years when a friend and I drove around, talking, laughing, and tuning in to the radio. As we bid each other goodnight, 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins started playing, and my friend said, “This is exactly what I needed to hear right now.” It always makes me wonder how many other teenagers, just like us, heard that song and felt the same way. It’s moments like this that makes radio truly special. There’s magic in a large group of people collectively listening to the same song yet experiencing it in their own unique way.

In mid June, I attended Radiodays North America, a radio conference during Canadian Music Week. It was really cool hearing radio professionals discuss their love for the industry and share stories about their experiences truly hearing radio for the first time. The conference focused on strengthening radio brands, podcasts, announcers, and social

media. It was wonderful being in a room full of nerds who all want the same thing for the audience, and that is powerful connection with other human beings.

I was inspired to write the article this week about the love of radio. I hope that if you’re reading this article, or have read my previous notes, that you are a fan of radio. It’s an industry that seems to never get enough credit. There’s always someone who makes the joke “radio is still a thing?” at some party, despite the fact that every car running on the road right now has one built into it, and will for the foreseeable future.

To me radio is so powerful to connect fans to new music, and hopefully their new favourite songs. Radio provides entertainment, and laughter, and comfort especially in times of crisis, be it a flood, a wildfire, or a crisis within themselves. It’s one of the few free commodities in this world, along with theSCENE *wink wink* and so with that I hope, and plead with you, to support

radio. Champion that we play local artists, unknown artists, and we aren’t curated by an algorithm. It’s filled with real people, feeling real emotions, connecting with human beings, and selling some ads. I mean, if it wasn’t for commercials, how would you know what to buy?!

I hope that the youth of today embrace the medium of radio and connect with whatever comes through the airwaves even if it’s not through X92.9

I also hope you know it’s something that’s there for you whether your passion is music, sports, political discussion or comedy. What I want is for people not to think it’s dead or dying. It’s right there on your dashboard, in your pocket, and on your computer. Feel free to turn it on, tune in, and feel something. Maybe with someone else who is feeling the exact same way. Someone you may never meet. At least you have these 4 minutes and 26 seconds together.

AT CALGARY’S FIRST GARDEN-TO-TABLE COMMUNITY

Shop and sample products from Avenue’s Best Things to Eat & Drink lists — everything from savoury delights to sweet treats.

July 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. Miesha and The Spanks** - Unconditional Love In Hi-Fi (Mint Records)

2. Mike Tod** - Mike Tod (Cross T Ltd)

3. Yo La Tengo - This Stupid World (Matador)

4. Zoon* - Bekka Ma’iingan (Paper Bag)

5. King Canyon - King Canyon (Mixto)

6. Bodywash* - I Held The Shape While I Could (Light Organ Records)

7. Ryan Bourne** - Plant City (Self-Released)

8. Marty Stuart - Altitude (Snakefarm Records)

9. WKO** - Mineral Format Memory Collections (Noise Sensitivity Research)

10. Black Belt Eagle Scout - The Land, The Water, The Sky (Saddle Creek)

11. Uncanny Valley** - Fevering Stare (Self-Released)

12. PRIORS* - DAFFODIL (Mothland)

13. Ricca Razor Sharp** - Riccafy Your Party Tonight (Self-Released)

14. Joni Void* - Everyday Is The Song (Constellation)

15. Love Language* - Indian Cowboy (Self-Released)

16. Astrocolor* - Moonlighting: Astrojazz Vol. 1 (Amelia Recordings)

17. LT Leif** - Come Back to Me, But Lightly (Lost Map Records)

18. shame - Food For Worms (Dead Ocean)

19. Cat Clyde* - Down Rounder (Mri Associated)

20. Shirley & The Pyramids* - Maid of Time (Grey Records)

21. Frankie Cosmos - Inner World Peace (Sub Pop)

22. Iguana Death Cult - Echo Palace (Innovative Leisure)

23. Betaboys** - Just Yesterday EP (Self-Released)

24. Y La Bamba - Lucha (Tender Loving Empire)

25. Five Fingers of Funk - Five Fingers of Funk: Portland Say It Again (Kill Rock Stars)

26. Kristi Lane Sinclair* - Super Blood Wolf Moon (Red Music Rising)

27. William Prince* - Stand in the Joy (Six Shooter Records)

28. N NAO* - L’eau et les rêves (Mothland)

29. Sunnsetter* - The best that I can be. (Paper Bag)

30. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - V (Jagjaguwar)

** Local * Canadian

National Music Centre Celebrates the Summer of the Guitar

REVERY GUITAR TELLS A STORY

Featuring over 80 guitars — sentimental, lost, found, and traded treasures — and the stories behind them as told by a rock ‘n’ roll legend and Canadian music icon.

Celebrate the Alberta-bred global rock phenomenons through this insightful exhibition capturing 20 years of rock through instruments, memorabilia, photographs, and more.

A special exhibition dedicated to the almighty guitar featuring 25 rare and legendary instruments that have shaped Canada’s music story.