CALGARY’S GUIDE TO GOING OUT
GUIDE TO DISTILLERIES
SHONE THISTLE Q&A
NIGHT COMMITTEE’S THIRD ALBUM
ATP ON CALGARY SURGE
ACCESSIBILITY IN THE ARTS
LET'S GET ANIMATED
THE 2025 FESTIVAL OF ANIMATED OBJECTS
EXPLORES THE OUTER EDGES OF PUPPETRY, MUSIC, AND DANCE.
14 ACCESSIBILITY IN THE ARTS
Cheaper tickets, inclusive programming, and physical accessibility make the arts for all.
We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
18 COVER
Festival of Animated Objects
Returning for its 23rd edition, this event lights Calgary up with puppetry, music, dance, film, and more.
4 ACT 1, SCENE 1
What to do, see, and hear this month across the city.
7 ARTS SCENE
Explore three exhibits at the Esker Foundation and meet our poet laureate, Shone Thistle.
9 THEATRE SCENE
Bigwigs from the Calgary Surge and Alberta Theatre Projects explore the connection between sports and the arts.
10 DRINKING SCENE
From award-winning whiskies to intimate tasting rooms, welcome to The Scene’s guide to Calgary distilleries.
Cover: Arctic Tall Tales
Photo: Louis-Martin LeBlanc
Publisher
Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca
Founding Editor Mike Bell
Designer Kris Twyman
Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich
CONTRIBUTORS
Viancy Salubre, Benjamin Heisler, Evelina Pak, Abbey Whitehead, Lauren Kalinowski, Sarah Comber, Krista Sylvester, Kenna Burima, Cam Hayden
Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur
Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt
Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten
Administrative and HR Manager Tara Brand
CEO and co-owner Roger Jewett
President and co-owner Käthe Lemon
Design Director Steve Collins
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada
The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards. redpointmedia.ca
1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7
20 MUSIC SCENE
Night Committee releases their third album this month, celebrating the healing power of rock.
21 CREATIVE SCENE
An artist's relationship with drinking is complicated, to say the least,
22 Cam Hayden
1 7 3 9 7 9 1 7
PHOTO: GAVIN JOHN
What to do in March
FESTIVAL D’HIVER FRANCO WINTERFEST
Celebrate Francophone culture with The Confluence from February 28 to March 1. At the two-day festival hosted by the French Canadian Association of Alberta, partake in fun activities from ice skating to bouncy castles while enjoying brunch or Canadian maple taffy. Join the festivities with free admission and catch a diverse lineup of French-speaking artists from Quebec to Africa in traditional Francophone performances. Visit acfa.ab.ca for more information.
TRAILBLAZING WOMEN OF COUNTRY: A TRIBUTE TO PATSY, LORETTA, AND DOLLY
On March 4, tip your hats to the female legends who paved the way for country music at Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly. At Art Commons, this powerhouse tribute features an all-women band led by budding country talent Rissi Palmer and Kristina Train performing the trademark hits of these country music pioneers: Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. From Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight” to Parton’s “9-to-5,” explore the musical storytelling from these country trailblazers in an empowering night of women-
led music. For more information, visit artscommons.ca.
COWBOYS WING OFF
Calling all wing lovers to this all-you-can-eat wing extravaganza! The annual event at Cowboys Dance Hall hosts pubs and restaurants from all over the city to serve their best plate of wings for attendees to socialize, have fun and participate in wing-eating contests. For just $25 a ticket, try wings of all different flavours from some of Calgary’s most popular wing destinations at the adults-only event from 6 to 9 p.m. On March 6, win prizes in raffles and challenges while supporting KidSport Calgary, with a portion of ticket sales donated to cover the costs of sports equipment to kids all over the city. Find tickets and drum up a good time at flamessportsbank.ca.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BAR CRAWL
Grab your green and raise a pint at this self-guided bar crawl visiting pubs all over Calgary’s downtown on March 15. The St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl starts at 7:30 p.m. by picking up your wristbands at Whiskey Rose and drinking your way through seven other optional bar stops. All attendees are invited to finish the night at the last stop at the Social Beer Haus for an all-out
BY VIANCY SALUBRE
St. Paddy’s celebration from 11:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. with live DJ sets and free entry to all pubstops with wristbands. Tickets start around $20! Search “Calgary St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl Party 2025” on Eventbrite for more information.
A KILLING AT LA CUCINA
Murder is on the menu at a showing of A Killing at La Cucina presented by Vertigo Theatre. This world premiere — a co-production between Vertigo and Prairie Theatre Exchange — is a whodunit murder mystery written by Thomas Morgan Jones that follows detective Lucia Dante and her AI sidekick, Isabella. Following the sudden death of a renowned food critic after feasting at a new fine dining restaurant, Dante must follow the crumbs to crack the murder case. Catch a showing from March 15 to April 13. Snag your tickets at vertigotheatre.com before they disappear!
CALGARY COMIC BOOK SHOW
Calling all comic lovers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts! The Calgary Comic Book Show is back for a pop-up event at the Millican Ogden Community Association. On March 15, flip through stacks of rare comics, hunt for collectibles, and meet over 20 local vendors showcasing everything from vintage issues to the latest
graphic novels. With free admission and parking, the event is open to all seasoned and new collectors. Swing by the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to geek out on all things comic books. See the vendors at calgarycomicbooks.com.
GRAPE ESCAPE
Grape Escape is Calgary Co-op’s most highly anticipated liquor-tasting event, with hundreds of spirits and bites for attendees to try. At the BMO Centre, explore over 125 vendors with samples of wines, beers, and spirits while chatting with industry experts to discover your next favourite pour. At the two-day event, pair any imported or local liquors with an assortment of bites from a diverse range of food vendors. On March 21 and 22, sip and sample all day with a ticket covering the cost of all food and drink sampled at the event. For tickets and more information, visit coopwinespiritsbeer.com.
PLEASE RETURN TO EMPIRE VIDEO
Rewind to 2003 and press play at a showing of Please Return to Empire Video, presented by Lunchbox Theatre. This new comedy by James Odin Wade follows three video store employees in 2003 tasked with sorting through endless
PHOTO: FIFTH WALL MEDIA
PHOTO: KEVIN BRENNAN
A Killing at La Cucina
Calgary Comic Book Show
piles of now-outdated VHS tapes after the arrival of DVDs. The trio attempts to finish before an advanced screening of The Matrix Reloaded as their world shifts through each VHS tape they revisit. From March 25 to April 13, catch a showing filled with laughs, classic film references, and workplace tomfoolery from this local playwright. Don’t hit pause — grab your tickets now at lunchboxthe atre.com.
NOODLE MANIA FEST
Slurp and savour at Noodle Mania Fest for the one-night-only tasting event coming to Calgary on March 26
Tasting Plates Food Tours takes you on a delicious journey through noodle dishes all over the city, from comforting Vietnamese rice noodles to Italian Bucatini pasta. Each stop offers a unique cuisine and noodle creation, showcasing Calgary’s best noodle dishes. Come and chow down from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. with tickets to the event starting at $79 and early-bird tickets starting at $69. tastingplatesyvr.com for more details.
THE SPRING MARKET
Spring is in the air at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino on The third annual Spring Market brings together local artists and small businesses alike to create a little market magic. Shop season al must-haves, browse hand-crafted goods, and sample tasty eats with over 90 vendors all over the venue. Come by the event any time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free parking and free admission for all attendees. Check out Delisle Marketing & Events Inc.’s Eventbrite page to register and for more information.
EXTENDED UNTIL MAY 19, 2025
Explore a nostalgic tribute to The Beatles’ transformative years upon arriving in Canada for the first time. Revisit the frenzied excitement that swept the nation.
STUDIO BELL
PHOTO: RICHARD WOLAK
Vancouver Noodle Mania
On stage in March
BY NATHAN ILES
SUNDAYS WITH THE BROADVIEW TRIO
Every other weekend, this three-piece jazz band brings a modern take on traditional jazz to Calgary’s premiere speakeasy. March 2, 16, and 30 at Betty Lou’s Library, 908 17 Ave. S.W., bettylouslibrary.com
RINZEN W/ LAINEY KATE, LUZHIK & ROLL MARLEY
Cinematic sound design and forward-thinking techno production across a variety of genres are par for the course when Rinzen hits the decks. March 6, 9 p.m. at Commonwealth, 731 10 Avenue S.W., commonwealthbar.ca
DEATHPACT W/ AUSTERIA & JAWNS B2B TISOKI
A show like no other, mysterious producer Deathpact crafts a live experience that includes cryptic visual motifs and electronic sounds on the “From Darkness Comes Light” tour. March 7, 7 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, 402 Collegiate Blvd. N.W., machallconcerts.com
SIMPLY THE BEST: THE MUSIC OF TINA TURNER
Celebrate the queen of rock ‘n roll this month as your Calgary Phil brings Turner’s music to life with guest vocals from LaKisha Jones, Armando
FROM GARAGE ROCK TO WORLD-RENOWNED COUNTRY ACTS AND NOT ONE BUT TWO TINA TURNER CELEBRATIONS, CALGARY IS GENRE-AGNOSTIC AND THRIVING.
Imagines, and Nova Y. Payton. A great way to pregame The Tina Turner Musical later this month — read on for more details! March 8, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer, 225 8 Avenue S.E., calgaryphil.com
BLU & EXILE W/ SPARK HOUSTON
Riding the high of their latest album Love (the) Ominous World, this eclectic hip-hop duo are ready to tear Calgary a new one and bust some subwoofers. March 10, 7 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com
JASON MCCOY, CHAD BROWNLEE & JASON BLAINE
“The Great Canadian Roadtrip 2.0” lands in Calgary, featuring three country superstars with a boatload of CCMA and CMA wins between them. March 13, 6:30 p.m. at Grey Eagle Event Centre, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., reyeagleresortandcasino.ca
AUTONOMOUS APES W/ WACK & COHERENCE
Starting in Russia before relocating to Vancouver, Autonomous Apes are bringing their heavy alternative rock jams to the prairies, touring in support of their latest album, Blame Me March 15, 7 p.m. at Loophole Coffee Bar, 1040 8 Ave. S.W., theloophole.ca
CONTROLLED BURN
Calgary Phil performs Josef Suk’s Asrael Symphony, starring Cree artist Cris Derksen on the cello. The piece draws inspiration from traditional Indigenous practice.
March 15, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer, 225 8 Avenue S.E., calgaryphil.com
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Starring Jayna Elise, this jukebox musical follows Tina’s journey against all the odds. You don’t want to miss this acclaimed show from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall. Check out our website for an interview with Elise about the show! March 18 to 23 at the Jubilee, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgary.broadway.com
HEART
From the soaring melodies of “Crazy On You” to the thrashing snarl of “Barracuda,” Heart has defined rock ‘n roll history for decades. Don’t miss the “Royal Flush” tour when it comes to Calgary. March 20, 8 p.m. at the Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., scotiabanksaddledome.com
BOB LOG III W/ BUG SWALLOW & THE SPECIAL EDISONS
Clad in a cannonball suit and wielding a slide guitar like a machine gun, Bob Log III is a lo-fi garage rock experiment that pre-dates all those weird egg punk bands you love. March 21, 8 p.m. at the Palomino, 109 7 Ave. S.W., thepalomino.ca
STEPHEN FEARING & THE SENTIMENTALS W/ MIA KELLY
Specializing in a “Tin Pan Alley songwriting” take on roots music, Stephen Fearing’s creative partnership with Danish indie-folk band The Senti-
mentals is something to behold, courtesy of Fish Creek Concerts. March 22, 7:30 p.m. at River Park Church, 3818 14a St. S.W., fishcreekconcerts.com
TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP
See why Tommy was named a “Certified Guitar Player” by Chet Atkins (one of four humans gifted this honour — ever). Personally? I think it’s because of his mind-boggling ability to play three guitar parts at once while playing an irresistible brand of country-influenced acoustic rock. March 30, 8 p.m. at Jack Singer, 225 8 Ave. S.E., artscommons.ca
MAYHEM W/ MORTIIS, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT & NEW SKELETAL FACES
Trve black metal legends Mayhem bring the DECIBEL tour to Calgary, leaving a trail of ringing ears and sore necks in their wake. Don your kutte and please, for the sake of all your fellow headbangers, wear some deodorant. April 3, 5:30 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca
THE ELECTRIC HIGHWAY
A two-day celebration of all things heavy, The Electric Highway is your new favourite music festival that spans stoner rock, psychedelic, hardcore, and more. Now in its fifth year under the name, this edition features local heavyweights like Buffalo Bud Buster and Geoff riffing alongside Edmonton’s Hydracat, Vancouver’s La Chinga, and so many more. April 4 and 5 at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com, theelectrichighway.ca
PHOTO: TANJA TIZIANA
Cris Derksen
Stephen Fearing and the Sentimentals
Bob Log III
PHOTO: JESPER VAN
PHOTO: BOB LOG III
ARTS SCENE
MEET CALGARY'S POET LAUREATE
SHONE THISTLE DISCUSSES ACTIVISM, THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER, AND FINDING BEAUTY IN MESSINESS.
BY EVELINA PAK
Aqueer poet, storyteller, and multidisciplinary artist, Shone Thistle's work spans spoken word, visual arts, and community activism. They have represented Calgary at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word and led impactful initiatives for equity and LGBTQ2S+ rights. Shone’s poetry can be found in several anthologies, including Mic Check: An Anthology of Canadian Spoken Word Poetry and YYC POP: Poetic Portraits of the People.
STORIES WE TELL
“Being Calgary’s Poet Laureate has given me the opportunity to connect with more people than I might have otherwise. I see my role as an advocate for how the arts help us understand the world, connect, and navigate difficult times.
“I’m currently working on a project called The Stories We Tell Ourselves. It explores the narratives we construct to make sense of the world — preconceived ideas about grief, race, gender, and poverty — that often go unchallenged. Art can help us unpack and reframe these ideas, encouraging a deeper understanding of ourselves.”
FROM FIRE TO WATER
“When I was younger, I wrote a lot of poetry filled with teen angst. My writing was often fuelled by social justice issues, expressing frustration with systemic injustices. It was very outward-facing — critiquing the world around me.
“Now, my writing has become more introspective, often exploring grief and the connection between human emotion and nature.
“Water, for instance, has become a central theme in my work. I think about how water has existed since the beginning of time and how it connects all of us.”
ANGER AS A TOOL
“With everything happening politically, both in the U.S. and Canada, I’ve been thinking about how anger can be a productive tool. Women, in
particular, are often discouraged from expressing anger, but I believe it has a role in inspiring change. There’s power in anger when it’s directed toward action — whether it’s through protests, poetry, or storytelling.
“Many people associate anger with violence, but it doesn’t have to be. Anger can be expressed through conversations or different forms of art. It’s an important emotion, and when we suppress it, we make it easier for those in power to control narratives.
“By creating space for anger and dissent, we allow for deeper conversations and more nuanced perspectives on important social issues.”
QUEER GIRL
“I was very lucky to grow up in a family where I was never rejected for who I was or who I loved. That’s an incredible gift. Having that privilege of acceptance has also made me more aware of those in my community who face rejection.
“I feel a responsibility to include queerness
in my work, even subtly, so others know they’re not alone. One of my poems, 'Queer Girl', is very direct in expressing queer lived experience. My queer pieces aim to empower, to allow people to be unapologetically themselves.”
PASSION FOR ACTIVISM
“My commitment to social justice started early. When I was eight, I stood on a picket line with my mom and her colleagues who were on strike. That sense of fairness, belonging, and justice has been part of me ever since.
“I can’t separate my art from activism — the personal is political, and the political is personal. When we live in alignment with our values, our art reflects those commitments. Some artists may not directly address social justice in their work, but who they are and what they care about will inevitably influence their art and the connections they make through it.
“My art often speaks to justice, kindness, compassion, and humility — values that are central to my activism.
when surface water paddled churns, dive deep to quiet waters. relax your gaze, reorient yourself.
find silt, stone, sky shimmer, the current is calling and despite this setback, you still know how to swim.
“Is art becoming more politicized? I’m not sure. But artists do have a role in opening people’s eyes to injustice, just as they have a role in revealing beauty.”
THE GREATNESS WITHIN
“There are things that we do and don't even think are beautiful and magnificent. When I ride my bike, I’m only focused on the ride. I’m thinking about the wind in my hair and the smell of the air. I’m not stressing about anything. I'm not damaging anything. I'm not talking negatively about myself. I'm not telling you that I'm rambling all the time. I am a rambler, but rambling can be an art form.
“I think we must recognize the beauty in what we do and in who we are — the beauty in our messiness, too. If we can't give ourselves compassion, how do we live with compassion for others?”
This Q&A was created in collaboration with Art Commons. To see more of Shone Thistle's work, visit shonethistle.ca or Instagram: @shonethistle.
Layers of Material and Meaning ARTS SCENE
A TRIO OF EXHIBITS AT THE ESKER FOUNDATION OFFER A VISUALLY APPEALING MIX OF COLOUR AND MATERIAL TEXTURE WITH INTERCONNECTIONS THAT RESONATE BETWEEN THEM.
BY BENJAMIN HEISLER
Three exhibitions, curated by Elizabeth Diggon, are framed from women’s experience in relation to family, gesture, and process.
The three separate, synchronous exhibits — showcased at the Esker Foundation — feature artworks by artists Erika DeFreitas, Hangama Amiri, and Thuy-Han Nguyen-Chi, each with a distinctive display of storytelling based on personal experience.
Esker’s wall texts in the exhibit offer insight into the individual artists’ approaches.
Spring Community Night is an opportunity to visit the exhibitions, partake in hands-on activities, join a tour, and enjoy snacks and refreshments. Catch Community Night on March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Audio and video content about Esker exhibitions and artists can be explored via QR codes found on artwork labels throughout exhibitions or accessed via eskerfoundation.com. The Esker Foundation is on the 4th floor of 1011 9 Ave. S.E.
ERIKA DEFREITAS:
and that break is the one that shows (to shift, a curve, to quiver)
In her “ongoing search for absences and omissions within the canon of art history,” interdisciplinary artist Erika DeFreitas delves into a search for matrilineal connection and meaning with a number of separate-yet-related series, each employing processes of collage, enlisting photography, texts, writing, textiles, performance and video.
From the introductory exhibit text, we learn that, during a residency in Trinidad and Tobago, DeFreitas “felt inexplicably drawn to the statue of the Black Madonna of La Divina Pastora Church in Siparia.” After returning home, she learned that her paternal grandmother was amongst a community of women who tended to this statue. It was in response to learning of this connection that she created the series The Black Madonnas of Perpetual Murmurs
In a separate series of archival-process themed collages, DeFreitas has drawn inspiration from an archeological discovery when a residue of the mineral lapis lazuli was discovered in the dental records of a medieval woman
The discovery implied that the medieval woman was a scribe, which is a profession where few sources have credited women’s contributions.
Lapis lazuli pigment produces the highly desirable colour ultramarine. During the Italian Renaissance, ultramarine was the only colour deemed worthy to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary.
Prior to the advent of synthetic alternatives, ultramarine was one of the most challenging pigments to acquire and refine. The hard rock was mined almost exclusively in Afghanistan.
HANGAMA AMIRI
PARTING
Artist Hangama Amiri and her family fled Kabul in 1996 during the Taliban takeover, and this led to a period of familial separation. The family was apart for nine years before they settled together in Halifax in 2005. During their time of separation, the family frequently exchanged letters, photographs and gifts.
As per Esker: “In the present, Amiri mines this archive of family photos, material fragments, and memories, translating them into lushly detailed textile collages.”
Amiri was trained as a painter before she pivoted into textiles. Her mother taught her to sew, and her uncle was a tailor. Esker shares that “through the shared labour of conversations and collective remembering, Amiri’s parents have become crucial collaborators in her work.”
Amiri takes a multi-disciplinary approach to reminiscing for this body of work on display. She starts by making a pencil sketch of the snapshot photograph, then renders it in coloured pencil then blends techniques of sewing, screen printing, and appliqué.
The final hand-stitched textile collages were layered moments in the lives of family members when they were apart. She includes herself as the photographer's shadow in one of the images of a family festivity.
“Amiri’s work celebrates and witnesses the immense labour required to care for a family amidst the trauma of migration and separation and the bonds that connect kin across space and time.”
THUY-HAN NGUYEN-CHI
The blue of the sky depends on the darkness of empty space behind it
The 20-minute video artwork, Into The Violet Belly, shares a powerful story narrated by the artist’s mother, Hoa. Hoa recounts the circumstances of her escape from Vietnam following the American War. She leads us from police questioning to a cathartic jump into the sea, simultaneously realizing both death and new life.
The echoing song of a ghostly voice sounds over a visual effect of small spheres dancing into the shape of a whale fall — a dead whale that falls to the sea floor and promotes ecological succession.
Esker offers insight with exhibit text. “Fragments of Hoa’s migration story intermingle with Vietnam’s creation myth as the film drifts between documentary, mythology, and science fiction, blurring the boundaries between each.”
A nest of eggs is piled on a beach, and the camera turns the earth so the viewers might fall off the edge like a cliff before flipping upside down. Han and Hoa reenact Hoa’s jump into the sea, strengthening their bond and Han’s awareness of her mother’s experience. Esker material prompts that, “Crucially, both narratives remain incomplete – what is withheld is as potent as what is revealed.”
The Black Madonna of Perpetual Murmurs ERIKA DEFREITAS
Parting / فراق HANGAMA AMIRI
Still from Into the
Belly THUY-HAN NGUYN-CHI
Live Theatre & Layups
HAYSAM KADRI (ATP) AND JASON RIBEIRO (CALGARY SURGE) GET CANDID
ABOUT WHY SHOOTING HOOPS AND CROSSING THE STAGE ARE BOTH VITAL TO CALGARY.
EDITED BY NATHAN ILES
Professional basketball. Professional theatre. Two seemingly different worlds that share a surprising amount of common ground.
Alberta Theatre Projects is currently exploring this idea with Rajiv Joseph’s play King James, a story about friendship, identity, and the cultural significance of basketball (onstage at the Martha Cohen until March 16). Later this year in May, the Calgary Surge kicks off its third year of professional basketball in Calgary, dubbed the “Trilogy” season.
The Scene brought ATP’s artistic director, Haysam Kadri and the Calgary Surge’s vice-chairman and president Jason Ribeiro together to delve into the intersection of sports and the arts in Calgary and their personal histories with the sport. Get a sneak peek of their conversation below. (You can read their full, in-depth discussion on our website, TheSceneCalgary.com)!
JASON RIBEIRO: “We all have the opportunity to tell stories about our communities and tell stories about people, and those stories are instructive. Sports is such an elemental,
mercurial force in our daily life, whether you're checking stats, whether you're putting on a jersey, whether you're chanting the same song; the same way that the theatre can be a transformative experience. So, I feel like we're comrades or co-conspirators in trying to do some of the same things, even though, on the surface, they might feel like very different entities.”
HAYSAM KADRI: “I was on the high school basketball team, and I was in the high school play as well. So you know, I felt like I was like the peacemaker between the jocks and the drama students. Sports are big in my life; it always has been big in my life… I love going to a sporting event, and going, ‘How do I capture that scene, [that] lightning-in-a-bottle when you go to a basketball game? And how do we bring that and translate that to the theatre?’ So it's my two love languages: theatre and sports.”
JASON RIBEIRO: “You couldn't have summed up my early life any better. It was the exact same thing. And the desire that you have to capture and bottle up the moment — when the Surge hits that target score winner, and the entire building erupts as part of the play — is the mutual envy that I have for artists and directors and performers like you
and your folks. Where you're so envious of this kind of big, bottled-up moment, I'm so enthralled by the quiet moments of the stage and the empty spaces and the pauses and the intimacy.”
HAYSAM KADRI: “I think sports and theatre both serve a very important piece of the community. Audiences come, and fans come shoulder to shoulder. They breathe the same story; they breathe the same game at the same time. And after the pandemic, it was really apparent how we're an essential service in a lot of ways. And so it's really exciting to see those numbers come back and the audiences come back, and the fans come back. What is the Surge doing to make sports, particularly your product, accessible to a large community?”
JASON RIBEIRO: “We were able to work with amazing donors to help raise funds for Kids Up Front and the Surge Assist program … We want to make sure that, at its core, the most vulnerable are prioritized in terms of the Surge’s operations. I think the second piece is that we've been able to meet the market where they're at in terms of pricing affordably and accessible at an entry level … Then, the third [piece] around accessibility is just the game experience. And it's
subtle changes. You know, I just created a rule that said 30 per cent of the music that we play at our games will be non-English … It’s just one example of ensuring [not just] an overarching, inclusive customer experience but an accessible and inclusive game experience.”
HAYSAM KADRI: “The idea of community is the entire community, which covers all four quadrants. And I think that theatre is a very Eurocentric tradition … So, one of the many reasons why I programmed [King James] is that accessibility piece. We want to introduce a new audience to the theatre, and we want to start a new tradition and a new ritual for a new community. This type of play touched upon exactly what you talked about: underrepresented communities, marginalized communities …. We're really excited because of the response to the show and we're hoping it will attract a non-traditional theatre crowd, which is what we all want. We all want to serve the entire community, not just a certain demographic of humans.”
This is a shortened excerpt from Haysam and Jason’s conversation. It has been edited for clarity and length. Read the full text online at TheSceneCalgary.com.
PHOTOS: L: ERIN WALLACE; R: DAHLIA KATZ
PHOTOS: JESSE TAMAYO
Michael Blake and Devin MacKinnon in King James Calgary Surge vs Edmonton Stingers
Haysam Kadri
Jason Ribeiro
The Scene’s Guide to Distilleries AWARD-WINNING SPIRITS
FROM HONEY-FERMENTED WHISKY TO PROHIBITIONINSPIRED RUM, THESE CALGARY DISTILLERS AREN’T JUST CRAFTING GREAT DRINKS — THEY’RE CREATING UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.
BY ABBEY WHITEHEAD
Calgary’s craft distilleries are redefining tradition by pushing boundaries and embracing creativity … and you have front-row seats!
Welcome to The Scene’s guide to distilleries that are putting the city on the map as a serious player in the world of spirits.
BURWOOD DISTILLERY
Few distilleries in the world can say they ferment, distill, and barrel-age honey, but Burwood Distillery has made it their signature. Instead of simply adding honey for sweetness, they fully integrate it into the distilling process, creating whiskies and rums with uniquely rich, floral depths.
“Our company mantra is crafting connections and distilling memories,” says one of the founders, Jordan Ramey.
“We want to tell the story of Alberta agriculture in a fun and engaging way.”
Housed in a restored heritage building, Burwood is more than just a distillery — it’s a gathering place, complete with a scratch kitchen, craft beer, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Sustainability is at the heart of their operation, from repurposing spent grain for local farmers to sourcing honey directly from 4,500 beehives.
“Most of the world's best honey comes from Alberta,” co-founder Ivan Čilić explains. “So we figured, why not showcase it in a way that hasn’t been done before?”
Their Bee Whisperer Prairie Whisky took home Silver at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Scientist Single Malt Whisky earned Platinum/Best in Class.
100 - 2566 Flanders Ave. S.W., burwooddistillery.ca
ALBERTA DISTILLERS LTD.
When it comes to iconic Canadian whisky, Alberta Distillers has earned its place at the top. Known for their multiple award-winning Alberta Premium Whisky, they have built a reputation on locally grown grains, pristine Rocky Mountain water, and expert craftsmanship.
Their whisky has taken home top honours on the international stage (including the International Spirits Challenge and the World Whiskies Awards), proving that Alberta’s landscape plays as much of a role in great spirits as in wine.
1521 34 Ave. S.E., albertadistillers.com
ROMERO DISTILLING CO.
While whisky may dominate Alberta’s spirit scene, Romero Distilling Co. has carved out its own lane, proving that rum can thrive in the Canadian climate. Their deep, complex dark rum — which took Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — pays homage to Alberta’s Prohibition-era rum-running history, when illicit liquor shipments made their way through backroads and hidden cabins.
Wrestling legend Bret "Hitman" Hart partnered with Romero Distilling as their spokesperson in 2020, drawn to their locally crafted rum and deep Calgary roots.
300 - 688 Heritage Dr. S.E., romerodistilling.com
PHOTO: TYLER HILL
PHOTO: SHANNON DUNCAN
Burwood Distillery
Skunkworks Distillery
TWO RIVERS DISTILLERY
Founder Mark Freeland saw an opportunity to elevate Alberta’s distilling scene, taking inspiration from the province’s rich agricultural resources.
“Our raw ingredients are some of the best in the world,” he explains. “Why send our barley thousands of miles away to be turned into whisky when we can do it right here?” With over 40 unique spirits, Two Rivers is known for relentless experimentation. Their Cockscomb London Dry 12 Botanical Gin, which earned Double Gold at the ‘23 SIP Awards, took over a year and 50 recipe trials to perfect. “I’m never really satisfied,” says Freeland. “I always think, how can I make this better?”
That same dedication applies to their whisky, which follows strict Scottish distilling laws to produce a rich, complex spirit. Nestled in a cozy, turn-of-the-centuryinspired space, the distillery has become a go-to spot for live music, craft cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
“We don’t just want to make great spirits,” Freeland says. “We want to create a place people want to return to — again and again.” 453 42 Ave. S.E., tworiversdistillery.com
TANTALIZING TASTING ROOMS
Alberta may be best known for its rolling prairies and mountain vistas, but Calgary is quickly becoming a new frontier for craft distilling.
Across the city, distillers blend time-honoured techniques with bold innovations, creating unique spirits that showcase local ingredients and expert craftsmanship — all best enjoyed in cozy, welcoming taprooms.
TRUE WILD DISTILLERY
WHAT TO TRY: Breaker Box Gin
Grand, elegant and classy, True Wild Distillery is housed in a historic 1911 building that once served as Calgary Power’s first substation. Specializing in Canadian malt whisky, True Wild sources locally malted grains for a distinct flavour profile.
In addition to Roper’s Hold — a blending house brand that finishes whisky in Okanagan wine barrels — they also produce Breaker Box Vodka and True Wild Canadian Whisky.
“We set out to create a high bar of what a distillery should be,” said co-founder Bryce Parsons.
“To us, it's not just the spirits; it's the experience of having the spirits.”
3115 11 St. S.E., truewilddistilling.com
CONFLUENCE DISTILLING
WHAT TO TRY: Maté Plus, Vinland Aquavit
In Calgary’s Manchester district, Confluence Distilling thrives on creativity and experimentation. It specializes in small-batch, locally inspired spirits and is known for bottling an orange chocolate-flavoured Old Fashioned cocktail and offering canned options at bars across Calgary.
With a laid-back taproom that feels like a hidden gem, Confluence draws in those who love to explore the world of craft cocktails and unconventional spirits. Their commitment to pushing boundaries has helped them stand out in Calgary’s ever-growing craft scene.
507 36 Ave. S.E., confluencedistilling.ca
EAU CLAIRE DISTILLERY
WHAT TO TRY: Cherry Gin, Parlour Gin
Just south of Calgary in Turner Valley, Eau Claire Distillery offers small-batch spirits in a setting full of vintage charm.
Housed in a historic 1920s-era building, the distillery embraces Alberta’s prohibition-era past, creating an inviting atmosphere filled with antique décor and handcrafted drinks. Their signature Parlour Gin is a local favourite. And
forgive them for the Edmonton Oilers Collectors Edition Rye Whisky, dear reader; we promise, it’s delicious.
113 Sunset Blvd. S.W., eauclairedistillery.ca
SKUNKWORKS DISTILLERY
WHAT TO TRY: Moonshine Mule cocktail
Tucked away in Calgary’s industrial core, Skunkworks Distillery specializes in small-batch moonshine and experimental spirits. Their bold, creative approach makes them a standout in the city’s growing craft distilling scene.
Whether you’re a seasoned spirit lover or just looking to try something different, Skunkworks offers a unique experience in a cozy and whimsical setting that brings regular events programming to the heart of Manchester.
4009 4 St. S.E., skunkworksdistillery.com
STARR DISTILLING
WHAT TO TRY: Summer Love Raspberry Vodka
A family business with deep roots, Starr Distilling is the modern incarnation of Starr Manufacturing, a company that dates back to 1861 when it first gained fame for making ice skates.
Over the years, it evolved, and today, it’s focused on crafting unique spirits that celebrate Canada’s natural beauty.
Using locally sourced fruits, herbs, and botanicals, Starr creates flavours that reflect the great outdoors — whether it’s a day at the lake, a mountain hike, or a cozy night by the fire.
Their bar pop-up is open from Wednesday to Sunday, delivering small-batch goodness.
4127 6 St. N.E., starrdistilling.com
LAST BEST BREWING & DISTILLING
WHAT TO TRY: First Love Dry Gin, Fortunella Opened in May 2015, Last Best Brewing & Distilling combines tradition and creativity, offering both craft beer and spirits.
Their First Love London Dry was a winner at the ‘24 World Gin Awards, and it’s best tasted in one of their canned creations, the First Love Tom Collins.
It's a popular spot for locals and visitors with a lively taproom right on yee olde Electric Avenue and a rotating selection of house-made drinks. Last Best is a great place to post up for the night, whether you’re enjoying a pint or a handcrafted cocktail (or that deadly spicy pep pizza).
607 11 Ave. S.W., lastbestbrewing.com
PHOTO: FRANK ARCHITECTURE & CHRIS AMAT
True Wild Distilling
DRINKING SCENE
Bridgeland Distillery
BY LAUREN KALINOWSKY
Year after year since opening in 2018, Bridgeland Distillery has taken home national and international medals for the spirits produced and aged in Calgary. Their artisan Glenbow Port Finish single-malt whisky has won three category 2025 gold medals at the Canadian Whisky Awards.
“I think what sets us apart, if you’re looking at the awards we’re winning, is the quality of the local, fresh Alberta grain we’re getting right from farmers,” says Jacques Tremblay, one of two former engineers who opened Bridgeland Distillery with his business partner Daniel Plenzik.
They were geomatics and electrical engineers, respectively, who first met in 2016 while attending a distillery entrepreneurship course in the Okanagan that taught the fundamentals of spirit-making.
Tremblay was interested in whisky, and Plenzik wanted to work with grape-based Italian spirits like grappa, limoncello and amaro. Grapes are seasonal and must be processed immediately at harvest time in September through November, and whisky is steady work throughout the rest of the year. In other words, they thought joining forces would be better than competing with each other in the Calgary market.
It starts with sourcing grain. Canada Malting Co., the leading national distributor, doesn’t differentiate between types of grain. Working directly with farmers means that Bridgeland Distillery can choose precisely what they’re working with and even influence varieties of wheat or barley grown by their suppliers for future use.
These Alberta-made products differentiate themselves internationally, highlighting the hyper-local production. Bourbon, whiskey, grappa, and scotch are all protected and defined based on where the product is grown and brewed. So they’ve come up with names like “Berbon” for their Bourbon-style spirit, celebrating Al-BER-ta Ta-BER corn.
Tremblay describes the Alberta Berbon as a “delicate, clean bourbon [that is] approachable.”
THESE COWTOWN LIQUOR MAESTROS HAVE A DISTINCTLY ALBERTAN TAKE ON WHISKY.
TASTING WHISKY WITH JACQUES TREMBLAY
First, most importantly, he rinsed the tasting glasses under the tap. Dishwashing soap residue can ruin everything. Then, Jacques poured me less than ¼ inch into a small tasting glass.
Bridgeland Distillery prefers Glencairn glasses to catch the aroma, but a coupe or wine glass will also work. He told me to swirl it, like wine, and inhale. You see, if your nose gets too close, it will burn your nostrils, and you can’t smell anything.
He instructed me to inhale the fumes gently. He then told me to take enough in my mouth to just cover my tongue and let it sit for a moment, then notice the flavours after a swallow.
Each whisky and bourbon has its own scent and taste, which became more evident as I went through the flight. He gave me a tasting card to guide me through Taber Corn Berbon, Glenbow Whisky, and the Single Blend Whisky.
Years of research, micro-batch experimentation, chemistry knowledge, and research have all contributed to creating award-winning products. And cleanliness, Tremblay laughs as he humbly describes his work. “They tell us to be aware of this and be aware of that,” as he shows me the distilling room's immaculate, sparkling science lab. “We’ve never had a bad batch; we’ve always been able to get something decent.” Their signature, hand-labelled bottles are
available at liquor stores throughout Alberta, and a private reserve blend is duty-free at the YYC Airport. The distillery is open for retail throughout the week, with tastings and weekend tours. They work with local restaurants like Villa Firenze, Moonlight & Eli, Toto Pizza and Noto Gelato for food offerings with Bridgeland’s hand-blended cocktails in the tasting room.
Visit Bridgeland Distilling at 77 Edmonton Tr. N.E., and online at bridgelanddistillery.com.
WHISK(E)Y 101
Whiskey - grain spirits produced in Ireland and USA (countries with an “e” in their name).
Whisky - fermented grain spirits produced in Scotland, Canada and Japan (countries without an “e” in their name).
Scotch - must be produced in Scotland, aged at least three years, primarily malted barley, distilled twice, uses a pot still apparatus (a round, potshaped vessel) to distill spirits.
Bourbon - a type of whiskey, must be produced in the USA, 51% corn, rye, wheat, malted barley or malted rye, aged in charred oak barrels with no additives, from Kentucky, uses a column still apparatus to distill spirits continuously.
Berbon - Bridgeland has produced this Bourbon-style spirit from 60% Taber corn (hence the “Ber” in Berbon), 32% barley, and 8% wheat from Penhold, Alberta. This Straight Berbon has been matured in brand new, charred American Oak barrels for two years and proofed very close to cask strength, sitting at 55% ABV.
Tennessee Whiskey - from Tennessee, steeped or filtered through charcoal
Rye Whisk(e)y - 51% rye grain used for production.
White Whiskey/Moonshine - an unaged grain spirit with very high alcohol content.
Japanese Whisky - after the Scottish method, produced in Japan.
PHOTO: BRIDGELAND DISTILLERY
Bridgeland Distillery founders Daniel Plenzik (L) and Jacques Tremblay (R).
ARTS ACCESSIBILITY
SMALL OR LARGE, THESE ARTS ORGANIZATIONS ARE INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.
BY SARAH COMBER
It’s dark. If you are sighted, a blindfold sits across your eyes, blocking your vision, as you prepare to be immersed in Translations.
One of 10 dancers is assigned to you during the performance; 10 dancers for 10 audience members. You hear their breath as they move. You listen as they describe what they are doing. A soloist takes centre stage, and your assigned dancer traces the soloist's movements along your back.
A dance show for the non-visual senses, which was created with visually impaired audience members in mind, Translations was performed at Inside Out Theatre as part of Springboard Performance’s Fluid Festival last fall. Inclusive programming is but one of the ways the company honours its mandate to remove barriers for
deaf and disabled audience members.
“Accessibility is intentional. So much of our world has been inaccessible for quite a long time, in so many ways, that it has become the water that we swim in, and we're not really noticing it,” says Col Cseke, artistic and executive director at Inside Out Theatre. Cseke adds that inaccessibility awareness is only part of the equation, with intentionality extending to thoughtfully removing barriers.
“And those barriers come up in a few ways,” says Cseke. “Part of it, especially for our deaf community, is the language barrier.” For many folks who are hard of hearing, American Sign Language is their primary language. “Without that ASL interpretation service, those shows are fundamentally inaccessible,” adds Cseke.
Indeed, new technology at Arts Commons
has helped the organization break down barriers for hearing-impaired audiences as well. This past year, Arts Commons launched its Sennheiser MobileConnect+ program, which enables individuals with cochlear implants or Bluetooth hearing devices to connect to the building’s WiFi. Subsequently, performances are amplified directly in a hearing-impaired audience member’s device. The technology can also provide performance translations and, through scanning QR codes, share information about the various visual art exhibits throughout the space.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
Yet, with the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) expansion project breaking ground last December, greater accessibility for hearing-im-
paired audiences will not be the building’s only advancement.
“The truth of the matter is, we're dealing with a 40-year-old facility where if you are a patron, an artist, or working back of the house, you may not be able to get around as easily as we would want you to,” says Alex Sarian, President and CEO of Arts Commons. Upon the expansion’s completion, Arts Commons will not only be more physically accessible, but the space will also be more inviting.
Featuring a naturally lit, glass-enclosed lobby, the updated building will host space for Calgarians to gather and drink coffee, view indoor buskers, and people-watch. One of the two new theatres, a 200-seat space, will have the capability to open up onto the rejuvenated Olympic Plaza, creating a flow of indoor and outdoor activity.
Accessible flow of movement is at the forefront of Inside Out’s new space, The Erratics Indie Arts Club, which opened last September. This summer, the venue will undergo renovations to ensure the entire space is accessible — both physically, and inclusively for the range of community partners that work out of Inside Out.
“We've been thinking a lot about how to make sure that the really diverse set of our community members and our collaborators are going to feel comfortable,” says Cseke, adding that Inside Out is endeavouring to both create an accessible, affordable arts venue for their community and a space that’s “not too precious.”
“We need to be comfortable for other folks to be comfortable,” he says.
BUILDING INCLUSIVITY
This sentiment is echoed by Bethel Afework, Executive Director at The Alcove Centre for the Arts. A completely free to use recreational arts space, Alcove’s open-door policy means anyone can come in and experiment with free art supplies and instruments. The organization also hosts workshops and community events, like jam sessions and Raw Voices — a comedy, spoken word and music show.
Afework notes that while there are improvements she hopes to make to Alcove — like
PHOTO: KIANI EVANS
Day of the Dead at Arts Commons
“Accessibility is intentional. So much of our world has been inaccessible for quite a long time, in so many ways, that it has become the water that we swim in, and we're not really noticing it.”
COL CSEKE, ARTISTIC AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT INSIDE OUT THEATRE.
PHOTO: BEN LAIRD
offering an ASL translator — one way the centre excels at being accessible is through its built environment.
“When you come in, [you see] couches, colourful carpets and soft floor seating. The idea was to make it feel like someone’s living room,” says Afework. “It feels a little DIY, like it’s okay to make mistakes in here.”
Using the built environment to encourage inclusion will likewise be integrated into Arts Commons’ renewed space. “There's an element of the building, not just in terms of its design, but in terms of the flow, that is really about democratizing access and decolonizing these institutions to make sure that they are welcoming,” says Sarian.
Notably, the ACT project has partnered with Wanda Dalla Costa — Canada’s first female First Nations architect and member of the Saddle Lake First Nation — to integrate design elements that honour Western Canadian Indigenous communities. For instance, one aspect of the design is a celebration of lodge building in Western Canadian Indigenous communities, and another design integration highlights a beautiful green wall inspired by Indigenous quillwork.
“This building will be beautiful no matter who you are or where you come from, but should you happen to be a member of the First Nation in Treaty 7, and certainly beyond, you will see things in this facility that nobody else will see,” says Sarian. “It's this beautiful homage to who we are and what land we're on.”
RETURNING TO ROOTS
At Alcove, decolonizing the arts extends beyond design and into the centre’s ethos of breaking down barriers between audience and artist, stripping art back down to its roots as a fundamental part of the human experience.
“Art just feels so privatized or gate-kept. Like something you can experience, but if you're not an artist, it's not something you necessarily might actively practice,” says Afework, adding that for herself and the other founders at Alcove, dancing, singing, and storytelling are a natural part of their cultures.
“It was such a natural part of life. But in colonial societies, that was definitely stripped away for the means of capitalism, and art became this thing for the elites to enjoy,” she says. “Art is the one thing that's so important to decol-
CJSW March 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. Marlaena Moore - Because You Love Everything* (Session)
2. MALLED - Eye Heards** (Self-Released)
3. Chloë Doucet - Sincerely* (Self-Released)
4. Stucco - LP1** (Self-Released)
5. Bluffing - Nature EP** (Self-Released)
6. Young Neighbours - Roman** (Self-Released)
7. Ariel Ulysses - there is no end** (Lavender Dream)
8. Wayne Patrick Garrett - Marine Life** (Inner Ocean Records)
9. N Nao - Nouveau Langage* (Mothland)
10. Al-Qasar - Uncovered (Wewantsounds)
11. Tea Fannie - It’s All Love** (Self-Released)
12. Sunnsetter - Heaven Hang Over Me (Paper Bag)
13. June McDoom - With Strings EP (Temporary Residence Ltd.)
14. Mary Ocher - Your Guide to Revolution (Underground Institute)
15. Carson Tworow and David Lavoie - Teardown** (Self-Released)
16. The Sarandons - Drawing Dead* (Green Awning)
17. Joel Jeschke - Time & Place* (Self-Released)
18. PyPy - Sacred Times* (Goner Records)
19. Amyl & The Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness* (B2B)
20. Leaf Rapids - Velvet Paintings* (Mile 33)
21. Ada Lea - Notes EP* (Next Door Records)
22. Night Court - $HIT MACHINE* (Recess Records)
23. Distant Relatives - Distant Relatives (It`s Eleven Records)
24. Freak Slug - I Blow Out Big Candles (Future Classic)
25. Straw Man Army - Earthworks (LA VIDA ES UN MUS DISCOS)
26. Total Gadjos - Total Gadjos** (Self-Released)
27. The Sour Patch Men - Danger, Do Not Operate** (Self-Released)
28. Maclayne - off the deep end** (Self-Released)
29. Calgaréal - Vanishing Point** (Self-Released)
30. Fucked Up - Another Day* (Fucked Up)
** Local
* Canadian
onize because it is the roots of human history that connected us. It's important to decolonize art because it is important to decolonize all spaces.”
“There are barriers existing in the way that we've adopted a very formal, European style of audience-going based on decorum and deference,” adds Cseke, explaining that in a typical theatre setting, audience members are required to sit still and silently in the dark for a couple of hours.
“That's just not physically possible for a lot of folks,” he adds. As a solution and means of inclusion, Inside Out Theatre offers relaxed performances. Geared toward audience members who may be easily overstimulated or uncomfortable in a traditional theatre performance, relaxed performances tone down what is happening on stage — and also relax traditional theatre-going rules.
“If you need to make a little noise, if you need to leave for a little bit and come back in, that's okay. Whatever you have to do to be here, we're not gonna shush you. We're not gonna paint you as disrespectful. We're gonna appreciate that you're here with us,” says Cseke.
SHIFTING POWER
Creating a safe space where audience members can engage with a performance outside of a Euro-centric structure also reduces cultural barriers. At Chromatic Theatre, Artistic Director Kodie Rollan saw the opportunity to host Brown Out Nights and create affinity spaces for BIPOC audiences.
A performance company that develops, supports, and creates space for racialized theatre artists in Calgary, Chromatic has produced a couple of shows in its 2024 season that also included a Brown Out Night: Kisapmata by Filipino playwright Bianca Miranda, and Static by Latinx artist Ashley King.
Brown Out Nights are a performance specifically for members of the BIPOC community to gather. Particularly, the Brown Out nights hosted via Chromatic were geared towards the cultural groups represented in Kisapmata and Static While not exclusionary, Brown Out Nights do invite folks who are not part of the BIPOC community to consider why they should attend.
“Theatre, historically, hasn't been fully inclusive of different communities, whether that is
“[Young people] need to have opportunities and places where they can go, be creative, express themselves, and feel included and safe.”
gender-neutral, accessible washrooms, ramps and wide hallways — the BLOX reduces barriers for young people and families to take part in Calgary’s live music scene.
“[Young people] need to have opportunities and places where they can go, be creative, express themselves, and feel included and safe,” says Katie Theis, Executive Director at the BLOX , adding that since the BLOX is licensed as a venue and not a bar, children and teens can be there any time of day — or night.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment, and we do have security that enforces it because we want to make sure that people who are sometimes underrepresented, like young people and the LGBTQ community, are all welcome, and they're all safe,” says Theis.
purposefully or not purposefully. From a racialized community perspective, it's an opportunity for us to feel comfortable in this space with other fellow racialized community members,” says Rollan. He notes that while Brown Out Nights have been controversial as some folks feel excluded, a Brown Out Night is typically only one evening in an 11-show run.
“A Brown Out Night is a beautiful opportunity to shift power into the hands of racialized folks and to forefront a lot of their own cultural norms,” he says, adding he hopes to spark a mindset shift towards abundant opportunities instead of a feeling of lack.
Indeed, this concept of abundance as a byproduct of nurturing care in the arts is central to Rollan’s ethos at Chromatic — including how the company interacts with its audiences. As a relatively small theatre company, Chromatic generally rents spaces and/or collaborates with larger arts groups. Being creatively nomadic can pose problems when it comes to physical accessibility. Top of mind for Rollan are concerns like ensuring their venues have accessible washrooms, as well as parking and transit availability — while also
ensuring that accessibility information is available to ticket-buyers on Chromatic’s website and through integrating accessibility coordinators at their shows.
One facet of accessibility Rollan can control is pricing. To keep their shows financially feasible, Chromatic Theatre offers two pricing tiers: general tickets ranging from $20 to $25 and discounted tickets ranging from $10 to $15 for students and seniors. Inside Out provides a choose-your-price option, with tickets at $15, $30, and $45. Purchasers choose the ticket price that best suits their budget and ability to contribute.
BRIDGING GENERATIONS
Cost is a barrier the BLOX Arts Centre seeks to overcome as well.
An all-ages music and arts venue, the BLOX operates with The Beltline BIA (Business Improvement Area). The arts centre often hosts entry-by-donation shows, as well as Rockin 4 Dollar$ every Thursday (which only costs $5), and concerts where the bands set the ticket price.
Along with ensuring the one-level space is fully physically accessible — including
Another arts organization seeking to provide spaces for families to enjoy the arts is Calgary Opera, which offers Serious Family Fun afternoon performances that invite all ages to enjoy music, storytime, visual arts and even dress-up. These performances are one way Calgary Opera seeks to engage with a broader audience — as well as performing popularized operas like The Barber of Seville, shows geared towards younger audiences like Little Red Riding Hood, offering Sunday matinees, and integrating relaxed performances.
Calgary Opera is also reducing social isolation through its Opera Buddies program, which is in partnership with McDougall United Church. The program connects youth with seniors over four sessions. Together, the different generations learn about opera, attend a dress rehearsal, and discuss what they have learned.
“I believe that the purpose of opera is to create a more connected, caring and civil society,” says Sue Elliott, General Director and CEO at the Calgary Opera. “I think that's needed now more than ever, as social media and the Digital Age has actually increased social isolation and the polarization of opinions.”
Cseke echoes that the arts have the power to bring people together.
“When you go to a live show, you don't know who else has bought a ticket, and you don't know who else you're going to be sitting next to,” he says. “As we’re increasingly divided as a city, going to a big room full of folks that you don't know is really meaningful.”
KATIE THEIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE BLOX
PHOTO: MICHAEL GRONDIN
Rocking 4 Dollar$ at the BLOX
2025 FESTIVAL OF ANIMATED OBJECTS
A CELEBRATION OF ARTS, PUPPETRY, DANCE AND MUSIC LIGHTS UP CALGARY THIS MARCH
BY KRISTA SYLVESTER
Since its inception in 2002, the Festival of Animated Objects has become a cornerstone of Calgary's arts scene, bringing puppetry, mask-making and animated objects to life each year.
Founder and artistic director Xstine Cook launched the festival 23 years ago to bring some of the world-class puppetry shows she experienced while touring globally back to Calgary audiences.
The vision was simple: to foster the local puppetry scene while bringing exciting international works to the city. Over the years, the festival has grown exponentially, with a wide range of local and international artists contributing to its success.
“The festival has really grown and gotten bigger and stronger, and there are a lot of different partners contributing to it,” Cook says, adding that the festival’s growth can be partially attributed to its sense of community.
Many in the community share their craft with up-and-coming puppeteers, passing down their expertise and helping others reach professional levels of artistry.
“There is a lot of puppetry going on here very different forms of puppetry and generations of puppeteers coming up. They work on each other's shows, and they teach each other. It's a very, very generous community.”
Alberta artist Ronnie Burkett is a testament to this growth. Known for his innovative and expressive marionettes, Burkett’s work became a hallmark of the festival. He was named a laureate of the 2024 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
“He laid a lot of the groundwork,” Cook says, adding a lot of local artists have become professionals
and have expanded to larger stages.
“We've seen people really develop, grow, study and try things out and become professional level over the past years, which is super exciting. The whole point of the festival was to grow the local scene and that’s what’s happening.”
While many performances are family-friendly, the festival’s adult-oriented performances explore deeper narratives that engage audiences in thought-provoking ways.
“We have a very strong family component because it is really important to show that kind of work to younger audiences and make that available to younger audiences. But we also have very intentionally focused, adult-oriented performances that are very complex and philosophical.”
Performances are not just limited to traditional puppetry; the event has expanded to include other art forms, such as mask-making, dance and music, showcasing the versatility and creativity of animated objects.
The festival's name reflects this inclusivity: it’s not just about puppetry but about animating all objects in the storytelling process. This encourages experimentation and innovation, resulting in a unique and dynamic array of performances.
“It's called the Festival of Animated Objects because it isn't just a puppetry festival … we always try to push the boundary of what animated objects can be used,” Cook says, adding the festival helps audiences tap back into that childlike wonder that we all have deep inside.
“It’s a universal art form. I think we are tapping into that instinctual, ancestral magic of puppetry, and it’s amazing.”
The 2025 Festival of Animated Objects runs from March 11 to 30 at various locations.
FACING FEARS WITH PUPPETRY AND DANCE
Calgary movement artist Kaja Irwin invites audiences into a world of imagination and transformation as she blends dance and puppetry while she faces her snake phobia in Fearsssome.
“I love the freedom that puppetry allows me in my creativity because it opens up my mind in different ways to consider new possibilities,” Irwin says.
The Decidedly Jazz Danceworks company dancer’s artistic practice is mainly rooted in jazz. She’s recently been interested in playing with movement and how her body can animate objects in different ways.
“I love creating and choreographing dance, but for this particular project, it felt like my fear of
snakes could be expressed so much better by incorporating more influences like puppetry and a clown because they capture even more of who I am.” Irwin is backed by a live band: Joanna Borromeo on keys, Nate Chiang on drums, and Adam Pettigrew on upright bass.
“Music is integral to how I feel movement and how I connect to myself. Music can set a tone immediately and transport you to a whole different time and space,” she says, adding this live music component has given this performance some “texture and soul.”
Fearsssome by Kaja Irwin plays at various times at cSpace Marda Loop on March 11, 12 and 13.
PHOTO: MEGAN TRAINER, PRAIRIE WEST CREATIVE
Scene Picks of the Festival
Offering a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, films and exhibitions, the 2025 Festival of Animated Objects is a non-stop party of puppetry and mask arts.
With so much to choose from and indeed something for everyone, The Scene has curated a list of some of the performances we are most excited to check out this month.
Choosing just five shows out of such a diverse and unique lineup was a tough task! Think of this as a starting point before checking out the entire schedule and planning your festival experience.
PUPPET POP-UPS
YMCA Rocky Ridge, various days at various times
This free, family-friendly event by WP Puppet Theatre is Popping Up with Drop By puppet making at the premiere of LiLuune – a brand-new puppet production by Jamie Konchak. The quick take-home puppet project features creations with natural fibres echoing the aesthetic of LiLunne Braid a yarn doll, ink stamp, or make a furryfaced friend. Volunteers will be on hand, and materials and instructions will be supplied.
RETROSPECT PHOTO EXHIBITION
YMCA Rocky Ridge, March 11 - 23
A photo exhibition for people who love to meet
the maker, RETROSPECT reveals more than two dozen portraits of artists and performers captured during the festival’s 23-year history.
Dennie focuses on capturing the people behind the puppets with his lens, acting as an “audience of one” to evoke intimate moments with artists and their art.
ARCTIC TALL TALES / RACONTARS ARCTIQUES
Vertigo Theatre, March 13 (French) and 14 (English), 7 p.m. - 8:25 p.m.
Presented in partnership by WP Puppet Theatre and Alliance Française, family-friendly Arctic Tall Tales is originally a collection of short stories brimming with humour and humanity, as well as a series of delightfully addictive graphic novels. Anne LaLancette is presenting a larger-than-life version where puppetry, storytelling, live music and sound are blended to create a universe both uproarious and poetic.
DOLLY WIGGLER CABARET
Royal Canadian Legion #1, March 14 and 15, 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Experience a vibrant showcase of short-form mask and puppetry performances for adults, featuring a variety of artists in a lively cabaret setting. Hosted by Xstine Cook, this event promises
society doesn’t treat tires all that well, and when he sees humans burning a pile of his brethren, he goes a little mad. Did we mention Robert also has the power of telekinesis and he can also make things explode? There will be a secret special guest in attendance, so don’t miss out.
THE STORIES WE WRITE/RIGHT BY JENNIFER
LYNN BAIN
Loose Moose Theatre, March 21 and 23, 7:30 p.m.
A delightfully absurd and reflective story from Fraggle Rock alum Jen Bain, The Stories We Write Right blends a playful spirit with timeless wisdom. This show explores the choices, thoughts and twists of the past, offering insights into how they’ve shaped the present. Full of humour, heart, unexpected revelations and sheep, this show invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and connect through unexpected storytelling and silliness.
THE TWILIGHT GLOW OF ROMEO BY NICOLA ELSON
Erratics Indie Arts Club, March 26, 7:30 p.m.
a night of entertainment and creativity. The Dolly Wiggler Cabaret is the best way to experience a dazzling and diverse lineup of various puppetry and mask artists in one night.
RUBBER FILM SCREENING
Globe Theatre, March 19, 8:30 p.m.
This deliriously insane R-rated film from 2010 is about Robert, who is a tire. Yes, a tire. And he’s alive, sentient and livid. Robert is angry that
Imagine Shakespeare’s tragedy of young love re-contextualized through the lens of aging, grief, and loss. The Twilight Glow of Romeo is a new take on a familiar story, exploring two star-crossed senior lovers finding one another after a lifetime spent with different partners. Abstract puppetry, mask, shadow theatre, and more help bring this new take to life, shining a light on the loss of autonomy one struggles with as one ages and how this impacts our attitude towards romance.
PHOTO: LOUIS-MARTIN LEBLANC
Twilight Glow of Romeo
Racontars Arctiques — La Ruée vers l’or
Join The Night Committee
AFTER A THREE-YEAR HIATUS, LOCAL POWER-TRIO NIGHT COMMITTEE ARE STORMING BACK WITH THEIR THIRD LP, YOUR PLANS MEAN NOTHING.
UP OMING EVENTS
BY NATHAN ILES
For their latest album, post-punk-power-pop three-piece Night Committee dig deep and go back to the basics.
And on March 22, Calgary gets a taste of Your Plans Mean Nothing: the third release from the Committee, a grungey collection of buzz saw punk that explores the unpredictability of life as a middle-aged rocker.
“It's more ‘about things’ than I've ever let myself write before,” says guitarist/vocalist Andrew Wedderburn. “It's more personal… and the songs are more straightforward. There's a lot less playing with language for the sake of seeing what it can do, and a lot more saying things to see what it'll say.”
States to very-much-active acts like Self Cut Bangs and Vailhalen — and even more, if you count former keyboard player and Calgary music stalwart Lorrie Mattheson, who played with the band until 2021.
“When we were in our 20s and early 30s, the band we were in was a high priority,” says Nye. “You know, touring across [the world], on the road, going where we could try to see where bands went, right? And now it's just about, ‘Let's get together and write two songs, and share the love we have for the craft we do.’”
“MUSIC IS
All three members of Night Committee have kids now, with grown-up careers and a sense of stability that feels out-of-reach for many artists. But the peace of mind of a day job activates the band in entirely new ways.
The importance of Calgary’s music scene flows through the record as well. “There's a lot on here that's about the place the music has in our life,” says bassist Nicola Cavanagh-Whitfield. “How it's formed, how it's formed us, and how we’ve been doing it. Some of it is super overt, like the ‘Carpenter’s Union Hall’ song, which is literally about playing in that all-ages scene, growing up.”
Any seasoned local music nerd just perked their ears at the mention of that legendary, longgone Kensington all-ages venue. It was a piece of Calgary history, just like Night Committee in its own way.
Formed in 2009 by Wedderburn and drummer Joel Nye after the dissolution of ‘00s indie darlings Hot Little Rocket, the three members’ resumé of other bands spans Calgary’s past and present: from defunct acts like The Neutral
“We’ve got the luxury of [not] worrying about driving to Toronto and getting the right people to come out to the gig,” says Wedderburn. “If all we care about is doing it, then the challenge is to be as good as you can be … It's very naked and a different kind of scary, but I think it’s more rewarding.”
Their new lean-andmean three-piece punk sound pairs nicely with this nuanced perspective. The opening track “Mistakes” turns self-reflection into an anthemic rallying cry, while “I Left Early” summons a storm of post-punk moodiness. But it all comes together, both sonically and philosophically, on the fittingly titled final track: “The Healing Power of Rock & Roll.”
“It's about how music makes you and what it's done for us,” says Cavanagh-Whitfield. “Music is magic. We don't do this because it's making us tons of money and bringing all sorts of fame and accolades.”
Your Plans Mean Nothing is available for your listening pleasure on March 22. Join Night Committee at BLOX Arts Centre the day of for an all-ages show to celebrate.
L-R: Andrew Wedderburn, Joel Nye, Nicola Cavanagh-Whitfield of Night Committee PHOTOS: HEATHER SAITZ
How We Create: Alcohol
ARTISTS OFTEN DRINK BECAUSE ALCOHOL CAN BE AN EFFECTIVE AND FINELY EDGED TOOL … UNTIL IT ISN’T.
BY KENNA BURIMA
ONE BOURBON, TWO BEERS
There was a time not long ago, when I couldn’t think of stepping on stage without a shot of cheap bourbon and two beers. Payment proffered by drink tickets I carefully preserved in my sweat stained bra; the pairing afforded me the courage I didn’t think I had. It could be one song, a 30-minute set, or an entire concert, the applause was barely dying before I’d be up at the bar or back in my dressing room on the hunt for more.
AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH
Attempting to lose myself in my art meant that alcohol was never far from my grasp. After many years, I reluctantly realized what I thought I needed, was in fact hindering me. Making the choice to break up with alcohol showed me new possibilities in my creative process, but not every artist requires this reckoning. Let’s be honest, we artists drink because alcohol can be an effective and finely edged tool; breaking through obstacles, pushing us out of ruts, mimicking the crash of inspiration or the rush of creative flow… until it doesn’t.
FRIENDS OFF
Fellow musician and emcee Berkley Shea shares similar experiences of using alcohol as a tool to get onstage. He concedes that the ritual of a pint or two and then a well-planned shot of Jäger right before show time was just an excuse.
“I'm over five years sober now,” shares Shea. “My current relationship with alcohol is that we are no longer friends. I used to think it helped with creativity, that it helped bring something out. But now I realized how it just stifled it.” Art that hits us deep inside, many times, does so because it’s reflecting our depth back to us. This is the case for Shea, who is now dedicated to showing up on stage to be in a direct relationship with his audience in a way he feels he couldn’t do before.
“I want people to walk away with an experience,” says Shea. “It’s hard to feel raw emotions,
but I've put in the work, and my life is much better for it. I have a new life and a journey that I'm proud to walk. I'm here, and I strongly believe I wouldn't be on my old path.”
OPENING TO OTHER WAYS
Creativity can be elusive, and much of it doesn’t happen when we think it should. Imbibing can be like a jumpstart, charging those moments of everyday living for when the beginning of a song, a play or a painting can hit us.
Mixed media collage artist Stacey Walyuchow knows this well. She doesn’t take alcohol with her into the studio anymore, but she used to. She finds focus and inspiration in other ways now. “When I am not in my physical studio, I am often found in the studio of my mind,” shares Walyuchow. “I am always imagining new work or reworking current pieces as I am driving to school or picking up groceries, or even amidst the glamour of housework.”
Calgary literary icon and playwright Eugene Stickland acknowledges the solitary and often lonely affair of writing paired well with alcohol but also easily recalls moments when just the right line, just the right scene, would magically appear in the mornings while taking a shower or walking to his office. He admits that this never happened when he was drinking.
“My formative years were the ‘70s,” recalls Stickland. “Everyone drank. All my role models drank. When you’re young and trying to become an artist, you tend to emulate the behaviour of your mentors. And the artists who were a help up to us as demi-gods were really a bunch of drunks.”
Sooner or later, we face who we really are, free from under the gaze of our mentors. Facing our relationship with it can offer clarity and assist in building an artistic practice that truly supports our creative process with or without alcohol.
“In this life, there aren't many things that truly meet you where you are and make that an okay place to be,” muses Walyuchow. “My artistic practice does that for me…or I guess I do that for myself.”
Kenna Burima is a Calgary-based songwriter, musician, mother and teacher.
“MY CURRENT RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL IS THAT WE ARE NO LONGER FRIENDS. I USED TO THINK IT HELPED WITH CREATIVITY... BUT NOW I REALIZED HOW IT JUST STIFLED IT.”
BERKLEY SHEA
PHOTO: JOHANNA STICKLAND
Berkley Shea
Eugene Stickland
PHOTO: LORI MALONEY
Stacey Walyuchow
Esker Foundation Winter Exhibitions
Wednesday―Friday: 11-6pm Saturday & Sunday: 12-5pm
Esker Foundation
4th Floor, 1011 9th Avenue SE Inglewood, Calgary