SCENE-May-2026

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO GOING OUT

FREE • MAY 2026 • ISSUE #67

CALGARY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL MATTHEW MOONEY Q&A SUB ROSA PROFILE GUIDE TO A NIGHT OUT DECONSTRUCTED BOUQUETS EXHIBIT

SMALL STAGES

BIG STAKES HOW TO KEEP SMALLER THEATRES ALIVE AND ON YOUR RADAR THINGS TO DO MUSIC AND GIGS VISUAL ARTS MOVIES CAM HAYDEN COMIC

Meet New Audiences with Werklund Centre’s TD Incubator program Every practice has a next step. The TD Incubator program at Werklund Centre connects you with the people, the space, and the spark to help you get there. Through collaboration, performance, gallery and studio opportunities, professional development, and a vibrant creative community, the program is a reminder of why Calgary is such an inspiring place to make art.

Carrie Yap / Yap Sister studio. ©Dena Vahle

Submit before June 8, 2026 to join the next season’s cohort

Mosiah (Mo) from (un)decided. ©Mike Tan

Yu Chen. ©Jarrett Edmund

CONTENTS

18 BAR SCENE Get out and explore the city’s nightlife with The Scene’s guide to a night out.

Cover Ashley King, Static, Inside Out Theatre.

MAY

Photo: Motif Photography Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca

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HeartbReak etc + ella jeaN 8pm $10 all ages

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steady jeFf in space 8pm $10 all ages

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the smokin toad revival 7pm $20 all ages

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bdsm 104: quickies!

7PM $10 18+

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hymmmelodies 8pm $10 all ages

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tuRiya 6pm $10 all ages

Editorial Staff Evelina Pak, sceneeditorialintern@redpointmedia.ca Kiara Neisz, sceneeditorialintern_2@redpointmedia.ca Catrina Bowles, cbowles@redpointmedia.ca Founding Editor Mike Bell Designer Kris Twyman Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich

CONTRIBUTORS Lissa Robinson, Kathleen Renne, Jonathan Crane, Kimberley Dooshima Jev, Cam Hayden Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten Administrative Manager Shahana Beegum HR Manager Evette Stobo

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flamenco for every body wIth aNaStaSsiia alExaNder

6pm $15 or 2 for $25 all welcome trAnsformatIon 14 conscious7pm pwyc all ages

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velvet gRoove 8PM $20 all ages

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euRovision fInals lIve! 1pm free all welcome

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rope fIguRe dRawIng night 7PM $10 18+

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bowlIne quintet pLays art blakey’s moaNin’ 7:30 pm $15 all ages

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megAn kelly 8pm $10 all ages

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dice dynaSty sEaSon 3 5pm $10 16+

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artIstspeak Workshop 7pm $25 all welcome

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force to wrecken wIth! 8pm $15 all ages

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.

PHOTO: JARED SYCH

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 Alberta (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

redpointmedia.ca 1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7 Published 12 times a year by Redpoint Media Group. © 2026 by Redpoint Media Group.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

12 COVER

8 Q&A

17 FILM SCENE

Check in and and get involved with Calgary’s indie theatre scene.

Actor and poet Matthew Mooney on his journey from Glasgow to Calgary.

4 ACT 1, SCENE 1

10 ART SCENE

The Calgary Black Film Festival platforms narratives of Black communities across Canada and around the world.

What to do, see, and hear this month across the city.

Emily Filler merges painting, printmaking, and photography into compositions of flowers.

20 VENUE Sub Rosa is quickly becoming the beating heart of Calgary’s EDM community.

22 Cam Hayden

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dRag is for all ages 2pm $10 all ages

joyOus mUsic in a mInOr key allaN merovitz & frIends 7:30pm $10 all ages

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modernfoLkrevOlutIon + Devin Foster 2pm pwyc all ages

every wednesdAy! acoustIc jam & open mIc 7pm free all ages

congResscoffeeshop.com/events thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

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What to do in May

BY CATRINA BOWLES

GRAB SECONDHAND BOOKS, CATCH A BELOVED MUSICAL, HANDCRAFT POTTERY AND MORE

OTAFEST

May 15 to 17 | Telus Convention Centre & Downtown Marriott Hotel | otafest.com What started in ‘99 as a single-day festival organized PHOTO: COURTESY OTAFEST by anime fans from the University of Calgary has blossomed into a multi-day extravaganza celebrating all things anime, cosplay and fandom. Shop the artist hall for one-of-a-kind fandom merch, put together a cosplay and take pictures at a photo op location, and meet some of your favourite voice actors, cosplay artists, and more. At its heart, OtaFest is about connection, creating a place where you’ll find like-minded weebs who will happily gush about Jujutsu Kaisen fight scenes with you. Snag a weekend pass for $70, or pay $55 for single-day tickets. And don’t miss out on the unhinged karaoke events.

PHOTO: COURTESY OTAFEST

DIVAS FOR DOLLARS

May 6 | Sweet Loretta Bar | gofreddie.com A drag show is always fun, but it's even better when you’re raising money for a good cause.

Divas for Dollars is in its fifth year of raising money for the Centre for Sexuality, and they’ve got one incredible lineup. Headlining the show is Mirage, who you may recognize from RuPaul’s Drag Race season 16, and Miss Fiercalicious, from Canada’s Drag Race season 3 and the first season of Canada’s The Traitors. The show is hosted by local legend Karla Marx and includes burlesque performances from Bitch Sassidy and Bree Vybes. If the lineup didn’t already have you sold, the event has an open bar from the time the doors open at 6 until 7:30 p.m. Bring along some cash for tips and donations. Tickets are $25 or $30 for a meet-and-greet with Mirage and Miss Fiercalicious.

CALGARY READS BIG BOOK SALE

May 8 to 17 | Calgary Curling Club | bigbooksale.ca Readers rejoice! It’s Calgary’s biggest book event of the year this month. The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale fills the Calgary Curling

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Club with over 200,000 gently used books for you to peruse. If you want first dibs, reserve a spot on the first three days of the sale. There are buy-one-get-one deals for two days towards the end of the sale, and on the final day, customers can fill a banker's box to the brim with as many books as will fit for $20. If your to-be-read list is looking a little thin, the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale is the way to fix it.

THE VERDICT

May 9 to June 7 | Vertigo Theatre | vertigotheatre.com Vertigo Theatre’s final show of the season kicks off this month, and it’s a change of pace for Calgary’s go-to theatre for mystery shows.

The Verdict is a courtroom drama, the first of its kind for Vertigo. Based on a novel by Barry Reed that was later adapted into a film starring

Paul Newman, the play follows a washed-up lawyer who takes on one last case in an attempt to redeem himself. Catch a preview performance from May 9 to 13 and pay $50 for a ticket, a deal compared to the standard ticket price of $56.

4TH STREET NIGHT MARKET

May 16 (and more dates through the summer) | Central Memorial Park | @4thstreetnightmarket It’s the sixth year of the 4th Street Night Market, when Central Memorial Park gets absolutely packed with local vendors, food trucks, activities for kids, and a live performance stage. Shop for unique trinkets and handmade goods, enjoy some food in the designated seating area, or try to track down the caricature artist for a wonderfully kitsch keepsake. Kids and pets are welcome, so bring the whole family along for the fun.

ROYAL CANADIAN CIRCUS

May 22 to 31 | CrossIron Mills | royalcanadiancircus.ca There’s nothing that gets blood rushing like watching somebody narrowly avoid death, and those thrills are exactly what the Royal Canadian Circus brings to town. The show is filled with everything you expect out of a circus: flying trapeze, high wire, and the

CRLC ROCK AND MINERAL SHOW

May 8 to 10 | Vivo | crlc.ca There was a truth we all understood as children that eventually got lost to time: rocks are cool.

Reconnect with that childlike whimsy at the CRLC Rock and Mineral Show, where you’ll see gems, crystals, handmade jewellery and even fossils!

Along with the vendor hall, you can get your hands on some stones through door prizes and a silent auction, or skip that altogether in favour of demonstrations covering topics like beading, geology, and identification. Admission is $8 per day, or pay $15 for the whole weekend. Kids 12 and under get in free.

PHOTO: COURTESY CALGARY ROCK AND LAPIDARY CLUB

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

CJSW May Charts 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.

MAMMA MIA!

May 19 to 24 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com Here we go again! If you’ve seen the movie starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep, you already know all the lyrics to the ABBA songs that make up the show's soundtrack. Broadway Across Canada brings this wild romp of a show to the Calgary stage. Experience all the Greek island paradise drama and daddy-issue-centric adventures live, right before your eyes.

PHOTO: COURTESY BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA

infamous “motorcycle globe.” Check it out for yourself, or bring friends and family along.

General admission is $35, and children under three get in free.

INGLEWOODIY

May 22 to 31 | Multiple venues | inglewoodyyc.ca Get crafty this month in East Calgary with the InglewooDIY crafting festival. Shops around Inglewood open their doors with a variety of crafting workshops so you can take home something entirely handmade. Craft a pottery trinket dish at the YW Hub, cross-stitch an adorable bee at STASH, make a terrarium at Plant, and so much more.

COME FROM AWAY

May 26 to June 21 | Max Bell Theatre | theatrecalgary.com If you missed Come From Away when it came to Calgary back in 2024, you’ve got another chance to catch this show. With the music you

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

know and love from the hit musical paired with all-new choreography, it's a perfect show for both first-timers and folks who already love the story. Follow the little Newfoundland town of Gander as they take in hundreds of airplane passengers stranded after 9/11. It’s funny, it's touching, and it's oh-so-very Canadian. $25 rush tickets are available for purchase the same day as the performance, while regular level one pricing is $55.

Sunglaciers** - Spiritual Content (Mothland) Tinariwen - Hoggar (Wedge) 3. Lala Lala - Heaven 2 (Sub Pop) 4. Bitter Fictions** - Amethyst & Emerald (Shaking Box) 5. Bibi Club* - Amaro (Secret City Records) 6. Yumi Zouma - No Love Lost to Kindness (Nettwerk) Damaged Bug - ZUZAX (Deathgod) 8. Nightmares on Wax - Echo45 Sound System (Warp Records) 9. Tired Cossack* - ZIMA (Self-Released) 10. Nyxothera** - The Whitest Dove (Self-Released) 11. Motorists* - Never Sing Alone (We Are Time) Em Spel - Bird or Snake (Birdwatcher) 13. Silver Rein - II: Lonesome Bridge (Self-Released) 14. Altin Gün - Garip (ATO) 15. Ora Cogan* - Hard Hearted Woman (Sacred Bones Records) 16. Mitski - Nothing’s About To Happen To Me (Dead Oceans) Station Model Violence - Station Model Violence (Static Shock) 18. Public Figures - Figures It Out! (Self-Released) 19. Dog Pops* - Good Pudding (Transistor 66) Bristol Manor** - One Foot In The Haze (Self-Released) Bill Callahan - My Days of 58 (Drag City) Cardinals - Masquerade (So Young Records) Angine De Poitrine* - Vol. II (Spectacles Bonzaï) Janel Leppin - Slowly Melting (Cuneiform) Status/Non-Status* - Big Changes (You’ve Changed) bugswallow** - bugswallow EP (Knuckles On Stun) Nick Fraser* - Areas (Elastic Recordings) feldmark** - Motu Maha (Rad Soundsystem) Das Leck - Die Wirtschaftsweisen (Self-Released) 30. Ribbon Skirt* - PENSACOLA EP (Mint Records) * Canadian ** Local (Calgary area)

26TH ANNUAL FUNNYFEST COMEDY FESTIVAL

May 28 to June 7 | Multiple Venues | funnyfest.com For 11 nights, catch veteran comics and newbies on various stages around Calgary, flexing their comedy chops. Each show features up to six comedians and runs for up to two hours.

Your money doesn’t just buy you laughs, either; you’ll also get the chance to take home a prize.

Grab your tickets before May 17 for early-bird pricing: $20 instead of the usual $25.

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Onstage in May

BY EVELINA PAK

PUNK, METALCORE, BLUES, TRIBUTE SHOWS, AND MORE TO GET YOUR HIPS MOVING

Danny Brown

Blue Moon Marquee

Supertramp: Breakfast in America

PHOTO: SAM STOFKO

FIT FOR A KING

BLUE MOON MARQUEE

DANNY BROWN

Supporting last year’s Lonely God album, metalcore band Fit for a King brings its tour to Calgary. The new album dives into politics, religion, and raw emotion, earning praise as one of their most consistent and intense releases yet. With Invent Animate, Ten56, and Acres opening the show, this one will hit hard. May 6, 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.

Smoky blues, vintage swing, irresistible grooves; Blue Moon Marquee channels the spirit of a classic swing-era dance hall, the kind where you don’t sit still for long. This Juno Award-winning duo blends blues with Indigenous soul, a combination you have to hear to believe. May 9, 7:30 p.m. at Studio Bell, studiobell.ca.

Detroit rapper Danny Brown brings his highenergy live show to Calgary, mixing experimental production with raw storytelling about poverty and addiction. Critics love his mixture of paranoia, survival anthems, and punchlines … and so will you. May 16, 8 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.

JOYCE MANOR

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PHOTO: WENDY WEI

SUPERTRAMP: BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

If you’re leaning softer this month, California pop-punk favourites Joyce Manor return to Calgary with their sweet, careless energy. Their latest album, I Used to Go to This Bar, is about to make them a generational act, in our humble opinion. Arrive early and catch Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage, and Combat. May 8, 6 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.

Prepare for another wave of nostalgia, this time with Breakfast in America, the album that topped charts on both sides of the border.

No, the actual Supertramp won’t be there, but Classic Albums Live artists will transport you back in time when Breakfast in America ruled the charts, note by intricate note.

May 14, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer Concert Hall, werklundcentre.ca.

TRIUMPH: ROCK & ROLL MACHINE RELOADED

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT

Celebrate 50 years of Rock & Roll Machine with Triumph, joined by April Wine. Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore reunite for their first major tour in three decades. Rock out with the classic 70’s hits, and consider taking your parents out for a night on the town. May 8, 8 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome, scotiabanksaddledome.com.

This month belongs to Star Wars fans, well beyond May the Fourth. Calgary Phil marks the occasion with Return of the Jedi in concert, with John Williams’ score performed live alongside the film. Will they play “Lapti Nek” or “Jedi Rocks?” You won’t know unless you go. May 15, 7:30 p.m, and May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. at Jubilee Auditorium, calgaryphil.com.

ARKELLS Ontario’s Arkells arrive with their Between Us City Takeover, a multi-night run across Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. This tour features intimate, multi-night stands to connect with fans. But whether it’s a stadium or a small room, they’ll make your night cozy, with their simple but oddly charming indie rock songs.

May 19, 7 p.m. at Palomino; May 20, 7 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Calgary No. 1; and May 21, 7 p.m. at The Palace Theatre.

RUMOURS — THE ULTIMATE FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE SHOW You must have noticed how many tributes to legends there are this season, and honestly, who doesn’t want to relive the ‘70s? Rumours revisits Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic album, recreating the sound, the relationship drama, and the rock magic for one night. May 23, 8 p.m. at Grey Eagle Event Centre, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

PHOTO: JENN FIVE

THE FRAY — SUMMER OF LIGHT TOUR After a decade-long pause, The Fray returns with A Light That Waits, released this March. Nearly 20 years after "How to Save a Life," they lean into a more cinematic, emotionally direct indie sound.

The show is joined by The Strumbellas, adding a brighter counterpoint to the lineup. May 24, 7 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, machallconcerts.com.

LEONARD COHEN AND JONI MITCHELL: THE UNTOLD LOVE STORY This show is built around the brief but legendary romance between two Canadian icons. Although it didn’t last long, their torrid love affair left behind songs that are still celebrated today, like “Hallelujah,” “Both Sides Now,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” and more. May 30, 7.30 p.m. at Jubilee Auditorium, jubileeauditorium.com.

HANS GRAF RETURNS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Rediscover A Midsummer Night's Dream, as the orchestra and music director laureate, Hans Graf, performs Felix Mendelssohn's iconic score for Shakespeare's play. Pianist Sophia Liu also joins the Orchestra for Chopin's beautiful Second Piano Concerto. June 5 to 6, 7.30 p.m. at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, calgaryphil.com.

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

A VILLAGE CAN

Q&A “Glasgow shaped my self-deprecating sense of humour, which I think allows me to approach honesty through a lighter lens.”

Unfamiliar

Places

MATTHEW MOONEY

From Glasgow to Calgary, Matthew Mooney is carving out his voice as an actor and poet

BY EVELINA PAK

H

aving moved to Canada in 2023, Matthew Mooney has already established himself as a rising actor. He has performed in multiple shows, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Mousetrap at Theatre Calgary, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Alberta Theatre Projects. He also appeared in February’s TD Amplify: Episode 2 at Werklund Centre.

“I want to put myself into new and unfamiliar places where I can only make discoveries,” he said. True to his words, his journey has been rich in experience: hitchhiking from Canmore to Calgary, working with a company to bring original theatre projects to 17 schools, and finally diving into acting. Today, he continues his artistic journey across theatres in Calgary and beyond.

Q: What are you working on these days?

A: “I'm currently working in Rosebud in a show called Hurry Hard. It’s about a divorced couple who have to curl together to compete in a bonspiel, a curling competition. I play a character

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PHOTO: MIKE TAN

named Johnny.

“I really enjoy the cast I'm working with, and the show is a lot of fun. It's nice to do a comedy for a change. I’ve done some serious plays recently, so it’s refreshing to have an immediate opportunity to be silly on stage.”

Q: What kind of artist did Glasgow shape you into?

A: “Acting has always been something I’ve enjoyed, whether creating shows, performing little sketches, or reenacting Jim Carrey movies for my family as a kid. Seeing their reactions and making them laugh instilled confidence in me early on.

“Glasgow shaped my self-deprecating sense of humour, which I think allows me to approach honesty through a lighter lens. It’s a city full of storytellers. Everyone has something to say, [and] everyone's lived a life.

“It is an incredible place, and it's always been home, but it’s also a difficult place to work as an actor. That self-deprecation can become negative, and people often feel limited in expressing

themselves fully.”

Q: What has Calgary changed in your practice?

A: “Canada has opened up a world where anything feels possible. I’ve been cast in more shows here than I ever was in Scotland. I can say that I’m a working actor now.

“I’ve also shared my poetry publicly for the first time. I’ve always written poems, but kept them hidden in a drawer. I’ve never read or performed them to anyone, and seeing how my words affect people was a new experience. I’ll continue to write and explore poetry because it feels necessary for me.

“Creatively, this environment has reinforced the importance of art and the public’s desire to consume it. That interest inspires me.

“I want to tell stories that entertain, engage, and leave audiences with something.”

Q: You’ve described your process as “fluid and ambitious.” How does that look?

A: “Chaotic. Fluidity, for me, is being open to other ideas, and ambition is trying to improve every time. The director has an outside perspec-

tive, so I take notes and apply them. If someone has an idea, I think about how to apply it.

“The chaos also comes from observing the world and looking for new things you can bring to a performance. What's this emotion? What's the atmosphere? How does a louder voice help this actor get what they need out of this moment in time?”

Q: What’s your dream for the future?

A: “To continue working full-time as an actor.

It’s always been my dream, and I can’t imagine letting it go, which can be a bit of a nightmare sometimes. But that's the duality of the life that I've chosen.

“If I call Calgary home, then I travel across Canada performing wherever the opportunities take me … that would be bloody marvellous.”

This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre.

Catch Hurry Hard at Rosebud Theatre running until May 23.

Find Matthew Mooney on Instagram: @_moon_eh

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

THE BESNARD LAKES

ART D’ECCO • SPENCER KRUG

STUCK • CG TEARS • CONCRETE VEHICLES (FORMERLY COMPUTER)

THE SPANKS ARLO MAVERICK • KACY LEE ANDERSON • MIESHA AND

(UN)DECIDED • 2 LITRE SUPERPUNK • 36? • ADEOLUWA • AUTONOMOUS APES BENNETT MITCHELL • BRAYDEN LOWE • BRETT CASSIDY • BROCK GEIGER CRYSTAL EYES • D-DAY LEWIS • THE DUST COLLECTORS • ELBOW KISS GALACTICAS • GHOST FACTORY • HAIR CONTROL • HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET JAIDEN RILEY & THE CRYBABIES • KING OF FOXES • LAURA HICKLI • MACLAYNE MALLORY CHIPMAN • MINOT • NOCA PROJECT • PARIS PICK • PERRA PINBALL, 1973 • POLO SHO • PRANATRICKS • REBEL GRRRLZ • SHY FRIEND TAURUS RANCH BAND • TRUSTER • VERONICA RAINE • WITCH VICTIM VISIT

ETGD.CA • @ETGDFESTIVAL FOR UPDATES

50 IN ADVANCE ——— $60 AT THE EVENT

ART SCENE

Reframing the Floral

Emily Filler’s Deconstructed Bouquets Exhibition

BY LISSA ROBINSON

A

s the winter chill recedes, spring emerges with a gentle promise of renewal. It is a season of reawakening as vivid colour returns, forms soften, and the familiar is made new again. Such joyful transformation is the focus of Emily Filler’s exhibition Deconstructed Bouquets, which opens May 2 at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art. Flowers have been a profound source of inspiration in the art world, transcending time, culture, and artistic mediums. Whether embedded within the intricate patterns of medieval manuscripts or boldly reimagined in modern installations, floral imagery has served as a universal language of beauty, emotion, and meaning.

Working in what she describes as “painterly collages,” Filler merges painting, printmaking, and photography into layered compositions that feel at once tactile, meticulously composed, and atmospheric. Her process incorporates fragments of old photographs, textiles, and silkscreened elements, which are carefully assembled into arrangements that blur the boundary between the real and the imagined.

Rather than depicting flowers as fixed objects, her works capture their essence: the fleeting impressions they leave behind, the way they are remembered rather than seen.

In Deconstructed Bouquets, this approach takes on a renewed clarity. The exhibition reflects a shift toward simplification, as Filler pares back some of the density that has characterized her earlier work. These compositions introduce a sense of openness, allowing colour and form to resonate with greater immediacy.

The origins of this shift lie within the rhythms of everyday observation. During long walks through residential neighbourhoods, Filler became attuned to moments of unexpected vibrancy. A bright orange pylon on concrete, a yellow watering can set against a grey backdrop, and a child’s blue tricycle resting quietly on a lawn become works of art unto themselves. These flashes of colour within otherwise subdued environments informed her evolving visual language, prompting her to consider how simple forms might activate space.

Circles, in particular, emerge as a recurring motif, an influence drawn in part from Sterling Ruby. At once playful and deliberate, these shapes punctuate her compositions, introducing

a sense of rhythm and movement that offsets the calm of the surrounding fields. They also reinforce the underlying logic of collage, where disparate elements are brought into relation, generating new meanings through juxtaposition.

Filler’s collage art extends beyond material assembly. Her works function as accumulations of thought and experience, drawing from an expansive personal archive of images spanning art, fashion, and everyday life. In this sense, each piece operates as a kind of visual diary, an arrangement shaped not only by formal decisions but also by the contingencies of a particular moment: what was seen, what was felt, and what lingered in memory.

Like spring itself, Filler’s exhibition is less about arrival than about unfolding and rediscovery. What emerges is artwork that embraces both structure and spontaneity. By loosening the expectations tied to earlier work, Filler opens the door to new forms and possibilities. Her work invites viewers into spaces where perception shifts, colour reasserts itself, and the act of looking becomes an experience in joy and quiet wonder.

Learn more at newzones.com.

PHOTOS: NEWZONES GALLERY

IN THE GALLERIES THIS MONTH

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GIBSON FINE ART

SPARROW ARTSPACE

Susana Espinoza, Paige Ring, and Drew Klassen group show. Until May 26 Susana Esposito This exhibition presents three contemporary painters exploring colour, composition, and atmosphere through layered surfaces and luminous palettes.

Their works balance structure and fluidity, blending geometry with organic forms. Bold expressions contrast subtle nuances, creating dynamic rhythm. The collection offers a vibrant yet contemplative visual experience, reflecting the evolving language of painting.

Where Wings Carry Us: Doro Buch, Claudia Chagoya, and Diana Olarte.

Doro Buch Until May 17 Where Wings Carry Us is a collaboration between three multidisciplinary immigrant artists exploring migration, identity, and transformation. Through painting, installation, and mixed media, these artists use the bird as a shared symbol to reflect resilience, displacement, belonging, and connection across cultures.

ESKER FOUNDATION – Eyes – Shirley Moorhouse Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo: Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything. Opening May 23 Two exhibitions highlight distinct yet resonant artistic voices. Shirley Moorhouse presents works spanning decades, rooted in lived experience and extending outward to family, community, all living beings, and the universe, exploring storytelling, spirituality, and environmental themes. Zadie Xa and Benito Mayor

Shirley Moorhouse

Vallejo, meanwhile, present an immersive installation blending mythology, marine ecology, and diasporic identity, creating multisensory spaces for reflection, intergenerational storytelling, and connection.

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

D OWDE SH N TE EX !

MAY 26—JUN 27

TICKETS: THEATRECALGARY.COM

T H I S P R O D U C T I O N I S M A D E P O S S I B L E BY T H E G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT O F T H E A L O S T E N & B U D DY V I C TO R L E G AC Y F U N D A N D M AW E R .

Client/Project Code

TC-26-003

Publication

The Scene

Size (WxH)

9.75x10.5

Proof #

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COVER “THE REAL QUESTION, I THINK, THAT MANY ARTISTS STRUGGLE WITH IS: ‘WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THE SPACES THAT ART IS PERFORMED IN?’” ABAGAIL VANMERLIN, THE THEATRE CO-DIRECTOR The Pumphouse Theatre

the theatre PHOTO: JEFF MCDONALD CAMP

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ndie theatre companies work on proverbial shoestring budgets and among their constant cost pressures is performance and rehearsal space.

“Community theatres struggle to find affordable space,” says Kyle Gould, president of Calgary’s Alliance of Community Theatres (Calgary-ACTS). During this season, the Alliance’s 22 member companies will mount 46 productions. Many of those shows will take place in the Pumphouse Theatre.

Sabrina Mueller, the Pumphouse’s production and operations manager, says keeping the Pumphouse affordable is a priority — the rent has increased only five times over the past 17 years.

To increase affordability, about 10 years ago, the Pumphouse introduced two rental configurations for its large Victor Mitchell Theatre. Organizations can rent the entire Victor Mitchell, or rent the “Shed” configuration, which includes only the main-floor seating of 135. The Shed costs $250 less per performance to rent.

While the Pumphouse is doing what it can to remain financially accessible, there is serious competition for space. More than a dozen companies use the Pumphouse regularly, and most of them book the Victor Mitchell for two-week runs.

Gould says not all companies can fill a theatre the size of the Victor Mitchell for two weeks, nor do they have the money to do so.

But the Pumphouse’s smaller, more affordable option — the Joyce Doolittle — which has a capacity of 62, is now mostly unavailable.

During the pandemic, The City of Calgary reclaimed the parking lot next to the Pumphouse, says Mueller. Because of this, the Pumphouse can no longer rent both of its theatres at the

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PHOTO: COLIN MUNCH

OFF STAGE

CALGARY’S LACK OF AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE SPACE IS SQUEEZING SMALLER THEATRE COMPANIES

BY KATHLEEN RENNE

same time due to a lack of parking. As the Victor Mitchell is already near 100 percent occupancy, there is little to no opportunity for a show to go up in the Joyce Doolittle.

Because of these issues with the Pumphouse, Gould says, some community theatres are looking to venues like the West Village Theatre, Theatre 1308 on Edmonton Trail, Inglewood’s Lantern Church, and even theatre spaces at charter schools.

However, Gould says problems exist with re-purposing churches as performance venues, as churches don’t have all the technical equipment necessary to stage certain shows.

Claire Bolton, the co-artistic director of Full Circle Theatre, echoes Gould’s concerns. “It can be hard to find spaces for small indie companies. There are a few spaces that allow for small theatre companies to put on a show with lights, sound, full blackouts, and a fair-sized audience capacity within a price range that isn’t going to

put people into debt,” she says.

Bolton and Gould agree there’s a dearth of well-equipped, affordable theatre spaces in the 50-to-100-seat range, particularly for small companies. Gould estimates that around eight more small, black-box theatre spaces with proper production equipment are needed in Calgary to serve the needs of these small companies.

Due to the current lack of appropriate and affordable spaces, some productions simply aren’t happening, Gould says. And some companies are turning to the “great outdoors,” as is the Incendiary Festival, which is looking at securing performance permits for Fish Creek Park.

And it’s not just volunteer-driven, community theatre companies that are struggling with the issue of affordable space. So, too, are small professional companies like Inside Out Theatre. Col Cseke, Inside Out Theatre’s artistic director, says the company encountered significant difficulties finding affordable

performance space to rent with the necessary technical equipment.

Eventually, Inside Out decided to lease and renovate its own performance space. Located in the Beltline, The Erratics Arts Club will house a studio theatre that seats up to 100. The facility is set to open this summer.

“Affordability and accessibility have been our priorities … We cannot plan for our renters to pay for the full operation of the space,” Cseke says. He says the Erratics’ business plan will see rental fees covering about half of the venue’s operating costs. The remainder will come from grants and sponsorships.

Unlike some other venues, there won’t be additional fees stacked on top of the base rental for mandatory house technicians and front-ofhouse staff.

“There’s something really meaningful about having this new asset to offer our community,” Cseke says, noting that high staging costs mean “less work happens, and companies do fewer shows with fewer actors.”

Another Calgary company that operates out of its own space is the theatre, which debuted its inaugural season this year. Its black-box venue on the ground floor of a Victoria Park condo building seats between 40 and 80.

Abagail Vanmerlin, the theatre’s co-director, says that even though they own the performance space, it still costs around $400 per operational day to cover costs. “Most artists would not consider this an affordable daily rate, but it’s just the reality of operating a physical space,” says Vanmerlin. “The real question, I think, that many artists struggle with is: ‘Who should pay for the spaces that art is performed in?’”

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COVER

WHERE IS HOME?

NEXT DOOR R FLYINGTREE’S DOUBLE BILL BRINGS TOGETHER TWO INTIMATE STORIES OF LOVE, MIGRATION, AND THE SEARCH FOR BELONGING

BY EVELINA PAK

ooted yet boundless. That’s the guiding idea behind FlyingTree Theatre and Film Collective, founded in Calgary last year by Julie-Anne Bolduc and Arash Minhas.

Firm in their belief that art can act as a catalyst for social change, the duo set out to create a space that amplifies voices often left unheard.

“We are trying to provide more opportunities for first-generation immigrants, for women, for people of colour, for neurodiverse individuals,” said Minhas. As a first-generation immigrant himself, he has seen first hand the lack of representation across the theatre industry.

Bolduc and Minhas are creative collaborators as well as life partners. With backgrounds in playwriting and acting, respectively, they complement each other, bringing different cultural perspectives to their work. Creative disagreements are part of the process. “They only help us become better,” Minhas said, “as long as we share the same values and vision.”

That sense of duality carries into their latest production, the double bill of Next Door and Where Is Home? taking place this month at Spanic Arts. Bolduc wrote and directs both

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

pieces, while Minhas served as assistant director and dramaturge on Next Door and also performs in both productions.

Both plays explore identity, belonging, family, and the quiet resilience required to build connection. Bolduc notes that presenting two separate works allows them to draw clearer lines of difference and similarity while reaching distinct audiences, including Iranian, Indian, and French communities.

“Instead of creating one long show, we wanted two separate stories to show where the differences and the similarities exist,” she said.

Next Door follows the relationship between a French-Canadian woman and a South Asian man as they navigate love amid family expectations and cultural pressures. It asks a familiar yet urgent question: what does love look like when you come from different backgrounds and involve members of your community?

Where Is Home? shifts the focus to a young refugee arriving in Canada, torn between the home he left and the one he is trying to build. In that in-between space, the search for belonging becomes a search for self. It’s an experience many immigrants recognize, said Minhas — living between two worlds at the same time.

While the themes overlap, the tone of each piece differs. Next Door is more lively, incorporating movement, dance, and Bollywood music.

Where Is Home? is quieter and more introspective, accompanied by an original classical score by pianist Eric Chen.

Both productions reflect the theatre’s commitment to representation, featuring a diverse cast and multiple languages, including Farsi,

FlyingTree founders Arash Minhas [L] and Julie-Anne Bolduc

“IT’S AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE THE SENSE OF HOME. I HOPE PEOPLE FEEL THEY ARE NOT ALONE.” ARASH MINHAS

Punjabi, and French.

“It was very important for me to have a mixed couple on stage,” said Bolduc. “I want to normalize the mixing of cultures.”

At its core, the project is about expanding what and who gets seen.

“We just want to see more of everything on stage, in all kinds of stories,” she said.

Bolduc and Minhas hope the show sparks conversation not only among local audiences, but within immigrant communities themselves.

“It’s an invitation to explore the sense of home,” said Minhas. “I hope people feel they are not alone.”

Running an independent theatre company comes with its own challenges, particularly in logistics and scheduling.

“The unfortunate reality is that many theatre artists have several jobs,” Minhas said. Still, the creative process remains the reward: developing a story, bringing it to life, and collaborating with a diverse cast.

They value each member of the team not just as a professional, but as a person shaped by their own cultural background.

When they asked the cast what “home” means to them, the answers ranged from safety and security to a space free of judgment, a sense of purpose, where the heart is. When asked the same question, the founders paused.

They are still searching for that answer.

Where Is Home? Next Door runs May 28 to 31 at SpanicArts, 131 6 Ave. S.W. @flyingtree. art | spanicarts.com

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COVER

ALT THEATRE

SPRING GUIDE

FROM CLASSIC TALES TO BOLD NEW WORK, CALGARY’S SMALLER STAGES SPRING TO LIFE

BY KIARA NEISZ

SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE BED

Shakespeare Under the Bed

May 2 to 16 | the theatre | thetheatre.com What happens when Shakespeare is dropped into the present day? Shakespeare Under The Bed reimagines the iconic playwright as bolder, queerer and way more chaotic than history remembers. After a geneticist accidentally brings Shakespeare back, the show devolves into mayhem, with a drag-queen love interest, an attempted artistic revolt, and threats of a government takedown. the theatre blends satire with a playful edge and plenty of personality, bringing off-off Broadway play energy to downtown Calgary.

THE STARLING EFFECT

Stage It Festival

Until May 9 | Vertigo Studio Theatre | verbtheatre.com Part sci-fi, part psychological thriller, the Starling Effect takes a nosedive into grief, memory, and the idea that nothing is as clear as it seems. When a consciousness experiment traps two souls in the body of a starling, leading girl Ravonna is forced to confront her past with the help of Dr. Sandra Beetle by entering the bird's mind on a rescue mission. Things become intense for Ravonna as she navigates a maze of memories and secrets that challenge everything she holds true. This world premiere

by Verb Theatre gives audiences the chance to see science fiction live on the stage with this intimate and unsettling story.

CABARET

May 15 to 30 | Pumphouse Theatre | frontrowcentre.ca Front Row Centre presents Cabaret, a sharp

and dramatic show that pulls audiences into late 1920s Berlin. The emcee of the story brings ironic commentary and humour as the narrative plays out. An American writer falls for an English singer, while a backdrop of political tension and quiet heartbreak unfolds. With iconic songs and dark undertones, this show balances bold spectacle with something more bubbling beneath the surface. This immersive production from a community company doesn’t just entertain audiences — it reminds them how quickly moods can shift.

SHREK THE MUSICAL

May 20 to June 21 | Storybook Theatre | storybooktheatre.org Magical swamp fans get excited for this one.

Storybook Theatre brings Shrek The Musical, the widely beloved fairytale, to the stage.

When an unlikely hero in the form of a very grumpy ogre sets out to reclaim his swamp, he’s joined by a witty (and slightly annoying) donkey on a quest to save a princess. This feel-good, family-friendly show spotlights unique characters, catchy songs, and groan-inducing jokes. A tale about defying social expectations and the fight for love, this production offers a new spin on a classic tale.

STAGE IT FESTIVAL

May 21 to 24 | Motel Theatre & Centre Court, Werklund Centre | downstage.ca Returning to Calgary, Downstage’s Stage It Festival is an explosive four-day festival highlighting genre-bending works from Calgary’s newest artists. Equal parts theatre, drag, improv, and stand-up comedy, the line-up leans into exciting experimentation while pro-

viding something for everyone. Brought to life through Downstage’s “Stage It” mentorship program, each show offers a new perspective and a glimpse into the city’s next wave of talent. Part showcase, part creative playground, Stage It shines the spotlight on talented artists and what’s in store for Calgary’s arts scene.

IGNITE! FESTIVAL OF EMERGING ARTISTS

June 3 to 6 | Pumphouse Theatres | sagetheatre.com Another showcase of bold and fresh ideas, Sage Theatre’s IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists explores many different performance arts including theatre, dance, music and more, giving early-career artists the chance to take risks and share their work with audiences.

With more than 100 artists involved each year, this wide-ranging event, offers the chance to discover talent before they’re famous. Experience this unique mix of styles and stories all in one place.

HELLO, DOLLY!

June 12 to 27 | Pumphouse Theatre | untoldstoriestheatre.com Full of classic charm, Hello, Dolly! hits the stage courtesy of Untold Stories Theatre. Following both the comedic and romantic adventures of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a quick-witted matchmaker carrying out her current scheme.

Filled with energetic dance numbers, iconic songs, and a little bit of mischief, it’s no wonder this timeless show has been a favourite for decades. Don’t miss out on this feel-good story that delivers on the humour, heart and bold personality.

The Starling Effect

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thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

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Where Black Stories Thrive

FILM SCENE

THE ​​CALGARY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ELEVATES STORIES OF IDENTITY, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

BY KIMBERLEY DOOSHIMA JEV

R

eturning this spring with a five-day lineup of 42 films, ​​the Calgary Black Film Festival (CBFF) reflects the depth, diversity, and evolving narratives of Black communities across Canada and around the world.

The hybrid festival will feature in-person screenings at the Globe Cinema, alongside panels, workshops and online programming accessible nationwide.

For Jean-Francois Mean, senior film programmer, this year’s curation was shaped by a deliberate effort to reflect the complexity of Black life beyond a single narrative.

“We wanted to build a program that reflects the richness and diversity that exists across African communities and the broader Black diaspora,” Mean said. “There are shared realities of identity, belonging, movement, but also a wide range of perspectives.”

Rather than centring stories solely around trauma, this year’s selections lean into everyday experiences of family, relationships and personal growth.

One standout is the opening feature Pasa Faho, a deeply personal story exploring themes of fatherhood, responsibility and reconnection.

“It’s a story about identity and what we pass on,” Mean said. “There’s a stereotype around absent fathers in Black communities, and this challenges that by showing a different kind of richness. A cultural wealth, not just financial.”

Across the program, themes of resilience and reinvention emerge, often rooted in stories of migration and self-discovery.

MORE THAN FILMS

While the films are central, CBFF has grown into something more experiential for Calgary audiences.

Tacita Bastien, festival coordinator, says the festival’s opening night has become a key moment in the city’s cultural calendar. “It’s not just about the film, it’s about opening the room for people to connect,” Bastien said. “We’re seeing people return year after year, and that sense of community is really growing.”

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“When I lived here, I barely saw any people of colour.

Coming back through the festival, it’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the city has grown and how audiences have embraced it.”

ANDREA ESTE, FESTIVAL HEAD COORDINATOR

This year’s programming reflects a shift toward stories grounded in everyday life. “We’re looking at stories that are familiar to people’s lived experiences. Families, relationships, everyday moments, not just narratives rooted in trauma,” she said.

Beyond screenings, the festival’s Black Market series offers panels and workshops designed to support emerging creatives. “We’re bringing in professionals working in Calgary to share their expertise,” Bastien said. “This year, we’re focusing on practical tools like headshots and grant writing.” For attendees, that energy is felt beyond the screen.

“The red carpet had real festival energy. The room was full, the atmosphere was exciting, and the film I saw at last year’s opening was amazing,” said Zarah Lawal, a Calgary-based multi-hyphenate creative and arts administrator who founded Afrocare Support Network.

EXPANDING ACCESS

For Andrea Este, festival head coordinator at CBFF, the festival’s impact extends well beyond the event itself. Having first lived in Calgary in

Andrea Este PHOTO: FRED SMITH

2016, Este says she’s seen a noticeable shift in the city’s cultural landscape.

“When I lived here, I barely saw any people of colour. Coming back through the festival, it’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the city has grown and how audiences have embraced it,” she said.

That growth is reflected in both attendance and participation. “We had humble beginnings, but year after year, communities and organizations have shared space with us and helped the festival expand.”

A major focus this year is the evolution of the Being Black in Canada program, a mentorship program for Black filmmakers that now includes participants aged 30 and over.

“We realized creativity doesn’t have an age limit,” Este said. “People can start later and still deserve access to these opportunities.” For emerging creatives, that shift is meaningful.

“As an aspiring filmmaker, it’s really encouraging to hear that the age limit has been raised.

It gives people like me hope,” said Lawal.

The festival also continues to address gaps in access to industry knowledge. “There’s still a need to provide Black creators with information. Whether it’s funding, grant writing or understanding what production houses are looking for,” Este said. “That lack of exposure can be a barrier.”

Through workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities, CBFF aims to bridge that gap while continuing to build connections across the city. “There’s still work to do,” Este said. “But we’re seeing a real desire from people in Calgary to be involved on all levels with a desire to support the festival's growth.”

The Calgary Black Film Festival runs from May 22 to 26. Tickets and full programming are available at calgaryblackfilm.com.

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BAR SCENE

The Scene’s Guide to a Night Out EXPLORE THE CITY’S NIGHTLIFE AND ENJOY EVERY KIND OF EVENING, FROM THE RAGING TO THE RELAXING

BY EVELINA PAK

website (and walls) feature punk-leaning posters, along with a quick reminder: “no jerk policy always in effect.”

The Palomino hosts hundreds of bands every year and is a staple venue of Sled Island.

Upstairs is the restaurant and a smaller stage; downstairs is the showroom, where local and international acts across various genres play on a bigger stage. The interior stays stripped back, with wood finishes, round tables, and the steady smell of smoked meat, creating a distinctly Western atmosphere. And then there’s the patio, another reason to stay longer with a good glass of beer on warmer days.

109 7 Ave. S.W., 403-532-1911, thepalomino. ca, @palominosmokehouse.

Palomino Smokehouse PHOTO: JARED SYCH

MUSIC NIGHT OUT: THE PALOMINO SMOKEHOUSE The Palomino Smokehouse (or as we like to call it, The Barbecue Palace) feels like an old friend: straightforward, a little rough around the edges, and reliably good company. They’re very

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open about their winning formula: BBQ, Bands, and Beer. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, Spolumbo’s sausages, all served with house-made fixings.

With a capacity of up to 310, the space accommodates everything from casual gatherings to private events and business lunches. The

SOBER NIGHT OUT: THE HEXAGON BOARD GAME CAFE “Coffee. Games. Community.” That’s the motto of The Hexagon Board Game Cafe. Located in the heart of Kensington, the cozy spot hums with energy from morning to night, whether people are popping in for a quick coffee or settling in with friends for a night of games.

Hexagon started in Edmonton in 2014, with owners Kellie Ho and Randy Wong sharing a

love of board games and countless rounds of Catan. The Calgary location opened in 2016 and boasts a collection of more than 1,000 games.

The café hosts regular events, including a biweekly Catan League, Puzzle Playoffs (a race to complete a 500-piece puzzle) and ongoing Dungeons & Dragons sessions. No matter what your game preference, there’s always something to dig into. And for those new to board game culture, the “Hexperts” are ready to recommend the right game and walk players through the rules.

1410 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-209-2881, thehexcafe.com, @thehexcafe.

PARTY NIGHT OUT: COMMONWEALTH BAR & STAGE For nights that call for booty shaking, Commonwealth Bar & Stage fits the mood. Known for its simplicity and underground feel, it was built with a clear purpose: good music and a good time.

Last year, the venue underwent a major renovation. Updates include an expanded stage, upgraded LED lighting, a larger dance floor, and new murals by Calgary artist Rhys Douglas Farrell. The changes also marked the official

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

NEW EXHIBIT ON NOW

Celebrating the global pop icon’s sound, style, and fearless reinvention.

Commonwealth Bar & Stage PHOTO: JACOB CASILE

OPENS MAY 6 launch of Common UNDRGRND, the lower-level space, now equipped with its own bar. VIP areas have also been reworked, with a larger mezzanine offering clearer sightlines to the stage.

Weekly programming includes World Famous Fridays, which spotlights the best hip-hop DJs from across the city, and Modern Vintage Saturdays, blending throwbacks with current hits alongside rotating special events.

731 10 Ave. S.W., commonwealthbar.ca, @commonwealthyyc.

VINYL NIGHT OUT: OB SOUND ROOM If you love music nights but don't want to wear earplugs, OB Sound Room offers a quieter alternative. Opened last year

by Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Company, it’s a Japanese-style “listening room" with a warm, minimalist design and a wide selection of vinyl. Imagine dim lighting, a good drink, and a spinning record setting the tone.

Each night centres on a different genre from soul on Tuesdays to jazz on Sundays and many more in between. The bar hosts regular themed events like Icons. Divas. Legends., dedicated to the voices of the fiercest femmes in music, and The Decline of Sound Room Civilization, a punk music night curated by Rob Gruszecki of Ghost Factory.

The drinks are just as varied as the music, with a range of Ol' Beautiful beer, cocktails, liquor and non-alcoholic options, plus kati rolls and small bites.

Settle into the cozy basement and get swept away by the sounds of decades past and present.

1213 1 St S.W. obsoundroom.com, @obsoundroom

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thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

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VENUE

WHERE BASS LIVES

Inside Sub Rosa’s electronic underworld

BY JONATHAN CRANE

N

estled in a basement on Stephen Avenue, Sub Rosa has spent the last decade fermenting an identity rooted in electronic music.

Launched in late 2016 as a secret lounge by Toronto’s Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality group, Sub Rosa made house music events a key component of its weekly programming in 2019.

Following its post-COVID reopening in 2021, electronic dance music has come to dominate weekends. The recent closures of venues like Shuffle Club and Rated Ultra Lounge have left Sub Rosa as one of the last remaining venues for independent EDM promoters to execute their vision.

One such promoter is Jennifer Wiebe, who DJs as Toshiinlove and runs the branded night, In Haus Special. According to her, the drive of promoters and the willingness of venue management to foster their growth have been an unvarying formula for success.

“They really give the promoters a lot of flexibility and freedom,” she said. “We’re supported to take risks and build something that aligns with our vision, and without that, I think it’s just a room.”

Wiebe was introduced to Sub Rosa in 2023 through an invitation to DJ at an event hosted

by Beehive Presents, the brand that currently presides over Saturday nights. Originally a subbrand of Habitat Living Sound and created by co-owner Mikey Da Roza, Beehive was rebranded as an event production company in 2021. In November of that same year, the first Beehive Takeover at Sub Rosa took place.

In 2023, Beehive moved from sporadic takeovers to weekly events, positioning local talent alongside notable international acts like Mark Farina, Gene Farris, and Lee Foss.

For Wiebe, this invitation was when opportunity met preparation.

“One of the managers at the venue heard me play with a friend and invited us to start some curation there,” she said.

Like Beehive, In Haus Special has now grown

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PHOTO: BRETTE CULP

“I THINK WHAT HAS MADE THIS SPACE STAND OUT IS THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE P O U R E D T H E I R E N E R GY I N TO I T.”

it can be really tricky to find a space, especially in the 300 to 500 capacity,” she said.

Sub Rosa’s access to promoters in this position has enabled Wiebe to invest in higher-quality audio, bolstering the club’s sound system with equipment from PK Sound and Void Acoustics.

“I think that’s something that brings people back,” she said. “They might not hear that difference, but they’re feeling that difference.”

These behind-the-scenes elements, along with the venue’s decor that evokes the building’s heyday, continue to keep Sub Rosa in the conversation of Calgary’s nightlife.

“I think that’s the combination … the really great energy in this room, and the venue managers who are willing to let things evolve very organically,” she said. “I think that is what has allowed something special to happen there.”

According to Wiebe, the passion for electronic music at Sub Rosa above all else keeps longtime attendees and newcomers engaged.

“I think what has made this space stand out is the people who have poured their energy into it,” she said. “The varied promoters, the artists who really care about the music, who care about creating the experience, I think that’s something that has been pretty consistent there for the last few years.”

Learn more at inhausspecial.com and subrosayyc.com.

JENNIFER WIEBE, DJ & PROMOTER

into a standalone brand showcasing a multitude of talent across diverse EDM genres. Although Wiebe has taken the brand to various venues, the consistency of Sub Rosa’s residency has allowed her to hone her vision. “[The residency] came with understanding the different elements that make a really great night, that make an immersive night,” she said.

She highlights the ability to build connections organically with artists and sound engineers, and to cultivate a community of people who come together to dance, as key to building In Haus Special into what it is today.

“Over time, just the trust from our community was built, and that gave me a little more freedom to explore more diverse sounds and to prioritize sound and technical excellence,” she said.

Wiebe believes that without Sub Rosa, this organic evolution would be hard to achieve in Calgary’s current landscape. In her experience, renting a venue for an event in Calgary right now can be prohibitively expensive.

“When you’re on your own, you don’t have grant funding, you don’t have sponsorships, and you don’t have a giant organization backing you,

AT A GLANCE

Address: 200 8 Ave. S.W. Fridays: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Various nights curated by a rotating stable of promoters Saturdays: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

All shades of deep, hypnotic house music curated by Beehive Presents Upcoming shows: May 8, Electric Love Pre-Party with Khiva and Handsome Tiger May 23, Beehive Presents CARTE BLANCHE featuring Anthony Attalla

thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

CAM HAYDEN

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thescenecalgary.com | 05 | 2026

BROADWAY HITS HAMILTON, RENT + MORE! 29 + 30 May 2026 Jack Singer Concert Hall tickets at calgaryphil.com

ᐃᔨ – Eyes – Shirley Moorhouse

23 May–23 August Opening Reception: Friday 22 May, 6-9pm

Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything

PROJECT SPACE

Bomi Yook K-DIALECTIC Until 21 June

ᐃᔨ – Eyes – Shirley Moorhouse is realized as a collaboration between the artist and Rose Bouthillier, Guest Curator.

Circulated by The Rooms, St. John’s, NL.

Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything is organized and developed in partnership with The Power Plant, Toronto and PHI, Montréal.

THE

ROOMS Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo, Confessions under moonlight, 2025. Detail.

Courtesy of the artists and Thaddaeus Ropac. Photo by: Eva Herzog.

Scene_fullpage_SS2026.indd 2

@eskerfoundation eskerfoundation.art 2026-04-23 10:46 AM