SCENE May 2024

6 THEATRE SCENE

Beaches the Musical has its international premiere at Theatre Calgary this month.

L to R: Writer Iris Rainer Dart , Theatre Calgary Artistic Director Stafford Arima, and Producer Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso

12 COVER

The Scene Patio Guide: the summer season is short, even in the Blue Sky City — get out there and enjoy it while it lasts with our guide to new patios, brewery patios, patios to escape to and patios you can enjoy with your dog.

8 ART SCENE

Meet some of the multi-disciplinary artists creating an exciting scene here in Calgary.

10 SPORT SCENE

In its first season, the Calgary Surge basketball team were crowned Western Conference Champions. Here’s what you need to know about their second season, which starts this month.

17 MUSIC SCENE

The 45th Calgary Folk Music Festival lineup announcement is here and Hangman Pencil Co. releases their first album.

18 EAST TOWN GET DOWN

This newish music and food festival that celebrates International Avenue (aka 17th Ave. S.E.) is the can’t-miss kick-off to festival season.

14 Act 1, Scene 1

20 Venue: Dickens 22 Cam Hayden

ON THE COVER: Inside Dickens Pub at 1000 9 Ave. S.W., photo by Shannon Johnston, @me_onlylouder

Publisher and Acting Editor Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca

Founding Editor Mike Bell

Designer Kris Twyman

Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich

CONTRIBUTORS

Sarah Comber, Cam Hayden, Benjamin Heisler, Nathan Iles, Shannon Johnston, Caroline Russell-King, Jared Sych, Krista Sylvester, Mary-Lynn Wardle, Alana Willerton

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 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.

ACT 1 SCENE 1

What to do in May

BY ALANA WILLERTON

JANE’S WALK

Named after urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walks offer a way to learn more about the city through free guided and self-guided walking tours running from May 3 to 5. There are tons of walks to choose from this year, including one exploring front yard art and installations in Crescent Heights, a public art walk in East Village, a birding walk by the McKenzie Towne Pond and more. Visit janeswalk.calgaryfoundation.org for more information and a full list of walks.

FASCINASIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Back from May 2 to 5, this film festival “celebrates Asian contributions to the film and media landscape and aims to showcase the talents of Asian-Canadian and Asian-American artists in film.” There are a variety of cool events to check out, including a free screening of the 2023 film Past Lives, an author panel moderated by Ins Choi, the creator of CBC TV show Kim’s Convenience, and an awards banquet at Chinese Culture Centre Cuisine. Visit fascinasian.ca for more information and tickets.

EAST SIDE DANCE FESTIVAL

Running since 2013, the East Side Dance Festival is dedicated to breaking down barriers that may prevent students from pursuing dance. It also provides opportunities for performances, training and mentorship. Don’t miss this year’s festival on May 9 and 10 as students from 17 Calgary schools demonstrate their dance skills at the University of Calgary Theatre. Visit eastsidedancefestival.ca for more information and tickets.

OKOTOKS DAWGS SEASON OPENER

Calgary may not have its own baseball team, but you can make the short drive to Okotoks to see the Okotoks Dawgs in action this spring and summer. Cheer on the 2023 Western Canadian Baseball League champions on May 24 as the team opens its 2024 season against the Brooks Bombers at Seaman Stadium. Visit dawgsbaseball.ca for more information and tickets.

CALGARY BOOK SALE AND CALGARY READS BIG BOOK SALE

If you love reading, you’re in luck — there are two huge used book sales taking place in Calgary this month in support of worthy causes. First up is the Calgary Book Sale put on by RESET Society of Calgary at Crossroads Market from May 2 to 5 and May 10 to 12. The money raised will go towards RESET’s EXIT Program, which helps women impacted by sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. You can also shop at the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale this month, which runs at the Calgary Curling Club from May 10 to 20. This sale is put on by the Rotary Club of Calgary in support of childhood literacy. Both sales are celebrating their 20th anniversaries this year, and shoppers can expect more than 100,000 books to choose from at each sale. Visit resetcalgary.ca/calgarybooksale/ and bigbooksale.ca for more information.

PARTY TIME

In Party Time, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks takes the idea of a house party and turns it into an incredible dance production complete with music from a live band. Catch one of the performances at the DJD Dance Centre from April 25 to May 12 Visit decidedlyjazz.com for more information and tickets.

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT

This month, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Calgary International Film Festival bring a fresh spin to the 1977 film Star Wars: A New Hope. During three screenings at the Jubilee Auditorium on May 17 and 18, the orchestra will be playing the out-of-this-world score live as the film unfolds. Visit calgaryphil.com for more information and tickets.

OTAFEST

This celebration of Japanese anime and pop culture is back at the Telus Convention Centre from May 10 to 12. The festival promises plenty of fun with events like anime screenings, an exhibitor hall, gaming tournaments, a Sketch Drive where you can get your portrait done and more. Visit otafest.com for more information and tickets.

CALGARY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

Now in its fourth year, the Calgary Black Film Festival presents films from around the world that highlight Black filmmakers and stories. The films are available to watch in-person and online from May 24 to 28. All-access passes and individual tickets are available now. Visit calgaryblackfilm. com for more information and tickets.

LOOK GALA: DADA BALL

Drawing inspiration from the dada movement, this year’s Look Gala in support of Contemporary Calgary promises to be a “mind-stretching pastiche” of entertainment, fashion and art. With several tiers of ticket pricing meant to make the fundraiser accessible for all, since it started 10 years ago, Look has come to be known as a can’t-miss event in the arts scene, bringing together not only the usual gala set, but also the city’s glitterati and artists. The evening starts with a dinner, then moves on to a party and after-party all at Contemporary Calgary on May 25 Visit contemporarycalgary.com for tickets.

SERVUS CALGARY MARATHON

The Servus Calgary Marathon, which is the oldest marathon in the country, hits a major milestone this year as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. For this year’s race on May 26, runners can take part in distances of five km, 10 km, 21.1 km or 42.2 km, as well as a special, one-time 60 km ultra race. Racers also have the option to participate virtually from May 26 to June 23

Visit calgarymarathon.com for more information.

Otafest, May 10 to 12 at Calgary Telus Convention Centre Servus Calgary Marathon, May 26

PHOTO COURTESY: OTAFEST

PHOTO: ANGELA BURGER

Beaches the Musical

BY CAROLINE RUSSELL-KING

M

usicals have a long development period, and Beaches the Musical, which premieres at Theatre Calgary this month, is no different.

In 2007, Stafford Arima, now the artistic director of Theatre Calgary, was directing Ace at the Old Globe in New York City when he met Iris Rainer Dart, author of the book Beaches, while he was having breakfast with his agent. They were in a New York deli and as Dart was about to order “her usual breakfast” Arima recommended she be more adventurous and order the chocolate chip pancakes, instead. Dart found them delicious.

“It’s a reminder of what friendship means, especially after COVID,”

PRODUCER JENNIFER MALONEY-PREZIOSO

Later, Arima directed a reading of Dart’s play formerly called Schmutz which was renamed The People in the Picture.

Maybe it was the trust established by the successful recommendation that made Dart say yes when Arima asked, “Why don’t you do Beaches as a musical?”

At the time, Disney owned the movie rights, so to avoid complications and in the spirit of fresh creation, Dart decided to create the show with new original music. (That’s right, you won’t be hearing “Under the Boardwalk” or “Otto Titsling” at Theatre Calgary — but there will be one notable song you’ll recognize from the 1988 movie starring Bette Middler and Barbara Hershey.)

Dart began collaborating with an old playwright friend, Thom Thomas. Dart and Thomas wrote the book — the play, part of the musical — and Dart wrote the lyrics to the songs. Later, they joined with composer Mike Stoller for the music. Stoller has written Grammy Award-winning music and is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His credits with his writing partner Jerry Leiber include Stand by Me and several hits for Elvis including Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog.

Sadly, in 2015, Thomas passed away.

Dart continued working on the musical, joining up with David Austin — the show is described as being developed in collaboration with Austin. Arima recalls that he had told Dart, “If you ever

need a home for Beaches, call me. We can build the show with the best Broadway designers.” And fortunately for Calgary audiences, Dart and producer Jennifer Maloney-Prezioso jumped at the invitation. “Theatre Calgary is perfect in every way for the pre-Broadway, pre-West End production,” Maloney-Prezioso says.

While there are many global talents involved, half the cast is Calgarian.

While Dart has been supported by her male co-writer, composer, and collaborator, she says producer Maloney-Prezioso is the one she has the deep sister friendship with.

Dart and Maloney-Prezioso met 15 years ago, but their friendship seems deeper. It’s like the 30year friendship of Cee Cee and Bertie, the friends in Beaches itself, and the importance of friendship is central to the production.

“It’s a reminder of what friendship means, especially after COVID,” says Maloney-Prezioso of why she became involved in the production. “Theatre is the last place where we all live and tell a story, and this is a story about friendship — which we all want.”

Dart also notes the universal themes of the story. Women often come up to her, says Dart, and tell her, pointing to their friend, “She is my Beaches.”

The international premiere of Beaches: The Musical runs at Theatre Calgary from May 18 to June 16. For tickets and more information visit theatrecalgary.com

PATIO SEASON IN THE LOX

ART SCENE

MULTI DISCIPLINARIANS

BY BENJAMIN HEISLER

MEET SOME OF OUR

FAVOURITE LOCAL MULTI-HYPHENATE-ARTISTS

Calgary’s arts scene is vibrant because of the people doing interesting things here. These three multi-disciplinary artists share their thoughts on their practice and the city.

National Geographic Explorer, Guggenheim Fellow in Photography, TED Senior Fellow, Nikon Ambassador, Jon Lowenstein now calls Calgary home. Lowenstein has pursued a longstanding commitment to social narratives through ethical community engagement. Through a combination of filmmaking, photography, experiential writing and personal testimonials, he strives for unsparing clarity by revealing subjects who aren’t seen.

Lowenstein’s aesthetic reflects a unique conversation between himself and his community.

In partnership with local community, Lowenstein is producing a new portfolio with regional resonance.

Q: What does it mean to be active in your field?

A: I am interested in telling powerful stories that move people to think and question their world.

KRIS DEMEANOUR JON LOWENSTEIN

Kris Demeanor was Calgary’s first Poet Laureate. He is a Calgary-based singer/songwriter/ spoken word/performance artist who explores and exposes Western culture. With a patented rapid-fire spoken style, he doesn’t mince words. Demeanor released his 8th studio album in March on all streaming services. “Songs for my Father to Fall Asleep to,” is a hairpin turn toward something bordering joy, laughter and teardrops. From May 22 to June 1, Demeanor is performing in One Yellow Rabbit’s Dream Machine.

Q: What does it mean to be active in your field?

A: I’m a jack-of-all-arts, so the “field” is a soccer pitch, a badminton court and a garage with a pingpong table in it. Whether it’s writing songs in the basement by the space heater with no audience in mind, leading a project like “Songs for my Father to Fall Asleep To” and hiring my favourite singers and players, or being a happy cog in a theatre or

film production’s grand vision, once you’ve given in to life as a professional wordsmith, the river rages in wonderfully unpredictable directions.

Q: Can you share some of your inspirations and influences?

A: My father, Wilfried Wenzel, loved the artistic process as much as the end result. He’d often display his work outdoors where it was transformed by the elements, so the art evolved over time in collaboration with nature. I approach all my work with this playful spirit.

My songwriting peers are my heroes and occupy an impossibly long list: Carolyn Mark, Rae Spoon, Geoff Berner, Mark David Stewart, Keri Latimer, Kim Barlow, Hank Pine. Please look them up, and listen.

Fiction writers Deborah Willis (Girlfriend on Mars) and Suzette Mayr (Sleeping Car Porter) are on the

bedside table now, and inspire me toward diving deep and being bold.

Q: Can you bring our attention to any artists in your field?

A: Ella Jean Haggis is an extraordinary multigenre performer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who makes me feel the future of songwriting is in good hands. Her latest recording “Stay Calm until the Ambulance Arrives” is on Bandcamp.

Miranda Martini – I worked with her on Cheryl Foggo’s play “John Ware Re-Imagined,” and she writes songs that smash your heart then resuscitate it all in three minutes.

Cedric Lightning is a 28-year-old Stoney Nakoda drummer and singer who conjures powerful melodies and lyrics from a deep well of wisdom. He’ll be a key participant in Ghost River Theatre’s “Sound Bath” project in 2024/25.

I think collaboration with people over time and allowing it to happen naturally is really important. Having them participate in the experience and the process and how they want to show themselves — it allows for that real collaboration and agency and voice.

Q: Can you share some of your inspirations and influences?

A: Fracisco Goya, from an early age — Disasters of War changed the way I saw. Gordon Parks,Richard Avedon, and Diane Arbus. My mom gave me a book of Diane Arbus’ work when I was 11. James Van Der Zee ran a portrait studio in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. He photographed everyday people in his studio and documented that time. Those early influences of photography

stayed with my processes and imprinted on me in a weird way — like this combination of being an outsider, an insider, and part of the community.

Q: Can you bring our attention to any artists in your field?

A: Mitra Samavaki — She is an Iranian visual artist based in Calgary, who recently completed her Master of Fine Arts in Photography from University of Calgary. She’s doing a really interesting piece about “home,” and a sense of loss of home

MARIGOLD SANTOS

Marigold Santos pursues a lively inter-disciplinary art practice involving drawn, painted, and printed works, sculpture, tattooing and sound. Her exploration of self-hood and identity embraces multiplicity, fragmentation and empowerment, as informed by diasporic experiences. As a recipient of grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, she exhibits widely across Canada.

Q: What does it mean to be active in your field?

A: I’m grateful to have viewership of my work through exhibitions at the galleries I work with (Norberg Hall and Patel Brown) and other institutions and independent projects. Having deadlines keeps me busy and committed to my time in the studio ... as well as honouring my personal labour and my needs by giving myself the time and space to meander creatively or just get in deep work mode. I also place so much value in the connections I make with my arts community and my peers.

Q: Can you share some of your inspirations and influences?

A: There is a throughline in my work that involves explorations in diasporic experiences, heritage and multifarious selfhoods. But so much of what fuels these explorations comes from my day-to-day interactions and what I experience as a mother. Lately I’ve been on a parallel path of learning and wonder as my toddler, specifically finding that I am just as excited as he is about the natural world we are introducing him to. I’ve been researching plant life and various oceanic

as she has migrated and what that feels like — really evocative photographs.

Han Sungpil — he is a really accomplished photographer.

[TrépanierBaer Gallery exhibits Sungpil’s work; the gallery website notes he is, “A nomadic artist, Han Sungpil has travelled the world to discover, rediscover, and present the unknown or the misunderstood.”)

creatures, whose existence requires an incredible sense survival and otherworldliness.

Q: Can you bring our attention to any artists in your field?

A: Sri Lankan-born artist Rajni Perera is an incredible multidisciplinary artist who I will have the pleasure of collaborating again with and exhibiting alongside at the Fondation Phi in Montreal this spring. Her works range from meticulously detailed mixed media drawings and paintings to larger-than-life sculptures that feature surreal figures in surreal gestures that hold you with their ingenuity and boldness.

Another artist I admire is Thea Yabut, based in Montreal. Her work ranges from drawings on paper to organic sculptural wall reliefs consisting of paper pulp material and metals. You can view her work this fall at Norberg Hall, where we will be exhibiting alongside each other.

CJSW May 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. Various Artists** - TRANS RIGHTS = HUMAN RIGHTS (Lavender Dream)

2. Erin Ross** - The Wind Will Lead Me Home (Random Orbit Records)

3. Sunglaciers** - Regular Nature (Mothland Records)

4. Hot Garbage* - Precious Dream (Mothland Records)

5. Erika Angell* - The Obsession with Her Voice (Constellation)

6. Mannequin Pussy - I Got Heaven (Epitaph)

7. Vailhalen** - EP001 (Self-Released)

8. Ducks Ltd* - Harm’s Way (Carpark Records)

9. Yoo Doo Right* - The Sacred Fuck EP (Mothland Records)

10. Chelsea Wolfe - She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She (Loma Vista / Concord)

11. The Intelligence - Now, Squirm! (Self-Released)

12. The Uranium Club - Infants Under the Bulb (Anti Fade Records)

13. Scott Nolan* - Before Tonight (Dream Play Records)

14. Various Artists - Funk Tide: Tokyo Jazz-Funk From Electric Bird 1978-87 (Wewantsounds)

15. Don Letts - Outta Sync (Cooking Vinyl)

16. Osmanthus** - Between Seasons (Self-Released)

17. Turboprop* - A Canadian Songbook (Self-Released)

18. La Sécurité* - Stay Safe! REMIXED (Mothland Records)

19. Daniel Romano’s Outfit* - Too Hot To Sleep (You’ve Changed)

20. Shygirl* - Club Shy (Universal Music France au Québec)

21. Bry Webb* - Run With Me (Idée Fixe Records)

22. Victrix* - I Saw Me EP (Self-Released)

23. Sheer Mag - Playing Favourites (Third Man Records)

24. Ana Tijoux - Vida (Victoria Producciones)

25. Mean Jeans - Blasted (Fat Wreck Chords)

26. IDLES - TANGK (Partisan Records)

27. Chemtrails - The Joy of Sects (PNKSLM Recordings)

28. Hangman** - As Dark As It Seems (Self-Released)

29. Güttrot** - DEMO 2024 (Self-Released)

30. Golden Lava Club** - The Big Dance (MAJE Records )

** Local * Canadian

SPORT SCENE

Season 2 Surge

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CALGARY SURGE’S SECOND SEASON, STARTING THIS MONTH

BY NATHAN ILES

FROM THE SOURCE

Jason Ribeiro, vice-chairman and president of the Calgary Surge, tells us about the Surge’s upcoming season and why Calgary is the perfect place for a basketball team.

The name

“‘Surge’ resonates with us because it refers to all kinds of energy, movement and momentum. In a sports context, it’s like a team’s fourth-quarter surge to come back from behind and win a game!”

A long “first dance”

“We termed our first season the ‘first dance.’ It was a beautiful dance with a community of over 1,000 season ticket holders and players who arrived from around the world to play professional basketball. There was a lot of learning on the fly about starting up this organization, and we got to introduce ourselves in a small way to the city. We were crowned Western Conference Champions and made it to the championship weekend finals!”

A bigger, better season

“I’m thrilled that we can reintroduce ourselves to the city. Calgary has demanded an encore, and that encore better be good. Everyone in our office feels pressure to deliver a great performance in terms of live entertainment, arts and culture and exceed our output on the court. That’s what will be played at the ‘dome on May 21.”

Why Calgary?

“Basketball speaks to arts, culture and a global worldview. With Calgary being one of the most diverse cities in the country, I think the city is ready for something different. It’s a no-brainer that basketball has been able to fill that void and answer the age-old question, ‘What are you going to do on a Wednesday or Friday night in Calgary?’”

Surging on to the Streets

The Surge street team is an active part of the community, both on game days and during the offseason

Game day is hectic if you’re on the Calgary Surge Street team. On top of running operations and organizing merch, you might need to do a little acting.

“We do some camera work sometimes,” street team member Daniel Gaoat says. “Once, I got to pretend to be an Edmonton Stingers fan during a playoff game and rip up a shirt!”

Both during and between seasons of play, the street team promotes the team at community events, high schools and restaurants with pop-up booths and mini-games.

“We got to go to the grand opening of a McDonald’s in Chestermere,” says Gaoat. “We even

got to play some golf at an Alberta Golf event we worked at and take some hole-in-one shots for $100,000. Unfortunately, none of us got it.”

Gaoat volunteered for the Surge’s second home game in 2023 and was immediately hired on to the street team.

“It’s really sick to watch some really fun basketball every couple of nights and see where we live, how we live, and the diversity of the population in Calgary.”

The street teams’ work has more profound impacts as well. “I feel like having Calgary Surge in the city can give young kids something to aim for. You never know who will be the next pro player.”

Keep an eye out for the Surge’s street team, or say hi in the concourse of WinSport Arena.

SURGING EXPECTATIONS

You have tickets to your first Surge basketball game! Here’s what you can expect

A lively, yet intimate venue

“I’ve been to a few NBA games before, and it’s hard to get close to the action with that many people there,” says basketball enthusiast Kent MacArthur. “The size of WinSport allows for an intimate basketball experience. You’re close enough, no matter where you are, but there are enough people there to get some chants going.”

Intense, exciting basketball

“You’re watching players trying to prove themselves, the people around them, the fans, and the whole league that they deserve to be in the NBA. These guys pour their hearts out, sweat, and put in 110% each game,” says former street team manager Ayden Crowe.

Diverse, family-friendly fun

“It’s not just a basketball game,” says season ticket-holder Adam Keresztes. “It’s a cultural event. They have a DJ playing music all the time and a host running through the crowd while doing giveaways or contests. There are lots of people with their kids because it’s so family-friendly and affordable. It’s always engaging, even when the game isn’t on.”

An unpredictable finale

“The CEBL has something called target scoring,” says Surge fan Kale Crisp. Rather than play in timed quarters, a team must reach a target score to win. “In normal basketball, if you’re down by 10 points with five minutes left, the other team can just rag the ball and run out the clock. That’s not a thing during Surge games. Expect the unexpected!”

The Battle of Alberta rages on when the Surge clashes with the Edmonton Stingers on May 21 at the Saddledome. Get tickets to this season’s opening game — and the rest of the season at WinSport Event Centre — at calgarysurge.ca.

PHOTO: JESSE TAMATO

Calgary Surge guard Sean Miller-Moore during warm ups

SCAN ME Welcoming

The Scene’s PATIO GUIDE

As the city’s new tag-line keeps telling us, this is the Blue Sky City, with 333 days of sunshine. Not all of them are suitable for outdoor dining, though — we’re talking to you deceptively sunny minus 30 January afternoon. But as our all-too-brief summer season starts, these days Calgary is a great place to be if you’re an outdoor dining enthusiast. From the lively atmosphere of The Ship and Anchor to the rooftop of Charbar, there is no shortage of great local restaurants with even better outdoor seating. Get out there with our guide to great new patios, brewery patios, patios that will transport you to another place for a mini-vacation without the hassle of a flight and dog-friendly patios to bring your furry friend along for the fun.

NEW PATIOS

Springtime means patio time in Calgary. Here are a few newer ones you need to visit now.

BY NATHAN ILES

AVITUS

Calling itself the “home of the Bon Vivant” is a big boast — it’s French for “a person with refined taste.” But the new wine bar Avitus lives up to the phrase with a vibrant menu and luxurious atmosphere. The expansive menu of French wines and oven-roasted cheeses is best enjoyed on the intimate, sunny patio of their newly renovated space within the Henry Block building in Marda Loop. 1934 34 Ave. S.W., avituscalgary.com, @ivituswinebar.yyc

BAR CHOUETTE

With funky pop-art paintings on the walls and a warm blue colour palette, Bar Chouette’s interior is as vibrant as the Beltline neighbourhood it calls home. However, the south-facing patio of this fusion restaurant is the real gem, offering a sun-soaked atmosphere to enjoy delicious cocktails, a French-inspired wine list, and a robust menu of classics like steak frites. The spacious patio is perfect for sharing food over a bottle of pinot noir. 227 11 Ave. S.W., barchouette.ca, @thebarchouette

BARBARELLA BAR

Stephen Avenue has been buzzing since Barbarella opened its doors last year. Locally sourced ingredients fuel the Italian-inspired menu, and the happy hour features an expertly designed set of cocktails to cool down any hot summer day. The sun-soaked patio faces right onto Stephen Avenue, which is a great way to connect with the bustling energy of downtown Calgary while enjoying the house-made

limoncello. 240 8 Ave. S.W., barbarellabar.ca, @thebarbarellabar

CHARCUT UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

CHARCUT prides itself on being “by locals and for everyone,” and that energy will land in the University District this spring. Over 10 years of operation, the CHARCUT menu has achieved local legend status with its blend of in-house butchered meats, handmade pasta and sumptuous cocktails. The 60-person patio at their new location within Alt Hotel is seamlessly connected to the open-concept interior and equipped to handle any season of the year. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some cured meats and a daytime happy hour in one of Calgary’s trendiest new neighbourhoods. 4150 University Ave. N.W., charcut.com, @charcut

HOOCH & CO

If you’re a dog owner, chances are good that your furry friend enjoys the sun as much (if not more) than you do. In that case, Hooch & Co is about to become your favourite new haunt. Describing itself as “if a dog park served drinks,” this innovative new spot offers a full-service bar with indoor and — more importantly — outdoor space for you and your puppy and an indoor off-leash park and private suites. The bar and the patio will open up on the

main strip of Inglewood this spring. 1409 9 Ave. S.E., hoochdogbar.com, @hooch_dog_bar

JAMS DINER

Housed in the former Kane’s Harley Diner, Jams Diner is a retro restaurant owned by two breakfast enthusiasts from Airdrie. In addition to a brunch-forward menu and an impressive array of cocktails, Jams is a notable performance space where you can catch anything from jazz guitarists to burlesque routines. The owners have plans to extend a patio into the historic streets of Inglewood this year. This patio promises to connect anyone walking down 9th Avenue with the cozy retro vibes of the diner. 1209 9th Ave. S.E., jamsdiner.ca, @jams_diner

NATIONAL ON 10TH

This spring, National doubled the size of the rooftop patio at its 10th Avenue location, now with capacity for 150 seated and up to 400 standing guests. Their new food menu and happy hour specials promise affordable fun for the sun-loving Calgarian, as do games like Corn Hole and Jenga. The epic expansion includes heaters and a retractable awning for unpredictable weather days, making this rooftop patio a trendy spot to enjoy drinks surrounded by the skyline any day of the week.

341 10 Ave. S.W., ntnl.ca, @ntnlcalgary

Prairie Emporium

PHOTO: THE PRAIRIE EMPORIUM

THE PRAIRIE EMPORIUM

Nestled in the Alyth/Bonnybrook/Manchester industrial area and built into the side of a retro auto garage, the patio at The Prairie Emporium is a fresh way to enjoy some summer rays. The drink menu offers a mix of coffee and cocktails, and the Prairie Emporium’s ongoing Blue Jay Sessions is a window into Calgary’s vibrant local music and arts scene. Their patio is getting refreshed this spring, so hop on the C-train (it’s walking distance from the 39th Avenue stop) and check out this unique hub of drinks and culture! 334 53 Ave. S.E., theprairieemporium.com, @theprairieemporium

TIGER K

Tiger K feels like a trendy update on a nostalgic experience. Filling Korean soul food like beef bibimbap pairs well with contemporary drinks flavoured with soju and ginseng, simultaneously recalling a cozy Korean diner and an upscale cocktail bar. This unique vibe continues on Tiger K’s intimate patio, which is covered in dark wood accents and looks out onto the main drag of Kensington from the space formerly occupied by Ikemen Ramen. It’s a perfectly eclectic backdrop for sharing some steamed clams under the sun.

217 10 St. N.W., tigerk.ca, @tigerkyyc

TRUE WILD DISTILLERY

There is a lot of history in the building that True Wild Distillery calls home. Once the East Calgary Substation — which housed one of the city’s first electrical systems in the early 1900s — True Wild has re-imagined this immense space as a luxurious multi-use facility focused on fine spirits and a vegetable-forward menu. The patio, projected to open this June, promises to be a warmly lit hub for True Wild’s various culinary and beverage creations, with copious seating and lovely surrounding greenery.

3115 11 St. S.E., truewilddistilling.com, @truewilddistilling

TUBBYS

The second chapter of legendary Calgary institution Tubby Dog is Tubby’s, a lively cocktail bar that pairs lo-fi vibes with decently priced drinks — and, of course, delicious hot dogs served with chips, coleslaw and a giant pickle. Tubby’s just celebrated its first anniversary, and what better way to celebrate Calgary tradition than with a pint of Tubby Lager on the patio? This outdoor space is as intimate and hip as the interior and is atmospherically lit by the offbeat neon signs on the exterior of the building.

100A 1210 8 St. S.W., tubbybar.com, @drinktubbys

COLD ONES FOR HOT DAYS

These Calgary breweries offer vibrant patios and recommended brews to get the party started.

NATHAN ILES

ANNEX ALES

Annex Ales and its welcoming patio are just a few steps from the 39th Avenue C-train station. Warm string lights illuminate the reclining patio chairs and handsome wood picnic tables throughout the night, and the food offered by Lil Empire Burgers makes the patio feel like the backyard cookout of your dreams. Annex’s co-founder Andrew Bullied thinks your patio experience should start with the Staircase Wit, a small-batch wheat ale available all summer. “It’s made from orange and coriander, so it’s light, drinkable, and very citrus-forward.” 4323 1 St. S.E. annexales.com, @annexales

BURWOOD DISTILLERY

The scenic heritage space that Burwood Distillery calls home offers diverse culinary and drinking experiences. Burwood shares the building with Veranda Restaurant and Vaycay Brewing, and the menus feature collaborations like house-made beignets flavoured with honey from a farm managed by Burwood. That honey is also central to one of Burwood coowner Jordan Ramey’s favourite patio drinks. “My go-to all last summer was the Bee’s Knees,” he says, a gin-based cocktail that balances sweet and sour flavours. 2566 Flanders Ave. S.W., burwooddistillery.ca, @burwooddistillery

CITIZEN BREWING COMPANY

You can hit not one but two patios attached to Citizen Brewing’s main building in Highland Park. With seating for more than 200 people and a built-in hop and vegetable garden, it’s not hard to leave the cozy taproom for this expansive outdoor space on a beautiful day. If you’re not sure which brew to enjoy first, Citizen’s head brewer Joel Field says that you have some options. “Our Batch 1 Session Ale is easy drinking at 4.5 per cent, and our new line of nitrous sours are always refreshing.”

227 35 Ave. N.E., citizenbrewingcompany.com, @citizenbrewingcompany

COLD GARDEN

With cheap pints and a funky (and dog-friendly!) taproom, Cold Garden is a regular haunt for Calgary craft beer enthusiasts. The funky decor inside overflows to the patio out front, covered in astroturf, full of communal tables and open late. “One of our most crushable beers is the Pool Party Blonde,” says Cold Garden co-founder Blake Belding. He also confirms that “Frose”’ drinks made with house-made wine will be served out of a slushy machine all summer, which sounds like a perfect patio refresher.

1100 11 St. S.E., coldgarden.ca, @cold_garden

True Wild Distilling

Burwood Distillery

RENDERING: FRANK ARCHITECTURE

PHOTO: BURWOOD DISTILLERY

The Scene’s PATIO GUIDE

10 PATIOS THAT WILL TRANSPORT YOU OUT OF CALGARY

Get out of town without passing the city limits by visiting one of these stunning outdoor spaces that promise a sweet escape.

BY SARAH COMBER

AMATO GELATO KENSINGTON

Satiate your sweet tooth with your choice of the many gelato flavours and soak up the sun at Amato Gelato’s simply beautiful outdoor space — featuring decorative screens blocking out the Kensington Road traffic, strings of twinkly lights and colourful planters. 7, 2104 Kensington Rd. N.W., amatogelatoalberta.com, @amatogelato

BONTERRA TRATTORIA

Easily one of the most romantic patios in Calgary, live out your Italian summer fantasies with a trip to Bonterra Trattoria. Enjoy contemporary Italian fare with an emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients prepared by chef Joseph Lavergne. Savoury samplings include linguine alle vongole — featuring manilla clams, pork sausage, garlic, white wine and parsley — or an eight-ounce bison striploin, complete with roasted celery root, buttered carrots and a Saskatoon berry sauce. Finish the evening with lemon olive oil cake or an affogato — to satiate both your sweet-tooth and caffeine cravings.

1016 8 St. S.W., bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary

BOW VALLEY RANCHE RESTAURANT

Steep yourself in history, sip on a mimosa and languish in the shade of the historic ranch’s wraparound veranda while imagining you’ve stepped into your favourite historical drama. Enjoy brunch staples, like steak and eggs or shakshuka, or classic dinner entrees including pan-seared Icelandic cod. 15979 Bow Bottom Trail S.E., bvrrestaurant.com, @bowvalleyrancherestaurant

CALCUTTA CRICKET CLUB

Bid farewell to winter and hello to spring with a trip to Calcutta Cricket Club, where they will be serving vibrant flavours and vibes. This will be the first spring welcoming CCC’s not one but two patios to the scene — which promise similar features to the restaurant’s previous patio at its former location, such as welcoming pops of colour and verdant plants. Including a front sidewalk patio

that opens up to the restaurant via garage doors and a “hidden” back patio, CCC runs Happy Hour every day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 1213 1 St. S.W., calcuttacricketclub.com, @calcuttacricket

FORTUNA’S ROW

Hidden in an unassuming building along Calgary’s riverfront, Fortuna’s Row offers a fresh and exciting take on the contemporary cuisines of Mesoamerica under the guidance of Chef Mikko Tamarra. Enjoy dishes such as aguachile — yellowfin tuna, argentinian shrimp and tomatillo salsa verde — and milanesa — pork loin, mole manchamanteles and sweet plantain — under the patio’s twinkly lights. Round-out your meal with a dose of whimsy by sampling from the patio’s seasonal ice cream kiosk. 421 Riverfront Ave., fortunasrow.com, @fortunas.row

LA BOULANGERIE BAKERY CAFE

Tucked away at the far end of Fourth Street, this European-inspired Mission staple is easily recognized by its wicker seating and red umbrellas. The menu serves a range of sips and bites — including freshly squeezed orange juice and ILLY coffee.

Fan favourites include the daily baked goods such as kouign-amann — the queen of laminated pastries — and a variety of sweet and savoury crepes. As an added bonus, the patio is dog friendly. So whether you’re popping by for family brunch or to imagine you’re savouring chocolat chaud in Paris, your fur-baby can escape with you. 2435 4 St. S.W., @laboulangerieyyc

LE COMPTOIRE, BY FRANCOIS

This sweet little spot delivers authentically French vibes. On chilly spring days, the dual gas-wood fireplace offers a hint of warmth and motorized screens can block-out brisk winds. A smattering of bistro tables and brightly coloured pillows provide chic and cozy seating, but the real draw at this vegetarian café is its pastry lineup — including rugelach and babka, and truly sumptuous cakes. 1928 34 Ave. S.W., @lecomptoirbyfrancois

ORCHARD

Between the hanging planters and lush greenery framing each wooden table, Orchard’s patio serves summer-worthy vibes alongside its delectable dining experience. Chef Jenny Kang has thoughtfully crafted a menu that offers classic European dishes with an Asian flair — challenging preconceived notions of Mediterranean cuisine with dishes such as a lobster and prawn arancini with a yuzu aioli, and a pan-roasted half chicken in a gochujang glaze. No experience as luscious as dining at Orchard is complete without dessert — such as the matcha tiramisu. 134, 620 10 Ave. S.W., orchardyyc.com, orchard.yyc

PARK BY SIDEWALK CITIZEN

Between the Mediterranean fare and thoughtfully designed space, stepping into PARK by Sidewalk Citizen’s solarium is a treat for the senses — a treat that extends to the restaurant’s artistically planted patio. Menu items inspired by the bustling street food of Israel, including a range of skewers and dips, are best enjoyed with good company in this romantic and quiet space in Memorial Park. 340 13 Ave. S.W., parkbysidewalk.com, @parkbysidewalk

POOLSIDE BY FREESTYLE SOCIAL CLUB

Goodbye YYC, hello Miami. Poolside by Freestyle Social Club (located at Hotel Arts) is ideal for when you need a spot of solo RNR or want to kickback with your circle during a weekend pool party. Promising summer year-round with an inflatable roof enclosing the pool during the colder months, come the warm weather the roof opens up to allow in the sweet sunshine. Dine poolside with offerings like jerk chicken dumplings and soba noodle cups. 119 12 Ave. S.W., freestylesocialclub.ca/poolside, @freestylesocialclub

Orchard

Fortuna’s Row

Le Comptoir

PHOTO: LOANA SASARMAN

PHOTO: NICK SUCHE PHOTO COURTESY: ORCHARD

COLD ONES FOR HOT DAYS

DANDY BREWING COMPANY

The courtyard-style patio that wraps around the entrance to Dandy Brewing is the perfect environment to enjoy a variety of beers and NYC-style pizza. The long tables encourage socializing, as do the open bay doors and the surrounding Ramsay community. “I definitely recommend the Dandy Premium Lager or any of the fruit sours we have rolling out,” says Dandy CEO Benjamin Leon. “The patio is going to be wild this summer!”

2003 11 St. S.E., thedandybrewingcompany.com, @dandybrewing

TROLLEY 5

Taking its name from the trolley that used to run through the Beltline neighbourhood, Trolley 5 is the beating heart of Calgary’s vibrant 17th Avenue community. This street becomes a hotspot of activity during the summer months, and the expansive patio at Trolly 5 is a great spot to take it all in while eating barbecue and enjoying a cold one, thanks to seating directly facing the sidewalk. Trolley 5 owner Ernie Tsu thinks your journey on their patio should start with the Turntable Lager, which won Best Lager at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards. “It’s super crushable, with a little bit of Alberta sweet maltiness to it.” 728 17 Ave. S.W., trolley5.com, @trolley_5

ZERO ISSUE

Ever since opening in 2017, Zero Issue has been pulling inspiration from the worlds of science-fiction and comic books to craft unique beers best enjoyed over one of the board games available to play in the taproom. This unique vibe extends outside to a beautiful sunlit patio that overlooks the surrounding Northeast Calgary scenery. “Our Fringe Mexican Lager is crisp, light and great for the patio,” says taproom manager Ember Varga. “In the summer, we whip out limes for it!” 4210 12 St. N.E., zeroissuebeer.com, @zeroissuebrewing

Violins of Hope is an exhibition of historic string instruments that survived the Second World War. The restored instruments once belonged to Jewish victims and survivors of the Holocaust and now share the story that wherever there is music, there is hope. GET TICKETS AT STUDIOBELL.CA.

2024 INDUCTEE MAESTRO FRESH WES

A new temporary exhibition honouring the “Godfather of Canadian hip-hop.” GET TICKETS AT STUDIOBELL.CA.

NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE Presents:

Produced by:

The wildly popular live musical tribute returns on May 11. All your favourite Canadian hits that achieved international success, plus a new batch of songs that made an unforgettable impact at home. Rock out to the soundtrack of a nation! CHECK WEEKEND MATINEE SHOWTIMES AT STUDIOBELL.CA/WHATS-ON.

EXHIBITION

Trolley 5

PHOTO: MANPRIT AULAKH

The Scene’s PATIO GUIDE

DOG DAY PATIOS

Take these dog walks to pup-friendly patios for a great day out with your pooch

BY LORI BEATTIE

It goes like this, walk, throw the ball, run, swim, stroll the ‘hood and then chill with a furry friend on a fantastic patio. Where can I do this, you ask? Follow me on some pawsitively pleasant urban pup patio treks.

ELBOW RIVER OFF LEASHES AND NEIGHBOURHOODS

STARTING-POINT: Sandy Beach Park, Marda Loop area or Britannia Plaza

Step out from Sandy Beach Park where your pup can take a dip before climbing the Britannia Slopes to an off-leash area with Rockies and river valley views. If a coffee or ice cream is of interest, detour to Britannia Plaza where coffee at Monogram, an ice cream at Village Ice Cream or lunch on Native Tongues dog-friendly patio are your delicious options.

Head back to the escarpment off leash and follow it to the end, where stairs lead down to the fenced Riverdale off leash park. Continue east along Riverdale Avenue before crossing into Elbow Park. This is a scent intensive walk in May and June when blossoming lilac, apple, crab-apple and cherry trees line the streets.

Keep walking to the forested stairway near Christ Church and climb to the top, continuing along 34th Avenue to a series of three patio options: Bell’s Café, where a dog treat and the best (and biggest!) freshly made muffins await, Le Comptoir by Francois with its cozy covered patio and delicious pastries, quiches and desserts that give a Paris in Calgary vibe or keep walking to Marda Loop Brewing Co for a cold one. And for that sunny patio fix, Neighbour Coffee in Altadore doesn’t disappoint. Navigate

to River Park off leash and watch for bald eagles soaring along the Elbow River below. Take the treed stairway to Sandy Beach Park where a stick throw and swim is the perfect finish.

BRIDGELAND & INGLEWOOD OFF LEASHING AND VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS!

STARTING POINT: Bridgeland LRT, Tom Campbell’s Hill Parking lot at Child Avenue and Centre Avenue, NE or Pearce Estates Park

Tom Campbell’s Hill is the big kick-off on these walks through Bridgeland and Inglewood. Soak up the Rockies, Bow River and the downtown views as your pup burns off some energy. The Bridgeland walk continues north along the pathway overlooking the Science Centre. More off-leashing before navigating the neighbourhood to the most scenic trail in Bridgeland; it’s all views, stunning gardens and slope side running. Continue to cut through paths, stairways, and green space trails where pooch can play before looping back into Bridgeland to Village Ice Cream, a slice of pizza from Una or coffee from Phil and Sebastian. Sit in the extensive outdoor patio area or on the many park-side benches. Walk through Murdoch Park where the blossoming crabapple trees line the pathway before making your way to 1st Avenue and a stop at Bridgeland Market or Made By Marcus ice cream. Climb into the off-leash heaven of Tom Campbell’s Hill once more for the big finish.

For the combo Inglewood to Bridgeland walk, walk south from Tom Campbell’s Hill to cross the Bow into Inglewood or for an Inglewood-only walk, start at Pearce Estates Park and follow the Bow River Pathway to 15th Street and then walk up the street to the patio at Good News Café. This little house turned café serves up unbeatable lattes and ever-changing flavours of soft serve sundaes. As you continue along 8th or 9th Avenues en route to 11th Street you’ll notice that Inglewood is eclectic with its old-fashioned corner stores, historic homes, and buildings from the early 1900s. You’ll pass by folk art, little libraries, and blossoming apple and pears trees before making a cold beer pit stop at Cold Garden or ‘Ol Beautiful. These pup patios are lively social spots. Scotsman’s Hill off leash is next, and trust me, this epic viewpoint is a must see. Take the stairs down to Stampede Park and walk the Elbow River path to Fort Calgary and the Riverwalk. Stop at the mini fenced off-leash area in the East Village before swinging by the Simmons building and indulging in the habit-inducing treats at Sidewalk Citizen along with coffee from Phil and Sebastian. Sit outside with your pup as you soak up the energy of all the people enjoying the Bow River Pathway.

Lori Beattie is the author of best-selling guidebook Calgary’s Best Walks and Calgary’s Best Bike Rides. She is the owner of Fit Frog Adventures where she leads walks and hikes and writes about connecting Calgary & beyond on foot and by bike.

PUP-FRIENDLY PATIOS

Britannia Plaza,

• Village Ice Cream

• Monogram

• Native Tongues (803, 49 Ave., S.W.)

Marda Loop & Altadore

• Bell’s Café (1515, 34 Ave., S.W.)

• Le Comptoir by Francois (1928 24 Ave., S.W.)

• Marda Loop Brewing Co. (3523, 18 St. S.W.)

• Neighbour Coffee (4038, 16 St. S.W.)

Inglewood & East Village

• Good News Coffee (1608, 17 Ave. S.E.)

• Cold Garden & ‘Ol Beautiful (1100, 11 St. S.E.)

• Sidewalk Citizen

• Phil & Sebastian Coffee at the Simmons Building on the River Walk (618 Confluence Way S.E.);

Bridgeland

• Una Pizza

• Phil and Sebastian Coffee

• Village Ice Cream (7A St. N.E.,)

• Made by Marcus (1105, 1 Ave. N.E.)

MUSIC SCENE

TARP TUNES PREVIEW

THE 45TH CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS OVER

70 MUSICAL ACTS

TO PRINCE’S

ISLAND PARK INCLUDING MAIN STAGE HIGHLIGHTS THE ROOTS, COWBOY JUNKIES, FANTASTIC NEGRITO AND KT TUNSTALL

BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE

The Calgary Folk Music Festival runs from July 25 to 28 at Prince’s Island Park and hits another milestone year. Over 70 artists will make the 45th folk fest a family-friendly highlight of the year. Tickets are on sale now. At the main stage, festival goers can ease into the weekend Thursday listening to England’s Ben Howard’s pretty musical tales and Leif Vollebekk’s uncluttered tunes. Friday night Canadian sweethearts Cowboy Junkies bring their celebrated sounds to the stage in their 40th year together. Ireland’s James Vincent McMorrow, who romances a cover like no other, will bring his versatile vocal stylings. And Toronto’s Wild Rivers will add some creamy pop sensibility to the evening.

Saturday night, Philadelphia’s The Roots promise a blast of energy with their elixir of jazz, funk and hip hop, while KT Tunstall brings some hip-shaking, melodic songs. South Africa’s BCUC also offers up their beaty riffs. And Sunday evening Booker T. Presents: A Stax Review is a highlight, while last year’s smash buzz artist Fantastic Negrito returns to the stage for some repeat wow.

While the headliners are always a highlight, Prince’s Island will be awash in music from several stages at once all weekend.

The sounds of roots music will be in the air in the form of country blues throwback Charlie Parr, sound refresher Cat Clyde, and Miko Marks & The Resurrectors mix gospel, blues and country pulled up from way down south. While Deer Tick could be in that roots category, too, they hate that label and also, you never know what you’re gonna get when

they deliver their soul-baring, scrappy live show.

Popular dream folk artist Billie Marten will deliver some indie vibe, along with Korean-Canadian Luna Li dishing the goods from her popular bedroom videos. Margaret Glaspy’s unconcealed emotions set to music are always a treat, and get ready to fall intrigued with Toronto’s punk churned NYSSA, who seems to have caught the bouquet hurled over Patti Smith’s shoulder.

Black Joe Lewis will be on hand to deliver his mosaic style of beat and bounce, and Namgis First Nation’s Garret T. Willie will rock out some wild blues with parallel wild stories. Punk folk gospel goddess Sunny War will drop your jaw to your chest with her easy-come-crazy guitar playing and lyrics captured with an arrow through the truth — bullseye!

World music is one of artist director Kerry Clarke’s specialties, and psychedelic Latino band Making Movies, Nadine Altounji’s blended songs of Middle Eastern sounds crashing into South

America rhythms, and BIM’s homage to West African Vodoun stylings will fill your plate. One of the coolest things about the folk fest is that Alberta artists hold their own with artists from around the world. This year, Calgary’s smoking hot Kue Varo & The Only Hopes treat you to a wobbly journey of desert longing and Phair emotions. Ginger Beef indeed beefs it up with a

flute journey to wild places, and GHOSTWOMAN captures you in a time machine that somehow inhabits 60s surf rock, 70s desert folk, and the chill blended wonder of all decades hence at the same time. And Caliegh Cardinal’s powerhouse prairie folk will catch and keep your heart.

To see the entire lineup, and get tickets, visit calgaryfolkfest.com

Garret T. Willie

The Roots

Sunny War

Fantastic Negito BCUC

Booker T

PHOTO: AARON MALLIN

PHOTO: CJ HARVEY

PHOTO: PIPER FERGUSON

Deer Tick

GET DOWN, GET DOWN

EAST TOWN GET DOWN HAS BECOME A CAN’T-MISS FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

BY KRISTA SYLVESTER

East Town Get Down, the independent music and food festival that celebrates the best of east Calgary, has made a name for itself as a must-see event over just a few short years.

On May 25, the festival will take over a six-block length of International Avenue (aka 17th Avenue S.E.) offering a “create your own adventure” community block party at various venues featuring $5 tasting plates and a range of musical acts.

Festival artistic director Colleen Krueger says the purpose of the Get Down is to bring attention to the often-underrated Avenue that garners less attention than its S.W. counterpart.

VENUES

• Border Crossing

• Bravo

• Kokonut Kove

• Maane’s Filipino Food Stuff

• Pacific Hut

• Paradise Lanes

• Red Sea Restaurant

• Saigon Chef

• TG Juice

• Unity Park — Free outdoor stage

“It’s really about people engaging, and reminding people that there is a lot of food and culture to experience on the east side of Deerfoot Trail,” Krueger says. “We want to highlight that to the community and show the different spaces that exist there.”

The one-day festival highlights the delicious and diverse foods available on International Avenue, while also promoting culture and helping attendees discover new music to enjoy.

“It is a nice range of cultural tastings that we have to offer,” Krueger says. “The event itself is food and music and the combination of the two makes it even better.”

Festival passes allow entry to all 10 venues (nine restaurants and one outdoor stage at a park), and eight of the venues are all-ages allowing families and youth to attend.

THE FOOD

While this year’s Chow Down menu wasn’t released by our print deadline, Krueger says it will likely be similar to last year, with each venue offering one more or more appetizer mix plates for the $5 Chow Down ticket. Most venues also offer their regular menu during the festival.

THE MUSIC

With 50 artists to choose from, there’s no way to see it all. East Town Get Down artistic director Colleen Krueger gave us this list of her can’t miss acts.

R.A.P. Ferreira — North Carolina

Chad VanGaalen, playing under Black Mold — Calgary

Riley Downing — Missouri Pink Mountaintops — LA/ Vancouver

You can add an “East Town Chow Down” ticket for just $5 and get an appetizer plate at any of the venues. With a wide variety of cuisines represented across the festival venues, you might want to get a few Chow Down tickets.

“Because we are taking over restaurants as our venues, it allows people to get a $5 food plate with a sampling of different dishes on the menu,” Krueger says, adding there will be both food and beer options at the venues.

Krueger paired four or five artists to each venue,

with around 50 acts playing every genre from country and jazz to metal and post-punk, there’s something for everyone.

“It’s a big spectrum, so it allows anyone to discover or experience something new, but also see something they’re going to like,” Krueger says. Music wise, almost half the acts are local and the other half from across Canada and the US.

“We have a lot of newer artists, and we merge those with artists that are more established,” she says. “Then we put them in an intimate venue and

Local Act

Jairus Sharif is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer who enjoys using free improvisation, sound collage and live looping to create a liberation technology that deals with healing, self-understanding and freedom.

“I make experimental music, primarily using the alto saxophone and some electronics. Performances are improvised, are sometimes solo, or may involve many players,” he says. “I make sound towards liberation, healing and introspection.” Sharif was long-listed for the Polaris Music

the setting just makes the whole thing unique.”

It’s so intimate that Krueger says the Get Down feels like a series of house parties or a block party.

“We’re bringing in some great acts that are highlevel production and bringing the two worlds together,” Krueger says. “Everyone’s having a great time wandering the streets from venue to venue because they are so close together.”

You could even say it’s a “choose your own adventure,” says Krueger.

Prize in 2023 for his debut album, Water & Tools. Not only does the local musician love the International Avenue area where East Town Get Down takes place, he also lives in the neighbouring community of Forest Lawn.

What he loves most about the area is the hard-working people around that make up the fabric of the community.

“It’s the vibration and people of the area that I find beautiful,” he says.

His favourite International Avenue spot is the open public space off 17th Ave. SE called Unity Park, which will feature the outdoor stage for East Town Get Down.

“It’s a nice place to be when the weather permits. I like to bring something cold and hang by the fountain,” Sharif says.

Ora Cogan — Victoria Amos the Kid — Winnipeg Cistern — Squamish, BC Fold Paper — Winnipeg Luka Kuplowsky — Toronto

Post Modern Connection — Vancouver

Jed Arbour — Calgary Tribe.1491 — Calgary IVYTIDE — Montreal

He hosts an ongoing event series there called “Free Music at Unity Park,” with public performances happening in late summer and early fall. “I believe public displays of creative expression are vital to the growth of a healthy community, and I’m happy to see more events happening in this part of town,” he says. And the food is pretty good, too.

“Its range of great restaurants may get people in the doors of places they’ve never been and may really enjoy.”

East Town Get Down takes place May 25 on International Avenue. Visit EastTownGetDown. ca for tickets and more information. Wristband and Chow Down ticket pick up starts May 25 starting at 4 p.m. at the Unity Park East Town Get Down event tent at 3111 17 Ave. S.E.

Fold Paper

R.A.P. Ferreira Post Modern Connection

Dickens Pub

BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE

No one seems to remember when the pub arrived at the corner of 9th and 9th S.W. downtown, but legend has it that the very first Big Rock keg was tapped at Dickens back in the 80s. That’s some weighty history. The dark décor speaks to the pub’s decidedly untrendy nature, and not chasing trends is one reason for its longevity.

Another is that Chris Hewitt has owned the iconic Dickens Pub for the last 16 years and in that time has turned it from a stale pub of VLTs and weekend cover bands to the home to every sub-culture from poetry slams and board-game nights to drag, metal, and punk shows.

Hewitt’s dedication to curating a range of music and events and creating a home for audiences that feel like communities started when he was the owner of the legendary after-hours club The Warehouse and its basement venue The Underground for ten years. In fact, during a two-year overlap, he owned both.

Over two decades in the unpredictable world of running live music venues replete with drunks, unreliable bands, technical difficulties and other unfortunate surprises (he was in the middle of a “mega-crisis” during this article trying to purchase a PA system that cost more than a down payment on a house) haven’t burned him out or made him bitter. Hewitt’s passion shines when speaking about all the cool things Dickens has on offer.

“We’re very proud of the community we’ve developed at Dickens,” Hewitt says. “Sometimes we’ve been described as the Island of Misfit Toys and we love that description. The staff and the regulars at Dickens are a bunch of individuals that come together to enjoy everything from 80s dance parties to heavy metal shows to poetry slams, trivia nights, board game days, and drag performances. We’re happy to offer up this level of diversity and it’s what allows us to occupy a special, unique role in Calgary’s nightlife. We wouldn’t have it any other way.”

This month, Calgary band Crooked Spies

PROUD TO BE DESCRIBED AS THE “ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS” VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE THAT KEEPS DICKENS THRIVING

release an album on the 24th, California punk legends Agent Orange play May 18 and Detroit band Electric Six play with Seattle sonic sweethearts The Supersuckers May 5.

“There are many ways in which events come to us,” Hewitt says. “Some of them are things I come up with myself — like our amazing retro alternative club night, Hang The DJ, which celebrated its 14th anniversary this past weekend — and some

‟We’re very proud of the community we’ve developed at Dickens.’’

ideas are brought to me by other creative minds around the city. Sometimes outside promoters will pitch a band to me and ask if the date is open. Sometimes agents will come to me themselves and ask if I want to put on a show. As long as we keep our events diverse and never fall into a predictable rut, I’m happy.”

While Hewitt holds down the booking, promo-

tion and clerical work, his wife Ambor is general manager and deals with staffing, maintenance and day-to-day challenges. “She has more knowledge about the room than anybody else,” Hewitt says. A fun part of each of their roles is the fact he does most of the DJing and she is a “smashing” bartender. The two rely on solid staff to keep running, but they do lots of the heavy lifting themselves. With their passion, business savvy and willingness to roll up their sleeves, the two have kept the decades old Dickens going while other venues have succumbed to a range of pressures.

“When people ask ‘What nights are you open?’ I always tell them ‘We’re open if we have something going on. Otherwise, we’re closed.’... we don’t have any natural foot traffic in front of the venue so if we aren’t hosting some sort of event, there will be nobody in the room. We used to fight against that reality but now that we’ve accepted it, we plan accordingly. We’ve built a reputation as a place that hosts a huge variety of options and as we work to build up this roster of shows, we find that our calendar naturally fills out more and more.”

Besides the variety of events, the Dickens menu gets solid reviews and they keep things simple, affordable and in line with a pub night out. Chicken or cauliflower bites are $12, beef tacos $7, and BBQ chicken quesadilla $15. Eight-dollar fries come in a variety of seasonings like salt and vinegar and maple bacon, and burgers and pizza round out the menu.

In 16 years as the owner of Dickens, with the attendant plethora of memories those years bring, one thing stands out for him. “Without a doubt, my proudest moment every year is the Terminus Festival, which runs annually at the end of July. We bring in about 30 different bands from all over North America and Europe from a specific range of genres — darkwave, synthpop, post-punk — and people fly in from all over the continent to enjoy the weekend. It’s an overwhelmingly joyous few days and we’ve made some lifelong friends over the years. This year will be our 11th edition.”

Check out the schedule and menu at Dickens Pub at dickensyyc.com

PHOTO: SHANNON JOHNSTON

OWNER CHRIS HEWITT

Boogie Nights

PHOTO: SHANNON JOHNSTON, @ME_ONLYLOUDER

PHOTO: SHANNON JOHNSTON, @ME_ONLYLOUDER

Hangman Pencil Co. sketches sweet songs

BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE

When Graham Teare, singer, guitarist, and songwriter for Calgary band Hangman

Pencil Co. started attending Tom Phillips’ Sunday jams at the now defunct Mikey’s Juke Joint, patrons often looked at him askance.

“I’d get up on stage with a toque on and a punk rock t-shirt, and I could see the audience going, ‘Oh, shit, why do we have to put up with this guy?’” Teare says as he sits beside bandmate David Hoffart in a library study room on the west side of Calgary.

But then Teare would invite musicians like Dwight Thompson from The Men of Constant Sorrow and other veteran musicians up to do old country covers.

Hoffart, a mandolin player and a longtime member of Tom Phillips’ Men of Constant Sorrow, eventually approached Teare to ask him to form a group together with Alexsandra Danicic.

This month, the group celebrate the release

of their first album, As Dark As It Seems, at the Ironwood Stage & Grill May 31.

The songs began the way many do, coaxed from riffs, ideas, inspiration and air, but somewhere during the process they were stamped with an intoxicating blend of urgency, beauty and darkness.

While the songs are the stars here, the classically trained Danicic — whose talents range from teaching at Mount Royal University’s Conservatory to street busking — provides an innate sense of drama and balance. Her violin is the unspoken lead instrument on the album.

“I’m in no way a learned musician,” Teare says. “Playing with those two was a quick little education.”

But what Teare missed in musical training he made up for in melodies and lyrics, with lines like “A shadowbox tube radio and a sackful of letters/ And a warm place to dry your eyes” grabbing you from first listen. He leaves room for the listener by not boxing them in too much; you find pieces of your life inside those lines.

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“I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter but I’ve always been like, I don’t think I could do this, or I’ve been kind of afraid of it.”

In recording, they augmented their sound with Hidden World studio owners pianist Ben Taillefer and bassist Julian Iafelice, who joined the band after playing on the tracks. Most were captured in one take, a testament to the songs’ mettle. So why had Teare been afraid of songwriting?

“I don’t know, just coming off corny, or something being really cheesy, or, even worse than that, just being so run of the mill. I’d rather be really bad or really good. I don’t want to be mediocre. I’d rather somebody hated it or loved it.”

No danger of brushes with mediocrity on this album. As Hoffart says, “I do think our band has a distinct sound.” Teare adds, “In no way do we think we are reinventing the wheel, but I don’t know anybody that sounds just like us.”

Hangman Pencil Co. release their album, As Dark As It Seems at the Ironwood Stage & Grill May 31. For information, visit ironwoodstage.ca

Graham Teare

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