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.
12 THEATRE SCENE
Immerse yourself in Calgary’s vibrant jazz scene. 4
What to do, see, and hear this month across the city. 8 Q&A
Tribe Artist Society is growing the hip hop game in Calgary.
Contemporary Calgary and Calgary Public Library are changing how we interact with the arts.
A brand new take on Madama Butterfly hits the Jubilee.
20 FILM SCENE
From CUFF.Docs to the Calgary Justice Film Festival and the Mountain Film and Book Festival out at the Banff Centre, there is a lot to see onscreen this month.
22 MARKET SCENE
Get your holiday shopping done early (and locally) with these Calgary craft markets.
Cover 2024 JazzYYC Festival
Photo: Ainsley Christine
Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca
Editorial Intern Evelina Pak, sceneeditorialintern@redpointmedia.ca
Founding Editor Mike Bell
Designer Kris Twyman
Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich
CONTRIBUTORS
Jess Arcand, Krista Sylvester, Catrina Bowles, Joseph Mastel, Lissa Robinson, Reid Blakley, Kenna Burima, 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
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada
The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards. redpointmedia.ca 1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7
24 MUSIC SCENE
The 2025 SoundOff Summit brings Shad, Yves Jarvis, and many more to the prairies.
26 CREATIVE SCENE
Money — and how we make it — is a delicate conversation for any artist.
28 VENUE
The Arrowhead has taken over a familiar space off Macleod Trail.
30 Cam Hayden
PHOTO: MIKE TAN
ACT 1 SCENE 1
What to do in November
BY EVELINA PAK
EMBRACE THE PRE-HOLIDAY VIBES WITH EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE, HOCKEY GAMES, AND MORE
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Until November 9 | Martha Cohen Theatre | albertatheatreprojects.com | Ten years after the American Revolutionary War, the eerie village of Sleepy Hollow is still haunted by fear and unrest. Based on Washington Irving’s classic tale, this new world premiere — brought to life by the Old Trout Puppet Workshop — reimagines the story with haunting visuals and emotional depth. The show is recommended for ages 12+ due to its mature content, dark imagery, and theatrical effects.
THE LIGHT OF THE DEEP
November 1 and 2 | Motel Theatre | werklundcentre.ca | Created and performed by Landon Krentz, The Light of the Deep blends projection, animation, puppetry, and the expressive movement of Visual Vernacular. Following a fisherman who “fishes for light,” this poetic piece becomes a striking metaphor for our modern search for meaning amid overconsumption and fear.
FROM THE LIGHT TO … THE FLAMES!
November 5 to 22 | Scotiabank Saddledome | scotiabanksaddledome.com | No Calgary November is complete without a few hockey nights. The Flames are back with five home games this month, facing off against rivals like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, and San Jose Sharks. So grab your favourite scarf, rally your friends, and scream your lungs out at the ‘Dome’ … or at your favourite local dive bar! (We recommend the Ship & Anchor)
ALLERGIC TO WATER
November 5 to 8 | Pumphouse Theatre | insideouttheatre.com | Intergenerational bathtubs, a mysterious chronic illness, and a barista with a top-secret brew — what else do you need for a dark comedy about a mermaid? Created and performed by Jacqueline Russell with music by Jeremy Gignoux, this one-ofa-kind theatrical experience dives into surreal storytelling, physical comedy, and musical absurdity.
HERITAGE CALGARY 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
November 6 | Venue 308 | eventbrite.ca | Celebrate 25 years of preserving Calgary’s past with Heritage Calgary, and savour an evening of nostalgia, stories, and community. This celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails and food, followed by the main program and plenty of time to connect and mingle with your fellow Calgarians.
YYC NOODLE FESTIVAL
November 6 to 16 | various venues | yycnoodlefestival.com | Spaghetti, ramen, pad thai, pasta, chow mein — what do they all have in common? From Asia to Italy, noodles are the universal comfort food, and the YYC Noodle Festival brings together 20+ local restaurants for a delicious 10-day noodle showdown. Taste your way through different flavours and textures, cast your vote, and may the best noods win.
A TRIPLE BILL EVENING OF INNOVATIVE CONTEMPORARY BALLET
November 7 | the GRAND | springboardperformance.com | Presented by Springboard’s Fluid Fest and Ballet Edmonton’s 10-dancer ensemble, the performance features three bold new works by Canadian choreographers Kirsten Wicklund, Ethan Colangelo, and Béatrice Larrivée. Expect a night where physical, emotional, and artistic elements blend into one performance, offering a glimpse into the future of contemporary ballet in Canada.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK: A BROADWAY REVUE
November 14 | Evan Hazell Theatre | 42ndstreetproductions.ca | “Start spreading the news, you’re leaving today — I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.” If you caught yourself singing along, you’re either still excited that the Blue Jays beat the Yankees, or your heart is longing for Broadway. You’re in luck: the Livin’ in Swing Orchestra is bringing the Broadway sparkle to Calgary for one night only. This revue celebrates the golden age of song and dance, complete with the glitz of Times Square and the glamour of Sinatra tunes.
CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR!
November 14 | Jack Singer | werklundcentre.ca | The choir describes this show as “a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time,” with some special treats for Queen fans. This interactive singing experience turns the audience into the performer, inviting everyone to belt out their favourite hits together. Led by directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman, the event blurs the line between stage and crowd. As the creators promise, “We Will Choir You! ”
ART MARKET CRAFT SALE
November 20 to 23 | Calgary Telus Convention Center | artmarketcraftsale.com | Spend four days celebrating art with more than 200 of Canada’s finest artists and crafters. It’s the perfect opportunity not only to find unique gifts but also to connect with local creators. Read more about the Art Market Craft Sale on page 22!
PHOTO: FIFTH WALL MEDIA
PHOTO: MACH MEDIA MARKETING
Allergic to Water
Sho Sushi, Sho Ramen at YYC Noodlefest
4TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA!
November 22 to 23 | BMO Centre (Hall D) | taylormarkets.ca | Kick off the holiday spirit early with the 4th Annual Christmas Extravaganza at BMO Centre. This free, family-friendly event is packed with festive fun, from photos with Santa and kids’ games to food trucks and over 50 local vendors. Spend two joyful days browsing for quirky gifts, enjoying treats, and getting into the holiday spirit. Plus, the first 100 guests receive free “loot” bags!
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA WITH LIVE SCORE
November 27 | Studio Bell | studiobell.ca | Calgary Cinematheque and the National Music Centre present a 100th anniversary screening of the 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera. Over the years, the film has undergone countless revisions and re-edits — but for this special event, Calgary Cinematheque will showcase a newly reconstructed version. Adding to the experience, Chris Maric will perform a new score on NMC’s historic Allen Theatre organ, transporting audiences back a century to the golden age of silent film.
JOHNNY CASH: LIVE AT FOLSOM PRISON REVISITED
November 29 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | jubileeauditorium.com |
In 1968, Johnny Cash stepped inside California’s Folsom Prison to perform one of the most famous concerts in American music history. That groundbreaking moment comes to life again in
prison performance. Tap your feet to “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Still Miss Someone,” “Jackson,” and more as we remember the gritty heart of a country icon.
NUTCRACKER IN A NUTSHELL
December 5 – 7 | BMO Theatre, Shane Homes YMCA | December 12 – 14 | Evan Hazell Theatre, Brookfield Residential YMCA | ymcacalgary.org | Take in a fresh spin on a holiday classic. This 30-minute Nutcracker invites Calgary families to experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and the magic of live performance. Narrated by a mischievous elf and designed as a “fuss-friendly” show where kids can move, sing, and dance, it’s part of a growing effort to make classical art forms more welcoming and
Erik Olson. The Düsseldorf Parrots, 2021.
PHOTO: KENNETH LOCKE
PHOTO: ABIGAILE EDWARDS
Chris Maric
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Onstage in November
BY NATHAN ILES
CANADIAN SONGWRITERS RULE CALGARY THIS MONTH
JESSICA AUDIFFRED
November 6, 9 p.m. | Commonwealth | commonwealthbar.ca | This rising producer from Mexico City blends EDM genres effortlessly in magnetic live sets that are never pre-programmed and guaranteed to get you moving.
RANCHMAN’S RISING STAR COMPETITION
November 6, 13, and 27 | Ranchman’s | ranchmans.ca | Catch local country act hopefuls belting their tunes on the 6th and 13th, competing for cash, a spot on the Country Thunder stage next year, and more. The semi-finalists go for the grand prize on the 27th, presented by Country 105. These gigs are free!
POLTERGEIST X DEAD CELLS
November 8, 8 p.m. | The Palomino | thepalomino.ca | Local post-punk hunks Poltergeist are hitting the road this fall with Vancouver’s Dead Cells, and the road starts right here in Cowtown. Arrive early and catch Nuisance and Puppet Wipes!
INGESTED
November 13, 6 p.m. | Dickens | dickensyyc.com | Coming to us all the way over from Manchester, Injested’s brand of brutal death metal is the perfect match for the Dickens stage. Openers include Distant, Ov Sulfur, Cell, and Crucifiction.
FREDDIE DREDD
November 14, 8 p.m. | The Palace | thepalacetheatre.ca | Ontario horror-core rap sensation Freddie Dredd has been all over TikTok with singles like “GTG”, “Opaul”, and “Limbo.” But now you get to hear them live, rather than in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it video. Opening support comes courtesy of 1nonly and Cursed.
TERRI CLARK AND PAUL BRANDT
November 16, 7:30 p.m. | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | jubileeauditorium.com | Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Terri Clark and hometown hero Paul Brandt are teaming up for a hootenanny that will have you longing for the Stampede season.
MJ THE MUSICAL
November 18 to 23 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com | Broadway Across Canada brings this multiple Tony Award-winning musical to the Blue Sky City. This show tells the story of Michael Jackson’s secondever world tour in 1992, which coincided with his eighth studio album, Dangerous
THE PLANET SMASHERS
November 19 and 20 | Ship & Anchor | shipandanchor.com | It’s two nights of Canadian ska punk chaos on 17th Avenue. On the 19th, Class Action and Real Sickies (Edmonton) open for the Planet Smashers. Julius Sumner Miller, Jesse LeBourdais, and Ghost Factory are kicking things off on the 20th for a Smashers redux. And as an added bonus, Ghost Factory is releasing their long-awaited folk punk record, Socialist Trash, at the show!
SLOAN
November 20, 7 p.m. | The Palace | thepalacetheatre.ca | CanCon alt-rock legends Sloan are still rocking more than 30 years later, and would you believe they’ve never changed band members? Don’t miss the Money City Maniacs in Calgary.
LES HAY BABIES
November 20, 7 p.m. | Festival Hall | calgaryfolkfest.com | Calgary Folk Fest is keeping the programming going year-round. This time, they’re bringing some francophone-tinged folk-rock from New Brunswick for your listening pleasure.
BEST OF BARBER: ADAGIO + MORE
November 21, 7:30 p.m. | Jack Singer Concert Hall | calgaryphil.com | Anthony Parnther leads the Calgary Phil through three Samuel Barber pieces: Adagio for Strings, Symphony in One Movement, and the sensational Violin Concerto
Plus, some space-inspired compositions from Jessie Montgomery and Missy Mazzoli.
JULIANNA RIOLINO
November 22, 8 p.m. | The Palomino | thepalomino.ca | Hot on the release of her sophomore album Echo In The Dust, Riolino brings her smoky brand of bluesy alt-country to a very fitting venue: one of Cowtown’s best barbecue joints!
TRIVIUM
November 25, 6 p.m. | Grey Eagle Event Centre | greyeagleresortandcasino.ca | With 10 albums and a Grammy nomination under their belt, these heavy metal icons need no introduction. Just get out to the dang show, and bring some earplugs! Jinjer and Heriot will serve as support.
SERENA RYDER
November 28, 8 p.m. | Bella Concert Hall | tickets.mru.ca | The “Merry Myths” tour lands in the prairies, with the JUNO-winning folk pop songwriting of Serena Ryder front and centre.
PUP
November 29, 8 p.m. | MacEwan Hall | machallconcerts.com | It wasn’t that long ago that these melodic Toronto punks were playing the smaller club stages here in Calgary. Now, their whiplash riffs and confessional lyrics are lighting up the Mac Hall stage, and it’s all ages to boot.
FOXWARREN
December 1, 7 p.m. | The Palace | thepalacetheatre.ca | Andy Shauf’s latest musical project is a dreamy blend of pop sensibility, ‘60s psych vibes, and irresistible rock riffs. It’s the latest evolution of this Saskie’s musical journey, and it’s not to be missed.
STEVEN PAGE + THE CALGARY
PHIL: A HOLIDAY SPECIAL
December 6, 7:30 p.m. | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgaryphil.com | The best Barenaked Ladies singer (yes, I said it) is joining forces with our friendly neighbourhood orchestra to bring some early yuletide cheer into your life. How sweet is that?
PHOTO: DAVID BERG
PHOTO: RYAN CLARK
Steven Page
Poltergeist
A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
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EXCELLENCE COMES STANDARD
BY EVELINA PAK
“What would the city look like if music festivals were run and staffed by Indigenous folks?”
HIP HOP AND HEALING
HOW AN INDIGENOUS-LED CREW BECAME A PILLAR OF CALGARY’S RAP SCENE
That’s the question that inspired the creation of the Tribe Artist Society, an Indigenous-led hip hop and arts collective founded by Dwight Farahat and co-led by Sarah Good Medicine.
Tribe’s mission is to help artists become their most powerful selves, offering mentorship and creative community through programs like Monday Rap Night, the Sober Crew Drumming Circle, and Mixtape Club. Their team is building something bigger than music: a space for joy, healing, and transformation.
“YO, THIS IS OUR THING!”
Dwight: “We started Tribe because we didn’t see much Indigenous ownership or sovereignty in Calgary’s arts scene. I kept asking myself, ‘What would the city look like if music festivals were run and staffed by Indigenous folks? How would that change the way others see us, and how we see ourselves?’
“Too often, people only interact with Indigenous communities in contexts of tragedy and pain. And a lot of people just don’t know that we’re fun.
“We wanted Indigenous folks to walk into our programs and say, ‘Yo, this is our thing!’ and for non-Indigenous folks to feel welcomed too. An Elder once told me, ‘Anything exclusive is against the creator’s way.’ I really thought I would make that a part of my teaching.”
ATYPICAL SOCIETY
Dwight: “Wherever we go in Calgary, in mainstream Canada, you’re usually entering a Caucasian-owned, Christian space. There’s an underlying culture there. There are a lot of good values that come from Christianity, but when you come into our space, we have Christians, Catholics, Muslims, all different people.”
Sarah: “When our Elders pray, they pray for all human beings. That’s really the core of it. There’s no forced way to ‘be’ in our spaces. It’s just what we do, and it’s been working.”
Dwight: “People come because of the music. And when they start learning about Indigenous culture, they get curious about their own Indigeneity. They start researching their roots, their family history. They ask themselves, ‘Who am I?’
“People in Canada are often confused about that. We live in what’s called an ‘atypical society,’ a culture that doesn’t recognize itself as a culture. Hip hop, freestyle, songwriting — they all help you understand yourself.”
FLOWERS IN THE DIRT
Dwight: “Some people come to Monday Rap Night and tell us, ‘This program saved my life.’
Others say, ‘I met all my friends at Tribe.’ My favourite band, Hip Hip Thursday — their drummer and bass player met here.”
Sarah: “Usually, it’s non-Indigenous organizations serving Indigenous people. But what if it were the other way around? That’s a paradigm shift. It’s hard for some people to imagine that Indigenous people could be the ones helping others heal.
“The main problem is capacity. We have limited funding for so many jobs. Sometimes nonprofits just can’t pay enough to keep people from taking regular jobs.”
Dwight: “Most arts funders want to fund the fully
grown, beautiful flower. But Tribe’s programs are about the dirt and the seeds where things begin to sprout. And that can happen in just a few weeks.
“You give someone a microphone, and at first, they won’t even say their name. Next week, they say their name. The week after, they say, ‘I wrote a rap.’ The next time [they say] ‘Do you want to hear my song?’
“That’s how the arts scene becomes more vibrant and full of life. And I can name 50 ‘flowers’ Calgary wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Monday Rap Night or Tribe Mixtape Club. And not all of them are Indigenous.”
SMUDGE, PIZZA, RAP
Dwight: “The big dream one day is to own Tribe House, a centre for us and for musicians. Calgary is missing an Indigenous art space that’s truly run by Indigenous folks. When we eventually have our own building, a place that’s smudge-friendly, noise-friendly, Indigenous-friendly, that’ll be the spot.”
Sarah: “It’d be really nice if artists, rappers, DJs, and boxers could also have real jobs through our art. Some of these guys built their confidence here. Watching them level up makes you want to level up, too.”
DWIGHT & SARAH ON MAKING IT IN HIP-HOP
1. Get show-ready.
“Make music you can perform. When you share your music, you meet ‘accidental audiences.’ Perform for the public: make people dance, think, and fall in love. Things you can just set up at a bus stop.”
2. Build your crowd.
“Be authentic to yourself, but also think: how do I make a song that both the hip hop community and the non-hip hop community can vibe with? That’s how you grow listeners.”
3. Keep good relations.
“Rap beef is part of the culture, but if you’re beefing with everybody, you’re going to exclude yourself really fast.”
4. Practice like it’s a stadium.
“Practice your lines thousands of times. Practice how you stand. Practice your mic falling out. Practice for those emergencies so nothing can shake you.”
5. Have fun.
“Who cares? If there are two people in the room or 1000, just do your thing. It’s easy to overthink all this stuff.”
Dwight: “When we do our thing, people fall back in love with themselves and feel less lonely. Imagine the streets full of music, [happening] because of what we did. How many more leaders can come from this little thing we started: gathering people, giving them pizza, and rapping?
“It’s a success formula if you’re looking for it: smudge, pizza, and rap.”
This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre.
To learn more about Tribe Artist Society, visit tribeartistsociety.com or their Instagram @tribeartistsociety.
Sarah Good Medicine and Dwight Farahat
PHOTO: ALBERT WOO
ARTS SCENE
Pass the Art, Please
CONTEMPORARY CALGARY AND THE CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY ARE TRANSFORMING HOW YOU EXPERIENCE ART
BY LISSA ROBINSON
The dialogue between art and literature is as old as civilization itself. From the carved hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt to boundary-breaking graphic novels, visual art and text converge to tell complex, emotionally resonant, and socially relevant stories.
In this spirit, Contemporary Calgary and the Calgary Public Library began their creative collaboration with the Art Pass program, a unique initiative that bridges visual art, storytelling, and community connection.
IN THE GALLERIES THIS MONTH
NEWZONES GALLERY
Anda Kubis: Atmospheric Conditions
Until November 15
As part of the New Abstraction movement in Canada, Anda Kubis explores colour, light, and perception through luminous, layered compositions. Her paintings blur the line between digital allusion and painterly touch, creating hypnotic abstractions that evoke sensation, movement, and material presence.
A LIVING GUESTBOOK
Launched as a pilot project in March 2024, the Art Pass is an inspiring crossover between art and public access. Five passes are available at each of Calgary’s 21 library branches, giving residents free admission to Contemporary Calgary’s exhibitions and programs as often as they would like over a three-week loan period.
of a collective story that captures how citizens connect with art, curiosity, and each other.
“We want everyone in Calgary to have an opportunity to come to the gallery and be inspired by the amazing art that is on display without barriers,” said David Leinster, CEO of Contemporary Calgary.
case, the results of this collaboration speak for
But this isn’t a typical membership card. Each Art Pass takes the form of a living guestbook — a creative journal that travels from hand to hand, inviting visitors to write, sketch, and reflect on their experiences. Every entry becomes part
HERRINGER KISS GALLERY
Aron Hill: The Lake of Fire
Until November 15
Aron Hill’s latest exhibition, The Lake of Fire, extends the artist’s ongoing exploration of Christian evangelism and its links to colonialism in Canada. Hill weaves in early Greek and Roman motifs, early church imagery, and universal iconography through masks and symbols. In this body of work, he turns to queer theory to reimagine dominant Christian masculine narratives.
One visitor’s handwritten reflection in an Art Book affirms the program’s impact: “I am thinking about how grateful I am to be able to tour the art gallery for FREE! We haven’t been in this building since it was a science centre. The exhibits are all thought-provoking! It’s not a place I would have visited or known about. Thank you. - CC + CPL.”
CHRISTINE KLASSEN GALLERY
Bryce Krynski: Maybe Carry On Delivery Child
Until November 22
This is your last chance to catch this exhibition of new photographic works by local artist Bryce Krynski. In this series, Krynski reimagines traditional approaches to photography, embracing unexpected outcomes born from chance. The resulting prints feel accidentally beautiful, reflecting the random power of creativity and Mother Nature.
Between January and December 2024, the Art Pass circulated over 770 times in both physical and digital formats. 645 physical passes were checked out, resulting in 426 gallery admissions. Each branch reports that the passes are consistently in use, demonstrating strong public interest and engagement.
The program reflects a movement among
DEVONIAN GARDENS
Fragment to Form: Katie Ohe and the Shape of Persistence
Until December 17
This exhibition celebrates sculptor Kate Ohe’s pioneering vision, gathering works from public and private collections. Focused on the concept of “Day and Night,” her iconic kinetic sculpture, relocated to Calgary’s Devonian Gardens for conservation, traces Ohe’s enduring exploration of motion, abstraction, and transformation.
cultural institutions to blur the lines between audience and participant. By turning every visit into an act of creation, the Art Pass transforms passive observation into active engagement. It’s a reminder that contemporary art isn’t confined to Calgary’s galleries, but thrives wherever people engage, connect, and share ideas.
STRIDE GALLERY
Clothed: Until Further Notice
Until December 19
Artist Lexi Hilderman explores the intersections of clothing, identity, and memory through non-binary experience. Using thrifted garments and paper dolls, the exhibition examines transformation, mourning, and collective storytelling, inviting viewers to reflect on how clothing embodies history, emotion, and personal and communal identity.
THE STORY CONTINUES
Now in its second year, the Art Pass continues to evolve by lifting barriers, sparking curiosity, and uniting the city through shared creativity. It’s more than a ticket; it’s a movement.
Step inside Contemporary Calgary and experience an ever-changing lineup of exhibitions. This month, visitors can still catch some summer shows like Presence, a group exhibition examining how space shapes community, and Kenneth Tam’s Silent Spikes, which blends movement, theatrical staging, and historical narrative to question conventional ideas about masculinity.
Alongside these ongoing shows, two newer exhibitions provide moments of personal reflection. In Erik Olson’s In the Garden, vivid, gestural paintings turn the garden into a place of renewal. Olson explores the garden as both a physical and a psychological space, reflecting our shifting relationships with nature, memory, and the act of creation itself.
Preston Pavlis’ You There contemplates what it means to see and be seen. Drawing on memories of his home in Halifax, Pavlis captures intimate details like a summer beech tree, a forgotten mattress, and a friend’s portrait. Each work holds a trace of something left behind, where abandonment is not only loss but ease and the poetry of the everyday. Grab your Art Pass at any Calgary Public Library location! Check the book availability (titled ‘Contemporary Calgary’) at calgary.bibliocommons.com.
CJSW October 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. Sargeant x Comrade** - Power Vol. 1 e-
Ada Lea* - when i paint my masterpiece
3. The Sour Patch Men** - The Second Best Band In Bowness
4. Midnight Channel* - Alien Love Songs
5. Patrick Watson* - Uh Oh
6. pôt-pot - Warsaw 480km
SANAM - Sametou Sawtan (
8. Snooper - Worldwide
9. Jolie Laide** - In The Low Light EP
10. TOPS* - Bury the Key (
11. shame - Cutthroat
Jolie Laide** - Creatures
13. Rich Brown* - NYAEBA
14. The Dwarfs of East Agouza - Sasquatch Landslide (
15. OSees - ABOMINATION REVEALED AT LAST
16. David Occhipinti* - Camera Lucida BITWASHERE** - DEATH OF INNOCENCE ( e-
18. Halfcut & Cole The God** - The Relentless Twoe
19. Woodlands Backafall - traditional colours
Eli West - The Shape of a Sway Oruã & Reverse Death - Reflectors Vol. 1
Guerilla Toss - You’re Weird Now )
Peter Gagliardi** - Pandora Unlocked: Chrysanthemum Yellow
Die Spitz - Something to Consume
Red Baraat - Bhangra Rangeela
Tanika Charles* - Reasons To Stay
Centuries of Decay* - A Monument to Oblivion
No Joy* - Bugland
Laura Hickli** - dark secrets EP
30. Drug Sauna** - Druggernaut
** Local
* Canadian
The Buzzard and the Lamppost, 2021, Erik Olson
THEATRE SCENE
Opera Reclaimed
BY CATRINA BOWLES
In 2023, Virginia Opera artistic director
Adam Turner set up a Zoom meeting with Mo Zhou, the stage director behind acclaimed opera productions like Puccini’s La bohème and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Turner wanted Zhou to direct a production of Madama Butterfly, and Zhou wasn’t crazy about the idea.
“I started my Zoom conference just telling him how much I dislike [that] opera,” said Zhou. “I avoided directing Madama Butterfly for the first 10 years of my career.”
It’s not a surprising stance for Chinese-born Zhou to take. Madama Butterfly, which premiered in Milan in 1904, has faced decades of criticism for orientalism and exoticism.
The play stars Cio-Cio-San, the titular “Butterfly”, a 15-year-old Japanese girl who marries American naval officer Pinkerton. He impregnates her, then abandons her for three years when he returns to the United States and marries an American woman, Kate. Pinkerton and Kate return to Nagasaki, and Kate offers to raise the child. Cio-Cio-San agrees to give up her child if she can see Pinkerton again, then takes her own life.
“The issue I have always had with the show is … when people romanticize the story purely as a love story,” said Zhou. “Even if you look at the original time period, there is such a clear power imbalance between the genders and the cultures.”
After avoiding the show for so long, Zhou eventually took on a production which premiered at the Virginia Opera in March 2024. During the intermission of a performance, an American veteran approached her and mentioned that, due to the popularity of Madama Butterfly in the United States, many American soldiers deployed to Japan wanted to find “their butterfly.”
Zhou brought the knowledge gained from her previous productions to the Calgary Opera’s version. In this adaptation, the show opens in 1946, a year after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Pinkerton’s absence of three years is extended to six, and when he returns to Japan, the American occupation has ended.
“...people romanticize the story purely as a love story. Even if you look at the original time period, there is such a clear power imbalance between the genders and the cultures.”
MO ZHOU
“Without changing a single word in the opera, everything becomes elevated and deepens every character’s motivations,” said Zhou. The lighting, set, and costume designers
are all Japanese women who bring their personal experiences to the visuals. Costume designer Mariko Ohigashi’s own family was affected by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The kimonos
she has sourced for the production were all made in Japan, and a local professional kimono dresser will be on set to ensure the accuracy of the costumes.
“It’s very rare that you get to do Butterfly with an all-Japanese design team,” said Zhou. “My lighting designer … said she feels like Asian women reclaim ownership [of the] storytelling.”
To ignore racial insensitivity in older works of art is to ignore a piece of history, and various operas have tried to reconcile this problem with their own variations on Butterfly
In 2017, Seattle Opera’s production filled the theatre’s lobby with displays of historical examples of Asian stereotyping. Detroit Opera’s 2023 version set the show in the modern day, with an anime-obsessed Pinkerton playing through the events of the show in a VR headset.
“I think it’s very important for opera [that] we provide critical analysis of those classic canons that stand the test of time … so it becomes more relevant with the modern audiences.”
The appropriation in the original Butterfly can be off-putting. But the themes of the show are what have resonated with audiences for decades.
“It’s relevant to anyone who’s experienced unrequited love in their life. It’s relevant to anyone who’s persisted with a dream,” said Sue Elliott, Calgary Opera general director and CEO. “[It’s] relevant to our society, where people from different cultures coexist, sometimes really, really peacefully and joyfully, and other times when tension comes to the fore.”
If you’ve never been to an opera, it can seem a little intimidating. When people go to the opera in the movies, they’re dressed to the nines, and the performers are singing in a different language. But all the shows have subtitles, and it doesn’t need to be an extravagant affair.
“Be brave,” said Elliott. “There’s only one rule about what to wear … at Calgary Opera. You have to wear something. So you can come in jeans, you can come in pearls, you can come in a tux. You can come in a costume — however you want to dress.”
Catch Madama Butterfly at the Jubilee, November 1 to 7. Tickets available at calgaryopera.com.
CHINESE-BORN MO ZHOU FLIPS THE SCRIPT IN CALGARY OPERA’S MADAMA BUTTERFLY
PHOTO: EMILY COOPER
Madama Butterfly, Vancouver Opera, 2025.
LAURA HICKLI
MIDNITE
Looking back and playing forward
WHERE TO CATCH JAZZ IN CALGARY RIGHT NOW — AND THE COZY, UNEXPECTED PLACES KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE
BY EVELINA PAK
Where does jazz live in Calgary? Many places. It’s spread across the city — in concert halls, bars, cafés, and even churches. The local infrastructure is surprisingly connected, though: big organizations like JazzYYC bring in artists and link them with local venues, while smaller spaces keep the music intimate and alive.
“When we talk about jazz infrastructure in Calgary, we’re really discussing the ecosystem
Welcome to Calgary Jazz
FROM PAST TO PRESENT, OUR LOCAL SCENE FINDS NEW LIFE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
BY JESS ARCAND
If you think jazz in Calgary is a relic, think again. The city’s relationship with the music stretches back to when jazz itself was taking shape. What began as a small circle of musicians decades ago has evolved into a thriving network of educators, presenters, and DIY advocates. Their goals reach beyond sustaining the genre — they’re building spaces where people of all ages and genders feel invited to listen, learn, and belong.
“There’s been jazz happening here since … well, jazz started,” said JazzYYC’s Artistic Director Kodi Hutchinson. Clubs came and went through the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, all the way up to the ‘00s. There was a jazz program at Mount Royal College in the ‘70s, and it now continues at the University of Calgary, where Hutchinson teaches. Continuity matters: it seeds players, audiences, and memory that turns one-off con-
of venues, promoters, musicians, audiences, media, and institutional support that enables regular live jazz to thrive — and it’s currently quite healthy,” said JazzYYC Artistic Director Kodi Hutchinson. “JazzYYC plays a coordinating, connective, and promotional role — acting as a hub or collaborative for jazz in Calgary.” Collaboration works not only across venues but across bands. The same musicians may be part of different bands. “Unlike rock or pop bands, jazz groups are more organic,” said Mark Alexander, drummer and co-leader of
certs into culture.
Calgary’s early jazz scene has deep roots, with Hutchinson pointing to musical figures like John Reid, who brought legends such as Dexter Gordon to the city in the ‘70s and later founded JazzYYC. Longtime players like Al Muirhead still recall the days when Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington came through Western Canada, playing small halls in the city. Those moments, Hutchinson says, helped set the foundation for Calgary’s enduring love of live jazz.
“We run three festivals a year, our Illuminate concert series, and we partner with Mount Royal University for our Youth Lab Bands,” Hutchinson said. Those youth bands have expanded to two ensembles for 40 youth, while the organization’s community calendar acts as a city-wide bulletin board with hundreds of gigs across clubs, cafés, and theatres each month. For audiences under 25, JazzYYC’s tickets cap at $20. “Last year we
two groups, Trio Motion and the Broadview Trio. That last band can often be seen at Bettylous. He describes Calgary’s jazz culture as strong and growing, highlighting support for younger players and the network of venues that host regular jams around town.
JazzYYC fills the calendar for different events both in and outside the festival, helping audiences discover live jazz every week. “Our community calendar supports all venues, promoters, and artists in the city, allowing anyone to post their shows there,” added Hutchinson. In fact, the scene is more vibrant than it might appear — and easier to find than you’d think.
JAZZYYC FESTIVAL
The biggest jazz event this month happens from November 4 to 9, spanning multiple venues across Calgary. JazzYYC organizes a week packed with performances featuring top Canadian musicians, both local and national.
“For November, our goal was to bring the best of Calgary and the best in the country together and to create multiple price points, including free shows to help Calgarians discover and enjoy jazz,” said Hutchinson.
One of the show’s highlights is Double Bill, which brings together two-time JUNO Award–winning pianist Andy Milne with Calgary’s poet laureate, Wakefield Brewster, and his jazz
Alex Cuba Payadora Lorna MacLachlan Quintet
PHOTO: CHRISTINA-WOERNS
PHOTO: AINSLEY CHRISTINE
JazzFest
saw the biggest uptake and highest numbers of young people at our festivals,” said Hutchinson.
Programming also plays a big role in that outreach, with JazzYYC adapting to changing tastes, embracing artists who blur the lines between jazz and contemporary pop. Most notably, Hutchinson credits artists like Laufey, the Icelandic-American singer, for making jazz accessible to younger audiences. Her sold-out shows prove that new audiences are eager to experience jazz’s emotional depth through modern pop, not gatekept by jargon or tradition.
This fall, JazzYYC is pursuing a modern approach with headliner Grammy-winning Cuban artist Alex Cuba, and the festival is partnering with local electronic collective Oscill8. The music’s power is experiential. As Hutchinson put it, “It’s those moments when the room quiets and you forget you’re supposed to be somewhere else because the sound has absorbed you.”
If JazzYYC is the city square, BuckingJam Palace is the living room, because it literally is. Founded by Lisa Buck in her 1910 Mount
Royal house, the venue grew from informal living-room sets into a charitable series presenting 15 concerts a season.
Buck didn’t come to the genre as a lifer; she came through community. “I didn’t even like jazz when we started hosting concerts,” she said. “What we loved was the community here.” When Mount Royal’s jazz program closed, she and her family “lit a candle” for the loss of opportunity young musicians would face and wanted to help fill that gap with BuckingJam.
An incubator is exactly what Buck says Calgary lacks at scale. “We drastically lack the infrastructure,” she said, citing the need for affordable listening rooms where music can breathe and musicians can be paid fairly. And one thing she won’t compromise on is quality, she said with a grand piano behind her. “You have to have a decent acoustic piano, preferably a grand. It’s about honouring the musicians.”
Equity is another pillar where Buck has staked out clear commitments. “Estimates are that less than 10% of the professional jazz community is female,” she said. Buck
project PoëThree, a dynamic blend of spoken word and world-class jazz.
“Many people are surprised to learn that jazz isn’t just one kind of music. It’s a genre that embraces a huge range of styles and influences,” said Hutchinson. “It’s not limited to swing, bebop, or avant-garde; in fact, jazz draws from almost every musical tradition you can imagine.”
The upcoming festival beautifully reflects that diversity. Audiences will hear tango and South American rhythms from Payadora, Cuban influences from Alex Cuba, folk-inspired jazz from Carsten Rubeling & Lorna MacLachlan, jazz-funk grooves from
responded by curating with equity in mind, seeking out female bandleaders, coordinating Alberta tours, and launching the Jane Dough Fund for female-led projects. She also hosts Jazz Camp for Girls as the only North American partner of the Denmark-founded program and manages two femme-led projects: the only all-female ensemble in Canada, The Ostara Project and bassist Aretha Tillotson.
BuckingJam concerts routinely sell out without paid ads; the newsletter is the best way in. The blueprint is there: open the door, keep the room small enough to hear each other, pay artists fairly, and program. “We just have to be advocating so that everybody’s voice is heard and represented in the genre,” said Buck. Hutchinson echoes that from the festival side: make the starting points obvious, then invite people to go deeper.
In Calgary, that invitation is already on the calendar. The rest is just showing up.
To learn more about JazzYYC and Buckingjam Palace’s event schedules, visit jazzyyyc.com and buckingjampalace.com.
Timothonius, contemporary explorations from Kate Wyatt and André Wickenheiser, pop-infused jazz from Worst Pop Band Ever, and even electronic elements from David Lavoie and Colin Adhikary.
For the program and tickets, visit jazzyyc. com. And if you are a newcomer to jazz, check out the JazzWalk — a series of free performances along the Music Mile. It’s a fun, relaxed way to explore jazz and discover what resonates with you.
TAWAZÛN – JAZZ CONCERT
For those seeking a more intimate, cultural experience, the Alliance Française presents
the Illyes Ferfera Quartet on November 15 at La Cité des Rocheuses. Saxophonist Illyes Ferfera, Franco-Algerian, draws on North African influences like Algerian Diwane and Moroccan Gnawa, blending them with American jazz improvisation, Latin grooves, and French musical nuance. All of this creates a remarkable chemistry that feels like a musical dialogue between cultures.
The band will perform original songs from their new album Tawazûn (“balance” in Arabic), which reflects the ensemble’s pursuit of harmony between tradition and innovation.
Find tickets at afcalgary.ca.
“WE JUST HAVE TO BE ADVOCATING SO THAT EVERYBODY’S VOICE IS HEARD AND REPRESENTED IN THE GENRE.”
BUCKINGJAM
PALACE
FOUNDER
JAZZ NEBULA – THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Jazz Nebula, part of the Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners, offers a different take on live jazz: educational, rotating, and intimate. On November 22, the group’s quartet — featuring Kim Szabo (piano and vocals) and John Reid (saxophone, flute, and clarinet) — performs hits from Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Gershwin, and other great American composers.
This concert is the first of six for Jazz Nebula’s 2025–26 season at Scarboro United Church, blending live performance with context and discussion to make jazz approachable. More info at calgarylifelonglearners.ca.
Andy Milne & Unison
André Wickenheiser Quartet Thimothonius Kate Wyatt Quartet Tawazûn Wakefield Brewster
LISA BUCK
PHOTO: MICHELE MATEUS
3-2-1 LET’S JAM
EVEN MORE SPOTS TO CATCH JAZZ IN COWTOWN
BY EVELINA PAK
Calgary’s cafés, bars, and community spaces keep jazz accessible. With most shows free or only an affordable cover, you don’t need much more than curiosity to join in.
“The exciting part is that jazz is largely improvised, so every time you play, something new happens,” said local jazz drummer Mark Alexander. “Calgary has places where we can do that.”
In some venues, anyone can step up, improvise, and become part of the music. For musicians, it’s a chance to practice and grow; for venues, it brings energy and community into their spaces. For audiences, it’s an ever-changing show. And for all, it’s a shared moment of creativity and joy.
“Jazz artists naturally bring their own backgrounds, cultures, and musical influences into their work, just like any other musician. That openness and diversity are what make jazz so relatable,” said JazzYYC’s Artistic Director Kodi Hutchinson. “And the experience of live jazz — its spontaneity, interaction, and emotional energy — is something truly special.”
Jazz is fluid: it slips easily into different spaces, adding depth and character wherever it lands. So grab a drink, find a seat, or jump in. Let’s jam!
KAWA ESPRESSO BAR
101 – 1333 8 St. S.W.
@kawaespressobar
Every Saturday, Kawa hosts a lively Jazz Jam that welcomes all ages and experience levels. From 3 to 6 p.m., the café buzzes with conversation. The space is cozy yet vibrant, surrounded by Polish posters, warm lighting, soups, and pastries. A band performance opens the session, then volunteers take turns joining in, creating something fleeting and magical: building music in real time.
GRAVITY CAFÉ
909 10 St. S.E.
@gravitycalgary | gravitycalgary.com
Wine, pastries, and a carefully curated aesthetic make this café one of Calgary’s coziest music spots. There’s always something playing at Gravity: a Sunday jam at 2 p.m. and occasional weekday shows around 6:30 to 7 p.m. “Great coffee deserves great music,” they say on the website. Having hosted more than 3,000 live performances, Gravity has even collected them into a Spotify playlist, Gravity Vibes, extending the experience beyond its Inglewood space. Nestled next to the Esker Gallery and surrounded by local restaurants, it’s perfect for an afternoon date or a slow weekend wander.
ALVIN’S JAZZ CLUB
176 Mahogany Centre S.E.
@alvinsjazzclub | alvinsjazzclub.com
A vibrant tribute to New York City’s classic jazz era with warm ambient lighting, a glowing dance floor, and a wide selection of food and cocktails.
Alvin’s hosts live jazz almost every night (Tuesday to Sunday), with a cover charge of between $5 and $10. Dedicated to supporting local talent, the club regularly invites independent musicians to give them a platform to perform.
CONGRESS COFFEE
#1A - 215 36 Ave. N.E.
@congresscoffeeyyc | congresscoffeeshop.com
Hidden in an industrial area, Congress Coffee surprises with its warmth. Inside, it’s a cozy, community-driven space that hosts free open mics and jam sessions every Wednesday, alongside drag shows, rock concerts, and themed nights. Its quirky posters and underground feel give it the charm of a beloved neighbourhood
hangout. Alongside the music, there’s a wide coffee menu, seasonal drinks, and simple comfort food like sandwiches, soups, and pastries.
HELIOPOLIS SOCIAL CAFÉ
817 1 St. S.W.
@heliopolissocialcafe | heliopolissocialcafe.ca
True to its name, Heliopolis brings people together through art, books, and music. With its soft lighting, candles, and stone accents, it feels both elegant and intimate. Their Friday jazz nights at 8 p.m. are a highlight, but the lineup often expands, with DJs, country acts, and social events fill out the calendar. The menu is just as varied as the program: coffee, tea, signature cocktails, and playful fusion dishes.
Top to bottom: Gravity Café, Heliopolis Social Café, Congress Coffee
PHOTO: JARED SYCH
PHOTO: HELIOPOLIS CAFÉ
PHOTO: AINSLEY CHRISTINE
“It’s one of the basic tenets of improv. It’s about being in the moment and accepting offers from the other people on the stage.”
ANDREW G. COOPER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF WINGING IT!
Improv 101
BY CATRINA BOWLES
Picture this: it’s elementary school. Your teacher marches you and your classmates in a single file into the gymnasium. It’s time for one of the more exciting assemblies of the year — the travelling semi-improvisational theatre troupe.
The play is about making friends, helping others, or maybe climate change. Your classmates get pulled out of the audience and have to do something silly in front of the whole school. One of two things happens when they sit down — they brag to their friends, or they cry.
If that’s your last memory of watching improv, you can’t be blamed if you’ve avoided it since. But you’re all grown up now, and Calgary has tons of quality improv that won’t leave you scarred for life.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step into the BLOX Arts Centre downtown for your Kinkonauts show, and the first thing you’ll hear is, “If you sit in the front row, you might not get called on.”
Even though the venue looks like your high school’s black box theatre, no one’s going to force you to do anything you don’t want to do.
“When people come to improv, we will ask
for a suggestion from them to start the show, or as the show goes on,” said Andy Stefanato, Kinkonauts’ executive artistic director. “That’s always based on what the audience is willing to give. We’re never going to bring anybody up unwillingly on stage.”
At the top of the show, the host comes out on stage and delivers a debrief on what to expect from the evening. They’ll let you know what the format is going to look like, whether that’s longform or short-form improv, and whether any improv games (like you may have done in high school drama class) are involved.
“We focus on what’s called ‘long-form improv.’ So it does tend to follow a little bit more of a
story throughout the entire show,” said Stefanato.
Unlike a show at the Jubilee or downtown at Werklund Centre, it’s difficult to predict how long a show is going to run, or when you’ll get an intermission for that much-needed bathroom break. Fortunately, you can trust the staff at the back of the room to cue performers on when to start wrapping up a scene. For most venues, plan for a night out that lasts an hour and a half to two hours.
The etiquette rules are less stringent than a standard play. “It’s a little bit different than a theatre performance where you’re expected to laugh a little bit, or react emotionally a bit,
Winging It!
PHOTO: MIKE TAN
CALGARY’S IMPROV SCENE IS WAY MORE FUN THAN YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLASS
PHOTO: FIFTH WALL MEDIA
but you don’t want to draw attention to it,” said Stefanato. “This is closer to a comedy vibe, where we want people to be laughing out loud if something moves them to do that, or respond emotionally if they feel that way. It’s a louder audience than some people might be expecting.”
Bring your big laughs and feel free to cringe audibly at a joke that may cross a line. When you hear something shocking for the first time, so do the performers. Your reaction may even influence the scene.
“Everything you see is so genuine because it’s coming from the moment and to an extent, the actor’s genuine responses to things,” said Stefanato. “A lot of the responses and reactions you see are very much coming from both the actor and the character.”
IT’S NOT KAYFABE
If you catch an improv show on a good night, it can feel like the actors are working from a script. The jokes are too funny, the story makes too much sense, and the actors’ chemistry is just too good.
“Sometimes people do still think it’s all planned,” said Dennis Cahill, artistic director and founding member of Loose Moose Theatre. “If the improvisation is really good, it can almost look scripted. And of course, when it goes horribly wrong, it really does look like it was improvised.”
WHAT’S ON
KINKONAUTS
Loose Moose has been in the improv game for 48 years, running kids programming and evening shows for adults, typically working with short-form scenes and theatresports — quick improv games where audiences rate the performance. With all that time on the stage, the Loose Moose embraces when things go sideways.
“Failure is part of the creative process, and it’s on full display,” said Cahill. “If you’re watching a car race and one of the cars crashes, they don’t turn the camera away. Because failure is interesting.”
It’s funny when things go wrong. The audience laughs, then the performers get back on track. But there’s a fine line between things going wrong in a funny way and the audience suffering second-hand embarrassment on par with watching the UK version of The Office. Loose Moose works with their actors to ensure no audience member experiences that feeling.
“Fear is the thing that we’re constantly working against,” said Cahill. “Most people do not like being stared at, and part of that is because there’s a fear of failure … But if you can remove the fear from the performer, then they’re able to perform much better. An improviser without fear is a wonderful thing.”
MY SHOW IS ON
New kid on the improv block, Winging It!, entered the scene earlier this year, helmed by Andrew G.
The Kinkonauts season runs until May 2026, with a short break over the holidays, so there’s plenty of time to laugh. This November, catch the tail end of Kinkonauts’ Halloween-themed show series Last Laugh, an improvised slasher where performers try to unmask a killer.
The holiday series Actually, I Love You kicks off on November 28. It’s a cozy romance perfect for folks who love to curl up for Hallmark movie marathons.
Check out kinkonauts.com for more details and tickets.
LOOSE MOOSE
Every Saturday evening at Loose Moose is the Secret Improv Show, packed with short-form improv and theatresports, which Loose Moose does best.
If you’ve got kids in your life you’d like to take to a show, Loose
“[The show is] always based on what the audience is willing to give. We’re never going to bring anybody up unwillingly on stage.”
ANDY STEFANATO, KINKONAUTS’ EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Cooper, artistic director and the show’s “game master.”
“The basic concept of the show is that it’s a fantasy adventure group where heroes go off on a quest … as they’re navigating through the
Moose is also running The 3 Mooseketeers from November 1 to 23. If a kid-friendly improv doesn’t sound like your alley, Cahill assures, “We have lots of adults that seem to be just as excited by coming to the theatre as their kids.”
Grab tickets over at loosemoose.com.
WINGING IT!
You’ll have the chance to catch a couple of Winging It! shows this month, on November 15 and 29. See the ongoing adventures of Marius Brightheart the paladin, Peach Tea the magical girl, and secretly-super-buff old lady Belinda Boggs. Even if you’ve never played a game of D&D before, all you need to love this show is an appreciation for laughter and the fantastical.
Pick up your tickets at wingingit.ca, and head to @wingingitshow on Instagram if you want to influence the story you see before you go.
world, they do some silly scenes and play some silly games,” said Cooper.
As the host of the show, Cooper guides the actors through an adventure with improv prompts and games. It combines the long-form style of Kinkonauts with the staple short-form and theatre games of Loose Moose. A few games also involve bringing volunteers on stage.
Interaction with the audience is a big part of Winging It! Even fans can influence the next part of the heroes’ adventures by voting on social media.
“It’s like episode television,” said Cooper. “If someone comes to just one, they will get a full beginning, middle and end… If people come to more than one show, they’re rewarded by seeing a larger story in a larger world.”
Winging It! ’s gamified aspects set it apart from other improv shows in the city. When an actor wants to do something in the story, Cooper deems a challenge: they roll an enormous black-and-red 20-sided dice and improvise the outcome based on the result. To add another wrinkle, audience members can purchase reroll tokens from the concessions booth and use them after any roll, helping or hindering the heroes for a triumphant result.
“It’s one of the basic tenets of improv. It’s about being in the moment and accepting offers from the other people on the stage,” said Cooper. “This dice helps the improvisers stay on their toes.”
Winging It!
The Kinkonauts
PHOTO: MIKE TAN
PHOTO: KELSEY SCHOEN
PHOTO: KELSEY SCHOEN
MOVIES GALORE
CALGARY JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Calgary Justice Film Festival (CJFF) takes place from November 6 to 8 at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony featuring a welcome by Elders, traditional dancers, singers, and drummers, along with greetings from representatives of the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta. CJFF focuses on documentaries that explore meaningful social issues, aiming to inspire positive change and encourage audience engagement with global challenges.
For a film to be screened at this festival, it must align with one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development goals, tackling topics such as income and gender inequality, access to healthcare, and climate change. Following the screenings, audience members can engage with the filmmakers and experts on the subject matter, fostering conversation and a deeper understanding of the issues.
Standout films include Following Harry, directed by Susanne Rostock, which traces American singer and
ROUND OUT 2025 WITH FILM FESTIVALS AROUND (AND JUST OUTSIDE OF) TOWN BY JOSEPH MASTEL
BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL
The 50th anniversary of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival takes place from November 1 to 9 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The program features guest speakers and films from around the world, stories of adventure and exploration, the Festival Marketplace, and the highly anticipated 50th-anniversary edition of the Fire and Ice Symposium.
With over 80 films to choose from, The Finisher: Jasmin Paris and The Barkley Marathons is a must-watch. It chronicles Jasmin Paris’ remarkable achievement at the 2024 Barkley Marathons, where she became the first woman to complete the gruelling race in its 38-year history, telling a powerful story of
actor Harry Belafonte’s years of activism and his lasting impact on civil liberties. Taking an in-depth look at the life of a figure like Belafonte will undoubtedly be a compelling watch.
Another notable film (if you missed its screening at CIFF) is The Pitch by Michèle Hozer, following Diana Matheson as she works to create Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. This one is an inspiring story of breaking barriers and motivating future generations.
In addition to films, festival-goers can attend The Peace Market, a pop-up community of non-governmental and volunteer organizations alongside local vendors. The market offers food, crafts, and information about social initiatives. Enjoy delicious treats, purchase gifts, or meet others who share a passion for social issues. The market is open to the public as well.
As a volunteer-run, non-profit festival, CJFF is free to attend, though donations of non-perishable food items for the Calgary Food Bank are encouraged. More information at justicefilmfestival.ca.
determination and resilience.
The Fire and Ice Symposium: Stories We Tell, held on November 4 and 5, explores the role of storytelling in fostering positive change amid environmental challenges, such as melting ice and wildfires. The two-day event features thought-provoking presentations from leading speakers, including renowned environmental photographer and filmmaker James Balog.
Whether you’re drawn to groundbreaking expeditions or extraordinary stories told by filmmakers, authors, and adventurers, the festival offers something for every explorer at heart. For more information and tickets, visit banffcentre.ca.
Pitch
The
The Finisher
CUFF.DOCS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
The 13th CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival will run from November 19 to 23 at the Globe Cinema, hosted by the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF). CUFF. Docs is dedicated to showcasing the best non-fiction films that spark thought-provoking dialogue, challenge beliefs, and enrich viewers’ perspectives.
“We try to show more transgressive, original, and cutting-edge cinema, and luckily, there is a lot of that in the documentary realm,” said CUFF Lead Programmer Cam Macgowan.
He emphasizes that CUFF does not program with a political agenda in mind; instead, they select films with intriguing subject matter, unique perspectives, or experimental approaches. “We are united in our quest to show original cutting-edge cinema that you might not get the chance to see anywhere else.”
from the headlines type subject matter, which leads to some great discussions in the lobby following the film as people’s heads are just being filled with new ideas,” said Macgowan. The festival also hosts many guest filmmakers, giving audiences a chance to learn more about the documentaries directly from their creators.
With a vast selection of films to see this
physical health, and ethical responsibility. Macgowan describes the film as a scripted Wes Anderson movie. “[It’s] amazingly shot, absolutely beautiful, and has emotional arcs through each of the characters, yet is completely real and filmed at a teen summer camp.”
“WE ARE UNITED IN OUR QUEST TO SHOW ORIGINAL CUTTING-EDGE CINEMA THAT YOU MIGHT NOT GET THE CHANCE TO SEE ANYWHERE ELSE.”
CUFF LEAD PROGRAMMER CAM
MACGOWAN
Unlike the Calgary Underground Film Festival earlier in the year, CUFF.Docs focuses exclusively on documentaries. “When we narrow it down to only documentaries, we get to have really groundbreaking, ripped
year, Macgowan is eager for this year’s festivities; however, a few stand out to him. One of them is Summer Camp, also titled Camp d’été, directed by Mateo Ybarra. This documentary follows the Scout Movement, an annual gathering of thousands of teenagers who live together in a makeshift village in Switzerland. At this 14-day camp, teenagers participate in activities that embody Scouting’s principles, like teamwork,
Another documentary Macgowan thinks should be on people’s radar is Tom Stern’s Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth And Nothing Butt, a film centring on the subversive noise punk legends. “It is an amazing doc actually made in the style of the music of the band. There is mixed media, archive footage, animation, modern interviews, and a lot of rock and roll going on.”
For documentary lovers, especially those interested in unconventional filmmaking and compelling subject matter, CUFF.Docs is not to be missed. And as a bonus, the CatVideoFest returns with an adorable compilation of the best cat videos from around the world!
Check out the full schedule and grab tickets at calgaryundergroundfilm.org.
MORE FILMS TO CATCH
THE GRAND THEATRE
There’s plenty to enjoy at The GRAND Theatre this November and December, with fun movies and entertaining events.
As part of their November Nights At The GRAND, Edward Scissorhands will be playing on November 2, a perfect watch for those still in the Halloween spirit. Meanwhile, on December 12, as part of their “A Grand Christmas” series, experience the beautifully heartwarming It’s A Wonderful Life on the big screen. Grab your tickets at thegrandyyc.ca.
GIRAF (FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT ANIMATION)
GIRAF returns for its 21st edition, celebrating the world of independent animation from Canada and around the world. Every year, GIRAF screens the most awe-inspiring, mesmerizing, and unique animated films. Ranging from feature-length films to short films, Q&As with filmmakers, and workshops, GIRAF is a must-see.
With the rave reviews online, the charmingly dreamy animation, stunning music, and a stacked voice cast (Sarah Sherman, Cole Escola, and Elsie Fisher, to name a few), Julian Glander’s Boys Go To Jupiter should be on your watchlist.
GIRAF runs from November 13 to 16 at the Globe Cinema. If you can’t attend in person, you can still enjoy the lineup online from November 17 to 23 at giraffest.ca.
NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland has many upcoming events scheduled for November and December, including workshops, activities, and films. One event you won’t want to miss is the screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on December 10 at the Burnwest Theatre, which is part of their Cult Classics and Crafts event. This timeless Christmas family comedy is sure to get you in the holiday spirit (and it’s a Scene editorial favourite: the shitter was, indeed, full). People are encouraged to bring crafting supplies and projects to the screening. Tickets are at theconfluence.ca.
Boys Go To Jupiter
Butthole Surfers: The Hole Truth And Nothing Butt
Summer Camp
MARKET SCENE
CRAFTY CALGARY
EXPERIENCE A MARKET FOR ALL YOUR SENSES, AS ART MARKET CRAFT SALE RETURNS
BY KRISTA SYLVESTER
The annual Art Market Craft Sale returns to the Calgary Telus Convention this November with more than 200 Canadian artisans ready to fill the large space with creativity, craftsmanship and a multitude of handmade products.
The true soul of the Art Market Craft Sale lies in its commitment to handmade work, offering Calgarians a chance to meet extremely talented makers and artists from across the country, says market director, producer and owner, Nichole Windblad.
Windblad is the second owner of this beloved family business; the market was passed down through her family when she took the reins in 2014.
“The market is 39 years old this year, started by my auntie Marlene Loney in 1986,” she said, which is why she is so passionate about the impact the market has on the community.
THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS
“We feature all-Canadian works of art and craft, with a high amount of hands-on manipulation in each piece. We have artisans all the way from Vancouver Island, the Yukon, to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland,” said Windblad.
“We pride ourselves on featuring artisans who work primarily by hand,” she continued. “It’s about less automation and more transformation — from design to creation, directly to the customer’s hands.”
Every piece showcased is created by artists who pour their skill, time, and stories into their craft. The diversity of categories is unparalleled.
“From fashion designers hand-painting oneof-a-kind garments to functional pottery, wooden sculptures, aromatherapy goods, and even smallbatch food and spirits, each artisan brings their own twist to tradition,” said Windblad.
“You might find a jeweller who moulds silver using impressions from forest leaves. So you’re not just wearing a design — you’re wearing a
This is the only show Art Market produces in the entire country with four days of live music, a date night, cocktail hour, around-the-clock live demonstrations, and giveaways, according to Windblad.
Date Night at Art Market takes over the first two nights, November 20 and 21. Visitors enjoy two-forone admission from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., complete
Throughout the four-day show, visitors can witness creativity unfold right before their eyes: pottery being shaped, leather being stitched, wood being carved, and metal being sculpted.
These live demonstrations turn the market into a living gallery, where every booth feels like a miniature studio.
“You’re not just seeing the finished product — you’re meeting the person behind it,” said Windblad. “When you buy something here, the maker can tell you where the leather came from, why they chose that glaze, or how they dyed the fabric. It’s a connection made tangible.”
Calgary ceramic sculptor Bob Acton enjoys participating in the Art Market Craft Sale. He finds it inspiring to stand alongside so many talented makers. The event challenges him to refine his craft and introduces his work to new audiences.
“Making art is deeply rewarding on a personal level, but for artists, it’s also important to make
with a chef-attended dinner station, a curated menu, and the debut of the show’s signature cocktail, The Artisan.
“We wanted to give people a reason to slow down, make a night of it and experience art in a more intimate, social way,” Windblad said.
And, of course, the timing couldn’t be better. With
the studio financially sustainable,” he said. “The Art Market Craft Show helps bridge that gap by connecting artists directly with the people who value and collect their work. High-quality markets like this one are essential for artistic, creative and financial growth, and for keeping our city’s creative community vibrant and thriving.”
Calgary glass artist and sculptor Ted Schneider echoes Acton’s sentiments that there is no other market quite like this one for makers.
“I think that the most important aspect of being at the Art Market is to be able to connect with your clients on an intimate level,” said Schneider.
“One-on-one conversations about the creative process of your work and being able to describe how the work came to be give great value to the prospective client.”
The Art Market Craft Sale runs from November 20 to 23 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary. Tickets and event details are available at artmarketcraftsale.com.
the holidays on the horizon, Art Market is the perfect place to find a handcrafted gift.
“When you think you have that hard-to-buy-for person, this is where you’ll find something truly unique. There’s something for everyone — every age, every budget. And if you can’t find exactly what you want, chances are someone will custom-make it for you.”
piece of British Columbia.”
Glass Act Studio
Bob Acton Ceramics
Art Market Craft Sale
Glass Act Studio
Upcoming craft markets
MILLARVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Ongoing since 1988, this market is your Christmas pre-game, just a short jaunt outside of town. And don’t miss the Kids Only Shoppe on Saturdays and Sundays, where all profits are distributed between Foothills schools to their hot lunch programs. November 6 to 9 and 13 to 16 | Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society | millarvilleracetrack.com
SPRUCE MEADOWS INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS MARKET
This market stands out for a few reasons: vendors are categorized by the products they sell, which makes the shopping experience much easier, and there are both indoor and outdoor shopping areas. Plus, there’s a “Festival of Flavours” at Congress Hall! November 14 to 16; 21 to 23; and 28 to 30 | Spruce Meadows | sprucemeadows.com
HOLIDAY INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKET
Crossroads Market hosts this yearly tradition, featuring more than 50 rotating local vendors offering handmade crafts, vintage clothing, antiques, and more. There’s also adult bevvies, artisan eats, live music, and vibes you can’t beat. November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 | Quonset at Crossroads Market | inglewoodnightmarket.myshopify.com
BOWNESS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Did you know that Bowness used to be its own town, before being annexed into Calgary in 1964? Those small-town vibes live on today, and this craft fair is a great way to introduce yourself to the Bownesian community (and see the main strip all nicely lit up). November 15 and 16 | Bowness Community Association | mybowness.com
LITTLE MODERN MARKET
Self-described as “a local market, bringing people together,” LMM was founded by Melissa Gaylard and is dedicated to keeping things small, local, and modern. November 22 | Red & White Club | littlemodernmarket.com
GLENBROOK HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET
Back by popular demand, the Glenbrook Holiday Makers Market is another Christmas warm-up for the entire family. Expect festive feels, handmade gifts for your cranky uncle, and so much more. November 22 | 3524 45 St. S.W.
GRANARY ROAD CHRISTMAS MARKET
This market rules because of the number of dates it runs. Forgot to get a head start on the gift shopping? No worries, the Granary Road is open well into December. Plus, there are alpacas. ‘Nuff said. November 22, 23, 29, and 30; December 6, 7, 13, and 14 | Granary Road | granaryroad.com
UNDER $100 ART SHOW
Prints, ceramics, jewelry; find it all and more for under a hundy at this aptly-named market. Promises made, promises kept! There’s also an Under $200 extension for those with slightly deeper pockets craving bigger art pieces. December 4 to 7 and 11 to 14 | Location TBA | www.under100artshow.com
MARKET COLLECTIVE
Hitting MC, browsing through wacky ceramics, and grabbing some intimidating-sounding hot sauce is a Calgary hipster holiday tradition, and this year promises to be no different. There’s just something about the vibe and the air in the hall that screams, “It’s snowing, let’s get cozy.” December 5 to 7 and 12 to 14 | BMO Centre Hall D | marketcollective.ca
WILD
ART SALON & SALE
ARTWORKS AND FINE CRAFT CREATED BY THE PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED PRACTICING INSTRUCTORS OF WILDFLOWER ARTS CENTRE 15th ANNUAL
SUNDAY DECEMBER 7TH 10-4 3363 SPRUCE DR. SW
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
PHOTO: CALIN CHARLES
MUSIC SCENE
SOUND THESE ALBUMS OFF
BY NATHAN ILES
These SoundOff artists released new records in 2025. Let’s delve deeper before you hear them live!
SoundOff Summit 2025 runs from November 13 to 15 at various venues across the city. Tickets are available at musiccalgary.ca.
Coming Full Circle
SHAD & HEMEN TOR-AGBIDYE REUNITE AT THIS YEAR’S SOUNDOFF SUMMIT
BY EVELINA PAK
Presented by Music Calgary, the SoundOff Summit is a three-day music conference and showcase festival that brings together emerging artists and music professionals from across Canada to share knowledge, build relationships, and celebrate the evolving spirit of Canadian music.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the keynote conversation between rapper Shad and Hemen Tor-Agbidye, festival manager for Sled Island.
This night will be a testament to growth and connection within our vibrant music community.
“Now, when you’re third world born, but first world formed, sometimes you feel pride, sometimes you feel torn.”
These lines from the song Fam Jam by Shad capture the tension of navigating multiple identities. Originally from Rwanda and born in Kenya, Shad is known for introspective lyrics that explore themes of identity, faith, and social justice.
“I was 17 when I heard that song for the first time,” says Tor-Agbidye. “Being Nigerian and having spent most of my life at that point in Canada and the US, those lines really
resonated with me as a young person trying to understand who he was and where he belonged.”
More than a decade later, the two will meet on stage at the SoundOff Summit. Since then, both of their careers have flourished. Shad is a JUNO Award winner, host of Hip Hop Evolution, and a touring artist. On top of his work with Sled Island, Tor-Agbidye is also a noted local hip hop artist known as The Blue, just dropped the album So Look At The Bright Side, and has shared the stage with SonReal, Dragonette, and Shad himself.
“All musicians definitely want to reach that point of being seen as a peer or being in the same spaces as the artists they grew up listening to,” says Tor-Agbidye.
The keynote conversation will center on craft, creativity, and culture. It will also dive into Shad’s early career, his new album, Start Anew, and his perspective on the Canadian music landscape.
“I always like to start by putting the industry aside and talking about why we create: what we love about it, what we want to make, who we’re trying to reach, and how we want to affect people,” says Shad.
A good rap, he believes, gets your attention,
has something to say, and says it in an interesting way.
He acknowledges both challenges and opportunities that emerging artists encounter today: “Now, [thanks to streaming], people have instant access to decades of music. It’s easier than ever to make and promote your work, but harder than ever to stand out.”
SoundOff Summit is mainly an opportunity for emerging and growing artists to learn from industry professionals. “I’m really passionate about speaking to younger artists,” says Shad. “Even though I started more than 20 years ago, I still remember that time vividly.”
Over his career, Shad has witnessed the constant evolution of Canadian music. “Right now, for example, because of the things happening in America, there’s a sense of pride and passion around Canadian music and our scene,” says Shad.
He encourages young artists to pay attention to what’s happening and make the most of it. “You’ve got to be flexible and open. Nothing in this industry stays the same for long.”
In Conversation with Shad will take place on November 14 at Contemporary Calgary.
YVES JARVIS: ALL CYLINDERS
RELEASED: 2/28/25
Calgary-to-Montreal transplant Yves Jarvis would be a hometown hero based solely on his work with Faux Fur. But his solo music (formerly under the name Un Blonde) has pushed the singer-songwriter to new psych-pop places. Case in point, All Cylinders is a shifting kaleidoscope of soul, funk, disco, and indie oddities that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Can you believe he recorded the whole dang thing himself and won the 2025 Polaris Music Prize?
STANDOUT TRACK: “One Gripe”
WHEN TO SEE HIM: November 13 at The Palomino
THE DUST COLLECTORS: COLD FEET
RELEASED: 6/27/25
On their sophomore release, The Dust Collectors feel more introspective. Across 10 tracks of prairie-tinged Americana, the band explores family life and the beauty of mundanity, brought to life by earnest lyrics and scored by pedal steel and fiddle. The resulting album is a lush tapestry of folk songwriting that feels distinctly Albertan in the best way. The group lit up Folk Fest back in July, so you don’t want to miss them at SoundOff.
STANDOUT TRACK: “Half the Time”
WHEN TO SEE THEM: November 14 at The Legion #1
PHOTO: OREIN FERDINANDUS
PHOTO: JUSTIN BROADBENT
Hemen Tor-Agbidye, aka The Blue Shad
STILL DEPTHS: LIKE HELL!
RELEASED: 7/18/25
Written and recorded over six months in a basement studio in Burnaby, Still Dephs describes Like Hell! as their “dance record.” It’s a mish-mash of hip hop, industrial noise, and outside pop that layers nicely with their well-defined noise-punk sound. The group pushed recording gear to the limit, constructed drum loops, and whipped up a storm of harsh electronic noise that remains relentlessly catchy. Three cheers for sweet chaos!
STANDOUT TRACK: “Smoking Dope in Hell”
WHEN TO SEE THEM: November 15 at BLOX Arts Centre
WAIT//LESS: IMPROVE YOUR IMAGE
LISTEN TO WAIT//LESS
RELEASED: 8/22/25
Born from the miasma of bands like Little Destroyer and infamous Calgary outfit The Quivers, WAIT//LESS’s debut tape finally assaulted our ears this year with nine tracks of thundering garage punk madness. The tape captures the chaotic energy of their live show, a fuzz-laden train that teeters between full crash-out and precision strike. Their SoundOff show — and this album — are not to be missed.
STANDOUT TRACK: “CIRCUS MUSIC”
WHEN TO SEE THEM: November 15 at BLOX Arts Centre
ORANJE: IN IRONS
RELEASED: 10/17/25
This rock trio started a genuine math rock wave in Calgary when they hit the scene in 2023. On their debut album, Oranje stretches their midwestern emo sound into different places, from loud ‘n proud post-punk anthems to stripped-down moments of post-rock beauty. They also worked with a ton of other local musicians on the tracks, like Sophia Truscott and K-Riz. A screenshot of Calgary’s 2025 music scene is captured here.
STANDOUT TRACK: “BWV”
WHEN TO SEE THEM: November 15 at BLOX Arts Centre
REBEL GRRRLZ: WE’RE GONNA EAT YOUR SOUL
RELEASED: 6/5/25
Born out of Girls Rock Camp (now known as BAM Camp), Rebel Grrrlz is proof positive that the kids will be alright in Calgary. Their debut EP is a five-song punk rock bloodbath that clocks in under 10 minutes, mining punk, hardcore, and riot grrrl sounds to pave the way for pure sonic annihilation. Don’t be old and lame: get on the ground floor with some of Calgary’s punk rock brightest.
STANDOUT TRACK: “Vegan Hotdog”
WHEN TO SEE THEM: November 15 at BLOX Arts Centre
Indigenous trailblazers.
Honouring the late jazz great on his 100th birthday.
Celebrating the international pop-punk icons.
Tribute to inductees Dan Hill, Glass Tiger, Ginette Reno & Loreena McKennitt.
How We Create: Money
THE ARTISTIC RELATIONSHIP TO CASH IS A COMPLICATED ONE
BY KENNA BURIMA
Talking about money with artists is a delicate thing. Our art is tied to our worth, and we rarely seem to have a realistic idea of the cost. Many of us have tried to “live solely for the art,” but this approach rarely makes a living. Like the rest of the world, artists are required to pay bills, pay taxes, and put food on the table. And yet those who do the work are generally the last and least to get paid.
ABSTRACTION OF VALUE
Though we do it for love and are applauded for it with praise and exposure, these things do not, in fact, pay the bills. As a songwriter, I am faced with a crushing streaming structure that dishes out between $0.003 and $0.013 per song. This means my main creative output does not actually make me any money. Certainly, like many artists, I have faced what the market seems to be telling me: no one wants to listen to my music. It is a
hard truth to face, yet acknowledging that artistic compensation has been lopsided since the times of medieval patronage helps one understand the system. Baked-in music industry payola and platforms creating AI artists to circumvent royalties are just new, normalized aspects of this lopsided system.
My way through has been value abstraction. I make a living doing everything else around my music. This bit of mental gymnastics allows me to continue believing in the inherent value of my music without requiring others to validate it. I discovered that by teaching, performing, collaborating, engaging in arts administration, and writing, I extracted value and nurtured the skills and abilities to support myself and my family.
Jessica Erlendson is a musician, songwriter, and yoga teacher who empowers her students to live musically fulfilling lives. It hasn’t always been the case, but by figuring out her worth, she has changed. Erlendson continues to thrive decades into her music career.
“When I was a young artist, there was this
“WHEN I WAS A YOUNG ARTIST, THERE WAS THIS MENTALITY THAT ART MEANT SACRIFICE AND GOING WITHOUT SECURITY OR MONEY WAS THE COST OF ARTISTIC INTEGRITY. I DECIDED THAT WAS GARBAGE.”
mentality that art meant sacrifice and going without security or money was the cost of artistic integrity,” said Erlendson. “I decided that was garbage. It doesn’t matter what I might be doing to earn a living, I am always an artist, and I wanted security and integrity.”
COMPENSATING CONNECTION
Mike Tan is a theatre artist and photographer wellversed in walking the line between community and compensation. In addition to gracing multiple Calgary stages, including Ghost River Theatre, Vertigo Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, and Theatre Calgary, Tan also works as a documentary photographer. In fact, Tan’s photography frequently graces the pages of this very magazine. Through both performing and documenting, Tan has honed the ability to balance his schedule, allowing for both connection and compensation.
“I used to often take on work that was simply interesting to me and that would provide me with some creative satisfaction, but would pay little or nothing,” said Tan. “The trade-off was connection building, opportunity to hone skill, and honestly, praise … a bit of appreciation was deeply gratifying.”
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a jampacked Google calendar, but I do know many who are struggling to make ends meet. Being busy doesn’t equal compensation for anyone, but particularly for artists. I believe this stems from how our work (not worth) is valued, and Tan agrees.
“I quickly discovered the way I was going about things didn’t really make ends meet,” said Tan. “My self-worth was, and still is, tangled with how busy I was, even though I was struggling to pay the bills. The less I was booked and working, the less I thought of myself and my ability.”
Balancing compensation and time requires a bit of finessing, but the understanding led to a reevaluation of how Tan considered his time.
“I eventually came to realize I could charge more,” said Tan. “I raised my rates gradually over the years, and those who hired me had a stronger appreciation for my work. I realized those who were looking for a lower cost were exploiting the systems of ‘exposure’ and understood the desire for ‘praise’ or superficial support that someone like me gravitates towards.”
KNOWING YOUR WORTH
I have sat in enough board rooms and workshops as of late, listening to exciting conversations swirl around new buildings, but rarely around a living wage. It’s tricky to parse the complexities of a system that seems to support the arts but not necessarily the artists. And yet, these realizations compelled me to define my worth as an artist by what I did in service to my art, focusing on connection with my community first and allowing my art to flow from there. It’s going to be different for every artist. If there’s anything artists are good at, it’s doing it our own way.
JESSICA ERLENDSON
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
PHOTO: LAURIE MACBROWN
The imposing venue at the back of Macleod Village has been important to the Calgary music scene for many years, though not always in the same form. The space was formerly home to The Back Alley nightclub from 1991 onward. From 2013 to 2019, the location was known as the Marquee Beer Market and Stage, a more concert-oriented venue.
The Back Alley reopened with a vengeance in early 2020, only to be temporarily shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic. It ultimately closed its doors for good this past spring.
As of October, the space has a new lease on both the building and on life as The Arrowhead. “It’s just time for a change,” said events and concerts director Jamal Ali just before opening night. “The nightlife is just not like how it used to be, once upon a time in Canada. Special events and concerts just seem to be the trend and the way things are going, and that’s where the concept of The Arrowhead came from. The room is going to specialize in special events, concerts, corporate events, corporate parties, weddings … everything and anything event-oriented.”
The Arrowhead will book and promote its own shows, in addition to working with outside promoters and event planners. Future bookings include hard rock bands, rappers, EDM acts, DJs, comedians and burlesque shows. “This is no longer a traditional nightclub,” said Ali. The Arrowhead is meant to be more of a general event space that can be a nightclub one night and a wedding hall or a theatre the next.
Canadian rock legends Harlequin performed one of the first shows at the venue on October 10, with opening act TORONTO The Legacy, a tribute to the band Toronto featuring former drummer Barry Connors.
Upon entering, attendees are greeted by clean, minimal decor, high ceilings, and plenty of elbow room, even with a packed crowd. The main area has been updated with a brand-new sound system, an LED lighting array and a large video screen behind the stage. A movable set of walls can change the room’s size to suit the needs of a particular event. All in all, it’s a versatile room,
The Arrowhead
CALGARY’S NEWEST VENUE BRINGS FRESH LIFE TO A FAMILIAR SPACE
and the vibes are very welcoming.
BY REID BLAKLEY
The stage itself is spacious and raised a few feet off the dance floor, with the venue arranged so that there are sightlines aplenty. Performers can be clearly seen from almost anywhere in the room, even by the vertically challenged among us. While it’s mostly standing-room, there’s plenty of seating at the bars as well as restaurant-style booths and tables available for reservation.
The bar offers a selection of reasonably priced bottled and canned drinks and cocktails, and the food menu is a bit more elevated than typical pub grub. Some menu standouts include the chicken spring rolls, which are satisfying without being too hearty, and the grilled cheese sandwich made to order with a refreshingly sweet bacon jam.
When bands play, the sound is clear as a bell: each instrument can be heard distinctly, with none of the sonic muddiness, excessive reverb, or bass one sometimes expects in a cavernous
nightclub where DJs are the primary focus and rock bands are an afterthought. For the first rock concert to actually take place at The Arrowhead, the crew was in fine form, with the changeover between the first and second acts happening quickly and smoothly.
While there’s no particular genre focus when it comes to The Arrowhead’s own events, atten-
QUICK FACTS
Address: 4630 Macleod Tr. S
Hours: Depends on the event.
Capacity: Up to 800
Food and drink: No beer on tap, but a selection of canned and bottled drinks are available in addition to cocktails.
tion is being paid to Canadian acts. On the docket for November is a performance by ‘80s CanRock hitmaker Lee Aaron with support from the Killer Dwarfs. “We can never forget about our Canadian classic rock,” said Ali. “I mean, they’ve done so much for the Canadian music scene back in the ‘80s and ‘90s … So you’re gonna see a lot of Canadian stuff come through our stage.” And it’s not just the touring acts who will light up Arrowhead’s stage.
“You’re also gonna see a lot of local stuff,” said Ali. “It’s important for us to support the local community … It is a Calgary venue, made by Calgary, for Calgary.”
Whether you’re a rock fan looking for a night out in a big space or an EDM-head hungry for a rave, The Arrowhead just might be the newest place to be.
Check out their events calendar at thearrowheadcalgary.com.
Food is a modern, fusion-y twist on traditional pub grub and appetizers. Atmosphere: Classy, but straightforward.
Getting there: The venue has a large parking lot and is a 10-15 minute walk from the 39th Avenue CTrain station.
PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTO: DYLAN SCARBOROUGH
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Kick-start your holiday season with the beloved comedy classic featuring the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performing the score live-to-film!
