SCENE SEPT 2025

ARTS SEASON

THE WORLD IS YOURS TO CREATE

23 FILM SCENE

The Calgary International Film Festival has something for everyone, and The Scene has all the tips and recommendations you need.

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.

10 ARTS SCENE

Leaves are falling, and the performing arts are back in season. 4 ACT 1, SCENE 1

What to do, see, and hear this month across the city. 8 Q&A

Levin Ifko’s work spans photography, textiles, sculpture, installation, writing, and sound.

There’s no tuition needed to immerse yourself in art events on campuses around Calgary.

18 FEATURE

Hometown hero Lizzy Munson returns to Calgary with Cirque du Soleil.

30 THEATRE SCENE

Louis B. Hobson has been a crucial part of Calgary’s theatre community for five decades.

Cover Photo: Cirque du Soleil performers in Calgary by David Kotsibie

Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca

Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca

Editorial Intern Catrina Bowles, cbowles@redpointmedia.ca

Founding Editor Mike Bell

Designer Kris Twyman

Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich

CONTRIBUTORS

Evelina Pak, Cam Hayden, Iaman Nawaz, John Mawdsley, Krista Sylvester, Caleigh Crow, Mary-Lynn Wardle

Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur

Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt

Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten

Administrative and HR Manager Tara Brand

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

32 MUSIC SCENE

and co-owner Roger Jewett President and co-owner Käthe Lemon Design Director Steve Collins 5 1 12 9 1 7 6

After 15 years of laying low, Mike Stack is back with his third solo album.

34 CREATIVE SCENE

Whether empowered by your past or by your community, you never walk alone.

36 VENUE

Parkdale United Church is opening its doors to the music community.

38 Cam Hayden

PHOTO: MICHAEL GRONDIN

What to do in September

BY CATRINA BOWLES

CLASSICAL MUSIC, SPOOKY ADVENTURES, FEISTY FELINES, AND MORE

STARDEW VALLEY: SYMPHONY OF SEASONS

Pause your virtual farming grind and take it into the real world with the Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons concert at the Jubilee Auditorium on September 5. Curated by game creator ConcernedApe himself, a 35-piece orchestra performs this touring concert, bringing the music that makes this game oh-so cozy into a stunning live performance. Hear the tunes that play throughout Pelican Town, down in the Skull Cavern, and on the far reaches of Ginger Island, and start the fall feeling like you do in the game: relaxed, and ready to prepare an intricate schedule that optimizes the hours of 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours at stardewvalleyconcert.com before they’re gone.

HONENS PIANO FESTIVAL

Before exceptional pianists from around the world take to the stage to battle for the title of the “complete artist” (and $100,000!), Honens offers Calgarians an affordable taste of piano excellence with the two-day Honens Piano Festival, running September 5 to 7. On September 5, head over to Chinook Mall for Piano Project YYC, where the students from Honens’ Keys for Newcomers program show off their exceptional talents in a free show. On September 6, catch the Classical Adaptations series at the National Music Centre, where you’ll hear familiar tunes at a sensory-friendly performance for only $5. Plus, admission also gets you into the NMC museum. Go to honens.com for tickets.

THE CONFLUENCE AFTER HOURS: TRUE CRIME AT “TWILIGHT” TOUR

What’s scarier than a grisly true crime case? One that took place right on your doorstep. On September 5 and 12, enter The Confluence after hours, embark on a walking tour of historic Fort Calgary and learn the stories of the executions, murders, and goings-on at the prison. Take a look at the grim reality of Calgary’s history, without the usual rose-tinted glasses. Tickets for the one hour tour are $20, which runs twice on both evenings, from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Trek over to theconfluence.ca for tickets and more information.

INDIA FILM FESTIVAL OF ALBERTA

Catch over 12 movies from all across India, with a special highlight on the eight states of northeast India, from September 12 to 14 at the India Film Festival of Alberta. This 11-year-old fest travels all over Alberta, and its Calgary leg takes place at the Globe Cinema. Craving a longing-filled historical drama? Check out Phule. If murder-revenge thrillers are more up your alley, Kadaknath will scratch that itch. And don’t worry if you don’t speak the language – there are subtitles, of course. Head over to 2025.indiafilmfestival.ca for the full festival schedule and to grab your tickets.

DANDYFEST

What was once just an excuse to sample the best beers that Canada has to offer is now an

all-day party in the sun. DandyFest returns on September 13, and while you’ll still be sipping on some fine brews from across the country, the party which runs from noon to 10 p.m. also includes a lineup of killer musical artists performing across two stages, and unique local art on display. Check out acts like Chris Cohen, No Joy, and Carter Felker for the ticket price of $81.21, or grab a student ticket for $54.58 – just make sure you can prove it at the door. Check out thedandybrewingcompany.com for tickets.

CALGARY CAT FESTIVAL

A feline lover’s dream is coming to Contemporary Calgary on September 13 and 14 – Calgary Cat Fest! Explore a marketplace full of vendors selling all kinds of goodies for your feline friends,

plus all the gear you need to show off how much you love your fluffy roommates. The vendors are small business owners and local rescues and shelters, so you know your money is going to a good cause. Feeling competitive? Enter yourself and one friend into the Ravensburger Puzzle Tournament and compete to be the fastest to complete your puzzle. Tickets are $10 for general admission, or $35 if you want to compete in the puzzle contest. Kids get in free! Check out the full lineup of events at calgarycatfest.com.

FALL HARVEST SALE

If the produce prices at the grocery stores these days are making you squirm, look no further than the Fall Harvest Sale at the BMO Centre on September 13 and 14. This event from the Calgary

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER DICKINSON

Confluence After Dark

PHOTO: SHANE REMPEL

DandyFest

Produce Marketing Association brings the fruits (and vegetables) of farmers’ efforts to Calgarians at a deeply discounted price. It costs $8 for a single day, or $14 for the whole weekend, with free admission after 12 p.m. on Sunday. What’s available at the sale varies, since it’s based on the growing conditions this year, but what isn’t up to chance is where your money goes. The proceeds from the sale are redistributed to local charities, including the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary. Hit eventbrite.ca and grab your tickets.

RICK MERCER’S STAND-UP FOR CANADA COMEDY TOUR

Whether your Tuesday nights were defined by the Rick Mercer Report or you know the name through clips of 22 Minutes on TikTok, there are few Canadians who haven’t heard of Rick Mercer. Catch the Calgary leg of his “Stand-up for Canada” comedy tour at the Jube on September 14 at 7 p.m.. Mercer takes to the stage alongside Juno Award-winning Sophie Buddle, Juno-nom-

inated Mayce Galoni, and writer/producer Julie Kim. Canadians are feeling some real political angst these days, and Mercer is ready to bring the hysterical catharsis we deserve. Head over to jubileeauditorium.com for more information.

WORDFEST PRESENTS: BOB JOSEPH

Author Bob Joseph returns to Wordfest on September 24 after his 2019 Imaginarium appearance for his book, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. This year, he’s talking about his brand-new companion book, 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act, which comes out September 2. This event trades Wordfest’s usual venue of Memorial Library for the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall in Central Library. Joseph’s presentation is followed by a short interview, then an audience Q&A. Grab the book beforehand and prep your questions, or pick it up right then and there and get it signed. Get your tickets at wordfest.com for $27.46 after fees.

LOCKED LIBRARY: GHOST STORIES

Put on your detective hat and bring out the magnifying glass, because on September 26, it’s time to solve a mystery over at Central Library. This family-friendly escape room turns all four floors of the library into a ghostthemed whodunnit. Expect all the spooky vibes but none of the actual scares, so little

ones enjoy the fun, too. Tickets are $40, and raise funds for the library’s programming and public initiatives. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the fun starting at 7:30 and running for about two hours. Who says Halloween can’t start in September? Grab your tickets over at libraryfoundation.ca. Each participant requires their own ticket. Teams of 2 to 4 are recommended for the best experience.

Trivia (General Kniwledge) 7:00pm @ Citizen Brewing Cimpany

Simpsins Trivia 7:00pm @ Dickens

Pillars Trivia (General Kniwledge) 6:30pm @ Twi Pillars Brewery

Trivia (General Kniwledge) 7:00pm @ Citizen Brewing Cimpany

Locked Library

PHOTO: PAULA BITNER

Onstage in September

BY NATHAN ILES

THRASH TO NU-METAL, SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER AT EDM FESTIVALS, AND SO MUCH MORE

L.A WITCH W/ WAIT//LESS AND BRIDGELAND

If you missed L.A. Witch at Sled Island a few years ago, now’s your chance to make up for lost time. Their boozy garage rock is irresistible, as is the pummelling punk and droning krautrock of the openers. September 6, 8 p.m. at the Palomino, 109 7 Ave. S.W., thepalomino.ca.

CHRISSY SPRAT + CHIKÉ

Nigeria’s Chiké and Ottawa’s Chrissy Sprat (who released an EP on August 22) are bringing afrobeat and dancehall sounds together for a night of genre-bending good times. September7, 5 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca.

D.O.A W/ NO BRAINER AND TOXIC FEM

For over 25 years, D.O.A — led by Joey “Shithead” Keithley — have carved a uniquely Canadian place for themselves in punk rock history. This is not one to be missed. September 12, 8 p.m at the Palomino, 109 7 Ave. S.W., thepalomino.ca.

SUMMER BRUISES W/ VICTRIX AND THE EMBLEMATICS

Riding the high of their spacey single “Gut Rot” released last month, indie rockers Summer Bruises are dropping their new album Out of Body with one hell of an all-ages party to celebrate. September 13, 6 p.m. at BLOX Arts Centre, 834 11 Ave. S.W., bloxartscentre.ca.

ZEN GARDEN

If EDM is more your vibe, head to Waterfront Park and catch DJs like Justin Martin and Joanna Magik across three garden dance floors. And don’t miss the afters at Rooftop! September 13 at Waterfront Park, 5225 101 St. N.W., zengardenfestival.com.

DWARVES W/ JULIUS SUMNER MILLER AND TIPLESS

It’s wild that these infamous shock-rockers are playing an all-ages show, but it’s nonetheless awesome. Get tickets soon; they’re going quick! September 14, 9 p.m. at BLOX Arts Centre, 834 11 Ave. S.W., bloxartscentre.ca.

MARK BATTLES

This Indianapolis hip-hop fiend has amassed over 50 million streams on Spotify and YouTube Music, and his live energy is set to tear up Commonwealth’s dance floor. September 19, 7 p.m. at Commonwealth, 731 10 Ave. S.W., commonwealthbar.ca.

THE MUSIC OF STING + THE POLICE

Calgary Phil is teaming up with Jeans ‘n Classics to bring the wide-ranging rock of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland to Calgarian

ears. September 19 and 20 at the Jack Singer, 205 8 Ave. S.E., calgaryphil.com.

HIGH ON FIRE W/ CHARGER AND BASTARDANE

With frontman Matt Pike (Sleep) shredding on guitar, High On Fire’s brand of crushing stoner metal is perfect for the Dickens stage. September 20, 6:30 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com.

WARREN ZEIDERS W/ DYLAN MARLOWE

The “Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal” tour makes

landfall in Calgary this September, with Zeiders’ pop-tinged take on country music front and centre. September 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., scotiabanksaddledome.com.

DAN MANGAN W/ BELLS LARSEN

With two JUNO Awards and three Polaris Music Prize nominations under his belt, indie troubadour Dan Mangan is bona fide CanCon royalty. September 25, 7 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, 424 Collegiate Blvd. N.W., machallconcerts.com.

THE BLUE W/ KUE VARO & THE ONLY HOPES, HIP HIP THURSDAY, AND (UN)DECIDED

Hemen Tor-Agbidye channels introspective lyricism into his hip-hop project The Blue, evident in the title of his brand new album, So Look At The Bright Side. Let’s send him off on tour in style! September 26, 8 p.m. at #1 Royal Canadian Legion, 116 7 Ave. S.E., linktr.ee/thebluexo.

BLASTERJAXX W/ TITUS1, JON POWERS, AND VONTY

Dutch DJ/producer two-piece Blasterjaxx are making a rare stop in Calgary, and the hips on Stephen Avenue will all be shaking to their electro-house grooves. September 27, 9 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca.

KORN W/ GOJIRA AND LOATHE

Nu-metal is having a real moment right now, and this is your chance to pay respect to some of the dreadlocked godfathers of the genre. September 28, 6:30 p.m. at the Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., scotiabanksaddledome.com.

CLAUDIO SIMONETTI’S GOBLIN

Get Halloween going early this year with this once-in-a-lifetime show. Calgary Underground Film Festival presents Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin performing the score to Dario Argento’s SUSPIRIA (1977) alongside a screening of the film, followed by a 45-minute performance. October 8 and 9, 8 p.m. at Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., calgaryundergroundfilm.org.

D.O.A.

Zen Garden

Blasterjaxx

PHOTO: BOB HANHAM

PHOTO: BRITT ROSE

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TENDING THE FLAME

LEVIN IFKO ON COMMUNITY AND CARE

BY EVELINA PAK

Aqueer and trans interdisciplinary artist based in Calgary, Levin Ifko’s work spans photography, textiles, sculpture, installation, writing, and sound.

Drawing on themes of queer memory, mental health, and longing, Ifko approaches art as a form of care, connection, and community support. He has exhibited across Alberta at The New Gallery, Stride Gallery, and the Mitchell Art Gallery. Last year, he held his first solo show, Tender to the Flame, at the Esker Foundation.

A FORM OF ACTIVISM

“I got into art fairly young. I always remember being interested in making things. My parents used to take me to museums and galleries, so I’m sure that influenced me at some point.

“In high school, I was involved in volunteering [for the] Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs. That’s probably where my ‘professional’ work as an artist began. I saw art as a form of activism and as a way to make life easier and more fun for me and my friends.”

MARKERS OF TIME

“I think a lot of artists, especially visual, have a deep love for objects. Objects can be sentimental, cultural, symbolic. They’re portals to memory, to identity. Growing up, I always had this connection to things, [like] the way a fabric feels, or how something fits perfectly in your hand, certain colours and shapes.

“When I was collecting transit tickets, it came out of a few things. First, I take transit, so I would constantly see these little slips folded, stepped on, [and] tossed. Transfers especially caught my eye because they’re meant to be used once and thrown away. But to me, they’re markers of time; they commemorate a moment, a memory, an experience.”

WORKING WITH OCD

“When I start working on a project I’m excited about, I often enter a flow state. That’s when my

“ART CAN BE AN EXERCISE IN SELF-REFLECTION: ‘WHAT IDEAS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME AND WHY?’

‘HOW CAN I WORK THROUGH AN EXPERIENCE THAT I HAD?’ ”

LEVIN IFKO

OCD and anxiety quiet down. Art has helped me navigate those things.

“OCD also makes me very detail-oriented, which is great, until it’s too much. I’ve learned that when those intense feelings come up, it’s better to pause and step away until I feel excited again.

“Overthinking can kill the energy of a piece. So I try to work in short bursts — sometimes

just a few minutes — and come back when I am ready.”

A WAY IN

“I’ve always made art to express myself and connect with others. There’ve been times in my life when it was hard to connect through words, but art always felt like a way to convey something meaningful to me.

“Art can be an exercise in self-reflection: ‘What ideas are important to me and why?’ ‘ How can I work through an experience that I had?’”

“The arts as a whole have a special ability to bring up feelings and emotions that others have felt otherwise, which is just a way of saying that it makes us feel less alone.”

TENDER TO THE FLAME

“That show came together quickly. Shauna Thompson, a curator at the Esker Foundation, invited me in. The whole staff was so lovely to work with. My mom, who’s a seamstress, gave me advice on working with the fabrics and materials I was using.

“Emotionally, I was thinking about the provincial government’s moves against trans rights: how they’re often framed as protecting people, protecting children. But coming out as a trans youth myself at 15, I’ve never felt protected by the system. My friends helped me navigate healthcare, school, gender-affirming care, everything.

“Tender to the Flame is about that: how the trans and queer community cares for each other. It’s about relationships, about feeling seen and understood. ‘Tending the flame’ means keeping each other alive: preserving a sense of energy and spirit.”

LOVE AT THE CORE

“I hope my work resonates on an energetic or subconscious level. Even if someone doesn’t personally connect to the themes, art has a way of reaching people through texture, sound, and imagery. The feel of fabric, certain sounds, smells, or materials can evoke memories.

“Even though I create with trans people in mind, at its core, my work is about connection — about learning how to love. That means taking care, encouraging, and advocating for one another.”

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

To see more of Levin Ifko’s work, visit levinifko.com or follow them on Instagram @levinifko.

PHOTO: BLAKE MCLEOD

This Fall at AUArts

What's on?

Experience art, craft and design in your community with Alberta University of the Arts’ public events, exhibitions, and Personal Interest art classes.

Illingworth Kerr Gallery: Faces and Places Exhibition Free Entry

Sept 19 – Nov 22 | Tues, Wed, Fri: 11-6, Thurs: 11-7, Sat: 12-4 | Opening Reception: Sept 18, 5PM to 8PM

Discover the people, stories and moments that have shaped Calgary’s creative identity. Spanning from the 1970s to today, this exhibition celebrates the city’s vibrant artistic communities.

Fall Personal Interest Classes for Adults Register Online

Sept – Nov | One night a week for eight weeks

Explore your creative side with a hands-on art class in a beautiful AUArts campus studio. Classes are offered in a variety of disciplines and are open to all skill levels.

Alberta

University of the Arts Open House Register Online

Oct 25 | 9AM to 4PM

Prospective students and their families are invited to tour campus and discover what’s possible at AUArts. Explore our world-class art, craft and design facilities with guided studio tours, demonstrations and more!

Show + Sale Family Day Free Entry

Nov 15 | 10AM to 4PM

Find one-of-a-kind items by emerging artists from AUArts at Calgary’s only non-profit art market. Everyone is invited for a family-friendly day of shopping, art-making demos and music on campus.

Alberta University of the Arts, 1407 14 Ave NW, Calgary, AB

Learn more at AUArts.ca

ARTS SCENE From Studio to Exhibit

A SEASON OF MUST-SEE CAMPUS ART EVENTS

BY IAMAN NAWAZ

Classes are back in session this fall, and so is Calgary’s buzzing art scene.

This September, there is no tuition required to immerse yourself in a rich lineup of events on campuses. Don’t miss out on these must-attend shows!

THUNDERSTORM: AUARTS SUMMER RESIDENCY EXHIBITION 2025

This exhibition reflects the evolving journey of artists, highlighting their creative growth and transformation. Thunderstorm is the result of the 2025 Alberta University of the Arts Summer Residency, a program that offers artists the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their craft with full access to AUArts studio spaces and materials. This year, 29 artists joined the program for a 10-week long creative journey. While they each brought their own unique backgrounds and had the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of media, they shared one common thread: all of the materials the artists used, like canvas, clay, paper, fabric, or even living plants, reflect a strong sense of “liveliness.” Thunderstorm captures a spark, a collective artistic surge that doesn’t just transform materials, but the space itself.

See Thunderstorm before September 6 in AUArts Room 371, 1407 14 Ave N.W. Check out auarts.ca for more details on the program.

REMNANT: 2025 MFA GRADUATION EXHIBITION

The annual Remnant MFA Graduation Exhibition celebrates the creative achievements of graduating fine arts students from the University of Calgary. This year’s show features an exciting range of art from six different artists. Through drawing, painting, photography, 3D art and mixed media, the artists showcase their powerful perspectives shaped by academic inquiry and personal experi-

ence. The event is organized by the Department of Art and Art History and is hosted by the Nickle Galleries at the University of Calgary.

One example of raw artistry and creativity is Worn Lines: Healing Through the Marked Body by Ryanna Kizan. Kizan’s figurative oil paintings explore women’s bodies through themes of care, resistance, and personal narrative. Her recent works focus on tattoos as a way to reclaim autonomy from beauty standards and cultural expectations surrounding femininity.

Catch the exhibition before its over on September 13 at the Nickle Galleries, located in the Taylor Family Digital Library on the UCalgary campus, 410 University Ct. N.W.. Visit nickle. ucalgary.ca for a full list of participating artists.

FACES AND PLACES EXHIBITION

Visit Faces and Places, a multimedia exhibition at AUArts that dives into the rich history of Calgary’s art scene. This showing draws from local archives and personal stories to showcase the city’s vibrant creative history, going all the way back to the 70s. The exhibition pays homage to all the artists and creatives including AUArts alumni who have helped shape Calgary’s artistic identity. Artists utilize a variety of media to illustrate how artists and designers celebrate themselves and their communities, while creating meaningful connections across generations and backgrounds.

The show isn’t just about revisiting history, but a celebration of all the artists at the core of Calgary’s art scene. The exhibition is organized by the Illingworth Kerr Gallery in celebration of Alberta University of the Arts’ 100th Anniversary in 2026.

Faces and Places runs from September 19 to November 1, with an opening reception on September 18, at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery. 1407 14 Ave N.W.. Visit auarts.ca for more information.

UCALGARY STRING QUARTET

Catch a powerful performance by the UCalgary String Quartet. This masterful group has been the University of Calgary’s string quartet-in-residence for the past 30 years, and has a long resumé of national, international, and radio performances. They’ve had many collaborations with distinguished guest artists, including solo pianist Anton Kuerti, who won multiple Juno awards for classical album of the year. Get swept up in the energy of this troupe of

performers, whether tackling classical music like Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Bartók’s string quartets, or flexing their skills performing works by Canadian composers and other underrepresented artists.

Enjoy the quartet’s scintillating tunes on September 26 at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall in the Rozsa Centre on the UCalgary campus. 206 University Ct N.W.. Online ticket booking opens at 12 p.m. on September 2 at theatre-tickets.ucalgary.ca.

PHOTO: UCALGARY SCHOOL OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS

Ryanna Kizan, Some Things Hurt More, 2024

UCalgary String Quartet

2025 CANADIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Dan Hill, Glass Tiger, Ginette Reno, and Loreena McKennitt.

Fall Into FUN at Heritage Park

COVER Arts Season in Calgary

GO SEE A SHOW! CHECK OUT WHAT’S TAKING TO THE STAGE IN COWTOWN THIS YEAR

BY CATRINA BOWLES

ALBERTA THEATRE PROJECTS

The “Season of Legends” comes to ATP, starting with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Oct. 22 to Nov. 9, 2025) in collaboration with The Old Trout Puppet Workshop and Banff Centre for the Arts. ATP has something special planned for the Halloween night performance!

The Wizard of Oz (Nov. 25, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026) returns to the Martha Cohen stage after a decade. Go catch that second Wicked movie, and then experience where the story started.

“It’s more than just nostalgia,” said ATP artistic director Haysam Kadri. “All the themes feel really deeply relevant to a very interesting time in our world.”

Casey and Diana (Feb. 24 to March 15, 2026) is a moving story about Princess Diana visiting the Casey Hospice House in the 1980s, which housed HIV and AIDS patients.

The season closes out with Wildwoman (April 21 to May 10, 2026), a defiant and modern reimagining of Beauty and the Beast

BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA

Much-loved classics define the 25/26 BAC season. It all starts with MJ (Nov. 18 to 23, 2025), a story about Michael Jackson that is packed full of Jackson bangers.

The next three shows in the lineup are familiar to all movie-musical buffs, starting with Moulin Rouge (Jan. 6 to 11, 2026), followed by Les Miserables (March 4 to 8, 2026), then Mamma Mia! (May 19 to 24, 2026).

The season closes out with Clue (July 21 to 26), based on the hilarious oddball 1985 movie.

CALGARY OPERA

With Sunday matinees for timeless classics, fitting Calgary Opera into your life is easier than ever. The season starts with Madama Butterfly

(Nov. 1, 2, and 7, 2025), a classic story of a young Japanese woman who falls in love with an older American naval officer. Calgary Opera filled many of their backstage roles — like stage director, lighting designer and seating designer — with women of Asian heritage.

“It’s really helpful to have folks who have lived experience helping tell these stories,” said Sue Elliott, general director and CEO of Calgary Opera. “That’s how seriously we take cultural sensitivity.”

Though it is a German opera, Hansel and Gretel (Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and 6, 2026) will be sung entirely in English and only runs about 90 minutes, making it a fantastic show to bring the kids to. It’s co-produced with The Old Trout Puppet Theatre and features the local Cantare Children’s Choir.

The spring brings comedic chaos with The Barber of Seville (April 18, 19 and 24, 2026). Elliott describes the main character Figaro as “the best used car salesman in opera.”

At the end of the season comes another great one for the kids, Little Red Riding Hood (Nov. 28 to Dec. 7, 2025). This production will also have a special sensory-friendly performance, where actors will sing a little more quietly than usual, and doors will remain open for anyone to step out for a break.

CALGARY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

The Calgary Phil rings in its 70th anniversary with 70 productions across seven venues in the city. Highlights from the upcoming season include their opening concert, the Canadian premiere of Synthony: EDM Meets Orchestra (Sept. 5, 2025). Who doesn’t want to rave with an orchestra?

This is followed up by Phil in the Park (Sept. 7, 2025), a free yearly concert in Prince’s Island Park. The saga continues with Harry Potter and

PHOTO: KURT FIRLA

PHOTO: MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Wildwoman

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

the Half-Blood Prince in Concert (Feb. 19 and 20, 2026) and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert (May 15 and 16, 2026). Another beloved movie enters the line-up this year with The Princess Bride in Concert (Oct. 10 and 11, 2025). No matter what piques your interest, the Calgary Phil promises an unforgettable evening.

“When people come, they have very memorable experiences with the incredible orchestra and artists,” said Marc Stevens, Calgary Phil’s President and CEO. “[They] feel welcomed and surrounded by folks of all different stripes from around Calgary, and just feel like they belong.”

Explore the full schedule for the year at calgaryphil.com.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Experience the connection between humans and the animal kingdom with the stunning visuals staple to Cirque du Soleil, with its new show ECHO (Aug. 30 to Oct. 19, 2025). Acrobatic feats and a brand new, stunning visual aesthetic come together to tell a story of childlike wonder and empathy.

“It always resonates through the eyes of the parents or the child, but it resonates loudly with the climate we have. It was the case right before the pandemic [and] is still the case after the pandemic,” says Fabrice Lemire, ECHO artistic director. “The theme of self-exploration [and] the theme of self-discovery is what this is all about.”

Cirque takes place under a big top tent in Stampede Park, taking over the city for the first time since 2023.

DOWNSTAGE THEATRE

After the world premiere in 2023, Downstage is bringing back The F Word (Oct. 8 to 12, 2025). This revamped show is a little tighter and smaller, but still brings all the music and humorous critiques on society’s perception of fatness.

Next up is the Alberta premiere of the Canadian play Botticelli in the Fire (March 5 to 15, 2026), produced in collaboration with Hit & Myth Productions. This show is a mash-up of new and old, with modern pop songs and choral Renaissance music. “It’s high art meets high camp,” said Clare Preuss, Downstage’s artistic director. The season closes with the Stage It Festival

(May 21 to 24, 2026). It’s a festival for new works which are created through Downstage’s year-long mentorship program. The three-day festival is packed with supporting acts, music, drag, improv and more. It also includes a performance of Hunt/Peck, a film and dance piece that tackles sex tourism.

LUNCHBOX THEATRE

Who doesn’t love a bite-sized play? Lunchbox’s season kicks off with Beyond the Sea (Oct. 14 to Nov. 2, 2025), a romantic comedy described by Lunchbox’s artistic director Bronwyn Steinberg as “a meet-cute for lost souls.”

Carrying on the success of last year’s Remembrance Day programming, the second show of the season is Ridge (Nov. 5 to 16, 2025), which blends stories from the frontlines of Vimy Ridge with the musical stylings of Canadian folk duo The Fugitives.

How Patty and Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition (Nov. 25 to Dec. 21, 2025) rings in the festive season with lots of laughs and tap-dancing.

With the new year comes Ribstone (Jan. 21 to 25, 2026), written and performed by Christopher Hunt, and co-presented with One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo. With his banjo in hand, Hunt tells the tale of his family history with oldtimey, folksy charm.

The final show of the season is Thank You for Your Order (March 17 to April 14, 2026), which places a “large corporation that will remain nameless” at the centre of a satirical show about modern consumer culture.

ONE YELLOW RABBIT

Speaking of One Yellow Rabbit, the High Performance Rodeo returns for its 40th year in January, running from January 12 to February 2, 2026. While the full lineup of bold and cutting-edge live art isn’t announced until November, OYR has a few early announcements to whet your appetite.

Early in the fest, catch Dream Machine (Jan. 14 to Jan. 24, 2026), a psychedelic foray into the lives of the 50’s Beat generation. As the characters rebel against societal norms, so too does the lighting, sound design, and storytelling of the play. This High Performance Rodeo also features two collaborations with the Calgary Philharmonic

PHOTO: JEAN-FRANÇOIS SAVARIA

PHOTO: TRUDIE LEE

Cirque Du Soleil ECHO

A Christmas Carol

Orchestra, starting with It Takes Two: A Symphonic Collaboration (Jan. 23 to 24, 2026). The Calgary Phil teams up with the Calgary Youth Orchestra in an eclectic mix of compositions that leave you vibrating as you leave the theatre. Next up is Vivek Shraya: One Night Only (Jan. 30, 2026), where Canadian synth-pop artist Shraya gets the operatic treatment with the backing of the orchestra.

THE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Get ready for romance with The Shakespeare Company, because they’re producing two very different versions of Romeo and Juliet. The season begins with a traditional take on Romeo and Juliet (Oct. 17 to Nov. 1, 2025), produced in collaboration with Calgary Young People’s Theatre. In this show, you’ll see a rare performance where the actors are actually close in age to the characters!

The following show, Shakespeare’s R&J (Feb. 19 to 28, 2026), couldn’t be more different. This play, created with Sage Theatre, follows four college-age boys who sneak out of their dorms to read and act out the play, and discover how they conform (or don’t conform) to the world they live in.

“I’m really excited about looking at plays from two different angles,” said Shakespeare Company artistic director Richard Beaune. “By looking at a play from two different lenses, we are implying that there are an infinite number of lenses to look at a play through. We imply a whole different world of interpretations.”

The Shakespeare Company takes a break from the bard for its final show with Tartuffe (May 21 to June 6), a comedy by Moliere. This show is a Prime Stock Theatre production.

THEATRE CALGARY

A “Season of Delights” is taking over Theatre Calgary this year. After selling out many shows last year, the season kicks off with the return of MadeinItaly (Aug. 26 to Sept. 21, 2025). It’s the first time Theatre Calgary has remounted a show exactly the same, so if you missed this rip-roaring one-man comedy last time, now’s your chance.

The next show is the Hitchcock classic thriller Dial M for Murder (Sept. 30 to Oct. 26). “It’s just filled with intrigue,” said artistic director Stafford

Arima. “It’s sexy and it’s mysterious.”

Naturally, A Christmas Carol (Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, 2025) returns for the holiday season. It’s a beloved annual tradition that gives Calgarians the chance to “experience the magic and heartfelt story of good old Scrooge.”

A Tale of the Gifted Prince (Feb. 14 to March 15, 2026) is a musical, crowd-pleasing journey of self-discovery for the whole family.

Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (April 7 to May 3, 2026) takes to the stage with a new adaptation by Amy Herzog. Arima describes the new adaption as “clean and contemporary,” all while staying true to the original text.

If you missed it when it hit the Jube last year, you’ll want to see ComeFromAway (May 26 to June 21, 2026) performed in the much more intimate Max Bell Theatre. With a new cast and original choreography, this is a unique experience even for those who know and love the musical.

VERTIGO THEATRE

Vertigo’s season kicks off with the spooky, heartwarming show The Brother’s Paranormal (Sept. 17 to Oct. 26, 2025). This play follows a pair of ghost-hunting Thai brothers who find more than they bargained for on a ghost hunt.

Following on the success of last year’s Agatha Christie mystery Murder on the Links, Vertigo is bringing another Steven Dietz adaptation to the stage with Peril in the Alps (Nov. to Dec. 14, 2025), which aims to be even more intense and mysterious.

After its premiere at Northern Light Theatre in Edmonton last year, Monstress (Jan. 17 to Feb 15, 2026) is coming to Calgary. This twist on the classic Frankenstein story asks the same troubling question: Who is the real monster here?

Next is a traditional whodunnit with A Killing Snow (March 14 to April 12, 2026). Set in a snowed-in cabin in Toronto, this show blends the familiar mystery genre with a modern Canadian sensibility.

Vertigo closes out its season with the North American premiere of The Verdict (May 9 to June 7, 2026). It’s a courtroom drama, the first of its kind for Vertigo. “In a world where we may feel like there isn’t a lot of justice,” said Vertigo’s artistic director, Jack Grinhaus. “In this play, our audiences are going to get the justice they want.”

PHOTOS: BRIANNE JANG

PHOTO: TRUDIE LEE

Monstress

Made In Italy

the Complete Artist

FEATURE

Calgarian du Soleil

BY NATHAN ILES

From high-flying acrobatic birds to giant robots made of plastic waste, Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO delivers a show full of memorable moments and spectacle. After intermission, a lone figure surrounded by fog with antlers upon her pate stands centre-stage and beckons audiences into the second half of the circus with a cello solo.

This is Lizzy Munson, whose enchanting cello and singing performance will be especially meaningful when the circus comes to Calgary — because she’ll be doing it in her hometown.

“I think Calgary is very arts-focused,” says Munson. “I think there is a lot of creativity there that I haven’t found in other cities.”

She would know better than most. Munson has spent most of her career touring the world performing, from stints with Michael Bublé in 2014 and 2022 to Cirque’s Vegas show KÀ in 2016 and Saudi Arabian show Fuzion in 2022. But her musical journey started right here in Cowtown.

“For as long as I can remember, I was singing all the time to [artists like] Shania Twain and dancing around,” she says. “I joined a musical theatre training group that was called Stage Struck when I was five years old. And about the same time, I fell in love with the cello.

“Morag Northey came to my kindergarten class to play for us, and it was the most amazing thing. I’ve studied with her my entire life, sung my entire life, and joined the Young Canadians from ages 14 to 19.” She also studied at the Mount Royal Conservatory and continues to teach both voice and cello.

The poetry of Cirque’s location isn’t lost on Munson. “Being a young Canadian, I grew up training on the Stampede Grounds, so to come back and perform on those same grounds … It’s really special,” she says. “I created this role; I had a say in what I sing [and] what I play. It feels very close to me, and I get to bring that to Calgary, which is really fun.”

Cirque crafts its shows in an extremely collaborative fashion. For months, creators and acrobats — led by writer/director Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar and creation director Chantal Tremblay — created the high-flying

SINGER AND CELLIST LIZZY MUNSON RETURNS HOME WITH THE CIRCUS IN TOW

acts and abstract storytelling of ECHO. Just as the tricks and story were coming together, the composers and musicians began creating the soundtrack.

“The creation process was so intense,” she says. “We could all sing each other’s parts.”

This is also when Munson formed her character, one of seven black-clad musicians who weave in and out of the action, scoring the show and singing the haunting vocal melodies.

“We are the storytellers of the show,” she says. “I wouldn’t say we’re physically there, but we are a little bit ominous. We’re warning the characters of what will happen, while also being there for them in a nurturing way.”

Nearly all of the performers onstage don elaborate animal masks, embodying different creatures and aspects of life. Munson’s animal is a deer.

“There is a movement aspect,” she explains. “The deer aspect is very alert, looking at different things and telling the story. We have the big antlers, so we feel [that] our energy extends way higher than us. It creates a different way of moving.”

She — along with every other performer in ECHO — applies her own makeup before every show, transforming into an ethereal human-deer hybrid with angular lines painted in black ash.

Five facts about ECHO

1 This is the first show in Cirque’s history where every musician onstage is also singing.

2 There are over 20 animal masks used throughout the show, all handmade in Montreal.

3 Over 50 performers take the stage, including musicians, acrobats, and a mischievous duo called Double Trouble.

4 ECHO is one of the newer shows in Cirque’s repertoire. Calgary will be its twelfth tour stop.

5 The lead male vocal role was recently recast with Daniel O’Brian, fresh off a run as Rafiki in The Lion King musical. Calgary will be his first full run performing ECHO

“All of my friends and family members who have come to see ECHO get a different message,” says Munson. “A lot of people leave very inspired; different people have a different concept of what the story actually is. And basically, it’s a young woman’s journey discovering herself through this new universe, the ECHO universe.”

A piece of Calgary lives in this show. And you’ll have to see it yourself to find out what that means.

Catch ECHO in that giant tent at the Stampede grounds until October 19. Grab tickets at cirquedusoleil.com.

PHOTO: JEAN-FRANÇOIS SAVARIA

Lizzy Munson

Whether you want to hum along with a Disney legend, explore Africa’s vast wilderness with National Geographic conservationists, uncover a mystery with an acclaimed Canadian author, experience the raw emotion of Delta Blues music, be moved by a world-famous gospel choir, or inspire your culinary journeys by a top-tier chef, there’s always something for you at Werklund Centre.

1 October 15, 2025

LEA SALONGA: STAGE, SCREEN & EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

2 October 26, 2025

WILD EYE: A LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHS WITH BEVERLY AND DERECK JOUBERT

3 October 30, 2025

AN EVENING WITH LOUISE PENNY HOSTED BY WORDFEST’S SHELLEY YOUNGBLUT

4 November 6, 2025

MORGAN FREEMAN’S SYMPHONIC BLUES EXPERIENCE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE CALGARY PHILHARMONIC

5 December 21, 2025

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR: PEACE

6 February 24, 2026

AN EVENING WITH YOTAM OTTOLENGHI

Jana Sterbak

Courtesy of the artist.

Photo by: Denis Labelle.

Esker Foundation

Free Events & Programs:

Opening Reception

Friday 19 September

6-9 PM

In-conversation with Jana Sterbak

Saturday 20 September 1-2 PM

Exhibition Tour with Naomi Potter & Katherine Ylitalo

Friday 10 October 6-7 PM

In-conversation with Diana Nemiroff & Johanne Sloan

Thursday 13 November 6-8 PM

Full schedule at: eskerfoundation.art

Jana Sterbak

20 September–21 December Free Admission

Jana Sterbak, Cones Hand, 1979. Courtesy of the artist. Photo by: Denis Labelle.

OCT 17 - NOV 8, 2025

The Cheapskate’s Guide to CIFF

GO TO THE MOVIES WITHOUT GOING BROKE

BY CATRINA BOWLES

Let’s face it: movie theatres aren’t cheap. Between the tickets and the concession, you can shell out a whole grocery bill’s worth of cash. Catching multiple movies at a film festival? Out of the question, right?

Fret not, cheapskate cinephiles. The Scene has compiled all the best tips from the folks in-the-know so you can enjoy the Calgary International Film Festival and still pay the rent.

SAVE ON SNACKS

CIFF went absolutely crazy securing food and drink deals for moviegoers. You won’t be going hungry during the festival, that’s for sure.

“We’re thrilled to offer 2-for-1 non-alcoholic drink deals at Concorde Group venues across downtown, plus a 15 per cent discount for passholders at Double Zero and Surfy Surfy,” says Jason Do, CIFF engagement specialist. “Perfect pre or post film spots — just show your pass to the server.”

“I would sell my sister for the Surfy Surfy beef tacos,” says Clinton Hallahan, CIFF’s marketing manager. “Those guys really know their way around a sauce. It’s almost magic. They’re some sort of sauce magicians. Saucerors.”

Concorde Group’s Calgary venues include favourites like Bridgette Bar, Sweet Loretta, and Pigeonhole. Passholders also get a 15 per cent discount at The Mash in Kensington, a convenient spot to stop after catching a film at The Plaza. Lonely Mouth Bar is another venue offering 2-for-1 non-alcoholic drinks to the sober CIFF folks.

“They … have some of the best noodles and sushi in the city,”

said Hallahan. “I’m going to ask if they will blend a selection of nigiri into a non-alcoholic slurry and see if I can get that under the terms of the deal.”

There are deals to snag if you’re watching a film at Chinook Mall, too. “New York Fries and Southside Burger are hooking us up this year. You’ll have to show up at the theatre to get that discount, though. Very hush-hush,” said Hallahan. “Personally, I get a hot dog and get them to put nacho cheese on it. Add some ketchup and mustard, and you are in dog heaven. Trust me on this.”

If a sit-down dinner isn’t really your speed, CIFF folks have a way around that, too.

“Popcorn for dinner,” says Jocelyn Illing, CIFF marketing and development coordinator. “When I’m doing a double feature, I buy a large popcorn to sustain me through both screenings.”

“I love bringing my own snacks to the theatre,” said Celina Vides, industry specialist at CIFF. “Bring your own snacks if you’re really pinching pennies, but the Globe is independent, and their popcorn is pretty cheap.”

And while Cineplex isn’t known for its cheap concessions, popcorn-for-dinner is still a viable option if you’re catching a movie there.

“Cineplex is giving out coupons for 20 per cent off concessions to all ticketholders at Cineplex Screenings,” says Lucia Juliao, CIFF’s partnerships director. “Look for the CIFF volunteers who will be handing them out.”

TICKET DEALS

Regular tickets to CIFF movies are $17. But there are a few ways to save.

“People may not know that this year we have a student discount,” said Vides. “This year, we have a way to accredit any

student. Show your student ID, and you can buy an all-access pass to the festival for really cheap.”

Student passes are available for $249 for the whole festival, available over on ciffcalgary.ca.

Have a disability and need your caretaker with you, but can’t pay for their ticket? CIFF has you covered.

“CIFF now honours the Access 2 Card, which provides 2-for-1 admission to cardholders for film screenings, making the festival even more accessible for individuals with disabilities,” says Do.

If “free” sounds like your kind of discount, head downtown. “There’s a micro-cinema at Arts Commons that has TVs facing the hallways, and they’re free for anyone to come and experience them,” says Vides. “We are going to have some of our shorts playing there!”

TRAVEL ON THE CHEAP

When a fest has multiple venues, travelling becomes a sneaky money-sink. But it doesn’t have to be.

“We’re partnering with Bird and Neuron this year to make travelling to CIFF easier,” said Illing.

Both e-scooters are 10 per cent off for festival goers, and 50 per cent off if your trip starts and ends at a CIFF venue.

“I personally get around on my bike during the festival to go from venue to venue. It’s so much easier and cheaper to park a bike in Kensington than a car,” says Juliao.

If e-scooters and downtown bike lanes terrify you (same), then play it safe on a bus or train.

“Go to the festival on Calgary Transit and save 15 per cent on your transit ticket,” said Juliao. “Just show your CIFF movie ticket to bus drivers and transit officers.”

CIFF runs from September 18 to 28. Grab tickets at ciffcalgary.ca.

Jason Do PHOTO: MICHAEL GRONDIN

Celina Vides

Clinton Hallahan PHOTO: BLAKE MCLEOD

Jocelyn Illing Lucia Juliao

FILM SCENE

CIFF IN CONVERSATION

CANADIAN AND INTERNATIONAL FILMS ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

BY EVELINA PAK

This year, the the Calgary International Film Festival has programmed more than 200 films, with roughly half being Canadian productions or co-productions. Among the international lineup, the U.S. and Europe maintain a strong presence, alongside works from Asia and Latin America.

“For international films, we’re looking for strong titles that represent different voices and can hit different targets and demographics,” says lead programmer Brenda Lieberman. “Sometimes it’s a cultural connection. Sometimes it’s a story that’s universal and translates well.”

Representation spans genres and includes a wide range of voices. “We aim for a curatorial balance. Films for younger audiences, films for older adults, and a mix of genres — drama, psychological thrillers, comedies, family stories,” Lieberman adds.

“It’s about building a well-rounded program with options, including films that are great introductions to world cinema and works from directors our audience already follows.”

PERSONAL STORIES: FAMILY AND SELF-DISCOVERY

Across both Canadian and international titles, many stories centre on characters navigating profound change; overcoming loss, redefining identity, or reconnecting with their past. “Since COVID, there’s been an increase in personal stories told through the director’s lens — projects inspired by their own past, family experiences, or deeply personal themes,” says Lieberman. Canadian selections

explore queer identities (Anyway, I Piss Sitting Down, It Will Always End in the End), mental health journeys (Paul, Love, Harold), and family narratives (The Nest, Mother, Unfolding Faith).

International programming offers coming-of-age stories (Our Hero, Balthazar, DJ Ahmet, A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers), alongside intimate portraits of caregiving (Rosemead, Paternal Leave).

“We’re seeing this [trend] both internationally and in Canadian submissions, likely influenced by more female directors and the personal life stages of the filmmakers telling these stories.”

COMMUNITIES IN FOCUS

Many works spotlight specific communities and their traditions. In the Canadian lineup, Indigenous narratives hold a prominent place, with stories of resilience and cultural heritage in Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man, Saints and Warriors, and Nika & Madison

Films like Agatha’s Almanac and Fruit is Ripe celebrate rural traditions and intergenerational knowledge.

Singhs in the Ring traces the legacy of an Indo-Canadian wrestling icon. “Stampede wrestling is always a hot subject matter here,” says Lieberman, pointing to the film’s local resonance.

International selections lean toward political and social undercurrents, addressing immigration, systemic oppression, and marginalization in Grandma’s Four Color Cards, Under the Burning Sun, and Lowland Kids

PERFORMANCE AS STORYTELLING

Several films use performance as both subject and storytelling lens. Canadian highlights include Have You Heard

Judi Singh?, and Pidikwe (Rumble). Each traces personal histories and cultural legacies through music and dance. The Silver Screamers documentary finds connection through performance in unexpected ways.

Internationally, art and performance anchor works like Just Sing, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Speak., becoming vehicles for community connection and self-expression.

DIVERSITY OF FORM AND GENRE

This year’s lineup continues to move fluidly between genres and formats, with filmmakers embracing a spectrum of styles and narrative approaches.

Canadian animation ranges from the surreal whimsy of Bread Will Walk and Hypersensitive to the handcrafted stop-motion fable The Girl Who Cried Pearls. In live action, you’ll find the absurdist humour of Now, I Am a Bear alongside Dead Lover, an unhinged Frankensteinian romance.

“Canadian films can be anything from accessible comedies to emotional family dramas to horror,” says Lieberman. “We also love showcasing quirky, unique stories that feel fresh and original.”

International titles also offer a spectrum of styles, ranging from the mystical realism of The Blue Trail to the psychological intensity of Mirrors No. 3, or the poetic dreamscape of Chicken Salad

Many of these films explore similar themes through a unique lens, meeting at that point where cinema speaks the shared language of human experience. As Lieberman puts it, “A lot of humans are going through the same thing, no matter where they’re from.”

When CIFF celebrates the voices of Canadian filmmakers, their works — programmed alongside international titles — become part of a global conversation.

Dead Lover Singhs in the Ring Lowland Kids Now, am Bear Mirrors No. 3

PRAIRIE FILMMAKING

MEET THREE DIFFERENT ALBERTA FILMMAKERS

This year’s CIFF “Alberta Spotlight” features nine films, spanning both narrative and documentary.

“In addition to the crews and the locations, we’ve got a growing population of producers, production houses, filmmakers,” Brenda Lieberman says of Alberta’s film scene. “The more people continue to live and work and embrace their city, the more it grows.”

The Scene spoke with three CIFF alumni to discuss their new projects and their place in Alberta’s creative landscape.

YUQI KANG FRUIT IS RIPE

Having lived in several countries before settling in Alberta, Yuqi Kang brings a global perspective to filmmaking. Her new work, Fruit is Ripe, is a generational immigrant story set between Calgary and a farm near Olds, following five families whose lives intertwine.

Why this story?

“The story is a metaphor for nurturing crops and raising children — both require care and dedication, and many of these families came to Canada for their children’s future. It’s a documentary, and everyone in the film is real.”

What challenges did you face along the way?

“For this film, the biggest challenge was the climate. You can get snow in July or sudden thaws in winter, which is tough for both filmmaking and farming.”

How does your sense of place shape your filmmaking?

“Relocating has been part of my life since childhood, so I’ve often felt like an outsider. That continued after moving to Canada and then to other places.

“It’s shaped me to approach each new place and person with curiosity. I’ve learned that, at the core, people are very similar, even if they speak different languages.”

TREVOR SOLWAY SIKSIKAKOWAN: THE BLACKFOOT MAN

Siksika filmmaker Sinakson Trevor Solway returns to the CIFF after last year’s Tales from the Rez. In his new documentary, he turns the lens on his community, offering an intimate, vérité portrait of Blackfoot men as they navigate identity and kinship.

Why this story?

“The story breaks from the way Indigenous people are often portrayed in cinema — stuck in the past as warriors, savages, or noble Indians.

“With this film, I wanted to show that we live the full spectrum of human experience. We have our accomplishments and our mistakes, and we’re capable of love, grief, regret, happiness, and sadness.”

GILLIAN MCKERCHER A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

For her third feature film, McKercher is exploring a holiday romance with a supernatural twist.

The story follows a busy lawyer, a Victorian-themed dinner, and a matchmaking ghost.

Why this story?

“I’d never done a Christmas story or a romance, and I wanted the challenge. I pitched myself as director and had to think beyond the obvious Christmas tree — what’s the feeling Christmas brings? How do you capture that on a subtextual level? I want to say ‘yes’ to everything at least once.”

What was production like?

“I was nine months pregnant, so there was definitely pressure not to deliver the baby on set. It was one of the best working experiences I’ve had. I was motivated to be prepared, make the most of our time.

“I’ve never worked with an actor like Ashley Newbrough, who has a really high baseline for what the genre wants. It made me respect the formula — if you’re making a Christmas movie, there are certain things audiences want, and that’s okay. Honour the traditions.”

How does Alberta shape your work?

“I’ve developed grit working outside major industry hubs. The best thing [about Calgary] is the crews and the landscape. And the hustle energy and entrepreneurship.

“The worst thing about being in Alberta is that it’s very isolated here. If you’re going to make it as a filmmaker in a writing or directing position, you have to work really hard to be relevant in the national and international landscape.”

What was production like?

“Over four years, I filmed for 90 days as a one-person crew, simply showing up with my camera and letting life unfold.

“I let these moments speak for themselves and let my community speak for itself. I didn’t design anything to be shot in sequence or coverage.”

How does Alberta shape your work?

“When I shoot exteriors, I’m reminded of my grandparents’ stories — how the land was like a living being, with people and animals in an intimate relationship with nature.

“For me, the land isn’t just another character — it’s the central one. From prairie skies to coulees to the Rocky Mountains, it’s naturally beautiful. Filming on Siksika and Blackfoot territory keeps me grounded and gives me purpose.”

Scene Picks at CIFF ‘25

OVERWHELMED BY THAT LINEUP? OUR EDITORIAL TEAM HAS YOU COVERED

NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE

Why you should see it: All you local musicians will relate heavily to “Nirvanna the Band’s” quest to play that perfect bar gig, even if you’re not familiar with the original web series. (For the record, a perfect bar gig here would be at the Ship & Anchor or the Palomino)

MIDDLE LIFE

Why you should see it: July Talk singers Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis star in this melancholic Canadian flick, which has its world premiere right here in Calgary!

A BRIGHTER SUMMER DAY FOR THE LADY AVENGERS

Why you should see it: Take CIFF’s short film selection out for a spin with this neon-drenched Taiwanese giallo flick, full of sexual tension and searing visuals.

FOLLIES

Why you should see it: This candid Francophone sex-comedy is co-written and stars Éric K.

Boulianne (Father & Guns 2, Compulsive Liar, The Dishwasher) in a narrative that tackles the absurdities of open relationships.

URCHIN

Why you should see it: Urchin is the directorial debut of Harris Dickinson, who you might recognize from last year’s Babygirl. It premiered at Cannes earlier this year, and earned Dickinson the FIPRESCI Prize.

JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME

Why you should see it: This heartfelt tribute to a Canadian comedy legend will be streaming in the fall, but this is your chance

to see it right: on a big screen, with a whitehot audience. And come on; who doesn’t love John Candy?

IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU

Why you should see it: Think Uncut Gems from a mother’s perspective. Mary Bronstein’s follow-up to YEAST is an anxious, bonkers good time.

DO US PART

Why you should see it: It’s the debut feature from Downstage’s artistic director, Clare Preuss, and stars local Cree legend Michelle Thrush in an intense, emotional dramedy. A Calgary movie for the Calgary cinephiles!

MILE END KICKS

Why you should see it: Set against the backdrop of the ‘10s indie music scene in Montreal, this story will feel immediately familiar to anyone active in Calgary’s various arts scenes. Plus, it stars both Barbie Ferreira (Euphoria) and Hollywood’s favourite hoser, Jay Baruchel.

PATERNAL LEAVE

Why you should see it: This wistful drama film was selected in the Generation 14plus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, and CIFF is pleased as punch to host its Canadian premiere.

FUCKTOYS

Why you should see it: Annapurna Sriram’s day-glo sex comedy has already garnered rave reviews on the festival circuit, with many favourable comparisons to John Waters.

SPACE CADET

Why you should see it: Canadian producer and artist Kid Koala infuses his debut animated feature with beautiful visuals and melancholic themes lifted from his graphic novel of the same name. And did we mention it’s jam-packed with music?

SIKSIKAKOWAN: THE BLACKFOOT MAN

Why you should see it: You’ll be awed by our rolling prairie landscape as Indigenous filmmaker Trevor Solway returns to his home nation of Siksika and explores Blackfoot masculinity.

QUEENS OF THE DEAD

Why you should see it: If the promise of drag queens and gore isn’t enough to pique your interest, the director definitely will. Tina is the daughter of George A. Romero, and her gay zombie movie is equal parts mission statement and tribute to her father.

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BY CATRINA BOWLES

Despite everything that she’s been through, Canadian punk singer Bif Naked is still here.

“I’ve been a recording artist and a performance artist for over 30 years, and playing, touring, playing, touring, performing,” she said. “And then I got breast cancer at 36, and then I go through all the treatment and the harrowing experience with that — I didn’t croak.

“Then I have a stroke, and then I have to have heart surgery. Harrowing, harrowing — I didn’t croak.”

The fact that the “I Love Myself Today” artist is still in the game after health scares is admirable enough on its own. But it’s just a footnote in the story of her life, explored in the upcoming documentary Bif Naked, which premieres at the Calgary International Film Festival this September.

“It’s incredible how it all came together,” said Naked. “It’s been a real journey, and going through all of the footage and footage I never knew existed. There was no digital when I was starting out, and for most of my career, there has been no social media. It was like watching my own eulogy.”

The documentary explores how Naked carved her own path in the punk rock scene, right from the very beginning.

“[The] filmmakers want to do a documentary regarding my story of origin, so being born in India and being adopted, and all these kinds of different trials and tribulations,” she says. “Trying to find my birth mom and all these romantic, terrible things that happened throughout my life of misadventure.

“It’s hard for me to watch my birth mom talk. I cried throughout the whole thing,” she continues. “I hope that my fans are moved and find it touching, and I hope that they learn stuff about my birth mom and about that whole aspect of my story.”

From her birth in India and her adoption by American United Methodist missionaries to losing her friends and collaborators, Naked’s life has been anything but easy. But despite the hardships, she still loves the punk rock scene,

BIF BARES ALL

A CANADIAN PUNK ROCK ICON BRINGS HER NEW DOCUMENTARY TO CIFF

‘‘YEAH, WE’RE GONNA GO AND WE’RE STILL GONNA GO MARCH, AND WE’RE STILL GONNA SHOUT ABOUT IT, AND WE’RE STILL GONNA TRY OUR BEST, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE’RE STILL GONNA SKATEBOARD.”

BIF NAKED

because it makes a difference.

“We’re going to live in poverty. We die in poverty. We don’t care. We’re artists,” she said.

“We still do this because we love it. We still have this utopian idea where we still love the world, and we’re still like, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna go and we’re still gonna go march, and we’re still gonna shout about it, and we’re still gonna try our best, but at the end of the day, we’re still gonna skateboard.’”

Punk creates a culture of speaking up against injustice. Being a bisexual woman herself, the trends of politics in Canada and the U.S. surrounding 2SLGBTQIA+ issues are weighing heavily on Naked’s mind.

“What a mess. It makes me cry, because I just think, ‘How on earth can they be going back-

wards in 2025?’” she says. “If I had children and I had a daughter or a son who was gay, or if I had a trans kid … Where do you go? How do you keep your kid safe?”

And though things may seem bleak to Calgary locals, to others, it’s a light in the darkness.

“My bestie from Vancouver … bought a townhouse in Calgary as a backup plan for them and their wife, because they say that they’re going to retire in Calgary if the world goes completely batshit, which it has now. Calgary is their safe haven,” she said.

Naked has toured worldwide and all across Canada, but Calgary, her “favourite city other than Ottawa,” gets the privilege of hosting the world premiere of her documentary.

“I have a long relationship with Calgary. The

first time I played in Calgary was in 1989 with my band, Gorilla Gorilla,” she said. “Calgary has always been very, very important to me. My late guitar player, J.D. Eckstrom, is from Calgary. I could not be more tickled than to come to Calgary with this film.”

Bif Naked is about more than just a celebration of the figure that graced our screens on Much Music throughout the 2000s. It’s about acknowledging the past and all that it teaches us.

“Many of us, as we become adults, talk about how we never healed our ‘child wound’,” says Naked. “You know, we never healed our ‘child happy’ either.”

Catch Bif Naked’s documentary on September 18 (CIFF’s opening night) at the Globe. Tickets available at ciffcalgary.ca.

“AI WILL NEVER

PLAY THE LEAD, OR ANY OTHER ROLE, IN LIVE THEATRE. NOTHING CAN TOUCH THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVE

THEATRE, AND TODAY, WE NEED HUMAN CONNECTION MORE THAN EVER.”

Meet Louis B. Hobson

CALGARY’S PREEMINENT THEATRE CRITIC IS STILL GOING AFTER MORE THAN 50 YEARS

BY JOHN MAWDSLEY

Since 1969, Louis B. Hobson has been a crucial part of Calgary’s theatre scene. If you’ve read the Herald or gone to Calgary play in the last five decades, you’ve probably experienced his work.

Now 80, Hobson continues to direct stage productions and review plays. Get to know him a little better below!

Tell us more about your directing “I love directing and it has many similarities to teaching, such as expecting the best from students or the cast. My first direction was The King and I, then My Fair Lady. Jack Goth, Workshop Theatre’s founder, was in the cast and invited me to direct their very first play in 1969. 50 years later in 2019, I directed it again for their anniversary and I continue to direct for the company.”

You’re also a playwright?

“My first was a 1964 comedy titled Maxwell’s Monster; I now do scripts for Calgary’s One-Act Play Festival and Fringe. My favourite work, however, was Steven: The Steven Truscott Story. He’s the 14-year-old who was wrongly convicted of rape and murder in 1960. Sentenced to death at 14, can

you believe it? He was exonerated in 2007.

“I directed a three-week run of Steven in 2005 in Calgary and was invited to produce it in Steven’s hometown of Guelph in 2006. He attended opening night with his family, but asked for a low profile, slipping in after lights-down. However, I was delighted when he appeared at the reception. It ran for three weeks there, and we produced it again in 2015 at Workshop.”

How did your reviewing career start?

“Given my experience as a director, the Albertan — now the Calgary Sun — asked me to critique W.O. Mitchell’s The Devil’s Instrument at Alberta Theatre Projects in 1977. I actually knew W.O. from a writers’ workshop he ran in the ‘60s. My reviews were well received, so on it went.

“In the summers, I’d travel to several cities, including London and New York, and see as many plays as possible. During the school year, I continued reviewing and was super busy, but having tons of fun. During Christmas break, after grading report cards and reviewing Christmas movie releases, I’d go home to Blairmore and sleep for days.

“In 1987, the Sun offered me a one-year, fulltime contract to cover theatre events surround-

LOUIS B. HOBSON

ing the 1988 Winter Olympics. The school board granted a year’s leave, but the Sun extended my contract and made me permanent. I stayed for 20 years until 2008, when the Sun consolidated in Toronto. They offered me a position, but I wanted to stay in Calgary and continued reviewing on a freelance basis.”

How has reviewing changed?

“Wow, so much. Movie critics are mostly syndicated now, so there are far fewer professionals. Anyone with a blog, or even just a Facebook page, can be a critic, and it’s too easy to be, well, critical. That is, [express] negative opinions without addressing nuances such as character development, inter-actor chemistry, set design and audience connection.”

What stands out from your career?

“I was fortunate to start when critics had direct access to actors. So many fascinating personalities, and they are more human when face-toface. For instance, when interviewing Robin Williams one-on-one, I said, ‘You’re very different from what I expected.’ Robin replied, ‘What you’re witnessing at the moment is rare. This is me not performing. Anytime there’s more than

one person, I’m performing.’”

What are some other notable interviews?

“Maggie Smith in London during the stage production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives. We met in her dressing room, and she asked, ‘How long is this going to take?’ I said, ‘15 or 20 minutes.’ She said, ‘Which is it?’ [I said] ‘20.’” Maggie pushed aside makeup as she reached for a kitchen timer and set it. 20 minutes later, after a lovely interview, the timer buzzed, and she showed me out.”

Do you have any thoughts on AI?

“Unfortunately, it’s here and not going away. However, AI will never play the lead, or any other role, in live theatre. The human experience, from playwright to set designer, director, sound techs, house staff and actors all working together to connect with the audience, cannot be done with AI. Nothing can touch the experience of live theatre, and today, we need human connection more than ever.”

Hobson directs Spider’s Web at Workshop Theatre from October 17 to 25. Find information at workshoptheatre.ca, and read Hobson’s work at postcardreviews.com.

PHOTO: SHARON OLSEN

MIKE STACK RETURNS

THIS CALGARY MUSICIAN IS DROPPING HIS THIRD ALBUM, 15 YEARS AFTER HIS LAST

BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE

How does a western Canadian folk troubadour end up in a Nashville studio recording songs with John Prine’s bassist, Sheryl Crow’s keyboardist, and Junior Brown’s drummer?

Answer: with stirring Americana music that reflects both the hellish and sweet sides of life, and connections that are more durable than fossils. That’s how songwriter Mike Stack strode forth to release his third album, Lucky Man, more than 15 years after his second one.

Stack is a musical staple around Alberta. His 2001 album I Need Wheels was in heavy rotation on CKUA and across North America, Japan and Europe. It dominated critics’ yearly Top 10 lists. He’s performed at Calgary Folk Fest, folk clubs and singer-songwriter sessions around North America, including a memorable two nighter with international sensation Oscar Lopez and Calgary’s now elder statesman Tom Phillips at the old Ironwood.

In 2008 Stack released his sophomore album 98 Years, and just as followers yearned for festival and club performances of those songs, he disappeared.

“My personal life changed for different reasons that didn’t warrant me getting out and

playing music as much as I wanted to,” Stack says on a phone call from the side of a highway heading to his place in Kimberley, B.C. “I looked at priorities in my life and responsibilities. I lost so much time with 98 Years because I didn’t have any energy into marketing it and getting out and playing it.”

Losing his sister to cancer, fathering a surprise gift of a daughter when he was 49, and some choppy day-job moments all convened to pull the switch on his musical tracks … until now.

Lucky Man will be celebrated with two shows at Ironwood Stage this month. Having honed songs written over those challenging times, Stack reached out to his friend of thirty years, Juno winning producer Steve Dawson, to record at Dawson’s Henhouse Studio in East Nashville.

Parallel to how Stack said he would not get another after his dog Ely passed the inspiration for 98 Years and named after Austin songwriting legend Joe Ely Stack said he couldn’t devote proper time to music, and thus, would not create another album until he could.

“My life would not be fair [for] a dog,” he says. “I couldn’t give it what it needed. The same goes for music and an album. If I cannot give my songs what they deserve, they just have to wait until I can. Which is what I did with this album.”

“I cannot write while I’m in a funk. But I can write about the funk after the fact.”

MIKE STACK

When his life was finally more open, the album arrived. In this manner, he honours one of his influences, John Prine. “He said I will serve no song before its prime.”

Dawson lined up musicians like Jenn Gunderman, who was Sheryl Crow’s keyboardist, John Prine’s bassist Dave Jacques, and Justin Amaral, who played with Junior Brown. They serve up these songs hot, sweet, and steamy. Listening to lines like “You’ve got a lot less future than you’ve got past” and “No matter the weather, I think we’re the perfect storm,” it’s hard to miss Stack’s impeccable ear for wordplay. Lucky Man

is a delicious listen, filled with smooth sounds sans saccharine traces, and lyrics reflecting a life filled with rough moments, but also an earned gratitude for the journey to date, as reflected in the title track.

Dawson and his band, The Hooded Mergansers, will be Stack’s backing band for his Ironwood shows. Calgary songwriter Emily Triggs will open the show and add backing vocals to Stack’s set as well.

“Three major things were falling apart in my life, and I was fucking hanging on for dear life and not really having the clear capacity in my mind to write,” says Stack. “A lot of people think that would be the best place to write from, but I cannot write while I’m in a funk. But I can write about the funk after the fact.”

That’s the fuel that lit his fire: things falling apart while he wrote in his trailer in Kananaskis, or on the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, or in Parksville, B.C., where his daughter was born. “I’ve written in many different places and times. The songs I like the most I’ve written in one to two hours. A lot of those songs were written in 45 minutes.

“When I’m in [those] environments, I’m clear. I’m free of encumbrances. It’s peaceful.”

Mike Stack’s album release shows are at the Ironwood Stage and Grill, 1229 9 Ave. S.E., on September 26 and 27.

PHOTO: CAROLINE CONNOLLY

Erik Olson. The Wolf, 2021.

CREATIVE SCENE

You Don’t Create Alone

WE STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF ANCESTORS WHO CAME BEFORE

BY CALEIGH CROW

Everything is getting worse for (almost) everybody, all the time. Nurturing a creative process can be really difficult under these circumstances. I say that with seriousness and compassion. It’s discouraging. If you’re trans, if you’re racialized, if you want an end to the genocide in Palestine — or even just to have the institutions we rely on in our industries to divest — hope is in short supply.

Not trying to be a bummer, I promise. These are real feelings, ones I’ve had and discussed at length with my artistic community. I am a queer Métis playwright and director, and I have noticed the toll the rightward swing of our political system at all levels is taking on my kin.

And me. It’s taking a toll on me.

But it’s not really about me, is it?

Because I don’t walk alone; none of us do. Each of us has a lineage, a winding trail of ancestors who live in our bodies, in our blood. Back and back and back, way back to time immemorial. Ancestors who prayed for us. Who prayed for this for us; that we be creative people, that we follow our path in life, even if (and especially when) it’s hard.

I have pictures of some of them on my wall. I try to live up to them. My mother left us to be with them about two and a half years ago, and my grandmother back in 2018. It’s easy to feel like they are gone. And they are and they aren’t. I can’t reach them as easily. But they lived long enough for me to see how hard they worked to make things a little better, sometimes against impossible circumstances.

There’s the ancient Greek poet Sappho, who left us with so much proof that queerness, however the scholars and historians may describe it, is a beautiful and tender thing, as part of the land as anyone else. The fragments of her poems that remain from well over a thousand years ago read to me like little prayers, little wishes for a good life.

Remember that we have people with us here and now too. Friends and colleagues who are maybe a little older — maybe only 10 years — who have impacted our creative processes even

more than we even know. Who set the example for us to work every day to progress towards a just future. Who forgive us when we fall short of our ancestors’ lofty hopes and prayers.

At the risk of sounding braggy, I‘ve found a sweet little cohort of mentors and colleagues here in Calgary that help make it all worthwhile. They speak up against injustice and are generous with their time, especially with emerging artists. In programming or creating, the work is about giving voice to the struggle.

Artists like Tara Beagan and Andy Moro, the powerhouse artists behind production company Article 11, which is a reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: “Indigenous peoples have the right to practise and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs.”

I think of Inside Out Theatre. They, with Col Cseke at the helm, empower the deaf, disabled, and mad arts community to take up space with a bold new performance venue just down the block from Modern Love.

And there are people like Michelle Thrush, whose artistic practice I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand. She embodies the artist/activist duality seamlessly. She has acting credits in Hollywood blockbusters, but she’s just as likely to be bringing her solo clown show to little kids on the rez. It’s easy to forget it all started at Bowness High School. [Ed. Note: catch Thrush in Do Us Part at CIFF this year!]

It takes discipline to incorporate an ethic of solidarity into our artistic practice. There’s no right or wrong way, no guidebook. No instruction manual for assembling your perfect piece. There’s only the glare of the blank Google Doc blasting blue light so strong it threatens to obscure our vision. That’s how it feels for me, anyway.

Don’t be afraid of that feeling — accept it. Make your creative offering with humility front and centre. So what if my piece of art doesn’t change the world and bring the hammer of justice down? I have to remember — it’s not about me.

Remember: you don’t walk alone.

Caleigh Crow is a queer Métis theatre artist who was the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award laureate for Drama.

“I DON’T WALK ALONE; NONE OF US DO. EACH OF US HAS A LINEAGE, A WINDING TRAIL OF ANCESTORS WHO LIVE IN OUR BODIES, IN OUR BLOOD. BACK AND BACK AND BACK, WAY BACK TO TIME IMMEMORIAL.”

LEFT: CALEIGH CROW IN RISE, RED RIVER, 2024. PHOTO: GIN OUSKUN

RIGHT: CALEIGH CROW IN THERE IS VIOLENCE AND THERE IS RIGHTEOUS VIOLENCE,

CALEIGH CROW

PHOTO: DAVID HOU

Caleigh Crow in The Diviners, Stratford Festival

Join Werklund Centre for a day of FREE events on September 30th that celebrate Indigenous culture and shine a light on our shared history.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

INDIGENOUS MAKERS MARKET

A celebration of Indigenous art and culture featuring local makers and a live Pow Wow showcase with Indigenous drummers and dancers.

Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby

11am - 5pm

No registration required

ECHOES OF THE LAND

Immerse yourself in a transcendent auditory journey rooted in the spirit and rhythms of the land.

Engineered Air Theatre

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Registration required

GALLERY TALKS & TOURS

A guided talk and tour through our galleries led by young Indigenous artists showcasing their work and perspectives.

Meet in Centre Court 12pm, 1pm, 2pm Registration required

ELDER STORY PROJECT

Members of the Elders Knowledge Circle Society share stories and ceremony in this powerful event .

Jack Singer Concert Hall

7:30pm - 9:30pm

Registration required

Learn more and reserve your seat at: werklundcentre.ca/NDTR

Parkdale Performance

THIS CHURCH HAS OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE CALGARY ARTS COMMUNITY

BY KRISTA SYLVESTER

As Calgary’s creative spaces continue to dwindle, Parkdale United Church is coming to the rescue in an unorthodox way: an inclusive performance series called Parkdale Performance.

When Reverend Kim HolmesYounger took over four years ago, she recognized that Parkdale United had become an underused sanctuary. Despite being capable of hosting 250 people on any given day, the church was only being utilized for a couple of hours every Sunday.

“I realized this isn’t acceptable in the economy we’re in. The space was sitting empty. Why not fill it with music, art, and community instead,” she said.

And so began a transformative evolution in Parkdale United’s history: the church leveled the stage, relocated the organ, and installed a brand new professional sound system.

What transpired since then is a beautiful lesson in the magic that can happen when traditional norms are challenged.

“The more the community comes in and sees our space, the more comfortable they are in the church,” Holmes-Younger says.

This isn’t about drawing people into Sunday services. “Ministry isn’t just in the church: it’s all over the world, in every space, in every place,” says Holmes-Young. “We wanted to give local artists an opportunity to perform in an affordable space because there are few options in the city.”

Every Wednesday night, Parkdale United Church pulses with music during Wednesday Jazz, a donation-based concert series.

“One jazz artist told me, ‘I can’t afford to perform anymore.’ And that broke my heart. We want to change that,” Holmes-Younger says. The suggested donation for concerts is $20, but nobody is turned away.

“We’re not trying to make money: we’re trying to make art happen. We just want to break even with the costs of our sanctuary use because it’s super important to us that artists get paid,” she adds.

But it’s not just about music. Parkdale’s sanctuary is also home to choirs and theatre groups, including a partnership with Artis Theatre, a

Ministry isn’t just in the church: it’s all over the world, in every space, in every place. We wanted to give local artists an opportunity to perform in an affordable space because there are few options in the city.”

REVEREND KIM HOLMES-YOUNG

PARKDALE PERFORMANCE ESSENTIALS

Address: 2919 8 Ave. N.W.

Getting there: Hop on the 90 University of Calgary bus from downtown to get here in about half an hour. The church also has a parking lot and plenty of street-side parking.

Accessibility: Other than the stage, the space is completely accessible with elevator access to all levels.

Upcoming events:

• Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m.

• Wednesday Jazz from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a suggested donation of $20

• Free Fit & Friendship on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and Fridays at 11:15 a.m.

• Parkdale Zoom Book Club, next on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m.

Ukrainian refugee-led healing arts collective.

“They make full use of our digital technology in their contemporary stage acts,” says Parkdale Performance volunteer Sandy Navrady.

“The wooden arched room provides audiences a sense of the sacred through its ambience and fine acoustics,” Navrady says, adding that the 20-foot by 30-foot stage is big enough to accommodate a seated 65-person chorus or small enough for a four-piece band.

Parkdale United is also the first church in Calgary to install German-designed CODA speakers backed by a 48-channel digital sound board. The church frequently covers its cross during performances to ensure those with complicated histories with religion feel safe in the space.

“We’re a ‘radical welcoming church,’” Holmes-Younger says. “That means going above and beyond for inclusivity; gender, race, income, everything. My job is to make sure you feel comfortable. No judgment. Ever.

“For me, one of the most important things is that people never feel that they are being judged and that they’re always 100 per cent welcome in our space,” she says.

“Church is associated with religion, which has hurt people in the past, including myself, and that’s why I’m a minister. I don’t want anyone to get hurt by religion again.”

The invitation is extended from Parkdale United to the community. Artists, organizers, and community groups especially those who’ve been shut out of traditional venues are welcome to make this sanctuary their own. Holmes-Younger hopes other local churches follow suit in the future.

“I certainly think that churches need to look outwards of their church and [realize] that they’re not just a Sunday morning church; they can be a seven-day-a-week church,” she says.

“I want people to feel like this is a community space. And I do think that should be the motto of all our churches.”

While they’ve dabbled in producing concerts themselves, Holmes-Younger has learned something valuable: partnerships are key.

“If you’ve got the audience, we’ve got the space.”