There are a lot of great things happening this weekend for YPs here in Calgary. But perhaps more importantly is to acknowledge one of the most significant days of the year and recognize those Canadians who have sacrificed for our country. Yes, Friday is Remembrance Day, and with that there are several ceremonies throughout the city of which you can choose from to attend. The following is a list of locations hosting ceremonies throughout the day…
The Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14 Avenue NW): 10:00 am
The Military Museums’ (4520 Crowchild Trail SW): 10:00 am
Aero Space Museum of Calgary (4629 McCall Way NE): 10:30am Central
Memorial Park (12th Avenue and 4th Street SW): 10:30 am
Wing Air Force Association (801 11 Street SW): 10:30 am
Union Cemetery Tour (MacLeod Trail and 25 Ave SE) 2:00 pm
On another note, Calgary was recently called the Cultural Capital of Canada by the federal government. And not to toot our own horn, but we can definitely understand why that may be. So we suggest taking this weekend to explore the city’s arts scene up close and personal…
Friday night head to Theatre Junction Grand to catch Temporary Distortion’s latest work, NEWYORKLAND – a significant moment for Calgary’s blossoming contemporary arts culture. The New York performance group has chosen Calgary to debut their unique brand of contemporary performance that bridges the gap between theatre and cinema. NEWYORKLAND merges film, performance, and visual art. The show has been mentioned in the New York Times and all eyes will be on Calgary for this premiere!
Before and after the show there will be New York style celebrations, with a live Jazz Trio (including John Grey on the standing double bass who has played with Ray Charles) and Calgary’s own Kai from Light and Soul who will be working on a street art piece.
In the mood for an apres night cap? How about checking out Murrieta’s Lounge. Every weekend they showcase live bands and their cocktail and wine by the glass list is great.
Saturday is all about gallery hopping. First on the list is The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Calgary (formerly known as the Triangle Gallery). This is the only public art gallery in Calgary dedicated to the presentation of contemporary Canadian visual arts, architecture and design in the context of international art. It showcases artwork of the highest quality by local, regional, national and internationals artists, architects and designers.
Next is The Art Gallery of Calgary. The AGC is dedicated to presenting contemporary art exhibitions and providing quality art education programs and experiences for people of all ages. The current exhibit is called Calgary Collects and it celebrates fine works of contemporary art acquired by avid and knowledgeable private and corporate collectors from Calgary. This unique exhibition traces the roots of modern and contemporary art and its evolution in local collections; it also exposes the public to rarely seen artworks. Calgary Collects deals with the impetus behind collecting art and the characteristics of Calgary’s contributions to the direction of Canadian art.
A couple neighbourhoods down, we have Masters Art Gallery. They invite YPs to come in and look at the art, read about the art, and ask lots of questions to develop a feel for the type of work you like. They sell a lot of pieces so this is a spot we definitely suggest you pop into if you are in the market to add to your personal collection.
Of course we can’t forget Artevo. This gallery is actually an official Dr. Seuss dealer and offers the entire collection of Dr. Seuss artwork for purchase. The prolific illustration and archival collection includes: reproductions in the form of limited edition serigraphs, bronzes, sculptures and all new releases. We are all familiar with his much-loved books, such as The Cat in the Hat, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Horton Hears a Who, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, and Sam I Am. But did you know that there is also a highly prized Unorthodox Taxidermy series of cold cast resin and marble dust sculptures?
At some point during the day, you are bound to need a little break. Why not head to Holy Grill Eatery. They serve some of the best wraps in the city and as you enjoy your lunch you can check out the art by local artists displayed on the walls (they regularly showcase work).
After a full day of gallery hopping you are definitely going to need to kick back and enjoy the evening. They say that laughter is the best medicine and we’ve got a cure for you. Grab your friends and head to the Epcor Centre to catch the Just For Laughs Comedy Tour. Comedians including Steve Patterson, Matt Kirshen, Terry Alderton, Stephen K. Amos, Abandoman, and Sean Meo will have you in stitches before the night is through.
Sunday morning is a little more of wandering and wondering about Calgary as a cultural hot spot. You’re off to Cantos Music Foundation to take in a public tour of the foundation’s collection. The Cantos Music Collection features more than 700 keyboard instruments and other musical artifacts and is the largest of its kind in the world. Telling a musical story spanning from 200 BC through to the present, the Collection serves as a touch point for learning, engagement, healing and entertainment for people of all ages and interests.
A tour of this nature will have you craving a little soulful music and we have just the spot for you. Head to The Blues Can, a live blues bar in Inglewood, to catch a performance by Greg Godovitz and The Easy Pickup Band – Greg was originally part of Goddo in the 1970’s of which they quickly became one of Canada’s biggest and most controversial rock trios, recording 11 albums. Sit back and sip a bevy and enjoy some of their delicious southern style food as you wind down and listen to the music.