The weekend is fast approaching and with that yet another excuse – opportunity, if you will – to take advantage of all the great things happening in the city. This week brings the Spoken Word Festival to Calgary, with performances shows, and workshops happening from April 17 – 22.
Friday evening brings Spoken Word’s Anti-Gravity Griots—Live to the Web at 8pm, the best of Dub and Slam and poetry with high-octane power and energy.
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is embracing rock music with a tribute to Sting and the Police. From Roxanne and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic to the chart-topping Fields of Gold, hear all the hits as the CPO and Jeans ‘n Classics – a combination of rock musicians and headlining stars with world-class symphony orchestras – pay tribute to this 16-time Grammy Award-winning rock star.
Saturday brings you even more Spoken Word Festival events with Slam Champs PG at The Downtown Library’s John Dutton Theatre between 10:00 and 11:30am. Think you have what it takes? You are able to try your hand at slam at the event if you want.
Saturday evening head up to the Jubilee Auditorium as The Calgary Opera brings YPs one of the best-known and popular operas of all time, La Bohème. Follow a group of bohemians, a writer, painter, musician and philosopher, as they attempt to make their way through the world where love is scarce, and money even scarcer and all they have is each other, but in the end, perhaps they live the richest lives of all.
In search of some unique gifts or stuff for the abode? This weekend brings Market Collective. Happening both Saturday and Sunday at the Ant Hill Building (148 10th Street NW), this innovative event is not your typical ‘market’. As a community space, it showcases the work of local artists, artisans and musicians, promoting the local arts and culture of YYC. Come peruse the various booths and meet local artists, musicians and non-profit organizations that drive Calgary’s community ties. This time around, the feature musician will be Calvin Locke, and the feature artist will be Jack Bride.
With the weather starting to turn (sort of), Sunday we suggest heading to Prince’s Island park for brunch at River Cafe. They have a fantastic weekend brunch from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We suggest the confit trout and smoked chevre quiche, which you may want to wash down with a fresh OJ mimosa.
If the weather is on your side, take a walk through the park or head over and check out the newly opened and slightly controversial Peace Bridge designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Photo courtesy River Cafe