Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Shady Groove Bluegrass Festival
Just a short drive south from Calgary lays the charming little town of Nanton, and this weekend is their Shady Groove Bluegrass Festival. Consider hitting the festival to catch some bluegrass banjo, fiddle and harmonica if you’re in the mood to try something different.
While you’re in Nanton, make sure you have time to stop at the quirky little general store that sells candy, antiques and fireworks. The Nanton pub can also be a great stop for a cold one and some people watching. For ticket information and lineup, click here.
Reggae Fest
Reggae Fest starts in Calgary this week and there’s a free show at Shaw Millennium Park starting at 4pm on Friday. There will be performances by Yaz Alexander, Ammoye, Jason Wilson Band with Dave Swarbrick on Friday followed by House of David Gang, J.K. & the Relays, Lukie D, Mello Man, and Power House on Saturday (tickets for Saturday are $40 – $50). Enjoy some island beats from the beer gardens or sample some tasty Jamaican treats in the village.
Click here for tickets. Shaw Millennium Park is located at 1220 – 9 Avenue SW.
Saturday
Design Talks
Twenty+Change is an exhibition that features the work of up-and-coming architects and designers in Canada. On Saturday from noon to 6pm, you can visit the pop-up gallery to learn about some of the current issues in concept and form. Find out about the future of architecture and the measures being taken to promote sustainable practices. Art Central will be hosting the event. There’s no shortage of funky galleries and shops on site to keep you occupied for the rest of the afternoon. For more information on the talk, click here.
Unseen Art
Art Point is a local gallery that works to help emerging artists make the shift to become professional artists. The Unseen Art Show is an annual affair that gives artists a chance to gain exposure in a gallery space. This year’s exhibition includes works by Amy Angheluta, Patrick Thomas Wood, Megan Ruhl and Michael Reynolds. The reception will be held at Art Point Gallery and Studios Society from 1:30pm to 5:30pm on Saturday. Art Point Gallery is located at 1139 Adelaide St. SE
The cool shops, restaurants and Cafes of Ingelwood’s 9th Avenue SE are only a short stroll from the gallery. Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is a great place to stop for a cup of Joe and a snack.
Spaghetti Western
A Spaghetti Western refers to that novel little sub genre of Western films that were directed and produced in Italy in the 1960s. To summarize: Sergio Leonne, out-of-sync voiceovers and Clint Eastwood before he was such a big deal. If you’re one of those folks who has a love of Westerns, then plan to head to Olympic Plaza on Saturday afternoon to check out a slew of musicians who are all about celebrating the spirit of the West. The lineup includes Matt Masters, Buzz Elroy and many other country and Western stars. The event is free and begins at 2pm.
Cruise over to the Palomino Smokehouse at 109 7th Avenue for some tasty BBQ between sets. The brisket is to die for!
Sunday
Escher at the Glenbow
August 18th is your last chance to see the amazing works of MC Escher, one of the most famous artists of this century. His wood cuts and lithographs are inspired by mathematics and can give viewers the sense they’re looking at optical illusions with vanishing staircases and swarms of birds. 53 works will be on display and will make you think about art in a whole new way.
Since you’re on Stephen, why not try the new Local public eatery? Definitely savour the hand-made guacamole.
Glenbow Museum, 130 9 Ave. SE. Gallery is open from noon until 5pm on Sunday.
Top photo courtesy Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar