Friday, August 23
Toronto band The Balconies just released their new single “The Slo” (download it here) off their upcoming album. Ahead of their album release, they are touring from Vancouver to Reykjavik, and will be playing at Broken City on August 23. Their front woman, Jacquie Neville, is described as a cross between Joan Jett and Tina Turner. Who needs a heart, when a heart can be broken? No, no, these pop rockers are gonna turn it up. Miesha & The Spanks will also be playing, so plan a night of it.
If you’re after some tunes but envision some vino and a comfortable seat in your future, head to Wine-Ohs to catch Robert Young and the Big Beat Band as they take the stage at 9pm. It’s Sinatra style – some new arrangements and some old favourites. These cats formed the band in this very space when it was Beat Niq and haven’t played the joint since May 2012. Homecoming? Yep. Robert Young holds down the vocals, there are three members in the brass section (including Al Muirhead – see Sunday) and the rest of the crew. Sounds funky to us.
Saturday, August 24
Plan a short road trip out to the country Saturday and scout some local farms. Check out Alberta Open Farm Days for loads of farms with their fresh offerings because we Albertans can eat local too! Embrace what is unique and local in and around Cowtown and head to the Arrowhead Ranch or Winter’s Turkeys. Your buds back east or on the coast aren’t accessing these sweet spots, so bask in the prairie glory days!
Follow your rural ramblings and gather up some grub for dinner. Winter’s has poultry and turkey, so grab a chicken to roast, or Priddis Valley Gardens is also close to Calgary and it is all about organic gardening. Diamond Valley Farm, also close to Cowtown, raises chickens and eggs, grass and forage, finished beef and lamb. Watch the episode of Portlandia where they enquire about Colin’s upbringing and recreate the scene after your drive down South.
Sunday, August 25
Get your jazz on at the Ironwood on Sunday evening. Call ahead and get tickets ($20) and then show up early to score a good seat. Sunday at 8pm, Al Muirhead, PJ Perry and Senator Tommy Banks take the stage for a unique preview of Al’s new compositions with two of his besties. The Ironwood is a rad spot, especially for Sundays; you’re out but you’ve got a chair to park it in while you eat some yum jambalaya or a burger and a beer. Music, eats and a chair on a Sunday night – what more could you ask for?
Top photo courtesy Ironwood