Calgary Weekender: June 1 through 3, 2012

This weekend may bring a lot for YPs, but Thursday is a jam-packed evening that is set to kick things off. 

Love theatre? Well at 5:30pm get ready to toast the season and get a sneak peek of what’s on, what’s new, and what’s next at the Martha Cohen Theatre (205 8 Ave SE). 

More in the mood for a little networking? AdDrinx YYC will be taking place at Libertine (223 8 Avenue Southwest). This time around the theme is Advertising vs. Art. Come work out your unfulfilled artistic aspirations with a drink, food and some inspiring art. Amazing prizes are up for grabs with proceeds from the evening supporting Art à la Carte.

If you are looking to be inspired, the Women’s Executive Network will be bringing guest speaker Devon Brooks, the Founder of Blo Blow Dry Bar. Head over to WEST to see what she has to say and mingle with other likeminded YPs and YEs.

This Thursday also brings the much-loved First Thursday, Calgary’s monthly arts and culture festival. Various locations throughout the city’s cultural district will be playing host to a variety of great events.

Friday evening we have you off to the LIFE Art Show, which is showcasing paintings, photography, and more from local artists. This event is taking place at Village Brewery (5000 12A Street SE) from 7pm to midnight and is bound to have some fun surprises. 

FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival kicks off over the weekend. This 11-day (May 31-June 12) festival showcases 70 performers from around the world. Friday evening, ‘Best of the Fest’ will be taking place at Libertine, while Saturday’s ‘Festival Favourites’ will be at the John Dutton Theatre (616 Macleod Trail SE) at various locations throughout the city.

For those who love music, the 8th Annual University of Calgary Chamber Music Festival – Contrasts will be hosting a performance at Eckhardt-Gramatte Concert Hall at the Friday evening with music by Mozart, Chopin and Arensky.

Saturday you are off to Calgary’s SoDo District (10 and 11 Ave from 5 St. to 8 St. SW) for the SODO Block Party. Check out the diverse shops, galleries, bakeries, salons and spas, fine wine purveyors, and restaurants of this dynamic neighborhood. Be sure to pop in to Sit as they will be hosting the official launch of their first pop-up, Baby Bot, with great live music (special guest to be announced), activities and all-around Saturday Block Party fun.

For those runners out there, the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Underwear Affair 10 km and 5 km run to raise money for below-the-waist cancers like prostate, ovarian, and colorectal will be taking place Saturday afternoon. Starting and finishing at Max Bell Centre (1001 Barlow Trail SE), don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of people running around in their undergarments. Be sure to stick around post-race for the EXPOsed After Party where you can dance the night away to local DJs, check out booths and vendors, enjoy giveaways, food, and beverages, and celebrate best costumes, top fundraisers and fastest runners.

Ford dinner, you need to head to newly-opened Avec Bistro (105-550 11 Ave SW). Enjoy the contemporary French cuisine in this intimate and fabulous room. We suggest going for a classic and trying the steak frites. You will not be disappointed.

If you are an ABBA fan, then you should head to the Jack Singer Concert Hall (205 8 Ave SE) for The Best of ABBA presented by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Hear Finland’s superstars, Rajaton, rock your favourite ABBA hits – Dancing Queen, Fernando, Mamma Mia and more. This six-voice a cappella ensemble will expose you to the diversity of repertoire, singing style, and stage presentation that has made them a phenomenon on the world stage. Hustle over to Teatro Ristorante (200 8 Ave SE) after the concert for the last after party of the season. 

Saturday evening is also the last day of The FairyTales International Queer Diversity Film Festival, Calgary’s second biggest film festival. 

Sunday is definitely a day of health. Move, Breathe, Flow is the second fundraiser for danayoga (translated to “giving” in Sanskrit) at Yoga Passage. With live DJs spinning great beats, grab some friends, head down, and let the energy move you. There is no right way to move, no steps to follow, no proper alignment…so dance, flow, move, breathe, meditate and be. There will also be refreshments and a silent auction with all proceeds going to provide scholarships to students of teacher training programs.

Photo courtesy Teatro.