Calgary Weekender: March 30 through April 2, 2012

Friday evening brings you both local and international talent. The Alberta Ballet is hosting the world premiere of Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake. Since its premiere in 1877, Swan Lake has remained one of the most enduring works in the ballet repertoire. Crystallized by an epic story of eternal love and betrayal, Swan Lake transitions from ominous to luminous while spanning between real and mythical worlds. Ballet Master Kirk Peterson renews this work into the contemporary realm as Alberta Ballet company artists restore this timeless tale with the importance deserved by what is easily the most famous ballet of all time.

Interested in supporting Calgary’s local talent? Head down to 1301 10 Ave. SW from 6pm to 12am for ‘the SOUL’ – eclectic mediums of photography, jewelry and painting are paired with local soul sisters Jocelyn Alice and Lisa Jacobs, other musicians and good times to create a funk-tastic evening!

Saturday is a jammed day, so start the day right with a delicious brunch. Hungry, but want to avoid the inevitable line-ups? Head over to Borgo for their delicious Italian brunch menu and a perfectly-made espresso.

Interested in how our city is developing? Check out Calgary Public Library, Central Library for the On Common Ground: Conversations About Our City series. Taking place from 1:30pm to 4pm, Saturday’s topic will be Urban Witness. Join a diverse panel for a conversation about Calgary’s history and urban development. Explore how we can build an inclusive and collective future while recognizing our past.

More of a wine lover? Vine Arts – Calgary’s most creative wine shop – is hosting its grand opening. Located at 1310 1st Street SW, YPs are invited to come down anytime between 10am and 9pm to sample wines from some of Alberta’s top importing agencies, food from some of the city’s best restaurants, enjoy a sip of Champagne from a giant bottle, and take advantage of crazy deals that will be announced every hour.

Saturday evening brings the much-anticipated Cork and Canvas Wine Makers Dinner at the Petroleum Club. In support of The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the evening is a multitude of indulgences in a marquee evening masterfully crafted, including iconic wines, legendary cuisine, intriguing musical interludes and a dazzling line up of extraordinary auction items.

Also this weekend, Quebec’s L’Orchestre D’Hommes–Orchestres is in town performing at Theatre Grand. Using nearly 100 objects and invented instruments, they hammer and caress the tunes of Tom Waits in madcap scenes of unbridled energy. In this powerful tribute, the performers remain faithful to the spirit of his work while opening his music to new possibilities and reinterpretation.

L’Orchestre D’Hommes–Orchestres has shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but we suggest going to Saturday’s show; take it up a notch by heading into the Ship and Anchor beforehand for Show up and Ship Out. Indulge in a pint with fellow YPs and take the shuttle from the Ship to the performance.

Sunday, why not celebrate for the sake of celebrating? Grab some of your favourite peeps and go to Vin Room for $2 oysters and specials on sparkling wines and champagne all day.