The A Train – Toe Tappin’ Swing
Have two left feet but are keen to try your hand at swing dancing? Make your way to the Mount Pleasant Community Hall 602 this Friday night for a drop-in beginner swingdancing lesson. Toe Tappin’ Swing presents the opportunity to try out the dance craze with vintage dance music and local DJs. There’s also a bar at the venue that provides libations. The lesson starts at 8:30pm and the Dance the Night Away session starts at 9:30pm. It’s sure to be a night to remember. 22nd Ave NW
Calgary Underground Film Festival
The Festival screens contemporary works in a multitude of categories, including feature, documentary, animation, short, and experimental beginning April 15. Their aim is to bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres. Check out the Sci-Fi/Comedy/Action flick Big Ass Spider this Monday, April 15m at the Globe Cinema, and the Big Ass Opening Gala Party at Vern’s with your ticket stub. Tickets to the show are $11. The Globe Cinema, 617 8th Ave SW; Verns, 622 8th Aveneue SW
Rotary – THE BIG DEAL – CASINO ROYALE
Make your way to the Calgary Elks Lodge & Golf Club for the Rotary Club of Calgary Crowchild Urban Spirits’ The Big Deal – Casino Royale April 13 starting at 6pm. A $25 general admission ticket gains you entrance to the party and the $125 ticket gains you access to the food and entertainment. Entertainment includes a Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, Roulette, blackjack and craps. There will be a silent auction, raffles, door prizes, appetizers and a cash bar. Dress in your best bond inspired outfit and you may just win best in show. All proceeds go to Missing Children of Canada and Rotary youth programs. Get your tickets in advance here. 2502 6 St NE
K-OS
The rapper from Toronto is at the Republik on April 13 at 8pm. You might only know Kevin Brereton by his stage name, but we hear his friends say his latest record has been in the wings his whole life. His Black On Blonde album is not only two records in one, with rock tunes and old-school hip hop jams, but it also features collaborations with Emily Haines (Metric) and Black Thought (The Roots). Make your way down 17th Ave to catch this genre-hopping artist.
Holly Cole
The Canadian jazz singer, who imparts her intelligence and sophistication through song, will be taking the stage at the Grand Tuesday night (April 16) at 8pm (doors at 7). Hugely popular in Japan, she’s won awards closer to home with three Junos and two Gemini Awards. Tickets are $46.50. Her latest album, Night, was released late last year and covers songs by Tom Waits, Gordon Lightfoot and the James Bond theme You Only Live Twice. Theatre Junction GRAND, 608 1st St. S.W.
Roughstock Rumble
A two-day rough stock event with bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding is going down at the Stampede Corral on April 12 and 13 at 7pm. The elite contestant roster includes nine Canadian Champions, a Cowboy of the Year and three National Finals Rodeo qualifiers. Head on down to the Stampede Grounds and see who wins the $30,000 in prize money for each performance. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.ca and start at $20.