Banff springstART Festival
Banff’s annual festival highlighting its cultural, historic and artistic scene kicks off Friday, April 5. Check out the cultural scene and art that has been inspired by the National Park since inception in 1885. With heritage home tours, live theatre, Spoken Word and music performances, there’s something for everyone. Swing by the Rimrock Resort Hotel each Saturday during the festival as they feature a different artist with complimentary wine tastings, or head up to the Banff Centre for the Faculty in Flight Spoken Word performance Friday, April 5 at 8pm. The Festival runs until April 21.
Jillian Michaels
America’s health and wellness guru and former trainer on The Biggest Loser brings her Maximize Your Life Tour to SAIT’s Jube on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30pm. Imagine. Believe. Achieve. With 1.6 million monthly visitors to her website, the bestselling author has a unique connection with her audience. From creating DVDs to video games, the life coach will be speaking on topics from harnessing your potential, goal creation and living an exceptional life; she’ll share her secrets to keep you motivated, healthy and focused. Tickets range from $50 to $175. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave. NW
Classified
On Saturday April 6, catch Classified at MacEwan Hall. The 35-year-old rapper from Nova Scotia has reached the height of his music career this year with the release of his 15th album, Inner Ninja (Feat. David Myles), which debuted in the top spot on the Canadian Albums Chart. In the Canadian hip-hop scene since 1995, Classified has earned Juno Awards and a MuchMusic Video Awards. He has a special gift and the show has been described as the show of a lifetime. Tickets are $25 and doors to this all ages show are at 7pm. MacEwan Hall, 2500 University Drive NW
Randy Bachman
Randy Bachman’s Vinyl Tap Tour hits the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Sunday, April 7. The rock and roll legend from The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive will take the stage at 8pm. The writer and performer of hits American Woman and Taking Care of Business, and host of the radio show Vinyl Tap (CBC/Sirius), oft interjects his shows with entertaining stories. His tour, Every Song Tells a Story, is inspired by his radio show and he’s sure to delight the audience with his insight into music history. Tickets can be purchased on the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts’ website. Jack Singer Concert Hall, 205 8 Ave SE
Billy Bragg
Tooth Blackner, CKUA and the Calgary Folk Festival present the Brit’s Tooth & Nail Tour on April 8 at MacEwan Hall. The musician from The Blokes, Riff-Raff and Wilco released his first new studio album in five years and started his North American tour this March. With a blend of folk, punk rock and protest songs, the lyrical master will entertain you with themes ranging from the political to romantic. His new work is a result of recent introspection into who he is and what he does. The punk rock poet is set to entertain and challenge the audience. Catch one of his last Canadian tour dates before the tour goes on to the US. Tickets are $36 and the show is at 7pm. MacEwan Hall, 2500 University Drive NW
Glenbow Lunchtime Tour
On Thursday, April 11 at the Glenbow, take part in a special program featuring NEWCOMERS IN MADE IN CALGARY: THE 1960S. Sure to satisfy your appetite for knowledge, the tour begins at noon. Mary-Beth Laviolette will highlight artists such as John Esler, Olle Holmsten, Velma Foster and ManWoman, all of who enriched and challenged Calgary’s artistic community during the sixties. The exhibition is on until April 28, and is the first installment of a year-long celebration of Calgary artists. The tour is free to members, or $5 for the general public. Meet at the second floor lobby. Glenbow Museum, 130 – 9 Avenue S.E.
Photo courtesy Banff National Park