Concert Archive

Mar. 3, 2011 : Jim Bryson and the Weakerthans Band

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:37:33 -0600

Jim Bryson and The Weakerthans Band will be performing in Calgary March 3 to promote Jim’s fourth studio album, his first with the Weakerthans, The Falcon Lake Incident.

Imagine walking through the Manitoba woods, following the footsteps of Stefan Michalak, the mineral prospector who described an unidentified spacecraft landing here in 1967—a close encounter the RCMP filed under The Falcon Lake Incident. Instead of bright lights it is sound that draws you through the trees. Faint at first, there is music that is at once familiar and unexpected. There are recognizable voices, but not in this place. The first voice sings and you hear Ottawa. A second joins and it is unmistakably Winnipeg. Walk closer and there is a guitar, drums, bass, then vibes, trumpet. The sound is lush but there is space as the first voice begins: “And we slept under constellations, scattered under all kinds of combinations, wondering where in the hell it is we’re even calling from.” Yes, this is a different combination, but one that makes even a cabin in the remote wilderness feel like home. And with this new album from Jim Bryson and the Weakerthans Band, we are all invited inside.

www.jimbryson.org

Mar. 5, 2011 : Geoff Berner with Kris Demeanor

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:40:14 -0600

Co-presented by the Calgary Folk Music Festival

Vancouverite Geoff Berner's Mint Records debut, Victory Party, will emerge on March 8th, 2011, and to celebrate it's release he is making a stop at the Marquee Room. His openness to experimentation, spirited Eastern European klezmer influences, punk rock attitude and work with producer/mastermind Josh Dolgin (Socalled) resulted an an innovative, engaging and lively album full of surprises.

An evening spent with Geoff Berner...’s music is, in the words of the good Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, “a wild combination of menace, madness, and genius… fragmented coherence that wreaks havoc on the mind of any listener.” - Vue Weekly

Joining him will be his pal and Calgary's favorite singer/songwriter/poet/shit disturber, Kris Demeanor. His music draws on classic folk story telling, spoken word/rap, and shamelessly hooky pop, which both complicates things for all involved and makes them more interesting.

"... the man, seriously, is the best thing going in Canadian music these days. Musically adventurous and lyrically stunning." - Penguin Eggs

www.geoffberner.com

www.krisdemeanor.com

Mar. 10, 2011 : Christine Fellows - CANCELLED

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:44:08 -0600

Due to an impassable highway Christine Fellows is stuck in Creston and will not be performing tonight. Sorry about that!

Mar. 30, 2011 : Bruce Cockburn

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:25:46 -0600

Bruce Cockburn is an exceptional songwriter and pioneering guitarist whose career has been shaped by politics, protest, romance and spiritual discovery. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace a plethora of musical styles while travelling to far-flung places to write memorable songs about his ever-expanding world of wonders.

He’ll be touring in support of the release of his new album “Small Source of Comfort,” his first studio recording since 2006’s “Life Short Call Now.” The album, produced by Colin Linden, is very acoustic, rhythmic and highly evocative.

Bruce will be accompanied by long time collaborator, percussionist Gary Craig and fiddler Jenny Scheinman (Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux).

Opening act Jenny Scheinman is a singer, violin player, composer and arranger and collaborator on Bruce Cockburn’s Source of Comfort. She’s arranged music for Lucinda Williams, Bono, Lou Reed and Sean Lennon, and has toured and recorded with Bill Frisell, Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux, Nels Cline, Vinicius Cantuaria, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Mark Ribot. She has four releases of original music under her belt.

May. 6, 2011 : Steve Dawson

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 20:46:46 -0600

Producer, session musician extraordinaire and band leader Steve Dawson celebrates the release of his new album Night Shade. He creates organic acoustic ditties, gut bucket blues and free flowing experimental compositions.

May. 25, 2011 : Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:43:04 -0500

Presented by Union Events:

Sharon Jones is coming back to Canada and bringing her always soulful Dap-Kings. This 11-piece powerhouse will be hitting cities across Canada, from Montreal to Victoria, spreading their musical blend of gospel, soul, and funk throughout May. Joining them on many of the dates is Black Joe Lewis.

Based in Brooklyn, NY Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have been busy touring the world since the 2010 release of their fourth album, I Learned The Hard Way.

I Learned The Hard Way was produced by Bosco Mann and recorded by Gabriel Roth on an old Ampex eight-track tape machine, in Daptone Records’ House of Soul studios. Praise for the release came pouring in from the likes of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and MOJO, all of which agree that Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are authentic, soulful, and throwback perfection.

May. 28, 2011 : Timber Timbre with Tasseomancy

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:39:15 -0500

Multi-instrumentalists Taylor Kirk, Mika Posen and Simon Trottier’s latest aptly named CD Creep on Creepin’ On invokes and disguises essential pop with chilling authenticity. Textured, evocative, sometimes eerie backwoods hymns reveal dark charms with rich melodies and sweet instrumentation.

Formerly known as Ghost Bees, sister duo Tasseomancy’s barebones neo-gothic sound is evolving to experiment with heavier, ambient sounds, influenced by death rituals, hebraic song, war drums, ancestry and myth.

Tickets go on sale Friday March 25.

Jun. 21, 2011 : New Jerusalem

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:52:05 -0500

Sean (Colm O’Leary), an Irish immigrant to America returns from military service in Afghanistan to find his heart and mind in disarray. He is befriended by Ike (Will Oldham, a.k.a. Bonnie "Prince" Billy), a strong willed Evangelical Christian who endeavors to ensure his salvation. A meditation on frailty, mutual need and friendship, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. New Jerusalem, the second feature film from director R. Alverson, New Jerusalem premiered at the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2011. It stars Will Oldham, in his first leading role since Kelly Reichardt’s 2006 feature Old Joy, and Colm O’Leary (who co-wrote the film with Alverson)

Video

Jun. 22, 2011 : Justin Townes Earle and more

Fri, 27 May 2011 17:19:22 -0500

Part of Sled Island 2011.

The official Calgary Folk Music Festival showcase with Justin Townes Earle, Jenn Grant, Jasper Sloan Yip and No River

Jul. 5, 2011 : Lucinda Williams

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:54:22 -0500

It’s not all that hard to find an artist who’s capable of offering a guided tour of life’s dark clouds – nor is it rare to come into contact with one who can hone in on the silver lining. But the ability to do both with equal grace, well, that’s an altogether rarer gift – and it’s one that Lucinda Williams displays with remarkable élan on her latest album, Blessed.

Produced by Don Was, Blessed reveals the breadth of Williams' songwriting palette, wandering through aching pedal-steel numbers, a hail of angry guitars, and returning to her patented sultry bules and sassy sensuality.

Jul. 28, 2011 : Luke Doucet

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:11:11 -0500

Luke Doucet turns to classic themes of place, love and the existential labyrinths of human understanding on his latest release Steel City Trawler. Luke navigates everyday life with finely honed senses of irony and skepticism on signature grain-of-salt-seasoned songwriting. It’s pure and simple rock and roll boasting Manchester-esque melancholy, tender revelations and even more tender accusations.

Jul. 30, 2011 : Rock the 'Walk

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:53:39 -0500

Celebrate the grand opening of the RiverWalk in the East Village with performances by Samantha Savage-Smith, Kris Demeanor and his Crack Band and Meisha and the Spanks with Market Collective's local artisans.

Rock the Walk will be held in the RIverWalk Plaza, behind the historic Simmons Building in East Village

Run, walk, ride or blade to the event and experience the essence of RiverWalk.

For more information please visit www.evexperience.com/news_events

Sep. 11, 2011 : Haultain and 1st St Festival

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:46:05 -0500

The 3rd annual Haultian and 1st Festival at Haultain Park (13 Ave and 1 st SW) is a free family-friendly event featuring two stages of artists.

On the Folk Fest Stage: InFUNKstigation, Dojo Workhorse, Samantha Savage-Smith, Hollow Brethren and Lorrie Matheson.

On the Drum and Monkey Stage: Hurrican Felix & The Southern Twisters, Double Fuzz, Smokin' 45s, Deadhorse, Matt Masters, Cowpuncher and No River.

Plus a Bike Show and Shine, fashion show and local artisans and fresh food.

For more information visit www.victoriapark.org

Sep. 12, 2011 : Jennifer Warnes with Eric Bibb

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:50:02 -0500

American singer-songwriter Jennifer Warnes’ biggest hits include“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing and“Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman. Warnes is best known for her rich distinctive voice; interpretations of work by James Taylor, Leonard Cohen and Buffy Sainte Marie.

Using his rich vocals and fine finger-picking technique, Eric Bibb blends a traditional American style with an intimate, contemporary feeling. Nominated for nine W.C. Handy Blues Music Awards, Bibb earned the Best Newcomer title in the British Blues Awards. New Age Voice awarded his album Painting Signs a Finalist for “Best Folk Album of 2001.”

Sep. 15, 2011 : Peter Case

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:23:20 -0500

After his tenure in the proto-power pop band the Nerves, and following the dissolution of his early-'80s Los Angeles rock & roll band the Plimsouls, Peter Case launched a career as an influential American singer/songwriter specializing in fingerpicked acoustic guitar and redemptive story songs about society's outcasts and drifters, delivered in a uniquely soulful folk-rock style.

Case's secret weapon is his powerhouse voice; combined with his imaginative and visionary songwriting and his ability to blow real harmonica licks, he's well respected among his peers and a perennial favorite among serious listeners.

www.myspace.com/petercase

With special guest Lorrie Matheson.

Sep. 22, 2011 : Matt Masters

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:02:49 -0500

Matt Masters is a road warrior, country traditionalist and original honky-tonker with a real connection to the Canadian west.

Sep. 23, 2011 : Baskery

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:38:46 -0500

Please note the Baskery shows have been pulled into a one-show wonder with the addition of the fabulous Eve Hell and the Razors! Current late-show ticket holders, your 9:30 pm ticket will be updated to a 7:00 pm door / 8:00 pm show ticket. If you need to maintain a late arrival, we'll make sure you have a reserved table. Baskery will begin at 9:15. We'll be calling you personally to make sure you are all good.

What’s not to love about three Swedish sisters playing kick-ass, acoustic alt-country with brio and sass to spare? With distorted slide banjo, slap-driven upright bass and washboard strummed acoustic guitar. Greta, Stella and Sunniva Bondesson rev up traditional country roots with the frenetic energy of pop-infused punk.

www.baskery.com

Eve Hell and the Razors shake it up with twangy hellbilly hymns punctuated with dark country and spaghetti western romps.

https://www.facebook.com/evehellandtherazors

Video

Sep. 28, 2011 : Giant Sand w/ Cloudsplitter

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:08:50 -0500

Giant Sand’s leader Howe Gelb has defied musical conventions for 30 years and been called the “godfather of alt-country and Americana" and "elder ambassador of desert rock." A modern, gruff town crier, he weaves impressionistic imagery into personal narratives and expansive, wise observations. www.howegelb.com

Cloudsplitter – formed by ex-Buttless Chaps frontman Dave Gowans, Cloudsplitter is a textural and atmospheric take on No Depression country, folk rock, and understated psychedelia. http://cloudsplitter.bandcamp.com/

Oct. 1, 2011 : Indie Band Showcase Concert

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:39:11 -0500

Chosen from more than 100 applications, the bands work with producers including Tony Berg (who’s worked with Beck, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, PiL, and Jakob Dylan), Montreal-based producer Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade, Bell Orchestre), and Banff Centre alum Shawn Everett, who co-produced Weezer’s last album, Hurley. During the two-week session, they’ll write, record, and perform as many new songs as possible, and leave with a network of connections and resources unique in the indie world. Past bands in residence include Ohbijou, Basia Bulat, The Adam Brown, Analog Bell Service, and Woodpigeon.

Mise en Scene

Fine art students Stephanie Blondal and Jodi Dunlop are Mise en Scene, a Winnipeg duo that’s climbed up Winnipeg’s college radio charts and landed firmly on the Manitoba music scene. They released their first EP last November, and recently recorded another single. “What a country we live in, eh?” says Blondal of the Residency. “So many people helpin’ out the young ‘uns. Who needs drugs when Canada is the drug?!”

The Abramson Singers

When Vancouver’s Leah Abramson developed tendonitis in her wrist a few years ago, it was the beginning of a unique musical sound. Unable to write songs on guitar, she borrowed an 8-track and began recording a cappella vocal numbers under the name The Abramson Singers, releasing an album of the same name in 2010. These days, Abramson’s wrist is back in action and she brings a band with her to Banff, made up of Patrick Metzger, Greg Murray, Tyson Naylor, and Eric Weiden.

Doldrums

Evidence of Doldrums’ experimental sound can be found on a VHS-format Mixtape that blends found footage with an electronic, synth-heavy soundtrack backed by distorted vocals. The invention of Spiral Beach’s Airick Woodhead, the band is described by a U of Toronto newspaper as “sounding somewhere between a hip-hop breakbeat experiment, hippies stealing gear from a new-wave band, and Woodhead’s avowed heroes, Animal Collective.”

All three bands will play a Showcase concert in the Centre’s Eric Harvie Theatre, with headliner Chad Vangaalen October 1. Fans can also get a look at the creative process with open studio sessions the afternoon of Friday, September 30 in The Banff Centre’s Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Building.

Oct. 7 - Nov. 18, 2011 : Fish Creek Concert Series

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:18:32 -0500

Fish Creek Concert Series

For more information, visit fishcreekconcerts.com

Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks
Friday October 7, 2011 @ River Park Church

Door Time 7:00
Show Time 7:30pm

Tickets $25 Buy online or 403.263.0079

Throughout the 60s and 70s there was no one who sounded at all like Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, and remarkably, nearly 40 years later, there still isn't. We now find ourselves again in an age of introspective sensitive singer-songwriters. Luckily for us, throughout the past decade and amidst the new wave of freak folk that prides itself on its eclecticism, Dan has re-assembled the Hot Licks. Getting back into the swing of regularly recording and touring, he has proven once again that the king of hipster-chic will always be Dan Hicks. http://www.danhicks.net/

David Francey
Friday October 21, 2011 @ River Park Church

Door Time 7:00
Show Time 7:30pm

Tickets $25 Buy online or 403.263.0079

“Late Edition is like a perfect evening, passing the time with a good old friend and a few glasses of a fine single malt, discussing love, the latest news, and life in general. David Francey rarely disappoints with his song writing decisions and this disc is no exception – it’s a corker.” –By les siemieniuk for Penguin Eggs Magazine

The quote pretty much says it all. David has another great CD to release on this tour

Bluebird North, Where Writers Sing and Tell featuring: T Buckley, Joe Nolan, Crystal Plamondon and Emily Jill West. Presented by Fish Creek Concerts and The Songwriters Association of Canada
Friday November 4, 2011 @ Southwood United Church

Door Time 7:00
Show Time 7:30pm

Tickets $25 Buy online or 403.263.0079

T. Buckley is a roots artist in the true sense of the word, combining stylings of Country, Folk and Rock'n'Roll. Buckley can take hold of a young audience with edgy roots-rock and captivate traditional music lovers with timeless melodies.

Joe Nolan already, at a mere 21 years of age, seems destined for greater things. This destiny is confirmed by the company he keeps on his third disc. Produced by legendary guitarist and producer Colin Linden, this disc is a gutsy, atmospheric tour-de-force recorded in Nashville with such veteran sidemen as Linden, Spooner Oldham (Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Aretha Franklin) on keyboards, Charlie McCoy (Bob Dylan Elvis, Simon & Garfunkel) on harmonica, and session greats, Dave Roe, Chris Donahue, Bryan Owings, and John Whynot. The maturity of his talent seems more than evident here with not only amazing playing but some damn good songs like Paranoia Day 36 Blues, Where Do I Go From Here, Don’t Take My Picture, and Bottom Shelf. A singer/songwriter just can’t do much better at this age. The sky itself seems limited compared to the talent of this young man. – by Barry Hammond - Penguin Eggs (Sep 12, 2011)

Crystal Plamondon hailed Canada's Cajun Queen; is a talented bilingual singer, songwriter, and performer with a twenty-year track record of consistently delivering passionate concerts that cover an emotional range from heart-warming ballads to rockin’ country, roots and cajun.

Prairie-raised and Toronto-Based artist Emily Jill West’s songs are infused with elements of rootsy and european folk, sparsely arranged acoustic pop, and alternative country. With a bird-like voice she has developed a unique sound, referencing influences Gillian Welch, Leonard Cohen, Sarah Slean and Patty Griffin.

James Hill and Anne Davison
Friday Nov 18, 2011 @ River Park Church

Door Time 7:00
Show Time 7:30pm

Tickets $25 Buy online or 403.263.0079

James Hill and Anne Davison: just your average ukulele-meets-cello duo

Putting the “eh” in “ukulele” since he was a wee keiki, Canadian James Hill is considered a “rare peer” of Hawaii’s premier `ukulelists with a “world-class command of the instrument” (John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin). His music is a “tour de force” mix of jazz, classical, and folk influences (Yvonne Zacharias, The Vancouver Sun).

Oct. 13, 2011 : Matt Andersen

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:08:07 -0500

New Brunswick's Matt Andersen has a larger than life showmanship that has been earning him a fervent and steadfast audience wherever he graces the stage. Matt's sprawling blues, roots and rock musical hybrid with his sorrowing and soulful voice has sparked a phenomenal buzz on Canada’s East Coast and that grass roots word of mouth cannot be contained any longer.

In the past couple of years, Matt has released an introductory EP along with two critically-acclaimed live fans’ favorite’s and the full length release “Second time around”. Along with a very busy touring schedule as a headliner at major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Matt has also shared the stage and toured with America, Randy Bachman, the late Bo Diddley, Little Feat and a host of others.

Oct. 17, 2011 : Socalled with Katie Moore

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:15:25 -0500

Montreal’s Socalled is an innovative multi-media artist (pianist, producer, composer, journalist, photographer, filmmaker, magician, cartoonist and puppet maker) and sardonic hip-hop maestro who mashes up funk, klezmer and 1930s Yiddish music. He’s the subject of a feature documentary: http://blog.nfb.ca/socalled/

www.socalledmusic.com
Stream his newest album "Sleepover" here

Katie Moore is an uncompromising songstress whose haunting music defies quick categorization; it lies somewhere in the no-man’s-land between folk, alt-country, bluegrass, and Americana. Her natural, effortless timbre is often sought out as accompaniment by some of Canada’s most renowned artists, including Patrick Watson, Plants and Animals, Socalled, Chilly Gonzales, and a live collaboration with Feist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Katie was just awarded the SOCAN ECHO songwriting prize.

www.katiemoore.ca

Oct. 20, 2011 : Delhi 2 Dublin

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:01:34 -0500

Delhi 2 Dublin has been called “the United Nations of rock ‘n’ roll.” Vancouver’s funky force of nature plays an energetic Bhangra/celtic/dub/reggae/electronica mash-up with global rhythms and club beats. www.delhi2dublin.com

*Please note the date change - the concert is now Thursday Oct 20, not Friday Oct 21 as previously posted.

Oct. 21 - 23, 2011 : Calgary Arab Film Festival

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:24:09 -0500

CAFF represents the diversity of people, regions and perspectives in the Arab world, providing realistic perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics.

www.calgaryarabfilm.com

Oct. 22, 2011 : Iris Dement with Colin Hay

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:05:56 -0500

Iris Dement’s beautiful, understated folk-country melodies and soaring voice turn plain-spoken verse into poetic revelations and universal truths that celebrate faith, love and rural simplicity.

Men at Work frontman Colin Hay is an endearing raconteur whose solo shows intersperse classic and new songs with hilarious, poignant and downright surreal stories drawn from 3 decades of often unbelievable experiences.

Nov. 4, 2011 : Dan Mangan

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:16:13 -0500

Dan’s songs brim with subtle images and irreverent wit. He has a knack for making what is quaint seem universal and what is universal quaint, so that even his most layered lyrics feel strangely familiar. His uniquely gravelled voice conveys a rare type of honesty, a gift that seems to transcend demographics. On stage, his presence is easy and open. It could work against him, but there’s no façade; here’s a talented, hard-working and unpretentious musician with a poet’s way of seeing through absurdity.

Listen to a track from Dan's sophmore release Oh Fortune.

Nov. 5, 2011 : Alex Cuba

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:26:31 -0500

Singer-songwriter Alex Cuba hails from Artemisa, Cuba and resides in Smithers, B.C. Musically, he lives everywhere in between. His trademark sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords subtly subvert commonly held notions of what Cuban music is. Alex is on the vanguard, crafting a cross-cultural sound that mirrors his geographical journey. Please note guests will be seated in order of their ticket purchase date, the earlier you purchase a ticket the better seats you will get at the Ironwood.

Nov. 15, 2011 : The Once

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:25:15 -0500

The Calgary Folk Festival and CANTOS Music Foundation welcome Newfoundland's THE ONCE on their national CD release series of pop-up shows. These intimate shows are a special night of stories and songs from Row Upon Row of The People They Know which was released by Borealis Records in early October. The second CD for this Canadian Folk Music multi-award winner features original and traditional music from Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nov. 20, 2011 : Cal Cavendish CD release party

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:38:23 -0600

Cal Cavendish, legendary Alberta songwriter and pilot, and subject of the CFMF co-produced 2009 hit musical 'Buzz Job', is releasing 'Rough Around the Edges', a recording of brand new material recorded with a fantastic Montana session band, and will be backed up at the Ironwood by Kris Demeanor and his Crack Band.

With titles like 'Shy Stripper', 'Takin' My Rifle for a Walk', and 'Cow Shit and Crude Oil', Cal Cavendish taps the root of Alberta life and culture with humour and insight.

Stick around after Cal's performance for more music by Kris Demeanor and his Crack Band (who also backed up Cal in the 'Buzz Job' musical).

Nov. 21, 2011 : Jill Barber

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:33:07 -0500

From her modest beginnings as a shy acoustic folkie on the local coffeehouse stage, Barber’s recent career has been reaching starry heights. With the release of her fourth album Mischievous Moon, a stunning concoction that features Barber’s unmistakable contralto backed by sweeping strings and dramatic orchestration, Jill Barber’s evolution to confident chanteuse is complete. As a performer, Jill Barber charms her audiences while weaving a romantic spell. Indeed, romance plays a huge role in both her life and her art. “Chances represented the courtship phase of my career”, she muses. “With Mischievous Moon, we’re getting intimate. The romance is alive and well, but there’s something deeper to be uncovered.”

Dec. 5 - 16, 2011 : Raise a Little Hall

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:02:47 -0600

Click here to donate now!

The Calgary Folk Music Festival is excited to launch its first public fundraising campaign in over a decade this December 5-16, in support of Festival Hall.

For twelve days in December, the CFMF will be encouraging donations from $25-$500, with various incentives at each level, including a limited edition Raise A Little Hall T- shirt, and the opportunity, at the $500 level, to be a part of our Drink Rail campaign, allowing the donor to have their name etched permanently on the drink rail in the lobby of Festival Hall.

Over these twelve days, the festivalhallcalgary.com website will feature artist testimonials about the importance of Festival Hall, have daily draws for incentive prizes, and allow our audience to share their excitement about the Hall.

On Friday, December 16, the final day of the funding drive, the city will come alive with CFMF pop-up concerts, and volunteers and audience members will be encouraged to wear their festival t-shirts to work.

Saturday, December 17 will be the closing party for the funding drive with our second annual Indie Rock Xmas, an evening of holiday music performed by local artists at the beautiful Arrata Opera Centre.

Dec. 17, 2011 : Indie Rock Xmas

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:38:43 -0500

Just because you are jaded doesn't mean you can't enjoy the holiday season! We've gathered a dozen local musicians to carol and cajole you into a festive mood, including..

My Dear Watson
The Collective
Savk
The Magnetic North
Scarves and Scars
Heather Blush
Dan Vacon
Eve Hell
Kenna Burima
Ship Shape
Brooke Wylie
Tom Bagley

Hipster moms and dads: Here's a kid-friendly seasonal celebration you won't roll your eyes over. There will be a visit from Santa, ornaments for kids to make, cocoa and an early sing-along for the little ones.

Also: cider and mulled wine, the world's smallest record fair, a late sing-along for grownups, and a silent auction. All proceeds will go to Festival Hall.

Feb. 3, 2012 : Mississippi Sheiks Tribute Project

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:54:03 -0500

Ever wonder who wrote “Sitting on Top of the World?” Mississippi Sheiks penned over 100 songs in the 1930s populated with characters that walked the razor’s edge between sin and redemption, grace and depravity. Steve Dawson and his all-star band, including blues masters Jim Byrnes, Del Rey and Alvin Youngblood Hart, will bring to life these classic, memorable blues rants and square dance hollers for a marvelous, sublime celebration of formative American 20th-century string band music.

This event is open to all SAIT students, staff and guests.

Mar. 10, 2012 : Buffy Sainte-Marie

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:59:51 -0600

Buffy is a life-long community catalyst, one-woman revolution and prodigious songwriter whose powerful pen has spanned decades and genres. Live, her wonderful songs, including the timeless, profound ‘60s anti-war anthem “Universal Soldier,” blockbuster ‘80s ballad “Up Where We Belong” and incendiary ‘90s protest song “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” will be delivered with traditional Aboriginal melodies, blues, country and electric guitar-driven rock beats.

www.creative-native.com

Apr. 4, 2012 : Andrew Bird: Fever Year

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:17:58 -0500

Filmed during culminating months of the acclaimed singer-songwriter's most rigorous year of touring, Andrew Bird crosses the December finish line in his hometown of Chicago - feverish and on crutches from an onstage injury. Is he suffering hazards from chasing the ghost of inspiration? Or merely transforming into a different kind of animal "perfectly adapted to the music hall?"

FEVER YEAR is the first to capture Bird's precarious multi-instrumental looping technique and features live performances at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater with collaborators Martin Dosh, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Michael Lewis, and Annie Clark of St. Vincent.

May. 1, 2012 : The Idan Raichel and Vieux Farka Touré Quartet

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:16:54 -0600

The Idan Raichel and Vieux Farka Touré Quartet features Vieux Farka Touré (Mali) and Idan Raichel (Israel), virtuosic superstars from very different backgrounds, creating masterworks of collaboration and improvisation.

After a chance meeting in an airport in Europe, Idan and Vieux forged a deep friendship that led to an impromptu get together at a small studio in Tel Aviv in November 2010. The result - acoustic, spontaneous, entirely improvised, and stunningly beautiful - reflects the natural spontaneity and free-form creativity of the artists. Experience firsthand the invention of sublime and transcendent music that crosses boundaries of country, culture and tradition.

Enter to win an “Idan Raichel Fan Package” including free tickets and more: calgary.jnf.ca

Sponsored by Jewish National Fund of Canada.

May. 7, 2012 : Great Lake Swimmers with Cold Specks

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:15:40 -0600

Celebrate the launch of New Wild Everywhere, the Great Lake Swimmers’ 5th album (to be released April 3, 2012), which reveals a depth and maturity previously only hinted at by lead singer and songwriter Tony Dekker, who has spent the last decade entrancing listeners with his unforgettable voice and compelling songwriting. With timeless melodies telling undiscovered stories, New Wild Everywhere maintains an acute respect for the folk tradition.

Featuring long-time collaborator Erik Arnesen on banjo and guitar, new addition Miranda Mulholland on backing vocals and violin, Bret Higgins on upright bass, and drummer Greg Millson, New Wild Everywhere explores transcendence in the natural world to describe universal themes of love, mortality and escape. Songs move from physical to spiritual and from the immediate present to an all-encompassing future, all represented by Dekker’s ability to weave insightful lyrics into deceptively simple, hook-laden tunes.

Recently signed to Arts & Crafts Records, Cold Specks is 23-year-old Al Spx from Etobicoke, Canada, who now lives in London. Describing her sound as 'Doom Soul', Cold Specks' music is steeped in Deep South musical traditions, with sparse arrangements and chain gang rhythms that stop you dead in your tracks.

http://www.greatlakeswimmers.com/

http://www.coldspecks.com/

May. 8, 2012 : John Prine

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:56:13 -0600

Some four decades since his remarkable debut, John Prine has been elevated from the annals of songwriters into the realm of bonafide American treasures.

Long considered a “songwriter’s songwriter,” John Prine is a rare talent who writes the songs other songwriters would sell their souls for. Evidence of this is the long list of songwriters who have recorded gems from his extensive catalog, including Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben Harper, Joan Baez, and many others.

“He’s so good, we’re gonna have to break his fingers,” Kris Kristofferson once said after being justifiably stunned by a Prine performance. Bob Dylan remarked, “Beautiful songs… Nobody but Prine could write like that.”

www.johnprine.net/

With Dustin Bentall and Kendel Carson.