No thanks, Cowboy
A summer schedule for the less-Western
Michelle Vaniersel, Layout Editor
Calgary boasts every summer about ten whole days of boot-scooting, hat tipping, pancake flipping and yahooing, all of which may or may not be done while in a drunken stupor — you decide because it’s Calgary Stampede week.
There are positive things about Stampede. Many live shows happen on and around the grounds and most things somehow taste better when they’re deep fried and/or on a stick. But the cost, the crowds and the sardine-tin-packed C-Trains are enough to turn some people away from the gates. Don’t worry if “yahoo” isn’t in your vocabulary — we’ve compiled a list of events happening outside of Stampede park to get you through the rest of the week.
Tuesday, July 8
Sharon Van Etten with guests
Venue: Republik Nightclub (219 17 Ave SW)
Time: Doors at 8:00 p.m., show at 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $17 advance or $20 door
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten returns to Calgary this week after playing a stunning set at last year’s Folk Fest. Van Etten’s strong, sultry voice and her masterful use of harmonies will keep you captivated through and after the show.
Wednesday, July 9
Stampede of Poets
Venue: Shelf Life Books (#100, 1302 – 4th Street SW)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, but 10% of book sales support The Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary
This might have the word “Stampede” in it, but don’t let that put you off. Shelf Life’s Stampede of Poets is a showcase of some of the city’s best word-wranglers, featuring Christian Bök, Weyman Chan, Erin Dingle, David Eso, Juleta Severson-Baker, Richard Harrison, Kirk Miles and Sheri-D Wilson. They say it will be The Greatest Bookstore Show on Earth.
Thursday, July 10
TELUS Spark Adults Only Night: The Future of Food Production
Venue: TELUS Spark (220 St Georges Drive NE)
Time: 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $21
Every second Thursday of the month the science centre is open late and there are no kids allowed. This month, Adults Only Night offers a look into the present and future of 21st century food production. There will be hands-on and -off workshops on urban agriculture, parasites and more, and maybe you can start a garden of your own (green thumbs not required).
Friday, July 11
Inglewood Night Market
Venue: 10 Street SE in Inglewood (between 9 Ave and 10 Ave)
Time: 6:00 p.m.–midnight
Free admission
The Inglewood Night Market is a once-monthly two-block takeover that gives local artisans and vendors a place to show off what they’ve got. It takes place every second Friday from June until September. Expect live music, street food, cool crafts and people dancing in the street — literally. It might be square dancing. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Saturday, July 12
Loose Moose Theatre presents Gorilla Theatre
Venue: Crossroads Market (1235 26 Ave SE)
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 students/$15 general
Loose Moose has been reviewed as one of the city’s best improv comedy troupes. During Gorilla Theatre, performers take turns directing each other in improvised scenes and the audience decides their fate by awarding them a “banana” or a “forfeit.” Otherwise, it’s really a surprise until you get there, but it’s always a good show.
Sunday, July 13
6th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Venue: Calgary Farmers’ Market (510 77 Ave SE)
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
Cost: a cash donation to the Calgary Food Bank
You might see some cowboys here, but who doesn’t like food for a cause? The vendors competing in this year’s cook-off are Stock and Sauce Co., Silver Sage Beef, Big D’s Smokehouse, Wildfire Wings and Olson’s High Country Bison. You can vote for your favourite. It might even be cheaper than Stampede admission plus the midway food you’re craving — and healthier!
