Costumes, choirs and crooners keep Calgary colourful this weekend
Film festival, academic lecture and lots of musical choice for entertainment in our city
The end of April is upon us — and if you're not rushing to get your taxes filed by Saturday — here are some interesting and exciting entertainment options to get you out of the house this weekend.
The Homestretch's Tracy Fuller has a few suggestions.
1. Greatest indoor show in Calgary
When: Thursday until Sunday May 1 at Stampede Park.
2. Musical moments of water
The 20th season of Calgary's Spiritus Chamber Choir is awash with beauty. All musical repertoire is inspired by a water theme. The programme includes traditional favourites like Deep River, Shenandoah, The Water is Wide, and Wade in the Water along with several other pieces. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and are available at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com.
When: Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m. (Christ Church, Elbow Park, 3602 8 Street S.W.)
3. Arabian nights
Lights, camera, action! It's the 4th Annual Arab Nights Film Festival brought to you by the Calgary Arab Arts and Culture Society. The festival features eight films, including an animated film called The Prophet showcasing the voices of Hollywood's Salma Hayek and Liam Neeson. Bonus — if you show up in a Calgary Expo costume, you will get $5 off your ticket. Double bonus — William Shatner and Stan Lee are invited, so keep an eye out for those comic icons! Head to calgaryarabartssociety.ca for information.
When: Runs through Monday at Festival Hall
4. Get 'jazzy' with it
The CBC's very own Tim Tamashiro, host of Radio 2's Tonic, takes to the stage for an International Jazz Day celebrating the musical genre. He will take on many classic and reimagined jazz classics — and will share the spotlight with Calgary's Aimee-Jo Benoit, Mark DeJong and the MRU Alumni All-Stars. Tickets are $20 at the door or online at tickets.mru.ca
When: Saturday April 30 at 8 p.m. at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
5. Canadian Idol crooner
Hear the vocal stylings of former Canadian Idol competitor Jenn Beaupré. Get serenaded through song, and raise funds for Sunalta's Community Association. The night also includes a cash bar, door prizes, and a 50/50 draw. Tickets available through brownpapertickets.com or get them at the door.
When: Doors open 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Saturday April 30 at the Sunalta Community Association
6. Lecture of a lifetime
In conjunction with the University of Calgary's 50th anniversary weekend, join award-winning Canadian novelist and University of Calgary English Professor Aritha van Herk as she presents her Lecture of a Lifetime. Raised in Alberta, van Herk is an insightful and creative writer with a distinctly Albertan voice. Her work has cultivated a more profound understanding of what being an Albertan means.
When: Reception at 6:15 p.m., lecture at 7 p.m Saturday, April 30 at the Taylor Family Institute of Teaching & Learning (University of Calgary)
7. Hike for Hospice Calgary
Lace up your hiking shoes, collect your pledges, gather your family and friends and take positive steps toward providing compassionate support for families in need at the Hike for Hospice Calgary. Join CBC Calgary's Angela Knight for this family-friendly community walk in beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park
When: Sunday May 1 at Fish Creek Provincial Park; Glennfield Area A & B. 9 a.m. Pledge Drop; 10 a.m. Hike Start