Practising the safety dance as live music returns in a big way to Calgary
It was the first show in over a year for Canadian rockers Men Without Hats, and for many Calgarians too. Take a look at how concert-goers slowly dipped their toes back into the live music waters.
It was the first show in more than a year for Men Without Hats, and for many Calgarians too
There was some dancing, but from a safe distance, at the most recent concert held at the Grey Eagle Casino in Calgary. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
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You can dance if you want to, but from the safety of your car.
That was supposed to be the motto of Friday night's drive-in concert at the Grey Eagle Casino on Tsuut'ina Nation, which borders Calgary's city limits, until restrictions were lifted earlier this month.
The casino and hotel has been holding multiple events this summer so far, including tribute bands and movies, but this is the first one since Alberta moved into Stage 3.
This time it was '80s rockers Men Without Hats, who told fans that this was their first show in more than a year.
Known for their new wave and synth-pop ballads, such as The Safety Dance and Pop Goes the World, the band from Montreal continues to perform and is touring for two new studio albums in the works.
Lead singer Ivan Doroschuk, who was born in Illinois to Ukrainian Canadian parents, brought some serious sparkle to the stage. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
The word is still out on whether they left their friends behind, as The Safety Dance song goes, but people were allowed to get out of their cars for some dancing. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Not quite a heat wave, but still some warm summer air on a lovely Friday night. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
The band is known for their electronic sound. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
A fan gets a quick selfie near the stage. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Colin Doroschuk is a founding member of the band, along with his brother. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Let's just say there was a lot of dancing going on. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Live music has seen an explosion in the city as COVID-19 restrictions eased, and as the Calgary Stampede bucks back into action.
Have you been to a live show since restrictions ended? Share your photos with us by emailing calgaryphotos@cbc.ca, or tagging us on Instagram.
The Grey Eagle's next show is a Spice Girls tribute on July 17.
The Grey Eagle is on Treaty 7 land that belongs to Tsuut'ina Nation, which borders Calgary's western edge. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Fans were having a blast in one of the first drive-in events held at the Grey Eagle Casino since restrictions were lifted at the beginning of July. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Some people sat in their cars, or outside their cars, while enjoying the show. An event co-ordinator said it's been a roller-coaster of changes while they make sure everyone is being safe during the pandemic. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Many musicians have been in a holding pattern since the pandemic started, and now the floodgates seem to have opened. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
It was also the first day of the Calgary Stampede, and many a cowboy hat were to be seen at the show. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
Lots more to come when it comes to live music, as Men Without Hats is just one band embarking on a long-awaited tour. (Rachel Maclean/CBC)
