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A Taste of Alberta Music

2012-02-24T09:01:00.005-07:00

FolkRoots. PopRocks. BackBeat. BarnBurner.

The TransCanada Alberta Music Series features the best and brightest of our home-grown musical talents. As Alberta's biggest festival celebrating our province's vibrant and diverse music scene, each night features a different flavour. We've included a taste for you here:

FolkRoots Session - Wednesday, March 28, 2012

An evening of stories told through acoustic guitars, beautiful harmonies, and maybe even a banjo. Rooted in the sounds of folk, country and blues, these artists put a contemporary twist on traditional sounds.

Featuring:

Hollow Brethren - This impressive and soulful collaboration of crack musicians fuses surrealist psych-folk with dark, early blues and country ballads. Together they create nostalgic old-time music and share their dream space of an attic lit with soft, yellow lamplight.
Jesse Dee and Jacquie B - Catchy alt-roots beats and perfectly-paired vocals go together like toast and jam. Whimsical and pithy lyrics are taken straight from the pages of a novel about the trials of the road and life in a small mountain hamlet. A high-energy, rock n’ roll bit o’ trouble.
Scott Cook and the Long Weekends - Light and playful yet political, this prairie balladeer is sure to brighten dark winter nights. Self-professed hobo Scott Cook has a Woody Guthrie vibe and like a trusty rope, he and his 4-piece band twine together folk, roots, blues, reggae and soul, resulting in straight-talking, witty tunes.
John Wort Hannam - This transplanted Brit calls Fort Macleod home and most definitely has the pioneer spirit pulsing through his veins. A prolific storyteller, Hannam’s poetic lyrics have won him numerous accolades for his songwriting gifts. His songs have become southern Alberta anthems and connect audiences to the small towns and endless blue skies of the wide open prairie.

PopRocks Session - Thursday, March 29, 2012

This night will snap, crackle and pop. This is where influences and inspirations meet. Expanded modern sounds with a nod to folk, blues and anthems, resulting in something sweet, something surprising and something fun.

Featuring:

Yes Nice - Stunning yet fragile vocals, polished harmonies and gorgeous guitars come together to create a full, lush sound. The band’s consistent beauty in incredible songwriting roots them as stand-outs in the Canadian indie music scene. Multi-layered with an orchestral quality, Yes Nice is, like the Rockies, powerfully moody but adventurous.
Kris Ellestad - Calgary’s best-kept musical secret steps on stage with his quirky, upbeat guitar, flowing and inventive melodies, intricate fretwork and a powerful, versatile voice. Folk-influenced sounds with tender, dark and intense lyrics; genuine, rich and organic, Ellestad will impress with his artful instrumentations that defy genres.
Michael Rault - Hip and retro tunes with a nod to Buddy Holly and ‘60s R&B beats that you would find in your favourite hang out’s jukebox or at the sockhop. This tender 20-something shows sweetness in simplicity and delivers pop melodies that take you back to the drive-in, complete with the keys to your dad’s car and your best girl wearing your jacket.

BackBeat Session - Friday, March 30, 2012

A bright night rooted in gritty bluesy rhythms, reggae and ska tempos. From old-school dance floor mash-ups, sexy swagger and all-around good vibes, this is a Friday night with soul.

Featuring:

The Soulicitors - Sunny reggae beats warm the chill of March and break the ice as you move to the hot rhythms with a room full of strangers. This old school/new school mash up is upbeat, uplifting and never fails to fill a dance floor with infectious, urban and soul stylings.
Ghostkeeper - Get set for sexy vocals and sick riffs from this edgy duo. Raw and bluesy pop comes to you straight from the heart, delivered by the children of the great northern muskeg. These confident, yet eccentric crooners redefine the word “swagger” and thrive on live performance.
J.k & The Relays - Ska and reggae a’la English Beat and The Specials recharge your batteries. Front man Jory Kinjo brings it with his sophisticated vocals backed with slick harmonies. Happy vibes prevail with this high octane group.

BarnBurner Session - Saturday, March 31, 2012

Closing out with a bang, our final stormy evening is packed full of straight-shootin’ rockabilly, alt-county and everything in between. This is the night to break in your boots.

Featuring:

Eve Hell and the Razors - Tough and seductive rockabilly sweetheart Eve Hell brings down the house with the subtlety of an Alberta plough wind, complete with hot-rod licks and blazing vocals. Eve and the Razors effortlessly move from their edgy brand of ‘60s surf pop to dance-hall country swing to angsty torch songs. Greasers, tail combs and Daddy-o bowling shirts welcome.
Mike Tod - This 22-year old folk revivalist has Bob Dylan on his shoulder as he whittles his sound from a guitar made from the Red Oaks of California, a suitcase from 1942 and a .99 cent kazoo. Tod not only creates unique music, but his own instruments, sometimes playing a diddley bow made from a piece of weathered 2x4, an old coke bottle and a single string. A charming, haunting, weird, unadorned performance rich with lovely melodies.
Cowpuncher - Alberta’s favourite underground band delivers a rompin’, stompin’ performance that will knock your spurs off. In this “heartbreak honkytonk rock n’ roll show” the mood gets rolling like a runaway stagecoach. With four guitars amplifying their catchy sounds, we dare you to resist the urge to jump out of your seat and grab a dance partner to sweat the night away.

*BONUS*

Our friends at Welcome to the West will be filming some TransCanada Alberta Music Series artists in various locations around EPCOR CENTRE. Keep an eye here for all future videos.

Here's a beaut with honky tonkers Cowpuncher:

The TransCanada Alberta Music Series runs from March 28-31 at EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $15 per night or $53 for a four-day series pass. Call 403-294-9494 to purchase your pass or visit our website here.

http://www.epcorcentre.org/WhatsOn/ShowDetails.aspx?show_id=8CF314DF-D70E-4669-B7A4-C250F4248833

What's your favourite Summer Festival?

2012-02-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

It’s been an unusual winter for Calgary, hopping around from -40 degrees to +10, sometimes within the span of a week. Not even our groundhogs can agree on how much more we might be experiencing.

So we want to focus on the warmth, and what Calgary does best when the sun comes out: Summer festivals!

Comment below and tell us which festivals you attend every year, and why they’re your favourite.

Below is a list of what we were able to come up with for June-August. If we missed any, help us complete the list!

Fiestaval

Music:
Calgary International Folk Music Festival (July)
Sled Island (June)
Afrikadey! (August)
Calgary ReggaeFest (August)
Calgary International Blues Festival (July-August)
Toast 'N' Jam (TBA)

Cultural:
Calgary Greek Festival (June)
Fiestaval (July)
Calgary Stampede (July)
Calgary Turkish Festival (July)

GlobalFest (Photo: Brad Allen)

Sun and Salsa Festival (July)
Marda Loop Marda Gras (August)
Chinatown Street Festival (August)
Inglewood Sunfest (August)
Expo Latino (August)
Historic Calgary Week (July-August)

Theatre/Film:
Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival (June)
Magnetic North Theatre Festrival (June)
Ignite! Festival for Emerging Artists (June)
Calgary Fringe Festival (August)
Summerstock (August)

Bow River Flow

Miscellaneous/Outdoor:
MEC Bikefest (June)
Taste of Calgary (August)
Dragon Boat Race Festival (August)
Choose Yer Own (August)
GlobalFest (August)
Bow River Flow (August)

Comment below and pitch in which festival is your favourite, and why:

National Geographic wants Bret Hart’s DNA

2012-01-27T09:00:00.028-07:00

It was a chilly day when we drove out to Bret “The Hitman” Hart’s house, handed him a rubber swab stick and asked him to scrape the inside of his cheek — all in the name of science. See, this is what modern science looks like:

Acquiring Bret Hart's DNA through
the most scientific of methods

So what’s the story here? How is National Geographic involved? Why do they want Bret Hart’s DNA?

Spencer Wells

Enter Spencer Wells. As National Geographic's explorer-in-residence, Wells is director of The Genographic Project. The first of its kind, The Genographic Project is a global scientific journey, collecting hundreds of thousands of DNA samples from around the world, in an effort to create a detailed, genetically-based map of human migration. That’s where Bret Hart and his deep Calgary roots come in.

“Your DNA contains the greatest history book ever written,” says Wells. “The cheek swab is basically a way of getting at the DNA history book that we’re carrying inside of ourselves. All of that information has to be copied in every generation to pass onto kids and grandkids and great grandkids. So we’re carrying this continuous genetic historic document that goes back through the generations since tens, hundreds, thousands of years ago.”

By collecting DNA from as many sources around the world as possible, Wells and his team use the clues in our own cells to show how modern humans came to populate the planet after leaving the cradle of Africa some 60,000 years ago.

And you can do it too. National Geographic encourages participation by members of the public to join in. By purchasing a genographic kit, swabbing your cheek and sending in your DNA sample, you’ll discover details of your deep ancestral migratory history. Contributing your DNA will help towards the exploration and mapping of the biggest family tree in the history of mankind — humanity.

“It is basically a quest to understand where we all came from,” says Wells. “That’s one of those key human questions that everybody is searching for the answer to: 'Who am I?' 'Who are my ancestors?' And we’re using the tools of science to get the answers to that.”

Mailing Bret Hart's DNA to National Geographic

To purchase your own Genographic kit, visit the National Geographic Store online.

Spencer Wells is the second speaker in our National Geographic Live speaker series and will be giving his Deep Ancestry presentation on February 7, 2012 at EPCOR CENTRE’s Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Bret Hart, as our local Calgary representative, will also be in attendance to learn about his genetic history as part of the presentation. More information at epcorcentre.org

Under the Sea: Interviewing National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry

2012-01-13T08:45:00.006-07:00

Underwater photographer Brian Skerry has been with National Geographic for 14 years, and has been diving and taking pictures for twice as long. He is the first of our National Geographic Live speaker series that presents Skerry's amazing stories, accompanied by a 52-foot screen showcasing his greatest photos and videos. We had a quick chat with him leading up to his visit:

What are your earliest memories as a child?

Brian Skerry: When I was a kid, I used to watch Cousteau documentaries and read National Geographic and see all these cool explorers exploring the ocean, and I would pretend to be doing the same thing in [my] backyard pool.

There was just something that really drew me to the water, it was a very magical kind of place, yet mysterious, and I think I love exploring. As a kid, I dreamt about all kinds of explorations, whether it was being an astronaut, or in jungles, or whatever. But there was something special about the ocean. Something very mysterious, unknown, and it just seemed like a cool place to go.

Do you get approached by National Geographic for stories, or do you pitch your own ideas?

It can be both. In the early days, when I first started, I was just getting assignments. The first three or four were all stories they came to me with and said, “Would you like to do this?” And after that, after I started to get my experience with a little bit of confidence, I started proposing my own stories.

One of the big first natural history stories that I proposed was a story I did in Canada actually — it was a story I did on harp seals on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. And this was something that I had dreamed about for many, many years in diving under the ice and pack ice while photographing these seals. So it got approved. I was just over-the-moon excited, because that was a big deal. And since then, probably 99% of the stories that I have done have been all my ideas.

I prefer to be passionate about the things that I’m shooting, and the subjects and stories that I like to do are the things that interest me, so I’m always coming up with new ideas.

Photo: Brian Skerry

What is your favourite thing to photograph?

Sharks are certainly one category of animal that I love. There’s just something for me about photographing sharks. Sharks to me are a perfect blend of grace and power. They’ve got this elegance as they swim through the ocean but they exude this confidence and strength and power and it’s a very unique thing that animals can do.

Photo: Brian Skerry

What’s the hardest thing about photographing underwater?

I do love icy waters, cold waters — diving under the Arctic or Antarctic ice — but those conditions are very challenging. It’s just very harsh. If you’re diving in tropical waters on a coral reef somewhere, it can be very relaxed. You’re in a little thin wet suit, and you can just stay down for hours and hours, you can snorkel, you don’t have to worry about much, because it’s comfortable. It’s not a harsh environment.

If you’re diving under pack ice, where the water temperature [is below zero], you’ve got all these layers of equipment, and a dry suit, and attached gloves. So just from a logistic or ergonomic standpoint, it’s very difficult to manipulate your camera controls or just do anything. You feel like the Michelin man because you’re so wrapped up in this thermal gear that your movements are restricted; your range of motion is restricted.

There are also just subjects that are very elusive. I did a leatherback sea turtle story, and there were very few pictures underwater of these largest of all sea turtles because they’re so elusive and have no interest in interacting with humans. So I ended up camping on a beach in Indonesia at the edge of a jungle for three weeks with scorpions and mosquitos and taking malaria pills for breakfast every day, just because I wanted to try to go out in this place where I thought I might have a chance. And in three weeks in going out of this dangerous Indonesian long boat every day, I got maybe one or two pictures that I like.

Photo: Brian Skerry

When did you first notice the environmental and conservational issues that you now focus on?

I’ve been working for National Geographic for 14 years. But I’ve been diving and making pictures for over 30 years. Over time, I’ve slowly awakened to the fact that there are all those environmental problems occurring in the oceans. I would just see less fish in the places I used to see big schools. I’d see coral reefs dying that used to be vibrant, or fewer sharks where I used to see a lot of sharks.

As I originally started out with the harp seal story, I just wanted to do a life cycle story. I just wanted to focus on a few weeks that happen in this animal’s life each year where they come down to that region — the Gulf of St. Lawrence — to engage in courtship and mating and pupping. And that’s all I thought I wanted to do.

But as I got more into the research, I realized there were a couple of big environmental issues that we couldn’t ignore if we were going to do the story. One was they continue to be hunted, and two, the bigger problem was that climate change was destroying the pack ice and that these seals needed ice to survive. The pups needed ice to be on to wean from their mothers. And they weren’t getting it. They were dying. The pup mortality rate was escalating because of climate change. So I did focus on those two issues within the broader natural history life cycle story on that one, and that was sort of the beginning for me.

I try to blend the more happy pictures, the celebratory pictures that will hopefully get people to love the ocean or care about it, because it’s beautiful or engaging or interesting, with some of these more harder hitting issue pictures, which I think are necessary. I do think that it is a duty for someone like me to tell both stories so that people have a more complete idea of what’s going on.

Photo: Brian Skerry

What's the closest call you've had?

There’s certainly been my share of dicey moments. I have, for a few moments, been lost under pack ice. When doing the harp seal story for example, I couldn’t find my exit hole to get out of.

Off the coast of Ireland, I was doing a story on underwater Ireland a few years ago. I came up from a dive, my assistant and I, and the boat never saw us and we drifted for two and a half hours, and ended up [being] picked up by a fishing boat.

I’ve been bent into compression sickness, I’ve had boats sink on me while I was diving, coming up in a snowstorm in New Brunswick, Canada watching a boat going down. I’ve been grabbed by jumbo squid — these big sea monsters in Mexico — at night. I’ve been chased out of water by sharks, chased for about 200 meters by sperm whales and so forth.

But I always counter that by saying that, for those handful of dicey moments I’ve had in 25 years of diving, there’s been dozens of dozens of hundreds of experiences with animals that have allowed me into their world and permitted me to make great pictures of them. The good experiences far outweigh the bad ones.

Photo: Brian Skerry

Brian Skerry presents Ocean Soul in Calgary's EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, January 17th. He will be followed by population geneticist Spencer Wells (February 7th), photographer Annie Griffiths (March 13th) and Mattias Klum (April 25th). Part of the National Geographic Live series. For more photos by Brian Skerry, visit his website.

Circles of Confusion and the art eating machine: Kyle Whitehead at Soundasaurus

2011-12-30T12:00:00.037-07:00

Preceding the free film screening of Kara Blake's documentary The Delian Mode on January 5th, 2011, EMMEDIA has curated Calgary sound artists Kyle Whitehead and Carl Spencer to perform their latest works.
We talked with Kyle Whitehead about Four Vignettes, playing on EPCOR CENTRE's video monitors throughout the Centre until January 29th, as well as his latest piece, Circles of Confusion. A live multimedia performance, Circles of Confusion is a generative image and sound-based installation composed of dual Super 8 film-loop projections integrated with dual optically sensitive sine-wave oscillators. But what exactly does that mean?

Kyle Whitehead

Q: Where did you get started?

A: I graduated in 2007 from the media arts and digital technologies program [at ACAD] and when I was in school I was mainly working with video, and towards the end of my degree I started working with some Super 8 film as well. Since graduating, most of my practice has been working with Super 8 and 16mm films, so largely my work has been short film content.

But I do a lot of work with hand-processing and experimental dark room processes. I make a point of getting hands-on with all of my film projects and trying to really do everything myself as much as possible.

Q: Why Super 8?

A: I like to work with hand-processing the film and trying some experimental stuff: experiments with solarizing, articulation, physically manipulating — scratching, bleaching, toning the films — doing things like that.

And I find it has a really particular aesthetic. Super 8 is very recognizable. You can always pick it out, even amongst other film images, I find it has its own look. Even after I do all those manipulations, you can really clearly tell that it’s Super 8 material.

Four Vignettes

Q: Four Vignettes is a piece you did during a four-week TRUCK residency in their mobile CAMPER space, creating a short film at each location. Can you tell us about the sound treatment you applied to the films?

A: The idea was to build a light sensitive synthesizer, or a theremin, that I could use with projected film loops so that the film images, as they were playing, would generate a sound in real-time as well. Part of that came out of a need to find a way to make my sound for my films be relevant or have some direct relation to the images as well.

I’ve always been interested in synthesizers. I’m an amateur when it comes to music at best, but I have a small collection of really cheap analog synthesizers that I tinker with, and I work with some electronic circuits, and do circuit bending and things like that. So it seemed natural to sort of move into integrating those two things together.

I call it an Optical Theremin, which is not maybe the best term for it, but it’s the closest thing that I can find that seems to relate and make sense.

Q: How does it work?

A: The circuits are built to function the same way a theremin would function. A traditional theremin uses radio frequency and proximity antennas that become capacitant devices. [There are] two antennas, one that controls volume, and one that controls pitch, and you would play it by moving your hands closer or farther away from the antennas.

The circuits I’m building have the exact same function, they’re sine-wave oscillators, and instead of having antennas to control volume and pitch, they have light-dependent resistors.

One resistor controls pitch, and one resistor controls volume. And the resistants change based on the intensity of the light falling on the sensors. So changes in luminance, lightness and darkness affect change in the sound, in real time.

Whitehead's optical theremin sketches

Q: Tell us about the Circles of Confusion performance.

A: [For] the performance I’ll be doing at Soundsaurus, I’m using two Super 8 looping projectors. They’re kind of rare items, they were made by Technicolor in the '70s. And the interesting thing about those projectors is that they’re made specifically to project only loops of Super 8 film, and they use a cassette loading system, so they have a plastic cassette that you pre-load the loops into. And when you want to change loops out, you basically pull the cassette out and stick another one in and away you go.

So paired with each projector is an oscillator panel, and each oscillator panel has two separate theremins running simultaneously. So it creates a diatone—you actually have two synthesizers playing at all times. And the sound quality is much better than the one that we used for Four Vignettes.

The dual projector and oscillator panels that detect two seperatelight levels

Q: What inspired this piece?

What I’ve been interested in recently— in terms of shooting loops to use — is I look for things specifically that are non-linear, Or things that don’t have a clear beginning, middle or end. So when you play it as a loop it really doesn’t make a big difference what point in the loop you start the projector — or end it, for that matter — because there isn’t a clear start to that three-minute sequence of film.

And then the other thing I’m looking for specifically is things that have a lot of variation in light and dark. So really high contrast images, or things where the light and dark areas shift around the frame quite rapidly or drastically. Because those things really get the most reaction out of the theremin circuits, if I can have extreme variations in light and dark, and a lot of motion in the light and dark areas in the frame, then it makes the sound really dynamic.

I set up the conditions of the performance, and now I’m choosing the images to suit those conditions. So it’s not a process of form following content, it’s the exact opposite.

The most dangerous thing for film is actually projection, which is sort of an unusual paradox, but constantly projecting a film loop significantly deteriorates it quite quickly. It becomes very worn out. The sprockets can break. The film gets scratched and damaged. If you break enough sprockets, you can even jam, and you can burn a bunch of frames out. So it really is a destructive process for the film itself. So when I’m presenting the piece, I’m using the original camera film.

As a consequence of that constant projection, it does damage the film, it breaks, it tears, it becomes so destroyed that you can’t even recognize the images anymore. So for me, what’s interesting is that the piece is an art-eating machine. It’s actually the way somebody put it to me. And I think that’s a very concise way to put it.

Kyle Whitehead performs Circles of Confusion on January 5, 2012 at the FREE documentary screening of The Delian Mode in the Engineered Air Theatre in EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts at 7:30pm. Click here to reserve your ticket.

A Very EPCOR CENTRE Christmas...

2011-12-22T09:00:00.013-07:00

What’s your favourite Christmas art? It might seem like an odd question, or perhaps too vague. But aside from all the family gatherings, food feasts, and tobogganing, there are those artsy rituals we might not even be aware of.

Maybe you put on Elvis’ Christmas Album whenever you decorate up the tree. Perhaps you pop in your tattered VHS of The Muppet Christmas Carol after a big dinner. You might even see one of our shows at Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects or the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra every year.

So we wanted to see what traditions the folks working in EPCOR CENTRE have. And we wanted to leave it open. Be it movies, music, shows, songs, books, stories or TV specials, this is what we do to get us in the Christmas spirit:

Erin O'Connor - Executive Director, One Yellow Rabbit

White Christmas

"I think I was sick one time as a child, and that was playing over and over and I think I saw it a lot of times as a kid. It doesn’t remind me of being ill or being home, but it reminds me of Christmas."

"I think my mom must have been baking or something at the time, and set me up by the Christmas tree, and I’m just a sucker for musicals."

Jennifer Garden – Development Associate, Theatre Calgary
Straight, No Chaser – "The 12 Days of Christmas"

"It’s hysterical. It’s a song where they integrate 'The 12 Days of Christmas', plus 'Carol of the Bells', and 'Jingle Bells', and 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town', and it’s really funny. And it’s awesome."

And best of all, it’s YouTube-able:

Tammy McGrath – EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts
Paul Auster – "Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story"

"It’s sad and happy at the same time. And it demonstrates this person who did something maybe not as morally correct as we would like to think he would be, but it demonstrated his humanity and he basically atoned for it his entire life afterwards, that one incident."

Read the complete short story here, or listen to author Paul Auster read it for you:

Brian Beaulieu – Operations & Production Manager, Calgary International Children’s Festival

This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday Vol. 1 & 2

A collaborative Christmas album that Jack Johnson and his fellow labelmates recorded and released in 2008, This Warm December was such a success that Vol. 2 was released just last year.

Ellen Close – Associate Artistic Producer, Downstage

It’s a Wonderful Life

"As an obsessed Jimmy Stewart fan, I am obligated to like the movie."

"Two years ago at the High Performance Rodeo, [Swallow-a-Bicycle’s Freakshow] did a performance with a character that was based on Jimmy Stewart that had a long It’s a Wonderful Life section in it, so I most recently watched it for that."

Sheryl Ratcliff – Publicist, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
The Year Without a Santa Claus

Along with the unanimous office vote for Elf starring Will Ferrell, Sheryl voted enthusiastically for this obscure little TV special.

"Santa gets sick, and so Mother Nature, she has two evil sons, and they’re fighting about whether it’s going to be snowy or hot on Christmas."

"And they talk and argue on giant video phones. It was far beyond its time because it was made in 1974."

"And they sing songs. It’s animatronic like Rudolph, but it’s 5000 times better. This is the most brilliant Christmas special ever."

Elaine Weryshko – Springboard Performance, Fluid Festival Coordinator
Handel’s Messiah

"I got to listen to it this year. Where our offices are [located], I get to listen to the Jack Singer all day long. I can hear them at a muted level. But I sat in here last week when [the CPO] did all the concerts, and it was awesome. Everyone was singing."

Laurel Green – Assistant Dramaturg, Alberta Theatre Projects

Brazil

"My favourite Christmas movie is Brazil, which we used to play as a double bill with The Life of Brian when I worked at a cinema in Toronto named The Royal on College Street."

"It was the holidays I decided to stay in and work, instead of travelling. I needed the money — I was in university. So I would leave the theatre, and go hang out with my friends, and stay up really late, and we’d walk down College Street in Toronto (which is Little Italy), where they had all these twinkling lights, and all the cafes had amazing Christmas lights up, and the snow was falling."

"And basically I spent my entire Christmas holiday that year like that. Playing this double bill and a few other really exciting movies. Even if the job didn’t pay well, it was one of the nicest jobs that I think I ever had."

Happy holidays from EPCOR CENTRE!

Window Spotlight - Contextural: a fibre arts co-operative

2011-12-09T12:00:00.002-07:00

Contextural: a fibre arts co-operative, are currently exhibiting their collaborative piece Have Work Will Travel as part of the EPCOR CENTRE's window galleries. We interviewed co-operative founder Siri McCormick to find out more about the group and their work.

EPCOR CENTRE: How did Contextural come to be?

Siri McCormick: We started a few years ago [in 2007], there was a number of us that went to school at the Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD). We were graduates of the fibre department and worked in textiles and we realized how little affordable studio space there was for work in this particular genre.

If you’re a painter you can set up an easel and put it in your backyard or your basement. But textile work is like glass or ceramics—you need a studio setting to do your work. Nothing like that existed in Western Canada, really. So we saw this as a real need and so we got together and talked about how we might put together, as a group, to try to afford to do something like this. So that’s our ultimate sort of mandate is to make sure we can provide textile artists with access to affordable, safe, properly equipped specialized studio space, where you can work and interact with fellow designers, artists, and the community at large.

So we loosely formed a coop and decided we’re going to have to see what we can do to manage it. It has been growing steadily for the past 4-5 years since. We currently have 14 members that are full-time.

EC: Tell us more about fibre arts.

SM: We have people involved in our group that work in all varieties of textiles, from paper-making to printing and dying to natural leaf prints to silkscreening and weaving and felting and my goodness, every kind of offshoot branch of textile work that you can think of. So it’s terrific when we to get together and have shows to see what everyone else is up to.

Fibre artists are generally hugely tactile people. We work in fibre art because we love the whole manipulation, the fact that it’s touchable. You can touch it, you can smell it. We’re surrounded by this stuff from the day we’re born, you get wrapped in something warm. We love the kind of response people get from looking at it, touching it, experiencing it. So imagine working with this. It can lead you anywhere, it can take you beyond merely looking at a painting on a canvass. You can immerse yourself in it. And who wouldn’t want to work in something like this?

EC: And so how did the current exhibition (Have Work Will Travel) come about?

SM: We got together and were brainstorming one day and said, “Wouldn’t this be fun: people sometimes get bogged down with the idea of doing some huge piece for a show — so what about a miniature show?”

You’re used to doing miniatures often because people that do textile work often do it when they’re travelling. You see people pulling out knitting out of their bag, or some sewing, or bits of embroidery. So it’s kind of like, “Have Work Will Travel”, and it tied into the whole idea of textile arts, fibre arts, which is one of those things that women brought with them. Recent immigrants would bring things with them on the boat or on the plane and they’d have these little bits of home with them. So people always tend to be working on smaller projects within the scope of larger ones. You tend to do a lot of things that are portable.

"How do you distill your ideas, your concept, into something
that fits within 3 inches by 3 inches by 3 inches?"

We set a challenge to our members, we’re going to have a miniature show. This is actually a really good exercise for any kind of artist in any genre is: How do you distill your ideas, your concept, into something that fits within 3” x 3” x 3”?

And then of course how to mount it? Once everybody had started working on their projects we had to put our heads together and decide, “How are we going to make a huge disparate of elements come together in this one cohesive display? How are we actually going to manage this?”

And that’s where we came up with the suitcase and box idea, about travelling and keeping things, and the smaller sizes tucked away ... And that’s the final display. It can be configured to any exhibition shape. They’re all free-standing, but there’s enough of a commonality through the whole thing to tie everything together. I think it worked quite well.

EC: Which pieces were yours specifically?

Eadward Muybridge

SM: Mine are the motion capture thread sketches that I did of the people that are running and jumping. And that all came from Eadward Muybridge, [who] had done all the photography with the running horse and the running man a bazillion years ago. And I had been doing thread sketches for a while with family trees and different caricatures, and I was fascinated —we had members of our family that have had various stroke recoveries and [learning] how you teach a person to walk again and talk again.

And so it was, “How do you break down motion and how would you convey to someone who is a very visual person, ‘This is how you take a step.’” Because you can do it mechanically, but people learn in different ways and I just thought, “Well, what if you could visualize something and that would aid you in learning your final motion?” And it just kind of extrapolated from there.

Have Work Will Travel will be on display across from the Max Bell Theatre in the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts until December 30, 2011. If you are catching one of our holiday shows this month, be sure to have a look.

Contextural will also be showing their trunk show at Market Collective this weekend, so do stop by!

Move Over, Movember!

2011-11-25T12:34:00.002-07:00

Stage Door crew at EPCOR CENTRE ready to grow above and beyond.

As Movember comes to an end, the macho men of Calgary’s EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts are preparing for the long haul. Door security at EPCOR CENTRE has vowed to cease all facial hair grooming for the month of November, and if all goes well, into the New Year too. These manly men have decided to go hairy or go home in hopes that this will encourage others to be a part of the Movember movement or create a cause for conversation.

For every 1,000 dollars raised, Stage Door security will sport their spiffy moustaches, goatees and beards for an extra week of valuable embarrassment. If their goal of raising 5,000 dollars is reached, the Stage Door team will rock their facial masterpieces well into the New Year. So far, the team has raised enough money to extend their moustache exhibition until December 7.

From its humble beginning in Australia to the impact it has had on this non-profit arts organization, Movember is an admirable campaign determined to create awareness for men’s health. Prostate cancer affects one in seven men and is one of the most common male cancers found. With this noted, prostate cancer also has a 90 per cent cure rate once diagnosed.

JP Thivierge, security supervisor and team captain, decided to participate in honour of his own loved ones lost to cancer. “I lost three grandparents to cancer before I got a chance to even meet them and I would wish for no one to lose part of their family to cancer,” he says.

For many, Movember isn’t just a chance to sport a silly ‘stache or rock a burly beard, but an opportunity to support something they truly believe in. Stage Door supervisor, David Gustafson, lost his grandfather to prostate cancer and his own father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was through the support of foundations like Prostate Cancer Canada that his father survived. Together with Movember, these two organizations work hand in hand to raise money for men’s health awareness, education, and research programs.

EPCOR CENTRE’s Stage Door security is officially registered as team “Stage Door” and is ready to make this a memorable Movember month. They will be documenting the growth of their donations –and facial hair– via Facebook. To donate to Movember and stay updated on all the EPCOR moustachiery, check out: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Movember-and-Beyond/177244719029173.

By Kimberly Mercader

Costume Sale Sneak-a-Peek

2011-09-14T18:15:00.001-06:00

The costume departments of Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary are gathering tonnes of clothes from past productions and collections. Items for sale and include vintage fashions, formal wear, hats, shoes, purses and costumes.

Whether you are looking to enhance your fall wardrobe, hunting for unique vintage finds, or looking for a unique idea for this year’s Halloween costume, there is something for everyone!

All items are priced to move! The proceeds from the sale will go towards ATP and Theatre Calgary creative initiatives.

Costume Sale
EPCOR CENTRE's Arts Learning Centre (Centre Court)
October 1, 10 am to 7 pm
Cash only

Alberta Arts Days - September 30 - October 2, 2011
Alberta Arts Days activities at EPCOR CENTRE include a spectacular costume sale, matinee performances, printing press demonstrations and free visual art installations throughout the Centre.

Visit epcorcentre.org for full event info.

End of August Playlist

2011-08-31T12:27:00.004-06:00

In the mesmerizing performance of Tosca Cafe presented by Theatre Calgary, the songs in the playlist below have been re-interpreted, creating a spellbinding experience for theatregoers. This dynamic musical opens Theatre Calgary’s 2011-2012 season, starting September 13, 2011 . Sample the songs below and be prepared to be delighted when you experience Tosca Cafe!

What'll I Do - Irving Berlin
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? - Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees
It's Been a Long, Long Time - Louis Armstrong & His Allstars
Mango Mangue - Charlie "Bird" Parker
Red Rubber Ball - The Cyrkle
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida - Iron Butterfly
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - Sylvester

For more information on Tosca Cafe and Theatre Calgary’s new season, visit theatrecalgary.com.

Calgary's Coolest +15

2011-08-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

What has 59 walkways, is 15 feet above ground level, and is 16 kilometres long? Calgary’s +15 system, of course! An idea conceived by architect Harold Hanen, Calgary’s +15 walkway system is the world’s most extensive pedestrian walkway. Located between the Glenbow Museum and The City of Calgary, EPCOR CENTRE’s +15 provides a unique experience for pedestrians looking to avoid the cold weather or busy streets. From a peek into a carpentry workshop to a soundscape experience, creativity is your guide through The Centre’s +15.

The +15 across Macleod Trail connects The City of Calgary to EPCOR CENTRE. It is distinct with its colorful art installation on the glass, commissioned by The City of Calgary. The bright colours help to transition one’s experience from just an ordinary downtown building to Calgary’s premiere art centre.

The +15 Soundscape is a unique audio experience created by featured artists. A call for submissions is posted once a year and is reviewed by a committee before the chosen piece is featured. Past soundscapes have included “The Absence of Individual Sound” by Cody Oliver and “Model Unit 04” by Richard McDowell. The 2011-2012 soundscape will be a collaboration between Ellen Moffat and Jeff Morton titled “Seasonal Waves”.

The viewing area into the carpentry shop is a particular treat for many visitors! On their walk through the +15, they can witness the construction of Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary props progress before their eyes.

The Marion Nicholl Gallery, Stride Gallery, Untitled Art Society, The New Gallery and The Truck Gallery all program Window Galleries through the north and south area of the +15. Partnerships were developed by the Centre over fifteen years ago in efforts to support and promote arts organizations in Calgary.

Featured on the screen: Elegy: A Meditation on Mortality by Sandra Vida

Just around the corner on the second level of the Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby, The Gallery of Alberta Media Arts, a partnership between the Centre and Alberta Media Arts Alliance Society, displays short film and animation in a unique space. Artists residing in Alberta are eligible to apply and are featured in three monitors throughout the Centre. This particular viewing area is the only one on the upper level and has bicycle seats for people to relax and enjoy the film!

Featured in The Ledge: In Passing by Tyler Los-Jones

The Ledge Gallery features work based on artistic excellence and relevance to the community. Because the Ledge Gallery is located in such a unique space, above Centre Court and beside the +15, each artist submission goes through a rigorous review process before being selected.

During the summer, the centre hosts an Artist-In-Residence, who uses the Ledge Gallery as a studio for creativity. Many people can pass by and witness the creative development taking place. Past Artist-In-Residence have included Pamela Norrish and Tyler Los-Jones.

EPCOR CENTRE’s Great Flood of 2011

2011-08-10T13:23:00.000-06:00

On Friday, August 5, 2011, a fast and furious thunderstorm engulfed downtown Calgary. During the storm, a storm water pipe was compromised in EPCOR CENTRE which flooded the building with torrents of water. EPCOR CENTRE’s security and life safety team acted swiftly and staff and volunteers were called in to help deal with the flood that consumed the Centre’s main floor, including the carpentry shop where Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary build sets and props.

Members of EPCOR CENTRE, Alberta Theatre Projects and Theatre Calgary worked through the night to fight back the water and save the stages of the Martha Cohen and Max Bell theatres.

Thanks to the efforts of these incredible people, the majority of the water was kept away from the theatres and the damages were contained.

Heartfelt thanks to Wes, Cody, Dave, Maram, Chantelle, Kevin, Aaron, Gerry, Steve, Jahn, Riley, Shy, James, Lance, Lawrence, Hernan, Leslie, Satnam and his team, Garda and Servantage.

End of July Playlist

2011-07-27T17:37:00.001-06:00

In a celebration of summer, members of EPCOR CENTRE and it's resident companies (including Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary International Children's Festival, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre, Theatre Calgary) have selected their favourite summer songs for your listening pleasure.

It is the perfect compilation for backyard bar-b-ques, long weekend road trips or simply laying on a blanket in the park soaking up the sunshine.

Walk in the Park by Oh No Oh My
Long Hot Summer by The Style Council
Summertime by Janis Joplin
Groovin’ by The Young Rascals
Summersong by The Decemberists
Boys on the Radio by Hole
Sunny Days by Lighthouse
Summer Breeze by Seals & Croft
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Summer in the City by The Lovin' Spoonful
Down Under by Men at Work
Here Comes Summer by Jerry Keller
Liquid Summer by Diamond Messages
Hot Child in the City by Nick Gilder
Richland Woman Blues by Mississippi John Hurt
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People
Astounded by Bran Van 3000
Sweat by Inner Circle
Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
Brand New Spaces by Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
The Boys of Summer by Don Henley
Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters
Take It Easy by Eagles
California Gurls by Katy Perry

SummerACT: Behind The Scenes

2011-07-20T16:04:00.003-06:00

EPCOR CENTRE's Communication and Marketing Summer Student, Kimberly Mercader, ventured behind the scenes at EPCOR CENTRE's SummerACT Camps to find out what the experience is like for the students. Here is what Kimberly discovered:

From the outside looking in, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the work that SummerACT students put into their upcoming performances. Hearing the muffled echoes of rehearsals or peering down into the Jack Singer Concert Lobby, it’s easy to rouse a modest reaction from those passing by.

I didn’t expect to, but before I knew it, I soon became an insider looking out.

I assumed that my experience would be black and white, in and out, question and answer. But you can’t just simply stick a person in a rehearsal room and expect them to get the behind the scenes story without the full experience. I quickly found that the main element of the SummerACT camps was a sense of camaraderie and friendship. Right away, I worked to catch up and forge those bonds.

When I was initially told I would be working with preteens and teenagers, I instantly felt anxious and nervous about the week ahead of me. I had always felt awkward around younger kids. I worried about common interests and a similar sense of humour. Too much angst. Too little angst. Too much energy. Too little energy. How could I relate to these strangers with the 10 days I was given?

To my surprise, I had more in common with them than I did with my own friends: an obsession with Justin Bieber, an appreciation for Glee, fresh excitement for the new Harry Potter movie, a fascination with the Royal couple. I found myself fitting in quite nicely and quite comfortably. The more I felt like I belonged, the more fun I was having. And the fun that I was having in those short hours of drop-in, I soon realized that these kids were having just as much fun all day, every day.

When I think about the summer camps I went to as a kid, I distinctly remember my favourite part of the day was at 4 o’clock when I was finally able to go home and do things that I actually wanted to do. I always yearned for a summer camp experience to prove me wrong, but in the years proceeding, I learned not to get my hopes up. Summer camps can be done in mediocrity or they can exceed expectations like EPCOR CENTRE’s SummerACT program.

From games to choreography to singing to meditation, all the students were involved and engaged and most importantly, eager to be there. It’s like a giant sleepover with all your best friends invited.

As my behind-the-scenes SummerACT duties come to an end, my subconscious goal of enjoying myself at a summer camp was fulfilled, while yet another life lesson was learned. It’s not everyday that I get a second chance at being a kid again. I made sure not to take those hours in the Lobby or in the Engineered Air Theatre for granted. But I also realized that maybe this wasn’t a second chance at all; it was still my first chance at a childhood dream waiting to be seized properly. Perhaps when it comes to the performing arts, there will always be an intrinsic pull from the kid at heart.

epcorcentre.org/SummerACT

Artist in Residence: Tyler Los-Jones

2011-07-13T17:32:00.004-06:00

"You're negotiating with your surroundings in every way."

For the months of June and July, Tyler Los-Jones is EPCOR CENTRE's artist in residence, utilizing the Ledge Gallery as a work space. In August the studio will transition into an exhibition space. According to Los-Jones, the primary advantage of this residency is the ability to work through problems and act immediately and adaptively to his work, free of distraction or interruption.

Los-Jones has found that the unique acoustics of the space delineate the potentially isolating qualities of the Ledge Gallery. The flow of sound has helped Los-Jones feel a part of the EPCOR CENTRE's community, rather than an anomaly in a glass box.

In an admirable feat of ingenuity Los-Jones has constructed a soundproofing and cooling system for his air-compressor so he can use the space with minimal interruption to surrounding arts organizations and visitors.

Over the past few years Los-Jones' work has evolved around the idea of declarative statements and the exploration of perceived endings. During his residency at the EPCOR CENTRE's Ledge Gallery he is exploring the subject of extinction and endangerment of Canadian species.

The research of this issue has played an important role in Los-Jones' creative process, so much so that he keeps his laptop close at hand and has nearly filled a sketchbook with notes and ideas for his pieces. Through a slow, thoughtful and detailed work style he is developing art that will undoubtedly foster discussion and cause you to rethink the complexities of 'endings' as it relates to our local ecosystem.

Learn more about In Passing by Tyler Los-Jones >>
View Tyler Los-Jones' artwork and past projects >>

First Night Ride

2011-07-06T17:19:00.002-06:00

Wes Jenkins (EPCOR CENTRE’s Director of Facility Operations) has been working in the performing arts and entertainment industry for nearly 30 years. This summer he decided to combine his love of performing arts, technical theatre practice, travel and philanthropy into the road trip of a lifetime. Joined by long time pal Robert Hamilton, they were the only North Americans to participate in the “First Night Ride” around the UK.

The First Night Ride is a charity motorcycle ride, which raises funds for The Theatrical Guild (TTC). The TTC offers resources and support for people working in the industry who face challenging circumstances.

EPCOR CENTRE is extremely proud of Wes and the funds he was able to raise for this wonderful venture!

Itinerary

Day 1
Royal National Theatre, London - Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds - Theatre Royal, Norwich

Day 2
Norwich - Castle Acre - Metool, Nottingham - Liverpool

Day 3
TT Circuit, Isle of Man

Day 4
Gaiety Theatre/Villa Marina, Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, Isle of Man

Day 5
Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool - Clwyd Theatr Cymru - Aberystwyth

Day 6
The Ceredigion Coliseum Museum, Aberystwyth - Scenic Ride to Cardiff

Day 7
Wales Millennium Centre tour, Cardiff - The Mechanics Institute tour, Swindon - "Macbeth" RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 8
Alexandra Palace, London. View Alexandra Palace Theatre and a tour of BBC studio

Highlights from the trip

Speeding through the streets of London with a police escort when beginning the journey from the London Royal National Theatre.

Meeting Iain Mackintosh (the man behind the design of EPCOR CENTRE’s Martha Cohen Theatre) at the Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmonds.

Enjoying the sites of Liverpool (former European city of culture) and viewing the historic lighting collection of local theatre lighting specialist.

Visiting the historic Gaiety Theatre with beautifully restored and handcrafted stage technology, such as wooden stage elevators, manual lifts with hemp rope.

Arriving in Wales to be greeted by the “bbbaaaaa’s” of sheep and stunning scenic seaside towns and curving roads. Stopping at the Wales Millennium Centre and experiencing the enormity and strength of its design.

Stopping in Swindon to visit the Mechanics Institute, an impressive compound created by the workers who lived in Railway Village so that they could improve their quality of life. The Mechanics Institute served approximately 10,000 members and was home to a library, reading room, smoking room, meeting rooms and a spacious performance hall for entertainment and a smaller hall for lectures.

Touring the BBC Studios at Alexandra Palace (aka Ally Pally) and sneaking a peek at the closed down Alexandra Palace Theatre. Its elegance still echoes through the passage of time.

To learn more about First Night Ride, visit firstnightride.com

End of June Playlist

2011-06-29T14:44:00.000-06:00

Our friends at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra know that classical music is amazing! At times reflective and tender; at times thunderous and epic, it is always emotional, powerful, and accessible to lovers of all different genres of music. The CPO has compiled a list of ‘starter’ pieces to introduce the classical music novice to the genre. These are exceptional, ‘listener-friendly’ works that are guaranteed to whet the appetite for more classical greats!

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, 1st movement
Beethoven Symphony No. 7, 2nd movement
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 – all 3 movements
Mozart Symphony No. 40, 1st movement
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), 1st movement
Mahler Symphony No. 5, 4th movement
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture
Schubert Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished Symphony): 1st movement
Bach Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude
Massenet Thaïs: Meditation
Mozart Overture to Marriage of Figaro
Strauss Blue Danube
Rossini Overture to Barber of Seville
Vivaldi The Four Seasons – Spring
Barber Adagio for Strings
Holst Mars, the Bringer of War from The Planets
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2
Pachelbel Canon in D Major
Orff O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
Handel Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah
Grieg Peer Gynt: In The Hall Of The Mountain King
Ravel Bolero
Bach Air on the G String
Puccini Nessun Dorma from Turandot
Delibes Flower Duet from Lakmé

To learn more about what's happening at the CPO, visit cpo-live.com.

Beautiful Moooosic!

2011-06-22T16:55:00.003-06:00

As we enjoy the first official days of summer it’s hard not to think about the upcoming festivities that happen throughout Calgary during The Calgary Stampede. Painted windows are appearing across the city and EPCOR CENTRE is no exception. Located directly on the Stampede parade route and across from Rope Square (aka Olympic Plaza), EPCOR CENTRE is at the heart of the action.

While celebrations surround the Centre there is also lots of celebrations happening inside, including pancake breakfasts and corporate celebrations. If you are looking for a last minute venue for your Stampede function visit epcorcentre.org/RentalsAndServices or call 403.294.7455.

Yahoo!

EPCOR CENTRE's Commuter Challenge Results

2011-06-15T16:23:00.003-06:00

EPCOR CENTRE's Commuter Challenge participants were entered in a draw to win the commuter sceptre.

Bordered by Olympic Plaza and Stephen Avenue, the commute to EPCOR CENTRE is certainly a lovely one! The EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts family (including members from EPCOR CENTRE, Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, & Theatre Calgary) had over 65 registered participants as part of the recent Commuter Challenge.

EPCOR CENTRE's Commuter Challenge Achievements

4167 km travelled (farther than the distance from Calgary, AB to Quebec City, QC!)

745 kg of carbon dioxide emissions prevented

326 litres of fuel saved

41,325 calories burned (138 cheeseburgers!)

Here are the methods of commuting chosen by EPCOR CENTRE participants:

To learn more about Commuter Challenge and the positive outcomes of commuting, visit commuterchallenge.ca.

Lighting the FUSE to new play development!

2011-06-08T09:35:00.000-06:00

Shari Wattling (Theatre Calgary Artistic Associate - New Play Development) explains the FUSE play development process and how audiences can contribute.

FUSE 2011 - The Enbridge New Play Development Program presented by Theatre Calgary, is a unique opportunity for audiences to participate in the play development process and impact the creative direction of a production. Audiences are invited to attend play readings (RSVP required) and provide feedback. Not only is this experience an exciting behind-the-scenes look into the world of Theatre Calgary, but it’s also an opportunity for truly intimate involvement in the creative process.

Theatre Calgary Artistic Associate – New Play Development, Shari Wattling explains how audience participation is key to the process of the artistic team and playwrights:

"Without an audience, a play is like a great meal that no one ever tastes! How could you know if the flavours are balanced, if it's too overpowering, too subtle, too filling or not filling enough etc. So these readings are the first opportunity for these plays to be served to an audience to find out how the ingredients combine."

Whether you share a love of storytelling or simply have the desire for a first-hand look at a new work in development, the FUSE experience is an extraordinary way to be involved in theatre.

FUSE 2011 starts today – June 8 and runs until June 24, 2011! Readings are free to attend, however space is extremely limited and an RSVP is required. To view the full FUSE 2011 line-up and learn how you can participate, visit http://theatrecalgary.com/fuse11.

Did you know?!

Over 73,000 Calgarians have attended world-premiere productions at Theatre Calgary of plays that were originally developed through the FUSE Enbridge New Play Development Program since it began in 2006.
The Haida-inspired rock-musical Beyond Eden (by Bruce Ruddell, FUSE 2008), a thrilling, ground-breaking and exceptionally large production that was developed through FUSE, not only premiered on Theatre Calgary's stage, but was also a feature production of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver.
Theatre Calgary's Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum is presenting his adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" at FUSE 2011! The new adaptation of Christmas Calgary will premiere at Theatre Calgary in December 2011.

Learn more at http://theatrecalgary.com/fuse11.

It's a girl! EPCOR CENTRE welcomes a new piano to the family.

2011-06-01T18:51:00.000-06:00

In 2008 EPCOR CENTRE joyfully welcomed two stunning nine foot Steinway concert grand pianos, donated by Joyce & E.R (Dick) Matthews. These are the finest in the EPCOR CENTRE piano family. The double concerto pianos are officially named "Dick" and "Joyce" in a wonderfully romantic gesture, to honour their love of music and each other.

Not all pianos receive official names such as "Dick" and "Joyce". Most of EPCOR CENTRE's pianos only have nicknames as a way of differentiating one from another when the production team prepares the concert hall and venues for performances.

The origins of the nicknaming tradition (for the pianos which lack formal names) is somewhat cryptic and layered in mystery. Production teams at many venues have a nicknaming process; at EPCOR CENTRE the piano nicknames are always named after dancers. For example, one of the pianos is referred to as "Hines" after dancer Gregory Hines. Another purchased shortly thereafter was named "Misha" after dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov.

"Margot"

Now EPCOR CENTRE welcomes a new addition to the piano family. After much deliberation and discussion amongst the production team, the new piano has been nicknamed "Margot" after ‪Margot Fonteyn‬, whose birthday fell on the day when the piano arrived at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Margot Fonteyn performing in Sleeping Beauty.

End of May Playlist

2011-05-25T08:00:00.045-06:00

Every year at the end of May, Calgary International Children’s Festival fills EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts and Olympic Plaza with vibrancy and whimsy.

The 25th Anniversary of the Calgary International Children's Festival has just begun (May 24-28, 2011) and the downtown core is teeming with excitement. Our friends at the CICF team wanted to share some of the tunes that get them pumped up for the festival season.

Get The Party Started by Pink
Celebration by Kool & the Gang
Let's Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez
The Time by Black Eyed Peas
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" by The Rock & Worship Roadshow
Jump by Kris Cross
Shout by The Isley Brothers
We're here for a good time (Not a long time) by Trooper
Good Times by Chic
Jump Around by House of Pain

To learn more about the performances and activities happening at this year’s Calgary International Children’s Festival, visit calgarychildfest.org.

Calgary International Children’s Festival Celebrates its 25th Year!

2011-05-18T11:30:00.001-06:00

The Calgary International Children’s Festival team is making all the final preparations for the 25th edition of the festival which starts next week (May 24 – 28, 2011). Calgary International Children’s Festival showcases dynamic performances that are enjoyed by the young and young at heart.

The 25th Anniversary of the Calgary International Children's Festival features artists and performers from Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands, Australia, the USA and Canada.

To learn more about the performances and activities happening at this year’s Calgary International Children’s Festival, visit calgarychildfest.org.

Ruth Lund has been volunteering at Calgary International Children's Festival for 25 years!

Then and Now

2011-05-11T16:22:00.002-06:00

EPCOR CENTRE's Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby - 1984 and 2011. Photos EPCOR CENTRE archives.

In preparation for the 1988 Winter Olympics, construction of civic and cultural infrastructure saw an increase as Calgary prepared to take its place on the world stage. Today, EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is home to eight resident companies and annually hosts more than 1,800 performances.

1 Street SE outside of EPCOR CENTRE - 1984 and 2011. Photos EPCOR CENTRE archives.

EPCOR CENTRE's Martha Cohen Theatre - 1984 and 2011. Photos EPCOR CENTRE archives.

1984	Now
Calgary's population - 619,814*	Calgary's population - 1,065,455 (approx)*
Canada's population - 25,608,000*	Canada's population - 34,409,066 (approx)*
Construction of Western Canada's largest arts centre (Calgary Centre for Performing Arts) begins.	EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is home to eight resident companies and annually hosts more than 1,800 performances.
AIDS Virus identified by French Immunologist.	Advancements made in preclinical development and Phase I/II clinical trials of AIDS vaccines.
The first Apple Macintosh went on sale.	Apple releases the iPhone 4, the iPad and celebrates the billionth App download, and is one of top brands in the world.
Sony and Philips introduce the first commercial CD Players.	iTunes served its 10 billionth song download after less than seven years online.
The Space Shuttle Discovery has its maiden voyage	NASA prepares to retire the fleet. Endeavor (Discovery's sister shuttle) takes a historic last journey.
Genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling was developed.	Advancements the Human Genome Project include new approaches to medicine, agriculture and renewable energy.
Popular Musicians: • Phil Collins • Alison Moyet • Billy Joel • Tina Turner • David Bowie • Wham! • Billy Ocean • UB40 • Stevie Wonder • Bruce Springsteen • Kenny Rogers • Bananarama • Duran Duran	Popular Musicians: • Katy Perry • Adele • Femme Fatale • The Black Eyed Peas • Bruno Mars • Rihanna • Ke$ha • Lady Gaga • Kanye West • Nicki Minaj • Jessie J • Beyonce • Lil Wayne

* Population source: 1984 & 2009 Civic Census and Statistics Canada

EPCOR CENTRE's Jack Singer Concert Hall - 1984 and 2011. Photos EPCOR CENTRE archives.

Behind the Scenes - Stephen Magazine Cover Shoot

2011-05-04T17:24:00.005-06:00

Photo by Luke Moilliet

EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is a very unique Canadian arts centre. Not only is it the largest art centre in Western Canada, it’s home to the greatest number of performing arts organizations and resident companies, including Alberta Theatre Projects, Calgary International Children’s Festival, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Downstage, One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre and Theatre Calgary.

To celebrate the amazing collection of talent that is housed under EPCOR CENTRE’s enormous roof, the artistic directors of Calgary’s leading performing arts companies gathered for a photo shoot for the cover of Stephen magazine.

Photos by Luke Moilliet

Stephen Cover photo by Will Young

Learn about the travels that inspired these Art Directors in Stephen online >>

Ever wonder what inspires the creative masterminds who curate the amazing performances, festivals and concerts at EPCOR CENTRE? We were lucky enough to meet with these talented individuals to ask ...

Vicki Stroich (Alberta Theatre Projects, Artistic Associate Festival) speaks about what inspires her when selecting programming for ATP’s Enbridge PlayRites Festival. Learn more about ATP’s upcoming season at atplive.com. Subscriptions on sale now!

Roberto Minczuk (Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director) and Heather Slater (Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Director of Artistic Operations) discuss the exciting highlights of the 2011-2012 Season and the new Virtuosity Festival.
Learn more about CPO’s upcoming season at cpo-live.com. Subscriptions on sale now!

Simon Mallett (Downstage, Artistic Director) shares his inspiration for the upcoming Downstage performance season. Anticipation builds for Downstage’s season announcement May 18th at downstage.ca.

Michael Green (Co-Artistic Director of One Yellow Rabbit & Curator of the High Performance Rodeo) talks about the inspiration behind the preparations for One Yellow Rabbit’s 30th Anniversary. Stay tuned for developments on “pearl” anniversary events at oyr.org.

End of April Playlist

2011-04-27T15:56:00.001-06:00

Downstage Creation Ensemble has created the End of April Playlist with a selection of provocative Canadian songs to make you think, debate, reconsider or reflect.

"Letʼs get one thing straight - politically engaged does not mean angry rants, boring lectures, or holier-than-thou singer-songwriters. These songs are proof that you can think while you laugh, dance, cry and party, covering topics from gentrification, homophobia, the overseas sex trade, fears about the end of the world, the definition of happiness and a few takes on suburban sprawl. If you like this music, youʼll like our shows." - Ellen Close, Downstage Associate Artistic Producer

Nobody Recognizes You by Kris Demeanor
Fatima by Kʼnaan
This Lamb Sells Condos by Final Fantasy (Owen Pallett)
My Rights Versus Yours by The New Pornographers
Calypso Hippo by Christian Hansen & the Autistics
The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Lola Stars and Stripes by The Stills
Anna by Charles Spearin (The Happiness Project)
Mississauga Goddam by The Hidden Cameras
Out of Control by Beast
Going to a Town by Rufus Wainwright
Call It Democracy by Bruce Cockburn
Blue Skies Over Bad Lands by Matthew Good
Escarpment Blues by Sarah Harmer
Rabbi Berner Finally Reveals His True Religious Agenda by Geoff Berner
Soapland Serenade by Veda Hille
Heart of the Continent by John K. Samson
One Shoe by Kris Demeanor

To learn more about what's happening at Downstage, visit downstage.ca.

The Containerz Series

2011-04-20T14:01:00.001-06:00

The Containerz Series by Daniel J Kirk

Calgary artist Daniel J Kirk examines the way that we view our environment and the objects, people and milieu of our daily lives. His exhibition of "The Containerz Series" will leave you contemplating the story of unassuming objects and pondering the history and future of the containers on display. Daniel J Kirk has deftly personified each container with a unique portrait, causing the viewer to rethink items usually discarded and disregarded.

"The Containerz Series" is on display at EPCOR CENTRE's Window Galleries (across from the Max Bell Theatre) until June 21, 2011.

Daniel J Kirk speaks about the inspiration of his exhibition "The Containerz Series".

Learn more about Daniel J Kirk's work at dksmind.com.

The Real Cultural District Pigeons

2011-04-13T15:56:00.003-06:00

Calgary's Cultural District is known for its pigeon iconography, Pigeon Card and First Thursday festivities.

This is the story of a couple of real pigeons who called the Cultural District home.

Captain Danger is a pigeon who moved into the exterior bay of EPCOR CENTRE's loading dock in the summer of 2010. His name was derived from his favourite hobby - leaning over the edge of the trash compactor and watching garbage be compacted. After enjoying several months of bachelorhood and his inner-city home at EPCOR CENTRE, Captain Danger acquired a girlfriend. This female pigeon had a beautiful black and white pattern and was soon known as "Checkers".

Captain Danger and Checkers spent their days, cuddling and cooing, watching trash compact and observing all of the trucks coming and going from the loading bay, delivering equipment and materials for performances. One fateful day, Captain Danger and Checkers discovered that they could get inside of EPCOR CENTRE and began appearing in the shipping and receiving area, wandering aimlessly as if seeking an autograph from the performers entering Stage Door. With very little prompting form EPCOR CENTRE's Security Team the pigeons would quickly return to their roost at the exterior of the building. They soon became increasing adventurous and started wandering further and further into EPCOR CENTRE and the team became concerned that Captain Danger and Checkers could be injured on these expeditions.

The search began to find Captain Danger and Checkers a new permanent home to settle down and start a family. It was imperative to the EPCOR CENTRE team that these feathered friends find a safe place to live. After staging an elaborate and humane strategy to contain Captain Danger and Checkers, the couple was transported to live out their happy days at a farm south of Calgary.

They lived happily ever after. The end.

--

EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts is a proud resident of the Cultural District.

To learn more about the Cultural District and to sign up for your very own Pigeon Card, visit culturaldistrict.ca

Inspiring Design

2011-04-06T10:15:00.002-06:00

Kivik chair, IKEA. Line art by Kurt Vonnegut

Utilizing repurposed Ikea furniture, line art and lighting, the set design of Downstage's presentation of And So It Goes by George F. Walker captures the imagination with its ingenuity and bold design.

Set and lighting designer Neil Fleming describes his process for the And So It Goes environment design:

“In his script Mr. Walker specifies, 'Various places. No doors, walls or windows. Just lighting. Some furniture. And a soundscape.' I immediately got excited about the challenge of creating the various locales the play requires.

We decided early on that every piece would need to have multiple functions, from the chairs and ottoman, to the panels that evoke walls but become benches and cots. The real challenge was trying to use all the pieces throughout the play and not really have to hide anything. It was essential for the company to have these main building blocks from day one, or this never would have been possible.

Using Vonnegutʼs own artwork to further evoke the setting was another fun challenge. His line drawing of a tree was a no brainer to set us in the park, but choosing an image to represent home and the street proved much more challenging.”

- Neil Fleming, Set & Lights Designer

The Downstage production has already received rave reviews, including:

“Neil Fleming’s set is so clever it becomes a fifth character, especially under Simon Mallett’s stunningly creative direction.” - Louis B. Hobson, Calgary Sun

Downstage's presentation of And So It Goes by George F. Walker runs until April 9, 2011 at EPCOR CENTRE's Motel (tickets going fast). For more info visit downstage.ca.

End of March Playlist

2011-03-30T16:37:00.004-06:00

EPCOR CENTRE recently celebrated the 14th annual TransCanada Alberta Music Series (March 23 - 26, 2011). This unique festival is the largest gathering of Albertan musicians, with talent from across the province. The annual festival has been presented by EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts for 14 years. Three years ago, through the generosity of TransCanada, the Alberta Music Series (previously known as The Alberta Sessions) was expanded to include more musicians, a Young Songwriters Intensive mentorship program and increased broadcast potential for the artists performing in the series.

Ramblin' Ambassadors - EPCOR CENTRE's TransCanada Alberta Music Series

Luka Symons. Photo by Andy Nichols.

This year's TransCanada Alberta Music Series was curated by Luka Symons. Luka created the End of March Playlist with some of her favourite songs by the musicians who were part of the series.

Rae Spoon, performing at EPCOR CENTRE's TransCanada Alberta Music Series.
Watch videos of this year's performances at: youtube.com/yycarts

Song From a Kind Strangers Floor (while on tour) by Doug Hoyer
Lay Down Your Bones by Berna-Dean Holland
Summer by Manuela
Move On by Daniel Moir
J'attendrai by Jason Kodie
The Rain by Reuben Bullock
Come On Forest Fire Burn the Disco Down (CPI Remix) by Rae Spoon
Pretty Baby by Lyra Brown
Eliminate the Toxins by Mark Davis
My Mama Do by Kat Danser
Sink or Swim by Omarandthebear
The Library Song by Sarah Vann
Boys of East Boleyn by 100 mile house
Good Life by Johanna Sillanpaa
Mournin' Dove by Will White
Cabbage Diablo by Ramblin' Ambassadors
Ladders and Snakes by Axis of Conversation
My Fate by The Magnetic North
Don't Leave Her Out by Christian Hansen & the Autistics

If you didn't get a chance to visit the merch table at EPCOR CENTRE's TransCanada Alberta Music Series make sure you check out the artist websites where you can purchase music and merch. Fill up your iPod and support Canadian musicians.

Christian Hansen
& the Autistics

Related links:
Musicians ♥ Alberta >

Doug Hoyer Record Contest >
Watch Videos of Performances >

epcorcentre.org/BeSocial >

Musicians ♥ Alberta

2011-03-23T08:00:00.212-06:00

All of the musicians in the TransCanada Alberta Music Series have called Alberta home at one time or another. Whether they grew up here or have migrated here from other locales, these artists hold Alberta dear to their heart. As the expression goes, “Home is Where the Heart Is”.

To show their love for the province and their Albertan fans, these musicians have created videos to pay homage to the influence Alberta has made on their life.

Reuben Bullock ♥’s Alberta

Working with Brock Mitchell, Reuben Bullock has created a series of music videos/short films set in various locations in Southern Alberta. View these alluringly haunting videos at reubenbullock.com. Bullock recently released his debut album “Pulling Up Arrows”, which has been described as primal and intimate.

Reuben Bullock performs at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 24, 2011.

Omarandthebear ♥’s Alberta

Omarandthebear’s uplifting music is sure to warm hearts across the province. Omarandthebear’s music is a hug on a rainy day.

Follow @omarandthebear on twitter and check out videos at youtube.com/omarandthebear.

Omarandthebear performs at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 25, 2011.

Daniel Moir ♥'s Alberta

Daniel Moir has two national releases and several tours under his belt, including a performance for 15,000 people at the Edmonton Folk Festival! Impressively, Moir has achieved these tremendous successes by the ripe old age of 20! He has been commended for his story telling abilities on his newly released album “Road”.

Follow @danielmoir on twitter and visit danielmoir.com for news and updates.

Daniel Moir performs with Lyra Brown at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 26, 2011.

Axis of Conversation ♥'s Alberta

Axis of Conversation has been identified as one of Calgary’s best emerging bands by Fast Forward Weekly. Anticipation builds as Axis of Conversation (who continues to surprise and defies definition) is currently in the studio working on their second full length album. Stay tuned to axisofconversation.com and myspace.com/axisofconversation for updates and album release date announcements.

Axis of Conversation performs at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 26, 2011 (rumour has it they will be debuting some of the new songs at this performance).

Berna-Dean Holland ♥'s Alberta

A picture paints a thousand words. In addition to being a sucessful musician, the multi-talented Berna-Dean Holland is also a visual artist. Holland created a series of pastel drawings to express how Alberta inspires her. View the full series of drawings.

Check out Berna-Dean Hollands’ music at berna-deanholland.com. All proceeds from the download of the track titled "Keepers" will be donated to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), a charity that Berna-Dean is very passionate about.

Berna-Dean Holland performs with Jason Kodie and Will White at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 23, 2011.

Sarah Vann ♥'s Alberta

Sarah Vann’s adept songwriting and passionate delivery delights the senses. Her music is intriguing and playful. Vann’s new album “Deafened” is scheduled to be released in April. Visit sarahvann.com for release updates.

Sarah Vann performs at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 23, 2011.

The Magnetic North ♥'s Alberta

The music of Magnetic North is as immersive and compelling as a cool Alberta lake on a hot summer day. The Magnetic North has the rare ability to be aggressive and softly nostalgic at the same time. “Carousel”, the follow-up to their self-titled release, has just finished recording. Check out myspace.com/themagneticnorthmusic and sonicbids.com/themagneticnorth for updates on a release date for the new album.

The Magnetic North performs at EPCOR CENTRE’s TransCanada Alberta Music Series, March 23, 2011.

Echoes of the Empress Theatre

2011-03-16T17:57:00.001-06:00

When EPCOR CENTRE's Engineered Air Theatre was built, reclaimed pieces of the Empress Theatre (aka the Hitchin' Post) were incorporated into the design. These features include pieces of the original tin ceiling, cast iron balcony and brass column detailing.

According to the historic plaque mounted in the Engineered Air Theatre, the Theatre has inherited a very interesting history from its predecessor.

"The Engineered Air Theatre, completed in late 1993, has a heritage that draws from earlier times in Calgary, and from an earlier theatre, the "Empress". It once stood on the same land the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts now occupies.

Built in 1910, the "Empress", opened as a Vaudeville-Photoplay house. Its ornate interior had marble dadoes, cast iron grillwork, tin ceilings and gilt trim throughout. Its popularity declined with the advent of the "talkies", and in 1930, a fire damaged the depression ravaged theatre, closing it until 1937. After a brief re-opening with a new projection booth, it closed again until the early 1950s when it re-opened as "The Hitching Post Theatre".

Closed finally in the 1970s, the old "Empress" was historically documented and some of its interior fittings were saved before it was torn down. Its presence on the site had by then inspired the provisions for incorporation of this theatre into the Centre's design."

The Engineered Air Theatre is a bustling venue hosting many events including film screenings, concerts, theatre, dance and private events. The theatre is home to the Carma Acoustic Blues Series, Soundasaurus and the TransCanada Alberta Music Series.

The Engineered Air Theatre is available to rent for performances, meetings or private functions. To learn more about the theatre visit epcorcentre.org/RentalsAndServices

The Paul and Margaret Boëda Music Library

2011-03-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Located below EPCOR CENTRE’s Jack Singer Concert Hall in the Calgary Public Building is the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's library, a private collection of music rented or purchased by the CPO to use for its performances. Each musical score used by the CPO must be individually licensed and cannot be copied. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is a large professional orchestra with 65-full time musicians, performing 115 performances per season! Renting the musical scores for these performances is a significant expense, ranging from $100,000 - $115,000 per concert season (40 weeks).

The library is managed by Rob Grewcock, a professional violinist who has been working for the CPO for 35 years (first as musician, then as the music librarian). Rob oversees the collection of more than 1,400 titles, ensuring that everything is catalogued, tracked, sent to and from music distributors, and marked for performance. In addition to the printed notes and musical cues, each score requires special hand markings to "choreograph" each section of the orchestra . Next time you attend a CPO performance, take notice of the movements of the various sections –this has been carefully choreographed.

Six years ago Rob discovered one of the greatest treasures in CPO's collection. While going through a box of generously-donated music scores, Rob discovered a 1791 original copy of Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At the time of its discovery it was thought there were only 6 copies in the world. This score is the seventh!

Paul and Margaret Boëda are avid patrons of the CPO and recently made a very generous donation, which has launched a fundraising campaign to help support and grow the CPO library resources.

If you are interested in being involved or making a donation, visit cpo-live.com/supportus

Underneath Western Canada's Largest Art Centre

2011-03-02T16:54:00.001-07:00

Who would have thought that the enormous mechanical area of EPCOR CENTRE resembles something out of Super Mario Bros?

These photos of colourful pipes and valves are from a journey deep underground into the mechanical rooms that provide EPCOR CENTRE —Western Canada's largest art centre (400,000 square feet), with heat, water and light. These rooms keep the offices, theatres, concert hall, rehearsal halls and public spaces pleasant and functional.

End of February Playlist

2011-02-23T16:13:00.002-07:00

Our friends at One Yellow Rabbit have selected some of their favourite songs for your listening pleasure. One Yellow Rabbit has been presenting, creating and nurturing creative performance in Calgary since 1982.

These tunes warm the bunnies' hearts, long after the joy of winter's Rodeo and in the absence of the spring crop of mini-eggs.

Rolling In The Deep by Adele
Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls
Original Sin by Geographer
Liar by Built to Spill
Symphony 6: Fair Thee Well and the Requiem Mix by Emily Wells
Cocaine Trade by Christian Hansen and The Autistics
All I Need is a Miracle by Mike and the Mechanics
Constant Craving by k.d. lang
Kings and Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars
True Colors by Cindy Lauper

To learn more about what's happening at One Yellow Rabbit visit oyr.org.

Arts Education - Think Differently

2011-02-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Arts education programs allow students to become active learners through creative processes. At EPCOR CENTRE, teachers and students use their artistic creativity to better understand Fine Arts, arts integration techniques and applications, cross-curricular learning and inquiry-based topics explored through the arts.

Over the past decade, EPCOR CENTRE’s education department has empowered tens of thousands of active learners including: students, teachers and parents, providing access to arts and culture through multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary arts education programming.

EPCOR CENTRE looks forward to welcoming hundreds of teachers to EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts - Teachers' Appreciation Days workshops February 17 - 18, 2011.

At the 2010 "Teachers Appreciation Days" event, Calgary teachers were given the opportunity to speak about the importance of arts education. Here are a few of their comments:

To learn more about EPCOR CENTRE's Teachers' Appreciation Days or other educational offerings, visit epcorcentre.org/Education.

Otis-Fenson Micro Drive Elevators

2011-02-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Visitors, patrons, staff and volunteers of EPCOR CENTRE and Calgary Philiharmonic Orchestra have the special treat of taking the historic manually-operated brass elevators to the 2nd floor offices in the Calgary Public Building. Each day the elevator operators are greeted and thanked as they take passengers up and down during the bustling work week.

The elevators are an original fixture of the Calgary Public Building (built in 1929) and the last fully functional manually-operated elevators in western Canada. The 82-year-old elevators were manufactured in Canada by Otis-Fenson Elevator Company Limited (currently Otis Canada, Inc). The Calgary Public Building became part of Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts (now EPCOR CENTRE) and home to Jack Singer Concert Hall in 1985.

Alberta Theatre Projects celebrates 25 years of the Enbridge playRites Festival!

2011-02-02T14:09:00.002-07:00

Alberta Theatre Projects presents the 25th edition of the Enbridge playRites Festival, February 2 - March 6, 2011!

In 1987, D. Michael Bobbin (Artistic Director of ATP 1983-1999) had a vision for a festival of new Canadian plays. The original playRites Festival was created as part of the Olympic Arts Festival. Twenty-five years later Alberta Theatre Projects is celebrating the 100th new Canadian play to premiere at the festival.

Congratulations and special thanks to Alberta Theatre Projects' Enbridge playRites Festival for inspiring us with new Canadian plays for the past quarter century! Bravo, eh!

Learn more about this years Enbridge playRites Festival at atplive.com.

End of January Playlist

2011-01-26T14:57:00.003-07:00

Our friends at Theatre Calgary have compiled a playlist showcasing some of their favourite songs from the ‘decedent world of the 1920s when all the world was a party.’ No doubt they were inspired while making preparations for the upcoming production of The Drowsy Chaperone, which is set in the Roaring '20s.

Anybody want to Charleston?

Jersey Walk (from Honeymoon Lane) Tom Stacks and His Minute Men
Makin’ Whoopee! (from Whoopee!) Eddie Cantor
You’re the Cream in My Coffee (from Hold Everything) Broadway Nitelites
Puttin’ on the Ritz (from Puttin’ on the Ritz) Leo Reisman & His Orchestra
Singing In the Rain by Gene Kelly
Toledo Surprise (from The Drowsy Chaperone)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Fats Waller
It Had to Be You by Ray Conniff and His Orchestra
Swanee by Al Jolson
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin & Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra
Pine Top’s Boogie by Pine Top Smith
Charleston by Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra

Visit theatrecalgary.com to check out what's happening at Theatre Calgary!

I Saw You Drown...in the Sargasso Sea by Luba Diduch

2011-01-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

I Saw You Drown...in the Sargasso Sea employs a microphone and sound
system to capture and then play back vocal and ambient sounds provided
by the viewer, remixed with underwater recordings. The work investigates
a sub-aquatic dream space where the participant's subjectivity can be
explored. Feelings of entrapment within a confined space change to
empowerment as the viewer interacts with the work.

Luba's interactive installation "I Saw You Drown...in the Sargasso Sea"
will be on display at Soundasaurus Jan 20 - 22, 2011. To learn more
about Soundasaurus visit: http://bit.ly/ex8ajC

To view more of Luba's work visit: http://bit.ly/eySsz9

Above the scenes of the Jack Singer Concert Hall

2011-01-12T18:10:00.000-07:00

Travelling through a series of dimly lit hallways, metal stair cases, narrow doors and grated walkways you find yourself in the other worldly location above the Jack Singer Concert Hall. This mysterious route (playfully called the "goat trail") leads you to the "Front of House Lighting Position". When you are in the Jack Singer Concert Hall attending a concert or comedy performance and you see the spot light moving across the stage following the performer, it is manually operated by an EPCOR CENTRE lighting technician from this illumination fortress.

High Performance Rodeo turns 25!

2011-01-05T16:13:00.003-07:00

As Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, One Yellow Rabbit's High Performance Rodeo has inspired and engaged Calgarians with innovative theatre, music, dance, comedy, interdisciplinary art and more, for a quarter of a century. The High Performance Rodeo warms our souls during one of the coldest months of the year and ignites our imaginations as we celebrate fresh possibilities at the start of a new year.

This year's festival is cause for even greater celebration. It’s time to wish the High Performance Rodeo a very happy birthday by partying harder and clapping louder for their 25th anniversary festival!

Learn more about this year’s festival line-up at hprodeo.ca.

Read about the birth of HPR, back when it was called the Secret Elevator Experimental Performance Festival in Mark Hopkins’ article “Wild theatre in a secret elevator” featured in Stephen magazine. >>

View photos from the Calgary Herald of the High Performance Rodeo events over the past 25 years. >>

HPR Historical Milestones

1987
One Yellow Rabbit’s Secret Elevator Experimental Performance Festival

debuts with five productions in a 1950s era office building.

1988
The newly dubbed “High Performance Rodeo” runs March 14-27 with

14 productions in One Yellow Rabbit’s Secret Theatre.

1991
The Rodeo goes international with James Howley’s Almost in Exile

(New York City), Newcomer by the Russian Theatre of Improvisation

(Russia) and Heart of a Dog by Les Etablissements (Belgium).

1993

The festival expands into a second venue – Theatre Calgary’s rehearsal

hall – and, for the first time, Rodeo attendance spikes to over 1,000 people.

1995
After bouncing around the calendar for nine years, the High Performance

Rodeo settles into a permanent January timeslot, breaking through the

cold of winter with sizzling performance.

1997

The Rodeo headliner is Bruce McCulloch of Kids in the Hall and the

festival’s box office revenue triples.

2002

The International Festival of Animated Objects, now a successful biennial

festival, debuts at this year’s Rodeo as a “festival-within-a-festival”.

2006
The 20th annual High Performance Rodeo is by far the largest edition

in the festival’s history. It spans seven venues with over 30

productions and draws over 10,000 attendees.

2008
His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond, the Viceregal Consort of Canada,

becomes the Patron of the High Performance Rodeo.

2009

Philip Glass, one of the world’s most influential composers, is the Rodeo’s

first official Artist-in-Residence.

2010

The Rodeo takes over downtown Calgary, occupying 22 venues and

attracting 64,500 people including 5,000 who celebrated Calgary’s Olympic

Heritage at Snowblower, our first outdoor music concert.

2011

January 6 – 30, 2011 High Performance Rodeo celebrates its 25^th anniversary starting with a very special presentation - Brian Eno: An Illustrated Talk - in partnership with Glenbow Museum.


Kirk Miles & Michael Green, Secret Elevator Experimental Performance Festival (HPR #1), 1986

End of December Playlist

2010-12-29T12:00:00.149-07:00

Our friends at Alberta Theatre Projects have selected their "favourite songs to dance to" for the end of December playlist. Alberta Theatre Projects is a contemporary theatre company known for their innovative and progressive productions. On twitter (@contemporaryATP) Alberta Theatre Projects is referred to as "the HBO of theatre in Calgary".

These delightful tunes will have you dancing into the new year.

Get Some by Lykke Li
Toxic by Britney Spears
Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
Wonderlust King by Gogol Bordello
Libertango by Astor PIAZZOLLA
Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
As by Stevie Wonder
Hey Ya! by OutKast
Dance Dance Dance by Lykke Li
Ethnic Majority by Nightmares On Wax
Scream by Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson
Jungle Drum by Emiliana Torrini
Love Is Gone by David Guetta
Can I Kick It? by Tribe Called Quest
All My Friends by LCD Soundsystem

Visit atplive.com to check out what's happening at ATP!

Happy holidays from EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts!

2010-12-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

We hope your holidays are entertaining, safe and joyous!

To see EPCOR CENTRE's Box Office* and administration holiday hours go to: www.epcorcentre.org/AboutUs/ContactUs.aspx
* Tip: if you need to buy last minute gifts, you can purchase tickets online at epcorcentre.org and print-at-home.

Theatre Calgary's "A Christmas Carol" Behind the Scenes - Part 2

2010-12-15T17:14:00.002-07:00

What would Christmas be without the dinner feasts and tempting goodies?

As you ponder your menu, the wonderful and talented folks at the Theatre Calgary prop shop let us in on some of their trade secrets and delicious faux food recipes. These foods props appear in the current production of Theatre Calgary's "A Christmas Carol".

Theatre Calgary's "A Christmas Carol" Behind the Scenes - Part 1

2010-12-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

Attending Theatre Calgary's annual production of A Christmas Carol has become a beloved family tradition for thousands of Calgarians. This timeless tale is brought to life by amazing acting, stunning costumes, mesmerizing props and a truly fantastical and transformable stage set.

theatrecalgary.com

‘Tis the Season

2010-12-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

How many people does it take to erect and decorate a 25ft Christmas tree in the Jack Singer Concert Hall Lobby? Lots, and that’s no joke!

The total process from start to finish took over 4.5 hours and the help of more than a dozen volunteers. The video captures the entire process in 1 minute and 39 seconds.

Do you have a family member who complains about putting up the tree? Perhaps you should show them the video!

End of November Playlist

2010-11-24T14:41:00.002-07:00

With musical tastes ranging from country to rap and every possible genre in between, EPCOR CENTRE’s team members have submitted a collection of their favourite songs (at the moment) for you to enjoy.

This playlist would be perfect to listen to while road-tripping or speed-dating.
Expect the unexpected.

Things Aren’t Like They Used To Be by The Black Keys
Mama Don’t Like My Man by Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings
Your Southern Can is Mine by The White Stripes
Hotel California by The Eagles
Rain Is A Good Thing by Luke Bryan
Coyote by Mark Knopfler
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles
The Girl From Ipanema by Astrud Gilberto
Whirlwind Pistols Dub by Aleksi Virta
Ya Rayah by Rachid Taha
Centre Of The Sun by Conjure One
Feel by Robbie Williams
Ladies by Lee Fields and the Expressions
Black Dog by Led Zeppelin
You and Me by The Dave Matthews Band
Secret Heart by Ron Sexsmith
You Are My Sunshine by Bing Crosby
Fix You by Coldplay
Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
Heroes by David Bowie
Still Doll by Kanon Wakeshima
Franco Un-American by NoFX
Uprising by Muse
High Fidelity by Jurassic 5

Volunteer Dog Ambassador

2010-11-17T16:46:00.002-07:00

Keira, a black Labrador retriever, is a very special member of the EPCOR CENTRE team. While acting as a part-time member of the Centre’s security team, she also has another unique role.

It is a common trend for visiting artists to travel with their dog(s). Keira is an ambassador to the canines of touring celebrities, artists, and the stage crews that visit EPCOR CENTRE. She makes traveling dogs feel at home while visiting Calgary and entertains them during rehearsals and performances.

Keira is 5 years old and has been volunteering as a Dog Ambassador for the past 4.5 years. Her favourite treat is homemade peanut butter dog biscuits.

Quest for Silence

2010-11-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

In our haphazard world, a moment of uninterrupted silence is a rare luxury. In those silent dramatic moments when the theatre goes black before the curtain rises or the moment the conductor raises their baton, our senses are heightened with the anticipation. In that crisp white silence, our minds are captivated.

At any given time there are more than half a dozen performances happening in the many theatres and performance spaces under EPCOR CENTRE’s roof. Through amazing feats of engineering, that beautiful moment of silence is preserved and the sounds of each performance are isolated to their respective performance spaces.

How is this achieved?

Enormous air plenums silently move air into the theatres and concert hall. It is the sheer enormity of these subway tunnel- size spaces that achieve a silent air flow.

Air is silently moved through these chambers by giant fans that slowly waft air in the colossal channels of the air plenums.

Spring-loaded mechanics prevent sound vibration from being transferred into performance spaces.

Rubber seams line the entire building (the size of 1 city block) and all its sections, levels and pipes to isolate sound.

Attention R.B. Bennett Elementary Alumni: Is this you in 1982?

2010-11-03T16:35:00.005-06:00

There is nothing more refreshing then the description of an event through the child's eyes.

In 1982, a group of school children from R.B. Bennett School attended the sod turning for the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts construction site. While searching through the EPCOR CENTRE archives, we unearthed the letters that the children wrote chronicling that day.

Excerpts and drawings from the letters:

"I also thank you for inviting us to the light luncheon afterwards of sandwiches and drinks. I enjoyed listening to the St. Stephen School Concert band and also being entertained by Ralph the Dog." - Barb Conkin

"It was a good ceremony. I will be sure to come and see our painting and see a play too. The band had a good selection of music. I also enjoyed signing the guest book. It was nice meeting everyone there. My Mom, Dad and sister were proud of me. Every ones speech was very nice." - Andrea Louise Drader

"I enjoyed meeting Mayor Klein. I'm sorry the weather was not very good, but we enjoyed the ceremony anyway." - Glenn H

"Thank you for picking picking our board to be unveiled. I like all of the boards especially the one with Raggetty Ann and Andy. I also liked the one with the clown holding the little soldier in it's hand and I like ours." - Susanne M Zardig

"It was exciting to be on TV! I thought the model was interesting and I got pictures of it. Thank you for choosing our board. I remember that girls name now, her name is Dorothy Bye. I might see you again soon." - Billy Barnet

"I like the slides of the Centre for Performing Arts. I hope to attend the Centre for Performing Arts when it is built." - Peter Worsley

"The band had great songs. They were not dull. The press did not interview me but I was on T.V. The best part was seeing the mayor sign a piece of paper for me. The light luncheon was fine. I hope to come and see plays when its open." - Michael Thomas

"The luncheon was splendid. I also liked Ralph the Dog" - Donald Rogers

9 Ways to Be Like Mozart

2010-10-27T12:00:00.001-06:00

Illustration by Euan Retallack

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is recognized as being a child prodigy and musical genius, but there are many lesser known characteristics of Mozart that can be adopted if you would like to evoke the true spirit of Mozart during Classical Calgary’s Mozart in the City festival (October 25 – November 18).

1. Come up with a clever nickname for yourself.
Christened as Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, and commonly known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mozart was nicknamed “Wolferl” by his family and loved ones.

2. Be flirtatious.
It is alleged that Mozart once stumbled and fell at a performance and was helped up by a stunning young lady named Archduchess Maria Antonia. Upon regaining his composure, he flirtatiously asked her to marry him. Fortunately this was merely an innocent proposal, as Maria Antonia later became infamously known as Marie Antoinette, Queen of France.

3. Exercise unexpected outbursts (cursing optional).
Mozart was noted to have erratic public outbursts. Upon reviewing historical accounts, some doctors have hypothesized that Mozart may have had a form of Tourettes Syndrome. Tourettes? Perhaps. Artistic temperament? More likely.

4. Learn a language.
In addition to proving great musical talent, Mozart was also aptly skilled at languages. He was particularly versed in Italian. Apparently he was not very found of French, calling it the devil’s language and going so far as to refer to the French as “donkeys.”

5. If you get rejected in romance, rebound.
Mozart initially professed his love to Aloysia Weber on a visit to France. She had no interest in him and rejected his proposal. A few years later Mozart made a second proposal, this time to Aloysia’s younger sister Constanze Weber. Constanze accepted and they were happily married, until Mozart’s death in 1791.

6. Be ridiculously productive.
In Mozart’s short life (35 years) he composed more than 600 musical works! These included: 50 symphonies, 25 piano concertos, 12 violin concertos, 27 concert arias, 26 string quartets, 103 minuets, 15 masses and 21 opera works -just to list a few!

7. Multitask to the point of insanity.
There are stories that Mozart was so enthralled with his work, that once while his wife Constanze was giving birth he held her hand and with his free hand he furiously scrawled notes for compositions. He was also known to write compositions while playing billiards with friends, jotting down notes in between shots.

8. Be fashionable.
Mozart was famous for his elegant and fashionable wardrobe. He also had a reputation of being vain about his perfectly coiffed hair.

9. Love your pets.
Mozart had a canary, starling, dog and horse. He taught the starling to sing some of his concertos and would critique it in his transcriptions. When the starling passed away it was commemorated with a poem and buried in the back yard.

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If you are interested in attending or learning more about Classical Calgary’s Mozart in the City visit: http://www.visitcalgary.com/classicalcalgary

Dynamic Art Duo Knit Picks The Calgary Job Hunt

2010-10-20T12:07:00.004-06:00

Suzen and Ryan created a performance piece for the MST:5 (Mountain Standard Time Performative Arts Festival) working together to explore the terrifying proposition of "looking for work in the big city".

"How to Look for Work in the Big City" took place in EPCOR CENTRE's Ledge Gallery, located on the +15 walkway. Suzen toiled, knitting needles blazing, as she spent days and hours knitting Ryan the perfect blazer for his job hunt. While Suzen knitted, Ryan tirelessly searched for jobs, crafted his resume and even posted an Employment Wanted Ad in the Calgary Herald.

Job hunt day! Ryan makes final preparations and dons the fated and impeccably knit sweater to go drop off resumes at businesses in the downtown core.

"What was your inspiration for this performance?"

"What were peoples reactions?"

"What did you learn from this experience?"

For more information on Suzen & Ryans work check out:
http://ryanstatz.com/
http://suzengreen.com/

For more information on the Mountain Standard Time festival visit: http://www.mstfestival.org/