Free This Week
Get into the groove with these fantastic free events
March is nearly upon us and although time might be speeding by, you can take a moment for yourself and check out Calgary’s arts scene with these awesome—and free—events. Read on to see what we’re hitting up this week and start planning.
ProArts Presents Romi Mayes
February 26, 2020, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission
If Keith Richards, Joan Jett, and Ray Charles could somehow spawn a love child, it’d be Romi Mayes. Presented by the ProArts Society as part of its ProArts at Noon series, get a taste of the Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest on your lunch hour. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
proartssociety.ca
But I don’t know any of the bands
February 26, 2020, 5:00 – 10:00pm
Home & Away (1207 1st St. SW)
Free admission
You no longer have an excuse! This is your chance to learn all about the newly announced Sled Island artists in one fun night. Join in for a night of discovery, enlightenment, and fun—kind of like Sled itself!
facebook.com
Black History Month Film Festival
February 26, 2020, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Jenkins Theatre, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
Free admission
This festival features work by Black filmmakers from Calgary, Canada, and across the globe. Don’t miss the closing night with a screening of one of the last performances by Gerrick Winston and many more short films.
samru.ca
A Walk Through Blues History
February 26, 2020, 7:00 – 9:00pm
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Shake off the winter chill with some blues! Hosted by John Rutherford, explore the history of the blues and how it informs the music we hear today. You can even hear Romi Mayes talk about the role of women in blues.
facebook.com
Black History Month Free Screening Series
February 27 – 29, 2020, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Sandman Hotel, City Centre (888 7th Ave. SW)
Free admission
The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers presents a free screening series for Black History Month. Each night is programmed with the goal of igniting important conversations surrounding the representation of race onscreen.
facebook.com
Sculpting with Light
February 28, 2020, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett invite participants aged 13 to 17 to construct miniature light sculptures from everyday objects then bring the light sculptures out into the night streets for a guerilla exhibition in the public realm.
eskerfoundation.com
Music for PhDs: The Artwork
February 28, 2020, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Two House Brewing Company (1516 10th Ave. SW)
Free admission, registration required
What does music look like? In her podcast, Music for PhDs, visual artist Sunita LeGallou interviews composers, live-paints to their music, and talks to a researcher about the science of sound. See a showcase of these musically-inspired paintings at this pop-up art show.
eventbrite.ca
An Evening with Lee Maracle, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, and Gwen Benaway
February 28, 2020, 7:00pm
MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary (2500 University Dr. NW)
Free admission, registration required
With a mixture of short readings and conversation moderated by Joshua Whitehead, this event is followed by a Q&A and book signing. Be sure to join the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program for one unforgettable evening.
eventbrite.ca
Open Studios 2020
February 28, 2020, 7:00pm
Untitled Art Society Studios (4th Floor, 319 10th Ave. SW)
Free admission
The Untitled Art Society Studios have undergone major renovations and this is your chance to come see the revitalized space and meet the artists! Drop in for a drink and check out the studios and new works of some of Calgary’s emerging and mid-career contemporary artists.
facebook.com
Tom Phillips & The D.T.s
February 28, 2020, 8:00pm
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Tom Phillips & The D.T.s is a six-piece band that spans honky-tonk country to contemporary roots, folk, and guitar-based rock. Hear about the band’s creative process and get a taste of new music at this artist in residence performance. Seats are first come first served, so be sure to go early.
studiobell.ca
Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture
February 28 & 29, 2020
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
Celebrate Black History Month with a showcase of Afro Canadian and Caribbean heritage. This cultural celebration features guest artists and speakers Jully Black, Olunike Adeliyi, Rondel Roberts, Rey Francis, Wakefield Brewster, Mel Vee, and more. Be sure to check out their website and plan to swing by!
ethnikfestivals.com
How Can You Think That
February 29, 2020, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
A book club for conservatives and liberals who want to get out of their echo chambers and bridge the great divide, buy the book, read it, and join in for a lively discussion—February looks at National Populism by Roger Eatwell.
facebook.com
Printmaking with Carole Bondaroff
February 29, 2020, 1:00 – 3:30pm
Alberta Society of Artists (302, 1235 26th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration required
Artist Carole Bondaroff presents an explanation and demonstration of various printmaking techniques. Working on a plexi-glass surface with watercolours, explore the realm of self-expression through the process of mono-printing. RVSP to education@albertasocietyofartists.com.
albertasocietyofartists.com
Let’s Stay in Touch
February 29, 2020, 7:00pm
TRUCK Contemporary Art (2009 10th Ave. SW)
Free admission
TRUCK Contemporary Art’s third annual postcard fundraiser features a silent-auction of postcard-sized artwork donated by local, national, and international artists. This project develops crucial funds for TRUCK’s programming budget for exhibitions and public programs so check it out.
truck.ca
Community Day
March 1, 2020, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Glenbow opens its doors inviting the whole city to experience all that the muesum has to offer—for free. Join in on a shared community experience with family, friends, and neighbours. It’s a great chance to explore the new exhibits, including Vivian Maier: In Her Own Hands, or revisit some old favourites.
facebook.com
Making Lightning
March 1, 2020, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended
Focusing on the development of ideas through drawing, scale models or rough drafts, this tour traces the evolution of Katie Ohe’s process from playful doodles to complex, highly engineered works that defy logic and spark wonder. This tour is also ASL interpreted.
eventbrite.ca
Classical Guitar Society of Calgary
March 1, 2020, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Join the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary and Shelf Life Books for a wonderful afternoon of classical guitar performances. Performers include Gord Meurin, Terry Molik, Stephen Demaer, and Mustafa Kamaliddin.
facebook.com
European Union Film Series
March 2, 2020, 6:30pm
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
Sponsored by the European Union in Canada in partnership with the European Cultural Society of Calgary and hosted by the Calgary European Film Festival, this series kicks off with a screening of Portugal’s Saint Georges.
facebook.com
Can You Hear Me Now
March 3, 2020, 6:30pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Join Shelf Life Books for the March edition of this monthly junior high and high school poetry open mic and slam event. Details are still to be announced, so check back to find out who this month’s guest performer is. Regardless, it will be a great time to hear these awesome young voices.
facebook.com
