Online This Month
Spring forward and stay safe with these fantastic virtual events
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel with warmer weather ahead and vaccines rolling out but we’re not quite there yet. Thankfully, Calgary’s arts community has a ton of digital offerings for you to explore this April making it easy to stay home and stay safe.
Be sure to check out these great offerings this April!
Community Storytellers
On demand
Online viewing room
Free to explore
The National Music Centre launches the online version of Community Storytellers, a new temporary exhibition that honours the music stories of the Alberta community, highlighting eight different community stories, of the more than 30 narratives included in the upcoming onsite exhibit. Be sure to check it out.
studiobell.ca
Namwayut
On demand
Stream online
Free to watch
Calgary Opera offers audiences unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the seldom-seen process of new opera development via a new documentary film series. This first of the Opera Labs projects series chronicles the creative journey of Namwayut, led by mezzo-soprano Marion Newman. Check it out!
calgaryopera.com
Tales From the Student Mind
On demand
Stream online
Free to watch
Downstage celebrates the courage and tenacity of theatre artists with five innovative online theatre creations from five brave and brilliant students. Each student has created one-minute digital micro-plays, be sure to check them out on-demand and online.
downstage.ca
The Community Circus Project
Until April 1, 2021
Stream online
Free to participate
This project from the Green Fools includes free online workshops and daily social media challenges to make you move, get creative, and have fun. A final show called The Greatest Show Online features puppets, professional circus artists, and anyone who wants to submit a video!
greenfools.com
Indigenous Motherhood, Matriarchy and Womxnhood
Until April 1, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
Inspired by the recent birth of curator Autumn Whiteway’s son, this exhibition explores motherhood, matriarchy, and womxnhood through an Indigenous lens, bringing together the artwork of 23 Indigenous artists of diverse artistic practices and backgrounds from across Turtle Island.
artspaces.kunstmatrix.com
Deer Woman
Until April 4, 2021
Stream online
Pay-what-you-can
Lila, one missing girl’s big sister, refuses to stand idly by. When circumstances converge, Lila finds the perfect opportunity to avenge her baby sister’s murder while exercising the skills taught by the Canadian government while serving. Join Downstage and Azimuth Theatre for this presentation of Article 11’s Deer Woman.
downstage.ca
Festival of Animated Objects
Until April 11, 2021
Stream online
Prices vary
This year’s festival features a modified program of over 20 different events bringing Calgary together and filling it with life, whimsy, and all things puppets! Check out socially distanced, in-person and digital events ranging from puppet parades to film screenings, to workshops to panel discussions. There’s something for everyone!
puppetfestival.ca
Of a Certain Age
Until April 25, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
The paintings and personal images created for the Leighton Centre’s latest exhibition mirror what artists Jean Pederson and Cindy Bouwers have gained by reaching a certain age. They have richness and depth, complexity, layers, and consider both the dark and the light. See it online.
leightoncentre.org
Coexistence
Until April 25, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
The Leighton Centre presents Terra Simieritsch’s Coexistence, an exhibit which challenges the viewer to reflect upon their own stereotypes and prejudices around common wildlife species that humans often come into conflict with, and dig deeper into where those notions came from. Explore it online this spring.
leightoncentre.org
Barrhead Supersonic
Until April 30, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
Saskatchewan artist Jeff Nachtigall’s work in Barrhead Supersonic reflects on an understanding of place informed by a cold prairie winter, an experience fed largely by Nachtigall’s return to his home province after an extended time away. See it online or book an in-person visit to check it out.
jarvishallgallery.com
up front
Until April 30, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
Janine Hall’s renderings in charcoal and oil focus on the storm as a representation of turmoil and the human struggle between power and revolution. Hall integrates the spirituality she experiences during the creative process with imagery of the raw force of nature. See it online or in-person!
jarvishallgallery.com
Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work
Until May 1, 2021
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
With plays selected from those submitted last year, 2021’s Stage One Festival of New Canadian Work includes online readings by playwrights including Carolyn Ziegler, Jean-Michel Cliché, Grant Tilly, Alix Cowman and Cayley Wreggit, Col Cseke, and more. Sign up for Lunchbox Theatre’s newsletter to register.
lunchboxtheatre.com
Nurgul Rodriquez
April 1, 2021, 12:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
The Nickle Galleries present an artist talk with Nurgul Rodriguez for this Nickle at Noon offering. Rodriguez’s projects focus on narratives, walls, borders, and boundaries, and whose studio practice involves a diverse range of materials and processes. Tune in to hear more about her practice and her art.
facebook.com
KNOW the RULES, WIN the GAME
April 1 – 4, 2021
Stream online
Free to watch
Kunji Ikeda draws on the sordid history of the Taikomochi—the Japanese clown—to engage with boundaries. The clown seeks to embody truth until arriving at a systemic problem that needs to be explored; the dancer seeks physical virtuosity within a set structure of choreographic choices. Springboard Performance presents this piece as part of #DanceForth, the National Art Centre dance’s live-stream series.
springboardperformance.com
The Red Carpet Affair
April 1 – 24, 2021
Stream online
Prices vary
The Calgary International Film Festival is proud to present a re-imagined Red Carpet Affair, which is being touted as an Un-Gala Gala Fundraiser event. This year the CIFF audience can expect exciting activities centred around the Oscars—the Oscar Shorts Virtual Cinema, Oscars Prediction Contest, and more!
ciffcalgary.ca
James Keelaghan
April 2, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$20 – $30
A JUNO award-winning, evergreen folk hero with an international profile built on decades as a touring troubadour, James Keelaghan is a poet laureate of the folk and roots music world who has combined passion, craft, history, and artistry in exploring haunting Canadian themes. Presented by Calgary Folk Club.
showpass.com
City Spaces: Contemporary Calgary
April 3, 2021, 7:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Calgary Philharmonic’s City Spaces concerts sees musicians recording solos and duets at some of the city’s iconic downtown buildings. This week’s free virtual performance features a ton of great musicians at Contemporary Calgary. Don’t miss it!
calgaryphil.com
EgyFest
April 4, 2021, 4:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Enjoy a unique event celebrating Egyptian culture, along with cultural and genuine artistic performances meant to create awareness about a beautiful heritage, and as participation in World Heritage Day celebrations. Join Arabian Culture and Arts Wheel Alberta for this fun live-stream on Facebook.
facebook.com
Virtual Reading with Royalty
April 6, 2021, 2:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Reading with Royalty celebrates diversity and encourages children to look beyond gender stereotypes and embrace the exploration of self. Spark your imagination with Calgary Public Library’s glamorous family-friendly storytime program, led by local drag performers!
facebook.com
Inspiring Speakers Series
April 6, 2021, 3:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Artist and educator Deanna Bowen and University of Toronto’s Dr. Karina Vernon virtually discuss their individual research-based practices, and use of archives to confront false narratives about Black people’s presence in the prairies and throughout Canada. Moderated by artist Nura Ali.
ikgallery.ca
Ricardo Larrivée
April 6, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
This edition of Wordfest’s Imagine On Air series features chef, TV host and food writer Ricardo. Ricardo will be dishing with fellow food writer Julie Van Rosendaal about his new cookbook Sheet Pan Everything: Deliciously Simple One-Pan Recipes. Register in advance for your own Digital Doggie Bag.
wordfest.com
Unmasking Imagination
April 6 – 9, 2021
Stream online
Free to participate, registration required
Kids aged eight to 12 are invited to join in for a mask-making workshop series with local artist Katie Green that also introduces us to the practice of mindfulness. This series combines art making and mindfulness tools, with participants learning about portraiture and mask-masking as tools of self-exploration.
eventbrite.ca
Chad VanGaalen
April 8, 2021
Stream online
$17.46
In support of his newest album, Calgary’s own Chad Vangaalen presents a special live-stream performance from his studio, where we’ll get an exclusive look inside the mind of the renowned songwriter, animator, and visual artist! Join Sled Island on NoonChorus for this fantastic opportunity to connect with this local music mainstay.
facebook.com
Micheline Maylor
April 8, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Author and former Poet Laureate Emeritus of Calgary, Micheline Maylor launches her new book of poetry, The Bad Wife, with a little help from University of Alberta Press and Shelf Life books! The event will take place on Zoom and will be hosted by poet John Wall Barger so be sure to check it out this April.
facebook.com
Glenn Dixon
April 8, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
If you’ve ever wanted to go on tour with a rock band, you’ll definitively want to tune in when Wordfest’s Imagine On Air series presents Glenn Dixon and his new novel Bootleg Stardust. The hour-long conversation will be hosted by Wordfest’s CEO and Creative Ringleader Shelley Youngblut.
wordfest.com
April Flywheel
April 8, 2021, 7:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Hosting the best emerging and established Calgary and Canadian writers, it’s filling Station Magazine’s April Flywheel and you can tune in for an evening of literary delights with authors Nikki Reimer and Leah Horlick! Trust us—you won’t want to miss this fantastic reading series, now online via Zoom once a month.
facebook.com
The Magnitude of All Things
April 8 – 11, 2021
Stream online
$13.50
CIFF’s Top Docs (formerly known as Doc Soup) monthly documentary series features the Alberta premiere of The Magnitude of All Things. Filmmaker Jennifer Abbott draws intimate parallels between the experiences of grief—both personal and planetary. Don’t miss it!
ciffcalgary.ca
Unseen Artists Discussion
April 9, 2021, 5:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join Christine Klassen and artists featured in the gallery’s current exhibition for a candid discussion on making art during the pandemic. Was it a time for play and experimentation? Did these artists look back to past work for inspiration and reflection? Catch up with and see what they are up to in their studios a year into it all.
facebook.com
Tom Paxton & The DonJuans
April 9, 2021, 7:30pm
Stream online
$20 – $30
Join the Calgary Folk Club as it presents Tom Paxton with Don Henry and Jon Vezner for an intimate concert experience full of harmonies, original songs and superb musicianship. Stick around for a 15-minute audience Q&A with these Grammy award-winners following the show!
crowdcast.io
The Paperbag Princess
April 9 – 25, 2021
Stream online
$32
Storybook Theatre presents this musical version of the beloved tale of Princess Elizabeth versus a havoc-wreaking dragon. With help from friends, clever wit, and a dose of quick thinking, this brave heroine saves the day, and her prince. Although, she might just end up leaving him in the dungeon where he belongs!
storybooktheatre.org
Making and Being Workshop
April 10, 2021, 12:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Join The Bows for a workshop by Making and Being co-authors Susan Jahoda and Caroline Woolard of BFAMFAPhD. Want your work to make a difference? It all comes down to knowing what you’ve got, and how to work with it. You might already have everything you need. Be sure to register to take part.
eventbrite.ca
Very Much Alive
April 10, 2021, 1:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Take part in the launch of Very Much Alive: Stories of Resilience which features work by Canadian writers, poets, and visual artists. Join The Selkie Publications for an afternoon of author readings, musical performances, artwork, and a celebration of all of the amazing contributors. You won’t want to miss it.
eventbrite.com
Transit22 & Jonny Wi11iams
April 10, 2021, 6:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, donations appreciated
To celebrate the release of Transit22’s new single, Measure Up, take part in its virtual release party! Tune in to listen, take part in the chat, make song requests, and catch up with the Couch Money Family. This is a free event and all are welcome. Donations are gratefully accepted via PayPal.
facebook.com
Hearts Out at Home
April 10, 2021, 6:30pm
Stream online
Prices vary
Take part in a virtual celebration with the Youth Singers of Calgary (YSC), complete with a custom dinner box, photo booth props, party favours, entertainment, and an online silent auction. Funds raised go towards supporting youth in the arts and YSC’s mission to create a permanent community hub for the arts.
heartsout.ca
Strawberries & Peaches
April 11, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
This TD Amplify Cabaret features a hugely talented all-female cast of musicians, dancers, and performers! Strawberries & Peaches: A TD Black History Month Cabaret seeks to refresh the perception of black women in media and celebrate the complex grace that is Black femininity. Curated by Lemba (Misha Maseka).
artscommons.ca
SoundOff Summit Digital Media Panel
April 12, 2021, 10:00am
Stream online
Free to watch
Join Music Calgary for week one of SoundOff Summit, exploring digital media. Listen to this great panel of industry experts talk about media in a digital era, featuring host Glenn Alderson, Natalie Harmsen, and Benjamin Shapiro. Enjoy the discussion and comment with any questions or insights.
youtube.com
Women and Migration
April 12, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Never before has the world been more tightly woven and the movement of people greater between and within continents and countries. Join Arts Commons Presents and National Geographic Live for a discussion with photographers Saiyna Bashir, Miora Rajaonary, and Danielle Villasana.
artscommons.ca
The Forbidden Reel
April 13, 2021, 5:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Driven to create amidst war and chaos, Afghan filmmakers gave birth to an extraordinary national cinema, while Taliban extremists set out to torch that legacy. Afghan-Canadian director Ariel Nasr crafts a thrilling and utterly original story of modern Afghanistan, presented by Marda Loop Justice Film Festival.
justicefilmfestival.ca
Vivian Manasc
April 13, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join Shelf Life Books for the virtual Calgary launch of Vivian Manasc’s Old Stories, New Ways: Conversations About an Architecture Inspired by Indigenous Ways of Knowing. One of the founders of Manasc Isaac Architects Manasc will be in conversation with Dr. Frits Pannekoek so be sure to tune in to this live-stream.
facebook.com
Kliph Nesteroff
April 13, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s Imagine On Air presents comic historian Kliph Nesteroff and his fascinating new book, We Had a Little Real Estate Problem: The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy. The hour-long conversation will be hosted by Plains Cree comedian, actor, and writer Dawn Dumont. Register for your Digital Doggie Bag.
wordfest.com
NeWest Press Mystery/Thriller/Noir Quadruple Header
April 14, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Looking for suspense? Shelf Life Books and NeWest Press present four authors—A.J. Devlin, D.B. Carew, Mark Lisac, and Niall Howell—reading from their latest novels for an evening of mystery and suspense. The readings will be followed by a Q&A.
facebook.com
Light Years
April 14, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
The characters in Light Years explore the choice to remain engaged in community, to continue learning, giving back, and growing as we grow older, revealing that the second half of life can actually be a time of rediscovery and renewal. Join THIRD ACTion Film Festival for this free, online watch party. Register to take part.
showpass.com
More than Dance, We are a Movement
April 14 – 21, 2021
Stream online
$16
Presented by Springboard Performance, this film celebrates Red Sky Performance’s story as a leading company of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide, capturing the exceptional artistic vision that propelled them to prominence and critical acclaim.
springboardperformance.com
Report To Community
April 15, 2021, 11:00am
Stream online
$25
Calgary Economic Development’s virtual report to the community offers the opportunity to learn about what has shaped Calgary’s economy in the previous year, and to discuss how we can move Calgary forward with innovation, resilience, and the entrepreneurial mindset that we are known for. Grab your tickets to join in.
calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com
MHST 533 Student Presentations
April 15, 2021, 12:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Students registered in the Museum and Heritage Studies 533 practicum discuss their experiences working in local museums. This term, students are involved in projects at the Calgary Public Library, Contemporary Calgary, the Military Museums, and the Calgary Stampede.
nickle.ucalgary.ca
Rowan Hisayo Buchanan & Genki Ferguson
April 15, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s Imagine On Air presents a pair of contemporary fiction writers whose new novels—infused with empathy and edge—explore our collective search for connection: Rowan Hisayo Buchanan and Genki Ferguson. This is a literary event not to be missed!
wordfest.com
Single Onion #174
April 15, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
The Single Onion presents a literary evening not to be missed! Featuring poet and fantasy author Alison Clarke, multidisciplinary artist and educator Marie Metaphor Specht, creative and critical writing teacher Laura Swart, and poet, translator, writer and educator K. B. Thors, be sure to tune in and check it out!
facebook.com
Resilience! A National Poetry Month Reader Event
April 15, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
National Poetry Month is here and this year’s theme is resilience. Join FreeFall Magazine as it presents Kim Fahner, Ariel Gordon, Tanis MacDonald, Barbara Pelman, Angeline Janel Schellenberg, and Juleta Severson-Baker. Hosted by Micheline Maylor, poetry fans won’t want to miss it.
facebook.com
Virtual Reading with Royalty
April 16, 2021, 2:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Reading with Royalty celebrates diversity and encourages children to look beyond gender stereotypes and embrace the exploration of self. Spark your imagination with Calgary Public Library’s glamorous family-friendly storytime program, led by local drag performers!
facebook.com
Irish Mythen
April 16, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$20 – $30
Originally from Ireland, Irish Mythen has long since called Canada home, going on to conquer folk festival audiences in Europe, Australia, and North America from her home base in PEI. Presented by the Calgary Folk Club, this is an online show not to be missed for folk music fans so be sure to grab your tickets and tune in.
showpass.com
Playwrights Projects
April 16 – May 28, 2021
Stream online
$10 – $50
Alberta Theatre Projects presents a series of seven online workshop readings of new Canadian plays by members of the Alberta Theatre Projects Playwrights Unit. These virtual readings take place Friday evenings and offer a unique opportunity to see the process of creating a new play. Grab your tickets today!
albertatheatreprojects.com
DesayunArte
April 17, 2021, 10:00am
Stream online
Free to watch
SpanicArts’ DesayunArte: A World Without Art features guest speakers Mera Reyes and Milena Vasquez sharing their perspectives about art as a form of therapy and ponder what would happen in a world without art. The event is free and takes place on Facebook so be sure to check it out and expand your horizons.
facebook.com
SoundOff Summit Media Access in a Digital World
April 17, 2021, 10:00am
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Music Calgary invites you to a live Q&A with Glenn Alderson to have your questions about media in a digital era answered. Presented as part of SoundOff Summit—music industry programming focused on sharing and developing digital strategy for artists and music industry professionals.
eventbrite.ca
Inner City Stories
April 17, 2021, 5:00pm
Stream online
$5
After a long COVID-19 hiatus, Loft 112 presents their next Inner City Stories featuring the work of writer, Patricia Paterson. Join in and listen to Paterson’s reading of Calgary Skyline followed by a Q&A with the author. Tickets required for this event and the first 28 registrants will receive a copy of the book.
loft112.org
City Spaces: Fairmont Palliser
April 17, 2021, 7:30pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Calgary Philharmonic’s City Spaces concerts sees musicians recording solos and duets at some of the city’s iconic downtown buildings. This week’s performance features Kathleen de Caen on cello and Antoine St-Onge on bassoon at the Fairmont Palliser. Be sure to tune in!
calgaryphil.com
Collaborative Performance with Matt Blais
April 18, 2021, 12:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
With music as the vehicle, 2021 songwriter-in-residence at Calgary Public Library Matt Blais and his guests discuss lived-experiences, challenges, and triumphs in life and music. These sessions and collaborative performances are interactive, allowing viewers to ask questions and gain insight from this broadened perspective.
facebook.com
Young Artists Debut Concert
April 18, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Calgary Pro Musica presents four young Calgary musicians in the Dick Matthews Young Artists Development Program Debut Concert. Hear Calgary’s finest young talent showcased in this special event concert featuring music by Dvorak, Liszt, Chopin, Lalo, Prokofiev, Mozart, and Brahms.
calgarypromusica.ca
Measures of Weather
April 19, 2021, 6:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Join the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program and J. R. Carpenter, University of Alberta’s 2020/21 writer-in-residence, for a virtual reading and talk hosted by creative writing professor Dr. Larissa Lai. Hear Carpenter read from her recent collections An Ocean of Static and This is a picture of Windworking, followed by a Q&A.
events.ucalgary.ca
PUSH Emerging Artists’ Exhibition
April 19 – 22, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
The PUSH exhibition aims to engage members of the community with works from emerging artists at the University of Calgary. This year’s exhibition takes place online and on campus!
facebook.com
Phantom Pains
April 19 – May 1, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
An annual exhibition that features the work of University of Calgary BFA honours students, this year’s showcase, Phantom Pains, features the work by Sarah Almquist, Gillian Coulton, Sarah Hubbell, and Randi Woolford. Be sure to explore it online as the Nickle Galleries are currently closed—it’s a great look at these new artists.
facebook.com
Ashley Bristowe
April 20, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s Imagine On Air presents Ashley Bristowe and her raw, refreshingly honest memoir My Own Blood. Full of rage and resilience, duty and love, Bristowe delivers a mother’s voice like no other we’ve heard. The hour-long virtual conversation will be hosted by the remarkable Sheila Heti. Register in advance!
wordfest.com
GlobalFest Flavours
April 20 – June 15, 2021
Stream online
$10 – $25
GlobalFest presents a new mini-series with a nod to their annual OneWorld Festival. Enter into a different culture to learn about the foods, flavours, spices, and recipes from various cultural partners. There will be opportunity to converse with the hosts and ask questions of participating chefs! You can also get a series pass.
globalfestflavours.eventswoop.com
Alberta Literary Awards
April 21, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta presents virtual readings with finalists for the Alberta Literary Awards and the Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize, including Lee Kvern, Peter Midgley, Clem Martini, Annette Lapointe, Timothy Caulfield, Jannie Edwards, Katie Bickell, Tyler Enfield, and more.
facebook.com
Canadian Film Day
April 21, 2021
Stream online
Free to watch
National Canadian Film Day offers an exciting world premiere, a wealth of free Canadian movies, nationwide watch parties, and live discussions with Canadian filmmakers from across the country. More than 40 film festivals throughout Canada are hosting national screenings and Q&As with filmmakers and stars!
canadianfilmday.
Hobo with a Shotgun
April 21, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
As part of National Canadian Film Day, CUFF is partnering with Reel Canada for a free online presentation of Hobo with a Shotgun to celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary. Now a cult classic, the action exploitation film was based on a faux-trailer of the same title featured in the Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez’s Grindhouse. Film stream includes a Q&A with director Jason Eisener and cinematographer Karim Hussain, hosted by Cameron Macgowan.
calgaryundergroundfilm.org
Jeune Juliette
April 21, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
CIFF celebrates National Canadian Film Day with Jeune Juliette. Juliette, a young teenager in her second year of high school has to handle the mockeries of other students in this comedic coming of age story. Quebec director Anne Émond’s semi-autobiographical story is a refreshing, comedic, and loveable experience.
ciffcalgary.ca
RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program
April 22, 2021, 5:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
This virtual artist reception from Arts Commons features 16 RBC emerging visual artists, representing the cutting edge of Calgary’s visual arts scene. Hear each artist speak about their work, go on a virtual gallery tour, pose a question or be a fly on the wall and enjoy the view.
facebook.com
Kevin Van Tighem in Conversation with Evan Osenton
April 22, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Celebrate Earth Day with Shelf Life Books and Kevin Van Tighem as he launches Wild Roses Are Worth It. This selection of works by naturalist, hunter, conservation activist, and outdoors journalist will inspire and provoke.
facebook.com
The Way We Eat
April 22, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s lively April storytelling event features four writers riffing about our complex relationships with food: Uzma Jalaluddin, Michael Moss, Lisa Ray, and Alex Wood. Each author will perform an open-mic style monologue on the theme, as well as answer questions from the new series host, Pam Rocker.
wordfest.com
Alberta Literary Awards
April 22, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta presents virtual readings with finalists for the Alberta Literary Awards and the Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize, including Lee Kvern, Peter Midgley, Clem Martini, Annette Lapointe, Timothy Caulfield, Jannie Edwards, Katie Bickell, Tyler Enfield, and more.
facebook.com
Slalom
April 22 – 25, 2021
Stream online
$13.50
CIFF’s next Global Perspectives screening features Slalom. 15-year-old Lyz has been accepted to a highly selective ski club whose aim is to train future professional athletes. Taking a chance on his new recruit, Fred, ex-champion turned coach, decides to make Lyz his shining star regardless of her lack of experience. Grab your tickets.
ciffcalgary.ca
Cork and Canvas
April 22 – 29, 2021
Stream online
Prices vary
Calgary Philharmonic’s annual fundraiser offers a week of virtual events celebrating music, art, and wine—bid on amazing experiences and unique items in our online auction, enjoy wine and art appreciation events from home, and join in an evening of music and entertainment at the virtual gala!
calgaryphil.com
Conversations on Art, Ritual and Inquiry
April 23, 2021, 3:00pm
Stream online
By donation
A series of conversations with author Barbara Bickel and women artists represented in Bickel’s newly published book, Art, Ritual and Trance Inquiry: Arational Learning in an Irrational World, this month’s guest is Tannis Hugill.
art-ritual-trance-inquiry.tumblr.com
Lennie Gallant
April 23, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$20 – $30
The pride of Rustico PEI, recipient of the Order of Canada, CFMA Artist of the Year, and a performer who plays sold out shows across Canada, Maritime music legend Lennie Gallant keeps going from strength to strength. Don’t miss the Calgary Folk Club’s presentation of this dynamic performer—grab your tickets!
showpass.com
Poetry Potluck
April 23, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, donations appreciated
To celebrate National Poetry Month, Loft 112 invites you to gather together (virtually) and share! Prepare yourself a feast, get yourself settled with a poem or several that you have written, or love and eat and share poetry together over Zoom. Tickets are free but $10 donation tickets are available to support Loft 112.
eventbrite.ca
Calgary Underground Film Festival
April 23 – May 2, 2021
Stream online
Prices vary
The 18th annual Calgary Underground Film Festival is set to take place this spring, with two distinct events enabling movie-lovers to stream the bulk of films followed by three days of drive-ins! Most selections will be available to watch on-demand, with special events, panels, and other initiatives.
calgaryundergroundfilm.org
Virtual Reading with Royalty
April 24, 2021, 11:00am
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Reading with Royalty celebrates diversity and encourages children to look beyond gender stereotypes and embrace the exploration of self. Spark your imagination with Calgary Public Library’s glamorous family-friendly storytime program, led by local drag performers!
facebook.com
Dalla Porta d’Oriente
April 24, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Songs of the Italian, Ottoman, and Persian renaissances are interwoven in an early 17th-century manuscript by the Polish musician and orientalist Ali Ufki (Albert Bobowski). Joined by Italian tenor Marco Beasley, Constantinople revisits the music of that period with Calgary’s own Early Music Voices.
facebook.com
19th Annual Juried Members Show
April 24 – June 6, 2021
Online viewing room
Free to explore
With 102 pieces by 69 artists selected from over 300 submissions, the 19th annual iteration of this annual favourite is going to be a fresh and exciting visual treat. All works will be available for sale and viewable online.
leightoncentre.org
The Only Way is the Steady Way
April 25, 2021, 3:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join Shelf Life Books for a live conversation between Andrew Forbes and Sean Cranbury as they discuss the legendary baseball career of Ichiro Suzuki, the soul of fandom, and how a summertime distraction can help to make sense of the world during a global pandemic.
facebook.com
Harp To Heart
April 25, 2021, 3:00pm
Stream online
Pay-what-you-can
Harpist Gianetta Baril has turned a huge van into a self-contained rolling concert hall. Join her as she celebrates the launch of her Harp To Heart Cross Country Tour with a performance featuring the Foothills Brass Quintet, saxophonist Jeremy Brown, pianist Mark Limacher, and soprano Hannah Pagenkopf.
polariscentre.ca
Love Notes Cabaret
April 25, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
The world is calling out for unity, for compassion and kindness—and Harpreet M Dayal is listening. Love Notes blends contemporary and South Asian sounds with poetry, creating an artistic balm to help you see your own story in others. Join Arts Commons Presents for the third installment of this popular showcase!
facebook.com
Poetry Lab
April 26, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Poetry Lab is a monthly poetry event including a feature reader, open mic, and poetry experiments. Poetry Lab is brought to you live from Moh’kinsstis by The Single Onion. This month features Sabrina Samuel, an emerging poet, henna artist, activist and world traveler living in Red Deer.
facebook.com
Woolf’s Voices 31
April 27, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, donations accepted
An evening of poetry, writing, art, and music honouring the feminine—however you define that! Guest curated by Tereasa Maillie, enjoy poetry readings by Aldona Jaworska, Cobra Collins, Stephanie Hrehirchuk, and Adetola Adedipe, music by Joanna Drummond, and visual art by Janice Blain.
facebook.com
Patrick Radden Keefe
April 27, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s Imagine On Air series presents award-winning New Yorker journalist Patrick Radden Keefe and his exposé of the Sackler family’s connection to the opiod crisis, Empire of Pain. The hour-long conversation will be hosted by Shelley Youngblut, Worldfest’s CEO and Creative Ringleader. Be sure to register.
wordfest.com
Rayanne Haines
April 27, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Join Frontenac House, Glass Bookshop, and Shelf Life Books for the launch of Tell The Birds Your Body is not a Gun by Rayanne Haines. Her current work focuses on mental health and intergenerational trauma. Tell the Birds your Body is Not a Gun is her second poetry collection and Haines will be joined by Micheline Maylor.
facebook.com
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
April 28, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Pay-what-you-can
Join Storytelling Alberta for an evening of stories and music celebrating hope and transformation. Storytellers will take us on a journey, beginning with our true and essential selves, reaching out into the unknown, overcoming adversaries, finally completing the circle of life.
storytellingalberta.com
Eric Ripert
April 28, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$34 – $52
Eat your veggies! Wordfest’s Imagine On Air presents Michelin-starred chef and famed NYC restaurateur Eric Ripert, in celebration of his new cookbook Vegetable Simple. The hour-long conversation is hosted by Calgary’s exuberant food writer Julie Van Rosendaal and this special book with ticket event includes a signed copy.
wordfest.com
Inside the Artists’ Studio
April 29, 2021, 6:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
The Canadian Academy of Mask and Puppetry hosts its new virtual series with Peter Balkwill of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop. Balkwill conducts interviews and studio tours in his inimitable style, introducing you to puppetry and mask artists from around the globe over the year. Alex and Olmsted are up next!
maskandpuppet.com
FLEX AVE. Virtual Workshop
April 29, 2021, 6:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how Regg Rocc and FLEX AVE. work with the next generation of flexn dancers and articulate their art form. Inspired by Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and bruk-up, flexn is a dance style born on the streets of Brooklyn and popularized in music videos and festivals with artists like Beyonce.
facebook.com
Fin Simonetti
April 29, 2021, 6:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
Esker Foundation invites you to join Fin Simonetti for an artist talk about her work and practice, as well as her current exhibition, An Appeal to Heaven. Simonetti works with sculpture, installation, drawing and music to investigate the uneasy terrain among our desire for security and states of subjugation and vulnerability.
eventbrite.ca
Alexandra Morton & Kevin Van Tighem
April 29, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch, registration recommended
Wordfest’s Imagine On Air presents veteran conservationists Alexandra Morton and Kevin Van Tighem with their inspiring new books on environmental stewardship and activism. The hour-long conversation will be hosted by Annalise Klingbeil. Register in advance for your own Digital Doggie Bag.
wordfest.com
Story Slam Works
April 29, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
Free to watch
Immerse yourself in live storytelling! This curated event from Calgary Story Slam promises to fill your bucket, with each story specially crafted and designed to uplift, challenge, and enlighten. The theme is work, the promise is a story (not a pitch, not a rant). Mark your calendars and come to chill and to connect!
facebook.com
Jeffery Straker
April 30, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$20 – $30
Calgary Folk Club presents classically-trained piano maestro and pop-folk-indie songwriter, Jeffery Straker who has a devoted international fan base, and has also played sold-out orchestral concerts. One foot might be on main street but Jeffery’s heart still belongs on the prairies. Don’t miss this live-stream.
showpass.com
Blue Rodeo
April 30, 2021, 7:00pm
Stream online
$50.85
After over 30 years together, a Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction, and more than a few songs that have reached anthemic status, Blue Rodeo are the closest thing Canada have to a national house band. Never been defined by generation or genre, see them online with Calgary Folk Music Festival.
calgaryfolkfest.com
JazzYYC Virtual International Jazz Days
April 30 – May 27, 2021
Stream online
Prices vary
The virtual International Jazz Days Festival presented by JazzYYC features artists from Calgary, along with other select Canadian artists, presented in a professional, quality-sounding, fun, entertaining, broadcast. It kicks off with a concert from world-renowned pianist Kris Davis.
jazzyyc.com
Have an online offering that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
