FFWD REW

Goings On – Week of Feb. 19 2015

San Francisco-based performer Christian Martin has been immersed in DJ culture for 20 years first learning about electronic music at a California desert party in ’95. Coming up in the club scene he co-founded the dirtybird soundsystem who offer Sunday afternoon barbecue parties in Golden Gate park.

There’s no question that Martin knows how to throw a party and he’ll do just that on Thursday February 19 at the Hifi Club. Joined by the equally experienced performer Sabo the two will offer diverse highly danceable sets with guest support from locals Smalltown DJs.

For something entirely different head over to the Republik on Thursday night for the return of Toronto alt-country outfit Elliott Brood who are still touring in support of last year’s Work and Love LP.

Calgary’s burgeoning pop underground will certainly want to head over to Broken City on Thursday night where local group OK Jazz will celebrate the release of a new zine alongside guests Feel Alright Hex-Ray and Milk Toast.

Valentine’s Day may have come and gone but there’s no reason you can’t head out on a nice little man-date with The Mandates this week. The local power-pop quartet is playing at the Plaza Theatre before a screening of Pretty in Pink presented by The Fifth Reel on Friday February 20.

For a group that spends even more time perfecting its hair than The Mandates head over to MacEwan Ballroom on Friday night to see Warped Tour-friendly glam metal goofs Black Veil Brides. Black leather chains and yes teased hair are at least as important to the band as their songs. And let’s be honest — whether you want to hear them or not it’s probably going to be a pretty funny show.

NYHC legends Cro-Mags are the latest iconic hardcore act to be name-dropped in the most unlikely of places. Like Black Flag before them they’re a go-to reference for bands trying to seem cool — they’re even name-dropped in the press release of blog-buzzy art rock act Perfect Pussy. That they’re having a moment is hardly their fault however and their present-day incarnation is still tough as nails. The band will return to Calgary to perform at Republik on Saturday February 21 where they’ll be joined by The Chain Savage Streets Mandible Klaw and Dysfunction.

Over at Habitat Spanish techno guru Henry Saiz will make a rare Calgary appearance on Saturday night.

Spend Sunday February 22 putting your money to a good cause with the return of Griffest a rock fundraiser for children with autism. The Broken City show will be headlined by Napalmpom who are joined by The LBJs The Basement Demons Chained by Mind and Compound 3. The all-ages show starts early at 3:30 p.m. so bring your kids and get day drunk.

Then spend Monday February 23 at church. Irish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow will perform songs from last year’s Vagrant Records release Post Tropical at Knox United Church.

If you’re desperately craving some Cancon for some reason there’s a one-two punch of SOCAN jams with Hey Rosetta! performing at Mac Hall on Tuesday February 24 then an appearance from Arkells at Flames Central on Wednesday February 25.

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