Tomb
Cowboys cowgirls pole climbers and Twisted Sister
Whether you embrace all things country or can’t stand the sight of another pair of Wranglers here are some traditional and alternative Stampede nightlife events that’ll put some scoot in your boot.
Sick of country music and just not gonna take it anymore? Kick off a heavy metal stampede on July 3 with Ratt and wrap it all up on July 13 with Twisted Sister. Tickets are $125 for both shows at Snatch Rock ’n’ Roll Lounge. Call 403-255-4646 for tickets.
If you like to party with a purpose check out Liquid Courage on July 11 at the No. 1 Legion (116 Seventh Ave. S.E.). This annual event raises funds for the Calgary Family Military Resource Centre (CFMRC) and features live music by Sweet Potato and the Calgary Highlanders Pipe Band. As well a performance by Black Thunder a military drum corps features glow-in-the-dark drumsticks. For tickets and donations contact Nick Twyman at 403-807-6219 or Colleen Rowe at 403-870-4011.
A number of Stampede beer tents have disappeared this year as construction projects have claimed their former locations but there is one option available if you’re looking for a beer after (or during) work. Head to the new Wildhorse Saloon at 500 Sixth Ave. S.W. for the only party tent in the downtown core. The Wildhorse Saloon offers a 12000-square-foot (1080-square-metre) outdoor tent and patio as well as a two-level saloon in the former Pied Pickle location. The venue is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily throughout Stampede. It opens Thursday July 3 with a fundraiser for the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS). Tickets for Pony Up for CUPS are $25 and are available at www.cupshealthcentre.com .
Crazy Horse Saloon reopens its doors at a new location — 213 10th Ave. S.W. Western burlesque shows by the Kabuki Guns begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly and a changing lineup of live music includes Lindsay Ell on July 4 Black Coffee Cowboys on July 5 Johnny Cash Jam on July 6 and the Smokin’ 45s on July 8. For more information see www.crazyhorsesaloon.ca/stampede.html .
If it’s straight-up rock ’n’ roll you’re after check out Sloan on July 6 at Tequila Nightclub (219 17th Ave. S.W.). Tickets are available from www.clubzone.com or www.tequilanightclub.com . Flames Central hosts Metric and Wet Secrets on July 8 and the Supersuckers July 10. Tickets for both shows are available at Ticketmaster or www.unionevents.com .
Head to the Palomino on July 12 for the third annual Rock & Roll Rodeo. Proceeds from the $10 admission price go to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Doors open at 11 a.m. and entertainment includes a performance by The Garter Girls Burlesque and live music by The Ex-Boyfriends The Hard Tales The Stables Cam Penner Smokin’ 45s and The Joey Only Outlaw Band.
Not nearly as dirty as it sounds watch the 26th annual Cowboy versus Firefighter Pole Climb at the Ranchman’s (9615 Macleod Trail South). This popular event benefits the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. Both firefighters and cowboys will be auctioned off at 6 p.m. The pole climb competition which will pit the two groups against one another begins at 7 p.m.
