Said it before, ’ll say it again: There is no festival season in this city.
It’s 12 months a year, endless and wonderful — an offering for anyone who likes anything.
That’s especially true on the musical side of things.
Yes, the “pause” button was pushed on a pair this year — Afrikadey! and ReggaeFest — but they will (knock wood) be back and in a healthier place next summer.
In the meantime, to get us through what will likely be a miserable winter we have a number of fantastic established fests, such as Wide Cut Weekend (Oct. 12-13), the BIG Winter Classic (Jan. 24-27, 2019), the Calgary folk fest’s Block Heater (Feb. 22-23, 2019) and the Midwinter Bluesfest (Feb. 25-March 2, 2019).
Can’t wait that long?
Well, the folks at the King Eddy have you covered.
This week they’ll fill the brief music festival void with their inaugural Eddy Fest Weekend to celebrate the grand opening of the iconic club in National Music Centre’s new home Studio Bell.
The event, taking place Oct. 4-7 features an eclectic crew of artists that acts as something of a sample of what you should expect in the club on any given night — anything and everything for everyone.
“Since our soft opening on July 20, we’ve hosted artists from across all genres and backgrounds, partnered with various arts and culture organizations, and collaborated with grassroots organizations to present local and national artists,” said Rich Taylor, the King Eddy’s talent buyer. “Eddy Fest is a great example and realization of our vision as a community hub.”
Kicking things off on for Eddy Fest is a fitting couple of acts in the Throwback Thursday mould — blues legend Amos Garrett and the Eh! Team with John Rutherford and the Big Blues Trio.
Friday night they bring the country, with sassy rising stars Nice Horse, along with Aaron Pollock and an after-party set by The Wine Soaked Preachers.
Things should be slammed and slammin’ on Saturday, when the one I, you and we all love, pop star Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, takes the stage along with hip-hop artist Sinzere and DJ Robyn.
And, because Monday is Thanksgiving, thankfully they’ll be giving extra helpings on the Sunday, with afternoon sets by roots artist Bob Sumner and amazing yyc artist Clinton St. John, with stellar evening lineup featuring Astral Swans with the always brilliant 36? and Haligonian group Mauno.
Again, an impressive lineup and what should be an amazing weekend.
Which night do you want to go to?
No. Seriously. Which night?
We want to send you.
Our friends at the King Eddy have given us a pair of tickets to each evening and we want to give them to you.
Blues lover? Country digger? Pop bopper? Psych scenester?
You choose. Then head to our Facebook page, find this posting, and leave a comment telling us which night you want to go to and tag a friend who you want to take. We’ll let all of the winners know via direct message by the end of day each day prior (Wednesday for Thursday, Thursday for Friday, etc.). That allows you enter again, toss your hat in the ring for another night if you don’t get your first choice.
Good luck!
Oh, and should you wish to support what it is we do here and get the opportunity to enter some exclusive contests throughout the year, please consider becoming a patron of theYYSCENE by pledging to our Patreon campaign. We would appreciate it.
Cheers.
