If you’re going to do something for just for the hell of it, why not put some meaning into it and make it matter?
It’s been almost a year since Calgary alt-country artist Mariel Buckley’s last local show — she was incredibly active after the release of her stellar sophomore album Driving In the Dark — so she thought it was a good time, but she also thought it was a good time to do some good.
That’s why she’s putting on a special show Saturday, March 23 at the Royal Canadian Legion No. 1 called the Rhinestones In the Rough Denim Social.
Not only will it feature performances from herself and pals Liz Stevens and Boots and the Hoots, but will also act as a fundraiser for Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse.
It comes just as we’re about to enter Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it comes almost exactly a month before Denim Day, which is observed on April 25. It marks a landmark case in 1998 where the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans.
“Wearing denim is a sign of solidarity,” Buckley explains, before adding, “and it very conveniently works out that I only always wear denim.
Five dollars from every ticket sold for the show will go to CCASA, whose stated mission is to “provide leadership to impact attitudes and actions around sexual abuse and sexual assault.”
Buckley is also hoping that those in attendance will sport their best bluejeans or jean jackets. She will actually be donning “a denim Nudie” from local designer Randi Lee, who’s also a co-owner of Antiquaire Boutique in Inglewood and will be doing a pop-up shop at the show.
Village Brewery will also be there with a special version of their Neighbour beer, CKUA and ATB are also part of the fun, and there will be prizes throughout the evening, including ones from Blackbyrd Myoozik and weekend passes to this year’s Calgary Folk Music Festival for the best Canadian tuxedo.
But be warned, you can wear that or whatever you want — but that’s the only type of top hat, tie and tails Bucks wants to see in the audience.
“Just don’t show up in a tux or I’ll kick you out,” she warns.
