SCENE March 2026

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO GOING OUT FREE • MARCH 2026 • ISSUE #65

BLOX ARTS CENTRE FESTIVAL OF ANIMATED OBJECTS

RAMEN GUIDE

CANADA READS 2026

MELIKE CEYLAN Q&A

CREATING IN‘BURBS THE

THE ARTS ARE INVADING YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH THESE FAR-FLUNG VENUES

THINGS TO DO MUSIC AND GIGS VISUAL ARTS

THEATRE SPORTS

18 SPORTS SCENE

Alberta Arts Professional Wrestling Foundation is putting on punk rock wrestling shows.

PHOTO: KORT WOYCHESHIN

We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

10 COVER

These organizations are building arts hubs in the suburbs and building connections city-wide.

4 ACT 1, SCENE 1

What to do, see, and hear this month across the city.

8 Q&A

Melike Ceylan brings an academic background to the art of sound installations.

9 ART SCENE

Four exhibitions at the Esker Foundation illuminate everyday moments with artistic flair.

13 FOOD SCENE

Find your new favourite Calgary ramen spot.

14 THEATRE SCENE

Explore the 15th Festival of Animated Objects, and learn about how the National accessArts Centre empowers disabled artists.

Cover School Of Rock at Beddington Theatre Arts.

Photo: Tim Nguyen, Fifth Wall Media

Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca

Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca

Editorial Staff

Evelina Pak, sceneeditorialintern@redpointmedia.ca

Kiara Neisz, sceneeditorialintern_2@redpointmedia.ca

Catrina Bowles, cbowles@redpointmedia.ca

Founding Editor Mike Bell

Designer Kris Twyman

Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich

CONTRIBUTORS

Lissa Robinson, Krista Sylvester, Isabelle Hon, Gabriella Lindland, Alicia L'Archeveque, Cam Hayden

Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur

Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt

Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten

Administrative Manager Shahana Beegum

HR Manager Evette Stobo

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada

The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards. redpointmedia.ca

16 LITERARY SCENE

CBC’s Canada Reads competition features Calgarian author Tyler Hellard.

20 VENUE

Welcome to the BLOX Arts Centre, Calgary’s all-ages hub for music and creativity.

30

Cam Hayden

What to do in March

BY KIARA NEISZ

AS THE WEATHER STARTS TO THAW, EVENTS IN THE CITY ARE HEATING UP

BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA PRESENTS LES MISÉRABLES

March 4 to 8 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com

One of the world's most popular musicals is coming to the city this March, presented by Broadway Across Canada. A testament to the human spirit, this story of a jailed man on a path to redemption has more than enough action to fill three hours of performance. The show will be held at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. The tickets are a bit steeper than usual, but the production value and experience make it all worth it. Check it out if you’re a big musical fan, or just if you want to switch up your usual activities.

DANCE DANCE DISCO

March 6 to 7 | Jack Singer Concert Hall | calgaryphil.com

Get in the mood to boogie with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The Jack Singer Concert Hall is the place to be for two hours of dancing, disco infernos, and so much fun. With music inspired by the New York nightclub Studio 54, this unique gig features an orchestra alongside a diverse cast of talented vocalists. Put on your best disco outfit and start practicing the lyrics to ”Staying Alive” in preparation for these specifically Calgarian Boogie Nights. Tickets range from $33 to $97; get them before they’re gone, as this is sure to sell out.

PARTICLE+WAVE

Until April 11 | Various venues | emmedia.ca Alberta's premier festival dedicated to media art returns, bringing together local and international creatives who are pushing the boundaries of art and technology through experimental, innovative artworks. The festival started on February 20, but it continues through March, with an audio workshop with sound artist erψn temp3st on March 7 at Decidely Jazz Danceworks, an exhibition of digital media curated by Mackenzie Bedford opening on March 27, and free gallery hours at EMMEDIA all the way up till the festival's end on April 11.

SWAN LAKE

March 13 to 15 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | albertaballet.com

The Alberta Ballet remix this classic tale by reimagining Benno as the true villain, adding depth to a character you might not expect. From breathtaking dance to classical music and immersive storytelling, this performance transports you into a world that feels ancient and familiar. Tickets for this event vary in price by day and time and are available for purchase on their website. Performances will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at both 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Snag a ticket for you and your favourite ballet head … or the biggest Darren Aronofsky fan in your life.

YYC FOOD AND DRINK EXPERIENCE

March 13 to 29 | Various locations | yycexp.com

Attention foodies and snackers: this exclusive celebration of culinary art in Calgary is back.

Over the course of two weeks (and some change), enjoy fixed-price, multi-course meals from some of the most mouth-watering restaurants in Calgary. Restaurants participating include (but are definitely not limited to) Barbarella, Continental, Native Tongues and Pigeonhole. With options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, YYCEXP offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience not only in restaurants but also at exclusive events around the city. Make sure to tuck your napkin into your shirt and get ready to dig into your feast!

SUMO FEST

March 13 and 14 | Nutrien Western Event Centre | sumofest.com

Nutrien Western Event Centre is hosting Canada's largest sumo event, and everyone is invited. Featuring professional wrestlers Hiroki, Ramy, Waka, and Ichi, this event is packed with excitement and an exploration of Japanese culture. These wrestlers have competed at a high level overseas and now take

to Calgary's dohyo (ring) to represent their country's national sport. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, be a part of the non-stop sumo action. And while you’re at it, have a walk around the event centre for Japanese markets while you wait for the fights to begin.

SAGE THEATRE PRESENTS RESET

March 18 to 22 | Contemporary Calgary | sagetheatre.com

Imagine a future world where artificial intelligence is normal, and humans are not. Sage Theatre explores these ideas (and existential AI fears) in this immersive mystery performance. Help solve the mystery of what these people really are at Contemporary Calgary at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. Sage Theatre has three ticket levels, $15, $30, and $60, and you choose whatever one you can afford. Very cheapskate friendly, and a good way to prepare for the upcoming robopocalypse.

CALGARY GEM SHOW

March 26 to 29 | Spruce Meadows | cangems.ca CanGems, the largest gem and mineral company in Canada, stops in the Blue Sky City on its nationwide tour. Head down to Spruce Meadows from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Friday, or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Whether you’re a crystal collector or just looking for something pretty to gift that one aunt of yours, stop by for this event showcasing Canada's finest gems, rocks, and minerals. Admission is $3 for singles, $7 for a family, and free for kids under five. Not only is this event fun and educational, but it’s affordable. What more could you ask for?

A NIGHT OF STAND-UP COMEDY FEATURING STERLING SCOTT

March 30 | Shane Homes YMCA | ymcacalgary.org

You don’t want to miss this night of laughs courtesy of Sterling Scott. Scott is the first-ever

comedian to win the golden buzzer and become a finalist on Canada's Got Talent, so the laughs are all but guaranteed. Spend your evening at Shane Homes YMCA for this gut-busting performance about fatherhood, relationships, family life, and awkward moments everyone can relate to. Tickets start at $23, and the show starts at 7 p.m. This Canada-based performer is a favourite, so get tickets before they’re gone and art it up in the suburbs.

BEST OF THE REST

April 3 to 5 | Ace Athletic Centre | ucva.ca

One of the biggest growing volleyball tournaments in Calgary is back, featuring teams from across the country, and even some from the U.S. Spend your Easter weekend celebrating these teams as they face off in intense games. This all-day event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the weekend at the Ace Athletic Centre. The heated competition will keep both sports fans and interested newbies on their toes.

NOMINATE A SCENESTER

What makes a cultural scene? Is it the work? The community? The stages, the spaces, the programming?

It’s all of these things — but more than that, a scene is made up of people. And that’s what we want to celebrate.

Every spring, The Scene profiles a group of Scenesters, movers and shakers that make things happen in Calgary through taste-making, community building, and elbow grease. From artistic directors to bookstore owners and non-profit leaders, these are the people putting in the work to make Calgary a vibrant place to live and create.

We want to celebrate these folks and get their top recommendations for things to do, places to see, and ones to watch in the city!

Some Scenesters from our Class of ‘25 include Chris Corvan of the Creative Catalyst Cafe, REVERIE’s editor-in-chief Jess Arcand, and local hip-hop artist Tea Fannie.

Do you know someone who goes the extra mile in your community? A trendsetting leader, or an undersung hero doing the hard work to make your scene happen?

Scan the QR code and nominate them today!

On Stage in March

BY KIARA NEISZ AND NATHAN ILES

CALGARY'S STAGES ARE BUSY THIS MONTH, FROM JAZZ TO CLASSIC PUNK ROCK AND EXPERIMENTAL EDM

THE WOODSHED AND OLD MAN LUEDEKE

Made up of Canadian singer-songwriters John Wort Hannam and T. Buckley, The Woodshed is a modern folk duo based in Alberta. They’re joined by Nova Scotia banjo slinger Old Man Luedeke. March 7, 7 p.m. at Sunalta Community Association, scacalgary.ca.

AVENOIR

After being nominated for a JUNO award for Contemporary R&B/Soul Recording in 2025, Edmonton-based rhythm and blues singer Avenoir is taking the world by storm, landing in Calgary this month. March 7, 7 p.m. at Commonwealth, commonwealthbar.ca

OMERTA 001: SHATTERTHEFALL, B2B, AND KAEDER

Are you jumping back onto that nu-metal train? If so, this show of up-and-comers is for you. These bands blend genres seamlessly, focusing primarily on new-generation nu-metal and experimental noise. March 12, 9 p.m. at Commonwealth, commonwealthbar.ca.

RADIOS, RAYGUNS & LITTLE WHITE LIES

Matt Patershuk, Suzie Ungerleider, and Ben Sures trade ditties and rootsy country jams together in this shindig thrown by the National Music Centre. March 14, 6:30 p.m. at Studio Bell, studiobell.ca.

BASS MASTERCLASS WITH CARL MAYOTTE

Join the winner of the Félix Award for Jazz Album of the Year 2022 and Radio-Canada’s Jazz Revelation for 2020 to 2021 in his free bass guitar masterclass. Carl Mayotte hosts a class of musical demonstrations and plenty of industry insight. March 15, 11 a.m. at Studio Bell, studiobell.ca

SUBA TRIO

Celebrate African history with the SUBA Trio, featuring composer and pianist Omar Sosa, vocalist Seckou Keita, and percussionist Gus-

tavo Ovalles, as they explore the intersection of jazz and their shared cultural backgrounds. March 15, 6 p.m, at Studio Bell, studiobell.ca.

JULY TALK

Celebrate 10 years of growled Canadian blues-rock goodness as July Talk celebrates their 2016 JUNO award-winning album, Touch March 17, 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

Legendary heavy metal band Black Label Society and their shredding lead guitarist Zakk Wylde need no introduction. Expect high energy, loud vocals, and an intense mosh pit. March 19, 8 p.m. at Grey Eagle Events Centre, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca

VERDI'S REQUIEM

Sit in to witness Grammy-winning conductor Karen Kamensek with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (accompanied by some soloists) in this sombre, theatrical performance. March 20, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer Concert Hall, werklundcentre.ca.

JACKSON REED

Support local artists and head to the King Eddy for a night of modern pop with a classic rock

twist, as the band celebrates Live In ‘25, their first EP in four years. March 20, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the King Eddy, kingeddy.ca.

CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO QUEEN AND THE BEATLES

Celebrate British rock supremacy and bang your head to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Here Comes The Sun.” Or, just gently nod your head. March 21 and April 11 at Grace Presbyterian Church, gracechurchcalgary.com

GOO GOO DOLLS

‘90s alt-rock never dies as the Goo Goo Dolls hit Calgary for their Canadian Spring tour. Opening for the show is your favourite high school emo band, Dashboard Confessional. March 23, 7 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome, scotiabanksaddledome.com.

MADDOX BATSON

At just 16 years old, country singer Maddox Batson has released hit singles and co-wrote Lana Del Rey and Quavo's song “Tough.”

March 26, 6:30 p.m. at Grey Eagle Event Centre, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

SHANE SMITH AND THE SAINTS

Are you a fan of Yellowstone? Then you’ve

probably heard this “red dirt” country band, particularly their moody hit, "All I See Is You."

March 27, 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca

THE FRAGMENTS AND ANNE LOREE

Every Saturday, a different band takes the Ship’s stage for showcase of all-ages fun and diverse jams. This time, The Fragments bring their irreverent pop rock with support from Edmonton singer-songwriter, Anne Loree. March 28, 2 p.m. at the Ship and Anchor, shipandanchor.com.

EXTENSIVE SLAUGHTER, LANGUID, DIVINE APPREHENSION, AND BANZAI

It’s a squelching night of blackened crust punk over at Calgary’s favourite barbecue joint. Featuring bands from Vancouver, Edmonton, and right down the street, your attendance here is mandatory. April 3, 8 p.m. at the Palomino, thepalomino.ca.

THE EXPLOITED

This is your chance to see some real punk rock history live and up close, as Wattie Buchan brings his mohawked band of miscreants to Calgary for two(!) nights of chaos. April 8 and 10 at Dickens, dickensyyc.com.

SPARK AFTER DARK (18+)

April 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM — Midnight

From retro vibes to real performance science, you’ll play, test and party like an athlete.

BREAKING THE SIGNAL

MELIKE CEYLAN ON EXPERIMENTAL RADIO AND THE SCIENCE OF SOUND

BY EVELINA PAK

It’s been about nine years since Melike Ceylan came to Calgary to pursue a PhD in music at the University of Calgary.

She later worked there as a professor teaching music technology, experimental radio, and audio programming. Artistically, her work has been presented in art exhibitions, radio broadcasts, theatre productions, and live performance settings across Canada and Europe.

While she has always worked at the intersection of music and science, her current focus is sound art. “Since graduating, I’ve also been exploring what it means to be creative outside of the academic context,” she said.

She is currently working on a Plus 15 installation project with Werklund Centre titled Flow that centres reproductive health advocacy and awareness through sound and music. She presented a mini-concert and lecture on the project at the Women's Resource Centre this past February.

BRIDGING RESEARCH AND ART

“It was during the early pandemic when I had a creative block. I decided to take a short break and had the opportunity to work with students online. When the course was over, I returned to my creative work feeling completely refreshed. I was inspired by what students brought to the table, their questions, their ideas.

“There is a whole area of research called research-creation, where the creative process itself is your research. You start with a question, and as you work, new questions emerge. Those questions then inform how you adapt and evolve your practice.

“I’ve been focusing on understanding and evaluating what comes out of the creative process. I arrived at ideas I couldn’t have achieved just by reading. I had to actually do the work to discover those technical and aesthetic possibilities.”

ON THE RADIO

“I like to call it ‘experimental radio.’ It takes the basic elements of radio — a host, music, ad breaks — and twists them in ways we don’t ex-

"ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS [ABOUT RADIO] IS INTIMACY: THERE’S NO VISUAL ASPECT — IT’S JUST SOMEONE SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO YOU, IN YOUR ROOM."

CEYLAN

pect. For example, the host might switch places with the audience, or there might be moments of dead air. Experimental radio can turn those disruptions into sound pieces.

“The main focus of the broadcast is not hesitating to make bold choices, and sometimes creating work that is critical of mainstream radio, its consumerist and advertising-driven aspects.

“I grew up in a household where radio was always part of our lives, and I really enjoyed that. One of the biggest things is intimacy: there’s no visual aspect — it’s just someone speaking directly to you, in your room.

“I volunteer at CJSW Radio, and the community is amazing. I host a music program called Vocal Cords where I focus on curating

playlists. It’s a small station, but you can find all kinds of music. People are actively looking for a break from mainstream media, so there’s huge diversity.”

ABSTRACT SOUNDS

“I use a few strategies [to create sound for my project]. One approach is to take a graph of hormonal changes throughout a menstrual cycle and turn it into a sound wave using the Wavetable Synthesis method. You use the data to create the timbre of the sound.

“Another approach, which became the main one for this soundscape project, is using metaphors. Sounds from nature can represent bodily sensations.

“Voice is one of my primary instruments because it’s immediately accessible to me. I also use virtual instruments or recordings from our environment — things like hand claps or plastic wrap — and apply audio effects to turn them into long, sustaining drones or more rhythmic textures. I play with those sounds in musical terms.

“When it comes to non-traditional music listening, I try to create a more pleasurable experience. If someone doesn’t know the message behind the work but can still enjoy it and find their own meaning, that means success to me.”

LIMITATIONS

“I discovered that I work very well with limitations. The first piece I worked on during my PhD research felt intense, so I decided to limit myself to a very small number of recordings. That helped a lot.

“I approach creativity the same way, because otherwise it can become overwhelming. I try to define constraints, whether that’s limiting sound materials or time.

“There is so much to discover even with the smallest amount of material.”

The installation Flow is on view at the Werklund Plus 15 Gallery until April 15.

This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre. To see more of Ceylan’s work, visit melikeceylan.com.

Painting in the Age of Noise

FOUR SOLO EXHIBITIONS AT THE ESKER FOUNDATION MEDITATE ON EVERYDAY LIFE

BY LISSA ROBINSON

Before modernism, painting was the noise of culture. Now the noise is everywhere, a constant stream of images, data, and sensory input. Amid the algorithmic churn, paintings offer a different rhythm. They ask us to pause, linger, and enter spaces with undulating textures, luminous colours, and expressive gestures. Across four solo exhibitions at the Esker Foundation, this sensibility emerges in paintings abundant with warm palettes, surprising contrasts, and intimate scenes.

Justin de Verteuil’s sie will / muse. zur marionette opens a window onto other realms. In works like Planet Caravan, a body hovers magically against a black, silhouetted tree, set within a sumptuous, fiery sky. A tautly stretched hammock transforms into angel wings as the figure, contorted and in motion, struggles to keep from falling — or to find the strength to fly away. de Verteuil’s oil paintings are luminous and sensual vignettes that respond to tensions between ambiguity and the mundane.

Alexandre Pépin’s Lavender shifts the focus to paintings that unfold slowly and reveal ambiguity, joy, and subtle tensions between geometry and traced lines, weaving abstraction

and figuration into a single web. Two figures entwined in tall grass, a solitary figure in an ornate landscape, or lovers merging in a chair all evoke intimacy in everyday gestures. Pépin, who is French-Canadian, draws inspiration from Byzantine and Early Renaissance frescoes to portray moments of queer intimacy and spiritual contemplation.

Anthony Cudahy’s metronome yawned puncuates white walls with warm fuschias, cool yellows, and bright greens. Breathtakingly tender, his paintings coax us to gaze upon intimate scenes intertwined with symbols or archival fragments. Cudahy, who is Florida-born and Brooklyn-based, captures fleeting moments where figures rest, embrace, or make love. His unexpected shifts in shadow and colour ask viewers to slow down, linger, and meditate on how painting can lovingly render human interactions. In Double Readers (mooncylce), one female figure, awash in warm browns and oranges, begins to merge with a ghostly female as they stare into a black abyss punctuated by vibrant green. Crescent moons in the upper right corner read like stuttering text, a subtle prompt to slow down and observe.

Magalie Guérin’s Orange to Rattle draws viewers into her intimate, punchy abstrac-

tions. Guérin, who paints on surfaces marked by slight ridges or shallow pathways, uses a palette ranging from chartreuse green, burnt umber, and intense orange to textured surfaces and geometric shapes punctuated in black, white, yellow, and violet. Slippage occurs in many of her paintings where ambiguity shifts to something familiar, like a tree or vase, but you can never be quite sure. In one piece, it’s hard not to see an urban landscape lined with modernist trees and a sky awash in green and yellow hues. Montreal-born but based in Texas, Guérin creates her own painterly worlds filled with shapes that are concrete and unknown. Her compositions move in their own rhythm, inviting viewers to dwell inside these most curious constructions and to delight in the rigorous interplay of colour, texture, line, and form.

What binds these exhibitions is not palette, style, or subject matter, but a sustained engagement with attention, perception, and intimacy. Each painter asks the viewer to slow down, linger, and revel in moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed. In doing so, they remind us that paintings can align with our deepest longings and offer a fleeting glimpse into what it means to be luminous and profoundly human.

IN THE GALLERIES THIS MONTH

WALLACE GALLERIES

International Women’s Day Group Exhibition 2026

Until March 18

This exhibition will highlight works by Nancy Boyd, Isla Burns, Camrose Ducote, Jennifer Hornyak, Joice M Hall, Dorothy Knowles, Elza Mayhew, and more. All sales from this exhibition will contribute a percentage to the Safe Haven Foundation of Canada, which is devoted to keeping homeless and atrisk teenage girls safe.

FOUNDER’S GALLERY

David Garneau: Dark Chapters and Reading the Ruins

March 20 to August 30

Mark the date for a provocative exhibition exploring the intertwined practices of Métis painter and scholar David Garneau. Through metaphorical still lifes, the works reflect on colonial legacies, institutional containment, Métis repression, and present conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, alongside newly painted and recontextualized Mountie artifacts from the archival collection.

CONTEMPORARY CALGARY

Tyler Los-Jones: Water’s brief surfaces - Roundleaf Orchid

Until April 26

Created for the group exhibition Entwined, Tyler Los-Jones’s outdoor installation pairs a façade image of roundleaf orchids along the Bow River with a mirrored interior work. Rooted in the Rockies and Calgary, the site-specific project reflects on photography, ecology, and interconnection across landscape, architecture, and lived experience.

Arts Sprawl

CALGARY’S FAR-FLUNG SUBURBS ARE BUILDING AN ARTS ECOSYSTEM

BY EVELINA PAK

Cultural life in Calgary has long been associated with the downtown core. But as the city expands outward, so does its creative energy. Across suburban neighbourhoods, a new arts ecosystem is taking shape including large-scale institutions, new arts venues, and recreation centres.

This ecosystem reflects the rhythms of the community lives around it. Families walk over after dinner, seniors take daytime classes, young artists participating after school.

The suburbs are building a cultural gravity all of their own.

IT'S FUN TO STAY AT THE YMCA

The YMCA’s roots stretch back nearly two centuries. The first YMCA in Canada opened in Montreal in 1851, created to support industrial-era communities through education and

social programs. Over time, the YMCA became synonymous with recreation. In Calgary, that mandate has expanded again, evolving from a recreation centre to a cultural centre.

The Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge and the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton — two of the largest YMCA facilities in the world — have theatre spaces embedded directly into the complexes.

“The city was thinking about suburban communities when planning their next recreation centres,” said Dean Paddock, vice president, community engagement at YMCA Calgary.

“We heard a consistent message that families wanted more cultural opportunities closer to home.”

The theatres launched in 2020, just as the pandemic began, and were relaunched in early 2023 with only 100 registrants. Since then, they’ve presented more than 40 events and sold over 5,000 tickets. Notably, 65 per cent of ticket buyers are not YMCA members. “We’re not just serving our existing community,” said

Paddock. “We’re filling a broader gap in suburban arts access that people are looking for.”

ARTS BELONG EVERYWHERE

Programming at the two YMCA theatre ranges widely — from Nutcracker in a Nutshell for children under five to 18+ stand-up comedy nights — alongside classes in drama, choir and dance. The classes are process-based, require no prior experience, and welcome participants from early childhood through seniors.

Accessibility — both physical and financial — is central to the model. The YMCA participates in the City’s Fair Entry program and designs programming to remove barriers.

“We believe arts participation shouldn’t depend on your postal code, your income or your resume,” Paddock said.

Awareness, he believes, is the primary obstacle. Arts in the suburbs is a new concept for many. Attending the theatre has traditionally meant a trip downtown.

“Letting people know there are high-quality

arts experiences within walking distance is key,” said Paddock.

He remembers growing up and wondering how much more theatre he might have seen had he lived closer to the city core. Now, he sees young people experiencing performances in their own neighbourhoods. From a parent’s perspective, the impact is also meaningful: bringing children to a show no longer requires finding a babysitter or making an evening-long excursion.

Just as theatres were physically embedded in the YMCA buildings, Paddock hopes the arts become embedded in neighbourhood life, something woven into the everyday rhythm.

“Arts belong everywhere,” he said. And in a city still growing outward, that belief may become an aspiration for how its cultural future unfolds.

This month at YMCA: Radio Silence, co-presented with the Festival of Animated Objects, runs March 14 and 15 at Rocky Ridge and March 21 and 22 at Seton.

Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre

BY KIARA NEISZ

With much of Calgary's art scene centered downtown, the Kiyooka Ohe Art Centre (KOAC) stands out as a suburban hub for contemporary art, extending its reach beyond the city's centre.

Located on 20 acres of land in Springback and dotted with plenty of artworks, the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre offers free exhibitions, lectures, workshops and public programs that bring contemporary art closer to the west side of the city.

“It's not often that you can go out to a nature destination and experience art. It's very different from experiencing art within a city landscape,” said Shelby Charlesworth, community partnership coordinator at the KOAC.

Calgary artists Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe started the centre as a place to appreciate and support art.

Kiyooka studied fine art in Canada, The U.S. and Italy, spending his career as a teacher, painter and art collector. Ohe began sculpting with everything from clay, to cement and then to metal, learning from both art school and established artists across Canada.

Their land was purchased in ‘73 and displayed their love of art by incorporating contemporary art displays into their own home.

“This is an art centre that is built on the legacy of Harry Kiyooka and Katie Ohe as well, because they have been such influential arts educators within the community in Calgary, and we want to ensure that we keep their values and dreams alive as the centre continues to grow,” said Charlesworth.

The highlight of the centre is its stunning 10acre outdoor sculpture park. Offering both guided tours as well as “at your own leisure visits,” this large exhibit encourages people to change their perspective on art galleries and explore the fields and stumble upon art pieces as they go.

Smaller Rooms

The KOAC started an Artists in Residence program in 2020, featuring both sculptors and painters. About six to eight artists a year participate in these independent residencies, displaying their art and research for free to the public. Artists can decide how they would like to present their art, offering ways such as artist talks, studio visits, exhibitions, etc.

“It is such a privilege to be able to go and create art in nature and have that time and space to research,” said Charlesworth.

Ensuring there's a space for anyone to come and engage with art is a huge foundation for the centre, as well as helping support artists struggling to find studio space or exposure.

“The same goes for a residency, too. It's a lot different from having a studio within an urban city space,” said Charlesworth.

“Some communities don't get as much exposure to contemporary art, which is why I'm glad we're located in Springbank, because there are a lot less resources in the outskirts of Calgary for art. It's really integral that all communities are able to be engaged and have exposure to art,” said Charlesworth.

The centre partnered with Friends of Chinatown for a Chinese New Year celebration dinner at the Regency palace at the end of February, featuring Dragon dances, martial arts, and other forms of entertainment. The mission behind this celebration was to highlight the art and culture that exists in Chinatown, and ensure its preservation.

Extending the arts scene from downtown Calgary and reaching farther communities opens up doors for people all across the city.

“Learn a little bit more about our existence, and it can encourage people from the more central area of Calgary to come out to Springbank as well," said Charlesworth.

CORNERSTONE MUSIC CAFÉ

139, 14919 Deer Ridge Dr. S.E. | cornerstonemusic.ca

Sylvia and Jim Johnston met at Cornerstone, he was a drum instructor, she was the administrator. What began as a shared workplace became something larger: a space where music and community meet.

Today, Cornerstone Music Café brings their passions together, offering coffee, concerts, lessons, and events. A team of instructors teaches guitar, piano, drums, and voice, alongside art classes for different ages and experience levels. The café also carries merchandise and products made

by local artisans to support the community.

Tucked into the southeast community of Deer Ridge, the cafe has built steady neighbourhood energy with different events almost every day, including recurring events like Makers Meetups, the Songwriters Co-operative, or Poetry Lounge evenings and live shows, many of them affordable or free.

While listening to music, you can move from coffee to craft beer or cocktails and choose from the menu that spans a range of cuisines.

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, with earlier closing on Fridays and weekends. EP

CJSW February Charts

Direct from your radio pals at 90.9 FM, here is a snapshot of the current artists & albums topping the charts at CJSW. Tune in, turn it up and enjoy.

1. Dry Cleaning - Secret Love (4AD) Katie Tupper* - Greyhound (Arts & Crafts)

3. Hélène Barbier* - Panorama (Bonsound)

4. The Bug Club - Very Human Features (Sub Pop)

5. Bennett Mitchell** - rearranging (Self-Released)

6. Dylan Ella* - Pocket Sized (Self-Released)

Diewob** - Left Behind (Self-Released)

8. Joāo Leāo* - Celestial (YB Music)

9. Odonis Odonis* - Odonis Odonis (Royal Mountain Records)

10. AVI** - The Way It’s Always Been (Self-Released)

11. Oranje** - In Irons (Self-Released)

parallel** - frail (nothing special.)

13. Touched Fables* - The Sum Of All Wounds (Disown Me Recordings)

14. Yuuf - Mt. Sava EP (Technicolour)

15. Geese - Getting Killed (Partisan Records)

16. Cass McCombs - Interior Live Oak (Domino) The Radiation Flowers* - Too Much To Dream (Self-Released)

18. Teethe - Magic Of The Sale (Winspear)

19. Lorrie Matheson** - Mission to Inglewood (Western Famine)

Ariel Ulysses** - Exposure Therapy (music for an unreleased film) (Lavender Dream)

Melody’s Echo Chamber - Unclouded (Domino)

D.Rangers* - Sketch (Transistor 66)

Phantom Orchid* - Dance, Praise, Heavens (Aubox Records)

Christopher & the Saints* - Songs from Stanley Mission (Self-Released)

BETABOYS** - Great Pretender (Self-Released)

Gruff Rhys - Dim Probs (Rock Action)

Frankie Cosmos - Different Talking (Sub Pop)

The Beths - Straight Line Was A Lie (ANTI- Records) Gilles Laval - 100 Guitares sur un Bateau Ivre (Cuneiform Records)

30. Bellbird* - The Call (Constellation Records)

* Canadian

** Local (Calgary area)

Smaller Rooms

INTIMATE SPACES SHAPING

NEIGHBOURHOOD CULTURE

BEDDINGTON THEATRE ARTS CENTRE

375 Bermuda Dr. N.W. | beddingtontheatre.ca

Beddington Theatre Arts Centre is proof you don't need to be downtown to see a good show. After being converted from a community centre in 2012 to a performance theatre hub, the centre hosts community events, programs, workshops, rehearsals, meetings, and other unique events.

The centre serves as the home base to Storybook Theatre, Canada's largest volunteer-driven theatre for young audiences and families. The company brings colourful sets, family-friendly shows and big numbers to the centre, for an added layer of community spirit. The centre offers multiple studio spaces, a prep kitchen, a community hall and a board room for rent. Performances are a blend of genres from comedy, to drama, to family-friendly productions. Youth programs and workshops foster young actors and actresses to gain experience with live theatre. What makes this centre special aren’t just the crowd-pleasing shows, it’s the volunteers and the community. Upcoming shows include Anne of Green Gables until March 15, MisCast on May 1 and Shrek the Musical starting May 22. If you’re looking for an affordable and entertaining time, this is the place to go. KN

FISH CREEK CONCERTS

River Park Church, 3818 14A St SW Southwood United Church, 10690 Elbow Dr SW Calgary | fishcreekconcerts.com

Fish Creek Concerts has been bringing music events to the south suburbs since 2006. The organization brings concert experiences beyond Calgary's downtown core, making an easy venue for those in the deep south to visit. Created with the goal to bring high-quality concerts to suburban Calgary, this organization does just that.

Fish Creek Concerts uses two small, warm, and welcoming venues, River Park Church and Southwood United Church, where the focus is on the shared experience of live music. Artist performances include (but are not limited to) blues and roots, both contemporary and traditional folk, and jazz.

The programming regularly highlights acclaimed Canadian artists alongside international artists. Fish Creek Concerts offers consistent shows that are affordable and fun. This organization is about more than just celebrating quality live music; it’s about doing it in an accessible, cozy space surrounded by neighbours and friends.

Upcoming concerts include Shakura S’aida on March 20, Crystal Shawanda on April 18 and The Ennis Sisters on May 1 KN

CALGARY RAMEN 101

GRAB A BOWL OF THE GOOD STUFF AROUND TOWN

BY ISABELLE HON

If you’re chasing Japanese flavours without leaving the city, Calgary has plenty worth slurping. From savoury Asahikawa ramen to bold mazemen and lighter shirataki options, we’ve rounded up some of the city’s newest and most loved spots — and yes, most of these bowls cost less than $20.

NEW(ISH) RAMEN SPOTS

JINYA RAMEN BAR (MACLEOD)

110, 8810 Macleod Tr. S - opened April 2025

This US-born ramen spot delivers deeply satisfying bowls with rich, layered flavour in its newest location. Simmered for over 20 hours, the broth is made with pork bones, chicken, vegetables, and classic Japanese ingredients. There’s a fun lineup of creative bites, like Brussels sprouts tempura, nikuman, and mini tacos. They’ve also run playful promos in the past, including Japan flight giveaways and limited-edition Demon Slayer spoons, so keep an eye on their social media.

GLOBEFISH RAMEN & IZAKAYA (SETON)

880, 19587 Seton Cres. S.E.opened September 2025

This one is a Japanese spot that blends ramen, sushi, and izakaya dishes at approachable prices. Beyond shoyu and miso, the Tan Tan Men adds a spicy sesame kick. Solo dining booths with wooden panels add to the authen-

RAMEN EATING 101

1. START WITH THE BROTH

tic Japanese vibes, and a bamboo curtain that lifts only when your ramen arrives makes it ideal for introverts.

KINTON RAMEN

20 Uxborough Pl. N.W.; 1912 4 St. S.W.; and 215, 4307 130 Ave. S.E. - opened 2025

If customization matters to you, Kinton is where you want to be. Choose between thin or thick noodles, swap in shirataki, or explore several vegetarian broths. The $15.99 value meal includes ramen, gyoza, and a soft drink, making it a cheapskate-friendly pick.

MARUGAME UDON

127, 261055 Crossiron Blvd.opened December 2025

Located at CrossIron Mills, this Japanese udon chain specializes in handcrafted Sanuki udon with its signature thick, chewy bite. An open kitchen lets you watch fresh noodles and tempura made to order, and seeing your bowl come together is half the fun.

Take a sip first to taste the broth on its own, then mix in the noodles and toppings. You’ll notice the flavours change once everything comes together.

2. DON’T WORRY ABOUT SLURPING

A little noise isn’t rude. In Japan, slurping is considered a compliment to the chef, so enjoy your noodles however you like.

3. SAVE THE EGG FOR LATER

For the soft-boiled egg, place it in the middle or at the end of the bowl. Eating it later refreshes your palate and adds a new layer of flavour to the rest of the ramen.

LOCAL CLASSICS

SHIKI MENYA

824 1 Ave. N.E.

Self-described as “11 years of being weird,” Shiki Menya is a longtime Calgary favourite that usually has a line out the door. The playful decor and loud hip-hop jams set the mood for handpulled noodle heaven. Before diving into their signature tonkotsu ramen, take a moment to sip the pork bone broth on its own and see what a difference 20 hours of simmering makes.

RAMEN TAKA

843 17 Ave. S.W.

This joint specializes in authentic Asahikawa ramen, known for its savoury, well-balanced soy-based broth with layered umami. The signature Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen — which features chashu pork, menma, black fungus, a soft-boiled egg, and nori — is Scene-approved deliciousness. The menu also includes homemade gyoza, takoyaki, Hokkaido croquettes, and mochi.

WAKADO RAMEN

907 10 Ave. S.W.

Wakado makes fresh noodles daily using machines imported from Japan, and you will really notice the difference in the texture. The pork chashu, seasoned with house spices and marinated in their signature sauce, is a must-

FOOD SCENE

try. The spicy miso and chili goma ramen are aromatic, punchy, and clear crowd favourites. If you’re into spice, Wakado is hard to beat:.

RAMEN ICHINEN

349, 3132 26 St. N.E.

Japanese-owned and operated, this cozy neighbourhood ramen shop has a warm, homey feel and focuses on classic tonkotsu ramen with authentic Japanese flavours. Alongside traditional bowls, you’ll also find mazemen, a brothless noodle dish with bold flavours, and tsukemen, where noodles are dipped into a rich, concentrated broth. It’s a comforting spot that keeps things simple and quietly satisfying.

GORO+GUN

245, 225 7 Ave. S.W.

Goro + Gun is a modern Japanese restaurant inside Stephen Avenue Place that offers a wide range of tasty options, including gluten-free noodles. It’s a popular hangout for Scenesters and working professionals, thanks to weekday happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. Happy hour snacks include steamed buns and fried Brussels sprouts, which start at $5, and ramen bowls start from just $11. It’s an easy, laidback downtown spot for lunch break hangs or a quick noodle fix in between bar stops.

BY KIARA NEISZ

In Calgary, accessibility within the arts scene is being built into the process, not just patching the gaps.

Started in 1975 as the In-Definite Arts Society, the National accessArts Centre has been working to advance the needs of artists with disabilities. The centre teamed up with other Calgary disability organizations in 2020 to create the institution we see today.

“We've tripled in size, with an incredible team of more than 15 program staff who are all professional, practicing artists and faculty to work every day to create an arts training and creation environment that is unlike any other disability arts organization around the world,” said Jung-Suk Ryu, CEO and president of NaAC.

This growth isn’t just about getting bigger; it’s about changing who leads this work. With disabled artists part of the process, access comes first, and the art is shaped by their experiences. NaAC works in many ways to create a safe space for the arts.

“[It’s about] taking the time to be with and get to know the community you're now a part of,” said performing arts manager, Re Parsons. “Understanding the individual needs of the people you're working with and — perhaps most importantly — asking the artists themselves so they are as involved as possible.”

Without accessibility within the arts, certain communities lose the opportunity to participate in what should be a universal language.

“I wish organizations had more deaf led leaders ensuring that deaf artists are in the centre of making decisions,” said Landon Krentz, a Calgary-based deaf theatre artist. “It's a different kind of impact when you have their projects because when there's deaf-led projects, you have a bigger deaf audience.”

Krentz specializes in physical theatre and visual vernacular, a performance style combining sign language, miming, and body language. He works to make shows that have equal theatrical experiences for both deaf and hearing audiences. He got his start in theatre in high school, but

“ACCESSIBILITY IN THE PERFORMING ARTS ISN'T JUST ABOUT THE PROGRAMS.... IT’S ABOUT HOW PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED AND FACILITATED

ON THE BASIS OF DIGNITY, EQUITY, AND INTEGRITY”

RE PARSONS, PERFORMING ARTS MANAGER

Physical Accessibility in the Arts

NATIONAL ACCESSARTS CENTRE IS CENTRING DISABLED ARTISTS

AND RESHAPING THE WAY ART GETS MADE IN CALGARY

due to Calgary's lack of accessible programs, he didn’t think he could be a performer. Krentz spent some time as an arts administrator, but he wasn't given access to dialogue-based performances. He shifted his career and travelled to places such as France and Sweden, where sign language is not just recognized, but also normalized.

“Unfortunately, in Canada, there is no formal training for [deaf] artists. Especially theatres. Primarily because the majority of institutions prioritize their spoken language,” said Krentz.

National accessArts works to address this issue by providing opportunities to those who don’t feel the arts have spaces for them.

“Accessibility in the performing arts isn't just about the programs themselves existing. Rather, it’s about how programs are designed and facilitated on the basis of dignity, equity, and integrity,” said Parsons. “It means creating space for these artists in performance spaces so disability-led work can be seen; and provid-

ing equitable, professional, paid opportunities for performing artists with disabilities.”

They offer programs in areas such as visual arts, dance, music, Indigenous art, theatre and film.

“The vast majority of our artists come to the NaAC with very little arts training or creation experience, but they’re drawn to the arts as a way to express themselves. So, we tailor experiences for each artist to help advance their journey as artists,” said Ryu.

Currently, the centre has multiple spaces for artists to practice their art, regardless of medium. These spaces include the Multidisciplinary Disability Community Arts Hub and the Won and Hyon Chu Lee Plaza.

NaAC is currently working on a new learning campus, the first being the Trico Communities Accessible Arts Centre, a 10,000-square-foot facility that will house its visual arts studios and administrative offices. The second is the Joseph Chung Centre for Creativity, which will

feature the Osten-Victor Inspiration Studio, a performing arts rehearsal studio with a café, a gallery, a sound and tech lab, and community gathering spaces. The Centre is scheduled to open in 2027.

“Having access to a proper rehearsal space made to support bodies in movement, as well as a comfortable, accessible performance space, means that artists with disabilities don't have to worry about their basic access needs being met and can focus their energy on the creative process or performance,” said Parsons.

“We are at the forefront of demonstrating what accessibility and inclusion look like from an arts and culture perspective,” said Ryu.

NaAC provides artists with the resources they need to pursue their dreams and continues to work toward becoming Canada's leading disability arts organization. Art is for everyone, and they’re making it happen.

Learn more about NaAC at accessarts.ca.

15 YEARS OF WONDER

THE FESTIVAL OF ANIMATED OBJECTS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS AND A WIDER VISION FOR PUPPETRY

BY EVELINA PAK

The Festival of Animated Objects turns 15 this year. Even for anyone who suffered childhood trauma involving dusty marionettes, this festival proves puppetry can be fun and surprising. What may seem like a niche art form has quietly built momentum in Calgary, exposing more puppet and mask artists. Cosmo Christoffersen, managing producer at FAO, attributes the city’s success to its community. “A lot of people out there are on the whimsical side, and they love puppetry,” she said. “We have a devoted audience that keeps coming back and keeps growing every year.”

Over the course of 10 days, three curators will shape the program: Ali DeRegt (live performance), Claudia Chagoya (exhibitions), and Tia DeLauria (screenings). Each brings a distinct artistic background and sensibility, resulting in a lineup that’s diverse not only in medium but also in theme and tone.

For the first time, the festival hosts multiple touring national productions. From Yukon comes Radio Silence, a fictional tale centred on the disappearance of the territory’s first female bush pilot. Featuring signature masks by Wonderheads and sweeping visuals from Yukon artists, the piece follows a family journeying into the wilderness to find her.

From B.C., Otosan offers a more intimate experience. Based on one of the creators’

childhood memories, it follows a girl who hides in her father’s suitcase to travel north with him. The show is entirely non-verbal and was developed with deaf consultants, making it accessible to audiences with hearing loss.

Film is another growing arm of the FAO. Among this year’s screenings is Memory Hotel, a puppetry feature about a girl whose family flees the Russian front in 1945 and encounters Nazis along the way. “One of the great things about puppetry and animation is how they let us talk about more difficult subjects in a more approachable way,” Christoffersen said.

Beyond the headliners, the festival continues to nurture emerging artists through its incubator program. Launched during the pandemic to support creators when venues shut down, it now offers mentorship from established puppeteers.

And for those curious but hesitant to commit to a full show, FAO also offers free family workshops at local YMCAs. “Those are great for kids and families and anybody who just wants to get their hands dirty and have a little bit of fun with puppets.”

Puppetry has long been a powerful tool for political dissent, unpacking complex social issues, and most importantly, a space where artists can take creative risks.

As an art form dating back 3,000 to 4,000 years, puppetry has continually evolved. 15 years may seem like a brief moment in that history, but in that time, the Festival of Animated Objects has expanded both its scale and its

Puppets for Adults

PUPPETRY HAS LONG BEEN A POWERFUL TOOL FOR POLITICAL DISSENT, UNPACKING COMPLEX SOCIAL ISSUES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, A SPACE WHERE ARTISTS CAN TAKE CREATIVE RISKS.

definition of what puppetry can be.

For FAO's founder and artistic director Xstine Cook, its relevance today isn’t surprising: “Puppetry touches something universal in humans,” she said. “That playful imagination that everyone is born with.”

Once upon a time, there was Itonia, a bar in Amsterdam that faced the police station. Every Wednesday, it hosted a themed cabaret where anyone could perform. It was about bringing people together to try something, to try anything. That spirit of freedom became the seed for one of the festival’s most beloved events.

Although Dolly Wiggler happens once a year and focuses on mask and puppetry, it shares the same idea of trying things in front of a receptive audience. “We have a super fun audience,” said founder and artistic director Xstine Cook. “They love the inventiveness, the creativity, the huge, wild span of different types of puppetry, as well as different types of subjects that

The Festival of Animated Objects runs from March 14 to 22.

There is free and pay-what-you-can programming, as well as ASL-interpreted performances. Detailed accessibility listings and a virtual tour are available at puppetfestival.ca.

happen at the Cabaret.”

The best part, Cooks believes, is watching newcomers discover how welcoming the Cabaret feels and how it awakens wonder. “It's really cool for people to go like, ‘What?’ I never knew this was happening.’”

Traditionally a late-night show, this year the Cabaret introduces “liquid brunch” — an afternoon edition featuring mimosas and sangria. Evening performances include two intermissions, giving audiences time to mingle and process the chaos.

Dolly Wiggler Cabaret takes place on March 20 and 21 at the #1 Legion.

LITERARY SCENE

Canada Reads at 25

The popular literary event marks its 25th anniversary from April 13 to 16.

CANADA READS 2026

A CALGARY AUTHOR IS SQUARING OFF AT CBC’S ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

BY KRISTA SYLVESTER

Calgary author Tyler Hellard didn’t set out to become a novelist, but life has a funny way of rewriting itself along the way.

Hellard’s path to writing fiction included switching his university major away from business, not once, not twice, but three times, before ultimately graduating with his English degree from St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia. [In the interest of full disclosure, along the way, Hellard also married The Scene’s publisher, Käthe Lemon.]

Now, Hellard’s debut novel, Searching for Terry Punchout, is one of five books shortlisted for this year’s Canada Reads competition. The book will be championed in the competition by sports analyst, author and YouTube personality, Steve "Dangle" Glynn.

The story follows Adam, a man who returns to his Maritime hometown and is forced to reconnect with his estranged father, Terry Punchout, a reclusive former hockey goon.

“It’s slightly autobiographical in the sense that I grew up in an East Coast town and had to sort of reck-

Imagine five people you never expected to be at the table together championing and debating a book of their choice.

Canada Reads, now in its 25th year, is more than a book competition; it’s a cultural conversation, one that expands into living rooms, libraries, bookstores and book clubs across the country, says Canada Reads senior producer Erin Balser.

“I think this group is going to have a lot of fun with the show,” Balser says, adding this year’s edition has an extra spark. “They’re not going to be afraid to disagree with each other. They can have hard conversations, but they’ll do it with respect.”

While five competitors championed by five panellists battle head-to-head each year in a creative yet friendly competition, this season feels

especially energetic, Balser notes.

on with my feelings about it after I left,” Hellard says, adding it doesn’t reflect his relationship with his own dad. “The idea came from a lot of places.”

Being shortlisted as a Canada Reads author is both thrilling and intimidating for Hellard, a self-professed recluse himself. But he notes that he’s excited to be a part of such an important literary event.

“I think the best thing you can do with a book is read it and the second best thing you can do is argue about it,” he says.

“Books have always been an important way to capture and share knowledge and stories,” he says, adding that reading allows people to slow down and absorb the world one page at a time.

“I think that today, so many things are screaming for our attention and gnawing away at our attention spans, so sitting down for an hour with a book and just enjoying it is a way to fight back a bit and recharge.”

WordFest presents Calgary’s Canada Reads Celebration on April 1 at the Memorial Park Library, featuring Tyler Hellard and Steve “Dangle” Glynn with fellow champion and BookTok star Morgann Book and Joss Richard, author of It’s Different This Time. wordfest.com

“Every Canada Reads is unique, but it’s an interesting alchemy between the people we cast, the books they select and the moments that are happening in the world.”

Balser says one of the most exciting elements this year is the diversity of genres, which was an intentional effort to expand beyond traditional literary fiction borders.

That commitment is evident in the debut novel by Calgary-based author Tyler Hellard, Searching for Terry Punchout, a funny, heartfelt novel with a dash of Canada’s favourite sport — hockey.

“Humour is something we see the audience ask for a lot,” Balser says. “I’m really excited to see how people respond to it.”

Canada Reads’ impact goes far beyond the

event, says Balser, who points out that the competition has been one of the biggest drivers of book sales across the country over the past decade.

“All five books from each year have landed on bestseller lists after being announced,” she says. “People are looking for book recommendations from places they trust, and Canada Reads has become one of those places.”

The book selection process is entirely panellist-driven, rooted in long conversations about passion, values and personal connection. That magic extends into communities, where readers put their own spin on the show.

“Canada Reads is a national show that’s really taken up at the grassroots level. We love seeing people do their own versions.”

Canada Reads QUICK HITS

Each day of the competition, the panellists will eliminate one book until a winner is declared. The five books that will be debated and their champions for Canada Reads 2026 are:

Searching for Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard, championed by hockey analyst, YouTube personality, and podcaster, Steve “Dangle” Glynn

A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, championed by Canadian Screen Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers

Foe by Iain Reid, championed by actor, Broadway performer, and children’s TV host, Josh Dela Cruz

It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard, championed by #BookTok influencer, content creator, and digital book club host, Morgann Book

Panellist and Calgary-born singer-songwriter Tegan Quin chose to champion The Cure for Drowning by Abbotsford, BC's Loghan Paylor. Quin is one-half of the pop-indie duo Tegan and Sara, and grew up in northeast Calgary.

A complete list of past winners and finalists is available at CBCbooks.ca.

NEW EXHIBIT OPENS MARCH 25, 2026

Celebrating the global pop icon’s sound, style, and fearless reinvention.

SPORTS SCENE

The Rise of AAPWF

THIS ARTIST-RUN WRESTLING FEDERATION COMBINES PUNK ETHOS, REVERENCE FOR CALGARY WRESTLING HISTORY AND A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACH

BY ALICIA L’ARCHEVÊQUE

Afew weeks deep into a promising set of new friendships, one of my pals makes a passing reference to the bloody, eccentric fights the group has shared. I laugh. They don’t. I’ve just found out I’m in the esteemed presence of Alberta Arts Professional Wrestling Foundation’s founding fighters.

AAPWF’s first iteration was born in the fall of 2023 as an extension of Anna Fuchshuber’s sculpture performance project at Alberta University of the Arts. Three years later, the beloved federation has hosted repeat events at venues like Whiskey Rose, AUArts, and ContainR Sunnyside, drawing up to 200 attendees per show.

Early versions of AAPWF’s wrestling rings were built from gym mats used for life-drawing models, wobbly stanchions, and non-functional ropes. Even in these early stages, the AUArts’s auditorium filled to the brim with enthused spectators, stuffed in the bleachers and pressed tightly against walls to catch a glimpse of the show. As interest in AAPWF grew, the federation moved into venues across Calgary.

With its roots in the arts, part of AAPWF’s draw is the plethora of inventive characters, gimmicks, and lore surrounding the fights. Each match is a semi-improvised mini-drama of good versus evil, set in a looming dystopia where class systems are based on wrestling abilities.

In the ring, Bailey Glover — who is also an organizer for AAPWF — is known as “The Mailman,” an all-knowing character constantly being written and rewritten, and who recently incorporated surveillance-state and digital privacy metaphors. Another organizer, Luke Pigeon, draws inspiration for his character from an inexplicable childhood premonition that he would one day lose his arm and have it replaced with a robotic prosthetic. The result is “Wet Arm Willy,” a wide-eyed sailor with an

all-powerful red lobster claw arm.

Whether you’re deep into the lore or a casual spectator, the matches are entertaining either way since they follow a tried-and-true dynamic. “What’s so great about wrestling is that it's a very simple, clear-cut between good and evil,” Glover said.

None of the organizers has prior wrestling experience. “It’s amazing to come into wrestling and start to really appreciate it, and then realize you’re in one of the most important historical cities for wrestling in the world,” said Glover.

Pointing to Stampede Wrestling's legacy, AAPWF’s organizers marvel at the impact of the Hart family’s promotion on pro wrestling history. Some of the most influential pro-wrestlers in the world were trained in the Hart family’s basement (also known as “The Dungeon”) in Northwest Calgary. Today, the Hart House is recognized as a heritage site by the City of Calgary and the WWE.

“I have a ring set up in my garage, and I get to have people come and train. It feels like I’m the dinky, artistic Stu Hart,” said Fuchshuber. Having founded the federation from scratch, Fuchshuber now also wrestles for a dozen independent promotions in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Australia.

Beyond delivering the wincing thrill of a convincing fight scene, the federation has grown into the opaque center of a creative Venn diagram, the overlapping circles representing young Calgarian visual artists, musicians, illustrators, film photographers, and more.

Many of the wrestlers come from fine arts backgrounds. “As an artist, wrestling is a huge outlet for a mix of all these different artistic approaches,” said Luke Pigeon, organizer and wrestler. Pigeon taught himself graphic design to create his own shirts and has designed posters for AAPWF that incorporate textures from his liquid-light glasswork practice at AUArts.

As the federation grows, AAPWF prioritizes the community feeling found in the city’s

“AS AN ARTIST, WRESTLING IS A HUGE OUTLET FOR A MIX OF ALL THESE DIFFERENT ARTISTIC APPROACHES ” LUKE PIGEON, ORGANIZER AND WRESTLER

scrappy, tight-knit alternative scenes and hopes to make the events even more multidisciplinary.

“In Calgary, there’s a huge punk and metal scene, and we want to affiliate ourselves and start doing shows where we can work together with bands,” said Glover.

From top to bottom, AAPWF is community-based. Working at Caffe Beano on 17th Avenue, Pigeon reports that customers ask about the wrestling federation and upcoming shows nearly every day.

“Our whole goal is to involve the community and build the community. Most of the wrestlers in the ring are people who first attended an

AAPWF show,” said Glover.

“There’s a smaller gap — or no gap at all — between the audience members and the people performing,” said Fuchshuber.

AAPWF is growing by the minute, seducing punk rockers, artists, legit pro wrestlers and average Joes all in the same breath. The wrestlers are crawling all over the city. They’re your baristas, new friends and long-term relationships. Maybe, they could even be you.

Catch AAPWF’s next show on April 2 at Whiskey Rose, and see @albertaartsprowrestling on Instagram for more.

Room for Everyone

INSIDE THE BLOX ARTS CENTRE

BY GABRIELLA LINDLAND

From the sidewalk, the BLOX Arts Center doesn’t give much away; it seems like just another Beltline storefront hiding another room. But inside, the space opens up into something that feels halfway between a gallery, a rehearsal hall, and a venue that’s always 10 minutes away from getting loud. The lights sit low, the walls are layered with art, and the room is flexible by design. One night, it’s a packed all-ages show with kids pressed against the monitors. The next, it’s an improv class, a fundraiser, or a rehearsal space full of cables and half-assembled gear.

“Essentially, it's a glorified community center for the Beltline,” said booking manager Alan Lindsay.

The BLOX emerged from a partnership between the Beltline Business Improvement Area and CSpace, an organization that activates vacant buildings for artists and non-profits. The BLOX has been in its current location for about a year, after two years at a previous location down the block. The original goal was to create a community arts hub in the Beltline. What makes the venue special is not limited to any one thing, and it’s this shapeshifting quality that has made BLOX one of the most quietly important rooms in Calgary’s music ecosystem.

“I just think back to when I was like a teenager, and I would have wanted something like this: a safe space where you can hear live music,” said Lindsay.

He didn’t realize how necessary that kind of room was until he saw who started showing up.

“I didn’t really know that it needed a space until we created it,” he said. “Even some kids’ parents are like, ‘these kids have needed something like this for so long.’”

Most nights, the room fills with a mix of teenagers, parents, and longtime scene regulars, all standing shoulder-to-shoulder near the stage. The setup makes the space

“I didn’t really know that [kids] needed a space until we created it. ”

ALAN LINDSAY, BLOX BOOKING MANAGER

QUICK FACTS:

Address: 834 11 Ave. S.W.

Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday and Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m; and Sunday from 2 p.m. to midnight

Drink Options: Local craft beer, domestic beer, and highballs for anyone over 18 to enjoy.

Rockin 4 Dollar$: Every Thursday at 7:30.

Entry fee: $5. Good times: guaranteed.

Events this month:

• March 13 - Rose Wildson w/ Daughter Dentist and Brett Cassidy and the Corduroy Cowboys, $12 in advance, $16 doors at the door, 9:30 p.m.

• March 21 - Midnight Channel w/ Eye of Newt, 36?, and Ginger Beef, $15 in advance, $18 doors at the door, 8 p.m.

feel accessible to a range of ages rather than catering to a single demographic.

“You get 18-plus shows, you get people standing there with a beer kind of nodding their heads,” Lindsay said. “But all-ages stuff? Kids go crazy. And then the bands react to that, and the whole energy and vibe in the room is just kind of through the roof.”

Much of that energy funnels through Rockin’ 4 Dollar$, the long-running weekly showcase hosted by BJ Downey at The BLOX.

“I would say Rockin’ 4 Dollar$ is the most innovative way to see live music, to find new bands, and to see how amazing your local music scene is,” Downey said.

The format is designed to remove most of the usual barriers. Short 15-minute sets and a shared backline mean bands can step on stage without hauling gear or booking a full show.

“We provide the backline, any band can play, and any genre can play,” he said. “Your band shows up, we provide all the amps, the stage, everything. You don’t have to bring anything but guitars, drumsticks, and cables. You just hop on that stage.”

Near the stage, a prize wheel gives the night a playful edge, with bands spinning for anything from “the world’s biggest hug” or a cash prize up to $1,000.

“Rockin’ 4 Dollar$ is like therapy,” Downey said. “You could be having the worst week of your life, and you walk into this room which is full of the most welcoming, warm-hearted people.”

Together, Rockin’ 4 Dollar$ and the BLOX have become a regular entry point for Calgary’s music scene. It’s a place where first shows happen, young bands test their footing, and audiences of all ages gather in the same room.

“To have that strong community, it's so important. And I just hope that whoever walks in and feels welcome, and hopefully they see their new favourite band that they never heard of,” Lindsay said.

Find out more at bloxartscentre.ca.