| Banff Centre Summer Arts Festival
One of Banff's most popular yearly events, the Summer Arts Festival is the Banff Centre’s annual celebration of the arts including dance, music, opera and literature, plus mountain culture and leadership exploration. Taking place over the course of the entire summer, the festival entertains visitors from all over the globe. Festival runs from May 1 to September 2. From June 16 to August 18, the festival hosts over 200 international musicians who take the stage for over 50 concerts. An $85 pass is good for admission to all events during the four-month festival. Call the Banff Centre Box Office at 1-800-413-8368 or go online to ticketmaster.ca. Visit www.banffcentre.ca/bsaf/2007 for more information.
Summer Slam, Grande Prairie
What began as a small gathering of ball players and music fans has grown into a full-on music festival in Northern Alberta from July 12 to 14. If you can throw, catch and bat a ball, and you’ve got a team, then this challenge is for you and your friends. Or you can simply go there to check out music from this year’s A-list lineup including Sloan, Collective Soul and the Tragically Hip. Enter a team or cheer on the slo-pitch tourney that initiated the event. A limited number of early bird weekend pass tickets are available for $99 at www.summerslamsports.com.
Grand Prix Edmonton
After a record-breaking inaugural year, the Grand Prix of Edmonton quickly became one of the top events on the circuit. The specially built road course is one of the most fan-friendly circuits in the series with 80 per cent of the course easily viewed from anywhere in the stands. Speeds on the straightaway in excess of 320 km/h will get your adrenaline pumping. The event runs July 20 to 22. Various ticket packages available on the race website www.grandprixedmonton.com.
Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose
Spanning 120 hectares, Canada’s largest country music festival boasts international stars, local talent and fabulous events for all ages. Take in the main stage entertainment, beer gardens, rodeo action, family stage, street performers, tradeshow, casino and much more in this fabulous celebration of country twang. Headlining acts from the world of reality TV – Sara Evans of Dancing with the Stars plays Friday night and 2005 American Idol winner Carrie Underwood will take the stage the Saturday night. Event runs August 3 to 6. Various ticketing options according to days, camping requirements, etc. Visit www.bigvalleyjamboree.com for details.
Canmore Folk Music Festival
In its 30th year, the Canmore Folk Music Festival is the longest-running folk festival in the province. A beautiful, mountainous backdrop sets the stage for inspired performances by many of the finest national and international folk, blues, country and world music artists including Bethany and Rufus, Leon, Eric and Yanna Bibb, Bill Bourne, Black Umfolosi, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Chumbawamba, Compadres, Ruthie Foster and more. Check out the jam sessions and workshops that take place during the mornings and afternoons. This laid-back setting provides a unique opportunity for impromptu interaction between musicians from the various ensembles. Event runs August 4 to 6. Ticket prices vary. Check the festival website www.canmorefolkfestival.com for ticket and payment options or contact (403) 678-2524.
Edmonton International Fringe Festival
The largest fringe festival on the continent, this year called "Live and Let Fringe," descends on Edmonton’s Old Strathcona area for 11 days of stage performances, busking, theatre, food and unparalleled people-watching. Nitty-gritty, raw street performers really deliver an improvised show. Festival runs August 16 to 26. Ticket prices vary according to venue and production and are available through the festival website www.fringetheatreadventures.ca/index.php/festival.
Jazz at the Lake Festival, Sylvan Lake
Every summer, the town of Sylvan Lake erupts in a sweet symphony of jazzy riffs. Local and international jazz musicians flock to the lakefront to perform for the thousands of visitors Sylvan receives each summer season. This summer’s highlights include P.J. Perry, Cheryl Fisher, Johnny Summers Little Big Band and the H.O.T. Dixieland Jazz Band. Runs August 17 to 19. Visit www.jazzatthelake.com to purchase tickets. |
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