Before we get to this week’s column, a small matter of housekeeping —last week’s Spring Music issue featured a photo spread in which several local bands re-created their favourite movie posters. We were so excited about it that we forgot to give credit where credit was due, and left photographer Riley Brandt’s name off the spread. He did a fantastic job of shooting and editing the piece, and we owe him many thanks for it.
It’s not often that an entire nation attempts to woo our fair city, but this seems to be what’s happening with Taste of Iceland — and the nation that gave us Bjork and Sigur Ros is far too cool to provide the usual middle-of-the-road entertainment for its tourism junket. While neither of the above-mentioned acts are coming to Calgary this week, Sigur Ros will be present in spirit thanks to Heima, their gorgeous, recently released documentary, which will be screening at the Globe Cinema on April 24. As far as flesh and blood Icelandic musicians, Petur Ben will play two shows this weekend — Broken City on Friday and the Marquee Room on Saturday (check out our interview with him online at www.ffwdweekly.com).
This Icelandic showcase isn’t the only concert with an agenda in the coming week. Next Thursday, May 1, the Epcor Centre for the Performing Arts will be holding its annual fundraiser. This year’s is a bit of a change of pace, featuring the Highwater Jug Band on musical duties and Chris dela Torre of Axis of Conversation as the emcee. Jug lessons will all be part of the proceedings, and the funds raised help support events like the Alberta Sessions, which provide exposure to under-heard Alberta artists.
This category would certainly include Anne Loree, who’ll be releasing her first CD in two years at the Ironwood on Sunday, April 27. Loree is best known as the songwriter behind Jann Arden’s “Insensitive,” but she’s been steadily releasing her ballad-driven pop for over a decade.
On a sadder note, punk rock landmark the Castle Pub is closing its doors for good this weekend. At least it’s going out with a bang — Saturday’s farewell show features The Mother Fuckers, The Mad Cowboys, Snake Mountain and more, plus cheap pints all day. Thursday and Friday have their own stacked lineups, too. Don’t miss out on your last chance to wallow in the Castle’s dingy glory — guaranteed, you’ll regret it.
