Zak Pashak is the owner of the Broken City Social Club and director of the Sled Island Music and Arts Festival. Never afraid to take on a challenge, Zak has directed his entrepreneurial drive into piecing together a central hub for the creative-minded in Calgary. As Sled Island heads into it’s third year, he is making a conscious effort to program more local bands along side critically acclaimed international artists that would not otherwise perform in Calgary. He’s also a renowned foodie and can’t get enough of playing the game of Magic these days. -Drew Marshall

What makes Calgary so awesome?

There are a lot of good people here.

What made you want to start Sled Island?

I thought it would help strengthen the art scene in town.

What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?

I’m looking forward to hopefully having some kids at CJSW get excited about it this year.

Where is your favourite place in Calgary?

Watchman’s Pub.

Describe your perfect Calgary day:

Walking down 17th and having a nice veggie vietnamese sub and then meeting some friends to play a bit of Magic the Gathering. Then maybe floating down the river for a little bit or playing soccer or basketball. Then dinner at Bonterra followed by some beers at the #1 Legion and then Buckhunter at the Bear and Kilt.

What has been the best all-time show that you’ve seen in Calgary?

Jon Rea and the River played a great show at Broken City a few years ago.  I saw a bunch of great shows at the Night Gallery.  The Boredoms at the first Sled Island were incredible.

Favourite local band?

Cripple Creek Fairies.

Favourite Calgarian of all time?

Theoren Fleury and Grant MacEwan are tied.

What is the most awesome restaurant in Calgary?

Mi Tierra Tu Taqueria.

Best place to shop in Calgary?

Chinatown.

Best place to be on a Saturday night?

At home.

Best place to be on a Sunday morning?

The Ship.

What neighborhood did you grow up in? Which do you live in now?

I grew up in Chinook Park and I now live in Sunalta.

What is your fondest childhood memory of Calgary?

Walking around that park under the bridge on Elbow Drive and 4th Street.

Can we look forward to many Sled Islands to come?

Yes!