Photo credit: Nigel Taylor

This city seems to have a growing affection for concise, creative presentations about pretty much anything.  Five years ago, TEDx talks and PechaKucha Nights were relatively obscure and innovative ways to get together, be entertained, and learn.  These days, it seems that every organization is adapting these event formats – for work, for fun, and everything in between.

The result?  A growing backlash against the boring, bullet-point, boardroom-style presentation format.  Recent examples of these types of events include Calgary Arts Development’s super popular PechaKucha Nights, TEDxYYC, TEDxCalgary, and the Walrus Talks. I too am part of this movement towards creative and concise communications, having hosted a PechaKucha-style event for Calgary’s Connecting Environmental Professionals this past March.

Whether you LOVE these events or you don’t know what I’m talking about, there’s one happening this Thursday that I encourage you all to check out.  Hosted by Thrive in Partnership with First Calgary Financial, the Community Showcase is a free, public event at Telus Spark, with presentations from local folks on sustainability-related topics.

The Community Showcase includes a networking session (arguably mandatory for these types of soirees), as well as snacks and an art exhibit.  Presenters must do their talk PechaKucha-style, meaning they may use only 20 slides, which each advance automatically every 20 seconds (so no rambling!).  They are encouraged to use exclusively images (no bullet points!) and creative twists are strongly encouraged (here’s hoping for some props and costumes).

So slam that boardroom door shut on Thursday, and come out and see how your community is playing with presentations.  You may come away with some ideas on how you too can bust the boardroom boredom.

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Left to Right: Jamie Konchak, David Rhymer, and Denise Clarke.
Photo courtesy of One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre

“What sort of shows do you take me too?” my date asked me jokingly (and somewhat awkwardly) as we watched three ladies on stage strike seductive poses across black leather couches.

But it wasn’t, um, that sort of date.  Rather, I had taken him to a local musical, Songs from Nightingale Alley, performed this past April by One Yellow Rabbit Performance Theatre (OYR).  I figured the show was a good pick for a quality night out – OYR had a good reputation, I’m a sucker for musicals, and, well, they promised the audience chocolate.

And did I ever pick right.  I absolutely loved Songs from Nightingale Alley – and not just because we got the chocolate.  The premise of the show was unusual – it was a performance of songs written by David Rhymer, using lyrics he had been collecting for years, “gathered from obscure books in libraries or discovered in dusty bookstores.  They are over 200 years old,” Rhymer explains in the program.

Most importantly, “they are, for the most part, songs written by and about prostitutes,” says Rhymer.

Hence the saucy singers sprawling across leather couches.

A month later, I was still thinking about the show – it had really stuck with me.  I think it had to do with how the performers truly brought the characters to life.  They gave me a sense of what it was like to be a prostitute two centuries ago – something I have, frankly, never thought about.  Unexpectedly, many of the songstress’ stories, their emotions, and their adventures closely resembled the mainstream contemporary love drama with which we are all familiar.

When I heard that OYR was planning to build on Songs from Nightingale Alley, I contacted Denise Clarke, the show’s Director of and one of its three singers.

C.I.A.: I absolutely loved Songs from Nightingale Alley.  Tell me about how you’re planning to build on it.

Clarke: Well, the show is not broken, as you know.  The audience really seems to like the format – including my introduction at the top, and the salon feel we created in the Big Secret Theatre.

What we’re going to do is fatten up some of the work you’ve heard.  READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY>>>

Becoming a runner isn’t easy. If you are going to partake in the self-inflicted suffering that sometimes comes with becoming a runner, you might as well do in the best environment possible. Let me count down the top five reasons why I think that the Bow River Pathway is the best place to go for a run in Calgary.

5. The options:

If your morning run takes you through St. George’s Island and also has you cross the bridge over the Bow River in Edworthy Park, there is a good chance you just ran a half marathon. Congratulations. You are officially a super-human, or possibly a liar. Either way, for those of us who can’t pound out an easy 20k every morning there are multiple different loops to consider. The Peace Bridge to Crowchild and back is about 6k. Extend the east leg of that loop through Eau Claire, cross the river at the 4th Street Bridge and you’ve got yourself a 10k. The Bow River pathway is a great place to fit in among a wide spectrum of newbies and seasoned joggers.

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Construction Season, Festival Season, Hot-as-balls Season… summer has a lot of different names. But one of my favourite descriptors for summer is Running Season; the season I love to hate. Last year I decided to take up running, primarily because I’m a masochist with addictions issues.

Initially I found myself in tears and tantrums, realizing that I may have actually crossed a line of insanity for taking up this new, ridiculous sport. I have several friends who LOVE to run. We would meet up and instead of coffee or beers we’d run together. At first, it was awful. Seriously, I’m not sure why I took up running, because I’ll tell you what, it’s not really that fun. I started re-evaluating my friendships with the whackos I ran with. And then something happened: It became terribly addicting (as per my aforementioned issues).

I still hated it, but it became easier, and 5km turned into 10km which then turned into a bloody half marathon for godsake! The good/bad thing for me is that Calgary is a hotbed for all things running, which is half the reason why I think it’s so addicting.

It seems once the weather’s nice, everyones out there running around like they’ve got somewhere to go. But they don’t, they’re just all hopped up on running to nowhere. And our arid temperature and wicked pathway system is a runners wet dream.

Then there’s the running events. Calgary has everything from kooky 5km fun runs, like the Underwear Affair, to the ultra serious Calgary Marathon, which can qualify you for the Boston Marathon!

Plus we’ve got running clinics, some free like Lululemon’s group runs, or really cheap clinics by Mountain Equipment Coop. If road running isn’t your thing, don’t forget that we live a hop, skip and jump to the woods where you can really challenge yourself on the trails.

Alberta has several incredible Ultra-Trail Runs like the Sinister Seven in Crowsnest Pass or Kanaskis Country’s Death Race. Yep, a race called Death. Riiiiight. If you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to slowly punish yourself, running may just be your next thing. There is literally a race every week in Calgary and surrounding areas, check out the Running Room’s listing for more information. And of course if you’re not competitve but you’re looking for great places to run in Calgary, give our own Marc Affeld’s super sweet article a read on YYC’s running hot spots. On your mark, get set, GO!

Photo credit: Dawn – Pink Chick

Whether you’re looking for expos, musicals or out-of-the-ordinary runway shows, this edition of Awesome Events is bursting with fun things to do this week!

Improv Hamlet: Making Tragedy Fun… Thursday-Saturday

the Improv Guild is turning the greatest play ever written on its head. An Improv Hamlet: Making Tragedy Fun will be the first semi-scripted production in the history of the Improv Guild. No two performances will be the same as each night audience suggestions will help determine the outcome! This is the people’s Hamlet. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Read more details>>>

Calgary Lifestyle Expo… Friday & Saturday

The Calgary Lifestyle Expo is a consumer-focussed, activity-motivating tradeshow that showcases exhibitors who cater to the lifestyle and leisure activities and attractions sought after by the active, mainstream Calgarian. Read more details>>>

Legally Blonde The Musical… Starts Thursday

Omigod, omigod you guys! FRC is excited to bring everyone’s favourite blonde lawyer back to Calgary! With songs like “Omigod You Guys”, “Gay or European?” and “Bend and Snap”, Legally Blonde is an all-singing, all-dancing, feel-good musical comedy that will be a highlight of your year! Join us as we take you from the social whirl of Malibu to the hallowed halls of Harvard Law. The verdict? This much fun shouldn’t be legal! Read more details>>>

The East Village Vaudeville Spectacular… Friday & Saturday

After a year and a half of dreaming, planning, researching and rehearsing, the East Village Vaudeville Spectacular is coming to the Golden Age Club!
Mark your calendar and plan to attend this ground breaking civic action. Citizens from the East Village are coming together to tell the story of this historic community and ask the question: How can we learn from the past to help us do better in the future? Read more details>>>

BURST: A Runway Show Of Glass Couture… Saturday

Introducing: BURST – an extraordinary experience featuring glass couture under the stunning light of the catwalk. Guests will be delighted as they view breathtaking vestments on a runway intermingled with local artist Leslie Bell’s site specific installation piece, Simulacra. Some 16 artists will present over 20 glass couture pieces from around the world. Read more details>>>

Looking for more Awesome Events? Check out our community events calendar!

Photo credit: thedailyenglishshow

We’ve had our first taste of spring weather in Calgary and appetites are whet for a long, hot summer. While you prep for your well-deserved summer vacation, consider letting your stove take the summer off. Hot weather can make indoor cooking very challenging. It’s the kind of challenge that can resign even the most enthusiastic home cooks to repeat nights of takeaway or bad microwave dinners. While outdoor grilling may be the go-to choice for those with barbecues, it’s always good to have options! Get inspired and stay cool with these fast and easy meal ideas that you’ll want to eat all year round.

1. Couscous: Couscous is North African semolina (small granules of durum wheat) and is a great substitute for other grains such as rice or quinoa. While couscous is traditionally steamed, most of what you’ll find on grocery store shelves is pre-cooked and instant to prepare. Pour boiling water from a kettle (or a microwave) over couscous, pop a lid on it, wait a few minutes, and it’s ready to enjoy! Eat it hot like rice, or toss it with your favorite fresh herbs, veggies, lemon juice, and olive oil for a great cold salad.

2. Canned Beans: Canned baked beans are often a fixture as a barbecue season side dish, but don’t stop there! There are many varieties of these healthy legumes to create vibrant side dishes with, or to eat as the main event. Endless recipes for lively summer salads (think creamy chickpea, or Italian white bean) are only a “Google” away.

3. The Rotisserie Chicken: The humble, grocery store rotisserie chicken is one of summer’s best friends. Sure, it’s not nearly as alluring as a home-roasted or barbecued beer can chicken, but what this bird lacks in style it makes up for in utility. Keep it simple, pairing chicken with some instant couscous, toss it in a salad, or let your imagination run wild! Try bold flavor pairings like creamy curried chicken salad, spicy chicken tacos, or a garlicky chicken Caesar salad wrap.

4. Rice Vermicelli: Calgarians are well known for their love of Vietnamese food. While you might not be able to top your favorite local restaurant, you can easily make vermicelli at home. Cook the noodles in a bowl by pouring boiling water over to cover. Let the noodles soften and then rinse thoroughly under cold water. You can dress these noodles up by tossing them in your favorite store-bought or homemade Asian inspired vinaigrette, fresh crunchy vegetables, a few peanuts, and a no-fuss protein like smoked tofu, thawed pre-cooked frozen shrimp, or sliced deli roast beef.

5. DIY Mezze Platter: When the heat is on, committing to a heavy meal (or any time spent in the kitchen) can be difficult. Why sweat it out prepping elaborate meals that you’ll be too uncomfortable to enjoy when there are so many good (and prep-free) options available? Mezze is the Mediterranean or Middle Eastern equivalent of an appetizer buffet. Treat yourself to a gorgeous spread of easy and delicious finger foods! Ideas include: Pita chips or sliced pita bread, olives, hummus (store bought or make your own), baba ghanoush (a creamy eggplant dip), Greek yogurt spiced with paprika, dolmades (canned grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice), quartered tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, canned artichokes, feta cheese, sliced cucumber, raw nuts (cashews, almonds), grapes, feta cheese. The best part is: all of these exotic items are readily available at most major grocery stores.

I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend doing what you love. Did you get a chance to take in any awesome art? Well, there’s plenty more where that came from. Here’s your Arts Round Up this week, Calgary.

GO SEE THIS PLAY: Perhaps one of the most intriguing shows of the season, Ganesh Versus The Third Reich runs this week only at Theatre Junction GRAND. Performed by a mixed-abilities cast, the show is a play-with-in-a-play featuring two distinct stories – one about Ganesh returning to reclaim the Swastika from Nazi Germany and one about a young man inspired to create this play about Ganesh while over coming personal obstacles to do so.
Photos by Jeff Busby courtesy of Theatre Junction GRAND

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The first thing I noticed upon arriving at my table for Stage West’s current production of Chicago wasn’t the aroma of the mouthwatering buffet or the interesting people around me.

No. It was the stage.

An arch of metal, bars and dramatic lights. It was so captivating even my husband took notice.

“Isn’t that cool,” he commented. “I wonder how they built it.”

After attending countless plays as my “plus one” this was the first time he ever commented on the set design. And he was fascinated. All through dinner he kept looking at it, making remarks about the design, the colour and the like.

Even at intermission, after the show stopping numbers of All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and We Both Reached for the Gun he was still in awe.

DYNAMIC FRAME: The intriguing set design adds and frames the action in Stage West’s production of Chicago, especially in the Cell Block Tango where the performers dance with moving prison bars – a mesmerizing feat.
Photo courtesy of Stage West Calgary

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Jody MacPherson loves living in Marda Loop, working for the City of Calgary and taking photos

     Have an interesting or unique photo of Calgary? Share your photos on our Facebook page or Flickr account and you may see your photo In Focus.

Blip. Bloop. Bleep. These are the sounds that greet you as you enter Dick & Janes. A Tetris arcade machine isn’t what you would normally expect inside a clothing store, but in D&J’s, it works. This charming boutique on 17^th Avenue is the lesser known sister of rockabilly fave Blame Betty, but has just as much spunk and moxie. Offering fresh and modern clothing and accessory alternatives, you can find anything from colored jeggings to lomography cameras to rabbit ear picture frames. “The Dashboard Jesus figure is really popular,” says Megan Erickson, social media and store manager for Dick & Janes. “People like to buy them to put in the car2gos to share with others.” Now that’s just awesome.

In general, the whole store is an awesome utopia. In every nook and cranny are colourful dresses, tops and other fashion finds (and stuff for the guys too). There are also endless knick knacks to choose from too. “We like to sell things we enjoy and that we also think our customers will enjoy such as quirky items like Mac-n-Cheese band-aids. We like things that make people laugh and are functional too so you’re getting your money’s worth,” says Megan.
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