You can tell a lot about someone through the way they shake your hand. You can tell a lot about someone in the way they order their steaks. You can tell a lot about someone through the way they fold their shirts. With a lion hearted man such as Dan Mangan, you can tell a lot about him through one of his songs.

Traveling all the way from Vancouver BC, Dan Mangan and company rolled into this frost bitten city of ours, to a sold out show at the Gateway on SAIT campus. With this being any testament to what the remaining of the tour will look like, Dan and his story telling convoy are in for a busy schedule.

Dan, was only able to spend a short time with us, but in the moments we had listening to a man with a crowd’s strength in his voice, we became followers of this journeying soul.

Shot at the Dark is so flattered to present, Dan Mangan.

Shortly after spending time with us, Dan had to spend some quality time with the rest of his fans here in Calgary. A time in their lives they soon won’t forget.

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Shot at the Dark is proud to present its second installment of Shot at the Dark Live. Featuring the stunning acts of Sable Island, and Lauren Mann.

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A blank screen, with an infinitely blinking line, stares mockingly with a loss of words, in hopes of trying to describe a local artist, who has grown to national recognition, but still reads as a boy with his heart on his sleeve. An acoustic guitar by his side, and a smile that relays every strength in his stride, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald has grown into an artist who needs no introduction, other than a friendly hand shake and an exchange of names.

Music, and its forever evolution in shaping boys into men, girls into women, and experiences into stories, has changed the way we look at ourselves and our world around us. It seems that the musical influences that shaped this amazing local talent, has changed him into a powerful performance force of nature, that to some, has now shadowed over his predecessors.

Michael has been known for his solo talents throughout the start of his career in Southern Alberta, playing in small bars and cafes during his stay with the University of Lethbridge. It was to no surprise that this energetically motivated character would soon be hosting breath taking collaborations with two hundred artists on stage simultaneously.

From “These Proportions are Epic”, to the now critically acclaimed sold out shows of “Michael Bernard Fitzgerald & The Loud Love Choir”, we have always been huge fans of Michael, and will always hold him so close to our hearts as a small town hero, with love for his music and the ones around him.

Shot at the Dark is honoured to present Michael Bernard Fitzgerald.

For a lucky number of us, we were able to spend some time with Michael at the Knox United Church, celebrating the beauty of “The MBF Love LP”.

Thank you so so much to Michael for being a part of Shot at the Dark, and showing us what it takes to follow our dreams.

Thank you to the fine people of Tooth Blackner and Knox United Church for having us.

Shot at the Dark is produced by Justin Huculak, Reuben Bullock, and Brock Mitchell

Farewell Warehouse from all of us at www.calgaryisawesome.com

The famous DJ, trance, electronic, punk, metal, rock, indie club has closed its doors for the city of Calgary.  One of the original Electric Ave clubs had to say goodbye due to lease and liquor board problems.

The live music venue can be remembered as the ultimate place to see a band before it blew up, endless 6am DJ raves, punk mosh mayhem and the most deadly thrash metal you have ever seen.  Almost every respectable promoter in town has bid on a show for the warehouse and almost every agent across Canada has placed their client in the widely diverse venue.

One of my personal favorite shows that took place was Death From Above 1979. The venue was packed beyond belief, a sweat smell you could only have at the Warehouse and every person lost themselves in the music.  We shall miss you Warehouse.

Notable Bands who have Played the Warehouse:

-       Sparta, Anti-Flag, Samiam, Shiny Toy Guns, Death From Above 1979, Gaslight Anthem, Guttermouth, Gob, Girl Talk, Pride Tiger, Mud Honey, Good Riddance, Cat Empire, MSTRKRFT, King Khan and the Shrines, Junior Boys, Lagwagon, Crystal Castles, The Melvins, Clutch, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Calgary’s own Belvedere.

There are many more to mention, feel free to list your favorite concert at the Warehouse!

Chow Down in Cowtown is an (almost!) weekly account of Calgary’s most awesome eats from Ceci n’est pas un food blog.

“Anju” is the Korean term for what we have come to know as “tapas”, “mezze” or “Izakaya-style eating”, depending on the cuisine you are most familiar with. Basically it is used to described small dishes meant to be shared among friends over a few drinks.

Anju is also the name of a tiny, two-storey house that has been converted into a restaurant (main floor) and lounge (second floor) that serves anju as well as a few more substantial dinner dishes with a bit of a fusion twist.
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www.calgaryisawesome.com would like to thank everyone for the entries for ‘The Wooden Sky’ concert ticket and CD giveaway.  The winning entry goes to Nicole Dyck!! Congratulations!!

There are still some tickets available for the February 11 show at Broken City!

Photo: Photomawf

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fartofresh/

Submit to our flickr pool for your chance to be featured on POTW!

Friday, February 5, at The Auburn is your chance to to check out new works by one of Calgary’s emerging artists, Sharie Abramson. She is a very talented artist, with an eye for all things creative.

People may recognize your name from the article about your home in Avenue Magazine last year, but for those who don’t know, who is Sharie Abramson?

I am a artist, designer who loves to transform the landscapes of peoples environments with my vision of the past, present and future. I continually push and develop my work. I want my work to expand as I explore, travel and experience life. I want to create a cultural impact for my clients. Art can tell the world a lot about us and the world we live in.

You are a graphic designer, an interior designer, and a painter. How the hell did you get so creative?

I grew up in the wonderful environment of the Canadian prairies, surrounded by solitude. This gives a gal a lot of time to think and manipulate the world around her. I was fortunate to have very creative people in my life and was always encouraged to find ways to express myself through art.I could never imagine doing anything else.

Could you tell the readers some more about your paintings, and what to expect from your solo show at the The Auburn?

My work is an abstract fusion of the prairies and the fervid lifestyle of an urban designer. Viewers will notice a transition in style in my work as I’ve pushed my self beyond typical boundaries. My work encompasses the techniques of today’s contemporary artists juxtaposed with the aesthetics of mid-century modernism. My palette is at one point dark but then colourful and unimposing.

Other than The Auburn where can people check out your work?

My work is spread out through many business and private residences in Western Canada . To view past and present works please visit my website, www.sharieabramson.com. I can also be reached my phone or e-mail for private viewings. See my website for details and by phone 403.651.2385 for viewings and inquires.

Join master gardener and organic market gardener, Elaine Rude, to learn how to grow vegetables successfully in Calgary.  Elaine has extensive experience with hardy varieties of vegetables, native plants, water-wise food gardening and high-yield intensive vegetable planting methods.

This workshop is designed for people new to growing vegetables and covers garden preparation, soil amending, getting the most from your garden and individual vegetable varieties that thrive in Calgary.

Sunday March 7th, 2010 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Held at the Calgary Unitarian Church, 1703 1st Street NW
Suggested Donation of $5.00 per participant; Refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by Thursday, March 4th, 2010 by emailing growfoodcalgary@gmail.com

Brought to you by:
Green Calgary, Healthy Homes Calgary Program
Calgary Horticultural Society
The Unitarian Church of Calgary