By David Kenney
David Byrne, take a bow. Thursday night saw a healthy variety of folk, blues, pop and world music. Yet, it was former Talking Heads member Byrne who had the most "wow" factor. Playing with a band that included three violins, one cello and a set of African drums, Byrne slid up and down a playlist… Continue reading David Byrne meets Whitney
By David Kenney
Wilco’s latest album is a true culmination of everything the band has done. The Whole Love pulls sounds from the experimental folk-rock of 2002’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the straightforward rock of 2009’s Wilco.The seven-minute-long epic opener “Art of Almost” starts with a barrage of loops and sounds not unlike the opener on Yankee Hotel… Continue reading Wilco
By David Kenney
Celebrating a 30 year tradition, the First Nations Students’ Association is holding Native Awareness Week in MacEwan Students Centre from Feb. 14-18. The event will feature a number of activities open to all students, including a movie and bingo night, a gala featuring local native artists, and a pow wow. The FNSA is hoping that… Continue reading Native Awareness Week
By David Kenney
The expression “like mother, like daughter” takes the form of a ripped up family photo in Alberta Theatre Projects’ The Beauty Queen of Leenane.Martin McDonagh’s play examines the tie that binds, a bind that sometimes unwinds family members. Set in a stone hovel in Ireland, the story circles around the frazzled Maureen (Kate Hennig) and… Continue reading Unwinding family in Beauty Queen
By David Kenney
Penis envy usually involves jealousy over the size and girth of another man’s ‘main vein.’ Surprisingly, it also applies to some circumcised males and their ‘uncut’ counterparts.Amidst the circumcision debate, there is a growing movement of grown, circumcised men who seek to reclaim their lost foreskin. The ‘little snip’ is actually monumental.Circumcision was long believed… Continue reading Getting it back
By David Kenney
Jazz is life for Tyler Hornby.For someone who at first hated trumpet legend Miles Davis, that might be a surprise. But years of learning, playing and understanding jazz has Hornby a disciple to the music of cool.Now it’s eight days a week teaching, playing, listening and cultivating jazz grooves in one form or another. Tonight,… Continue reading The Terrain of Calgary’s jazz music scene
By David Kenney
Isn’t it a pity indeed. With Beatle George Harrison’s passing, many will eulogize the late Beatle while focusing on his time with the Fab Four. Yes, in a span of only seven years, the Beatles not only defined ’60s music but a cultural revolution. Still, George was more than just a mop top; he was… Continue reading Harrison’s legacy
By David Kenney
Pure drool. Friday’s set was jam-packed with three headliners and one giddy, witty emcee. Fifties style country bumpkin and quick-witted Carolyn Mark hosted, and made in-between band banter more than just filler. Fresh out of their van from Vancouver, The Be Good Tanyas’ breezy bluegrass pop entertained a larger folk fest crowd than Thursday. The… Continue reading G-8 debate arrives early
By David Kenney
Ahh, another electronic collection to soothe the senses. And of course, all the usual subjects are out to play. More Moby, Sneaker Pimps, Everything But the Girl and Massive Attack are for anyone missing those records. Still, chilloutmix2 isn’t without some fab lesser-knowns. Moloko, St. Etienne, Thievery Corporation and the lush-sounding Spiritualized round out a… Continue reading Chilloutmix2
By David Kenney
Luther Wright is a hillbilly after The Beverly Hillbillies’ Ma Clampett’s own heart. Back home in Kingston, Ont., Wright is prepping his custom-made speed-machine for the first ever Luther Wright and the Wrongs Go-Kart Invitational. Set in a farmer’s field, the race will be laden with oil slicks, straw bales, local hosers and $184 in… Continue reading Pink Floyd the Wright way