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A Guide to Calgary Bridal Fairs

Courtesy Bridal Fantasy

If you’re planning your big day, attending a wedding fair is a great chance to see what’s out there, make a few contacts and get some great ideas as to what you and your partner want for your wedding (and how much it will cost). Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

Keep an eye out for registry deals

Often, big retailers like The Bay will attend wedding shows offering you a chance to compare deals and registration systems. The upside to picking a national brand is that if you have out of town guests or if you are having a wedding, gifts can be purchased and directed to the location closest to the couple who can then pick them up at their leisure.

Bring pre-printed cards to save time

Nearly every vendor will ask for your contact info, either to send you more information or to enter you in a contest. Those looking to save time and effort may consider pre-printing your name, phone number, e-mail and partner’s name on small, business-card-like slips. These can be easily dropped off before you move to the next vendor.

Calgary Weekend Roundup: December 9-11

Find out what events you can’t miss this weekend in Calgary. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Calgary Entertainment listings.

Photograph courtesy of Paul Brandt

Friday December 9, 2011

It’s a weekend of symphonic holiday music as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Handel’s Messiah” tonight and tomorrow night. They continue with “A Traditional Christmas” in partnership with the Young Canadians on Saturday, and finish the weekend on Sunday with “Sing Along Messiah,” the sing-along version of “Handel’s Messiah” with conductor Ivars Taurins’ dressed up as Handel.

The Calgary Hitmen take to the ice at Scotiabank Saddledome against the Prince Albert Raiders on Friday night, so be sure to head out and cheer them on!

Paul Brandt: A Q&A with a Calgarian Country Superstar

By Allison Onyett

Read the original article from Where Calgary’s November/December 2011 issue!

Photograph courtesy Paul Brandt

A household name to country music fans (especially Albertans), singer/songwriter Paul Brandt is the most awarded Canadian male country artist in history. Born in Calgary in 1972, his career began when he won the Calgary Stampede Talent Search in 1992 while he was simultaneously training to become a registered nurse. When the call came from Nashville, Brandt put his nursing career aside and took a leap of faith—never anticipating his career would flourish with hits like “My Heart Has a History,” “I Do,” and local favourite, “Alberta Bound.”

Today, the man under the black cowboy hat is not just a triple-platinum recording artist, but an entrepreneur, with his own record label Brand-T, and a philanthropist whose efforts have crossed borders working with organizations like World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse. Brandt’s own foundation, The Priceless Gift of Hope, aims to put a stop to human trafficking in Cambodia, among other projects.

Despite Brandt’s hectic schedule promoting his new album Give It Away, he took a few minutes to tell us about the email that started his new show Build it Forward on CMT Canada, why he calls Calgary home, and his favourite pair of cowboy boots.

Calgary Transit is Getting a Payment System Upgrade

Connect transit fare payment system onboard a Calgary bus.

You may have noticed a strange blue box next to the driver on your morning bus commute. As of the summer 2012, Calgary Transit is getting smart about paying for public transit. Thanks to a $7 million project, users will soon be able to pay their fare by tapping disposable or reloadable “smart cards,” key fobs or e-stickers on Upasses on readers located at CTrain stations and on-board busses. Transit peace offers will be able to check your fares using a handheld terminal.

5 Must-Try Holiday Treats in Calgary

What better way to celebrate the winter season than by sitting down to a tasty treat available only around the holidays? Forget your waistline and indulge this season with these speciality goodies available only in Calgary and only at this time of year.

Snowflake Misto at Higher Ground Cafe.

1. Snowflake Misto from Higher Ground

New this year is the Snowflake Misto, a spice tea-based drink with vanilla, white chocolate and whipped cream. Many coffee shops have a gingerbread/ginger spice latte, but Higher Ground is a serious top contender for this spicy-sweet, caffeinated cup of holiday magic. They also offer an Eggnog Latte, Peppermint Mocha and a Merry Little Latte with candy cane pieces. Grab a seat by the window and watch the snow fall (or chilly Kensington-goers run through the street) and maybe dig into some delicious mac ‘n cheese for lunch, or for pure indulgence, add a slice of eggnog cheesecake.

Calgary Weekend Roundup: December 2-4

Calgary Hitmen Junior Hockey

Find out what events you can’t miss this weekend in Calgary. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Calgary Entertainment listings.

Friday December 2, 2011
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents “Tchiakovsky & The Rite of Spring,” on Friday night. For the sports fans, the Calgary Hitmen take on the Spokane Chiefs.

Art lovers and shoppers—don’t miss out on Artpoint’s Big Winter Show with up to 75% off mixed media pieces. In addition, abstract sculptor Graham Krenz’s “Land of a Thousand Lakes” exhibit is now in the Plus-15 Window Exhibit.

Calgary Weekend Roundup: November 25-27

Find out what events you can’t miss this weekend in Calgary. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Calgary Entertainment listings.

Zoolights at the Calgary Zoo.

Friday November 25, 2011

Every store and street corner is starting to look red, green and cheery, so if you need a break from the early holiday activities, don’t miss “Kuniko Magical Mask, Mime and Music of Japan,” a show that brings the Japanese culture to life with music, masks, origami and mime. It starts tonight at Y Stage and continues through to Sunday.

If you are in the holiday mood, The Calgary Zoo officially launches the annual winter festival Zoolights, with holiday light displays in the shapes of animals, hot chocolate and winter fun. In the same spirit, Spruce Meadows continues their International Christmas Market this weekend with 74 kilometres of light displays in addition to the more than 200 vendors inside.

A Calgarian Christmas

If you’re looking for a more unique way to celebrate this holiday season, you won’t want to miss these Calgarian Christmas gems.

Photo by Mike Sturk, courtesy of Spruce Meadows.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market

Located on the grounds of Calgary’s grand show jumping venue Spruce Meadows, the International Christmas Market showcases hand-crafted gifts from more than 200 vendors from around the world.

Kids will love the free pony rides, petting zoo, and ice-skating; they can even meet Santa’s reindeer in their stalls. You’ll love the 32,000 square feet of Christmas light displays and the complimentary Red Arrow shuttle bus service to and from Somerset/Bridlewood LRT station. Now in its 13th year, the market offers a little something for everyone like handblown glass Christmas ornaments from Baraka Dream of Egypt and jewellery from Burnt Finger Beadwork, with prices ranging from $2 to $2,000.

Calgary Weekend Roundup: November 18-20

Find out what events you can’t miss this weekend in Calgary. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Entertainment listings.

Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market; photo by Mike Sturk.

Friday November 18, 2011

The weather outside is certainly frightful, so it’s a great time to get a jump on your holiday shopping list. Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market kicks off Friday with more than 200 vendors ready to sell you their unique items from around the world. Don’t miss the outdoor events like ice-carving demonstrations and fire pits.

If you’re in the mood relax, sip and savour at the Calgary Co-Op Wines & Spirts’s Fall Grape Escape event featuring wine, beer and spirits from all around the world. And don’t miss the final performance on November 18 of the Calgary Opera’s Pagliacci/Gianni Schicchi – two short operas in one unforgettable night.

Food and More Food at Bon Appetit Banff

I had the pleasure of attending a preview weekend for Bon Appetit Banff, a festival showcasing Banff’s incredible cuisine from November 17 to 27. Visit our beautiful neighbours to the west to experience over a dozen restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise offering three-course menus at a prix fixe of either $25 or $35. A steal of a deal, especially when you consider some of the participants are Fairmont Banff Springs, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, and more.

Inside the Rundle Lounge at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

The Fairmont Banff Springs – Rundle Lounge and Castello Ristorante

The first location was the gorgeous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. If you haven’t been there, you need to; even if you don’t stay over, go for a meal and to experience the beauty and history of this property. I guarantee you’ll feel like royalty walking into this Hogwarts-like castle.

The Rundle Lounge was our first stop, and the view was spectacular. The room itself is classic yet very comfortable. As for the food, between the braised beef short rib with horseradish mashed potato and the flourless chocolate cake (gluten-free!) with maple mousse, you may never leave. (more…)

Celebrate Remembrance Day in Calgary

November 11 isn’t just a day off, it’s an opportunity to honour and show respect for our past and present military heroes. Celebrate this year by attending any of the events below with a cash or food donation, or by making a donation to a poppy box, or online at organizations like 11 For 11, which funds scholarships for kids who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Services

The Military Museums host Calgary’s largest Remembrance Day service honouring Canada’s veterans and current soldiers. More than 12,000 people attend this service each year. Stand proudly through Canada’s national anthem and listen to men and women who have served speak. Hearing a veteran recite “In Flanders Fields” will stay with you long past the moment of silence and playing of “Last Post.”

Parking is free but limited, so guests are advised to arrive early. Food donations to the Veterans’ Food Bank and cash donations to the Military Families Fund are gratefully accepted.

You could also visit Calgary’s newest memorial, the Soldier Memorial, which was unveiled in April 2011 and is part of the Memorial Drive Landscape of Memory project.

Raise Your Glass to Local Calgary Brews

Though the hot (okay, at least warm) days of summer may be behind us, the lack of patio space is no reason to forgo a cool beer – just pull up a stool at your local pub. The renewed interest in shopping and eating local definitely includes beer, and you won’t have to go far to find some of the best. These Calgary watering holes came in at the top of our list for their mouth-watering microbrews. (more…)

Calgary Weekend Roundup: November 4-6

Find out which events you can’t miss in YYC this weekend. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Entertainment listings.

Friday November 4, 2011

Calgary’s first annual Snowfest takes place this weekend, featuring over 100 booths with retail, travel and destination skiing and snowboarding. Don’t miss Family Day Sunday and the chance to get a great deal on snow passes and gear all weekend.

American country singer/songwriter Leon Russell will be at Century Casino Friday night performing hits like “If I Were a Carpenter.” Or, if folk singing and story-telling is more your style, check out Dan Mangan at MacEwan Hall. For a more traditional musical experience, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing Mahler’s 3rd Symphony Friday and Saturday night.

With the season’s first snow on the ground, it’s the perfect time to think about Christmas, specifically Christmas shopping! The Crestmont Christmas Fair is this weekend, with more than 30 local artisan and home-based vendors offering up unique gift ideas.

Calgary Weekend Roundup: Halloween 2011

Boo! It’s that scary time of year again when children ring your doorbell incessantly demanding candy and the young and young-at-heart dress up in costumes designed for weather that’s twenty degrees warmer than reality. Here’s a list of some of the Halloween highlights in Calgary for 2011. For complete event listings, be sure to check out the Where Entertainment listings.

For the Family Boo-thusiasts

Don’t miss two of Calgary’s favourite annual events at the end of October for families. Ghoul’s Night Out at Heritage Park promises crafts, dancing, fortunetellers, games and more for kids aged three to nine. This is a ticketed event, so purchase passes in advance (annual passes are not valid). Boo In The Zoo is also not to be missed, with pumpkin bowling, a zombie walk and a haunted carousel. Also, you can trick or treat throughout the zoo!

For other trick-or-treating options, major shopping centres like North Hill Mall and Westbrook Mall gives kids the chance to gather their sugary treats in an indoor setting.

Jadea Kelly Performs in Calgary

Photo by Jen Squires, courtesy Jadea Kelly.

You may recognize her smooth vocals from her time as the female character Kezia from Protest The Hero’s album of the same name. Her sound has been described as “pure Canadiana” by Tom Power of CBC Radio, and is a mix of country sounds and city spirit. We think she’ll fit right in when she visits Calgary on October 22 when she plays with the newly re-formed The Greg Cockerill Band for their CD release at the Ironwood. We caught up with the Ontario native about her first show in YYC.

How would you describe your music?

Canadiana roots music would be the best way of describing my music. A strong amount of Emmy Lou Harris and The Band seeps through.

Calgary Weekend Round Up: October 14-16

Check out these highlighted events—you can find our full event listings at Where Calgary.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Two-time Emmy winner Kathy Griffin take the stage at the Southern Jubilee Auditorium. Did you know she’s also an author? Or, if you’re in an artsy mood, join artist and owner Tracy Proctor in her studio, Swirl Fine Art & Design, to learn about and try encaustic painting. Not to be missed, The Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival runs Friday and Saturday, featuring world-class wine, premium spirits, imports and micro brewed beer, and an assortment of local culinary creations.

Calgary Weekend Round Up: September 30-October 2

Check out these highlighted events—you can find our full event listings at Where Calgary.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Kings of Leon take the stage at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday with special guest The Sheepdogs. The Tennessee band is promoting their fifth album, Come Around Sundown. You may also know them for their hit singles “Sex On Fire” and “Use Somebody.” When lead singer Caleb Followill walked off stage at a Dallas concert, the band ended up cancelling the remainder of their U.S. tour, but they’ve picked up the pieces and will take the stage starting in Vancouver. The group was nominated for a Grammy this year for the song “Radioactive” in the Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Rock Song categories.

If that doesn’t satisfy your indie music craving, check out New York’s Pains Of Being Pure Of Heart at Dicken’s Pub (1000 – 9 Ave SW) in support of their latest album Belong. For tickets, visit Union Events.

What To Wear: Calgary Boutique Edition

BY ALLISON ONYETT

Courtesy Leah Von Loon; Jason Dziver.

Although Calgary’s malls boast hundreds of well-known chain stores and are destinations in their own rights, the city also has a thriving boutique scene. In trendy neighborhoods like 17th Avenue, Kensington and Marda Loop, find independent shops carrying wears by local designers as well as international labels.

We enlisted the help of fashion and commercial stylist Leah Van Loon for her favourite boutiques to shop at for this season’s trends. In addition to knowing Calgary’s fashion scene inside and out, she has done styling for fashion magazines and international ad campaigns. She also provides image consulting, and personal shopping services. For more information email her at leah@leahvanloon.com.

Review: Get Caught Up At The New Catch & The Oyster Bar

Photographer Paula Worthington, courtesy of Brookline PR and Catch Restaurant & The Oyster Bar

Catch & The Oyster Bar have had a makeover. Located at Centre Street and Stephen Avenue, the first floor boasts a redone oyster bar, but the comfortable seating area has just been freshened up. The second floor Catch Restaurant, however, has a brand-new look and feel. It’s much more of an upscale casual feel with rich wood tables – no white linen table cloths anymore – and wine racks from floor to ceiling. It still feels intimate, but much more relaxed.

Calgary International Film Festival Opens This Week

Image courtesy of Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)

We’re only a few short days away from the Calgary International Film Festival. Running from September 23-October 2, 2011, this annual celebration of the talkies brings together 200 films from over 60 countries. Expect animated short films, documentaries on Mayor Nenshi’s social media political campaign and the puppeteer behind Elmo, coming-of-age stories from first-time Canadian filmmakers, and more.

The spotlight theme for this year is Alberta, with five local films (three narrative features and two documentaries) competing for the Alberta Spirit award. All Alberta Spotlight screenings are world premieres and will be hosted by the cast and crew of each film, so be sure to wait around for the meet and greet.