Calgary

Calgary’s Music Scene: A Story in Grooves

Calgary, Alberta’s bustling metropolis, boasts a vibrant musical history that stretches back decades, evolving alongside the city itself. From the honky-tonks of the early 20th century to the indie rock havens of the 2000s, Calgary has cultivated a unique sonic identity.

Honky-Tonk Heartbeat: The Early Years

The 1900s saw Calgary’s musical landscape dominated by honky-tonk bars and dance halls. The likes of “The Calgary Stampede,” with its wild west charm, attracted touring country acts, solidifying the city’s association with this genre. This era saw the rise of local talents like Tommy Hunter, a country music legend who later became a household name across Canada.

Fun Fact: Hunter’s career started with him singing on a Calgary radio station, broadcasting live from a local bar. Apparently, his radio microphone was a makeshift one – a soup ladle!

Rockin’ Out: The 1960s & 1970s

As the 1960s rolled in, Calgary embraced rock and roll, with bands like The Stampeders (famous for their hit “Sweet City Woman”) rising to national fame. This decade witnessed a surge in local bands, playing in clubs like The Calgary Legion and The Palliser Hotel – venues that became legendary for fostering the city’s rock and roll scene.

Fun Fact: The Stampeders, despite their success, were initially known for their rather, um, “unique” wardrobe choices. They were once criticized for their “loud” outfits, prompting band member Kim Mitchell to famously declare, “We’re not wearing plaid!”

Punk’s Rebellion: The 1980s & 1990s

The 1980s saw a resurgence of punk rock in Calgary, with bands like The Parachute Club (with their hit “Rise Up”) challenging the status quo. This era also saw the emergence of alternative music, with bands like The Grapes of Wrath carving a unique niche in Canada’s rock scene.

Fun Fact: The Parachute Club’s lead singer, Lorraine Segouin, wasn’t just a talented musician; she also had a secret talent: she could juggle!

The Indie Explosion: 2000s and Beyond

The 21st century brought a wave of indie rock bands to Calgary. Venues like The Marquee and The Republik became hubs for new talent, showcasing a diverse range of sounds, from folk to electronica. Bands like The Rural Alberta Advantage and Current Swell gained national recognition, cementing Calgary’s place as a breeding ground for innovative music.

Fun Fact: The Rural Alberta Advantage’s lead singer, Nils Edenloff, once played a show wearing a full-body moose costume, proving that Calgary’s music scene is never afraid to push boundaries.

From its honky-tonk beginnings to its vibrant indie scene, Calgary’s music story is a testament to the city’s creative spirit and its dedication to celebrating music in all its forms. Whether you’re tapping your feet to the country rhythms or headbanging to the latest indie rock, Calgary’s soundscape has something for everyone.