All in Arts Commons Presents
By the time U2 set out to record The Joshua Tree in 1986, the band had already established itself as one of rock’s premier hit machines. There was no denying that U2 was at the top of their game, but they were also at a personal and musical crossroads. The result was a roots-rock influenced album that went platinum within two days and landed U2 on the cover of Time magazine—and an Album of the Year Grammy Award. Read on to learn the back story of one of modern music’s most famous records.
It’s time to get out in the sun enjoy live performing arts in the great outdoors because ArtsXpeditions is back! Entering its third season of popping up in neighbourhoods all over Calgary, ArtsXpeditions has shared music and dance, but this is the first year that it will be sharing live theatre performances.
When you take in a show at Arts Commons, you can breathe easy knowing that you are in one of Calgary’s best buildings for air quality. The Arts Commons HVAC system is about more than air flow, it ensures that the air in its buildings is clean and controlled for comfort. So how does it all work? Learn all about it here!
This year, Arts Commons Presents and the City of Calgary bring a day of festive music and live performances to Olympic Plaza in celebration of Canada Day. Meet two of the artists lighting up the stage this Canada Day: children’s performer Mandy and award-winning saxophonist Perpie Nwaefido and learn more about what to expect this Canada Day from Arts Commons Presents.
It’s time to come together in celebration of the arts! Whether it’s the improvisational genius of a jazz performer, Mexico’s “Queen of Ranchera” igniting the stage in fiery performance, or a National Geographic Explorer sharing their personal triumphant in the face of overwhelming odds - our 2022-23 line-up is ready to shake things up!
Those who know Kurt Elling will tell you he is like Frank Sinatra with superpowers—his ability to combine a keen melodic sense with bombastic vocals makes him one of a kind in the music world. But did you know he almost didn’t pursue a career in music? Read on to learn more about Elling’s career twists and turns and what made him the musician he is today.
Comprised of a dozen musicians with fan bases worldwide, Pink Martini is more than just a jazz band. With pianist Thomas Lauderdale at the helm and vocal sensation China Forbes leading the charge, the band knows how to turn a stage into a universal experience. Here are a few fun facts about the band before they join us at Arts Commons on May 19th.
On April 28, 2022, something very special will happen in the Jack Singer Concert Hall. For the first time ever, Arts Commons and JazzYYC come together to form the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra, welcoming members from across the country to represent the best in live jazz orchestral performance.
With original compositions reflecting the theme Stories of Canada, we wanted to hear directly from a few of the performers about why they're excited to be involved in the project and how they feel it will influence the future of jazz music in Canada. Their answers are filled with excitement, hope, and inspiration for the next generation of Canadian jazz musicians.
