BT Calgary Blogs

What a gorgeous day to spend at Lilith Fair! I had a wonderful time taking in the sun and fantastic music with friends.  Sarah sounds as spectacular live as she does on her new album Laws of Illusion. McLachlan is such a shining light on stage when she at down and started playing the piano the whole stadium was on their feet and listened intently to every note she sang.  Thxx for sending in a gorgeous pic of Sarah Mike Morrison!

Sheryl Crow played a phenomenal set.  She surprised and delighted fans by bringing her little 3 year old son Wyatt up on stage to play percussion – SO adorable!

I spotted Theo Fleury and his wife Jennifer in between sets.   Always love catching up with them and Theo has been working hard with Alberta Theatre Projects developing a new play based on his book

Local designer Paul Hardy (who designed Sarah McLachlan’s Juno dress in 2009) saw McLachlan before the big show – she stopped into his atelier in Kensington Saturday to do a bit of shopping.  Sarah and Paul will be collaborating with the Alberta Ballet in their new work featuring McLachlan’s music and Hardy’s designs.

Brett Wilson hosted a section of his closest 100 friends at Lilith before heading off to Africa with his kids to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Judy Gabriel at the De La Soul Concert, Olympic Plaza.

 The 3rd Annual  Live Style Urban Arts Festival was one I’m glad I didn’t miss out on, because the legendary De La Soul echoed through the downtown as fans crowded the stage at Olympic Plaza. Before the old school rappers took the stage, local artists, including Lady C and Dragon Fli Empire, warmed up the crowd. It was a feast for the eyes and ears, as various hip hop dancers, rappers, singers and poets took the stage as the crowd waved their arms in the air and called for more.  The festival was a great start to the long-awaited outdoor party season!

Jason Blaine and the band stopped by our BT studio this morning with his newest CD – “Sweet Sundown.” ( www.jasonblaine.ca ) A busy guy - he is opening for Brooks and Dunn – who performed last night in Calgary.

Jason Blaine on BT

Jason talked about his home in Nashville and the tragedy that’s unfolding there with flooding. Thankfully, Jason’s house is on “high” ground – but he mentioned his neighbors aren’t as lucky — and have since moved into his basement. The Grand ‘Ole Oprey is flooded as well. Jason’s wife flew in from Nashville for his show in Calgary last night — from a flood – to a winter/spring storm. How’s that for nasty timing?

Thanks Jason – and good luck on the road.

Susanne

Fefe Dobson is back doing what she does best, giving her legions of fans more Fefe!  She’s on tour with Hedley promoting her latest CD ‘Joy’. Dobson took time out of her crazy busy schedule to come by the Citytv studios for a quick catch up with me!!

Rock band Hedley, currently on their 2010 Canadian tour, brought their infectious anthems to the Calgary Stampede Corral Sunday night. I caught up with them after sound check for a quick chat. It’s great to see the boys again. The band is sounding tighter and better than ever!!!! Stay tuned for more roof-raising rock!!!

The Human Touch Fashion show took place earlier this month. The event was a fundraiser for Inn From the Cold, an organization that works hard at keeping families off the street,  providing a safe place for the family and their children.

The Human Touch Fashion show was an eclectic mix of live art, music, fashion show, designers and artists, featuring talented hair stylist Cristalyn Sugano.

  Photo taken by Al Del Degan and Celina at Aduro Photography.

Marie-Danielle Leblanc!

If you haven’t heard of her, I suggest you check out her work. She is an incredible artist who’s latest project titled “Copenhagen to Stockholm” can be seen at the Gerry Thomas Gallery. LeBlanc’s most recent body of work is an abstract imprint of her memories, of which she showcased with vibrant colors of paintings at her Launch earlier this month.

Marie-Danielle LeBlanc was born in Trois-Rivières,Quebec. She currently lives and works in Montreal. She has travelled the world and continues to explore different techniques that transform ‘landscapes into sacred sites’.

Funk-galactic at Hotel Arts! A Party in benefit of Decidedly Jazz Dance Works was off the hook on Saturday, March 6th.  The 7th annual event titled ‘Possessed’ had music, food, and some funky dance moves by DJD dancers!

Lots great local entertainers came out to support,  from Lobby Entertainment by Lady C, to music from The Superband and DJ Cameron Sound.

Spontaneous performances by DJD dancers. They performed Funk Police (Choreographed by Kaleb Tekeste), Funk Freaks (Choreographed by Dinou Marlett Stuart), Funkgalactic (Choreographed by Deanne Walsh)

Special Appearance by Josh Hilberman.

Next Performances by DJD:

2010: A Tap Oddity at The Grand, March 19-28.

WiseApple at Epcor Centre, Max Bell Theatre, June 9 -20.

It was all glitz and glamour at the 2nd annual 2010 Calgary Choice Awards , which was originally called the Calgary Oscars, until the Academy sent the organizers a letter to change the name.  As per request, the name changed a month ago to Calgary Choice Awards!  Over 400 people attended the red carpet gala – Sold Out Success!  It was a great opportunity for Calgary Small and Medium businesses to strut their stuff and feel like stars, on Saturday March 6th, at Flames Central. 380 companies were nominated by the public before Christmas. Over 5000 people (general public) voted on the nominees. Voting ran from Jan. 15 – Feb. 19, 2010.

Calgary Choice Award Winners

Here is the complete list of winners in each category:

Best in Arts & Culture – Alberta Ballet

Best in Spa/Beauty – CaVaBien Hair Studio & Spa

Best in Hotel/Inn – The Fairmont Palliser

Best in Auto Service – Heninger Toyota

Best in Fitness – Talisman Centre

Best Home Builder – Empire Custom Homes

Best Public Venue/Tourist Attraction – Calgary Zoo

Best Nightclub/Bar/Pub – Ship and Anchor Pub

Best in Children’s Retail – Coffee & S’cream

Best Transportation Provider – WestJet Airlines

Best in Casual Dining Experience – Peters’ Drive-In

Best in Retail Experience Crave Cookies and Cupcakes

Best in Fine Dining Experience – RedWater Rustic Grille

Best Media Personality/Celebrity – Barb Higgins

Best Medical & Health Care Service – Blink Eyewear

Best New Business (under two years) – Bass Pro Shops

Best Independently Owned Business – Cakeworks

Best Employer – Small Business (under 30 employees) – Cakeworks

Best Employer (over 30 employees) – WestJet Airlines

Everyday Hero – Eric Crowell

For more click here

Have you seen OK GO’s latest music video? It certainly is getting a lot of talk. You may remember these guys as the ones responsible for the treadmill video that was all done in one take. This video for This To Shall Pass took 60 attempts to get it right with a team of 20 engineers standing nearby. Worth it in the end! Take a look.