By Afton Aikens & Olivia Grecu
Photo: Rita Taylor, The Banff Centre
Inspired Outdoor Shows
Watch artists perform against a mountain backdrop at The Banff Centre’s Shaw Amphitheatre, where the Centre’s theatre students help build sets and operate lighting. Must-see Canadian musical acts:
- Art of Time Ensemble’s rendition of the Beatles album Abbey Road (June 27).
- Blue Rodeo’s iconic country-rock (July 5).
- Royal Wood’s folk-pop tunes (July 26).
European Racing in the Rockies
GranFondo (Italian for “great endurance”) mass cycling events in Kananaskis July 11, Banff Aug 22 and Canmore Sept 12 offer riders routes “second to none in terms of beauty,” says Canmore race organizer Peter Hockenhull. Spectators vicariously partake in the excitement.
Stoked on Folk
Top reasons to attend the Canmore Folk Music Festival Aug. 1-3 include:
- The stellar line-up: an eclectic mix of folk, blues, Celtic and edgy rock. “I’m really excited about Martin Sexton, Bahamas and Amelia Curran,” says artistic director Sue Panning.
- The free Friday street party with ‘stoke-folk’ dance band Shred Kelly, July 31 (Map 4, 19E).
- Percussionist and Latin guitarist Celso Machado’s Saturday concert, free for kids.
- Sunday and Monday improv jams; music you won’t hear anywhere else.
Photo: Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
Farmers’ Fare
Thursdays to Oct 15, visit the Canmore Mountain Market (7 Ave by the info centre) for fresh regional produce, baked goods and meats. Uncle Bernie’s All Natural Meats, offering antibiotic- and hormone-free elk and bison, is one of 20 vendors. Also show love for local food (and live music) at farmers’ markets in Banff (Bear Street) on Wednesdays, and Lake Louise (by Mountaineer Lodge) on Saturdays.
Audience Participation
Belly dancing and plate smashing—it’s Greek Night at the Balkan. Owner Stavros Karlos gets everyone dancing. Patron Marla Pichler’s favourite part was when all the kids strutted their stuff to the lively Greek music (she also enthused about the restaurant’s food). Join the fun Tuesday nights.
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