More Live Music Venues in Calgary

Calgary sometimes gets saddled with specious rep for not having enough music culture. DailyXY knows better — we know Cowtown loves to jam. The live music scene in particular is thriving in Calgary and if you know the venues to frequent, then there’s a distinct possibility for a great evening out (possible side bonus: tinnitus). Following last week’s list of live music venues devoted to keeping the beat in Calgary, here are five more to round it out.

Ironwood Stage and Grill
The Ironwood is all about bringing people together for live music and good times. In fact, the Inglewood-area pub even allows families to frequent its events (the bar has a special “Class 1A” license, making it child-friendly). Ironwood’s lineup focuses on the best local and national pop, blues, roots and folk acts and you can hear it seven days a week. Other bonus: the food is pretty good, too. 1229 9 Ave. S.E.
Upcoming: Samantha Savage Smith, Andrea Ramolo (Sept. 2) The Slackers, JK & The Relays (Sept. 13), Audrey Auld (Sept. 15), Royal Wood, Roger Marin (Sept. 20)

The New Black Centre
Part recording studio, part indie label office, and part intimate gig spot (max. capacity is approx. 100), The New Black Centre supports local musicians of all ages through a variety of showcases, fundraisers, programs, and competitions. If you want to see Calgary’s next virtuosos or hear what those crazy kids are listening to these days, this is the spot. 200, 919 9 Ave. S.E.
Upcoming: Cripple Creek Fairies (Sept. 8), Machines (Sept. 11), Fall in Archaea (Sept. 14), Shotgun Dolls (Sept. 16)

The Palomino
No place better exemplifies Calgary’s modern sensibilities and its cowboy past than The Palomino. The two-floor saloon (with amazing Southern U.S.-style BBQ upstairs) is an awesome venue to frequent during Stampede season, but it’s also good for seeing a foot stompin’ gig most anytime of year. 1097 7 Ave. S.W.
Upcoming: Christian Hansen & the Autistics (Sept. 10), Drawn Ship (Sept. 17), The City
Streets (Oct. 6)

The Republik
When the original Republik closed its doors in the late ’90s, a giant hole in Calgary’s live music scene opened up. Wilco, Hole, Pavement, and Our Lady Peace all played the club in its heyday and the city’s music lovers were devastated. In 2007, The Republik reopened across the street from its original location and sadly closed soon after (when the roof partially collapsed). Miraculously, the venue opened again in its first location when Tequila Nightclub went under. This third incarnation of The Republik feels much like the first one, and quality international acts are once again coming in on a weekly basis. 219 17 Ave. S.W.
Upcoming shows: The Joy Formidable (Sept. 5), Said the Whale (Sept. 22), J. Mascis of
Dinosaur Jr. (Sept. 25)

The Whiskey
A $2 million sound and lighting system and an illuminated, glass dance floor make The Whiskey an upscale experience — bottle service is available, for a baller’s price — which is rarely matched in Calgary. Its elevated stage provides an unobstructed view no matter where you are in the bar, making it one of the best places to watch a live show in Cowtown, period. 341 10 Ave. S.W.
Upcoming: Moguai and “Calgary’s Next Top DJ Competition Finals” (Sept. 4), TyDi (Sept. 10), “Fluid Fridays” with DJ Roofeo (Friday nights)

Between the two lists, these establishments are just 10 of the venues offering a wide variety of musical genres and entertainment experiences in Calgary. Still, be sure to check out these other fine establishments:
Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W.
Local 510, 510 17 Ave. S.W.
HiFi Club, 219 10 Ave. S.W.
Cantos, 134 11 Ave. S.E.
Beatniq Jazz and Social Club, 811 1 St. S.W.
Ship and Anchor, 534 17 Ave. S.W.
The Soda, 211 12 Ave. S.W.
The Back Alley, 4630 Macleod Tr. S.
Morgans, 1324 17 Ave. S.W.
Rusty Cage, 1690 37 St. S.W.

——————–
Image courtesy of notsogoodphotography.