By Gene Kosowan
Even if March 20 marked the first day of spring, it’s all that hardy Edmontonians can do but laugh at the notion that the cold war is far from over. There’s still a few centimeters of snow on the ground, ice still plays havoc with traffic and winter still has one final blast to deliver before it's history. But whether the cityscape is ashen white or a mucky-muck brown, the locals still go to great lengths to have a little fun. [Image credit: istockphoto.com/AStarphotographer]
Granted, a change in seasons is hardly a reason to go apocalyptic on everyone – even if you also happen to contend with climate change, an economic downturn and the political craziness in the U.S. Still, this collection of visual work by 11 artists, running until May 7 at the AGA, takes on the notion of survival as a means of communication. What would you need to pass on to others to get past that dreaded end of days?
Community leagues host bashes all the time in Edmonton, but one that gets the most attention across the city is the amateur variety spectacles held every spring in the neighbourhood of Beverley. This year’s collection of songs, dance and comedy takes on a greater national significance, when the neighbourhood creates and performs material in conjunction with Canada’s 150th anniversary.
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is – the stereotypical nuances of polite and apologetic Canadians never ebb or flow. This free exhibit at Sherwood Park’s Gallery@501, running until May 7, examines some of this country’s more awkward moments across the social landscape and throughout history. Curated by Winnipeg artist Diana Thorneycroft, the exhibit highlights her perspective through two of her works, Group of Seven Awkward Moments and A People’s History.
For the longest time, the end of the Edmonton Oilers regular season automatically signaled the beginning of golf season, especially for the playoffs. Not this time. Here’s a chance to celebrate spring on a more positive note now that the orange and blue are statistically in the playoffs. But first, their last two games at home in Rogers Place will see them face off against Anaheim (April 1) and Vancouver (April 9).
Need something more magical to shake you out of your winter doldrums? How about a celebration of the 40th anniversary of one of the most important rock and roll concerts ever? On April 6, catch Corb Lund, Matt Andersen and Amy Helm with the Russell Broom House Band at the Winspear as they pay tribute to The Band's farewell concert, held in 1976.
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Discover more fun things to do in Edmonton:
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A "swashbuckling grownup prequel" to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher comes to Edmonton boasting a Broadway run that ended in 2013. With its cast portraying more than 100 characters in an elaborate production, this madcap event – scheduled to run from April 1 to 23 at the Maclab Theatre – promises to thrill.
What most folks need to ward off extended Seasonal Affective Disorders is a touch of green thanks to some lilting Celtic from this vibrant Vancouver group, playing at the Arden in St. Albert. But don’t expect just an ode to Danny Boy, as this act has really been known to mix it up with worldbeat, pop, roots and even electronica for a genre mashup of all that is great about music.
Though we can't be certain we're in the clear from winter's cold, a packed spring calendar is sure to keep residents of the Alberta capital occupied. To be certain, E-towners don’t let the elements hinder them from having a little fun before breaking out the lawnmower.
