The biggest event of this week is Arts Days, taking place all over downtown Sept. 30-Oct. 1. So in addition to approximately 50 local artists creating their work or displaying it in local businesses and even at City Hall, there will also be live music happening in Galt Gardens, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Galt Gardens. The Rotary Club will be running a beer gardens there as well while patrons listen to a plethora of local music.
On Friday, Sept. 30, Jesse and the Dandelions kick things off beginning at 5 p.m.. The Hibikiya Drummers — Japanese Taiko Drummers follow that at 6 p.m., also on the bill will be Metis juggler Roy Pogorzelski, the Karen Romanchuk band, Matt Robinson and Rancho Deluxe who close the show at 9 p.m.
Saturday rocks beginning at 5 p.m. with Vista Park, followed by the Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club. Bandemonium will bring the jazz at 6:15. Andrew Scott follows at 7 p.m., then Hippodrome at 8 p.m. The New Weather Machine rock things to a close at 9 p.m.
It is a slightly slow week for music in Lethbridge other than Arts Days related activities, but there are a couple highlights.
Tonight, Austin, Texas based songwriter James McMurtry will be playing the Geomatic Attic at 8 p.m. He will be bringing his hot band to rock the roof of of the attic.
After that, Darryl Düus is hosting an open jam at the Slice, so get ready for some high octane blues.
The Slice has a massive rock filled week with Stampede Queen and Angel Down playing Sept. 28
London, England based gypsy rock trio rock trio Girls, Girls, Girls return to the Slice, Sept. 29.
They last played Lethbridge last October and play a mix of gypsy music, rock music, Brit-pop and energetic R and B. Also on the bill will be One False Move, Stressed Out and Milwuakeetalkee. Tickets cost $10
They are competing with Randy Bachman and Fred Turner who christen the newly renovated Enmax Centre, Sept. 29 with special guest Paul Rodgers. That show begins at 8 p.m. Expect to hear all of Bachman and Turner hits like ‘Takin’ Care of Business,” “Hey You,” “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet,” as well as songs from their new CD “Bachman and Turner,” which was released last year.
Calgary based indie rock band Ghostkeeper also return to the Slice, Oct. 1 with Michael Rault. Ghostkeeper, featuring Shane Ghostkeeper and Sarah Houle along with guitarist Jay Crocker and bassist Scott Munro mix blues with alternative rock and sometimes reggae into sound that is all their own. Also along the lines of rock are Kelowna born band Yukon Blonde and White Ash Falls, who play the Slice Sept. 30.
One of my favourites, the Unknown Culprits also return to the Slice on Sunday, Oct. 2. And if you like rockabilly, the Hellbound Hepcats play the Slice, Monday, Oct. 3.
A special show takes place at the Owl featuring Pete Watson who usually plays lead guitar with local country musician Karen Romanchuk, will be playing some original music with former Uncas member Joel Bryant. They will be at the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Sept. 30.
If you want to laugh Yuk Yuks comedy is back at Average Joes, Oct. 1 with Scott Dumas and Katryna Chan. The laughs begin at 9:30 p.m. There is a $10 cover.
There are some good shows at the Mocha Cabana this week too with local country/ pop singer Alyssa McQuaid on Sept. 30 and blues trio Riviera Paradise including drummer Craig “Cowbell“ Mason, guitarist Sheldon Shukaliak and keyboardist Lori Williams-Freeman are playing Oct. 1. There is no cover for either of those shows.
Whispers Restaurant is also having their grand opening this weekend. The Janni Lee band will be playing the blues on Sept. 30, but first Pistols and Parachutes will be performing Wednesday Sept. 28. and Peter Lord plays tonight (Sept. 27). The music begins at 8 p.m. There is no cover.
It is roller derby season, so the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild will be raising money for their next two home games with a special concert, Oct. 1 featuring Billie Vegas, Planet Telex and Smokestack Jacks. There is a $10 cover for the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m.