Things are starting to pick up in a big way this week.There are several other excellent shows happening in addition to visits by iconic Canadian Celtic punks the Mahones, who come to the Slice, Jan. 17 and ex-pat Lethbridgians Incura at Pulse, Jan. 18. Megan Nash and Brodie Mohninger (formerly of the experimental prog rock band Brain Sauce), bring their new project Pandacorn to the Owl Acoustic Lounge, Jan. 17.
Gypsy -jazz group Blackberry Wood and Bocephus King also return to Lethbridge to bring their unique and energetic takes on folk music to the Slice, Jan. 18 and 19 respectively.
If you missed local country group Hurtin’ at the Owl Acoustic Lounge this past weekend, they will be playing Casino Lethbridge on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19.
The Owl Acoustic Lounge hosts the Spirit of Helen Awards, Jan 19. The Spirit of Helen Award is an annual Alberta Media Arts Alliance (AMAAS) award given in honour of Helen Folkmann, an artist and arts advocate whose creativity, activism, strength and determination inspired people across Canada. Helen passed away in 2004. This award acknowledges an artist, cultural worker or advocate whose contributions to Alberta’s media arts community reflects Helen’s remarkable spirit. The Void will be rocking the Owl, Jan. 18.
Edmonton based rock and roll dance band The Wet Secrets will be performing.
The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra begins their season this weekend, Jan. 18 as well with the third Chamber series of the season featuring the Chamber Winds with conductor Thomas Staples plus the University of Lethbridge Aeris Brass.
The Lethbridge Folk Club also begins their 2013 concerts, Jan. 19 with the Lizzy Hoyt Band. An Edmonton based fiddler, singer, songwriter and step dancer, Lizzy Hoyt won the 2012 best female artist in the International Acoustic Awards. She was also a Canadian Folk Music Award nominee in 2011.
Her 2010 CD “Home” has gained critical acclaim across the country.
Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members. The show begins at 8 p.m. with Jake Ian opening.
Last, but not least there is also an all ages metal/ rock show at the Moose Hall, Jan. 19 with Vista Park, Lucy For President and Open 24/7. The music begins at 8 p.m. Admission is five dollars.
And while we’re stuck in the midst of a chilly January, what better time to look ahead to summer and the South Country Fair.
The sixth annual South Country Fair Songwriting Competition takes place, April 27 at the Slice. But if you want to enter, you need to get your song recorded and lyrics printed out and mailed to SCF Songwriting Competition, Box 1251, Fort Macleod, AB,T0L 0Z0, before March 22.
There are two categories as usual, old pros who already have released CDs for commercial release and emerging artist who have not released a CD. First prize is the chance to perform on the south stage at the South Country Fair on the Friday and Saturday nights. More information is available through the “6th Annual South Country Fair Songwriting Competition” event on Facebook.
On the other hand, if you want a gig at the South Country Fair, e-mail your info, press kit and related information to
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or
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. The deadline is April 1.
