NEEEWSS!

So right now the plan is to wait untill we have a new logo for the new name we have picked out!! Yay no more msgs from angry gay people!! .. And as soon as we do we will launch it!

Speaking of new things .. we are happy to announce that we have new members!
Kaje the Queen of Blades is joining us! and my lovely brother Jager Valen will be doing some weekly stuff for you!!

Also we are putting together a killer show! and if you are a model , stripper or anything of the sort we would love for you to contact us .. oh yeah and BANDS!! we have a bunch but fuckit .. msg us or comment on this to get involved!!  _BSK

??? New name? Whaaaa?

Well Ladies and Gents .. Ourscene Calgary is No more! ... Don't worry .. just the name! :) Due to a couple of strange things and a realization that the name had not very much to do with what I was attempting to do ..
It will be changed .. and In the meantime you get to follow the posts of our blog under ???

haha I will maybe announce a show and unveil the new name .. although I could end up drinking and say fuckit .. but in the mean time things will roll as they normally do ..

Although there will be nothing normal about the releasing of the name!!
Dancers, Metal Bands/Punk Bands/ Alt Bands and some support from local tatt artists and other random Shit! ... so keep posted to us and we will have some announcements soon!!

New Gig update! more shows!! more to do!!

So this week I am changing things so that I can give you more time to plan your weekend by posting upcoming shows during the early week and also posting the midweek shows!!

Tuesday!
Acoustic open mic @ Fiddlers Green
https://www.facebook.com/events/102141819996415/

Wednesday!
The Boxer Rebellion w/ Still Life Still @ The Republic
https://www.facebook.com/events/441870372559411/

Thurs 30th!
Drums in the Deep @ Sals on 17th .
.check out the page on fb for info on all people playing that night!
https://www.facebook.com/events/226856790772302/

Also @ Dickens , Armifera has a CD release party bringing West Of Hell (Van), Scarbelly Creek, Breed Of War and Arsenal!https://www.facebook.com/events/401044939994084/

Guitars Guns and Glory !! @ Verns with a bunch of amazing guitar players from our great city including Denver Bergreen (supermassiveblackholes) and Michaila Jacobson! and many more!
https://www.facebook.com/events/468577636545671/

Friday!!
Moka Only ( who just won a Juno!!) with a whole whack of friends will be at Lord Nelsons!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/452833211467442/

Jenavive is kicking off their tour at the New Black Center
with Kieran Strange and Ten Cent Pistols!
https://www.facebook.com/events/125728324291416/?suggestsessionid=dcf816c113516a71ecf4694b82986f22

Kylesa is playing w/ Blood Ceremony / White Hills / Lazer Wulf  @ Dickens Pub
https://www.facebook.com/events/246215188856216/

Big Big Moose will be down at the Blind Beggar with Atacama Republic / Silhouette City and Dunright
 https://www.facebook.com/events/577703065603969/

Saturday!!
A very cool thing to check out !! a MAGIC SHOW!! and it is a benefit too .. @ the Foothills Hospital
https://www.facebook.com/events/198619820285360/

Another Benifit show this sat with my boy Orion and the Annunaki w/Michaila Jacobson / Susie Forsyth and Jeremy Park .. @ Lord Nelsons!
https://www.facebook.com/events/135257550002435/

and last but not least - Stone Iris is playing Studio 37 w/ The District Heat / The Electric Monk!
https://www.facebook.com/events/327325997393704/

Have a good week all!!

Everyone has a favorite venue.....

So, chatting it up with my bandmates not too lang ago, the topic of where you like playing the most came up. Everyone had a say and reason as to what venue they liked to play and visit the most. A couple out of town, a few in town, but none the less, many names were tossed around. This got me thinking as to how important these places are to not only our own music scene, but to music as a whole. Every band plays a first show. Now, where and just what the hell is the person booking the show thinking when they put someone that has never been on stage before? Well, that right there, is a good indicator as to just how important these places are. 

Here in Calgary there are many venues. Some are mainstays that have supported and nurtured numerous bands and fans while others have come and gone. For those who are older, you'd probably remember The Castle Pub, The Night Gallery, The Underground and of course, the infamous "Multi" just to name a few. There were many before those as well, but sadly, I am not THAT old and only have so much to offer. But, those were a few from when I was running around getting into shows and chasing bands. These days, there are still a bunch throwing the best parties. 

Go for a stagger down 17th ave and you will see show posters boasting a wide variety of music in many different venues. Some off the top of the head are places like Vern's, Dickens Pub, Broken City, The Distillery, Ship and Anchor and for all you All Ages kids, of course, who can forget The New Black. Each venue has a different feel to it, a different vibe and crowd of regulars. They will cater to anyone that will come through the doors of course, but to each room carries it's own personality. You see it in the posters on the walls, the staff spilling drinks and just the feel you get from walking through the doors. 

If not for those doors being open, where would one go for their musical fill? From what I understand, Calgary has a weak arts community in comparrison to other cities. What would we do without music or worse yet, a place to listen to music. Thinking back at all the rooms I've had the chance to play, all of the stages I done set up and tear down on and all of the staff and promoters I've got to meet, I get all misty eyed and wet in the pants. In some form of karma, in some sort of way, I think everyone needs to thank these people for putting up with our shit. 

So as our conversations would carry on, my bass player said what could potentially be the smartest thing ever said by a bass player. He would describe the venues as the most important part of the music scene. On any level. be it a hall, a bar, a club or an all ages room, there would be no bands if those people did not step up and put the shows on and let the masses through their doors. He would go on to make mention that no one ever goes to these places when they are not going to a show or playing a show. It makes sense that he would think that and it is in fact a true statement to a certain degree. When I am ready to eat, I just go wherever. If I want a beer, I'll go to the first place that is dumping cheap swill down the throats of many. 

Why don't I take the extra ten minutes, and go grab a beer at one of the local holes and grab a bite there? 

So, with that being said, I am going to try and do that. When I am bored and just need a show to watch, why not stop in on The New Black. There is always a show there. If I just want a pint and to hear obscure and often hilarious stories, why not just go to Vern's. I need some grub and am looking for a cheap taco on a Thursday, why not hit Dickens? I want something hip and fun, shit, might as well go to Broken City. And of course, who can forget the Ship when it is patio season?

So, if you ever questioned the support of a music scene, or want to try and show some support, why not hit your favorite stage when there is no show. Why not drop in, say hello and get to know the staff. Tip, oh good lord saint of fuck, tip the people. Show them that you can appreciate the business as much on a Saturday afternoon as you did the Friday night before. 

Only with less puke and with better hand eye coordination. 

Cheers all!

Davey and his band of the week: Ladies and Dudes, I give you, The Bloody Hells

Hey guys and gals

It is the end of the week and you know what that means...... I got busy, tired and above all, lazy and have yet to post up a Band of the week. So, beer in hand, some Redskins playing in the background, I give you my band of the week.

This week I figured I would dig into a group of locals that have been rocking your stages and filling your ears with a variety of punk that they can call their own. High speed, full throttle punk rock that can bring into play thoughts of old school hard core lumped in with a solid dose of 90's skate punk and the topic matter that we all loved so dearly as teenagers. If you haven't guessed it by now, then you obviously have not left your house in too long or have ear herpes. Of you course, I am talking about The Bloody Hells.

Now, once again, I am left to try and explain just what the hell these guys are from a shady and speckled memory, so bare with me here. Somewhere around 2006/2007(ish), this band had come out of the gate swinging. Consisting of former members of the former band Gudenpist, Chris Holly (Guitar/vocals), Justin Courtney (Guitar), Mikey Blotto (Drums) and Ryan Delnick (Bass) had already made a name for themselves. Having done westward tours with bands such as The Seven Deadly Grins, not to mention other projects and stints in past ages, they knew just what they wanted to play and sound like. Lucky for them, it is just what many in the punk community wanted to hear. Fast, well played music that could make you dance, laugh and think.

Many shows would come and go and you could watch them evolve into their own. A self titled disk would be released with some great tracks such as Inside your head and Don't care about you, it was a fun and fast release. This is also the album you can find the fabled Hits from the bong cover for all you smokers out there.  Following the self titled came "Why hasn't anyone killed you yet". The very familiar and raw sound of hard core punk rock comes standard and you can almost hear how the songs have grown from that first disk to the last track.

The songs would remain fun and upbeat while expressing thoughts on certain topics such as the infamous Carla Holmolka (sp?) or the song You are such a dick that is pretty self explanitory. The songs blast out and require that they are played well beyond your parents comfort levels. I loosly quote one fellow show goer as saying that he "Loved the way that the singer just spits out the lyrics and does it so well". I think it is a pretty accurate description. But, with that being said, the band, I do not think would not be the same without each individuals efforts within it. Watching them play, you can see just what I mean when I say that. I would be like taking the leg off your favorite chair and replacing it with a chunk of a branch you broke off from the tree out front.

As time would carry on, they would only have one change in the line up. Ryan Delnick would part ways with the band. This alarmed me. The dude has talent like a mother fucker. But, BUT, this would not stop them. With a pleasant send off, Ryan would make his way and we would see Marcus Wodrazka (if the spelling is wrong, I'm sorry dude, I cheated and stole it up from the facebook) take the spot up. As Marcus is a vet of the local circuit and fit the bill instantly, they stood up and got back to work.

As of today, it is my understanding that they are recording like crazy, playing insane amounts of poker, getting into the bag and getting on the stage. The music, ever progressing, they are a mainstay for the locals stages. Always a crowd pleaser and playing the music they love, you can usually find a show not too far away to take in as when a show is coming along, you can bet they are one of the first asked to play.

Like many, I am hoping to see another album soon. Until then, might I suggest you take in a track off of the Why hasn't anyone killed you release. Hometown is one of my favorite tracks. I think it best rounds out just what the band is capable of, but doesn't let you in to see just what all they are going to and will do. It can only get better from here.

Check out the facebook and hit the links to have a listen. You can buy the albums online of course, but you'll probably be best to get the disk at one of their shows. Though good, the released material doesn't stand as well as they can on stage.

You can catch their next show at Vern's on Just 15th

Cheers all! See you at the shows!
-Davey

How I got into the scene! experiences pt1

I hope that everyone had a wicked awesome long weekend!! I didn't get a chance to go to a show but when I could I had a great time!! Lots of random new people and now new friends mixed with new music and a great new favorite band!! but I will not tell you because I do not play favorites :P today though I am going to tell you about the reason I got into the Calgary music scene ..I get asked this a lot because I don't play any instruments very well save the Harmonica haha

Back in 2007 I became enthralled with the local radio station X92.9 fm and listened to it every day .. they would play local bands sometimes and I loved hearing them on Exposure on Sundays .. I was surprised that the local talent was so amazing .. When a bar close to my house opened up Called Shooters was playing really loud music I thought I would check it out! So I did and couldn't believe my eyes/ears etc!! I went back every weekend over and over meeting bands and people from  the scene that were amazingly nice!! I instantly had the feeling of involvement and wanted to contribute to what I had become involved in!! 

So now I hope to try and get some more people like me involved in the scene and welcomed like I was
this is why I am putting this blog together .. because the feeling is amazing when you love something so much you cant stop trying to help it in one way or another!! please go out and support local artists and bring a friend that you think would like it and has no experience in it .. you will see their face light up!! haha happy Victoria's day guys!!!

New things ! More people to Join us Hopefully!!

Well seeing that I have 2 others to join me In this Adventure of trying to get more people out to local shows and liking new bands I have decided to maybe make a schedule of when things are posted so that it would be easier to know when to look up. But I would like to hear from you guys! Is there a good time or day for certain things? like should I be posting this weeks upcoming shows of the weekend earlier in the week ? And also is there maybe any ideas for new things?? Since we are getting tons of pageveiws I want to get some more of the scene out there and we want to hear about what you want to hear about!! comment or email us at ourscenecalgary@gmail.com

Also I am looking to interview some more people in the Scene about adding to the blog about different genres .. Davey and I are mostly going to be floating around the rock/punk/metal/alt type stuff and Lissa is working on the EDM / DJ scene .. so I want to know if there are more people out there looking to help there scene out ??? again if you think you are or know someone that would like to talk to me about adding to the blog please email at ourscenecalgary@gmail.com
BSK

A few things This Weekend!! get out and do something!! Happy Bdays

This Weekend!
Today:
Bring the Fight from Winnipeg will be playing with Copsicle , Mass Control  and Profits of Crime
https://www.facebook.com/events/106727269508647/

The D is hosting Shakeout fest tonight with All Hands On Jane / Devonian Gardens / Psychic Alliance
https://www.facebook.com/events/327793050682283/
Also at the Palomino with Ben Disaster / Ollie Vee / Vulture Cult
https://www.facebook.com/events/561948993845907/?suggestsessionid=e11a126ecd82cecd9be8681ceb031e0e

Infamous Crew Presents Digaboo and Will D at Sals on 17th
https://www.facebook.com/events/460360750716307/

Habitat Living Sound Presents DJ Heather with locals; Catilan Greene / Yo-Daddy / Dianna Trible
https://www.facebook.com/events/547808128597593/?suggestsessionid=db4881833b0f723a81ec5fc515f1dd88

The Plaza Theater is having a 50's dance party with locals rockers 36?
https://www.facebook.com/events/276882012447615/

Saturday!

Boonstock Bandwarz - Studio 82
https://www.facebook.com/events/401668626597744/

BOOB ROCK!! All hands on Jane / Pink Lemonade / Big Shiny Dudes
https://www.facebook.com/events/512388395485947/

ARCHSPIRE / SHRAPNAL / HAZZERD and DISPLAY OF DECAY are at Lord Nelsons Pub ripping it  with Rattlehead Productions
https://www.facebook.com/events/577204435636829/

Half Chance Heroes / King Dylan / Burlap Sac / Mavis Beakin / Jordan Craig / Shade Gray
The New Black Center
https://www.facebook.com/events/562567617097613/


Have a great long weekend!!! don't burn too much .. its banned .. that or just don't get caught and be super safe!!!  Happy Bday weekend to my bro's Jesse M and Austin !!!

EDM Contributor.

Hey Everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself to all of our readers out there. My name is Lissa Liqher  and I have recently had the honor of being asked to be the voice on this blog for the ever amazing, and growing EDM and rave scene here in good old Calgary :)

I will try to post as much on here about upcoming local shows and acts that I can, as well as highlighting a special artist (hopefully on a weekly basis) that has contributed to the scene or is on the rise.

Look out for out first interview with the one and only Dustin Wolfe (TL1) and his event Bass City Beat Downs' Second Anniversary show coming up at Broken City.

Until then, for those of you in town for tonight and are looking for something to sink your teeth into I highly suggest FWD:SOUND COLLECTIVS OUTLOOK  FESTIVAL launch party taking place at Dickens Pub. Featuring the likes of some of our own home grown talent opening for one of Dispatch Records own, flying in the all the way from the UK for one of ONLY 3 launch parties happening in North America. See you all there :)

Sysko's Band of the WEEK!! Dead Pretty

Dead Pretty !!
Former members of the great Black Pheonix Orchestra have come together to make
what they consider "Shoegaze/Psychadelic/Melodic /Rock and Roll . Very sure to make it big very soon so please check out their page for upcoming shows and many other cool stuff from Dead Pretty !!
https://www.facebook.com/Deadprettyofficial

Band Of The Week - The Gypsy Bears

Hey Kids!

So for my first post up on the blog here, I will be putting up the Band of the week. This week, and my first, I figured I would feature a long running, but sorely understated punk/pop/alt/rock band call The Gypsy Bears.

These guys have been rocking it up for over a decade now. Formed back in 2001 by Samson Nand and Jake Broten, the band would be called "Dr. Rockstar and The Gypsy Bears" later going in a direction that would hold them strictly to "The Gypsy Bears". They came out the gates with a slight electro sound that would eventually evolve and a stage performance that made mainstay bands look bored with life. To watch them, you'd almost think that they were doing it strictly as a performance art that had little to do with performing music. Granted, having seen them for the first time around 2006, I didn't hear a note.

I only stood in amazement with the crowd and would be witness to a 200+ pound front man literally spinning in circles, with the bass player under his arm flailing away, never missing a note, singing a chorus while the guitarist jumped up and down in a manic fashion and would jump upwards of four or five feet from standing. I shit you not, I really wish I was. But, I am not shitting anyone here and can say with all honesty, I was not doing any form of drugs at the time.

The drum machine would play on in the background as they would find a way to throw themselves into more of a frenzy finding things to get more air off of, and more eye candy for the masses to consume. I wish I could remember that singers name, but it escapes me. If you read this, sorry dude. You were fucking amazing, though.

As time would pass they would have a couple of line up changes and additions, (A notable one being the addition of their first true drummer in Charlie "Fergie" McLean of Conniving Cadavers fame and currently with Ghost Factory) eventually recruiting one of Calgary's best kept secrets of drumming, Scott Parrell. This would open the doors to the Gypsy bears we know and love today.

The music is very high energy and reminds us of what 90's skate/pop punk had to offer. With no topic they won't touch base on, you can hear the work and thought they have put into the individual songs. As you watch their set go from Johnny Frost to a cover of Bad Brains P.M.A., you can see as each of the member brings their own piece to the puzzle. It is an interesting dynamic that most bands cannot pull off, but the Bears  have managed to find their own way of doing it, and doing it well.

Songs laced with unique and deep bass riffs, fast guitar riffs that go everywhere and more being held together with some of the most original drumming to be seen these days, they have  brought back positive, fun punk rock music in the only way the Bears can. Technical, fast and on time, everytime. The stage show, though tamed down now, you can still see them rock out harder than most anyone else and you'll seldom ever hear them miss a beat. Even if they did, you wouldn't notice. They would't let you stop having a good time to do so.

So, with that being said, I am slightly excited and need some alone time and a beer. I've always been happy to find the shows they are playing which is funny as it is not the kind of music I would normally find myself rocking the fuck out to. But alas, here I am, gushing like a pre-teen bed wetter in line for the new Twilight crud 'n stuff movie. You like your punk fast? How about technical? How about painfully high energy? Do you got that PMA?

If you answered yes to any of these, check them out. you will not regret it.

Go like their facebook.

Cheers all and until next time,

Davey

Age setting BS gone!! funky colored links-Gig posters!!

I finally got ride of that annoying warning before going on to the blog! also I made the links funky colors so that they are not all grey and shitty like before and easier to see!!


GIG POSTERS!!!!!

Helping the scene - Recruiting more contributors!!!

For a long time I have been thinking of ways to try and unite the different groups in Calgary that make up the music and arts scene. Although normally it comes from differences and preferences in Genres there are some people out there that like just about all music because It is good.. I'm hoping to get more of those people outside of the music scene involved .. So if you know of anyone that should get into the music scene or would come out to shows Get them too!! or maybe just get them to check out this blog because Its going to get more interesting very soon because I'm not going to be the only one writing on here. I have others from different sides of the scene and different experiences to give people a better - wider view of Our Scene.
Also if you know of anyone that might want to contribute and help get the music and arts scene out to more people please let me know - ourscenecalgary@gmail.com or look me up on FB- Brad Sysko Kidd

Tons to do this weekend!!

Tonight!!

Mandy Stobo is a local artist best known for her work on Bad portraits!
she is having a solo show tonight at 5 at Axis contemporary Art.
https://www.facebook.com/events/488296171225112/

MGMT is in town playing Mac hall!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/342093199236317/?suggestsessionid=15c63eca133d5c19e729b671becc6146

Night of the Living Dead! playing at the Pumphouse theatre!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/351578941626594/?suggestsessionid=598d22e7f5573fa9ea9566822a658bd6

3 days of Dissent may 10th is at Dickens w/ Throne of Vengeance / Bloated Pig / Class Action(Ska) / Million Dollar Fix and the Shotgun Dolls .https://www.facebook.com/events/634996273184181/

Saturday!!

Guardians Of Power / Mongol and Loremaster !!
https://www.facebook.com/events/146614432178013/

MAY MELT!!
Sunalta community center!
Stolen Organ Family Band
Robot Workers
Groon
All Hands On Jane
Freak Motif
Dead Pretty
Silver Moss
Elise Hall Meyer
Dangerfloyd
Deadlight Messenger
Rob Roy and the Sultans
https://www.facebook.com/events/153337284833476/

Billapalooza!!
The Blind Beggar!
Big Bill Laplante's Birthday and rock megashow!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/418021431626398/

DEATH tribute @Verns with a ton of bands!!
Free Show!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/244784392334028/

Stiletto @Overtime Bar https://www.facebook.com/events/151202278394693/?suggestsessionid=358519ba8d9d30418eec6d003bb42cc0

New member!!

Lissa is going to be helping with the EDM scene!!!

New contributor and Band of the week!!!

We have a new Blogger!! So keep an eye out for Davey!! he will have a whole bunch of interesting things to contribute!!

Band of the week!!
have to get better at picking days for when I plan to have certain stuff .. until I
figure that out It may be a bit sparatic haha

This Week!! THRASHADACTYL!

Thrashadactyl is a Thrash Metal band formed in 2012
Defiantly not unknown but after only playing one show they are gaining
a bunch of notice. I first met these guys at a Shrapnal show and cant wait to get them to come and play a show with us!!https://www.facebook.com/pages/Thrashadactyl/236587286481889

This Fridays shows!!!

So this week im going to post the weekends show list on Thursday!!  to give you more time to read what to do and make your plans.

SMGM Guitar giveaway show at the New Black Center is on Friday with Forever Plus a Day and Uncommon Figures!https://www.facebook.com/events/367559763363473/?suggestsessionid=d4ad9eb337e56343572426c9d3909af7

Also Eve Hell and the Razors are playing the NewD!   https://www.facebook.com/events/178186055669287/?suggestsessionid=5000fc4f4f1738974c8639787093fb71

Formerly Black Pheonix Orchestra - Dead Pretty is going to be playing at the Dog and Duck!https://www.facebook.com/events/278357942298610/

The Boarder Crossing is taking on Mr. Furious!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/242414315900556/?ref=2

And once again I will let you know that at Lord Nelsons is going to be the Thrash or be Thrashed show!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/101020640088635/

Have a good weekend!!!!

Band Of The Week 2

Band of the Week!

This week My band of the week is Chairface!

Local Calgary Alternative rock band with what I'm sure is a long future ahead
of them in the music biz, Currently they are waiting to find out if they won the x92.9 Exposure contest!! I hope they do! its $25.000 :P
So head over to their facebook page and give them some likes and check out some of their tunes!!!
https://www.facebook.com/chairfaceband?fref=ts