There are some really cool events happening this week.

If you missed Amy Bronson’s debut gig back home at Henotic last week, don’t miss her at the Slice on June 18. She  has a quirky lyrics and musical chops to die for.

As well,  there are a few fantastic jazz shows happening this week. Herb Hicks is playing the Mocha Cabana this weekend and Dave Renter has a couple of shows in Lethbridge, which are affiliated with the Medicine Hat Jazz Festival. He will be debuting the Contemporary Works Jazz Orchestra, June 19 at the Slice and will be playing the next day with the Dave Renter Quartet where he will be opening for Montreal saxophonist Joel Miller’s quartet.

On the other hand, if you like rap music, DJ Booda  is bringing back Choclair, who will be performing at Henotic with JD Era and Mike Moves as well as an MC battle between L Rev and Urban Voyce.

And don’t forget the Sled Island Music Festival preview at Henotic where several Lethbridge bands (Endangered Ape, the Myelin Sheaths, the Square Waves, the New Danger Kids and the Moby Dicks) will be giving a preview of their Sled Island Music Festival performances, June 20 at Henotic.

The Duke of Wellington on the west side has long been a favourite hangout for university students, so they are going to give live music a try on Wednesday (June 17) where several prominent  musicians will be playing acoustic sets. Look for Aaron Trozzo and Jeff Orriss of Lustre Creame as well as Tyson Wiebe of Planet Telex in addition to Bethany Swanson.

Blues at the Bow begins their season with Russian bluesman Arsen Shomakhov on June 20. And if your daddy is a punk, take him to  see revamped  Canadian punks SNFU at playing Bully’s Entertainment Centre for Father’s Day, June 21. Tickets cost $15 and are available through Amp All Productions (403) 327-7362.

Last, but not least, don’t forget  open mics this week. Planet Telex is hosting Tuesday’s open mic at the Slice as well, there is an open mic  along with the Most Vocal Poets’ Dwayne Morgan at Henotic the next day.

—Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor

May 28 was all right for violins. Murray Nelson and Ed Dietrich’s May 28 show at the Slice, which featured Dietrich on violin, with guitarist Murray Nelson and numerous guests including his son, was a blast .

Nelson was a tasteful addition to Dietrich’s fantastic fiddle playing which is the subject of a DVD/Blu Ray disc which was being filmed of the show. The musicians covered everything from jazz to country music. In several places, Dietrich was even making his hand - crafted fiddle sound like an entire horn section. His son joined him on stage for an impressive song.

Dietrich and Okotoks fiddler Andrew Dexter also traded impressive licks for an entertaining set. Then Dietrich accompanied Shaela Miller, who was backed by drummer Brad Brouwer, stand up bassist Tyler Bird for a heart-wrenching set including Patsy Cline’ “She’s Got You” and the Shirelles, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, Loretta Lynn’s “Sucess” and some of her own songs.

Dietrich’s horn-sounding fiddle really enhanced Miller’s sultry voice. Check out Shaela’s June 6 show at the Front Row pub with Treeline and the Record Holder. While she may not be singing gorgeous jazz, she is sure to put on an entertaining show.

Dexter, Dietrich, Nelson, Bird and Brouwer wound up the night with a jam featuring “Orange Blossom Special,” and instrumental versions of “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Yakity Yak.”