Just because most of the live music community leaves Lethbridge for the South Country Fair in Fort Macleod this weekend and the two major live music venues, the Slice and Owl Acoustic Lounge, close for the fair, it doesn’t mean there is nothing to do in Lethbridge this week.
A big show kicks off the week for classic rock fans.
Classic rockers the Cult play the Enmax Centre, July 12 at 9 p.m.
They are sure to play all of their hits from the ’80s like “She Sells Sanctuary,” “Love Removal Machine,” “Edie” and “Fire Woman.” They have just released a new CD “Hidden City.” Tickets are $50.
Shakespeare in the Park opens their fifth season in Galt Gardens, Thursday July 14 and Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m.
This year they are performing tackling Shakespeare’ beloved tragedy “ Romeo and Juliet.”
The show runs in Galt Gardens, July 14,15,21,22,28,29 and Aug. 3-5,10-12. They are also performing a matinee at Casa, Aug 6 at 2 p.m. There is no cover, though donations will be taken.
If you like classical music, don’t miss the third annual Centric Music Festival, which features three big concerts at Casa, June. It will be the last in a while, so don’t miss it.
Concert 1, Zyklus, Friday, July 15 features an evening of German romantic music performed by Centric founder Jesse Plessis plus Theresa Thordarson and Martha Renner.
Concert 2, Saturday, July 16 is Queens of the Night — a classical cabaret of music from Mozart and Gershwin as well as classically adapted works of Queen and Rufus Wainwright performed by vocalist Heather Jean and Winnipeg’s Bison Duo ( clarinettist Chris Byman and Theresa Thordarson).
All concerts are at Casa at 8 p.m. Admission to each concert is $20 regular and $10 for students or a festival pass for $55 general. $25 students.
You can get in the mood for the Friday concert at the Mocha Cabana, which features Accordion Melodies at 6 p.m., July 16.
For something completely different than that, songwriter and rapper Everlast returns to Average Joes, July 16. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. Everlast had a hit with “What’s it Like” in the ’90s and has performed with La Coka Nostra and House of Pain.
Elsewhere in town, Claresholm country trio Night Time Sky, play Casino Lethbridge, July 15 and 16
If you are up for a road trip, all kinds of music is happening in Fort Macleod Fish and Games Park this weekend for the South Country Fair.
You don’t have to camp as most patrons do, you can commute if you’d like. Day passes are available. Friday night features a lot of familiar faces who have played Lethbridge a lot. Country/ roots singer Tim Hus is on the South stage at 8 p.m. and if you love talented ladies playing the blues, this is your night with Miss Quincy and the Showdown headlining as well as Montreal’s Cecile Doo Kingue performing. Fellow Montrealer Bumaranga will get your feet moving with their blend of afro-roots fusion rock.
Saturday night is the night to rock, with Edmonton cow-punk pioneers Jr. Gone Wild and Hamilton based swing punk godfather Big Rude Jake, who will combine jazz with swing, rockabilly and blues and a touch of punk, among the highlights.
There is great music happening all day long on Saturday, including country / roots musicians Ryland Moranz, Shaela Miller, Quique Escamilla and Carter Felker among the many highlights.
Sunday features folk trio the Fates and more roots with Boots and the Hoots and Billie Zizi performing.
