McHugh House now an all-ages hub for the community
A new community hub in Calgary’s growing Beltline neighbourhood could strengthen the city’s all-ages music scene.
On Monday, the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association launched the centre in the updated McHugh House — the city’s sixth-oldest home, built in 1896.
The heritage home, which was re-located in 2014, is at Humpy Hollow Park on the corner of Centre Street and 17 Ave. S.W.
The association’s first partnership is with community radio station CJSW 90.9 FM.
“We just see this as fitting two perfect puzzle pieces together,” said Peter Oliver, president of the association. He said the station’s ties to the arts community and high quality equipment makes for an ideal relationship.
CJSW was able to obtain a firstrate Community Gear Loan PA System built by audio equipment supplier PK Sound after a successful 2016 funding drive.
The gear and the space are two integral components in pushing for a resurgence of the all-ages music scene, said Kendra Scanlon, community development coordinator at CJSW.
“We look forward to developing innovative, inclusionary programming that welcomes people no matter their age,” she said.
The scene has struggled after several venues closed in the past decade, including Comrad Sound, The Dollhouse and the popular New Black in 2013.
Only a few venues offer constant all-age shows, such as Tubby Dog or the National Music Centre.
“We think that the youth are an integral part to the CJSW community, but also to the creative community in Calgary as a whole,” said Scanlon. “Instead of just radio, we’re becoming a cultural institution of sorts.”
She said CJSW is looking to hold one youth music event per month, but hopes to expand and get people involved at young ages so they can have a productive role in the scene.
Youth will be able to program events on a first come first serve basis, according to Scanlon.
Participants can plan any event that relates to the arts community, such as concerts, art shows or cultural events.
Scanlon said CJSW looks to make it accessible to youth by breaking down barriers such as price or obtaining a liquor licence.
The foyer and lawn of McHugh House makes for an intimate music venue, but the three-storey, sevenroom house will also be home to other community partners.
Coun. Evan Woolley said other potential partnerships could be with Sled Island, BeatRoute, Beakerhead, Calgary Arts Development and others.
“This is huge for us because the Beltline hasn’t has a community space for years and years now, so we have that at its core and we can build a lot of cool things out of here and give residents and outlets a place to work,” said Woolley.
“It’s about making our neighbourhood the best it can be and that takes people working together,” said Woolley.
The venue opens to the public during the McHugh House launch party on Neighbour Day, June 17.