FALL IS FOR CONCERTS
Packed musical schedule promises to liven up the cooler months
With the outdoor festival season in the rear-view mirror, Calgary music fans still have plenty to look forward to thanks to a packed fall concert calendar.
Since many tours were postponed earlier in the year due to COVID-19, the already bustling fall season is even busier because of rescheduled shows.
From jazz to country, indie pop to roots rock, concertgoers are spoiled for choice. Here are a few of the gigs worth checking out this fall:
The Mavericks with Los Lobos at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Oct. 13
They hail from opposite coasts, but veteran groups The Mavericks and Los Lobos share a talent for blending the rhythmic sounds of Tex-mex with roots rock and country. Formed in Miami in 1989, The Mavericks lean more toward the country side of things with such fan favourites as All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down and There Goes My Heart.
Los Lobos, on the other hand, take their cues from blues, R&B and Latin rock. Led by vocalist and guitarist David Hidalgo, the band came out of East L.A. almost 50 years ago. They've released more than 20 albums, including their latest, Native Sons, which pays tribute to some of their favourite artists who have called Los Angeles home.
The Mavericks' Raul Malo once sang about wanting to dance the night away, and both bands are sure to have you on your feet.
If you can't make it to this double-bill, Los Lobos will also be playing the Thorncliffe Community Hall on Oct. 7.
The Joey Alexander Trio at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Oct. 13
The definition of a child prodigy, Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander taught himself how to play music when he was six years old. Three years later, he was winning major international awards, including the Grand Prix at Master Jam, an international contest of improvisational jazz skills.
He's been praised by such jazz greats as Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis, the latter of whom invited Alexander to play the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Centre in New York City.
Now 19, the three-time Grammy Award nominee recently released Origin, his sixth album and first to feature all-original compositions. He continues to impress audiences around the world with his breathtaking piano skills.
Daniel Romano's Outfit with Carson Mchone at The Commonwealth Stage, Oct. 21
Since 2020, Daniel Romano has released a dozen albums either as a solo artist or with his group Daniel Romano's Outfit.
The prolific songwriter from Welland, Ont., indulges his psychedelic rock tendencies with the group and their live shows are often raucous affairs, filling venues with layers of loud guitar and propulsive rhythms.
Joining the band on tour is Daniel's wife, the very talented Austin singer and songwriter Carson Mchone.
Arkells at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Oct. 28
From playing college parties and small venues (including the basement bar of the old Warehouse nightclub in Calgary 's Beltline district) to headlining arenas across Canada, Hamilton pop-rock band Arkells have gone from strength to strength since forming 16 years ago.
While the Juno Award-winning group's big hooks and singalong choruses have made them radio darlings in Canada, their wildly energetic, fun and inclusive live shows continue to win over enthusiastic new fans.
Feeling down? An Arkells show will lift your spirits.
Lucy Dacus, Hayley Heynderickx at the Palace Theatre, Nov. 5
Her songwriting has been described as confessional and compared to the storytelling style of Bruce Springsteen.
Indeed, Richmond, Va., indie pop singer Lucy Dacus's latest album, Home Video, draws upon her teenage memories and childhood journals. Clever and candid lyrics about the flush of first love and inevitable disappointment, complemented by catchy melodies and her melancholic yet commanding vocals, have landed Dacus critical accolades and a growing fan base.
Her shows are known to be intimate and compelling, and this time around she's bringing an equally talented singer and songwriter with her — Haley Heynderickx. Haley charmed audiences at the Calgary Folk Music Festival this summer with her unique take on indie folk.
Blackie & the Rodeo Kings at the Bella Concert Hall, Nov. 5
There are few Canadian bands with the career stamina and superb songwriting skills of Blackie & the Rodeo Kings.
Acclaimed musicians Tom Wilson, Stephen Fearing and Colin Linden co-founded the group in 1996. COVID-19 put a damper on their plans to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a cross-country tour, but they ventured into performing again with a handful of festival shows this summer.
Armed with a new album, O Glory, Blackie & the Rodeo Kings will make up for that postponed tour with even more expertly crafted songs rooted in blues and folk, with a hefty dollop of straight-ahead rock 'n' roll.
Bryan Adams at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Nov. 9
Canadian superstar Bryan Adams is on the road in support of his 15th studio album, So Happy It Hurts. He'll want concertgoers to hear tracks from that album, of course, but no doubt he'll pull out many of the hits that made him an internationally renowned name.
Adams may have outgrown his 1980s-style Canadian tuxedo, but no one's stopping you from donning the double denim and pumping your fist to Summer of '69 or Run to You.