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CARMEN The setting is El Paso, Texas, where Don Jose, a U.S. Customs and Immigration enforcer, is seduced by the eponymous heroine of Bizet’s Carmen. Drug running, bull riding and the simmering jealousy of a jilted lover quickly turns things around in this updated version of the classic opera. Join the cast and crew of Mercury Opera as they move the setting between two (count ’em, two!) venues, the Commodore Restaurant and Chez Pierre, in one evening of passion of revenge.
When: Until Aug. 15.
All performances at 7 p.m.; no shows Sunday to Tuesday
Where: Commodore Restaurant, 10712 Jasper Ave. (Part 1);
Chez Pierre Cabaret,
10040 105 St. (Part 2)
Admission: $55, adults;
$45, students and seniors, available in advance from Tix on the Square
Info: tixonthesquare.ca FOLK FEST The regrets are starting to pile on now for some Edmontonians. You can tell by the number of Facebook posts asking someone, anyone, to sell them single-day tickets to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this weekend. By the time this column reaches print it’s quite likely that this is the only way you’ll score entry to the music fest, which will be celebrating its 40th year as a going concern this weekend. If you lucked out, prepare for headline sets by the likes of Hozier, Brandi Carlile and Blue Rodeo.
When: Thursday to Sunday
Where: Gallagher Park
Admission: $33 and up for single day tickets; Thursday and Saturday already sold out. Available in advance from the Folk Fest website
Info: edmontonfolkfest.org CHERSEA You might have seen her opening for the likes of Brian Wilson, Moby and Rich Aucoin at some much larger venues, but for her Edmonton concert Vancouver-based electro-pop artist Chersea is going for something more intimate. She’ll be bringing her years-in-the-making sophomore album In Limbo to The Aviary, along with fellow West Coast indie-poppers Royal Oak. Opening are The Den.
When: Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Aviary, 9314 111 Ave.
Admission: $9 to $12, available at the door or in advance from Yeglive
Info: yeglive.ca CARIWEST The Folk Fest may be celebrating its 40th year as one of the most popular summer festivals in Edmonton, but Cariwest is not far behind. The three-day celebration of all things Caribbean is setting up at Capital Plaza with food, arts and crafts, a rum garden, music, dance and more. Can’t forget the traditional Saturday afternoon parade through the streets of Jasper Avenue as well; check the website for more info.
When: Friday to Sunday
Where: Capital Plaza,
9820 107 St.
Admission: Free to ticketed
Info: cariwest.ca RIVERFEST You see that strip of blue just below you as you head over the High Level Bridge? We call that a river and more Edmontonians should really get around to taking advantage of it. The EPCOR Riverfest was put together for just that reason as the River Valley Alliance and everyone’s favourite utility company have joined forces for a day of river rafting and family activities on the shore. Check the website for boat rentals and info on activities.
When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Where: Start at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, 13221 Buena Vista Rd. NW Admission: Free; raft rentals are $15 to $20
Info: epcorriverfest.ca CHEAP TRICK Let’s be honest here; we really miss Bun E. Carlos. That being said, any time the three remaining original members of Cheap Trick show up in town is a cause for celebration, even without their sartorially splendid drummer, who was replaced a few years back by Daxx Nielsen. It’s recommended that you prep for this show by finding and listening to Steve Albini’s 1998 re-recording of their classic In Color album.
When: Saturday at 9 p.m.
Where: River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac, Enoch
Admission: $86 and up, available in advance from Ticketmaster
Info: ticketmaster.ca AIR SHOW Sure you’ve probably been to a standard-issue air show to see the Fokkers and Sopwith Camels, but have you ever watched as tiny little planes of all types buzzed through the skies? Rectify that mistake this Saturday as the Edmonton Radio Control Society presents its annual air show at Bremner Field. Check out jets, racers, aerobatics and more with a few surprises as well. Concessions will be on site.
When: Saturday at 10 a.m.
Where: Bremner Field, north of Legends Golf Course, on TWP RD 540
Admission: $5 per car load
Info: ercs.ab.ca VARIETY SHOW It hasn’t been around long, but the Spotlight Cabaret has certainly kept busy with shows and events over the last few months. It has been having particular fun with its Saturday evening variety show, giving the stage over to an eclectic assortment of burlesque dancers, acrobats, comedians, magicians, musicians and more. Check out their website for more info.
When: Saturday at 8 p.m.
Where: Spotlight Cabaret,
8217 104 St.
Admission: $15
Info: spotlightcabaret.ca BLOCK PARTY John Walter may not be around anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate his 170th birthday. The Orkney-born businessman made his mark on early Edmonton, including providing the river valley home that now stands as a museum to Walterdale life in the late 19th century. This Sunday’s birthday celebration will include cake, music, games and all sorts of historical activities for the entire family.
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: John Walter Museum, 9180 Walterdale Hill
Admission: Free
Info: facebook.com LONESOME TOWN PAINTERS They’re a nicely dressed foursome, those Lonesome Town Painters, but it’s not for the stylish clothes that you should see the Vancouver-based bluegrass band. You should check them out because they’re a talented ensemble, equally adept at gospel as they are at traditional tunes, and excellent players to boot. Make sure to get there early for chili and blueberry pie and stay after for the jam session to follow.
When: Wednesday at 7:15 p.m.
Where: Pleasantview Community Hall, 10860 57 Ave.
Admission: $20 to $25, available at the door or in advance from Bluegrass North
Info: bluegrassnorth.com Ten to Do is compiled and written by Tom Murray. If you are co-ordinating an event you want featured here, email the information to arts@edmontonjournal.com.