A new book about Calgary is out, and Kevin is delighted to be part of it!
NOWTOWN: Re-Envisioning Calgary, published by Coach House Books, is a new anthology exploring the people, places, and stories that make Calgary the city it is today. Edited by Katie Lee, Brendan McCabe, and Andrew Wedderburn, the collection looks beyond the familiar skyline to the individuals and experiences that have shaped the city’s character.
The Calgary book launch takes place Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., upstairs at The Palomino Smokehouse, 109 7 Avenue SW.
The festivities continue downstairs at 8 p.m. with a ticketed live show featuring local Calgary bands, curated by Arif Ansari and Dan Northfield. Books, conversation, and music — a great combination for celebrating Calgary!
Kevin’s contribution, “Lois Szabo’s Stamp on Calgary,” has a particularly personal history.
The essay was adapted from a tribute speech Kevin delivered in honour of Lois’s 90th birthday this past March. A pioneering figure in Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, Lois left an enduring mark on the city through her courage, determination, and commitment to making Calgary braver.
For Kevin, adapting that birthday tribute into an essay was another opportunity to celebrate Lois’s extraordinary life and ensure her story reaches a wider audience.
One of the pleasures in reading NOWTOWN is the wonderful variety of voices and perspectives gathered between its covers. The essays offer an engaging mix of personal reflections, historical insights, cultural observations, and fresh ways of looking at our constantly evolving city.
If you’re in the city on November 21, the launch promises to be a festive celebration of the book and all things Calgary. Reserve your free spot: here.
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