Tag Archives: Calgary Pride

Meet Lois in Lois Szabo Commons!

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Kevin Allen | Leave a comment

On Monday, July 29th at 7:00 pm, step into history with Lois Szabo, a 2SLGBTQ+ community builder, as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Kevin Allen of the Calgary Gay History Project. Please join us at Lois Szabo Commons: 936 16 Avenue SW and enjoy complimentary pizza and soda, sponsored by Calgary Pride. Bring a folding chair if you have one.

In 2021, the City of Calgary unveiled Lois Szabo Commons, a park in the Beltline, as a testament to Lois’ instrumental role in the creation and development of the groundbreaking gay bar, Club Carousel, in 1970.

*Lois with politicians, friends and family at the Park’s dedication ceremony. Photo: Marlene Hielema.*

This free event is part of Historic Calgary Week 2024. There are 88 events to take in during the fascinating 11-day history festival. The theme this year, Community Builders, will focus on the people and organizations that have made Calgary and surrounding area a desirable and vibrant place to live.

Bonus queer history event on the same day, July 29, at the Central Library:

3:30 – 4:30 pm — Generations United: Connecting Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Community

Join Historian in Residence, Tess McNaughton, in an exploration of Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history. In this presentation, Tess will share their research so far and explore queer stories of Calgary, proving that resilience and strength are timeless qualities. From overcoming adversity to celebrating triumphs, dive into the diverse history of this city. Through this presentation, you will gain insight and respect for the vibrant queer community members who have called Calgary home.

{KA}

June Pride Month Highlights

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Kevin Allen | Leave a comment

Happy Pride Month, Calgary! If you want to learn why we celebrate Pride twice—in June and on the Labour Day Weekend, read this!

Many queer organizations are hosting events this month—check out Calgary Pride’s community calendar to find one to attend. We want to highlight some impactful events you should consider.

Thursday, June 13th: Chinook Fund Cabaret from 6-9 PM

The successful Chinook Fund is hosting its second fundraising cabaret. The evening will include drag, male burlesque, singing, and dance performances.

Every year, the Chinook Fund donates more than $50,000 (and growing) to local queer community organizations.

Sunday, June 23rd: Jane Perry Commemorative Concert, 3 PM

Earlier this year, we lost the inspiring and talented queer choir director Jane Perry to cancer—far too young. The Calgary Gay History Project worked with Jane on creative history/choral pairings that were wonderfully memorable.

*One Voice Chorus’ Club Carousel Cabaret in 2015. Gavin Caldwell (Piano), Kevin Allen (Historian), Lois Szabo (Club Founder), and Jane Perry (Former Artistic Director, One Voice Chorus).*

“You are invited to a commemorative concert, celebrating the musical spirit of Jane Perry. The Calgary Unitarians are proud to present this collaborative tribute to her legacy, with the ensembles she directed and helped build, and many special guest performers she worked with and shared musical connection. We’ll have music inspired by Jane’s joy, her musical taste, her world-class skill, and her kindness. Featuring the wonderful Melissa Ko on piano and Tonia Bates, emcee. Participating are One Voice Chorus, the Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players, UUphonia, and many more. We are happy to lift our voices in song together in two mass choir sing-along pieces.”

The concert is at Temple B’nai Tikvah (900 – 47 Ave SW). Tickets are $25 general, $20 student/senior, free under age 14, and a pay-what-you-can option at the door. Reception to follow the performance.

June 27-30: The 26th annual Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival

“Attention film buffs, arts fans, and creative kin across the Treaty 7 area: Early Bird tickets for the 26th annual Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival are available now! Discover 33 short films, 15 artists, 10 makers, 7 feature films and 2 DJs spanning all genres, media and runtimes at the storied Grand.

Come together and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ lived experiences and narratives YOUR WAY! For the first time, discover a makers’ market and arts exhibition, featuring over a dozen of the finest creative talents from all disciplines and mediums.”

{KA}

A Spire on Fire!

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Kevin Allen | 1 comment

Here is a shout-out to Keith Murray and Springboard Performance, who are infusing the storied Knox United Church in downtown Calgary with queer art and history. Tonight and tomorrow contain two evenings of cabaret performance called A Spire on Fire!

*Cabaret of the Holy Other | A Spire on Fire | Act 1*

Keith told us there will be “Eight new works performed by artists exploring faith, humanity, belonging, beingness and becoming. For two nights only, through the disciplines of drag, clown and circus arts, spoken word, video installation, song, dance and movement, we’re transforming a downtown cathedral into a site of creative transgression, transcendent expression, and… liberation from oppression! Tickets are pay-what-you-can, and you can get them here.”

We’re also getting ready (and excited) to host Calgary Pride: A Catalyst for Social Change next Tuesday. There has been much interest, so reserve your free seat soon.

{KA}