The Lark Ascending
Naomi Woo conducts English composer Ruth Gipps’s brassy Second Symphony, complemented by Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending, performed by violinist (and this year’s MacLachlan/Ridge Emerging Artist) Anna Stube. April 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Jack Singer, 225 8 Avenue S.E., calgaryphil.com.
ZUEZEU
Hawaiian artist ZUEZEU is an emerging techhouse producer known for infectious live energy and irresistible grooves. If you RSVP online ahead of time, this show is free before 10:30! April 5, 9 p.m. at the Back Alley, 4630 Macleod Trail S.W., backalleycalgary.com.
Bluebeard’s Castle / Gianni Schicchi
Two operas for the price of one! Catch Béla Bartók’s psyche-drama Bluebeard’s Castle, followed by Giacomo Puccini’s comedic Gianni Schicchi each night of this run. Each show is one act, so don’t worry, you can stretch your legs in between. April 5, 9, and 11 at the Jubilee, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgaryopera.com.
Pussy Riot: Riot Days
The Russian punk rock/protest/multimedia experiment returns to Calgary, this time exploring Maria Alekhina’s second book about her journey after her release from a Russian prison. Expect music, projections, spoken word, and a message more timely than ever. April 10, 7 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca.
Hollywood Undead w/ Tech N9ne, Set It Off, and Zero 9:36
Masked rap-rockers Hollywood Undead join forces with horrorcore rapper Tech N9ne (who landed The Rock on a verse a few years ago) to bring the heat to Calgary. April 12, 6:30 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, 402 Collegiate Blvd. N.W., machallconcerts.com.
Baker’s Dozen and Suite Jubilation
Start the night off with the swingin’ jazz standards of Chet Baker. Then, enjoy an original suite inspired by the music of Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis, and more. April 13, 7 p.m. at Bella Concert Hall, 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W., calgaryjazzorchestra.com.
Brett Young
The “Back To Basics” tour lands in Calgary, starring country’s biggest heartthrob at the moment. Find out why Young earned ASCAP’s Country Songwriter-Artist of the Year. April 14, 8 p.m. at Grey Eagle Event Centre, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.
Visions of Atlantis w/ Seraina Telli and Syryn
Embarking on a national tour to support their latest album Pirates II – Armada, Visions of Atlantis infuses their melodic take on heavy metal with pirate imagery and theming. Grab the grog, mateys. April 15, 7 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com.
Nelly w/ Ja Rule, Chingy, and St. Lunatics
Where the party at?! At the ‘Dome, clearly. From “Ride wit Me” to “Hot in Herre,” Nelly soundtracked the ‘00s for every millennial with a discbook and a Walkman. April 22, 7 p.m. at the Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise S.E., scotiabanksaddledome.com.
Arch Enemy w/ Fit for an Autopsy, Baest, and Thrown Into Exhile
Swedish death metal champions Arch Enemy just released their 12th studio album, Blood Dynasty. Don’t miss the chance to hear some of these new rippers live. April 23, 6:30 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, 402 Collegiate Blvd. N.W., machallconcerts.com.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert
John Williams’s music is iconic, and his work in the best Star Wars movie (yes, I said it) is some of his finest. Seeing a film with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying makes for an experience like no other. April 25 and 26 at the Jubilee, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgaryphil.com.
Death Gasp w/ Languid, Death Knell, Congealed Flesh, and Excarnation
Hardcore, crusty punk rock of both the local and international variety is on the menu for this gig. Show up early and buy merchandise from the touring bands; gas ain’t cheap! April 26, 8:30 p.m. at the Palomino, 109 7 Ave. S.W., thepalomino.ca.
International Jazz Days Festival
Originally a one-day event to celebrate the UNESCO International Jazz Day, JazzYYC has cultivated this festival into a multi-day shindig that lights up the Music Mile and venues across the city around the end of April. April 25 to 30, various venues, jazzyyc.com.
Martyn Joseph
“The Welsh Springsteen” is making his way to Canada with his percussive mixture of roots, folk rock, and soul, courtesy of Fish Creek Concerts. May 2, 7:30 p.m. at Southwood United Church, 10690 Elbow Dr. S.W., fishcreekconcerts.com.
Tony H w/ Work Party, Wax Theory, and Spencer Amadeus
Anthony Henderson (aka Tony H) is quickly gaining traction for his unique take on progressive tech house music. In fact, legendary DJ Kevin Knapp called him an “artist to watch” in 2021. May 3, 9 p.m. at Rated Ultra Lounge, 314 3 St. S.E., ratedultralounge.com.
