Fit for a King
Supporting last year’s Lonely God album, metalcore band Fit for a King brings its tour to Calgary. The new album dives into politics, religion, and raw emotion, earning praise as one of their most consistent and intense releases yet. With Invent Animate, Ten56, and Acres opening the show, this one will hit hard. May 6, 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.
Joyce Manor
If you’re leaning softer this month, California pop-punk favourites Joyce Manor return to Calgary with their sweet, careless energy. Their latest album, I Used to Go to This Bar, is about to make them a generational act, in our humble opinion. Arrive early and catch Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage, and Combat. May 8, 6 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.
Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine Reloaded
Celebrate 50 years of Rock & Roll Machine with triumph, joined by April Wine. Rik Emmett, Mike Levine, and Gil Moore reunite for their first major tour in three decades. Rock out with the classic 70’s hits, and consider taking your parents out for a night on the town. May 8, 8 p.m. at Scotiabank Saddledome, scotiabanksaddledome.com.
Blue Moon Marquee
Smoky blues, vintage swing, irresistible grooves; Blue Moon Marquee channels the spirit of a classic swing-era dance hall, the kind where you don’t sit still for long. This Juno Award-winning duo blends blues with Indigenous soul, a combination you have to hear to believe. May 9, 7:30 p.m. at Studio Bell, studiobell.ca.
Supertramp: Breakfast in America
Another wave of nostalgia, this time with Breakfast in America, the album that topped charts on both sides of the border. No, the actual Supertramp won’t be there, but Classic Albums Live artists will transport you back in time when Breakfast in America ruled the charts, note by intricate note. May 14, 7:30 p.m. at Jack Singer Concert Hall, werklundcentre.ca.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
This month belongs to Star Wars fans, well beyond May the Fourth. Calgary Phil marks the occasion with Return of the Jedi in concert, with John Williams’ score performed live alongside the film. Will they play “Lapti Nek” or “Jedi Rocks?” You won’t know unless you go. May 15, 7:30 p.m, and May 16 at 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. at Jubilee Auditorium, calgaryphil.com.
Danny Brown
Detroit rapper Danny Brown brings his high-energy live show to Calgary, mixing experimental production with raw storytelling about poverty and addiction. Critics love his mixture of paranoia, survival anthems, and punchlines … and so will you. May 16, 8 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, thepalacetheatre.ca.
Arkells
Ontario’s Arkells arrive with their Between Us City Takeover, a multi-night run across Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. This tour features intimate, multi-night stands to connect with fans. But whether it’s a stadium or a small room, they’ll make your night cozy, with their simple but oddly charming indie rock songs. May 19, 7 p.m. at Palomino, May 20, 7 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Calgary No. 1, and May 21, 7 p.m. at The Palace Theatre.
Rumours — The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show
You must have noticed how many tributes to legends there are this season, and honestly, who doesn’t want to relive the ‘70s? Rumours revisits Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic album, recreating the sound, the relationship drama, and the rock magic for one night. May 23, 8 p.m. at Grey Eagle Event Centre, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.
The Fray — Summer of Light Tour
After a decade-long pause, The Fray returns with A Light That Waits, released this March. Nearly 20 years after How to Save a Life, they lean into a more cinematic, emotionally direct indie sound. The show is joined by The Strumbellas, adding a brighter counterpoint to the lineup. May 24, 7 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, machallconcerts.com.
Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell: The Untold Love Story
This one is a show built around the brief but legendary romance between two Canadian icons. Although it didn’t last long, their torrid love affair left behind songs that are still celebrated today, like “Hallelujah”, “Both Sides Now”, “Big Yellow Taxi”, and more. May 31, 7.30 p.m. at Jubilee Auditorium, jubileeauditorium.com.
Hans Graf Returns: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Reddiscover A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as the orchestra and music director laureate, Hans Graf, performs Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic score for Shakespeare’s play. Pianist Sophia Liu also joins the Orchestra for Chopin’s beautiful Second Piano Concerto. June 5 to 6, 7.30 p.m. at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, calgaryphil.com.
