This playlist spotlights some artists from Calgary and surrounding areas. Like the city, you will find diversity of genres, styles and people.

Calgary has been a wonderful springboard for our software. We are keen to watch it grow and continue to spread to new regions of North America.

Looking forward to a prosperous 2023, and hopefully by the end of this year, we’ll be putting playlists together of artists from multiple regions. Happy listening!

Find it on Spotify and Apple Music

Artists featured:

• Alexanne
• Ava Wild
• Caitlin Goulet
• Carly Reirson
• Carolyn Harley
• Chase Morgan
• Dan Duguay
• Devin Cooper
• Duke Domino
• Elle McAndrews
• Emet
• Emily Slaney
• Emily Triggs
• Gisela Romero & Esteban Herrera
• Gukie
• Heather Blush
• Jay Bowcott
• Joal Kamps
• John Rutherford
• Jon Chavez
• Jon MacAulay
• Jordan Clermont
• Justine Giles
• Justine Vandergrift
• Kayla Williams
• Kenna Burima
• Marcus Trummer
• Matt Blais
• MEEKS
• Melody Stang
• Nancy Laberge
• Natalia Chai
• Natalie Inga
• Nicolette Erika
• Nolan Compton
• Ollee Owens
• Pluvelle
• Ruth Purves Smith
• Sidney May Weich
• Sonia Deleo
• Steve Jevne
• The Rondel Roberts Band
• Two Late to the Party
• Tyson Ray Borsboom
• Zenon

The post 2022 Calgary Artist Playlist appeared first on Stagehand.

We kicked it off working with Calgary Arts Development and their Chinook Blast Winter festival. There was music in the Core Shopping Centre, on C-Train platforms and scattered throughout Downtown Calgary.

We partnered with CMLC and the East Village to help them program Hygge Hutt in C-Square. Despite the winter challenges we managed to have artists performing from January to the end of March. CMLC also ran a music program during the summer at the East Village Headquarters. Every Saturday afternoon, there were musical artists to entertain the people strolling the river walk.

Stagehand worked with the Calgary Downtown Association to activate Lot 6 in the west end with music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, as well as along the Stephen Avenue Pedestrian Mall.

7th Avenue was alive with more than the C-Train for our Autumn Activations. There was live music at City Hall, the 6th Street train station, in the courtyard at Brookfield Place, as well as at South Bow Park.

One of our most exciting partnerships was with the City of Calgary. We brought forward the idea of activating Calgary’s downtown during weekday lunch hours by utilizing local musicians to fill office towers, food courts and the +15 walkway with music. “DowntownVibe” began Phase 1 in the spring. The City was encouraged by the results so we ran Phase 2 from September until the end of the year which included 153 performances, with 60 artists at 42 different locations! Property managers were happy to have easy access to the many talented musicians that inhabit our city. Tenants and the public surveyed were thrilled to have live music showing up in unexpected places as part of their day.

Stagehand began a relationship with the Calgary Public Library during the darkest days of the pandemic. They were keen to be a part of “The Music Mile” and so with our help, we connected the two organizations. Musicians began performing both inside and outside the Central Library. We continued working with them this year and expanded to the Memorial Park Library twice a week.

Our relationship with the Music Mile Society garnered us a national award from the Business/Arts organization. Stagehand founder Derek Manns and Music Mile President Rob Skeet flew to Toronto to accept the award. We received the Community Impact Award for partnering with Music Mile to use technology to help musicians earn money during the pandemic. We find ourselves in pretty good company bringing home this award; the previous winner was Netflix!

2022 was an eventful and busy year for Stagehand. We built solid new partnerships and strengthened existing ones. Data infrastructure may not be sexy (depends who you ask), but connecting artists and businesses certainly is.

We hope this art renaissance is here to stay. We plan to continue to create more opportunities for artists in both traditional and non traditional spaces while bringing culture to all walks of life.

By the numbers

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Pre-pandemic, Stagehand worked with the Calgary and Edmonton Airports to host over 3000 live performances in a single year.  A staggering number, the YYC VP at the time bragged that the airport had become the largest live music venue in the city!  The airports discovered that working with local musicians brings a glimpse of local culture, humanity and energy into a space that can be seen as stressful.

The goal of DowntownVibe is to bring more vitality back to a downtown core battered by the pandemic and a downturn in oil before that.  What better way to energize your day than to experience the talent of local and often little known artists.

Kudos to folks at the City like Thom Mahler, Jennifer Thompson and Ben Brackett for supporting this local initiative. Kudos to the property managers like Manulife, Morguard, Brookfield, Colliers and Aspen (and more joining every day) for embracing this opportunity. Kudos to the libraries for bringing music into their hushed spaces.

Find upcoming performances at downtownvibe.ca. Performances are welcome spaces: Drop in, stay for a song or a whole set.  As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, it’s an easy way to bring a little extra light and warmth into your day.

Stagehand is a Calgary-based tech company that connects artists with venues. If you are a property manager and would like to get involved, send a note to info@stagehand.app.  If you are an artist go to stagehand.app, set up a free profile and apply to be part of the action.

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In a recent blog, Chief Flaneuring Officer at Everyday Tourist, Richard White, mused about “crazy” ideas to make Calgary more interesting.  One of his big crazy ideas that caught our eye was to activate the +15 walkway in Calgary’s downtown core, essentially turning the walkways into an entertainment hub.

We love the idea, in fact last year, before the pandemic, Stagehand was asked by Calgary Arts Development to fulfill a request. The request had three requirements: music, downtown, and winter. Downtown and music is easy to solve, but generally music doesn’t happen in winter in Calgary, unless it’s inside. Our solution was to figure out how to bring music to downtown indoor public places and the most obvious location to start was the +15 walkway.

This turned out to be easier said than done. To have music in the spaces between the buildings known as the +15s, a lot of red tape needed to be unravelled. There was permitting, liability insurance, security issues and traffic flow considerations. We found out that it’s illegal for an artist to accept tips (busk) in the +15’s and we discovered that the last time the city had made any changes to the rules, Trudeau was Prime Minister, but his first name was Pierre.

In doing the work of trying to get music into the walkways, we learned that some initial research had been done by the city, and 8 locations were identified as potentially viable to have live music performances. The challenge for us was to line up all the property management companies with the City’s roads department (the department in charge of the +15’s). There were discrepancies as to whether $5 million or $2 million was needed and we learned that the insurance companies would earn almost as much as the artists (are that many people really going to trip on guitar cords?).  We were planning on collecting data via surveys from passers-by to see if they appreciated the initiative, tips would not be accepted, but an honorarium would have been paid. We were getting set to launch when along came the lockdown…

Richard White thinks it’s time for an update and we agree. With travel all but prohibited, we have all come to appreciate “local” and that includes local talent. In 2019, Stagehand worked with the Calgary Airport to help them host over 1600 performances by local musicians (here is another Blog by Richard about music at the airport). And make no mistake these are talented artists who regularly play local clubs like the Ironwood, and have also played in Nashville, recorded multiple albums and toured all over the world.  Many people told us that the experience of having a live musician at YYC changed the entire feel of the space and created a lasting first impression (“I thought I landed in Nashville”).  We could do the same in the +15! When the pandemic ends and people begin to head back downtown to their offices, we want to see artists dotting the +15’s, creating energy and excitement in those corridors. And if you happen to hear a talented local artist on your way to get a coffee and that provides the catalyst to tear yourself away from Netflix and head down to Music Mile on Friday night, even better!

New York City runs a program called Music Under New York that has 30 stages and over 300 partner musicians.  We can do something similar in the +15’s maybe we call it “Music Over Calgary”. It would bring artists a much needed revenue stream and inject some culture into the downtown core.  If Calgary wants to be a 4 season city, this is an innovative way to leverage some of the unique resources we have at our disposal.  Let’s get crazy, let’s do it!

P.S. If you are a company and would like to sponsor an initiative like this please get in touch (info@stagehand.app). We can help you get some visibility while putting money directly into the pockets of talented local artists.

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Apple Playlist – Spotify Playlist

Stagehand was a part of the inaugural Chinook Blast, a mid winter roundup designed to energize the downtown core and celebrate the local arts community. As with all things during a pandemic, it was not without its challenges! We began organizing our part in the festival last fall. We were asked to have artists performing on Stephen Ave, beside fire pits, from mid January until the end of February. Initially we called it “Bold & Cold Street Performances”.

Once it was decided that the festival was going to be delayed in starting and that drawing a crowd by singing outdoors wasn’t going to work, we briefly entertained having artists playing in store front windows along Stephen Ave but that too was kiboshed due to restrictions. We finally agreed upon was an online streaming initiative which was nearly pandemic proof!

We jumped on the online streaming idea early in the pandemic when we ran the “Clean Hands. Clear Heads, Open Hearts: Online Concert Series” in March, April and early May of 2020. Clean Hands, was a simple operation which involved dropping off an iPhone, external mic and tripod off at the homes of numerous Calgary artists who then performed for 45 minutes. It was at that time that we really got the tipping functionality of our platform working. Artists were paid an honorarium plus they made tips from the viewing public. It turned out to be a great success.

For the next version of  the online concert series, which we aptly named “Fatigue Fest”, we decided we wanted to include various live music venues who, like musicians, are struggling at this time. Live music was and is still not allowed in public spaces (except churches, but that’s another story). We asked selected venues if we could live stream from their stages during times when they were closed. All venues were enthusiastic and we enlisted The Ironwood Stage & Grill, The Blues Can, Mikey’s on 12th, Broken City and Asylum for Art.

For the artists we put out a call through Stagehand and received over 100 talented applicants. The festival ran from February 11th to February 27th and consisted of two or three 30 minute shows per day. We hosted 30 artists with a wide variety of genre’s including Country, R&B, Blues, Roots, Rock, Classical, Jazz, Electronica and more. Featured artists included: Justine Vandergrift, Brettyn Rose, Scarlett Butler, Sonia Deleo, Angela Wrigley, Hello Moth, Justine Giles, Jay Coda Walker, Devin Cooper, Eileen Kosasih, Mitch Belot, Taylr, Zenon, Two Late to the Party, Wyatt C. Louis, Erin Ross, Aaron Young, Howlin’ Pete, Rob Skeet, Mariya Stokes, Mike Watson, Michela Sheedy, Marcus Trummer, Jory Kinjo, Clinton St. John, Hayden McHugh, John Wort Hannam, Tim Williams, Gisela Romero and Tom Phillips.  The 30 minute format was perfect as it gives you a sense for the artist but it’s not fatiguing (haha).

Here is a playlist on Apple and Spotify with a sample of the artists that were part of the fun!

The post Fatigue Fest Playlist appeared first on Stagehand.

The time is right to make real and lasting change for the Arts. 

The Arts industry was facing some serious challenges long before COVID added to the malais.  Traditional arts institutions’ leadership position has eroded, funding is a perpetual challenge and what there is must be spread over more numerous and diverse recipients. On top of all that, global content providers like Netflix insidiously threaten to homogenize local arts and culture.

However when I step back from the daily challenges, I am optimistic about the future. 

Douglas McLennan, the founder and editor of the ArtsJournal talks about Restorationists vs. Opportunists in his blog post, Arts: Rebuild What? And Why? Post-pandemic, Restorationists want things to go back to how they were while Opportunists look at this as a chance for meaningful change.

It is easy to talk about effecting change, but what does that really mean? 

It may be helpful to look at what disruptive change has looked like in other industries. 

One of the biggest industry disruptions I have personally experienced is in hotel accommodation. We have visited New York City many times, and initially we would stay in hotels. Now we almost exclusively use Airbnb to stay in other people’s apartments. One of my most memorable stays was in a tiny apartment in Hell’s Kitchen. It may not have been as luxurious as some hotels, but it was a unique experience and it made me feel like a real “New Yorker”.  So how is it that an Airbnb host can suddenly compete with the multi-billion dollar hotel industry?  

Airbnb uses technology to empower its users. 

Through Airbnb, anyone with a room to rent has access to a marketplace of customers needing accommodation, and technology has made it easy for them to market their product, manage their bookings, and transact business with customers. The consistency and data that exists in the platform builds confidence for users
.      

Creating a culture of empowerment 

Let’s look at an example of how technology can be used to empower the Arts. In 2019, the Calgary International Airport (YYC) wanted to launch a music program, and not just a few performances during special occasions, they wanted live music to be part of the daily experience. From humble beginnings, the program grew to over 1,600 performances in the first year. Live music brought culture into the airport, it improved the overall experience for travellers and it provided new paid performance opportunities for artists. YYC was able to do this despite having no music industry expertise or budget to hire music bookers. 

YYC used Stagehand as the technology platform to gain access to a network of local artists and an intake process that allowed a selection committee at the Airport to collaborate on decision making.  Selected artists were treated like partners and asked to complete various onboarding requirements (like security) which enabled them to function independently. Next, artists were empowered to schedule their own performances which automated the time consuming tasks of booking, cancelling, and re-booking performances. The platform monitored the schedule, artists confirmed performances when complete and the airport made approvals so that automated payments could be processed.

What was perhaps most satisfying was to watch how YYC listened, learned, gained confidence, and innovated. Before long, one stage had grown to four, passengers were two-stepping to musicians playing on baggage carousels, and artists were jamming with visiting superstars. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and the best artists took it upon themselves to adapt to the environment and entertain or soothe passengers depending on what the moment called for.  In short, YYC had a new set of skills and tools that they were excited and empowered to use to improve their business.

What can we learn from this?

The key is to deploy technology in a way that removes barriers and empowers new participants in an industry. Artists represent a limitless inventory of skills that can activate any location but access to this talent is daunting unless you are already “in the business”.  Sadly, this industry often does not have the budget to pay middlemen or experts so this wealth of talent remains inaccessible to most. If there was easier access and greater confidence in this talent, think of what is possible at shopping malls, hospitals, seniors homes, public transit or office tower lobbies and public spaces.

I have been told that the old paradigm for the arts represented a “culture of control”, where various large and well established institutions were viewed and trusted as the leaders in arts and culture. The internet changed that by dismantling barriers and empowering a new generation which in turn sparked a proliferation of new and diverse work.  This boom in innovation is a blessing and a challenge for government and industry leaders who are doing their best to support the old and the new but lack the tools and data to deal with the complexity.

Digital infrastructure has a central role to play in enabling this new and diverse world of the arts. Infrastructure isn’t as sexy as being a front line presenter but done right it will aggregate and empower an industry that is rich in talent but short on opportunity.

Stagehand builds digital infrastructure that enables a “culture of empowerment” where new types of presenters can work with artists in new and innovative ways.

For more information or to get started using Stagehand, visit www.stagehand.app or contact info@stagehand.app.

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Sonia describes her younger self as a “shy extrovert.” She always loved music, but it took some coaxing to get her out of her shell and singing in front of an audience. Ultimately, her involvement in the church choir (as the youngest member) and musical theatre throughout junior high and high school is what helped her to find her voice.

Since then, Sonia has become an unstoppable force, pursuing her love of music and performing in many different settings such as Cornerstone Music Cafe, Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar, and the Ironwood Stage & Grill.

One setting Sonia never expected to perform was at the Calgary International Airport.

“I’d never seen music in airports or heard of such a thing, but when I heard about it, it was a hard yes for me immediately. I love the airport, I love people and I think the airport just has so many stories—there are so many reasons to fly somewhere!”

Sonia continues to write and release new music, many of her recent themes focused on finding hope in times of chaos, or in her words, “pointing your face towards the sun.” Her music reflects her optimism about the current challenges artists are facing. In some ways, Sonia says she is grateful for how the pandemic has strengthened the sense of community between local musicians.

“We all felt this same vulnerability and it feels like we all have to lean on each other a little bit and we have to be a community. I hope that I’m right and I hope that we don’t lose sight of it.”

Visit Sonia’s Stagehand profile to learn more about her.

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After returning from her travels to Europe and Africa, Sylvia started working at Cornerstone as a receptionist in 2004. At the time, Cornerstone was just a music studio but it soon evolved to become much more. 

Sylvia and her husband purchased Cornerstone Music Cafe in 2011—and she says she hasn’t been bored since! In addition to operating a music studio and running a cafe, Cornerstone Music Cafe regularly hosts live music performances. To date, Cornerstone has booked more than 250 events through Stagehand and hosted artists such as Amy Bishop, Carolyn Harley, Kate Stevens, Jory Kinjo, and Jay Semko.

Although the pandemic poses many challenges, Sylvia and her team at Cornerstone are finding ways to adapt and continue supporting the community. Inside the Cafe, visitors can purchase goods from local vendors and pick up takeout options from a food-to-go fridge. Music lessons are now offered in-person or online, and throughout the summer Cornerstone featured local musicians by hosting live music performances outside the Cafe.

Reflecting on how Cornerstone has adapted so far, Sylvia says she’s hopeful that the current situation will motivate people to seek out change.

“Change is really hard, but change can be good. I’m kind of excited to see what comes out of all of this—whether our communities get stronger and whether people recognize that they need to get out more and support the music community when we get through the initial part of this.”

View Cornerstone Music Cafe’s Stagehand profile to learn more about the venue.

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Coming from a musical family, Lisa grew up surrounded by sound. Her father, a professional musician, introduced Lisa to the bass guitar when she was just 10 years old, and by age 12, Lisa was playing her bass onstage with her family at the Calgary Blues Festival.

Almost inseparable from her electric bass guitar, Lisa continued to pursue her love of music. She regularly played music in school, directed shows in church, and later, performed in local bars.

While continuing to work as a session musician, Lisa earned her degree in music therapy. As a therapist, Lisa has had the opportunity to create music with people of varied abilities in many different settings including schools, hospitals, and even a maximum-security prison. Lisa says she is grateful for how this side of music balances her and keeps her grounded. 

“It keeps me connected to the real things that matter because in the music industry it’s very easy to lose sight of what really matters.”

Lisa has written, recorded, directed, and performed with a variety of artists, including Juno winner Paul Reddick, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Wide Mouth Mason, Suzie Vinnick, Amy Bishop, and Jann Arden. She was also in a bass-vocal duo band with Jocelyn Alice called Jocelyn & Lisa. The duo played a plethora of live shows, including a Christmas show in New York that featured their rendition of “O Holy Night,” which Lisa alleges is the greatest thing she’s created on bass.

Most recently, Lisa spent six months touring North America as the bassist of “We We Rock You”, a musical based on the British rock band, Queen. 

Although the creative community is facing tough times with the challenges posed by the pandemic, Lisa is optimistic about the future of Calgary’s local music scene. She is inspired by how the community is uniting in support of artists and local venues. 

“I’m excited because there are people here who care about music and care about the arts and are willing to work at it.”

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