Sled Island | News

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Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:12:02 -0400

New Website! Over here...

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:56:00 -0500

Come spend Thanksgiving Sunday at the Republik!

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:52:00 -0400

Sled Island Music and Arts Festival and The Republik Nightclub present Lightning Dust with Hard Drugs and Calgary’s own Reuben Bullock.

Lightning Dust and Hard Drugs are also celebrating a split seven inch together which they are releasing on October 4th on the Storyboard label. The release is limited to 550 copies pressed on white vinyl. Check it out: Exclaim!

After having just played the Calgary Folk Festival this summer, Lightning Dust returns to Calgary. The band is comprised of Amber Webber and Joshua Wells who have been playing together for many years as part of Black Mountain. They’ve toured the world and have played impenetrable space-rock to the unlikeliest of audiences. With an abundance of creative energy to spare, the two decided to start a separate project together, that they named Lightning Dust. Committing themselves to a more simplistic approach with Lightning Dust, Webber and Wells also decided to escape the comforts of their familiar instruments and writing styles. On their self-titled debut, minimal and spacious arrangements and a moody, theatrical vocal-style aptly expose the demons, creating songs that creep into your bones with a haunting chill.

Hard Drugs is a East-Vancouver based band made up of husband and wife duo Jeffrey and Jenni. Some describe Hard Drugs as an indie rock opera that trusts in spectacular songs rather than an elaborate stage production to tell a twisted love story that could only happen in Terminal City. They released a 13-song double LP showcasing an orchestral mix of roots, rock, punk, savvy percussion and heartbreaking harmonies conceived by Jeffry Lee and executed with help from a cache of his talented friends.

Lightning Dust & Hard Drugs w/ Reuben Bullock @ The Republik (18+ No Minors) on Sun Oct 9/11 Doors 8:30 PM For more information & to get advance tickets click here.

A Night of Intimate Magic! Jennifer Castle at Cantos

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:54:00 -0400

Sled Island and Cantos Music Foundation are pleased to co-present the return of Flemish Eye recording artist Jennifer Castle in Calgary on Saturday October 1 at Cantos (134 11th Ave SE).

Jennifer Castle is a Toronto-based singer songwriter rooted in her own enchanting folk tale. Check out this wonderful article on Jennifer Castle in FFWD Weekly and listen to the song “Powers” from her solo debut Casltemusic on Flemish Eye Records.

Opening this night of beautiful music is local artist Kris Ellestad performing tracks from his haunting release No Man is Land, stream the entire album at krisellestad.bandcamp.com

Tickets are on sale at Sloth Records, Cantos and Prime Box Office for $10 or can be purchased at the door for $12. Doors open at 7pm, show begins at 8pm. Hope to see you all there!

Facebook event for further details: Jennifer Castle with Kris Ellestad

Sled Island Celebrates Pop Montreal's 10th Anniversary

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:31:00 -0400

Sled Island is fortunate enough to be at Pop Montreal, starting this week, to help celebrate their 10th anniversary as an international music festival! Pop Montreal has continually put on an incredible festival full of coveted, influential artists combined with up and coming bands from across Canada and around the world. For these reasons, and many more we’ll always look up to them, and can’t wait to take in the celebration!

We are very proud to present Purity Ring + Guests at Divian Orange on Friday, September 23, Doors at 9:00pm at Pop Montreal. Purity Ring is the futuristic pop project of Corin Roddick and Megan James from Edmonton that made their debut at Sled Island 2011. The band erupted out of the gates in early 2011 with its first single “Ungirthed” b/w “Lofticries”, released on notable UK label Transparent, garnering praise from tastemakers such as Pitchfork (who awarded Best New Track to the A-side), the Guardian, and the FADER. Check out their brand new track “Belispeak“ being released via Fat Possum Records on a 7” split with our constant favs BRAIDS.

Any bands interested in applying to Sled Island now is the time to do so! You can apply via Sonicbids at the link right here: Sled Island Festival 2012

Lifetime Video Zine Delivers the Goods!

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:24:00 -0400

Our pals at Lifetime Collective put together a stunning Video Zine series that captures the magical moments of Sled Island 2011. Their latest video is “An Evening with Chad VanGaalen” which follows the prolific local artist into his home-recording studio, indoor skateboard half pipe and surrounding area. The video features live video from his Sled Island 2011 performance at Olympic Plaza!

Lifetime Video Zine #3 | Chad VanGaalen from Lifetime Collective on Vimeo.

Throughout the festival Lifetime’s crew was on point to capture as much excitement as humanly possible! In this festival recap video, host Bobby Ferris jumps into conversation with Alejandro Escavado, Braids, Howlin’ Rain and Quest for Fire to find out where their inspiration comes from!

Lifetime Video Zine #2 | Sled Island 2011 from Lifetime Collective on Vimeo.

In addition, Lifetime has put together this Spring/Summer 2012 video entitled “The Road Trip” featuring music by Thee Oh Sees. The video was directed by Vancouver-based artist Salazar and captures the essence of a great summer road trip. Go out and have fun this summer!

Lifetime Spring/Summer 2012 “The Road Trip” from Lifetime Collective on Vimeo.

Beard Envy: Bonnie "Prince" Billy at the Calgary Folk Fest

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:36:00 -0400

Our friends at the Calgary Folk Festival are bringing one of our favorite artists, Will Oldham -better known as Bonnie “Prince” Billy- to their main stage this Friday, July 22nd. Folk Fest runs from July 21-24th at Prince’s Island Park, 4 days passes are sold out but Friday day tickets are still available. But wait! We have two tickets to give away for Bonnie “Prince” Billy! To win, like our page on Facebook or tweet @sledisland your favorite Will Oldham video, picture, R. Kelly related interview, or fan art. Have fun with this, the winner will be contacted on Thursday.

Don’t miss the multi-talented Bonnie “Prince” Billy’s DIY-folk stylings at this year’s Folk Festival. Come say hello if you see us swooning in the crowd!

Tell us about your experience and enter to win 2 passes!

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:16:00 -0400

Together with Research & Insights Consulting, a Calgary based market research firm, we’re conducting an annual survey to learn more about your experiences from Sled Island 2011!

You’re feedback is very important to us! We want to hear your opinions about what you loved and thought could be improved at Sled Island! All of your answers will be taken into consideration to improve and enhance the overall festival! Your input also helps us attract new sponsors and funding for next year, which is very important! The survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your answers. We know it’s a bit long but your feedback is critical to the success of the festival.

To access the survey click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Sled_Island_2011

As an added bonus for sharing your experiences and opinions in the survey with us, you’ll be entered into a contest for 2 festival wristbands to attend Sled Island 2012! Deadline is on July 30th.

Lifetime Digs Deep for Video Zine #2

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:00:00 -0400

Check out video of day’s two and three as captured by Lifetime for the Video Zine with host Bob Ferris. This episode features interviews and live performances of legendary Texan musician Alejandro Escovedo, and Toronto rockers C’mon, Quest for Fire and Teenanger at Sled Island. Enjoy!

LIFETIME VIDEO ZINE #2 | DAY TWO & THREE from deluxe design group on Vimeo.

Sled Island Official Wrap-Up PIG ROAST Party!

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 17:25:00 -0400

That’s a wrap! Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the festival! We saw fantastic turnouts across the multiple venues including both of the main site days at OLYMPIC PLAZA. We truly hope you all made lots of friends, enjoyed cold refreshments and the good weather!

Tonight it’s the Nudie presents official Wrap-up Party + Pig Roast featuring Demon’s Claws, Cheesburger, Bare Wires, The BellRays and Thee Oh Sees! We have so much love for every artist, volunteer, supporter, patron that came out to Sled Island this year! See you down there!

Hugs and high fives all around!

Day #4 Olympic Plaza! Hitting the Final Stretch!

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:29:00 -0400

Happy day! We had a fantastic start to Olympic Plaza yesterday and have a good feeling that today is going to be even better! Tickets are on sale for $75 at Sloth Records, Sled Island office and at the gates. Today’s incredible lineup features Twin Shadow, The Raveonettes, Chad VanGaalen (being introduced by Mayor Nenshi), Minus The Bear, The Dandy Warhols, Of Montreal. Olympic Plaza is a fully-licensed, all-ages event. Kids 6 years old and under get in free. Come down to soak in the sunshine, have a beer, bring the kids, enjoy great music!

It’s the last official night of Sled Island and we’ve got a fantastic mix of shows happening across 20+ venues! Start your night right at Twisted Element for Hunx and his Punx and guests, or at Hillhurt United for Kurt Vile’s solo set, and Undermountain will be bursting with all-ages fans for the Brain Fever show. Get out to Vern’s tonight for a rockin’ good time with Cheeseburger and Bare Wires. Dance your night away at Bamboo with dubstep artist Shuttle or Local 522 for infamous east coast DJ Skratch Bastid. For a more laid back rock show tonight head to the Marquee Room for Jim Ward and Sonny and The Sunsets laying their sweet southern charm.

As always there’s so much going on! If a venue is full, head down the street to check out the next show. Most often the bands you’ve never heard of end up being the best thing that you’ll see at Sled Island! Trust us, it happens every year! Enjoy your sledding tonight! Play safe!

Get the most up-to-date schedule by visiting schedule.sledisland.com on your smartphone. For secret guest reveals and last minute alerts, follow us on Twitter @sledisland

Calgary Music History: Shows that Changed My Life

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:29:29 -0400

Written by Pete Emes of Smalltown DJs

A great live show can have lifelong impact. Calgary born and raised Pete Emes, now a world touring DJ and producer, recounts his most memorable live music moments and the Calgary venues that made them happen.

I specifically remember going to a party at the Rock Central house for the first time around 94 or 95. And I was definitely there for the first Stampede Breakfast - it was hilarious, a freak show. Really really crazy, like homeless ladies slow dancing with German Shepherds and stuff. But the music was always raw and wild, and funny, if not played perfectly. It was so punk. Rock Central directly or indirectly spawned The A-Team, The Dudes, The Infernos (who played at my 18th birthday party too, no joke), Dojo Workhorse, Matt Masters, as well as comedians Paul Spence, Dave Lawrence and Andy Sparacino from Fubar, and Pat Kelly from CBC and Comedy Central (@thepatkelly).

In Pat’s words: “I lived in Rock Central for 6 months and all I remember is the not stop Jamming and joking. The house was so isolated that noise was never an issue and so 7 nights a week different combinations of people would invent new bands. Out of this time period came the “Dudes” of which I can lay claim to being their original drummer. (which if you have heard me drum…is perhaps the biggest joke of all). I have a ton of memories of that period of my life…but my biggest has to be the very first “Rock Central Stampede Breakfast”. We not only thought that Calgarians deserved another option for Stampede entertainment…but we also thought it was hilarious that it should be us. So we built a stage in the backyard, rented a griddle and suggested people show up around 11ish. To our surprise people came…and from what I understand they continued to come year after year for about 10…until the house was leveled.”

www.smalltowndjs.com @SmalltownPete @SmalltownDJs

www.hificlub.ca @hificlub

www.commonwealthbar.ca @CommonwealthYYC

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Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:42:54 -0400

Sled Island Day #3 We Salute You! Party On!

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:53:00 -0400

The real magic begins today down at OLYMPIC PLAZA, tickets are on sale at Sloth Records, Sled Island office and at the gates for $75 per day or $125 for both days. Friday’s main site lineup features a loud n’ rockin lineup of C’Mon, Bison B.C., Buzzcocks, The Sword, and SLEEP performing a 90-minute set that will blow your mind! Remember Olympic Plaza is a fully-licensed, all-ages event. Come down, enjoy the outdoors, have a beer, hang out with pals and enjoy the heavy tunes!

Following the excitement at Olympic Plaza is a variety of kick-ass shows spread across 20+ venues throughout the downtown and beltline area! Wild Flag and guests are at the new-to-sled venue Twisted Element, Minus The Bear at the Gateway will be awesome, If you’re looking for surf rock party head to Sonny any The Sunsets at Bamboo. Enjoy yourselves where ever you end up!

Sled Island is more than just music! We’ve got workshops starting with Lee Ranaldo at Cantos today at 12pm, Comedy begins this evening with an all-star lineup featuring Neil Hamburger, Tig Notaro, Brody Stevens, and more! Check out the CJSW produced Neil Hamburger podcast for laughs.

Find the most up-to-date schedule by visiting schedule.sledisland.com on your smartphone. For secret guest reveals and last minute alerts, follow us on Twitter @sledisland

Calgary Music History: Shows that Changed My Life

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 21:33:42 -0400

Written by Pete Emes of Smalltown DJs

Wagbeard and Primrods, The Factory - Jan 22, 1994. These were Calgary’s two best bands from that era, on one bill. I was more of a Primrods fan at the time, but looking back I probably prefer Wagbeard now. This show was an unreal explosion of sound and energy, the best thing I had ever been to at that time. Primrods were signed to Geffen (home of Nirvana and Sonic Youth) but dropped at some point without a fair shake. I ended up working with Chris from Wagbeard at the Night Gallery and he was like a rock legend to me. The Factory was my main nighttime destination then, that and the Castle Pub (where we watched OJ run from the police Friday, June 17 1994).

Pete Emes in one half of Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, an owner of the Hi Fi Club and is set to open a new venue, the Commonwealth Bar and Stage, this summer.

www.smalltowndjs.com @SmalltownPete @SmalltownDJs

www.hificlub.ca @hificlub

www.commonwealthbar.ca @CommonwealthYYC

Lifetime Video Zine #2 Day One Captured!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:55:00 -0400

Our pals at Lifetime have put together a the Day One video zine focusing on BRAIDS stunning set at Central United Church last night. Keep your eyelids peeled for more awesome videos to come!

Lifetime Video Zine #2 | Day One from Lifetime Collective on Vimeo.

Sled Island Day #2 Let's make this LEGENDARY!!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:39:00 -0400

What an incredible start to Sled Island! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support Sled Island Film over the last couple days! We’ve been getting awesome reviews all around from last night including Braids at Central United, BJ Snowden at the No. 1 Legion, Dum Dum Girls (pictured above) at the Distillery, STRFKR at the HiFi Club and No Gold at Dicken’s to name a few!

Sled Island main site is happening at Olympic Plaza this weekend, Friday June 24 and Saturday June 25. Friday features a heavy rock lineup with Buzzcocks, Sleep, The Sword. Saturday at Olympic Plaza is a fun lineup for everyone! The Dandy Warhols, Of Montreal, Minus The Bear, Chad VanGaalen and more! These events are fully-licensed, all-ages welcome! Tickets are on sale at Sloth Records, HENRY and Olympic Plaza at the gates (day of) for $75 per day of $125 for both days.

Tonight has all the right makings for a legendary night of music at Sled Island! First off we’ve got Lee Ranaldo of SONIC YOUTH playing at Central United Church, Alejandro Escavado and The Sensitive Boys performing at the Ironwood, and BJ Snowden offering her love to all Canadians at Tubby Dog. Make sure you’re there for one of these fantastic performances happening tonight!

In case you missed any of the big headliners last night we’ve got almost all of them performing again tonight! Blonde Redhead and guests are laying the cool vibes at Republik, Man Man and Gobble Gobble are tossing the confetti at the Distillery, and Justin Townes Earle is putting his babies to rest at the Marquee Room. Remember to show up early if there’s anyone you’re really dying to see!

Get the most up-to-date schedule by visiting schedule.sledisland.com on your smartphone. For secret guest reveals and last minute alerts, follow us on Twitter @sledisland

It's on now! Sled Island 2011 has officially begun!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:52:00 -0400

Get ready for an insane next 4 days of pure euphoria, incredible music and babes galore! Today is the last day for film, go check out Shorts and Bikes presented by Cyclepalooza and SUYS and remember to look out for the Prohab Helmet Society girls and guys riding around the city this week offering FREE helmets for bicyclists at Sled Island.

Get ready for a week of wonderful music! Tonight starts off with a celebration of the vibrant all-ages music community in town with Faux Fux/ Wild Nothing/ Braids performing at Central United Church, a bunch of great bands at The New Black in Inglewood and Pop Montreal’s showcase at Tubby Dog! All three of these shows are open to festival wristband and all-ages wristband holders! Passes are still on sale at HENRY and Sloth Records. Tickets will be on sale at the door for walk-up purchasers.

As always Sled Island delivers the HUGE shows you’ve waiting all year to see! Tonight the No. 1 Legion will be bumpin’ out of control with Chali 2 Na and Man Man taking the stage. Interested in a rockin’ alt-folk party? Check out the Calgary Folk Fest presents Justin Townes Earle show at Republik. Don’t forget Blonde Redhead along with the Dum Dum Girls will be weaving an web of delight at The Distillery tonight. Reminder to show up early for any big headliners you’re planning to catch this week!

We’ve got all the rockers covered tonight in a big way! Pierced Arrows plus guests at Broken City, Crocodiles plus guest at the Palamino, and Barn Burner plus Trigger Effect and guests at the Ship and Anchor will all be roaring for tonight’s kickoff shows! If you’re looking for a cool dance party to check out look no further than the Marquee Room for Zola Jesus and guests, No Gold and The Soft Pack at Dicken’s or STRFKR at The HiFi Club. Props to those that hop around to check out all the excitement tonight!

Get the Sled Island mobile web app SCHED at schedule.sledisland.com to navigate yourself throughout the festival. For the latest updates and secret info follow us on twitter @sledisland

Calgary Music History: Shows that Changed My Life

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:25:00 -0400

Pavement, The Republik - Apr 28, 1994 Slanted and Enchanted was such a huge record for me. I reviewed it for my high school paper at Western in 1993 (It got a 5/5). They embodied the lack of ambition and direction that I felt at the time, they were relaxed punk rockers like me. They played a great, loud set. I remember hanging out with my friend Pat Kelly (Canadian actor and CBC radio personality) that night. He was yelling some funny shit at the band, and they responded with something that made them look bored - but it was cool. The Republikwas such a great place for shows. I saw Pavement again in 2010 at Coachella, and they still sound great, but the social context of 1994 was the perfect setting to hear these songs.

Pete Emes in one half of Calgary’s Smalltown DJs, an owner of the HiFi Club and is set to open a new venue, the Commonwealth Bar and Stage, this summer.

www.smalltowndjs.com @SmalltownPete @SmalltownDJs

www.hificlub.ca @hificlub

www.commonwealthbar.ca @CommonwealthYYC

If you follow Calgary’s Smalltown DJ’s blog (www.smalltownromeo.blogspot.com/) you’ll know that Smalltown Pete’s dad, Al, frequently puts together some mixes with the help of Calgary DJ’s. With Sled Island starting today, we just got an email from Smalltown Pete saying how excited his dad was about this year’s lineup and he put together 11 songs from bands playing in 2011. Pete then compiled them into a mix, and now we present to you: Emes Sled Island 11 for 2011. We’ve been listening to it all morning in the office, and it’s really great. You can download it here and get excited about some of this year’s bands too.

Locals celebs make their SCHED picks! You can too!

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:10:00 -0400

A few local celebs in the Calgary music scene have offered their picks for the festival! Check out what they’ve chosen for their journey over the next 4 jam-packed days, and while you’re there login and build your own customizable SCHED that can be accessed on any smartphone.

Danny Vacon from The Dudes - http://sledisland2011.sched.org/MoonWolf

Kerry Clarke from Calgary Folk Fest - http://sledisland2011.sched.org/kerryclarke

Kallen Law from CJSW - http://sledisland2011.sched.org/Kallen_Law

Joanna Majik from Commonwealth - http://schedule.sledisland.com/JoannaMagik

DJ Tokyo from CJSW - http://sledisland2011.sched.org/tokyoeyepatch