AUGUST NEWSLETTER
Our SUMMER SPECIAL is still on, but it's only available for one more month! Now is the perfect time to take advantage of some amazing savings. Whether you need rehearsal space or are planning a last-minute show, the Flanagan Theatre is the ideal venue for you.
Book now and receive up to 50% to 75% off the venue rental! This is an incredible opportunity to save on a top-tier space!
What’s up at The GRAND…
Calgary Pride, SpanicArts and The GRAND are proud to present: ALPHABET MAFIA!
August 15 -18, 2024
Join us at the GRAND and SpanicArts as we invite you to enter the vibrant world of Alphabet Mafia. Our shared spaces will burst into life with a spectacular celebration of queer artistry and culture. This is not merely an art show; it’s a significant event in a year marked by resistance and transformation. Immerse yourself in a stunning collection of works by queer artists, each presenting their unique voice and vision. Discover the rich tapestry of queer history, its evolution, and the intergenerational legacies that continue to inspire and shape our community.
Together, we’re hosting five special events over the span of three days! Take a look at what we have lined up for you below!
ALPHABET MAFIA LAUNCH EVENT
August 15th 2024
5pm- Late
Location: The GRAND & SpanicArts
Join us on August 15 as we kick off a multidimensional celebration of art, dance, and culture from 5 PM until late at The Grand and SpanicArts.
Experience an evening filled with powerful visual arts, a fashion show featuring outstanding local designers, electrifying dance performances, and the iconic artistry of vogue. Explore a dynamic art exhibit celebrating the vibrant tapestry of queer art from diverse sectors. You won’t want to miss this iconic evening of art, fashion, and music!
PECHAKUCHA #45: UNITY
August 16th 2024
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: The GRAND - Flanagan Theatre
Artists, Activists, Changemakers, and Lovers, unite! Join us for a night of inspiration and connection as we dive into the theme of ‘Unity’ with an incredible lineup of speakers.
What unites us? How can we ensure no one is left behind? How powerful can we be when we act as one? Explore these questions and more at PechaKucha #45: Unity!
MELANIN & MASALA PARTY
August 17th 2024
8:00pm - 11:30pm
Location: SpanicArts
Join us at SpanicArts, located next to The GRAND, for the Melanin and Masala Party, presented by Alphabet Mafia. This unforgettable club event unites the Black and South Asian 2SLGBTQ+ communities for a night of celebration and dance. Groove to the hottest Amapiano, Afrobeats, Dancehall, and vibrant South Asian rhythms, from Bhangra to Desi Hip-Hop, ensuring you stay on your feet all night. Enjoy spectacular live drag performances and captivating dance acts that will leave you in awe. This isn't just a party – it's a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and pure joy. Don't miss the night everyone will be buzzing about!
LIMINAL LANDING
August 17th 2024
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: The GRAND & SpanicArts
Liminal Landing is a community space to pause on your journey, no matter where you are. Whether it’s in-between, at your destination or just the beginning, the ‘landing’ is an opportunity to stop, reflect and build community with other 2SLGBTQIA+ landers.
Since September 2023, Liminal Landing has been on a journey of carving a thoughtful and playful queer space! You’re invited to join hosts Priscilla (The Oratory) and Tyson (Recess Calgary) in celebrating one year since the group’s inception. We welcome you to play, experience and retreat as we indulge in Liminal Landing: Pride Edition!
GET GAY CALGARY - QUEER DANCE WORKSHOP
August 18th 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: The GRAND Studio
Come learn swing and salsa from the same-sex dancesport champion of the Gay Games 2022, Rufi Oswaldo! This 2-hr workshop will show you the basics of queer partnering in a fun, easy-to-follow format. No partner required! Don’t miss your chance to learn from a leading expert in queer partner dance!
SpanicArts located beside The GRAND in the Loughheed block at 604 1 St SW, Calgary, AB is a non-profit organization that gives support, creates connections, facilitates resources and provides a platform for artists and allies to express their creativity and contribute to the artistic growth of the city and their own communities.
More events this month…
Page 2 Stage Productions and The GRAND present:
THE 3RD ANNUAL FEBRUARY IN AUGUST
August 25, 2024
7pm - 8:30pm
Join us on Sunday August 25, 2024 in The GRAND Studio for the 3rd Annual February in August, curated by Wakefield Brewster and presented by The GRAND.
Resident Poet & Spoken Word Artist, Wakefield Brewster presents his 3rd All-Black Poetry & Spoken Word Showcase: February in August. Typically and historically, Black History Month tends to be the only block of time that one may experience an all-Black production in The Arts, or an all-Black experience of anything, anywhere. On the opposite side of the calendar year, is where Wakefield chose to plant an opportunity to remind us all that Black Excellence indeed, is all year round.
Featuring: Poet and Spoken Word Artist, Actress, Filmmaker and Producer, one of Calgary’s newest sensations on the Spoken Word Scene: Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker. Also Featuring: Poet and Spoken Word Artist, Published Poet and Instructor at Olds College, one of our Black Writing Community’s greatest contributors: Bertrand Bickersteth. Finally Featuring: Wakefield Brewster, aka DaWordWizard.
Gaurav Kapoor Live presented by Magic Entertainment Productions
August 9, 2024
8pm - 9pm
Gaurav Kapoor, the funny one from Delhi is coming to Canada for the first time.
One of the funniest and most prolific stand-up acts of the recent times, Gaurav Kapoor's Vlogs have created a fan base of their own. 1M+ on YouTube, 400K+ on Insta, an IMDB 8.2 rated special on Amazon Prime, Gaurav has proven year after year that he is funny and relatable across all formats.
His massive live shows and regular VLogs are making him a household name. His journalism degree and retail job experience now seem like stories from another life, but Gaurav claims he still remembers all the keyboard shortcuts, just in case.
Nothing is off limits when this Dilliwala talks about life, relationships, friendships, societal norms, the rich and the poor and everything in between. Raw, unfiltered, and funny. That's what audiences can expect when Gaurav Kapoor gets on the mic.
CONSIDER DONATING TO THE GRAND
As a non-profit arts organization, The GRAND thrives on the generous support of patrons like you. Your contributions are more than just donations; they are investments in our community and in the vibrant, transformative power of art. Every dollar you give is channeled directly back into our programs, enabling us to produce exciting shows, host workshops, and continue to make art accessible to all. Please consider extending your support by making a donation today!