KEEP ON ROCKIN' AT THE ARTS 

Music Scene at the Arts (the Past)

Hotel Arts has a storied past for Calgary's music scene as its previous incarnation, the Westward Inn, was a popular hub for live music as it housed a moderately-sized club that could accommodate about 400+ attendees.  The Westward Club served as a key stop for touring bands in the 80s and early 90s, mostly indie rock, grunge and punk. It was even referenced as the Calgary stop in Michael Turner's "Hard Core Logo", a novel about four aging punk musicians on a multi-city reunion tour.

The club was dimly-lit and spacious enough for a sprawling dance floor (aka mosh pit) with seating around the venue, a low ceiling, and a modest stage that served as the launching pad for numerous attendees eager to crowd surf. To gain a sense of the energy of live performances at the venue, check out the YouTube video of the Highrollers performing "Freak Out" during one of their high octane shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsHVQGBbaXA 

Several bands made live recordings at the Westward Club including Coughin' Nails: Live at the Westward Club (1988-89) and the Flaming Lips recorded "A Beautiful Accident". Vinyl copies can still be ordered online at http://www.discogs.com/Flaming-Lips-A-Beautiful-Accident-Live-At-Westward-Club-Alberta-Calgary-August-24th-1987/release/1193513  

Many of the up-and-coming acts would perform at the Westward Club before moving on to larger venues.  The Tragically Hip's first shows in Calgary took place at the Westward Club packing the house on their second night. The Red Hot Chili Peppers played the club in their early days and are alleged to have smashed out a few ceiling tiles with their guitars. Lenny Kravitz played to a sold-out sweaty crowd shortly after he released his first album "Let Love Rule".  I was lucky enough to attend that show and recall giving him a high-five as he walked triumphantly through the crowd following his encore.

There are a few lucky Calgarians that recall when Nirvana performed at the Westward Club on March 4, 1991 with Skin Barn and Snow Worm serving as opening acts.  Nirvana was testing out material for "Nevermind" - the album that launched them into grunge superstardom.  They kicked off their set with "Breed" and "About a Girl".  

Over the years, the Westward Club hosted a wide array of talent including the following:   Forbidden Dimension, Curtain of Habit, SNFU, DOA, Cowboy Junkies (May 9, 2007), the Gruesomes (June 3, 1988), UK Subs (Oct 14, 1984), Citrus Park, Teenage Head, The Quitters (1991), Beyond Possession (1985), Soul Asylum (Oct 10, 1988), Jann Arden, Sarah McLaughlin.

Alas, the Westward Club closed its doors when the property became a Holiday Inn and the club space sat empty for an extended period until the Hotel Arts Group renovated the property.  A portion of the space was incorporated into a new kitchen and storage area for the Raw Bar at Hotel Arts and the remainder was used for office space for Torode Real Estate.  There is now up to 6,740 square feet of space available for lease fronting onto 13^th Avenue SW.  Based on the musical bones of the property, perhaps it could be a great new recording studio.  Contact John Moss at CB Richard Ellis at 403.263.4444 for inquiries.

Music Scene at the Arts (the Present)

The "Live Like a Rockstar" Package at Hotel Arts will be one of our most popular promotional bookings online this summer.  Geared for weekend stays at our boutique property, it is targeted towards music fans from regional markets who are coming to Calgary to attend concerts and festivals. 

There is an impressive line-up of acts coming through Calgary this summer and fall which appeal to a wide array of music lovers.  A few highlights include:

Supertramp (June 4) *             

The Funk Brothers (June 15) **

Rihanna (June 21) *

Dropkick Murphys (June 23)

Steve Earle (June 24)

Sled Island Festival (June 23-25)                http://blog.sledisland.com/ 

Alison Kraus & Union Station (July 4) **

Sugarland (June 15) *

Katy Perry (July 16)*

Kenny Chesney (July 17) *

Calgary Folk Festival (July 21-24) http://www.calgaryfolkfest.com/ 

Soundgarden with Meat Puppets (July 27) *

Calgary Blues Festival (Aug 1-7) http://www.calgarybluesfest.com/ 

ReggaeFest (Aug 18-20) http://www.calgaryreggaefestival.com/ 

X-Fest (August 20) http://www.xfestcalgary.com/ 

Ray Lamontagne & Pariah Dogs (Aug 29) **

Michael Franti & Spearhead and Santana (Aug 30) *

Calgary Electronic Music Festival (Sept 17)  http://www.cemf.info/  

Pearl Jam with Mudhoney (Sept 21) *

Keith Urban (Sept 23) *

Kings of Leon (Sept 30) *

John Hammond (Oct 14) **

Roger Daltrey performs Tommy (Oct 30) *

**Events at Scotiabank Saddledome http://www.scotiabanksaddledome.com/site/saddledome/ 

**Events at EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts http://www.epcorcentre.org/WhatsOn.aspx 

To book packages or to see special weekend packages at Hotel Arts, please click on the following link: http://www.hotelarts.ca/special-offers.html 

Music Scene at the Arts (the Future)

The Sales Team from Hotel Arts recently toured the nearby Cantos Music Foundation (134 11^th Avenue SE) to gain a better overview of the scope and quality of their musical collection (over 700 artifacts) as well as to learn more about their programming.  Of particular note to our guests, Cantos offers guided tours of their facility on Thursdays at 600pm and again on Sundays at 130pm and 300pm (Adults $10, Students & Seniors $8).  The quality of the tour and the sheer breadth of the collection will leave visitors in bewilderment that such a facility exists in Calgary.  Cantos also hosts all-ages blues jams on Mondays as well as a Reggae Lunch on the first Thursday of every month.  A visit to Cantos is sure to inspire.  To learn more, please visit http://www.cantos.ca/explore/tours.

While the current facility and their programming is worth marveling about, it's their future plans that are simply jaw-dropping in terms of the impact on the city's cultural scene.  Cantos is planning to build the National Music Centre at the site of the renowned King Eddy Hotel which will preserve this historic monument to Calgary's musical past and build a multi-million dollar facility to house its collection and provide performance, classroom and studio space.  Slated for opening in 2014, the National Music Centre will have a dramatically positive impact on Calgary's music scene.  Click here to learn more about their plans. http://cantos.ca/kingeddy/ 

STAFF MUSICIANS 

Behind the scenes, Hotel Arts Group employees like to "Rock Out". We could have a pretty spectacular band with the musical talent lingering around the Hotel. Presented below are our Staff Musicians coupled with their musical talent:

• Francis Galliott (HR Director): Trombone and guitar
• Doug Mackay (Event Coordinator): Sang in a choir
• Fraser Abbott (Director of Business Development): Bass guitar and bagpipes
• Brian Brownlee (Event Manager): Piano...Brian's dad owned a piano & organ store
• Caroline Seymour (Event Manager): Percussion specializing in Marba. Caroline also played bass in an all girl punk band
• Travis Maier (Director of Revenue Management): Drums at the Desk
• Tanya Cropley (Director of Events): Piano and guitar
• Adeel Ajani (Accounts Payable): Electric & acoustic guitar
• Andrew Ross (Assistant Controller): Office says he's a GREAT singer
• Hillary Lewis (Front Office Supervisor): Flute & guitar. She used to perform in an ambient rock band
• Dale Sivucha (Hotel Manager): Piano & trumpet
• Frank Torrealba (Guest Services): Performs with Crystal Kid on bass guitar and vocals 
• Duncan Ly (Executive Chef): Drums
• Mike Skarbo (Executive Sous Chef): Guitar and vocals
• Roy Wilcox (Assistant to the GM): Guitar
• Mark Wilson (General Manager): Used to play drums

GET TO KNOW THE GROUP      

Talent and Passion, An Unbeatable Combination

Staff members of the Hotel Arts Group demonstrate many talents when in service to our guests.  But many have special talents and passions in which they engage when not at work.  Such is true of one of Frank Torrealba, one of our special Guest Services Agents. 

Frank is the lead singer and bass player for one of Calgary's hottest bands - Crystal Kid!   Frank, as a youth, found his father's guitar in a closet.  This discovery led to lessons and kindled the passion to play music to make people feel good.  Soon, Frank's brother, Charles, began to play and the inevitable happened, a band.

Crystal Kid, the brainchild of the Torrealba brothers, has its pop rock roots in the music of U2, Oasis and Michael Jackson.  The muse for their music is their life experience as they perform that which they write, giving them an originality and uniqueness in their shows. A visit to the Crystal Kid website ( http://www.crystal-kid.com/ ) gives viewers a taste of the vast talent and potential of this hot local band who have been performing for the past 7 years.

Frank's professional life outside the music business is focused at Hotel Arts.  Working here enables Frank to meet many people in and outside the music business.  He has met several famous musicians and has connected with agents who have offered him much valued advice.  One such contact has been watching Crystal Kid grow and gives cause for hope that the band will make it to the big time and perform their music for a living.

Frank's ability to speak many languages enables him to be a great asset to our hotel when we have Portuguese and Spanish-speaking visitors.  During the recent International Development Bank conference here in Calgary, Frank was able to assist many of our guests and officials who resided in the hotel.

We are intensely proud of Frank who as one of our many really genuine young folks, endeavour each and every day to offer the artful service to those who stay at Hotel Arts.

Should you wish to find out more about Frank and Crystal Kid, follow these links:

http://www.facebook.com/crystalkid 

http://www.twitter.com/crystalkid 

Crystal Kid will be performing at Original Joe's in Avenida Village Shopping Centre June 10, 2011 and at the Shake the Lake Music Festival in Sylvan Lake August 12 - 14, 2011.

RAW BAR AT THE ARTS

Father's Day  

Raw Bar will be incorporating Father's Day with their regular service hours on Sunday, June 19, 2011. We will also be showcasing a special 4-course Weekend Tasting Menu inspired by items our dads enjoy- steaks, ribs, and potatoes. Of course, Chef Duncan Ly will put his own special twist on these classics. Prices are $45.00 + service + tax/person with an optional wine pairing for an additional $35.00/person. 

Bring your Father into Raw Bar to show him how much you appreciate him! Make reservations by calling 403.206.9565 or via email at brent@hotelarts.ca.

CHEF'S TABLE AT KRI 

Hope Family Wine Dinner

Chef's Table is hosting another great winemakers dinner on June 15^th when Austin Hope, Chief Winemaker and Proprietor of Hope Family Wines, partners with Chef de Cuisine Craig Boje for a memorable food and wine event.

The Hope Family has been farming in Paso Robles, California for more than 25 years. Their wine resume includes the wildly successful Liberty School varietal-wines; the critically-acclaimed, terroir-driven Treana Red & White blends; the innovative, multi-appellate Candor non-vintage series; and their signature label, Austin Hope, which is an homage to the winemaker's favourite producing region - France's Rhone Valley.  Click on the following link to learn more about Hope Family Wines: http://vimeo.com/9150662.

Enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a sumptuous 4-course tasting menu serviced by our ever-professional and experienced service team under the leadership of Maitre d'Hôtel, Michael Lazarowich.  Wines will include Liberty School Chardonnay, Treana White and Treana Red, Austin Hope Syrah, as well as the above-mentioned Candor Zinfandel to wrap up the evening.

Tickets are $135 including tax and gratuity.  Call  403-228-4442 to book now as these events always sell out!

Father's Day Brunch @ Chef's Table

Sunday, June 19th, 9am - 2pm

À la Carte Brunch

Free coffee to celebrate the grey hairs all of you fathers have grown worrying over your most prized possessions!

FATHER'S DAY WITH THE HOTEL ARTS GROUP   

Employees at Hotel Arts are jazzed to celebrate Father's Day! We asked one of our newest dads to share some thoughts on parenthood.

Adeel Adjani, Staff Accountant, New Dad:

This will be my first Father's day and I plan on spending it thanking my wife without whom I would of never had the privilege of such a title; and thanking my now four month old daughter, Ensha, who has taught me priceless life lessons that I'm sharing with you all.

No matter what kind of crap you're in, there is always a new diaper for a fresh start. Babies are the best distraction when dealing with an angry wife. Your body is a well crafted machine; to your surprise it can perform two bodily functions at the same time.

Some advice to all Fathers out there:

Big things come in small packages.

Any kind of planning is useless so learn to be creative and improvise.

Laugh at the silly things because resistance is futile.

Love unconditionally.

Silence truly is golden when you can get a few minutes of it.

Spitting up on a new suit is just another way to say " I love you".

Babies are born with special mind control powers which is why they can get you to do everything... Smile when you wake up and before going to bed.

Parents are ALWAYS right about everything.

Hugs and kisses are nice.

No book, manual or advice can prepare you for the challenge of parenting.

My baby is always the best, cutest, intelligent, unique miracle child on the face of the earth... and I am not just saying that because she is mine!!!

BURGER LOVER ALTERNATIVE: THE SALMON BURGER 

Chef's Table Chef de Cuisine, Craig Boje offers you this great recipe for a relaxed Sunday evening dinner such as Father's Day.  It is fast, easy and a delicious, healthy alternative.  Enjoy this burger whilst sitting on the deck and enjoying a nice chilled glass of Birichino Malvasia Bianco recommended for this dish by Chef's Table Wine Director Kirk Shaw.
    

Ingredients:

Ginger Mustard Mayonnaise

In a food processor using the pulse button, coarsely grind salmon fillets. Add the ground salmon to the shallot mixture. Mix in fresh breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, dill, salt and  pepper. Form salmon mixture into 10 patties, dividing equally.  Salmon patties can be prepared 6 hours ahead. Transfer to baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.   

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add salmon patties to skillet and cook until patties are golden brown and cooked through (about 2 minutes per side).  Add more oil to skillet as needed. Serve salmon burgers on toasted hamburger buns with ginger mustard mayonnaise, lettuce leaves and tomato slices.

THE SOON TO BE FAMOUS TEAJITO  

Lisa Kadane, staff writer for the Calgary Herald, recently approached Brent DeBoer, General Manager of Raw Bar and mixologist supreme, with a challenge!  Knowing of Brent's innovativeness and creativity in mixing cocktails, she asked him to develop a beverage she could use in an article on tea.

Armed with the knowledge that green tea is very popular as a hot beverage and the fact that as the basis for a cocktail, the additional ingredients would have heavy aromatics to complement those of the tea, Brent set to work.  After several versions were conscientiously tasted by the knowledgeable staff of Raw Bar, the Teajito was perfected. 

We now offer it to you!  Try it as we mix it at Raw Bar or from the recipe as follows.  Be sure to let us know what you think of this alternative to the patio classic, the Mojito!

Teajito

Add the following ingredients and muddle together in a mixer tin:

2 - 3 oz of chilled green tea [steep the tea for 3 minutes prior to chilling]
0.5oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
0.5oz Soho Lychee Liqueur
6 mint leaves
2 peeled cucumber rounds
0.5oz simple syrup

Add ice and shake for 15 seconds
Pour the contents into a Collins glass
Fill with more ice

Add ginger beer to the top and serve   

To read Lisa's article in the Calgary Herald, follow this link:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/PARTY+gets+whole+meaning/4823950/story.html  

THE WHITE HAT AWARDS: EVERYONE IS A WINNER

Every year there is a significant celebration of excellence - the Calgary White Hat Awards.  This, the 49^th year, was no different.  This annual tribute showcases nominees from the 100,000 + people who star in the local hospitality industry.

The Hotel Arts Group participated in this cornerstone $1.1 billion industry event for the fourth year!  Our 18 nominees and their guests gathered in one of Hotel Arts' ballrooms in order for General Manager, Mark Wilson, to express appreciation for their excellence and efforts in caring for our guests.  Then it was onto the bus and that adventure that awaited at the Jubilee Auditorium.

The atmosphere was electric at the "Joob".  Excitement reigned supreme as thousands gathered to connect with colleagues in rival properties, be inspired by presenters from Tourism Calgary and the hospitality industry and of course, the awards.  The Hotel Arts Group was honoured to have two of our colleagues place as finalists in two categories - Best Server: Fine Dining and Best Culinary Services.  We are so very proud of Kirk Shaw, Server at Chef's Table at the Kensington Riverside Inn and Kevin Henry, Chef, Hotel Arts.

The highlight of the awards was when Gavin Bernhardt, a former colleague at Hotel Arts, was awarded a coveted White Hat for Best Concierge/Bell Service.  The roar emanating from the Hotel Arts Group contingent was deafening as they celebrated the colleague and friend who had left our employ to experience a growth opportunity in another hotel.  It was a special moment in the evening's celebration of excellence.

Winning an award is great!  Being nominated and selected as a finalist is also significant accomplishment.  In our minds, all of our nominees for the White Hat Awards are winners.

Hotel Arts Group is actively involved in the neighbourhood around us.  Every month, we are dedicated to giving back to the community that supports our businesses and helps to make Calgary such a great place to live, work and play.

Here are a few highlights of some of the groups we are trying to assist in June and beyond:

• BMO Employee Charitable Foundation: Raises money to give back to local charities in the community. They will be hosting their 11^th Annual Slo-Pitch Tournament June 10-12, 2011 at the Chestermere Recreational Facility. This year, most of the funds raised will go to STARS, YMCA Strong Kids, Book Bags for Kids, Youville Residence Society of Alberta and Cornerstone of Hope. Click here for more details on the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation http://www.bmo.com/charity/en/index.html.
• CREW Calgary: Provides a networking opportunity for women in the Commercial Real Estate industry. They will be holding their 6^th Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, June 24, 2011 at D'Arcy Ranch Golf Club. Click here for more details http://crewcalgary.com/events/events-calendar/events-2011/6th-annual-golf-tournament. 
• Cancervive Foundation of Alberta: Foundation dedicated to provide awareness and support to those who are Canadian Cancer Survivors. They are hosting their 15^th Annual Braveheart Golf Tournament on Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Earl Grey Golf Club. Click here for more details http://www.cancervive.ca/events-news/golf-tournament-calgary 
• Children's Hospital Aid Society: Society is devoted to the health and wellbeing of children and young adults. They are hosting the 29^th Annual Golf Classic on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Bearspaw Country Club. Click here for more details http://www.chascalgary.ca/events.html.
• Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre: A non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing treatment to young people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. On June 9, 2011, AARC will be hosting their 14th Annual Gala Benefit Dinner "Message of Hope" at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. For more details about AARC, please visit http://www.aarc.ab.ca/.
• Children's Wish Foundation: Makes wishes come true by supporting children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. In support of the Children's Wish Foundation, Pioneers for a Wish is an event being held on June 11, 2011 to raise money to grant one child's wish. For more information about the event visit  http://pioneersforchange.ticketbud.com/donate?GFRB  

If your organization is interested in receiving support from the Hotel Arts Group to assist with your fundraising efforts, please send your information to marketing@hotelarts.ca. We will help out in any way we can!

*Hotel Arts Group, Friends in the Community*