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Articles

Coke Stage instrumental for local artists
June 26, 2003
Written by: Wes Lafortune
Calgary Happenings | Vol. 21 No. 26
Source: Calgary Real Estate News


What is there left to say about the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" that hasn't already been said? What's undiscovered about an event that attracts approximately one million people each year and turns Calgary on its head for 10 straight days?


For starters, what began as an agricultural fair more than 100 years ago is now a huge entertainment festival that has become an important showcase for many Canadian acts that desperately need exposure in front of audiences.


The Coke Stage is an example of such an opportunity. Offering up live entertainment every night during Stampede this venue gives relative newcomers to the music scene much needed opportunities to perform and gain new fans.


This year well known acts such as Chantal Kreviazuk and Sloan will appear on the same bill as a raft of local and regional groups that need exposure.


Starewell, a Calgary-based group burst on to the local scene after winning the 2001 Band Warz competition beating out dozens of other competitors. After that, Starewell recorded their first self-titled extended play recording to garner more attention on radio. Well worth a listen, Starewell has a strong local following and the potential to stake out a presence on the national music scene.


Hidell (pronounced High-dell) is another local group that's going to be taking the stage during Stampede. This band features twin brothers, Clint Moffatt and Bob Moffatt-formerly of The Moffatts-along with Paul Cimolini and Christopher Ainsley. Hidell's debut album, Up and Coming was released this spring and it has been getting favourable reception from music programmers across the country. Recently signed by EMI Music Canada, Hidell has big sound along with a strong live show that should bring out the crowds this July.


Other acts scheduled to take to the Coke Stage include Submission from Lethbridge, Judeth from Okotoks and another Calgary-based group, The Villains.


The life blood of any band is getting paid gigs with the hope of perfecting a sound that will appeal to both audiences and radio broadcasters. Without venues for young acts like the Coke Stage they would face the strong possibility of remaining unknown entities. That's why the Calgary Stampede remains an important resource for audiences wanting to hear new music and for bands chasing their dreams in the competitive Canadian music scene.


The Calgary Stampede runs from July 4 to July 13 with information on all the live entertainment available at calgarystampede.com