Cities/Calgary

1. Cartel Madras and Backxwash
Fri., Dec. 10, 8 pm / $23
Palomino Smokehouse, presented by Sled Island

Calgary’s own badass rap sisters Cartel Madras and Montreal horrorcore phenom Backxwash head up a wild night of boundary-busting artists presented by Sled Island. A league of Alberta acts like DRI HIEV, TeaFannie, Sargeant X Comrade, Greyscreen and Nebulae Complex join forces to support the main card. Come thirsty for PBR on tap.

2. BADBADNOTGOOD
Weds., Dec. 8, 7 pm / $43
The Palace Theatre

Toronto alt-jazz trio celebrated for major collabs with hip-hop legends like MFDOOM and Ghostface Killah.

3. CHARLOTTE CARDIN
Weds., Jan. 26, 7 pm / $35
The Gateway (SAIT)

Montreal chanteuse Cardin serves sexy, smoky sounds on tour with her jazz and R&B-hued debut album.

4. JULY TALK
Sat., Dec. 18, 8 pm / $60
Grey Eagle Casino

Rapper Cadence Weapon opens for a fiery set from this blistering alt-rock Toronto outfit.

5. POKEY LAFARGE
Fri., Jan. 21 & Sat., Jan. 22, 8 pm / $46
Arts Commons Engineered Air Theatre

Ragtime and rockabilly, classic and eclectic, LaFarge has fashioned a rollicking brand of blues all of his own.

6. GLORIOUS SONS
Sat., Jan. 29, 7 pm / $54
MacEwan Hall

Swaggering and snarling, the two-time JUNO winners bring their gut-punching grit-rock anthems to Cow Town.

7. Funk The Halls presents: THE FUNK HUNTERS
Sat., Dec. 18, 9 pm / $32
Palace Theatre

Vancouver-based DJ duo decks the club with its internationally renowned future funk sonics.

8. AMY NELSON and ROBERT ADAMS
Fri., Dec. 10, 8:30 pm
$15 or $10 with toy for Inn from the Cold
King Eddy

Hearty twang and glittering, nostalgic style make these two of the most exciting country artists in Calgary.

9. KEITHMAS
Sat., Dec. 18, 8 pm / $15
Palomino Smokehouse

Support the food bank by fund-raging: buy a ticket and merry-make as local bands crush Keith Richards classics.

10. IVY, MISTLETOE AND MUSIC
Thurs., Dec. 16 and Fri., Dec. 17, doors 6 pm, show 7:30 pm / $30
Annabelle’s Kitchen Downtown

Drag superstar Ivy League and country-soul queen Mariya Stokes host a night of live music at this chic downtown address.