Stroll of Poets is a non-profit organization that was first based in Edmonton after being founded in 1991. Shortly afterwards, a Calgary Stroll of Poets was created as well.

In its first 15 years of operation, the organization ran an annual one-day multi-venue performance poetry festival that took place in both Calgary and Edmonton. In recent years, the annual festival has been replaced by a monthly reading series in Edmonton. This year’s festival is taking place in Calgary at various venues in the Inglewood area.

Last year, our Program Coordinator Ashley Frerichs saw an opportunity to revive the Stroll of Poets festival in its original format in Calgary. This is the 2nd annual Stroll of Poets Festival in Calgary, and we hope to make it an annual tradition!

Join us for the 2nd annual Stroll of Poets Festival after party at Ironwood Stage & Grill! Featuring hip hop artists KTheChosen and Sarah Good Medicine plus local blues/funk/rock band Bluerock Junction!

In this workshop, attendees will receive tips on general artist organization, and how to balance this with a 9-5! Attendees will learn ways to keep on-top of things while being an indie artist wearing all the hats, from booking manager, content creator, and financial director.

Workshops are recommended for people ages 12 and over. Children under 12 years old are welcome with parent/guardian supervision. Please get a ticket for each person (incl. all children).

The workshop is pay what you can! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

If you have any questions, please email us: info@alcoveartscentre.ca

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Zimbabwean-raised and currently based in Calgary, KTheChosen is your Friendly Neighbourhood Rapper and creates music that is both entertaining and enlightening. K (as he is affectionately known) believes in the power of storytelling and uses his voice to share the experiences of those around him.

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Alcove Centre for the Arts (alcoveartscentre.ca) is a non-profit organization based in Calgary, AB which aims to make art more accessible and promote a vibrant local arts industry. We curate and cultivate community art spaces for Calgarians to engage in art and creativity while building a platform for emerging local artists.

Alcove is a Recreational Art Space open to the public providing free art supplies and instruments to stimulate creativity. The space also acts as a gathering place for workshops, community events, and social meetups. Come visit and get creative!

GROUND UP GRAFFITI JAM & BLOCK PARTY
Presented by BUMP Festival & Foundation Collective
FREE ENTRY | August 10, 2025 | 1PM–7PM | Lot 2, 112 14 Ave NW

ARE Y’ALL READY?  This summer, we wanted to throw a real big block party. Welcome to Ground Up! This is a full day street takeover at Crescent Heights that brings Calgary’s underground culture to the surface. Under the summer sun, surrounded by friends, beer and food this is where graffiti, hip hop, dance, and community collide.

To close out the day with even more punch WH Calgary will host BUMP’s first ever cypher and hip hop showcase, with KTheChosen participating in the cypher alongside 6 other rappers.

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.
This month's artists are Rome IX, MC MEdz and (un)decided.

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come show us what you've got or come cheer on your favourite acts!

Free event (18+ admission)

Voices of Canada is an engaging, curriculum-aligned education program that uses music to explore and celebrate Canada's rich cultural heritage.

Join us for a free, building-wide celebration of Black music and culture at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This special event is curated by legendary former MuchMusic VJ Master T and hosted by Calgary-based rapper and lyricist K-Riz.

The event will spotlight the creativity, expression, and heritage of Black music and culture with a full day of live performances, local food vendors, community showcases, family-friendly activities, and a talent expo spotlighting rising Black artists. The talent expo judges are RTC Profit, KTheChosen, Motola Dawodu, Priscilla Cherry, and Wakefield Brewster.

Neo-soul collective The Rondel Roberts Band will headline, showcasing a blend of ‘70s soul, feel-good funk, classic rock, and golden-era boom-bap rap. Also performing are British-Canadian R&B and grime-infused rap artist Jackie Art, Nigerian-Canadian Afropop act Skinny Blaiz, chameleonic rapper Tea Fannie, Edmonton rap role model J-Mello, genre-bending DJ King Mars, passionate Afro-fusion singer Pinky, and Calgary dance troupe Afrohause Dance Crew.

The event will also feature a community lane with offerings from Calgary’s Black creative community, from artisans to music industry representatives and recording studio connections. Community lane organizations include Spice Isle Market Place, RYP Canada, Joyce Nseya, 3rd Verse Studios, Alcove, and Azach. Plus, enjoy a taste of the Caribbean from Pat's Food Truck!

This workshop will look at storytelling through music as well as freestyle or improvisation and how it not only enhances one’s creative ability but how it is a general useful skill in life. Activities will cover basic song structure and how to use different topics to inspire writing and eventually how to improvise ideas and add them to existing work.

Recommended for Grades 3 to 9

Presenter Bio:

Raised in Zimbabwe and currently based in Calgary, KTheChosen is your Friendly Neighbourhood Rapper who creates music that is both entertaining and enlightening. K (as he is affectionately known) believes in the power of storytelling and uses his voice to share the experiences of those around him. Since 2015, K has self-released several projects leading to him being named in the Herald's Top 20 Compelling Calgarians for 2022 and nominated twice for the YYC Music Awards Rap Recording of the year (2022 and 2024). As a mentor, K has also been involved in youth programs from Science Genius (a program that teaches middle school children about science through music) to Antyx Arts’ series of workshops for freestyling and artistic practice.

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.
This month's artists are Polo Sho, MELODNA (YQR) and J Scope (YEG).

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come show us what you've got or come cheer on your favourite acts!

Free event (18+ admission)

music bridge Tokyo is a showcase music festival and conference and gives performers an opportunity to promote their music, meet with some representatives from the Japanese music industry, meet other performers for future partnerships and collaborations, and experience the vibrant modern music culture in Japan.

Music Bridge Tokyo After party featuring KTheChosen, Kendy Suen. A.Train and Tanaka Kanata

music bridge tokyo is a showcase music festival and conference and gives performers an opportunity to promote their music, meet with some representatives from the Japanese music industry, meet other performers for future partnerships and collaborations, and experience the vibrant modern music culture in Japan.

さらに多くの素晴らしいアーティストがパートナー・イベントに参加する予定だ。KTheChosen - カナディアン・ヒップホップ、それは礼儀正しくなければならない！

More amazing artists coming to join us at the partner events.

KTheChosen - Canadian hip-hop

Levi Allegado and Takar Nabem - double packet of singer-songwriters from India.

WenHui Tsaii- and dulcet jazzish pop from Taiwan!

OH CANADA! Blue Jay Sessions is excited to be putting on a special one-night event that will see 7 independent artists celebrating iconic Canadian songwriters.

Hosted by pop-soul singer Kaiya Gamble, the evening will feature two separate rounds of fantastic artists who will each perform two original songs and two covers by their favourite Canadian music superstars.

Please see full artist lineups below, but make sure to head to @thebluejaysessions on Instagram to follow all of our performers too!

1st session (doors open 6PM, music 7PM-8:15PM)

Kaiya Gamble (host)

Tyler Lewis

Megan Paige

Maddie Lee Mars

2nd session (doors open 8:15PM, music 9PM-10:15PM)

Kaiya Gamble (host)

Tommy Charles

Liz Christensen

KTheChosen

The Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture 2025 is back, bigger and better! Held each year in February as part of Black History Month, this festival is the hallmark event of the Ethnik Festivals Association. It proudly celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of the Afro-Canadian and Caribbean communities, showcasing vibrant cultural expressions that highlight inclusivity, diversity, and unity within Calgary and beyond.

One of the festival’s signature events, the Calgary Food War, returns in 2025 with a romantic twist! This year’s competition will be Valentine-themed, where couples will compete head-to-head, showcasing their culinary talents and creativity. Get ready for an unforgettable food competition that blends love, culture, and flavor. The Calgary Food War has always been a crowd favorite, and with this new format, it’s set to be even more exciting! Additionally, local artists (including KTheChosen) will grace the stage, captivating the audience with their performances

The ‘YYC Music Awards Spotlight’ is a showcase of some of Calgary’s best musicians from a wide variety of genres and backgrounds. This centrally located, free and all-ages event will be mobility accessible in order to provide the public with an opportunity to discover some of the exceptional talents that create new music right here in our city.

This year’s artists are 2024 nominees, Ashley Ghostkeeper,  Free the Cynics and KTheChosen.

Ship Hop is back for the love of music!
*wink wink* our first show will be RnB inspired, so bring your loved one or bring yourself and meet someone at The Ship on Feb 5th!

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.
This month's artists are nula, Tissa Rahim and Soji Joseph.

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come show us what you've got or come cheer on your favourite acts!

Free event (18+ admission)

The Calgary Public Library has gathered a collection of exciting activities, virtual programs, books and movies, mental health resources, and in location activities  to celebrate the start of winter!

This includes a live performance by KTheChosen  at the Memorial Park Library on Weds, Dec 18th!

The 2024 Living a Creative Life Congress focuses once again on Art for Social Change and continues to probe the question: How might artists lead the way to a more equitable, inclusive, and accessible city where everyone belongs? This year we are exploring that question through the lens of our city’s new branding Blue Sky City as we look at ways Calgary can live up to the promise and potential of truly being a blue-sky city.

KTheChosen will be part of the Seven Artists in Action session, where he will perform a song and share his artistic journey through a presentation.

Once again, Sled Island brings together 25 musicians from various backgrounds and draws names from a hat to form one-off bands for one night only, with less than 10 hours to write and perform new material! ⁠

This one-of-a-kind event is focused on creating meaningful connections between musicians just starting their music journey in the city and artists more familiar with the Calgary music scene, with the goal of fostering a more diverse music ecosystem and increasing equitable access to creative opportunities for all.

The Sled Island Rock Lotto returns to the Palomino Smokehouse on Saturday, November 30!

In honour of Financial Literacy Month this November, ATB & Calgary Folk Music Festival are inviting artists, musicians, and gig economy workers to Festival Hall for a free event to explore the realities of living with financial uncertainty in a precarious event environment. A panel will provide insights and practical tools for creatives working in Calgary, Alberta. Light refreshments and a complimentary beverage for each attendee will be served.

• Moderator: KTheChosen (Artist, Arts Administrator)

• ATB Presenter: Isabelle Hébert (ATB)

• Artist Panelist: Kate Stevens (Musician, CKUA Radio Host)

• Gig Economy Panelist: Robyn Raymond (Red Spade Records, Production Professional)

• Industry Panelist: Beni Johnson (Creative, Top 40 Under 40 Alum)

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.

For our Halloween event we have two prizes,best AND worst costume so be sure to bring your spookiest and most creative outfit!

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come cheer on your favourite acts and witness a musical experience you won’t forget

Open mic slots are limited so please signup before the event using the following link: https://forms.gle/rZTcvScWxwDKvETA6

Main acts: Rebecca Dawn, Bkay Won, Arlo Maverick

As Calgary’s premier music event, the YYC MUSIC AWARDS shines a spotlight on artists from one of Canada’s most vibrant and eclectic music scenes.

The YYC MUSIC AWARDS celebrates the artists that embrace Calgary as home; entertaining and supporting its arts and culture.

KTheChosen has been nominated for Rap Recording of The Year and will also be performing at the gala.

Blue Jay Sessions is excited to be celebrating its 5th anniversary with a very special two-night event series at the Mamdani Opera Centre!

Presented by Craig Senyk Initiatives, the Blue Jay Sessions: 5th Anniversary Spectacular is an exciting theatrical-inspired event that will merge together elements of Broadway production and live music with the help of a captivating cross-section of alumni performers from across Canada

Series founder and media personality Dan Clapson will co-host each night’s show with celebrated artists country singer Mariya Stokes (Sept. 5) and alt-R&B singer ZENON (Sept. 6). Each evening will feature 12+ Blue Jay Sessions alumni taking the stage to perform a mix of original songs and covers backed by a band and a string section in the charming Mamdani Opera Centre.

Thursday, September 5
Mariya Stokes (co-host)
Brandi Sidoryk of Nice Horse
Jade Turner
Jordyn Pollard
Taylor-Rae
Amy Hef
Megan Dawson
Flaysher
Antonio Larosa
Kelsi McInnes of McKindred
KTheChosen
Ashley Ghostkeeper
Liz Christensen
Tyler Lewis
Devin Cooper

Have you ever watched "Whose Line is It Anyway" or "Wildn n' Out" and wondered how people come up with their responses so quickly? You won't believe it but a lot of it is just practice! And not practicing being the slickest MC or funniest comedian but just practicing how to embrace those intrusive thoughts and make the most of whatever comes first to your mind. This workshop is for beginner to intermediate artists looking to silence the inner voice that stops awesome ideas from becoming reality and improve their ability to improvise through simple activities and exercises.

Workshops are recommended for people ages 12 and over. Children under 12 years old are welcome with parent/guardian supervision. Please get a ticket for each person (incl. all children).

The workshop is pay what you can! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

If you have any questions, please email us: info@alcoveartscentre.ca

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:

Zimbabwean-raised and currently based in Calgary, KTheChosen is your Friendly Neighbourhood Rapper and creates music that is both entertaining and enlightening. K (as he is affectionately known) believes in the power of storytelling and uses his voice to share the experiences of those around him. Having MC'd a few events including Raw Voices, Chinook Blast Festival and his own quarterly showcase called Ship Hop, K believes that freestyling is a great skill to have not only as a musician but to get you out of tight situations in life. He looks forward to imparting his wisdom and helping you think on your feet!

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Alcove Centre for the Arts (alcoveartscentre.ca) is a non-profit organization based in Calgary, AB which aims to make art more accessible and promote a vibrant local arts industry. We curate and cultivate community art spaces for Calgarians to engage in art and creativity while building a platform for emerging local artists.

Alcove is a Recreational Art Space open to the public providing free art supplies and instruments to stimulate creativity. The space also acts as a gathering place for workshops, community events, and social meetups. Come visit and get creative!

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come cheer on your favourite acts and witness a musical experience you won’t forget

Open mic slots are limited so please signup before the event using the following link: https://forms.gle/rZTcvScWxwDKvETA6

Main acts: POENT, V!LLAH, Troo Knot

What do rockin' bands and sultry burlesque babes have in common? G-String!

Bea Lissima and Ivy La Fleur have been bringing rad local musical acts together with badass babes to rock your world with tunes and teases for over a year, and they're excited about the success of their new format at Jam's Diner in Inglewood!

Join us at Jam's Diner the 3rd Friday of each month with a whole new combination of bands & burly babes.

Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art with over 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city.

KTheChosen hosts a quarterly showcase at the legendary Ship and Anchor called, Ship Hop. This special event sees Sled and Ship Hop partner to create a new show called Sled Hop that K will host and headline. The show will include sets from local and international artists namely, Mouraine, Malaika Hailey and Tanajah.

Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art with over 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city.

KTheChosen hosts a quarterly showcase at the legendary Ship and Anchor called, Ship Hop. This special event sees Sled and Ship Hop partner to create a new show called Sled Hop that K will host and headline. The show will include sets from local and international artists namely, Mouraine, Malaika Hailey and Tanajah.

Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art with over 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city.

Join KTheChosen and The Knomads as they perform a brand new set showcasing songs from K’s new persona, Heartbreak K. This live show will be the opening set for headliner Kari Faux from Little Rock, Arkansas. She veers from silky R&B to deep-cut rap references with all the effort it takes to blink. Come through for what promises to be an unforgettable show!

Ship Hop is a quarterly hip-hop showcase that not only highlights upcoming Calgary acts but also provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher.

Admission is free and there are prizes to be won during the rap challenges so come cheer on your favourite acts and witness a musical experience you won’t forget

Open mic slots are limited so please signup before the event using the following link: https://forms.gle/rZTcvScWxwDKvETA6

Main acts: Lane Curtis, LOTUS CHROME, The Blue

Blue Jay Sessions feature a huge array of independent Canadian artists from a mix of different genres, so come and soak up some amazing original songs and hear the stories behind 'em all too. Come discover a new-to-you musician to add to your listening catalogue...and we guarantee you'll find one or two! :)

Friday, April 19 hosted Megan Dawson

1st session (doors 6PM, music 7PM)

Katelyn Lehner, Justin Sutton, Kaiya Gamble

2nd session (doors 8:15PM, music 9PM)

KTheChosen, Lily Monaghan, Maddie Lee Mars

Come get elevated with us at the Fly High Tour [Calgary] - Live at Aura Stage & Bar, featuring some of the hottest Hip-Hop talent coming out of Calgary and Vancouver. Headlining act: Lane Curtis

Vancouver acts: Lane Curtis | Bobbie Blxze | J Finch | HighBryd

Local (YYC) Openers: KTheChosen | The Blue | Talebson| Polo Sho | Matt AP