PHOTO COURTESY RANDY FEERE
A full house in the Esplanade enjoying The Sheepdogs concert earlier this year.
The year was 1988.
A little girl stood gripping her dad’s hand at the fairgrounds while they stood in line outside the grandstand. Once the usher had ripped the stub from their tickets, she pushed her way through the turn style and advanced with a sea of people flooding into the venue. Everywhere she looked, the concourse was all a-buzz with people moving in all directions, gathering at the merch stand and waiting to order from the concession.
Suddenly, the hum of the crowd turned into a roar and everyone was up on their feet. She heard a familiar riff of a guitar and her dad pointed to the stage. A man stepped up to the microphone and began to sing about a girl driving around in her car. As the Beach Boys launched into the chorus of Fun, Fun, Fun, the crowd levitated with the energy of the music, the little girl was hooked.
Fast forward over 35 years and attending live performances is still a regular activity in this girl’s social calendar – and there are some upcoming events at both the Esplanade and Co-op Place that you won’t want to miss.
If your jam is large-scale concerts, then grab your tickets for Sam Roberts Band with fellow rockers, The Strumbellas, playing at Co-op Place on Sept. 13. These iconic Canadian bands will rock the house. The Strumbellas always bring a high energy vibe that puts a bounce in your step and the Sam Roberts Band will amp up the evening and get you singing along with his familiar hits. Keep an eye on our social media in the coming weeks for more exciting news for this show!
If you prefer a smaller, intimate vibe, there are impressive artists coming to the Esplanade. Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of America’s 50 funniest people, stand-up comedian Aparna Nancherla will be making a stop in Medicine Hat. One of only two Alberta stops on her tour, see her here on Sept. 26.
Hometown girl Morgan Klaiber will be making her headline debut at the Esplanade. Recently recognized with the 2023 Ranchman’s Rising Star award, Morgan will be stepping into the spotlight and tearing up the stage country style on Oct. 19.
If you’re a fan of the West Coast music scene, then you need to check out The Paperboys on Oct. 20. No two shows are alike for this band. There will be fiddling, fluting, some brass, with toe tapping and head bobbing from start to finish.
Looking for a show for the kiddos? We’ve got Dufflebag Theatre on Nov. 4. This unique and interactive production will have the kids on their feet, engaging with the heroes, Robin Hood and his friends, to help to save England from the clutches of Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The collective experience is why we attend live performances. While these are only just a few of the amazing shows coming this fall, check out the full line-up online at TIXX.CA. Make sure to subscribe to our e-newsletter to hear about all the latest news coming from the Esplanade and Co-op Place. We have some amazing local talent that will take the stage in a new light – stay tuned for all the details!
Lauren Thomas is the entertainment and events coordinator with the City of Medicine Hat.
