As we approach the end of the first week of March, it may seem like the month is just beginning. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the month of March has decided to be a 31 day month. Calgarians, fresh off the unique and special 28-day February, have already begun planning for March. Need a hand? Regretfully, I cannot actually live up to the promise and give you a hand if you answered “yes;” however, I can offer a list of five things all Calgarians must do for the month of March.
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1) Attend the REAL BATTLE OF ALBERTA:
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When: Friday, March the 14th
What: A National Lacrosse League game between the Calgary Roughnecks (6-3) and the undefeated Edmonton Rush (8-0).
Why: For hockey fans, the playoff picture is now clearer than ever, and as teams scratch and claw to try to play some playoff hockey, one this is for certain. Neither the Calgary Flames nor the Edmonton Oilers will be playing hockey beyond April 13. The only thing that left that Flames fans were looking forward too has now passed. That being the trade deadline, in which the Flames shipped their starting goaltender (at that time, as Karri Ramo is on the IR) to the Colorado Avalanche, for a 2nd round pick in the 2014 NHL entry draft. In addition, Lee Stempniak, a gritty veteran was sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 3rd round pick in the 2014 draft. So what does that leave for Calgarians in terms of sports?
#LAX An undefeated Edmonton Rush team riding an eight game win streak (which is impressive in Lacrosse, as there are only 16 games played in one season), comes into Calgary to visit a very familiar venue: The Scotiabank Saddledome. After falling to the Rush 15-8 on Jan. 17 at Rexall Place, the Roughnecks look to bounce back.
After starting the season with an underwhelming 2-3 record, the Roughnecks have won 4 games in a row and are playing on March 14 in a streak versus streak match. However, this game is not just about streaks. It is also about controlling the West Division which currently belongs to the Rush. Not only will this game be tense and exciting because it is the battle of Alberta, but for a plethora of other reasons as well. Streaks are on the line, pride is on the line, as well as the 1st seed in the West.
Furthermore, Lacrosse games are highly entertaining because:
a) The crowd gets to participate in trash-talking the opposing teams players.
b) There is a DJ on hand who is playing music live, while the players are playing.
c) It is highly interactive in that the audience is super engaged and participates.
d) The Roughnecks, and their drill crew (the cheerleaders!) will come onto the floor for a meet and greet and autograph session after the game, regardless of the outcome.
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Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
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2) Attend the 22nd ANNUAL $100 FILM FESTIVAL
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When: March 6 (TODAY!) – March 8
What: A film festival featuring over 30 films which vary in length from just 30 seconds to 20 minutes.
Why: Film is incredibly powerful. Regardless of the length, an incredible story can be told in any amount of time. The Godfather series was told in 9.15 hours, while some of the most meaningful films have been told in around five minutes. For example, this beautiful story. Don’t let the title fool you, as you get to experience $100 worth of film for a measly cost of $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. With a guarantee that one film is sure to blow you away, there is a potential (which is very likely) that 30 films may blow you away, and you will be thinking back at a weekend well spent.
Where: Globe Cinema (617 8th Ave SW).
*NOTE: Once again, to clarify, the “$100 Film Festival” does not cost $100. It costs $12 for adults and $10 for students, for $100 worth of film.
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3) Go see “nOOb,” a play presented by Vertigo Theatre as a part of the Y Stage Theatre series
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When: March 7 to 15
What: A brilliant piece of theatre directed by Nathan Pronyshyn and both written and performed by Christopher Duthie. The following synopsis is directly from the Vertigo Theatre website:
Daniel, a video game prodigy, has crashed his bike and is lost in the woods. He struggles to make sense of what brought him to this place – the fight with his dad, his desire for independence, his quest to meet an online friend. Confused and frightened, he finds himself locked in a struggle between his reality and the exciting fantasy of the video game he loves. Exploring themes of online identity, video game obsession, family conflict, and the anxieties of teenage life is sure to provoke conversation.
Why: Everybody should try out theatre at least once, and fall in love. If you don’t, no big deal, it only cost you $15. nOOb, heavily praised by critics in both Calgary and Toronto, is sure to be as compelling as an Oscar nominated film.
Where: At Vertigo Theatre (161, 115 – 9 Avenue SE | Calgary, AB CANADA T2G 0P5) in the “Studio.”
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4) Go see “TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT,” a play presented by Vertigo Theatre as a part of the BD&P Mystery Theatre Series.
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When: March 8 – April 6
What: A mystery like you have never seen before, one thrown together with comedy, clever humor, action, and adventure, “Travels with my Aunt” displays storytelling at its finest. Directed by Simon Mallet and performed by Stephen Hair, Braden Griffiths, Christopher Hunt, and Mike Tan, alongside an extremely special crew, “Travels with My Aunt” will make you wonder why theatre is not better known and recognized. Once again, the following synopsis is directly from the Vertigo Theatre website:
Henry Pulling leads a quiet life tending his beloved dahlias and never straying too far from his home. But when his eccentric and outrageous Aunt Augusta suddenly appears with mysterious information about his past, Henry is drawn into a life of crime and a series of absurd adventures. Adapted from the celebrated novel by Graham Green, Travels With My Aunt takes you on an irreverent, often hilarious and absolutely unforgettable journey.
Why: As mentioned above, everybody should try out theatre at least once. Although a bit more costly, ranging from $25 to $52, this show will not disappoint. A compelling storyline, great actors, beautiful sound, stunning visual effects, mind-blowing lighting, and everything in between, this play will make you understand the true meaning, and beauty of theatre.
Where: At Vertigo Theatre (161, 115 – 9 Avenue SE | Calgary, AB CANADA T2G 0P5) in “The Playhouse.”
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5) Participate in “NATIONAL TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK DAY.”
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When: March 30
What: Celebrate spring by taking a walk in the park. Participate in “walk in the park day.” However, don’t just go to your local park. Play in your local park. Relive your childhood memories as you fly fearlessly forward in the air, while flinging backwards on the swing. Test out your strength by seeing if you still have what it takes to walk up a slide. See if you may potentially change your career route and apply as a fireman. Go, walk in a park. And if you’re there, play in it too.
Why: Because nothing can be better than some down time alone, or a refreshing hangout with friends that aren’t dominated by phones, social media, and “awkwardly being together while not doing anything together.”
Where: At your local park.
For more things to do in the month of March, visit our events calendar at https://www.youthareawesome.com/events.