A Q&A with Author and Geek Extraordinaire: Sam Maggs

The other day, I was lucky enough to come into contact and interview author, writer, host, feminist, and expert in all things geek, Sam Maggs. In addition to writing for a gaming company, having her work featured across the web in publications like the Mary Sue, and hosting the Cineplex preshow, Sam has recently taken the…

World Religions: Introduction

Religion has always been a fundamental aspect of identity, community and worldview. It has formed nations and destroyed them. It has driven people to explore new lands and also to close their borders. Religious beliefs, or even lack thereof, ultimately shapes our understanding of those around us, our interaction with others and ultimately the entire…

Sharing Peace: Calgary Boys’ Choir December 12, 2015

This Saturday, the Calgary Boys’ Choir presents “Sharing Peace” to highlight international issues of disparity and inequality worldwide as we enter the season of giving. Earlier this week I had the privilege of being able to speak with Choir Director, Paul Grindlay. Paul has been with the Calgary Boys’ Choir since 2004 and this year…

Interview with Vanessa Porteous: Artistic Director of Alberta Theatre Projects

On Sunday November 22, I had to opportunity to go see “Legend Has It”, a family holiday show from Alberta Theatre projects. This show incorporates fantasy, adventure, magic, and comedy. Every show, the actors pick one member of the audience to join them on their journey, and be the hero. No two shows are alike!…

Interview with Donovan Seidle, Artistic Director of Kensington Sinfonia

  I had the pleasure of attending one of Kensington Sinfonia’s concerts “The Contest Between Harmony and Invention.” The Kensington Sinfonia is a violin ensemble that performs all around Calgary and is led by Artistic Director, Donovan Seidle. Besides being an Artistic Director, he is also well-known in the music community for being the Assistant Concertmaster for the…

Interview with Michelle Minke: Founder and artistic director of Cowtown Opera

When I went to see the Annie Davidson opera, (check out my article here: https://youthareawesome.com/annie-davidson-opera-review/ ) I was also given the opportunity to interview Michelle Minke, the Creative Director of the Cowtown Opera. Before I met her, I did a quick Google search, and learned that not only is she the founder and artistic director of…

Blogger of the Month, September 2015: Katja Lemermeyer

Katja is a force to be reckoned with as September’s Blogger of the Month! Part I.B. student, part volunteer (she is on the YVC International Youth Advisory Board), and part photographer, her involvement in extracurricular activities are a true testament to the spectrum of topics Katja has covered on Youth Are Awesome. She was happy to sit down and chat…

Morningside Music Bridge: Celebrating International Musical Greatness

When I first heard about Mount Royal Conservatory’s Morningside Music Bridge (MMB) program from friend and participant Yan Li a few years back, I thought, “Wow, that sounds too good to be true.” That was back in my unseasoned days of both musicianship and citizenship so I decided to sit back and listen to her stories of…